A book review of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. A heartwarming, whimsical novel by Heather Webber set in the fictional charming town of Wicklow, Alabama. This book will not disappoint readers looking for a light read with a true meaning.
"Truly a magical realism at its best!" - Karen White
The One With All the Pies!
This post is my personal, honest review of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe!
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
A Novel by Heather Webber
Truth be told, when I first held Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe I didn't know much about the author and had never heard of the book. Well, it's safe to say, I have now. On a trip to California I stopped by a bookstore at the Dallas airport looking for something fun to read during my flight. Browsing the shelves I came up to the beautiful cover and was immediately intrigued.
Needless to say, as soon as I read the synopsis I was hooked. A young woman inherits a cafe from her recently deseased grandmother and goes to a charming southern town to settle the estate. It seemed as the perfecct heartwarming light read I was looking for.
Since I had not had much sleep the night before, the plan was to read a chapter or two on the plane and take a nap. That didn't happen. I am fairly certain that had I not been on a flight and needing to disembark, I would have gone through the whole book in one sitting.
I loved Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe so much so, that it inspired me to start a book club. What better way to share this experience with like minded community of readers? It can come as no surprise then that the first pick of Books, Babes and Life book club is Heather Webber's captivating novel.
Our book club is all about embracing and living LIFE to the fullest. I feel that this story is the perfect companion for readers looking for a feel good, inspiring read.
So without furter ado, here is our May 2022 Book Club Pick.
Happy Reading!!!
Book Synopsis & Details
- from the publisher
THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm.
Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.
It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.
As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.
The Story - A Spoiler Free Review
Reading Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe was an absolute delight. Without a doubt one of the best surprises, I have given myself in a long while. Talk about a Southern charm, mouthwatering comfort food, cozy feeling of home and family. Immediately it draws the reader in and sets the scene for a masterfully written story. I found the book very hard to put down and loved re-reading some of the passages because of the beautiful messages they carried.
A quote-worthy book, the story of Anna Kate, her beloved Granny Zee and the residents of the charming town of Wicklow, Alabama, takes us on a magical journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Superb character development and world building makes us feel as much a part of this magical world as the residents themselves. I loved the mystery elements, with hints sprinkled throughout the book, leading to a beautifully satisfying conclusion.
"For where your roots are, your heart is."
Heather Webber, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
An absolute pleasure to read, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe, draws at the heartstring. It explores themes of family, loss, grief, love, hope and forgiveness in a way that it inspires, empowers, and uplifts. I found myself falling in love with the town, the residents, the mysterious cat, the garden, and the pies. As Anna Kate takes over the café, attempting to recreate Granny's recipes, I was not only rooting for her but learning myself. As she picked up gardening, I was inspired to spend more time in my own garden.
Nature, bird, and food lovers will be delighted by the details and incredible descriptions in this book. I would highly recommend Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe to anyone looking for a story with a heart, that is able to whisk you away to a beautiful world of love, hope, inspiration, and family traditions.
"I came for the Blackbirds...but I am staying for the Pie."
Heather Webber, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
About the Author and What to Read Next
Heather Webber is USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels and has been twice nominated for the Agatha Award. She loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book. *Heather also writes under the pen name Heather Blake. - from the author's web page
Book Recomendations for Fans of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
As soon as I read Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe, I was a Heather Webber fan. A truly prolific and exceptionally talented writer, she has written over 30 books many of them mysteries. This book was her first trully Magical Realism book, and to our delight not the last. Check out the titles below for more of Heather Webber and her whimsical world of love, hope and family values.
Published in July 2020. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Published in July 2021. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Published in July 2022. Available in hardcover and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Final Thoughts
I always thought that books are like flowers. They are all pretty in their own way and though we don't all like the same flower, no one can argue that they are simply beautiful. Such is Heather Webber's writing. She delivers a fascinating combination of inspiration, motivation, empowerment and joy in a whimsical package shrowded in mystery and sprinkled with romance.
A light read full of heart, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe will not disappoint those looking for an escape from the ordinary or overwhelming, nor those seeking a respite from a difficult situation in their everyday life. I may be partial, because I miss my grandmother and her kitchen, or because I love a good pie, but I feel that there is something in it for everyone. It is a book I personally couldn't put down and would read again and again.
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