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Maya Davis #2
Latte Daze
When Maya Davis’ ex-boyfriend proposes to her roommate, Jen, their apartment becomes Wedding Central. As if that weren’t awful enough, Jen’s obnoxious mom moves in to help with the planning!
Maya's relationships really start to get crazy when her genius brother and sister-in-law announce their pregnancy, and then to top it off there’s Jack—could it be love? Who wouldn’t need a coffee break!
This fun, lighthearted fiction novel for teens uses strong characters, humor, and quiet faith to promote trust in God.
Maya's relationships really start to get crazy when her genius brother and sister-in-law announce their pregnancy, and then to top it off there’s Jack—could it be love? Who wouldn’t need a coffee break!
This fun, lighthearted fiction novel for teens uses strong characters, humor, and quiet faith to promote trust in God.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
23 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Erynn Mangum
34 books669 followersI love to read, love to write and am very blessed to be a wife and mama of two precious boys and a beautiful little girl. My latest books are The Broken Branch and Mind the Gap! Look for the Lauren Holbrook series (Miss Match, ReMatch, Match Point, Match Made and Bake Me A Match), the Maya Davis series (Cool Beans, Latte Daze and Double Shot) Sketchy Behavior, and the Paige Alder series (Paige Torn, Paige Rewritten and Paige Turned) and the Carrington Springs series (Katie in Waiting, Once Upon Eliza and Happily Ever Ashten) in paperback and ebook format, along with lots of ebook novellas. :) To learn more, visit me on Instagram @ErynnMangum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 7, 2019
About this book:
“Maya Davis already has many titles-Christian, barista, maid of honor (new), possible girlfriend (newer), aunt (newest)-and her life is about to become even more complicated. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, her ex-boyfriend proposes to her roommate and best friend, Jen. It's not long until their apartment becomes Wedding Central. As if that weren't enough, Jen's obnoxious mom moves in to help plan the wedding, and Maya's genius brother and sister-in-law announce that they're expecting. Then to top it off, there's the whole matter of Jack-is it love? Who wouldn't need a coffee break!”
Series: Book #2 in the “Maya Davis” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- Many Scriptures are mentioned, read, & discussed; Bible reading; Many Prayers, Thanking God, & Blessings over food; Church going, Bible studies, & sermons/discussions; Some witnessing/discussing; Many talks about God; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & trusting Him; Mentions of God being after certain people; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & Bible studies; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, services, Sunday school classes, pastors, & sermons; Mentions of Christians & faiths; A couple mentions of Easter; A couple mentions of sin; A mention of living godly; A mention of a baptism service; A mention of a cross necklace & fish bumper sticker; A mention of a Christian sorority;
*Note: Mentions of religion courses & other religions; Mentions of those who believe religion is a crutch; A mention of global warming; A mention of meditating monks; A mention of a cult mantra; A mention of a guy playing the devil’s advocate; A mention of yoga.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a form of ‘crap’, a ‘dang’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘gosh’s, two ‘shut up’s, two forms of ‘screw up’, three forms of ‘heck’, three ‘holy cow’s, four ‘darn’s, six ‘sheesh’s, seven forms of ‘stupid’, and eleven ‘oh my gosh’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Mentions of injuries; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of a divorce; Mentions of animal manure; A few mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of jail & inmates; A few mentions of alcohol & drinking; A couple mentions of a movie with bloody massacres; A couple mentions of cheaters; A mention of a kidnapper; A mention of a drunk;
*Note: Many, many mentions of singers, songs, movies, actors/actresses, celebrities, TV shows, TV channels, & fictional characters; Mentions of restaurants; A couple mentions of social media sites; A couple mentions of designers; A couple mentions of Starbucks; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Boy Scouts.
Sexual Content- ten cheek kisses, three hair kiss, a not-detailed kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, Nearness, & Butterflies (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing; a ‘baby’, two ‘sexy’s, two ‘slutty’s, three ‘babe’s; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of couples kissing & showing PDA; Mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, girlfriends, & exes; Mentions of jealousy; A handful of mentions of waiting to have sex with someone (and the positives of not getting pregnant or a weird disease and having a wedding night be amazing); A few mentions of surprise babies & a mother getting pregnant while on the pill; A few mentions of couples trying to get pregnant; A few mentions of flirting & a talk similar to the cow and milk phrase; A few mentions of blushes; A few mentions of crushes; A mention of a group of people in the Bible dealing with sexual immorality; A mention of the most sensuous book in the Bible; A mention of a married couple trying to get pregnant (Maya says it’s on the verge of being TMI); A mention of wondering if someone is gay; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of Maya commenting on her own bustline, butt, and curves & her friends’ ones as well (nothing negative); Mentions of pregnancy hormones; A few mentions of a lingerie shower for a bride; A few mentions of miscarriages; A few mentions of plastic surgery; A couple mentions of menopause & hot-flashes; A couple mentions of uteruses; A couple mentions of a man dancing and shaking his rear end; A couple mentions of breeding seasons for flamingos; A mention of a high school girl wearing a top where all the secrets are out; A mention of a neckline of a dress being sexy but not slutty; A mention of even if a woman walked into a room in her bra and panties, Travis would only notice his girl; A mention of a bra strap; A mention of Maya commenting on her mom’s perfect body shape (“big boobs, tiny waist, no butt”); A mention of a husband touching his wife on the rump; A mention of butting in.
-Maya Davis, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Maya
297 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’d like to start off this review by sharing that Maya’s humor and wit is on a level that I aspire to be. It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series, so while I was a bit concerned that it might take a bit into this sequel to remember the previous book, I shouldn’t have worried as I quickly remembered who everyone was. :)
Maya absolutely cracks me up and I love her beagle (of course), but also her friendships and seeing her walk with the Lord is so lovely and wonderful. I found myself crying from laughing so hard at many points during this reread! I can’t wait to continue the series!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Maya Davis already has many titles-Christian, barista, maid of honor (new), possible girlfriend (newer), aunt (newest)-and her life is about to become even more complicated. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, her ex-boyfriend proposes to her roommate and best friend, Jen. It's not long until their apartment becomes Wedding Central. As if that weren't enough, Jen's obnoxious mom moves in to help plan the wedding, and Maya's genius brother and sister-in-law announce that they're expecting. Then to top it off, there's the whole matter of Jack-is it love? Who wouldn't need a coffee break!”
Series: Book #2 in the “Maya Davis” series. Review of Book #1 Here!
Spiritual Content- Many Scriptures are mentioned, read, & discussed; Bible reading; Many Prayers, Thanking God, & Blessings over food; Church going, Bible studies, & sermons/discussions; Some witnessing/discussing; Many talks about God; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God & trusting Him; Mentions of God being after certain people; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & Bible studies; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, services, Sunday school classes, pastors, & sermons; Mentions of Christians & faiths; A couple mentions of Easter; A couple mentions of sin; A mention of living godly; A mention of a baptism service; A mention of a cross necklace & fish bumper sticker; A mention of a Christian sorority;
*Note: Mentions of religion courses & other religions; Mentions of those who believe religion is a crutch; A mention of global warming; A mention of meditating monks; A mention of a cult mantra; A mention of a guy playing the devil’s advocate; A mention of yoga.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blah, blah, blah’, a form of ‘crap’, a ‘dang’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘gosh’s, two ‘shut up’s, two forms of ‘screw up’, three forms of ‘heck’, three ‘holy cow’s, four ‘darn’s, six ‘sheesh’s, seven forms of ‘stupid’, and eleven ‘oh my gosh’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Mentions of injuries; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of throwing up; Mentions of a divorce; Mentions of animal manure; A few mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of jail & inmates; A few mentions of alcohol & drinking; A couple mentions of a movie with bloody massacres; A couple mentions of cheaters; A mention of a kidnapper; A mention of a drunk;
*Note: Many, many mentions of singers, songs, movies, actors/actresses, celebrities, TV shows, TV channels, & fictional characters; Mentions of restaurants; A couple mentions of social media sites; A couple mentions of designers; A couple mentions of Starbucks; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Boy Scouts.
Sexual Content- ten cheek kisses, three hair kiss, a not-detailed kiss, and a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, Nearness, & Butterflies (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing; a ‘baby’, two ‘sexy’s, two ‘slutty’s, three ‘babe’s; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of couples kissing & showing PDA; Mentions of dating, dates, boyfriends, girlfriends, & exes; Mentions of jealousy; A handful of mentions of waiting to have sex with someone (and the positives of not getting pregnant or a weird disease and having a wedding night be amazing); A few mentions of surprise babies & a mother getting pregnant while on the pill; A few mentions of couples trying to get pregnant; A few mentions of flirting & a talk similar to the cow and milk phrase; A few mentions of blushes; A few mentions of crushes; A mention of a group of people in the Bible dealing with sexual immorality; A mention of the most sensuous book in the Bible; A mention of a married couple trying to get pregnant (Maya says it’s on the verge of being TMI); A mention of wondering if someone is gay; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of Maya commenting on her own bustline, butt, and curves & her friends’ ones as well (nothing negative); Mentions of pregnancy hormones; A few mentions of a lingerie shower for a bride; A few mentions of miscarriages; A few mentions of plastic surgery; A couple mentions of menopause & hot-flashes; A couple mentions of uteruses; A couple mentions of a man dancing and shaking his rear end; A couple mentions of breeding seasons for flamingos; A mention of a high school girl wearing a top where all the secrets are out; A mention of a neckline of a dress being sexy but not slutty; A mention of even if a woman walked into a room in her bra and panties, Travis would only notice his girl; A mention of a bra strap; A mention of Maya commenting on her mom’s perfect body shape (“big boobs, tiny waist, no butt”); A mention of a husband touching his wife on the rump; A mention of butting in.
-Maya Davis, age 24
1st person P.O.V. of Maya
297 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I’d like to start off this review by sharing that Maya’s humor and wit is on a level that I aspire to be. It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series, so while I was a bit concerned that it might take a bit into this sequel to remember the previous book, I shouldn’t have worried as I quickly remembered who everyone was. :)
Maya absolutely cracks me up and I love her beagle (of course), but also her friendships and seeing her walk with the Lord is so lovely and wonderful. I found myself crying from laughing so hard at many points during this reread! I can’t wait to continue the series!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
August 2, 2017
This book is quite a daze...kind of leaves you wondering how to rate or review it! Compared to others by this author, I thought Latte Daze was a little weak. It has been awhile since I've read the first one, but I felt like this one repeated similar phrasings and funny comments.
There are several spiritual lessons that were great, and I liked seeing the progress of Maya and Jack's relationship. The ending made me smile!
There's one comment that disturbed me. Maya wondered if a guy was gay. It was very brief, and almost written in a humorous light (which disturbed me even more). No other comment was mentioned about that after that, thankfully.
I wouldn't recommend this book to guys, since it's from a girl's POV, and I think it would make guys a bit uncomfortable ;) I'm still planning to read the third book in this series...hoping it doesn't disappoint too much!
There are several spiritual lessons that were great, and I liked seeing the progress of Maya and Jack's relationship. The ending made me smile!
There's one comment that disturbed me. Maya wondered if a guy was gay. It was very brief, and almost written in a humorous light (which disturbed me even more). No other comment was mentioned about that after that, thankfully.
I wouldn't recommend this book to guys, since it's from a girl's POV, and I think it would make guys a bit uncomfortable ;) I'm still planning to read the third book in this series...hoping it doesn't disappoint too much!
December 28, 2020
If anything, this series intrigues me because it basically follows the life of a normal girl who really doesn’t have any hobbies or passion—besides coffee. Since that is totally opposite of my own life, it’s like, “So what does a girl do?” There isn’t exactly a strong, typical story arc but just a whole string of events of everyday life. It is entertaining though.
There is more emphasis on romance in this book since Maya is dating, but it’s more of a part of life than an over-emotionally hyped feeling. In some ways it’s just comically real. Some conservative teens may not appreciate it.
I think it best fits the more modern Christian teens and young adults. I can’t say it’s necessarily shallow, but it more hints at a lot of issues instead of really digging deep into any one theme. And there are some very obvious misinterpretations of Scripture for humor’s sake (like reading Proverbs 31 and accepting the “staying up late” and watching a movie until 2:30, but then not identifying with the “rising early” the next morning). I have also noticed a few flippant references about gay people in these books. Like I said, nothing is really dug into deep, just mentioned in passing. And overall, the viewpoint is more conservative—like not living with boyfriends, witnessing by our actions and not just our words, etc.
There is more emphasis on romance in this book since Maya is dating, but it’s more of a part of life than an over-emotionally hyped feeling. In some ways it’s just comically real. Some conservative teens may not appreciate it.
I think it best fits the more modern Christian teens and young adults. I can’t say it’s necessarily shallow, but it more hints at a lot of issues instead of really digging deep into any one theme. And there are some very obvious misinterpretations of Scripture for humor’s sake (like reading Proverbs 31 and accepting the “staying up late” and watching a movie until 2:30, but then not identifying with the “rising early” the next morning). I have also noticed a few flippant references about gay people in these books. Like I said, nothing is really dug into deep, just mentioned in passing. And overall, the viewpoint is more conservative—like not living with boyfriends, witnessing by our actions and not just our words, etc.
January 15, 2022
Oh my goodness! I loved Latte Daze! I enjoyed book 1 but book 2 was even better. It was so amazing. I loved getting to continue the story and read more about Maya. I absolutely loved the ending. It was so great and super sweet. I can’t wait to dive into book 3!
July 12, 2019
I love Maya’s humor and how her fear of change was addressed. I could have done without the pet name “Nutkin” and I don’t like Andrew at all. I also really want a cinnamon roll now!!
August 6, 2014
I enjoyed this much more than the first book in the series. Sure, there were moments, just like the first book, where I felt some parts were a bit cheesy and unrealistic. But that didn't seem to bother me as much in this book. Of course, being a coffee-lover myself, my favorite aspect of this book was the fact that the main character works at a coffee shop. No, this wasn't a fast-paced, plot-driven novel; however, I actually enjoyed reading about Maya's day-to-day life. It was an easy-read, relaxing, humorous, and definitely made me crave coffee and chocolate. =) Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
July 4, 2025
Awwwwweeee💝 this was cute and I love this journey! #GodIsInControl
August 3, 2025
Reread one of my favourites! Erynn Mangum always brings a smile through her stories!
April 15, 2025
**3.5 stars**
Not as good as the first book, but I still enjoyed it! Lots of good lessons like book 1. I loved seeing more of Maya and Jack.
There was some language that I didn’t appreciate, relating to girl’s looks and figure. Otherwise, it was pretty clean.
Not as good as the first book, but I still enjoyed it! Lots of good lessons like book 1. I loved seeing more of Maya and Jack.
There was some language that I didn’t appreciate, relating to girl’s looks and figure. Otherwise, it was pretty clean.
February 7, 2015
Title: LATTE DAZE
Author: Erynn Mangum
Publisher: NavPress
July 2010
ISBN: 978-1600067129
Genre: Teen / Chicklit
When Maya Davis’ ex-boyfriend proposes to her roommate, Jen, their apartment becomes Wedding Central. As if that weren’t awful enough, Jen’s obnoxious mom moves in to help with the planning!
Maya's relationships really start to get crazy when her genius brother and sister-in-law announce their pregnancy, and then to top it off there’s Jack—could it be love? Who wouldn’t need a coffee break!
This fun, lighthearted fiction novel for teens uses strong characters, humor, and quiet faith to promote trust in God.
LATTE DAZE is the second book in Ms. Mangum’s A Maya Davis Novel series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it ended with a happy-sigh moment, so all is well. I enjoyed seeing Maya and Jen plan Jen’s wedding and as Maya adjusted to Jack not being at Cool Beans and adjusting to a new coworker. I also enjoyed Kate as she struggled through on-going morning sickness that lasted all day long. I remember those days well.
If you like chicklit, you’ll want to read LATTE DAZE. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Double Shot.
Available in ebook and paperback. 304 pages.
Author: Erynn Mangum
Publisher: NavPress
July 2010
ISBN: 978-1600067129
Genre: Teen / Chicklit
When Maya Davis’ ex-boyfriend proposes to her roommate, Jen, their apartment becomes Wedding Central. As if that weren’t awful enough, Jen’s obnoxious mom moves in to help with the planning!
Maya's relationships really start to get crazy when her genius brother and sister-in-law announce their pregnancy, and then to top it off there’s Jack—could it be love? Who wouldn’t need a coffee break!
This fun, lighthearted fiction novel for teens uses strong characters, humor, and quiet faith to promote trust in God.
LATTE DAZE is the second book in Ms. Mangum’s A Maya Davis Novel series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it ended with a happy-sigh moment, so all is well. I enjoyed seeing Maya and Jen plan Jen’s wedding and as Maya adjusted to Jack not being at Cool Beans and adjusting to a new coworker. I also enjoyed Kate as she struggled through on-going morning sickness that lasted all day long. I remember those days well.
If you like chicklit, you’ll want to read LATTE DAZE. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Double Shot.
Available in ebook and paperback. 304 pages.
November 2, 2022
Oh my!! The many times this book made me smile and laugh. I love Maya and Jack and Jen and Travis. It’s such a sweet story.
October 16, 2025
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
Awwww! This one was sooo cute! I’m really enjoying this series so far 😄 I really love Jen! She’s such a sweet character, but JACK?! *dramatic gasp* ohhhhh…. He’s so SWEEEEEEETTTTT 🥹🥹🥹🥹 Maya also is awesome! She’s super faithful and has her faults. I love how this book teaches you little lessons along the way, like trusting God and letting love come along at its own pace. AT THE END… JACK PROPOSEDDDD AAAGGGHHH!!!! Like I said… he’s sweet ☺️ this book made me smile, laugh, and even cry… *people booing me* HEY! I’m an emotional girly 🥺 anyway, 5 stinkin stars! ⭐️
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
Awwww! This one was sooo cute! I’m really enjoying this series so far 😄 I really love Jen! She’s such a sweet character, but JACK?! *dramatic gasp* ohhhhh…. He’s so SWEEEEEEETTTTT 🥹🥹🥹🥹 Maya also is awesome! She’s super faithful and has her faults. I love how this book teaches you little lessons along the way, like trusting God and letting love come along at its own pace. AT THE END… JACK PROPOSEDDDD AAAGGGHHH!!!! Like I said… he’s sweet ☺️ this book made me smile, laugh, and even cry… *people booing me* HEY! I’m an emotional girly 🥺 anyway, 5 stinkin stars! ⭐️
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2017
I loved the 2nd book of the Maya Davis Series!!
I have yet to read “Double Shot” which I’m sure is just as good!! This book was so cute with Maya and Jack in their friendship!!:) Plus..There was coffee!!:)
I have yet to read “Double Shot” which I’m sure is just as good!! This book was so cute with Maya and Jack in their friendship!!:) Plus..There was coffee!!:)
May 11, 2025
enjoyed it even though not a coffee drinker It is really more about relationships and although it says book 2 did not feel like jumped into the middle of something so it is just fine to read on its own
March 8, 2018
Great book! I’ve read all of the maya Davis series! I love her quirky, silly, optimistic personality.
March 14, 2018
Fun, witty banter, quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, encouragement for your faith, lots of coffee, and a little romance. Loved this series!
May 10, 2018
What a Lovely Book!!!!! I couldn’t stop reading this!!!! I can’t wait to continue reading more of these books by Erynn :)
February 18, 2019
Fun book
A light hearted feel good wholesome
Book. Definitely recommend. I have read many of Erynn Mangum’s series and this one does not disappoint.
A light hearted feel good wholesome
Book. Definitely recommend. I have read many of Erynn Mangum’s series and this one does not disappoint.
February 23, 2019
As always, love Mangum. Fun relatable little reads.
Read
July 31, 2021Easy fun summer read.
December 30, 2022
4.5 Stars 🌟
That ending made me cry! This is so stinking cute!
That ending made me cry! This is so stinking cute!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
Absolutely amazing. I read it in 2 days and I am not a reader.
September 22, 2023
This was cute! Thank you library for taking my suggestion and purchasing this series!
January 7, 2024
Not necessarily my favorite in the series. It’s a bridge that connects the first book to what comes next basically. But still it’s an enjoyable enough book.
September 28, 2024
What a lovable read! I love the real feeling of these books and I can’t wait to continue the series! So eager to find out what happens to all of these characters!!
March 11, 2025
Cute sequel. Mangum has created lovable characters that are relatable and down to earth.
June 26, 2025
Marvelous!
I’m blazing through this series. Maya just seems like someone with whom I’d like to be friends, who would challenge me and make me laugh. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
I’m blazing through this series. Maya just seems like someone with whom I’d like to be friends, who would challenge me and make me laugh. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
March 6, 2017
Just like with the first one in the series... I loved, loved, loved this book. I'm so happy with the way the story is developing. I can't wait to read the third and final book in the series and then I will be moving on to some other Erynn Mangum books. She has a new fan in me. I only gave her 5 stars because that's as high as the scale goes!
September 19, 2013
Having recently discovered the wonder that is Erynn Mangum’s writing, I have had the pleasure of devouring two of her books faster than Rocky Road ice cream disappears on a girl’s movie night. My poor husband wasn’t even allowed anywhere near the laptop for several days while I ravenously consumed my advanced e-copy of this fantastic book. I enjoyed Latte Daze even more than I enjoyed Cool Beans. I am now a certified Maya Davis fan and more than that, an Erynn Mangum fan.
Now don’t start thinking this book is perfect. It’s not. Like its delightful characters, it has inconsistencies and flaws, but they aren’t enough to take away from the overall package. The plot doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. There are no secret romances or surprise twist endings. A few times in the book you might catch your breath and be surprised, but those little spins and tricks aren’t what makes this book such a fun read. It’s the characters that make these books special. Complete with flaws, insecurities and quirks that make them more real than paper and ink, each character has the potential to teach you something that may help you become a better person. How can that possibly be fun? Learning life lessons? Really Lori? I’m sure you’re thinking it’s as unpalatable as eating vegetables and ‘health’ food, right? But trust me; it’s not like finding some way to disguise the taste of green veggies so you can choke them down. Mangum confronts her characters with their own flaws and inadequacies in day to day struggles that most, if not all of us, face. And when the characters deal with it, they’re very open about the tools they use to get past them. Even if it isn’t the character herself that helps you to learn (Mrs. Mitchell, I’m pointing at you right now) it may simply be the way that the people around that character react that teaches you something.
Another thing about the story, you can see the resolution to many of the conflicts during the first moments you see the conflict. And really, there were a couple of storylines that I expected to go somewhere but didn’t venture beyond just a couple of pages. In fact I walked myself back through the previous pages to see if I’d missed something, but I hadn’t. Perhaps because of the types of books I’ve been reading lately, I found myself looking beyond the snafus in Maya’s life and imagining that they were going to be much bigger or more dramatic than they really were. It seems that sometimes a twisted knee is just a twisted knee and not something that will lead to a bigger situation. It became refreshing and allowed me to relax more deeply into the adventure.
This isn’t complex or difficult reading. Layered with sweet flavors that define comfort food, Latte Daze is a satisfying hot fudge sundae garnished with plenty of nuts and a cherry on top.
Review copy provided by NavPress.
Now don’t start thinking this book is perfect. It’s not. Like its delightful characters, it has inconsistencies and flaws, but they aren’t enough to take away from the overall package. The plot doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. There are no secret romances or surprise twist endings. A few times in the book you might catch your breath and be surprised, but those little spins and tricks aren’t what makes this book such a fun read. It’s the characters that make these books special. Complete with flaws, insecurities and quirks that make them more real than paper and ink, each character has the potential to teach you something that may help you become a better person. How can that possibly be fun? Learning life lessons? Really Lori? I’m sure you’re thinking it’s as unpalatable as eating vegetables and ‘health’ food, right? But trust me; it’s not like finding some way to disguise the taste of green veggies so you can choke them down. Mangum confronts her characters with their own flaws and inadequacies in day to day struggles that most, if not all of us, face. And when the characters deal with it, they’re very open about the tools they use to get past them. Even if it isn’t the character herself that helps you to learn (Mrs. Mitchell, I’m pointing at you right now) it may simply be the way that the people around that character react that teaches you something.
Another thing about the story, you can see the resolution to many of the conflicts during the first moments you see the conflict. And really, there were a couple of storylines that I expected to go somewhere but didn’t venture beyond just a couple of pages. In fact I walked myself back through the previous pages to see if I’d missed something, but I hadn’t. Perhaps because of the types of books I’ve been reading lately, I found myself looking beyond the snafus in Maya’s life and imagining that they were going to be much bigger or more dramatic than they really were. It seems that sometimes a twisted knee is just a twisted knee and not something that will lead to a bigger situation. It became refreshing and allowed me to relax more deeply into the adventure.
This isn’t complex or difficult reading. Layered with sweet flavors that define comfort food, Latte Daze is a satisfying hot fudge sundae garnished with plenty of nuts and a cherry on top.
Review copy provided by NavPress.
July 23, 2012
SPOILER WARNING!!!!
THIS IS A REVIEW OF ALL THREE BOOKS IN THE MAYA DAVIS SERIES!
HOWEVER, I REALLY DON'T GO OVER THE STORYLINES IN DETAIL, SO IT'S NOT THAT SPOILERY. JUST A WARNING.
I now officially adore Erynn Mangum. I had thought that she couldn’t get much better than the Lauren Holbrook series, which was completely amazing (My review). However, apparently Erynn is just stock full of hilarious characters and great story lines that resonate with normal people like me.
Both of these series are about normal people. Normal people doing normal things. Dealing with normal problems. However, this becomes way more exciting than it sounds because Maya Davis (and Laurie Holbrook) is SUCH a character. Maya faces her insecurities like sibling rivalry, obsessive worrying, getting over long past relationships, telling the truth, etc. Yes, she’s a college graduate working at a coffee shop fulltime when she majored in English, but she’s a mostly normal 20-something Christian. As the series goes on, she matures, gets over past issues, learns to trust God more and more and commits to a relationship with none other than the dorkily amazing Jack.
I think that Maya should meet Lauren. They could bond over their love for chocolate, coffee, caffeine, junk food, and movies. Also they could tell stories of their adorable husbands. Essentially, I think Erynn writes herself, just with different issues, depending on the character.
Throwing this in here: I’m so glad these aren’t the contemporary stories that toss in a depressing death of a nice character just for drama. There is still plenty of drama in storylines that just sorta chill.
If you are a fan of contemporary Christian fiction, this series is DEFINITELY for you! Unless you like your stories all NicholasSparksian, full of drama. Then I would steer you towards historical Christian fiction (it’s either gonna be the dad or the newly married husband that dies).
:) Write on Mrs. Mangum, write on!
Content Warning: Well, there’s some VERY NON-descriptive kissing.
More Reviews on my Blog!
Hyperman's Book Blog
THIS IS A REVIEW OF ALL THREE BOOKS IN THE MAYA DAVIS SERIES!
HOWEVER, I REALLY DON'T GO OVER THE STORYLINES IN DETAIL, SO IT'S NOT THAT SPOILERY. JUST A WARNING.
I now officially adore Erynn Mangum. I had thought that she couldn’t get much better than the Lauren Holbrook series, which was completely amazing (My review). However, apparently Erynn is just stock full of hilarious characters and great story lines that resonate with normal people like me.
Both of these series are about normal people. Normal people doing normal things. Dealing with normal problems. However, this becomes way more exciting than it sounds because Maya Davis (and Laurie Holbrook) is SUCH a character. Maya faces her insecurities like sibling rivalry, obsessive worrying, getting over long past relationships, telling the truth, etc. Yes, she’s a college graduate working at a coffee shop fulltime when she majored in English, but she’s a mostly normal 20-something Christian. As the series goes on, she matures, gets over past issues, learns to trust God more and more and commits to a relationship with none other than the dorkily amazing Jack.
I think that Maya should meet Lauren. They could bond over their love for chocolate, coffee, caffeine, junk food, and movies. Also they could tell stories of their adorable husbands. Essentially, I think Erynn writes herself, just with different issues, depending on the character.
Throwing this in here: I’m so glad these aren’t the contemporary stories that toss in a depressing death of a nice character just for drama. There is still plenty of drama in storylines that just sorta chill.
If you are a fan of contemporary Christian fiction, this series is DEFINITELY for you! Unless you like your stories all NicholasSparksian, full of drama. Then I would steer you towards historical Christian fiction (it’s either gonna be the dad or the newly married husband that dies).
:) Write on Mrs. Mangum, write on!
Content Warning: Well, there’s some VERY NON-descriptive kissing.
More Reviews on my Blog!
Hyperman's Book Blog
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