Warning! You might want to have a loaf of fresh crusty bread and maybe some eclairs on hand while reading this story - you will definitely be craving them! Carla Laureano always draws me into her books from the very first chapter! I love the humor she adds throughout the story, and her descriptions of the Denver area make me want to move back there again!
I really liked Melody and Justin’s first meet. Their conversation had me laughing out loud, and I loved how it tied everything together at the end. Speaking of Justin- Carla is a master at writing likable realistic male characters! Justin was so kind and was willing to give up so much for his family and, on a side note, he can plan an awesome date! He did have some faith struggles to work through though.
Just as in book 1, I really enjoyed the relationship between Melody, Ana, and Rachel. They are true friends that stand up for each other, but they also don’t hesitate to be totally honest with one another or apologize when they may have been a little too judgmental. Those are the best kind of friends!
There is also a faith thread throughout the story that reminds us God is in control, so let Him be in control! Trust Him!
I am looking forward to the next story in this series!
*I was given a complimentary copy copy of this book by the author.
Susan's Review:
'He'd thought that God was distant, but until now, he'd never thought He was cruel.'
Melody Johansson, baker and pastry chef, has had a string of relationship disasters when a handsome stranger knocks at the door of the bakery in the wee hours of the morning and explains that his car is stuck in the snow. Melody lets him in and wonders if this is a sign from God. Justin Keller, private pilot, is definitely not looking for a relationship. His schedule is much too demanding for that. It has never been compatible with a relationship and he doubts it ever will be. Then why does he feel this pull toward Melody?
Melody and Justin are so drawn to each other that their better judgment flies right out the window. They begin to spend time together, knowing it can't go anywhere. Very soon Melody has a chance to open her own bakery, a wonderful dream of hers, and at the same time Justin has sunk his life savings into a new business venture with his sister and brother in law seventeen hundred miles away. Impossible choices are mounting and neither Melody nor Justin can figure a way out of them and still continue in their relationship. Can Melody realize her dream or does she give up the love of her life? And Justin faces the same desperate choices.
I became a forever fan of Carla Laureano's work with her first book (which I have read twice) and this one is completely captivating. Her style of writing is just indescribable. You just fall into the book and don't want to come out. There is so very much to like about this book: the scrumptious food she has these characters making (I hungered after it!), the compelling characters who seem real and a swoon worthy romance that will leave you breathless.
Laureano's writing has never been better. Her ability to absolutely bring every emotion of her characters onto the page is so perfect, to the point of simply being lost in the pages. Brunch at the Bittersweet Café is like sitting down to a fine meal spread before you with something to please every appetite. To top off the outstanding meal, a delicious romance that will allow you to get up from the table completely satisfied. Add in a powerful spiritual element and this book is a winner in every way. Bravo! Highly recommended and destined to be one of my top ten reads of the year.
*I was provided with a preview copy of this book by the publisher and author. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
BackCover Blurb:
From the RITA Award–winning author of Five Days in Skye comes a sweet, romantic treat that will leave you hungry for more.
Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.
Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.
Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.
Available in digital ebook, paperback, audiobook and hardcover:
Buy Brunch at the Bittersweet Cafe at Amazon
Buy Brunch at the Bittersweet Cafe at Christianbook.com
I haven't read either of these releases from Carla Laureano, but I sure do hear a lot of great talk about them. Thanks so much ladies!
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