At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities
by Heather Webber
Summary
va Dowling is on the run. After the sudden death of her fiancé only a month before their wedding, she closes up her lonely apartment in Vermont to answer a want-ad in Driftwood, Alabama—a town she’s never heard of—to apply for a job she’s never done. But the promised benefits far outweigh the cons, and being a live-in caretaker to a cranky old man in a beachside cottage is the perfect way to hide from the pain of her loss and the realities she doesn’t want to face.
Maggie Laine Brightwood hardly ever sits still. On the surface, she is a bundle of bright energy as she runs Magpie’s, Driftwood’s coffee and curiosity shop. She spends her days matching people to what they were missing—whether that’s the perfect coffee blend or a trinket they didn’t know they needed. Keeping busy is the best way to distract herself from her strained relationship with her aging father, Desmond, and the guilt she feels in hiring a stranger to take care of him instead of doing it herself. She hopes no one can see the sadness lurking under her cheerful exterior, even though it weighs her down like an anchor.
As the season stretches on and tourists come and go from the beach, Ava and Maggie become fast friends, bonding over the magic they find in letting go in order to move on—because sometimes drifting through life will lead you to where you belong.
My Review
This was a sweet, charming, and clean romance story infused with magical realism. It was a quick and easy read, perfect for cozying up with. There is no strong language or explicit content.
I loved the small-town vibes of this Southern seaside village; it felt incredibly cozy. The quirky town characters brought the place to life, making me laugh with their nosiness and constant meddling in everyone’s personal business. This charming trait only made me love the town more. The beachy elements added a wonderful atmosphere, immersing me completely in this enchanting setting.
The two main female protagonists, Ava and Maggie, were both likable and relatable characters. I found myself rooting for them throughout the story. They each faced physical health challenges along with periods of loss and grief. They are also both dealing with some personal traumas that happened in their pasts. I enjoyed getting to know them both individually and through their friendship dynamic. Additionally, I appreciated how the story addressed mental health issues.
This story blends elements of women’s fiction, romance, and magical realism. The romance aspect is particularly cute and sweet, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. I found both love interests for Ava and Maggie quite likable. The addition of pets added a humorous touch that I appreciated. If you enjoy second chance romances, this book is definitely worth a read.
However, the magical realism in this story was subtle, almost incidental. I hoped for a greater emphasis on it rather than it feeling like a minor subplot. Throughout most of the book, I almost forgot about this element since it wasn’t integrated into the story frequently enough.
This was my first time reading this author, and I’m glad I chose this book. I look forward to exploring more of her books. Definitely recommend!