Mountain Bean Dream by H.M. Shander: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

A shy motel owner, a pun-loving barista, and one wildly funny plan collide in this heartwarming rom-com. Sometimes the best love stories are brewed, not planned.

Molly Griffith gave up the spotlight for quiet mornings as the pun-loving barista at Jasper’s Coffee Loft. Life is simple and sweet—until her boyfriend-turned-ex flaunts his big-city dreams and new job. Desperate to save face, Molly crafts a bold plan: a fake boyfriend, brewed with just the right amount of jealousy and a dash of local charm.

Her top choice? Jeremy Wentworth.

The shy motel owner who never misses his morning coffee, Jeremy reluctantly agrees, and their staged romance quickly heats up with crossword puzzles, a laugh-out-loud cosplay trivia night, and an unexpected trip to the ER. But as Molly finds herself savoring his quiet humour and tender smiles, she starts to wonder: is this still pretend, or is her heart percolating for real?

When an unexpected twist threatens to spill the beans on Molly’s quiet life, she faces a choice: run again or brew a cup of faith in having found what truly perks her up.

The Author

USA TODAY bestselling author H.M. Shander is a star-gazing, romantic at heart who once attended Space Camp and wanted to pilot the space shuttle, not just any STS – specifically Columbia (and it's loss was deeply upsetting). However, the only shuttle she operates in her real world is the #momtaxi; a speedy electric car that transports her two kids to school, work, and whatever sporting events they are involved in. When she’s not commandeering Elektra, you can find the elementary school librarian surrounded by classes of children as she reads the best storybooks in multiple voices and tries desperately to remember each of the 700+ student names to make them feel special.

After she’s tucked her endearing kids into bed and kissed her trophy husband goodnight, she moonlights as a contemporary romance novelist; the writer of sassy heroines and sweet, swoon-worthy 'cinnamon-roll' type heroes who find love in the darkest of places.

She knows and speaks four languages (two exceptionally well); English, French, some American Sign Language, and Sarcasm, some of which serve her well within her variety of real world jobs (in no particular order) as Wife, Mother, Birth Doula, Teacher, and Librarian (and countless others). Despite how busy her life can be, there is always time to watch the sun rise, try to catch a rainbow, wish on stars, and listen to the robins sing.

She can be reached at hmshander@gmail.com, followed on Goodreads, and would love to read your comments about her novels.

Book Review

Mountain Bean Dream is part of The Coffee Loft: Mountain Brew Collection. This is a multi-author series of standalone novels, which each book featuring a Coffee Loft shop. 

If you love a quiet MMC, secret identity, fake dating and ALL the coffee puns... this one is definitely one you'll want to add to your TBR. This was such a cute read and another great addition to the Coffee Loft series. Molly grew up in the spotlight and is now living a secret, quiet life as a barista. When she breaks up with her boyfriend, she comes up with a plan to make him jealous at an upcoming event by bringing a fake boyfriend--- the quiet inn owner/Coffee Loft regular. These two had a really sweet and easy chemistry between them that I couldn't help but enjoy... I loved his love of trivia and puzzles, and how that all weaved into the story so very well. It was definitely a bit of a slower burn, but certainly worth the payoff. It was a quick and cozy read that had me smiling throughout. 

Mountain Bean Dream is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3PlNqKy