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The Cotswolds Christmas Cafe: A BRAND-NEW utterly adorable cozy festive romance that will melt your heart this Christmas!
'So homely, cosy and heart-warming, it's like a big warm blanket hug! . . . Go grab a hot chocolate and slip into the festive vibe as you meet the inhabitants of Babblebrook.' Reader review, 5 stars
The Cotswolds village of Babblebrook is filled with the scent of hot chocolate and gingerbread this Christmas. Could love be in the air, too . . . ?
After leaving her cheating husband, Marnie needs a fresh start. With her thirteen-year-old daughter, Lauren, she moves back to her childhood village, Babblebrook. But her new neighbour, Andrew, might just be the rudest man Marnie has ever met. So why she can't stop thinking about him . . . ?
Marnie throws herself into local the bakery, making mince pies and spiced buns to help her old friends Pat and Matt. She spends her days dreaming of turning the bakery into a cozy café that will be the heart of the village, and finds herself unexpectedly drawn to gruff Andrew and his kind, reliable nature.
But when some unexpected visitors arrive in Babblebrook, Marnie is confronted with a choice - stick to what she knows, and the person she's always been, or start putting herself first.
Marnie has spent her whole life taking care of everyone else. Is she ready to fight for her café dream, and admit that all she wants for Christmas is Andrew?
A gorgeous cozy winter romance to lose yourself in this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Sue Moorcroft, Sarah Morgan, Donna Ashworth and Lucy Coleman - snuggle up by the fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and enjoy this heartwarming debut Christmas romance!
Readers are already falling in love with Marnie's Christmas new beginning!
'This was pure heart and soul goodness . . . fizzy feelings and gooey moments of pure joy . . . This book was one of my best of the year. I inhaled it!' Reader review, 5 stars
'Perfect perfect perfect! . . . like a big warm blanket hug! . . . I loved getting to know the town and the story was a true beaut. I can't wait for more!' Reader review, 5 stars
'I loved this book!! . . . The story of Marnie resonated with me personally as a divorced woman who put herself last her whole life, it was so satisfying reading about how she finally saw her worth and her chance to shine.' Reader review, 5 stars
'Babblebrook is the place to be at Christmas . . . A sweet Christmas tale that kept me entertained throughout.' Reader review, 5 stars
'I felt warm inside and out with this book. It is a warm and inviting plot.' Reader review, 5 stars
'If you are looking for the perfect winter/Christmas cozy book, this is the one for you . . .This book has everything I want in a cozy, with the magic of Christmas sprinkled in.' Reader review, 5 stars
'A sweet, festive read which really warms the heart. I really wanted to go to this cafe with all the lovely food. The characters were so sweet that I just couldn't help liking them. A perfect read for autumn.' Reader review, 5 stars
The Cotswolds village of Babblebrook is filled with the scent of hot chocolate and gingerbread this Christmas. Could love be in the air, too . . . ?
After leaving her cheating husband, Marnie needs a fresh start. With her thirteen-year-old daughter, Lauren, she moves back to her childhood village, Babblebrook. But her new neighbour, Andrew, might just be the rudest man Marnie has ever met. So why she can't stop thinking about him . . . ?
Marnie throws herself into local the bakery, making mince pies and spiced buns to help her old friends Pat and Matt. She spends her days dreaming of turning the bakery into a cozy café that will be the heart of the village, and finds herself unexpectedly drawn to gruff Andrew and his kind, reliable nature.
But when some unexpected visitors arrive in Babblebrook, Marnie is confronted with a choice - stick to what she knows, and the person she's always been, or start putting herself first.
Marnie has spent her whole life taking care of everyone else. Is she ready to fight for her café dream, and admit that all she wants for Christmas is Andrew?
A gorgeous cozy winter romance to lose yourself in this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Sue Moorcroft, Sarah Morgan, Donna Ashworth and Lucy Coleman - snuggle up by the fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and enjoy this heartwarming debut Christmas romance!
Readers are already falling in love with Marnie's Christmas new beginning!
'This was pure heart and soul goodness . . . fizzy feelings and gooey moments of pure joy . . . This book was one of my best of the year. I inhaled it!' Reader review, 5 stars
'Perfect perfect perfect! . . . like a big warm blanket hug! . . . I loved getting to know the town and the story was a true beaut. I can't wait for more!' Reader review, 5 stars
'I loved this book!! . . . The story of Marnie resonated with me personally as a divorced woman who put herself last her whole life, it was so satisfying reading about how she finally saw her worth and her chance to shine.' Reader review, 5 stars
'Babblebrook is the place to be at Christmas . . . A sweet Christmas tale that kept me entertained throughout.' Reader review, 5 stars
'I felt warm inside and out with this book. It is a warm and inviting plot.' Reader review, 5 stars
'If you are looking for the perfect winter/Christmas cozy book, this is the one for you . . .This book has everything I want in a cozy, with the magic of Christmas sprinkled in.' Reader review, 5 stars
'A sweet, festive read which really warms the heart. I really wanted to go to this cafe with all the lovely food. The characters were so sweet that I just couldn't help liking them. A perfect read for autumn.' Reader review, 5 stars
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
64 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 23, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Cotswolds Christmas Cafe, by Lizzie Lee, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Marnie moves back home with her daughter, Lauren after leaving her cheating spouse. This was acute story about starting over and finding yourself again.
October 4, 2025
A lovely heartwarming story not very festive but, just enough to be enjoyable. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2025
I enjoyed this immensely! The characters were interesting and had depth which is always appealing to me. I loved how festive the entire book felt. It's certainly gotten me into the Christmas spirit and it isn't even Halloween yet!
I loved that the romance wasn't the central plot point. It was lovely and felt realistic. Hot, grumpy Andrew was the perfect love interest. I can understand why Marnie couldn't stop thinking about him and those blue eyes!
The setting, it goes without saying, was the perfect cozy Christmas spot for this warm hug of a novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved that the romance wasn't the central plot point. It was lovely and felt realistic. Hot, grumpy Andrew was the perfect love interest. I can understand why Marnie couldn't stop thinking about him and those blue eyes!
The setting, it goes without saying, was the perfect cozy Christmas spot for this warm hug of a novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 3, 2025
If you’re craving a guaranteed heart warming read this festive season, stop right here, you need The Cotswolds Christmas Café!
This book is pure comfort, I'd say it’s the literary equivalent of a huge, chunky knit blanket, a roaring fire, & the perfect cup of hot chocolate. I was literally wrapped in warmth & lost in words reading this!
I absolutely adored the setting & want to move to Babblebrook! If you love stories about second chances, village charm, & the feeling that anything is possible under twinkling fairy lights, grab this one immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is pure comfort, I'd say it’s the literary equivalent of a huge, chunky knit blanket, a roaring fire, & the perfect cup of hot chocolate. I was literally wrapped in warmth & lost in words reading this!
I absolutely adored the setting & want to move to Babblebrook! If you love stories about second chances, village charm, & the feeling that anything is possible under twinkling fairy lights, grab this one immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 27, 2025
Perfect perfect perfect! This is everything you want in a cosy Christmas romance.
I truly love books like these and they’re my absolute favourite to read. They’re so homely, cosy and heart-warming, it’s like a big warm blanket hug! And this one delivered! Go grab a hot chocolate and slip into the festive vibe as you meet the inhabitants of Babblebrook with Marnie and her daughter Lily.
They find themselves moving back to Babblebrook after Marnie’s marriage breaks down and the two must find their new rhythms within the small quaint town. Next door, they’re met with a rather short-tempered neighbour but will Andrew thaw and warm to his new neighbours?
This was such a fab book and really festive too. I may be reading this a bit early (it’s September but honestly, the nights are getting colder, there’s a nip in the air and they’re selling Christmas decorations on the high street so is it really too early?! I think not. Christmas books are the best - fight me). I loved getting to know the town and the story was a true beaut. I can’t wait for more!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I truly love books like these and they’re my absolute favourite to read. They’re so homely, cosy and heart-warming, it’s like a big warm blanket hug! And this one delivered! Go grab a hot chocolate and slip into the festive vibe as you meet the inhabitants of Babblebrook with Marnie and her daughter Lily.
They find themselves moving back to Babblebrook after Marnie’s marriage breaks down and the two must find their new rhythms within the small quaint town. Next door, they’re met with a rather short-tempered neighbour but will Andrew thaw and warm to his new neighbours?
This was such a fab book and really festive too. I may be reading this a bit early (it’s September but honestly, the nights are getting colder, there’s a nip in the air and they’re selling Christmas decorations on the high street so is it really too early?! I think not. Christmas books are the best - fight me). I loved getting to know the town and the story was a true beaut. I can’t wait for more!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
October 10, 2025
This book is like stepping into a snow-dusted village where the scent of gingerbread lingers in the air and second chances are served with a side of spiced buns. Lizzie Lee’s debut is impossibly cozy, full of heart, and wrapped in the kind of festive magic that makes you want to light a candle and settle in.
Marnie’s journey—from heartbreak to hope—is tender and relatable, especially as she returns to Babblebrook with her daughter and dreams of turning a humble bakery into the beating heart of the village. The romance with gruff-but-golden Andrew is slow-burning and sweet, with just the right amount of spark to warm a winter’s night.
There’s something so comforting about the way Lee writes community—old friends, new beginnings, and the gentle reminder that sometimes the best gifts aren’t wrapped in ribbon, but in kindness, courage, and a little flour dust.
Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Sarah Morgan, this is a story to curl up with when the world feels a bit too fast. It’s festive, feel-good, and full of charm.
Thank you to Lizzie Lee, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Marnie’s journey—from heartbreak to hope—is tender and relatable, especially as she returns to Babblebrook with her daughter and dreams of turning a humble bakery into the beating heart of the village. The romance with gruff-but-golden Andrew is slow-burning and sweet, with just the right amount of spark to warm a winter’s night.
There’s something so comforting about the way Lee writes community—old friends, new beginnings, and the gentle reminder that sometimes the best gifts aren’t wrapped in ribbon, but in kindness, courage, and a little flour dust.
Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Sarah Morgan, this is a story to curl up with when the world feels a bit too fast. It’s festive, feel-good, and full of charm.
Thank you to Lizzie Lee, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 27, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the chance to read this ARC.
This book follows Marnie and her daughter, Lauren, as they navigate their new life post divorce. Marnie moves them into a cottage that her mother owns in a small village she stayed in most as a child. Marnie's mother was a bit wild, and never liked to stay in one place for too long, leaving her daughter craving structure.
Marnie and her neighbor, Andrew get off on the wrong foot, but there is a spark there. Andrew is still grieving the loss of his wife, and still lives in the anger stage at times. It's a will they, won't they situation on if they are going to give it a shot together.
One thing I really didn't like about this book was the amount of times people call Marnie an idiot/stupid/dumb etc. Those closest to her call her those names more than once, and it doesn't fit the vibe of what those characters are supposed to be like. Is Marnie flighty at times? Yes. Is she dumb? No.
I had high hopes of loving this one, but it ended up being just okay. It's not one I would reach for again, sadly.
3/5
This book follows Marnie and her daughter, Lauren, as they navigate their new life post divorce. Marnie moves them into a cottage that her mother owns in a small village she stayed in most as a child. Marnie's mother was a bit wild, and never liked to stay in one place for too long, leaving her daughter craving structure.
Marnie and her neighbor, Andrew get off on the wrong foot, but there is a spark there. Andrew is still grieving the loss of his wife, and still lives in the anger stage at times. It's a will they, won't they situation on if they are going to give it a shot together.
One thing I really didn't like about this book was the amount of times people call Marnie an idiot/stupid/dumb etc. Those closest to her call her those names more than once, and it doesn't fit the vibe of what those characters are supposed to be like. Is Marnie flighty at times? Yes. Is she dumb? No.
I had high hopes of loving this one, but it ended up being just okay. It's not one I would reach for again, sadly.
3/5
November 10, 2025
This is a festive, warm hearted story of a woman starting her life again and finding happiness.
Marnie has to start her life again in a new place with a teenage daughter in tow after divorce and she moves to her mum’s cottage in her childhood village in Babblebrook. Things seem bleak, especially with a grumpy neighbour.
However, as she starts to help out friends with baking and starts to put herself first for a change she starts to dream of starting a bakery and falling for the grumpy neighbour.
So refreshing to read a romance of a woman my own age who faces divorce and teen parenting and finds happiness again. This had just the right amount of festive warmth, lovable characters and a believable romance. Beautifully written with emotional depth and a setting which almost felt like another character. Nothing cheesy or cliche, just fantastic writing and a wonderful main character that you root for all the way through.
This book gave me all the feels with the right amount of festive magic and romance. Loved it.
Marnie has to start her life again in a new place with a teenage daughter in tow after divorce and she moves to her mum’s cottage in her childhood village in Babblebrook. Things seem bleak, especially with a grumpy neighbour.
However, as she starts to help out friends with baking and starts to put herself first for a change she starts to dream of starting a bakery and falling for the grumpy neighbour.
So refreshing to read a romance of a woman my own age who faces divorce and teen parenting and finds happiness again. This had just the right amount of festive warmth, lovable characters and a believable romance. Beautifully written with emotional depth and a setting which almost felt like another character. Nothing cheesy or cliche, just fantastic writing and a wonderful main character that you root for all the way through.
This book gave me all the feels with the right amount of festive magic and romance. Loved it.
October 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
The Cotswolds Christmas Café starts off a little slow but quickly picks up the pace and turns into such a cozy, feel-good read. Marnie leaves her husband Ian and returns to her hometown with her daughter Lauren, who’s less than thrilled to leave the city and her friends behind. Their grumpy neighbor Andrew (and his sweet dog Rosie) soon become part of their lives — Rosie especially, since she can’t resist Marnie’s baking and keeps wandering over! The local bakery, run by Matt and Pat, adds even more warmth to the story, though business isn’t exactly booming. I loved the small-town charm, the themes of fresh starts, and the gentle holiday spirit running through it all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — such a heartwarming Christmas story!
The Cotswolds Christmas Café starts off a little slow but quickly picks up the pace and turns into such a cozy, feel-good read. Marnie leaves her husband Ian and returns to her hometown with her daughter Lauren, who’s less than thrilled to leave the city and her friends behind. Their grumpy neighbor Andrew (and his sweet dog Rosie) soon become part of their lives — Rosie especially, since she can’t resist Marnie’s baking and keeps wandering over! The local bakery, run by Matt and Pat, adds even more warmth to the story, though business isn’t exactly booming. I loved the small-town charm, the themes of fresh starts, and the gentle holiday spirit running through it all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — such a heartwarming Christmas story!
December 8, 2025
3.5/5 stars
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC of this novel.
There were many things I loved about the book. The Christmas vibes were fantastic and it gave me all the warm cosy feels while reading it. I also loved the side characters and cute little town that was in the book and of course Rosie the dog.
I did feel like I wanted more about the cafe and more chemistry between the two main characters. I just felt like I didn’t root for them enough. I could have used more scenes at the cafe. It gave me all the warm cosy vibes.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend for a cute Christmas story.
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC of this novel.
There were many things I loved about the book. The Christmas vibes were fantastic and it gave me all the warm cosy feels while reading it. I also loved the side characters and cute little town that was in the book and of course Rosie the dog.
I did feel like I wanted more about the cafe and more chemistry between the two main characters. I just felt like I didn’t root for them enough. I could have used more scenes at the cafe. It gave me all the warm cosy vibes.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend for a cute Christmas story.
November 12, 2025
This was such a delightful, feel-good Christmas read! Lizzie Lee brings all the cozy Cotswold magic to life — I could almost smell the gingerbread and hear the carols as I read. The setting, the characters, and the festive details blend together beautifully to create the kind of story that makes you want to pour a cup of hot chocolate and stay up late reading.
A lovely debut full of warmth, charm, and hope — ideal for anyone who loves small-village stories, second chances, and that classic British Christmas atmosphere.
A lovely debut full of warmth, charm, and hope — ideal for anyone who loves small-village stories, second chances, and that classic British Christmas atmosphere.
October 12, 2025
A lovely romance about a newly divorced woman who moves to a small village looking to start over in a place she spent time growing up. She meets a grieving widower still dealing with his grief and the repercussions of the anger it once brought out. A great story, relatable characters. I enjoyed the cozy read.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
October 12, 2025
This was a lovey cozy festive read.
I loved reading about Marnie, how she was learning to live again after her divorce and moving back to her kid hood home.
All the characters were great, so sweet and just all round lovely.
I do wish we got to see a bit more of Marnie and Andrew’s relationship as well as a further afield epilogue.
I will definitely be reading more books by Lizzie Lee!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Lizzie Lee for letting me read this ARC💛
I loved reading about Marnie, how she was learning to live again after her divorce and moving back to her kid hood home.
All the characters were great, so sweet and just all round lovely.
I do wish we got to see a bit more of Marnie and Andrew’s relationship as well as a further afield epilogue.
I will definitely be reading more books by Lizzie Lee!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Lizzie Lee for letting me read this ARC💛
October 25, 2025
I loved this delightful visit to a village in the Cotswolds to spend time with Marnie and Lauren. Their acceptance into the village was so sweet and their growth was meaningful. The relationships between family, old friends and new ones were wonderful to read and enjoy the progress. I must admit that I have read many books about the Cotswolds and think I would love it there. I read this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2025
A cosy Christmas read.
I'm all for a good heartwarming festive book this time of year and this was exactly that.
I probably would have given it 4 stars but one of the less likeable characters doing a complete 180 with their personality was a bit too much for me. It just seemed too unbelievable.
I'm all for a good heartwarming festive book this time of year and this was exactly that.
I probably would have given it 4 stars but one of the less likeable characters doing a complete 180 with their personality was a bit too much for me. It just seemed too unbelievable.
October 27, 2025
I received this ARC from Netgalley.
What a sweet story. I enjoyed the characters and the various relationships. The Christmas theme wasn't over the top, which was nice.
What a sweet story. I enjoyed the characters and the various relationships. The Christmas theme wasn't over the top, which was nice.
December 13, 2025
Such a lovely story
I really enjoyed reading this book, Marnie and her daughter Lauren started a new life. This was a lovely cost romance.
I really enjoyed reading this book, Marnie and her daughter Lauren started a new life. This was a lovely cost romance.
December 26, 2025
Very good story
I really enjoyed this book. It was so good. I recommend it to my friends. I give it 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. It was so good. I recommend it to my friends. I give it 5 stars.
December 27, 2025
really good read
Lovely Christmas story you connect with the characters and want to carry on reading to find out what happens next
Lovely Christmas story you connect with the characters and want to carry on reading to find out what happens next
December 14, 2025
This book was very cute. Not saccharine sweet but still adorable and the characters had depth and real life issues going on. I really enjoyed the little town and wanted to live there myself! There’s not an overwhelming amount of Christmas so it doesn’t feel like a Hallmark movie if you’re like me and aren’t into that. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a very clean romance (I’m not a prude I promise, I just don’t like spice)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews