One Cuppa Brew: Book 1 in The Thyme for Tea Series

The Thyme for Tea #1

by J. Louise Powell

SUMMER PRESCOTT BOOKS is thrilled to
One Cuppa Brew - Book 1 in The Thyme for Tea Series!!!
The fantastic debut book by Cozy author J. Louise Powell.

‘Pastor’ Iris Marsha Potts is a retired minister who loves nothing more than spending her golden years sharing her love of tea, coffee, and good books with the people of Perdido Key, FL. When her friend William becomes the suspect in the murder of a newcomer to their retirement community, Iris’s heart wars with her instinct, as the rather mysterious gent tries to clear his name. Can she trust him? What does she really know about her friend, and why won’t he open up about his past? Friends, family and the local police are all put to the test in this suspense-filled first book of the Thyme for Tea series, and the ‘Pastor’ finds herself in the middle of trying to solve a murder, making the time for a cup of tea and her favorite yoga class along the way!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2016

Reviews

[Doward Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most impressive first book in a new series that I have read. Meet Pastor Iris Potts, a widow and retired minister. Residing in Perdido Key, Florida she owns a shop that serves tea, coffee and books. Pastor, as she is usually called, is the mother of three grown sons, a grandmother, independently wealthy, practices yoga, takes long walks and speculates about her friend's past. Getting William to admit to being a spy in his past life is part of their daily banter. When William meets her privately after her book club meeting, he tells her that he has found the murdered body of a woman who was supposedly the widow of an old friend in front of his condo. He knew her in the past but was finding something off about her in her new life in Perdido Key. Telling Pastor he was off to New Jersey to follow up on his suspicions about Lois Bell and that he didn't murder her, William leaves Pastor to handle local reaction on her own. When her youngest son, Andy shows up the next morning she is surprised to learn that the local cop on the case, an old friend of Andy's, had notified him because his mom was involved. Andy is supposedly a cop in a town just outside Washington, D.C. but Pastor isn't sure that is the truth. This book pulled me in and didn't let go until I had finished it. The characters, setting and background came together for one of the best adventures that I have had. This is an author and series that I have to continue following and reading. I highly recommend it as a series to try out for all cozy readers.

I won this book in a contest from the author/publisher. This is my honest opinion and fair review.

[Lauren D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I am a huge fan of SPB Publishings but I have to give an honest review and say that this was not one of my favorites. While the book was well written, I found myself feeling a bit confused when it came to the details on the mysteries. I do not want want to give too much away since other people may decide to read this but I did catch myself having to re-read a few chapters because I was a bit lost and confuse.

I would give the next book in the series a try to see if I would like it but I am not sure if I can get past the religious undertone of the story as well. I feel that played a major role in this book and took away from the mystery. I also felt that while I am not someone who likes a lot of description, I was missing some in this book. I think that is what added to part of the confusion for me.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a brand new series by author J. Louse Powell and it's a delight! The story revolves around retired pastor, "Pastor" Iris Potts. Pastor enjoyes helping her patrons find the right book and offering a cup of tea or coffee, and maybe a bite to eat. Pastor's friend, William finds himself in hot water and goes off to try to investigate on his own. Andy, Pastor's youngest son, arrives in town to hlep investigate the murder and make sure his mother isn't in any danger. The plot moves quickly, and kept me guessing until the end. I was surprised who the culprit is. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!

I received a copy of this manuscript from teh publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review**

3.5 Stars

I'm a little torn on how I feel about this one. Overall, the book was good. I liked the mystery and the characters, but I think the religious aspect could've been toned down slightly without it losing the “former pastor” aspect. I don't mind a little bit of religion in books, this just felt slightly heavy handed.

[Annathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very short book, yet a good story.
I like mysteries without gruesome details.
A very cozy mystery.

[Susan Basey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed Feelings

It was as fun a read as some of the others I've read lately. Guess I like a bit more romance or mystery.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations Summer Prescott on adding another great series to your collection! I really started this book thinking it was not my cup of tea so to speak when I saw the main character, Iris, was a pastor but I am glad I kept reading. I would not consider it a Christian Cozy at all. So with that being said, Iris is a widow and former pastor that owns a tea shop/bookstore. One of her regular customers is a very active older gentleman that rumor has it was a spy but Pastor can't get him to admit to anything about his past. Local police know he has a past life in some type of law enforcement and has been instrumental in writing grants and requesting equipment they never even would have though of. So taking this into consideration, William finds the body of a widow new to the area on his front lawn. he assumes that he will be the main suspect in her murder and refuses to sit back and be arrested and takes off for New Jersey to investigate possible ties. Even though this is what William thinks, he is not consedered a suspect by Pastor, the local police, or Pastor's FBI agent son that shows up in her shop when he hears of the murder. Surprisingly, the local officer welcomes her son's help since they know each other well, but poor Pastor still thinks he is just a local cop back where he is living now. William is instrumental in digging up dirt on what may really have gone on and is instrumental in saving the day. Pastor is no slouch though either and suspects that the widow may not be who she claimed. This is a quick read but has lots going on so don't let the length fool you. I am looking forward to more of Pastor Iris and hopefully William.

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a new series that will have you grabbing a cuppa tea and reading. It is a fun mystery that keeps you guessing till the end. This is a Christian Cozy that everyone can enjoy. Love how the main character is able to minister to her patrons as they grab a tea/coffee and a good book.
Iris Potts, Pastor as she is called is a retired minister who is enjoying life running her dream Tea/ Bookstore in Perdido Key, Florida. When things go sideways for her friend William she doesn't realize just how upside down her life will become. William is accused of murdering the new comer to the retirement community. Now Pastor is trying to figure out whether or not to trust William who is very standoffish about his past and find a killer. Thank goodness Andy her son has come to help his mom and try and keep her safe..
I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. Quick read and suspenseful. Pastor’ Iris Marsha Potts a retired minister loves her tea and books but when her friend William becomes the suspect in a murder she must clear his name. With a little help from her son Andy and a new friend they are bound and determined to clear William. I must admit with Iris being called Pastor all the time that kind of made it awkward to read. I also got a little confused when the town name goes from Oyster Creek to Osprey Creek. Other than that small mix up I really did like the story but would find it much easier to read if the main character was called something else

[Star ☔️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clean, Christian/culinary cozy from new author J. Louise Powell. "Pastor" Iris, a retired minister, is running a book/tea shop. One of her friends is the prime suspect in a murder mystery and she tries to help. I like how she does ministry in her shop. The murderer was a surprise to me at the end. I am always happy to see new Christian cozies popping up in the cozy mystery world that talk about God and prayer. This is a nice mystery for readers that enjoy tea and/or Christian cozies! The publisher provided me with a complimentary ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing...

Not a series I'm going to be following. The writing was not well done, characters would ask like five questions in a row without pausing for any answers, end everything just seemed off and hard to follow. Too bad because the story premise was pretty decent, but I just did not enjoy the characters, the style, or the religious tone . This is supposed to be a cozy mystery... It was just kind of a short mess.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While I knew for sure who wasn't the killer, I was totally surprised by who the killer ended up being. I am sure there are many more adventures ahead. Can't wait for book 2.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Cuppa Brew by J. Louise Powell is a cute cozy mystery that is easy to read and very enjoyable. I liked the characters and William is a very intriguing individual that I hope to get to know more about as this series progresses. This is a short story but the mystery was done very well and I never guessed who was behind the murder and mayhem until the reveal.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little cozy!

I love bookstore cozys! Add in tea or coffee and I'm in heaven.
A former female pastor, her FBI son who she believes is a police detective, and a new friend who she believes is a retired spy make this a fun murder mystery.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read

From page one to the last I enjoyed this book. The characters were fun and had depth. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I will say this book is on my recommendations list for sure.

[Sharon Thrasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad first start.

I liked the book. I think the characters are good and love the idea of a bookshop and tea room. But I was confused in a couple of spots. I will wait and see how the next one is.

[LOIS DALPIAZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book!

I enjoyed the story line. The characters were well developed. The mystery was interesting and the way it was solved surprised even me. I hope there are more books in the series.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best cozy mysteries that I have read. I love the characters and the story line. This is a series that I would love to see keep right on going. J.Louise Powell has just become one of my favorite authors. Looking forward to book 2 in the series.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some things aren't as they seem.

Cute first book in this series. Love all the suspense around even the good guys. Kept me on my toes as to who was good and bad. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Kathy Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab your favorite cuppa tea and curl up with a brand new cozy mystery series that looks to be just what we want when it's time to just kick back and shut out the world. Fun, quirky and face paced.

[Robin Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this books characters refreshing and I truly enjoyed the storyline.

[Mari Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Good clean mystery. The characters are well developed. The story itself is one that will keep youy entertained and can be a good beach read.

[CAROL VANATTA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poor sentence structure

Juvenile writing, and unclear context. Very confusing to read.
Sorry but this book needs editing before it is fit to print.