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Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café

(Honey Creek #1)

Jodi Thomas (Goodreads Author)

4.02 · Rating details · 803 ratings · 239 reviews

From Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Mornings on Main and Indigo Lake, comes this heartwarming new novel set in Honey Creek, Texas—a small town where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close at hand . . .

Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won’t let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize h ...more

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Paperback, 312 pages

Published May 26th 2020 by Zebra

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· 803 ratings · 239 reviews

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May 24, 2020 Natalia R rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas is a sweet and heartfelt romance with a touch of mystery and a strong sense of community. Set in the charming small town of Honey Creek, Texas, the story follows the perspectives of four characters: Piper Mackenzie, the town's mayor who has found herself in the middle of a media storm due to the disappearance of her wannabe fiancé, Boone Buchanan, Colby McBride, a handsome State Trooper who has been hired by Piper's brothers to discreetly investig ...more

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Aug 22, 2020 Michele Rene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: goodreads-giveaways, 2020, romance-me

Loved this heart felt romance. The three love stories were great. A high school nerdy boy and the most beautiful girl, the trooper and the mayor, and the bossy woman with the preacher, fireman, army man. (Wow, that’s a lot of man right there)
And a mystery. What more could you want.

“ I won this book on Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you Goodreads.”

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May 27, 2020 Gloria rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: suspense-mystery, read-arc, rated, reviewed, romance, netgalley-2020, contemporary-romance-suspense

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe is a fun, lighthearted read with quirky characters in typical small town fashion. Honey Creek townspeople love their mayor, Piper Mckenzie, who comes from a family of politicians and law enforcement officers. Her granddad was also mayor, her dad is a senator, and two brothers are Texas Rangers. Colby McBride is a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper in town asked by one of the brothers to keep the mayor safe when her so called fiance disappears. He is incognito and play ...more

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May 19, 2020 Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-netgalley, books-to-review, 2020

I am never disappointed when I read one of Jodi's books. They take me on a journey through a small Texas town where the pace is usually a little slower and the folks are friendly. But don't be fooled, they have their issues too, but in true Texas form, they work through those issues together.

This book felt a little different than Jodi's other books. I think it is because I felt like there was a little bit of a mystery to solve that paired nicely with the romance. Piper, or PJ as a certain St I am never disappointed when I read one of Jodi's books. They take me on a journey through a small Texas town where the pace is usually a little slower and the folks are friendly. But don't be fooled, they have their issues too, but in true Texas form, they work through those issues together.

This book felt a little different than Jodi's other books. I think it is because I felt like there was a little bit of a mystery to solve that paired nicely with the romance. Piper, or PJ as a certain State Trooper was wont to call her, is stuck in the middle of a media storm due to the disappearance of Boone Buchanan, a friend who claimed they were engaged. As the mayor of a small town, this doesn't bode well for her since many wonder if she had something to do with the events surrounding his disappearance. Enter Colby McBride, the sexy State Trooper doing a favor for a friend, also known as Piper's brother. Colby has a way about him that puts the citizens of Honey Creek at ease and he even charms Piper's family, especially the women, to get them on his side. It takes a bit longer with Piper.

This assignment had more layers than the Palo Duro Canyon.

While the story's primary focus is Piper and Colby, there are several other storylines occurring that bring humor and more romance to the book. Sam arrives to fill a spot at the local church and wonders if being a preacher is his calling. Stella and Anna work at the church in different roles and have their own issues to deal with with the help of Sam. Sometimes you just need a fresh pair of eyes on the situation.

I think the most endearing character was Pecos. He is a graduating senior at the local school and his home life hasn't been that great. His parents just consider him a worker and not their child which is a shame because Pecos has dreams that he should follow. His life turns upside down when he meets up with a classmate, Kerrie, and they form a friendship. There are some surprises in store for Pecos, but he rolls with the punches with the help of Mr. Winston, a lonely older citizen of the town. I actually think that Pecos and Mr. Winston save each other in the end and it is definitely a heartfelt moment (or two) as situations unfolded for these two.

I enjoyed the descriptive text about the town and especially the preacher's new quarters. I'm not sure who decorated the cottage but it is not what a single bachelor would want to see when they wake up each day. You'll have to read the book to discover how it was decorated, I think you will get a chuckle out of it much as I did.

I loved this book and did not want the story to end. There were so many unanswered questions, ok maybe not that many but a few. The upside is that this is going to be a series and I hope that all of these characters make guest appearances in future books.

We give this book 5 paws up and can't wait for book two, which I was lucky enough to read the first couple of chapters at the end of this book. ...more

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Apr 02, 2020 JoAn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, mystery, romance

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas was light romance with a touch of mystery that I devoured in one afternoon. Ms. Thomas is a "new to me" author but this book has convinced me to read more of her books. I confess that I am not a big romance reader but a mystery will always attract my attention.

I loved the setting of Honey Creek, TX. The town is full of lovable and quirky characters. Ms. Thomas has included the stories of four characters in this book, Piper Jane McKenzie, Colby McB ...more

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Jun 18, 2020 Nursebookie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, romance, kensington

"Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" by Jodi Thomas

This is my first book by Jodi Thomas and I really loved it. It had everything I loved in a cozy read, a small town and an amazing cast of characters I really enjoyed reading about. There is a little bit of romance, and a little bit of mystery too, with plots and sub plots that drew my attention and added to the excitement of the read. I could not stop reading this book and devoured it in one lovely afternoon. I highly recommend this book and look ...more

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Apr 08, 2020 Judy Lesley rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, contemporary

The first Jodi Thomas novel I read was in 1988 (Beneath the Texas Sky) and I continued to read her historical romances as each one was released. Then Ms. Thomas decided to abandon the historical line in favor of contemporary romance and I lost interest very quickly. Reading this book was my way of trying to recapture the warmth and depth of feeling I was accustomed to having with the historical novel line. It didn't happen for me. The plot summary is well done on the book jacket and in descripti ...more

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May 16, 2020 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult, chick-lit, reviewed, romance, western

Welcome to Honey Creek, Texas, founded by outlaws and misfits, and safe haven for outsiders like former firefighter Sam Cassidy. Sam comes to town like an Old West hero, seeking a quiet and meaningful life, only to find the Mayor in the midst of scandal, with romance and danger lurking around every corner. But this isn’t just Sam’s or Mayor Piper Mackenzie's story, it's about a community of people you can’t help wanting to be a part of. As with most small-town stories, the townsfolk are what mak Welcome to Honey Creek, Texas, founded by outlaws and misfits, and safe haven for outsiders like former firefighter Sam Cassidy. Sam comes to town like an Old West hero, seeking a quiet and meaningful life, only to find the Mayor in the midst of scandal, with romance and danger lurking around every corner. But this isn’t just Sam’s or Mayor Piper Mackenzie's story, it's about a community of people you can’t help wanting to be a part of. As with most small-town stories, the townsfolk are what make the book. Thomas has crafted excellent caricatures of people we already know. From the busybody secretary who thinks she runs the town, to the trio of greeters at the church, and the lonely old rich man down the road. These are people you knew once upon a time, and the author allows us to meet them again in Breakfast at the Honeycreek Café.

Our stars include aforementioned Sam Cassidy, the interim preacher, alongside Mayor Piper Mackenzie and State Trooper Colby McBride. I love how the author takes time to give each character dimension and rewarding story arcs. The romance and dialogue are quirky, fun, and engaging. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the premise, but I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected direction Jodi Thomas took these characters. Our preacher protagonist's credentials are a little over the top, but it’s soon clear every character in Honey Creek is larger than life in funny ways. In fact, much of Breakfast at the Honeycreek Café reads like a social commentary, a la Austen. The people and the place are somewhat surreal, like an impressionists painting, but under their painted layers are startlingly real bones. Yet it’s clear from the beginning that everyone has a part to play, from Pecos, the earnest teen, to Daily, the town drunk. All are pieces to the overarching mystery of just what happened to the mayor's boyfriend?

What truly makes this a five-star read for me (besides excellent characterization) was the author’s ability to turn a phrase. I can't think of another book I've read this year that made me laugh with lines like: "A coven of witches reportedly ran the local bakery. No one knew for sure, but they made great scones." Thomas also shows a keen sense of the layers that make up a person through clever character descriptions like: "From his stance to his slight twang, the man before her seemed pure Texan. He might be the type who said “yes, ma’am” to the ladies and fought his way out of a bar at midnight."

For everyone who doesn’t quite fit into the mold society has made for them, Jodi Thomas has created a place anyone can feel at home. I know I'll be eager to read more books from this author. Perfect for fans of clever dialogue, rich characters, and fans of "that small-town feel," I urge you to take a chance on Breakfast at the Honeycreek Café. Thomas sums up the feel for Honey Creek as Mayor Mackenzie reflects, “She wasn’t made for a small town, not in her dreams anyway. But this place flowed through her veins, slow and steady as the Brazos River wound around the city limits. Low as the wind blowing down the valley whispering of legends of outlaws and ghosts.”

**I was provided with a copy of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe by the publisher and this is my voluntary and honest review.** ...more

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Mar 26, 2020 Rachel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas is a nice, relaxing romance in small town Texas with a dash of mystery tossed in.

I enjoyed meeting everyone in Honey Creek, Texas and enjoyed the nice vacation from the current-day stresses and troubles. I enjoyed Piper and Colby and also enjoyed reading through the eyes of alternating characters. The descriptions of the town landmarks and landscapes were depicted in such a way that it really felt as if I was there. I also enjoyed the ending.

A ni ...more

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Jun 07, 2020 Carolyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: thomas-jodi

Slow start to one crazy story, in a town with a bunch of quirky, crazy people that had me laughing out loud. Yeah, I will most likely read the next one. ;)

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Apr 28, 2020 Mary rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: quarantine-read, contemporary-romance, netgalley

E-galley from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Breakfast At The Honey Creek Café is book one in the new Honey Creek series by Jodi Thomas. I’ve been a fan since reading Rewriting Monday ten years ago. I’ve grown to love the small town settings, quirky characters and charming plots that are hallmarks of her novels. This book is no exception and was just the book I wanted to read when I picked it up. I find them a comfort no matter what’s going on in my life but especia ...more

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Aug 08, 2020 Chris Conley rated it it was amazing

Honey Creek is a quirky little town. I hope we keep seeing more of these folks as we follow other stories. Fun people and places.

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Jun 24, 2020 Alexia rated it really liked it

This is my first Jodi Thomas novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is told from 4 character's perspectives and takes place over the course of a week. I liked that we got glimpses into the different character's minds rather than it being told from one perspective as we got to understand their backstory and motivations while also seeing how they interacted with each other.
*
The mystery element of the book is important, but the story was more focused on the character's lives and how they fit ...more

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Mar 24, 2020 Sydney Adin rated it it was amazing

Breakfast At The Honey Creek Cafè is one of those enticing novels that draws you in with a catchy prologue. Having read the first handful of chapters, I was already eager to learn more about the main character and play sleuth as I progressed further into the novel. There’s a little bit of everything in here- quirky characters, a plot that hooks you, and a promised blend of romance and intrigue.

Presently, there’s a strong demand for novels that help us escape as we navigate through these unknow ...more

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Jun 05, 2020 Tonya Lucas rated it it was amazing

Only a few authors have a way of telling a story with enhanced dedication and exquisite charm.
Jodi Thomas’s wit and dry sense of humor shines with each turn of the page.
If you only read one book this summer, make it BREAKFAST AT HONEY CREEK CAFE. You’ll be forever grateful you strolled through this beautiful journey.

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Jun 05, 2020 Cathy Geha rated it it was amazing

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek #1

When the news is filled with protests, political shenanigans, and the fear of catching a killer virus causing a pandemic there is nothing better than escaping into a small-town romance that has it all. In this book there are, in fact, THRE…or was if four… romances, some soul searching, a mystery, a bad guy, interesting local characters and the introduction to a series I know I will thoroughly enjoy.

What I liked:
* Meeting the two men ...more

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Jun 14, 2020 Virginia Campbell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, family, suspense, romance, cultural, fiction, mystery, womens-fiction, humor

No one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds her characterizations and story lines with layers, and there are always elements of surprise for the reader. Her latest release, "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" is a compelling contemporary romance filled with characters you'll want to get to know, plus small-town politics and a touch of mystery. The heroes are sigh-worthy, the heroines are smar No one tells Texas tales better than author Jodi Thomas--she's a true Texan who has stayed true to her Texas roots. A master storyteller, she builds her characterizations and story lines with layers, and there are always elements of surprise for the reader. Her latest release, "Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" is a compelling contemporary romance filled with characters you'll want to get to know, plus small-town politics and a touch of mystery. The heroes are sigh-worthy, the heroines are smart and sassy, the humor is heartfelt, and the town itself is quaintly quirky. Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, TX, comes from a long line of politicians and public servants. Dedicated to her job, Piper envisions herself someday advancing her political career to the governor's office. When Piper's longtime acquaintance and sometime photo-op partner mysteriously disappear at the same time the local sheriff goes missing, speculation and nasty rumors begin to swirl. One of Piper's Texas Ranger brothers calls in state trooper Colby McBride to head to Honey Creek as an undercover investigator who will keep a very close eye on Piper. As events escalate around them, the sparks fly between Piper and Colby. He finds her lovely and appealing , and she is hard-pressed to resist his outrageous charm. The new preacher in town, Sam Cassidy--son of a "traveling preacher"--arrives for a short-term stay and is soon involved in the lives of the townsfolk. Somewhat at a crossroads in his life, Sam finds himself drawn to the area and the people--especially a certain sharp-tongued redhead named Anna Presley. As the mysteries deepen and dangers loom, Colby is working hard to protect Piper and keep safe the growing admiration between them. When all truths are revealed, will there be a happy future in sight for the mayor and the lawman? Will Sam's restless heart find its home in Honey Creek? This book made my romance-lover's soul smile for all the right reasons, and I greatly look forward to the next book in the series.

Book Copy Gratis Author ...more

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May 22, 2020 Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading rated it really liked it

It's always a treat to pick up a new Jodi Thomas book and return to small town Texas. As a fan of mysteries and thrillers, I was immediately intrigued by the potential of a scandal, yet I always return to the author's works because they are filled with relatable and highly likable characters.

Told over the course of about a week, the story follows multiple main characters from their perspectives as they face defining moments in their lives. While the synopsis suggests that the focal point is on ...more

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May 21, 2020 Ruthie Jones rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-book, lone-star-book-blog-tours

“Because I want to always be the one you run to when you need help. The one you go through wild times with. I want to hold you when you cry, and laugh with you.”

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas is a 3-in-1 romance that will warm you all the way down to your toes. While all three romances develop at lightning speed, they are believable, sappy in all the right places, and downright entertaining. But this story is not all about love and romance.

Piper Mackenzie is the mayor of Honey “Because I want to always be the one you run to when you need help. The one you go through wild times with. I want to hold you when you cry, and laugh with you.”

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas is a 3-in-1 romance that will warm you all the way down to your toes. While all three romances develop at lightning speed, they are believable, sappy in all the right places, and downright entertaining. But this story is not all about love and romance.

Piper Mackenzie is the mayor of Honey Creek, Texas, and she finds herself embroiled in quite the mystery. Where is the sheriff, and where is her supposed boyfriend, Boone Buchanan? Piper’s brother has hired Colby McBride to pose as Piper’s admirer from her past trying to gain her affections once more, all so he can protect her and figure out what in the world is going on in this one-horse town, without raising any suspicion in this gossipy town about his true reason for being there.

Sam Randall heads into Honey Creek as an interim preacher, but while formally trained in theology, that is not his true calling. Pecos Smith is about to graduate from high school, and he cannot wait to start building his life away from his indifferent parents. All three of these men become embroiled in their own mysteries: whirlwind love connections that knock them for a loop and seal their romantic fates.

Jodi Thomas catches the reader’s attention with a wonderful tapestry of danger, mystery, relationships, and sweet romance. All the characters are full-on enchanting and interesting. The three main men are flawed, of course, but still a bit too good to be true, and the women they fall in love with are full of either secrets or spitfire sparks. Watching these relationships blossom across the pages is pure entertainment. My personal favorite characters are Pecos Smith and Daily Watts. These two have faced their share of troubled times and will definitely steal your hearts.

While Boone’s disappearance is the main backdrop to the story, Boone seems to be somewhat of a non-entity in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, the story is too fun, and the other characters are too fabulous for that to make that big of a difference. If you enjoy a bit of mystery and a healthy dose of funny and sweet romance, then stop in for breakfast at the Honey Creek Café and lose yourself in the goings on in a small Texas town. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Mar 26, 2020 Jeanette rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great characters from the start - loved it!

The book starts out with the viewpoint of three main characters: Piper (mayor of Honey Creek), Sam, and Colby. The author skillfully draws you into all these characters with her excellent character development and realism. It's truly a gift when an author has the ability to make you care about their characters as soon as you meet them. The book is set in a small town, which appeals to me greatly having come from a very small town myself. I understand ho ...more

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May 13, 2020 Maida rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, series, small-town, low-heat, lsbbt, contemporary, netgalley, ebooks

Zany, funny small town romance with a touch of mystery and quirky characters. Full review is at maidamalby.com.

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Apr 13, 2020 Kelly rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

I have always enjoyed Jodi Thomas's books and this one was no different. I loved the town of Honey Creek and all of it's quirky characters. There are three main characters in this book but it is written so it is easy to keep up with all of them. This is an easy to read book. I look forward to reading more books set in Honey Creek. ...more

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Jun 18, 2020 Nursebookie rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyed this wonderful read I got lost in that was hard to put down. This was such a beautiful writing - small town, great characters and pacing, and an enjoyable read overall.

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Aug 28, 2020 Elaine rated it it was amazing

First book I've read by this author
What a wonderful Story..
I'll Definitely be reading her Next Book that Comes out in
April 2021.

So many wonderful Characters in this book. Piper Jane, Now she's the mayor.. Of Honey Creek what a sweet town.. I felt like I was in this town with all of these awesome people this is a well written book. Piper is not going to let a scandal tear her town apart. One that is fabricated well when you read the story it will all make sense this is a great book..

Colby he ...more

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Apr 09, 2020 OjoAusana rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, read-2020

*received from netgalley for honest review* Normally wouldn't have read this book by choice but I saw it on bookishfirst, and I just fell in love with the cover. I love that house its so beautiful and I want to paint it :0 !!!!!!! read the first look and tho I don't care for the romance I stayed for the mystery!!

lol no fro real tho I did, luckily It wasn't really sexual (sex was mentioned but there wasn't like drawn out annoying sex scenes) just a bunch of drawn out annoying cheesy (SUPER chee ...more

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Jun 13, 2020 Teresa rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, read-2020

~ 2.5 Stars ~ Very slow and surprisingly boring in several areas.

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May 13, 2020 Jenn Belden rated it really liked it

*I was provided an advance copy of the book via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.*

I am a big fan of Jodi Thomas, particularly her contemporary romantic fiction stories. Set in charming small Texas towns that I want to spend time in, filled with interesting, relatable, and sometimes quirky characters, her stories bring a cozy comfort with a dash of intrigue.

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café reminded me of her Laurel Springs series (The Little Teashop on Main and Mornings on Main) but with more *I was provided an advance copy of the book via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.*

I am a big fan of Jodi Thomas, particularly her contemporary romantic fiction stories. Set in charming small Texas towns that I want to spend time in, filled with interesting, relatable, and sometimes quirky characters, her stories bring a cozy comfort with a dash of intrigue.

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café reminded me of her Laurel Springs series (The Little Teashop on Main and Mornings on Main) but with more quirkiness and more humor. If the mystery in this story played a more prominent role, I would daresay the style could be compared to a cozy, what with the quaint town, quirky characters, and romantic elements that remain clean.

The book alternates between four characters. The primary storyline is that of Piper Mackenzie, the dedicated mayor of Honey Creek who has found herself in a pickle. Colby McBride is the undercover detective sent by her brother, a Texas Ranger, to help find the missing fiancé. It’s a small town, and so to win the confidence of townfolk Colby pretends to be an old boyfriend in town to try to court Piper so that people will open up to him. The public interactions between Colby (with a put-on over-the-top optimistic and flirtatious persona) and Piper are among my favorites in the book.

A separate storyline belongs to fill-in preacher Sam Cassidy. His arrival in Honey Creek crosses paths with Colby McBride, but it isn’t until later in the story when their stories intersect. His character is quiet, filled with self-questioning, and introspection. He meets his match in Anna, a fiesty, loud, opinionated, and short-spoken whirlwind of a woman. She is completely not his type, and of course, he’s immediately intrigued – and her bold, bossy presence provides a bit of levity to his solemn persona. His story is one of soul-searching and personal growth, and both of them have baggage they need to overcome before they find each other.

The last storyline belongs to Pecos, a high school graduate who has big goals, and a simple but somewhat lonely life. He’s a fascinating character (and honestly, I almost would have loved for him to get his own book). When his character is first introduced, I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how he fits into the bigger story, but by the end, his weaves in with the other two. By that point, I had fallen in love with his optimistic spirit and positive attitude, and I’d set aside the initial disconnect I felt between his story and the greater book.

One of Thomas’ strongest suits is character development, and it shines in this novel. Piper is the most solidly defined of the characters; she’s driven and direct, but little details show her softer side (like how she leaves her shoes in the office when she looks over the town from the parapet or her collection of soda cans in her office that reflect how much time she devotes to her job. Thomas has a lot of fun with Colby’s character, you can tell. Anna was another character that was a contrast in traits – defensive, colorful, chaotic, driven – and I hope we see more of her because she’s such a burst of personality.

I do love my happily ever afters and Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café delivers them in spades. Admittedly, Pecos’ HEA came in an unexpected manner (and this is where I wish we had more time to spend with his story), and Sam’s HEA was MORE than anticipated.

Additionally, the mystery of the missing sheriff and missing not-fiancé feel like MacGuffins, fading from focus in the second half of the book until the ending.

The book shifts gears at the end as the storylines come together and an unexpected bit of excitement occurs.
Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café is an easy book that provides a comforting escape and neatly tied up endings, something I definitely appreciated. I’m delighted by the characters and can’t wait to see what the next book brings to Honey Creek. ...more

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May 13, 2020 Lorilei Gonzales rated it it was amazing

I adore Jodi Thomas books so, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to read Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe. I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a mystery when I read the prologue. Who could possibly be threatening the beloved mayor, Piper Jane Mackenzie, in such a cute little town like Honey Creek?

Cut scene and we are introduced to the intriguing Sam Cassidy whose name perfectly matches the outdoorsy manly man who is attempting to step into his father’s shoes. As he is peeling away o I adore Jodi Thomas books so, of course, I jumped at the opportunity to read Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe. I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a mystery when I read the prologue. Who could possibly be threatening the beloved mayor, Piper Jane Mackenzie, in such a cute little town like Honey Creek?

Cut scene and we are introduced to the intriguing Sam Cassidy whose name perfectly matches the outdoorsy manly man who is attempting to step into his father’s shoes. As he is peeling away one life to start another, Sam bumps into another man who seems to be doing the same, Colby McBride. Each man assesses the other in back to back chapters, and it made me nervous about a possible love triangle with Piper. Flipping back, I tried to look for clues early on about who would claim the mayor’s heart, but Thomas kept those early encounters professional and didn’t hint at any romance… yet.

Much like a Stars Hollow but set in Texas, Honey Creek is small but a busy hive of locals who are all up in each other’s business. I really enjoyed the time that Thomas took to tell us tidbits about the inhabitants: from the old ladies in the walkers that take up the second row real estate in the church to the town drunk who is tailed by children wanting to bring home a daddy to the youngest son of a family who uses children as free labor. Those last two sound a bit tragic but they’re anything but when Thomas brings them to life on the page. And I am truly amazed at how much world building is accomplished in such a short book. Not only do many eventful happenings occur in this town in the span of a few days, but also Thomas has created fully developed characters with interesting backstories, all being interwoven as they interact with each other.

When you take into account how much happens, it is surprising to realize that the pace is perfect. No loitering in fanciful daydreams about the love interest for pages on end, but a gradual and realistic build of attraction, respect, and then love. It seems that all of the male characters have to break down the cold hearts of their female love interests, and I would have loved to see at least one relationship that deviated from that pattern. I also felt like the end was no fully resolved, at least to my satisfaction. But when I read the teaser chapter at the back of the book, I realized that maybe some of the questions I had would be answered in the next book. Well played, Ms. Thomas.

Should you read this book? Yes! The mystery is great and the romance is even better. This book further solidifies Jodi Thomas as one of my go-to authors for romance reads. If you’re a little nervous of steamy stories, don’t worry. This one is cozy and so much fun to read. ...more

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Apr 27, 2020 joyce w. laudon rated it really liked it

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Thomas. It is the start of a new series for the author. I think that this title will be enjoyed by those who read books by writers including Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr. It is an enjoyable women's fiction title.

The three main male characters are Colby, Sam and Pecos. The three women are Piper, Anna and Kerrie. Their respective relationships form the basis for the romances of the novel. There is an additional relationship that ...more

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Apr 16, 2020 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe is the 1st book in the Honey Creek Series. The story is set in a small town with a whole slew of characters that I really enjoyed getting to know. The story is told in 4 different POV's, which I loved! Piper the Mayor, Colby the Trooper, Sam the Preacher and Pecos the teenager. All 4 of these characters have so many things going on in their lives.

The Mayor's boyfriend is missing and some people are thinking foul play. Colby was asked by Piper's brother to head Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe is the 1st book in the Honey Creek Series. The story is set in a small town with a whole slew of characters that I really enjoyed getting to know. The story is told in 4 different POV's, which I loved! Piper the Mayor, Colby the Trooper, Sam the Preacher and Pecos the teenager. All 4 of these characters have so many things going on in their lives.

The Mayor's boyfriend is missing and some people are thinking foul play. Colby was asked by Piper's brother to head to Honey Creek and not only protect his sister, but try to dig up some answers to her missing boyfriend. Sam is a complicated man. He's unsure of his place in the world right now and thinks maybe his calling is to preach in Honey Creek. Pecos is just graduating from High School and the only thing he knows for sure, is that he doesn't want to live with his parents any longer. There is definitely a lot going on with these 4.

For me the story was a bit slow, but I do realize that the author is introducing a new town and characters, and that does tend to slow things down a bit. It took me awhile to warm up to Piper. I didn't care for her attitude, but once I got further in the book, I started to like her a bit more. The relationships that developed between the characters were set at a really good pace, until the end of the story. To me it just felt like the author wanted to make sure they each got their HEA before the ending. The only thing that I really wanted to know and didn't receive an answer to, was what happened to the relationship between Piper and her ex-husband. She thought about it a lot and it was what stopped her from even going out with a man until Colby appeared. Maybe that answer will come in another book.

I'll be looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I really hope we will get to see more of these characters as I'm especially interested in what will happen to Pecos in the future.

* ARC provided by NetGalley & Kensington/Zebra Books for an honest review*
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