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Castle Court #1-4
Bagedrømme i Castle Court
Velkommen til den sødeste småkageforretning i England!
Så længe tilbage de kan huske, har bedsteveninderne Cat og Sadie haft en fælles drøm – at få deres egen småkageforretning. Så da en lille butik bliver ledig i deres hjemby, tøver de ikke længe. Cat har lige sagt sit job op som Michelin-kok i Paris, og Sadie, der er enlig mor, har brug for en forandring, der kan hjælpe hende med at hele sit knuste hjerte.
Snart tager Cat velduftende småkager ud af ovnen, som Sadie pynter med farverig glasur. Men ejeren af det franske konditori ved siden af frygter konkurrence og lægger alle mulige forhindringer i vejen for dem. Heldigvis kan de altid regne med Jaren, den flotte ejer af vaffelbageriet overfor. Og så er der biavleren Adam, som forsyner dem med honning ...
Kan Sadie og Cat få succes med deres småkageeventyr og finde kærligheden igen?
Så længe tilbage de kan huske, har bedsteveninderne Cat og Sadie haft en fælles drøm – at få deres egen småkageforretning. Så da en lille butik bliver ledig i deres hjemby, tøver de ikke længe. Cat har lige sagt sit job op som Michelin-kok i Paris, og Sadie, der er enlig mor, har brug for en forandring, der kan hjælpe hende med at hele sit knuste hjerte.
Snart tager Cat velduftende småkager ud af ovnen, som Sadie pynter med farverig glasur. Men ejeren af det franske konditori ved siden af frygter konkurrence og lægger alle mulige forhindringer i vejen for dem. Heldigvis kan de altid regne med Jaren, den flotte ejer af vaffelbageriet overfor. Og så er der biavleren Adam, som forsyner dem med honning ...
Kan Sadie og Cat få succes med deres småkageeventyr og finde kærligheden igen?
383 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2018
70 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hepburn
97 books400 followersI’ve wanted to write books for adults for as long as I can remember but I was too scared to try. One day I decided to be brave and dipped a toe into the bubble bath of romantic comedy with my first novella, Cupidity, and I’ve never looked back. I often try to be funny to be funny, except for when faced with traffic wardens and border control staff. My favourite thing is making people smile.
I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.
I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.
I’ve tried many jobs over the years, from barmaid to market researcher and I even had a brief flirtation with modelling. These days I am mostly found writing.
I live near London with my grey tabby cat, Portia. We both have an unhealthy obsession with Marmite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
January 26, 2019
Loved this! Amazing characters and what a stunning setting, never have I been more hungry reading a book!
I adored the lead characters- Cat and Sadie who both have experienced hardships in their past but come out of it strongly. The sense of genuine friendship, to the point of family, from Castle Court was immense and I loved reading about so many of the shop owners as part of this story. There are love interests along the way, some good and some really not so good!, but I was delighted with the ending which was simply perfect.
My first read from Holly Hepburn but I have another of her books on my shelves and I have of course added her other novel to my wishlist. I would genuinely love a return to Castle Court to check in with how all the lovely people are getting on!
I adored the lead characters- Cat and Sadie who both have experienced hardships in their past but come out of it strongly. The sense of genuine friendship, to the point of family, from Castle Court was immense and I loved reading about so many of the shop owners as part of this story. There are love interests along the way, some good and some really not so good!, but I was delighted with the ending which was simply perfect.
My first read from Holly Hepburn but I have another of her books on my shelves and I have of course added her other novel to my wishlist. I would genuinely love a return to Castle Court to check in with how all the lovely people are getting on!
January 4, 2019
This book was simply fantastic loved it from the first page and had many twists and turns which had you wondering what would happen next. It's full of starting a new life, romance and friendship and of course family life. You will be laughing in places and crying in others as so well written and really didn't want the book to end. Well worth more than five stars.
Sadie is a single mum and nursing a broken heart after her husband has had an affair so she is trying to be the perfect mum and trying to be happy. Then you have Cat who has been working as a chef in Paris and has burnt herself out and also she is hiding another secret to why she comes back home but won't tell anyone. Her and Sadie find a perfect shop in castle court to open their own shop selling biscuits they have made and they really want to make a success out of it but sadly they soon realise the court has its one community and not all of them are happy about them opening their shop and will do what they can to close them down and in the process Cat's secret will come out and may change everything. Sadie also feels her heart going for Adam who starts working in the shop and he also keeps bees and sells honey but when her ex turns up saying he's changed she decides to go back to him but has she made the right decision or not will she be happy or will she find something out that will change everything. Cat is also offered the chance to further herself but she doesn't want to let Sadie down so what will she do and when their shop has been going for a year are they happy with their lives and the business.
Simply fantastic characters and well worth reading.
Sadie is a single mum and nursing a broken heart after her husband has had an affair so she is trying to be the perfect mum and trying to be happy. Then you have Cat who has been working as a chef in Paris and has burnt herself out and also she is hiding another secret to why she comes back home but won't tell anyone. Her and Sadie find a perfect shop in castle court to open their own shop selling biscuits they have made and they really want to make a success out of it but sadly they soon realise the court has its one community and not all of them are happy about them opening their shop and will do what they can to close them down and in the process Cat's secret will come out and may change everything. Sadie also feels her heart going for Adam who starts working in the shop and he also keeps bees and sells honey but when her ex turns up saying he's changed she decides to go back to him but has she made the right decision or not will she be happy or will she find something out that will change everything. Cat is also offered the chance to further herself but she doesn't want to let Sadie down so what will she do and when their shop has been going for a year are they happy with their lives and the business.
Simply fantastic characters and well worth reading.
December 31, 2018
This book left me craving biscuits... well not only biscuits but Dutch pancakes, american diner food and cocktails amongst others from all the fabulous places at Castle Court.
Sadie and Cat are trying to navigate their first year in business of Star Biscuits, despite others in the court seemingly hating them, natural disasters and all manner of other things.
Split into four parts, this was a very easy to read book, and was enjoying every second of it.
Despite suspecting I may know who each of the girls may end up in a a relationship with by the end of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of them getting to that point.
And the biscuits what fabulous designs, and I had no idea so much work went into running an iced biscuit shop.
I loved the other foodie shopkeepers in Castle Court and the whole community they have there. I just wish it was real so I could visit.
Another joyous book from Holly Hepburn, which I loved every moment of.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Sadie and Cat are trying to navigate their first year in business of Star Biscuits, despite others in the court seemingly hating them, natural disasters and all manner of other things.
Split into four parts, this was a very easy to read book, and was enjoying every second of it.
Despite suspecting I may know who each of the girls may end up in a a relationship with by the end of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of them getting to that point.
And the biscuits what fabulous designs, and I had no idea so much work went into running an iced biscuit shop.
I loved the other foodie shopkeepers in Castle Court and the whole community they have there. I just wish it was real so I could visit.
Another joyous book from Holly Hepburn, which I loved every moment of.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 1, 2023
This one had (amongst others, there are TWO love triangles!) a Dutch love interest, so naturally I have some quibbles, though compared to most they are minor.
First of all I found the choice of name odd. Jaren is a Hebrew name, and not exactly a common one in the Netherlands, especially in the age bracket of the protagonists. There was no hint of the guy being Jewish, which would have gone some way to making the name work better for me, but the thing that makes it irksome to me is that it is a Dutch word, just not one many people would think to name their children (unless they spent a lot of time in Southern California, where I suspect there is a law insisting on bizarre names).
'Jaren' in Dutch means 'Years'. Hey, maybe he has a sister named 'Maanden' ('months'), and it's just a weird family thing. Dunno, I just found it a bit distracting. So many excellent Dutch names to choose from, why go make up new ones?
However, HUGE props to audio narrator Karen Cass for pronouncing it like a Dutch person would ('Yahren' as opposed to 'Dyahren'). Had she used a typical anglicised pronunciation it would have been a deal breaker for me, and the book would have been abandoned very early on. (Don't get me started on the audio narration of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet !!!)
Other minor niggles include:
- The mispronunciation of 'stroopwafels' (you'd think with their world-wide popularity these days people would know how to pronounce them, but it seems not. 'Strohpwahfels' please ;) )
- The Dutch aren't known for their waffles. That's Belgians.
But having said all that, it was a cute, if predictable, story, and I very much appreciated the food theme! 3.5 stars from me
First of all I found the choice of name odd. Jaren is a Hebrew name, and not exactly a common one in the Netherlands, especially in the age bracket of the protagonists. There was no hint of the guy being Jewish, which would have gone some way to making the name work better for me, but the thing that makes it irksome to me is that it is a Dutch word, just not one many people would think to name their children (unless they spent a lot of time in Southern California, where I suspect there is a law insisting on bizarre names).
'Jaren' in Dutch means 'Years'. Hey, maybe he has a sister named 'Maanden' ('months'), and it's just a weird family thing. Dunno, I just found it a bit distracting. So many excellent Dutch names to choose from, why go make up new ones?
However, HUGE props to audio narrator Karen Cass for pronouncing it like a Dutch person would ('Yahren' as opposed to 'Dyahren'). Had she used a typical anglicised pronunciation it would have been a deal breaker for me, and the book would have been abandoned very early on. (Don't get me started on the audio narration of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet !!!)
Other minor niggles include:
- The mispronunciation of 'stroopwafels' (you'd think with their world-wide popularity these days people would know how to pronounce them, but it seems not. 'Strohpwahfels' please ;) )
- The Dutch aren't known for their waffles. That's Belgians.
But having said all that, it was a cute, if predictable, story, and I very much appreciated the food theme! 3.5 stars from me
May 13, 2024
4/5 ⭐️ Vriendinnen Cat en Sadie openen in Castle Court hun eigen koekjeswinkel.
Er gebeurd eigenlijk best weinig in dit boek maar heb echt genoten van de kneuterige Britse sfeer en hoofdpersonen. Niks diepgaands maar heerlijk vertier!
Er gebeurd eigenlijk best weinig in dit boek maar heb echt genoten van de kneuterige Britse sfeer en hoofdpersonen. Niks diepgaands maar heerlijk vertier!
January 27, 2019
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The book follows best friends Sadie and Cat, who take over shop in Castle Court. Sadie has a daughter and is nursing a broken heart. Cat was a chef in Paris and needs a change.
Castle Court ist he perfect setting, it has ist own community andmost of thepeople are very nice.Obviously not everyone welcomes the new business, so that could lead to some drama. Some people are very supportive though, mainly Adam, Elin, Jaren and Seb. Lissy, Sadie’s daughter is very sweet and so are Earl and Andrew.
The storyline is split into four parts and is full uf ups and downs. Sadie grows closer with Adam, butb there is still her „husband“ Daniel, who wants to try again. Se band Cat seem to hit it off, but the plot hides a few surprises.
I loved both Sadie and Cat and together with the other characters they created a wonderful atmosphere. The writing is very gripping and the author described it all so vividly.
Certain things were solved very quickly and what happened afterwards seemed a bit too obvious.
This was my first Holly Hepburn book and definitely not my last. She is a very talented author.
4.5/5
May 29, 2019
This was a good choice for my Brit chick-lit craving. Cat & Sadie best friends opening a cookie shop in castle court. Lissy is Sadie's little daughter & she's divorced from Sadie's father, Daniel. Cat's big secret played as something awful but perhaps I read too many novels where characters pull some truly dark, craven deeds, that I didn't see what was the big deal here.
Cat has a bit of romance with Seb. Sadie strikes one up with Adam but Daniel wants another chance. There were plenty of ups and downs for both women in the romance department and it all resolved well, if predictably. Andrew and Earl and their American diner were the most charming. It was a good light read and while not surprising it worked for me. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the shops and the owners who ran them. Be warned all the food talk may make you crave all the things!
Cat has a bit of romance with Seb. Sadie strikes one up with Adam but Daniel wants another chance. There were plenty of ups and downs for both women in the romance department and it all resolved well, if predictably. Andrew and Earl and their American diner were the most charming. It was a good light read and while not surprising it worked for me. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of the shops and the owners who ran them. Be warned all the food talk may make you crave all the things!
dnf
December 5, 2022It was OK but I'm not so much of a romance reader and it couldn't really keep my attention. So, when it was time to give it back to the library, I wasn't very sorry that I hadn't finished it yet. 🤷♀️
December 26, 2018
In "A Year at Castle Court" two main characters, best friends Cat and Sadie, make their dream of owning and running a business together come true and start "Smart Cookies", a shop specialising in selling hand - made biscuits. However, not all of the other businesses at Castle Court welcome them with open arms. There is a secret scandal, an almost ex - husband and many other troubles and challenges on the girls' way to happiness.
I loved the friendship between Cat and Sadie, with all its ups and downs, supporting each other but also with the little conflicts, which only made it feel more realistic. They were both strong women and life was not a bed of roses for them. However, I think that I could relate more to Sadie, no particular reason why, just because. I wanted to give her a standing ovation for the way she has proceeded with the situation with her husband, not immediately jumping at the chance and making her life comfortable again, oh no, she'd rather followed her intuition and decided to give it time, which, let's be honest, doesn't happen often, right? Cat and Sadie were going from strength to strength, deciding to set up their own business, overcoming the reluctance of some of the neighbours from the close - knit community of Castle Court, and generally dealing with many, many challenges that life decided to face them with. They were strong and independent and I liked that they didn't look for a man at any cost, that they were ambitious but also they weren't afraid to ask for help when they needed it, and in the end their successes were their own.
The setting in this book was simply brilliant. I adored Castle Court, with all the little shops and businesses, and as much as I'd love to stop there by, it would be dangerous for my shape. As opposed to many, many other books where the characters open either a bakery or make cupcakes, Sadie and Cat specialise in biscuits, wonderfully decorated biscuits. I have to admit, after reading the book, I've spent a lot of time watching blogs or films on YouTube and incredibly admiring the art of icing. The things people can create, it's simply amazing, and Sadie was exactly like that. Now I can even better imagine all those little wonders that she concocted, although they were of course so vividly described by the author - the colours, the ideas, it was simply fabulous and delicious.
The thing that didn't sit so well with me was the fact that all the twists were solved in few sentences, at least in the same chapter. I like when there is a little tension and not knowing what's going to happen, when the events stretch out through the story. I understand that the book was initially published as a four - parts series so probably it needed the quick action, but in a full - length story it just simply doesn't work so well for me. And there were moments that I really missed the plot to develop, just like with the restaurant next door for example and the way the character just got away with it - it was as if the author simply didn't have an idea how to continue this thread, which is a pity to be honest.
The story is full of little dramas, that usually happened so quickly and unexpectedly, keeping the pace aloft but also small wins and successes. You could really say that it was action packed and the characters have more than enough on their plates, and sometimes I simply couldn't stop thinking, oh no, not this, please let them take a breath! Altogether, "A Year at Castle Court" was a lovely story about having confidence and courage and not giving up. It was a light - hearted read and I really enjoyed reading about the close - knit community, about the friendship and the dramas. Holly Hepburn's writing style is so bright and optimistic, eloquent and colourful and it's a joy to read her books, so I can only recommend this book to you - go an treat yourself!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2019/...
We meet Cat and Sadie 3 ½ weeks before Smart Cookies opens its doors to the Christmas shoppers and by the time the year had passed, I felt as if they were my friends and we had weathered a lot together!
I enjoyed the conflict and tension from their romantic relationships as well as the business owners in Castle Court. The secrets, lies and betrayals had me raging on their behalf and yes, punching the air in triumph too. 🙂
I love it when I’m involved emotionally. I have to say I truly detested Sadie’s ex Daniel. From the outside it was easy to see his manipulations and I hoped she would make the right choices. As noble as it is to put children first, it’s never easy and a lot of work to make a happy home.
Castle Court is an awesome community. The majority of business owners looked out for each other and pitched in. When there was a celebration everyone joined in wholeheartedly and when something went wrong, they willingly gave what they could whether time or the use of a kitchen. I enjoyed the diversity of characters and as different as they each were, they came together to make a whole.
A Year at Castle Court had me eager to pick up reading where I left off, eager to continue being a part of Smart Cookies and the community. Recommended.
We meet Cat and Sadie 3 ½ weeks before Smart Cookies opens its doors to the Christmas shoppers and by the time the year had passed, I felt as if they were my friends and we had weathered a lot together!
I enjoyed the conflict and tension from their romantic relationships as well as the business owners in Castle Court. The secrets, lies and betrayals had me raging on their behalf and yes, punching the air in triumph too. 🙂
I love it when I’m involved emotionally. I have to say I truly detested Sadie’s ex Daniel. From the outside it was easy to see his manipulations and I hoped she would make the right choices. As noble as it is to put children first, it’s never easy and a lot of work to make a happy home.
Castle Court is an awesome community. The majority of business owners looked out for each other and pitched in. When there was a celebration everyone joined in wholeheartedly and when something went wrong, they willingly gave what they could whether time or the use of a kitchen. I enjoyed the diversity of characters and as different as they each were, they came together to make a whole.
A Year at Castle Court had me eager to pick up reading where I left off, eager to continue being a part of Smart Cookies and the community. Recommended.
January 7, 2019
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copy of this book. I loved Holly's Star and Sixpence stories so I was very excited to jump into a new world created by Holly.
This story follows Cat and Saide. Cat has just returned from 3 years in Paris as the head chef of a 2 Michelin star restaurant and Sadie is in need of a new chapter after her husband stupidly cheated on her. The two have decided to fulfil a lifelong dream of running their own business. They decide to open Smart Cookies. A luxury biscuit shop, a bit like Biscuiteers in London.
The first thing I have to say is this book had me craving ALL the foods. From fancy iced biscuits to dutch waffles and a hot chocolate I wanted it all. Not so good when you are on your January diet let me tell you. But I ate in moderation (a girl still has Christmas chocolates to finish) and still thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Sadie and Cat are very likeable characters. Cat is a strong woman. She's not afraid to stand up for herself. She's also fiercely loyal. If you are friends with Cat you know she will always be there for you but she will also give you the truth. Sadie is also a strong woman although I think that she would disagree with me on that. Both women have been through a tough time but they have come out the other side and I couldn't help but root for both of them from the beginning of the book.
As well as the two main characters you also have a fantastic cast of side characters. I loved Jaren and his Dutch waffle house. I also really loved the Bus Stop boys too. I loved their contemporary references. They seemed like really fun guys. Adam was also a favourite of mine, I was very intrigued by his bees.
I love Holly's writing and she does an excellent job of making the court seem real. I struggled to take myself away from the court and its characters. I wanted to jump right and visit the chocolatier shop, the patisserie and of course the waffle house. If you can't tell I'm quite a foodie and I love nothing more than a dessert especially if it involves chocolate!
This story and its characters wormed their way into my heart. This is the sort of story that will leave a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside. I loved it and I will miss these characters quite a lot.
This story follows Cat and Saide. Cat has just returned from 3 years in Paris as the head chef of a 2 Michelin star restaurant and Sadie is in need of a new chapter after her husband stupidly cheated on her. The two have decided to fulfil a lifelong dream of running their own business. They decide to open Smart Cookies. A luxury biscuit shop, a bit like Biscuiteers in London.
The first thing I have to say is this book had me craving ALL the foods. From fancy iced biscuits to dutch waffles and a hot chocolate I wanted it all. Not so good when you are on your January diet let me tell you. But I ate in moderation (a girl still has Christmas chocolates to finish) and still thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Sadie and Cat are very likeable characters. Cat is a strong woman. She's not afraid to stand up for herself. She's also fiercely loyal. If you are friends with Cat you know she will always be there for you but she will also give you the truth. Sadie is also a strong woman although I think that she would disagree with me on that. Both women have been through a tough time but they have come out the other side and I couldn't help but root for both of them from the beginning of the book.
As well as the two main characters you also have a fantastic cast of side characters. I loved Jaren and his Dutch waffle house. I also really loved the Bus Stop boys too. I loved their contemporary references. They seemed like really fun guys. Adam was also a favourite of mine, I was very intrigued by his bees.
I love Holly's writing and she does an excellent job of making the court seem real. I struggled to take myself away from the court and its characters. I wanted to jump right and visit the chocolatier shop, the patisserie and of course the waffle house. If you can't tell I'm quite a foodie and I love nothing more than a dessert especially if it involves chocolate!
This story and its characters wormed their way into my heart. This is the sort of story that will leave a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside. I loved it and I will miss these characters quite a lot.
January 26, 2020
Oh, what a delightful novel by Holly Hepburn. I haven't read a novel by this author in such a long time, and when I got sent this book I couldn't wait to give it a read. However, fast forward to now I've finally got round to reading it and I wonder to myself why I took so long to read it in the first place! The book is pretty hefty as it's four novella's joined together but it's such a great read. The cover is what drew me in at first, I love the pastel colours, the tree, the wooden beams above the shops. It just looks so pretty and inviting.
We get to know quite a bit about Sadie and Cat pretty quickly as it's clear they've both been through quite a lot. However, we do learn that Cat has a bit of a big secret that she's been hiding away and it comes to light when Greg puts it to her in front of the busy food court. Both characters are relatable in their own way and I enjoyed reading about both of their hectic lives.
I enjoyed Sadie's character a lot, she had a young child whilst also trying her best to get her business off the ground, being the artistic side to the business, she works long hours to get everything done and as a result she finds herself being worked to the ground and her social and family life being affected as a result. Cat is in a similar boat, she also works long hours - although it seems not as long as what she was doing in Paris beforehand - and has a lot of issues when it comes to men.
The two women have obviously been through a lot before they even decided to open their business, and what makes matters worse is all the things that go wrong when they do finally open. People are against them, and even Mother Nature is! The girls can't seem to catch a break, but luckily it all comes together for them in the end and I'm happy with how it ended. It was a happy ending which is exactly the type of book I enjoy reading.
Overall, a lovely heartwarming novel. I would definitely recommend you give Holly Hepburn's novels a read this Spring. You won't regret it.
We get to know quite a bit about Sadie and Cat pretty quickly as it's clear they've both been through quite a lot. However, we do learn that Cat has a bit of a big secret that she's been hiding away and it comes to light when Greg puts it to her in front of the busy food court. Both characters are relatable in their own way and I enjoyed reading about both of their hectic lives.
I enjoyed Sadie's character a lot, she had a young child whilst also trying her best to get her business off the ground, being the artistic side to the business, she works long hours to get everything done and as a result she finds herself being worked to the ground and her social and family life being affected as a result. Cat is in a similar boat, she also works long hours - although it seems not as long as what she was doing in Paris beforehand - and has a lot of issues when it comes to men.
The two women have obviously been through a lot before they even decided to open their business, and what makes matters worse is all the things that go wrong when they do finally open. People are against them, and even Mother Nature is! The girls can't seem to catch a break, but luckily it all comes together for them in the end and I'm happy with how it ended. It was a happy ending which is exactly the type of book I enjoy reading.
Overall, a lovely heartwarming novel. I would definitely recommend you give Holly Hepburn's novels a read this Spring. You won't regret it.
February 17, 2019
I do like books by Holly Hepburn and I was looking forward to reading A Year at Castle Court. It follows the lives of Sadie and Cat, two best friends who decide to open a handmade biscuit shop at Castle Court in Chester. A nice easy read with good characters and plot line. Would recommend it as a nice pleasant read.
January 21, 2023
06/20
Très déçue par ce roman qui manque d’originalité et qui est surtout extrêmement long. La lecture a été interminable et l’autrice reprend à mon sens beaucoup trop de recettes déjà utilisées par d’autres auteurs.
Ma chronique : https://littleprettybooks.com/2023/01...
Très déçue par ce roman qui manque d’originalité et qui est surtout extrêmement long. La lecture a été interminable et l’autrice reprend à mon sens beaucoup trop de recettes déjà utilisées par d’autres auteurs.
Ma chronique : https://littleprettybooks.com/2023/01...
March 13, 2025
3,5. Fijn boek als je op zoek bent naar weinig ingewikkelds en gewoon een feel good boek. Wel heel voorspelbaar maar dat vind ik heerlijk eens in de zoveel tijd.
June 11, 2022
A really good easy read. I enjoyed learning about the characters as I read on.
December 18, 2019
Inhalt: Nachdem die beiden Freundinnen Sadie und Cat, beide Schiffbruch in ihrem Leben erlitten haben, beschließen sie, eine Keksbäckerei zu eröffnen. Cat bringt ihr Können als 2-Sterne-Köchin mit ein und Sadie ist großartig im Verzieren, der leckeren Kekse. Ihre Keksbäckerei befindet sich in Gesellschaft, einer Cocktailbar, eines Pfannkuchenrestaurants und eines französischen Bistros. Kann der geschäftliche Neubeginn für die alleinsthende Mutter Sadie und Cat auch privates Glück bringen?
Art des Buches: Wohlfühlroman
Wie fand ich das Buch? Aufgefallen ist mir das Buch, wegen seinem sehr schönen Cover und wer kann Keksen schon widerstehen? Ich mochte die beiden Freundinnen Cat und Sadie auf Anhieb und auch Sadies kleine Tochter Lissy, die ein großer Dinosaurierfan ist, sehr gerne. Ich habe es sehr genossen, dass es in diesem Buch nicht um irgendwelche Krankheiten, Tod oder explizierte Bettszenen geht. Trotzdem ist die Handlung in keiner Weise langatmig oder langweilig. So konnte ich mich beim Lesen, gemütlich in meine Kissen kuscheln und von leckeren Kekskreationen und Tee träumen. Natürlich gibt es kleinere und größere Hürden zu nehmen, doch dann stand einem doppelten Happyend nichts mehr im Weg. Atmosphäre, Liebe, Charaktere alles schön stimmig und sehr liebenswert.
3 passende Wörter zum Buch? England - Liebe - Bäckerei
Wem empfehlen? Wer wie ich gerne, ab und zu der Realität entfliehen möchte, in eine Welt, wo es Freundschaft, Kekse und Liebe gibt, der ist her goldrichtig.
Art des Buches: Wohlfühlroman
Wie fand ich das Buch? Aufgefallen ist mir das Buch, wegen seinem sehr schönen Cover und wer kann Keksen schon widerstehen? Ich mochte die beiden Freundinnen Cat und Sadie auf Anhieb und auch Sadies kleine Tochter Lissy, die ein großer Dinosaurierfan ist, sehr gerne. Ich habe es sehr genossen, dass es in diesem Buch nicht um irgendwelche Krankheiten, Tod oder explizierte Bettszenen geht. Trotzdem ist die Handlung in keiner Weise langatmig oder langweilig. So konnte ich mich beim Lesen, gemütlich in meine Kissen kuscheln und von leckeren Kekskreationen und Tee träumen. Natürlich gibt es kleinere und größere Hürden zu nehmen, doch dann stand einem doppelten Happyend nichts mehr im Weg. Atmosphäre, Liebe, Charaktere alles schön stimmig und sehr liebenswert.
3 passende Wörter zum Buch? England - Liebe - Bäckerei
Wem empfehlen? Wer wie ich gerne, ab und zu der Realität entfliehen möchte, in eine Welt, wo es Freundschaft, Kekse und Liebe gibt, der ist her goldrichtig.
May 7, 2019
A very enjoyable read with great characters that are well fleshed out .
The two lead characters Sadie and Cat are the making of this book as they face dilemmas personal and in their joint business throughout the story.
The men folk all play parts well written
In the two ladies lives , but the person I loved most was dinosaur/girl lissy- a fabulous character who lightens up the plot in the cutest way !
The two lead characters Sadie and Cat are the making of this book as they face dilemmas personal and in their joint business throughout the story.
The men folk all play parts well written
In the two ladies lives , but the person I loved most was dinosaur/girl lissy- a fabulous character who lightens up the plot in the cutest way !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
I have just finished one of my favourite books of this year, A Year at Castle Court by Holly Hepburn. This was one of those books that each time you have to put it down you are longing to return to the pages to see what lays ahead for the characters next.
Best friends Sadie and Cat have both recently been through a significantly bad time in their lives and are about to embark on a new adventure together opening their own biscuit shop Smart Cookies located in the idyllic setting in Castle Court in Chester.
The storyline is full of ups and downs as challenges in both business and the women’s personal lives are sent to try test them. I take my hat off to them both as the amount of problems they both faced would make me crumble but having each other as well as the community support from the other shop owners of Castle Court sure helped the women in their times of need.
I instantly warmed to both Cat and Sadie as our main characters and I was routing for them and their business to thrive. I loved the supporting characters in this book too they really helped to shape the storyline from the sweet but strong minded little Lissy and her lover of dinosaurs to the friendly and supportive Earl and Andrew and not forgetting the loveable Adam and Jaren.
I loved watching the business grow and my mouth watered from the descriptions of the delights on offer not just in Smart Cookies but also from the other businesses from the Dutch pancakes to the chocolate delights.
The author has clearly done her research for this book not just for the biscuit making but also for the facts on Adams bees. Holly Hepburn has created such a sweet and addictive storyline that touches on some delicate issues and then wraps us up in friendship and romance. The writing style is so easy to follow and she creates such an energetic buzz to the storyline and manages to describe things so vividly I almost felt as though I was there at Castle Court surrounded by the old buildings.
I absolutely loved this book and I am pleased that my last book of the year was one of the best. I can’t wait to read more books by Holly Hepburn and I will definitely be recommending this one.
Best friends Sadie and Cat have both recently been through a significantly bad time in their lives and are about to embark on a new adventure together opening their own biscuit shop Smart Cookies located in the idyllic setting in Castle Court in Chester.
The storyline is full of ups and downs as challenges in both business and the women’s personal lives are sent to try test them. I take my hat off to them both as the amount of problems they both faced would make me crumble but having each other as well as the community support from the other shop owners of Castle Court sure helped the women in their times of need.
I instantly warmed to both Cat and Sadie as our main characters and I was routing for them and their business to thrive. I loved the supporting characters in this book too they really helped to shape the storyline from the sweet but strong minded little Lissy and her lover of dinosaurs to the friendly and supportive Earl and Andrew and not forgetting the loveable Adam and Jaren.
I loved watching the business grow and my mouth watered from the descriptions of the delights on offer not just in Smart Cookies but also from the other businesses from the Dutch pancakes to the chocolate delights.
The author has clearly done her research for this book not just for the biscuit making but also for the facts on Adams bees. Holly Hepburn has created such a sweet and addictive storyline that touches on some delicate issues and then wraps us up in friendship and romance. The writing style is so easy to follow and she creates such an energetic buzz to the storyline and manages to describe things so vividly I almost felt as though I was there at Castle Court surrounded by the old buildings.
I absolutely loved this book and I am pleased that my last book of the year was one of the best. I can’t wait to read more books by Holly Hepburn and I will definitely be recommending this one.
July 8, 2019
What a warm and welcoming read, right from the very start I felt like I’d known Sadie and Cat for years and was just as nervously excited as they were about their new biscuit venture. As for Castle Court, I couldn’t wait to find out more about the charming little shopping haven and its occupants - I had a feeling that it held a lot of interesting stories!
The characters lives changed in many ways as the seasons passed and I must confess I didn’t always agree with some of the decisions being made. The lovely style of writing and clear descriptions meant that I could visualise each scene easily and imagine I was right there in Castle Court. If only I was able to taste some of the delicious treats on offer!
To begin with I thought the romantic side of the storyline might be a little too fast-paced for my liking but I was wrong, there were plenty of complications and obstacles to hold my interest along the way.
Favourite Moments:
* A Christmas surprise
* An awkward icing evening
* Celebrating Cherie
* “Mummy says tears wash the sadness away so that happiness can grow again”
* Dinosaur bridesmaid
A delightful read full of warm characters and tasty treats - I had biscuits on my brain the entire time I was reading!
The characters lives changed in many ways as the seasons passed and I must confess I didn’t always agree with some of the decisions being made. The lovely style of writing and clear descriptions meant that I could visualise each scene easily and imagine I was right there in Castle Court. If only I was able to taste some of the delicious treats on offer!
To begin with I thought the romantic side of the storyline might be a little too fast-paced for my liking but I was wrong, there were plenty of complications and obstacles to hold my interest along the way.
Favourite Moments:
* A Christmas surprise
* An awkward icing evening
* Celebrating Cherie
* “Mummy says tears wash the sadness away so that happiness can grow again”
* Dinosaur bridesmaid
A delightful read full of warm characters and tasty treats - I had biscuits on my brain the entire time I was reading!
September 1, 2021
It's a year in a secluded shopping street in Chester, just off The Rows and filled with the sort of shops you could spend hours smooching in: a cookie shop, a chocolatier, a patisserie and several food outlets.
I enjoyed the fact that the book was so convincingly set in Chester and the surrounding villages that I spent a small amount of time when I first started it checking that Waverton actually existed (because I knew Christleton did already). It does, happily.
Castle Court itself, however, does not. Which is a real shame, because I really did want to visit it. There is a street in the exact location, above the Old Boot pub, but on Google Street view it's not exactly how I pictured it. No cookie shop, or pancake shop. Never mind.
For the time that you read the book, Castle Court does exist: you will enjoy the friendship of Cat and Sadie as they establish a business from scratch and the ups and downs personally and business-wise that they go through. It was a fun read, a year in a book, and has made me nostalgic for afternoon strolls in Chester and ice cream by the river. I've pencilled in a visit as soon as I get a free weekend.
I enjoyed the fact that the book was so convincingly set in Chester and the surrounding villages that I spent a small amount of time when I first started it checking that Waverton actually existed (because I knew Christleton did already). It does, happily.
Castle Court itself, however, does not. Which is a real shame, because I really did want to visit it. There is a street in the exact location, above the Old Boot pub, but on Google Street view it's not exactly how I pictured it. No cookie shop, or pancake shop. Never mind.
For the time that you read the book, Castle Court does exist: you will enjoy the friendship of Cat and Sadie as they establish a business from scratch and the ups and downs personally and business-wise that they go through. It was a fun read, a year in a book, and has made me nostalgic for afternoon strolls in Chester and ice cream by the river. I've pencilled in a visit as soon as I get a free weekend.
November 30, 2019
This was the perfect book for dipping in and out of for half an hour or so each evening to follow Sadie and Cat while they grew their business, resolved their personal issues and hopefully found love. While a lighter read, it did cover realistic topics such as workplace harassment and coping as working single parent. Ultimately though, it was essentially a romance and nothing wrong with that. Some of the male characters were as delectable as the biscuits being concocted by the two 'Smart Cookies' and some were a bit burnt around the edges. It was a fulfilling read on all levels and I enjoyed it - friendship, romance and beautiful iced biscuits - what's not to like?
February 26, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎧 6H 11M
Another solid 5 ⭐ from Holly Hepburn! This time it's two times more fun to listen to 'cause there are two lovely FMCs hence two love stories! And I also have 2 characters I hate 😂🤭 this one was a really fast listen for me, I'll be rereading on paperback so I can highlight and annotate hehe.
Also, I am now craving from those Dutch pancakes 🤤
🎧 6H 11M
Another solid 5 ⭐ from Holly Hepburn! This time it's two times more fun to listen to 'cause there are two lovely FMCs hence two love stories! And I also have 2 characters I hate 😂🤭 this one was a really fast listen for me, I'll be rereading on paperback so I can highlight and annotate hehe.
Also, I am now craving from those Dutch pancakes 🤤
January 7, 2019
I absolutely love this author. Yet another great read :)
January 13, 2019
Another really good read from Holly Hepburn. I loved the twists and turns in the plot and could imagine being at the Court and being in the biscuit shop too.
October 26, 2021
Adoré!
Belle lecture qui se passe dans une
Boutique de biscuits avec deux amies attachantes !
Belle lecture qui se passe dans une
Boutique de biscuits avec deux amies attachantes !
November 30, 2021
Oh qu'elle était chouette cette romance ! Je me suis régalée à suivre Cat et Sadie, même si parfois les événements étaient un poil gros. Une jolie découverte que je suis ravie d'avoir faite !
July 30, 2021
Loved it and it lived up to my expectations. It was cheery hearty and fun. I loved the characters. It was a happy book to read and it made me smile. Well done Holly Hepburn.
October 4, 2020
Ein bisschen langfädig
March 27, 2021
Ein Buch wie eine warme Decke an einem kalten Tag.
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