Here we are — another new week! I cannot believe Memorial Day Weekend is at the end of this week… the year is passing by, and well, I’ve been in my pajamas for 95% of it.
Oh well! Honestly, I have been struggling a bit to read lately. It’s been difficult to focus on much of anything, but over the weekend I was able to get pretty comfortable on my patio, leave my phone inside and just read. I finished two books!
The latest read from Blanche’s Book Club is “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake” by Amy E. Reichert. Here’s the scoop:
In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.
Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.
The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?
Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.
I bought this book years ago and just never got around to reading it — no idea why, because I love a plot centered around food! Honestly, this book was like a Hallmark movie in book form, and I mean that as a compliment.
It was light, and it’s a struggling-yet-adorable-hard-working woman meets successful-arrogant guy… and there’s love and lots of food.
Overall, I really liked this book. There were a few small things that kept me from loving it — like why would an experienced food critic not know what cheese curds are? There were other blatant flaws, but I don’t want to give any spoilers.
But, I enjoyed the Midwest spin and all of the places the book went — to the fair, to restaurants, to festivals… it makes for a good summer read. I’d recommend this book if you’re into rom-coms… and Hallmark movies 🙂
The next book Blanche’s Book Club will be reading is “This is How it Always is” by Laurie Frankel.
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