by Mariah Stewart
Series: The Hudson Sisters #3
Genres: Chick-Lit
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
California girl Allie Hudson Monroe can't wait for the day when the renovations on the Sugarhouse Theater are complete so she can finally collect the inheritance from her father and leave Pennsylvania. After all, her life and her fourteen-year-old daughter are in Los Angeles.
But Allie's divorce left her tottering on the edge of bankruptcy, so to keep up on payments for her house and her daughter's private school tuition, Allie packed up and flew out east. But fate has a curve-ball or two to toss in Allie's direction—she just doesn't know it yet.
She hadn't anticipated how her life would change after reuniting with her estranged sister, Des, or meeting her previously unknown half-sister, Cara. And she'd certainly never expected to find small-town living charming. But the biggest surprise was that her long-forgotten artistry would save the day when the theater's renovation fund dried up.
With opening day upon the sisters, Allie's free to go. But for the first time in her life, she feels like the woman she was always meant to be. Will she return to the West Coast and resume her previous life, or will the love of her family be enough to draw her back to the place where the Hudson roots grow so deep?
The Goodbye Café by Mariah Stewart was Allie’s story in the delightfully charming, small-town Hudson Sisters series. Allie was the toughest sister to warm up to, but growth and self-reflection stoked the fires.
Family, particularly sisters have been the theme throughout the Hudson Sisters series and each book continues their journey of restoring their family-owned theatre but it also shares their lives, romances, friendships and the small-town named after their ancestors.
Allie was a damaged cookie when we first met her in book one and I’ve really enjoyed her journey of self-discovery and belonging. I’ve come to care for all the girls, but I think she had the toughest road to travel.
We witness the final transformation of the Sugarhouse Theater and even partake in its grand reopening. Their Aunt takes on a new business at the Goodbye Cafe and quickly had the girls involved. We discovered more secrets about the Hudson family and I hope it means more books for us.
There is a slow-burning romance in The Goodbye Café between Allie and Police Chief Ben Haldeman. From the beginning these two have traded barbs, even said hurtful things..but that spark was always there. I loved watching their friendship unfold into something more.
I had my fingers crossed while reading this hoping that the author would work something out for Allie and her daughter. You’ll must read it for yourself to find answers. I was sad to say goodbye but loved how the story wrapped up. The author left the door open for additional books and I am hoping that we learn more about the new character we met.
Hidden Falls is a picturesque town surrounding by lakes and mountains in Pennsylvania. It is one I wouldn’t mind visiting again. Fans of siblings, family, small-towns, character growth and slow burning romances will delight in The Goodbye Café and the entire Hudson Sisters series.
The Goodbye Café by Mariah Stewart was Allie's story in the delightfully charming, small-town Hudson Sisters series. Allie was the toughest sister to warm up to, but growth and self-reflection stoked the fires. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Stefanie
I am going to have to move up this series. You, Kathryn, and Katherine have highly rated it.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I love a good chick lit book. Glad you liked it. I will add this one too to my list.
Mary
Carla
Always sad to say good-bye to characters you have come to know. Glad it ended on a high note.
Stephanie Jane (Literary Flits)
I’m glad the end of this series didn’t let you down even though it was bitter-sweet to let go
Dani Eide
Sounds like a wonderful series about family, especially sisters. Beautiful review about the draw of a small town. Thanks Kimberly!❤️❤️
blodeuedd
I always like sisters books, it makes me want a sister
Bookworm Brandee
I love series surrounding family and small towns so I’ll have to check out this one. I’m happy that Stewart left you satisfied with Allie’s story. Personal growth is a favorite element of mine and it seems Allie did some growing for the better. 🙂
Lily
I’ve been eyeing this series for a while now, it sounds supper comfy for summer time
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds like a lovely series. I love small town settings and I’m a huge fan of sibling stories. Will definitely have to keep this in mind when I’m ready to start a new series. Great review!
Elle
Great review as always! Although it doesn’t seem like my type of book to read, I still think it’s an interesting story. It’s probably very relatable to some mothers out there.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Interesting. Great review. I think maybe Jonetta got this one also.
Tyler H. Jolley
This sounds really great, and I know how much you love the small town setting. I do too. I’m a sucker for it.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love a small town setting, with a slow-burning romance, and beloved characters that you get to follow in as series! I especially love that sisters is a central theme, as well as friendship, This sounds like a sweet love story!
Kimberly
Lindy, next time you comment check the pre-filled URL for your website. It’s off by a letter or two and goes into the unknown?
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Wonderful review, Kim? I felt the same and am hoping for another book or spinoff.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I have been eyeing this one, and now I must read the whole series. Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this author but this books sounds good.
Sophia Rose
Ever since you reviewed the first one, I’ve been keen to get onto this series. I love that it focuses on sisters’ relationships, personal growth, and some romance.
Melliane
Oh this one definitely looks good!
Lorna
I love this author, but it’s been awhile since I’ve read her. I like her suspense ones a lot. I need to try this series someday!
Heidi
This sounds like a lovely series, one that I would like as I enjoy small town settings and family stories.
Olivia Roach
It sounds like this whole series is one that was full of beautiful characters and lovely slow burning romances. I might have to check them out. And I also really love the cover as well. Great review!
Angela @ Simply Angela
You’ve convinced me I need to read this series. I have the first two books sitting on my TBR pile I just haven’t picked them up yet.
Debbie Haupt
I have this one Kim and I really want to read it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Angie Elle
I haven’t read anything by this author, but I did pick up three books that were in a donation bin. They are part of a different series, but seeing that you enjoy this one so much makes me want to read them. This series also sounds fun!
Great review.
kindlemom1
I think it was Heidi who reviewed this yesterday and I thought it looked good. Now that I know you both liked it I definitely need to grab a copy! I love reads like this one in the summer months.
Cynthia
I love a small town setting with a character who comes into her own. I have read this author before and loved the books!
Nick
This is the second rave review I am seeing for this book. I love that cover and I like the sound of that setting. The story sounds very sweet too!
Ailyn Koay
so a sisterly love with a bonus new romance? sounds like one to curl up with in bed XD
Melanie Simmons
I do enjoy watching a struggling character come into their own. Great review.