Celina Lyles
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is such an intriguing novel by Heather Webber. I read the first few pages and was instantly drawn in by the magic of the blackbirds and the family drama that slowly is revealed through the whole book. This is one of those books that you just don't want to put down until you reach the end of the book. This book takes place in a small town of Wicklow were a report is reporting on the not-so-rare occurrence of blackbirds as to the rest of N. America they are rarely seen. However, in Wicklow they are very common and the residents don't see what the big deal of them are. Anna Kate and Natalie are both back in Wicklow after leaving and are soon drawn together to discover the past family secrets. They both discover love in this small town and uncover the hurt and anger from the past. They both go through family struggles and heart ache. I definitely found myself connecting to the characters more than once and feeling their heart breaks. Anna Kate's grandmother Zee knew exactly what she was doing when she requested that Anna Kate ran her restaurant for 60 days before having the chance to sell the business for her right in Zee's inheritance for her. Anna Kate and Natalie find exactly what they were looking for by the end of the book with all the beautifully written magical realism. This novel was so well written and i can't wait to discover more of Heather Webber's novels.
3 people found this review helpful
Kristina Anderson
Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber is a magical tale with romance, mystery, family drama, grief and special blackbirds. I thought Midnight at the Blackbird Café was well-written with developed, warm characters, a charming small Southern town, and a dash of magic. I enjoyed Heather Webber’s writing style which makes the book just fly by. I found myself drawn into this special story and it did not let me go until I finished the last word. Anna Kate returns to Wicklow, Alabama to bury her Granny Zee who owned the Blackbird Café. She was loved by all and the townspeople are saddened by her loss. Anna Kate expects to wrap up things quickly and then depart. Anna Kate feels a connection to the town and the café that compels her to stay. This gives her a chance to find out why her mother departed Wicklow so many years ago and why her mother vowed to never return. Secrets always have a way of coming out. There are also the blackbirds and something special that happens at the witching hour. Midnight at the Blackbird Café is a sweet and touching story that will have you craving pie. If you like Sarah Addison Allen, then you will this book by Heather Webber. Midnight at the Blackbird Café is an uplifting and enchanting tale with bewitching blackbirds, beguiling pie, and a cozy café.
2 people found this review helpful
Aimee Bower
I really enjoyed this story. It is a book about love, forgiveness, family and magic of small town. You are introduced to Anna Kate, she has to comes to Wicklow due to Zee passing away. According to the will, she has to run the cafe for 2 months before she can sell it. In this time, she has to deal with her own feelings about her father's family, dealing with her own grief, trying to keep people at an arms length. She slows gets closer to people than what she planned. From the young girl Summer to her her Aunt Natalie. Each person has suffered in alot of ways, they all are dealing with their past, regrets, learning to forgive themselves and others. They all learned that the past is done, they have to learn from and move on. Some get it from the magic of the blackbirds and the pies, other people just deal with their emotions one day at a time. I am sorry to see the book end as I would love to see it continue. It is a heartwarming story we all can enjoy, as well have the same things happen in our own life. I encourage everyone to read this book. I received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest review