Mystic Tea

By: Rea Nolan Martin

Narrated by: Allyson Johnson

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A community of quirky, mismatched, and endearing women struggle to find meaning and purpose on a ramshackle monastery in upstate New York. Having spent their lives in service to a church that seems to no longer serve them, they are confused about their own futures and the future of the entire monastery.

Led by Mike, the practical, no-nonsense prioress, and Augusta, the grand ancient mystic hermit, they are joined by Gemma, a self-punishing novice, and Arielle, a firebrand jailhouse conversion who was sent there out of rehab by a "sort of angel". The personalities, commitments, philosophies, and beliefs of these and all the characters conflict and converge in ways at once perilous and enlightening. Throughout the tempestuous journey, Augusta's magical sacred teas draw the inevitable closer and closer.

Mystic Tea is a contemporary love story between young and old, franchised and disenfranchised, pedestrian and mystic. Most of all, it is a story of female empowerment, as the women find the courage to confront epic challenges, creating a surprising future from the oppressive ashes of the past. It will make you smile as much as it will make you think.

©2013 Rea Nolan Martin (P)2018 Tantor

Supernatural twist

Colorful imagery and play with words, hyperbole, metaphor, whatever you call it. Each sentence a delightful image. Engaging story. Loved the author’s attempt to pull misogynistic church hierarchy out of the closet. Elephant in the room no longer ignored or tolerated. The heroine wins.

One of my all time favorites

I have known many nuns in my life. They ranged from a very traditional order with close ties to Rome, to rebellious feminists of the 1970’s and highly educated and incredibly dedicated missionaries. I loved the way the story showed their strengths and challenges with an innocent irreverence that made me laugh out loud.

Twists and turns

The story keeps your attention. So many unexpected surprises. The characters are brilliant, very interesting and complex. Couldn’t stop listening.

Outstanding

From the first few slightly confusing minutes I was hooked! Note: the confusion was my fault not due to the author or narrator.

The pure faith of a new spirit

Loved the evolving and weaving of the relationships between the women. Renews our Faith in how G-d works in our lives it we allow it.

Unexpected

Slow set-up that went on too long. Story picked up well. Narration was ok- but listening to her read the song verses was painful at best.

What a feel good treasure.

I don't write many reviews but this book is so full of beautiful sentences, thoughts and characters I just had to say thank you. There aren't too many books that leave you feeling full of possibilities and the potential for wonderous outcomes.

Heart warming

Absolutely loved this book..The Characters came to life and swallowed me up into this beautiful story .

Amazing story of the power of forgivenesses, love and the power of miracles and tea!

Rea Nolan Martin is an amazing and magical storyteller. I wanted to listen to the book in a day but savored it. The narration was excellent which weaved the characters beautifully into the story. Mystic Tea will be one of the top favorites for my 2022 book list.

Decent cup of tea

I thought the book was cute, quirky, and kept my attention. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone as an amazing book, but I enjoyed it. The characters were a bit too cliche in their build up, but I think they were meant to emphasize how ordinary the characters are.