MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I really enjoyed getting to know Justin and Melody and all of the other characters in Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe. I didn’t expect to like this series so well, but the stories are different than what I’ve ever read and it was a sure delight reading this story, as well as the first in this series. Melody’s love for baking soon found her with her own restaurant. But without the guy she was in love with. Justin was fulfilling a duty to his sister and brother in law.

I’ve only read a few books by Carla Laureano, and I’ve found she’s an excellent writer. I enjoyed the way this story flows, keeping my interest until the last page. I grew to love the realistic characters, especially with Melody and Justin. And the strong sense of making the right decisions, and letting God guide your life was woven within the lives of the characters. This isn’t a fantastic read folks, check this one out!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

I was pretty excited to start Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe. Somehow, I hadn’t yet read Saturday Night Supper Club and was in desperate need of a Carla book. I’m happy to report that you can read this novel as a stand alone, but fair warning, if you haven’t read the first in the series, you’ll want to start it as soon as you finish Bittersweet.

What first intrigued me was the idea of a bittersweet cafe. I wondered what was bittersweet about the cafe, knowing it was about a baker, but also knowing that Carla wouldn’t play off of something as obvious as bittersweet chocolate. Clearly, I’m not a writer. As the story unfolded I thought that it fit the title perfectly at times sweet, at times bitter, at times both.

I had a hard time putting this book down, wanting to turn the pages as I watched Melody and Justin grow as individuals while trying to figure out their relationship. Both are torn and struggle with who they want to be. They flounder, as humans do, but eventually find their way to each other in a satisfying ending that will leave you with a contented sigh.

I struggled a bit with Rachel’s role as best friend in this story and there were several times that I wasn’t sure I liked her. But, I also remembered how my bestie didn’t like my hubs very much at the beginning (and I hadn’t liked her beaus either), because she loved me and didn’t want to see me hurt. With that perspective I understood more where Rachel is coming from and in the end, she grows as well.

In the end, Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe left me craving chocolate croissants and the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this story but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is quite unlike the other romance books I read and review. I mean - there's no naked guy on the cover, for one. And you will not find any sex within it's pages. However, setting all that aside (because I do not believe a book needs to have sex in order for it to be a worthwhile romance), this was a lovely book about Melody, a woman yearning to return to Paris to open up her own bakery, and Justin, a pilot finding a relationship when that is the last thing he's wanting.

We learn so much about these two as they navigate dating and a relationship. From similarities and differences, to real life obstacles of decisions and change - we experience it all with these characters.

Since this is a Christian romance (definitely a FIRST for this blog), there is mentioning of God. I say this knowing that not all my readers may want to read about God (I respect all, y'all).

I recommend this book to everyone and anyone wanting to read a heartfelt romance with real-life obstacles - especially if you enjoy a book that has to do with food and baking! Truly a lovely read.

A wonderful read when I was feeling exhausted and depleted. A Christian chick-fic read that has depth. I liked how the novel explored the protagonist, Melody’s, relationship with her mother, her strong set of girlfriends, her past relationships with men, and where she found her identity. Views of God played a strong role as well. The author did a good job with exploring the culinary world and some aspects of being a pilot.
I really enjoyed this one!

Like a decadent dessert that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug, Laureano’s latest romance is the kind of novel to be slowly savored even while wanting to devour it in one gulp. From the first meet-cute between Melody and Justin, readers are immersed completely in the story with each of their five senses. Scenes of Melody baking at home and setting up her bookish-foodie social media photos are surprisingly soothing, while the sizzling romance amps up the tension again. While there’s some turbulence ahead for this pilot-baker relationship, the ultimate destination is worth the ride!

I cannot get enough of Carla Laureano’s books. The stories are great, the characters are relatable, and the food is amazing! If nothing else, read it for the food people 😉 just kidding. I think if you start to just read it for the food, you’ll find yourself hooked into the story so much that the food takes a back seat. Especially the opening chapters – I mean that stuff only happens on the Hallmark Channel, right!? But it just fit into this story so well.

I have been looking forward to this book ever since I first read about it. I am a baker myself, and so of course that aspect would speak to me. But getting an update on characters from The Saturday Night Supper Club was what I was searching for as well. And you get some GREAT updates!!! I better change the subject before I spill the beans.

Laureano is a wonderful author. She makes you feel like you are part of the friend group, part of the town, and part of the story. You feel like you are the one that’s trying to follow their dream. At times, you feel like Justin is talking to you (swoon). Don’t read while hungry either – you’ll find yourself making a mad dash for the snack cabinet! But here’s the thing Laureano does best – she gives readers a spiritual truth that will leave them reflecting on their own spiritual journey. I almost didn’t realize it was happening until I got pretty deep into the story, and then BAM! Yes I enjoyed the story. Yes I enjoyed the food. But I loved this time of reflection, and looking back at what the characters had gone through with the help of their Heavenly Father, and how I could use that in my own life.

I highly recommend this book, well the series actually, to all Christian Fiction lovers. All the hype you see about this series? Yeah, it’s there for a reason. I cannot wait to see what comes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It is very rare to find that the sequel of a book is even better than the original. Nonetheless, Carla has written a heartwarming story of 2 people who are cautiously taking on a new adventure and seeing where the wind takes them.
As the sequel to The Saturday Night Supper Club, Bittersweet Cafe reintroduces us to the Supper Club friends. In this book, we follow the story of Melody Johannson. She has a flair for baking and a love for all things Paris. When she meets pilot Justin Keller, she's instantly attracted but also alarmed because she's fallen for attractive men before and they've let her down.
Loved it from beginning to end! I can not wait for the 3rd book in this series. As a Colorado resident, I loved all the local references! They are places I've been to or driven past and it just adds a sense of realism to the story. Almost like these people live here and you passed them on the street. I had the great honor of meeting Carla at a local library event in Colorado and was genuinely surprised by how down to earth she is!

"Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe" is such a sweet and refreshing story! On the very first page I was transported to the bakery kitchen where Melody works, hearing the wind swirling the snow around outside, smelling the yeast and the various kinds of breads mingling together in the air. Then came the knock at the door and working this shift alone changed for Melody as she let pilot Justin in to use the phone and get warm. Carla did such a good job at setting the scene, introducing the characters and the internal struggles they are dealing with and showing their hearts and faith. Melody is working a job that will pay the bills, but her heart isn't in it and while she has faith, she needs to really test that faith and really truly rely on God. The story line flows nicely and the way Carla writes really brings the entire book to life, the descriptions are so vivid and it made me want to go check out every bakery within a 100 mile radius! This is such a great book featuring food and faith, the perfect mix!

This is truly a most scrumptious book, no other words to describe it!!! The title gives a big clue to the deliciousness found between the front and back cover . After reading "The Saturday Night Supper Club" by this author, I was prepared for a tasty read and indeed, it was!! As the main character is a chef, what else would you expect?? There were lots of detailed descriptions of every dessert that Melody made, causing me to have a strong desire to jump in the car and find the nearest bakery!

The underlying themes in this novel, family problems, healing broken relationships, attempting to find forgiveness and learning to forgive self and others are situations with which we can all identify. Learning to trust again is so very difficult. Melody is so vividly and realistically described that the reader finds themselves feeling her every emotion. Justin is the man of whom every woman dreams. Will a relationship develop when there are so many complications and challenges ???

The plot moves at a steady pace and keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end. There are just enough twists and turns to keep one reading beyond bedtime! This is a truly captivating tale that you should not miss. Entertaining, makes one think of deeper thoughts of forgiveness , as well as putting the greatest desire within , for tasty treats!!
This author has an exceptional talent of describing so well that the reader can not only see a delectable baked book, but almost taste it, as well.

I am eagerly awaiting the next book from the talented Carla Laureano!

I did not have the pleasure of reading book 1 in the Supper Club series, but it's ok. This book was easily read as a stand alone! Ms. Laureano's writing style is incredibly captivating and absolutely breath taking. I could smell the delicious aromas wafting from the pages of this inspirational read.

I loved the life like feel Laureano gave to Melody and Justin. They really were tenderly chiseled and amazing for their roles in the book! Watching them together, wondering what would be next for them, really kept me turning the pages long into the night.

Laureano creates a masterful story that reminds us to have a little faith in life. Have a little faith that the Man upstairs may know just what you need to make your dreams come true (even if it isn't exactly as you planned!), and your relationships work out. From start to finish, this book will leave you with a hunger for more (no pun intended!), and the characters will be with you long after you've shut the book.

Sadly, I'll not be able to enjoy the goodness of baked goods much anymore due to food allergies, so I'll leave vicariously through the 4 star reads of the Supper Club. Don't miss out on this great novel. It's one you'll want to share with others or keep on your shelf to reread the goodness over again. Definitely looking forward to more just like this one as well as going back and reading book 1.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

Brunch at the Bittersweet Café by Carla Laureano is the second book in The Saturday Night Supper Club series. I didn't read the first book, so I can attest to the fact that this book can serve as a standalone.

The main character is Melody Johansson, who is a quirky woman who loves baking, books and vintage objects. (As an aside, I totally loved that Melody took "bookstagram" photos too!) Melody is a baker and pastry chef who seems to have a series of bad relationships. In the early hours of the morning, a handsome stranger knocks at the door of her bakery because his car is stuck in the snow. Right away Melody is thinking that this stranger just may be a sign from God. The handsome stranger is Justin Keller who is a private pilot with a demanding schedule. Justin doubts he will ever be interested in any kind of a relationship.

It's clear to readers that the theme to this story is the fact that we need to trust God even when things seem to be falling apart. The author really knows how to work spiritual truths into the story exactly where those truths provide the biggest impact. I enjoyed Melody's friendships with Rachel and Ana just as much as I enjoyed the romance between Melody and Justin. I felt that the characters were well-developed and realistic. I appreciated the fact that the characters in this story really had their own struggles to get through -- their lives weren't all sugar coated and easy like we sometimes find in Christian stories. These folks had real life trials and tribulations that our family, our friends, and we, ourselves, actually go through which made it very realistic.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe by Carla Laureano is such a fun read. Foodies will love the baking
techniques and everyone will enjoy the mouthwatering treats described in this
book. Be prepared to crave freshly baked loaves of bread and sweets of all
kinds. This book will test your diet! Readers who loved The Saturday Night
Supper Club will love this book. It revisits the characters from that book and
has a similar feel to that book, but the plot is completely different. It can
be read as a standalone novel, but why wouldn’t you want to read the other book
first? Both books are an absolute delight to read and I highly recommend them.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations.
These opinions are entirely my own.

With the main character being a baker it comes as no surprise that quite a bit of time is spent in the kitchen. All the mouth-watering goodies will have readers drooling. Melody has dreams of opening her own bakery and being able to choose what she makes but cannot see a way to achieve that goal. But then she receives an unexpected inheritance and her dreams seem to be within reach. However she has just met Justin, who already has plans in place that will entail him moving across the country. Justin is intrigued by Melody and wants to spend time with her but the timing is off. How dangerous is it for their hearts to spend more time together even though their lives are heading in different directions?

After meeting Melody in book 1 of the series I was looking forward to getting to know her more. I was drawn to Justin, he has a caring heart and will do anything for his family. I appreciated that he was honest and upfront about his feelings and situation. These two don’t seem like an obvious match but I liked them together. There was a point in the story where I found myself really frustrated with Rachel, her attitude and treatment of Melody felt very selfish. I was pleased that Melody stood up for herself and that they were able to work through the issues and the one incident didn’t ruin their relationship. I felt their friendship was stronger in the end.

As I became more invested in the story my attachment to Justin and Melody grew. I tried to figure out things would turn out for them, but I couldn’t see a scenario where they would both be able to achieve their dreams. Would one of them have to give up their goals and if so would they regret it? I was intrigued to see what was going to happen. The story took me on an emotional journey, but it was one I enjoyed.

Let me start with my favorite quote from the book: "Whatever you choose to do, give your plans to God and He will give you all you desire."

Family and food are the highlights of Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe. Family might not be everything that we want it to be. Sometimes family is messy and friends mess up. The relationships are worth fighting for, but you also have to know when to step back instead of pushing for what you want. We have to realize that God has plans for us. His plans will always work out better than our plans.

Both Melody and Justin had several failed relationships behind them. That made them skittish about their feelings for each other and helped to make their journeys more realistic. Melody had to realize that her perception of how things are might not be how things truly are. Our view of the world can be clouded by heartache and history. You have to be willing to take the blinders off and understand that no one is perfect.

I seriously wanted to bake bread after reading Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe. I could almost smell it baking as I read through Melody's baking moments. All of the settings were clear enough that I could visualize everything. There were moments of comedy that had me chuckling and lessons learned that made me give thought to my own life.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh my word. I think I put on five kilos just reading this book, and the romance was even more delicious than the food. But this story was so much more than a light and fluffy endorphin stimulant. These characters had some tough choices before them and had to ask themselves: Which regret can you live with? And which one would tear you apart? I can tell you how 999,999 contemporary romances would have answered those questions, but this story was the one-in-a-million that turned those answers on their heads and went deeper, bringing the story to a conclusion that set it apart as a loaf of hand-crafted artisan bread in a world full of supermarket sandwich loaves.

But I’m not going to lie to you; Melody and Justin made this book. I was hooked from the minute Justin knocked on the bakery door two pages in. They had such incredibly natural chemistry, and Carla Laureano not only knows how to get the most out of every last scrumptious drop, she also knows how to make it rich and emotionally satisfying without becoming sickly sweet. Never mind that all of that only made Justin and Melody’s dilemma more agonising!

I also need to mention the secondary characters, who added so much to this novel. In many ways, this was a story about family and friendship as much as it was a romance. But I could gush about this book for ages, when really, you just need to read it for yourself. Go and get a copy now!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I have eye balled the first book but this is the first time that I actually have checked out this series. This book can be read as a stand alone novel. Although, after reading this book I do want to go back and read book one. A part of that reason is due to Melody's friends, Rachel and Ana. They are the type of friends that any woman needs and wants.

As I got to know Melody, I felt for her. She did not really know love from her mother. Her mother did things only if it helped benefit her. Yet, Melody was a heart warming person. Thus, I could see why Justin was falling for her. When it comes to Justin, I must admit that I have a place for pilots. My love of aviation is to blame for this. Plus, it does not hurt that he is so nice. Speaking of romance, between these two. It was on the sweet and tender side. Brunch at Bittersweet Café is yummy like a homemade chocolate chip cookie.

"I loved the way Melody used baking as a coping mechanism. Having dealt with feelings of abandonment most of her life, she became very skilled at baking. . .

Justin appeared to be a stereotypical pilot - handsome and self-assured and yet Melody discovered he had many layers and all wasn't as it appeared. I loved that even though he never sought deep relationships, he was not shallow and refused to lead any woman on or treat her with less than respect. And he certainly knew how to make a grand gesture!

Both Melody and Justin had to learn to understand faith. To be able to see that God caring didn't necessarily mean that bad things wouldn't happen. I felt that the author did a great job in making their faith journey a natural part of the narrative. I also liked the way they both had to come to realize that not everything was as they thought - they both had significant misconceptions that colored their world.

The writing is so great! Not only are there millions of quotable lines, the descriptions of the food were amazing. And I don't even like many of the foods they talked about. Well, except the non-bread and dessert foods. The desserts and breads sounded yummy!

I enjoyed learning more about flying through this story. I had some misconceptions that were cleared up. It was also fun to learn more about commercial baking. The author shared a great many details without dragging the story down at all.

Though Brunch at Bittersweet Café couldn't be mistaken for a Cinderella re-telling, there was a fun thread about the fairy tale throughout. Though subtle, it was there nonetheless and added a fun element as I watched for more hints of it as I read.

Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

This book ranks way up at the top–it’s a Five star book!

The only thing truly bittersweet about it was reaching the end.

I’ve mentioned this book on here numerous times recently, and wanted to leave a review. But…I absolutely loved this story and have been struggling to piece words together in a review that will begin to do justice to this story.
If you are a foodie or love to bake, your mouth will be drooling as you read. I kept wishing the author would have included recipes to go with all those delicious pastry items that were mentioned.
Not only were the food details scrumptious, the main character was off the charts as well.
I immediately loved Melody. Her take on life. Her outlook, and so much more…I could easily relate to her.

I enjoyed reading all the details about the cafe she and her friend Rachel decided to open. Everything was described in such vivid words that it felt like a real place…a place I can’t wait to go to. (I have no idea what career, if any, Carla Laureano pursues (in addition to writing novels, I mean), but I feel that she would have a lot of talent to decorate sweet little cafes just like this one. Her knowledge of the process was impeccable!

Back to the story. Melody. And yes, this is a romance. So, that brings me to the part where I mention…the romance. Yes…her relationship with Justin is truly unique. They meet when his car is left stranded beside the road. Melody’s been burned too many times and isn’t sure that she wants to go into another relationship.
And yet, they can’t help but be drawn to each other.
But their relationship seems to be over before it’s ever begun.
Will they be able to overcome those obstacles and find true love?
This story is expertly woven and kept me glued to the pages. First, I could tell it would end one way, and then, it was heading in the other direction. The author honestly kept me guessing until the end…I had no idea how this all could possibly be resolved, or if it would. And I did not want to reach the last pages…because then it would be over.
I also enjoyed getting to become reacquainted with other characters from the Saturday Night Supper Club book.
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

What a fascinating book! As one who is married to an executive chef, and a baker myself, I found myself totally immersed in the story. Melody sounds like a person that would be so much fun to get to know. Her belief that God has everything in control seems so very wrong to her friend Justin. In order to follow your dream, or passion, you had to set a course and then stick to it, or so they both thought. Was it possible to deviate from that path and still have everything your heart desired? Could they learn to accept that 'all things work together for good', even as they looked back into the past?
A lovely story with such wonderful detail, I found myself getting hungry as I read.
I received this ARC from Tyndale Publishers and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.

My first experiences with Carla Laureano's work was when I saw The Saturday Night Supper Club in passing. However, I couldn't just pass it by. I read it and fell in love. Being a cake decorator and lover of cooking the book was right up my alley. And then came along Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe! The cover has macarons on it for goodness sake. I may have let out a tiny squeal when I saw that there was a book 2. It took me a day and a half to devour the book. All the puns intended. The flow of Ms. Laureano's writing is just so captivating. The words make you read them faster. They beg to be read faster. There were moments of laughter, frustration, holding my breath as well as moments of tears. I loved all the talk of bread and pastry. (I wish there were recipes in the back of the kindle file!)
The characters were believeable, likeable, loveable actually! I want to have friends like Melody has Ana and Rachel. Those genuine friends who cheer you on, know you from the inside out, and love you even when you're not at your finest or even at your worst. Melody and Justin - while I almost felt like it was too good to be true and that there needed to be a little more intense conflict within their story, I loved their romance. It was wonderfully sweet and tastefully written. I didn't care if it maybe wasn't what normally happens in real life, every girl hopes that to be real life; like a fairy tale. A modern day fairy tale. I'm so glad Rachel, Alex, and Ana were so involved in the 2nd book. A lot of times series novels can loose characters as they move on to subsequent books where the focus is on another character in the original book. I'm glad those 3 were an integral part of this book. It kept the story moving so much better. I found myself more interested and had an easier time getting into the book because I didn't have to meet a ton of new characters. I kind of cringe at that part of reading new books. This book had none of that!
I would love to see these stories be made into a movie. I would buy that movie and watch it over and over. This is a great book and I would highly recommend it (and The Saturday Night Supper Club).
I received a digital copy of this book as a member of the Celebrate Lit blog team. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.