I thought this book was boring. It really didn’t capture my attention at all. & the characters just feel predictable & common. #ASpiritedBlend #NetGalley

The mystery was strong in this one, and it kept me going back and forth with my theories. The main character, Shay, was a bit annoying. I wanted her to stop whining and be an adult. The mystery was strong enough that I would give the next book a try.

I have really enjoyed following Shay’s story in this series, but she felt a little less confident and strong in this installments. She came across a little whiny at times - particularly when it came to the romance between her and Liam (which felt a little too drawn out).

Overall, a quick and fun read and cute cozy mystery. There were a lot of different storylines going on, and I wish there had been a bit more magic. That said, I think Lauren Elliott has set up a great next book for this series.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #KensingtonPublishing and #KensingtonCozies for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This cozy mystery book included a paranormal twist that adds an extra layer of intrigue, which made the story both eerie and engaging. The romantic development that occurs between Shay and her love interest comes full circle and that had me rooting for them. And the mystery itself? It kept me hooked, with twists that kept me guessing until the end.

This is the third book in the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS series. Shay Myers runs a enchanted tea shop. She is running her business and contemplating her relationship with pub owner, Liam. When she reads a customer's tea leaves and sees a ominous vision, she thinks she read the leaves wrong. But when the customer ends up dead, Shay realizes that her reading was right. I really enjoyed the first book in the series. I skipped the second book, but I was able to pick up the story with ease. I really enjoyed the mystery and Shay and Liam's relationship. The characters are well written. I am looking forward to more in this series. I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren Elliott continues Crystals and CuriosiTeas mysteries with A Spirited Blend. Shay Myers is brewing seasonal teas at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS, her store, as her love life is going nowhere. Madame Malvina and Shay's former husband who has moved to town are making life miserable. Brad cheated her out of her business and life savings and got her falsely jailed, but she now discovers he was drugging her then. The mayor's wife is found dead from a drug overdose under suspicious circumstances. Whodunit? Shay is a witch with powers she is only learning to manage and she employs a magical pendant to help her that others want to steal. How many suspects can there be? Read and find out.

Lauren Elliott writes some of my favorite cozy mysteries. I have enjoyed this series too, but I have to admit this one took me a long time to get through. The book wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t one that grabbed my attention or was difficult to put down. I was glad to see a resolution to the romantic drama as I was definitely tired of that lack of communication. Shay is struggling to keep her business afloat when she bumps into a dead body. Adding to the drama is her ex and his new partner moving to town. The direction of the bad guy was pretty clear in this one, but I still enjoyed the story. I would like to see more sleuthing/clues/suspects in future books and less focus on the relationship stuff which I am hopeful for since the relationship things felt more settled at the end of this one. This is still a good series and I am hopeful that the next one will be back on track with the level of gripping me the other books have had.

“A Spirited Blend” is the nicely done third book in Lauren Elliott’s Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery series featuring tea shop owner Shay Myers. While this book can technically be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning so you can get all the details about Shay’s complex background and her relationship with others in her life including her late mother, her sister, pub owner Liam, her dog Spirit, her ex-husband and former best friend, and more. In fact, many of those relationships change and grow in this book as Shay continues to learn things about her past. Shay is a seer, aided by her late mother, and I love the magic throughout the book. There are a few mysteries in the book and the main one, the murder mystery, is very well done, but also very sad. It’s not often that I feel sorry for a killer in a mystery that I read, but I did in this one. In the end, while the murder mystery is solved, and a few things in Shay’s life are resolved, there are still a few things not wrapped up and I hope there will be future books so we can see what happens next to Shay and crew.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is such a great series. The writing is great, the story line is great, the characters are great....it's just overall great. A Spirited Blend is the third in the series. The first in the series was my favoite and this one was a close second.

There are so many twist and turns. We see the re-emergence of Shay's evil ex husband. Also, Shay's tea shop may be at risk. Ever since Madame Vadivina opened her shop. There isn't too too much about tea in this one, but it was mentioned. One thing I don't understand is how Shay can manage a shop when she is always out sleuthing. Who is watching the shop? That was the only thing that bothered me. Otherwise, I was pleased with the ending and I am really looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another great installment in this witchy series. This addition had so much drama! The story kept me guessing and on my toes throughout the book. Her ex? A competing tea shop? Her "dad"? Everything. Plus the will they/won't they between the FMC and Irish pub owner? I can't wait for more.

This book was so easy to jump into as someone new to the series and the writing swept you into the drama and the cozy setting right away. The MC is thinking about her love life, her business, and the dramatic reveals about her past. Oh yeah and the magic! I love how her reveries gave such an easy and interesting recap for readers and really set the scene for the events in this book. The threat of the murder and Doyle hanging over Shay made me feel so bad for her as she also tries to make her tea shop succeed. With the help from her friends, the second half moves quickly with visions and clues and I enjoyed how people helped her and she opened up more to people. The ending was dramatic and had me on the edge of my seat. I hope Shay can keep some of the happiness she found (big heart eyes) into the next book!

Book three of the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series starts with multiple mysteries including the threat of Shay’s father, Doyle, being seen in town and the machinations of the false friend, Madame Malvina, putting Shay, Liam, and his cousin Conor on the offensive. At the center of the story is Cora Sutton, the Mayor’s wife, who learns that she and Shay share an ancestor from Ireland, Biddy Early. Biddy was known as a healer and the owner of a magical blue bottle that disappeared when Biddy died. Against Shay’s advice, Cora tells anyone and everyone and her family tree, even hinting that she may even have the mysterious and mythical blue bottle. The very bottle that contains the blue diamond which is secretly hanging around Shay’s neck and acts to amplify and focus Shay’s abilities. Shay does a tea reading that shows misfortune on the horizon. Surely Doyle is responsible for the death. If not him, then Madame Malvina has to have had a hand in it.

Shay is learning to trust her abilities but alas, it did not prepare her for the new neighbors, Brad, her no good, cheating, thief of an ex-husband and his wife, Shay’s ex-friend, Angela, the assistant who stole her husband, money, and reputation. The second mystery that is causing Shay angst is trying to figure out why on earth would those two move from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Bray Harbor, California and move in right next to Shay.

The last mystery of this book is trying to figure out why and how former San Francisco detective Liam is as thick as a 4x4 plank of wood, just ask his Irish Gran. Shay is so well written that I have felt the frustration right along with her as Liam “parades” woman after woman past her and even has the numbskull nerve to ask her for dating advice. ARGGGGGGG.

Once again, Lauren Elliott has crafted a wonderful cozy that has a touch of magic, a slow burn romance, wonderful character growth, a tea house, a furry and Spirited friend, and a bit of folklore. I was captivated by the ups and downs and completely thrown off by the red herrings. Tassi seems to be developing a bit of intuition, perhaps this will be developed as well. While this is a stand-alone and part of an overall story, there is plenty of plot development and shared history. This story arc is far from over and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Elliott brings us next.

1. Not. Enough. Magic. Though there WAS more than book 2, there still isn't as much as book 1 [which was a fantastic read and the best of the series so far].

2. SO. MUCH. WHINING. I often had to remind myself that Shay was an adult, a shop owner, homeowner, and NOT a silly 13-year old girl [and that is probably insulting to some 13-year old girls]. The whining, the swooning over a man [with the internal dialogue that she could not POSSIBLY ever be what he would want OR be good enough for him {<--though we DO find out why some of that occurs and so I can cut her some slack there} ]...I *thought* this was a mystery??

3. The mystery was very, very good [and fairly creepy at times]. Very well-written red herrings. I only guessed the who [though, in all honesty, I *JUST* figured out the why while writing this review. Sigh. ::FACEPALM::] just as we find out in the book and I was...surprised. I also was very surprised at how lenient everyone was towards the baddie after the reveal - that was very weird and I am not sure why everyone was so...forgiving?

4. Did I mention that there was not nearly enough magic?

5. There was some very cool information about plants, poisonous plants, and fairy circles/rings. I wish there had been more of that along with more magic. Since Shay runs a tea shop [that focuses on special blends she grows herself] and all. ::SHRUG::

Overall, this was just an okay read for me; I think I will continue with this series though because I 1. have hope, and 2. I *KNOW* how amazing this series can be [book 1 proves that, along with the good parts of this book. It is clear the author knows how to write a good mystery] and I can cross my fingers that the next one will be that again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Elliot, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm loving this cozy series and this is a good addition that kept me turning pages and guessing. Well plotted and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A Spirited Blend
By Lauren Elliott
Kensington
2025

Review by Cynthia Chow

As the owner of Bray Harbor, California’s Crystals and CuriosiTeas teashop, Shayleigh Myers feels the pressure to step up and have outstanding spooky-themed treats for their town’s upcoming Halloween carnival. Shay is already stressed by the competing tea shop across from her, as Madame Malvina had used the pretense of friendship to steal ideas for her own profitable venture. Shay had only recently learned of her own heritage and gift of second sight, which has her infuriated by Malvina’s fake readings and the wreckage her false predictions could wreak. Shay is already irritated with Madigan’s Pub owner Liam Madigan’s obliviousness to her interest in him, continuing to date every available woman in Bray Harbor and placing her in the “Friend Zone.” Shay is ready to give up on them as a possible couple despite her Gran’s insistence that they are destined to be together due to their fairy heritage. Shay must put this aside though when she is asked to do a tea reading for the mayor’s wife Cora Sutton, who after a visit to her family in San Francisco learned of possible relatives they share in common. The abrasive woman is the last person Shay would want to call family, but after looking into Cora’s teacup sees what could be dire portents. While Gran asserts that the meanings are targeted more towards Shay than Cora, it is the latter who is discovered possibly poisoned to death and with a curio from Shay’s teashop. Wanting to disprove any connection and protect the teashop she has grown to love, Shay begins looking into their family history and why her own thieving ex-husband has suddenly moved into town.

This 3rd in the series explores more of the fantasy world that has been introduced into Shay’s life, from reading tea leaves to her mysterious family lineage. She only recently learned that she was adopted, and that her possible father is a nefarious figure who may have had a hand in her mother’s death. Shay has also been hiding a secret, mystical blue bottle and diamond from her sister Jenn, and the fact that they both seem to be hiding truths from one another means that they need to have an honest discussion soon. The mystical element of will fascinate readers and please those looking for their mysteries mixed with fairy myths and lore. Romance fans will also be rewarded as Shay finally moves closer to finding her own true happiness, not to mention building a family who supports and loves her. This is a fun, magical read that will delight a variety of readers.

The tea isn't the only thing brewing when once again Shay stumbles across another dead body! This series is outstanding in that it brings just a tad bit of paranormal to the cozy mystery world, but brings a ton of wonderful character connections that are realistic and endearing. Not only is the mystery boiling over with intrigue, but Shay's personal world is getting a ton of spices tossed into it and not all of them are good. We all have people and events from our past that we would prefer to stay in the past, but just like in real life they don't always stay away. Often times we are forced to confront those past people and events in our current lives whether we want to or not. However, Shay may end up getting more than she bargained for as events unfurl! I do highly recommend that you read this series in order so you will be up to speed with things from Shay's past as well as get to know all the characters in the story. This isn't one that I would recommend trying to read as a standalone or you'll be a bit lost. However, you will get to enjoy hours and hours of great entertainment by starting at the beginning. In the meantime, I will be impatiently awaiting the next book in the series so I can see what happens next in Shay's world!!!

This is the third book in the Crystals & CriosiTEAS series, and I believe I have read them all. They are cozy mysteries and most enjoyable with the tea shop setting and some witchcraft.

Description:
For charmed tea shop owner Shay Myers, getting steeped in Bray Harbor, California’s October festivities is spookier than she ever could have bargained for—especially when a bone-chilling murder mystery spells grave danger . . .

With Halloween around the corner, Shay Myers is brewing witchy seasonal sips at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS—while simultaneously steaming over pub owner Liam Madigan’s decision to take anybody but her to the town’s Monster Mash dance. Her romantic premonitions have missed the mark since she settled into coastal Bray Harbor, opening the door to questions about whether she’s really the gifted seer her late mother imagined. It’s why she second guesses the dark vision in her tea leaves about a local citizen and their obsession with genealogy, Irish folklore, and magic . . .

But when bad omens come true, Shay doesn’t have time for self-doubt. A woman’s body has been discovered, frozen in a strange pose with an eerie black butterfly on her forehead, leading to suspicions that the victim took a conjuring ritual too far due to limited experience—or was murdered by someone with too much. As an investigation stirs up a sinister connection to a boardwalk mystic shop, Shay, guided by her knowing dog, Spirit, finds herself tracking down a shady figure from her past, navigating the sudden reappearance of her ex-husband, and chasing down a wickedly perceptive criminal who might finally be her match!

My Thoughts:
I was happy to join the sisters, Shay and Jenn, in another mystery. There are several issues going on in this book: the competition between the tea shops, Shay hiding stuff from her sister, the possibility that the dark presence who wanted her special gem might be in town stalking her, the presence of her ex-husband and what's going on with him, the situation with the Mayor's wife, and the relationship with Liam. Lots of intrigue in this one! The story is well written and enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the small town of Bray Harbor. This is a fun cozy series and anyone who likes cozies with a little magic will enjoy this.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Mysteries, surprises, and revelations abound in this interesting third addition to the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery series as Shay and crew try to figure out what happened to a pillar of the community, what exactly a fellow teashop owner is up to, and why Shay's ex-husband is in town. Definitely recommend.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

The third book in the Crystals and curiosities series is a blend of cozy mystery and spirits. Shay is a budding seer in Bray Harbor. Shay reads the tea leaves of a prominent citizen who later dies. Determined to find the killer she sets out unraveling the clues. A spirited mystery! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

A Spirited Blend by Lauren Elliot is a mystery with a touch of magic. Truthfully, I have always had trouble getting into this story. Shay Myers own a teahouse, Crystals and CuriosiTEAS which she has inherited from her birth mother. She worked there with her adoptive sister, Jen as they brewed their own teas and sold baked goods made by Tassi, the daughter of a friend who had become one of Shay’s good friends. It was Halloween weekend and there was a festival, and to be honest, Shay was not looking forward to it. Madame Malvina, who had pretended to be Shay’s friend, had opened a rival teashop and things were not good between them. Amongst the things Shay had inherited from her mother was a small blue bottle with a magic blue diamond inside. Shay wore it around her neck. Lots of people wanted it, including Malvina. Liam was underfoot, asking her about yet another potential girlfriend and Shay was done with that, too, and told him to get out and not return. It all got complicated when her ex-husband and his new wife turned up, announcing they had bought a vineyard and would be moving here. There’s a lot of backstory there. Let’s just say, Shay was not happy.

Shay had a small cadre of friends to help her investigate and they are some of the high points of the novel. Her grandmother, in particular, an elderly Irish woman who never minces words is particularly entertaining. The setting is gorgeous, much of it at or near the beach, and the touch of magic is entertaining, except for how many people are after it, which always causes trouble. Shay is a good character, simply trying to move forward and learn as much as she can from her dead mother’s journals and not run her business into the ground. The woman had been an expert herbalist and brewer of teas, as well has possessing magic. The plot is good and the pacing works. I have high hopes for the future of this series.

I was invited to read A Spirited Blend by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #LaurenElliott #ASpiritedBlend