The Tearoom — Gretchen Haley

Meet Thirapatheegadu Ezekieo Reddy, Tubby for short, because heaven knows a man called Thirapatheegadu walks a lonely road. Proud proprietor of The Tearoom in deepest KwaZulu-Natal, he's also a father, a timid dreamer and the long-suffering husband of hypochondriac Lynette. For many years, Tubby has been working on a marvellous plan which involves the object of his affection â€" his enigmatic kitchen assistant.

In the month before his birthday, the countdown begins. But just as Tubby is set to embark on his dream life, he is delivered a blow which could turn his dream to ashes.

Sprinkled with delicious humour and spoonfuls of local flavour, The Tearoom is a warm tale with characters you'll never forget.