Book Reading at A Cause For Tea

Doing a book reading at A Cause For Tea was quite literally a dream come true. The moment I first visited the tea house itself was like stepping into a storybook, in blissful disbelief that such an aesthetic place existed. My first visit was with my sister, and by the end of our wonderful lunch I knew I would regret not somehow introducing my book before we left. As if by design, the lovely waitress who served us coincidentally turned out to be the tea house event coordinator-- who graciously accepted my information and a copy of my book to pass along! God had truly opened a door. Within the following weeks she contacted me with an offer to host a children's book reading event in the spring, and I was beyond excited and grateful. It felt like an opportunity of the highest honor to have such a lovely business facilitate an entire event around my book (especially upon learning it would be the first of its kind for the tea house)!

The reading day finally came but was sadly postponed twice due to rain. Pushing the outdoor event to a later date however turned out to work in our favor, and by the end of promotions we had every registration spot filled! The morning of was perfectly sunny and very, very warm. Ladies and their little ones began trickling into the reserved tea shed garden, help themselves to cups of ice cold lemonade and sugar cookies as they found their seats. I loved getting to sit and talk with the few gathered around closest to me on their little chairs and pillows, and engage with them as they munched. The lovely host and tea house founder Rhonda opened the reading time with some author Q&A, which also created some connection as a few kids adorably shared their answers too. Next began the reading time, which yet again proved to be my favorite part; I could tell I had a captive audience for most of the story as I tried to project my voice and meter my pace. There were even a few who came up after and told me they liked the story (so sweet)! Everyone got to take a goodie bag filled with a little craft I had prepared to enjoy some playtime. It was so sweet chatting with and watching them place stickers on their bookmarks and play with the clay in imaginative nods to the story. Afterwards we spent time for a few pictures, chit-chats, and book signings as the families began saying their goodbyes. The whole experience was over way too soon... I wish I could do it all over again. It was such a blessing to have been given this opportunity and I'm so grateful to the ladies at A Cause For Tea for their time, care and support to put this together. Truly this event wa a milestone that I will forever look back on with the fullest of full hearts.