Heather Webber

THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm. Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café. It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about. As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

A Novel

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe

Melissa Palmer

Anna Kate inherits a cafe and heads back to the small town her parents grew up in. It is said that the blackberry pie brings your deceased loved one back to you in a dream. It is also about finding love again, dysfunctional families etc. I recommend it.

Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm. Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café. It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about. As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly.

Colleen

5 Stars
 
*A heartwarming and powerful story about family, community, and the joy of food*
 

  



I was still in mood for more Magical Realism after reading Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune. Midnight at the Blackbird Café caught my eye. I’ve read some of Webber’s other books and enjoyed them. But I was surprised by the different direction she went with Midnight at the Blackbird Café. Surprised in a good way! I expected to like this book; I didn’t expect for it to resonate so deeply with me. But I was completely engrossed by this tale of grief and estrangement. All throughout reading this book, I felt the author’s genuine grief flowing through her words. And that called out to the grief in my own heart over the loss of a loved one. 


   “The past can’t be changed. There’s no getting over it or putting it behind us. We live it and breathe it, keeping the anger alive, fanning its flames. There’s no way to overcome it.” 

The story alternates between two women on opposite sides of a family rift both dealing with grief and life changes. With the help of a memorable cast of characters and some very special pie, both women will work to heal their community and themselves. The story reminded me of The Girl Who Chased the Moon including the estranged family member returning to a small southern town and the Magical Realism centered on food. I loved my time in the little town of Wicklow!

A few weeks after I read this book, I met Heather Webber at Books by the Banks and got to listen to her on an author panel as well. She is such a kind and genuine person. As I guessed, there was personal grief behind this story. It was touching to hear her talk about how this story came about. One of the inspirations for this book was the song “Blackbirds” by The Beetles. 


  Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Webber said she imagined what those blackbirds would sing to us; maybe they would bring messages from departed loved ones. And thus Midnight at the Blackbird Café was born. As soon as she said that, it made perfect sense. I could clearly see how the song inspired this story. And I loved that tie in because The Beetles are one of my favorite bands. Midnight at the Blackbird Café grew beyond something just inspired by a song and into its own entity. I loved this heartwarming, poignant story!

 
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 5 Stars
Originality: 4 Stars

Midnight at the Blackbird Café

Kristen Claiborn

Loss, bitterness, anger and fear can rearrange lives, demolish relationships, and shape futures. This book highlights the effect of all. It also teaches the valuable lesson that honesty truly is the best policy. I truly enjoyed how Heather Webber highlighted the community, the quirkiness of the characters, and the importance of the roles each played in the lives of others. This book was also a gentle reminder that our loved ones may pass on, but they continue to remain a part of our lives in many, and sometimes unexpected, ways.

Lauren Wightman

First book in a while that I just couldn't put down.

Morgan 📚✍️

One of the absolute best books I’ve ever read, Heather Webber is an instant-but author for me now!

Rebeca Keren Nuñez

Me gusto, arranca lento pero después se torna atrapante. De todas formas el final me dejo un poco con sabor a poco, pero eso fue puntualmente el final. Es interesante y misterioso, y más allá de lo mágico, es una historia que puede ser cercana. Se siente como cálido.

Meagan N Reece

Jan Talkington

Predictable story but it was an enchanting, character driven trip.

Emma

A beautiful story about family, trauma, grief, healing, and forgiveness. Two young women find themselves in a small town they both swore never to return to. Their paths cross and lives intertwine unexpectedly. Both Anna Kate and Natalie have a lot to learn about their history, about their families, and about themselves. Watching them both come into themselves and find the family the needed was an emotional ride.

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe A Novel

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