Writer, businesswoman, social activist and philanthropist Jackie Phamotse will this August be releasing her 11th book ‘The Tea Merchant’.

‘The Tea Merchant’ is set in 2005 in a time of silent anticipation and hidden possibilities in the rugged Cederberg mountains.

“Cameron Coal is embroiled in a desperate fight to save his family’s rooibos farm, which is a hair’s breadth from bankruptcy, while wrestling overwhelming grief after his wife’s death and trying to build a relationship with his blind daughter.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jackie Phamotse (@jackie_phamotse)

The new book is part of a two part series by the best-selling author. Phamotse shared on Instagram that after six years of self publishing, she has officially signed a publishing deal with Penguin Random House and the new book series would be coming out on August 8.

“We are releasing our new offering titled ‘The Tea Merchant’ in August. It’s a romantic crime thriller with a historical twist. The book is centred around the history of Rooibos Tea ☕️. It’s some different and educational. Let’s not forget the drama and thriller that the story brings,” she shared.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jackie Phamotse (@jackie_phamotse)

Phamotse will be stepping outside to promote her new book, with a launch and book signings scheduled from August up till November. There will be two launches; Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The release of the author’s new book signals her return to the public eye after the Randburg Magistrate’s Court sentenced her to a two year sentence for defaming media moguls Romeo and Basetsana Kumalo, after she published a tweet alleging that Romeo had engaged in a sexual encounter with another man.

Her sentencing ended her six year legal battle with the Kumalos. Phamotse was also ordered to perform community services and pay a R30,000 fine which she made a payment arrangement for.

IOL Entertainment