I loved this book. I really did. I loved the characters, the storytelling, the settings, the themes the book explores, everything. I loved it all. It is not necessary to have read the previous book, as there is enough character description and history mentioned within the narrative for new readers to be able to follow along. It is also suitable for book groups as it contains a series of reading group questions at the end of the novel.

I was utterly captivated by The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, so was extremely delighted to find out that there was a follow up and it hasn't disappointed as I've been captivated again by the characters and storyline. Ach, who would want more than one?" [...] "But it is also true," [...] "that without us, these men who are so valuable would have no sons. Heaven is under the Mother's feet, so treat her kindly. Have you not heard that said? Our tradition tells us that women should be given kindness, love, and respect if a man truly wants to be righteous." MY COMMENTS: I struggled somewhat with The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul when I read it some months ago. My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... but I had hoped for the answers to some of my questions in the follow up book. Sadly, it was not to be. The author tends to gloss over things, important things, like Layla's abduction.Really enjoyed this book that is a reminder of life in Kabul for Sunny. The whole host of characters were reintroduced- without too much of a recap but enough to refresh memories after a while. Interesting stories about love and loss are intertwined and there are new, fresh characters to meet and enjoy. The characters are brought to life and the episodes were vivid and contributed to the storyline. All in all an enjoyable book which has enhanced my enjoyment of the previous books written by this author The honest, entertaining and life-affirming sequel to The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul, featuring the same loveable cast of characters, from internationally bestselling author Deborah Rodriguez. We have the same characters with a few more to the mix which worked wonderfully. I thought this was a great story and i didnt want to put this down. If I had one criticism it would be that there wasn't enough about Kabul. Although the little coffeehouse did play a part, it was no longer the cornerstone of the plot. However it was good to understand how everyone's lives had progressed.

ZARA, promised in marriage to a violent man she's never met, arrives at the coffee shop seeking sanctuary. Some of the favourite characters from the first book return in this and it is fascinating to see how events have changed their attitudes and outlooks and even though a lot of the book isn't set in Kabul anymore, there is still plenty of visits there to see how life has changed, if at all, for those trying to get on with normal lives and we see different aspects of the culture explored in a striking way.

Ahmet: Didn't believe his sudden transformation. Came out of nowhere and didn't ring true. Played to the reader, not to the character. I loved the change in Ahmet's personality and how he became somehow open minded, and that speech he said when he held his daughter was so touching:").

While you will be eager to know what will happen next, thanks to Zara who maintains this feeling throughout the book, the previous characters of Sunny and Yazmina won't appeal to you that much. Even Halajan, who was like a neighborhood badass, is a notch down in the story. Return to the Little Coffee Shop of Kabul could have definitely used some more twists and turns, but what I read was not that half bad. Also, if you think that reading the first book is important to understand the story, do not worry. Rodriguez has made sure to cover important areas and has not left the reader in the dark. I was really keen to read this book having read the prequel "The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul" twice and having loved it both times.Zara is a character I didn't see coming. While I do feel her whole arc feels more like it is forming the framing rather than allowing her to be an independent character, she is still a good character. This is a time when we are seeing the consequences of an arranged marriage. To a degree her arc lets us see that process, something I didn't know. Even if Rodriguez is using an extreme or old school example seeing that as a piece of culture felt important. As the blurb may indicate Zara has the worst of the endings, though there is a silver lining of a sort there. It's along the lines of Isabel from The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul. A reminder that life is messy, imperfect and can be truly ugly. The woman range from young to elderly and each have their own views of the Afgan religion, values and culture. I found it really interesting the younger generation and how some are very drawn to their faith whereas others have adapted a more modern approach. The ending of Return to the Little Coffee Shop of Kabul feels fitting. Pushing the idea of finding a home, connecting to your roots and making yourself whole. There is so much strength in this book. Even Zara who goes through a lot, suffers, blames herself for so much pain and suffering is strong. The whole thing ends on a tone of optimism as is only right. All that said I did have a little lingering disappointment over the ending, but I'm unsure why. "Life it goes on." [...] "You find new things to keep you busy, new friends to help you pass the time, new ways to make yourself feel happy. And when life gives you lemons, you make wine." — Joe The insight into life in Kabul at that time, particularly for women is insightful. The snippets of historical and political facts interesting and eye opening. Fabulous sequel to Little Coffee Shop of Kabul. So rich in narrative that I felt like I was part of the scenery. The author is so descriptive that you feel you know all the characters personally.