‘ I decided then and there he was perfect for me.' Kristina routinely spends a lot of time in coffee shops observing people. A busy mother of four, she does all her writing in a local Starbucks. In an interview at Making Stuff Up for a Living, Kristina said, 'I remember thinking, ‘wow that’s hot. Kristina, who shares Jane’s favorite drink (Iced Venti Skinny Mocha/No Whip) is eminently qualified to write this sweet, romantic tale - after all, when she and her future husband first met, they walked into a coffee shop and he ordered a triple espresso. She’s the one who set them up, so why can’t she be happy for them? Seems there’s one thing Jane hadn’t counted on - feeling a little jealous (?) when Em (medium hot chocolate) and Cam (toffee nut latte) start dating. She succeeds at hooking up several happy couples, but when her competitive boss, Derek, decides to turn Jane’s espressology into a holiday in-store promotion (a free match-up with every drink order), it creates havoc in her personal life. Jane records all her observations in a notebook, and soon decides to indulge in a little matchmaking. Latte Art mosaic from Eat-My-Heart-Out’s photostream. What about a toffee nut latte? Watch out - very hot and sexy!

Pumpkin spice latte? Lots of fun and a bit sassy. A medium iced vanilla latte? Sweet, smart and gentle. Jane works with her friend, Em, at a local Chicago coffeehouse, where she enjoys correlating customers’ personalities with the type of drinks they order. I’ve always believed the old adage, 'you are what you eat.' In this fun, breezy story, which School Library Journal has called 'compulsively readable,' the main character, Jane Turner (a 17-year-old barista), believes people are what they drink - at least when it comes to a cup of Joe. Whether or not you worship at the altar of caffeine, The Espressologist is sure to tickle your fancy and lift your spirits. Sip, sip, sip and join me in a jazzy java jive, because today, Kristina Springer’s very first YA novel, The Espressologist (FSG, 2009), is officially out! Yay!! Would you like it black, or with a little sugar and milk? Breathe in that rich, divine aroma of freshly brewed Arabica beans. Time to wake up and smell the coffee! I’ve poured a steamy cup just for you.

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer