Book Review: You're the Cream in My Coffee by Jennifer Lamont Leo

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Title: You're the Cream in My Coffee

Author: Jennifer Lamont Leo

Series: Roaring Twenties #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Young Adult/Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1928, Chicago rocks to the rhythm of the Jazz Age, and Prohibition is in full swing. Small-town girl Marjorie Corrigan, visiting the city for the first time, has sworn that coffee's the strongest drink that will pass her lips. But her quiet, orderly life turns topsy-turvy when she spots her high school sweetheart - presumed killed in the Great War - alive and well in a train station. Suddenly everything is up for grabs. 

Although the stranger insists he's not who she thinks he is, Marjorie becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. To the dismay of her fiancé and family, she moves to the city and takes a job at a department store so she can spy on him. Meanwhile, the glittering world of her roommate, Dot, begins to look awfully enticing - especially when the object of her obsession seems to be part of that world. Is it really so terrible to bob her hair and shorten her skirt? To visit a speakeasy? Just for a cup of coffee, of course. 

But what about her scruples? What about the successful young doctor to whom she's engaged, who keeps begging her to come back home where she belongs? And what, exactly, is going on at the store's loading dock so late at night? 

Amid a whirlwind of trials and temptations, Marjorie must make a choice. Will the mystery man prove to be the cream in her coffee - the missing ingredient to the life she yearns for? Or will he leave only bitterness in her heart?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

Ah, this was such a fun, thoughtful, and sweet read! You're the Cream in My Coffee by Jennifer Lamont Leo swept me right into the 1920s-30s era and kept me reading late into the night more than once. It had a little uniqueness from the average historical fiction, and a meaningful message and faith theme. And it was just completely adorable! *all the heart eyes* I loved Majorie and her journey. Dot, Charlie, Peter, Helen, Pop ... *hugs them all* I would love to read more. You're the Cream in My Coffee was exciting, authentic, wistful, and humorous, with a dash of mystery and suspense. It kept me guessing on certain things, and had me giggling here and there.

The stores, bobbed hair, dancing, and art classes - so delightful.

My only concern about this book is a couple of the characters engaging in romances without completely knowing where the other stood on faith issues. I think the Bible is pretty clear about not marrying unbelievers, so it makes me uncomfortable (even if said characters do end up becoming Christians in the end, or whatever.)

But other than that, You're the Cream in My Coffee was a real pleasure to read. Beyond just being fun and intriguing, I appreciated the lessons learned and impressed by the forgiveness, gentleness, and such shown by characters.

 
I love this era, and hope to read more by Jennifer Lamont Leo!