What do you think?
Rate this book
Escape To... #4
The Seaside Ice-Cream Parlour
When Jenny has the chance to leave her days of sofa surfing behind and move to the beach to run her best friend’s ice cream parlour, she jumps at the opportunity. With no relevant experience, she’s certainly kept busy with learning new skills to manage the ice cream parlour at the same time as juggling motherhood and trying to settle into their new home. But when Nick, her best friend’s ex, comes into her life, ill feelings quickly turn to friendship, leaving them both wanting more. Can Jenny put her feelings aside or will truths be told that might change her mind about her and Nick’s future? A story of community, trust and the importance of friendship, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
248 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2023
267 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 23, 2023
As the title suggests, this was such a sweet story. I loved all the ice creams that were sold together with sprinkles. The story although predictable was lovely and I just went with it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
Struggling single mum Jenny moves to an unnamed seaside town help look after her friend Helen's ice cream parlour, whilst Helen is away for a few months in Australia. The reader isn't told just how and why they are friends. In comes Helen's ex, Nick, who Jenny thinks cheated on Helen. Jenny forms her judgements and opinions on her lack of communication. Turns out that Nick is a silent partner of the ice cream parlour - something that Helen didn't bother to tell Jenny.
So Jenny with zero experience begins to run the parlour whilst also trying to entertain her three year old daughter Grace. She feeds Grace endless amounts of toast. Poor Grace. Also, whenever Jenny phoned Helen, Helen seemed unbothered and was busy enjoying her life down under. Since it was summer in the UK, how and why would it be so hot in Australia where Helen said it was hot, had to switch the air conditioning on and spent a lot of her time lying by a swimming pool? Was she in Perth, was she in Sydney; who knows?
Aside from that, the Jenny and Nick relationship lacked any romance whatsoever. They declared their love without being in a relationship. Also, grown up, educated Nick feeling threatened to move out of the town by his ex and her boyfriend was just odd.
Overall, this book lacked the oomph factor. There were obvious flaws and became boring in parts.
NetGalley and Boldwood Books provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
So Jenny with zero experience begins to run the parlour whilst also trying to entertain her three year old daughter Grace. She feeds Grace endless amounts of toast. Poor Grace. Also, whenever Jenny phoned Helen, Helen seemed unbothered and was busy enjoying her life down under. Since it was summer in the UK, how and why would it be so hot in Australia where Helen said it was hot, had to switch the air conditioning on and spent a lot of her time lying by a swimming pool? Was she in Perth, was she in Sydney; who knows?
Aside from that, the Jenny and Nick relationship lacked any romance whatsoever. They declared their love without being in a relationship. Also, grown up, educated Nick feeling threatened to move out of the town by his ex and her boyfriend was just odd.
Overall, this book lacked the oomph factor. There were obvious flaws and became boring in parts.
NetGalley and Boldwood Books provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2023
Having read book one, I assumed the story would be similar, and it was in the aspect of the story being about a mother getting a fresh start from a relationship gone awry! She travels to a small beach town to run her friends ice cream parlous while her friend has gone on vacation to Australia! I love these stories, they almost lend hope even if you yourself are down, that things can go well and workout and sometimes it's fate for you to be there and find a new home! I didn't find myself having to google words this go around, as I'm from America and some of the terms used are not the same as here, but it still did have the English charm to the writing. I loved the romance between the main character and the love interest, and the way that they incorporate the children into the store, they're such a common part of life that are frequently left out of romance books, and I think they need to be included, because SO many single moms are truly trying to make a go at life! Again, the ending did seem a bit rushed, but I still loved it. I could also hope for a 2nd epilogue like Julia Quinn did for her books. I still want to know what is happening after the books have ended.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I hope there are more for me to read later!
I truly enjoyed this book, and I hope there are more for me to read later!
July 25, 2023
Jenny takes the opportunity of looking after her friend Helen's seaside ice cream parlour whilst she has an extended holiday abroad. Jenny has been couch surfing with her 3 year old daughter after splitting with her ex, so the prospect of having somewhere to live and work even for three months is very attractive. When she arrives she finds that Helen's ex has an interest in the business, she is attracted to him but doesn't want any romantic entanglements.
The setting sounds amazing, although I live next to the sea it isn't what I'd call "seaside"with sandy beaches. I'd certainly be tempted to try some of the delicious sounding ice creams. The story does include modern life scenarios, with ex partners and subsequent complicated family relationships and the difficulties of accepting new people in their children's lives. The romantic part of the story just bubbles along beneath the other parts, leaving you hoping that things will sort themselves out by the end. An ideal summer read, or to warm yourself up on a bleak winter's evening.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
The setting sounds amazing, although I live next to the sea it isn't what I'd call "seaside"with sandy beaches. I'd certainly be tempted to try some of the delicious sounding ice creams. The story does include modern life scenarios, with ex partners and subsequent complicated family relationships and the difficulties of accepting new people in their children's lives. The romantic part of the story just bubbles along beneath the other parts, leaving you hoping that things will sort themselves out by the end. An ideal summer read, or to warm yourself up on a bleak winter's evening.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
August 1, 2025
3.5 stars/0 spice. (Clean romance)
This was a decent audiobook to listen to, but I wasn’t really vibing with either of the main characters. A single mom that’s obsessed with her kid to the point of not wanting her 3 yr old to spend a weekend with the father and his new girlfriend. She’s covering for the owner of an ice cream parlor for a while and arrives with preconceived viewpoints towards her friends ex and despite seeing for herself that he’s not a bad guy, she treats him badly based off what her friend told her. The MMC was a nice guy, but I felt we didn’t really get to know him that well. Just kinda basic stuff. So we’ll this was decent, it wasn’t mind blowing and I found the FMC annoying. (Just my opinion, someone else might love her personality)
- Cheating
- Backstabbing
- Single mom
- Co-parenting
- An almost drowning
This was a decent audiobook to listen to, but I wasn’t really vibing with either of the main characters. A single mom that’s obsessed with her kid to the point of not wanting her 3 yr old to spend a weekend with the father and his new girlfriend. She’s covering for the owner of an ice cream parlor for a while and arrives with preconceived viewpoints towards her friends ex and despite seeing for herself that he’s not a bad guy, she treats him badly based off what her friend told her. The MMC was a nice guy, but I felt we didn’t really get to know him that well. Just kinda basic stuff. So we’ll this was decent, it wasn’t mind blowing and I found the FMC annoying. (Just my opinion, someone else might love her personality)
- Cheating
- Backstabbing
- Single mom
- Co-parenting
- An almost drowning
August 14, 2023
Another wonderful book that I immediately devoured! I truly enjoyed these two books to the fullest!
Thank you Ms. Hope for an awesome get away even though I do live across from the beach myself.
I did however enjoyed "visiting " another town and making new friends
Such a delightful read!
I have to admit that I did snicker in some scenes because silly things do happen that we have no control of.
5 stars for this sweet read that absolutely enjoyed and hated saying goodbye to.
And a cute cover too that matched the story inside. I do love ice cream. One of my favorite desserts!
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Ms. Hope for an awesome get away even though I do live across from the beach myself.
I did however enjoyed "visiting " another town and making new friends
Such a delightful read!
I have to admit that I did snicker in some scenes because silly things do happen that we have no control of.
5 stars for this sweet read that absolutely enjoyed and hated saying goodbye to.
And a cute cover too that matched the story inside. I do love ice cream. One of my favorite desserts!
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 10, 2023
I binge read this story, alongside Sarah Hope's other new release 'The Little Beach Cafe'. Both were utterly delightful and a pleasure to read.
I sadly don't eat ice cream (not many options for the dairy free among us) but wanted to hot foot without delay to the seafront ice cream parlour that is described in this book. I wanted to be among the warm and welcoming community that Jenny is looking after for her best friend.
The story was compelling and I turned the pages quickly to find out the next chapter. I often couldn't stop at the end of the chapter I'd said I would stop at!
Thoroughly recommend.
I sadly don't eat ice cream (not many options for the dairy free among us) but wanted to hot foot without delay to the seafront ice cream parlour that is described in this book. I wanted to be among the warm and welcoming community that Jenny is looking after for her best friend.
The story was compelling and I turned the pages quickly to find out the next chapter. I often couldn't stop at the end of the chapter I'd said I would stop at!
Thoroughly recommend.
October 6, 2025
Actual rating - 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this for what it was, but I preferred the other book by the author I've read (the first in her dog rescue series). I enjoyed the setting, wish there could have been a bit more of that.
I definitely wish Jenny would have just communicated with Nick, and other characters, more instead of assuming things and jumping to the (wrong) conclusions. Also, if the book had been a bit longer, that would have been better for the ending I think. A lot of the pacing felt rushed, especially towards the end.
But overall, a good setting, with a clean romance, and a nice little book for 'getting away'/escapism for a while.
I enjoyed this for what it was, but I preferred the other book by the author I've read (the first in her dog rescue series). I enjoyed the setting, wish there could have been a bit more of that.
I definitely wish Jenny would have just communicated with Nick, and other characters, more instead of assuming things and jumping to the (wrong) conclusions. Also, if the book had been a bit longer, that would have been better for the ending I think. A lot of the pacing felt rushed, especially towards the end.
But overall, a good setting, with a clean romance, and a nice little book for 'getting away'/escapism for a while.
July 11, 2023
The Little Beach Café by Sarah Hope
The plot was okay but not very engaging. One of the thing I didn't like about the author's writing style is that there were many loose ends by the end of the book. There were no proper closure to the side characters which kinda annoyed me. The dialogue structure were a bit confusing too. For example, a character would ask 4 to 5 questions in a breath and the character replying replies in the same order, which is, to be honest, very unrealistic.
But the character development was somewhat good. I didn't really 'love' any character but it was good.
The plot was okay but not very engaging. One of the thing I didn't like about the author's writing style is that there were many loose ends by the end of the book. There were no proper closure to the side characters which kinda annoyed me. The dialogue structure were a bit confusing too. For example, a character would ask 4 to 5 questions in a breath and the character replying replies in the same order, which is, to be honest, very unrealistic.
But the character development was somewhat good. I didn't really 'love' any character but it was good.
July 5, 2023
A fun a quick beach read. An attempt at starting a new life, ups & downs, misunderstandings, and of course romance. Set in a beach town, Jenny moves with her daughter Grace into an ice cream parlor to help out her friend the owner. While trying to figure her own life, she starts having conflicting feelings about her friend's ex-boyfriend, Nick, who has his own issues to work through. An enjoyable read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audiobook through my local library. I loved this book. I have read a few novels from this author, and I enjoyed it so much. The characters are great, and the story is simple, but you will not be able to put the book down. If you see looking for a low-key rom com novel, make sure you read read this novel. The cover is beautiful also.
August 5, 2023
This was a fun book to read. Jenny and her child are making a new life for themselves and doing it by running an ice cream shop at the beach. It was a location that makes the story even better. The story had twists and turns and a bit of romance to give that little bit of extra.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood for the copy of The Seaside Ice-Cream Parlour. This is my personal review.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood for the copy of The Seaside Ice-Cream Parlour. This is my personal review.
August 12, 2022
Loved it!
Have been making my way through all the Sarah Hope novels and this one is as good as the others I've read. Endearing characters all going through life with their ups and downs. Straight into the next in the series ....
Have been making my way through all the Sarah Hope novels and this one is as good as the others I've read. Endearing characters all going through life with their ups and downs. Straight into the next in the series ....
October 11, 2022
Escape to the Seaside Ice Cream Parlour Book 4
This Series is great to read it has everything you could need from a good romance novel. Excitement and angst and love. Can recommend this series of books.
This Series is great to read it has everything you could need from a good romance novel. Excitement and angst and love. Can recommend this series of books.
July 16, 2023
Easy read about a mother and child trying to make a new life managing an ice cream shop at the beach for a friend. The mother must try to find daycare for her 3 year old little girl and deal with her ex-husband.
December 3, 2023
*4.5 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a very enjoyable read. Some disappointments but in the end mots characters end up in a good place. I liked the characters in this and would recommend.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a very enjoyable read. Some disappointments but in the end mots characters end up in a good place. I liked the characters in this and would recommend.
July 21, 2023
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.
Thank you to Sarah Hope, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc of this book.
September 25, 2023
Another great read
Really enjoyed this book too. I was quickly engrossed with the character s and story and read it quickly. Looking forward to more.
Really enjoyed this book too. I was quickly engrossed with the character s and story and read it quickly. Looking forward to more.
January 15, 2024
Really enjoyable read. I found this really difficult to put down. Heart warming and romantic with expected mini dramas and a lovely ending. Feel good reading.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
October 22, 2024
Easy reading
This was a lovely, cheesy, easy to read, obvious what's going to happen, read. Just what we all love of course!
This was a lovely, cheesy, easy to read, obvious what's going to happen, read. Just what we all love of course!
January 19, 2025
A lovely story.
This is a lovely story about Jenny and her daughter Gracie and their new beginning at the seaside ice cream parlour.
This is a lovely story about Jenny and her daughter Gracie and their new beginning at the seaside ice cream parlour.
May 10, 2025
Brilliant
Awww this was fab,.loved all the characters and so glad it ended the way it did. Could totally escape there myself
Awww this was fab,.loved all the characters and so glad it ended the way it did. Could totally escape there myself
August 19, 2025
Another cute short story, likeable characters, and relatable moments.
Newly single mom Jenny, trying to get her life back on track is dealing with dad and new girlfriend visits. I remember going through it too.
I give The Seaside Ice-Cream Parlour 4 out of 5 co-owners!
Newly single mom Jenny, trying to get her life back on track is dealing with dad and new girlfriend visits. I remember going through it too.
I give The Seaside Ice-Cream Parlour 4 out of 5 co-owners!
December 23, 2023
I previously read another book by this author so I had to bump this right up my to be read pile as I know how good this authors books is so I couldn't wait to delve right into this. Let me tell you this book is truly beautiful and such a lovely read. The location is just gorgeous and being based in the ice cream shop made my mouth water. The characters were adorable. Loved this book so much! Definitely will be reading more from this author.
January 16, 2024
3.5/5 Stars Cute read. I very much felt for the main character, a single mum who is doing her best to provide a future for her daughter by gaining employment at a cute seaside ice-cream parlour.
This was a cute feel-good type of romance novel whilst Jenny tries to discover where she will end up in life.
She did annoy me at times when she had made assumptions of what Helen (the friend that gave her the ice-cream parlour to run) about what happened with her ex who happens to be a partner in the ice-cream shop. It was very slow at the discovering of things within the novel which makes me think this is used to drag the novel out when it wasn’t needed as the assumptions were clear to see.
Apart from that, I enjoyed the plot and the characters and watching them grow and being part of this small seaside town.
Review: https://clife.blog/2024/01/23/book-re...
This was a cute feel-good type of romance novel whilst Jenny tries to discover where she will end up in life.
She did annoy me at times when she had made assumptions of what Helen (the friend that gave her the ice-cream parlour to run) about what happened with her ex who happens to be a partner in the ice-cream shop. It was very slow at the discovering of things within the novel which makes me think this is used to drag the novel out when it wasn’t needed as the assumptions were clear to see.
Apart from that, I enjoyed the plot and the characters and watching them grow and being part of this small seaside town.
Review: https://clife.blog/2024/01/23/book-re...
April 30, 2024
Struggling single mom Jenny moves to a seaside town to help her friend Helen's ice cream parlor while Helen is in Australia. Jenny's opinions about Helen's ex, Nick, shift when she learns he's a silent partner in the business. Jenny juggles running the parlor and caring for her daughter Grace, while questioning Helen's carefree attitude in Australia. The relationship between Jenny and Nick lacks romance, and Nick's behavior seems odd. Overall, it's a fun beach read with ups and downs, misunderstandings, and a touch of romance.
May 15, 2022
Such a lovely read. A lovely book of escapism, set in a lovely seaside village. A lovely story to read, uplifting and easy. Perfect read for summer.
August 22, 2023
I read The Little Beach Cafe by this author too and loved it. Everything about this book is such a cosy read and you’ll be hooked like I am on reading more from this author. Great!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews