Return 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 … Having exhausted every option, she comes home to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup and 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.
- Sweet and thoughtful contemporary read
- Stand-alone novel featuring characters from The Printed Letter Bookshop
- Book length: 86,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
“In her ode to small towns and second chances, Katherine Reay writes with affection and insight about the finer things in life.” –Karen Dukess, author of The Last Book Party
“The town of Winsome reminds me of Jan Karon’s Mitford, with its endearing characters, complex lives, and surprises where you don’t expect them. Reay has penned another poignant tale set in Winsome, Illinois, weaving truth, forgiveness, and beauty into a touching, multilayered, yet totally cozy story. You’ll root for these characters and will be sad to leave this charming town.”–Lauren K. Denton, bestselling author of The Hideaway and Glory Road
“Like all of Reay’s novels, Of Literature and Lattes delivers a story with details so vivid you can feel the fabric slipping between your fingers, characters so rich they could slide into the booth across from you, and a message so hopeful and redemptive it will linger in your mind long after you turn the final page. Of Literature and Lattes brings the town of Winsome alive again, and I couldn’t wait to return and savor a story of forgiveness, of fresh starts, of literary delights, and of love.” –Melissa Ferguson, author of The Dating Charade
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I am not a huge romance fan. But Katherine Reay’s latest book was a wonderful visit in a small town with delightful characters. I have not read the previous book, The Printed Letter Bookshop, but I will definitely resolve that soon! However, this book worked well as a standalone.
The book has the theme of grace threaded throughout the pages. You will walk along with the characters as they examine their past, present, and future; grow emotionally and spiritually; and develop or heal relationships. I admit that Alyssa got on my nerves for a while, but it was not too distracting from the book. Essentially you will have a thought provoking experience as you navigate the pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I love Katherine Reay’s gift of words and look forward to future books.
The town of Winsome reminds me of Jan Karon’s Mitford, with its endearing characters, complex lives, and surprises where you don’t expect them. Reay has penned another poignant tale set in Winsome, Washington, weaving truth, forgiveness, and beauty into a touching, multi-layered, yet totally cozy story. You’ll root for these characters and will be sad to leave this charming town.
I always look forward to Katherine Reay’s unique story voice. The way she infuses literature with the journeys her characters take is second to none, and Of Literature and Lattes met every one of my expectations.
Reay excels in writing characters who form a community. In this particular book, that community is Winsome (which was introduced in The Printed Letter Bookshop). There are familiar faces and some new ones.
Alyssa has a lot going on between her work, her money issues, and her fractured family relations. Jeremy is an easy character to root for, especially when he interacts with his daughter.
Of Literature and Lattes is about friendships—old and new—and family and community. It shines a spotlight into the space where we choose to lean on those who know us best.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A wonderful return trip to Winsome!I love the coffee and book themes that permeate this story. Alyssa is a strong, intelligent woman who has hit a stall and finds herself back home. Alyssa is weighted down by guilt and shame and trying to figure out her next steps. The problem is, nothing at home is as she expects. Feeling displaced, she agrees to help out various friends with their businesses. Along comes Jeremy and there’s now a bright spot in her day. Jeremy is a likeable character and immediately draws you in to his tale. There are many characters and perspectives, so it is helpful to go slow and truly appreciate the depth of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
Alyssa, Jeremy, Janet, Seth, Ryan, Claire, Madeline, Jill, Ryan, Krista, Becca, Brendon, Lexi, Liam, Jasper, Chris, Luke and Eve are among many of the people we see in this story. Plus a few others. Alyssa’s job has come to an abrupt end, and she finally gives in and decides to head home to Winsome, a beautiful sounding town, near Lake Michigan. She carries a lot of hurt and anger towards her mom as well as the job situation. Jeremy and his friend Ryan have purchased the old coffee shop in town, yet when he opens up again after a remodel his sales aren’t what they used to be. Alyssa and Jeremy both have things to work through in this story. A smaller, yet caring town, lots of helpful people and some strong caring friends help turn thought processes around so the healing can begin.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I wasn’t as attached to main characters Alyssa and Jeremy as much as I’ve been to those in Reay’s other books, I found Of Literature and Lattes a heartfelt, satisfying read. The mother/daughter dynamic “stole the show” making the content both relatable (to me, personally) and relevant to readers of all ages who’ve experienced a similar push-pull with the woman that gave them birth.
I also loved the brief glimpses of the relationship between Jeremy and his daughter, and would have loved to have seen that a little more. As-is, I felt the book ended a little too abruptly–not just because I wanted more (I did), but because I needed a bit more closure in a few areas, one of which being Jeremy and his daughter, and her struggle with dyslexia. I also would have liked to see a little more of Seth and Janet’s story, since it wove so deeply into Alyssa’s story, and I finished with many questions about the medical scandal and what came of the Winsome resident who’d been given “false news.”
Overall, I’d recommend the book. The tension–> resolution between mother and daughter was the heart of the story, the romance a sweet secondary plot that gave the book levity, and the geek in me appreciated the varying literature references, which, in a way, tied everything together.
Well done! Of Literature and Lattes is the first book I’ve read by Katherine Reay and it will not be the only one. This book took me back home. I’m not from Winsome, Illinois but, I am from a small town and the feelings that bubbled to the top while I read made me feel like I was back home if only just for a little while.
I loved her characters! They were so wonderfully flawed and it was nice to see them working hard to make wrongs right. As in any good story, there is a lot going on. I delighted in all the little facets of the book and I was sorry to see it come to an end. I definitely felt I had made some new friends and hated to close the book. We will all be fortunate if Ms. Reay returns to Winsome, Illinois.
She has the voice of a storyteller. I could see the story in my head as I was reading and felt like I left my world behind. It truly is a great book that can take you on a good trip and deposit you on your own couch when it is over.
I want to thank the publisher and Katherine Reay for the opportunity to read an early copy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
This delightful novel provides a follow-up story to The Printed Letter Bookshop, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. This novel was interesting due to the nature of the topics within the novel and the superb writing of Ms. Reay. Just as I love the title for this novel, readers will fall in love with the community of Winsome. This book focuses on Alyssa and almost seems like a prodigal daughter kind of story. She returns home after previously succeeding in the real world, but has faced recent difficulties at work where the FBI is now investigating the company. She returns home after leaving abruptly several years earlier after some family difficulties. She returns hoping to avoid any chance of reconciliation, but due to other circumstances may actually have to face her past. When she returns she meets Jeremy who owns the local coffee shop. He bought the coffee shop and moved to Winsome to be closer to his daughter. Being a newcomer, he didn’t realize that sometimes change in a small town might not be a good thing. His business is suffering and he is desperate for help. With Alyssa’s business background, he asks her to help him turn the coffee shop around. Readers will enjoy this thought-provoking novel about resentments and grudges, second chances, and even redemption. As with all of Ms. Reay’s books, I highly recommend you read this novel! I loved it and know you will too.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
Welcome to Winsome, the quaint little town north of Chicago where we first visited The Printed Letter Bookshop in Katherine Reay’s last novel. Step into Andante, the town’s newly upgraded coffee shop with its chic décor and excellent coffee. Jeremy Miller and his partner, Ryan, are the new business owners in town trying to figure their way around town. Meet Alyssa Harrison, daughter of Janet Harrison, one of the owners of The Printed Letter Bookshop.
Alyssa and Janet’s stormy and volatile relationship intensifies as Alyssa’s move back to town brings a great deal of emotional family drama into their life. Peeling away the layers of the past is the only way forward for these two women. Alyssa comes across as a spoiled, unlikable character through a great deal of the story as she struggles with her life choices. Only as she comes to term with owning her issues does she become a person with whom I could empathize.
As Jeremy struggles to understand life and business in a small town, he undergoes a great deal of emotional turmoil and joy in building a relationship with his young daughter. Jeremy and Alyssa cross paths and find common ground as the new people in town each struggling with their own problems.
The story has a great deal of emotional depth and angst. Once again community, family, friendship and love rule the story. Readers of women’s fiction and coffee lovers will be entertained by this book!
This copy was received from Thomas Nelson. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#OfLiteratureAndLattes #NetGalley
Katherine Reay is an author who consistently delivers stories that render a thought provoking punch. This latest release, Of Literature and Lattes, is no exception. Brimming with memorable characters, introspective depth, and a plot that leaves you rooting for the impossible, Reay’s novel clenches your heart.
This book, though slated as a standalone, follows in the footsteps of Reay’s previous book, The Printed Letter Bookshop. I do recommend reading that book first, as that backstory provides so much more insight and richness to this novel. And fans of Reay will be delighted in this sequel! Loose ends are tied up although some new ones are created…
If you enjoy stories of coming to grips with failure or complicated relational layers, this is the book for you! Not lighthearted, but perfectly complex in its own way.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this follow-up story to The Printed Letter Bookshop by Author Katherine Reay.
Life, setbacks, community, change, forgiveness, family, friends, are all part of our lives and with each new book I read by this new-to-me author, I find answers to some of these questions right along with the characters in her stories.
“Reading is therapy” is my absolute favorite quote from this book.
I highly recommend The Printed Letter Bookshop and Of Literature and Lattes by Katherine Reay!
Several adults unable to work out the knots from their past, several themes drawn together with a new coffee shop with angst of its own. Even algorithms and the FBI. The best theme surrounds Becca, and who in truth is someone’s parent.
I read and thoroughly enjoyed “The Printed Letter Bookshelf,” so it was a pleasure to return to Winsome, Illinois, and follow the “what happens after?” to some of the side characters in the first book–and to meet some new ones.
In writing style, “Of Literature and Lattes” is a bit of a departure from other books I’ve read by Katherine Reay. “Printed Letter” followed several characters, but “Literature & Lattes” expands the cast by quite a bit. It’s a true ensemble piece, and she handles this by moving from one point of view to another. You may enter a store in one person’s POV but follow a different one out the door. Once I adjusted to that, it was fun to see how everyone’s stories exerted push and pull on each other.
The characters are very real, and they make real mistakes. Jeremy is reading books (by which I mean people) by their covers. Alyssa is being horrible to her mother. But at the same time, Jeremy is offering beautiful, unselfish love to his daughter, and Alyssa desperately wants to help everyone. Complex, real people who find their way to a well-deserved happy ending.
Having also read The Printed Letter Bookshop, I loved following some of the same characters and the town of Winsome, Illinois, in this continuation of the adventures found in the earlier novel. Alyssa Harrison, returning home from a failed career by no fault of her own, and Jeremy Mitchell, moving to Winsome to be near his daughter since he and his wife divorced, are the main characters. Alyssa uses her skills to help several businesses be more profitable. Jeremy and Alyssa both have broken relationships that they want to mend and their own relationship that they want to nurture. The only thing I found curious about the book was having the performer of the MP3 CD, to which I listened, be done by a person with a British accent since the town of Winsome was not likely to have residents speaking with a British accent. While I love hearing a British accent, the sound and the setting did not seem appropriate. It was a little distracting for me
Daughters and mothers. . .enemies, or allies? Of course, it depends on the people, and Katherine Reay has touched the very heart of the acerbic relationship between a mother and daughter with her characterization exemplified by the connections between Janet and her daughter, Alyssa, and Janet and her mother.
Alyssa Harrison never wanted to return to Winsome, Illinois. However, circumstances and life conspired heavily against her. Now, she not only feels like a loser but must face her mother, too.
Reay pulls you into the story of a prodigal daughter, her parents and the community of Winsome from page one and never lets you go.
Of Literature and Lattes is written from multiple points of view. I enjoy this, on one hand, because you get to know the people and their thoughts better. However, on the other hand, it can sometimes be confusing. I think more so because, even though Of Literature and Lattes works as a standalone, it is a sequel, and I may have understood the people better had I read the first book, too.
Lest you think the book is only about parental relationships, it is not. It is about relationships of all kinds; the good and the not so good.
The novel is serious, thoughtful and at times bleak and desolate. The Biblical themes, though minimal, are weighty and on point. Through it all runs a thread of optimism and the promise of hope.
I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
# Of Literature and Lattes #NetGalley
With Of Literature and Lattes, Katherine Reay has penned another contemporary blend of romance and women’s fiction in her picturesque Illinois town of Winsome. Nods to literature abound within this story of returning and working toward a worthy goal, with deeper themes of reconciliation and a bright secondary cast. Readers who enjoyed The Printed Letter Bookshop will be delighted with glimpses of familiar characters and perspective (once again!) from Janet, Alyssa’s mother.
To borrow a concept from Janet’s character, this story is very much about moving through forgiveness after one has let go of the past. While the friendship and romance between Alyssa and Jeremy is a major part of the story, another significant portion of it includes perspective on parenting, both with Janet and with Jeremy’s own experiences and his precious daughter, Becca. I appreciate the way this draws attention to concepts of people’s complexity, motives, relationships, and the way parents should intentionally be supportive for the hard and the good things in life.
The point of view changes employed in this novel echo a clever device used in The Printed Letter Bookshop, with multiple POV and tense shifts. But here, secondary characters sometimes have the narration. This device works and adds dimension, but sometimes I feel that it is abrupt and detracts from page time with the main few characters and deepening their connection with the reader. Maybe I just need a few more pages and time with these characters to feel the ending more fully “settled” with me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this return to Winsome and the themes these characters wrestle with. The Happy Ending is there, with all the bookish talk! I particularly liked the way children’s books are discussed and recognized as an important influence on childhood. I wouldn’t mind a future novel set in Winsome, especially if it has more of Chris and his brother’s conversations (Printed Letter favs!), or Jeremy’s daughter, Becca!
Thank you the the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.
In this story we are back in the charming town of Winsome where we meet Alyssa and Jeremy. It was so nice to see some of the characters from The Printed Letter Bookshop and how their lives intwertwined with the new characters. The author dealt with a lot of different issues/struggles which was good but also made it a bit hard to keep up with at times. Throughout the book, the characters learned a lot about themselves and their relationships grew stronger because of it. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
Having never read Katherine Reay, but having heard a lot of good things about her work, I was excited to get ahold of her newest release. Of Literature and Lattes is set in the small Illinois town of Winsome like The Printed Letter Bookshop. However, this book works well as a standalone.
The book gripped me right away as Alyssa Harrison limped out of Silicon Valley under F.B.I. investigation. She barely made it to her dad’s apartment in her small hometown. Her parents are divorced and Alyssa’s animosity toward her mother simmered as she moved in to her old room in the family home, and started pumping gas to pay for car repairs. This despite being a data-interpreting genius.
Across town, Jeremy Mitchell has bought the old town coffee shop and spent too much money dragging it, and the disgruntled customers into the twenty-first century. The brew may be superior but business falls away quickly and Jeremy has to fight for survival.
Both characters have towering family issues, but their relationship grows quickly even as external circumstances press in from all sides. Will Alyssa go to jail? Can Jeremy keep his daughter?
This charming tale of grace, second chances, family and hard work includes an ensemble cast of townsfolk who allowed Jeremy and Alyssa to take center stage. I haven’t read Katherine Reay before but I’ll be checking out her back catalog now.
I wanted to fall in love with this book, I really did. I just absolutely couldn’t connect with the characters for some reason. Alyssa returns to her hometown after losing her job, and becoming involved in an investigation into her company. She had previously cut her mom out of her life after her mom and dad’s divorce. Upon returning to town, her dad insists she live with her mom, hoping they would reconcile.
Jeremy moved to Winsome to open a coffee shop, and to be near his daughter. He invested everything in the renovations, and has got to make this work. While he has good intentions, townspeople feel somewhat betrayed because he changed so much that was meaningful to them.
Of Literature and Lattes is a follow up to the Printed Letter bookshop, which I have not read, but intend to go back and do so. I did not have trouble following the story without knowing the entire background of the town.
I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley, and was not required to leave a positive review. Even though this book may not have been my cup of tea, I encourage you to give it a chance.
Alyssa Harrison has come home with her tail between her legs. She has no job, no money and believe it or not, with only the clothes on her back. This is NOT what she had planned at this point in her life.
Jeremy has come to Winsome to open a coffee shop and be nearer to his daughter. However, the coffee shop has not turned out as well as he expected. Plus, there is a twist where his daughter is concerned.
There is a good deal of friction in this novel and BOY, this really keeps you reading and rooting for these special characters. Alyssa’s situation is unique and involves the FBI. Jeremy gets arrested and it goes viral on Instagram. And the twists just keep coming!
What a sweet, enjoyable read. As most of you know…I am not a huge fan of Christian Fiction. I find it overly dramatic and pushy. I had no idea this was Christian Fiction till I finished this book. It has flawed characters, romance and life circumstances. I did not feel any judgement or preaching…it was just and all around good, wholesome read! Plus, throw in some literature references and I am HOOKED. I have never read this author before, but I have already added her books to my tumbling TBR list!
If you need a quick, compelling read for vacation, THIS IS IT!
I received this novel from SparkPoint Studios for a honest review.