Book Review: The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

Author: Amy E. Reichert
Publication Date: July 21, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pages: 318
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance

       

YOU'VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

Where to begin with this little gem that is A COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE aka (C3)? I am not going to lie, but the cover is what first caught my attention. Then I heard a few of my friends raving about it and saying how good and cute it was.  I knew then I needed to get my hands on a copy.  

PSA:  Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE HUNGRY.  Trust me on this one. So consider yourself warned. 

With that being said, I was salivating the entire time I was reading.  

Like seriously! I also wanted to pack my suitcase and book my flight to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There are so many great places to go visit there! I can tell Amy is a huge fan. I seriously have been missing out on some amazing food.  Cheese curds, where have you been all my life?!!!! Ugh, I am getting hungry just writing this review!  

Okay back to the story! So we meet Lou, the female protagonist of the story.  After making a delicious coconut cake for her fiancee, she heads out to surprise him at his apartment.  Little does she know that the one that is going to be truly surprised is her.  After that encounter, Lou runs back to her restaurant crying and very upset.  

Then comes Al. Sweet, sexy and British, Al.  He just moved to Milwaukee from London and hasn't been able to fit in.  He doesn't necessary like the type of job he is doing, but for now, it will have to do. Al is on his way to Luella's, unbeknownst to him, that the owner of the restaurant is Lou.  Poor Lou, she just caught the  man she is supposed to marry, half naked with another woman. So, the last thing on her mind is cooking.  But being the tough cookie that she is, she decides to continue and try her best.  Well, huuuuuuge mistake! The food was absolutely horrible and that is exactly what Al writes in his review and is published a few days later in his column. This review completely destroys Lou's restaurant.  People stop coming the restaurant and it just gets worse as the weeks go by.  When Al and Lou meet, Lou promises to show Al around the city and show him all the great things that Milwaukee has to offer.  

The story is told in Lou's and Al's POVs, which I love! Besides all the delicious food talk, we also get a story about second chances.  A story about friends and family and people that pop up in your life for a reason.  I laughed and cried through out the entire book.  I just didn't want to put it down.  Once it ended, I wanted more.  I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Al and Lou.  I wanted to know more about what happened with them and their friends, who by the way, were hilarious!  I really hope that Amy decides to write a story about them! Oh! and there is a surprise for us at the end of the book! It's a good surprise, believe me!

If you are in a mood for a great book about great friends and second chances,  A COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is the book for you.  I adored this book. :) Just make sure you eat something before you start reading. LOL