The named characters may be described differently but they all are written from one template. Everyone acts either effusive or uncertain, sometimes switching from paragraph to paragraph. There's zero character growth or progression (perhaps unfair, given that it's just 250 pages); the main character faces a major challenge 2/3 of the way through, gives up and is moody, and then is rescued by outside forces who have no reason to rescue her. And some of the descriptions - *particularly* in the beginning of the book, and waning as it progresses - are overdone. But it's not bad! A very pleasant read. We will buy the next book from the author.

The back cover says this is "high fantasy and low stakes" and that doesn't lie. It's extremely low stakes. But I really enjoyed watching this found family come together over the building/opening of the coffee shop. There's not a lot to say about the book since it's only 250 pages and there's not a lot of plot or character development, but it was a cozy, quick, and pleasant read.