Book Description:
She’s rooted deep. He flies free.
Local-foods chef Claire Halford envisions turning Green Acres Farm into an event destination. Weddings prove trickier than she imagined when the first one comes with a ruggedly handsome brother-of-the-bride, who has everything but a fixed address. Oh, and faith in God.
Noel Kenzie loves the freedom his reforestation company affords him. Why worry about deep stuff like God and commitment when he’s in his prime? Except there’s a woman who might make it worth giving up his wings…and digging in some roots. If he dares.
Wild Mint Tea is the second novel in the Farm Fresh Romance series which sees three young women purchase an old farm in northern Idaho together with the purpose of growing their own food and proving to those around them that they can make a difference. It is a story of living sustainably on the land and focusing on real, local food from a Christian point-of-view. It doesn’t pad the issues nor preach about them, but allows the characters the freedom to grapple with environmentalism as believers.
Narelle’s thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading Wild Mint Tea. Claire and her friends, Sierra and Jo, are working hard to create their dream of sustainable living on their farm. Claire dislikes her job at a restaurant in town and applies for a high paying short term cook position with Noel’s reforestation company. Sparks fly when Claire and Noel meet at the job interview.
Despite Claire’s excellent credentials, including her previous chef position at a top Seattle restaurant, Noel overlooks Claire for the job. Feeling bad when he calls her to break the news, he learns she’s building a wedding business at the farm and recommends the venue to his sister.
Noel and Claire are thrown together when his sister plans her wedding at Green Acres Farm, which happens to be located near his short term work camp in the mountains. Claire can’t imagine life away from Green Acres. Noel loves travelling and exploring the world. I was impressed to learn he has ridden horses in the Snowy Mountains in Australia. But, despite his attraction and growing feelings for Claire, he can’t see himself settling down in one place.
I loved the authenticity of the characters and I understood why they held certain beliefs and ideas. I enjoyed reading Raspberries and Vinegar (Jo and Zach’s story) which provided helpful background for this story. The stories can be read as stand alone novels. Personally, I prefer to read series books in order because I can gain extra insights into the characters from the previous books.
Noel has ignored his childhood upbringing in the church for years, and he is challenged by Claire’s strong faith. Claire struggles with her attraction to a man who isn’t walking close with the Lord. The story is fun, engaging, and deals with real issues in a contemporary setting. I highly recommend Wild Mint Tea to readers who are looking for an exciting and inspiring contemporary romance.
Have you read Wild Mint Tea, or Raspberries and Vinegar (the first book in Valerie’s Farm Fresh Romance series)? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Learn more about Wild Mint Tea and the Farm Fresh Romance series at Valerie Comer’s website.