Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe

GIVEAWAY

LAUREANO, CARLA
BRUNCH AT BITTERSWEET CAFE

From the RITA Award-winning author of Five Days in Skye comes a sweet, romantic treat that will leave you hungry for more.

Bake 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 oven 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 judgement, 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.

My Review:

Warning: reading this book may induce hunger...and may also cause some readers to mourn their lack of imagination when it comes to their culinary skills (raising hand sheepishly.). I'm not a foodie, but this book makes me want to be one! If I wasn't drooling over the hero (which I was -- a lot!) I was drooling over the food descriptions!

What an emotional love story! Despite their imperfections, Justin and Melody are perfect for each other BUT the timing is all wrong. Honestly, I ached with yearning the whole read through. I couldn't see any clear path to a happily ever after and I was desperate for one so I grabbed a box of tissues and hunkered down for the last half the book, hoping the author would mend my broken heart by 'the end.' (She did, but in a realistic, challenging kind of way which I really appreciated.)

Loved how the romance developed -- from that first accidental meeting  where sparks fly but level heads prevail to the individual angsty longings that develop into a wary circling of dating within perimeters which leads to complications and heartache and torturous nail-biting, sob-heaving anguish for sensitive readers like me. :-)

And have I mentioned the toe-curling yet? There's this one wintry scene that had me almost yearning for more snow...almost! If I could have my very own Justin-type hero. The master of grand gestures. The kind of guy who pays attention to a girl. Even as he challenges her to step out of her comfort zone occasionally. Blissful sigh -- yes, I'd definitely extend this long winter for man like that!

Both Justin and Melody are challenged to find God in the midst of their messy lives. It isn't easy and they don't always feel like He's paying attention. Their faith is stretched as they learn to trust in a Father's unconditional love...but oh, it's so hard at times. Such a relatable message that encouraged me in my own faith walk. Love when a novel challenges me this way!

Another sublime read from Carla Laureano!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you want to enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 6 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!