When Harry Met Wally

The Homegrown Café Book Club #4

by Mellanie Szereto

The women of The Homegrown Café Book Club are over 40, single, and loving it. Fate, however, has a different plan with a younger man for every last one of them. Widow Wallis Danforth is looking for a little companionship now that her special needs daughter is becoming more independent. That’s all. Nothing complicated. Unfortunately, dating apps have yielded nothing but jerks and perverts—so many that she’s written a one-act play about her misadventures. But will she be able to resist the younger man who sweeps her off her feet and wants to play all the male roles in her production, including himself? History teacher Harry Kreiger never believed in love at first sight until he witnessed his Princess Charming putting her rude date firmly in his place—out the door of The Homegrown Café. Salsa lessons and starring opposite his heart’s desire turns them from strangers to friends. But when friends become lovers, he’ll have to pull out all the stops to convince Wally that love is more important than age.

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2021

About the author

Mellanie Szereto is the USA Today Bestselling Author of over sixty romcoms and contemporary romances, most with characters who have plenty of life experience like herself. Whether you call them older, seasoned, mature, experienced, or later-in-life protagonists, they deserve love too! Her stories are often set in small towns with quirky main characters, fun secondary casts, and lots of humor. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and baking—as well as hiking to work off the fruits of her labor—and incorporates food into all of her stories. She lives in an old farmhouse in rural Indiana with her husband of thirty-eight years.
She greatly appreciates reviews and loves to hear from her readers! Contact Mellanie at mellanie@mellanieszereto.com.
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Reviews

[Cath]

This is book four of The Homegrown Café Book Club and tells the story of widow Wallis Danforth, who lost her husband Bobby a decade ago and has been left to raise their Downs Syndrome daughter Anabelle on her own. Her daughter is now working at the café part time and Wallis could not be more proud. Wallis is now testing out dating again at long last, but not exactly had any good experiences with any of the men she found through the dating app. She is on such a date with a man who is nothing like his profile picture or even his description of himself and makes a rather rude comment about her, quite loudly in the middle of the café. Wallis tries to put her rude date in his place after he insults her own daughter and the café she works in and sends him on his way! Another man, history teacher Harry Kreiger, comes to her table and asks if he can use the table top, while he goes through his pockets for his car keys. He also praises her for her comments to the horrible date and her as an attractive woman in her own right.

He has to leave to get to a play rehearsal, which may explain his rather eclectic dress sense! He gives her a pair of tickets to come and see the show he is in and Anabelle tells her, after they speak at the end, that her mum should ask Harry to be her boyfriend! She ends up being asked if she will help him by being his partner as he learns how to salsa. Their relationship goes from their and while she is very attracted to him and feeling awoken, she is also feeling guilty about letting another man take the memory of her dead husband. When they finally do the deed, she finds evidence of his actual age and is shocked to find he is over ten years younger than her. Can she get over the age difference and what she sees as the betrayal of the love of her life, or will she refuse to allow a new love into her heart and mind? Harry has only been in Wellington for a few months and when he saw Wallis, he fell in love with her at first sight. He also has a relative with Downs Syndrome, who sadly died fairly recently, so he knows exactly what Wallis has to manage on a daily basis and isn’t worried that she needs to think of Anabelle before even herself.

Wallis is the fourth member of the book club to have found a younger man to love and now only Georgie is left as a singleton. The ladies in the book club are all in their forties or fifties and were all single not long ago. Each has had their own issues to deal with and not much of a love life. Wallis is just getting a new business up and running, having just taken over the local bookshop and has lots of ideas to improve it, with her book club friends using the space, as well as putting up a small stage and many other interesting things. She has even written a short play based on her dating history and it is lovingly played by Harry. It is great to read a series where all the main characters are somewhat mature in age, but also have very ordinary lives in a small town setting. They show that love can be found at any age and each book can be read as standalones, but is so much better read in order, as the other characters pop in and out of the storylines. These are the first books I have read by this author and I will certainly be looking out for more. All the books in the series are short reads with HEA endings with a great touch of reality and normal life problems. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Judith]

Just love the title. 4.5* Actually, I like the whole book. The author introduced different kind of heroes and heroines, a great idea in this genre, where usually most protagonists/main characters are young, rich, and beautiful. The entire series is centred around a small town and its inhabitants, each with real jobs, even more, real problems, challenges that readers can relate to. Not a billionaire in sight. Guess what, the protagonists are between 40-and-50 something. Yes, there is life after 40, even romance and it is possible to start over after tragedy, heartache, and loneliness. All you need to do is recognise if you are lucky enough, the opportunities life presents. This was the first book I read from this author and even if I hadn’t signed up for all the ARCs in this series, I would have still said that it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, I read her second book which I’ll review separately but I can say with certainty, that I haven’t read many books that were better at describing the characters, their motivations, the scenes using a really enjoyable, easy-to-read, sympathetic, warm style. The author’s use of the language, vocabulary, the choice of mood for any given situation was such a joy to be part of. The story of Wallis and Harry is something that probably you wouldn’t want to miss. Impeccable editing made this book easy to read and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish]

This is the fourth book in the Homegrown Café Book Club. It’s sweet and funny. I loved Harry, he sweet, charming, silly at time and completely loveable. I’d totally date Harry. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it’s more enjoy when read with the series in order. These books are about friends and part of the draw for me to these books is the friendship between the book club members. Wally is a widow and has been on her own for years raising her down syndrome daughter. She’s 50, tired of being alone and while not expecting to find true love she is hoping for companionship, someone to go to movies with, have dinner etc. She’s been telling her friend about her failed dating app adventures when they meet up for their book club meetings. It’s been a source of humor for everyone. She meets Harry on her final attempt at app dating when her date turns out to be a horrible disappointment. Harry and Wally start off as friends and it soon becomes more but Harry is younger than she is, can Wally get past the age gap between them?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington]

Wally and Harry's Story . . .

Wallis Danforth (“Wally”) is looking for some male companionship now that her special needs daughter is becoming more independent. She has a disastrous date and history teacher, Harry Kreiger, was in awe of her handling of the rude jerk. The two of them become friends, then want more. But she is having trouble accepting the fact that he is younger. If he wants to keep her, can he convince Wally that love is more important than age, and he wants them to be together?

This story touches on a few other things, such as the horror stories that can be generated through online dating disasters. But the big issue is worrying about age differences that really do not matter when you fall in love. Whatever time you have to share, it’s worth it if it’s real. And friendships are really golden. I love this Café group of ladies. Whether they make mistakes or not, they truly care for each other and we all need that kind of firm foundation in life. Grab your copy and ready about Wally and Harry’s journey.

[Stephanie]

Wallis is a single mother trying the dating scene again and she has met so many bad guys that she written a play detailing the mishaps and then she meets Harry. Harry has just moved to town and he comes across a beautiful women being disrespected by another guy so he goes over to her table looking for his keys and proceeds to let her know that she's beautiful and she deserves better than dye job Dan. As the days go by Wallis and Harry get to know each other as they take dance classes together and then she invites him to thanksgiving dinner at Tate's house and then they go back to her house. They are getting closer to each other and then one day she sees his driver's license and notices his age and she freaks out but Georgie helps her to realize it's not the age but her feeling like she is dishonooring her husband for caring about Harry. I recommend this entire series and this author to everyone because she really writes well and I can't put the books down three books in two days so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hilal Tunçkol]

This is the best book in the series, at least so far, in my opinion.

There are some major changes in Wally's life; she bought herself a book store and she has ideas to bring in more customers, and her autistic daugter has decided to get married to her long time boyfriend. Thinking she will be lonely when that happens, Wally looks for a man so that he would accompany her.

But all the man she meets are jerks. Until Harry comes.

The two are in love instantly, but Wally has second thoughts. Harry is a decade younger than her so she is afraid she would die before Harry does, just like her dear husband died before her. But even deeper than that, she is worried that by falling for Harry, she is somehow betraying her long-dead husband.

Once she moved part her inhibitions, it was all smooth sailing from there. It was really sweet.

[Samantha]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This book in the Homegrown Cafe Book Club series is about Wallis and Harry. Wallis or Wally, has decided to date but does not want anything serious. Harry and Wally meet when she has finally given up on online dating. He is a teacher who makes her smile and laugh but he is younger than her. She knows that things have worked out for her friends in that regard. Harry is going to have to win her over and get her past her age hangup. They developed friendship while working on the play and before she knows it she has fallen hard. This is another really good addition to this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson]

Harry and Wally are the topic of this story. Her special needs daughter is off on her own now most times so Wally is lonely. She tries online dating and she has some really bad tales to tell - which turns into a short play. While working on the play, Harry and Wally connect and fall hard for each other. The characters will make you laugh at the situations. The storyline hits on so many deep feelings between relationships and raising a special needs child, which Wally does very well. Loved the Club interactions and support they give her. Quite a group there, as romance hits each one with someone special who fights for them. Can not wait to read more by this author. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia Gerard]

Wallis is 50, it's been a long time since her Husband passed, she's ready for some companionship. With her Special needs daughter becoming, more independent, working, with a sweetheart of her own, it's time. So Wally dips her toe into online dating, rather unsuccessfully. After arraigning a coffee date, she was hopeful. What a nightmare! The saving grace, old world gentleman Harry. High School History teacher, stage actor, all around good guy. Made Wally feel better after the douche left! When things progressed, to the "Moment" Wally discovers that Harry is younger! Not to worry! These Homegrown Stories are very sweet and uplifting!

[Kristen Lewendon]

My reactions to this book remind me a lot of my reactions to the first book in the series. I thought it was wonderful and sweet and everything fairy tales are made of. Until the heroine gets caught in her own head and does some things that left me going “wait, what?!” I loved that Wallis was such a fierce momma bear. And even though her fears, and what they caused her to do, set my teeth on edge, I can completely understand them. Harry is simply perfect book boyfriend material. I think he’s become my new gold standard for #relationshipgoals.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review]

This is a Great series and am loving it.

This is an over 40;s series of fabulous women that are getting their chance of love with younger, sexy men. Each woman will have their own story line and HEA ending.

Well written story line with great characters, engaging dialogue, easy to visualize detailed descriptions and just an overall great read.

Would I recommend this book? yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen]

I received this as an arc for my honest review

This was another really cute part of this series. I liked how interconnected all the stories are so even though each book focuses on one couple the other characters are still very present.

This was Wallis’ story. I really liked how she met Harry and the play she wrote that they worked on together. They were very well matched. And I enjoyed reading their story. I’m a bit sad that I only have one story left.

[casvec]

Wallis and Harry's story is one that you can't help but make you smile. I love the connection they have before they even know each other. They way they relate and grown is amazing.

When you grab When Harry Met Wally, be ready for your heart to be tugged on, your eyes to be open and the love of all the character to wash over you like a wave.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi]

The women of The Homegrown Café Book Club are over 40, single, and loving it. Fate, however, has a different plan with a younger man for every last one of them.

A romantic comedy you can't put down. You have moments where you can't stop laughing as you're caught up in the comical happenings in the story line. An enjoyable and feel good story you'll be glad you read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi]

If you are around your fifties and are single, you´ll probably see yourself in quite a few of the situations described in this story. It has written with good humor and the characters are relatable. It also describes in full the challenges of parents of special needs children and the importance of having a support net in place. Easy to read and fun, its a good way to spend time during the pandemic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Harry and Wallis are relatable, interesting, entertaining, intriguing, fun characters. I enjoyed their romance, with all it’s twists and turns. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. I love that the other women from the café book club made appearances. The story is easy to read and get into.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrators.

[Amanda Campbell]

This book will have you laughing and smiling throughout. I truly enjoyed the antics of Harry and the chemistry between them both. I love how we got to see how much of Wally's world's involves Annabelle. This was a truly great inspiring quick read that had you laughing and enjoying turning the pages.

[Dianna]

Not everyone gets a second chance at love but Wallis does and doesn’t know how to handle it. I thought this was a great book and enjoyed reading it. It had some sweet moments. Harry kinda threw me off a little cause he always seemed to be in character but was real when it counted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marran]

insta lust, insta love, insta fuck ,insta marriage..not a mastepice but having a concussion and not being able to read this was ok to listen to. It did have some funny moments and lines. I was nice to read about someone over 40 for a change and who's not dying or act like they are 80.

This was actually kind of cute and I like both Harry and Wally.

[Kath]

This is the forth book in the series and it is best to read them in order, although each is a stand alone story about different couples.
Wallis and Harry are lovely characters with a great spark.
A swoony quick read

[tburbr]

The signature writing style of Mellanie Szereto provides us with another entertaining read in this Homegrown Café Book Club series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie]

loved it !!! love this series !!! more... love Harry and Wally... such a cute/meet...perfect...but, misunderstandings get in the way...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat Marie]

Another great read in this series. Harry falls for Wally, but Wally is not sure about this situation. Great short story. Love all the characters and this little town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cecly Ann]

Laugh out loud, short read with wonderful characters, including a 50-year-old Wally, a pretty much younger Harry, and an adorable special needs child, Annabelle.
A totally original plot too on the way to a happy ever after.

[Melinda Swaine]

Wow, this book was excellent! It was full of banter and wit and I loved every second of it… Instantly fell in love. The book made me laugh and made me feel good. What a great read. Bring on more please Happy reading everyone!!

[Julie]

Loved Wallis and Harrys story. I feel like these stories just get better and funnier than the last one. Age is just a number and Harry will have to show that to Wallis if he wants to keep her in his life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rach H]

I really loved Wally and Harry's s story.
It was a lovely instalove romance that was funny and the characters were amazing.
I have really loved this series of books from Mellanie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Lombardo]

Harry and Wallys story is an absolute jem!

Harry with his fun and unwavering love for Wally and wally with her chance at a second life deep love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy]

Fun, laughable, well written story that has you looking for more books from this author with a HEA. This author writes and delivers a good read with developed characters and a fun story line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary]

Wonderful story about having a special needs child, the trials of online dating, falling in love with someone younger, and having friends that made her realize what she truly wanted