Home to Cedar Branch

Quaker Café #2

by Brenda Bevan Remmes

After a betrayal ends in tragedy, Katy seeks refuge from her abusive husband, Hank, in her quiet hometown of Cedar Branch, North Carolina. Taking up residence on the old family farm and landing a job at the local Quaker Café, she hopes to leave her troubled past behind. At the café, Katy finds allies, kind people willing to protect her and offer advice. There’s the gracious owner who insists that manners prevail, the no-nonsense cook who tackles life with a cast iron frying pan, a Yankee transplant who doesn’t bow to convention, and a shrewd Southern lawyer who sees a chance for Katy to profit from her predicament. But when Hank discovers her whereabouts, Katy’s newfound peace is broken. As a heated standoff involving Hank, local and federal law enforcement, and the media ensues, how far will the Cedar Branch community go to avert violence and save lives?

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2016

Reviews

[Marleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hoping that this second Cedar Branch book lived up to the first one, I started it with a good dose of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I wasn't taken with the main characters as I was before. The beginning scene was promising and hilarious, but there it stops. And yes, the story takes place in the same small town, but practically none of the previous characters had any major role here.
Foremost this is the no-nonsense story of an abused young woman who, after a sordid scandal, returns to Cedar Branch to live with her brother, together with her two teenage children.
Honestly, I didn't understand Katie, the main character. What motivated this woman? Could the author have elaborated on her personality? I wonder. Also, there was no back-story to make us understand her affair with the doctor.
Overall, I think the author left too many gaps in this story. Some transitions from one chapter to the other were bumpy. And to top it all - and this baffled me - is that there was no epilogue! The book ended without closure. Honestly, this book felt too much like a rush-job. If you don't have the time to give the book meaning, then don't write it - or find a better editor or agent.
My only take-away is that I now understand who and what Quakers are (vs. Amish).

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home to Cedar Branch is the second novel by Brenda Bevan Remmes that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation from her first novel. The first scenein the novel, when we meet the main character Katie Devin, is a dark humorous scene but then it turns into quite a story that involves physical and emotional abuse. It escalates to murder and revenge. Thrown in is the inclusion of the local Quaker community who intervene for one of the criminals. It was a great "listen to" and I enjoyed catching up with many of the characters from the first novel.

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Home to Cedar Branch
Author: Brenda Bevan Remmes
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Series Quaker Cafe #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Home to Cedar Branch" by Brenda Bevan Remmes

My Thoughts....

Now this was one story that had a little bit of it all from some mystery to even Christian fiction. From boys getting into trouble[snooping], from violence at home, to adultery, murder, breaking out of court, Quaker's helping, more shooting to family healing. To put this all into one story all I can say is that this author gives the reader quite a story full of drama dealing with spousal abuse/kidnapping. This family of Katy and Hank will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. Be ready for many twist and turns and I will say that the ending did surprise me and did leave me with some mixed feelings having some unanswered questions.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

[Els · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not read the first part but it seems it was not necessary because the main thing that happened was repeated often (maybe even too often) enough. The story never really took me by the hand and captured me. Sometimes I even thought it was a bit boring and a bit unbelieveable even. I did not understand the behaviour of the Quakers unfortunately. One thing I will keep in mind is that i won't be reading any other parts of the series. I finished it because I promised Netgalley a review and in order to be able to do that I have to read the whole story. Only the last few pages were touching and the best part of the book. Sorry.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I have mixed feelings about. It got me right away, the boys snooping and falling. It started to go a little flat and then picked up at the end.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this one. The beginning was great. The middle fell flat, then it picked up again. The ending... Eh.

Overall, not a bad book. Easy read.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by Remmes and I found it very interesting. I didn't just focus on one person but the whole of the town and those that gathered at the Quaker Café. Secrets, drama, and even the authorities. This one went in directions that I was not expecting.

[HappyRuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the two books I read in this series. This book can be found on Audible. You really become involved in the lives and in the people that live in this small town.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home to Cedar Branch: A Quaker Café Novel by Brenda Bevan Remmes

300 Pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: January 19, 2016

Fiction (Adult), General Fiction (Adult), Women’s Fiction, Domestic Violence

Three boys hoping to see naked women, climb a magnolia tree outside of the doctor’s office. They got more than they bargained for when the branch broke, and they fell through the skylight. The doctor is found naked with a woman, Katy, and their affair is uncovered. Now Katy’s husband, Hank, is on the war path. The doctor’s wife, Laura, immediately begins making plans for her future. While she and the doctor are talking at home, there is a knock at the door. She opens it and a man with a gun opens fire killing the doctor.

The Quaker community plays an important role in the story. The book has a steady pace that kept my attention until I finished it late into the night. The characters were developed, and it was written in the third person point of view. There are excellent discussion questions. If you like general fiction dramas, you may enjoy this book.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a series about a small town in North Carolina with many Quaker residents. Katy O’Brian was raised there and comes home after a disastrous, highly embarrassing affair and her abusive husband kills her prominent doctor lover. Katy wants to protect her kids and her brother is willing to take them in. A year later the trial is held and her husband and his brother manage to make a break for it. After some time the two men attack Katy’s home, Ray her husband’s brother makes Katy’s son and her brother fly him off. Katy and her daughter, the angry husband, along with the whole group of neighbor Quakers are holed up in the local Meeting House, the Quakers hoping to bring a peaceful solution. Intense read!

[Fashnhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise to me from beginning to end. I had not read the first book but found that was not necessary.
The beginning story line of a messy extra martal affair, spousal abuse, and murder was not my usual reading material and frankly put me on edge. The author writes about three dimensional characters in a world that feels messy and true.
After the first third of the book, the edginess opened up into a relevant list of many modern dilemmas that would make this a worthy book group novel to discuss: including trauma, police militarization, spousal abuse, the Quaker peace message, lawsuits, professionalism and more.

[Little Red · Rating 2 out of 5]

A positive is that I was interested enough in the story to read the book through to the end. Sadly, though, I really did not enjoy it. The story kind of meandered for the first 75% and then picked up one of the threads and ran with it until the end. The ending was not satisfying and I imagine the next book may well allude to these characters but in all honesty, I do not care enough about any of them to bother. Sorry for the negative review... this book was not for me!!

[Kath Fancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, good story

The characters were full, expected behavior. It gave a little insight into Quaker life but the human nature of the characters brought interest and texture. I started reading and finished it in three sittings. I enjoyed book 1 of the Quaker cafe. Hope to read more by this author.

[marionlouise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful subject at the present time

The Quakers stood by their believe in peaceful ways. It was nice to see a community stand by their neighbors. Hope we can lear
n from it. Enjoyed r very much.

[Barb Olt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was tempted to quit reading this book when some profanity started, but there wasn’t much so I kept going. Towards the end it got kind of interesting and I wanted to see how it would end. I’m still waiting. If I’d have known it would end like it did I would have quit while I was ahead.

[Kjersti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first novel by a long shot, but I missed some of my favorites from the first novel as they only got passing treatment here.

[Lynn K Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading and not too long.

Interesting relationships between the cast of characters. Moves along at a really good pace. It was very realistic. Perhaps a sequel would do well.

[Jeanette Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the characters weren't the same as the first book, I enjoyed this book very much. Especially the 2nd half. First half a little slow. The cafe is almost another character.

[Toni Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Special

Readers of cozies looking for a bit more tension , these are for you! Fell into the spell of good cooking and good booking.

[Gerald Ncube · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story well told

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating for this book was purely personal, it was a very well written book and the narrator Bahni Turpin was excellent. I just personally had a hard time reading this book. I know several people that would give it a 4 or 5 star rating. I just can't say that I really enjoyed it.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home to Cedar Branch by Brenda Bevan Remmes is a Quaker Café novel (second book in series). The book starts in March of 1994. Katy Devine is married to Hank, her abusive husband and has two children, Savannah and Dusty. Katy is getting sympathy (euphemism) from Dr. Lawrence Attwuld in one his exam rooms when nosy kids fall from a tree (they were peaking in the exam room) and through the skylight right into the exam room. People (staff and patients) rush into the room and they see Katy and Dr. Attwuld in all their glory. The news quickly spreads through the town (gossip spreads quickly in a small town). Katy takes her two children and hides before her husband returns home (he is a trucker). Hank, the abusive husband, returns to town (he is a trucker and was on the road. His brother, Ray, radioed him to tell him the news) and starts looking for Katy. When he cannot find Katy, he goes after Dr. Attwuld. When Dr. Attwuld opens his front door, Hanks shoots him.

Do to the scandal (the affair and shooting), Katy decides to move back home to Cedar Branch and live with her brother, Sam. Sam (he is a crop duster) and the residents of Cedar Branch welcome them with open arms. Katy gets a job at the Quaker Café in town. But there will be a few bumps in the road for the family (the trial, a potential lawsuit, and, of course, Hank and his evil brother, Ray). The town of Cedar Branch will be there to help them. Read Home to Cedar Branch to find out what happens.

Home to Cedar Branch is a sweet novel. I enjoyed everything except the ending. Home to Cedar Branch is easy to read and interesting (can you imagine kids falling through while you are having illicit sex). Home to Cedar Branch can easily be read without having enjoyed the first book in the series. The book has a good pace until near the end when it slows down. I give Home to Cedar Branch 3.5 out of 5 stars (it was a 4 until I read the ending).

I received a complimentary copy of Home to Cedar Branch in exchange for an honest review.

Check out my blog, The Avid Reader for additional information: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home to Cedar Barnch by Brenda Bevan Remmes is ... I do not know how to describe this book. It's about home violence, wrong choices, blind beliefs, people with faith, communal strength, family ties. It's kind of criminal story, with a bit of religion, bit of family, bit of drama. It's a good suspense story.

It all starts with three curious boys crashing through skylight window into a doctors office where the good doctor was having an affair with his patience. One thing leads to another, soon everybody in town knows it and the good doctor finds himself with two pullets in his heart. The murdering husband gets arrested and the wife goes back to her home town since she lost her old job and she can't afford to live in her home anymore.

Katy's old town takes her back with ease, she gets new job, her kids go to school again, her husband is waiting for his trial in prison but his brother starts to terrorize Katy and eye witnesses mentally and manipulate his niece to turn against her mother.

A year goes by before the case comes to trial and when it does Ray has done his best to work his brother up, to scare witnesses, to make other plans to get his brother free ... and when they all get together in court, all hell brakes lose when Hank panics.

It's an interesting story about human nature. Good read.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

When life throws you a curve, have you ever wished you could just go home and heal?
That is exactly what Katy Devine did when her world turned upside down. Being in an abusive marriage with her husband Hank, she looked elsewhere for consolation…the town doctor. When their adultery was announced to the whole town just because 3 young boys wanted a peep-show, Katy had no alternative but to pack up her children and leave town…back to Cedar Branch and home..the Quaker Café and the Quakers.

My heart was stolen by Katy and Dr. Attwuld’s wife. Both women were in situations they didn’t ask to be in…yet they coped as best they could. The twists and turns of this book will keep you turning the pages as the broken pieces of their lives are slowly put back together. Thankfully Katy has the help of her brother and the Quakers who live in Cedar Branch. I read this book in one afternoon. If you need a book filled with forgiveness, love and inspiration…this is a book you won’t want to miss. This is the first book I have read by MS. Remmes, but it won’t be my last.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Lake Union, through NetGalley blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and the previous one in the series, The Quaker Café, have really raised my awareness of the Quaker religion and what it's all about. It wouldn't work for me, but I really respect people that can live this way of life.

That said, this novel is the story of Katy, who after a tragedy, is looking for a fresh start away from her abusive husband and his brother. The setting is a small town where most everyone knows each other and people meet in The Quaker Café because it's the only restaurant in town. This is a great story of how she was both accepted and gossiped about and how the community came together to help her in her hour of need.

There are some real characters in this book, particularly the neighbor whose animals are always getting out and of course, the busybody that every small town seems to have. The very interesting conclusion to this book was certainly not what I expected and I did not in any way, expect things to turn out as they did.

I'd suggest this book for anyone that enjoys small town stories or books about starting over. Thank you Brenda Bevan Remmes, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and was quite surprised that I had liked it as much as I did. Although there were times where I felt like something was just missing from the novel, the characters were well developed and the story read smoothly. It was a pleasant to read novel about a woman, Katy, who after trying to start over a new life back in her old hometown, has to deal with the aftermath of her old life with an abusive husband. There were parts of the story where I lost interest, but the last third of the book really picked up the pace and captivated me. I had truly enjoyed the voodoo touches that were made, but I also felt that there should have been a bit more involvement in the development of the Quaker characters throughout the book instead of just towards the end of the novel. It was quite interesting to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Quaker community.

[Kay Pflueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the Quaker Café series. I have not read the first one but had no trouble following the story line. I was gifted a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story centers on Kate and her abusive marriage. She seeks solace from that abuse in the arms of the town doctor which leads to a scandal. With nowhere else to go, she returns to her home town of Cedar Branch to live with her brother, Sam. She settles into the comfortable routine of working at the café and her two teenage children begin to adjust to a different pace of life.
Her husband, Hank, is influenced by his brother Ray to seek revenge and plots her demise. How the community comes together to protect Kate and her family keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I liked the book and am interested in reading the first one in the series as well as any further ones that come along.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home to Cedar Branch approaches a different subject then Brenda Remmes first book, The Quaker Café. This theme is a abused woman who escapes to a small town to start over. The suspense soon grew throughout and the conclusion kept me up at night.
I found the characters quirky and fun to read about as they all gave her a hand up in this small town. This never happens in life but its nice to read about here and the compassion shows through her writing. The writing is fast paced and the subject albeit difficult was well represented here. It was unexpected but a good read and a nice unexpected element of suspense.

[Everydayreader1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie is a woman with two teenagers whose life is spinning out of control. She decides to return to her home town and try rebuild her life. Like most things, life is not lived in a vacuum, and even though she has left circumstances behind, they still follow her and her children as the good and the bad from her past are revealed.

This book is fast-paced and filled with action. At times, I wanted to strangle some of the characters, and I wondered if a few of them had any redeeming qualities whatsoever. This is also a book about community and neighbor helping neighbor.

I received an advance reader copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Duthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is ok. Its well written and has an awful lot of characters and a bit too much information about Quaker lifestyle for me. Katy and Hank are married and have two teenage children Shannon and Dusty. Katy has been abused by Hank for years and now he is hitting Dusty. For some reason Katy sleeps with the local doctor who is shot and killed by Hank. He is jailed and the abuse on Katy continues in the form of Ray, her brother-in-law. Katy takes the children back to her hometown Cedar Branch, they move in with her brother Sam. There is a very big Quaker presence in the community and when Hank escapes from the courthouse. The neighbours rally round to help protect Katy and her children.