"A sensual journey back in time to the 19th century. Great research and lovingly told. To immerse yourself in and browse away." Miriam Georg, author of the bestseller "Elbleuchten"
[...] The author again places history and fate in the context of political and social conditions in an extremely knowledgeable way [...]. -- Thomas Scheben - Frankfurter Neue Presse
[...] in her tightrope walk between reality and poetic freedom, Popp repeatedly creates space for surprising twists [...]. -- Gernot Gottwals - Frankfurter Neue Presse
You don't have to be a self-confessed tea drinker to be drawn into the maelstrom of this family saga from the very first lines of the book. [...] an exciting, cultural-historical novel [...]. - Die Rheinpfalz
For readers of Anne Jacobs, Sarah Lark, and María Nikolai
With more than 300,000 copies sold
The vast world of tea, the moving story of a strong woman, and the rise of a famous merchant family: the Ronnefeldts from colonial produce merchants to an internationally successful brand.
Book 1:
The great world of tea, the moving fate of a strong woman and the rise of a famous merchant family: Part 1 of the Ronnefeldt Saga
Frankfurt, 1838: As a merchant’s daughter and the wife of the tea dealer Tobias Ronnefeldt, Friederike likes to stand behind the counter every now and again – she loves the floral, slightly earthy scent of the dark tea leaves. But she is not permitted deeper insights into the trade. This changes in 1838, however, when Tobias embarks on a months’ long journey to China, the land of tea. Now, of all times, when she’s pregnant. And she soon realises that she cannot trust the new manager, whom Tobias appointed. With the company in danger, Friederike has no choice but to take the fate of the company into her hands. In order to meet this challenge, she has to develop new strengths – and the courage to assert herself.
Book 2:
Frankfurt 1853: Tea merchant Friederike Ronnefeldt wants her increasingly grown-up children to be well looked after. After all, the family business also depends on the future plans of the new generation. But the siblings develop their own ideas – much to Friederike’s chagrin. Mine is tempted by acting, Elise wants to become a teacher instead of getting married, and Wilhelm wants to study painting. At least one thing seems certain: the eldest, Carl, will take over the business – after completing his apprenticeship in Hamburg. But is he up to the responsible role once held by his father?
Book 3:
Frankfurt, 1889: Friederike Ronnefeldt is proud that the tea trade once founded by her husband Tobias is to continue into the third generation. She is a role model for her grandson Rolf, who wants to take over the business. To gain experience around tea cultivation and trade, he goes on a world trip that takes him to India, Ceylon and China, among other places. And Rolf is sure: he wants to take his innovative ideas back to Frankfurt. At home, not only the family business is waiting for him, but also the entrepreneur’s daughter Anna Reither, who has been on his mind ever since their first meeting with her clever and committed manner.