There are actually three stories in this book. In one, Cody Riddell has been given the mission of helping Piper McKenzie through a difficult time. An old friend of hers from childhood has disappeared and his car was found in the town river, and everyone thinks she is somehow involved in it all, because her friend claimed she was his fiancé (which she was not). Cody arrives on the scene at the behest of her Texas Ranger brothers. Secretly, Cody aspires to become a Ranger and figures helping Piper can only help his cause. The second story involves Sam Cassidy, son of a preacher, who left home to become a preacher like his father. After his love died, Sam drifted around through jobs, having lost his faith and fight, from soldier to firefighter. Now, he is back trying to reconcile things, to figure out which profession he should follow. He has accepted a temporary job as preacher in a church in Piper’s town, and, as I said, is trying to figure out whether the life of a preacher is the life meant for him. This temporary assignment should, he hopes, help him decide. In the third story, Pecos, a brand new high school graduate, has decided to go off into the world to seek his fortunes, determined to become a great success, something he is convinced he never has been nor could be if he stayed in the town. However, there is one road block that Pecos comes up against. The girl in his high school, who has been one of the most popular in the school, takes a fancy to him, and both find themselves falling deeper and deeper in to what looks like love, when a sudden event pushes everything to the front, and the pair has to determine just what they want in the future.

This was an interesting book, but the fact that there were three separate stories made it difficult to follow. The three stories had little in common except the small town where they occurred. In the end, the author tried to mesh them together but by that time it was too late. In my opinion, it would have been better to have three separate books, each with its own story. I realize this is the start of a new series, but I think having a separate book for each of these stories would have meant the author would already be well on her way to a good, solid series. As it is, now, it seems like she just wanted to cram these stories into the first book, to acquaint the reader with the characters and to set the scene for the series—which, in my opinion, did not happen. I left wondering why she had three separate stores, with little in common but the town where they each occurred, and I think it made for an awkward introduction to the series. I have read most of the books she has written, and this is not the norm for her, as she generally writes well-done, interesting tales, without including other, separate stories. Per usual, the book was well-written. The characters were interesting, but, if there had been separate books, they could have been fleshed out more, which would have given me a better idea of who they were—and would have probably made me like them more. As it is, I could never grow to like Cody or Sam or many of the other characters. If you like the author’s books, you may enjoy this one, and I think it will be necessary to fully understand the rest of the series as it comes out. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

They say do not judge a book by a cover, but I was also told this author's books are wonderful. Maybe it is this book and series, but there were way too many characters and unconnected storylines, other than being residents of the same small town of Honey Creek. The story seemed way too slow, although the entire book takes place within a week or so. At the same time the story didn't make you want to not putdown the book nor did it make you want to pick it up! Also, the character were not all that likeable. I have no desire to continue with this series; Maybe, I'll try her Harmony series or Ransom Canyon series. I really wanted to like this series, but sadly was not able to. 1.5 stars

Compelling and fun book to read during these times. I enjoyed the characters and storyline very much! What a brilliant, beautiful, feel-good, heartwarming book!

The major of honey creek Texas is Piper Jane Mackenzie. It's a family tradition. Sam use to be in the army and is a preacher. He's thirty eight years old. Colby is a cop trying to figure out what's going on in Honey Creek. Piper's fiance has disappeared. Boone is Piper's long time friend and fiance. I like the name Boone. I liked the mystery of what happened to Boone. I loved the characters. Except Anna,I really didn't like her.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

First book in a new series.

This was the first book I've read by this author and it was an okay read. The town is the typical charming small town, but I felt like the author tackled too much in featuring 4 main characters and their stories. There didn't seem to be a lot of character growth, and frankly the plot lines were slooow for most of the book and then way too fast for some things. All the characters falling in love in a week felt like a stretch.

It's an okay book for a series start, I guess, but not anything special.

"Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe" by Jodi Thomas

This is my first book by Jodi Thomas and I really loved it. It had everything I loved in a cozy read, a small town and an amazing cast of characters I really enjoyed reading about. There is a little bit of romance, and a little bit of mystery too, with plots and sub plots that drew my attention and added to the excitement of the read. I could not stop reading this book and devoured it in one lovely afternoon. I highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing the story with a possible start of a lovely series.

The cover is simply adorable! It really set the tone for the novel. I enjoy cozy, small town books and this was just what I was looking for!

I love a good mystery and occasionally enjoy a good romance. This Honey Creek series debut was a romance with elements of mystery, featuring a female small town Texas mayor and the state trooper who is out to protect her.

There's a memorable cast of characters in Honey Creek, Texas, and, from the excerpt of the next book, located at the end of this book, this looks to be a series, much to my delight.

This was my first Jodi Thomas book but certainly won't be my last as I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Time to check out some of her other series!!

This was my first @jodithomasauthor book and it was very enjoyable! This particular book/new series gave me all the Virgin River vibes which I am totally here for!
I loved the small town setting of Honey Creek, Texas....my first Texas setting! As with all small towns there are characters I’d love to sit and have coffee with and others to avoid. I look forward to getting to check in on Piper Mackenzie and Colby and hope to meet new characters as the series continues.

‘Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café’ begins the ‘Honey Creek’ series with a bit of mystery, definitely people who aren’t exactly who they first appear to be, all the fun of a quirky small town with romance in the air for some residents. We meet Piper, the mayor of Honey Creek with a bit of a PR problem on her hands since the friend who claimed they were engaged (they were not) has done a disappearance act and many are wondering just what the mayor has to do with that situation. Colby who has been hired by her brothers to investigate Boone’s vanishing act and the jilted, still in love wanting a second chance lover is the perfect cover for those questions he’s asking around town. Then there’s Sam, the new preacher in town who is not everything he appears to be on the surface. Finally, Pecos, a young man about to graduate high school and leave behind the sad and complicated life he’s lived right under the noses of the residents of Honey Creek.

I enjoyed myself very much in ‘Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café’. There is world-building, of course, there has to be some when it’s the beginning of a new series, but I didn’t find any of it overwhelming. I fell in love with this small town with its secrets, residents who are, for the most part, good-hearted, and characters who came alive on the pages quite easily. The writing is smooth, the plot interesting, and the people we meet are as diverse as can be found in any small town across the country. There are threads woven throughout this story that I’m guessing will be picked up on throughout the series. So, not all answers will come in this one, but it is a series so that’s not unexpected. I had a blast with this one, and I’ll definitely be watching for the next story in the series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas is the first in a new series and a totally FUN book. Sam Randall Cassiday is the son of an itinerant preacher in Texas and now has decided to take a break from his real like by following in his father's footsteps with a two-week stint as a substitute pastor in Honey Creek, Texas. He had trained for it, after all. Colby McBride was at the same gas station 40 miles outside of Honey Creek at the same time Sam McBride was. Colby was a state trooper whose aim was to become a Texas Ranger. This assignment in Honey Creek was the net step. Piper Jane MacKenzie was the Mayor of Honey Creek and her "almost" fiancé was missing. He wasn't really her fiancé. It was a rumor, probably started by him. Her overprotective brother was sending her a bodyguard. She could take care of herself.

This lovely book is a romance and a mystery, also a bit of an adventure, but it stays in Honey Creek. It is well-written and very character-driven. The personalities of the main characters shine through and ring true. Colby is nothing if not a protector. Sam may have found his calling rather sooner than he expected and Mayor Piper turns out not be quite as self-sufficient as she thought. The search for the mysterious fiancé turns out to be a highlight and a pretty good dilemma to solve, but it comes together in the end. Thomas tells a good story. She always does. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend it as a fun and uplifting read for tough times.

I received a free ARC of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #breakfastatthehoneycreekcafe

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café by Jodi Thomas
Honey Creek #1

When the news is filled with protests, political shenanigans, and the fear of catching a killer virus causing a pandemic there is nothing better than escaping into a small-town romance that has it all. In this book there are, in fact, THRE…or was if four… romances, some soul searching, a mystery, a bad guy, interesting local characters and the introduction to a series I know I will thoroughly enjoy.

What I liked:
* Meeting the two men that will star in the story…and how they were introduced
* Piper: a woman who is dedicated to her town, doing a great job as mayor and eager to end the news reports about her supposed fiancé
* Colby: a charmer working undercover to help Piper, her town, and the Texas Rangers.
* Sam: a good man who hopes that a few weeks engaging with his past will give him insight into the direction his future should take.
* Anna: The fiery redhead with a long list of things to do. She captures the attention of Sam just as he captures hers.
* The meet-cutes for both the above couples
* Pecos: a young man who will go far someday…I really felt for him but admired him as he stepped up and became knight for a damsel in distress
* Kerrie: I felt for her, too, and enjoyed the way she came through a tough time well.
* Mr. Winston: an older gentleman with a heart of gold
* The side stories…there were a few and I look forward to hearing more about some of them in future books of the series.
* That the mystery was solved, a bad guy thwarted and HEA’s were provided for the couples by the end of the book.
* The charm of the town and the way the story left me feeling good as I read the last page

What I didn’t like:
* I really can’t think of much except for the scoundrel that finally got his comeuppance

Did I enjoy this book? I surely did!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books-Zebra Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe by Jodi Thomas is the 1st book in the Honey Creek romance series, and my first book by this author. This book covers three couples romance stories, along with a mystery or two. Piper the mayor and Colby the undercover detective, Sam the new preacher and Anna, and Pecos and Kerrie. I found this book to be fun with many twists and turns, that keep me reading. The plot and characters are well developed, and I enjoy the quirky characters in the book. I recommend this book, and am looking forward to the next book in the series, and more books by this author. I strongly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2.5 stars
It is good enough just not great. There are no explicit sex scenes but a lot of talk about it. The whole book is just a little to easy. They meet, they fall in love within a week. Two women who are older and never married meet and fall in love with two men immediately.
It’s a well-written book but it just needs more. Why were Piper and Anna so willing to fall for these two men so fast? Why were they so ant-iman to begin with? This whole section of the story is just ignored. This is the first book in a new series but it does leave multiple story lines unfinished which is annoying. The addition of Pecos and Mr. Winston is the best part of this whole book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

Excellent start to what should be a fun new series. This is a small town romance tinged with a bit of mystery that keeps things interesting. Honey Creek is a fun and intriguing small town with lots of quirky town folk that could provide interesting stories in the future. The writing of this book is excellent but the one thing that kept it from being a 5 star read for me was the sheer number of characters. At times it was frustrating and difficult to keep them straight. Overall though it was a very enjoyable read and a book I would recommend.

This was a great book filled with many characters and their stories in Honey Creek, Texas. The characters were well defined, and the storyline well thought out. These multiple characters had side stories, about what was going on in their lives during the week in the town. There was humor, romance, drama, and mystery going on with these stories. I loved reading the story and author Jodi Thomas always presents such detailed engrossing stories.

This was a totally enjoyable read. A little suspense, a fair amount of romantic connections, and interesting characters to get acquainted with hold the reader’s interest very easily.. Jodi Thomas really takes one to a small town Texas community and gets the reader immersed in the lifestyle. Looking forward to more in this series. I received an ARC copy for an honest review—and I gave this five stars,

Another great Jodi Thomas title! I really like the sweet storyline with just a hint of mystery. As always, this book was very well written and kept me reading, I didn't want to put the book down! Highly recommended.

I had a hard time trying to figure out the characters in the first couple of chapters but ended up loving the book. I've read a lot of Jodi's books and this one didn't disappoint. I liked the relationships between the characters in the book and the small town vibe. I'll be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series to come out.

A wonderful story, a mixture of multiple romances, a mystery, and others just finding a place for themselves. Rich characters and eccentricity amok makes Honey Creek, Texas a great place. Hard to put this one down. Centered around Piper, the mayor, and Colby the Texas Ranger wanna be, as well as Sam, the preacher and Anna the dynamo. Can't forget lovable Pecos, whose family situation is just sad. Highly recommend this book and author, a great read.