The Little Village Bakery

Honeybourne #1

by Tilly Tennant

‘Hooked ... when the truth was revealed it was not what I was expecting ... I can honestly say it was delightful.’ The Book Jotter

Help yourself to a generous slice of Victoria sponge, a perfect cup of tea and a big dollop of romance. Welcome to the Little Village Bakery.

Meet Millie. Heartbreak has forced her to make a new start and when she arrives at the old bakery in the little village of Honeybourne she is determined that this will be her home sweet home. Her imagination has been captured by the tumbledown bakery but with no running water and dust everywhere, her cosy idea of making cakes in a rural idyll quickly crumbles.

Luckily the locals are a friendly bunch and step in to help Millie. One in particular, Dylan, a laid-back lothario, soon captures her attention.

But just as Millie is beginning to settle in, an unexpected visitor from her past suddenly turns up determined to ruin everything for her. It’s time for Millie to face the skeletons in her closet if she’s going to live the dream of running her little village bakery, and her blossoming romance with Dylan.

A charming heartwarming novel about love, life and new beginnings perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Debbie Johnson.

Praise for The Little Village

‘An absolutely wonderful feel good summer read. This book was a real pleasure to read, which I absolutely devoured in one sitting.’ The Reading Shed

‘I absolutely loved it. The story weaves together a tale of love, friendship, trust, desire and so much more. I will be reading more by this talented author.’ Haven’t Got a Clue

‘I adored this delightful story ... I am already pining for more ... A lovely heart warming tale of new beginnings, new friends, new love. 5/5*’ Krafti Reader

'This is an adorable tale of new beginnings, new friends and a village pulling together.Highly recommended.’ Shelley Back Books

'I absolutely loved this'Well Read Pirate

'Get yourself out in your garden, with a cool drink and maybe some cake and enjoy this lovely summery read.'Portobello Books

'I loved this story, it had a little bit of everything, romance, heartbreak, mystery and a little magic thrown in for good measure. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out.' Mum Reinvented

'I loved Honeybourne; it’s the kind of place I would love to live. This is a sweet, enjoyable read’ Cayo Costa
What readers are saying about Tilly
'A wonderful read with a bubbly, unique and fresh style of writing' Sky’s Book Corner

'Tilly makes her characters so relatable that you can’t help but fall in love with them' Starcrossed Reviews

'Tilly Tennant has obvious talent for turning the every day into a fairy tale... a sweet touch and light humour' BestChickLit.com

'Tilly Tennant has an amazing gift for story-telling and I’m sure we’re going to see great things from her in the future.' Holly Martin

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Romantic

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2016

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.

Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a whim Millicent Hopkin (Millie) buys a rundown bakery in the tiny town of Honeybourne. It seems the perfect place to escape the constant harassment she has been receiving and start a new life.
But Millie can’t turn down anyone in need and when the villagers start knocking at her door she wonders if it’s all going to start over again.
Jasmine Green is happily married to Rich and is content with her life, bringing up her children and selling her homemade jewellery. She immediately connects with Millie, a kindred spirit, but Rich is not so sure of Millie and thinks she is hiding something sinister. Will Millie drive a wedge through this happy marriage?

The Little Village Bakery is an enjoyable quick read. I was completely pulled into the mystery as the reader is slowly taken off track before the big reveal. It has the perfect blend of mystery, romance and humour.

Through a wonderful cast of diverse and likeable characters Tennant shows how easy it is for someone’s life to go off track and not to judge others too quickly because bad things can happen to even the best of people.

The Little Village Bakery is a feel good, plot driven mystery which is, surprisingly, not about baking at all but about new beginnings, forgiveness and leaving the past behind.

With no coarse language and implied sex, behind closed doors, this book has wide appeal.

I received my copy from Bookouture via Netgalley and chose to rate and review.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice light-hearted summer read. Perfect for a day of reading out in the sunshine! The characters were great--my favorites were Ruth and Jasmine. Millie was just okay for me. She moves to Honeybourne to get away from something dark from her past and we're left wondering what that could be and will it follow her. As the story progresses, we learn more and you just want to root for Millie and hope that she gets the happiness she deserves. What I loved most about this story was the quaint little English village of Honeybourne. I love stories where they take place in this kind of setting. I can feel myself there and knowing everybody and their personal business! I think Tilly Tennant has created a wonderful place to come back to. I wouldn't mind reading about the next installment:)

**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this read which introduced me to the charming picture box village of Honeybourne and, in particular, newcomer Millie who has bought, sight unseen, a dilapidated bakery which she aims to renovate and re-open. She is a woman with a secret in her past which she is trying to keep hidden and hopefully this move means she can start again with a fresh slate. She is convinced that her secret is so fire that if anyone finds out about it, they will detest her and turn their back on her and so, obviously, the past is going to come back to haunt her at some point during the read.

I really liked reading about Millie who turned out to be a fascinating character but I also loved Jasmine, the bohemian artist who is determined to befriend Millie as well as keep her safe from the attentions of her drifter brother Dylan. The characters are colourful, varied and fun to read about and the plot is nowhere near as predictable as you might think. It is an extremely entertaining read and I cannot think of anything I didn’t like about it. I received a review copy from the publisher via Netgalley.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie moved to Honeybourne to get away from her past and to have a new start. She bought an old bakery and due to that she got to know a few locals very fast. Millie was secretive about her past, but nobody pushed her to open up, which helped her to settle in. Millie got to know Jasmine and also her sister Dylan, who was a well known playboy. As it is with small villages, all news spread very fast, so when Millie's secret was revealed, she faced a difficult situation-to run away again or to stay and not let her happiness be taken away from her.

I really liked the Honeybourne village, the residents were so sweet, caring and helpful. All the characters were likeable and easy to relate to with their own ups and downs. The main focus was on the village life, friendships and love, but I also enjoyed the mystery aspect what surrounded Millie, I was eager to know what happened to her in the past. It was a pleasant start to the series and I can't wait to read the next part.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story. I loved the village setting and how everyone helped the "newbie" in the village. Romance and cakes, what more could you ask for.

[Luise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aah man.

What I expected: a wonderful story about build-your-cute-little-bakery in a wonderful little village with the help of a bunch of friendly locals to cure your heartache from the past.

What I got was nothing like that. It was a mix of 'an episode of the life of Jasmine', 'Dylan transforming from male-slut to perfect guy' and 'the great mysterious awful thing that happened in the past'.

The restoration of the bakery itself was just an immensely minor matter and found its by-the-way-style end in the epilogue. No cute baking, no cute customers, nothing.

The story is told from Millie and Jasmine's points of view. (Jasmine = one of the friendly locals) With a larger focus on Jasmine and her family. You get to know so much about her family, her feelings and her life.

And all you get about Millie is: 'I'm never gonna make this work.', 'That bad bad thing I did in the past.' and 'I strongly believe in ancient mystical stuff.' Yay! This made me impatient.

Then, finally, the bad bad thing from the past is revealed. It's a very very bad thing. And it gets even worse when Rowena appears. The lady who is tracking Millie down through half the country destroy her life - again. Because her brother couldn't handle a refused marriage proposal. Well, some people just have a serious lack of hobbies, I guess. At least she was a very good amount of evil. That was quite nice.

And then, while Millie's life is crashing down again/ reaching a new low point, Jasmine and Rich get into their own fight and he disappears. And the most logical conclusion is that he went to the village's exclusive gallows spot. (Just like Millie's boyfriend did, of course.)

I couldn't help but feel sorry for the author at that point. It must have been a horrible traumatic childhood, if she thinks that go-hang-yourself is a normal reaction to a fight.

Apart from this all, the story is kind of ok. A little clumsily written sometimes - it had some expressions that were repeated too often.

So, if you are in the mood for a cute little story just as clickbaited by the description of this one, I recommend to continue your search :) 
If you haven't read this one already: 'The Little Flower Shop by the Sea' by Ali McNamara perfectly represents what I expected from 'The Little Village Bakery'.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had hoped for a sweet romance but at 10% there is no hope in me left and I give up.

The main character Millie is not even the biggest problem for me, but close... I haven't seen much of her, to be honest... there is the one occasion when Millie, on her second day in town, tells her maybe-new-friend Jasmine that her neighbor (who is Jasmin's brother Dylan, but Millie didn't know that) offered the evening before to let her sleep over at his house, making it sound like he offered her sex, when in reality he had offered to lent her some essential groceries or cook for her if she didn't want the hassle to drive to the far away store on her first evening in the new house! Why did she do that? There was no need for this lie. So strange ...

My main issue was with Jasmine and Rich, the couple Milie befriends in the village where she moved to. What did the author think, picturing this couple that is going to be friends with Millie, helping her settling in, as complete morons?
Rich is an idiot, and Jasmine is so irritable and condescending with Rich and her brother Dylan I would never want to be friends with her.
She is jealous because Dylan doesn't work as he has the half of the inheritance from their parents (the author even explains this as a fact) , and Jasmine has spent her half in her and her husband's businesses (and in addition they had to take loans and their house was mortaged). But but but.. She is an artist and her husband is a musician, how could she spend such a big amount of money that her brother's half can get him to own a house without having to work anymore, and she on the other hand did what with the money? Buy art supplies? Instruments? This didn't add up for me, likw, at all.
Jasmine treats her husband like a child, she even tells him he can lick his fingers only after he ate something, not while he was eating!
And she treats her brother Dylan like he wasn't an adult, giving him grief because he had sex with a married friend of her, laying the blame only on him not on her friend, because her friend "is an idiot" and Dylan should do better and set a good example. But her friend, who invited a man in her house when her husband was away but her child was not, and her child saw them "hopping on the bed" is not to blame?
Rich is just as much a moron as his wife is, he explains to his wife that he always wants her and he says this shows in the fact that they have 3 children (oh oh but the children are triplets?!?).
No. I don't have pacience for this mess.
1 star.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

Despite how frustrating he could be, there was something infection about Dylan's personality. Infuriatingly, he was cool; there was no other word for him. Everything he did, everything he said, was effortlessly charming and impressive.

Oh, it's still got about fifteen years' worth of dust in every room, the ovens are coated in enough grease and grime to waterproof a Viking longship and I've had to get an eviction order for the larger spiders... but I think it's ok.

If only I were a few years younger... I'd love to get a good rogering from that one. I hear he's quite energetic.

Yes, we're an item... No, she doesn't need a guide dog and she is quite sane, thank you. Any more jokes you want to trot out about my suitability as a boyfriend...

Ruth appeared, teleported to the scene of new gossip like a magnet drawn to an iron girder.

My Review:

The Little Village Bakery was an entertaining and relevant read yet a bit heavier than I was expecting. The story is a mixed genre - best described as humorous women's fiction... part British charm, part angst, part intrigue and secrets, part romance - while liberally sprinkled with fun banter and amusing humor. This odd little English village feels very small town with tongues wagging and reputations turning on a dime. Everyone tries to avoid the elderly gossip that seems a bit obsessed with talking of "rumpy-pumpy," yet she is always there in the thick of things. Wanting a fresh start in life, a new resident arrives after purchasing an ancient bakery sight unseen. She is more than dismayed to realize its state of decay and need for more renovation than she planned. Imagine her surprise when the village of strangers springs to her aid, although a storm that seems to have followed her. The story was laced with heart squeezes, interesting characters, and fun bits of Brit vernacular to add to my list.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Little Village Bakery' is about Millie Hopkin. In a snap decision she leaves her hometown to buy an old, dusty bakery in the tiny village of Honeybourne. She struggles with reopening the bakery at first, but her neighbours and the other villagers are all very keen to help out, especially her handsome neighbour Dylan.
She seems to finally settle down and get some rest from everything she ran away from, when her past finally comes to haunt her down and make a mess of everything she tries to build for herself...

I very much liked this book. It was cosy and lovely and warm. There's really nothing bad for me to say about it!
Millie and Dylan and all the other people were such lovely characters. I liked that you slowly got to know Millie's secret, the secret of her running away from home. There were more and more hints thrown into the story, so it never got boring.

In the end it even got a bit dramatic, which I really liked. Also, the 'bitch' of the story, someone from Millie's past was just the right amount of bad and terrible, not too annoying, not too nice or anything. I was very pleased with that.

All in all, the book is just very nice and lovely, a wonderful and easy read for in between. ♥ 

[Agi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I didn't hesitate long to request "The Little Village Bakery" from Bookouture on NetGalley - it is written by Tilly Tennant, author that is already known to me, whose books I've enjoyed before, it has a wonderful, colourful cover and it has the word "bakery" in the title. I love books about food, I love them even more when the synopsis promises a new start for the characters and hints at lovely, helpful locals and some hidden secrets, and if Tilly wanted to try herself in following the trend about writing a foody novel, why not? It is also the fist book in the series taking place in the small village of Honeybourne.

So full of expectations I started to read the book. It started promising and kept me hooked but soon, very soon, the book went only downhill for me. The synopsis tells us mostly about Millie and this is what I've expected - Millie and her work with the old bakery to turn it into a new one, with running water and filled with wonderful aroma. However, I had a feeling that this soon became only a sub - plot, as we were introduced to many other characters who quickly took over the scenes. I'm not saying it's wrong, of course not - it's just that I felt that synopsis promised us something different to this story. Also, the tagline on the lovely cover suggested it's going to be "a feel good romantic comedy with plenty of cake" but I found none of those. Maybe there was a cake or two mentioned but for me it was not a romantic comedy. The story was heavy, not at all light or fluffy, full of serious moments, and the writing also didn't help the case, as I personally missed the lightness and humour that comedy promises. The romance aspect also didn't work for me, and I couldn't bother with the characters' running around themselves in circles and complicating things more than they were worth to complicate. The romance was for sure not the sole focus of the storyline, but neither was the bakery, and I wanted so much more of the bakery! It is what the title suggested, right, and really, I felt robbed of thousand sorts of bread and cakes, getting instead some "magic" potions, and the magic element to the story felt like an afterthought to be honest, like something added hastily to ... I don't know what. Drag our attention away from the bakery or rather lack of it?

I had a feeling that the author wasn't sure which story she wanted to write, Millie or Jasmine's, as the book mostly switched between those two characters, and their stories were so different that I had a feeling as if I were reading two different books. Tilly Tennant wanted to add some tension by introducing us to Millie's nemesis (who was a little too far - fetched for my liking and a little on the not possible - side) and Jasmine's problems, but both of those subplots seemed either too far - fetched and not at all gripping or too clichéd and annoying. However, I warmed much more to Jasmine than to Millie, that is to the moment when suddenly Jasmine's marriage went jeopardy, and the way it happened spoiled her story to me very much. It just felt so forced and artificial. There was something in Millie that just didn't let me like her and warm to her the way I like to with my characters and I'm not sure why to be honest. Maybe it's because I had a feeling that she didn't want to give anything about herself and from herself, and even revealing the truth about her (so late. Too late probably?) didn't make me warm to her. Millie and Jasmine are complete opposites and hats off to Jasmine for always trying with Millie and never giving up on her.

This could be a lovely story about finding friendship, love and a forever place but so very sadly I couldn't connect with the book and it just didn't deliver for me. I eventually found myself skipping some passages and skimming through the chapters as it didn't keep my attention. However, it might of course be only my problem, as I expected something like Alex Brown's Tindledale series - light and feel good, which I didn't get here, even though I felt the synopsis promised me, and those are my expectations and disappointment speaking, so whatever you do, please try the book for yourself, you may fell in love with Millie and Honeybourne.

Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

[Veronika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Satz mit x, das war wohl nichts....
Am Anfang war ich noch sehr wohlwollend und offen für eine nette, kleine Romanze und hatte keine Erwartungen, dass das irgendwie hohe Literatur ist. Aber wow, war das mies geschrieben.
Der Hauptcharakter war unterirdisch, ihr Love Interest genauso. Die Nebencharas (ein verheiratetes Ehepaar) hatten anfangs eine nette Dynamik und ein paar interessante Konflikte, die aber dann irgendwann.... keine Ahnung zu was anderem mutiert sind und die ich dann nicht mehr leiden konnte. Auch der Konflikt...
Ein Typ hat sich umgebracht, nachdem Millie mit ihm Schluss gemacht. Seine rachsüchtige Schwester reißt ihr hinterher um ihren Ruf zu zerstören und irgendwie.... funktioniert das auch noch? Äh, Millie mach halt den Mund auf und sag, was passiert ist. Und wieso sollte man für den Selbstmord von jemand anderem verantwortlich sein? Das ist doch hanebüchen.... und wieso sollte das ganze Dorf sich dann von ihr abwenden? Sie kannten den Typen doch nicht.
Hat mich nicht überzeugt und irgendwann nur noch geärgert. Millie war auch einfach ein selten unsympathischer Hauptchara, die ihr dämliches Love Interest total verdient hat.

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

This was an absolutely delightful read! I thought it was going to be cakes galore, but the bakery was a small distraction in this book as it followed Jasmine Green and her family, and Millie who moves into Honeybourne to try and revive the Old Bakery while escaping sadness and trauma.

Millie is such a sweet character but you sense immediately that something dark has happened in her life, and she is finding it very hard to move on. Baking has always been her escape so when the chance to move to Honeybourne into a neglected old bakery, then she jumps feet first without really taking into consideration costs and problems!

Jasmine, has triplets and a seemingly perfect marriage to Richard and they do seem so well matched as we get introduced to them. Her brother, Dylan, also lives in the village and she's always looking out for him as he has tended to make some dodgy life decisions since they lost their parents. She just wants the best for him and is hoping that he'll settle down and find a purpose!

The village of Honeybourne is such a sweet community full of some interesting characters, and they all seem to know everyones business so it doesn't take long for Millie to find her feet even though you get the impression that she would just rather be left alone!

A lovely heartwarming book, with a slightly darker edge than some books as we learn why Millie was keen to escape and tries to put the past behind her. That isn't always possible and sometimes the past doesn't want to let go of you.

The way that the community pull together is endearing and seems to start to help Millie gain some confidence and belief in herself. Really enjoyed the journey she takes in the process of having the Bakery renovated and loved the glimpses into the lives of some of the other villagers too.

highly recomended!!

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book is charming... the little village of Honeybourne, the heat of the summer, the settings, the kind villagers who all want to help the main character Milly who just came to Honeybourne and bought the old bakery. We understand that lovely Milly has decided to come to this little village and to buy and renovate the old bakery because she wants to get away from her past. We learn that she has done something bad and doesn't want to get involved in a new relationship with a man as she is afraid to do something bad again. This book is a page turner, I loved the characters and also loved this mystery that goes around Milly. I turned the pages like a crazy woman because I wanted to know what happened in Milly's life. I really recommend this book! I can't wait to read another book from Tilly Tennant!!!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, enjoyable read for a Sunday.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nette Unterhaltung im Feel-Good-Roman, zwischen Romantik und Action. Vertrauen und Misstrauen.

Inhalt:

Millie kauft überstürzt die alte, renovierungsbedürftige Bäckerei in Honeybourne und zieht in das kleine Dörfchen. Weit weg von ihrer Vergangenheit und schlechte Ereignisse hinter sich lassend. Doch, man kann nicht einfach so weglaufen. Mit einem Überraschungsbesuch, holt sie auch ihre Vergangenheit wieder ein und bringt alles an Freundschaft und Romantik ins Wanken, was sie sich gerade beginnt aufzubauen.

Meinung:

Wer nach einem Romantik-Roman sucht, findet in der kleinen Dorfbäckerei zu viel Action. Wer nur Action sucht, findet in der kleinen Dorfbäckerei zu viel Romantik und Freundschaft. Es ist von allem ein bisschen: Action, Romantik, Liebe, Freundschaft, Vertrauen, Misstrauen... eine nette, ausbalancierte, kurzweilige Unterhaltung in einem Feel-Good-Roman.

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something irresistible about small-village stories—the cozy charm, the supportive (and sometimes meddling) community, the promise of new beginnings. The Little Village Bakery by Tilly Tennant certainly has all of these elements, but beneath the sweetness lies a more painful story of the past that slowly comes to light.

Millie, our protagonist, is on the run. At first, we don’t know what exactly she’s escaping from. She settles into her new life, guarded but hopeful, trying to build a quiet existence in this close-knit community. For over half the book, her secret remains hidden, making both her new friends and the reader wonder what could be haunting her. When the truth finally surfaces, it shakes the peaceful atmosphere: the sister of Millie’s ex appears, convinced that Millie is responsible for her brother’s suicide. Determined to make Millie suffer, she spreads malicious lies and creates a hostile environment for someone who has already endured more than enough.

On top of this, Millie finds herself drawn to Dylan, her handsome and kind neighbor. Their budding connection adds warmth and lightness to the darker undercurrents of the plot, though it also invites misunderstandings and complications that keep the story tense. In many ways, Millie is still learning how to trust again - not only in others, but in herself.

Interestingly, while Millie is the central figure, I found myself most attached to some of the supporting cast. Dylan’s older sister, Jasmine, in particular, stole the show for me. Bright, optimistic, and endlessly supportive, Jasmine becomes Millie’s first real friend in her new home. Through her small handmade jewelry business and her generous spirit, she offers Millie both practical and emotional support. Their friendship was a highlight of the novel, showing the power of women supporting women against both external pressures and internal fears.

As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, misunderstandings cleared, and new bonds formed. While there’s plenty of drama - vengeful family members, jealous rivals, and the shadow of Millie’s past - there’s also hope woven into every chapter. This is ultimately a book about resilience, about finding strength in unexpected places, and about learning to accept help when life feels too heavy to carry alone.

That said, the book did feel overly long at times. The pacing slowed in the middle, with repetitive tension that could have been resolved more quickly. While I enjoyed meeting many of the villagers (Tennant certainly has a knack for creating likeable side characters), the sheer number of them sometimes made the story feel crowded and a little diluted.

Overall, The Little Village Bakery is a heartwarming read with a dash of drama, perfect for fans of cozy small-town romances that don’t shy away from exploring darker themes like grief and guilt. Though I’m not sure yet if I’ll continue with the series, I can see why Tennant’s stories have found a loyal readership - they’re filled with warmth, second chances, and characters who feel like friends by the time you turn the last page.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a combination of both the gorgeous summery cover and the author that seduced me into reading this book, and that was easily one of the best decisions I have made.

I did have one slight fault with the book that I am going to go into before I sing the stories praises, and that is purely that for a book about a bakery, there were almost no baked goods mentioned, no feelings of hunger as I read it, and it does go against the slightly expectation that perhaps the cover gives.

What this book does do very well, is tell the stories of Millie who is moving to the village of Honeybourne (and what a lovely name for a village that is), having bought sight unseen the old bakery. It isn't until she arrives that the enormity of what she has done becomes apparent, as there is a lot of work to do, to make the bakery workable or livable in.

There is also Jasmine's family who we see a lot of, Dylan her brother is a loveable rogue with the ladies, but seems to have taken a shine to Millie. Jasmine seems to the sort of person who takes people under her wing, and soon provides Millie with a much needed friendship.

Honeybourne itself is a cosy sounding village, with a fabulous local gossip network, and one particular villager springs to mind to add colour to the tale. Ruth is clearly lonely and latches onto Millie to talk very regularly, and seems to go into great detail about her every single health complaint.

There are secrets in this story that must be revealed, and for the whole the surround exactly why Millie moved to Honeybourne, and I couldn't guess the exact details, but once the reveal on that started, so did a lot more high action scenes in the story, adding to the already brisk pace of the book.

I believe The Little Village Bakery is the first of a new series and I already want to return to Honeybourne to meet more residents and see Millie and Jasmine again. I felt instantly at home reading this book and really enjoyed every second of it.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millicent Hopkin (Millie) is forced to make a new start in life. When she sees the bakery in the small community of Honeybourne, she loves it. She buys the rundown bakery and is ready to do renovations and start her new life. Unfortunately, it needs more work than she imagined and she doesn't have the money. Will she lose everything? Luckily, small towns and villages are used to helping each other out and Dylan, the local lothario, is ready to help. Jasmine, a local mother and maker of jewelry, connects to Millie and they quickly become friends. As Dylan and Millie begin to connect, someone from Millie's past, someone she has been running from, shows up in the village and sabotages everything she has built. With Jasmine supporting her, will she be able to survive the mess and get Dylan to believe her?

I love stories about small towns and their residents. The way they rally around to support one another is always so inspiring. Millie wasn't ready for another relationship, but Dylan wears her down with all his help and support. I found this story a quick listen, although as the facts of the situation Millie is running from come to light, there are some serious issues. I felt terrible for Millie when I found out what she had been dealing with. This is a story of friendship, new beginnings, romance, and forgiveness. I enjoyed how it all played out in the end. I listened to audiobook, narrated by Bronwen Price. She does a good job with the story, voices and tone. If you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend that format.

[Steffi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover is an absolute eyecatcher which shows the cosy atmosphere of the little village.

"The Little Village Bakery" is a really nice story with a cute setting in the little village Honeybourne. We follow Millie who bought the old bakery and is starting her new life while escaping from her past.

The story is mostly predictable but really sweet, still I had some problems with it. I found things developing too fast and I missed some depth in the story and with the characters. The book also failed to really touch me emotionally. Yeah, it's a cute story but unfortunately not more to me.

Millie was a sweet person which I really liked but I had my difficulties with Dylan. There was too much change of character in a very short time and his past was only a short marginal note. I think there was a lot more potential in his character.

I liked that the story didn't only concentrate on Millie and Dylan but also on other members of the village.

The writing style is fast-paced and very enjoyable to read.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you to a NetGalley and Bookouture for a ARC in exchange for an honest review which I am more then happy to give.

I really liked the cover of this book and thought that it was definitely my kind of read.

I found it very easy to get lost in the pages of this book, the plot was charming and the characters were all very loveable. It had the perfect mix of fun, laugher and romance.

The Little Village Bakery was a fun, easy and enjoyable read that did not disappoint.

[Anika Franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wenn man das Cover, den Titel und den Klappentext so betrachtet, erwartet man eine lockere, süße, seichte und bezaubernde Handlung. Einfach ein Wohlfühlroman. Doch ich kann euch sagen, das Buch hält definitiv noch viel mehr bereit. Auch Sachen mit denen ich nicht gerechnet habe.

Das Cover spiegelt für mich eins zu eins das Häuschen und die Atmosphäre in Honeybourne wieder. Einfach gemütlich und mit Flair.

Die Autorin war mir bis zu diesem Buch unbekannt.
Ich muss sagen, ihr Schreibstil gefällt mir sehr. Ich konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen und habe es wirklich an einem Nachmittag auch durchgelesen. Für mich waren die Beschreibungen des Ortes, der Personen und Emotionen sehr detailliert und bildhaft. Daher hatte ich alles direkt vor Augen. Tilly Tennant versteht es Spannung aufzubauen und hat mich damit wirklich gefesselt. Für mich steckt viel mehr, als im Klappentext zu erahnen ist.

Millie flüchtet, denn sie hält es nicht mehr aus. Sie muss raus aus ihrer gewohnten Umgebung, wo ihre Mitmenschen ihr das Leben zur Hölle machen.
Somit entschließt sie sich die alte Bäckerei in Honeybourne zu kaufen und neu anzufangen. Hier möchte sie sich ein neues Zuhause erschaffen. Doch das Gebäude stellt sich als sehr baufällig heraus. Sie hat es ohne ein Gutachten gekauft. Es gibt kein fließend Wasser, alles ist sehr verdreckt und in einem schlechten Zustand. Wenigstens eine kleine Kammer kann sich herrichten. Nun steht sie vor dieser schier unlösbaren Aufgabe. Doch da hat sie die Rechnung ohne die Bewohner Honeybournes gemacht. Denn die sind super offenherzig, hilfsbereit und unterstützen sich gegenseitig. So kommt es, dass sie tatkräftige Unterstützung bekommt, die auch emotional nicht ohne Folgen bleibt. Gerade als Millie sich auf Dylan einlassen kann und es endlich voranzugehen scheint, taucht eine Frau auf und mir ihr auch Millies Vergangenheit. Nun überschlagen sich die Ereignissen und Millie ist gezwungen zu erzählen, warum sie nach Honeybourne geflohen ist und warum sie sich so zurückhaltend gibt. Werden die Bewohner von Honeybourne ihr zur Seite stehen? Werden sie diese Frau wieder los? Und werden die frischen und zarten Gefühle zwischen Millie und Dylan diese Ereignisse überstehen?

Eine Handlung, die weitaus mehr als süße und romantische Szenen bereithält. Das Geheimnis rund um Millie wird erst spät aufgelöst und das Ende macht mich definitiv neugierig, wie es in Honeybourne weitergeht. Die Geschichte ist für mich nämlich noch nicht final zu Ende erzählt. Ich freue mich schon darauf zurückzukehren.

Von mir bekommt dieses Buch sehr gern 5 von 5 Sterne.

[Readsandeats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening it this book.
The narration was well done.
We meet Millie as she begins to flee her old life, but what is she fleeing from. We see her make new friends tentatively but still keeping them at arms length - why? How is she going to get the old village bakery cleaned up and ready for using?
Lots of questions that get answered in an intriguing book.

Would recommend this book

[Sonja · Rating 1 out of 5]

Grausam. Die Geschichte passt nicht zur Buchbeschreibung. Ich hatte mich auf eine nette Sommerlektüre eingestellt, stattdessen anstrengende und flache Dialoge zu lesen bekommen, die dazu geführt haben das ich dieses Buch leider vorzeitig beenden musste. Und das passiert echt nicht häufig. Das Cover ist süß, aber das war’s auch schon.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely summer read x

[Verena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. Das war einfach nur richtig, richtig schlecht. Bei dem süßen Cover hatte ich genau das erwartet: eine süße, seichte Geschichte, die mich gut unterhält.
Jetzt weiß ich nicht, was ich schlimmer finde: die tatsächliche Story? Die unglaublich flachen Figuren? (Die waren flacher als flach.) Der Schreibstil? Die Verharmlosung von a) Alkoholproblemen b) jemanden unter Drogen setzen und dann c) glauben lassen, dass man Sex hatte oder d) Suizid bzw. suizidale Gedanken?
Besonders schlimm finde ich auch, dass all das verpackt ist unter diesem fröhlichen Cover mit kleinem Bistrotisch vor altem Gebäude und hübschen Blumen - der Untertitel "ein romantischer Sommerroman" komplettiert das ganze Unheil. Das schlechte Buch ist das Eine, die komplett fehlleitende Vermarktung das Andere.
Eigentlich hat das Buch gar keine Rezension verdient, denn die Zeit, die ich mit Lesen verschwendet habe, war schon genug.

[Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Review to follow

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to both Kim Nash at Bookouture and the author.

The Little Village Bakery is centred around Millie, a newcomer to the wonderful little village of Honeybourne, who has purchased the local run-down bakery without seeing it or having it surveyed so is quite unprepared for the amount of work that it will need to get it back into working order. As it is a small community Millie soon meets Jasmine and Rich Green, a local couple with triplets who both run their own businesses following an inheritance from Jasmine’s deceased parents. It also doesn’t take long for Dylan’s interest to be pricked by the pretty newcomer, Dylan is Jasmine’s brother who is living off his inherentance rather than putting it to practical use, much to Jasmine’s dismay. Dylan is also a bit of a ladies man!

It is clear from the outset that Millie is running away from her past however it takes a while for the secrets to come out, influenced by the arrival of someone she would really not see. However Millie isn’t the only one with secrets, Spencer, the local teacher, and Dylan clearly have some unresolved conflict whilst appearing to be acquaintances to strangers.

I loved this book, Tennant has written a story which is a thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted summer read (perfect for the holidays!) which has hidden depths. The way in which the burden of secrets is conveyed is great, I had to kept reading to find out what Millie was running from and exactly what was with Spencer and Dylan!

Honeybourne sounds quite an idyllic place to live, even with the ‘helpful’ neighbours who are always cropping up. Ruth lives next door to the bakery and unfortunately doesn’t seem to realise when she has outstayed her welcome! There is a real community spirit in Honeybourne which is welcoming of the newcomer, this terrifies Millie even more in case the truth comes out. The Little Village Bakery is more than a romance novel; it’s about new beginnings, new lives, new friendships and most of all, being able to let go of the past in order to move on.

A fantastic read with both humorous and serious elements interwoven – this is the first book I have read from Tilly Tennant, I look forward to reading more from her and the Christmas Honeybourne instalment.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pleasant enough fluff to engage yourself in, when you can't really be bothered to read anything that needs focus. Nice storyline; nice characters...nice.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Millie moves to Honeybourne to take over the crumbling bakery the locals are interested to meet her. She is very cagey about herself and that sets warning bells with some of them. She slowly gets to know everyone and Jasmine is very keen to know her better.

There are hints that Millie has escaped from a very troubled place in her life- but as the villagers crowd round keen to help her turn the disaster zone into the perfect Village Bakery she starts to let them closer to her.

It's a lovely heartwarming story full of friendships. romance, learning to trust amidst mystery and some villagers with troubles of their own.

I adore books set in villages lending itself to a great set of quirky character to explore more and scope for the next book which I think is being released around Christmas time. The cover would have immediately drawn me in knowing that I was guaranteed a lovely read. This one is ideal to curl up with a cuppa and a slice of delicious cake and while away an afternoon. Add this one to your summer reading list- it's the perfect read.
With many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Fiona Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another of those easy reads I love at this time of year.

Millie is hiding a secret, one she fears will come out and threaten to spoil her new found life in the little village of Honeybourne. She just wants to renovate the bakery she has bought, and start a new business in a new place, and attempt to leave her past behind her.

Jasmine is a young mother who has a heart of gold. She meets Millie and instantly wants to help her in any way she can. Jasmine's brother, Dylan also features heavily in the story as he finds himself attracted to Millie. But will they both feel the same once they discover the secret Millie has been keeping?

There are a few different back stories going on throughout the book, all of which add a lot to the story. I'd be interested to find out more about the secondary characters we meet and I'm hopeful this is just the start of life in Honeybourne.

A good read with a good storyline, recommended for lovers of small town stories.

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light romance read with a bit of a mystery attached to it. The main character, Millie, trying to escape a painful event in her past, makes a rash decision to move to the quaint little village of Honeybourne, buying an abandoned, dilapidated bakery, sight unseen. She quickly makes friends with the locals, but keeps her past hidden from the few she gets close to. Just when she thinks things are looking up, her past starts to catch up with her and threatened to destroy the little she had managed to build for herself in Honeybourne. It was a sweet story and the writing was good. I was a little turned off, though, by one of the characters, a kindergarten teacher, proposing to teach Wicca to his students as part of a so-called effort to educate them about different beliefs - well, okay - but to 5-6 year olds and Wicca? I suppose this was just a personal annoyance and one that had me scratching my head. The story as a whole, however, was good.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley for review.