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The Little Beach Café
Love, friendship and new beginnings… It’s all waiting for Pippa Jenkins at The Little Beach Café…
When Pippa’s aunt leaves her a cafe by the beach, it doesn’t take her long to jump at the chance of a new start. Waving goodbye to mounting debt, threatening bailiffs and never-ending shifts at a job she hates, she and her young son, Joshua, prepare for their new life.
But as Pippa strives to make her new business a success, the arrival of her ex makes her question everything. Will she succumb to his charms, or will Joe, the local plumber, be able to repair Pippa’s heart?
A heartwarming tale of new beginnings, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
When Pippa’s aunt leaves her a cafe by the beach, it doesn’t take her long to jump at the chance of a new start. Waving goodbye to mounting debt, threatening bailiffs and never-ending shifts at a job she hates, she and her young son, Joshua, prepare for their new life.
But as Pippa strives to make her new business a success, the arrival of her ex makes her question everything. Will she succumb to his charms, or will Joe, the local plumber, be able to repair Pippa’s heart?
A heartwarming tale of new beginnings, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2023
518 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
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January 12, 2024DNF 40%. I tried but this was an utter snooze fest all the way around. Flat plot, characters, dialogue, writing.
March 12, 2025
pippa has been left the little beach cafe by her aunt.so she packs up and leaves with her son joshua to start a new life .away from her cheating husband..the cafe is not what she thought it would be.but with help from friends and plumber joe she gets it up and running..you can just picture the cute cafe by the sea.
July 11, 2023
The Little Beach Cafe by Sarah Hope.
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Sarah Hope for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The main reason I chose this book was because of the book cover! It's so pretty!
Anyway, overall it was a good story.
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Sarah Hope for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The main reason I chose this book was because of the book cover! It's so pretty!
Anyway, overall it was a good story.
August 26, 2024
Poppa and Joshua's story is a lovely story of hope and love. The cafe was a new beginning for them both. With issues along the way with her estranged husband who is up to no good. I enjoy Sarah books, heartwarming.
August 14, 2023
This was a very enjoyable and sweet read from a new to me author.
I enjoyed getting to know Pippa and her son. They made me smile and laugh at times.
But parts of this book made me sad too. I loved little Joshie. He made want to cry at times Children are the ones who are easily hurt but I like how some bounce back too.
Children are the ones who easily forget sometimes and forgive too.
Pippa was very brave in stepping up and accepting change. Change isn't always easy, but sometimes it can be for the good.
I loved the setting of this book.
The story was so good that I ended up devouring it in one night. I didn't want to put it down until I finished. Just wow.
I feel that this could be a Hallmark movie.
The cover is quite cute too. It was what made me want to read it. I wanted to find out what was happening inside! A very inviting cover.
I enjoyed this book to the fullest!
A sweet contemporary with a little romance thrown in? What's not to love?!
Here's a quote I want to share
‘It’s funny how life turns out. If you hadn’t reopened this place and if Joe hadn’t roped me into helping you, I think I’d have been stuck indoors at home for the rest of my life.’
5 stars for a well written story. I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed getting to know Pippa and her son. They made me smile and laugh at times.
But parts of this book made me sad too. I loved little Joshie. He made want to cry at times Children are the ones who are easily hurt but I like how some bounce back too.
Children are the ones who easily forget sometimes and forgive too.
Pippa was very brave in stepping up and accepting change. Change isn't always easy, but sometimes it can be for the good.
I loved the setting of this book.
The story was so good that I ended up devouring it in one night. I didn't want to put it down until I finished. Just wow.
I feel that this could be a Hallmark movie.
The cover is quite cute too. It was what made me want to read it. I wanted to find out what was happening inside! A very inviting cover.
I enjoyed this book to the fullest!
A sweet contemporary with a little romance thrown in? What's not to love?!
Here's a quote I want to share
‘It’s funny how life turns out. If you hadn’t reopened this place and if Joe hadn’t roped me into helping you, I think I’d have been stuck indoors at home for the rest of my life.’
5 stars for a well written story. I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2025
The Little Beach Cafe
Synopsis: Pippa is drowning. Not literally, but being a single mom is hard. She’s late to work shifts, drowning in debt thanks to the man that left her for the floozy downstairs and took off, leaving her to settle his gambling debts. Just as she loses her job and everything seems to be falling apart, she finds out her aunt left her a cafe by the beach. She moves with her young son and plans to reopen the cafe. But there’s obstacles and a new love interest, and then her ex comes to town…
My Review: This was an enjoyable audio to listen to. The pacing of the story was good and kept my interest. I enjoyed the small town feel and for this single mom to find her footing and a better man than her ex. My ire was very present when her ex showed back up claiming he’d changed and I was like, don’t fall for it! But this story shows how badly we can want people to change and how easily we’ll allow ourselves to believe the best and trick ourselves. Also shows how even though it can be hard, we always have to do what’s best for our child in the end.
- Single Mom
- Single Dad
- Learning to bake
- Small beach town vibes
- Cozy cafe vibes
- Cheating/lying exes
- Gambling addiction
- Relationship drama
- Arson
Synopsis: Pippa is drowning. Not literally, but being a single mom is hard. She’s late to work shifts, drowning in debt thanks to the man that left her for the floozy downstairs and took off, leaving her to settle his gambling debts. Just as she loses her job and everything seems to be falling apart, she finds out her aunt left her a cafe by the beach. She moves with her young son and plans to reopen the cafe. But there’s obstacles and a new love interest, and then her ex comes to town…
My Review: This was an enjoyable audio to listen to. The pacing of the story was good and kept my interest. I enjoyed the small town feel and for this single mom to find her footing and a better man than her ex. My ire was very present when her ex showed back up claiming he’d changed and I was like, don’t fall for it! But this story shows how badly we can want people to change and how easily we’ll allow ourselves to believe the best and trick ourselves. Also shows how even though it can be hard, we always have to do what’s best for our child in the end.
- Single Mom
- Single Dad
- Learning to bake
- Small beach town vibes
- Cozy cafe vibes
- Cheating/lying exes
- Gambling addiction
- Relationship drama
- Arson
July 24, 2023
Pippa, a single mum struggling to make ends meet after her partner left her with massive debts to pay, unexpectedly inherits a beachside cafe from her great aunt. Remembering it as a lovely little cafe from her childhood visits she is dismayed to find it very rundown after being shut for 5 years. Determined to make a go of it, with no real alternative, she works hard to get it ready to open. She finds it difficult to fit into the small community at first, but gradually settles in, helped by grumpy plumber Joe.
The opening scenes are really disheartening with how hard Pippa has to work to keep her and her son Joshua with a roof over their heads. Finding the cafe in the state that it is didn't help, but that small community feel starts coming in with the help she receives with the cafe. Things naturally don't go smoothly, leading to a dramatic climax, but overall a story that left me feeling very positive. An ideal summer read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
The opening scenes are really disheartening with how hard Pippa has to work to keep her and her son Joshua with a roof over their heads. Finding the cafe in the state that it is didn't help, but that small community feel starts coming in with the help she receives with the cafe. Things naturally don't go smoothly, leading to a dramatic climax, but overall a story that left me feeling very positive. An ideal summer read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
July 25, 2023
Ever since Pippa Jenkins’s ex Mike ran off on her and their son Joshua with their neighbor downstairs—also her friend—Pippa’s been struggling to make ends meet.
Which is why Pippa’s surprised when she learns her Great Aunt Kathryn who passed some months ago has left her The Little Beach Café of Pebble Road, Seaden Bay. The letter adds that Pippa has three months to claim the café before it would be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to the local nature reserve.
When her boss fires her for her tardiness and she loses her tenancy Pippa’s left with no choice but to move to the coast with her son.
A few days after she arrives in the countryside, she reopens the cafe but struggles to return the café to its former glory. Seeing her efforts as futile she decides to close the cafe in two weeks and move back to London. But help comes in the form of an elderly lady named Carol who used to work for Pippa’s great-aunt when she was running the cafe.
Carol offers to help make the homemade cakes and cream teas she and Kathryn used to serve as well as share her recipes with Pippa.
A feel-good romance book for a fun light and cheerful read. Likable characters and stunning scenery
Thank you to Sarah Hope, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc of this book.
Which is why Pippa’s surprised when she learns her Great Aunt Kathryn who passed some months ago has left her The Little Beach Café of Pebble Road, Seaden Bay. The letter adds that Pippa has three months to claim the café before it would be auctioned off and the proceeds donated to the local nature reserve.
When her boss fires her for her tardiness and she loses her tenancy Pippa’s left with no choice but to move to the coast with her son.
A few days after she arrives in the countryside, she reopens the cafe but struggles to return the café to its former glory. Seeing her efforts as futile she decides to close the cafe in two weeks and move back to London. But help comes in the form of an elderly lady named Carol who used to work for Pippa’s great-aunt when she was running the cafe.
Carol offers to help make the homemade cakes and cream teas she and Kathryn used to serve as well as share her recipes with Pippa.
A feel-good romance book for a fun light and cheerful read. Likable characters and stunning scenery
Thank you to Sarah Hope, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc of this book.
July 25, 2023
Pippa is struggling. She has been left in the lurch by her ex who has a load of debt to pay off. Her waitressing job is tiring and she has trouble balancing her work whilst being a single mum. She then inherits a beach cafe, left to her by her great aunt. Pippa and her son Joshua decide to start a new life and move to this seaside town. She then meets Joe and a romance ensues.
Predictable to a certain extent, this was a light and quick read. However, there was a lot of repetition and if I had come across the words, "ran off with that tart" one more time, I would have screamed. Also, I thought that there was a complete lack of character development when it came to Joe and often, he just came across as being quite odd.
NetGalley and Boldwood Books provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Predictable to a certain extent, this was a light and quick read. However, there was a lot of repetition and if I had come across the words, "ran off with that tart" one more time, I would have screamed. Also, I thought that there was a complete lack of character development when it came to Joe and often, he just came across as being quite odd.
NetGalley and Boldwood Books provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
I'm always worried about reading books by new authors and not enjoying them, but this book caught me off guard. I ended up enjoying it from the beginning to the end. A mom down on her luck in a very unfortunate situation, gets the opportunity for a new start and she grabs it and holds on tight. She becomes an amazing cafe owner, who falls in love anew, but maybe small towns aren't always amazing, and maybe people like to gossip. Can she overcome the whisperings of those around, and can she completely shake off her past life with the father of her child? This book is about a strong woman, who becomes a boss mom, reconnecting with her son and pulling herself up by her shoestrings. Definitely a good book, but I do wish it had a little more romance, thus only 4 stars, I felt like the romance that was in the book was not fully fleshed out.
December 14, 2024
I enjoyed the story of Sarah & Joe's friendship, which eventually becomes romantic love. There was always an attraction between them, but because of flaky marriages that turned sour because of unfaithfulness, they first embark on friendship. They spent alot of time with each other because their children, both boys were good friends, & went to the same school. This is a book about friendships, discovering how It is to move into a new community, finding love, & It brings up aspects of the past marriages where not only Sarah was treated badly in her marriage, but other people had unfaithful spouses, which leads to friendships being created & strengthened. In the story Sarah's Ex comes back into the picture, & we find out who he really is, his true colours!
July 2, 2023
A fun quick read. A story about learning to trust again and falling in love again. Pippa is given a chance to start her life over again after her ex-husband leaves her and their son for another woman, also leaving them with the debts he incurred while gambling. Inheriting a cafe, Pippa moves to a new place with her son in hopes if a new start. Meets a handyman of sorts named Joe, they start seeing each other. Through into the mix, her ex who is willing to disrupt their son's life for more money, telling lies to Pippa a Joshua along the way. I had fun reading it.
I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2023
Pippa inherited a café by the beach from her aunt. Pippa was looking for a new start and this was exactly what she needed. So off she went with her son to begin her new life. She put her whole heart into getting the café the way she wanted it to be. She did not realize how much she would have to do.
Then two men come into her life Joe and Mike. Let me tell you that you are going to like one of them but not the other.
This is such a fabulous book you will be so glad you picked it up and read it.
Thank you Netgalley, Sarah Hope and Boldwood Books for the copy of The Little Beach Café. This is my personal review.
Then two men come into her life Joe and Mike. Let me tell you that you are going to like one of them but not the other.
This is such a fabulous book you will be so glad you picked it up and read it.
Thank you Netgalley, Sarah Hope and Boldwood Books for the copy of The Little Beach Café. This is my personal review.
March 14, 2024
A beautiful series starter and the way this story has been recited is wonderful.
I did wonder when both Joe and Pippa declared their feelings before even 50% is completed as to how the book will move forward from there on. But having Mike's story arc is pretty good and for a moment I did forget that I was actually reading a romantic story.
2 things that was not clear to me after finishing reading this book is
1. Why in the first place Joe called the relationship off. It was not discussed
2. After confronting Mike about the theft and gambling how could Mike have believed both Pippa and Joshie would have gone to the circus and the hotel.
I did wonder when both Joe and Pippa declared their feelings before even 50% is completed as to how the book will move forward from there on. But having Mike's story arc is pretty good and for a moment I did forget that I was actually reading a romantic story.
2 things that was not clear to me after finishing reading this book is
1. Why in the first place Joe called the relationship off. It was not discussed
2. After confronting Mike about the theft and gambling how could Mike have believed both Pippa and Joshie would have gone to the circus and the hotel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2019
Thought I’d love this, and it would be a nice and easy read, it was terrible, repetitive, predictable, and boring. And the fact that it can’t have been proof read was annoying, spelling and grammar mistakes throughout, and when one chapter starts with school breaking up for summer, then the next morning they’re rushing to get to school on time, makes me think that the author completely lost their train of thought. I don’t usually leave a review if I don’t like a book, but this was an exception. Feel bad about not liking it, but I didn’t!
July 31, 2023
I absolutely love this book! It’s such an easy to read story with drama, love and all the things that go with it.
Pippa inherits a beach café and moves there with her son Joshua. This was needed, because where she lived before she had a lot of debt from her ex boyfriend (Joshua’s dad) Mike, who ran off with the downstairs neighbour.
When they get to the beach café it turns out that it needs a lot of work. This is when she meets Joe…
But Mike is around the corner. What will he be up to?
Read it and you won’t regret it. I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every single second!
Pippa inherits a beach café and moves there with her son Joshua. This was needed, because where she lived before she had a lot of debt from her ex boyfriend (Joshua’s dad) Mike, who ran off with the downstairs neighbour.
When they get to the beach café it turns out that it needs a lot of work. This is when she meets Joe…
But Mike is around the corner. What will he be up to?
Read it and you won’t regret it. I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every single second!
December 17, 2023
Although the lightness of the read did fit a need at the time I spread it, I was taken out of the story a few times. This was due to an incorrect word used for the past tense of to brake, and three other poorly proofed parts of the book.
In some ways I found aspects at the end of the book slightly unbelievable.
Do not not read it due to my review. Read it, for you may enjoy it.
I think I had expected more description of the scenery and setting up of the location, and that may have been part of my disappointment.
In some ways I found aspects at the end of the book slightly unbelievable.
Do not not read it due to my review. Read it, for you may enjoy it.
I think I had expected more description of the scenery and setting up of the location, and that may have been part of my disappointment.
January 14, 2024
I’m in two minds about this book. The premise is inviting, single mother picking up the pieces of her life with a new business, learning new skills and being successful. However the writing is stark in places, assumptions jumped too, self esteem issues and lots of whinging. Of course this is illustrative of how life and people can be but for some romantic escapism there needs to be a bit more of a balance. I will admit the last quarter of the book was spot on. Plenty of drama and action.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
October 13, 2020
Escape To...
Pippa and Josh were left in a big bind when her cheating husband left her holding all the bills. She inherited a cafe from a relative and without a doubt when to make a better life for her son. Then when she thought she was going to make a life for her son who walks back in? Yea the looser ex. Will she go back to him or will her second chance be with someone who has earned her affection?
Pippa and Josh were left in a big bind when her cheating husband left her holding all the bills. She inherited a cafe from a relative and without a doubt when to make a better life for her son. Then when she thought she was going to make a life for her son who walks back in? Yea the looser ex. Will she go back to him or will her second chance be with someone who has earned her affection?
July 19, 2021
Such a great story!
I loved this story!
Its such a cute, sweet read. Gripping storyline and great characters.
Love Joe! Hate Mike.
Pippa is just an amazing characrer, a single mum, an over thinker and a huge heart. So relatable and normal.
The romance was great and worked well, but I really enjoyed how much Pippa's personal growth took the main focus.
If you enjoy sweet, clean, cosy reads then this is perfect for you.
I loved this story!
Its such a cute, sweet read. Gripping storyline and great characters.
Love Joe! Hate Mike.
Pippa is just an amazing characrer, a single mum, an over thinker and a huge heart. So relatable and normal.
The romance was great and worked well, but I really enjoyed how much Pippa's personal growth took the main focus.
If you enjoy sweet, clean, cosy reads then this is perfect for you.
August 5, 2023
What a fantastic book, Sarah Hope is a new author for me and I devoured every page.
Pippa Jenkins has had a tough time when her partner Mike runs out on her and Joshua her son but when she learns she’s inherited a beach cafe from a great aunt her luck is about to change.
Starting fresh her and Joshua settle into their new lives making friends along the way.
Full of friendship, love and a bit of drama to a truly fabulous read.
Definitely be looking out for more of Sarah’s books.
Pippa Jenkins has had a tough time when her partner Mike runs out on her and Joshua her son but when she learns she’s inherited a beach cafe from a great aunt her luck is about to change.
Starting fresh her and Joshua settle into their new lives making friends along the way.
Full of friendship, love and a bit of drama to a truly fabulous read.
Definitely be looking out for more of Sarah’s books.
August 22, 2023
I had fun reading The Little Beach Cafe by Sarah Hope.
Pippa, a single mother, whose life is pretty much falling apart, learns that she inherited a beach cafe from her aunt.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the beach setting and the wonderful community of people surrounding Pippa and her son Joshua, while they are trying to find their feet and building a new life.
I give it 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Hope and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Pippa, a single mother, whose life is pretty much falling apart, learns that she inherited a beach cafe from her aunt.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the beach setting and the wonderful community of people surrounding Pippa and her son Joshua, while they are trying to find their feet and building a new life.
I give it 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Hope and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 5, 2022
FANTASTIC STORY THANKS
THIS BOOK SHOULD BE A BEST SELLER SO REAL YES IT MADE ME CRY AND THATS AMAZING AS I AM A HARD FACED BITCH YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN.
I COULD SWEAR MORE BUT I WON’T.
ALL I WILL SAY IS KEEP THEM COMING.
GO SARAH HOPE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE YOU DESERVE IT. THANKS AND THAT’S NOT ENOUGH.
LUCI WANSTALL
THIS BOOK SHOULD BE A BEST SELLER SO REAL YES IT MADE ME CRY AND THATS AMAZING AS I AM A HARD FACED BITCH YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN.
I COULD SWEAR MORE BUT I WON’T.
ALL I WILL SAY IS KEEP THEM COMING.
GO SARAH HOPE. I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE YOU DESERVE IT. THANKS AND THAT’S NOT ENOUGH.
LUCI WANSTALL
August 20, 2023
Being an avid reader it is very disheartening to hit a reading slump but when you find a book as great as this one which lifts you out of your slump from the first word is very special.
I binged read all of the Cornish bakery series and absolutely love Sarah Hope's style of writing. Thank you for a great read.
I binged read all of the Cornish bakery series and absolutely love Sarah Hope's style of writing. Thank you for a great read.
October 12, 2023
This story was all over itself. Nothing made much sense, the kid was absolutely spoiled, the couple were at odds one day and kissing the other, having feelings for each other out of nowhere, the villain was so obvious and obnoxious, but even when he proved again and again how vile he was, the h still thought he "wouldn't do this".
Not my cup of tea
Not my cup of tea
June 19, 2022
Great
Lots of twists and turns. Pippa's new beginning looks like a dream come true. She is making a success of the cafe and her love life, looks rosey. Then her ex comes into the scene. He is just awful and a creep with a plan.
Lots of twists and turns. Pippa's new beginning looks like a dream come true. She is making a success of the cafe and her love life, looks rosey. Then her ex comes into the scene. He is just awful and a creep with a plan.
October 5, 2022
Holiday read
I really enjoyed the storyline, character's and I could place myself at the cafe.
Would recommend a read of this book especially as a holiday read.
I'm ready to read the next in Sarahs series.
I really enjoyed the storyline, character's and I could place myself at the cafe.
Would recommend a read of this book especially as a holiday read.
I'm ready to read the next in Sarahs series.
January 6, 2024
A trip to the beach
Loved meeting the characters in this book and starting the journey of Pippa rebuilding her life. The writing really took me to the beach setting for the little café and looking forward to following their story.
Loved meeting the characters in this book and starting the journey of Pippa rebuilding her life. The writing really took me to the beach setting for the little café and looking forward to following their story.
January 23, 2024
Very easy read. I personally enjoyed the plot and for once did not see the before the ending scene happening. I kept thinking main character was going to get pregnant by new savior guy, but nah, instead her ex re enters their lives and did some things I didn’t see coming! Happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Such a cute story that most single moms can relate with. Well that is, single moms who were blamed for the cheating and lying. I enjoyed it though. It is story of rebuilding their life and persevering.
I give The Little Beach Cafe 5 out of 5 brekkies! 🍳
I give The Little Beach Cafe 5 out of 5 brekkies! 🍳
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews