A Year at Castle Court - Holly Hepburn

Available here

Goodreads:

Sadie is a single mum, nursing a broken heart. Her best friend from childhood, Cat, is burned out from working long hours as a chef in Paris. In need of a change, they decide to invest in their dream – running their own handmade biscuit shop in gorgeous Castle Court, a three-storey food court tucked away behind Chester's bustling streets.

They soon discover that Castle Court has its own community –  but not everyone welcomes the new business. Luckily, there's support in the form of the delectable Jaren, who owns the Dutch waffle house opposite Smart Cookies, and Swiss chocolate-shop owner, Elin. And if all else fails, the friends can drown their sorrows in Seb's cocktail bar on the third floor!

My Review:

Split into four parts, this is an easy-going and enjoyable read that is well written with characters you will adore (and some you will not). I wouldn't say it is a totally predictable read but with experience comes the knack of being able to correctly foresee who Sadie and Cat would end up falling in love with. I don't think this is a really bad thing though as the story to get there was not straight forward, it had surprises that I did not expect.

The friendship between Sadie and Cat is brilliantly written, it is easy, loving and realistic - with each character going through ups and downs and finding constant support in the other. The sense of community at Castle Court is another strong theme throughout the story - I actually would love to find somewhere like Castle Court as it all sounded divine. 

As mentioned, things were not always going to plan with their shop 'Smart Cookies' or personally for Sadie or Cat, it makes you wonder how many 'mini disasters' some people could put up with but with their friends, they seem to sort any issue out very quickly. 

Holly's writing is bright, cheerful and very enjoyable, this book was a lovely treat to snuggle up with. Just a bit of a warning - you'll find yourself searching for some biscuits or other edible goodness after this!

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for something easy going, relatable characters and smiles along the way. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍