Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity tours for gifting me a complimentary advanced review copy. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.

Up until last year, I didn’t even know there was a genre called “Southern Fiction”. It wasn’t until I joined JustRead as a host that I found out about it.

To describe Southern Fiction – “Southern Fiction is story-driven with distinctly Southern characters living within the realm of Southern tradition, both historical and contemporary” – this is taken directly from the publisher’s website.

And, despite the few books I have read – this is an unfamiliar genre for me. But, it is a unique and different type of read. Claire Fullerton is one such “Southern Fiction” author, and one who is new to me.

Some content warnings: there will be some racial epithets/slurs/insults as respective to the time and culture; some same-sex references and a relationship; murder; and under-age drinking. The racial divide and tones are clearly indicated with some racial epithets and even a same-sex reference.

This is not an easy or “feel good” read. This book is definitely unlike any I have read. Fullerton’s writing is very descriptive and vivid while also very thought-provoking. It definitely took time to get into this book, despite the short length of the novel.

Imposing mansion on front begs the question – haunted or what? But, as it turns out, it is Celia’s Como, Mississippi home where memories of “Little Tea” are.

The title of the novel refers to the nickname of a childhood friend of the main character/narrator of the story – Celia. It is this friend, Thelonia – “Little Tea”, that becomes a huge part of Celia’s and her story.

The two meet at age 10 as Little Tea’s father, Thelonius, works the grounds of Celia’s family plantation – or rather farm as it is now called. The friendship broke racial barriers in the 1980’s.

Told in first person POV by Celia, “Little Tea” is a dual timeline story that starts in present day with Celia heading to Memphis/Arkansas to help Renny intervene with their mutual friend, Ava, who is having a crisis. All three are in their late 40’s and have been friends since high school. One thing that Ava mentions is that happiness is individual, something different for everyone.

One of Ava’s issues is her marriage – and to complicate things, her ex-boyfriend comes back. He isn’t the only one and Celia is forced to also reconcile a painful past. This past isn’t totally resolved by the end of the book or fully explained as to what got them where they were.

The characters are intricately written and deeply flawed – and while there was a lot of narrative about Celia and her relationship with Little Tea, there was not nearly enough about Renny.

Fullerton crafts very diverse characters, deep friendships, southern traditions of keeping personal things personal. The author doesn’t shy away from racist notes, but confronts it, especially with Celia’s grandmother. Other subjects that Fullerton tackles are socioeconomic hierarchy, deep-seated inferiority complexes, letting go of the past, and sometimes trying to out-run it.

The plot is complex, skillfully crafted, with vivid detail – drama, infidelity, under-age drinking, and even a same-sex relationship. There was, for me, a bit too much narrative in the story though. Also, there were some terms that were written that I had not heard in the 1980’s – at least where I lived. I didn’t hear them until about 2014/2015. In addition, there were a lot of Southern references that some readers might not pick up on.

I enjoyed the dual timeline story, but I would’ve appreciated years being used for context as “sometime in the 1980’s” was a bit too general (ie: 1981 – 1989). Was it 1984, 1988, 1983? As I am close or nearly close to the characters’ ages, it would’ve provided some context as to the climate of the time.

Memphis (Tennessee) and Como (Mississippi) were mostly in the past; Heber Springs (Arkansas) was used for present day. There were no chapter numbers used. There is one choppy scene tradition during an incident in Memphis that connects to the present day without a cohesive transition.

There were some confusing parts. To reveal them would be spoilers. I can state that overall it was a beautiful read. I was still left wondering what happened at the end between Celia and Tate’s break-up.

For about 2/3 of the book, there were little to no Christian themes, the last 1/3 of the book relied on church and Christian themes, though they were not central to the plot. However, this is not listed as a “Christian” read, so readers should keep that in mind when wondering if they want to read it. It is; for the most part; a clean read with no real sex references or vulgar language.

The book does make one examine their own attitudes, lives, and perspective when it comes to racial relations in addition to how they deal with the individual situations in their lives.

Fans of the author, genre, or whose own past resonate with story might enjoy this. And, given the current climate it is definitely a book that should be read. ( )

In Little Tea, author Claire Fullerton weaves a beautifully written Southern Fiction tale about the bonds of friendship, family drama, choices, heartbreak, love and loss, and racial relations.

After ten years apart, lifelong friends Celia, Renny and Ava reconnect for a three-day-weekend at Renny's lake house in Heber Springs, Arkansas. The passage of years and long distance locations haven't altered their strong bond of friendship. As the three friends reminisce about their teen years, life choices, decisions, and current relationship issues, Celia finds herself drawn back down memory lane to her teenage years as she seeks closure to a tumultous time growing up in the Deep South.

Little Tea is a compelling story about friendship, family dynamics, Southern traditions and way of life, choice, decisions, love and loss, racial relations, and the balance of life. Told in alternating timelines between the present at Renny's lake house, and their teen years in the 1980s, Celia takes the reader on a journey back to her teen years at her family's plantation/farm in Como, Mississsippi and city home in Memphis, Tennessee. The alternating storylines intertwine in a compelling way inwhich it unfolds a story that mixes a strong bond of friendship with the Southern tendency to keep everything light and pleasant no matter what, which hides the reality of the division of racial relations that were very much a part of the Southern tradition and landscape.

The author weaves a thoughtful tale that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride where they will experience the full gamut of emotions. The story has a wonderful mixture of heartbreak and hope, and its realistic message that life can change in a blink of an eye, but can also balance the scale with joy, happiness, and second chances, and the topic of racial relations will provide the reader with much food for thought. While I thoroughly enjoyed the friends weekend get-together, I found myself completely engrossed in Celia's flashback to her past, especially her friendship with Little Tea, and their families' intertwined relationship which left me feeling the full gamut of emotions. The surprise ending beautifully brings the story full-circle, and will certainly leave a smile on your face.

Little Tea is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for quite some time. It is an amazing story of love, loss, family, friendship, and second chances that will simply stir your soul!

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/08/little-tea-by-claire-fullerto... ( )

Little Tea packs a powerful punch, especially reading it in light of the Black Lives Matter movement. I do not tolerate prejudice of any kind, and reading about southern prejudice, even in fiction, makes my skin crawl, but Claire Fullerton paints a picture that I was not expecting, and left me with all the feels.

Celia, the main character, is a peacekeeper by nature, and has gotten really good at suppressing her feelings about life's circumstances, and running away from it all. It's been years since she's been home, but when one of her best friends needs her help, she immediately flees home. Oh, to have friends that have your back like that. One of the things I admired about this novel is the friendships, the loving despite flaws, and backing the other person even if you don't quite see eye to eye on certain actions.

While Celia's mission during her trip is to help her friend, she finds herself facing her own tortured past that she has fought to run away from. Written in Celia's own words, she parallels her past story with her present situation in a seamless way, telling a tale of growing up on a plantation in a privileged family in the deep south, alongside her brother and her best friend, Little Tea. Little Tea's family have worked for Celia's family for generations, and to Celia they are like family, though not everyone in her family shares her sentiments, some continuing to hold onto outdated racial discrimination.

Reading about Celia and Little Tea growing up was hands down my favorite part of the story, the innocence as sugary sweet as tea on a hot summer day. I especially loved the races, and how Little Tea and all her sass just shine. It was in those moments that I fell in love with this character, and admire how strong and independent she was, even at a young age.

Incredibly written, Claire Fullerton takes you into the life of a woman struggling to find closure, yet fighting the past at the same time, painting a vivid picture that I think we all can relate to. The character development is splendid, and while I do not understand southern traditions, or this world described, I felt it was true to life.

My only beef, if you can really even call it that, is the ending. Though there is a resolution, I was still left with questions, and actually groaned, "No..." when I realized it was the end. I craved to know more at the final revelation, but alas I must use my own imagination.

Despite feeling unfinished (most likely only to myself), Little Tea is a wonderfully written memoir with enviable friendships, excruciating heartache, and courage to face the past to better your future.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own. ( )

Now in their middle adulthood, the three best friends for decades, Ava, Renny and Celia Wakefield have decided to reunite and to catch up with one another at Renny’s lake house in Herber Springs. As her past in Como, Mississippi of eons ago unfolds, with an unexpected twist, Celia decides to accept the inevitable and acknowledge her life with a different perspective.

The brilliantly written LITTLE TEA has taken me on an emotional ride with its beauty prose about family and friendship, love and loss, trust and betrayal. The story is meant to be savored leisurely, like one would enjoy the goodness of a cup of smooth and savory coffee, till the last drop!

The talented Claire Fullerton is adept at weaving words into a beautiful, extraordinary story! I would like to thank Claire Fullerton for giving me the opportunity to read LITTLE TEA, and I truly enjoy it! ( )

Three childhood friends, Renny, Ava and Celia, decide to get together after 10 years. They come together at a lake house in Arkansas. When Celia’s old boyfriend shows up, these ladies have to face some issues of the past. Will their lifelong friendship survive?

I adored the setting of this book. I live here! Ever place in this book I know. I am from outside of Memphis in a small southern town. And this author talks about a town very similar to mine plus, all the familiar areas of Memphis. She nailed it. She also nailed southern culture without making any of the characters seem stupid! Kudos! But, it is a little wordy in places. It also slows down in spots. But, that is minor compared to the wonderful characters and the southern culture.

This is a marvelous tale about friendships, love and family. Grab your copy today!

I received a copy from the publisher for a honest review. ( )