A review by book_concierge
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

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.