LULU'S CAFE

Leah Gabriella Allen has had a rough life. Having no choice but to escape the violence of her abusive husband, she ends up in the charming town of Rivertown, South Carolina, where she is captivated by a quaint café and its sympathetic owner, Lulu. Narrator Natasha Soudek deftly channels Leah's emotions, reactions, and internal dialogue, adding authenticity to Lowe's novel. Soudek smoothly portrays various characters, capturing their Southern charm and the heartwarming moments they share. She especially shines during Leah's scenes with Crowley Mason, the Southern lawyer who provides the kindness and protection that she has never had. Soudek seems to savor narrating this slow-burning romance and Leah's heartening, hopeful journey. D.Z. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2020]