4.25 stars (all the 4s are acc 4.25 here) || Oh how fun, mysterious, tender! I love the author’s imagination and writing. I loved theorising and analysing — finding all the parallels, layers and clues. As another review says, there were plenty “blink and you’ll miss it” moments; I was surprised several times.

It’s so much more than a cosy “love yourself” book, and even that aspect is uniquely done. The story is thoughtfully crafted and clearly very personal. CAJ has created a cast of characters that are layered, occasionally unlikable and wholly loveable. I saw myself, or others I know, in several. This was a bittersweet, but ultimately beautiful, experience. CAJ is undeniably talented.

I do think Theodora’s Tea Shop is slightly mis-marketed. Yes, it’s technically cosy but the stakes are way higher and the story is darker than I anticipated. It was sadder and there were violent deaths — be warned!

I truly loved this story, though unfortunately less so towards the end. Sooooo much happens — I loved that, at first, but I was eventually overwhelmed. Additionally, something happens towards the end that made me very upset; it felt unnecessary, for pure shock-value/tears, and thus very cheap. This definitely coloured the rest of my experience and my ratings. (If this hadn’t happened, this would have been 4.5 stars, 5 stars for enjoyment and would have gone on My Taste.)

Despite that, this story has stayed with me. I have ME/CFS and I’m autistic, too — like Dot. I really enjoyed this rep, seeing my experiences on-page and knowing that it’s possible for me to have adventures again one day too. 🧿 That there’s a future and possibility and hope. 🧿 Dot is accepting of her capacity, even at the start (though moreso at the end), and I really needed to see this. I’ve been asking myself “What would Dot do?”, and the answer is always “rest”. I’m learning to extend myself the same compassion and patience Dot does to herself come the end of the book. So, I am very grateful I read this. And even though I truly (personally) hated that thing at the end, Theodora’s Tea Shop has a special place in my heart. And overall a very lovely, magical, warm read. Thank you, CAJ.