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The Honeysuckle Cafe
What if a DNA test reveals everything you thought you knew about your family to be a lie?
Matilda Berry has her life on track. She’s got a long-term boyfriend. A career she loves. And a family who is always there for her. But when her father dies, she discovers a secret about her parents that shakes her to her core.
Looking for answers, she travels to the other side of the world, to a place of chicken biscuits, peaches and sweet tea, where the humidity zaps her energy and the traffic destroys her will to live. And it’s there she discovers the truth about her past and finds a family she never knew she had in a quaint cafe that's been passed down through the family line for generations.
A chance encounter with an irritatingly handsome construction manager takes her by surprise… especially since he turns out to be her neighbour. When he offers to marry her for a work visa to stay in the USA, she’s worried his feelings will turn real. Or maybe hers will…
A heartwarming and emotional exploration of family, friendship and community, The Honeysuckle Cafe is a small-town women’s fiction read you won’t be able to put down.
Read The Honeysuckle Cafe if you enjoy sweet and wholesome fiction
Small townRomanticSouthernFamily mysteryFriendshipsEnemies to lovers
Matilda Berry has her life on track. She’s got a long-term boyfriend. A career she loves. And a family who is always there for her. But when her father dies, she discovers a secret about her parents that shakes her to her core.
Looking for answers, she travels to the other side of the world, to a place of chicken biscuits, peaches and sweet tea, where the humidity zaps her energy and the traffic destroys her will to live. And it’s there she discovers the truth about her past and finds a family she never knew she had in a quaint cafe that's been passed down through the family line for generations.
A chance encounter with an irritatingly handsome construction manager takes her by surprise… especially since he turns out to be her neighbour. When he offers to marry her for a work visa to stay in the USA, she’s worried his feelings will turn real. Or maybe hers will…
A heartwarming and emotional exploration of family, friendship and community, The Honeysuckle Cafe is a small-town women’s fiction read you won’t be able to put down.
Read The Honeysuckle Cafe if you enjoy sweet and wholesome fiction
Small townRomanticSouthernFamily mysteryFriendshipsEnemies to lovers
262 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2025
About the author
Lilly Mirren
37 books332 followersLilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 9, 2025
While not the absolute WORST book I ever read, it comes darn close. Incredibly trite and predictable. The characters were mere sketches and not well-rounded at all. The ending was so abrupt it was like tripping at the end of a moving sidewalk at the airport. (IYKYK)
"The Honeysuckle Cafe (Southern Charm Book 1)" promised a sweet escape to the South, brimming with charm and heartwarming moments. What I got instead was a saccharine, predictable slog that felt less like a charming novel and more like a paint-by-numbers guide to Southern clichés.
From the very first chapter, it was clear where this story was headed. The "charming" small town felt less authentic and more like a collection of stereotypes cobbled together. Every character, from the quirky best friend to the brooding love interest, was so thinly sketched they could have been cardboard cutouts. There was no depth, no genuine conflict, and certainly no surprises. The protagonist, while initially seeming relatable, quickly devolved into a caricature of a woman finding herself, making choices that felt more convenient for the plot than true to any believable personality.
The "romance" was equally uninspired. It followed every trope in the book without adding any fresh perspective or genuine chemistry. The interactions between the leads felt forced and lacked any real spark, making their inevitable connection feel utterly unearned. It was less a slow burn and more a lukewarm simmer that never quite reached a boil.
And the "charm"? It was laid on so thick it became cloying. Every mention of sweet tea, porch swings, and Southern hospitality felt less like an organic part of the setting and more like a checklist being ticked off. It quickly became tiresome, drowning out any potential for genuine warmth or wit.
Ultimately, "The Honeysuckle Cafe" is a book that tries too hard to be charming and ends up being bland. If you're looking for a genuinely engaging story with compelling characters and a fresh take on Southern life, you'd best look elsewhere. This one is best left unread, much like a forgotten, overly sweet dessert.
"The Honeysuckle Cafe (Southern Charm Book 1)" promised a sweet escape to the South, brimming with charm and heartwarming moments. What I got instead was a saccharine, predictable slog that felt less like a charming novel and more like a paint-by-numbers guide to Southern clichés.
From the very first chapter, it was clear where this story was headed. The "charming" small town felt less authentic and more like a collection of stereotypes cobbled together. Every character, from the quirky best friend to the brooding love interest, was so thinly sketched they could have been cardboard cutouts. There was no depth, no genuine conflict, and certainly no surprises. The protagonist, while initially seeming relatable, quickly devolved into a caricature of a woman finding herself, making choices that felt more convenient for the plot than true to any believable personality.
The "romance" was equally uninspired. It followed every trope in the book without adding any fresh perspective or genuine chemistry. The interactions between the leads felt forced and lacked any real spark, making their inevitable connection feel utterly unearned. It was less a slow burn and more a lukewarm simmer that never quite reached a boil.
And the "charm"? It was laid on so thick it became cloying. Every mention of sweet tea, porch swings, and Southern hospitality felt less like an organic part of the setting and more like a checklist being ticked off. It quickly became tiresome, drowning out any potential for genuine warmth or wit.
Ultimately, "The Honeysuckle Cafe" is a book that tries too hard to be charming and ends up being bland. If you're looking for a genuinely engaging story with compelling characters and a fresh take on Southern life, you'd best look elsewhere. This one is best left unread, much like a forgotten, overly sweet dessert.
January 8, 2026
Predictable
This is a standard romcom book. Boy gets girl. Very poor editing.
There were so many mistakes, for instance in one sentence calling a puppy a fuzzy Australian Shepard mix and the next calling it a Labrador. Many grammatical errors as well.
This is a standard romcom book. Boy gets girl. Very poor editing.
There were so many mistakes, for instance in one sentence calling a puppy a fuzzy Australian Shepard mix and the next calling it a Labrador. Many grammatical errors as well.
January 3, 2026
Back and forth
I don’t like books that go from past to present constantly which is what this one did. It gets too confusing. Then the reason for getting married was ridiculous.
I don’t like books that go from past to present constantly which is what this one did. It gets too confusing. Then the reason for getting married was ridiculous.
May 12, 2025
Matilda lives in Australia, is happy, has a steady boyfriend, a career she loves, and a supportive family, but all that is threatened when her DNA test shows that none of her siblings are related to her. With her parents deceased, who can she ask? Her search takes her to the United States to track down a potential relative. How can she get the answers she needs and discover the truth after all these years? While in Georgia, she makes some friends, enjoys the food (but not the humidity) and meets a grumbly construction manager. Will Matilda find her a place she belongs? And what about that construction manager who happens to be her next store neighbor? I enjoyed the warm-hearted friendships and storyline. Life isn't always what it seems, but surprises and adventures along the way make it worthwhile. I highly recommend this "The Honeysuckle Cafe" and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
March 20, 2025
Fantastic characters that captured my heart and made me feel at home. So much to love about this story. The pace is spot on and keeps the reader fully engaged with hints of what may have happened with the DNA test. A story built around Matilda living in Georgia while finding answers not only brings romance but love for people who could possibly be family. Working at the Honeysuckle cafe brings a break she didn’t know she needed and the answers that unfold there brings blessing she never saw coming. Hardships and blessing are all part of this beautiful story, I could’nt stop thinking about this book even after I finished it. A sweet and happy ending ties everything up leaving the reader entertained and completely enjoying this book! Was given a complementary copy. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2025
The storyline was interesting but every aspect felt rushed. The characters were all one dimensional and aside from the beginning - when we meet Matilda’s siblings - the personalities were cut and paste. The FMC is blond, loves animals and suffers from anxiety. The MMC is handsome, kind and wealthy. The romantic aspect takes a back seat behind the “DNA mystery”. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what happened. Overall a very quick read that slightly different enough to get 3 stars, though I’d probably round down 1/2 star due to most sections reading like a list to check off (the villain characters - Cathy & Cam, the loving relatives, the doubters, cute little town, etc).
December 24, 2025
The Honeysuckle Cafe by Lilly Mirren . (Southern Charm Book 1)
Please read a sample of the book on the amazon website to see if you like the writing style before you purchase the book. This e-book is free on amazon website as at the time of writing this review December 2025. Based on the 4 and 5 star reviews and the blurb on what the story is all about, I wanted to be engaged with the emotional story of DNA family search and finding a Happy Ever After. Yes, there is a Happy Ever After, but the end result is in my opinion just an Ok story.
Did we all read the same book? In my opinion, this book needs a good editor to notice and correct the discrepancies/inconsistencies in the story.
Please read a sample of the book on the amazon website to see if you like the writing style before you purchase the book. This e-book is free on amazon website as at the time of writing this review December 2025. Based on the 4 and 5 star reviews and the blurb on what the story is all about, I wanted to be engaged with the emotional story of DNA family search and finding a Happy Ever After. Yes, there is a Happy Ever After, but the end result is in my opinion just an Ok story.
Did we all read the same book? In my opinion, this book needs a good editor to notice and correct the discrepancies/inconsistencies in the story.
February 13, 2026
The story was unrealistic to me. The title doesn’t fit the storyline. Nothing against the Australian author at all, but we Americans don’t really talk and act the way the author portrayed them. Matilda did not have to marry Ryan to get a visa, and the powers that be would’ve checked to see that the couple was actually living together as a married couple. She strung Ryan along. I am glad she was rid of Cam, though. He was a real jerk. Also, I thought it was unrealistic that a veterinarian would be content to work in a cafe. I realize this is just the first book in a series but I thought the ending was too rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
Read this on my Kindle, which meant it was probably a free book because I don't really pay for books on my Kindle. And while this book was super squeaky clean, it was kind of silly. I'm probably too old for this, but it just felt so far fetched. It felt like the whole thing had followed some kind of a rigid outline or a spreadsheet where everything was carefully calculated and plotted out. I don't know how to rightly describe it. I just was left wanting more. More character development, more adult dialogue, more adult behavior, more of whatever wasn't there but should have been. Not sure how this author came to be so celebrated but I'm likely not reading her again.
December 28, 2025
Delightful!
Aussie veterinarian chases her DNA report to Covington Georgia, searching for her biological family. Her life has been full and rewarding, with loving parents and three siblings with whom she is extremely close. But. The lifelong comments about her appearance not blending with her family are brought to a shocking truth. Wonderful characters, visual descriptions, warm relationships, and a little romance to smile about. I loved every page, and I'll be thinking about these people for months to come!
Aussie veterinarian chases her DNA report to Covington Georgia, searching for her biological family. Her life has been full and rewarding, with loving parents and three siblings with whom she is extremely close. But. The lifelong comments about her appearance not blending with her family are brought to a shocking truth. Wonderful characters, visual descriptions, warm relationships, and a little romance to smile about. I loved every page, and I'll be thinking about these people for months to come!
January 6, 2026
easy reading
Ever feel like you didn’t really belong to your family? Matilda does, and a gift from their father before his death opens a can of worms for Matilda and her siblings. She manages to get considerable time off work and heads to Georgia, USA, to see if she can find her other family. The Honeysuckle Café is easy to read, although some parts are a little far-fetched. It has few writing errors, and that’s important to this reader. Overall, I found the book to be above average.
Ever feel like you didn’t really belong to your family? Matilda does, and a gift from their father before his death opens a can of worms for Matilda and her siblings. She manages to get considerable time off work and heads to Georgia, USA, to see if she can find her other family. The Honeysuckle Café is easy to read, although some parts are a little far-fetched. It has few writing errors, and that’s important to this reader. Overall, I found the book to be above average.
January 16, 2026
A Real Mystery
When I started this book, I never dreamed it would be such a mystery. No dead bodies, no skullduggery (well, don’t count certain relatives) but the inability to put it down.
I came up with several possibilities but I’m proud to say I didn’t figure it out! I was getting closer but was slightly off-base. it was a well -written story and the timing was perfect. I wish there was time to complete it with face to face meetings and the small part romance played was refreshing. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book!
When I started this book, I never dreamed it would be such a mystery. No dead bodies, no skullduggery (well, don’t count certain relatives) but the inability to put it down.
I came up with several possibilities but I’m proud to say I didn’t figure it out! I was getting closer but was slightly off-base. it was a well -written story and the timing was perfect. I wish there was time to complete it with face to face meetings and the small part romance played was refreshing. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this book!
February 26, 2026
Interesting
A planned pregnancy that got screwed up for two couples that both wanted babies in the worst way.IVF was the way to go. One family had no children and husband got killed in military. One had three children already and wanted a fouth. Both get pregnant but apparently the children got the wrong parents. For me the mother that lost her husband in the war even though it was 2 years since the babies were born decided to leave well enough alone and raise the child she had been raising. Not me I would want whatever was left of my husband to be with me.
A planned pregnancy that got screwed up for two couples that both wanted babies in the worst way.IVF was the way to go. One family had no children and husband got killed in military. One had three children already and wanted a fouth. Both get pregnant but apparently the children got the wrong parents. For me the mother that lost her husband in the war even though it was 2 years since the babies were born decided to leave well enough alone and raise the child she had been raising. Not me I would want whatever was left of my husband to be with me.
March 24, 2025
With a smile on my face and a good feeling in my heart, I've just finished reading this new book as first of a new series. There's family, friends and death of parents. There's new love, new jobs and new lives a continent away. Plus, the incidents of IVF, babies born and the excited celebrations in families. This storyline held my attention from the first page. I've always enjoyed this author as she jumps into the story on page one and keeps your attention right up until The End. I loved it!
January 17, 2026
I was hoping for a better ending.
The book was very good. I did enjoy it however, I thought the ending could’ve been much better. Yes they had an ending for each of the characters, but they could’ve done more with it. The other part that I did not enjoy was going back-and-forth. 25 years 24 years I’m not a writer but certainly it could’ve been better the way it was organized the story behind it was OK but I wouldn’t wanna recommend it.
The book was very good. I did enjoy it however, I thought the ending could’ve been much better. Yes they had an ending for each of the characters, but they could’ve done more with it. The other part that I did not enjoy was going back-and-forth. 25 years 24 years I’m not a writer but certainly it could’ve been better the way it was organized the story behind it was OK but I wouldn’t wanna recommend it.
April 8, 2025
Lilly Does It Again!
What is not to like about a book written by Lilly Mirren? As usual, It doesn't take long for the reader to feel like they know the characters well. Each and every situation is written in such detail that the reader sees it as if it is playing out right in front of them. Outstanding work, as usual!
What is not to like about a book written by Lilly Mirren? As usual, It doesn't take long for the reader to feel like they know the characters well. Each and every situation is written in such detail that the reader sees it as if it is playing out right in front of them. Outstanding work, as usual!
June 7, 2025
What a wonderful book!
It was hard putting this book down. It makes you wonder if other people that went thru IVF has had this happen to them. I being from the south I was so connected to the story. Can wait to read the next one in this series of this family and see adventure has waiting for them.
It was hard putting this book down. It makes you wonder if other people that went thru IVF has had this happen to them. I being from the south I was so connected to the story. Can wait to read the next one in this series of this family and see adventure has waiting for them.
December 24, 2025
Following their father's death, Matilda Berry and her siblings decide to take the DNA tests he gifted to them without explanation, and hers shows that she is not related to any of them, so she travels from Australia to a town outside of Atlanta, Georgia to seek out a man who a match indicates is her cousin.
January 13, 2026
What is family?
Lilly Mirren writes delightful and moving tales of family and connections. Escaping Australia for the depths of Georgia (United States not Russia), our heroine seeks to learn the truth of an odd ancestry report. A multi-generational ode to warm and loving families! Even the pain in the side relatives.
Lilly Mirren writes delightful and moving tales of family and connections. Escaping Australia for the depths of Georgia (United States not Russia), our heroine seeks to learn the truth of an odd ancestry report. A multi-generational ode to warm and loving families! Even the pain in the side relatives.
January 22, 2026
It feels kind of silly giving this one star because nobody reading this is looking for fine literature. It's a completely mindless domestic fantasy; it is predictable, generic, and lacks the subtlety of some children's books - but that's the style, that's what you expect and that's what you get. Don't hate a book for delivering exactly what it promised.
Still didn't like it though.
Still didn't like it though.
March 26, 2025
One action can change everything you ever believed in. But it can also be the start of a new future.
I really enjoyed this story. All the characters brought something to the story. Can wait for the next in this new series.
I really enjoyed this story. All the characters brought something to the story. Can wait for the next in this new series.
March 27, 2025
What a wonderful book. I loved the characters and the story line. IVF is such a relevant topic and has been in the news frequently. I loved the outcome of the story and cannot wait for more of this series.
September 21, 2025
Surprises are wonderful and sad
I’ve read books for pleasure since I was 8 years old, which was 70 years ago.
This book was amazing. The information that was found about the family was a shocker. I’ve never read a book with this plot. I was glued to the book!🌺🌺
I’ve read books for pleasure since I was 8 years old, which was 70 years ago.
This book was amazing. The information that was found about the family was a shocker. I’ve never read a book with this plot. I was glued to the book!🌺🌺
December 27, 2025
The Honeysuckle Cafe 10 stars!
This is a great book with many twists and turns. I loved the creativity this author placed in her narrative, and I an looking forward to the next in the series. Great read!!!
This is a great book with many twists and turns. I loved the creativity this author placed in her narrative, and I an looking forward to the next in the series. Great read!!!
January 19, 2026
Revealingly
This was written so well and interestingly that it was hard to put down. The subject matter is one that happens more often than anyone realizes and has handle with tact and gently.
This was written so well and interestingly that it was hard to put down. The subject matter is one that happens more often than anyone realizes and has handle with tact and gently.
January 26, 2026
I admit I paused after the first few chapters because the timeline between chapters confused me, but once I got halfway through, I was so engrossed I couldn’t stop reading until the end. I hope this book gets made into a movie. On to part two…
March 11, 2026
Great story!
I really enjoyed this story because it was unique & interesting. The characters were fun to get to know. It seems like the ending was leading to more. It was wonderful to find this book while taking care of my sister after surgery. No heavy drama but a good read
I really enjoyed this story because it was unique & interesting. The characters were fun to get to know. It seems like the ending was leading to more. It was wonderful to find this book while taking care of my sister after surgery. No heavy drama but a good read
March 25, 2025
A story of revelations and new family. Great characters and storyline. It will inspire you.
April 15, 2025
honeysuckle cafe
Wow, what an amazing story, never can predict where it will go, but it’s an awesome end! Just love Lilly’s stories….
Wow, what an amazing story, never can predict where it will go, but it’s an awesome end! Just love Lilly’s stories….
June 10, 2025
Easy read, would definitely read the follow up in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews