The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly is a story of how there is no way to go but up once you have lost everything in your life. The heroine, Fiona Finnegan, grew up in London's East End at the end of the 1800s during the heyday of the Ripper. Try as hard as they might, her family barely made ends meet. The only thing that keeps her going is the plan to one day open her own shop with her best friend/sweetheart, Joe.
Tragedy upon tragedy pile up on top of Fiona and she finds herself completely alone. With nothing tying her to her old life in the East End, she travels to America with some cash she "stumbles upon" to start afresh working for her uncle.
The tides do begin to turn for Fiona and her determination and perseverance begin to pay off. After her father's suspicious death at the hand of his employer, Burton Tea, Fiona is bound and determined to seek her own form of justice to avenge his death.
Tea is all Fiona has ever known. Packing tea, drinking tea and constantly smelling tea as it came in by the docks. She puts her knowledge to good use and becomes the most influential tea merchant in America.
I won't give the rest of the story away, but it was such a wonderful read and was a page turner. The twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat and once you are about three-quarters of the way through, be sure you have enough time to finish it in one sitting.
It's the first in a trilogy; the other two books are told from other character's perspectives. In all but one circumstance, The Tea Rose leaves you with a feeling of closure.
Sarah of Sky Envy
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Tell us a little bit about yourself/blog.
My name is Sarah and I blog over at Sky Envy. Having lived in 10 zip codes and been to 18 countries in the last 4 years, I consider myself as a traveler and a nomad. My blog is a collection of photos and stories of my travels and nomadic life.
Do you make New Year's resolutions or goals? If so, what are yours for 2015?
I don't believe in New Year's resolutions as it has been hard to keep them. I do believe in making goals for yourself. Mine are very easy - drink more water, sleep more, explore more of my own backyard and travel as much as I can.
What is the favorite book you've been reading?
I haven't started reading it yet but I just got a copy of How To Be a Parisian Wherever You Are. I think I should add Reading more as one of my goals. :)
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
First person that comes to mind right now is to have lunch with Jessica Stein of Tulla Vintage. She is a fashion blogger yes, but she is more of a traveler and a great photographer in my own opinion. I would like to just chat with her about her experiences with past travels. Her photos and travels are continuously inspiring me to get myself out there.
Christina of Route Bliss
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Tell us a little bit about yourself/blog.
I'm Christina, the girl behind the scenes at Route Bliss. I'm a 30-something single wannabe vagabond whose practicality and realist side keeps her planted in East Texas. By weekday I write lots of reports at my job as well as daydream frequently where I want to travel to next, ways to motivate myself to getting fit for health and happiness's sake, and experimenting in the kitchen to make my favorite not so healthy foods healthier. I also like to take lots of photos of pretty things, furry critters (aka canines and felines), and beautiful destinations.
Do you make New Year's resolutions or goals? If so, what are yours for 2015?
Intentions and plans yes, resolutions, nope. I have a lot of intentions and plans for 2015 that all tie into my one little word for 2015, cultivate.
What is the favorite book you've been reading?
At the moment I'm between books, everything's been just an 'okay' read lately, nothing that stands out as a favorite!
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Right now, John Muir and Ansel Adams ... in doing trip research and planning for this summer, these two men keep popping up + I love Ansel's photography.
What you should be reading:
8 comments:
Adding this book to my goodreads list! Sounds like a great read and I am on the search for a new series.
That sounds like an awesome book--I was already antsy to get to the library, now I'm desperate. And it was cool to see your interviews--I've interviewed Sarah myself just recently! So that was a nice surprise. Her photography is incredible. And I'll be checking out Route Bliss!
Now...to survive long enough to get to library and check out that book....
http://outmyfrontdoorgirlslife.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-day-out-in-sun-and-better-for-it.html
It's such a good read! And definitely check out Route Bliss. Christina has so much helpful travel and photography advice!
Hope you enjoy it! I like that it didn't leave me feeling desperate to read the second book. I may take some time off but I'll be revisiting this series at some point.
Sounds like a book that I would enjoy seeing as it's about tea ;) I also love the layout of this blog post! I love interviews!!
Honestly, it's not my normal taste in books, but I think I could really get into this one.
I am always looking for good recommendations.... thanks!
You're welcome! I didn't know quite what to expect before reading it either, but it surprised me!
thanks katie! anything about tea is something i will be into as well :)
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