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Liberty Cafe: Where books meet coffee

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2026

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About the author

Ruslana Pidsadiuk

26 books41 followers
I’m a Ukrainian author who loves psychology, emotional depth, and stories driven by complex characters. My writing explores resilience, inner battles, and the silent strength that grows through pain.

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5 stars
7 (31%)
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15 (68%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Amber Dukes.
31 reviews8 followers
September 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy from the author

very cute easy read the liberty cafe is definitely my kinda coffee shop vibes with the books and someone who knows your order by heart i really like how rita and nick take care of one another when the other is down i was a little confused on the issues wirh nicks back so i feel more detail about it or completely take it out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lupe Farkas.
Author 5 books15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
Liberty Cafe is one of those books that quietly pulls you into its world until, somewhere along the way, the place starts feeling familiar.

It is warm, gentle, and incredibly bookish, filled with coffee, books, routines, family, friendships, and those tiny everyday gestures that sometimes say much more than a dramatic declaration ever could.

What I loved most was the atmosphere.

There is something genuinely comforting about this book. It feels a little like finding the right table in a cafe, ordering something warm, and deciding you are staying longer than you originally planned, and obviously, putting books and coffee in the same room, and I am already emotionally compromised. 😂

I also really enjoyed how much the story focuses on ordinary kindness. People notice things. They remember. They worry. They show up. They take care of one another in very human, practical ways.

Sometimes romance is apparently just:
Have you eaten?

And honestly, I understand the appeal. 😂

There is a lovely sense of community running through Liberty Cafe, and the relationships feel grounded in everyday life rather than endless manufactured drama. It is very much a story about connection, companionship, and allowing other people to become part of your normal.

By the time I finished, opening this book had started to feel a little like returning somewhere familiar.

Warm, comforting, and wonderfully bookish.

And yes!
I would absolutely visit Liberty Cafe. ☕📚

Thank you so much to Ruslana Pidsadiuk for sending me an advance reader copy of Liberty Cafe. I really appreciated the chance to spend some time in this world before release.


Profile Image for H.G. Dawson.
Author 2 books7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
September 22, 2026
Another deliberate step outside my comfort zone and another one that rewarded the leap.

This is a quiet, warm and cosy read. A romance that grows slowly but somehow quickly at the same time, anchored in the atmosphere of a bookshop café and the kind of family dynamics that are unfamiliar to my own upbringing yet something I have always quietly longed for. Warm, generous and full of life. A breath of fresh air.

The characters are convincing and easy to invest in. Nick in particular is drawn with real care, his world and his life built up gradually through moments that occasionally repeat but always with purpose. It gives him a depth and texture that earns the story its emotional payoff.

There are moments where things could land harder or where the pace moves on a little quickly, but it never feels dishonest. This is a story with real restraint and that restraint works in its favour. It has a gentleness that feels earned rather than soft.

The ending came and passed too quickly for me. I'm on the fence about whether I was fully satisfied, but perhaps that is the mark of an enjoyable story. You never want it to end.

Having had no previous dealings with Ruslana or her work, I came to Liberty Cafe as an ARC reader with fresh eyes. I will be going back for more. For fans of cosy reads, warm atmospheres and honest romance this is a lovely way to spend a few hours.

Grab a coffee and some cherry pie.

☕🍒📚

Thank you Ruslana.
Profile Image for Lisa.
24 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2026
Review of Advance Copy Received by the Author

Liberty Cafe is a quick, cozy read and a great palate cleanser from heavier books. Liberty Cafe sounds like a fantastic place to get coffee, and the owner, Nick, truly cares about his patrons. Rita enters his life and encourages him to step outside his normal routines.

This would be a perfect read on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee or cocoa to give your weekend feel-good vibes.
Profile Image for Christina Karlin.
59 reviews
September 5, 2026
First off, I would like to think the author for the ARC copy! This was a beautiful story about resilience, empathy and starting over. Some books are so cozy and familiar. You just really wanna take your time and keep reading and this was definitely one of those. I loved the writing style. The pacing was absolutely perfect and I adore these characters. This would make such a beautiful miniseries too. I also really want the liberty Café to be a real place that I can visit. Highly recommend this book. This will be one that I return to often when I want something cozy and comforting.
Profile Image for Varoushka Sah.
Author 1 book2 followers
September 12, 2026
Liberty Cafe is the literary equivalent of a warm hug. 🤍

What I loved most is how kind these characters are. They accept one another in a way that feels rare and genuinely comforting. Rita being a rock for Nick had my whole heart. Their love isn't loud or dramatic. It's quiet, steady and built on showing up for each other, and honestly, that's the kind of romance I want more of.

And the cafe itself, where books meet coffee, made me wish it were real. I'd happily spend every slow Sunday morning there.

My only small note is that I'd have loved a little more detail on Nick's back issues. But it doesn't take away from the experience at all. This book isn't about sharp edges. It's about warmth, and it delivers that in full.

4/5 ⭐ A soft, comforting read I'll be recommending to anyone who needs a gentle escape. ☕

Thank you for the ARC, Ruslana! ♥️
21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
I received a complimentary Advance Reader Copy of Liberty Cafe from Ruslana Pidsadiuk. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much, Ms. Pidsadiuk for this opportunity and for the advanced readers copy.

Liberty Cafe by Ruslana Pidsadiuk is a cute contemporary romance and a perfect cozy fall/winter read. If you want a couple (or a few) that you can root for, this is the book for you.

The main character, Nick, owns and runs Liberty Cafe, a cafe with amazing coffee and a place designed for readers and writers. There are bookshelves, author events, and a variety of customers. Some of my favourites were Rita, Robbie (Nick’s cousin), and Melissa (an author). Rita is a regular and usually is in a hurry, but the one time she sits down, she and Nick connect immediately. Nick is thoughtful, hardworking, and methodic. Rita is smart, considerate, and a little spontaneous. Pidsadiuk's writing of their relationship is so powerful and I was rooting for them from the beginning.

From the descriptions and details of the cafe to the ones of the city, I could picture every setting and often felt like I was there (and wanted to be there too!)

Liberty Cafe is about learning to let people in, sharing your passion with others, and acknowledging you can’t do it all on your own. Sometimes you need a break and that’s okay. It’s also a great time to pick up a book.

Get ready to laugh out loud and aw at this sweet story. I recommend Liberty Cafe to fans of heartwarming strangers-to-lovers romance books. I also recommend grabbing a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea to have as you read.
Profile Image for Aya Dim.
Author 1 book2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book from the author.

This is a lovely, simple slice-of-life story about Nick, the owner of a small, cozy café, whose everyday routine changes when a girl named Rita walks into his life and it turns out they might just be heading in the same direction.

The atmosphere of the book is perfect for cozy reading with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The story flows easily, and it's the kind of book you can simply relax into and enjoy without it ever feeling like a heavy read. If you love cozy urban romances filled with the smell of coffee and a love of books, this is definitely a book for you.

Overall, the book left me with very positive feelings. However, I couldn't quite shake the impression that Rita ends up taking too much on herself.

Still, it was a warm, comforting read that left me with a smile and definitely made me want a good cup of coffee!
Profile Image for Olesia Hukriede.
Author 3 books21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author.

It's a perfect story for a cozy Sunday in with your fav jammies on. The flow is easy, while the plot made me feel nostalgic for living close to family (I'm a military spouse, lol). The setting calls for a mug of coffee and some pie. Otherwise, reading about other people consuming so much tasty stuff without enjoying your own felt almost like a crime.

I really sympathized with the mother who cared about everyone so much. Nick is very sweet. Nearly ideal. It was a breath of fresh air to follow so intimately his relationship with Rita. And the old town vibe with a lovely cafe where people come to read books complemented the story so well.

The ending made sense, but it felt a little anticlimactic. I'd have enjoyed it much more if the obstacles the two faced were not so easily removed, though Rita's decision was so moving and selfless. But I guess I'm one of those readers who want to see the main characters go through a good struggle before they sort it all out. :) Other than that, I enjoyed this read and finished it in one day as it was such a nice escape from the real world.
Profile Image for Victoria Reiby.
Author 14 books36 followers
October 4, 2026
A heart-warming read!
This is an absolute treasure of a book. The setting, where literature and coffee intersect, feels instantly inviting. The gentle bond built around everyday routines, quiet kindness, and genuine care makes this slice-of-life romance a joy to read. The relationship dynamics feel refreshingly grounded, showing connection through practical support rather than manufactured drama.

Speaking as a medical practitioner, I particularly appreciated seeing a protagonist managing Type 1 Diabetes and navigating the physical realities of chronic illness alongside her everyday life and career. Chronic conditions are so rarely portrayed in contemporary romance, so having her routine injections and health considerations woven directly into the plot added a wonderful layer of authenticity to her character.

Even without those extra medical fine points, this remains a wonderfully cosy, compassionate, and deeply moving novel. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an uplifting, character-driven story filled with warmth and heart!
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 8, 2026
Review of advanced copy from the author

Others have mentioned this, but I like how the story is not solely romance. It blends in family, career, and so on.

I also like how realistic certain parts of the plot are, which I think the author does a great job of in her other books, too.

I love the love present in the book, whether it be among friends, lovers, or family. It is heartwarming and shows that these people will be there for you in good times and in bad.

I also liked the food present in the book, whether it be from the cafe, takeout, or homemade. <3

If you enjoyed this book, you will also love "no one's," another book from this author that blends in storytelling and romance. ;)
Profile Image for Becky Whitney Manuzzi .
336 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2026
Thank you to the author for the chance to read this book as an ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.

4.25/5. A cozy, endearing, and heartwarming romance novella, I found this to be a good read on a chilly fall day. The main issues the characters faced were centered around the coffee shop, but like any good romance they worked together through it.

I felt like this book was the perfect length, the story was told and the characters were able to grow. The ending pissed me off for one petty reason so I didn’t take any stars off for it, but would love to chat with any other readers about it haha.

Perfect for those looking for their next cozy fall read!
Profile Image for Brandey Bizzell.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
Received a complimentary ARC copy from the author. This is my honest review:

Liberty Cafe is a warm small town story and it made me feel like I was a regular at the cafe. I really love FMC Rita and MMC Nick. Rita is a regular and always in a rush, Nick is the cafe owner.
Profile Image for Irina Shuranova.
Author 3 books22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 22, 2026
Liberty Cafe is a warm, quiet story about love, routine, change, and learning how to let other people into the life you have carefully built.
What worked best for me was the psychology of the characters, especially Nick. His reliability, self-discipline, and need to handle everything on his own are not presented simply as virtues. They are also the source of his exhaustion and isolation, which makes his development feel believable rather than dramatic for the sake of drama.
I also really liked the way Rita enters his life. She does not “fix” him or force him to become a different person. Instead, she slowly helps him understand that care can be shared, that accepting help is not failure, and that a life can become larger without losing its structure.
Their relationship develops through small things: food, work, everyday routines, conversations, shared responsibilities, and the gradual creation of a home together. That made the romance feel gentle and grounded.
Another strong element is the parallel between Nick and his mother. Both of them have built a large part of their identity around work and usefulness, and both are eventually forced to ask who they are when that familiar structure changes. I thought this was one of the most interesting psychological threads in the book.
The closing of the original Liberty Cafe also worked very well for me because it is not only the loss of a workplace. For Nick, it means losing the routine that has organized his entire life. His realization that he had a routine rather than a real plan for the future is simple, but emotionally effective.
I especially appreciated that the story does not rely on exaggerated conflict between the romantic leads. Nick and Rita are different, but they generally communicate, support each other, and learn how to make decisions together. Their differences in temperament make them feel complementary rather than artificially opposed.
The secondary characters also add a lot of warmth, particularly Bruce, Margaret, and Robbie. The family relationships feel affectionate without becoming idealized, and there is a nice sense that people genuinely show up for one another when things become difficult.
Overall, this is a comforting and emotionally sincere romance about allowing your life to change, accepting support, and discovering that independence does not have to mean doing everything alone. I found it thoughtful, warm, and very easy to care about.
Profile Image for Kritika.
31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 5, 2026
Liberty Cafe is the kind of book that feels like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy afternoon. ☕🌧️📚

What immediately stood out to me was the atmosphere. The old city streets, the historic building, the café filled with books, regular customers, coffee, pastries and literary events created such a comforting setting. The café genuinely felt like one of the characters in the story — a place where people could slow down, connect and feel at home.

I especially enjoyed Nick and Rita's relationship. Their romance develops gradually through small, everyday moments rather than dramatic declarations. From Rita coming into the café for her coffee and cherry pie to their conversations, walks, shared love of books and the way they slowly become an important part of each other's lives, their relationship felt warm and believable. 🍒☕❤️

I also appreciated that the book doesn't make romance its entire focus. Family, friendship, career choices, responsibility and the fear of losing something meaningful all play an important role. Nick's attachment to Liberty Cafe and his tendency to handle everything himself give his character an interesting emotional arc, especially as Rita encourages him to accept help and make space for a life beyond work.

The supporting characters also added a lot of charm. Robbie brought humour and playful teasing, while Nick's parents provided a lovely sense of warmth and unconditional support. I particularly enjoyed the way the café gradually became more than just a business — it became a community. 📖🤎

Overall, Liberty Cafe is a cozy, gentle and heartwarming romance with books, coffee, family, friendship and plenty of little moments to smile about. It isn't a story driven only by big dramatic events; its strength lies in the quiet moments and the relationships that grow naturally throughout the book.

If you enjoy bookish romances, cozy cafés, slow-burn relationships and comforting stories about finding your people, this one is definitely worth picking up. ☕📚✨
Profile Image for Lizzy.
28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
September 15, 2026
Liberty Cafe feels the exact same way your favorite latte does. It is sweet, familiar, and you feel more at peace after it.

In Liberty Cafe, Nick, owner of the cafe, has a very strict routine. He works a lot, he sleeps, he visits his parents. However, as we get more into the book, Nick meets a girl, rita, and faces new challenges. So, he has to deal with changes, to learn how to handle what life throws at him, and above all, he has to learn how to accept help.

I loved the presence of regulars in the cafe, it was oddly familiar and gave the book its very cozy atmosphere. I would love it to be a place I could visit to sip my coffee and read a book ♡

If you're looking for something warm, comforting and infinitely soft, I beg you to pick up this book.
Profile Image for Марина Козарева.
Author 1 book15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 19, 2026
ARC Review

5/5

Liberty Cafe by Ruslana Pidsadiuk was such a cute and cozy read! I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the setting. All of them gave the book such a warm and comforting atmosphere.

I especially loved the romance between Nick and Rita. Their relationship was so sweet and wholesome, and I really enjoyed watching their romance develop. It felt like the perfect kind of cozy romance, and I absolutely loved it.

I also think it’s really nice to see the author experimenting with different genres, and I think it works incredibly well for her. Liberty Cafe was such a lovely change of pace, and I really enjoyed reading it!
177 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 18, 2026
Ruslana’s stories are always beautifully written, with Liberty Cafe being the latest example of her wonderful storytelling talents.
This is a heartwarming blend of romance and drama, and how the characters interact and handle what is put in front of them. Those characters, from main to secondary, are likable and easy to want to spend time with.
Overall this is a wonderful read, one that is easy to recommend.
31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 2, 2026
This book reminded me of those Korean “feel-good” books — also called “healing fiction” — but with a European accent. It is a great reading option for a rainy day, the story would make you feel a little more cozy and warm. The visual aesthetic presented by author in her social media pages was pretty accurate, as this book feels like visiting your favorite coffee place after a long relaxed walk around the town with magnificent views and majestic architecture.
Profile Image for Patch.
14 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 8, 2026
The book was cozy and light read (finished in one afternoon). The themes of the books were simple yet familiar to everyone. This book could be your palate cleanser after reading a tragic and heavy-themed books. I wish Nick was sure about his intention to Rita but it can be fix for sure. Overall, it really enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Bre Rottenstein .
49 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
This was such a warm and cozy novel. I got to read this as an ARC and absolutely loved it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews