The Welcome Home Diner served the perfect recipe for an appetizing read. Starting with that gorgeous cover, there's something inviting about this book and once you start reading, you can't but feel that comfortable familiarity of someone inviting you into their home.

There's a lot to enjoy about this book. There were moments of joy and others were real moments that went a little deeper in reflection. There is nothing like family and friends. Whether it is defined by genealogy or manmade, the lessons and experiences that defined the wonderful moments shared together in the book make the novel more relatable and connect with the reader. Each character held their own and brought something special to the book individually and collectively as a whole.

The novel centered around two cousins, Addie and Sam, who decide to take a leap of faith to pursue their dreams. They take a chance and revitalize an old diner that was once the heart of the community. Like many cities that have fallen through hard times, there is a resentment with many neighborhoods of gentrification. In many of these situations, the community feels displaced and as a result loses their cultural identity which often leads to backlash and pushback. What was different about them was that their dreams included the community but no one wanted any part of that especially their neighbor Angus, which made them feel unwelcomed and often felt like maybe they made a mistake. Angus represents the past and they represent the future. Through love, patience, second chances and faith, these two ladies bring their family values and heart into a community that truly welcomes them home.

Overall, the book was really a nice read. There is so much to the book dealing with family, love, relationships, loss, and second chances. After reading this book, I really need to go back and read her first book because there was something special about the characters and their journey that for me personally really hit home. What made her characters perfect was that they were flawed. Everyone has a story and their experiences shaped their narrative which makes them more relatable and have some depth to them. Besides being such a nice read, there is so much that can be the root of some needed discussions. This would be a great selection for a book club. Nothing but love for this book and I’m recommending you add it to your TBR.