Christmas at the Keanu Kindness Café

Foodie Romance Journeys #12

by Isabella May

When career burnout brings EVIE and JOE together in Glastonbury, random acts of festive kindness are the last thing on their minds. One year ago to the day, Joe mysteriously disappeared on Evie at their mutual friend’s Yuletide bierkeller bash in London, just as they were getting very well acquainted… an act that has sworn her off men for life.

Both fellow city-dwellers are determined to spend their December sabbatical in the quirky town alone, and as planned, focusing on their make-or-break New Year’s resolutions… whilst one of them is stubbornly ignoring the fact they fancy the Christmas jumpers off one another.

But nobody walks through the twinkly-lit doors of the mistletoe-decked Keanu Kindness Café without the selfless magic of the Hollywood star rubbing off on them!

Especially when calamity strikes on Christmas Eve, ensuring Evie and Joe lock their reindeer antlers at last…

A steamy will-they-won't-they forced proximity holiday romance.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her cross-genre novels, fused with a dollop of romcom, and a sprinkle of magical realism.

Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

You can follow her Foodie Romance Journey series at the following hang-outs:


www.isabellamayauthor.com

Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks
Instagram - @isabella_may_author
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayA...

Reviews

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been lucky enough to read an ARC of this great book thanks to the lovely Isabella.

I have loved all of Isabella May's books and this one is another one that is definitely worth a read.

I love a festive read and I jumped at the chance to read this. I really enjoyed this book with all it's name drops and festive fun.

I really liked the tension between Evie and Joe. It's amusing and gets a little steamy at times.

I also loved Jonie and Lee, they're the sort of people who you want in your circle.

I've not been to Glastonbury as an adult (my parents took me and my brother to Glastonbury Festival when we were kids, so I think I would have been around 4, just a little while ago). This book makes me want to go and visit to take in all sites.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie meets Joe while she is dressed as the Sugarplum Fairy and he the Nutcracker. Sounds like it was meant to be from the off... however, if that were that, we would be finished within the first couple of chapters.
No. Evie is not feeling things at work as an editor or in her personal life. The chance meeting with the fancy-dressed Joe sparks a moment of reprieve until he disappears.
Disheartened, she takes extended leave from her job and disappears to Glastonbury, recommended by a work colleague, Milly.
There, she meets a host of intriguing characters who take an interest in her life, and she is led to the Keanu Kindness Cafe. I LOVED this concept. Keanu Reeves is one of the most amazing souls out there, and to have a cafe dedicated to him and his philanthropic work was an idea of genius, as was the RAOK jar!
Oh, and Joe? He turns up, too! What a coincidence! There is a brilliant 'will they/won't they?' aspect of the story as it builds, and faces Evie would rather not see turn up, too.
Great fun, and a wonderful way to get into the Christmas Spirit!

[kelly freaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Isabella May books. There like a a warm hug in a mug. There heartwarming, funny and a perfect pick me up on a bad day. Her Christmas ones are my absolute favourite especially as it's my favourite season. And a book about a cafe dedicated to Keanu Reeves how can that be anything less than a 5 star read

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say a brilliant Christmas read. Love all of Isabella’s books. Who wouldn’t like a cafe dedicated to Keanu Reeves.
Great story and great characters. Wood recommend.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw this book cover I knew I had to read it!
I’m a self confessed Christmas Book addict anyway, but the idea of a café devoted to the awesome Keanu Reeves (especially celebrating his kindness) really intrigued me and I was thrilled to grab an early ARC copy.
Instantly I was drawn into the drama, seeing Evie meet her knight in a shining Nutcracker outfit at a party she was initially not keen to attend was a great opening to the story. Fate threw them together but would it strike again to keep them together?
A serendipitous sabbatical takes Evie to the magical town of Glastonbury where a café captures her attention and leads to more adventures and maybe a selection of second chances for her too, both in her love life and her future plans.
I adore the quirky characters in Isabella’s brilliant books, and it was wonderful to catch up with many from previous books (although this book can easily be read as a standalone)
It was also fantastic to be in the stunning setting of Glastonbury during the festive season, bringing extra magic to the already cosmopolitan place.
The café and the random act of kindness concept was fabulous for creating exciting moments and opportunities for Evie to discover things about herself and the community she now finds herself in.
Such a fun, fast paced story that was filled with joy and laughter, with added ‘will they won’t they’ moments that had me turning the pages avidly.
Truly a gift of a book that was uplifting and entertaining, and who doesn’t want to have the image of the gorgeous Keanu in their minds as they read?
A perfect act of kindness was Isabella writing this epic Christmas book! Thank you 😊 🎄

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book to review. My very first ARC and also my first festive read of the year! This book follows the ups and downs of a festive romance between Evie and Joe. I greatly enjoyed the descriptions of food and the setting of a café based on Keanu Reeves principles of kindness, however there wasn't enough backstory, for Evie in particular. I understood that she was attractive but she seemed pretty grumpy and unapproachable for much of the book. Also, I didn't believe that two strangers who happened to meet / fall for each other would both end up on sabbaticals at the same time. This was a very sweet, cosy, festive read that was easy to delve into. The acts of kindness give you a warm feeling and this concept was a good twist on a Christmas romance story. 4 stars.

[L A King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. Full of everything you can possibly want from a Christmas novel. It’s wonderful to catch up on old friends from previous books. This is imagination at its best. The characterisation, so believable, that you are taken on this tour of Glastonbury.  Once again Isabella May, has succeeded in bringing us her unique storytelling and made me want to start a coffee shop like The Keanu Kindness Cafe.  A genius idea and many places could do with this kind of community bond.

Evie finds herself besotted with Joe, who she met at a Bierkeller. Upon returning from a bathroom visit, she finds that he has disappeared. 

Both of them take stock of their life and decide to take a sabbatical, although neither knew that the other had done this. Evie went to stay at an Airbnb in Glastonbury.  Determined to find herself and get Joe out of her system, she makes a list of what she wants to do whilst in Glastonbury, until she realises that Joe is also in the vicinity.

The Keanu Kindness Cafe is a cosy place, where she makes friends. After purchasing something,  you pick a Random Act of Kindness envelope.  Hilariously funny. Are Evie and Joe meant to be together? This is definitely a book to put on your TBR list. Thank you to Isabella May for letting me read and review. 

 

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas may have come early with this book, but it certainly hasn't disappointed. A cafe dedicated to non other than Keanu Reeves and his acts of kindness. Is truly not what you'd expect in a christmas book but it definitely works. Evie is fed up with her day to day life constantly saying YES to everything put on her. Until attending a party she meets Joe, they are surprised at how easily they connect. Him dressed as a Nutcracker and her as a Sugar Plum Fairy as if they were already a couple. But life is never simple like that. So Evie decides to take a month off and go and spend December in Glastonbury. This is the start of the comedy of errors that follows. Everything from an orange wizard, a non stop talking taxi drive and RAOK (random acts of kindness) given to customers at Keanu Cafe. This makes for a book you won't want to put down. The characters are not only quirky, loveable and unique, they also make this a fun packed story that totally draws you in and wish you were part of it. Will Evie find her hea or will Joe leave her alone. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I'm certain you'll love it as much as I did

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mutual friend's party is where they first met
The attraction was there from the first yet
Why should he suddenly then disappear
Evie still wonders, nothing was clear.

Feeling bereft and unsure what to do,
Evie takes a break for a month - or maybe, two?
For that time she plans to stay in Glastonbury
Thinking and making new plans, there's no hurry.

What she didn't expect is a really special place
Or to once more encounter a familiar face.
The Keanu Kindness Café and its owners, too,
Help give their challenges a different view!

An inspirational read with laughter and fun,
Challenges and dreams, getting things done.
There's also the kindness and so much more
A delightful read I hope you won't ignore.

Discover what happens whilst she's there
And more about the community who really care.
There are challenges, surprises and romance, too,
In this heartwarming story I highly recommend to you.

[Athena Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.this was such a sweet light hearted holiday read. One of my favorite things are reading holiday-ish books and this one definitely hit the spot! I love how Evie (MFC) and Joe (MMC) meet, a nutcracker and plum fairy.... come on thats fate! This story takes place in Glastonbury, which up until now I have never even heard of.  It was awesome getting to learn a bit more about the festivities that that place in that location. I will definitely recommend this book to others! I want to say thank you to Isabella for my ARC to read and review. As always ,please check the TW!


Read this if you like:
- Keanu reeves
- community spirit

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas and a visit to Glastonbury was a fantastic treat. When Evie meets Joe at a fancy dress party she’s dressed as the Sugar Plum Fairy and he’s The Nutcracker, so they are meant to be together or are they? A café dedicated to Keanu Reeves and his acts of kindness was a brilliant storyline and it was lovely to see characters from previous books popping up. Funny, charming, entertaining, packed full of gorgeous treats, an uplifting festive read with a will they or won’t they get it together.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Keanu Kindness Café by Isabella May.
Foodie Romance Journeys book 13.
When career burnout brings EVIE and JOE together in Glastonbury, random acts of festive kindness are the last thing on their minds. One month ago to the date, Joe mysteriously disappeared on Evie at their mutual friend’s Yuletide bierkeller bash in London, just as they were getting very well acquainted… an act that has sworn her off men for life.
I love this series. This is one of my favourite authors. I did like EVIE and JOE . 5*.

[tracey cloxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie and joe meet at an event in London, Evie pops the the rest room returns to the event and joe has gone. With work burn out Evie ends up going to Glastonbury for 6 weeks for the lead up to Christmas, the story moves on from here with lovely characters , a little magic, romance, lust and a lot of lovely Christmas spirit.. it’s a lovely Christmas story however it’s a little long winded, I think if it was just a little more condensed it would be perfect, the descriptions were lovely of the places, costumes etc

[Nicola Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute with a capital C for this one. Warm, fuzzy and gooey are three ways of describing it with the expected catastrophes.

Cakes feature as per and an unusual cafe, which I would avoid for one very good reason - good deeds, are acceptable, but this premise stretches it to the limits. I won’t reveal any more at this stage.

The characters were varied and likeable and it was interesting to learn more about Glastonbury, which I have never visited. Enjoyed reading it.

[Angela Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ A fab festive read! ✨

After a disappointing encounter with Joe the Nutcracker in a London beer hall, Evie embarks on a me-time sabbatical in the mystical town of Glastonbury, but Joe happens to have the same idea. Can these two get it together with a little help from the well meaning locals and a Keanu Reeves-inspired cafe?

This book is so quirky, funny, and well written, (with one of the best meet-cutes EVER 😍) - I loved it. I felt like I knew each of the characters personally. Evie was a relatable heroine, I liked that she got frustrated and annoyed at times but still had a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude when things weren’t going her way. The Keanu cafe run by Justin and Rio was ah-maz-ing. I loved the RAOK (random acts of kindness) jar, and the Keanu-inspired food was both mouthwatering and funny - the Point Break cake shaped like a wave LOL.

Full of witty one liners, madcap antics, kooky characters, and a swoony love interest, this is the perfect Christmassy book to read with a generous slice of cake and a cup of hot chocolate. Dig in and enjoy!

[Chloe Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who loves Cutesy Christmas Romance movies will love this book.

It follows Evie and Joe who meet at a mutual friends party and lose contact with each other.

The way the characters are drawn to each other in this story had me eager to read more. Set in an unusual Keanu themed Cafe in Glastonbury it gives a found family atmosphere.

[ericas_bookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Café dedicated to Keanu Reeves and celebrating his kindness....how amazing does that sound? Not exactly what you'd expect in a Christmas book but such a good concept.
This is such a fun, happy read full of adventures and a cast of quirky characters and the sense of community is so strong throughout. I loved the relationship between Evie and Joe, the will they won't they, and the part fate plays in their lives.
The setting of Glastonbury during Christmas is so magical and really makes the story, I've never been and really want to go now.

A really fun fast paced uplifting book reminding you of the power of random acts of kindness and how we should all be a bit more like Keanu Reeves.

I received an advanced copy from the author and all thoughts are my own.

[Clare Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this as my first Xmas read of the year..Filled with quirky loveable characters and lots of laughs and capturing the magic of the festive season throughout. I've Lovebirds by this author before and this didn't disappoint xxx Can't wait for Xmas now 😀 Also love all the covers of Isabellas books really captive the reader I feel xxx

[Holly Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved this book!

It takes us back to Glastonbury and some familiar favourite characters, but also introduces us to Evie and Joe. The concept behind the Kindness Café was fantastic, and I loved the ROAK tin - great idea!

This book as the perfect level of romance and spice, blended perfectly with humour and lovely characters. So happy this was my first Christmas read for the season.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. A cast of quirky characters woven together with random acts of kindness in equally quirky Glastonbury. I have been to Glastonbury and it felt cozy to read about the familiar places. The kindness cafe concept is really heartwarming. I wish there were some everywhere. I received this as an advance copy from the author and leave this review voluntarily.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again this author brings the magic sparkle to life with her latest read. Evie and Joe are two fabulous characters- as is the whole ensemble. Lots of action, a hilarious taxi driver with laughs and fun in between. A good all round read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the perfect start to my festive reading 🎄I enjoyed getting to know the characters and following along with village life. A good festive easy read, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

[Caroline Brannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas At The Keanu Kindness Café is a cute love story set at Christmas time. I love anything Keanu Reeves and the idea of a kindness cafe with random acts of kindness in the name of Keanu is such a lovely idea. I'd totally love to get a hot chocolate and sweet treat there. This book comes with so many twists and turns, it's a rollercoaster of emotions with the main character Evie oozing obsessive tendencies throughout. If you are looking for a light-hearted read coming up to Christmas this is a perfect read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bizarre happenings in the town of Glastonbury with odd residents, odd shops and a Keanu Kindness Cafe but it all works and you get a lovely sense of community. Evie, visiting from London, works through her issues whilst sorting out her love life and there's foodie yumminess included too.

[julie young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of heart. Funny, flirty, festive feel good read.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An all round feel good Christmas story, fuelled with kindness, laughter and good old fashioned rom com vibes.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute festive delight 😊 I personally love Christmas books even in October 😉 this did not disappoint!

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely lovely festive read from an author who does not disappoint
Well written with great characters

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. Keanu Reeves Cafe and Christmas in the story? Yes, im interested in it. To me this was a delightful read. I have read other books of hers too, and found them all great

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella May writes such lovely books. This sweet little novel had all the right tropes to make you go awww and have pink little hearts in your eyes. A perfect Christmas/December read.