Tuesday, February 4, 2020

THE TEA CHEST by Heidi Chiavaroli, Reviewed by Nicole Cook and Kim Ann G.


NICOLE'S REVIEW:
“Which is more honorable - loyalty or liberty?”

With powerful authenticity, award winning author Heidi Chiavaroli takes readers on an emotional and highly compelling journey to the birthplace of the American Revolution in her latest novel, The Tea Chest. This time-slip novel follows the historical storyline of Emma Malcolm, the daughter of a Loyalist, during 1773 in Boston and the present-day storyline of Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth, who is determined to overcome her past and become a Navy SEAL. A mysterious chest found in a Boston antique store weaves the past and present together, as the fight for freedom reveals courage and strength through the grace of God.

Heidi Chiavaroli is known for writing incredible time-slip novels that tackle difficult topics while, at the same time, drawing readers closer to their faith. She authentically depicts events leading to the American Revolution, including the increase in violence and cruelty from both the Patriots and Loyalists, while sharing the message that our God-given worth is found inside of us rather than where we come from. The Boston Tea Party is an extraordinary part of American history, and this novel is one that readers do not want to miss.

In my opinion, all four of Heidi Chiavaroli’s novels are 5-star quality, but The Tea Chest has earned a place as my new favorite novel of hers, with Freedom’s Ring being my second favorite. The Tea Chest is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels. The Tea Chest is on my top ten list of books for 2019 (even though it is not officially being released until February 4, 2020).
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.


KIM'S REVIEW:
Heidi Chiavaroli is master of the time-slip novel! She always writes stories that pull you in and make you invested in the characters and their lives. I always get so into whichever story that I am reading, that I don’t want to switch back!

The historical part of this story takes place around the Boston Tea party and subsequent Revolutionary War. I really liked both Noah and Emma. Without going into spoiler territory, I would say that the historical part was very informative and very realistic. Sometimes, for me, it was a bit too realistic. I would’ve also liked a little more romance with Noah and Emma.

The contemporary story revolves around a mysterious written oath that Ethan and Hayley find in an old chest that might date all the way back to the Boston Tea Party. I really liked how Ethan and Hayley worked together to solve the mystery of the oath and chest. My issue with this part of the story was Hayley. She was a character I just could not connect with. I felt like some of the things she said and did were inexcusable. Ethan, on the other hand, was my favorite character. He was wonderful and very easy to like!

I love Heidi Chiavaroli’s writing style and her time-slips are some of my favorites to read. Her characters really stick with you. If you haven’t read her stories yet, I highly recommend them!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book.

Back Cover Blurb:
Boston, 1773
Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiancée, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her—as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.

After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.

Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.

Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith.
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

Buy The Tea Chest at Amazon
Buy The Tea Chest at Christianbook.com

Author Bio:
Heidi Chiavaroli began writing thirteen years ago, just after Jesus grabbed hold of her heart. She used her two small boys' nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn't stopped writing since!


Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. The Tea Chest is her third novel with Tyndale House Publishers.

Heidi loves exploring places that whisper of historical secrets, especially with her family. She loves hiking, baking, and dates with her high school sweetheart and husband of sixteen years. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at
heidichiavaroli.com.

3 comments:

  1. I am SO Eager to read this story. I have to admit, I am jealous of the cover. It is so lovely that I can can't stop gushing over it!
    thanks ladies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the cover too! I hope you get a chance to read it soon!

      Delete
  2. Thank you so much for sharing about this book and for sharing your review of it, it sounds like a very good book , the cover is beautiful and I would love to read it. Have a Great rest of the week. God Bless you.

    ReplyDelete

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