Heartbreak Cafe is the story of upper-class Deborah Lesley (Debbie) whose parents have recently separated. Her father has decided he wants to become a writer and has given up his job in the city, whilst her mum who never needed to work before is having trouble finding a job and so Debbie doesn’t have the financial security she is used to.

After an argument with her mother about the insurance for her car, that she either needs to pay for herself or get rid of it, Debbie goes off in a huff and ends up in the wrong place she set out for, but comes across a ‘staff wanted’ poster in the ‘Heartbreak Cafe’ where all the rockers and surfer dudes hang out. She decides to apply. How hard can working in a cafe really be?

The book was originally written and released in the 80s and so for those that lived through this period, you will find plenty of references to get nostalgic about. Debbie starts off a snotty, up-her-self young woman who isn’t used to having to do any kind of manual work or worrying about where her next dollar is coming from as mummy and daddy always paid her way. Now she is getting a look at what life is really like.

I can’t say I particularly liked Debbie in the beginning and whilst she wasn’t a loveable character by the end, I had warmed to her slightly. Cafe manager Joe Garbarini is the polar opposite to Debbie in that he is used to having to work hard and makes every cent count. He runs the restaurant which is owned by his Grandfather and also is still at school. He and Debbie are at loggerheads for most of the book as he doesn’t think she is waitress material.

The story is quite short and mainly revolves around Debbie’s life, partly at home but mainly at the café. Not a great deal happens and so it is an easy read. The book is set in California and the setting has been perfectly written and you can visualise the beach and the sun beaming down.

It is a sweet teenage book with mainly likeable characters, a wonderful setting with some gorgeous food that will make your mouth water, and a basic no-frills plot. This is the first in a six-part series. Whilst I enjoyed the book I’m not sure I would want to read any more from the series as I prefer books that have lots happening within them and a twist or two, but for some light-heart reading, this is perfect.