Lone Star Cafe

By: Lisa Wingate

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Lisa Wingate, national best-selling author and inspirational speaker, delivers a novel that examines the paths we choose in life and the realization that we may be on the wrong one. One morning while running late to work, Laura Draper is ambushed by a future-determining call from her boyfriend that ends in an ultimatum. Suddenly, Laura finds herself at a crossroads and she is unsure of her next move.

©2004 Lisa Wingate (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Simple, Sweet Story

This is the type of story I usually avoid, but I enjoyed it - maybe I am in a subdued mood. A 36 year old publication executive on temporary assignment in Texas finds herself at a crossroad, figuratively and literally. Laura stumbles onto an old fashioned setting in the Lone Star Cafe, which sits at a crossroad used to detour around a bridge closure on the highway, at time when she questions her life's direction.

The story revolves around Laura's inner struggles as she faces personal challenges that her obsession with work cannot keep buried. She falls in love, very quickly, with a local man who has a very different background from her own. There is no bad guy chasing her or hot love scenes, but neither is there over dramatization, silly dialog, or meaningless bedroom scenes. This is a simple, straightforward story of nice people doing their best in life.

The writing is sound, which saves the tame plot. The performance is excellent.

Downgraded only for profanity and foul language

Know why this author sometimes will choose to write a clean book that you don't have to cringe or squirm with, and then write one full of profanity and foul language. Over all the message brings in God in a positive way but yet still leaves morality as preferable but not absolute, it is merely optional.

Loved this book

I thought Ms. Wingate showed in this book a great example of how our priorities change throughout our lives when presented with the choices we consciously or subconsciously make. The people in the story felt real to me and the story felt real.
I also really enjoy Johanna Parker's narration. She had a terrific voice and naturally brings the characters to life thereby adding to the listener's enjoyment.
Definitely recommend this book.

Excellent Reading!

I love books with stories set in Texas! And Lone Star Cafe fits that category and it’s just plain enjoyable reading! Laura is billeted to get a Texas based magazine in the Lone Star State. She’ll be near her father, soon after the death of her mother. Soon through a twist of fate and a real Texas tornado, she stumbles across a hundred-year-old family restaurant, owned and hosted by two sweet, elderly women. The food is outstanding and the place seems almost magical. Read how this restaurant changes Laura’s life and the life of her grieving father. Read about Graham and a budding romance. The book is a quick read. You’ll love it, too!

Light entertainment

This book was exactly what I needed at the time. Overall it is upbeat and entertaining. It doesn’t require much of the listener. It was a welcome distraction during a stressful time. The narration is good, the story is sweet but predictable.

A retake on book 1 of this series

As a standalone book, this is a feel good story ……however, if you read book one of this series you can see the author took the same formula and reworked it, so it’s not quite as charming and there’s a little corny .

Life lessons

I am obsessed with Lisa Wingate books. I learned a life lesson, shed a few tears, and as usual with Wingate books, didn’t want the story to end. I’m so thankful for series collections.

Feel Good Story

Nice story that was a pleasure to listen to. The ensemble of characters were relatable and fun. The narrator was good, but seemed a bit unrealistic when trying to do voices for other characters other than Laura. Still, I would recommend it.
The story does have a good life lesson.

Cute Story Of Finding Roots & Wings

Fun ride Lisa Wingate style. young, beautiful woman bound for publishing greatness gets waylade at the crossroads.

Enjoyable but very similar to book 1

I just finished Texas Cooking and this story is too similar. Wounded veteran, journalist city girl, and well to say anymore would be a spoiler. The narrator used the same voices and I wished she could do a better Texas drawl. One time she even made Graham sound a bit New Yorker. Anyway I enjoyed the love story in spite of it all

Beautiful story

The characters are wonderful. The story is evocative and powerful, and about family relationships, community, and faith, along with the romance. Highly recommended. The audiobook narrator also does a lot towards bringing the novel to life.