Beyond the Book: Brunch at Bittersweet Care

Blurb

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 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.

Review:

Most of the time when I read a book I can figure out how the author is going to get a couple together, but this time I had no idea. Melody has a chance to fulfill her lifelong dream in Denver, and Justin has already committed to a life in Florida. Both of them had a lot to lose, and I really couldn’t see how the author was going to fix things.

I liked both Melody and Justin. They were well drawn and multi dimensional people who were easy to relate to. They made mistakes which kept the plot moving forward. The one thing that came through loud and clear was the growing love between them.

I think the descriptions in the book set the stage perfectly. Melody is a baker, and the book is filled with descriptions of marvelous baked goods. At one point I could swear I smelled fresh bread, LOL.

The book also discusses issues such as friendship, childhood issues, and bad choices in the past. All are handled tastefully as this is an inspirational novel.

I’d recommend it.  Just know that you’ll be peeking ahead to see how it all turns out.