Autumn at the Oak Leaf Cafe

The Warm Days of Autumn #4

by C.P. Ward

Autumn at the Oak Leaf Café: A heartwarming romantic comedy set in autumn from CP Ward, author of I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas and Summer at Tall Trees Lake.Madeline Fellow returns from eight years overseas to Brentwell, her childhood home, just a little late for her own mother’s funeral. Uncertain of her future, she takes a chance by becoming the temporary manager of a quiet little café on the edge of Brentwell’s Sycamore Park.At first life seems to be going well for Madeline, then her ex-boyfriend, Luke Lewis, comes back into her life. Has he really changed from the spoilt, bratty young man she remembers, or hasn’t he?Soon Madeline finds herself torn between Luke and charming vet Darren Smith, as what she had thought would be a peaceful, relaxing autumn turns into something much more complicated…Featuring CP Ward’s beloved Sycamore Park, as well as some of its regular characters, Autumn at the Oak Leaf Café is everything CP Ward’s fans have come to a little dash of romance mixed with a large helping of humour, and far too much coffee and cake. Lose yourself this autumn with another charming romantic comedy from the author of Christmas at the Marshmallow Café and Summer at Blue Sands Cove.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2023

Reviews

[Emma Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute cozy autumnal romance that takes place in England.

I listened to the audio and loved the English accents, it brought the story to life for me!

No plot holes but some unnecessary story parts in my opinion

[Lisa W · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute read and very funny as well! I’d have liked a bit more autumn in the book, but it was already more autumnal than the 3rd book so that’s something.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute Autumn audiobook. Clean read.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Oak Leaf Cafe . . .

Madeline Fellow has been away for 8 years working short-term jobs overseas and has finally come home. She was fortunate to find a job taking over as manager of the little café temporarily while the owners begin their own travels. She had stared at the ad in the window so hard that the owner, Angela, figured she intended to apply. Before she could say a word, Angela told her to come back the next morning for training, which was the first hint Madeline was given that she had just been hired (without having to say a word)!

With a job to provide money and staying with her dad for now, things are working out for Madeline. Having her ex-boyfriend, Luke Lewis, show up gets her thinking about whether he is still the same arrogant guy he was when they broke up. Or is he different now? And life gets further complicated when Darren Smith, a vet, begins to show an interest in her. Will deciding on which man to choose be easy for her? Or isn’t she sure which one is the better choice? And should she even be choosing when the café owners will be coming back and Madeline plans on taking up her travelling work again? Why can’t things ever be easy?

[Amaris Anglero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started lovely enough and the idea of the main character having come from traveling for so long sounded interesting. The problem is that I found myself frustrated with her for most of the story. I will say, the end of the story was satisfying and tied mostly everything up. That being said, had I read the book instead of hearing the audiobook version, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have finished it. That's how frustrated she made me. I found myself literally shouting at my phone calling her ridiculous. Also, I feel like the story is trying to be so lighthearted, that it glosses over why the main character might be making the choices she makes. Maybe there would have been more empathy from me as the reader if there was a better backstory for her. All that you really get is that she has a great father, had a semi decent relationship with her mother, got the travel bug for a while, had an ex she left behind, and has a brother (who was literally only talked about in the beginning of the story). That's not enough to go by to understand why she makes the choices she makes (or doesn't make).

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline returns home after eight years traveling overseas, even missing her own mother's funeral. Deciding to stay with her father for a short time, now she feels the guilt more for not returning sooner. Her father tells her not to take the blame it's what her mum wanted, but it doesn't help her insecurities. Needing a job she sets off to see what she can find in the small community she lives in. Ending up in a small cafe in the park she ends up taking over the cafe while the owner travels. This is the start of return to Brentwell. Wondering whatever became of her first love Luke is he still the same self important man he was before, then she meets the local vet Darren which will win her affections or will she leave once the owner comes back. I love how this book helps deal with her grief, self belief and family difference with her brother. With some wonderful characters this is another of CP's books that totally draws you in and not put the book down until the end. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own honest opinion and review of the book

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed other books by this author but the last couple that I've listened to (the narrators for the audiobooks have the most soothing voices) have been lackluster. This one reminded me of the book version of Emily in Paris - nothing really happens and the female lead character is somewhat annoying but not so much that you turn away. Also, and I didn't realize this until the book was complete, the author put some time and effort in the first part of the book into establishing the FMC's family, particularly the brother and his fiancee, and then we never hear or see from them again. It felt almost like he started one book and then finished another. While it was a fine escape to zone out to for 6 hours of my life, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little tale of autumn and the lead up to Christmas. Cleverly set in a location we already know, and with some of the characters from that previous book, but reinvigorated by a new main character, and of course new problems for her to deal with!
I did enjoy reading this, which gave some nice escapism, and a satisfying read. I liked the main character, which is always good, and found I could empathise with her. The love triangle was good, and there were sufficient twists and turns to keep my attention fixed on the book. Highly recommended!

[Randomchiq · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading it, though a bit predictable. I liked to seeing Madeline's character growth, I almost thought she would continue seeking psychological help from Janine. I loved how Darren was such a green flag, I wish we had more Madeline - Darren moments 🥲

[Christina Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this charming story—very cute. It definitely made you feel like you were in the bake shop, in the Fall. ♥️

[Frizzy 2.0 - · Rating 3 out of 5]

☺️6 out of 10☺️

It was a terrific read.

Madeline comes back to her hometown after being abroad for 8 years doing odd jobs, like nannying, aupair, and teaching in several countries.

Her mother recently passed away, but her mother told her family not to tell Madeline because she was doing work overseas.

We see an old flame come back, who lightly rivals a cute veterinarian. Darren is so cute, I love him, but his constant, "I'm a vet," really threw me off. Other than that, he was what he needed to be.

Madeline is fun with her backbone.

I didn't understand any of the cricket stuff, but I was still cheering and waiting to be told if they won or not.

We don't talk about tragedies too much in this story, but that would've been a fun component. I honestly thought this story was going to be about Madeline getting attached to Angela in a motherly way, but I loved the direction it took.

The slice of life, working at the cafe, managing it, making new friends, having little accidents along the way, the cute cat care, the adorable vet, her messy ex, her messy therapist, cricket playing, petition printing, were all nice to be apart.

I loved this. My imagination ran wild with what the town looked like. It felt homely. Yes.