Every novel has a coffee shop in it, right? Well, every contemporary story does, and Shattered Guilt has the Mockingbird Café. It’s an actual establishment in Bay St. Louis. I’ve never been there, but it was on our schedule to visit when I planned our trip back in March of this year. We were all booked with hotel, airfare, and a rental car. But this grandmother’s intuition made me cancel, and I’m glad I did. The complicated birth of our sixteenth grandchild landed him in the NICU. I’m happy to report that baby Asher is four months old and thriving! Thanks for your prayers.
Coffee Connection
So, back to coffee, and boy did I down many cups driving back and forth to the hospital and staying up late praying!
The Mockingbird Café is a happening place in Bay St. Louis. As well, in Shattered Guilt. It’s where Melanie and Pastor Desmond start to connect. In Restored Grace, Book 2 of the series, releasing in June 2022, it’s also the scene of a destined meeting between Carol and Mayor Taylor. I didn’t realize that until just now, but it’s a coffee connection. It wasn’t intentional, but maybe for the rest of the series, it might be. What do you think?
A Place for Everyone
I didn’t highlight the other amenities, but the Mockinbird has live entertainment, as well as art. Three of its four walls are a gallery of the local talent. I can almost feel the friendly ambiance of the small town. I really can’t wait to visit.
On their website, The Mockingbird boasts that it’s a “place for everyone,” and by the looks of all the lovely pictures, it is. I hope you’ll click on the link below and read the brief history of how The Mockingbird came about after Hurricane Katrina. It’s a bit heartwarming.
https://www.mockingbirdcafe.com/
Everyone loves Coffee Shops, don’t they?
We have many in our little town. San Juan Capistrano feels little to me, but compared to a population of 13,018 in Bay St. Louis, we’re gigantic at about 36,000. When I lived in BSL, it was even smaller, with only about 5,500 people. No matter the size, though, there’s a coffee shop for everyone.
My daughter frequents her earthy lair at Sur Coffee in San Clemente. But if you’re hanging out at the pier, Bear Coast Coffee is right across the street, and it’s more of an outdoor spot. Then there’s the charming Hidden House Coffee in a historic building in San Juan Capistrano.
Dana Point also boasts some good ones. I love the Scoop Deck right on the harbor, but more for their desserts and ice cream. I can’t forget JC Beans, a faithful local hangout that gives the green mermaid next door a run for her money…Yes! But it’s not just the coffee.
It’s all about Community
I love the idea of the coffee shop community, that’s why I’ve included it in my books. Cozy, fun, personable, but I have to admit, I don’t frequent coffee shops, soI have no community there. I’ve tried, honest! I imagine it like the TV show “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name. I love seeing people chatting, couples staring into one another’s eyes, even loners on laptops. It all somehow warms my heart or stirs the creative juices in me.
An author in one of my writer groups owns Patch Coffee, in Lake Forest where she hosts write-ins. I tried it once and got too distracted, but I felt very cool, kind of like a hippie or something. The smell, the music, I loved it. Even those with earbuds oblivious to anyone around them seemed to enjoy the atmosphere
I’ve gone a few times to other shops, did a little work, some light reading, and even met another author friend to critique each other’s manuscripts while sipping a latte. But I think the most fun is when I’m with my sisters, whether it’s Huntington Beach or San Francisco, where they live. Maybe it’s all about who you’re with. Either way, the deep, rich aroma, the jazzy music, and the conversation buzz create that fun, eclectic community.
Where’s your favorite Coffee Shop?
Me? I love my coffee spot at home. I get up at 4:00 am and make a pot of rich, dark French roast, Peerless coffee from San Francisco. My husband buys a big bag of beans at Smart-n-Final of all places! It’s a large grocery chain store, but it’s the only place that sells Peerless. For us, it’s the best cup in town. Not even the big “S” can beat it for a good old plain cup.
Early in the morning, while still in my nightie, I get my favorite pink cup and curl up in a quiet corner. If no one is in my writing room (aka guest room), I hole up there with my bible, journals, and books. Otherwise, I have a comfy swivel chair in my living room surrounded by all my plants. And the best part is when my husband wakes up early, pours his cup, and comes and finds me. God’s timing is always perfect, and it’s nice to have a walking Bible scholar at my disposal when I’m stuck on a passage.
So let me know where your favorite coffee shop is. I’d love to hear all about it. Wouldn’t that be a fun road trip…Coffee Connections on the Go! Tomorrow, we’ll visit The Pink Rosette. I love flowers, don’t you? Bye, y’all!