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Maya Davis #1
Cool Beans
Everything seems to be going perfectly for Maya Davis: She has a great job at a coffee shop, gets along with her parents, and is happily single. That is until her best friend starts dating Maya’s high school sweetheart.
This funny, heartwarming fiction story by best-selling author Erynn Mangum uses the power of story to challenge teens to discover the relevance of faith in their relationships and their lives.
This funny, heartwarming fiction story by best-selling author Erynn Mangum uses the power of story to challenge teens to discover the relevance of faith in their relationships and their lives.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2010
45 people are currently reading
2103 people want to read
About the author
Erynn Mangum
34 books669 followersI love to read, love to write and am very blessed to be a wife and mama of two precious boys and a beautiful little girl. My latest books are The Broken Branch and Mind the Gap! Look for the Lauren Holbrook series (Miss Match, ReMatch, Match Point, Match Made and Bake Me A Match), the Maya Davis series (Cool Beans, Latte Daze and Double Shot) Sketchy Behavior, and the Paige Alder series (Paige Torn, Paige Rewritten and Paige Turned) and the Carrington Springs series (Katie in Waiting, Once Upon Eliza and Happily Ever Ashten) in paperback and ebook format, along with lots of ebook novellas. :) To learn more, visit me on Instagram @ErynnMangum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
February 23, 2015
About this book:
“Is there really such a thing as too much coffee?
Everything seems to be going perfectly for Maya Davis: She has a great job at a coffee shop, gets along with her parents, and is happily single. That is until her best friend unknowingly starts dating Maya's high school sweetheart, her annoyingly perfect brother moves back to town, and her co-worker starts showing interest in her. What is God trying to teach her about life, love and commiserating over coffee?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Maya Davis” series. {Of three}
Spiritual Content- Bible reading & Many Scriptures are quoted; Prayers & talking to God; Church going & a sermon; Talks about God, Him answering & letting go; ‘H’s are capital when talking about God.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crap’, a ‘idiot’, a form of ‘screw’, a ‘stinking’, a ‘stupid’, two ‘darn’s, two ‘duh’s, three ‘heck’s, three ‘sheesh’s, three ‘wimp’s, four forms of ‘dumb’, five ‘shut up’s, seven ‘oh my gosh’s, seven forms of ‘dang’ and fifteen ‘gosh’s; Maya tries not to be sarcastic (since she’s a Christian).
*Note: Mentions of the band Dixie Chicks, Celebrities, TV shows, Movies, Designers, G*rl Scout cookies and St*rbucks’ awful coffee.
Sexual Content- Boyfriends & Ex-es; A notice of another girl’s curves; A mention or two about bras; A couple mentions of puberty & hormones; Jack tells Maya: “Maya, I’m wearing an apron. Tell me when the last time was that you saw a straight guy wearing an apron.”.
-Maya Davis, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Maya
298 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Awww! This was so cute and funny! I laughed so hard reading “Cool Beans” and I loved all the Spiritual Content! The only thing was I had to lower the ratings because of all the Minor cussing—but if that doesn’t bother you then your rating would be higher. Also, as someone who has a beagle (like the main character in this novel) I loved Calvin! “Roo!”
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Is there really such a thing as too much coffee?
Everything seems to be going perfectly for Maya Davis: She has a great job at a coffee shop, gets along with her parents, and is happily single. That is until her best friend unknowingly starts dating Maya's high school sweetheart, her annoyingly perfect brother moves back to town, and her co-worker starts showing interest in her. What is God trying to teach her about life, love and commiserating over coffee?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Maya Davis” series. {Of three}
Spiritual Content- Bible reading & Many Scriptures are quoted; Prayers & talking to God; Church going & a sermon; Talks about God, Him answering & letting go; ‘H’s are capital when talking about God.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crap’, a ‘idiot’, a form of ‘screw’, a ‘stinking’, a ‘stupid’, two ‘darn’s, two ‘duh’s, three ‘heck’s, three ‘sheesh’s, three ‘wimp’s, four forms of ‘dumb’, five ‘shut up’s, seven ‘oh my gosh’s, seven forms of ‘dang’ and fifteen ‘gosh’s; Maya tries not to be sarcastic (since she’s a Christian).
*Note: Mentions of the band Dixie Chicks, Celebrities, TV shows, Movies, Designers, G*rl Scout cookies and St*rbucks’ awful coffee.
Sexual Content- Boyfriends & Ex-es; A notice of another girl’s curves; A mention or two about bras; A couple mentions of puberty & hormones; Jack tells Maya: “Maya, I’m wearing an apron. Tell me when the last time was that you saw a straight guy wearing an apron.”.
-Maya Davis, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Maya
298 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Awww! This was so cute and funny! I laughed so hard reading “Cool Beans” and I loved all the Spiritual Content! The only thing was I had to lower the ratings because of all the Minor cussing—but if that doesn’t bother you then your rating would be higher. Also, as someone who has a beagle (like the main character in this novel) I loved Calvin! “Roo!”
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
September 20, 2020
Here are the bullet points.
Things I didn't care for:
~ first-person present-tense
~ The obsession with coffee was to the point it felt like an idol in Maya's life
What I loved:
~ The humor made me laugh out loud
~ Realistic relationships
~ Faith was central to the characters
~ The romance was done well
~ A girl who is happy with a job, and doesn't feel like she needs a big career.
~ Jax!!
Things I didn't care for:
~ first-person present-tense
~ The obsession with coffee was to the point it felt like an idol in Maya's life
What I loved:
~ The humor made me laugh out loud
~ Realistic relationships
~ Faith was central to the characters
~ The romance was done well
~ A girl who is happy with a job, and doesn't feel like she needs a big career.
~ Jax!!
August 5, 2015
The Good: Maya herself is a likable character who finds herself in one predicament after another; she admirably deals with each problem thrown her way. All the lists she made were a nice touch; actually, doing that could help me out quite a bit. Though I'm not exactly the target audience for this book, I could understand some of Maya's struggles.
The Bad: While it's great that Maya is single for most of this book, I've read stories like this before, so, I can be pretty sure wedding bells are in her future. (Those who have read the entire series: Am I wrong?) Why can't a Christian novel feature a protagonist who is content in his/her singleness, or who feels called by God to refrain from marriage? There are plenty of people who do just that! Also, the movie and television allusions got old after a while; as much as I like audiovisual entertainment, I still don't want to be bombarded with references to reality shows and romantic comedies. Those who are out of the loop when it comes to Hollywood productions are likely to be confused.
Content Concerns: Nothing worth noting in this department.
Conclusion: It may sound strange for a guy to be reading a book like this, but, keep in mind that my favorite movie is Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars. While good for what it is, seeing where the story seems to be headed, I'm not sure if I'll continue on with this series.
Score: 3/5
The Bad: While it's great that Maya is single for most of this book, I've read stories like this before, so, I can be pretty sure wedding bells are in her future. (Those who have read the entire series: Am I wrong?) Why can't a Christian novel feature a protagonist who is content in his/her singleness, or who feels called by God to refrain from marriage? There are plenty of people who do just that! Also, the movie and television allusions got old after a while; as much as I like audiovisual entertainment, I still don't want to be bombarded with references to reality shows and romantic comedies. Those who are out of the loop when it comes to Hollywood productions are likely to be confused.
Content Concerns: Nothing worth noting in this department.
Conclusion: It may sound strange for a guy to be reading a book like this, but, keep in mind that my favorite movie is Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars. While good for what it is, seeing where the story seems to be headed, I'm not sure if I'll continue on with this series.
Score: 3/5
February 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fresh, funny, and NORMAL! I'm sorry, but normal is so under-rated. This was a simple story of a twenty-something girl who has a few problems that aren't too weird, is a fun-loving Christian, and...well...just has a pretty normal life. I was very happy with it. Even though, I don't drink coffee (love the smell, hate the taste), that part of the story didn't get too overwhelming. I was afraid that it might. I was cool with it though. The characters were great. Mangum didn't give very much physical description, which I was kind of disappointed with. She made you imagine everything. I like knowing what a person looks like, but I will admit, I hate long descriptions of rooms and clothes. That usually gets on my nerves unless it's very well done. Either way, I wish she would have given more descriptions of her characters. The characters themselves were great. The storyline was good, nothing overly dramatic (which I was thankful for) and once again, NORMAL! I will be checking out the next in the series.
March 14, 2018
Rating 3.5
This is a light, quick, sometimes humorous, Christian romance that would appeal to teens and young adults. It focuses on Maya and her relationships with Jennifer, her roommate, Jack, her work buddy at Cool Beans coffee shop, Zach, her older brother, and Travis, her ex-boyfriend. Maya is likeable and quite realistic. She is going through a faith crisis as she deals with her roommate and Travis. Jack and the single adult pastor, Andrew, at her church both are quite helpful in working through this. There were some nice gems of Christian wisdom throughout that would make it a good book for young adult readers.
This is a light, quick, sometimes humorous, Christian romance that would appeal to teens and young adults. It focuses on Maya and her relationships with Jennifer, her roommate, Jack, her work buddy at Cool Beans coffee shop, Zach, her older brother, and Travis, her ex-boyfriend. Maya is likeable and quite realistic. She is going through a faith crisis as she deals with her roommate and Travis. Jack and the single adult pastor, Andrew, at her church both are quite helpful in working through this. There were some nice gems of Christian wisdom throughout that would make it a good book for young adult readers.
December 26, 2020
This is the perfect cozy read for a laugh and enjoyability. I like how Erynn Mangum is able to weave in a solid lesson before you realize it’s there. One moment I was wondering if this cute story really had a lesson, the next, I’m like, “Wow, so ‘pursuing peace with all men’ seems to be the theme.” And I did like how Maya’s ability to do the right thing with her relationships hinged on her relationship with God. It doesn’t always happen so perfectly, but there is a lot of truth in that concept.
I think this would have been a book I’d have liked as a teen. Yes, there is some stuff about dating and such, but it is more on the side of trusting God and nothing deeply emotionally driven.
The writing style is simpler, but, like I said, for me that works for a chill read. And then some of the things Maya said she was working on in the beginning seemed to stay there (like her goal to not be so sarcastic—I can’t say I’m upset because her sarcasm is what endeared me to her; it just was a dropped plot point).
I think this would have been a book I’d have liked as a teen. Yes, there is some stuff about dating and such, but it is more on the side of trusting God and nothing deeply emotionally driven.
The writing style is simpler, but, like I said, for me that works for a chill read. And then some of the things Maya said she was working on in the beginning seemed to stay there (like her goal to not be so sarcastic—I can’t say I’m upset because her sarcasm is what endeared me to her; it just was a dropped plot point).
August 3, 2010
What I loved: When you read as much as I do, it's hard to find an author who has a fresh, unique voice. Erynn Mangum has that voice. I loved her style in the Lauren Holbrook series, and that style was definitely in Cool Beans as well. Second, few authors can weave spiritual truths into their novels without sounding preachy. Erynn is good at this. She delved into the topic of honesty in this book, and I felt like I was learning with Maya, not hearing a lecture or sermon. Finally, the book is funny. While the topic of ex-boyfriends, first loves, and being honest are serious topics, this book is balanced with funny coffee jokes, an annoying Parrot, and the flirtations of a romance in the making.
What I didn't like: There was only one thing that I didn't like about this book. One night, Maya is at home waiting for Jen to get home. The book says Maya gets home from work at 11:03 p.m. She then gets annoyed on the next page because it's 10:30 and Jen isn't home. Then it's 12:07 (pm, should be am), and Jen isn't home. I was confused because then I thought Jen hadn't come home all night...then the next page mentions the morning. So, I think it was just typos, but it confused me. This is something an editor should have caught. Again, if this is the biggest problem in a book, then the book is great.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
What I didn't like: There was only one thing that I didn't like about this book. One night, Maya is at home waiting for Jen to get home. The book says Maya gets home from work at 11:03 p.m. She then gets annoyed on the next page because it's 10:30 and Jen isn't home. Then it's 12:07 (pm, should be am), and Jen isn't home. I was confused because then I thought Jen hadn't come home all night...then the next page mentions the morning. So, I think it was just typos, but it confused me. This is something an editor should have caught. Again, if this is the biggest problem in a book, then the book is great.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
March 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! It was a great read like 5(err or way more than that ;) ) chapters before-you-go-to-bed book!
Things I liked! It was funny! I really didn't laugh as much as I thought I would-but there were a couple of scenes that had me nearly waking up my whole family with my laughter ;) On a more serious note I liked her journey and walk with God and just how honest the whole booked seemed with her struggles on her end with her relationship with Christ. I absolutely really enjoyed the ending as well and will def. re-read sometime :)
Now things I didn't like-
-The pastor! he was way too....sarcastic and just his whole manner seemed immature! maybe it just came across that way for me but I think a pastor needs to be a bit more serious(on a random note I am a pk lol)
-it was weird to me how close maya and jack were! like how do you even get that close to a guy with out having "feelings" didn't seem to add up to me! but you know it works out in the end ;)
-on a last note I wish there was not light swearing, like please can we not say omg ten million times!
Overall cute book!! I was worried with it being geared more for adults that I wouldn't enjoy it but I did!
Things I liked! It was funny! I really didn't laugh as much as I thought I would-but there were a couple of scenes that had me nearly waking up my whole family with my laughter ;) On a more serious note I liked her journey and walk with God and just how honest the whole booked seemed with her struggles on her end with her relationship with Christ. I absolutely really enjoyed the ending as well and will def. re-read sometime :)
Now things I didn't like-
-The pastor! he was way too....sarcastic and just his whole manner seemed immature! maybe it just came across that way for me but I think a pastor needs to be a bit more serious(on a random note I am a pk lol)
-it was weird to me how close maya and jack were! like how do you even get that close to a guy with out having "feelings" didn't seem to add up to me! but you know it works out in the end ;)
-on a last note I wish there was not light swearing, like please can we not say omg ten million times!
Overall cute book!! I was worried with it being geared more for adults that I wouldn't enjoy it but I did!
September 14, 2013
I have wanted to read this for a long time but now that I have I am wondering what the book was about.
This is a story of a young woman named Maya Davis and her roommate Jen, her best friend Jack, her family, her young adult bible study group. Oh her dog! Don't forget her dog.
It just felt like there wasn't much of a story that anyone would care about. It was like she got up and went to work at the coffee house with her best friend Jack, she went to dinner at her parents once a week.
Just nothing out of the ordinarily. I live her life - when I am reading a book I want a little excitement. This one was just a little boring.
This is a story of a young woman named Maya Davis and her roommate Jen, her best friend Jack, her family, her young adult bible study group. Oh her dog! Don't forget her dog.
It just felt like there wasn't much of a story that anyone would care about. It was like she got up and went to work at the coffee house with her best friend Jack, she went to dinner at her parents once a week.
Just nothing out of the ordinarily. I live her life - when I am reading a book I want a little excitement. This one was just a little boring.
June 30, 2019
What I liked:
- Maya as a character. She’s a normal girl, and it was refreshing to read about someone so normal
- the humor. Both Maya and Jack are sarcastic and funny with each other
- Maya’s issues with her faith were handled well.
What I didn’t care for:
- was it necessary to give the dog dialogue (“Roo! Roo!”)? At first I thought it was sort of cute, but it got annoying really fast.
Speaking of something that got annoying really fast...
- Jack referring to Maya as Nutkin, Pattertwig, Nutjob, etc. All those weird little pet names were supposed to be endearing I think, but they seemed insulting and demeaning.
- the fact that Travis didn’t recognize Maya. She went from a blonde to a brunette and lost a little weight, but other than that was exactly the same, and despite dating her for 3-4 years, he didn’t recognize her! Also, Maya is not THAT common of a name....
- I couldn’t stand Maya’s friend Jen. She wasn’t a very good friend to Maya at all. She came off as insensitive and frequently looked down on Maya.
- Maya as a character. She’s a normal girl, and it was refreshing to read about someone so normal
- the humor. Both Maya and Jack are sarcastic and funny with each other
- Maya’s issues with her faith were handled well.
What I didn’t care for:
- was it necessary to give the dog dialogue (“Roo! Roo!”)? At first I thought it was sort of cute, but it got annoying really fast.
Speaking of something that got annoying really fast...
- Jack referring to Maya as Nutkin, Pattertwig, Nutjob, etc. All those weird little pet names were supposed to be endearing I think, but they seemed insulting and demeaning.
- the fact that Travis didn’t recognize Maya. She went from a blonde to a brunette and lost a little weight, but other than that was exactly the same, and despite dating her for 3-4 years, he didn’t recognize her! Also, Maya is not THAT common of a name....
- I couldn’t stand Maya’s friend Jen. She wasn’t a very good friend to Maya at all. She came off as insensitive and frequently looked down on Maya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
Cool Beans is book 1 in the Maya Davis series!
I loved getting to know Maya. She’s a fun character and I can’t wait to read more about her as I continue the series. I also really like Jack. He’s a super sweet friend.
I’m so excited to continue the series!
I loved getting to know Maya. She’s a fun character and I can’t wait to read more about her as I continue the series. I also really like Jack. He’s a super sweet friend.
I’m so excited to continue the series!
April 2, 2025
In classic Erynn Mangum fashion, this book was filled with fun, good humor, and great lessons! So many quotable parts, and times I literally died laughing from Maya or Jack’s comments.
Mangum makes real life stories fun and relatable. Although, I will admit that I think I would die if I consumed half as much coffee as Maya does. 😅
Maya has really good character growth and I hope to continue to see that throughout the next 2 books!
I didn’t like this one quite as much as Paige Torn, because it seemed like some of Maya’s comments were a little more immature.
I would recommend this one to older teen girls!
Mangum makes real life stories fun and relatable. Although, I will admit that I think I would die if I consumed half as much coffee as Maya does. 😅
Maya has really good character growth and I hope to continue to see that throughout the next 2 books!
I didn’t like this one quite as much as Paige Torn, because it seemed like some of Maya’s comments were a little more immature.
I would recommend this one to older teen girls!
February 6, 2015
Title: COOL BEANS
Author: Erynn Magnum
Publisher: NavPress
April 2010
ISBN: 978-1600067112
Genre: Young adult / contemporary / chick lit
Everything seems to be going perfectly for Maya Davis: She has a great job at a coffee shop, gets along with her parents, and is happily single. That is until her best friend starts dating Maya’s high school sweetheart.
This funny, heartwarming fiction story by best-selling author Erynn Mangum uses the power of story to challenge teens to discover the relevance of faith in their relationships and their lives.
COOL BEANS is the first book in Ms. Mangum’s A Maya Davis Novel series. This is out of print (in print) unless you buy it used but it is still available on kindle. I greatly enjoy Ms. Mangum’s books, chicklit for teenagers – but they appeal to this mom too. I also have two girls who love her books and can’t wait to read them.
I enjoyed Maya’s sense of humor and her sarcasm and the way she struggled to relate her life with God. The only thing I didn’t really like is that she went on and on about how she needs to tell her best friend she is dating an old boyfriend and she just doesn’t. . . and what was with the old boyfriend (dating something like five years) not recognizing her?
I have to say I loved Jack. Absolutely loved Jack. I can’t wait to read Latte Daze. If you like chicklit or first person/present tense books, you will love COOL BEANS. Highly recommended.
304 pages. Available in ebook and paperback (from second-hand sellers). 5 stars.
Author: Erynn Magnum
Publisher: NavPress
April 2010
ISBN: 978-1600067112
Genre: Young adult / contemporary / chick lit
Everything seems to be going perfectly for Maya Davis: She has a great job at a coffee shop, gets along with her parents, and is happily single. That is until her best friend starts dating Maya’s high school sweetheart.
This funny, heartwarming fiction story by best-selling author Erynn Mangum uses the power of story to challenge teens to discover the relevance of faith in their relationships and their lives.
COOL BEANS is the first book in Ms. Mangum’s A Maya Davis Novel series. This is out of print (in print) unless you buy it used but it is still available on kindle. I greatly enjoy Ms. Mangum’s books, chicklit for teenagers – but they appeal to this mom too. I also have two girls who love her books and can’t wait to read them.
I enjoyed Maya’s sense of humor and her sarcasm and the way she struggled to relate her life with God. The only thing I didn’t really like is that she went on and on about how she needs to tell her best friend she is dating an old boyfriend and she just doesn’t. . . and what was with the old boyfriend (dating something like five years) not recognizing her?
I have to say I loved Jack. Absolutely loved Jack. I can’t wait to read Latte Daze. If you like chicklit or first person/present tense books, you will love COOL BEANS. Highly recommended.
304 pages. Available in ebook and paperback (from second-hand sellers). 5 stars.
September 6, 2025
I love this book! It is very funny, and I liked all the characters, especially Maya, Jack, and Jen. I also like the romance a lot!! The coffee shop Maya, and Jack work at, Cool Beans, was my favorite place they are at in the book. I like her being a barista. I also like her dog, and the scenes he is in are always really funny. Her best friend, and roommate Jen, starts dating her high school boyfriend, and she can't get herself to tell her. I love the ending when she goes on a walk with Jack. It had so many funny scenes, and I was always laughing out loud, even in public. I love this book so much!!
January 8, 2013
I had pretty big expectations for this book. I love coffee, i love christian fiction, and i adore romance books! However this book got WAY repetitive.Maya wakes up goes to work at Cool Beans comes home eats ice cream watches movies, church sundays and parents house at night. Multiplied ten times throughout the whole book. Thats literally ALL that happens oh yeah and does pilates with her dog Cal. I literally feel like im rereading one scene over and over again. The whole exboyfriend dates bff thing is interesting but cliche.not reading the second book.
July 4, 2011
This was such fun and easy read. I totally identified with the way Maya talked with God, because that is the kind of relationship I have with Him. Also, I have a Beagle! I read this one real fast because I was so curious where the author was taking us. The main character had a lot to work through and I guess I identified with that as well. I loved this so much, I will be reading the rest of the series!
June 3, 2010
Heehee. I love Erynn Mangum's sense of humor. Silly, quirky, and random...it had me snickering throughout.
October 31, 2022
Oh my!! This book is so cute and exciting and sarcastic and funny! I could go on for hours about this author!! I love her novels and the romances and friendships and the faith in these books
November 8, 2017
I'm torn about this story. I knew it was Christian fiction & that's fine. I'm Catholic & have no problems with a story where the characters have a strong Christian faith it's clearly expressed. However, many of the Christian references were awkward & unnatural.
Examples: "Oh Maya, he's so cute & a Christian and my age." Seriously?! Is that something a person, especially a 20+ year old finds out about an individual as soon as they ask them out? (In most cases, highly unlikely). The character, Travis is explaining how he met his friend at church. Ok, but for a guy who's athletic, why not having met him at the gym/health club, or perhaps he's a co-worker, etc. why church? It seems odd. Of course, let's not forget that a Bible study group takes place at the coffee shop. It's during these situations that I think the author was trying too hard to get across it was Christian fiction. While the Bible verse quotations seem to flow with the story, the various other overt Christian references detracted from it; & in many ways slowed the read.
I did enjoy Maya's voice. Her conversations with her dog felt normal & fit her often quirky, simple, slightly neurotic personality. I laughed out loud a few times at how she perceived her predicaments & the comments that would come out of her mouth or just pop in her head. I did like the coffee shop atmosphere.
There were enjoyable characters & even though the ending was standard "Hallmark movie" obvious, I enjoyed the story at times. Many will find this a feel-good, chick lit book & thus will enjoy it immensely. If I could keep from getting a headache from the falling Christian anvils I might consider reading more of this series; but I don't think that will happen.
Examples: "Oh Maya, he's so cute & a Christian and my age." Seriously?! Is that something a person, especially a 20+ year old finds out about an individual as soon as they ask them out? (In most cases, highly unlikely). The character, Travis is explaining how he met his friend at church. Ok, but for a guy who's athletic, why not having met him at the gym/health club, or perhaps he's a co-worker, etc. why church? It seems odd. Of course, let's not forget that a Bible study group takes place at the coffee shop. It's during these situations that I think the author was trying too hard to get across it was Christian fiction. While the Bible verse quotations seem to flow with the story, the various other overt Christian references detracted from it; & in many ways slowed the read.
I did enjoy Maya's voice. Her conversations with her dog felt normal & fit her often quirky, simple, slightly neurotic personality. I laughed out loud a few times at how she perceived her predicaments & the comments that would come out of her mouth or just pop in her head. I did like the coffee shop atmosphere.
There were enjoyable characters & even though the ending was standard "Hallmark movie" obvious, I enjoyed the story at times. Many will find this a feel-good, chick lit book & thus will enjoy it immensely. If I could keep from getting a headache from the falling Christian anvils I might consider reading more of this series; but I don't think that will happen.
June 12, 2024
Okay, this book at me ROLLING in laughter! I love this author’s clever wit and I really liked Maya’s character development throughout this book. Definitely 5/5 stars and it is going on my favorites of 2024 list.
One thing I will mention is that one of my biggest pet peeves in a story showed up at the very end. (Not a spoiler.) Maya mentions how she had not “forgiven God”. I absolutely hate that term because it insinuates that God sins or makes a mistake which is actually a pretty blasphemous statement. But I know the author didn’t mean it in that way and Maya restated what she meant by the comment, but it still bugged me and almost brought my rating down by half a point. But this book was so good as a whole that I’m choosing to assume the best about this author. Just wanted to state that, though.
One thing I will mention is that one of my biggest pet peeves in a story showed up at the very end. (Not a spoiler.) Maya mentions how she had not “forgiven God”. I absolutely hate that term because it insinuates that God sins or makes a mistake which is actually a pretty blasphemous statement. But I know the author didn’t mean it in that way and Maya restated what she meant by the comment, but it still bugged me and almost brought my rating down by half a point. But this book was so good as a whole that I’m choosing to assume the best about this author. Just wanted to state that, though.
March 3, 2017
A solid 5! I loved this book. I loved the characters, the story line, the writing style; I loved everything about it. I am very excited to read the next book in this series, and then the third and final book in this series. I am hungry for more of this story and I am hungry for more from this author. I have already downloaded some more of Erynn's books and I have put the rest on my Kindle wish list to buy later. I have found a new friend in Maya and a new favourite in Erynn.
October 15, 2025
🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘🫘
Pretty good book! I honestly sort of thought it was slightly boring, but I related to Maya a lot. I did NOT see Jack saying he liked her coming, and I really hope she grows to like him back because he sounds like such a good guy! The faith content was pretty decent as well! I struggle with telling half truths, so I really felt like God called me out on this one 😅 Overall, a super adorable (slightly boring) book, 4 stars! ⭐️
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Pretty good book! I honestly sort of thought it was slightly boring, but I related to Maya a lot. I did NOT see Jack saying he liked her coming, and I really hope she grows to like him back because he sounds like such a good guy! The faith content was pretty decent as well! I struggle with telling half truths, so I really felt like God called me out on this one 😅 Overall, a super adorable (slightly boring) book, 4 stars! ⭐️
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2019
First off, I think I have said this about Erynn Mangum books before - do not read without a cup of coffee! The entire book I wanted coffee and chocolate. Second, mean way to end a book lol I am so glad the others are out because - seriously!
Love Erynn's character development, I always feel like I could be best friends with her characters.
Read this series... while drinking a cup of coffee.
Love Erynn's character development, I always feel like I could be best friends with her characters.
Read this series... while drinking a cup of coffee.
September 23, 2019
I have a rule I wait until I’ve read 4 chapters to a book before I DNF it...I am so glad I did for this one...it took me that long to get use to the writing style who knows why I think for me it has to do with coming out of the book before it...the story was fun her relationship with her “best friend” was great her thinking process and lists were adorable...I just really like it a lot
August 17, 2021
I’ve re-read this series more recently and let me tell you it’s really good. Very realistic and relatable, and the characters are real though also quirky. There are good lessons and Christian values incorporated in the storyline for any girl in their 20’s just trying to figure it out. So, if you’re looking for something light hearted that will make you smile this is the book for you.
January 13, 2024
One of the best books I've ever read ...and I've read a lot. This book introduced me to Erynn Magnum years ago and I remember the feeling I had when I read Cool Beans and the life lesson it imparted. I have purchased a paper copy since that initial kindle version and have read it several times ❤️❤️❤️
December 29, 2017
Erynn Mangum writes awesome Christian Chick-Lits, especially when it involves coffee!!:) (My favorite drink!)😍 This Book made me laugh and think about my own relationship with God and how at times I’ve been missing out on what he has planned for me!!:) Great to read again and again!!:)
March 26, 2020
This is my second time reading this book and this time I didn’t enjoy it as much. I believe I read it in my 20s and I think it’s better suited for women in college/their 20s then older women. It’s written well and was an easy read, just not my type of book anymore.
February 27, 2021
I’d recommend this book. It was a nice light read and Maya is so relatable. I liked the setting of California as well and the story in general. I’m thinking I’d like to read the next one in the series for sure!
April 13, 2022
Wanted to like it more
I really enjoyed this author's Miss Match series. That is why I picked up this book. Sadly, this feels like that series again, but I didn't like the characters as much. Also, the premise of the book was not great; long term lies just never end well.
I really enjoyed this author's Miss Match series. That is why I picked up this book. Sadly, this feels like that series again, but I didn't like the characters as much. Also, the premise of the book was not great; long term lies just never end well.
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