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Snowed in at the Comfort Food Café
The snow is falling and the hot chocolates are piled high with marshmallows at the Comfort Food Café, and one unexpected visitor is in for a holiday miracle…Meredith Bailey is a woman who doesn’t do emotions, doesn’t do cake, and she absolutely does not do cosy Dorset villages. But when she’s sent a photograph of a little café overlooking a picture-perfect bay, Meredith does what she always does – she draws up a spreadsheet and makes an offer.
Cherie Moon, owner of the Comfort Food Café, has other ideas. She isn’t selling. But she is, rather inexplicably, offering Meredith an apron.
What Meredith doesn’t account for is a very handsome vet in a Santa hat, or a village with the magical gift for thawing the most frozen of hearts – one mug of the world’s best hot chocolate at a time…
Warm, funny and full of hope, this is the perfect read for snugging up with on long winter nights.
Readers love The Comfort Food Café ‘Oh how I wish the Comfort Food Cafe was real!’ ★★★★★
‘I felt like I was returning home to friends who I hadn’t seen in a long while…warm hearted and just plain lovely’ ★★★★★
‘What a wonderful return to the Comfort Food Cafe…had me smiling from start to finish’★★★★★
‘A sheer delight’ ★★★★★
‘I'm sure you'll fall in love with the cafe and all its regulars’ ★★★★★
'Thanks, Debbie, for many hours of gorgeous escapism!' ★★★★★
'Beautifully written, with characters that just jump off the page, this is a gem of a book that I can't recommend enough.' ★★★★★
'I can’t tell you how much I loved this book' ★★★★★
'If only real life was like this, it would be amazing' ★★★★★
'I didn’t want to put it down' ★★★★★
'The absolute worst part of a Debbie Johnson book is turning over the last page and there is nothing more to read' ★★★★★
'Just brilliant!' ★★★★★
'Loved loved loved it!!' ★★★★★
Cherie Moon, owner of the Comfort Food Café, has other ideas. She isn’t selling. But she is, rather inexplicably, offering Meredith an apron.
What Meredith doesn’t account for is a very handsome vet in a Santa hat, or a village with the magical gift for thawing the most frozen of hearts – one mug of the world’s best hot chocolate at a time…
Warm, funny and full of hope, this is the perfect read for snugging up with on long winter nights.
Readers love The Comfort Food Café ‘Oh how I wish the Comfort Food Cafe was real!’ ★★★★★
‘I felt like I was returning home to friends who I hadn’t seen in a long while…warm hearted and just plain lovely’ ★★★★★
‘What a wonderful return to the Comfort Food Cafe…had me smiling from start to finish’★★★★★
‘A sheer delight’ ★★★★★
‘I'm sure you'll fall in love with the cafe and all its regulars’ ★★★★★
'Thanks, Debbie, for many hours of gorgeous escapism!' ★★★★★
'Beautifully written, with characters that just jump off the page, this is a gem of a book that I can't recommend enough.' ★★★★★
'I can’t tell you how much I loved this book' ★★★★★
'If only real life was like this, it would be amazing' ★★★★★
'I didn’t want to put it down' ★★★★★
'The absolute worst part of a Debbie Johnson book is turning over the last page and there is nothing more to read' ★★★★★
'Just brilliant!' ★★★★★
'Loved loved loved it!!' ★★★★★
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2026
About the author
Debbie Johnson
35 books1,026 followersDebbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework.
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 30, 2026
Author Debbie Johnson shows us that comfort food and community are deeply intertwined.
I loved my armchair travel to a Dorset village at Christmas time and was pulled into the story by the wonderful characters and real-life issues. My heart ached for Meredith Bailey who fiercely guarded her heart and kept reading to see if the local vet could help it thaw!
I came to this series extremely late, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment! I’ll circle back this coming year and start the series from the beginning.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I loved my armchair travel to a Dorset village at Christmas time and was pulled into the story by the wonderful characters and real-life issues. My heart ached for Meredith Bailey who fiercely guarded her heart and kept reading to see if the local vet could help it thaw!
I came to this series extremely late, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment! I’ll circle back this coming year and start the series from the beginning.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Meredith Bailey walks into the Comfort Food Café planning to buy it, and Cherie Moon basically hands her an apron like, that is adorable, now go help with the hot chocolate. Meredith arrives with money, spreadsheets, and the confidence of a woman who has never considered that “no” might be a complete sentence. She has decided this café is part of a larger plan to fix things with her estranged daughter. Cherie has decided Meredith needs a shift. I knew immediately who was going to win.
Also, this is my first visit to the Comfort Food Café series, which means I showed up in Budbury the same way Meredith did, late, suspicious, and surrounded by people who clearly already know each other’s business. There are old friendships and familiar faces everywhere, but honestly that worked because Meredith is also staring at this village like, why are all of you so emotionally available? Great question. I too would like to know why everyone here is making eye contact and offering snacks.
Meredith does not do feelings. She does not do cake. She absolutely does not do cozy seaside villages where strangers remember your name and start feeding you before you have consented to friendship. Her whole personality is basically “I have prepared a document for this,” which is useful right up until she meets Cherie, who seems to regard emotional walls as a light decorating challenge.
Then Jack appears, because obviously this village also has a handsome vet wandering around in a Santa hat. Meredith came here to make a business deal. She did not come here to be emotionally inconvenienced by a kind man with a face. Unfortunately, Budbury has other plans. There is snow. There is hot chocolate. There is community. There is a veterinarian. Her spreadsheet is now mostly decorative.
But Nelly is where Meredith really gets ambushed. Nelly is a frightened rescue dog who decides Meredith is her person, and Meredith is absolutely not prepared for the fact that dogs do not care if you are emotionally unavailable. You can be standing there in expensive clothes with three coping mechanisms and a business plan, and a scared dog will still go, yes, that one. Watching Meredith try to remain detached while being quietly chosen by Nelly was when I knew she was done for.
And then the stuff with Molly starts coming into focus, and suddenly Meredith’s whole hard-shell routine stops being funny for a minute. She is carrying grief, fear, and years of hurt like they are items on a balance sheet. She thinks if she can just fix enough practical things, maybe she will not have to say the terrifying actual thing, which is that she misses her daughter and does not know how to repair what broke between them.
That part got me because Meredith is not cold. She is scared. Those are not the same thing. Sometimes people get so good at functioning that everyone forgets functioning is not the same as being okay.
And the café people are relentless in the most dangerous possible way because they do not force Meredith into some giant emotional intervention. They just keep including her. They give her jobs. They feed her. They make room. They treat her like she belongs before she has had time to draft a policy against it. Next thing she knows, she has people checking on her, a rescue dog attached to her, Jack quietly getting under her skin, and Christmas happening all around her whether she signed off on it or not.
I did hit a point near the end where Meredith and I had revisited the same internal fear enough times that I wanted to gently tap the table and say, babe, yes, I remember. We have discussed Molly. We have discussed why you do this. We are all emotionally current. But I still cared about her, and by then I was too invested in watching Budbury dismantle her defenses one mug at a time to be truly annoyed.
Somewhere between Cherie refusing to sell, Nelly choosing violence against Meredith’s emotional boundaries, and Jack showing up in a Santa hat, Snowed in at the Comfort Food Café became a 4-star read for me. I came into this series completely new and somehow left feeling like Budbury had also put me on a rota. Meredith did not get the café. The café got Meredith.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Showing Up With a Spreadsheet to Buy a Café and Somehow Leaving With Feelings, Friends, a Rescue Dog, and a Handsome Vet in Seasonal Headwear
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC, and for introducing me to a village where hostile takeovers are apparently handled with aprons, marshmallows, and emotional support dogs. Meredith never had a chance.
Also, this is my first visit to the Comfort Food Café series, which means I showed up in Budbury the same way Meredith did, late, suspicious, and surrounded by people who clearly already know each other’s business. There are old friendships and familiar faces everywhere, but honestly that worked because Meredith is also staring at this village like, why are all of you so emotionally available? Great question. I too would like to know why everyone here is making eye contact and offering snacks.
Meredith does not do feelings. She does not do cake. She absolutely does not do cozy seaside villages where strangers remember your name and start feeding you before you have consented to friendship. Her whole personality is basically “I have prepared a document for this,” which is useful right up until she meets Cherie, who seems to regard emotional walls as a light decorating challenge.
Then Jack appears, because obviously this village also has a handsome vet wandering around in a Santa hat. Meredith came here to make a business deal. She did not come here to be emotionally inconvenienced by a kind man with a face. Unfortunately, Budbury has other plans. There is snow. There is hot chocolate. There is community. There is a veterinarian. Her spreadsheet is now mostly decorative.
But Nelly is where Meredith really gets ambushed. Nelly is a frightened rescue dog who decides Meredith is her person, and Meredith is absolutely not prepared for the fact that dogs do not care if you are emotionally unavailable. You can be standing there in expensive clothes with three coping mechanisms and a business plan, and a scared dog will still go, yes, that one. Watching Meredith try to remain detached while being quietly chosen by Nelly was when I knew she was done for.
And then the stuff with Molly starts coming into focus, and suddenly Meredith’s whole hard-shell routine stops being funny for a minute. She is carrying grief, fear, and years of hurt like they are items on a balance sheet. She thinks if she can just fix enough practical things, maybe she will not have to say the terrifying actual thing, which is that she misses her daughter and does not know how to repair what broke between them.
That part got me because Meredith is not cold. She is scared. Those are not the same thing. Sometimes people get so good at functioning that everyone forgets functioning is not the same as being okay.
And the café people are relentless in the most dangerous possible way because they do not force Meredith into some giant emotional intervention. They just keep including her. They give her jobs. They feed her. They make room. They treat her like she belongs before she has had time to draft a policy against it. Next thing she knows, she has people checking on her, a rescue dog attached to her, Jack quietly getting under her skin, and Christmas happening all around her whether she signed off on it or not.
I did hit a point near the end where Meredith and I had revisited the same internal fear enough times that I wanted to gently tap the table and say, babe, yes, I remember. We have discussed Molly. We have discussed why you do this. We are all emotionally current. But I still cared about her, and by then I was too invested in watching Budbury dismantle her defenses one mug at a time to be truly annoyed.
Somewhere between Cherie refusing to sell, Nelly choosing violence against Meredith’s emotional boundaries, and Jack showing up in a Santa hat, Snowed in at the Comfort Food Café became a 4-star read for me. I came into this series completely new and somehow left feeling like Budbury had also put me on a rota. Meredith did not get the café. The café got Meredith.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Showing Up With a Spreadsheet to Buy a Café and Somehow Leaving With Feelings, Friends, a Rescue Dog, and a Handsome Vet in Seasonal Headwear
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC, and for introducing me to a village where hostile takeovers are apparently handled with aprons, marshmallows, and emotional support dogs. Meredith never had a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, Snowed In at the Comfort Food Cafe, by Debbie Johnson. from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Meredith goes through real change and growth of character in this book. Meredith is used to buying her way to what she wants, but what she wants is not for sale!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another wonderful visit to the Comfort Food Cafe and it's full of the loveliest characters as always and that sense of community and friendship is always at the fore!
Meredith is the focus of the story, and she's finding herself in a very alien situation when she visits the cafe. her world is the corporate/business world and all about making money but there's a reason she's been drawn to this place and we soon learn more about that as the story unfolds!
In Cherie, the owner of the cafe, she's a very different person so it's wonderful to see the different outlook on life between them, and what meredith starts to learn about slowing down and not being about making money all the time! And one way she begins to unwind is helping out with the local vet, who needs a foster home for a nervous dog, Nelly! Jack also has his own very interesting backstory so you really get more of an understanding why they're both a little hesistant in letting love in to their lives!
As with this book series, you feel amongst friends with the characters you encounter so it really is such a comforting read!
Meredith is the focus of the story, and she's finding herself in a very alien situation when she visits the cafe. her world is the corporate/business world and all about making money but there's a reason she's been drawn to this place and we soon learn more about that as the story unfolds!
In Cherie, the owner of the cafe, she's a very different person so it's wonderful to see the different outlook on life between them, and what meredith starts to learn about slowing down and not being about making money all the time! And one way she begins to unwind is helping out with the local vet, who needs a foster home for a nervous dog, Nelly! Jack also has his own very interesting backstory so you really get more of an understanding why they're both a little hesistant in letting love in to their lives!
As with this book series, you feel amongst friends with the characters you encounter so it really is such a comforting read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. 4 enthusiastic stars for now but I'm going to read it again after writing this review so I may end up bumping this up to 4.5 or even a rare 5 stars.
This story has all of the best qualities of a Debbie Johnson book. There's the lovely romance, the heart-tugging and heartwarming family relationships, forgiveness and redemption, adorable dogs, all of the wonderful Budbury characters, and such a satisfying HEA. "Coming Home to the Comfort Food Cafe" has been my favorite of the series for many years but now it is definitely this one. Johnson handles some painful topics with so much grace and I was also pleasantly surprised at the closed door love scenes and the lack of profanity.
Very enjoyable! I highly recommend reading this book. I look forward to re-reading the final version and listening to the audiobook when it's released.
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. 4 enthusiastic stars for now but I'm going to read it again after writing this review so I may end up bumping this up to 4.5 or even a rare 5 stars.
This story has all of the best qualities of a Debbie Johnson book. There's the lovely romance, the heart-tugging and heartwarming family relationships, forgiveness and redemption, adorable dogs, all of the wonderful Budbury characters, and such a satisfying HEA. "Coming Home to the Comfort Food Cafe" has been my favorite of the series for many years but now it is definitely this one. Johnson handles some painful topics with so much grace and I was also pleasantly surprised at the closed door love scenes and the lack of profanity.
Very enjoyable! I highly recommend reading this book. I look forward to re-reading the final version and listening to the audiobook when it's released.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had to pretty much laugh out loud at Meredith's intentions to get into Budbury, persuade Cherie Moon to sell the Comfort Food Cafe and return home all within a day! Anyone that has ever read any of this series will know what a laughable concept that is.
And yet that is what Meredith tries, after all she is a master negotiator and doesn't take no for an answer, but she hadn't banked on Cherie being her most formidable opponent ever, let alone just what spending time at the Comfort Food Cafe and town of Budbury would do for her.
I loved their initial battle of wits, with Cherie showing once again what an amazing woman she is, and an astute judge of character. She challenges Meredith to work in the cafe for 10 days, and then they can discuss things further. She gets the ladies of the village to give her some more appropriate clothing than business suits, and is introduced everywhere.
I loved seeing how she changes and develops over the course of her time in the village, and I felt for her when you learn her true reasoning for being there. There are many moments in this book that will tug on heartstrings, but will also make you smile a lot.
It was wonderful catching up with so many familiar faces to this series, seeing how their lives are getting on, while at the same time I believe this could easily be read as a standalone novel. I especially loved some of Edie's lines!
And Josh, the vet is rather a catch too. But the star of this is Nelly, who has a definitely place in my heart as well as quite a few residents of the village too.
This was a joyous read and another truly fabulous addition to this series. I couldn't get enough of reading it, and loved every page.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And yet that is what Meredith tries, after all she is a master negotiator and doesn't take no for an answer, but she hadn't banked on Cherie being her most formidable opponent ever, let alone just what spending time at the Comfort Food Cafe and town of Budbury would do for her.
I loved their initial battle of wits, with Cherie showing once again what an amazing woman she is, and an astute judge of character. She challenges Meredith to work in the cafe for 10 days, and then they can discuss things further. She gets the ladies of the village to give her some more appropriate clothing than business suits, and is introduced everywhere.
I loved seeing how she changes and develops over the course of her time in the village, and I felt for her when you learn her true reasoning for being there. There are many moments in this book that will tug on heartstrings, but will also make you smile a lot.
It was wonderful catching up with so many familiar faces to this series, seeing how their lives are getting on, while at the same time I believe this could easily be read as a standalone novel. I especially loved some of Edie's lines!
And Josh, the vet is rather a catch too. But the star of this is Nelly, who has a definitely place in my heart as well as quite a few residents of the village too.
This was a joyous read and another truly fabulous addition to this series. I couldn't get enough of reading it, and loved every page.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 1, 2026
This was a lovely, feel good book. Although there were lots of feels that may not be positive ones. The main characters are slightly older than me and yet I feel like this might be my demographic. I’ll still read whatever though.
Meredith is estranged from her daughter for about 3 years now and the last post she saw from her daughter was when she was staying and working at the comfort food cafe. To try and win back her daughter, Meredith tries to buy the cafe but ends up on an emotional journey where she has to come to terms with all the things she’s been avoiding.
She’s lost her son, her husband and now her daughter barely speaks to her. But have no fear, the Comfort Food Cafe and a lot of snow will slowly help her to heal.
That and the handsome vet also escaping some past demons. The two of them build a friendship and then something more. But Meredith is afraid of getting hurt again so she tries to run a couple times. The snow gets her every time.
And a cute rescue dog.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to this book.
Meredith is estranged from her daughter for about 3 years now and the last post she saw from her daughter was when she was staying and working at the comfort food cafe. To try and win back her daughter, Meredith tries to buy the cafe but ends up on an emotional journey where she has to come to terms with all the things she’s been avoiding.
She’s lost her son, her husband and now her daughter barely speaks to her. But have no fear, the Comfort Food Cafe and a lot of snow will slowly help her to heal.
That and the handsome vet also escaping some past demons. The two of them build a friendship and then something more. But Meredith is afraid of getting hurt again so she tries to run a couple times. The snow gets her every time.
And a cute rescue dog.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Snowed In at the Comfort Food Cafe but Debbie Johnson. Meredith is an emotionally stunted Christmas hater who comes to this small town where the bonds of friendship and fellowship changes people. Helps the lost find themselves in this quirky little town where miracles do come true. Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 30,2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to follow
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to like Snowed In at the Comfort Food Café more than I did. It was an easy enough read, but I often felt a little lost and like I was missing some of the background and connections between the characters. I think it might have helped to read the previous books in the series first. If I had that background knowledge, I think this would have been a fun holiday read. Unfortunately, without it, I just didn’t connect with the story as much as I hoped I would.
You know you. As always, research triggers before reading any book;.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You know you. As always, research triggers before reading any book;.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter, as well as the author, for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #DebbieJohnson #SnowedinattheComfortFoodCafe #TheComfortFoodCafeSeries #Ninthintheseries
#Books #Reading #Fiction #Romance #BookReviews
Title: Snowed in at the Comfort Food Cafe'
Author: Debbie Johnson
Format: eBook
Publisher: HarperCollinsUK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter
Publication Date: October 30, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Romance, found family, small town
Trigger Warnings: Winter weather, isolation, miscommunication, community hustle
The latest installment of the Comfort Food Cafe' series is just as charming and comforting as the rest. Being a veterinary professional myself, I'm a little partial to this one and the very first book because they feature veterinarians. We have a new member of the community in Meredith, who is a stoic and practical woman. When she meets a handsome vet, she may have to rethink her rigorous plans.
I love this series. I'm not a romance girl and I still love this sappy and adorable series. The Comfort Food Cafe' and those who love it feel like real people in a real place that I'm dying to be a part of. Ms. Johnson has a gift for characters. We have the characters we've met in previous books, and we have new ones to fall in love with, along with their dogs. Love the dog characters the most. I've gotten to know the characters over the previous eight books as well as the cafe' itself which I can almost touch. The author is very detailed with both characters and setting, so they seem to leap off the page into my head. I usually cast actors and real places when I read, but this series has completely been built from scratch inside my head. No other book has done that before. The comfort that these books bring me is immeasurable, especially the ones that take place around the holidays. These books can be read as standalones, but I do believe that reading them in order is best so you can keep the cast of characters straight and the references to the other books will be more effective. I recommend this series, and this latest book, to anyone, especially if they need a comfort read.
#NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter #DebbieJohnson #SnowedinattheComfortFoodCafe #TheComfortFoodCafeSeries #Ninthintheseries
#Books #Reading #Fiction #Romance #BookReviews
Title: Snowed in at the Comfort Food Cafe'
Author: Debbie Johnson
Format: eBook
Publisher: HarperCollinsUK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter
Publication Date: October 30, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Romance, found family, small town
Trigger Warnings: Winter weather, isolation, miscommunication, community hustle
The latest installment of the Comfort Food Cafe' series is just as charming and comforting as the rest. Being a veterinary professional myself, I'm a little partial to this one and the very first book because they feature veterinarians. We have a new member of the community in Meredith, who is a stoic and practical woman. When she meets a handsome vet, she may have to rethink her rigorous plans.
I love this series. I'm not a romance girl and I still love this sappy and adorable series. The Comfort Food Cafe' and those who love it feel like real people in a real place that I'm dying to be a part of. Ms. Johnson has a gift for characters. We have the characters we've met in previous books, and we have new ones to fall in love with, along with their dogs. Love the dog characters the most. I've gotten to know the characters over the previous eight books as well as the cafe' itself which I can almost touch. The author is very detailed with both characters and setting, so they seem to leap off the page into my head. I usually cast actors and real places when I read, but this series has completely been built from scratch inside my head. No other book has done that before. The comfort that these books bring me is immeasurable, especially the ones that take place around the holidays. These books can be read as standalones, but I do believe that reading them in order is best so you can keep the cast of characters straight and the references to the other books will be more effective. I recommend this series, and this latest book, to anyone, especially if they need a comfort read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Debbie Johnson invites readers back to the snow-dusted, windswept cliffs of Dorset, delivering a story that feels like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of hot chocolate on a freezing day! Yes, I did enjoy the newest installement in the "Comfort Food Cafe" series :)
The setting is practically a character in its own right. The Comfort Food Café is as magical as ever, transformed into a winter wonderland buried under thick blankets of snow. Johnson captures the isolating yet deeply comforting feeling of being snowed in with a community that refuses to let the cold dampen their spirits. From the roaring fireplaces to the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked treats, the brilliant, light and inviting writing instantly transports you to a place where you feel safe, sheltered, and thoroughly spoiled.
The true joy of this installment lies in the characters. It was absolutely lovely to reconnect with the old, familiar faces we’ve come to love in this series—returning to them feels like a warm hug from an old friend. However, the new additions are just as brilliantly written. Meredith is a wonderful protagonist; her reliance on spreadsheets and logic to shield her from messy emotions makes her incredibly relatable. When she clashes with the chaotic charm of the café and its vibrant regulars, the dynamic is pure magic.The Standout Stars: The Dogs - a special mention must go to the canine characters. Especially Nelly steals the show completely, adding an extra layer of pure joy and unconditional love to the story.
Where the book stumbles slightly is when it eventually starts to feel repetitive and lightly too flat. The last part of the novel feels quite repetitive, as the narrative loops back to Meredith’s internal monologues multiple times. All of her complex feelings about Molly are established really well, but then repeated over and over again, which slows down the pacing just when the story should be reaching a triumphant emotional climax.
Nevertheless, it is a great return to the Cafe, I think I could read those books over and over again. Read it for the dogs, the hot chocolate, and the lovely small-town community!
The setting is practically a character in its own right. The Comfort Food Café is as magical as ever, transformed into a winter wonderland buried under thick blankets of snow. Johnson captures the isolating yet deeply comforting feeling of being snowed in with a community that refuses to let the cold dampen their spirits. From the roaring fireplaces to the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked treats, the brilliant, light and inviting writing instantly transports you to a place where you feel safe, sheltered, and thoroughly spoiled.
The true joy of this installment lies in the characters. It was absolutely lovely to reconnect with the old, familiar faces we’ve come to love in this series—returning to them feels like a warm hug from an old friend. However, the new additions are just as brilliantly written. Meredith is a wonderful protagonist; her reliance on spreadsheets and logic to shield her from messy emotions makes her incredibly relatable. When she clashes with the chaotic charm of the café and its vibrant regulars, the dynamic is pure magic.The Standout Stars: The Dogs - a special mention must go to the canine characters. Especially Nelly steals the show completely, adding an extra layer of pure joy and unconditional love to the story.
Where the book stumbles slightly is when it eventually starts to feel repetitive and lightly too flat. The last part of the novel feels quite repetitive, as the narrative loops back to Meredith’s internal monologues multiple times. All of her complex feelings about Molly are established really well, but then repeated over and over again, which slows down the pacing just when the story should be reaching a triumphant emotional climax.
Nevertheless, it is a great return to the Cafe, I think I could read those books over and over again. Read it for the dogs, the hot chocolate, and the lovely small-town community!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fiftyish Meredith Bailey is a hard-core businesswoman who lives and breathes her career, to the exclusion of almost everything else. So when she visits the village of Budbury on England's Dorset coast, she expects Cherie Moon to agree to sell her the Comfort Cafe for an agreed-upon price. But Meredith quickly discovers that Cherie's price includes spending time in the town for a week or two and working part-time for free in the cafe before any contracts are signed.
Reluctantly, Meredith agrees. Against her better judgment, she begins to understand that there is something special about Budbury and its residents, who all seem to be living their best and happiest lives there. And it doesn't hurt that the sexy Santa at a pre-Christmas celebration turns out to be Jack, the local veterinarian. Meredith has a troubled background that includes a divorce, a family tragedy, and an estranged daughter, so she has closed herself off from relationships and romance to protect herself from more disappointments. Jack also has some difficulties in his past, but he has opened his heart to the friends he has made in this unique town.
I felt that it took Meredith, on whom the story is centered, a bit too long to let go of some of her self-imposed restrictions, but it is a well-written, emotional story, peppered with delights such as the amazing food that graces every event and many home tables, the lovely supporting characters, and the town itself. Since Snowed in at the Comfort Cafe is written by Debbie Johnson, a comfort read author extraordinaire, you can be sure that a happy ending will be coming.. The Comfort Cafe series started a decade ago, but you don't have to have read the previous books (I haven't read most of them) to be comforted by this one.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Reluctantly, Meredith agrees. Against her better judgment, she begins to understand that there is something special about Budbury and its residents, who all seem to be living their best and happiest lives there. And it doesn't hurt that the sexy Santa at a pre-Christmas celebration turns out to be Jack, the local veterinarian. Meredith has a troubled background that includes a divorce, a family tragedy, and an estranged daughter, so she has closed herself off from relationships and romance to protect herself from more disappointments. Jack also has some difficulties in his past, but he has opened his heart to the friends he has made in this unique town.
I felt that it took Meredith, on whom the story is centered, a bit too long to let go of some of her self-imposed restrictions, but it is a well-written, emotional story, peppered with delights such as the amazing food that graces every event and many home tables, the lovely supporting characters, and the town itself. Since Snowed in at the Comfort Cafe is written by Debbie Johnson, a comfort read author extraordinaire, you can be sure that a happy ending will be coming.. The Comfort Cafe series started a decade ago, but you don't have to have read the previous books (I haven't read most of them) to be comforted by this one.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meredith is a high powered business owner who arrives at the Comfort Food Cafe intending to buy it to develop it into an even more successful business. Cherie Moon, the owner, has other ideas and Meredith ends up stopping for a while, where she starts being drawn into the community.
I find that for some books I pick them up and put them down when I become distracted, eventually finishing them having enjoyed them. Others I don't want to out them down, devouring them in one of two sessions. However there are some rare books where I pick them up and then put them down again, not because I'm not enjoying them rather because I don't want to finish them and leave the world that they have created for me. The Comfort Food Cafe series was the first series that really hooked me, although there have been more that have followed I always have a soft spot for a new book in the series. It creates a community that I really wish I could belong to, with Cherie at the heart of it but with many more around her adding to that feeling of belonging. Meridith has struggled with loss, using her job to hide from her problems, and it is heartwarming seeing how the walls that she has surrounded herself with gradually fading away, helped by a local vet but in particular by Nelly, a rescued dog that takes to her. In summary a book that I absolutely loved and would give me than 5*if I could.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
I find that for some books I pick them up and put them down when I become distracted, eventually finishing them having enjoyed them. Others I don't want to out them down, devouring them in one of two sessions. However there are some rare books where I pick them up and then put them down again, not because I'm not enjoying them rather because I don't want to finish them and leave the world that they have created for me. The Comfort Food Cafe series was the first series that really hooked me, although there have been more that have followed I always have a soft spot for a new book in the series. It creates a community that I really wish I could belong to, with Cherie at the heart of it but with many more around her adding to that feeling of belonging. Meridith has struggled with loss, using her job to hide from her problems, and it is heartwarming seeing how the walls that she has surrounded herself with gradually fading away, helped by a local vet but in particular by Nelly, a rescued dog that takes to her. In summary a book that I absolutely loved and would give me than 5*if I could.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
November 10, 2026
I don’t think there’s anything better than slinking back into one of your favourite book series and catching up with all the characters you’ve come to love and know. That and seeing the community expand as we get to know brand new characters and see them integrate in such a loving and warm community- my heart. Tis warmed.
The comfort food cafe will forever be one I recommend until I’m blue in the face. And it’s apt seeing as this one is Christmas themed (which comprises my second love. A festive book in the festive season! There’s nothing I love more).
It works as a standalone (as each book is centred on brand new characters) and you can always go back to read the books of other characters mentioned to read their stories. You’re in for a treat when you do.
The MC in this one really had me in it for the long haul, she’s a tough no nonsense business woman with an agenda, but can the soft hearts of the comfort food cafe break her down? Honestly, it was an absolute joy to read.
The vibes, the characters, the community - just pure perfection. I was so happy to see more books in this series and if it extends to 20+ books long, id be forever happy. They are such reliable books to provide the happy, feel good warm fuzzy feeling that always has you coming away with a smile. I want to go back and read them all all over again now!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thought and review.
The comfort food cafe will forever be one I recommend until I’m blue in the face. And it’s apt seeing as this one is Christmas themed (which comprises my second love. A festive book in the festive season! There’s nothing I love more).
It works as a standalone (as each book is centred on brand new characters) and you can always go back to read the books of other characters mentioned to read their stories. You’re in for a treat when you do.
The MC in this one really had me in it for the long haul, she’s a tough no nonsense business woman with an agenda, but can the soft hearts of the comfort food cafe break her down? Honestly, it was an absolute joy to read.
The vibes, the characters, the community - just pure perfection. I was so happy to see more books in this series and if it extends to 20+ books long, id be forever happy. They are such reliable books to provide the happy, feel good warm fuzzy feeling that always has you coming away with a smile. I want to go back and read them all all over again now!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thought and review.
September 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
Snowed In at the Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson
If I could write a recipe for my perfect Christmas book, it would contain love, reunions, snow, festivities, cute animals and, very importantly, a healthy dose of jeopardy. 😂 And Snowed In at the Comfort Food Café pretty much served me the whole lot!
This was absolutely right up my street. Cosy, Christmassy and wonderfully heartwarming, with all those festive ingredients that make me want to curl up under a blanket with a hot chocolate and disappear into a book.
There’s romance, Christmas magic, snowy scenes, lovely relationships, adorable dogs and enough drama and jeopardy to keep things interesting. Because apparently I don’t just want my Christmas books warm and fuzzy, I also need someone to be in a spot of bother. 😂
I absolutely loved the Comfort Food Café setting and the wonderful sense of warmth and community running through the story. It had that gorgeous balance of festive cosiness and emotional moments, with plenty happening to keep me completely invested.
This was everything I want from a Christmas read. Festive, romantic, snowy, furry and mildly perilous. 😂🎅🏻🐾
An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Snowed In at the Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson
If I could write a recipe for my perfect Christmas book, it would contain love, reunions, snow, festivities, cute animals and, very importantly, a healthy dose of jeopardy. 😂 And Snowed In at the Comfort Food Café pretty much served me the whole lot!
This was absolutely right up my street. Cosy, Christmassy and wonderfully heartwarming, with all those festive ingredients that make me want to curl up under a blanket with a hot chocolate and disappear into a book.
There’s romance, Christmas magic, snowy scenes, lovely relationships, adorable dogs and enough drama and jeopardy to keep things interesting. Because apparently I don’t just want my Christmas books warm and fuzzy, I also need someone to be in a spot of bother. 😂
I absolutely loved the Comfort Food Café setting and the wonderful sense of warmth and community running through the story. It had that gorgeous balance of festive cosiness and emotional moments, with plenty happening to keep me completely invested.
This was everything I want from a Christmas read. Festive, romantic, snowy, furry and mildly perilous. 😂🎅🏻🐾
An easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed the previous Comfort Food Cafe stories. So I was looking forward to another one, and I wasn't disappointed. This time, Meredith Bailey, a no-nonsense businesswoman, comes to the cafe with the intention of buying it to try to win favour with her estranged daughter. However, things don't go as she expects, and the Comfort Food Cafe works its magic to help Meredith find her way.
This is a real comfort read, a mug of hot chocolate with Marshmallows sort of read. The characters are wonderful: Cherie, the cafe owner with her larger than life personality and Jack, the new vet in town who is kind, gorgeous and a little lost himself. Then there is Nelly, the scared rescue dog who adopts Meredith. They are all so likeable and weave together this story about repairing the past, healing, finding yourself and finding love and friendship too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It would have been 5 stars from me, except that I found that towards the end it got a little lost in Meredith's internal conversations. Apart from that, though, it's a lovely story and a must read this Christmas.
This is a real comfort read, a mug of hot chocolate with Marshmallows sort of read. The characters are wonderful: Cherie, the cafe owner with her larger than life personality and Jack, the new vet in town who is kind, gorgeous and a little lost himself. Then there is Nelly, the scared rescue dog who adopts Meredith. They are all so likeable and weave together this story about repairing the past, healing, finding yourself and finding love and friendship too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It would have been 5 stars from me, except that I found that towards the end it got a little lost in Meredith's internal conversations. Apart from that, though, it's a lovely story and a must read this Christmas.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Snowed In at the Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson is a heartwarming tale of a woman coming to terms with her past as she is dragged back into life and love thanks to the residents of a small town.
I had no idea that this was part of a long running series, and am happy to say that it stands firmly on its own two feet for those also unfamiliar with the previous books. I enjoyed having that the main character, Meredith Bailey, is a female CEO who focusses totally on her successful career to the detriment of all else in her life, as that type of character is often a male.
Regardless, watching her journey from ice queen to tear-prone and vulnerable is perfect for the holiday season. The supporting characters, including the dog, are quirky and fun, and her progress is organic and convincing.
I personally found the story dragged a tiny bit, bogged down with excessive hand-wringing and overthinking by the main character; but on the other hand, those prolonged sections emphasize the struggle she is going through.
Thank you for the ARC of #SnowedInattheComfortFoodCafé to the publisher and #NetGalley.
I had no idea that this was part of a long running series, and am happy to say that it stands firmly on its own two feet for those also unfamiliar with the previous books. I enjoyed having that the main character, Meredith Bailey, is a female CEO who focusses totally on her successful career to the detriment of all else in her life, as that type of character is often a male.
Regardless, watching her journey from ice queen to tear-prone and vulnerable is perfect for the holiday season. The supporting characters, including the dog, are quirky and fun, and her progress is organic and convincing.
I personally found the story dragged a tiny bit, bogged down with excessive hand-wringing and overthinking by the main character; but on the other hand, those prolonged sections emphasize the struggle she is going through.
Thank you for the ARC of #SnowedInattheComfortFoodCafé to the publisher and #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Netgalley Review
Settle in for this emotional read, based in a truly magical cafe.
The author takes us on the main character's journey using long chapters that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in each part of the story before moving on to the next part.
There was a good flow between the chapters which made it a fairly easy read. There was a slower pace to the story, created by the main character learning to open up and start the healing process from her sad past.
The main character brought the emotion to the story with the surrounding cast doing their best to help her to start to heal. The main character had been through an incredibly tough time and it was nice to see how she learnt to deal with her grief and move on thanks to the cafe and the village inhabitants.
Finally we come to the settings. Whilst it was a character led story, there were some lovely descriptions that brought the story to life. There were some lovely, warm Christmassy moments that helped to cheer the story up.
Overall an emotional read with excellent supporting characters.
Settle in for this emotional read, based in a truly magical cafe.
The author takes us on the main character's journey using long chapters that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in each part of the story before moving on to the next part.
There was a good flow between the chapters which made it a fairly easy read. There was a slower pace to the story, created by the main character learning to open up and start the healing process from her sad past.
The main character brought the emotion to the story with the surrounding cast doing their best to help her to start to heal. The main character had been through an incredibly tough time and it was nice to see how she learnt to deal with her grief and move on thanks to the cafe and the village inhabitants.
Finally we come to the settings. Whilst it was a character led story, there were some lovely descriptions that brought the story to life. There were some lovely, warm Christmassy moments that helped to cheer the story up.
Overall an emotional read with excellent supporting characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely return to the Comfort Food Cafe and all the quirky characters.
This time we're meeting Molly's mother (Molly was in a previous book) who strides into the Comfort Food Cafe planning on buying it from the owner (Cherie), but ends up dragged behind the counter to help with serving as they're so busy, and she doesn't know what hit her - very funny! Meredith is an extremely successful, high powered businesswoman who doesn't have much of a life outside of work, because of various reasons, but of course her stay at The Comfort Food Cafe changes all that, with the help of the local handsome vet and a wonderful rescue dog.
Lots of humour with the usual mad characters, along with some more emotional parts. A wonderful addition to this very enjoyable series.
This time we're meeting Molly's mother (Molly was in a previous book) who strides into the Comfort Food Cafe planning on buying it from the owner (Cherie), but ends up dragged behind the counter to help with serving as they're so busy, and she doesn't know what hit her - very funny! Meredith is an extremely successful, high powered businesswoman who doesn't have much of a life outside of work, because of various reasons, but of course her stay at The Comfort Food Cafe changes all that, with the help of the local handsome vet and a wonderful rescue dog.
Lots of humour with the usual mad characters, along with some more emotional parts. A wonderful addition to this very enjoyable series.
October 30, 2026
Snowed in at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson is the perfect read for a cold day snuggled on the sofa. I hadn’t realised there had been others in this series and I’ll be revisiting them. Meredith Bailey arrives at the Comfort Food Cafe in West Country coastal village Budbury, with her Chanel suit, Louboutins and briefcase. She makes an offer to buy the cafe full of plans for its profitability. However the owner, Cherie Moon soon puts her to work in the cafe and Meredith’s carefully preserved barriers crack. This was such an emotional read, the tears were flowing not just for Meredith! Add in the hot vet, Jack and romance is also a brewing. Emotional, moving and beautiful. #snowedinatthecomfortfoodcafe #debbiejohnson #netgalley #arc
November 2, 2026
If you have not read any of the books from the Comfort Food Café, you need to start asap. This series has just been a pure delight and such a cosy read. Meredith means business, she is proud of what she has achieved and wants to continue with the success by purchasing the café but the owner has other ideas up her sleeve to show Meredith that life can be fun away from a highly strung job. Can Meredith change her ways and open up to a new possibility of a new life. As always these are such easy going reads, perfect little pick me ups, it will have you grinning from ear to ear. The characters are what make this book come alive and I just wanted to be there in the thick of it all. Wonderful read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set at Christmas this is part of a series but you could read it standalone. However you’ll miss out on so much it’s such a wonderful place to visit!
This book sees Meredith , successful businesswoman try to buy the cafe and come face to face with the marvellous Cherie Moon.
Meredith has a really sad backstory and her story is just lovely to read.
It’s like a warm hug it will drag you in and keep you just where you are. It’s a journey about Meredith and how fabulous Budbury is at helping people grow. With plenty of fun thrown in.
There really isn’t anything not to love and give 5 stars too
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this story about Meredith who went to the Comfort Food Cafe thinking she could buy it. Instead she ended up working there and becoming Lauren and Elenia and the rest of the community. After she fulfilled her comitment working there she was heading back to London. She became a temporary owner of a dog named Nelly and met a guy named Jack and really didn't want to go back but she returned back there to celebrate Christmas and the town had a surprise for her and that was her daughter Molly. They were reunited and trying to work things out. Does she move back to the village and what happens with her dog and Jack.. With her job she can work anywhere . A VERY GOOD READ>
October 31, 2026
What a great all round emotional story. I love the Comfort Food Cafe Series and this book didn’t disappoint. I really connected with Meredith and felt her pain. She had so much love for her daughter Molly but didn’t know how to express it. Cherie works her magic yet again with her wonderfully magic cafe.
Watching the transformation of Meredith throughout the book was brilliant. Her connection to Nelly the scared little dog and subsequently her growing feeling for Jack really gave her a very human touch.
I loved seeing all the familiar faces again and catching up on their lives. I love every book in this series and really hope that there will be more, I couldn’t put this down. .
Watching the transformation of Meredith throughout the book was brilliant. Her connection to Nelly the scared little dog and subsequently her growing feeling for Jack really gave her a very human touch.
I loved seeing all the familiar faces again and catching up on their lives. I love every book in this series and really hope that there will be more, I couldn’t put this down. .
November 1, 2026
Snowed in at the Comfort Food Café is my favorite book of the series so far by Debbie Johnson. I can’t imagine how Cherie Moon was able to get professional Meredith Baily to done an apron, but she does! Right at the beginning of the book. That alone was impressive enough to make me want to read what would happen I this story. I am able to admit that there is much more to this story then this beginning, with it all coming out which is exactly what Meredith needs along with a unforgettable dog, named Nelly, and a vet, Jack. The conclusion is wonderful. Being Snowed in at the Comfort Food Café is a great place to find yourself. 4.5 Stars
October 15, 2026
Snowed in at the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson is a feel good delightful story of love, life and laughter. The Comfort Food Cafe is where everyone in the village assembles to get together and enjoy each others company and most of all to eat cake.
Meredith Bailey is the main woman at Bailey and Bailey, and she came to buy up the Comfort Food Cafe and use it more financially viable because that is what she does. Life changes for people who came to the village, see what effect the people have on Meredith.
Great characters, good storyline and plenty of love and laughter.
Highly recommended.
Meredith Bailey is the main woman at Bailey and Bailey, and she came to buy up the Comfort Food Cafe and use it more financially viable because that is what she does. Life changes for people who came to the village, see what effect the people have on Meredith.
Great characters, good storyline and plenty of love and laughter.
Highly recommended.
October 30, 2026
Snowed in at The Comfort Food Cafe is a book about family, grief and restarting your life (when that seemed impossible).
Meredith is a business woman who has lost herself in her work and her grief. She arrives in the small seaside English town ready to strike a deal for the cafe but ends up getting more than she bargained for.
Getting out of your comfort zone is hard and Meredith finds a community that challenges her to do just that.
This book was a good Christmas read and I enjoyed the setting, the characters and especially - the dog!
Meredith is a business woman who has lost herself in her work and her grief. She arrives in the small seaside English town ready to strike a deal for the cafe but ends up getting more than she bargained for.
Getting out of your comfort zone is hard and Meredith finds a community that challenges her to do just that.
This book was a good Christmas read and I enjoyed the setting, the characters and especially - the dog!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought some of these characters were familiar, and when I did a search in my 'what I read' files, I found that I read two in this series in 2018 - and loved them. Loved this one too.
Merrilyn is perhaps overdrawn at the beginning as the uptight CEO, but as she untangles we see more of the reason for the masks and shutting out of people. I cried in several places, and enjoyed this read. A feel good, even if you can guess the ending.
Merrilyn is perhaps overdrawn at the beginning as the uptight CEO, but as she untangles we see more of the reason for the masks and shutting out of people. I cried in several places, and enjoyed this read. A feel good, even if you can guess the ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sweet story about a woman aho finds herself at the small village cafe with intentions of buying it, only to find it changes her life. The story starts roughly for me, but once it gets going, it is very enjoyable. The themes focus around grief but also how grief can become deep seeded fear which looks different for different people. Lovely.
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
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