COFFEE CONFESSIONS is an anthology of seven enthralling short stories. Each story takes place in Coffee Confessions, a popular neighborhood coffee shop owned by Sandra James. It is a tranquil place where people can drink their favorite latte and read many of the books on the shelves. Sandra is full of life and energy and always having a word of encouragement for those who need it.
In “Caramel Surprise” by Ja’Nese Dixon, Sandra James works from sun up to sundown. She loves her business, but lately she’s been missing the love and warmth of being in a relationship. When caramel-eyed Ricardo Delgado strolls into her coffee shop and gazes into her eyes, what was once lost, is now found.
In “Death by Espresso” by TL James, Mallory Haulm is racing against time to kill his family before they kill him. Upon his release from a hospital, Mallory wanders into Coffee Confessions hoping to find his lost love Sandy, only to find God. His nonexistent belief in God hinders his healing from a horrible childhood and a devastating crime he committed.
In “Latte Lady” by Jean Holloway, Valencia Banks enjoys her job as a barista at Coffee Confessions. The diversity of clientele who frequent the coffeehouse brings her pleasure to serve them. Looking forward to a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner with her parents, things goes haywire when family members begin to look down on her for being single and working a menial job. Glad to be back in a place which brings her comfort, a stranger enters Coffee Confessions to order a latte. Unbeknownst to the stranger, ordering a latte will change his life forever.
Darine Davis', “A Second Cup Please”, Frank Reynolds is feeling down on his luck. After a recent divorce, he packs his bags and moves back to Houston, only to find difficulty securing a permanent job. Not only is he unlucky in finding a secure job, dating is a bust too. Looking for peace of mind from his dilemma, he visits an old friend, Sandra. Life starts to look brighter for Frank; he finds a job and possibly a new love interest. Will this second chance in life prove to be wonderful for Frank or will darkness enter his life again?
In “A Double Shot of Darkness” by DeiIra Smith-Collard, Kayla Roberts is in an abusive relationship and to escape her demons, she visualizes herself in erotic episodes. One day she enters Coffee Confessions and is greeted by Sandra. Sensing a calming spirit in Sandra, she confides in her the troubles she’s having at home. Will confiding in Sandra be enough for Kayla until she reaches a breaking point?
JA Adams’ “More Than Coffee” deals with letting of the past go and moving on. Diane Darhling is enjoying a cup of coffee with her sorors in Coffee Confessions when she is confronted by an evil blast from her past. Wanting to put the past behind her, Diane arranges a meeting with her rival with the hope of laying the feud to rest forever.
The final short story, “Suite Mocha” by LM Blakely, is about overworked Mocha Simms who doesn’t have any plans to celebrate her birthday. A suggestion from her mother to take a vacation and visit Sandra in Houston may be the best offer for her. The day before her departure from Atlanta to Houston, Mocha finds an invitation in her office she thinks is meant for her office surprise party. What happens in Atlanta stays in Atlanta!!!!
Each of the short stories in COFFEE CONFESSIONS were entertaining. I enjoyed how in each story the main focal point is the coffee shop and how the character’s lives intertwined with Sandra. Some of the authors used characters from their novels in their short stories, which has caused an interest in me wanting to read their novels.
Reviewed by Sharon Lewis
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
