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Closing Time
Where Katherine Center meets the feel of early 2000 ensemble rom-coms like Crazy, Stupid, Love and Love Actually. Perfect for readers who love top-tier banter, swoony chemistry, and twists that will make you stay up till 2am.
The Open Seat cafe is closing its doors after thirty-plus years. At the center of it all is Nora Anderson, who is saying goodbye to the life she built with her late husband, Frank. Grieving him is hard enough… until shocking revelations force her to question the life she thought she had.
As the countdown to Saturday begins, the café fills with familiar faces. Each carrying their own unfinished story. The sarcastic barista, the delivery guy, a father and his daughter, the local rock star, and a loyal regular.
Over the course of one unforgettable week, emotions run high, chaos turns into something more, and sparks fly in all the wrong (and exactly right) places. As long-buried secrets begin to surface, every life in the café is pulled together in ways none of them expected. Right up until closing time.
The Open Seat cafe is closing its doors after thirty-plus years. At the center of it all is Nora Anderson, who is saying goodbye to the life she built with her late husband, Frank. Grieving him is hard enough… until shocking revelations force her to question the life she thought she had.
As the countdown to Saturday begins, the café fills with familiar faces. Each carrying their own unfinished story. The sarcastic barista, the delivery guy, a father and his daughter, the local rock star, and a loyal regular.
Over the course of one unforgettable week, emotions run high, chaos turns into something more, and sparks fly in all the wrong (and exactly right) places. As long-buried secrets begin to surface, every life in the café is pulled together in ways none of them expected. Right up until closing time.
- GenresRomance
353 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 25, 2026
A story that I think SO MANY will enjoy. This truly is peak 2000s romcom, ensemble cast vibes all the way. Each character is so unique and individual, and the way the book is structured allows for such an easy read. You can keep track of everyone without an issue! Given how expansive the cast of characters is, I found myself able to relate to the story in several different areas.
You know from the start this story is leading up to something big at the end of the week, and the reveals just don’t stop! The character growth is unmatched and complete perfection. I adored every part of this book. Highly highly highly recommend!!! My favorite from the author, hands down.
Thank you Elaine Evans for allowing me to beta read and absolutely delivering on my request of a “book like crazy, stupid love”
You know from the start this story is leading up to something big at the end of the week, and the reveals just don’t stop! The character growth is unmatched and complete perfection. I adored every part of this book. Highly highly highly recommend!!! My favorite from the author, hands down.
Thank you Elaine Evans for allowing me to beta read and absolutely delivering on my request of a “book like crazy, stupid love”
July 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I absolutely adored this book. It's a heartwarming romantic comedy with remarkable depth, weaving together multiple storylines in a way that feels engaging rather than overwhelming. The character guide at the beginning is a helpful resource, especially when starting out, but the relationships and connections are developed so naturally that by the middle of the book, I no longer found myself needing to reference it.
Set primarily in a charming coffee shop, the story explores a wide range of compelling themes, including long-buried secrets coming to light, estranged family members attempting to reconnect, an unexpected high school romance reconnection, the complexities of a love triangle (or something close to it), and the beauty of found family. Each storyline intertwines seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying reading experience.
I was completely drawn into this heartfelt, dramatic rom-com from the very first chapter. The characters and their stories left me wanting more, and I would love to see a sequel or even a series of spin-offs. There is so much potential to continue exploring these characters' lives, and I would happily follow wherever their stories go next.
I absolutely adored this book. It's a heartwarming romantic comedy with remarkable depth, weaving together multiple storylines in a way that feels engaging rather than overwhelming. The character guide at the beginning is a helpful resource, especially when starting out, but the relationships and connections are developed so naturally that by the middle of the book, I no longer found myself needing to reference it.
Set primarily in a charming coffee shop, the story explores a wide range of compelling themes, including long-buried secrets coming to light, estranged family members attempting to reconnect, an unexpected high school romance reconnection, the complexities of a love triangle (or something close to it), and the beauty of found family. Each storyline intertwines seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying reading experience.
I was completely drawn into this heartfelt, dramatic rom-com from the very first chapter. The characters and their stories left me wanting more, and I would love to see a sequel or even a series of spin-offs. There is so much potential to continue exploring these characters' lives, and I would happily follow wherever their stories go next.
June 21, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- 5 stars !
I LOVED this book! One of the most common critiques I have of books is that they aren’t realistic. That was not the case with “Closing Time”. It felt so comfortingly human and authentic. I may have shed a few tears while reading the epilogue. 🙈 And as a former barista, I appreciated the coffee shop setting. 🥰
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- 5 stars !
I LOVED this book! One of the most common critiques I have of books is that they aren’t realistic. That was not the case with “Closing Time”. It felt so comfortingly human and authentic. I may have shed a few tears while reading the epilogue. 🙈 And as a former barista, I appreciated the coffee shop setting. 🥰
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
July 7, 2026
5🌟, 1🌶️
Some books leave you smiling, while others leave a little piece of themselves behind. This one managed to do both.
I was completely charmed by Nora, Felicity, Dante, Tom, Jessica, Eli, and the rest of the café regulars. Despite the large cast, every character felt fully realized, and the cozy café quickly became a place I never wanted to leave.
I loved how seamlessly every storyline came together. From family secrets and second chances to forgiveness, healing, and found family, every moment felt heartfelt and genuine. Nora’s journey was especially moving, Felicity’s relationship with her was beautiful to watch, and characters like Dante and Mrs. Callahan completely stole my heart. This book made me laugh, tear up, and become so invested in these lives that I forgot I was reading fiction.
By the time I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This is the kind of story that reminds you home isn’t always a place, but the people who make you feel like you belong.
Warm, funny, emotional, and full of heart, this is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
~~~~
Huge thank you to the author, Elaine Evans, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Some books leave you smiling, while others leave a little piece of themselves behind. This one managed to do both.
I was completely charmed by Nora, Felicity, Dante, Tom, Jessica, Eli, and the rest of the café regulars. Despite the large cast, every character felt fully realized, and the cozy café quickly became a place I never wanted to leave.
I loved how seamlessly every storyline came together. From family secrets and second chances to forgiveness, healing, and found family, every moment felt heartfelt and genuine. Nora’s journey was especially moving, Felicity’s relationship with her was beautiful to watch, and characters like Dante and Mrs. Callahan completely stole my heart. This book made me laugh, tear up, and become so invested in these lives that I forgot I was reading fiction.
By the time I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. This is the kind of story that reminds you home isn’t always a place, but the people who make you feel like you belong.
Warm, funny, emotional, and full of heart, this is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
~~~~
Huge thank you to the author, Elaine Evans, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 23, 2026
Arc Book Review
Thank you for allowing me to read this special book before its release . This book is a gem and It was a pleasure to read .
Closing Time is a Romantic Comedy, however , it will reach many other readers beyond its given genre.
We meet eight very different people who visit the Open Seat Cafe for one reason or another ( coffee, tea or a “ home “ office ). They come to rely on the cafe for their daily dose of gossip , smiles , laughs , or just coffee and breakfast . Nora the owner of the cafe is aging and feels its time to close the cafe and retire , shaking the community. As she is going through the motions for closure in her personal life and the cafe she uncovers secrets that will change the directory of many people’s lives. She has to ultimately make some difficult choices as a result. Evans is a master at weaving between characters ,While also creating mystery and intrigue. The characters are well developed and meaningful to the reader. I highly recommend this read ! Bring a box of Kleenex
“ A place that was built for exactly this . For the unlikely, the unexpected , and the people who needed a soft place to land without knowing that’s what they were looking for .”
Nora - owner of the Open Seat Cafe
Thank you for allowing me to read this special book before its release . This book is a gem and It was a pleasure to read .
Closing Time is a Romantic Comedy, however , it will reach many other readers beyond its given genre.
We meet eight very different people who visit the Open Seat Cafe for one reason or another ( coffee, tea or a “ home “ office ). They come to rely on the cafe for their daily dose of gossip , smiles , laughs , or just coffee and breakfast . Nora the owner of the cafe is aging and feels its time to close the cafe and retire , shaking the community. As she is going through the motions for closure in her personal life and the cafe she uncovers secrets that will change the directory of many people’s lives. She has to ultimately make some difficult choices as a result. Evans is a master at weaving between characters ,While also creating mystery and intrigue. The characters are well developed and meaningful to the reader. I highly recommend this read ! Bring a box of Kleenex
“ A place that was built for exactly this . For the unlikely, the unexpected , and the people who needed a soft place to land without knowing that’s what they were looking for .”
Nora - owner of the Open Seat Cafe
June 4, 2026
This story is so unique! It’s about completely different people who have one of the same loves. The love isn’t for another person exactly, but a love for a place. The place is The Open Seat. It’s a place to go and get your morning coffee and breakfast and feel right at home. Remember the show “Cheers” from way back in the day. If you don’t, it’s a bar where and I quote “everyone knows your name”. The people care so deeply about everyone who steps foot in the establishment. That is The Open Seat to a tee. From the prologue alone I wanted to visit this fictional place so badly. It seems so inviting and so cozy, I love me a cafe that gives me all those feels. Every persons story was so different but so perfect in their own way. I thought I would get lost having so many characters but I didn’t. I started making a note of who everyone was but I quickly realized that was not necessary. I felt like I had been sucked into this book and living right along side every single one of these characters. When I tell you a certain part had me gasp and gave me goosebumps, I am not exaggerating. I’ve been reading Thrillers lately and none of them were even able to do that. I knew the end was going to make me sad. However, I didn’t realize I would be sobbing so hard I couldn’t see the kindle screen. I’m completely obsessed with this story, especially The Open Seat. It’s sweet, it’s messy, it’s romantic, it’s pure perfection!
June 24, 2026
This is a review of an ARC I received ahead of its release on July 7, 2026. Thank you to Elaine Evans for the chance to read it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this book! The whole time I was reading it, I felt like I was in a 90s-2000s romcom. The characters were all very likable and relatable, with Felicity and Jess being my favorites. (I actually didn’t think I would like Jess in the beginning, but was proven wrong.) It is the story of eight different people who all come together at a coffee shop that is getting ready to close. The whole story takes place in the span of six days, and there is so much packed into it that it never lost my attention.
Nora has owned the coffee shop, alongside her husband, for 30 years and is set to retire. As she is clearing things out, she stumbles upon some information she didn’t previously know and it totally turns her world upside down. Felicity, who works for Nora, is there to help her through it but is also dealing with some troubles of her own. The rest of the cast come in and out of the coffee shop, which always leads to some kind of surprise or excitement. I really enjoyed reading from each character’s point of view and learning more about them and their thoughts.
If you are a fan of romcoms or even just feel good, well written stories in general, this book is for you! I will definitely be purchasing a copy to keep when it’s released.
I absolutely loved this book! The whole time I was reading it, I felt like I was in a 90s-2000s romcom. The characters were all very likable and relatable, with Felicity and Jess being my favorites. (I actually didn’t think I would like Jess in the beginning, but was proven wrong.) It is the story of eight different people who all come together at a coffee shop that is getting ready to close. The whole story takes place in the span of six days, and there is so much packed into it that it never lost my attention.
Nora has owned the coffee shop, alongside her husband, for 30 years and is set to retire. As she is clearing things out, she stumbles upon some information she didn’t previously know and it totally turns her world upside down. Felicity, who works for Nora, is there to help her through it but is also dealing with some troubles of her own. The rest of the cast come in and out of the coffee shop, which always leads to some kind of surprise or excitement. I really enjoyed reading from each character’s point of view and learning more about them and their thoughts.
If you are a fan of romcoms or even just feel good, well written stories in general, this book is for you! I will definitely be purchasing a copy to keep when it’s released.
June 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Elaine Evans for an Advanced Readers Copy of Closing Time. The following review contains some spoilers.
“It’s heavier than I expected. Or maybe everything in my life feels heavier now.” Nora, my heart hurts for you
The relationship between Felicity and Nora healed something in me. Especially after Nora apologized to Felicity for being snappy with her!!!
I empathize with Nora struggling with all these new things she’s learning about her late husband, Frank. Everyone still sees him as this amazing man and sadly he was a liar, a cheat, and a thief.
The rest of the characters in this book are entangled in such a messy web that is deliciously and heartbreakingly unraveled. Especially Tom’s chapter 28. My heart !!!
But let’s get back to Nora. She’s having the worst week of her life and still chooses to be kind. That’s the type of person I aspire to be. Also very “I can do it with a broken heart” vibes (yes I did see that on the playlist at the end and I was thinking about it for half the book)
Overall I’m so happy I read this book! I will definitely be reading more from Elaine Evans
“It’s heavier than I expected. Or maybe everything in my life feels heavier now.” Nora, my heart hurts for you
The relationship between Felicity and Nora healed something in me. Especially after Nora apologized to Felicity for being snappy with her!!!
I empathize with Nora struggling with all these new things she’s learning about her late husband, Frank. Everyone still sees him as this amazing man and sadly he was a liar, a cheat, and a thief.
The rest of the characters in this book are entangled in such a messy web that is deliciously and heartbreakingly unraveled. Especially Tom’s chapter 28. My heart !!!
But let’s get back to Nora. She’s having the worst week of her life and still chooses to be kind. That’s the type of person I aspire to be. Also very “I can do it with a broken heart” vibes (yes I did see that on the playlist at the end and I was thinking about it for half the book)
Overall I’m so happy I read this book! I will definitely be reading more from Elaine Evans
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved everything about this! Do you ever just feel like you’re reading the right book at the right time? That’s what this was for me.
This book takes place over one week and you get multiple povs which I love! Nora has decided to close down her cafe at the end of the week and in the midst of clearing out, she stumbles upon some heartbreaking news about her late husband. While she is navigating this turmoil, we get to follow along with so many other characters: her employee, her delivery man, her customers, and more.
This book was a breath of fresh air and I loved the characters so much. It makes me want to to open my own coffee shop 😅
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc!
This book takes place over one week and you get multiple povs which I love! Nora has decided to close down her cafe at the end of the week and in the midst of clearing out, she stumbles upon some heartbreaking news about her late husband. While she is navigating this turmoil, we get to follow along with so many other characters: her employee, her delivery man, her customers, and more.
This book was a breath of fresh air and I loved the characters so much. It makes me want to to open my own coffee shop 😅
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc!
July 4, 2026
This book surprised me in the best way. I had an absolute blast reading Closing Time!
We follow Nora, Felicity, Dante, Eli, Jess, Tom, Mrs. Callahan, Frank, and Maya throughout this book set in a cute cafe in an Ohio city. Each one of these characters intersects with the cafe, giving a whole new sense to “found family”. The multiple points of view really sold me on this story. I loved reading each person’s perspective.
This book covers topics like heartbreak, loss, love, and friendship wrapped in a 90’s sitcom. I felt like I was sitting at The Open Seat with each and every character we got to meet.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot thank Elaine Evans enough for trusting me with an ARC. I will definitely be checking out more of her work!
We follow Nora, Felicity, Dante, Eli, Jess, Tom, Mrs. Callahan, Frank, and Maya throughout this book set in a cute cafe in an Ohio city. Each one of these characters intersects with the cafe, giving a whole new sense to “found family”. The multiple points of view really sold me on this story. I loved reading each person’s perspective.
This book covers topics like heartbreak, loss, love, and friendship wrapped in a 90’s sitcom. I felt like I was sitting at The Open Seat with each and every character we got to meet.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I cannot thank Elaine Evans enough for trusting me with an ARC. I will definitely be checking out more of her work!
Read
July 8, 2026Writing Closing Time was one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I've had as an author. I hope this story brought you as much joy as it brought me while writing it.
My hope is you laughed, cried, and were left feeling like you found a place where you belong. Nora and the gang are a special bunch that now feel like my family!
So, I hope you enjoyed your time at The Open Seat. Where a table is always waiting and the coffee's always on.
My hope is you laughed, cried, and were left feeling like you found a place where you belong. Nora and the gang are a special bunch that now feel like my family!
So, I hope you enjoyed your time at The Open Seat. Where a table is always waiting and the coffee's always on.
June 14, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. No spoilers.
Major kudos to Elaine Evans for so many things in this book! The character list caught my attention. I have not seen another author do this. It was so helpful, especially for readers who enjoy multiple books at once or need quick reference points when many characters are introduced. The book is also incredibly well-structured, with thoughtful chapter headings and an overall sense of intentional design.
The storytelling kept me constantly engaged with unexpected twists and layered storylines that I never saw coming. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the plot shifts and pulls you in a new direction.
Several chapters stood out, particularly 13 and 21, which really grabbed my attention.
Overall, this was a fun, cozy rom-com that fully captured a nostalgic feel for me. I was able to relate to different parts of the story which caught me by surprise (a good thing)!! I genuinely did not want to put it down. I would have finished it in a single day if I had not started it so late at night. Even with the epilogue, I would still love a sequel to continue the story.
Without question, 5 out of 5 stars. Every aspect of this book was so intentional and thoughtful and would love to see the storyline be picked up by Netflix, Prime, or Hulu!
Major kudos to Elaine Evans for so many things in this book! The character list caught my attention. I have not seen another author do this. It was so helpful, especially for readers who enjoy multiple books at once or need quick reference points when many characters are introduced. The book is also incredibly well-structured, with thoughtful chapter headings and an overall sense of intentional design.
The storytelling kept me constantly engaged with unexpected twists and layered storylines that I never saw coming. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the plot shifts and pulls you in a new direction.
Several chapters stood out, particularly 13 and 21, which really grabbed my attention.
Overall, this was a fun, cozy rom-com that fully captured a nostalgic feel for me. I was able to relate to different parts of the story which caught me by surprise (a good thing)!! I genuinely did not want to put it down. I would have finished it in a single day if I had not started it so late at night. Even with the epilogue, I would still love a sequel to continue the story.
Without question, 5 out of 5 stars. Every aspect of this book was so intentional and thoughtful and would love to see the storyline be picked up by Netflix, Prime, or Hulu!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! I’ve never read anything quite like this before. Some parts were predictable, but I enjoyed the story and the way it was written. I felt like I was reading a mystery mixed with a love story mixed with a story about navigating grief. Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review – Closing Time
Some stories aren't just about a place they're about the people who make it feel like home. Closing Time is exactly that kind of book.
Set almost entirely inside a cozy neighborhood café over the course of one emotional week, this novel follows interconnected lives, each carrying their own heartbreak, hopes, and unfinished stories. With multiple POVs that blend seamlessly together, every chapter peels back another layer of the characters and reminds us that everyone who walks through a café door is carrying a story of their own.
At the heart of it all is Nora, the café owner who has finally decided it's time to close the business she built with her late husband. As she prepares to say goodbye, memories resurface, long-buried truths begin to emerge, and she is forced to question whether she ever truly knew the man she loved.
Then there's Felicity, the café's barista and an art student who's still trying to figure out where life is taking her. After growing up feeling abandoned, she's built walls around her heart, making it difficult to trust anyone even when love comes knocking again.
Dante, the dependable delivery driver, quickly became one of my favorite characters. Quiet, thoughtful, and endlessly kind, he always seems to put everyone else before himself while carrying responsibilities that would overwhelm most people. His loyalty and gentle heart made every chapter from his perspective a joy to read.
No café regular stole my heart quite like Mrs. Callahan. Wise, witty, and endlessly caring, she brings warmth and comfort to everyone around her despite facing her own difficult journey. She reminds us that love isn't measured by how long we're here, but by the lives we touch. Her presence is felt in every corner of the story, and some of the book's most emotional moments revolve around her quiet strength, unconditional love, and desire to leave the people she loves with hope for the future.
Tom is one of the café's loyal regulars, but beneath his routine lies a father desperately trying to repair a relationship that time and mistakes have damaged.
His daughter, Jessica, returns to town for a wedding, hoping that maybe this visit can become the beginning of something new with her father. Watching their relationship slowly evolve was one of the most touching parts of the story.
And finally, Eli a successful rock star whose past still lingers in the café where everything once began. His story explores first love, regret, second chances, and the difficult work of becoming someone worthy of forgiveness.
What I loved most is how naturally all of these lives intertwine. Each character feels like the main character of their own story, yet together they create something even bigger. The pacing is fantastic, balancing humor with deeply emotional moments that had me smiling one chapter and tearing up the next.
Without ever feeling overwhelming, Closing Time explores grief, betrayal, forgiveness, family, complicated parent-child relationships, illness, first love, trust issues, abandonment, and the idea that healing doesn't happen all at once it happens one conversation, one cup of coffee, and one act of kindness at a time.
The café itself almost feels like another character: a safe place where strangers become friends, where lives cross paths in unexpected ways, and where endings quietly become new beginnings.
This book completely stole my heart. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and by the final page I didn't want to leave these characters behind. If you're looking for a warm, emotional, character driven story filled with found family, second chances, interconnected lives, and all the cozy café vibes, Closing Time deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC. This story reminded me that while cafés may close their doors, the memories, friendships, and love they create never truly disappear. ☕🤍
Some stories aren't just about a place they're about the people who make it feel like home. Closing Time is exactly that kind of book.
Set almost entirely inside a cozy neighborhood café over the course of one emotional week, this novel follows interconnected lives, each carrying their own heartbreak, hopes, and unfinished stories. With multiple POVs that blend seamlessly together, every chapter peels back another layer of the characters and reminds us that everyone who walks through a café door is carrying a story of their own.
At the heart of it all is Nora, the café owner who has finally decided it's time to close the business she built with her late husband. As she prepares to say goodbye, memories resurface, long-buried truths begin to emerge, and she is forced to question whether she ever truly knew the man she loved.
Then there's Felicity, the café's barista and an art student who's still trying to figure out where life is taking her. After growing up feeling abandoned, she's built walls around her heart, making it difficult to trust anyone even when love comes knocking again.
Dante, the dependable delivery driver, quickly became one of my favorite characters. Quiet, thoughtful, and endlessly kind, he always seems to put everyone else before himself while carrying responsibilities that would overwhelm most people. His loyalty and gentle heart made every chapter from his perspective a joy to read.
No café regular stole my heart quite like Mrs. Callahan. Wise, witty, and endlessly caring, she brings warmth and comfort to everyone around her despite facing her own difficult journey. She reminds us that love isn't measured by how long we're here, but by the lives we touch. Her presence is felt in every corner of the story, and some of the book's most emotional moments revolve around her quiet strength, unconditional love, and desire to leave the people she loves with hope for the future.
Tom is one of the café's loyal regulars, but beneath his routine lies a father desperately trying to repair a relationship that time and mistakes have damaged.
His daughter, Jessica, returns to town for a wedding, hoping that maybe this visit can become the beginning of something new with her father. Watching their relationship slowly evolve was one of the most touching parts of the story.
And finally, Eli a successful rock star whose past still lingers in the café where everything once began. His story explores first love, regret, second chances, and the difficult work of becoming someone worthy of forgiveness.
What I loved most is how naturally all of these lives intertwine. Each character feels like the main character of their own story, yet together they create something even bigger. The pacing is fantastic, balancing humor with deeply emotional moments that had me smiling one chapter and tearing up the next.
Without ever feeling overwhelming, Closing Time explores grief, betrayal, forgiveness, family, complicated parent-child relationships, illness, first love, trust issues, abandonment, and the idea that healing doesn't happen all at once it happens one conversation, one cup of coffee, and one act of kindness at a time.
The café itself almost feels like another character: a safe place where strangers become friends, where lives cross paths in unexpected ways, and where endings quietly become new beginnings.
This book completely stole my heart. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and by the final page I didn't want to leave these characters behind. If you're looking for a warm, emotional, character driven story filled with found family, second chances, interconnected lives, and all the cozy café vibes, Closing Time deserves a place on your TBR.
Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC. This story reminded me that while cafés may close their doors, the memories, friendships, and love they create never truly disappear. ☕🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book and books like this are the primarly reason why I read. I absolutely loved it. Review to come. 🤍
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I swear, Closing Time didn’t just grab me — it picked me up, spun me around, kissed my forehead, and told me to sit down and order a coffee.. Elaine Evans crafted a story that feels like stepping into a warm café at golden hour, where every character is a little messy, a little magical, and absolutely impossible not to love.
The characters?
Ugh. My whole heart.
They’re flawed in the most deliciously human way — the kind of people you want to hug, shake, protect, and scream at all at once. Every interaction feels like it’s happening right in front of you, like you’re sitting at the next table pretending not to eavesdrop. At the beginning even though we have a characters list at the front, it was a bit difficult to follow who is who, but they are so easily lovable by the second chapter i knew everyone and I loved everyone.
The setting?
That café is practically a character itself. It’s cozy, intimate, and somehow confrontational in the gentlest way. As the book says:
“This café has a way of forcing people to face the things they've been avoiding. And apparently, today's my turn.”
Tell me why that line hit me like a personal attack.
The vibe?
It’s soft, aching, hopeful, and a little chaotic — like falling in love on a Tuesday when you weren’t planning to feel anything at all. The universe keeps nudging the characters forward, and sometimes it feels like it’s nudging you too. Well...sometimes the Universe sometimes...the "universe." If you know you know.
“The whole scene feels like the exact thing we all hope for when we're drawn to someone, playing out in real-time, only for the universe to take charge.
Hi. It's me. I'm the universe.”
I SCREAMED. I CACKLED. I ASCENDED.
And the emotional journey?
It’s all about movement — literal and metaphorical. That quiet acceptance, that slow surrender to change, that bittersweet push forward:
“So I drive.
I make the deliveries.
And I let the route do what it always does, carrying me forward while I slowly accept the things I can't change.”
Elaine Evans didn’t write a book. She wrote a hug disguised as heartbreak disguised as healing. I loved it, even if in the beginning I felt like it was going to be an everyday novel, with cute characters in a lovely setting, in the end it turned out to one of my fave reads this year and I would love a follow-up with maybe Eli and Maya.
I gave it 5 stars, obviously, because anything less would be a crime against literature, vibes, and my own emotional wellbeing.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Central Avenue for the copy of the book, IT WAS SO GOOD.
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I swear, Closing Time didn’t just grab me — it picked me up, spun me around, kissed my forehead, and told me to sit down and order a coffee.. Elaine Evans crafted a story that feels like stepping into a warm café at golden hour, where every character is a little messy, a little magical, and absolutely impossible not to love.
The characters?
Ugh. My whole heart.
They’re flawed in the most deliciously human way — the kind of people you want to hug, shake, protect, and scream at all at once. Every interaction feels like it’s happening right in front of you, like you’re sitting at the next table pretending not to eavesdrop. At the beginning even though we have a characters list at the front, it was a bit difficult to follow who is who, but they are so easily lovable by the second chapter i knew everyone and I loved everyone.
The setting?
That café is practically a character itself. It’s cozy, intimate, and somehow confrontational in the gentlest way. As the book says:
“This café has a way of forcing people to face the things they've been avoiding. And apparently, today's my turn.”
Tell me why that line hit me like a personal attack.
The vibe?
It’s soft, aching, hopeful, and a little chaotic — like falling in love on a Tuesday when you weren’t planning to feel anything at all. The universe keeps nudging the characters forward, and sometimes it feels like it’s nudging you too. Well...sometimes the Universe sometimes...the "universe." If you know you know.
“The whole scene feels like the exact thing we all hope for when we're drawn to someone, playing out in real-time, only for the universe to take charge.
Hi. It's me. I'm the universe.”
I SCREAMED. I CACKLED. I ASCENDED.
And the emotional journey?
It’s all about movement — literal and metaphorical. That quiet acceptance, that slow surrender to change, that bittersweet push forward:
“So I drive.
I make the deliveries.
And I let the route do what it always does, carrying me forward while I slowly accept the things I can't change.”
Elaine Evans didn’t write a book. She wrote a hug disguised as heartbreak disguised as healing. I loved it, even if in the beginning I felt like it was going to be an everyday novel, with cute characters in a lovely setting, in the end it turned out to one of my fave reads this year and I would love a follow-up with maybe Eli and Maya.
I gave it 5 stars, obviously, because anything less would be a crime against literature, vibes, and my own emotional wellbeing.
Thank you so much Netgalley and Central Avenue for the copy of the book, IT WAS SO GOOD.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, this book packs a bunch of emotions and some character revelations that I just wasn't expecting.
Told through multiple point of views, the story focuses on the last week of The Open Seat cafe. During it's last week, 8 individual lives are affected in ways they didn't see coming. Revelations rock some worlds, second chances are provided, secrets are uncovered, and each incident bonds these individuals in ways that can't be named.
Even though I was shocked and - dare I say disappointed - in some of the revelations, this is a story that reminds us that life if messy, and sometimes forgiveness is a struggle and takes time, but that we can still love through it all. It's also a reminder that we don't have to go through hard things on our own and that family is often those we choose to surround ourselves with.
I enjoyed the character relationships, and while there are some heavy topics in this book, there were times I laughed out loud. I loved Mrs Callahan and want to be like her when I grow up!
Contents: mild language, infidelity (in the past), drinking, divorce, mental abuse (briefly talked about)
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"I need to stop waiting for the right moment and accept that the right moment is whichever one I'm actually standing in."
"I'm really tired of being the one who gets left behind."
"Waiting is hope in disguise, and hope can be reckless."
"It's funny how we see things more clearly when the important part is gone."
"Maybe love isn't about grand gestures or dramatic entrances. Maybe it's about showing up for those we love. Again. And again. And again."
"Find happiness..Whatever that turns out to be...and know you're worthy of it."
"I know it feels like everything has fallen apart. But that only means something new has to be built."
"Love is always a risk...There's no version of it that comes with guarantees, and there is no way to protect yourself from every possible ending."
"Grief doesn't disappear so much as it finds a place to live that doesn't take up every room."
Told through multiple point of views, the story focuses on the last week of The Open Seat cafe. During it's last week, 8 individual lives are affected in ways they didn't see coming. Revelations rock some worlds, second chances are provided, secrets are uncovered, and each incident bonds these individuals in ways that can't be named.
Even though I was shocked and - dare I say disappointed - in some of the revelations, this is a story that reminds us that life if messy, and sometimes forgiveness is a struggle and takes time, but that we can still love through it all. It's also a reminder that we don't have to go through hard things on our own and that family is often those we choose to surround ourselves with.
I enjoyed the character relationships, and while there are some heavy topics in this book, there were times I laughed out loud. I loved Mrs Callahan and want to be like her when I grow up!
Contents: mild language, infidelity (in the past), drinking, divorce, mental abuse (briefly talked about)
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"I need to stop waiting for the right moment and accept that the right moment is whichever one I'm actually standing in."
"I'm really tired of being the one who gets left behind."
"Waiting is hope in disguise, and hope can be reckless."
"It's funny how we see things more clearly when the important part is gone."
"Maybe love isn't about grand gestures or dramatic entrances. Maybe it's about showing up for those we love. Again. And again. And again."
"Find happiness..Whatever that turns out to be...and know you're worthy of it."
"I know it feels like everything has fallen apart. But that only means something new has to be built."
"Love is always a risk...There's no version of it that comes with guarantees, and there is no way to protect yourself from every possible ending."
"Grief doesn't disappear so much as it finds a place to live that doesn't take up every room."
Review of advance copy received from Author
"A place that was built for exactly this. For the unlikely, the unexpected, and the people who needed a soft place to land without knowing that's what they were looking for."
Closing Time wrecked me in the best way. This is a romantic comedy, yes — but it’s also a love letter to community, chosen family, and the bittersweet beauty of endings that become new beginnings.
We meet eight very different people who drift into The Open Seat Cafe for coffee, WiFi, gossip, or just a place to exist. Nora, the owner, is aging and ready to retire, and her decision to close the cafe sends ripples through every life that’s been tethered to it. What unfolds is part mystery, part character study, part warm hug. As Nora starts closing up her personal life and the cafe, secrets come out that shift the trajectory for everyone involved.
Evans is masterful at weaving between POVs without losing momentum. Every character feels fully realized and meaningful — you’ll pick favorites, you’ll get frustrated with them, and you’ll root for them like they’re your own friends. The multiple POV structure works so well here because this isn’t just Nora’s story. It’s about how one place, one person, can quietly hold a whole community together.
Read if you love:
• Found family & small town community vibes
• Later in life love / new beginnings
• Multiple POVs done right
• Books that make you laugh AND ugly cry
• Workplace/“third place” romance
• Slow burn with emotional payoff
Content notes: Themes of aging & retirement, grief/loss, family secrets, emotional goodbyes, light romantic content. Cozy but heavy in the best way — bring Kleenex.
This book reminded me why I love stories about ordinary people and ordinary places. Because nothing about The Open Seat Cafe is ordinary by the end. It’s about the people who show up, and the ones who stay.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This one’s staying with me.
Recommended for fans of: Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Rebecca Serle, or anyone who loved The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.
Closing Time wrecked me in the best way. This is a romantic comedy, yes — but it’s also a love letter to community, chosen family, and the bittersweet beauty of endings that become new beginnings.
We meet eight very different people who drift into The Open Seat Cafe for coffee, WiFi, gossip, or just a place to exist. Nora, the owner, is aging and ready to retire, and her decision to close the cafe sends ripples through every life that’s been tethered to it. What unfolds is part mystery, part character study, part warm hug. As Nora starts closing up her personal life and the cafe, secrets come out that shift the trajectory for everyone involved.
Evans is masterful at weaving between POVs without losing momentum. Every character feels fully realized and meaningful — you’ll pick favorites, you’ll get frustrated with them, and you’ll root for them like they’re your own friends. The multiple POV structure works so well here because this isn’t just Nora’s story. It’s about how one place, one person, can quietly hold a whole community together.
Read if you love:
• Found family & small town community vibes
• Later in life love / new beginnings
• Multiple POVs done right
• Books that make you laugh AND ugly cry
• Workplace/“third place” romance
• Slow burn with emotional payoff
Content notes: Themes of aging & retirement, grief/loss, family secrets, emotional goodbyes, light romantic content. Cozy but heavy in the best way — bring Kleenex.
This book reminded me why I love stories about ordinary people and ordinary places. Because nothing about The Open Seat Cafe is ordinary by the end. It’s about the people who show up, and the ones who stay.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This one’s staying with me.
Recommended for fans of: Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Rebecca Serle, or anyone who loved The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.
July 20, 2026
This book completely stole my heart. ☕ From the very first chapter, I felt like I had stepped straight into a cozy romcom, and I never wanted to leave. It has that perfect blend of warmth, humor, heart, and just enough emotional depth to keep you completely invested. It honestly felt like curling up with your favorite blanket, a warm latte, and the best comfort movie. ✨📚🤎
The story follows eight different characters whose lives all intertwine through a beloved neighborhood coffee shop that's preparing to close its doors after 30 years. ☕🌿 While the entire story takes place over just six days, it never once felt rushed. Every chapter revealed something new, and I found myself looking forward to each character's perspective. There was always another surprise waiting around the corner, which kept me flying through the pages. 💛
I absolutely adored this cast. 🥹 Every single character felt important, and they each had their own chance to shine. Felicity was easily one of my favorites, but I have to admit... Jess completely surprised me! 😂 I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like her in the beginning, but she won me over before I even realized it. Those are some of my favorite kinds of characters... the ones that completely change your mind. 💕
I also loved reading from every character's point of view because it made the coffee shop feel like so much more than just a setting. It became the heart of the story. ☕✨ It was the place where strangers became connected, stories overlapped, lives changed, and little moments ended up meaning the most.
This was one of those books that left me smiling, laughing, getting a little emotional, and wishing I could spend just a little more time with these characters. 💛
If you love ensemble casts, cozy coffee shop settings, heartfelt contemporary fiction, and stories that feel like your favorite comfort romcom, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. ☕📚✨ I'll definitely be adding a finished copy to my shelves when it's released! 🤎📖
The story follows eight different characters whose lives all intertwine through a beloved neighborhood coffee shop that's preparing to close its doors after 30 years. ☕🌿 While the entire story takes place over just six days, it never once felt rushed. Every chapter revealed something new, and I found myself looking forward to each character's perspective. There was always another surprise waiting around the corner, which kept me flying through the pages. 💛
I absolutely adored this cast. 🥹 Every single character felt important, and they each had their own chance to shine. Felicity was easily one of my favorites, but I have to admit... Jess completely surprised me! 😂 I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like her in the beginning, but she won me over before I even realized it. Those are some of my favorite kinds of characters... the ones that completely change your mind. 💕
I also loved reading from every character's point of view because it made the coffee shop feel like so much more than just a setting. It became the heart of the story. ☕✨ It was the place where strangers became connected, stories overlapped, lives changed, and little moments ended up meaning the most.
This was one of those books that left me smiling, laughing, getting a little emotional, and wishing I could spend just a little more time with these characters. 💛
If you love ensemble casts, cozy coffee shop settings, heartfelt contemporary fiction, and stories that feel like your favorite comfort romcom, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. ☕📚✨ I'll definitely be adding a finished copy to my shelves when it's released! 🤎📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
Thank you to Elaine Evans for providing me with an ARC of Closing Time in exchange for an honest review.
Closing Time was a great palate cleanser and exactly the kind of book I needed. It was an easy, low-stress read that kept me engaged without being emotionally heavy. Despite having a large cast of characters, I found myself flying through it.
At first, I was a little nervous about the structure since each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective. I thought it might get confusing, but the character guide at the beginning of the book was incredibly helpful, and before long I had no trouble keeping everyone straight. I actually ended up enjoying seeing how all of the characters’ lives intertwined.
The story revolves around The Open Seat café and the people connected to it. It gave me Cheers vibes—the kind of place where everyone knows your name and where people from all walks of life come together. The café felt like a character itself, serving as the heart of the story and connecting all of the different storylines.
My favorite perspective was Nora’s. Following the café owner through the final week before the café closed gave the book its emotional center, and I found myself most invested in her journey.
There were plenty of twists throughout the story that kept my attention. While some were predictable, they still added to the charm of the book and made it fun to see how everything would unfold.
The only downside for me was that the last 75 pages felt a little slow compared to the rest of the novel. However, the ending does a wonderful job of tying everything together, and I appreciated how neatly all of the storylines were wrapped up.
Overall, Closing Time is a sweet, comforting read about friendship, community, family, forgiveness, and connection. If you’re looking for a feel-good book with multiple perspectives, a lovable cast, and a cozy small-community atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Elaine Evans for providing me with an ARC of Closing Time in exchange for an honest review.
Closing Time was a great palate cleanser and exactly the kind of book I needed. It was an easy, low-stress read that kept me engaged without being emotionally heavy. Despite having a large cast of characters, I found myself flying through it.
At first, I was a little nervous about the structure since each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective. I thought it might get confusing, but the character guide at the beginning of the book was incredibly helpful, and before long I had no trouble keeping everyone straight. I actually ended up enjoying seeing how all of the characters’ lives intertwined.
The story revolves around The Open Seat café and the people connected to it. It gave me Cheers vibes—the kind of place where everyone knows your name and where people from all walks of life come together. The café felt like a character itself, serving as the heart of the story and connecting all of the different storylines.
My favorite perspective was Nora’s. Following the café owner through the final week before the café closed gave the book its emotional center, and I found myself most invested in her journey.
There were plenty of twists throughout the story that kept my attention. While some were predictable, they still added to the charm of the book and made it fun to see how everything would unfold.
The only downside for me was that the last 75 pages felt a little slow compared to the rest of the novel. However, the ending does a wonderful job of tying everything together, and I appreciated how neatly all of the storylines were wrapped up.
Overall, Closing Time is a sweet, comforting read about friendship, community, family, forgiveness, and connection. If you’re looking for a feel-good book with multiple perspectives, a lovable cast, and a cozy small-community atmosphere, this is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW
I wasn't completely sure what to expect before starting Closing Time, but it ended up being one of those books that quietly grows on you.
At first, I thought I was picking up a cozy story about a coffee shop closing its doors. It definitely has that cozy feeling, but underneath it is a story about grief, forgiveness, family, and learning that the people we love are rarely as simple as we want them to be.
Nora was the character I connected with the most. Discovering new things about someone after they've passed away is such a heartbreaking idea, and I thought the author explored it really well. I liked that Frank wasn't written as either completely good or completely bad. Just like in real life, people are complicated, and Nora had to come to terms with that.
I also loved how the café brought so many different people together. Every customer, employee, and delivery driver added something to the story, and I enjoyed seeing all of their lives slowly intertwine over the course of the week.
One of my favourite relationships was actually Jess and Tom. Their father-daughter relationship wasn't perfect, but watching them slowly find their way back to each other was incredibly rewarding. Some of my favourite moments in the book came from the quieter conversations between them.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me was that, towards the end, some of the connections between the characters became a little too convenient. I understand why the author chose to bring everyone's stories together, but there were a few moments where it felt just a bit too coincidental.
Overall, Closing Time is a warm, emotional story filled with imperfect people who are all trying to move forward in their own way. It left me wanting to spend an afternoon in a little independent coffee shop with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't completely sure what to expect before starting Closing Time, but it ended up being one of those books that quietly grows on you.
At first, I thought I was picking up a cozy story about a coffee shop closing its doors. It definitely has that cozy feeling, but underneath it is a story about grief, forgiveness, family, and learning that the people we love are rarely as simple as we want them to be.
Nora was the character I connected with the most. Discovering new things about someone after they've passed away is such a heartbreaking idea, and I thought the author explored it really well. I liked that Frank wasn't written as either completely good or completely bad. Just like in real life, people are complicated, and Nora had to come to terms with that.
I also loved how the café brought so many different people together. Every customer, employee, and delivery driver added something to the story, and I enjoyed seeing all of their lives slowly intertwine over the course of the week.
One of my favourite relationships was actually Jess and Tom. Their father-daughter relationship wasn't perfect, but watching them slowly find their way back to each other was incredibly rewarding. Some of my favourite moments in the book came from the quieter conversations between them.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me was that, towards the end, some of the connections between the characters became a little too convenient. I understand why the author chose to bring everyone's stories together, but there were a few moments where it felt just a bit too coincidental.
Overall, Closing Time is a warm, emotional story filled with imperfect people who are all trying to move forward in their own way. It left me wanting to spend an afternoon in a little independent coffee shop with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Closing Time by Elaine Evans tells the story of a multi-generational community of regular customers as they navigate shifting relationships, personal drama, and unexpected romance before their favorite gathering place closes forever. The Open Seat is more than a coffee shop; it is a place where a community of customers slowly become family.
I have never read a book quite like this, filled with a large ensemble cast full of interwoven stories with the café owner, Nora Anderson, at the center of it all. I loved experiencing the perspective of so many different characters that allowed me to see different sides of the same events and embrace what each character was feeling in those moments. Each character felt like a real, distinct person, filled with complex emotions and unique dynamics with everyone who called this coffee shop home.
My favorite aspect of this book was that it told so many people’s stories—the struggles of an adult child of divorce with her formerly distant father trying to reconnect; the flirtations of the charming delivery driver and the local barista; the widowed café owner struggling to keep her shop open in the years following her husband’s death; the rockstar longing for the love he let go and the regret over the choices he’s made; and the loveable but meddling Mrs. Callahan, who has been a staple since the shop first opened its doors. From the first to the final page, I went on a journey with these characters—I laughed, I cried, and I wished that the Open Seat was an actual place.
If you love cozy coffee shops, a community of customers that become a family, and connected stories that weave together like a beautiful tapestry, Closing Time absolutely deserves a read. This book embodies the Semisonic lyric: 'Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end'—a perfect encapsulation of this story about change, loss, and community.
Content Warnings:
• Drunken Antics
• Mild Language
• Off-page Infidelity
I have never read a book quite like this, filled with a large ensemble cast full of interwoven stories with the café owner, Nora Anderson, at the center of it all. I loved experiencing the perspective of so many different characters that allowed me to see different sides of the same events and embrace what each character was feeling in those moments. Each character felt like a real, distinct person, filled with complex emotions and unique dynamics with everyone who called this coffee shop home.
My favorite aspect of this book was that it told so many people’s stories—the struggles of an adult child of divorce with her formerly distant father trying to reconnect; the flirtations of the charming delivery driver and the local barista; the widowed café owner struggling to keep her shop open in the years following her husband’s death; the rockstar longing for the love he let go and the regret over the choices he’s made; and the loveable but meddling Mrs. Callahan, who has been a staple since the shop first opened its doors. From the first to the final page, I went on a journey with these characters—I laughed, I cried, and I wished that the Open Seat was an actual place.
If you love cozy coffee shops, a community of customers that become a family, and connected stories that weave together like a beautiful tapestry, Closing Time absolutely deserves a read. This book embodies the Semisonic lyric: 'Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end'—a perfect encapsulation of this story about change, loss, and community.
Content Warnings:
• Drunken Antics
• Mild Language
• Off-page Infidelity
July 13, 2026
4.5⭐️ I absolutely adored this one!! It’s a Hallmark meets Cheers, when small town cafe owner Nora is getting ready to close up shop after her husband Frank has passed, but it seems the locals aren’t quite ready to let it go, and Frank has left a few surprises behind. As they come together to say goodbye, feelings are shared, secrets are exposed, and no one with a connection to the Open Seat is going to be the same after it’s final week.
Sometimes a full cast of characters can get a bit confusing, but the writing and storylines are so strong, and the alternative POVs was done perfectly (there was a character guide at the start, but I didn’t end up needing it). I was immediately invested in Nora’s story, and one by one in that of each character we meet! I only wish I could be a regular too! We get a little bit of everything - grief, love, second chances, secrets, found family, likable and unlikable characters, complete chaos and so much perfectly placed humor. My heart kept breaking for Nora with each discovery, but her big heart allowed her to end up exactly where she was supposed to be, with exactly who she was supposed to be with, and I just love her journey. I laughed and I cried with each of these characters, even the most stubborn ones (I did find Eli/Ezra quite obnoxious - which may have been intentional, but his presence made the women in his life less likable when he was around, which I just personally hate, to see, but get how realistic it can be. And it did all work itself out). While I figured out most of the twists before their reveals, I loooved how everything played out and thought the author wove all the characters together in the best ways, with the ending coming together perfectly! Despite the great ending, I want to spend more time with these characters! This story would make a fantastic tv series, and I really hope someone makes that happen!!
If you’re looking for an unputdownable read that’s both light and fun, but also full of depth and feeling, look no further! This heartwarming story truly has something for everyone and I will be definitely be recommending this one for a long time!
Thank You to NetGalley, Elaine Evans Writes, and author Elaine Evans, for the eARC of the beautiful story that is Closing Time.
Sometimes a full cast of characters can get a bit confusing, but the writing and storylines are so strong, and the alternative POVs was done perfectly (there was a character guide at the start, but I didn’t end up needing it). I was immediately invested in Nora’s story, and one by one in that of each character we meet! I only wish I could be a regular too! We get a little bit of everything - grief, love, second chances, secrets, found family, likable and unlikable characters, complete chaos and so much perfectly placed humor. My heart kept breaking for Nora with each discovery, but her big heart allowed her to end up exactly where she was supposed to be, with exactly who she was supposed to be with, and I just love her journey. I laughed and I cried with each of these characters, even the most stubborn ones (I did find Eli/Ezra quite obnoxious - which may have been intentional, but his presence made the women in his life less likable when he was around, which I just personally hate, to see, but get how realistic it can be. And it did all work itself out). While I figured out most of the twists before their reveals, I loooved how everything played out and thought the author wove all the characters together in the best ways, with the ending coming together perfectly! Despite the great ending, I want to spend more time with these characters! This story would make a fantastic tv series, and I really hope someone makes that happen!!
If you’re looking for an unputdownable read that’s both light and fun, but also full of depth and feeling, look no further! This heartwarming story truly has something for everyone and I will be definitely be recommending this one for a long time!
Thank You to NetGalley, Elaine Evans Writes, and author Elaine Evans, for the eARC of the beautiful story that is Closing Time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Elaine Evans for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of Closing Time. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books entertain you. Some books make you feel like you’ve lived alongside the characters. Closing Time did both.
From the very first pages, I felt like I was sitting inside The Open Seat with a cup of coffee and warm cookies, watching the lives of these characters unfold over the course of one unforgettable week. By the end, I didn’t feel like I had read a book I felt like I had spent time with friends.
Nora completely stole my heart. As she navigates grief, shocking discoveries about her late husband, and the closing of the cafe she spent 30 years building, I found myself hurting right alongside her. We all need a Nora in our lives.
The characters were wonderfully flawed, complicated, and deeply human. I laughed, cried, gasped at several revelations, smiled through the romance, and found myself completely invested in what would happen to each of them. Dante was an absolute standout character; kind, loyal, caring, and impossible not to root for.
What impressed me most was how this story handled difficult topics like grief, betrayal, forgiveness, family, and second chances while still maintaining the warmth and comfort of a cozy small-town coffee shop. Even when my heart was breaking, the story never lost its hope.
And the ending? Perfect.
I didn’t want this book to end, yet when it did, I felt completely satisfied. Every storyline felt thoughtfully wrapped up, and the epilogue gave me exactly what I wanted without overstaying its welcome.
Closing Time felt like a classic romantic comedy in novel form, and honestly, someone needs to make this into a movie immediately.
My heart broke and was also restored. I loved every minute I spent at The Open Seat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books entertain you. Some books make you feel like you’ve lived alongside the characters. Closing Time did both.
From the very first pages, I felt like I was sitting inside The Open Seat with a cup of coffee and warm cookies, watching the lives of these characters unfold over the course of one unforgettable week. By the end, I didn’t feel like I had read a book I felt like I had spent time with friends.
Nora completely stole my heart. As she navigates grief, shocking discoveries about her late husband, and the closing of the cafe she spent 30 years building, I found myself hurting right alongside her. We all need a Nora in our lives.
The characters were wonderfully flawed, complicated, and deeply human. I laughed, cried, gasped at several revelations, smiled through the romance, and found myself completely invested in what would happen to each of them. Dante was an absolute standout character; kind, loyal, caring, and impossible not to root for.
What impressed me most was how this story handled difficult topics like grief, betrayal, forgiveness, family, and second chances while still maintaining the warmth and comfort of a cozy small-town coffee shop. Even when my heart was breaking, the story never lost its hope.
And the ending? Perfect.
I didn’t want this book to end, yet when it did, I felt completely satisfied. Every storyline felt thoughtfully wrapped up, and the epilogue gave me exactly what I wanted without overstaying its welcome.
Closing Time felt like a classic romantic comedy in novel form, and honestly, someone needs to make this into a movie immediately.
My heart broke and was also restored. I loved every minute I spent at The Open Seat.
July 7, 2026
First of all, thank you so much to NetGalley and Elaine Evans for providing me with an ARC of Closing Time in exchange for an honest review. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this book before its release.
Closing Time is a cozy, heartwarming story centered around The Open Seat café during its final week before closing its doors. Told through multiple points of view, the novel explores grief, found family, second chances, and the unexpected ways people’s lives intertwine. (NetGalley)
The beginning immediately drew me in. I loved the cozy café atmosphere, and the premise had so much charm. The different characters each brought something unique to the story, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know the community that revolved around The Open Seat.
However, as the story progressed, I found myself losing some of that initial excitement. With such a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines, the pacing started to feel a bit slow for me, and I struggled to stay fully invested in every character’s journey. While I appreciated what the author was trying to accomplish, I personally wished some of the storylines had been more developed while others had been streamlined.
That said, I think this book will find its audience. If you enjoy cozy contemporary fiction with multiple POVs, found family, emotional healing, and the nostalgic feel of an early-2000s romantic comedy, this is definitely worth picking up. The writing is warm, comforting, and captures the feeling of a place that becomes home just as much as the people inside it.
Overall, while Closing Time wasn’t a perfect fit for my personal reading taste, I still appreciated its heartfelt message about love, loss, community, and new beginnings. Thank you again to NetGalley and Elaine Evans for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Closing Time is a cozy, heartwarming story centered around The Open Seat café during its final week before closing its doors. Told through multiple points of view, the novel explores grief, found family, second chances, and the unexpected ways people’s lives intertwine. (NetGalley)
The beginning immediately drew me in. I loved the cozy café atmosphere, and the premise had so much charm. The different characters each brought something unique to the story, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know the community that revolved around The Open Seat.
However, as the story progressed, I found myself losing some of that initial excitement. With such a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines, the pacing started to feel a bit slow for me, and I struggled to stay fully invested in every character’s journey. While I appreciated what the author was trying to accomplish, I personally wished some of the storylines had been more developed while others had been streamlined.
That said, I think this book will find its audience. If you enjoy cozy contemporary fiction with multiple POVs, found family, emotional healing, and the nostalgic feel of an early-2000s romantic comedy, this is definitely worth picking up. The writing is warm, comforting, and captures the feeling of a place that becomes home just as much as the people inside it.
Overall, while Closing Time wasn’t a perfect fit for my personal reading taste, I still appreciated its heartfelt message about love, loss, community, and new beginnings. Thank you again to NetGalley and Elaine Evans for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Usually I skip the pages explaining who characters are and go right to the prologue. DO NOT BE ME! That character key is super helpful.
Now onto the review itself: I typically don’t go for the multiple character plot lines. However, I might start looking for them after reading this one. The moving parts of this story did a great job of keeping me engaged without making me overwhelmed with all the different plot lines. The story centers around a cafe called The Open Seat which connects all of our characters with Nora, who acts as the matriarch of this story, being the glue that holds everyone together.
The author did a very nice job explaining how everyone was connected and I found her characters very relatable for the most part. By the end of the book I wanted to be part of Westhaven.
The one aspect I wasn’t a fan of is that all the characters seemed interesting except for Dante “who basically is the main romantic male lead”. I swear this man was as interesting as a wet wash cloth. The only synonym used to describe him was “steady” which is great and everything but I didn’t feel a spark between him and his love interest (Felicity). I actually felt more of a connection with Felicity and her ex (Eli). There was also one character that I didn’t think needed to be included in the story and to be fair she really wasn’t featured a ton (Maya), she also seemed dry and forgettable which is saying something since she ended up with one of the lead characters. I really loved Ms. Callahan, Tom and Jess. There was a giant twist at the end that I worked out myself before the time came, and honestly I liked that. I like having to use my brain a little when reading, I thought the twist was fun and made me feel overall happy for everyone involved.
Now onto the review itself: I typically don’t go for the multiple character plot lines. However, I might start looking for them after reading this one. The moving parts of this story did a great job of keeping me engaged without making me overwhelmed with all the different plot lines. The story centers around a cafe called The Open Seat which connects all of our characters with Nora, who acts as the matriarch of this story, being the glue that holds everyone together.
The author did a very nice job explaining how everyone was connected and I found her characters very relatable for the most part. By the end of the book I wanted to be part of Westhaven.
The one aspect I wasn’t a fan of is that all the characters seemed interesting except for Dante “who basically is the main romantic male lead”. I swear this man was as interesting as a wet wash cloth. The only synonym used to describe him was “steady” which is great and everything but I didn’t feel a spark between him and his love interest (Felicity). I actually felt more of a connection with Felicity and her ex (Eli). There was also one character that I didn’t think needed to be included in the story and to be fair she really wasn’t featured a ton (Maya), she also seemed dry and forgettable which is saying something since she ended up with one of the lead characters. I really loved Ms. Callahan, Tom and Jess. There was a giant twist at the end that I worked out myself before the time came, and honestly I liked that. I like having to use my brain a little when reading, I thought the twist was fun and made me feel overall happy for everyone involved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
"Because I stopped breathing when the love of my life walked away from me." -Eli
"Do you want coffee...or are you here to emotionally terrorize me and then disappear again?" -Felicity
"Find happiness...whatever that turns out to be...and know you're worthy of it." -Dante
"Love is always a risk, Felicity...there's no version of it that come with guarantees, and there is no way to protect yourself from every possible ending" -Nora
There are a lot of people in this book. A lot of important people and you must get to know each one. They are deep, and troubled, making their way in the best way they know how and things just keep going out of the woodwork for them to handle and juggle, and survive. Elaine Evans has done a masterful job weaving the stories of all these people into an amazing kaleidoscope of hurt, love, healing, forgiveness, and found family. There are twists and turns that made me gasp and I spent a lot of the beginning yelling at Eli. Nora and Felicity are treasures and needed to be protected at all costs. But they weren't - we all have to go through struggles. There are a few more characters who grabbed my heart but you'll find them all waiting for you in the pages. It's SO GOOD.
If you haven't read an Elaine Evans book, it's time and I would suggest you start with this one. I absolutely loved this book.
what to expect:
*small town vibes
*second chance romance
*found family
*grief/healing
*I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author, and NetGalley.
"Do you want coffee...or are you here to emotionally terrorize me and then disappear again?" -Felicity
"Find happiness...whatever that turns out to be...and know you're worthy of it." -Dante
"Love is always a risk, Felicity...there's no version of it that come with guarantees, and there is no way to protect yourself from every possible ending" -Nora
There are a lot of people in this book. A lot of important people and you must get to know each one. They are deep, and troubled, making their way in the best way they know how and things just keep going out of the woodwork for them to handle and juggle, and survive. Elaine Evans has done a masterful job weaving the stories of all these people into an amazing kaleidoscope of hurt, love, healing, forgiveness, and found family. There are twists and turns that made me gasp and I spent a lot of the beginning yelling at Eli. Nora and Felicity are treasures and needed to be protected at all costs. But they weren't - we all have to go through struggles. There are a few more characters who grabbed my heart but you'll find them all waiting for you in the pages. It's SO GOOD.
If you haven't read an Elaine Evans book, it's time and I would suggest you start with this one. I absolutely loved this book.
what to expect:
*small town vibes
*second chance romance
*found family
*grief/healing
*I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author, and NetGalley.
July 8, 2026
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.
The Open Seat café has been the emotional anchor of its small town for more than thirty years. Now, as it prepares to close for good, Nora Anderson finds herself facing a goodbye she never wanted: letting go of the life she built with her late husband, Frank. Grief alone is heavy — but when a shocking revelation surfaces, Nora is forced to question everything she believed about her marriage.
Over the course of a single week, emotions rise, tensions snap, and long buried secrets come to light with the widowed owner, a sarcastic barista, the delivery guy who is smitten, a father and daughter trying to mend their relationship, a local rockstar who returns to where it all started, and the loyal regular. What begins as a countdown to closure becomes a collision of love, grief, hope, and unexpected connection. Every character is pulled into the unraveling mystery at the café’s center, and every storyline snaps together with satisfying clarity.
This blend of tenderness and upheaval is where the story shines. It’s heartfelt without being heavy, romantic without losing its realism, and full of that signature Katherine Center style resilience. It’s the kind of book where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” — and suddenly it’s 2am.
The Open Seat café has been the emotional anchor of its small town for more than thirty years. Now, as it prepares to close for good, Nora Anderson finds herself facing a goodbye she never wanted: letting go of the life she built with her late husband, Frank. Grief alone is heavy — but when a shocking revelation surfaces, Nora is forced to question everything she believed about her marriage.
Over the course of a single week, emotions rise, tensions snap, and long buried secrets come to light with the widowed owner, a sarcastic barista, the delivery guy who is smitten, a father and daughter trying to mend their relationship, a local rockstar who returns to where it all started, and the loyal regular. What begins as a countdown to closure becomes a collision of love, grief, hope, and unexpected connection. Every character is pulled into the unraveling mystery at the café’s center, and every storyline snaps together with satisfying clarity.
This blend of tenderness and upheaval is where the story shines. It’s heartfelt without being heavy, romantic without losing its realism, and full of that signature Katherine Center style resilience. It’s the kind of book where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” — and suddenly it’s 2am.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC REVIEW**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/4
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Fiction / Romance
Thank you Elaine Evans for an ARC of Closing Time.
There is an ensemble cast of characters in this book, from an elderly coffee shop owner, to the twenty something barista who lives in the apartment upstairs, to the hunky delivery guy, to the Rock Star who got his start in said coffee shop, to regular customers and their families. All characters are interconnected, their lives overlap, and their relationships beautifully established. Like the TV Show "Friends," most of the story takes place within the coffee shop. Some of the story lines include deceased husbands and cheating scandals and familial estrangement to lost love and new love and everything in between. This is a story of resilience and friendships and forgiveness and love - moth romantic, platonic, and familial.
I love how all the characters had their lives intersect at one point or another, the banter in conversations were executed well, and I was interested and engaged in all of their lives. The story was very well written and very enjoyable. Definitely recommend checking it out! I thought it was just going to be a cutesy rom-com from the cover, but there are deep messages throughout.
IG @lit.fic.lani
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/4
Reading Method: 📚
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Fiction / Romance
Thank you Elaine Evans for an ARC of Closing Time.
There is an ensemble cast of characters in this book, from an elderly coffee shop owner, to the twenty something barista who lives in the apartment upstairs, to the hunky delivery guy, to the Rock Star who got his start in said coffee shop, to regular customers and their families. All characters are interconnected, their lives overlap, and their relationships beautifully established. Like the TV Show "Friends," most of the story takes place within the coffee shop. Some of the story lines include deceased husbands and cheating scandals and familial estrangement to lost love and new love and everything in between. This is a story of resilience and friendships and forgiveness and love - moth romantic, platonic, and familial.
I love how all the characters had their lives intersect at one point or another, the banter in conversations were executed well, and I was interested and engaged in all of their lives. The story was very well written and very enjoyable. Definitely recommend checking it out! I thought it was just going to be a cutesy rom-com from the cover, but there are deep messages throughout.
IG @lit.fic.lani
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Nora is preparing her coffee shop to close its doors after 30 years. She’ grieving her husband and the business they built together when secrets are revealed that unravel it all. (⚠️ there’s no trigger warning page and I think it needs one. I put my trigger warning list at the bottom of this review to avoid any kind of potential plot spoiler.)
“It was real. It was mine.”
☕️ Spans one week
🩷 Multi POV
📦 Family drama
🎸 Beloved coffee shop
☕️ Slow burn
🩷 Found family
📦 Hint of suspense
🎸 Secrets
“To good coffee. And to terrible muffins.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There’s a lot of heart and small town charm in this book. I love the found family element and the hint of suspense. I liked all the characters. I think they all felt real and whole but enough room to grow for some really satisfying development. The one thing I didn’t love was how slow the pacing felt in the first half. But then the plot twists were ✨juicy✨and helped the pacing speed up in the last half and I couldnt put it down. The writing is deep and some parts had my stomach in knots!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Release date 7/7/26.
“This place really does specialize in emotional trauma.”
⚠️ TW: theft, infidelity, death, cancer, miscarriage, verbal and emotional abuse, grief.
Nora is preparing her coffee shop to close its doors after 30 years. She’ grieving her husband and the business they built together when secrets are revealed that unravel it all. (⚠️ there’s no trigger warning page and I think it needs one. I put my trigger warning list at the bottom of this review to avoid any kind of potential plot spoiler.)
“It was real. It was mine.”
☕️ Spans one week
🩷 Multi POV
📦 Family drama
🎸 Beloved coffee shop
☕️ Slow burn
🩷 Found family
📦 Hint of suspense
🎸 Secrets
“To good coffee. And to terrible muffins.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There’s a lot of heart and small town charm in this book. I love the found family element and the hint of suspense. I liked all the characters. I think they all felt real and whole but enough room to grow for some really satisfying development. The one thing I didn’t love was how slow the pacing felt in the first half. But then the plot twists were ✨juicy✨and helped the pacing speed up in the last half and I couldnt put it down. The writing is deep and some parts had my stomach in knots!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Release date 7/7/26.
“This place really does specialize in emotional trauma.”
⚠️ TW: theft, infidelity, death, cancer, miscarriage, verbal and emotional abuse, grief.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
Closing Time is an ensemble romance set around the closing of a coffee shop, and it does what ensemble fiction is supposed to do: give you a cast of people whose lives intersect in ways that feel both contrived and, eventually, earned.
The coincidence radius is tight. Everyone is connected to everyone and the book doesn't particularly try to hide this. If Small World Syndrome bothers you, adjust your expectations accordingly.
What saves it is the writing. Evans has a sharp comic instinct: A character named Pervy Pete moves through space "with the confidence of a man who has never once considered that other people occupy the same physical space as him." Jess, who describes her best friend's fiancé as "the human equivalent of a beige wall" and shows up to a difficult dinner because "the least I can do is show up and eat the food," is the funniest character in the book.
The romantic plotlines both resolve with running involved, which tells you something about the genre register. I cared less about them than about Nora, who holds love for her late husband and betrayal in the same sentence without flinching. Evans writes grief and complicated love with genuine care. That's the book at its best.
Closing Time is an ensemble romance set around the closing of a coffee shop, and it does what ensemble fiction is supposed to do: give you a cast of people whose lives intersect in ways that feel both contrived and, eventually, earned.
The coincidence radius is tight. Everyone is connected to everyone and the book doesn't particularly try to hide this. If Small World Syndrome bothers you, adjust your expectations accordingly.
What saves it is the writing. Evans has a sharp comic instinct: A character named Pervy Pete moves through space "with the confidence of a man who has never once considered that other people occupy the same physical space as him." Jess, who describes her best friend's fiancé as "the human equivalent of a beige wall" and shows up to a difficult dinner because "the least I can do is show up and eat the food," is the funniest character in the book.
The romantic plotlines both resolve with running involved, which tells you something about the genre register. I cared less about them than about Nora, who holds love for her late husband and betrayal in the same sentence without flinching. Evans writes grief and complicated love with genuine care. That's the book at its best.
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