ARC Review – Thank you for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
I genuinely appreciated the direction of the story. It presented a refreshing take on the typical vampire narrative while retaining the classic elements of a gothic vampire tale. Additionally, I enjoyed the diverse range of characters, each with their own developments and roles throughout the book.
Tea and Alchemy follows the journey of a woman named Mina Penrose as she navigates life after the tragic loss of her parents, leaving her and her twin brother, Jack, to fend for themselves. Jack, who struggles with alcoholism, is quite controlling towards Mina which puts a strain on their relationship and plays a vital role in the book. Mina works at a tearoom called Magpie, and one evening, on her way home, she stumbles upon a man's body. Mina realises that her talent for tasseography might be more significant than she thought, as she had predicted this man's ominous fate by reading the tea leaves in his cup at the Magpie.
The body is discovered on the enigmatic Tregarrick estate, making the mysterious man a prime suspect. But is he truly to blame, and why does he keep to himself? Mina is determined to uncover the truth behind the murders and assist Tregarrick while unraveling his heartbreaking past. She is resolved to avoid repeating history and figure out the truth behind the beast-like figure in the fog. Who is responsible for the killings in the quaint village, and is Mina herself in danger? This tale weaves together themes of love, murder, and mystery.

While I have rated this story 4 stars, it lingered at a solid 3 stars for quite some time due to its slow pace and repetitive nature. However, by the end, I found myself really enjoying the book. For me, this story is perfect for a cozy, lazy Sunday read or as a light pick-up-and-put-down option amidst a busy schedule. The narrative artfully weaves together themes of alchemy and tea leaves within a captivating love story featuring a beast and a vampire.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

First Impressions & Setting
Tea & Alchemy first drew me in with its gorgeous cover and English countryside setting—it immediately made me nostalgic for England. The historical setting is charming, and I appreciated that the dialogue didn’t feel too modern. It required a bit more focus to read, but it helped ground the story in its time.

Writing Style & Story Structure
Unfortunately, I found the storytelling uneven. The narrative felt choppy, with long and sometimes awkward sentences—made worse by excessive use of parentheses, which disrupted the flow. The tone also came across as a bit juvenile at times, with everything spelled out clearly and little left to the imagination. There’s no real lore to explore or interpret; everything is laid out plainly, which took away the intrigue and sense of discovery I was hoping for.

Characters & Relationships
I had trouble connecting to any of the characters. The main character’s decisions often felt irrational—especially her fascination with the male lead, who repeatedly warns her that he’s dangerous. Her insistence on seeing and even touching him (despite all logic pointing the other way) didn’t feel earned or believable. A friendship would have made more sense than a romance, which felt rushed and lacked emotional build-up.

The sibling dynamic also felt strange and underdeveloped, and the fact that both parents were dead seemed to carry no emotional impact. I found it hard to understand or empathize with any of the characters, which made staying invested difficult.

There were also some contradictions that took me out of the story—for instance, the heroine says she struggles to read and only manages grocery lists, yet later reads a Jane Austen novel and a lengthy letter with ease. The sudden turn from a rejected proposal to a same-day marriage also didn’t feel earned and made the timeline feel wildly unrealistic.

Highlights & Final Thoughts
That said, there were a few things I did enjoy. The church scene, where she observes the painting, was beautifully written and stood out as my favourite moment in the book. I also liked the action scenes—they were vivid and easy to picture.

Overall, Tea & Alchemy was a light and quick read, and I’m glad it’s a standalone. While the cover is lovely and the setting had promise, the execution didn’t work for me. The romance didn’t feel believable, the characters were hard to relate to, and the story lacked emotional weight and subtlety. It just wasn’t the immersive or surprising fantasy I had hoped for.

I really liked this book. I picked it ip super randomly after finding it as a Read Now book on NetGalley and I’m so glad I did!

I loved the characters. The cast was small and that kept the focus on Mina and Harker which I enjoyed. I also loved the nods to classic vampire tales while this had its own unique spin on the legend.

The romance was sweet but I’d have liked a bit more. Lastly, I wanted more alchemy (since it was part of the title).

I would love to see another book set in this world or more about the alchemy this book described.

I’d also read more by this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the first book by this author I have read. I enjoyed the atmospheere and the creative take on the vampire. The celtic twist and rather victorian air of this novel were both refreshing creative. I highly recommend this novel for anyone looking for slow burn, low spice, and a unique take on the classic vampire tale. 5 stars easy.

In nineteenth-century England a young woman spends her days working in a tea shop, but her life is quickly turned upside down when walking home one night she finds a body of a man who seems to have been attacked by a wild animal. A chance encounter with the local wealthy recluse leads to romance and the discovery of the supernatural.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47 North for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 3.5⭐️

I enjoyed this book as an unexpected vampire story that is very obviously influenced by Dracula and the way that it became a version of a cozy fantasy mixed with mystery and romance. The only issue I had with this book was the fact that the resolution/showdown with the baddie at the end felt anticlimactic and everything ended up just a bit too neatly for me. This was still enjoyable and well timed for its release date in October. I will be sure to post a review of this book on my social media (TikTok and YouTube) closer to its release date.

Love the gothic atmosphere creepy vibes. Loved the writing style. Enjoyed the characters. Who doesn’t love a vampire romance.

This was so good! Such a delicious blend of folklore, alchemy and tasseography. A perfect read for rainy or moody days. The dark and foreboding atmosphere was palpable, I loved it.

I did not expect it to be about a certain paranormal creatures (no spoilers), and I was pleasantly surprised. The author put a fresh spin on them, and I really enjoyed how everything played out.

I adored Mina and Harker and how they were trying to figure out what's going on and how to save everyone. The slow-burn romance was sweet, and I liked watching their relationship grow.

Also, the setting was fantastic. It’s based on a real place called Roche Rock in Cornwall, England. And it’s absolutely beautiful! Please google it if you’re unfamiliar with it.

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable story, and I had a great time with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Being a woman is no excuse for being uninformed"

Tea & Alchemy was a delight of a read!

Our heroine, Mina Penrose, leads a simple life. She runs the household for her and her twin brother after their parents passed, while also working at the tea shop in town. But soon, her simple life begins to unwind and broaden after she stumbles upon a dead body and meets the mysterious Harker Tregarrick.

Tea & Alchemy is a cozy gothic fantasy with mystery sprinkled. While alchemy plays a small part in the beginning of the book, it gets left behind as the plot of the story gets revealed.

I do wish Harker's chapters only took place in the second half of the book. While it was cool to see his POV earlier on, I think it would have been more impactful to start it later.

I really enjoyed this book. While parts of it felt rushed and other parts a little bit too unexplored, overall, the story was easy to read and I felt satisfied at its end.

4/5 Stars

Pick this book up if you like:
gothic fantasy
cozy reads
well thought out and researched material
vampires

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion!

Synopsis: When Mina starts seeing shapes in her customer's tea leaves, she's sure it's just her imagination. That is, until she finds a customer drained of blood and a strange horned figure fleeing into the mist at the edge of the Tregarrick estate only hours after seeing death in his tea leaves.

Hidden away on the estate in the Roche Rock chapel, vampire Harker Tregarrick is determined to end his cursed bloodline, satiating his blood desires with an alchemic essence he formulated. But Harker's isolation is shattered when a demonic creature starts taking victims on his estate, and old rumours of his ancestor's dark past start to resurface.

When Mina starts to investigate the murders, she discovers Harker's true nature and trusts his pleas of innocence. But despite the danger, Mina can't stay away, and both their willpower and sanity are tested as desire draws them closer.

Review: This was not marketed as a vampire story, and I wish it had been as this is not a genre I like. I found the story difficult to get through because Mina was constantly being foolish and selfish, tempting Harker's vampire nature by seeking him out even after he attacked her despite his imploring her to keep away.

With thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gothic historical fantasy story, a romance between a tasseographer (someone who tells fortunes through tea leaves) and a vampire. This story is perfect for lovers of all things fall and gothic stories. Highly recommend if your a fan of Belladonna to pick this one up when it releases in October.

Thank you NetGalley! 4.5⭐️ Rounded up because this author made me like a book containing a vampire! Set in 1854 Cornwell, Mina Penrose and her brother Jack live in a small cottage after being orphaned. Jack works long, hard days clay mining while Mina works at a tea house, The Magpie, for Mrs. Moyle. After a murder at the edge of Roche Rock, Mina meets its property’s owner in the tea house. Harker Tregarrick is a mysterious man rarely seen and Mina is captivated by him. Trouble ensues and Mina is determined to safeguard not only her remaining family but also the captivating Mr. Tregarrick. Wonderful story filled with mystery and romance.

Tea & Alchemy by Sharon Lynn Fisher offers a different take on the vampire genre that surprised me with its originality.

Mina Penrose lives a reclusive life working at a tea shop with her budding tea leaf reading talent predicting ominous things for her and her village. When a series of attacks shakes her village, the answers lie in the bottom of her tea cups and in the strange house atop the hill. Alchemy, vampires, and supernatural beings threaten the safety and fabric of the village with Mina being forced to make an irreversible decision.

Tea & Alchemy incorporated folklore and Alchemy as the origins of a vampiric curse in this cozy fantasy. I liked the originality and Gothic elements that didn't veer too far into the horror or fantasy realms. The story was at times eerie with its pagan elements creating a suspenseful village mystery.

Tea & Alchemy was a unique story about vampires perfect for fans of British folk horror.

I loved Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher and wanted to read more of her work. Tea & Alchemy did not disappoint!

Set in 1854 Cornwall, Mina Penrose escapes her grief by working at a village tearoom called The Magpie, until an eerie omen leads her to a murdered man on the heath. The villagers blame Harker Tregarrick, the reclusive lord of a crumbling estate. And when he unexpectedly appears at The Magpie, Mina is drawn into his haunted past. As danger looms, she must uncover the truth behind the murder—and the man the village fears.

Okay, okay, can I just say how much I loved Harker? The little glimpses we get into his point of view were so satisfying. The way he thinks about Mina is so tender. He’s practically obsessed with her (in a good way, I swear), but also deeply aware that he might not be good for her, so he tries to keep his distance. The yearning, the tension (so much tension!), it was unreal. Exactly the kind of romance I live for. And even though their connection develops quickly, it felt natural in this world. Mina was a delight to read, too! She’s not a damsel in distress, though she stays soft and kind. Unmarried, the daughter of a miner, with few options in life, she knows her path won’t be easy, but she just wants to spend her life doing something she loves, and she'd do anything for the people she loves. I was cheering for her the entire time!

The writing style is beautiful, and I especially loved how grounded it was in the era. The setting, dialogue, and vocabulary all felt true to the time, and I could tell a lot of research went into the worldbuilding. Even simple scenes of Mina’s daily life were compelling because of how vivid the writing is.

I was also really into the mystery! It hooked me early, and I genuinely didn’t know where it was headed. When the threads began to come together, I was fully on board with where it was going. But the resolution came a little fast, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more time spent unraveling it. And there was a dip in urgency about two-thirds in, after a major plot point shifts the focus more toward the romance. I didn’t mind too much because I’m a sucker for romance, and the emotional payoff was worth it. Still, the ending wrapped up a little too neatly. I would’ve liked to see Harker and Mina struggle a bit more for their happy ending. It felt like things just fell into place too easily.

Overall, Tea & Alchemy is a beautifully crafted blend of historical fantasy, romance, and mystery, wrapped in a richly atmospheric setting. If you enjoy stories with a touch of the gothic, heartfelt romance, and a hint of the uncanny, this one is definitely worth diving into!

If you're looking for a cozy, gothic, romantic mystery, then brew yourself a cuppa and dive into this gem. Set in the lush, moody landscapes of 19th-century Cornwall, this story follows a tea leaf reader who gets entangled with a reclusive alchemist (did someone say vampire?!). Think gothic vibes, simmering romance, and secrets brewing faster than your morning coffee!

What I loved:
* Atmosphere for DAYS: Seriously, Fisher transports you straight to Cornwall. You can practically smell the sea air and the brewing potions. It’s cozy, it's a little bit spooky, and totally enchanting.
* Unique Premise: Tea leaf reading and alchemy? Yes, please! It's such a fresh blend of historical fiction and magic.
* Slow-Burn Goodness: The romance is a beautiful slow burn that actually develops. No insta-love here, just genuine connection blossoming over time. ❤️‍🔥
* Mysteries & Magic: There's a fantastic underlying mystery that keeps you turning pages, plus just enough magic to make your imagination sing.

This book is perfect if you loved "The House in the Cerulean Sea" or "Mexican Gothic" (but with less horror and more charm!). It's whimsical, a little dark, and utterly captivating.

I loved everything about this book! The characters were all well written. I even loved the cast of secondary characters we got to meet along the way. The writing was great and immersed me in the story. I loved this new take on the vampire romance genre. The main characters were sweet and absolutely perfect for each other.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
All opinions are my own

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Absolutely wonderful book that kept me engaged while reading it from start to finish. The characters are well-written and each brings something to the story. The setting is described in detail, making it easy to envision. I would say this is a slow-burn type of romance where the focus is on the developing relationship between the main characters as they navigate an important barrier to being together. I did like how the two worked together in their attempts to make the barrier disappear. Anything more than this and I’d be giving away the plot.

I loved everything about this book and then the incest came long.

I wanted to give this book like a 4-5 star rating due to the writing style, execution, and everything being so well done. It’s clear the author did research and the pacing is perfect.

Then the siblings are meant to be married. There is hesitation to this. I thought for sure it would be concrete. What the heck. Not for me. I know this is historical but a heads up would have been really nice a the note at the beginning just as the berries might kill people. Incest is something you should be putting in a content warning.

Thank you for allowing me to review this ARC. I leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

Tea and Alchemy is a quiet, atmospheric historical fantasy that blends cozy Victorian life with gothic undertones and a fresh interpretation of familiar supernatural themes.

Set in Victorian Cornwall, the novel follows Mina Penrose, a miner’s daughter who works at a local tearoom on the edge of a windswept village. After discovering a body on the road, Mina finds herself drawn into the orbit of Harker Tregarrick, a reclusive alchemist whose presence stirs both suspicion and fascination. As tensions rise and old myths resurface, Mina begins to uncover truths that could reshape everything she thought she knew about her world.

The early pacing is somewhat slow (a bit slower than I liked) with an emphasis on setting, internal reflection, and character dynamics. It does take time for the plot to fully gain momentum, but the second half delivers more action, tension, and emotional development—particularly in Mina and Harker’s interactions.

Fisher’s writing is clean and immersive, with strong attention to historical detail. I appreciated the grounded portrayal of a working-class family, as well as the layered relationship between Mina and her twin brother. Even the side characters felt fully realized, contributing to the lived-in feel of the world. Though I hadn’t expected a strong supernatural element, I was pleasantly surprised by the way it was handled. Fisher avoids clichés and instead offers a folklore-inflected take that fits the tone and setting well.

Overall, Tea and Alchemy is a well-written and engaging historical paranormal romance with gothic elements, a gradual romantic thread, and an emphasis on character and atmosphere. Recommended for readers who enjoy slow-burn, closed door romance with a blend of mystery and folklore.

Thank you 47North and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This surprised me, I went into the story not knowing anything about it. I applied for the title on Net Galley because the cover was cute and the name interested me. I read this book in two days and ate it up! I’m usually don’t find vampires or werewolves done “right” in many of the books I read but this did it for me. There was a strong female main character, Mina, who did not let anyone change her mind and a comforting male main character Harker. The storyline is well developed and interesting with many moving parts. Overall loved the pacing, the characters, and the setting of the story. Thank you 47North for the ARC copy and to Sharon Lynn Fisher for your wonderful story telling.

Tea & Alchemy is a cozy gothic mystery with a slow-burn romance, set in a richly imagined 1800s Cornwall. Sharon Lynn Fisher blends folklore, alchemy, and Victorian charm into a story that feels like sipping tea by a foggy window—warm and soothing, with something eerie brewing just beneath the surface.

Mina Penrose works in a tea shop, where she begins to see unsettling truths in the leaves. Her visions soon connect to a local murder and the mysterious, reclusive Harker Tregarrick—an alchemist with a dark past and a name that nods to Dracula. Together, they unravel secrets that tie the supernatural to their small village.

The setting is atmospheric, the mystery intriguing, and the romance unfolds with gentle tension. While some character beats feel familiar, Fisher’s prose and world-building more than make up for it. The dual perspectives add depth, and the story pays off with satisfying twists.

A perfect autumn read—moody, magical, and just a bit macabre. Like waiting for tea cakes to finish while enjoying your first cuppa in a favorite cozy nook.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.