Clara Dubois walked away from a soul-crushing corporate job with a pocketful of savings and a heart full of hope. Her dream? The Daily Spark, a haven of worn floorboards, mismatched chairs, and the rich aroma of perfectly brewed coffee, nestled in the heart of "perfectly adequate" Port Claire. She imagined a place buzzing with connection, fueled by caffeine and kindness.

But the reality of small business ownership is harsher than an over-roasted bean. Foot traffic is slow, bills are mounting, and the relentless optimism Clara pours into every cup is threatened by the arrival of a gleaming, soulless coffee chain just down the block. The Grindhouse, with its aggressive marketing and twenty kinds of syrup, seems poised to extinguish her fragile spark before it truly catches fire.

Just when despair starts to taste stronger than her single-origin espresso, unexpected connections begin to percolate. There's Finn Kavanaugh, the cynical, bookish owner of the dusty bookstore next door, whose sharp observations and surprising acts of solidarity become an unlikely anchor. There’s Lily, the painfully shy art student who finds her voice within the shop’s quiet corners, and Mr. Henderson, the grumpy retiree whose gruff exterior hides unexpected depths (and skills).

Facing potential ruin, Clara must decide: retreat to the safety of her old life, or double down on the risky, unpredictable business of building something real? Can a struggling coffee shop become a true community hub? Can shared vulnerability and hyper-local focus possibly compete with corporate might? And can an unexpected partnership, brewed amidst looming deadlines and late-night inventory, blossom into something more?

Fans of heartwarming women's fiction, found family stories, and tales of resilient small businesses will adore this standalone novel set in the beloved Port Claire universe. Grab a cup, settle in, and discover the warmth of The Daily Spark.