Reviews

Brunch at Bittersweet Café by Carla Laureano

marshmallowbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The God in this universe helps women going through career crises by throwing gorgeous men at them. I have not had that sort of divine intervention for any of my career crises, which can only mean that I am praying to the wrong God.

anjleo's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.25

select52's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I enjoyed this cute, funny, romantic novel. It was nice to have main Cathay didn’t fall into bed at their first meeting or at all for that matter. Overall a nice clean story that was well told and I liked it very much.

beastreader's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I have eye balled the first book but this is the first time that I actually have checked out this series. This book can be read as a stand alone novel. Although, after reading this book I do want to go back and read book one. A part of that reason is due to Melody's friends, Rachel and Ana. They are the type of friends that any woman needs and wants.

As I got to know Melody, I felt for her. She did not really know love from her mother. Her mother did things only if it helped benefit her. Yet, Melody was a heart warming person. Thus, I could see why Justin was falling for her. When it comes to Justin, I must admit that I have a place for pilots. My love of aviation is to blame for this. Plus, it does not hurt that he is so nice. Speaking of romance, between these two. It was on the sweet and tender side. Brunch at Bittersweet Café is yummy like a homemade chocolate chip cookie.

farmfreshlisa's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Book two of the series! I love Melody and I love her obsession with baked goods. LOL. I wanted to reach through and grab her desserts---I felt jipped without recipes. I love how she and Rachel came together and realized what they'd been missing. Also how Melody makes peace with her mom.

So many siblings are in the roles like Justin--the FIXER. I myself tend to be a fixer if at all possible.

There were a couple quotes I highlighted to copy down...

When we let ourselves cry over things that weren't ours in the first place," she used to say, "it's like telling God that we don't appreciate what He's actually given us." At first I thought--yes. Then I thought, well it depends. Because it's okay to be sad about things not happening the way we planned. It's what we do about it that matters.

Anyways, i enjoyed this story.

erincataldi's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A quick Christian read that I initially thought was going to be super predictable, but ended up being more than I expected. For starters, I will admit, that I did not read the first in this series. That being said, it didn't seem to hinder any of my understanding of this book, I think the first one may have focused on another couple in this friend group (although I may be wrong). The novel opens with a spunky single 30 year old baker helping an attractive airline pilot after his fancy sports car gets stuck in a snowdrift. Spark fly, but they don't exchange numbers because neither of them are looking for a fling. Their paths continue to cross but they soon realize that any relationship they might spark is doomed because both of their futures aren't compatible. Could Melody give up her dreams of co-owning a bakery with her best-friend and could Justin turn his back on his sister and his family? Peppered with family strife, friendship problems, doubting of faith, and lots and lots of food descriptions. This book will definitely make you hungry. It was cute, romantic, and like said the ending didn't end how I thought it would, so there is that.

kdurham2's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

The second in the series and this book focuses on a different from from the group. Melody Johansson is a baker and pastry chef and in the first book she seals her fate with Rachel's and leaves the restaurant that Rachel also leaves. In this book she is unhappily working in a shop as a baker and making recipes that are not her own and isn't able to use her creative chops. Through some interesting circumstances she has an inheritance and with Rachel by her side they decide to open a cafe. This will test her friendship and of course will create some antics.

veryyyvanessaaa's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

jennabuythebook's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

As with the first Supper Club book, I love the storytelling and the fact that the characters are true-to-life people who have fallen, question their faith, and search for God’s hand in their lives, not squeaky-clean, sugar-sweet unbelievable Christians like some other novelists portray their heroines to be. Very excited to learn their will be a third book in this series!

bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I won this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you to Goodreads, Tyndale House Publishers, and Carla Laureano for an free ebook copy. As always, an honest review from me.

Like:
- Christian fiction that will appeal to readers who enjoy the genre and also appeals to contemporary romance fans
- The main characters: Melody and Justin, also her friends — most of the time
- The bakery and restaurant setting
- The flying/aviation elements
- Felt so happy while reading this book

Love:
- All the gorgeous delicious descriptions of the pastries she’s baking - amazing!
- The descriptive writing really sets the scenes and makes me fell as if I’m right there
- Hearing about the minute of starting their own business

Dislike:
- When Justin says “You’re not like other girls.” _ Ahhhhhh!!!! So cliche and condescending. When will people realize that this is not a compliment?

Wish that:
- I knew if the change in altitude stuff about it affecting M.S. were true … curious

Overall, a really sweet enjoyable read that captivated me with all the delioucs desserts. Pick it up for a heartfelt read.