The Gatehouse Café

by K.T. Dady

Welcome to Pepper Bay, where you’ll find love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Alison Sherlock, Rachael Lucas, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

The Gatehouse Café: Vivien leads a double life. A happy one the world sees, and a miserable one that’s hidden away. Nobody knows what goes on in her home once she has closed up the café for the day. She doesn’t think anyone will believe that her partner is a horrible person, especially as he is a policeman.

Finn has been secretly in love with Vivien since he was a teenager, but she’s only ever viewed him as a friend. When he discovers she’s in trouble at home, he does everything in his power to help set her free, because even if she never falls in love with him, she’s still his best friend, and she needs help.

Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

Hello, I'm K.T. Dady. I write uplifting love stories filled with friendship, family, and community set here, there, and everywhere, as love happens anywhere and under all sorts of circumstances. But whatever challenges my characters face along the way, there is always a happily ever after.

Feel free to join my newsletter over at my website.

You can also find me mostly on Instagram or Facebook.

Instagram - @kt_dady

Facebook - @ktdady

Thank you so much to everyone who buys my books. I'm truly grateful.

Reviews

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Gatehouse Café' by K.T. Dady.

Read and reviewed for K.T. Dady and Rachel's Random resources Tours.

Publication date 1st February 2024.

This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the eleventh book in the 'Pepper Bay' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read Castle On The Mead which is the ninth book in the series and 'Christmas Memories Of Waterside Cottage' which is the tenth book in the series, both can also be read as a standalone and I would also highly recommend.

This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

'The Gatehouse Café' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book K.T. Dady discusses domestic abuse and violence.

Aww yet an absolute stunner from the extremely talented K.T Dady!!! Well done on an absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! This is the perfect romantic read with Valentines Day quickly approaching where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the Gatehouse Café, Isle Of Wight and Pepper Bay.

This book is yet another stunning addition to K.T Dady's absolutely stunning Pepper Bay Series. This storyline does revolve around domestic abuse and violence which Dady does an absolutely fantastic job of sensitively weaving it into a stunning storyline while highlighting the red flags. She coveys the heartbreak, desperation and struggle that victims of domestic violence struggle with and after being in an abusive relationship for many years I am a huge believer that difficult topics such as abuse do need to be highlighted in books to help warn others of red flags and domestic violence while not highlighting the fact that someone is reading about this topic. Hopefully that makes sense but a huge congratulations to K.T Dady on writing about this difficult topic!! Anyway, moving on from that, this storyline is intriguing, gorgeous, addictive and I fell in love with Pepper bay all over again. the setting of the Isle Of Wight is perfect as there are so many beautiful places there. I haven't been there for several years myself but Dady whisks me back there in the blink of an eye landing me in the fictional Pepper Bay where, as always, I am devastated to come to the end where I have to pack my suitcase back up and return to the rainy and dreary Wales. It always feels like a gorgeous mini break every time I pick up one of the books in The Pepper Bay series and regardless of the topics being discussed in this one it is a place I never want to leave filled with people that I love meeting. Along with the topic previously covered this book is rammed full of romance, friendship, love, hope, escapism, community and everything you could ask for in a stunning read. I was absolutely absorbed in the book and just could not put it down reading it in one sitting so make sure you clear your schedule before starting this. It is only 212 pages so the perfect amount of pages for a nice short read and one that you can sink into curled up on the sofa while it rains outside or read while relaxing in the sun. I don't want to say much more about the book as I don't want to give it away but I love the fact that Dady doesn't just write the one storyline but there are several going on and just the right amount so you don't get confused. It was an absolutely compelling and addictive heart lifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. I loved discovering the pasts of many of the characters and I was absolutely swept away in the story lines and the atmosphere, characters, and Pepper Bay came to life around me thanks to K.T Dady's amazing descriptions and writing skills. I just cannot wait to return in the previous and next books in this stunning series. This book would make a beautiful movie!!.

Do not turn a single page of this book until you have cleared your schedules and when you do get ready to go on a stunning holiday you will not want to leave!!

Although this is the eleventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely love returning to Pepper Bay and meeting old friends again as well as making new friends. The main characters in this stunning storyline are Vivien Smithson and Finn Silver and I loved reading their stories and finding out more about them. My heart absolutely went out to Vivien who is finally living her dream at the Gatehouse Café but is an abusive relationship with the absolutely horrid (and the rest but I'm sure Amazon would boot me if I said what I wanted to about him) Brody. It is so easy for those who have never experienced domestic abuse to say to just leave but after going through it for years myself it is never that easy. I was rooting for her throughout hoping that she would be able to escape. Finn is her best friend and he is an absolute gentleman, gorgeous and sweet and I had my fingers crossed that they would see how amazing they would be together the whole time. Along with Viv and Finn I also loved meeting many of the characters again that i had met in the previous books I have read. These characters included, but aren't limited to, Ashley (you can read her story in the stunning 'Castle On The Mead'), heath, Tyler, Fran, Rhett and Anna. I did miss Grace and Charlie (whose story you can read in Christmas Memories At Waterside Cottage) as they were away in Canada on holidays but Im looking forward to seeing them again soon in the other books in this beautiful series! Along with the characters individual personalities i also loved seeing how they interacted and bonded with each other and seeing their relationships develop throughout. There so many characters that I loved (some I didn't) and cannot wait to meet again. Regardless of whether you love them or hate them these characters all work perfectly together to make an addictive storyline and are realistic of a small community. I cannot wait to meet most of them again in the next and previous books in this series!! This definitely feels like one of those rare series which could go on and on and I wouldn't get bored. Here's to meeting them all again along with the next new faces of Pepper Bay!!

Congratulations K.T Dady on yet another gorgeous success!!! Looking forward to my next holiday to Pepper Bay!!! This is exactly why you are in my favourite author club!! I cannot wait to read more books in this series!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!

Overall a perfect, emotive and stunning read with a great gang of characters that will sweep you away to Pepper Bay and the Isle Of Wight from the very first page to the end!

212 pages.

This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle and free with kindle unlimited (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.

#TheGatehouseCafe #PepperBay #KTDady #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited

@TheGatehouseCafe @PepperBay @KTDady @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnimited

https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...

https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.T. Dady - The Gatehouse Cafe.

This was my first trip to the delightful Pepper Bay. Silly me! Why have I not read the whole series?
I will be going back and reading them all in order. Firstly because I know that I’m going to love them and secondly, although The Gatehouse Cafe read easily as a stand alone story, I know I would have got more from it had I read the whole series.

I loved Pepper Bay. Set on the Isle of Wight, K.T. Dady has created a wonderful community, with a big heart.

Vivien’s story was very moving. I think the author did a great job of conveying the desperation and the horror of Vivien’s home life, but without being too graphic or brutal with her language and descriptions.
She hit the balance just right for this genre.

I really felt for Vivien, and was rooting for her from the start. I crossed everything for her to find safety and freedom.

Finn was instantly likeable and had such a big heart. How could anyone not fall in love with this lovely man.

#TheGatehouseCafe is a compelling read. Poignant, emotional, moving, hopeful, uplifting and empowering.
I thought it was a damn good read and I can’t wait to head back to Pepper Bay and its residents very soon.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital arc of this title.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a clear hint in the previous book that this one would tackle a difficult subject, and the hint was very real, and made for some unpleasant reading. While not particularly graphic, the situation was conveyed in such a way that I was left with no doubts about how awful Vivien’s life was. I felt the fact that her partner was a policeman created an additional layer of agony as she looked for any possible escape routes from her situation.
Vivien, despite her homelife was a lovely, warm-hearted character and it was a pleasure to finally get to know her. Her café sounded like the kind of cosy spot that I would definitely frequent. As is often the case, from the outside, her life seemed enviable and that was all down to Vivien’s ability to show a brave face.
Finn has previously appeared in this series, but this was his first main character story, and he was perfect. He was an absolute gentleman and offered simple friendship, despite having had strong feelings for Vivienne for years.
I thoroughly enjoy KT Dady’s style of writing as beside the narrative, we get a glimpse of the unspoken words between the characters. Using this process we can pinpoint the exact moment where Vivienne finally decides that enough is enough. The problem, of course, was getting support from the police when she would be accusing one of their own.
Because of the serious tone of this book, it felt a little different to the other stories, and that was perfectly judged. Please don’t let this put you off as the story is expertly handled and, as her bio says, KT Dady is a huge fan of a happy ever after.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 11th book of this lovely romance series set on the Isle of Wight in Pepper Bay, centres around Vivienne and Finn.

In years gone by, the Smithson family (Vivienne's ancestors) and the Silver family were caught up in a family feud, which meant that the Gatehouse Cafe stands on the border of both pieces of land, each owned by each family.

Vivienne is in an abusive relationship, the trouble is her partner is a police officer who thinks he's above the law. Finn is one of the Silver brothers who lives and works near Vivienne's cafe.

Vivienne and Finn have known each other since they were kids, but as good friends. When Finn realises what's happening with Vivienne, he wants to help; but this puts him Vivienne's abusers sights.

Easy to read, each book centres around the people of Pepper Bay, concentrating on one particular family. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I really enjoy this series, and read these books as they're released, I can't wait to read the next book.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series and it’s always a pleasure to revisit Pepper Bay. This time we feature on Vivien and Finn who have been friends since childhood but is friends all they are destined to be? Vivien is hiding a big secret and when Finn discovers what it is he makes it his mission to rescue her. Emotional but with an uplifting ending.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gatehouse Cafe by K.T. Dady

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

The Gatehouse Café: Vivien leads a double life. A happy one the world sees, and a miserable one that’s hidden away. Nobody knows what goes on in her home once she has closed up the café for the day. She doesn’t think anyone will believe that her partner is a horrible person, especially as he is a policeman.

Finn has been secretly in love with Vivien since he was a teenager, but she’s only ever viewed him as a friend. When he discovers she’s in trouble at home, he does everything in his power to help set her free, because even if she never falls in love with him, she’s still his best friend, and she needs help.

My Opinion

Pepper Bay is such a welcoming place and it is never a chore to return. As we meet new characters all the time each book is designed to work as a standalone but to make sure you enjoy all that the series has to offer I would recommend reading all of the books.

Pepper Bay is filled with some delightful characters. This was an emotional read, but it still had the joy that I have come to expect from this series. For me, this was a very quick read taking me less than 3 hours to complete. A heart-warming book that is a real asset to a great series.

Rating 4/5

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thrilled to say I have still not missed out on any books in this series and this was already book 11! The concept is the same as for all the other books, two main characters and their love story, chapters switching between the two characters and with their inner thoughts in italics, making sure we understand them. I really loved Viv and felt for her with the hell she was going through at the start of the story. It starts off with some horrible stuff, already hinted at in the last story, but it's dealt with such care! Finn was lovely right from the start and completely besotted with Viv, even though they were best friends. I love how he really just wanted the best for her and was there to support her through out it all once he was aware of what was really happening and Finn's family was just wonderful.
This story of how Viv tries to get away from her horrible partner and start over while falling for her best friend was extremely touching. There was quite some drama involved and I shed a few tears and got really emotional especially the last hour or so of the story.
I can't wait to return to Pepper Bay! I simply can't get enough of Pepper Bay and now I got a taste of Honeydale in this book and want to go there too!

[theweebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to K. T. Dady for kindly sending me an ARC to review.

This is such an emotional read I don't know if my review will do it justice.

The preview of this book hinted at an unpleasant and difficult topic and my heart went out to Vivien as her horrific story unfolded. Living with such a nasty person was made worse because of his job and I was willing her to leave him, although this would not be easy.

Finn came across as such a lovely person who has been in love with Vivien for years but waiting on the sideline. He has such a lovely manner and loves to "fix people". The interaction between him and his family was lovely as was the friendship between him and Vivien

As the story unfolds there are some light hearted and heartwarming moments but also a lot of drama. I felt this was an emotional read and I did have a tear in my eye on a few occasions.

Another wonderful book in the Pepper Bay Series and I look forward to the next one.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

The Gatehouse Café is book number eleven from the Pepper Bay series. Each one of the books can easily be read as a stand alone but there are recurring characters that intertwine throughout the stories.

Pepper Bay is a wonderful place and you can always find a happily ever after there. It is based on the Isle Of Wight and is a gorgeous picturesque bay and i loved being immersed in all its beautiful goodness.

The author has a wonderful, comforting writing style that easily transported me to a beautiful place for a perfect bit of armchair travelling!

This was a gorgeous, inviting, heartwarming story and i would highly recommend that you read it…….

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real love story. From the beginning, you sense that there is a special connection between Vivien and Finn. You also realise that Vivien has a few dark secrets which she is hiding beneath the facade she shows to the world on a daily basis. As with all the stories in this series, the characters are easy to like and (with one obvious exception!) and you get to see the community rally around once more.

This has been a great series and I am hoping to meet more new characters in a few more stories. There is certainly potential for more people to be featured. It is an entertaining read, which carries you along and is perfect for a winter's weekend. The Isle of Wight is a lovely setting amd you do find yourself rooting for the characters and hoping for that happy ever after.

In short: Can love find a way?
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

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

So good to return to Pepper Bay
To visit the folks, read what they say.
This time involves an abusive partner and is emotive, too,
With a long term love winning through.

Vivien has lived with her partner for years
He's abusive, derogatory and his moods she fears.
She's never told others about him before
But she's not putting up with it anymore!

Breaking up is never easy to do
When you fear attack this is especially true.
This is when good friends prove to be the best
But there's drama ahead putting all to the test.

A moving story of escaping from harm,
Of being patient and staying calm.
A beautiful read, so emotional, too,
Giving hope whatever you're going through.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This one packed in all the punches from the first page. It details explicitly the horrors the FMC went through in the hands of her abusive ex.

It is about healing, moving on and having the grace to forgive yourself. It also celebrates family, friendship and love.

I enjoyed the community spirit and how everyone rallied to support and protect their one.

The book dulled at some point for me and I felt we were just going through the motions towards completion.

If you need a nice cosy read with tropes such as small town romance,friends to lovers then you will enjoy this.

I received an advanced copy but chose to read this via Kindle Unlimited and the review is mine and voluntary.

[Nicola Malloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

☁️4th February 2024☁️

📚PR book tour📚

K.T.Dady - The gatehouse cafe

Thank you so much K.T.Dady and Rachel’s Random resources for gifting us a digital copy of 'The gatehouse cafe's in exchange for an honest review.

I adore the pepper bay series and jump at the opportunity to read the latest book. This time alot of serious topics are covered with an abusive ex partner and the dangers that come with that. I loved the support that Finn provides Vivien during a very difficult time and a friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and seeing the slow burn between them was my favourite.

#freereview #giftedbook #booktour #gifted

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Island, forever my home...I love this series and an excuse to visit home is always welcome!

The Gatehouse House cafe is another wonderful addition to the Pepper Bay series. It can read as a standalone but for recurring character backstories it's best to start at the beginning.

Vivien was such a lovely character and deserved so much more than the abuse she received at the hands of her husband with him thinking he'd get away with it, what with his being a pillar of the community. Finn on the other hand was a lovely man, perfect husband material. His heart was in the right place and he absolutely adored Vivien.

Whilst I found the subject of domestic abuse hard reading, I did enjoy the book and am already anticipating the next inclusion to the series.

[Samantha George · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! Loved it as always.
Viv and Finn’s story was so many ups and downs.
My heart broke for Viv and all she had endured.
I enjoyed the overlap with Honeydale too having read that series before starting the Pepper Bay series.
I’m looking forward to Heath’s story as he’s made an appearance numerous times already and definitely needs his own HEA!

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story

I liked reading this book. I found this book quite emotional regarding Viv's story. You always need a best friend though.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just delightful

Wow this was a great story, lots of twists and turns. I was actually gasping at some parts and crying at others . I adore the people in pepper bay and this was brilliant

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of a book this was! All the emotions - love, hate, fear, elation, despair - you name it, it’s in there.

This latest instalment of the Pepper Bay series deals with a very difficult subject but in such a good way. It wasn’t my favourite of the series so far but was a quick cosy read despite the subject. Finn was way too nice for his own good, and I felt Viv saw this but decided not to act. I understand she’d been through a tough time but made some silly decisions throughout.

Overall, a great read but just not my favourite. It was good to meet up with some of the characters from previous books again, and I look forward to the next one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 (3.5/5 rounded up for Amazon and Goodreads)

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. And returning to the same characters and concentrating on new ones. I can not wait to return to this series.

[Angie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read, being in love with someone who doesn't know how you feel the characters were brilliant lovely to see past characters appear in the story

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read a bit uncomfortable but well told. Glad I had time to read in one go.

[Orla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book had me an emotional wreck. Hated Brody loved Finn and Viv.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Pepper Bay series. This time the story concentrates on Vivien and Finn. They have been best friends forever but it is so obvious that they feel more for each other. Problem is that they struggle to admit it to themselves let alone each other. Added to this is the terrible relationship that Vivien is in with Brody. She tries hard to hide the reality of her life with Brody to the outside world but when things come to a head she finds out that the amazing Pepper Bay community come out in force to support her. The way the community, how they are all connected and support each other is easy to follow. I get totally drawn into these books and feel like I know the characters! I really like how K T Dady isn’t shy at tackling sensitive topics and think she covers them really well. Brilliant and as always I highly recommend reading KT Dady books.

[Alison Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying the series. Don't want it to end!