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Midnight at the Blackbird Café
Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm.
Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.
It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.
As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.
It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.
As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
336 pages, ebook
First published July 16, 2019
About the author
Heather Webber
28 books3,576 followersUSA Today bestselling author Heather Webber loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book. *Heather also writes under the pen name Heather Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,364 reviews
June 29, 2022
Reading this book felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie. It’s based in a small town and is very idyllic and very cheesy. It was an okay story overall and it’s interesting enough to keep reading but I wouldn’t recommend it.
August 20, 2019
A touch of whimsy in a small town. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Anna Kate returns home to the small town of Wicklow, Alabama to bury her grandmother, Granny Zee.
Granny Zee owned the Blackbird Cafe in town and was loved by all. Anna Kate is expecting to be in Wicklow a short time, just long enough to settle Granny Zee’s affairs and close the cafe.
That doesn’t happen, though. Anna Kate feels connected to this town her mother ran from years ago. There’s also this blackbird pie everyone is talking about.
Anna Kate is also akin to a blackbird, one who has been broken, and this is her story of growth and overcoming the obstacles put in her path.
What a charming, warmhearted story! I loved every single character. Wicklow is a place anyone would love. It’s warm and inviting, but there are also secrets. There’s something magical that happens at midnight involving blackbirds, and you’ll just have to read the book to find out.
If you want to read an uplifting story, one that leaves you feeling better than when you started, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is your go-to. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen, you are going to want to check out this book. I am completely in love with Heather Webber’s style, and I hope she’ll be revisiting this genre some time soon.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Anna Kate returns home to the small town of Wicklow, Alabama to bury her grandmother, Granny Zee.
Granny Zee owned the Blackbird Cafe in town and was loved by all. Anna Kate is expecting to be in Wicklow a short time, just long enough to settle Granny Zee’s affairs and close the cafe.
That doesn’t happen, though. Anna Kate feels connected to this town her mother ran from years ago. There’s also this blackbird pie everyone is talking about.
Anna Kate is also akin to a blackbird, one who has been broken, and this is her story of growth and overcoming the obstacles put in her path.
What a charming, warmhearted story! I loved every single character. Wicklow is a place anyone would love. It’s warm and inviting, but there are also secrets. There’s something magical that happens at midnight involving blackbirds, and you’ll just have to read the book to find out.
If you want to read an uplifting story, one that leaves you feeling better than when you started, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is your go-to. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen, you are going to want to check out this book. I am completely in love with Heather Webber’s style, and I hope she’ll be revisiting this genre some time soon.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
July 8, 2020
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a sweet and warm story about family, forgiveness, and finding peace.
Anna Kate returns to the small southern town of Wicklow, Alabama to settle her grandma’s estate and honor her last wishes, which include running the Blackbird Cafe for 60 days. Despite her best intentions to get in and get out, Anna Kate forms connections with several locals who respected Grandma Zee and are regulars at the cafe.
Anna Kate also meets Natalie, who has recently returned to town as a widow with her young daughter. Both women are seeking answers they hope to find here and learn they have more in common than they initially thought.
There are slight (keyword) elements of magical realism in this story and overall, I enjoyed the kind and likable community of Wicklow. As a bonus, this book cover is perfection!
Anna Kate returns to the small southern town of Wicklow, Alabama to settle her grandma’s estate and honor her last wishes, which include running the Blackbird Cafe for 60 days. Despite her best intentions to get in and get out, Anna Kate forms connections with several locals who respected Grandma Zee and are regulars at the cafe.
Anna Kate also meets Natalie, who has recently returned to town as a widow with her young daughter. Both women are seeking answers they hope to find here and learn they have more in common than they initially thought.
There are slight (keyword) elements of magical realism in this story and overall, I enjoyed the kind and likable community of Wicklow. As a bonus, this book cover is perfection!
August 16, 2021
I think it may have been my mistake to choose the audiobook version. 🤔 The story itself wasn't bad, I didn't love the narration. 😬 The pace was a bit slow for me. 🥱 I found my attention wasn't completely in the story. It's a decent book. I enjoyed the mystery/magical/dream/message parts of it. 🤗
September 4, 2020
Oh what a fun read. Sometimes those books you just jump into are the most unexpected little gems. This one was a buddy read with Dana, which we both enjoyed.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe takes you to the small town of Wicklow, Alabama, and this story is told in alternating points of view. It goes back and forth between Anna Kate and Natalie. Anna Kate's granny dies leaving her the Blackbird Cafe. The cafe is filled with a cast of 'characters' who come for the blackbird pie. You see, you eat the pie and you get messages from loved ones who have passed. Yup, a bit of magical realism in this one. Natalie, lives with her small daughter in Wicklow after the untimely death of her husband. But her mother is just controlling and overbearing....and your typical gentile southern woman. And of course, you have the nightly blackbirds who put on a show for those who come to watch. Oh there is more about each of these girls and how their lives come together in such an unexpected way.
This was the perfect feel good book to read at this time. Listened to this one via audio and the narration was great. Not a lot happens, it's just a tad predictable, but it was light, sometimes funny, cute, and way to relax. Important during these days. It reminded me of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen books. So if you are fan of those, this one is one to check out. And the magical realism is not heavy, it was done right. A perfect read if you want to get away for a few hours and hear a fun story about life.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe takes you to the small town of Wicklow, Alabama, and this story is told in alternating points of view. It goes back and forth between Anna Kate and Natalie. Anna Kate's granny dies leaving her the Blackbird Cafe. The cafe is filled with a cast of 'characters' who come for the blackbird pie. You see, you eat the pie and you get messages from loved ones who have passed. Yup, a bit of magical realism in this one. Natalie, lives with her small daughter in Wicklow after the untimely death of her husband. But her mother is just controlling and overbearing....and your typical gentile southern woman. And of course, you have the nightly blackbirds who put on a show for those who come to watch. Oh there is more about each of these girls and how their lives come together in such an unexpected way.
This was the perfect feel good book to read at this time. Listened to this one via audio and the narration was great. Not a lot happens, it's just a tad predictable, but it was light, sometimes funny, cute, and way to relax. Important during these days. It reminded me of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen books. So if you are fan of those, this one is one to check out. And the magical realism is not heavy, it was done right. A perfect read if you want to get away for a few hours and hear a fun story about life.
September 9, 2019
This was really well-written and engrossing, but it super wasn't for me--which is a shame, because I have such a soft spot for cozy small-town magic realism. But the whole message of this book boiled down to the importance of family, and how you should forgive the people who hurt you and make room for them back in your life in the hope that they'll change and grow and maybe not hurt you again (but if they do, you just gotta be the better person and teach them how to be better! Self accountability whom'st?). I'm sure that's probably a message someone out there needs to hear, but I personally am not about to go call up the abusive relatives I've cut out of my life and ask if they wanna get lunch any time soon.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but after that there were quite a few moments where I asked myself, "Do I really want to keep reading this?" The town's a little too idyllic, the magic was intriguing at first but ended up feeling a little trite and convoluted and...unnecessary? I'm not really sure why everyone in this town is in such desperate need of pie-based messages from the dead, especially when we're shown that there are perfectly good grief counselors just a short drive away. And, god, if there was one more reference to the male love interest's "molten-lava eyes", I was gonna puke. But, for what it's worth, I did keep reading. Something about this book kept pulling me in, and even for the characters I didn't actually like, a part of me really wanted to find out how their conflicts resolved. Plus this book made me crave pie like you wouldn't believe, and I don't even like pie.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but after that there were quite a few moments where I asked myself, "Do I really want to keep reading this?" The town's a little too idyllic, the magic was intriguing at first but ended up feeling a little trite and convoluted and...unnecessary? I'm not really sure why everyone in this town is in such desperate need of pie-based messages from the dead, especially when we're shown that there are perfectly good grief counselors just a short drive away. And, god, if there was one more reference to the male love interest's "molten-lava eyes", I was gonna puke. But, for what it's worth, I did keep reading. Something about this book kept pulling me in, and even for the characters I didn't actually like, a part of me really wanted to find out how their conflicts resolved. Plus this book made me crave pie like you wouldn't believe, and I don't even like pie.
October 25, 2021
4.5 Stars
Digital Art by Nikki Marie Smith
**I needed a feel good book right now!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Digital Art by Nikki Marie Smith
**I needed a feel good book right now!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
April 5, 2023
EXCERPT: 'Why don't you start at the beginning?'
'The beginning? Well, I reckon that was the funeral. The funeral turned into a damned circus when the blackbirds showed up.' Blackberry sweet tea sloshed over the rims of two mason jars as Faylene Wiggins abruptly slapped her hand on the tabletop. 'Wait! Wait! You can't print that. My mama would wash out my mouth with her homemade lemon verbena soap if she knew I cursed for the good Lord and all the world to see in your article.'
The reporter flipped the pages of his yellow steno pad. 'I thought you said that your mother was dead?'
'You're not from these parts, so you're excused for not understanding. Wicklow, Alabama, isn't any old ordinary town, young man. Goodness, I wouldn't put it past my mama to rise straight out of the ground and hunt me down, bar of soap clutched in her bony hand.' With a firm nod, she jammed a finger in the air and added, 'Now, that you can print.'
ABOUT 'MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFÉ': Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.
It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.
As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.
MY THOUGHTS: A beautiful story about family ties, secrets, grief, old grudges, love and forgiveness.
Heather Webber never fails to draw me in with her marvellous characters and whimsical storylines. She conjures up just the right mix of family drama, mystery, romance and magical realism.
I could hear her characters speaking and was hungry for both Anna-Kate's pies and Gabriel's fried chicken.
The only thing stopping this from being a five star read was my confusion about the roles of Jenna and Bow. If anyone can enlighten me, I'd be grateful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MidnightattheBlackbirdCafe
I: @booksbyheather
T: @BooksbyHeather
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #fantasy #friendship #mystery #romance
THE AUTHOR: Heather Webber, aka Heather Blake, is the author of more than twenty-five novels. She loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book.
I own and love my copy of Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'The beginning? Well, I reckon that was the funeral. The funeral turned into a damned circus when the blackbirds showed up.' Blackberry sweet tea sloshed over the rims of two mason jars as Faylene Wiggins abruptly slapped her hand on the tabletop. 'Wait! Wait! You can't print that. My mama would wash out my mouth with her homemade lemon verbena soap if she knew I cursed for the good Lord and all the world to see in your article.'
The reporter flipped the pages of his yellow steno pad. 'I thought you said that your mother was dead?'
'You're not from these parts, so you're excused for not understanding. Wicklow, Alabama, isn't any old ordinary town, young man. Goodness, I wouldn't put it past my mama to rise straight out of the ground and hunt me down, bar of soap clutched in her bony hand.' With a firm nod, she jammed a finger in the air and added, 'Now, that you can print.'
ABOUT 'MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFÉ': Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.
It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.
As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.
MY THOUGHTS: A beautiful story about family ties, secrets, grief, old grudges, love and forgiveness.
Heather Webber never fails to draw me in with her marvellous characters and whimsical storylines. She conjures up just the right mix of family drama, mystery, romance and magical realism.
I could hear her characters speaking and was hungry for both Anna-Kate's pies and Gabriel's fried chicken.
The only thing stopping this from being a five star read was my confusion about the roles of Jenna and Bow. If anyone can enlighten me, I'd be grateful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MidnightattheBlackbirdCafe
I: @booksbyheather
T: @BooksbyHeather
#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #fantasy #friendship #mystery #romance
THE AUTHOR: Heather Webber, aka Heather Blake, is the author of more than twenty-five novels. She loves to read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, and bake. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, and is hard at work on her next book.
I own and love my copy of Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 15, 2024
A touch of whimsy in a small town.
Cozy. Comforting. Healing. Magical.
And...
It's described as Southern magical realism, but it's also about relationships, forgiveness, hurt, growth, change, coming home, love, friendship, and understanding.
Allow yourself to be swooped up in the story and carried away.
Sometimes we need a little of that, don’t you think?
Cozy. Comforting. Healing. Magical.
And...
It's described as Southern magical realism, but it's also about relationships, forgiveness, hurt, growth, change, coming home, love, friendship, and understanding.
Allow yourself to be swooped up in the story and carried away.
Sometimes we need a little of that, don’t you think?
October 7, 2019
A Wonderful Book About Family, Friends, Love, a Past and a New Future
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber was a well written book. I was drawn in right from the start. It allowed me to forget about everything else and immerse myself in the lives of the characters in this story. A cozy, comforting feeling surrounded me as I read Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. By the end of the story, I felt like I knew each character and felt a kinship with them. The story alternately focused on Anna Kate Callow and Natalie Linden Walker.
The story began in Wicklow, Alabama located in the northeast part of the state. It was a small, intimate southern town where everyone knew everyone else. There was something quite special and unique about Wicklow, though. In the mulberry trees right beside The Blackbird Cafe, blackbirds lived and only appeared between midnight and one a.m. When anyone who was lucky enough to hear them sing their beautiful song knew it was something that they would never forget. There was something else that even the locals flocked to Blackbird Cafe for on a regular basis. The homemade blackberry pie was known to allow their recipients to hear the voices of their loved ones that had departed while they slept. Some thought this very comforting and made it a ritual.
It was in this town that Anna Kate arrived to bury her beloved grandmother, Zee. This was Anna Kate's first time in Wicklow even though her mother had lived there most of her life until she was 17. Her mother, now deceased, had made Anna Kate promise that she would never go back to Wicklow. A long time ago, while living in Wicklow, something very tragic happened to her mother and she left Wicklow never to go back. Twenty-five years ago, there was a car accident that killed her mother's boyfriend who was also Anna Kate's father. Her mother was blamed by her boyfriend's family for killing their son. Her mother pledged never to go back. Remembering the promise Anna Kate had made to her mother, Anna Kate was anxious to settle her grandmother's estate, sell the Blackbird Cafe and return to Massachusetts where she was enrolled in medical school for the fall semester. When the terms of the will were revealed to Anna Kate, though, she learned that she had to remain in Wicklow and run the cafe for sixty days before she could settle her grandmother's estate and collect her inheritance. Knowing how her mother felt about this place, Anna Kate was not at all happy about the stipulations of the will. Anna Kate decided to give running the cafe a chance. None of the locals had ever met Anna Kate and so she quickly became the center of attention and their curiosity was awoken. Neither of which appealed to Anna Kate but she immersed herself full- heartily in trying to fill her grandmother's shoes by running the Blackbird Cafe and making the famous blackbird pies and trying to learn everything she could about her father.
At her grandmother's funeral, Anna Kate was greeted by many of the people of Wicklow. Everyone had something nice to say about Zee and wanted to know more about Anna Kate. Was she planning on staying? Why had they never met her before? Perhaps the most unusual occurrence of all was the flock of blackbirds that appeared at Zee's funeral to pay their respects to her. The blackbirds had been spotted swooping their way through town heading to Zee's funeral. When Anna Kate was a little girl her grandmother used to tell her stories about the blackbirds. The story went "Once upon a time, there was a family of Celtic women with healing hands and giving hearts, who knew the value of the earth and used its abundance to heal, to soothe, to comfort. Doing so filled their souls with peace and happiness. Those women held a secret." "The women are guardians of a place where, under midnight skies, spirits cross from this world through a mystical passageway to the Land of the Dead." Her grandmother often told her that it was the job of "us guardians to tend the trees, nurture them, and gather their love to bake into pies to serve those who mourn, those left behind.' Anna Kate had learned from her grandmother that the blackbirds played an important part in her heritage and who she was. Therefore, it was only fitting that the blackbirds appeared at Zee's funeral. None of the locals even questioned it but the tourists were baffled.' This phenomenon led to an unusual amount of bird watchers and tourists arriving in Wicklow. They wanted to have a chance of seeing the blackbirds. Wicklow, soon became a lot busier than usual.
Natalie Linden Walker came back to Wicklow after her husband drowned and left her a widow. Her husband had lost his job and accumulated lots of debt before he drowned and died. Natalie knew nothing of his financial worries. Having had to sell off everything to settle her dead husband's debt, Natalie and her young daughter, Ollie (Olivia Leigh) found themselves living in her parent's guest cottage. As a result of all the trauma Natalie had experienced when her husband died, she was experiencing panic attacks. She made sure she and Ollie stayed away from any kind of body of water, too. Natalie's mother, Seelie Earl Linden, never approved of Natalie's husband. Natalie and her mother hadn't had a good relationship from the time Natalie was a toddler. After losing her eighteen year old son in that tragic car accident, Seelie wrapped herself in a cocoon of grief. Her once warm, loving relationship with Natalie, who was three when her brother died, became one that had frozen Natalie out of her life. There was "a stone-cold silence" in place of smiles, hugs and kisses. Natalie, had heard over the years, that eating the blackberry pie made at the Blackberry Cafe, allowed a person who had lost a love one the opportunity to hear from the deceased in their dreams. Natalie was never sure if her husband's drowning had been an accident or suicide. She needed to know to move on. Natalie was convinced she would find out the truth by eating the blackberry pie. There was one big obstacle though. The Lindens and the Callows were not on speaking terms. No member of the Linden family had stepped into the Blackbird Cafe since the accident.
When each of my parents passed away there was a moment when days after they died they allowed me to see them one more time for an instant. It was comforting. Memories always allow us to hold our dear ones that have departed close to us forever. They are never far from our thoughts.
This is the first book I have read by Heather Webber. The characters were rich, complex and most likable. As the plot of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe developed their was the underlying factor of family being most important. There was anger, grief, love, forgiveness and letting go of the past. Both Anna Kate and Natalie had to learn to do what was good and right for them, not what everyone expected or wanted them to do. I hope there is a sequel to this book. It could most certainly be a mini series on Netflix. I highly recommend Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber was a well written book. I was drawn in right from the start. It allowed me to forget about everything else and immerse myself in the lives of the characters in this story. A cozy, comforting feeling surrounded me as I read Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe. By the end of the story, I felt like I knew each character and felt a kinship with them. The story alternately focused on Anna Kate Callow and Natalie Linden Walker.
The story began in Wicklow, Alabama located in the northeast part of the state. It was a small, intimate southern town where everyone knew everyone else. There was something quite special and unique about Wicklow, though. In the mulberry trees right beside The Blackbird Cafe, blackbirds lived and only appeared between midnight and one a.m. When anyone who was lucky enough to hear them sing their beautiful song knew it was something that they would never forget. There was something else that even the locals flocked to Blackbird Cafe for on a regular basis. The homemade blackberry pie was known to allow their recipients to hear the voices of their loved ones that had departed while they slept. Some thought this very comforting and made it a ritual.
It was in this town that Anna Kate arrived to bury her beloved grandmother, Zee. This was Anna Kate's first time in Wicklow even though her mother had lived there most of her life until she was 17. Her mother, now deceased, had made Anna Kate promise that she would never go back to Wicklow. A long time ago, while living in Wicklow, something very tragic happened to her mother and she left Wicklow never to go back. Twenty-five years ago, there was a car accident that killed her mother's boyfriend who was also Anna Kate's father. Her mother was blamed by her boyfriend's family for killing their son. Her mother pledged never to go back. Remembering the promise Anna Kate had made to her mother, Anna Kate was anxious to settle her grandmother's estate, sell the Blackbird Cafe and return to Massachusetts where she was enrolled in medical school for the fall semester. When the terms of the will were revealed to Anna Kate, though, she learned that she had to remain in Wicklow and run the cafe for sixty days before she could settle her grandmother's estate and collect her inheritance. Knowing how her mother felt about this place, Anna Kate was not at all happy about the stipulations of the will. Anna Kate decided to give running the cafe a chance. None of the locals had ever met Anna Kate and so she quickly became the center of attention and their curiosity was awoken. Neither of which appealed to Anna Kate but she immersed herself full- heartily in trying to fill her grandmother's shoes by running the Blackbird Cafe and making the famous blackbird pies and trying to learn everything she could about her father.
At her grandmother's funeral, Anna Kate was greeted by many of the people of Wicklow. Everyone had something nice to say about Zee and wanted to know more about Anna Kate. Was she planning on staying? Why had they never met her before? Perhaps the most unusual occurrence of all was the flock of blackbirds that appeared at Zee's funeral to pay their respects to her. The blackbirds had been spotted swooping their way through town heading to Zee's funeral. When Anna Kate was a little girl her grandmother used to tell her stories about the blackbirds. The story went "Once upon a time, there was a family of Celtic women with healing hands and giving hearts, who knew the value of the earth and used its abundance to heal, to soothe, to comfort. Doing so filled their souls with peace and happiness. Those women held a secret." "The women are guardians of a place where, under midnight skies, spirits cross from this world through a mystical passageway to the Land of the Dead." Her grandmother often told her that it was the job of "us guardians to tend the trees, nurture them, and gather their love to bake into pies to serve those who mourn, those left behind.' Anna Kate had learned from her grandmother that the blackbirds played an important part in her heritage and who she was. Therefore, it was only fitting that the blackbirds appeared at Zee's funeral. None of the locals even questioned it but the tourists were baffled.' This phenomenon led to an unusual amount of bird watchers and tourists arriving in Wicklow. They wanted to have a chance of seeing the blackbirds. Wicklow, soon became a lot busier than usual.
Natalie Linden Walker came back to Wicklow after her husband drowned and left her a widow. Her husband had lost his job and accumulated lots of debt before he drowned and died. Natalie knew nothing of his financial worries. Having had to sell off everything to settle her dead husband's debt, Natalie and her young daughter, Ollie (Olivia Leigh) found themselves living in her parent's guest cottage. As a result of all the trauma Natalie had experienced when her husband died, she was experiencing panic attacks. She made sure she and Ollie stayed away from any kind of body of water, too. Natalie's mother, Seelie Earl Linden, never approved of Natalie's husband. Natalie and her mother hadn't had a good relationship from the time Natalie was a toddler. After losing her eighteen year old son in that tragic car accident, Seelie wrapped herself in a cocoon of grief. Her once warm, loving relationship with Natalie, who was three when her brother died, became one that had frozen Natalie out of her life. There was "a stone-cold silence" in place of smiles, hugs and kisses. Natalie, had heard over the years, that eating the blackberry pie made at the Blackberry Cafe, allowed a person who had lost a love one the opportunity to hear from the deceased in their dreams. Natalie was never sure if her husband's drowning had been an accident or suicide. She needed to know to move on. Natalie was convinced she would find out the truth by eating the blackberry pie. There was one big obstacle though. The Lindens and the Callows were not on speaking terms. No member of the Linden family had stepped into the Blackbird Cafe since the accident.
When each of my parents passed away there was a moment when days after they died they allowed me to see them one more time for an instant. It was comforting. Memories always allow us to hold our dear ones that have departed close to us forever. They are never far from our thoughts.
This is the first book I have read by Heather Webber. The characters were rich, complex and most likable. As the plot of Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe developed their was the underlying factor of family being most important. There was anger, grief, love, forgiveness and letting go of the past. Both Anna Kate and Natalie had to learn to do what was good and right for them, not what everyone expected or wanted them to do. I hope there is a sequel to this book. It could most certainly be a mini series on Netflix. I highly recommend Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber.
December 28, 2021
Wonderful book! About acceptance, forgiveness and love!
February 23, 2024
Can you really leave Wicklow once you have spent time there?
Anna Kate came back for her grandmother's funeral and stayed in Wicklow because she was required to spend sixty days there to inherit The Blackbird Cafe. Anna's mother vowed to NEVER return to Wicklow, and Anna finds out why as the days pass.
Was her mother wrong, though?
The characters all seemed lovable and were folks you would want to have in your life except for a few of them.
As you read, you will feel the warmth of the small town, but also the grudges that some characters can’t let go of.
The blackbird legend was interesting, and the blackbird pies sounded yummy even though Anna was still trying to figure out the secret ingredient her grandmother would never reveal.
Midnight in Wicklow was magical because of the legend of the blackbirds and what they did for those who ate the pie and heard them singing.
MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE was a cozy, nostalgic read that will have you wanting to be in that adorable, loving town and visiting The Blackbird Cafe.
The book was also filled with secrets, characters with regrets, love, and characters who will steal your heart.
If you need an uplifting read, be sure to put MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE on your reading list.
A truly enjoyable, sweet read that will have you examining your choices and have you reaching for the tissue box because of the hominess and love oozing from the pages. 5/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Anna Kate came back for her grandmother's funeral and stayed in Wicklow because she was required to spend sixty days there to inherit The Blackbird Cafe. Anna's mother vowed to NEVER return to Wicklow, and Anna finds out why as the days pass.
Was her mother wrong, though?
The characters all seemed lovable and were folks you would want to have in your life except for a few of them.
As you read, you will feel the warmth of the small town, but also the grudges that some characters can’t let go of.
The blackbird legend was interesting, and the blackbird pies sounded yummy even though Anna was still trying to figure out the secret ingredient her grandmother would never reveal.
Midnight in Wicklow was magical because of the legend of the blackbirds and what they did for those who ate the pie and heard them singing.
MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE was a cozy, nostalgic read that will have you wanting to be in that adorable, loving town and visiting The Blackbird Cafe.
The book was also filled with secrets, characters with regrets, love, and characters who will steal your heart.
If you need an uplifting read, be sure to put MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE on your reading list.
A truly enjoyable, sweet read that will have you examining your choices and have you reaching for the tissue box because of the hominess and love oozing from the pages. 5/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2018
This was one of those books that pulls you in before you even realize it's happened. I started it, thought I liked it fine but didn't love it, kept reading it, and then put it down for a few hours - and my thoughts kept wandering back to it. Turns out I liked it a lot more than I first thought. It seems fitting, almost, given the trajectory and plot of the book, and the recurring theme of the central town taking hold of you and not letting you go.
August 12, 2019
I did not love this book. I gagged a couple times at how cheesy it was and nothing interesting happens the whole time. I was extremely bored and the only reason I finished it was because it was an audio book or else I would have never finished. It was painful to try to force myself through and I don’t mean to be harsh but this was not even close to my cup of tea. If you like cheesy books that seem like a hallmark movie this may be for you but if you’re a couple chapters in and you’re not feeling it, leave it alone because the whole book is the same way.
April 10, 2021
Pros:
- Cosy.
- Safe.
- Fluffy.
- Sweet.
- Likeable characters.
- Great narrators.
- Gorgeous cover.
Cons:
- Predictable.
- Y'all need some therapy.
- Wear your goddam seatbelts!
This book is like a Hallmark movie with a dash of sorrow and grief thrown in to make it a bit more deep. In many ways it isn't much deeper though. It ends perfectly tied up with a cute little bow - just like you would expect it to.
I started out really liking this book, but as certain subjects kept being repeated over and over without much forward movement I gradually lost my initial interest.
The main character, Anna Kate, keeps saying she's going to medical school - but of course she won't. The moment she first mentions it you just know she's never going to go to medical school because obviously she'll end up staying to take care of the café.
It's not even a spoiler. It could be written all over the cover, that's how obvious it is.
In many ways she wouldn't even be suitable as a doctor, if you ask me, so I kept rolling my eyes every time the subject came up.
Many of the issues and problems Anna Kate has created for herself is made up by her own mind. She has this notion that just because she belongs to a certain family she must act and think in a certain way - so she does.
She's made a promise to her mother. Ok. Fine. We get it. Mama is dead, but you're still going to go through with medical school. Because being miserable and taking on massive student loans and choosing a career you actually don't want sounds so reasonable and clever. Your dear mommy must really have wanted you to hate your life instead of being happy. Yeah. Makes perfect sense why you are dead set on honouring the promise instead of thinking for yourself and of your future happiness. *insert epic eyeroll here*
In spite of my complaints above I mostly quite liked Anna Kate. I also liked Natalie and her little girl. The only issue I had with them were that the voices in the audiobook made Natalie sound younger than Anna Kate when it should have been the other way around. Both narrators were great though so that's not a real complaint, more something I found a bit amusing.
The magic pie bothers me a bit. Everyone talks about it and it's a "big thing", sort of, in the background of the book, but the ones that seem like they maybe should eat it (of course) do not eat it. (I'm looking at both Anna Kate and Natalie here.) I couldn't really get my head around that. The pie played practically no part in how Anna Kate or Natalie handled anything in their lives. It filled more or less no function for the main characters.
The book wouldn't be much different if the pie had absolutely zero magic in it. It could just as easily have been normal pie and the interactions between the characters and their relationships would have stayed exactly the same.
Like in any feelgood Hallmark movie both women find a man in the end. It's not a big deal, but ... you know ... They (of course) couldn't end up alone without one while supporting each other instead?
- Cosy.
- Safe.
- Fluffy.
- Sweet.
- Likeable characters.
- Great narrators.
- Gorgeous cover.
Cons:
- Predictable.
- Y'all need some therapy.
- Wear your goddam seatbelts!
This book is like a Hallmark movie with a dash of sorrow and grief thrown in to make it a bit more deep. In many ways it isn't much deeper though. It ends perfectly tied up with a cute little bow - just like you would expect it to.
I started out really liking this book, but as certain subjects kept being repeated over and over without much forward movement I gradually lost my initial interest.
The main character, Anna Kate, keeps saying she's going to medical school - but of course she won't. The moment she first mentions it you just know she's never going to go to medical school because obviously she'll end up staying to take care of the café.
It's not even a spoiler. It could be written all over the cover, that's how obvious it is.
In many ways she wouldn't even be suitable as a doctor, if you ask me, so I kept rolling my eyes every time the subject came up.
Many of the issues and problems Anna Kate has created for herself is made up by her own mind. She has this notion that just because she belongs to a certain family she must act and think in a certain way - so she does.
She's made a promise to her mother. Ok. Fine. We get it. Mama is dead, but you're still going to go through with medical school. Because being miserable and taking on massive student loans and choosing a career you actually don't want sounds so reasonable and clever. Your dear mommy must really have wanted you to hate your life instead of being happy. Yeah. Makes perfect sense why you are dead set on honouring the promise instead of thinking for yourself and of your future happiness. *insert epic eyeroll here*
In spite of my complaints above I mostly quite liked Anna Kate. I also liked Natalie and her little girl. The only issue I had with them were that the voices in the audiobook made Natalie sound younger than Anna Kate when it should have been the other way around. Both narrators were great though so that's not a real complaint, more something I found a bit amusing.
The magic pie bothers me a bit. Everyone talks about it and it's a "big thing", sort of, in the background of the book, but the ones that seem like they maybe should eat it (of course) do not eat it. (I'm looking at both Anna Kate and Natalie here.) I couldn't really get my head around that. The pie played practically no part in how Anna Kate or Natalie handled anything in their lives. It filled more or less no function for the main characters.
The book wouldn't be much different if the pie had absolutely zero magic in it. It could just as easily have been normal pie and the interactions between the characters and their relationships would have stayed exactly the same.
Like in any feelgood Hallmark movie both women find a man in the end. It's not a big deal, but ... you know ... They (of course) couldn't end up alone without one while supporting each other instead?
April 21, 2019
I love this book. I have been a fan of Heather Blake/Heather Webber for almost ten years. I love her paranormal cozy and gardening cozy series, but this is a whole new kind of love of a story from this author. If you need a comparison to a style or genre for this book, think along the lines of Sarah Addison Allen or Fannie Flagg. It's described as Southern magical realism, but it's also about relationships, forgiveness, hurt, growth, change, coming home, love, friendship, understanding....
I loved the acceptance of things as they were, though some had a rough path to follow to get there.
There are two or more voices telling the story and it's well done. It moves the story along and each voice must be heard. The small town is full of people who have a voice in the story too and they are heard.
I know this is a stand-alone novel, but how I wish it were the start of a series. Or the town of Wicklow really existed so I could visit and see the blackbirds, visit the Blackbird Cafe and meet Anna Kate, Ollie, Natalie, Seelie, Cam, Gideon, Faylene, grumpy Mr. Lazenby...
I absolutely, positively can highly recommend this book and this author.
I loved the acceptance of things as they were, though some had a rough path to follow to get there.
There are two or more voices telling the story and it's well done. It moves the story along and each voice must be heard. The small town is full of people who have a voice in the story too and they are heard.
I know this is a stand-alone novel, but how I wish it were the start of a series. Or the town of Wicklow really existed so I could visit and see the blackbirds, visit the Blackbird Cafe and meet Anna Kate, Ollie, Natalie, Seelie, Cam, Gideon, Faylene, grumpy Mr. Lazenby...
I absolutely, positively can highly recommend this book and this author.
March 25, 2020
Oh boy, this was a wonderful read and a reminder why I love to read. The story centers around Anna Kate whose grandmother, Zee, just passed away. Zee's will requires Anna Kate to stay and run the Blackbird Cafe for two months. She is eager to get through the time but she soon learns about her family and the secrets they keep. The story reveals itself with patience as new characters are introduced but they're essential to Anna Kate's purpose. I loved this story and was excited to discover a new author. I look forward to more
March 9, 2023
Anna Kate Callow has returned to the small Alabama town of Wicklow to bury Zee, her beloved Grandmother. The plan is to close The Blackbird Cafe which Zee owned, settle her grandmother's estate and return to her life in Boston looking toward going to medical school. All her life Anna Kate has been kept away from her father’s side of the family, largely because of the way they treated her mother when AJ died in a car accident when he and Eden were dating. There are those in the Linden family who blame Eden for AJ’s death and they are unforgiving.
Despite her best intentions to keep her distance, Anna Kate feels herself drawn to the quirky Southern town and the mystery surrounding the blackbirds and the mysterious blackbird pie. As the truth emerges about the past Anna Kate has a decision to make that could change the course of her life. But will she make the right choice?
This is a story of family, grief and loss, alienation, grudges and some things like the blackbirds and pies with their messages, that are more than a little surreal. Anna Kate is easy to like as is Natalie, the other main character through whom the story is told. The town abounds with a cast of quirky characters and the story surrounding the blackbirds, the messages and relationships in the town make for intriguing reading. You just need a good dose of suspension of disbelief to really enjoy this book. I loved it.
Highly engaging Southern Fiction with largely likeable characters, a great setting and a bit of romance as well as a lot about families and secrets. I am not always a fan of magic realism, but in some cases it works. This is one of them. A bit predictable but still a really good read. My second book by this author and I had enjoyed both. A book a bit out of the ordinary.
Despite her best intentions to keep her distance, Anna Kate feels herself drawn to the quirky Southern town and the mystery surrounding the blackbirds and the mysterious blackbird pie. As the truth emerges about the past Anna Kate has a decision to make that could change the course of her life. But will she make the right choice?
This is a story of family, grief and loss, alienation, grudges and some things like the blackbirds and pies with their messages, that are more than a little surreal. Anna Kate is easy to like as is Natalie, the other main character through whom the story is told. The town abounds with a cast of quirky characters and the story surrounding the blackbirds, the messages and relationships in the town make for intriguing reading. You just need a good dose of suspension of disbelief to really enjoy this book. I loved it.
Highly engaging Southern Fiction with largely likeable characters, a great setting and a bit of romance as well as a lot about families and secrets. I am not always a fan of magic realism, but in some cases it works. This is one of them. A bit predictable but still a really good read. My second book by this author and I had enjoyed both. A book a bit out of the ordinary.
March 7, 2020
It's difficult not to draw parallels between this story and, Fried Green Tomatoes, another of my favorites. A debut novel by a talented author, the themes of forgiveness, discovery and small town living are key. Light hearted, evocative and heart warming its stories like these that remind us of the joy reading brings. ".. Under midnight skies, blackbirds sing loving notes baked in pies.." There's no faults to be found here, nor are there any missteps. Put simply, this is a marvelous book filled with insights and joy, written by someone with great promise!
August 31, 2024
Halloween Bingo 2024
This book lingered on my TBR for two years and I wish I'd read it sooner. It is beautiful. (And I have a bit of a thing about healing-from-grief books.) I had added it to my list because the title and the cover enchanted me. When I plunged in and realized how many birders were involved, I felt like it was written just for me.
I have kind of a hazy understanding of magical realism. But this story, with its mysterious rare blackbirds that only appear in the mulberry trees from midnight to one a.m. and the special pies that allow the consumer to dream of the dead, helped me understand the concept. (The pie concept reminded me a lot of Jeffrey Ford's short story The Drowned Life, where drinking a shot of liquor made from deathberries allowed the drinker to visit with a departed loved one for one more time. I loved it too.)
Why is it that the American South works so well for these kind of novels? I think that's what I'll be pondering for the next while. I've read so many Southern gothic type books and it just seems to fit naturally.
“I admit I'm sad that there might not be more pies, but they've already given me the lesson I needed to learn from them.”
“What's that?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“That a person you love is never truly gone--they're always there, whether it's in a memory….or in a dream"
Or in a heart.
Read for the Magical Realism square of my Bingo card.
This book lingered on my TBR for two years and I wish I'd read it sooner. It is beautiful. (And I have a bit of a thing about healing-from-grief books.) I had added it to my list because the title and the cover enchanted me. When I plunged in and realized how many birders were involved, I felt like it was written just for me.
I have kind of a hazy understanding of magical realism. But this story, with its mysterious rare blackbirds that only appear in the mulberry trees from midnight to one a.m. and the special pies that allow the consumer to dream of the dead, helped me understand the concept. (The pie concept reminded me a lot of Jeffrey Ford's short story The Drowned Life, where drinking a shot of liquor made from deathberries allowed the drinker to visit with a departed loved one for one more time. I loved it too.)
Why is it that the American South works so well for these kind of novels? I think that's what I'll be pondering for the next while. I've read so many Southern gothic type books and it just seems to fit naturally.
“I admit I'm sad that there might not be more pies, but they've already given me the lesson I needed to learn from them.”
“What's that?” I asked, genuinely curious.
“That a person you love is never truly gone--they're always there, whether it's in a memory….or in a dream"
Or in a heart.
Read for the Magical Realism square of my Bingo card.
July 24, 2020
This book is beautiful, and that’s all I knew about it when I bought it. In the end, it was disappointing for me. I didn’t connect with the story, or any of the characters. It’s the story of two women struggling to find themselves amidst tragedy and outside expectations, which is the set up for a great book. There’s bits that are written from the perspective of a reporter interviewing the people of the town to get information about the flock of blackbirds that appear every night at midnight, but rather than adding something to the story, I felt it took away. Each time I felt taken out of the story. It’s magical realism, but so much of the magic was just sort of pushed aside for everything else that is going on. I liked the atmosphere and characters, but there is something missing. I was hoping for something more. Something profound. I feel like it doesn’t deliver as much as it could have. I found myself struggling through the book, not feeling the depth of character or the flow as interesting enough to keep me pulled in. I’m left just wanting more. And, in all honesty, I hated the nice little bow the ending is wrapped up in. It is what I would consider a “happy” book. 3 stars.
September 6, 2023
4.5 Stars for Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe (audiobook) by Heather Webber read by Bethany Lind, Nicholas Techosky and Stephanie Willis.
This is a fun and heartwarming story with a little bit of magic thrown in. And maybe even a little romance too.
This is a fun and heartwarming story with a little bit of magic thrown in. And maybe even a little romance too.
February 10, 2022
Solid 3.5 stars - loved the little hints of magic in the book!
January 18, 2020
5 Stars
*A heartwarming and powerful story about family, community, and the joy of food*
I was still in mood for more Magical Realism after reading Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune. Midnight at the Blackbird Café caught my eye. I’ve read some of Webber’s other books and enjoyed them. But I was surprised by the different direction she went with Midnight at the Blackbird Café. Surprised in a good way! I expected to like this book; I didn’t expect for it to resonate so deeply with me. But I was completely engrossed by this tale of grief and estrangement. All throughout reading this book, I felt the author’s genuine grief flowing through her words. And that called out to the grief in my own heart over the loss of a loved one.
The story alternates between two women on opposite sides of a family rift both dealing with grief and life changes. With the help of a memorable cast of characters and some very special pie, both women will work to heal their community and themselves. The story reminded me of The Girl Who Chased the Moon including the estranged family member returning to a small southern town and the Magical Realism centered on food. I loved my time in the little town of Wicklow!
A few weeks after I read this book, I met Heather Webber at Books by the Banks and got to listen to her on an author panel as well. She is such a kind and genuine person. As I guessed, there was personal grief behind this story. It was touching to hear her talk about how this story came about. One of the inspirations for this book was the song “Blackbirds” by The Beetles.
Webber said she imagined what those blackbirds would sing to us; maybe they would bring messages from departed loved ones. And thus Midnight at the Blackbird Café was born. As soon as she said that, it made perfect sense. I could clearly see how the song inspired this story. And I loved that tie in because The Beetles are one of my favorite bands. Midnight at the Blackbird Café grew beyond something just inspired by a song and into its own entity. I loved this heartwarming, poignant story!
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 5 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars
*A heartwarming and powerful story about family, community, and the joy of food*
I was still in mood for more Magical Realism after reading Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune. Midnight at the Blackbird Café caught my eye. I’ve read some of Webber’s other books and enjoyed them. But I was surprised by the different direction she went with Midnight at the Blackbird Café. Surprised in a good way! I expected to like this book; I didn’t expect for it to resonate so deeply with me. But I was completely engrossed by this tale of grief and estrangement. All throughout reading this book, I felt the author’s genuine grief flowing through her words. And that called out to the grief in my own heart over the loss of a loved one.
“The past can’t be changed. There’s no getting over it or putting it behind us. We live it and breathe it, keeping the anger alive, fanning its flames. There’s no way to overcome it.”
The story alternates between two women on opposite sides of a family rift both dealing with grief and life changes. With the help of a memorable cast of characters and some very special pie, both women will work to heal their community and themselves. The story reminded me of The Girl Who Chased the Moon including the estranged family member returning to a small southern town and the Magical Realism centered on food. I loved my time in the little town of Wicklow!
A few weeks after I read this book, I met Heather Webber at Books by the Banks and got to listen to her on an author panel as well. She is such a kind and genuine person. As I guessed, there was personal grief behind this story. It was touching to hear her talk about how this story came about. One of the inspirations for this book was the song “Blackbirds” by The Beetles.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free
Webber said she imagined what those blackbirds would sing to us; maybe they would bring messages from departed loved ones. And thus Midnight at the Blackbird Café was born. As soon as she said that, it made perfect sense. I could clearly see how the song inspired this story. And I loved that tie in because The Beetles are one of my favorite bands. Midnight at the Blackbird Café grew beyond something just inspired by a song and into its own entity. I loved this heartwarming, poignant story!
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 5 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars
March 20, 2023
This book has all the elements of a Hallmark movie.
The small town of Wicklow has a way of holding onto you, of drawing you back.
After Anna Kate's father dies in a car accident her mom, secretly pregnant with her at the time, chooses to leave her hometown behind and become a traveling nurse to avoid accusations from his family who blamed her for his death.
Years later, Anna Kate is now about to start college, her mother has passed away, and she is called to Wicklow for the first time in her life to settle her grandmother Zee's estate. In her will Zee outlines that Anna Kate must stay in Wicklow and run the cafe for a certain amount of time before she can sell. During this time she becomes close with the people in Wicklow as she learns more about her father, her family and blackbird pie.
The small town of Wicklow has a way of holding onto you, of drawing you back.
After Anna Kate's father dies in a car accident her mom, secretly pregnant with her at the time, chooses to leave her hometown behind and become a traveling nurse to avoid accusations from his family who blamed her for his death.
Years later, Anna Kate is now about to start college, her mother has passed away, and she is called to Wicklow for the first time in her life to settle her grandmother Zee's estate. In her will Zee outlines that Anna Kate must stay in Wicklow and run the cafe for a certain amount of time before she can sell. During this time she becomes close with the people in Wicklow as she learns more about her father, her family and blackbird pie.
March 14, 2024
While in town for her grandmother’s funeral, Anna Kate learns that in order to fully inherit her Granny Zee's Blackbird Café, she must run it for two months. Meanwhile, Natalie, a young widow and mother to a two year daughter, Ollie, has returned to the small, southern town where she grew up and where everybody knows everybody... and their business. Natalie doesn’t get along with her mother but has nowhere else to go. Besides being new to Wicklow, what else do the two women have in common? How will their lives intersect and intertwine?
Last but not least, there are also four and twenty rare blackbirds who live in a mulberry tree right outside the café. How do they play into the story? And is it true that the blackbird pie served at the cafe is magical and provides those who eat it with a special message from a deceased loved one?
"Under midnight skies, Blackbirds sing, Loving notes, Baked in pies, Under midnight skies."
I "flocking" LOVED this rich, vibrant, and charming story that touched on so many themes including love, grief, romance, forgiveness, and letting go of past hurts. This book left me craving sweet tea, sad to leave Wicklow's inhabitants, and yearning to taste blackbird pie in order to receive a message from my own dearly departed mother. The book's dedication definitely applies to me: "For everyone who wishes they could eat a piece of blackbird pie."
"A person you love is never truly gone—they're always there, whether it's in a memory... or a dream... or in a heart."
Location: Wicklow, Alabama
"I stepped inside [the library] and immediately felt at ease, as though in the presence of close friends among the many books with their colorful spines, the towering wooden shelves, and the scent of old paper, mustiness, and memories."
"When I left [Wicklow], I didn't have to pack that heavy hatred along with my quilt."
Apple Pie Recipe
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Last but not least, there are also four and twenty rare blackbirds who live in a mulberry tree right outside the café. How do they play into the story? And is it true that the blackbird pie served at the cafe is magical and provides those who eat it with a special message from a deceased loved one?
"Under midnight skies, Blackbirds sing, Loving notes, Baked in pies, Under midnight skies."
I "flocking" LOVED this rich, vibrant, and charming story that touched on so many themes including love, grief, romance, forgiveness, and letting go of past hurts. This book left me craving sweet tea, sad to leave Wicklow's inhabitants, and yearning to taste blackbird pie in order to receive a message from my own dearly departed mother. The book's dedication definitely applies to me: "For everyone who wishes they could eat a piece of blackbird pie."
"A person you love is never truly gone—they're always there, whether it's in a memory... or a dream... or in a heart."
Location: Wicklow, Alabama
"I stepped inside [the library] and immediately felt at ease, as though in the presence of close friends among the many books with their colorful spines, the towering wooden shelves, and the scent of old paper, mustiness, and memories."
"When I left [Wicklow], I didn't have to pack that heavy hatred along with my quilt."
Apple Pie Recipe
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2020
Once my concerns about people eating blackbirds in a pie were relieved (they are not) - I leaned easier into the story the author tells through her characters.
It's a southern mystical magical tale, with romance woven in, with family restorations and pie. Fluffy, a little slow, and from which I was easily pulled away. I had to concentrate to finish, and called the ending before I got there - still I stayed to the end and felt relatively satisfied once there. I felt happy for all the characters and their loops closed.
Upon reflection, though, in these days of #BLM, I heard mention of no one of color, from this story in the south. I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that one or more of these characters weren't other than white, but all of their behaviors, cares and concerns were operating from a place of assumed acceptance and access even in their areas of struggle, and so that's how I read them. Does anyone else do this? Judge a tale by discovering I'm in the middle of the focus demographic?
Hmm.
Again - good story. Worth your time if you are looking for light, fluffy romance in the white south.
3 stars.
It's a southern mystical magical tale, with romance woven in, with family restorations and pie. Fluffy, a little slow, and from which I was easily pulled away. I had to concentrate to finish, and called the ending before I got there - still I stayed to the end and felt relatively satisfied once there. I felt happy for all the characters and their loops closed.
Upon reflection, though, in these days of #BLM, I heard mention of no one of color, from this story in the south. I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean that one or more of these characters weren't other than white, but all of their behaviors, cares and concerns were operating from a place of assumed acceptance and access even in their areas of struggle, and so that's how I read them. Does anyone else do this? Judge a tale by discovering I'm in the middle of the focus demographic?
Hmm.
Again - good story. Worth your time if you are looking for light, fluffy romance in the white south.
3 stars.
January 5, 2022
A sweet, cute mix of contemporary "women's fiction" and magical realism to kick off my 2022 reads with "Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe."
This book was a wholesome read about a broken family mending old wounds in a small southern town that's rife with charm. Heather Webber did a great job painting the image of Wicklow, Alabama into existence. I really loved the elements of her writing about the cafe with all of its delicious dishes. She really tapped into my senses.
The magical realism aspect of this book was done in a way that I found to be believable and made for a great story. It wasn't anything too fantastical, and I certainly wish that I had a couple pieces of Blackbird pie myself.
There were some portions of the book that felt a little clunky and formal. Some characters had pretty rigid dialogue that came across a bit too "self help-y" to be natural. It didn't ruin the book for me though, it was just something I had to accept and get used to.
All in all, a great read that gave me what I was hoping to get out of it!
This book was a wholesome read about a broken family mending old wounds in a small southern town that's rife with charm. Heather Webber did a great job painting the image of Wicklow, Alabama into existence. I really loved the elements of her writing about the cafe with all of its delicious dishes. She really tapped into my senses.
The magical realism aspect of this book was done in a way that I found to be believable and made for a great story. It wasn't anything too fantastical, and I certainly wish that I had a couple pieces of Blackbird pie myself.
There were some portions of the book that felt a little clunky and formal. Some characters had pretty rigid dialogue that came across a bit too "self help-y" to be natural. It didn't ruin the book for me though, it was just something I had to accept and get used to.
All in all, a great read that gave me what I was hoping to get out of it!
December 23, 2019
This was a cute, sweet read. I really enjoyed it.
This was the first book I read by Heather Webber. I found her writing to be engaging and the story was cute and sweet. I enjoyed getting to know all of the various characters living in the little town of Wicklow in Alabama.
This is a lighter read. The themes of relationships and following your path in life never felt too heavy. There is certainly loss of loved ones and people that were hurt and resentful, but it is more a story of growth, community, and belonging. It is a great book to curl up with on a rainy or snowy day and just read the day away.
There was also a bit of magical realism, which you know right away from the blurb. I didn't think that this aspect ever became too much, but was cute and tied in with some of the heavier themes in the book.
Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable book and I am interested in reading more by this author.
This was the first book I read by Heather Webber. I found her writing to be engaging and the story was cute and sweet. I enjoyed getting to know all of the various characters living in the little town of Wicklow in Alabama.
This is a lighter read. The themes of relationships and following your path in life never felt too heavy. There is certainly loss of loved ones and people that were hurt and resentful, but it is more a story of growth, community, and belonging. It is a great book to curl up with on a rainy or snowy day and just read the day away.
There was also a bit of magical realism, which you know right away from the blurb. I didn't think that this aspect ever became too much, but was cute and tied in with some of the heavier themes in the book.
Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable book and I am interested in reading more by this author.
January 6, 2021
Four strong stars!
This book gave you all the feels. Seriously, I just wanted to go sit in The Blackbird Cafe where “everyone knows your name and they’re always glad you came.”
Anna Kate returns to Wicklow when her beloved Granny Zee passes away. She commits to running her cafe until her grandmother’s estate is settled, then she will return to the city to finish her medical degree. She unravels the mysteries on the blackbirds and the special pie that her Granny served, which is rumoured to allow you to dream of loved ones that have passed on.
I loved how this book centered around being present and recognising signs of angels in disguise . When you look for good you will find it in unexpected ways. The little clues and the feelings that we are not alone in our grief as we journey in this life. This book had a whole lot of realism but mainly was a good old-fashioned book.
The cover of this book 😍should also not be overlooked. 🐦 🥧
Simple, charming and moving.
This book gave you all the feels. Seriously, I just wanted to go sit in The Blackbird Cafe where “everyone knows your name and they’re always glad you came.”
Anna Kate returns to Wicklow when her beloved Granny Zee passes away. She commits to running her cafe until her grandmother’s estate is settled, then she will return to the city to finish her medical degree. She unravels the mysteries on the blackbirds and the special pie that her Granny served, which is rumoured to allow you to dream of loved ones that have passed on.
I loved how this book centered around being present and recognising signs of angels in disguise . When you look for good you will find it in unexpected ways. The little clues and the feelings that we are not alone in our grief as we journey in this life. This book had a whole lot of realism but mainly was a good old-fashioned book.
The cover of this book 😍should also not be overlooked. 🐦 🥧
Simple, charming and moving.
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