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Another Book List for the Tea Enthusiast - Fictional & Culinary Edition
Michele LillieOur first blog on tea books discussed highly-rated nonfiction books about tea that you might want to buy for yourself or gift to another tea lover. In this post, I want to discuss fictional books that contain a tea-related element and a few culinary tea books.
Fiction is very much a matter of personal preference. While some enjoy cozy mysteries, others prefer to dive into historical fiction. Some readers find certain elements offensive, whereas those same elements are not of concern to others. Complex “who-done-its” are one person’s preference, while books that have more relational elements are what tick the box for others. This list is not necessarily a recommendation list but a list for you to peruse to find your next tea-related read.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
Author: Lisa See
Summary: This historical novel explores the lives of a Chinese mother and her daughter, who has been adopted by an American couple. It contains intertwining themes of family, culture, and the tea industry. The book dives deep into the world of Puerh tea, its origins, processing, popularity and subsequent decline.
Teatime for the Firefly
Author: Shona Patel
Summary: A work of historical fiction based in India during the time leading up to WWII. The protagonist moves to the Assam region of India, where she finds dealing with the British women and having servants underneath her complex. Readers find the story educational, with fascinating cultural details about the tea gardens of India.
The Vintage Teacup Club
Author: Vanessa Greene
Summary: Based in rural England, three women share a vintage tea set and discover friendship and personal growth through their love of tea and community.
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Summary: A delightful and heartwarming series about a woman establishing a Botswana detective agency. Even though tea is not a major theme, every book finds the characters having a lovely tea break and enjoying either a cup of red bush (rooibos) or black tea.
The Tea Chest
Author: Josephine Moon
Summary: Three women’s paths unexpectedly cross, and they come together to save The Tea Chest in London. This novel is about the unexpected situations life throws at us and how love and friendship help us through them. Reviewers say it is written with heart and infused with the seductive scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemon, rose and caramel.
The Tea Planter's Wife
Author: Dinah Jefferies
Summary: Immerse yourself in the tea plantations of Ceylon during the 1920s. A young Englishwoman marries a charming tea plantation owner and widower, only to discover he's keeping terrible secrets about his past, including what happened to his first wife, that leads to devastating consequences.
A very popular theme for tea-related fiction is that of cozy mysteries. In these, the protagonist runs a tea shop while also solving mysteries. Pick your favorite location and dive in. Here are just a few.
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Laura Child’s Tea Shop Mystery Series – written by Laura Childs and based in Charleston.
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The Hungarian Tea House Mystery Series – written by Julia Buckley and based in a European-style tea house with owners of Hungarian heritage.
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The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries – written by HY Hanna and based in Oxford, England, at a traditional English-style tea room.
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The Wisteria Tearoom Mysteries – written by Patrice Greenwood and based in a Victorian tea room in Santa Fe.
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The Tea & Sympathy Mysteries – written by J. New and based in a tea room in Plumpton Mallet, a small English town.
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Tea is for Trouble – written by Karen Sue Walker and based in an old seaside Victorian home.
- Tea by the Sea Mysteries – written by Vicky Delaney and based in a Cape Cod tea shop.
Culinary Tea Books
Culinary Tea: More than 100 Recipes Steeped in Tradition From Around the World
- Authors: Cynthia Gold and Lisë Stern
- Publication Date: 2010
- According to the author: In this gorgeous tribute to an ancient and long-revered plant, you’ll find tea in versatile starters, inspired main dishes, and tempting desserts, plus an array of intriguing beverages. Explore the many possibilities of cooking with tea, including making tea concentrates, brines, braises and smoking mixes; steeping leaves in cream, vinegar, vodka and other liquids; and using the tea leaves themselves to add flavor and texture to both savory and sweet dishes. Step outside the cup into a world of culinary possibilities with tea.
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What others say:
- Culinary Tea is authoritative, inspiring and useful for any cook… Tea may well be the next big flavor.
- Beautiful, imaginative and wonderfully clear … nothing less than a new dimension to the culinary arts.
- Calling all tea lovers and foodies! Gain the confidence to take your tea game “up a notch” and start cooking with your leaves. This book offers a mouth-watering collection of recipes, from starters and entrees to desserts and cocktails. We enjoy its clear instructions and gorgeous photos.
- Culinary Tea by Cynthia Gold and Lise Stern is a culinary journey that takes you around the world through the art of tea-infused dishes. It’s your passport to explore a diverse array of recipes, from traditional favorites to inventive creations.
Cooking with Tea
- Authors: Robert Wemischner and Diana Rosen
- Publication Date: 2000
- According to the author: Tea is a cutting-edge ingredient that is finally breaking out of its familiar role as an accompaniment to afternoon tea fare and emerging as a provocative ingredient in every category on the menus of fine restaurants everywhere. Esteemed chefs around the country are bringing tea into the kitchen to create recipes with this “new” ingredient.
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What others say:
- Cooking with Tea enhances your appreciation of this versatile leaf with over 100 recipes demonstrating innovative uses of tea as an ingredient in starters, entrees, desserts and in condiments, as well as in special beverages; a brief history of tea, its different types and tips of buying and storing tea; a guide to pairing tea with food; and a glossary of words used for tea tasting.
- Robert Wemischner and Diana Rosen offer a well-rounded approach to incorporating tea into your dishes. This book combines educational insights on the culinary uses of tea with innovative tea-based recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds, whether you’re a tea connoisseur or a curious cook.
- Cooking with Tea offers recipes and methods for the chef interested in using the leaf in his or her kitchen.
- [A] dazzling, remarkably accessible showcase of cooking with this dynamic new-ingredient.
- Robert Wemischner has created a cookbook that works. The recipes creatively use tea in an accessible form. The author takes us beyond the standard fare but in a way that a reasonable home cook can reproduce.
Ultimate Tea Recipe Book: Over 100+ Masterful Recipes for the Modern Tea Love
- Author: Julian Langley
- Publication Date: 2024
- This book is a recipe book for making different versions of the beverage and not actual culinary uses.
- According to the author: Explore the diverse world of tea with over 100 creating and inspiring recipes. From classic blends to modern infusions, this book is a must-have for every tea enthusiast. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, each recipe offers a unique journey in the art and culture of tea. Embrace the ritual, savor the flavors, and join us on a voyage through the timeless tradition of tea.
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What others say:
- This full-color edition is a haven for the modern tea lover, weaving the intricate world of herbal teas with a touch of contemporary finesse. Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or a budding enthusiast, this book will transport you through a journey of flavors and aromas that define the essence of tea.
- The Ultimate Tea Recipe Book is more than just a collection of recipes; it's a gateway to the world of tea, offering insights into brewing techniques, health benefits, and the cultural significance of tea. Each recipe is meticulously crafted, guiding you through the process of creating the perfect cup.
- Wow! This book is packed with incredible tea recipes that take you on a journey. I have never seen such creative and delicious tea recipes before. I'm thrilled I bought this book, which is now one of my favorite tea books. I love how the author includes "serving advice" in each recipe. You will love the pictures, too! I highly recommend this book!
If you wish to increase your tea knowledge, impress your dinner guests with tea-infused creations or just relax with a good read and a cup of tea, we hope these two posts will send you in the right direction. Let us know if you have read any of these or have other favorites!