Chocolate Cake for Breakfast (Little Duck Pond Cafe Series) - Rosie Green

 

After a shocking accident, Martha Munro has given up on her childhood dreams. With her confidence shattered, even leaving the house is scary, and a promising romance with gorgeous Logan is over before it even has a chance to begin. But cheered on by her dad and her great friend, Madison, she makes a decision that could change everything. Can Martha find the courage to step out into the world and love again?

Purchase Link- https://amzn.to/3Do07vT

My Review:

Always an absolute joy to read the next book by Rosie Clarke, and this time is no exception at all. I love the characters we are introduced to each time, Martha is a character I took straight to heart. Her life is turned upside down by a really nasty accident; she’s left with debilitating migraines which sounded horrific. I really did feel for her!

The accident always puts pay to her dreams, putting them to one side as she doesn’t believe in her own abilities anymore.

I think some really serious and important issues are touched within Martha’s story; of course physical health, mental well-being and self esteem are key issues for her character.

A new job brings a new colleague who helps her see things in new ways. She is a fab character, I loved their friendship.

I enjoyed seeing how Martha’s relationship with Logan develops throughout this story. They met and instant chemistry, so exciting to read. There was a change to the relationship after her accident, but slowly and surely it was clear to see that the chemistry was still there. Even with the love to hate character, Lila, around always involved, trying to cause problems and being a nuisance!

It’s always nice to catch up with this series, this is the 20^th book from Rosie Green now and it’s down to her brilliant writing and well developed, likeable characters that mean this community goes strength to strength.

I always look forward to the next visit and welcoming more characters to the series. 

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. Her latest, ‘Snow Falls over Sunnybrook’, is out now.

Look out for more Little Duck Pond Café tales in 2022, including ‘Jingle Bells in June’.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Café - Rosie Green

 Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Café

Get set for a wonderful celebration of autumn with all your favourite characters at the Little Duck Pond Cafe!
An autumn fair is coming to Sunnybrook, much to the delight of the villagers. But for Madison, whose personal life seems to be spinning out of control, a roller-coaster is the last thing she needs – especially when it’s her emotions at stake.
Can she convince the delectable Jack that their relationship is worth another shot? Or has their romance ground to a permanent halt like a faulty big wheel? Will she solve the mystery of the missing name on her birth certificate? Or will her discoveries take her on a journey even bumpier than the dodgem cars? One thing’s for sure. Madison is going to need more than a fairground fortune teller to find the answers to her questions, if she’s going to ‘waltz-er’ into the happiest of sunsets…

Purchase Link -  https://amzn.to/38v98Fz

My Review:

It’s book twelve of this fantastic series from the lovely Rosie Green, I can’t believe it. I adore this series – I say it every time and I mean it wholeheartedly. Each time I finish one book I am already eagerly awaiting the next.

The characters are now firm favourites, each brings something different; their quirks and personalities are contrasting but overall, that is what makes it all work so well.

This book focuses on Madison, who has probably caused more tension and ill feeling than most. She can be very misunderstood and when she first appeared, I didn’t think she would ever gel well with the rest of the group. Time has served her well and she is a little less selfish these days… a teeny weeny bit.

It has been nice to get to know her better, I think it was long overdue. We saw her loved up and know that it kind of fallen apart. This story picks up on Madison trying to discover herself a little more.

The discoveries she makes are, quite frankly, life changing and she handles them as well as any other person might. I thought it was quite emotional in places and I felt for her, even if she did always seem to go feet first into every situation.

There are some funny moments, as always in these books, especially where Madison mixes up dog snorkelling with bog snorkelling.

I think by the end of the book Madison has changed a little, she’s found the love and approval she needed and believes in herself a little more. Relationships have been repaired in all ways and its very heart warming.

A gorgeous return to our favourite little community. Despite this being book 12, you can read each as standalones, with enough to fill you in on previous moments so you don’t feel confused. Rosie has a wonderful, engaging and fun writing style, the books flow beautifully and you feel at the heart of the community.

Roll on Book 13, I cannot wait! 

Author Bio:

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by 'the baddies'.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all - unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Her series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘Lucy’s Great Escape', is out now.

Rosie will be revisiting the Little Duck Pond Café with a beautiful story of love and friendship at Christmas time, entitled A Kiss in the Snow, out in October 2020.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

BLOGTOUR: A Bakery at the Little Duck Pond Cafe - Rosie Green

Available Here

Ellie’s dreams of opening a bakery in Sunnybrook are finally coming true and best friends Fen and Jaz are happily rallying round, helping her to plan a fabulous grand opening day. Everything in their garden seems to be rosy – until the arrival of a newcomer brings chaos to the village and tests relationships to the limit. 
Can the bakery succeed in the face of such upheaval? And more importantly, can firm friendships survive?

My Review:

As I came to read A Bakery at the Little Duck Pond Café I realised it was part of a series – this is book 5. I was cautious that I would have perhaps missed too much but it’s written very well as it could easily be a standalone. I do not feel like I’ve missed anything and in fact, this book has just made me want to go and start at book 1!

Although Katja Skoroboganova jokingly fills in a job application in the name of Kate Baker, she has no real intention of applying but her Gran posts it in and Katja soon finds herself going to an interview. Under the name Kate Baker, she impresses and gets the job – soon moving to Sunnybrook in eagerness to start work at the bakery. Unbeknownst to Katja, she is one of two new starters and they are competing for the role. The other girl reminds Katja of someone in her past that bullied and made her life hell.

I liked Katja straight away, she has been through a lot, and it is understandable that she just wants to blend in and become just a regular part of the community without them knowing her background. She’s found something that may possibly make her truly happy and then she is hit with the realisation of Maddison.

Maddison is the kind of character you will truly dislike, she does everything to wind Kate up or make her look bad, but as you progress through the story you start to see little chinks in her armour, you feel a sense of sadness and vulnerability that may just make you reconsider your opinion of her – well slightly!

You’ve got cake, cuteness and of course – romance, what more do you need?  This is an uplifting, feel good read, very well written with characters you will adore. I devoured it in one short sitting and can’t wait to go back and catch up on all the fun and adventure I’ve missed with the other books. I cannot wait to get to Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe!! Rosie Green has got a massive new fan here. 

Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources and Rosie Green for an advanced readers copy of this book. 

About the Author:  

Rosie Green has been scribbling stories ever since she was little. Back then they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’. Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all, unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

​

​Rosie’s brand new series of novellas is centred on life in a village café. Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe will be the sixth in the series

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

         

Breaking News - Coming Soon – Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Café 

With Ellie and Zak’s Big Day on the horizon, the sun is shining brightly on the Little Duck Pond Café community. But as dark clouds begin to roll in, threatening more than one close relationship, will the wedding of the year take place at all? 

Follow Rosie Green on Amazon to hear when its published and available for purchase - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rosie-Green/e/B07CZYV7DW

Rachel's Pudding Pantry - Caroline Roberts

Available here

Here's the blurb:

Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.

But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .

Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!

My Review:

YUM, YUM, YUMMY!

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book.

From the start we are drawn into the lives of a clearly loving, warm, family unit – Rachel, Jill and of course, Maisy, I knew from the moment I started reading I only wanted good things to happen for them – I loved the special relationships between these characters, you really did get a sense of how much they loved each other.

The characters are down to earth, relatable and so easy to like – excellently written by Caroline. The community they are part of is very endearing, wonderful neighbours and friends who want to support and encourage, I'd love to be part of it myself. I was particularly keen on Tom, the farmer next door to Rachel and enjoyed how their relationship developed. It didn't feel rushed or forced at all. He was patient, kind and considerate, just what Rachel needs after everything they have been through.

I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

It's a wonderfully cosy book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! A must read for romance or baking fans. Honestly, I was sad to finish this book – imagine my delight to discover we will be going back for another visit.

I cannot recommend Rachel's Pudding Pantry enough. Treat yourself!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Little Brooklyn Bakery - Julie Caplin

Available here

Goodreads Blurb:
When Sophie Bennings arrives in New York, love is the last thing on her mind. Still reeling from a painful break up, she throws herself into her work as a food editor on a top-notch magazine.
Columnist Todd McLennan is everything that Sophie wishes she didn’t want. Like the gorgeous bakery below her Brooklyn apartment, he’s as tempting as the sugary cupcakes on daily display. Surely a little of something you fancy can do you good?
As Sophie and Todd get to know one another, a love of food isn’t the only passion they share. In the city that never sleeps, has Sophie finally met the man of her dreams…?

My Review:
Fun, light and sweet - I was addicted and was soon fully immersed in Sophie's story. It helps I have a never ending affection for New York but this book ticked all the boxes of a warm, chick-lit rom-com with added yummy food/cakes and sexy phwoar factor.

I was hooked - read it in a couple of sittings and stayed up past my bedtime as I was so into it. I hadn't read the previous book in the series - but it doesn't matter as this works as a stand alone anyway. I will be rectifying that though, no doubt about it.

Sophie, or should I say Lady Sophie, is a nice girl who is wronged by a terrible, and not in the least bit appealing, man. I wasn't really expecting the scenario that played out with their relationship but I already knew it would be the best thing to happen for Sophie. She is a really likable character, to be honest I would've done the same and legged it to New York so I was supportive and all for her doing well from the start.
 
Todd is our phwoar factor. From the way he is described he is one hot male lead. He is charming, playful and just what Sophie needs to bring her out of herself in New York. You know he is deeper than his "play boy" image as you can see how much he cares for people i.e. his cousin Bella (who I think is a brilliant best friend type character for Sophie!)

I loved the sense of community and friendships within the book. As I mentioned I love New York and I have always been blown away by how friendly people are there. I was once told nobody in New York would be friendly or interested in conversation but, like in this book, they are! I loved the authors descriptions of locations - taking me back to some places and making me feel like I was exactly there with them all. It makes me want to head over and check out Brooklyn some more.

Definitely a binge worthy read - I can't wait to take a trip to Copenhaden and Paris next!
Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Christmas Spirit - Susan Buchanan

The Christmas Spirit - Blurb

Christmas is coming, but not everyone is looking forward to it.
Rebecca has just been dumped and the prospect of spending the holiday period with her parents is less than appealing. Eighty- two-year-old Stanley lost his beloved wife, Edie, to cancer. How will he cope with his first Christmas without her? Jacob’s university degree hasn’t helped him get a job, and it looks like he’ll still be signing on come New Year. Workaholic Meredith would rather spend December 25th at home alone with a ready meal and a DVD box set. Can anything make her embrace the spirit of the season?

The enigmatic Natalie Hope takes over the reins at the Sugar and Spice bakery and café in an attempt to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed?

Available to buy here:  http://amzn.to/1gcpTrc (UK) & http://amzn.to/KUArMU (US)

My Review:

If you are looking for a feel-good festive treat look no further. It is a heartwarming tale, an utterly charming story that will give you the warm and fuzzy feeling that is plentiful at Christmas time. 

With a lovely selection of well written characters you are drawn into each of their stories - they all face some sadness or problem but its a pleasure to read how they are interwoven into each others lives and how a special someone ensures they have a happier Christmas they thought possibly.

You can tell how unique Natalie is throughout and how she is instrumental in spreading her own Christmas magic for all the characters we grow find of.  I feel more could have been made of Natalie - she is so important to this story and although I like what I read of her, especially at the end, I feel like I wanted to know more. 

This book has it all - romance, humour and that special festive magic. It's a nice read, with a great pace. The descriptions of all Natalies special cakes will have you dreaming of cake; I'm definitely tempted to search for recipes of some! 

Looking for a quick read that will leave you with a warm feeling? Then I recommend The Christmas Spirit. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍
Thank you to Rachels Random Resources for the opportunity to review this book.

About the Author:

Susan Buchanan lives in Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of four novels: Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game, and Sign of the Times. She is currently working on books five and six: The Proposal and Just One Day.

Susan is also a proofreader, editor and translator, and when not working, writing, or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out – not necessarily in that order!

Facebook – www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author

Twitter – susan_buchanan

Blog – Sooz’s journal – www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk

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