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Mapleton #1
Love at On Deck Café
In Mapleton, love takes a village...
Julia Derks loves the small town of Mapleton where she grew up and launched her business, On Deck Café. What Julia doesn’t love is change. So when a smooth-talking stranger arrives with plans to develop the site of Mapleton’s cherished, shuttered paper mill, she doesn’t even try to hide her contempt. First impressions aren’t everything, though…
Samson Baker has never put down roots. He charms people wherever his development firm sends him, and he’s dealt with his share of pushback from communities unable to recognize the value of growth and change. Mapleton is no different. There’s just one problem, and her name is Julia.
As Samson and Julia’s worlds collide, sparks as bright as Mapleton’s Fourth of July Festival fireworks fly—until a damaging secret threatens both their brewing relationship and their livelihoods. With everything they’ve worked for on the line, can Julia and Samson reconcile their differences, save the café, and have a shot at happily ever after?
A heartwarming exploration of community, integrity, and having the courage to change course, even in the face of adversity.
Fans of...
- Enemies to lovers
- Charming, small towns
- Secrets and self discovery
- PG-rated summer romances
...will adore Love at On Deck Café.
♥ Each feel-good book in the Mapleton series is a clean and wholesome, standalone read, but the books are much more fun when enjoyed in order! Book club discussion guides are included at the end of each story. ♥
Julia Derks loves the small town of Mapleton where she grew up and launched her business, On Deck Café. What Julia doesn’t love is change. So when a smooth-talking stranger arrives with plans to develop the site of Mapleton’s cherished, shuttered paper mill, she doesn’t even try to hide her contempt. First impressions aren’t everything, though…
Samson Baker has never put down roots. He charms people wherever his development firm sends him, and he’s dealt with his share of pushback from communities unable to recognize the value of growth and change. Mapleton is no different. There’s just one problem, and her name is Julia.
As Samson and Julia’s worlds collide, sparks as bright as Mapleton’s Fourth of July Festival fireworks fly—until a damaging secret threatens both their brewing relationship and their livelihoods. With everything they’ve worked for on the line, can Julia and Samson reconcile their differences, save the café, and have a shot at happily ever after?
A heartwarming exploration of community, integrity, and having the courage to change course, even in the face of adversity.
Fans of...
- Enemies to lovers
- Charming, small towns
- Secrets and self discovery
- PG-rated summer romances
...will adore Love at On Deck Café.
♥ Each feel-good book in the Mapleton series is a clean and wholesome, standalone read, but the books are much more fun when enjoyed in order! Book club discussion guides are included at the end of each story. ♥
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
103 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Leah Dobrinska
14 books287 followersLeah Dobrinska is the author of the Songwriter Sleuth Mysteries, the Larkspur Library Mysteries, the Fall In Love romcom series, and the Mapleton novels. She earned her degree in English Literature from UW-Madison where she was awarded the Dean’s Prize and served as a Writing Fellow. She has since worked as a freelance writer, editor, and content marketer. As a kid, she hoped to grow up to be either Nancy Drew or Elizabeth Bennet. Now, she fulfills that dream by writing mysteries and love stories.
A sucker for a good sentence, a happy ending, and the smell of books—both old and new—Leah lives out her very own happily ever after in a small Wisconsin town with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she's not writing, handing out snacks, visiting the local library, or doing projects around the house, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website, leahdobrinska.com.
A sucker for a good sentence, a happy ending, and the smell of books—both old and new—Leah lives out her very own happily ever after in a small Wisconsin town with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she's not writing, handing out snacks, visiting the local library, or doing projects around the house, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website, leahdobrinska.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 3, 2021
I am not a fan of romance novels, but when the author is from your home town, and you remember when she was born, and you see her in church on Sunday, you have to read her book! As it turns out, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book that made me appreciate this genre. The author's use of language made me savor each word. While I might normally skim through books of this type, Dobrinkska's word choice was delightful, and I didn't want to miss a single phrase. As a high school English teacher, I was incredibly impressed with the author's mastery of the English language. While that may seem a given for an author, I read entirely too many published books that are lacking in sentence structure and punctuation. Dobrinska's skill and style were refreshing.
Many other reviewers have commented on the sweet, small town setting, and I couldn't agree more. Mapleton is based on my village--the place in which both the author and I grew up. Each turn of the page reminded me of everything I love about our town and captured the agonizing days, months, and years after our mill shut down. One reviewer was confused about why the main character was so fixated on her dad losing his job at the mill. Those of us from "Mapleton" understand this sentiment 100%.
While many readers may see this as a charming romance between Julia and Samson, which it is, I see it as a love story about my small town. I'm so glad others are able to love it as much as I.
Many other reviewers have commented on the sweet, small town setting, and I couldn't agree more. Mapleton is based on my village--the place in which both the author and I grew up. Each turn of the page reminded me of everything I love about our town and captured the agonizing days, months, and years after our mill shut down. One reviewer was confused about why the main character was so fixated on her dad losing his job at the mill. Those of us from "Mapleton" understand this sentiment 100%.
While many readers may see this as a charming romance between Julia and Samson, which it is, I see it as a love story about my small town. I'm so glad others are able to love it as much as I.
February 28, 2022
Small town romances are so much fun. I loved my time in Mapleton. Julie and Samson are the best couple and the ending had me jumping for joy. I cannot wait for more from Dobrinkska. Her writing style is the best.
This is a 4-star must read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
This is a 4-star must read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
September 7, 2021
Born and raised in small town WI I absolutely loved this sweet little story based in the fictional small town of Mapleton, Wisconsin.
It’s a quick read and a page turner and the ending does not disappoint! I felt like I was watching a movie as the scenes unfolded.
Congratulations to Leah on her debut novel!
It’s a quick read and a page turner and the ending does not disappoint! I felt like I was watching a movie as the scenes unfolded.
Congratulations to Leah on her debut novel!
December 5, 2022
Love at On Deck Cafe, which is billed as a feel-good small-town romance, certainly lives up to its billing. It's a fun and relatively quick read about a two millennials who are at odds at first, discover common ground, face a challenge to their budding romance, find a way overcome that issue, and start the beginning of their happily ever after. This novel was particularly relevant to me because I not only know the author but I live just blocks away from the community after which the fictional Mapleton is modeled. The initial conflict between Julia and Sampson may be a bit contrived, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of this story. Leah Dobrinska is a talented writer, I'm looking forward to reading more of her books!
April 30, 2022
I loved every page of this sweet romance!! The incredible imagery, the lovable characters, the small town setting - all the things!! Truly dreamy. You won’t want it to end!
July 1, 2022
Julia Derks is proud of being the owner of On Deck Café and loves her little town Mapleton, Wisconsin. It’s a close-knit community where she grew up; people know one another and each other’s business.
When Samson Baker arrives in town, he is not warmly welcomed. He is the new contractor here to develop the old paper mill site, and people are displeased. Yet, it seems that Julia and Samson can’t stop running into each other. And with the big Fourth of July Festival coming up, it appears there may be more fireworks this year than Julia had planned for.
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐟é is a delightful love story with a charming, small-town setting. And you can’t help but love Mr. Waffles 🐕 and his little twist with the leash to help make this love match work!
I’m always excited to read books set in my home state. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and this just brought me “home.” The timing was perfect as Mapleton was celebrating the Fourth of July Festival - with games, great food, and fireworks - I was truly transported to Mapleton.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @whatleahwrote for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
When Samson Baker arrives in town, he is not warmly welcomed. He is the new contractor here to develop the old paper mill site, and people are displeased. Yet, it seems that Julia and Samson can’t stop running into each other. And with the big Fourth of July Festival coming up, it appears there may be more fireworks this year than Julia had planned for.
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐟é is a delightful love story with a charming, small-town setting. And you can’t help but love Mr. Waffles 🐕 and his little twist with the leash to help make this love match work!
I’m always excited to read books set in my home state. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and this just brought me “home.” The timing was perfect as Mapleton was celebrating the Fourth of July Festival - with games, great food, and fireworks - I was truly transported to Mapleton.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @whatleahwrote for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.
September 24, 2021
Listen if I could live in a Hallmark movie, it would be the settling of this book and my goodness, I could be an independent cafe owner. But add some books to the cafe 😉 and yep I'd be living in the clouds baby.
Though I am reviewing this a couple days into the fall, I am gonna tell you, I was craving a fun town like Mapleton, that celebrates 4th of July in a big way. I am just imagining how they string lights for Christmas or decorate for Halloween.
One thing I want from this series is a spin-off of a librarian who falls for a single dad who looks amazing in a ball cap and jeans. Don't know why. Sometimes my brain takes me places.
The author is very thorough in describing her characters inner thoughts. Though sometimes I didn't relate with Julia's because she tended to overthink or maybe I didn't grasp her need to defend her dad's lost job.
The romance was sparkling like fireworks. Such a fun, Hallmark vibe. Who can resist the sexy new man in town?? Dun dun dun...
Thank you for the #arc These options are my own. Now I am gonna sip my mint hot chocolate and dream about my unfulfilled cafe owning life. 😉
Though I am reviewing this a couple days into the fall, I am gonna tell you, I was craving a fun town like Mapleton, that celebrates 4th of July in a big way. I am just imagining how they string lights for Christmas or decorate for Halloween.
One thing I want from this series is a spin-off of a librarian who falls for a single dad who looks amazing in a ball cap and jeans. Don't know why. Sometimes my brain takes me places.
The author is very thorough in describing her characters inner thoughts. Though sometimes I didn't relate with Julia's because she tended to overthink or maybe I didn't grasp her need to defend her dad's lost job.
The romance was sparkling like fireworks. Such a fun, Hallmark vibe. Who can resist the sexy new man in town?? Dun dun dun...
Thank you for the #arc These options are my own. Now I am gonna sip my mint hot chocolate and dream about my unfulfilled cafe owning life. 😉
July 4, 2022
There’s nothing more heartwarming than a small town romance that focuses on the tight community. I recognized so many people in my own life in this town which makes this a truly gem of a book. The story was delightful and breezy with characters you feel like you can sit down and drink sweet tea with while watching the sunset. It gives Gilmore Girls vibes and Hallmark loveliness. Samson and Julia make you swoon and you will want to visit Mapleton for yourself.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for a copy of this novel.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for a copy of this novel.
August 9, 2022
I was expecting this book to be a fun, sweet, romantic, Hallmark-movie story. Which it was, in all the best ways!! What I wasn't expecting was how beautifully Leah writes! In her About the Author notes, she says she's a "sucker for a good sentence." And this book is filled with them!! While the story and characters draw you into Mapleton, Leah's way with words makes everything come to life. Such a good read!! :)
October 2, 2024
This series is set in a small town and has wonderful characters!
I look forward to reading more from this series!
I look forward to reading more from this series!
August 31, 2021
Love the town! Love the characters! Love the story!
This is such a wonderfully sweet story! Every page filled my heart and I fell in love with the lovely little town of Mapleton so much I want to move there!
A great read!
This is such a wonderfully sweet story! Every page filled my heart and I fell in love with the lovely little town of Mapleton so much I want to move there!
A great read!
January 7, 2025
Love at On Deck Cafe by: Leah Dobrinska ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This whole series is FREE with Audible Plus.
Fans of Nancy Naigle, Teri Wilson or Rachael Bloome will enjoy Dobrinska's writing.
Things I enjoyed
❤️No spice
❤️Small Town
❤️Dual narration
❤️ Strangers to More
📖Julia is enjoying her life as a business owner in Mapleton. She's content with the status quo until Samson comes to town and everything changes.
☕This is a sweet contemporary romance. With a loving look at life in small town Wisconsin. It reads like a Hallmark movie.
📝One reviewer on Goodreads who apparently goes to church with Leah says she described their hometown perfectly. This reviewer also said "her word choice was delightful".
I too (like this reviewer) am a teacher. Students if you publish a novel, I too will praise your work on Goodreads.
So there you have it folks, me and Leah's church friend think it's worth a read.
Content Warning:
Kisses only
No language
#bookrecommendations
#hallmarkbooks
#audibleplus
#cleanromance
#cleanread
#closeddoor
#thisisakissingbook
This whole series is FREE with Audible Plus.
Fans of Nancy Naigle, Teri Wilson or Rachael Bloome will enjoy Dobrinska's writing.
Things I enjoyed
❤️No spice
❤️Small Town
❤️Dual narration
❤️ Strangers to More
📖Julia is enjoying her life as a business owner in Mapleton. She's content with the status quo until Samson comes to town and everything changes.
☕This is a sweet contemporary romance. With a loving look at life in small town Wisconsin. It reads like a Hallmark movie.
📝One reviewer on Goodreads who apparently goes to church with Leah says she described their hometown perfectly. This reviewer also said "her word choice was delightful".
I too (like this reviewer) am a teacher. Students if you publish a novel, I too will praise your work on Goodreads.
So there you have it folks, me and Leah's church friend think it's worth a read.
Content Warning:
Kisses only
No language
#bookrecommendations
#hallmarkbooks
#audibleplus
#cleanromance
#cleanread
#closeddoor
#thisisakissingbook
February 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this small town romance! I love these characters and getting to see their development throughout the story. The scenery is heavenly and reminds me why I love living in a small town. I am dying to see what the author releases next! A must read!!!!!
July 15, 2022
Loved this light, fun, clean romance. Great setting and characters. Looking forward to the next in series.
April 10, 2023
Stopped at 16% and the 20th use of “smirk.”
December 13, 2024
Love at On Deck Cafe by Leah Dobrinska
Mapleton #1
8h 33m narrated by Sarah Naughton and Sean Patrick Hopkins
Genre: Cozy Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance
Featuring: Fictional Small-Town, Northeast Wisconsin, Restaurant Owner, Development Trope, Dual POVs, Enemies-to-Lovers Trope, Breakup, Insecurities, Annoying Ex, Small-Town Drama, Dog - Golden Retriever, Baseball, Fourth of July, Self-Actualization
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)" by Toby Keith, "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston, "Heaven" by Bryan Adams, "Begin Again" by Taylor Swift
My rating: ⭐️⭐️���️¾🥙🏗
My thoughts: 📱73% 6:6:18 Chapter 28 - So far it's not bad but I still feel like I'm at the beginning of the story, so maybe everything won't get resolved in Book 1.
This did not end the way I expected it to, I thought we would get a branch couple for the next book, not a twofer. So, now I have no idea who's going to be in Book 2 but I'm looking forward to it, maybe one of the senior ladies will get a beau. I didn't love it but I enjoyed it well enough, I'm hoping the rest of the series is just as good.
Recommend to others: Yes, the conflict in this story is low which made it easy to get through, but took longer to connect with. Perfect for vacations.
Mapleton
1. Love at On Deck Cafe (2021)
2. Good to Be Home (2022)
3. Together With You (2022)
3.5 Choosing Love (2023)
Mapleton #1
8h 33m narrated by Sarah Naughton and Sean Patrick Hopkins
Genre: Cozy Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance
Featuring: Fictional Small-Town, Northeast Wisconsin, Restaurant Owner, Development Trope, Dual POVs, Enemies-to-Lovers Trope, Breakup, Insecurities, Annoying Ex, Small-Town Drama, Dog - Golden Retriever, Baseball, Fourth of July, Self-Actualization
Rating as a movie: PG
Songs for the soundtrack: "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)" by Toby Keith, "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Paradise By The Dashboard Light" by Meat Loaf, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston, "Heaven" by Bryan Adams, "Begin Again" by Taylor Swift
My rating: ⭐️⭐️���️¾🥙🏗
My thoughts: 📱73% 6:6:18 Chapter 28 - So far it's not bad but I still feel like I'm at the beginning of the story, so maybe everything won't get resolved in Book 1.
This did not end the way I expected it to, I thought we would get a branch couple for the next book, not a twofer. So, now I have no idea who's going to be in Book 2 but I'm looking forward to it, maybe one of the senior ladies will get a beau. I didn't love it but I enjoyed it well enough, I'm hoping the rest of the series is just as good.
Recommend to others: Yes, the conflict in this story is low which made it easy to get through, but took longer to connect with. Perfect for vacations.
Mapleton
1. Love at On Deck Cafe (2021)
2. Good to Be Home (2022)
3. Together With You (2022)
3.5 Choosing Love (2023)
October 30, 2021
4.5
Review Time!
- Julia and Samson
- I love small towns in books and movies
- Mr Waffles 102 Dalmatian moment 🤣
- I'm nervous about Milo
- he's a smirker. I love it when they smirk. 😍
- enemy to lovers thing going in but he's nice. I'm here for it
- the fourth of July festival seemed awesome
- "If he could make his living by making her laugh, he was starting to think he'd do just that."
- the walk
- it's just sweet. All of it. I love sweet love stories
- "Julia leaned in, angling her head toward his and giving his bicep a quick squeeze. Because, come on. "I'll see you soon, though. I promise." " I love biceps. Like a lot. 💪
- mascot conversation 👌
- the gazebo. Dreamy.
- It was a very sweet and wholesome read. It was an enemies to lovers but it didn't have a real enemy vibe. He was way too kind for that and I love kind guys
.
So, if you want a good Hallmark-y kind of read that'll make you smile, this one comes highly recommended.
Review Time!
- Julia and Samson
- I love small towns in books and movies
- Mr Waffles 102 Dalmatian moment 🤣
- I'm nervous about Milo
- he's a smirker. I love it when they smirk. 😍
- enemy to lovers thing going in but he's nice. I'm here for it
- the fourth of July festival seemed awesome
- "If he could make his living by making her laugh, he was starting to think he'd do just that."
- the walk
- it's just sweet. All of it. I love sweet love stories
- "Julia leaned in, angling her head toward his and giving his bicep a quick squeeze. Because, come on. "I'll see you soon, though. I promise." " I love biceps. Like a lot. 💪
- mascot conversation 👌
- the gazebo. Dreamy.
- It was a very sweet and wholesome read. It was an enemies to lovers but it didn't have a real enemy vibe. He was way too kind for that and I love kind guys
.
So, if you want a good Hallmark-y kind of read that'll make you smile, this one comes highly recommended.
August 11, 2023
I loved this book from Leah Dobrinska. The story was perfect and I loved both Julia and Samson. The small town descriptions were so well done and I want to just move there too to be part of the community.
I loved that Julia was a go getter and self sufficient and that Samson supported and encouraged her. I love that they fall fast and how cute they are together. I also loved the secondary characters as well for how much they loved Julia too.
If you want a small town romance with great people and a sweet story give this one a go.
Physical Intimacy: Lvl 2 Sweet Kisses and a bit longer kisses
Zero Swearing
I loved that Julia was a go getter and self sufficient and that Samson supported and encouraged her. I love that they fall fast and how cute they are together. I also loved the secondary characters as well for how much they loved Julia too.
If you want a small town romance with great people and a sweet story give this one a go.
Physical Intimacy: Lvl 2 Sweet Kisses and a bit longer kisses
Zero Swearing
May 10, 2025
I LOVED Friends Don’t, so I had to read another one of Leah’s books. This one is cute, very cheesy, and a little too Hallmark-y for my taste. In one week, she goes from hating the guy to hoping he’d ask her out. It was a little unrealistic in the limited interactions the two characters had by that point. It is a cute story that is fairly predictable, and I’m sure every Hallmark has this story line. I didn’t feel as caught up in the story or the character development as I did with Friends Don’t, so much so, I wasn’t wanting more from the story when it ended.
All in all, give it a try. Just wasn’t my favorite.
All in all, give it a try. Just wasn’t my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2022
Love at On Deck Cafe is such a wonderful small-town romance that I absolutely LOVED!
This is such a fantastic debut by Leah Dobrinkska.
Set-in small-town Mapleton, Wisconsin we meet Julia Derks who has been working on her building for her coffee business. Her love interest Samson Baker is such a fun match!
But he is holding a secret that might not only impact the romance but her business.
The characters are well written, and I absolutely LOVE the town of Mapleton.
Such a clean, feel good book.
I loved this book and can't wait to read more books in this series.
This is such a fantastic debut by Leah Dobrinkska.
Set-in small-town Mapleton, Wisconsin we meet Julia Derks who has been working on her building for her coffee business. Her love interest Samson Baker is such a fun match!
But he is holding a secret that might not only impact the romance but her business.
The characters are well written, and I absolutely LOVE the town of Mapleton.
Such a clean, feel good book.
I loved this book and can't wait to read more books in this series.
June 29, 2022
There was so many things that I enjoyed about this small town romance. I liked getting to know both Julia and Samson through the dual POV. Their relationship had its ups and downs and I liked seeing how they worked through it. The town was a tight knit community and I loved how they came together to support the town and people. This is a perfect summer read for clean small town romance lovers.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @whatleahwrote for the gifted copy.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @whatleahwrote for the gifted copy.
December 18, 2022
Oh, this book had my heart strings tugging at the end. Dobrinska had a very slow start for me, but as the book goes on, you can understand why. She sets the scene so well that you feel like you’re in Mapleton. It reminded me of my grandparent’s hometown, oddly enough, named Mapleton.
December 30, 2023
Not as bad as it sounds. Just a little far fetched.
August 29, 2021
Fans of small-town romance and Hallmark will not want to miss this sweet contemporary romance. This story has all the elements I enjoy in a feel-good romance. The entire time I was reading it I kept thinking this could be a Hallmark movie. Julia and Samson had a sweet connection and the story flowed really well. The setting and community as a whole pull you in for that small town vibe.
This is a clean romance.
I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a clean romance.
I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2024
It was good for what it was... A romance novel with 0 spice 😂
September 8, 2021
Loved this book couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book
January 7, 2022
Couldn't love this book more! Sitting on the edge of my seat for book #2 :)
September 14, 2022
Such a great book!
I love this book! Sweet, romantic, small town... Love the characters, storyline and the picture it paints in my mind! Can't wait to read the other two volumes!
I love this book! Sweet, romantic, small town... Love the characters, storyline and the picture it paints in my mind! Can't wait to read the other two volumes!
September 4, 2021
Sweet
This was such a sweet small-town romance with likable characters. I would rate it sweet and clean, PG for kissing.
This was such a sweet small-town romance with likable characters. I would rate it sweet and clean, PG for kissing.
October 4, 2021
The tension between the MCs is credible and fun to watch unravel in this slow burn romance. The tension after the two get together though (and not only the romantic tension) is what kept me reading. The HEA is beautiful and hard earned. Looking forward to book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews