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The Book of Reservations
Between the living and the lost, one woman delivers the truth.
Josie Gray has always believed Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot could be a sanctuary for the living… and the dead, with whom she can communicate. As the restaurant struggles to survive in Greenwich Village, the challenges of running a kitchen collide with the demands of her gift, and Josie finds herself stretched thinner than ever.
Her partner, Derek, is becoming distant, unable to reconcile Josie’s insistence on setting the ghost table each night with the practical realities of their business. The tension between them grows, threatening the dream they once shared. Meanwhile, the staff begins to unravel, caught in the schemes of a manipulative new manager and a mysterious sous chef, and the spirits Josie communicates with grow increasingly restless.
Pulled into the unfinished stories of the living and the dead, Josie is tasked with delivering long-buried truths and messages that could alter lives. Each encounter forces her to confront what she owes to others and to herself, and to question whether she can remain anchored in a world that rarely believes in the things she sees.
In the second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy, Josie discovers that every haunting begins with a longing to be heard. Amid the clatter of the kitchen and the whispers of the departed, she must learn how to nourish not just the living, but her own restless heart.
Josie Gray has always believed Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot could be a sanctuary for the living… and the dead, with whom she can communicate. As the restaurant struggles to survive in Greenwich Village, the challenges of running a kitchen collide with the demands of her gift, and Josie finds herself stretched thinner than ever.
Her partner, Derek, is becoming distant, unable to reconcile Josie’s insistence on setting the ghost table each night with the practical realities of their business. The tension between them grows, threatening the dream they once shared. Meanwhile, the staff begins to unravel, caught in the schemes of a manipulative new manager and a mysterious sous chef, and the spirits Josie communicates with grow increasingly restless.
Pulled into the unfinished stories of the living and the dead, Josie is tasked with delivering long-buried truths and messages that could alter lives. Each encounter forces her to confront what she owes to others and to herself, and to question whether she can remain anchored in a world that rarely believes in the things she sees.
In the second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy, Josie discovers that every haunting begins with a longing to be heard. Amid the clatter of the kitchen and the whispers of the departed, she must learn how to nourish not just the living, but her own restless heart.
278 pages, Hardcover
Published December 9, 2025
3 people are currently reading
2503 people want to read
About the author
Laura Buchwald
2 books70 followersLaura Buchwald is a New York City-based writer and editor who has spent a lot of time in New Orleans, where part of her first book, The Coat Check Girl, takes place. The book is the first in a trilogy and addresses themes of grief, found family, and overcoming the elements of our past that continue to haunt us, literally and metaphorically. Laura's strong belief in an afterlife—along with a healthy dose of questioning its existence—is part of what inspired the series.
The second installment, The Book of Reservations, out December 9, 2025, addresses the same themes from a different perspective; where once the protagonist feared her ability to connect with the spirit world, in book two she comes to embrace it and see it as the gift it potentially is.
Laura is co-host of the podcast People Who Do Things, a series of conversations about writing and the creative process. She lives in New York City with her husband and dog and travels when she can for inspiration.
The second installment, The Book of Reservations, out December 9, 2025, addresses the same themes from a different perspective; where once the protagonist feared her ability to connect with the spirit world, in book two she comes to embrace it and see it as the gift it potentially is.
Laura is co-host of the podcast People Who Do Things, a series of conversations about writing and the creative process. She lives in New York City with her husband and dog and travels when she can for inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 14, 2025
I love this series. This is 2nd in a series. Josie and Dereck are running a neighborhood restaurant and the challenges of the business along with Josie’s gift are the focus in this novel.
Josie has a “ghost table” as she has a gift and is familiar with the inhabitants at the restaurant who seem to be reaching out to her.
The staff has its own issues and trying to keep the restaurant running smoothly while their relationship is challenged daily keeps this fast- paced story moving along.
I loved the scenery, food, well developed characters and can’t wait for the next book. Thank you for having me on tour.
Josie has a “ghost table” as she has a gift and is familiar with the inhabitants at the restaurant who seem to be reaching out to her.
The staff has its own issues and trying to keep the restaurant running smoothly while their relationship is challenged daily keeps this fast- paced story moving along.
I loved the scenery, food, well developed characters and can’t wait for the next book. Thank you for having me on tour.
December 4, 2025
Laura Buchwald is two for two -- this sequel to The Coat Check Girl is just as engaging, page-turning, and surprising as its predecessor. The writing is vivid, the characters are believable, and the dialogue is real. Highly recommended, though familiarity with the first volume will help. (Advance proof provided by NetGalley)
December 19, 2025
The Book of Reservations is a quietly luminous and emotionally resonant novel that blends magical realism, grief, and human connection into an intimate story about listening truly listening to both the living and the dead.
At its heart is Josie Gray, a woman whose gift of communicating with spirits is treated not as spectacle, but as responsibility. Buchwald grounds the supernatural firmly in the tactile, high-pressure world of a struggling Greenwich Village restaurant, where clattering pans, fraying relationships, and financial uncertainty coexist with whispered truths from the beyond. This balance gives the novel its distinctive power: the otherworldly never eclipses the deeply human.
Josie’s insistence on setting the ghost table each night becomes a poignant symbol of her refusal to abandon compassion in a world that demands practicality. The growing rift with her partner, Derek—who cannot reconcile belief with survival adds emotional tension that feels painfully real. Their conflict is not about love lost, but about incompatible ways of coping with uncertainty and fear, making it one of the novel’s most affecting threads.
Buchwald excels at portraying longing as the common language of the living and the dead. Each spirit Josie encounters is defined not by how they died, but by what they were unable to say, finish, or reconcile. These encounters gently but persistently force Josie to examine her own unspoken truths, asking whether tending to everyone else’s unfinished business has become a way of avoiding her own.
The prose is elegant, atmospheric, and restrained, allowing emotion to surface organically rather than through melodrama. The restaurant setting functions almost as a character itself fragile, communal, and filled with shared history mirroring Josie’s inner life. As part of The Ghost Table trilogy, this second installment deepens both the mythology and the emotional stakes without losing accessibility for readers drawn to character-driven storytelling.
The Book of Reservations will resonate with readers who appreciate magical realism rooted in everyday life, stories about grief and vocation, and narratives that honor the quiet bravery of empathy. It is a novel about nourishment in all its forms and the courage it takes to remain open to voices others would rather ignore.
At its heart is Josie Gray, a woman whose gift of communicating with spirits is treated not as spectacle, but as responsibility. Buchwald grounds the supernatural firmly in the tactile, high-pressure world of a struggling Greenwich Village restaurant, where clattering pans, fraying relationships, and financial uncertainty coexist with whispered truths from the beyond. This balance gives the novel its distinctive power: the otherworldly never eclipses the deeply human.
Josie’s insistence on setting the ghost table each night becomes a poignant symbol of her refusal to abandon compassion in a world that demands practicality. The growing rift with her partner, Derek—who cannot reconcile belief with survival adds emotional tension that feels painfully real. Their conflict is not about love lost, but about incompatible ways of coping with uncertainty and fear, making it one of the novel’s most affecting threads.
Buchwald excels at portraying longing as the common language of the living and the dead. Each spirit Josie encounters is defined not by how they died, but by what they were unable to say, finish, or reconcile. These encounters gently but persistently force Josie to examine her own unspoken truths, asking whether tending to everyone else’s unfinished business has become a way of avoiding her own.
The prose is elegant, atmospheric, and restrained, allowing emotion to surface organically rather than through melodrama. The restaurant setting functions almost as a character itself fragile, communal, and filled with shared history mirroring Josie’s inner life. As part of The Ghost Table trilogy, this second installment deepens both the mythology and the emotional stakes without losing accessibility for readers drawn to character-driven storytelling.
The Book of Reservations will resonate with readers who appreciate magical realism rooted in everyday life, stories about grief and vocation, and narratives that honor the quiet bravery of empathy. It is a novel about nourishment in all its forms and the courage it takes to remain open to voices others would rather ignore.
December 10, 2025
A heartfelt thank you to @laurabuchwaldauthor and @getredprbooks for the #gifted e-book.
This second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy is nothing short of extraordinary!
Josie returns, continuing her unique connection with the spirits that linger not only in her restaurant but in the city. As the bridge between the living and the dead, her journey takes on new complexities, particularly in her relationship with Derek. As they strive to turn their restaurant dreams into reality, the strain of balancing ambition with Josie's supernatural gifts creates tension.
Josie's ability to deliver messages from beyond is poignant and beautifully portrayed. Each revelation she shares with the living feels like a delicate thread woven into the fabric of their lives. The deeper dive into Derek’s family history is gut-wrenching yet illuminating, adding layers to their bond. It's heartwarming to watch Josie embrace her role as a healer for the broken-hearted, finding her inner calm amid the chaos of life and death.
The writing flows, with a pace that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The vivid descriptions of the food, the vibrant city, and the enchanting atmosphere make you feel as if you’re right there, experiencing it all firsthand. The characters, both friends and staff, are richly developed, adding depth and warmth to the story.
I adored the ending and can hardly wait for the next book in this captivating trilogy!
This second installment of The Ghost Table trilogy is nothing short of extraordinary!
Josie returns, continuing her unique connection with the spirits that linger not only in her restaurant but in the city. As the bridge between the living and the dead, her journey takes on new complexities, particularly in her relationship with Derek. As they strive to turn their restaurant dreams into reality, the strain of balancing ambition with Josie's supernatural gifts creates tension.
Josie's ability to deliver messages from beyond is poignant and beautifully portrayed. Each revelation she shares with the living feels like a delicate thread woven into the fabric of their lives. The deeper dive into Derek’s family history is gut-wrenching yet illuminating, adding layers to their bond. It's heartwarming to watch Josie embrace her role as a healer for the broken-hearted, finding her inner calm amid the chaos of life and death.
The writing flows, with a pace that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The vivid descriptions of the food, the vibrant city, and the enchanting atmosphere make you feel as if you’re right there, experiencing it all firsthand. The characters, both friends and staff, are richly developed, adding depth and warmth to the story.
I adored the ending and can hardly wait for the next book in this captivating trilogy!
December 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Compelling Continuation: The Book of Reservations 👻
The Book of Reservations, book two in Laura Buchwald’s Ghost Table Trilogy, is a confident and engaging follow-up that deepens the emotional and supernatural threads introduced in The Coat Check Girl. This second novel finds Josie and Derek navigating the challenges of running their New Orleans-style restaurant, Miss Sylvie's Bistrot, in Greenwich Village in 2000.
I loved delving further into the complexities of Josie's gift—her ability to communicate with the restaurant's ghostly "inhabitants" at the ghost table—and how she manages it alongside Derek's skepticism and grief over his brother's loss. Buchwald's vivid sense of place, attention to food and atmosphere, and well-developed supporting cast keep the story moving at a brisk, immersive pace, blending the struggles of the bustling New York City restaurant industry with the supernatural elements.
The story balances tenderness with tension as Derek resists believing what he cannot explain, putting their relationship under daily strain. The vivid writing and believable characters kept me hooked. While the book works as a standalone, familiarity with the first novel enriches the experience. I highly recommend this thoughtful sequel and eagerly anticipate the final book in the trilogy!
thank you GetRedPR for the review copies!!!
The Book of Reservations, book two in Laura Buchwald’s Ghost Table Trilogy, is a confident and engaging follow-up that deepens the emotional and supernatural threads introduced in The Coat Check Girl. This second novel finds Josie and Derek navigating the challenges of running their New Orleans-style restaurant, Miss Sylvie's Bistrot, in Greenwich Village in 2000.
I loved delving further into the complexities of Josie's gift—her ability to communicate with the restaurant's ghostly "inhabitants" at the ghost table—and how she manages it alongside Derek's skepticism and grief over his brother's loss. Buchwald's vivid sense of place, attention to food and atmosphere, and well-developed supporting cast keep the story moving at a brisk, immersive pace, blending the struggles of the bustling New York City restaurant industry with the supernatural elements.
The story balances tenderness with tension as Derek resists believing what he cannot explain, putting their relationship under daily strain. The vivid writing and believable characters kept me hooked. While the book works as a standalone, familiarity with the first novel enriches the experience. I highly recommend this thoughtful sequel and eagerly anticipate the final book in the trilogy!
thank you GetRedPR for the review copies!!!
December 14, 2025
I loved THE BOOK OF RESERVATIONS! The friends, staff, and ghosts/spirits from the first book are back along with a manipulative new manager, mysterious souls chef, and a few spirits that need Josie's help. I love that she sets a ghost table for her departed loved ones. The mentions of all the delicious food had me dreaming of a bowl of gumbo. Laura's descriptions are so vivid I felt like I was sitting at a table at Miss Sylvie's Bistro.
Josie's partner Derek does not believe in the spirit world which causes tension in their relationship. Ruby is one of the regular spirits that has been seen and causes workers to quit. Derek's brother Alex died young in a tragic accident. He is seen at the table. With Ruby's help Alex talks to Josie in hopes of reconciling Derek's past.
I love Josie's kind heart and her desire to help the spirits that come to her. The ending is a sort of cliffhanger that hints at the third book. This is a fast paced story with paranormal elements. There is loss, reconciliation and found family. I am looking forward to the third book.
Josie's partner Derek does not believe in the spirit world which causes tension in their relationship. Ruby is one of the regular spirits that has been seen and causes workers to quit. Derek's brother Alex died young in a tragic accident. He is seen at the table. With Ruby's help Alex talks to Josie in hopes of reconciling Derek's past.
I love Josie's kind heart and her desire to help the spirits that come to her. The ending is a sort of cliffhanger that hints at the third book. This is a fast paced story with paranormal elements. There is loss, reconciliation and found family. I am looking forward to the third book.
December 28, 2025
Let me start with…I love this cover.
Josie Gray has always believed Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot could be a sanctuary for the living… and the dead, with whom she can communicate. As the restaurant struggles to survive in Greenwich Village, the challenges of running a kitchen collide with the demands of her gift, and Josie finds herself stretched thinner than ever.
I enjoy a good ghost story and this one is full of ghosts. This added so much to the charm and secrecy of this tale.
However, this is 3.5 stars rounded up. I got a bit bored with all the restaurant stuff. And to tell you the truth, I wanted to slap Derek on more than one occasion. He does realize how he is treating Josie. And Josie is a bit too forgiving. This drove me a bit nuts as well. She does it with everyone. I wanted her to grow a backbone.
But like I said, I love the ghosts. And the ghost table is a unique idea!
Need a good ghost story to start your week…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
Josie Gray has always believed Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot could be a sanctuary for the living… and the dead, with whom she can communicate. As the restaurant struggles to survive in Greenwich Village, the challenges of running a kitchen collide with the demands of her gift, and Josie finds herself stretched thinner than ever.
I enjoy a good ghost story and this one is full of ghosts. This added so much to the charm and secrecy of this tale.
However, this is 3.5 stars rounded up. I got a bit bored with all the restaurant stuff. And to tell you the truth, I wanted to slap Derek on more than one occasion. He does realize how he is treating Josie. And Josie is a bit too forgiving. This drove me a bit nuts as well. She does it with everyone. I wanted her to grow a backbone.
But like I said, I love the ghosts. And the ghost table is a unique idea!
Need a good ghost story to start your week…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel for a honest review.
December 9, 2025
I read The Coat Check Girl last year and am so happy to have read this one, book two, ahead of its publication day!
It’s set in amidst the bustling New York City restaurant industry in 2000 and continues to follow Josie and Derek, who now own the restaurant and re-opened it as Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot, with a New Orleans flair. But alongside the growing pains of managing the restaurant are those of their relationship, and they struggle to maintain a balance. Adding to their difficulties is Derek’s refusal to accept that Josie continues to communicate with spirits, both inside and outside of the restaurant.
This was a really good sophomore novel. I loved delving deeper into the complexities of Josie’s gift and how she navigates it, especially with Derek’s predisposition towards skepticism. I’m eager to see how their relationship evolves in the final book!
It’s set in amidst the bustling New York City restaurant industry in 2000 and continues to follow Josie and Derek, who now own the restaurant and re-opened it as Miss Sylvie’s Bistrot, with a New Orleans flair. But alongside the growing pains of managing the restaurant are those of their relationship, and they struggle to maintain a balance. Adding to their difficulties is Derek’s refusal to accept that Josie continues to communicate with spirits, both inside and outside of the restaurant.
This was a really good sophomore novel. I loved delving deeper into the complexities of Josie’s gift and how she navigates it, especially with Derek’s predisposition towards skepticism. I’m eager to see how their relationship evolves in the final book!
December 26, 2025
The Book of Reservations by Laura Buchwald completely moved me. This story tugged at my heartstrings from start to finish and left a lasting impression. I was captivated by the beautiful ghost connection elements and the way Josie helps others come to peace with their past and their loved ones who have passed on.The storyline involving Derek’s mom, who could still communicate with Josie even before her passing was especially powerful, as was the connection to his long-lost brother. Buchwald’s writing made these moments feel real and profoundly moving.Out of all the books I’ve read, this is one of only two that actually brought me to tears. It’s heartfelt, haunting, and filled with deep emotional truth. Such an amazing read, I can’t recommend it enough.
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December 22, 2025DNF at 100 pages.
The writing style was to my taste, but the main character and pacing were not. To be fair, the MC might grow throughout the rest of the book, hopefully to stop commenting on how she needs to focus on her appearance more and stop making eyes at other men to make her boyfriend jealous.
There are also too many side stories happening that distract from any momentum overall.
Thank you to Goodreads for the free copy. Because I did not read the first book and didn't finish this one, I am sharing the thoughts I have with full disclosure that my perspective may be limited.
The writing style was to my taste, but the main character and pacing were not. To be fair, the MC might grow throughout the rest of the book, hopefully to stop commenting on how she needs to focus on her appearance more and stop making eyes at other men to make her boyfriend jealous.
There are also too many side stories happening that distract from any momentum overall.
Thank you to Goodreads for the free copy. Because I did not read the first book and didn't finish this one, I am sharing the thoughts I have with full disclosure that my perspective may be limited.
December 7, 2025
What a fantastic follow up to "The Coat Check Girl". I had so much fun reading about these fabulous characters and meeting new ones. It felt like reuniting with old friends I have missed so much. I can't wait for the third book in this amazing trilogy.
December 28, 2025
Thank you @getredprbooks & @laurabuchwaldauthor for the beautiful copy!
I really enjoyed The Book of Reservations. It’s the second book in The Ghost Table Trilogy, but you can absolutely read it on its own.
It follows Josie, a NYC restaurant owner who can see and talk to ghosts, while trying to keep her bistro running and deal with a partner who doesn’t believe in the supernatural. Between restless spirits, relationship tension, and restaurant drama, things get complicated fast.
I was honestly surprised by how invested I got in the ghost appearances...they completely pulled me in. The emotional growth and relationships kept me hooked, and I found myself really attached to Josie and her story. It’s paranormal, but it’s also very heartfelt and grounded.
I really enjoyed The Book of Reservations. It’s the second book in The Ghost Table Trilogy, but you can absolutely read it on its own.
It follows Josie, a NYC restaurant owner who can see and talk to ghosts, while trying to keep her bistro running and deal with a partner who doesn’t believe in the supernatural. Between restless spirits, relationship tension, and restaurant drama, things get complicated fast.
I was honestly surprised by how invested I got in the ghost appearances...they completely pulled me in. The emotional growth and relationships kept me hooked, and I found myself really attached to Josie and her story. It’s paranormal, but it’s also very heartfelt and grounded.
January 1, 2026
We first met Josie Gray in Laura Buchwald's The Ghost Table Trilogy's debut novel, The Coat Check Girl. In this second installment, The Book of Reservations, the story advances to September 2000. Josie and her partner, Derek, own Miss Sylvie's Bistrot, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, serving authentic New Orleans cuisine. Business is challenging, and staffing is an ongoing issue. One of the main sources of conflict for the couple is the table Josie sets each day for the ghosts that frequent the restaurant. Josie can communicate with the dead, and Derek is not a believer.
Ruby is one of the restaurant's regular spirits, having passed away in the building. When she is occasionally seen, her appearances have led several staff members to quit. Another visitor is the ghost of Derek's brother, who tragically died young in an accident. To provide some relief to the overworked couple, they hire a manager as well as a new sous chef who gives Josie odd vibes. The couple must navigate the challenges of their personal life alongside the demands of the restaurant. Josie hopes her connection with Derek's brother, whose loss deeply impacted him, will create an opportunity to provide some comfort. However, she cannot reveal the brother's presence to Derek.
Although part of a series, The Book of Reservations can be read as a standalone. I found this book even more enjoyable than the first. Perhaps I've fully embraced all the supernatural elements. (Note that none of the ghosts are frightening.) I have come to admire Josie for her kind heart. I found Buchwald's writing style to be light and fast-paced. The New York City setting provided added appeal, particularly with the restaurant's location in the Village. This book provided hints about the third and final book in the trilogy, and it sounds like another entertaining read.
Many thanks to the publisher for the advance.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Ruby is one of the restaurant's regular spirits, having passed away in the building. When she is occasionally seen, her appearances have led several staff members to quit. Another visitor is the ghost of Derek's brother, who tragically died young in an accident. To provide some relief to the overworked couple, they hire a manager as well as a new sous chef who gives Josie odd vibes. The couple must navigate the challenges of their personal life alongside the demands of the restaurant. Josie hopes her connection with Derek's brother, whose loss deeply impacted him, will create an opportunity to provide some comfort. However, she cannot reveal the brother's presence to Derek.
Although part of a series, The Book of Reservations can be read as a standalone. I found this book even more enjoyable than the first. Perhaps I've fully embraced all the supernatural elements. (Note that none of the ghosts are frightening.) I have come to admire Josie for her kind heart. I found Buchwald's writing style to be light and fast-paced. The New York City setting provided added appeal, particularly with the restaurant's location in the Village. This book provided hints about the third and final book in the trilogy, and it sounds like another entertaining read.
Many thanks to the publisher for the advance.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews