A Sweet Escape with “Kate Landry Has a Plan”
As an avid fan of heartfelt and humorous romances, I was beyond excited to dive into “Kate Landry Has a Plan,” the second installment of the Beignets for Two series by Rebekah Millet. After falling head over heels for the first book, “Julia Monroe Begins Again,” I couldn’t help but wonder how Kate’s story would unfold. Did I go in with a bias, expecting another Julia? Absolutely. But once I recalibrated, the magic of Kate’s world swept me off my feet, earning this delightful read a solid 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)!
Kate Landry, a 40-year-old single aunt, is a joyfully complex character, juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with her ambitions as a café owner. After losing her sister Claire in a tragic accident, Kate finds herself as the sole guardian of her 13-year-old niece, Hayley. The pressure of balancing grief, family dynamics, and running a beignet shop is palpable, and Millet masterfully navigates these layers. I found myself resonating with Kate’s struggles and her heartfelt desire to honor her sister’s legacy while striving to create a loving home.
Enter Micah, Kate’s first kiss from middle school, who unexpectedly re-enters her life. Their rekindled friendship leads to charming moments filled with flirtation and humorous miscommunication. There’s a delightful contrast in how Kate’s nerdy precision—complete with semi-parental helicopter tendencies—plays off against Micah’s whimsical nature. He’s got a flair for Hawaiian shirts that would make anyone chuckle, but it’s his unwavering support and swoon-worthy patience that truly captivate Kate—and the reader.
Millet’s writing style shines brightly, with a pace that keeps the narrative engaging and the humor well-placed. Kate’s quirky verbal blunders and her adoration for alliteration weave a unique voice into the fabric of the story, enhancing her relatability. One of my favorite quotes underscores this delightful banter: “He’d taken the question marks I’d had of his interest in me and replaced them with exclamation marks. Exclamation marks in bold font.” This encapsulates the joyous tension that punctuates their slow-burn romance—a dance of emotions both tender and comedic.
Beyond the romantic entanglements, the novel deftly tackles heavier themes like grief and self-discovery. Kate’s journey toward accepting her past while opening herself up to love again is portrayed with authenticity and depth. The banter with Julia and the camaraderie among the café staff adds to the rich tapestry, grounding the storyline in an authentic New Orleans atmosphere that I adored immersing myself in.
As I turned the last page, I couldn’t help but wish I had a plate of beignets on hand. So, if you’re a fan of cozy romances that delve into personal growth amidst laughter and a touch of sass, this book is for you. Rebekah Millet has crafted a delightful escape that blends heart and humor beautifully. I’m already looking forward to reliving this experience with the audiobook—I think I’ll make those beignets after all!
“Kate Landry Has a Plan” releases on March 18, 2025, and I sincerely thank Bethany House and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. Grab your copy, and allow yourself to fall in love with those playful exclamation marks that define Kate’s heartwarming journey!
Discover more about Kate Landry Has a Plan (Beignets for Two, #2) on GoodReads >>