From the RITA Award-winning author of Five Days in Skye comes a sweet, romantic treat that will leave you hungry for more.Baker 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 … 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 own 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 judgment, 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-café 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.
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If you are a fan of food and friends, you’ll love this series! And this second book is even better than the first one! I really enjoyed getting to know pastry chef/baker Melody Johannson, her mother, and of course Justin (swoon). I love this author’s characters because they seem so real. I can’t wait for book three; I hear it will be Ana’s story. Note: I received an advance digital copy of this book which in no way has influenced my positive review.
This is the first book I have read by Carla Laureano and since Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe is the second book in this series I have to go back and read the first book. This book will make you hungry as you read about Melody Johansson, a baker and pastry chef who is very talented and is dissatisfied in her current job. She longs for her own dream bakery. I enjoyed the relationships explored in this story. You have best friends, parents, family, a boyfriend, and God. I could not put the book down because of the depth of the characters and how realistic they were portrayed. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I absolutely love The Saturday Night Supper Club, so I had high hopes for Brunch at Bittersweet Café, and I was not disappointed! While both of these books can be read as standalone stories, they really make more sense if they’re read in order.
Saturday Night Supper Club gives us an introduction to a trio of strong women with incredible passion and drive. Brunch at Bittersweet Café really delves deeper into not just Melody’s background and personality but also her relationships with Rachel and Ana. Having had a somewhat dysfunctional childhood, Melody really leans on those friendships like family. When she meets Justin and quickly becomes involved, her friends are understandably skeptical, given Melody’s horrible track record with men.
Justin, a private pilot, is also a product of a somewhat unstable childhood. Between his upbringing and his career, he is reluctant to make commitments or to become too attached to anyone. This is challenged when he meets Melody, a woman unlike any other that he’s known. As they decide to go ahead with their relationship despite their impending separation, everything becomes more complicated. We get to see how this plays out, and it’s a delicious, exciting ride! Between the descriptions of the desserts and the private planes, I’m ready for a vacation to Denver!
While the story is extremely captivating, there are some important issues that are examined in this book. Both Justin and Melody ask hard questions of God, of each other, and of themselves. There are so many moments in the story where I can relate so much to Melody! Some of the struggles that she and Justin individually face, the questions of faith that they wrestle with, are ones that are highly relatable for all of us at times, I think. The author so skillfully and sensitively shows us the importance of recognizing the Lord’s plan for us, the blessing of His hand in our lives, and the need to wait on His will and timing.
I highly recommend this book for its feast of the senses! It made me feel so hopeful about continuing to seek the Lord in my own life! I must admit that it also left me wanting to make a trip to the nearest patisserie!
I received a copy of this book from the author and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes in a book series subsequent books are not quite as good as the first, but that’s not the case with Brunch at Bittersweet Café, the second novel in Carla Laureano’s Super Club series. Melody Johansson and Justin Keller are the focus of this book, and both are intriguing and memorable characters. Of course, we also see other characters from book one, but they are for the most part in the periphery. Laureano has done a superb job of conveying complex issues realistically, which made me sad, mad, but ultimately happy with the outcome. There’s many examples of how a strong faith can see you through hard times, and how real friends are there for you when times are good and when times are bad. And, if you’re a bread lover like me, you’ll be in heaven with all the talk of bread. Brunch at Bittersweet Café is a tender, funny romance worth reading. Five stars for sure.
DELECTABLE TREAT!
BRUNCH AT BITTERSWEET CAFÉ (Supper Club #2) by Carla Laureano is a Delectable Treat! It may be read as a stand-alone. However, in order to truly appreciate the passion of the characters in this plot, they need to be read in sequential order. You will miss out on what drives these characters to be the way they are in you skip THE SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB (it is a fantastic novel, too!).
This plot is a roller coaster ride of relationships, family dynamics, emotions, a business startup, marketing strategies, learning about real love and dependence on God and not on yourself. In the midst of that ride, Laureano will have your taste buds on High Alert as she sprinkles in ingredients and Recipes throughout her novel.
This is a novel that illustrates how FAMILY – whether it’s the one you’re born in or you create for yourself is so fundamentally important, FOOD – tried and true Recipes and new ones that explode all your taste buds truly does nurture you, FAITH – that God has the best plan and it’s best to not take matters into your own hands and SACRIFICE – for the ones that you love because that’s what God teaches us to do.
I was provided an ARC of this novel by the author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence. I have preordered a copy for my own personal collection.
I loved this book! Carla works so much into her stories. The way she writes about all the different food dishes makes me want to try them all! The characters struggled with issues that I could relate to. I loved how Melody and Justin learned to trust God when His plan was different than their own plans. I highly recommend reading Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe.
Carla does not disappoint with her newest release! The characters’ past collides with their present and the transformation in their lives professionally, emotionally, and spiritually is beautifully captivating. This is a must read with something sweet to eat on the side!
I received an advance full version of the book from the publisher for the purpose of giving an honest review. This is my honest review.
I loved The Saturday Night Supper Club, and I am SO glad that author Carla Laureano has made this story into a series. I could not wait for book #2. The books can be read as standalone books, but there is so much more to the story when you read them in order. Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe is book #2 and another delectable story showcasing the author’s storytelling talent and foodie knowledge. We are in the midst of record breaking cold in the Midwest, so I hunkered down with this book, a blanket and a cup of hot tea. I really enjoyed reading this series, so much so that I took a break to bake! Melody is such a delightful, spunky person and a talented baker. She also has some unresolved issues from her childhood. Because of that, she has made some poor decisions in her dating life in the past, and wonders if there will ever be someone who loves her for who she is, and will those mistakes continue to color her approach to relationships? Flawed characters who learn to trust God, can expect great things. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning, and cannot wait for book #3. Do yourself a favor and check out this wonderful series. I really enjoyed it.
*I was approved with a preview copy of this book by the publisher and author. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own
A wonderfully written book. The characters are so well shaped into their rolls. The author did such a great job pulling each character into the story. This book was so beautiful showing how God does love us and that he is always with us and writing our story. The fact the story was written around food and starting a new cafe was so fun. I enjoyed hearing about the different foods. The romance between Justin and Melody was beautiful and keeps you on edge throughout the book. The author adds in secrets that eventually come out that blind sides you. There are so many wonderful things happening in this book. You will think on it for days. I hope there will be another one written from this book. Carla Laureano does a amazing job of creating such a beautiful story that keeps readers glued to the pages of Brunch At Bittersweet Cafe.
I discovered this author one day when I stumbled upon her book, Five Days in Skye, back in 2015. As I dove into her book I was mesmerized with the her style and way of writing. The words brought me in and kept me going from the first chapter to the last.
This series, A Supper Club, is doing the same. The first book in the series (The Saturday Night Supper Club) is based on Rachel Bishop and her life. This book, follows along with that one and is highlighted on one of Rachel’s friends, Melody a baker who finds herself at a wit’s end with her dead-end job. Fortunately if you haven’t read the first book you won’t be lost when jumping into the follow up.
We all have had jobs where we just felt like was just a job and not a joyful job. For Melody, she was stuck in this particular rut. This story is about whether or not she learned to embrace the rut or was willing to strive to reach for it all and create a new path. In addition to her journey, she meets Justin who is a pilot about to make his own life-career changing decision.
The story was well written and was very descriptive in words. So unless Carla was a baker in her former life, she did an excellent job in reading up the process of baking and creating new sensations baked goods. In addition, it gives a reason to create an instagram page that focuses on something other than a person’s image!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
With descriptions so vivid, it is easy to imagine working as the sous chef dicing veggies. Carla Laureano creates complex, multi-faceted characters with complicated relationships of all types. For Melody and Justin, there are no simple answers or decisions, and they eventually unravel what deep faith genuinely encompasses. Both maneuver difficult life situations, decisions and obstacles with support, encouragement and tough love from best friends and family. They also learn that perceptions can often be skewed for a variety of reasons. This is a book of fear and control versus faith.
Personally, I made a determined choice to savor the book full of culinary detail instead of the compelling urge to devour in a single sitting.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
This was my first book by this author. After reading it, I want to read the first book in the series. This book can be read as a stand alone with no confusion. The series is about three friends and each book features a different friend.
This book was about Melody who was a baker and pastry chef. She wasn’t using her skills at her current job as a bread maker and her classical French training is being wasted at a mediocre chain bakery. She wants to have her own bakery and when she her beloved grandmother leaves her money in her will, she and her best friend Rachel, decide to open a restaurant together. At the same time, Melody – who has also been unlucky in love – meets Justin a pilot who is getting ready to relocate to Florida. This sets up a painful decision – should she follow her heart and move to Florida with Justin or follow her dream and start a new restaurant with Rachel.
I would classify this book as women’s fiction with some Christian fiction mixed in. It’s a story about love and friendship and making good choices in life. The description of some of the pastries that Melody makes are so well done that they will make you hungry or ready to pull out your baking pans and make a sumptuous desert.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
SHE THREW A BOOK!!!!!!!!!! Sorry! The horror on my face made a complete stranger ask if I was ok, so if you were wondering at my sanity…wonder no more!
Otherwise, I have an intense need for baked goods. It is entirely unfair that my urge to go out and find real bread will be thwarted by the fact that I’m going to be working at the hospital for 12 hours. But Melody’s story was almost as good as Rachel’s!! Melody is a baker who’s itchy feet have kept her from finding roots. When the chance to open a cafe with her best friend comes along, it seems like it was meant to be. Unfortunately, realizing her dreams comes after the loss of her grandmother who raised her. As Melody struggles with her grief, juggles renovating a bakery, finishing her menu, and training her assistant, she starts falling in love with Justin. Justin, a pilot, is planning to buy a small private airline company with his brother in law to move his sister to Florida for her health. As the time comes for him to move, he realizes that leaving Melody is going to be harder than he thought. After a tropical storm derails lots of plans, Melody and Justin break up. Melody’s friends intervene and call in her estranged mother for a long overdue heart-to-heart. Both Melody and Justin find themselves asking if they have the faith to accept good things from God even if they weren’t what they thought they needed. This is another winner in my book! Happy Reading!!
PSA—Don’t read on an empty stomach. Carla Laureano’s descriptions of French pastry will have your mouth watering. Loving this second installment in the series. Each book is stand alone but characters reoccur and I like to read a series in order anyway. I love “catching” up on what previous book characters are up to. Sweet, thought-provoking love story. —Lisa Carter, author of Stranded for the Holidays
I really enjoyed this book. Melody is afraid of commitment. She hasn’t has the best of luck in the relationship department and she hasn’t found the job that really uses her baker skills. In steps Justin. He is just as afraid of commitment as well. The is an attraction, but Justin has a new job prospect in Florida and Melody is starting a cafe in Denver. They both assume the relationship will be temporary.
I liked the characters. Both Melody and Justin sound like nice people with a few issues to iron out. This book has a religious tone, but nothing is forced on the reader. Both Justin and Melody are finding there way in life and in faith in God. I liked that. This is a clean read as well, so no worries there. There is some kissing. The writing style is easy to read but kept me turning the page to see what would happen next. I would read another book by this author.
Thank you to Goodreads for this Giveaway and for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe was the perfect escape. It’s an absolutely delightful read and was definitely good to cuddle up with on the couch with my Sleep Zzz Pillow!Sleep Zzz Pillow! It took me a few days (I was distracted and hadn’t yet taken my time-out) to fall in love with it, truly because I couldn’t focus, but once hooked I was in love with Melody, our main character in this ‘Supper Club Novel.’
I very much enjoyed the writing style of Carla Laureano. Reading the book description, one expects the fall, romance, resistance, romance cycle. If you read enough, you can almost begin predicting how the books are going to go. They literally have a writing formula for romance authors to follow. However, Carla Laureano managed to mix it up just enough to through even this seasoned reader off! She also made sure I couldn’t walk away from the book!
Personally, the ‘Baker World’ has never interested me. However, this one sucked me right in and even helped me find joy in cooking again. I feel like it takes a great author to not only bring you into their world but bring their characters into yours as well!Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe is definitely a read to add to your list! It’s characters are well written and quickly find a place in your heart! I found myself feeling the same doubts, hopes, fears and excitement as the characters along their journey!
I did receive this book for free to facilitate reviews on my website.
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https://mycraftyzoo.com/brunch-at-bittersweet-cafe/
I enjoy Carla Laureano’s writing very much.
Warning! You might want to have a loaf of fresh crusty bread and maybe some eclairs on hand while reading this story – you will definitely be craving them! Carla Laureano always draws me into her books from the very first chapter! I love the humor she adds throughout the story, and her descriptions of the Denver area make me want to move back there again!
I really liked Melody and Justin’s first meet. Their conversation had me laughing out loud, and I loved
how it tied everything together at the end. Speaking of Justin- Carla is a master at writing likable realistic male characters! Justin was so kind and was willing to give up so much for his family and, on a side note, he can plan an awesome date! He did have some faith struggles to work through though.
Just as in book 1, I really enjoyed the relationship between Melody, Ana, and Rachel. They are true friends that stand up for each other, but they also don’t hesitate to be totally honest with one another or apologize when they may have been a little too judgmental. Those are the best kind of friends!
There is also a faith thread throughout the story that reminds us God is in control, so let Him be in control! Trust Him!
I am looking forward to the next story in this series!
I was given a complimentary copy copy of this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
Food, fun and friendship is what’s on the menu in, Brunch at the Bittersweet Cafe. Add a huge amount of hard work, sprinkle with a little romance and voila, that’s the recipe for this perfectly charming novel.
I loved Melody the pastry chef who takes bookstagram photos pairing her beautiful baked creations with just the right antique book. How genius is that? The descriptions of her desserts and breads are mouth-watering so you may want to have some pastries or something sweet to snack on while reading this one. It was nice catching up with characters from, The Saturday Night Supper Club and meeting a few new ones.
Justin was easily one of my favorites because he is not only charming but willing to make a huge change in his life for his sister which made me love him instantly. The attraction between Melody and Justin is a fun element that I enjoyed but I liked that they each had their own interests especially since she is in the process of opening a restaurant with Rachel who is still doing the Supper Club.
As much as I have liked both books in the series, I have to admit that I liked this one a little bit more. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book to find out what delightful treats the author will share with her readers.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley with no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own
This is the story of Melody and her two friends, Rachel and Ava. This is the second installment in The Saturday Night Supper Club series, but I didn’t read the first one and didn’t feel lost. Melody longs for more in her life career and love life wise. Unfortunately, she has to deal with a huge loss in her life as well. But, in my opinion and as the author seems to feel as well, God always brings good out of the bad. Melody meets also meets Justin, a handsome pilot, and things seem to be looking up. However, there is a situation in Justin’s life that threatens the potential young couple. Add to that, Melody has a chance to finally launch her dream career with Rachel. She’s also dealing with a tumultuous relationship with her mother. Can she juggle everything and come out in one piece? Will she and Justin make the relationship work? You’ll have to read to find out.
This was my first book by this author and I thought it was well written. I also enjoyed the fact that I didn’t feel lost on the characters even though I didn’t read the first one. The author developed the characters well and I thought the story was smartly written. I was so happy to be on the author’s launch team and wish her the very best.