This book was absolutely delightful! It was a truly scrumptious experience, and I know I’ll remember it as one of my favorite reads of 2020. Here’s what made me adore it:
Lila Reyes: Lila is a fantastic character to follow. She’s charismatic, warm, passionate, hardworking, brave, and generous with her love, while also being assertive. I could listen to her talk about her passion for baking all day. Her journey of self-discovery is both subtle and monumental, and Laura Taylor Namey deserves high praise for how she portrayed it. I also appreciated the way Lila’s struggle with her mental health was explored. Namey did a wonderful job differentiating between struggling with mental illness and simply having a hard time with your mental health. I’d gladly read another book from Lila’s POV; she’s one of the most engaging, honest, and relatable main characters I’ve ever encountered.
Alt text: Lila Reyes happily bakes Cuban pastries in her Miami kitchen, surrounded by ingredients and baking tools.
The Food: Oh. My. Gosh. I’ve read a few foodie books, and it’s one of my favorite sub-genres, but I don’t know if any have ever made me as hungry as this one. Maybe it’s because I have a sweet tooth, but I’ve never craved baked goods so much in my life. I loved how richly descriptive Lila was when discussing her baking. The passion and joy she felt toward her creations oozed from the page in a way that was almost magical. This was made even more special by the fact that much of the food discussed was Cuban, and I wasn’t as familiar with it. It was a true delight to learn about the delicacies I’ve clearly been missing out on. Reading about the pastelitos, croquetas, and cafecito made me want to hop on a plane to Miami immediately!
Alt text: A tray of golden-brown Cuban pastries filled with guava and cheese, showcasing the delicious treats Lila bakes in the novel.
The Discussions on Grief and Mental Health: As I touched on earlier, the exploration of Lila’s dip in mental health due to grief was beautifully explored. I thought the way Laura Taylor Namey showed the different ways in which you can grieve was superb (e.g., the death of a loved one, a relationship, a change in friendship dynamics, a lifestyle, dreams). It’s not often you can read a book in which grief is such an overarching theme and still come away feeling uplifted and hopeful, but that’s exactly what this book did. The author doesn’t shy away from the difficult emotions, but she also emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
Orion Maxwell: Oh, Orion, my wonderfully cliche English boy. Orion somehow managed to fall into every “British boyfriend” trope and yet still manage to convince me, a Brit who sadly knows better, that all English boys are charming, witty, suave, gentlemanly, and say things like “ruckus” and “crikey.” He’s such a gorgeously warm, loving, and empathetic character, I couldn’t help but adore him. His support for Lila as she navigates her grief and finds her place in Winchester is truly heartwarming. He introduces her to the wonders of British tea culture, adding another layer of richness to the story.
Alt text: A vintage set of British teacups and saucers, representing the English tea culture introduced to Lila by Orion.
Winchester: Honestly? I’m just putting this in here as someone who’s been to Winchester on many occasions and loved reading Lila’s obsession with how old everything is. I will forever find a huge amount of entertainment in the way non-Brits write about the UK. (It’s all so twee, but I love it?) The author perfectly captures the historical charm and quaint beauty of Winchester, making it feel like a character in its own right. Lila’s initial culture shock and eventual appreciation for the town’s unique atmosphere is a delightful part of her journey.
Cuban Culture: As a Brit who’s never been to Cuba or Miami (where Lila lives), the vibrant way in which Laura Taylor Namey writes about Cuban culture, in particular the food and music, made this book so incredibly special. It filled the pages with love and passion in a way I’ve personally not felt towards one single place, and it was a joy to read. The descriptions of the music, the dances, and the close-knit family relationships truly bring the Cuban culture to life.
The Romance: It was just…. so soft and chill and romantic and real and beyond adorable. It served my slow-burn romance-loving heart very well. The relationship between Lila and Orion develops gradually and authentically, making their connection all the more believable and endearing. Their interactions are filled with sweet moments, witty banter, and genuine affection.
The Relationships: From the adorable romance to the fabulous group of friends to Lila’s relationship with her aunt, parents, Grandma, and sister, each individual relationship was given time and depth. Each relationship explored was fulfilling, unique, and thoroughly enjoyable to follow. The strong family bonds and the supportive friendships provide a solid foundation for Lila as she navigates the challenges of grief and self-discovery.
I honestly don’t have anything negative to say about this book. I guess maybe the somewhat dodgy British accents in the audiobook? (but even they were wonderfully entertaining.) I loved this book through and through. It was honest, yummy, hopeful, and joyous, and it will undoubtedly be one that I’ll continue to think about for a long time to come. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and delicious read, you can easily find “a cuban girl’s guide to tea and tomorrow read online” through various book retailers. You won’t be disappointed!
