If there’s one thing Southerners do right, it’s iced tea. Sweet tea. With enough sugar to make you gain weight just looking at it. I could drink a big ole’ pitcher glass every day (to be honest, I do most days!). As much as I adore sweet tea, it doesn’t even compare to the deliciousness that is a cup of hot tea with milk. I’m thinking I might just have my status as a Southerner revoked over that proclamation, but I’m willing to take the risk.
There’s something comforting about hot tea. It’s cozy and relaxing. Something to savor. England has built its days around the tradition of the afternoon tea. It’s a time to take a break and enjoy good company. Personally, I’m in favor of America doing the same. I’m not holding my breath, though. In the meantime, Emilie Barnes has written some wonderful books for those who adore tea as much as I do.
The first, The Tea Lover’s Devotional is filled with short devotions and guided prayers that are perfect for an afternoon break with God. Recipes and tea time ideas are woven into the book. Small enough to tuck into your purse, it’s great way to take a few minutes out of a busy day and feed your soul.
In An Invitation to Tea: Special Celebrations with Treasured Friends, Barnes shares quotes, recipes and ideas for incorporating tea into your life.
Both books are fantastic gift ideas for anyone who loves tea…be it a special friend, aunt, or co-worker.
Another way that we can show hospitality — to those outside or within our family — is to prepare a meal for them. Jennifer reviewed Mary Ostyn’s Family Feasts for $75 a Week on 5 Minutes for Mom (click through the link to read her full review) and enthusiastically recommends it for anyone who would appreciate some family-friendly recipes as well as tips for saving money on their food bill. This book is especially good for someone who might be new to the kitchen or who is trying to make an effort to prepare more meals from scratch.
Melissa has been captivated by books for as long as she can remember. She resides in Virginia and blogs at Breath of Life.
For our gift guide and giveaway, one winner (U.S. only) will receive a copy of Family Feasts for $75 a Week, An Invitation to Tea: Special Celebrations with Treasured Friends, and The Tea Lover’s Devotional.
Leave a comment if you’d like to win these books for yourself or pass them along to someone looking to serve up some comfort from the kitchen.
This giveaway is now closed.
Entries will be closed on December 8, and we will announce the winners on December 9. Please watch your email and check the site for your name, so that we can collect your shipping information and you can get your gift by Christmas.
Be sure you’ve entered all the giveaways in our 2009 Gift Guide and Giveaway event.
Wendy M says
I would love to win these books. My sister-in-law loves Emilie Barnes and my sister loves to cook. So it would be win-win for both of them if I won these.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
edj says
Ok, just the THOUGHT of sweet tea makes my stomach upset and my teeth feel furry. However, I do love a proper cuppa. (british mother, so I make it right!) Plus, I really want to read Mary’s book! So please enter me in the drawing.
Linda Kish says
Please include me to win these fabulous books.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Kim Lessig says
I have been a fan of Emilie Barnes for a very long time and would love to have these books. Thanks for sponsoring. [email protected]
Jen says
These look darling!
Angie says
My mother would love these books for Christmas!
Heidi V. says
My Mom loves tea these would be a great gift for my Mom.
Stephanie's Mommy Brain says
Yum! Sweet tea!! I love Emilie Barnes’ tea books (even if they are about hot tea)!! 🙂
Just Mom says
What a great set! Please enter me.
Jennifer N says
These books are beautiful! I love Emilie Barnes.
artandjen at juno dot com
Benita G. says
I would love to win these books for myself. But, I’d like to share them with my close friends.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sharon Walling says
This is a nice collection of books. Would love to be entered.
[email protected]
Marj M. says
My granddaughter would love these books. I have one of them and love it.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com
Carolyn says
I’d love to win these books. I’d keep the menu planning and send the tea books to my best friend. We had a tea for her wedding shower years ago and we keep exchanging tea gifts. How perfect!
Laureen says
I am a tea lover and cook as much as possible from scratch, though I’m often at a loss for what to make. I would love to win these books. Thanks!
rita says
Are you kidding? This is incredible!
Denise M says
I enjoy Emily Barnes’ book. I like the looks of the feasts book too.
katklaw777 says
Great books, great present for my daughter in her new apartment. Great giveaway, thanks!
corinne says
These look great!
chris says
My neighbor would love these – she has the most amazing selection of tea.
Melissa Nunley says
I’d love to win these -I’m an avid reader and just started getting into cooking.
Debbie Lester says
[email protected]
I would love to win these books as a gift for my mother.
Martha C says
I’d love these books!!
Katie says
Would love to pass this gift along to my mom for Christmas!
Jen says
I would love these! My sister and mom would enjoy them too! Thank you! 🙂
KyleeJ says
I would love to win these. I would keep them for myself, but I would most definitely share them with my few bookish friends and my mother.
My mom and I are big tea drinkers and I would love to see America adopt afternoon tea!
Jen says
$75 a week?!?!?! Sign me up! THanks for the chance!
joanna reynolds says
wow…i would love to win these books…i love to cook as well!
please enter me:)
susan says
I would love these books for my daughter.
Sheri says
Great kitchen book giveaway! Thanks!
Samantha D says
I would love the Family Treats for 75 a Week for myself. >.< The other would be nice too, I feel like I can learn so much about tea, it’s not something I have much experience with.
Diane Baum says
Goes nicely with a cup of tea
Just Mom says
Please enter me.
Mary Reisinger says
thanks for the give away
Jill L says
What a wonderful gift for any tea lover.
angie says
I would end up passing the books around to my whole family.
Nancy V says
I can always use books for these long winter days. Thanks for the contest!
kathy dunaway says
I would love to win for myself and them share with my sisters.
Thanks for the giveaway:)
Joannie says
I would pass the prize on to my sister-in-law who loves having afternoon tea, and makes a big production of her special tea parties. She would be thrilled!!
Gayle Morgan says
I love books and these would be great to give or get.
Deb K says
I’m not a big teadrinker, but my mother in law adores it. This would be a great gift for her.
Erma says
These would be so helpful.
Diane Westerbeek says
We drink iced tae every day all year long.
Mozi Esmes Mommy says
Yummy! I’ve been looking for ways to make the kitchen a more friendly place in our house…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Mary says
Great books — I love retirement and books!
Kimberly says
I am not a tea drinker, so I would pass that along to my sister who loves it. The $75 feasts book would be wonderful. Even though I use coupons and check ads, I’m always shocked at how much we spend on groceries.
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
Thank you!
Ed Nemmers says
My neighbor so likes tea!
Heather B says
Family Feasts sounds like a great book Even if I don’t win which i real really hope I do I may have to go find this one at the book store
Katina S. says
Great contest.