A fabulous conclusion to a delightful trilogy! Ana and Bryan are fun to watch, and seeing Rachel and Melody again brings it all full circle. One of Laureano's strengths in novel-writing (and she has many) is her strong dialogue. The characters are never boring, and they dialogue in a snappy, smart, engaging way. Also I appreciated the Fair Trade elements to the Solid Grounds Coffee Co (yes, that's part of the story, not just the title). Finally, Ana is no 22-yr-old getting starry-eyed at her first serious crush. She's got history. Bryan's got baggage. How they figure things out given all that makes this a fabulous read for more mature readers (and educational for younger ones). Great job, Carla. I kinda wish the trio had more friends so we could stick with them!

In this series the author highlights one of the three friends in each of the books. The series kicked off with Chef Rachel Bishop and writer Alex Kanin who create a Super Club. Then next up is baker & pastry Chef Melody Johansson story in Brunch at Bittersweet Café where readers learn about her love interest, private pilot Justin Keller. This book focuses on Analyn Sanchez and Brian Shaw who have been part of the Super Club for years.

I loved how transparent and real this story was as Brian who was raised in the church as gone his own way. He’s been climbing mountains all over the world only thinking of himself. Then he has a near death experience with a close friend. He has a come to Jesus moment that changes everything. Life never looks the same for him. He viewed his life like the prodigal son. His brothers did everything right and he went out of his way to not be anything like his dad or them. He learns talk is cheap. Things aren’t easy making the change to being authentic and real. People keep expecting him to act like he always did. It was awkward but over time people came to see he changed for good. There was no way he was reverting back to his old ways. But the choices we make in life always have consequences. Brian and Analyn both have baggage. Brian’s is out in the open. Analyn holds hers close to her chest.
I liked how the author had this message naturally woven into the story. It wasn’t preachy just transparent, reflexive and real. I liked how this author shows that just because you’ve become a Christian life isn’t suddenly perfect. Live can get messy. You might have to clean up some messes or make the best at living with the consequences of the choices we made way back when. It doesn’t define who we are. There is no magic that happens once we make God the Lord of our life.
During this change he met a friend who shared his passion to grow and sell coffee. Brian then buys a coffee farm, spends a few months learning the trade from a master roaster and felt he was ready to roast beans and sell them for a living since his climbing career ended. Ana has some great ideas and wants to help since she is in between jobs. It was a lot better than the high paying job she has been doing. It was more rewarding. The author introduces the reader to the coffee industry and what is going on in other countries. I found it fascinating to learn how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted.

I loved these characters, their friendship, their honesty and how the dinner club came to be. This story took some surprising twists and turns. All the while I enjoyed these ladies their Bo’s and how they helped Rachel get her wedding venue picked out. It was just plain fun on many levels. It’s a rich, rewarding read that would work well for your next book club meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )

The anticipation for book three in Carla Laureano’s The Saturday Night Supper Club has been building since the first book in this series. No-nonsense, career woman Ana and professional rock climber Bryan finally get their story. And what a book it is!

First, Bryan has done some maturing since that first book and continues to do so throughout The Solid Grounds Coffee Company. Ana’s journey is different but her spiritual and emotional growth are no less moving. And the chemistry these two have is as robust as the coffee beans Bryan’s attempting to roast.

While the characters made this story for me, Laureano’s attention to detail with rock climbing, the roasting process of coffee beans, and even the Colorado lifestyle give the book depth. The friendships between Rachel, Melody, and Ana as well as Bryan and Alex are solid and a fantastic element to not only this book but the entire series.

It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this series, but I know Laureano has more wonderful reads for readers ahead.

Disclosure statement:
I purchased an audio version of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. ( )

This is a great series. I love how each book centers around the Saturday Night Supper Clubs. This has great characters and showed me stuff I never knew about coffee. I enjoyed learning some of the things that are needed to start up a business. I enjoyed the romance in this book also. Some of the descriptions had me smelling the coffee. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

"His rebirth was more than just spiritual; it was a desperately needed whole-life overhaul."

What an incredible conclusion to The Supper Club series! My heart and my mind are still reeling from the emotional impact of this book. Carla Laureano really knows how to create a masterpiece with just the right touch of humor, sass, deep and raw emotions, unforgettable romance, and faith. Once you pick up this book, you won't be able to put it down. From the prologue to the epilogue, you will be wooed and awed by Bryan and Ana; there will also be moments of blissful sighing when you can catch up with Rachel and Melody from the previous two books in the series. This is book 3 in The Supper Club series and I highly recommend reading them in order. You don't want to miss out on anything in these three women's lives!

The dialogue among the three women is so real, heartfelt and fun. The dialogue between Bryan and Ana is quite witty and funny. Oh, how I loved reading their conversations throughout the book. Bryan is an amazing hero - humble and loyal with a wonderful sense of humor. Ana is type A, so different in personality and outlook from Bryan's laid-back attitude but they connect on such a deep level and understand each other intuitively. Bryan's transformation from a self-serving, self-centered famed rock climber to a socially conscious, organic fair-trade coffee farmer and roaster is miraculous in itself and his honest assessment of himself and shouldering of his responsibilities for past actions just endear him more to the reader and Ana. In addition to great friendship and romance, the book showcases professional rock climbing, the art of roasting coffee beans, and the joys and struggles of small business ownership. I've always loved coffee, but Bryan and Ana really do make coffee look sexy.
Bryan learns that forgiveness is complete and he doesn't need to dwell on the past as Ana learns that perfection is not attainable and real life with real people is so much better than a mirage of a created image. Such powerful message that is applicable to every one of us.

If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will absolutely love this book. Delicious!

I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )