One of my favorite authors is Laura Childs. At the end of a busy day some people meditate. Some zone out in front of the TV. I love to spend some time reading something that does not have to do with technical issues. A Laura Childs book is a perfect release for me. In fact, I am currently re-reading her Cackleberry Club series while I await the opportunity to go to a book store and purchase her latest book. (I miss my local Borders store terribly. There was nothing like a green tea latte and wandering through the book stacks. I would imagine that I left with a purchase of a book or magazine almost every time.)
Ms. Childs has three series of books. In addition to the Cackleberry Club series, she writes a scrapbook mystery series set in New Orleans and her Tea Shop Series. She fills the books not only with a murder mystery to solve, but adds wonderful tips on scrapbooking, cooking and tea. Her tea party ideas are reason enough to buy the books.
Her Tea Shop series also includes hints and tips about tea, the beverage, as well as tea, the event. And, I see, from her website that she is developing a fourth series that has to do with an inn. I can hardly wait.
As a small business owner myself I find it easy to identify with Suzanne, the owner of the Cackleberry Club, Theodosia Browning, the owner of the Indigo Tea Shop and even with Carmela Bertrand, owner of Memory Mine. Each of these ladies has an assortment of employees, friends and acquaintances that are just wild enough or eccentric enough or just plan fun enough to take the boredom out of their lives. And, of course, they each find at least one body per book. The twists and turns are enough to keep you glued to the books and the recipes are marvelous. In fact, if you pay attention as you read, you will find plenty of menus to go along with the great recipes and tips found in the back of each book. To find some of her recipes check out Carroll Pellegrinelli and her posts. She has several of the recipes by permission and has even had one hers published by Ms. Childs.
Whether enjoying a quiet evening, a day at the beach or just waiting your turn at the doctor’s office, a Laura Childs book will make a good companion.
Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild 
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