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Amy’s dream is to open a cafe in town, whether she buys Lou Lou’s existing place or builds her own. Just as she thinks things are starting to go her way, she finds the competition dead, and finds herself on the list of suspects. The victim was unpleasant enough to provide Amy and her pals with a town full of suspects to investigate to try to clear her name.

I liked Amy, her family and friends, the Down South Cafe, and just about everything about this new series. If you’re a fan of culinary mysteries, the talk of southern cuisine will have your mouth watering while you try to deduce who killed Lou Lou.

Read more at <a href="https://booksthething.com/2016/06/16/calamity-cafe-by-gayle-leeson-blog-tour-and-giveaway/">The Book's the Thing</a>
  
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Hot Dog Girl in Books

Aug 20, 2020  
Hot Dog Girl
Hot Dog Girl
Jennifer Dugan | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Lou's mom left when Lou was a kid and Magic Castle means the world to Lou--it's where her parents shared memories and then Lou later on. Its closing devastates her and she's shocked that the owner has no desire to save it. Coupled with her hopeless crush on Nick, Lou is a pool of self-pity in the beginning of the book and, truly, a bit of a downer. (Although, seriously, I wouldn't want to wear a giant hot dog costume at a roasting hot theme park either, so she has me there.)

But once you get into the rhythm of Lou, this is a fun and really lovely book. There's great queer representation, between Lou's lesbian best friend, Seeley and Lou herself, who is bi. Seeley has recently broken up with her girlfriend, so Lou is also determined to set her up (sometimes with disastrous consequences). Setting a book at an amusement park is great. I love theme parks and while this was just a small town place, it was an enjoyable and fun location to read about, especially when it involved a group of teens.

Dugan captures teens really well, too. Lou, Seeley, Nick, his girlfriend--they all jump off the page. They seem real, and I enjoy that they seemed like actual teens. Not disaffected teens, not rich boarding school teens trying to hide a body, but honest teens whom you would actually meet and be friends with.

There were pages where I found myself laughing out loud. As a bi person, I loved having characters I could empathize with and relate to--this book is sweet and heartwarming. Lou's journey (and Seeley's) is great and makes for an excellent read.

Overall, this is a lovely, touching and also humorous read about love, friendship, and teens growing up. 4 stars.
  
    Godchild

    Godchild

    Deborah Bruce

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    Lou is getting on with her life, carefree and without ties. But this abruptly comes to a halt when...

Her Secret Inheritance (Isobel Key #2)
Her Secret Inheritance (Isobel Key #2)
Jen McConnel | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So life has gone full circle for Lou and she is returning to the place where she found herself 5 years ago. She has grown up and achieved much during those years but she still wonders what will happen if she happens to run into Brian. Let me tell you, sparks fly! Brian is not the same, easy going laddie that he used to be and yes, some of that is Lou's fault - if you can call it that as she just wasn't ready to settle down. I think I actually like Brian a bit more in this book because he's grown into such a strong character. He still has feelings and compassion but now he won't let anyone, even Lou, tell him what he's got to do.

This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)