Sometimes coming home means homemade pfannkuchen, matchmaking, and one very judgmental moose.
Jo Turns out, living someone else’s dream isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Shocking, right?
After six years chasing her mother’s dream of country music stardom in Nashville, Jolene Pearson has called it quits—and come crawling back to Moose Lick, Alaska. Now she’s wondering what her dream is. Could it be as simple as settling down with her best friend’s handsome brother and singing on the church worship team? According to her mother, that dream’s not nearly big enough. . .
Noah Noah Gromotka has it pretty good. His food ministry is thriving, his soccer game is solid, and he makes a mean German pancake. All he’s missing is someone to share breakfast with. He did not expect that someone to be his sister’s best friend—the same girl who once got caught stealing her Mamaw’s pie and blaming it on a squirrel.
But Jo’s all grown up, and baking pies of her own. Pies Noah’s mama deems “man-catching”. . . whatever that means.
Between an overly dramatic moose, Jo’s spotlight-hungry mother, and Noah’s matchmaking mama determined for grandbabies, it turns out a small-town romance is anything but simple.
What a hilarious and sweet 2-POV rom-com! When growing up, I was always drawn to the books that had letters/emails throughout, and it was neat how Storm included the modern version (text messages) between the main characters at the beginning of each chapter. Having lived in both Germany and Alaska, I also appreciated the German phrases and foods and how the setting was in Alaska. I love how Noah and Jo both depend on God and are humble and respectful even through hard times! This book was better than Hallmark movies! Looking forward to reading the other two novels in the series!
Faith and country music meet best friend's brother with a meddling mama, animal shenanigans and all the fall vibes in this sweet romance... and I was absolutely here for all of it! All of these aspects on their own? I love them! Throw them together? Even better! Noah and Jo absolutely had my heart right from the start. Best friend's brother is one of my very favorites- and one that I have some experience with in real life too, so I love stories like this one that more closely match my own experience-- where you get that sibling banter (So good! His name for her during their text exchanges? I love it!)... but you also get a super supportive best friend too! This one did that so well. Noah's mom with her meddling ways made me smile throughout... as did the hilarious encounters with a moose and some pesky squirrels. All of these lighthearted moments were the perfect balance to Jo's difficult relationship with her own mother and the insecurities that she has as a result. Their story is tender and sweet with the perfect blend of faith and humor too. This was the first book that I've read from Storm Shultz but will certainly not be the last!
Faded Jeans and Pfannkuchen is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Romance on the Menu multi-author series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone or in any order as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Cute book with Christian themes and lots of funny moments. Also I love how sweet Noah was and how he cared for Jolene. I know I’m not a huge Dolly fan but this book was cute in those Dolly references, it made me laugh a little more with thinking about her. The moose had little fun into the story. I love how the author kept to the Christian themes of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Faded Jeans and Pfannkuchen is the second of three books in the multiauthor Romance on the Menu series and it’s such a sweet and wholesome story.
After having read all but one book by Storm (it’s on my TBR), it’s safe to say that I love everything she writes. Her characters are so relatable and I can’t think of one of her main character’s I wouldn’t want to be friends with. Especially Noah is a sweetheart and I loved the friends-to-lovers / best friend’s brother relationship that developed between him and Jo - without much drama.
It’s a lighthearted story but when it comes to Jolene and her mother, it definitely addresses the difficult topic of a completely dysfunctional mother-and-daughter relationship and my heart just breaks for sweet Jo. I mean no matter how old we are and how rationally we can examine things, we all long for our parent's love and acceptance. Never getting it is a hard pill to swallow.
As a German I always appreciate the little “Easter eggs” Storm puts in her stories, even though I hate the nickname Schnecke (luckily it’s kind of outdated in Germany, I don’t know anyone who seriously uses it…) and Sauerkraut and am kind of offended that this is considered typical German cuisine, but that’s not Storm’s fault. ;)
This book is the perfect mix of faith and humor and I recommend it to everyone who loves sweet love stories, found family and strong Christian themes. And probably to every Dolly fan and food lover - which I’m both not, since I have to admit I only know the name Dolly Parton but have never consciously listened to her music and I’m a very, very picky eater, but this didn’t dampen my enjoyment of this heartwarming story in the slightest and will probably just be the icing on the cake - or on the Pfannkuchen - for everyone who loves these two specific things.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
4.5 stars A light hearted read with sprinkles of life lessons and growth. Storm Shultz has written a story that you can sit back on a beautiful day and thoroughly enjoy. Dolly and Noah are so loveable. I enjoyed the interactions between Noah and his sister Mila. Siblings who got each other's back always. Mila and Dolly...such an amazing friendship. Together, all the characters made this book a wonderful read. Dolly finally learning to stand up for herself, letting go of past insecurities and looking on to a bright future with Noah is heartwarming. Indeed, words have great influence on our lives and it's so easy to live in a prison of lies and insecurities such that we do not get to reach our full potential. Irrespective of race, true love outshines. Dolly and Noah found that beautiful future. Yes, there was one seriously judgemental character who was ready to go the extra mile but I am glad that her plans were foiled. Dolly's dream did come true and indeed she got her award. Noah was so supportive and understanding. He knew exactly what Dolly needed and his words and support built her into a better version of herself. I love the support from Noah’s parents, the pastors and all other characters who showed their support. A sweet read and I look forward to more beautiful stories. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Pastries, country music and a moose with a penchant for gourmet cooking; this book is a laugh out loud love story for fans of all things Gilmore Girls, Dolly and slightly aggressive foodie animals. I discovered Storm's books last year and she quickly became one of my favorite authors! She writes stories full of swoon worthy romance, lovable characters and strong faith. Opening one of her novels has always felt like stepping into the epitome of cozy, small- town, romcom. And I usually close the book feeling renewed and refreshed. I loved Jo and Noah's relationship from the very beginning! They are the epitome of the "friends-to-lovers" trope. Noah feeling he needed to subdue his natural joy so as not to be "too much" was very relatable. And Jo's journey to rediscovering her identity and purpose in Christ was very moving. But it was their care and encouragement of each other that really made this story memorable! if you're looking for a charming, small-town, autumn romcom, with a few furry foodie fans in the mix, this is the book for you!! Also, I really want to try pfannkuchen now!
Faded Jeans and Pfannkuchen is a first person, dual POV Christian Romcom. It's the second book in the Romance On The Menu series. This series consists of three interconnected books which are written by different authors.
This story was sweet and hilarious, with wonderfully adorable characters and a beautiful message of giving grace while also standing up for yourself in a firm but loving way. The characters also took time to turn to God for help when life got hard.
I loved seeing all the German terms, they were definitely nostalgic to my own German roots.
The balance of serious moments with good natured humor was perfect. The characters are well written and relatable. I love the family dynamic between Noah, his mom, and his sister. I especially enjoyed the way Noah has his sister labeled on his phone. 🤣 And then there's Noah and his "cow people", that had me laughing more than it probably should have.
Noah himself, his fun antics and humor aside, is the absolute sweetest. I couldn't get enough of how he would say what he actually means. I was definitely there for the straightforward and honest communication.
If you love sweet, yet humorous Christian fiction, and also enjoy a good "attack moose" 🫎, then you should definitely go check this one out right now!
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
This cozy romance has everything I've come to expect from a Storm Shultz book: quality characters, honest and believable storylines/dialogue, and the sweet bit of magic she brings into each of her stories.
Faded Jeans and Pfannkuchen, in particular, manages to maintain the southern roots and charm of Storm's previous work, while set in Alaska!
Aside from the German cuisine (something this girl loves), strong sense of found family, match makin' mama, and cast of side characters I want to know more about... I simply adored the tender way we see a perceived one-sided, childhood crush, bloom into a heartwarming, mature, faith-focused romance.
Faded Jeans and Pfannkucken is the 2nd in the Romance on the Menu series, and is available this Monday! Be sure to grab a copy and... maybe make some Pfannkuchen to go with it. (But don't forget the apple sauce)
One of my favorite Christian Indie authors, Storm Shultz, has done it again with delivering a fun and cozy story perfect for an afternoon curled up with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Featuring a loveable moose, wonderful characters who always look out for their friends, growth and personal development as folks (and the reader) are continually pointed to and reminded of Christ and His work in our lives, and a swoonworthy romance that grew steadily from a childhood friendship- what more can you ask for in a cozy fall read. 🍁😍
I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering for each person all throughout this book. I don't want to give away the details, but put simply, definitely pick this one up!
**I was provided an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. **
Faded Jeans & Pfannkuchen is the first story by Storm Shultz I've read and it was wonderful. The storytelling was excellent and there were so many well-crafted moments. The best friend's brother aspect was perfectly executed, and
Jo and Noah are so cute!! It's a bit of a slow burn at the beginning The interference from Noah's mom and sister is so sweet, and I loved the way the community supported them.
The link to Grits and Glamor, the previous book in the romance on the menu series is subtle but still there and I love the way food has been a theme throughout these stories.
If you enjoy small-town Christian romcoms or books by B.R. Goodwin, Mandi Blake or Kate Watson then I'm sure you'll enjoy Faded Jeans & Pfannkuchen.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
This was such a sweet story I might have a cavity now! I loved Jolene and Noah’s relationship progression from old friends to something more. Noah is the most sunshine-y character I’ve read this year, and he was incredibly endearing. I loved how he always met Jolene where she was at emotionally each date and was her safe place. Jolene was such an empathetic character for anyone who has experienced a narcissistic family member. She was always trying to demonstrate Jesus’ love regardless of her own thoughts or feelings, too. This story had all the cozy fall vibes, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves the friends to lovers trope!
Sometimes coming home means homemade pfannkuchen, matchmaking, and one very judgmental moose—and I was absolutely here for all of it!
Faded Jeans and Pfannkuchen by Storm Shultz is the sweetest small-town romance set in Alaska, filled with laughter, faith, and heart. Jo returns home after chasing country music dreams in Nashville, unsure what’s next. Enter Noah—her best friend’s brother—who makes a mean German pancake and might just be the piece of home she’s been missing.
This story had everything I love: meddling mamas, hilarious moose encounters, heartfelt prayers, and that perfect blend of humor and hope. Jo and Noah’s relationship was tender and faith-driven, with texting banter that made me smile and moments that reminded me what love rooted in faith looks like.
It was my first Storm Shultz book, but it won’t be my last! If you love cozy, faith-filled romances that feel like a warm hug and taste like fresh pie out of the oven, you’ll adore this one.
Storm writes such sweet characters and Jolene and Noah are no exceptions. I love that it lacks the typical angst in a friends-to-more/best friend's brother tropes, which often feels contrived to me. That doesn't mean this story is without conflict and it was that conflict that was the hardest part of me. The relationship between Jolene and Dora was difficult to read, not because it was poorly written but because it seemed so very real. I loved how it was handled, however and felt that it was a very realistic ended to their story arc. Overall, a very sweet story.
Jolene is leaving behind the life her mother planned for her in Nashville and returning home to Alaska to live her own dreams. Dreams that just might include her best friend's brother, Noah. Jo has crushed on Noah for years but now Noah is falling hard and fast for Jo. But life back home is not all sunshine and roses as Jo's dysfunctional mother is determined to cause trouble for Jo. Is Jo and Noah's relationship strong enough to over come all the challenge Jo's mother bring their way? Favorite line: Saturday. The perfect day. See, I have plans for Saturday. I plan to kiss the girl I love.
I had the privilege of editing this novel, and it was such a treat! From snippy prose and fun stylistic choices to flirty banter and deep, resonate themes, Schultz has crafted an exceptional rom-com that embodies the classic vibe of your favorite 1990s rom-com films. Also, it was set in Alaska, and my heart misses the state I called home for three years. It was lovely to “visit” it again through this book! THIS IS A MUST-READ!
Noah and Jolene were such a dreamy couple. Storm did an amazing job of painting a picture with her words. I felt like I was watching a sweet Christian romcom the entire time I was reading. This book gave me all the cozy, small town feels while pointing back to the gospel in the most seamless way possible. Also, I never wanted German food and a cuddly little puppy so badly in my life!!
The Romance on the Menu series has yet to disappoint.
I know everyone loves a grumpy MMC, but I've realised I love the sunny ones more. The ones who light up a room, make you laugh, and hold you together when you're breaking. Noah Gromotka is exactly that. And Jolene, she's sunshine too. Life has knocked her down many times, yet she still smiles and chooses kindness. I love the characters, their personal life, their life together, and everything else in the story. This is the kind of story that will bring peace when you read it. 🩷
Awww, this story was so sweet. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book Schulze has put out into the world, and this one was no exception. It’s like a sweet autumn hug, with cozy treats and a spunky pup to boot. All good fun with a side of pfannkuchen.
I received an advanced copy of this story from the authors. All thoughts are my own.
Sometimes coming home means homemade pfannkuchen, matchmaking, and one very judgmental moose... in this adorable Christian fiction novel you’ll find cute quips, shameless flirting, and the love of Jesus intertwined throughout! This is an all around feel good novel just like your favorite comfort food! Storm knocked this one outta the park!
This is such an awesome read! I love the text message scattered throughout as well as the animals in the book! Jo and Noah are adorable together and I’d love a sequel with Mila!! A book that couldn’t be put down until finished!
Sweet clean faith filled romance. Best friend is supportive and more of a sister. Charming, flirty best friend's older brother who reconnects years later as adults. Dolly Parton and delicious food references. Adorable animal characters. What more could you want?
I can always count on Storm to write a beautiful book with romantic characters, adorable animals involved, plenty of good food and recipes and the perfect mix of Christianity and prayer. I loved this one, read it in a day including a middle of the night read from 2:30 am to 4 am to finish it! I adored this set of characters, each one was a special addition to the story. And their nicknames for each other! Ahh, so cute! My favorite of the series so far!