Southern traditions, family recipes, history, and hope come together in author Piper Huguley’s heartfelt romance from Hallmark Publishing.
Althea Dailey has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. So why doesn’t she feel more excited about it? She’s about to become the only woman—and the only Black person—to make partner at her prestigious law firm in New York City. When she has to travel South for a case, she pays a long-overdue visit back home to Milford, Georgia. To her surprise, a white man she’s never met has befriended her grandmother.
Jack Darwent wasn’t interested in the definition of success dictated by his father and Southern high society. His passion for cooking led him to his current project: a documentary and cookbook about authentic Southern food. Althea’s grandmother is famous for her cooking at the historically Black Milford College, especially the annual May feast meal. But Althea suspects Jack of trying to steal her grandmother’s recipes.
Although Althea and Jack don’t have the best first impressions of one another, they discover they have more in common than they’d guessed…and even as they learn about one another’s pasts, they both see glimmers of a better future.
My Review:
published in 2021
I was so excited to discover Piper Huguley’s first contemporary romance on audible and I have to say I was entranced by Inger Tudor’s performance as narrator. Her rich tones and unique interpretation of each character elevated the story. Kudos to the brilliant collaboration of author and narrator! I enjoyed listening to Sweet Tea immensely.
And this story!!! First, loved the tie it has to the author’s Milford College series. That was such a fun surprise! Althea is a descendant of those earlier book characters and I got a little thrill every time they were mentioned. No worries if you haven’t read that historical series, Sweet Tea is definitely a standalone novel, I just get a bibliophile boost when I find fictional connections like that. Yes, I’m that book nerd. 🙂
While this has all the makings of a typical Hallmark movie, Huguley’s delivery is anything but. Her approach to the small town girl makes big in the city and returns home to find herself trope is fresh and exciting. And a lot of that excitement comes courtesy of Jack. (This is your cue to clear off your fainting couch.)
He’s a dream hero. Unflappable, creative, dedicated to living in the moment with zest and enthusiasm. He’s learned how to slow down and focus on what’s really important and when he sets his sights on Althea…oh my! (Might want to grab a couple of fans too.)
By contrast, Althea is uptight and driven — out to prove something — but why and to whom? I was itching to figure her out from the very first chapter. She is so distrustful of Jack even as she fights an attraction to him. And the man is so happy and content it makes her antsy! Such great dynamics between these two. Plenty of opportunities for verbal sparring and teasing banter which brings the romance sizzling to life.
But it’s Miss Ada, Althea’s grandmother, who steals every scene she’s in. I love that woman! Everyone needs a Miss Ada in their life, bossing them around and telling them what’s what and reminding them of where they come from and who God made them to be. If I’d had a book in hand I would have underlined a variety of Ada-ism to treasure after the reading glow has dimmed. Might just have to have a re-listen to appreciate Miss Ada some more.
This is a story about finding your place — in your family, in the world and especially in God’s kingdom. Althea’ journey of discovery is moving and uplifting and I appreciated the inspirational themes intrinsically woven into the heart of her story.
Kav's Best Reads 
SWEET TEA sounds like it has everything I love in a story. I do love it when two completely different types are drawn together (another way it resembles hubby and me). Add in the spunky grandmother with the isms – gotta love her and I haven’t even read it – yet. I’m pre-warned and will have my fainting couch cleared and with the necessary supplies on hand.
Thank you for the reminder of another book I need to dust off my TBR list and get with it.
Happy first day of spring! We are starting spring with what seems more like summer with the possibility of breaking record highs. Even more amazing is that we tied for record low just 4 days ago.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
LikeLiked by 1 person
First day of spring – bah humbug! We have a severe weather watch and it’s blizzardingx out there with all the enthusiasm only a winter storm can bring. Gah! Sweet Tea is truly a lovely story, Kay, and you’ll enjoy the southern charm aspects as well. Hope you get to read it some day. Happy reading! Enjoy that summery weather for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome review, Kav! I raced to Amazon to check it out. Is it Christian fiction or just a clean read? I love Rhonda McKnight’s multi-generational books with southern traditions, family recipes, & sweet tea, of course!
Happy Spring! We’re supposed to have beautiful 75° weather today & are getting our yard mowed for the 1st time in 5 or 6 mths. Yay! Mostly weeds but hubby’s an expert at taking care of that problem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I reread your review and you mentioned God & inspirational themes, so I answered my own question. Duhhh. I’m so excited about having green grass again and flowers blooming that I’m kind of distracted this morning. hahaha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yippee, I am so excited for your green grass and flowers (she says sulkily) as we hunker down for what surely must be the very last major winter storm of the year….though they said that about the last two so…..more shovelling for me. Yay!
And this story is very much like the kind Rhonda McKnight writes — all that southern charm with the ‘bite’ of a good matriarch. 🙂 Happy Reading, Diane!
LikeLike
Aww, I’m sorry about the winter storm. We’ll focus positively on the word “last“. We may get some inclement weather yet since we’re still in Mar. Usually the weather isn’t stable here until about the 2nd week in April. So no planting or fertilizing grass yet.
Going to get a sample of Sweet Tea & if I enjoy it I’ll purchase on 2x Kindle rewards points day. I purchased South of Somewhere & saved $3 off the price bc I had points saved up! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh, we always have ups and downs in March but not the kind of major winter storms like this year. Still grumpy about that and giving Mother Nature the side eye until she smartens up. Bwahahaha. And I’m curious — you found Sweet Tea on kindle? ’cause I looked and and I only see it available in paperback and audio – I keep seeing the Hallmark edition.
LikeLike
I’m sure you have Mother Nature very intimidated & she will straighten up in short order. lol
Oh, pooh! Ebooks are always listed on the far left so I just looked at the price & didn’t realize it was a paperback. However, if you purchase a pprbk, you can still earn rewards points towards ebooks. I just don’t think you can redeem them for paperbacks since they’re Kindle rewards points.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just looked it up to double check. Earn 3 points per dollar on Kindle books and 1 point per dollar on print books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it strange that they don’t offer it in ebook? I wonder if all Hallmark books are like that? Good to know you can at least get a few points even if you buy the print copy. You could try your library too, bet they have it.
LikeLike
If this book is giving you all the itch for spring, I’m so ready to join you. I’d love to read this one. New author for me as well.
It’s a beautiful +8°C outside right now and I’m so ready for spring that I went ahead and cleaned a few windows. Don’t have many where I can get to. Our snow drifts are 3 feet plus around our house. So we needs lots more sunshine to clear those up.
LikeLike
I’m envious of your warm temperatures, Becky. lol And yes to snow drifts. Even though they’ve melted some with the few warmer days we’ve had, it keeps snowing again so all the melting progress is undone. This has been a crazy March! Happy Reading!
LikeLike
I haven’t read this author. Thank you for sharing. Blessings
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you get to read some of her books someday, Lucy. Happy Reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person