I love this series. This is 2nd in a series. Josie and Dereck are running a neighborhood restaurant and the challenges of the business along with Josie’s gift are the focus in this novel.

Josie has a “ghost table” as she has a gift and is familiar with the inhabitants at the restaurant who seem to be reaching out to her.

The staff has its own issues and trying to keep the restaurant running smoothly while their relationship is challenged daily keeps this fast- paced story moving along.

I loved the scenery, food, well developed characters and can’t wait for the next book. Thank you for having me on tour.

Laura Buchwald is two for two -- this sequel to The Coat Check Girl is just as engaging, page-turning, and surprising as its predecessor. The writing is vivid, the characters are believable, and the dialogue is real. Highly recommended, though familiarity with the first volume will help. (Advance proof provided by NetGalley)

I read The Coat Check Girl last year and am so happy to have read this one, book two, ahead of its publication day!

It’s set in amidst the bustling New York City restaurant industry in 2000 and continues to follow Josie and Derek, who now own the restaurant and re-opened it as Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot, with a New Orleans flair. But alongside the growing pains of managing the restaurant are those of their relationship, and they struggle to maintain a balance. Adding to their difficulties is Derek’s refusal to accept that Josie continues to communicate with spirits, both inside and outside of the restaurant.

This was a really good sophomore novel. I loved delving deeper into the complexities of Josie’s gift and how she navigates it, especially with Derek’s predisposition towards skepticism. I’m eager to see how their relationship evolves in the final book!

We first met Josie Gray in Laura Buchwald's The Ghost Table Trilogy's debut novel, The Coat Check Girl. In this second installment, The Book of Reservations, the story advances to September 2000. Josie and her partner, Derek, own Miss Sylvie's Bistrot, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, serving authentic New Orleans cuisine. Business is challenging, and staffing is an ongoing issue. One of the main sources of conflict for the couple is the table Josie sets each day for the ghosts that frequent the restaurant. Josie can communicate with the dead, and Derek is not a believer. 

Ruby is one of the restaurant's regular spirits, having passed away in the building. When she is occasionally seen, her appearances have led several staff members to quit. Another visitor is the ghost of Derek's brother, who tragically died young in an accident. To provide some relief to the overworked couple, they hire a manager as well as a new sous chef who gives Josie odd vibes. The couple must navigate the challenges of their personal life alongside the demands of the restaurant. Josie hopes her connection with Derek's brother, whose loss deeply impacted him, will create an opportunity to provide some comfort. However, she cannot reveal the brother's presence to Derek.

Although part of a series, The Book of Reservations can be read as a standalone. I found this book even more enjoyable than the first. Perhaps I've fully embraced all the supernatural elements. (Note that none of the ghosts are frightening.) I have come to admire Josie for her kind heart. I found Buchwald's writing style to be light and fast-paced. The New York City setting provided added appeal, particularly with the restaurant's location in the Village. This book provided hints about the third and final book in the trilogy, and it sounds like another entertaining read.

A heartfelt thank you to @laurabuchwaldauthor and @getredprbooks for the #gifted e-book.

This second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy is nothing short of extraordinary!

Josie returns, continuing her unique connection with the spirits that linger not only in her restaurant but in the city. As the bridge between the living and the dead, her journey takes on new complexities, particularly in her relationship with Derek. As they strive to turn their restaurant dreams into reality, the strain of balancing ambition with Josie's supernatural gifts creates tension.

Josie's ability to deliver messages from beyond is poignant and beautifully portrayed. Each revelation she shares with the living feels like a delicate thread woven into the fabric of their lives. The deeper dive into Derek’s family history is gut-wrenching yet illuminating, adding layers to their bond. It's heartwarming to watch Josie embrace her role as a healer for the broken-hearted, finding her inner calm amid the chaos of life and death.

The writing flows, with a pace that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The vivid descriptions of the food, the vibrant city, and the enchanting atmosphere make you feel as if you’re right there, experiencing it all firsthand. The characters, both friends and staff, are richly developed, adding depth and warmth to the story.

I adored the ending and can hardly wait for the next book in this captivating trilogy!