How to Read the Quaker Café Series
Brenda Bevan Remmes has crafted a beloved contemporary Southern series centered around the fictional town of Cedar Branch, North Carolina. Because the books follow a progression of characters, town dynamics, and recurring themes of faith, community, and social justice, it is highly recommended to read them in order of publication.
Recommended Reading Order
- The Quaker Café (Originally published in 2014 by InkWell Publishing; reissued in 2015 by Lake Union Publishing)
- Home to Cedar Branch (Published in 2016 by Lake Union Publishing)
- Mama Sadie (Published in 2018 by Kindle Direct Publishing)
Exploring the Novels of Cedar Branch
The Quaker Café series is celebrated for combining the warmth of small-town Southern life with thought-provoking, serious themes. Here is a breakdown of the novels that form this cozy yet impactful series.
1. The Quaker Café (2014 / 2015)
The series begins with the debut novel, The Quaker Café. The story introduces Liz Hoole, a free-spirited Midwesterner who marries into a conservative Quaker family in the small town of Cedar Branch. While navigating the local quirks and cultural expectations, Liz uncovers deep-seated secrets following the death of a powerful local judge. The novel masterfully balances lighthearted humor and Southern charm with serious social commentary on race relations, historical secrets, and community dynamics.
2. Home to Cedar Branch (2016)
The second installment, Home to Cedar Branch, shifts focus to Katy, a young woman fleeing an abusive marriage who seeks refuge in her hometown. Returning to Cedar Branch, Katy finds safety, healing, and support from the eccentric and compassionate regulars at the local Quaker Café. This entry delves deeply into themes of resilience, domestic abuse, and the healing power of a supportive community.
3. Mama Sadie (2018)
The third novel, Mama Sadie, introduces a new central conflict to the town. The story follows Sadie Baker, the retired owner of a local grocery store. When local politicians approve a project to construct a hazardous waste incinerator near the town, Sadie becomes an outspoken opponent of the project to protect her grandchildren's health. The book deals with environmental activism and family divisions, as Sadie's own grown sons support the incinerator for economic reasons. Mama Sadie was recognized as a Regional Fiction finalist in the 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, readers should know that Brenda Bevan Remmes draws heavily on her background in rural health education at the University of North Carolina and the University of South Carolina. This experience lends a realistic, grounded perspective to the health and socioeconomic issues that affect small communities in her novels.
While the books feature a comforting setting and plenty of Southern humor, they do not shy away from heavy topics like racial prejudice, domestic violence, and environmental degradation. The community itself acts as a central character, evolving with each novel as new challenges test the residents' Quaker values and Neighborly bonds.
Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?
Yes, each novel features a self-contained story arc with its own main protagonist and central conflict. However, because characters from earlier books reappear in supporting roles and the town's social fabric builds over time, you will get the most rewarding experience by reading them in order starting with The Quaker Café.