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Little Beach Street Bakery #1
Little Beach Street Bakery
For fans of Sophie Kinsella, Jojo Moyes, and Jennifer Weiner, a moving, laugh-out-loud novel—with recipes!—about a young woman who begins her life anew as a baker in Cornwall.
Amid the ruins of her latest relationship, Polly Waterford moves far away to the sleepy seaside resort of Polbearne, where she lives in a small, lonely flat above an abandoned shop.
To distract her from her troubles, Polly throws herself into her favorite hobby: making bread. But her relaxing weekend diversion quickly develops into a passion. As she pours her emotions into kneading and pounding the dough, each loaf becomes better than the last. Soon, Polly is working her magic with nuts and seeds, olives and chorizo, and the local honey-courtesy of a handsome local beekeeper. Drawing on reserves of determination and creativity Polly never knew she had, she bakes and bakes . . . and discovers a bright new life where she least expected it.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2014
2238 people are currently reading
30693 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Colgan
101 books11.9k followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,458 reviews
December 6, 2025
Polly Waterford lived with her partner, Chris, and for the last few years, barely had her head above water.
"How?" said Chris. "Have you ever gone bankrupt?"
They had a design business - with her on the business and Chris on the design - but, despite everything, it fell through.
With no great relief, Polly and Chris are forced to give up...everything. But...she assumed that they would still have each other.
"Polly had worked her fingers to the bone. She had never stopped pitching, closing, discounting; doing anything to get sales for her talented other half."
Now, with no business, no flat and no boyfriend...Polly is forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew.
"...she'd looked at him, really looked at him, and he'd said grimly, 'It's over.' "
She finds a small apartment in Polbearne - a seaside resort - which promises to be a life completely different from what she knew.
There's only one thing that Polbearne is missing...bread.
"The building looked practically derelict....Downstairs was the black maw of a deserted shop."
It's going to take one hellova baker to turn this place around.
"Polly was very specific about bread. She loved it....She loved it toasted or as it was; she loved bagels, and cheese on toast, and pain d'epices, and twisted Italian plaits."
I love Jenny Colgan's other books - The Bookshop on the Corner and Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe - and upon a reread, I did rather enjoy this one.
I loved all of the scenes where she actually baked the bread and thought about bread - it was fun to learn about all the different types and what you need to do to make them.
And I loved how she brought the town out of the dark age.
And the puffin! So cute!!
However, I do think the author gave the main character too easy of a time.
Sure...Polly had problems and character flaws. Sometimes she tried too much to help people. She cared too much or showed too much forgiveness...honestly.
She couldn't make a wrong turn if she tried (though if she did, she would have found a charming young man with a plate of cookies at the end).
In all fairness, part of my dislike is due to the audiobook.
That was (quite possibly) the worst American accent on an audiobook that I've ever had the displeasure of listening to.
I have no idea where Huckle is from, but it is CERTAINLY not the US. Really threw me out of the book.
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September 13, 2021
On the surface, Colgan’s latest appears to be a cute book about baking, but there is much more depth and emotion here than initially meets the eye. At times lighthearted and funny, and at times contemplative and deep, this novel is a real gem. The descriptions of bread and bread making, coupled with recipes, make the book an immersive experience. Add to this charming, small-town life, love and friendship, and readers will truly delight in the time spent reading this splendid tale.
After Polly and Chris fail at their graphic design business, their relationship falls apart as well. Polly cannot afford to remain in the city and finds a run-down yet serviceable flat in the tiny hamlet of Polbearne. She struggles to make her way in the close-knit community, spending her time making bread and surreptitiously sharing it with new friends and acquaintances in order to hide her activities from the grouchy town baker. When Polly is offered an opportunity to take on more baking, her life and relationships also begin to flourish, especially with an American man named Huckle.
I must add--I HATE the US cover for this book. Obviously, the cover designer did not read the book, because there are no cupcakes. This book is about bread baking. Bakery does not always mean cupcakes. It makes me SO mad, because this is such a wonderful book, I don't want people thinking it is something it is not.
After Polly and Chris fail at their graphic design business, their relationship falls apart as well. Polly cannot afford to remain in the city and finds a run-down yet serviceable flat in the tiny hamlet of Polbearne. She struggles to make her way in the close-knit community, spending her time making bread and surreptitiously sharing it with new friends and acquaintances in order to hide her activities from the grouchy town baker. When Polly is offered an opportunity to take on more baking, her life and relationships also begin to flourish, especially with an American man named Huckle.
I must add--I HATE the US cover for this book. Obviously, the cover designer did not read the book, because there are no cupcakes. This book is about bread baking. Bakery does not always mean cupcakes. It makes me SO mad, because this is such a wonderful book, I don't want people thinking it is something it is not.
September 5, 2021
Sometimes you just need to curl up with a predictable comfort read. A nice distraction from the onslaught of distressing news.
October 21, 2016
★★★½
Good bread is hard to find. Getting just the right texture, density, crust, aroma, and flavor is a talent that I personally don't have. I do have a tiny handful of places I know of that can deliver perfection. Too bad this book is a work of fiction; I want to add it to my list. I want to crawl inside the pages and devour every perfect morsel the heroine created. The descriptions of the freshly baked breads were perfection.
And the people and atmosphere of the small seaside village setting (which the author reveals IN THIS INTERVIEW was inspired by the real-life St Michael's Mount in Cornwell). So well-written.
I have read Jenny Colgan before and have had a "meh" experience, but Little Beach Street Bakery was bounds better and is my favorite book from this author to date. Much of the book reminded me a bit of the plot and community dynamics seen in the film Chocolat (2000). A newcomer who brings a much needed baking talent to her new desperate community, a villain type of character who strongly discourages it, and a tiny town who is heavily conflicted between craving the illicit food and succumbing to intimidation. Little Beach Street Bakery brings drama, heartache, humor, beauty, friendship, food, love, and light romance to a "gentle and relaxing" reading experience. That description is in quotes because a fellow member of Chick Lit Book Club used this in our BOTM discussion located HERE and I thought those adjectives were absolutely perfect.
Unfortunately though, I do have a few complaints. The first one has to do with the romance. It was evident that the heroine and hero were headed that way based on the events and story build-up, but I found their chemistry was sorely lacking. After all of the detailed writing up to that point, the romance just felt like words in comparison. Second, you won't find any recipes in Little Beach Street Bakery so you'll have to fulfill your carbohydrate cravings some other way. Third, the voices of the audiobook narrators are far too mature for the ages of the written characters. A goodreads friend gave me a heads up on this factor beforehand and thankfully I was prepared so it wasn't too distracting but it was obvious and a bit confusing to be honest. Regardless, I really enjoyed Little Beach Street Bakery overall and would recommend it to fans of chicklit/women's fiction.
My favorite quote:
"Beyond the window was...nothing. Just a stretch into outer space, or, as it revealed itself to be on closer examination, the sea. The picture had been taken on a day when the sea and the sky were the same shade of gray and blended into one another. It was a great big expanse on which nothing was written. Polly stared at the picture for a long time, fascinated. It looked exactly the way she felt: hollowed out, empty. But also strangely calming. Like it was all right that there was a lot of gray in the world; grey was how it was."
Note: I realize the above quote isn't consistent with how light I made the book sound but this quote stood out to me. I love the ocean and find it very therapeutic. I've experienced this quote first-hand and I marked it immediately.
10/20/2016:
I've been craving fresh-baked artisan bread all day...and honey. Lots of raw honey. Thanks for the carbs Jenny Colgan.
Full review to come after I stuff my face.
Good bread is hard to find. Getting just the right texture, density, crust, aroma, and flavor is a talent that I personally don't have. I do have a tiny handful of places I know of that can deliver perfection. Too bad this book is a work of fiction; I want to add it to my list. I want to crawl inside the pages and devour every perfect morsel the heroine created. The descriptions of the freshly baked breads were perfection.
And the people and atmosphere of the small seaside village setting (which the author reveals IN THIS INTERVIEW was inspired by the real-life St Michael's Mount in Cornwell). So well-written.
I have read Jenny Colgan before and have had a "meh" experience, but Little Beach Street Bakery was bounds better and is my favorite book from this author to date. Much of the book reminded me a bit of the plot and community dynamics seen in the film Chocolat (2000). A newcomer who brings a much needed baking talent to her new desperate community, a villain type of character who strongly discourages it, and a tiny town who is heavily conflicted between craving the illicit food and succumbing to intimidation. Little Beach Street Bakery brings drama, heartache, humor, beauty, friendship, food, love, and light romance to a "gentle and relaxing" reading experience. That description is in quotes because a fellow member of Chick Lit Book Club used this in our BOTM discussion located HERE and I thought those adjectives were absolutely perfect.
Unfortunately though, I do have a few complaints. The first one has to do with the romance. It was evident that the heroine and hero were headed that way based on the events and story build-up, but I found their chemistry was sorely lacking. After all of the detailed writing up to that point, the romance just felt like words in comparison. Second, you won't find any recipes in Little Beach Street Bakery so you'll have to fulfill your carbohydrate cravings some other way. Third, the voices of the audiobook narrators are far too mature for the ages of the written characters. A goodreads friend gave me a heads up on this factor beforehand and thankfully I was prepared so it wasn't too distracting but it was obvious and a bit confusing to be honest. Regardless, I really enjoyed Little Beach Street Bakery overall and would recommend it to fans of chicklit/women's fiction.
My favorite quote:
"Beyond the window was...nothing. Just a stretch into outer space, or, as it revealed itself to be on closer examination, the sea. The picture had been taken on a day when the sea and the sky were the same shade of gray and blended into one another. It was a great big expanse on which nothing was written. Polly stared at the picture for a long time, fascinated. It looked exactly the way she felt: hollowed out, empty. But also strangely calming. Like it was all right that there was a lot of gray in the world; grey was how it was."
Note: I realize the above quote isn't consistent with how light I made the book sound but this quote stood out to me. I love the ocean and find it very therapeutic. I've experienced this quote first-hand and I marked it immediately.
10/20/2016:
I've been craving fresh-baked artisan bread all day...and honey. Lots of raw honey. Thanks for the carbs Jenny Colgan.
Full review to come after I stuff my face.
May 8, 2021
Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed reading this fun and very lighthearted book. The main character Polly Waterford moves to Cornwall after a failed marriage and business. Wanting a simpler life Polly takes her passion of baking and starts running a bakery shop. Very well written with great descriptions of the beautiful island of Cornwall and the amazing people that live there. I especially loved the adorable little Puffin Polly takes as a pet.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I really enjoyed reading this fun and very lighthearted book. The main character Polly Waterford moves to Cornwall after a failed marriage and business. Wanting a simpler life Polly takes her passion of baking and starts running a bakery shop. Very well written with great descriptions of the beautiful island of Cornwall and the amazing people that live there. I especially loved the adorable little Puffin Polly takes as a pet.
March 17, 2014
I absolutely LOVE Jenny Colgan’s books, they always fill me with such happiness and I love jumping right in and immersing myself in her novels, so I was VERY excited about Little Beach Street Bakery.
In Little Beach Steet Bakery, Polly is not only recovering from a bad relationship, but the company she set up with her ex Chris was declared bankrupt, leaving Polly unable to afford her flat and with no job or business either. As Polly struggles, she stumbles across the little place of Polbearne, and moves there to somewhere more affordable. After moving miles away from everyone, Polly is left living above an abandoned shop, where her new home is barely liveable. However, after adding her own touch to it, and facing her new neighbours, Polly finds comfort in her favourite hobby – making bread. And as she pours her heart and emotions into her baking, the locals begin to hear about it….
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, in fact I read the entire novel in one sitting because it was just so lovely being back with Jenny Colgan’s writing.
I really liked Polly, she has such a great personality and I warmed to her straight away. She had not had much luck with her relationship or her business as they went bankrupt, so as soon as Polly started baking and spent more time kneading dough, I was thrilled for her and I spent the rest of the book cheering her on with a huge grin on my face! I became completely swept up in Polly’s world, her emotions, her feelings, and most importantly, her bread! I also REALLY liked Huckle and I always looked forward to his scenes with Polly.
Little Beach Street Bakery was everything that I hoped it would be and more! There are a wonderful selection of characters to meet and get to know, and by the end of the book, all of the local people felt like my own personal neighbours and friends. I especially loved that they had their own individual voices and issues in their lives, and that some of these were explored too. And best of all? The book even has the most adorable puffin in it!
One thing I PARTICULARLY love about Jenny’s recent novels is that there are some fantastic recipes in the back relating to the novel. I really enjoy devouring the novel then trying out the recipes, and imagining that I’m in the bakery making some of these delicious items!
Little Beach Street Bakery is a completely delightful read full of love, life and pursuing what you’re passionate about. This story will definitely touch you, warm your heart, and have you wanting to bake so please buy a copy and enjoy!
In Little Beach Steet Bakery, Polly is not only recovering from a bad relationship, but the company she set up with her ex Chris was declared bankrupt, leaving Polly unable to afford her flat and with no job or business either. As Polly struggles, she stumbles across the little place of Polbearne, and moves there to somewhere more affordable. After moving miles away from everyone, Polly is left living above an abandoned shop, where her new home is barely liveable. However, after adding her own touch to it, and facing her new neighbours, Polly finds comfort in her favourite hobby – making bread. And as she pours her heart and emotions into her baking, the locals begin to hear about it….
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, in fact I read the entire novel in one sitting because it was just so lovely being back with Jenny Colgan’s writing.
I really liked Polly, she has such a great personality and I warmed to her straight away. She had not had much luck with her relationship or her business as they went bankrupt, so as soon as Polly started baking and spent more time kneading dough, I was thrilled for her and I spent the rest of the book cheering her on with a huge grin on my face! I became completely swept up in Polly’s world, her emotions, her feelings, and most importantly, her bread! I also REALLY liked Huckle and I always looked forward to his scenes with Polly.
Little Beach Street Bakery was everything that I hoped it would be and more! There are a wonderful selection of characters to meet and get to know, and by the end of the book, all of the local people felt like my own personal neighbours and friends. I especially loved that they had their own individual voices and issues in their lives, and that some of these were explored too. And best of all? The book even has the most adorable puffin in it!
One thing I PARTICULARLY love about Jenny’s recent novels is that there are some fantastic recipes in the back relating to the novel. I really enjoy devouring the novel then trying out the recipes, and imagining that I’m in the bakery making some of these delicious items!
Little Beach Street Bakery is a completely delightful read full of love, life and pursuing what you’re passionate about. This story will definitely touch you, warm your heart, and have you wanting to bake so please buy a copy and enjoy!
April 30, 2017
After enjoying my audiobook experience with The Bookshop on the Corner, I requested that King County Library System purchase this audiobook so I could keep going with Jenny Colgan's books, which I'd hoped would fill that quirky romance fix I sometimes have. The story in this book is the same sort of deal as that one: a woman has some problems in her life and decides to start anew somewhere else. She builds up a business and finds someone special. End of. That's not what I want to mention about this audiobook. If you like those kinds of books, read this in book format. It's cute and you get really hungry listening about all the baking. It makes you want to visit more fishing villages. Whatever.
The biggest issue with this book is the abysmal casting for the narration. Veida Dehmlow has a fantastic voice, but at least to me, it would be better suited to Miss Marple-type mystery stories, classic books or historical romance. The main characters in The Little Beach Street Bakery are around 32, but they sound like they are in a retirement home. Have you ever heard two old ladies playing bridge while talking about going to bars and getting laid? Yeah, it's probably not happening too often. (except maybe on The Golden Girls, which I will go to my grave saying is one of the best shows ever) There are a lot of male characters in this book, and they all have the same voice: husky, drunken monster. The love interest is supposed to have a Southern drawl, and his voice makes him sound like a simpleton version of the husky, drunken monster.
So anyway, read this book if you like quaint, quirky romance. If you are thinking about listening to the audiobook, put it back on the shelf.
The biggest issue with this book is the abysmal casting for the narration. Veida Dehmlow has a fantastic voice, but at least to me, it would be better suited to Miss Marple-type mystery stories, classic books or historical romance. The main characters in The Little Beach Street Bakery are around 32, but they sound like they are in a retirement home. Have you ever heard two old ladies playing bridge while talking about going to bars and getting laid? Yeah, it's probably not happening too often. (except maybe on The Golden Girls, which I will go to my grave saying is one of the best shows ever) There are a lot of male characters in this book, and they all have the same voice: husky, drunken monster. The love interest is supposed to have a Southern drawl, and his voice makes him sound like a simpleton version of the husky, drunken monster.
So anyway, read this book if you like quaint, quirky romance. If you are thinking about listening to the audiobook, put it back on the shelf.
November 24, 2022
What a wonderful escape! I absolutely loved the setting. A tiny little island that can only be accessed by the causeway at low tide, and gets submerged at high tide. This is a story about transformation and letting go. It is also a story about the strength of a community and connection with others.
I liked how the story revolved around nature. We get to see into the lives of fishermen and a beekeeper. But most of all we get to see into the life of Polly, the baker. There is an incredible array of entertaining characters and I enjoyed them all. The love story is a little formulaic, but I don’t mind. I enjoyed my time on the island and look forward to reading the rest in the series.
I liked how the story revolved around nature. We get to see into the lives of fishermen and a beekeeper. But most of all we get to see into the life of Polly, the baker. There is an incredible array of entertaining characters and I enjoyed them all. The love story is a little formulaic, but I don’t mind. I enjoyed my time on the island and look forward to reading the rest in the series.
March 4, 2014
This was a lovely and cute read but unfortunately I missed the final sparkle.
Most characters were lovely, especially Polly but I just couldn't feel any chemistry between her and Huckle.
The atmosphere of that little island town was great and I could imagine it perfectly.
Most characters were lovely, especially Polly but I just couldn't feel any chemistry between her and Huckle.
The atmosphere of that little island town was great and I could imagine it perfectly.
December 2, 2024
Who knew that bread could be the answer to healing a life....many lives....and a small town?
Another amazing read from this author.
Another amazing read from this author.
January 11, 2017
I loved the atmosphere of this book and the story was pretty good if a tad too familiar... the more I read, the more I realized it was almost identical to The Bookshop on the Corner, the first book I read by this author and really liked and enjoyed. I mean, eerily - and lazily - similar; same characters (albeit with different names), same plot line (substituting bread for books), same crazy and eccentric friend who periodically comes to stay (and falls in love with the guy you're supposed to think she never would), same pathetic ex-husband, same out-of-the way small town (substitute England for Scotland), same outcome (thought she loved one man who turns out to be something he isn't so ends up with the one she should be with), and on and on. It was like a cookie cutter version of Bookshop. That's not to say it wasn't a fun read, but my goodness, a fresh idea would have been nice! I would have given this book a higher rating if I had felt I wasn't reading the same story all over again.
August 16, 2016
Jenny Colgan is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors when I don't know what to pick up next. Her cast is eclectic and fun to get to know, her storyline is engaging, and the recipes she incorporates into her books are mouthwatering!!!
In this novel, I enjoyed getting to know Polly who at the age of thirty-something has to find a new career when the graphic design business she started with her boyfriend goes bankrupt. With so few options at her disposal and rent being so expensive in town, she decides to take residence in a small beach town that seems to be inhabited by folks that are set in their ways.
As she begins to bake bread for the local towns people and finds new ingredients to add to her concoctions, she quickly begins to make friends with most of the town with the exception of her land lady. However, her desire to continue baking and finally do something she enjoys overpowers the constant trouble she finds herself in.
Overall, I loved Polly, Huckle and Neil the puffin!! I could read their story for many many more chapters!! It was fun to get to know the towns people and the ins and outs of the local fishing business. The recipes that Polly concocted with the local ingredients and Huckle's Honey sounds amazing. I've never baked a loaf of bread, but I think I'm going to give it a try when the summer heat wanes.
Wondeful story that takes place in a small Cornish seaside town where the inhabitants are full of character! Enjoyed it much!!
In this novel, I enjoyed getting to know Polly who at the age of thirty-something has to find a new career when the graphic design business she started with her boyfriend goes bankrupt. With so few options at her disposal and rent being so expensive in town, she decides to take residence in a small beach town that seems to be inhabited by folks that are set in their ways.
As she begins to bake bread for the local towns people and finds new ingredients to add to her concoctions, she quickly begins to make friends with most of the town with the exception of her land lady. However, her desire to continue baking and finally do something she enjoys overpowers the constant trouble she finds herself in.
Overall, I loved Polly, Huckle and Neil the puffin!! I could read their story for many many more chapters!! It was fun to get to know the towns people and the ins and outs of the local fishing business. The recipes that Polly concocted with the local ingredients and Huckle's Honey sounds amazing. I've never baked a loaf of bread, but I think I'm going to give it a try when the summer heat wanes.
Wondeful story that takes place in a small Cornish seaside town where the inhabitants are full of character! Enjoyed it much!!
August 30, 2022
So cozy und schön. :)
February 14, 2016
Je ne peux que vous conseiller ce roman. Si les personnages manquent de profondeur, ils restent marquants grâce à leur personnalité, au rôle qu'ils ont dans la vie de Polly et plus généralement dans l'histoire. Polly est une femme intelligente, un peu trop gentille et manquant de caractère, mais je l'ai beaucoup apprécié, de même que les seconds rôles les plus présents. La passion de Polly pour la fabrication du pain se fait très bien ressentir et les passages parlant de ce qu'elle fait sont des plus réussis. Entre prises de risque, passion pour ce qu'on fait, amitiés, amours, déboires, déceptions, faux pas, descriptions -de tous horizons- craquantes et figures locales ou autres de tous types, ce roman a été une lecture qui va longtemps me rester en mémoire. C'est un livre doudou que je garderai précieusement, un livre feel-goo qui fait du bien.
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2016/...
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2016/...
August 4, 2015
Can't understand all the high ratings given to this book - which led me to pick it up in the first place. I found it totally predictable and a bit silly: even disregarding a very unrealistic puffin called Neil. What annoyed me most was the juvenile writing style which reads as though written by a good primary school student. It was a real challenge to finish the book at all, and I found myself skimming chunks of it towards the end.
I actually feel a bit embarrassed to have this on my 'read' list!
I actually feel a bit embarrassed to have this on my 'read' list!
January 8, 2016
When Polly’s long-term relationship comes crashing down and with it the business they’ve built together, she’s left to start over completely from scratch. With so few options available to her, she agrees to rent a run-down flat with a leaky roof on the island of Polbearne. She finds solace in utilizing her baking skills and filling the air of the island with the enticing smell of freshly baked bread.
St. Michael’s Mount
Source
Polbearne, a quaint seaside village off the coast of England, is based off the actual island St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. Colgan’s descriptions of the village were thorough, detailing not only the people and their way of life but of the town itself and the sole causeway being the only way to come and go on the island. While the people in the village weren’t always the most friendly (since they saw Polly as an outsider), the village itself sounded like a such a lovely place to reside with its small shops on cobbled streets and a ruined yet still charming castle on the top of a hill overlooking the island.
Polly’s ever-constant baking was also given much detail and constantly left you craving delicious breads. After one particularly tasty sounding chapter I became determined to also become a master bread maker. Long story short, I failed miserably. Bread is FAR harder to bake than Polly makes it sound like just so you know! I didn’t actually attempt any of the recipes included in the story (Cheese Straws, Sweetcorn Fritters, Cinnamon Rolls, Focaccia, and my favorite: Shortbread) but I’m determined to try again. Someday.
This fun little foodie novel is not without its fill of drama though. Polly immediately begins butting heads with her landlord who is the sole baker on the island and Polly’s freshly baked bread is hampering her sales. Her landlord has her own personal history that ends up being told as a side-story. Polly also gets involved in some romantic complications that ends up being something akin to a love square. While I’m not a fan of love triangles and especially squares in general, what really disappointed me with this one in particular was the lack of chemistry between Polly and any of the men. What I loved most about Polly was her empowering story of hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to not only make a living but to find out who she is while being on her own again. The romance element wasn’t completely necessary in my opinion and especially not that many romances. It made it all avoidably messy and I would have appreciated a much more simplistic story in that regard.
I don’t know how I’ve failed to mention the best part of the story this far into my review! When Polly moves to Polbearne she unintentionally takes on a new pet which she names Neil. Neil, the puffin.
Neil was by far the cutest addition to the story even though he was unrealistically tame, but whatever! Now I want a pet puffin.
Little Beach Street Bakery is a sweet, entertaining tale about learning to navigate the harsh realities of life and finding what you’re passionate about. It’s the perfect read for foodie fiction fans and readers simply looking for a light-hearted read.
I received this book free from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
St. Michael’s Mount
Source
Polbearne, a quaint seaside village off the coast of England, is based off the actual island St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. Colgan’s descriptions of the village were thorough, detailing not only the people and their way of life but of the town itself and the sole causeway being the only way to come and go on the island. While the people in the village weren’t always the most friendly (since they saw Polly as an outsider), the village itself sounded like a such a lovely place to reside with its small shops on cobbled streets and a ruined yet still charming castle on the top of a hill overlooking the island.
Polly’s ever-constant baking was also given much detail and constantly left you craving delicious breads. After one particularly tasty sounding chapter I became determined to also become a master bread maker. Long story short, I failed miserably. Bread is FAR harder to bake than Polly makes it sound like just so you know! I didn’t actually attempt any of the recipes included in the story (Cheese Straws, Sweetcorn Fritters, Cinnamon Rolls, Focaccia, and my favorite: Shortbread) but I’m determined to try again. Someday.
This fun little foodie novel is not without its fill of drama though. Polly immediately begins butting heads with her landlord who is the sole baker on the island and Polly’s freshly baked bread is hampering her sales. Her landlord has her own personal history that ends up being told as a side-story. Polly also gets involved in some romantic complications that ends up being something akin to a love square. While I’m not a fan of love triangles and especially squares in general, what really disappointed me with this one in particular was the lack of chemistry between Polly and any of the men. What I loved most about Polly was her empowering story of hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to not only make a living but to find out who she is while being on her own again. The romance element wasn’t completely necessary in my opinion and especially not that many romances. It made it all avoidably messy and I would have appreciated a much more simplistic story in that regard.
I don’t know how I’ve failed to mention the best part of the story this far into my review! When Polly moves to Polbearne she unintentionally takes on a new pet which she names Neil. Neil, the puffin.
Neil was by far the cutest addition to the story even though he was unrealistically tame, but whatever! Now I want a pet puffin.
Little Beach Street Bakery is a sweet, entertaining tale about learning to navigate the harsh realities of life and finding what you’re passionate about. It’s the perfect read for foodie fiction fans and readers simply looking for a light-hearted read.
I received this book free from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 28, 2017
Adoro livros relacionados com culinária e comida e este foi uma perdição, admito que de tanto ler sobre pão e bagels, aquando de uma passagem pelo supermercado tive de trazer uns bagels, tudo por causa deste livro!
Passando à minha opinião do enredo, gostei claramente como já devem ter notado contudo achei que o livro esticou-se em demasia e que a autora realmente não tinha muito por contar e portanto foi introduzindo personagens secundárias e plots secundários só para prolongar a trama. Gostei da estória da antiga padeira da vila e gostei bastante da inclusão da pesca e dos pescadores no livro, principalmente por a actividade pescatória ser tão importante no nosso país e portanto o livro teve outro sabor. Ouve situações que me pareceram mesmo desnecessárias e que senti que estavam ali só para encher o livro mas no final acho que quase tudo teve o seu propósito, seja o romance da Polly com o pescador ou a aparição súbita do ex-marido a pedir-lhe uma segunda oportunidade.
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
Passando à minha opinião do enredo, gostei claramente como já devem ter notado contudo achei que o livro esticou-se em demasia e que a autora realmente não tinha muito por contar e portanto foi introduzindo personagens secundárias e plots secundários só para prolongar a trama. Gostei da estória da antiga padeira da vila e gostei bastante da inclusão da pesca e dos pescadores no livro, principalmente por a actividade pescatória ser tão importante no nosso país e portanto o livro teve outro sabor. Ouve situações que me pareceram mesmo desnecessárias e que senti que estavam ali só para encher o livro mas no final acho que quase tudo teve o seu propósito, seja o romance da Polly com o pescador ou a aparição súbita do ex-marido a pedir-lhe uma segunda oportunidade.
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
June 2, 2019
I really did not enjoy this book. A book shouldn't be able to hit the shelves with mistakes in it (such as missing full stops and spelling errors). I found the writing was simple and lacked creative flair (maybe that's what chick lit is meant to be[?]). My other gripe was the lengthy sentences and constant mid-sentence tangents with unnecessary detail. One sentence lasted half a page! By the time you'd made it through three tangents you'd forgotten what the point of the start of the sentence even was. I felt like she was trying too hard to make the best friend seem direct and outspoken. But she just came across as a heartless bitch. Likewise with the rich guy Reuben, she tried too hard to talk up his wealth that he just seemed unrealistic and ridiculous.
August 12, 2016
This is a great, relaxing, summer holiday read. Perfect for the beach or by the pool.
Polly and her husband run a graphic design business together that goes belly-up. Their marriage doesn't survive the stresses of declaring bankruptcy and Polly moves to a dilapidated flat in a small seaside town in Cornwall, as it is all she can afford (slightly hard to believe, knowing how much seafront property goes for in this country, but I'll let it slide).
Polly finds herself befriending a crew of local fishermen, butting heads with the local baker, having an encounter with the local ghost and rescuing an injured puffin. Oh, and there's also this hunky American guy who lives nearby, but I'm sure he's not important to the story at all...
It's all a little cheesy but it's good natured and a lot of fun. It even throws off the light-heartedness for a while to give the reader some bona fide peril on the high seas and a little tragedy for good measure. The author even throws in the recipes for some of the baked goods featured in the book at the end.
Overall, this is never going to win the Pulitzer for literature or anything but I enjoyed it quite a bit and will be reading the sequel.
Polly and her husband run a graphic design business together that goes belly-up. Their marriage doesn't survive the stresses of declaring bankruptcy and Polly moves to a dilapidated flat in a small seaside town in Cornwall, as it is all she can afford (slightly hard to believe, knowing how much seafront property goes for in this country, but I'll let it slide).
Polly finds herself befriending a crew of local fishermen, butting heads with the local baker, having an encounter with the local ghost and rescuing an injured puffin. Oh, and there's also this hunky American guy who lives nearby, but I'm sure he's not important to the story at all...
It's all a little cheesy but it's good natured and a lot of fun. It even throws off the light-heartedness for a while to give the reader some bona fide peril on the high seas and a little tragedy for good measure. The author even throws in the recipes for some of the baked goods featured in the book at the end.
Overall, this is never going to win the Pulitzer for literature or anything but I enjoyed it quite a bit and will be reading the sequel.
January 31, 2021
So here's the thing. I bought this book way back when and have it in paperback form. I tried to get through it once and never did. It's sat on my shelves in the (TBR) pile for years at this point. I decided this year I am going to try to whittle away at my TBR books and then start placing the ones I don't want into a donation pile. So I finally finished this book (it took me a week). I read it in between other books and I have to say that yeah, I can see why I didn't like this the first time through.
I think the biggest reason that I didn't like or finish this the first time and why I gave this 2 stars now is that I got exhausted by the character of Polly. She just seemed fixated on moving on from her long-term boyfriend and instead of baking (there is that) we just focused on her romances with two men. And one of those men was inappropriate so I ended up disliking him for the rest of the book. I also thought the book was super short-sighted with regards to the slowly dying village deciding it didn't want a bridge into it. There are near misses by people throughout the book dealing with almost being washed away trying to get there so it made zero sense to me that this was a thing to debate.
I wish that I liked the love interests, but Huckle (that name) was beyond ridiculous I thought and the Tarnie...just no. No spoilers. But honestly I wish that Polly had just stayed single in this book and you could have had the promise of a romance at the end of the book and maybe the rest of the series could have followed that. I just didn't find any of the romances believable. And I thought that Polly was just "too perfect" and it got aggravating. People have emotions and get upset. She just let everyone it seemed walk all over her.
I think I just finally gave up during the wedding scene and as a Star Wars fan I have to say I would have run screaming from the church.
My rating also is because I looked up and saw subsequent books in the series where the author changed things around to the point that readers noticed and got frustrated. You can't have someone mention one parent is dead and then in latter books they are alive, or lose track of the brothers and sisters you gave them. It looks like there will be a new one in this series coming out this year and it mentions quarantine and I am going to say heck no right now to any romance books written about COVID-19.
I think the biggest reason that I didn't like or finish this the first time and why I gave this 2 stars now is that I got exhausted by the character of Polly. She just seemed fixated on moving on from her long-term boyfriend and instead of baking (there is that) we just focused on her romances with two men. And one of those men was inappropriate so I ended up disliking him for the rest of the book. I also thought the book was super short-sighted with regards to the slowly dying village deciding it didn't want a bridge into it. There are near misses by people throughout the book dealing with almost being washed away trying to get there so it made zero sense to me that this was a thing to debate.
I wish that I liked the love interests, but Huckle (that name) was beyond ridiculous I thought and the Tarnie...just no. No spoilers. But honestly I wish that Polly had just stayed single in this book and you could have had the promise of a romance at the end of the book and maybe the rest of the series could have followed that. I just didn't find any of the romances believable. And I thought that Polly was just "too perfect" and it got aggravating. People have emotions and get upset. She just let everyone it seemed walk all over her.
I think I just finally gave up during the wedding scene and as a Star Wars fan I have to say I would have run screaming from the church.
My rating also is because I looked up and saw subsequent books in the series where the author changed things around to the point that readers noticed and got frustrated. You can't have someone mention one parent is dead and then in latter books they are alive, or lose track of the brothers and sisters you gave them. It looks like there will be a new one in this series coming out this year and it mentions quarantine and I am going to say heck no right now to any romance books written about COVID-19.
April 8, 2018
Nach einer gescheiterten Beziehung und beruflichen Niederlage wagt Polly einen Neuanfang in Cornwall. Sie zieht auf eine kleine Insel und mietet sich eine etwas renovierungsbedürftige Wohnung. Hier backt Polly ihr Brot, was schon immer ein großes Hobby von ihr war. Schnell spricht sich unter den Insulanern herum, dass Pollys Brot einzigartig gut ist. Damit macht sich Polly jedoch nicht nur Freunde, denn ausgerechnet ihrer Vermieterin gehört die einzige Bäckerei auf der Insel, und die sieht Pollys Konkurrenz gar nicht gerne...
Mein Leseeindruck:
Dieser leichte Roman ist genau richtig, wenn man sich einfach unterhalten lassen möchte und etwas fürs Herz sucht. Die Geschichte ist nicht besonders anspruchsvoll, dafür aber wunderschön und liebenswert. Die Charaktere sind zum Verlieben, und sogar der säuerlichen Vermieterin von Polly kann man im Laufe der Geschichte näherkommen.
Auch eine Liebesgeschichte ist natürlich enthalten, aber sie steht nicht unbedingt im Vordergrund. Trotzdem ist sie wunderschön und ans Herz gehend.
Auch das Setting ist hervorzuheben. Ich liebe Cornwall und somit haben eigentlich schon alle Geschichten, die hier spielen, bei mir einen Bonus. Aber wenn man dieses Buch liest, fühlt es sich wirklich ein bisschen wie Urlaub an. Man kann sich gedanklich vom Alltag entfernen und die Seele baumeln lassen.
Mein Leseeindruck:
Dieser leichte Roman ist genau richtig, wenn man sich einfach unterhalten lassen möchte und etwas fürs Herz sucht. Die Geschichte ist nicht besonders anspruchsvoll, dafür aber wunderschön und liebenswert. Die Charaktere sind zum Verlieben, und sogar der säuerlichen Vermieterin von Polly kann man im Laufe der Geschichte näherkommen.
Auch eine Liebesgeschichte ist natürlich enthalten, aber sie steht nicht unbedingt im Vordergrund. Trotzdem ist sie wunderschön und ans Herz gehend.
Auch das Setting ist hervorzuheben. Ich liebe Cornwall und somit haben eigentlich schon alle Geschichten, die hier spielen, bei mir einen Bonus. Aber wenn man dieses Buch liest, fühlt es sich wirklich ein bisschen wie Urlaub an. Man kann sich gedanklich vom Alltag entfernen und die Seele baumeln lassen.
November 26, 2025
Nadat haar relatie op de klippen gelopen is, verhuist Polly naar een eilandje in Cornwall. Ze huurt er een krakkemikkig appartementje, omdat ze zich niet meer kan veroorloven. Haar grote hobby is brood bakken.
De bakkerij in het dorpje heeft geen brood dat Polly lekker vindt, en ze besluit haar eigen brood te bakken. Al gauw weten de mensen van het dorpje dit, en komen bij Polly brood vragen. Dit is niet naar de zin van de eigenares van de bakkerij, die ook nog eens Polly's huisbazin is.
Polly heeft op haar eerste dag op het eiland een jonge papegaaiduiker opgevangen, die door haar raam gevlogen was, en zijn vleugel bezeerd had. Ze noemt hem Neil.
Ze sluit ook vriendschap met de vissers die ze vanuit haar raam elke dag naar zee ziet vertrekken.
Eigenlijk geraakt ze snel ingeburgerd op het eiland.
Ze deelt lief en leed met al de bewoners, en er gebeuren inderdaad wel enkele aangrijpende dingen.
Ik heb zo genoten van dit boek, ik vond het goed geschreven en kon me echt inleven in de personages. Top lectuur in zijn genre.
De bakkerij in het dorpje heeft geen brood dat Polly lekker vindt, en ze besluit haar eigen brood te bakken. Al gauw weten de mensen van het dorpje dit, en komen bij Polly brood vragen. Dit is niet naar de zin van de eigenares van de bakkerij, die ook nog eens Polly's huisbazin is.
Polly heeft op haar eerste dag op het eiland een jonge papegaaiduiker opgevangen, die door haar raam gevlogen was, en zijn vleugel bezeerd had. Ze noemt hem Neil.
Ze sluit ook vriendschap met de vissers die ze vanuit haar raam elke dag naar zee ziet vertrekken.
Eigenlijk geraakt ze snel ingeburgerd op het eiland.
Ze deelt lief en leed met al de bewoners, en er gebeuren inderdaad wel enkele aangrijpende dingen.
Ik heb zo genoten van dit boek, ik vond het goed geschreven en kon me echt inleven in de personages. Top lectuur in zijn genre.
October 9, 2016
Good chick lit book with a mix of tragedy and humor. It was an easy read with likable characters. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the seaside English town. I was expecting a foodie book with succulent descriptions like in a A Taste of Heaven or The Cake Therapist . Instead, there are lots of other things going on besides the bakery like a wedding, fishermen, puffins, and beekeeping. If you like escapism reads about second chances, this book might be for you. 3 star read! One a side note, I knocked off 1/2 a star because the narrator of the audiobook made the main character sound like an elderly woman.
March 19, 2020
An uplifting, sometimes humorous comfort read. I chose this more for the beautiful setting near Cornwall, England than for the story. I'll read almost anything with descriptions of the gorgeous old homes, beaches, skies, and gardens of Cornwall.
April 2, 2017
After reading Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery, book three in the Little Beach Street Bakery series did I just have to read the first book because I found the one I read marvelous.
Jenny Colgan has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I love the mix of seriousness and humor in her books and several times did I smile as I read this book. However, it's not all smile and laughter, and since I have I read book three did I know that I should not become too attached to a person that is not longer in the story after this book. I failed at that, to be honest, the person in question become one of my favorites, despite the person not being fully truthful to Polly.
Little Beach Street Bakery is a wonderful book, there are so many wonderful parts in the book, like everything concerning Neil the puffin, Polly secretly baking bread to everyone (long story read the book), her best friend Kerensa and Reuben and their weird kind of "thing". Polly getting to know Tarnie and Huck, the two men in her life. No, this is not a triangle drama book. I even liked in a heartbreaking way the sad part of the book that came towards the later part of the book. The only thing that felt a bit off was part of the ending, I did like the last part, the wedding is marvelous, but I found myself annoying with the whole relationship drama towards the end of the book with miss misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Still, the book is definitely a really good book, despite the weaker part at the end of the book and I hope to read book two soon!
One thing, that confused me, in this book Polly's father died when she was twenty and she has a brother. But in Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery did her father walk out of her mother before she was born, and she has no sibling. Both books I've read has been in Swedish, is it a translation problem or is it a miss from the author side?
Jenny Colgan has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I love the mix of seriousness and humor in her books and several times did I smile as I read this book. However, it's not all smile and laughter, and since I have I read book three did I know that I should not become too attached to a person that is not longer in the story after this book. I failed at that, to be honest, the person in question become one of my favorites, despite the person not being fully truthful to Polly.
Little Beach Street Bakery is a wonderful book, there are so many wonderful parts in the book, like everything concerning Neil the puffin, Polly secretly baking bread to everyone (long story read the book), her best friend Kerensa and Reuben and their weird kind of "thing". Polly getting to know Tarnie and Huck, the two men in her life. No, this is not a triangle drama book. I even liked in a heartbreaking way the sad part of the book that came towards the later part of the book. The only thing that felt a bit off was part of the ending, I did like the last part, the wedding is marvelous, but I found myself annoying with the whole relationship drama towards the end of the book with miss misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Still, the book is definitely a really good book, despite the weaker part at the end of the book and I hope to read book two soon!
One thing, that confused me, in this book Polly's father died when she was twenty and she has a brother. But in Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery did her father walk out of her mother before she was born, and she has no sibling. Both books I've read has been in Swedish, is it a translation problem or is it a miss from the author side?
August 17, 2017
Um romance delicioso e inebriante, que mexe com as nossas memórias olfactivas e nos leva a viajar!
Este livro tem todos os ingredientes que adoro numa história, um romance, uma viagem e a descrição de aromas e sabores que nos transportam para dentro do livro.
Foi difícil largar a leitura, daquelas que são tão prazerosas que se lê tudo num instante.
Só não dou nota máxima porque achei o final muito corrido, mas como sei que tem continuação, não vejo a hora de ler o segundo.
E depois como adoro cozinhar, adorei as receitas que autora deixa no final do livro! Maravilhoso! Ainda estou a salivar com as descrições que a personagem Polly ia fazendo dos seus pães.
Este livro tem todos os ingredientes que adoro numa história, um romance, uma viagem e a descrição de aromas e sabores que nos transportam para dentro do livro.
Foi difícil largar a leitura, daquelas que são tão prazerosas que se lê tudo num instante.
Só não dou nota máxima porque achei o final muito corrido, mas como sei que tem continuação, não vejo a hora de ler o segundo.
E depois como adoro cozinhar, adorei as receitas que autora deixa no final do livro! Maravilhoso! Ainda estou a salivar com as descrições que a personagem Polly ia fazendo dos seus pães.
October 18, 2020
So...this really is a hard one to rate. It had some moments that genuinely felt entertaining and easy to read. And then others that were just like...why???
And unfortunately the why moments outnumbered the entrainment moments.
Basically, you've got a woman whose life sucks: she broke up with her boyfriend, her business went down the drain, and now she's saddled with loads of debt. So she peaces out to the middle of nowhere and starts baking. Cue prerequisite love triangle, small town charm, and, um, a puffin.
My favorite part was the brash billionaire and the main lead's BFF because their relationship was actually funny.
The main couple was more angsty and harder to get behind. And also at the end...
I mean, this one wasn't awful but it also took me a year and a half to read so not one I'm gonna go around recommending.
And unfortunately the why moments outnumbered the entrainment moments.
Basically, you've got a woman whose life sucks: she broke up with her boyfriend, her business went down the drain, and now she's saddled with loads of debt. So she peaces out to the middle of nowhere and starts baking. Cue prerequisite love triangle, small town charm, and, um, a puffin.
My favorite part was the brash billionaire and the main lead's BFF because their relationship was actually funny.
The main couple was more angsty and harder to get behind. And also at the end...
I mean, this one wasn't awful but it also took me a year and a half to read so not one I'm gonna go around recommending.
May 8, 2015
Polly's relationship has failed, her business has failed, she is homeless, bankrupt and living on the couch of her all too perfect best friend. Desperate to escape her woes and start rebuilding she rents a ramshackle apartment above a shop on a bleak windswept island.
With nothing else to do, she returns to the love of her life, baking bread. At first she gives it away or trades it but over time she finds she has a small business. But she has to avoid the despotic owner of the town's other bakery who just happens to be her landlord.
Little Beach Street Bakery was quite a magical story about a woman who, in doing what she loves most, manages to revive the fortunes of a small fishing town. It's not all that surprising but with characters I genuinely loved I found myself well and truly pulled into the story and had to set aside a couple of other books I'm reading just so I could focus all my attention on this.
With nothing else to do, she returns to the love of her life, baking bread. At first she gives it away or trades it but over time she finds she has a small business. But she has to avoid the despotic owner of the town's other bakery who just happens to be her landlord.
Little Beach Street Bakery was quite a magical story about a woman who, in doing what she loves most, manages to revive the fortunes of a small fishing town. It's not all that surprising but with characters I genuinely loved I found myself well and truly pulled into the story and had to set aside a couple of other books I'm reading just so I could focus all my attention on this.
May 13, 2018
While I liked the gist of this romance and the story as a whole, I did NOT like the fact that the author did no research whatsoever on American accents and speech usages as well as American slang. Huck, (yes I sad Huck which was 'shortened' to "Huckle *shiver*) was from Savannah, Georgia USA...at first he spoke like a southerner but quickly lost all of his accent as well as his Americanisms...then when he escapes back to Savannah (and he is there for months) he speaks like someone from the UK.
This ticks me off -to me, it means that the author just didn't do their research, had been lazy or that they just didn't care. Why not make both characters from the same country if you can't make the effort.
The only other American in this book was a typical cliche of a rich dotcom young adult that I kept rolling my eyes. And that relationship ending I saw coming from a mile away!!!
This ticks me off -to me, it means that the author just didn't do their research, had been lazy or that they just didn't care. Why not make both characters from the same country if you can't make the effort.
The only other American in this book was a typical cliche of a rich dotcom young adult that I kept rolling my eyes. And that relationship ending I saw coming from a mile away!!!
December 27, 2017
After being on a spree of bad reads, this one broke the spell. What a delightful surprise. I had requested this book electronically from my library so long ago, I had actually forgotten about it. Now I know why it took so long. It's really good.
The tone is causal, fun, and flirty; just what you would expect from chick lit. But, the author tackles some darker issues such as infidelity, unemployment, bankruptcy that moves this beyond typical chick lit. I was hooked from the very first page all the way to the last page.
This is definitely worth reading, especially if you are a fan of chick lit.
The tone is causal, fun, and flirty; just what you would expect from chick lit. But, the author tackles some darker issues such as infidelity, unemployment, bankruptcy that moves this beyond typical chick lit. I was hooked from the very first page all the way to the last page.
This is definitely worth reading, especially if you are a fan of chick lit.
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