kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. what a fun, quirky book with a (mostly) fabulous cast of characters. Loved it!
renee_conoulty's review against another edition
3.0
A quick, easy read, with depth.
I liked Emet. He was an honest and likable character with a positive outlook. I enjoyed the anecdotal stories that came out through the main character's interaction with other characters in the book. I loved the way the budding romance progressed sweetly, without being overloaded with angst.
I think the author dealt with issues of various types of abuse in a realistic manner. It made me stop and think about how lonely it would be to be stuck in prison and forgotten about by friends and family.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Emet. He was an honest and likable character with a positive outlook. I enjoyed the anecdotal stories that came out through the main character's interaction with other characters in the book. I loved the way the budding romance progressed sweetly, without being overloaded with angst.
I think the author dealt with issues of various types of abuse in a realistic manner. It made me stop and think about how lonely it would be to be stuck in prison and forgotten about by friends and family.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
jaimereadsromance's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was good and the story was interesting but I don't think it's something I would read again.
I get it, not every story is going to leave a great impression on me, and that's ok.
Honesty, this book left me wanting to delve deeper into the brothers life because clearly drugs weren't his only problems.
*I received and ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I get it, not every story is going to leave a great impression on me, and that's ok.
Honesty, this book left me wanting to delve deeper into the brothers life because clearly drugs weren't his only problems.
*I received and ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
lsmoore43's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy via NetGalley for my honest review.
It was a pretty good book. Didn’t keep my interest enough that I could not put it down though. It had some good parts and parts where it was so slow. I wish it would have had a bit more to it to hold my interest. It was just ok. I like books to really pull me in from the start and hold me there all the way.
It was a pretty good book. Didn’t keep my interest enough that I could not put it down though. It had some good parts and parts where it was so slow. I wish it would have had a bit more to it to hold my interest. It was just ok. I like books to really pull me in from the start and hold me there all the way.
pavi_fictionalworm's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the one with subtlety as its foundation and it's absolutely brilliant.
Emet First is an ex-con on the mend. He trained as a cook in the prison and loves making delicious food - he has magical hands (unlike me!). The cafe he works at - Serve You Right Cafe - is one that never discriminates against anyone, be it from any walks of life. Life is looking good, especially when he meets Mercey!
Mercedes Finch is a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, who is also training her dog as a therapy dog. She is brilliant and she is also humane in a world where judgement is rather quick and harsh. She herself has problems, namely her junkie brother Clay who will do anything to disrupt her life!
This book is subtle yet has an interesting combination of a romance, a bit of angst and humor. The plot itself is well developed and while the writing style of the author may not exactly be my cup of tea, I do understand the brilliance of it as well! The author has woven an interesting story where everyone gets their due, even the secondary characters. Every single character potrayed is well developed and holistic and makes their way into your heart whether you want it or not! As I said, subtlety is the strongest point of this book and the author has made brilliant use of it!
This is a definite recommendation from me! <3
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
This book is the one with subtlety as its foundation and it's absolutely brilliant.
Emet First is an ex-con on the mend. He trained as a cook in the prison and loves making delicious food - he has magical hands (unlike me!). The cafe he works at - Serve You Right Cafe - is one that never discriminates against anyone, be it from any walks of life. Life is looking good, especially when he meets Mercey!
Mercedes Finch is a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, who is also training her dog as a therapy dog. She is brilliant and she is also humane in a world where judgement is rather quick and harsh. She herself has problems, namely her junkie brother Clay who will do anything to disrupt her life!
This book is subtle yet has an interesting combination of a romance, a bit of angst and humor. The plot itself is well developed and while the writing style of the author may not exactly be my cup of tea, I do understand the brilliance of it as well! The author has woven an interesting story where everyone gets their due, even the secondary characters. Every single character potrayed is well developed and holistic and makes their way into your heart whether you want it or not! As I said, subtlety is the strongest point of this book and the author has made brilliant use of it!
This is a definite recommendation from me! <3
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
totallybex's review against another edition
3.0
Every time I browsed NetGalley, the cover would catch my eye. Reading the blurb, I thought I would really like it since I love redemption and second chance stories. In the end, though, it was just ok.
I enjoyed the writing and the characters. I didn't immediately connect with the story and found everything to be it very descriptive, sometimes overly so. Because of that, I found the pacing to be a little slow and cumbersome at times. Some of the events seemed to take a long time to happen, however, the timeframe of the story was short.
Overall, I liked Second Helpings, but didn't love it. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ For more reviews, visit
I enjoyed the writing and the characters. I didn't immediately connect with the story and found everything to be it very descriptive, sometimes overly so. Because of that, I found the pacing to be a little slow and cumbersome at times. Some of the events seemed to take a long time to happen, however, the timeframe of the story was short.
Overall, I liked Second Helpings, but didn't love it. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ For more reviews, visit
fictionophile's review against another edition
5.0
Located in a small Massachusetts college town, the "Serve you Right Café" has a hard-working staff of two. A full-time owner/manager, a full-time baker, and one part-time server.
The owner/manager, Eden Rose, is a recovering alcoholic. A woman with a big heart, an artistic flair, and a positive outlook. She smiles often. She inspires confidences.
"The urge to confide in her, which few resisted, probably had something to do with her eyes. People tended to find themselves there. Eden's eyes were a clear brown that made drunks think of smooth whiskey and nature lovers remember woodland pools. Southerners looked into her eyes and tasted the memory of sweet tea, and a homeless man saw the darkness of a place to sleep".
Emet, is a parolee recently released from prison. He is a talented and highly skilled baker who views his parole status as a gift. He NEVER wants to return to prison, and he has an admirable work ethic. In his early thirties, he has been in jail for almost ten years. He learned how to cook in prison. He calls cooking "reliable magic".
When Emet meets a woman named Mercedes, he cannot believe his luck when she agrees to go out with him. Where she is a doctor of physiotherapy; he only has a high school diploma and a prison record.
The tables are not as uneven as they seem however, because Mercedes (Mercey) comes from a severely dysfunctional family. Her baggage would break the backs of most people. Emet isn't 'most people' though.
"Some plants grow best in poor soil"
Mercy's brother is a low-life druggie who has on occasion resorted to petty crime to support his habits. When he learns of Emet, and Emet's past, he does his level best to put Emet back in prison and away from his sister, who, up until now has helped to support him.
Mercey has a NEADS service dog named Serena. When her brother tries to harm Serena, Mercy reports him to the authorities. That's when things turn bad. Bad for Mercey, and by connection, bad for Emet.
This lovely little book is a treatise on human nature. The good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of it. It is a story told with deep understanding, humor, and empathy. The prose at times flows almost like poetry. There is no part of this book that I didn't love. All the characters are so well rendered, that I find myself missing them already...
It is my belief that this book will appeal to: people who like people, people who don't like people, people with 'baggage', people who love people who have 'baggage', dog lovers, bakers, and everyone who ever wanted or needed a second chance.
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from Linden Tree Press via Edelweiss in consideration of a review.
The owner/manager, Eden Rose, is a recovering alcoholic. A woman with a big heart, an artistic flair, and a positive outlook. She smiles often. She inspires confidences.
"The urge to confide in her, which few resisted, probably had something to do with her eyes. People tended to find themselves there. Eden's eyes were a clear brown that made drunks think of smooth whiskey and nature lovers remember woodland pools. Southerners looked into her eyes and tasted the memory of sweet tea, and a homeless man saw the darkness of a place to sleep".
Emet, is a parolee recently released from prison. He is a talented and highly skilled baker who views his parole status as a gift. He NEVER wants to return to prison, and he has an admirable work ethic. In his early thirties, he has been in jail for almost ten years. He learned how to cook in prison. He calls cooking "reliable magic".
When Emet meets a woman named Mercedes, he cannot believe his luck when she agrees to go out with him. Where she is a doctor of physiotherapy; he only has a high school diploma and a prison record.
The tables are not as uneven as they seem however, because Mercedes (Mercey) comes from a severely dysfunctional family. Her baggage would break the backs of most people. Emet isn't 'most people' though.
"Some plants grow best in poor soil"
Mercy's brother is a low-life druggie who has on occasion resorted to petty crime to support his habits. When he learns of Emet, and Emet's past, he does his level best to put Emet back in prison and away from his sister, who, up until now has helped to support him.
Mercey has a NEADS service dog named Serena. When her brother tries to harm Serena, Mercy reports him to the authorities. That's when things turn bad. Bad for Mercey, and by connection, bad for Emet.
This lovely little book is a treatise on human nature. The good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of it. It is a story told with deep understanding, humor, and empathy. The prose at times flows almost like poetry. There is no part of this book that I didn't love. All the characters are so well rendered, that I find myself missing them already...
It is my belief that this book will appeal to: people who like people, people who don't like people, people with 'baggage', people who love people who have 'baggage', dog lovers, bakers, and everyone who ever wanted or needed a second chance.
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from Linden Tree Press via Edelweiss in consideration of a review.
booksonhermind's review
3.0
I really enjoyed where this was going two-fourths of the way in. I got a little lost there with the story centering around too many things, but still fairly enjoyable.
fortheloveoffictionalworlds's review
4.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the one with subtlety as its foundation and it's absolutely brilliant.
Emet First is an ex-con on the mend. He trained as a cook in the prison and loves making delicious food - he has magical hands (unlike me!). The cafe he works at - Serve You Right Cafe - is one that never discriminates against anyone, be it from any walks of life. Life is looking good, especially when he meets Mercey!
Mercedes Finch is a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, who is also training her dog as a therapy dog. She is brilliant and she is also humane in a world where judgement is rather quick and harsh. She herself has problems, namely her junkie brother Clay who will do anything to disrupt her life!
This book is subtle yet has an interesting combination of a romance, a bit of angst and humor. The plot itself is well developed and while the writing style of the author may not exactly be my cup of tea, I do understand the brilliance of it as well! The author has woven an interesting story where everyone gets their due, even the secondary characters. Every single character potrayed is well developed and holistic and makes their way into your heart whether you want it or not! As I said, subtlety is the strongest point of this book and the author has made brilliant use of it!
This is a definite recommendation from me! <3
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
This book is the one with subtlety as its foundation and it's absolutely brilliant.
Emet First is an ex-con on the mend. He trained as a cook in the prison and loves making delicious food - he has magical hands (unlike me!). The cafe he works at - Serve You Right Cafe - is one that never discriminates against anyone, be it from any walks of life. Life is looking good, especially when he meets Mercey!
Mercedes Finch is a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, who is also training her dog as a therapy dog. She is brilliant and she is also humane in a world where judgement is rather quick and harsh. She herself has problems, namely her junkie brother Clay who will do anything to disrupt her life!
This book is subtle yet has an interesting combination of a romance, a bit of angst and humor. The plot itself is well developed and while the writing style of the author may not exactly be my cup of tea, I do understand the brilliance of it as well! The author has woven an interesting story where everyone gets their due, even the secondary characters. Every single character potrayed is well developed and holistic and makes their way into your heart whether you want it or not! As I said, subtlety is the strongest point of this book and the author has made brilliant use of it!
This is a definite recommendation from me! <3
For more reviews don't forget to visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds
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