The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

· Sold by Simon and Schuster
21 reviews
Ebook
336
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

A charming romantic comedy about a talented chef and the anonymous food critic who nearly destroys her restaurant—only to fall for her in real life—in this delightful enemies-to-lovers love story set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In downtown Milwaukee, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She balances the pressures of running a small business with wedding plans and a demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Meanwhile, witty yet gruff British transplant Al keeps himself employed—and entertained—by writing scathing restaurant reviews for the local newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s on the worst day of Lou’s life, he delivers a devastating critique: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service. The fallout could close her doors for good.

When Lou and Al later meet by chance in a pub, neither realizes they’re on opposite sides of a professional disaster. Sparks fly as they explore Milwaukee’s hidden culinary gems, bonding over food, second chances, and undeniable chemistry. But as Lou’s restaurant struggles and Al’s column gains momentum, the truth looms. When their mistaken identities are finally revealed, can love survive a betrayal served cold?

Set in the quirky, vibrant heart of Wisconsin, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is a feel-good, enemies-to-lovers romance about fresh starts, forgiveness, and the power of food to bring people together.
A charming romantic comedy about a talented chef and the anonymous food critic who nearly destroys her restaurant—only to fall for her in real life—in this delightful enemies-to-lovers love story set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In downtown Milwaukee, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet st...

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Ratings and reviews

21 reviews
Kristina Anderson
July 20, 2015
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert is a cute contemporary romance novel. Elizabeth Luella Johnson prefers to go by the name of Lou. She is the owner and chef of Luella’s restaurant. Lou is engaged to marry Devlin Pontellier, a lawyer. Devlin believes that Lou should give up the restaurant after they marry and be a stay at home mother (as well as cook meals for his clients and co-workers). Every time Devlin brings up marriage, Lou gets the willies (shouldn’t this give her a clue to how she really feels about him). Now Devlin is suggesting that they move in together. On Devlin’s birthday Lou is up early to make him her grandmother’s coconut cake. She gets the cake ready, gets him coffee, and favorite paper (and actually picks up his dry cleaning). On the way she runs into Al. Lou moves on, but Al continues to think about her. Then Al sees her a few minutes later looking upset and cake/frosting on her shoes. Lou walks into Devlin apartment to find him in his boxer’s and his assistant, Megan in Lou’s new negligee. Lou drops everything and walks out. That night Lou is a mess at her restaurant. She ruins everything she touches, but she refuses to stop cooking. That night the popular new food critic for the newspaper, A.W. Woodyski (Polish for water) is dining at Luella’s (he was given a card with a tip to try out the restaurant). The staff is inattentive, the service is slow, and the food inedible. A.W. Woodyski gives Luella’s a bad review. Turns out that A.W. Woodyski is Alastair “Al” Waters. Al is British and new to Milwaukee. It is the middle of winter, he is cold, does not know anyone, and is miserable. He let this affect his reviews and did not give the restaurant another chance before submitting his review. After the review comes out, Lou is sent with money to the local bar (no one wants her cooking). Al happens upon Lou (not knowing she is the chef of Luella’s). Lou agrees to show Al the good side of Milwaukee. They agree to not talk about their work (of course, she does not know he is a reviewer and he does not know that she is a chef). They spend the next few months exploring the city and getting to know each other. But you know what is going to happen when Lou discovers that Al wrote that review! To find out what happens, you will have to read The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is a charming and romantic book (it grew on me). I give The Coincidence of Coconut Cake 4 out of 5 stars. It is a little predictable, but I like the characters and storyline. There are many lengthy descriptions of food (will make you hungry). If you are looking for a sappy, romantic book, give The Coincidence of Coconut Cake a try. I received a complimentary copy of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
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Jennifer Graziano
May 21, 2025
A super Easy recipe is always newsworthy; meal preparation time consuming so equipment is more important than the recipe. To be impressed by cookbooks, its easy to cook is what to say. Its great when prep directions are printed on groceries. Kitchen appliance with heat an provide instruction manual. What are cookbooks for why are most alone? They might belong to fruit orchards in national parks. The solar system can eat fruit tree extract juice. Raw fruit & veggies meal side dish worsened to fish a sushi at diners and dives. Plus CBD & marijuana have kitchen space to be mixed in food
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Ritu Rattan
September 12, 2023
Loved reading this book. beautiful story line!
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About the author

Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, Luck, Love & Lemon Pie, The Simplicity of Cider, and The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her local library’s board of directors.
Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, Luck, Love & Lemon Pie, The Simplicity of Cider, and The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, and cider enthusiast, she e...

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