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| Gunpowder Tea |
By Margaret Brownley
ThomasNelson, 2013
~5 Stars~ *****
Plan
to put your feet up for a while when reading ‘Gunpowder Tea’, for Margaret Brownley
brews a refreshing and completely captivating historical romance that’s infused
with an abundance of clever wit and entertaining humor, stirring romance, and masked
dangers. From the moment I began consuming this story, I was immediately arrested
by the intrigue and completely ensnared by the prolific enjoyment that this
story is steeped in!
Top Pinkerton
detective Miranda Hunt goes undercover at the Last Chance Ranch as Annie
Beckman to track down the notorious Phantom who has terrorized the county for
over a year. This master criminal that has eluded the law for so long is
believed to be working either from the ranch or nearby. Miss Eleanor Walker,
the headstrong and formidable owner of the ranch, has advertised again for an
heiress that is willing to learn the ranching business. This provides Miranda
with the perfect guise for her undercover operation.
Jeremy
Taggert, aka David Branch is a Wells Fargo Detective and is also on the hunt
for the Phantom, with his undercover work leading him right to Eleanor’s ranch.
Taggert is just as determined to capture the Phantom as Miranda. Although neither Miranda nor
Taggert are aware that each other is a detective and to complicate matters,
each suspects the other as working for the Phantom! The situation becomes even
more complicated when they find themselves drawn to each other, finding each other irresistible. The sparks that fly between them practically sets the
pages alight, with every interaction executed with romantic perfection!
The
secondary characters in Gunpowder Tea are all dynamic in personality and thoroughly
unique, with each providing their own vibrant depth to this story. From the
obstinate ranch owner Eleanor Walker to the sweet but nutty Bessie Adams who runs the battery-operated
switchboard in her home, along with being the town’s self-appointed matchmaker. And the mystery in this book had me positively intrigued. The question as to who the Phantom
completely baffled me!
There
are so many great elements to this book it’s difficult not to mention every one
of them, but I will say that the information in the story on the various teas,
along with the additional author notes on the curious ‘gunpowder tea’, was truly
fascinating. In
reference to the spiritual and bibliotherapy aspects of the story, ‘Gunpowder
Tea’ delivers an insightful message about God’s plan for you; wise words on
forgiveness; and reflective examples of relationship difficulties and rewarding
outcomes.
A
well-known quote of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency is “We never
sleep.” Needless to say, I never sustained much sleep while reading this exceptional
story! Thank you Margaret Brownley!
This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Deeper Shopping, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion, or your local bookstore.
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GIVEAWAY: An E-book of Gunpowder Tea will go to someone that leaves a comment below! If you are a tea-drinker, perhaps you'd like to share your favourite tea? Make sure you leave your e-mail so that we can contact you if you are the winner! :)
We also have a pink giveaway this week with a little pink box and pink goodies in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Followers: Put OWG on your comment to enter.
We also have a pink giveaway this week with a little pink box and pink goodies in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Followers: Put OWG on your comment to enter.
What a purely delightful and clever review, NOELA! I love the "brewed" and the "steeped". :) This sounds like a beau-tea-ful and exciting story and I hope I can squeeze it in somewhere in my stack! lol
ReplyDeleteI enjoy cinnamon tea btw!
Haha well done Diana! That was tea-riffic! ;) I think you definitely need to squeeze this one in Diana, you'll absolutely love it!
DeleteI love the sound of cinnamon tea... and I'm wondering why I haven't I tried this yet!!
I get the ones from the health food store, b/c the teas in the store don't have as much cinnamon flavor. It's really tastea! ;)
DeleteThanks for the tip, I'll check out our health food stores to see what they stock!
DeleteI'm too tired to come up with any more puns... I need to put on my nightea and go to seep! :P
Noela is going to sleep but I'm just getting up. I live on the opposite side of the planet in California. I love that beau-tea-ful word and that's a great description of Noela's review. For some odd reason I just got the biggest urge for Cinnamon tea!
DeleteOWG I loved this cover and have been drawn to this book ever since I first saw it... Thank you for the lovely review Noela.
ReplyDeleteCarrie I am a lover of tea and love Vanilla chia tea wth just a tad bit of vanilla creamer. So looking fwd to reading and reviewing this one !
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Isn't it a GREAT cover Linda?!! I fell in love with him, I mean it, when I first saw it too!! ;)
DeleteMmmm, I love Chai tea although I haven't tried doing it myself with vanilla creamer. Will have to do that!!
I love the cover, too! I can't take credit for it because it was done by my publisher's tea-rrific (sorry I couldn't resist) art department. The suspicious look on the hero's face makes me laugh every time I look at it. I think I saw a similar look the first time I served my husband tea. Haven't tried Chai tea with vanilla creamer. Something to think about!
DeleteOh and by the way... I just love pink boxes from Carrie, they always have such wonderful surprizes in them !!!
ReplyDeleteOur PINK ANGEL Carrie does a beautiful job with them!!
DeleteOWG Love the cover, I usually make ginger tea by brewing the ginger it is so good.
ReplyDeleteLourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com
Yes, I totally agree about the cover Lourdes!!
DeleteGinger tea is supposed to have plenty of medicinal benefits too isn't it? This is another tea I need to try... I'd love to know how exactly you make it Lourdes!
Lourdes, ginger tea makes me think of Christmas. Can you purchase ginger tea or do you have to add it yourself?
DeleteI can't wait to read this one! I love to drink tea, hot or cold, made with peppermint, spearmint, and lemon verbena leaves from my garden!
ReplyDeleteBecka, I can't wait for you and everyone to read it too! :) It's such an enjoyable story!
DeleteI'm a big tea drinker like yourself - love it cold or hot... although I drink it hot more than anything. That's awesome you're able to use leaves from your own garden!
Becka, what a delightful garden you must have! We're having a drought here in California so my garden looks pretty sad right now. I know this sounds silly but I can't drink ice tea. It gives me a headache. I can drink hot tea to my heart's content. Isn't that strange?
DeleteI just finished Dawn Comes Early in this series and loved it. Can't wait to read the next adventure on the Last Chance Ranch. Tea? My favorite is Twining's Jasmine Green or Constant Comment. Perceptive review - thanks. davalynnspencer at hotmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteDawn Comes Early was fantastic wasn't it Davalyn?! Margaret Brownley sure has a way with words, and a knack of DRAWING the reader right in! ;) (Another little tea pun there lol!) And if you loved that one Davalyn, you will love, love, love this one! :)
DeleteI enjoy a refreshing Green tea also, but I haven't heard of Constant Comment. What's that one like?
Hi Davalyn (love that name!), I'm so glad you liked Dawn Comes Early. I like Constant Comment, tool I learned that you have to be careful when making it because it's really strong and a little goes a long way. Supposedly, it was "invented" by a couple of interior designers and when they unveiled it to their friends it caused "constant comment."
DeleteMargaret, thanks for the explanation of Constant Comment - how interesting!!
DeleteThis looks like such a fun book. Love historical things, especially books. Love herbal teas and love to relax with a cup at bedtime, speaking of which! Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteHaha Sonja, I hope you enjoy your herbal tea tonight! Goes perfect with a wonderful book like 'Gunpowder Tea', so I hope you get to read this very enjoyable historical romance soon - while relaxing with your tea! :)
DeleteSonja, you must reside in Noela's nick of the woods. Though I just got up, you are making me sleepy with all this talk about bed and tea.
DeleteSounds like a delightful book to read while sipping away at some nice cinnamon or orange cinnamon tea (my faves!) As for the orange cinnamon--my fave is Pikes Market Tea (from Seattle's Pike market), and is very similar to Constant Comment. My other faves are raspberry or apple cinnamon--getting the connection here? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI would also ,love to receive Carries Pik Box for BC, since I am a 19 year BC Survivor! YAY Hod for keeping me here!
Vicki
Absolutely Vicki - I cannot think of anything better than to enjoy a delicious tea while reading one of Margaret's books!!
DeleteI'm thinking you like your fruit tea's Vicki, and especially with cinnamon? ;) I'm going to have to keep a look out for Orange Cinnamon, that sounds really interesting! I hope we have it here or maybe I might have to import it.. :) Blessings, and PTL that you are a BC survivor!!
Vicki, I picked up some Raspberry Zinger tea last week and I'm really enjoying it. It's a mix of hibiscus, rose hips (didn't know that roses had hips) and raspberries. I have a friend going through BC now and we're praying for the day she can call herself a survivor, too! Thank God for people like you who offer so much hope and encouragement to others going through it.
DeleteOH, NOELA, what a WONDERFULLY written review and SO fun!! You have me hooked, so put my name in the hat.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
That's awesome Julie, thank you!! :) Your name is in the proverbial hat! Julie, you will LOVE this story!!
DeleteHi Julie, you took the words right out of my mouth. Noela is a gifted writer and knows how to express the essence of a story without giving it away.:) She's one in a million. Thank you for joining us today and good luck!
DeleteThis book looks so good . I love this type if books . As for your tea , I can't drink tea it hurts me . How about an ice vanilla coffee . I also love Carrie pink box because I am a 24 year survivor and a 2and one half years survivor . Yes I have had cancer 2 times and still a survivor . Thanks for the giveaway . Would love to win .
ReplyDeleteliz225(at)gmail(dot)com
It's a wonderful story Liz, you'll really enjoy it if you love these type of books, and Margaret is an incredible story-teller!!
DeleteI'm sorry you can't drink Tea, Liz, so put your feet up with your ice vanilla coffee while you read this one! ;) Praise the Lord you are a 2 x survivor! I'm so glad you are still with us. Blessings, and all the best in the contest!
Hi Elizabeth, wow! A 2X survivor--praise the Lord! Did you know that the Bible doesn't use the word survivor? It uses the word conqueror and having gone though the big C twice with my husband, I think that's a more accurate word. My hat is off to you and all the other conquerors out there. Praise the Lord!
DeleteYour giveaway sounds wonderful
ReplyDeleteIm truly a tea drinker my 2 favorites are Ginger Snappish and Constant Comment
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleAtfrontiernetDOTnet
Thank you Chris, glad to hear you love the giveaway from Carrie and OWG for Margaret Brownley's wonderful book!
DeleteI see that this Constant Comment Tea is pretty popular in the US. I don't think we have it here in Australia, at the least I've never heard of it, but it seems to me I'm going to have to follow this one up being a big tea drinker myself! ;)
Chris, another Constant Comment lover. We should ship some over to Noela. :)
DeleteI'm not a big tea-drinker, but when I do it's a strong cinnamon tea that tastes like a red hot candy :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and giveaway! Looks like a really fun story.
colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com
Hi Heidi, you are so right, it truly is a fun story, but it's also one that grabs a hold of you, keeps you guessing, and stirs your heart! :)
DeleteI like my tea fairly strong too, but I'm not too sure about red hot candy, lol! ;) I bought a variety of tea in a pack once, and one of them was called Japanese Lime - only thing was, it tasted like hot green cordial! :)
Hi Heidi, that must be some strong tea! It's so much fun to try all the flavors that are available these days. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteHey Noela
ReplyDeleteOWG. I absolutely love the cover of your book and also the story line.
My favorite kinds of tea's would have to be Nestle sweet tea, jasmine tea and green tea.
oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
Thank you for doing the free giveaway. I would absolutely love to read your book.
Hey Danie - Is this my Pinterest pal? So lovely to see you here! Isn't the cover of Margaret Brownley's book fantastic?!! As is the story also!! ") Wishing you all the best in the giveaway!
DeleteYour favourite tea's sound nice. I don't think I've tried Jasmine tea, but I drink a few varieties of green tea - including Gunpowder Tea! ;)
Hi Danie, We have a lovely tea shop not to far from where I live that serves the most delightful Jasmine tea. They also make up special blends and would you believe I own a package of
Delete"Margaret" tea?
Margaret, you must tell me what 'Margaret Tea' tastes like!! That's pretty cool to have a tea named after you.. ;)
DeleteNoela,
ReplyDeletewhat a totally inspiring introduction to this wonderful book..if you don't now you should try your hand at writing.
OWG fantastic story line, I was hooked as soon as I read a female pinkerton detective...really it can only go up from there and trust me that is pretty high to start with. Talk about excitement plus! Throw in a ranch and another detective as a love interest, really no really it is like christmas day...I mean really I haven't even got the book in my hands and I want more.
jodiannah@gmail.com
Hey Jodi, so glad you stopped by!! Nice to have another Aussie here! ;) Ahh Jodi, you are gonna LOVE this book! And Margaret Brownley writes such fantastic stories as you know, so this one is a winner all around! Hopefully you'll win a copy but if not, I say shout yourself one for Christmas!! ;) Blessings, and thanks for the nice words!
DeleteJodi, I absolutely agree: Noela is a beautiful writer! Incidentally, you're not the only one hooked on Pinkerton detectives. We've gotten so many great reviews for this book that I'm now working on a whole new series titled Undercover Ladies.
DeleteMargaret, reading that you're working on a new series called 'Undercover Ladies' is the best news!! How exciting, I can hardly wait!
DeleteI'm not a big tea drinker, hot or cold, but when I am not feeling well a hot cup of tea is always nice. Usually just Sleepy Time Tea from Celestial Seasonings in the evenings...
ReplyDeleteI would love a copy of Margaret's book!
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ohh the sound of that tea is making me sleepy Patty! ;) Thanks for coming by to read about Margaret's book and all the best in the draw!!
DeletePatty, Sleepy Time is making me sleepy, too. Tea really is the perfect drink for those days you're feeling under the weather. Good luck in the draw!
DeleteOWG I love the cover on this book and the story line - it is my favorite era! I am a fan of Margaret's books! I do like tea and usually stick with green tea, but have not tried a lot of flavored teas - had Raspberry once and did not care for it. The cinnamon tea spoken about above does sound like something I might like though! Thank you for the giveaway - I would love to read Margaret's book!
ReplyDeleteGod's blessings,
Lori
triplel(at)evertek(dot)net
Hi Lori, I've been working my way through tea flavors. It's fun and you never know what you're going to like until you try it. Thank you for stopping by and good luck in the draw!
DeleteLori, I'm not a huge fan of fruit teas either, but am always willing to give most of them a try! ;) I'm thinking I'd also like the cinnamon tea, and I'll be buying some of that to taste next opportunity!
DeleteHope you get to read Margaret's 'Gunpowder Tea' soon! Such a fabulous book!
Just want to take a moment to thank Noela for taking the time to read my book and write such a wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of tea, my publisher is throwing a "Tea with Margaret" "Facebook party on November 7th. I don't know how you feel about virtual tea, but you might like a chance to win some great prizes including a Kindle Fire and special teapot. To enter the contest and/or RSVP to the party, click the following links:
http://bit.ly/13REeTc
For those not on Facebook click here:http://litfusegroup.com/gunpowder-tea-brownley
Good luck everyone!
Margaret, it was an absolute pleasure to read your story - so it is I who needs to thank YOU! :) Thank you for your sweet words also. And a huge THANK YOU for coming by to comment everyone!! It was especially great while I was fast asleep across the sea! :)
DeleteOh and I love a virtual tea - one of my favourite varieties! Your 'Tea with Margaret Facebook Party' sounds fun!
Fantastic review, Noela! No need to enter my name, as I have already purchased a copy. I can't wait to start reading this book!
ReplyDeleteOWG
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Britney, thank you so much for your purchase. :) I do so hope you enjoy!
DeleteSo lovely of you to stop by Britney! Enjoy your book!! :)
DeleteNo need to enter me for the book. I already have a copy courtesy of Margaret :) She is one of my favorite authors!!! Always a great story with wonderful spiritual themes and plenty of humor.
ReplyDeleteDitto to what Margaret says below - it's always nice to have you visit Anne!
DeleteWe have something in common because Margaret is one of my favourite authors too!! :)
Hi Anne, nice to see you here! Sorry you can't win a book but I hope you join the Facebook Tea Party on November 7th. My publisher is giving away a Kindle Fire!
ReplyDeleteI love good ol unsweet iced tea but once in a while I'll have Chai tea. Hoping to read this book!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
Hi Melody, Chai's a good choice! Thank you for sharing and good luck!
DeleteI love a good Chai tea also Melody!
DeleteI so hope you get to read Gunpowder Tea soon!
OWG - Great review, Noela! I'm not a big tea drinker. I will drink sweet tea with my lunch or dinner. I drink coke and water. Everybody tells me I'm too picky. I don't know, maybe I am. Margaret Brownley is a fantastic author and I'm reading this series. I know this book is fabulous. Thank you for the chance of this giveaway and please enter my name.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Barbara, I agree; Noella did a fantastic job with the review. She could make anyone look good. I think we can all be picky at times--but in a good way, right?
DeleteTake care!
Perfectly alright to be picky Barbara! No one knows what we best like than ourselves, right?! :) Thanks for stopping by Barbara, God bless!
DeleteMy, what a wonderful review! I'm excited about reading the book. It sounds like a winner! Yes, I am a tea drinker. My favorite is Constant Comment. It's sort of the equivalent of some people's everyday coffee. Then, I add others into the mix. I enjoy Celestial Seasonings Mountain Thunder and Chai teas. I like Twinings Lady Grey and Earl Grey. In the fall I enjoy Pumpkin Spice. The NUMI flowering tea is fun. Thank you for offering a copy of Gunpowder Tea.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com
Correction--it's Morning Thunder not Mountain Thunder.
DeleteThank you Kay, and you are exactly right, this story is a winner!!
DeleteAnother Constant Comment drinker... Those interior designers must have known what they were talking about, because their tea is still drawing constant comment, lol! There's a few other tea's I haven't heard of that you mentioned too... Pumpkin Spice being one of them! I can't even imagine that one! :)
HI Kay, I didn't know about Lady Grey! I've got to try that one,
DeleteHello to the OWG gals. And Thank you Noela for reviewing Margaret's book. I have been wanting this one since first seeing it on the Petticoats and Pistols blog. I think it is going to be great. I can't use a e-book tho, but maybe can win the pretty little Pink box prize. Always like to say hello and GOD bless. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi MAXIE!!! Here's hoping you win and if you do I'l thrown something extra special in there for you because you're such a doll. We normally use random.org for drawings but not always. Big hugs!
DeleteYou're welcome Maxie, and we always LOVE to have you stop by to say Hi also!! This will also give you another chance to go in the draw for the Pink Goodies prize! I do hope you get a chance to read Gunpowder Tea somehow soon! God bless you Maxie!! x
DeleteI always enjoy reading Margaret's books; they are such fun to read. I love the cover of Gunpowder Tea; it makes me smile. My favorite tea is a German tea, Fruchtetee. I know it is a fruit tea but my German isn't good enough to read the kinds of fruit in it. I also like spiced teas and chai. Thanks for this chance to win a copy of Gunpowder Tea.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I agree with you on both counts Pam! Margaret's books are so much fun to read, and the cover of Gunpowder Tea makes me smile also!! :)
DeleteHmm the German tea sounds interesting - can't say I've ever tried a German tea!
I've never tried a German tea, either. I'm learning so much about tea today!
DeleteMaxie again. Just wanted to say the links Margaret gave did not work. Also, I do drink tea. Black tea , the regular kind, both sweet and unsweet. But, have started drinking Hot green tea in the mornings. Maxie
ReplyDeleteMaxie, because you're on Facebook, just copy and paste the first address into the top browser address bar, and it should take you right there. Then just fill out the widget. Here it is here again: http://bit.ly/13REeTc
DeleteMaxie, there's nothing like the good 'ol black tea is there?! I do prefer a little milk in mine though. Love a hot green tea also - very refreshing! :)
If what Noela said doesn't work, just go to https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor and click on the Win a Kindle tab. Good luck!
DeleteI have GUNPOWDER TEA on my reading list already.
ReplyDeleteWe are going into Summer here, so I will be drinking a lot of iced teas. I particularly like the herbal & fruit teas ice cold.
I do enjoy a cup of hot black tea with a dash of milk too.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Oh where are you from Mary? We're in the middle of Spring at the moment and Summer will be upon us on the 1st December. Iced teas are so refreshing on a hot day!
DeleteThanks for coming by Mary, God bless!
We're having autumn here and heading for winter. Hot tea is the order of the day! :)
DeleteWOW! Noela what a terrific review!! GOOD JOB!! Sure hope I can read this one soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you Teresa, you are such a sweetheart!! I think you should take your Aussie sister's advice and squeeze this one in, it's such a fantastic read you'll fly through it before you've even realized you've picked up the book! Well, almost anyway!! ;)
DeleteNoela, Thank you for featuring Margaret today. I love her books Her characters are always unique and story lines are great! I am never left disappointed in her books and know Gunpowder Tea will be a great read.
ReplyDeleteI am a avid tea drinker mostly of Constant Comment Orange Spice. Thank you . OWG
mcnuttjem0(At) Gmail(dot)com
Hi Jackie, thanks for coming by! I couldn't agree with you more on you assessment of Margaret's books!! :)
DeleteMmm Orange Spice sounds delicious - another one I need to look out for! Blessings!
I love Gypsy Tea's Chocolate Chai.
ReplyDeleteOWG
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Thank you for your entry Merry. Chocolate Chai has a nice ring to it and I have to say I'm sure it tastes just as delicious as it sounds!
DeleteI don't need the book, I have it and LOVE it. My favorite tea is licorice from Stash teas. I am a Breast Cancer survivor and would love to win the pink giveaway. OWG
ReplyDeletevernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for stopping by Lollipops, you will have an entry in for the pink giveaway!
DeleteMargaret's book is fabulous isn't it... it's one I'm going to have to get in ppb as I usually do with most of my favourites!
I've heard of licorice tea but have never tried it... can't really imagine it even, to tell you the truth! Might have to get adventurous.. ;)
As always, a wonderful review, Noela! It really shows how much you enjoyed this book. :) :)
ReplyDeleteLol Marian, that is the truth of the matter!! :) It's a thoroughly enjoyable story and one I think everybody will enjoy! :)
DeleteJust have to say one more thing. Diana and Noela, you girls cracked me up with all of your puns. I just sat here by myself laughing for awhile. I will laugh every time I think of this or have my tastea tea. Good ones girls. Love you both
ReplyDeleteMaxie