To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer - blog tour review and giveaway

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY - Kindle / Paperback / Audio

MY REVIEW

This is my second book from Witemeyer and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one I read from her (Cloaked in Beauty). I loved the Beauty and the Beast angle of this story. I am always up for a retelling, especially one about Beauty and the Beast. The author did a wonderful job with the story of making it her own, and the characters. I adored Callista. She is such a lovely person, so full of kindness and patience. But she is also not afraid to give her point of view and express how she feels. I love that she is a book binder. That aspect made her such a unique character. Everett's accident was a nice added twist for the "beast". The appearance of Callista throws him off for sure, but I appreciated how he quickly recognized her positivity too. 

The supporting cast of characters also make this book so enjoyable. Mrs. Potter, Timens, Lightfoot, all are such a delight. The villain's motives, when revealed, were intriguing. The plot was exciting and that climax! I enjoyed how the author told the story through Callista's letters to her father.

I am excited to read another book from this author!

I received a copy of the book through Bookfunnel. All views are my own. 

5 out of 5 stars! 

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

 

 

 

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY LINK

Tour review of The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson

 

Shadow of the World-Famous Nine

Author: Ben Guterson

Middle grade mystery

Release day: May 13th, 2025

FTC FYI: I received a hardcover copy and a NetGalley link for tour and review purposes. All view are my own.

SUMMARY

Zander and Natasha must reverse an evil spell threatening the Number Nine Plaza’s very existence in this puzzle-bending mystery—for fans of The Swifts. 
 
Summer is in full swing at The Number Nine Plaza, the world's largest and most fabulous department store, and best friends Zander and Natasha are looking forward to weeks of discovery after thwarting the vengeful Darkbloom's attempt to destroy The Nine. But has the danger truly passed? Store employees begin acting oddly, a long-lost clue to an ancient store mystery is uncovered, and Zander and Natasha themselves become targets for attack. When a devastating magic spell places The Nine under new peril, the two friends find themselves in a race against the clock to solve the store's ever-deepening riddles and preserve the world-famous Number Nine Plaza from destruction.
 
Featuring word puzzles, clues, and lavish illustrations, this enchanting, out-of-this-world mystery delivers an unforgettable read full of magic and adventure.

MY REVIEW

This is such a fun series. My two favorite mystery solvers, Zander and Natasha, are back in this intriguing mystery series.  I love the characters and the whimsical setting of the world-famous The Number Nine Plaza. This mysterious and enchanting department store has it all, including the dangerous and elusive Darkbloom who will stop at nothing to bring destruction to all who cross him. 

As much as I liked the first book, I enjoyed this book even more! Guterson does a great job of pulling the reader right in the story and keeping the mystery and the fun engaging right until the end. This book picks up right where the first one ends and the action and twists are non stop. I appreciate and enjoy how resourceful Zander and Natasha are, but sometimes it is to their peril. 

The stakes are high as the pair and others try to stop Darkbloom and I was all in. I absolutely love this genre and I hope there are more books in this series coming. 

Along with the great story, there are amazing illustrations throughout that bring the story to life! I enjoyed what those brought to the story. 

I received a hardcover and a NetGalley link, #gifted copy, from the publisher. All views are my own.

5 out of 5 stars.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon hardcover / Amazon Audible / Amazon Kindle


AUTHOR LINKS

Goodreads / Website / Instagram

TOUR SCHEDULE

Blog tour review of SOME LIKE IT SCOT by Pepper Basham

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham hosted by

 JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: SOME LIKE IT SCOT 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: April 8, 2025 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together? 

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people's stories. She's built a career as "Miss Adventure," known for saying yes to anything new--country, food, or experience--and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures. 

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman. 

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn't venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme's comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister's death, he's even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan. 

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what's familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life's story when "home" is in two very different places? But maybe home--and the future--isn't quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person. 

MY REVIEW

This is my second book by Pepper Basham's and I can’t wait to read more. 

This book is so fun. So full of heart and humor and a swoony Scotsman. 

Katie is absolutely adorable. I love that she was travel writer. She’s in Scotland for an Edwardian experience to share with her followers. (Oh my goodness, so many funny moments from that and Katie’s “misadventures”.) I love how Katie immersed herself into Craighill and Scotland. It makes me want to visit. The author did a fantastic job with the setting and characters. I loved the town and the knitting ladies. Lachlan (he was adorable. I loved his and Katie’s sweet relationship) and Graeme’s mum were also wonderful. 

Graeme’s painful past was enduring. And Katie’s losses and disappointments were hard too. Each of them finding what they needed in each other was wonderful. 

Once Katie broke through Graeme the grumpy beast, their conversations were so lovely. But the ones before that were just as good too. Graeme and Katie had amazing back and forth banter. The dual POV showed the inner thoughts of each so well. 

I loved the shout out to Jaime Jo Wright!

And wow that kiss! The ending, it was simply perfect. (The author’s note also tugged at my heart.)

I received a NetGalley link from the publisher. And NetGalley approval from the publisher for the audio book. All views are my own. 

5 out of 5 stars!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Faith Gateway | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting pepperdbasham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Some Like it Scot and hairy coo themed gift box!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Some Like it Scot!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 16, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour review and giveaway of EMBERGOLD by Rachelle Nelson

Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast —truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

MY REVIEW

Wow this book was so amazing! Nelson has crafted a fantasy story with spectacular characters and an engaging plot with Beauty and the Beast vibes. There are some crazy twists and turns that kept me so invested in the story. I didn’t want to stop reading. 

There is great world building and the magic was well done. I appreciate when magic isn’t over the top and confusing. 

Gilde is such a fantastic character. Her growth was astonishing in the story, as she makes her way through perilous circumstances that has her questioning what she’s been told and what she has believed her whole life. I can’t give many more details, but when she is taken by the dragon, Gilde’s world turns upside down. Wil stole the show for me. He is mysterious and wise, with a tragic backstory, and an instant favorite. 

This book is a journey full of many remarkable characters. I can’t name too many names but I loved where the story takes Gilde and Wil. Isa was a surprising favorite and Petra. I loved the times when they were together and what Will taught Gilde and of course, what becomes of Wil. The whole book is full of dazzling surprises. I highlighted so many phrases. Nelson’s words leapt off the page and were so memorable. 

Aimee Lilly does an amazing job with the narration. During the tense and climatic moments, I could feel her urgency. The variation of voices was well done, as well as the accents. 

I’m hoping for another story in this world! 

I received an eARC from the publisher and for tour purposes. I borrowed the audio from Libby. All views are my own. 

5 out of 5 stars

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Kindle / Amazon Hardcover / Audible

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.

To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book,and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54195

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, April 8 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

MinReads and Reviews, April 9

Wishful Endings, April 10

The Lofty Pages, April 11

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 15

Devoted Steps, April 16

Madi’s Musings, April 17

Labor Not in Vain, April 18

Guild Master, April 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20

Simple Harvest Reads, April 21 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Tour review of IT'S WATCHING by Lindsay Currie

 

IT'S WATCHING

Author: Lindsay Currie

Publisher: Delacourte Press

Middle Grade Horror/Ghost Stories

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy of the book from the publisher for tour purposes and a NetGalley link. 

DESCRIPTION

On Halloween night, Josie and her two best friends, Jackson and Alison, sneak into the infamously haunted Bachelor’s Grove cemetery. They are hoping to prove the existence of a famous ghost to secure coveted editorial spots on the school newspaper. Instead, they are chased out by a security guard before they gather any evidence…or so they think.

Later, a sinister meme appears on their phones. It’s an image of the “phantom farmhouse,” an evil apparition rumored to appear to unlucky visitors at Bachelor's Grove—luring them in…and never letting them out—with the words I’m watching dripping down the screen.

Soon, strange and scary things begin to happen all around them. When a second meme from the same number arrives, this time with a countdown, they realize they have only three days to figure out who is terrorizing them. As they investigate, the trio must use their journalistic skills to uncover the truth, or risk becoming a part of the graveyard’s sinister past forever.

REVIEW

I’ve decided middle grade horror is about the only horror I can handle. From an erie cemetery, moving dolls, mummy’s faces that change, haunted cottages, this book is full of surprises and twists and has some intense action. 

With all of those things, this book adds more examples to what I love about middle grade. Josie, Jackson, and Alison are kids that work together, aren’t perfect, and see the good in each other. Even when being haunted by ghosts, as are trying to figure out why. 

There are many exciting twists and I enjoyed trying to figuring out the craziness with the trio. As the story develops, their motivations change as they realize the danger involved. I like how they kept trying, but remembered they’re only human (and kids) too. 

This is my first book from this author and I’m exited to read more!

5 out of 5 stars. 

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Kindle / Amazon Hardcover / Barnes and Noble

AUTHOR INFO

Amazon / Website / Instagram / Goodreads

Lindsay Currie is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of mysteries for young readers, including the Delta Games series and It’s Watching, She grew up on Nancy Drew and loves a good twisty tale.  When she’s not writing, Lindsay can generally be found looking for an adventure of her own. She loves researching  forgotten history and recently relocated from Chicago to a 220 acre farm in downstate Illinois where she finally gets to see stars every night, and take hikes every day.

Coming soon:  THE HOUSE WITH NO KEYS (October 2025) and X Marks the Haunt (February 2026)!​​ 

Tour review and giveaway of Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J Chow

STAR-CROSSED EGG TARTS

by Jennifer J Chow

January 27 - February 21, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

                                        Synopsis:

A MAGICAL FORTUNE COOKIE NOVEL

Jin Bakery has been asked to cater the Lum-Wu outdoor wedding at Pixie Park. The day of the ceremony, Felicity is finishing the “cake” of tiered egg tarts as the wedding party arrives for the ceremony. When one of the groomsmen, Miles Wu, doesn’t arrive, Felicity’s best friend and local florist Kelvin generously steps in for him and the wedding goes smoothly―until cake cutting time.

That’s when Felicity finds Miles’ dead body beneath the table with her egg tarts display, stabbed by Kelvin’s gardening shears. With the detective’s sights on Kelvin, Felicity starts sleuthing away to prove his innocence, revealing dark secrets about all the wedding's attendants. They each had something to hide―and a reason to quiet Miles forever. To make matters worse, Felicity’s powers of prediction are on the fritz thanks to the emotional turmoil of a surprise visit from her estranged father.

When the groom gets poisoned at the send-off party and winds up in a coma, the stakes are even higher, not to mention Felicity’s feelings for Kelvin are beginning to feel more than friendly. Will Felicity’s magic return in time to catch the true culprit and rescue her budding relationship with Kelvin?

My review

This is my first book from this author and my first in this series. I really enjoyed it! I absolutely love cozy mysteries and this book had a fun twist of magic! I will definitely be searching out the first book in the series, and more from this author. 

I loved how the author brought Chinese culture in the book. I loved the glimpse into the culture the reader gets. 

Felicity is such a great character. She’s witty and kind. I enjoyed her mom and godmother’s characters too. And there’s Kelvin, the perfect best friend next door, and partner in crime for Felicity. 

The books starts at a wedding where Felicity’s egg tarts are featured and there’s a murder. Food and murder are the perfect combo! There are many suspects and even a long lost relative. Don’t forget about Felicity’s magical fortunes! This book has charming characters, page turning plot, magical recipes, and the cozy small town vibe. 

I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author. 

I received an ebook for tour purposes from the publisher. All views are my own. 

Praise for the Magical Fortune Cookie series and Jennifer J. Chow:

"A spellbinding whodunit unfolds in the first installment of Jennifer J. Chow’s Magical Fortune Cookie series."
~ Woman's World

"The story itself is light, sweet, and delectable. The ensemble of interesting characters adds a crispy texture to the narrative, and, true to the cozy mystery genre, a central mystery―the ill-fated fortune―keeps readers engaged from start to finish."
~ The Big Thrill

"This first in a new series featuring a likable Chinese American heroine will appeal to fans of Jenn McKinlay, Eve Calder, or Joanne Fluke."
~ Booklist

"Nobody writes cozy mysteries quite like Jennifer J. Chow. No matter what is going wrong in my life, I know that all I need to do for some comfort is turn to one of Chow's books. Chow has done it again with Ill-Fated Fortune. I did not want to leave Felicity's side even for a moment, and you won't want to either."
~ Jesse Q. Sutanto, Edgar Award-winning author of Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

"A magical new culinary cozy mystery series filled with family, friendship, and heart―and a pinch of real magic."
~ Gigi Pandian, USA Today bestselling author of the Secret Staircase Mysteries on Ill-Fated Fortune

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Asian American fiction
Published by: Minotaur
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781250351623 (ISBN10: 1250351626)
Series: The Magical Fortune Cookie series, #2
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Minotaur

Read an excerpt:

Chapter 1

I put the last egg tart in place on the tiered circular display, stepped back, and admired my handiwork. From a distance, if you squinted and tilted your head just right, you might actually mistake it for a wedding cake made of gold, or Jin. Fitting, since “Jin” was both my surname and the Mandarin word for “gold.” I grinned. Guess I’d been fated for this job.

Happily, I even got to rope in loved ones as other vendors. My best friend, Kelvin Love (who has the most fitting name to cater a wedding), handled the elaborate floral displays. And my godmother, Alma Paz, made the candle arrangements, including the votives for the cake table. She’d even handcrafted bowl-shaped lace holders for each votive candle.

Once the late afternoon dissolved into evening, the small candles would be lit, and the cake made of egg tarts would turn into an enchanting display. Quite literally, because my mom had used her magic to bake joy into every last bite. After all, that’s what we Jins do—pour joy into our signature recipe treats to flow out to others. Except my own brand of magic came with an extra bonus: I made special fortune cookies that provided happiness and accurately predicted future happenings.

I added a stash of business cards to the table. I’d been made official co-owner of Jin Bakery with my mom, and I now had business cards to attest to that exciting fact. Besides, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have my contact info out there. If people were in the area for the wedding, maybe they’d decide to check out our local bakery, too.

Plus, many of the guests were from nearby Fresno, the bride’s hometown, though a fair share hailed from up north, where the groom’s relatives lived. It wasn’t too much of a trek from NorCal to visit Pixie, right? Not for delicious egg tarts, pineapple buns, and fortune cookies, all coated with magic.

“It’s beautiful,” someone whispered from near my shoulder. I would have startled at the interruption, but the voice was so gentle, it didn’t scare me in the least.

A bridesmaid must have snuck into the main tent without my noticing. Maybe the soft grass surrounding the tent had masked her footsteps. Or she’d minced along in those stiletto sandals.

She was a wisp of a young woman, just a few years past twenty. Even though I was twenty-eight, I couldn’t imagine having ever been so bright-eyed and hopeful as the girl before me. The twin honey-colored braids wrapped around her head only added to her youthfulness.

“Haley, was it?” I asked.

She nodded, almost bouncing on her heels. “You remembered my name.”

“It’s distinctive. Very pretty.”

She flushed a sweet shade of pink. “I like your name, too. Felicity is lovely.”

“Is that a rose tucked behind your ear?” I asked, pointing to the blossom, the full pink petals brushing up against a tiny golden ear cuff lined with diamonds.

She widened her green eyes at me. “Uh, is that okay? I mean, do you mind? Are you and Kelvin together—”

“It’s fine,” I said, waving away her concern. “Kelvin and I are just friends.” Best friends, technically. “I take it he’s still working on the flower arch outside?”

“Said he was ‘securing the petals.’” Kelvin was a stickler for floral quality. Guess that’s what made us good entrepreneurs in our little town of Pixie.

I glanced at Haley’s T-shirt and jeans. “What time is it? Do you need to change?”

“Four forty-five,” she said. “I better get ready.”

The wedding guests would show up at six. Right now, only us hired help and the wedding party, plus the parents of the bride and groom, were roaming the surrounding green space.

“Jada’s in our tent doing makeup, and she said she’d help me,” Haley said.

“I should get going, too.” I’d promised the bride, Leanne, that I’d check on the tea ceremony. Not that I’d be super helpful. I’m third-gen Chinese American and had had to google what the traditional tea ritual entailed.

I followed Haley’s bouncing steps out of the larger main tent into the lush green of Pixie Park. Our town’s biggest park definitely had enough space for the Lum-Wu ceremony. The bride and groom had asked to pitch four tents for the event: a reception tent for food, his and her tents for wedding prep, and a tent for the traditional tea serving ritual.

Pixie Park also boasted a large hill, and it was sure to look magnificent with its aerial view for the actual wedding ceremony and exchanging of vows. Kelvin was on the hill now, fussing over the flowers on the custom arch he’d made.

I waved at him. He bobbed his head at me, his fingers still patting petals into place. Kelvin looked good fancied up, in a dress shirt and pressed slacks. His usual go-to was a casual Henley and jeans.

There was a rainbow of beautiful blossoms decorating the immense arch he’d constructed. I didn’t know why Kelvin was so worried. There wasn’t a breeze to be found. It was perfect, and the flowers should stay put.

If anything, the temperature was slightly too warm today. Thankfully, it was dry heat, typical of the San Joaquin Valley. Whoever thought tea was a great idea in July had not factored in the weather. Then again, traditions were important. I headed over to the tea tent, and as soon as I put my head through the flap, Leanne squealed.

“You came to help. Thank goodness,” she said. The bride-to-be wore a red qipao with a golden phoenix trailing down the front. Her hair was pinned up, and pearls were scattered across the hairdo as decoration, matching the dangling pearl earrings she wore.

“How can I assist?” I asked.

“With the hot plate. You’re good in the kitchen. Er, bakery. Can you get it started?”

“I can try.” I mean, I was hired to cater the cake, not the tea. But I’d done the bare minimum online research. Maybe I could fake my way through.

***

Excerpt from Star-Crossed Egg Tarts by Jennifer J Chow. Copyright 2025 by Jennifer J Chow. Reproduced with permission from St. Martin’s Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and Lilian Jackson Braun Award-nominated author. Jennifer J. Chow writes cozy mysteries filled with hope and heritage.

Catch Up With Jennifer J Chow:

www.JenniferJChow.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @jenniferjchow
Instagram - @jenjchow
Threads - @jenjchow
Facebook - @JenJChow

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