Katrina has no talent, no drive for anything. She's not passionate for art, like her best girl friend Elizabeth, or swimming, like her best guy friend Vincent. All she does is help run her grandmother's dying coffeehouse, go to school, and work at the empty coffeehouse until she goes to sleep at night.
Then, Katrina gives coffee and pastries to the young homeless guy in her alley, and her world changes. The guy, who calls himself Malcolm, says that he is an angel, and he must grant Katrina's deepest desire before he can move on. The trouble is, Katrina doesn't seem to know what she wants, and her first two wishes for fortune and fame only seem to get her into more trouble. The coffeehouse is in jeopardy from competition next door, and Katrina has no idea how to save it.
Malcolm can't move on until Katrina knows what she most desires, but as they spend more time together, Katrina can't help but think that she might want HIM almost as much as she wants to save the coffeehouse and find what she's good at.
Reading COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL is like reading a Disney movie: clueless and spineless girl gets into trouble, the bit of magic she gets involved in gets her into more trouble, she realizes her potential after the troubles, she gets with the guy and they all live happily ever after. It's a fairy tale-like story that can't fail to be cute, and that's how you'll feel when reading COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL.
Katrina is simultaneously a sweetheart, with her genuine concern for the coffeehouse's well-being, and annoying with her inaction and naivety. However, the greatest part is probably the valid ambiguity of Katrina's positions: for example, she gets legitimately mad at Vincent for not helping her save the coffeehouse, but is also at fault herself for always waiting for someone to come to her rescue. It's difficult to balance ambiguity in a novel, but Suzanne Selfors succeeds in this story, which is amazing.
I'm a little less impressed with the supposed romance between Katrina and Malcolm. It seemed like Katrina was a little too eager to fall in love with Malcolm simply because he was good-looking and available. Of course, this fits in quite nicely with the whole story's overall fairy-tale-like feel, so it may not bother you all that much if you keep that in mind.
COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL is a sweet read for reluctant tween and teen readers looking for a story with a healthy dash of love, magic, and character growth. Read for the feel-good smile it will leave on your face as you turn the last page.
Then, Katrina gives coffee and pastries to the young homeless guy in her alley, and her world changes. The guy, who calls himself Malcolm, says that he is an angel, and he must grant Katrina's deepest desire before he can move on. The trouble is, Katrina doesn't seem to know what she wants, and her first two wishes for fortune and fame only seem to get her into more trouble. The coffeehouse is in jeopardy from competition next door, and Katrina has no idea how to save it.
Malcolm can't move on until Katrina knows what she most desires, but as they spend more time together, Katrina can't help but think that she might want HIM almost as much as she wants to save the coffeehouse and find what she's good at.
Reading COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL is like reading a Disney movie: clueless and spineless girl gets into trouble, the bit of magic she gets involved in gets her into more trouble, she realizes her potential after the troubles, she gets with the guy and they all live happily ever after. It's a fairy tale-like story that can't fail to be cute, and that's how you'll feel when reading COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL.
Katrina is simultaneously a sweetheart, with her genuine concern for the coffeehouse's well-being, and annoying with her inaction and naivety. However, the greatest part is probably the valid ambiguity of Katrina's positions: for example, she gets legitimately mad at Vincent for not helping her save the coffeehouse, but is also at fault herself for always waiting for someone to come to her rescue. It's difficult to balance ambiguity in a novel, but Suzanne Selfors succeeds in this story, which is amazing.
I'm a little less impressed with the supposed romance between Katrina and Malcolm. It seemed like Katrina was a little too eager to fall in love with Malcolm simply because he was good-looking and available. Of course, this fits in quite nicely with the whole story's overall fairy-tale-like feel, so it may not bother you all that much if you keep that in mind.
COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL is a sweet read for reluctant tween and teen readers looking for a story with a healthy dash of love, magic, and character growth. Read for the feel-good smile it will leave on your face as you turn the last page.
I read this book to make sure it was appropriate for my daughter, and I ended up really enjoying it. It was an easy read that covered friendship, teen crush, and commitment to family.
Absoutely loved this book. Reminded me a lot of the old TV Show Joan of Arcadia. If you liked that show you will love this book. Very lighthearted reading and I would definately recommend for teens. My first book by Suzanne Selfors. I have Saving Juliet on my TBR pile and it will probably be moved up now. Highly recommended!
I dont usually read Young Adult books OFTEN, but I do love books about coffee and magic. So this book looked like it might be enjoyable. I can highly recommend it to those who love a great story. Where the damsel in distress decides she has the power to change things. Where secrets are revealed, forgiveness is given, and true friendships pass the test of troubled waters. Just add some angelic magic to this timeless story. Three coffee beans, three hearts desires. Maybe the third time she will get it right. The first two "wishes" didnt really have the best outcomes.
The author modeled the fictional town of Nordby (There is a town of Norby also in Denmark), on the real town of Poulsbo, Washington, an adorable Scandinavian village near her home. Her website even has photos of the town.
The author is friends with Susan Wiggs. I wouldnt mind having a famous author in my writing club to help me hone my skills. This book is a fine tuned book. You wont be bored.
The author modeled the fictional town of Nordby (There is a town of Norby also in Denmark), on the real town of Poulsbo, Washington, an adorable Scandinavian village near her home. Her website even has photos of the town.
The author is friends with Susan Wiggs. I wouldnt mind having a famous author in my writing club to help me hone my skills. This book is a fine tuned book. You wont be bored.
The perfect little book to read on Christmas break! Heartwarming and sweet, but with a deeper message behind it. Snuggle up with a warm blanket and a cup of hot coffee while you read this one!
