I’ve always had a soft spot for books that revolve around food—it’s just something about the mix of flavor and storytelling! A few years ago, I picked up The Seaside Cafe by Rochelle Alers, hoping it would be the perfect read. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Curious, I decided to give it another go recently, but sadly, it didn’t leave me feeling any more satisfied. That said, there were definitely parts I enjoyed, and I still wanted to share my thoughts!

The premise of The Seaside Cafe was right up my alley—women reinventing their lives, food, coastal living, and the charm of North Carolina. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, the book didn’t quite deliver, and I think the main issue was how fragmented the story felt. I just couldn’t connect with it. At one point, I almost put it down, but I decided to keep going, hoping it would pull me in. Unfortunately, the more I read, the more I felt like the character interactions were forced and unnatural.

The story had all the ingredients for a fantastic first book in a series (I'm guessing it's meant to be one), but it missed the mark for me. First, there’s Kayana (Kay), who’s running a cafe with her brother on Coates Island, NC, after a divorce from a wealthy surgeon. She’s focused on her cooking and reading—until some seasonal visitors start showing up. A couple of women who bond over books start a book club, but their interactions were just... rude and contentious. I found myself asking, “Why does Kay still hang out with them?” Then, there’s the weird dynamic between Kay and her brother. Their conversations felt so forced, like strangers who were trying to be family.

And don’t even get me started on Kay’s romantic interest. He has been pining for her for years, but she’s “never noticed”—even though everyone else has. At first, she’s not really interested, but because they both love books and movies, they start dating. But honestly, it was like flicking a switch—one moment, there’s no chemistry, and the next, they’re getting hot and heavy. It just didn’t feel believable. The chemistry was nonexistent, and oddly clinical at times. I was really hoping to enjoy this one more, but sadly, it just didn’t work for me.

One thing I’ll always give The Seaside Cafe credit for is its inclusion of recipes—because who doesn't love a good recipe alongside a good story? Food in books is a big win for me, and I was excited to see that the author shared some delicious dishes from Kay’s cafe. It’s always a fun treat to have that extra little connection to the world the author has created, and these recipes definitely added a personal touch that made me feel like I was right there in the kitchen with Kay.

Another highlight for me was the way the author beautifully described Coates Island and the coastal North Carolina setting. Having lived in NC for two decades, I could really appreciate the rich imagery and vivid descriptions of the island. From the salty air to the charming coastal scenery, it felt like the author truly captured the essence of that unique part of the world. The sounds of the waves, the feel of the sand, and the sights of the quaint town all added a layer of authenticity to the setting. It made me nostalgic for the time I spent in North Carolina, and I could almost feel the sea breeze in the pages. For anyone who loves the laid-back, picturesque vibe of coastal towns, this aspect of the book is a definite win.

So while the story didn’t quite land for me, those elements—the food and the setting—definitely stood out and gave the book a little something special.