WHY IS THE RATING NOT HIGHER?? this book was so precious and wholesome! i love the discussions on mental health and lila's character development. i adored the sweet friendships lila made and her family's dynamic. the baking was so delightful and orion's tours were beautiful. i'm so happy i picked this up!

I absolutely adored this book! My grandmother also created magic in her kitchen, and she and her sisters set up a pastry shop in our country, which then became a family business, so naturally I found myself identifying a LOT with most of this book. The family, the language, the food, the music! The moving to a whole different country and not being sure what to make of it!

I adored the way the MC grew over the course of the book, how she went from being really narrow-minded to realize how much more there was in the world around her if she just let go and allowed herself to enjoy that. I also loved the relationships in this book. We see not only the romantic breakup she struggles with but, even more importantly, the friendship breakup she struggles with and how this is probably even more painful. You don't see this a lot in YA or in books in general and it is so important. Losing a friend (for whatever reason) is incredibly painful and can often hurt more than losing a romantic partner. I felt the way this was portrayed in the book was excellent. I also adored the strong familial bonds, and the sister relationship in the book. And of course, the romance was incredibly sweet. Overall this was a very sweet and endearing book that also touched on some hard and painful topics (loss, grief, illness). I recommend this book to absolutely everyone, and I'm already excited to read it again.

There’s only so much I can say about this book without reducing my thoughts to “this was adorable” and “this made me giddy,” but those are my overarching thoughts. It was one of the sweetest romance novels I’ve read. Filled to the brim with heart and soul, with family and friendship and descriptions of delectable food that made my mouth water, my stomach grumble—this book jumped off the page. But the romance between Lila and Orion stole the show here. It was so natural, well-developed, and beautiful, I could’ve read 300 more pages. You understood them first and foremost as individuals, and that was what made their pairing so glorious. You wanted to root for them as individuals first, just friends, second. By the time they took a tentative step into romance, you saw their love before they did.

But most critical to this book were the family elements, and especially Lila’s connection to her family and her Cuban culture. Even in a world so different from her home of Miami, she infused Winchester, England, with a Cuban spirit, brought the love she made her Cuban food with at home to her newfound family and friends. As a result, she didn’t just fall in love with England and its culture—she carved out a spot for herself within it that was uniquely, wholly her own, and one embraced by those she found in Winchester. This was no kind of “assimilationist” tactic, either. She still yearned for Miami—but she found new pieces of herself in England that she could take back home, and pieces from home to find a spot for in England. Lila took a beautiful, natural journey, and it was a joy to witness. Its conclusion, too, sweet and satisfying. Deletable.

But while I adored this book, some of the prose fell flat for me. The dialogue was brilliant, but at some of the more “sentimental” moments, the writing felt lackluster, bordering on cliche. While this didn’t impact my reading experience that much, as I still loved reading the book and watching Lila and Orion’s relationship grow and develop, it did stand out to me enough to impact my overall view and rating. But with all that being said, I was able to put it aside so easily because I did love Lila and Orion so much. They were fleshed out so well, and their relationship was so special, built on trust, intimacy, and friendship above all. It was truly in butterflies-in-your-stomach territory. He coaxed her out into the world so easily, with such care and attention, without sacrificing her person, her history, or her future.

Overall, I just simply loved this book. I’m rarely left so speechless, but I just truly, truly enjoyed reading this. If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt, warm, intimate romance novel, this is the one to pick up next. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow will sweep you off your feet and away to England.

This is a deliciously cute young adult novel that takes place in the English countryside! This was also Reese Witherspoon’s young adult pick for last month!

It’s about recent high school grad, Lila Reyes, who is sent to England for the entire summer after graduating from high school to reset after a series of different heartbreaks and disappointments. Lila is trying to balance making her family proud but also creating her own path.

I’ve never been to England, but all the phrases and food mentioned made me feel like I’d been there before. That’s one of the things I loved about the book! I got to go on a little international vacation lol Plus all of the tea and Cuban food/pastries made me sad I don’t live in Miami or England!

The bond between Lila and her abuela warmed my heart. I think the portrayal of the weird in between time of high school and post grad life is real!! The author acknowledge that lots of change happens. Friendships change and evolve. Relationships end. It was honest and authentic because let’s be real, it literally feels like it’s the end of the world lol

We get to see Lila heal and grow at her own pace without any pressures to be ok and “back to normal”. Which I adore!!

All in all, it was a cute YA read that takes you on a lil international food adventure! It wasn’t my favorite YA read this year, but still cute nonetheless! Like who knew a wool cardigan could make me so emotional?!

Brb as I go find the closest Cuban bakery in driving distance

wow, this story crept its way into my heart so stealthily that before i knew it, i looked up at the clock to find that hours had passed and i had finished the entire thing in pretty much one sitting. a lovable and deeply relatable cast of characters where even the side characters felt fully three-dimensional; a story about finding yourself and reconnecting to your roots even in unexpected places; healthy familial, romantic, and friendship dynamics; countless descriptions of food that *will* make you hungry... this book had it all. so charming and wonderful. <3

I'm half Cuban (the other half is Puerto Rican) and I fell in love with this story. #OwnVoices makes the book more genuine and I definitely felt my culture was represented in this love story; one of the cutest books I have read this year.

My first review was mistaken for another book. This one was fun. It had just enough brain candy to not feel too much like fluff, but also wasn't so serious and angsty like some other YA books can be. I enjoyed the fact that the main character wasn't White. It gave the story a depth that it wouldn't otherwise have.

I really enjoyed A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow. The characters were really well written and the plot kept me interested. I thought the writing was also really well done. I would love to read more from this author!

Book Tour: A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by @laura_namey and thank you @hearourvoicestours for having me.
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“I can be fully Cubana in Miami. I can be fully Cubana in England.” ⠀
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When reading YA I allow space for books that aren’t intended for me. But sometimes 16 year old Jen stirs and I give us both grace by letting her rise. ⠀
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I wonder what it would’ve done for her to pick up a book about a Cuban girl who was bright, determined, fierce in the guarding of her feelings all while breaking apart. How do you carry the dead with you, how do you come to peace with the idea that love can be stronger than death? I didn’t know the answers at 16 but I think this book could’ve helped me make sense of them. Or at least feel that I could share my pain. Like Lila my sadness became a personal thing, a reckless messy room that I didn’t know how to let anyone in to help me fix. But she did (eventually) and we watch her heal as she opens up on a hilltop in the middle of England and with lots of pastelitos. I was so ardently proud of her. ⠀
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My favourite part of this book though was the location but not how you probably think I mean it . The way Miami and England both became these very real characters, places that Lila gives her heart to just as much as she does to Orion. You can feel the heart that lives there. This part in particular felt very personal because I am after all a Cuban girl in London. When Lila asks her Aunt when did you stop missing it (in her case Miami in mine part Miami part Cuba) and she answered “any minuet now” I felt that deep pang in my chest. How years of being apart from my family and the place that watched me grow I learned to keep it under my skin: never get used to the cold, find plantains and yucca no matter the cost so I can cook, be so alive in the way that my paisanos possess. All of this while I combat a love for a city that felt big enough for dreams, that allows me my solace and time alone. Lila grows into her self but what I was so satisfied about is that it is obvious she is not done. There are loose strings in the end of her story. But oh what a story.

Reese is knocking it out of the park with her YA Book Picks. I really enjoyed reading about the two cultures woven together. As a Culinary teacher, I LOVE when food is a running theme throughout the story. The love story was an adorable slow-burn that will fill your heart. Read this while eating your favorite treat and listening to Taylor Swift’s Cardigan.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A book to read this winter! And any season really! A hearty contemporary full of love/loss or culture and friendship.

This truly was a beautifully written novel! We get to explore England with Lila whilst watching her learn and grow along the way. It made me so incredibly happy to see a culture so similar to mine (Puerto Rican) be correctly represented! This book really took me back. Lila’s interaction with her family brought tears to my eyes, it was like seeing my people again. Everything was just perfectly depicted. The seamless transition between Spanish and English was amazing. It really added to the story instead of being a ‘break’ like other books. Lilas’s vibrant culture, love for others (and food) can be seen throughout the entire novel. beautiful settings and an intricately layered story worked together to create a lively, authentic, and wondrous adventure. This story deals with love and loss, themes many can relate to.
And the characters are fantastic. If I told you I didn’t fall head over heels for Orion when he first showed up, well I’d be lying. His character is so important to Lila! They helped each other so much and he was just perfect. Always thinking about what is best, even if he doesn’t like it. Their relationship never became toxic or controlling and he was so open to learning! What I loved most of all from Orion was how open he was to learn about Cuban food and culture as Lila was open to learning about his culture.
I could honestly go on and on... Let’s just say it is now one of my personal comfort books.

Many Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.

Laura Taylor Namey's words are like an oversized chunky cardigan I could snuggle into all winter. Between the amazing culinary delights and warm cups of tea, I didn't want this story to come to an end. I loved everything about it--the friendships, the romance, the family connections. I highly recommend this story for anyone needing a good hug.

So good! I’m just going to spend a few moments enjoying Lila and Orion and the beautiful memories they shared. From tea to Café Cubano and fish and chips to flan, this sweet book mixed, stirred, and folded in the ingredients of two cultures and the results were truly spectacular. Salúd as you dive in to this delicious story. It’s bloody well written!

This is an absolutely DELIGHTFUL YA novel, and I'm in love. I went in expecting a possibly whimsical, chill YA contemporary romance with gorgeous scenery, and the novel delivered but amped up an emotional core that left me almost crying at times. This is a lovely book that's beautifully written (the prose is lush and dexterously walks the fine line between striking and purple), and I can't wait to buy my own copy. Content warnings for a dead parent and premature dementia, though. (Review based on an eARC via NetGalley.)

This #ownvoices novel is a journey, Lila is wise beyond her young years. This is explained as Lila has always helped at her parent’s bakery and is groomed to be taking it over ever since she saved it at the age of 13. When tragedy strikes, she is sent to England to take a break and what she discovers leads her on a new path. As a Cuban American who is from Miami, I loved that I was finally able to read a book that I could identify with. I loved the spanglish, the introduction to Cuban food, and the family oriented side of Lila. It’s hard to leave Miami and Lila’s pull in two different directions was a fun journey to explore. Don’t worry there’s also romance in England and English fun. The best of both worlds

I love this book so much! According to me these are the seven reasons – why you should add “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow” to your to-be-read list right now…

1. One of the major reasons for you to pick up this novel is that it is an OV book. A POC protagonist. Ms. Laura has beautifully described her Cuban culture in this book and I’m super impressed and now I want to visit Miami *puppy eyes*
2. The story creates an ever-lasting impression that we are the only ones to create our destiny and live our life on our terms. This is a story of self-discovery and choosing the right things for ourselves is paramount.
3. There’s so much food. I mean wow!! All the descriptions are so drooling and everyone loves Lila’s food. The plethora of Cuban dishes that are sprinkled throughout, just makes the book all the way more interesting to read and will satisfy your “soul” and “hunger”.
4. The book clearly defines three important aspects of one’s life – family, friends, and love. Orion Maxwell is such a sweetheart. I adore his character and everything about him feels like a true gentleman. The most important person in Lila’s life is her sister and support system – Pilar. Although Lila acts quite immaturely in the beginning and her stubbornness and her way of “know it all” comes out to be irritating but in the long run she come to the terms that whatever her family did was for her benefit only.
5. With the introduction to Winchester, England you will instantly be transported to that place and it feels fantastic. I love Lila’s tours of Winchester and who would mind a handsome tour guide like Orion Maxwell?? The scenery, stargazing, walking all the way 300 steps to a picturesque place, riding on Millie (motorcycle) were some of the highlights of the book. I felt Winchester playing a huge role as a backdrop was a plus point.
6. All the characters are relatable and I’m sure you’ll love Lila. Wonderfully narrated and the story moves very smoothly. All the characters are shown in an equal light, giving hints all about their life wherever needed and very well described. Language is lucid and great fluency in the narration. An additional point that I got to learn many new words of Spanish (plus points for that).
7. Overall, this is a young adult rom-com, the story of Lila Reyes is on treading on the path of self-righteousness and discovering herself the way she never planned. Giving the novel a top-notch touch are the enchanting characters, mouth-watering descriptions of food, cozy vibes of Winchester, and marvelous setting.

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending over a copy of this to me!

A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow was a wonderful YA exploration of Cuban culture in Miami. I think that Lila's struggles with cultural identity outside of her family was accurately depicted.

Her separation anxiety and her persistence on being hard headed to the point where it closes her off was an interesting journey. I find that Namey was able to write teens fairly accurate and I think that was what was the biggest detractent for me. I really struggled to feel connected and invested in this YA Romance. It's not bad by any means but as a reader, this book made me realize that I am not the audience for this book. I recommend this book for anyone who wants something to feel cozy and warm. This just wasn't for me and I feel bad about it.

The publisher sent me an ARC in exchange for an honest review and invited me on a blog tour. But receiving the complimentary copy does not, in any way, change my opinion towards it. Thank you Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers and to Netgalley for the copies.

When I started reading A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey, everything feels so light, I felt like flying through the pages. I haven’t noticed the parts I’m in because I’m so immersed in the story. This feels surreal, honest and very cozy. It holds my hand in the beginning then the next thing I knew, I’m enveloped in this warm blanket of a story like on a chilly day until the end. It somehow reminds me of the strong lady – like Lila Reyes, the lead, I am. That whatever life throws my way, I can too.
It offered an amazing European setting (that cozy inn!), combined with the rich Latinx culture (the dancing! the language!) and interesting mixture of characters (you can never have too many!). This is a Young Adult book but the feelings and impact of the story stays like that of an adult one. This is full of hope, new chances, delicious foods (of course), and tea – real ones, and the special blends about life. It doesn’t just take me inside the story to meet these characters but it somehow transformed me too. There are recipes for every happening in life. Some may not be too pleasant to the taste but the secret is, it always just requires the right amount of ingredients, right? So what if it feels so broken in the beginning? It will change for the best in the end.
Just like the lead, the plot traveled to places. Unexpected things happened – new places, friends, perspective and life to live in. But still, the personality readers will come to love about each character remains. They are so well established just like each detail in the book was planned out thoroughly.
It was written with a wholesome heart, inspired by stories of real people and events, and the rich culture that will continue to bloom. It’s an honest storytelling; you can read the author’s heart in the pages. I recommend it to everyone out there still struggling, looking for slivers of hope. Remember that it’s always there so don’t give up. The story is so delicious, I had my servings, I’m satisfied, and now I’m really, really full.

This book was delightful. I love it so much! I loved reading an own voices that was so similar to my experience.

i was hungry reading this book which was a big mistake. This book is so good.

I interviewed Laura for the podcast and I loved chatting with her.

The amount of family and heart in this story brought me pure joy - and the amazing food descriptions brought me jealousy. I loved Lila's story from the very beginning, but the last quarter or so completely stole my heart. This is a beautiful story of family and healing that wraps you up in a cozy cardigan and fills your heart with warmth. A perfect feel-good story about embracing your future.