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kerinl's review against another edition
4.0
As a previous reviewer (Justine) stated this book would make a great beach read. A charming yet somewhat predicatable plot however even with these traits Reichert kept me up reading well past my bedtime.
hollyjolene's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I'm kind of surprised how much I liked this one. It was pretty much the typical romance formula, and of course you could see what was going to happen a mile away, but it was still good. The story itself was just really sweet, and I liked both of the main characters, as well as the side characters.
I love food, so the fact that so much of this book centers around food was a plus, and we also really got to know the city of Milwaukee. I would love to read more story set in this world, maybe focusing on some of the side characters (although as far as I know, the author has no plans for that).
I love food, so the fact that so much of this book centers around food was a plus, and we also really got to know the city of Milwaukee. I would love to read more story set in this world, maybe focusing on some of the side characters (although as far as I know, the author has no plans for that).
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
4.0
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First, let’s get the obvious comparisons out of the way. The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, which was later updated to You’ve Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Both are excellent films in their own right, so if that’s the vibe the author was going for, she succeeded. The book is a great rom com in its own right.
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is also a love letter to the city of Milwaukee, which is about two hours away from here. Seriously, the book is part travelogue, much like a Nancy Drew novel, and part cookbook with all the talking about divine foods, and foods that make Wisconsin famous. I don’t think I’ve read another fiction book that so expertly portrayed the sights, sounds, and tastes of our great state.
Lou and Al make a great pair since they both love food so much, but in different ways. I find it entirely realistic that Al can keep his true identity hidden for as long as he did, because Lou wasn’t looking for it; she was consumed with the closing of her restaurant and starting over. Entirely plausible. In a romance book, for sure. Some reviewers have criticized that aspect of the book, saying it’s wholly implausible for Al to have kept his secret from Lou that long, but I disagree. You hear all the time about men and women (although truth be told its usually men) leading double lives or having a secret for years before being found out. So, I don’t have issue with how the book played out.
If you want a feel for what it’s like to live here in Wisconsin, and enjoy a frothy, fun, yet serious romance, I highly recommend this book.
First, let’s get the obvious comparisons out of the way. The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, which was later updated to You’ve Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Both are excellent films in their own right, so if that’s the vibe the author was going for, she succeeded. The book is a great rom com in its own right.
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is also a love letter to the city of Milwaukee, which is about two hours away from here. Seriously, the book is part travelogue, much like a Nancy Drew novel, and part cookbook with all the talking about divine foods, and foods that make Wisconsin famous. I don’t think I’ve read another fiction book that so expertly portrayed the sights, sounds, and tastes of our great state.
Lou and Al make a great pair since they both love food so much, but in different ways. I find it entirely realistic that Al can keep his true identity hidden for as long as he did, because Lou wasn’t looking for it; she was consumed with the closing of her restaurant and starting over. Entirely plausible. In a romance book, for sure. Some reviewers have criticized that aspect of the book, saying it’s wholly implausible for Al to have kept his secret from Lou that long, but I disagree. You hear all the time about men and women (although truth be told its usually men) leading double lives or having a secret for years before being found out. So, I don’t have issue with how the book played out.
If you want a feel for what it’s like to live here in Wisconsin, and enjoy a frothy, fun, yet serious romance, I highly recommend this book.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Book on CD performed by C S E Cooney
Lou is struggling to get her French bistro Louella’s off the ground. Native Brit Al has landed in Milwaukee as a free-lance journalist, writing restaurant reviews under an assumed name. Al goes to Louella’s after receiving an anonymous tip, but it happens to be the same day that Lou found her fiancé with another woman and she is, frankly, a mess. The food suffers, and Al writes a scathing review. A few days later they meet in a bar – Lou is drowning her sorrows and Al is complaining about the “backwater” of Milwaukee. Lou challenges Al to see the real charms of the city, with her as guide. Her only requirement – NO talking about work.
What a deliciously delightful foodie romance! I liked the characters, and felt they acted reasonably (if somewhat improbably at time). I was invested in their story from the beginning and just flew through it. The food descriptions made me hungry, and I loved the way Reichert described the joys of this city (my current hometown).
C S E Cooney does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has great pacing, and is a gifted voice artist who can easily differentiate the various characters.
Lou is struggling to get her French bistro Louella’s off the ground. Native Brit Al has landed in Milwaukee as a free-lance journalist, writing restaurant reviews under an assumed name. Al goes to Louella’s after receiving an anonymous tip, but it happens to be the same day that Lou found her fiancé with another woman and she is, frankly, a mess. The food suffers, and Al writes a scathing review. A few days later they meet in a bar – Lou is drowning her sorrows and Al is complaining about the “backwater” of Milwaukee. Lou challenges Al to see the real charms of the city, with her as guide. Her only requirement – NO talking about work.
What a deliciously delightful foodie romance! I liked the characters, and felt they acted reasonably (if somewhat improbably at time). I was invested in their story from the beginning and just flew through it. The food descriptions made me hungry, and I loved the way Reichert described the joys of this city (my current hometown).
C S E Cooney does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has great pacing, and is a gifted voice artist who can easily differentiate the various characters.
justcallmemoe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A very cute read, a lighthearted book that was needed to cheer the late winter blues! As a Wisconsin resident it was fun to romanticize Milwaukee in that way, and I most definitely cried near the end! Gah, Gertrude and Otto are such lovable characters.
maryquitecontrary_22's review against another edition
3.0
Cute and predictable premise that would make a good chick flick.
saycheeze37's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
I had to DNF this one. Not bad, just didn't hold my interest.
sksrenninger's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this!! I finished it in one day. It's a little cliche, of course, but it's a fantastic sweet foodie romance that I couldn't put down. There is a recipe for coconut cake in the back that I can't wait to try, and the art on this cover is the greatest. Plus, this book made me want to visit Milwaukee, of all places. I wish I was still reading it. Cute, cute, cute. Read it!!