Customer Reviews

CAFE HEAVEN -(AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE AFTERLIFE)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a novel that grabs the reader at once and won't let go until the very last page is turned. Fascinating philosophical questions are asked and, ultimately, answered. The characters that hang out at Cafe Heaven are a mysterious lot, as is their situation. Are they dead? Alive? In some strange 50s rendition of purgatory? Is this happening at all? While the strangeness might be disconcerting, we are kept firmly anchored by a lively jukebox that takes on a personality all its own, and tantalizing aromas coming from the kitchen. An unending supply of apple pie ala mode? Now, that's heaven!

Glorious cover! And what was inside this little book was a big surprise! I read it cover to cover without sleep! Fast pacing. Satisfying storyline. Thought-provoking while maintaining a comfortable lightness of being.

This book certainly will be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who has ever questioned the very fabric of life itself, and wondered what happens afterwards. Lots of stuff in there, all tied up in a neat little mystery, with even a splash of unrequited romance.

I agree with fellow reviewers in that this book would be a great movie. I have the cast already picked out. And I'd love to read a sequel - maybe about Wanda!

I've never written a review before ... never felt the need, but I'm taking the time in this case because I found this book to be such a fun read I wanted to be sure the author got some well deserved credit. The concept of the story at first seemed familiar, like something out of the Twilight Zone, but rapidly took new unexpected and original twists, making it hard to put it down. The revelations toward the end of the book were neatly done, and amazing, the author granted the reader enough intelligence to not have to beat us on the head and yell "SURPRISE". Now that's refreshing.

What a DELIGHTFUL read. I'm not a big fan of books with a lot of conversation between characters but I was absolutely mesmerized by this book. I was amazed at the author's adept handling of the twists and turns of the plot, the philosophical discussions, is there heaven/hell, what role does compassion play in our lives -- all told in the haven (heaven) of that old diner on Route 66. This is a very refreshing book written by an author who has a gift for clean, smooth writing. So many books today are angst ridden and fulled with more words than necessary to convey the idea. Thomas-Sundstrom does not suffer from this affliction! Truly a wonderful read!

I tried. I DID try. A wonderful journey through a fascinating world... Just a few more steps in one direction, then BLAM! A twist in the road that reveals a whole different landscape. Loved the way Thomas-Sundstrom kept adding more and more intrigue to the story. I finished it a week ago and I can't stop thinking about it. Oh, and I'm sorry about the peanut butter on page 78 (I told you, I just couldn't put it down).

Perfect when you are in need of something to lighten your day. Recommend highly, fun, exciting, enthralling and fast paced...is a real page turner, Can't wait for more from this author.

Would make a great gift!

A mystery that combines fascinating characters, spookiness, and a diner that can and does offer everything a heart desires amid an atmosphere worthy of a haunted castle is hard to come by, but Cafe Heaven has it all. More, the writing is stylish and graceful in the finest sense of those words, a joy for readers who appreciate clean and easily comprehended prose. As a delighted reader, I highly recommend this wonderful novel.

I decided to read this book because it sounded interesting. I started it on a Saturday and finished it the very next day. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster ride with the main character. I was intrigued with the story so much, that I couldn't put the book down. There were times that I forgot I was reading a book and lost track of the outside world. I was very surprised at how the book captivated my attention, that is rare for me. The author is a very visual writer without overloading you with details. This book was very fun to read!! All in all, this was a very good book and I can't wait for it to hopefully get made into a movie!

What a shame. This book had potential and I really wanted to like it. Instead I found myself putting it down, not caring how it ends. Too many transitions back into the car. Too many unexplained occurences and waaaayyy too little explanation. Personally, if Wanda had told the main character that he didn't understand ONE more time, I think I would have found a way to slap the heck out of her. What a waste.

From the first page, when I got into the Chevy, until the last few pages, when it all came together, it was such fun for me to join everyone in their quest for the truth. It made me so excited about what the possiblilities might be when it is my turn to go the diner. I hope we hear more from Ms. Sundstrom. She certainly knows how to tell a story.