Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed

The Potting Shed #3

by Jenny Kane

Welcome back to The Potting Shed! As Maddie and Sabi re-open the doors of their family-run garden centre. Business is booming, and it's time to give back to the community that has kept The Potting Shed afloat, by opening the Forget-Me-Not dementia café.

But, as the doors to the café open, Sabi is offered the chance of a lifetime, that could take her away from The Potting Shed for weeks, café manager Jo's frail, elderly mother is taken ill, and Maddie's partner, Ed, takes a job in a faraway city just when Maddie needs him more than ever. A new member of staff is desperately required – who will join Sara, Jo and Ivan as the busy autumn season fast approaches?

Read this heart-warming tale of community spirit to see what The Potting Shed can do next...

Genres: Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

About the author

Usually to be found within range of plate of hot buttered toast, a huge mug of black coffee, and a with a bar of emergency chocolate tucked in her jacket pocket, Jenny Kane spends her days in her local cafe typing away…

Inspired by everything and anything, Jenny combines her past experiences as an archaeologist, university tutor, cheese seller, newsagent, hat maker, and data clerk, with the sights and sounds of everyday life, to weave tales of relaxingly relatable romance.

When Jenny isn’t writing romance, she is exploring her historical side as Jennifer Ash or her darker side as Kay Jaybee (the erotica world’s Queen of Kink!!).

Jenny Kane I the author of the romcom's Another Cup of Coffee, Another Cup of Christmas, Christmas in the Cotswolds, Christmas at the Castle, Another Glass of Champagne, Abi's House, Abi's Neighbour and Romancing Robin Hood.

Jenny Kane is currently awaiting the publication of her 9th book. Watch this space...

Reviews

[Riley :) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m going to have to DNF this one 🫠 personally, something just happened that I don’t want to read about, so I don’t think it’s worth wasting my time on it anymore! Doesn’t mean this book isn’t for everyone though!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely read in this series. I enjoyed being back with all the characters from the Potting She'd along with some new characters. This book ended on a high and I hope there is more in this series. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[GeraniumCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this title because it was about running a nursery (my sister works in one, and I love my garden, so I visit local nurseries when I can). Also, I enjoyed Jenny Kane's Mill Grange series - her books are pleasant, easy reads which assume that people will do jobs they enjoy, like gardening or archaeology or running historic houses - all of which happen to be the sort of jobs I enjoy, so I can identify with the aspirations of the characters. And they are people whose lives are often interesting and complicated, so that they don't necessarily fit into society at large.

For instance, here, one of the characters, Ed, is a barrister, who cares about the law, but is unhappy commuting and working in a high-pressure office; Tristan, an old friend turns up and is puzzled that Ed is "wasting" his law training. Ed is the of person I understand, who values helping people and being there for his partner, so I enjoyed his story as much as I enjoyed that of the other people who work at the Potting Shed, which sounds like the sort of place I'd like to spend time - we do have a lovely nursery nearby, where we go to sit in the garden and eat delicious food and drink coffee served in pretty mugs, before browsing the plants and "preloved" garden accessories (there's an idea for the Potting Shed!)

Another character is Belle, who has an autistic teenage son, who resents her new job at the nursery. Sara is young and bright - will she be beguiled by Tristan into a more ambitious life? Maddie is trying to run the Potting Shed while her sister is away despite a desperate staff shortage, Jo is struggling with his feelings for a co-worker and his anxieties about his elderly mother. The author writes with sympathy and insight into their problems. You know that all will be well in the end, because this is romantic fiction, but you can also appreciate good storytelling and intelligent writing along the way.

[SophsBookishBubbl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely read of the final book in the Potting Shed series.

Had me in a full rollercoaster ride of emotions with lots of deep conversations, events but also lovely sweet lovey-dovey events that had me all giddy.

I loved this series so much, my fav characters have to be Maddie and Jo for the tremendous journey that they have had to navigate throughout this series and my heart warmed towards the end, I felt fulfilled as a reader with everything that worked out in the end.

Wish I could write more but I am just super positive and loved it all❤️❤️

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed, by Jenny Kane, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in the Potting Shed series. I liked reading about old friends especially Maddie and Ed, but I did not like newbie Tristan at all. This was a pretty good series having the potting shed and then opening a cafe is a lot of work for Maddie and her friends but they pull it off.

[bexbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a third book in a series, but that didn't really make anything confusing her out of place. It does spoil if you have it previously, read any of the other books which I hadn't. But it was really fun to jump in to a group of friends that really knew each other.

This book definitely had moments where it was incredibly sad, but it was also uplifting and very sweet.

All in all it was a very comforting read. And it definitely gives autumn vibes.

[Genna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline - a cafe run in a potting shed with a fab, close-knit team. It gave me great ideas for a cafe/bookshop/flower bouquet shop in a nursery, love it! It did get a bit sickly sweet at the end, everything's perfect, everyone's coupled up, we're all having a fab time, it's nice, but I do like some action/drama/thrill which was missing here. Something to grab you. Otherwise a great read, fab birthday book 😍

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Potting Shed stories and this one was good: heartwarming, poignant. It made smile, root for the characters and wish I could visit the Shed.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Emma Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful end to a lively cosy trilogy

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another feel good, enjoyable read in this series. These books are for me a quick and easy read with likeable characters. I look forward to the next one.

[Christine Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in The Potting Shed by Jenny Kane. Such wonderful stories of the lives of everyone involved in making The Potting Shed such a great place. So many great, believable characters that are brought to life with such great writing. I recommended reading the first two books, not only because they lead into this new book but because they are so good too.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed by Jenny Kane

⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

First off, let me start by saying how much I adore the cover of Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed. It's sweet and inviting, just like the story inside. Now, onto my review...

Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed is the latest installment in Jenny Kane's heartwarming series, taking us back to the family-run garden center owned by Maddie and Sabi. Business is thriving, and the duo decides to give back to their community by opening the Forget-Me-Not dementia café. However, as they embark on this new venture, challenges arise that test their ability to juggle personal and professional responsibilities.

Sabi, one of the main characters, is faced with a tempting opportunity that could potentially take her away from The Potting Shed for weeks. Meanwhile, Jo, the café manager, finds herself dealing with her frail and elderly mother falling ill. To make matters worse, Maddie's partner, Ed, lands a job in a distant city just when Maddie needs him the most. With the autumn season approaching rapidly, a new staff member is urgently needed to support Sara, Jo, and Ivan in keeping the garden center running smoothly.

I must admit that I feel I would have enjoyed this book even more had I read the previous books in the series first. Although Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed can be read as a standalone novel, there were moments when I felt like I was missing out on some backstory and character development. Nevertheless, Jenny Kane's writing style is engaging and well-paced, making it easy to become immersed in the story.

The setting of The Potting Shed exudes coziness and charm, almost like receiving a warm hug. It's a place where you can easily imagine yourself spending hours amidst beautiful plants and friendly faces. I particularly enjoyed the author's decision to include multiple points of view throughout the book. It allowed me to connect with different characters and understand their perspectives.

Speaking of characters, the majority of them were likable and well-drawn. Maddie and Sabi felt relatable with their determination to make their garden center succeed. Jo's dedication to her mother added depth to her character. However, there was one character, Tristan, who I found difficult to warm up to.

While Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed had its merits, I did find it a bit slow-paced and light on plot. The story primarily revolves around the day-to-day operations of The Potting Shed and the personal challenges faced by the characters. While this can be comforting for some readers, I personally prefer a bit more excitement and unexpected twists in my books.

In conclusion, Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed is a well-written and cozy read that will appeal to fans of the series. Although it may be enjoyed as a standalone novel, I recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the characters and their journeys. While I found it a little slow and light on plot for my taste, there is no denying the warmth and charm that emanates from this story.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty Mornings in the Potting Shed by Jenny Kane is a cute novel, not really a romance, not really not. It is more a slice of life in interesting lives. Maddie had followed her father’s dream and turned her family home into The Potting Shed: garden centre and gift shop with a cafe, to boot. It was comprised of a variety of people working both full time and part time. One of the most interesting stories belonged to Jo and Sara. Both seemed to be asexual, but they were a couple. Jo was a trans man whose mother had Alzheimer’s and lived in a nearby nursing home. The balance was upset when Tristan Harvey appeared. He had been nearby on vacation with his girlfriend, but that relationship had fallen apart and he was a loose ends. He had known, Ed, Maddie’s partner, earlier. They were both lawyers, but very different sorts of men. Sara was only twenty-one and had never been on a date and when Tristan showed an interest, she responded, although she wasn’t interesting in anything physical. Maddie’s sister, Sabi, and her husband, Michael, were going on a cruise, a long one, and Jemima, their daughter would be in Maddie’s care. Well, she was at boarding school all week so they simply had to get her on weekends and return her for Monday morning.

This is such a character driven novel, I hardly know where to begin. Maybe with the folks at the old folks home: all in various stages of dementia, but all characters in their own right. Jo had previously owned a food truck, but had given it up to run the cafe. He was in a constant state of worry that his demented mom would say something that would “out” him. Sara and Jo ran a B&B together: it was too much for one person, but the business was coming along. The entire bunch was well-rounded and interesting. I could go on and on but it would be better if you read the book. Such fun!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Misty Mornings in the Potting Shed by Aria & Aries, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Netgalley #AriaAndAries #JennyKane #MistyMorningsInThePottingShed

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*

I really need to learn that "I'm just going to read a few chapters" of a Jenny Kane book always becomes "I couldn't put it down and read it all in one day". I have loved this series from the beginning and it continues to deliver heart-felt and sweet stories. I have loved how this series shows that it wasn't just all about surviving the opening of BIG but all of the work that needs to go into keeping the Potting Shed open and thriving. And could there be a better, cuter, more supportive couple than Maddie and Ed? I absolutely love how they support one another and are true partners in everything. I will admit that I kind of missed Sabi in this book. Which shows how much development her character has been given since I wasn't a big fan of hers through much of the first book. Sara and Jo are such complicated and well developed characters. I love that Jo's identity never feels forced - he just is who he is. And learning more about Sara was really great. I wished these two characters would have just sat down and had an open conversation about all of their fears and feelings - it would have saved them both so much turmoil later. And Sara is such a better person than me - I never would have given Tristan the time of day after some of the things he said (both to her and Ed). He was the perfect example of the type of person who you can give a second chance to, but should keep in mind your first impression of them. I really liked that Sara stood up for herself and solved this particular issue by herself rather than needing Jo or anyone else to save her. The parts with Jo's mom were also really well done and sometimes brought a little tear to my eyes. The newest relationship in the series between Belle and Ivan was also really sweet. He was so good with her sons, especially Milo. I really can't wait to see what happens next at the Potting Shed!

[Miss H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Potting Shed book and, although it was tricky at first, I was definitely able to read it as a standalone. There are references to things that I suspect happened in the first few books, and it was nice to dive into the characters and their strong friendships. If I had read the previous books prior to this, I would probably have a stronger bond in these characters and be more invested in them.

I found the multiple POVs interesting as it's something I haven't encountered frequently before. The characters were all different in their own way and it was lovely to see their character progression throughout the story. I particularly enjoyed the LGBT representation and would have loved to see more of that! The different activities of the Potting Shed sounded wonderful, and the community feeling was cozy and comforting.

The story was tricky to follow as it hopped from many POVs and I would have preferred to just read the story from one set of characters - however, that is just my personal preference. Because of this writing style, there also wasn't a lot of plot. It's very much following the everyday lives of these characters with a lot of dialogue and little actually happening. There was some central conflict, but it relied on miscommunication. I don't prefer the miscommunication trope, however if that's something you don't mind then this book will rate higher for you!

All in all, a lovely book with a cozy community feeling and will easily rate higher for other readers.

[Readsandeats · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Head of Zeus Publishing, Netgalley and Jenny Kane for the E ARC of this book. This is the 3rd book in the Potting Shed series.
The potting shed is doing well and Maddie and Sabi are thinking of ways to give back to the community for all the support they have had over the year. Just as they are making decisions Sabi and Henry get the opportunity of a lifetime and with Maddie’s blessing they take it. This leaves Maddie and her boyfriend Ed not only in charge of the potting, but also responsible to Maddie’s niece Jem – when she is not at boarding school.
With Sabi away they are a bit short handed and everyone is doing their best to help as much as possible. They really need someone to help in the café part time and they find their perfect candidate but will she be able to start after all? Jem as also come up with the idea that they could use the café as a dementia café one day a week and have people from the care home close by come in.
Add to this an supposed old University friend of Ed’s (Tristain) turns up and takes a liking to Sara. Is he really interested or just after her money? This also puts a big strain on Sara and Jo’s relationship. Will Maddie end up loosing staff?
I enjoyed being back in the potting shed but Tristain really spoilt the over all pleasure of my reading. He was such an awful character that it detracted from my enjoyment, which was a shame. I do however look forward to reading what happens next at the potting shed.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this series. I have read all the books and I adore the characters. Even the slightly annoying one has made it into my heart (I won't mention her name). The author has created a world at the potting shed that I wish I could live in. When they are looking for help to run it, I want to volunteer! They do not even have to pay me. I would love work in the café and to care for the plants also!

I enjoy stories that have characters of various ages, and this book has that quality. Several teens are instrumental to the story as well as some older folks.

This book is a great continuation of the series. Quite a bit happens in these pages, but as always in a sweet romance, all is good by the final page. I really needed an escape from real life and I thank the author, Jenny Kane for providing a place to regain my faith in people. I look forward to future books in this series and am hoping that they will be some!

A huge thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a real cozy read! It's not the first book in the series but I could catch up quickly with who everyone is. It might have been even cozier if I'd known the characters ahead of time! Maddie runs The Potting Shed-a gardening center in her late father's house in England with an attached coffee shop/cafe. The story is told from multiple POVs and the reader gets invested in all of their stories. Maddie's storyline in this book is how to deal with running the center somewhat alone as her boyfriend has taken a job out of town and her sister embarks on a weeks' long cruise. Jo in the coffee shop was an interesting character along with his best friend Sara. Sara runs the local AirBnB (more of what I'd think of a b and b as she provides breakfast). Ivan who sells cheese alongside the coffee shop and Belle who comes to work in the coffee shop were really sweet characters. Much was made of Ivan's age and aching joints-he was in his early 50's so this seemed a little off for me? Other than that, a really sweet read. I'd be happy to read more about these characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my honest review.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

Tristan groaned. ‘I think that must be a record.’ ‘A record?’ ‘Offending you within ten minutes of being with you.’ ‘Don’t be silly, you’d offended me much quicker than that.’ Sara rolled her eyes.

… it occurred to me that if someone doesn’t put you straight on how to treat women, you’re either going to die alone after a string of disastrous relationships, or you’ll be locked up on a sexual harassment charge, sitting in a cell bewildered at your situation.

I’d rather we lived on toast and fish fingers for the rest of our lives than you be unhappy every day.’

I can’t even pronounce the coffee she has. And oat milk! I mean, whoever milked an oat? The world’s gone mad.

Billy is the perfect example of how to grow old disgracefully, but with style.


My Review:

This was a gentle and realistic installment that continued on from the previous installments with the storylines and a few additional characters and read much like a television serial. There were multiple story threads with real-world issues, thorough and colorful descriptions, and amusing observations tucked into each page. The characters were knowable, likable, and so well-detailed that I would recognize them if I passed them on the street.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back at The Potting Shed. Seeing Maddie and Ed navigate real life issues, long distance relationships, and an unhappy working environment. I loved how they supported each other, and Maddie’s ramblings to her fern and Florrie show me that I’m not that whack a doodle myself as I do those things! I liked the added touch as she still hears and feels her dad and he helps guide her.

Belle and Ivan and her two boys were as n interesting dynamic and I enjoyed how Ivan listened to her concerns and found a way to be a calm and positive influence in her son.

Sara and Jo are an interesting couple, they each have a fairly unique set of issues, but they are still drawn to each other. Watching them fall out over Tristan and seeing Sara learn more about herself was interesting. I was heartbroken for Jo when his mum passed but so touched at the fantastic response everyone gave to pulling together for her wake.

I really hope we get to see them all again, a wedding at the potting shed maybe?

[Maggie's Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed catching up with Maddie and the gang at the Potting Shed. The story continues with all the old characters and a few new ones too. It is well written and flows nicely. I love that it is set in Devon and near where I live too, with real places that I can identify with. Though if you don't know the area it certainly won't matter because everything is well described.

The characters are all very likeable and supportive, with the exception of one new addition. I like that they are so supportive of each other, understanding and tolerant of differences, if only the world was really like this.

This is the third story in the Potting Shed series and followed nicely from the first two. I think you could probably read it as a standalone book but it's nice to have the background of the characters. If you are looking for a nice, easy romance/family/friends story, then this series is worth picking up.

[Sall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The errors in some sentences irked me far more than they should. It also felt like there were still things that didn't quite add up in terms of previously mentioned storylines and the one being read now. I had hoped things like more about Jo's past would have been explained and it could have been through his mums dementia, instead that and the autism introduction both felt rushed and I'm hoping future books will give bigger insights into Jo's life, Milo's autism and asap what on earth happened re Ed's mysterious email recalling him to the office in Bristol. Having said that I predicted a quarter of the way into the book that Ed would be working at the garden centre so that part really dragged out for me. I was disappointed that nobody even mentioned telling Petra and Jake about Jo's mum, they may not have known here but both hailing from the wellington area would have been aware of Charlton lodge and would have wanted to have known that their friend had lost his mother. There really was no need to banish Sabi and replace her with Tristan...he failed to add to the story and rather than see an annoying character develop it just became a pointless part of a book that already had more interesting character dynamics that could have continued by just sending Sabi on holiday and not introducing a new character. That said I did enjoy reading the book and seeing the garden centre develop.

[Kirsty Hoggons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley.

I read the previous book in the series and I found it to be a bit slow. Sadly this book seemed a bit of the same.

I enjoyed the storyline between Belle and Ivan but I wish such an issue hadn't been made about their age gap - it was unnecessary when they had such good chemistry.

Ed giving up his job as a lawyer to work at The Potting Shed seems crazy to me. It doesn't seem like that would happen in reality. Not when he seemed to enjoy his job before he moved to Bristol.

The Tristan and Sara interaction went on for too long and the tense moments between Jo and Sara were just a bit too much - it went on for too long.

Overall, if you enjoyed the first book you'll probably enjoy this one too.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy from Netgalley

Third book in The Potting Shed series.

With business blooming (pun intended) and the Forget Me Not cafe growing ever more popular, Maddie and the gang overcome sadness and jealousy to welcome some new members to the team.

In this book we get to see more of Sara and are introduced to Belle and her two boys and a new character (who I truly hope doesn't make any further appearances) upsets the apple cart.

As always the book has you feeling part of the team and I can't wait for book 4.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the other books in this series The Potting Shed. It felt so good to be back with the characters in book 3 – Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed.
There is a lot of emotion in this book and to be with Maddie and Ed is a pure joy. It felt right to be back at The Potting Shed again. The author has given us a series that is so well written it feels like I am right there with everyone.
Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Kane and Aria & Aries for the copy of Misty Mornings at The Potting Shed. This is my personal review.

[Ágnes Palásthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately I haven't read the first two books of the series. However, the author tells or hints about the main characters' backstories so I think this third instalment can be read as a standalone, too. I love reading about close-knit communities, and the people at The Potting Shed sounded like a big, happy family, so it was lovely to spend time with them. My only objection is that there seemed to be too many sub-plots, too many romantic interests. Still, I spent some enjoyable hours with the book and I can recommend it to anyone who likes lovely people and romances.

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

It was so lovely to come back to the potting she's and Sabi and Maddie. I've really enjoyed reading about how the potting shed is growing and becoming more successful.

Books like this that are so well written really make you feel like your dreams can become reality. Owning a business and it doing well, is something I've always wanted.

This book has so much loveliness in it whilst also dealing with some life topics so brilliantly. I love Jo's character and Sara. In fact I love them all but those two were so lovely.

I shed a tear at the end for more than one reason, (no spoilers from me).

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third book in a series and I hadn't read the previous 2. I have now downloaded them. A lovely book about a garden nursery and the problems they have overcome to see off local competition. I loved meeting all the people who worked there and the new starter. Lots of friendships, family and relationships to get absorbed in. They have links to local schools and set up a dementia cafe for the local care home to bring some of their residents. A really heartwarming story, with a degreee of sadness and angst for some of the characters.

[Jenni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Aria & Aries and Netgalley for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a 2-2.5 stars book for me, I'm not saying this was a bad book this was a 2-2.5 stars for me. This book wasn't my cuppa tea and for others I can see this being an easy 3-4 star read. The writing and pacing was good, but I just didn't enjoy the story or characters. To each their own, unfortunately.
I will not be continuing the series after this book if there are anymore.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the two other books in this series and this one was just as capitvating. I don't think you need to have read the others but it certianly helped to know the back story of the characters in order to fully appreciate the book.

I enjoyed the additon of the dementia friendly cafe and that it had a personal connection to one of the characters in the story. It's a difficult topic and was handled sensitively, in my opinion.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC to review.