The Necessity of Lavender Tea by Jennifer Moorman


The Necessity of Lavender Tea
Title : The Necessity of Lavender Tea
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1734739568
ISBN-10 : 9781734739565
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 290
Publication : Published March 14, 2023

Like most teenagers coming of age in the 1950s, Kate Muir wants the basics—rock and roll and a sense of belonging. But for Kate, one thing she can't live without is her endless supply of lavender tea.



At sixteen Kate would be happy just to blend in with her Mystic Water peers, but she has “a cursed fate,” her mama says. Kate can see the future, which makes being like everybody else nearly impossible. In spite of her special gift, Kate is forbidden to alter the future in any way, no matter what she sees. Her only chance at living a somewhat normal life is to drink lavender tea, the only remedy that stops the visions.



Kate’s older brother, Evan, is her opposite—popular, charming, everyone’s friend—and the main reason Kate isn’t completely rejected by the local kids. When Evan dies in a tragic accident, Kate withdraws into herself and becomes more of an outcast than ever before.



But a chance encounter with a young man from the most prestigious family in Mystic Water tosses Kate into a whirlwind of friendship, acceptance, and love. Just when she believes this new life might last, Kate has a terrible premonition. Will she break the rules and alter the future? At the risk of exposing her special ability, can she prevent the horrible event from happening before it’s too late?



Journey into this enchanting heart-filling tale of magical realism and the powerful changes brought on by accepting oneself.


The Necessity of Lavender Tea Reviews


  • Nursebookie

    TITLE: The Necessity of Lavender Tea
    AUTHOR: Jennifer Moorman
    PUB DATE: 03.02.2023 Now Available

    Magical
    Enchanting
    Coming of Age

    I loved reading The Necessity of Lavender Tea by Jennifer Moorman in this lite magic southern historical fiction read, with a main character I just enjoyed rooting for. Imagine yourself as a young woman who has the power for foresee the future and told you cannot do anything to change that fate, what would you do when people you care about and love may be in your hands? That is exactly what sixteen year old Kate is going through. She has already lost her brother Evan - would she repeat the same fate for Geoffrey?

    This is a beautifully written story about fitting in, embracing yourself in the world, love, loss, and resilience. This book is simply charming and I loved getting lost in this story.

  • Nursebookie

    TITLE: The Necessity of Lavender Tea
    AUTHOR: Jennifer Moorman
    PUB DATE: 03.02.2023 Now Available

    Magical
    Enchanting
    Coming of Age

    I loved reading The Necessity of Lavender Tea by Jennifer Moorman in this lite magic southern historical fiction read, with a main character I just enjoyed rooting for. Imagine yourself as a young woman who has the power for foresee the future and told you cannot do anything to change that fate, what would you do when people you care about and love may be in your hands? That is exactly what sixteen year old Kate is going through. She has already lost her brother Evan - would she repeat the same fate for Geoffrey?

    This is a beautifully written story about fitting in, embracing yourself in the world, love, loss, and resilience. This book is simply charming and I loved getting lost in this story.

  • Zoë

    I got this book in my Lavender books box and I devoured it in a day! I really enjoyed the magical realism of this story and how it was woven into the historical setting. It captured the struggles of being a teenager who wants to fit in and is finding herself. Also a teen that struggled with self loathing which is such an important topic for young girls and boys. The world tries to bring you down from all directions and it’s hard but you can fight and prove the haters wrong. Kate was a very relatable character to my 16 year old self who was constantly worried about fitting in. Finding love and doing all the things that seem to be expected but then realizing maybe those aren’t the most important things in life. Overall a great story and I’m happy I discovered it because I wouldn’t have read it if it weren’t for the box! All the gifts were very good motivators to keep reading so I could open the next one!

  • Bubba Wilson

    I love the writing of Jennifer Moorman. It catches my attention, pulls me in, and spits me out with a full heart and a smile on my face at the end. The Necessity of Lavender Tea was the perfect choice to read on this rainy Sunday. There’s magic and mystery and - best of all - a reminder to always be yourself. No matter what. I’m SO GRATEFUL that Jennifer shared her gift of storytelling with us.

  • Shionna Lou

    I really enjoyed this book! It features a coming-of-age romance, magical realism, and beautifully atmospheric writing centered around nature, which is a must for me. I felt so connected to the main character, Kate, and could relate to not only her deep connection to the natural world but also her quest for love and belonging in a society that makes "fitting in" while being your true self so difficult. I admire Kate's ability to stay true to herself even when faced with rejection. I am truly inspired by her heart and soul's integrity. The ending was absolutely adorable, and it left me wanting more! I highly recommend this book!

  • Vickie

    This was wonderful warm story of Kate Muir, 15 years old with some "magical" powers, who just wants to fit in with all the other girls in her school and community. Although it is #2 in the Mystic Water series, it is very doable as a standalone.

    Go Cards! L1C4!!

  • Abby Lindsey

    I liked the magical realism aspects of this story, or course. But, and even though this is a story about a teenager, the self loathing of the main character became annoying. She was always seeking validation and to fit in with others. She was looked at and treated differently because of her Cherokee heritage. And all she wanted was to be accepted. I guess, like any teenager. It just became a lot.

  • Debbie Rozier

    I read this southern magical realism book in one sitting. All ages from YA on up to 100+ years old would enjoy this book because even though the main characters are teens the secondary characters do range in age.

    I think the book’s setting of the 1950s in the small town of Mystic River, Georgia makes this a good read for all. There is the subject of acceptance that is threaded through this book on multiple levels. I think all of these elements make for a lively multi-generational discussion.

    The main character, Kate, is a 16 year old girl from mixed heritage. That makes her different among the other teens in Mystic River. As a child, Kate learns she has the “curse” of seeing the future. Kate’s mother tells her that no matter what she can’t tell the person about the future event which weighs heavy and become wildly personal to Kate. Her mother also has her drink lavender tea which is supposed to make the visions lessen.

    When Kate helps another teen named Geoffrey who comes from an influential family in town, Kate pines for what others have. Thanks to Geoffrey’s influence Kate becomes part of the popular crowd, but a startling vision may change everything.

    Kate has the energy that makes flowers burst into bloom and it’s that same alluring energy which makes this book so good.

  • Myreadingzen

    Growing up in 1954, Kate is a young girl living in an era that did not treat nor accept those whom they deemed "different" kindly. Her whole childhood, she has felt like an outsider, being half Cherokee and half Scottish. Not only does she look unique compared to other girls her age, but she also has a very unique gift that no one outside of her mom and older brother knows about. What her mother tells her is really a "curse" their family has passed down from generation to generation. If being a teen is not hard enough, Kate truly feels like an antisocial outcast with no friends.

    This is an enchanting and heartfelt magical realism story all about accepting yourself fully, what makes you different, and whatever gifts you may have without shame or fear. Be true to who you are, and don't change who you are in order to be accepted and/or loved by others. This was a beautifully written, small-town, whimsical book in which you can't help but want to give Kate a hug. This book is well written, flows well, pulls you emotionally in different ways, and also has some funny moments. I enjoyed it!
    Thank you to #bedsidereadingreaders
    for this gifted copy! ❤

  • Susan Ballard

    In the 1950s, Kate is not like most teenagers in Mystic Water. Although she wishes she could fit in with her peers, much like her popular, outgoing older brother Evan, Kate is “cursed.”

    Not only is Kate of mixed race but Kate has premonitions of the future. And as her mama has told her, you are not allowed to try and change the outcome. The one thing that calms her is her lavender tea; it helps to keep the visions at bay.

    After the tragic loss of her brother, Kate feels as if she will never be accepted into society for who she is. Until Geoffrey Hamilton brings her into his circle of friends and opens her heart to love. But then a dark premonition falls over Kate, and she realizes she may have to intervene - going against all the rules.

    This is such a sweet, yet enchanting story. I loved Kate’s attitude - watching her come into her own and embrace what others call a curse. I’m a fan of a sprinkling of magical realism in a story especially when it doesn’t distract from the characters, and Jennifer Moorman does this beautifully.

    Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jenniferrmoorman for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

  • Brittany

    The whole time I was reading this, I kept getting “Where The Crawdads Sing” vibes. I think in the beginning it was because Kate was a loner living in the outskirts of a small town. She was different and everyone made her feel different, or even ignored her. Then she starts a relationship ship with the local popular rich boy. Crawdads vibes. I loved that book by the way.

    It also gave off Hallmark movie vibes. This would be a good one for that! So would the first in Mystic Water series.

    The book has a message/theme: be true to yourself. You don’t have to change to make others happy or to fit in. Accept yourself.

    The cover and title of this book (I think it may have been called Little Blackbird before maybe?) were what drew me in at first. But the cover is magical, which made me realize the story was magical realism with her talents or “curse” as her mama said. Also, I am a big tea fan.

    Do yourself a favor, if you enjoy romance without steamy scenes, small town stories, magical realism, or stories about accepting yourself….then pick this up pronto.

  • Laura Seppala-symington

    Being a teenaged girl who looks different from the other girls is hard enough, but when you could have a crippling vision of the future at any moment, which you are forbidden from using to help people, fitting in is even harder.
    When Kate’s kindness draws the attention of a popular boy, suddenly she is drawn into his world,and the the most dangerous feeling of all emerges: Hope

    Will she be able to hide her abilities & actually have friends like this?
    Will she be able to balance what her parents expect with what her new friends expect?
    Will she lose herself in the process?

    And when she sees that awful vision begin to form in real life, can she really just sit back & let it happen?


    This was a beautiful read of a girl finding herself as her home & school worlds battle to mould her.
    She deals with the age old question we all do:
    How far would you go to change yourself just to fit in?

    Jennifer’s poetic words pull you along in this beautiful journey with another of Mystic Water’s fascinating, yet so identifiable, residents.

  • Elizabeth Swainston

    Jennifer Moorman’s The Necessity of Lavender Tea, was a lovely read. This is such a unique story!

    First - Kate’s a 16yr old trying to fit in during an era that was not kind to her people. As a half Cherokee and half Scottish born girl, she possesses both a unique look as well as a unique gift. More than anything, she just wants to fit in and be accepted.

    Second - Jennifer’s descriptive writing will make you feel as though you’re an innocent by stander watching the story unfold. The eloquence with which she portrays the emotions and innermost thoughts of our heroine is truly beautiful.

    Finally - as a mom with a young daughter who is struggling to find books that are appropriate (by my personal standard - no graphic sex), I can appreciate that this book does not go there at all. There are moments of heated kissing but still on point for the era and not graphic.

    This is my first book from the Mystic Waters series and I’m quite excited to get my hands in the rest!

  • Jeanne Arnold<span class=

    The Necessity of Lavender Tea has the delicate magical allure and heartwarming storyline that make a truly memorable coming-of-age classic. In this inspiring tale, Jennifer Moorman takes us on Kate Muir’s tender journey through profound loss and budding love, and guides her to trust in the transforming power of her choices when she’s faced with a troubling vision. While longing for acceptance, Kate discovers the impact of staying true to her destiny and finds the courage to appreciate her curse as a gift. Readers looking for a vibrant splash of Southern charm will fall in love with Moorman’s vividly painted Mystic Water and the wise, whispering nature and compelling characters who inhabit it.

  • Sarah Bowe

    I enjoyed this quick magical realism story. I really liked that the magic wasn't too heavy, understanding quickly that our FMC Kate has premonitions of the future. She's never really felt like she has fit in being a mix of white and Cherokee. But she will go through a summer of growth and new relationships that will test her acceptance into a different world.

    She loses her brother in a premonition that came true and she goes through the heartache of losing the one person she feels understood her the best. This summer though she will get close to a boy, Geoffrey, and be drawn into his group of friends that seem to begrudgingly sort of accept her, except for his brother who is the only one (outside of her mom) that now knows what she can see.

  • Sarah W

    This is the second in a series but it can be read as a standalone. A heartwarming coming to age story with a hint of magic. I loved the magical realism aspect with Kate’s premonitions and her connection to flowers around her and how it was explained early on. All Kate wanted was to fit in and be liked by the other kids in town while trying avoid the premonitions. The lessons Kate learned along the way are relatable even if she had to learn about of them by going behind her families back. I loved being in the world of Mystic Waters and the ending was perfect.

    Thank you @jenniferrmoorman and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

  • Miss W Book Reviews

    The Necessity of Lavender Tea by Jennifer Moorman is a heartwarming coming of age story.
    I absolutely loved the magical realism in this book.

    The story set in the town of Mystic Water, Georgia in the 1950's is described in such a beautiful way.

    Kate, the main character who is only 16 years old has a "curse" of seeing the future.
    If she drinks lavender tea, she can keep those visions at bay.

    This story had me crying and captivated. An emotional beautiful, magical coming of age story set in the south.

    Highly recommend!

  • Alyssa Dahlberg

    An intriguing coming of age story set in the 1950s. I grew to love our main character, Kate, as she learned to either change to become accepted by her peers or embrace what makes her unique. I loved the fact that she is a mixed race character with a strong Native American culture. I loved reading about all the ways her emotions impacted nature. Overall, this was a story that drew me in and kept me interested throughout. I think this story also serves well as a reminder to not unjustifiably label people according to their race, culture, or abilities.

  • Kelly Kilpatrick

    I recently listen to the first book in the Mystic Water Series and gave it 4 stars and book 2 did not disappoint. This book has a lot of emotions for love, friendship and heartbreak. Kate really has to find the meaning of being yourself, and not changing for other people. This book read similar to a hallmark movie, which I loved. If you are looking for a quick, lighthearted, small town romance with magical realism - this is your book!

  • Theresa

    Kate can see the future and the only thing that can make that go away so she can live a normal life is drinking lavender tea. She is not supposed to use her powers, but when she becomes involved with the most popular boy in her high school and has a premonition about a horrible event…what should she do?

  • Sherry

    Who knew I liked magical realism? But I guess it makes sense since it is kinda magic light?

    Coming of age, premonitions that come true, finding your place in the world. I was drawn into this one pretty quickly and didn’t want to leave.

    This is beautifully written with lifelike characters. I really liked this book.

  • Booksandcoffeemx

    𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨!

    How I love unique and different stories, and this one was a truly delightful read. A sweet coming of age story about growing up, love, loss, family and the necessity of lavender tea.

    Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

    𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮 by Jennifer Moorman Books released March 14, 2023.


    https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

  • Christina McComiskie

    This is a wonderful coming of age story with the perfect touch of magic. I loved the main character Kate and her special connection to the flowers in her garden.
    This is book 2 in a series but can be read as a standalone. I loved it.

  • Sarah

    Detail review on Instagram at @sarahdsilvareads

  • Christy Taylor

    I loved the title and cover and suspected I would love the story too. Kate was a wonderful character and I’m so glad that she learned to follow her heart! Such an enjoyable read.

  • Brandy Thornton

    Practical Magic meets Where The Crawdads Sing set in the 1950s. A coming of age story that's intriguing and heartwarming!