A Brewed Awakening

A Hilarious, Clean, Enemies-To-lovers Rom-com

By: Pepper Basham

ADULT & CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE ROMANCE RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL FICTION

Description

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? Perfect for fans of Courtney Walsh and Emma St. Clair.

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Fall headfirst into a romance that's as sweet as scones and as lively as a pub singalong. Early readers are raving about the laugh-out-loud humor, irresistible chemistry, and swoony, kisses-only romance that makes A Brewed Awakening impossible to put down. Grab your copy today and discover a charming enemies-to-lovers story brewed with heart, humor, and small-town magic.

This Edition

Format
Paperback
Pages
416
Published
May 5, 2026
ISBN-13
9781400351381
Language
English
Publisher
Thomas Nelson Incorporated

NetGalley Reviews

Anne W, Reviewer

Daphne has inherited her grandmother’s beloved tea shop, Tea Thyme, and continues the charming English theme her grandmother began. A devoted Jane Austen fan, Daphne treasures her quiet, predictable life—until a genuine Brit moves in next door and turns her world upside down. Finn Dashwood arrives in Wisteria, North Carolina, with his six-year-old daughter, Lucy, after heartbreak and betrayal leave him searching for a fresh start. His dream is to open an authentic English pub, but the perfect location happens to be right beside Tea Thyme. Daphne is less than thrilled with the noisy neighbor and his plans, though Finn quickly notices how deeply the townsfolk—and Lucy—adore her. When a celebrity wedding is scheduled in their cozy mountain town, Daphne and Finn find themselves competing for the coveted catering job. The rivalry escalates into a town-wide contest, with each showcasing their best dishes. The stakes are high, but so are the sparks flying between them. Pepper Basham delivers a charming tale filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists. The endearing cast of characters will capture your heart, while the sweet romance and small-town warmth make this story impossible to put down. A Brewed Awakening is a delightful blend of wit, poignancy, and hope—a perfect read for fans of heartfelt, clean, contemporary romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rachel F, Librarian

A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is exactly the kind of feel-good, small-town romance that reminds you why her books are such comfort reads. With Basham’s signature blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and fully lovable characters, this story feels like a warm cup of coffee shared with your best friend. The chemistry between the leads is both sweet and sparkling, the banter is pitch-perfect, and the community around them adds a rich coziness to the entire narrative. Basham excels at creating characters who feel real: flawed, hopeful, and easy to root for. I especially loved the gentle exploration of second chances, belonging, and finding courage to open your heart again. If you're looking for a romance that's uplifting without being saccharine, tender without losing its wit, and infused with a dash of Basham’s trademark charm, A Brewed Awakening is a must-read. Perfect for fans of small-town settings, faith-touched narratives, and stories that leave you smiling long after the last page. Highly recommended! I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

Literary R, Reviewer

Pepper Basham writes EVERYTHING so well, and A Brewed Awakening is another winner! Sweet, romantic, with a yummy tea shop setting in a small Carolina town I'd love to live in. Plus characters you really come to care about. Loved it!

Rosalyn S, Reviewer

This book wrecked me. In the best possible way. I loved it, cover to cover. The banter between the two main characters was maybe a bit much, but what else can you expect from a Pepper Basham book?! ☺️ Sweet and spicy all around! Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Marcia S, Reviewer

A Brewed Awakening is a very well written rom-com. I throughly enjoyed the plot and the character dynamics. This author always delivers a good read. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This is my unbiased review.

Trade Reviews

'A BREWED AWAKENING is #anadorablesweetromance full of heart and humor. If you love Southern charm with a dash of British magic don't miss this one!'

'From the first page, readers will feel like a welcome member of this tight-knit, gossipy, caring, and supportive town. While main characters go through the ups and downs of their growing relationship, the quirky secondary characters bring levity and add depth to the town's history and strong sense of community. Readers who enjoy found-family stories and light romance with an even lighter touch of religion, and anyone ready for a solid Hallmark Channel experience will find satisfaction on every page.'

'Pepper Basham has become THE voice in romantic comedy with heart and sass. In A BREWED AWAKENING, readers will find the perfect blend of British wit, Southern charm, and enemies-to-lover banter. They'll also find a community that comes together when everything falls apart and a love story that you wish was your own. It is a pitch-perfect page turner of romantic sweetness filled with zany joy.'

'Pepper Basham turns up the heat in the kitchen and on the page in her newest book, A BREWED AWAKENING, a sweet, wholesome romance that's an absolute treat for the heart. This story had me cheering for the sassy Southern, tea-loving heroine as she faces off with a savory Brit who's equal parts tease and charm--pushing all the right buttons in this enemies-to-lovers romance that had me swooning. And yes, I fell for him too, luv. These two whip up a wonderfully balanced story filled with humor, banter, and a cast of characters I didn't want to leave behind. Pepper infuses joy, heart, and faith into this romcom, creating a story I absolutely devoured--and one that left me eagerly awaiting whatever she serves up next.'

'Steeped in resilient hope, A BREWED AWAKENING blends small town charm, cleft lip and palate representation, and a rivals-to-more romance into a sweet novel readers will savor from cover to cover. Fans of The Great British Baking Show and southern fiction will adore Pepper Basham's literary love letter to North Carolina with its great food, good people, and galvanizing spirit of community. If you fancy a bookish flavor combination of flirtation and found family, A BREWED AWAKENING is sure to be your cup of tea!'

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