A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton

by Fay Keenan

'The perfect escape!' Jessica Redland

Every book in the Brambleton series can be read as a standalone.

Lauren Hope likes her life perfectly measured and ‘just so’.

Running her cosy café in the idyllic Somerset village of Lower Brambleton provides all the fun and friendship she needs - from the safe side of the counter. But when her mother and long-time sounding board heads off on an adventure of her own, Lauren sees a chance to shake things up, especially when a mysterious new neighbour moves to the village.

Marc Hathaway is desperate for a fresh start. Still reeling from the loss of his wife, he’s moved to his dream house with his energetic six-year-old twin boys. Juggling single parenthood, a house that needs a makeover as much as he does and the approaching winter holidays, the last thing Marc expects to find is comfort in a bustling village café, not to mention a sudden, irresistible attraction to its kind-hearted owner.

As Lauren tentatively steps out of her comfort zone and Marc learns to open his fiercely guarded heart, could a touch of Lower Brambleton magic give them both the new beginning they deserve?

Curl up with the new novel by Fay Keenan. Be whisked you away to the winter wonderland of frosty Brambleton for this uplifting story of second chances and unforgettable romance, perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Veronica Henry.

Readers love Fay Keenan :

‘From start to finish i just could not put this book down, it had wonderful writing that pulled me into its pages right from the very beginning, the setting was perfect and I loved the author’s great ability to set the scene put me in a festive mood very easily!'

Fay Keenan never disappoints in her ability, every time, to come up with an uplifting, comforting and, really, what can only be described as a gorgeously satisfying read.’

Authors love Fay Keenan :

'A gorgeous rural romance full of warmth and charm.' Victoria Connelly

'Moving, funny, thoughtful and romantic. Bring on the next one!' Jenny Kane

Genres: Christmas

296 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2026

About the author

Fay Keenan lives and works in Somerset. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. Fay writes ‘heart thumping romantic fiction’ and likes to cover subjects of interest in her novels, including UK Parliament, the Air Ambulance and the international cider making industry. Her novels explore relationships, country living and hopefully have a good sprinkling of escapism, too!

Reviews

[Michelle Collick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know the characters and the struggles that Marc and Lauren faced in their blossoming romance because of things that they had gone through in the past. Would definitely recommend it as a lighthearted holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for allowing me to read this before publication.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I settled into A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton expecting cake and Christmas, and instead found myself watching two adults use productivity as emotional camouflage. Lauren has her café arranged exactly how she likes it, her days measured out, her customers predictable, and her life safely contained behind the counter. Then her mum announces she's leaving on an adventure, and Lauren reacts like someone has removed a load-bearing wall from her personality.

Marc arrives in Lower Brambleton with twin boys, a house that needs serious work, and enough grief packed into his chest to make every conversation feel slightly fragile. He keeps insisting he's managing, which is very brave of him considering every available piece of evidence says otherwise. The man is one broken boiler away from lying facedown on the kitchen floor.

And the twins? Fully operational chaos units. They are sweet, loud, observant, and completely uninterested in respecting anyone's carefully maintained emotional boundaries. Marc can spend all day pretending he's fine, but children that age will simply stare directly into your soul and ask why you look sad while holding half a biscuit and wearing one sock.

Lauren keeps helping Marc in these tiny, supposedly casual ways that are obviously not casual at all. A coffee here. A favor there. A little extra attention for the boys. Every time she tells herself she's just being kind, I wanted to say, "Ma'am, you are emotionally meal-prepping for this family."

Marc, meanwhile, has the exact energy of a man who wants comfort desperately but feels guilty the second he receives it. He likes Lauren. He trusts Lauren. He also seems convinced that moving forward means betraying the life he had before, so naturally he responds to attraction by becoming even more emotionally unavailable. A flawless strategy. No notes. Except all the notes.

What got me was how gently the book handles the fact that loving someone new does not erase the person you lost. Marc does not need to pack away his grief to make room for Lauren. He just has to stop treating happiness like something he is no longer allowed to have. That one sat with me.

Lower Brambleton is also still doing what Lower Brambleton does best, which is refusing to let anyone privately fall apart. The whole village has the energy of a group chat that somehow became municipal government. Everyone knows everything. Everyone has food. Everyone is already on the way over before you finish saying you might need help.

I did occasionally want Lauren and Marc to stop circling each other like two nervous cats near the same cardboard box. For a while, they are both doing so much quiet longing that I started feeling like I was supervising an emotional staring contest. Then suddenly things move, and I was happy, but also mildly offended that they made me wait while there were cakes going uneaten.

This was 3.5 stars for me. It was soft, comforting, and full of people trying very hard to build new lives without admitting how scared they are. Also, any romance that gives me grief, twin chaos, Christmas, and a café counter functioning as emotional armor is going to get me at least a little.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Making Two Emotionally Repressed Adults Fall in Love While Six-Year-Olds and Pastries Did Most of the Actual Work

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. You dropped me back into Brambleton, handed me cake, grief, twin-generated mayhem, and one widower trying to remodel both a house and his entire emotional life at the same time. Deeply unfair to my productivity.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton by Fay Keenan was such a sweet, cozy read. It has the small-town setting, café atmosphere, family drama, and slow-burn romance that make for an easy comfort read, but there is also enough emotional depth to keep it from feeling too fluffy.

Lauren has built a very structured life for herself around her café, her routines, and helping the people she cares about. I really liked her as a character, especially because she is kind and dependable without being written as completely perfect. Watching her deal with changes in her family and slowly step outside the life she has carefully created was one of my favorite parts of the story.

Marc comes to Brambleton with his twin boys after losing his wife, and I thought his grief was handled really well. He is trying so hard to keep everything together for his kids while also figuring out what moving forward is supposed to look like for him. I especially liked that the story never treated finding happiness again as meaning he had to forget the life he had before.

The romance between Lauren and Marc is definitely a slow burn. Their relationship grows through small moments, favors, conversations, and Lauren gradually becoming part of Marc and the boys’ lives. I liked that it felt gentle and natural, although I do wish the romantic side had developed a little earlier. By the time things really started moving, I wanted more time to actually enjoy them together.

The twins were also a really cute addition and helped keep the story from becoming too serious. Between them, Lauren’s café, her family, and all of the familiar faces around Brambleton, there was a strong sense of community throughout the book. It definitely has that small-village feeling where everyone knows everyone and nobody is allowed to quietly struggle without someone showing up to help.

Overall, A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton was warm, comforting, and easy to get lost in. I loved the café setting, the family relationships, and the way the story handled grief and second chances. I just would have liked a little more time with Lauren and Marc once their romance finally came together. Still, this was a really enjoyable 4-star read.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding a fun, light hearted romance is a treat. Finding one with additional books in the series is a full course meal!

Fay Keenan serves up a new entree in the feast of her Brambleton series, A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton.

In the small English village of Brambleton, Lauren Hope has created a local favorite, a sweet micro cafe that serves up Lauren's pastries, perfect lattes and other delights. Lauren is sweetness itself as she cares for all the neighborhood, doing as much as she can for her fellow Brambletons, as well as her mother who has various health challenges. So, when a newly widowed father of twin boys, Liam and Luca, comes to Brambleton and buys the town's historic lake home, Lauren feels it is her duty to help make them welcome, when she finds them entering her little coffee shop.

The father, Marc, and his boys begin to enjoy coffees and hot drinks. Marc and Lauren slowly take notice of each other and begin to create a relationship together. Their recipe calls for one younger recently unemployed brother in law, and another brother with his pop star singing partner. As Lauren and Marc learn to share and support one another, a possible future enters the mix.

Having never read any of Fay Keenan's novels, I was pleased to not only find a book with such likable and developed characters but also with more books to read in the future.

A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton had so many fun British English sayings. Keenan did an excellent job of executing her dialogue. The dialogue was so well done that I felt like I was getting a taste of an English village and it's inhabitants.

Therefore, I am happy to recommend A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton to any of my friends and fellow readers looking for a little escape reading journey. I rate, A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton with four stars! Enjoy!

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Fay Keenan for the advanced readers copy of A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton being published August 16th through Boldwood Books.

#ARecipeforRomanceinBrambleton #NetGalley

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton is a wonderfully cosy and uplifting escape to the charming village of Lower Brambleton. This story blends gentle humour, heartfelt emotion and a beautifully slow‑burning romance that feels both comforting and authentic.

Lauren is an instantly relatable heroine. Her carefully ordered life and love of routine make her easy to root for, and watching her gently push beyond her comfort zone is one of the real delights of the book. The café setting adds a lovely warmth to the story — full of community spirit, familiar faces and the kind of everyday magic that makes small‑village life so appealing.

Marc’s arrival brings a touching emotional depth. His grief, his determination to create a new home for his lively twin boys and his guarded heart make him a compelling counterpart to Lauren. Their connection grows with a soft, natural charm, and the wintery Brambleton backdrop gives their story a wonderfully festive glow.

This is a feel‑good tale of second chances, healing and finding courage in unexpected places. Lower Brambleton is the kind of place you want to step into — frosty mornings, friendly neighbours and a sense of belonging woven through every chapter.

A warm, uplifting romance perfect for readers who enjoy cosy village settings, gentle emotional journeys and stories that leave you smiling.

With thanks to Fay Keenan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th in a series of books set in Brambleton, I hadn't read any of the previous, but there were some plot points mentioned that made it obvious who the previous books had focused on. I didn't feel lost at all so they are perfectly fine to be read as standalones, you will obviously just see spoilers of previously written about characters.
I really loved the idea of Lauren's cafe, it sounded wonderful. The relationship between Lauren and her mum was also super special. I thought including Lauren's difficulty reading social cues and interactions was also important representation.
Marc and his lovely boys were lovely. They had suffered huge loss and it was heartwarming to see them settling together and repairing some familial relationships.
The relationship came quite late in the story, and I feel like it was a missed opportunity not to bring this a little earlier and incorporate Lauren building a relationship further with the twins, especially given Liam had opened up to her during the baking session. I feel like seeing this fully develop would have just given the story a more deserving ending.
It was a really quick read, I had completed so many chapters before realising how far through the book I was. I hadn't read anything by this author before but I would definitely read more. If you enjoy sweet romances with some emotional depth then you will enjoy this book.

[The Wrapped Chapter UK · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I absolutely love a cosy romance to read on my Kindle at bedtime. There’s something about escaping the day and immersing myself in the comforting world of a beautiful village setting that just works for me, and Brambleton was no exception.

I’ve read all of Faye Keenan’s books and have genuinely enjoyed every one, so picking this one up was an easy decision.

Lauren has the dreamiest little village café, while the rather stoic Marc arrives in Brambleton with his twin boys and plenty of heartbreak in tow.

What follows is a lovely slow-burn romance, with plenty of chemistry, a touch of spice and a little sprinkle of Christmas magic for good measure.

I particularly enjoyed the gentle development of their relationship as both characters navigated their own circumstances and gradually found their way towards each other.

I actually started this one in September without realising it had a festive theme! Although Christmas isn’t overwhelmingly central to the story, it adds a lovely touch of seasonal warmth.

This was exactly the kind of gentle, cosy bedtime read I was hoping for. The sort of book you can curl up with, switch off from everything else and simply enjoy.

A comforting, heartwarming romance that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys village settings, slow-burn relationships and a little festive magic.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Brambleton series and I have read book 3 and this one. It’s perfectly possible to read as a stand-alone or start reading here as Fay Keenan gives you enough information about characters from the previous books without churning large chucks of them to make the new book uninteresting.

This book centres round Lauren - she runs a very small coffee shop which sounds lovely in Brambleton. She spends so much time worrying about her mother who was injured in a car accident many years before. There just the two of them -then Myriam announces she’s off on a cruise to Norway to teach painting with an old friend. Lauren feels abandoned.

We also meet Marc - who is the middle brother of Noah, an estate agent who we met in book3 and Bella, a singer. Marc had returned to the UK from France with his 6 year old twin sons after the death of his wife Tessa. Joel the third brother also invites himself for Christmas and stays.

This is a feel good romance. New beginnings and overcoming grief being the main parts of the story.

I do love the way that Fay Keenan uses her characters running through the series - it’s very clever writing in my view. Add in a quaint Somerset village and I’m hooked as a Somerset girl.

Look forward to book 5

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naww, this is a sweet romance! I had not read the previous books in this series but this one can easily be read as a standalone.

Lauren runs a tiny cafe out of the front room of her home. She lives with her mother, Myriam, who has had some health issues in the past and so she was in the role of carer. Now, however, her mum is much more independent and there isn't quite as much need for Lauren's care. She keeps busy running her cafe but something is missing in her life....

Enter, Marc. He is a widower with two high-energy small boys. He has recently moved to Lower Brambleton from France, after he needed to be closer to family. His brother, Noah, lives in the village and even though Marc still grieves his wife, he feels like it is time to slowly try and make a life for the three of them.

This was such a lovely story and it dealt really sensitively on the topics of loss and grief.

Marc and Lauren's slow burn romance seems quite realistic as well, which is nice also. After all, when you are a single parent, you HAVE to put your kids first every time and any possible romantic matches need to be aware of that. I have the feeling that Lauren was neurodivergent as well....

Anyway, I give this one 4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Fay Keenan’s books and they always feel like a warm hug. Lauren runs her little cafe in Lower Brambleton but plays it safe, keeping an eye on her mum after various health scares. When her mum and sounding board unexpectedly goes on holiday she wonders if she should take it as an opportunity to come out of her comfort zone and do something for herself. Newcomer to the village is Marc Hathaway who has moved into the lake house with his twin boys. Lauren soon learns that he is a widow but finding love again is the last thing on his mind. However when Lauren and Marc meet there is an instant attraction that neither can deny is there………. This has a great cast of individual and interesting characters whose interactions flow with ease. This is an engaging read that deals with among other things, grief and loss from the perspectives of adults and children, family dynamics and also confidence. The way Faye weaves characters and events from previous books, not only this series but also others, also knits the characters and locations together. A lovely read that is full of warmth, love and positivity.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren runs a small tea shop in Lower Brambleton, with her mother, still recovering from an accident, sharing the flat above. Meanwhile Marc, a widower, has moved into the village with his twin sons. Can these two lonely people find comfort in each other?
This is the latest in the series, although it can be read as a standalone book. I did really feel for Lauren, who struggles with interacting with people and uses the Tea Room as a way of learning how to talk to people socially. Meanwhile Marc is still mourning the loss of his wife whilst bringing up his sons and starts visiting the Tea Room as there is something about Lauren that attracts him. Joined by others from the series this is a slow burn romance with just a touch of spice to give a story that I did enjoy. 4.5*rounded up to 5*.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauren Hope, who owns Hope’s Café, is facing a quiet Christmas on her own as her mother is travelling as a guest painter on a cruise. Being the quiet, retiring type Lauren decides that she needs to get out of her comfort zone and this is the ideal opportunity.

Two years after the death of his wife Tessa, Marc Hathaway has moved to Brambleton from France with his twin sons to be near to his brother Noah. Looking for a fresh start, he’s surprised and concerned when he’s hit by an instant attraction to Lauren. Is it too soon?

An enjoyable, easy read as Brambleton works its magic on Lauren and Marc. It was good to see Lauren growing in confidence and Marc realizing that moving on is possible, without feeling that he’s dishonouring his love for Tessa. This can be read as a standalone book, but I always enjoy catching up with the characters from previous books in the series.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cute story so much. Lauren runs her cosy café in a little village in Somerset, where she sells delicious sounding cakes and drinks. I felt as though I wanted to stop reading and visit this place as it sounded so good. She loves what she does and how many people she can make happy with her café. When Marc moves into the village with his two sons, he just wants to be left alone. He is struggling now he is a widow and does not know how he can cope. But when Lauren sees this, she is going to do her upmost to help him even if he does not want her help. It was the perfect setting and felt fulfilling and brimming with deliciousness. I really enjoyed this read. This is book four in the series and they can be read as standalones, but I would recommend reading them all as they are great reads.

[katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed returning to Lower Brambleton for the Christmas season - even if I did read this at the height of summer! This was a lovely cosy festive romance and I loved following both main characters as they learnt to push themselves outside their comfort zones both individually and together, navigating the complexities of family life, love and grief. I’m always here for the single dad trope and thought this story was really well handled - Lauren and Marc’s chemistry unfolded naturally and watching the extended Hathaway family blossom even more was so much fun. Revisiting this series was a joy and I hope there’s more to come!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I did not expect the latest installation to be about Noah's brother Marc. His wife Tessa was mentioned as having an illness in book#3 and it was sadly terminal, and 2 years later, Marc has joined Noah in the UK from Toulouse, in Lower Brambleton itself. His twin sons are just entering elementary school, and having a village around them near family was a big help to Marc - single father now.

Lauren, I am not sure if she has appeared in any earlier episode, but she sounds like a lovely character and not scared of kids, so ideal as Marc's chance to move on at last. But also bombshell dropped by Joel, will the next book be about him coming to join his brothers in Lower Brambleton too?

Looking forward to the next book!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cosy winter romance set in a small town between Lauren, the owner of a sweet little cafe, and Marc, a widowed dad of two twin boys.
Overall I enjoyed this book - I haven’t read any of the other Brambleton books before but it was nice seeing other characters throughout with interesting backstories and I can imagine their stories being really lovely too.
I don’t think I quite connected with Lauren and Marc’s romance - it felt very slow burn and then happened all of a sudden. I enjoyed elements of this but did find myself skimming the book towards the end. Probably just not quite the romance book for me!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Francis M. Prensa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good small-town romance, and I’m always down for a series. Seeing Bella and Noah again in this book was the sweetest surprise!

This time, the story follows Noah’s brother, Marc, who has recently lost his wife. Now he’s back in town for good with his two kids, trying to rebuild his life. Then there’s Lauren, who owns the cutest little coffee shop in town. You can probably guess where the story is headed because it follows a pretty familiar romance formula.

Even though it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, it was still a sweet, comforting read with lovable characters and all the cozy small-town vibes I enjoy.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another enjoyable visit to Brambleton and extends the community of characters. It centres on Lauren and Marc who both have family complications and also are rather lonely despite the affection of both their families. Lauren has created a life for herself which allows her to support her mother and also gives her a way to control how she relates to people. She finds the cafe gives her a role and a structure she can use to talk to villagers but also enjoys quiet times when she can process her thoughts. Marc has suffered a tragic loss in his personal life and is trying to rebuild his family life It is a gentle romantic tale and there are plenty of lively characters in the background.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and gentle love story. Lovely as a sequel and to hear more about Noah and Bella’s romance too. Marc has recently moved to Brambleton with his twin 6 year old sons. A widower and fresh to the town with only Noah and Bella as his support system he is navigating his his journey. When he takes them to Hope cafe he meets owner Lauren and gentle sparks begin to fly. A gentle relationship starts as it turns out they both have a lot of baggage to navigate together. This was a sweet book. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, sweet, gentle romance. Lauren owns and runs Hope's Cafè in Lower Brambleton. Marc has just moved to the area with his twin boys following the death of his wife two years previously. Slowly, gently, the attraction between them builds and both have to learn to lower the guard around their hearts. It was also lovely to come across characters from the previous novels although it's not necessary to have read them before this one. A very enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Fay Keenan for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm having a stressful week and this book is just what I needed! The romance between Lauren and Marc was light and fun. I love that Lauren is a baker and I loved that Marc is a single dad of two. There are the heavier topics of cancer and death and some other health things for other characters, but overall it was a nice summer read.

I loved the family aspect with the other characters and how Keenan wrote the brothers--brothers will always be little boys when all together!

Thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marc is coming to terms with his grief after losing his wife. His two sons are also grieving, making it even harder for Marc. Lauren is proud of her little coffee shop; it's her safe space, and life has been challenging since her mother's accident. Now it seems her mother wants more independence, and whilst pleased for her mum, she feels left out. The attraction between Lauren and Marc is unexpected but gives them both a new focus. I like the gentle romance, the characters you invest in and the supportive village community.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying these books set in Brambleton. Getting to check in on the characters from the previous books. Lauren started running a small cafe out of their front room so that she was able to help her mother on her long road to recovery following an accident. Marc has moved to Brambleton with his twin sons to be near his brother and escape from the daily reminders in France of his wife’s death two years ago. Sparks start to fly but they both have family obligations and are cautious about making any more changes. This is a story full of family and finding unexpected romance.

[Shelby Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my review. *Rounding up from 2.5* Lauren runs a small cafe and has a run in with the attractive new member of the community. Marc is a widower with two young sons trying to navigate a world without his wife. These two exchange flirty conversations but they must take things slow for everyone’s sake. Overall, I enjoyed the read but I do not think it is anything special. I do feel like at times it was slow.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy, sweet romance. Twin boys and other family members add heart and fun to the story. While I did read the first one in this charming series it is not a requirement for enjoying this one. Although I do recommend reading it as it too was quite enjoyable. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ive loved being back in Brambleton. I love quaint villages and being back in Brambleton is like being back with old friends. I love catching up with characters from previous books and seeing what they have been getting up to.
This story is beautifully written and is such a feel good story.

[Emily West · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read with some cute romance. It’s not my favourite of the Lower Brambleton series but it is still a good story. I felt that the romance between the main characters was a bit rushed but if you are looking for a sweet romance to curl up with on a cold winters day, this book would be great.