Book Review: Kate Landry Has a Plan (Beignets for Two, #2) by Rebekah Millet
When I first picked up Kate Landry Has a Plan, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgic excitement. Rebekah Millet swept me off my feet with Julia Monroe Begins Again, the first book in this charming series, and now the chance to dive back into this delightful world felt like coming home. But as I delved into Kate’s story, I soon realized I needed to set my expectations aside; I wanted to embrace Kate as her own captivating character rather than a mere extension of Julia. And once I made that mental switch, I discovered a book that not only captured my heart but also tickled my funny bone!
At the heart of this novel is Kate Landry, a 40-year-old single parent juggling the responsibilities of her niece Hayley after a tragic loss. Kate is steadfast in her dedication—to family, to her quaint beignet shop, and to the plans she made with her late sister. However, romance seems to be the last thing on her mind, especially considering her past relationship was a decade ago and left her with emotional scars. It’s this gray area of love and loss that gives Kate Landry Has a Plan its depth. Kate’s journey of self-discovery and reopening her heart alongside her quest for stability is both authentic and beautifully nuanced.
Enter Micah, the charming flashback from her middle school years, who ignites an old spark that Kate is determined to quash. The chemistry between them is palpable, which drives the narrative forward, and I found myself relishing every playful exchange. Micah’s unabashed pursuit of Kate, adorned with his infamous Hawaiian shirts, was both swoon-worthy and comedic. The contrast between Kate’s nerdy charm and Micah’s laid-back charisma creates a vibrant dynamic that keeps readers engaged and rooting for their love story.
Millet’s writing style shines with its light-hearted humor and relatable characters. While Julia’s sarcasm had a delightful bite, Kate’s quirky verbal blunders and penchant for alliteration painted her as endearingly nerdy. I chuckled at her random celebrity references, particularly her recurring exclamations of “Kelly Clarkson!”—a delightful nod to pop culture that perfectly illustrated her personality.
But beyond the romance and humor lie deeper themes of grief, responsibility, and the strength found in vulnerability. Kate’s relationship with Hayley is heartwarming, showcasing the trials of parenting and the emotional growth that unfolds as they navigate their shared loss. Just like in life, there’s a delicate balance of comedy and poignant moments that Millet expertly weaves throughout the narrative.
One of my favorite quotes from the book encapsulates the transformative power of love perfectly: “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 quote resonated deeply, reminding us how love has the extraordinary ability to clarify even the most complicated uncertainties.
I wholeheartedly recommend Kate Landry Has a Plan to anyone who appreciates a heartfelt romance layered with life’s complexities. Whether you’re looking for a comforting read that embraces laughter amid sorrow or are simply a lover of well-crafted characters, this book will resonate with you. So grab a stack of beignets and settle in—great stories like this deserve a sweet treat! I can’t wait for the audiobook with Susan Bennett, as I plan to whip up some beignets to enjoy alongside it.
A huge thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy. My thoughts and feelings on this story are entirely my own, and I hope you find as much joy in it as I did!
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