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Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café
What if the world didn't want you to go straight? Out on parole after almost ten years in prison, Emet First is repairing his shattered life. He has friends, a job, and his first date in a decade. The young woman, Mercedes Finch, is lovely but wounded. When her deranged brother learns about Emet's past, he will stop at nothing to destroy him--and suddenly Emet has everything to lose.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2015
13 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Tilia Klebenov Jacobs
9 books89 followersTilia Klebenov Jacobs holds a BA from Oberlin College, where she double-majored in Religion and English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Following an interregnum as an outdoor educator with the Fairfax County Park Authority in Virginia, she earned a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a Secondary School Teaching Certification from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Despite lacking the ability to breathe fire except in the strictly metaphorical sense, Tilia has taught middle school, high school, and college. She has also won numerous awards for her fiction and nonfiction writing. She is a judge in the Soul-Making Keats Literary Competition, and she teaches writing in two prisons in Massachusetts. Tilia lives near Boston with her husband, two children, and two standard poodles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 19, 2015
4.5★s
Eden Rose ran the Serve You Right Café with Emet First as her assistant. Emet was on parole after spending ten years in prison; he had qualified as a cook while there, and he had magical hands – the food he created was delicious and the café was busy with customers from all walks of life. Emet had no desire to return to prison – the friends he had made, the job he had and loved and also his first date in a long time was coming up. Life was looking good…
Mercedes Finch, or Mercey as she was known, had a doctorate in physical therapy; she owned a german shepherd named Serena who was in training to become a therapy dog. But Mercey had family problems; when her junkie brother Clay heard about Mercey’s new boyfriend he was furious. As Clay worked himself into a rage scheming how to take Emet out of the picture, Emet had no idea of the danger that was closing in on him...
What a delightful read this one was! The underlying theme of giving people second chances was woven throughout the story; the laugh out loud moments were great and I loved Serena. I also loved the elderly couple Isadore and Daisy who were a big part of the tale. Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café was a very entertaining novel that I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Eden Rose ran the Serve You Right Café with Emet First as her assistant. Emet was on parole after spending ten years in prison; he had qualified as a cook while there, and he had magical hands – the food he created was delicious and the café was busy with customers from all walks of life. Emet had no desire to return to prison – the friends he had made, the job he had and loved and also his first date in a long time was coming up. Life was looking good…
Mercedes Finch, or Mercey as she was known, had a doctorate in physical therapy; she owned a german shepherd named Serena who was in training to become a therapy dog. But Mercey had family problems; when her junkie brother Clay heard about Mercey’s new boyfriend he was furious. As Clay worked himself into a rage scheming how to take Emet out of the picture, Emet had no idea of the danger that was closing in on him...
What a delightful read this one was! The underlying theme of giving people second chances was woven throughout the story; the laugh out loud moments were great and I loved Serena. I also loved the elderly couple Isadore and Daisy who were a big part of the tale. Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café was a very entertaining novel that I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
May 25, 2017
Every time I browsed NetGalley, the cover would catch my eye. Reading the blurb, I thought I would really like it since I love redemption and second chance stories. In the end, though, it was just ok.
I enjoyed the writing and the characters. I didn't immediately connect with the story and found everything to be it very descriptive, sometimes overly so. Because of that, I found the pacing to be a little slow and cumbersome at times. Some of the events seemed to take a long time to happen, however, the timeframe of the story was short.
Overall, I liked Second Helpings, but didn't love it. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ For more reviews, visit
I enjoyed the writing and the characters. I didn't immediately connect with the story and found everything to be it very descriptive, sometimes overly so. Because of that, I found the pacing to be a little slow and cumbersome at times. Some of the events seemed to take a long time to happen, however, the timeframe of the story was short.
Overall, I liked Second Helpings, but didn't love it. I would definitely read more from this author in the future.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ For more reviews, visit
December 19, 2016
Located in a small Massachusetts college town, the "Serve you Right Café" has a hard-working staff of two. A full-time owner/manager, a full-time baker, and one part-time server.
The owner/manager, Eden Rose, is a recovering alcoholic. A woman with a big heart, an artistic flair, and a positive outlook. She smiles often. She inspires confidences.
"The urge to confide in her, which few resisted, probably had something to do with her eyes. People tended to find themselves there. Eden's eyes were a clear brown that made drunks think of smooth whiskey and nature lovers remember woodland pools. Southerners looked into her eyes and tasted the memory of sweet tea, and a homeless man saw the darkness of a place to sleep".
Emet, is a parolee recently released from prison. He is a talented and highly skilled baker who views his parole status as a gift. He NEVER wants to return to prison, and he has an admirable work ethic. In his early thirties, he has been in jail for almost ten years. He learned how to cook in prison. He calls cooking "reliable magic".
When Emet meets a woman named Mercedes, he cannot believe his luck when she agrees to go out with him. Where she is a doctor of physiotherapy; he only has a high school diploma and a prison record.
The tables are not as uneven as they seem however, because Mercedes (Mercey) comes from a severely dysfunctional family. Her baggage would break the backs of most people. Emet isn't 'most people' though.
"Some plants grow best in poor soil"
Mercy's brother is a low-life druggie who has on occasion resorted to petty crime to support his habits. When he learns of Emet, and Emet's past, he does his level best to put Emet back in prison and away from his sister, who, up until now has helped to support him.
Mercey has a NEADS service dog named Serena. When her brother tries to harm Serena, Mercy reports him to the authorities. That's when things turn bad. Bad for Mercey, and by connection, bad for Emet.
This lovely little book is a treatise on human nature. The good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of it. It is a story told with deep understanding, humor, and empathy. The prose at times flows almost like poetry. There is no part of this book that I didn't love. All the characters are so well rendered, that I find myself missing them already...
It is my belief that this book will appeal to: people who like people, people who don't like people, people with 'baggage', people who love people who have 'baggage', dog lovers, bakers, and everyone who ever wanted or needed a second chance.
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from Linden Tree Press via Edelweiss in consideration of a review.
The owner/manager, Eden Rose, is a recovering alcoholic. A woman with a big heart, an artistic flair, and a positive outlook. She smiles often. She inspires confidences.
"The urge to confide in her, which few resisted, probably had something to do with her eyes. People tended to find themselves there. Eden's eyes were a clear brown that made drunks think of smooth whiskey and nature lovers remember woodland pools. Southerners looked into her eyes and tasted the memory of sweet tea, and a homeless man saw the darkness of a place to sleep".
Emet, is a parolee recently released from prison. He is a talented and highly skilled baker who views his parole status as a gift. He NEVER wants to return to prison, and he has an admirable work ethic. In his early thirties, he has been in jail for almost ten years. He learned how to cook in prison. He calls cooking "reliable magic".
When Emet meets a woman named Mercedes, he cannot believe his luck when she agrees to go out with him. Where she is a doctor of physiotherapy; he only has a high school diploma and a prison record.
The tables are not as uneven as they seem however, because Mercedes (Mercey) comes from a severely dysfunctional family. Her baggage would break the backs of most people. Emet isn't 'most people' though.
"Some plants grow best in poor soil"
Mercy's brother is a low-life druggie who has on occasion resorted to petty crime to support his habits. When he learns of Emet, and Emet's past, he does his level best to put Emet back in prison and away from his sister, who, up until now has helped to support him.
Mercey has a NEADS service dog named Serena. When her brother tries to harm Serena, Mercy reports him to the authorities. That's when things turn bad. Bad for Mercey, and by connection, bad for Emet.
This lovely little book is a treatise on human nature. The good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of it. It is a story told with deep understanding, humor, and empathy. The prose at times flows almost like poetry. There is no part of this book that I didn't love. All the characters are so well rendered, that I find myself missing them already...
It is my belief that this book will appeal to: people who like people, people who don't like people, people with 'baggage', people who love people who have 'baggage', dog lovers, bakers, and everyone who ever wanted or needed a second chance.
Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from Linden Tree Press via Edelweiss in consideration of a review.
April 10, 2015
Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café is the second outing for Tilia Klebenov Jacobs. I will again admit that I am the husband of the author, but here you will have my honest thoughts. Tilia has not read, written, edited or otherwise tampered with this review. [Scout's Honor]
I love this book very much. Sit on your couch at home or an easy chair at your favorite coffee shop with a steaming cup of mocha in easy reach, and this book will match your physical comfort with some reading comfort. The characters, with the exception of the caustic brother, are loveable, their many stories are interesting, and while the stakes for Emet become fairly high, we have such a warm feeling from the way the writing brings us through the story that we know that everything will turn out right in the end. While the plot revolves around Emet and Mercey, the secondary characters are vividly drawn with the help of their compelling personal stories. I’m hoping that at some point Tilia will write a story that spends more time on Isidore and Daisy, or at least that we will see them again in some other story.
This book is not for kids. There is no sexuality, but some of the situations are violent; drug use is mentioned frequently; and the language used by of some of the characters is, well, the kind of language you might expect from an angry stoner when messaging with his stoner friends.
I recommend this book without reservation to all who like a compelling read.
I love this book very much. Sit on your couch at home or an easy chair at your favorite coffee shop with a steaming cup of mocha in easy reach, and this book will match your physical comfort with some reading comfort. The characters, with the exception of the caustic brother, are loveable, their many stories are interesting, and while the stakes for Emet become fairly high, we have such a warm feeling from the way the writing brings us through the story that we know that everything will turn out right in the end. While the plot revolves around Emet and Mercey, the secondary characters are vividly drawn with the help of their compelling personal stories. I’m hoping that at some point Tilia will write a story that spends more time on Isidore and Daisy, or at least that we will see them again in some other story.
This book is not for kids. There is no sexuality, but some of the situations are violent; drug use is mentioned frequently; and the language used by of some of the characters is, well, the kind of language you might expect from an angry stoner when messaging with his stoner friends.
I recommend this book without reservation to all who like a compelling read.
April 13, 2015
The author, a friend of mine, asked if I'd be willing to read her latest and submit an honest review -- a potentially fraught request that I broached with some hesitation... Having just wrapped up this slim, compelling read, I'm delighted (and greatly relieved) to be able to award my highest recommendation. In 20+ short chapters Klebenov develops a number of interesting characters, giving us a glimpse of a few pivotal days in their lives. The writing is crisp, the story interesting and one that rings true. The whole is a satisfying blend. No spoilers here. Suffice it to say, stuff happens, stuff resolves, other stuff remains appropriately undecided. In other words, the story captures both the promise and the messiness of life. If you're hankering for a good story well-told, if you like your characters charming but flawed, and if you enjoy a good scone with your coffee -- set a spell in Klenenov's cafe. It will be time well spent.
April 26, 2015
Those individuals coming through the door at the Serve You Right Cafe have the opportunity for a “second chance” i.e. second helping. The book description (see below) had me expecting a possibly intense drama. While there is drama, it’s written in such a way that makes for a good read whether you’re sitting inside on a rainy day or outside in the nice cool air.
Emet struggles with his emotions and perceptions of being an ex-convict having recently been released from prison. So when he meet Mercedes it’s hard for him to believe that she could really like him and would want to get to know him. He’s very conscious of his parole requirements. The storyline flowed well and each of the characters were well developed. The book description says “her deranged brother learns about Emet’s past, he will stop at nothing to destroy…”. I must admit this added to my assumption that this was going to be something of an intense read. And though the scenes at the end with Mercedes’ brother was serious, it wasn’t a intense murder mystery thriller type of a showdown.
This was my first exposure to this author, and I don’t plan for it to be my last.
I received this as Kindle ebook from NetGalley for a review.
Emet struggles with his emotions and perceptions of being an ex-convict having recently been released from prison. So when he meet Mercedes it’s hard for him to believe that she could really like him and would want to get to know him. He’s very conscious of his parole requirements. The storyline flowed well and each of the characters were well developed. The book description says “her deranged brother learns about Emet’s past, he will stop at nothing to destroy…”. I must admit this added to my assumption that this was going to be something of an intense read. And though the scenes at the end with Mercedes’ brother was serious, it wasn’t a intense murder mystery thriller type of a showdown.
This was my first exposure to this author, and I don’t plan for it to be my last.
I received this as Kindle ebook from NetGalley for a review.
April 27, 2015
This short story kept me on the edge of my seat. And it made me hungry, too. Emet works for Eden Rose at the Serve You Right Cafe. The pastries made me drool. I think Ms. Jacobs could write a second book that just contained the recipes for the goodies in this one.
Emet has only been out of prison for a month. He has spent the last ten years in jail for manslaughter. Eden Rose feels everyone deserves a second chance and Emet is an extraordinary baker so she hires him. When we first meet these two, Emet has asked Mercy (a woman he met out and about) out on a date, and she said yes.
While Emet, Mercy and Eden are central to the plot, there are a lot of secondary characters that make this a lovely read, including an elderly couple who live in the park. Ms. Jacobs writes in an author's note at the end of the book that she had all these little stories in her head and when she drove by a coffee house one day, they all came together in a fictional coffee shop in her head. I liked many of these characters, so I'm glad it gelled!
Mercy's twin brother, Clay, is everything she's not. She's driven, kind, smart, and sweet. He is not. After their mother is moved into a home, he knows that Mercy is on her way out, too. He can't stand that. He deserves to be catered to, taken care of, fed, and housed, or at least that's what his stoned brains are telling him. When he sees she really is going, he decides to do everything in his power to make her stay. To say he is delusional would be an understatement. And his conniving, violent, and evil ways kept me on the edge of my seat.
There were some truly wonderful lines in this book. Here are a couple:
Emet smiled at her. "Do you ever get tired of being right?"
"Never. It's a constant thrill."
~!~!~!~!~!~
"Everyone has a past," he said. "And no one has the future. We all have now, and right now, I like what I see."
~!~!~!~!~!~
"I live for the midnight info-dump. In fact, when I got up this morning I said to my cats, 'You know what's missing in my life? A late-night confessional to curl my toes."
~!~!~!~!~!~
"Do you always go shopping at the Crazy Store? It sounds like you bought out their entire stock."
~!~!~!~!~!~
There were many cute moments (along with the TENSION) in this one. And while it's short, it still has all the things I want in a novella: A beginning, middle and an end! I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Thank you, Linden Tree Press and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
Emet has only been out of prison for a month. He has spent the last ten years in jail for manslaughter. Eden Rose feels everyone deserves a second chance and Emet is an extraordinary baker so she hires him. When we first meet these two, Emet has asked Mercy (a woman he met out and about) out on a date, and she said yes.
While Emet, Mercy and Eden are central to the plot, there are a lot of secondary characters that make this a lovely read, including an elderly couple who live in the park. Ms. Jacobs writes in an author's note at the end of the book that she had all these little stories in her head and when she drove by a coffee house one day, they all came together in a fictional coffee shop in her head. I liked many of these characters, so I'm glad it gelled!
Mercy's twin brother, Clay, is everything she's not. She's driven, kind, smart, and sweet. He is not. After their mother is moved into a home, he knows that Mercy is on her way out, too. He can't stand that. He deserves to be catered to, taken care of, fed, and housed, or at least that's what his stoned brains are telling him. When he sees she really is going, he decides to do everything in his power to make her stay. To say he is delusional would be an understatement. And his conniving, violent, and evil ways kept me on the edge of my seat.
There were some truly wonderful lines in this book. Here are a couple:
Emet smiled at her. "Do you ever get tired of being right?"
"Never. It's a constant thrill."
~!~!~!~!~!~
"Everyone has a past," he said. "And no one has the future. We all have now, and right now, I like what I see."
~!~!~!~!~!~
"I live for the midnight info-dump. In fact, when I got up this morning I said to my cats, 'You know what's missing in my life? A late-night confessional to curl my toes."
~!~!~!~!~!~
"Do you always go shopping at the Crazy Store? It sounds like you bought out their entire stock."
~!~!~!~!~!~
There were many cute moments (along with the TENSION) in this one. And while it's short, it still has all the things I want in a novella: A beginning, middle and an end! I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Thank you, Linden Tree Press and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 20, 2015
This was quite a short novel about a coffee shop and the people that it serves. The owner is Eden Rose, her pastry chef is Emet and they serve wonderful pastries and coffee to their clients everyday. The story seems rambling with almost no concrete plot except for a main theme, second chances. For Eden Rose is a recovering alcoholic and Emet has just gotten out of prison after serving 10 years for manslaughter. Emet is going on a date with Mercy, a PT specialist who also has her own dysfunctional family to deal with, namely her drugged out brother Clay. Everyday each of their patrons come in and each of them have a story to tell. What is truly great about this novel is the simplicity of each story carries within it the nuances of a much more complex situation. This is a testimony to the writer's talent in crafting something seemingly random into something totally cohesive. There are love stories, army stories, redemptive stories and stories that simply end bittersweetly and those that have a positive happily for now. Each person is a story and their prompt is the Serve You Right Cafe, who can ask for more.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
April 20, 2015
I was given a copy of Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Cafe from NetGalley for an honest review. I enjoyed this book overall and found it a very fast read for me. I found the story between Mercey and Emet interesting. I especially liked it that Emet was afraid he would not be good enough for Mercey because was an ex-con when the one with the problems was Mercey who had her doctrate but a messed up family and a brother, Clay, who was set on messing up her life and getting Emet in trouble. I found myself laughing at the lengths Clay was willing to go to get his way. I won't go into detail due to spoilers but that junkie had an imagination.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I wish it was a bit longer and Emet and Mercey's relationship would have been explored deeper and that is why I am giving the book four out of five stars. I would have liked a bit more.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I wish it was a bit longer and Emet and Mercey's relationship would have been explored deeper and that is why I am giving the book four out of five stars. I would have liked a bit more.
April 24, 2015
This sweet book explores redemption and hope in a believable way. Very enjoyable. A positive book.
April 28, 2015
I may be a tad biased, since I wrote this...but I really do think it's that good! Since I've spent longer with it than anyone else on the planet, that's a serious endorsement. :-D
April 26, 2015
I've just finished reading Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café and I really enjoyed it.
It's a novella about a host of different people who either work in or visit the café. The main character, Emet, is an ex convict, fresh out on parole and he now works in the café. He meets a girl (ahh) and asks her out and everything seems fine until her degenerate brother takes exception to the fact and decides to put an end to their relationship. Emet's boss is Eden Rose (nice name) and she gives sage counsel along the way and we get to hear some of her back story too.
Although there are some very nice details in the book, short punchy descriptions, I felt like it could have been fleshed out more, we could have seen more of Emet and Mercey's relationship and gone for a whole bigger book - in short I felt like it needed more. However, it's well worth a read if you like a story filled with good interesting characters (and a dog), they're not sickly sweet, but real people each with their own flaws. It felt a lot more original than some novels I have read for a while and the narrative kept the pace flowing throughout.
I received a kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
It's a novella about a host of different people who either work in or visit the café. The main character, Emet, is an ex convict, fresh out on parole and he now works in the café. He meets a girl (ahh) and asks her out and everything seems fine until her degenerate brother takes exception to the fact and decides to put an end to their relationship. Emet's boss is Eden Rose (nice name) and she gives sage counsel along the way and we get to hear some of her back story too.
Although there are some very nice details in the book, short punchy descriptions, I felt like it could have been fleshed out more, we could have seen more of Emet and Mercey's relationship and gone for a whole bigger book - in short I felt like it needed more. However, it's well worth a read if you like a story filled with good interesting characters (and a dog), they're not sickly sweet, but real people each with their own flaws. It felt a lot more original than some novels I have read for a while and the narrative kept the pace flowing throughout.
I received a kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 24, 2015
Very short, but far from trivial, "Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café" is a novella that weaves together the lives of a few different people.
Emet is an ex-con that begins to work in the café as a baker. He sticks to himself and keeps his head down. He's just trying to live his life without any problems. Then Mercedes walks in and Emet can't help but to like her and her sweet personality. She likes him too. They soon get together but Mercedes ex-con brother thinks he can benefit from giving the two problems. Mercedes know her brother is a loser but can't seem to cut ties.
I read this book in one sitting. Granted it isn't a super long book but long enough at over 200 pages that I could have stopped in between. I found myself wanting to finish so I didn't have to wait to see what would happen to Mercedes and Emet. The author's writing makes it hard for a reader to take a break without immediately wondering what happens next.
The café is so vividly detailed by the author, I wished I could go to the Serve You Right Café and order a coffee and Danish. Every aspect of this quaint café was appealing to me. The people that visit, the workers and the relaxed style are just a few of the details that the author highlights.
October 14, 2015
I would like to thank Linden Tree Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a delightful read! I got so involved in the Ms. Jacob's writing that I could practically smell the wonderful aromas of the Serve You Right Cafe. With it's cast of lovable eclectic characters you don't want this book to end.
Emma Rose, the owner of the Cafe is all about second chances and she extends one to an ex-con, Emit First, who upon release from a long prison term becomes her "Sioux Chef". Emit seems to question himself regarding his good luck in his second chance in life. It gets worst when he has a chance meeting with a beautiful young woman, Mercey who he has asked out and much to his surprise accepts. She's a physical therapist and at first glance seems to have it all under control. She has a different set of issues that she really doesn't have much control over.
I love Emma's wise counsel and the warm kindness that she extends to everyone she meets.
I really liked the way Ms. Jacobs wove this story together it's such a feel great read!
This was such a delightful read! I got so involved in the Ms. Jacob's writing that I could practically smell the wonderful aromas of the Serve You Right Cafe. With it's cast of lovable eclectic characters you don't want this book to end.
Emma Rose, the owner of the Cafe is all about second chances and she extends one to an ex-con, Emit First, who upon release from a long prison term becomes her "Sioux Chef". Emit seems to question himself regarding his good luck in his second chance in life. It gets worst when he has a chance meeting with a beautiful young woman, Mercey who he has asked out and much to his surprise accepts. She's a physical therapist and at first glance seems to have it all under control. She has a different set of issues that she really doesn't have much control over.
I love Emma's wise counsel and the warm kindness that she extends to everyone she meets.
I really liked the way Ms. Jacobs wove this story together it's such a feel great read!
December 17, 2015
I liked the second chance message of this story. Not only do people deserve a second chance, but those who offer second chances benefit by doing so. I like Tilia Klebenov Jacobs writing style. The dialog was witty and entertaining. The characters in this book are very vibrant, well defined, and a lot of fun. Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café shows who these people really are. I loved the couple in the park. The female lead in this story is named Mercedes, and she was the only character in the book that did not sit well with me. I felt like her background did not mesh with her personality. It seemed to me that growing up in that kind of environment would have made her tougher. To be fair, I really love strong female characters.
May 14, 2015
My GoodReads log shows it took me nearly a week to read this book, but it really didn't. That is the amount of time that passed from the time I first posted I was starting it until today when I noted I was finished. However, due to a very hectic schedule the past week, I only actually spent a small amount of time reading. That is to say, this really was a fast read, despite my lengthy "reading" timeline.
I found this book to be nicely written and very sweet. The characters in this story were easy to get to know and understand. The settings were easily relatable. And all in all, it was a charming read. Everybody has a past, some worse than others. Yet who you choose to be now and in the future is up to you. As this book shows, a person is not and should not be defined by his past. And everyone has a right to be happy.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this review opportunity. I look forward to reading the author's other works.
I found this book to be nicely written and very sweet. The characters in this story were easy to get to know and understand. The settings were easily relatable. And all in all, it was a charming read. Everybody has a past, some worse than others. Yet who you choose to be now and in the future is up to you. As this book shows, a person is not and should not be defined by his past. And everyone has a right to be happy.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this review opportunity. I look forward to reading the author's other works.
May 14, 2015
A delightfully easy and charming read! I realized when I finished this book that it would have been the perfect book to take to the beach. It's short, witty, full of fun (and full of *delicious*-sounding food!) and it has just enough action and meaty subjects so you feel you've really gotten something out of it. It has a neat cast of characters--each with their own special past (and baggage). I have to say I was unexpectedly charmed by Emet. I mean, he's got a prison record for something really, really bad. I didn't expect to like him. But I did. I do agree with another reviewer that I wish the book was a teeny bit longer, because I'd like for one or two things to be explored a bit more, but... it's also just lovely as it is. Anyway, since it's shorter, I think you could take it to the beach, read the whole thing (yum!), and still have time to dip your toes in the sea. Pretty darn nice. It left me smiling. I LOVE books that leave me smiling. Totally a feel-good book!
April 23, 2015
a 3.5* read for me- it was a nice quick novella.
Emet works in a cafe since he came out of prison on parole. His boss has previous issues that makes her prefect for making people open up and leave feel like they've spent time with friends. She's prepared to give Emet a chance and he's proved the perfect employee.
He meets Mercey and knows that he has to tell her his past and needs to judge how early in the relationship he can risk telling her everything. She on the other hand is also worried about her family. Her brother uses drugs and her home life has been awful dealing with him.
Her brother finds out about this fledgling relationship- will he be a huge problem. What is he planning with his online buddies.
Emet works in a cafe since he came out of prison on parole. His boss has previous issues that makes her prefect for making people open up and leave feel like they've spent time with friends. She's prepared to give Emet a chance and he's proved the perfect employee.
He meets Mercey and knows that he has to tell her his past and needs to judge how early in the relationship he can risk telling her everything. She on the other hand is also worried about her family. Her brother uses drugs and her home life has been awful dealing with him.
Her brother finds out about this fledgling relationship- will he be a huge problem. What is he planning with his online buddies.
May 2, 2015
*I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This is a cute story. It's not very long, not as long as some of the other books I've read. But the author did a great job of combining some of the "random stories" she talks about in her "About this Book" section at the end of the story. The only thing I didn't like was that it was so short, but I also don't think it was missing anything, or it was any less good than it would have been had it have been longer. It was a good short story, and definitely made me interested in reading her other books. I'm starting on Wrong Place, Wrong Time next, in fact.
This is a cute story. It's not very long, not as long as some of the other books I've read. But the author did a great job of combining some of the "random stories" she talks about in her "About this Book" section at the end of the story. The only thing I didn't like was that it was so short, but I also don't think it was missing anything, or it was any less good than it would have been had it have been longer. It was a good short story, and definitely made me interested in reading her other books. I'm starting on Wrong Place, Wrong Time next, in fact.
May 5, 2015
First, I received this e-book from NetGalley (Linden Tree Press) for my enjoyment and review. I was most delighted with this new author to me, Tilia Klebenov Jacobs, and her Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Cafe. This is a very fast read that I easily accomplished in one afternoon. After starting the story which begins at Eden Rose's cafe where Emet First is an employee, I was unable to put it down. Her short book develops the main characters beautifully, and holds your attention right to the very happy ending. I truly enjoyed her style, simple yet engrossing. Thank you Tilia – I will definitely look for more from you.
April 28, 2015
For anyone who's ever had a special connection to a neighborhood establishment, you'll find yourself feeling nostalgic as you walk through the doors of the Serves You Right Cafe. The setting jumps off the page with a realism that will leave you craving a fresh scone and a hot cup of coffee.
From the very beginning, the reader is drawn in by the engaging characters and easy, flowing dialogue. It's a real feat to have ancillary characters as intriguing and vibrant as the main protagonists. If there is one thing I can say for this book, is that it will leave you wanting seconds!
From the very beginning, the reader is drawn in by the engaging characters and easy, flowing dialogue. It's a real feat to have ancillary characters as intriguing and vibrant as the main protagonists. If there is one thing I can say for this book, is that it will leave you wanting seconds!
May 4, 2015
This was a wonderful short read. Definitely going to be reading more from this author. I was kept engaged with the characters throughout the story. They were strong and beautiful. Every single one of them, even though nearly all of them had hardships in their lives. Many laughs and a few "oh no" moments. Do not pass this one up. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.
October 23, 2015
This book was so easy to read and deeply engaging that I managed to fly through it in less than a day! Once I started reading, I just couldn’t tear myself away from it. From the beautiful cover with the lengthy (but apt) title, to the very last page, I found myself entwined in these characters lives.
Be sure to read the author’s note at the end to really appreciate the way this story came together.
Be sure to read the author’s note at the end to really appreciate the way this story came together.
April 25, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Second Helping at the Serve You Right Cafe by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs is a fast, quick read. The characters are so well developed that they just jump off the page at you. There is a sense of warmth and love that will make you the reader feel a part of the story. I loved the story. I recommend it to everyone. I look for more great books from Tilia Klebenov Jacobs.
Second Helping at the Serve You Right Cafe by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs is a fast, quick read. The characters are so well developed that they just jump off the page at you. There is a sense of warmth and love that will make you the reader feel a part of the story. I loved the story. I recommend it to everyone. I look for more great books from Tilia Klebenov Jacobs.
July 15, 2015
Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Cafe is a delightful romance novel. Full of small-town characters and charm, it focuses on a chef finding his way both in life and in love after his release from prison. The author's depiction of the drug-addicted, abusive brother is especially spot on. If you love romance novels, you'll love this book.
November 26, 2023
So happy I found this author! She is a gem and so are her books! Great characters and settings.
May 1, 2015
Descriptions so evocative that I was looking around for this cafe and these people long after I finished the story.
September 5, 2018
Sometimes a book promises to keep you safe. This book tells a warm little story of sensible and good people, with some dark struggles in their past, who manage to pull through and figure life out together. Yes, there is a one big danger, but with a title like "Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Cafe", you have to know on some level that everything will be alright in the end. I felt safe and protected as I read this novella. It's a cozy little bed-time story, well-written with nicely drawn characters and some good research on prisons and physical therapy underlying the story.
I almost never read a book like this. I'm glad I read it.
I almost never read a book like this. I'm glad I read it.
May 24, 2015
Looking for a refreshing, non-taxing read? I’ve found just the book for you.
In her notes to the book, the author states that she had a number of stories wandering around in her mind, but couldn’t get any of them to turn themselves into a novel. One day, however, she realised there was a way to put all these stories together … set it in a coffee shop where the individual stories would form a cohesive whole.
The result is a charming novella with themes as divergent as redemption, revenge, the destructive nature of drugs, animal cruelty and love. Many of the characters are damaged, but they aren’t throwing a pity party. Some have made great strides turning a bad past into a good future; others are taking those first baby steps.
Emet First is on parole after spending nearly 10 years in prison, but his employer, Eden Rose, owner of the Serve You Right Café could care less. Emet arrives at work on time, is honest, makes a great coffee, doesn’t take days off and cooks excellent cakes, muffins and pastries. Eden knows why he was in prison, but she believes in second chances.
Into Emet’s life comes Mercedes Finch, Mercey to her friends. The product of a dysfunctional family, Mercey studied while supporting her mother and brother Clay. She succeeded academically and also changed the habits she learned from her mother. By watching the popular people, how they greeted each other, how they looked others in the eye, how they dressed, even how they pay compliments, she changed herself from a scowling, ill spoken scruff, into a charming young woman.
Clay, on the other hand, believes everything that ever happened to him was caused not by his actions, but by the actions of others, a belief supported by his mother. When Clay steals his Mother’s drugs, Mercey is blamed because she should have hidden the drugs where he couldn’t find them. When Clay overhears Emet tell Mercey about his past, he works himself into a frenzy of self-pity and vows to destroy Emet.
There is good character development in what is, essentially, a series of short stories, a mix of ingredients well blended into an entertaining book. The major characters are strongly drawn and they are well supported by quirky cameos. The dialogue between characters is authentic, sometimes witty, sometimes poignant, and always relevant.
My ARC was provided by the publishers via NetGalley; it is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
This review is published on Starts at 60 http://bit.ly/1GwzmoT.
In her notes to the book, the author states that she had a number of stories wandering around in her mind, but couldn’t get any of them to turn themselves into a novel. One day, however, she realised there was a way to put all these stories together … set it in a coffee shop where the individual stories would form a cohesive whole.
The result is a charming novella with themes as divergent as redemption, revenge, the destructive nature of drugs, animal cruelty and love. Many of the characters are damaged, but they aren’t throwing a pity party. Some have made great strides turning a bad past into a good future; others are taking those first baby steps.
Emet First is on parole after spending nearly 10 years in prison, but his employer, Eden Rose, owner of the Serve You Right Café could care less. Emet arrives at work on time, is honest, makes a great coffee, doesn’t take days off and cooks excellent cakes, muffins and pastries. Eden knows why he was in prison, but she believes in second chances.
Into Emet’s life comes Mercedes Finch, Mercey to her friends. The product of a dysfunctional family, Mercey studied while supporting her mother and brother Clay. She succeeded academically and also changed the habits she learned from her mother. By watching the popular people, how they greeted each other, how they looked others in the eye, how they dressed, even how they pay compliments, she changed herself from a scowling, ill spoken scruff, into a charming young woman.
Clay, on the other hand, believes everything that ever happened to him was caused not by his actions, but by the actions of others, a belief supported by his mother. When Clay steals his Mother’s drugs, Mercey is blamed because she should have hidden the drugs where he couldn’t find them. When Clay overhears Emet tell Mercey about his past, he works himself into a frenzy of self-pity and vows to destroy Emet.
There is good character development in what is, essentially, a series of short stories, a mix of ingredients well blended into an entertaining book. The major characters are strongly drawn and they are well supported by quirky cameos. The dialogue between characters is authentic, sometimes witty, sometimes poignant, and always relevant.
My ARC was provided by the publishers via NetGalley; it is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
This review is published on Starts at 60 http://bit.ly/1GwzmoT.
November 20, 2015
3.5*
One bad decision ruined his life, but can Emet First find redemption at the aptly named café?
After his release from prison Emet just wants to get on with his life and with the help of Eden, owner of the Serve You Right Café, he just might get that chance. He learned to bake in prison and his skills are certainly welcome to Eden who has her own demons to fight. When Emet meets physical therapist Mercey things seem to be looking up. But Mercey’s junkie brother has other ideas and soon Emet will be forced to make a choice that could ruin his chances before they’ve really begun.
Lots of colourful characters pass through the café and as we follow Emet’s journey in this sadly-too-short novel. Jacobs relates a patchwork of tales, some that mesh with the major plot line and others that don’t quite get there. All are interesting, however, and the style is warm and humorous with a twist of bittersweet. The prose is good, at times lyrical, especially the descriptions of weather and light. Despite its brevity, Jacobs makes us care about her main characters and I was a little disappointed when it ended, partially because I read an e-copy and didn’t realise I was nearing the end (!), and partly because the story seemed to be building toward a bigger climax. The vignette backstories are great and had these been woven more completely into the larger plot this would have been a five star read.
In her author notes Jacobs states the intention of the Serve You Right Café was to act as a meeting point for a collection of stories she longed to tell and which needed a home. In that context the stories work beautifully; the Serve You Right Café was a fitting home for all of them.
Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café left me feeling uplifted, a little more informed about several issues, and wanting to know more about Emet and Eden. If you like your sweet treat with a little bite, definitely give this one a go.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Linden Tree Press for the ARC
One bad decision ruined his life, but can Emet First find redemption at the aptly named café?
After his release from prison Emet just wants to get on with his life and with the help of Eden, owner of the Serve You Right Café, he just might get that chance. He learned to bake in prison and his skills are certainly welcome to Eden who has her own demons to fight. When Emet meets physical therapist Mercey things seem to be looking up. But Mercey’s junkie brother has other ideas and soon Emet will be forced to make a choice that could ruin his chances before they’ve really begun.
Lots of colourful characters pass through the café and as we follow Emet’s journey in this sadly-too-short novel. Jacobs relates a patchwork of tales, some that mesh with the major plot line and others that don’t quite get there. All are interesting, however, and the style is warm and humorous with a twist of bittersweet. The prose is good, at times lyrical, especially the descriptions of weather and light. Despite its brevity, Jacobs makes us care about her main characters and I was a little disappointed when it ended, partially because I read an e-copy and didn’t realise I was nearing the end (!), and partly because the story seemed to be building toward a bigger climax. The vignette backstories are great and had these been woven more completely into the larger plot this would have been a five star read.
In her author notes Jacobs states the intention of the Serve You Right Café was to act as a meeting point for a collection of stories she longed to tell and which needed a home. In that context the stories work beautifully; the Serve You Right Café was a fitting home for all of them.
Second Helpings at the Serve You Right Café left me feeling uplifted, a little more informed about several issues, and wanting to know more about Emet and Eden. If you like your sweet treat with a little bite, definitely give this one a go.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Linden Tree Press for the ARC
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