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 4 of 6 in the Falling for Maine series. Scroll up and grab your copy today!

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining relationships listening 🎶🔰

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

Monica and Benjamin work with business owners to raise awareness in the community. The committee meeting comes and both sides present their argument. Continued in book five.

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

[Katie O’Reilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m mad that this one was mostly filler

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues. This story has such an interesting suspense line. The flow is smooth. Fantastic characters. Some secrets revealed about Benjamin are mind blowing. I’m loving the thread of watching Ben and Monica. A pair that deserve a second chance at love. Off to book 5…

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.



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.

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

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

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huh Oh … they’ve gone and made her mad

Those New York City high rollers think they can barge into small town Caloosaport and turn Main Street into their own personal playground… well, they’d best think again. They’ve woken the bear and it’s coming out of hibernation with claws extended. Caloosaport may be small but the people living there love their hometown, and they’re banning together ready to fight, determined to save it.

And it seems like another storm is brewing… only this one seems to be bringing badly needed rain to a drought filled landscape that’s been ignored for way too long. Are Monica and Ben getting ready to prove you’re never to old for love?

Talk about storms…. How about that ending?.

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

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with every book! Andy may act like a gossip mongrel, but the woman is a hidden smart cookie. I love how the main characters in this series are in their seventies and sweet as a button. What will Benjamin do when he realizes what Andy revealed to him? I am sure the Stephen will be shaking in his boots if Benjamin has anything to do with it! Once the issue of imminent domain gets resolved, and the town is saved from the city slickers (hopefully that is the outcome), then Lydia should run for Mayor! I love how this story is going, and the characters have stolen my heart! All of them add sweetness, feistiness, and a high level of adorable behavior throughout. This series is funny, intense at times, but full of love!.

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

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!

Another fantastic book in a great series by Sage Parker. I love how Monica is prepared to support her family and new friends in the small town she is visiting. Her determination, drive and intuitive approach to tackling the issues created by the unwelcome big town developers make this a fantastic story. The budding relationship with Benjamin is a bonus that I'm enjoying watching as it develops. The story ends with a cliff hanger as always. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

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

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the story unfolds we continue to find out new information into the town. Now we find that the land is owned by Benjamin who had no idea it was his but was passed to him through his wife when she died. How did this come to be and how come no one told him about this.
The lawyers are not talking to him about what they can do to stop the Eminent Domain lawsuit but Benjamin is not sure that stopping them will ever be something they can do.
Who is really behind destroying this town and what can they possibly do to bring their town back to the townspeople.

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

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage Café was a great continuation of the Falling for Maine series. Benjamin and Monica are growing closer as they work to save The Cottage Café.
I thought I had figured out what was going on with the ownership of the café, but the more questions brought up and then answers or lack of getting them has really made the story more intriguing.
I am eager to get the next installment to this series after the cliffhanger that was at the end of this book.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage Cafe, Book 4, continues the story of Monica and Ben as they work to build a community coalition to prevent the businesses on Main Street from being taken over by the town so a new hotel could be built. Lydia has a continuing problem with the mayor's son and city attorney, Stephen, which reflects upon her job. There is a surprising cliffhanger at the end of this book.

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

[Barb Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica and Ben continue to tirelessly work to save the town from the big city developers. As they do so, their fondness for each other grows. The hearing takes place with the towns people pleading their case and fighting for historical preservation. Much to Monica's surprise, Andrea is an attorney who takes up their case. Wow, this cliff hanger was a big one. I received an advance reader copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion. Looking forward to the next one!!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage Cafe (Book 4) is book #4 in the Falling for Maine series by Sage Parker.

The fight goes on to save the cafe and other small businesses. Monica learns more about Ben and others in the town. It’s interesting to see her trying to decide about her feelings about Ben. I can’t wait to see what happens, especially after the bombshell reveal at the end!

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

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I usually complain about cliffhangers but the Sage Parker series are an exception. This book has some very interesting developments where the characters start to realize that Benjamin and Monica are onto something about some businessmen who are up to no good and the town could suffer. The way the storylines are revealed is fantastic, I can’t wait for the next book!

This Booksprout ARC is a must read.

[Carmela Dimattia]

Well, well, well the ending to this book said it all. What a bomb Ms Parker has dropped on us all and just when we thought Ben and Monica would finally jump into a relationship. Loved how Lydia joined the fight to save the main street of Caloosaport from developers and it also helped to improve her relationship with Monica. I need to get my hands on the next instalment pronto.

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

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

Book 4 of the Cottage Café continues the story of Monica and Ben trying to save the diner and main street. Lydia and Monica are repairing their relationship, and Lydia has trouble at work. Fred continues to try and find the land owner, and the city officials are still acting shady. The town joins together to form a coalition to save their town. And what a cliffhanger!! On to book 5!.

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

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica and Ben finally got everyone together. They also have been spending more time together and getting to know each other. I love how their romance is developing. I am so glad that Monica and her daughter are on the same page as well. But what is this secret that Ben has been keeping right at the end. I need to read the next part quickly.

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

[emmalgradygmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens and I definitely didn’t see that coming. I’m waiting with bated breath on the release of the next book in the series. I am still really enjoying reading these books and definitely can’t wait for the continuation.

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

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town takes the lead in fighting the Big City Lawyers as the block the Café is located on is designated as Blighted!!!

Lydia is put on Administrative leave, pending investigation into complaints into her job performance.(Wow where did this come from?)

What will be revealed in Court?

Sage what have your gotten us into????

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so well-written and has amazing characters that will draw you into the drama and chaos of their lives and town. It is a story that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions with all that's going on. The community needs to work together and fight for their town and each other. This is such a great read and am so excited for book five. I'm rooting for Ben and Monica's HEA.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chaos and drama continue. The town has rallied around the cafe block to stop the big developers from taking over. On the edge of your seat mystery. Why is Lydia put on administrative leave, pending investigation into complaints into her job performance. What will be revealed in Court?.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story keeps getting better as we go on. There are still a few unexpected things happening in the story. Still really enjoying the older characters and them working together but also finding a romance that was unexpected. Good read.

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

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In book 4, the people of Caloosaport come together, ready to fight for their town and livelihoods. They are not just fighting to save the Cottage Café, but fighting for the entire block, and fighting for their past and, more importantly, their future.
Ben & Monica, each who have lost a spouse, enjoy each other’s company. Will it end in a romance?
Another cliffhanger so onto book 5.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are uncovering proof of the shenanigans being done behind the towns people and business owners backs. Things are being brought to light and the battle has begun. Who will win and who all will be exposed?.

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

[Karen Bowes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just such a lovely story set in a beautiful small town you just want to visit. Some people have secrets. You will need to read this book to find out what they are.

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

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica is enjoying her time in Maine. She is helping all those around her. She even has a budding romance with Benjamin. The series is a clean romance that leaves you with a cliffhanger.

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 fourth book in the Falling for Maine Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage Cafe Book 4 continues the story of Monica and Ben as they work to gather the aid of the businesses on Main Street and stop them from being taken over by an unscrupulous town leader in order to tear them down and build a hotel. There is a surprising twist with the cliffhanger ending.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and engaging. The story moves quickly and while we don’t get much information is developed very nicely.
I do enjoy this book.

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

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica and Benjamin’s relationship Benito develop with a real date. They and some neighbors continue to fight the devotees who want the land the cafe sits on.

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

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

corporate efforts to buy out a small town face the determination of a small town to hold onto their history and traditions.

the battles seem to be only beginning in earnest

with more trials ahead, allegiances are tested

intense drama and action