A beautiful woman, scarred for life. A tortured man, seeking redemption. Brought together by fate in a small town high in the majestic Appalachian ...
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reviews
Jun 05, 2011
Jillian
rated it: 
Well, I can't be nice all the time. This is going to be one of those times I can't endorse something with everything I've got. I'm the type of person that can go through 3-4 books in a week easily, but when I picked up The CrossRoads Cafe by Deborah Smith , I labored over reading it for a solid 3 weeks. I'd take it a little bit at a time and get exhausted by the need to try to care about the characters so much that I'd put it down and walk away from it. I literally couldn't wait to finish it. An
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May 02, 2011
Pat
rated it: 
This is a richly textured story of love, loss and redemption which seems to be a theme I'm focusing on lately although I'm not sure why. Cathryn Deen, the heroine of the story has been blessed with beauty, fame and fortune. As she races to escape a photographer she loses control of her car and is badly burned in it when it explodes catching fire. Barely escaping with her life she spends months in the burn ward recovering only to find her new husband no longer loves her now that she's no longer b
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Mar 18, 2011
Allison
rated it:
Southern Charm! I couldn't put this book down when I started it. There are so many takeaways from this book that it's crazy. It shows you that you don't have to be beautiful and perfect to be loved. It reminds you that everyone has their faults hidden deep down. Don't forget to take each day for everything that it is because it can all be gone before you know it. Remember that your family and friends are always there for you at your worst moments in your life to help you get through it. I could
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Nov 30, 2011
Melissa
rated it: 
If I could do half stars, I would give this book 3.5.
My main complaint was the length of time it took to set up the story. It was almost halfway through the book before I felt like the plot was moving out of back story into the main story. Granted, a lot of it was pretty important, but it could have been condensed some and still gotten the message across. A lot of descriptions in the back story can work just fine when the writing is stellar, but I found myself bored a lot, and only c More...
My main complaint was the length of time it took to set up the story. It was almost halfway through the book before I felt like the plot was moving out of back story into the main story. Granted, a lot of it was pretty important, but it could have been condensed some and still gotten the message across. A lot of descriptions in the back story can work just fine when the writing is stellar, but I found myself bored a lot, and only c More...
Jan 10, 2010
Shelley
rated it: 
Decided on a change of pace and chose this one. I downloaded it free with my Kindle and after just a few pages I was already hooked. I checked out some other reviews and am surprised by what I have seen. It makes me want to lock myself in the bedroom and read all night to see if it is really as good as everyone says. I am excited about this one.....
Well I was happily surprised by this one. I loved the characters and how they related to each other. While I am not a HUGE fan of ro More...
Well I was happily surprised by this one. I loved the characters and how they related to each other. While I am not a HUGE fan of ro More...
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Oct 02, 2009
Milka
rated it:
Deborah Smith's "The Crossroads Cafe" suprised me positively. It is a story of Thomas and Cathryn, a couple of people who has suffered a lot and who find peace and comfort from each other.
Thomas, an architect from New York City has turned to a drunkie. He lives in a cabin at North Carolina and spends most of his time with a whisky bottle. He once had family, a wife and a beautiful son, but it all was destroyed on the morning of September 9th, 2001 when his wife jumped out o More...
Thomas, an architect from New York City has turned to a drunkie. He lives in a cabin at North Carolina and spends most of his time with a whisky bottle. He once had family, a wife and a beautiful son, but it all was destroyed on the morning of September 9th, 2001 when his wife jumped out o More...
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Mar 15, 2010
Mike
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Feb 21, 2010
A beautiful woman, scarred for life. A tortured man, seeking redemption. Brought together by fate in a small town high in the majestic Appalachian mountains. Live. Love. Believe. "Beauty is in the lie of the beholder." Heartbroken and cynical, famed actress Cathyrn Deen hides from the world after a horrific accident scars her for life. Secluded in her grandmother's North Carolina mountain home, Cathyrn at first resists the friendship of the local community and the famous biscuits serve
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Jan 07, 2010
Lori
rated it:
Downloaded this book on my Kindle because it was free and ended up being pleasantly surprised. I expected it to be kind of hokey southern fried lit but instead found it to be an enjoyable and relevant read. The main characters, Thomas and Cathryn, have individually suffered great loss in their lives, and both have retreated to a remote section of North Carolina to be left alone with their pain. However, Delta, the owner of the Crossroads Cafe has other ideas. The book is full of colorful cha
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Feb 17, 2011
Lola4
rated it:
Having downloaded both On Bear Mountain and The Crossroads Cafe as free Kindle ebooks, it took me a while to get around to actually reading them--shame on me. Upon finishing the incredible On Bear Mountain, I turned straight to the Crossroad Cafe where I think I have found a new author to add to my favorites list. I am going to my sad little small-town library and see if they have anything else by Ms. Smith (or Ms. Bridger.) I am ashamed to admit that my usual response after finishing a book
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Jul 02, 2011
Luke
rated it:
This book was fantastic. I can honestly say that if this book didn't come across on my free Kindle books email, I never would have given it a second look, but I'm so glad I did. Smith writes in an eloquent, yet down-home way, and truly captures the spirit and heart of the South. I found myself caring deeply for these characters, and although there is kind of a lull towards the middle of the book, the rest of the book more than makes up for it. As another reviewer remarked, this book has so many
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Mar 18, 2011
Sue
rated it:
Highly improbable, and I really dislike the south and this whole book celebrates the south. But it works. It's well written and well edited--which I've grown to appreciate!!. You care about the characters, even the minor ones. This was a sweet surprise in the free Kindle downloads.
Only reason it's four stars is that it probably should have ended about 20% earlier. Other than that, if you're looking for a sweet romantic story with fully fleshed out characters that are going to ma More...
Only reason it's four stars is that it probably should have ended about 20% earlier. Other than that, if you're looking for a sweet romantic story with fully fleshed out characters that are going to ma More...
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Jul 08, 2010
Terri
rated it:
Okay, so I was driving down the Al-Can highway and needed something to listen to that would keep my from falling asleep! This book was available as an audio on my Kindle so that's basically why I chose it. I thought it was "tolerable" for a romance...I'm not usually into them, but this one wasn't too over the top. I may have ranked it a little higher if it wasn't for the awful computer generated voice mispronouncing every other word on my Kindle :) It did manage to hold my interest
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Feb 17, 2011
Peyton
rated it:
Wow!! This was a really great book... At times I almost stopped reading it because it slowed down... I stuck with it however and do not regret it... It was touching, romantic, inspiring, and sooo much more... It really made you think about who you are and the things important to you and others... I only rated it a 4 because of the times it got a little boring.... I'm glad I stuck with it though and know this is a book I will never forget... I would definitely recommend it and hope all of you enj
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Jun 20, 2011
Ruth
rated it:
You are the most beautiful woman in the world, lauded and recognized where-ever you appear when you suddenly find yourself scarred and damaged by major burns on your face and body and repulsive to those you meet? How would you re-act and how would you live the rest of your life?? Our heroine found herself in just this situaton transitioning from the world's darling to the shattered woman who hides herself behind scarves and shawls and who no longer will go out in public, afraid of what she se
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Sep 19, 2010
Deborah
rated it:
I loaded Kindle on my PC and this was a free ebook so I downloaded it not knowing what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a food centric southern romance but more than that. I enjoyed how it dealt with personal tragedy,social issues, self image, families and friendship. Once I started reading it I did not want to stop. I knew some of the outcomes before they happened (or maybe It just turned out how I hoped it would) When I finished the book I was ready to make biscuits and call
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May 01, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
This is one of those books that I call women's fiction. Cathryn Deen, the world's most beautiful woman, was in front of the cameras since she was a toddler and suddenly she's a scarred mess and hidden away from the world. Of course, there also has to be the tortured male who's living like a hermit in the backwoods of North Carolina. After all, what kind of romance could it possibly be without a special hero for the terrified heroine?
Throw in a couple of lesbians, a nasty ex-sister-i More...
Throw in a couple of lesbians, a nasty ex-sister-i More...
Oct 03, 2007
Jeanne
rated it:
The characters in this book are flawed. That's a description of the people, not of the writing. One of the things I like about Deborah Smith is how she can write characters who seem so possible. You find yourself wanting directions so you can stop by the Crossroads Cafe the next time you're in the Smoky Mountains.
The main characters have both been broken by events in their lives. Thomas by the events of September 11th and the loss of his wife and son, Cathy by a fiery car crash More...
The main characters have both been broken by events in their lives. Thomas by the events of September 11th and the loss of his wife and son, Cathy by a fiery car crash More...
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Jun 04, 2011
Mets
rated it:
I got this book on my Kindle fully expecting an easy, predictable romance novel. Sometimes all I want is to not think too much and quick reads are a nice distraction. I was happily surprised by The Crossroads Cafe! It was a touching romance and well written. The characters were, if not too deeply explored, were still very easy to relate to and imagine. The story took a few turns that, at first, seemed pointless but then resolved later on. (Much like life.)
All in all, a good read!
All in all, a good read!
Dec 01, 2009
Sharon
rated it:
My #1 all-time Deborah Smith favorite. Read it 3 times. The characters are intelligent but a little kooky and the dialogue is great. I know I'll read it again at some point because I fell in love with Thomas Mitternich and Catherine Deen. Thomas and his goat... hmmm. Catherine's and Thomas' are stories of overcoming serious tragedy with the help of some great, supportive relationships and the love and commitment that develops between each other. Loved this book!
Jan 03, 2011
Cat
rated it:
I thought this was a truly fun, lively read that kept me deeply engaged with the characters while entertained by the dialogue and quirky characters. Usually romances like this are satisfying fluff - this one has some substance to it as well and a charming sincerity that kept me reading steadily. It's not a book I would have picked up if I hadn't seen it for free in the Kindle store, but it's made me a Deborah Smith fan for sure.
Feb 01, 2010
Glenda
rated it:
It was free on my Kindle iPhone app. This was a good book. It had a lot of tragedy in it including a man that lost his family in the 9/11 terror attack. One characters tragedy dealt with how the success of women is based on their beauty. I think this phrase says it best, "Men get character lines and women get wrinkles." I enjoyed all the Southern stories and recipes. I have never been a biscuit maker or eater and it made me want biscuits everyday. I just might have to try one of
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Sep 20, 2010
Chandler
rated it:
Embarrassed to add this but I accidentally downloaded this on my Kindle and ended up reading it. It was a fun escape about a movie star who becomes badly burned and loses her husband and career. Her life intersects at her cousins Crossroads Cafe with heavy drinking architect who lost his wife and kid in 9-11. You can only guess what happens next. Yep and lots of it! Becomes pornographic at one point. Seriously.
Jan 04, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
this book was free on the kindle so i figured i would give it a try. so far it is very interesting, i am about 30 pages in. i see this has many positive reviews so i am sure this is going to continue to be a good read.
i finished readign this book and it was great, it shows how people can overcome their biggest fears and overcome anything. definately a great feel good book. i would recommend this book to others. i look forward to reading more books by this author
i finished readign this book and it was great, it shows how people can overcome their biggest fears and overcome anything. definately a great feel good book. i would recommend this book to others. i look forward to reading more books by this author
Jan 24, 2011
Richard
rated it:
OK, this is a chick flick on paper (or in my case in a Kindle) but my wife loved it and suggested that I ought to try it. Pain, humor, love, hate, sex, awareness and, of course, biscuits! It has everything and delivers the tale of the best and the worst of a couple of ordinary people caught up in extroidinary circumstances. It will tickle your fancy and tug at your heartstrings.
Feb 08, 2010
Laurie
rated it: 
It's not often that I cannot make it through a book, no matter how awful it is. I have tried and tried to get through this one, and have made it only half-way in the past two weeks. The story is just downright boring, and it doesn't hold my interest at all. Thank goodness it was free on my Kindle, because I don't feel at all bad removing it from my list and never finishing it.
Jan 03, 2010
Laura
rated it:
I couldn't put this book done....read it all on New Year's day. It was a freebie with the Kindle. I loved all the characters and their stories! There are some love scenes, that I thought went a little to far, and just clicked my pages through them, but it was a great story, with a very powerful great message. I also loved some of the poetry they put in some of the chapters.
Jan 06, 2011
Jed
rated it:
My first "romance" book. Some pages only worth scanning. But characters well-drawn; situations, though somewhat contrived, work on the whole. Moved by many scenes. I was surprised that it kept my interest to the end. The inevitable happy ending something of a let-down because so long expected. But then, there's a place for hot fudge sundaes.
Aug 21, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I loved this book even though it was a bit long and took a while to develop. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but despite that it was heart warming, quirky and has adorable and lovable characters. I read a lot of the bad reviews before reading it. After finishing, I was disappointed that others didn't enjoy it as much as I did. Maybe you have to be southern to appreciate it. LOL
Jul 05, 2011
Kelly_kpb
rated it:
I think my first Deborah Smith book was Place to Call Home. I have been hooked on her gentle Southern style ever sense. It has been a few years since I've read anything of hers, and finding The Crossroads Cafe was like returning home. Perfect for a day at the beach or an afternoon in the hammock to lose yourself in the mountain town.
