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.
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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.