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Little Duck Pond Cafe #45
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble
When Gertie buys a run-down house 'by accident', she considers it the latest fail in a series of disasters! Her job at the Little Duck Pond Café and the friends she's made there are a big comfort – especially as temporary boss Alice seems to be going out of her way to make her life difficult. But then Gertie meets the handsome Rafe – and her life takes a turn she definitely wasn't expecting . . .
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 17, 2026
I've enjoyed reading about Gertie, how she gets over a bad relationship, helped by her job at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, her co-workers and a new unexpected love interest.
I liked Gertie, she is funny and strong, and she doesn't let anyone to tell her what to do and to undermine her self confidence anymore.
Rosie Green wrote a new novel in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series with her usual good and easy to read writing, that made me feel emotional and curious.
I've read Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble in one sitting because it's always a pleasure to be back to the little village of Sunnybrook.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
May 10, 2026
What can I say that I haven't already said about a Rosie Green Book? They are always my little slice of happiness, and I always read them far too quickly.
In this book, we have some darker scenes that are handled sensitively. However, like most books, you can see what's going to happen before the character does. I kind of guessed where it was going, and it actually made me upset with one of the characters and how they behaved, because I really didn't want it to be true.
Alice was definitely an interesting addition to the team. Very spiky, not friendly.
Gertie, though, I just loved how she saw the best in people. She wants everyone to be friendly, good, nice, and kind, and I kind of felt sad that innocence had been taken away from her when she saw the true side of other people.
Jonah is also definitely a great addition, really funny, and I was interested in his last case about Mrs A and the mannequin. I am beginning to wonder if she is a character from the series that we might already know.
As I say, I love Rosie's books. They're still so good, and this is book 45 and we're still going strong. This is just my absolute joy to read a new Rosie Green book, and I just can't wait for the next one.
In this book, we have some darker scenes that are handled sensitively. However, like most books, you can see what's going to happen before the character does. I kind of guessed where it was going, and it actually made me upset with one of the characters and how they behaved, because I really didn't want it to be true.
Alice was definitely an interesting addition to the team. Very spiky, not friendly.
Gertie, though, I just loved how she saw the best in people. She wants everyone to be friendly, good, nice, and kind, and I kind of felt sad that innocence had been taken away from her when she saw the true side of other people.
Jonah is also definitely a great addition, really funny, and I was interested in his last case about Mrs A and the mannequin. I am beginning to wonder if she is a character from the series that we might already know.
As I say, I love Rosie's books. They're still so good, and this is book 45 and we're still going strong. This is just my absolute joy to read a new Rosie Green book, and I just can't wait for the next one.
May 17, 2026
Thank you so much to @rachelsrandomresources for having me on this book tour.
I love this series its such an easy one to dip in and out of.
In this one ellie is taking time away from the little duck cafe to spend time with her family and she has hired alice to run the cafe as she came highly recommended but the staff dont find her very nice at all and find her bossy and rude. Gertie was getting over splitting up with her ex boyfriend and buying a house that was not quite the cosy cottage she imagined. She meets rafe by chance when she goes to his shop to return an item and she thinks she has finally found a romantic guy but is he all he seems.
I really liked this story and did feel very sorry for gertie and i didnt like alice to start with but as her story unfolds you realise there is a lot she has been hiding. Can not wait for the next book. Will be sad when this series ends.
I love this series its such an easy one to dip in and out of.
In this one ellie is taking time away from the little duck cafe to spend time with her family and she has hired alice to run the cafe as she came highly recommended but the staff dont find her very nice at all and find her bossy and rude. Gertie was getting over splitting up with her ex boyfriend and buying a house that was not quite the cosy cottage she imagined. She meets rafe by chance when she goes to his shop to return an item and she thinks she has finally found a romantic guy but is he all he seems.
I really liked this story and did feel very sorry for gertie and i didnt like alice to start with but as her story unfolds you realise there is a lot she has been hiding. Can not wait for the next book. Will be sad when this series ends.
May 18, 2026
Forty-five books down the line and everything about this series is still as fresh and enjoyable as it was back when I first read Spring at the Little Duck Pond Café.
It feels like an age since we've had a book that takes place in the café so it was a welcome return, and a great chance to catch up with the familiar faces we've all grown to love.
Sunnybrook was as charming as ever. And will forever remain my No.1 bookish place that I'm desperate to visit!
A comforting and warm read.
It feels like an age since we've had a book that takes place in the café so it was a welcome return, and a great chance to catch up with the familiar faces we've all grown to love.
Sunnybrook was as charming as ever. And will forever remain my No.1 bookish place that I'm desperate to visit!
A comforting and warm read.
May 21, 2026
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Rumours, Romance And Rhubarb Crumble' by Rosie Green.
This book is the 45th book in Rosie's 'Little Duck Pond Café' series but each book in this beautiful series can be read as a standalone.
HOW DO YOU KEEP COMING UP WITH SUCH STUNNING, UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE STORIES AND CHARACTERS ROSIE???? HOWEVER YOU DO IT, KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE AS I HAVE LOVED EACH AND EVERY SINGLE BEAUTY IN THIS SERIES!!
'Rumours, Romance And Rhubarb Crumble' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Rosie discusses/includes dementia, gaslighting, Alzheimer's, threats and domestic abuse (off page). Rosie includes these difficult themes in this book and they are discussed in length although in as sensitive manner as possible.
This book is yet another absolutely gorgeous addition to the stunning 'Little Duck Pond Café' series. I have absolutely loved every single book that I have read in this gorgeous series and this beauty is definitely no exception!! This gorgeous series tells us the stories of the different people who come to and live in Sunnybrook and I love getting to know each and every one of them!!! Grab your copy of this stunning page turner yourself and I promise that you will not regret it. If you have never read any other books by this amazing author before now I can guarantee you will also add a new favourite author to your list!!! With a stunning storyline filled with emotional turmoil, heartache, love, stalking, gaslighting, heartache, stunning desserts, moving on, action, drama, romance, second chances, mystery, friendship, secrets, community, lies, dementia, fundraising, bliss, twists and turns, loss, second chances and so, so much more you could not ask for a better book to turn a frown upside down so what are you waiting for? I genuinely have loved each book that I have read in this beautiful series and I cannot wait to go back and devour all the ones that I have missed. I just could not put this absolutely gorgeous book down as each and every time I was meant to be doing something other than reading something happened where I just had to read the famous "one more chapter", which as we all know when it comes to a book this good it just does not exist. Therefore, just a couple of hours after I had picked it up I had completely devoured the whole book in one sitting. To be fair, with it being more of a novella at just 228 it would have been rude not to! I am not usually a fan of reading books out of order but if you have never read any of Rosie's books before and start with this one, and nobody could you blame you with its stunning cover and brilliant synopsis, there is nothing to fear!! You can start with this one and the silver lining of reading books out of order is that after you have finished this book (and got addicted which I can guarantee you will!) you can go back to read the previous books in the series while you are impatiently waiting for the next book to be released!!! Speaking of which, the next book in this series is called 'A Cornish Escape ' and you can pre-order it NOW ready for its release date on the 30th May which cannot come soon enough! Make sure you return on the 20th June to check out my review for it! These books are the absolutely brilliant and rare type that it really does not matter if you are curled up under a blanket next to a fire with a hot chocolate or sprawled on a beach catching the sun as Rosie's stunning evocative descriptions will pick you up and whisk you off to Sunnybrook at the turn of a page where, in this case, you will get to know more about the new manager at The Little Duck Café whom nobody is fond of, meet Gertie's new romance and long for several scrumptious desserts at the 'Puddings And Promises' fundraiser for The Alzheimer's Society!! It really is another gorgeous book in the series and the rest of the books in this series are just guaranteed to be just as stunning!! This book is a fantastic read that I just could not put down!!! A gorgeous, unputdownable storyline that I fell in love with and I can guarantee you will too!!! I cannot wait to meet them all again in the next book!!
Clear your schedules, get comfy and get ready to escape mundane life fall in love with this gorgeous page turner!!!
BOOKS 1- 45 IN THIS SERIES ARE ALL FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? THERE REALLY IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO GRAB THEM ALL NOW! RUN DO NOT WALK!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions and Rosie's gorgeous and evocative writing skills setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for an escape from reality that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Rosie's fantastic evocative writing skills. This is definitely one of those books and series that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter, although there are some emotional and darker themes in this book. The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. Rosie's fantastic and evocative writing skills makes you feel the same as the characters were. I love meeting the same faces along with new ones each and every time I pick up a book in this gorgeous series and finding out new things about the characters!! Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group of people that I wont be forgetting any time soon and cannot wait to meet time and time again!! I absolutely loved meeting many of the amazing characters from Sunnybrook again who have very quickly become to feel like friends that I enjoy meeting again and again and miss every time I come to the end of the book. The majority of them are absolutely amazing characters, each with their own strong and unique personalities, all well developed and the majority I absolutely love!! Grab your copy and get ready to discover Gertie and Ellie's stories and much more today.
Congratulations Rosie on yet another absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! Another gorgeous book in this stunning series!! I cannot wait to read more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with promises, cakes, heartache, friendship, fundraising and so much more!!
#RumoursRomanceAndRhubardCrumble #LittleDuckPondCafe #RosieGreen #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@RosieGreen @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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Review for 'Rumours, Romance And Rhubarb Crumble' by Rosie Green.
This book is the 45th book in Rosie's 'Little Duck Pond Café' series but each book in this beautiful series can be read as a standalone.
HOW DO YOU KEEP COMING UP WITH SUCH STUNNING, UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE STORIES AND CHARACTERS ROSIE???? HOWEVER YOU DO IT, KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE AS I HAVE LOVED EACH AND EVERY SINGLE BEAUTY IN THIS SERIES!!
'Rumours, Romance And Rhubarb Crumble' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Rosie discusses/includes dementia, gaslighting, Alzheimer's, threats and domestic abuse (off page). Rosie includes these difficult themes in this book and they are discussed in length although in as sensitive manner as possible.
This book is yet another absolutely gorgeous addition to the stunning 'Little Duck Pond Café' series. I have absolutely loved every single book that I have read in this gorgeous series and this beauty is definitely no exception!! This gorgeous series tells us the stories of the different people who come to and live in Sunnybrook and I love getting to know each and every one of them!!! Grab your copy of this stunning page turner yourself and I promise that you will not regret it. If you have never read any other books by this amazing author before now I can guarantee you will also add a new favourite author to your list!!! With a stunning storyline filled with emotional turmoil, heartache, love, stalking, gaslighting, heartache, stunning desserts, moving on, action, drama, romance, second chances, mystery, friendship, secrets, community, lies, dementia, fundraising, bliss, twists and turns, loss, second chances and so, so much more you could not ask for a better book to turn a frown upside down so what are you waiting for? I genuinely have loved each book that I have read in this beautiful series and I cannot wait to go back and devour all the ones that I have missed. I just could not put this absolutely gorgeous book down as each and every time I was meant to be doing something other than reading something happened where I just had to read the famous "one more chapter", which as we all know when it comes to a book this good it just does not exist. Therefore, just a couple of hours after I had picked it up I had completely devoured the whole book in one sitting. To be fair, with it being more of a novella at just 228 it would have been rude not to! I am not usually a fan of reading books out of order but if you have never read any of Rosie's books before and start with this one, and nobody could you blame you with its stunning cover and brilliant synopsis, there is nothing to fear!! You can start with this one and the silver lining of reading books out of order is that after you have finished this book (and got addicted which I can guarantee you will!) you can go back to read the previous books in the series while you are impatiently waiting for the next book to be released!!! Speaking of which, the next book in this series is called 'A Cornish Escape ' and you can pre-order it NOW ready for its release date on the 30th May which cannot come soon enough! Make sure you return on the 20th June to check out my review for it! These books are the absolutely brilliant and rare type that it really does not matter if you are curled up under a blanket next to a fire with a hot chocolate or sprawled on a beach catching the sun as Rosie's stunning evocative descriptions will pick you up and whisk you off to Sunnybrook at the turn of a page where, in this case, you will get to know more about the new manager at The Little Duck Café whom nobody is fond of, meet Gertie's new romance and long for several scrumptious desserts at the 'Puddings And Promises' fundraiser for The Alzheimer's Society!! It really is another gorgeous book in the series and the rest of the books in this series are just guaranteed to be just as stunning!! This book is a fantastic read that I just could not put down!!! A gorgeous, unputdownable storyline that I fell in love with and I can guarantee you will too!!! I cannot wait to meet them all again in the next book!!
Clear your schedules, get comfy and get ready to escape mundane life fall in love with this gorgeous page turner!!!
BOOKS 1- 45 IN THIS SERIES ARE ALL FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? THERE REALLY IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO GRAB THEM ALL NOW! RUN DO NOT WALK!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions and Rosie's gorgeous and evocative writing skills setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. The title, description and cover works perfectly with the storyline. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for an escape from reality that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Rosie's fantastic evocative writing skills. This is definitely one of those books and series that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter, although there are some emotional and darker themes in this book. The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. Rosie's fantastic and evocative writing skills makes you feel the same as the characters were. I love meeting the same faces along with new ones each and every time I pick up a book in this gorgeous series and finding out new things about the characters!! Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group of people that I wont be forgetting any time soon and cannot wait to meet time and time again!! I absolutely loved meeting many of the amazing characters from Sunnybrook again who have very quickly become to feel like friends that I enjoy meeting again and again and miss every time I come to the end of the book. The majority of them are absolutely amazing characters, each with their own strong and unique personalities, all well developed and the majority I absolutely love!! Grab your copy and get ready to discover Gertie and Ellie's stories and much more today.
Congratulations Rosie on yet another absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! Another gorgeous book in this stunning series!! I cannot wait to read more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with promises, cakes, heartache, friendship, fundraising and so much more!!
#RumoursRomanceAndRhubardCrumble #LittleDuckPondCafe #RosieGreen #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources
@RosieGreen @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources
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April 22, 2026
Have I mentioned recently how much I love this series, so seeing us return to the Duck Pond Cafe itself was a really nice bonus. With Ellie, Katja and Maddy all featuring in this story, there is plenty for long running fans of the series to smile about.
Equally with most of the book featuring Gertie as the main character, even if you are new to the series, you get a new leading lady to root for!
in fact Gertie isn't the only new person working in the cafe. Ellie has decided to take a step back for a few months to focus on her family, and has hired Alice as a manager instead. And wow what a difference in management styles they have.
It's initially very hard to warm to Alice, but Maddy's digs at her, and reactions (or overreactions) are immensely amusing.
And Gertie has met someone who appears to be the most perfect man for her, Then there is also her new neighbour is acting rather oddly, and keeps popping up frequently wherever she is.
There is a lot of humour in this story, including the tale of how Gertie came to buy the house she is currently living in! But equally there are more serious threads to it too, and the narrative takes us in unexpected directions.
I do love it when an author can continually surprise you, and I'm loving Gertie, and delighted to see that she will be key in the next book too. And I devoured this over a few short hours, unable to put it down for the majority of the book.
I ran out of new words to describe this author and series about 20 books ago, so at the risk of repeating myself once again, I'll just say this is another wonderful addition to the series, and I'm already eager for more!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Equally with most of the book featuring Gertie as the main character, even if you are new to the series, you get a new leading lady to root for!
in fact Gertie isn't the only new person working in the cafe. Ellie has decided to take a step back for a few months to focus on her family, and has hired Alice as a manager instead. And wow what a difference in management styles they have.
It's initially very hard to warm to Alice, but Maddy's digs at her, and reactions (or overreactions) are immensely amusing.
And Gertie has met someone who appears to be the most perfect man for her, Then there is also her new neighbour is acting rather oddly, and keeps popping up frequently wherever she is.
There is a lot of humour in this story, including the tale of how Gertie came to buy the house she is currently living in! But equally there are more serious threads to it too, and the narrative takes us in unexpected directions.
I do love it when an author can continually surprise you, and I'm loving Gertie, and delighted to see that she will be key in the next book too. And I devoured this over a few short hours, unable to put it down for the majority of the book.
I ran out of new words to describe this author and series about 20 books ago, so at the risk of repeating myself once again, I'll just say this is another wonderful addition to the series, and I'm already eager for more!
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 19, 2026
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is the most recent delicious addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. At this point I may as well be honest. I've read so many of the books in this series that it's become an addiction I'd say. I greatly look forward to each new addition as it's published and love "meeting up with' and having a catch up with many of the same characters each time but I'm still loving meeting the new characters in each book as well.
I open the book and start reading and start smiling because, why not? I love all of the books in the series, and they are a ray of sunshine.
I enjoyed the bit of mystery added in and it is a great addition definitely making it hard to put down as I just had to find out what happened.
I loved Gertie's character; she's had a list of mistakes and not just laugh it off small mistakes. These mistakes have cost her money, like accidently bidding on a house. Now she's stuck with it and the repairs it needs are plenty.
Thank goodness for her job at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and her new boyfriend, the handsome Rafe. He's come along at just the right time, when her previous relationship ends and he's oh so supportive of her needs. Attentiveness and looks, what could go possibly wrong?
If only her temporary boss at the Little Duck Pond Cafe was friendlier and didn't act so strange at times. Things are running pretty well and when some unexpected things start happening, we have a bit of a mystery thrown in and I was all for it.
Loved it and already looking forward to the happenings in the next book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I open the book and start reading and start smiling because, why not? I love all of the books in the series, and they are a ray of sunshine.
I enjoyed the bit of mystery added in and it is a great addition definitely making it hard to put down as I just had to find out what happened.
I loved Gertie's character; she's had a list of mistakes and not just laugh it off small mistakes. These mistakes have cost her money, like accidently bidding on a house. Now she's stuck with it and the repairs it needs are plenty.
Thank goodness for her job at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and her new boyfriend, the handsome Rafe. He's come along at just the right time, when her previous relationship ends and he's oh so supportive of her needs. Attentiveness and looks, what could go possibly wrong?
If only her temporary boss at the Little Duck Pond Cafe was friendlier and didn't act so strange at times. Things are running pretty well and when some unexpected things start happening, we have a bit of a mystery thrown in and I was all for it.
Loved it and already looking forward to the happenings in the next book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 4, 2026
Book 45 in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series and I'm still smitten!! It's always such a treat to return to this series, reconnecting with old favourite characters and also warming to new favourites and that's what we get with this installment as we follow the adventures of Gertie!
Recovering from a broken heart, and an emptied bank account, she finds herself the owner of a house with more wrong with it than right! But she's finding the challenge of creating her dream home a good distraction - and there's also distractions of the male variety not far away too!
And at the cafe we see Alice take over, with a very different way of running things than Ellie so that's causing some grief for the staff and you really wonder what is going on in the background to make people act the way they do.
There's serious matters too with Ellie having to deal with a loved one suffering dementia, and starting up a charity fundraiser to raise much needed funds to help others, so that pulls the community together as is often the theme in this series.
I loved the character interaction and the challenges facing those involved. Ooh and there's recipes again at the end so that's always a bonus with this series as it always makes you crave a sweet treat or 3!! Another wonderful installment showing that often appearances can be very deceptive!! Highly recommend!
Recovering from a broken heart, and an emptied bank account, she finds herself the owner of a house with more wrong with it than right! But she's finding the challenge of creating her dream home a good distraction - and there's also distractions of the male variety not far away too!
And at the cafe we see Alice take over, with a very different way of running things than Ellie so that's causing some grief for the staff and you really wonder what is going on in the background to make people act the way they do.
There's serious matters too with Ellie having to deal with a loved one suffering dementia, and starting up a charity fundraiser to raise much needed funds to help others, so that pulls the community together as is often the theme in this series.
I loved the character interaction and the challenges facing those involved. Ooh and there's recipes again at the end so that's always a bonus with this series as it always makes you crave a sweet treat or 3!! Another wonderful installment showing that often appearances can be very deceptive!! Highly recommend!
April 2, 2026
Poor Gertie is getting over a break-up and has found herself living in a new home which needs a lot of work to say the least. The one saving grace is her work but even that looks set to change with new manager Alice who seems to have it in for her. Her love life seems to be on the up though as she bumps into Rafe who is the opposite of her ex. It did leave me wondering though if somethings are too good to be true.
Along with the blossoming romance, there seems to be some strange things going on. I wasn’t sure how everything would tie in together and it had me worried for Gertie as well as the café. The story covers some serious topics with Ellie trying to raise funds for dementia which I know is something that affects many of our lives, seeing someone we love, mentally fade away. As always, the author handles it sensitively and bringing a bit of humour into it but tastefully done.
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble had my mouth watering and my belly rumbling. The descriptions of the desserts had me craving for something sweet. Along with the romance, there is an air of mystery as to certain characters and the weird things that Gertie uncovers. Things and people are definitely not as they seem and it made for an engrossing read. A comforting and heart warming story!
Along with the blossoming romance, there seems to be some strange things going on. I wasn’t sure how everything would tie in together and it had me worried for Gertie as well as the café. The story covers some serious topics with Ellie trying to raise funds for dementia which I know is something that affects many of our lives, seeing someone we love, mentally fade away. As always, the author handles it sensitively and bringing a bit of humour into it but tastefully done.
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble had my mouth watering and my belly rumbling. The descriptions of the desserts had me craving for something sweet. Along with the romance, there is an air of mystery as to certain characters and the weird things that Gertie uncovers. Things and people are definitely not as they seem and it made for an engrossing read. A comforting and heart warming story!
May 13, 2026
I enjoyed getting to know Gertie in this latest novella in the series and to catch up with some familiar characters who make up the Little Duck Pond community. Not all the workers in the cafe are warm and welcoming at first, however, but you find out that there is more to the temporary Manager than meets the eye. Gertie finds herself living in a cottage in need of a lot of TLC but with a slightly mysterious neighbour.
There is a mystery at the heart of the story which is not obvious at first but slowly, Gertie realises that first impressions are sometimes misleading. She has to learn to make her own decisions and do what she knows is the best for her. I can see that she will be featuring in another episode with a new mystery to unravel which should be fun. This is an enjoyable and warm read, full of friendship and romance.
In short: lovely reading on a summer's day
Thanks to the publisher
There is a mystery at the heart of the story which is not obvious at first but slowly, Gertie realises that first impressions are sometimes misleading. She has to learn to make her own decisions and do what she knows is the best for her. I can see that she will be featuring in another episode with a new mystery to unravel which should be fun. This is an enjoyable and warm read, full of friendship and romance.
In short: lovely reading on a summer's day
Thanks to the publisher
May 14, 2026
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble by Rosie Green
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Gertie buys a run-down house 'by accident', she considers it the latest fail in a series of disasters! Her job at the Little Duck Pond Café and the friends she's made there are a big comfort – especially as temporary boss Alice seems to be going out of her way to make her life difficult. But then Gertie meets the handsome Rafe – and her life takes a turn she definitely wasn't expecting . . .
My Opinion
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is the 45th book in the Little Duck Pond Café series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoy reading this series and Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble was another delightful addition. A charming setting with some lovely characters. At just over 200 pages, Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble was a quick read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Gertie buys a run-down house 'by accident', she considers it the latest fail in a series of disasters! Her job at the Little Duck Pond Café and the friends she's made there are a big comfort – especially as temporary boss Alice seems to be going out of her way to make her life difficult. But then Gertie meets the handsome Rafe – and her life takes a turn she definitely wasn't expecting . . .
My Opinion
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is the 45th book in the Little Duck Pond Café series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoy reading this series and Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble was another delightful addition. A charming setting with some lovely characters. At just over 200 pages, Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble was a quick read.
Rating 4/5
May 16, 2026
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb is the 45th story in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. Each story in this series is fresh, interesting, and entertaining. The reader will be engaged from the start.
Gertie has had a challenging past few months. Cheating boyfriend, accidental home purchase, a new boss that is cold as ice. When she meets a handsome stranger in a parking lot and they click, she hopes things are going to start looking up.
I loved coming back to this world, visiting with old characters, and meeting new ones. Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb isn't just a contemporary romance. Gertie finds herself amid some dark situations that are written with care and compassion by the author. The realism of Rosie's stories will evoke intense emotional responses.
The author crafted a wonderful world and continues to build it and grow the characters. I enjoyed the writing style, pacing, and vivid imagery. The characters are written with depth, emotion, and realism.
Gertie has had a challenging past few months. Cheating boyfriend, accidental home purchase, a new boss that is cold as ice. When she meets a handsome stranger in a parking lot and they click, she hopes things are going to start looking up.
I loved coming back to this world, visiting with old characters, and meeting new ones. Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb isn't just a contemporary romance. Gertie finds herself amid some dark situations that are written with care and compassion by the author. The realism of Rosie's stories will evoke intense emotional responses.
The author crafted a wonderful world and continues to build it and grow the characters. I enjoyed the writing style, pacing, and vivid imagery. The characters are written with depth, emotion, and realism.
May 17, 2026
Oh how I love this series. It was great to be back in Sunnybrook at the Little Duck Pond Cafe with regulars Ellie, Maddie and Katja.
We are introduced to 2 members of staff, Gertie and Alice who both feature in the storyline.
We start with Gertie who has bought a run down property, has had her heart broken and her finances wiped out. I really was rooting for her. She meets a new guy Rafe who she feels could be the love of her life but there is more to him than meets the eye.
Alice, on the other hand, I didn't take to but as the story unfolds you see why she is acting as she does.
Gertie's new neighbour causes some drama and intrigue and I loved the interactions between them both.
This is another great addition to the series. It It has everything you want by the way of drama, humour and friendship. It amazes me how the author continues to find new stories and challenging topics, dealing with them appropriately.
We are introduced to 2 members of staff, Gertie and Alice who both feature in the storyline.
We start with Gertie who has bought a run down property, has had her heart broken and her finances wiped out. I really was rooting for her. She meets a new guy Rafe who she feels could be the love of her life but there is more to him than meets the eye.
Alice, on the other hand, I didn't take to but as the story unfolds you see why she is acting as she does.
Gertie's new neighbour causes some drama and intrigue and I loved the interactions between them both.
This is another great addition to the series. It It has everything you want by the way of drama, humour and friendship. It amazes me how the author continues to find new stories and challenging topics, dealing with them appropriately.
May 10, 2026
This is another brilliant addition to Rosie Green’s fantastic Duck Pond Café series. This time, the focus is on Gertie. Another of the café’s team, but new to the area. After a winning bid on an unseen fixer-upper house at auction, she’s shocked to discover that the required renovations are going to be extensive. She also has to deal with a new temporary manager, Alice, at the café, and with the strange behaviour of her new neighbour. A meet-cute at a décor shop introduces a prospective love interest, Rafe, a handsome stranger.
It never fails to surprise me how much story Rosie Green can pack into her novellas. There’s plenty going on, all sprinkled with Rosie’s special ingredient for creating a gripping tale from the opening pages.
I just loved how the unbreakable connections within the café’s friendship circle never fail to pull together and lend support where needed. This one does have a bittersweet theme as we once again spend time with Ellie’s mum, who is living with a dementia diagnosis; a lived experience for me with both my parents. I would certainly support their fundraising enterprises.
You can expect a gorgeous time in Sunnybrook, with cakes, friendship and plenty of surprises. I can’t wait for my next visit.
It never fails to surprise me how much story Rosie Green can pack into her novellas. There’s plenty going on, all sprinkled with Rosie’s special ingredient for creating a gripping tale from the opening pages.
I just loved how the unbreakable connections within the café’s friendship circle never fail to pull together and lend support where needed. This one does have a bittersweet theme as we once again spend time with Ellie’s mum, who is living with a dementia diagnosis; a lived experience for me with both my parents. I would certainly support their fundraising enterprises.
You can expect a gorgeous time in Sunnybrook, with cakes, friendship and plenty of surprises. I can’t wait for my next visit.
May 11, 2026
Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is book 45 in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series and it is a completely standalone read. You do not need to have read any previous books to enjoy Gertie's story, but if you have read any of them the character continuity adds a genuinely lovely warmth. Seeing familiar faces show up in a new character's world is one of the things Rosie Green does so beautifully across this series.
Gertie is a sweetheart and a people pleaser and I loved her even when I wanted to shake her. Alice the temporary boss is written as difficult and controlling but I kept feeling there was something more underneath her behavior. Rafe is charming and a little too shiny for my comfort. And the neighbor is an immediate mystery that I loved from the first page.
Underneath all the cozy warmth this book is quietly about something real. Empathetic people pleasers can become easy targets and Gertie's journey is about finding the inner strength and the boundaries to balance her sweetness with enough self protection that she is not just a sitting duck. The whole series has earned a spot on my long game TBR and I plan to go back to book one and work through it slowly as a palette cleanser between darker reads. Exactly what this book is made for.
Gertie is a sweetheart and a people pleaser and I loved her even when I wanted to shake her. Alice the temporary boss is written as difficult and controlling but I kept feeling there was something more underneath her behavior. Rafe is charming and a little too shiny for my comfort. And the neighbor is an immediate mystery that I loved from the first page.
Underneath all the cozy warmth this book is quietly about something real. Empathetic people pleasers can become easy targets and Gertie's journey is about finding the inner strength and the boundaries to balance her sweetness with enough self protection that she is not just a sitting duck. The whole series has earned a spot on my long game TBR and I plan to go back to book one and work through it slowly as a palette cleanser between darker reads. Exactly what this book is made for.
May 11, 2026
It's such a lovely story with a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance for Gertie, whose life to date has been a series of disasters, but is everything as sweet as it seems? She loves working at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, but the new temporary manager seems to find fault with everything, even people-pleaser, Gertie. As always, there is a mystery for the reader to unravel, which adds to the conflicts, friendship, poignancy, and romance all in evidence in this short but compelling story. I love the complexity of the characters and the believable dynamic between them, the Sunnybrook setting that draws everything together in this tale of challenges, uplifting moments and satisfying conclusions. The pudding recipes sound lovely too.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
May 1, 2026
This long running series never gets old and is always a delight. This book follows Gertie with other favourite characters in the background like Maddy and Ellie. Gertie has just bought a run down house that needs a lot of fixing and the new boss Alice is a tyrant Alice who is in charge while Ellie takes some time away with her family. Gertie meets a man named Rafe and she thinks he is fabulous and her new next door neighbour is strange. So what are they hiding? It is a drama that flows through creating a beautiful addition to the series and I am so looking forward to reading more about Gertie in the next book!
May 13, 2026
4.5 stars
Gertie is a fun character in Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble and it’s great being with the girls at the cafe again. It’s always such a pleasure reading this series and being back with Maddy and Ellie is great, with the new characters adding to the stories.
The mystery in Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is an entertaining one and I loved how Gertie is trying to work things out as us the reader is swept along.
It’s always amazes me how Rosie Green keeps adding to this series and continues making it such an enjoyable read.
Gertie is a fun character in Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble and it’s great being with the girls at the cafe again. It’s always such a pleasure reading this series and being back with Maddy and Ellie is great, with the new characters adding to the stories.
The mystery in Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is an entertaining one and I loved how Gertie is trying to work things out as us the reader is swept along.
It’s always amazes me how Rosie Green keeps adding to this series and continues making it such an enjoyable read.
May 19, 2026
I always enjoy a Little Duck Pond Cafe series read, this is book 45 but it can be read as a standalone.
I really liked Gertie and learning more about her throughout the book. Gertie wasn’t the only new face either, there’s a new boss in the cafe but not everyone seems happy about that! She seems to have a very different style of running things.
The story didn’t go how I expected it to, the twists were so good. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
I really liked Gertie and learning more about her throughout the book. Gertie wasn’t the only new face either, there’s a new boss in the cafe but not everyone seems happy about that! She seems to have a very different style of running things.
The story didn’t go how I expected it to, the twists were so good. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
May 20, 2026
Well we all know I love a Rosie Green book, I love that I can pick one of her Little Duck Pond cafe series up and be absorbed into the world of Sunnybrook again. This latest instalment is no exception!
We get to meet the latest cafe recruit Gertie and she certainly hasn’t had an easy time of it but things start to look up when she meets Rafe. Is this the romance of the century L?
There is lot going on in this one and you never want to put it down.
We get to meet the latest cafe recruit Gertie and she certainly hasn’t had an easy time of it but things start to look up when she meets Rafe. Is this the romance of the century L?
There is lot going on in this one and you never want to put it down.
April 6, 2026
Rumours, Romance & Rhubarb Crumble Book 45 Little Duck Pond Cafe.
As always I thoroughly enjoyed Rosie Green’s book. She never fails to deliver a numerous and exciting storyline. All the characters play a part and there is always humour and a happy outcome. I recommend anyone who hasn’t read one of her books to try one now,!! You will never be disappointed. Begin at No 1
As always I thoroughly enjoyed Rosie Green’s book. She never fails to deliver a numerous and exciting storyline. All the characters play a part and there is always humour and a happy outcome. I recommend anyone who hasn’t read one of her books to try one now,!! You will never be disappointed. Begin at No 1
April 17, 2026
Easy read
June 5, 2026
Brilliant story a bit dark in places which had me on edge for a while.
May 18, 2026
Another great addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. Newly single and needing somewhere to live Gertie finds herself the owner of a run-down house. On top of that the temporary manager of the Little Dick Pond cafe is ruffling feathers. Then she meets Rafe and things start to look up but……….. I just love this series, the characters, their interactions and camaraderie, along with engaging storylines. Rosie Green never shies away from sensitive or tricky topics. I read this in one sitting and seriously can’t wait for the next one!
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