Of Literature And Lattes, An Up and Coming Hit for Spring 2020

...from the publisher...
Katherine Reay returns to the cozy and delightful town of Winsome where two people discover the grace of letting go and the joy found in unexpected change.

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 thoughts... 
At first, I wanted to read this book because the title intrigued me.  Katherine Reay is a new author for me and I have to admit I enjoyed her style.  Of Literature and Lattes is a wonderful story of how one truly can come home again, but it won't be easy.  Alyssa is a complex character who had her world turned upside down when her job seemed to dissolve like a cube of sugar in her latte.  Silicon Valley was supposed to help her make her mark in the world.  It was only coming home and resisting that ever abundant humble pie when she found all of the things she longed for when she left this life behind.  Stripped of all her layers, she had to begin again.

Jeremy's dream of opening a premier coffee shop in Winsome seemed an opposite journey than the one Alyssa experienced.  Everything was going to right itself.  When his grand re-opening didn't wow the town, he regrouped and made some improvements to get to that next level.  Sometimes, we have exactly what we need in front of us although we often just can't see that.

I enjoyed this book for several reasons, first and foremost, the characters are complex, just like real life.  They had some things to work out and I felt their pain.  I also soared along with them on the good days.  Both Jeremy and Alyssa exemplified how difficult relationships can be.  They also prove that it is what you do about those complications that matter.


I can easily recommend this book for anyone who likes well written fiction with believable characters.  The ending will be so worth the read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Add Forever Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse to Your Reading List

...from the publisher...

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he's quickly offered a job--and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn's plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters' musical talent at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late

...my thoughts...

Fans of Tracie Peterson will enjoy Forever Hidden, because of her experience writing rich novels set in Alaska.  Collaborating with Kimberley Woodhouse for this new Treasures of Nome series enriches the story with her musical background.  The book is filled with the three Powell sisters who are woven together as a musical tapestry that plays an integral role in the family's survival when their grandfather has a stroke. 

Moving to Alaska after the death of their father meant something different to everyone in the family.  The  impact was profound, as forgiveness and trust are woven throughout this story.  As a reader, one has the privilege of seeing and understanding each character.  In fiction, as in life, we react to things because of our life experiences.  It is when we are open to seeing situations with fresh eyes that we begin to understand, forgive and trust.  

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy well written historical Christian fiction.  I particularly liked the setting in the Alaska gold rush heyday.  This book begs for a sequel or two, because every sister has a story to tell!  

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."