Cover Image: The Tea Chest

The Tea Chest

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Member Reviews

“Which is more honorable - loyalty or liberty?”

With powerful authenticity, award winning author Heidi Chiavaroli takes readers on an emotional and highly compelling journey to the birthplace of the American Revolution in her latest novel, The Tea Chest. This time-slip novel follows the historical storyline of Emma Malcolm, the daughter of a Loyalist, during 1773 in Boston and the present-day storyline of Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth, who is determined to overcome her past and become a Navy SEAL. A mysterious chest found in a Boston antique store weaves the past and present together, as the fight for freedom reveals courage and strength through the grace of God.

Heidi Chiavaroli is known for writing incredible time-slip novels that tackle difficult topics, while at the same time, drawing readers closer to their faith. She authentically depicts events leading to the American Revolution, including the increase in violence and cruelty from both the Patriots and Loyalists, while sharing the message that our God-given worth is found inside of us rather than where we come from. The Boston Tea Party is an extraordinary part of American history, and this novel is one that readers do not want to miss.

In my opinion, all four of Heidi Chiavaroli’s novels are 5-star quality, but The Tea Chest has earned a place as my new favorite novel of hers, with Freedom’s Ring being my second favorite. The Tea Chest is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels. The Tea Chest is on my top ten list of books for 2019 (even though it is not officially being released until February 4, 2020).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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I was very excited that Netgalley finally approved me to read this book!
I really really enjoyed this book!!
I try never to miss any of this authors books. Her style of writing is awesome! She really does pull you into her stories so much that you won't want to put it down!
I loved Emma's story and the Boston Tea Party is an excellent setting.
I learned a lot.
This is a setting that is hardly ever mentioned in a fiction story or I don't remember reading anywhere.
I had a book hangover the next day and snoozed on the bus cause I stayed up late reading this one.
I applaud Emma for standing up for what she believed in!! I actually ended up cheering for her and Noah.
You see, love is stronger than anything. Especially if it's the right person and one that's not a good match.
I did not like Emma's father one bit!! Hateful, stubborn and pompous man I ever met and her mother really wasn't any better.
I also didn't care for Samuel. He's too much like Emma's father
I don't like people with mean streaks.
I didn't want to come back to the present. That's how much I enjoyed the story. Meanwhile; I liked Hayley's story too. I also admired her for wanting to take care of certain people and to make things right with them.
Forgiveness is pretty much the theme in this book in both present and past. Forgiveness is important. It's more for you than the other person. Jesus said forgiveness is important. Especially if we are to be like minded in Him.
I also feel that if two people are meant to be together then it was God's will.
Hayley's strength and determination to complete her training reminded me of a goal that I had wanted to accomplish but I did not get to finish because I got sick. I wanted to be the first woman in my family to complete college. But it wasn't meant to be. I was so heartbroken.
I feel God has closed that door for reason and now I'm actually doing something I love even better. I try not to dwell on it but I often wonder if things could have been different if I was allowed to complete my schooling.
There are times when one must learn to show Faith, courage, and love where it truly matters. Will these two women present and past be able to do that?
You'll just have to pick up this wonderful book to find out! You'll be lost in the story before you know it!
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

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In THE TEA CHEST, HEIDI CHIAVAROLI tells the story of two women, Emma Malcolm, who lived in the 1700's and Hayley Ashworth, who lives in the present time. Their stories run parallel to each other and their dilemma of when to show loyalty and when to fight for freedom is very well brought out. Both of them have suffered abuse - Emma from her overbearing and cruel father and Hayley from her weak, drug addicted mother. Both women seek courage, Emma as she is involved in helping the Patriots and plays a part in the Boston Tea Party, and Hayley who joins the navy and wants to become the first woman SEAL Neither woman wants to show herself as being weak.
The author tells a very real story with very real characters. She is so good at describing their emotions that we feel as though we are going through their struggles with them. The tea chest and what it contains plays a big part and I like the way that Emma's journal and their research help Hayley and Ethan to unlock its secrets.
There is a strong message running through the book - of overcoming, of unconditional love, of redemption, of loyalty and reconciliation, and of the fact that true courage and freedom comes from surrendering to the Lord.
This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading and one I cannot recommend highly enough.
I received an ARC copy from Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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