The Goodbye Café by Mariah Stewart

April 23rd, 2019 Kimberly Review 30 Comments

23rd Apr
The Goodbye Café by Mariah Stewart
The Goodbye Café
by Mariah Stewart
Series: The Hudson Sisters #3
Genres: Chick-Lit
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

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?

Family friends Small-town ROMANCE

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. Click To Tweet
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

30 Responses to “The Goodbye Café by Mariah Stewart”

  1. Carla

    Always sad to say good-bye to characters you have come to know. Glad it ended on a high note.

  2. Lily

    I’ve been eyeing this series for a while now, it sounds supper comfy for summer time

  3. 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!

  4. 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?

  5. 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!

  6. Heidi

    This sounds like a lovely series, one that I would like as I enjoy small town settings and family stories.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.