The Cottage Café

by Sage Parker

She’s 70 years old and about to experience the best autumn of her life…

Monica, who just celebrated her 70th birthday is spending the fall with her daughter’s family off the coast of Maine.

Since her husband died 10 years ago, she’s given up all hope of a new happily ever after and tells herself she’s content just being grandma to two beautiful boys.

The thing is Monica’s always had a secret passion for baking and business. A passion she never got to pursue as a wife and mother. So when she sees a job opening in the local cottage cafe, she jumps at the chance. Impressed by her pastry skills, the owner offers Monica a chance to shine in the kitchen.

Over the moon with this new lease of life, Monica’s happiness is short-lived when she finds out that hotel developers are threatening to buy out the local cafe.

Then, when Monica finds a notebook left behind in the cafe one evening, she discovers inside it the story of Benjamin, a once-famous local sculptor who is grieving his late wife. The cottage cafe was her favorite place to be too. As Monica delves into the history of the town, she realizes just how pivotal the cafe has been to the people who live here through the years.

Intrigued, Monica sets out to make friends with the reclusive and crotchety Benjamin, who just so happens to be the only man who can save the cafe from its fate.

A reminder of the importance of friendship, love, neighbors, and reaching out to those around you. Spend a hopefull fall with Monica and Benjamin as they embark on an unlikely romance and band together to save the beloved local cafe from going under.

This is Book 2 of 6 in the Falling for Maine series. Scroll up and grab your copy today!

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining relationships listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book two of six

Monica and Benjamin are asking questions about the city council meeting they could not attend. Benjamin ending up in jail. Continued in book three.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 2 of the Cottage Café, Monica and Ben grow closer and start to look into issues at city hall. Donnie is recovering from his collapse. Lydia and Monica are at odds as well as Lydia and Fred. Monica meets Andy, who seems a bit eccentric with her own secrets, and we end on another cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens for this series. Something is definitely rotten in this sleepy little town. When everyone says everyone knows your business that is a true statement. Now, try to keep up with who has secrets: the characters are Lydia,Fred, Benjamin, the mayor and her son, the developers, Donnie, and Tessa so far. Still with me? Well, bring on the next book to see if I get any answers. I am loving this series!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie O’Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is literally de-mystifying 70 year old sex

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s 70 years old and about to experience the best autumn of her life…

Monica, who just celebrated her 70th birthday is spending the fall with her daughter’s family off the coast of Maine.

Since her husband died 10 years ago, she’s given up all hope of a new happily ever after and tells herself she’s content just being grandma to two beautiful boys.

The thing is Monica’s always had a secret passion for baking and business. A passion she never got to pursue as a wife and mother. So when she sees a job opening in the local cottage cafe, she jumps at the chance. Impressed by her pastry skills, the owner offers Monica a chance to shine in the kitchen.

Over the moon with this new lease of life, Monica’s happiness is short-lived when she finds out that hotel developers are threatening to buy out the local cafe.

This contemporary sweet clean starting over, second chance romance in this Christian inspirational women's fiction is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Maine with magnificent sunrise/sunsets that are vibrantly painted across the sky, and characters that are witty, independent, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the cottage cafe, friendship, love, an easy summer, beach town, mystery, later in life, drama heartfelt emotions that will have readers needing Kleenex/Puffs to wipe the tears that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, secrets, suspense, Monica sets out to make friends with the reclusive and crotchety Benjamin, who just so happens to be the only man who can save the cafe from its fate, an unlikely romance that will save the beloved cafe from going under, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the cottage cafe and a second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is sweet and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica is worried about Donnie but works with Tessa to get the cafe back open for business soon. Monica and Benjamin go to the court house to see the mayor to find out what the plans are for the town, as there is a guy nosing around trying to buy up all the real estate in town and there is talk of the cafe closing. When they are there they run into Monica's daughter Lydia and she is livid, she has it in her mind that Monica has told Benjamin what she has told he in confidence, which she hasn't. It makes it hard at home when Lydia won't speak to her mother. Monica is lucky that her son in law speaks to her and treats her properly. He drives her to work and such and is there for her. Fred comes in looking for Lydia and Monica, apparently he has been trying to call them both. He received a call from Benjamin he has done something to have himself put into jail.....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most special thing about this mystery is that it circles around an older generation. Monica is like a comfort blank with her sweet, wise, and grandmotherly demeanor. Benjamin is crotchety but in a funny, kind, and loving way and has many talents under his belt. Their banter is sweet, and their blossoming relationship simply adorable. I am a bit put off by Monica's daughter, Lydia's disrespectful behavior toward her mother. Monica is doing everything in her power to be an understanding mother, but Lydia does not make it easy. Fred is a great father and husband, but Lydia has a lot of growing up to do. My heart dropped when Donnie fell ill, but am so happy to see him recovering. Tessa is a wonderful daughter and granddaughter and Donnie is blessed. I am curious to know what the mayor and her son are up too. I love this series especially since the main characters are older.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to Start Looking for Answers… just be careful who you trust

They say life is about change. But what happens when you don’t want that change…. say that most townsfolk don’t want change? How will that change come about? Will Monica and Benjamin be able to dig up some clues… and remain safe? Can they bring to light what the not so innocent political people are doing and/or plan to do?

If you love a good mystery then it will be easy to get absorbed in this book as the mystery evolves. What is up with Lydia? Why so harsh on her mother? It looks like she would want to solve the problems she’s facing and join forces with Monica and Benjamin rather than come down harshly on Monica. And Benjamin… is he the former mayor? How about Fred? Just what is his role in all this…. Why does ‘Andy’ call him a liar?

It will be interesting to see how the puzzle pieces start fitting together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the cafe has been closed for a short period until Donnie gets better and with trying to go to a counsel meeting on what is happening in the town both Benjamin and Monica were told that they could not come in as it was a closed meeting.
Benjamin said that this was not allowed and he was going to talk to the mayor which both of them showed up to have a conversation. Everyone seems to know Benjamin and I'm thinking he must have had an important role in the government of the town. There is definitely something going on with the mayors son and the development company that is trying to build a large hotel. This definitely would put their small into another category which no one seems to want except the mayor and her son.
Government shenanigans going on and our two semi professional investigators in on the job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery of what is happening is getting deeper! Monica has been working at the Café for awhile and she has grown close to so many of the towns’ residents. She senses there is some shady things happening and along with Benjamon they are set on finding out what and why! Everyone loves the town and does not want to see changes.
I am so eager for part three of this series. The cliff hanger at the end of this one made me gasp!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage Cafe (Book 2) is book #2 in the Falling for Maine series by Sage Parker.

Monica is worried about Donnie among other things. It seems like everyone has secrets. I felt bad for Monica in this book as she tries to be the voice of reason. I do like how she becomes more embedded in the town. Can’t wait for the next book and get more details on the ending of this book!

I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage Cafe, Book Two, continues the story of vacationing Monica, her family, and Ben who seems to know everyone in the town. Donnie, the cafe owner where Monica is working, is hospitalized after his collapse. Ben and Monica sense there is something going on in the mayor's office which could adversely affect Donnie's cafe. The book ends in a jaw dropping cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the plot thickens Monica doesn’t know who to trust and just when we thought Benjamin would fire up with the town’s council he seems to have a change of heart. What is going on with Andrea and Fred and their dislike for each other. Another mystery is blooming with these two and I hope Monica’s daughter, Lydia, comes out of all this ok. Very interesting times ahead.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are getting more mysterious and complicated in this small coastal town in Maine. These eccentric small-town characters keep you reading page after page. Book 2 of this series is well written, intriguing and full of suspense. It's a quick read that leaves us with more questions than answers for Monica, Ben, Donnie and Lydia. Ready for book 3!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Another fantastic book in a fabulous series. Just when things appear to be going along smoothly, bingo, things go astray. I love the plot of this book and the wonderful characters. This book and series are a must read!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica is enjoy her new lease on life. She is working in the cafe and loving the baking. Someone is going around trying to buy all the real estate. There are too many misunderstandings and acquisitions. I can't wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we follow Monica visit to Maine we connect with more people,finding new friends and even meeting gossip queen.
Some secrets coming to the surface and life is getting confusing.
Will Monica with her sweet character find what to do ?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

scares on the health front make threats to the cafe more clear.

what does the city council have at stake that suddenly closes meetings to the public?

strained relationships between Monica, and her daughter, and between her daughter and daughter's husband are making things rough.

troubled times in a small town, makes kinda sad and kinda bittersweet reading.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica is worried about Donnie's health but is happy that he seems to be recovering. Fred is helping to find out who owns the land that the cafe is on, and Lydia is still acting strangely. There is something fishy going on! Looking forward to reading more.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy the older lead character. Like the setting of the story and the background. There are still several secrets that need to be unveiled and interesting characters along the way that helped tell the story. Enjoy that there is going to be a budding romance possibly. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens in Book 2! Monica is still working at the cafe and making new friends. She discovers that there are some suspicious things happening and along with Benjamin they begin investigating. Something is very wrong in this beautiful town. Once again there is a cliffhanger ending and I look forward to book 3.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliff hanger

I'd have given this 4 stars, but it leaves you hanging, just like book 1 did....
I don't appreciate that, and it feels like things are being deliberately slowed down to drag it out to sell more books.
I did enjoy the story, and the characters, so will more than likely read the rest of the series.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnie has a heart attack and things are being revealed so slowly. I am not sure about Benjamin and who he really is. He is interesting. I hope that everything between Monica and Lydia get sorted out quickly. This is quite interesting and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has so much going on it will leave your head spinning. A medical emergency for one. Political shenanigans occurring. More than one family in crisis. Add in a shocking phone call and this town may be imploding.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnie has a congenital heart problem, and all the stress with the developers, his parents and the café have finally caught up to him.

Another great read from Sage. Where is this going????


I received this ARC from Booksprout and am leaving my honest review.

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donnie is out healing and Monica is filling in at the cafe. Then she and Benjamin get involved with the fuss over the property and it causes issues with Lydia. Things are getting tense. What a great fast read.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica come to help Donnie's daughter get the cafe back up and going. They also are trying to find answers to what is going on. Keep reading and find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Falling for Maine Series. The story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica finds her friend and boss unconscious on the restaurant floor. She also discovers her son in law has been lying and cheating. So much for the restful vacation she planned.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each installment! The suspense and drama continues to build as the story progresses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.