The Book of Reservations - a NYC restaurant is filled with challenges and a few ghosts.

We first met Josie Gray in Laura Buchwald's The Ghost Table Trilogy's debut novel, The Coat Check Girl. In this second installment, The Book of Reservations, the story advances to September 2000. Josie and her partner, Derek, own Miss Sylvie's Bistrot, located in the heart of Greenwich Village, serving authentic New Orleans cuisine. Business is challenging, and staffing is an ongoing issue. One of the main sources of conflict for the couple is the table Josie sets each day for the ghosts that frequent the restaurant. Josie can communicate with the dead, and Derek is not a believer. 

Ruby is one of the restaurant's regular spirits, having passed away in the building. When she is occasionally seen, her appearances have led several staff members to quit. Another visitor is the ghost of Derek's brother, who tragically died young in an accident. To provide some relief to the overworked couple, they hire a manager as well as a new sous chef who gives Josie odd vibes. The couple must navigate the challenges of their personal life alongside the demands of the restaurant. Josie hopes her connection with Derek's brother, whose loss deeply impacted him, will create an opportunity to provide some comfort. However, she cannot reveal the brother's presence to Derek.

Although part of a series, The Book of Reservations can be read as a standalone. I found this book even more enjoyable than the first. Perhaps I've fully embraced all the supernatural elements. (Note that none of the ghosts are frightening.) I have come to admire Josie for her kind heart. I found Buchwald's writing style to be light and fast-paced. The New York City setting provided added appeal, particularly with the restaurant's location in the Village. This book provided hints about the third and final book in the trilogy, and it sounds like another entertaining read.

Many thanks to the publisher for the advance.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Adult Fiction | Paranormal.

Publication Date: December 9, 2025.

Please "like" this post if The Book of Reservations sounds like a book you’d enjoy reading. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.