Do you ever find a new-to-you author you just click with? It’s an awesome feeling of connectedness, right? A few years ago, I bought several novels on sale from Tyndale and excitedly awaited their delivery. I mean, is there any mail better than book mail? I think not!
Two of the half-dozen books I ordered were written by Carla Laureano, who I’d been hearing some buzz about. I read both Five Days in Skye and The Solid Grounds Coffee Company. I didn’t realize Solid Grounds was the third in a series until I was into it, but I finished reading it anyway. I adored both books—like seriously loved them—especially Five Days in Skye. The complex characters, the lush setting, the yearning—for restoration to God and for love—not to mention, the snappy dialogue. Wow, just so good!
Sometimes when I’m in a reading frenzy, I’ll forgo dwelling on a story and quickly move from one book to the next, forgetting about a book or author I’ve just read. Yeah, that’s not a good feeling, is it? Unfortunately, that’s what happened after I read those two amazing books, despite my intention to read more in Laureano’s MacDonald Family trilogy and Supper Club series.
About a month ago, I stumbled across Laureano’s newest releases and read the first book in her Haven Ridge series, The Broken Hearts Bakery. After devouring it, I immediately went on to read The Beacon Street Bookshop, and joined the author’s mailing list to get the free prequel novella, The Brick House Cafe. The series is set in magical but declining Haven Ridge, Colorado. The fictional foothill town is home to a quirky cast of characters determined to bring new life to their fading beloved hometown.
What a joy it was to rediscover the award-winning Laureano and realize her stories are just as compelling as I remember. The Haven Ridge stories tackle real-life issues and resonate with hope, romance, and a sense of home. The third installment, The Larkspur House will be published this August, and I’ve already added it to my TBR.
After finishing the available Haven Ridge books, I circled back to read the Supper Club series, beginning with The Saturday Night Supper Club, then onto the second book, Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe. I also reread The Solid Grounds Coffee Company and found it just as engaging as my first read. This series centers around three single young women finding their way in life, careers, and love. I give this trio of novels bonus points for the delectable, food-centric focus. Any foodie will devour these books!
Naturally, next on my list will be to return to Great Britain for the MacDonald Family series: Five Days in Skye, London Tides, and Under Scottish Stars. The trilogy shares the stories of the three adult MacDonald siblings as they struggle to find balance in life, process through various hurts, and work to prioritize the right things. I can’t wait to revisit the Isle of Skye and move on to London for book two.
One final note on Laureano’s wonderful books—aren’t those covers just gorgeous? Each series’ book covers have a distinctive style that represents the series and ties each book together. I think they’re so lovely!
Which Carla Laureano novels have you read? Do you have a favorite book or series by the talented author?