What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets at the Cafe
A deathbed promise. A missing diary. Can she find her loved one’s message and fulfill a last wish?
Karina Walker is juggling an unexpected upheaval. Rushing to her dying grandmother’s side, the grieving twenty-four-year-old agrees to move home, take over the old café, and read a journal left behind. But she’s shocked to her core when the little red book disappears from view the moment she turns her back.
Building a list of suspects who may have overheard mention of a hidden stash of money, Karina teams up with her cousin and a former teacher to track down her inheritance. And while rumors run rampant around town, she discovers a buried secret that could change her forever…
Can Karina confront her family’s past and build herself a new future?
Secrets at the Cafe is an unforgettable, page-turning domestic suspense. If you like determined heroines, dizzying plot twists, and breathtaking dramas, then you’ll adore Susan Specht Oram’s riveting read.
Buy Secrets at the Cafe today to untangle a puzzle that will pull you through the pages!
Karina Walker is juggling an unexpected upheaval. Rushing to her dying grandmother’s side, the grieving twenty-four-year-old agrees to move home, take over the old café, and read a journal left behind. But she’s shocked to her core when the little red book disappears from view the moment she turns her back.
Building a list of suspects who may have overheard mention of a hidden stash of money, Karina teams up with her cousin and a former teacher to track down her inheritance. And while rumors run rampant around town, she discovers a buried secret that could change her forever…
Can Karina confront her family’s past and build herself a new future?
Secrets at the Cafe is an unforgettable, page-turning domestic suspense. If you like determined heroines, dizzying plot twists, and breathtaking dramas, then you’ll adore Susan Specht Oram’s riveting read.
Buy Secrets at the Cafe today to untangle a puzzle that will pull you through the pages!
- GenresThriller
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2023
170 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
About the author
Susan Specht Oram
83 books111 followersWriting mysteries-thrillers and creative nonfiction. Author of SHORE LODGE, THE THIEVES, CABIN EIGHT, THE MOTHER's THREAT and SECRETS AT THE CAFE, UNDER JACKSON BRIDGE, MISSING MAN, BY MIDNIGHT, THE WINTER STORM, THE COLD NIGHT. I live in a windy part of the Pacific Northwest with my husband and rescue dog.
Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.susanspechtoram.com/newsl...
Follow me on BookBub for updates
Facebook: SusanSpechtOramAuthor
Follow me on Amazon to get notified about new releases and sales on my books
Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.susanspechtoram.com/newsl...
Follow me on BookBub for updates
Facebook: SusanSpechtOramAuthor
Follow me on Amazon to get notified about new releases and sales on my books
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 7, 2024
Where do I even start with this? It’s messy, contrived nonsense with too many inconsistencies and plot holes. The characters are dislikable and annoying with absolutely no redeeming qualities (I regularly wanted to slap Karina for her self-centered whining) and a penchant for inserting themselves into others’ problems. I know small towns can make it feel like everyone knows everyone’s business, but this was seriously next level. Who wants to read someone’s private journal? Apparently everyone in this town and the next.
And don’t even start me on the fact this was all over a JOURNAL. How did the information that the journal might have a scavenger hunt for a hidden cache of money even get out? That is apparently a question for another time. The money wasn’t even the main reason most people wanted to look at the diary. When all was said and done the anticlimactic ending made the flat and uninteresting plot seem even worse.
This was a mess of too many mercurial characters, too many irregularities (plot, details, dialogue, etc.), and too little suspense. I regularly found myself cringing through chapters at a time. Should’ve been a DNF.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
And don’t even start me on the fact this was all over a JOURNAL. How did the information that the journal might have a scavenger hunt for a hidden cache of money even get out? That is apparently a question for another time. The money wasn’t even the main reason most people wanted to look at the diary. When all was said and done the anticlimactic ending made the flat and uninteresting plot seem even worse.
This was a mess of too many mercurial characters, too many irregularities (plot, details, dialogue, etc.), and too little suspense. I regularly found myself cringing through chapters at a time. Should’ve been a DNF.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
November 16, 2023
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fast paced story that is full of suspense, deep secrets and there is a suspect in every corner. I really love this authors book and this story is no exception.
Karina is back in Millersville, Oregon after making a promise to her dying grandmother to take over her beloved cafe. Not only did Gigi leave a cafe for Karina to take over but she also left a diary with secrets to reveal...but when the diary goes missing before Karina is able to read the diary...there is suspects at every turn. Who would take the diary..and is it for their own personal use?
I do not want to give any spoilers but this was a great read. I loved trying to figure out who the culprit would be in taking the diary.....and just when you think you have it figured out...... and the secrets!! Great read and highly recommended.
Fast paced story that is full of suspense, deep secrets and there is a suspect in every corner. I really love this authors book and this story is no exception.
Karina is back in Millersville, Oregon after making a promise to her dying grandmother to take over her beloved cafe. Not only did Gigi leave a cafe for Karina to take over but she also left a diary with secrets to reveal...but when the diary goes missing before Karina is able to read the diary...there is suspects at every turn. Who would take the diary..and is it for their own personal use?
I do not want to give any spoilers but this was a great read. I loved trying to figure out who the culprit would be in taking the diary.....and just when you think you have it figured out...... and the secrets!! Great read and highly recommended.
November 7, 2023
Loved this book. It made me giggle and lol. It was a fantastic read.
Another great book Susan ! Thank you. One more book of yours to read and then I'm all caught up....till next time.
Read this book in one day!
Another great book Susan ! Thank you. One more book of yours to read and then I'm all caught up....till next time.
Read this book in one day!
October 20, 2023
A fantastic read. I loved everything about Susan Specht Oram book. It was well written with interesting characters. I read the book in two days. I flipped through the pages to figure out who stole the journal of her grandmother. Full of mystery, a great twist and surprising ending! I've read all of the authors books. Highly recommend. I've read all other books by Susan Specht Oram and loved them immensely. She makes you addicted from the very first page.
March 6, 2024
Quick and easy read. Didn’t want to put it down
November 15, 2023
Secrets at the Cafe is another interesting and engaging Women’s fiction suspense tale from Susan. What I like about her writing is the intriguing premises she comes up with each story.
The eclectic cast of characters are engaging, well developed and fully realised and it’s hard not to like them and become invested in them. Some of them did make me laugh. We meet up with characters from previous books.
With tensions running high Karina will stop at nothing to fulfill the deathbed promise she made to her grandmother. Now she just has to solve the mystery of who wants and why they took Gigi’s missing diary. What are they hiding? What will they do to hide these secrets?
I read it in one day the pages flying by as I was completely immersed in the story that is so easy to get lost in and having to know how it ended.
Once again Susans vivid narrative helps the story along as she cleverly weaves together a web of secrets in this mystery.
With secrets, family, rumours, upheaval, death, grief, suspects, drama, suspense and so much more there is something for everyone wo enjoys a good mystery.
Follow along in this heartfelt tale as Karina and troops unravels a world of secrets and mysteries that have been long buried in this tumultuous twisty journey.
The eclectic cast of characters are engaging, well developed and fully realised and it’s hard not to like them and become invested in them. Some of them did make me laugh. We meet up with characters from previous books.
With tensions running high Karina will stop at nothing to fulfill the deathbed promise she made to her grandmother. Now she just has to solve the mystery of who wants and why they took Gigi’s missing diary. What are they hiding? What will they do to hide these secrets?
I read it in one day the pages flying by as I was completely immersed in the story that is so easy to get lost in and having to know how it ended.
Once again Susans vivid narrative helps the story along as she cleverly weaves together a web of secrets in this mystery.
With secrets, family, rumours, upheaval, death, grief, suspects, drama, suspense and so much more there is something for everyone wo enjoys a good mystery.
Follow along in this heartfelt tale as Karina and troops unravels a world of secrets and mysteries that have been long buried in this tumultuous twisty journey.
November 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Another great read by Susan Specht Oram! This one kept me very intrigued as the journal in question was discovered missing right from the start. It was up to Karina to figure out where the journal was and to save her inheritance.
A very riveting read that will have you guessing until the end! I love this author's writing style and how she portrays the story. I highly recommend this read, as well as all of the author's other works!
Another great read by Susan Specht Oram! This one kept me very intrigued as the journal in question was discovered missing right from the start. It was up to Karina to figure out where the journal was and to save her inheritance.
A very riveting read that will have you guessing until the end! I love this author's writing style and how she portrays the story. I highly recommend this read, as well as all of the author's other works!
October 7, 2023
Karina Walker promised her grandmother Gigi that she would move back home and run her cafe after Gigi’s passing. Grandma Gigi is also leaving a journal of her life that she would like Karina to read. Grandma Gigi passes soon after and Karina takes over the cafe. One day, while working at the cafe, the journal disappears. Karina must find the journal. It surely contains very personal details of Gigi’s life that should not be made public. Why would someone take it? What could possibly be of interest to others in the journal? As Karina sets out to find the journal, she must be careful as there is no telling what secrets it reveals that someone is determined to prevent from being made public.
I have read other books by Susan Specht Oram and enjoyed them immensely. She knows how to keep her readers engaged from the very beginning. The main character, Karina, is a determined and strong willed young woman. She will not stop until she finds Grandma Gigi’s journal and follows through on her promise.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
I would like to thank Susan Specht Oram for an advanced readers copy of this book.
October 20, 2023
A missing diary, buried secrets & colorful characters make this Mystery a must-read! Karina moves back home to take over her dying grandmother’s cafe. Then the cherished journal goes missing. Who took it? This book was amazing!!
November 16, 2023
"Secrets at the Cafe" by Susan Specht Oram is a captivating mystery with an intriguing plot centered around a missing journal. The story follows the main character, Karina, as she sets out on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind the journal's disappearance.
From the very beginning, Oram grabs the reader's attention with her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Karina is a relatable and determined protagonist who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery. Her journey takes her to different places and introduces her to a variety of fascinating individuals who may hold the key to solving the puzzle.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is Oram's ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The cafe itself is described in such detail that readers will feel as if they are sitting at one of the tables, sipping a hot cup of coffee. The author's attention to detail enhances the mystery, making it even more engrossing.
Throughout the book, the pacing remains steady, keeping readers engaged as they try to piece together the clues alongside Karina. The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. Oram skillfully manages to maintain suspense and build tension, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
Additionally, Oram's writing style is clear and concise, allowing the story to flow smoothly. The dialogue is realistic and adds depth to the characters, making them feel like real people. The author also does an excellent job of intertwining the present-day narrative with flashbacks and snippets from the missing journal, providing insight into the story's secrets and adding layers of intrigue.
However, one slight drawback of the novel is the resolution felt somewhat rushed. After an intense buildup, the conclusion comes together quite swiftly, leaving readers craving more closure. While this doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book, it could have been more satisfying with a slower-paced resolution.
In conclusion, "Secrets at the Cafe" is a captivating mystery with a well-crafted plot, unforgettable characters, and a beautifully depicted setting. Susan Specht Oram weaves a tale filled with secrets, twists, and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Despite a slightly rushed conclusion, this novel is a gripping read that mystery enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
From the very beginning, Oram grabs the reader's attention with her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. Karina is a relatable and determined protagonist who will stop at nothing to solve the mystery. Her journey takes her to different places and introduces her to a variety of fascinating individuals who may hold the key to solving the puzzle.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is Oram's ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The cafe itself is described in such detail that readers will feel as if they are sitting at one of the tables, sipping a hot cup of coffee. The author's attention to detail enhances the mystery, making it even more engrossing.
Throughout the book, the pacing remains steady, keeping readers engaged as they try to piece together the clues alongside Karina. The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. Oram skillfully manages to maintain suspense and build tension, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
Additionally, Oram's writing style is clear and concise, allowing the story to flow smoothly. The dialogue is realistic and adds depth to the characters, making them feel like real people. The author also does an excellent job of intertwining the present-day narrative with flashbacks and snippets from the missing journal, providing insight into the story's secrets and adding layers of intrigue.
However, one slight drawback of the novel is the resolution felt somewhat rushed. After an intense buildup, the conclusion comes together quite swiftly, leaving readers craving more closure. While this doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book, it could have been more satisfying with a slower-paced resolution.
In conclusion, "Secrets at the Cafe" is a captivating mystery with a well-crafted plot, unforgettable characters, and a beautifully depicted setting. Susan Specht Oram weaves a tale filled with secrets, twists, and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Despite a slightly rushed conclusion, this novel is a gripping read that mystery enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy.
November 29, 2023
Secrets are everywhere, especially in small towns. This is not the first book I have read by the talented Susan Specht Oram and once again I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. All Karina wanted to do was fulfill her grandmother’s (Gigi) dying wish, repayment in her eyes for her Gigi taking care of her after her parents passed away.
Karina is a twenty-four-year-old woman that was making her place in the world in Seattle as an artist, selling her pottery and paintings happy and living her dream. Her Aunt Jean calls her to let her know that Gigi’s health is taking a downward turn, and she needs to come back home and be with her. Without hesitation Karina packs her belongings and returns to her small town of Millersville. The final moments of Gigi’s life she tells Karina to take care of her café and to read her journal. She tells her “There is more hidden in this house than you realize. After I’m gone, look for clues.” Surprised to learn she had a journal a month passes, and Karina is still unable to make herself go through Gigi’s things, her papers, her drawers, she’s not ready to fully accept that she is gone. One busy day in the café a customer, Boots Brinker, finds the journal, a red leather book, the first page she sees states that the stock market has crashed, and she pulled all her money out of her bank account and hid it somewhere safe. Instantly she regrets not going through everything, taking inventory of what was in the house because just as quickly as the journal was found it instantly taken. Lost to her hunger and attachment to the journal, Karina does some legally questioning things, sneaking around houses when invited in and pretending to trust some who offer to help her find it. To add to the growing list of “customers” she meets her young cousin’s boyfriend finally, and it’s none other than Shane, her high school boyfriend that stole her heart and moved away and never called her again.
Will Karina find the journal or is it lost forever? Why is everyone so interested in the journal? Do they think it can be used as a treasure map for hidden money? What is Shane doing back in town and dating her younger cousin? While the world is completely realistic, having lived in very small towns for over ten years now I completely understand the fact that secrets are everywhere. Karina starts with one goal that goes deeper than just a journal, what secrets will she uncover, and will anything be the same again after the truth is known?
Karina is a twenty-four-year-old woman that was making her place in the world in Seattle as an artist, selling her pottery and paintings happy and living her dream. Her Aunt Jean calls her to let her know that Gigi’s health is taking a downward turn, and she needs to come back home and be with her. Without hesitation Karina packs her belongings and returns to her small town of Millersville. The final moments of Gigi’s life she tells Karina to take care of her café and to read her journal. She tells her “There is more hidden in this house than you realize. After I’m gone, look for clues.” Surprised to learn she had a journal a month passes, and Karina is still unable to make herself go through Gigi’s things, her papers, her drawers, she’s not ready to fully accept that she is gone. One busy day in the café a customer, Boots Brinker, finds the journal, a red leather book, the first page she sees states that the stock market has crashed, and she pulled all her money out of her bank account and hid it somewhere safe. Instantly she regrets not going through everything, taking inventory of what was in the house because just as quickly as the journal was found it instantly taken. Lost to her hunger and attachment to the journal, Karina does some legally questioning things, sneaking around houses when invited in and pretending to trust some who offer to help her find it. To add to the growing list of “customers” she meets her young cousin’s boyfriend finally, and it’s none other than Shane, her high school boyfriend that stole her heart and moved away and never called her again.
Will Karina find the journal or is it lost forever? Why is everyone so interested in the journal? Do they think it can be used as a treasure map for hidden money? What is Shane doing back in town and dating her younger cousin? While the world is completely realistic, having lived in very small towns for over ten years now I completely understand the fact that secrets are everywhere. Karina starts with one goal that goes deeper than just a journal, what secrets will she uncover, and will anything be the same again after the truth is known?
November 16, 2023
4 Stars
Secrets At the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram proved to be a tense and engrossing mystery. It is also my favourite of all Ms. Specht Oram’s books so far. This story weaves a complex tale with plenty to keep you avidly reading.
It’s a mystery, with a bit of a domestic suspense element, twists, drama, puzzling developments, a missing journal, an unexpected stash, discovery, rumours, buried secrets, colourful + quirky characters, surprises, family, tension, quirky characters, promises, and a small-town setting. I really enjoyed this book- I just wish the ending didn't feel so rushed, as that did detract slightly from the rest of the story.
Karina’s never expected her promise to her grandmother would lead her on a tense investigation- untangling long-buried secrets, and putting together a puzzle in order to get to the bottom of things turns into quite a journey of discovery. Things aren’t exactly as they seem. With a missing journal, a promise to fulfil, and secrets at every turn won’t make this an easy quest for Karina- but she’s determined to do right by her grandmother. And so the intrigue begins….
A well-woven, creative, and tense read by Ms. Specht Oram. Looking forward to seeing whatever she does next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Specht Oram!
Secrets At the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram proved to be a tense and engrossing mystery. It is also my favourite of all Ms. Specht Oram’s books so far. This story weaves a complex tale with plenty to keep you avidly reading.
It’s a mystery, with a bit of a domestic suspense element, twists, drama, puzzling developments, a missing journal, an unexpected stash, discovery, rumours, buried secrets, colourful + quirky characters, surprises, family, tension, quirky characters, promises, and a small-town setting. I really enjoyed this book- I just wish the ending didn't feel so rushed, as that did detract slightly from the rest of the story.
Karina’s never expected her promise to her grandmother would lead her on a tense investigation- untangling long-buried secrets, and putting together a puzzle in order to get to the bottom of things turns into quite a journey of discovery. Things aren’t exactly as they seem. With a missing journal, a promise to fulfil, and secrets at every turn won’t make this an easy quest for Karina- but she’s determined to do right by her grandmother. And so the intrigue begins….
A well-woven, creative, and tense read by Ms. Specht Oram. Looking forward to seeing whatever she does next.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Specht Oram!
November 18, 2023
This was an engaging Suspense mystery that keeps you gripped and guessing throughout the story. The twists and turns means you can't figure out what is going to happen which kept me reading more as I wanted to find out the answers.
Karina Walker has had her life turned upside down when her grandmother passes away leaving her to run the cafe her grandmother has made a success but that's not all. Her grandmother tells her she needs to read her journal. Karina struggles to carry on her grandmother's work but when the journal is found by customers and then suddenly goes missing Karina goes on the hunt to find who has taken it and why.
The list of suspects keeps growing and as she searches hidden secrets and rumours start to come to life.
Can she work through her families past to succeed in her future? What secrets does the journal hold that someone obviously wants? And will the secrets when revealed turn Karina life upside down anymore than it already is?
This story is an engaging mystery and a page turning read. I felt in parts sorry for Karina as she gives up everything she knows to fulfill her grandmothers final wish and now she has to struggle with the secrets that come to light as well as coming to terms with all that she has lost.
Karina Walker has had her life turned upside down when her grandmother passes away leaving her to run the cafe her grandmother has made a success but that's not all. Her grandmother tells her she needs to read her journal. Karina struggles to carry on her grandmother's work but when the journal is found by customers and then suddenly goes missing Karina goes on the hunt to find who has taken it and why.
The list of suspects keeps growing and as she searches hidden secrets and rumours start to come to life.
Can she work through her families past to succeed in her future? What secrets does the journal hold that someone obviously wants? And will the secrets when revealed turn Karina life upside down anymore than it already is?
This story is an engaging mystery and a page turning read. I felt in parts sorry for Karina as she gives up everything she knows to fulfill her grandmothers final wish and now she has to struggle with the secrets that come to light as well as coming to terms with all that she has lost.
January 3, 2024
For transparency, I won this in a goodreads giveaway.
Be prepared to go on a journey...a cozy mystery involving family secrets, intrigue, and discovering not everyone is who we think they are. Sometimes the family that we know are completely different behind closed doors. Sometimes they are who we need them to be.
This is a lovely mystery that doesn't center on romance or murder. Rather than figuring out who a murderer is...it is finding out who stole an irreplaceable family heirloom. Desperate to get it back, Karina will do whatever necessary.
There is plenty of mystery and misdirection involved. There is not a lot of edge of your seat action, but it is intriguing and captivating. It wasn't entirely believable that all of the minor characters would immediately jump in to help on the search of a journal that meant nothing to them, or that they would calmly accept accusations and agree to attend a meeting about it. Even in a small town, people usually aren't that nice. But...it made for a good story! The only other negative is that there were a couple of cliffhangers about why certain people were involved...and what secret the protagonist's grandmother was keeping...with no indication if there will be a sequel.
All in all...a good, clean, cozy mystery read.
Be prepared to go on a journey...a cozy mystery involving family secrets, intrigue, and discovering not everyone is who we think they are. Sometimes the family that we know are completely different behind closed doors. Sometimes they are who we need them to be.
This is a lovely mystery that doesn't center on romance or murder. Rather than figuring out who a murderer is...it is finding out who stole an irreplaceable family heirloom. Desperate to get it back, Karina will do whatever necessary.
There is plenty of mystery and misdirection involved. There is not a lot of edge of your seat action, but it is intriguing and captivating. It wasn't entirely believable that all of the minor characters would immediately jump in to help on the search of a journal that meant nothing to them, or that they would calmly accept accusations and agree to attend a meeting about it. Even in a small town, people usually aren't that nice. But...it made for a good story! The only other negative is that there were a couple of cliffhangers about why certain people were involved...and what secret the protagonist's grandmother was keeping...with no indication if there will be a sequel.
All in all...a good, clean, cozy mystery read.
November 21, 2023
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries a la Dame Christie then Secretes at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram is the fall read for you.
Karina has moved home from Seattle in order to care for her dying grandmother Gigi. As Gigi lay dying, Karina gives her grandmother answer that will ensure that Gigi passes with peace but will change Karina's life: she will stay and run Gigi's cafe. Gigi has one final request and that is for Karina to find and read her journal. Karina hadn't known that her grandmother even kept a journal.
In the days following her grandmother's death, Karina finds herself failing miserably at keeping both promises. She is running the cafe in a manner that doesn't befit her grandmother and the journal goes missing. In order to do right by Gigi, Karina has to find the journal, look for clues and unearth the hidden mysteries that her grandmother spoke of.
Secrets of the Cafe is an easy afternoon read with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The ending feels a bit rushed but in no way detracts from the whole.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Karina has moved home from Seattle in order to care for her dying grandmother Gigi. As Gigi lay dying, Karina gives her grandmother answer that will ensure that Gigi passes with peace but will change Karina's life: she will stay and run Gigi's cafe. Gigi has one final request and that is for Karina to find and read her journal. Karina hadn't known that her grandmother even kept a journal.
In the days following her grandmother's death, Karina finds herself failing miserably at keeping both promises. She is running the cafe in a manner that doesn't befit her grandmother and the journal goes missing. In order to do right by Gigi, Karina has to find the journal, look for clues and unearth the hidden mysteries that her grandmother spoke of.
Secrets of the Cafe is an easy afternoon read with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The ending feels a bit rushed but in no way detracts from the whole.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
Secrets at the Café is a suspenseful mystery with drama, suspense, secrets, lies, rumors, death, loss, grief, and family relationships. The story centers around the character of Karina who has promised her grandmother that she will look after her café after she passes away. This involves Karina moving back to her small hometown and completely upheaving her life, but she loved her grandmother dearly and will do anything to ensure she follows through on the promise she made. Part of the promise Karina made to her grandmother involves reading a journal her grandmother left behind. However, before she has a chance to read it the journal completely disappears. Rumors are circulating around town about a hidden stash of money so everyone is a suspect. With the list of suspects increasing by the moment, Karina has her work cut out for her trying to determine who stole the journal. A tense, action-filled ride, with twists and turns to keep you reading until the final page. The storyline is intriguing, the characters are admirable, and the secrets the missing journal may contain makes for a compelling read. A great read!
August 27, 2024
A cosy, small town mystery with a goodly collection of suspects and a (very) amateur sleuth.
Karina returns to her hometown to take on her late grandmother’s quiche and scone cafe, which operates from her former home. Busy and without help, Karina makes the mistake of seating guests in the private dining room. They shamelessly rummage through the drawers, discovering a private journal, which then goes missing.
It might be a US thing (I’m British) but the notion of a cafe being able to survive selling only two menu items really troubled me. But not as much as the fact that the disappearance of the journal seemed to bother folks far more than the outrageously intrusive behaviour of the family that got it out of a private drawer.
Twists and turns, suspects, false leads and dead ends. A secret love affair (but why?) , a cache of money (but where?) and a surprise sibling (but how?), a whole lot of scone dough and quiche mix brought the story back to where it started for a Hercule Poirot style “big reveal” but I’m sorry to say that I didn’t care enough about the journal for it to really matter.
Karina returns to her hometown to take on her late grandmother’s quiche and scone cafe, which operates from her former home. Busy and without help, Karina makes the mistake of seating guests in the private dining room. They shamelessly rummage through the drawers, discovering a private journal, which then goes missing.
It might be a US thing (I’m British) but the notion of a cafe being able to survive selling only two menu items really troubled me. But not as much as the fact that the disappearance of the journal seemed to bother folks far more than the outrageously intrusive behaviour of the family that got it out of a private drawer.
Twists and turns, suspects, false leads and dead ends. A secret love affair (but why?) , a cache of money (but where?) and a surprise sibling (but how?), a whole lot of scone dough and quiche mix brought the story back to where it started for a Hercule Poirot style “big reveal” but I’m sorry to say that I didn’t care enough about the journal for it to really matter.
November 16, 2023
A gripping novel about family and friendship which kept me hooked throughout. Having rushed to her dying grandmother’s bedside, Karina Walker agrees to move home and take over the old café. The grieving Karina also promises to read a journal but is shocked when the red book disappears. She teams up with her cousin to make a list of suspects, fearing that someone overheard her mention a hidden stash of money. Karina is determined to track down her inheritance but the town is full of rumours, and when she discovers a buried secret it could change things forever. Karina wants to build a new future for herself but must confront her family’s past first. This was a real page turner and I literally could not put the book down. The intriguing storyline and unpredictable plot twists kept me guessing until the last page, whilst the suspense definitely built chapter by chapter. I loved the main character Karina as she was a very independent and determined heroine. This was an entertaining and engaging read and one which I definitely recommend.
November 18, 2023
I love this author! I also love that all the books in this series are intertwined in a way it works magically. Also all the books work extremely well as standalone novels, which is a nice change of pace vs other books that don’t. Secrets at the Cafe are no different.
It’s another drama that sucks you in and keeps you wanting more. Tell that to the main character Karina, she hightailed it home when her grandma was fighting for her life. Now with her gran gone she’s running herself ragged. Causing her to confuse people, needing to help all others around her gets her in trouble.
So when gran’s notes and knick nak’s started to disappear, Katrina was determined to find them at all costs. But as things start to unravel, is it now time for her to stop or push forward for the answers she seeks?
I know I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again. This is probably my favorite book to date. Each book seems to get better and better! An author worth digging into! A story definitely worth the read! Enjoy!
It’s another drama that sucks you in and keeps you wanting more. Tell that to the main character Karina, she hightailed it home when her grandma was fighting for her life. Now with her gran gone she’s running herself ragged. Causing her to confuse people, needing to help all others around her gets her in trouble.
So when gran’s notes and knick nak’s started to disappear, Katrina was determined to find them at all costs. But as things start to unravel, is it now time for her to stop or push forward for the answers she seeks?
I know I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again. This is probably my favorite book to date. Each book seems to get better and better! An author worth digging into! A story definitely worth the read! Enjoy!
November 18, 2023
When Karina’s grandmother passes away she asks Karina to return home and run her cafe. She makes her promise that while she’s doing that she’ll find and read her journal. Turns out running the cafe is more intense than she anticipated and she couldn’t get her hands on the journal immediately. So when a little red journal is found in the dining room Karina is determined to start reading, but when she turns her back to take care of a customer the journal vanishes.
Now Karina has to find the journal and hunt down the flies inside of it to uncover the past (and maybe a few secrets) while rumors are spreading like wildfire around town. In a suspense about families and secrets things are likely to never be the same.
This is unlike anything I’ve read in a while! With twists and turns and all the determination of a granddaughter missing her grandmother, this is a story I won’t forget. It was fast-paced and kept my attention from start to end. If there’s more like this, I can’t wait to find it.
Now Karina has to find the journal and hunt down the flies inside of it to uncover the past (and maybe a few secrets) while rumors are spreading like wildfire around town. In a suspense about families and secrets things are likely to never be the same.
This is unlike anything I’ve read in a while! With twists and turns and all the determination of a granddaughter missing her grandmother, this is a story I won’t forget. It was fast-paced and kept my attention from start to end. If there’s more like this, I can’t wait to find it.
December 6, 2023
Another amazing read by Susan Specht Oram, she never disappoints! Secrets at the Cafe: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship is full of secrets (as the title implies) with an interesting plot. This one is a cozy mystery, so nothing too brutal or over the top, but plenty of twists and turns along the way. When Karina's grandmother passes away, she is left in charge of the family cafe and her journal. When the journal is stolen, Karina has to make sure she gets it back, afterall, it was her grandmother's dying wish. Now with the unread journal missing, the questions begin to circle in. What is in this journal that is so important, is it a treasure map of sorts? Was it taken for greed or to keep something hidden? Who would want her grandmother's secrets, or who would want to keep them hidden? So many questions and the only way to answer them is to get the journal back. There was definitely some questionable decisions made. Some distrust and some trust given in places that did not make sense to me, but overall I really liked this story and how it played out.
November 17, 2023
A promise to keep the cafe running, a missing journal, a secret sibling that she never knew existed. Lies that she grew up believe as truth. Karina, has just had her world turned upside down with the death of her Grandmother, the one who raised her after her parents died in a car accident when she was young. Only that's not cut and dry as Karina has believed her whole life. With the death of her grandmother, she promises to keep the cafe running her grandmothers dying wish. Karina leaves behind her job, her dreams and her life to move back to where she grew up and take over the cafe. Her grandmother on her death bed told Karina to read her journal and everything will make sense, only the journal has gone missing. In this mystery Karina must find out who took the journal to unlock all the secrets of Karina's past. A can't put down mystery that's so relatable you can picture yourself sitting in the cafe drinking coffee and eating scones with the characters.
November 26, 2023
Secrets at the Cafe
By: Susan Specht Oram
Susan Specht Oram is one author that I am always excited to read. This is because it seems with each book she just gets better, just when I think that there is no way the next book could get any better it does.
Secrets at the Cafe is a book that sucks you in from the first sentence and leaves you wanting even more when you reach the last page. Karina is the main character and she is incredibly well written. She has just lost her grandmother and the death is taking a toll on her. She begins to think she is losing her mind, she is confusing people and as if that wasn’t bad enough things of her grandmothers begin to disappear. Karina becomes determined to find them, no matter what else may happen.
This book is absolutely filled with twists and turns. I definitely cannot wait to see what the next book Susan Specht Oram writes and how she makes it even better than this one. Definitely pick this one up!
By: Susan Specht Oram
Susan Specht Oram is one author that I am always excited to read. This is because it seems with each book she just gets better, just when I think that there is no way the next book could get any better it does.
Secrets at the Cafe is a book that sucks you in from the first sentence and leaves you wanting even more when you reach the last page. Karina is the main character and she is incredibly well written. She has just lost her grandmother and the death is taking a toll on her. She begins to think she is losing her mind, she is confusing people and as if that wasn’t bad enough things of her grandmothers begin to disappear. Karina becomes determined to find them, no matter what else may happen.
This book is absolutely filled with twists and turns. I definitely cannot wait to see what the next book Susan Specht Oram writes and how she makes it even better than this one. Definitely pick this one up!
November 30, 2023
Karina promised to run her grandmother’s business, Gigi’s Café after she passed away. Unfortunately, one busy day at the café causes Karina to lose Gigi’s diary. The whole town of Millersville is actively looking for the diary due to the potential for a large sum of hidden money. Join Karina to unravel the truth of the missing journal and discover family secrets. I highly recommend reading Secrets at the Café! All the characters are relatable. The book has perfect suspense and great plot twists.
Secrets at the Café by Susan Specht Oram was a wonderful addition to the other stories that take place in Millersville. I loved that she included characters from Shore Lodge and The Thieves. Bets and Zerk make an appearance in the first few pages, they are married and have left their life of crime behind. I absolutely loved the tie ins from the other books she has written. I look forward to reading more tales from Millersville!
Secrets at the Café by Susan Specht Oram was a wonderful addition to the other stories that take place in Millersville. I loved that she included characters from Shore Lodge and The Thieves. Bets and Zerk make an appearance in the first few pages, they are married and have left their life of crime behind. I absolutely loved the tie ins from the other books she has written. I look forward to reading more tales from Millersville!
December 7, 2023
Karina is struggling with her life at the moment. She’s attempting to run her grandmother’s cafe to honor her memory. Keeping up with the day to day responsibilities at the cafe s a lot and she is trying to make her grandmother proud after her unexpected deathbed request. When her unreliable and flaky cousin is more focused on her love life than covering her entire shift, life gets a bit exhausting.
When a mysterious diary is uncovered by a nosey guest and then mysteriously disappears, the mysterious plot thickens.
I really enjoyed how well the author wrote and created the characters in this book. While the characters differ on most fronts, all come across the page as authentic and quite unique.
The dynamic plot has a bit of everything to keep the reader engaged throughout the entire story.
You do not need to be a fan of this genre or author to pick up this book, fall in love with the story and become an instant fan of both.
When a mysterious diary is uncovered by a nosey guest and then mysteriously disappears, the mysterious plot thickens.
I really enjoyed how well the author wrote and created the characters in this book. While the characters differ on most fronts, all come across the page as authentic and quite unique.
The dynamic plot has a bit of everything to keep the reader engaged throughout the entire story.
You do not need to be a fan of this genre or author to pick up this book, fall in love with the story and become an instant fan of both.
December 7, 2023
Secrets at the Café: A Novel of Suspense about Family and Friendship by Susan Specht Oram is a great women’s fiction novel
Karina Walker is managing unforeseen disruptions. The sad twenty-four-year-old decides to return back home, take over the former café, and read a notebook that was left behind after racing to her dying grandmother's bedside. But as soon as she turns around, the little red book vanishes from her line of sight, leaving her completely stunned.Karina works with her cousin and a former teacher to compile a list of potential suspects who might have heard rumors of a secret money cache in order to locate her inheritance. She also unearths a long-kept secret that has the power to permanently alter her, despite the town being overrun with tales.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down
Karina Walker is managing unforeseen disruptions. The sad twenty-four-year-old decides to return back home, take over the former café, and read a notebook that was left behind after racing to her dying grandmother's bedside. But as soon as she turns around, the little red book vanishes from her line of sight, leaving her completely stunned.Karina works with her cousin and a former teacher to compile a list of potential suspects who might have heard rumors of a secret money cache in order to locate her inheritance. She also unearths a long-kept secret that has the power to permanently alter her, despite the town being overrun with tales.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down
December 13, 2023
Secrets not shared
It was an interesting storyline and the characters were fun to to read about. However, I really didn't enjoy the protagonist, Karina's character. I thought she was way too bossy and shouldn't have behaved the way she did in accusing everyone in town for stealing the journal. I thought she was rude and untrusting and should have undergone her feelings in a more proper way.
That would have made a whole town angry and force her to leave town.
I understood her dilemma in having lost the book, but as she stated, she carelessly put someone in the dining room and didn't think to clean out drawers etc before seating someone in there. A stranger shouldn't have been going through private things to begin with.
Other than that character issue, I thought the story was good and entertaining for a young reader and glad everything worked out for Karina in the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was an interesting storyline and the characters were fun to to read about. However, I really didn't enjoy the protagonist, Karina's character. I thought she was way too bossy and shouldn't have behaved the way she did in accusing everyone in town for stealing the journal. I thought she was rude and untrusting and should have undergone her feelings in a more proper way.
That would have made a whole town angry and force her to leave town.
I understood her dilemma in having lost the book, but as she stated, she carelessly put someone in the dining room and didn't think to clean out drawers etc before seating someone in there. A stranger shouldn't have been going through private things to begin with.
Other than that character issue, I thought the story was good and entertaining for a young reader and glad everything worked out for Karina in the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2023
Susan Specht Oram has given us another lovely visit to quaint Millersville, Oregon.
This time, it’s about Karina, who has returned to her hometown following her Grandmother Gigi’s death. It was Gigi’s wish that Karina take over both her house and thriving cafe business.
All of Gigi’s instructions were in a red leather diary, which has recently disappeared. Karina starts a search to find said diary.
We get to meet many residents of the town including the return of characters from a previous book.
This is a delightful look into small town America, where everyone knows each other, and are supportive and helpful. Ms. Oram’s style of writing is easy to read, and the dialogue gives us insight into each character. This is a very cozy mystery, and enjoyable to read!
Thank you to BookBub for the advanced copy, in return for my honest review.
4 stars
This time, it’s about Karina, who has returned to her hometown following her Grandmother Gigi’s death. It was Gigi’s wish that Karina take over both her house and thriving cafe business.
All of Gigi’s instructions were in a red leather diary, which has recently disappeared. Karina starts a search to find said diary.
We get to meet many residents of the town including the return of characters from a previous book.
This is a delightful look into small town America, where everyone knows each other, and are supportive and helpful. Ms. Oram’s style of writing is easy to read, and the dialogue gives us insight into each character. This is a very cozy mystery, and enjoyable to read!
Thank you to BookBub for the advanced copy, in return for my honest review.
4 stars
November 19, 2023
Secrets at the Café by Susan Specht Oram, is a wonderfully written mystery intertwined with a missing journal, Karine rushes home to her grandmother who is dying, the one who cared and raised Karinas parents died, and she promised to keep the café going and to read the journal left behind. When the journal goes missing, she sets out to find it, knowing that many secrets to her life is in this. With the help of her cousin and an old teacher, they begin the hunt for the leather book that holds so much.
This is the first book I have read by this author and it will NOT be the last. Oram grabbed me right away, just by the storyline, but as I read more the flow of the book, the details, just add more. I did not want to put this book down, I wanted to know who took the journal, and I wanted to know the secrets, I wanted to know it all!! I highly recommend this book!!!
This is the first book I have read by this author and it will NOT be the last. Oram grabbed me right away, just by the storyline, but as I read more the flow of the book, the details, just add more. I did not want to put this book down, I wanted to know who took the journal, and I wanted to know the secrets, I wanted to know it all!! I highly recommend this book!!!
December 3, 2023
I have loved every book from this author and this one was just as good as the others. I will say you don't have to read A Mother's Threat first but it ties into this one so much I would recommend reading it first.
Karina makes a promise to her grandmother as her last wish that she will run the Café. What Karina doesn't know is that her grandmother has held a secret all these years, several in fact, and will send Karina on a puzzle solving mystery. But will Karina find the answers once the main item comes up missing?
This book is a quick and easy read that will suck you right in and keep you guessing until the end. You will find yourself trying to figure out who the thief is and if Karina will figure out the secret. I love the happy ending this book gives because both Karina and Violet deserve a happy ending.
Karina makes a promise to her grandmother as her last wish that she will run the Café. What Karina doesn't know is that her grandmother has held a secret all these years, several in fact, and will send Karina on a puzzle solving mystery. But will Karina find the answers once the main item comes up missing?
This book is a quick and easy read that will suck you right in and keep you guessing until the end. You will find yourself trying to figure out who the thief is and if Karina will figure out the secret. I love the happy ending this book gives because both Karina and Violet deserve a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews