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Stonehill #5
This Old Cafe
Now serving second chances. Jenna Reid purchased the Stonehill Caf� to prove her ex-husband wrong. Three years later, her building is crumbling, her savings are dwindling, and her pride is more bruised than a bad batch of apples. Pride is something Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Maguire lost long ago and isn't likely to find living in the alley behind the caf�. While he takes a little time to get on his feet, keeping an eye on the overworked caf� owner gives him a sense of purpose. He has no intention of drawing attention to himself until he hears her scream. He rushes in to help but rather than confronting danger, he finds Jenna drenched in the aftermath of a plumbing disaster. With her last bit of hope fading, Jenna accepts Daniel's help to fix up her building, but it doesn't take long for them to start trying to fix each other.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2017
176 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
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September 5, 2017
Title: The Old Cafe
Author: Marci Boudreaux
Publisher: M. B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Old Cafe" by Marci Boudreaux
My Thoughts....
If you are looking for a heart warming story you have come to the right place for Jenna and Daniel's story will give it to you in one neat package. How these two come together is so very unique but this is just how some things are meant to happen and at such a good time with Jenna definitely needing help. I liked how this author gives the reader such a unique story that one can truly relate to in one way or another as these two are faced with some real life challenges. With one being dumped by a ex husband and the other having anger issues after coming back from Afghanistan. Will these two be able to help each other emotionally with there being so many issues that needed to be fixed? Even though the story may have been somewhat sad but it was so good to finally see them open up to each other as we are left in the ending...
"but if you ever leave me again___"
He put his hands to her hips and pulled her to him. "I won't. I swear to you right here and right now, you are never getting rid of me. I belong here. I finally deserve to be here, and I will spend my life proving that to you and anyone else who doubts."
So, It looks like a HEA for these two!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to the author for the review copy.
September 22, 2017
Jenna Reid has purchased an old café and as much as she wants to make it work she knows it also needs repairs that she cannot afford. Trying to fix a leaky faucet that has been driving her crazy she now has made the leak into a flood. Enter Daniel Maguire who rushes in and shuts off the water and also fixes the leak. Taken back by his appearance, she finds out that he has been sleeping behind her dumpster at night. Daniel is actually a former Lt. Col. and was forced to leave the Army because of his temper. His issues are described in more detail in the story. Jenna realizes that he is willing to help her with the repairs and finds out that he has the experience to do them from working with his uncle who owns a construction company. The more time he spends fixing up the cafe he is also fixing himself, at least you are hoping that is the case. Jenna and Daniel spend more and more time together and you find out about her past and the man who destroyed her dream and really stole her inheritance as well. Jenna and Daniel begin to trust one another and the cafe begins a new life when someone destroys the windows. Now the story really starts to take some twists and turns that i definitely did not see coming but did add to the story.There are some good characters in this book as well. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
A simple and sweet story !!!!
I loved Jenna's character.The way both Daniel and Jenna tried to overcome their demons was so touching.How strongly opinions of people we love about us can impact and shape our personality , how deep those scars can run and how difficult it can be to let someone else in again is portrayed so realistically it makes us fall in love with both Jenna and Daniel.
I loved Jenna's character.The way both Daniel and Jenna tried to overcome their demons was so touching.How strongly opinions of people we love about us can impact and shape our personality , how deep those scars can run and how difficult it can be to let someone else in again is portrayed so realistically it makes us fall in love with both Jenna and Daniel.
September 19, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes we have no choice but to start life all over again. Circumstances change, love dies, war takes a toll on the spirit and nothing works anymore. That’s when we either give up or dig in and rebuild. Jenna and Daniel are both facing rebuilding for different reasons. But in the end, friendship can build into something neither was expecting… and dreams can come true, when you work at them.
This Old Cafe is a realistic look at two mature people who have faced life, been dealt blows and now are starting over. It’s not easy, there are challenges and issues to be dealt with but the possibility for more exist.
While this was the only book in this series I’ve read I had no trouble following along as any characters from earlier stories were easily explained without fanfare. I will go back to the beginning at some point for I enjoyed this author’s style and the story she gave me. Life isn’t what we thought it would be when we start out as a young adult. I wish it could be the fairy tale but the reality is that it’s far from that. Crap happens, lives change, priorities shift and people disappoint us. It’s life and we change over time and adapt. Daniel has anger issues from his time in a war zone, he has to face that issue before he can move on. Jenna was devastated by the man she once loved but she is moving forward on her own. Together they are two wounded souls that fit. And if time is kind they will deal with their issues and make a good future together. While I love a good fantasy, it’s the stories with threads of real life woven throughout that will always capture my attention. This Old Cafe is such a book.
I enjoyed my time in this world and would recommend this story for any Romance reader who likes those touches of real life mixed with hopefulness and the chance at new beginnings.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Sometimes we have no choice but to start life all over again. Circumstances change, love dies, war takes a toll on the spirit and nothing works anymore. That’s when we either give up or dig in and rebuild. Jenna and Daniel are both facing rebuilding for different reasons. But in the end, friendship can build into something neither was expecting… and dreams can come true, when you work at them.
This Old Cafe is a realistic look at two mature people who have faced life, been dealt blows and now are starting over. It’s not easy, there are challenges and issues to be dealt with but the possibility for more exist.
While this was the only book in this series I’ve read I had no trouble following along as any characters from earlier stories were easily explained without fanfare. I will go back to the beginning at some point for I enjoyed this author’s style and the story she gave me. Life isn’t what we thought it would be when we start out as a young adult. I wish it could be the fairy tale but the reality is that it’s far from that. Crap happens, lives change, priorities shift and people disappoint us. It’s life and we change over time and adapt. Daniel has anger issues from his time in a war zone, he has to face that issue before he can move on. Jenna was devastated by the man she once loved but she is moving forward on her own. Together they are two wounded souls that fit. And if time is kind they will deal with their issues and make a good future together. While I love a good fantasy, it’s the stories with threads of real life woven throughout that will always capture my attention. This Old Cafe is such a book.
I enjoyed my time in this world and would recommend this story for any Romance reader who likes those touches of real life mixed with hopefulness and the chance at new beginnings.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
September 16, 2017
Jenna Reid moved back to be close to her brother and start over after self-esteem sucking marriage dissolved. She buys a diner in desperate need of renovating which turns into a money pit that she can’t fund.
Daniel Maguire grew up with an abusive father and left for the military the minute he turned 18. After 25 years, he is dishonorably discharged for fighting. He seeks out his uncle, goes to work for him at his construction business, gets into a fight and is asked to leave. (What he gets angry at is appropriate; the extremeness of it is not). Because of his anger issues, he ends up living in the alley behind Jenna’s diner. He’s been watching her for several weeks and eating out of her dumpster.
Daniel rushes into the diner one evening when he hears Jenna screaming to discover water gushing out from under the sink. He turns off the main water valve and a slow growing relationship begins. He starts helping her fix up the diner, she feeds him, gives him a place to stay.
Their’s is not an easy relationship. Both have issues from their past to overcome and family members to convince it will work. I liked that the characters were older and not the mid to late twenty somethings seen a lot in this genre.
Predictable plot, predictable twist at the end. A good choice for when you need something light and easy that flows well.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Daniel Maguire grew up with an abusive father and left for the military the minute he turned 18. After 25 years, he is dishonorably discharged for fighting. He seeks out his uncle, goes to work for him at his construction business, gets into a fight and is asked to leave. (What he gets angry at is appropriate; the extremeness of it is not). Because of his anger issues, he ends up living in the alley behind Jenna’s diner. He’s been watching her for several weeks and eating out of her dumpster.
Daniel rushes into the diner one evening when he hears Jenna screaming to discover water gushing out from under the sink. He turns off the main water valve and a slow growing relationship begins. He starts helping her fix up the diner, she feeds him, gives him a place to stay.
Their’s is not an easy relationship. Both have issues from their past to overcome and family members to convince it will work. I liked that the characters were older and not the mid to late twenty somethings seen a lot in this genre.
Predictable plot, predictable twist at the end. A good choice for when you need something light and easy that flows well.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
August 30, 2017
This Old Café by author Marci Boudreaux is a serious romance about second chances. Jenna feels as if she lost everything when her marriage to Peter ended. She not only lost her heart and a chance to have a baby, but she also lost all of her inheritance which she had invested into the restaurant with Peter. Now she is back in Stonehill and with the help of her brother Marcus, she is grabbing for a second chance. She is attempting to make a go of running her own café in an old building which needs many costly repairs. During a failed attempt to repair a water leak, a stranger comes to her rescue. Daniel is a homeless veteran of the war who has anger issues. Since coming back from Afghanistan, he has lost three jobs and now prefers to live alone in an alleyway. As the story progresses, Jenna and Daniel help each other, but the friendship is not an easy one at times. The story is realistic in terms of letting the reader know that love does not erase all of your problems. Sometimes a person must take drastic actions to make a change for the better. A very sweet story about taking a chance again in spite of the odds being against your success! (*some Language)
August 28, 2017
This Old Cafe is the final book in Marci's Stonehill Romance series, although it could be read as a standalone. I have only read book 1 in the series and this one (so far) and I had no trouble along and didn't feel like I was missing any part of the story. There are some overlapping characters but nothing that requires you to read the previous books in the series.
This Old Cafe is a heartwarming love story that you won't soon forget.
I really enjoyed Jenna and Daniel's story. Marci creates extremely relatable characters and an extremely relatable story line in This Old Cafe. You will fall so in love with Jenna and Daniel and the cafe as well as their story that you won't want it to end! I was hooked from the very first page until the very last page and believe you will be too! Marci's writing seems effortless and smooth and flows extremely well from one page to the next, so much so that you will feel like you are right there with Jenna and Daniel and everybody else. She also weaves in plenty of humor that will have you smiling and maybe even laughing out loud. I also appreciate the fact that she can write such a great romance novel without having to get descriptive with her sex scenes.
This Old Cafe is a heartwarming love story that you won't soon forget.
I really enjoyed Jenna and Daniel's story. Marci creates extremely relatable characters and an extremely relatable story line in This Old Cafe. You will fall so in love with Jenna and Daniel and the cafe as well as their story that you won't want it to end! I was hooked from the very first page until the very last page and believe you will be too! Marci's writing seems effortless and smooth and flows extremely well from one page to the next, so much so that you will feel like you are right there with Jenna and Daniel and everybody else. She also weaves in plenty of humor that will have you smiling and maybe even laughing out loud. I also appreciate the fact that she can write such a great romance novel without having to get descriptive with her sex scenes.
September 5, 2017
Jenna and Daniel are both trying to rebuild their lives. I started the book when I went to bed. I finished the book before falling asleep several hours later. A little love, a little hate, lots of trust issues. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad. The publisher provided a copy via NetGalley for my voluntary review.
August 31, 2017
This Old Cafe,tells the story about Jenna and Daniel.
Jenna is about to start a new life with her new Cafe.
to save money,she tries to repair plumbing/toilet.
the pipes break. and there you are.Daniel comes too the resque.
they form a bond to help each other out.and this is the start off a
friendship who turns slow in to something more.
I liked that this was not all about romance.but the building
yourself up.loved the realistic ending
ARC was Provided By Netgalley
Jenna is about to start a new life with her new Cafe.
to save money,she tries to repair plumbing/toilet.
the pipes break. and there you are.Daniel comes too the resque.
they form a bond to help each other out.and this is the start off a
friendship who turns slow in to something more.
I liked that this was not all about romance.but the building
yourself up.loved the realistic ending
ARC was Provided By Netgalley
August 28, 2017
I received this book from Netgalley. I enjoyed this book. It had a happily ever after type of ending. I liked that it was older characters with history and not "new adult" as most books tend to be these days. The characters evolved during the story which was nice. As nice as the main male character was, I'm not sure that I would even give a homeless person a chance-- she is a better person than I. ;) There were really no surprises in the book, but it was a nice easy read. I would definitely read more by this author.
August 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a honest review.
I found this book to be a delightfully romantic book, lately I haven't been able to find a lot if old school romance in books but I was lucky enough to come across just that, in this book. This Old Café is the story of Jenna and Daniel two bruised by life people but not broken. I loved the interaction between these two characters, and I thought the author did a fantastic job of pulling me into the story with the depth of each character. Their story was sad because of what had happened to them but it was so sweet and enjoyable seeing them open up and fall in love. This book has made me want to go check out this authors other books.
I found this book to be a delightfully romantic book, lately I haven't been able to find a lot if old school romance in books but I was lucky enough to come across just that, in this book. This Old Café is the story of Jenna and Daniel two bruised by life people but not broken. I loved the interaction between these two characters, and I thought the author did a fantastic job of pulling me into the story with the depth of each character. Their story was sad because of what had happened to them but it was so sweet and enjoyable seeing them open up and fall in love. This book has made me want to go check out this authors other books.
August 21, 2017
Heartwarming love story
This is the first time I've read Marci Boudreaux but it certainly won't be the last. This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. Jenna and Daniel's first meet was really unique. I loved that while they were both real flawed characters somehow being together was helping them heal. I thought they and the supporting characters faced real life challenges. This is a stand alone novel but I liked the supporting characters so much I look forward to going back and reading the other books in this series.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This is the first time I've read Marci Boudreaux but it certainly won't be the last. This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. Jenna and Daniel's first meet was really unique. I loved that while they were both real flawed characters somehow being together was helping them heal. I thought they and the supporting characters faced real life challenges. This is a stand alone novel but I liked the supporting characters so much I look forward to going back and reading the other books in this series.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
September 19, 2017
I requested this from Net Galley to read as I was intrigued by the book description and I have a soft spot for veterans. Probably because my uncle served & was wounded in Vietnam. Even though he wasn't a career military man and was only in service maybe a couple of years when he was given a medical discharge, I can see (in hindsight) how he must have been suffering from PTSD when he came home. I can clearly remember how he was withdrawn and his personality was different than it was before. Luckily, while his PTSD was not as longstanding or as severe as Daniel's, he also had the support that Daniel didn't have before he met Jenna.
SPOILER: I don't really consider the following spoilers, but other people might, so .........
Daniel was in the military from eighteen until almost military retirement age which means he would have to be at least in his early forties when he was discharged. Having served that long would have meant that his PTSD would be more severe, although in the story you get the impression that most of his problems stem more from his childhood abuse/experiences (his alcoholic father beating up on him & his mother) than from his military service. The reasons why Daniel ended up being dishonorably discharged from the Army and then being asked to leave his uncle's home & construction company also stemmed from his childhood PTSD. He ended up homeless and staying in/behind the dumpster in the alley behind Jenna's diner. I really liked Daniel, because even though he had issues he had the inner strength to try to deal with them as best he could without giving in to the pressure of people he felt were looking at him negatively & also without getting on the radar of the local police. I'm not explaining this very well, but I think most of you get the gist of what I'm trying to say about Daniel's disposition and sense of responsibility.
The people who should have been there (mostly his uncle) was not really there for him as they should have been. His uncle offered him a place to stay and a job, but at the first sign of difficulty he withdrew both. He promised Daniel's mother he would look after him but in effect he gave up on him too soon, judging Daniel based upon Daniel's father's character and not offering any other help, leaving Daniel to sink or swim, knowing he was staying out on the streets. When his uncle 'came around' and started offering more help, it was only after Jenna came along giving Daniel the love & support he should have already been given.
I like how we get a lot of Daniel's POV for Jenna and how his feelings for her evolved, but I don't like how there is very little in Jenna's POV for how she feels for Daniel. In other words we are more told her emotions about him helping her and all her insecurities with her past relationship affecting her feelings for him, but not shown much about how and why she starts to feel more for Daniel than gratitude for the help he offers her. I didn't like the way she was written more as judgmental and managing (more as a mother than a lover) toward Daniel although admittedly this is more from when she is first getting involved with him than later in their relationship. There's no real growth into a love connection on her part before, bam, she's all in love, oh but by the way, she still has Peter's voice in her head (her ex-husband) telling her she's not worthy.
Something happens that causes Daniel to almost go into fight mode, which scares him enough he knows he needs to leave for a while to work on his issues and because he believes he's the reason Jenna was put in danger. He tells Jenna this is only temporary and he's coming back later, but of course Jenna is still listening to Peter's phantom voice and she tells him not to come back. She's selfishly thinking more of herself and how his leaving affects her, and not considering Daniel's feelings or really listening to him. He sends her a gift every month he's gone to let her know he's still thinking about her and she just gets more disgusted at him "abandoning" her when she 'needed' him. This leaves Jenna feeling more unsure & controlling towards him when he does come back later as he promised. I can sort of see why she acted the way she did considering the bone of contention her past experiences left her with, but she's going to have to get over herself & quit judging (and reacting to) everyone else based upon her ex-husband's words and actions. She eventually, begrudgingly, 'forgives' Daniel and they get their HEA which I liked, but while I warmed up slightly to Jenna as the story progressed I still finished the book with the sense of waiting for Jenna to drop the other shoe.
One thing I'm pleased to have learned is that one of the things Daniel did while he was gone was, he got a lawyer and contested his dishonorable discharge to get back his pension & VA benefits, although I don't think he should have been discharged in the first place, considering the reason why. In a way, if I'm interpreting what I read in the story correctly, if you read the first line of the following excerpt closely, you could interpret that to mean the 'she' they are talking about was in an American 'zone' which means she should have gotten the help she needed from any soldier there instead of only Daniel. What he did was basically one of the many reasons the military was making their presence known in the areas they went into, which was to help the local citizens, although maybe not quite the way anyone expected.
Excerpt:
"She was a refugee seeking the safety we were supposed to be providing."
"You were protecting her?"
"Yes. But it wasn't my place."
She furrowed her forehead as she tried to process his explanation. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't that be your place? Isn't that what you were there to do?"
"He wasn't an American soldier. I should have turned a blind eye to keep the peace. Or so I was told."
She again stared, digesting what he had said. "The Army would have you turn your back on someone being assaulted?"
"The politics of war are still politics, Jenna. The man I attacked wasn't just a soldier. He was a colonel of the Afghan Army. I screwed up the balance and they made an example of me."
Basically what he did was stop a man from raping a woman. He ended up throwing a few punches due to his issues with his father hitting his mother. The man was a colonel in the Afghan army. Daniel was a lieutenant colonel. Although he was lower ranking than the other man, they were both officers (different countries, different armies but still collaborative) and I've never heard of a person being dishonorably discharged after 25 years of satisfactory service just for ONE fight with another officer. Mostly I think they would have been reprimanded, with the reprimand being put into their service record and maybe punished in some way, but not by a dishonorable discharge. Albeit he may not have gone about helping the "politically correct" way, but at least he did do the right thing and help her. Yes, I know this is fiction, but doing the morally and ethically right thing should not be limited to, or because of, politics. The motto of many police forces is To Protect and Serve, but I think it could and should fit the military just as well. That's what the National Guard is supposed to do in times of domestic disturbances, isn't it?
This is the first book by Marci Boudreaux I've read, but it won't be the last. This is Book 5 in the Stonehill Romance series and I was barely 4 chapters into this one before I started thinking about all the others I could look forward to reading. All the books are standalones, so I really haven't missed anything by starting this one first. I really enjoyed the book and didn't notice too many distracting editing problems so the book flowed smoothly enough. I also enjoyed how this was a more character-driven story than one that authors feel need a lot of villains and extraneous events to move the story along. If you're looking for something to pass the time and don't mind a bit of disquiet (Daniel's military situation) with your story and the outrage that it inspires, or should inspire, than I heartily recommend this one. But if you like to read in order, you should start with "The Road Leads Back" which is Stonehill Romance Book 1. There is a very small reference regarding book 1 in "This Old Cafe" if you know what you're looking for.
SPOILER: I don't really consider the following spoilers, but other people might, so .........
Daniel was in the military from eighteen until almost military retirement age which means he would have to be at least in his early forties when he was discharged. Having served that long would have meant that his PTSD would be more severe, although in the story you get the impression that most of his problems stem more from his childhood abuse/experiences (his alcoholic father beating up on him & his mother) than from his military service. The reasons why Daniel ended up being dishonorably discharged from the Army and then being asked to leave his uncle's home & construction company also stemmed from his childhood PTSD. He ended up homeless and staying in/behind the dumpster in the alley behind Jenna's diner. I really liked Daniel, because even though he had issues he had the inner strength to try to deal with them as best he could without giving in to the pressure of people he felt were looking at him negatively & also without getting on the radar of the local police. I'm not explaining this very well, but I think most of you get the gist of what I'm trying to say about Daniel's disposition and sense of responsibility.
The people who should have been there (mostly his uncle) was not really there for him as they should have been. His uncle offered him a place to stay and a job, but at the first sign of difficulty he withdrew both. He promised Daniel's mother he would look after him but in effect he gave up on him too soon, judging Daniel based upon Daniel's father's character and not offering any other help, leaving Daniel to sink or swim, knowing he was staying out on the streets. When his uncle 'came around' and started offering more help, it was only after Jenna came along giving Daniel the love & support he should have already been given.
I like how we get a lot of Daniel's POV for Jenna and how his feelings for her evolved, but I don't like how there is very little in Jenna's POV for how she feels for Daniel. In other words we are more told her emotions about him helping her and all her insecurities with her past relationship affecting her feelings for him, but not shown much about how and why she starts to feel more for Daniel than gratitude for the help he offers her. I didn't like the way she was written more as judgmental and managing (more as a mother than a lover) toward Daniel although admittedly this is more from when she is first getting involved with him than later in their relationship. There's no real growth into a love connection on her part before, bam, she's all in love, oh but by the way, she still has Peter's voice in her head (her ex-husband) telling her she's not worthy.
Something happens that causes Daniel to almost go into fight mode, which scares him enough he knows he needs to leave for a while to work on his issues and because he believes he's the reason Jenna was put in danger. He tells Jenna this is only temporary and he's coming back later, but of course Jenna is still listening to Peter's phantom voice and she tells him not to come back. She's selfishly thinking more of herself and how his leaving affects her, and not considering Daniel's feelings or really listening to him. He sends her a gift every month he's gone to let her know he's still thinking about her and she just gets more disgusted at him "abandoning" her when she 'needed' him. This leaves Jenna feeling more unsure & controlling towards him when he does come back later as he promised. I can sort of see why she acted the way she did considering the bone of contention her past experiences left her with, but she's going to have to get over herself & quit judging (and reacting to) everyone else based upon her ex-husband's words and actions. She eventually, begrudgingly, 'forgives' Daniel and they get their HEA which I liked, but while I warmed up slightly to Jenna as the story progressed I still finished the book with the sense of waiting for Jenna to drop the other shoe.
One thing I'm pleased to have learned is that one of the things Daniel did while he was gone was, he got a lawyer and contested his dishonorable discharge to get back his pension & VA benefits, although I don't think he should have been discharged in the first place, considering the reason why. In a way, if I'm interpreting what I read in the story correctly, if you read the first line of the following excerpt closely, you could interpret that to mean the 'she' they are talking about was in an American 'zone' which means she should have gotten the help she needed from any soldier there instead of only Daniel. What he did was basically one of the many reasons the military was making their presence known in the areas they went into, which was to help the local citizens, although maybe not quite the way anyone expected.
Excerpt:
"She was a refugee seeking the safety we were supposed to be providing."
"You were protecting her?"
"Yes. But it wasn't my place."
She furrowed her forehead as she tried to process his explanation. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't that be your place? Isn't that what you were there to do?"
"He wasn't an American soldier. I should have turned a blind eye to keep the peace. Or so I was told."
She again stared, digesting what he had said. "The Army would have you turn your back on someone being assaulted?"
"The politics of war are still politics, Jenna. The man I attacked wasn't just a soldier. He was a colonel of the Afghan Army. I screwed up the balance and they made an example of me."
Basically what he did was stop a man from raping a woman. He ended up throwing a few punches due to his issues with his father hitting his mother. The man was a colonel in the Afghan army. Daniel was a lieutenant colonel. Although he was lower ranking than the other man, they were both officers (different countries, different armies but still collaborative) and I've never heard of a person being dishonorably discharged after 25 years of satisfactory service just for ONE fight with another officer. Mostly I think they would have been reprimanded, with the reprimand being put into their service record and maybe punished in some way, but not by a dishonorable discharge. Albeit he may not have gone about helping the "politically correct" way, but at least he did do the right thing and help her. Yes, I know this is fiction, but doing the morally and ethically right thing should not be limited to, or because of, politics. The motto of many police forces is To Protect and Serve, but I think it could and should fit the military just as well. That's what the National Guard is supposed to do in times of domestic disturbances, isn't it?
This is the first book by Marci Boudreaux I've read, but it won't be the last. This is Book 5 in the Stonehill Romance series and I was barely 4 chapters into this one before I started thinking about all the others I could look forward to reading. All the books are standalones, so I really haven't missed anything by starting this one first. I really enjoyed the book and didn't notice too many distracting editing problems so the book flowed smoothly enough. I also enjoyed how this was a more character-driven story than one that authors feel need a lot of villains and extraneous events to move the story along. If you're looking for something to pass the time and don't mind a bit of disquiet (Daniel's military situation) with your story and the outrage that it inspires, or should inspire, than I heartily recommend this one. But if you like to read in order, you should start with "The Road Leads Back" which is Stonehill Romance Book 1. There is a very small reference regarding book 1 in "This Old Cafe" if you know what you're looking for.
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September 11, 2017Reminded me of Susan Stoker's Badge of Honor series in that Marci tackles a society stigma. Which I find rare for a author to tackle so beautifully. Loved the story. As soon as I finished it I signed up for the authors newsletter! Will definitely keep a eye out for future ones by this author.
This is a voluntary review via netgalley I do not get paid for this review,
This is a voluntary review via netgalley I do not get paid for this review,
April 8, 2023
I won a signed copy of this book from a Facebook giveaway and I loved it! Great character development, great place descriptions and you can see the action as it happens. I loved it!!
September 19, 2017
I had not read many books by Marci Boudreaux before reading This Old Café (Stonehill Romance). Even though this is book five of the series, it read well as a stand-alone. Supporting characters were introduced with background information so that everything was clear. It did serve to encourage me to look up the other books so see whose stories went with which book. I now have four more books on my TBP the read list.
I found this an engrossing story so that went it was too late to finish the book I hurried through activities that I must do to finish the book the next morning. I liked Daniel and Jenna understanding how the complexities of their lives came to be. The plight of the returning veteran is in the spotlight here. Instead of pitying them I was cheering them on every time a positive step was taken by either one of them. The saying, “Every time you help someone else, you are helping yourself too” worked for this story. Both Jenna and Daniel became stronger as they worked to help each other. Two strangers who became friends, helped each other which led to love. Beautiful story.
I must say I don’t think a non-character has every seemed so real to me as Jenna’s ex did. The author did an excellent portrayal of how we take the past with us even as we are moving on in our lives. Until Jenna replaced the past with living fully in the present, her ex still had some control over her. So true that we need to forget those things that are behind us.
My only complaint is with Daniel near the end of the story. Not with the story itself, just Daniel’s actions, since I could totally see a loner doing this but I sided with Jenna. Now I hope that we get to have updates on Jenna and Daniel in future books. I want to see Daniel live up to his promises.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
I found this an engrossing story so that went it was too late to finish the book I hurried through activities that I must do to finish the book the next morning. I liked Daniel and Jenna understanding how the complexities of their lives came to be. The plight of the returning veteran is in the spotlight here. Instead of pitying them I was cheering them on every time a positive step was taken by either one of them. The saying, “Every time you help someone else, you are helping yourself too” worked for this story. Both Jenna and Daniel became stronger as they worked to help each other. Two strangers who became friends, helped each other which led to love. Beautiful story.
I must say I don’t think a non-character has every seemed so real to me as Jenna’s ex did. The author did an excellent portrayal of how we take the past with us even as we are moving on in our lives. Until Jenna replaced the past with living fully in the present, her ex still had some control over her. So true that we need to forget those things that are behind us.
My only complaint is with Daniel near the end of the story. Not with the story itself, just Daniel’s actions, since I could totally see a loner doing this but I sided with Jenna. Now I hope that we get to have updates on Jenna and Daniel in future books. I want to see Daniel live up to his promises.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
September 19, 2017
I’ve read every book of the Stonehill series and after every book, I say that book is my favorite. But I’m pretty sure the latest book in the series, This Old Café is truly my favorite. One of the reasons Marci Boudreaux is always on my To Read List, is because she manages to find a way to write characters that feel real. Which is one of the reasons I fell in love with Jenna and Daniel. They feel like people I could easily meet at my local café, so from the start I was rooting for them. Rooting for Daniel, a homeless vet who’s struggling to find his place in the world after being discharged by the Army. Rooting for Jenna, who hasn’t had a whole lot to be happy about between a failed marriage and a café that needs more work than her pocket book can afford. But somehow you know that they will be able to overcome their problems and the obstacles thrown their way, as long as they do it together.
This was a sweet romance that built over time. You got to know the characters and wanted them to succeed in life and love. This is why I read and love romance novels, because of books like This Old Café. A book that gives you that warm feeling inside and has you cheering for a couple of make believe characters like they were friends you meet at a café.
--I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
This was a sweet romance that built over time. You got to know the characters and wanted them to succeed in life and love. This is why I read and love romance novels, because of books like This Old Café. A book that gives you that warm feeling inside and has you cheering for a couple of make believe characters like they were friends you meet at a café.
--I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
I have to say this is one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a while.�� The best thing is that it is just as much about believing in yourself and finding your way as it is about the romance. Both Jenna and Daniel have issues that they need to address before they can truly move forward. Jenna has lost her confidence after a bad relationship and Daniel has some trouble controlling his reactions thanks to his childhood. Both things are keeping them from embracing their potential, but together they just might be able to get up enough courage to face their pasts.
While this is part of a series, this is the first one that I’ve read and I had no trouble keeping up. Boudreaux does a wonderful job of keeping readers in the loop and for the most part it seemed like this story was pretty well centralized. And definite points in her favor for me, she manages to keep it so wonderfully realistic and quite unique – it isn’t often you have a homeless vet living in an alleyway as your hero! But it so works here and she makes sure that both Jenna & Daniel face their demons themselves. There isn’t a love conquers all thing, instead it is the support and care that they show each other that helps them fix things for themselves. Which helps deliver a fabulous HEA!
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
While this is part of a series, this is the first one that I’ve read and I had no trouble keeping up. Boudreaux does a wonderful job of keeping readers in the loop and for the most part it seemed like this story was pretty well centralized. And definite points in her favor for me, she manages to keep it so wonderfully realistic and quite unique – it isn’t often you have a homeless vet living in an alleyway as your hero! But it so works here and she makes sure that both Jenna & Daniel face their demons themselves. There isn’t a love conquers all thing, instead it is the support and care that they show each other that helps them fix things for themselves. Which helps deliver a fabulous HEA!
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
September 22, 2017
What a beautiful ending to a great series. But, even though this is the last book of the series it can be read as a standalone. Marci creates such beautiful characters you can't help falling in love with them. Daniel is a vet suffering from PTSD who calls an alley behind a Cafe home. Jenna is struggling to hold onto her cafe. With bad electrical and plumbing plus numerous other improvements that she wants to make she's in way over her head. One night after fighting with a leaky pipe, her handyman angel appears. They make a deal and each end up help each other deal with their past demons. Second chances are the best chances especially for Jenna and Daniel Beautifully written with Marci's beautiful charm character and humor. This is one that you won't want to put down.
October 1, 2017
What looks on the surface to be a sweet, lighthearted romance is actually a novel dealing with a number of fairly deep issues including abuse, both physical and mental, PTSD, homelessness, and trust. Solutions are hard-fought and not lightly brushed aside and you may even learn a little something about plumbing. Until I started my review and looked again at the title, I hadn't realized that this was book 5 in a series although I can see how certain other relationships mentioned in this story have occurred in prior stories; this clearly stands alone quite well. Altogether a heartwarming and beautifully-told tale.
NOTE: The premise of this book intrigued me when I saw it on Netgalley; the book far exceeds the blurb!
NOTE: The premise of this book intrigued me when I saw it on Netgalley; the book far exceeds the blurb!
December 3, 2017
Uncaged Review: This Old Café was a refreshing look at second chance small town romance. The characters were believable and not over the top. There were points in the book that made me want to cry and parts that made me laugh. I gave the book four stars only because it was hard to connect with the characters in the beginning. I felt that there wasn’t enough description of Daniel and Jenna to connect. The book also ended abruptly, jolting me and making me yearn for a better conclusion. Still the book was well-written and interesting. I look forward to reading more from this author! Reviewed by Skylar
April 25, 2019
Brilliant Series
I can’t thank the author enough. This book follows all the others in that the story flows the narrative is believable and it is so well written. The characters are well described and defined to the point where you feel you know them.
The really best part is that the author has managed a great story and series without the need for sex in every chapter.
Makes for a really refreshing change.
Definitely recommend this book and the series. Can’t wait for the next one
1 click now you will not be disappointed
I can’t thank the author enough. This book follows all the others in that the story flows the narrative is believable and it is so well written. The characters are well described and defined to the point where you feel you know them.
The really best part is that the author has managed a great story and series without the need for sex in every chapter.
Makes for a really refreshing change.
Definitely recommend this book and the series. Can’t wait for the next one
1 click now you will not be disappointed
September 14, 2017
Trying to rebuild your life, your hopes and your dreams can sometimes feel impossible when everything seems to be crumbling around you. Jenna Reid has that tenfold in her struggling love life and her cafe- anything and everything that could go wrong definitely is for her. In the midst of the latest crisis- a major water pipe break- Daniel McGuire wades in to help Jenna.
Daniel McGuire is a seemingly disgraced vet with anger issues that got him kicked out of the service, lost him construction job and got him kicked out of his uncle's home. Living quietly in the alley behind Jenna's cafe Daniel has watched her and felt that kindred spirit connection- down on your luck and barely holding your head above water.
Jenna and Daniel have a great story. Loved that Jenna is patient and kind to a man who is in need of understanding and compassion. Jenna soon discovers that the only anger issues Daniel have are those arising from his ingrained desire to protect others being wronged, taken advantage of or being physically harmed. Daniel's struggles are true to life of want many people- not only veterans- experience from PTSD. Daniel is actually soft, protective and gentle. Gosh, this story really has you sympathizes with him and wanting to take him under your wing and take care of him.
Jenna feels a connection to Daniel as they suffer parallel hurts. Giving him a chance to earn a respectable place again comes with lots of criticism from her family (and Daniel's) as well as lack of faith in her trust and instincts. Jenna only hopes and prays that Daniel doesn't prove all the nay sayers right.
I really loved this story and both Jenna and Daniel's road to recovery over the wrongs of their past. It's a rocky road and each bump along the way threatens to tear them both apart. In the end, healing can only be obtained when you can look back and see what you've overcome and realize you did it- alone or together- but you did it!
Daniel McGuire is a seemingly disgraced vet with anger issues that got him kicked out of the service, lost him construction job and got him kicked out of his uncle's home. Living quietly in the alley behind Jenna's cafe Daniel has watched her and felt that kindred spirit connection- down on your luck and barely holding your head above water.
Jenna and Daniel have a great story. Loved that Jenna is patient and kind to a man who is in need of understanding and compassion. Jenna soon discovers that the only anger issues Daniel have are those arising from his ingrained desire to protect others being wronged, taken advantage of or being physically harmed. Daniel's struggles are true to life of want many people- not only veterans- experience from PTSD. Daniel is actually soft, protective and gentle. Gosh, this story really has you sympathizes with him and wanting to take him under your wing and take care of him.
Jenna feels a connection to Daniel as they suffer parallel hurts. Giving him a chance to earn a respectable place again comes with lots of criticism from her family (and Daniel's) as well as lack of faith in her trust and instincts. Jenna only hopes and prays that Daniel doesn't prove all the nay sayers right.
I really loved this story and both Jenna and Daniel's road to recovery over the wrongs of their past. It's a rocky road and each bump along the way threatens to tear them both apart. In the end, healing can only be obtained when you can look back and see what you've overcome and realize you did it- alone or together- but you did it!
September 8, 2017
This Old Cafe is a wonderful contemporary second chance romance. Daniel and Jenna both find themselves down on their luck. Daniel has issues after his career was ruined. He ends up homeless due to a chain of events that happened after he got discharged from the military. Jenna is struggling to keep her cafe and her dream going. She doesn't have the finances to keep her doors open for much longer. They are brought together and they may just be what the other needs. Can the two of them get over their pasts in order to make their future work?
I enjoyed reading this book. I really like both the main characters. I liked that Daniel knew what he needed to do and wasn't afraid to do it even when it could cause him to lose what he wanted so badly. I loved that he taught her self defense and showed her that her ex was nothing but a liar and a worthless jerk. I liked Jenna's ability to see past all Daniel's faults. I liked that she believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. The two of them were great together.
I liked the plot of the story and felt it flowed well. I have not read this author before but I would definitely pick up another book by her. I would recommend This Old Cafe to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance.
I enjoyed reading this book. I really like both the main characters. I liked that Daniel knew what he needed to do and wasn't afraid to do it even when it could cause him to lose what he wanted so badly. I loved that he taught her self defense and showed her that her ex was nothing but a liar and a worthless jerk. I liked Jenna's ability to see past all Daniel's faults. I liked that she believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. The two of them were great together.
I liked the plot of the story and felt it flowed well. I have not read this author before but I would definitely pick up another book by her. I would recommend This Old Cafe to anyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance.
September 19, 2017
Jenna and Daniel meet when a burst pipe in her diner kitchen brings them together. He is homeless and living in the alley behind her diner, she is struggling to get her diner repaired and into profit.
What follows is a bittersweet love story as they both learn to conquer their demons, and begin to trust again.
Jenna sees something in Daniel that many don't, she sees beyond his anger issues. Daniel recognises her lack of confidence and wants, no needs, to do something about it.
Their relationship has rocky moments, especially when relatives from both sides try to interfere, but they persevere....until Daniel makes a heartbreaking decision....
Will he come back as he promised?
There is a thread of humour in the story around Jenna's love for T-shirts featuring 70's bands and singers. There are also some tense, emotional moments. The two combined let the story flow and develop in a natural arc.
The characters are believable and likeable with back stories that explain their actions and reactions.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.
What follows is a bittersweet love story as they both learn to conquer their demons, and begin to trust again.
Jenna sees something in Daniel that many don't, she sees beyond his anger issues. Daniel recognises her lack of confidence and wants, no needs, to do something about it.
Their relationship has rocky moments, especially when relatives from both sides try to interfere, but they persevere....until Daniel makes a heartbreaking decision....
Will he come back as he promised?
There is a thread of humour in the story around Jenna's love for T-shirts featuring 70's bands and singers. There are also some tense, emotional moments. The two combined let the story flow and develop in a natural arc.
The characters are believable and likeable with back stories that explain their actions and reactions.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley.
August 21, 2017
The guy told her she had to lose twenty pounds, and she still married him?
So the poor man really is homeless? And a veteran?!
Wait, his uncle lives in the same town, yet he is homeless and eating out of dumpsters? Bastard!
It sounds like everything he did that was "dangerous" was done to help people.
How lovely that they are helping each other. Not just physically, with her providing him with food and shelter while he does manual labor for her. But emotionally as well. They both had such low self-esteem at the beginning.
What's wrong with tile? It looks better.
Haha, Annie is evil!
Is it hot in here? Dayum.
I totally understand why he left.
People are weird. Who wants to eat where you know someone was attacked?
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So the poor man really is homeless? And a veteran?!
Wait, his uncle lives in the same town, yet he is homeless and eating out of dumpsters? Bastard!
It sounds like everything he did that was "dangerous" was done to help people.
How lovely that they are helping each other. Not just physically, with her providing him with food and shelter while he does manual labor for her. But emotionally as well. They both had such low self-esteem at the beginning.
What's wrong with tile? It looks better.
Haha, Annie is evil!
Is it hot in here? Dayum.
I totally understand why he left.
People are weird. Who wants to eat where you know someone was attacked?
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2017
First of all I would like to say I am still so very upset about Annies tragic story in The Forgotten Path, Book 3.
As with all of the Stonehill romances this could be read as a book by itself or with the remaining series. This last book brings to you Jenna's story. She has been a background character in the other books in the series as she owns the cafe that they frequent. Jenna is struggling after her divorce to find her self worth. She has purchased the cafe with the help of her brother and is barely making ends meet. The repairs to just keep day to day operations are building up and she just isn't sure how to get it done. One day when a pipe bursts Daniel comes through the door to save the day.
From there through the Cafe Daniel and Jenna find love and help each other find who they are.
As with all of the Stonehill romances this could be read as a book by itself or with the remaining series. This last book brings to you Jenna's story. She has been a background character in the other books in the series as she owns the cafe that they frequent. Jenna is struggling after her divorce to find her self worth. She has purchased the cafe with the help of her brother and is barely making ends meet. The repairs to just keep day to day operations are building up and she just isn't sure how to get it done. One day when a pipe bursts Daniel comes through the door to save the day.
From there through the Cafe Daniel and Jenna find love and help each other find who they are.
September 8, 2017
I loved this story. Marci Boudreaux delivered a heartwarming story of two people traveling through life and just trying to cope with what their lives had become. This book is an emotional rollercoaster that showcases the journey of two people, how life has stolen their hopes, dreams and pride and left them brokenhearted, but still pushing forward and looking ahead at what life could offer next. I enjoyed reading about their journey. I felt the author did a marvelous job with character development and the storyline. The way the story unfolded seemed so natural and organic, I was captivated through every page. I read this book in just a few sittings and found it very difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book!
September 13, 2017
This Old Café by Marci Boudreaux is an awesome sweet romance read. I love Jenna’s and Daniel’s story. I first thought this was going to be another typical sweet romance story, it is, but there is so much more.
I really love how the author built their characters and made them seem real. Both Jenna and Daniel had issues they needed to deal with and the story did a great job with a twist I didn’t see coming. This was a fun story to read.
I enjoyed every minute of of this story. This is the first book I have read in this series, I want to read all the books in this series. This book can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to the author Marci Boudreaux for the ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I really love how the author built their characters and made them seem real. Both Jenna and Daniel had issues they needed to deal with and the story did a great job with a twist I didn’t see coming. This was a fun story to read.
I enjoyed every minute of of this story. This is the first book I have read in this series, I want to read all the books in this series. This book can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to the author Marci Boudreaux for the ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
January 14, 2025
Daniel had returned from the military with anger issues. These also had been brought on from an abusive father in his life. His reputation of being a hot temper preceded him. He’d been fired from every job he had. He was now homeless.
Jenna had left her marriage to Peter after he had taken her life savings! She had always wanted to have a restaurant & had bought the “Old Cafe” when she had come to town. Her brother was helping her with it a little bit.
Jenna had left her marriage to Peter after he had taken her life savings! She had always wanted to have a restaurant & had bought the “Old Cafe” when she had come to town. Her brother was helping her with it a little bit.
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