Much Ado About a Latte (Maple Falls, #2) by Kathleen Fuller

Much Ado About a Latte (Maple Falls, #2) Reviews

• 
  Gloria

  A return to Maple Falls, Arkansas and a visit with four girlfriends, brings the story of Anita Bedford. She and co-worker, Tanner Castillo have known each other their whole lives but Anita has had a little crush on Tanner since he tutored her in high school. Anita has some learning problems that have given her some insecurity issues next to her high achieving family members. Although smart, Tanner's love is being a chef, not an academic degree. She works as a waitress at the Sunshine Diner where Tanner is a cook and assistant manager. Just as the two really get to know each other with a possible relationship beyond friendship, things get complicated when each pursues secret business opportunities that cause some major problems with each other. Tanner has always dreamed of owning his own restaurant and Anita just wants to be a success in her own right. When their plans conflict, their relationship hits a huge obstacle. Can they get past that to find out what is important in life? It is also the time of Riley and Hayden's wedding, a couple from the first story of the series. This is a sweet, small-town romance with some bumps in the road to overcome.
  I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson and NetGalley in order to give an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
• 
  Chris C - A Midlife Wife

  too many trials, tribulations, and hard headedness. We don’t get to enjoy much time when they finally get their head on straight. 3.5 stars
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  I love the premise of this book! We have all had the crush we could not get over. Underlying all of our hopes for years. That yearning and burning in your heart, it can just be too much.
  
  That is the premise of this touching read. However, it did leave me with so many questions!!
  
  This story was a bit sad to me in many ways. The crushing feelings of not measuring up. The feeling of not being enough for someone. The lack of confidence in yourself. Then throw in the fact that people do not talk to people. Misunderstandings abound and you have to wonder if they can ever figure it out.
  
  Fuller created characters are so likeable and she gives us plenty of lightness and humor to balance the frustrations between these two. They are definitely a tough nut to crack! Once they figure it out, I was sad to find that we hardly get any time with them as a couple. The HEA is really fast and I just needed more.
  
  Overall, a sweet story, but I need more love and less angst in this one!
  
  * copy received for review consideration
  * full review -
  https://amidlifewife.com/much-ado-abo...
• 
  Kristina Anderson

  Much Ado About a Latte by Kathleen Fuller is the second A Maple Falls Romance. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. I enjoy reading Kathleen Fuller’s Amish novels, so I wanted to check out her Christian romances. I found Much Ado About a Latte to be different from her Amish novels. They contain good writing, but I thought the characters were lackluster and flat. Tanner and Anita have been attracted to each other since high school, but neither of them has acted on their feelings. Ten years later, Anita and Tanner work at the Sunshine Diner and their feelings are still present. We get to hear how Anita likes Tanner’s looks (over and over) and Tanner finds Anita to be pretty (numerous times). Tanner also likes Anita’s personality. Tanner wishes to purchase the Sunshine Diner and elevate the food. He has plans to give Anita a promotion. Anita wants to purchase building #3 next to the diner and turn into a café where people can get quality coffee drinks and delicious pastries. Anita figures the diner, and her new enterprise will complement each other. Neither Anita nor Tanner have told each other about their plans. Tanner and Anita need to work through their feelings, their doubts, and insecurities before they can move forward personally. They also need to admit how they feel about each other. Tanner and Anita are friendly characters, but I was not a fan of either of them. I wanted to like them, but they drove me nuts (especially with Anita constantly obsessing over Tanner). Anita is portrayed as a woman with a learning disability (who never received the help she needed to conquer it). She is a wishy-washy woman who I wish had pulled herself by the bootstraps instead of needing a man to help her. I did not feel any chemistry between the pair (no tension or burning love). I was glad when the pacing had a slight uptick in the last half of the book (it was so slow in the beginning). The story had a good ending. Much Ado About a Latte did not feel like a Christian novel. There is a drunken episode that is completely out of place (as well as the comment about knockin’ boots). It was missing the Christian element completely (“thank the Lord” does not cut it). Much Ado About a Latte was not the right book for me. I will stick to Kathleen Fuller’s Amish fiction which she does very well. Much Ado About a Latte is a fluffy romance novel with good food, diner drama, a wonderful wedding, a startling smooch, fine friends, and a meddlesome mother.
• 
  Deanne Patterson

  I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoy the author's Amish books a lot so I read this book and the first book in the series. I liked the first book in this series more than this one.
  Our female main character is portrayed as wishy washy and not very smart.
  Yes, she was born with a learning disability but she is portrayed as someone years younger than she is. I think the author could have done a better presentation of this character.
  She has a crush on our male main character since high school and he apparently her as well but neither has acted on it. They work together at a restaurant and though they have feelings for each other they spend a lot of time walking around confused about their feelings or arguing with each other or intentionally or unintentionally hurting each other.
  The main female character also has a drunken episode and she blacks out also not remembering anything. Could she have been taken advantage of? Yes. Was she?No, but I still don't want to see this in a Christian what I am going to assume is a soft and sweet romance. I read other main stream books and if this occurs in one of them I'd expect it but I hold Christian books I read to a higher standard. I also read some phrases I wasn't expecting in a book like this such as " knockin' boots" I have never heard this phrase before and had to look it up. Are Christian books going mainstream now too and we shouldn't expect them to live up to a higher standard?
  
  Pub Date 04 Jan 2022
  I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
  All opinions expressed are my own.
  
• 
  Stephanie

  DNF @ 45%. I really didn't care for this. The characters were unlikeable and felt unrealistic. I also thought this was supposed to be Christian Fiction, but other than a couple mentions of going to church, there wasn't anything Christian about it. I kept hoping it would get better, but after setting it down for a few days, I have no interest in picking it up again.
• 
  Tamara

  Anita has had a crush on Tanner since he tutored her in high school, and she believes that she is alone in her attraction to Tanner and tries to “get over” her crush, but years later as an adult and working with him at The Sunshine Diner, she realizes she is still very much attracted to him.
  
  Tanner wears a lot of different hats, so to speak, in life and he doesn’t think he has the time for a relationship in his life. He can think of all kinds of reasons to not act on how he feels for Anita. One is he has just purchased The Sunshine Diner, where he is currently the assistant manager. He hasn’t told anyone yet, and he doesn’t know she has plans of her own that include the property across from The Sunshine.
  
  Much Ado About a Latte is about Tanner and Anita finding their own footing aside from even their own doubts about their failings, and still going forward to succeed. And in the midst of that admitting to how they feel about one another.
  
  I liked Tanner and Anita but I didn’t love them, and I found that I wasn’t really rooting for them. The tension wasn’t what I would have hoped for, especially if you REALLY like someone and I didn’t feel “it” and I wanted to. It took until more than halfway through for the pace and tension to pick up. And when it finally did finally pick up, it finished well.
  
  This can be read as a standalone even though it is part of a series.
  
  My gratitude to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
  
• 
  Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict

  This was a story that had such promise, but disappointed me.
  
  Anita's story interested me because I know several people with learning disabilities - including a close family member. I was hoping to get more of that background but seeing as this is a fluffier romance, I suppose it makes sense that part wasn't talked about much. It was nice to see she had such a great support group, though.
  
  However, much of the story focused on the romance - or lack thereof - between Tanner and Anita. They had zero communication skills and this caused much of the drama surrounding their love story. I still don't understand how they went from enemies to in-a-relationship by the end of the book.
  
  And when I came across a swear word (p*ssed) I was done. I will deal with that kind of language in secular books but not books published from Christian publishers. Speaking of which, other than a few 'Thank the Lord' comments and the fact that Anita was quite conservative, I couldn't tell this book was marketed as christian fiction at all. Maybe it's not and I missed that somehow?
  
  I was so hopeful for this book after reading book 1, Hooked On You, and really wanted to like it, but in the end I do not recommend it.
  
  Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary arc of the book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Laura

  My thoughts: this was a sweet romance about two young people who fell in love as teenagers but nothing ever came of the relationship until - now they both work for the same establishment except they both have bigger dreams. Neither shared their dreams with the other what happens when the dreams clash? Everything topples over and nothing seems like a workout ever. Will this young couple find a second chance at love? You have to read the sweet romance to find out. There is some beer drinking for more conservative readers and there isn't much of a Faith message. It is more of a sweet romance. If you like romance you will love this book. Don't miss it. I was given a copy free. And all opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Carla

  Much Ado About a Latte is the second book in the Maple Falls series, but it can be read as a standalone. I recommend you read Hooked On You as well, just because it is a sweet romance that I very much enjoyed. Anita Bedford is one of four friends we met in book #1. She and co-worker, Tanner Castillo have known each other since Tanner tutored Anita in high school. She has had a crush on her and vice versa, but neither knows it. Because Anita has learning problems and she has struggled, she is very insecure, especially when she or her mother compare her to her siblings. Tanner was always smart, but he doesn't want to pursue an academic career, he wants to be a chef. They work together at the Sunshine Diner, she as a waitress, he as a cook and assistant manager. Just as the two really get to know each other possibly developing a relationship beyond friendship, something happens. Each of them pursues a secret business opportunity that causes problems with each other. Tanner has always dreamed of owning his own restaurant and Anita just wants to be a success operating her own coffee shop. When their plans conflict, their relationship hits a wall.
  
  Kathleen Fuller writes wonderful and realistic characters and Anita and Tanner are no exception. Anita has a lot of baggage that causes her not to make the best decisions. She has such low self-esteem after feeling like a failure for so long. Having been a special education teacher for many years, this made me very sad. Parents who think they are encouraging their children, often make them feel worse about themselves. I was happy to know Anita had Tanner to support her and provide read encouragement. Because of this, she was afraid to ask anyone for help when she needed it, causing even more problems. The issues between Tanner and Anita festered, because of miscommunication. It wasn't all sadness though, there were smiles and humor with interactions between them and the great secondary characters. My one complaint is that once they get it all sorted and they finally find their HEA, the story ends. Hopefully we'll see more of them in future books in this series. Once again Lauren Berst narrates this book and does a nice job with the narration. If you like a sweet, clean romance, I recommend Much Ado About a Latte. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
• 
  Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...)

  Unrequited love can be brutal! Anita has it bad for Tanner, and has for a long time, but never pursued a relationship with him. It was awesome to see both Anita and Tanner following their dreams and putting in the hard work to make them happen. Unfortunately, while they are friendly coworkers at the diner, they are not close enough to confide their palms with each other, which creates the conflict when they become unexpected competitors. It was a fun dynamic as Anita fights her attraction to Tanner while Tanner wakes up to the chemistry he finds with her. He can be a bit of an idiot, so he’s lucky that Anita is forgiving ;) A subplot with Tanner’s mother experiencing health problems broke up the momentum when it turned to her point of view. I appreciated that the story was more well rounded with multi-generational perspectives in their cozy community, but I found myself skimming her chapters to get back to Tanner and Anita. The theme of accepting the help of her support group when Anita found herself in over her head was especially touching. I loved the ending and the solution they found for their future together in Maple Falls.
  
  Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
• 
  Alaina

  Much Ado About a Latte is the second installment of the Maple Falls series. It's interesting that I didn't realize beforehand that I never actually read the previous book. Still, I carried on with my wicked reading ways and sat down to read this. Well, okay, I listened to the audiobook version but details.
  
  In this, you will meet Tanner and Anita. They've known each other for most of their lives and sort of had a crush on one another. They also work together until they don't. Which, yes, definitely caused some problems when they wanted to go on their own secret business adventure.
  
  The drama and romance were okay, but I wasn't completely invested the entire time. I mean, they were nice together, I guess. Whether they were friends or something more. I just think I read this at a time where I really should have read something else.
  
  What I mean is... it's weird to read a sort of erotica dark romance book and then a clean romance book right after. Or before. So, yeah, it was weird, and I think that's what made me not invested.
  
  In the end, it was a nice clean romance with nice clean people. Maybe one day I will jump into the first book.
• 
  Lopke

  this was just an okay read for me. i think the synopsis kind of misled me into thinking this was going to be a friends to enemies to lovers rival businesses romance. unfortunately it was not that and we got two people who were frustratingly oblivious to each other's feelings
  
  i didn't feel the romance between Anita and Tanner at all. i kind of rooted for them separately in the end but Anita stayed my favorite. it felt like Tanner only saw Anita once she was dolled up, and that Anita was always there for him but never him for her. Anita always listened and supported him but i didn't feel him doing anything to reciprocate. his thoughts and feels just never clicked with me and i would've loved to see him grovel a bit...
  they shared one kiss about 70% in for a fake dating situation, and the faking was over in like 2 minutes...so really no romantic connection felt at all.
  
  it's quite honestly such a shame because i was looking forward to a café vs diner enemies to lovers story
  
  *𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘕𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
• 
  Naomi's Bookshelf

  I enjoyed watching Anita and Tanner throughout Much Ado About A Latte. I liked how Anita learned about herself through obstacles and how Tanner was flawed as well. This romance was sweet, charming, and so much fun to read! Anita is independent, determined, and a little (or a lot) self doubting. Tanner is capable, hard working, and family oriented but a little blind to what is in front of him. I really enjoyed their story of friendship and how everything unfolds.
  
  
  I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
• 
  Melissa

  I enjoyed this small town romance story. The characters are interesting and the story is enchanting!
  I listened to this book on audio and I plan on listening to the rest of the series.
• 
  Kari

  Much Ado About a Latte is the second book in the Maple Falls series. I definitely can be read as a stand alone book. Characters from the first book show up here, but I never felt like I was missing anything. This one is Anita and Tanner's story.
  
  I did ultimately enjoy this one. It's an adorable friends to lovers romance. Frustrating at times, but really sweet and adorable. I say frustrating because Tanner and Anita clearly are into each other and it seemed to take forever for them to get together. When they finally did, it was really sweet. The opening scene in the closet was very cute.
  
  My only issue with the story was the portrayal of Anita's learning disability. She was in remedial math and English in High school. She kept harping on that as if it was a valid excuse for certain mistakes. Like not really being remotely prepared to open a business. That was really lack of planning and research. Despite that, I loved watching Anita and Tanner work through their feelings for each other. This is a clean and sweet romance and one I do recommend.
• 
  Meagan

  I was really excited to revisit Maple Falls, having immensely enjoyed Book 1 in the series.
  
  It was great to see familiar faces and places, and catch up on characters from Book 1 (I defo recommend reading in order!). Books about food (and coffee!) always make me happy, and this is no exception.
  
  I do wish we could have discovered the identity of the owner of space #3; it remained a mystery (and was referenced) multiple times during the book, yet was never disclosed. I also thought the treatment of Heather was a bit unfairly one-sided--it could/should have equally been placed at Tanner's feet (much as I do enjoy him, he wasn't all innocence in that regard). And, finally, I felt Anita's learning disabilities could have either been further expounded on or simply not mentioned; I lean toward more clarification, as they did get mentioned--just not enough. Like, what were her issues, and why did she struggle so? I felt no connection to her in that regard, that it wasn't explained enough to really be relevant.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
• 
  Becca (Reflections From My Bookshelves)

  This was a cute story. I enjoyed getting to know Anita and Tanner. Watching them interact with each other was fun. Its always best to communicate with each other or chaos happens. I liked most of the characters but a couple were just not easy to like. This book really had a small town feel to it. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie. It's one of those books you can read and relax too.  
  
  The only thing that bothered me was that it seemed like the doctor broke HIPPA rule. He shared info about a patient to someone who was not medical personnel or the patients family member. Even though it helped thd story flow, it just felt unrealistic to me.
  
  
   It was a lighthearted love story where you can escape reality for awhile.
  
  
  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
• 
  Jennifer Fluegge

  Another cute read in this series!
• 
  Susan Faloon

  Overall I enjoyed this story and I really like Anita, the main female character. This book works as a stand alone for me.
  I must say I felt embarrassed that I thought I was mistaken and marked it as Christian read after seeing a couple words, drinking to drunkenness and a few eyebrow raising (for me) innuendos. I know some CF readers would be uncomfortable with some things in the story.
  I think Anita's learning disability could have been better dealt with which would have been a relatable subject for others with the challenge in life.
  I like Tanner's character but he certainly seems clueless some of the time. He's a hard worker, handsome to Anita and his caring for his mother is special.
  I do like the book well enough to read more in the series. I have enjoyed Kathleen's writing in other genres. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader's copy. This is my own opinion of the book.
• 
  Samantha Bilodeau

  I'm not entirely sure what to say about this. The synopsis reads like Anita's dad starts a cafe and Tanner runs the diner and they clash, but her parents don't buy it (she does, to impress them) and the two barely own their businesses during the course of the story.
  
  Their romance is also a little odd, going from ice cold (Tanner even thinking to himself over and over how he isn't into her) to "I love you," with no real romance in between. The whole thing feels a bit forced, and there isn't much that bonds them despite one of the slowest burns ever.
  
  I also had no idea that when this was referred to as "sweet" it meant uber-conservative, basically Christian young adult, but with people in their late twenties. It is a big deal for Anita to be wearing a dress with a modest sweetheart neckline, awkwardness about Tanner being shirtless (for him, too), "What will people think?" when he nuzzles her neck once, and a girl wearing a lower-cut top is constantly slut-shamed and called a "hussy" (nevermind that it seems Tanner slept with her a few times and then ditched her). Drinking alcohol is apparently not something "good girls" do either, and no, this isn't a book where the good girl lightens up. She gets drunk once and almost nobody sees, and then refuses to touch a glass of champagne at a wedding months later....
  
  So, all in all, this just wasn't for me. It felt more appropriate for young teens, and the drama over the businesses was a bit over the top when it finally happened.
• 
  Becky of Becky's Bookshelves

  I was so excited to revisit Maple Falls in Much Ado About a Latte by Kathleen Fuller, the second stand alone book in this series. Tanner Castillo and Anita Bedford met in high school and are now each other working at the Sunshine Café in Maple Falls, Arkansas. Both want more for their lives and want to open up their own business.
  
  Tanner and Anita are so loveable and I was rooting for them to figure out and admit how they felt about each other throughout the story. I enjoyed their journey. The author has a wonderful way of creating characters you want to get to know and keep in touch with. I was thrilled to visit with old friends from the first story.
  
  I loved the small town feel of this story, the author’s humor and colloquialisms, and watching Anita and Tanner’s friendship evolve. It was nice to get lost in Maple Falls for a few days. I recommend this sweet story.
  
  I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
• 
  Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner

  2.5/5
  I love the cover of Much Ado About a Latte and felt it had a lot going for it.
  I enjoyed the first chapter and felt that Tanner was super sweet and caring toward Anita. I loved that it began with a scene from their high school days.
  
  Unfortunately, from there the story dragged quite a bit. It was very slow and mostly about the two of them denying their feelings for each other. It wasn't until the last third of the book that the conflict with the coffee shop came in and then it rushed toward a peaceful conclusion. I also felt the side story with Tanner's mom was unnecessary.
  
  I felt like Tanner was more mature in high school than he was as an adult. I also thought the romance felt lackluster, no chemistry.
  
  I am glad a gave it a try but will look at other reviews before I consider reading the third book in this series. I really enjoy Kathleen Fuller's Amish novels, but this one just didn't cut it for me.
• 
  Faith

  Anita and Tanner both have dreams of owning and operating their own businesses after working together for years at the Sunshine Diner. Anita has loved Tanner since Middle School, she has always felt pressure from her family to do more with her life than be a waitress. While Tanner grew up poor and has always worked hard to help his family. Will their plans bring them together or pull them further apart?
  
  A enjoyable return to Maple Falls, I loved seeing familiar faces like Irma, Hayden, Riley, and Harper. I liked Anita and Tanner from the start, and finding them both to be very relatable from the start. I loved Tanner's love for his family, and how he wants to help ease his hardworking mom's burdens. Anita is passionate about what she does, but struggles with feeling like she doesn't measure up to her high achieving family she feels like she is constantly trying to prove that she can do things on her own. I liked the relationship between Anita and Tanner, and how it tied back to when they were younger, as well as how they had grown in the present day.
  
  Overall, this was a fun quick read with a lovely setting and enjoyable characters. I loved getting to know more of the townspeople. There is some drinking to excess, but I think that it was handled well and not shown in a positive way. I'll definitely be reading the next book when it comes out!
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
• 
  Linda Hutchinson

  Kathleen Fuller has written a charming story in Much Ado About A Latte. Tanner and Anita were friends in high school if you consider Anita crushing hard on the hunky Tanner as “friendly.” It’s hard for Anita to be noticed when she’s shy and introverted, and it doesn’t help when your mom is so demoralizing about your appearance. Tanner is smart, stupid smart, but he gives up college to stay home and help his mom and become a great cook in their small town. Anita also dreams of opening a cafe for coffee and pastries in the same small village adjacent to each other. A big problem though, they’ve become close but didn’t tell each other about buying competing businesses. Dumb move for both of them. I love stories about people who want to bring back the small-town vibe. But I really like stories about friends to competitors to serious friends better. This was a good one! #romance #lightsteam #smalltown #competitors #truelove #muchadaboutalatte #kathleenfuller #january2022release #contemporaryromance @netgalley @thomasnelson
  .
  . Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read this book which was delightful.
  
  #reading #books #bookstagram #book #booksofinstagram #booklovers #bookish #lindaleereads2021 #mmdbookclub #idratherbereading #readinglife #fallreading #thomasnelson #modernmrsdarcy #november 🦃
• 
  Gail Hollingsworth

  Anything to do with coffee always catches my eye and this was a wonderful little story filled with so many things. Family, love, friendship, dreams come true and growing up. I loved how the story began with Anita and Tanner at a high school party that neither set of parents knew about. Fast forward ten years and I got to catch up with where the characters were now.
  Anita always felt small compared to her brother, the doctor and her sister, the almost lawyer. Anita, born with a learning disability, works as a waitress. She loves what she does and has a great rapport with the customers. But her mother gives her a hard time putting down her job as menial.
  Tanner works at the same diner as a creative chef and assistant manager. He had dreams of owning a diner and Anita wanted to do something more with her life. Obstacles kept getting in the way of both of their dreams. Miscommunication is always a problem when it comes to romance in these sweet, clean stories and yes they had lots of miscommunication.
  This was a very enjoyable way to spend New Years Day 2022 and I highly recommend it.
  I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
• 
  Lori

  Another wonderful fun filled read with returning characters along with some new ones.
  I was delighted to see that Fuller had written a 2nd book. I always felt there was more to tell in Maple Falls. I just loved the small town feel because I grew up in one. I sort of miss it.
  Fuller is such a talented writer and I absolutely love this new series. It really doesn't matter what genre she writes she always manages to draw her readers in and that's my favorite thing about her.
  The humor in this story made my heart full and satisfied. I want more please!
  I was sad to see the end but oh my I really loved Tanner and Anita. They were so cool!
  I could actually "smell" the coffee even though I don't drink it. It smelled great!
  5 stars for a beautifully told story and unforgettable characters along with a powerful message.
  I look forward to more!
• 
  Rachel

  Sequels can be as much fun as the first story, and so was the case with this charming book. It was a light read about middle-school love that had sat in the background but circumstances force both characters to come to terms with their own feelings for one another...all while battling it out for restaurant's across the street from one another! I kind of wish there had been more of the restaurant part, that was the only bit that felt lacking considering the cover the actual "battle" didn't come until closer to the end of the book. A clean enjoyable book with nothing really inappropriate and just a fun summery read.
• 
  Emily

  Book 16 of 2022
  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
  
  I liked the first in the series, but I loved this one. Tanner & Anita were the sweetest characters, and their story just read so easily and quickly. The cast of supporting characters are so fun…this little town of Maple Falls is adorable & reminds me a little of Stars Hollow. I’m hoping for more in this series!
  
  I only have one complaint—the characters on the cover look nothing like they’re described in the book.
  
  Format: paperback (library - Avon)