The Candy Apple Café

Honey Haven #1

by Donna Ashcroft

Falling in love can be sweet and spicy…

A fun-loving baking queen with a heart of gold. Her gruff neighbour. A tiny Scottish town. Is this a recipe for love – or disaster? This is the utterly unputdownable spicy Autumn romance you’ve been waiting for!

When Izzi pulls up in her battered old car outside The Candy Apple Café, she takes a deep breath and channels her trademark optimism. She’s run away to Honey Haven to escape the mess her life is in right now. Only, she hasn’t bargained on a handsome, broad-shouldered Scotsman appearing out of nowhere and grilling her on why she’s parked there… it turns out the baking work she has lined up is in his gran’s café and he’s her new landlord...

Cameron is immediately rubbed up the wrong way by Izzi’s upbeat vibes and yet, his eyes keep meeting hers across his gran’s cake display at The Candy Apple Café. Cameron’s heart beats a little faster every time she looks up at him through those long, dark lashes and there are only so many times Izzi can pretend she hasn’t noticed the way he towers over her, his dark brooding eyes failing to avoid hers…

Then Izzi and Cameron find themselves thrown together to organise the town’s Autumn festival. Planning a spectacular cinnamon-scented event as a surprise for his gran, they find themselves pressed up against each other as they work to turn a crumbling castle into the perfect haunted house filled with sweet treats…

But he’s closed off his heart. And she’s only meant to be in town for a few weeks.

Will the heat between grumpy Cameron and sunny Izzi dial up a notch? Or will their relationship turn as chilly as the Autumn air in Honey Haven?

Snuggle up with a steamy hot drink and bed down with this spicy romance, filled with grumpy sunshine vibes and a dreamy HEA. Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Harper Graham, and Gilmore Girls!

Genres: Romance, Autumn, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Halloween, Grumpy Sunshine, Contemporary

252 pages, Paperback

Published August 21, 2026

Reviews

[Laura Smith]

THE CANDY APPLE CAFE BY DONNA ASHCROFT
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Just look at this book cover ♥
I'm still very early on in me dipping my toes into cozy romance books and all I can say is I absolutely adored this book.
Loved the characters,
Loved The Candy Apple Cafe
Loved the places around the Cafe.
Just Loved it all.

[Book Escapes Babs]

The Candy Apple Café more than lived up to the reviews I have seen about this author. Always highly praised, I instinctively knew that I would enjoy her writing. I didn’t expect to get hooked so quickly, and wishing book 2 was already available.

The action takes place in the fictional Scottish town of Honey Haven. Our protagonist, Izzi, had taken a baking job at the Candy Apple Café after her world had been turned upside down on all fronts. Within a few paragraphs, I knew Izzi was my kind of girl. She was determined and inherently positive, despite circumstances that could challenge even the sunniest of hearts.

Cameron is a definite contender as a book boyfriend. Tall, handsome, Scottish, and occasionally grumpy, he had my heart racing and then some. Yet despite his grumpy disposition, he was fair and clearly focused on making sure that his Gran would enjoy a Halloween to remember.

This is a terrific start to a series; the characters were satisfyingly developed, and their story arcs were charmingly relatable. I felt a real sense of community as each village resident was introduced.

I can’t wait to return!

[Kassyreadsalot]

Title: The Candy Appel Cafe

Author: Donna Ashcroft

Synopsis: When Izzi pulls up in her battered old car outside The Candy Apple Café, she takes a deep breath and channels her trademark optimism. She’s run away to Honey Haven to escape the mess her life is in right now. Only, she hasn’t bargained on a handsome, broad-shouldered Scotsman appearing out of nowhere and grilling her on why she’s parked there… it turns out the baking work she has lined up is in his gran’s café and he’s her new landlord...

Cameron is immediately rubbed up the wrong way by Izzi’s upbeat vibes and yet, his eyes keep meeting hers across his gran’s cake display at The Candy Apple Café. Cameron’s heart beats a little faster every time she looks up at him through those long, dark lashes and there are only so many times Izzi can pretend she hasn’t noticed the way he towers over her, his dark brooding eyes failing to avoid hers…

Then Izzi and Cameron find themselves thrown together to organise the town’s Autumn festival. Planning a spectacular cinnamon-scented event as a surprise for his gran, they find themselves pressed up against each other as they work to turn a crumbling castle into the perfect haunted house filled with sweet treats…

But he’s closed off his heart. And she’s only meant to be in town for a few weeks.

Review: This was such a cute and cozy Halloween read! This book has a big miscommunication trope but in all honesty it was done well! I completely understood why there was such a big misunderstanding! I loved that this took place in Autumn and the descriptions were on point. The descriptions were on the nose and it felt like autumn all around! I was hungry while reading the descriptions of Izzi’s pastries she made! If you want a cozy yet spicy autumnal romance this book is perfect for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc of this book!

[DJ Sakata]

Favorite Quotes:

It was like she desperately needed to scratch something but couldn’t find the source of the itch.

… ‘we’re all allowed to make mistakes.’ She sighed. ‘It’s what we do about them that really matters.’

My Review:

I delighted in every perfectly chosen word of this adorable tale. How have I not read this clever scribbler before? Her word voodoo is stellar. I am kicking myself for not having noticed her mad skills sooner. This was a fun and entertaining read with engaging story lines that were laced together with thoughtful insights, sneaky wry humor, and steamy goodness while populated with a cast of relatable and authentic characters. I became an instant fan and an ardent devotee of this clever scribe on page one.

[Sue Plant]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

ohhh i love the sound of this little village hidden away in scotland it sounds idyllic

izzi had received a letter from an unknown family member.... that she had found the letter at all had been fate .... her aunt had hidden it from her...

izzi had found herself homeless after her aunt died and finding this letter she made her way to honey haven on the chance that she could find her mystery family relative

she got herself a job in the locally run candy apple cafe and hoped that she would find them...

but her first night in her new temporary home she had run foul of the landlord... things could only get better ...right....

this i found to be a very delightful read and look forward to reading more from this author

[Cindy Spear]

You always know when you pick up a Donna Ashcroft novel it is going to have certain delightful ingredients like romance, community, animals, identity, new starts and heart aching drama. And this new one has these elements and more in spades! Yes, these tropes are present: Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town, Found Family and a healthy dash of Spice but as always, Donna puts a fresh spin on everything she creates. This is the beginning of a new series titled Honey Haven and it is divine, delicious and moreish—like the cakes and treats made by the main female character Izzi!

And speaking of Izzi: she is such a warm, friendly and considerate character you cannot help but love her. Not only because she has a talent for cooking but she cares deeply about those she connects and works with and in doing her best in all things. She is conscientious in relationships and in delivering her beloved food creations. As Cameron’s grandmother sees, Izzi is dependable in fulfilling her tasks to the highest standard and her treats are drawing in a good crowd and increasing sales.

But why has she come to Honey Haven, a quaint Scottish town? Her aunt has died and she was the last of Izzi’s family. But this lady was less than kind to her. She made dear Izzi feel unwanted and left her without an inheritance. But Izzi discovers a letter among her aunt’s things that reveal there is a family member she knew nothing about as her aunt never told her. This sends Izzi to the destination Honey Haven where this person is supposed to be living. While working for Cameron’s grandmother, Maud, she hopes to uncover more information. She is given a place to stay and this is when she meets someone who will set her heart on fire. Cameron is Maud’s grandson and Izzi cannot help bit notice he is quite attractive. They have their ups and downs but their romantic relationship unfolds unexpectedly for each of them but it is heart-warming to watch the sparks fly as they are both such good people who deserve a special love.

But Cameron has had his heart broken and his ex-girlfriend took advantage of him and his grandmother. So he has trust issues. Although Izzi seems like a breath of fresh air, initially her cheery attitude annoys him until he gets to know her better. And then things steam up but it is not just a carefree fling. Always under the high tension attraction is a true heartfelt connection between these two. Until something happens that upsets the apple cart…

I enjoyed the Scottish setting, feisty engaging characters, beautiful German Shepherd named Cupcake!, the festive spicy Autumn atmosphere and colours, the search for family and finding love in an unexpected place and time. This brewing romance between two gorgeous souls who need a bit of help and healing—make this escape to the fictional world a treat and memorable experience. There’s a twist added to the mystery of who Izzi’s relative really is and it creates some momentary havoc! But everything works out in the end and the story lands on a high note. Good things happen out of the bad. Lessons are learned and hearts are restored. I loved The Candy Apple Cafe -- a worthy page turner for the wild romantic heart! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC.

[Katrina McQuillan]

The Candy Apple Cafe is an absolute beauty. It is set in the gorgeous Scottish small town of Honey Haven—and seriously, can I move there please?
I completely fell in love with this place, the people and of course Izzy. She is a fantastic, resilient main character who makes every page shine. Her journey of healing, embracing second chances, and opening her heart to love again is beautifully written, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. Donna Ashcroft perfectly balances emotional depth with cosy small-town charm, quirky side characters, and mouth-watering descriptions that made me want to drink lattes and eat cakes and cookies all day long and I’ve even put beef bourguignon my menu for this week 😄
It is a heartwarming, feel-good, five-star read that I simply could not put down. I absolutely cannot wait to read more about the characters in this town, bring on the next book please 🧡 A 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 small town grumpy x sunshine beautifully written book. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture & Donna Ashcroft for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Mariana]

The Candy Apple Café is a heartwarming and cozy story, perfect for autumn and Halloween lovers. Meet Izzi, a newcomer who’s starting at The Candy Apple Café as a baker. Meet Cameron, her grumpy and distrustful landlord. The more time they spend together, the more they can’t deny their growing attraction. Can he trust her?
This was just the book I needed for a cloudy day, when you want to read and rest. It has the small-town vibes that I love, and I loved all the baking parts too.
I felt that the story was fast-paced, and there was a moment where I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book.
I really enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to read the next book that focuses on Scott, Cameron’s best friend.

[misia]

honestly i don’t want to be mean but this book is a joke! The vibe was fine i loved the baking plot but everything else just a big noo. Let me start with the background characters the conversations between them and the FMC felt like i was reading a dialogue between an NPC i some old, terrible game. They were flat but i could do with that if main characters were okey but pet me tell you i wasn’t this pissed of by the book. Izzi was so naive and forgiving, i suspect she hadn’t thought deeper about anything that was happening around her. Cameron OMG every scene and his POV was painful to read. Putting aside his behavioral issues, the way he’s saying that he cannot trust anyone in every fucking sentence drove me craazy. He was childish, rude and so self- absorbed!! The thing he did at the end was soo irrational i actually couldn’t believe my eyes, also she immediately forgave him soo i guess they are a perfect match. But above all that it was just boring, i wish i could go back in time and picked something else

[Aisha Faisal]

Welcome to Honey Haven… where the cakes are sweet, the autumn vibes are immaculate, and the grumpy Scotsman might just be sweeter than he looks.

The Candy Apple Café by Donna Ashcroft was such a warm, cosy, and completely charming read!

Special thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Donna Ashcroft for providing an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Donna Ashcroft brings together so many of my favourite things: small-town charm, found family, delicious food, a grumpy x sunshine romance, a little family mystery, an adorable dog, and enough autumn atmosphere to make you want to curl up under a blanket with a hot chocolate immediately.

This is the first book in the new Honey Haven series, set in a charming Scottish town that quickly became one of my favourite parts of the story.

Izzi arrives in Honey Haven in her battered old car after the death of her aunt, the last family member she believed she had. Unfortunately, their relationship wasn't particularly loving. Her aunt had always made Izzi feel unwanted, and after her death, Izzi is left without an inheritance and with more questions than answers.

Then she discovers a letter among her aunt's belongings suggesting that there may be another family member out there- someone her aunt never told her about.

That discovery brings Izzi to Honey Haven.

I absolutely adored Izzi. She is warm, optimistic, caring, and incredibly hardworking, and she's the kind of character whose sunshine personality feels genuine rather than forced. Despite everything she has experienced, she still chooses to see the good in people and puts so much love into the things she creates. Her talent for baking soon finds a home at The Candy Apple Café, where she begins working for the wonderful Maud.

And then there's Maud's grandson...

Cameron. 👀

Cameron is pretty much Izzi's complete opposite. He's guarded, brooding, and initially VERY unimpressed by the ridiculously cheerful woman who has suddenly appeared in his grandmother's life and is also staying on his property.

But Cameron has his reasons for being suspicious. His previous relationship left him badly hurt after his ex took advantage of both him and his grandmother, leaving him with some serious trust issues. So when Izzi appears seemingly out of nowhere, his instinct is to protect Maud and keep his distance.

Unfortunately for Cameron, keeping his distance becomes increasingly difficult. 😂

The chemistry between Izzi and Cameron was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their grumpy x sunshine dynamic was so much fun, but underneath the teasing, irritation and attraction, there was a genuine emotional connection developing between them. Neither character is necessarily looking for love, and both are carrying their own wounds, which made watching them slowly lower their walls incredibly satisfying.

And when they're thrown together to organise Honey Haven's Autumn festival, including transforming a crumbling castle into a haunted house, the tension definitely starts heating up.

This isn't entirely a sweet, closed-door cosy romance either. There is a healthy little dash of spice mixed in with all those cinnamon-scented autumn vibes! 👀

But what I especially appreciated was that their relationship never felt like it existed purely because of attraction. Izzi begins to see beyond Cameron's grumpy exterior, while Cameron slowly realizes that Izzi's optimism isn't naivety. She's dependable, compassionate, and genuinely cares about the people around her.

I also loved Maud. She is such a wonderful presence in the story and quickly recognizes just how much Izzi brings to the café and their lives. Watching Izzi's baked creations draw more people into The Candy Apple Café was such a lovely element of the book.

The supporting characters, including Lachlan and Flora, help make Honey Haven feel like an actual community rather than simply a backdrop for the romance. And obviously I cannot forget Cupcake, the gorgeous German Shepherd who completely stole my heart. Honestly, give me a cute dog in a small-town romance, and I'm already halfway convinced. The setting itself was another huge highlight.

Honey Haven has that wonderful fictional-small-town quality where you desperately wish you could actually visit. The Scottish setting, crisp autumn weather, Halloween festivities, colourful leaves, cosy café and descriptions of Izzi's baking created the PERFECT seasonal atmosphere. And the FOOD.

Reading about Izzi's cakes and sweet treats while hungry is genuinely dangerous. Consider yourself warned.

I also really enjoyed that there was more happening beneath the romance. Izzi's search for the mysterious relative mentioned in her aunt's letter gives the story another emotional layer and explores her longing for family and belonging. There are some unexpected revelations along the way, and the mystery surrounding the identity of her relative creates complications that affect more than just Izzi.

At its heart, though, The Candy Apple Café is a story about finding home.

Izzi comes to Honey Haven searching for the family she never knew she had, while Cameron is still protecting himself from the damage someone else left behind. Somewhere between baking cakes, organising autumn festivities, arguing with each other, falling in love and becoming part of this wonderful little community, they both begin finding something they didn't realize they needed.

Family doesn't always look the way you expect it to. Neither does home. And sometimes the person who drives you absolutely crazy when you first meet them might just be exactly the person your heart needed. ❤️

This was such a comforting, heartwarming, and wonderfully autumnal romance. It has grumpy x sunshine, small-town romance, found family, forced proximity, family secrets, delicious food, an adorable dog, emotional healing, plenty of chemistry, and a beautiful Scottish setting.

If you're looking for something to read when the weather starts cooling down, preferably while wrapped in a blanket with something cinnamon-flavoured nearby, this one absolutely belongs on your autumn TBR.

The Candy Apple Café is a glowing, spicy, feel-good masterpiece that restores your heart and leaves you craving a hot drink and a plate of pastries. A total must-read for any wild romantic! I can't wait to return to Honey Haven and see where Donna Ashcroft takes this series next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[sam]

*The Candy Apple Café* by Donna Ashcroft — 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐½

Thank you to Donna Ashcroft, Bookouture and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this cute and cozy book.

*The Candy Apple Café* was such a cute, cosy autumnal romance! 🍎🍂☕ I went into this expecting a sweet small-town romance with plenty of grumpy x sunshine energy, and it definitely delivered on the cosy vibes. While it wasn't quite a five-star read for me, I had a really enjoyable time with Izzi, Cameron, and the charming little town of Honey Haven.

Izzi was such an easy character to root for. I loved her optimism and her determination to make the best of a difficult situation. She's essentially running away to Honey Haven to get a fresh start, and I really enjoyed watching her slowly find a sense of belonging there. Her love of baking and her involvement with the Candy Apple Café added so much warmth to the story, and I especially enjoyed the feeling of community surrounding the café.

And then there's Cameron... 😏

Cameron is the perfect grumpy counterpart to Izzi's sunshine. He's closed-off, protective, and initially not particularly impressed by Izzi's cheerful personality. Naturally, this makes their growing attraction even more fun to watch. Their banter and constant little moments of tension were some of my favourite parts of the book, especially as Cameron gradually starts letting his guard down.

The **grumpy x sunshine** dynamic definitely worked for me. I loved the contrast between them, and there were plenty of moments where I found myself smiling at their interactions. The romance has that classic "they absolutely shouldn't fall for each other... but obviously they're going to" feeling, and I am always a sucker for that.

The autumn setting was another big highlight. 🍂 The small Scottish town, the café, the baking, the autumn festival, the cinnamon-scented atmosphere, and the old castle all created such a cosy backdrop. I could practically picture myself sitting inside the Candy Apple Café with a hot drink while watching everyone in town go about their lives.

I particularly enjoyed the Autumn festival storyline. Watching Izzi and Cameron work together to organise the event gave them plenty of opportunities to spend time together, and turning the crumbling castle into a haunted house was such a fun addition. It gave the book a lovely seasonal atmosphere without making the romance feel completely disconnected from the wider community.

The **found-family element** was also really sweet. Honey Haven feels like one of those fictional small towns where everyone knows everyone, and although Izzi arrives as an outsider, she gradually becomes part of the community. Those relationships gave the story more heart and made the setting feel much more alive.

There is also some spice here, so despite the incredibly cosy presentation, this isn't purely a wholesome, kisses-only small-town romance. 🌶️ The chemistry between Izzi and Cameron definitely brings some heat to the story, and I thought it worked well alongside the softer, more comforting elements.

If I had one main criticism, it would be that some parts of the romance felt a little predictable. The overall direction of the relationship is fairly easy to see coming, and there were moments when I wanted a little more depth from the characters and their emotional journeys. A few conflicts also felt like they could have been resolved more easily with better communication.

That said, I don't necessarily think you pick up a book like this looking for shocking twists or complicated plotting. Sometimes you just want **a grumpy man, a sunshiney woman, a cute café, a gorgeous Scottish setting, autumn festivities, baking, found family, and a happily-ever-after**, and this book absolutely understands the assignment.

I also really appreciated the overall feeling of optimism throughout the story. Izzi's journey is about more than simply falling in love. It's about finding somewhere you feel wanted, rebuilding your life after things don't go according to plan, and discovering that starting over can sometimes lead you somewhere better than you expected.

Overall, *The Candy Apple Café* was a warm, fun, and easy-to-read autumn romance that gave me exactly the cosy small-town escape I was hoping for. It has charming characters, a lovely setting, plenty of romantic tension, and enough spice to balance out all the sweetness.

**3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐½** — A cute and cosy Scottish romance with grumpy x sunshine chemistry, autumnal vibes, baking, found family, and a satisfying HEA. Perfect for curling up with a hot drink and getting lost in a fictional little town for a few hours! 🍎🍂☕🌶️

[theresia cleopatra]

Terima kasih NetGalley, Bookouture dan Donna Ashcroft untuk ARC nya!

Aku udah beberapa kali dengar review terkait karya-karya Donna Ashcroft, dan ini waktunya aku untuk baca salah satu karyanya. IM SO EXCITED AAAAAAAAA!

Buku ini adalah buku pertama dari Honey Haven series. Di buku ini, kalian akan bertemu dengan Izzi dan Cameron. Izzi adalah seorang wanita yang pergi ke kota kecil Honey Haven untuk memulai hidup baru selama beberapa minggu. Dia kemudian dipertemukan dengan Cameron yang menjadi landlord nya dan Maud, neneknya Cameron. Izzi merupakan baker yang handal dan bekerja di The Candy Apple Café (milik Maud).

Aku suka banget dengan penggambaran makanan dan minuman yang disajikan di Candy Apple Café atau yang dibuat oleh Izzi, bikin ngiler dan mau makan/minum juga 🥺 Vibesnya tuh cozy bangettt.

Selain itu, aku juga suka karakternya, latar belakang dari kenapa karakter-karakter tersebut bisa bertingkah atau punya kepribadian seperti itu. jujurr, ini bisa dikategorikan grumpy x sunshine 👀 sunshinenya tentu saja our Izzi <33 karakter development nya lumayan untuk si Cameron. agak sedikit emosi tapi ya paham juga sih kalo di posisi Cam. hufttt. dan tak lupa, Maud, our grandma 🥺 she’s so cute and wise <33 we love her so muchh!!! protect her at all costs!

terus, ini juga found-family, small-town romance gitu!! jadi kalian yang suka tropes ini bakalan suka sih sama buku ini! 🥹❤️OH IYA.. spicy nyaa, lumayan lah, 3/5 🌶️🥵🤭🤭 their chemistry is so asgdlgjlslsla 🥵🙂‍↕️💋 CANT WAIT FOR THE BOOK 2 😆🤍 cant wait to meet Scott and his soon-girlfriend 😋 semoga ada buku untuk si Lachlan juga ^^

——[ENG TRANSLATION]——

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture, and Donna Ashcroft for the ARC!

I’ve heard reviews of Donna Ashcroft’s books several times, and now it’s finally my turn to read one of her works. I’M SO EXCITED AAAAAAAAA!

This book is the first in the Honey Haven series. In this book, you’ll meet Izzi and Cameron. Izzi is a woman who moves to the small town of Honey Haven to start a new life for a few weeks. Then she meets Cameron, her landlord, and Maud, Cameron’s grandmother. Izzi’s a talented baker who works at The Candy Apple Café (owned by Maud).

I absolutely love the descriptions of the food and drinks served at The Candy Apple Café or made by Izzi—they make my mouth water and make me want to eat and drink them too 🥺 The vibe is sooo cozy.

Besides that, I also love the characters and the backstories explaining why they act the way they do or have the personalities they do. Honestly, this could be categorized as “grumpy x sunshine” 👀 The “sunshine” is, of course, our Izzi <33 Cameron’s character development is pretty solid. I’m a bit annoyed, but I also get it when I put myself in Cam’s shoes. Phew. And let’s not forget Maud, our grandma 🥺 She’s so cute and wise <33 We love her so much!!! Protect her at all costs!

Plus, it’s also a “found family,” small-town romance kind of story!! So those of you who love these tropes will definitely love this book! 🥹❤️ OH YEAH… the “spicy” part? It’s decent—3/5 🌶️🥵🤭🤭 Their chemistry is so asgdlgjlslsla 🥵🙂‍↕️💋 CAN’T WAIT FOR BOOK 2 😆🤍 Can’t wait to meet Scott and his future girlfriend 😋 Hopefully there’ll be a book for Lachlan, too ^^

[Marian.]

⭐ 3.5

Oh, este libro me dejó queriendo irme a trabajar en un café en un pequeño pueblo escoses.

Tenemos a nuestra protagonista Izzy que llega al pueblo de Honey Haven para dos cosas: trabajar como panadera en un café y buscar a un pariente lejano (y el único que le queda) solo que, no sabe como se ve ese pariente solo que vive en ese pueblo. Luego tenemos a Cameron que es el nieto de la jefa de Izzy, de primeras puedo decir que no pude decidirme si me cayo bien o no por lo frío que era pero una vez que sabes su historia, entiendes el porqué.

El romance entre los dos fue instantáneo, solo que solo sentía atracción y luego pasaron a más allá y creo que para mi, se quedaron un poco más en la atracción que el romance en sí, me faltó un poco en esa parte. El found family que nos presenta la autora fue hermoso, a ver que es de mis dinámicas favoritas y ver como todo el pueblo se unía para ayudar a Maud (jefa de Izzy y abuela de Cameron) a pasar uno de los mejores halloween me gusto, y mas, como todos le dieron la bienvenida a Izzy.

El cómo se resuelve todo con el pariente de Izzy me gusto, un poco predecible una vez más entrado el libro pero me gusto y aunque trajo un poco de drama entre todos, siento que fue un buen cierre para todos.

Fue una historia que me entretuvo, me mantuvo leyendo y cumplió con todo lo que esperaba de ella, salvo esa pequeña acotación en el romance, disfrute este libro.

*******

Oh, this book left me wanting to go work at a café in a small Scottish town.

We have our protagonist, Izzy, who arrives in the town of Honey Haven for two reasons: to work as a baker at a café and to look for a distant relative (her only remaining relative) but she doesn’t know what that relative looks like, only that they live in that town. Then there’s Cameron, who’s the grandson of Izzy’s boss. At first, I couldn’t decide if I liked him or not because he was so cold, but once you learn his story, you understand why.

The romance between the two was instantaneous, it started as mere attraction, and then they took it further but for me, it stayed a bit more in the realm of attraction than actual romance; I felt like that part was a little lacking. The “found family” dynamic the author presents was beautiful, it’s one of my favorite storylines and I loved seeing how the whole town came together to help Maud (Izzy’s boss and Cameron’s grandmother) have one of the best Halloweens ever, and even more so, how everyone welcomed Izzy.

I liked how everything worked out with Izzy’s relative, it was a bit predictable once I got into the book, but I liked it, and even though it caused a bit of drama among everyone, I feel like it was a good resolution for everyone.

It was a story that entertained me, kept me reading, and delivered everything I expected from it, except for that small issue with the romance I enjoyed this book.

📌 I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[Breece Burr]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Candy Apple Café by Donna Ashcroft in exchange for an honest review!
I have to start with Maud because she was easily my favorite character. She reminded me so much of my grandma — a genuinely sweet and kind woman who just wants everyone around her to be happy. She brought such a warm, comforting feeling to the story, and I found myself especially enjoying the moments when she was on the page.
I also really liked the overall premise of Izzi arriving in Scotland and finding herself caught up in a stranger’s cabin and everything that comes along with it. Izzi's first interactions with Cameron had some genuinely funny moments, especially considering how intimidated she initially was by him. I enjoyed watching their dynamic start to develop, and Cameron's POV added some nice insight into what was going on beneath his gruff exterior. The juxtaposition of a scary, beastly dog with the name Cupcake was unique. The friends in the Lassie’s group was funny to me, they bickered and spoke like old ladies. Whether it was about a single grandson or tea leaf readings.
The setting was another highlight for me. The café, the Scottish backdrop, and the small-town atmosphere gave the story that cozy, feel-good quality I was looking for. There are definitely moments that made me want to curl up with a cup of tea and stay in this little world for a while.
My biggest hesitation was the pacing. There were times when I felt the story spent a little too much time on descriptions and setup when I was more interested in seeing the characters interact and watching the story move forward. Some sections felt a bit slower than I would have preferred. As a minor point, the Scottish “lad” and “lass” happening multiple times on a page got to be a tad bit annoying. That’s the only real indication of this taking place in Scotland, and maybe that would feel different if there are narrators for the audiobook with accents? I didn’t love the immediate forgiving of Cameron…I won’t give too much away for any spoilers but we aren’t doormats here.
Overall, I landed at about 3.5 stars, which I'm rounding up to 4. While it wasn't a perfect read for me, I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, the café setting, and especially Maud. She was the kind of character who made the story feel warm and familiar, and honestly, I would happily read more of her. 🍎☕️

[Emma Crowley]

The Candy Apple Café is the first in the new Honey Haven series from Donna Ashcroft and the first of three books she is publishing between now and the end of the year which is quite a prolific output in a short space of time. A new sub genre in women’s romantic fiction seems to be appearing in the last year or two, that of autumnal cosy reads. To be honest I’d never read any autumnal themed reads before because it’s not my favourite season and I can’t understand how people go mad for pumpkins, Halloween, leaves changing colour etc. You get what I mean but I decided to give this one a go anyway because I enjoy the authors books and I thought the cover looked lovely. This was a very quick read with it being less than 300 pages. I read it on my Kindle and it finished at the 83% mark. So keep that in mind when you are reading as in my mind it did have a very quick and abrupt ending. But given it is the first in a series we may get to catch up with the characters in future books.

Izzi Beaumont arrives in the quaint village of Honey Haven in the Scottish Highlands just as the change of season is beginning to make itself known. She will live in a cabin in Cameron’s garden until the end of the year when she will then return to London to take up a job in a bakery. But what has caused her to uproot her life for several months? Well, hers is a complicated story and it’s all to do with family and a mysterious letter she discovered following the death of her aunt who had brought her up following the death of her mother. Izzi hadn’t an easy life been brought up by Regina. For some reason Regina resented her niece and made her life very uncomfortable. Poor Izzi never felt safe, loved or wanted. In fact loneliness was the main emotion she felt despite getting to work in Regina’s bakery. Izzi can’t quite believe that Regina was so mean that she didn’t leave the bakery to her in her will. So now Izzi, is once again left alone but after finding a letter which had been kept hidden from her she discovers she may have a relative living in Honey Haven.

The thread of the plot relating to the mysterious relative took a back seat for much of the story and to be honest I would have liked it to have been more to the forefront at times. Izzi rightly got caught up in her new life in the village and the people she met but I thought she forgot one of the main reasons she was there. I found that she became complacent in this regard whereas I wanted her to dig a little deeper and try and uncover exactly who the mysterious relative was instead of sitting around and waiting for the relative to make contact. Things did amp up a bit towards the end regarding this and as I was reading, I had developed some suspicions but couldn’t quite put my finger on anything specific. So, to this end it was good how things developed but I felt it was too rushed as it occurred too late. Even one more chapter would have helped given a more solid conclusion.

Throughout the book there are lots of mentions of autumnal treats that Izzi bakes in Maud’s café where she gets a job. I must admit it all of these descriptions did get my mouth watering and I was kicking myself that I had nothing sweet to eat as I was reading. Marshmallows, toffee, melted chocolate, cupcakes, pastries, rolls, breads. The list was endless and would have those who love all things cosy simply dying for that season to roll around. There are numerous characters only briefly introduced which I didn’t mind too much that we didn’t get to know them that well as I sense they will have their own stories in future books. Part of the fun is guessing who will feature in what’s to come. Alongside Izzi, Cameron is the focus of this book, he owns the cabin that has now become her temporary residence and when they first meet things don’t get off to a great start. Cameron is the typical man that quite often features in books in this genre. Drop dead gorgeous but grumpy and moody with a real chip on his shoulder for some reason. The explanation for this is given quite early on and I couldn’t blame him for being wary given the personal tumult that he has been through. Izzi appeals to him but he believes that he can’t let his guard down. Surly, suspicious and rude are other words I would use to describe Cameron and he can be a tough nut to crack but Izzi may just well be the person to do that.

As Halloween approaches and Maud’s plans are up scuttled, Izzi and Cameron join forces to secretly organise a Halloween village festival. Again this was mentioned and explored in a little detail but I would have loved more of it. It had the potential to really give the book a bit more oomph when needed but on reflection the development of the tentative relationship between Cameron and Izzi and all the complications that that brought was the main focus. I really felt this story was very different from what the author had written before. It was very steamy and spicy and this is not me being a prude but it felt misplaced given the nature and feel of her previous books. Some of the descriptions were very detailed and dare I say a bit OTT. I knew there was chemistry/a flame between the pair but was such focused detail warranted? It just felt out of place for me and if you were to judge a book by its cover you wouldn’t expect it here.

Despite the above-mentioned issue (that was my own personal opinion), The Candy Apple Café was an enjoyable, quick and easy read which showed two characters with wounds navigating deception and rejection entering a new phase in their lives. Whilst at the same time trying to help others and right some wrongs and find happiness and love in their lives. The Hot Chocolate Hotel is the next book in the series and will be published in November. September sees the publication of Christmas Actually, a stand-alone story and as I know from the past the author does Christmas books really well, I can’t wait for that one.

[Sarah]

The Candy Apple Café is the first book in Donna Ashcroft’s new Honey Haven series, and it creates such a warm and appealing community that I am already looking forward to returning.

Izzi has a traumatic history, but it has not extinguished the sweetness, optimism and warmth at the heart of her personality. She is easy to care about, and I enjoyed watching her begin to find a place within Honey Haven rather than allowing her past to define everything that came next.

Cameron Buchanan is a particularly lovely romantic lead, with a name so masculine and sturdy that it sounds less like a man and more like load-bearing architecture. His relationship with Izzi develops alongside the wider community story, and the people surrounding them give the book plenty of heart. Cameron’s best friends, Scott and Lachlan, are both thoroughly likeable and conspicuously unlucky in love, which leaves them looking wonderfully prepared for future books and happy endings of their own.

One of my favourite aspects was the way information was deliberately withheld from the reader. We do not immediately learn what Izzi’s letter said, and parts of her arrival are revealed retrospectively after she has already settled in. When she has her tea leaves read, the viewpoint shifts to Cameron before we hear what she has been told. The characters are sometimes allowed to know things before we do, creating a gentle thread of mystery that kept me curious.

There is also a villain in the piece who does not receive quite as much comeuppance as I might have enjoyed. I had prepared a small ceremonial chair for her consequences, and they never fully arrived. However, this did not detract too much from the warmth of the story.

Sweet, welcoming and full of heart, with the occasional secret tucked beneath the surface. Pardon the unavoidable café-related pun, but this was a lovely beginning to what promises to be a very appealing series.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Ashley]

🧡 Blurb-
When Izzi pulls up in her battered old car outside The Candy Apple Café, she takes a deep breath and channels her trademark optimism. She’s run away to Honey Haven to escape the mess her life is in right now. Only, she hasn’t bargained on a handsome, broad-shouldered Scotsman appearing out of nowhere and grilling her on why she’s parked there… it turns out the baking work she has lined up is in his gran’s café and he’s her new landlord...
Cameron is immediately rubbed up the wrong way by Izzi’s chirpy demeanour, and yet, his eyes keep meeting hers across his gran’s cake display at The Candy Apple Café. Cameron’s heart beats a little faster every time she looks up at him through those long, dark lashes and there are only so many times Izzi can pretend she hasn’t noticed the way he towers over her, his dark brooding eyes failing to avoid hers…
Then Izzi and Cameron find themselves thrown together to organise the town’s Autumn festival. Planning a spectacular cinnamon-scented event as a surprise for his gran, they find themselves pressed up against each other as they work to turn a crumbling castle into the perfect haunted house filled with sweet treats…
Will the heat between grumpy Cameron and sunny Izzi dial up a notch? Or will their relationship turn as chilly as the Autumn air in Honey Haven?
💜 Review -
This was such a cute and cosy read, perfect for the upcoming Autumn months. From the very first chapter I knew that I would love this book. I loved the cute and cosy easy to follow story and the pacing was just right. I loved Izzie and Cameron's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I also loved the cute small town place setting in the story and the back ground characters sounded lovely too. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other people. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Bookouture, the author Donna Ashcroft and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[TheInfiniteTBR]

Thank you to Donna Ashcroft, Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy!

I absolutely loved this book! It delivered all the cosy autumn vibes I could have hoped for, and it was exactly the kind of read I was in the mood for.

The story follows Izzi, who arrives in Honey Haven after her aunt passes away, hoping to uncover the truth about a mysterious relative. She lands a job at the Candy Apple Café, owned by the wonderful Maud, and ends up staying in the home of Maud's grandson, Cameron.

The romance between Izzi and Cameron is a classic small-town, opposites-attract story, but I really enjoyed how their relationship developed. Izzi is the definition of a glass-half-full optimist, while Cameron is guarded, distrustful, and reluctant to let anyone in, but he does have his reasons. Their chemistry and slow-building tension made it impossible not to root for them.

I fell in love with every character in Honey Haven. From Izzi and Cameron to Maud, Lachlan, Flora, and, of course, Cupcake, who completely stole my heart. As someone who is from Scotland, I found the use of 'lass' and 'lad' really charming. It's not something I usually come across in books, and it made the story feel even warmer and more comforting.

The autumn and Halloween atmosphere was absolutely perfect. It had me craving hot chocolate, pumpkin spice treats, and cosy evenings wrapped up with a good book. The descriptions of all the delicious food Izzi created were so vivid that I had to stop myself from heading to the shop for snacks!

Overall, this was such a heartwarming, feel good read, and I can't wait to pick up more books by Donna Ashcroft, especially the rest of this series.

If you love small-town romances, mouth-watering food descriptions, autumn vibes, and all the cosy feels, then this is definitely a book you should add to your TBR.

[shar]

3.25 stars!!!

I really enjoyed this book such a cozy read set in the small town of honey haven. Gives me dream harbour vibes definitely with a quaint, cozy cafe and mystery hiding behind the scenes.

The story follows Izzi and Cameron as they learn how to trust each other after being hurt in the past from family and relationships. Izzi arrives to town to find she has grumpy landlord cameron, can she break through his cracks and earn his trust, or will her secrets catch up with her. Cameron has been wronged and struggles to trust and open up, but all this seems to break open when izzi earns his heart through his sweet tooth.

Izzi was sweet and caring with a big heart and passion for cooking for those who she loves. Honestly i would die to try one her pumpkin cakes they sound delicious. She deserves all the love and affection.

Cameron is your typical grumpy, sunshine character. He is standoffish at the start but warms up when his starts to
open. He has a lot of trust issues which is understandable but i did find the repetition of this a bit annoying throughout the book. like people have a right to have secrets and not tell you everything as they just meet someone.

the minor characters of the town also stood out and i would love to read their stories when they come out. I also loved flora and maud they are such kind souls.

The plot was kind of predictable and the further i got into the book i did see the plot twist coming but it was still a shock. Had a satisfying and wholesome ending.

i will admit though it does give insta lovey vibes which are bit cringe in places but sometimes i just need that in my life.

overall i really did enjoy this book if your looking for a straightforward cozy romance with a little mystery.

Thank you net galley for this arc :))

[Abe Francis]

Thank you to the publisher through NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for honest review!

🎃🍏🍁☕️"There was something about the crisp, fresh air, about the simple act of kicking the shallow piles of golden autumn leaves as she went. Of following the pavement that traced the high street and stopping now and then to peer into the various shop windows so she could admire the Halloween decorations that had begun to emerge."🎃🍏🍁☕️

An instant classic in the cozy halloween romance genre! I adored everything about this, even the conflict! The miscommunication trope is often my least favorite, but this seemed so real and visceral that it actually made sense. Hats off to Ashcroft for making it work! Izzi and Cameron had such tangible chemistry between them from the first shocking moment they met in the cabin and it only (pumpkin) spiced up throughout the rest of the book. "Cameron’s eyebrows drew together, making him look broodier and altogether too Heathcliff for Izzi’s unsteady legs."

The autumnal and cozy halloween vibes in this were completely unmatched! Spooky castle walkthroughs, flickering jack-o-lanterns lining the streets, crispy leaves falling, and the never ending stream of autumn baking coming from the Candy Apple Cafe. "An array of beautiful trees, some still glowing with red, orange and yellow leaves, flanked the driveway and gardens, while windfall carpeted the lawn and driveway. She could already imagine the eerie and striking effect of orange fairy lights and pumpkins glowing under a full moon, and she felt a buzz of excitement for Halloween."

If you're into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe (Laurie Gilmore) or The Cafe Between Pumpkin and Pie (Adair, Angel, Finz), you're sure to love this autumn romance as much as I did!

[Julianne Harkleroad]

The Candy Apple Cafe has the cutest Halloween and fall vibes! Our FMC Izzi travels to a small town in Scotland hoping to find a long lost relative after she discovers a secret letter hidden amid her questionably wicked aunt's belongings. Her new boss offers her lodging without getting permission from the homeowner and Cameron is the end-all, be-all of verification after he was scammed from someone he thought he could trust! Their meet cute is anything but for this sunshine x grumpy pair! I loved it! Totally here for the drama because we're allll hoping it only adds to the tension between them 🤐😍

Izzi works to win this handsome stud, I mean, Scotsman and his huge Cupcake over with delicious food and acts of service. Through her faithfully proven character, Cameron's gruff exterior begins to soften, letting Izzi in to his life and heart. As the temperature falls in Honey Haven, the heat turn up near Cameron's state of the art stove... But we alllll know life isn't that easy! Just wait for the third act reveal!!

Ashcroft does a great job explaining why each character makes the choices they do- I just wish she included recipes! I can't wait to read the second book in this series and am so excited I can pick up one (or ten?) of her other cozy romances in the meanwhile!!

Troupes: Scotland/small town setting, bakery romance, quest, grumpy x sunshine, found family, forced proximity, shocking reveal, requisite break-up, change of heart, HEA
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: financial scam, abandonment

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC!

[The Lit]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving The Candy Apple Café by Donna Ashcroft a delicious 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​Forced proximity in a cozy Scottish small town? Say less! I completely loved this grumpy x sunshine romance—it is packed with charm, sweet café vibes, and instant heat from the very start! 🍎☕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✨
​ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, publisher Bookouture, and author Donna Ashcroft for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
​The Review
​The Candy Apple Café (Honey Haven, Book 1) by Donna Ashcroft is a total delight! Izzy is a supreme FMC—spirited, bright, and completely endearing—and her connection with Cameron, our top-tier grumpy MMC, is filled with spice and chemistry right from moment one.
​The Scottish small-town setting creates the ultimate cozy backdrop, making you want to curl up with a hot drink and move straight into Honey Haven. Donna Ashcroft balances the classic grumpy x sunshine dynamic so well, using forced proximity to build both sweet emotional depth and sizzling attraction. I absolutely loved these two together and cannot wait to see where the Honey Haven series goes next!
​The Good
​Top-tier grumpy MMC in Cameron, supreme FMC energy in Izzy, instant chemistry and spice, and an utterly charming Scottish small-town setting!
​The Not So Good
​The third-act miscommunication hurdle slows down the momentum slightly before the sweet payoff, but the charming atmosphere keeps you hooked!

[Danielle]

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture, and of course Donna Ashcroft for the opportunity to read The Candy Apple Cafe.

I absolutely loved this book! First of all, that cover instantly gave me the small-town, cosy autumn vibes before I’d even opened the book. And the title? As someone who loves to run for the toffee apples in the fresh aisle, I was immediately sold!

I loved escaping to Honey Haven and getting to know this little community. The autumn festival was such a lovely addition to the story, especially with Izzi and Cameron helping to bring the Halloween celebrations to life. There was something so cosy about the cinnamon scents, pumpkin spice, community spirit and all the little festival moments.

The romance was another highlight for me. I loved the grumpy x sunshine dynamic and watching Izzi and Cameron navigate their differences, family expectations and their own emotional walls. There’s a lovely balance of romance, humour and heartfelt moments, with the found-family element adding even more warmth to the story.

This really was the perfect autumn read and gave me everything I want from a cosy small-town romance. 🍁

- Found family
- Opposites attract
- Small-town romance


I absolutely loved my time in Honey Haven and cannot wait to hopefully return for another book in the series! If you’re looking for a cosy romance to read this autumn, definitely add The Candy Apple Cafe to your TBR.

[shakina]

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC!

I had a great time in a little Scottish town called Honey Haven, thanks to Donna Ashcroft!

The story follows Izzi, a baker from London who, after losing her aunt—the last family she knew—is left with no home, no job, no inheritance, nothing. When she discovers a mysterious letter among her aunt's belongings, she heads to Scotland in search of answers. There, she meets Maude, the owner of The Candy Apple Café, who offers her a job as the café's baker. The only catch? She'll be staying in a little cabin owned by Maude's grandson, Cameron, who is... not exactly thrilled about it.

Izzi is such a lovely character. Her bright and positive outlook could easily have been too much, but I found her genuinely endearing. I especially loved seeing her slowly find a sense of belonging in Honey Haven and build a little found family of her own.

And Cameron! The grumpy x sunshine dynamic between them was SO much fun. Their banter, the slow burn tension, and watching Cameron gradually let Izzi in made their romance really enjoyable.

But honestly, Honey Haven was the star of the show for me. The cozy café, baking, autumn atmosphere, and tight knit community made this such a warm and comforting read.

This was such a good cozy small town romance with grumpy x sunshine and found family trope with a sprinkle of baking, a little mystery, and some spice. The Candy Apple Café is definitely worth picking up!

[Amy Kaplan]

I AM HOOKED!!

I'd never read a book by Donna Ashcroft before, but I'm definitely going to be reading through all her books now. I read The Candy Apple Cafe and was sold almost immediately. It's the story of Izzi who travels to a small Scottish village to (secretly) look for a mystery relative she had no idea she had, but she's also working as a baker in the local cafe and living with the cafe owner's hunky grandson, Cameron. Cameron is skeptical of Izzi having been recently scammed by a woman he was developing feelings for.

The chemistry between Cameron and Izzi is perfect. The yearning ... and the inevitable spice is well worth the wait. Their friendship feels natural and I really enjoyed the relationships Izzi built with the people throughout the town. What kept me hooked was, of course, the mystery surrounding the relative. It was well-written and enjoyable and I was able to read the whole thing in a few days. I didn't want to put it down.

The only thing I wished for was more description about the village itself. There were a lot of moments that I forgot the book even took place in Scotland, and would have liked more of a visual feel for the surroundings. I thought the descriptions of the castle were perfect and some more moments like that would have helped place me there a bit better.

Overall, I give this one five stars, and I can't wait to read more!

[Bookz4Hollz1225]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars

Cameron & Izzi 💕

Izzi works at her aunt’s bakery, but after her aunt passes away, she finds a letter while going through her belongings that reveals a relative she never knew about. Wanting answers, Izzi travels to a new town, where she gets a job at a bakery owned by Cameron’s grandmother.

Cameron’s grandmother offers Izzi free room and board in a cabin when the cabin roof starts leaking, she has to stay with Cameron—and Izzi immediately falls in love with his kitchen! 🧁🏡

Cameron is instantly attracted to Izzi, but trust doesn’t come easily for him. After his former business partner stole money from both him and his grandmother, he has a hard time believing people have good intentions.

Meanwhile, Izzi is keeping her real reason for coming to town a secret while trying to find the relative mentioned in the letter. Cameron can tell she’s hiding something, and Izzi knows the longer she keeps it from him, the more it could hurt their growing relationship.

I loved that there was a little bit of mystery mixed into the romance! It added something extra to the story while still keeping that cozy, cute feeling throughout. 💕 This was such a sweet, comforting read, and I definitely recommend it!

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this ARC! This is my honest review. 📚✨

[Leanne]

The Candy Apple Café is exactly the kind of romance that feels like slipping into a cosy jumper on the first crisp autumn morning. It’s warm, a little spicy, and full of the kind of small‑town charm that makes you want to pack your bags and head straight to Honey Haven.

Izzi is a sunshine‑in‑human‑form heroine—bright, hopeful, and determined to rebuild her life one cake at a time. Cameron, meanwhile, is the perfect grumpy counterbalance: brooding, broad‑shouldered, and absolutely undone by Izzi’s optimism no matter how hard he tries to pretend otherwise. Their dynamic is deliciously fun, full of spark, friction, and those lingering glances that make you grin into the page.

The autumn festival storyline adds a gorgeous seasonal backdrop—cinnamon‑scented, pumpkin‑spiced, and filled with the kind of community moments that make the romance feel grounded and heartfelt. Watching Izzi and Cameron navigate haunted‑house planning, family expectations, and their own emotional walls is both tender and addictive.

This is a grumpy‑sunshine romance with genuine warmth, playful spice, and a swoony HEA. Fans of Laurie Gilmore, Harper Graham, and Gilmore Girls‑style small towns will find so much to love here. A perfect pick for anyone craving a sweet treat with a little heat.

with thanks to Donna Ashcroft, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Tory]

I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it.

I requested this book because I love small town romances set in autumn, and at the beginning I was really into the story and enjoying it a lot. My favorite aspect of the entire book was the baking part, I loved reading the descriptions of all the autumnal food, as well as the autumnal decorations around the town (these are the things that give me the cosy autumn vibes I always hope for, together with the autumnal activities). But unfortunately, as the story progressed, there were some choices regarding the characters and the plot that I found difficult to believe. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I’ll say some of the plot twists/developments towards the end were quite unrealistic, and I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending either (after what happened with Cameron I personally wouldn’t have forgiven him so quickly, everything is resolved within 3 pages and she’s like ‘okay thank you!’, girl no.) Also when I read cosy small town stories I prefer less drama and more focus on the cosiness/town/found family itself, which are present here, but there was a little too much drama for me. But I still really enjoyed the autumnal atmosphere and I would recommend the book!

3,75 ⭐️

[Layla]

The Candy Apple Cafe follows Izzi, a baker trying to find a mysterious relative in Honey Haven, and Cameron, an untrusting contractor whose grandmother owns the bakery Izzi works at. I was initially drawn to the cozy vibes; a book set in Scotland during the fall; a MC working in a bakery; a light-hearted mystery. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. There was a LOT of telling and not showing in the plot/in regards to characterization, and redundant internal monologues (the amount of times we are told Cameron has trust issues could probably make up a third of the book). There is an instant attraction between Izzi and Cameron, which is fine, but the short length of the book mixed with a heavy reliance on the grumpy/sunshine trope to create personalities and underbaked (no pun intended) chemistry, ultimately led to a flat book overall. The town: Honey Haven, is really cute and I enjoyed the side characters and their whimsical shops/lives, but that only got this book so far. There is a lot of drawn out/info-dumpy dialogue and the plot twist/solved mystery at the end was obvious and underwhelming. Also, a small gripe: the only defining feature showing that the book takes place in Scotland is the overabundance of "lad" and "lass/lassie" in the dialogue. Overall, the cozy element of the town and bakery was nice but the characters and plot really fell flat for me.

Disclosure: ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Astara]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an ARC Reader.

Have you ever been able to almost taste something you’re reading? Because that definitely happened to me while reading The Candy Apple Café. This book is basically a little box containing all things cozy and autumnal, making it the perfect read to kick off your fall TBR.
We’ve got literally sugar, spice, and everything nice with Izzi and Cameron. The slow burn and forced proximity were definitely my favorite tropes, although I’ll always appreciate a good grumpy x sunshine dynamic—and we definitely get that here.
At first, I couldn’t stand Cameron because he was being SO rude! But watching his change of heart and seeing how his treatment of Izzi evolved definitely made him grow on me.
I also loved the whimsical touch of Flora throughout the story because I’m always here for a little bit of magic. And that plot twist?! I was genuinely in awe when I found out who Izzi’s relative was. I almost threw the book across the room—and then immediately wanted to jump into the pages and slap some sense into Cameron.
Overall, this book has it all: the atmosphere, the plot twists, the spice, the autumnal mood, the whimsy, and, most importantly, the heart. Everything you need to start your autumn reading season right. 🍂📖❤️