Review: Of Literature and Lattes

Of Literature and Lattes

by Katherine Reay

About the Book

 Katherine Reay returns to the cozy and delightful town of Winsome where two people discover the grace of letting go and the joy found in unexpected change.

After fleeing her hometown three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never planned to return. Then the Silicon Valley start-up she worked for collapsed and turned her world upside down. She is broke, under FBI investigation, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she comes home to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup then move on as quickly as possible. Yet, as friends and family welcome her back, Alyssa begins to see a place for herself in this small Midwestern community.

Jeremy Mitchell moved from Seattle to Winsome to be near his daughter and to open the coffee shop he’s been dreaming of for years. Problem is, the business is bleeding money—and he’s not quite sure why. When he meets Alyssa, he senses an immediate connection, but what he needs most is someone to help him save his floundering business. After asking for her help, he wonders if something might grow between them—but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complex lives, and the future they both hoped for is not at all what they anticipated.

With the help of Winsome’s small-town charm and quirky residents, Alyssa and Jeremy discover the beauty and romance of second chances. 

My Thoughts

Known for her novels filled with an adoration of all things bookish, Katherine Reay returns with a tale that teaches us the power of story; how books can teach us about God, about life, and about ourselves.

                            

I absolutely loved this book. Returning to the town of Winsome with its quaint Main Street lined in twinkle lit trees was a treat for me. I felt right at home in this Stars Hollow-esque town and am ready to pack up and move there! The town is so vividly and lovingly described that it feels like Winsome is a character itself. Having read and adored Reay’s prior release, The Printed Letter Bookshop, I loved reconnecting with familiar characters while meeting new ones. In the vein of Jan Karon’s Mitford series, we’re offered several threads of story where everyone has their moment, even if only briefly. I absolutely love this style of storytelling.

The message of grace is a steady theme throughout the book and is wrapped in beautiful prose. Most in want of grace is our heroine, Alyssa. At times, she could be a hard character to love. There were moments when I wanted to shake her when it came to her attitude toward her mom, as well as her less than desirable prospects in Winsome. But upon reflection, if I were her, I suppose I wouldn’t be a very happy camper, either. I was delighted by the growth for this character and found her development very well done. I also loved the message of grace extended to Janet, Alyssa’s mother and a familiar character from The Printed Letter Bookshop. The story of a second chance is a heartwarming thread that readers across the board will appreciate.

And while I’m not a coffee drinker, I loved the new coffee shop in town, as well as its owner, Jeremy. He was a nice, stand-up guy. I was so charmed by his idea of a book club for the coffee shop. I would totally want to be a part of this club!

Obviously I adored this book. Honestly, I would recommend it to anyone. Get out your cozy blanket, pour yourself a cup of something warm, and get ready to be entranced by Of Literature and Lattes.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book.