Boston, 1773Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiancée, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her–as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.After Emma is … Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.Present DayLieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith.
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After high school, Hayley Ashworth left her neglectful, addicted mother without a backward glance to join the Navy. Now six years later, Hayley returns to her hometown for some kind of resolution with her mother before training to hopefully become the first woman SEAL. She encounters Ethan Gagnon, who she loved as a teenager. When Ethan tells her to choose anything she wants from his antique store, Hayley selects a tea chest. When the chest falls from the counter, she discovers a paper hidden in a false bottom. As Hayley and Ethan find out more about the paper and the chest, the story of Emma and Noah’s involvement in the Boston Tea Party and Revolutionary War unfolds. Hayley is not willing to let Ethan be close to her; she cannot be emotionally close to anyone. Emma’s experiences help Hayley as she struggles to determine what it is she really wants in life. I found much to admire in Emma: her strength of character and faith, devotion to her husband, and passion to the cause of liberty. I wept with her and for her. THE TEA CHEST has the perfect blend of contemporary and historical story lines with interesting characters. I highly recommend it.
I received a complementary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
THIS is a novel worth savoring! In fact, while I found it difficult to pull myself away from Chiavaroli’s intricately formed characters placed in such demanding circumstances, I also didn’t want this book to end. This is a dilemma every reader longs for 🙂
Normally in books set both in a historical setting and a modern setting, I prefer the historical aspects, but with The Tea Chest, I was equally taken with the modern aspects of the novel. Best of all, in this book, Chiavaroli tells a compelling story while also challenging us to think about our own choices in life: Loyalty or freedom? Our own will or God’s? And what is strength, really, anyway?
I HIGHLY recommend this novel.
Heidi Chiavaroli is one of my favorite time slip authors. The detail and significance she weaves from true historical events, then crafting characters who occupy the same space, as well as the contemporary characters that are often experiencing some of the same struggles…I mean, there are only a few authors I can truly say I don’t miss any of their books. Chiavaroli is one of those few!
“The Tea Chest” is a exploration of the lives of two different women who have a connection that bridges time: Emma Malcom, a woman whose father has promised her in marriage to a terrible man amidst the struggles between the Patriots and the Crown in Boston 1773, and Lt Haley Ashworth, a woman struggling to overcome the abuse at the hands of her family in California, present day, seeking to become a Navy SEAL.
Both Haley and Emma are strong women who face many obstacles and learn where their true worth lies. They are reminded through each portion of their stories that it doesn’t matte where you came from or what you came out of–you can still thrive and do great things. Haley seeks to become a Navy SEAL and break barriers, Emma decides to risk her future to help set in motion events that lead to the Boston Tea Party.
I love the faith element that Chiavaroli always includes in her books, and it is never campy or disingenuous. She crafts characters that are easy to connect with and the historical details are fact checked and specific, which I appreciate. The characters and their stories are hard to forget, and I bet you will be thinking of their journeys long after “The Tea Chest” closes.
This book would be great for any reader who is a time slip, historical fiction or Christian fiction fan. Be aware that there are some difficult themes, but there are also great glimpses of courage, faith, hope and love. Take your time reading (if you can!) and savor these characters and this story. It’s worth it!
I was an early reader, thanks to Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.
Amazing new release by Heidi Chiavaroli!! So well written and researched. I couldn’t put it down! The past and present merged beautifully with such an intriguing connection. Heartbreaking and raw at times with such strong characters with real struggles and a beautiful conclusion how God’s grace, mercy and love profoundly affect us.
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review which I have given.
Hayley Ashworth is determined to escape her troubled background and prove her strength in a pretty dramatic way: becoming the first woman Navy SEAL. But she’s got to tie up some loose ends back home in Massachusetts first, one of which she doesn’t even know about: the re-emergence of her former flame, Ethan, who’s now running an antique store in their hometown. Ethan gifts Hayley an old tea chest, through which they meet Emma Malcolm, the daughter of a Loyalist in 1770s Massachusetts who quickly joins the side of the Patriots. As always with Heidi Chiavaroli’s books, this one was beautifully written, with powerful imagery and fascinating, well-developed characters, with expertly-integrated lessons that apply to both past and present. Ethan and Noah are also both wonderfully worthy heroes of these ladies! Fair warning, there are a couple scenes that are pretty difficult for squeamish readers such as yours truly, and I found myself skimming some of the military scenes not because they aren’t well-written, but because they’re not my particular cup of tea (ha). But if they’re yours, then you will adore this latest outstanding offering from Heidi Chiavaroli.
This one quickly became a page turner, and really didn’t want it to end. The author did a wonderful job of tying this story together from the past to the present.
I loved the historical aspect of this book, and we get to walk in these amazing character’s shoes!
We switch between 1700’s to present day, from Revolutionary times to readying to join the Navy Seals. From the terror of fighting for a cause to again training for a cause.
I loved how all of my questions were answers, maybe not how I wanted them. Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
Heidi Chiavaroli is master of the time-slip novel! She always writes stories that pull you in and make you invested in the characters and their lives. I always get so into whichever story that I am reading, that I don’t want to switch back!
The historical part of this story takes place around the Boston Tea party and subsequent Revolutionary War. I really liked both Noah and Emma. Without going into spoiler territory, I would say that the historical part was very informative and very realistic. Sometimes, for me, it was a bit too realistic. I would’ve also liked a little more romance with Noah and Emma.
The contemporary story revolves around a mysterious written oath that Ethan and Hayley find in an old chest that might date all the way back to the Boston Tea Party. I really liked how Ethan and Hayley worked together to solve the mystery of the oath and chest. My issue with this part of the story was Hayley. She was a character I just could not connect with. I felt like some of the things she said and did were inexcusable. Ethan, on the other hand, was my favorite character. He was wonderful and very easy to like!
I love Heidi Chiavaroli’s writing style and her time-slips are some of my favorites to read. Her characters really stick with you. If you haven’t read her stories yet, I highly recommend them!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There is often historical fiction where the story is not focused on the history, but the relationships within the book.
In this time slip fiction, both women were seeking to find who they were outside of their family of origin. They sought to find fulfillment in sacrificing themselves and what they wanted to help others.
I loved the lessons in this story, both main characters were grappling and losing with finding their identity. The realization of who they were and how it had nothing to do with what they did and did not do was incredible.
The relationships in the books are very secondary and this would not be considered a romance, but more women’s fiction. I truly enjoyed it!
I obtained this book from the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.
I was very excited that Netgalley finally approved me to read this book!
I really really enjoyed this book!!
I try never to miss any of this authors books. Her style of writing is awesome! She really does pull you into her stories so much that you won’t want to put it down!
I loved Emma’s story and the Boston Tea Party is an excellent setting.
I learned a lot.
This is a setting that is hardly ever mentioned in a fiction story or I don’t remember reading anywhere.
I had a book hangover the next day and snoozed on the bus cause I stayed up late reading this one.
BOSTON 1773
I applaud Emma for standing up for what she believed in!! I actually ended up cheering for her and Noah.
You see, love is stronger than anything. Especially if it’s the right person and one that’s not a good match.
I did not like Emma’s father one bit!! Hateful, stubborn and pompous man I ever met and her mother really wasn’t any better.
I also didn’t care for Samuel. He’s too much like Emma’s father
I don’t like people with mean streaks.
PRESENT DAY
I didn’t want to come back to the present. That’s how much I enjoyed the story. Meanwhile; I liked Hayley’s story too. I also admired her for wanting to take care of certain people and to make things right with them.
Forgiveness is pretty much the theme in this book in both present and past. Forgiveness is important. It’s more for you than the other person. Jesus said forgiveness is important. Especially if we are to be like minded in Him.
I also feel that if two people are meant to be together then it was God’s will.
Hayley’s strength and determination to complete her training reminded me of a goal that I had wanted to accomplish but I did not get to finish because I got sick. I wanted to be the first woman in my family to complete college. But it wasn’t meant to be. I was so heartbroken.
I feel God has closed that door for reason and now I’m actually doing something I love even better. I try not to dwell on it but I often wonder if things could have been different if I was allowed to complete my schooling.
There are times when one must learn to show Faith, courage, and love where it truly matters. Will these two women present and past be able to do that?
You’ll just have to pick up this wonderful book to find out! You’ll be lost in the story before you know it!
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
This is a time-slip book, with characters from the Revolutionary and
Boston Tea Party period and a very current woman who wants to be the first woman SEAL. Of course, they end up connecting somehow, but with plenty of discoveries about people and their struggles along the way. Good read.
Heidi Chiavaroli has a gift for looking into history and finding gems. The Tea Chest is just such a gem. Set in both 1773 and in the present day, The Tea Chest captures the imagination from the outset, and builds to the stunning conclusion.
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is on track to become the first female Navy SEAL. She has been working with single-minded intensity toward that goal since joining the NAVY as a teenager. With a short break prior to BUD/S training, she heads home to Medford, MA to confront the mother who, due to the drug-addled haze she lived in, put her daughter in harm’s way over and over again. All she wants is to clear the air and make any amends she needs to. She doesn’t realize that her mother isn’t the only “air” she needs to clear.
Ethan Gagnon put his life back together when Hayley left the first time. When she rescues a child he was watching from a dangerous rip tide, he realizes he isn’t as “over her” as he thought he was. Offering her any item from his antique shop as a gift for her heroics, she chooses a wooden box. Concealed in the box is a historic treasure, and it turns out that the box itself is also a historic treasure. Can Ethan help Hayley discover the honor her family was founded on, even as she works to earn it?
Emma Malcolm has been a dutiful daughter. Her father is loyal to the crown, but her friends are Patriots, and her heart belongs to Noah Winslow, one of the Patriots. When her father promises her hand in marriage to cruel Samuel Clarke, can she find the strength to defy his order?
This is the second Chiavaroli book I’ve read, The Hidden Side being the first. I should have expected this to be emotional. I should have expected there to be some edge-of-your-seat suspense. I should have expected, but I don’t think I expected enough. The historical portions were every bit as gripping as the present day, and in some cases even more so.
This was a WOW for me! I especially enjoyed the history contained in this story, but the present day storyline was every bit as good. I very highly recommend this book! It’s a story of forgiveness and redemption and a love that is passed through the ages.
Heidi Chiavaroli is one of my go-to authors for historical fiction. I love her stories & this one is no exception! This dual timeline tale tells the story of two women from different time periods, who discover how strong they are as they fight for life, liberty & happiness. Don’t miss this one! It’s a favorite.
The Tea Chest is an absolutely marvelous historical romance. Heidi Chiavaroli is an excellent writer who easily transported this reader into the early days of the American revolution. The Tea Chest is a dual time story that follows a courageous young woman of the 1770s as she struggles with the dilemma of having to choose loyalty or liberty. The historical part of the book is fascinating as the author brings to light the Boston Tea Party and the quest of the Sons of Liberty to be free from British rule–the consequences of choices made that sometimes tore families apart. The contemporary story centers around a young woman with a difficult upbringing, who is trying to make sense of her own value and goals in life as she begins the journey to becoming a Navy Seal. Chiavaroli has created strong characters that are realistic and relatable. The story moves quickly and the switch back and forth between times is seamless. The love stories in each time period are sweet and yet, not without tension and struggles. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The narration of Emma and Hayley’s stories is excellent which made for an enjoyable listening experience.
The Tea Chest was my first book by Heidi Chiavaroli and I was first drawn by the gorgeous cover and then by the strong female characters that I met within its pages.
I enjoying reading about both Hayley and Emma as they discover who they are and the cost of what they’re fighting for. Both characters are written in first person, so we get an in depth look at how they see the world.
With Emma, I learned a lot about the early days of the American Revolution and the circumstances surrounding the Boston Tea Party. She gave us a look at what both sides were experiencing. Hayley is a tough, yet wounded soldier who goes to face her past before attempting to become the first woman Navy SEAL.
This was a historical novel first, romance second. It provides a glimpse into the hearts of two strong women who are fighting for freedom and learning what it means to love, both themselves and others.
If you love books filled with early American history, then you don’t want to miss this story!
I’d have to add powerful and thought provoking too. One of those books that goes between present day and a historical event, it’s a good look at the revolutionary war and what it means to surrender to God’s will. I completely enjoyed it.
This was the first dual timeline novel I’ve read that has this format. Instead of one or two chapters before swapping back and forth, there are multiple chapters. Of course, the author picks the worst (best) times to switch, leaving the reader hanging.
Honestly, for the majority of this book, I felt like the modern day sections could’ve been omitted and it would’ve been a fascinating historical fiction novel in and of itself. However, as I neared the end, I really appreciated the personal revelations that connected the two heroines. The last quarter of the book finally had me fully invested in both characters. I loved seeing the strength that Hayley derived from Emma, despite living in different centuries. Both heroines gave me insights and questions to ponder. Ultimately, Chiavaroli leads the reader to the conclusion that true love, strength, identity, and freedom can only be found in Christ.
Boston Tea Party! Anyone who enjoys reading about American history will want to read this dual time book by Heidi Chiavaroli! The Tea Chest begins with Hayley Ashworth who is working to be the first female Navy SEAL. Before her final testing, Hayley visits her former home outside Boston and runs into her teenage boyfriend, Ethan, who she had left without saying goodbye. I admired Ethan who is now a widower who has made changes in his life. Hayley’s childhood was terrible with a drug addict mother and her mother’s string of abusive boyfriends. She has learned to keep everyone at a distance.
Hayley stops at an estate sale and buys an old tea chest. Hayley and Ethan find a secret compartment and a mysterious paper inside the chest. This leads to research to see what it means! The dual time portion of the book begins in Boston in 1773. You will love Emma who is being pressured by her Loyalist father to marry a man she met once three years before and does not like. You will experience the Boston Tea Party and events that take place as the Patriots fight for their freedom. I recommend The Tea Chest to others. I won my copy of The Tea Chest in a giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
I found myself drawn to both stories that intertwined to two strong women who prevailed against all odds. The Tea Chest will have you pulled in from present times in Massachusetts to the Boston Tea Party/American Revolution.
I highly recommend this dual-timed narrative between Emma and Hayley. The ebb and flow between the two time periods felt natural and kept the story moving with ease.
I am a newcomer to Heidi Chiavaroli, and I’ll be looking to the rest of her novels for my next read!
The Tea Chest was an amazing and breathtaking read. It held me captive from beginning to end. It was a definite page-turner that was almost impossible to put down. I can’t say enough good things about it.
I was pulled right into the story, into these characters lives. The real world faded away. I was no longer sitting in my bedroom, but was right beside Haley before and during her SEAL training and back in Boston with her investigating the history of the tea chest. I was right there back in 1773 with Emma during the Boston Tea Party and the years that followed. It’s rare that a book can so completely pull me in, but this one did just that.
Both timelines were compelling, though I did find myself drawn just a little bit more to the past. I found it really interesting learning more about the Boston Tea Party and what followed. The struggles, triumphs, and hardships. The challenges they faced. Things I never knew before.
I admired both ladies. Their strength and courage. It was a different kind of strength they each had, but I think that by the end of the story, it actually became the same kind of strength. I don’t know if that makes sense, but I really enjoyed watching their journeys and their growth.
I didn’t want The Tea Chest to end. In fact, I read it slower than I normally would. I took my time with it and savored it just so it would last longer. So I could spend more time with these wonderful characters. This was my first time reading anything by Heidi Chiavaroli, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m very much looking forward to checking out her previous books and am eager to see what she comes out with next. She’s found a spot on my insta-buy list.
The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli is a magnificent time-slip novel that interweaves the excitement and uncertainty of a woman Patriot in the Revolutionary period with the life of a woman who is attempting to be the first female U.S. Navy SEAL.
This is only the second time-slip novel I’ve read, and it quickly became my favorite. Although the timeline jumps a couple of hundred years between Emma’s story of fighting for liberty with the Patriots in and around Boston and Hayley’s quest to prove herself strong and brave enough to be a SEAL, there is a definite connection between the two characters that grows as the novel progresses. I felt the amount of time spent in each time period was perfect. I never felt jerked around or confused about where I was in the novel. And although I am a huge historical fiction fan, I found myself intrigued by Hayley’s contemporary story and her journey in finding herself. I couldn’t wait to see how it would all come together!
Which is more honorable–loyalty or liberty?
Being a patriotic person myself and total lover of American history, I quickly became immersed in Emma’s story during the Revolutionary period. This story highlights several doubts about the time. Was freedom worth the loss of life? Was it right to gain freedom through dishonorable acts? Where should your loyalty truly lie–king, country, family? Ms. Chiavaroli does a magnificent job of bringing many of these issues to light and in effect adding such a richness to her characters and the story overall.
While in a contemporary setting, Hayley’s life has many similarities with Emma, and as she strives to overcome the brokenness of her past she is haunted by similar questions about liberty. Is freedom really being independent? Is independence worth the cost of being disloyal? Are courage and strength merely the by-product of training?
I loved how the tea chest served as a connection between the two women separated by time but not by circumstances. It was thrilling to discover the history of the chest with Hayley and Ethan and experience the heart-stopping danger of living the life of a Patriot with Emma and Noah.
If you are a fan of time-slip novels, then you will enjoy this book. I personally think historical fiction fans will enjoy it, too, as even the contemporary story has so much history in every detail. And although the romance is not at the forefront of the story, it will still satisfy those who are romantic at heart and who enjoy clean romance.
I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.