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The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea #1
The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea
Brides by the Sea, the cutest little wedding shop in all of Cornwall, has it all, including cake baker Poppy who lives upstairs. But wedding planning is not the piece of cake Poppy thought it would be, and when her best friend Cate’s wedding planner walks out, Poppy has to tie up the loose ends so her bestie can tie the knot.
Double-booked venues, ‘rustic’ locations and gorgeous but grumpy farmer Rafe have this wedding pro feeling like she could be Cate’s ‘something blue.’
Will the wedding, the shop and the cake all come crashing down on her? Or will Poppy pull it off to give Cate – and herself – the happy ever afters they deserve?
Double-booked venues, ‘rustic’ locations and gorgeous but grumpy farmer Rafe have this wedding pro feeling like she could be Cate’s ‘something blue.’
Will the wedding, the shop and the cake all come crashing down on her? Or will Poppy pull it off to give Cate – and herself – the happy ever afters they deserve?
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
April 20, 2017
The book is about Poppy, who lives in a tiny flat above her friend's wedding shop in Cornwall. After her boyfriend cheats on her that's where she finds a new home, and work. She bakes wedding cakes for the brides.
To save her other friend's wedding, she takes on another job: As a wedding planner on a farm, owned by grumpy farmer Rafe. Of course, being a wedding planner isn't as easy as it sounds, but can her new life help Poppy get over her heartbreak..?
I really liked the story and Poppy and her friends. Rafe was also quite nice, but somehow not my dream love interest. He was great and all, but there was still something missing. I don't know.
It's also a very fast read because the chapters are very short, which I liked very much. The atmosphere and the setting of the farm were very lovely. I don't have anything bad to say, really.
But I do have the feeling, that some things were just not really ... solved? Hard to explain, but there was, of course, another guy and his storyline just kind of vanished into thin air. Almost, at least. It did find an end or something, but that part could've been so much more. I totally missed some complications here, and basically in the whole book. I mean I don't want total drama, but a tiny bit would've been nice? Maybe? The obligatory obstacle near the end of the book was actually nothing at all. Still a nice book, though.
Oh, another thing I did not like: In the beginning of the story Poppy's hairstyle is a pixie cut. I hate pixie cuts. No one ever looks good with a pixie cut. Not even Emma Watson or Anne Hathaway. But that's not even the worst part: Poppy's pixie cut was bright red, then orange until it finally faded and became something like blonde again. Okay? I think I totally understand women who chop their hair off after a break-up or want to look different and everything. But a pixie cut? When you had nice, long, blonde hair before?
Poppy said: 'I couldn't be that blonde person anymore.' Oh, get a grip for goodness sake! You don't have to be that harsh to your poor hair. I was over the moon when she could do a tiny pony-tail again. Hooray.
Luckily I forgot the hairstyle of horror most of the time. ♥
So, my conclusion is: Very nice book and people and atmosphere and everything, but still something missing. I don't even know why, because it has everything I want from a chick-lit book.
To save her other friend's wedding, she takes on another job: As a wedding planner on a farm, owned by grumpy farmer Rafe. Of course, being a wedding planner isn't as easy as it sounds, but can her new life help Poppy get over her heartbreak..?
I really liked the story and Poppy and her friends. Rafe was also quite nice, but somehow not my dream love interest. He was great and all, but there was still something missing. I don't know.
It's also a very fast read because the chapters are very short, which I liked very much. The atmosphere and the setting of the farm were very lovely. I don't have anything bad to say, really.
But I do have the feeling, that some things were just not really ... solved? Hard to explain, but there was, of course, another guy and his storyline just kind of vanished into thin air. Almost, at least. It did find an end or something, but that part could've been so much more. I totally missed some complications here, and basically in the whole book. I mean I don't want total drama, but a tiny bit would've been nice? Maybe? The obligatory obstacle near the end of the book was actually nothing at all. Still a nice book, though.
Oh, another thing I did not like: In the beginning of the story Poppy's hairstyle is a pixie cut. I hate pixie cuts. No one ever looks good with a pixie cut. Not even Emma Watson or Anne Hathaway. But that's not even the worst part: Poppy's pixie cut was bright red, then orange until it finally faded and became something like blonde again. Okay? I think I totally understand women who chop their hair off after a break-up or want to look different and everything. But a pixie cut? When you had nice, long, blonde hair before?
Poppy said: 'I couldn't be that blonde person anymore.' Oh, get a grip for goodness sake! You don't have to be that harsh to your poor hair. I was over the moon when she could do a tiny pony-tail again. Hooray.
Luckily I forgot the hairstyle of horror most of the time. ♥
So, my conclusion is: Very nice book and people and atmosphere and everything, but still something missing. I don't even know why, because it has everything I want from a chick-lit book.
December 26, 2016
Poppy bakes wedding cakes for a living and she rents an apartment above Brides by the Sea, a wedding shop. She knows a lot about weddings, which is why she's being asked as a wedding planner on Daisy Hill Farm. She has to take the job to help out her good friend Cate who's booked a wedding at the farm. The previous wedding planner has made a mess of things and Poppy should be able to clean it up. She wants to make sure every couple that has booked their special day at the farm will actually have it. That means she has to solve plenty of problems and she has to be creative when things aren't going according to plan.
The farmer, Rafe, is moody and he isn't happy with the wedding business. It brings in money, but he doesn't have to like it. Besides keeping her cake business going and making sure the wedding business at the farm runs smoothly Poppy now also has a boss who makes things extra difficult, but she can handle a challenge and she might even like it, a lot...
Cupcakes & Confetti - The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea (1) is a wonderful book. I loved it from the first sentence. I'm a romantic person and therefore love to read about weddings. Jane Linfoot describes the whole process in such a vivid and detailed way that I could picture myself shopping for a dress at Brides by the Sea and booking a countryside wedding at the farm. Her settings are amazing and I couldn't get enough of reading about them. The farm is stunning and it's the ideal location for a wedding. The shop is fun and classy with a fabulous selection of clothes. Plus there are plenty of mouthwatering descriptions of food and drinks, what's not to like?
Poppy is a sweet person and she's always there for others. Someone took advantage of that and broke her heart, so she's reluctant to start a relationship again and wants to make it on her own. She has some very good friends who support her no matter what. The friendship in this book is heartwarming and it made me smile many times. Poppy manages to get herself in all kinds of uncomfortable and often funny situations and I love Jane Linfoot's sense of humor. She also knows how to create good chemistry. Rafe is moody and kind at the same time. He's a hot farmer with a sensible head on his shoulders. He's the perfect main character for a very romantic story.
Jane Linfoot's writing is fantastic. Her sentences are well-constructed and they have an easy flow. Once I started this book I couldn't put it away. I loved the ending, it's a dream come true and it will melt everyone's heart. Cupcakes & Confetti - The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea (1) is a delicious summer read with enchanting locations, gorgeous main characters, a lot of unexpected twists and turns and plenty of surprises.
The farmer, Rafe, is moody and he isn't happy with the wedding business. It brings in money, but he doesn't have to like it. Besides keeping her cake business going and making sure the wedding business at the farm runs smoothly Poppy now also has a boss who makes things extra difficult, but she can handle a challenge and she might even like it, a lot...
Cupcakes & Confetti - The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea (1) is a wonderful book. I loved it from the first sentence. I'm a romantic person and therefore love to read about weddings. Jane Linfoot describes the whole process in such a vivid and detailed way that I could picture myself shopping for a dress at Brides by the Sea and booking a countryside wedding at the farm. Her settings are amazing and I couldn't get enough of reading about them. The farm is stunning and it's the ideal location for a wedding. The shop is fun and classy with a fabulous selection of clothes. Plus there are plenty of mouthwatering descriptions of food and drinks, what's not to like?
Poppy is a sweet person and she's always there for others. Someone took advantage of that and broke her heart, so she's reluctant to start a relationship again and wants to make it on her own. She has some very good friends who support her no matter what. The friendship in this book is heartwarming and it made me smile many times. Poppy manages to get herself in all kinds of uncomfortable and often funny situations and I love Jane Linfoot's sense of humor. She also knows how to create good chemistry. Rafe is moody and kind at the same time. He's a hot farmer with a sensible head on his shoulders. He's the perfect main character for a very romantic story.
Jane Linfoot's writing is fantastic. Her sentences are well-constructed and they have an easy flow. Once I started this book I couldn't put it away. I loved the ending, it's a dream come true and it will melt everyone's heart. Cupcakes & Confetti - The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea (1) is a delicious summer read with enchanting locations, gorgeous main characters, a lot of unexpected twists and turns and plenty of surprises.
May 15, 2016
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I think it’s safe to say that this is my favourite Jane Linfoot book so far. I liked all her previous ones, but this one is on another level, I just couldn’t put it down.
The story follows Poppy, who is a cake baker and works and lives above a little wedding shop. When her best friend Cate’s wedding planner quits, they all want Poppy to take over: Cate, their best friend Immie and also her colleagues at the store. Poppy is not sure, but does it anyway.
This means that she now works closely with Rafe, the farm owner, where the weddings will take place. Rafe is a really grumpy, moody and bad tempered person and he doesn’t like weddings at all. Of course this doesn’t make the situation easier. She suddenly has so much to do and things of course go wrong as well.
Rafe is another challenge, but she can handle him and spending time with also awakens other feelings. She is confused at first and also doesn’t want a relationship, because of what happened with her ex.
Rafe is actually really hot and he changes throughout the book. Learning about his past makes things clear and the things he does in this book are quite adorable actually.
All the characters in this book are well lined out, relatable and they have great chemistry. Reading about the wedding shop and about what the girls do there, was incredible. It felt like walking through the shop myself, Jane has such a vivid way to describe places and scenes and she added a lot of great humour in this book. I totally got hooked and adored this book from the first page onwards. It’s a sweet, romantic and adorable story, with wonderful scenes, deep thoughts and amazing characters.
I think it’s safe to say that this is my favourite Jane Linfoot book so far. I liked all her previous ones, but this one is on another level, I just couldn’t put it down.
The story follows Poppy, who is a cake baker and works and lives above a little wedding shop. When her best friend Cate’s wedding planner quits, they all want Poppy to take over: Cate, their best friend Immie and also her colleagues at the store. Poppy is not sure, but does it anyway.
This means that she now works closely with Rafe, the farm owner, where the weddings will take place. Rafe is a really grumpy, moody and bad tempered person and he doesn’t like weddings at all. Of course this doesn’t make the situation easier. She suddenly has so much to do and things of course go wrong as well.
Rafe is another challenge, but she can handle him and spending time with also awakens other feelings. She is confused at first and also doesn’t want a relationship, because of what happened with her ex.
Rafe is actually really hot and he changes throughout the book. Learning about his past makes things clear and the things he does in this book are quite adorable actually.
All the characters in this book are well lined out, relatable and they have great chemistry. Reading about the wedding shop and about what the girls do there, was incredible. It felt like walking through the shop myself, Jane has such a vivid way to describe places and scenes and she added a lot of great humour in this book. I totally got hooked and adored this book from the first page onwards. It’s a sweet, romantic and adorable story, with wonderful scenes, deep thoughts and amazing characters.
June 22, 2018
Poppy hat ein gebrochenes Herz und ein Hochzeitskleid, dass sie nicht mehr braucht. Sie lebt über einem Brautmodenladen und bäckt Hochzeitstorten. Damit kommt sie halbwegs über die Runden. Als die Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer besten Freundin Clare den Job hinschmeißt und damit die Hochzeitslocation gefährdet ist, springt Poppy ein und übernimmt den Job als Hochzeitsplanerin bei Rafe auf der Farm.
Das ist am Anfang nicht ganz einfach, hasst Rafe doch Hochzeiten. Aber im Laufe der Zeit regelt sich so manches von alleine.
Das Buch ist in Ich-Form aus der Sicht Poppys geschrieben und erinnert manchmal ein wenig an ein Tagebuch, oder an Briefe an eine liebe Freundin. Manchmal hat mich Poppy mit ihrer sturen "Ich will aber nie wieder eine Beziehung"-Art genervt, übersieht sie dabei doch welche Türen sich für sie öffnen.
Aber gut, wie in so einem Buch zu erwarten regelt sich vieles dann doch.
Durch die Ich-Form sind mir aber leider die anderen Figuren etwas zu oberflächlich geblieben, da man von deren Gefühlsleben überhaupt nichts mitbekommt und selbst die Freundinnen untereinander selten längere Gespräche führen, in denen man das ein oder andere hätte erfahren können.
Das klingt jetzt schlimmer als es war, ich habe das Buch gerne gelesen. Ob ich allerdings den angekündigten Nachfolgeband (Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand, ET: Sep 18) lesen werde, ist fraglich.
Dafür ist mir das Setting nicht weit genug ans Herz gewachsen.
Von mir gibt es hier 3 von 5 Sterne für einen durchschnittlichen Liebesroman.
Das ist am Anfang nicht ganz einfach, hasst Rafe doch Hochzeiten. Aber im Laufe der Zeit regelt sich so manches von alleine.
Das Buch ist in Ich-Form aus der Sicht Poppys geschrieben und erinnert manchmal ein wenig an ein Tagebuch, oder an Briefe an eine liebe Freundin. Manchmal hat mich Poppy mit ihrer sturen "Ich will aber nie wieder eine Beziehung"-Art genervt, übersieht sie dabei doch welche Türen sich für sie öffnen.
Aber gut, wie in so einem Buch zu erwarten regelt sich vieles dann doch.
Durch die Ich-Form sind mir aber leider die anderen Figuren etwas zu oberflächlich geblieben, da man von deren Gefühlsleben überhaupt nichts mitbekommt und selbst die Freundinnen untereinander selten längere Gespräche führen, in denen man das ein oder andere hätte erfahren können.
Das klingt jetzt schlimmer als es war, ich habe das Buch gerne gelesen. Ob ich allerdings den angekündigten Nachfolgeband (Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand, ET: Sep 18) lesen werde, ist fraglich.
Dafür ist mir das Setting nicht weit genug ans Herz gewachsen.
Von mir gibt es hier 3 von 5 Sterne für einen durchschnittlichen Liebesroman.
March 12, 2024
What a fabulous little romance. In Cornwall, Poppy is living and working in a wedding shop having just split up from her long term boyfriend. She is also a talented cake designer and, under pressure from her two best friends, ends up being the wedding planner at Daisy Hill farm. Here she encounters the grumpiest farmer she has ever met - who is determined not to help with anything wedding related. What follows is a set of circumstances that brings out the best of both protagonists. Great read - I ate it up and laughed out loud at some parts. Would recommend 😊
August 26, 2020
I'm on the fence about this. I enjoyed the story, the wedding shop and cake baking, and I liked most of the characters and their various relationships; but as the book progressed I also found Poppy, our MC, and the way she reacted/interacted with Rafe, our hero, more than a little annoying. It's like, girl, I know that you want to deny your feelings for him and I know that you don't want to feel dependent on a man after your last relationship but... Lawd, he really can't win because he's an arse when he doesn't want to get involved in farm wedding stuff, but when he eventually does want to help, he's "too much"? Please make up your mind. It could've been sort of cute if it didn't go on forever...
There are no big surprises in the plot. The story and characters are pretty formulaic and trope-y but that's okay if that's what you're looking for. What I initially found the most jarring was that it's a first person POV, but the more I started thinking of it as a "Bridget Jones" type narration, I didn't mind. Poppy started off as a very likeable character. I liked her passion for baking and how she dove straight into wedding event management despite never having done it before. I liked her relationships with her besties Cate and Immie, as well as Jess, the wedding shop owner. They were a girl gang of funny and eccentric women who had each other's backs but were also unafraid to call each other out in the way only friends can. I was a bit disappointed to know we wouldn't learn more about Immie because (aside from the hero) I ended up liking her the most and she gave me the most laughs with her attitude 😂
Although it didn't take long for me to read this, I did find the story and incidents quite repetitive and meandering without anything really happening except some minor character development. If it was shortened down further, nothing major would be missed. I think the character I ended up liking the most besides Immie, was Rafe. Yes, he's your typical gruff on the outside but a cinnamon roll on the inside hero with a tragic past (hence the grumpiness) but I liked how he really put in effort and changed. That said, the biggest flaws in their enemies-to-lovers romance were the severe lack of communication because they really didn't talk to each other about feelings, and Poppy's inability to make up her mind up about Rafe.
TL;DR: A sweet story with realistic and relatable characters and relationships. Although the story does wind around a bit, I enjoyed the Cornish setting, the cute little wedding shop, and most of the characters. I'm just sad that our MC became a little too annoying to be cute by the end of it. If you're looking for a quick and easy to read chicklit in a cute setting with interesting characters and without any surprises, this definitely delivers!
There are no big surprises in the plot. The story and characters are pretty formulaic and trope-y but that's okay if that's what you're looking for. What I initially found the most jarring was that it's a first person POV, but the more I started thinking of it as a "Bridget Jones" type narration, I didn't mind. Poppy started off as a very likeable character. I liked her passion for baking and how she dove straight into wedding event management despite never having done it before. I liked her relationships with her besties Cate and Immie, as well as Jess, the wedding shop owner. They were a girl gang of funny and eccentric women who had each other's backs but were also unafraid to call each other out in the way only friends can. I was a bit disappointed to know we wouldn't learn more about Immie because (aside from the hero) I ended up liking her the most and she gave me the most laughs with her attitude 😂
Although it didn't take long for me to read this, I did find the story and incidents quite repetitive and meandering without anything really happening except some minor character development. If it was shortened down further, nothing major would be missed. I think the character I ended up liking the most besides Immie, was Rafe. Yes, he's your typical gruff on the outside but a cinnamon roll on the inside hero with a tragic past (hence the grumpiness) but I liked how he really put in effort and changed. That said, the biggest flaws in their enemies-to-lovers romance were the severe lack of communication because they really didn't talk to each other about feelings, and Poppy's inability to make up her mind up about Rafe.
TL;DR: A sweet story with realistic and relatable characters and relationships. Although the story does wind around a bit, I enjoyed the Cornish setting, the cute little wedding shop, and most of the characters. I'm just sad that our MC became a little too annoying to be cute by the end of it. If you're looking for a quick and easy to read chicklit in a cute setting with interesting characters and without any surprises, this definitely delivers!
May 4, 2016
I received a copy of this via NetGalley and HarperImpulse in return for a fair and honest review
This was an absolute delight of a book to read! So warm, full of extremely likeable characters and a storyline full of depth beyond the normal feel good romances!
Poppy lives about the wedding shop, with views over the sea! It's not the biggest flat in the world but she loves it and it is where she is happiest after her traumatic break up with Brett, and where she can lose herself when she's baking and creating wedding cakes of the highest quality.
With her best friends Jess and Cate around her she gets to start to move on with her life, even though the wedding shop is a constant reminder of her personal life not having the happy ending she was hoping for. And when a job opportunity arises at Daisy Hill Farm to help push the wedding business there she reluctantly accepts. Standing in her way at the farm is the rather grumpy, but hot, farmer Rafe who is very set in his ways and fully focused on life at the farm and not the business goldmine he is sitting on with the idyllic setting of the farm. Poppy takes to wedding planning well, but farm life takes a little while for her to get used to! And when the wedding photographer Jules appears on the scene, it appears that Poppy may have more than one admirer to distract her from past lost loves!
It was so much fun seeing the relationship between Poppy and Rafe develop and how they both end up helping each other see different aspects to their lives and how they can push themselves out of their comfort zones. Really enjoyed seeing how Poppy and her friends dealt with the often chaotic wedding days and it was all written so beautifully and in a fun way that I can't wait for more from the series!!
This was an absolute delight of a book to read! So warm, full of extremely likeable characters and a storyline full of depth beyond the normal feel good romances!
Poppy lives about the wedding shop, with views over the sea! It's not the biggest flat in the world but she loves it and it is where she is happiest after her traumatic break up with Brett, and where she can lose herself when she's baking and creating wedding cakes of the highest quality.
With her best friends Jess and Cate around her she gets to start to move on with her life, even though the wedding shop is a constant reminder of her personal life not having the happy ending she was hoping for. And when a job opportunity arises at Daisy Hill Farm to help push the wedding business there she reluctantly accepts. Standing in her way at the farm is the rather grumpy, but hot, farmer Rafe who is very set in his ways and fully focused on life at the farm and not the business goldmine he is sitting on with the idyllic setting of the farm. Poppy takes to wedding planning well, but farm life takes a little while for her to get used to! And when the wedding photographer Jules appears on the scene, it appears that Poppy may have more than one admirer to distract her from past lost loves!
It was so much fun seeing the relationship between Poppy and Rafe develop and how they both end up helping each other see different aspects to their lives and how they can push themselves out of their comfort zones. Really enjoyed seeing how Poppy and her friends dealt with the often chaotic wedding days and it was all written so beautifully and in a fun way that I can't wait for more from the series!!
May 5, 2016
This book had everything that would draw me initially to a book- a gorgeous cover, a book about weddings and cakes and it's set in my favourite place in the World, Cornwall.
It just created all sorts of beautiful images throughout of delightful wedding scenes and frothy tulle and delicious cupcakes.
Poppy lives in the attic of a wonderful wedding shop called Brides by the Sea. She creates beautiful cakes and helps out in her friends shop. Her rooms have a delightful porthole view out onto the Cornish coastal town and I could just imagine curling up there with a great book, a pink cupcake and a glass of their Prosecco or a cocktail made just for me!
When Poppy's best friends wedding planner drops out, she takes on the job to ensure that Cate gets the wedding of her dreams. The book combines wonderful friendships, a grumpy boss who just happens to be stunning. He also has a well hidden heart of gold and makes tasty bacon sandwiches at just the vital moment. There is also a bridezilla to contend with.
Daisy Hill Farm sounds the wonderful setting for a wedding and lots of very heartwarming scenes take place there. I can't wait to spend Christmas at Daisy Hill Farm in the next book in the series.
I recently saw Jane at a Birmingham get together for writers and bloggers and she is so lovely and bubbly. She will be joining my list of authors to wait on the next book being released!
With many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this lovely book.
It just created all sorts of beautiful images throughout of delightful wedding scenes and frothy tulle and delicious cupcakes.
Poppy lives in the attic of a wonderful wedding shop called Brides by the Sea. She creates beautiful cakes and helps out in her friends shop. Her rooms have a delightful porthole view out onto the Cornish coastal town and I could just imagine curling up there with a great book, a pink cupcake and a glass of their Prosecco or a cocktail made just for me!
When Poppy's best friends wedding planner drops out, she takes on the job to ensure that Cate gets the wedding of her dreams. The book combines wonderful friendships, a grumpy boss who just happens to be stunning. He also has a well hidden heart of gold and makes tasty bacon sandwiches at just the vital moment. There is also a bridezilla to contend with.
Daisy Hill Farm sounds the wonderful setting for a wedding and lots of very heartwarming scenes take place there. I can't wait to spend Christmas at Daisy Hill Farm in the next book in the series.
I recently saw Jane at a Birmingham get together for writers and bloggers and she is so lovely and bubbly. She will be joining my list of authors to wait on the next book being released!
With many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this lovely book.
June 2, 2023
At first, the dialogue from the main character Poppy, was hard for me to push through. It was very different from all the books I’ve read previously. However, eventually I realized, it was as if she was talking to a friend, or her younger self. And it really grew on me, and made me really feel like I was part of her world on some level.
The friendships Poppy has, the men you’re introduced to, and the amazing locations Poppy is involved with REEEEEEEALLY pull you in. Poppy hasn’t had an easy life, and from someone who grew up with no friends, being able to really feel apart of a great group of gals who understand each other was such a heart pulling experience for me personally. The only thing I couldn’t relate to, was Poppy wanting to be a “loner” after a bad relationship and wanting to stay single for an unforeseeable future.
The ups and downs in this book. The farm life, the best friends knowing Poppy better than even Poppy knew herself, the jobs, the hilarious yet romantic situations she goes through... UGH it was just SO good!! This book has easily made its way to my special top shelf favorite reads collection. And I’m so happy I read it :)
The friendships Poppy has, the men you’re introduced to, and the amazing locations Poppy is involved with REEEEEEEALLY pull you in. Poppy hasn’t had an easy life, and from someone who grew up with no friends, being able to really feel apart of a great group of gals who understand each other was such a heart pulling experience for me personally. The only thing I couldn’t relate to, was Poppy wanting to be a “loner” after a bad relationship and wanting to stay single for an unforeseeable future.
The ups and downs in this book. The farm life, the best friends knowing Poppy better than even Poppy knew herself, the jobs, the hilarious yet romantic situations she goes through... UGH it was just SO good!! This book has easily made its way to my special top shelf favorite reads collection. And I’m so happy I read it :)
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April 27, 2016Review to follow!
May 11, 2016
Excellent feel good beach read
Want to read
August 12, 2020Langweilig, platt und vorhersehbar
June 4, 2018
Der Titel und das süße Cover versprechen hier einen leichten Liebesroman rund um Brautmode/Hochzeiten und einem sommerlichen Feeling am Meer. Bekommen habe ich einen seichten Liebesroman, der zwischen Kühen und Farmhäusern spielt und wo unsere Protagonistin, die eigentlich Hochzeitstorten bäckt, von einem Tag auf den anderen Hochzeiten organisieren soll. Ich habe mir hier keine höhere Literatur erwartet, sondern leichte und romantische Unterhaltung - die suchte ich allerdings vergeblich.
Wo bitte ist das Meer und der Strand, der im Titel vorkommt? (ebenso im Originaltitel!) Der einzige Hinweis darauf ist die Erwähnung, dass Poppys Wohnung über den Brautsalon einen Meerblick hat, danach kommt das Wort "Meer" auf den 400 Seiten allerdings nicht mehr vor. Wäre der Roman richtig toll geschrieben..... mit berührenden Momenten, einem Hauch Romantik und humorvollen Szenen, dann hätte ich noch ein Auge zudrücken können, denn es geht ja um den Inhalt und nicht um Titel und Cover.
Aber was mich hier erwartet hat, hat mich teilweise nur den Kopf schütteln lassen: unsympathische und unrealistische Charaktere, eine sehr flache Handlung, sehr viel Alkohol, weder ein Spannungsbogen noch ein roter Faden. Tussis, die sich nur um Äußerlichkeiten sorgen und deren einzige Sorgen sind, dass der Farbton des Brautjungfernkleidchen nicht zu ihrem Teint passt...
Auch Poppy, unsere Hauptprotagonnistin, ein Stadtpflänzchen, obwohl auf dem Land aufgewachsen, aber sehr bald von dort geflüchtet, bekam von mir nicht viele Sympathiepunkte. Die etwas naive und oberflächliche Poppy hat die Trennung von ihrem langjährigen Freund und Verlobten noch nicht ganz überwunden, als sie neben ihren Job als Tortenbäckerin für die abgesprungene Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer Freundin Cate einspringen soll. Die Location für die Hochzeitsfeierlichkeiten ist ein etwas heruntergekommener Gutshof mit einem mürrischen Besitzer. Als Poppy dort aufkreuzt, teilt sie ihr Büro mit Henne Berta, die im Papierkorb ihre Eier ausbrütet. Und Poppy nimmt die neue Herausforderung natürlich mit links und verwandelt innerhalb eines halbes Jahres den Gutshof in eine hippe Hochzeitslocation...ohne Ausbildung und noch neben ihrem eigentlichen Hauptjob...eh klar! Dabei schaut sie des öfteren zu tief ins Glas und wird im kleinen Dorf gleich von zwei attraktiven Männern umgarnt.
Die besagten Freundinnen sind ziemlich oberflächlich und stereotyp. Cate gibt zu viel Geld für die Hochzeit aus, Immie wird anfangs als eher biedere Landfrau dargestellt und wird dann zum männermordenen Vamp (konnte sich die Autorin hier nicht entscheiden?), Jess, die Besitzerin des Brautladens ist eine knallharte Geschäftsfrau und Sera, die Designerin der Brautkleider, wird nur anfangs kurz erwähnt. Auch Jule, der Fotograf, entsprang dem Modejournal, sah umwerfend aus, ist aber ein Schlappschwanz.
Einzig Rafe, der grummelige Gutsbesitzer, bei dem die zukünftigen Hochzeitsfeierlichkeiten stattfinden sollen, damit etwas Geld zur Renovierung in die Kasse kommt, war mir sympathisch.
Der Großteil des Romans spielt sich auf diesen besagten Gutshof ab, wo sich Poppy um die Organisation der geplanten Hochzeiten bemüht. Statt Strand sind wir auf der Wiese oder am Bach, im Matsch vor einem Zelt oder im verstaubten Hinterzimmer. Das Rafe sehr schnell Poppys Herz höher schlagen lässt, sie sich ihre Gefühle nicht eingestehen will, ist ebenso klar, wie das ewige Hin und Her bis zum Happy End.
Zusätzlich erinnerte mich der Roman wirklich sehr an "Hinter dem Café das Meer" von der ebenfalls englischen Autorin Philippa Ashley, das von mir auch nur 2 Sterne bekommen hat. Einziger austauschbarer Punkt: statt dem Brautsalon ein Café.
Schreibstil:
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig, ziemlich dialoglastig und die Beschreibung der Örtlichkeiten bildhaft. Sehr gut vorstellen konnte ich mir die Kleidung (Brautkleid, Brautjungfern, Jungesellinnenabschied), doch die Beschreibung der Charaktere war umso oberflächlicher. Diese sind sehr stereotyp, unglaubwürdig und machen auch keinerlei Entwicklung durch. Humor oder Romantik suchte ich vergebens.
Die Geschichte wird im Präsens und aus der Ich-Perspektive erzählt. Trotzdem konnten mich die Figuren nicht erreichen.
Zum kleinen Brautladen am Strand wird es noch Folgebücher geben, denn dies ist Band Eins einer Reihe rund um den Shop.
"Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand" erscheint im November 2018 und wird von mir definitiv nicht mehr gelesen werden.
Fazit:
Der Roman konnte mich leider gar nicht abholen, plätscherte dahin und war mir zu oberflächlich. Die Charaktere waren großteils unsympathisch und entwickelten sich nicht weiter. Romantik oder witzige Dialoge hat man vergebens gesucht. Ich werde die Fortsetzung nicht mehr lesen und kann hier auch keine Leseempfehlung abgeben.
Wo bitte ist das Meer und der Strand, der im Titel vorkommt? (ebenso im Originaltitel!) Der einzige Hinweis darauf ist die Erwähnung, dass Poppys Wohnung über den Brautsalon einen Meerblick hat, danach kommt das Wort "Meer" auf den 400 Seiten allerdings nicht mehr vor. Wäre der Roman richtig toll geschrieben..... mit berührenden Momenten, einem Hauch Romantik und humorvollen Szenen, dann hätte ich noch ein Auge zudrücken können, denn es geht ja um den Inhalt und nicht um Titel und Cover.
Aber was mich hier erwartet hat, hat mich teilweise nur den Kopf schütteln lassen: unsympathische und unrealistische Charaktere, eine sehr flache Handlung, sehr viel Alkohol, weder ein Spannungsbogen noch ein roter Faden. Tussis, die sich nur um Äußerlichkeiten sorgen und deren einzige Sorgen sind, dass der Farbton des Brautjungfernkleidchen nicht zu ihrem Teint passt...
Auch Poppy, unsere Hauptprotagonnistin, ein Stadtpflänzchen, obwohl auf dem Land aufgewachsen, aber sehr bald von dort geflüchtet, bekam von mir nicht viele Sympathiepunkte. Die etwas naive und oberflächliche Poppy hat die Trennung von ihrem langjährigen Freund und Verlobten noch nicht ganz überwunden, als sie neben ihren Job als Tortenbäckerin für die abgesprungene Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer Freundin Cate einspringen soll. Die Location für die Hochzeitsfeierlichkeiten ist ein etwas heruntergekommener Gutshof mit einem mürrischen Besitzer. Als Poppy dort aufkreuzt, teilt sie ihr Büro mit Henne Berta, die im Papierkorb ihre Eier ausbrütet. Und Poppy nimmt die neue Herausforderung natürlich mit links und verwandelt innerhalb eines halbes Jahres den Gutshof in eine hippe Hochzeitslocation...ohne Ausbildung und noch neben ihrem eigentlichen Hauptjob...eh klar! Dabei schaut sie des öfteren zu tief ins Glas und wird im kleinen Dorf gleich von zwei attraktiven Männern umgarnt.
Die besagten Freundinnen sind ziemlich oberflächlich und stereotyp. Cate gibt zu viel Geld für die Hochzeit aus, Immie wird anfangs als eher biedere Landfrau dargestellt und wird dann zum männermordenen Vamp (konnte sich die Autorin hier nicht entscheiden?), Jess, die Besitzerin des Brautladens ist eine knallharte Geschäftsfrau und Sera, die Designerin der Brautkleider, wird nur anfangs kurz erwähnt. Auch Jule, der Fotograf, entsprang dem Modejournal, sah umwerfend aus, ist aber ein Schlappschwanz.
Einzig Rafe, der grummelige Gutsbesitzer, bei dem die zukünftigen Hochzeitsfeierlichkeiten stattfinden sollen, damit etwas Geld zur Renovierung in die Kasse kommt, war mir sympathisch.
Der Großteil des Romans spielt sich auf diesen besagten Gutshof ab, wo sich Poppy um die Organisation der geplanten Hochzeiten bemüht. Statt Strand sind wir auf der Wiese oder am Bach, im Matsch vor einem Zelt oder im verstaubten Hinterzimmer. Das Rafe sehr schnell Poppys Herz höher schlagen lässt, sie sich ihre Gefühle nicht eingestehen will, ist ebenso klar, wie das ewige Hin und Her bis zum Happy End.
Zusätzlich erinnerte mich der Roman wirklich sehr an "Hinter dem Café das Meer" von der ebenfalls englischen Autorin Philippa Ashley, das von mir auch nur 2 Sterne bekommen hat. Einziger austauschbarer Punkt: statt dem Brautsalon ein Café.
Schreibstil:
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig, ziemlich dialoglastig und die Beschreibung der Örtlichkeiten bildhaft. Sehr gut vorstellen konnte ich mir die Kleidung (Brautkleid, Brautjungfern, Jungesellinnenabschied), doch die Beschreibung der Charaktere war umso oberflächlicher. Diese sind sehr stereotyp, unglaubwürdig und machen auch keinerlei Entwicklung durch. Humor oder Romantik suchte ich vergebens.
Die Geschichte wird im Präsens und aus der Ich-Perspektive erzählt. Trotzdem konnten mich die Figuren nicht erreichen.
Zum kleinen Brautladen am Strand wird es noch Folgebücher geben, denn dies ist Band Eins einer Reihe rund um den Shop.
"Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand" erscheint im November 2018 und wird von mir definitiv nicht mehr gelesen werden.
Fazit:
Der Roman konnte mich leider gar nicht abholen, plätscherte dahin und war mir zu oberflächlich. Die Charaktere waren großteils unsympathisch und entwickelten sich nicht weiter. Romantik oder witzige Dialoge hat man vergebens gesucht. Ich werde die Fortsetzung nicht mehr lesen und kann hier auch keine Leseempfehlung abgeben.
May 18, 2018
Inhalt:
„Bridges by the Sea“ ist ein kleiner Brautladen mitten in Cornwall, der keinen Wunsch an Brautkleidern und Leckereien offenlässt. Hier lebt auch Poppy, die diese verführerischen Kuchen backt und mit ihrem Leben ganz zufrieden scheint. Doch plötzlich verändert sich ihr sorgenloses Leben und sie soll als Hochzeitsplanerin einspringen. Kann sie dieser Aufgabe gewachsen sein?
Meine Meinung:
„Der kleine Brautladen“ am Strand ist das erste Buch der Autorin aus der „Wedding Shop“ Reihe, dass mich gleich mit seinem liebevoll gestalten Cover in den Bann gezogen hat und das Interesse nach mehr weckte.
Der Schreibstil des Buches ist von Anfang an herrlich leicht und locker und als Leser lernen wir direkt Poppy kennen, die oberhalb des kleinen Brautladens lebt und mit einer Inbrunst Kuchen und andere Leckereien für Kunden zaubert. Poppy habe ich als Mensch von Anfang sehr gemocht, weil sie ein liebevoller Charakter ist und sehr für Ihre Freundinnen einsteht, die auch nicht unerwähnt beiben dürfen. Die Autorin hat nicht nur Poppy einen wundervollen Charakter verliehen, sondern auch ihren engsten Freunden, die nicht unterschiedlicher sein könnten aber gemeinsam eine wunderbare Mischung an Charakteren ergaben.
Neben der leichten Schreibweise ist dieses Buch auch sehr bildhaft beschrieben, sodass ich mich ganz oft dabei erwischt habe, wie ich mich selbst in den Brautladen geträumt habe, um all die tollen Kleider anzuprobieren. Die Geschichte an sich ist sehr unterhaltsam und natürlich darf auch die Liebe nicht fehlen. In meinen Augen ist es keine klassische Liebesgeschichte, weil das Thema der Freundschaft auch einen großen Stellenwert einnimmt und somit einen hohen Unterhaltungswert erzeugt, der mich begeistern konnte.
Mein Fazit:
Eine sommerlich leichte Lektüre, die auch ideal für den anstehenden Sommerurlaub ist. Mich hat sie sehr gut unterhalten, sodass ich gerne 5 Sterne vergebe und gespannt auf den zweiten Band warte, der im Dezember erscheinen wird.
„Bridges by the Sea“ ist ein kleiner Brautladen mitten in Cornwall, der keinen Wunsch an Brautkleidern und Leckereien offenlässt. Hier lebt auch Poppy, die diese verführerischen Kuchen backt und mit ihrem Leben ganz zufrieden scheint. Doch plötzlich verändert sich ihr sorgenloses Leben und sie soll als Hochzeitsplanerin einspringen. Kann sie dieser Aufgabe gewachsen sein?
Meine Meinung:
„Der kleine Brautladen“ am Strand ist das erste Buch der Autorin aus der „Wedding Shop“ Reihe, dass mich gleich mit seinem liebevoll gestalten Cover in den Bann gezogen hat und das Interesse nach mehr weckte.
Der Schreibstil des Buches ist von Anfang an herrlich leicht und locker und als Leser lernen wir direkt Poppy kennen, die oberhalb des kleinen Brautladens lebt und mit einer Inbrunst Kuchen und andere Leckereien für Kunden zaubert. Poppy habe ich als Mensch von Anfang sehr gemocht, weil sie ein liebevoller Charakter ist und sehr für Ihre Freundinnen einsteht, die auch nicht unerwähnt beiben dürfen. Die Autorin hat nicht nur Poppy einen wundervollen Charakter verliehen, sondern auch ihren engsten Freunden, die nicht unterschiedlicher sein könnten aber gemeinsam eine wunderbare Mischung an Charakteren ergaben.
Neben der leichten Schreibweise ist dieses Buch auch sehr bildhaft beschrieben, sodass ich mich ganz oft dabei erwischt habe, wie ich mich selbst in den Brautladen geträumt habe, um all die tollen Kleider anzuprobieren. Die Geschichte an sich ist sehr unterhaltsam und natürlich darf auch die Liebe nicht fehlen. In meinen Augen ist es keine klassische Liebesgeschichte, weil das Thema der Freundschaft auch einen großen Stellenwert einnimmt und somit einen hohen Unterhaltungswert erzeugt, der mich begeistern konnte.
Mein Fazit:
Eine sommerlich leichte Lektüre, die auch ideal für den anstehenden Sommerurlaub ist. Mich hat sie sehr gut unterhalten, sodass ich gerne 5 Sterne vergebe und gespannt auf den zweiten Band warte, der im Dezember erscheinen wird.
January 4, 2021
Inhalt:
»Brides by the Sea« ist der niedlichste Brautladen von ganz Cornwall. In dem kleinen Haus an der Strandpromenade werden die geheimsten Wünsche jeder Braut erfüllt: vom perfekten Kleid bis zur leckersten Hochzeitstorte. Und genau für die ist Poppy zuständig - eigentlich. Denn als plötzlich die Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer besten Freundin abspringt, muss Poppy sich um alles kümmern. Nicht zuletzt um den sexy, aber etwas mürrischen Farmer Rafe. Ist Poppy diesem Chaos gewachsen?
Meine Meinung?
Mit hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen, bei den ersten Kapiteln habe ich mich ein wenig schwer getan in die Geschichte hineinzufinden. Aber das hat sich dann rasch gelegt und ich habe das Lesen sehr genossen. Ich fand es super, dass so viele verschiedene Charakterzüge durch die verschiedenen Charaktere aufeinandergetroffen sind. Es ist auf jeden Fall eine kurzweilige amüsante Geschichte zum Abschalten und Genießen.
Ich greife auf jeden Fall zeitnah zu Band 2, der zum Glück auch bereits auf meinem SuB liegt.
»Brides by the Sea« ist der niedlichste Brautladen von ganz Cornwall. In dem kleinen Haus an der Strandpromenade werden die geheimsten Wünsche jeder Braut erfüllt: vom perfekten Kleid bis zur leckersten Hochzeitstorte. Und genau für die ist Poppy zuständig - eigentlich. Denn als plötzlich die Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer besten Freundin abspringt, muss Poppy sich um alles kümmern. Nicht zuletzt um den sexy, aber etwas mürrischen Farmer Rafe. Ist Poppy diesem Chaos gewachsen?
Meine Meinung?
Mit hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen, bei den ersten Kapiteln habe ich mich ein wenig schwer getan in die Geschichte hineinzufinden. Aber das hat sich dann rasch gelegt und ich habe das Lesen sehr genossen. Ich fand es super, dass so viele verschiedene Charakterzüge durch die verschiedenen Charaktere aufeinandergetroffen sind. Es ist auf jeden Fall eine kurzweilige amüsante Geschichte zum Abschalten und Genießen.
Ich greife auf jeden Fall zeitnah zu Band 2, der zum Glück auch bereits auf meinem SuB liegt.
July 13, 2018
Inhalt:
Nach einer gescheiterten Beziehung, bietet Poppys Freundin ihr die Wohnung über ihrem Brautladen mietfrei an. Sie muß dazu nur ihre berühmten Torten backen und ab und zu im Laden aushelfen.
Zu allem Übel springt dann auch noch die Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer Freundin ab und Poppy stimmt zu, die ganze Hochzeit auszurichten.....
Meine Meinung:
Angesprochen haben mich hier das wunderschöne Cover und der Klappentext.
Leider muß ich sagen, dass ich hier doch etwas enttäuscht wurde, denn der Brautladen spielt nur eine nebengeordnete Rolle.
In der Hauptsache geht es um die Hochzeit, die auf dem Bauernhof des sehr mürrischen Farmers Rafe ausgerichtet werden soll. Und Rafe ist wirklich sehr wankelmütig, sodass ich am liebsten öfters ins Buch gesprungen wäre, um ihn mal richtig zu schütteln.
Bei Poppy war ich etwas zwiegespalten, einerseits mochte ich sie, denn sie tat mir sehr Leid, wie sie von ihrem Ex behandelt wurde, keinerlei Selbstbewußtsein mehr hatte und auch die Geschichte um ihr Brautkleid fand ich sehr traurig. Da war es schön zu lesen, wie sie nach und nach immer mehr aus ihrem Schneckenhaus herauskommt. Doch war sie mir aber auch oft zu mürrisch.
Aber insgesamt war die Geschichte schön zu lesen, der Schreibstil ist sehr locker und leicht und als leichte Lektüre für zwischendrin kann ich das Buch durchaus empfehlen.
Nach einer gescheiterten Beziehung, bietet Poppys Freundin ihr die Wohnung über ihrem Brautladen mietfrei an. Sie muß dazu nur ihre berühmten Torten backen und ab und zu im Laden aushelfen.
Zu allem Übel springt dann auch noch die Hochzeitsplanerin ihrer Freundin ab und Poppy stimmt zu, die ganze Hochzeit auszurichten.....
Meine Meinung:
Angesprochen haben mich hier das wunderschöne Cover und der Klappentext.
Leider muß ich sagen, dass ich hier doch etwas enttäuscht wurde, denn der Brautladen spielt nur eine nebengeordnete Rolle.
In der Hauptsache geht es um die Hochzeit, die auf dem Bauernhof des sehr mürrischen Farmers Rafe ausgerichtet werden soll. Und Rafe ist wirklich sehr wankelmütig, sodass ich am liebsten öfters ins Buch gesprungen wäre, um ihn mal richtig zu schütteln.
Bei Poppy war ich etwas zwiegespalten, einerseits mochte ich sie, denn sie tat mir sehr Leid, wie sie von ihrem Ex behandelt wurde, keinerlei Selbstbewußtsein mehr hatte und auch die Geschichte um ihr Brautkleid fand ich sehr traurig. Da war es schön zu lesen, wie sie nach und nach immer mehr aus ihrem Schneckenhaus herauskommt. Doch war sie mir aber auch oft zu mürrisch.
Aber insgesamt war die Geschichte schön zu lesen, der Schreibstil ist sehr locker und leicht und als leichte Lektüre für zwischendrin kann ich das Buch durchaus empfehlen.
March 11, 2021
This one had all the parts I like, but they failed to come together in a satisfying way for me. I just kept wanting more character development and to know Poppy and Rafe on a deeper level but it never happened. It was fine and fairly entertaining but I won't be in a rush to read the rest of the series - maybe someday.
October 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The title is a little deceptive but didn't take anything away from the book. I feel like we didn't really get to know Poppy fully, so I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
August 4, 2017
3.5-4*
September 10, 2017
Light, frothy romance. Nothing major happening, but beautifully set in a wedding shop.
Enjoyed it enough to go on to the next in the series.
Enjoyed it enough to go on to the next in the series.
April 27, 2018
Cornwall, sea, cake and a happy ever after.
December 23, 2022
Eine tolle Geschichte mit Liebe und einem Hauch von Kitsch und Freundschaft und Familie. Richtiger Wohlfühlroman.
June 18, 2018
'The Little wedding shop by the sea' is a very pleasant summery read about Poppy turning her life around by becoming a wedding planner to save her best friend's wedding.
While I enjoyed most of this book a lot, I'm not sure about the pacing of Rafe's development or Poppy's reaction to it. It often just didn't feel right to me. Also, the ending dragged on a bit.
While I enjoyed most of this book a lot, I'm not sure about the pacing of Rafe's development or Poppy's reaction to it. It often just didn't feel right to me. Also, the ending dragged on a bit.
June 23, 2020
3.5. Fun read
March 17, 2017
This was such a sweet book, and I legitimately couldn't put it down, in fact stayed up til 4am one night like I was a teenager again - there was nothing really special about this, it followed the chic lit formula to the letter.. but it flowed nicely and the short chapters are totally my favourite
August 17, 2016
Follow Poppy (the blue one – not the red) over the next year as she reinvents herself with two new careers, a new life and possibly a new love. After a break up with long-term live in, Poppy has moved back to familiar territory with her two childhood best friends as she recovers from the slight and decides if she’ll go back to her fast-paced London life as a food stylist. In the meantime, she’s living and working in the attic level of a new bridal shop in the small Cornwall town. See, Poppy has always baked cakes: the BEST cakes, made with patience and love, a legacy from her mother. Sure, money is tight, but she’s able to support herself (mostly) and has Immie and Cate nearby for emotional support. Life is full: she’s got her cakes, helping out in the shop Brides by the Sea, babysitting for Cate and her fiancé and visiting Immie out in the country as she manages a holiday cottage for hire business at Daisy Hill Farm. What more could a girl need?
Not that she needed it, but the wedding planner at Daisy Hill Farm has quit, and Rafe, the owner, is debating closing it all down. But Cate, Poppy’s bestie was the first to book her wedding there. There is no question that Poppy can and should step up to take on the job – at least in Immie and Cate’s eyes. From here, it’s a mix of crossed wires, moments of pure happiness and a back and forth between Poppy and Rafe that highlights just how different, but compatible the two are.
Poppy is lovely: she’s had her legs knocked out from under her, but she’s still steaming forward with her “make everyone else happy” face. She’s actually a bit lost, no worries about her baking – that she knows she has down in spades, but the rest of her life (and one unused, unworn designed for her wedding gown) is hiding in a closet awaiting discovery or use. Now is the time to expand her wings and start to fly. It’s not a smooth ride for sure: sharing an office with Rafe is akin to sharing with a sloppy bear with a thorn in his paw, not to mention Henrietta and the cows. Poppy is NOT a ‘farm’ girl – she’s small town who longed for the city, but it’s mud, stone walls, cakes and bridezillas, and one self-important photographer. Poppy is learning and growing – speaking her own mind and ready for the next phase of her life. As satisfying as warn gingerbread with a lemon drizzle (try it – I promise it’s the best thing you’ve ever had except good chocolate) this slow-growing story just nestles into your heart and leaves you satisfied. Another winner from Linfoot – stories that grab your heart and don’t let go.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Not that she needed it, but the wedding planner at Daisy Hill Farm has quit, and Rafe, the owner, is debating closing it all down. But Cate, Poppy’s bestie was the first to book her wedding there. There is no question that Poppy can and should step up to take on the job – at least in Immie and Cate’s eyes. From here, it’s a mix of crossed wires, moments of pure happiness and a back and forth between Poppy and Rafe that highlights just how different, but compatible the two are.
Poppy is lovely: she’s had her legs knocked out from under her, but she’s still steaming forward with her “make everyone else happy” face. She’s actually a bit lost, no worries about her baking – that she knows she has down in spades, but the rest of her life (and one unused, unworn designed for her wedding gown) is hiding in a closet awaiting discovery or use. Now is the time to expand her wings and start to fly. It’s not a smooth ride for sure: sharing an office with Rafe is akin to sharing with a sloppy bear with a thorn in his paw, not to mention Henrietta and the cows. Poppy is NOT a ‘farm’ girl – she’s small town who longed for the city, but it’s mud, stone walls, cakes and bridezillas, and one self-important photographer. Poppy is learning and growing – speaking her own mind and ready for the next phase of her life. As satisfying as warn gingerbread with a lemon drizzle (try it – I promise it’s the best thing you’ve ever had except good chocolate) this slow-growing story just nestles into your heart and leaves you satisfied. Another winner from Linfoot – stories that grab your heart and don’t let go.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
April 28, 2016
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So, are cupcakes, an unlikely wedding planner and a grumpy but gorgeous farmer, the perfect recipe for a romantic comedy? Definitely. I’ve eagerly anticipated reading this story and the reality far surpassed the expectation.
Poppy our cake maker, extraordinaire becomes a reluctant wedding planner at the insistence of her best friends. Her first encounter with Rafe, is messy, the second is disjointed and strangely confusing. As the months pass she learns there is more to her disinterested and often rude boss, than she first thought. Not just in terms of personality.
Told from Poppy’s first person point of view, you quickly discover she is a delightful character. Loyal, hard working and determined to rebuild her shattered life after her despicable ex and the unexpected death of her mum. Poppy, Cate and Immie’s long term friendship makes for lots of funny dialogue and amusing anecdotes.
Rafe is complex and has a heart of gold beneath his gruff exterior, the perfect romantic comedy hero. His love of slogan T-shirts makes for amusing reading, there is certainly a market for these.
There are lots of ‘laugh out loud’ scenes that had me crying with laughter. The setting, both at the farm and the wedding shop is full of vivid imagery. The scenes in Poppy’s eyrie at the top of the wedding shop are so well described you can practically smell the baking cakes and taste the sweet icing.
Poppy and Rafe’s relationship simmers in a believable way and has many romantic and comic moments that have you rooting for their happy ever after.
Funny, poignant and unashamedly romantic, this story is a summer treat you won’t want to miss.
Jane Linfoot
April 27, 2016
Easily my favourite book by Jane Linfoot, Cupcakes and Confetti brings all the fun of multiple weddings, cute farm animals, delicious sounding wedding cakes, gorgeous dresses by a talented designer, a group of close friends, some dishy men all in one highly enjoyable and loving novel.
Poppy is primarily a cake baker, living above Jess's wedding shop, when she is persuaded by her best friend Cate, to become the wedding planner at Daisy Hill Farm, so that her own wedding will be saved. Rafe who owns the farm isn't too keen on weddings or cake, but is gorgeous, has grudgingly agreed to hire Poppy until the end of the wedding season.
There are all manner to messes to sort out from her predecessor as well as all the normal stresses or wedding organising. Poppy though does get a helpful ally in local wedding photographer Jules, who is also a handsome hunk of a man and clearly besotted with Poppy. I loved seeing the two alpha males react with each other, both trying to get the upper hand for differing reasons.
It was definitely the initial descriptions of The Wedding Shop by the Sea, which is a four floor wedding emporium, with its own signature wedding gown designer, and sells everything you could want for a wedding, that drew me into the book and suggested to me very early on that this would be a brilliant story.
I wasn't wrong, I was enchanted throughout, and loved the writing, and the sense of fun in the story. I loved that although Poppy isn't too keen on the great outdoors and farm animals, she slowly starts coming around to them, especially a cute calf, and Henrietta who also shares and office with Rafe and Poppy.
Some of the ideas for Cate's wedding were so outlandish and unfeasibly expensive, that you couldn't help but laugh at them. There is of course a double booking in amongst the fun, a very pregnant bride, weather woes, and a couple that may or may not make it as far as the aisle.
If you are in the mood for a light hearted, start of summery, feel good read, with mention of some upbeat playlists from Jules, then I would definitely recommend Cupcakes and Confetti. I am already longing for my return to The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea, in the second book out later this year.
Thanks to Jane Linfoot for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Poppy is primarily a cake baker, living above Jess's wedding shop, when she is persuaded by her best friend Cate, to become the wedding planner at Daisy Hill Farm, so that her own wedding will be saved. Rafe who owns the farm isn't too keen on weddings or cake, but is gorgeous, has grudgingly agreed to hire Poppy until the end of the wedding season.
There are all manner to messes to sort out from her predecessor as well as all the normal stresses or wedding organising. Poppy though does get a helpful ally in local wedding photographer Jules, who is also a handsome hunk of a man and clearly besotted with Poppy. I loved seeing the two alpha males react with each other, both trying to get the upper hand for differing reasons.
It was definitely the initial descriptions of The Wedding Shop by the Sea, which is a four floor wedding emporium, with its own signature wedding gown designer, and sells everything you could want for a wedding, that drew me into the book and suggested to me very early on that this would be a brilliant story.
I wasn't wrong, I was enchanted throughout, and loved the writing, and the sense of fun in the story. I loved that although Poppy isn't too keen on the great outdoors and farm animals, she slowly starts coming around to them, especially a cute calf, and Henrietta who also shares and office with Rafe and Poppy.
Some of the ideas for Cate's wedding were so outlandish and unfeasibly expensive, that you couldn't help but laugh at them. There is of course a double booking in amongst the fun, a very pregnant bride, weather woes, and a couple that may or may not make it as far as the aisle.
If you are in the mood for a light hearted, start of summery, feel good read, with mention of some upbeat playlists from Jules, then I would definitely recommend Cupcakes and Confetti. I am already longing for my return to The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea, in the second book out later this year.
Thanks to Jane Linfoot for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
August 5, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperImpulse for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
I rarely say something about the cover but here I have to say that I absolutely in love with it. I love the colours, I love the little items on it and I like the font.
After the first few pages I thought I would really fall in love with this book. I have a very soft spot for books in the wedding business, as well as little shops or baking cakes.
But somehow the book couldn't hold my attention throughout the whole book. I found some bits very dragging and had the feeling there wasn't much progress in the story.
I did like the characters but they felt very distant to me and I couldn't build a connection with them. The sparks in the love story were missing to me too and I didn't like the constant on and off interest between Poppy and Rafe.
The book had some very nice moments though which made me generally like the story but unfortunately it didn't overwhelm me.
I rarely say something about the cover but here I have to say that I absolutely in love with it. I love the colours, I love the little items on it and I like the font.
After the first few pages I thought I would really fall in love with this book. I have a very soft spot for books in the wedding business, as well as little shops or baking cakes.
But somehow the book couldn't hold my attention throughout the whole book. I found some bits very dragging and had the feeling there wasn't much progress in the story.
I did like the characters but they felt very distant to me and I couldn't build a connection with them. The sparks in the love story were missing to me too and I didn't like the constant on and off interest between Poppy and Rafe.
The book had some very nice moments though which made me generally like the story but unfortunately it didn't overwhelm me.
August 3, 2016
I love the cover of this book and it it fits the storyline very well. A nice little tale about a wedding shop in Cornwall and a farm. I was a little disappointed it wasn't as good as I had hoped but all the same was a nice little read.
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