Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe : A Novel (Hardcover)

Thank you to Bookish First for providing me a copy of this book to review. This review is not in any way influenced by the author or publisher. “Midnight at the Blackbird Café” is a magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm book. The main character Anna Kate; returns to Wicklow, Alabama for the first time since she was a child. She there only long enough to run the café long enough to collect from her grandmother's estate before closing the famous Blackbird Café – famous for the Blackbird Pie, a pie with mystical connections. It's said that if you eat a piece of the pie, you'll hear a message from a deceased loved one in their song. Most of the townsfolk believe it. And, most have experienced it. Anna Kate is also interested in her past and why her mother left Wicklow before Anna Kate was born. Then there is Natalie who has returned with her own heartache as well. Not only the loss of her older brother but her husband. Both women share an interesting connection. But, Anna Kate wants to avoid her estranged family based on how they treated her mother after an accident. There are also the birdwatchers who are intrigued by the blackbirds and what is going on with them. The more Anna Kate tries to think about leaving, the more she is drawn to the town. She's also drawn to healing – not just as a doctor, but with her cooking. Anna Kate also learns more about her heritage and the accident that claimed her father's life. As she grows closer to the people in the town, she sees what is meant by Wicklow tends to take hold. And, as she contemplates her future – a tragedy will force her to reconsider what she wants as opposed to promises made. This was a delightful and fun read. I do wish that there had been a recipe for the Blackbird Pie in the book as it sounded wonderful. I enjoyed the relationships between Anna Kate and Natalie, as well the others in the book. In the beginning it was overwhelming with all the characters thrown in and together. I enjoyed watching how Anna Kate seemed to take on the responsibility thrust upon her and how well she interacted with the customers, the birdwatchers, Gideon, and the Blackbird Café staff. This is a wonderful story that can double as a romance.