jo85_booklover's reviews
307 reviews

Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring

5.0

Some books break you before putting you back together—this is one of them. Summer at the Comfort Food Café is a beautiful, heart-wrenching journey through grief, love, and healing.

Laura Walker, a widow struggling to move forward for her children, takes a summer job at a seaside café filled with quirky, lovable regulars. Through laughter, friendships, and unexpected romance, she slowly finds hope again.

Johnson’s portrayal of grief is raw and honest—it opened old wounds, leaving me tear-streaked and aching. But just as grief lingers, so does joy. This book balances sorrow with warmth, humor, and the reminder that life goes on.

By the final page, I was sobbing yet smiling, my heart full. A deeply moving, cathartic read that proves happiness can exist alongside loss.

I am so looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about life around The Comfort Food Cafe.

Little Sister by Lucy Dawson

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense

4.0

I really enjoyed Little Sister—it was a gripping, suspenseful read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The tension built steadily throughout, and the characters were well-developed, making it easy to get invested in their stories. The writing was engaging, and the twists kept me listening. That said, I did guess the ending before the big reveal, which took away a bit of the shock factor. However, the journey there was still thrilling, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers!

You Sent Me a Letter by Lucy Dawson

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense

4.0

I really enjoyed You Wrote Me a Letter—it’s a fast-paced, gripping thriller that kept me hooked. On her wedding day, Sophie receives a mysterious letter warning her to stay silent or face the consequences. As secrets unravel, the tension builds, making for an addictive read.

Lucy Dawson does a great job with the suspense, and the twists keep things interesting. That said, I guessed who wrote the letter before the wedding took place, which took away some of the mystery. Some of Sophie’s choices were also a bit frustrating, but overall, it was a solid, entertaining thriller. If you love psychological suspense, it’s worth checking out!

The One That Got Away by Lucy Dawson

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The One That Got Away is a gripping psychological thriller about Molly, whose brief past romance with the charming but unsettling Alex resurfaces in terrifying ways. As her world unravels, she questions whether she’s imagining the danger or if Alex is truly a threat. The book builds tension well but includes many triggering themes and has uneven pacing. While the suspense keeps you hooked, some parts feel rushed or underdeveloped. A dark, unsettling read that thriller fans may enjoy—but one to approach with caution.

Now this was intriguing and kept me wanting to listen to more.

Content Warnings

Don't Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson

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dark emotional mysterious sad

3.75

Don’t Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson has an intriguing premise and a suspenseful atmosphere, but its uneven pacing and predictable twists hold it back. The shifting timelines add depth but can be distracting, and while the characters are complex, the tension never fully escalates. A decent slow-burn psychological drama, but not a pulse-pounding thriller.

Listened to the story and sadly wasn't completely gripped.

The Whispers by Heidi Perks

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced