The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

Great vacation book- definitely for food lovers and women who like stories about strong female characters. The evolution of the characters and the side stories were well developed and realistic. Very cool to have the cake recipe at the end, thank you!

First, let me warn you. Reading this book will make you hungry! Food is an extremely important part of the story, and both Lou and Al are foodies so there are descriptions galore of some amazing-sounding foods. Consider yourself warned.
This reads like a rom-com movie, which means there are more than a few cliches. However, that's not meant as a criticism. There are certain cliches which are fairly inevitable for the rom-com and they are not only expected, but welcomed. We have the woman-pulled-off-balance-into-the-man moment, a dance in the rain, misunderstandings which threaten to ruin everything, and a wise older couple to help guide our love-lorn characters. These are all enjoyable moments (well, the misunderstandings are painful, but that's because you can see how this is going to hurt the characters and you like them). I especially love the older couple. They are sweet without being cloying. Reichert's voice was enjoyable, and I loved Lou, Al, Sue, Harley, and John.
If I have one criticism, it is of the way Lou's ex is handled. When we first meet Devlin, I assume he is a well-meaning but clueless guy. The real issue between them seems to be that they want different things from their lives and aren't communicating well. Devlin sees working in restaurants as a thankless, difficult job. His mother did it to support him and help him pursue his education. He doesn't understand that for Lou is this a labor of love, not just a job. Lou doesn't do much to dissuade him of that notion. That alone is reason enough for them to not get back together. There was no need for Devlin to be made into a full-on villain. Lou could have found her strength and confidence without that, and the rest of the story would have worked as well. That was one cliche too many for me.
All in all this was an enjoyable read and definitely left me hungry, for good food and for more from this author.

Read this the very day I bought it. Relatable characters - Lou was like able...witty and independent but not a ball buster like modern women are being written now a days. Settings were great / felt like I got my own persona tour of the city along with Al. All around a great summer read!

What a fun book! Light read that is totally enjoyable and keeps you hooked until the end. Love Amy's writing style & can't wait to read her next book!! I've never had an desire to go to Milwaukee until now - and I also have a whole new appreciation for restaurant owners :)

What a fun book! Light read that is totally enjoyable and keeps you hooked until the end. Love Amy's writing style & can't wait to read her next book!! I've never had an desire to go to Milwaukee until now - and I also have a whole new appreciation for restaurant owners :)

This book has so many great words aligned to make wonderful sentences. Being in a kitchen myself, the words she describes some of the food, I can hear it or even taste it. This is a truly wonderful great read that will NOT disappoint you!!!

Could not put this one down! Of course my favorite movie is You've Got Mail and if you love that movie you will also love this book! Love the characters, love the plot! I kept skipping ahead to see what would happen.