Ava Dove has enough on her plate with her landscaping business, her teas, and her soon to open tea shop. She doesn't need the secret she's been keeping under her bed for years to finally decide it wants to break free. Meanwhile, Ellen Foster has arrived in Dove Pond to take custody of her teenage granddaughter, Kristen, after the death of Ellen's daughter Julie. Ellen just wants to take Kristen back to Raleigh but Kristen has other ideas. When some Ava's teas get added to the mix, Ellen finds herself thinking about things differently.

The second in this magical realist series, I enjoyed it just as much as the first. The ton and its residents remain quirky and charming, and the abilities of the Dove sisters continue to fascinate. Hawkins also deals deftly with the issue of grief and how it can manifest for different people. A lovely read. ( )

I loved this wonderful story of love, grief, family and magic. I loved Kristen, Ellen, Ava and Sarah. I cannot wait to find out what happens in Dove Pond next. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I loved the continuation of this series, it had been a couple years in between, probably due to COVID. It brought you back to the small town of Dove Pond and the saga of another family you come to love and can't wait for all to end well. I really enjoy Karen Hawkins imaginative characters and can't wait to see where we go with the next Dove Sister. ( )

The follow up to The Book Charmer, and the book that arrived yesterday. I figured I should dive right into a book that inspired me to take my first solo walk in over 6 months.

Is there a fairy tale involving an evil grandmother? If so, this is a take on that, sort of. Kristen's mom dies, she has no idea who her father is, and so her estranged grandmother comes riding in on her metaphorical bulldozer to rescue her grand-daughter, who, by-the-by, doesn't need rescuing. Grandma is a selfish, stubborn, wealthy cow, but Kristen is stubborn and as it turns out, rather wealthy too, so there.

In a parallel and connected story line, Ava Dove, one of the 'gifted' Dove sisters, is stressing about having kept a secret for a couple of decades, and the secret is fighting back. Remember, this is magical realism, so the secret is literally fighting back, trying to escape its box and throw Ava under the bus for a stupid mistake she made when she was a kid. Ava is also trying to get a tearoom reading for opening and the special bespoke teas she makes to help people are starting to cause some strange behaviours in those that drink them, leaving Ava scrambling to figure out why.

On the fringes of this is an unresolved plot point from the first book involving Ava's sister, Sarah. It all comes together into a fairly coherent story line, and if you suspend your disbelief enough to enjoy magical realism, the redemption of Grandma ice queen is believable. Still, the secrets (Ava's and who is Kristen's dad) are both pretty transparent to the reader, the former especially if one remembers events from the first book.

Overall, it's a charming read, with strong individuals and friendships that make the story work better than it might have otherwise. ( )

A Cup of Silver Linings by Karen Hawkins is a 2021 Gallery Books publication.

When sixteen-year-old Kristen’s mother passes away, her estranged grandmother, Ellen, arrives to take charge. The two clash immediately as Ellen insists, they need to sell the house, and that Kristen needs to move in with her.

Kristen refuses to entertain that idea at all, setting up a battle of wills between the two. But then Kristen gets a fabulous idea- find the one person who can overrule Ellen… her father!

Meanwhile, Ava Dove, on the cusp of opening her teashop, at long last, ,discovers her special tea’s healing remedies have gone wonky, backfiring in horrifying ways.

When her sister, Sarah, discovers the exact book Ava needs, it becomes clear that Kristen is the key to reversing the terrible effects of her teas.

This will require locating Kristen’s father and Ellen will have to cooperate!

I love the whimsical quality to this series and Hawkins’ ability to address emotional issues without breaking that fantastical atmosphere.

It seems to me, that of all the characters featured in the book, the older ones achieved the greatest growth, which only goes to show, it is never too late to learn or change. Although we all make mistakes in life that can have long-reaching reverberations, and must live with regret, forgiveness is a powerful thing, even if it does take some time to fully materialize. I loved how the author kept it real that way, and allowed the characters to admit their foibles and humanity, without erasing the damage done in the wink of an eye. We are always a work in progress, after all.

Overall, this highly anticipated second installment in the Dove Pond series, is a very solid, delightful addition to the series. I enjoyed the story very much and am hoping a third installment is in the works!!

4 stars ( )