They say that tea has a calming effect, and the same can be said for tea-themed novels. Even if, in Leslie Meier's English Tea Murder, the scones come with, not clotted cream, but a killer. Indeed, this installment in the Lucy Stone series has an Agatha Christie feel to it, complete with a trip to jolly old England, a strangely connected cast of characters, and even, not to put too fine a point on it, an outing to see Christie's The Mousetrap. These elements, mingled with the cozy-yet-creepy mystery that unfurls amidst the steam of Earl Grey, make it one of my Meier favorites.
By contrast, Elizabeth Berg's Tapestry of Fortunes isn't a mystery. Unless, of course, you count the mysteries of life. Because that's what CeCe Ross is forced to confront after the death of her best friend Penny. Adrift but aware that her life needs more meaning, she takes a sabbatical from her job as a motivational speaker, starts volunteering at a hospice center, and sells her house to move in with three strangers. Lise, Joni, and Renie are different from CeCe -- and each other -- but turn out to be just what she needs. Not only do they share her penchant for reading tarot cards and tea leaves, they offer up their own fears and regrets, creating an unbreakable bond. Berg steeps their poignant yet never saccharine story in irreverent reverence, making Tapestry of Fortunes joy in a cup.
And that's all tea that we have today, friends. Maybe next time I'll spring for crumpets.