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The Café of Infinite Doors
In a mythical Scotland of long ago, a goddess’s mortal surrogate dies in childbirth and leaves behind a vindictive firstborn daughter who seethes in the shadow of her new divine sister, leading to a violent clash that leaves both sisters imprisoned in separate worlds.
Millennia later in San Francisco, sheltered, isolated twenty-three-year-old Marceline is desperate for a job, longing for a temporary escape from her controlling, toxic husband, Baxter. One evening, a magical café appears after Baxter strands Marceline on a desolate street after a nasty fight. Run by a quirky, mysteriously feathered woman named Lucretia, her partner, Kilda, and a gentle Tahitian man named Sylvan, the café holds the safety, comfort, and companionship Marceline has craved. Upon learning that the café’s door is a protected portal that opens to those in need, she joins the cafe’s staff behind Baxter's back.
Several months after Marceline has found her safe haven, the portals to the café begin closing one by one and the cafe’s sourceless light goes from warm and honeyed to dim and shadowy. Evil is looming that will endanger not only the café but the world at large; if Marceline is to protect herself and her newfound family, she must choose herself for good and escape her marriage once and for all . . . or say goodbye to her hard-fought freedom forever.
Millennia later in San Francisco, sheltered, isolated twenty-three-year-old Marceline is desperate for a job, longing for a temporary escape from her controlling, toxic husband, Baxter. One evening, a magical café appears after Baxter strands Marceline on a desolate street after a nasty fight. Run by a quirky, mysteriously feathered woman named Lucretia, her partner, Kilda, and a gentle Tahitian man named Sylvan, the café holds the safety, comfort, and companionship Marceline has craved. Upon learning that the café’s door is a protected portal that opens to those in need, she joins the cafe’s staff behind Baxter's back.
Several months after Marceline has found her safe haven, the portals to the café begin closing one by one and the cafe’s sourceless light goes from warm and honeyed to dim and shadowy. Evil is looming that will endanger not only the café but the world at large; if Marceline is to protect herself and her newfound family, she must choose herself for good and escape her marriage once and for all . . . or say goodbye to her hard-fought freedom forever.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2026
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February 27, 2026DNF 35%
I hear time travel + Scottish vibes and my Outlander + What the Wind Knows senses tingle.
It’s kinda like Legends & Lattes but with some stakes. And the character background builds are tragic and abusive.
I think boils down to my need for the FMC to have a backbone. And I realize Marceline was getting there but it was painful to read.
I really appreciate the Netgalley ARC from Union Square & Co. for this. Even though it didn’t hook me, I will always be tempted to try out these types of book pitches.
I hear time travel + Scottish vibes and my Outlander + What the Wind Knows senses tingle.
It’s kinda like Legends & Lattes but with some stakes. And the character background builds are tragic and abusive.
I think boils down to my need for the FMC to have a backbone. And I realize Marceline was getting there but it was painful to read.
I really appreciate the Netgalley ARC from Union Square & Co. for this. Even though it didn’t hook me, I will always be tempted to try out these types of book pitches.
April 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Every single word of this book was delectable. Well, minus Baxter. Baxter is the absolute worst. The scene setting, the characters, the magic, the character growth….. I loved every moment (minus Baxter though of course).
For the sake of comparison, this felt like if Legends and Lattes had been buddy written by Fredrick Bachman and TJ Klune. This was everything I wanted Legends and Lattes to be.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. It was plotted out to perfection. This book was so very cozy but so stressful at the same time. I cared deeply for each and every character (hahaha screw Baxter though) and it was like a warm blanket spending time with them.
I hope they are okay out in their fictional worlds. I will miss them. I could see this being a series and I’m curious if Zara Marielle will go that route. Regardless, I will be buying a copy of this book as soon as it comes out and every book Zara Marielle releases afterwards!
Every single word of this book was delectable. Well, minus Baxter. Baxter is the absolute worst. The scene setting, the characters, the magic, the character growth….. I loved every moment (minus Baxter though of course).
For the sake of comparison, this felt like if Legends and Lattes had been buddy written by Fredrick Bachman and TJ Klune. This was everything I wanted Legends and Lattes to be.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. It was plotted out to perfection. This book was so very cozy but so stressful at the same time. I cared deeply for each and every character (hahaha screw Baxter though) and it was like a warm blanket spending time with them.
I hope they are okay out in their fictional worlds. I will miss them. I could see this being a series and I’m curious if Zara Marielle will go that route. Regardless, I will be buying a copy of this book as soon as it comes out and every book Zara Marielle releases afterwards!
January 27, 2026
The Café of Infinite Doors was a beautifully written story quite unlike anything I’ve read before.
The story is told in two timelines. The first,“long ago,” where we follow the story of Bronagh, who is made an orphan when her mother dies bearing Quinn, a goddess of death. The second, present day, where we follow Marceline, a young woman in an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship. I greatly enjoyed both timelines although there was a bit of a disconnect for me in Bronagh’s character arc as the young woman we meet in the beginning seemed like a protagonist to root for and the Bronagh we meet later is definitely not!
A couple things I loved about this book:
The novel does not shy away from difficult topics, including emotional abuse, reproductive choice, grief, and self-worth. These elements are thoughtfully integrated into the narrative and all of the main characters internal journeys carry real emotional impact.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is the author’s ingenuity in weaving together different genres. I felt like this book was a blend of fantasy, historical fiction, and horror and I loved the ride it took me on.
The Café of Infinite Doors will resonate with readers who appreciate inventive genre blends and emotionally complex storytelling. It’s a thoughtful exploration of healing, agency, and the courage it takes to open—or close—the right door.
Thank you to Zara Marielle for providing me with an eARC!
The story is told in two timelines. The first,“long ago,” where we follow the story of Bronagh, who is made an orphan when her mother dies bearing Quinn, a goddess of death. The second, present day, where we follow Marceline, a young woman in an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship. I greatly enjoyed both timelines although there was a bit of a disconnect for me in Bronagh’s character arc as the young woman we meet in the beginning seemed like a protagonist to root for and the Bronagh we meet later is definitely not!
A couple things I loved about this book:
The novel does not shy away from difficult topics, including emotional abuse, reproductive choice, grief, and self-worth. These elements are thoughtfully integrated into the narrative and all of the main characters internal journeys carry real emotional impact.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is the author’s ingenuity in weaving together different genres. I felt like this book was a blend of fantasy, historical fiction, and horror and I loved the ride it took me on.
The Café of Infinite Doors will resonate with readers who appreciate inventive genre blends and emotionally complex storytelling. It’s a thoughtful exploration of healing, agency, and the courage it takes to open—or close—the right door.
Thank you to Zara Marielle for providing me with an eARC!
March 25, 2026
4.5 stars. I was obsessed with this world!
This is cozy fantasy with stakes - it reminds me of When The Coffee Gets Cold with Lucretia’s cafe. And Marceline desperately needs it. I had a visceral reaction to her gross abusive husband - like, wanted to throw the book across the room. I loved watching her grow to trust herself and work to leave.
All of this would be a beautiful, inspiring story AND THEN we get hundreds of years of mythological magic. There was a great balance between the two storylines and I was absolutely glued to the pages as they started to intertwine.
Overall I loved it! Cozy fantasy with stakes - amazing subgenre.
Thank you to Zara Marielle and Union Square & Co for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is cozy fantasy with stakes - it reminds me of When The Coffee Gets Cold with Lucretia’s cafe. And Marceline desperately needs it. I had a visceral reaction to her gross abusive husband - like, wanted to throw the book across the room. I loved watching her grow to trust herself and work to leave.
All of this would be a beautiful, inspiring story AND THEN we get hundreds of years of mythological magic. There was a great balance between the two storylines and I was absolutely glued to the pages as they started to intertwine.
Overall I loved it! Cozy fantasy with stakes - amazing subgenre.
Thank you to Zara Marielle and Union Square & Co for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
I CANNOT WAIT TO HAVE THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS
April 28, 2026
This is a debut, I believe, fantasy novel set in two POVs. We have long ago Scotland and now in San Francisco. We start off with a long time ago, a baby was born, and during this birth, the mother died. Unfortunate, but very common. This sets off a chain of events, as the baby's sister will always think that the baby is to blame for the mother's death. Even more, the baby is believed to be the child of a goddess. Show she is brought up as royalty, while her sister was brought up in squalor and forced to celebrate her sister. Our main character here is both the baby and the sister, and their story will work backward to forward.
Our second story is the now. We follow Marceline, who is in a horrible relationship. She is not being physically abused, but there is definite emotional abuse, control, and manipulation. She is told she isn't good enough, and where she can and cannot go. That she can't make her husband jealous by speaking to a waiter because he had a rough childhood, and she should pander to him now. As she finds her way in the world, she comes upon a coffee shop that a raven led her to one rainy night. This coffee shop is magical, literally. Through this magic coffee shop, Marceline learns she is worthy, develops friendships, and discovers a strength she didn't know that she possessed.
Yes, I did make all that purposely vague because I don't want to give anything away. Though this is very much a fantasy book, it takes a big dive into self-worth, and even the most divine can feel that they are unworthy. We have the fantastical elements inspired by The Morrigan, though I don't think she was ever named; the doors from various lands bring those in need to a place for comfort and solace. A group of people who build each other up when others try to break them down. A big story about friendship, with sword fights, and horrible husbands and sisters. The narrator does a great job; she jumps from the Scottish accent, clipped British, and American with ease, as well as speaking French, bringing the story to life in a way you would not have simply reading with your eyes. It reminds me a little bit of "The Book of Doors," which I loved, similar stakes, pacing, and overall a wonderful story.
Our second story is the now. We follow Marceline, who is in a horrible relationship. She is not being physically abused, but there is definite emotional abuse, control, and manipulation. She is told she isn't good enough, and where she can and cannot go. That she can't make her husband jealous by speaking to a waiter because he had a rough childhood, and she should pander to him now. As she finds her way in the world, she comes upon a coffee shop that a raven led her to one rainy night. This coffee shop is magical, literally. Through this magic coffee shop, Marceline learns she is worthy, develops friendships, and discovers a strength she didn't know that she possessed.
Yes, I did make all that purposely vague because I don't want to give anything away. Though this is very much a fantasy book, it takes a big dive into self-worth, and even the most divine can feel that they are unworthy. We have the fantastical elements inspired by The Morrigan, though I don't think she was ever named; the doors from various lands bring those in need to a place for comfort and solace. A group of people who build each other up when others try to break them down. A big story about friendship, with sword fights, and horrible husbands and sisters. The narrator does a great job; she jumps from the Scottish accent, clipped British, and American with ease, as well as speaking French, bringing the story to life in a way you would not have simply reading with your eyes. It reminds me a little bit of "The Book of Doors," which I loved, similar stakes, pacing, and overall a wonderful story.
April 18, 2026
This was such a cozy little story and now I’m going to be wishing every door leads me to this magical cafe. I want to give the main character a hug so bad. And Sylvan too, they’re both so precious and too sweet for the awful things they’ve been through. I love emotionally connecting with characters and I knew from the first chapter I was going to root for the main character to find happiness (and revenge, for that matter…). This would’ve been a higher rating, maybe 4.25-4.5, if there were no flashback chapters. The change of pace was jarring, taking you out of the story and placing you in the past. The vibes were so different that it was like two separate books until we find out why the past is being explained, however those chapters were just boring and I dreaded every time it switched. I still think this was a great book overall though and I am excited for whatever this author writes next.
January 27, 2026
This book was the perfect mix of a cosy yet action packed fantasy!
*I was lucky to receive the ARC for this book from the author*
I felt the start of this book was cosy (apart from the toxic relationship.) Learning about the world and the characters, was really enjoyable. The characters were so easy to fall in love with and I wanted to get to know them more.
As we got on in the book I was excited to see how the two timelines fitted together, once this happened I was shocked! The ending was action packed and I could not put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen!
Overall really cosy, was unable to put this book down. I also enjoyed this book was different to other fantasy I have read in the past. Will definitely be looking out for more of Zara Marielle’s works!
*I was lucky to receive the ARC for this book from the author*
I felt the start of this book was cosy (apart from the toxic relationship.) Learning about the world and the characters, was really enjoyable. The characters were so easy to fall in love with and I wanted to get to know them more.
As we got on in the book I was excited to see how the two timelines fitted together, once this happened I was shocked! The ending was action packed and I could not put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen!
Overall really cosy, was unable to put this book down. I also enjoyed this book was different to other fantasy I have read in the past. Will definitely be looking out for more of Zara Marielle’s works!
April 24, 2026
2.5 stars. I wanted to love this book so much the concept was totally up my alley but the execution of the story just didn't do it for me but I did finish it as I was really curious how it was going to end.
This was a multi POV magical realism story where the POVs/timelines come together at the end and I normally LOVE books like this.
we have a vindictive first born child who wants revenge on her sister for being the cause of her mothers death. The sisters POV where she has found peace in a magical cafe, and the POV of our main character Marcelino who is trying to escape her abusive relationship.
For me it was just too much going on at once. I thought the concept was really interesting but there was WAY too many storylines happening for me to really sink my teeth into any of them. I found I couldn't connect to any of the characters cause there was just too much happening.
I didn't like the way that the abusive husband ended up "redeeming" himself in some ways. I also found our main character really hard to connect with in the beginning so I wasn't as excited about her journey of recovery.
The best of part of the book was Lucretia and kilna with the magical cafe and I felt like we just didn't get a lot of that.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me but thank you netgalley for the gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a multi POV magical realism story where the POVs/timelines come together at the end and I normally LOVE books like this.
we have a vindictive first born child who wants revenge on her sister for being the cause of her mothers death. The sisters POV where she has found peace in a magical cafe, and the POV of our main character Marcelino who is trying to escape her abusive relationship.
For me it was just too much going on at once. I thought the concept was really interesting but there was WAY too many storylines happening for me to really sink my teeth into any of them. I found I couldn't connect to any of the characters cause there was just too much happening.
I didn't like the way that the abusive husband ended up "redeeming" himself in some ways. I also found our main character really hard to connect with in the beginning so I wasn't as excited about her journey of recovery.
The best of part of the book was Lucretia and kilna with the magical cafe and I felt like we just didn't get a lot of that.
Unfortunately this book wasn't for me but thank you netgalley for the gifted e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2026
Update: Rounding off to 4 🌟.
What a strikingly original concept: a timeless café that opens its doors to those in need, watched over by a Goddess still discovering the full extent of her powers. In contrast, her sister tends a rival tavern, equally timeless, feeding on despair and plotting revenge. The tension between the sisters is compelling, and the interplay of their powers adds depth to the narrative. I especially enjoyed the infusion of Scottish lore which gave the story a mythic resonance.
The world-building is imaginative and atmospheric, and the café–tavern dynamic is a highlight. However, the climax felt rushed and jarringly modern compared to the otherwise timeless setting. The bizarre and gory tone broke the spell of the story for me, leaving the ending less satisfying than the journey leading up to it.
I switched between the audio and e-book formats and enjoyed both. The narrator captured the voices beautifully, making the experience even more engaging.
As a debut, this is an impressive work-rich in ideas, layered with myth, and brimming with potential. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more of Zara Marielle’s future novels.
Thanks to Union Square & Company, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC/ALC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5/5🌟.
What a strikingly original concept: a timeless café that opens its doors to those in need, watched over by a Goddess still discovering the full extent of her powers. In contrast, her sister tends a rival tavern, equally timeless, feeding on despair and plotting revenge. The tension between the sisters is compelling, and the interplay of their powers adds depth to the narrative. I especially enjoyed the infusion of Scottish lore which gave the story a mythic resonance.
The world-building is imaginative and atmospheric, and the café–tavern dynamic is a highlight. However, the climax felt rushed and jarringly modern compared to the otherwise timeless setting. The bizarre and gory tone broke the spell of the story for me, leaving the ending less satisfying than the journey leading up to it.
I switched between the audio and e-book formats and enjoyed both. The narrator captured the voices beautifully, making the experience even more engaging.
As a debut, this is an impressive work-rich in ideas, layered with myth, and brimming with potential. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more of Zara Marielle’s future novels.
Thanks to Union Square & Company, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC/ALC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5/5🌟.
May 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. My ONLY qualm is
I was hopeful for a redemption arc for Brona but alas she was just rotten to the core. Very well written and I felt truly connected to the characters. Kilda was a joy <3.
The narrator Barrie Kreinik was also very good with cadence and accents. So good that I actually thought there were 2 voice actors!
Thank you to netgalley and hatchett audio for the ALC!
I was hopeful for a redemption arc for Brona but alas she was just rotten to the core. Very well written and I felt truly connected to the characters. Kilda was a joy <3.
The narrator Barrie Kreinik was also very good with cadence and accents. So good that I actually thought there were 2 voice actors!
Thank you to netgalley and hatchett audio for the ALC!
April 20, 2026
Just adding a few thoughts here and I’ll write a longer review later.
I enjoyed this. It was dark and twisty and emotional. I loved how we saw the way rage can destroy you. Slowly over time it can poison the mind. But at the same time you can change you were thought you were supposed to be.
It’s truly a beautiful story of love, heartbreak, and revenge.
I enjoyed this. It was dark and twisty and emotional. I loved how we saw the way rage can destroy you. Slowly over time it can poison the mind. But at the same time you can change you were thought you were supposed to be.
It’s truly a beautiful story of love, heartbreak, and revenge.
Read
May 7, 2026I was hooked right from the start! I am in love with all these characters! The narrator absolutely brought the world to life. This was a mix of cozy and suspenseful and heartbreaking and hopeful and just beautiful.
Now, if you'll excuse me, i'll be sobbing about this for the next 3-5 business years.
thank you Netgalley for the audiobook ARC, sorry I'm a few days late
Now, if you'll excuse me, i'll be sobbing about this for the next 3-5 business years.
thank you Netgalley for the audiobook ARC, sorry I'm a few days late
Did Not Finish
April 9, 2026DNF at 30%. I tried but it just wasn’t keeping my attention and the fmc was such a sad and spineless character that I struggled to want to keep going.
February 19, 2026
I can see where this is going but I’m not a fan. I’m sure Marceline’s journey is going to be empowering but until then I just do not want to read about someone so downtrodden and abused. It’s yucky. And that’s not even addressing the fact that her husband found her when she was 17 and he was 25 and that makes him a predator which isn’t unpacked at all. It’s too much.
I also wasn't feeling the Scot-ified English and I feel like sylvan will eventually be exoticized but maybe I'm wrong about that.
Readers looking for something similar to Weyward or in the vein of The Bear and the Nightingale will be happy with this I think.
I also wasn't feeling the Scot-ified English and I feel like sylvan will eventually be exoticized but maybe I'm wrong about that.
Readers looking for something similar to Weyward or in the vein of The Bear and the Nightingale will be happy with this I think.
May 4, 2026
3.5 stars
The nitty-gritty: A magical cafe is the setting for this engaging fantasy that blends mythology and modern themes.
The Café of Infinite Doors has a fascinating premise, but it ended up being a mixed bag for me, mostly because of the characters (I’ll explain more below). I did love the touches of folklore, however, which give it a magical, otherworldly quality. In her author's note, Marielle explains that she loosely based the Raven Goddess character on the Morrigan, an ancient figure from Celtic mythology. But the story also has a modern timeline, and I did enjoy this mix of time periods.
The chapters alternate between the past and present. In the present, we meet Marceline, a young woman who is married to a controlling man named Baxter. Marceline has no freedom at all: Baxter controls everything she does, including the way she dresses, how she takes her coffee, and her daily activities. He refuses to let Marceline get a job, since he’s hoping she’ll become pregnant soon. Marceline has convinced herself that Baxter is always right, but deep down she’s unhappy.
One evening Marceline finds herself walking through an unfamiliar neighborhood, alone in the middle of a rainstorm (thanks to Baxter), and she sees a strange door. Anxious to get out of the rain, she opens it and finds herself in a cafe. But this isn’t just any cafe. It’s a magical waystation of sorts where those who need it can come to feel safe. Doors open all over the world and appear just when someone really needs an escape. Marceline meets the proprietor of the cafe, an odd woman named Lucretia who has feathers and talons just like a bird, a cartographer named Kilda, and a French man named Sylvan—who speaks fluent English courtesy of the magic in the cafe. With their help, Marceline comes to realize that she must figure out how to get away from her husband.
In alternating chapters labeled “Long ago,” we follow two sisters in Scotland. Nine year old Bronagh’s mother is a surrogate for the Raven Goddess and has just given birth to the goddess’s daughter Quill. Bronagh grows up bitter and resentful as Quill is worshipped by the villagers and given delicious food and lavish clothes to wear, while Bronagh is sent to an orphanage after her mother dies in childbirth. Quill wants nothing more than to become friends with her half sister, but Bronagh goes out of her way to be mean and refuses to acknowledge the girl who was responsible for her mother’s death.
Eventually these two timelines come together as the connections between Quill, Bronagh, Marceline, Baxter and Lucretia are revealed.
Of the two timelines, I loved the “long ago” chapters the best. Marielle does a great job of creating a mythology surrounding Quill and her goddess mother and the dynamics created when Bronagh becomes insanely jealous of Quill’ and the way the villages worship her and make sure she has the best of everything. Meanwhile, Bronagh works her fingers to the bone and barely has anything to eat. Year after year, her jealousy grows into a lust for revenge, and this tension carries throughout the entire story.
I also loved the relationship between Lucretia and Kilda, in fact they were the only characters I liked. Lucretia is an immortal and doesn’t age, but she fell in love with Kilda, who is human, so their relationship is especially poignant because Kilda will die one day. Both of them take Marceline under their wings and give her lots of advice about life, acting as mother figures in the story.
As for the other characters, they are a mostly horrible bunch and felt very clichéd. Bronagh is mean and spiteful from the moment Quill is born, and she never loses her anger. Baxter is awful as well, and even though the author tries to get the reader to sympathize with him at the end (blaming his actions on his horrible childhood), I couldn’t bring myself to forgive him. Even worse is Marceline. Yes, I felt sorry for her, but she has absolutely no backbone and makes horrible choices. I understand on some level that her naiveté is probably very believable, and that many women who live with bullies and narcissists feel trapped and unable to get out of the relationship, but as a character in a book, I wanted more of a reason to root for her, and it just wasn’t there.
I was also expecting more of a cozy vibe to the story, especially the scenes that take place in the cafe. However, I found the cafe to be a bit dreary, for some reason, and despite loads of tea being served, I never got that cozy feeling that I was looking for. Along those same lines, there is a “sort of” romance that’s brewing between Marceline and Sylvan, but honestly it turned me off because a) Marceline is still married, and b) I wanted her to grow into an independent woman who doesn’t need a man at all! Or at least a woman who wants to find herself before she commits to another relationship.
Despite my issues, I did enjoy The Café of Infinite Doors. The last quarter of the story in particular is filled with action and tension, and I did love the way the author ended her tale.
Big thanks to Books Forward for providing a review copy.
The nitty-gritty: A magical cafe is the setting for this engaging fantasy that blends mythology and modern themes.
The Café of Infinite Doors has a fascinating premise, but it ended up being a mixed bag for me, mostly because of the characters (I’ll explain more below). I did love the touches of folklore, however, which give it a magical, otherworldly quality. In her author's note, Marielle explains that she loosely based the Raven Goddess character on the Morrigan, an ancient figure from Celtic mythology. But the story also has a modern timeline, and I did enjoy this mix of time periods.
The chapters alternate between the past and present. In the present, we meet Marceline, a young woman who is married to a controlling man named Baxter. Marceline has no freedom at all: Baxter controls everything she does, including the way she dresses, how she takes her coffee, and her daily activities. He refuses to let Marceline get a job, since he’s hoping she’ll become pregnant soon. Marceline has convinced herself that Baxter is always right, but deep down she’s unhappy.
One evening Marceline finds herself walking through an unfamiliar neighborhood, alone in the middle of a rainstorm (thanks to Baxter), and she sees a strange door. Anxious to get out of the rain, she opens it and finds herself in a cafe. But this isn’t just any cafe. It’s a magical waystation of sorts where those who need it can come to feel safe. Doors open all over the world and appear just when someone really needs an escape. Marceline meets the proprietor of the cafe, an odd woman named Lucretia who has feathers and talons just like a bird, a cartographer named Kilda, and a French man named Sylvan—who speaks fluent English courtesy of the magic in the cafe. With their help, Marceline comes to realize that she must figure out how to get away from her husband.
In alternating chapters labeled “Long ago,” we follow two sisters in Scotland. Nine year old Bronagh’s mother is a surrogate for the Raven Goddess and has just given birth to the goddess’s daughter Quill. Bronagh grows up bitter and resentful as Quill is worshipped by the villagers and given delicious food and lavish clothes to wear, while Bronagh is sent to an orphanage after her mother dies in childbirth. Quill wants nothing more than to become friends with her half sister, but Bronagh goes out of her way to be mean and refuses to acknowledge the girl who was responsible for her mother’s death.
Eventually these two timelines come together as the connections between Quill, Bronagh, Marceline, Baxter and Lucretia are revealed.
Of the two timelines, I loved the “long ago” chapters the best. Marielle does a great job of creating a mythology surrounding Quill and her goddess mother and the dynamics created when Bronagh becomes insanely jealous of Quill’ and the way the villages worship her and make sure she has the best of everything. Meanwhile, Bronagh works her fingers to the bone and barely has anything to eat. Year after year, her jealousy grows into a lust for revenge, and this tension carries throughout the entire story.
I also loved the relationship between Lucretia and Kilda, in fact they were the only characters I liked. Lucretia is an immortal and doesn’t age, but she fell in love with Kilda, who is human, so their relationship is especially poignant because Kilda will die one day. Both of them take Marceline under their wings and give her lots of advice about life, acting as mother figures in the story.
As for the other characters, they are a mostly horrible bunch and felt very clichéd. Bronagh is mean and spiteful from the moment Quill is born, and she never loses her anger. Baxter is awful as well, and even though the author tries to get the reader to sympathize with him at the end (blaming his actions on his horrible childhood), I couldn’t bring myself to forgive him. Even worse is Marceline. Yes, I felt sorry for her, but she has absolutely no backbone and makes horrible choices. I understand on some level that her naiveté is probably very believable, and that many women who live with bullies and narcissists feel trapped and unable to get out of the relationship, but as a character in a book, I wanted more of a reason to root for her, and it just wasn’t there.
I was also expecting more of a cozy vibe to the story, especially the scenes that take place in the cafe. However, I found the cafe to be a bit dreary, for some reason, and despite loads of tea being served, I never got that cozy feeling that I was looking for. Along those same lines, there is a “sort of” romance that’s brewing between Marceline and Sylvan, but honestly it turned me off because a) Marceline is still married, and b) I wanted her to grow into an independent woman who doesn’t need a man at all! Or at least a woman who wants to find herself before she commits to another relationship.
Despite my issues, I did enjoy The Café of Infinite Doors. The last quarter of the story in particular is filled with action and tension, and I did love the way the author ended her tale.
Big thanks to Books Forward for providing a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To start with we have two seperate story lines going on: an unknown amount of years ago (long time in Scotland) a mortal woman passes away in childbirth while carrying the goddesses child. Left behind is an older child who is now forced into the villages orphanage to live a life of hard labor and general hardship while her younger sister is segregated and treated like the goddess she will grow to be all the while the older sister becomes more bitter and enraged with each passing year until making a decision that will change both of their lives and shatter everything they currently know... now living in their own seperate prisons for an unknown period of time.
Story 2 is about Marceline she is living in modern day San Francisco trapped in an abusive relationship with Baxter who is truly toxic on their anniversary he leaves her in an unknown to her part of the city where she stumbles into a unique cafe. The Cafe takes in those in need of comfort and support and welcomes anyone who needs help and Marceline is happy to get out of the rain while she worries about if her husband will come back for her.
Marceline eventually returns to the street and Baxter does eventually return for her but Marceline has had a sense of freedom and she wants to feel it again but with no money how will she get back to the cafe? She finds enough money for a bus ride and is able to return to the cafe where she starts a friendship with Lucretia (an obvious magical woman) her partner Kilda (a map maker) and Sylvan a Tahitian man who is truly kind and she hasn't had a lot of kindness in her life... especially lately.
While at the Cafe she finds that the cafe doesn't operate on regular time she could be there for hours in the real world but only a few hours will have passed while in the cafe, everyone who comes in to find shelter has the ability to speak with each other without language barriers and Lucretia even though she never leaves the cafe she learns about the outside world from the cafe's guests and the birds that come in and out of the cafe. Marceline then has to sneak out of the house to get to the cafe and hope that Baxter won't catch her in the process leading to some more tense moments.
I had a really hard time listening to this book due to how cowed Marceline is her relationship with Baxter it is really tough to watch as he continues to belittle her make her feel like she would never make it without him, he's kept her isolated to the point where she no longer has any friends and is not even able to have access to anything outside their home since he believes that she shouldn't have access to the internet and since her father and grandmother have both passed away she has no family left because "I should be all the family you need." The author did a good job making these situations truly uncomfortable and tense I physically felt afraid for Marceline while listening. I was really upset with Baxter the whole book and struggled with Marceline who was by this point in the relationship gaslighting herself into making up excuses for this jerk, I know that her situation was really tough but I wish it didn't take up so much of the book.
I kind of liked the back and forth between modern day and "Long Long ago" but wish that the stories blended together sooner so it wouldn't feel like so many different things happening every other chapter. I think that the story would have benefited from more modern day relationships with Marceline and the cafe's characters and building her self confidence and learning real life skills to prepare her for being able to leave her relationship. I did enjoy the relationships that Marceline made with those that came into the cafe and you could see over time how she realized that she was being treated badly and deserved better at home.
I could see what the book was heading towards fairly early on in the book but the ending all seemed to spiral a bit out of control and wrap things up fairly quickly for the tense build up that we were waiting for and I definately don't feel that Baxter had the type of ending that he deserved (maybe I'm still harboring my own anger and resentment towards this man).
I did start to enjoy this book more towards the end but it just took too long for me to get there.
I thank Netgalley and the author for this early listen copy!
book blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Good Vs. Evil *magical realm *portals *Goddess *Toxic relationship *Marriage in trouble *gaslighting
*true villains *netgalley ALC 4/12 *State Challenge California (Repeat) *found family *multiple POV
*multiple Time lines *sapphic relationship *trigger warnings (abortion, abusive relationship, violence)
Story 2 is about Marceline she is living in modern day San Francisco trapped in an abusive relationship with Baxter who is truly toxic on their anniversary he leaves her in an unknown to her part of the city where she stumbles into a unique cafe. The Cafe takes in those in need of comfort and support and welcomes anyone who needs help and Marceline is happy to get out of the rain while she worries about if her husband will come back for her.
Marceline eventually returns to the street and Baxter does eventually return for her but Marceline has had a sense of freedom and she wants to feel it again but with no money how will she get back to the cafe? She finds enough money for a bus ride and is able to return to the cafe where she starts a friendship with Lucretia (an obvious magical woman) her partner Kilda (a map maker) and Sylvan a Tahitian man who is truly kind and she hasn't had a lot of kindness in her life... especially lately.
While at the Cafe she finds that the cafe doesn't operate on regular time she could be there for hours in the real world but only a few hours will have passed while in the cafe, everyone who comes in to find shelter has the ability to speak with each other without language barriers and Lucretia even though she never leaves the cafe she learns about the outside world from the cafe's guests and the birds that come in and out of the cafe. Marceline then has to sneak out of the house to get to the cafe and hope that Baxter won't catch her in the process leading to some more tense moments.
I had a really hard time listening to this book due to how cowed Marceline is her relationship with Baxter it is really tough to watch as he continues to belittle her make her feel like she would never make it without him, he's kept her isolated to the point where she no longer has any friends and is not even able to have access to anything outside their home since he believes that she shouldn't have access to the internet and since her father and grandmother have both passed away she has no family left because "I should be all the family you need." The author did a good job making these situations truly uncomfortable and tense I physically felt afraid for Marceline while listening. I was really upset with Baxter the whole book and struggled with Marceline who was by this point in the relationship gaslighting herself into making up excuses for this jerk, I know that her situation was really tough but I wish it didn't take up so much of the book.
I kind of liked the back and forth between modern day and "Long Long ago" but wish that the stories blended together sooner so it wouldn't feel like so many different things happening every other chapter. I think that the story would have benefited from more modern day relationships with Marceline and the cafe's characters and building her self confidence and learning real life skills to prepare her for being able to leave her relationship. I did enjoy the relationships that Marceline made with those that came into the cafe and you could see over time how she realized that she was being treated badly and deserved better at home.
I could see what the book was heading towards fairly early on in the book but the ending all seemed to spiral a bit out of control and wrap things up fairly quickly for the tense build up that we were waiting for and I definately don't feel that Baxter had the type of ending that he deserved (maybe I'm still harboring my own anger and resentment towards this man).
I did start to enjoy this book more towards the end but it just took too long for me to get there.
I thank Netgalley and the author for this early listen copy!
book blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Good Vs. Evil *magical realm *portals *Goddess *Toxic relationship *Marriage in trouble *gaslighting
*true villains *netgalley ALC 4/12 *State Challenge California (Repeat) *found family *multiple POV
*multiple Time lines *sapphic relationship *trigger warnings (abortion, abusive relationship, violence)
April 3, 2026
Thank you Union Square & Co for the arc copy.
This book started off strong. I really like books that scathe the boundary between childish and grown up.
I liked Marceline’s internal monologue. Struggling to leave an abusive relationship even if you love them was portrayed relatively well.
The other characters were fun to read. Kind hearted, good people that I felt for. The setting itself was really creative. And I wish I could find a cafe like that in my world.
Unfortunately there were also many things I didn’t like about this book.
For me the writing was often too sentimental. I get that the author wanted to make me cry but I really don’t like it when someone tries to force me. Which happened constantly.
I am a nitpick when it comes to this. And I know that.
There is a fine line between making me cry because I am genuinely feeling the emotion and a story telling me that I have to. For me it’s always the amount of sentences used.
This writer often almost had it! It was just that there were too many tear jerking sentences. Too many emotional scenes, too much of the same. Making it more annoying than heartfelt.
And then there was the villain of the story.
Because of the tears that this story wanted me to shed, the villain was often really annoying to me. I know there was no intend to write a whiny villain but that’s exactly what happened.
To write a good villain is hard, and I know that.
But this one’s journey just felt petty. She wasn’t dangerous to me, not really. She was a storybook villain who did things just because they were evil. It felt really cartoonish.
The revenge story became tiring really quick. Because there wasn’t enough character development from the start for this villain. Her character had been established from the beginning. Making her really one dimensional and unable to take seriously.
And this book really emphasized on the danger of this character. But it never showed what it promised.
We talk about really powerful magic but we can injure said magic wielder by throwing plates at them? I find that silly. It contradicted itself by doing that.
And I can easily lean into a book playing with multiple genres (because it went from adult to middle grade really quick). But not when it has been building up to something else.
Overall I really liked the theme of this story. The characters were, for the most part, well written. And the setting was really well thought of.
And if it had just been about the complexity of relationships without the villain, I would’ve enjoyed this story so much more.
This book started off strong. I really like books that scathe the boundary between childish and grown up.
I liked Marceline’s internal monologue. Struggling to leave an abusive relationship even if you love them was portrayed relatively well.
The other characters were fun to read. Kind hearted, good people that I felt for. The setting itself was really creative. And I wish I could find a cafe like that in my world.
Unfortunately there were also many things I didn’t like about this book.
For me the writing was often too sentimental. I get that the author wanted to make me cry but I really don’t like it when someone tries to force me. Which happened constantly.
I am a nitpick when it comes to this. And I know that.
There is a fine line between making me cry because I am genuinely feeling the emotion and a story telling me that I have to. For me it’s always the amount of sentences used.
This writer often almost had it! It was just that there were too many tear jerking sentences. Too many emotional scenes, too much of the same. Making it more annoying than heartfelt.
And then there was the villain of the story.
Because of the tears that this story wanted me to shed, the villain was often really annoying to me. I know there was no intend to write a whiny villain but that’s exactly what happened.
To write a good villain is hard, and I know that.
But this one’s journey just felt petty. She wasn’t dangerous to me, not really. She was a storybook villain who did things just because they were evil. It felt really cartoonish.
The revenge story became tiring really quick. Because there wasn’t enough character development from the start for this villain. Her character had been established from the beginning. Making her really one dimensional and unable to take seriously.
And this book really emphasized on the danger of this character. But it never showed what it promised.
We talk about really powerful magic but we can injure said magic wielder by throwing plates at them? I find that silly. It contradicted itself by doing that.
And I can easily lean into a book playing with multiple genres (because it went from adult to middle grade really quick). But not when it has been building up to something else.
Overall I really liked the theme of this story. The characters were, for the most part, well written. And the setting was really well thought of.
And if it had just been about the complexity of relationships without the villain, I would’ve enjoyed this story so much more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** I received an ARC through NetGalley. My views are my own.**
3.5 stars rounded up
"How can I break a tradition that shaped the foundation of what I am?" This was a truly lovely quote and also the foundation of this book. The Cafe of Infinite Doors told the story of multiple lost souls who all found their way to a magical cafe that exists between time and space, only showing itself to those in need. Marceline, the FMC finds this cafe during a time when she's questioning herself and her marriage, juxtaposing between her story and the story of two sisters born centuries before.
What I liked:
-This was a great concept. I always enjoy a portal fantasy, and I liked the found family elements.
-The backstory. The chapters from Bronagh's perspective really gripped me. Her character felt very multi-layered, and I found myself excited every time it was time to read her chapters.
-The writing. This book hooked me quickly, and as a mood reader, that's often the most important aspect of a book to me. Even during times when I felt like the plot slowed, I was always taken in by the writing style and the way the characters and atmosphere were painted.
What I liked less
-I found myself more interested in the backstory between Quill and Bronagh than I was in the main plotline of Marceline and her friends. While I overall enjoyed her story, I felt myself losing interest a few times in the middle of the book when it felt like things were slowing down.
-I wanted more backstory on the side characters. The found family angle was very enjoyable, but each of the side characters had such interesting back stories that I wanted to hear more about their experiences outside of the brief history we were given.
**mild spoilers**
-Part of me felt like this needed to be split into two books. While I enjoyed Marceline's self-growth and was proud of her choices, her plot almost resolved itself too easily. I had a hard time believing that as someone who had been in an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship for all of her adult life, she was able to change her goals and self-esteem problems so quickly, even with the support of her found family, and was so immediately ready to jump into something new romantically.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for someone who loved magical realism and found family.
3.5 stars rounded up
"How can I break a tradition that shaped the foundation of what I am?" This was a truly lovely quote and also the foundation of this book. The Cafe of Infinite Doors told the story of multiple lost souls who all found their way to a magical cafe that exists between time and space, only showing itself to those in need. Marceline, the FMC finds this cafe during a time when she's questioning herself and her marriage, juxtaposing between her story and the story of two sisters born centuries before.
What I liked:
-This was a great concept. I always enjoy a portal fantasy, and I liked the found family elements.
-The backstory. The chapters from Bronagh's perspective really gripped me. Her character felt very multi-layered, and I found myself excited every time it was time to read her chapters.
-The writing. This book hooked me quickly, and as a mood reader, that's often the most important aspect of a book to me. Even during times when I felt like the plot slowed, I was always taken in by the writing style and the way the characters and atmosphere were painted.
What I liked less
-I found myself more interested in the backstory between Quill and Bronagh than I was in the main plotline of Marceline and her friends. While I overall enjoyed her story, I felt myself losing interest a few times in the middle of the book when it felt like things were slowing down.
-I wanted more backstory on the side characters. The found family angle was very enjoyable, but each of the side characters had such interesting back stories that I wanted to hear more about their experiences outside of the brief history we were given.
**mild spoilers**
-Part of me felt like this needed to be split into two books. While I enjoyed Marceline's self-growth and was proud of her choices, her plot almost resolved itself too easily. I had a hard time believing that as someone who had been in an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship for all of her adult life, she was able to change her goals and self-esteem problems so quickly, even with the support of her found family, and was so immediately ready to jump into something new romantically.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for someone who loved magical realism and found family.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review*
If you enjoy the warm, low-stakes magic of Legends & Lattes blended with the emotional depth and found-family tenderness of a T.J. Klune story, this book lands squarely in that sweet spot. It carries that cozy fantasy glow, but beneath it runs a deeper current that pulls you further than you might expect.
The structure could have been tricky, hopping between ancient Scotland and the present-day, but the pacing never stumbles. Each timeline feels purposeful, like two threads in a tapestry slowly revealing the same haunting pattern. The transitions are smooth, and the tension builds in a way that keeps you turning pages without ever feeling rushed.
At its heart, this is a story about sibling rivalry stretched across centuries, sharpened by destiny. One sibling is fated for godhood; the other stands just close enough to taste it, and maybe, just maybe, take it. That premise alone is compelling, but what elevates the story is how human it all feels. The jealousy, the longing, the ache of being almost chosen. It lingers.
Woven between these threads is another story, quieter at first but no less powerful: a meek woman pushed to the brink, who must learn to take control of her own life, even if the cost is everything she’s ever known. Her journey doesn’t just run parallel, it seeps into the bones of the larger narrative, shaping outcomes, reframing choices, and casting long shadows across the siblings’ fate. What begins as a personal reckoning becomes something far more consequential.
What truly sets this book apart is its willingness to sit with difficult themes. Abuse, abortion, and grief are handled with a quiet, deliberate care that never feels exploitative. Instead, the story creates space for these experiences, allowing them to breathe and be acknowledged with compassion. It doesn’t rush to tidy conclusions, and that restraint gives it weight.
And yet, despite the heaviness it brushes against, the story never loses its warmth. Found family threads through everything, offering small moments of light like lanterns in the dark. The result is a narrative that feels both comforting and honest, like being told a difficult truth by someone who cares about you.
This is cozy fantasy with teeth. Soft in its atmosphere, but unafraid to bite into the complicated parts of being human.
If you enjoy the warm, low-stakes magic of Legends & Lattes blended with the emotional depth and found-family tenderness of a T.J. Klune story, this book lands squarely in that sweet spot. It carries that cozy fantasy glow, but beneath it runs a deeper current that pulls you further than you might expect.
The structure could have been tricky, hopping between ancient Scotland and the present-day, but the pacing never stumbles. Each timeline feels purposeful, like two threads in a tapestry slowly revealing the same haunting pattern. The transitions are smooth, and the tension builds in a way that keeps you turning pages without ever feeling rushed.
At its heart, this is a story about sibling rivalry stretched across centuries, sharpened by destiny. One sibling is fated for godhood; the other stands just close enough to taste it, and maybe, just maybe, take it. That premise alone is compelling, but what elevates the story is how human it all feels. The jealousy, the longing, the ache of being almost chosen. It lingers.
Woven between these threads is another story, quieter at first but no less powerful: a meek woman pushed to the brink, who must learn to take control of her own life, even if the cost is everything she’s ever known. Her journey doesn’t just run parallel, it seeps into the bones of the larger narrative, shaping outcomes, reframing choices, and casting long shadows across the siblings’ fate. What begins as a personal reckoning becomes something far more consequential.
What truly sets this book apart is its willingness to sit with difficult themes. Abuse, abortion, and grief are handled with a quiet, deliberate care that never feels exploitative. Instead, the story creates space for these experiences, allowing them to breathe and be acknowledged with compassion. It doesn’t rush to tidy conclusions, and that restraint gives it weight.
And yet, despite the heaviness it brushes against, the story never loses its warmth. Found family threads through everything, offering small moments of light like lanterns in the dark. The result is a narrative that feels both comforting and honest, like being told a difficult truth by someone who cares about you.
This is cozy fantasy with teeth. Soft in its atmosphere, but unafraid to bite into the complicated parts of being human.
April 28, 2026
TLDR: a poor girl trying to escape the misery of her marriage and her found family of cafe strangers stumbles into a long-lived rivalry between sister-gods
Rating: 2/5 stars
Specific thoughts: This book tells a story across two timelines: first the story of a a girl meant to be a god and the wrath of her sister, and, second, the story of a woman who married too young and is now trapped in a relationship that slowly cuts her off from the rest of the world. One of the strongest aspects of this book is how the author leverages this split timeline to foreshadow future events in the book. Another strength of the book is the development of Marceline's character as she grows out of Baxter's shadow, although, at times, the book is very exposition-heavy in telling the audience how exactly Marceline is being mistreated and almost reading us the guides that she is.
However, there are some gaps within the details of the story that were distracting, the ending of the book felt a bit rushed, and the overall arc felt very different from what the summary suggested. An example of an odd quirk in the book has to do with the translation spell in the cafe that allows everyone to understand one another. The character who speaks French appears to be using English idioms that are then also literally translated into English. I am not sure all the idioms/phrases used within the book are shared between languages, but the original could generally be guessed from the literal re-wordings. In terms of ending of the book - I think Marceline would have benefited from further independent character development after her treatment by Baxter, and I am unsure that Sylvan's arc felt fully concluded. It felt a bit unfair to both characters. Finally, the overall story focused a lot on Marceline and less on the promised magical café. There was a lot going on in the book, between Marceline's personal life, the origin story of the sibling arc, the lives of some of the others at the cafe, and the modern culmination of the sibling arc. All these stories felt mashed together, sometimes jarringly, and the worldbuilding wasn't quite there.
Audiobook-specific: I enjoyed the audiobook and the narrator did a good job of vocally differentiating characters.
Thank you to Hachette Audio & NetGalley for the advance copy audiobook
Rating: 2/5 stars
Specific thoughts: This book tells a story across two timelines: first the story of a a girl meant to be a god and the wrath of her sister, and, second, the story of a woman who married too young and is now trapped in a relationship that slowly cuts her off from the rest of the world. One of the strongest aspects of this book is how the author leverages this split timeline to foreshadow future events in the book. Another strength of the book is the development of Marceline's character as she grows out of Baxter's shadow, although, at times, the book is very exposition-heavy in telling the audience how exactly Marceline is being mistreated and almost reading us the guides that she is.
However, there are some gaps within the details of the story that were distracting, the ending of the book felt a bit rushed, and the overall arc felt very different from what the summary suggested. An example of an odd quirk in the book has to do with the translation spell in the cafe that allows everyone to understand one another. The character who speaks French appears to be using English idioms that are then also literally translated into English. I am not sure all the idioms/phrases used within the book are shared between languages, but the original could generally be guessed from the literal re-wordings. In terms of ending of the book - I think Marceline would have benefited from further independent character development after her treatment by Baxter, and I am unsure that Sylvan's arc felt fully concluded. It felt a bit unfair to both characters. Finally, the overall story focused a lot on Marceline and less on the promised magical café. There was a lot going on in the book, between Marceline's personal life, the origin story of the sibling arc, the lives of some of the others at the cafe, and the modern culmination of the sibling arc. All these stories felt mashed together, sometimes jarringly, and the worldbuilding wasn't quite there.
Audiobook-specific: I enjoyed the audiobook and the narrator did a good job of vocally differentiating characters.
Thank you to Hachette Audio & NetGalley for the advance copy audiobook
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5☆ | How is this the authors debut novel?? I mean this book and the writing style and everything, just to me doesn't seem like one of an author who's barely publishing her first book.
I was scrolling on NetGalley looking for more books to request for (do I currently have 30+ arcs on NetGalley that I have to finish?..Yes. Am I still going to request for more? Absolutely.) When I saw this book, I loved the cover and after reading the blurb immediately knew that I wanted this book.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I really loved the vibes of this book, very cozy fantasy but also with stakes.
I truly loved all the characters (except for Baxter 🚩) and the world was so enjoyable too.
I loved seeing Marceline grow as a character, learning to trust herself and leave that awful man that was her husband.
And I think that the author wrote this really well, in the way of struggling to leave an abusive relationship because despite everything she still loves him. And he does everything in his power to make it impossible for her to do so.
Also uh, Baxter deserves nothing and his ending was far too nice for how awful he is and I hope he rots🥰
I mean he was truly the biggest red flag out there.
First of all, when they got married she was like 17 and he was 25?? 🚨🚨
And then in the beginning, on their five year wedding anniversary he freaks out and becomes a controlling freak (because a waiter at the restaurant they were at talked to her and handed her a slip of paper she dropped). And 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 he later told her to get out of the car, while it was RAINING, to walk home.
I especially loved the narrator for this audiobook, Barrie Kreinik, I think she did a wonderful job voicing the characters and many times I was thinking that there were multiple narrators because she was voicing an fmc from San Francisco 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Scottish characters, and I think she did the accents really well.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
I think someone who's trying to get into fantasy books would really enjoy this. It's very clearly fantasy, but also not high fantasy or anything. And while there are some heavier parts, it's a pretty cozy read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Audiobook - 0🌶 - 5☆
I was scrolling on NetGalley looking for more books to request for (do I currently have 30+ arcs on NetGalley that I have to finish?..Yes. Am I still going to request for more? Absolutely.) When I saw this book, I loved the cover and after reading the blurb immediately knew that I wanted this book.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I really loved the vibes of this book, very cozy fantasy but also with stakes.
I truly loved all the characters (except for Baxter 🚩) and the world was so enjoyable too.
I loved seeing Marceline grow as a character, learning to trust herself and leave that awful man that was her husband.
And I think that the author wrote this really well, in the way of struggling to leave an abusive relationship because despite everything she still loves him. And he does everything in his power to make it impossible for her to do so.
Also uh, Baxter deserves nothing and his ending was far too nice for how awful he is and I hope he rots🥰
I mean he was truly the biggest red flag out there.
First of all, when they got married she was like 17 and he was 25?? 🚨🚨
And then in the beginning, on their five year wedding anniversary he freaks out and becomes a controlling freak (because a waiter at the restaurant they were at talked to her and handed her a slip of paper she dropped). And 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 he later told her to get out of the car, while it was RAINING, to walk home.
I especially loved the narrator for this audiobook, Barrie Kreinik, I think she did a wonderful job voicing the characters and many times I was thinking that there were multiple narrators because she was voicing an fmc from San Francisco 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Scottish characters, and I think she did the accents really well.
𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍:
I think someone who's trying to get into fantasy books would really enjoy this. It's very clearly fantasy, but also not high fantasy or anything. And while there are some heavier parts, it's a pretty cozy read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Audiobook - 0🌶 - 5☆
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! This was incredible! AND…to realize AFTER THE FACT that this was a DEBUT NOVEL for this author??
AMAZING!!
I will definitely be looking for more from this author!
There are two timelines in this one… the one labeled ‘long ago’ and one in present day.
Long ago, a baby was born as a Goddess with bird 🦅 bloodlines. Unfortunately, the woman who gave birth to her died during the process and left behind another, older daughter… but with no special bloodline. Branough, the older daughter literally HATES the baby, Quinn, and does everything in her power to kill her. When she is unable to, she goes after her Bird Mother!
In present day we have Marceline, who is a young married woman who realizes a little too late that maybe she rushed into this marriage and it was not in her best interest… as he is controlling and narcissistic, and just cruel! ( If I could’ve reached through the book and strangled him myself, I think I would have! )
As she’s trying to find her way in her VERY RESTRICTED life, she actually wanders into a true refuge of a place, and makes an odd array of friends via this strange little cafe.
Now, if anyone would’ve told me that I’d be invested in a book where a woman wears feathers like hair and has talons as fingers/nails, I’d probably tell them they were smoking a bit too much of something nefarious… BUT, he we are!
I laughed. I cried. I felt all the feels in this one… and so, all the stars for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨
If you are able to put away preconceptions and open your mind to magic and mystery, please don’t pass this one by!!!
#TheCafeOfInfiniteDoors by @ZaraMarielle and narrated phenomenally by @BarrieKreinik.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it starting 4/28/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HachettePublishing and @UnionSquareAndCompany for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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AMAZING!!
I will definitely be looking for more from this author!
There are two timelines in this one… the one labeled ‘long ago’ and one in present day.
Long ago, a baby was born as a Goddess with bird 🦅 bloodlines. Unfortunately, the woman who gave birth to her died during the process and left behind another, older daughter… but with no special bloodline. Branough, the older daughter literally HATES the baby, Quinn, and does everything in her power to kill her. When she is unable to, she goes after her Bird Mother!
In present day we have Marceline, who is a young married woman who realizes a little too late that maybe she rushed into this marriage and it was not in her best interest… as he is controlling and narcissistic, and just cruel! ( If I could’ve reached through the book and strangled him myself, I think I would have! )
As she’s trying to find her way in her VERY RESTRICTED life, she actually wanders into a true refuge of a place, and makes an odd array of friends via this strange little cafe.
Now, if anyone would’ve told me that I’d be invested in a book where a woman wears feathers like hair and has talons as fingers/nails, I’d probably tell them they were smoking a bit too much of something nefarious… BUT, he we are!
I laughed. I cried. I felt all the feels in this one… and so, all the stars for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨
If you are able to put away preconceptions and open your mind to magic and mystery, please don’t pass this one by!!!
#TheCafeOfInfiniteDoors by @ZaraMarielle and narrated phenomenally by @BarrieKreinik.
*** This one has not been released yet, but please keep your eyes 👀 open for it starting 4/28/26! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @HachettePublishing and @UnionSquareAndCompany for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a mesmerizing yet haunting read that kept me hooked from start to finish 🌌✨. The mythical Scotland setting was rich with vivid descriptions and ancient magic, but the story’s dark undertones made it feel intense and sometimes quite unsettling 😔🔥. The feud between the goddess’s daughters was brutal and heartbreaking, especially with the way the firstborn seethes in her sister’s shadow, so much jealousy, rage, and pain 💔😡.
What really hit me hard was Marceline’s relationship with her toxic husband, Baxter. The controlling, manipulative nature of their marriage was so vivid and uncomfortable to read, I hated Baxter’s attitude and how he kept her trapped in his world 😤. It made me feel angry and helpless, which was a testament to how well the author conveyed the emotional weight of abuse and toxicity.
On a brighter note, the magical café in San Francisco was such a beautiful, enchanting escape 🧚♀️☕️. The way Lucretia, Kilda, and Sylvan created a safe space for Marceline was heartwarming, and I loved the sense of community and hope they brought to her life. The café’s portal and its magical atmosphere felt like a much-needed refuge from the darkness outside, a symbol of hope and new beginnings 🌙🕯️.
As the story progressed and the portals started closing, the sense of impending danger grew darker and more tense. The shift from warm and honeyed light to shadowy gloom was so vivid I could feel the growing threat looming over everything. The stakes became higher, and Marceline’s journey to choose herself over her oppressive marriage was both inspiring and heartbreaking 💔.
This story was a powerful blend of myth, magic, and raw emotion. It deals with heavy themes like trauma, abuse, and the fight for freedom, definitely not a light read, but one that left a lasting impression. If you love stories that explore darkness and resilience, this is absolutely worth picking up, just be prepared for some really intense, gritty moments that will stay with you 🌟📚.
What really hit me hard was Marceline’s relationship with her toxic husband, Baxter. The controlling, manipulative nature of their marriage was so vivid and uncomfortable to read, I hated Baxter’s attitude and how he kept her trapped in his world 😤. It made me feel angry and helpless, which was a testament to how well the author conveyed the emotional weight of abuse and toxicity.
On a brighter note, the magical café in San Francisco was such a beautiful, enchanting escape 🧚♀️☕️. The way Lucretia, Kilda, and Sylvan created a safe space for Marceline was heartwarming, and I loved the sense of community and hope they brought to her life. The café’s portal and its magical atmosphere felt like a much-needed refuge from the darkness outside, a symbol of hope and new beginnings 🌙🕯️.
As the story progressed and the portals started closing, the sense of impending danger grew darker and more tense. The shift from warm and honeyed light to shadowy gloom was so vivid I could feel the growing threat looming over everything. The stakes became higher, and Marceline’s journey to choose herself over her oppressive marriage was both inspiring and heartbreaking 💔.
This story was a powerful blend of myth, magic, and raw emotion. It deals with heavy themes like trauma, abuse, and the fight for freedom, definitely not a light read, but one that left a lasting impression. If you love stories that explore darkness and resilience, this is absolutely worth picking up, just be prepared for some really intense, gritty moments that will stay with you 🌟📚.
May 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Cafe of Infinite Doors is one of those rare novels that understands restraint. It balances grief, love, trauma, mystery, and fantasy with a remarkable amount of care while never losing sight of its characters.
What impressed me most was how well the novel handled difficult subject matter without ever becoming sensationalized or emotionally manipulative. Themes such as emotional abuse, loss, and death are present throughout the story, but they are written with maturity and nuance. Marceline, in particular, was beautifully developed. She begins the novel timid and deeply shaped by the emotional abuse she has endured, but watching her personality slowly emerge over the course of the story felt incredibly authentic and earned.
The dual timelines were also exceptionally well done. The author maintained strong consistency between both eras while allowing each storyline to feel emotionally distinct and fully realized. The transitions never felt confusing or uneven, and the eventual convergence of the narrative threads was satisfying and thoughtfully constructed.
Brona was another standout character for me. Her motivations, bitterness, and inability to emotionally evolve beyond her vengeance felt psychologically believable rather than exaggerated. The reveal involving Baxter was especially effective; it was properly foreshadowed without becoming predictable, which made the payoff land perfectly.
I also want to specifically highlight the audiobook narration, which was excellent. The performance captured the quieter emotional tone of the novel beautifully and enhanced the atmosphere without overplaying its heavier moments. It added a great deal to the overall experience.
This is a well-paced, emotionally intelligent, and deeply atmospheric story that never sacrifices substance for aesthetics. Overall, a fantastic novel and an easy five-star read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Cafe of Infinite Doors is one of those rare novels that understands restraint. It balances grief, love, trauma, mystery, and fantasy with a remarkable amount of care while never losing sight of its characters.
What impressed me most was how well the novel handled difficult subject matter without ever becoming sensationalized or emotionally manipulative. Themes such as emotional abuse, loss, and death are present throughout the story, but they are written with maturity and nuance. Marceline, in particular, was beautifully developed. She begins the novel timid and deeply shaped by the emotional abuse she has endured, but watching her personality slowly emerge over the course of the story felt incredibly authentic and earned.
The dual timelines were also exceptionally well done. The author maintained strong consistency between both eras while allowing each storyline to feel emotionally distinct and fully realized. The transitions never felt confusing or uneven, and the eventual convergence of the narrative threads was satisfying and thoughtfully constructed.
Brona was another standout character for me. Her motivations, bitterness, and inability to emotionally evolve beyond her vengeance felt psychologically believable rather than exaggerated. The reveal involving Baxter was especially effective; it was properly foreshadowed without becoming predictable, which made the payoff land perfectly.
I also want to specifically highlight the audiobook narration, which was excellent. The performance captured the quieter emotional tone of the novel beautifully and enhanced the atmosphere without overplaying its heavier moments. It added a great deal to the overall experience.
This is a well-paced, emotionally intelligent, and deeply atmospheric story that never sacrifices substance for aesthetics. Overall, a fantastic novel and an easy five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy.
I made the mistake of reading other reviews of this before I started reading. I read several opinions who talked about the main character, Marceline with criticism for not standing up to her bully of a husband. They also criticized the way the story goes back and forth between the present and the past. Ultimately, I think these criticisms should have stayed with those reviewers because in my opinion, the problem was in their lack of understanding in many ways.
Yes, Marceline is a victim of a very dysfunctional relationship with a narcissistic, damaged man. As someone who has also been in a similar relationship, I think the author did a great job of portraying a difficult and uncomfortable situation. Half of the story is Marceline‘s journey into self-worth and understanding that she deserves more and ultimately is able to leave the destructive relationship with the help of the people in the café.
I really enjoyed the way. The story goes back-and-forth from the past to the present. It is a bit like a mystery in the way that it unravels and I won’t spoil it, but I think we get to know exactly enough at each given moment to keep us wanting more about what happened and what’s going to happen.
It all comes together beautifully in a way that tells a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable story about Hope and the power of love and the importance of self-worth and knowing who you are. I would absolutely recommend this story and I have already. I will continue to do so, because I think it’s a story that fits a need in our world. As long as there are people who are abused, there will be a need for stories full of hope. I love this book, and I wish the author endless success.
I made the mistake of reading other reviews of this before I started reading. I read several opinions who talked about the main character, Marceline with criticism for not standing up to her bully of a husband. They also criticized the way the story goes back and forth between the present and the past. Ultimately, I think these criticisms should have stayed with those reviewers because in my opinion, the problem was in their lack of understanding in many ways.
Yes, Marceline is a victim of a very dysfunctional relationship with a narcissistic, damaged man. As someone who has also been in a similar relationship, I think the author did a great job of portraying a difficult and uncomfortable situation. Half of the story is Marceline‘s journey into self-worth and understanding that she deserves more and ultimately is able to leave the destructive relationship with the help of the people in the café.
I really enjoyed the way. The story goes back-and-forth from the past to the present. It is a bit like a mystery in the way that it unravels and I won’t spoil it, but I think we get to know exactly enough at each given moment to keep us wanting more about what happened and what’s going to happen.
It all comes together beautifully in a way that tells a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable story about Hope and the power of love and the importance of self-worth and knowing who you are. I would absolutely recommend this story and I have already. I will continue to do so, because I think it’s a story that fits a need in our world. As long as there are people who are abused, there will be a need for stories full of hope. I love this book, and I wish the author endless success.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this one really wanting to love it, and to be fair, it started off strong. The dual timelines—modern day and “long ago” Scotland—were immediately intriguing. The modern storyline especially felt promising, setting Marceline up for a compelling arc of empowerment and escape from her clearly abusive husband through the mysterious, magical café. The first third even gave me The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue vibes, which had me fully invested.
Unfortunately, things began to fall apart as the two storylines merged. The darker turn in the café’s magic didn’t feel consistent with the established magic system, and the reveal of Lucretia’s vengeful sister working with Baxter to hunt her down felt a bit too convenient rather than earned.
The final third is where the story really lost me. Marceline and Baxter’s relationship resolution was particularly frustrating—Baxter’s role in “saving the day” didn’t align with his earlier controlling behavior, and it felt like he avoided meaningful consequences. The small redemption arc he was given didn’t feel justified.
There were also moments that leaned a bit too campy for my taste (like earplugs being the solution to mind control), which pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Overall, the book felt like two separate, compelling ideas that didn’t quite come together cohesively. I absolutely loved the concept, but the execution didn’t fully deliver for me.
That said, I did really enjoy the audiobook narration. The accents were beautifully done, and the narrators captured the tone and spirit of the story well.
I went into this one really wanting to love it, and to be fair, it started off strong. The dual timelines—modern day and “long ago” Scotland—were immediately intriguing. The modern storyline especially felt promising, setting Marceline up for a compelling arc of empowerment and escape from her clearly abusive husband through the mysterious, magical café. The first third even gave me The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue vibes, which had me fully invested.
Unfortunately, things began to fall apart as the two storylines merged. The darker turn in the café’s magic didn’t feel consistent with the established magic system, and the reveal of Lucretia’s vengeful sister working with Baxter to hunt her down felt a bit too convenient rather than earned.
The final third is where the story really lost me. Marceline and Baxter’s relationship resolution was particularly frustrating—Baxter’s role in “saving the day” didn’t align with his earlier controlling behavior, and it felt like he avoided meaningful consequences. The small redemption arc he was given didn’t feel justified.
There were also moments that leaned a bit too campy for my taste (like earplugs being the solution to mind control), which pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Overall, the book felt like two separate, compelling ideas that didn’t quite come together cohesively. I absolutely loved the concept, but the execution didn’t fully deliver for me.
That said, I did really enjoy the audiobook narration. The accents were beautifully done, and the narrators captured the tone and spirit of the story well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated from the beginning. I had a few things I struggled with, but overall I loved the story. I had a lot of fun with both story lines and the writing was beautiful. I cannot believe this is a debut novel.
There were parts I struggled with but I really think that was intentional as it was touching a very important topic. Baxter was the absolute worst. I don't think his redemption arc was satisfying. He got off easy, in my opinion. Listening to the parts where he was present made me deeply uncomfortable because the abuse and manipulation was so well written and did not sugar coat how it is for so many women.
The other thing I struggled with but I ultimately think was necessary was Marceline's lack of backbone. I am not someone who would ever let anyone talk to or control me in the way she did with Baxter but I also have a very different story and personality to this character.
What I see as a lack of backbone is the way so many women have had to live in order to survive. Who am I to judge someone already made to feel so small? She had NO ONE. The only voice she had was someone telling her she was nothing without him. And if you hear something enough, your brain is going to start believing it. She needed real support and her found family at the cafe showed her that. She really had only the tiniest idea of how much she needed real love and support.
These things, while hard, were so so important for the story. This story was a deep look into the way we allow ourselves to be loved and treated. It's about finding strength in yourself and realizing that doing so doesn't mean you have to do it alone. I was shocked to find myself in tears (I won't say happy or sad) at the end, which really was the cherry on top of a fantastic reading experience. I love when a book makes me feel deeply.
I really enjoyed this book. I was captivated from the beginning. I had a few things I struggled with, but overall I loved the story. I had a lot of fun with both story lines and the writing was beautiful. I cannot believe this is a debut novel.
There were parts I struggled with but I really think that was intentional as it was touching a very important topic. Baxter was the absolute worst. I don't think his redemption arc was satisfying. He got off easy, in my opinion. Listening to the parts where he was present made me deeply uncomfortable because the abuse and manipulation was so well written and did not sugar coat how it is for so many women.
The other thing I struggled with but I ultimately think was necessary was Marceline's lack of backbone. I am not someone who would ever let anyone talk to or control me in the way she did with Baxter but I also have a very different story and personality to this character.
What I see as a lack of backbone is the way so many women have had to live in order to survive. Who am I to judge someone already made to feel so small? She had NO ONE. The only voice she had was someone telling her she was nothing without him. And if you hear something enough, your brain is going to start believing it. She needed real support and her found family at the cafe showed her that. She really had only the tiniest idea of how much she needed real love and support.
These things, while hard, were so so important for the story. This story was a deep look into the way we allow ourselves to be loved and treated. It's about finding strength in yourself and realizing that doing so doesn't mean you have to do it alone. I was shocked to find myself in tears (I won't say happy or sad) at the end, which really was the cherry on top of a fantastic reading experience. I love when a book makes me feel deeply.
April 28, 2026
3 ⭐️ for this debut novel!
A young woman finds herself in a controlling and toxic marriage, where she longs for more in life than the small role her husband has planned for her. After a fight with her husband where he kicks her out of the car (don’t even get me started on that man!) she stumbles upon an enchanted café. She will soon realize that this café holds the keys to her future, as well as being at the center of a larger mystical battle.
What I loved:
•Some of the descriptive writing in this book is just beautiful.
•The found family at the café was very cozy.
•The chapters from long ago Scotland were enjoyable to read and felt like some of my favorite mythologies.
What didn’t work well for me:
The characters felt too one-dimensional in their personalities. The FMC was too naïve to be believed and the MMC was too harsh and toxic to be redeemable. They needed more complexity to feel real.
While I typically left dual timelines, I found myself enjoying the long ago Scotland chapters more than the modern counterpart unless she was at the café. It almost felt like reading three separate stories.
————————————————————
If you are a person who can identify with wanting to break away from control and find your own meaning in life, this book could be enjoyable, but definitely check your triggers. Some of the chapters with the MMC were difficult to read.
If you enjoy mythology and want to see it woven into a contemporary story, you might want to give this one a try.
Thank you to Union Square / Hachette for the ARC of this debut. Thank you Zara Marielle for trusting me with your work. Your writing is beautiful and has great potential, so keep going!
A young woman finds herself in a controlling and toxic marriage, where she longs for more in life than the small role her husband has planned for her. After a fight with her husband where he kicks her out of the car (don’t even get me started on that man!) she stumbles upon an enchanted café. She will soon realize that this café holds the keys to her future, as well as being at the center of a larger mystical battle.
What I loved:
•Some of the descriptive writing in this book is just beautiful.
•The found family at the café was very cozy.
•The chapters from long ago Scotland were enjoyable to read and felt like some of my favorite mythologies.
What didn’t work well for me:
The characters felt too one-dimensional in their personalities. The FMC was too naïve to be believed and the MMC was too harsh and toxic to be redeemable. They needed more complexity to feel real.
While I typically left dual timelines, I found myself enjoying the long ago Scotland chapters more than the modern counterpart unless she was at the café. It almost felt like reading three separate stories.
————————————————————
If you are a person who can identify with wanting to break away from control and find your own meaning in life, this book could be enjoyable, but definitely check your triggers. Some of the chapters with the MMC were difficult to read.
If you enjoy mythology and want to see it woven into a contemporary story, you might want to give this one a try.
Thank you to Union Square / Hachette for the ARC of this debut. Thank you Zara Marielle for trusting me with your work. Your writing is beautiful and has great potential, so keep going!
May 2, 2026
A big thank you again to Netgalley for this e-ARC, which I received in exchange for my opinion. The Cafe of Infinite Doors by Zara Marielle is a debut fantasy novel that takes magic and mixes it with reality and real-life struggles. The story follows a dual ttimeline, one is in the past that touches on an ancient myth and one in the present that is grounded in reality. The story follows Marceline, who is stuck in her marriage. Her husband is controlling and emotionally abusive, and she is not happy. One day, Marceline discovers a cafe that only appears to people who need it. It acts as a shelter and symbolizes hope and refuge for those who need it. The duality of the timelines works to maintain the parrallel bewteen the times. The past represents jealousy and unsettled trauma, and in the present, the FMC persues, breaking those cycles and trauma through the power of choice. The atmosphere is one of the standouts of the book. The cafe itself almost seems like a character, exuding warmth, safety and and otherworliness that exudes positiveness. The found family element of the story within the cafe is the true heartbeat of this story. The cons of this book are the character arcs. Marceline felt a little flat, I wanted to feel a connection, but I just could not. The dual timelines felt a bt disjointed at times and choppy as well. These things didn't detract too much from the story, however. The 'infinite doors' represent choice. Staying or going, being afraid or having courage, staying where you are in life, or making the choice to grow and live. Im giving this book 3.5 stars, rounded to 3.
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