The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe
The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe book cover

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe

Paperback – July 1, 2014

Price
$16.99
Format
Paperback
Pages
368
Publisher
Back Bay Books
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0316225878
Dimensions
5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
Weight
11.2 ounces

Description

"If you liked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, or the Nicholas Sparks novels, you will devour THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFE. Mary Simses can write evocative detail that puts you right in the scene, with dialogue that always rings true." ― James Patterson "This charming, tender first novel emphasizes the power of simple pleasures, comfort food, and undeniable chemistry. Fans of the leads in the movies The Proposal and Sweet Home Alabama will recognize a kindred spirit in high-strung, perfectionist Ellen, and the novel's small-town setting will appeal to loyal readers of Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, and Jan Karon. Simses' story of emotional discoveries, shifting priorities, and new beginnings is a delightful beach read."― Booklist "Basic ingredients, well mixed-and good to the last crumb."― Good Housekeeping "Like the tastiest piece of pie, THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFE is mostly sweet with a touch of tartness and has a richly constructed crust to contain all its ingredients.... Simses'...depictions of the charming qualities of small town life, the healing abilities of comfort food, and the redemptive power of love will win the hearts of readers, as will the subtle sprinkling of humor and intrigue. Fans of Nicholas Sparks, or even the romantic offerings of James Patterson, will approve."― John Valeri, Examiner.com "With details that dovetail nicely into the plot and an assortment of quirky characters, THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFE mixes up an authentic Maine setting with an entertaining story."― Beverly Meyer, The Free Lance-Star Mary Simses grew up in Darien, Connecticut and began writing short stories as a child. She spent most of her life in New England, where she worked in magazine publishing, and, later, as a corporate attorney writing short stories "on the side." Mary is the author of The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café, adapted as The Irresistible Blueberry Farm for the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel, The Rules of Love & Grammar, and her latest novel, The Wedding Thief. Mary enjoys photography, old jazz standards, and escaping to Connecticut in the summer. She lives in South Florida.

Features & Highlights

  • A high-powered Manhattan attorney finds love, purpose, and the promise of a simpler life in her grandmother's hometown.
  • Ellen Branford is going to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish -- to find the hometown boy she once loved, and give him her last letter. Ellen leaves Manhattan and her Kennedy-esque fiance for Beacon, Maine. What should be a one-day trip is quickly complicated when she almost drowns in the chilly bay and is saved by a local carpenter. The rescue turns Ellen into something of a local celebrity, which may or may not help her unravel the past her grandmother labored to keep hidden. As she learns about her grandmother and herself, it becomes clear that a 24-hour visit to Beacon may never be enough. The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café is a warm and delicious debut about the power of a simpler life. "You will devour
  • The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café
  • . Mary Simses can write evocative detail that puts you right in the scene, with dialogue that always rings true." -- James Patterson

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(490)
★★★★
25%
(409)
★★★
15%
(245)
★★
7%
(114)
23%
(376)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Families often have untold stories ...

I enjoyed this book more than I had expected. I purchased it out of curiosity. Having lived in coastal Maine for years, seeing the "summer people", and knowing general attitudes, my curiosity was piqued as to the author's interpretation of "locals and out of towners." I thought the author's characters were genuinely interesting, not stereotypical. Of course the city and country aspects were understandable, but she handled both with sensitivity. I thought her characters were honest. I enjoyed the exploration of choice - how a person chooses to create their world. What is important to include and what, really, goes in the mix to create a life that has meaning, not just money or "success." Contentment. When all is said and done, where was contentment in the equation. I enjoyed the exploration of people we think we know, but perhaps only know partially. People are often much more complex than we see on the surface; often especially true, of family members. Families often have many untold stories. Often fascinating! I look forward to further work from this author!
22 people found this helpful
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Very disappointed.

I purchased this book for myself and for my daughter based solely on the cover blurb that compares it to the Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society. Big mistake! This is barely a step above the run of the mill "romance" offerings. Nothing at all compared to the genius of Guernsey. Very disappointed.
4 people found this helpful
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A hilarious look at the choices that drive our impulses, and a grandmother as a young woman with dreams

An engaged New York lawyer visits her grandmother’s hometown in Maine to deliver a letter to her grandmother’s high school sweetheart. But an unwise walk down a decrepit dock leads her to nearly drown, until a local handyman jumps in and saves her. Her sudden outburst of thankfulness with a kiss finds its way into the local paper, and Ellen tries to cover up her impulsivity, while uncovering her grandmother’s secret hobby and the life before she became Gran. After several other hilarious mishaps, Ellen unexpectedly finds the possibility of a new life, as well as a new taste for blueberries. The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe is a hilarious look at the choices that drive our impulses, and a glance at a grandmother as a young woman. For discussion questions, a recipe for blueberry muffins with a buttery cinnamon crumble, and similar recommended readings, visit hub pages.
2 people found this helpful
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Very Disappointing

I generally enjoy chick lit books that are easy reads. And easy read doesn't mean pot quality. And I am not a very judgmental reader. However, this book is poorly written. The characters' actions make no sense at all and the dialogue isn't realistic. I read the aurhor's other book too and it had the same problems. I know how difficult it is to get a book published by a big publisher, and I am shocked that this book would be accepted while there are so many fabulous books that get rejected.
2 people found this helpful
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Book was even better than the movie!

I like anything with Alison and Marc ...have seen them all!
1 people found this helpful
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Great 2 day read!!!!!

I loved th he book, even better than the movie. More detailed, and the "journey" was more memorable in the book. LOVED it.
1 people found this helpful
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This book is very good and was made into the Hallmark movie

This book is very good and was made into the Hallmark movie, The Irresistible Blueberry Farm. The book includes more than the movie but both are very good.
1 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

I thought this book was wonderful and I can't wait to read her new one.
1 people found this helpful
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Good Summer Reading

Nice, light summer reading....A very good example of chick lit....Just enough to read without beng fluffy, if you know what I mean!
1 people found this helpful
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but the film is my favorite Hallmark movie of all time

I haven't read the book yet, but the film is my favorite Hallmark movie of all time. I can hardly wait to read the book now! The whole town was the star of the movie, by the way. That, and the male lead's personality. Marc Blucas was the perfect choice for this role.
1 people found this helpful