TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Welcome Home Diner

About The Welcome Home Diner

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (October 10, 2017)

Betting on the city of Detroit’s eventual comeback, cousins Addie and Samantha decide to risk it all on an affordable new house and a culinary career that starts with renovating a vintage diner in a depressed area of town. There’s just one little snag in their vision.

Angus, a weary, beloved local, is strongly opposed to his neighborhood’s gentrification—and his concerns reflect the suspicion of the community. Shocked by their reception, Addie and Samantha begin to have second thoughts.

As the long hours, problematic love interests, and underhanded pressures mount, the two women find themselves increasingly at odds, and soon their problems threaten everything they’ve worked for. If they are going to realize their dreams, Addie and Samantha must focus on rebuilding their relationship. But will the neighborhood open their hearts to welcome them home?

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. Where I loved all the food descriptions in this book Sam and Addie sometimes made me want to scream just a little, especially with their romantic lives. Addie in particular drove me crazy. Her four year relationship seemed so unrealistic, not to mention the house. I can't imagine how a house that seems so dilapidated could be inhabitable and that code enforcement wouldn't be on their case. Then there's her relationship with David. I really hated them together especially their love life. They were a bit nauseating at times with their love.

The story is told from Sam and Addie's point of view and in first person, which occasionally made it hard to deal with, especially at the beginning when they were in the same moment.

Of the two characters, I have to say I liked Sam the best. She was more real. I wanted good things for her. I really hated the way her relationship with Uriah turned out. I wanted better for her. She deserved it.

This book is about love and relationships and food.  All of these are complex and fabulous, and they are full of emotion. There's a lot of drama going on in this story, as the girls have definitely ruffled some feathers in opening the diner. Addie is definitely the type of person you expect to find on Pantsuit Nation. Both girls have a "I must save the world attitude" which is good but at times downright annoying in others.

Part of the drama involves a troll that is trying to damage the reputation of the restaurant. When this troll goes on to attempting to hurt a child, things get ugly.

Oh and did I mention the food and the wonderful descriptions?  Oh and there are great recipes at the end. I really want to try the cabbage roll and the tzatziki recipes.

This was an enjoyable read.  Great for a weekend afternoon.

Rating: 4 flowers