I often love to read something totally different and off the beaten path. ETERNAL CAFE served this purpose wonderfully. I began this novel and read it straight through. I could not put it down even to refill my Diet Coke, and I'm a huge Diet Coke addict!
Two lifelong friends are killed in an airplane crash on the way to Europe and wake up to find themselves in Purgatory. Morgan McRaney is a burned-out social worker and is in for lack of compassion. Amber Naylor is a failed writer and ne'er-do-weller and is in for excessive pride.
They soon learn that some souls are paroled to Heaven, a few reversed to Hell, many choose to reincarnate to see if they can do better the next time around, and too many lose interest and disappear---they cease to care and return to the Universe.
Morgan spends her time working in the processing center, while Amber spends her time down at the Eternal Caf... where an eccentric cast of characters gather, most of whom are famous writers from the pages of history.
When the new century begins, some souls are planning to reincarnate, Amber included. But what of Morgan? Will she decide to start anew or stay where she is helping people in the afterlife as she did on earth?
I had so much fun reading this story! Each time a famous deceased character came up, I'd try to remember who they were, and since Ms. McFall didn't give out last names often, it made it even more fun. Very clever! Wait until you discover who Jude the Eternal Caf... bar tender is ;-) And I can't believe how long it took me to figure out who Mata was!
Fantastic writing, Ms. McFall! You entertained me thoroughly and that's what it's all about.
Reviewed by Margaret Marr
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