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Coffee Sonata
Books: CookBooks: Coffee: Item 4
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Coffee Sonataby Gun Brooke
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful: Captures the Reader in the First Sentence... and Never Lets Go..., June 15, 2006 Reviewer:K. Johnson (Twin Cities, MN) - It's not often a book sticks with me for days, or even hours, after I've finished reading the last sentence of the last chapter. I usually enjoy the ride, but -- like a roller coaster -- when it's over, it's over. Such is certainly not the case with this beautifully written story by Gun Brooke. I finished reading this two days ago, and the characters are still bouncing around in my head. I'm reluctant to read another book because I don't want this "euphoric" feeling to end. I read, and liked, Brooke's 'Course of Action,' but 'Coffee Sonata' propels her from an average to an exceptional author in this reader's mind. It's almost as if Brooke created two fascinating couples -- Manon/Eryn and Vivian/Mike -- but couldn't decide which one to bring to life. Instead, she masterfully combines their stories into a single, intertwined web of lust and love, pain and passion. Manon is the small Rhode Island town's wealthiest resident and benefactor of a charitable foundation. She is living with the pain of losing her twin brother, both parents, and grandparents over a short period of time... then having to live a seemingly perfect life to feel worthy of living at all. As a result, she remains deep in the closet and devoid of human intimacy. Manon brings world-famous opera singer Vivian to town to sing her farewell concert at a foundation benefit. Only Manon knows Vivian's closely-guarded secret. That is, until Vivian meets Mike (Michaela)at the local coffee bar. Mike has pulled herself out of foster care and semi-poverty by working very hard. She owns and operates said coffee bar, and takes great pride in her work. Burned in the past by a despicable woman, Mike doesn't trust love or its possibilities... That is, until Vivian walks into her cafe. Eryn was raised in a very conservative, Baptist family who basically turned their backs when she came out at age 15. She knows Mike, but they're not close pals. Confused, but emboldened by a series of events, Eryn realizes she's in love with Manon. But, with the other woman's insecurities and obligations, will her feelings ever be returned? The way Brooke brings their stories together is absolutely mesmorizing. These chracters have unsurpassed depth and dimensionality, making them incredibly real and believable. This reader couldn't stop until the last sentence was read. It's absolutely an incredible book... One that I would recommend to anyone! Recommended accompaniments... a tall double latte and biscotti.
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