A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe - Debbie Johnson

Available from Amazon here 

Christmas has never been Katie Seddon’s favourite time of year. Her childhood memories aren't the type that fill her with happiness or nostalgia.  But since she moved to the village of Budbury on, Katie and her son have found a new family to be part of.  This family is a community of people, brought together by life’s unexpected roads and all seeking the healing magic that a yummy slice of cake and a cupful of kindness at the Comfort Food Café can provide. Katie’s new friends are determined to give her a Christmas to remember, and with a gorgeous newcomer in town, Katie’s Christmas wish for a happy home for her son might just come true.

I am a massive fan of Deborah Johnson (@debbiemjohnson) and especially The Comfort Food Cafe series and so was especially excited to go back and see the wonderful familiar faces. It's a  full length standalone book, you really don't have to have read any of the previous Comfort Food Cafe books to enjoy it (if you have you will love catching up with everyone!). I do recommend going back and reading them though of course.

Finally this book brings in Katie, who has perhaps been on the edge of some of the other stories told about Budbury's finest. I'm so pleased we get to delve into her story but also having secondary narratives of our many of my old favourites.

The story touches on some sensitive and emotive issues and considers how a persons upbringing can affect future relationships. We see how Katie's childhood has damaged the relationship she had with Saul's father and continues to threaten all other relationships that Katie has tried her hardest to avoid building.  

Katie is a loner - a hard working and loving single Mum, but I find her to be very likable. I loved little Saul and the relationship they have is adorable. I can understand why she has built up a little wall around herself but was desperately willing her to start letting others in. The Comfort Food Cafe and its regular faces have the ability to make anyone feel better, whatever is happening in life -cake, tea and friendship is waiting to make things right.  

This is such a heart warming read. Definitely one to read all snuggled up with a big pot of tea and some fancy treats. I read it very quickly - devouring every moment. There are some lovely comedic moments in this romantic tale, I laughed out loud on a couple of occasions - especially when naming the cat!

As always Debbie Johnson has written with warmth and love, taking us back to a place fans hold dear. I, for one, would love to go to that cafe and see what unfolds. Such a fabulous book to escape with - Debbie never lets us down. I can't wait until March 2019 to get my next fix of The Comfort Food Cafe!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Little Book Cafe: Tash's story - Georgia Hill

This is the first Georgia Hill book I have read (I'm sure it won't be the last). I read it in one sitting in about an hour and a half so a fairly easy book to pick up when you want something to delve into but maybe not commit a massive amount of time.

I have no prior knowledge of any of previous books so wasn't aware or familiar with the characters but I believe that if you have read previous titles you would be. I don't think it changes your enjoyment of this book, as a standalone it works well too. I didn't feel I'd missed out. This is the first in a set of three new stories and focuses on Tash.

Tash is in a relationship with Adrian and immediately, I realised this was not a woman in a happy relationship. She was off with friends, in a bad mood and really not a happy lady. You come to see how, although she loves the comfortable and lavish lifestyle Adrian can give her, she doesn't love him and in fact she comes to realise he isn't treating her that well at all. Possessive, controlling and demeaning - Adrian is not the type of man Tash wants to be with let alone marry.

Tash meets someone at the new book club in town, becomes friends and with their help, and a series of incidents Tash realises she needs to move on with her life in her own way.
After events take a really dark turn, Tash manages to escape and turns to the one person she knows will treat her well. 

Some aspects of the story annoyed me - the thinly veiled 'fat shaming' vibe of Tash towards Amy, "She could eat the whole picnic" - I felt were just mean and made me dislike her a bit. Not that I think she should go through all she does but it seemed she has turned into the bully she didn't like at school. Maybe projecting her own insecurities on others but I didn't really feel it necessary to be mean towards others.

Overall I liked it and would read all others by the author. There is a darker storyline than the pretty front cover may portray. It is an easy read with some decent characters.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I invited her in - Adele Parks

Available here on Amazon 

Mel hears from a long-lost friend out of the blue; they are in need of help and so lovely Mel  doesn’t hesitate to invite her to stay. Mel and Abi were best friends at Uni, sharing the highs and lows of student life until Mel’s unplanned pregnancy made her drop out .
Seventeen years later, Mel and Abi’s lives couldn’t be more different. Mel is happily married and has a chaotic but happy family home, with three children. Abi married and moved to LA for a glamourous life of celebrity. Everything was perfect, until she discovered her partner had been cheating. Abi needs a true friend to lean on, to share her grief over a glass of wine, and to have some time to heal. Thinking of her dear old friend Mel, she realises there would be no better place to heal than in a family home. 'I invited her in' is a dark tale of the reunion of long-lost friends and is a gripping exploration of wanting what you can’t have, jealousy and revenge. 

This story is predominantly told from Mel’s point of view with occasional chapters focusing on other characters. I enjoyed seeing certain parts from another characters perspective, I think it definitely adds something extra to the story - you get a more well rounded view of events - for good or bad. 

The story line for this book is a good idea, its definitely full of little twists and turns - some may be a little predictable but you are still caught off guard at times - some events in this book are not at all what I imagined.  It isn't always a fault of the writer that we can predict some of the story, all book lovers read enough to be able to do it - the twists that you don't necessarily coming in 'I invited her in' are gripping and well placed. 

It took a few chapters for it to really get going but once it did I was committed in seeing what exactly what happening.I was well and truly invested in finding out exactly what Abi was planning to do and how Mel fit into her scheming.

I thought the characters were good, if frustrating. Mel did come across as a bit of a damp squib in many ways, a bit pathetic - she is very easily led by Abi - for a 'friend' she hadn't seen for a very long time she was soon siding with Abi over Ben and forsaking their relationship for the one she is rebuilding with her friend. You want to like Mel, and I did pity all she went through, but I felt she could have been stronger, she should have listened to her husband Ben. Ben on the whole is a nice man, hard working and can see that Abi is not someone to have around for long but I felt he could've tried harder to pull Mel away from Abi and trusted his gut instinct.  I didn't trust Abi from the beginning, her whole appearance and demeanour put me on edge, early on you realise all is not what it seems with her and soon you see how she enjoys her hold over Mel.

This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster - experiencing the turmoil of the characters involved. Adele Parks provides a dramatic tale - a story full of revenge and betrayal that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. It gives us a look at how we are so eager to trust, especially if it comes from a place of regret and that you never really know what anyone is willing to do to get exactly what they want. 

I am not 100% sure I would agree with this as just a 'thriller' - perhaps a darker chick-lit with added extras but I enjoyed it anyway. Once I'd got into it I was very eager to see how things progressed and couldn't put it down. I would recommend for a good, well written book by a very popular and respected author.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍

A Part of Me - Anouska Knight

Available here on Amazon

Amy and James have finally been accepted into the adoption process, after a long, painful and emotional road. When things start to look like their family may be a complete, a dark secret changes their lives. Does Amy follow her heart but let the thing she wants most in her life slip away, or should she chase the dream but deny the truth? Adding to her stress is a client who is well and truly intent on keeping Amy on her toes.

I imagine that almost having everything your heart desires is the most wonderful feeling in the world, especially after working so hard to move forward after the darkest times of your life. You automatically feel for Amy, of course James as well, but with Amy you feel the pain she has been through and want to see her get the happy ending she yearns for and deserves.

I felt shock and outrage by her discovery, with secrets and revelations out in the open you see how hard Amy battles – heart or head type decisions that really will impact her life forever.

This is the first Anouska Knight book I have read and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I expected this to be a lighter more chick lit/ rom-com style book (I love them!) and found it gave us the romance, the love and even the trials and tribulations of a will they or won’t they tale but on a deeper and in some ways more meaningful way.

‘A Part of Me’ looks at many aspects of life and love – families, love, loss, adoption and how relationships that are formed early in life can go on to play a large role in your adult life. The book explores how people use controlling behaviours in relationships to emotionally hold loved ones to random as well as how secrets can change lives in an instant.

Emotional from the outset, it did take a bit to get going but once it picked up pace I was hooked and so sat and read this is one sitting. It’s well written and the characters are amusing and believable. I did warm to Amy – her indecisiveness and inability to do see what was right in front of her frustrated me though. A lovely ending that may have been what was glaringly obvious all along –it would be interesting to explore it a little further as it felt like I wanted more.

Some of the characters gave us some comedic, light relief such as Amy’s Mum, Viv. I was glad to have the giggles they gave– especially when the theme was generally quite emotive. A good read, I will be looking forward to another Anouska Knight book in the future.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍

Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square - Heidi Swain

Available on Amazon here 

Kate is almost-divorced and desperate to keep as far away from her ex-husband as possible. He is determined to have her back but she has found the perfect place to hide away. Kate finds herself besotted with a house on the historical Nightingale. The residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer so Kate soon finds herself pulled into new friendships and adventures.

Kate soon finds herself campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, whilst all the residents are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. Concerned for the preservation of their small community they begin to worry all hope is lost until the arrival of a handsome stranger looks sure to turn things around!

You know a book is good when you simply cannot pick up another for a couple of days… that is exactly how I have felt since finishing Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square. Heidi Swain (@Heidi_Swain) has yet again given us an array of wonderful characters as well as creating a fantastic setting– Nightingale Square sounds like the type of place I would love live; where something is always happening, people take you in and make you part of a great group of friends and neighbours forming a real community - looking out for each other and their local area.  This book simply captures your heart and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling – I couldn’t stop imagining what these characters would be up to next.

Our leading lady, Kate, is a charming character that we learn has been treated poorly by a cheating husband and now believes the only life for her is the single life! Kate keeps things to herself but we  do eventually discover that she blames herself for the husband being a cheater and also that he gave her more than she bargained for in more ways than one.

The Nightingale Square characters have brilliant and individual personalities - busybody Carole, struggling first time mum Heather and the bolshie, loud but absolute sweetheart Lisa – all play an important role in supporting Kate in the local campaign but also in replenishing her faith in people and love. 

If you are already a fan Heidi’s books (and of Wynbridge) you will be happy to know that, whilst this novel is set in Norwich, there is a brief visit to the much-loved market town. Kate is originally from Wynbridge and is related to one of Heidi’s much loved characters. 

I love Heidi’s style of writing; it flows very nicely and fully engages you throughout. I devoured the book in one sitting, as I was engrossed and didn’t want to stop. With all stories, especially if you read a lot, you can predict what will happen, I don’t say that to be negative as I always enjoy to read how the story actually blossoms but with Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square there are added ups and downs that do keep you on your toes, the will they/wont they romance; the added surprises you wouldn't predict– all will keep you hooked until the end. 

This is a great story of how one woman rebuilds her life, her heart as well as her trust in other people. It is a story of true friendship and community- finding things where you least expect them.  If you haven’t had the sheer pleasure of reading any Heidi Swain books before – then you must, you will not regret it. In fact, like me, you’ll be eager to devour as many as you possibly can.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

Somewhere Beyond The Sea - Miranda Dickinson

Available here on Amazon 

Miranda Dickinson's Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a romantic tale full of love, stars, living your own life and accepting the magic that can be found all around.

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Desperately trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss. Seren has pushed her own dreams to one side and the pressures soon take a toll. One morning she discovers a half-finished sea glass star on her favourite beach, and cannot resist completing it.  One simple action starts a whole chain of events that will change everything.

Jack Dixon is desperate – wanting work to ensure he can give his young daughter Nessie the life she deserves. Recently widowed and made homeless, Jack has managed to somehow kept their heads above water. Creating seaglass stars with Nessie soon becomes something truly special for them both and the duo discover the magic they need to see a positive future.

Seren and Jack are both searching for something that is missing in their lives, but when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Both have a definite reason to fight –but only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?
Miranda Dickinson (@wurdsmyth) has given us an incredibly heart-warming tale that transports you to the idyllic, St Ives. A location that adds some extra magic to this wonderful book, written with such description you feel like you are right there (and you definitively wish you were!) We are introduced to the hardworking and creative Seren, a young woman passionately, yet quietly, grieving the loss of her father; and Jack - a single father focused on giving his energetic daughter and with doing whatever it takes to provide her with all the love, attention, and security she needs. 
The characters and their stories of loss broke my heart in such a real way. I identify with both characters - the grief of losing a father and the heartbreak of being left a young widow (although my reality is we had no children and we were very much in love - so not quite the same as Jack). Without my Dad, I feel like a small girl wandering alone without the security and protection I always felt from him and this made everything Seren felt and did more important, I felt like I was with her in every heartbeat, every thought.

Nessie is fantastic; her character providing fun, comedic moments as well as melting your heart with her honest, innocent views on life. The relationship she has with her father is simply gorgeous, the love they have for each other is almost tangible and reflects what I imagine the relationship between Seren and her Dad was like when she was that age. Also, a very real reminder of the love I lost and deeply miss – as I am sure many other readers will feel too. 
I loved how the story was told through the dual narrative, having it unfold equally from both perspectives and understanding the motives behind each character’s actions.  I find the alternating chapters a treat, quite short and fast paced, it makes it difficult to put down as you desperately want to know each character next move. (It’s difficult enough as it’s such a beautiful book anyway). 

Although this is a love story, a real head over heels tale of falling for someone when it’s least expected, it isn’t all the story is. It is a beautiful reminder of how delicate and fragile we are (like the sea-glass), how deeply we can feel and how although we may be broken, we can still sparkle and shine – especially when you find something, or someone, to feel passionate about. It’s also about how we must, at times, look beyond what we need for ourselves and think about what those around us need more.

Somewhere Beyond The Sea is beautifully written, with characters you love and themes that you will easily identify with. It’s something special and you will not want to put it down. It’s not often something resonates SO deeply and personally. It’s a must read, you’ll be enchanted. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop - Jane Linfoot

Available on Amazon 

Christmas is coming for all those at Brides by the Sea, Cornwall’s cutest little wedding shop, and the in-house wedding dress designer Seraphina East is at her best in her studio designing exquisite dresses, the type that makes even the demanding bride speechless.

This time the demanding bride is Sera’s very own sister Alice. These two sisters aren’t exactly close, Alice hasn’t even asked Sera to design her wedding dress but asks Sera to take charge in getting things ready when she is stuck overseas with work. But as plans start to go wrong and the groom hasn’t turned up, Sera is determined her big sister gets the wedding of her dreams – especially when that means keeping two irresistible best men under control. A blast from the past shocks Sera, can she keep her mind on what she needs to do for her sister, or will everything end in disaster?!

This is my third visit to St Aiden and the wonderful women (and men) of Brides by the Sea. I didn’t read them in order – usually something that would drive mad – but it really doesn’t matter. Picking up this book, I was instantly transported back to Cornwall and it very much felt like I was back with my closest friends. 

If you haven’t read any of the previous books, don’t worry, this can easily work as a standalone but I would imagine you’d want to catch up.
This story gives us Sera, the quiet, yet fabulously amazing, dress designer – I like her a lot. I like that she is not a girly girl, she doesn’t like fuss and attention yet she can be fiery and doesn’t realise just how tough she can be. She doesn't suffer fools gladly and she really does find one in the gorgeous, utterly chaotic and charming Quinn, one of the two best men helping to get the wedding organised. As they try to fulfill all the tasks in the wedding manual Alice sent, all manner of things start to go wrong. Sera's friends are on hand and, as always, they are willing to help - there are no problems that these guys cannot fix to ensure a Happily Ever After.

Personally, I enjoyed the obvious rivalry between the two best men. Both wanting Sera for themselves and constantly battling for her attention. Quinn, in a more brash and obvious way while Johnny kept it simple, classy and was the guy I was championing from the beginning. At times during the book I did wonder if Sera would go the other way and end up with the wrong guy, as it sounded really tempting for her but I knew the best man (ha ha – best man, get it?!) would win. 

I adore Jane Linfoots writing, her style and the way I never want to put a book down. The way her writing flows and gives us the kind of book where you don’t notice time slipping by because you are so completely absorbed.

This book gave me a true Christmas feel (even in September), I was dazzled by the decorations, the descriptions of the amazing dresses, and I drooled over the cakes. With all of books I’ve read by Jane Linfoot, I was bowled over by the feelings of love and friendship. So much so I wish I lived in St Aiden and I could be part of Brides by the Sea.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍