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Coffeehouse Angel

by Suzanne Selfors (Goodreads Author)

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 3,499 ratings · 485 reviews

From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her...more

Hardcover, 276 pages

Published July 21st 2009 by Walker Childrens

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Feb 04, 2010 Cara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Cara by: Ash

Shelves: 2010, paranormal

What would you do if you saw someone out in the cold? Forget about them and assume they are a bum, or reach out for him in your own little way? Well Katrina chooses the later and has no idea how that decision will change the week to come...

Looking back after a couple of days I hadn't realized that most of the events occur in one week. So much happens in this week that changes Katrina's life. She goes through so much; not only with the business, grandma, and friends but within herself. It's most...more

10 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2009 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Coffeehouse Angel is a light hearted, coffee induced, heavenly tale of love, friendship and family. Suzanne Selfors masterfully captures the essence of a small town and it’s often time quirky inhabitants. Those coffeehouse frequenters were a riot!

Something about Kartina didn’t sit well with me. For all her genuine concern, and caring personality, there was something perfectly annoying about her. The secondary characters, however, were enjoyable.

The thing that really made the book a pleasurable r...more

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 13, 2011 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Valerie by: Ash

Read this because I knew it was relatively safe. It won't blow your mind, it won't make you see the world in a different way, and it won't make you cry (at least I don't think so). However, I liked it immensely. It was funny, I liked Katrina (not a lot of angst), and I loved the secondary characters. They are very realistic for a book like this. The book does have its depth. The plot was interesting and you get some nice moments.

Katrina and her Grandmother own a coffeehouse that is being crushe...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Athira rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: take-me-away, cute-books

"Do you believe in signs?

Lightning striking a car you just stepped out of, a
black cat crossing your path, a piece of frozen toilet
waste falling from an airplane and crashing through
your living room ceiling--that kind of thing? Happenstance,
maybe. Or maybe something bigger than
you is well aware of your existence and trying to
tell you something. I never used to believe that kind
of stuff.
But then I met him...

Simple as that I started loving this novel. Its like a sign, me getting this book. I got th...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Tabatha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: the-2012-challenge-105-books

I liked Coffeehouse Angel, even though I have to admit I got frustrated at times.. But at all the right times! Does that make sense? No? Hmph, I didn't think so :|
Let me clarify: it wasn't the story itself that frustrated me, it was certain events that occurred in the story that gave me the urge to scream into my pillow.. (OK, so I'll admit it.. I screamed into my pillow..) and that only made me appreciate the story more!

Also, I would like to point out right about now that I would really really...more

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Feb 24, 2009 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Dianna Geers for TeensReadToo.com

Katrina works daily in her grandmother's traditional Scandinavian coffeehouse, has two best friends, and knows her place in the social pyramid at her high school.

Of course, whenever someone thinks they understand life, things are always bound to change.

So is the case when the new-fangled Java Heaven, with its fancy lattes and organic coffee beans, begins putting her grandmother's coffeehouse out of business.

When Katrina finds a stranger sleeping in...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2013 Katie G rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-book-list, cultural-diversity, young-adult

I bought this book on a whim a few weeks (possibly months) ago, and I've been reading it a little bit at a time since then. It sounded like a cute, silly romantic story, and that was what I felt like reading at the time. This book was definitely different than I expected it to be, though not necessarily in a bad way. The romance was actually a much smaller part of the novel than I expected.

This novel really has four plotlines. The first follows Katrina as she tries to figure out who she is and...more I bought this book on a whim a few weeks (possibly months) ago, and I've been reading it a little bit at a time since then. It sounded like a cute, silly romantic story, and that was what I felt like reading at the time. This book was definitely different than I expected it to be, though not necessarily in a bad way. The romance was actually a much smaller part of the novel than I expected.

This novel really has four plotlines. The first follows Katrina as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. The second focuses on family as Katrina and her grandmother try to save their old world coffee shop. The third focuses on friendship and betrayal, as Katrina's best friend starts hanging out with the daughter of the owner of a rival coffee shop. The fourth focuses on Katrina's relationship with Malcolm, the angel. There are also several subplots. It sounds like there's a lot going on, but I think it works. The different threads weave together nicely. Everything wraps up a little too nicely in the end, but I'm still impressed overall.

The characters in this book are fantastic, as is the world-building. I've always considered world-building a fantasy/sci-fi thing, but it definitely applies here. They live in a small town in the Northwest that still follows Old World traditions, and Selfors did a great job of describing the town. I could picture all the people and events, and it felt like a real place. The characters also felt real. They all have distinct personalities and their own problems going on. Everything doesn't revolve around Katrina and her problems, which was nice. That said, most of the novel did focus on Katrina, and it was nice to read about a character who didn't have it all figured out yet. I loved her "closet of failure" or whatever it was that she called it, which was filled with projects she had started and given up on when she figured out that that wasn't her talent. I could definitely relate to that, and it was fun watching as she eventually figured out what she wanted to do with her life.

While the writing was great overall, there were a few things that bothered me about this novel. The main thing that bothered me was that the romance just sort of appears all of a sudden. I did eventually grow to like Malcolm and hope that he and Katrina would get to be together, but that wasn't until long after she first thought about kissing him. It just seemed a bit forced at first. Another thing I didn't like was the already-mentioned fact that everything just sort of falls together in the end. Katrina does work to make this happen, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but I still think a lot of luck was involved at the end.

The last thing that bothered me is a much smaller part of the book, something that most people probably don't care about but which really bothered me. (view spoiler)

Overall, this was an enjoyable book. The writing was decent, the description fabulous, and the characters realistic and easy to cheer for. If you're looking for a light, quick read, this is a good one to pick up. It's also like $1.60 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, so it's definitely not a big risk if you end up not liking it.
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Mar 25, 2013 Maria rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels, first-person-pov, friendship, high-school, let-downs, paranormal-romance, young-adult

I feel like this story was trying to be three stories at once, with each story just out of reach of being good.

At first glance, based on the summary and the designated genre, you expect a love story. And it partly is; there is this whole flirtation going on between Katrina and Malcolm, but for three third of the book I wondered whether maybe Vincent was supposed to be the love interest. And it’s not even like it’s set up as a love triangle either; the ending of the book makes it (finally) perfec...more I feel like this story was trying to be three stories at once, with each story just out of reach of being good.

At first glance, based on the summary and the designated genre, you expect a love story. And it partly is; there is this whole flirtation going on between Katrina and Malcolm, but for three third of the book I wondered whether maybe Vincent was supposed to be the love interest. And it’s not even like it’s set up as a love triangle either; the ending of the book makes it (finally) perfectly clear that Vincent and Katrina really see each other as friends. I don’t feel like Malcolm is enough of a presence in Katrina’s life to make this a romance story; there isn’t much of a relationship at all, actually, just attraction on her side and intrigue on his side.

Then, it is a story about friendship and what friends should do for each other. Katrina is very focussed on what others should do for her because of their friendship, but in the entire book we don’t once see her do something for either Elizabeth or Vincent. She only complains; about Vincent dating Heidi and betraying her, and about Elizabeth having so much money that she’d never understand.

Then, this story seems to want to give us a lesson in everyone has a talent and be careful what you wish for. It seems weird to put the first lesson in a story that has magic beans, and the second one is weird because the story ends with a wish that made everything perfect. Also, the moralising paragraphs were weirdly intertwined with the dialogue/action ones. The transitions were a bit jarring.

Mind you, I liked some of it. Actually, I liked every part that was about Malcolm’s life as a messenger. The envelope that kept getting heavier, his black notebook, his life that isn’t a life but just an existence... I feel like Selfors could have done so much with the mythology she built around him, and instead she had him around for what seemed like only half the book and spent the rest on a coffeehouse rivalry that just seemed ridiculous. The same goes for Irmgaard; she’s such an interesting character, and her story is really great, but she’s handled as an aside. I would have loved it if this story had been told from Malcolm’s perspective; that’d have been great.
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Jan 07, 2013 Marybeth (Manhattan Reader) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, i-own

I'm pretty sure I saw this book back in high school, but I overlooked it even though the word "Coffee" was on the cover. But after I saw it on Kindle Deals for only $1.99, I thought, "Why not?"

This book is quirky, funny, and filled with amazingly colorful supporting characters. And not to mention: COFFEE!

I was glad that the book took me less than three hours to read and that it was original in a lot of ways I wasn't expecting.

What I wasn't happy about? First, Katrina. I like that she has a selfl...more I'm pretty sure I saw this book back in high school, but I overlooked it even though the word "Coffee" was on the cover. But after I saw it on Kindle Deals for only $1.99, I thought, "Why not?"

This book is quirky, funny, and filled with amazingly colorful supporting characters. And not to mention: COFFEE!

I was glad that the book took me less than three hours to read and that it was original in a lot of ways I wasn't expecting.

What I wasn't happy about? First, Katrina. I like that she has a selfless nature and tries to put others before herself, but sometimes she can just a little annoying. She doesn't actually see all options and has a bad habit of giving up and then complains that she doesn't have any talent. When I read that I just wanted to roll my eyes and remind her that no one is perfect at anything and it was the thing that she didn't want to do (practice) that always led to her downfall.

Second, Vincent. I wanted to punch him. I really, really, really wanted to punch him. There was just something about him that I didn't like or understood and it just irritated me greatly.

But, Selfors made up for the two lacking main characters with really great supporting characters. It seemed that everyone else should have been the main character instead of Katrina and Vincent.

Another thing I didn't like is that I didn't know where I was! Selfors kept talking about how the main character comes from a Scandinavian background and lives in a little village. Yet, the way Selfors sets it up is that the main character lives in Denmark (where there is a real life Nordby) but the other keeps referencing Washington State. It wasn't until I did more digging that I saw that Selfors had put a Scandinavian village in Washington State. I really wish she had mentioned that and that I didn't have to go looking for it.

I wouldn't say this novel is an overall disappointment. While the first half upset me greatly, I did find some satisfaction in the last part where Katrina finally picked herself up.

As for the romance, well, I'm just glad that it wasn't so obvious. It left a little air of mystery and a lot of surprises.

This was a quick and fun read. (less)

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Oct 11, 2012 Aj Verga rated it 5 of 5 stars

This would be one of the books I'd read on lazy summer afternoons. However, I read this on school nights and in between classes, so I had not gained enough momentum :)

BUT I LOVE THIS BOOK! It's so.. light and heart-warming. I love how Malcolm's "promotion" scheme worked the plot out. Anddd aaaaaaaahhhhh... I,also, wanted Vincent and Katrina to end up together, somehow though. AND I HATE MR. DARLING... @.@ Oh and the rat :))

And I could very much relate to this book since I will be going to coll...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Cover Opinion:

Another one of these colorful covers; crazy blue. But I don't like it very much, the coffee cup idea is cute, but its not that interesting:/

My Character Opinion:

My Favorite; was either Malcolm or Vincent. Their both great guys! Vincent is Katrina's best friend, while Malcolm is the angel she found laying in the back alley of the coffee shop one morning. Sadly Malcolm isn't in the story as much as I'd hoped he'd be, but we do see more of Vincent and the way he keeps his promise t...more My Cover Opinion:

Another one of these colorful covers; crazy blue. But I don't like it very much, the coffee cup idea is cute, but its not that interesting:/

My Character Opinion:

My Favorite; was either Malcolm or Vincent. Their both great guys! Vincent is Katrina's best friend, while Malcolm is the angel she found laying in the back alley of the coffee shop one morning. Sadly Malcolm isn't in the story as much as I'd hoped he'd be, but we do see more of Vincent and the way he keeps his promise to Katrina (to never drink Java Heaven coffee).

My Least Favorite; has to be Katrina's other best friend, Elizabeth. She has this huge crush on a guy throughout the story, never really making a move. But when she does, she just ends up feeling bad about herself and giving up. Keep your head up girl! He didn't deserve you anyways!:D

My Storyline Opinion:

The story overall was awesome, Katrina did something good for someone (giving Malcolm old pastries and a cup of coffee, when she found him), and that Malcolm was angel trying to reward her for this.
I really enjoyed Katrina's friendship with Vincent (enjoys swimming, and striving for a swimming scholarship). They've been friends ever since, but Katrina swears that she doesn't have more feelings for him. When Vincent begins to hangout with the daughter of the rival coffee house owner, she does feels a ting of jealousy. Possibly she has secret feelings for him, or she feels left out and misses her friend. But sadly Katrina always just blames it on him making it a promise to her, that he would never set foot next door, in Java Heaven.

Ending Opinion:

Very action filled;I loved the ending. First your sad, because Malcolm has to leave (since he accomplished his job(giving Katrina a reward for doing a good deed)). But then he comes back to the girl he truly loves, and gets to become human to stay with her.

Overall Opinion:

Another short and cute book! Takes a different spin on supernatural; not being scary or dark!:D I really liked it and I plan on purchasing Selfors Saving Juliet!(:(less)

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Jun 06, 2012 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Katrina's gran own a coffee shop. They compete with another younger, better, coffee shop. Katrina is a normal person, seeking for self confidence ( like many teenagers) a one morning she sees a homeless dude (or thought) and gave him some food and left.
Turned out an angel. ALZOT of stuff happens but thats the basic stuff

LIKED ABOUT!

1. easy fun rad! Alot of people could relate to Katrina. Likable friends.
It didn't have a serious "OMGOSH WHAT SHE SAY!? NEVER SAW THAT COMING! WOAH! I LOOK AT THE W...more

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Apr 06, 2012 GW rated it 3 of 5 stars

Okay, this story was a bit cheesy, but I loved the last half. The first half was really slow, and I just couldn't stand how cheesy and predictable it was. Even though the whole story was pretty much predictable, I really liked it.

I really couldn't stand Heidi or Vincent in this novel, and it really just frustrated me.

But anyways, there's Katrina. She finds a random stranger in the alley, probably homeless. She does a good deed and gives him coffee and food. The stranger turns out to be Malcolm,...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Angélica rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: YA romance fiction fans

Recommended to Angélica by: Goodreads

Shelves: young-adult, supernatural, romance, drama, reviewed

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story is told in first-person, which can easily rile me up. There were times when I got frustrated with the protagonist, Katrina, but in general it was okay. At least she didn't bombard me with descriptions and purple prose.
I'm glad that Katrina developed into a more mature person by the end. I especially liked her relationship with her grandma, and the mystery surrounding one of the characters really piqued my curiosity. I confess that I wasn't real...more

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Oct 20, 2011 Molly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I gave this book 4 stars because it was a very good book about a girl named Katrina who has to open her grandma’s coffee shop every morning before school. One of those mornings in her grandma's coffee shop, Katrina was taking out the garbage around back when suddenly she spots a homeless guy. I thought that it would be scary to see a guy lying behind your shop. She thought since it was a cold morning she would leave a cup of coffee, bag of chocolate covered coffee beans, and some pastries. A few...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Amy M rated it 3 of 5 stars

Katrina has spent her entire life in Nordby, a cute and cozy Norwegian-founded town located in the Pacific Northwest. She helps her Grandma Anna run their family business, Anna's Old World Scandinavian Coffeehouse. Business at the coffeehouse isn't so hot because the only customers they really have are the old folks in town who prefer Anna's coffee and Norwegian snacks while the rest of the town frequents trendy, always-bustling Java Heaven. . .which is right next door to Anna's!

When the story b...more Katrina has spent her entire life in Nordby, a cute and cozy Norwegian-founded town located in the Pacific Northwest. She helps her Grandma Anna run their family business, Anna's Old World Scandinavian Coffeehouse. Business at the coffeehouse isn't so hot because the only customers they really have are the old folks in town who prefer Anna's coffee and Norwegian snacks while the rest of the town frequents trendy, always-bustling Java Heaven. . .which is right next door to Anna's!

When the story begins, Katrina is getting ready to open shop one morning when she discovers a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind the coffeehouse. She's a little bit scared and calls her best guy friend Vincent to come over and keep watch. Before Vincent shows up, Katrina decides to slip a bag of pastries, some chocolate-covered coffee beans, and a steaming cup of coffee just outside the door to the alleyway. The guy might seem a little scary, but he almost might be hungry.

From there we get a very sweet and sometimes funny story about wishes, dreams, and, ultimately, forgiveness. It turns out that the homeless guy might not exactly be homeless after all. He just might be an angelic messenger who, because of her kind deed, must now give Katrina whatever she desires most. If only Katrina knew what her deepest desire is! She's not really good at anything. She's not a fantastic, medal-winning swimmer like her best guy friend, Vincent. And she's not a talented, outspoken artist like her best girl friend, Elizabeth. Does she desire money to keep the coffeehouse afloat? Or does she desire fame so that she's noticed for actually being good at something?

I read this book in one sitting (really!) and really enjoyed it. This was a really nice change of pace from the very dark, angsty teen fiction I often read. I loved the setting, which was almost a character itself, and the entire time I read the book I swear I could smell coffee brewing! Katrina is a very likable character. She's loyal and hard-working and kind, but she does screw up and make mistakes. There is obviously a little bit of supernatural stuff going on in this book, but that's not really what the book is about.

If you need something light and sweet to read, I highly recommend reading Coffeehouse Angel. . .preferably with a mug of coffee and maybe a delicious krumkake. Visit Suzanne Selfors' website to learn more about the town for which Nordby is based.

Want another sweet read? Try one of these!

Getting The Girl Donut Days Hope Was Here
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Aug 28, 2011 Janine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I love Selfors' Saving Juliet, so when I heard about Coffeehouse Angel I was eager to buy it. Unlike Saving Juliet, it's not as comedic and is a bit longer. Still, I really enjoyed it and I liked seeing how the two stories differed.

If you liked Saving Juliet a lot you might be disappointed with Coffehouse Angel but it really is a good read.

The main character was likable and relatable. I remember always thinking everyone else had their futures figured out while I was probably screwed. Malcolm was...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Zeldabel rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have no idea how this novel ended up on my Kindle. I didn't purchase it from Amazon, and I have no record of downloading it from a friend. I spent an entire night coming through my documents trying to find where this book came from. It just sort of...appeared on my Kindle. Regardless of how it came to be, the book is a quaint, cozy little read. Katrina is a likable enough heroine, though a bit unreliable about her relationship with her guy best friend, Vincent. She swears they are just friends...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Francesca rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review was originally posted on my blog, The Reading Hammock (readinghammock.blogspot.com).

I did not enjoy the beginning of this novel because it was too slow and Selfors spent too much time explaining the life of the main character, Katrina. Therefore, the major conflict was only introduced during the middle of the story. After the major conflict was introduced, the events thereafter did not significantly affect the conflict. I also felt that the ending of the story was abrupt and predicta...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Joy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked that this book was different from the average supernatural teen romance book. The way that the characters interacted was interesting. I especially liked learning about and watching how the feelings and actions between Vincent and the main character changed as the story went on. Malcolm, too, was likeable enough and I found that the romance was neither smothering nor cheesy as there were other things going on in the plot to keep the reader interested. It was refreshing to read a book like...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Resti rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Meet Katrina, a coffeehouse girl. she live and work in a coffeehouse with her grandmother since her parents died in the car crash. she has 2 best friends, The swimmer Vincent and the Artist Elizabeth. she is just an ordinary girl, no talent, not smart, just ordinary (at least that's what she thought) until she meet Malcolm. A guy who sleep in their alley. she give him some breakfast, and Malcom insist to give her a reward for her good deeds.it turn out that Malcolm is a messenger (a kind of ange...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Delphine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Katrina was a student, a very tall girl at that. Because of that, she rarely has any guy or girl friends. But there's Vincent, who's her best guy friend and is on the swim team. There's also Elizabeth, who's all about art. Her parents died when she was young, so she only had her grandmother.

Just one random day, she meets this guy sleeping at her back alley. Just a small act of kindness from her, leaving him food and water, resulted in this particular homeless guy barging into her school and req...more Katrina was a student, a very tall girl at that. Because of that, she rarely has any guy or girl friends. But there's Vincent, who's her best guy friend and is on the swim team. There's also Elizabeth, who's all about art. Her parents died when she was young, so she only had her grandmother.

Just one random day, she meets this guy sleeping at her back alley. Just a small act of kindness from her, leaving him food and water, resulted in this particular homeless guy barging into her school and requesting to see her so he could reply her kindness. She tried to avoid him, afraid that he was some kind of mental person, which she later felt that he obviously was.

Afterwards, he found her even though she tried avoiding him, and he decided to grant her, her heart's desire. She didn't tell him anything, so he assumed it was fortune. Katrina being Katrina, she wanted him to just leave, so she agreed to have it. He then gave her a bean and told her to eat it, which she didn't eat. She ad Elizabeth wanted to grind it and drink it together, but Vincent chose the right time to pay a visit and drink up that bean. Afterwards which, he gained fortune, earning himself a scholarship and others.

Katrina was granted a second bean, fame, after the 'angel' realized her fortune had been taken by Vincent. She and Elizabeth decided to grind it again and drink it together, but this time, the cat, Ratcatcher, swallowed it whole. Following which, Ratcatcher became famous because it caught the world's largest mouse. Somehow.

Well, while these two incidents proved that the guy was indeed an angel, he was actually there on a mission. He told Katrina she could call him Malcolm. It was to give imrgaard a message from his boss. Imrgaard was the person who helped Katrina and her granny run the shop. He claimed that he had to do that to gain a promotion. Imrgaard doesn't speak; a vow of silence, Katrina calls it. But somehow or another, Imrgaard refuses to take it. The letter malcolm has to take to her gets heavier by the day, since imrgaard doesn't take it. While these are happening, Katrina'a granny, Anna, gets hospitalized. She waned to sell away her coffee shop to pay her debts, but Katrina didnt exactly agree to it.

Katrina was found to be a great entrepreneur, good at starting her own business. After a while, to pay the debts her granny owed, she got Elliott and Elizabeth to help, to build ratcatcher emporium. She sought malcolm's help as well. But before he could help her, Imrgaard had to take the letter from him. Because otherwise, in a few hours, the letter for her would crush him.

Katrina realized Imrgaard was the driver who killed her parents. But Anna actually knew it when she hired Imrgaard. "To forgive is to set someone free"- her grandmother had said. It was referring to Imrgaard. Katrina forgave her and begged her to help Malcolm, before the letter crushed him. and so Imrgaard did, after she knew she was forgiven. It wasn't a bad message, and it showed that Imrgaard was forgiven by Katrina'a parents as well.

And so, Malcolm helped. It was a success, and by night, Malcolm came to escort Katrina to the Solstice Festival. They shared their first kiss there, where there was a electric jolt, a real electric jolt, since Malcolm wasn't supposed to do that. Before he left, he made Katrina wish her heart's desire. And she did.

Katrina and Vincent went back to bring best friends at the end again. And Malcolm? She met Malcolm again. Malcolm became human. He got the promotion from an angel: to be human. Which is also the highest level of promotion.

Personally, I quite like this book, though one of my friends who read it didn't like it at all. This wasn't another I'm in love with my best friend' story, though I'm not a hater of the former either. It was interesting, and I could feel for Katrina when she felt betrayed. But things turned out well anyway (: nice book~(less)

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Nov 28, 2010 Alison Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

I actually debated whether or not I was going to review this book. It was one of those stories that had a summary that drew you in and made you ignore all your other books in the TBR pile. And I did just that.

Throughout the story, Katrina goes through a much-needed character development. She starts as the girl who doesn’t know what her talent is. Katrina isn’t popular, but she has two best friends she can rely on. When she got angry at her best guy friend, Vincent, she didn’t think before she sp...more I actually debated whether or not I was going to review this book. It was one of those stories that had a summary that drew you in and made you ignore all your other books in the TBR pile. And I did just that.

Throughout the story, Katrina goes through a much-needed character development. She starts as the girl who doesn’t know what her talent is. Katrina isn’t popular, but she has two best friends she can rely on. When she got angry at her best guy friend, Vincent, she didn’t think before she spoke. Acting without thinking is one of the most common flaws because that’s one thing that humans are known for doing. I really like Katrina though. She worries about her Grandma even when her Grandma tells her not to. I understand how Katrina feels because I worry about details like money, even though loved ones tell me not to. She also takes charge when needed. I think that’s great because sometimes you have to be the leader.

Culture is another positive detail about this book. It didn’t talk a whole lot about it, but every so often there would be a reference about it. Katrina and her Grandmother are Scandinavian. Her Grandma is proud of her background because she states that she is Scandinavian in her coffee shop title. Katrina just feels awkward because genes from being Scandinavian make her taller than most guys. The whole thing isn’t based on their race, but it touches on it enough to make the characters feel more alive. Selfors remembers that what we are makes us who we are and I think that is important.

The plot of this book is really cute! It shows that being a Good Samaritan can help you out in the long run. That and it makes you a nice a person. Katrina was generous to a random stranger and he turns out to be a gorgeous angel! Talk about being lucky!

Overall, the book has a wonderful meaning. It shows that in times of need, anyone can stand up and try! And that being kind gets you far! Coffeehouse Angel is an adorable tale about forgiveness, finding yourself and loving the ones around you. An extravagant read!

Rating: 4 / 5 Hearts

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Sep 18, 2010 Aik Chien 인첸 rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this book! It holds my attention until the last page! Coffeehouse Angel is narrated by Katrina, the shy and self-conscious girl who lives with her grandmother, Anna, who owns an old-fashioned coffeehouse. Katrina thinks herself as plain and ordinary, being not aware of her talents. When her grandmother falls sick and her business is threatened by their next-door-neighbor, Java Heaven, Katrina's worries starts to double.

Although Malcolm is an angel, his appearance is quite qui...more

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Sep 11, 2010 YA Reads Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nikki

Currently, life sucks for Katrina. Since Java Heaven opened up shop next to her Grandmother’s Scandinavian coffeehouse, business has pretty much come to a screeching halt. The bills are piling up, no customers are walking through the door, and yet Katrina and her grandmother must find a way to make ends meat. Katrina is sixteen years old. She should be worrying about boys, her homework, and what she’s going to do on the weekend. Instead, she gets up before school every morning to work in the cof...more Currently, life sucks for Katrina. Since Java Heaven opened up shop next to her Grandmother’s Scandinavian coffeehouse, business has pretty much come to a screeching halt. The bills are piling up, no customers are walking through the door, and yet Katrina and her grandmother must find a way to make ends meat. Katrina is sixteen years old. She should be worrying about boys, her homework, and what she’s going to do on the weekend. Instead, she gets up before school every morning to work in the coffeehouse, and promptly returns after classes have finished to do much of the same.

To make matters worse, her best male friend, Vincent, starts hanging around with Heidi Darling. Katrina thinks this is bad for many, many reasons, but mainly she’s ticked off because Heidi is Mr Darling’s daughter, and Mr Darling owns Java Heaven – the very reason Katrina and her Gran are struggling so much. Where is Vincent’s loyalty? How could he do that to Katrina?

But that’s not where the crazy ends. Katrina finds a strange boy passed out in the alley behind the coffeehouse one morning. Although she’s a bit freaked out by him, she mistakes him for a homeless person and in an act of pitying kindness, she leaves a coffee and a stale pastry for when he wakes up. But then he keeps showing up, saying that her act of kindness must not go unrewarded, and promises to fulfill her greatest desire. Katrina thinks he’s a nut job at first, but then things start happening that make her think there’s more to this strange boy than meets the eye.

Coffeehouse Angel is a super easy read and I totally dug being in Katrina’s head. When she ached, I ached. When she hurt, I hurt too. But mostly, I was impressed that I didn’t become irritated by her jealousy – and believe me, she spends a good chunk of this novel impersonating the green-eyed monster. Usually, I have little tolerance for such unrelenting self-pity, but I felt like I could empathize with her situation a little. I think all of us have had to deal with the kind of friendship problems Katrina goes through in this story. I was super happy that, at the end, she seemed to learn her lesson, though, and tucked her green-eyed monster impersonation away. I was exceptionally surprised by the outcome of the conflict that arose with Vincent, though. I thought the whole thing was going to turn out very differently. While I’d love to discuss my reasoning for this in this review, that’d be giving away the ending – and we can’t have that!

I drank way too much coffee while reading this novel. Must have been something about the constant mention of Java goodness.

Coffeehouse Angel is a lovely read. As good as red velvet cupcakes, if you ask me.(less)

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Aug 05, 2010 LadyDisdain rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a great read! I loved it. First of all, if you're looking for a deep and profound read then this is not it. This is a light one, to bring you enjoyment, and put a smile on your face when you close the book. It's also kinda corny. Maybe more than kinda. But the characters are pretty realistic, there's good plot movement, and character development, great secondary characters and the setting of the little seaside town is the *cutest* it left me feeling full of envy. Malcom, the angel...more

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Jun 29, 2010 Shxrxn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Who wasn't sleepy at 6:00 a.m.?
- Katrina
Desired but not achieved.
- Katrina
Touching someone's arm is definitely a gesture of fondness. Fondness can lead to all sorts of things.
- Katrina
Wish you a long and healthy life, Katrina Svensen
- Malcolm
Kids never think they'll get old but life goes by fast--real fast.
- Lars
No woman ever tells. And no man's ever been able to figure it out. You'll be guessing for the rest of your life and you'll always guess wrong. Women like it that way because it gives the...more

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Apr 15, 2010 Audrey (holes In My brain) rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I had some high hopes for this. I thought I would love a fun, light read with a feel-good story, it was just what I wanted during a hectic school week. Was I disappointed? Yeah, I was. Like I’ve said, this book has been on my wishlist for so long, it just didn’t really measure up.

I’m trying to make my reviews more thoughtful and less “the characters this, the plot this, the writing this.” But that doesn’t mean I won’t touch on these subjects.

Everything in this novel just feels a bit lukewarm. I...more I had some high hopes for this. I thought I would love a fun, light read with a feel-good story, it was just what I wanted during a hectic school week. Was I disappointed? Yeah, I was. Like I’ve said, this book has been on my wishlist for so long, it just didn’t really measure up.

I’m trying to make my reviews more thoughtful and less “the characters this, the plot this, the writing this.” But that doesn’t mean I won’t touch on these subjects.

Everything in this novel just feels a bit lukewarm. I did really like Katrina; I thought she was portrayed quite realistically, being jealous over her best friend hanging out with other people and worrying about the coffeehouse. Secondary characters had their quirks, but I never felt they were as fleshed out as they could have been. I felt the connection between Katrina and Irmgaard could have been better, and again, could have been fleshed out more. It was like “hallelujah, revelation! Let’s move on!”

Malcolm had potential to be swoon worthy, but fell short because the story wasn’t as focused on romance. I’m not sure if I liked this more or less, but I did wish there could have been a bit more Malcolm.

Katrina’s personal growth was a pretty obvious, but I won’t say it was written perfectly. When reading it, it just seemed more like telling than showing, despite some strong and positive ‘messages’. Some scenes or places felt awkward and forced.

The plot was enjoyable, but not perfect. It focused a lot on Katrina’s rivalry with the neighbour coffeehouse, which is completely understandable. I wish there could have been a bit more drama though, either with Mr. Darling, or even with Heidi. Drama with Vincent (her friend who she’s fighting with) was interesting and I thought her feelings about it were realistic.

I disliked the whole Ratcatcher phenomenom. Seemed just a bit too out there for me, and I wish the story could have stayed a bit more grounded.

The ending was a bit perfect, a bit unlikely, and predictable.

I am glad, however, that she didn’t end up with Vincent, because if she did I would of complained about how out of the blue it seemed, especially at the beginning with the “this isn’t a story about me falling in love with a best friend” bit. Horribly quoted by the way. It would have been clichéd and corny and just predictable.

2.5/5 – because I felt let down by the book, I really wanted it to be the kind of book I thought was fun, fluffy and fantastic. Unfortunately, it was just average for me, with a fun plot with a dash of drama. Writing was choppy at places, but the plot was pretty solid and the characters were likable. Katrina’s indecisiveness with her future and her life kind of reflects mine, and I was definitely rooting for her to pull through.
Recommended for readers who would like a light read about a courageous, sympathetic heroine. And a pretty cute angel(less)

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Jan 22, 2010 Brigita rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read the book the same day I received it in the mail. Although the beginning didn't really work for me (partly because I noticed one or two typos early on), it then turned into a delightful read, perfect for a cold winter day.

The characters were nicely drawn, with enough life in them to make them interesting. The 'angel' character was intriguing almost from the beginning so his presences added to the suspense in an otherwise moderately paced novel.

The growth of the main character was one of t...more

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Oct 08, 2009 Alex rated it 5 of 5 stars

Coffeehouse Angel did not disappoint. It's every bit as cute and just as easy to relate to as I thought. For a light novel, it also provides quite bit of insight and sensible passages. For example,

"Our main focus as teenagers, according to just about everyone, is to jam-pack our lives with activities so that we can get into an Ivy League college and therefore succeed in life. Because that's the way it works. Weak application = crappy college. Crappy college = crappy job. Crappy job = crappy life...more Coffeehouse Angel did not disappoint. It's every bit as cute and just as easy to relate to as I thought. For a light novel, it also provides quite bit of insight and sensible passages. For example,

"Our main focus as teenagers, according to just about everyone, is to jam-pack our lives with activities so that we can get into an Ivy League college and therefore succeed in life. Because that's the way it works. Weak application = crappy college. Crappy college = crappy job. Crappy job = crappy life. In other words, poverty, alcoholism, obesity, and depression. It's enough stress to make your hair fall out." - p. 14-15

The book just lightly taps into some of the deeper wonderings of a teenage girl.

The main character, Katrina, is someone all girls probably feel like at one point, or relate to in at least some small way. She's the average nice girl-next-door. She doesn't have any special 'thing' like her two best friends, and no matter how hard she tries, she doesn't seem to excel in anything. Katrina can be a little meek and annoying, but I think her overall goodness makes her a wonderful character.

I was actually surprised that the focus wasn't always on the guardian angel and wishes plot. Sure, there is that, and Katrina is given wishes (who go to others by mistake) like fortune and fame. But the novel's more about growing up and discovering who you are on your own, not by some magic. I didn't feel as if I was ever really able to understand Malcolm, the guardian angel, nor some of the secondary characters, as much as I wished. Katrina is well formed, but some of the other characters remained a bit of a mystery. The novel's relatively short, however, so it makes sense that not everything could be perfect.

While Coffeehouse Angel doesn't have an oustanding and original plot- and angel coming and giving someone whatever she desires (actually, pretty sure I read a series of books as a child with that exact theme)-it's the details that make it wonderful. That the novel takes place in a little town called Nordby, a Scandinavian town in the middle of the US. That Katrina's an orphan, the fact that she works at her grandmother's coffeehouse. That she really is just friends with a boy. All the little details add up and make Coffeehouse Angel a delightful novel to read.

Final Impressions: A wonderfully amazing pick-me book. Coffeehouse Angel is filled with kindness and heart, perfect for a quick read. If you love cute contemporary books like this, definitely pick this one up. Even if you don't generally like these types of books, Cofeehouse Angel may change your mind. (less)

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About Suzanne Selfors

Suzanne Selfors lives on an island near Seattle where it rains all the time, which is why she tends to write about cloudy, moss-covered, green places.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.

Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.

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“Falling in love is not a rational process. It can't be planned or avoided. It happens--for good or bad it simply happens. - Katrina Svensen” — 98 people liked it

“Trying to make sense of love is like trying to dissect a rainbow.” — 80 people liked it

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