Daphne has inherited her grandmother’s beloved tea shop, Tea Thyme, and continues the charming English theme her grandmother began. A devoted Jane Austen fan, Daphne treasures her quiet, predictable life—until a genuine Brit moves in next door and turns her world upside down.
Finn Dashwood arrives in Wisteria, North Carolina, with his six-year-old daughter, Lucy, after heartbreak and betrayal leave him searching for a fresh start. His dream is to open an authentic English pub, but the perfect location happens to be right beside Tea Thyme. Daphne is less than thrilled with the noisy neighbor and his plans, though Finn quickly notices how deeply the townsfolk—and Lucy—adore her.
When a celebrity wedding is scheduled in their cozy mountain town, Daphne and Finn find themselves competing for the coveted catering job. The rivalry escalates into a town-wide contest, with each showcasing their best dishes. The stakes are high, but so are the sparks flying between them.
Pepper Basham delivers a charming tale filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists. The endearing cast of characters will capture your heart, while the sweet romance and small-town warmth make this story impossible to put down. A Brewed Awakening is a delightful blend of wit, poignancy, and hope—a perfect read for fans of heartfelt, clean, contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is exactly the kind of feel-good, small-town romance that reminds you why her books are such comfort reads. With Basham’s signature blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and fully lovable characters, this story feels like a warm cup of coffee shared with your best friend.

The chemistry between the leads is both sweet and sparkling, the banter is pitch-perfect, and the community around them adds a rich coziness to the entire narrative. Basham excels at creating characters who feel real: flawed, hopeful, and easy to root for. I especially loved the gentle exploration of second chances, belonging, and finding courage to open your heart again.

If you're looking for a romance that's uplifting without being saccharine, tender without losing its wit, and infused with a dash of Basham’s trademark charm, A Brewed Awakening is a must-read. Perfect for fans of small-town settings, faith-touched narratives, and stories that leave you smiling long after the last page. Highly recommended!

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

Pepper Basham writes EVERYTHING so well, and A Brewed Awakening is another winner! Sweet, romantic, with a yummy tea shop setting in a small Carolina town I'd love to live in. Plus characters you really come to care about. Loved it!

This book wrecked me. In the best possible way.
I loved it, cover to cover.
The banter between the two main characters was maybe a bit much, but what else can you expect from a Pepper Basham book?! ☺️

Sweet and spicy all around!


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Brewed Awakening is a very well written rom-com. I throughly enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. This author always delivers a good read. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This is my unbiased review.

Pepper Basham has done it again! This book was completely delightful from start to finish. I loved the characters and their development and growth. The plot was well-paced and captivating. I highly recommend this clean and wholesome read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

A Brewed Awakening was so warm and easy to read and fall in love with.

I loved the tiny mountain town chaos, the bakery vs pub rivalry and the little social media posts at the start of each chapter, those were honestly my favourite part 🩷

Daphne and Finn have that soft, steady chemistry that you can’t help but loveee. The prank war, the catering drama, Lucy being adorable it all just worked together in that feel good, small town way.

I really liked this one 🤎📚🫖✨

Charming, funny, and delightful, I loved it! I want to live in Wisteria. You do not want to miss this sweet enemies-to-lovers, and opposites-attract foodie rom-com set in the perfectly endearing small town.

Anglophile Daphne Austen, owner of Tea Thyme, meets the new owner of The Green Dragon Pub, and next door neighbor British Finn Dashwood while she is practically drooling over his English car (a Cabriolet like the one her grandma used to love). "There would come a day when she'd respond like a grown-up around handsome men. This was not that day." She's less than impressed with Finn despite his car.

Oh my goodness, the start of every chapter includes local town social media posts and hashtags that are a hoot!

A Brewed Awakening is about a town full of unforgettable characters, and main characters who have been through difficult losses, an adorable six-year-old daughter Lucy, highly entertaining banter, friendly competition, and lots of great food. Everyone in town pulls together during good times and difficult times. The author has created such a great place, I wasn't kidding when I said I'd like to live here, or spend a vacation here.

I highly recommend A Brewed Awakening for lovers of satisfying romantic comedy! Author Pepper Basham writes completely entertaining and delightful stories, and this latest one is wonderful.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson via Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This was the perfect small town cozy romance I've been looking for! And yes, it did make me want to keep refilling my tea cup while enjoying it. It nails that small-town, Hallmark-movie magic without ever slipping into cheesy territory .It’s warm, funny, and full of heart in all the right ways.

Daphne and Finn have A+ banter, the kind that actually feels earned instead of forced, and their enemies-to-lovers chemistry hits that perfect sweet spot: clean, swoony, and satisfyingly slow burn romance. The small-town gossip threads and social-media posts sprinkled in? Absolutely hilarious. and the small town felt like a place I want to move to and immediately befriend every nosy neighbor.

Finn’s relationship with his daughter was gold, and Daphne was instantly lovable. This book just feels good like comfort food in romance form.

It made me smile the whole way through.

This was such a fun, creative story about a tea shop owner and a single dad who is new to town and opening his own restaurant.
The banter was not just great between the two main characters but the entire town.
It took me a little while to get used to reading the posts in the book but once I did, it quickly became one of the things I enjoyed the most in this book. It just took this from a good rom-com to a great read that has hilarious banter and so much heart. This is the first book I have read from this author but it definitely will not be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a fun, feel-good read! Their rivalry had me grinning the whole time. The banter is great, the setting feels like something out of a Hallmark movie. If you like lighthearted, clean romances with lots of humor and heart, this one’s an easy recommendation. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thanks to the author and to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This one did not disappoint. Sweet, romantic, and the best setting! I love when I can relate to the characters and also when I see a story hold such a special place in my heart. This author writes such amazing stories and I am so happy to share this one with all of the people in my life

A BREWED AWAKENING by PEPPER BASHAM is best described as a “culinary rom-com”, which takes place in the friendly town of Wisteria, where Daphne Austen, lover of tea and Jane Austen, meets the very British, flirtacious and disturbingly handsome Finn Dashwood, drinker of coffee and hater of tea, who sets up his pub next dorr to her “princess tea shop”, Tea Thyme. Finn owns a cabriolet and has a delightful daughter, both of which make Daphne feel less hostile towards her infuriating competitor……..
There is depth to this story as the author gives us insight into the characters’ emotions, and also as tradegy hits the town…….
There is humour, non-stop banter, interference from the locals, competition, a gentle Chrutian message and a sense of belonging in the community, woven into a truly lovely story.
I cannot recommend this entertaining and most enjoyable read strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is a fun, cozy read that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket with a good cup of coffee ☕️. The story is lighthearted and full of charm, with a small-town setting that’s easy to settle into and characters that feel instantly familiar.

Pepper Basham’s humor really shines—there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments mixed with sweet, thoughtful ones. The romance is clean and slow-building, making it perfect for readers who enjoy gentle tension and lots of heart rather than high drama.

Overall, A Brewed Awakening is an easy, feel-good read that’s perfect when you want something comforting, funny, and uplifting. A great pick for cozy fiction fans and anyone who enjoys faith-filled stories with warmth and wit.

THE BANTER!!! OH THE BANTER!!!! Shout out to Netgalley for approving this book right before a snowstorm and bitt rly cold weather hit. I bundled up on my couch and devoured this book! The banter between the main characters was next level!! Hilarious, sweet, gave me some new sayings that I want to use. I may or may not have cried a few times, and I loved the faith aspect of the book. It was beautifully woven in and just what I needed to hear about trusting God. I absolutely looovveeeeedddd this book and if there isn't a next book in the series with her little brother and her BFF, I will be upset!

Delightful. Adorable. Swoon-worthy kisses and laugh-out-loud banter. I absolutely LOVE A Brewed Awakening. Finn and Daphne are joining Luke and Ellie at the top of my favorite rom-com couples. Finn and Daphne themselves are wonderful; their banter is delightful, and the enemies-to-more trope is so satisfying. The social media posts and comments at the beginning of the chapters add character and humor. I loved the clever hashtags and the fun merch the general store kept coming up with to highlight each post.

Little Lucy is just the cutest, and adds a sweet, adorable layer to the relationship between Finn and Daphne. Pepper Basham created the quintessential Southern small town, a perfect backdrop for the romance. and also the ideal cast of neighbors to support each other in good times and in crisis. The entire town comes together at the end, after a major crisis affects everyone.

I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to leave a review. This opinion is my own.

Pepper Basham has become THE voice in romantic comedy with heart and sass. In A Brewed Awakening, readers will find the perfect blend of British wit, Southern charm, and enemies-to-lover banter. They'll also find a community that comes together when everything falls apart and a love story that you wish was your own. It is a pitch-perfect page turner of romantic sweetness filled with zany joy.

I really enjoyed this read, the banter and texting is great!
Two vulnerable people end up next to one another, and both serve food! Then a clash of beverages, along with food.
The highlight is Lucy, a darling six year old, whom has had her share of life's challenges, and she is a catalyst to friendship.
The town of Wisteria, or rather the people whom live there, are so welcoming, and for a guy from England they soon make him one of their own.
This read keeps you page turner, and mostly with a smile, but we are also offered some very real danger, and wonder if the town will even survive.
I did enjoy the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

I always look forward to reading Pepper Basham’s books, and I have to say—this one is my favorite so far. The characters are unforgettable, and the setting descriptions are wonderfully vivid. The small town of Wisteria felt exactly like a small town should: full of charm, colorful personalities, good-natured teasing, and spunky elderly wisdom. And let’s not forget the food—gosh! I felt hungry just reading about it.

Settle into your quiet reading nook with your favorite cup of tea like Daphne Austen, or a scalding cup of coffee like Finn Dashwood, and enjoy their absolutely delightful chemistry, delicious food, and witty social commentary. This book was such a joy from start to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for this awesome book! My review is in no way influenced by NetGalley or the author and all thoughts contained herein are my own.

5/5 Stars!

There might be a second queen of rom-coms in my heart (so you haven't been dethroned Katherine Center, you're just sharing!) Pepper Basham writes stories of faith, hope and grit that will leave you laughing, crying and believing that the world isn't so bad. And she writes a kiss that will make your knees weak and your face flush, without once entering the bedroom. A Brewed Awakening is classic Pepper Basham.

A Brewed Awakening follows Daphne Austen, who owns a Jane Austen themed teashop and Finn Dashwood, the sexy brit who opened a British style restaurant next door. He catches her ogling his car the first time they meet and it just gets better from there. Daphne loves all things British, Finn is VERY British, and very sexy. What could go wrong? His flirt filter completely malfunctions around her and she's terrified of having her heart broken again. When his young daughter, Lucy, gets attached to Daphne, Finn has no choice but to get closer to the woman, although he too is afraid of having his (and Lucy's) heart broken again.

A prank war ensues, along with soft moments where a concert is thrown, featuring Lucy and Daphne and a lot of Disney songs. Each moment of this book will have your heart in a gooey mess, while also making you believe that true love does exist. Not everybody leaves, and sometimes love stays. And it also shows how much community means, especially when disaster strikes and a dam wall breaks, nearly wiping out the entire town.

After enduring so much loss between them, Daphne and her brother, Jack, are such kind people that you wouldn't say the world has tried to break them. We should all be more like that - leaning more on our faith than on our hurt, finding ways to let the light shine through our brokenness. I love the fact that Pepper Basham has such a soft way of leading her readers and her characters in faith, those quiet prayers we say when we're tired, or panicked or in a mess. The Lord hears them all and that's why we should never stop talking to Him.

Daphne, Lucy, Jack and Finn have my whole heart and this story captivated me in a way that few stories ever do. Nobody writes clean Christian rom-coms quite like Ms Basham!

A Brewed Awakening is perfect for people who love: prank wars between people who love each other and don't know it, perfect food pairings that are complete opposites, opposites attract, cute little girls who are tough and kind and funny, a huge crisis that brings everyone together, flirting and banter (lots of it!) and grace, love and faith. Also, see kisses that render you breathless!

Be ready to laugh, cry, gasp, chuckle, swoon, and experience other emotions as you read this book! I want to visit the town of Wisteria, have tea with Daphne, flirt with Finn, read books with Lucy, and meet all the other wonderful characters I met in Pepper Basham’s new book.

Another warning – don’t read this book when hungry! Basham should be required to include a cookbook appendix!

There’s so much more I could say about this book, but instead of reading what I think, go read the book yourself!

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #ABrewedAwakening #NetGalley

Pepper Basham turns up the heat in the kitchen and on the page in her newest book, A Brewed Awakening, a sweet, wholesome romance that’s an absolute treat for the heart. This story had me cheering for the sassy Southern, tea-loving heroine as she faces off with a savory Brit who’s equal parts tease and charm—pushing all the right buttons in this enemies-to-lovers romance that had me swooning. And yes, I fell for him too, luv. These two whip up a wonderfully balanced story filled with humor, banter, and a cast of characters I didn’t want to leave behind. Pepper infuses joy, heart, and faith into this romcom, creating a story I absolutely devoured—and one that left me eagerly awaiting whatever she serves up next.

A fun romance between two opposites set in a small Appalachian mountain town.
Contemporary romance fans will enjoy this one, full of witty banter between rival owners of eateries. The food references were droolworthy, they all sounded so good. Loved the funny 'tweets' from the community members that punctuated the story. There is a lot more going on beneath the surface of their back and forth escapades. Both main characters have had serious life experiences that they had to overcome and that continue to color their outlook on relationships. The addition of a sweet little girl brought out a tender side of both, complete with Disney princess references and songs. The plot turns a serious corner or two towards the end as a crisis brings the community together. The ending was less predictable than I'd imagined as a result and heartfelt. Definitely worth the wait.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a book with a clean romance and inspirational moments. 4.5 stars

A clever enemies to lovers romantic comedy that will draw you in on page one. Pepper Basham's prose is smooth and lyrical. I got a great sense of the setting in Wisteria, North Carolina but also the deep love for all things English. I loved the sass of the main character,Daphne, and how she broke through Finn's tough exterior. A Brewed Awakening is a delightful read you dont want to miss if you love clean rom-com.

I love Pepper Basham's books. Whenever I see that she has a new one it is on my automatic, must buy list. A Brewed Awakening is an excellent example of Pepper's down home fun style of writing. I really enjoyed the witty word play between Daphne and Finn. The opposites attract plot portrayed by a tea drinking, scone baking, girl and a coffee drinking, steak and kidney pie pub owner who both agree on Faith, family and favorite cars! And speaking of family, be careful not to have anything in your mouth when you read anything Granny D has to say, " If you'd told me handsome was comin' to town, I'd have worn my good teeth.". I have to say at this point Daphne and Finn are among my favorite Basham characters, perhaps even second only to Freddie and Grace!

So brew up your tea,Team Daphne, or coffee, Team Finn, and settle back for a rocking good time in Wisteria that ends up with the town choosing sides!

I was given a copy of A Brewed Awakening by NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Anything with Pepper Basham I will pick up and this book was so cute !
I love the title and the plot and I think others will too
It reminds me of Pride and prejudice but with coffee
I hope she makes a sequel
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for a copy

What a cute romcom of an American tea shop owner and a British pub owner. A Brewed Awakening has witty banter, rivalry, chalkboard wars, and a cute girl with a lisp. I enjoyed the social media posts, followed by comments and hashtags as well as the characters Finn and Daphne who experienced difficulties in their lives. What a fun, delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Everything I've ever read by Pepper Basham has been pure gold and this is no exception. What an amazing story! The main characters are written so well. I could feel the tension, the doubt, the longing, the worry. Finn's flirtation was attention-grabbing and Daphne's witty responses gave her character beyond the tea princess first impression. The secondary characters provided excellent support and quite frankly, I want Jack to have his own book. Maybe with Rosemary? But I won't be picky. I'm sending prayers that are hopefully answered in book form.

A Brewed Awakening is a delightful small town rom-com. The author does a wonderful job fleshing out two interesting characters and the dialogue was witty and engaging. I didn’t expect how she used a real life tragedy of the North Carolina flood in the plot, but it highlights the close knit community of a small town and how when faced with tragedy people come together to help one another. .

This book!! I don't think I have ever laughed so much while reading. The banter among so many of the townspeople, along with Finn and Daphne, had me rolling, especially Granny D (my favorite). The characters made this book so much fun. I want a series! If you love food, you're going to gain weight just reading the book. I dreamed of food after reading this. The story dives into emotional territory that the whole town shares. But the whole town is a family every day, cheering on and helping each other. Why would a town-altering event change anything? Love, trust, and family will tug at your heartstrings and keep you falling in love with the town, Finn, and Daphne. The humor, chemistry, and fun will have you never wanting the story to end! You outdid yourself, Pepper Basham!

Adorable rom-com. Hallmark movie meets British bake-off competition with a small-town twist. And a natural disaster at the end that had me staying up late! Pepper Basham is an auto-read author for me!

☕ A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is, quite simply, her best work to date. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book gets all the stars, and it kept me smiling the entire way through.

📖 From the very first chapter, this enemies-to-lovers rom-com delivers charm, heart, and laugh-out-loud moments 😂. Daphne Austen, with her Jane Austen devotion, tearoom traditions 🫖, and love of order, is the perfect foil to Finn Dashwood, a pub-owning Brit serving pints 🍺, rock music 🎸, and second chances. Watching these two clash was pure joy.

The setting alone deserves applause. Wisteria, North Carolina has a cozy, Gilmore Girls–style hometown vibe that makes you want to move there immediately. Add in prank wars 🤭, chalkboard battles, and an utterly delightful hashtag rivalry (#BestRomComEver 😉), and the story becomes impossible to put down.

What truly elevates this book is the heart behind it ❤️. The characters are incredibly lovable, especially Finn’s adorable daughter, and the faith elements are woven in naturally and beautifully. This is a clean romance that still sparkles with chemistry, warmth, and emotional depth.

I laughed, I smiled, and I wished it would never end. I honestly wish I could gift this book to everyone. If you love witty banter, cozy settings, heartfelt faith, and rom-com perfection, go grab a copy today. You will not regret it!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Do not read A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham when you are hungry.

Triggers: A precious little girl, mouthwatering descriptions of food and drinks, and all things British.

Daphne Austen is a small-town girl and proud of it. She owns a quaint tea shop in Wisteria, North Carolina, where she offers a lovely selection of teas and dainty treats. The shop, Tea Thyme, along with her love of all things British, was passed down to her by her grandma.

Into Wisteria strolls the epitome of all things British, Finn Dashwood. He’s tall, dark, has a smile that makes a girl’s knees weak, and an accent to match. Only, he rubs her the wrong way. He pokes fun at her tea shop and detests anything tea-related, firmly believing that his pub, with hearty English cuisine and strong coffee, is far superior. Let the battle of wits and swoon-worthy chemistry begin.

This story is full of Pepper’s delightful humor and heartwarming brand of romance. Daphne and Finn, beautifully written characters with flaws and depth, learn they’re better together. Their collaboration brings out the best in each other. The descriptions of their food creations literally made my mouth water. I would have loved to be in their kitchens as they worked out those amazing pairings. Honestly, I’m just a little sad I didn’t get to be one of their taste testers!

The cast of characters in A Brewed Awakening is a delight. Jack, Grammy D, Rosemary, and Finn’s sweet daughter, Lucy, just to name a few, are all wonderfully crafted and add so much charm and depth to the story. I truly hope this is just the first in a series of books set in Wisteria, North Carolina, because I want to spend more time in this sweet town.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Pepper Basham and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A sweet and charming small-town romance. A little girl adds heart to the tale. Many interesting characters. Most of whom are known by their tweets. Fun addition. Entertaining flirtation banter. About the time I was getting bored with the food and sugary sweetness of the story it got interesting and exciting. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Another beautifully written, fun story that stands out from the crowd! Funny, romantic, reflective, and inspirational with a message of hope. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

This was such a fun book. Daphne is a small town tea shop owner in love with Jane Austen and all things England. Finn is the outsider new to town, single dad, and ready to annoy the tea shop owner right next door. The banter was amazing!! The small town charm and the town social media was so fun and had me laughing several times throughout the book. I would love to make all the purchases from the general store! 5 ⭐️ read

I was given this ARC from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson fiction to read in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the premise of this story, and while I struggled a little to get into it, I was very quickly invested and swept along in the characters’ journeys 🥰

The romance was super sweet and wholesome, and really had all the swee

I loved the tea shop and neighbouring pub settings, and the rivalry between Daphne and Finn really was hilarious 😂 I also loved little Lucy, and really all of the supporting characters 💕

Pepper Basham is very quickly becoming a beloved author!

I loved this read! It has so much heart. The characters are great, she owns a tea shop, he a new pub. There is definite play on Jane Austen as in the names so that was fun. They are food nerds and when they finally can communicate without snark, they come to that respect. He has an adorable daughter that readers will fall in love it. I smiled every time she was on the page. There are hashtags at play that will make you laugh. Humor plays a pick part in this book and I loved it. The is a story of devastation but readers will be left with hope and smiles.

I would give more than 5 stars if I could!

Pepper Basham is one of my top five favorite authors, so I was thrilled when I was able to read A Brewed Awakening in advance!

Daphne Austen’s sense of elegance and refinement is shattered when Finn Dashwood moves next door to her tea shop with his adorable daughter and opens a pub. Her Jane Austen-ish atmosphere is threatened by rock music, copious amounts of meat, and a Brit who flirts too much for her peace of mind. Daphne and Finn’s instant rivalry escalates when a celebrity couple looses the caterer for their wedding and needs a replacement. But with each dish baked, the competition becomes less about food and more about winning each other’s hearts.

I always worry about how an author will handle an enemies-to-lover trope, but I had no need to this time. Basham skillfully balanced the chemistry and the friction between Finn and Daphne and their transition from enemies to friends to more was believable. The flirting was too much fun, the banter and wit plentiful; I laughed out loud several times. I ate up every Jane Austen reference and loved all the Britishness. Lucy was so sweet and the citizens of Wisteria were a hoot - so many matchmakers! I haven’t decided who was more entertaining, Granny D or Pastor Nate.

Anyone who enjoys enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, and single dad tropes will love this book. Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for providing this book for review through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham does it again!! What could be cozier than a tea shop goes to war with an English pub in America? This book is full of all the cozy vibes and romantic feels as two rivals slowly realize that maybe they could be something more. Pepper Basham is at the top of my list as an auto read! I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars. I received a complimentary review copy of this book and writing this review voluntarily.

Wow!

A Brewed Awakening is a banter-filled, they’ve-been-hurt-before, small town, rivals to lovers romance full of heart that will pull on each and every one of your heartstrings.

After her grandmother passed away, Daphne takes over the running of her tea shop, working with a fear of change, worrying that it will disconnect her from her grandmother’s memory. When the shop next door is bought and turned into a British Pub by an unfairly attractive British man, Daphne’s creativity is flared and she begins to experiment again.

After the failure of his marriage and loss of his father and restaurant in England, Finn moves to the states and opens a British Pub right next to a British tea shop, owned and run by a pretty and sassy all-things-British loving woman.

After a meet-awkward where he insults everything that Daphne loves, Finn and Daphne enter into a rivalry of foods in an attempt to prove their own preferences to be the best type of food.

When a wedding caterer for a local celebrity wedding falls through, the two face off to prove whose food is best and will be served at the once-in-a-lifetime wedding catering opportunity.

As these two work against each other, they come to discover that there is more to the other person than they ever imagined, and that they are more alike and complementary of each other than they thought possible.

When disaster strikes, will their budding relationship be able to stand through the trials?

Daphne and Finn have both been through so much hurt in their lives. It was very sweet, and entertaining, to watch their banter turn into something deeper and more heartfelt. I loved watching them learn how to trust each other and depend on each other.

This was an absolutely sweet and sassy love story that I highly recommend to people who love contemporary romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pepper Basham for sharing a review copy of this book with me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

All of the characters are absolutely delightful and the side characters just add to the main story! Lucy is precious, Granny D is hilarious, and the social media sparring is so fun!

Content Warning: (SPOILER WARNING - STOP HERE FOR NO SPOILERS)
Devastating hurricane and flooding that causes loss of life and lots of personal property destruction
Death of family member by cancer, heart attack
Abandonment by family member/spouse
Bullying due to facial/speech differences caused by cleft lip/palate- handled delicately
Character with birth defect - loss of limbs - no holdbacks, just a part of their background

This was a super fun rom-com from Pepper Basham! Filled with flirty banter, fabulous hashtags and small town charm, this was a great way to usher in Valentines Day. Though fairly predictable in some elements, it was still a very fun read and exactly what I was looking for this week. A majority of the last 10% was sobering, but knowing that the author experienced that same struggle added credence to the difficulty and made the hope that came after that much more palpable. Filled with hope and joy even in the trials, this book was a great pick-me-up. It was easy to read, and even though it was light and humorous, it still tackled difficult topics like abandonment, betrayal and loss. Though primarily a character-driven story, there was plenty of plot happening to keep me turning pages. This story was made that much sweeter by little Lucy, who was such a lovely "major-minor" character. There were a ton of other "side" characters who really added to the story line and the relationships that made the story strong. If you enjoy rom-coms, small town settings, and if, like me, banter is your love language, this is one I can't recommend enough! Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is AH-MAZE-ING! Do not be fooled by the sweet, colorful, cartoon-ish cover and the Contemporary Romance tag. Do not be fooled by the book description. This book is WAY more than a sweet and endearing romance filled with tomfoolery, hi jinks, and snarky banter. This story is layered and it absolutely wrecked me, and I loved every single, blessed moment.

As I read A Brewed Awakening, I noticed two distinct layers. So that is how I am going to review this book — by layers. Layer one is the romance between Daphne and Finn. It is classically Basham-great. When you read any Basham novel you’re guaranteed a wonderful, complicated, conflicted, relatable romance. A Brewed Awakening is no exception. In this story, readers are treated to a contentious “meet-cute,” a realistic slow-burn, a transformation from judgement to a deep friendship, and seriously swoony romantic tension you can cut with a knife. Oh yeah! Readers are also treated to the most delightful, adorable, sweetheart of a 6-year old probably ever written in all of fiction (perhaps a little hyperbolic, but maybe not. Lucy is genuinely awesome!). Daphne and Finn come with major, life-altering baggage. They are guarded, and rightly so. They have issues that need to be dealt with, and over the course of the story, they do deal. As far as the characters go, as far as the romance goes, Basham has written another spectacular and unputdownable story. But layer one is not what wrecked me.

Layer two gutted me. I mean totally sobbing, days later I still tear-up, sort of wrecked. I don’t want to give anything away, but I feel so full of emotions and I don’t know what to do with them. You see, layer two is a disaster narrative. There is a lot packed into this part of the story. For me, this part was my reckoning with fear and loss. When I say I was flooded with fear and tears and loss and anger, I am only partly being cheeky with my play on words. I was truly flooded. I know in my heart that this book is Basham’s cathartic moment — in no way do I want to minimize her emotions, feelings, fears, etc., after all she and her family and community have been through. But I need her to know that, at least in this reader, her story opened the floodgates and it landed me soundly at the foot of the cross. Watching how Basham’s characters move through tragedy is a beautiful example of how we all should act when life floods us with disaster and sadness and fear and hurts. I am so sorry for all Basham, her family, and her community went through, but I am so glad that Basham wrote this book. She illustrates beautifully what it looks like when you must rise from the ashes. This book has made a lasting impression on my heart. I will never forget these amazing characters and this deep, deep need for family, community, and God.

A Brewed Awakening is so much. It is so much good: good prose, good banter, good characters, good themes, and good heart. Whether you’re a fan of Contemporary Romance or not, I recommend everyone read this book. This is a story I don’t think anyone should miss!

I received an eBook galley copy of this novel from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Pepper Basham is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. RomCom isn't my first pick for genre, but Pepper Basham writes so well that I'll read most anything she writes. The town of Wisteria itself and all of the characters are just delightful, not sure I could chose a favorite. The town social media posts/banter add fun dimension to the story along with providing a great snapshot of Wisteria. The story is tender and sweet, humorous and witty and much more. The plot twist toward the end of the book was quite unexpected and is very emotional and beautifully written as someone who lived it would know. If Wisteria was a real place, I'd book a visit there ASAP. Also maybe don't read A Brewed Awakening while you're hungry, the food descriptions are absolutely tantalizing!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Brewed Awakening is full of details and very well written, as expected from Pepper Basham. It is hard to rank her books, for they are all masterpieces.

She wrote several tropes in this story, such as a fresh start in a small town, hard to put down rivals to lovers and all of it is a soul warming read with plenty of food descriptions and recipes.

She also reminds us that there is always hope, even in the toughest of times. Overall, I give this book 5 stars.

This is a good lighthearted read for weekend, holiday or vacation. I love how Pepper Basham blends a sweet story with a hilarious banter.

A Brewed Awakening
@pepperbasham

First off, it's a Pepper book, so we know it's going to be good. Full stop. I was lucky enough to be approved for this (my very first Net Galley ARC) and I'm so excited to review it.

A grumpy British transplant who doesn't like tea, but love coffee and pubs.
+
A cheerful Appalachian gal who hates coffee and love tea time.
=
Rival neighborhing business owners who absolutely don't like each other.

At all.

No way.

Regardless of how nice and funny and beautiful she is and how he is a great single dad who is also honest and loyal.

Nothing to see here.

Until a friendly cooking competition, a sweet little girl, and a natural disaster throw then together and brews up some romance.

Pepper delivers a book full of whit, Jesus, and a whole bunch of Southern Appalachian grit. A section of the book was clearly inspired by Hurricane Helene and takee a fun romance novel to a bit more serious book about resilience, loss, and community.

Gab your drink of choice and curl up for the long haul.

Book Tropes:
• Tea Girl meets Coffee Guy
• Very Nosy Neighbourhood
• Flood Crisis
• Cozy/Laughable Characters
• Witty, Humour Filled Banter
• Close Community Feels
• Mountain Life Struggles

If i could be able to give this book an another title then it would be.. ‘When a Tea Girl meets a Coffee Guy’

“I can’t believe that an ARC can be that good”

“Why haven’t i read her other book? And why this is the very first book I’m reading of hers? This is the constant question replaying in mind while reading this extra ordinary ROM-COM genre book.”

Have you guys watched, Barbie Princess Charm School movie? Cause, This book makes me remember of that beautiful cozy movie in so many ways. It’s just written in a modern style and wonderfully showcases the daily life crisis of owning a business. 🩷

Full Review is Uploaded on my Instagram Account: @booksandcoffeerecss

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. What a cute mountain town romance. Loved the wit and banter from the main characters, Finn the New Pub owner and Daphne the tea shop owner and the community. Second chances, friends and overcoming tragedy, you will love this sweet romance. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Thomas Nelson fiction for this arc. All thoughts are my own.

As a fellow anglophile, I was delighted by all the English-ness in this story. And as we have come to expect from a Basham novel, there was plenty swoony moments and witty banter. I laughed over all the quips and quirks of the characters, of which there are many. I loved the whole cast, which left me hopeful that soon we will return to Wisteria and hear more about some of the side characters there! An absolutely lovely way to spend a weekend!

Pepper Basham has never disappointed me and this one might be my favorite so far! As soon as Daphne and Finn met, I was hooked. The charm, bantering, and flirting were so enjoyable to read - I found myself smiling or laughing out loud a lot. I hope she continues this town of Wisteria, North Carolina because the town and sideline characters are memorable. I wish I could live there!

Overall, 5 stars and I would definitely read it again!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is so well written and enjoyable. It's filled with Pepper Basham's humor and charm plus a swoony opposites attract romance. Every time she writes a book, I want to be one of the first in line to read it!

Daphne runs a British themed tea shop started by her grandmother in a small, charming town. She's obsessed with all things British. When a handsome Brit comes to town with his young daughter, they form a rivalry. Him with his British pub and her with her British tea shop, but opposites in what they think food should be.

The social media posts and hashtags in each chapter were hilarious. It showed small town closeness and quirkiness and they enhanced the story in the book so well! Lots of flirting and some swoony kisses. Then, a plot twist at the end.

I can't recommend this book enough. Its one I'll definitely want to reread again in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Just finished my ARC of A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham** and it was such a fun read!

Small town, enemies-to-lovers, comical moments, community charm, hilarious side characters, and sweet, swoony clean tension — it all makes the perfect “blend.”

Set in a cozy Appalachian town, the story follows a passionate tea shop owner whose plans for her beloved shop are thrown into chaos when a rival businessman steps in with ideas that clash with hers at every turn. What begins as frustration and competition slowly brews into something neither of them expected.

This book honestly felt like small-town Appalachia meets Gilmore Girls. The town was full of personality, the dialogue was witty, and the side characters added so much heart and humor.

This was such a fun read — I loved every second of it. Sweet, cozy, and full of charm.

I was also blessed to receive an advanced listener copy, and the narrators were FANTASTIC at bringing this story to life — especially the funny little old ladies of the town! 🎧✨
Thank you to TNZ Fiction and NetGalley for the advance copies in exchange for an honest review!

Awww the banter, the description of little details to make you swoon..I loved it all. I rarely laugh out loud while reading but I did with this one (Wampus cat iykyk 🤣). I love Pepper Basham’s books and this one is no exception. I enjoyed the social media posts incorporated in the chapters. A tea shop owner meets pub owner and I was hooked from the start. I would love to see this made into a movie.

Well Pepper Basham has done it again. A Brewed Awakening is yet another lovable, laughable, heart-tugging, beautifully written romance with tons of feeling throughout the story. This is quintessential Pepper in this book and you will be taken in and not be able to put it down. I loved it!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Delightful. Swoony, fun, romantic, fast paced, clean,uplifting, really a beautiful story full.of what i want....Delightful escapism. Two thumbs up!

I love Pepper Basham's books and this one doesn't disappoint. The social media commentary throughout had me in stitches and I would read the to my husband. Definitely recommend. Thanks netgalley for the chance to review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.I want to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. And thank you Pepper Basham for another great read. I admit to being a fan girl :) I have read a number of her books and am never disappointed. This one is set in Wisteria , NC. Daphne Austen runs a tea shop in the small town.It is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone else and looks out for each other. Her brother Jack is a photographer in town, and his best friend is the local Pastor. Daphne and her Grandmother had fun the tea shop until Gran died last year.She sells tea, scones, cookies etc. Gran was British and instilled a loved of all things English in Daphne. When a new business opens next door, she is set to be a nice welcoming neighbor. She doesn't count on the new neighbor being a handsome, British man, who is an annoying, swoon worthy, coffee drinking pub owner ( with an adorable daughter ).In other words, just her type:). The two main characters, Daphne and Finn start out as adversaries, and with competing food types and taste in music. They start with snarky comments on social media, then pranks , and the food wars soon escalate. A high profile local wedding in need of a caterer soon turns into a competition between Daphne and Finn, with the town taking sides! Each chapter starts with a social media exchange to set the tone , bring the reader up to date. It does have some dark moments, with a twist about 3/4 of the way through that I did not see coming.It is a well written , engaging story through out. Again, thanks so much!

What a fun book! Food, hot Brit, mountains, banter, small town drama! This has it all!
Finn Dashwood is relocating to a small mountain town in North Carolina to start over with his daughter. Little did he know that his neighbor business was a tea shop. She did not like his loud music, his tea bashing, or his flirting.
But things can change, and as they are both fighting for their businesses to succeed, different events create competitive, which might lead to other things.
The author includes a tragedy, one that happened in the hills near where she lives a couple of years ago. It is very poignant and yet comforting with the theme of hope.
You will laugh, cry, and fall for a handsome Brit! The "Instagram" messages are so fun, along with all the hashtags!

This book was the gift I didn't know I needed. A Brewed Awakening is a story that takes you on an emotional journey; you'll feel the highest of highs, the swooniest of swoons, and the deepest of dejection. Pepper Basham did something truly unique with how she told this story; it was risk, but one I think payed off! Be prepared for a bit of reading whiplash, but know that in the end she was able to marry two very different writing styles into one seamless story that will make you laugh and cry.

The first quarter of the book I could not keep the stupid grin off of my face, while the last quarter my brows were knit together in consternation. It's hard to describe how this book felt, because it was so uniquely different. This review will likely be different than most of my reviews because of that.

In the first 80% of the story, it almost seems as if the author decided to just pack in as many crazy shenanigans, hilarious one-liners, insane moments of heated chemistry between the MCs, and complete ridiculousness of the townspeople's meddling. It's almost like she just tried throwing every possible rom-com trope in there to create complete and utter romantic chaos. I laughed out loud many times (and received many odd looks from people nearby), could not wipe the smile off of my face for more than a paragraph or two before it coming right back, and I may or may not have snorted and chocked on my tea at several points. The humor and silliness was so absurdly excellent, and honestly carried the story along so quickly.

Yet, in the midst of all of the humor, prank wars, and foodie competition, there were also so many genuinely sweet moments tucked in all throughout. Daphne and Finn, the MCs are quickly and intensely attracted to one another, but both have their own trauma-induced reasons to not begin a relationship. They certainly dance around the fine line between rivals-friends-more all throughout the story, while pretending they aren't. The whole town sees their attraction and flirtation, trying to play matchmaker with gusto! Finn's little girl Lucy ends up forming a bond with Daphne, which is the ultimate undoing of Finn's guarded heart. Their flirting is mainly channeled through the rivalry of their neighboring establishments, with Finn cooking British-southern fusion comfort food, and Daphne focusing on beautiful confectionary treats with a twist. Their rivalry ramps up when a catering opportunity forces them to compete for the gig.

At 80% is where the story takes a turn from rom-com glory into dramatic survival fiction. For readers who don't realize this happens, it could make the transition feel very disjointed, however, the turn of the events in the story when a devastating storm hits the town, is the catalyst that ultimately brings the MCs together, and unites the town in a beautiful sense of belonging, and community taking care of their own. The author used a real weather event as inspiration for this segment of the story, and handled it with such care and respect, while tugging at your heartstrings with her writing. The storytelling is so well written that it makes reading the unfolding of events hard to read, because it immerses you deeply. I was pre-warned about the ended, so I was emotionally prepared, and found it to be a really beautiful way to end the story and bring some grit and depth into an otherwise light and witty read.

What I enjoyed about this story:
☕ Can't-stop-smiling humor
☕ Smoldering chemistry 🔥 (kisses only)
☕ Inclusion of social media style epistolary writing
☕ British single dad/chef MMC
☕ Teashop owner, baker extraordinaire FMC
☕ Nosy townspeople
☕ Strong sense of community bond
☕ Emotional depth & grit tying everything together

⚠️ Content Warnings:
- Abandonment by a spouse/parent
- Death of a parent (cancer)
- Grief
- Storm devastation inspired by Helene (2025)

The faith in the story was light. Many of the characters are Christian, we see them go to church on Sundays in the story, but the faith is tucked in more subtly. What we do see as a strong theme throughout the story is characters living out their faith by serving one another generously. I appreciated Pastor Nathan and his light-hearted teasing as he keeps people in check via his posts on social media. His funny little faith reminders when people were getting a little carried away was a cute addition!

My Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Brewed Awakening is a must-read for Pepper Basham fans, anyone who enjoys a kisses-only romance with some major chemistry, and those who prefer a romance that can be funny while still maintaining depth. This was one of my favorites from this author so far! This book releases on May 5, 2026.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing a free ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved A Brewed Awakening the author penned a witty and thoughtful slow burn romance with lots of heart. The ensemble of characters were quirky, adorable and fun. I won't spoil the communities' challenge but it will be relevant and cathartic for many. Enjoy it with a hot beverage of your choice!

Did Finn & Daphne just become one of my new favorite book couples???? 😍😍😍 I think so!! Sweet tea shop owner meets brooding pub owner, Pepper did the enemies to lovers so well. The witty & sarcastic banter between these two! 😆🥰… chefs kiss! 😘 This book is no spice, with all the heat! 🤭 Had me cackling at some of the comments made and grinning ear-to-ear over half the book! Closer to the end there is a serious disaster that occurs. It was devastating, but way the community comes together is beautiful. 🥹 I seriously went to bed thinking about these characters & woke up thinking about them! I want more. ☹️ Truly one of those books I didn’t want to end! An easy 5 star read & now I need to physical copy so I can annotate! 😊🩵🌟

- Creative Hashtags #️⃣
- Adorable little girl 👧🏼
- Pranks 🤪
- Foodies will love this 🍰🫖
- Handsome Brit 👨
- Found Family 🩷

I did receive a copy of this e-book from NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction.
My review is honest and of my own opinion.

This is rom com that is so cute! A tea shop owner, Daphne and new pub owner Finn had me laughing from the beginning, the meet-cute so unique. And from that time, they become instant enemies and the fun, witty banter begins. The banter is off the charts FANTASTIC and the social media comments at the beginning of each chapter made me laugh out loud. Finn’s daughter steals the show; she is so sweet and tender. I loved how Daphne was with her and what a great dad Finn is. I loved this story that was emotional, sweet and swoony and felt real. A must-read book to add to your TBR.
Thanks to NetGalley for this complimentary copy of this book, the review is my own opinion.

A Brewed Awakening is such a delight, light hearted and with significant depth.

Daphne Austen lives in her dreamy mountain world running her late Grandma's tea shop. Her days are filled with baking and brewing, until snarky Brit Finn Dashwood buys the property next door to open a pub and coffee shop. Finn despises tea, shattering Daphne's idea of a romantic British hero.

The two are thrown together when both are hired to cater a celebrity wedding. As sparks fly, the social media around their little town is fierce, with speculation over a romance running wild. But single dad Finn has had his heart shattered once and has no interest in going back. And Daphne doesn't entirely trust his easy going friendly nature. Still the sparks keep going.

Then, informed by real events, disaster strikes and everything changes.

I loved the sharp banter, clever plot, witty social media. This is Basham at her finest. Add in the harrowing disaster and you have an excellent book that comes with five starts from me and a highly recomended sticker.

I received a copy of A Brewed Awakening from the publisher via NetGalley. The views are my own.

If you are looking for a rom-com that subverts expectations and is chock full of witty banter, A Brewed Awakening is for you.
Pepper Basham plays with the tropes in this one, it is a cheeky, laugh out loud nod to the romance world.

The audiobook production features the remarkable range of the narrators. Ann-Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman tackle an impressive spectrum—from a sweet British child to a fully grown Southern man. As a listener, having two narrators really helps pack an immersion punch.

What truly stands out is how Pepper Basham creates a whole town feeling while keeping her scenes personal and largely intimate. By sprinkling social media posts throughout the narrative, she creates that nosy-neighbor, small-town vibe perfectly. It feels like you're scrolling through a real life feed in Wisteria.

Pro-Tip: I highly recommend a tandem read/listen for this one! Seeing the digital social media visuals while hearing the richly narrated Southern accents creates a level of immersion you don't want to miss.

I want to start by saying that I absolutely LOVED this book. Pepper writes about so many tough subjects in one book and yet she brings beautiful redemption and healing as well. Our story is set in the small, mountain town of Wisteria where our main female character, Daphne, runs a darling vintage/Jane Austen inspired tea shop that she previously ran with her Grandma. As she is trying to run this tea shop that she cannot currently afford and grieving the loss of her Grandma the building connected to hers is being turned into an English pub by the “attractive and infuriating”, Finn who she does not start off on the right foot with when he catches her slobbering all over the English specialty car he owns. This is a great, semi- slow burn enemies- to- friends, to lovers story. Pepper as always, writes some wonderful side characters and found family.

Something I deeply loved that I am mentioning here is the storyline PB wrote about Finn’s daughter Lucy, who was born with a bi- lateral cleft lip and a cleft palate. This plays heavily into the story and is written about so well it brought me to tears. As a Momma who has a daughter that was also born with a bi- lateral cleft lip and a complete cleft palate, I am always grateful for visibility when it comes to these strong, beautiful people and what life can look like for them. This was so beautifully done.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book early.

Possible triggers:
Side character past death due to illness
Parental abandonment
Cancer
Natural disaster and side character death due to natural disaster

As usual, Pepper Basham has hit a home run. This story is so much more than just a brewing romance (see what I did there) although it's got all the flirty, romantic feels that make a rom-com worth reading. I can't recommend this book enough- I loved it. Also, if you don't want readers begging for more stories in the same venue, quit writing such believable side characters. May we have Jack's story next? Asking for a friend. Also, I totally appreciate the addition of a homeschooled kid with an FCC license and a ham radio. If I hadn't already fallen in love with this book, that would have pushed me over the edge for sure.
I went back and forth between the e-book and the audio narration by Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman. CHRISTOPHER ASHMAN! His voice makes everything better. Even tea.
I received a free copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson Audio, and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

ARC/ ALC REVIEWS:

Special thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson Audio, and Pepper Basham for the complimentary copies (electronic and audio) of this book. This is an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A culinary rivalry sparks between Daphne Austen (Tea Thyme) and Finnley Dashwood (The Green Dragon) when their respective food preferences clash. However, things come to a head when the two are pitted against one another for a chance to cater a high profile wedding. But when a storm sweeps through the small-town, food wars are the last thing on anyone’s mind. Will Daphne and Finnley be able to set their differences aside for the betterment of the community, or will they be each other’s undoing?

You don’t want to miss Pepper Basham’s upcoming release, A Brewed Awakening!!!

I had the privilege of both reading and listening to this book ahead of its release. While both mediums are enjoyable, I highly recommend the audiobook. Ann-Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman do a fantastic job narrating. The pair are highly skilled voice actors, as showcased by their ability to alternate between accents (American and British). As a result, they serve as an integral part of bringing Pepper’s story to life.

This book stole my heart. Most readers will be drawn to this story for all the British references and the will-they-won’t they drama/ tension. But the true gems are found in the MMC being an attentive single-father and side characters who don’t let their physical difference (cleft pallet and limb disabilities) impede their everyday life.

In addition, this story serves as a love letter to Basham’s own community. While the story is set in the fictional town of Wisteria (North Carolina), it faces a storm that closely mirrors Helena. The tropical storm, Helena, swept through North Carolina in September of 2024. Declared a major disaster, Basham witnessed her community be destroyed and eventually rebuilt. Drawing on her first-hand experience, Basham beautifully showcases the powerful impact faith and being neighborly has. After all, it is in our deepest time of need that true colors are revealed.

Be sure to read this book for:
-Enemies to More
-Opposites Attract
-Second Chances
-Forced Proximity
-Tight Knit Community
-Faith Themes

A Brewed Awakening is such a terrific opposites attract, clean, laugh out loud, romantic comedy with a twist and a nod to Jane Austen. Pepper Basham is such a master in this genre, and her books are always a delight. I loved the setting of a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and the vibes that come with those communities. Daphne is still grieving and growing after the death of her beloved grandma and loves all things British culture. When Finn arrives, in her dream car BTW, she is captivated. Then he opens his mouth and the banter is on. I love the involvement of all community members and all the social media hashtags and call outs. Seriously, they land perfectly and are hilarious. As Daphne and Finn learn to see beyond the public façade, there is a deep respect and admiration. I loved how they complement one another and come together when it matters. The nod to the recent hurricane and destruction in Pepper’s hometown area was a beautiful, redemptive thread all on its own, but worked well in this story.
I also had the privilege of listening to an audiobook version and found the dual narrators just delightful. The accents, pace, and personalities shown through.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

The town of Wisteria stole my heart, the small town close knit community was so supportive of each other. Daphne and Finn’s flirty rivalry was so fun and their banter was top-tier! The way that they start to look out for each other even before they are officially a couple is so heartwarming. The tea vs. coffee debate throughout the book was so funny! As someone on team coffee (but with lots of cream and sugar) I could see both sides of the debate haha. The ending of the book showed the strength of the characters' bonds and relationships and seemed like a love letter to North Carolina. I’ve never read a Pepper Basham book that I haven’t loved and this one was no different! I loved Finn’s accent and Daphne's southern charm!

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Pepper Basham for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I could picture every scene in this delightful read! Pepper did a fabulous job of taking the reader with her each step of the way. Way to go, Piper!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Even in the wreckage, hope found a way."

Oh, man, Daphne and Finn made my day. Complete opposites in so many ways yet alike in foundational beliefs of faith, family and loyalty, they were the perfect complements in food and drink tastes, for life and love. I loved Daphne and her pink-wrapped sweetness serving gourmet tea and upscale baked goods. I also loved Finn and his down-to-earth personality serving up hearty savory English fare with ale and coffee. They both carried heartbreak, Finn hiding his pain behind his flirty facade and Daphne buckling down to continue her Grandma's legacy in the tea shop. Their banter was delightful and their pranks were funny even if they were juvenile. Lucy was wonderfully adorable and I loved being embraced by the small town community of Wisteria, NC. I am hoping for a sequel with Daphne's brother Jack and possibly another sequel with their friend and pastor Nate.

If you enjoy fun and swoony romcom that will make you laugh and sigh in contentment, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Oh, this one might be my new favorite from Pepper. The banter, the flirting, the rivalry??? I loved every second of it. Also, I was STARVING the entire book because everything the characters’ make sounds so good. I need a cookbook asap. This one had so much heart along with the comedy. I loved little Lucy. She was the perfect addition to the story. And this one took a turn at the end and really tugged at my heart.

This was an all around beautiful, funny, wonderful story and I want to read it again already.

#teampubandtea

*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher. My opinion is all my own.

A fun flirty food battle brings together a small town in this Jane Austen loving foodie, opposites attract romance.

Daphne Austen is surprised to find that her Jane Austen themed tea shop's new neighbor is a tea-hating British single dad, opening a pub style restaurant. Daphne is upbeat and creative, slowly working to introduce her own creations to her inherited tea shop. She is marvelous with children, and I liked the banter between her and her brother Jack, as well as her new neighbor Finn Dashwood. Finn is a hardworking single father who wants to give his young daughter a solid upbringing.

Such a fun read, with all the hilarious hashtags as part of the food battle, and grumpy-sunshine interactions. I loved how Daphne and Finn embraced the opportunity to boost their small businesses and lean into the attention as the town takes sides and stirs the fires. A lighthearted read, with a full cast of delightful characters, great interactions and a solid helping of faith.

Overall, it's a fun flirty read, with great characters and a small-town setting in the heart of Appalachia. Filled with humor, sweet moments, and witty banter, infused with a love of British literature. A satisfying upbeat rom-com, sure to bring a smile to your face!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This Christian romcom is full of humor, hope, faith, and love. If you want a clean, wholesome, and feel-good read - this book is for you.

If you looked in the dictionary under romcom- you’d find A Brewed Awakening. It’s one of the most comedic comedies and romantic romances I’ve ever read. 🥰

This book brings the comedy. The social media commentary between the whole town was absolutely hilarious. So many good one-liners and hashtags. The banter was incredibly clever. The humor never felt contrived or forced - it was just genuinely and consistently hilarious.

The romance- WOW! Expect intense tension and so many sparks! ⚡️ I thought the pages would catch fire. 🔥 Finn is a fantastic flirt but he is absolutely devastating when he is sincere. 🫠

And the love story was about so much more than physically attraction - it was about genuine goodness and kindness that asks nothing in return. It is about selflessness and unwavering support through the hard times.

Note: The first 90% of the book is a fun lighthearted romcom. Then a natural disaster hits and while there is still some humor (thanks Granny D) and plenty of hope, there are some staggering losses for the community.

💋 Kisses only
🚫 No profanity
❤️ Happy ending

Expect:
🩷 Rivals to friends to more
🩷 Protective single-dad with the sweetest daughter and swooniest British accent
🩷 Prank wars
🩷 Cook-off competition
🩷 A whole cast of lovable side characters

Favorite parts:
💕 Granny D’s sense of humor in the midst of danger
💕 When Daphne teaches Finn to French braid hair 🫠
💕 Ribs & focaccia - soulmates
💕 When Finn rescues Daphne’s teapot 🫖
💕 The cooking competition 🧁
💕 The hilarious custom shirts & aprons 👚👕
💕 Daphne’s obsession with Finn’s British car
💕 The whole town coming together to help each other
💕 When Daphne teaches Lucy how to discern truth about her worth (when dealing with unkind comment from others)

Is it too much to ask to get another book set in Wisteria? I need more Granny D, Rosemary, Jack, and Pastor Nate!!!

Honestly! This book was just beautiful from start to finish. Dreamy English Pub Owner and Southern Coffee Shop Owner… how could I not love this story. It was so much fun to follow along their journey! Loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read! All thought and opinions are entirely my own!

Author Pepper Basham is going to delight readers with this delightful fun romance with heart and depth.
Brewed Awakening starts of drawing you in with small town charm and doesn't let go as you are caught up in the delicious banter between two rivals
And of course the whole town gets involved because no one writes Appalachia like Pepper Basham!
It's Pride and Prejudice meets small town, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
But be warned….don't read this book hungry(wink).
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, all thoughts are honest and completely my own.

Delightfully sweet romance full of all the witty banter, heart, and small town charm I've come to expect from this author.

The clever hashtags and meddling townsfolks had me laughing out loud. The way the whole town came together for the big and the small things was heartwarming.

The romance between Finn and Daphne is sweet and full of witty banter and playfulness. However, some of my favorite moments were the small and tender interactions with Finn's daughter Lucy.

I had the opportunity to listen to an ALC after reading this book. The narrators were emotive and engaging and really brought the whole quirky town to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“A Brewed Awakening” was a lovely closed door romance filled with humor and heart. Basham has created the lovely was small town, featuring Daphne Austen’s tea shop, and new-to-town Finn Dashwood’s British pub.

As the two neighbors compete for customers, and later for a catering gig for a big wedding, their rivalry sparks a new flame of passion. Finn is charming (and his daughter is so cute) and Daphne is relatable and mature.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and the emotional twists and raised stakes had me up until midnight reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I received a free e-copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Pepper Basham has written another adorably delightful romcom in her “A Brewed Awakening”. Set in rural Wisteria, North Carolina, readers will find themselves swallowed up in the delight that is only found in a small town, and maybe only in southern small town USA. Hospitality and neighborliness flow just like their sweet tea - plentifully and full of sugar. Of course, that sweetness comes with a side of “everyone is in your business,” too. Daphne Austen runs the tea shop she inherited from her late grandmother, and she loves all things British: tea, scones, china tea sets, Jane Austen books, and British dramas. Her brother, Jack Austen, lives in town and readers will enjoy meeting him through this story as well. The building connected to Daphne’s tea shop is vacant at the start of the story, which brings us to another character: Finn Dashwood. Finn and his precious daughter, Lucy, are freshly arrived in Wisteria from England. Finn has come to set up an English pub in the building next to Daphne’s. He is in search of a fresh start for himself and for his little girl after some devastating situations back in England. Unfortunately for both Daphne and Finn, their meet-cute sets them both off on a completely wrong foot, and it seems as though they have irreconcilable differences.
I loved this book. As with all of Pepper Basham’s books, this book takes the reader on a delightfully fun literary ride as these two enter a battle of tea vs coffee, or classy vs comfort food. The back and forth bantering and hashtags are so much fun, and the other characters and their comments make it even better. This is the kind of story that I would love to see in a movie, but alas, they would probably ruin it and never get it just right the way Pepper Basham has written it. The sass and wit coupled with the excellent plot line, make this book a keeper. This is the kind of book readers will reach for to read again and again when one needs a pick-me-up. This story is not all just fluff, either. Daphne helps Lucy with a little life lesson we all need to be reminded of, remembering Who knows us and sees us and the truth of what He sees and says about each one of us. The town endures an enormous trial, and it is encouraging to read about the people supporting and helping one another.
I highly recommend this book. Read it. Buy it. You will enjoy it for the lighthearted escape that it provides, but also for the depth of thought it provokes. You will love the characters (I just want to have a friend like Granny D!). And you will probably want to know what happens next, just like me.

This book had me giggling and laughing throughout! I absolutely loved the town of Wisteria and it made me think of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls or a Hallmark movie. The story was going along great, but then it just got better and better and better!

I was all-prepared to write my review before finishing, then the unexpected plot twist. WOW!

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham hits all the feel goods - characters you want to live in the same town with, a Jane Austen loving FMC and a new-in-town British devilishly handsome MMC. The humor definitely appeals to those Instagrammers - a smile on my face from page one. The entire town joining the Instagram lively banter making the storyline even more humorous.

Then, just as I was prepared for one ending, the unexpected climax that changed the ending that I could see as inevitable. Never underestimate Basham's writing talent. It was on full display in this novel.

Releases May 5th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so well done. This had to have been so hard for Pepper to write as she lived through the twist in this story. I don’t want to spoil it, but I’ll say that she did a great job of showcasing the helpers.

The banter throughout was incredible, and I loved both main characters along with all the quirky and lovable supporting characters.

So much to love in this beautiful story!!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. ❤️

Another masterpiece by the rom-com queen! I have never been disappointed by any of Pepper Basham’s works, and that still stands true after finishing A Brewed Awakening!! Witty banter…slow burn romance…and TEA!!! What more does a perfect story need?!?! A solid 5 stars!!

Daphne Austen is the owner of Tea Thyme, an English tearoom in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is barely keeping her head above water when Finn Dashwood comes to town and opens an English-style pub next door to her. The competition begins almost as soon as they meet each other, both trying to create a dish and/or a drink to entice more customers. This is a delightful rom-com with a little drama mixed in too as the town of Wisteria takes the competition seriously and begin to take sides, especially when the prize is being the caterer for a big wedding. I enjoyed the flirtatious banter between the two main characters and the humor that started each chapter with text messages as the townsfolk lined up to support either Daphne or Finn. The characters were relatable and appealing and the plot was well written and charming, The foods and beverages that were featured made me want to be a part of the town’s population and try some of them. With an emotional depth that was unexpected and a trop of rivals to lovers, this book was fun, flirty and a slam dunk in the romance department for me.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Jane Austen and North Carolina equals a book right up my alley. Pepper Basham wrote a fun and entertaining rom-com and I loved how clean it was!

Well, Pepper has done it again. She absolutely hit this one out of the park. Opposites attract, pranking, and swooning ensue in the midst of top-notch storytelling. The people of Wisteria are the embodiment of southern charm and sass and Daphne, Finn, and Lucy are absolute perfection. The entire story is wonderful, but I especially appreciated Pepper's inclusion of a natural disaster reminiscent of one that hit her hometown in real life. It was so special to read about the resilience of the people of Wisteria, which I know echoed the courage and determination of Pepper's neighbors and friends. This entire book is just so chock full of comfort, meaning, and all the feels. You should absolutely snag a copy as soon as it's available!

❤️All the most clever hashtags/social media posts (I absolutely loved these!)
❤️Absolute top-notch banter
❤️Electric blue Cabriolet
❤️Tea party vibes
❤️Pub fare
❤️Cleft palate/congenital limb malformation rep
❤️All the princess things!
❤️Foodie heaven (so many interestingly yummy combos!)
❤️Rosemary, Granny D, Jack, Pastor Nate, and so many other wonderful town side characters
❤️GrubWars
❤️Cook-off at the Harvest Festival
❤️All the general store merch
❤️The relationship between Daphne and Lucy
❤️The entire town's shipping of Daphne and Finn
❤️Getting through something extremely difficult together
❤️Resilience and hope
❤️Epilogue

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚪

I listened to the first 90% in audiobook and then switched to reading the ebook for the last 10%. I liked the male narrator of the audiobook, especially the voice he did for Lucy. This is a dual POV romance from a Christian publishing house. However, for those who are not or are less religious, this is a very subtle religious romance. I was 50% into the audiobook before I googled the publisher to confirm that it was a Christian publishing house. The romance is very sweet with lots of flirting and banter. The downsides of the book I thought were that the first 90% or so of the book leans hard into the less fun parts of "small town" life such as the gossip, the being in each other's business, the mean teasing, the involuntary matchmaking, etc. It's only in the last ten percent of the book that you start to experience the nicer cozier aspects of small-town life. The other downside is that each chapter is proceeded by A LOT of social media posts with dozens of hashtags. Which is probably fine in the print book but is unbelievable annoying in the audiobook version. I greatly enjoyed the ending of the book. The final 10% really knocks it out of the park.

This story completely delivered. I laughed, I smiled, and then it hit me emotionally in the best way—this was everything I want in a romance.

Daphne and Finn’s dynamic was such a highlight. Their opposites-attract, rivals-to-reluctant-partners energy created the perfect mix of banter, tension, and gradual softening that made their relationship feel both fun and genuine. Watching them move from frustration to friendship to something deeper was incredibly satisfying.

Lucy absolutely stole the show. She was sweet, funny, and added so much heart to the story—every scene with her felt brighter. I also really appreciated the disability representation, which felt thoughtfully handled and added meaningful depth without ever feeling forced.

The small-town setting, the humor, the prank wars, and the emotional backstories all blended together into a story that felt cozy while still carrying real emotional weight.

I’m already hoping we get Jack and Nate’s stories next, because I’m not ready to leave this world yet.

Pepper Basham delivers a warm, witty delight with A Brewed Awakening, a sweet romance that feels like a cozy hug in book form. This story is a perfect pick for moms and readers of clean romance, blending sparkling humor with a deeply moving sense of heart.

The chemistry between Daphne and Finn is the absolute highlight of the book. Their witty banter is sharp, playful, and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, making their romantic journey an absolute joy to follow. Daphne is a delightful lead, and Finn is the perfect foil for her—their back-and-forth feels effortless and keeps the energy high throughout.

For mom readers, the relationship between Daphne and Finn’s six-year-old daughter, Lucy, is particularly touching. The way their bond blossoms is handled with such sweetness and care, adding a layer of warmth to the story that makes the stakes feel even more personal. It’s a beautiful reminder of the impact a loving figure can have on a child’s life and how family is often something we choose and build together.

Beyond the internal family dynamics, Basham shines a light on the magic of the Wisteria community. The novel celebrates the beauty of "found families" and the strength of a neighborhood rising to meet a major community challenge. This part of the story carries a profound weight, reflecting the author’s own experiences with community resilience and neighbors leaning on one another during difficult times. These themes of collective strength and hope provide a grounded, authentic backdrop to the charming romance.

A Brewed Awakening is a heartfelt, satisfying read that celebrates love in all its forms—romantic, parental, and communal. Whether you're in it for the banter or the emotional depth of a community coming together, this is a must-add to your TBR list.

✨ Spoiler Free Book Review ✨
The Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review - and wow, what a joy this was to read!! 🫶📖

This was my third book by Pepper Basham, and I can officially say she’s in my top five favorite romance authors of all time!!!!💕 The way her humor aligns with mine is honestly unreal. I don’t think I’ve ever read an author whose sense of humor matches mine so perfectly - I was laughing out loud the entire time 😂

This story is set in a cozy small mountain town in North Carolina, and it is the definition of a happy, feel-good book ☕🌄 You’ve got a tea shop owner, a coffee-loving Englishman, and the most charming small-town community. The atmosphere is chef’s kiss 😘 cozy and wholesome 🏡✨

THE ROMANCE IS SO GOOD!!! The witty banter between the main characters is some of my favorite I’ve ever read. Their dynamic gave me total Flynn Rider and Rapunzel energy, which I absolutely adored since Tangled is one of my all-time favorites 🤭

And can we talk about the single dad trope?! 🥹 This was my first time reading it, and I am OBSESSED!!! The way Finn loves and cares for his daughter, the community, and Daphne (our tea shop owner) completely melted my heart. His daughter is the sweetest addition and brought such a fun, wholesome element to the story!!! 💕

Also, if you love food, prepare yourself because this book will make you hungry 🤤🍰 Both main characters are chefs, and the descriptions are incredible!!! Add in the small-town social media banter (which was SO fun and unique), plus little nods to things like The Lord of the Rings and Disney, and it just makes the whole reading experience even more delightful. 😍

I also highly recommend reading the author’s note either before or after the story - it adds such a meaningful layer to everything ❤️

I truly can’t say enough good things about this book. If you love cozy settings, swoony romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and tight-knit community vibes… just go read this when it comes out!!! 🫶📚

*****

⚠️ Content Considerations ⚠️
- Grief (cancer)
- Abandoned by spouse/parent
- Heavy flirting (not inappropriate)
- Natural Disaster

This book was full of fun banter, witty commentary (I loved the social media posts and community responses at the start of each chapter) and a community that loves their people. This romcom caught me and took me for a ride alongside this story and romance, making me fall in love with the town of Wisteria and its people. The chemistry between Finn and Daphne was sizzling but clean and their slow burn kept me reading and guessing for when they would finally succumb.

I really enjoyed this book and read it quickly. It was full of relatable moments which had me laughing, cheering and commiserating with them. I hope this is the start of a series as I would love to spend more time with this community of characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐ opposites attract
⭐ slowburn
⭐ competitors
⭐ single dad
⭐ plot twist
⭐ small town
⭐ clean and sweet

I received an ARC of Brewed Awakening thanks to the publisher through NetGalley and leave this review voluntarily.

This was such a great book filled with banter and creativity. Even the side characters have big personalities. I loved all of the characters. The growth of the main characters didn’t feel massive but felt the an obvious (in a good) outcome. Definitely recommend.

“Food can be terribly persuasive, Ms. Austen.” He leaned a little closer. “I might just win you over with it.” ♥️🍰🥩🫖☕️🇬🇧💗🐲🌊

OBSESSED with this book 😍😍😍 Thank you @netgalley, @thomasnelson, and most of all @pepperbasham for the ALC of this delightful story!! I’ve become a big fan of Pepper’s work this last year, and I absolutely need to add this one to my bookshelf 🥰

Oh goodness, the BANTER. I’ve read lots of romcoms and even more banter, and the flirtatious bickering between Daphne Austen and Finn Dashwood was truly top-tier. I felt myself getting offended in Daphne’s behalf at the beginning, but once she started dishing it out as quickly as Finn did…the hilarity and chemistry between the two could not be stopped 🤣♥️

Putting it in all-caps cause I forgot to put it on my graphic…but the FOUND FAMILY in this one was perfect 🥹 Wisteria, North Carolina sounds like a place I’d love to live, especially after just moving and still feeling a bit out of place in our new community. The people of Wisteria encircled Finn and Lucy, leaving no question in Finn’s mind of their belonging. The social media excerpts were laugh-out-loud hilarious, and the collective matchmaking from the entire town was just what these tea-and-coffee rivals needed 😉

⚠️WARNING⚠️
This book will make you hungry 🤣🍰🥩 I adored the foodie moments between Daphne and Finn, swapping recipe ideas and “perfect pairings.” 😏 It high-key made me want to sign up for culinary school immediately lol.

The romance was kick-your-feet sweet(when they weren’t verbally roasting each other 🤣), and the tenderness between Daphne, Finn, and his little Lucy was beautiful. And as I’ve come to expect and love in Pepper’s books, gratitude to God is shown in every page ♥️

Can’t wait to read more from Pepper!! ♥️♥️♥️

#aloverekindled #wisteriastrong #pepperbasham #bookstagram #closeddoorromance

This was so cute and hit just right! Adorable main characters, with the right amount of witty banter. I loved their chemistry and the way it felt like I was enveloped in the warmth of community in the book. Well written and just an overall fun, cozy read! Perfect for fans of rom-coms, especially if you like ones that are clean and swoony!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

OVERALL STAR RATING: 6/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

Pepper’s books always have such a beautifully unique voice to them. They’re whimsical, enchanting and almost read like fairytales. To quote Mary Poppins – “Practically perfect in every way!”.

You are absolutely going to fall in love with Wisteria, NC. This small town feels like a warm hug and Pepper really stepped it up with the banter and camaraderie of the townspeople. I love it when books have extra layers of storytelling through journal entries, emails, etc. Well, in Wisteria, the townspeople are all about Instagram! The posts are HILARIOUS – every single hashtag left me giggling.

In this story we meet Daphne who runs Tea Thyme, the quaint little tea shop that she took over when her grandmother passed away. Daphne loves all things pink, princess and English. Now enter Finn – a strikingly handsome new Brit in town who plans to open an English pub right next door to Tea Thyme. Daphne’s little English loving heart skips a beat at the prospect then abruptly stops when she realizes that Finn is everything opposite of what her proper little British dreams have conjured up. Finn is all about coffee and rock n’ roll. Prank wars and epic banter ensue, and the entire town gets involved.

On top of all these fantastic elements, let’s also throw in the fact that Finn has the most adorable little six-year-old daughter who, let’s be honest, is more team tea, princess and pink. This story is going to melt your heart into a puddle. The ending was incredible and no doubt written from a personal place in Pepper’s heart. Now, Pepper – my request to you…please consider turning this into a series!? Lol I need more Wisteria in my life. Pastor Nate!? My goodness, that man needs a book all on his own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I’ve loved everything Pepper Basham has written and ‘A Brewed Awakening’ is no exception! This is a kind story of two people who have had extremely difficult challenges in their lives. How they come together and forge a friendship is a delight to behold. The characters are completely relatable and enjoyable to share a journey with. I would highly recommend this book and would give it more than five stars if I could

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

If you love banter, meddling—yet heartwarming—small towns, swoony single dads, and a little cooking competition—do not miss this read! The social media posts and comments at the beginning of each chapter were a total delight. I laughed out loud so much, the tension was top notch, and the depth was beautiful.

TW: Natural Disaster

Loved reading the inspirational and uplifting romance story. When Finn and his daughter, Lucy, move in next door to Daphne and her tea shop, both Finn and Daphne try to fight their attraction to each other. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written with captivating characters, and a must read riveting story.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is pure charm with a side of swoon, and it completely won me over. I picked it up for the opposites attract romance between a tea shop owner and a pub owner, and it delivered such a fun and heartwarming story. The small town setting and playful rivalry made it impossible not to smile while reading.

What worked best was the chemistry and humor. The banter, the prank wars, and the slow shift from irritation to something deeper felt natural and satisfying. The emotional layers, especially with Finn’s past, added depth without weighing the story down. Honestly, it just worked beautifully from start to finish. This is perfect for fans of cozy, feel good romance, but it may not be for those looking for heavy drama.

This book is the coziest, most charming little escape with all the small town magic and opposites attract tension you could want 🏔️✨
I loved Daphne right away with her tea shop world full of delicate details, tradition, and all the Pride and Prejudice vibes 📚🫖 She’s so rooted in her routines and her love for her grandmother’s tearoom, which makes everything feel extra warm and meaningful
Then Finn comes in with loud music, pints, and that grumpy but secretly soft energy 😏🍺 I loved how completely opposite they are, and their rivalry turning into prank wars was honestly so fun and cute 😂💥
The dynamic between them is everything 💕 I loved how their chemistry builds through all the bickering, forced teamwork, and those little moments where you start to see their walls come down
And Finn’s daughter completely stole my heart 🥺💛 She adds so much sweetness and helps bring out the best in both of them in the most natural way
What I loved most is how this story balances humor, heart, and healing 🌸 It’s not just about romance, but about finding joy again after heartbreak and letting someone in when you least expect it
A cozy, feel good romance full of charm, laughter, and just the right amount of swoony moments ☕📖✨

I absolutely adore Pepper Basham's writing style, her wit, her characters, her stories!!! All of it!!! I am completely here for it all!!! She announces a new book and you can be sure that I'm there getting a copy of it as fast as I can so I can sit back, open the book, and soak it all in!!! And this one just had me laughing out loud, smiling broadly, giggling—A LOT—and even shedding a few tears! Ok, a lot more than just a few. That ending was incredible! The feeling of community and care and love just tugged at my heart strings and brought out the water works! I loved it so much!!!

And Daphne Austen (isn't her name adorable?) and Finnley Dashwood (perfect counterpart/hero name for Daphne) shine in this one! I loved their meet-cute, all of the witty banter between them, but especially the chemistry that you could feel! *Happy Sigh* They were just so adorable! I loved watching their initial impressions be challenged and their relationship evolve from frustrated "neighbors" to possibly friends, to definitely more than friends! They're just adorable! The end!!! Hahaha!

There are so many great secondary characters that added to the charm of this small Appalachian town and community! Especially a funny and meddling grandma character! But then we also have the public communications happening with their wit and humor and predictions flying! Those scenes were a hoot to watch unfold! I loved the community members and how they all rallied around each other to create a great sense of family. Whether it was at fun activities, bake-offs, or when disasters strike, they were incredible!

If you're a fan of this author's works, you won't want to miss this one. If you've never read one of her books, you won't want to miss this one! It's a great place to start and I think you'll be hooked just like me! I'm already lined up for my next book by her to read!

I read and listened to this one and just adored both! Ann Marie Gideon & Christopher Ashman were fantastic narrators for these two characters! They brought them and the delightful town and community members to life and had me feeling as if I was right there alongside it all!!!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. This is a Christian fiction novel so some themes and elements that fit in so nicely with these characters and storyline. Some mild peril at one point but nothing crazy.

I received a digital copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley. I also received an audiobook copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

'A Brewed Awakening' is another example of why I enjoy Pepper Basham’s books. Her writing is lively, immersive, and full of personality, and this one pulls you in right away with a hilarious meet-cute that sparks a very public rivalry between Finn and Daphne. Despite the tension, they’re both so endearing that it’s easy to root for them from the start.

This leans fully into romcom territory with a clean but sizzling romance. There’s a lot that brings these characters together in meaningful ways, and while it unfolds a bit conveniently at times, it makes for a really engaging, feel-good story. The social media posts and quirky hashtags at the start of each chapter add that signature Basham humor, and Finn’s daughter brings some especially sweet moments to the dialogue and overall story.

If you enjoy low-spice romance with strong chemistry, humor, and a charming small-town setting this is a great pick (especially for fans of 'The Match' by Sarah Adams)!

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is my favorite Pepper Basham book to date! I adored the small town setting, the rivals to lovers romance, the single dad trope, and the fun characters! Everything about this story is why I love no spice romances! Pepper brought all of the swoon without any of the spice! Add this one to your TBR!

I LOVED this book! From the banter to the rivals-to-lovers vibes and the involvement of the entire community. There were social media excerpts that were giggle-out-loud hilarious. Even though I'm a terrible cook, I love a good kitchen-romance scene. So many swoonworthy and sweet moments. I read everything Pepper writes and this is no exception--highly recommend!!

5⭐️ Absolutely adorable and loved all the banter. Favorite quote is from Lucy: “I promise I won’t become a tea princess. I’ll still be your dragon girl.” Just melt my heart why don’t you! A fun business owner rivalry between the local tea room and a new pub. The reviews and social media chats were so funny and added a fun touch to the rivalry. Not to mention the town folk just being all up in everyone’s business. Daphne is creative and strong while Finn is charming and a little broody. I loved the incorporation of the flooding that hit North Carolina. Wasn’t expecting that because if Pepper Basham writes it, I don’t ask questions. I need no notes. It’s a yes from me. Always.
5⭐️ narration from Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman. I loved the way they hit those great banter lines but gave you hints of the attractions the entire time. Plus, we love a good British accent. But there is good depth of emotion portrayed as well with the elements of loss.

Thank you so much to @thomasnelsonfiction @thomasnelson @netgalley and @pepperbasham for the gifted e-copy and audiobook copy.

I enjoyed reading A Brewed Awakening, a foodie romcom set in a small North Carolina mountain town. Daphne is obsessed with all things Austen and British. She recently inherited her grandmother’s old world tea shop on Main Street and lives in the apartment upstairs. Daphne needs to grow the tea shop’s customer base to pay for essential building maintenance.

Finn is a single dad from England who’s new to town and looking for a fresh start with his adorable six-year-old daughter. He purchases the building next door to Daphne with a plan to refurbish and open an English pub serving hearty meals.

Finn and Daphne’s meet cute is awkward, embarrassing, and full of misunderstandings that set up their business rivalry relationship dynamics. Their romance is cute and sweet with all the feels. They’re both struggling with grief and loss and have emotional baggage to deal with, including trust and abandonment issues. During the story their relationship moves from enemies to friends to more-than-friends, and I loved how Daphne bonds with Finn’s daughter.

The town is like a character and the ensemble cast of side characters are LOL hilarious. While the romcom story elements are lighthearted, a natural disaster challenges the townsfolk to pull together and help each other.

I recommend A Brewed Awakening to contemporary romance readers who like small town foodie romcoms with the enemies to love trope, business rivals, matchmakers, and relevant faith elements in the story.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader copy.

#ABrewedAwakening #NetGalley

Daphne Austin is a stickler for tradition, especially when it comes to managing her grandmother's pastry and tea shop. But what if she wants to try a few recipes of her own? The town is in for a meeting of rivals. When Finn Dashwood moves in and decides to become her competitor, opening an English pub. I looked forward to the social media posts before the start of each chapter with friendly teasing.
There was so much witty food banter that it made me wish I could taste the recipes each of them were making. I loved the town of Wisteria and how they all felt like friends and family.

I loved, loved, loved this book! The whole town is so much fun. The social media banter and quick wit of all the townspeople is next level. I loved Finn, Lucy and Daphne. Finn with his charm, good looks, accent and love for his daughter is a character that is definitely swoon worthy. Daphne with her love of all things English, manners, kindness and wit make her character so loveable and fun. Lucy, Finn's daughter, is just plain adorable with her little lisp.
I laughed out loud so many times. The description Finn gives Daphne trying to talk about their kiss without talking about their kiss is hilarious. So many fantastic lines and wit in this book. This book is a new favorite from Pepper Basham. I can't recommend it highly enough. This is the perfect enemies to lovers, sweet romance with sass.

This is my second book by Pepper Basham and she is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I absolutely loved this sweet enemies to lovers, opposites attract romcom. Pepper does a phenomenal job of diving into deep topics while also keeping the story filled with joy and hope, and I am obsessed.

Daphne is sweet, quick-witted, and kind, with some abandonment-related trust issues. Finn comes off as this charming, shallow flirt, only out for a good time, but he's actually so much deeper and more dedicated than he let on (with some trust issues of his own). They quickly begin a banter-filled prank war that evolves into a town-wide, friendly (read flirty) competition. As they get to know each other, they each have to combat their trust issues and learn to open themselves back up. They push each other in the best way, both challenging and complementing the other professionally and personally, making each other better. I simply adore their relationship journey (and their chemistry is top-notch).

I am also obsessed with the town of Wisteria, it is truly the perfect small town with a cast of wonderfully quirky residents (who each give their two cents on Daphne and Finn's relationship, of course). And Lucy is just the sweetest little girl, and Finn is the cutest, most devoted dad, which only adds to his charm.

Having also listened to the audiobook edition, I also want to add how fun it was to hear these characters come to life. Both narrators did wonderfully, and I especially appreciated hearing Finn's accent (I mean, who doesn't love a good British accent).

Thank you so much, Pepper and NetGalley, for the ALC and ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story so deeply, and was so bummed when it ended. I need more time in Wisteria with these characters, please and thank you! All opinions are my own.

5+ stars — Let me be clear!!! This is not a regular romcom. I repeat, this is not a regular romcom. This is a romcom with (hold your breath!): community, family, second chances, starting over from nothing, snark, witty banter, swoon, hilariousness, confidence issues, physical impairments, snoopy neighbours, competition, tragedy, bravery/courage, food & beverages, parenting, matchmaking, heroism, sarcasm, senior wisdom, appreciation, hard work, embarrassment, sadness, group cooperation, and let’s throw in the kitchen sink. Or in this book’s case, sinks of all kinds, from all over Wisteria. (You’ll understand once you’ve read it.). Oh, and we cannot forget the hashtags for the survival of Wisteria’s merch store.

This novel brought out so many feelings. I laughed. A LOT. The snark, banter, and sarcasm are epic and snort-worthy. Then there is the other aspect that makes up of a regular romcom: the swooooooon of romance, the sparks of chemistry, the layers of two people who become magnets to one another.

BUT!!!!!!! (Notice the all caps!). Just when you think you know where the romcom is going, you find out you couldn’t be more wrong. Tragedy strikes. Chaos ensues. Breaths are held. And the tears fall.

This author is known for her uber-satisfying “Happily Ever Afters.” As the book dedication points out, she also experienced the devastation of Hurricane Helene first-hand. She draws on the sheer will and determination of her community (and beyond) to see the heroism inside of regular people. Such beauty shines through such profound loss. The bravery of the human spirit allows the HEA to still be there in the end, after all the tissues. The sun still rises. Life goes on.

I had no doubt this novel was going to be 5 stars long before I finished it. But I was wrong. This FAR-MORE-THAN-A-ROMCOM absolutely and unequivocally deserves 5+ stars. I reserve those for major impact reads.

I have some things to say to the publisher directly:
1. I personally believe this novel deserved a non-cartoonish cover, worthy and indicative of its content, value, and for the average age of those reading it.
2. Please consider this for a series. The brother, the best friend, the seniors…. #SwoonIsNotSoonOver #DoNotSellASnortShort #GrannyDNeedsAGrampyB

I think I’ll stay in Wisteria for a while. If I could move there, I would. It’s what the world needs right now.

ARC Review 🤍

I didn’t expect to fall this hard for by , but here I am completely charmed and smiling the whole way through ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is the definition of cozy enemies-to-lovers. You’ve got Daphne, who’s all about order, tea, and tradition, and Finn, a laid-back pub owner with a love for food, music, and second chances. They’re total opposites, and watching them clash (and slowly soften) was honestly so fun. The banter? So good. The tension? Worth it. 🙂‍↔️🤍

And the small-town vibes??? STOP it’s so cute 😩 Everyone is involved, there’s gossip, silly drama, and even social media posts that made everything feel so fun and alive. It literally feels like you’re part of the town watching them fall in love.

This book gave me everything I need to end my weekend. Romance, humor, emotional depth, and that soft, comforting feeling you get from a really good romcom. Deff one of my cozy reads.

If you love slow-burn tension, small-town vibes, and meaningful relationships, this is definitely one to pick up.

Would I reread? Yeah… I actually would 🤍

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍📚

Pepper Basham has hit this out of the park once again. It is books like A Brewed Awakening that make Pepper an instant read for me. It had the perfect balance of wit, swoon-worthy moments, southern charm, flirty banter, and so much more.

Finn has moved from across the pond to start over. Finn is a single father to his beautiful daughter, Lucy. Lucy was born with a cleft lip and palate and has undergone multiple surgeries to have it repaired. Finn is protective of all things Lucy. So, starting over in Wisteria, North Carolina, seems like the perfect idea. Setting up a restaurant next to the Tea shop seems like it should be a great idea.

After the death of her mother and grandma, Daphne is now the owner of Tea Thyme, the town's tea shop. When she meets her new neighbor Finn, who on paper seems like her dream guy, with her dream car and British accent to boot. But with her heart healing, she doesn’t want a flirty fling; she wants a relationship. The closer Daphne gets to Finn and his daughter Lucy, the more her heart gets involved.

This story was such a fun read. There is a social media thread that is shared throughout the story. The witty banter and hashtags are next-level genius. I loved all the meddling side characters who are rooting for this relationship to blossom. All while the two restaurant owners are in competition to land the wedding catering job. I loved seeing the town come together to help each other out after the big storm.

This enemies-to-lovers romance was the perfect balance of all things swoonworthy with kisses only.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I am a huge fan of Pepper Basham! She pens rom coms so perfectly that they are not ridiculously silly (if you know what I mean). This one drew me in right away with playful banter and social media posts. Daphne feels like an old soul as she runs her beloved grandmother’s proper tearoom while dreaming of Mr. Darcy. Finn is the poster child for a distinguished English gentleman pub owner, but he does NOT like tea. The town of Wisteria and its residents were warm and relatable and there’s some possible match making going on there as well. Most of this novel is quirky and tons of fun but be forewarned that there is a serious tone towards the end when the small community is in peril.
Pepper Basham is a very versatile novelist who writes her beloved historical Appalachian stories, rom coms, historical, young adult and contemporary romance. I truly admire her versatility and always look forward to her latest novel. She is a multiple award-winning author, including a Christy Award finalist. Hope Between the Pages and The Mistletoe Countess are among my favorites, but she has a generous backlist that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
I received an early e-copy of this book from a Net Galley, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Daphne loves her grandmother's tea shop and is determined to keep it exactly the way it's always been since her grandmother died. But when she gets a new neighbour in the form of a handsome Englishman who loves coffee and is opening a pub, it quickly becomes clear that she's going to have to change to stay in business. Finn learned the hard way that women can't be trusted, so he's here to settle down and make a new life for himself and his daughter Lucy, not to get entangled with another woman. But when a rocky start turns into a prank war with his attractive neighbour, coupled with unofficial help when either is in difficulties, the town seems to decide that staying unentangled is off the table. As they find themselves working both together and competitively through thick and thin, could the town have a point?

This was amazing. From hilarious tags and chats at the start of each chapter to a pair who are clearly made for each other but refuse to accept what everyone else around them can see - while still growing gradually closer as they prank each other - this is full of both fun and heart. I loved the way Daphne interacted with Lucy, though of course the interactions between Daphne and Finn have to take top billing, for sheer variety, humour and also supportiveness when needed. And the town are right there with them, cheering them on, taking sides when it suits, supporting them when needed and providing even more humour, not to mention a necessary push or two. The combination of it all is a book I found far too hard to put down and definitely not ideal to read in public unless you don't mind people wondering why you're laughing out loud. A great read - highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a fun story! I loved both of the main characters and of course a tip of the hat to Lucy!! I was hoping this story would make me smile, but even more so, make me giggle — and it did not disappoint. As I began the story, I was instantly drawn in to Daphne’s story and memories with her grandma and now having her Tea Shoppe to carry on her legacy. I found myself losing sleep and turning the pages as I enjoyed the communication and banter between Daphne and Finn.

Highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation in return. I voluntarily leave my honest comments and thoughts about this book here.

Darling love story filled with banter and fitting Christian themes.
I loved the resilience of the main characters and how they persevered through difficulty. I would rate this PG for kissing and flirting.

Pepper Basham is such a fun writer! I love the span of her work and look forward to reading more from her!

Finn is new to town and stirring up trouble with Daphne, the local tea shop owner. Sparks fly and rivalry is going strong. Is there more to these sparks than meet the eye? The whole town thinks so!

What I loved:
🫖The smoldering
☕️The mild pranks (like super mild)
🫖Small town social media—the hashtags had me laughing so much
☕️Witty banter
🫖Sweet Lucy
☕️Granny D
🫖Jack- I need him to have his own story
☕️The themes of hope and trusting in God
🫖All the food- have a pastry and maybe a burger at the ready when reading this one

This book was so sweet with a whole lot of smolder and banter. It was such a fun read that made me squeal out loud a few times and definitely swoon. You don’t want to miss this one if you like to laugh and get a little misty eyed.

A Brewed Awakening might be my favorite Pepper Basham book.
Can we give her an honorary counseling degree? I was crying by 50% due to dealing with my issues! She got into the hearts and minds of her characters, which made me relate to them and love them.

Then the romance! The banter! I have never wanted a second kiss more than Finn and Daphne's! The angst happens early. Swoon.

This book is very quotable! There's social media banter within the Wisteria community, and it made me laugh. I think A Brewed Awakening has the #bestuseofhashtags and cute quotes: Flirt first, bake later.
Flirting is my love language.
The couple who bakes together stays together.

I read the book and loved it. I listened to the audio and was disappointed in the voice for Daphne. There was little to no Southern accent for her!

I received an early copy of both the ebook and audiobook from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

Daphne Austen loves all things English. Her grandmother's stories made her fall in love with everything English, including her romance with brewed tea. She has now inherited Tea Tyme from her grandmother. Tea Tyme is a quaint tea shop that any tea lover would fall in love with, even though it is nestled in small Blue Ridge town in the southern United States. It was Great Britain meets the South. Then you add in the tea versus coffee wars, and you have a charming story.

Finnley Dashund is all English right down to his lovely accent that causes Daphne to go weak kneed. But though he is English, his seemingly American ways have upset Daphne's apple cart.

Finn and Daphne's first meeting was priceless and unforgettable. Every time I think about it, I chuckle a little more. The feud between these two begins almost immediately, even before they know they are going to be neighbors. The snark, the sass and the barbs all show the electrical chemistry between these two, even as they try to deny it.

This sweet romance was full of life, wit and sass. Being set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains was just another added plus, along with a close knit community of people who love their neighbors and want to make sure everyone feels welcome. Once the wars begin, the book just got better and better as I flew through the pages as fast as I could make my Kindle change pages. I absolutely adored everything about this book. Add in the descriptions of the food, pastries and drinks and this book, though already a winner in my mind, was set for stardom.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Brewed Awakening is a delightful and fun story that takes place in a small town of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Daphne Austen inherited her British grandmother's tea shop and loves all things British. But her new neighbor and pub owner, Finn Dashwood rubs her wrong and brings out her competitive streak. He and his young daughter Lucy moved to town from England to get a new start. I enjoyed the banter between these two and their relationship brings a smile. Lucy is a cutie pie that adds to the story, the apple of Finn's eye. In true Pepper Basham style, this one is funny with dry humor, play on words, rounded out with a swoony romance.

Well, I can now officially say I'm a fan of Pepper Basham. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an eARC of this book. There is a lot to like about it. A lot of charm and banter. A lot of food and bevvies. A lot of laughs.

But there's also a real-world aspect to it. Real topics and medical conditions are mentioned, and they really add depth to the story. It's not overly fluffed up and "easy" at all. It oozes realness. And the addition of the hashtags with every chapter? I'm here for it. It actually felt super appropriate.

The characters are amazing; both support and lead. It really did Wisteria justice. Finn is so charming. Oh my gosh. I appreciate that he is more than just a pretty MMC. He has a backstory, personality, goals... and an adorable little girl. (I also like that she doesn't just fade into the background). He's a bit awkward, but that makes him all the more real. The dynamic between Finn and Daphne was the absolute best. She certainly held her own. He definitely gave a horrible first impression. LOL But he made up for it. She was interesting, herself. I liked that she was trying to embrace her creative side after squashing it down for a while. You can see that she's very passionate about her business (and all things British lol).

This made my heart happy. The whole idea felt unique and nicely executed. I don't think I've ever come across a book that has a tearoom. Let alone a book that actually feels this level of realworld-esque. Can't wait to check out Basham's other books!

~Thanks again NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own~

I was immediately sucked into this story and would love to visit Wisteria and the tea shop and the pub in person! I wish they were real places I could go to. The location was charming, the characters delightful and fun, and the food sounded delicious!

I laughed, I teared up, and I loved the banter, wit, and heart of this story. It was so good, and I’m glad I read it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Change had always felt hard. Life-alteringly hard. Goodbye hard. But with Granny encouraging her, she’d navigated and even grown through it. Yet maybe, just maybe, some changes could still be . . . good?”

Ooh, a great “everyone should read this” rom-com!! Pepper Basham mixes and blends together a small Blue Ridge Mountains town, a competition between coffee-pub and tea shops, and two individuals who zealously guard their hearts. Never mind the great banter. That they share a shop wall. That there is a buzz of awareness between the too-handsome, insulting Brit (Finn) and the Austen fan and Anglophile ( Daphne).

After Daphne’s grandmother dies and leaves her the shop, Daphne makes the business into a sort of shrine, keeping everything the same. Which doesn’t invite new business, which she desperately needs to survive. Daphne drools over a new car that reminds her of both her past and England. Then she meets the owner, Finn. Attracted by his drop-dead gorgeous looks and British accent, she is repelled by his sarcasm and cutting remarks.

Eventually, a competition grows beyond the exchanged personal word to a verbal flirting and battle on social media. Because the two are close neighbors, they can’t help coming in contact with each other and find that they actually goad each other into their best professional space.

When Daphne meets Finn’s six-year-old daughter, who has visible facial scars, a sweet protectiveness blooms in Daphne. Plus, she begins to see another, gentler, protective, and loving father side to Finn. A softer, more appealing side than the gruff rejection that she has encountered thus far. She wants to open her heart… but her past has taught her that love is not permanent.

A celebrity couple decide to get married in Wisteria, NC, ( said small town) and find themselves minus their planned caterer. They search for a local caterer, only to be torn between the two, Daphne or Finn. The whole town joins in the social media “Grub Wars” banter and chooses between “Team Tea” or “Team Coffee.” A bake-off during the Fall Fest is planned so the whole town can vote who the celebrity couple’s caterer will be.

I loved just how wise and comforting Daphne is with Lucy. Daphne is also generous to a fault and creative when pushed outside her comfort zone.

This book stands out to me for the banter, for the sweet vs. grumpy trope and enemies to lovers trope. But it especially wreaked havoc on my emotions as it recalls the 2024 Hurricane Helene (renamed in the story) that hit Asheville. I was fortunate enough, though visiting the SC upstate at the time, to be an hour away. I remember the aloneness, the fear, the darkness of days without power, having no idea what was going on in the rest of the area. But, where it was so devastating, in real life and in the novel, people survived on working together, faith, and hope amid the devastation. And a determination to rebuild. What a tribute to the area this story is, and I didn’t really expect it as the story flowed along. Definitely a must-read story penned by someone who lived the experience.

I received a copy of the book from JustRead Tours and NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ​

Notable Quotables:

“walls don’t just keep pain out. They keep possibility out too.” - Harry

“‘The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.’” Finn quoting Hemingway

“People don’t always like differences or . . . the unexpected. It makes them uncomfortable.”

”He’d learned the hard way that love came with an expiration date…”

A Brewed Awakening is a Christian romance by Pepper Basham.

Daphne was obsessed with all things British due to her British grandmother's influence. Enter the British Finn who moved to the small town of Wisteria to start over with his adorable daughter, Lucy. Their meet-cute was hilarious and a bit cringy because you could feel the overwhelm radiating from Daphne. They become neighbors and rivals with her tea shop and his pub. Pranks, social media arguments with the rest of the small town watching, commenting, and discussing this relationship/rivalry like the busybodies they are. I think Lucy is the reason the walls come down between Finn and Daphne, and then a friendship forms with the underlying tension of attraction and competition (of course!). Because hate usually stems from the same emotions as love, right? Then their town experiences a natural disaster, and you see them rally together to get through it. Daphne and Finn’s growth arcs were just so well done and relatable!

Lucy and Granny D were my favorite supporting characters - though everyone gets a voice through their hashtags. Pastor Nate gets an honorable mention because he got me laughing so much - I’m laughing even thinking about all his Biblical jokes and puns. Also, Jack! The big brother every girl dreams of, because when he was giving Finn the talk, I was crying. His disability representation gives perspective when dealing with Lucy’s. I love this whole town! Now I want a hoodie that says “Wisteria Strong. Loved all the hashtags too!

Overall, a really beautiful, fun story!

"There would come a day when she'd respond like a grown-up around handsome men. This was not that day" (location 183). I loved, loved, loved this book. It was funny right from the start. It had two characters who had a witty repartee both verbally and via social media. In fact, the entire town of Wisteria got in on the Team Tea vs Team Coffee battle. It was hysterical.

I sincerely hope that this is the first book in a series because the townsfolk of Wisteria are special and could use another book or three. I'd love to learn more about Jack and whoever is behind the posts from the Wisteria General Store. I loved how the town came together in good times and bad. If you like Jan Karon's Mitford or Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor, you'll fall in love with Wisteria too.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I could hardly put it down and didn't want it to end. All opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham does it again! A great setting, a great cast of characters, a great kiss (!), and a great story! This was wonderful from start to finish! Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to UpLit Reads and Thomas Nelson for the ARC, ALC, and finished copy of A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. All opinions are my own.

This was my second book by this author, and it was just as good as the other book I read. I love the way this author combines humor and serous topics.

Daphne and Finn had such good chemistry, and I loved their banter. Finn was so flirty and charming, and I loved how he could fluster Daphne.

Besides Finn and Daphne, I also enjoyed the side characters of Lucy and Jack. Lucy, Finn’s daughter, had such a sweet relationship with Finn and then Daphne as time went on. Daphne’s brother Jack was entertaining and supportive, and I would love to read more about him.

I also liked how the townspeople were both entertaining and meddlesome. When things got hard, they came together and took care of each other.

I ended up listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narrators. It was nice having dual narrators, and I thought the narrators fit their characters well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more books set in this world.

All the love for A Brewed Awakening! Pepper Basham delivers some of the best laugh-out-loud witty banter while weaving a heartfelt story filled with sizzling romantic tension, charming small-town side characters, & a sweet faith thread. Add in a hot British single dad chef with a darling daughter, & I’m completely hooked! And, if I gained 5 pounds reading about all the delicious food, I’m going to blame the author.

Daphne Austen craves security, tradition, & all the comforts of her inherited teashop, Tea Thyme. But when a rock music & coffee loving British hottie moves in next door with a pub that offers serious competition, their rivalry, pranks, & delicious banter keep the small town of Wisteria, N.C. buzzing. (Loved all the creative hashtags.) Yet when Daphne realizes her nemesis has a small daughter in need of a feminine touch, she completely melts, until a stiff competition to caterer a high profile wedding & a toe-curling kiss put them at odds once again.

After heartbreak, & a betrayal nearly destroyed his reputation, Finn Dashwood leaves Britain behind with his sweet six-year-old daughter Lucy for a fresh start. The last thing he wants is to risk his heart again. But the cute blond next door who also happens to be his competition, quickly gets under his skin. Beneath all the witty banter & back-and-forth pranking, attraction brews between them. But, when one simple kiss completely upends him, will he give love a chance?

I loved this story! Daphne & Finn are so much fun. I adored the chemistry, banter, rivalry, & undercurrent of attraction between them. Both are reluctant to fall, & I loved watching them pine for each other from afar. Lucy completely stole my heart. Born with a bilateral cleft lip & palate, she’s endured so much in her young life, & I loved how Daphne takes her under her wing sharing all things princesses & dragons with her.

There’s a surprising twist at the end & I loved the touching tribute to the flood victims of N.C. Highly recommend this heartfelt, funny, sweet romcom! I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

WOW!!! I absolutely loved this book! It was cute, sweet and so funny! Finn and Daphne were adorable. Also, their banter was 1000000% top notch! I couldn't get enough of the back and forth. I also thought all the side characters from town were the best. I couldnt wait to read all the social media posts with all the town people that was pne of my favorite parts! They always had me giggling!
It was a rom com for the ages!
So fun! And I hope to read more about Wisteria!

What a delightful story! Daphne runs a tea shop that had been her grandmother's, and she is stressed out because her store and her apartment upstairs need some plumbing fixes. At least she has the support of the town and her brother, Jack.

The restaurant and apartment next door are empty, until a British man, Finn, and his daughter Lucy move in. He opens a British pub in the restaurant space, which immediately ticks Daphne off--even though she loves all things British (including Finn's car!).

Sparks fly both in person and on social media, and the town gets behind a competition set up by a couple who can't decide which of the two chefs they want to cater their wedding. Who will win? Well, you'll have to read it to find out! :)

Pros: So much of my favorite kind of witty repartee, Lucy is adorable, Jack is great (and deserves his own love story!), and I really enjoyed the town's social media posts at the end (I think? Hard to tell in the eARC copy!) of each chapter. The hashtags were GOLD.

Con: This could just be me, and it also could just be that I read this over a longer time frame in the process of a move--but some of the dialogue and descriptions were a touch repetitive. Then again, when aren't we all like this in real life?!

Favorite line: "Daphne rolled her eyes so hard she briefly saw next week." LOL!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for a NetGalley eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A rivals to more small town romcom with so much banter! It reminded me a lot of Pride and Prejudice and I was there for it. It had laughter, love, and loss. This was the first Pepper Basham book I’ve read and I can’t wait to read more.

Daphne is a small town tea shop owner after her grandmother passed and left her the shop. She is everything princess and sweet, at least that’s what Finn seems to assume. He is new to town coming to open a true English pub and feels like Daphne’s finger food is too dainty. Oh! And he hates tea…

With their shops right next to one another and sharing a wall, things definitely get heated. When it comes down to a competition, both are fully invested.

Some Favorite Quotes:

“They’re basically Meg Ryan and Hugh Grant but with caffeine and unresolved tension.”

“Southern towns don’t do privacy. They do pies, unsolicited advice, and neighbors who invite themselves in for tea.”

“God really shouldn’t make men that handsome if they weren’t going to be nice. It violated some unspoken cosmic rule, like serving lukewarm tea or shelving a Dickens novel in the romance section.”

“I hope both sides of your pillow are warm tonight.”

“Cinnamon and sass. Floured fingertips and pink bras on shower rods. She wasn’t what he expected. Not at all. And that’s exactly what made her dangerous. Temptingly dangerous.”

“Hope. There was no escaping it. Even in the wreckage, hope found a way.”

#arcread #cleanromcom #teaisbest #downwiththebeanwater #rivalstomore #teaandtap

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed this book
There were so many English references here
If you are into romance novels, that really take their theme seriously, this is the book for you.
I really love a romance novel that is themed and takes their theme very seriously almost to a point like they researched the theme to make sure that they’re adding every little reference.
It was super cute.

This is a classic five-star must-read Pepper Basham rom-com with swoony romance, inspiring faith, and snort-laughs guaranteed! I adored it! The nods to Jane Austen, Disney princesses, Tolkien, and all things English captured my heart. And you’ll probably find yourself pretty hungry too with all the cooking and baking in this story— so be prepared for that! Finn and Daphne’s romance is both hilarious and heartfelt, and I loved seeing their relationship grow. And Finn? Let’s just say I am so glad we got a good dose of dual POV because it was so funny (and swoony) to hear his side of this romance!

What begins with prank wars and the enemies to lovers trope in a small-town setting becomes an inspiring tale based on the communities of western NC affected by Hurricane Helene. I moved to North Carolina 10 years ago, and I am so glad to see the Pepper has captured on page the heart, soul, and community of NC—especially in a time like Hurricane Helene. NC banded together to meet needs as a community in a time of devastation, and I have rarely seen anything like the efforts in the aftermath of that storm. This story captures that spirit of community, endurance, and grit so well via the fictional town of Wisteria.

Come for the laughs, stay for the heartfelt conclusion, and enjoy every page in this newest stand-alone masterpiece from Pepper Basham! I highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own, I really did love it!

A Brewed Awakening is such a fantastic story! In true Pepper Basham fashion, there is a wonderful mix of sweet moments and fun banter that make this such an endearing story.

Daphne loves her town and the tea shop she is now in charge of after losing her grandmother. Daphne also has a great admiration for all things English.
Finn, and his daughter Lucy, have just moved to Wisteria, North Carolina from England for a fresh start. Finn’s plan is to open a pub and serve classic English fare.

The immediate tension between Daphne and Finn only intensifies when they must compete to provide food for the wedding of a well-known influencer who grew up in Wisteria. When the two find themselves spending more and more time together as the wedding draws near, their relationship begins to shift and a mutual respect begins to develop. However, a hurricane threatens their town and everything they have been working toward. Will Finn be willing to start over again, and will Daphne finally trust herself to take the chances that might lead to her very own happily ever after?

Thank you so much to UpLit Reads, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Brewed Awakening.

This book gets ALL of the stars. I absolutely LOVED this book and it’s now one of my top 3 Pepper Basham reads and I have read pretty much all of her books except a couple and I’m reading those this summer.

First off, I adored Finn. I kept picturing actor Jake Stormoen in my head as I was reading and it was such fun! I would LOVE a movie version of this story with Jake as Finn! Who do we talk to about this?!?! The banter/snark between Finn & Daphne was on point and I was here for it! I also really loved the inclusion of Daphne’s brother with his disability as well as sweet little Lucy and hers. And then, the last few chapters-ALL the feels! I bawled and knowing Pepper’s personal experiences that contributed to the turn the story took, made it that much deeper. This book is exquisite. Pure and simple.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This story was so much fun, and once I got used to each chapter opening with some sort of social media post and its comments, that added a whole lot to the story (it was a bit jarring to have that be the first thing I heard at the start with no warning). This felt like the absolute perfect rivals-to-lovers story, with the real stakes, real reasons to be rivals (not just miscommunication), and believable relationship growth.

I finished this several days ago, and as I was going back and skimming the book (because both the audio and ebook copy are necessary for this, and I wouldn't say no to a paperback 😂) to refresh my memory, I kept stopping and getting sucked into the story once more. The coziness of the small town charm, combined with the banter between Daphne and Finn - as well as Daphne and her brother, and Daphne and Granny D, Daphne and...well, everyone - and topped off with food descriptions that left me constantly hungry, this book was a delight to listen to and will be a delight to return to.

My one quibble is that the faith threads were more muted - not completely gone - but it left me wishing for more, and not in a good way. I didn't detract any stars because I've read a couple new releases from Thomas Nelson Fiction, and authors whose stories have previously held a strong faith thread also had little to none, and so I believe this may be a trend from the publisher, not the authors. That said, I want to be clear: the stories are lacking without the faith thread, and I want them back.

#BookReview: A BREWED AWAKENING by Pepper Basham

5 stars

Set in the cozy town of Wisteria, North Carolina, this charming story follows Daphne Austen, a local tea shop owner, and Finn Dashwood, a handsome British single dad who is new in town and opening his own pub. Their fight to win a wedding catering job keeps the story exciting, while their tea-versus-coffee rivalry adds even more fun. Daphne and Finn’s journey from rivals to romance is playful, heartwarming, and full of spark. Their banter, teasing, funny online posts, and growing feelings make the story easy to enjoy from beginning to end.
This book is full of joy, hope, and the strength to keep going despite whatever life brings. While it delivers all the fun of an enemies-to-lovers romance, it also beautifully highlights people’s resilience through life’s challenges. Wisteria feels warm and welcoming, made even better by lovable characters like adorable Lucy, kind and helpful Jack, and the unforgettable Granny D and Pastor Nate. Pepper Basham created a feel-good small-town romance filled with humor, charm, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs. The flirting for marketing purposes was especially fun and added an extra layer of delight to this sweet and uplifting story.


Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

🇬🇧☕️ What happens when your fictional Mr. Darcy fantasy moves in next door and turns out to be an emotionally unavailable chaos gremlin with a British accent? Because honestly, I ate this book UP.

A Brewed Awakening was a heartfelt story about grief, healing, family, and finding love when life doesn’t look the way you planned. And yes there’s still plenty of swoony banter and tea-shop chaos too.

Daphne Austen was SUCH a fun character to follow. Her obsession with England, routines, and perfectly organized tea-shop life made her both lovable and hilariously relatable. Meanwhile, Finnley Dashwood completely wrecked every polished fantasy she had and I loved every second of it. Their opposites-attract chemistry had me grinning constantly. The banter? Top tier. The emotional moments? Surprisingly tender. And Finn with his daughter absolutely melted my heart.

What really made this story stand out for me was the cozy Appalachian small-town atmosphere mixed with all the Austen-inspired charm. It felt warm, whimsical, and comforting while still digging into deeper emotional themes. Pepper Basham balanced humor and heart so well that I found myself laughing one chapter and getting emotional the next.

If you love cozy rom-coms with grumpy/sunshine vibes, quirky small towns, emotional healing, tea-shop aesthetics, and strong community-centered stories, this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.

I found A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham a delightfully emotional read! It gave me all of the feelings, and I was totally there for it all! Firstly, let me say that Basham is one of my favorite authors, so I’m always happy when she has a new book. I’ve never been disappointed! This opposites attract rom-com both cracked me up and made my heart ache.

I loved this small NC town and its residents. The social media posts in each chapter with the hilarious hashtags attached really brought the small town, close knit community feel, and I totally wanted to just move in and join in the speculations about Finn and Daphne.

The flirty banter between Finn and Daphne was SO much fun to “watch.” Their wit and sarcasm made it easy for the town to predict that they’d end up as a happily ever after. Their cooking and baking skills were off the charts, and I loved how they would come up with ideas to make each other's recipes even better. And this was before they even realized what a great couple they’d be! Finn’s daughter Lucy stole my heart. What a sweetheart! I want to sing Disney songs with her!

Even though the synopsis mentions a storm threatening the celebrity wedding, I wasn’t expecting THAT! No spoilers, but it truly showed the sense of community during the last few chapters. The epilogue was wonderful and makes me long for another book…maybe Daphne’s brother can have a story. A girl can dream. I highly recommend this and give it 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Brewed Awakening
I have to agree with Lindsey in the book “it’s giving Hallmark original meets British Bake-off”

Thank you @uplitreads @pepperbasham and @thomasnelsonfiction for the #gifted copy of this book.

The character Lindsay described this book best : “it’s giving Hallmark original meets British Bake-Off”.

Pepper Basham has done it again with all the hilarious banter and swoon worthy moments with just a touch of sadness.

Finn and Daphne were such a cute couple to watch fall in love. I seriously think this would be THE cutest Hallmark movie (which I am a huge fan of 😬)!

The instagram posts and comments that kicked off each chapter were such a fun addition to the story! I loved how the whole town (including the pastor😂) was invested in their cook-off and relationship status.

The addition of the flooding from a storm was heart wrenching. I have family in Asheville, NC so it brought back some of my conversations with them about how devastating everything was up there after hurricane Helene.

I chose to listen to the audio book for this one and loved the dual narration! I highly recommend you give this one a listen! Or if reading with your eyeballs is you jam, grab the paperback!

A BREWED AWAKENING is a perfect novel to spend the day with. Daphne inherits a tea shop from her grandmother who was British. A new business moves in next door and Daphne is not happy. Finn, a single dad who recently moved to Wisteria from the UK, with his young daughter, is opening up an English pub. Here is where the story really picks up and the fun begins! After a bit, the banter between Finn and Daphne will crack the reader up just like it did to me. The prank war between these two is hysterical and leaves you laughing out loud.

A BREWED AWAKENING is exactly why I love Pepper Basham’s books. She always leaves me with a big smile on my face and screaming for more. That’s how wrapped up I get into her writing. Pepper has become one of my very favorite go to authors and I devour her books like a fine box of chocolates. I try to take my time and read slowly to make it last, but usually half way through I lose all control and flip the pages like a mad woman!! Readers of anything British are going to love this story and A BREWED AWAKENING will fill your heart with total book love. Be prepared for Finn’s daughter, Lucy to steal your heart.

Pepper Basham has once again left me in tears and crying for more. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I really loved a BREWED AWAKENING Wow wow wow!! From the very first page I was emotionally invested in Daphne and I just wanted her to be happy and to smile again. She was so devastated when her life was turned upside down once again and I cried when she cried and I love when an author does that to me. I felt like I was right there with her and I was holding my breath at the end of A BREWED AWAKENING praying nothing bad was going to happen.

Please, you have to give Pepper Basham a try! You won’t be sorry. I can’t wait to read more by one of my very favorite authors. I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of her books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, struggling along with them. Especially the catastrophic event in the second half of the book. I live in North Carolina and Pepper brought me right back to that heartbreaking time and my tears just started flowing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Daphne Austen is slightly obsessed with all things English. She clings to the traditional in Tea Thyme, the tea shop she inherited from her beloved grandmother. And when she sees a Cabriolet in just the right shade of blue parked outside, she’s so excited, she does everything but lie down on it and lick it. Then she meets the owner of said dream car, one Finn Dashwood – very British, very handsome, and putting in a proper British pub right next to Tea Thyme.

Now, you’d think this might be a match made in heaven, but Daphne and Finn get along about like gasoline and a match. He calls her a tea princess. She finds his rock music coming through the walls annoying. Sparks fly and things heat up, and not just in the kitchen. And they’ve both been hurt by the things life has thrown at them, so neither is willing to even consider the possibility that their animosity toward each other might hide some sweeter feeling.

Oh, this book, y’all! Daphne and Finn are marvelous. Daphne had suffered so much loss, she was scared to change anything. She was hanging on to her memories, the way her grandmother had done things, with both hands, even though it was stifling her own creativity. And Finn and his sweet daughter Lucy had been dealt such a raw deal by Lucy’s mother, I wanted to hug them both.

The secondary characters are also wonderful. Granny D was a scene-stealer, and I just loved how she gleefully meddled in Daphne and Finn’s relationship in the best possible way. I really enjoyed how Basham made use of a townwide social media forum where the townsfolk got to chat. Everyone else in town was shipping Finn and Daphne before they were anywhere near ready to admit their feelings, and the opinions and hashtags were hilarious.

And Lucy, Finn’s daughter, is the sweetest! She, too, has had her share of difficulties in life. But that hasn’t diminished her zest for life or her love for princesses. When Daphne helps Lucy with a health issue late at night, Finn starts to see beyond the things she does that annoy him. And as she sees Finn interacting with his daughter, Daphne starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to him than his playboy attitude might suggest.

Faith is a gentle undercurrent in this story, as it is in Basham’s other books. She never beats the reader over the head with the King James Bible, but Daphne and Finn both realize they can’t handle things alone and turn to God for strength and guidance. It’s such an encouragement to me to read books where faith is portrayed in an everyday-life kind of way. Neither Finn nor Daphne is a holier than thou character. They’re both ordinary people trying to make their way in a challenging world, and they rely on faith to light their path.

The catering competition, the chat forum, the witty (and sometimes snarky, but never mean-spirited!) banter, the slow-burn romance, all these things combine to make A Brewed Awakening another winner of a book for me. It’s in the running for this year’s favorites!