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Three Sisters Cafe #1

The Sweetest Words

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His whole career is built on a lie,
but what happens when he finally finds someone he wants to know the truth?

When Aspen's father finally hands her the keys to the family bakery, she knows it's her time to shine. With her sisters at her side, she remodels and re-themes their little store on Main Street in order to keep the family legacy alive, all while keeping the public ignorant of her father's illness.

And she knows just how to kick start the grand re-opening in a big way...a review from 'Eat It Austin'.

Austin has built his entire career on a facade. He adores food, but his struggle with dyslexia keeps him from actually writing any of the articles under his name. When his editor takes his review of "The Three Sisters Cafe" and turns the cafe into a laughingstock, Austin feels bad, but powerless. Especially since the beautiful baker, Aspen, had caught his attention in more ways than just her skills with a piping bag.

When Aspen issues a challenge for an apology, Austin must decide if following his heart is worth losing his reputation and possibly, his career.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2022

569 people are currently reading
489 people want to read

About the author

Laura Ann

90 books208 followers

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5 stars
427 (49%)
4 stars
261 (29%)
3 stars
138 (15%)
2 stars
33 (3%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
70 reviews
November 6, 2022
A sweet story but just to many question marks

While this has nothing to do with this book. Just found it odd. If the series is called Three Sisters Cafe. Why does Estelle not have a book. The 2nd book deals with Harper (who is not a sister) the 3rd Maeve. Book 4 and 5 does not cover Estelle story either. Why call it three sister series if it does not cover the all of the sisters.

While the story had merit and was clever. I just felt when Austin kept worroed he would lose his job if he stood up to Stan his boss. Was weak plot to suggest that Austin was not intelligent and with the helpnof his brother Tye to not just start they own review on instagram. He surely, had a following already established. While I understand Austin character is dyslexic.

While teaching adult to read is a challenge and is even more so when a person is dyslexic. It makes thinks difficult but it sure would not mean he would not be able to write his own food reviews.

Dyslexia is surrounded by great taboo and myth that not true. Being a teacher I have witness older students excel when provided with great support and guidance.

Surely, Austin character should had taken classes to offer him assistance in providing him with tools to write. People who are dyslexic are slow readers. At times I felt the writer made it appear that Austin being dyslexic was some how made him unable to read and write at all.

While the book was easy read. I just felt the writer want with dyslexia for Austin and anxiety for Tye. So, the characters have something we can relate to and readers can feel pity for the characters.
2,112 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2022
Good

I enjoyed the sister's interaction and complimentary strengths. Understand about wanting to live up to a legacy. Austin sure comes with a lot of baggage. Shows how much childhood issues can influence lives forever, unless dealt with constructively. All of this set in a very sweet and creative setting. The whole story is well done and draws to an encouraging conclusion. A good story.
Profile Image for SELENE LAKE.
Author 5 books23 followers
November 2, 2022
Lovely story

This is the second book I've read by this author I must confess I absolutely adore Aspen and Austin.
They weren't exactly enemies, they didn't even know each other but the antics, misunderstandings, and conflicts in the story were interesting. Kept me engaged.

There were a few errors and sluggish spot, but well worth the read.

I think I'll download THE SWEETEST MOMENTS now.
Profile Image for RD.
829 reviews18 followers
June 23, 2024
4.5 stars for this fun, well written romance! The characters are relatable and vivid with great chemistry (while keeping it clean). The setting in a cafe where dessert is always baking, makes for a particularly sweet story. Food critic versus baker equals a delicious plot.
6,173 reviews30 followers
February 15, 2022
Ok, I liked the three sister theme.
Was ambivalent on the food reviewer theme, that’s Austin with his snarky, mean food reviews that can and does ruin restaurants.

Aspen is the first sister up, the baker taking over from their well known parents. Only, it’s not a good review, it’s a zinger. But the real zinger is he doesn’t even write his own column.

Overall, it’s a sweet book with a sour lemon twist thrown in.
Love to see Oregon so well represented in a book.
Recommend.


Borrowed on KU.
80 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2024
Hallmark movie in print

This read like a Hallmark movie. Big city guy. Small town gal. Couple hates each other. Couple falls in love. Couple breaks up over stupid misunderstanding. Couple gets back together and proclaims their love. All this happens in a short amount of time. And the frosting on the Hallmark cake, they only go as far as kissing.
Profile Image for Heather.
104 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2023
Three stars because somewhere out there, there are people who will love this dynamic.
I found it too skippy for my taste and halfway through the book, I was over Austen.
Profile Image for Kayla Wilson.
174 reviews5 followers
Read
April 26, 2023
The Sweetest Words: Baker Aspen and her sisters recently took over the family bakery in Seagull Cove. Their dad is a famous chocolate sculptor and they have a legacy to live up to. Business is going well, until internet famous food reviewer Eat It Austin comes through. While he has nothing bad to say about the food, his disdain for the bakery’s decor, and especially the pink couch, goes viral. Aspen challenges him to come back, and Austin decides to stay a week. He and Aspen have entirely too much chemistry and immediately start to fall for each other. But both of them have secrets that could derail their budding romance.

This was a cute read and I had fun with it. Aspen and Austin are adorable and they really do have intense chemistry. But…there are maybe just TOO many obstacles put in their way. Too many lies or half truths or secrets. Just Austin leaving a bad review because that’s what his editor wants is plenty! But *spoilers* Austin has dyslexia, a drug addict mom, a history of homelessness, AND he doesn’t even write his reviews. Like, pick one, two at the most. And then Aspen has the secret of why her dad retired. It is a lot! And…so I missed that this is an “inspirational” romance (code for lightly Christian) which isn’t my thing, but whatever. I picked up on it pretty quickly and it didn’t bother me. But maybe all this trauma this is a convention of inspirational romance? No idea. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Also like, dyslexia is not a fun thing to deal with and Austin isn’t a freak because he struggles with reading/writing. This book constantly calls him a freak and acts like dyslexia is a character flaw. I mean, did his inability to read stop us all from loving Jordan Catalano? It sure didn’t!

It sounds like I don’t like this book. But I absolutely do! The problem is that the BOOK is a little harsh to its characters and that is frustrating. I think I like the characters more than the book does sometimes! But guess what, I’m going to end up reading the whole series! Because I like the characters and the writing and the cute little town.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
135 reviews
June 3, 2024
After their father is diagnosed with a serious illness, the three Harrison sisters take over and renovate the family cafe. Estelle decorates the place, Aspen bakes everything, and Maeve does the finances. But when celebrity food blogger Eat It Austin reviews their cafe, they are devastated. He lived the cake, but poked fun at the decor, including a pink couch, and business goes way down. So Aspen issues him a public challenge he can't refuse.
Austin has a secret: he is dyslexic and his brother Tye writes the reviews. He just enjoys the food -- something he hoards because of their hungry childhood with a drug addict mother -- and tells Tye his opinions. When Aspen issues a challenge, they travel back to her small town. Neither expects to find themselves attracted to each other.
Love the sibling relationships: Aspen and her sisters, and Austin with his brother. I love that Austin looks after Tye, whose anxiety I understand. There is a lot of sweetness between Austin and Aspen. I love how much they genuinely looked out for the other's best interests. They did claim to fall in love within a week, though, despite admitting they did not know each other well, which seems unrealistic. The PDA also felt excessive. Plus they describe each other in food terms: "delicious," etc, which feels... canibally. Austin said nothing except food ever made him happy until Aspen, which is sad. He has a good relationship with his brother, for one, and there are little blessings everywhere. He starts caring less about family issues in light of Aspen, but they still matter. Aspen told him her "darkest secret," which was that her dad was sick. I think we all have darker secrets than that. As far as accuracy, antlers are called horns once (they are different) and there are some scattered typos. But a sweet (no pun intended) book overall. Love their community.
Profile Image for Dewey.
2,115 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2025
Simple plot, simple characters; moral dilemma. Food critic Austin writes for an online tabloid. He is dyslexic. His shy brother and mean editor rewrite his reviews so they are cutthroat and sensational, ONLY for online popularity. Never mind the damage they inflict. He fancies himself a 'journalist'. He's afraid of losing his job so he compromises his integrity.

How is it realistic that Aspen's sister never read any of his scathing reviews? Apparently it never occurs to Austin that he and his brother could start their own blog, podcast, whatever, and not have to become liars and hypocrites to keep a job.

The writing is fine if this type of cute, sweet story is what you like. This would be good for young adults. I find it trite, boring and silly. I skipped entire chapters until I couldn't stand it anymore and DNF.
4,557 reviews29 followers
October 9, 2023
I really struggled with this one. I should have quit once I figured out the premise. I hate adversarial relationships and this one was worse because his boss was changing his words before publishing them; and yet he didn’t look for another job to get out of that toxic situation. The whole setup was just so frustrating that I couldn’t enjoy the story at all. Also, soo much secondhand embarrassment because of all the social media stuff. I hate that! And then switching to a side character’s pov for the happy ending just ruined it entirely!
Profile Image for Donna Feibusch.
1,782 reviews23 followers
December 21, 2022
Awesome Book!!!!

I loved reading The Sweetest Words(Three Sisters Cafe Book 1)!!!! All about Harper a young women in her twenties whose a baker & Austin a food critic whose also in his mid-twenties. Read about Harper & Austin and find out if they can be compatible!!! This author has made Seagull Cove come alive with her quirky characters!!! Tons of emotions running throughout the entire book!!! I can not wait to read book two!!!!
1,159 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2024
A good romance book. I enjoyed it.

Aspen Harrison and her sisters have opened a bakery/cafe. Her sister Estelle has invited Eat It Austin to come review their food. Aspen is terrified he will give them a bad review which could harm their business. Austin comes but what happens? He tends to give snarky or controversial reviews. What will he do? How will it affect their business? Will Aspen let his review stand or challenge him?
1,842 reviews12 followers
February 13, 2022
The beginning of this story is comical. But it doesn't stay that way very long because Austin's boss is only interested in "ratings" & twists Austin's words. There are a number of secrets both Austin & Aspen have that make their lives difficult. It is an excellent story about dealing with dyslexia & an addicted mother. I enjoyed the book. I received an ARC. This is my voluntary review.
244 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2022
This is a new-to-me author, and I decided to take a chance. I'm so glad I did! I love the characters, especially Aspen, who loves fiercely and devotedly and fights for love. Also, she makes the best cakes with the most interesting flavors-I so want to try them! There were lots of entertaining scenes, an intriguing story line, and interesting side characters. I loved this book!
Profile Image for Jill.
837 reviews39 followers
February 16, 2022
Lots of funny moments in this one. It had me craving cake the whole time I was reading it. I love the way they used Social Media to bring them closer together. There were some serious issues that were addressed but in a way that gave hope and acceptance. I loved the families coming together to support each other in times of hardship. Great chemistry in the love story!
Rating: PG
21 reviews
April 12, 2022
You an have your cake and eat it too.

It was a good clean book and funny at times I showed the love of a family and friends. It told of a family hurting and Gods grace and love leading to a great ending. Looking forward to the next one I'd recommend to every one.Well written and tastefully done. No pun intended.
Profile Image for Donna Simpson.
20 reviews
November 12, 2022
Perfect book to read on a fall Saturday morning cuddled up in a blanket with a hot cup of coffee. A food critic and a baker, add in some chemistry, and you get an enjoyable, clean, and sweet (pun intended) romance. I found myself smiling several times throughout this book. I'm looking forward to reading the following books in this series.
300 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2022
I adored this book!!!

Aspen and her two sisters take over her parents bakery. Aspen's sister requests a review from famous food reviewer Eat It Austin and he causes major turmoil when he gives a less than a stellar review which badly affects her business. However, on the personal side, sparks fly when Aspen and Austin are together. I truly enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Sheila Holmes.
Author 27 books59 followers
November 16, 2022
4.5 stars.
I enjoyed this story immensely. The only thing I would have eliminated was so much kissing, although it never advance beyond that. And, also, the feelings were a bit overdone.

However, it was still a wonderful novel. And, I wouldn't mind continuing on with the next in the series.

Kudos to this author.
1,147 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2022
'The Sweetest Words' was such a sweet read. I loved the author's style of writing: wonderful characters, witty dialogue, and a compelling storyline which was filled with adversity, love, and redemption. Aspen and Austin, the protagonists, were ideally suited for each other and gushed with chemistry. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the narrative.
Profile Image for ADHDreads.
34 reviews
December 6, 2022
This book was not for me

I don't know how I made it through this book, but I did, and I am so glad it's over. The entire book was an overreaction to a critique of the decor of a bakery. The language used was weird—just overall, not a good experience for me.

I would *maybe* suggest this book to very young readers.
Profile Image for Laurel .
1,376 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2023
Cute read about three sisters and two brothers. The brothers combine to be one online restaurant food reviewer because one of them is dyslexic & one is to shy to go out in public. This book does give a realistic portrayal of the shame put on people with dyslexia that don't just go away as an adult.
4,497 reviews24 followers
August 21, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, it was such a sweet read. I loved the storylines with wonderful characters, witty dialogue, and a compelling story which was filled with adversity, love, and redemption. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,262 reviews11 followers
February 14, 2022
I love the fun battles between Austin and Aspen. I really hate Austin’s boss and while I understand why Austin does what he does I am frustrated that he keeps giving in to his boss’s demands. I loved Aspen’s sisters, cousin and friends. I can’t wait to read about the rest of them.
100 reviews
February 16, 2022
I wish there were recipes included in this book. The cakes sounded amazing and delicious! Austin and Aspen's story is a modern media focused, sweet HEA story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to be written.
673 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2022
Sweet

How else do ypu describe a story about cakes? What was on the paper that Austin had framed? I look forward to the next book in this series. Laura Ann is a great story telling genius, I have enjoyed each of her books.
Profile Image for Carol Gil.
909 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2022
Back to gingerbread inn

Aspen and Austin are the cutest couple. Both of them have never had a real relationship and were not looking when love found them. I loved the story of Aspens parents so it's nice to see some old characters in this story.
291 reviews
March 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed the characters of Aspen and Austin plus how they looked out for their family. I look forward to the next in the series. I hope all the sister his brother Tye and Harper get a story.
Profile Image for Rose Grabowski.
1,806 reviews17 followers
November 6, 2022
I've read the food critic pans the main characters business and later they fall in love trope before. This was a very unique and heartwarming take on it. I will definitely continue with this series. Trigger warning for craving cake through the entire story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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