Tearoom for Two by Susan Page Davis: A Gentle Reading Experience

Tearoom for Two

 

by

Susan Page Davis

What it is not:  a page turning, breathless, thriller that keeps you glued to your seat until the very last sentence.  Oh, but let me tell you what this quiet little jewel is:  a gentle walk on a sunny day when the leaves are just turning and the weather is pleasant for an adventure, followed by a timely return home to the fire.  That's exactly why I enjoyed Tearoom for Two.  I could read it when a short block of time presented itself and leave the story when needed.  Then, my return to the beautiful Maine setting was just as comfortable and cozy as if  I'd never left it.  In fact, I believe the beauty lies so not so much in the story line, but rather in the lovely details interwoven to create the cozy mystery that plays out in the main characters, Elaine and Jan's everyday experiences.

Jan and Elaine, both widowers, set out on an unexpected adventure when they purchase lovely Victorian home where they plan to go into business serving tea and sweets in the east and west parlors of the lakeside home.  A series of events set into motion by the purchase of a teapot, in keeping with the theme, immerses the already busy ladies into a full-blown mystery to be solved.  And of course, I found myself enjoying the cozy descriptions of enjoying tea with friends and family along with the cookies, muffins and pastries baked by Jan. 

 I found myself encouraged, by this read, to attempt some much anticipated fall baking as the weather finally begins to cool.