Of Literature and Lattes
Amidst literature and lattes, two people discover the confusing, complex, and beautiful nature of friendship.
After fleeing home three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never wanted to return. But after the Silicon Valley start-up where she works collapses and turns her world upside down, she finds herself broke, in trouble, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she returns to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup and then move on. Yet as friends and family welcome her back, she begins to envision a future in this small Midwestern community.
Jeremy Mitchell moves 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. When he asks for Alyssa’s help, he wonders if something might grow between them—but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complicated lives and the future both envision is not at all what they anticipated.
Return to the cozy and delightful town of Winsome as two new friends discover the grace of letting go and the joy found in unexpected change.
REVIEWS
“In her ode to small towns and second chances, Katherine Reay writes with affection and insight about the finer things in life – from the perfect cup of coffee and the right book at the right time to enduring friendships, the power of community, and the importance of not giving up on your loved ones or yourself. Reay’s fictional town of Winsome, Illinois, lives up to its name and will leave more than a few readers wistfully dreaming of moving there themselves.”
— Karen Dukess, author of The Last Book Party
Publisher’s Weekly
“Reay invites readers back to the charming small town of Winsome, Ill., (last visited in The Printed Letter Bookshop) in this feel-good, community-centric romance. When Alyssa Harrison’s Silicon Valley employer goes under, pending an FBI investigation, Alyssa is left with no income and no choice but to return home to Winsome after years away. Though Alyssa has never forgiven her mother for cheating on her father, her divorced parents have started dating again, and, in an effort to force a mother-daughter reconciliation, Alyssa’s father tells her she can’t stay with him and must stay with her mom instead. Despite the less-than-ideal living situation, Alyssa is happy to reunite with her best friend, Lexi, who hires Alyssa as a bookkeeper for her restaurant. Jeremy Mitchell, the new owner of the local coffee shop, soon seeks Alyssa’s services as well. Together they determine that his sleek redesign of the café has alienated its formerly loyal clientele. Fueled by bonding over shared vulnerabilities, Alyssa and Jeremy’s business relationship quickly blossoms into love. The subplot about Alyssa and her mother is deeply emotional, and the colorful townsfolk make for a memorable supporting cast. The love story is sweet, but it’s the close-knit small-town setting that wins the day.” Agent: Claudia Cross, Folio Literary. (May)
“The town of Winsome reminds me of Jan Karon’s Mitford, with its endearing characters, complex lives, and surprises where you don’t expect them. Reay has penned another poignant tale set in Winsome, Illinois, weaving truth, forgiveness, and beauty into a touching, multilayered, yet totally cozy story. You’ll root for these characters and will be sad to leave this charming town.”
—Lauren Denton, bestselling author of The Hideaway and Glory Road
