The Heartbreak Cafe Series

The Heartbreak Cafe series consists of six books written by Janet Quin-Harkin.  The first three books were published in March 1990.  The last three books were published in April through June 1990, one per month.

1.  No Experience Required
2.  The Main Attraction
3.  At Your Service
4.  Catch of the Day
5.  Love to Go
6.  Just Desserts

The series is widely available in modern paperback editions and in digital format.  The original editions of the first five books can be found in softcover without too much trouble.  #6 is readily available in the hardcover Especially for Girls edition, but the original softcover edition of #6 is difficult to find and pricey.

In the Heartbreak Cafe series, Debbie Lesley's parents have recently divorced, and Debbie now lives with her mom.  Debbie's mom informs her that they don't have enough money to pay for the insurance for Debbie's car, so Debbie is forced to find a job.

By chance, Debbie ends up at the Heartbreak Cafe and applies for a job as a waitress.  She's hired, but the owner's grandson, Joe, is extremely arrogant.  Joe and Debbie do not get along at all.  And yet... at times Debbie feels like Joe could become more than just a coworker.  

The overarching story of the series is whether Debbie and Joe will ever have a romance.  They gradually become friendlier and share a few kisses here and there.  At the same time, they argue and insult each other constantly, which keeps them from beginning a real relationship.

The Heartbreak Cafe has a group of regular customers who appear in all six books.  During the first book, I felt like there were too many characters, but at the books continued, I became more familiar with them and was able to appreciate them.

I really enjoy teen series in which the protagonist has a real problem.  Debbie has a good share of real problems.  She must work, and she's lost her membership in the country club, which has caused some conflict.  Debbie's father is in some kind of mid-life crisis, and Debbie does not approve of his behavior.  Debbie's boyfriend, Grant, seems to be more interested in how Debbie can make him look good than in her as a person.  There is a lot going on.

Debbie also makes some really bad decisions at times, but considering the turn her life has taken, it is understandable.

These books are interesting and engaging.  They are loosely similar to Sweet Valley High in that the stories continue from book to book, and the same characters interact throughout the series.  Additionally, the plot elements are similar to Sweet Valley High as well.

Overall, this is an excellent series, and I greatly enjoyed reading through the set.