Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe by Carla Laureano (Review)

Series: Supper Club #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Tyndale House 
Released: February 5. 2019
393 pages

About the Book:

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.


My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I initially read this as an advance reader copy back in 2019, but I recently purchased a copy and read it for the second time. I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I fell in love with Melody and Justin once again and hanging out with the girls. I'm not a person who loves to cook or bake but that hasn't turned me off from this series. I may not relate in this way but I could be Ana and just enjoy the food that Rachel and Melody make.

Original Review - With the main character being a baker, it comes as no surprise that quite a bit of time is spent in the kitchen. All the mouth-watering goodies will have readers drooling. Melody has dreams of opening her own bakery and being able to choose what she makes but can not see a way to achieve that goal. But then she receives an unexpected inheritance, and her dreams seem to be within reach. However, she has just met Justin, who already has plans in place that will entail him moving across the country. Justin is intrigued by Melody and wants to spend time with her, but the timing is off. How dangerous is it for their hearts to spend more time together even though their lives are heading in different directions?

After meeting Melody in book 1 of the series, I was looking forward to getting to know her more. I was drawn to Justin he has a caring heart and will do anything for his family. I appreciated that he was honest and upfront about his feelings and situation. These two don’t seem like an obvious match, but I liked them together. There was a point in the story where I found myself really frustrated with Rachel her attitude and treatment of Melody felt very selfish. I was pleased that Melody stood up for herself and that they were able to work through the issues, and this one incident didn’t ruin their relationship. I felt their friendship was stronger in the end.

As I became more invested in the story, my attachment to Justin and Melody grew. I tried to figure out things would turn out for them, but I couldn’t see a scenario where they would both be able to achieve their dreams. Would one of them have to give up their dreams, and if so, would they regret it? I was intrigued to see what was going to happen. The story took me on an emotional journey, but it was one I enjoyed.


(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

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