Shaeden Berry always does a fantastic job in writing this type of book. It had that realistic element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed from this type of book. I enjoyed the use of grief and how realistic it was in this book.

At Café 64 is a haunting and emotional read that stayed with me long after I finished it. Shaeden Berry handles grief, trauma, and human connection with a delicate yet compelling touch. The story opens with an unthinkable tragedy, and from there, the novel dives into the lives of Maddie, Emily, and Flo, each struggling with their own ways of coping.

I loved how Berry explored the complexity of grief — it isn’t neat or linear, and the novel doesn’t shy away from the messy, uncomfortable emotions that follow such a tragedy. The three women felt real and distinct, and their interactions and personal journeys made the story feel intimate and raw.

The pacing was steady, and while there weren’t shocking twists, the emotional tension and the way secrets slowly unraveled kept me engaged. The writing is thoughtful and lyrical, giving weight to both the tragedy and the small, quiet moments of connection and healing.

Overall, At Café 64 is a poignant, character-driven story that explores loss, guilt, and the search for understanding. It’s a powerful read for anyone interested in emotional, introspective fiction that lingers with you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Echo Publishing, and Shaeden Berry for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had SUCH a unique plot. After a tragedy that takes several lives, survivors/victims gather in a support group but not everyone is sure they count as a victim. There was a lot of emotion in this book and the characters were all relatable in many ways. It really brings a human aspect to tragedies we read about on the news. There are themes of guilt, grief, familial issues, denial, and connection. This is a must read for the world we live in today.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review will be posted on Instagram and Amazon on pub day and links added to NetGalley.