A day in my life? I bake. That’s about it.
Oh, and I cook breakfast every day for as many as twenty-five people too.
My name is Lily Roberts and I own Tea by the Sea, a traditional afternoon tea room on Cape Cod. I’m a trained pastry chef and I’ve worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and Manhattan bakeries, but owning and being responsible for my own place is a whole other ball game.
Good thing I love it. And I do love it. Baking is my happy place. Scones, cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, tarts, cakes, I do it all. As well as prepare a delectable assortment of tea sandwiches every day. Seven days a week.
After all these years, I still love to bake. I don’t love it so much when my staff are clamoring for orders, the dishwasher is overflowing and the pile of dishes in the sink is about to topple over, and I’ve just discovered the flour bin is almost empty.
But alone, by myself, in a neatly organized kitchen, surrounded by good, fresh ingredients waiting to be combined into something delicious?
Still my happy place.
I believe afternoon tea (NOT high tea!) is an indulgence and needs to be served and enjoyed as an indulgence. Yes, it’s expensive, but we use good English china, fine linens, silver cutlery, and have fresh flowers on every table.
Back to my day: before I even get to Tea by the Sea, I cook the breakfasts at my grandmother’s B&B, Victoria-On-Sea. The B&B is in a gorgeous old 19th century house, perched on the bluffs overlooking Cape Cod Bay. My grandmother, Rose, is from England, and after fifty years of living in Iowa she finally got her wish and moved to be near the ocean. Unfortunately, she can’t really afford the huge house so she had to open a B&B. Even with that, she needs help, so that’s why I came to open the tea room and give her a hand in the B&B.
I start in the B&B kitchen at six and finish in the Tea Room some nights around nine or ten, after doing prep for the next day. It’s a busy life and right now it’s all about getting through the summer with a nice profit for us both.
There’s talk of developing the property next door and turning it into a golf course and resort. Rose has vowed to see the project stopped, either over her dead body or someone else’s. I’m sure it won’t come to that.
If you can’t make it to North Augusta, Cape Cod to my tea room, I’ve provided a couple of recipes of things I make at Tea by the Sea in the back of Tea & Treachery, Vicki’s new book, for you to try at home.
Giveaway: Have you ever attended a “tea” event? Leave a comment below for your chance to win one (1) print copy of Tea & Treachery, limited to U.S. and Canadian residents. Giveaway ends July 30, 2020. Good luck everyone!
Tea & Treachery is the first book in the NEW “Tea by the Sea” cozy mystery series, released July 28, 2020.
A New York City expat-turned-Cape Cod tea shop owner must solve the murder of a local real estate developer to help her feisty grandmother out of a jam . . .
As the proud proprietor and head pastry chef of Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod, Roberts has her hands full, often literally. But nothing keeps her busier than steering her sassy grandmother, Rose, away from trouble. Rose operates the grand old Victorian B & B adjacent to Lily’s tea shop . . . for now. An aggressive real estate developer, Jack Ford, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort, which would drive Rose and Lily out of business.
Tempers are already steaming, but things really get sticky when Ford is found dead at the foot of Rose’s property and the police think she had something to do with his dramatic demise. Lily can’t let her grandmother get burned by a false murder charge. So she starts her own investigation and discovers Ford’s been brewing bad blood all over town, from his jilted lover to his trophy wife to his shady business partners. Now, it’s down to Lily to stir up some clues, sift through the suspects, and uncover the real killer before Rose is left holding the tea bag.
Purchase Link
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About the author
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than thirty-five books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Tea by the Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series for Crooked Lane Books, the Year Round Christmas mysteries for Penguin Random House, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates) for Crooked Lane.
Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival. She is the 2019 recipient of the Derrick Murdoch award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. Vicki lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.
All comments are welcomed.
I’ve been to high tea on a cruise ship. Does that count? Congratulations on the new series!
We use to have a tea room in OKC called A spot of tea. I loved treating myself and others to afternoon teas there. Sad that it is no longer in business.
Yes, I have, a number of times.
I had a favorite place to go for afternoon tea where they had a whole room of hats you could choose from to wear. Very fun and whimsical ~
That does sound like fun. One needs a nice hat to have tea
Several years ago a friend and I went to afternoon tea in a lovely tea room. They had a little girls’ afternoon tea party going on. The girls were having a wonderful time choosing hats and accessories.
Yes! At a locally restored 1875 mansion, where it is an amazing experience in a fully restored Victorian home, Then there’s a nearby tea room called La-Tea-Da that makes your mouth water just thinking about them!! An enchanting escape from daily life!
Escape is what it’s all about.
Yes, many years ago I had high tea and the Empress Hotel in Victoria. 50 years ago and I still remember the experience. I would love to have tea once again since I drink tea and enjoy the atmosphere. Vicki’s books are the best and captivating.
I’ve had afternoon tea at the Empress. Marvellous
No I have not had the privilege to attend a tea. Amanda Flower had a book launch that was somewhat a tea. That’s the closest I’ve come to it. I’d love to be able to claim Vicki Delaney’s book as mine. Thanks for the chance.
When my great niece had her bridal shower it was at a tea room. It was so much fun. We had a choice of different teas and little sandwiches. It was in the south and very southern. Thanks for the chance.
This sounds very good thank you, I been to a couple when I lived in London it was fun I wish they have them here in California.
Penney
For an event I was enchanted with a special and unique tea room. The tea were beautiful and the delights and treats exceptional. I would love to go back again and again since the visit was unforgettable.
Sounds lovely
I have a dear friend whose church has an afternoon tea every year for Mother’s Day. It’s lots of fun. Thank you so much for the giveaway and congratulations on the new series!
No I haven’t, but my oldest daughter took her sister lol, for my granddaughter, her niece, who was 5 to a tea. Sophia got to dress up and everything. Oh she loved it! They all three had fun.
wfnren at aol dot com
Yes, I treated my mom, sister, their neighbor and myself to a “High Tea” event just before Mother’s Day one year. We were served 3 different teas. an assortment of finger sandwiches, fresh fruit and pastries. it was a delightful time. On our next cruise I will partake of afternoon tea. (I need this book for the cruise)! Thank you for the giveaway.
Congratulations! This series sounds like my cup of tea – I love anything ocean related.
madamhawk at gmail dot com
No. I’ve never attended a tea.
sgiden at verizon(.)net
Thankfully I’ve never had to attend a tea event. But we do go every year to the Tea & Coffee show held at an event space in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Lots of samples and tastes of not just tea and coffee but also amazing baked goods (many of them Kosher).
I’d love to win a copy of the book. So toss my name into the Magic Hat for me Dru.
For my engagement we planned a tea at a very well known department store in their dining room. We had our own lovely room for the guests which was beautifully decorated and the service was impeccable, the teas extremely unique and the tasty treats were delectable. Such a variety of sandwiches, pastries and yummy but beautifully arrayed cakes, and tarts.
That sounds perfect
I’ve attended a “high tea”, though it was in the US so I’d love to learn more about how it may differ outside the US.
Congrats on the new release!
I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a fancy afternoon tea several times when traveling. Such a pleasure! And who needs dinner after that?
I’ve never been to tea but I’ve read recipes and some of the traditions involved. I’d like to learn more about it and get to go myself someday.
When I was in high school (long ago with the dinosaurs) my mother and I went on a trip to Ireland, Scotland, and England. We had several varieties of “teas” while there.
I attended a baby shower with a ‘tea’ theme. It was so lovely and relaxing. Thank you for the chance to win a print copy of Tea & Treachery. I’m looking forward to reading this.
I’ve been to a couple of tea events. My favorite was at the Ritz Carlton, Phoenix where we drank tea-infused-vodka cocktails. Definitely different!
I’ve been to a Russian Holiday Tea. Yummy food & tea.
I never have been to a tea-specific event, might bee fun, I should try it sometime. Thanks!
A while ago I went to a tea shop with a friend for tea while we were out shopping. It was a nice treat. There aren’t many tea shops around here.
I went to a tearoom with some friends. Years ago I had tea at Harrod’s in London, in the Cotswolds and someplace in Ireland. I drink tea every day but with tea bags and a mug. Stay safe and well.
Last summer I was able to attend tea at Fortnum and Mason in London–it was the highlight of the trip. Everyone enjoyed it very much.
I’ve been to several and enjoyed all of them very much! I attended one at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
I can’t wait to read this! I’ve never been to a tea event but it sounds like fun!
First of all Congratulations on your release! I love tea rooms. Years ago my former 5&6th grade country school during the 50’s was converted Into other businesses and then became a lively tearoom for a few years. It was a lovely relaxing tea room and the sisters who owned and run it were great at preparing wonderful sandwiches, Quiches, and mini desserts. I enjoyed afternoon tea and a few lunch teas there before they closed up due to lack of business unfortunately!
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Cynthia B.
Sorry to hear it had to close. It sounds lovely
I have never been to a tea event. I have been to my sister’s house and her favorite drink is tea. So we have that. Tea and treachery sounds like a fun read. First book in a new series. Love those new series. Fun to start the first book and get acquainted with the characters.
I had been volunteering on a political campaign in high school and we were all of us invited to a campaign fundraiser event. It was a tea at what seemed to me a swanky hotel. I was nervous throughout the entire experience. Sofa and settee groupings abounded but there was a distinct lack of small tables. So I rather inexpertly balanced a small plate with scone and small cakes and pastries on my lap, sipped tea, and tried to follow the conversation. My greatest fear was dropping something in the midst of such a proper and elegant setting. And mind you, scones can be crumbly and jam can stain.
Thank you for recognizing that High Tea and Afternoon Tea are very different things. The misuse of these term is one of my pet peeves and so common! I’ve always loved your books. Thanks for the chance to win the first of a new series.
So funny. That is absolutely a pet peeve of mine.
I have been to afternoon tea on a cruise ship.
I have wanted to attend “afternoon tea” at the Peninsula Hotel. The Peninsula and the Drake Hotel were the two best spots here in Chicago, or so I was told. On a birthday about 5 years ago, one of my closest friends and I went to the Peninsula for tea. It was an utterly glorious experience. The food was wonderful and because I was wearing a birthday tiara, the chef feted me with a delicious dessert and Happy Birthday scrolled in chocolate! Very cool!
I have been to teas on cruise ships! So much fun!
Yes, I’ve been to several. We had a couple of Wedding Shower Tea events,, I’ve been to several Tea tasting events..yes, tasting different types of teas and then of course Tea with the Princesses at Disney 🙂
**** WINNER ****
Tea & Treachery is Catherine Simmons
Congratulations!