I didn't care for the teashop girls. it started out good, with an interesting premise, but then got annoying. Annie is at times too old for her 13 years and waay too young. and I don't mean fluctuating maturity levels. I mean one moment the author has her thinking and speaking like a grown woman and the next an eight year old. she's also selfish and spoiled treating many of her classmates and friends like crap just because they don't agree with her world view.the tidbits and illustrations about tea were the only reason this got a two star review. I was very disappointed. Buzz Words: Teashop, Friendship, Crushes, Scones, Family, Barista, Drama.I have had the Teashop Girls on my contemporary to be read shelf for some time. I do love a good historical fiction or a paranormal romance, but sometimes a girl just needs a good fluffy contemporary book to relax, unwind and to really get absorbed in without having to stress about damn cliff hangers or intense plot points. If you are looking for a clean, exciting and deliciously tempting read to break away from your usual genre of choice or are a lover of contemporary novels featuring tasty beverages, friendship, family and a little bit of drama and romance then I definitely suggest picking up The Teashop Girls. I did and I loved it.If you didn’t already know I am a sucker for books that mention tea, coffee any kind of pastry, cupcakes, cookies or well- food in general so when I heard about this book from R.J Gonzales a while back I knew I had to have it for my own collection. I love having books like this on my shelf for time times when I am in need of a little escapism from heavy handed plot lines or intricate character explorations, so I just could not wait to get started on Teashop Girls. Initially I thought it would be pretty standard in everything, but I was pleasantly surprised by the characters, the atmosphere and the subtle messages throughout the book. I do love a good book that teaches me things and also reminds me what to be grateful for. Each character was a joy to read, some more fleshed out than others, but each one added a great element to the story, and I especially loved Anne, the main characters eccentric but loving and charming family; her dad and his shirts had be cracking up and Louise her grandmother reminded me so much of my own it made me feel right at home at the steeping leaf.When I was young I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, going to the ‘adults’ places for tea and scones which we would bake together in her kitchen at home, so one of the most enjoyable parts of the story to read about was the relationship between Anne and her grandmother. Their combined passion, easy personalities and loving old souls really drove me to love this book a whole lot more.The romantic elements irked me a little. Anne was so determined to make Jonathan fall in love with her despite the obvious signs. Then when l looked back at my own early teenage years and how I approached crushes, boys and love in general I have to say Laura wrote a pretty damn good depiction of teenage girls. I am glad it wasn’t the overall theme of the book and only played a small part.One of my favorite parts of the book was the paraphernalia and quotes scattered throughout the book. Being a collector of ephemera myself I delighted in all the tea ads and recipes and the lists that Anne stuck into the Teashop girls handbook. I am a sucker for any book that adds a little whimsical flair, and I have to say I am excited to try a few recipes. I also learned a lot about tea from Anne’s essays and short stories and got a great new list of tea to try out which is always fun. I can definitely confess that I wasn’t without a cup or two while reading this book so for those tea lovers out there be prepared to fill up the pot and unwind.Overall I found Teashop girls to be a humorous, quirky and fantastic read. I would certainly recommend it and I cannot wait to pick up the next book, a continuation into the life’s of the same characters from The Tea Shop girls. Laura’s writing style is easy and breezy and I really enjoyed the reading experience.P.S: Finally a cover that matches the contents of the book. I just adored the illustrations on top of each chapter and throughout the book to, kudos to the illustrator Sujean Rim. And who could not love the cover – ah- Love it.
What do You think about Bizim Kafenin Kızları (2000)?
pretty good and i love the topic of tea, didn't really like the romance parts though! =)
—ummir
I gave this to my 6th grade niece for her birthday.
—tracey98
this is one of the best books i've ever read!
—ahyns
