Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Karina’s grandmother’s diary disappears. Now she is on a hunt to find it and fulfill her grandmother’s wish for her to read it and solve the mystery. Easy read and good book.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Secrets At the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram proved to be a tense and engrossing mystery. It is also my favourite of all Ms. Specht Oram’s books so far. This story weaves a complex tale with plenty to keep you avidly reading.
It’s a mystery, with a bit of a domestic suspense element, twists, drama, puzzling developments, a missing journal, an unexpected stash, discovery, rumours, buried secrets, colourful + quirky characters, surprises, family, tension, quirky characters, promises, and a small-town setting. I really enjoyed this book- I just wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed, as that did detract slightly from the rest of the story.
Karina’s never expected her promise to her grandmother would lead her on a tense investigation- untangling long-buried secrets, and putting together a puzzle in order to get to the bottom of things turns into quite a journey of discovery. Things aren’t exactly as they seem. With a missing journal, a promise to fulfil, and secrets at every turn won’t make this an easy quest for Karina- but she’s determined to do right by her grandmother. And so the intrigue begins….
A well-woven, creative, and tense read by Ms. Specht Oram. Looking forward to seeing whatever she does next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Specht Oram!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Another great read by Susan Specht Oram! This one kept me very intrigued as the journal in question was discovered missing right from the start. It was up to Karina to figure out where the journal was and to save her inheritance.
A very riveting read that will have you guessing until the end! I love this author’s writing style and how she portrays the story. I highly recommend this read, as well as all of the author’s other works!
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fast paced story that is full of suspense, deep secrets and there is a suspect in every corner. I really love this authors book and this story is no exception.
Karina is back in Millersville, Oregon after making a promise to her dying grandmother to take over her beloved cafe. Not only did Gigi leave a cafe for Karina to take over but she also left a diary with secrets to reveal…but when the diary goes missing before Karina is able to read the diary…there is suspects at every turn. Who would take the diary..and is it for their own personal use?
I do not want to give any spoilers but this was a great read. I loved trying to figure out who the culprit would be in taking the diary…..and just when you think you have it figured out…… and the secrets!! Great read and highly recommended.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Karina promises her grandmother that she will take over running her cafe when she dies. Karina discovers her grandmothers journal only for it to disappear. She must solve the mystery of who took it and why. Karina wants the journal so that she will know Gigi better and to learn some answers to secrets that seem to be popping up.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Secrets at the Cafe” by Susan Specht Oram is a captivating mystery with an intriguing plot centered around a missing journal. The story follows the main character, Karina, as she sets out on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind the journal’s disappearance.
From the very beginning, Oram grabs the reader’s attention with her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Karina is a relatable and determined protagonist who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery. Her journey takes her to different places and introduces her to a variety of fascinating individuals who may hold the key to solving the puzzle.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is Oram’s ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The cafe itself is described in such detail that readers will feel as if they are sitting at one of the tables, sipping a hot cup of coffee. The author’s attention to detail enhances the mystery, making it even more engrossing.
Throughout the book, the pacing remains steady, keeping readers engaged as they try to piece together the clues alongside Karina. The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. Oram skillfully manages to maintain suspense and build tension, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
Additionally, Oram’s writing style is clear and concise, allowing the story to flow smoothly. The dialogue is realistic and adds depth to the characters, making them feel like real people. The author also does an excellent job of intertwining the present-day narrative with flashbacks and snippets from the missing journal, providing insight into the story’s secrets and adding layers of intrigue.
However, one slight drawback of the novel is the resolution felt somewhat rushed. After an intense buildup, the conclusion comes together quite swiftly, leaving readers craving more closure. While this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book, it could have been more satisfying with a slower-paced resolution.
In conclusion, “Secrets at the Cafe” is a captivating mystery with a well-crafted plot, unforgettable characters, and a beautifully depicted setting. Susan Specht Oram weaves a tale filled with secrets, twists, and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Despite a slightly rushed conclusion, this novel is a gripping read that mystery enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full of twists and mysteries and I loved the entire thing. From the first till the last page, I was sucked right in. The characters were great! I absolutely loved Karina! She’s amazing and very determined! The title and cover is what drew me in from the start and the story didn’t disappoint me at all! Enjoyable read.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gripping novel about family and friendship which kept me hooked throughout. Having rushed to her dying grandmother’s bedside, Karina Walker agrees to move home and take over the old café. The grieving Karina also promises to read a journal but is shocked when the red book disappears. She teams up with her cousin to make a list of suspects, fearing that someone overheard her mention a hidden stash of money. Karina is determined to track down her inheritance but the town is full of rumours, and when she discovers a buried secret it could change things forever. Karina wants to build a new future for herself but must confront her family’s past first. This was a real page turner and I literally could not put the book down. The intriguing storyline and unpredictable plot twists kept me guessing until the last page, whilst the suspense definitely built chapter by chapter. I loved the main character Karina as she was a very independent and determined heroine. This was an entertaining and engaging read and one which I definitely recommend.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This author has produced another well written and interesting cozy mystery story that I have enjoyed from start to finish. I loved the character in this book. she was strong, determined and a pleasure to read. It was lovely to see her develop as the book progressed.
The story was entertaining. I wanted to figure out the mystery of the missing notebook and loved watching how it all unfolded. The author has a wonderful writing style that pulls readers in with ease. I would highly recommend this book and her work overall.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my, I loved this story. The author set it up so well. The journal disappeared right at the beginning. A cast of characters are suspect. Her cousin’s boyfriend is her ex=boyfriend. I literally couldn’t put this one down. I had to know what was coming next. I loved how this story kept you in suspense and had several mysteries going at once. This author is one of my favorites for her style of writing. She has an excellent way of setting up suspense novels.
Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Secrets at the Cafe is another interesting and engaging Women’s fiction suspense tale from Susan. What I like about her writing is the intriguing premises she comes up with each story.
The eclectic cast of characters are engaging, well developed and fully realised and it’s hard not to like them and become invested in them. Some of them did make me laugh. We meet up with characters from previous books.
With tensions running high Karina will stop at nothing to fulfill the deathbed promise she made to her grandmother. Now she just has to solve the mystery of who wants and why they took Gigi’s missing diary. What are they hiding? What will they do to hide these secrets?
I read it in one day the pages flying by as I was completely immersed in the story that is so easy to get lost in and having to know how it ended.
Once again Susans vivid narrative helps the story along as she cleverly weaves together a web of secrets in this mystery.
With secrets, family, rumours, upheaval, death, grief, suspects, drama, suspense and so much more there is something for everyone wo enjoys a good mystery.
Follow along in this heartfelt tale as Karina and troops unravels a world of secrets and mysteries that have been long buried in this tumultuous twisty journey.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. This is a suspenseful story about family, friendship, a deathbed promise and a missing diary. A story full of drama and twists and turns that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. A fast paced and well written story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world. They kept the story engaging and turning pages fast. They are connectable and add so much to the story. This is an easy story to read as well as entertaining. There is great growth to the story which just added to the plot suspense. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
📖 ~ 🔪 ~ 📙 ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 📖 ~ 🔪 ~ 📙 ~
Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
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Genre – Suspense, Women’s Fiction
Page Count – 234
Goodreads – Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship
Bookbub – Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship
A deathbed promise. A missing diary. Can she find her loved one’s message and fulfill a last wish?
Karina Walker is juggling with unexpected upheaval. Rushing to her dying grandmother’s side, the grieving twenty-four-year-old agrees to move home, take over the old café, and read a journal left behind. But she’s shocked to her core when the little red book disappears from view the moment she turns her back.
Building a list of suspects who may have overheard mention of a hidden stash of money, Karina teams up with her cousin and a former teacher to track down her inheritance. And while rumors run rampant around town, she discovers a buried secret that could change her forever…
Can Karina confront her family’s past and build herself a new future?
Secrets at the Cafe is an unforgettable, page-turning domestic suspense. If you like determined heroines, dizzying plot twists, and breathtaking dramas, then you’ll adore Susan Specht Oram’s riveting read.
Buy Secrets at the Cafe today to untangle a puzzle that will pull you through the pages!
~ AMAZON ~
Click here to view the Book Trailer forSecrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a sweet story of someone finding themself after a tough time. I enjoyed getting to know Devorah through her own eyes. She went on a journey to get herself out of an abusive relationship and what sounded like a tumultuous childhood. I have to admit, that the story doesn’t seem far fetched for the “stars of California” as it reminds me of the many reality shows on tv these days. Devorah has several people in her corner – her stepmom, cat Fergie, new friend Andrew, old friend Pauline and Misty. I loved that for her. They each gave her a bit of strength to heal and become who she is meant to be.
PS. Her ex – UGH!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R24C9TTAXKUN6W/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rvv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4043088714
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5970448818
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was everything I’d hoped it would be, and so much more. When I read what this was going to be about, I was excited, mostly because, I was there. When I read this book, it was like she was mirroring my feelings, about life, about kids, about marriage, about it all. and I was just THERE… Through the tears, the anger, all of it. Let me just say, this book was so much more than just what it was written about. The Podcast Chronicles opened eyes. It shows you that you can do more than you believe, even when you thought that you couldn’t… And for that, and so much more, Kathryn Dodson has done a PHENOMENAL job with this book. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
The Podcast Chronicles
I felt a kinship with Sue from the beginning. She and I are the same age and trying to figure out the next steps in life now that the kids no longer need us like they used to. The prospect of having to figure the next path to take is not only hard but also scary.
Sue evolved and developed her own identity and learned so much about herself as well as others. She is no longer Gabe’s wife and the boys mom but she is now Sue and I loved every minute of it.
I enjoyed the book and hope to see Sue again.
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5
This book was so good! I read it one day. This was my first read by this author and I will be reading more.
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great book about learning to over-come the abusive relationships we become accustomed to. Wonderful character development. Watching the female main character blossom and grow and become more confident and sure of herself was a true experience we can all learn from.
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson- 4 out of 5 stars
Such an amazing inspirational story about women empowerment. The main character development is inspiring to say the least. She shows that women in any stage of their life can go out and try or do new things. This is not my normal type of read but I am not disappointed. I recommend this read.
Amazing read, full of hope and dreams. Fast paced read with hurdlers and triumphs. Engaging and entertaining, from beginning to end. Love how the author paints a beautiful picture of Colorado. Highly recommend for those who need a different prospective on life’s journey.The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing read, full of hope and dreams. Fast paced read with hurdlers and triumphs. Engaging and entertaining, from beginning to end. Love how the author paints a beautiful picture of Colorado. Highly recommend for those who need a different prospective on life’s journey.
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While this is outside of my usual genre choice, I was not disappointed! This was a great “coming-of-age” story…for a woman who’s children are on the cusp of becoming grown and now she is left wondering where she fits in in the world. Sue is such a relatable character that I think many, many readers will be able to understand and empathize with her on some level. This is a clean, refreshing read where you root for the main character the entire time…because you see some of yourself in her. I thoroughly enjoyed Dodson’s character development of Sue and how well her plot was paced and planned out. This book has a more modern Erin Brockovich vibe and I’m here for it.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Podcast Chronicles tells the story of Sue Cleary, wife and mother who is really trying to find herself a new purpose as her children are all reaching adulthood and her husband is often away on business. When Sue learns that a developer has come to their town of Durango with plans to construct a resort near her home. She springs to action, with a fiery passion, to keep this development from taking place. But can she convince others to see her view of how harmful the resort would be? I loved Sue’s character very much and admired her strength and courage to fight for what she truly believed was right for her community. The story was beautifully written, characters were well-developed and by the end, I wanted more! And I will be looking for more. Such a delightful read. Thank you, Kathryn Dodson.
Woman Unbroken: A Novel by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
Woman Unbroken is a Emotionally charged Women’s Fiction that takes us on quite the emotional journey . This is a story about discovering yourself and your worth. It’s a heartbreaking story of survival. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be seeing what other books she has written. Can Devorah be the Woman she once was? I don’t want to give to much away but I highly recommend reading this fast paced story. I would recommend kleenexes as this this takes you on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
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~ RELEASE BLITZ ~ • • ~
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well this author definitely has a new fan in me!! This fantastic book had me extremely reluctant to put it down when the family insisted on being fed! LOL! Filled with wonderful characters, who are so relatable, even though you will love some and dislike others, this storyline will keep you completely captivated from start to finish. Sue is one very determined lady and I love her!! I can’t wait to read more from this Amazing and very talented author.
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book follows Deborah along on a journey, taking back her life. She recently leaves an abusive relationship and finds herself lost. She doesn’t know how to act, what to do, with her newly found freedom.
The story is intense in some parts, but does not disappoint. Alexandra did an amazing job detailing this poor woman’s thoughts and feelings; breaking my heart in some chapters and having me rejoice in others.
Definitely worth the read!
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson. I loved this book. Its the story of Sue Cleary who is the mom to 4 kids, 2 in college and 2 still at home. She had come to believe that her life is at the end. The kids don’t need her as much and her husband is always gone, what is there for her to do. When a greedy developer comes to town and tries to turn her pretty little Colorado town into a tourist trap she finally speaks up. Having found something meaningful to tackle she’s on the developers quickly. While trying to save her town from the touristy theme park she meets all kinds of new people and figures out that her life is far from over and is really just beginning in a new and exciting way. Will Sue and her new friends win over the big bad corporation trying to ruin their town? Read this fun Women’s fiction to find out!
The Podcast Chronicles by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One inspirational lady
The Podcast Chronicles is an inspirational story. It addresses issues faced by women regarding careers and returning to work after being a stay at home mum. Sue is a great character, she is steadfast and motivated to achieve her goal. The author covers so many topics but delivers them in an engaging and entertaining way. Recommend.
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First I love this beautiful cover the author chose. I am very much guilty of reading a book based on its cover and this is a book that did not disappoint. It is heavy and emotional at times throughout the book. The author did a great job developing the fmc. I look forward to reading more of her work.