What do you think?
Rate this book
Comfort Food Café #1
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe
The Comfort Food Cafe is perched on a windswept clifftop at what feels like the edge of the world, serving up the most delicious cream teas; beautifully baked breads, and carefully crafted cupcakes. For tourists and locals alike, the ramshackle cafe overlooking the beach is a beacon of laughter, companionship, and security – a place like no other; a place that offers friendship as a daily special, and where a hearty welcome is always on the menu.
For widowed mum-of-two Laura Walker, the decision to uproot her teenaged children and make the trek from Manchester to Dorset for the summer isn’t one she takes lightly, and it’s certainly not winning her any awards from her kids, Nate and Lizzie. Even her own parents think she’s gone mad.
But following the death of her beloved husband David two years earlier, Laura knows that it’s time to move on. To find a way to live without him, instead of just surviving. To find her new place in the world, and to fill the gap that he’s left in all their lives.
Her new job at the cafe, and the hilarious people she meets there, give Laura the chance she needs to make new friends; to learn to be herself again, and – just possibly – to learn to love again as well.
For her, the Comfort Food Cafe doesn’t just serve food – it serves a second chance to live her life to the full…
352 pages, ebook
First published April 29, 2016
1464 people are currently reading
6177 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Johnson
31 books908 followersDebbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework.
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 734 reviews
March 27, 2021
DNF
It pains me to put another book on my DNF instead of favorite. Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe was supposed to be my go to book after a bad day I had yesterday.
Sadly, after listening to about 1 hour in, I can not connect with anything on this book. So I skipped it.
Moving on...
2 stars
It pains me to put another book on my DNF instead of favorite. Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe was supposed to be my go to book after a bad day I had yesterday.
Sadly, after listening to about 1 hour in, I can not connect with anything on this book. So I skipped it.
Moving on...
2 stars
July 17, 2019
Welkom in het Duincafé. Een heerlijk uitstapje met onzettend leuke mensen. Op zoek naar het ultieme feelgood verhaal, zoek dan niet verder!
March 27, 2018
5 - "This is the Comfort Food Café… and miracles can happen here." Stars!
Book one in Debbie Johnson’s Comfort Food Café series brings on the summer season, and also gives us the story of a widow and her two children trying to move on from the unexpected death of her husband/their father.
Something about this-upping sticks and dragging us all off to Dorset-feels like the first step to finding out who I’m going to be next…
This isn’t the first book I have read in the series, I actually read book two a couple of years ago, so I remembered Laura Walker and her children Nate and Lizzie as secondary characters from that. I also remember in the telling of that book being intrigued as to the origins of Laura’s arrival in the town of Budbury, Dorset, and reading Summer at the Comfort Food Café gave me all the answers I needed.
Bit by bit. Day by busy day. I am feeling stronger.
This is not a short book by today's standards, by Debbie manages to cram a whole lot of story into it. You are introduced to all the characters that live and reside in Budbury, Cherie Moon is the matriarch of the group in that she is the owner/proprietor of the town hub; The Comfort Food Café. A place that is more about the people that it serves than the profit going into the till. And somewhere that Laura sorely needs in that it offers her a distraction from her own life and troubles, it also gives her a purpose, something that has been sorely lacking since the loss of her husband. You watch her grow in confidence and pull herself back out of the shadow of grief as the story develops.
"Please… ignore the tears. I can’t help them. Just… see the rest of me."
There are some really funny moments in this book, the author has a real knack of hitting the write note when delivering certain scenarios and situations, at one point I went from howling with laughter to howling in tears in the space of a few paragraphs. There are highs, and I have to say the last 25% of the book had me sniffling into more than a few tissues, but for all that I came away at the end with massive smile on my face. I loved the secondary characters, Laura’s children obviously play a huge part in the story as well, and Matt, the brooding, sexy vet… *insert girly sigh here!
We both have pasts and we both have our emotional burdens-but right now, we are simply enjoying each other for who and what we are right now…”
I read this book in a day, I loved each and every page, (even the ones that had me crying like a baby), so much so that I have already made a start on book four; Sunshine at the Comfort Food Café. I am saving book three; Coming Home to the Comfort Food Café for Christmas, so I know without doubt I have something to look forward too from this author later on this year.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Book one in Debbie Johnson’s Comfort Food Café series brings on the summer season, and also gives us the story of a widow and her two children trying to move on from the unexpected death of her husband/their father.
Something about this-upping sticks and dragging us all off to Dorset-feels like the first step to finding out who I’m going to be next…
This isn’t the first book I have read in the series, I actually read book two a couple of years ago, so I remembered Laura Walker and her children Nate and Lizzie as secondary characters from that. I also remember in the telling of that book being intrigued as to the origins of Laura’s arrival in the town of Budbury, Dorset, and reading Summer at the Comfort Food Café gave me all the answers I needed.
Bit by bit. Day by busy day. I am feeling stronger.
This is not a short book by today's standards, by Debbie manages to cram a whole lot of story into it. You are introduced to all the characters that live and reside in Budbury, Cherie Moon is the matriarch of the group in that she is the owner/proprietor of the town hub; The Comfort Food Café. A place that is more about the people that it serves than the profit going into the till. And somewhere that Laura sorely needs in that it offers her a distraction from her own life and troubles, it also gives her a purpose, something that has been sorely lacking since the loss of her husband. You watch her grow in confidence and pull herself back out of the shadow of grief as the story develops.
"Please… ignore the tears. I can’t help them. Just… see the rest of me."
There are some really funny moments in this book, the author has a real knack of hitting the write note when delivering certain scenarios and situations, at one point I went from howling with laughter to howling in tears in the space of a few paragraphs. There are highs, and I have to say the last 25% of the book had me sniffling into more than a few tissues, but for all that I came away at the end with massive smile on my face. I loved the secondary characters, Laura’s children obviously play a huge part in the story as well, and Matt, the brooding, sexy vet… *insert girly sigh here!
We both have pasts and we both have our emotional burdens-but right now, we are simply enjoying each other for who and what we are right now…”
I read this book in a day, I loved each and every page, (even the ones that had me crying like a baby), so much so that I have already made a start on book four; Sunshine at the Comfort Food Café. I am saving book three; Coming Home to the Comfort Food Café for Christmas, so I know without doubt I have something to look forward too from this author later on this year.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 30, 2025
I just love this series! It makes me so happy every time I read it.😊💕
Second read: Upgraded to 4 stars!
3-3/4 stars... 4 stars for me means I loved it enough to buy it after borrowing from the library. It also indicates that I should read it again in the future. So, I’m almost there but want to think about for a while.
So, this story was heartwarming, sweet, and funny with a good balance of happy and sad. A smattering of profanity but not too bad. Slightly sexy without unnecessary details. Overall, a nice, satisfying read. I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
Second read: Upgraded to 4 stars!
3-3/4 stars... 4 stars for me means I loved it enough to buy it after borrowing from the library. It also indicates that I should read it again in the future. So, I’m almost there but want to think about for a while.
So, this story was heartwarming, sweet, and funny with a good balance of happy and sad. A smattering of profanity but not too bad. Slightly sexy without unnecessary details. Overall, a nice, satisfying read. I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
May 26, 2016
I just love love loved the cover of Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson and was not disappointed when i dived into the pages! What a magical book full of friendship, love and laughter.
The Main Character Laura Walker is a widowed mum of two. She lost her childhood sweetheart and best friend and is struggling to live her life without him by her side.
Needing a change of scenery Laura decided to pack up herself and the two children and takes a summer job at the Comfort Food Cafe and gets more then she bargains for.
While working at the cafe Laura finds some lovely friends and starts to find herself again. Both the children are happy and she see's herself starting to smile again,
Along the way Laura finds friendship with the local vet and a strong bond is formed between them both.
Laura realises that there is sunshine after the rain and has found happiness again but has the tough decision to make as to whether she can bare to leave it all behind and return to her life as she knew it.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it.
Thankyou to HarperCollins Uk via Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I am more then happy to give.
The Main Character Laura Walker is a widowed mum of two. She lost her childhood sweetheart and best friend and is struggling to live her life without him by her side.
Needing a change of scenery Laura decided to pack up herself and the two children and takes a summer job at the Comfort Food Cafe and gets more then she bargains for.
While working at the cafe Laura finds some lovely friends and starts to find herself again. Both the children are happy and she see's herself starting to smile again,
Along the way Laura finds friendship with the local vet and a strong bond is formed between them both.
Laura realises that there is sunshine after the rain and has found happiness again but has the tough decision to make as to whether she can bare to leave it all behind and return to her life as she knew it.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it.
Thankyou to HarperCollins Uk via Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which I am more then happy to give.
December 26, 2016
Laura lost her husband who was also her best friend. They were childhood sweethearts and he died way too young. Laura thinks she and the children, Lizzy and Nate, need a change of scenery after a long time of being sad, so she takes a job for the summer that will enable them to stay in Dorset at the beach. At first Nate and Lizzie aren't very happy with their mother's decision, but their complaints are soon forgotten when they're there for a few days. The Comfort Food Café is a wonderful friendly location and the owner, Cherie makes sure Laura feels right at home cooking and serving the customers.
Laura slowly becomes herself again. Cherie tries to make her as happy as possible, which is exactly what she needs. She enjoys working at the café with the customers and loves preparing the food. She also spends a lot of time with Matt, the local vet and her neighbor. He's handsome and Laura likes him very much, but she's still not over the death of her husband. Maybe time will change things for them though. Will their summer at the Comfort Food Café make Laura and her children feel whole again?
The Comfort Food Café is such a wonderful place. I loved the idea of food that's being served to make someone's life a little better. The regular customers all need someone who listens to their stories and they are there for a special kind of food they can't get anywhere else any longer. It's such a touching subject and it's what I loved most about this book. It's a place where people are heartwarming, where they are generous and where someone has the chance to heal. It's the perfect environment for Laura to come out of her depression. She's there to receive some extra kindness and care and to be there for others, which is a perfect combination.
Summer at the Comfort Food Café is a great uplifting summer read. Laura is a sweet woman who stumbles through life. Some of the things she does, especially by accident, are really funny. Nate and Lizzy are perceptive kids and they made me smile. Matt is cute and very nice, which is a good combination. Cherie is eccentric and has such a kind heart, she's fabulous. I loved all the customers of the café and enjoyed reading about their lives. The setting is fantastic and I wish I could actually go there. I loved Debbie Johnson's dreamy descriptions of the place. Her vivid writing about food is mouthwatering and I can't wait to try some of Laura's recipes. Summer at the Comfort Food Café is such an original story and it has a lovely romantic ending.
Laura slowly becomes herself again. Cherie tries to make her as happy as possible, which is exactly what she needs. She enjoys working at the café with the customers and loves preparing the food. She also spends a lot of time with Matt, the local vet and her neighbor. He's handsome and Laura likes him very much, but she's still not over the death of her husband. Maybe time will change things for them though. Will their summer at the Comfort Food Café make Laura and her children feel whole again?
The Comfort Food Café is such a wonderful place. I loved the idea of food that's being served to make someone's life a little better. The regular customers all need someone who listens to their stories and they are there for a special kind of food they can't get anywhere else any longer. It's such a touching subject and it's what I loved most about this book. It's a place where people are heartwarming, where they are generous and where someone has the chance to heal. It's the perfect environment for Laura to come out of her depression. She's there to receive some extra kindness and care and to be there for others, which is a perfect combination.
Summer at the Comfort Food Café is a great uplifting summer read. Laura is a sweet woman who stumbles through life. Some of the things she does, especially by accident, are really funny. Nate and Lizzy are perceptive kids and they made me smile. Matt is cute and very nice, which is a good combination. Cherie is eccentric and has such a kind heart, she's fabulous. I loved all the customers of the café and enjoyed reading about their lives. The setting is fantastic and I wish I could actually go there. I loved Debbie Johnson's dreamy descriptions of the place. Her vivid writing about food is mouthwatering and I can't wait to try some of Laura's recipes. Summer at the Comfort Food Café is such an original story and it has a lovely romantic ending.
November 6, 2017
Keeping this fairly short since I liked this book and did not care for the sequel at all. I liked the main character (Laura) taking her children away for the summer in order for the family to do some real healing two years after the death of her husband. Laura had been in love with her husband since they were children, and after a freak accident doesn't know how she and their family will survive without him. She takes a job at a place called the "Comfort Food Cafe". She meets some new people and happily starts to find a place for herself and her children.
So, I know a lot of romance readers do not like romance novels that have a widowed husband/wife. I don't mind this one probably because the dead husband sounded great and felt real to me as I was reading. I didn't get the idea that Laura was trying to replace him at all. And her kids still thought of him as well, but did want their mom to start to move on and be how she used to be before their dad died.
Laura felt like a very developed character and I got a great sense of her daughter, not that much of her son though. I also like Laura's love interest, though I wish we had gotten some more details about him than we get.
The food that Laura makes for certain customers had cute backstories to them. I do wish that we would have gotten recipes for certain things though. I don't know why when a romance novel revolves around food or baking they don't include recipes. That's my favorite thing to do is to read a recipe from a book and try it out.
The writing was okay and I thought this was a very solid romance novel.
So, I know a lot of romance readers do not like romance novels that have a widowed husband/wife. I don't mind this one probably because the dead husband sounded great and felt real to me as I was reading. I didn't get the idea that Laura was trying to replace him at all. And her kids still thought of him as well, but did want their mom to start to move on and be how she used to be before their dad died.
Laura felt like a very developed character and I got a great sense of her daughter, not that much of her son though. I also like Laura's love interest, though I wish we had gotten some more details about him than we get.
The food that Laura makes for certain customers had cute backstories to them. I do wish that we would have gotten recipes for certain things though. I don't know why when a romance novel revolves around food or baking they don't include recipes. That's my favorite thing to do is to read a recipe from a book and try it out.
The writing was okay and I thought this was a very solid romance novel.
July 1, 2016
It’s impossible to not love everything about this book. From the scrumptious looking cover, the idyllic setting, the wonderful story as well as the lovely characters, it ticked all the right boxes for me for a light hearted and entertaining read.
Laura is still trying to get over the death of her husband, running out of money though she decides to take a holiday job so that her and the children can still have a holiday whilst she is at least earning some money.
The cafe itself seems to be a haven for residents that seem to be on their own and come there to share companionship over delicious food. It certainly had my mouth watering over some of the food, especially Frank’s bacon sarnie that has to be cooked in a special way which is just how I like mine.
I don’t think Laura bargains for just how much her and the kids fall for the area as well as the residents.
The whole novel is heart warming, quirky and charming. It is a lovely story of moving on, taking chances as well as embracing new friendships.
A fabulous book and highly recommended.
My thanks to Kerry at Harper Impulse for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Laura is still trying to get over the death of her husband, running out of money though she decides to take a holiday job so that her and the children can still have a holiday whilst she is at least earning some money.
The cafe itself seems to be a haven for residents that seem to be on their own and come there to share companionship over delicious food. It certainly had my mouth watering over some of the food, especially Frank’s bacon sarnie that has to be cooked in a special way which is just how I like mine.
I don’t think Laura bargains for just how much her and the kids fall for the area as well as the residents.
The whole novel is heart warming, quirky and charming. It is a lovely story of moving on, taking chances as well as embracing new friendships.
A fabulous book and highly recommended.
My thanks to Kerry at Harper Impulse for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2019
I love Debbies books and she didn’t disappoint at all this was simply brilliant set in the beautiful seaside village and so quaint and beautiful. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming and shows how you can move forward if you want to. Has romance and family issues and making new friends to. You want to keep reading and not put it down and worth far more than five stars.
Cherie owns the comfort food cafe and is wanting someone to help her in the cafe over the summer. Laura sees the advert and has recently lost her husband and feels she needs a change. She applied and got the job she moves her two children down for the summer to which they are aren’t happy about but they arrive and she starts making new friends and getting use to the cafe and the children and her settle in and make new friends. She also makes friends with a male but she thinks it’s to soon so is ready to go home and the children don’t want to go so they can change her mind or do they stay as Cherie wants them to stay as well and run the cafe.
Brilliant read.
Cherie owns the comfort food cafe and is wanting someone to help her in the cafe over the summer. Laura sees the advert and has recently lost her husband and feels she needs a change. She applied and got the job she moves her two children down for the summer to which they are aren’t happy about but they arrive and she starts making new friends and getting use to the cafe and the children and her settle in and make new friends. She also makes friends with a male but she thinks it’s to soon so is ready to go home and the children don’t want to go so they can change her mind or do they stay as Cherie wants them to stay as well and run the cafe.
Brilliant read.
August 22, 2020
Finally! I finished this book! I've been reading this for I don't know how long! That is most definitely not a reflection on the book itself... I generally just take longer to read 'nice' books than I do my usual thriller ones!
This book was lovely. A really nice feel good story with grief, love, change, self reflection and self love at the core.
Laura has recently lost her husband and decides she needs some change to get herself back on form. She takes a summer job at the comfort food cafe and meets a series of eccentric and wonderful people. Her kids end up loving it, as does Laura and there is the obligatory romance that crops up with the local vet.
Come the end of the summer and Laura has to choose her old life or her new. What does she decide?
This was pure escapism at it's best. It's sweet and funny and I really enjoyed reading it. Definitely recommend this. Especially in the current climate when we need something a bit lighter to lift our spirits. (for when I read this review later, it's currently coronavirus time).
https://thebeautifulbookbreak.com
This book was lovely. A really nice feel good story with grief, love, change, self reflection and self love at the core.
Laura has recently lost her husband and decides she needs some change to get herself back on form. She takes a summer job at the comfort food cafe and meets a series of eccentric and wonderful people. Her kids end up loving it, as does Laura and there is the obligatory romance that crops up with the local vet.
Come the end of the summer and Laura has to choose her old life or her new. What does she decide?
This was pure escapism at it's best. It's sweet and funny and I really enjoyed reading it. Definitely recommend this. Especially in the current climate when we need something a bit lighter to lift our spirits. (for when I read this review later, it's currently coronavirus time).
https://thebeautifulbookbreak.com
May 17, 2017
It had some really good quotes/thoughts about grief, and a sweet story. I thought this might be an annoying book, but it was far from it - the group of characters was quirky and supportive, and I really enjoyed it.
June 25, 2018
I'm so glad I read this book because OH EM GEE IT WAS GREAT! It deserves all the stars!
The characters are so well written and the story is both cute and sad and uplifiting and sweet and heartbreaking and hopeful.
Tbf the first place in my heart will forever be reserved for The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts, but this one is close second.
I definitely want to read rest of the books in that series!
The characters are so well written and the story is both cute and sad and uplifiting and sweet and heartbreaking and hopeful.
Tbf the first place in my heart will forever be reserved for The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts, but this one is close second.
I definitely want to read rest of the books in that series!
July 3, 2019
Mooi feelgoodboek. Ideaal om te lezen in de zomer
July 7, 2016
I love Debbie Johnson for many reasons - she's an amazing writer, she currently releases two books per year (I love any author automatically who releases two books per year, it's just the BEST), and she makes me laugh. Although, this time around, with Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe she made me cry. I literally had to put the book down because I was crying so much, but that's because it just reminded me so much of what I went through nearly three years ago, but if I think of it even now it still hurts and it all just came flooding back while I was reading the book. But, mostly, Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe was a wonderful read.
I say this a lot when I read books like this, but I just love books where there's this amazing family-like feel to the book; Laura, Lizzie & Nate move from Manchester to Dorset and it's like they've been in Dorset the whole time, that's how friendly everyone is at the Comfort Food Cafe, most importantly Ms Cherie Moon. There's this real family vibe to the book, almost like the cafe itself (or most likely Cherie) have some kind of magical powers that can heal people and some of the stories were just so lovely, they didn't half pull at the old heart-strings. It's just so warm, so comforting. And it made me think: what would my comfort food be? Like Frank with his burnt bacon butties and his strong tea, everyone had their own comfort foods they couldn't be without, and mine would most likely be homemade Yorkshire puddings, though I would take the whole Sunday roast, if I could.
As always with books like Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe, I inevitably wanted to up and move there immediately. It just sounded so idyllic, so perfect, so peaceful. So beautiful. And it was nice to see the way everyone rallied around Laura, after she lost her husband, and how Laura just fitted in so easily, and especially her friendship with Matt. I was waiting and waiting for something to go wrong, and it was kind of nice that Laura had pretty much the perfect summer, as did her kids Lizzie and Nate, and Lizzie's rather heart-felt gesture at the end there kind of broke my heart, but in the best way. And I can't not talk about Jimbo the dog. It just made me smile to see him so involved, such a big part of the family.
This was such an amazing read, even if it devastated me for just a little while, with me reading with tears streaming down my face, willing them to stop. But apart from that intensely emotional bit, this was the perfect summer read (although I am SO glad I wasn't reading this on a beach/plane/train/ANYWHERE the public can see you cry). I loved the cafe, I loved Cherie Moon and Laura, Lizzie, Nate and Matt. I love more than anything we're going back there at Christmas, because it's a place you feel like you can always go if you're feeling down and you'll leave feeling much, much happier.
I say this a lot when I read books like this, but I just love books where there's this amazing family-like feel to the book; Laura, Lizzie & Nate move from Manchester to Dorset and it's like they've been in Dorset the whole time, that's how friendly everyone is at the Comfort Food Cafe, most importantly Ms Cherie Moon. There's this real family vibe to the book, almost like the cafe itself (or most likely Cherie) have some kind of magical powers that can heal people and some of the stories were just so lovely, they didn't half pull at the old heart-strings. It's just so warm, so comforting. And it made me think: what would my comfort food be? Like Frank with his burnt bacon butties and his strong tea, everyone had their own comfort foods they couldn't be without, and mine would most likely be homemade Yorkshire puddings, though I would take the whole Sunday roast, if I could.
As always with books like Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe, I inevitably wanted to up and move there immediately. It just sounded so idyllic, so perfect, so peaceful. So beautiful. And it was nice to see the way everyone rallied around Laura, after she lost her husband, and how Laura just fitted in so easily, and especially her friendship with Matt. I was waiting and waiting for something to go wrong, and it was kind of nice that Laura had pretty much the perfect summer, as did her kids Lizzie and Nate, and Lizzie's rather heart-felt gesture at the end there kind of broke my heart, but in the best way. And I can't not talk about Jimbo the dog. It just made me smile to see him so involved, such a big part of the family.
This was such an amazing read, even if it devastated me for just a little while, with me reading with tears streaming down my face, willing them to stop. But apart from that intensely emotional bit, this was the perfect summer read (although I am SO glad I wasn't reading this on a beach/plane/train/ANYWHERE the public can see you cry). I loved the cafe, I loved Cherie Moon and Laura, Lizzie, Nate and Matt. I love more than anything we're going back there at Christmas, because it's a place you feel like you can always go if you're feeling down and you'll leave feeling much, much happier.
May 5, 2016
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review
Think i devoured this book as quickly as some of the delicious creations from the kitchens of the Comfort Food Cafe! Absolutely loved it!
Laura Walker is a widow. She's going through the motions of life with her two teenage children, Lizzie and Nate, trying to stay normal for their sakes but life without her beloved David is just too tough for her at times. Life for them is in Manchester and it's where all their family memories are, but when Laura notices an advert for the position of a cook at The Comfort Food Cafe for the summer in Dorset, she is keen to start creating new holiday memories for her and the children as they try and move forward with their lives.
To her surprise she gets the position, so they all move down, including Jimbo the fat black labrador!, and move into Hyacinth House which is part of the package and seems like a perfect base for them, surrounding by other cottages all named after song titles - Lilac Wine being my favourite!
Life in the countryside is a little different for them for a short while but they soon settle right into life in the fresh air and they are all welcomed into the community and the cafe 'family full of so many wonderful characters'. It is so lovely to see them all blossoming after the heartache they suffered just 2 years ago when they lost David
The cafe is set in an idyllic setting overlooking the sea and the way the owner of the cafe, Cherie Moon, seems to have a sixth sense about everyone is so sweet especially when she gets so many things right. Her cafe has become everyones' safe place through the bad times and so many people see it as their second home.
This is a book that makes you laugh and cry in equal measures - many heartbreaking moments for the family to deal with that life throws at you, but they are the perfect example of change sometimes being for the good and how life can make you smile again if you just let it!
highly recommended and I hope we get a chance to visit all the characters again as I'm missing them already!
Think i devoured this book as quickly as some of the delicious creations from the kitchens of the Comfort Food Cafe! Absolutely loved it!
Laura Walker is a widow. She's going through the motions of life with her two teenage children, Lizzie and Nate, trying to stay normal for their sakes but life without her beloved David is just too tough for her at times. Life for them is in Manchester and it's where all their family memories are, but when Laura notices an advert for the position of a cook at The Comfort Food Cafe for the summer in Dorset, she is keen to start creating new holiday memories for her and the children as they try and move forward with their lives.
To her surprise she gets the position, so they all move down, including Jimbo the fat black labrador!, and move into Hyacinth House which is part of the package and seems like a perfect base for them, surrounding by other cottages all named after song titles - Lilac Wine being my favourite!
Life in the countryside is a little different for them for a short while but they soon settle right into life in the fresh air and they are all welcomed into the community and the cafe 'family full of so many wonderful characters'. It is so lovely to see them all blossoming after the heartache they suffered just 2 years ago when they lost David
The cafe is set in an idyllic setting overlooking the sea and the way the owner of the cafe, Cherie Moon, seems to have a sixth sense about everyone is so sweet especially when she gets so many things right. Her cafe has become everyones' safe place through the bad times and so many people see it as their second home.
This is a book that makes you laugh and cry in equal measures - many heartbreaking moments for the family to deal with that life throws at you, but they are the perfect example of change sometimes being for the good and how life can make you smile again if you just let it!
highly recommended and I hope we get a chance to visit all the characters again as I'm missing them already!
June 18, 2020
'Zomer in het Duincafé' heeft mijn hart gestolen! Ik waande mij met Laura en haar kinderen in Dorset, voelde mee met alle karakters die je stuk voor stuk in je hart sluit en kan alleen maar toejuichen als ik zie hoe Laura, Nate en Lizzy opleven in het Duincafé. Het is echt een boek dat een grote glimlach en een kleine traan oplevert. Het voelt gewoon of je daar zelf rondloopt en mag toezien hoe ze daar stukje bij beetje opleven. Daar zorgt de prettige schrijfstijl van Debbie Johnson wel voor. Eigenlijk kan ik je maar één ding meegeven: als je dit boek nog niet hebt gelezen, zet hem dan direct op je lijstje voor deze zomer. Het zal je niet teleurstellen (en daarna kan je je direct opnieuw wanen door 'Kerstmis in het Duincafé' en (het binnenkort uitkomende) 'Thuis in het Duincafé' lezen. Het gaat zeker de moeite waard zijn, dat beloof ik je.
July 3, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperImpulse for the digital reading copy.
This has been a fantastic book. From page one I felt absolutely comfortable and at home in this book. The author's captivating writing style got me hooked and didn't let me go and it was almost impossible to put the book down.
I really liked Laura. I have never experienced what she went through but the author made her situation and her decisions very understandable. Her two kids were great characters too and were a great addition to this book.
Matt was a really nice man and I liked how he caring and comforting he was with Laura.
The café as well as the little town by the sea were absolutely great. The atmosphere was wonderful and I would love to go and live there. The inhabitants were lovely and it was nice to see how warm and open-hearted they were towards Laura and her kids.
The ending wasmvery emotional and I even had some tears in my eyes.
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe is a perfect summer read and an absolute feel good romance.
This has been a fantastic book. From page one I felt absolutely comfortable and at home in this book. The author's captivating writing style got me hooked and didn't let me go and it was almost impossible to put the book down.
I really liked Laura. I have never experienced what she went through but the author made her situation and her decisions very understandable. Her two kids were great characters too and were a great addition to this book.
Matt was a really nice man and I liked how he caring and comforting he was with Laura.
The café as well as the little town by the sea were absolutely great. The atmosphere was wonderful and I would love to go and live there. The inhabitants were lovely and it was nice to see how warm and open-hearted they were towards Laura and her kids.
The ending wasmvery emotional and I even had some tears in my eyes.
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe is a perfect summer read and an absolute feel good romance.
March 5, 2025
Ein absolutes Lebenslesehighlight! Die letzten 50 Seiten hatte ich durchgehend Tränen in den Augen, oder habe geweint. Das vorletzte Kapitel hat mich zerfetzt, und das letzte hat es ein bisschen wieder gut gemacht.
Wer ein warmes Zuhause mit ganz besonderen Menschen braucht, wird hier ein neues Lieblingsbuch finden. Found Family at it's best! 💜
Wer ein warmes Zuhause mit ganz besonderen Menschen braucht, wird hier ein neues Lieblingsbuch finden. Found Family at it's best! 💜
November 20, 2019
Een heerlijke feelgood roman. Echt een boek om blij van te worden. Ondanks dat je al vrij snel weet hoe het af gaat lopen, stoorde mij dat niet. En ondanks dat er ook wat minder leuke dingen gebeuren, blijft het verhaal positief. Ik ben erg benieuwd naar het volgende deel.
April 23, 2016
There is just one thing I can say and that is Debbie Johnson is just getting better and better with every single book she writes, and I hope she continues for a very long time. This book has run me through the full gamut of emotions, and I feel there is a new maturity to the writing that hasn't been there before. If this is your first book by this talented author, then you are in for a treat.
The first two chapters drew me in and I knew this would be a book read in very few sittings over the course of one day. The first chapter is the job advert wanting someone to come and work at the Comfort Food Cafe, and inviting applicants to just put heart and soul into a leter of application. It gave a great feel for the sort of place the Comfort Food Cafe would be, quite a while before we get there.
And then the second chapter is Laura's application letter, which gives enough information to explain her entire backstory in a great storytelling device. And what we learn is after a slightly freak accident Laura was widowed two years ago, and she with her two children are still coming to terms with their grief and are feeling lost. Laura can't afford a summer holiday like the ones she used to have with her husband so opts for this working holiday at the Comfort Food Cafe.
The rest of her family think she is bonkers and that she won't cope, but it does't take long to realise that she may have made her best ever decision. And the cast of colourful locals at the cafe, all with their own back stories and need for various comfort food, are heartwarming.
The idea behind the cafe is to offer food as comfort, whether its on the menu or not, and there are many examples of this, and all the many descriptions of foods are enough to make your mouth water. And for complete comic relief there are Laura's phonecalls with her sister, where she discovers that her daughter Lizzie, has been instagramming every second of the holiday, and the sister's take on the photos is brilliant.
This is a very upbeat story, and is all about being brave enough to try to make the most of a situation after their personal nightmare. Cafe owner Cherie Moon is one of the most kind hearted women you will ever meet, and yet as we get to know her better, we also discover secrets in her past.
Laura is a natural in the cafe, and her children soon make friends, and the book is separated into each week of the holiday, and the week headings come with a one sentence hint at what may be coming up, and the one that really caught my eye was the mention of far too much nudity!
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe is a comforting summery read, with a lovely South coast of England feel to it, friendly people and is a joy to read.
Thank you so much to Felicity Denham at Harper for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
The first two chapters drew me in and I knew this would be a book read in very few sittings over the course of one day. The first chapter is the job advert wanting someone to come and work at the Comfort Food Cafe, and inviting applicants to just put heart and soul into a leter of application. It gave a great feel for the sort of place the Comfort Food Cafe would be, quite a while before we get there.
And then the second chapter is Laura's application letter, which gives enough information to explain her entire backstory in a great storytelling device. And what we learn is after a slightly freak accident Laura was widowed two years ago, and she with her two children are still coming to terms with their grief and are feeling lost. Laura can't afford a summer holiday like the ones she used to have with her husband so opts for this working holiday at the Comfort Food Cafe.
The rest of her family think she is bonkers and that she won't cope, but it does't take long to realise that she may have made her best ever decision. And the cast of colourful locals at the cafe, all with their own back stories and need for various comfort food, are heartwarming.
The idea behind the cafe is to offer food as comfort, whether its on the menu or not, and there are many examples of this, and all the many descriptions of foods are enough to make your mouth water. And for complete comic relief there are Laura's phonecalls with her sister, where she discovers that her daughter Lizzie, has been instagramming every second of the holiday, and the sister's take on the photos is brilliant.
This is a very upbeat story, and is all about being brave enough to try to make the most of a situation after their personal nightmare. Cafe owner Cherie Moon is one of the most kind hearted women you will ever meet, and yet as we get to know her better, we also discover secrets in her past.
Laura is a natural in the cafe, and her children soon make friends, and the book is separated into each week of the holiday, and the week headings come with a one sentence hint at what may be coming up, and the one that really caught my eye was the mention of far too much nudity!
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe is a comforting summery read, with a lovely South coast of England feel to it, friendly people and is a joy to read.
Thank you so much to Felicity Denham at Harper for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
February 18, 2022
As sweet and pleasant as this was, I don’t think the style of this author is for me. I listened to this on Audible and am not sure how much this influenced my lack of enthusiasm. I was drawn in by the narrator's voice and charming accent at first, but after about halfway through it started to get on my nerves. On the surface this seemed very reminiscent of a Rosamunde Pilcher, D.E. Stevenson, or Marcia Willett at first.
Laura, a young widow with a young teen daughter and a younger son finds herself in need of some income. She sees an advertisement and writes a long letter to the owner of the Comfort Food Cafe in Dorset and is offered a job there for the summer. She is still grieving, we are told and told, her husband who died suddenly about 2 years prior. He was her childhood sweetheart and they were married for 14 years. But she didn’t come across as still devastated. She seemed pretty chipper, actually. (Maybe it was the narrator?) Her daughter Lizzie is a typical teen girl with no more brattiness or rebelliousness than is normal for a girl that age. She seemed like a pretty nice kid. The son, Nathan is pretty much a nonentity.
She settles in smoothly to her job with the quirky ex-hippie owner, Cherie, and her merry band of quirky customers who are like family. She meets cute with a very nice and sexy Veterinarian who looks like a “young Harrison Ford” and who goes around shirtless a lot. Romance ensues. The meet-cute involves underwear flying out of her suitcase and landing on his head. It was cute but at least two of my favorite authors would have created laugh-out-loud comedy out of the situation.
Two bad things happen near the end, but in one case, it leads to opportunity, not tragedy, and the other is foreshadowed pretty expressly. It was too bad so sad, but, not heartrending. Laura goes out on a limb and organizes a reunion for two people who haven’t seen each other in 50 years. She is very nervous about it but it all goes fine.
In the end, to her children’s and her new friends’ and her new boyfriend’s dismay she decides to go back to Manchester at the end of the summer as planned for no good reason. That was the one occurrence in the book that really stirred my feelings. Unfortunately, that feeling was disgust. I was so turned off by her senseless decision to leave her godsend of a situation to go back home, that I was totally unmoved by the inevitable change of mind and happy ending.
This book is an amiable diversion with a shadow or two here and there that we are told about. There is very little tension, suspense, or anticipation. It’s smooth going, but I guess I prefer my fiction with more peaks and valleys, hilarity and tears. But you know, you get what you are promised, “comfort food”, and there is certainly a place for that. But not for me, at least not at this time.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
Laura, a young widow with a young teen daughter and a younger son finds herself in need of some income. She sees an advertisement and writes a long letter to the owner of the Comfort Food Cafe in Dorset and is offered a job there for the summer. She is still grieving, we are told and told, her husband who died suddenly about 2 years prior. He was her childhood sweetheart and they were married for 14 years. But she didn’t come across as still devastated. She seemed pretty chipper, actually. (Maybe it was the narrator?) Her daughter Lizzie is a typical teen girl with no more brattiness or rebelliousness than is normal for a girl that age. She seemed like a pretty nice kid. The son, Nathan is pretty much a nonentity.
She settles in smoothly to her job with the quirky ex-hippie owner, Cherie, and her merry band of quirky customers who are like family. She meets cute with a very nice and sexy Veterinarian who looks like a “young Harrison Ford” and who goes around shirtless a lot. Romance ensues. The meet-cute involves underwear flying out of her suitcase and landing on his head. It was cute but at least two of my favorite authors would have created laugh-out-loud comedy out of the situation.
Two bad things happen near the end, but in one case, it leads to opportunity, not tragedy, and the other is foreshadowed pretty expressly. It was too bad so sad, but, not heartrending. Laura goes out on a limb and organizes a reunion for two people who haven’t seen each other in 50 years. She is very nervous about it but it all goes fine.
In the end, to her children’s and her new friends’ and her new boyfriend’s dismay she decides to go back to Manchester at the end of the summer as planned for no good reason. That was the one occurrence in the book that really stirred my feelings. Unfortunately, that feeling was disgust. I was so turned off by her senseless decision to leave her godsend of a situation to go back home, that I was totally unmoved by the inevitable change of mind and happy ending.
This book is an amiable diversion with a shadow or two here and there that we are told about. There is very little tension, suspense, or anticipation. It’s smooth going, but I guess I prefer my fiction with more peaks and valleys, hilarity and tears. But you know, you get what you are promised, “comfort food”, and there is certainly a place for that. But not for me, at least not at this time.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
September 22, 2016
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Laura decides to take a summer job working at the Comfort Food Cafe and takes her 2 children and her elderly dog with her, despite the teenagers being very vocal about being taken away from their friends.
The scenes where they arrive at their cottage are really amusing and couldn't get the image of Sam out of my mind for a while! The Comfort Food Cafe is also described beautifully and makes it sound like the type of place we'd all love to have within a few minutes walk. Cherie owns it and is a lovely quirky character. She doesn't run it for commercial gain- she cares about all the people that visit. She keeps stocks of pot noodles in and cooks certain breakfasts to very precise specifications - it's the sort of place where you are amongst friends who care about you and take the time to make your day that little bit easier.
It really is the perfect book to lose yourself amongst the very comforting pages- full of friendship, fun, blossoming romance, quirky characters and very touching scenes. Laura finds herself healing amongst all the locals and very much taken with Cherie. You can imagine climbing the hill up to the cafe after a swim in the sea and relaxing with a coffee overlooking the bay- perfect bliss.
Debbie has such an engaging writing style- you quickly fall in love with her writing and her characters become your friends. I am delighted that I have the Christmas follow up to the book to review next. With many thanks to Net Galley and Harper Impulse for the chance to read this one.
The scenes where they arrive at their cottage are really amusing and couldn't get the image of Sam out of my mind for a while! The Comfort Food Cafe is also described beautifully and makes it sound like the type of place we'd all love to have within a few minutes walk. Cherie owns it and is a lovely quirky character. She doesn't run it for commercial gain- she cares about all the people that visit. She keeps stocks of pot noodles in and cooks certain breakfasts to very precise specifications - it's the sort of place where you are amongst friends who care about you and take the time to make your day that little bit easier.
It really is the perfect book to lose yourself amongst the very comforting pages- full of friendship, fun, blossoming romance, quirky characters and very touching scenes. Laura finds herself healing amongst all the locals and very much taken with Cherie. You can imagine climbing the hill up to the cafe after a swim in the sea and relaxing with a coffee overlooking the bay- perfect bliss.
Debbie has such an engaging writing style- you quickly fall in love with her writing and her characters become your friends. I am delighted that I have the Christmas follow up to the book to review next. With many thanks to Net Galley and Harper Impulse for the chance to read this one.
August 29, 2019
Hoewel het verhaal er één van 13 in een dozijn is, is de schrijfstijl weer zo prettig en mooi dat ik 3* toch echt te weinig vind. Het verhaal wist me gerust te stellen op vlakken van het opvoeden van kinderen en rouwverwerking. Debbie Johnson heeft zich echt kwetsbaar durven opstellen met het schrijven van dit verhaal en ik heb er echt iets aan gehad. Fijn dat boeken dat kunnen doen.
March 2, 2017
This book was so fun! I loved Laura and her children. There were lots of ups and down - I laughed and I cried. One of my next books will be "Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe." I hope it's a continuation of Laura, Matt and Cherie's story!
June 25, 2018
2.5 Stars. Everyone loves this book, but I just didn’t!
May 4, 2016
The first thing that comes to my mind is that each book by Debbie Johnson is better than the previous one, though I'm not sure how it's possible, as they are all brilliant. I especially loved Debbie's "The Birthday That Changed Everything" - it was a hilarious yet very touching read, but "Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe" is just like that! I've spent reading the last chapters of this book crying like a crocodile but not because it was so sad - on the contrary, it was so uplifting and promising and full of hope, and so touching, but still with the characteristic Debbie's humour and I just loved this story. So there. Debbie Johnson is for sure at the top of my favourite authors list and I hope she'll be writing such great books for a long time.
I promised myself I won't be comparing books but I can't not. Sorry. Especially as I still am mentioning "The Birthday That Changed Everything" at every opportunity. This book, and "Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe" are very similar in tone and characters, yet they are different to each other. I can't help thinking that this new release is much more mature in tone and is a little bit on the more serious side but nevertheless, it is also full of humour, fantastic one - liners and larger than life, full of life characters (not only human characters. Oh my. You've no idea how much I cried. I skipped this chapter, to be honest, because I knew I won't stop crying for hours).
Debbie Johnson's writing style makes you feel very welcome and throws you into the heart of the story immediately. I was hooked from the page one and I would read this book in one sitting if I had it in paperback and not in ebook - I am reading my kindle books usually in bed and I am often so knackered that I am able to read only few pages, no matter how good the book is. I loved the beginning of this novel, which is in a form of a letter that Laura's written in a reply to a job advert, and where we learn almost everything about her, her situation, her family and background, and where I actually already fell in love with her and wanted to be friends with her.
Laura was so perfectly developed. Her feelings of uncertainty, grief and pain were so palpable and tugged at all the right heartstrings but what I most loved about her is that, after those two years of being a single mum, of closing herself in a shell, she finally starts to grow in confidence, to see that future may have something on offer for her and that she and the kids deserve it. She opens to other people, comes out of her comfort zones and while she's never going to forget and to stop loving David, she starts to take some steps forward, with a little help of the cafe, Cherie and Matt of course. She's transforming before our eyes, and while we get to know her as a grieving widow, kissing a photo of her late - husband and sleeping with his dressing gown, we leave her with the feeling that she's ready for the new, happy future. The author has brilliantly and with lots of feelings described the process of Laura's grieving and made her both special and normal.
I also loved how Ms Johnson portrayed the family life and how they all tried to cope - better or worse - with all the new situations that life was throwing at them. It felt so genuine, and the characters were so honest in the way they acted and talked. The children were just like the children at their age should be, and Laura was just like a mum should be, and I loved their interactions. Debbie Johnson can absolutely perfectly describe teenagers that are run by the hormones. She did it in an unforgettable way in "The Birthday That Changed Everything" and she did it again in "Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe". She brilliantly captures the teenage souls, with their likes and dislikes and she knows what it is that make them cool and up - to - date. Lizzie was the moody one who hated her mum and brother and the whole world actually, and never leaving the house without her phone. But she's not as gloomy as it sounds, she's lovely and very innovative and she only needs a little trust to spread her wings. Nate is lovely, too big and cool for a cuddle in the public, but not in the privacy of his home, and he totally knocked me out at the end of the book with his clever speech. There is also Laura's family, especially her sister, and their phone conversations were so hilarious, but also so heart - warming, and you just could feel this special sisterly bond between these two.
Moreover, there are so many background characters, characters that enter the scenes for only a moment or two but they all feel so important and they are inseparable part of this novel. All of them had their own stories to tell and I loved how the author treated them all with respect and feeling, and adored how they all were in need of the comfort food made for them at the Comfort Food Cafe. Their presence added so much depth to the story, and awoke so many emotions, but also fun. But now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Matt... Awww, Matt... The local vet and the first person that Laura gets to know at her new place, of course in a very embarrassing situation let me tell you, but let's focus on Matt again. There was something so very special in him that made him perfect in my eyes. Sure, he had his flaws (probably!) but altogether I think I would exchange Matt for my husband (psssst!), even though my husband bought me more than one puppy in my life. He was just so human, our Matt, and I think I have a little crush on him. I absolutely adored the blossoming, awkward romance between him and Laura, the dancing around each other but without the never ending will they/won't they that is so often over - done, no, here it was lovely and believable, and not so obvious!
The book is divided into weeks that Laura and the children spent at the cafe, and each week's header hints at what we can expect in the next chapters, and believe me, when Laura tells in one of the headers that it is the week she's going to cry mostly, I was crying with her. The descriptions are so fluent but not over - descriptive, they are colourful and vivid and brings all the places, people and things to life. I loved the idea of the Comfort Food Cafe itself, a place in Budbury that offers - yes! - comfort food but also solace and where everyone is heartily welcome. This cafe, and the wonderful setting that Debbie Johnson has so wonderfully brought to life, with all the vivid descriptions of all the places and weather, just made me want to go on holidays and maybe stay in such a place for ever - so if you know such place, please kindly let me know.
"Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe" is about new beginnings and about being brave enough to give these new beginnings a new chance, even though there are things that you think can stop you or if you fear the future. And it also shows that we should trust our instincts and other people as well, because they are by nature good and willing to help. It is uplifting, optimistic and made me look in the future with hope. I was totally impressed with this book and I loved every minute I spent in the company of the characters. The cafe was a place where you could feel safe and the whole story was sweet, charming, uplifting and true to life. It was fast - paced, bubbly, funny and emotional, and the blossoming romance, that doesn't get control over the whole story was believable and charming. A truly delicious read - also because of this gorgeous food at the cafe (please give me the variation on the yoghurt that Laura has made!!!), poignant but also full of humour, a lovely story of a small family moving forward and healing but not forgetting about the past told in a very gentle way. Just the kind of read that I adore and will recommend to everyone.
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
May 6, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books
It has been SO LONG since I last dived into a novel by the wonderful Debbie Johnson. In fact, I'm sure the last book I read by this author was Cold Feet at Christmas and that feels like a lifetime ago so, when I spotted Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe available to request, I was unable to help myself, and let's not get started on that gloriously delicious cover! All in all, this was a read I was incredibly excited about and I couldn't wait to tuck in!
Will you think me weak if I confess that Debbie Johnson had me crying into my pillow with just the second chapter of Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe? It's true, I was. We're told in the blurb that Debbie's leading lady Laura Walker is a widowed mum-of-two, and before the wings of this story are able to spread and take flight, the reader is brought up-to-date on all that has happened in Laura Walker's life so far. Or, more specifically, we're told about the death of her husband David, and how it's affected Laura and her children's lives to date. I can't tell you why this affected me so much. I've read about heartbreak and tragedy so many times within books. I'm not much of a crier. It normally takes a great deal of connection between the characters and myself for me to be moved to tears, but Debbie Johnson seemed to reach that part of me without me spending a fair few chapters getting to know her characters, which is incredible really. I was sniffling into my pillow as my partner lay snoring softly beside me. I turned to look at him and wondered what I'd ever do without him. As Laura sifts back through her memories of her time spent with David, her one and only love, I could feel my throat tightening and that stupid lump lodging itself into place. It got to me. Really got to me. Perhaps it was the down-to-earth, real and engaging manner in which Debbie Johnson revealed Laura's story? Whatever it was, it struck a chord with me and I knew I'd want to be Laura's cheerleader throughout the remainder of the book.
Rather than getting straight into it, the opening of Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe begins with an ad from the cafe itself, written by a woman called Cherie Moon.
'COOK WANTED - MUST BE COMFORTING'
The ad goes on to list the requirements needed in order to apply for the position. At this point, we don't know anything about the woman behind the ad, but it's intriguing to say the least. Swiftly followed by Laura Walker's letter of reply, she begins to tell Cherie Moon why she's perfect for the job and what's happened in her life to lead up to that moment. I absolutely bloody loved this. It made the cafe seem all the more real, and just that little bit magical. After all, the ad isn't the sort of ad you'd expect to read.
'The successful applicant will be naturally friendly, be able to boil an egg, enjoy a chat and have a well-developed sense of empathy with other human beings. Good sense of humour is absolutely vital.'
At this point, it became clear to me that the Comfort Food Cafe was like no other cafe I'd come across before. I could not wait to see what was in store for Laura Walker, and after her letter of reply comes to an end, Debbie Johnson slips the reader beside Laura and her children in the car, for week one of their new adventure in Dorset.
To say that I loved Debbie's characters in this book would be a massive understatement. There is something addictive about Johnson's style. The flow of her writing is smooth like melted chocolate, and the descriptions sprinkled on top like tiny chunks of honeycomb. It wasn't only the loss of Laura's husband which drew me to her, it was her personality. She was funny, without realising it, and had me giggling away numerous times throughout reading. She loved her children dearly, she loved their dog Jimbo dearly, and she was ready, although a little shaky, to try her hand at something new, and perhaps work her way towards a new beginning. There was no doubt about it that she missed David. When she spoke about him I was practically in love with the man myself. They'd been together pretty much forever, and the emptiness she felt from his absence had me sniffling all over again, because Debbie just described it so perfectly. I wanted, more than anything, for Laura's life to get better. For her to learn to laugh, love and smile again. Her children, Nate and Lizzie, added a whole new dimension to this story, and I loved how the author explored the relationships between each of them. There were moments of hysterical laughter on my part, because the story just felt so damn real and down to earth.
During Laura's time in Dorset, she encounters a number of people who, in turn, bring something new to her life, whether that be a lesson to be learnt or just a much-needed friend. Taking up her position in the cafe opens up a brand new world to Laura in which she's expected to provide comfort and a listening ear, alongside serving bacon butties and scrummy milkshakes. There's also an incredibly dishy man who goes by the name of Matt, and I was excited to see what role he would end up playing in Laura's life. With the cafe and her new friends revealing their stories to her, Laura's own problems gradually begin to lose their precedence in her mind and it was a wonderfully uplifting thing to witness as the reader.
All in all, Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe was an exceptionally beautiful story, full of warmth, hope and learning to live again. It had moments of heartache, of love and longing, but also of happiness and laughter. It spoke straight to my heart and when I finished this book, I felt like I was saying goodbye to some truly wonderful friends. Debbie Johnson told this tale in the most tender of ways but still managed to make me smile and snort and laugh out loud. Laura's story captured all of those things we should treasure in our own lives and urges us to hold onto them even tighter than before. Life can change in the blink of an eye, but that doesn't mean we can't go on. With the help of our loved ones, friends, and even complete strangers, it is possible to carry on, and be happy.
Becca's Books is awarding Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson with five of my bookish stars. This book was everything that I'd hoped it would be and more. The perfect book to lose yourself in while the hours slip by unnoticed. I cannot wait to read more from Debbie Johnson.
It has been SO LONG since I last dived into a novel by the wonderful Debbie Johnson. In fact, I'm sure the last book I read by this author was Cold Feet at Christmas and that feels like a lifetime ago so, when I spotted Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe available to request, I was unable to help myself, and let's not get started on that gloriously delicious cover! All in all, this was a read I was incredibly excited about and I couldn't wait to tuck in!
Will you think me weak if I confess that Debbie Johnson had me crying into my pillow with just the second chapter of Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe? It's true, I was. We're told in the blurb that Debbie's leading lady Laura Walker is a widowed mum-of-two, and before the wings of this story are able to spread and take flight, the reader is brought up-to-date on all that has happened in Laura Walker's life so far. Or, more specifically, we're told about the death of her husband David, and how it's affected Laura and her children's lives to date. I can't tell you why this affected me so much. I've read about heartbreak and tragedy so many times within books. I'm not much of a crier. It normally takes a great deal of connection between the characters and myself for me to be moved to tears, but Debbie Johnson seemed to reach that part of me without me spending a fair few chapters getting to know her characters, which is incredible really. I was sniffling into my pillow as my partner lay snoring softly beside me. I turned to look at him and wondered what I'd ever do without him. As Laura sifts back through her memories of her time spent with David, her one and only love, I could feel my throat tightening and that stupid lump lodging itself into place. It got to me. Really got to me. Perhaps it was the down-to-earth, real and engaging manner in which Debbie Johnson revealed Laura's story? Whatever it was, it struck a chord with me and I knew I'd want to be Laura's cheerleader throughout the remainder of the book.
Rather than getting straight into it, the opening of Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe begins with an ad from the cafe itself, written by a woman called Cherie Moon.
'COOK WANTED - MUST BE COMFORTING'
The ad goes on to list the requirements needed in order to apply for the position. At this point, we don't know anything about the woman behind the ad, but it's intriguing to say the least. Swiftly followed by Laura Walker's letter of reply, she begins to tell Cherie Moon why she's perfect for the job and what's happened in her life to lead up to that moment. I absolutely bloody loved this. It made the cafe seem all the more real, and just that little bit magical. After all, the ad isn't the sort of ad you'd expect to read.
'The successful applicant will be naturally friendly, be able to boil an egg, enjoy a chat and have a well-developed sense of empathy with other human beings. Good sense of humour is absolutely vital.'
At this point, it became clear to me that the Comfort Food Cafe was like no other cafe I'd come across before. I could not wait to see what was in store for Laura Walker, and after her letter of reply comes to an end, Debbie Johnson slips the reader beside Laura and her children in the car, for week one of their new adventure in Dorset.
To say that I loved Debbie's characters in this book would be a massive understatement. There is something addictive about Johnson's style. The flow of her writing is smooth like melted chocolate, and the descriptions sprinkled on top like tiny chunks of honeycomb. It wasn't only the loss of Laura's husband which drew me to her, it was her personality. She was funny, without realising it, and had me giggling away numerous times throughout reading. She loved her children dearly, she loved their dog Jimbo dearly, and she was ready, although a little shaky, to try her hand at something new, and perhaps work her way towards a new beginning. There was no doubt about it that she missed David. When she spoke about him I was practically in love with the man myself. They'd been together pretty much forever, and the emptiness she felt from his absence had me sniffling all over again, because Debbie just described it so perfectly. I wanted, more than anything, for Laura's life to get better. For her to learn to laugh, love and smile again. Her children, Nate and Lizzie, added a whole new dimension to this story, and I loved how the author explored the relationships between each of them. There were moments of hysterical laughter on my part, because the story just felt so damn real and down to earth.
During Laura's time in Dorset, she encounters a number of people who, in turn, bring something new to her life, whether that be a lesson to be learnt or just a much-needed friend. Taking up her position in the cafe opens up a brand new world to Laura in which she's expected to provide comfort and a listening ear, alongside serving bacon butties and scrummy milkshakes. There's also an incredibly dishy man who goes by the name of Matt, and I was excited to see what role he would end up playing in Laura's life. With the cafe and her new friends revealing their stories to her, Laura's own problems gradually begin to lose their precedence in her mind and it was a wonderfully uplifting thing to witness as the reader.
All in all, Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe was an exceptionally beautiful story, full of warmth, hope and learning to live again. It had moments of heartache, of love and longing, but also of happiness and laughter. It spoke straight to my heart and when I finished this book, I felt like I was saying goodbye to some truly wonderful friends. Debbie Johnson told this tale in the most tender of ways but still managed to make me smile and snort and laugh out loud. Laura's story captured all of those things we should treasure in our own lives and urges us to hold onto them even tighter than before. Life can change in the blink of an eye, but that doesn't mean we can't go on. With the help of our loved ones, friends, and even complete strangers, it is possible to carry on, and be happy.
Becca's Books is awarding Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson with five of my bookish stars. This book was everything that I'd hoped it would be and more. The perfect book to lose yourself in while the hours slip by unnoticed. I cannot wait to read more from Debbie Johnson.
November 2, 2020
Een hele fijne feelgood waarbij je je eventjes in een andere wereld waant.
January 3, 2017
Sometimes all you want to read is a nice feel good chick lit, that makes you feel all cosy and warm with deep thought not required. That's what you get with Summer and the Comfort Food Cafe.
I have a particular soft spot for books that involve starting afresh in places like the West Country - Devon, Cornwall, Dorset. I've no idea why, when I know the realities of living in places like that can be isolating and not so fairytale like. Possibly looking at it through rose tinted glasses makes it feel like these picturesque, seaside villages are set in an idyllic and perfect world. Just the antidote when you're feeling stressed, tired and want to read something feel good and fluffy. The title of the book, Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe, tells you what you're going to get; a well written chick lit, albeit one that deals with a sensitive subject really well.
The story is centered around Laura Walker, a widow from Manchester and mum of two kids, who decides to take them all down to Dorset for the summer. Her parents and sister think she may have lost the plot, but Laura is determined her two children will have an enjoyable summer holiday. She lands herself a job working as a manageress in a weather beaten cafe that is balanced at the top of a hill overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the bay. The cafes regulars are a quirky, but fun and kind bunch of characters, who visit the cafe for it's delicious offerings; freshly baked cakes, tasty cream teas with scones and good company. The cafe itself is a sanctuary to the weary walker, parched beach goer or lost soul, and ensures that locals and tourists leave feeling like their soul has been nourished, both by the yummy mouth watering food, and also the friendly and sympathetic hospitality that greets every visitor with acceptance. For Laura herself, the cafe allows her to find who she used to be before she was defined as a widow. She makes new friends, begins to feel more light hearted and learns how to enjoy life again, possibly even love...
This reminds me of books by Jenny Colgan (The Little Beach Street Bakery) and Lucy Diamond (The Beach Cafe books), the style is really similar, so I'm sure if you liked those books this would be another one that makes you want to pack up all your worldly belongings and move to some pretty Cornish village by the sea.
If there was another book in the series I would definitely read it to revisit Dorset and catch up with all the lovable characters. It is one of those books that makes you forget your worries and is super easy to become immersed in, by imagining you are sat in the cafe and smelling the delectable aromas of all those scrumptious scones and cupcakes. Yummm!
I have a particular soft spot for books that involve starting afresh in places like the West Country - Devon, Cornwall, Dorset. I've no idea why, when I know the realities of living in places like that can be isolating and not so fairytale like. Possibly looking at it through rose tinted glasses makes it feel like these picturesque, seaside villages are set in an idyllic and perfect world. Just the antidote when you're feeling stressed, tired and want to read something feel good and fluffy. The title of the book, Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe, tells you what you're going to get; a well written chick lit, albeit one that deals with a sensitive subject really well.
The story is centered around Laura Walker, a widow from Manchester and mum of two kids, who decides to take them all down to Dorset for the summer. Her parents and sister think she may have lost the plot, but Laura is determined her two children will have an enjoyable summer holiday. She lands herself a job working as a manageress in a weather beaten cafe that is balanced at the top of a hill overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the bay. The cafes regulars are a quirky, but fun and kind bunch of characters, who visit the cafe for it's delicious offerings; freshly baked cakes, tasty cream teas with scones and good company. The cafe itself is a sanctuary to the weary walker, parched beach goer or lost soul, and ensures that locals and tourists leave feeling like their soul has been nourished, both by the yummy mouth watering food, and also the friendly and sympathetic hospitality that greets every visitor with acceptance. For Laura herself, the cafe allows her to find who she used to be before she was defined as a widow. She makes new friends, begins to feel more light hearted and learns how to enjoy life again, possibly even love...
This reminds me of books by Jenny Colgan (The Little Beach Street Bakery) and Lucy Diamond (The Beach Cafe books), the style is really similar, so I'm sure if you liked those books this would be another one that makes you want to pack up all your worldly belongings and move to some pretty Cornish village by the sea.
If there was another book in the series I would definitely read it to revisit Dorset and catch up with all the lovable characters. It is one of those books that makes you forget your worries and is super easy to become immersed in, by imagining you are sat in the cafe and smelling the delectable aromas of all those scrumptious scones and cupcakes. Yummm!
July 8, 2016
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe has quickly become my ultimate summer read. Whether you are going away or not for your holidays this summer, let Debbie's latest book accompany you as this is the perfect read for those summer months.
The opening of this story has Laura writing an application letter for a position at The Comfort Food Cafe. In that opening we learn about Laura's back story, which makes for some emotional reading, but it's still lighthearted and you can see that Laura really deserves this break. I immediately warmed to her and I just knew that I was going to really enjoy this.
There was so much that I loved about this book, from the storyline, to the characters to the setting, Debbie could not have written a more feel good book. I think she has put herself in my favourite authors category. She has this way of drawing you into her stories and making you feel that you also are part of the story. The characters are so endearing and the way they all look out for each other and those that stop by is so heartwarming. There's a great mix of humour that had me smiling and laughing throughout the book, but there is still that emotional side that makes the characters realistic and life-like.
I felt wrapped up and taken away to this glorious part of Dorset and I never wanted to leave. It reminded me of the childhood summer holidays I used to have and I now want a summer holiday there. I think Dorset tourism should pay Debbie commission, as I think a lot of people will be wanting to head there now! If only the Comfort Food Cafe was real, as that is one place I would definitely be visiting.
I am overjoyed that there is a Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe hitting shelves in September as I can very happily go back to the Comfort Cafe and it's wonderful array of characters.
Just like the title suggests, this was such a comforting, feel good read. Add it to your summer reading pile as you won't regret it.
Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe has quickly become my ultimate summer read. Whether you are going away or not for your holidays this summer, let Debbie's latest book accompany you as this is the perfect read for those summer months.
The opening of this story has Laura writing an application letter for a position at The Comfort Food Cafe. In that opening we learn about Laura's back story, which makes for some emotional reading, but it's still lighthearted and you can see that Laura really deserves this break. I immediately warmed to her and I just knew that I was going to really enjoy this.
There was so much that I loved about this book, from the storyline, to the characters to the setting, Debbie could not have written a more feel good book. I think she has put herself in my favourite authors category. She has this way of drawing you into her stories and making you feel that you also are part of the story. The characters are so endearing and the way they all look out for each other and those that stop by is so heartwarming. There's a great mix of humour that had me smiling and laughing throughout the book, but there is still that emotional side that makes the characters realistic and life-like.
I felt wrapped up and taken away to this glorious part of Dorset and I never wanted to leave. It reminded me of the childhood summer holidays I used to have and I now want a summer holiday there. I think Dorset tourism should pay Debbie commission, as I think a lot of people will be wanting to head there now! If only the Comfort Food Cafe was real, as that is one place I would definitely be visiting.
I am overjoyed that there is a Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe hitting shelves in September as I can very happily go back to the Comfort Cafe and it's wonderful array of characters.
Just like the title suggests, this was such a comforting, feel good read. Add it to your summer reading pile as you won't regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 734 reviews