Just A Fika is a delightful cozy fantasy romance featuring a matchmaking ghostly grandma, a Scandinavian-inspired town on the Jersey Shore, and a genealogist searching for her own family history. If you are a fan of the cozy fantasy genre, you will enjoy this. It's lighter on the magic and heavier on the love story. Both the characters and the setting in Just A Fika were a highlight for me. Ingrid's fun personality really shone through in her narration, and all of her family members and neighbors felt unique. Aegir Haven felt like a real beach town; reading this transported me down the shore. I also liked the elements of Swedish culture throughout the book and learned a lot from it. The plot was not the tightest and the romance didn't quite work for me, but that didn't matter because I loved the characters and setting so much. If the author writes more books in this world, I would definitely read them. Overall, this book was a sweet, quick, and heartwarming story that I would definitely recommend for a summer read.

Simply adorable and fun! All the nods to Sweden made me nostalgic to visit my home country. I hope we get more books like this, and more New Jersey plants lol! Fun and interesting, you will enjoy FIKA and potentially learn something as well.

I loved this book and how it represents the meaning and closeness of family. Especially after someone’s passes away. I hope to see more from this author.

JUST A FIKA was a delightful read and one I couldn't put down. (I read this one on a long quiet Sunday.)

It had the feel of a cozy (without the mystery) with its quirky ghosts, wonderful setting, and fantastic character development. Ingrid is a complicated character where family is concerned, and she is surrounded by cousins, family history, and her meddling, hilarious (and dead) grandmother. Even her family home is a bit of a character in itself.

The paddle boarding scene had me hugging myself - it was just lovely! Highly recommend this charmer by Beck Erixson.

This cute paranormal romance is so warm and cozy! I wish my grandmother would come and visit me.
I just reviewed Just a Fika by Beck Erixson. #JustAFika #NetGalley
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⭐⭐⭐⭐

A heartwarming story about family, friends, connection and belonging.

'When taking a fika, the purpose is to slow down and appreciate the silver linings in life'.

Ingrid moves from her city life to Aegar Haven, tasked with becoming a caretaker of her family home. What she doesn't expect is to see her long dead Mormor in the house, who's quite the mischievous character, but has Ingrids best interests at heart.

Filled with friends, family, laughter, hurt and even a love triangle - sometimes all you need is to have a coffee with your loved ones and appreciate the little things in life and those around you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for this ARC - Skål!

It was exposition-heavy but it brought me right back into my own life growing up Norwegian (Note in the book they're Swedish!). That aspect was just lovely, and I had a good time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aegir for the ARC.

Ingrid moves to her family home on the Jersey shore and finds that she’s not living alone. Her dearly departed Mormor is with her and soon she finds that all he women of her family have a part in telling their family story. As a genealogist, Ingrid is tasked with collecting and telling her family’s story, but she gains so much more in the process.

Love, both passionate of family, relationships and roots are all part of this one and I found it both enjoyable and comforting in equal measure. I wish it were a series with Mormor and the other female members of the family taking part in shenanigans and other aspects of life moving forward. If it’s not clear, I LOVED this book!

I really struggled with this. The story was all over the place and the writing did not work for me. The premise sounded good but the execution didn’t work out.

I absolutely LOVED “Just a Fika” by Beck Erixson! It was the perfect blend of heartwarming, magical and cozy! Centered around family, history, small towns, eccentric ghosts, love and loss - this is a book that will stick with me for awhile!

Thank you so much to Beck Erixson for the advanced copy!

A Heartwarming Blend of Family, Romance, and the Supernatural

Just a Fika: Coffee, Connection, and a Matchmaking Ghost Grandmother by Beck Erixson is a delightful and heartwarming story that skillfully combines elements of family, romance, and the supernatural. This enchanting tale explores the importance of family connections, even after death, and the unexpected ways in which love can enter our lives.

The story follows Ingrid Ekstrom, a genealogist from Brooklyn, who finds herself accepting an unusual request from her estranged family: to become the caretaker of their ancestral home in the sleepy town of Aegir Haven. As Ingrid begins her journey of discovery, she not only unravels the secrets of the house’s past but also encounters her long-deceased grandmother, Mormor, who inexplicably appears in the physical realm.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its well-developed and relatable characters. Ingrid is a strong and determined protagonist, searching for stronger family connections and a place to belong. The author beautifully portrays her internal struggle as she finds herself torn between the affections of a young real estate attorney and a charming bluegrass musician. Ingrid’s longing for familial love and the dilemma she faces when confronted with Mormor’s matchmaking efforts create a compelling emotional arc.

Beck Erixson’s writing style is engaging and evocative, effortlessly immersing the reader in the sleepy Jersey Shore town of Aegir Haven. The atmospheric descriptions of the historic house and its surroundings add depth and richness to the story, making the setting feel almost like a character in its own right. Erixson’s seamless blending of lore, legends, and real-life elements adds a touch of enchantment to the narrative, keeping the reader guessing about the true nature of Mormor’s fantastical family sagas.
While the story progresses at a steady pace, there are moments when the plot feels predictable, and some of the twists and turns may be anticipated by astute readers. However, Erixson’s skillful storytelling and the genuine warmth infused into the relationships between characters more than make up for any predictable elements.

Overall, Just a Fika is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance with a touch of the supernatural. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family connections and the magic that can be found in unexpected places. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and enchanting story to curl up with, this book is a perfect choice.