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Second Chances at the Little Love Café
From the author of The Car Share: Her broken heart is bad for business—but can a partnership with her first love save the day?
If she’s honest, Alice has stopped believing in the power of love. . . . Finding your fiancé in bed with a woman he met during his bachelor party will do that.
So, when Alice’s first love, Noah—the one who got away—reappears in her seaside hometown after more than twenty years, the cynical single mom doesn’t know how to feel.
However, when Alice and Noah are left in charge of The Little Love Café while the owner goes abroad, her jaded attitude has a negative effect on the business. And soon, the #heartbreakcafe threatens to start trending.
She’s on a sure path to self-destruction, a family feud is brewing, and the café is in peril. Can anyone help them turn things around? Or is The Little Love Café doomed to close its doors for a final time?
If she’s honest, Alice has stopped believing in the power of love. . . . Finding your fiancé in bed with a woman he met during his bachelor party will do that.
So, when Alice’s first love, Noah—the one who got away—reappears in her seaside hometown after more than twenty years, the cynical single mom doesn’t know how to feel.
However, when Alice and Noah are left in charge of The Little Love Café while the owner goes abroad, her jaded attitude has a negative effect on the business. And soon, the #heartbreakcafe threatens to start trending.
She’s on a sure path to self-destruction, a family feud is brewing, and the café is in peril. Can anyone help them turn things around? Or is The Little Love Café doomed to close its doors for a final time?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 2, 2024
A lovely, summery romance novel that had me hooked from the first page. With likeable characters, you can’t help but root for the Alice & Noah to get back together. Definitely one to pack in your suitcase.
July 2, 2024
I always jump at the chance to read a Lucy Mitchell book, and I feel honoured that I was able to indulge in this particular story early on.
Lucy has a way with words, creating a feel-good factor alongside the funnies while exploring other, deeper issues.
Second Chances at the Little Love Cafe centres around Alice, a woman whose life has recently been turned upside down by a wayward fiance on the eve of their wedding. She is left a single mother again, with no home, and has no choice but to return to the warmth of her childhood home and into the supportive arms of her father.
Everything romance is toxic to her. And it doesn't help that her best friend, Frankie, has a hugely successful cafe in town, the Little Love Cafe, which celebrates everything about the L word.
A family emergency leaves him floundering about who could look after the cafe as he goes to support his mother.
Then, two come along at once.
One is the obvious solution: Alice. However, being surrounded by love and hearts may not be ideal, given her current situation.
Then there is Noah, a long-lost friend who has offered to help.
However, when he happens to be Alice's first and only true love, and the relationship ends messy, it begs for disaster.
I shall not go into more detail about the story, but I have to say I enjoyed it and ended up with a fuzzy feeling inside.
Alice is a confused woman who has had an awful time in relationships. You see her struggles and erratic journey as she navigates the Love journey a little older, tired, and not filled with much hope.
I also liked Noah, who was confused about what had happened twenty years earlier.
There is a cast of colourful characters: Alice's best friend, Frankie; bookshop owner, Phoebe; and Esme, one of a set of twins who has been downtrodden by her overpowering sister for her whole life, and many more.
But one of my favourites is Lucas, Alice's little boy, obsessed with purses and wallets, Batman, and nasal excavation!
I need to visit this cafe because it sounds gorgeous, especially with all the cakes, brownies, and themed drinks.
It's an excellent read, just in time for the summer!
Lucy has a way with words, creating a feel-good factor alongside the funnies while exploring other, deeper issues.
Second Chances at the Little Love Cafe centres around Alice, a woman whose life has recently been turned upside down by a wayward fiance on the eve of their wedding. She is left a single mother again, with no home, and has no choice but to return to the warmth of her childhood home and into the supportive arms of her father.
Everything romance is toxic to her. And it doesn't help that her best friend, Frankie, has a hugely successful cafe in town, the Little Love Cafe, which celebrates everything about the L word.
A family emergency leaves him floundering about who could look after the cafe as he goes to support his mother.
Then, two come along at once.
One is the obvious solution: Alice. However, being surrounded by love and hearts may not be ideal, given her current situation.
Then there is Noah, a long-lost friend who has offered to help.
However, when he happens to be Alice's first and only true love, and the relationship ends messy, it begs for disaster.
I shall not go into more detail about the story, but I have to say I enjoyed it and ended up with a fuzzy feeling inside.
Alice is a confused woman who has had an awful time in relationships. You see her struggles and erratic journey as she navigates the Love journey a little older, tired, and not filled with much hope.
I also liked Noah, who was confused about what had happened twenty years earlier.
There is a cast of colourful characters: Alice's best friend, Frankie; bookshop owner, Phoebe; and Esme, one of a set of twins who has been downtrodden by her overpowering sister for her whole life, and many more.
But one of my favourites is Lucas, Alice's little boy, obsessed with purses and wallets, Batman, and nasal excavation!
I need to visit this cafe because it sounds gorgeous, especially with all the cakes, brownies, and themed drinks.
It's an excellent read, just in time for the summer!
July 25, 2024
I love Lucy Mitchell books and the Car Share is probably one of my favourite books from this year. Unfortunately for me I think this one fell a little short. It might be me and my own mindset but I just couldn't sympathise with the main character which caused a huge barrier for me in enjoying the book. It may well be that you love it as much as I've loved her others and you will never know unless you read it!
August 30, 2024
Perfect summer read
Alice’s heart is broken and so she and her son return to her hometown and move in with her dad. There, she can rely on his homemade brownies and comfy sofa to cocoon her until she’s ready to face the world once more. Unfortunately, she needs a job and is taken on as temporary manager at her best friend’s Little Love Café: a nightmare of loved up couples. And what’s worse, her first love—and first to break her heart—Noah is to be her co-manager.
Alice’s feelings about love are very relatable, and it’s hard to watch as she navigates her way through the days, believing she will never love again. But there is always a spark of hope, and that spark hooks you and pulls you along in this book. There are some lovely subplots involving other members of the Blue Cove Bay community and some fun twists in Alice’s journey.
I read this book in one day. It’s an uplifting story, perfect for a good-mood boost. Well written, beautifully plotted, and another great addition to Lucy Mitchell’s body of work. To anyone who loves romance, books about friendship, and a dose of escapism, I highly recommend Second Chances at the Little Love Café.
Alice’s heart is broken and so she and her son return to her hometown and move in with her dad. There, she can rely on his homemade brownies and comfy sofa to cocoon her until she’s ready to face the world once more. Unfortunately, she needs a job and is taken on as temporary manager at her best friend’s Little Love Café: a nightmare of loved up couples. And what’s worse, her first love—and first to break her heart—Noah is to be her co-manager.
Alice’s feelings about love are very relatable, and it’s hard to watch as she navigates her way through the days, believing she will never love again. But there is always a spark of hope, and that spark hooks you and pulls you along in this book. There are some lovely subplots involving other members of the Blue Cove Bay community and some fun twists in Alice’s journey.
I read this book in one day. It’s an uplifting story, perfect for a good-mood boost. Well written, beautifully plotted, and another great addition to Lucy Mitchell’s body of work. To anyone who loves romance, books about friendship, and a dose of escapism, I highly recommend Second Chances at the Little Love Café.
July 21, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book 📖
I've read a few of Lucy Mitchell's books and like those, I could not put this book down. This is a must summer read.
Alice has moved back to Blue Cove Bay with her young son Lucas after discovering her fiance has been cheating on her right before their wedding to stay with her dad.
Blue Cove Bay opens up a lot of wounds for Alice as this is where Lucas dad lives Pete and where her first love Noah left to move to Ireland when they were 16.
Alice's BF has to leave his Love Cafe to look after his mum and leaves it in Alice's hands but unknown to her he's also left it in the hands of Noah who's back from Ireland and wants to find out answers to what happened between Alice and him when he left for Ireland. This opens up a lot of wounds for Alice which also reflects on her relationship with Pete and her Dad.
This is a must read and will leave you hoping for a happy ending for Alice and her friends.
I've read a few of Lucy Mitchell's books and like those, I could not put this book down. This is a must summer read.
Alice has moved back to Blue Cove Bay with her young son Lucas after discovering her fiance has been cheating on her right before their wedding to stay with her dad.
Blue Cove Bay opens up a lot of wounds for Alice as this is where Lucas dad lives Pete and where her first love Noah left to move to Ireland when they were 16.
Alice's BF has to leave his Love Cafe to look after his mum and leaves it in Alice's hands but unknown to her he's also left it in the hands of Noah who's back from Ireland and wants to find out answers to what happened between Alice and him when he left for Ireland. This opens up a lot of wounds for Alice which also reflects on her relationship with Pete and her Dad.
This is a must read and will leave you hoping for a happy ending for Alice and her friends.
April 11, 2025
Second Chances at the Little Love Café is a charming and cosy romance that pleasantly surprised me. Despite what the title might suggest, it isn’t overly romantic or cliché. Instead, the story leans more into personal growth, especially as the main character returns to her hometown and begins to reconnect with an old friends.
The romance develops slowly and naturally, with a lovely dynamic between the two leads, especially considering they didn’t exactly hit it off when they started working together. Their relationship evolves, which made it all the more enjoyable to read.
And I have to mention the highlight of the book for me: the side plot involving the son, who’s slowly (and hilariously) turning into a little pickpocket. While it doesn’t impact the storyline much, it was such a fun and unexpected element that I honestly added a whole extra star just for him. Every scene with him had me laughing!
The romance develops slowly and naturally, with a lovely dynamic between the two leads, especially considering they didn’t exactly hit it off when they started working together. Their relationship evolves, which made it all the more enjoyable to read.
And I have to mention the highlight of the book for me: the side plot involving the son, who’s slowly (and hilariously) turning into a little pickpocket. While it doesn’t impact the storyline much, it was such a fun and unexpected element that I honestly added a whole extra star just for him. Every scene with him had me laughing!
July 10, 2024
What a wonderful second chance romance that you simply cannot miss. I have sat and pondered on what to write as no words I put down seem to be enough to put into words, just how great this story was. I love a good second chance romance as they remind me so much of myself and my husband as we got together as teenagers before I ran away to Wales and we didn’t see each other for a number of years. So Noah and Alice just made me smile so much, the pain and misunderstanding, the differences and the love. But most of all I adore the café concept, that just sounds like a great place to pop along, not even on a date, just for a cuppa and a people watch, you know the crazy you will see will keep you occupied for days!! The writing as always is just so well done, the flow and character development are second to none, and will just keep you so hooked you can’t leave it until the last page.
July 23, 2024
An enjoyable light read, perfect for switching off from whatever you need to switch off! Young love is possible, mistakes are possible and, above all, forgiveness and second chances are possible. A key message is that spreading love is ultimately more powerful and contagious than spreading bitterness and resentment. The characters are well drawn, particularly young Lucas. I liked the friendship between Alice and Frankie, the female support and friendships and the willingness to, eventually, own up to errors of judgement and behaviour. I do wish the author would not use the horrible distortion of the English language “he was sat”, rather than “he was sitting , or seated” but this is so prevalent now it probably has become accepted use. Otherwise, yes, definitely a good summer read.
July 24, 2024
I came across this novel quite by accident. (Thank you, Lexi!) I don't think I've ever read a romantic novel before but with the rain pounding against my windows (in late July!) I thought it could well be the right time for a bit of escapism.
At least there is nice weather in Blue Cove Bay, the fictional holiday resort, that plays host to a batch of interesting characters, and a plot full of hope for good things to come.
The writing is engaging, the story is compelling, and there's plenty of suspense about whether the author is going to grant Alice and Noah the happy ending they deserve.
A perfect book to lift one's spirits and make the sun shine again.
At least there is nice weather in Blue Cove Bay, the fictional holiday resort, that plays host to a batch of interesting characters, and a plot full of hope for good things to come.
The writing is engaging, the story is compelling, and there's plenty of suspense about whether the author is going to grant Alice and Noah the happy ending they deserve.
A perfect book to lift one's spirits and make the sun shine again.
July 27, 2024
Sometimes a predictable feelgood romance is just what you need. Set in Blue Cove Bay, a seaside town in Devon, Alice Hiddleston and her six year old son have returned to live with her dad following a heartbreak. Volunteering to manage her friend Frankie's love themed cafe while he's looking after his sick mum may not be her best move. Especially when she's working with her teenage sweatheart who she's never fallen out of love with. Misunderstandings, unwittingly turning the love cafe into the heartbreak cafe and ultimately love all around is the theme. Warm, amusing, romantic, a lovely escapist read. #BloodhoundBooks #SecondChancesAtTheLittleLoveCafe
August 8, 2024
This book was such a lovely, cosy story and was perfect for a summery read and it definitely pulled me in right from the very beginning.
It was such an easy book to read and each chapter effortlessly pulled me along to the next one, until I had devoured it all!
Alice and Noah were two wonderful characters and suited each other perfectly and i really enjoyed becoming immersed in their lives and getting to know more of their story…
Second Chances At The Love Café was such a warm, cosy, heartwarming book and the setting in Blue Cove Bay was perfect and through Lucy’s writing I really felt as though i was there, it was the most perfect, escapist read…..
It was such an easy book to read and each chapter effortlessly pulled me along to the next one, until I had devoured it all!
Alice and Noah were two wonderful characters and suited each other perfectly and i really enjoyed becoming immersed in their lives and getting to know more of their story…
Second Chances At The Love Café was such a warm, cosy, heartwarming book and the setting in Blue Cove Bay was perfect and through Lucy’s writing I really felt as though i was there, it was the most perfect, escapist read…..
August 13, 2024
What a sweet delightful book to read on a lazy summer day. This book was the perfect one to enjoy while sipping a cold drink by the pool.
The characters are wonderful, and their growth as persons leaving behind the pain and resentment was very good to read, the setting is perfect and the story is heartwarming.
I liked the female friendship relationships and the empowerment that each of them gave to the other, and who wouldn't love the sweet little boy with a quirky personality.
This is a book about forgiving, second chances (not only in love but also in life), reinventing yourself and believing in yourself.
A very good book.
The characters are wonderful, and their growth as persons leaving behind the pain and resentment was very good to read, the setting is perfect and the story is heartwarming.
I liked the female friendship relationships and the empowerment that each of them gave to the other, and who wouldn't love the sweet little boy with a quirky personality.
This is a book about forgiving, second chances (not only in love but also in life), reinventing yourself and believing in yourself.
A very good book.
September 5, 2024
I enjoyed reading this heartwarming romance between Alice and Noah. It started off with Alice being heartbroken by her ex-fiancè and returning to Blue Cove Bay and working as a waitress in a cafe.
Her childhood sweetheart, Noah; who broke her heart years ago when he moved away to Ireland and she never heard again from him returns to Blue Cove Bay and they end up working at the Little Love Cafe.
It all goes horribly wrong at first, then they manage to turn things around and get to the bottom of why she got no response from him from the letters she sent him.
This book has so many lovely characters that all have happy endings.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC of this book.
Her childhood sweetheart, Noah; who broke her heart years ago when he moved away to Ireland and she never heard again from him returns to Blue Cove Bay and they end up working at the Little Love Cafe.
It all goes horribly wrong at first, then they manage to turn things around and get to the bottom of why she got no response from him from the letters she sent him.
This book has so many lovely characters that all have happy endings.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC of this book.
July 26, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book, I read it at every opportunity over a couple of days. I do like a good summer romance definitely one I would recommend.
Alice catches her Fiancé in bed with a girl he met on his stag weekend on the night before their wedding, she moves back to her seaside home of Blue Cove Bay with her young son Lucas. The town holds a lot of memories for her. This is where she met her first love Noah who moved to Ireland and after promising to keep in touch never replied to any of her letter which broke her heart, and she has never gotten over it. She currently does not believe in love and has become very cynical.
Her best friend has opened a love café in the town but need to go quickly to Australia to look after his mum, Alice decides that she will run the café in his absence. When she arrives to tell him there is someone else there Noah who has come back from Ireland.
Frankie decides to leave them both in charge of the café, is this a sensible idea or will they ruin his business. Was this a good idea? Will he come back to a business. Definitely worth the read.
Alice catches her Fiancé in bed with a girl he met on his stag weekend on the night before their wedding, she moves back to her seaside home of Blue Cove Bay with her young son Lucas. The town holds a lot of memories for her. This is where she met her first love Noah who moved to Ireland and after promising to keep in touch never replied to any of her letter which broke her heart, and she has never gotten over it. She currently does not believe in love and has become very cynical.
Her best friend has opened a love café in the town but need to go quickly to Australia to look after his mum, Alice decides that she will run the café in his absence. When she arrives to tell him there is someone else there Noah who has come back from Ireland.
Frankie decides to leave them both in charge of the café, is this a sensible idea or will they ruin his business. Was this a good idea? Will he come back to a business. Definitely worth the read.
August 11, 2024
Thoroughly deserving of 5 stars…
My favourite of Lucy’s books so far. Impossible not to find yourself completely absorbed in the lives of those living in Blue Cove Bay while following Alice’s journey back from heartbreak when she returns back home to live with her dad & her young son. I especially loved the grandparent event. I recently lost my nana and all I could think was she and I would’ve loved a cup of coffee & a treat at the Little Love Café. She was an avid reader too & I think she would’ve really enjoyed this book as much as I did, even though her favourite genre was crime thrillers! Thank you Lucy for a beautiful tale, it truly was a joy to read.
My favourite of Lucy’s books so far. Impossible not to find yourself completely absorbed in the lives of those living in Blue Cove Bay while following Alice’s journey back from heartbreak when she returns back home to live with her dad & her young son. I especially loved the grandparent event. I recently lost my nana and all I could think was she and I would’ve loved a cup of coffee & a treat at the Little Love Café. She was an avid reader too & I think she would’ve really enjoyed this book as much as I did, even though her favourite genre was crime thrillers! Thank you Lucy for a beautiful tale, it truly was a joy to read.
July 17, 2024
Lucy Mitchell’s “Second Chances at the Little Love Café” is a delight to read. Alice navigates her way through tricky family dynamics and her own bruised heart to find her way back to love and happiness. This story is chock full of endearingly flawed characters, and their journeys swirl around Alice to arrive at a wonderfully imagined ending. A fabulous read for summer days and holidays!
July 18, 2024
It is a lovely heartwarming novel. I'm usually a crime and thriller reader, but this book had me hooked quite quickly. Yes, I could see where the book was heading, but it is so well written that I didn't care. I got behind the characters and wanted them to succeed. I guess I'm an old romantic at heart. Loved it.
July 23, 2024
I’ve read other books by Lucy and thoroughly enjoyed them, this was no different, I loved it.
A brilliant uplifting book with a great story line that takes you direct to the cute Little Love Cafe. A few ups and downs and what ifs. Loved the book from start to finish. Great story and great characters, can’t wait for more
A brilliant uplifting book with a great story line that takes you direct to the cute Little Love Cafe. A few ups and downs and what ifs. Loved the book from start to finish. Great story and great characters, can’t wait for more
July 24, 2024
I always get a little excited when I see Lucy Mitchell has a new book coming out I've loved the previous 2 books of hers I've read and I loved this one as much or maybe more it's such a heartwarming story and I couldn't read it quick enough you can tell where the story is going but that didn't bother me I'm excited for the next book easy 5 stars as I knew it would be from starting it
August 10, 2024
Thank you for an early copy to read and review!
What a beautiful story—every moment of angst and love resonated deeply with me. The book had so much going for it, and I savored every page. It’s a journey that kept me captivated, filled with emotions that linger long after the final chapter. I will be thinking about this one for a long time and will have to look up more books by this author.
What a beautiful story—every moment of angst and love resonated deeply with me. The book had so much going for it, and I savored every page. It’s a journey that kept me captivated, filled with emotions that linger long after the final chapter. I will be thinking about this one for a long time and will have to look up more books by this author.
August 13, 2024
A beautiful book featuring Noah and Alice who were childhood sweethearts, fast forward twenty years and they meet up again. They are going to be managing ‘The Little Love Cafe’ together, can they forget the past and manage to work together in harmony. Wonderful characters and the cafe made me want to pop in and sample a Flirty Flat White and a Cuddle Muffin and soak up the love.
September 24, 2024
Absolutely loved the characters and the lovely location of this book. We all need to keep the belief of romance alive and this book does it fabulously. The little twists and turns keep you intrigued as to how everything will end, whilst you can just feel the pull of a happy ending. Perfect cuddle of a read.
July 18, 2024
Thankyou to bloodhound books for a copy of this book. I really enjoyed the concept of a love cafe and second chances at love. The characters in the book are all charming and I hope there will be a sequel.
July 19, 2024
If you enjoy good old fashioned romantic books this is the one for you.
After twenty years apart does Alice deserve a second chance at love with Noah, Frankie thinks so...but what do Alice and Noah think.
Fantastic and enjoyable.
A Great Read.
After twenty years apart does Alice deserve a second chance at love with Noah, Frankie thinks so...but what do Alice and Noah think.
Fantastic and enjoyable.
A Great Read.
July 23, 2024
A good light read about second chances. A good book for the summer days sat on the beach. If you like good old romance books like I do you’ll love it. After 20 years apart is this the time for them to be together. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
August 5, 2024
I loved this gorgeous Summer read by Lucy Mitchell. It's packed full of humour which made me laugh, had a great premise - who wouldn't want to visit the Little Love Cafe - and it has a beautiful romance at its core. A must read.
August 6, 2025
loved it
This was another cozy romance book, I never would have gotten if it wasn’t free on Kindle and also got the audio book free as well. I am overjoyed at how good it was, both the book and the audio were top notch. Happy lighthearted and with a good ending. Can’t beat that!
This was another cozy romance book, I never would have gotten if it wasn’t free on Kindle and also got the audio book free as well. I am overjoyed at how good it was, both the book and the audio were top notch. Happy lighthearted and with a good ending. Can’t beat that!
July 22, 2024
A feel good romance with a range of characters set around a cosy cafe. Predictable in parts but definitely enjoyable.
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August 5, 2024DNF at 30%
September 8, 2024
Nice story but a bit long winded.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews