Hi y’all!

I’m excited to share my review of Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe by Carla Laureano today.

I loved The Saturday Night Supper Club–the first book in this series. And I loved this 2nd installment in the Saturday Night Supper Club series focusing on Melody. I might have enjoyed this one more than the first one–which is hard to beat! I so excited that there will be at least three books in the series and can’t wait to read the next one. Trying to be patient until next year!

This books is such a treat. Between the fantastic character development and the mouthwatering desserts, pastries, and breads, I loved this book. I wish it came with taste tests of all of Melody’s recipes–or at least the recipes themselves. They all sound delicious!

Initial thoughts:

• I love that Melody is also a bit classic literature buff. I would totally follow her Instagram account connecting beautiful editions to classic novels with her delicious bakes!
• Also, I just need to say that this series makes me want to visit Denver and their amazing food scene! Laureano brings Denver to life in this series and makes my mouth water with every restaurant the characters visit.

According to Goodreads, “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-cafe 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.”

It was a delight to get more details about Melody and to journey with her towards happily ever after. I loved that Melody is a pastry chef and baker. It’s so fun and mouthwatering to read about the many treats and bakes she creates during this book. I want to try her food so bad! I love that she and Rachel open their own restaurant and that it is a success. So well deserved for them both! I enjoyed getting background on Melody and her childhood. No wonder these girls are all such good friends–they all have crazy families. Haha. I was glad that she moves towards reconciliation with her mother at the end. Melody’s resilient faith an optimism are contagious. I want to see the world a bit more like Melody does.

Melody’s relationship with Justin is intense and fiery from the first moment they meet. I really wasn’t sure how they could get together because so much seemed stacked against them. But as they fall in love, it becomes clear that they are destined to be together. I love the way God is interwoven into their relationship. They both must come to understand His role in their lives and the ways they must change to deepen their relationship with Him. Their separate journeys are powerful and their character development is really beautifully done. And of course, I was thrilled with the happy ending.

One of my favorite elements of Carla Laureano’s books is the way she brings faith and God into the center of her stories. It isn’t overwhelming or in your face, but subtle and faith affirming. I enjoy these beautiful stories about average people who find strength, grace, and love through their faith. I’m glad books like this exist and continue to be published. They celebrate the goodness and power of friendships and of God. I love that.

I hope Carla Laureano is planning on several more books because I’d love to hear more about several other characters. Book three focuses on Ana, the third best friend in the central trio, and I am really excited about it after reading the sample. We are introduced to several more characters in this book that I want more stories about. I’d especially love to read more about Talia, Melody’s baking assistant.

Overall, a lovely novel about the power of friendship, love and good food. I love the character development, the way faith is interwoven into the story, and the love story. This is a fun series that will make you see the good in others and want to bake some homemade treats.

What are your favorite foodie books?
What lesser used book locations do you love?