If you are getting this book based on the back cover, expect more...much more. I would not say this book is about romance, though it's in there. I'd say it's about love. Real love. Messy love. The kind that breaks your heart and lifts you up at the same time.

Parts of the book were a bit wordy for me, but overall, it is a wonderful story that is, for the most part, beautifully written.

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One of the best books I've read in a long time. It took me a chapter or two to get engaged in the book, but soon I was hooked. One thing that set this book apart is that the characters are all interesting AND likeable. There isn't a villian, but there is still interest and tension.

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This is a wonderful story that redefines "heartwarming." It revolves around a tiny 31 yo lady named Cornelia, a precocious 11 yo named Clare, several movie-star-handsome 30-40 yo males, a cafe, a home in a neighborhood everyone would love to be raised in and various and sundry more or less lovable characters. There are lots of plot surprises but most of all everyone comes of age and survives whatever plot nuances in which they might fing themselves. The ending is mostly happy~~depending upon who you are rooting for. More of a "she" than "he" book. Chances are you will love it!

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Surprisingly moving. Starts off slightly irritating and chick-lit lite but ends up with a moving discussion about family relationships, ties that truly bind and if blood is thicker than water. Engaging characters, easy writing and a satisfying ending.

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what an excellent book...I really cared for Cornelia, the main character. Cornelia's references to movie characters and movie scenes to explain how she is feeling is an interesting way to convey her emotions. I think this book reflects what we all hope...that love will walk into our lives and we'll be ready and able to accept it when it does. A great book...highly recommend it.

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I loved this book! Loved the characters. Though the ending was predictable, it was a good read.

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The first few chapters of this book were a little slow for me but I was quickly drawn into the characters. The author has a stunning way with wordplay. It is almost breathtaking and I was captivated with her writing. This is an excellent read and Im looking forward to her second novel Belong To Me which takes off where this one ended. This author has the key to writing characters that you can empathize with even through their inadequacies.

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This is a book revolving around two characters, Clare, and Cornelia. The chapters about Clare are fascinating, written from a unique perspective of an issue not talked about often in fiction. The chapters about Cornelia seem to have been added as filler to bring the short story of Clare up to the length of a novel.

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For a first time author - this book was fantastic! Very detailed writing and interesting characters.

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Enjoyed this book very much and loved de los Santos' writing style. Witty banter, likeable characters, and interesting story with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.

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Cornelia Brown manages a coffee shop in Philadelphia and her life changes dramatically when Martin Grace walks in. He is handsome and well-off.

On the other side of Philadelphia, eleven-year-old Clare Hobbes lives with her single mother. But Clare's life is about to turn upside-down as her mother starts exhibiting strange behavior and Clare tries to continue her current life without anyone knowing what is wrong with her mother.

Clare's life changes dramatically one day when she walks into the coffee shop that Cornelia manages.

This story follows the life of Cornelia and Clare and the bond they develop under trying and difficult circumstances.

This is a wonderful and poignant story of love and sacrifice.

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