Book Review - A Cornish Summer Holiday by Rosie Green

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Title: A Cornish Summer Holiday (Little Duck Pond Cafe, Book 10)

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied 

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 8th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Ellie’s plan to turn a neighbouring barn into a venue to teach bread-making skills is under way – but when the construction work interferes with the smooth running of the cafe, she comes up with a plan that lifts the hearts of all the Little Duck Pond Café crew. They’ll close for a month and take a well-earned break in the tiny Cornish village of Pengully Sands, where Sylvia’s sister, Agatha, owns a holiday home. With the glorious golden sands, sparkling azure sea and an ice cream parlour only yards away, it seems like the perfect location to relax and watch the surfers riding the waves (and maybe even having a go themselves).

But when they arrive, the girls find it isn’t quite the seaside idyll they were expecting. The house is less ‘holiday home’ and more ‘creepy, dilapidated haunted house’. And the ice cream parlour is sad and run down. Gracie, who runs it, is battling problems of her own, and the last thing she needs is a group of high-spirited girls arriving to disturb the peace and isolation she has so carefully cultivated for herself. And when a handsome stranger threatens her livelihood, it seems like the last straw. Can Gracie find her happy ever after - and even make friends with the Little Duck Pond Cafe girls next door?

This definitely won't be the relaxing break the girls had planned. But that doesn't mean it won't turn out to be the holiday of a lifetime!

I can't believe this is the 10th instalment of The Little Duck Pond Cafe series already, where does the time go?  

I will start by saying that it can easily be read as a standalone as for the the first time the duck Pond Cafe girls have gone on holiday together and this is the first book not set in Sunnybrook.

Rather we have a brand new location of Pengully, in Cornwall and the book is written from two focal points - The Little Duck Pond  Cafe girls and also local ice cream pop parlour owner Gracie.

Gracie is a fresh voice to the series and as fans may come to expect from new leading ladies of the series she has a whole lot of stuff to work through and some wonderful plot points that had me slightly emotional.

I loved seeing the girls make a new friend but also seeing how they turned their holiday around since their holiday cottage wasn't exactly in the condition they expected.

It was great to catch up with Ellie, Jaz, Fen, Katya and Maddison in a new situation,  but don't worry there is still plenty of great good and tasty bakes featured. 

Already looking forward to book 11 just hope I don't need to wait too long as I will never tire of this series, and its great array of characters.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Lemon Drizzle Mondays at the Little Duck Pond Café by Rosie Green

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Title: Lemon Drizzle Mondays at the Little Duck Pond Café

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 29th February 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Molly Hooper has a secret. It haunts her dreams and casts a dark shadow over life with her gorgeous three-year-old daughter, Eva. Arriving in Sunnybrook has given her a glimpse of sunshine. The Little Duck Pond Cafe crew seem so welcoming and there's even the chance of a new job. Baking delicious cakes has always taken Molly to a happy place, so the job - at the glorious Brambleberry Manor Cafe - might just be perfect for her. It would mean she and little Eva could finally put down some roots at last. But is Sunnybrook the sanctuary Molly is searching for? Or will the past come back to haunt her, wherever she hides?

To say this is a series that keeps you on your toes is an understatement.  We go from the previous book written in three voices for the original Little Duck Pond Cafe Ladies - to this one which finally gives us Molly's story. 

And what  tough time of it Molly is having.  If I ever have to hear about her landlord again, I may have to incite some revenge on her behalf as he truly is despicable.  Her daughter Eva is utterly adorable and being three is rather accepting of the circumstances they are in. She takes glee in looking at the bargain aisles in supermarkets as much as her mum. 

Molly is determined to turn her life around, and a job in the Brambleberry Manor Cafe she hopes will be the start of a bright new future, if only things were just that simple.  

This though is a story about kindness, and about pledging acts of kindness, and about how putting out positive vibes for others can richly reward your life.   It's also a story about a mother's determination for a better life for her and her child. 

I would say that this book could definitely be read as a standalone, although all my favourite characters from the rest of the series are present to some extent, this is definitely Molly's book, and given we didn't know that much about her before, I'd say it would be safe book to kick start your love for the series. 

Rosie Green has written yet another book that I didn't want to be parted from,  I was thoroughly engrossed from start to finish and already can't wait to see at the Duck Pond Cafe gang get up to in their next book.  This is a series that is going from strength to strength, and I'm really impressed with the various ideas and way each book feels really different to each other but still having that sense of familiarity too. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - A Winter Wedding at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: A Winter Wedding at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 24th December 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

With Zak and Ellie’s wedding day approaching, there's high excitement in the pretty village of Sunnybrook, especially among the Little Duck Pond Café crew. Ellie is over the moon with her romantic surprise wedding gift from Zak, and Madison is promising to organise a hen party to remember. Everyone has high hopes for a magical Christmas Eve wedding celebration at gorgeous Brambleberry Manor. (Even Maisie-Moo has a sparkling new outfit.)

But sometimes, even the best-laid plans can go wrong. And with the journey to the altar turning out to be rockier than expected, it’s going to take nothing short of a Christmas miracle to ensure a happy ending .

Another wonderful addition to this series. And for the first time that I recall at least, it is written from the three original leading ladies of the series viewpoints. 

So we get to see things from Elle, Jaz and Fen's perspectives, which is great, as I've missed all of their voices, in the more recent novellas. 

Equally doing it this way has allowed for enough backstory to be filtered in so that if you are new to the series it should standalone. 

This one really made me smile a lot, from the various mishaps to the romantic gestures.   There is just a lot to love. 

I don't want to risk spoiling the plot, or the series so far potentially, but I'll say that it is so great to finally see this wedding, which I feel like we have been waiting for, for books!

Not that everything is smooth sailing, I am ridiculously happy with the way all the characters stories, including Madison, Katja, Primrose are progressing within this instalment. 

And of course I can't not mention the adorable Maisie and Maisie Moo, who never fail to make me grin. 

I adored this novella, and I can't wait to return to the Little Duck Pond Cafe in the next one. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Snowflakes Over Moondance Cottage by Rosie Green

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Title: Snowflakes Over Moondance Cottage

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self published

Publication Date: 15th November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When Jess Rigby lost her dad, the family coped in different ways, alone in their grief. Now, her mum seems to be going off the rails and her sister, Isla, who moved to France, is now back and determined to get the old family home on the market. But the last thing Jess wants this Christmas is for renovations to start on the house. It's sure to stir up old memories she's desperate to forget. And to make things worse, Isla seems to have hired the most obnoxious builder in the world to do the work. Jess could ignore the fact that women seem to be putty in his hands. But what she finds harder to ignore is the frisson she gets every time she squeezes past him in the mess that is now their beloved family home! Soon, the house begins to give up its secrets, some of them shocking. Can the family finally start talking and find a way to move on from the past this Christmas?

Rosie Green is the author of the much-loved, best-selling novellas in the LITTLE DUCK POND CAFE series. This is her first full-length Christmas book.

I've been completely rocked by the amazingness of this ending to the book - I mean the rest of it is of course rather special too and I can't say anything else about the end section but wow it was worth it! 

At times this is can be a fairly emotional and with a lot more depth to the characters than you may anticipate from the festive cover and title.  Which just adds to the story's awesomeness. 

I was completely hooked on the Rigby family, all of whom are still reeling from events three years ago.  And we see how they all deal with their grief, while at the same time although not being present their dad is larger than life.  

There is a potential for new love, if only an ex wasn't in the way, and just nothing seems smooth sailing for any of the characters. They are all really relatable too and I enjoyed getting to know them all. 

And if you are wanting a sprinkling of Christmas magic well there is definitely some of that present. 

This is really a tricky book to review as a lot of what I'd like to mention, I can't without revealing key things.  

Suffice to say this is a book that I adored reading, the author is as talented as always, with her fluent writing, great characters and a setting and back story too that I found utterly enticing. 

I really did just enjoy every single second of this book. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

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Title: Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 2nd November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

If you love all the colours of autumn, you're sure to warm to this uplifting story of love, loss and starting over.
Primrose Wilkins arrived in Sunnybrook with a burning desire to find the family she's never known. But after a heart-breaking false start, she's beginning to have second thoughts. Can she find the courage to battle on in her quest? And with her romantic life at an all-time low, will meeting the intriguing and attractive Callum Davy be just what she needs to renew her faith in love?
Meanwhile, Fen is also finding it hard to be brave. She's made it through to the final of TV show 'Battle of the Bakes' (thanks to Ellie entering on her behalf), but she's always shied away from being in the spotlight. How will Fen cope now that she's a famous 'celebrity', recognised in the street everywhere she goes?

What a delightfully autumnal addition to this series, complete with Halloween and Fireworks.  Plus Maisie Moo in fancy dress, and Maisy Moo just being an all around star. 

Ok I really want Maisie's puppy, she is so adorable and cuddly and Primrose seems to love walking her.  Primrose who moved to Sunnbrook in the previous book, and is now the central character, as we see if she can discover who her birth grandmother really is. 

This is a lovely and moving story, and I loved getting to know Primrose so well.  And of course catching up with all of the other wonderful women that this series has brought into our lives. We finally get to discover how Fen does in the Battle of the Bakes,  and Ellie is getting much closer to her wedding.  

There are two potential love interest in this edition for Primrose,  although I was reasonably sure who she would  be with quite early on, it was enjoyable to see the story develop. 

This is just another incredibly enjoyable addition to The Little Duck Pond Cafe series, and although it could be read as a standalone, its even better having read all the other wonderful books before it! 

Reading this felt like returning home to old friends, and I really am excited to hear there will be another book in this series, as I definitely want more. 

Thanks to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily 

Book Review - Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

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Title:  Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date:  6th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Wedding fever is in the air in the village of Sunnybrook. With Ellie and Zak's Big Day on the horizon, the sun is shining brightly on the Little Duck Pond Cafe community. But when dark clouds begin to roll in from more than one direction, several close relationships look to be under threat. Will the wedding of the year actually take place at all?

I have no idea how Rosie Green keeps doing it, but what a roller coaster I've just been on with this book.  Everything took me completely by surprise and I am just flabbergasted at how everything turned out. 

Word's can't describe how a series that started off incredibly well, seems to have kicked up to a new gear with the books added to it this year. If I thought A Bakery at the Little Duck Pond Cafe was previously the best in the series, then I think this tops it completely. 

But oh, Rosie Green, do you have to keep putting your characters through the wringer... I mean I know it makes for captivating storytelling, but your poor poor characters.... they feel like family to me by now, and when they hurt, I hurt!  

With Confetti in the title you may be expecting a laugh a minute book about a wedding... and well there are laughs,  there is certainly weddingy things happening... but amongst that well there is all sorts of drama that keep you reading.  From about 40% onwards I read in one sitting as I had no desire to put the book down at all. 

There is so much I'd like to say but the book is only a novella and with the action coming thick and fast with no let up, I don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment of what really is a wonderful addition to the series. 

It is clear this is an author growing with confidence with every story, and has a fabulous imagination to keep each instalment so fresh and addictive.   Bring on book 7!! 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book review - A Bakery at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

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Title:  A Bakery at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published 

Publication Date: 31st March 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Ellie's dreams of opening a bakery in Sunnybrook are 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?

I think this could easily be my favourite book of the series so far.  I'm a huge fan of all the characters that we already know and love in Sunnybrook, but the main character of this particular instalment was rather refreshing.  

I absolutely loved getting to know Katja, she has a very interesting past, and  the competition with Madison the other fresh face to the series, to see who would be hired long term to work in the bakery. 

Both Katja and Madison are complete opposites, so them needing to live together creates some very interesting situations.  

Of course Ellie is still central to the plot, it's just we get to see everything through fresh eyes, and get to see how Ellie, Zac and Maisie are getting on from a different perspective.    

This is just a really enjoyable novella, its very quick and easy to read, I could have easily read it in one sitting, but I started it in bed at 3am, and didn't think reading more than a chapter would be a good idea. 

There is such a comfortable feel to the series and the writing, and I was able to pick up with the lives of the characters really quickly. while taking to Katja really quickly too. 

Whether you are new to the series, or a regular, its a lovely romantic comedy that will certainly entertain you. 


Thank you to Rosie Green for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Snowed In At The Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

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Title:  Snowed In At The Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 15th November 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

The biggest snowfall in years has blanketed Sunnybrook, cutting the village off from the outside world. For Fen, who finds herself snowed in at The Little Duck Pond Cafe, it's little more than a minor inconvenience. Her love life is finally running smoothly; it looks as if she's found the perfect man for her.
But then a shocking secret threatens to destroy Fen's new-found happiness.

Will being snowed in be the final straw? Or will Fen find a way through the snowdrifts to the perfect love?

Wow, I started this 2 hours ago, and only just put it down and rejoined the real world.  What a novella, and what an amazing new book to this delightful series. 

I was enjoying it so much I didn't even pause to think if it could be read as a standalone, my gut feeling is this works best if you are least read Christmas at the Little Duck Pond Cafe as it continues straight on and Fen features as the leading lady in both, so you will really feel the emotion and know the characters most recent situations if you read them as a pair. 

So this may be a novella but you wouldn't believe it, the amount that Rosie Green has yet again managed to pack into such a small package. 

I can't really comment on the plot, as I don't want to give anything away, but I will say I went on a rollercoaster of feelings, as the story progressed, I think I must have felt almost every key emotion while reading it.  I was laughing, almost crying, in fear, curious, annoyed that I was smarter than the characters and that they couldn't see sense faster, and surprise. 

I did not see that ending coming, and I am looking forward to seeing how Rosie Green progresses the series from here.  I have an inkling as to who if may be the next main character, as there is another lady who is featured quite a lot in the story, without her being one of our main trio.  

I loved as always seeing the continuation of Jaz and Ellie's stories too, and their friendship seems to be going from strength to strength.   The duck pond features quite a bit in this story, and Snowed In is definitely a rather apt title, although even the way that was dealt with took me by surprise. 

This is an absolute treat of a book for fans of the series, and those just joining The Little Duck Pond Cafe series, I would strongly suggest you read them all, they are all novellas, and all are as impressive as this one, although I would say the series is getting better book by book. 

Thank you so much to Rosie Green for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily., 

Book Review - Christmas at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

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Title: Christmas at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 3rd September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Fen has always hated being the centre of attention.
She loves her new job, working behind the scenes at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and baking the scrumptious cakes that have helped its reputation soar. But frankly, she'd rather scrub the public toilet floor with a toothbrush than have to come out and talk to the customers.
She's always been happy to stay in the background as long as she has a good supply of books to escape into. That's her kind of romance - the fictional sort where she can read about other people taking a chance on love, but she doesn't have to risk her own heart.
But that was before Ethan Fox arrived in the village and turned her world upside down. Ethan is a leading light in the local amateur dramatics theatre company and Fen knows he's way out of her league. 
But when the popular village Christmas pantomime hits a crisis, Fen and Ethan find themselves thrown together. Can Fen overcome her shyness and find the courage to step on stage and save the day?

For a novella this really does pack a big punch into a really short space. 

It was fabulous getting to know Fen, the quietest member of the friendship group, she may be shy but she is also a very loyal friend and all she wants to do is read romance novels, cook and have a real life romance. 

Which may be why she falls for Ethan Fox,  who early on I really wasn't sure about, especially as he kept pushing Fen to do things she clearly wasn't too comfortable with, such as joining the am-dram group for the panto. 

It is also great to catch up with Jaz and Ellie and see the next steps in their stories - if you want to read their back stories, then read the other two books in this series, they are all fabulous. 

The girls friendship is still key to them and there are interesting developments in all of their lives.  It was also lovely seeing Ellie's friendship and confidence grow as a result of spending time with Rob. 

What I am loving most about these novellas is that each one seems to have a more serious issue in it, which adds a degree of depth and gritty realism to the stories.  In addition to that there is such a feel good feeling I get from the book, and it really is a fabulously entertaining escapist piece of fiction. 

Thank you to Rosie Green for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Summer at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

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Title: Summer at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 18th June 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Jaz Winters stuck a pin in a map and fled to the village of Sunnybrook, looking for a brand new life - and after a rocky start, it's beginning to look as if she made the right decision. Her blossoming friendship with Ellie and Fen has seen her through some dark times, and she's managed to land two jobs - waitressing at The Little Duck Pond Café and working as a weekend tour guide at Brambleberry Manor, the country house that's been in Fen's family for generations.

Sure, life isn't totally perfect. There's the irritating know-it-all guy who keeps popping up on her manor tours, for a start. He seems determined to get under Jaz's skin whether she likes it or not. But she supposes he's a small price to pay for the relative peace she's found, living in Sunnybrook.

But just as Jaz is beginning to think rosier times are on the horizon, a shock encounter looks set to shatter her fragile happiness.

Will she be forced to flee from Sunnybrook and everyone she's grown so fond of? Or will she find the strength to stand her ground and finally face up to the nightmares of the past?

Fast paced novella, that focuses on Jaz and her need to make a new life for herself after a relationship ended but who is determined that she doesn't lose touch with her ex's daughter Titch.  

I really felt for Jaz as its clear she is missing Titch but can't do anything about it, and she just wants to do whats best for the girl she loves.  

Jaz is attempting to sort out a new life in Sunnybrook and there are familiar faces from the previous book in the series, but equally this works wonderfully well as a standalone novella.  I love all the assorted characters that are present and was amused at the lengths Jaz was going to to avoid being photographed, or even near the gorgeous local photographer! 

This was a lovely story to while away an hour or two with,  with a storylines running through it, and I'm already eager to return to Sunnybrook in the Christmas book. 

Thank you to Rosie Green for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Spring at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

Amazon UK

Title: Spring at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 22nd March 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Fleeing from a romance gone wrong, Ellie Farmer arrives in the pretty little village of Sunnybrook, hoping for a brand new start that most definitely does not include love! Following an unscheduled soak in the village duck pond, she meets Sylvia, who runs the nearby Duck Pond Café. Renting the little flat above the café seems like the answer to Ellie's prayers. It's only for six months, which will give her time to sort out her life, far away from cheating boyfriend Richard.

But is running away from your past ever really the answer?

Clashing with the mysterious and brooding Zack Chamberlain, an author with a bad case of writer's block, is definitely not what Ellie needs right now. And then there's Sylvia, who's clinging so hard to her past, she's in danger of losing the quaint but run-down Duck Pond Café altogether. 

Can Ellie find the answers she desperately needs in Sunnybrook? And will she be able to help save Sylvia's little Duck Pond Café from closure?

What a charming little novella. It had me laughing and smiling throughout, and really felt like there was a good amount of plot put into a relatively small package. 

Ellie is lovely, we first encounter her contemplating whether she can climb a tree just to take a photograph, and shortly after a meeting with a gorgeous guy, she has a run in with a duck pond.  But everything happens for a reason and before long Ellie is moving to Sunnybrook for a new start. 

She isn't looking for love, wants to get away from men, and needs a new job, while living above the Little Duck Pond Cafe. 

Everyone in Sunnybrook is very friendly and welcoming, with a couple of key exceptions, and as the story progresses I couldn't help buy want to have cake in the Little Duck Pond Cafe, buy bread from the bakery Ellie has started to work in, and watch the ducks at the pond for myself. 

I am really looking forward to the next novella in this series, as I already want to return to this village and its characters. The book is well written, easy to read and highly enjoyable, what more do you want from a shorter read to while away an hour or two. 

Thanks to Rosie Green for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.