JUST PUBLISHED
BURNT COFFEE
By Fearrington Village’s Larry Rochelle
At Amazon.com and McIntyre Books
Heat in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill summers are fraught with heat and angst. The ambiance of Franklin Street with its trendy shops and casual summer school students lulls the senses and slows the pace.
But in its coffee shops there is more than mocha and espresso shots, more than college students getting a buzz for their 8 o’clock classes. Yes, here the denizens of the town can gather in quiet splendor until the return of the fall semester students, and here romances can blossom or wither in the blinding afternoon sun.
Here, discussions can range from this year’s drought to Roy Williams’ Tar Heel recruiting successes. And if we pause to notice, we can see wives sipping iced French-vanilla latte’ and sharing dangerous secrets with their handsome lovers who drink their coffee hot.
Problem is, will these illicit affairs end in joy or disaster? Will the hot, sweet coffee continue to please the sensitive palate or will it burn the tongue?
Find out in Larry Rochelle’s BURNT COFFEE. Get it at McIntyre’s Books and Amazon.com.
Contact Larry at burnthotcoffee.yahoo.com
Excerpt
Undercover
that evening the crows
were late, their noisy
entrance delayed.
we took our walk,
each step a memory
back to smooth skin.
taking your hand,
I thought of new ways
to please you.
then the raucous birds
clacked above huge trees,
their green cover hiding
secrets.
back home, my hands
explored and your arms
invited.
we didn't need the wine,
but I spilled it
anyway, my tongue
on your wet flesh.
Professional Reviews
BURNT COFFEE:
Burnt Coffee
Larry Rochelle, Fearrington Village Author, burnthotcoffee@yahoo.com
BookSurge Publishing (2007) Amazon.com
ISBN 9781419681325
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (6/08)
Larry Rochelle’s “Burnt Coffee” (set in Chapel Hill) tells the story of how a woman escapes from an abusive marriage, into a loving relationship, and the consequences of her actions. Jen, a mother of two, is married to an abusive man who plays a prominent role in society. She falls for Jack who is an electrician. Jack provides her with the escape that she needs from the torment of her marriage. As Jen struggles with trying to do what’s right instead of following her heart, her husband’s abuse worsens. When she finally releases herself to the happiness of Jack’s arms, even her children feel at peace, but only for a short time. Jen’s husband will stop at nothing to get his revenge.
I found “Burnt Coffee” to be very interesting. It is written more in a poetic style than a typical fictional book style. To separate the major events that are occurring in Jen’s life, the book is broken into four parts. Each part is broken down into poetic like works that have titles to tell the tale. This is a very interesting way to write a story. Written in this manner makes each section more dramatic and leaves no words wasted.
I found that the unique style of presenting the story made “Burnt Coffee” stand out as something different. The story itself is very interesting and compelled me to keep reading. I think that this would be an excellent choice for a reader’s group because it would give them something different to sink their teeth into. It would also lead to some interesting discussions on human nature. What is right? Is it right for a woman to have an affair if her husband is abusive? Is it right for a husband to seek revenge in the manner that he did? “Burnt Coffee” is definitely a must-read!
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