A Cozy Escape Awaits: Introducing "Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" by Rebecca Thorne

Mikayla Young
Jan 18
7 min read

Welcome to a delightful exploration of Rebecca Thorne's upcoming novel, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea, the first installment in the Tomes and Tea series. This cozy fantasy promises to whisk readers away on an enchanting journey filled with romance, mystery, and the warmth of community. Join us as we delve into the lives of Reyna, a devoted guard, and Kianthe, a powerful mage, as they navigate their dreams of opening a bookshop while facing the challenges of duty and expectation. With themes of love, loyalty, and self-worth interwoven throughout, this novel not only entertains but also invites reflection on the complexities of life and relationships. Prepare to be captivated by a world where every page offers a comforting escape, perfect for those seeking solace in the pages of a book. Let's dive deeper into the rich tapestry of characters, settings, and the heartwarming story that awaits!

Book Information

Title: Can't Spell Treason Without Tea
Author: Rebecca Thorne
Series: Tomes and Tea Book 1
Age Category: Adult, Ages: 18+
Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Mystery, LGTBQ+, Romance
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Bramble
Format Type: Novel
Formats Available: ebook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook
Format Read in: Special Edition - Blue sprayed edges paperback, novel
Representation: LGTBQ+
Reading Challenges: Physical TBR, Read Around the World Challenge - USA- Colorado Author

Book Synopsis

In a cozy fantasy reminiscent of Legends & Lattes, a sapphic romance unfolds between Reyna, a dedicated guard of the Queen, and Kianthe, a powerful mage. Their dream is simple: to open a bookshop and live peacefully. However, duty and expectation bind them until an unforeseen event—a hostage situation—propels Reyna to question her allegiance. Together, they decide to pursue freedom and head to Tawney, a quaint town near dragon lands, to bring their dream bookshop to life. Yet, their journey is fraught with challenges, including a vengeful queen. This enchanting tale weaves heartwarming moments of love and loyalty as Reyna and Kianthe explore their feelings amid brewing kingdom chaos. Their quest for a simple life turns into an adventurous blend of romance and fantasy, testing whether they can achieve their dreams against the shadows of their past.

My Rating and Review

My Rating: 4.5 Stars - ★★★★☆

The characters in this cozy novel are not just realistic; they are imbued with a delightful sense of humor, depth, and intricacy that makes them feel like genuine individuals rather than mere figments of imagination. Each character is crafted with unique personality traits and quirks, allowing readers to find connections and resonate with them on personal levels. For instance, Reyna serves as a remarkable main character, embodying a rich tapestry of qualities such as passion, loyalty, love, and talent. Her guarded warmth radiates like the inviting glow of a fireplace, making her a character with whom readers can forge a deep connection, relate to, and journey alongside throughout the narrative. Reyna's struggles, aspirations, and triumphs mirror the complexities of real life, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences as they delve into her story.

Similarly, Kianthe emerges as another captivating character, exuding warmth and passion that feels as bright and uplifting as the sun itself. Her intelligence, protectiveness, and mischievous spirit add layers to her personality, making her immensely relatable and easy to visualize. Readers can easily picture her antics and the way she interacts with those around her, creating a sense of familiarity that enhances the reading experience. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each contributing their own brand of humor, kindness, and realism. They create a vibrant community that feels like an extended family, enriching the narrative and providing a sense of belonging that resonates deeply with readers.

The settings within the novel are meticulously crafted, vivid and imaginative, evoking feelings of warmth and home. Each location is described in such detail that it transports readers to a world that feels both familiar and enchanting. These settings serve as a backdrop that mirrors the emotional landscape of the characters, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story. The writing style is simple yet effective, with moments of poetic beauty that elevate the narrative. The author skillfully blends authentic emotions with a richly built fictional world, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the story. Even when they momentarily set the book down, they carry the essence of the story with them, feeling as though they have not truly left the world within its pages.

The plot itself is intricately woven, filled with both realistic and fantastical moments that unfold like a beautiful love story on screen. It moves in waves, ebbing and flowing with the characters' actions and emotions, creating a genuine connection between the readers and the characters. Suspense and mystery are artfully integrated into the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager to turn the pages. The book offers profound lessons on kindness, community, friendship, second chances, love, dreams, and the importance of self-worth. A particularly poignant quote that resonates deeply is, "I'm beginning to realize that you're everything I deserve." This line encapsulates a central theme of the story, emphasizing that we often work tirelessly toward our goals yet struggle with feelings of unworthiness. It highlights that there comes a moment in life—whether through a memory, a reflection, or the presence of a special person—when we recognize our inherent value and deservingness of love, happiness, and fulfillment.

While the novel is richly rewarding, the only critique that prevented it from receiving a five-star rating is the desire for more exploration of the dragons and the mystery surrounding the eggs. This intriguing aspect felt somewhat underdeveloped, leaving readers yearning for further details. However, there is a strong sense of anticipation that these elements will be further explored in subsequent installments of the series, which I am eagerly looking forward to diving into.

"Can't Spell Treason Without Tea" by Rebecca Thorne is not merely a cozy romance novel; it is a heartfelt journey interwoven with themes of fantasy and mystery. It evokes the comforting sensation of a cherished memory or a day spent by the fireplace, wrapped in soft blankets with a steaming cup of tea or coffee in hand. This story provides a delightful escape from reality, allowing readers to momentarily set aside their worries and immerse themselves in a world of warmth and camaraderie. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking a beautifully told, easy-to-read cozy novel that offers solace on a cold, rainy day or serves as a comforting retreat from the complexities of life. It is the perfect companion for those looking to feel less alone, find warmth in the pages, or simply wish to escape into a small-town bookshop for a delightful read.

Discussion Questions

What themes of loyalty and duty are present in the characters' relationships? How do these themes influence their decisions throughout the story?
How does the setting of Tawney contribute to the overall mood of the novel? In what ways does it reflect the characters' desires for peace and freedom?
Discuss the character development of Reyna and Kianthe. How do their individual journeys intersect and influence one another?
What role does humor play in the story? Can you identify specific moments where humor lightens the narrative or deepens character connections?
How does the author portray the concept of self-worth in the context of relationships? What moments in the story highlight this theme?
What significance do the dragons and their eggs hold in the story? How do you think these elements might develop in future installments?
How do the supporting characters enhance the main storyline? Which character did you find most compelling and why?

Activities Before Reading

Discuss the cozy fantasy genre with a group. What makes a story cozy, and what elements do you expect to find in this book?
Create a mood board representing the themes of the book, focusing on elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery.
Engage in a discussion about the significance of tea and bookshops in literature. What do these symbols represent to you?

Activities During Reading

Keep a character journal, noting character traits, developments, and personal reflections as you read.
Highlight or note quotes that resonate with you.
As you read, create a playlist of songs that you feel capture the essence of the characters’ journeys.
Participate in a read-along group, sharing thoughts and reactions after each chapter or section.

Activities After Reading

Write a personal reflection on how the themes of the book relate to your own experiences with loyalty, love, and self-worth.
Host a book club discussion focusing on the questions provided. Encourage participants to share their insights and interpretations.
Create a fan art piece or write a short story inspired by the characters or settings in the book.
Speculate on what you would like to see in the next book of the series. Discuss potential plotlines or character arcs with fellow readers.

About the Author

Rebecca Thorne is a bestselling author celebrated for her work in fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, and proudly represents the LGBTQIA+ community from her home near Denver, Colorado. Harnessing her ADHD as a creative force, she produces multiple books annually. When not writing, Rebecca explores the country as a flight attendant, hikes with her dogs and wife, or enjoys sunbathing.

Rebecca is deeply committed to educating new writers on the nuances of writing and publishing, emphasizing practical strategies to monetize their craft. She advocates for the power of genre fiction and draws on her experience in both traditional and self-publishing to assist her students. Additionally, she champions the integration of technology in education to engage future writers.

Her academic journey includes graduate studies in Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media at Northern Arizona University, an MFA in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing from Emerson College, and coursework in Literary Contracts at UCLA Extension.

Where to Buy the Book

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne is a captivating introduction to the Tomes and Tea series that invites readers into a world rich with charm, adventure, and heartfelt connections. The intricate character development, engaging plot, and enchanting settings create a cozy atmosphere that resonates deeply with anyone seeking an escape into a fantastical yet relatable narrative. Through the journey of Reyna and Kianthe, Thorne explores profound themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, making this novel not just a delightful read but also a reflective experience for its audience. Whether you are a longtime fan of cozy fantasy or new to the genre, Can't Spell Treason Without Tea promises to be a comforting companion, perfect for those cozy moments with a cup of tea in hand. Don't miss the chance to join Reyna and Kianthe on their journey—it's a tale that will surely linger in your heart long after the last page is turned.