Much Ado About a Latte

by Kathleen Fuller

Anita and Tanner had their first kiss as teenagers stuck in a closet playing Truth or Dare. Mostly they saw each other at tutoring sessions. Anita has a learning disability, feels stupid, and was bullied about her problems in school. All her life she hasn’t measured up to her family’s standards. Her siblings all have careers as professionals. Anita works as a waitress; she is kind, efficient, and customers love her. Tanner, whose father died when Tanner was young, immediately took over the role as head of the household fulfilling a promise to his father. He and his mother both worked two or more jobs to survive and to put his younger brother through college.

Anita has always had a crush on Tanner, but he has been too busy to see what is right in front of him. The pair worked together for three years as he was assistant manager at the Sunshine Diner (i.e. her boss).

Much Ado About a Latte is about their attraction and difficult relationship. They both have plans and dreams for the future, but they don’t share them with each other any more than they share their feelings about each other. Will they be able to reconcile their differences and proclaim their love?

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance

Notes: 1. #2 in the Maple Falls Romance Series which should be read in order.
2. Includes a map of Maple Falls and Discussion Questions

Publication: 1/4/2022—Thomas Nelson

Memorable Lines:

Streetlamps lit up the dark street, but she didn’t need light to know every outer detail of #3, from the picture windows on each side of the dark wooden door to the splintered wooden façade that was in desperate need of repair and fresh paint….Six months ago she had come up with a crazy idea: opening a café in #3….But she always talked herself out of the idea, and tonight was no exception. She didn’t have the brains or skills to run a business. She wouldn’t even know where to start.

But spending time with her last night had been nice. More than nice. He appreciated the way she hadn’t hesitated to help him taste-test food she’d never tried before, and her gastronomical bravery in trying the anchovies—an ingredient most people either loved or loathed—was impressive. Best of all was her sigh when she tried the patatas bravas. That had been one of the sexiest things he’d ever seen and heard.