Exploring Tea & Alchemy: A Review of Sharon Lynn Fisher's Gothic Romance

Author: Molly O'Sullivan

Publisher: Kensington Publishing

Rating: 2.5★

When I picked up Tea & Alchemy by Sharon Lynn Fisher, I was eager to dive into a gothic historical fantasy set in 1854 Cornwall. Having enjoyed Fisher’s other works, my expectations were high. The story promised a blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements, all wrapped in a historical setting. Yet, as I read, I found the experience more complex than I anticipated.

The Story and Its Pacing

Tea & Alchemy is a relatively short novel, but the pacing felt uneven. I had originally read about 20% of this book back in August and decided it just wasn't for me and I did not want to write a negative DNR review. In November, I was in the mood for a gothic fantasy story, so I picked this book back up. Once again, the beginning moved slowly and felt awkward. The plot only really picked up around the midway point, which made the first half feel like a slow build without much payoff. This pacing issue might challenge readers who prefer a steady or fast-moving narrative.

Despite this, the setting of 1854 Cornwall is vividly portrayed, and the gothic atmosphere is well established. The historical details add depth to the story, making the world feel authentic even if the plot’s momentum lags at times.

Tea Reading and Alchemy in the Plot

The title Tea & Alchemy suggests that tea leaf reading and alchemy would play central roles in the story. However, I found these elements to be more decorative than essential. Mina’s tea leaf reading felt more like a character trait than a driving force in the plot. Despite reading a fortune, Mina never made decisions based on these readings. The fortunes she reads often only make sense after events have already unfolded, which lessens their impact on the story’s direction.

Similarly, Harker’s alchemy influences the plot a bit more but still doesn’t feel fully integrated. The alchemy scenes add some intrigue but don’t significantly shape the story’s outcome. This might disappoint readers who expect these mystical arts to be key to the narrative’s progression.

The Romance and Mystery Elements

One of the strongest parts of the book is the love story between Mina and Harker. Their relationship is well written, with believable emotions and chemistry that grow naturally throughout the story. This romance adds warmth and tension, balancing the darker gothic elements. If there's one thing that Sharon Lynn Fisher did fantastically was the longing between these two characters.

The book also includes a murder mystery that adds suspense and keeps readers engaged once the plot gains momentum. If you enjoy historical vampire romance mixed with a hint of mystery, this aspect of the book will likely appeal to you.

Final Thoughts

While Tea & Alchemy did not fully meet my expectations, I still enjoyed the read. The slow start and underused mystical elements were drawbacks, but the gothic setting and the romance between Mina and Harker made the story worthwhile. If you are interested in a historical vampire romance with a touch of mystery and don’t mind a slower pace at the beginning, this book could be a good fit.

Thank you 47North for an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.