The Tea Shop

Spruce Street Books LLC is a small business founded by me, J. J. Stepleton, creator and builder. I’ve been building and crafting for as long as I can remember, and it’s only recently that I’ve gained the confidence to create something truly for myself and for my sisters around the globe.

Below are my creative projects that aim to educate and delight women.

If you choose to purchase a book, know that you are supporting a mother dedicated to raising an emotionally intelligent young man—something we can all agree is more important than ever.

In 2019, I followed my “big brain idea” (as my child calls it) and wrote my first children's book. Unlike typical kids’ books, it’s for parents—especially moms—who lose sleep during the teething stage. Since science shows that reading early boosts brain development, I wanted to create something fun to connect with parents in that phase.

From the teething stage and beyond, this clever book entertains parents and children, alike. Monsieur Drooley is a cranky, but loveable old man from France. He is an outcast due to his uncontrollable drool but becomes very useful through the very thing that makes people dislike him. Readers see villagers move from judgment and cruelty to adoration and appreciation.

Monsieur Drooley was inspired by a teething baby who drooled relentlessly.

COMING SOON. In 2023, I found myself facing a serious medical crisis that rendered me bedridden and, for all intents and purposes, out of commission. However, being one who does not take kindly to idleness, I resolved to turn this period of enforced stillness into an opportunity to pursue a long-held dream: to become a novelist. From the comfort of my bed, I immersed myself in Masterclass courses (Thank you Judy Bloom, Kris Jenner, Mindy Kaling and the incomparable, Sara Blakely.) and, with great determination, I wrote, wrote, and re-wrote.

Now, in 2025, I am proud to announce the forthcoming publication of High Time for High Tea ©—the first in a trilogy. This is the story of Jane McGregor, who is on the cusp of middle age and finds herself in crisis. Compelled to heal and transform her way of living, she reflects on her life and realizes it’s high time to live the life she’s been too afraid to imagine. Sound familiar? It should—it’s a story as old as time. High Time for High Tea © was written to encourage women to go after their dreams and fall in love with their lives.