4 1/2 stars

I love British chick-lit, romancy novels. Why? They tend to be smart, well-written, and I always feel like I’m on an adventure. In Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop, adventure is literally true.

Rosie seems to have it all together. She’s got a job she loves, a husband she loves, and everything is scheduled until the bombshell of her husband cheating with one of his colleagues falls. During a bout of red wine drinking, she buys a van and embarks on an adventure that she never thought in a million years she’d be taking.

First off, I loved Rosie. She is a character who seems to be wearing a straitjacket due to all of the rules she enforces upon herself. She doesn’t take risks because of the possibility that something could go wrong and Rosie possesses quite a list of things that could possibly go wrong.

On her very first outing in her travelling tea shop, she runs into Aria, almost literally, and Aria, who is the complete opposite of Rosie, is just who she needs to find. Messy Aria is a complete foil for the uptight Rosie and the best travelling companion she could find.

As Rosie travels, learning how to make incredible fare in her van, she evolves. She learns how to be more extroverted, how to apologize for things she does or says, how to live.

Rosie finds the possibility of romance with Oliver, a man she’s met on an online travelling forum, and Max, a vegan pacifist who is as hulking as Jason Momoa.

And when I finished reading Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop this morning, I was happy because I’d fallen in love with these characters and laughed out loud and yet I was also a little sad to be closing the book and not taking further part in their caravan adventures.

I highly recommend Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop for readers who love tea and comfort food, for fans of British chick lit, readers who like real rom-coms, fans of Jason Momoa, readers who love the idea that a hero could be a vegan–finally.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing that happened to me in this book is that I fell head over heels in love with the way that Rebecca writes her characters. You truly do see them come to life before your eyes and she affords your imagination so many visual treats in her descriptions that you can step straight in and share the virtual reality the characters inhabit.
The story starts with an emotional push and pull of life that tugs at your heartstrings and has you balling your hands into fists, first in indignation and then in a triumphant punch in the air. Girl power punctuates the prose as Poppy, the pink campervan, makes her entrance – Rosie’s very own pink lady coming to gather her up and lead her out of the grey of her everyday life. I was ‘hopelessly devoted’ to Poppy from the very first tour I was given of her- and i was certainly convinced that if others couldn’t or wouldn’t ‘shape up’ in Rosie’s life then Poppy would be the ‘one that I want’.
We get helpful insights into the life and mind of Rosie – and others and the story itself bounces between what we see and what we don’t see, the context that people are constantly living with – the invisible worlds within worlds that we all live in and choose to let others enter or not. I loved learning about Rosie’s doubts that double back on her and her fears and fractious frets as well as the comforting chatter her talents chime in with every now and again. I, like everyone else can feel the friction and frissant of feeling like I don’t fit in, that I am not destined to blend– but like Rosie I am learning that being yourself is the best antidote to the agonising feeling of alienation that loneliness can bring. As Rosie’s friend Max says, ‘There is no right way to talk this earth, and we can only learn from those in our lives, take whatever lesson we can from it and keep going.’
As a lover of literature and in particular Jane Austen – I really enjoyed the references to literary teas. My daughter was recently given some beautiful tea bags wrapped in pretty envelopes, each with a fascinating and well-chosen quote from Victoria Mae designs and my husband and I recently enjoyed the most imaginative immersion of an experience at the Sanderson Hotel enjoying a Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea.
I could almost smell the aroma of the teas that Rosie creates – simply heavenly writing. The references to ‘First Impressions’ the original working title that Jane Austen gave to ‘Pride and Prejudice’, also put a wry smile on my face.
Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop is a story that it is well worth hitching a ride with. Rosie’s discovery of her truth is compelling and uplifting. We could all do with some fresh companions to enjoy the journey of life with and ‘a life well lived on the road’ is what we are all hoping for after all.

Cup Cake Conversations and Teapot Talking Points:
If you and I dear reader were sitting down together today, settled in with a cup of tantalising tea and a beautiful, buttery scone, having both read the book, here are a few of the points we could mull over together.

Have you ever travelled in a campervan?
My kids call them ‘hippy vans’ and I would LOVE one. I remember a friend of ours taking us out as kids and cooking for us – it was such a fun adventure to be able to travel with your kitchen and then just park up anywhere that took your fancy and enjoy the view. I remember we had a sort of ramen meal with noodles – see – the experience is indelibly inked on my memory – that was over 35 years ago!
I also remember my dad having a little van like this to get to and from work - it was the 70s and we were yet to learn about the benefits of seat belts. It was only a 2-seater and I remember being say in my little plastic chair just between the two adult seats. I remember my Mum being horrified at this, my dad being totally chilled about it and me being totally thrilled as I rocked and rolled from side to side. I think we did it once! and then my Mum won the day.

Have you ever been to a festival?
I must admit I haven’t. I don’t really like loud music, strangers, or mud! so it sort of rules me out. But I have heard of other festivals that are catching my imagination – literary ones, or family ones, ones with an emphasis on well-being or art and craft. After reading about Rosie’s exploits I am tempted to go and find the right one for me and just enjoy the connection and experience. Life is for living – and I could do with a nice new pair of wellington boots!

Have you ever tried living without sugar?
Max, Rosie’s friend is full of the joys of living without refined sugar and finding healthier alternatives. My friend has totally turned her back on sugar too. I have spent the last year becoming more mindful of what I am eating and why and I have enjoyed finding alternatives and swaps. Rosie’s experiences have persuaded me to pursue my interest in smoothies - my husband has said he will join me, as long as he doesn’t have to drink anything green!

Rosie's husband might have accused her of being a cold fish and entirely predictable but boy has she changed up her life! Buying a pink food truck and traveling around the UK selling tea and cakes, well that's gonna force you to go with the flow. Luckily, Rosie meets Aria, who has a traveling book shop, early on and the two of them join forces. This being a Rebecca Raisin novel, fans know that there will be some chuckles, a little romance, and some personal growth. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This is a good relaxing read.

Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop by Rebecca Raisin is a delightfully fun contemporary read that will warm your heart and soul. It will make you laugh and it will leave you smiling.
Rebecca Raisin has created a wonderful set of eclectic characters – an obsessive at cleaning chef, a broken hearted bibliophile and a big burly tattooed vegan – together they travel the length and breadth of Britain in their respective camper vans. They go to various festivals, delighting the reader. Along the way they meet others who are equally entertaining.
The reader does not so much read this book as ‘travel’ through it, sampling the sights and sounds along the way.
The book is about discovering our true identity. “Who will I be, if I’m not a sous-chef … I feel anchorless.” Our identity goes far deeper than our jobs. We need to discover who we are and who we were created to be. Having reached rock bottom, life changing decisions are made that will reveal the true identity of characters. Life has previously squashed the life out of them. Now it is a journey of discovery, literally and spiritually.
We are all hiding something. When grief becomes a part of who we are, we may need help and friendships to help us to re-join life. “We must put one foot in front of the other until the pain subsides and the sun comes out.”
The novel explores true friendship and companionship. People bond together over books and food. “Books and tea are a match made in heaven.” Characters help each other out, asking for nothing in return. They live side by side, lending helping hands where they can.
Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop was such a fun read. I laughed and I cried, and I laughed until I cried! The characters lodged in my heart. It does not feel so much like the end of the book, more like a goodbye to dear friends.
A totally wonderful feel-good read that will light up your life for a few hours.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

If I had a chance to do life over, my choices would be very similar to Rosie’s.

In the midst of heartbreak, she breaks out of her comfort zone, throwing caution to the wind. She is a planner by nature and is forced to live more in the moment. She learns to trust people and love herself.

A cute story that left me a little sad that it ended so abruptly. And a little hungry after reading of all of Rosie’s delicious treats.

I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I usually read thrillers, but I fancied something a bit more light hearted, so I started this instead. What a delightful read - before this I was reading a book that was heavy going and it made me not want to read, whereas this did the exact opposite; I kept picking up my kindle to read more. It's a moreish book - you think 'just a little more then I'll stop'.
I do hope there will be more stories about Rosie, Max and Aria as I will definitely read them if they appear.

Rosie’s worked hard to become a Michelin starred sous chef and thought she and her also chef husband were happy in their marriage when she comes home to find him moving out and asking for a divorce. It seems he’s found someone else, someone less rigid and more carefree. Heart broken, Rosie gives it all up to travel the festival circuit in her fuchsia pink travelling teashop named Poppy. She learns to live in the moment, build friendships, and yes, finds love again.

I thought Rosie’s Travelling Teashop was sweet, romantic and surprisingly thought provoking. What would it be like to give up a successful career and start all over on a new venture? Rosie had to let go of over planning every stage of her life and when she did that she found a peace that had been missing. I found it really easy to identify with Rosie and I’d imagine a lot of other readers who feel they are plodding away in a job where they are no longer happy will too. I found this escape from my own life through Rosie’s adventures a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Max, Rosie’s love interest was just delicious! If there was a Max at the end of a life change I think there would be a lot more women willing to make this kind of move! LOL. It was fun to read he and Rosie’s verbal sparring and also see how he opened Rosie’s life to a world outside of the one she was used to living in. There was only one minor flaw in this novel regarding a sub plot with another male character. I thought it wasn’t needed and was frustrated with how that plot was resolved. I just wanted to scratch it from the story entirely, but overlooking that one minor thing, I really did enjoy this book. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free ARC of this book for my honest review and it was honest.

If you're just about ready for a dose of sunshine and a splash of blue skies then this is the book for you! Tea, Cake and new friendships - the perfect ingredients for a Spring read. I have followed Rebecca Raisin as an author for a long time and have books on my 'to read' list but this is the first book that I have actually read - not a moment too soon I will be delving into the rest soon!! Huge thanks to Rebecca for an advanced copy (and her publishers). I absolutely devoured this in just a few days.

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships, and most importantly, believe in true, once in a lifetime love. So let's hear more about the book...


Rosie Lewis has her life together.

A swanky job as a Michelin-Starred Sous Chef, a loving husband and future children scheduled for exactly January 2021.

That’s until she comes home one day to find her husband’s pre-packed bag and a confession that he's had an affair.

Heartbroken and devastated, Rosie drowns her sorrows in a glass (or three) of wine, only to discover the following morning that she has spontaneously invested in a bright pink campervan to facilitate her grand plans to travel the country.

Now, Rosie is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, and the chance to change her life! With Poppy, her new-found travelling tea shop in tow, nothing could go wrong, could it…?

A laugh-out-loud novel of love, friendship and adventure! Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Holly Martin.


There are so many great books out there that focus on a female protagonist who heads off to 'go it alone' and opens a cafe, or a bookshop, or something else in a fixed location (usually Cornwall). But not Rosie. She TRAVELS the UK! I love that about this book - so many different festivals, settings and characters along the way. A bit of romance, some strong friendships, some great feel good moments - this book has all the best ingredients and unique-ness along the way as well. I love a book that clearly has had the main topics researched (or else has a very knowledgeable author!) This one was a new topic for me - instead of cafe's - VANLIFE! Also the internet community was well and truly brought into the story - the good and the bad. There were some great underlying messages throughout the whole book.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It makes you laugh, grimace, and cheer on the main characters. The only negative thing is it ends abruptly. I wanted the story to go on about a chapter more like a epilogue. Thank you #netgalley #harpercollins #Rosiestravelingteashop

This one took me a couple of chapters to get into, but as usual, Rebecca Raisin took me on a wonderful journey filled with warm and lovable characters. I could really relate to Rosie and her need to plan everything and her fear of doing anything different or scary. I loved her pop up tea shop and all the foods she cooked. All those food descriptions made me so hungry. I loved Aria. She was such a lovable character and I would LOVE for her to get her own book. I loved how much of a bookworm she was and I think I would be excited to read in her old rickety van.

I also thought Max was a great character, who was so good for Rosie. I had to laugh at Rosie's reaction that Max was vegan and didn't eat any processed carbs or refined sugars. I would probably have the same reaction. But even the vegan foods sounded all kinds of amazing. I liked how Max pushed Ruby to go outside her comfort zone and take more risks.

This was such a fun and heartwarming book. My only criticism was that I thought the ending was a bit too abrupt. Other than that, great read.

I was reading a non-fiction book about the Middle East and, fascinating though it was, it read like the news. And the news, as I’m sure you know, is always treading a thin, terrifying line between depressing and nightmarish. So the morning I woke up grouchy for other reasons and didn’t want to get out of bed to face the day, I reached for my Kindle Fire and decided to read the next ARC I had due to be published.

And so I found myself thoroughly addicted to Rosie and her ‘travelling tea shop.’

I laughed a lot, I teared up a bit, I smiled so much, I furrowed my brow… it was a fantastic book and succeeded fully in lifting my mood.

Rosie, you see, is a Michelin starred chef at a fancy London restaurant. Her husband, Callum, is not quite as successful a chef at a different restaurant. He is also a cheating bastard who leaves her, for the pretty young thing at his restaurant, on her birthday. Rosie had not known that Callum and Khloe were having an affair, though she was the only one. So, after Callum tells her she’s boring and predictable, she decides to be decidedly not that. With the help of alcohol, anyway, and she wakes up the owner of a pink van meant for a life on the road.

Taking this as a sign, Rosie throws herself into exploring the possibilities of ‘van life’ online and begins to realize she might just be brave enough to break away from the kitchens and take to the road. At least for a little while.

So she decides, with the encouragement of a kind man named Oliver on a Van Lifers forum, to create a travelling tea shop and follow festivals, fairs, and events around the United Kingdom.

This is where I got jealous of Rosie, seeing her take this bold step so far out of her comfort zone and seeing the friends she makes along the way. I also found myself happy for her, and that’s not so common in some books… actually being happy for a character.

Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop is as much a story of friendship as it is one of stepping outside your comfort zone. This is because, if you ask me, opening yourself up to be true friends with someone new can be incredibly daunting to people like Rosie, who is like me. There is romance in story, budding romance and some sexy moments, but romance doesn’t drive the story. Max becomes Rosie’s friend, the most adorable, sweet, and funny ways, before he becomes more to her. And I like that, because hopping from cheating Callum to marvelous Max would have taken something away from Rosie.

There are a few parts of the story that make it a bit predictable but that in no way means it isn’t a sweet, adorable, laugh out loud story that I absolutely needed in my life!

I received a copy of Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop through NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an honest and original review. All thoughts are my own.

Rosie's life runs into serious problems when her husband announces out of the blue he has found someone else (his sous-chef) and she has to move out of her home. She takes the time to re-evaluate her life as a busy Michelin starred chef who is obsessed with lists and order. A few too many glasses of wine later, she finds she has bought a pink campervan and travelling tea shop, and she hits the open road.

A few elements of this book are just too convenient - she has to be a Michelin starred chef, not just a good commercial cook; she has a hunky male bad boy and a dreamy blogger vying for her affections; she straight away finds a soul mate to go on her travels. Real life isn't really that smooth. However, her adventures are funny and (almost) make the reader yearn to throw it all in and follow her.

Having said all that, it's well written, the characters are fun and I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what happened next!

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rosie's Travelling Tea Shop by Rebecca Raisin is a lighthearted read, a delightful romcom that will have you rooting for the titular character throughout, as she and her trusty campervan Poppy meander their way from one festival to the next, flogging their literary-themed teas and treats.

Rosie is blindsided when her husband Callum announces that he wants a divorce, citing Rosie's lack of impulsiveness and love of order among his reasons. Following a drunken night soon after, Rosie finds herself the owner of a campervan that she christens Poppy. Taking up the nomadic lifestyle is at first a challenge for Rosie, but she soon embraces the appeal of the wandering life, and finds a welcoming community of other van lifers, who prove themselves to be a tremendous support system. Chief among these new friends are Aria, who runs a mobile bookshop, and Max, a dedicated vegetarian who becomes someone with whom Rosie can envision a romantic future. Complicating matters is Ollie, another van lifer who connects with Rosie, albeit only online.

Ultimately, Rosie's story is one of self discovery, and the ability to redefine your life following a heartbreak. I was particularly drawn to the nomadic lifestyle in which Rosie finds her happiness, and found myself wanting to abandon all responsibility and hit the road in my own pink campervan. I will definitely seek out more of this author's work in future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this wonderful ARC.

An easy read. But found a character’s constant banging on about veganism, the evil of sugar and wheat and preaching to Rosie really got on my nerves.

2.5 stars.

Thank you HQ Digital and Netgalley for the ARC. This is my unbiased review.

This was a very cute, light, predictable read! When Rosie is blindsided by her husband's affair and request for a divorce, she makes some alcohol-influenced choices and finds herself the owner of a traveling pop-up shop. Quickly she finds herself immersed in a community of wanderers and of course torn between 2 love interests with her teas and treats her only means of support. I was a tad disappointed to not find a few recipes at the back of the book as some of her offers had my mouth watering. This book would be the perfect little escape coupled with a cup of tea on a cold afternoon.

Huge thank you to HQ Digital and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

I really enjoy Rebecca Raisin’s writing. It’s fun, quirky, and she never fails to draw me in and make me feel as though I know her characters personally and feel their pain, happiness, and excitement with them!

Full (spoiler-y) review here: http://wmsreads.tumblr.com/post/183045524477/

Rosie's Travelling Tea Shop by Rebecca Raisin is a lovely story about one woman's self discovery.

When Rosie's husband chooses her birthday to tell her that he is leaving her for another woman, she is devastated and totally bewildered. She did not see that coming.
She also realizes that after fifteen years of working as a sous chef in a Michelin star restaurant has left her unsatisfied. One night while drunk she manages to buy a huge van that she obviously plans to sell comfort food from while touring the country. This is what she has apparently told the guy who sold her the van, since she has no recollection of that at all.
Then Rosie's sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious and definitely life changing adventure starts.

Very funny, well written in an easy and nicely paced style it talks about very serious and important topics. It deals with love, loss, abandonment and disappointment.
Full of quirky and amusing characters and many misadventures.
I liked how she was finally able to open to new experiences and to change her crippling habits. Soul searching and freedom finding this charming romantic comedy will put a smile on your face.

I am a sucker for this kind of book, anything with tea, books or cafe in the title and I will give it a go. This didn't disappoint! I've read Rebecca Raisin before and she is one of the best in this genre.

Rosie has a bad break up and realises she hasn't had a life of her own for years, she has a few too many wines and wakes up to a headache and a pretty pink campervan outside her flat. She decides to uproot her life and use the van as a travelling tea shop. On route, she meets lots of interesting characters, including Max – my favourite ;)

Perfect, feel-good fiction. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

What do you do when you find someone whose embrace you never want to leave? Right, there you go. YOU READ IT SLOWLY

Rebecca Raisin's book had the same effect on me. The story was simple, oft done before, Rosie's husband has an affair, she buys her traveling tea van and wants to get out of London, and off she goes in the van to Brighton at first where she meets Aria or nearly tries to kill her while parking her van. The entire book is a journey of Rosie finding herself and getting her mojo back along with a little romance or two.

The whole book was written beautifully, every line gave me powerful visuals, I loved the quirky characters which form the group the Van Lifer who spent their time traveling in their vans selling their wares.

Rosie's cakes and teas had me salivating to try them all, not sure about spotted dick, which is supposed to be a pudding. Ah well, as said before, great visuals these words gave. The only niggle, I had read 90% of the book, yet Rosie kept falling back to her old London ways of fear, not trusting anyone, always wanting to be safe. The past had a firm hold on her. I wanted to see her fly well before the book ended.

Overall, a fab read, I loved the book for giving me daydreams, and the book loved me back in its own way. It was warm and soothing.

About: When Rosie's husband leaves her for another woman, giving the excuse that Rosie is not spontaneous at all, she decides to do something unpredictable. She decides to leave her steady job and open up a travelling tea shop. She gets inspired by other Van Lifers who live on the road and this story is a journey of how she completely changes her life.

Characters: Rosie was shown as an organized character whose character transformation is huge during the story. How she opens up to life and it's challenges on the road. Aria was a fun, eccentric character and I related to her bookworm character. Max was totally swoony.

Feelings: This was a light read. Rosie and Max pulling each other's leg was fun to read. Aria's past story made me tear up. I went through a mix of feelings throughout and it was a great read.

Recommendation: Yes. If you love travelling and want to read light then this is the book for you.

Favourite Quote:
Bookworms do that a lot, fall for the hero in their latest read and get terribly down about the fact they're fictional.