I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this book and I couldn't put it down. Received on Friday and finished on Monday morning, it's a fabulous read about real characters. It's written in such a way that readers can visualise the story, it feels as if I've watched it on TV!
Author Carole Matthews has not disappointed with this Christmas novel. It is the follow up to "The Cake Shop In The Garden" which is a firm favourite of mine.
The story returns to the life of the cafe, and all who resides in or near it, covering the period of September to December. It was lovely to be reunited with the lives of Faye Merryweather and Danny Wilde, who are deeply in love with each other, enjoying their nomadic lifestyle on The Dreamcatcher" barge.
When they reach Wales, Faye receives a call to say her elderly neighbour Stan, is very poorly and possibly doesn't have too long to live. Reluctantly, Faye leaves Danny to return to look after Stan and help Lija (the new cafe owner) and Rainbow, her vibrant assistant in the cafe, baking and helping with the popular Christmas afternoon teas.
Life back at the cafe is similar and different for Faye. Her canal boat, "The Maid of Merryweather" moored at the bottom of the garden, is in a poor state of repair due to a leak, leaving it rotting. Not helped by a spate of bad weather that results in the flooding of the cafe too.
Faye and Danny are living on the breadline, having used up their savings. Edie, Fayes half sister never did give her half of the proceeds from the sale of the cafe, so when Edie turns up unexpectedly for Christmas, she doesn't receive a warm welcome.
I won't go further into detail about the storyline as I don't want to spoil if for readers, but it is a lovely book. I'm sure it is another best seller for Carole Matthews.
You can pre-order/purchase a copy of this book by clicking on this link.
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