Renee Poole

Special to the Enquirer

I never thought I would be one to like coffee.

I always enjoyed the aroma but never the taste. So I just assumed that as an adult, I wouldn’t drink it.

Then I had kids. I was able to function without it for a long time after having my first child, but barely. It was while I was pregnant with my second one that I first found a new love for coffee because it just happened to be one of my cravings. I couldn’t get enough of it!

After I had my second child, my taste returned to normal, and I no longer liked coffee. My husband loved it, so he tried to convince me to drink it again – to no avail. I just didn’t like it, period.

This dislike lasted for several years. A few pregnancies later, my coffee craving returned and never left. Honestly, most days, I’m just not sure I could survive without it. My kids keep me constantly running and going, most of the time with broken sleep through the night. So coffee definitely helps me get my days started with that little boost that I need.

A couple of months ago, I met a friend for coffee at Rebecca Jean’s in Hartselle. I did not expect such a cute, warm and welcoming place. I guess I had just envisioned it looking similar to Starbucks. But I was pleasantly surprised with the interior and the atmosphere. Everything was beautifully decorated, looking as though I had stepped into a coffee shop designed exclusively by the Fixer Upper couple, Chip and Joanna Gaines, on HGTV. I loved it.

When I ordered my coffee, the pumpkin spice had just come in. I could not have picked a better day to meet up there with my friend. Pumpkin spice is my favorite fall flavor. I was in coffee heaven.

There were so many combinations and flavors from which to choose, but I stuck with my pumpkin spice. She also had several options for breakfast and dessert, including another personal favorite of mine – strawberry pretzel salad. I purchased my pumpkin spice latte and my strawberry pretzel salad and sat with my friend for about an hour or so, visiting and having a great time.

I’m sure many people can relate to my coffee addiction and probably to my reason for needing it. It serves its purpose when you make it at home, but there’s something about being able to go out to a coffee shop and enjoy a specialty coffee that makes me love going to places like Rebecca Jean’s. When someone takes the time to make sure that their place is as warm and welcoming as it is, it is definitely praise-worthy.

If you haven’t visited this little gem yet, you should make it a point to do so. Of course, it was the coffee that drew me in – but it was the friendly atmosphere that will keep me going back.