All the Tea in China (Rollicking Regency Series #1) [Paperback]

Jane Orcutt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

The good young Englishwoman knows that her destiny depends upon a good marriage match. But Isabella Goodrich is not your typical good young Englishwoman. After an encounter with those less fortunate than she, witty and fun-loving Isabella makes a shocking decision. Against everyone's advice and wishes, she is going to become a missionary in the Far East. Fighting against cultural expectations, common sense, and a mentor who is not as he seems, Isabella leaves her predictable Oxford life behind and sets sail to a new world fraught with danger. Can she trust the mysterious missionary Phineas Snowe? Or will her adventure end before it even begins? This first novel in the Rollicking Regency series will delight readers who like high adventure, twisting plots, and a fun bit of romance.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

EXCERPT FROM CATALOG I can abide neither a liar nor a cheat, but you may be wont to think me such while I here relate my little tale. Were I not your humble narrator, even now I would scarce believe it anything but mere fiction. I take pen in resolute hand to assure you that what I am about to recount is truth, not the least of which involves heartbreak, joy, a Chinese translation of the Gospel According to St. Luke, and, oh yes, a rather large sword. Perhaps it is best that I start where my journey of a thousand miles began, not with a single step, but with the dearest pair of pink silk slippers. Soft as rose petals they were and embroidered with a bit of curious white design on the toes. They looked quite lovely, peeping from beneath my new white muslin dress with a pink ribbon encircling just below . . . oh dear, let me simply say high above my waist. My modiste assured me the dress was the finest in the county and that during the Christmas parties none would be my peer. I was, after all, preparing for social battle.

From the Back Cover

Has this saucy high-society Englishwoman met her match? Though well-bred, fashionable, and educated, Isabella Goodrich feels useless as a spinster in a world of matchmaking and social gatherings. She'd rather be practicing her skills at the sword and discussing philosophy than making painful small talk at ridiculous parties. Then Isabella meets the mysterious Phineas Snowe, and she becomes convinced she is meant to follow him to the mission fields of the Orient. A woman with an independent nature, she sneaks away and boards a ship to China. What she discovers about her companion and the world beyond Britain's shores draws her into a greater quest--and deeper love--than she could have imagined. All the Tea in China is a fast-paced, witty, and lighthearted tale of adventure, romance, and the pursuit of impossible dreams. Jane Orcutt is the author or coauthor of fifteen books, including the bestselling Porch Swings and Picket Fences. A two-time RITA award finalist, Jane was also a finalist for the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 349 pages
• Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800731794
• ISBN-13: 978-0800731793
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,582,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "rollicking" fun read, June 3, 2007

By 

C. Widman (CT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All the Tea in China (Rollicking Regency Series #1) (Paperback)

The fact that this series is called "Rollicking Regency" has to be a sign of good things to come. Who doesn't love a good old fashioned regency romance? All the Tea in China is a good start to such a series. Great characters, mystery, intrigue, adventure, a bit of piracy, and of course some romance.

The first paragraph provides a good tasting of the adventure that is to come. "I can abide neither a liar nor a cheat but you may be wont to think me such while I here relate my little tale. Were I not your humble narrator, even now I would scarce believe it anything but mere fiction. I take pen to resolute hand to assure you that what I am about recount is truth, not the least of which involves heartbreak, joy, a Chinese translation of the Gospel according to St. Luke, and, oh yes, a rather large sword." The overall imagery of the story is wonderful- you feel as if you are on the ship sailing with Isabelle from London to Cape Town to China.

The interplay between Phineas and Isabelle is fun to watch. At their first meeting, Phineas comes upon Isabelle examining herself (a smudge on her dress) in a mirror. Being a typical, frustrating sort of male he says "unless your vision is poor, you will not find your image improved by pressing against a mirror. Though I'll not gainsay that many ladies oft believe it otherwise." lol- You can just see the trouble that is in the offing (and the steam coming out of Izzy's ears...)

Overall a great story that I look forward to reading more in the series. My only complaint is that the plot was a bit too predictable and the ending felt rushed. Other than that a wonderful read!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Inspiring Read!, March 20, 2007

By 

Marlo Schalesky "author" (Salinas, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All the Tea in China (Rollicking Regency Series #1) (Paperback)

With its rich detail and saucy characters, All the Tea in China is fun romp around Cape Horn and into China. I loved the spunk of Isabella, the mystery of Phineas, and the allure of a country so distant from our own. Hats off to Jane Orcutt for such an enjoyable read!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting!, June 24, 2007

By 

Rel Mollet "RelzReviewz" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All the Tea in China (Rollicking Regency Series #1) (Paperback)

Publicly slighted by her so called friends in English society in Oxford, Isabella Goodrich is so humiliated that stowing away with the livestock on a ship bound for China, is a preferred option!

Phineas Snowe, the mysterious missionary Isabella hopes to join evangelising the lost, is horrified when Isabella is found, delirious, weakened and in a very odorous state. He devises a plan to protect Isabella with every intention of hoisting her off the ship at the next port. Isabella's journey is filled with intrigue, swordplay, danger and language lessons but can she prove to Phineas that God's plan for her lies in the beauty of the Orient?

Jane Orcutt's final novel, published posthumously, is delightful and its description as a Rollicking Regency is perfect. Isabella is an endearing character, well educated yet naive, adept in swordplay but not in social scheming, funny and devoted. Jane has cleverly drawn Phineas, flawed and unappealing yet as his desire to serve the people of China and God is revealed, the reader is drawn to his passionate and caring heart. The dialogue is snappy and fun, the scenery and culture beautifully described and the message of love and forgiveness is gentle and reassuring. All The Tea in China will not disappoint but if you need a further reason to buy this wonderful book, all proceeds will be assisting Jane's husband and sons as they come to terms with the loss of Jane, a loving wife and mother and one very talented author.