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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I’m still in a book daze from this one! Such a fabulously written book. And it’s about coffee. Oh yeah and there are characters too! This is the third book in the series. Ana decides to help Bryan woh his startup coffee roasting business. They both have pasts. And those pasts define who they are, and with Ana, it seems to have changed the path on which she went. I enjoyed the journey the characters took and seeing previous characters from the other two books. Definitely a must read, and it was very interesting to learn more about the coffee process along the way. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
I was excited to read the third story in the Supper Club series by Carla Laureano! The Solid Grounds Coffee Company did not disappoint. I couldn’t wait to hear Ana’s story and it was a story I connected with. Ana is battling a lot in this story. Troubles with her job, family, friends, and relationships in general. I loved watching how this story developed and the redemption that happens.
I also enjoyed the hero’s backstory. Bryan is also going through a lot and I love the journey you see him take and how both Ana and Bryan connect at the heart of the Solid Grounds Coffee Company. It is a sweet story of love, strength, and the journey of life that includes both ups and downs.
This story can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. If you haven’t read the first two, I would also recommend them! It is a fun series of friendships, food, and journeys!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
This is the concluding book in the delightfully tasteful Saturday Night Supper Club series.
I’ve loved the first two, and also enjoyed this one.
This book explores in detail what is involved in purchasing and running a coffee farm in South America. I loved this premise. The idea of helping an area that is struggling financially to be more self sufficient.
I also loved the details showcasing the Solid Grounds Coffee Company. The process of roasting coffee beans, the production, marketing, and logistics of it all.
And then, there’s the characters, Bryan and Ana. Characters I already had met and gotten to appreciate in the earlier books. They are portrayed in a way that I feel like I would know them if I’d meet them on the street. I appreciated their authenticity. It was interesting to see how they interacted with each other, given their earlier history.
I also found it quite intriguing to read more of Ana’s back story. So much is explained, giving credence to who she is, why her personality, her characteristics, and her tendencies are the way they are.
This book isn’t as much of a ‘foodie’ book as the previous two in the series. There is a brief visit to the Saturday Night Supper Club, but it is much more in the background.
This book has a number of completely unexpected plot twists. While I didn’t necessarily like them, I found them to be very well written.
The story as a whole was captivating, and a good conclusion to this series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
A solidly satisfying story! Ana finally gets a chance to tell her story and show all of who she really is behind her cool, calm, and seemingly perfect walls. Bryan is captivated by Ana and wants to know more. He’s willing to go all in, past mistakes, weaknesses and all, because he has come to grasp who he really is now. I love how he does not give up on her and how their relationship grows from friends to more. I really enjoyed the bantering, friendly competitions, and their ability to challenge each other to be better versions of themselves. A supremely satisfying conclusion to a delightfully delicious series.
This was such a delightful end to this wonderful series. I loved seeing Ana and Bryan finally get their happily ever after. Not without bumps in between.
This was a beautiful story of second chances, of love between friends and of coffee.
Bryan has made some terrible mistakes and he knows it but he’s different now ready to set on this new course of his life. I love that he was upfront and sincere about his past and his testimony tied to his coffee business even when his friends didn’t believe him, he didn’t hide anything from them.
And then there’s Ana, type A all the way always wanting to have control of everything that concerned her but deep down she was afraid that her past might catch up with her and so hid it from her friends. I love how Bryan loved her, not bothered about her job or her personality but just loved her. And when she finally told Melody and Rachel, like true friends they listened and understood without judgements.
It was fun to see characters from the previous series and the romances that began the series but it was also insightful to learn more about coffee.
As with every book in this series, the food was a delight to read about but I found myself craving a good cup of coffee now and then even though I’m not a coffee drinker.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
I’ve enjoyed reading this series by Carla Laureano and this book brings to a satisfying conclusion all of the storylines in the three books. Ana has been one of my favorite characters in this series, and I was glad to finally read her story.
There are strong themes of redemption and forgiveness in this book. Bryan is a “prodigal son” who has returned to a relationship with God and is attempting to leave his old life behind and make a new start. Ana is drawn to Bryan, but she has things in her own past that makes it hard for her to trust him. As they work together to promote Bryan’s coffee company, they discover that they make a great team. But even though Bryan has repented and is making a new start, the consequences of his past still remain. Ana has to decide whether or not she will let fear and her desire for perfection rule her heart.
There’s some good lessons in this book for all of us about giving and receiving forgiveness and trust. This is a very good Christian contemporary romance, and I’ll look forward to reading the next series by this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Wonderful and engaging story! I love the characters, I felt as if I knew them personally. This story just twist and turns keeping the reader fully entranced with the story. Leaving a life a behind to become a better person is something that will resonate with every reader. A sweet clean romance that has secrets. I loved everything about this book, climbing, coffee, romance and the group of supporting friends. Carla Laureano has a penchant for writing stories that shows life is messy but beautiful. This is Book is definitely a best seller that will have every reader putting Carla Laureano as a top author on their list.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
What a fantastic end to the Saturday Night Supper Club series! I was so anticipating Ana and Bryan’s stories and this book did not disappoint. Their romance has been a slow burn, beginning in Book 1. Their friendship and banter is absolutely delightful. I found myself smiling and giggling to myself throughout the entire book. And their chemistry is nothing short of passionae! The friendship between Ana, Rachel, and Melody along with Bryan, Justin, and Alex is so endearing. I love the way they’re always there for each other, encouraging and supporting one another. So grab yourself a cup of joe and dig in because you’re gonna love this ending!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I just finished listening (on MP3 CDs) to The Solid Grounds Coffee Company and LOVED IT! Both the author–Carla Laureano–and the performer on the MP3 CDs–Teri Schnaubelt–produced a magnificent novel! Having read the preceding books in the series, I was eager to learn Ana’s story and was entranced by it. It was rich with intrigue and interesting details about coffee, rock climbing, publicists, perfectionism, self awareness, yoga, family dynamics, forgiveness, and more. Both Bryan and Ana experienced redemption and vowed to focus on integrity as well as loving each other. It will be one of 2020’s outstanding novels!
I absolutely loved the third installment of the Saturday Night Supper Club series! I enjoyed the clean romance, the story of redemption and second chances. TSGCC focused on Ana Sanchez and her adventure in job choices as a publicist, love, secrets, and figuring out who she really is and wants to be. One thing I love about Carla Laureano is the cleanliness of her writing and the example of Christian love and friendships she portrays in her characters. I wish there was more to the stories of Rachel, Melody and Ana. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it as a women’s fiction/romance novel.
*I would like to think Carla for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review*
This is a great series. I love how each book centers around the Saturday Night Supper Clubs. This has great characters and showed me stuff I never knew about coffee. I enjoyed learning some of the things that are needed to start up a business. I enjoyed the romance in this book also. Some of the descriptions had me smelling the coffee. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This is a great conclusion to this series. Ana and Bryan have always had a a little flirtatious relationship. They having been dancing around how they feel about each other for awhile. Bryan comes back like the prodigal son. He purchased a coffee farm in Columbia. Bryan finally feels a connection to something. Ana wants to feel connected to something so she becomes his advisor in this new venture. At first they both are reluctant to see where their relationship will lead. Because if it does not work out it will make things hopelessly awkward for their group. Ana and Bryan have wonderful chemistry. I loved seeing Ana open her true self up to Bryan. It was wonderful to see Melody, Rachel, Justin and Alex again. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who loved romances, woman’s fiction or christian fiction.
What a heartfelt and satisfying ending!
“The Solid Grounds Coffee Company” was WONDERFUL! I’m so sad to say goodbye to these characters. Carla Laureano truly has a gift for a story set in this age and time, bringing truth and thoughtful reflection, while also providing enough banter and laughter.
Who knew Analyn Sanchez was holding on to so many masks. As a successful publicist, she sure looks like she has it all together. But when a scandal forces her to go on leave, she finds herself with too much extra time to reflect. Add to that Bryan Shaw coming back to Denver completely changed and requesting her help to open a business.
When you’re humbled and brought low, crawling on your knees, you know there is no going back — the question is, will others believe you? This haunts Bryan as he works hard to bring redemption to the story of coffee farmers in another hemisphere who took the time to know him and nurture his soul when he most needed. He knows his past is a disappointment, but what might just catch him by surprise is that he can teach something to Ana about the freedom in honesty and vulnerability.
I wish this series could go on forever! I am so sad that The Saturday Night Supper Club series has come to an end with the release of The Solid Grounds Coffee Company today. With that said this book is a perfect ending to an absolutely wonderful series.
Ms. Laureano shows her research skills in the description of how coffee beans are roasted. It was so interesting to learn about the process.
Until reading this book I had no idea that there were cocaine farms in Columbia being turned into coffee bean farms. I love this idea and think that it is a beautiful way to turn something evil into something lovely.
The friendship between Melody, Rachel and Ana is one of those relationships that endure the test of time with life changes and realistic struggles.
The banter between Ana and Bryan is fun. Both Ana and Bryan have baggage, and baggage they’re not proud of. Bryan’s is out in the open, Ana keeps hers close to the vest. Yet, little by little Ana trusts Bryan and the wall she’s built to protect her begins to fall away.
The faith message Ms. Laureano weaves throughout the story is one that we all struggle with. Why do bad things happen to people whose faith and trust is in God. She doesn’t sugar coat it she shows that life is messy, things don’t always go like we hoped or planned.
This series is Carla Laureano at her best! I highly recommend reading the series in order.
HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, Carla Laureano!!!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’ve never read any of Laureano’s Supper Club series, I feel bad for you! Truly, this series has been one of my favorites in recent history and I am sad to say that with “The Solid Grounds Coffee Company” it will end. So forgive my obvious sadness and make sure you seek out copies of all these amazing books after reading my review. 😉
Analyn and Bryan are both characters who make appearances in the previous books. They’ve always had a certain chemistry, but never really connected past some flirting. It was really interesting to see Ana and Bryan’s character arcs come full circle in “The Solid Grounds Coffee Company.”
After years of doing image management for some of the world’s richest people, Analyn finds herself stuck with a truly difficult client who has no respect for himself or anyone else. She believes she can deal with his indiscretions until he makes a choice to put her in the midst of a life and death situation that could have legal ramifications. This decision to do the right thing puts her in a precarious position with her job.
Bryan has a story of his own that begins with a wild lifestyle, a huge loss in the relationship department and finding himself jobless in South America. Approached by a non-profit that helps farmers break free from growing coca for the cartels in favor of coffee beans, Bryan is intrigued and ready to accept the job. He doesn’t expect the life change that will come after this agreement, and is thrust into a humbling restart of his life. After coming home to Denver, he reconnects with his Supper Club friends, who are unsure of what will come of the prodigal’s return.
Will Analyn be able to see past Bryan’s old reputation for being a ladies’ man and give him a chance? Or will the nagging suspicions and concern for keeping her heart safe curtail any chance at a relationship? What in the world does God have to do with any of this?
“The Solid Grounds Coffee Company” is a well done conclusion to a set of stories that really endear themselves to your heart. As I said, I am sad that the series is ending, but have really loved getting to know these characters and seeing them grow. Laureano does CF with a discerning eye, not minimizing the difficult choices we all face in our lives, but offering hope and allowing the reader to fall in love with an extended friend group that becomes family. I also learned a LOT about what goes in to crafting coffee and it was unusual to find such details in the book–none of which were glossed over. Very well done!
I was an early reader, thanks to the author and Tyndale House publishers. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.
So why is a non-coffee drinker reviewing a book about coffee?? Well, because this book is about coffee, but it’s much more about relationships – with God, family, friends, co-workers, and of course, romantic relationships. Laureano once again has written a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the main characters navigate all the relationships in their lives. Be warned that if you get to the 80% mark and it’s near bedtime – go to bed and finish the book the next day. There are several bombshell plot twists in the last 20% of the book!
I did learn a lot about coffee, but not enough to make me want to drink it 🙂 I’m sure that coffee connoisseurs will really enjoy those parts. I enjoyed all the good insights into honesty vs keeping up a facade, perfectionism vs being the person God made you to be, and how good friendships function.
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.
This is the third book of the series. Carla Laureano’s books are stories that speak to your heart and makes you want to know these characters personally. I loved the two other books in the series but this one is my favorite. The story of friendship that the three women share has been wonderful to read but this story of Ana and Bryan is even better. Their romance is special and getting to learn and understand how coffee is imported from Columbia and roasted took the story to a deeper level. Carla’s christian contemporary stories are wonderful – no reader will be disappointed.
I don’t drink coffee but this book is a good influencer.
Ana was this successful, no nonsense independent, cooperate woman. And in her line of profession; publicity, crises management she was fierce and a force to be reckoned with. But she had skeletons in her cupboard which made her project an image of perfect. Sadly she struggled to keep up that image. Until she decided to take her relationship with Bryan from just friends.
I loved how they complimented each other. From their funny banter to working together, they were like hammer and nail in total sync with each other.
Bryan too had his demons. He was a professional climber but dire circumstances prevented him for climbing. Then came the coffee matter. Wow!!! One of his most admirable trait even though he never saw himself as that was his boldness. He was bold and himself in all situations. That’s one of the triats that stole Analyn’s heart.
His come to Jesus moment was the most treasured part of this book because that was when he really started living.
Ana had a past to make peace with, Bryan had to start seeing himself the way God sees him.
This story winds around each of their realization moments with a lot of wonderful conversations, Bittersweet cafe and faith based lessons to keep your grounded.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
Book 3 in the Saturday Night Supper Club series is a powerful book! It can be read as a stand alone but you will recognize friends from earlier books in the series! Ana Sanchez is a crisis management associate who makes big bucks but the job has big demands. Bryan Shaw is an excellent male protagonist who has been a professional rock climber. Bryan makes poor life choices and ends up without a sponsor which makes him rethink his life and upbringing! I recommend The Solid Grounds Coffee Company to those who enjoy contemporary fiction. This is my honest opinion.
What a fun page-turning visit back to Denver for Ana’s story. I love that the trio of friends each get to share their own stories in this series. From Rachel in “The Saturday Night Supper Club” to Melody in “Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe” and now Ana in “The Solid Grounds Coffee Company”, I’ve enjoyed every step of the way! I enjoyed their friendship, how they supported one another through all the ups and downs of life, and the yummy food and drinks that pop up in each story. In “The Solid Grounds Coffee Company”, they paired my favorite birthday indulgence (chocolate flourless torte with raspberries), with the perfect coffee. Sign me up! I loved getting to hear Ana’s story. Strong, driven Ana, who uses her power trappings (perfect home, car, power suits, purses, shoes, etc) to her advantage for work, one wonders, is that the real her? And Bryan who compares himself to the Prodigal Son. These two have an attraction to one another that is so much fun to watch. I loved the humorous banter “Death or dismemberment? What, are we going to be juggling chainsaws?” I love stories about second chances with depth and humor, and that is exactly what you get in The Solid Grounds Coffee Company. I also really liked the fair trade coffee idea introduced in the book. I highly recommend The Solid Grounds Coffee Company and the whole Saturday Night Supper Club series!