Needing a slow down from complex fantasy worlds, I picked up Of Literature & Lattes simply because I liked the name. As I hoped it might be, the book was set in a small quiet corner of the world, where things are just a little less frantic and very much down to earth.

What’s it About?

“After fleeing her hometown three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never planned to return. Then the Silicon Valley start-up she worked for collapsed and turned her world upside down. She is broke, under FBI investigation, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she comes home to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup then move on as quickly as possible. Yet, as friends and family welcome her back, Alyssa begins to see a place for herself in this small Midwestern community.

Jeremy Mitchell moved from Seattle to Winsome to be near his daughter and to open the coffee shop he’s been dreaming of for years. Problem is, the business is bleeding money—and he’s not quite sure why. When he meets Alyssa, he senses an immediate connection, but what he needs most is someone to help him save his floundering business. After asking for her help, he wonders if something might grow between them—but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complex lives, and the future they both hoped for is not at all what they anticipated.

With the help of Winsome’s small-town charm and quirky residents, Alyssa and Jeremy discover the beauty and romance of second chances.” - Goodreads

What I loved..

I’m a sucker for a story that is set in a small town with people who all know each other. Last year I read stories almost exclusively of that nature! The character problems and joys were so realistic, the kind of issues that you, me or the people we know have lived. I found that to be very calming. I also really enjoyed that there were characters of all ages in the story, all different stages of life shown, but not in the cliche way you see so often where there is the old man, the one eligible bachelor. It was a very believable cast of characters and that was a very welcome surprise.

What I didn’t love as much..

I have to say, despite my desire for a slow down, this one took a very long time to get momentum going for the main storyline. Once it got there, things were much better, so its still worth a go. I had a hard time with the way the main character behaved towards her mother, but by the end you can see that it is an important part of the characters development. It just made it hard for me to care what the mc thought or felt about anything for a large portion of the book. One thing that I didn't love that was completely my own fault, was I kept saying to myself, ‘man! they are just introducing character after character as if I’m supposed to know who these people are already!!’ Annnnnd then I found out that there is already a previous book set in this town by this author, sooo I’m going to assume that if you read that book first you’ll have a better time of it than on did on that front!

Overall

I liked it, but it was a little too calm for me right now. That being said I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who loves books with; small town charm or characters with problems and joys that are realistic and relatable.

If you’re interested in reading the book for yourself, you can find it here!