Shay finds herself in competition with Madame Malvina and her tea shop. With her customers heading elsewhere she needs to come up with a perfect drink for the fall festival. Cora, the mayor's wife comes in and says she's descended from the Early family in Ireland. She has a blue bottle much like Shay's and is convinced she has the ability as a seer. Cora promptly goes to Madame Malvina and asks for her help. When Cora is found dead in a fairy circle, Shay knows something has gone very wrong. She finds herself helping the police get to the bottom of the problem. Things with Liam also come to a head. A lot is going on in this story but many loose ends are tied up. A good read, an interesting story and a good resolution for many of the characters.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A Spirited Blend by Lauren Elliott is a captivating mix of mystery, magic, and hidden secrets. The dark vision in Shay Myers' tea leaves reveals danger for a local with an intense fascination with family history, Irish mythology, and the occult, adding a thrilling layer of suspense. As Shay uncovers more, the shadows of her own past—particularly a sinister figure from her history—intensify the story. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) Elliott masterfully blends intrigue with atmosphere, making this a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of the supernatural.

How would you like to discover you had magical powers as a full-grown adult? Let me rephrase that. How would you like to be a witch but with no real knowledge or control over your supposed powers? That's the situation in which Shay Myers finds herself. You have powers that can change lives, yours included, but no idea how to utilize them safely. Although she has had some time over the course of the series to learn certain skills, it certainly hasn't changed her life for the better. So much for all that simple twitch of the nose and all is well stuff with Samantha in "Bewitched".

In fact, her magic has made her life, if anything, more complicated and, yes, dangerous. Like, who are these people who keep showing up claiming a possible relationship to her family? Just as troubling, why is her former husband in town? What is he up to with his new wife? Why is Shay so spooked when a woman shows up claiming kinship? Surely it isn't a good omen for Shay that the woman later turns up dead, her body arranged in a ritualistic way? What's going on with the former supposed friend now in such a nasty competition with Shay's shop? Toss in the erratic relationship Shay has with Liam, who really annoyed me most of this go-round, and Shay has a great deal to deal with. Never mind that Liam's Gran keeps reassuring her things will work out. Shay obviously isn't a super patient person, especially since Liam keeps coming to Shay asking for romantic advice for his interest in other women. Oh, grrr....

On the plus side, Gran and Shay's spirit dog, well, Spirit, have her back as does, when push comes to shove, Liam. Hang on for that cliff-hanger of a life changing event near the end. The characters, even some of those that might annoy you early on, are well-developed and seem to mesh well, making you root for Shay all the more. Despite me frequent annoyance at Liam, just way too much venting over him this go-round,hence my 4.5 stars rounded up, I fully enjoyed the read. Shay's own self-doubts make her all the more human, making it all the easier to root for her. There's even bits of good ol' fashioned Irish folklore/myth for good measure, making for an intriguing read. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for the magical early virtual peek at Shay's world. I'm looking forward to seeing where that ending is going to take us next visit.

I don't always understand some of the spirit things in this series, but I really enjoy the story. Shay is the amateur sleuth, she runs her own teas shop and she is the amateur sleuth and a very good one. In this story Cora, the mayor's wife is the victim. She's a hold of the Blue bottle who she goes home to take care of her Mom. She thinks she has the real bottle and has power. Did she get caught up in the whole powers thing. Does Shay figure out who did it. A VERY GOOD COZYYREAD.

Get ready for a really intense visit with Shay, Liam, Gran, Jen, and Tassi. Shay wakes with a sense of inpending doom, her rival Madam Malvina is stealing her customers putting strain on her business, Liam is parading women in front of her right and left, and her ex is moving to town to buy a winery. As the team prepares for the town's Halloween carnival, Shay is determined to come up with a special treat to bring attention back to Crystal & CuriosiTeas, but she is badgered by the Mayor's wife Cora who believes that she has discovered her Early family roots and is convinced she has the Magical blue bottle. When Shay tries to steer Cora away from danger, she turns to Madam Malvina and shortly afterward turns up dead in mysterious circumstances! With danger swirling everywhere, can Shay find answers without anyone else getting hurt? What is her ex up to Bray Harbor? What is Liam and his cousin Conor really up to? You will definitely want to take this thrilling journey with Shay and Spirit. Thanks to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for a chance to read. #ASpiritedBlend #Crystals&CuriosiTeasMysteries #LaurenElliott #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

I began reading this book without realizing it was the 3rd in a series. At first, I had a little difficulty getting into the characters' back stories (that was totally my own fault). However, I quickly caught up and became engrossed in the tale of murder and magic. I enjoyed Shay's banter with Liam, as well as her relationship with her sister and Granny. There were enough twists and turns in the story that hid the identity of the murderer until the end, which I appreciated. I look forward to the next story in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received through NetGalley, and all opinions are strictly my own.

"A Spirited Blend (A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery #3)" by Lauren Elliott has Shay getting ready to serve a special Halloween themed tea at the local Halloween festival and in a revelry with her ex friend turned business competition. Really, can this girl not catch a break with people trying to take advantage of her. Her ex-husband and his new wife (her ex-bff) are also moving in next door to her.

So, the culprit in this one wasn't actually fully sus'd out. Yes, we got the culprit that was there with the victim but really what they gave her wasn't ultimately what killed her. Someone else gave her what really did her in. Yes, there is a really strong suspect for who that was but it wasn't fully revealed or explained why.

Also, back to Shay's ex situation. Why? Other than to add yet more drama between the books on top of her possible bio-daddy issues. There's a LOT of drama going on at once. It's a bit overstimulating and none of it really solved in this particular book. I really hope that one of the major bad dramas is over for her in the next book. She at least had a (hopefully) good drama come to a conclusion.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I will start by saying I haven’t actually read any other books in this series, but usual for a cozy that doesn’t really matter. It did matter for sure this time! I was so confused the entire time by what relationship each character had to one another and the whole magic system set up. So fair warning, going in blind is not recommended!

The actual mystery was fine, and the killer was actually who I suspected, which is always nice. It just felt a little plodding at times, and weighed down by Shay’s emotional outbursts and the unrequited love situation. I still had a good time, just not a great time. I’d still recommend this one, especially if you’ve read the rest of the series.

Three stars.

A Spirited Blend was a really good read. It is the 3rd book in the Crystals and CuriousTEA mysteries series. The story takes place in the town of Bay Harbor. Shayleigh (Shay) Myers has inherited the teashop and cottage from her mother, Bridget Early. She also has a dog, Spirit who was also her mother' s dog. She has second sight which she inherited from her mother. She never knew her mother and the only way she knows about her is through her mother's journals. She wears an amulet in a bag which she wears on her chest. She inherited it from her mother. It is her protection as well as it carries a special blue bottle with a diamond in which is very powerful. She and her sister, Jen run the teahouse. On top of the teahouse is a greenhouse where she harvests the different plants to make the tea. She is concerned because Madam Malvina owns another teashop and has taken a lot of her customers She was friends with her but is no longer. . Liam Madigan is her neighbor and owns Madigan's Pub. Gran Madigan was a friend of her mother's and Liam's grandmother. She believes that her grandson, Liam and Shay are destined to be together as it is predicted by the fairies. Shay and Liam butt heads alot.

Alot is happening in the story that it is hard to put all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting and surprising ending.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC.

I’ve read the previous two book in the series, so I knew that the chances were pretty high that I would love this latest. I really did love this latest. There were many things going on in this one, and we learn a lot about Shay and her past, which I can’t really say too much about. I can say that the ending of this made me cry, and I’m hoping there are more books coming. This is a pivotal book in Shay’s life, and I know fans of this series will definitely enjoy this latest. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I dove into this book as soon as I received it. I have fallen in love with the way Lauren writes and I could not wait to continue Shay’s story.
This book continues with Shay’s journey as the local seer and tea shop owner of Bray Harbor. Majority of this book takes place during autumn season. It has similar vibes of the previous books but heightened. The book still has Irish Folklore, mystery, comedy, growth, and the fun characters (plus some) that I’ve come to love. The inner dialog of the FMC, Shay, is exactly how I talk to myself. I loved going "down rabbit" holes with her while she processed the events taking place around her.

I cannot even tell you how happy I am that I received the ARC for this book from NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cosies for an honest review.

Shay Myers, owner of Crystals and CuriosiTEAS in Bray Harbor, is getting ready for Halloween while trying to win back residents who have moved their custom to Madam Malvina's similar business. When a body is discovered that becomes her main focus alongside trying to discover why unwelcome figures from her past have descended on her home town increasing her self doubt and reducing her confidence in her newly discovered abilities both as an investigator and a seer.

Book three in Lauren Elliott's Crystals and CuriosiTEAS Mystery Series ups the adventure, excitement, and danger levels, making for a page turning story, which may very well reach its crescendo in book four! The storyline was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Shay's dilemmas were laid out for the reader. Now I just need to know what happens next!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This has set everything up nicely while still being a very enjoyable read.

A Spirited Blend is the third book of A Crystals and CuriosiTEAS series by Lauren Elliot. I really enjoyed this mystery. Lauren has done a great job developing the characters and their relationships throughout this series. Introducing Shay’s ex and her ex best friend promise to keep things interesting. Each story in the series can be read alone, however to fully understand the characters, I’d recommend reading them in order.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Books for providing me with an advance copy in return for my unbiased review.

This series blends the mystery and the paranormal well. This book in particular had a closer connection between the two. It also introduced new characters to hopefully kill off in a future book. There's some revelations and resolutions, but a few new questions as well that should be interesting going forward. The overall arc of Shay's abilities and family, along with strong secondary characters, keeps me wanting more stories.

I received a free copy of, A Spirited Blend, by Lauren Elliott, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the A Crystals and CuriositTEAS Mystery series. Shay Meyers is a seer, she also works at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS, brewing up fun liquids. Shay's love life is nonexistent, but when someone is murdered, Shay is to busy to worry about that. A good read.

What a wonderful read! This third in the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS series by Lauren Elliott is even better than I anticipated. Each book in this series has been terrific and leaves you eager for the next book to see what happens next with the recurring characters. However, the author has a true gift for making each installment in her series stronger than the previous book. This time around, Shay Myers is busy not only with running her tea shop, but also with getting ready for the Halloween carnival in Bray Harbor. She is busy trying to perfect her bubbling witches brew tea when she has a visit from the mayor's wife who has news from her recent visit to take care of her mother's estate. What she has to tell Shay is rather shocking and causes her to fear that Cora's life might be in danger. Before too long, as is generally the case, there's a murder to solve and Shay cannot stop herself from getting involved. With the help of her fellow seer, her friend Liam's grandmother, Gran, she tries to figure out what happened to cause the strange death. This wonderful read has strong characters, a great storyline, a wee bit of Irish folklore, a healthy helping of red herrings, and, of course, plenty of tea! This is a definite must read for cozy mystery fans!

Lauren Elliott does a great job continuing the series in this latest installment. She gives enough backstory that it's easy to jump in, even if it has been awhile since reading the series. The mystery has multiple paths that keeps the reader engaged right until the last page and leaves breadcrumbs for a possible next book in the series!

A Comforting Brew Spiced With Intrigue

Lauren Elliott’s A Spirited Blend should be read on a cold, rainy day with your favorite hot beverage at your elbow. I’m not exaggerating! From the special spooky tea served at the quintessential seaside town Halloween event to the frantic climax, Shay’s adventure is made for a long afternoon’s cozy read.

Shay Myers, owner of the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS shop, is trying to get her life back together after a failed marriage to a prime louse, the rival tea shop stealing her customers, and the guy who makes her heart beat faster coming to her for advice on the next woman he wants to date—and it isn’t her.

Throw in the valuable magic item she inherited from her mother, the gangster type who may or may not be stalking her in her new home, and the scumbag ex arriving in town with his snarky new wife, and Shay needs to brew some really strong teas to counteract everything.

Shay and a delightful group of friends have to sleuth out a murder, some unscrupulous business practices, and a possible poisoning with evidence that could implicate her. Because if they don’t, Shay could lose everything she’s worked for—including her life.

It’s a fun ride, with a feisty grandmother and a delightful German shepherd I wanted to read more about. I can’t ask for better than that.

Reviewed by Alice Loweecey for Suspense Magazine

I LOVED this cozy mystery!!

With Halloween approaching, Shay Myers is preparing seasonal brews at her tea shop, *Crystals and CuriosiTEAS*, while grappling with her frustration over pub owner Liam Madigan’s decision to take someone else to the town’s Monster Mash dance. As a seer, Shay is questioning her abilities after her romantic visions keep going awry, and she’s unsure if she’s truly the gifted psychic her late mother believed her to be.

However, when a dark vision involving genealogy, Irish folklore, and magic comes true, Shay’s doubts fade into urgency. A woman is found dead, frozen in an eerie pose with a black butterfly on her forehead, suggesting a ritual gone wrong—or a murder tied to dangerous magic. As the investigation uncovers a sinister link to a mystical boardwalk shop, Shay, aided by her dog Spirit, must confront a shady figure from her past, deal with the return of her ex-husband, and face off against a criminal who may be her most perceptive adversary yet.

A Spirited Blend by Lauren Elliott the 3rd instalment in the "A Crystals & CuriosiTeas Mystery " series. I love this series! 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 . . .

Can’t say this enough I love Lauren’s writing style and her books are a must have purchase for me. I become invested in the characters and what’s happening in their lives as if they were real people and friends.

I enjoy the close relationship between Shay, Jenn and Tassi. I love Gran, Liam, and her German shepherd named Spirit

The story is well-written and I found it entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Shay did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.