Customer Reviews

The Perfect Blend

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is such a sweet, heart-warming read! And I loved the witty humor, too! That was a pleasant surprise. However, just because it is sweet doesn't mean it is fluff. I loved the messages woven into the story about acceptance, relationships, and boundaries. It was all so well done! I can't wait for the next book in this series!

It's been awhile since I've read such a fun, enjoyable book. I was swept away by a fun, quirky heroine that I could root for and cringe with when things went wrong (which they often did). Yet there is a strong underlying message about acceptance and whose acceptance really matters in life. I really liked this book and am pleased to see that it is the start of a series... I'm certainly hoping to see more of Kendall and Steph.

Wow, this book had me laughing out loud throughout! The characters are so lively and realistic yet so charming! The main character, Steph, is so clumsy and after being dumped by her fiance is required to reflect on her next move. As clueless as she starts out, she is able to rely on her faith and new friends while she makes her way in life. There is also forgiveness as she humbles herself to her parents and finds the acceptance she needs from them. I also deeply admired her growth when she determines to figure out where she belongs in society without relying on a man or her parents. There is nothing inappropriate in this story at all which makes it so refreshing compared to so many books on the market these days. This author successfully and realistically brings characters to life including Steph, whose heart and convictions are stronger than she realizes. She even forgives those who have totally mistreated her and apologizes when all she wants to do is hide. Deciding to forgive those who have hurt you the most and apologizing to others you have mistreated instead of taking revenge or justifying yourself are remarkable traits even in fiction. Steph's character is uncomfortable and insulted more than once in public and through prayer and obedience she comes through doing what's right, not what's easy or popular. Her journey is admirable and hilarious and in the end she realizes who she is and where she belongs. Not everyone's journey fits so nicely within 250 pages of a story, but there is truth and authenticity in the way Perry writes. Not everyone will relate to Perry's characters, but many will be entertained by them in a positive way. Perry understands what it takes to write about flawed characters without including offensive material and the audience is able to experience God's grace as her characters do within her stories. I cherish these types of stories and I look forward to reading more of Perry's books.

Trish Perry has created a sweet blend of characters who you will want to sit down with and have a cup of tea while sharing life together. My favorite character is Millie. I want to go to her tea shop, sit and listen to her wisdom, while soaking in her gentle spirit. A Perfect Blend is a perfect blend of everything!

In The Perfect Blend, Trish Perry gives us a "perfect blend" of characters who keep you reading just to see what will happen next. Steph Vandergriff is a mess. She's been jilted at the altar by Rick Manfred who has disappeared, she's in a strange town, and she's cut off all ties with her family and friends back home who warned her about her fiancé in the first place. As she sits on the steps of the building where her intended's law office is, she cannot stop crying. Enter dear Millicent, owner of the tearoom across the street. She takes Steph in and ends up offering her a temporary job to replace a girl on vacation. After a few mishaps, Steph loves the work and Millie. In addition she makes friends with Christie and Liz who offer her a place to live. The problem is that Steph needs a permanent job so she can stay in Middleburg. Kendall James, the handsome owner of the inn where she's staying, offers to help her find a job, but Steph's clumsiness and distraction get her into trouble with each attempt. In the meantime she's attracted to Kendall who is interested in more than finding Steph a job. Just when their relationship seems to be blossoming, Runaway Rick returns, and Steph has some decisions to make. Can she stand on her own two feet and make her own decisions for her future? Interesting secondary characters, a beautiful historic town, new friends, and a few surprises make this a delightful book for reading curled up in your favorite chair with your own cup of tea.

Trish Perry has truly outdone herself in this latest romantic novel, "The Perfect Blend". It is the first novel in the brand new "Tea Shop Series". Steph Vandergrift gave up everything for a man who left her at the altar. She takes a job at Millicent's Tea Shop while she tries to figure out what to do with her life after her world falls apart. Kendall James is a kind man who has his eye on Steph. But will he stand a chance when her ex returns and wants her back?

This book is a charming romance from the lovely cover art all the way through to the very end of the novel. Its bonus materials include thoughtful questions for discussion and reflection and some wonderful recipes that I cannot wait to try. This would be a great book to enjoy with a group to discuss and sample those recipes.

Perfect Blend by Trish Perry is a delightful and entertaining read. The main character, Steph, has many endearing qualities that tend to attract others to her innocence and naivety. Steph finds herself in the middle of a town she does not know when her supposed fiancé disappears on the day she is to meet him to elope. His disappearance is not a mystery in that he took a leave of absence from his employment. Steph meets some genuinely caring people as she tries to make a life for herself in this new unfamiliar town. Her fiancé eventually returns but his reception is not on the welcoming committee's calendar. Each character plays a part in Steph's personal development, especially Milly, who seems to be an angel sent from above. She always has the right thing to say and accepts Steph as she is unconditionally. It is interesting that the story centers around a tea shop owned by Milly, where Steph always finds a sense of comfort and acceptance through her work there. I think that most Christian fiction readers would find this to be a peasant and charming book to read, It has substance with lessons to be taken from the events of the story. Aren't we all always searching for that "perfect blend" that will make our life complete?
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by Harvest House Publishers for review. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. The opinions in this review are strictly my own.

Steph Vandergrift left her family, friends, and job in Baltimore to elope with Rick Manfred, a Middleburg attorney, against her controlling parent's wishes. Problems for Steph begin when Rick `neglects' to show up for the wedding. Alone and deserted in a strange city, a very distraught and weepy Steph is befriended by Milly, owner of Millicent's Tea Shop, on the morning of her "planned' wedding. Milly offers her a temporary job at her shop. At the Tea Shop the next day, Steph meets sisters Liz and Christie Burnham and Kendall James.

Kendall James, dubbed `Mr. Cutie Pants' by the sisters, owns and works the Fox and Hounds Hotel, where Steph is staying temporarily, since her honeymoon suite was paid in advance by Rick. When Kendall meets Steph, he's hooked. She's apprehensive about men. Thus the tension arises.

The Perfect Blend is my first book by Trish Perry, and I absolutely loved it! She nailed the romantic tension between Kendall and Steph. The playful bantering that is so typical for a newly acquainted couple. The extra `touch' of his handshake. The gentlemanly manner in how he cares for her needs, yet not being pushy. All this and more, and, he's the most eligible bachelor in Middleburg!

Just as Steph is willing to reciprocate Kendall's romantic gestures, Rick shows up, repentant and willing to prove his love. Steph has to decide once again if Rick is trustworthy enough to marry, especially based on conversations she's overheard. Are they the perfect blend she thought they were? The sisters have their opinions on the matter!

Although Steph is initially abandoned by Rick, she has a strong faith that God will supply her needs for work, friends and a place to live by praying for wisdom to know what to do. And answer He does! Just maybe not how she thinks He will!

A 5.o rating based on characters and circumstances portrayed in a very realistic manner. Aptly, Trish was into the characters' dilemmas and emotions. She kept me entertained and laughing out loud at the antics and bantering comments made, definitely holding my attention!

I loved this book a lot. It's a light-hearted fun book and just a great book to relax and read. There is a lot of good humor in this book. Steph, the main character is a little clumsy and gets herself in some pretty funny situations. It's fun to read a book where the heroine isn't always perfect. I really liked the character, Millie of Millicent's Tea Shop. She is what I would call an encourager and I think everyone needs a Millie in their life. Her Tea Shop (and I don't even like tea) sounds like a great place to spend time with your friends. If you're looking for a really good, enjoyable, humorous book to read, this one could be it.

THE PERFECT BLEND by Trish Perry is not the typical genre I read. I would classify THE PERFECT BLEND as quirky, chick-lit. But to my surprise, I did enjoy it more than expected.

Steph Vandergrift has found herself in no-man's land . . . literally. After giving up her job, home, friends, and parents for her fiancé, Rick Manfred, she is devastated to show up in Middleburg only to find out Rick is on "a sudden leave of absence". Befriended by Milly, a tea shop owner, Steph sets out to prove to her parents, and herself, that she can make a go of it on her own. She doesn't need a man in her life. Of course, when she meets Kendall James, owner of the Fox and Hounds Inn, she reminds herself not all men are bad.

THE PERFECT BLEND is a fitting title. Not just because the majority of the story takes place in Milly's Tea Shop, but it nicely blends romance, self-evaluation, quirky friendships, and a bit of sass. Peripheral characters like Christie and Liz round out this simple story. There's no suspense or high drama that keeps you from putting the book down. But whenever you do pick it up, it's sure to put a smile on your face.

Book provided for review purposes.