Another great installment in this witchy series. This addition had so much drama! The story kept me guessing and on my toes throughout the book. Her ex? A competing tea shop? Her "dad"? Everything. Plus the will they/won't they between the FMC and Irish pub owner? I can't wait for more.

This book was so easy to jump into as someone new to the series and the writing swept you into the drama and the cozy setting right away. The MC is thinking about her love life, her business, and the dramatic reveals about her past. Oh yeah and the magic! I love how her reveries gave such an easy and interesting recap for readers and really set the scene for the events in this book. The threat of the murder and Doyle hanging over Shay made me feel so bad for her as she also tries to make her tea shop succeed. With the help from her friends, the second half moves quickly with visions and clues and I enjoyed how people helped her and she opened up more to people. The ending was dramatic and had me on the edge of my seat. I hope Shay can keep some of the happiness she found (big heart eyes) into the next book!

Book three of the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series starts with multiple mysteries including the threat of Shay’s father, Doyle, being seen in town and the machinations of the false friend, Madame Malvina, putting Shay, Liam, and his cousin Conor on the offensive. At the center of the story is Cora Sutton, the Mayor’s wife, who learns that she and Shay share an ancestor from Ireland, Biddy Early. Biddy was known as a healer and the owner of a magical blue bottle that disappeared when Biddy died. Against Shay’s advice, Cora tells anyone and everyone and her family tree, even hinting that she may even have the mysterious and mythical blue bottle. The very bottle that contains the blue diamond which is secretly hanging around Shay’s neck and acts to amplify and focus Shay’s abilities. Shay does a tea reading that shows misfortune on the horizon. Surely Doyle is responsible for the death. If not him, then Madame Malvina has to have had a hand in it.

Shay is learning to trust her abilities but alas, it did not prepare her for the new neighbors, Brad, her no good, cheating, thief of an ex-husband and his wife, Shay’s ex-friend, Angela, the assistant who stole her husband, money, and reputation. The second mystery that is causing Shay angst is trying to figure out why on earth would those two move from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Bray Harbor, California and move in right next to Shay.

The last mystery of this book is trying to figure out why and how former San Francisco detective Liam is as thick as a 4x4 plank of wood, just ask his Irish Gran. Shay is so well written that I have felt the frustration right along with her as Liam “parades” woman after woman past her and even has the numbskull nerve to ask her for dating advice. ARGGGGGGG.

Once again, Lauren Elliott has crafted a wonderful cozy that has a touch of magic, a slow burn romance, wonderful character growth, a tea house, a furry and Spirited friend, and a bit of folklore. I was captivated by the ups and downs and completely thrown off by the red herrings. Tassi seems to be developing a bit of intuition, perhaps this will be developed as well. While this is a stand-alone and part of an overall story, there is plenty of plot development and shared history. This story arc is far from over and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Elliott brings us next.

1. Not. Enough. Magic. Though there WAS more than book 2, there still isn't as much as book 1 [which was a fantastic read and the best of the series so far].

2. SO. MUCH. WHINING. I often had to remind myself that Shay was an adult, a shop owner, homeowner, and NOT a silly 13-year old girl [and that is probably insulting to some 13-year old girls]. The whining, the swooning over a man [with the internal dialogue that she could not POSSIBLY ever be what he would want OR be good enough for him {<--though we DO find out why some of that occurs and so I can cut her some slack there} ]...I *thought* this was a mystery??

3. The mystery was very, very good [and fairly creepy at times]. Very well-written red herrings. I only guessed the who [though, in all honesty, I *JUST* figured out the why while writing this review. Sigh. ::FACEPALM::] just as we find out in the book and I was...surprised. I also was very surprised at how lenient everyone was towards the baddie after the reveal - that was very weird and I am not sure why everyone was so...forgiving?

4. Did I mention that there was not nearly enough magic?

5. There was some very cool information about plants, poisonous plants, and fairy circles/rings. I wish there had been more of that along with more magic. Since Shay runs a tea shop [that focuses on special blends she grows herself] and all. ::SHRUG::

Overall, this was just an okay read for me; I think I will continue with this series though because I 1. have hope, and 2. I *KNOW* how amazing this series can be [book 1 proves that, along with the good parts of this book. It is clear the author knows how to write a good mystery] and I can cross my fingers that the next one will be that again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Elliot, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm loving this cozy series and this is a good addition that kept me turning pages and guessing. Well plotted and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A Spirited Blend
By Lauren Elliott
Kensington
2025

Review by Cynthia Chow

As the owner of Bray Harbor, California’s Crystals and CuriosiTeas teashop, Shayleigh Myers feels the pressure to step up and have outstanding spooky-themed treats for their town’s upcoming Halloween carnival. Shay is already stressed by the competing tea shop across from her, as Madame Malvina had used the pretense of friendship to steal ideas for her own profitable venture. Shay had only recently learned of her own heritage and gift of second sight, which has her infuriated by Malvina’s fake readings and the wreckage her false predictions could wreak. Shay is already irritated with Madigan’s Pub owner Liam Madigan’s obliviousness to her interest in him, continuing to date every available woman in Bray Harbor and placing her in the “Friend Zone.” Shay is ready to give up on them as a possible couple despite her Gran’s insistence that they are destined to be together due to their fairy heritage. Shay must put this aside though when she is asked to do a tea reading for the mayor’s wife Cora Sutton, who after a visit to her family in San Francisco learned of possible relatives they share in common. The abrasive woman is the last person Shay would want to call family, but after looking into Cora’s teacup sees what could be dire portents. While Gran asserts that the meanings are targeted more towards Shay than Cora, it is the latter who is discovered possibly poisoned to death and with a curio from Shay’s teashop. Wanting to disprove any connection and protect the teashop she has grown to love, Shay begins looking into their family history and why her own thieving ex-husband has suddenly moved into town.

This 3rd in the series explores more of the fantasy world that has been introduced into Shay’s life, from reading tea leaves to her mysterious family lineage. She only recently learned that she was adopted, and that her possible father is a nefarious figure who may have had a hand in her mother’s death. Shay has also been hiding a secret, mystical blue bottle and diamond from her sister Jenn, and the fact that they both seem to be hiding truths from one another means that they need to have an honest discussion soon. The mystical element of will fascinate readers and please those looking for their mysteries mixed with fairy myths and lore. Romance fans will also be rewarded as Shay finally moves closer to finding her own true happiness, not to mention building a family who supports and loves her. This is a fun, magical read that will delight a variety of readers.

The tea isn't the only thing brewing when once again Shay stumbles across another dead body! This series is outstanding in that it brings just a tad bit of paranormal to the cozy mystery world, but brings a ton of wonderful character connections that are realistic and endearing. Not only is the mystery boiling over with intrigue, but Shay's personal world is getting a ton of spices tossed into it and not all of them are good. We all have people and events from our past that we would prefer to stay in the past, but just like in real life they don't always stay away. Often times we are forced to confront those past people and events in our current lives whether we want to or not. However, Shay may end up getting more than she bargained for as events unfurl! I do highly recommend that you read this series in order so you will be up to speed with things from Shay's past as well as get to know all the characters in the story. This isn't one that I would recommend trying to read as a standalone or you'll be a bit lost. However, you will get to enjoy hours and hours of great entertainment by starting at the beginning. In the meantime, I will be impatiently awaiting the next book in the series so I can see what happens next in Shay's world!!!

This is the third book in the Crystals & CriosiTEAS series, and I believe I have read them all. They are cozy mysteries and most enjoyable with the tea shop setting and some witchcraft.

Description:
For charmed tea shop owner Shay Myers, getting steeped in Bray Harbor, California’s October festivities is spookier than she ever could have bargained for—especially when a bone-chilling murder mystery spells grave danger . . .

With Halloween around the corner, Shay Myers is brewing witchy seasonal sips at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS—while simultaneously steaming over pub owner Liam Madigan’s decision to take anybody but her to the town’s Monster Mash dance. Her romantic premonitions have missed the mark since she settled into coastal Bray Harbor, opening the door to questions about whether she’s really the gifted seer her late mother imagined. It’s why she second guesses the dark vision in her tea leaves about a local citizen and their obsession with genealogy, Irish folklore, and magic . . .

But when bad omens come true, Shay doesn’t have time for self-doubt. A woman’s body has been discovered, frozen in a strange pose with an eerie black butterfly on her forehead, leading to suspicions that the victim took a conjuring ritual too far due to limited experience—or was murdered by someone with too much. As an investigation stirs up a sinister connection to a boardwalk mystic shop, Shay, guided by her knowing dog, Spirit, finds herself tracking down a shady figure from her past, navigating the sudden reappearance of her ex-husband, and chasing down a wickedly perceptive criminal who might finally be her match!

My Thoughts:
I was happy to join the sisters, Shay and Jenn, in another mystery. There are several issues going on in this book: the competition between the tea shops, Shay hiding stuff from her sister, the possibility that the dark presence who wanted her special gem might be in town stalking her, the presence of her ex-husband and what's going on with him, the situation with the Mayor's wife, and the relationship with Liam. Lots of intrigue in this one! The story is well written and enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the small town of Bray Harbor. This is a fun cozy series and anyone who likes cozies with a little magic will enjoy this.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Mysteries, surprises, and revelations abound in this interesting third addition to the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery series as Shay and crew try to figure out what happened to a pillar of the community, what exactly a fellow teashop owner is up to, and why Shay's ex-husband is in town. Definitely recommend.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

The third book in the Crystals and curiosities series is a blend of cozy mystery and spirits. Shay is a budding seer in Bray Harbor. Shay reads the tea leaves of a prominent citizen who later dies. Determined to find the killer she sets out unraveling the clues. A spirited mystery! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

A Spirited Blend by Lauren Elliot is a mystery with a touch of magic. Truthfully, I have always had trouble getting into this story. Shay Myers own a teahouse, Crystals and CuriosiTEAS which she has inherited from her birth mother. She worked there with her adoptive sister, Jen as they brewed their own teas and sold baked goods made by Tassi, the daughter of a friend who had become one of Shay’s good friends. It was Halloween weekend and there was a festival, and to be honest, Shay was not looking forward to it. Madame Malvina, who had pretended to be Shay’s friend, had opened a rival teashop and things were not good between them. Amongst the things Shay had inherited from her mother was a small blue bottle with a magic blue diamond inside. Shay wore it around her neck. Lots of people wanted it, including Malvina. Liam was underfoot, asking her about yet another potential girlfriend and Shay was done with that, too, and told him to get out and not return. It all got complicated when her ex-husband and his new wife turned up, announcing they had bought a vineyard and would be moving here. There’s a lot of backstory there. Let’s just say, Shay was not happy.

Shay had a small cadre of friends to help her investigate and they are some of the high points of the novel. Her grandmother, in particular, an elderly Irish woman who never minces words is particularly entertaining. The setting is gorgeous, much of it at or near the beach, and the touch of magic is entertaining, except for how many people are after it, which always causes trouble. Shay is a good character, simply trying to move forward and learn as much as she can from her dead mother’s journals and not run her business into the ground. The woman had been an expert herbalist and brewer of teas, as well has possessing magic. The plot is good and the pacing works. I have high hopes for the future of this series.

I was invited to read A Spirited Blend by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #LaurenElliott #ASpiritedBlend

3.5 stars

A SPIRITED BLEND, the third installment in the Crystals and CuriosiTeas, continues to follow protagonist Shay as she navigates her emerging abilities as a seer. When a prominent citizen of Bray Harbor dies after Shay reads her tea leaves and bad omens come true, Shay is determined to find the killer. All the while, she is frustrated with pub owner Liam’s love life, her ex’s sudden appearance, and the very real worry that the man who might be her father is out to kill her.

I love the first two books in this series, and A SPIRITED BLEND is quite enjoyable, but it is a bit repetitive. The pace sometimes lags even though there is plenty of action and intrigue. Shay, who I have always thought of as having inner strength and determination, seems so unsure of herself here. The mystery itself is interesting, and I did pinpoint the killer’s identity before the climax of the tale. Gran and Shay’s dog Spirit are my favorite characters, but everyone else is well drawn and entertaining.

A SPIRITED BLEND is a worthy read, and I look forward to more adventures with Shay and company. Recommended to any cozy mystery reader, especially those who enjoy a bit of the paranormal.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Publishers and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

#ASpiritedBlend #NetGalley

While I liked this book, I absolutely loved the first two books in the series. And the mystery posed and solved in this book, was interesting. Yet the overarching mystery from the series is being drawn out too much. And there's such a a dichotomy with the main character. In previous books I felt her strength, but here she's almost simpering at times. It's still a decent read and I will definitely read the next book in the series.Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been reading this series since it first came out. The first two hours have been fabulous. This one is a little darker so keep that in mind as you’re add it to your reading list. If darkness bothers you and you truly want light and happy cozy only, skip this one. You’re best and a great story, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

A Spirited Blend truly lives up to its name, offering an interesting mix of suspense, mystery, murder, and magic. The story follows Shay, a budding seer, as she becomes entangled in a murder investigation. Acting on her unique gifts, she uncovers unsettling revelations about both the past and present. This engaging story ends with a five-star ending that I never saw coming.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Lauren Elliott ( @laurenelliottcozymysteryauthor ), Kensington Publishing ( @kensingtonbooks ), and NetGalley ( @netgalley ) for allowing me to read A Spirited Blend (out March 25, 2025).

I just love this series and the female main character, Shay. Shay is a tea shop owner who also has the gift of seeing. She has a variety of friends, and one in particular person who she would like to be more than friends. Add to that, Shay wears around her neck a powerful blue bottle with a priceless diamond inside that gives her powers…and enemies, who want it for themselves.

In this book, Shay is losing customers to the new town tea shop, run by her former friend. When someone who wants the blue bottle is spotted with this former friend, it seems they have worked together to cause a death of one of the town’s elite. It’s up to Shay to win back her business and use her powers to find the murderer.

#ASpiritedBlend #NetGalley #LaurenElliott #KensingtonBooks

A Spirited Blend is the third book in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery Series by Lauren Elliott. The story is set in Bray Harbor, California and features a tea shop owner turned amateur sleuth. 

The tea shop owner is Shay Myers, who has inherited witchy seer powers from her mother's side of the family. Her magic (and its source) is a secret that Shay does not want certain people to know about. 

Shay can read tea leaves, and she is seeing all sorts of signs in the bottom of her cup. The big question is how to interpret them...

With the Spooky Season approaching, Shay is busy making witchy brews and being mad at the cute pub owner who wants to date everyone but her. And then there is the family drama...

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It is a super fun read and would be even more fun around Halloween time. A loved the concept of a Monster Mash Dance.

The characters in this book are enjoyable. Shay is an interesting sleuth. I adore Gran and Shay's clever German Shepherd, Spirit.

Lauren Elliott's writing is also engaging. The story hooked me early on and I was excited to read to see how the plot and the mystery unfolded.

The coastal setting is also a plus. I would like to visit Bray Harbor to go into the shops and walk the boardwalk.

I would definitely recommend A Spirited Blend to cozy mystery readers who enjoy seasonal reads and a dose of the paranormal. However, there is a lot going on in the story. Although readers could jump into the series and read book three as a stand-alone, you are going to enjoy this story more if you read the first two books in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery Series. This well help you to better understand the family subplot and the unrequited love subplot. 

Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for the advanced reader copy.

A Spirited Blend is book #3 in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.

It was good to visit Bray Harbor and its interesting residence again. Shay has a lot going on with Liam needing romantic advice, her ex-husband buying a local winery, competition from Madame Malvina, and the Halloween festival. Then add in a murder that she is drawn to investigate and her plate is full. I was drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

There are good reasons why Shay does not trust her instincts. She was so wrong about her ex and also her supposed friend and assistant. She was wrong about a woman who seemed like a friend only to be stabbed in the back by all three. The third lady, Madame Malvina has opened a rival tea room and is siphoning off Shay’s clients and the despicable duo have shown up in the town where Shay escaped to get away from them. Coincidences are one thing but she is beginning to suspect there is a mastermind behind it all and it may be the evil villain Shay suspects may be her biological father.

It seems she inherited a very special stone from her biological mother that has enormous power. She also inherited the “sight” but she has yet to really harness her powers or be able to discern what her visions are showing her. It becomes urgent for her to get a grasp after there is a murder and Shay believes she may be the next victim. In the background there is a nascent relationship with the guy she’s been told is her soul mate. But neither of them can do anything but stumble around each other and send mixed signals. Everybody wants them to “get a room” but neither of them can pull it together.

It took a while for the story and characters to gel but once they did, the book was entertaining. And it left a lot of loose ends that clearly will be dealt with in future stories. Four purrs and two paws up.

I love this author’s Beyond the Page series, so I was excited for this. This is my favorite in the series so far. There’s a mystery to solve but it also has a continuation of things that started in book 1. I love how it’s all connected. It was so much fun reading it while it was all unraveling. The characters are wonderful. The ending was exactly what needed to happen. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for a review.