The Traveling Tea Shop by Belinda Jones

Cakes and travel hadn't been this much fun. The Traveling Tea Shop is filled with mouth-watering array of cakes and the charm of the picturesque New England landscape. If only it was like scrapbook and came with photographs, illustrations, maps and recipes then my reading experience would be complete.

Laurie Davis enjoys her job booking tours and trips for their go-to website and she's just landed a huge deal with a famous television star, Pamela. It was the chance to scour the New England states and sample its local delights for Pamela's new cookbook. Yet even with Laurie's efficient skills, everything is not smooth sailing. There's the sassy Grandma, the punk rebel daughter and all the family drama in tow.

Indeed, it was not all light and fluffy. Against the tea things and beautiful spots, trading baking recipes and marveling at local famous delights, there was a dash of angst and emotional upheavals which balance the flavor.

I totally appreciate the dry humor injected on the banters, even more the little epiphanies that come over a few characters. Grandma Gracie was the bomb, I love her! Though it was Laurie who tells the story, I like that it was the Lambert-Leighs who seemed to be the central focus. It accentuates the family's odd quirks from an outsider's point of view.

Laurie's own angst sort of comes up short in the telling but I did feel it was okay not to drag it out alongside or delve too much on it for hers was a bit darker than the current family drama going on right under her nose.

And I loved New England all the more. These states is the most scenic spot for me (apart from the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest) in my geographical readings: quaint coastal towns, architectural homes, its cultural notables and a bit of its poshness. Had I lived nearby, I'd have the urge to follow the Traveling Tea Shop tour, visit the places mentioned and pop in those cute little shops and hotels.

So hop in to the outrageous red double decker bus for this book will take you for a nice ride.

Summary

Love isn't always a piece of cake...

Laurie Davis has always followed her passion. After escaping family drama to start a new life in New York City, she’s up for whatever challenges life brings. So when an opportunity arises for her to use her travel industry expertise and serve as an assistant and tour guide for her idol, Pamela Lambert-Leigh, star of television’s Tea-Time with Pamela, she jumps at the chance.

But Laurie’s exciting adventure ends up entailing a lot more than scouting locations for the cake queen’s new cookbook when Pamela’s sassy mother and sulky, rebellious daughter tag along for the trip. As they cruise around bakeries in New England trading local delights like Red Velvet Cake and Whoopie Pies for British specialties such as Victoria Sponge and Bakewell Tarts, more secrets than recipes are revealed.

Now, in between rediscovering romance, learning to forgive family, and finding the best dessert on the East Coast, Laurie, Pamela, and the gang might find there’s nothing a nice cup of tea, a sweet treat, and a little bit of friendship can’t heal…

Title: The Traveling Tea Shop (Love Travel #11)
Author: Belinda Jones
Published: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: ♨♨♨ (3 and a half cups - Sumptuous and sweet (filled with cakes!) set in the picturesque towns of New England states.)