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The Galamere Chronicles #0.5 & 1.5
Tales of Cake and Comfort: A Cozy Fantasy Omnibus
Tales of Cake and Comfort is a cozy fantasy omnibus combining two previously published novellas with additional bonus chapters. It follows Thea Greene from a royal baking competition in the city to starting her own café in the Northlands. Along the way she finds romance, new friends, and a faithful companion in her orange cat, Ginger.
Once Upon A Cake
A baker’s daughter, their new employee, and a royal baking competition.
Nathaniel Alder is finally getting his chance to explore the big city, but things aren’t the same as back home. With barely enough coins to pay his way for three days, he’s looking for work–and as a cake nearly falls into him, he may have fallen into a job.
Winning the chance to provide the cake for a royal event is Thea Greene’s main aspiration right now–although avoiding her mother’s matchmaking is a close second. When a cheerful young man prevents her from dropping their competition cake and destroying her first goal, she finds herself in danger of failing the second…and as the baking competition goes on and Nat become part of their world, it’s becoming harder to remember why she wanted to avoid it in the first place.
Once Upon A Cake is a grumpy/sunshine, gender-swapped Little Mermaid fairy tale retelling novella. Each standalone book in the Galamere Chronicles is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie and the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy.
Once Upon A Café A cozy café, a determined woman, and the kitten that loves them both.
Lost and alone in a bitter snowstorm, the tiny orange kitten has no home, no food, and no name, until she’s scooped up by the new arrival in town, Thea. Snuggled into warm, loving arms for the first time, she’s given the name Ginger, and the two of them set out to make Thea’s dream of owning a café a reality.
But the local tavern owner is determined to have no competition in town, and Thea's persistence may not be enough to carry them through. Can Thea and Ginger make the Cozy Cat Café come to life, or will they be forced to leave the safe haven of the Northlands?
Once Upon A Café is a cozy fantasy novella in the Galamere Chronicles told from the point of view of a cat, featuring the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy and the comfort of a found family of friends.
The omnibus takes place before Thea and Nat's second chance romance novel, Once Upon A Cat.
Nathaniel Alder is finally getting his chance to explore the big city, but things aren’t the same as back home. With barely enough coins to pay his way for three days, he’s looking for work–and as a cake nearly falls into him, he may have fallen into a job.
Winning the chance to provide the cake for a royal event is Thea Greene’s main aspiration right now–although avoiding her mother’s matchmaking is a close second. When a cheerful young man prevents her from dropping their competition cake and destroying her first goal, she finds herself in danger of failing the second…and as the baking competition goes on and Nat become part of their world, it’s becoming harder to remember why she wanted to avoid it in the first place.
Once Upon A Cake is a grumpy/sunshine, gender-swapped Little Mermaid fairy tale retelling novella. Each standalone book in the Galamere Chronicles is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie and the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy.
Once Upon A Café A cozy café, a determined woman, and the kitten that loves them both.
Lost and alone in a bitter snowstorm, the tiny orange kitten has no home, no food, and no name, until she’s scooped up by the new arrival in town, Thea. Snuggled into warm, loving arms for the first time, she’s given the name Ginger, and the two of them set out to make Thea’s dream of owning a café a reality.
But the local tavern owner is determined to have no competition in town, and Thea's persistence may not be enough to carry them through. Can Thea and Ginger make the Cozy Cat Café come to life, or will they be forced to leave the safe haven of the Northlands?
Once Upon A Café is a cozy fantasy novella in the Galamere Chronicles told from the point of view of a cat, featuring the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy and the comfort of a found family of friends.
The omnibus takes place before Thea and Nat's second chance romance novel, Once Upon A Cat.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
15 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Landi
23 books165 followersGabrielle Landi lives in Southern Indiana with her husband and children and has a soft spot for every stray cat that ends up on her front porch. When she’s not writing, she spends her time chasing children, wishing there was more coffee, and eating chocolate like it’s her job. If she had to write her own love story in tropes, it would include second chance romance and a secret relationship, and would be entirely unbelievable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 10, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling-ish
This collection combines the prequel novellas of this series into one book. Best to read before the rest of the series or at least before the fourth book of the series, “Once Upon a Cat”.
The first novella, “Once Upon a Cake”, was a reread for me as I just read it last year and I thought about the same. They are attracted to each other at first sight—which usually isn’t my cup of tea, but they were cute in an extroverted/introverted way. I would say grumpy/sunshine, but I really don’t think Thea is grumpy…just quiet compared to Nat. I looked harder this read through to see if I could see any Little Mermaid elements, and no, I still do not.
The middle connecting stories shocked me as I knew something had to happen to cause Thea’s heartbreak (which was alluded to in the main books of the series), but I didn’t expect it to be that and have happened for so long. Poor thing. Both of them. If I could have given them a hug, I would have.
Once Upon a Café was cute with the extra POVs—including Ginger the kitten. This felt like a great lead not only the whole series, but especially into “Once Upon a Cat” which I plan to read soon!
Main content from both novellas and bonus chapters:
A mention of a blessing over a meal; A mention of church bells.
A couple mentions of luck & being lucky.
No language stronger than ‘stupid’; Some eye rolling.
Mentions of deaths, grief, & sick parents; Mentions of almost freezing to death, injuries, & pain; Mentions of tavern/bar & drinking; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars.
Nathaniel has a strained relationship with his brother & tells Thea that she’s lucky to be an only child (which she isn’t sure about that being true); Nathaniel feels like he has never been good enough for his parents (which Thea is sorry to hear and says she wishes that “every person could have parents who support them and love them for who they are.”); Nathaniel has a moment of relief after the thought of never seeing his father again (*Spoiler* ).
2 forehead kisses,
1 almost kiss (up to a few sentences),
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting 4-6 sentences,
Remembering a kiss (up to a couple sentences),
Wanting to kiss (no details).
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Butterflies (up to a few sentences); Blushes, Flirting, & Winks; Noticing (including muscles/forearms, up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of flirting & winks; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss.
This collection combines the prequel novellas of this series into one book. Best to read before the rest of the series or at least before the fourth book of the series, “Once Upon a Cat”.
The first novella, “Once Upon a Cake”, was a reread for me as I just read it last year and I thought about the same. They are attracted to each other at first sight—which usually isn’t my cup of tea, but they were cute in an extroverted/introverted way. I would say grumpy/sunshine, but I really don’t think Thea is grumpy…just quiet compared to Nat. I looked harder this read through to see if I could see any Little Mermaid elements, and no, I still do not.
The middle connecting stories shocked me as I knew something had to happen to cause Thea’s heartbreak (which was alluded to in the main books of the series), but I didn’t expect it to be that and have happened for so long. Poor thing. Both of them. If I could have given them a hug, I would have.
Once Upon a Café was cute with the extra POVs—including Ginger the kitten. This felt like a great lead not only the whole series, but especially into “Once Upon a Cat” which I plan to read soon!
Main content from both novellas and bonus chapters:
A mention of a blessing over a meal; A mention of church bells.
A couple mentions of luck & being lucky.
No language stronger than ‘stupid’; Some eye rolling.
Mentions of deaths, grief, & sick parents; Mentions of almost freezing to death, injuries, & pain; Mentions of tavern/bar & drinking; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars.
Nathaniel has a strained relationship with his brother & tells Thea that she’s lucky to be an only child (which she isn’t sure about that being true); Nathaniel feels like he has never been good enough for his parents (which Thea is sorry to hear and says she wishes that “every person could have parents who support them and love them for who they are.”); Nathaniel has a moment of relief after the thought of never seeing his father again (*Spoiler* ).
2 forehead kisses,
1 almost kiss (up to a few sentences),
2 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
2 kisses lasting 4-6 sentences,
Remembering a kiss (up to a couple sentences),
Wanting to kiss (no details).
Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Butterflies (up to a few sentences); Blushes, Flirting, & Winks; Noticing (including muscles/forearms, up to a couple sentences).
Mentions of flirting & winks; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss.
July 11, 2025
A very cozy read. Although short (it‘s two short stories in one), it is able to give you all the feels.
And I have a hunch as to why Nat and Thea have not gotten their letters.
I can‘t wait for their happily ever after!
And I have a hunch as to why Nat and Thea have not gotten their letters.
I can‘t wait for their happily ever after!
July 10, 2025
This book is so sweet and cozy.
Though it's on the shorter side, things progress faster than you like, it still gives you all the feels.
The book did leave me with some bittersweet feelings, and I am craving for Nat and Thea's story.
Though it's on the shorter side, things progress faster than you like, it still gives you all the feels.
The book did leave me with some bittersweet feelings, and I am craving for Nat and Thea's story.
September 30, 2024
Cute coziness with all the warmth 🥰 And don’t miss the bonus epilogues and recipe!! 😉
June 9, 2025
2.5/5 stars
March 1, 2025
Cozy but boring.
November 17, 2025
This was a cute cozy fantasy novella omnibus. In the first novella, the two main characters, Thea and Nat, have a meet cute involving a cake and then a cake competition. Nat has left his small hometown in the mountains where he feels unwanted and aimless to head to the big city of Riyel. There he literally runs into Thea who is on her way to the first round of a baking competition for her family's bakery to win a commission to bake for an event for the queen. In return for helping Thea arrive safely, her parents offer Nat a job and a place to stay in their bakery. Thea and Nat begin to fall in love from there, though there are instant sparks between the two when they first lay eyes on one another. It is a very sweet low-spice cozy fantasy. One of the things I really appreciated about it is the way the author gave both characters distinctive voices so that you're never left trying to remember which point of view you're in when the chapters switch between characters. I also liked that meet-cute moment that was very reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. The baking competition is not like a Bakeoff on TV though. The contestants only have their finished products judged that they bring to the judging location on the day of each round of competition. There is some tension for each round, but it isn't the same as you might expect if you're thinking this is going to be like the The Great British Baking Show. However, the first novella ends with a happy-ever-after for the couple with some foreshadowing of problems to come.
The second novella begins with those problems emerging right from the start. Nat must return home and leave Thea and Riyel behind. However, the separation of the two lasts much longer than either anticipated and they eventually lose touch. Much later, Thea leaves Riyel to start over someplace else and unknowingly ends up in Nat's hometown. Thea decides that this time rather than open a bakery like her parents did, she'll instead open a cafe. That decision inadvertently reunites her with Nat again. In this one the dual POV works as the two still maintain a distinctive voice in the narration. However, a new point of view is introduced later in this novella, that of a kitten Thea finds and takes in. Like with the other two characters the narration from the cat's perspective is very in keeping with that of a cat. There is of course, some tension when one of the townspeople realizes that Thea's cafe will give his business competition as another place the villagers can come for a meal. This troublesome character has had a monopoly on that. But as with any good Hallmark-like story, this one has a positive resolution for Thea. I did enjoy this novella, but I liked the first one the best of the two. The second one is very much a prequel to lead into the full-length novel of second chance love for Thea and Nat. So, there is no firm resolution for their relationship in the second novella. The other thing I was hoping for in this second novella was some resolution as to why the two characters lost touch in the first place. But perhaps that will be explained further in the novel to come Once Upon a Cat. I will definitely be interested in reading that fairy tale retelling as well as some of the others in this series.
The second novella begins with those problems emerging right from the start. Nat must return home and leave Thea and Riyel behind. However, the separation of the two lasts much longer than either anticipated and they eventually lose touch. Much later, Thea leaves Riyel to start over someplace else and unknowingly ends up in Nat's hometown. Thea decides that this time rather than open a bakery like her parents did, she'll instead open a cafe. That decision inadvertently reunites her with Nat again. In this one the dual POV works as the two still maintain a distinctive voice in the narration. However, a new point of view is introduced later in this novella, that of a kitten Thea finds and takes in. Like with the other two characters the narration from the cat's perspective is very in keeping with that of a cat. There is of course, some tension when one of the townspeople realizes that Thea's cafe will give his business competition as another place the villagers can come for a meal. This troublesome character has had a monopoly on that. But as with any good Hallmark-like story, this one has a positive resolution for Thea. I did enjoy this novella, but I liked the first one the best of the two. The second one is very much a prequel to lead into the full-length novel of second chance love for Thea and Nat. So, there is no firm resolution for their relationship in the second novella. The other thing I was hoping for in this second novella was some resolution as to why the two characters lost touch in the first place. But perhaps that will be explained further in the novel to come Once Upon a Cat. I will definitely be interested in reading that fairy tale retelling as well as some of the others in this series.
December 8, 2025
I loved Once Upon a Cake and liked Once Upon a Cafe. This omnibus does a good job adding a couple extra scenes that weren’t in the individual novellas so that they connected more smoothly. It took a second for me to understand the time gap between the two. Once Upon a Cake is fun, and full of cozy vibes as the biggest challenge is the competition and a bit of budding romance as the icing on top. It was everything I want in a short cozy fantasy. Once Upon a Cafe adds all the angst that the first story didn’t have. There’s romantic tension and hurt feelings. I wish they’d just have an honest conversation so they could work together to figure out what happened to their letters. I also don’t really understand why they couldn’t have tried to visit each other much sooner when it was clear letters weren’t working. I kind of feel like Once Upon a Cafe sucked all the fun out of Once Upon a Cake with knowing how things went from perfect to depressingly sad. I can’t wait to read Once Upon a Cat so they can finally get a happily ever after, and the magic of Once Upon a Cake can be returned for me. Regardless of how I feel about the plot progression, the book is very well written and I fell in love with the characters (hence why I’m so invested in them getting a happy ending). Totally clean in language and content. Highly recommend.
December 24, 2025
Filled in the gaps
I will be honest and was a bit confused how Thea and Nathaniel went from HEA type ending in Once Upon a Cake to the angry strangers they seemed to have become in Once Upon a Café, I almost thought they were a different couple, especially since I'd read the latter first as per Goodreads order and that it was in Ginger's pov.
This filled a lot of the holes I was missing but it just made me sad. Once Upon a Cake was so cute and then in Tales of Cake and Comfort we see she basically loses it all and finally moves away to start fresh, bringing her back into Nathaniel's life years after he essentially "ghosted" her. Tho, we as readers knew it wasnt purposefully, I still find that for a boy read to abandon his old life to live as he pleased, it seemed a bit ridiculous he didnt put more effort into contacting Thea or going to see her when he didnt hear from her. Idk, thats just me.
In Once Upon a Cafe, hes helpful but doesnt exactly fight for her or apologize, even when he found out she hadnt given up on him back then. Disappointing.
That being said the writing was well done and I think it still deserves a four star for keeping me invested in their story. Im so glad to find out their book is coming because this ending was not it. Nathaniel seems to be ready to fight for Thea and I for one, cant wait! 😎
I will be honest and was a bit confused how Thea and Nathaniel went from HEA type ending in Once Upon a Cake to the angry strangers they seemed to have become in Once Upon a Café, I almost thought they were a different couple, especially since I'd read the latter first as per Goodreads order and that it was in Ginger's pov.
This filled a lot of the holes I was missing but it just made me sad. Once Upon a Cake was so cute and then in Tales of Cake and Comfort we see she basically loses it all and finally moves away to start fresh, bringing her back into Nathaniel's life years after he essentially "ghosted" her. Tho, we as readers knew it wasnt purposefully, I still find that for a boy read to abandon his old life to live as he pleased, it seemed a bit ridiculous he didnt put more effort into contacting Thea or going to see her when he didnt hear from her. Idk, thats just me.
In Once Upon a Cafe, hes helpful but doesnt exactly fight for her or apologize, even when he found out she hadnt given up on him back then. Disappointing.
That being said the writing was well done and I think it still deserves a four star for keeping me invested in their story. Im so glad to find out their book is coming because this ending was not it. Nathaniel seems to be ready to fight for Thea and I for one, cant wait! 😎
July 15, 2025
I was so pleased to have these stories together in an omnibus! If you've read any other books in Galamere, then you know about Thea.
I adored Thea and Nathaniel. When she literally almost falls and drops a cake at their first meeting, it's so cute. Nathaniel wants to start a new life away from his brother and family, a place where he can be on his own. Thea wants her family to become the Royal's bakers.
Nathaniel starts working in the bakery for Thea's father and helps her live her dream of working the bakery. They fall in love and over time make plans. Suddenly, Nathaniel's father dies and he has to go home and take care of his mother. The 2 write each other, but nothing is as it seems and overtime, they both give up, despite how much they love each other.
I love how sweet they are to each other and how they worked hard together. Thea's sass is the best and when she eventually moves on in her life, she never suspected she'd find Nathaniel again. However, she and her found cat Ginger will stop at nothing to keep her life the way she planned...without love.
I can't wait for the next book and the conclusion of their sweet stroy. I've enjoyed all the books and varied retellings in the Once Upon/Galamere series.
I adored Thea and Nathaniel. When she literally almost falls and drops a cake at their first meeting, it's so cute. Nathaniel wants to start a new life away from his brother and family, a place where he can be on his own. Thea wants her family to become the Royal's bakers.
Nathaniel starts working in the bakery for Thea's father and helps her live her dream of working the bakery. They fall in love and over time make plans. Suddenly, Nathaniel's father dies and he has to go home and take care of his mother. The 2 write each other, but nothing is as it seems and overtime, they both give up, despite how much they love each other.
I love how sweet they are to each other and how they worked hard together. Thea's sass is the best and when she eventually moves on in her life, she never suspected she'd find Nathaniel again. However, she and her found cat Ginger will stop at nothing to keep her life the way she planned...without love.
I can't wait for the next book and the conclusion of their sweet stroy. I've enjoyed all the books and varied retellings in the Once Upon/Galamere series.
July 21, 2025
✨ Arc Review ✨
"Tales Of Cake And Comfort" by Gabrielle Landi
I have had the honor of getting to read this book as part of a bookblast, and I'm so very happy that I got to be a part of the team to promote "Tales Of Cake And Comfort"
This was the second book I have read by Gabrielle Landi, so I was very excited to read this one! Landi is an incredible author with an amazing talent for pulling her readers right into the story and keeping them interested through the whole thing. This story is so cute with the most wholesome romance! And the cutest kitten!! 🐈 (The Ginger chapters where my favorite!)
I absolutely loved "Tales Of Cake And Comfort" in so many ways. The characters were all well-developed, even characters that were only in the book for a short period of time. I also loved that you get to see the same set of characters throughout her books without them being the center of the story!
Thea is such a fun character and I loved getting to see her and Nat interact in this story. I loved the relationship that developed between the two throughout the book it was so pure and sweet!
This was quite a lovely book and I am very happy I took the time to read it!
My Rating: ★★★★★
"Tales Of Cake And Comfort" by Gabrielle Landi
I have had the honor of getting to read this book as part of a bookblast, and I'm so very happy that I got to be a part of the team to promote "Tales Of Cake And Comfort"
This was the second book I have read by Gabrielle Landi, so I was very excited to read this one! Landi is an incredible author with an amazing talent for pulling her readers right into the story and keeping them interested through the whole thing. This story is so cute with the most wholesome romance! And the cutest kitten!! 🐈 (The Ginger chapters where my favorite!)
I absolutely loved "Tales Of Cake And Comfort" in so many ways. The characters were all well-developed, even characters that were only in the book for a short period of time. I also loved that you get to see the same set of characters throughout her books without them being the center of the story!
Thea is such a fun character and I loved getting to see her and Nat interact in this story. I loved the relationship that developed between the two throughout the book it was so pure and sweet!
This was quite a lovely book and I am very happy I took the time to read it!
My Rating: ★★★★★
July 22, 2025
This book is short and sweet and just a small portion of Thea and Nathaniel’s story which will continue in Once Upon A Cat. I loved these two stories together because while they would be good as two novellas they make more sense reading them like this.
I really liked Thea and Nathaniel and of course Ginger because who doesn’t like a cat. They meet when Thea is on her way to a baking competition and almost drops the cake. After Nat ends up working with her family in their bakery and sparks fly until he gets a letter from his brother and has to go back home.
What happens when they are apart and a year and a half goes by until one day she walks in wanting to lease a building she didn’t know he owned? What happens when they wrote letters during that year and a half that the other never seemed to get? Will they have their happily ever after or did the missing letter cause them to drift to far apart?
Overall I really liked this book and loved how a few of the chapters were from Ginger’s pov (the cat). I also loved the recipe at the end!
I can’t wait to read what happens next in Once Upon a Cat! Thank you Gabrielle for this arc.
I really liked Thea and Nathaniel and of course Ginger because who doesn’t like a cat. They meet when Thea is on her way to a baking competition and almost drops the cake. After Nat ends up working with her family in their bakery and sparks fly until he gets a letter from his brother and has to go back home.
What happens when they are apart and a year and a half goes by until one day she walks in wanting to lease a building she didn’t know he owned? What happens when they wrote letters during that year and a half that the other never seemed to get? Will they have their happily ever after or did the missing letter cause them to drift to far apart?
Overall I really liked this book and loved how a few of the chapters were from Ginger’s pov (the cat). I also loved the recipe at the end!
I can’t wait to read what happens next in Once Upon a Cat! Thank you Gabrielle for this arc.
July 26, 2025
2.5/5 cozy, but God was it weird
A really cozy story, slightly overused concept, but we roll with it lol
I have a few nines to pick with this story and the author. From what I could gather from the 5-minute research I did, right as I was getting very confused, this is not the first book/novella that the author has put out into the world.
Why, then, was the story so shallow and unfinished (and I do not mean the ending)? Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy reading it as it made a shift at work slightly less boring, however, I got progressively more annoyed with it, as the action keeps jumping around with no explanation, the narrative was insanely repetitive and shallow, no conversation or character was fully fleshed out?
It feels like a really good skeleton of a story, but still a rough draft. I can definitely see it becoming an amazing book if more time was invested into it!
I guess it is a good starter book if you have not read anything similar, but given that it’s not the first book of the author, I could not hold back my critique.
A really cozy story, slightly overused concept, but we roll with it lol
I have a few nines to pick with this story and the author. From what I could gather from the 5-minute research I did, right as I was getting very confused, this is not the first book/novella that the author has put out into the world.
Why, then, was the story so shallow and unfinished (and I do not mean the ending)? Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy reading it as it made a shift at work slightly less boring, however, I got progressively more annoyed with it, as the action keeps jumping around with no explanation, the narrative was insanely repetitive and shallow, no conversation or character was fully fleshed out?
It feels like a really good skeleton of a story, but still a rough draft. I can definitely see it becoming an amazing book if more time was invested into it!
I guess it is a good starter book if you have not read anything similar, but given that it’s not the first book of the author, I could not hold back my critique.
January 18, 2026
This clean, cozy fantasy omnibus is a delightful story, with a splash of sadness.
In Once Upon a Cake I loved watching the slow-burn romance blossom and grow between the charming Nathaniel and the professional Thea. Sadly, he had to return home to help his family and their separation is heartbreaking, especially since they wrote to each other regularly but somehow never got each other's letters. I felt for them as they tried to move on separately while never forgetting each other.
Once Upon a Cafe adds Ginger's perspective, a cat Thea found her first night in the Northlands, where she hopes to open a cafe and start fresh. However, she has no idea the town would be where Nat was, or that he owned the only empty building there. It was charming to see the world through Ginger's eyes. I enjoyed watching Thea build a family with a few of the townspeople, and how they helped her start the cafe. I was also thrilled that Nat was trying to get in Thea's good graces again, and didn't want to give up on what they had.
This is perfect for any reader who wants a heartwarming, cozy read.
In Once Upon a Cake I loved watching the slow-burn romance blossom and grow between the charming Nathaniel and the professional Thea. Sadly, he had to return home to help his family and their separation is heartbreaking, especially since they wrote to each other regularly but somehow never got each other's letters. I felt for them as they tried to move on separately while never forgetting each other.
Once Upon a Cafe adds Ginger's perspective, a cat Thea found her first night in the Northlands, where she hopes to open a cafe and start fresh. However, she has no idea the town would be where Nat was, or that he owned the only empty building there. It was charming to see the world through Ginger's eyes. I enjoyed watching Thea build a family with a few of the townspeople, and how they helped her start the cafe. I was also thrilled that Nat was trying to get in Thea's good graces again, and didn't want to give up on what they had.
This is perfect for any reader who wants a heartwarming, cozy read.
August 9, 2025
Thea and Nat's meet cute is fun and potentially hazardous to Thea's entire family (no pressure there, Nat)! Thea has a lot on her shoulders but holds everyone together like the middle spread of frosting on a layer cake. Nat is the buttercream on top; you just can't help but like him.
There's a lot of sugar and sweetness, but like any good cake, enough salt and leavening is also included to make for a good story. The villain is as well done and unappealing as my first ever attempt at a layer cake. And the angst I felt waiting through the hard parts of the story (spoilers!).
Because these were novellas, parts of the story are iced over - leaving me wanting another slice - and there are a few lumps in the batter, but it makes a great Book .5 prequel to the series. I had already read Once Upon an Apple, so I enjoyed seeing the whole picture come together with backstory on some familiar characters.
Serve this up with a cup of tea, and it's a perfect sweet treat!
There's a lot of sugar and sweetness, but like any good cake, enough salt and leavening is also included to make for a good story. The villain is as well done and unappealing as my first ever attempt at a layer cake. And the angst I felt waiting through the hard parts of the story (spoilers!).
Because these were novellas, parts of the story are iced over - leaving me wanting another slice - and there are a few lumps in the batter, but it makes a great Book .5 prequel to the series. I had already read Once Upon an Apple, so I enjoyed seeing the whole picture come together with backstory on some familiar characters.
Serve this up with a cup of tea, and it's a perfect sweet treat!
October 27, 2025
I have to first mention how pretty I think the cover is! The colors used and the design are peeks into what the book contains. My parents also have an orange cat so this story collection was even more fun, imagining what he looked like as a kitten.
The two short stories are about Nathaniel Alder who has left home to start life in a new place. His father calls it running away, but Nathaniel calls it running home. He ends up in Riyel and settles, finding work in a bakery where he gets to know Thea (our other POV) and her parents. There is a baking competition and life choices that have to be made. I won’t go into too many details, I don’t want to give anything away. However, I will say that this was just what I needed- a cozy, fluffy story where even the cat gets her own chapters!
I think anyone who enjoys slice of life/fairy tales/retellings/cozy stories might enjoy this.
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
Content Warnings- Mentions of Alcohol Use; Deaths of parents
The two short stories are about Nathaniel Alder who has left home to start life in a new place. His father calls it running away, but Nathaniel calls it running home. He ends up in Riyel and settles, finding work in a bakery where he gets to know Thea (our other POV) and her parents. There is a baking competition and life choices that have to be made. I won’t go into too many details, I don’t want to give anything away. However, I will say that this was just what I needed- a cozy, fluffy story where even the cat gets her own chapters!
I think anyone who enjoys slice of life/fairy tales/retellings/cozy stories might enjoy this.
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
Content Warnings- Mentions of Alcohol Use; Deaths of parents
November 8, 2025
Tales of Cake and Comfort is a sweet and cozy two-novella collection about Thea and Nat, who we already know from the previous novels in the Galamere Chronicles, but will (finally!) get their HEA in the upcoming Once Upon A Cat!
The two novellas Once Upon A Café and Once Upon A Cake were previously published individually but this omnibus also includes some bonus chapters and we get to know the two of them quite well.
I am rooting for them as a couple and looking forward to their second chance at happiness together.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
The two novellas Once Upon A Café and Once Upon A Cake were previously published individually but this omnibus also includes some bonus chapters and we get to know the two of them quite well.
I am rooting for them as a couple and looking forward to their second chance at happiness together.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
January 16, 2026
GENRE: Cozy Fantasy
RATING: 3.75/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
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Review:
Definitely a cute novella that brings two stories together! I had already read them separately but it was lovely to read it all together and get a hint of where Thea and Nathaniel's story will take them
Thank you to the author for the Arc copy!
RATING: 3.75/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Blog, Newsletter & Book Clubs 🍄 Insta 🍄 Tiktok 🍄 Youtube 🍄 Threads
Review:
Definitely a cute novella that brings two stories together! I had already read them separately but it was lovely to read it all together and get a hint of where Thea and Nathaniel's story will take them
Thank you to the author for the Arc copy!
July 4, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Tales of Cake and Comfort, it was so cozy and I loved every minute of it.
I absolutely loved Ginger the cat, to say she's a cat she has sass and I really liked how her thoughts came across in the story.
Thea was great and I loved how Thea and Nate met, I really liked those two and without spoilers I really felt the emotions of the two. I loved how this novel was written it was easy to get swept away and it played out really well. The characters were equally excellent... To be honest I couldn't find fault with anything in this novel. I just loved it so much.
I absolutely loved Ginger the cat, to say she's a cat she has sass and I really liked how her thoughts came across in the story.
Thea was great and I loved how Thea and Nate met, I really liked those two and without spoilers I really felt the emotions of the two. I loved how this novel was written it was easy to get swept away and it played out really well. The characters were equally excellent... To be honest I couldn't find fault with anything in this novel. I just loved it so much.
July 23, 2025
I absolutely adore Landi's books. They're so cozy. There's conflict to keep you engaged but it's a book you can read that is kind of like a cup of warm tea on a cold day or a hug. As this was two novellas combined into one, it didn't go as deeply into the story. However, I was impressed at how well she was able to combine Once Upon a Cake and Once Upon a Cafe! I am really excited for the conclusion to Nat and Thea's story in Once Upon a Cat in the next year, I believe. I also have a strong suspicion of who the villain of their story is going to be...
July 31, 2025
Tales of Cake and Comfort is a clean and cozy fantasy romance duel novella omnibus. This gender swapped Little Mermaid fairytale retelling tells the story of a baker’s daughter, their new employee and a royal baking competition. There is also a cute orange kitty and lots of cake. The grumpy x sunshine romance is very sweet, and I can’t wait to read the rest of their story in Once Upon a Cat. I love everything Gabrielle Landi writes. Her stories are always so sweet and cozy.
Thank you for a copy of this ARC! It’s a joy to be on this Street Team.
Thank you for a copy of this ARC! It’s a joy to be on this Street Team.
August 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this sweet book consisting of two novellas.
Gabrielle Landi writes the sweetest stories that feel like a warm hug. Her books are perfect for curling up on a rainy day with a nice hot cup of tea (or coffee, or cocoa) and reading by a fire or under a blanket. Absolutely perfection.
I cannot recommend this story enough. If you are looking for a sweet, cozy read, pick up this story (and all of Landi's) other stories. 💕💕
Gabrielle Landi writes the sweetest stories that feel like a warm hug. Her books are perfect for curling up on a rainy day with a nice hot cup of tea (or coffee, or cocoa) and reading by a fire or under a blanket. Absolutely perfection.
I cannot recommend this story enough. If you are looking for a sweet, cozy read, pick up this story (and all of Landi's) other stories. 💕💕
October 14, 2025
This is a prelude novella that sets up the realm of Galamere. Nat and Thea meet, fall in love while baking, win a competition, and then everything falls apart. The ending is a semi-cliffhanger and start to the series. So, I was waiting for the happily ever after, only to be disappointed that this story may continue at a later time. Still it is a 'sweet' start to the series and I am looking forward to learning more about Thea and her new friends.
June 29, 2025
Cute and cozy short story 🥰
Love Thea and Nat's story, I wish we got to see their HEA tho. 👀🫣 I'm going to dive into the bonus chapters now, need to see what else happens with them.
I was so pleased to see POVs from Ginger, the cat 😍😍 I'm a huge car lover so I loved those so much 🤭
Can't wait to try the recipe!! 🤩
Love Thea and Nat's story, I wish we got to see their HEA tho. 👀🫣 I'm going to dive into the bonus chapters now, need to see what else happens with them.
I was so pleased to see POVs from Ginger, the cat 😍😍 I'm a huge car lover so I loved those so much 🤭
Can't wait to try the recipe!! 🤩
July 6, 2025
I've read both novellas before, but I enjoyed stepping back into Galamere with this omnibus. I also loved the new chapters written that give more of a peek into Thea and Nat's story and what led them to where they are at the end of Once Upon a Café. Can't wait to see their HEA in Once Upon a Cat when it comes out!
November 11, 2025
This was such a cute collection of novellas! I enjoyed getting to see Thea and Nathaniel’s backstory before reading their upcoming story. It was fun to see how they met, what happened between them, and how Thea got Ginger. While it was sad about what happened, I have a theory about it and I hope I’m right! Looking forward to their happily ever after in Once Upon a Cat.
April 22, 2025
I love the start of Thea and Nat’s story, and I need them to get their HEA!! But I love a good second chance story, so I’ll hold on to see it through.
I love that we get chapters from Ginger the cafe cat! So cozy. Can’t wait to see more of these characters.
I love that we get chapters from Ginger the cafe cat! So cozy. Can’t wait to see more of these characters.
July 25, 2025
When I need a cozy, happy read, Gabrielle Landi has become my go-to.
This book is absolutely as sweet and winning as the cake in the stories, and as comforting as a warm hug. It's the perfect little read with high satisfaction at the end. Just exactly what I needed!
This book is absolutely as sweet and winning as the cake in the stories, and as comforting as a warm hug. It's the perfect little read with high satisfaction at the end. Just exactly what I needed!
July 27, 2025
We love Nat and Thea.
The story was easy to read, and we loved the characters. If you like instalove, this is for you.
The story was a cozy one and I think the story is a good start to her series.
Thanks to Gabrielle Landi for the free book.
The story was easy to read, and we loved the characters. If you like instalove, this is for you.
The story was a cozy one and I think the story is a good start to her series.
Thanks to Gabrielle Landi for the free book.
December 15, 2025
I have the author's original versions of these tales and I adore what she has done with them in this omnibus. Having gotten invested in the romance between Thea and Nathaniel, I need to know - will the author have them reconcile? Please?
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