A TALE OF SELF-DISCOVERY & FRIENDSHIP -- A REVIEW

Rachel and Sara Beth have been best friends forever. Ever since their school days their lives have moved along parallel paths, wishing upon stars and celebrating birthdays together. Like their fortieth birthday, which they're celebrating in Manhattan: staying at The Plaza; planning outings, like breakfast at Tiffany's; climbing to the top of the Empire State Building; and just sharing the moments.

But something happens on their first day that changes the course of their lives for months to come. While eating lunch, Sara Beth gets up to go to the rest room...and then disappears.

Later, the waiter delivers a note asking Rachel to give her time; she needs to get away; please don't call anyone.

Frantically the search begins, however, since Rachel cannot just go on without trying to find her. She meets up with a mounted police officer named Michael, who gives her advice and then starts helping her look.

Throughout this wonderfully layered story, we can identify with one woman's quest to find herself by pulling and tugging at the threads of the life she's created. She explores the what-ifs, the roads not taken. She tries to deal with the loss of her mother and the loss of a special shared dream. Meanwhile, the frayed connections between the two friends take Rachel along another path. A journey of her own that will lead to unexpected joy.

Whole Latte Life is a lyrical, poetic foray into finding oneself and renewing old ties. It is a tale of loss, grief, and healing. It is a story that reminds the reader of the importance of family, friendship, and love. Five stars.

***

Author Joanne DeMaio:

Joanne DeMaio is an author, exploring through her writing the journey to living a fulfilling life.  Her novel WHOLE LATTE LIFE is now an Amazon best seller in Women's Fiction/Friendship.  In addition, her music essays have appeared in literary journals, celebrating her passion for song, in print.  Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut, where the coffee is always brewing, either in her country kitchen or a favorite coffee shop, and the talk is ever flowing over a fresh cup of java.

***

Joanne Says:

I am an author of contemporary women's fiction and nonfiction, exploring the mother-daughter relationship and themes of friendship, made fresh through coffee branding.

I try to bring the feelings associated with coffee to the page.  My hope is that you will find comfort, peace, dialogue, and friendship in all my work.   

***

Check our more at Joanne's website.