The Tea Planter’s Daughter: India Tea Series, Book 1
In 1904, Sisters Clarissa and Olive Belhaven have spent a happy childhood on their father’s tea plantation in Assam, India. They are proud, resourceful young ladies who love their land, family, and tea. When their father clashes with a nearby rival tea planter family, the Robsons, and subsequently passes away, Clarrie blames the handsome young Wesley Robson for their devastating plight. Despite her attraction to Wesley, she refuses his proposal of marriage because of some misplaced beliefs. With no alternatives left, Clarrie and Olive are forced to immigrate to England and move in with their cousin and his family. The two sisters are thrust from the light, free, wonderful world of India to dark, cold, lower-class Newcastle. After months of struggling with hard labor and poverty, and to escape their overbearing cousin, Clarrie accepts a position as housekeeper to an older, kindly lawyer, Herbert Stock. Life takes a turn for the better as the years pass, although Clarrie still dreams of returning to India and starting her own tea business. So when Welsey Robson reappears in 1910, Clarrie has some tough choices to consider.
This is an enchanting tale lush with imagery, drama, and historical detail. Clarissa and Olive face many odds, but they endure and change with the times. Clarrie’s stubbornness is frustrating at times, as is Olive’s ungrateful whining, but both sisters grow in depth throughout the story. The story spans many years and includes the First World War. At times, it seems like Clarrie and Olive will never find peace and happiness, but readers will be pleased to know the ending is quite satisfying. Recommended.
