Read for: Netgalley/Requested Review/ Anticipated Release
Synopsis: "After fleeing her hometown three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never planned to return. Then the Silicon Valley start-up she worked for collapsed and turned her world upside down. She is broke, under FBI investigation, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she comes home to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup then move on as quickly as possible. Yet, as friends and family welcome her back, Alyssa begins to see a place for herself in this small Midwestern community.
Jeremy Mitchell moved from Seattle to Winsome to be near his daughter and to open the coffee shop he’s been dreaming of for years. Problem is, the business is bleeding money—and he’s not quite sure why. When he meets Alyssa, he senses an immediate connection, but what he needs most is someone to help him save his floundering business. After asking for her help, he wonders if something might grow between them—but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complex lives, and the future they both hoped for is not at all what they anticipated.
With the help of Winsome’s small-town charm and quirky residents, Alyssa and Jeremy discover the beauty and romance of second chances."
My Review: I really liked the sound of the synopsis and of course the cover and title drew me in too. It really took me a while to get into this book, I felt really lost at first, some of it sounded familiar but I couldn't place it. I finally got on and found out that this book follows one that I read last year called Printed Letter Bookshop. You really need to read that one first before getting into this one, there are a lot of relationship backstories in that book. Once I figured that out and refreshed myself on the previous book's characters and story line, I was able to enjoy this one a bit more. There are still a lot of characters to keep track of throughout the book, many we only see once or twice. With that said I did enjoy the main character's stories, particularly Jeremy. There is a romantic undertone but it is not the focus and does not take over the story, it is more about finding your way home and learning to trust yourself and others. It was enjoyable story but it would have been better if I had read both books closer together or even known that they were connected.
My Rating: It took me a while get into this one, and a lot longer than usual to read it. I did try the audio book as well, I was not thrilled with the narration, the narrator had an accent that didn't fit with the story setting or characters at all. I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag. I honestly think if I had read the previous book closer to this one, or even knew they were connected, it would have gone much better.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.
You can find out more about Katherine Reay and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website.
Of Literature and Lattes was just released on May 12th so you can now pick up your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or bookstore.
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