The Coincidence of Coconut Cake
Amy E. Reichert
Genre: Romance
Release Date: July 21, 2015
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.
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Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself “That was delightful!”? Well this book did just that. I read this story in record time, sitting in my room on a lazy and rainy Sunday afternoon. There had been so much hype about this story in some books groups I participate in, so when I started to read it on my own, I hate to admit that I had some pretty high expectations for the story. Needless to say, they were met! Reichert takes what would very well be considered a cliche story and gives us something more. The plot line may be a bit predictable (case of mistaken identity that causes major issues down the road), but when an author can take something that seems predictable and make it into a story that makes you smile and hang on every word, it is an accomplishment.
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake focuses on the story of two people so different in their day to day life but yet so similar. Lou is full of spunk. After everything goes down the drain within a matter of days, she learns to live her life for herself and not for others. Watching her grow and take the punches the world had in store for her was fantastic. She is a strong, kind, resilient, and feisty. Her personality leaps off the page, making her a woman you want in your corner and your kitchen. Al is the stubborn man who is a bit high and mighty when we first meet him. He is judgmental, something you expect from a food critic, but in a mean kind of way. He is intrigued by Lou and their time together shows him the beauty around him in life. It begins to soften his edges and show the world in a new light.
The romance in this story is well paced, well balanced, and emotional. These two click and their love for food is a rope that ties them together. The more time they spend together the stronger that connection gets, allowing the reader to fall in love with their love story. There are ups and downs. At the beginning they refuse to talk about work or their personal lives, only living in the moment and exploring their great city and state. I love that Lou had a finger on the pulse of where she lived. She knew the secret spots and the places any tourist would miss. Her excitement and fondness for her hometown is something that draws you in, wanting to visit all the places they go. As a side note, make sure you have snacks when you read this book! These recipes and gourmet dishes made my stomach rumble. I was hungry from all the fabulous food they ate and cooked. The theme of food is vital to the story and it really shines throughout the book, giving the reader a glimpse into the world of food and its industry.
Reichert takes the cliche and makes it something more. Even if you think the plot of this book is predictable, I challenge you to pick it up and read it. There is so much passion for life, food, and love in this story. The writing is phenomenal and the story will steal your heart, keeping a tight hold till the very end. This book is a light, fun read with a bit of angst thrown in. The characters are awesome and the recipes are mouthwatering. Don’t miss this fun book!