I love a good rom-com and this was no exception. I loved the food aspect. I loved the tea vs coffee debate throughout hte whole book.

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!

This is a fun, witty, clean story!! I liked the characters & the plot. There are good plot twists & I liked the ending. All in all, loved the book & look forward to reading more by this author!!

I liked the witty banter & the puns and how the story played out.

The narrators did a great job & their southern accents were fun.

Thank you to the author (Pepper Basham), publisher (Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

A Brewed Awakening
A hilarious, clean, enemies-to-lovers rom-com
by Pepper Basham
Narrated by Ann Marie Gideon; Christopher Ashman

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

Trigger warnings:
Flooding, loss of belongings, cleft palate, prosthetics

My favorite quote: “Reality ruined more daydreams than fiction ever could”

If you like Sweet Home Alabama - chances are this book is for you.

Daphne is an entirely sweet, kind southern woman. She loves her community, her friends & family, tea & baking.

Finn is a part gruff, part charming, part antagonizing former brit that flirts like it’s going out of style. He’s a great dad, a great cook, and is partial to coffee.

I loved this book and highly recommend it. The narration, characters, and plot all spoke to my soul. Definitely don’t pass this one up!

It’s funny, it’s charming, it’s romantic, and it’s movie worthy!

This was such a fun, lighthearted listen. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was full of witty banter and great chemistry, and the small-town setting added a lot of charm. The story balanced humor and romance really well, making it an easy and enjoyable audiobook to get lost in.

If you enjoy clean rom-coms with memorable characters and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I loved this book so much!!! I felt all the feels. I was sad, I was laughing and I was in the edge of my seat. Finn was adorable. I loved the whole community and how invested they were in...everything haha.

When I find a book I enjoy, I often can’t wait to also listen to the audio version. It gives a different perspective. "A Brewed Awakening" by Pepper Basham is just that type of book. Her witty, lyrical prose on the page held so much potential to be captivating in audio.
And I wasn’t disappointed. The already well fleshed out characters became 3D as I heard the voice. It was simply delightful.
I can’t recommend "A Brewed Awakening" in book or audiobook form enough.

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. The narrators did a fantastic job in bringing the story to life!

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 🩷

Both narrators did a fantastic job!

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

I received an advanced reader copy of A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was such a charming and cozy romance! The small-town setting, witty banter, and rivals-to-romance dynamic between Daphne and Finn made this such a fun read. I loved the humor, the heart, and the sweet moments throughout the story. The town of Wisteria and its quirky characters added so much charm.
If you love cozy small-town romances with great chemistry and lots of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up!

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. I also listened to the audio, and the narrators are fabulous and bring a wonderful story to life, so great!
Thanks to NetGalley for this complimentary copy of this book, the review is my own opinion.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is everything I’ve come to expect from this author—swoony, sweet, clean, and filled with heart and purpose. She’s truly an auto-buy for me, and this story is a perfect example of why.

I first read the book and then revisited it through the audiobook, and I honestly appreciated it even more the second time around. The narration by Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman was beautifully done, adding so much depth, charm, and personality to the story.

What stood out most to me in this listen was the strong sense of community. The small-town setting is rich and inviting, giving off cozy, familiar vibes similar to Gilmore Girls. You can truly feel the love and support woven throughout the town, especially as the characters face both joyful and difficult moments together.

There’s a lovely balance of humor and heart here. The banter between Daphne and Finn is witty and engaging, delivering that classic enemies-to-lovers tension, while the story also makes space for deeper themes like loss, resilience, and overcoming adversity—especially in light of the storm.

I also deeply appreciated Basham’s thoughtful inclusion of speech differences, like cleft palate representation. It adds a meaningful layer of authenticity and compassion, reflecting the care she put into this story—especially knowing it was written during a challenging time in her own hometown.

Overall, this is a charming, faith-filled romance that blends humor, heartache, and hope so beautifully. I highly recommend picking up the audiobook if you can it truly brings this delightful story to life.

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 absolutely loved this take on this Jane Austen retelling. I had gotten a chance to listen to the book in audiobook format.

I really enjoyed the plot and characters. It was dual pov and dual narrator. which I very much enjoyed throughout this audiobook. I loved that it was an happy ending.

“His voice! Pure mocha with a drizzle of something sinful.”

Pepper Basham is the absolute queen at delivering clever one-liners that ooze with description, writing hilarious puns, and giving her characters depth and wit. Daphne and Finn are no exception and their dazzling story set in the hills of North Carolina stole my heart.

Finn, a single dad from England who is starting over, has his work cut out for him with his tea obsessed neighbor and slight rival. This small town full of quirky residents and all the hashtags had me laughing constantly, but beneath all the fun and games, this story tackles some somber moments with a storm and ensuing natural disaster, but while serious, the lighthearted vibe doesn’t become heavy.

The zings that Finn and Daphne dish out are enveloped in snappy attraction and chemistry, making this one a purely delightful read.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril; mild religious themes

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

A great rivals-to-lovers story that was well narrated. Daphne enjoys small town life, running her tea shop but needs to start doing more to promote her small business. Finn just moved here for a fresh start with his daughter and set ups shop right next door to Daphne and the two engage in hilarious banter throughout this book. The teasing turns to flirting turns to more. They end up teaming up for an event, but when tragedy strikes the small town in the form of a natural disaster, they get even closer by helping out their town. This makes them fall in love even more! Well written, well narrated.....a fabulous happy-ending story. Publishes: May 5th

(I received an audio-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Pepper Basham)

Everybody is sick of hearing me ask for audiobooks that compare to Courtney Walsh’s Contemporary Romances, and I have *excellent* news for these folks— I found one!
A Brewed Awakening is a super sweet, southern, small town story about a Tea Shop owner who enters a Bake-Off against the new to town British Pub Owner. She wants to hate his guts, but he’s British— and unfortunately for her, she’s been pre-programmed to obsess over all things British. He moved out of the country, to The South to start fresh with his adorable, young daughter— unfortunately for him, swearing off the female species is harder than it sound…. Especially when one is surrounded by Southern Belles. Each character, main and side, are entertaining as it gets! The banter is great, the storyline stays playful, and the characters are all quite likable! The narrators were brilliant and very fun to listen to. The accents were nailed and each character was their own!

The cheesy, clean rom-com, steeped in puns (iykyk) I didn't know I needed! Two rival neighbors, a tea shop and new local pub competing for more than just the catering opportunity that could change business forever. Listening to this audiobook put me right in the middle of Main Street of this small North Carolina town. A perfect listen on a walk, in the car, or whenever you need to escape to a small southern town to feel hospitality and hope. By the end you'll be cheering alongside the townsfolk of Wisteria for Daphne and Finn!

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.

A brewed awakening was a wonderful small town, enemies/rivals to lovers, closed door romance featuring Daphne, a Wisteria native, and Finn, a single dad who recently moved to Wisteria with his young daughter. Daphne is the owner of the tea shop in Wisteria and a lover of all kinds of teas and sweet treats; while Finn is the complete opposite, a coffee lover who loves to cook savory, english dishes. The banter was great in this story, and the interaction of the main characters with each other and the other Wisteria residents was hilarious and sweet. The narrators had great pace and did an amazing job bringing this story to life.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

While there were themes that didn't resonate with me, the book was still a delightful read. The characters are fun and witty and the banter is a real treat. The real world disaster could hit people rather hard, but it is handled tastefully from my personal perspective.

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

I am so excited to see more and more Christian authors emerge in the romance comedy genre. Some of the previous Christian romance novels I have read in the past were not my favorite but I thoroughly enjoyed A Brewed Awakening. I listened to this story with an advanced listening copy and both narrators did a fantastic job with their performances.

I loved the storyline, the characters and Pepper Basham even did a great job taking her readers right into a small town in North Carolina. Every character leapt off the page and I loved the dynamic of Finn as a single dad falling for the sweet little tea shop owner, Daphne. If you’re looking for a clean romance that is cozy and full of lighthearted humor then definitely check out Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. The audio is a great option if you’re looking for something that is easy to get lost in while you’re multitasking around the house or yard.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Pepper Basham for an ALC of A Brewed Awakening. I enjoyed the experience.

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.

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!

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

I didn’t think I could love this book more…then came the audiobook. It was amazing! The narrators were perfect and made the characters came to life even more. I cannot recommend this book enough!

I was also given the audiobook ARC from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for an honest review.

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.
The narrators were so good! I loved both of them.
#teampubandtea

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

Quintessential Basham! Which means comedy with a whole lot of heart and plenty of quirky characters to fall in love with. While Daphne and Finn are clearly the main characters, I was charmed by so many of the secondary characters as well. I mean, how can you resist someone who shares bits of wisdom like, “…about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”?! This author’s wordsmithing is always a delight – and she’s definitely in a league of her own when it comes to a clever turn of phrase.

I really like how the ‘enemies to more’ trope is handled in ‘Brewed Awakening‘. It never gets petty or nasty — just full of comedic charm. Like the chalkboard wars. And the games are on!

Finn, our British hero (eep!!!) arrives in Wisteria with adorable daughter in tow, determined to create the very best of new beginnings for them both and that definitely does not include romance. Especially not with with the prickly girl next door…well business owner next door. Their meet-cute is both cute and a disaster and things take off from there.

Daphne may have made some snap judgements. Finn may be harbouring old hurts a little too tightly. But there’s no denying the sparks flying and their banter…well, it goes way beyond banter into something much more delectable. And it’s so much fun! I’m still grinning over some of the zingers.

As in all of Pepper Basham’s books, there’s a stirring mix of emotional depth woven throughout the story. And, honestly, I was moved to goosebumps and tears by the end. Wow, I was not expecting that!

A moving celebration of hope and new beginnings.

I listened to the audio book and I loved every second of Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman’s dual narration. They captured the rom/com vibes perfectly and really did justice not only to Daphne and Finn, but to the whole diverse cast of secondary characters as well. A brilliant listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

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!

Male and female narrators capture the emotion and perform the banter excellently.

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!!!

Another Rom-Com at its Best!

A brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham brings laughs, smiles and a whole lotta tea/coffee drama ;) Daphne Austen, loves all things English, so much so, that she runs her late grandmother's tea shop. Daphne puts her whole heart into keeping her grandmother's way of doing things but her beloved tea shop is "falling apart" at the seams. She starts to think, maybe, she can try and expand on flavors and bring new treats to the shop and maybe just maybe, try social media???

Finnley Dashwood new to this small town, came with his young daughter from... you guessed it, England, to start anew. But Finnley isn't your normal "Englisher", he doesn't care for tea - oh no! He loves coffee - and when he sets up a coffee pub next dorr to the tea shop.... cue the social media war.

The whole town joins in in the #teacoffeedrama #enemytolovers #teecoffeeunite
This is another read that would make for an awesome Rom-Com movie, I'd buy a ticket #makeamovie #awakemysoul #iwantmoredrama

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the audio ARC

☕️📚 Audiobook Review: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this audiobook! A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham was such a sweet, heartfelt story that completely pulled me in from start to finish.

The narrators did an amazing job bringing the characters to life I was hooked the whole time. Finn and Daphne were so adorable together, and their chemistry felt genuine, natural, and full of those little moments that just make your heart happy.

One of my favorite things about Pepper Basham’s writing is how she creates clean romance that never feels lacking. All the emotion, tension, and depth are still there, and this story was no exception. It was full of warmth, charm, and just the right amount of swoon.

If you love feel-good romance with lovable characters and all the emotions (without the spice), this one is definitely worth a listen!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ALC of this novel!

Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Chef/Chef
Social Media Feud
Small Town
Found Family
Single Dad
Coffee vs. Tea

Oh where do I even start??? Finn is a british chef newly relocated to Wisteria, NC to open a pub with his sweet young daughter, Lucy in tow. Next door, long standing tea shop owner Daphne is not impressed. What starts as a feud turns to more as the pair competes to cater a social media influencer wedding. When disaster strikes, the whole town comes together and Finn and Daphne realize the feud was really just flirting all along.

This is a sweet, clean, feel good rom-com. The banter between Finn and Daphne, along with the addition of cute little Lucy was everything I could have imagined for a small town romance! I was NOT expecting the ending, but gosh was it TOP TIER!!! I felt a full range of emotions when listening to this book. I loved the social media breaks between chapters, so cute with the hashtags!! Narrators Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman brought Daphne and Finn to life perfectly. I hope Pepper writes more so I can read them!!

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! The narrators were delightful! Great accents and the banter and communication was just so satisfying!

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

This was exactly what I was expecting and what I needed to lighten my day! A sweet small town romance with a host of lovable characters. The banter was good, the slow burn was burning, and it left me craving a good cup of Earl Grey and a hearty meal. I loved the townspeople and the added touch of social media with some very clever hashtags. I was giggling and routing for Finn and Daphne the whole time. And of course, adorable Lucy. It should be noted this is a Christian romance with faith openly referenced. I felt like the author did this super well, which I really liked. The narrators did a great job and I appreciated that it was a dual narration.

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 ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had privilege of getting to listen to the audiobook version and the narrators were the perfect choice. It sometimes takes me a while to get used to some of them; this was not one of those times. This book was a whole lot of sweet, and a little salt. Daphne and Finn didn't get off on the right foot, and it was a few awkward meetings before the chemistry really took hold. Though the banter was there from the start. The humor was a very welcome addition to the romcom set in a little North Carolina town. It brought just enough seriousness to the story that you weren't drowning in the sweet. So, if that's the vibe you're looking for, the book more than delivers.

So much fun banter and prank-like rivalry between Finn and Daphne! I laughed out loud several times over. The townspeople's gossip social site is the best and caused me to lol most. Pepper writes so all her characters are full and you grow to love each and every one of them. I loved Lucy, Finn's 6 year old daughter.

There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @Netgalley and @thomasnelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I also listened to the audiobook and lived the dual narrators. English accent anyone?

“I want to do this. This life, with you, every day”
“you already have it.”
“And I plan to keep it up as long as you’ll have me. In a ‘till death do us part’ kind of way”
“I’m game for that sort of long term competition.”
“Competition? Oh good. Because I have a very specific question to ask you later this evening. I’ve already hired Lucy to look adorable, so you can’t say no.”
“What if I already say yes, with no bribery required?”
“Where’s the fun in that?”

Wow. Just wow. Pepper Basham has done it again. This was my second arc by this author and I loved this one even more than the first! If a book makes me cry it’s almost always an instant 5 star read for me. This book had so much love in a non-romantic way. There is found family, rivals, kind of enemies to lovers, single dad. So many tropes and so well executed. I was so giddy and happy while reading this. (Until I wasn’t happy anymore)

In this story you follow Daphne. Daphne is the owner of a small tea shop called “Tea Thyme” She took over this store from her grandmother. After losing both her mother and her grandmother, Daphne is struggling to keep the store afloat. She doesn’t want to change anything about the store or the menu because she doesn’t want to erase her grandmothers memory and what she built. However if things don’t change soon, the store won’t be open for much longer.

Enter the cute English guy with a cool car and a cute daughter. What could possibly go wrong? Finn moves to a small town called Wisteria with his 5 year old daughter. This is an attempt to get away from his old life and start over fresh. Hes planning on starting an English pub. Lots of renovations are needed but with the help of all the people in Wisteria, he manages to open almost a week after. Daphne is not too thrilled about Finns new restaurant cause lo and behold, they’re neighbors. Two English restaurants next to each other can only mean one thing. One competition. One winner. But who will that be?

Throughout the book every chapter starts with online posts where the people from wisteria talk to each other and Daphne and Finn mostly fight/flirt. This makes the start of the chapters really funny. The small town found family feels so homey it was so heartwarming to read about. This books brings focus to children with physical disabilities. In this case it’s speech impediment. The way the author writes about this is so beautifully done and after reading the authors note it becomes even more powerful. This is not just a romance though. There is a lot of sadness and tragedy happening and the ending was written so emotionally, I felt it so deep. I really grew to care for this characters. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and the author of this book, Pepper Basham, for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this amazing ALC.

🎧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. ❤️

Finn Dashwood, British chef and coffee connoisseur, has moved to the small town of Wisteria, North Carolina, where he's opening a pub-right next to a tea shop that oozes with dainty teas and pastries. That would be all fine and dandy (and he is a bit of a dandy) if he hadn't started off on the wrong foot with the teashop owner, Daphne Austen. Sparks fly and so do the snarky comments and banter. Wisteria is soon wrapped around his little finger but will he have the same effect on Daphne?

The shenanigans of these characters had me giggling on every page! I thoroughly enjoyed Finn and Daphne's journey from the first extremely unfortunate meeting to the end. Another enjoyable read by Pepper Basham. Finn's heart is endearing. Their banter is first rate. As I said, I chuckled to myself every page.

Well done.

Pepper Basham has done it again! This audiobook was delightful from start to finish! The narration was perfection. The book is full of themes of second chances and enemies to more! The plot was well-paced and the characters were charming and witty. This is definitely one I'll read again! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This was my first book read by Pepper Basham, and I couldn't have been more impressed. I was hooked from the first chapter with the banter between Daphne and Fin. It was such an interesting setting to have an Englishman move to North Carolina, but I enjoyed every second of it. I am a sucker for opposites attract and enemies to lovers tropes, and A Brewed Awakening satisfied me completely. I loved all of the Supporting characters in this small town, especially Daphne's brother and Finn's daughter. Pepper knows how to write a kissing scene better than any other Christian author I know so far! I am excited to read the rest of Pepper Basham's contemporary romance novels.

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

The narrators for this one are wonderful! The only complaint I have is that the male narrator is a bit over the top with his southern accent at times. I am southern myself so I'm sure I'm being a little judgmental here...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚪

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 read a copy of this book first, then I listened to the audio. And, oh, the audiobook is soo wonderful! I love the narrators so much. They make the characters come to life, which draws you straight into the story. I can't even convey how much I love this book in all its forms. Can't wait to hold a physical copy next month!

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

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 was a good one. I am not sorry that I read it, even if Daphne's opinion of coffee made me mad. There is room for coffee and tea in the world.

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 listened to the audiobook as well, and the narrators truly brought the story to life—their performances added so much personality and charm to the characters.

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

✨ 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

ALC and ARC provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelton Fiction Audio in exchange for an honest review.

My first Pepper Basham read, and I absolutely loved it! Having the audio for an immersive read made it even better.

As for the ALC, Ann Marie Giden and Christopher Ashman are fantastic! Love how each viewpoint was voiced by that one narrator. Many times it made it better!

I fell in love with this charming town! Full of humor and fun play of words for coffee and tea lovers, it was fun to watch this food competition and romance take flight. The plot twists toward the end gave depth to this fun novel. It showed resilience, community, hope, and love in a way that left feeling cozy long after I listened.
I loved the narrators!

Absolutely adorable book filled with faith, banter, love, laughs, and small town life.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this audiobook ARC!
This was such a cute book to listen to and there were so many fantastic things about this book and these characters which have my heart. This is a no spice, small town romance that has faith themes.
This was my first time reading Pepper Basham's books despite countless of them residing on my TBR to obtain and read one day! I absolutely love her way of portraying stories and will absolutely be reading more from this author!
- I loved the witty banter and the back and forth between Daphne and Finn from the very beginning and was evident through the evolution of their relationship even as it shifted into more.
- An MMC with a British accent, a single dad with an absolutely adorable little daughter and a love for bantering with a certain tea loving neighbor had me absolutely swooning!
- I loved the way that Daphne and Finn each had to realize truths about themselves and to lean on their faith.
- Lucy is so cute and precious and I loved all the interactions not only depicting such a loving single dad but also as her connection and relationship with Daphne began to strengthen and evolve.
- The side characters really helped to depict the life of small town feel both which the nosiness, the kindness, the community, and the familiarity of it all!
- Finn and Daphne had a unique and hilarious banter and battle of wits they shared with one another from the moment they met and I loved seeing how they remained true to themselves and their banter filled relationship continue to thrive even as they grew from rivals into friends and finally into lovers!
Tropes:
- Single dad, small town romance, rivals to lovers, bantering, faith themes, Sweet and clean romance, prank wars.
This book is perfect for fans of: flirty bantering, MMC with an accent, Jane Austen lovers, clean romances with faith themes, and Rom com lovers who want to laugh and swoon alongside these characters!

- I felt that the audiobook narrators helped to bring this story and these characters truly to life! I flew through this audiobook and never wanted to stop listening!
- I liked the dual narrators, the only thing that would make this book even more perfect would be to have the opposing narrator narrate the dialogue of their character when they were talking during the other character's point of view. For instance when Finn's POV was being narrated, the same male narrator would narrate all the characters including Daphne, I think it would have made it a bit more cohesive if the Female narrator would have narrated all of Daphne's dialogue even during Finn's POV. But I still loved and enjoyed the way these characters were brought to life!

A Brewed Awakening was exactly the kind of rom com I always hope for, and it delivered in all the best ways. I have such a soft spot for this genre, and this book gave me everything I wanted from a cozy, feel-good small-town romance.

I loved both of the main characters so much. Their dynamic was charming, funny, and easy to get invested in, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. The side characters also brought so much warmth and personality to the story, which made the small-town setting feel even more inviting and full of life. Finn’s daughter was absolutely adorable and added such a sweet extra layer to the story.

I also really loved the way each chapter opened with social media posts and hashtags. It gave the book such a fun, playful touch and added even more charm to the town and its community.

I listened to the audiobook and thought both narrators did a fantastic job. The female and male narrators each brought so much personality to the characters, and they made everyone feel distinct, which made the listening experience even more enjoyable.

This was warm, charming, and full of heart and the kind of book that is perfect to cozy up with. If you love small-town rom coms with lovable characters and a comforting atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up when it comes out in May 2026. I received an ARC copy from Netgallery and this is my honest review.

“A Brewed Awakening”

This book was a mixture of hilarious fun and moving depth. I laughed out loud, but also cried actual tears 😂😅 It comes out on CINCO DE MAYO so that already means its cool 💃 (Publication date May 5, 2026)

Daphne owns a tea shop and loves all things proper and British. New neighbor Finn is a coffee loving pub owner from England. In this “enemies to more” romance, they prank each other, drive each other crazy and compete for a job.

What to expect:
-HILARIOUS hashtags and social media posts between the townspeople
-cleft palate awareness
-single dad
-natural disaster where the town pulls together

I so enjoyed this book! The romance was fun to watch bloom. The townspeople were so lovable- I wanted a tshirt from the general store LOL My community went through a natural disaster some years ago, so I could really relate to that part in the book. This book was a lovely mix of emotions and I enjoyed the ride! This was actually my first book by Pepper Basham, and after reading it I have already purchased 2 of her other books 😍

Thank you to Pepper Basham , Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Netgalley for an Advanced Listening Copy! All opinions are my own

The romance, the banter, the merch!

Brilliant book - I wanted all the merch the general store was advertising. The love between the characters and the ease and way they built their family was so brilliant. The way the food creations blended and showed how they didn't need to change but join together for the best outcome was brilliant. Lucy was so adorable and it was so cute to see her get her dreams come true even if it was amongst the devastations towards the end. I loved the easy way that disabilities were reflected and honoured in the book showing that while they exist they are far from a whole person and the persons heart and nature is what should be focused on.

Probably my favourite romance book this year, the flirting, feud and feels were all so good and this is well worth the read!!!

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.

A hilarious enemies to lovers romcom not to be missed! The banter in this one is chefs kiss perfection! The narrators did a wonderful job bringing this story to life!

I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Such a fun, heartfelt story. Daphne's love of all things English set up a great contrast to Finn's initial flirty standoffishness when they first met. The way they slowly warmed up to each other amidst their banter and pranks was fabulous. I loved the funny breaks into the story of the neighborhood social media chit chat, particularly the pastor and the general store with the latest merchandise. And that dramatic ending had me absolutely hooked! I'll admit to never having read the Austen classics that were referenced in the book, though it did not detract from the story in any way. If anything, it's made me curious about them.

The narrators did a great job with their main characters as well as their counterparts and side characters, and both handled Finn's daughter's speech issues well.

I loved listening to this book. The banter/teasing/flirting between Finn and Daphane made me giggle more than I care to admit. I also loved how the whole town got involved through the town's social media posts, especially the general store, which was very good at capitalizing on merch. The narrators were amazing and brought the characters to life.

This one completely snuck up on me—in the best way.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham started off as a slightly chaotic, banter-heavy opposites-attract romance that I wasn’t totally sold on… but somewhere along the way, it completely won me over.

What began as cute (and yes, a little bit annoying at first 👀) turned into something so much deeper, warmer, and more emotional than I expected. Just when I thought I could see the HEA on the horizon, the story took a turn and gave us something with real depth—and I loved it.

The small-town of Wisteria absolutely stole my heart. The found family vibes, the growing sense of community, and all the town’s quirky personalities made it feel so alive. And the social media elements?? The Team Tea ☕ vs Team Pub 🍻 debates, the comments, the hashtags—I was grinning through every single chapter.

I also really appreciated how this handled a few things that can be hit or miss for me. The Christian fiction elements were subtle and thoughtfully woven in—never overwhelming or distracting. There’s also some disability representation included, which added another layer to the story. And while I do enjoy spice in a lot of romances, this one kept things very PG—and honestly? It worked perfectly. It let the relationship between Finn and Daphne and the overall story shine even more.

As a book lover, I loved all the references to books, Austen, and classic tropes sprinkled throughout—it felt like such a fun little nod to readers.

🎧 And I have to mention the audiobook—narrated by Anne Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman. They were fantastic. They really brought the story (and especially all those side characters) to life in a way that made the town feel even more vibrant and real.

By the end, I was smiling, a little emotional, and completely invested.

If you love small-town charm, found family, witty banter, and a romance that sneaks up on your heart… I can’t recommend this one enough.

“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 ♥️

And of course, the narration was amazing. The narrators perfectly portrayed both the sassy and sweet moments, making Daphne and Finn come to love in the best ways.

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

#aloverekindled #wisteriastrong #pepperbasham #bookstagram #closeddoorromance

i decided not to listen to the audiobook due to netgalley only offering 2.0 and 2.5 as listening speeds, but will be reading the digital file instead.

The Coziest Romance You’ll Read This Year (With Laugh-Out-Loud Moments!)

Okay book bestie, if you are in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming romance that feels like a hug in book form, you have to pick up A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. This one completely charmed me from beginning to end—and honestly, I didn’t want it to end.

This is one of those stories that sneaks up on you in the best way. It’s very character-driven, which you know I love, and the emotional payoff is so worth it. From the very first chapters, I found myself fully invested in these characters—their struggles, their growth, and especially their relationships. They feel real, relatable, and like people you’d genuinely want to sit down and have coffee with (which, honestly, fits the whole vibe of this book perfectly).

At the heart of this story is a slow-burn, second-chance romance that is just… so sweet. If you’re someone who loves romance that builds naturally—no rushing, no forced drama—this delivers in the best way. It’s clean, heartfelt, and filled with those quiet, meaningful moments that make you root for the couple every step of the way. Watching their relationship unfold felt organic and genuine, and I found myself smiling more times than I can count.

But what really elevated this book for me was the found family element. There’s something so special about the way Pepper Basham writes community and connection. The relationships surrounding the main characters add so much warmth and depth, making the story feel rich and full in a way that goes beyond just the romance. It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and it gives you that “I wish I lived there too” feeling.

And we absolutely have to talk about the humor—because this book is genuinely funny. Not just a chuckle here and there, but actual laugh-out-loud moments. The “Grub Wars”? ICONIC. I was not expecting to be so entertained, but those scenes had me completely cracking up. It’s the perfect balance of heartfelt and humorous, which makes the reading experience feel so light and joyful.

Overall, A Brewed Awakening is the kind of romance you pick up when you want something comforting, uplifting, and just genuinely enjoyable. It’s cozy romance at its finest—full of heart, humor, and characters you won’t want to say goodbye to.

If you love slow-burn romance, second-chance love stories, found family dynamics, and books that leave you smiling long after you finish, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the alc.

I completely fell in love with this book, and the audiobook experience made it even more unforgettable. The narrators added such a rich layer to the story—their accents, the emotion in every line, the way they brought each character to life—it all felt so immersive. It’s one of those audiobooks where you don’t just listen, you feel every moment, and I truly think it made me fall even harder for the story.

There’s something so special about a single dad romance, and this one delivered everything I love about the trope. The tenderness, the quiet strength, the way love grows in the middle of everyday life—it just hits differently. And then adding in that element of rivalry? It created the perfect balance of tension and charm. Watching those dynamics unfold kept me so invested, and I couldn’t get enough of the back-and-forth energy.

This story felt warm, comforting, and full of heart—like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee on a rainy day. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished, thinking about the characters like they’re real people you’ve come to know.

If you love heartfelt romance, a little bit of tension, and stories that feel like home, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Hilarious! The banter was on point! The rivalry was perfect. The social media posts were hysterical! This is a must read!

You root for little Lucy throughout the book and pray that her dad Finnley and their neighbor Daphne get together!

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.

Absolutely adored the narration of the audiobook—I loved both narrators and how well done all the accents and different voices were.

TW: Natural Disaster

Big thank you to NetGalley for letting me listen to this book!

OMG! I didn't think that I needed a cozy Rom-com in my life until I listened to this book! It was a much-needed fluff that I needed in my life! The coziness was there, and the banter was top tier!

A tea princess and a British hottie? What's not to love about it? And on top of that, he is a single dad of the most adorable girl! At the end, I thought that there was going to be a Nicholas Sparks moment, but I'm glad there wasn't.

This audio was a delight! Daphne is an Anglophile loving all things British, Jane Austen, tea and perhaps the newcomer to their small town with an English accent? At the very least - she likes his car. Although they get off on the wrong foot/cup. Can you believe Finn is English and didn’t like tea?! The math didn’t compute to Daphne and starts a feud. The town supports the drama 💯 as it should!
☕️
Add in rival businesses next door, single dad to sweetest little girl, fun town communication and all the hashtags, and more. I just want more of this town. ❤️
☕️
This sweet story comes out in 2 weeks! Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the alc. The narrators did a great job and the more I read of Pepper Basham’s work, the more I’m a fan.
☕️
Rivals to lovers / single parent trope/ faith and forgiveness/ found family/ small town / Christian fiction/ contemporary romance/ cleft palette awareness /for fans of tea, coffee and books. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Relatively sweet, but tense and steamy contemporary romance between a southern girl (Daphne) and a Brit ex-pat (Flynn). She owns her grandmother's tea shop and he is opening a British pub right next door.

The narrators, Ann Marie Gideon and Christoper Ashman, did a wonderful job with pacing according to the emotional moments in the book and differentiating different voices. I greatly appreciated the social media posts inserted throughout the chapters, they really fleshed out the story.

Tropes: enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, single dad, and he falls first.

Thank you to #NetGalley for sending this ALC to enjoy!

I really loved this sweet enemies to lovers romance! There were some subtle faith themes and I appreciated that the romance was closed door with kisses only. Both main characters were very likable and the banter between them was cute and entertaining. I also loved the small town setting and the meddling townsfolk intent on matchmaking. This was my second book from this author and I enjoyed it even more than the last! I would love to read another book with these characters.

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

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

The narrators did an incredible job bringing these lovely characters to life! I did not want this audiobook to end! The performance was so engaging and kept me wanting more and more of this sweet story! I highly recommend giving this one a listen-you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for an advanced copy of the audiobook.

"Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?"

If you like fun banter, (clean) romance, Stars Hollow/small town vibes, and happy endings, this book is for you!

This was my first Pepper Basham book, but it won't be my last. I didn't do too much background searching before starting this fun book. It's a breath of fresh air. Clean romance in a world that's obsessing over spicy romance is refreshing. Bonus points from me for the Christian themes. That alone was unexpected and I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed it.

I don't particularly care for P&P, but that did not matter for the enjoyment. Things that DID impact my enjoyment: disability representation, coffee, banter, single dad, adorable daughter, dual POV, small-town charm.

Daphne Austen is witty and relatable. I see myself in her in some ways--give me a classic with Byronic men any day! Her love for her town and family is infectious and something I wish I had. She makes me want to move to Wisteria! LOL! Not to mention, she's a dog lover. Her sentimentality over her grandmother's tea shop is the cornerstone of her life and there lies her pride. While she's determined to maintain the integrity of the shop as her grandmother ran it, she begins to dabble in her own tea flavors and confections (she certainly doesn't let Finn forget she's also a baker).

Speaking of Finn, can we stop and appreciate a man who is protective of his daughter? Oh, and he's British. Seriously! Step aside Mr. Darcy! Give me Finnley Dashwood any day, all day! The time and effort he gives his daughter, Lucy, is admirable and important. Many people think about a single mother and forget that fathers can be put in the same situation as well. I don't hate easily, but I absolutely loathe Finn's ex-wife. (To avoid spoilers, that's all I'll say about her.)

As far as the audiobook:

The narrators, Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman, do a wonderful job. Their voices embody their characters and provide added layers to their already dynamic personalities. Their accents are good. I wonder if they studied on the sounds and nature of people with Lucy's particular condition because I thought they did well. (As a teacher and reading specialist, I understood the gravity of the condition and appreciated their care with that detail.)

Overall, their pacing is very good. My only critique is that there's too much silence between chapters (and I listen at 2.0 speed). I will definitely listen to these narrators again on other books.

#WisteriaStrong #TeamCoffee #SingleDad #GodIsGreat

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 loved this story so much! I binged this book because the characters were relatable and I know first-hand what some of the small towns in Western North Carolina are like because I have driven through some of them. The small town charm was super cute in this story! I highly recommend this book!

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 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.

A brewed awakening is a modern day Jane Austin novel meets small southern town charm. I found this book to be fun, flirty, and so sweet. The "war" between the two main characters was so ridiculous you cant help but smile. The chemistry was sizzling, and the romance perfection. PS. Coffee has my vote too #Finnforever

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. Kudos on the Narrator picks. Absolutely spot on!
3. 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.

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.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook and it brought this story to life. The narration was great. Having this dual narration was performed perfectly.

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 listened to the audiobook of A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham and absolutely loved it. The banter between Daphne and Finn is sharp, funny, and keeps the story moving at a perfect pace. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud more than once.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is done so well—full of tension, charm, and just the right amount of swoon. I also really enjoyed the social media elements woven throughout the story; it added a fun, modern layer that made everything feel fresh and relatable.

Between the humor, heart, and small-town charm, this one was such an easy and enjoyable listen. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for something light, witty, and feel-good.

As a Western North Carolina local, seeing Hurricane Helene acknowledged and thoughtfully woven into the story was incredibly touching—it added a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance that stayed with me. Pepper Basham balances heart and humor so well, and from a romance reader’s standpoint, the banter between Daphne and Finn was an absolute delight. Their chemistry sparkles on the page, making every interaction feel both playful and meaningful. A charming, heartfelt read with just the right blend of wit and warmth.

Such a delightful read that leaves your heart smiling! A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is everything you want in a small-town romance—adorable, heartwarming, and full of charm. The witty banter and hilarious social media “war” between the shops had me genuinely laughing out loud. The characters are so lovable, and their chemistry sparkles with humor and heart. It’s cozy, clever, and completely uplifting—one of those books that just leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished.

Since I am the author, I don't plan to leave a review about the book, but wanted to review the voice actors who did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Christopher Ashman and Ann Marie Gideon had their job cut out for them with all the various accents and people in this story and they truly excelled and voicing emotion, depth, and character differences so well. Christopher even made the English accents between Finn, Travis, and Harry all sound a little different based on where they were from in the UK. Also, voicing Lucy's speech differences was not an easy feat, and he did such a great job with that too. I loved the way Ann Marie brought so much sass and heart to Daphne and Rosemary's voices. Truly, a delight to hear these two bring this story to life!

Another fabulous read by Pepper Basham! Although this is a romantic comedy, this story is more than just a romance. It is a story about found family and community!

I loved the characters and the unity within their community. I absolutely adored the banter between the main characters! It was so fun to have a single dad whose daughter actually plays a main role in the story. I loved the narrators who both did a fabulous job! This book had me laughing and crying. I'm so grateful I was able to listen to this story. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!

I listened to an advanced reader copy audiobook. The narration was excellent, and the voices suited the characters well.

I have read many books by Pepper Basham, and like all of her writing, loved this enemies to lovers rom-com. The initial awkwardly hilarious meet cute between Daphne and Finn sets the tone for their ongoing interactions as they learn that their businesses will be right next door to each other. Daphne owns the British inspired tea shop in Wisteria, North Carolina inherited from her Grandmother and loves all things English. Finn, looking for a fresh start, moves from England to North Carolina to open his own pub and establish his restaurant and make a name for himself. Daphne and Finn have some healthy competition with bringing in customers, and eventually it becomes a full on cooking competition when a local celebrity wants to choose a local restaurant to cater the wedding.

Daphne and Finn have hilarious banter both in person and on their social media accounts. Finn is such a gentleman, and does the sweetest things for Daphne just because he can. Daphne and her friendship with Finn’s daughter is sweet and pulls Finn and Daphne closer together. The inclusion of the recent hurricane that Pepper Basham experienced in this book showed the power of community and friendship.

Cozy tea house, English pub, Southern hospitality, enemies to more, cooking competition, family, friendship, community, faith and second chances. I highly recommend this no spice rom-com!

I received a complimentary audiobook from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Banter and English accents…. You can’t go wrong! I loved the dynamics between Daphne and Finn throughout the whole book. Even through their conflicts, they remain funny and pretty snag friendly with each other. I love Finn’s relationship with his daughter Lucy and how Daphne steps up to be there for Lucy even when she wants Finn to go away. The side character’s online banter about Finn and Daphne’s coffee vs tea face off is hilarious. This is a great rom-com to read if you just need something fun. There is some tragedy in the story but for the most part it’s just really clean, funny banter between two characters who you can tell from the beginning are meant to be!

The audiobook made this story for me. I love accents and hearing Finn and Lucy talk throughout the book just made me smile. It was a really smooth listen that I just didn’t want to end!

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.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of A Brewed Awakening. All thoughts are my own.
This was such a cute, cozy, and genuinely heartwarming story with a strong thread of faith, resilience, and community. The story follows Fin, a single dad who moves from Europe to a small town in North Carolina with his daughter to open a British pub. Right next door is Daphne, a tea shop owner who loves all things British, and immediately clashes with Fin after a rocky first meeting. What starts as a rivalry turns into forced proximity when they have to work together, and from there, the story grows into something so much more.
I really connected with both main characters. Daphne is passionate and determined, holding on to her business to honor her grandmother, even as she struggles to keep it afloat. Fin is doing everything he can to be there for his daughter through her health challenges while also building a new life for them. His love and dedication as a father were so touching.
Their relationship was a perfect mix of tension and warmth. Enemies to lovers with small-town charm, found family, and that soft emotional depth that makes you feel invested in everyone around them.
The pacing was mostly fast, with a few slower moments that added to the story's emotional weight rather than detracting from it. Some of my favorite moments were Daphne caring for Lucy during the storm and seeing how much Fin cared for the town and its people. Those quieter, heartfelt scenes really stood out.
I honestly have no critiques. This was such a comforting and uplifting read. I would absolutely recommend it. One word: Resilient.

#TeaRoomDomination. This is such a cute little grumpy/sunshine story. Daphne and Finn and all the small-town drama of pub vs tea room competition was absolutely fabulous. The whole community rallying between the two just added to the fun back-and-forth banter. This review is for the audiobook and the dual narration was done well. I did knock up the speed to 1.25x but that is just a preference thing. Thank-you, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio , for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A Brewed Awakening is a delightful, cozy rom-com that perfectly captures the charm of a small Southern town. Following the loss of her grandmother, Daphne is determined to keep her grandma’s tea traditions alive—but she doesn’t expect the competition moving in next door. Finn, a single dad looking for a fresh start with his daughter, Lucy. His rock-n-roll pub is a strong contrast to Daphne’s pink tea cafe.

The chemistry between Daphne and Finn is heartwarming, and the small-town setting adds the perfect touch of comfort. I highly recommend the audiobook; the two narrators did an amazing job bringing these characters to life!

Tropes:
* Small Town
* Opposites Attract
* Enemies-to-Lovers
* Single Dad
* Slow Burn / Cozy Romance

This audiobook was absolutely amazing! I loved the banter in the story and how everyone in this small town were so close and had a great sense of community. The love story in this was perfectly delivered with the narrators who did an amazing job! No notes!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. This was such a delightful and charming read it had me very engaged throughout. I loved the mixed media social media posts and conversations at the start of each chapter they had me feeling like I was a part of this small town. Daphne is a local teashop and bakery owner when Finn comes to town and opens a rival business of a pub restaurant. I loved the chemistry between Daphne and Finn and their banter had me chuckling and hoping they would find love with each other. This is the second book I have read from this author and I have enjoyed both books so much I am thinking I may need to add her other books to my backlist TBR. A fun engaging storyline with very likeable characters set in a lovely small town it was every thing I needed in a small town romance read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐#abrewedawakening #pepperbasham #netgalley #thomasandmercer #goodreads #tea_sipping_bookworm #fable #litsy #thestorygraph #smalltownromance #rivalstolovers #bookqueen #bookstagram

A Brewed Awakening is a Christian romance by Pepper Basham. I listened to an Advanced Listener Copy through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own. While all the hashtags were fun to hear, the accents were definitely a highlight of this audiobook.

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.

Overall, a really beautiful, fun story!

A Brewed Awakening is an absolute delight! Pepper Basham brought her A game for this one!

First of all, it’s incredibly funny. The comment section was so fun to read and made me want to get to know all of these people. I think the owner of the general store needs her own book because she’s hilarious!

Secondly, Finn and Daphne are nuanced and likable, filled with quirks and pain in their pasts and preconceived notions about each other and just felt so real. Their banter is next level- highly entertaining and so witty and addicting. The side characters are even well-fleshed out. Some of the people from town, like Granny D, had me snort laughing. I desperately want to live in Wisteria now.

Finally, what I really want to say about this story is how it is filled to the brim with heart. As fun as the banter is, the layers underneath as Daphne and Finn learn things about themselves and grow stole the show for me. I loved Finn and Lucy’s relationship, and maybe even more so Daphne and Lucy’s relationship. I adored how the community came together toward the end of the story. The whole end is just exceptional and gives the story so much depth and realism in a way that it could never have achieved without the hardship.

I was so impressed by this story.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

I also received a complementary copy of the audiobook from Thomas Nelson. I absolutely loved this dual narration. I don’t think two better voice actors could have been chosen! Listening to this book after reading it last month was an absolute joy and an easy listen. I loved how by brain was able to add to what I already knew by listening to the lovely accents and inflections. I feel like o could listen to this again and again.

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 also listened to the audiobook version and absolutely loved the narrators! They both did a fantastic job bringing all the characters of Wisteria to life. And, the delicious British accent of the male MMC was especially easy to listen to.

I received an advanced copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

This was a very cute read! Rivals to lovers, found family and disability representation. Daphne took over her Grandmothers Tea Shop after she passed away in the small town of Wisteria, in Western NC. When Finn, and his 6 year old daughter Lucy move in next door to open a British Pub. Their first encounter goes poorly and the rivalry ensues. There is great Western NC Strong representation as well! As their rivalry escalates the humor and the town butting their noses in escalates as well. I really enjoyed this audiobook!

Words cannot adequately describe how much I loved A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham. I am so grateful to have discovered it on NetGalley, so thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the opportunity. This was my first Pepper Basham book, and now I’m ready to read all of her backlist. I expected the enemies-to-lovers story about a quirky tea shop owner and a handsome pub owner with Austenesque vibes, but I didn’t expect the devastation and hope that comes at the end of the novel. It was beautifully crafted and written.

The Blue Ridge Mountains have a special place in my heart so I could re-visit and visualize the time I lived there while I read about Basham’s characters nestled in Wisteria, NC. And, Wow! Her characters. They truly felt like family, friends, and neighbors. The love, the banter, and the community charm was everything and more. The narrators of the audiobook did such a marvelous job bringing all the characters to life. I could see this story playing out as a tv series that I would very much like to see.

I expected to review this story as a terrific, swoonworthy enemies-to-lovers book. However, it was just so much more than that! It’s a story I wasn’t ready to leave, and it will stay with me long after. I definitely see a re-read in my future.

As they say, this story had all the feels. The clean romance was so sweet. Pepper Basham also penned the most intense natural disaster scene I’ve ever read. The ending was quite satisfying. Amazing and outstanding narration. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

The audiobook narrator did a really good job in this one.
This is a romance novel, so it’s super important that the narrator has a good voice for the characters so it doesn’t seem to silly or cringy.
This is a super cute story that takes its seeming very well and does a great job with it. The audiobook does it justice

Dual narration perfection!

I found myself blissfully lost in this audiobook multiple times. Daphne's voice was the right amount of sweet, sassy, strong Carolina charm without going overboard. Finn's voice delivered the flirty lines perfectly! I truly felt the smirk in each of his comments!

The narrators both did a brilliant job bringing each of the towns member voices to life. I think that's what really sold me on this audiobook was that at the beginning of each chapter when you are getting a "town debrief" via Instagram - each characters comments sounded unique, and packed in that small town charm.

Narration truly made me feel like these characters were real so when the 3rd act storm hit, I was devastated!

Loved the ending, forever team Tea & Tap!

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.

🇬🇧☕️ 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've heard a lot about Pepper's book, but this is the first one I'm reading. Needless to say, it definitely won't be the last book I read from her! Daphne and Finn were so cute. Their romance had me kicking my feet. It's a cute and cozy read. I also loved the narration. If you need something light, sweet, and heartwarming to read, I recommend this book.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ALC!

I loved this book on audio! It was sweet, funny, interesting and had a surprise ending! As a foodie I loved all the cooking and baking references. And I loved that as I listened, I could visualize a movie playing in my head. The narrators did an excellent job, so much so, I want to visit the town of Wisteria! The community characters are hilarious- loved the social media posts (which translated perfectly to audio) in each chapter. If you love a single dad, small town, rivals to lovers trope with great banter, this one’s for you! Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the complimentary ALC of this book. I truly enjoyed it!

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!

Sparks fly when Englishman Finn Dashwood arrives in small town Wisteria, North Carolina and immediately encounters his new neighbor, Daphne Austen, ogling his car. When Finn makes a comment about a tea shop nearby, he unknowingly insults Daphne's business-a business Daphne hasn't been able to make a single change to since her grandmother--with whom she shared a passion for all things tea, beautiful china, and Jane Austen--suddenly died a year ago.

The rocky start to Finn and Daphne's new life as neighbors, both in business and living, tumbles into a rhythm of ribbing each other that soon feels less like competing business owners and more like... flirting?

Their relationship is anything but straightforward. Finn's heart is been broken from the way his ex-wife left him and his business partner betrayed him; he's long been determined to keep everyone--women, especially--at arms length, never mind that he has a six-year-old daughter to protect. But Daphne's journey hasn't been easy, either.

Could it be that Daphne and Finn might just be perfectly matched?

I loved watching Daphne and Finn fall in love. The story was so well-paced, with a cast of characters that brought the small-town way of life to... well, life. The writing and the world was so well done, with many laugh-out-loud moments. I'm glad to have discovered a new author to add to my list! I'm hoping that some of the side characters get to have their own story.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen has built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit, Finn Dashwood, opening a pub next door.

This had all the makings of a five star read right from the start. Humorous chapter openings had me cackling as they showcased wit and charm from the small town's residents. The banter was topnotch.

That translated to Finn and Daphne as well. They had chemistry in spades even when in competition with each other to cater the town's biggest wedding event. Speaking of food, this'll make your mouth water. It was pure torture!😂

The events towards the end of the book melted my heart. Everyone gathered together in the face of tragedy and loss, and it just brought so much heart to an amazing book.

I loved the narrators (dual narration). I definitely recommend the audio. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 1🌶️ Kissing only

A big thank you to @pepperbasham, @thomasnelsonfiction, @tnzfiction, and @uplitreads for this #gifted wonderful book and the accompanying audiobook.

This story of a small-town romance is truly enchanting, set amidst a vibrant community that feels like home.

I was drawn to Daphne and Finn, who begin as rivals but quickly ignite under an undeniable attraction. Their witty banter kept me smiling, and I loved how their sparks inspired creativity in their recipes. Their journey of rediscovering hope after loss, fear, and grief was genuinely inspiring.

Lucy, Finn’s adorable daughter, stole my heart from the start. I especially enjoyed the clever social media exchanges at the beginning of each chapter, filled with humorous hashtags, juicy gossip, and playful teasing that made me laugh out loud. The way the town united during a tragedy showcased a beautiful sense of community that warmed my heart. The themes of faith woven into the story felt authentic and meaningful.

The narrators did an exceptional job bringing each character to life with a range of distinct accents, truly making the story immersive.

I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, sharing her personal connection to some of the story’s events and characters.

If you love romance, family ties, faith, and the charm of small-town life, this book is a perfect pick. It’s available now and ready to delight you.

Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book

I love the banter between the mmc and the fmc.
The way she does not like the man from the start but always treats the little girl with all the kindness in the worl. I love her for that.

Pepper Basham starts off this book with the cute, cozy romcom you can easily picture from her other work! But the story turns from the cute enemies to lovers into something way more real and heartfelt than I was expecting! Don’t get me wrong! It still has all the flirty banter, small town charm, and sweet romcom moments, but there’s also a deeper emotional layer that gives the story real weight in a really natural way!

I absolutely loved how Finn and Daphne were easy to connect with, and then add in Finn's daughter, Daphne’s brother and a whole town of wonderful characters and you have a story that will keep you smiling! This is totally the kind of book that feels light and fun on the surface, but lingers with you after you finish. And the author’s note at the end was such a perfect touch! I really appreciated hearing Pepper Basham explain her inspiration and the meaning behind certain parts of the story.

If you haven't already, add it to your TBR!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the author and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you Partner @uplitreads @tnzfiction for the #gifted copy and the audio approval on NetGalley.

This author’s books always bring smiles to my face and the feels to my heart. Finn and Daphne made for a perfect enemies to lovers, opposites attract, rivals to lovers pair. And add in single dad, I was hooked. The banter Basham added through the story was delicious. The rivalry brought out the best baking from the two, but especially helped Daphne branch out from self imposed expectations she had from running her late Grandmother’s tea shop.

There are many things to love in this story. Finn’s darling daughter Lucy and the development with Lucy and Daphne was also darling. Daphne instantly took to her and I loved that. Basham added in sweet and tender moments and represented those with disabilities so well in this story. But also showed how they didn’t get the characters down (for long). I especially love in enemies to lovers when the walls start to come down and minds change.

The town and the hostages were hilarious. Granny D stole the show. She had some great lines. I loved the community feel and how they were all there for each other, during the climatic turn of events near the end. There were many moments of delectable baking and the descriptions were mouth-watering.

The narrators were wonderful. Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman brought so much to the story with their expressive voices and tones. It made the dual POV that much more enjoyable.

Can I just start by saying Pepper Basham is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors and her new contemporary romance, A Brewed Awakening, was so cute; I need this to be a movie someday.

I loved the characters in this story, not just Daphne and Finn, but Lucy, Jack, and the whole town. They felt like a family and the more and more the story progressed, I cared for them like my own fictional family. The big natural disaster at the end and high stakes legit had me near tears and I just wanted the whole town to be okay. I like that the author included this, especially knowing her connection to North Carolina and the true events this was based on.

Finn and Daphne had excellent flirty/rivalry vibes, not quite enemies to lovers, but more that teasing and cute flirty banter that makes you smile and nod your head knowing they so have a thing for one another. I loved how their names were Austen mashups and how the whole British/American vibes were woven in, along with them being neighbors and business owners. There were so many moments and scenes that gave me all the feels and I really enjoyed it.

The audiobook is in dual narration like the book and I felt like both narrators did really well for each character. Finn’s accent was spot on and really just the vibes the narrators brought to the table really enhanced the story as an audiobook. I enjoyed listening and will recommend not only this book but the audio format.

I received an advance listening copy of this audiobook from Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hadn't read many Pepper Basham books until I read Some Like it Scot. That one was so funny, and so poignant, that I started picking up more of her books. A Brewed Awakening is yet another funny, charming, "loved it from the start" book from this talented writer.

Daphne Austen loves all things English - their cars, their tea, their books - with one big exception. Her rude next door neighbor, Finn Dashwood. His entry into the community has caused an unbelievable stir. Yes, he's handsome, but that doesn't make up for the loud, overbearing music that bleeds through her walls. His only saving grace (well, one of them, anyway) is his little girl, who loves Daphne's tea shop. And, yes, maybe the food at the pub he is opening isn't too bad, but seriously, why does the whole town think they belong together?

Finn is a coffee snob who thinks his neighbor is stuck in the past, but her Princess Tea Parties have hooked his little princess, and her food is pretty good. When one prank leads to another, the town gets invested. The entertainment they are providing is helping everyone's bottom line. When a local celebrity plans her wedding for their town, she asks them to work together on the menu for her reception. Can they put the animosity aside to showcase the best of each of their restaurants? If they do, will that pesky attraction they feel explode out of control?

This was a fun read, and I enjoyed much about it. I don't usually say this, but this one might have been even better if I'd read the book instead of listening to the audio. Each chapter began with texts or online chats, and the audio was a little hard to tell which one was "talking" in the chat. Reading it on paper/Kindle might have made those little blurbs more clear for me, but I also loved listening to this, so there's that.

Readers who love sweet romance with a Jane Austen touch will enjoy A Brewed Awakening.

single dad
enemies to lovers
closed door romance

A Brewed Awakening is such a delightful romcom with so much humor and quirky small town charm. I loved the banter and tension between them as their connection builds gradually from enemies to friends to something deeper and genuinely sweet. The narrators truly brought the story to life and made every funny, emotional, and swoony moment even better. This one had me smiling nonstop and wanting to move straight into their cozy little town.

Content Warnings:
-kisses only
-no language
-spouse/parent abandonment
-death of a parent (cancer)
-natural disaster

*Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and the author for a copy of the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

Romance and humor abound in A Brewed Awakening in a way only Pepper Basham can write! Ms. Basham is one of my favorite authors and has been for several years now. I love her small-town settings, the characters that make you say, "I wish I could be friends with them!" and the way everyone comes together to help one another out.

Daphne Austen and Finn Dashwood end up with a rival going on between them and their restaurants. It was entertaining to watch the whole town come together and support both places. It was fun, witty and romantic! It really is the perfect combination, and I loved every minute of it! I highly recommend Ms. Basham's latest and all her previous books as well.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read/listen to this wonderfully fun book! All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 5 May 2026

I absolutely loved this book. When I read the synopsis, I thought it would be one that I would enjoy, but by the time I went to read it, I just dove in without refreshing my memory. Let me tell you. This book was exactly what I hoped for and so much more!

Let’s start with the cover and the title. So cute and enchanting. I am a very visual reader so if a cover or title pops, I am in! Just looking at this book makes me smile. It suits the characters and the story perfectly.

I have never read anything by Pepper Basham before, but she has a new fan in me, and I can’t wait to read more of her books. The main characters and all the townspeople came to life through her rich character development and descriptive settings. The banter and chemistry between Daphne and Finn, prank wars, commentary from the towns people, etc. had me laughing out loud and the bond between Daphne and Lucy….my heart!

The book was so charming, breezy and fun until it took a bit of a turn that I was not expecting which brought a whole new set of emotions to the table. It felt like I was falling into a totally different story which had a different dynamic but was equally captivating and wonderful and its purpose made perfect sense. The only way I can explain it is …… a reflection of life and the curveballs it throws!

If you are looking for a fun and entertaining read with a side of emotion, then this book is for you.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the audio copy of this book. The production was brilliant and the narrator team of Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman could not have been more perfect.

I absolutely adored this small town romcom 😍 the narrators were fantastic and felt like they had actual chemistry not like they were just reading. I loved the found family and small town love and community. The banter and the enemies to lovers was perfection

A Brewed Awakening was such a fun read! Taking place in the fictional Appalachian town of Wisteria, NC, we have Daphne Austen who owns the tearoom Tea Thyme and then comes new to town British Finnley Dashwood who will be opening a pub named The Green Dragon right next door. In fact, the two businesses will share a wall! (Do you see the Jane Austen references already???)

This is a sweet slow burn romance that includes enemies to lovers, a single dad to an adorable daughter with a cleft palette, lots of humor, and some chemistry that the whole town joins in on with a rivalry on social media that consists of call outs, and hashtags galore! There was so much humor at the beginning of each chapter with the hashtags. The competition between the two intensifies when an influencer couple can’t decide on which business will host their wedding reception. Hello rivalry, it’s time to heat things up even more! The banter is abundant, and as a listener I was like “Just go ahead and get together!” The journey of the inevitable is always fun to go on, especially when it is this entertaining. But then… the direction the novel goes in is unexpected and it affects everyone in the entire town. This is a romcom that goes in a serious direction. This direction also shows how close the small town is in bringing everyone together. There is such community which we don’t really see anymore.

We have both Daphne and Finn as our povs and the narrators did a great job! An extra bravo to Christopher Ashman who was superb as Finn Dashwood. Both he and Ann Marie Gideon brought the story to life and definitely portrayed the chemistry just as it was needed to be!

I really enjoyed this story and the fact that it was clean with no spice made it even better! Sometimes no spice can be what a reader/listener needs!

Many thanks to the publisher for granting me an advanced listening copy to listen to and review! This one releases May 5, 2026!

I loved this. It is such a sweet clean romance with an adorable small town and a great town full of characters. I loved the MCs and the side characters and loved how the story unfolded. I wouldn't mind some more books set in this town!

It starts off a little bit Grumpy/Sunshine or Rivals-to-Lovers, but there are twists that elevate this story above the typical rom-com romp. The rivalry is a very friendly one, and the whole town gets involved. The hashtags are funny (IYKYK). But the last few chapters really took this story to a new level.

It takes place in a small North Carolina town filled with sweet, friendly and eccentric characters, all of which are lovable. The town itself is essentially a character and I loved that too.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the opportunity to review this book before the publication date May 5, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

Thank you Thomas Nelson for the digital ALC through NetGalley and for the physical copy. Thank you UpLit Reads for inviting me on book tour.

Publication date: May 6, 2026
Format: Audio
Genre: Romance

I will read anything Pepper Basham writes and I have yet to find a book of hers I haven’t swooned over!

When Finnley Dashwood moves from England to small town North Carolina with his adorable daughter, he disrupts Daphne Austen’s idyllic image of an Englishman. And of course he has to take over the restaurant right next door to her charming tea and pastry shop. But as Daphne builds a bond with Finn’s daughter, feelings have a way of shifting for both of them.

What I loved:
Small town setting
Opposites attract
Spunky daughter

What I didn’t love:
Nothing

What I felt:
I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC! This review is my honest opinion of this audiobook 🎧❤️

Let’s start with the story line. The characters are wonderful! I loved them both so much! Finn, or MMC is a great man. He’s represented well, and while you may yell at him (I did) you’ll also fall hopelessly in love with him. Miss. Austen, or FMC is a romantic, that gives her all and loves with everything she has. I loved her and the way her upbringing was revealed to show how she became the woman behind the tea shop.
While those are our two main characters, this side characters are just as charming! Granny D is the southern Granny we all know and love down here.
The pastor is one I’d love to see at my church. And every other side character is just as charming and plays roles that are amazing. One character stands out though; Lucy, oh my, what a great representation and honest introduction to a cleft. As a momma of a little one with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, I love seeing good representation that shows how us parents worry but also think our children are the cutest things to walk the planet. Lucy is a doll and her parts shine through, bringing Finns character ever farther into the wonderful father territory.

The narrators also both did a fantastic job with this story! They brought it to life and gave the characters voices that you will remember.

I loved the rivalry between our main characters, there banter, and just every aspect of their story. The town was brought to life and you could envision the people, the small mountain town, and the quirky bits. The growth of the characters shines through and you can feel the changes like they are a living thing.
There’s a twist in there near the end that’s so unexpected, but written perfectly to being the story together and show case both characters, their growth, the relationships of everyone, and really brings the story together.

I finished this audiobook in two days. I could not take my headphones off 😂 I was trapped in the story and needed to know what happened, what would be said. The social media posts were hilarious and I could have read a book on those alone 😍 I went into this book knowing it was a romance and it stole my heart, way better than expected.

This is a sugar book (no spice), so if spice isn’t your thing, this is a book that doesn’t have any!

When a sweet little tea shop goes head to head with an English pub. . .

Wisteria, North Carolina will never be the same.

Welcome to the new release from Pepper Basham. It's a winner of a read.

Some things I loved:

🚘An electric-blue Volkswagen Convertible Beetle Cabriolet with a British flag front plate. Daphne Austen, owner of Tea Tyme is mesmerized before she even meets the tall, dark, and handsome owner.

👨‍🦱 Finn Dashwood, new to Wisteria, and the proprietor/chef of The Green Dragon is swoon on a spoon. He is going to be Daphne's biggest competition.

👧Lucy Dashwood is in Kindergarten and dreams about being a princess. Her daddy wants her to be #TeamDragon, but how can Lucy resist that pink tea shop next door? It's like walking into a storybook.

#️⃣The town of Wisteria has an active social media presence. Pepper Basham uses posts and hilarious hash tags to add humor and escalate the action. Some of my favorites came from Wisteria General Store and their innovative ideas for t-shirts, potholders, aprons, etc. and Pastor Nate. He is ever ready to taste test and throw down some Bible humor.

😋Get ready for this book to make you hungry. Between the many innovative bakes and the tasty cuisine at the pub, readers will be craving some of that delicious fare. Whiskey-glazed pork belly with a rosemary sea salt focaccia? Earl Grey peach tartlet? Apple cider tea cake dusted with a whisper of cinnamon sugar? These dishes are just a fraction of the culinary delights in this read.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. Anne Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman provide top notch narration!

So, at this point I’ve read a couple of her books… and let me tell you, they are just terrific! 🩷
At one point you are laughing out loud, like making a scene…all by yourself! And then the next minute you have tears in your eyes… because yes, she just struck a chord… and you felt it!!

This one revolves around a woman, Daphne, who has grown up in this small town of Wisteria, North Carolina… and remains there! She lost many people in her short life… but misses her grandma most of all. After all, she basically raised her and her brother after her Mom passed. AND… she left her beloved Tea Shop… Tea Thyme to her… and Daphne is going to do everything in her power to keep it afloat! (Did I mention that granny was a huge fan of the English… and passed this on to Daphne?)

So, when the storefront next door is sold, and a dashing young Englishman turns out to be the new owner…well, Daphne is gobsmacked! But, Finn turns out to be dastardly… and she is so disappointed!

But, as most small towns do, they all help each other out! So, Finn starts getting help in the most unexpected places… and Daphne soon realizes that he has a little girl. A precious one at that! And… well… all bets are off!

Add to this the fact that the town is SO INVOLVED in every little thing that goes on… that now there’s a #war going on. And it’s all about #Tea vs. #Pub…(Finn’s new place)… and the Wisteria General Store starts advertising and selling merch that’s all about the #war!! Plus… Daphne and Finn are publicly dissing each other’s shops.. in jest, both online and in-person… and you have the makings of a glorious, hysterical, swoon-worthy story!

Especially when the town decides that they SHOULD BE a couple! The shenanigans that went on in this literally had me cracking up and gasping for air on several occasions! It was that funny!
Add in the fact that the local pastor, as well as the grannies, store owners and sheriff are ALL commenting and hashtag-ing on posts… and, you see what I mean? It’s just a riot!! 🤣🤣

But then the reality hits as a huge storm approaches… and the whole feel of the story undergoes a huge change. You can just feel it! And, sad to say that I hear about these storms all the time, living on the East Coast… but up north in NY. Sad, but scary and true… and you KNOW that the author has experienced this… through her writing!

This was terrific, and made me feel all the feels! So, 4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

#ABrewedAwakening by @PepperBasham and narrated Beautifully by @AnnMarieGideon and @ChristopherAshman.

*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 5/3/26! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelsonFiction and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

This is my first read by Pepper Basham, and if the rest of her books are anything like this one, she has gained a permanent reader. This was such a cute read and a great way to start the new month. The banter was everything, and Lucy was such a cutie! I love a small-town romance where all the neighbors are super supportive of each other, and the matchmaking work they were doing made it all the sweeter. The social media aspect was a great touch in my opinion, and the culinary competition between the two characters made the story so fun to listen to! The narrators were new to me but they did a great job in bringing this story to life.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ↴
This is an Advanced Reader copy. Although this book was given to me as an ALC, my thoughts are my own. Thank you, Pepper Basham and NetGalley, for the ALC opportunity!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
☕️ Foodies
🫖 Slow Burn
☕️ Single Dad
🫖 Small Town
☕️ British MMC
🫖 Great Banter
☕️ Found Family
🫖 Disability Rep
☕️ Rivals to More
🫖 Second Chance

☕️ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖

Pepper Basham has become a favorite author and I enjoyed her latest. As both a coffee and tea lover, I was a little torn between our two main characters, Daphne and Finn. I enjoyed listening to their relationship develop and the people in Wisteria who helped them along the way. I wasn't suspecting the ending challenge they all faced, but felt that Basham did an excellent job incorporating a recent event and the challenges people faced into her story. My favorite parts were the social media posts and comments and hashtags from the town memebers. These probably would have been very enjoyble in a real copy, but it worked in the audio book as well. A fun read with a little bit of a twist!

Such a lovely love story! I adored both of these main characters. I was sucked in from the beginning and was hooked until the end! It had so much heart and true emotion. I loved the dynamics and the honest story. LOVED!

I really enjoyed listening to A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham, which I’d classify as a sweet, second chance at love, story. While listening to the audiobook, expectedly narrated by Ann Marie Gideon and Christopher Ashman, I was engaged emotionally, and could easily visualize what was going on in the story. The secondary characters are just as warm and welcoming. As an added bonus, there were no salacious details surrounding the “romance”! The older I get, I want more story and no sex scenes, and this story was perfect! I cannot recommend this audiobook enough and can’t wait to listen to the next Pepper Basham audiobook!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for this heart-warming, yummy 5-star listen! Daphne and Finn were absolutely adorable—their banter felt natural and their growing feelings were so easy to root for. I especially loved all the cooking elements woven throughout the story. The sense of community really stood out too; it felt like the entire town was part of the journey, which made everything more fun. And the social media comments? I found myself laughing out loud more than once. The narrators were fantastic at bringing the story to life. This story delivers a sweet, clean romance that feels genuine and uplifting. Alongside the tender relationship, there’s also a powerful, edge-of-your-seat natural disaster scene that adds real intensity and depth. The ending ties everything together in a way that feels truly satisfying. With standout narration and heartfelt storytelling, this is definitely one I’d recommend.