Analyn Sanchez can handle the long hours and arrogant clients that come with her job as a crisis management associate at Denver’s largest publicity firm. The high-powered job, expensive condo, and designer wardrobe are all part of her plan to prove to her family that her life choices haven’t been in vain. But when she’s asked to cover up a client’s misdeeds with serious moral and legal … ramifications, she can no longer sacrifice her conscience for her career . . . and the cost is no less than her job.Ever since a devastating climbing accident in South America eight months ago, and a bad decision that dried up his sponsorships, professional rock climber Bryan Shaw has found himself at similar loose ends. When the opportunity to buy a coffee farm in Colombia arises, he jumps on it–only to discover his wandering ways have left him utterly unprepared to run a business.When Bryan returns home and offers Ana a role in his company as a solution to both their problems, she’s desperate enough to consider working with the far-too-flippant and far-too-handsome climber, even though he’s the polar opposite of her type A nature. As they delve deeper into the business, however, she begins to suspect there’s much more to Bryan than she’s given him credit for . . . and that sometimes the best plans are the ones you never see coming.
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This was my second book by Carla Laureano. My first was “Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe” which is the second on in the Supper Club series. This one is the third. I have not yet read the first one in this series, “The Saturday Night Supper Club.” First of, I must say I never turn down a Christian fiction book that is about coffee. It combines my two favorite things coffee and reading. If you’re looking for a great romance, then this book is so good. I feel like I became friends with these characters and I feel like I would get along with them so well. At one point in the book, Bryan is dealt a hand that he tries to handle the right way but luckily gets some good advice from his dad about how he should really handle the situation. Also, Ana has to come to terms with some of her past before she can decide her future. If you want know more, then you’ll have to read the book for yourself. I have to say I do hope the author will put out a fourth book.
I listened to this in audio form and thought the narrarator did well. A good story of two people growing and learning from their past. Many don’t handle lifes curveballs in the most healthy way and this was true for the H &h. I thought that gave the story a bit of realisim. I enjoyed the story and thought the people and the story had depth and layers to it so as to not to be a cookie cutter story. I also enjoyed this series and reading of the woman’s friendship. Only two things I didn’t care for so much. The h does have an unhealthy relationship with food. She’s so afraid to not eat anything “clean” or she needs to do major time in the gym. This is very real for so many. It does go with the h needs for perfection that she has & so it works with he story. However, I’d like to have seen a bit of growth with that since it’s such a damaging attitude. Overall, I liked the H but when he spoke of his father a few times it felt that while trying not to he did have a holier than thou attititude in regards to the father’s career. There was discord in the past with that realtionship & I wish that might’ve been explored more to have some resolution. Other than that I very much enjoyed the story and will look for other titles written by Carla Laureano.
The Solid Grounds Coffee Company had me at ‘coffee’. I have to admit I haven’t read the other books in Carla Laureano’s Saturday Night Supper Club series, but I loved her series set in Scotland and plan on doing a blog post on those soon. Also, her social media is lots of fun to follow so I knew a contemporary romance about coffee and a handsome rock climber would be a winner. And so it was. Fast-paced, lovable characters, heartfelt romance, and you can almost smell the fresh-roasted coffee as you turn the pages.
Ana has a job as a crisis management associate and has crafted a perfect persona, tough and independent. She is Type A to the max. When one of her difficult clients creates a mess with ramifications she isn’t comfortable dealing with, she is told to take a leave of absence. Since work is mostly her life, she is soon bored so is happy to work with Bryan Shaw to get his coffee roasting business off the ground. When she met Bryan two years before, he was a professional climber, a bit of a rogue, but the best friend of Alex, her friend Rachel’s boyfriend. He has been gone from Denver for awhile, having his own awakening and trying to put his mistakes in the past. As Bryan and Ana work together to build The Solid Grounds Coffee Company, they must deal with issues from the past in order to live the lives they want in the present and future. It was good to learn more of Ana’s story and catch up with Rachel and Melody from the first two Supper Club books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are real; I actually thought of how my own perspective of what’s important in life has changed. I also thought of other specific people who are similar to the characters. The establishment of a coffee roasting business added a delightful element to the story. I actually listened to this and the narration was really good, too. I would recommend reading the two previous books (The Saturday Night Supper Club & Brunch at Bittersweet Care) prior to this one to understand all the characters’ stories, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
Well guess who MUST go back and read the first two books in this series?? This reader, that’s who!! I loved this story!
A gifted writer, Ms. Laureano draws the reader right into the story and doesn’t let go. Descriptions so vivid it was like walking into the room—or the roastery. Circumstances so gripping, personalities so raw, characters so real I was ready to sit down and share a hot cuppa with them myself.
Detail oriented and micromanager Analyn meets free spirit, world wanderer, rock climbing Bryan was kind of like pinning a cloud to the ground. But perhaps Ana was just the pin to put Bryan on solid ground.
I appreciated the struggles each of them face, both with their respective pasts and with secrets well hidden. But as they spent time together—in a strictly professional capacity of course—they both discovered the other has something they each need.
The twists in this story caught this reader by surprise and kept me turning pages—and wanted a good hot cuppa.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Solid Ground Coffee Company, Carla Laureano, The Saturday Night Supper Club, Brunch at Bittersweet Café
The anticipation for book three in Carla Laureano’s The Saturday Night Supper Club has been building since the first book in this series. No-nonsense, career woman Ana and professional rock climber Bryan finally get their story. And what a book it is!
First, Bryan has done some maturing since that first book and continues to do so throughout The Solid Grounds Coffee Company. Ana’s journey is different but her spiritual and emotional growth are no less moving. And the chemistry these two have is as robust as the coffee beans Bryan’s attempting to roast.
While the characters made this story for me, Laureano’s attention to detail with rock climbing, the roasting process of coffee beans, and even the Colorado lifestyle give the book depth. The friendships between Rachel, Melody, and Ana as well as Bryan and Alex are solid and a fantastic element to not only this book but the entire series.
It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this series, but I know Laureano has more wonderful reads for readers ahead.
Disclosure statement:
I purchased an audio version of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
“For the first time in a long time, she was actually looking at herself.”
But it’s best to start at the beginning, when Analyn Sanchez carefully hid herself behind a successful career of disguising high powered clients who needed to spin away their mistakes and indicretions. However, when she refuses to compromise moral and legal boundaries, Ana is granted a generous paid leave from her high salaried position in one of Denver’s most prestigious publicity firms. She now has time on her hands, a plethora of marketing skills and a friend with a start up fair trade coffee roasting company. . . . is it a coincidence or divine intervention?
Bryan Shaw’s life has undergone a gargantuan metamorphisis following an horrific climbing accident and subsequent loss of a professional climbing career. After a gut level change of priorities and impulsive investment into a Columbian coffee farm, he’s back in Denver to re-connect and plunge into the roasting business. But he needs help, and Ana seems interested enough to help him. However, it’s soon evident to both of them that there is another kind of “slow roasting” going on between the surface. More than likely, it could never work, but what if it could?
“The Solid Grounds Coffee Company” beautifully illustrates what it’s like to stand on the promises of God. . . . . making all things new, doing exceedingly above what we ask or think, old things passing away, nothing being impossible with God . . . life is usually messy, when it’s real; poised on the brink of free falling is usually where we find “solid ground”. Readers will discover pieces of themselves through-out this lovely story . . . while they are enviously imagining all those coffee tastings!
*sniff* I’m sad this series is over. This was a very satisfactory ending, don’t get me wrong…I just want MORE! And that points to the genius Carla Laureano is as a writer. The romance is a slow burn, starting all the way from book 1. We know it’s going to happen and we’re holding our breath to see it plays out. The banter between Ana and Bryan and Ana, Melody, and Rachel is great. I’d always loved the friendship aspect of this trio of books and this last one is no exception. Grab a pastry and a cup of coffee and settle in for a good read!
“His rebirth was more than just spiritual; it was a desperately needed whole-life overhaul.”
What an incredible conclusion to The Supper Club series! My heart and my mind are still reeling from the emotional impact of this book. Carla Laureano really knows how to create a masterpiece with just the right touch of humor, sass, deep and raw emotions, unforgettable romance, and faith. Once you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it down. From the prologue to the epilogue, you will be wooed and awed by Bryan and Ana; there will also be moments of blissful sighing when you can catch up with Rachel and Melody from the previous two books in the series. This is book 3 in The Supper Club series and I highly recommend reading them in order. You don’t want to miss out on anything in these three women’s lives!
The dialogue among the three women is so real, heartfelt and fun. The dialogue between Bryan and Ana is quite witty and funny. Oh, how I loved reading their conversations throughout the book. Bryan is an amazing hero – humble and loyal with a wonderful sense of humor. Ana is type A, so different in personality and outlook from Bryan’s laid-back attitude but they connect on such a deep level and understand each other intuitively. Bryan’s transformation from a self-serving, self-centered famed rock climber to a socially conscious, organic fair-trade coffee farmer and roaster is miraculous in itself and his honest assessment of himself and shouldering of his responsibilities for past actions just endear him more to the reader and Ana. In addition to great friendship and romance, the book showcases professional rock climbing, the art of roasting coffee beans, and the joys and struggles of small business ownership. I’ve always loved coffee, but Bryan and Ana really do make coffee look sexy.
Bryan learns that forgiveness is complete and he doesn’t need to dwell on the past as Ana learns that perfection is not attainable and real life with real people is so much better than a mirage of a created image. Such powerful message that is applicable to every one of us.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will absolutely love this book. Delicious!
I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Carla Laureano’s books are always so well-researched I’m convinced she’s held every career of her main characters, which means she’s got one impressive resume. But don’t think the story is bogged down with too many details — not at all! Laureano knows how to weave characters, dialogue, and storyworld into a delightful plot. She’s one of my go-to-authors — and she never disappoints me.
Analyn Sanchez is the poster child for the high powered female executive, but those things often come at a price. Bryan shaw has been living the live of a well sponseored rock climbing pro until his sponsorships dry up due to a terrible accident. When her high octane job goes south, Bryan offers her a role in his new coffee shop.
I loved the polar opposites that these two presented, it made the perfect scenario that would seem to be a recipe for disaster. Ana’s organizational skills coupled with Bryan’s sheer charm work well in this scenario. The author is exceptionally skilled at bringing her characters to life and I truly enjoyed the interaction between them. The warm connections and true friendship amongst this small group of friends will make you feel right at home. You will also revisit some of the characters from The Saturday Night Supper Club and Brunch at the Bittersweet Cafe, which I also really loved and highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of their My Reader Rewards Program and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Loved this book! It kept me on my toes!!!
I loved the premise of this book. For one, I love coffee. Coffee is amazing. I also love prodigal son stories. GIVE THEM TO ME.
But I didn’t really like this one. This seemed like a superficial Christian book, just Christian enough it can be called that, but it was … lackluster in that department. I have no problem with the open discussion about sex – in fact, I enjoy books that don’t shy from the tougher topics. BUT, the amount of Jesus, more like the lack of him, was sad. Characters open their Bibles and some devotionals, talk about forgiveness a few times, but true faith is not just that. It’s searching for Him, searching for His will, surrendering to Him every day in regards to jobs, relationships, failures, and hopes.
That wasn’t done. And when I pick up a book, I want to reach a fun romance and learn a few things, but I want to SEE Jesus on the pages. He’s not supposed to be an afterthought. Not when characters claim to be Christians.
So, that’s that.
(There’s also a kiss scene that made me verrrrry uncomfortable.)
Coffee, friendship, and romance blend to create a delectable read. Carla Laureano takes us back to Denver and the trio of young women who are the best of friends; Ana, Rachel, and Melody. This third and final novel in the series wraps up their story quite neatly, centering on Ana Sanchez, the high powered executive of the group.
Bryan Shaw, the bad boy climber and close friend of Rachel’s fiancé, is back in town. Desperate to turn his life around, Bryan purchased a coffee farm in Columbia and plans to start a roasting business in Denver. With coffee beans on the way, a plan to buy a used roaster, and a fair amount of knowledge on roasting, he begins to try and put together a plan. Ana, marketing executive genius, unexpectedly finds time on her hands and pitches in to help Bryan achieve a chance at success. Can these two very different people work together to come up with a viable plan?
This book is a delightful story filled with witty dialogue, heartfelt moments of friendship, and second chances. Don’t miss this great read. This book works well as a standalone.
This ARC copy was received from Tyndale House and the author. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own
#NetGalley #TheSolidGroundsCoffeeCompany
I have loved this series from the first book, The Saturday Night Supper Club, and couldn’t wait to read Ana’s story. It was totally worth the wait! The characters in these books come off of the page and feel like real people that I would want to be friends with. Rachel and Melody are both in the food industry, one as a chef and the other as a pastry chef. Ana works in a public relations/publicity firm helping people deal with crisis management. She has a very stressful job, but makes time for her friends when she can. In this book a previous character is brought back, Bryan Shaw, a professional rock climber who has returned home to Denver to make a fresh start. Ana volunteers to help him with some publicity/marketing for a new business and the story takes off from there. I couldn’t put it down!
The books in this series don’t have to be read in order, because the author does such a great job with filling in the backstory, but I would highly recommend that you do read them all. Before reading the books in this series I had not read any books by this author, but I plan to read everything else that she has published and will publish in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Award-winning author Carla Laureano concludes her contemporary romance series set in Denver’s food industry, featuring three young professionals: Rachel, Melody, and Ana.
In Solid Grounds Coffee Company, publicist Analyn Sanchez handles clients in crisis, and she does her job well. But when she is asked to cover up a client’s choices that cross the line and go against her own values, she refuses and Ana loses her job.
Professional rock climber Byran Shaw has lost his sponsorships after a climbing accident and some bad decisions. Impulsively he buys a coffee farm in South America, even though he has no business background. Bryan returns to Denver and offers Ana a role in his company, doing the things he is ill-equipped to do. What happens next surprises them both.
Like her earlier books, Laureano creates another delicious story with complex characters, and a realistic faith journey. Characters from her earlier books make an appearance, to the delight of her readers. The author provides enough backstory to allow a reader to enjoy this as a stand-alone title. Neither of her main characters are perfect – Ana is a workaholic, and Bryan was a “player” but he is trying to change. Both are on a journey that will change them to the better. The theme of honesty, faithfulness, and God’s redemptive love run throughout the story.
Just as her earlier books give the reader an insider’s view on restaurants and the food industry, Solid Grounds Coffee Company offers the same on the coffee industry. Who wouldn’t want to spend some time with a clean romance and a good cup of coffee?
Carol R. Gehringer
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
!I loved this book so very much!
Ana finally gets to tell her story and I wasn’t disappointed.
Ana was kind of hard to connect with but as I’ve said before, you don’t have to connect with the characters to enjoy a fabulous read! But, I will say this about her. She’s one amazing woman that’s for sure and certain! I’d love to have her talent! I loved that Carla showed that she was flawed just like the rest of us and has self doubts too. We all do!
Sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing but I felt that Mason had that one coming to him It’s sad about politician’s families how their children and wives get caught up in it. I didn’t really even like Mason because he was too dirty and underhanded to care about anyone else but himself!
I’m glad to see Rachel and Melody were back. These are the most amazing women! I admire them very much!
Carla has a way of making her characters coming to life for us and I’ve made friends with them and I felt myself drooling over their food. (Too bad there isn’t any recepies) I’d like to try cooking some of Rachel’s delicatessens myself except for the lamb. Ick!
Sometimes our lives don’t pan out the way we want them to. Take Bryan’s for example? I liked his get go. He didn’t let life get him down. He just got right back up and tried something new. I rooted for him the whole entire time.
I don’t drink coffee but I did learn a lot from this awesome story. Diet Dew is my to go drink.
I never knew so much went into making coffee! My goodness!
There is a Bible reference in this story but I will let ya’ll figure it out. I don’t want to spoil it for ya.
I highly recommend this book. Ya’ll just have read this awesome book! You’ll be glad you did!
My thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale publishers for a complimentary copy. I was NOT required to write a positive review. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my
I loved getting to know Ana and Bryan since they were both enigmatic in the previous books. I was impressed/intimidated by Ana’s intense work ethic- with her list making, exercising, and productivity. I can in no way relate, but it was fascinating to see what made her tick. I was surprised by some of the secrets that were revealed about her throughout the book. It was wonderful to experience more of her friendship with Rachel and Melody, especially as they prepared for Rachel’s wedding.
The book actually starts our from Bryan’s perspective and experience climbing in Colombia, and I have to say I didn’t much care for him, but that only allowed him to grow on me as I saw how he changed after he returns to Denver. It was interesting that the author chose not to show the time where he had his “come to Jesus” moments, and instead it was like the reader was seeing him and judging him the way his friends and family were in Denver- based on what they knew of him in the past, while getting an idea that his new choices are reflecting something different about him. I appreciated that as the book went on more layers were revealed about his true character and what led him to make the decisions he did in the past, as well as the influences that prompted such a drastic change in him.
I’m not a coffee drinker so the intricacies of the roasting of the beans was lost on me, but I liked the camaraderie that built between Ana and Bryan as they worked together to build the company. The emotion in the book was focused more on the changes in Ana and Bryan’s lives rather than on the romance, and I felt the chemistry was a little flat, but I really enjoyed getting to know the characters for themselves and seeing how letting go of the past gave them the freedom and peace they needed.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano is the perfect book for coffee lovers and gourmet food lovers everywhere. Even though this is the third book in Carla Laureano’s Supper Club series, it can be read as a standalone novel since the author includes the necessary background information about the characters. In fact, this is the first novel that I have ever read by Carla Laureano. However, since the three close female friends, Rachel, Melody, and Ana, all play a role throughout the series, I plan to go back and read the earlier books in the series to get the full details of how the supper club was originally formed and how the women met their significant others.
In the Solid Grounds Coffee Company, Analyn Sanchez, a crisis management associate, is put on leave when she refuses to comprise her morals to save the reputation of one of her clients. Her friend Bryan Shaw, a professional rock climber, finds himself also without a job and unexpectedly buys a coffee farm. Could starting a coffee business be the solution to both of their problems?
Along with the developing romantic relationship in The Solid Grounds Coffee Company, the novel takes readers to the heart of coffee production and makes them feel like they are part of the experience. Fans of the Saturday Night Supper Club will love this third installment of the series as coffee and good food come together for a satisfying experience. Readers will want to enjoy their favorite coffee house drink while reading this book. The Solid Grounds Coffee Company is recommended for readers of contemporary romance.
I purchased a copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.