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Libby's Cuppa Joe

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"A sweet read in every way."—Cynthia Ruchti, award-winning author and speaker

Can grace and love be found amongst coffee grounds?

Sonja Parker is about to find out.

Excited to leave her stale life in the big city behind, Sonja takes the money her grandmother left her and purchases Libby’s Cuppa Joe, a thriving coffee shop in a small community in Wisconsin’s Door County. Sonja may have business sense, but is she ready to face the world on her own?

Sonja soon discovers owning a business requires more than offering a good cup of coffee. She must make major repairs to the building as well as major repairs to her heart. Do the former owners, Libby and Joe hold the answer? As Sonja seeks to make Libby’s Cuppa Joe a viable business, can she also find herself and the God she has abandoned?

Libby’s Cuppa Joe is a riveting tale of second chances, forgiveness, and not living on borrowed faith.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2019

25 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Waters

14 books30 followers
Rebecca Waters views writing as both a gift and a ministry. As a teacher education professor at Cincinnati Christian University, Rebecca’s writing focused on journals of professional education. following her tenure at the university, Rebecca turned her pen to freelance writing, writing novels, speaking engagements, and coaching new authors. Her books include Breathing On Her Own and Libby's Cuppa Joe and Writing to Publish. Rebecca is a frequent contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. “My goal in everything I write is to serve God.”

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Carla.
7,622 reviews179 followers
May 27, 2019
I give this one 3.5 stars. Libby's Cuppa Joe is a sweet, enlightening story of a woman who finds more than just a new business opportunity in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. When Sonja wants to move closer to her parents, yet not back home, she uses her inheritance from her Grandma Grace to buy a coffee shop in a tourist town. She knows nothing about running a coffee shop, but she is smart, cocky, and self-reliant and has a plan. Things do not always run smoothly and some poor choices cause some problems, but with the help of friends, family and Reverend Kevin, she moves forward in her life.

Libby was a likeable character who is flawed. We get to see Sonja struggle to get past the mistakes she has made and watch as she journeys down the road to adulthood with many bumps along the way. When she finds herself a single mother trying to run business she begins to make decisions as a mature woman and mother. She meets several people whose faith is important to them, and through them she finds her way back to her Lord. I liked the many people who lived in Fish Creek and her parents who support her along the way. Her relationship with Joe, the previous owner of Libby's Cuppa Joe, was wonderful. It showed such a caring and compassionate side to Sonja which also helps her to grow as a person, helps her get accepted in town and gives peace to Joe. It wasn't until she finally accepts and participates in a relationship with God that she completes her journey and becomes a humble, happy and strong woman. I loved the epilogue, as it ties up some loose ends and gives the reader a good feeling. This is the first book I have read by Rebecca Waters, and I enjoyed the story. I recommend this one to Christian Fiction lovers, and those who enjoy second chances and faith journeys. I received a copy of this book from Just Read Publicity Tours upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Profile Image for Carole Jarvis.
557 reviews58 followers
June 4, 2019
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2HXCUpO

Libby’s Cuppa Joe by Rebecca Waters is an interesting story that combines elements of romance and women’s fiction. Two things that I enjoy were themes in this book – small towns and coffee shops. The close-knit community of Fish Creek in Wisconsin’s Door County is vividly conveyed, and I loved how Waters alluded to other authors with stories in the same setting, such as Cynthia Ruchti.

I liked the lead character, Sonja, and thought she was realistically portrayed – from her efforts to succeed in a business of her own, to the sins and failures that are common to all. As a lover of coffee shops, I enjoyed background information – such as Sonja’s baking efforts and experience with an espresso machine. Connecting with and getting to know the previous owner, Joe, was such a sweet touch. But best of all was Sonja’s spiritual journey, from a Christian “in name only” to a much deeper faith through the receiving of God’s grace.

I thought the writing could have been a little more fleshed out, because there were time lapses and sudden jumps that had me trying to figure out what I might have missed, and some things weren’t revealed until well after the fact. But the story was one that I enjoyed overall and appreciated its spiritual themes and clear gospel message.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Profile Image for HeatherS.
384 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2019
Rounding this one up to 3.5 Stars! This was a quick to read, cute and delightful story - I read it in one day! Sonja Parker uses her inheritance to purchase a coffee shop in a small community in Wisconsin’s Door County. She goes in to being a new business owner in an unfamiliar town with gusto and she really gives it her all. I really admired this about her character, and I think this is because in my wildest dreams I would love to own a coffee/book shop in a picturesque town. But, at this point in my life that will never happen, so I felt like I was living vicariously through Sonja’s story. She does have some significant bumps along the way that were very true to how life can go, so that made the story pretty realistic. I found the resolution of the story to be fairly predictable for your standard contemporary christian fiction, but I enjoyed it and was happy with it nonetheless. I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cindy Brookshire.
Author 6 books9 followers
September 26, 2020
I bought two copies of this book after listening to the author, Rebecca Waters, being interviewed on a podcast by Connie B. Dowell on Dowell's Book Echoes podcast. I loved her backstory as a writer and the challenges she faced as a widow.

One copy Waters' book I gave to Zena Hamilton Rose and her brother Jeffery Hamilton, who just spent a year renovating a 1910 building and opening their new coffee shop, Coffee on Raiford in the small railroad town of Selma, North Carolina. I figured Zena and Jeffery could relate to this sweat equity story and presented it to them at their soft opening. Zena created a lending library shelf in her shop, and now my writers critique group meets in their cozy back room.

The second copy of the book has been a godsend to me. I took it to the beach to read to get away from all the political hysteria of the upcoming election, and slowly but surely finished it as I plunged back into my work at home. Rebecca tells a simple story of hard work, obstacles, faith, love, courage, family and community, all surrounding images of hot cups of coffee and mouthwatering breakfast cookies in cold, cold Wisconsin. The best part was not just the ending, but the recipe for the cookies in the back of the book! Normally I give away books after I read them - I'm keeping this one to read again down the road, and also for the recipe! I wonder if Zena could get the local bakers in Selma to make up a batch of these cookies for her shop?.....
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
May 26, 2019
3.5 Stars

Rebecca Waters charms readers with her inviting coffee shop, the residents of Fish Creek, Joe, and the woman whose life is touched by each of those things. I especially appreciated Sonja’s journey from going through the motions of Christianity to a heart-deep relationship with Jesus.

While all of those things kept me reading this story, there were several transitions that were large jumps in the timeline, and I couldn’t help but wonder what story development opportunities had been missed. Plus, I was hoping for a bit more of the romance between Kevin and Sonja (but that could easily just be me because I always want more romance).

Libby’s Cuppa Joe successfully emphasizes the grace God and those who love us most grant when we acknowledge and confess our mistakes, no matter how big or small they are.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Barb.
Author 6 books63 followers
March 21, 2019
Coffee shops and books and lakeside resort towns: what's not to love about the setting for Rebecca Waters' newest novel? The author painted such a clear picture of Fish Creek that I felt I could have drawn a map of the town -- and it's a town where I'd be proud to live. I dove into this book and didn't want to come back out; my only complaint is that 188 pages wasn't enough! I'd have loved a little more story, and if the author sets any more books in this lovely community, I'll be a happy reader.
Profile Image for Melissa Kirk.
Author 10 books6 followers
March 11, 2019
Libby's Cuppa Joe is a lovely story. The author goes a beautiful job using time and familiarity to tell the story of the main character, Sonja. She became my friend as I watched her grow in her struggles. I enjoyed a few cups of coffee while I read and smiled when she uncovered a treasure at just the right moment. What a fitting reminder that God’s provisions for me are already in place, just waiting on his perfect timing.
Profile Image for Terry Houchin.
244 reviews25 followers
March 10, 2019
I loved this book!

I read it in one sitting, it was that good. It is so cliche to say "I could not put this book down", but in this case I really couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole thing.

The characters are wonderful! They are flawed just like all of us are, but the difference is we get to see Sonja struggle to get past the mistakes she has made, all from the safety of our couch at home. We get to feel her emotions and see how her brain and heart are leading her but don't have to suffer the consequences.

The town's people are a close knit community. Much to Sonja's surprise, they support her and encourage her to put her own mark on their beloved coffee shop. 

She had no way of knowing how her desire to leave the big city and start a new life in a small town would change her life forever. I hope you chose to pick up a copy of this book when it is released on March 8, 2019. A wonderful story about second chances, which we've all needed from time to time.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,307 reviews45 followers
May 26, 2019
There is so much to like about Libby’s Cuppa Joe. Sonja purchased a business using her inheritance from her grandmother. Even though she is almost thirty, she struggles a bit with doing adult things, yet feels at times like she is smothered by her parents. As she walks the road of adulthood with her new responsibilities as a business owner, she strays from the way she was brought up. She gets involved with a man who convinces her she doesn’t need to ask her parents for advice and that what others think doesn’t matter. Damon leaves her when she tells him she loves him - leaves with her money, and leaves her with a gift that forces her to own up to her mistakes. While Damon does move in with Sonja, the indication seems to be that he has his own room. It is not until we find out that Sonja is pregnant that the reader realizes that there are things going on between Damon and Sonja that the author doesn’t mention.
Rebecca Waters has written a well-thought-out story about finding one’s way as an adult. Yes, mistakes are made. But with the love and support of friends and family, Sonja finds her way back to the Lord. As you read the story, you can see the Lord’s hand on Sonja’s life - much like we may see in our everyday lives. We don’t know, don’t understand why something happens yet once we get down the road of life we can see clearly the Lord’s hand in those events.
I won’t tell you what they are, but I loved the surprises in the Epilogue!

I would not hesitate to add this book to my K-12 Christian School library. The book is definitely appropriate for the high schoolers and maybe some of the older middle schoolers.

Thank you to JustRead Tours for the complimentary e-copy of Libby’s Cuppa Joe.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,320 reviews74 followers
May 12, 2019
“You know the Bible says we should praise God in all things. Not for all things, mind you, but in them and through them.”

3.5 stars for this sweet book by Rebecca Waters. This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed how she develops her main character Sonja from a cocky, self-reliant, self-sufficient woman to a humble, repentant, grace-seeking, and compassionate woman. The bond Sonja builds with the previous coffee shop owner is extremely sweet and refreshing. Sonja’s faith journey moves from a stale, casual, obligatory church-going to complete darkness and despair when life circumstances drag her down and her poor choices bring consequences and shame. Yet even in that darkness, God brings people to come alongside Sonja to help, love, and encourage. How Sonja finds salvation, redemption, grace, and mercy in the One who loves unconditionally is moving.
Though I really enjoyed walking this spiritual journey with Sonja, I didn’t quite connect with her fully and the writing felt a bit choppy, vague, and distant at times to cause some confusion as to what was happening in the plot. But other readers have absolutely loved this story and if you enjoy a heart-warming contemporary women’s fiction, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
1,093 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2019
Rebecca Waters is a new author for me and the cover is not the type that usually attracts me either. Nevertheless I chose to read Libby’s Cuppa Joe to review and was pleasantly surprised that I was quickly captivated by the story.

The novel features Sonja Parker who invests her inheritance from her grandmother in a once thriving coffee shop in a small Wisconsin town. She runs into several obstacles that include needed repairs to the building as well as trying to live up to the expectations of the shop’s former customers. Sonja manages to find time for romance but she doesn’t make the best choices and is taken advantage of by a deceptive boyfriend. Sonja is left to pay the price for her poor decisions. Another young man was the perfect hero who saw past Sonja’s mistakes to her caring heart.

Libby’s Cuppa Joe is a clean read despite certain circumstances that take place in the background. I enjoyed the way Sonja’s friends and family rallied around her to help with each and every problem she encountered and how the author managed to weave in a strong message of faith into the story. I was also pleased at how all the loose ends were tied together at the end, especially a surprise for the former owner of the coffee shop.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Alyssa Hill.
3 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2019
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Honestly, I needed this book right now..

Sonja struggles throughout the book, as a young new business owner, and as a woman surrounded by people of faith, but with none of her own. She has trials and triumphs, disappointments and surprises, all the while seeing the lasting faith of those she loves and respects.

The first half of the book is very fast paced, with the first two years of life at Libby's breezing by, giving us insight into the tests this young business owner, and single woman, goes through. Finally finding some of the faith and trust she saw in those around her, she discovers peace when she opens up and accepts the love of Christ thru new friends and a new church.

As a woman of faith that sometimes is lost in the chaos, I forget to be thankful for the 56 things that are going well, when there are 2 things I'm struggling with. There were messages in here that I really enjoyed reading, particularly in the Matthew chapters, when she was really growing into herself and standing taller.

Thank you so much for providing me with a copy and giving me a small reminder to look beyond the chaos of the kitchen, and embrace the community waiting with a smile.

⭐⭐⭐🌠
Profile Image for Jypsy .
1,524 reviews72 followers
June 1, 2019
**I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Just Read Tours and the author. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Libby's Cuppa Joe is a clean contemporary Christian story. Sonja, the main character, uses an inheritance from her grandmother to buy a coffee shop in a small Wisconsin town. She's looking for a change of pace, a slowing down. Having never owned a small business, Sonja is thrown for a loop with unexpected expenses, etc. She also struggles personally and makes some bad decisions that impact her life. Sonja is, essentially, becoming an adult and learning hard lessons from her business and personal life. Sonja matures and finds things she's lost along the way. Sonja has taken a big risk with the coffee shop, and it's failure or success rests on her capabilities. It's satisfying to make this journey with her to the outcome. The other characters are likeable and flawed. They are engaging, entertaining and charming. The story is predictable but enjoyable, nonetheless. It's a fast light read that's good if you don't have a lot of time. Overall, it's not wholly original, but it's cute, fun and clean. And, besides, who wouldn't love to own a coffee shop?
Profile Image for Kathryn.
104 reviews20 followers
June 1, 2019
Libby's Cuppa Joe was a fairly cute read. The characters interested me for the most part and, as a huge coffee lover, I did really like the setting of the book.
I did however, find the rest of it to be slightly lacking. While the characters were interesting, the plot wasn't as much, and didn't seem to have a lot of structure or aim. Even from the beginning of the book, I struggles to see the point in some of the scenes that were introduced, as they didn't seem to move the story forward in any shape or form.
That being said, the only thing I can really recommend about this book is the characters and setting, which I am sorry to say. I wanted it to be good, but it fell a little flat. This, however, is just my opinion and others may not feel the same way. It you are interested in this type of book and writing style, I suggest you pick it up; you may enjoy it!

**I received a complementary copy of this book through JustRead publicity tours. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are mine alone.**
Profile Image for Melissa.
138 reviews
January 13, 2020
Libby’s cup of Joe was another book that I received to review. It was such an uplifting book of a young women’s struggle with everyday life things and making poor decisions and finding love when you least expect it. The book is about a young woman who takes a chance and buys a coffee shop knowing absolutely nothing about coffee really. She learned the ups and downs, she learns about her new town she has moved to and escapes for a few weeks to make the biggest mistake of her life. All while this is going on throughout the story she has reluctantly opened her doors to a traveling church to use the top portion of her café once a week. What she finds is that she is capable of much more than she thought she ever was and in the end it all works out as HE has planned with a happily ever after. I really enjoyed this book and it was such an easy read.
97 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2019
I was disappointed in this book. Although the story was somewhat interesting, the book did not seem to have a plot or much of anything except a romance story. It is about a young woman who buys Libby's Cuppa Joe and runs it. She runs into problems trying to run her own business and eventually comes back to God. A good book, but somewhat trite and boring, just getting into the day by day business of running a coffee shop. I guess I prefer books that are more exciting and captivate my interest.

(Please Note: Although a copy of this book was given to me to review by Ambassador International, the opinions expressed are my own.)

I am an @AmbassadorIntl #bookreviewer and #partner!
Profile Image for Fountain Books.
67 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2019
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. This book was good and entertaining. The setting of this novel reminds me of my own home town. But better. It is like you took my home town and made it in a perfect world. I think that would be great. I will say as a non-Christin I did not really way heavily on that side of things. If you are looking for a good book with a wonderful story this is one for you. The main character was really relatable. And I enjoyed it I am giving this novel a 3-star rating.
Profile Image for Andi Tubbs.
969 reviews82 followers
May 30, 2019
This book started out really well it just didn't have much of a plot to draw me back to it. The lakeside resort town, a coffee shop, and books are a reader's trifecta and I so wanted it to keep drawing me back to it. I felt like I was being told a story not shown and as she set up the coffee shop I felt like I was just hearing about the daily mundane life of a coffee shop owner.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Just Read publicity. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cindy Huff.
Author 11 books55 followers
April 10, 2020
Sonya Parker is your sweet naive girl next door who buys a successful coffee shop in Door County. The story is told from her viewpoint and we watch her stumble about as she finds her brand for the business. She makes foolish mistakes and discovers her need for true faith. Sonya is bright but deals with the fear of failure. The community of shopkeepers and year-round residents help her find her way. Door County is a wonderful setting and the coffee shop makes the whole story more intimate. A fun inspiring read for lovers of Women’s fiction. I look forward to more from Rebecca Waters.

Profile Image for Amanda  H.
834 reviews53 followers
May 29, 2019
I enjoyed being a part of Sonja's journey as a business owner! Having owned businesses of my own, I could relate to her ideals, struggles, and the growth that she went through as a person and a business owner through the course of the story. The pace of this story is well done. I thought that this was the perfect summer read!
I received this book through JustRead tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Sunshine Cunningham.
Author 8 books38 followers
June 5, 2019
*I was give a free copy for a honest opinion* This will be a short review for I plan on writing a long review on my blog. I was drawn to choose this book because of the mention of a coffee shop and the synopsis. In my opinion, it’s a slow paced Christian contemporary story. It took me over a month to read, so yeah there’s that. There are some cliches in it. I rated it a three stars mainly because I don’t typically read this kind of genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melody.
107 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2019
Sweet Story

I read some reviews saying this story didn't have a plot. I found the story to be a very sweet story of love and forgiveness. Of the path to fixing God that is not always straight. Good ending too, makes me want a sequel.
Profile Image for Malissa Chapin.
Author 11 books86 followers
July 26, 2020
Fun book. I purchased it because it’s set in Door County, Wisconsin!

I enjoyed it and would love to have a cup of coffee at Libby’s!
Profile Image for Erin.
2,113 reviews18 followers
June 29, 2019
My Thoughts:
Such a cute book with a great message. I have not read any of Rebecca Waters other books but might just want to now. The book read quickly and though it never had any areas of high suspense or mystery, it was wonderful.

Sometimes I like a mystery book. A book full of suspense to keep me on pins and needles and not want to go to sleep. Sometimes I really just want a nice calm feel-good read. That is this book. Calm, feel good and balm to my soul.

There are a few spots where you get goosebumps though. This is one of those books that you keep around when you need a calm read.

Libby and Joe started a coffee shop in their remote Door County village. But the shop has to be sold when Libby passes away and Joe goes to a retirement home. Sonja buys the shop so she can fulfill her dreams of having her own business and being closer to her parents. But she knows nothing about coffee!

As Sonja learns about the area, meets her neighbors, and learns the ropes of owning her own business she learns somethings about herself too. For one, she has lousy taste in men. And maybe she should have listened to that old next door neighbor who is pretty reclusive.

I really don't want to give away the story, but I loved this book. Definitely a recommend. And there is a delicious coffee recipe hidden within the pages of this book just like it was hidden in Libby's book. And so is the mystery of Judy and Joe hidden within this book as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
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