Book Review: "Latte Daze" by Erynn Mangum

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!

First off, let me start by saying that I LOVE the cover of this book. Why? Because those are the EXACT same bouquets I had for my wedding last year! Well not the bride's bouquet, but I had blue hydrangeas and white roses in mine and my bridesmaid's bouquets too! They're so pretty aren't they?

I really enjoy reading about Maya. I honestly think that if she and I were to meet, we would be good friends. She sounds just like me in a lot of ways and I really love her life. I love her family, her job, her friends and her dog. Seriously, I wouldn't mind just being in her shoes for one day. If you haven't read the first book in the series, fear not, this book can be read as a standalone. This story deals with Maya having to adapt to changes in her life, mainly her relationship with her new boyfriend but long time best friend, Jack as well as her brother expecting a baby and her best friend/roommate becoming engaged. The book revolves around these three story lines as they show how Maya has to react and support all these new phases in her life. It's all blended together and you never feel rushed while reading. I enjoyed going along for the ride very much.

I want to visit Cool Beans! I love independently run coffee houses. There used to be one in my hometown that my friends and I use to hang out there on weekends. It was a very inviting place with comfy sofas, friendly staff and really good coffee drinks. Places like Starbucks or Caribou Coffee just don't have the same feel. Cool Beans sounds like the place that I would probably want to visit and never leave. Also the baristas (except for maybe the new guy) really enjoy their jobs AND coffee as well. Reading about the descriptions of their coffee drinks as well as the fresh baked cinnamon rolls dripping with icing made my mouth drool several times. In fact, thanks to this book and the Coffeehouse mystery series that I was reading, I caved and went to Starbucks to get a frappachino.

While I really loved reading this book (and wish I could live Maya's life), there was one tiny thing that bugged me and it's a personal preference. I just felt that even though Maya and Jack have known each other for a long time, it's a bit too soon for wedding plans for them. They didn't seem as if they had dated for a long time. But as I said, this is just personal preference. The two have great chemistry together and unless something drastic happens in the next book, I have a feeling those two are going to have a really good life together. While Maya is a Christian and faith is an important part of her life, it never feels preachy. If you're looking for chick lit with a faith based angle, this is a great, fun and highly caffeinated read.

Latte Daze by Erynn Mangum is published by NavPress (2010)

This review copy was provided by the publisher