The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli

I was so excited to read The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli after looking forward to this book for several months--and it did not disappoint.

In this dual time line book, Chiavaroli tells the stories of two strong women. Emma Malcom who lives in Boston in 1773 as the daughter of a hard man who is loyal to the crown. He has also promised her hand to Samuel Clarke even though her heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a Patriot.

Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth goes home to Boston to tie up lose ends and find healing from a childhood of neglect and abuse. She hopes to be the first woman inducted in to the elite Navy SEALs. She and her childhood sweetheart discover a hidden document at the bottom of a tea chest that leads to a bigger treasure than Hayley could have hoped for.

I liked both Hayley and Emma's stories in The Tea Chest. They aren't necessarily pretty stories. However, they did seem true to life and they could offer hope to those who face struggles today that need to be overcome. Both women are strong women but they learned how to use that strength and when to fight. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Emma's friend Sarah gives her a tea cup and talks about how that cup can relate to Emma's journey. Sarah tells Emma that whether she fights or she stands aside and lets life happen, she has had a say in her journey. I thought there were some surprises in each woman's story as there would be in real life. I like books that not only tell a good story but encourage me to reflect on my own life story--The Tea Chest did just that. I admired the courage of both Emma and Hayley who each faced challenges throughout their life. There is a light spiritual element in the book although it is not preachy at all.

I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.