The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe

By: Mary Simses

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

A high-powered Manhattan attorney finds love, purpose, and the promise of a simpler life in her grandmother's hometown.

Ellen Branford is going to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish -- to find the hometown boy she once loved, and give him her last letter. Ellen leaves Manhattan and her Kennedy-esque fiance for Beacon, Maine. What should be a one-day trip is quickly complicated when she almost drowns in the chilly bay and is saved by a local carpenter.

The rescue turns Ellen into something of a local celebrity, which may or may not help her unravel the past her grandmother labored to keep hidden. As she learns about her grandmother and herself, it becomes clear that a 24-hour visit to Beacon may never be enough. The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café is a warm and delicious debut about the power of a simpler life.

"You will devour The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café. Mary Simses can write evocative detail that puts you right in the scene, with dialogue that always rings true." -- James Patterson

Critic reviews

"If you liked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, or the Nicholas Sparks novels, you will devour THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFE. Mary Simses can write evocative detail that puts you right in the scene, with dialogue that always rings true."—James Patterson

"This charming, tender first novel emphasizes the power of simple pleasures, comfort food, and undeniable chemistry. Fans of the leads in the movies The Proposal and Sweet Home Alabama will recognize a kindred spirit in high-strung, perfectionist Ellen, and the novel's small-town setting will appeal to loyal readers of Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, and Jan Karon. Simses' story of emotional discoveries, shifting priorities, and new beginnings is a delightful beach read."—Booklist

"Basic ingredients, well mixed-and good to the last crumb."—Good Housekeeping

"Like the tastiest piece of pie, THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFE is mostly sweet with a touch of tartness and has a richly constructed crust to contain all its ingredients.... Simses'...depictions of the charming qualities of small town life, the healing abilities of comfort food, and the redemptive power of love will win the hearts of readers, as will the subtle sprinkling of humor and intrigue. Fans of Nicholas Sparks, or even the romantic offerings of James Patterson, will approve."—John Valeri, Examiner.com

"With details that dovetail nicely into the plot and an assortment of quirky characters, THE IRRESISTIBLE BLUEBERRY BAKESHOP & CAFEmixes up an authentic Maine setting with an entertaining story."—Beverly Meyer, The Free Lance-Star

Light read with predictable ending

Fun read if you are looking for a light read. Takes place in Maine which is one of my favorite places to visit, however predictable ending.

Cute

Was a cute easy book. Not a huge cliff hanger or nail bitter but a sweet story non the less. A lot of loose ends for me that went unwrapped up. I received this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. 👍🏻

hard to explain

There were great things about this book, and stuff that just grated. I longed for more information about her grandmother, which was my favorite part of the book. I found the narrator a bit jarring. Her choices led her in one direction until she visits her grandmother's home town and she suddenly changes? I think it could have been a more graceful change. And a woman lawyer gives up her work to bake? again, to much change too fast. But the writing is good. The editor could have been better.

like new read

first read of this author and narrator will buy or rent and listen to more of her books. easy listening .

I shouldn’t have seen the movie first.

Story was slow-moving. Too much detail.
No change in voice for different characters by reader.