The Christmas Cake Cafe

by Sue Watson

‘This book made me stay up until 2am to finish and had so many laugh out loud moments!’ Karma for Life Chick

Heart-warming and hilarious, a story that will make you laugh, cry and bring a smile to your face.  Get ready for another deliciously amazing Christmas treat from Sue Watson....

As the Prosecco chills and Bing Crosby croons, Jen Barker just knows that her long-term boyfriend is about to propose.  But instead of a diamond ring nestled in her champagne flute, Jen finds cold flat rejection.  Her once perfect life and dreams of a husband and family seem even further from reach. 

A working holiday to the Swiss Alps with her younger sister Jody might not be the Christmas Jen had it mind, but it offers her the chance to recharge her batteries and recover from heartbreak.

When Jen meets handsome ski instructor Jon Zutter her hopes for a happy-ever-after seem within her grasp again. Jon is kind and gorgeous and as they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man. But a relationship with him comes with a catch – and there are some things even cake can’t fix.

As the snow falls and Christmas approaches, could this be the place that restores Jen Barker’s faith in love?

What people are saying about The Christmas Cake Café
‘Hands down this is one of the best Christmas novels I have ever read! The story is literally crammed full of all things festive, love and good cheer, oh and not forgetting cake, lots of cake...the perfect read to get you in the festive mood. It made me laugh, smile, cry and eat cake! Yet another fabulous novel by a very wonderful and talented author.’ By the Letter Book Reviews

‘I absolutely loved this book! Perfect holiday read!’ Neverland Nook

‘Yet another of Sue’s books which I absolutely adored. It had me choking on my hot chocolate on more than one occasion with laughter. It also had me reaching for the tissues too...an all-round feel good cosy heartwarming book which I was sad to see come to an end.’ The Reading Shed

‘What a deliciously delightful Christmas book that will make you laugh and cry with happiness...a light hearted wintery story, that won't fail to lift your spirits.’ Rachel’s Random Reads

‘Sue's books make me laugh, they make me choke with emotion...Sue Watson is a writer who amazes me with her depth, the way she invites us readers to take a look at our own lives through her engaging stories, her wholesome, believable, lovable characters. I just loved this book like I have loved every one of her books so far. Each word is a treat - this book is a gem. Funny, heart warming and oozing Christmas spirit and cheer. Loved it! Highly recommended!’ Renita D’Silva

‘The story flows well, with great characterisation and an amazing setting.’ Fiona’s Book Reviews

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Holiday, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2016

About the author

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.

Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks

Reviews

[Yodamom · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars
A Christmas romance set in the Swiss Alps, between two 40 something people. It's didn't work for me at all.
I wanted to love this, I'm a fan of bakery tied romances so this interested me. Sadly, I did not enjoy this story for many reasons. The constant repetitions were #1 on that list. The half sister issue, was a title that was used, and used, and used, so many times. The 1/2 sister, Jody called her sister Jan, old, constantly, harping on it over and over. Jan, in her 40's is still rehashing her daddy issues, and then the issue comes back for a repeat with the introduction of Ella. Jan then tells us again and again how this all felt.
Insta-lust-love for the woman even when the man, Jon, acts uninterested, aloof, and secretive. I never got why she was so attached to him, the author told me she wanted him, told me about his blues eyes, over and over. (repetition again) He was not there more than not, he barely spoke, and when his excuse came it was so poorly explained, but Jan took it.
The romance, went from nothing to bed, which was anti climatic, nearly a fade to black scene. It was treated as nothing special. There was no great build up, now great wow moment, it was so dull. The only connecting moment for me came while they were eating cake and cookies for a few brief paragraphs and even then he was standoffish and distant. I never for a moment thought these two should be together, I felt no connection.
There was a lot of telling. Parts read like lectures from an old aunt on how everyone should feel.
I really didn't like this book and completely disliked the writing style.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen Barker has just had a devastating break up with a man she had spent years with and thought she would be marrying. Now in her forties Jen has her biological clock ticking on overtime in fear that she will never marry or have the family she's always dreamed of having since her own father left when she was a child.

Jen is talked into doing something spontaneous this holiday season by her younger half sister by traveling to the the Swiss Alps and thinks it's just what she needs to mend her broken heart. Soon Jen meets a handsome ski instructor in Switzerland and finds herself regaining her hope in happily ever afters.

The one thing I really enjoyed about The Christmas Cake Cafe was that this little holiday romance featured an older couple which is a bit out of the ordinary. Jen is somewhat dealing with a female mid life crisis worrying about upcoming menopause with her worry of not finding a relationship. A few funny moments, some sad but definitely Jen gave this one a life of it's own just due to her situation.

Now, what I would like to have seen more of was more romance to the romance section of the read. We have a lot about Jen, her sister, her previous relationship and what she wants but it seemed to just jump into insta-love once getting to that part of the story. I just was left wanting more of the inbetween with this couple although their ending was rather nice.

Overall, an OK holiday romance featuring an older main character in a unique holiday setting, could've used a bit more romancing but not too bad in the end.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Hristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Christmas books, as I have previously noted. This last month I have read several and I always find them enjoyable.
This is an entertaining book too, there were some laugh-out-loud moments which for me were the highlight. It didn't grasp my attention as much as I expected to. It's a cute story, but the style it's written in wasn't to my taste. The main character was difficult to connect to, and I found the whole plot really predictable.
I'm sad to say these things because I really wanted to love this book, I really did. It sounded amazing when I read the summary, however many elements aided to my current opinion.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice holiday story with Jen Barker as a cute protagonist. If you're looking for a light read for the season, this fits the bill. The Switzerland setting and snow are always appealing this time of the year. Honestly, I'm not sure about the hero, Jon Zutter though. He had an infrequent role in here which made the romance portion seem like an afterthought but it was still fun overall.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen Barker, in her forties, feels depressed after the shock of being dumped on Christmas Eve by her longtime "live in" boyfriend, when she was expecting a marriage proposal.
She accepts an offer to join her sister and friends on a working vacation in the Swiss Alps. The scenery is gorgeous- a winter wonderland.
Lost luggage leads to lots of humorous and potential embarrassing situations.
Does Jen get along with her sister's friends?
Does she cheer up and have fun?
Does the airline find her luggage?
Does she find romance with one of the ski instructors?
I enjoy reading Christmas stories and chose The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson because it was listed as a brilliantly funny, feel good Christmas read. Romance stories are not my usual genre, which may explain my lower rating for this novel. It was a quick and easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookoture and Sue Watson for an ARC of this book.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about an emotional roller coaster - this is a brilliant, festive read that will have your experiencing the full gamut of emotions. It starts with high expectations but the anticipated proposal from her boyfriend, Tim, after a decade together isn’t the proposal she’d hoped for. After being dumped by him at Christmas, Jen Barker spends Christmas and her birthday with only her cat, memories and tears for company. Next year she succumbs to the temptation to spend the festive season with her half-sister working in the Swiss Alps. This is definitely a change from her usually quiet work as a librarian but it is a very welcome one, or it was until her luggage went missing! This is when more of the hilarity starts as Jen, in borrowed apparel, starts her new job and socialising in the resort. Oh, I nearly forgot, she did have one early Christmas present that was clothing that she wore to work and for her first, disastrous skiing lesson . . . the image of someone in a cow onesie, complete with udders, attempting to ski, had me in stitches!

As Jen goes from one disaster to another, she also grows in her self confidence and starts to realise just how brow beaten and bullied she had been in her relationship with Tim and it is great to join her on her journey in self discovery and empowerment. Her encounters with one of the ski instructors, Jon Zutter, seem fraught with laugh out loud embarrassing moments. As the two put their reticence to one side, risking getting to know each other - and visiting the local Cake Cafe for delicious sounding treats! There are plenty of unexpected obstacles to their relationship but working together to overcome them will give them both the chance for their own HEA and a growing family.

Jet away to Switzerland in this delicious, light hearted wintery romance, together with plenty of humour and love as well as angst and turmoil along the way. It is a fun, festive read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC of this novel.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and here are my thoughts.

Sue has a really engaging writing style which always draws me in and makes me smile. Add in the 'Last Christmas' by Wham setting- and you have the perfect Christmas read. You can just imagine yourself in the beautiful resort and drinking lots of hot chocolate with marshmallow toppings and the most delicious cakes imaginable.

Jen has recently parted from her long term boyfriend and agrees to go and work in Switzerland with her younger sister and her lively friends. They are staying in a dream lodge. There are so many funny scenes when Jen first meets Jon. She is a walking disaster in front of him and you can really feel for her. Jon is the typical leading male character- gorgeous, slightly mysterious and to top it all, he's a ski instructor.

He takes her on a trip to a neighbouring village and they have a drink in the Christmas Cake Cafe. It is the picture box vision of a Swiss cafe and has the cakes that you can only imagine tasting.

Jen is encouraged to 'live' a little and she allows herself to ignore her inner reserve and experience some wonderful moments. I want to visit the cafe and just while away an afternoon with my kindle and a cuppa and just one or two of those cakes.

It really does leave you in a warm Christmas bubble- the vision you have of spending a glorious festive season in the snow with a very special person by your side.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just about to start Snowflakes, Iced Cakes and Second Chances: When searching through my kindle for it I realised I hadn't read this one. How does this keep happening to me. 
​I'm a huge Sue Watson fan after being introduced to Love, Lies and Lemon Cakes. All of Sue's books have managed to make me smile or LOL, I find these really easy and enjoyable reads and a big change from my usual crime thrillers.
​Jen goes off on a working holiday with her half sister and friends, and after being dumped by Dan. Jen is maybe a little to straight for the girls she's away with, they certainly do their best to change that. Jen also seems to manage to get most things wrongs, which in parts is hilarious. This book really does have so many happy, smiley parts to it. Fairy tales and cake and maybe a little more cake. Just what more can girl ask for. OH yeah maybe a little 'lovin'.  
​This one is another feel good, happy read. I loved the character Jen, although at times her need for perfection did get a little annoying. 
​The story is brilliantly written and keeps you gripped the whole way through, I read this in a day, after racing round doing all I needed to I decided it was me time and sat down to read. I'm lucky that I now have another Sue Watson book to start and I so can't wait for it. 

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen has waited many years for Tim to propose and when they are celebrating her birthday at a nice restaurant with a bottle of champagne she thinks it's finally going to happen. Unfortunately Tim breaks up with her instead. After this horrible incident it takes Jen quite some time to get back on her feet and she isn't quite there yet when her sister Jody asks her to accompany her to Switzerland, where they will work and have a great time together with Jody's friends. Her opinion is that Jen shouldn't give Tim the power to ruin her birthday and subsequently Christmas for her forever. There's one minor issue, Jody is still in her twenties and she's a lot younger than Jen. Does Jen still know what it's like to have fun again?

Jen's stay in the Alps isn't without accidents and blundering. When she meets Jon, a handsome local who works as a ski instructor Jen thinks her clumsiness has ruined her chances before she even properly got to know him, but to her surprise he keeps coming back and they get along well. Life is never perfect though. Will Jen be able to accept that and live with whatever fate has in store for her?

Jen is a planner. She wants to have total control and she always tries to fill in details she can't know before anything is even about to happen. She meticulously schedules her life and needs to be saved from becoming an old spinster with just a cat as her company. Jody is lively and cheerful and she manages to bring her sister out of her shell. Jen and Jody are both sweethearts who love each other very much. Their past was difficult, but now they're more than sisters, they're good friends too. I love books about close sister relationships and this one is absolutely wonderful.

Jody and Jen are different and sometimes the usually carefree Jody can be really wise. Jen's relationship with Tim damaged her self-esteem and she wasted her best years on someone who didn't love her enough to make her dreams come true. While being in Switzerland Jen finds herself again and I enjoyed watching her heal. It's time for necessary personal growth and Jen does this with both tears and hilarity. She parties with her sister and asks her for advice, but she also learns to stay true to herself, which is a beautiful message from Sue Watson to her readers.

The Christmas Cake Café is an incredibly funny book. I laughed out loud multiple times and love Sue Watson's sense of humor. She combines it with a winter wonderland and an amazing festive atmosphere. I love it when a Christmas story us uplifting and joyful and Sue Watson is a master of this skill. I admire her main characters, who are always doing many things that are out of their comfort zone, which leads to unexpected twists and turns. I enjoy being surprised and Sue Watson manages to do this repeatedly. It's entertaining and I think it's fabulous that her stories are both lighthearted and powerful at the same time while there's still a nice amount of depth. I highly recommend all of her Christmas stories and The Christmas Cake Café is no exception. It's a terrific heartwarming book that put a huge smile on my face.

[Faouzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and author for this copy.

4.5 Stars

This was such a sweet, nice and heartwarming story, with some hilarious scenes, and a simply fantastic setting!

At 41 years old, the live of Jen seemed to be already over, at least for her. Her boyfriend dumped her after a 10 years relationship, on Christmas eve; no husband, no prospect of children, a job she was stuck in and another lonely Christmas, that was Jen's nightmare. Until her half-sister takes her in a working holiday in the Swiss Alps, where she meets this dazzling ski instructor.

I enjoyed the story very much. It was funny but also deep in certain ways. re-exploring her past with her half-sister, talking about all the hurt and misunderstandings of the past, forging new friendships and relationships, but most important rediscovering herself and what she really wanted from life.
I think this book was perfect for the season!

I will only say that this book added something else to my bucket list: A Christmas in the Swiss Alps!

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tagged this as romance, but I think it was really more about the main character finding herself. My favorite parts were the descriptions of Switzerland, especially of the beautiful Swiss village and bakery. I certainly wanted to try some of those treats, and I have a huge craving for good hot chocolate. I felt like the main character dwelt too much on her past issues with her father and her ex; however, some good points were made about friendship and moving on. Anyway, it was a good book, and I liked it.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deliciously delightful Christmas book that will make you laugh and cry with happiness, while set against a gorgeous wintery backdrop of a ski resort in Switzerland.

Amazingly with the exception of one truly memorable scene including a cow onesie there wasn't much skiing involved, but there were loads of descriptions of mouthe watering Christmas cakes, as well a gorgeous ski instructor who sweeps Jen off her feet, quite literally.

A year ago Jen had been hoping for a proposal for Tim, only for him to dump her, in the months that followed, her half sister Jody who she hadn't really known that well, does a lot to cheer her up. In fact it is Jody's idea for Jen to spend this Christmas in Switzerland on a working holiday, along with some of Jody's friends.

One of the recurring jokes in the story but that doesn't get old is the amount of times Jen ends up in an embarrassing situation, where Jon is present, while not wearing her own clothes, thanks to what appears to be the world's most inept airline at recovering a case.

As the story progresses, even in a relatively short space of time it was great to see the amount of personal development shown from Jen, who in her early 40s has been despairing a bit about life. She is learning slowly how to be free from the brainwashing of her long term partner, and just what being herself is all about.

I found The Christmas Cake Cafe to be just the sort of wonderful distraction I needed from some things going on in my personal life, it cheered me up no end, even if at some of the descriptions I felt very hungry. It has all of the humour you would expect from a Sue Watson story, complete with plenty of snow and a just generally light hearted wintery story, that won't fail to lift your spirits.

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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Cake Cafe by Sue Watson
This book has a sub-title that says It is "A Brilliantly Funny, Feel Good Christmas Read." That is exactly what this little gem of a book is. It starts out on Christmas Eve with Jennifer being out in a restaurant with her long term boyfriend Tim. Ten years they have been boyfriend and girlfriend. "The champagne was cold and sparkly, the tree was twinkling and Bing Crosby was tinkling across the restaurant, filling the air with festive warmth and glitter." It is also the eve of Jen's fortieth birthday. Jen is looking at Tim feeling emotional and expecting an engagement ring in her champagne flute. Instead Tim tells Jen that he doesn't want to continue the relationship. This announcement from Tim shatters Jennifer.

Jennifer's half sister Jody invites her along with Jody's other friends to take a few months off and spend it in Switzerland in a chalet at a ski resort. Jennifer agrees to go go and meets Jon. Jennifer feels good spending time with Jon. This really is a feel good novel. The scenery is beautiful and the descriptions of the cakes and confectioneries sound delicious. Before long Jennifer is seeing Jon. Jennifer had a complicated upbringing with a tug of war between being placed in the middle of her parents divorce. This book is all about how we grow and change and mature trying not to repeat the past.

This book was enjoyable to read. The character's were all extremely likable. The writing is flowing and this is a book that will surely put you in a Christmas mood and wish for a white Christmas.

Thank you to Net Galley and Sue Watson and Bookouture for the pleasure of reading and reviewing this wonderful Christmas novell

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Watson is a new to me author so I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book. She has an easy writing style that takes a difficult, humiliating, depressing time & pokes fun at it. This introduction of humor into a serious time makes you think about difficult times you've faced & wonder if you should have faced it differently.

Jen is 41 years old & has been in a committed steady relationship. On a special night, when she's expecting a marriage proposal, she's dumped. Her sister convinces her to go on a working vacation with her. Jen finally says yes & the comedy of errors continues. Her luggage is lost & she has to rely on items from the other girls. Of course, the man that keeps seeing her in embarrassing situations (& outfits) is Jon, a man she's attracted to. Jon is a single father who longs to be a baker but is taking a more practical way of earning a living to be more secure for his daughter. He's interested in Jen & never seems to be embarrassed of her.

This is truly a very heartwarming story. The touches of humor lighten what could be a sober & dark tale. The plot moves at a nice pace & doesn't feel rushed. The characters are funny, bright & well developed. The background is there to get you emotionally involved & keep you reading. The snarky wit & attitude of Jen' sister at times was unexpected but seemed to be what was needed. I would easily recommend this book to all. A very enjoyable read!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine, ten years into a relationship and you think your boyfriend is finally going to propose. It's Christmas eve, The setting is perfect, a romantic meal for two in a restaurant with champagne and christmas tunes on the music system. Jen, just knows Tim is going to propose and is waiting for the perfect moment in the evening. When the big speech finally comes it's not to ask her hand in marriage and to declare everlasting love, it's to shatter her dreams and walk out of her life forever.

Oh me oh my what a beginning. Jen was devastated beyond words, the ten best years of her life taken and tossed aside by Tim who quite frankly was a supercilious ass - it would be fair to say first impressions count and mine were quite strong and didn't change.

This book has it all - relationships, family, love, laughter, friendship and the biggest amount of humour and cake you can imagine - absolutely perfect. Clearly no stone has been left unturned as Jen soul searches, looking for her happy ever after and gaining more than an insight into her own soul. Sue has captured the characteristics of a relationship going through the motions perfectly. Nothing Jen ever did was good enough and Tim was a mean spirited, small minded ejit - have I said yet how much I disliked him!? Belittling and side lining Jen at every opportunity. She just wanted someone of her own to care for and love, whilst Tim wanted to mould her into someone else - chipping away at her character and eroding her confidence. A relationship based on familiarity and convenience not love and friendship. When Jen was a child her parents divorced and she had to share her dad with his new wife and baby, something she resented and never quite came to terms with, so it's no wonder she clung onto a dead relationship for so long - it's only in adulthood and because of circumstances that Jen and Jody form a tentative bond each understanding the other a whole lot better.

Almost a year later Jody, persuades Jen to join her and a couple of friends working in Switzerland over the winter months. The story from hereon-in reads like a slalom skier going full pelt down a black run. With Jen hurtling from one disaster to another. Sue has a natural ability to write comedy that had me choking on my lunch whilst trying to hold in my guffaws at work - her books have the feel good factor about them that won't fail to lift even the lowest spirits. They're fun, easy reads but each and every story is multi-faceted. They're not just light humour but thought provoking and The Christmas Cake Cafe is my favourite so far. In life some people lose sight of what is important and do things or stay in relationships out of habit more than desire and it's not until they are removed from the situation do they start to question their thoughts and actions. Jen is no different, as her half sister and her friends drag her kicking and screaming into their madcap plans she suffers inner and outer turmoil and begins to question her own life, hopes and dreams and the relationships within it.

As I turned the pages my smiles became wider as the humorous bits, become hilarious bits and then Sue throws a bit of love and romance into the mix and we're off! I laughed out loud so many times, putting my hand over my mouth as I mouthed oh no until my sides ached. It would be fair to say 'the girls' idea of a working holiday is different to that of mine but then, I like Jen am old ;D

I've grumbled so many times that there wasn't enough cake in the last couple of Sue's books - No more! This time I was spoilt. I so want to go to Switzerland and taste all the delicious cakes. Sue has an amazing ability to describe something in such detail it becomes a reality - I've always thought it decadent and wrong to order more than one cake and always struggle to choose - no more I'm going to order half a dozen and try them all.

Huge thanks Sue for another perfect read that got under my skin, a little bit of soul searching and a lot of laughs. This was beautiful story about friendship, family and discovering what is important in life
with a little bit of love and flirting thrown in for good measure - until the next time!

I've said it before but I'll say it again. Sue's book keep getting better and better, the bar raised a little each time - if you haven't discovered this for yourself yet you are seriously missing out - head to amazon and indulge yourself in this beautiful read - TheChristmas Cake Cafe.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank goodness...another Sue Watson in her usual humorous style, it feels like forever since I have read one like this! I admit I am a bit of a Sue Watson fan, and always know that her books will cheer me up and make me laugh like a drain. Thankfully this book was no exception and once again it cheered me up immensely! However (yes there is a however) I did find the main character a bit annoying in the beginning (hence the 4 stars and not 5)!

So Jen Barker is the main character in this Christmas book and as she is planning her wedding in her mind, she had no idea she is about to be unceremoniously dumped. So a year after her disastrous break up she finds herself facing another Christmas alone with just her cat (named Mrs Christmas) for company. Her half sister Jody decides enough is enough and manages to convince Jen to take a working holiday with her and her friends over Christmas at a Swiss Alps ski resort.

In the beginning I didn't instantly like Jen, in fact I would go as far as to say she was a bit of an annoying woman that thought her whole life was over and she was only 41!!! Thankfully as Jen embarks on a new chapter, her sister and new friends make sure she starts to change her ways. Thankfully the whingeing became less and finally she becomes a woman that starts to take some risks. There are some extremely funny moments in the book which normally revolved around Jen's choice of clothes, or comments from her new friends.

Jen's life seems to roll from one hilarious disaster to another when she is in Switzerland and with the addition of a rather handsome Ski Instructor named Jon things get so much better and I found myself laughing and hoping for the best for her. The last quarter of the book was fabulous, pure magic and a great end to the book. It certainly has all the right elements for a Christmas stocking filler and is a great feel-good read. For me I mark every book of Sue's against her book 'Love, Lies and Lemon Cakes' which to this day is still one of the funniest books I have ever read. Thankfully Sue always delivers a feel good book with the humour thrown in so this was still a great read (but Sue, can we PLEASE have a less whingey woman next time)!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down this is one of the best Christmas novels I have ever read! The story is literally crammed full of all things festive, love and good cheer, oh and not forgetting cake, lots of cake.

To be honest I actually think this book should come with a warning, DO NOT READ WHILST TRYING TO CUT DOWN ON YOUR CAKE INTAKE. The author as usual describes the most delightful and mouthwatering cakes. I literally had to keep wiping the drool that was escaping from my mouth. Even though it’s a book I could very much imagine the fabulous smells that would drift from the mention of the aromatic words like, cinnamon and ginger. It really was pure torture at times, but in a good way. It will certainly have you wanting to rush into the kitchen and start baking. Or like me, leave it to the experts and go rush to the shops and buy some instead!

What better setting for Christmas than in Switzerland. Jen finds herself in such a picturesque place, I was tempted to pack my bags and join her. As much as I don’t love the ‘white stuff’, to be able to wake up on a Christmas morning to snow outside would just be magical.

I loved Jen. She’s a wonderful character who readers will certainly take to. The time in Switzerland gives Jen time to fully bond with her half sister Jody and it was so endearing to read. Even though Jen maybe the older sister, Jody gives Jen the wake up call that she needs to move on with her life.

I think I actually fell a tiny bit in love with the gorgeous Jon, the love interest. With his stilted English, I could feel my heart melting every time Jen was with him. Their romance certainly makes you go all gooey inside.

Even though there is plenty of fun and laughter, relationships were also a main theme throughout the story. Through a few of the characters, we get to see that with a bit more time and effort, we can make that bond even stronger.

The Christmas Cake Cafe is the perfect read to get you in the festive mood. It made me laugh, smile, cry and eat cake! Yet another fabulous novel by a very wonderful and talented author.

My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Christmas Cake Café: A brilliantly funny, feel good Christmas read by Sue Watson is the story of Jen Barker who is in search of the perfect Christmas of her dreams. After a 10-year relationship with her boyfriend Tim, he calls it quits on Christmas Eve, which is also her birthday. With hopes of a Christmas engagement dashed, she finds herself adrift feeling like her life has passed her by, leaving her single and childless.
Continuing with her job as a librarian, Jen continues with her unfulfilling life until her half-sister encourages her to break out of the dull life and go with her to Switzerland for the holiday season. This begins the roller-coaster ride of disasters and the exploration into situations she had once thought she was too old to enjoy. She begins to learn to relax and leave her insecurities behind and enjoy the moment.

This is one of the few times that I’ve read a book and been left totally underwhelmed.

I liked the fact that Ms.Watson used an older couple for her story, although I’m not sure I’d consider 41 as really old. There was very little about a Christmas Café within the story line, maybe it just needs a different more accurate title. The writing seems redundant and dwells on the issue of age and Jan’s unresolved issues with her father, wanting a child, and menopause over and over. There wasn’t much affection or emotion shown between Jen and Jon. It seemed as though they went from having a nice time straight into bed without much transition. Probably my one biggest complaint was the overuse of the word Christmassy. There was Christmassy place, Christmassy fragrance, Christmassy fling and more. I think another adjective might have worked better some of the time. I was disappointed that I didn’t feel more of a holiday spirit in the book. It just wasn't my piece of cake

I received a ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Karen Mace · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

The words Christmas and Cake in the title had me interested and this was such a fun, gentle read that I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Jennifer and her little journey into rediscovering her fun side!

The book begins on the eve of Xmas and the eve of her 40th birthday, and she's expecting a lovely big proposal from her boyfriend, Tim, as they've been together for 10 years. Despite the fact that their relationship isn't the most exciting she has always felt safe with him, but the evening doesn't go to plan and she is left facing a different life than the one she imagined!

With both her parents dead, her only real family, other than her cute cat Mrs Christmas, is her half sister Jody, and her new life sees her getting closer to Jody and she seems to push her into doing something different - and what could be more different than spending Christmas in Switzerland!

It was quite fun watching Jen blossom away from her old life and discovering there is more to life, and maybe even being able to start thinking about what she always wanted from life. There are many distractions in Switzerland and there's lots of fun to be had with Jen, Jody and her 2 friends with their escapades!

This was a little predictable but was still and enjoyable read and a nice easy christmas read!

[Steffi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas Cake Cafe is a sweet story set in the winter time and around Christmas. Jen is in her 40s and expecting the big question from her boyfriend but he is dumping her. A year later she sets off to Switzerland on a work holiday with her half-sister Jody.

I really enjoyed the wintery scenery in Switzerland. The description of the snowy mountains and little villages were really nice. The Café was also great and wish there had been more about it, as well as the baking.
The book also had some really sweet and funny moments.

I did have a little trouble with characters though. Jody and her friends were too much of party animals for me. I did like Jen in a way though but Jon remained very shallow for my taste. I also had difficulties feeling their relationship and I missed the sparks here.

The book could entertain me but it didn't blow me away.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book! I absolutely loved it! I read quite a lot of the books from Sue Watson. Until now, I could say that I liked Sue Watson's books but this time I can easily says that I LOVED it! It's by far her best book in my opinion.
And I loved that the settings of the book is the mountains of Switzerland - it's just so magical around Christmas time!
I also liked the main character Jen and the beautiful relationship she has with her sister...
Also if you are bored of stories of cakes and café, don't worry about this. Café and cakes are very little mentioned in this book - it's absolutely not the most important part.
I really enjoyed this book and totally recommend it!

[Rachael Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I love Christmas books but this one wasn't for me. The Swiss setting was beautiful but the storyline was predictable and, at times, repetitive. The relationship between Jen and Jon felt incredibly rushed so I never became invested in it or cared about what was going to happen between them. It was a forgettable story and one I wouldn't recommend.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Cake Café is a fun story of family, friendship, new beginnings, self-reflection and romance. When Jen Barker is dumped by her long term boyfriend on the night that she is expecting a proposal, she is at loose ends. She calls her half-sister Jody to commiserate, she ends up accepting her invitation to go with her on a working vacation to the Swiss Alps. It wasn't what she had planned for her Christmas Holiday, but she will be able to recharge and be with her only living family member. She meets Jon Zucker, a ski instructor in a meet cute, and they become friends. As they spend more time with each other, they both begin to have feelings for the other, but both of them have baggage and Jon has a secret. Although her sister pushes her to have a holiday romance, Jen isn't sure she wants to do that. As they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man, but what about the secrets?

This was a romance, but so much more. Jen has serious issues about love and taking chances. She didn't have a very good relationship with her father after he and her mother divorced and she really didn't know Jody well, so there was a storyline about broken families and how that affects people into adulthood. Jen has very low self-esteem and doesn't believe she is worthy of love, so sticks with a man that doesn't treat her the best and is always undermining her. I'm glad he left her as it gave her a chance to go on a journey of self-discovery. Jen was a character that had me feeling so much for her and with her. Jody and her friends were a hoot. They supported Jen and pushed her a little, but also got her to try new things. The secret Jon has is also something to do with family to it also adds to that theme. There was humour, adventure, fun and sweet times in this book and I enjoyed it a lot. It is set at Christmas time, but other than that, there was not a lot of festivities in the story, but it was still a good one that I recommend.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of this book wrapped up too quickly for me, it felt very rushed. We found out about Ella, and two pages later we were being introduced to Ella. That’s surely a bit quick to be meeting your “holiday romance”s daughter?

I enjoyed the parts about baking and I really, really, wanted more of them. With the title of the book, I thought that baking would feature a lot more heavily.

It just felt a bit rushed at the end. Overall a quick and easy book to read.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

Oh my goodness I adored this book!!  I loved Jen as a character and could really sympathise with her struggles and I had to laugh at times too at her mishaps! 

I loved how the relationship between Jen and Jon developed and the descriptions of the area really have made me want to go and visit in the future and I definitely need to go and eat some of the cakes described!! 

The book completely charmed me and I haven't hesitated to give it 5 stars!! 

[Mandy Radley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read, but very predictable.

[Maaike Laagland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Een vermakelijk (audio) boek voor wandelingen in de winter over een meid met daddy issues en uit een toxic relatie van 41 die danst op tafels en weigert met mannen te daten die kinderen hebben omdat ze er zelf nog een wilt. eerste 3 kwart was prima de laatste kwart was echt vreselijk lol

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Those who know me well know that I absolutely adore Sue Watson’s books, she is one of my most favourite authors. As soon as I found out that she had another Christmas book coming out, I just HAD to read it! Her first Christmas book, Bella’s Christmas Bake Off, was one of the first books that I reviewed on my blog back in April, so I am absolutely thrilled to be reviewing her second festive treat!
Oh my word, I could literally feel Jen’s excitement as she got ready to go out, especially given the fact that she thought that her long-term boyfriend was going to propose to her! I didn’t quite realise that I had stopped breathing in shock as the events unfolded; that was until I tried to shout ‘BARSTEWARD’, and realised that breathing first might be the most logical next step. Ahem.
Heartbreak can be as horrible as finding out that you picked up a roasted parsnip instead of a roast potato during your Christmas meal. Seriously uncalled for!
Luckily for Jen, her younger sister comes to her rescue and tries to persuade Jen that a working holiday to the Swiss Alps will be the perfect remedy. Ladies an gentleman, notice that I said TRIES.
During the story, I soon realised that Jen doesn’t exactly ooze good luck and I am sorry to say that I found it absolutely hilarious. Obviously, if I found myself in the situations that she found herself in once or twice…or thrice, I probably wouldn’t be laughing. But I couldn’t help myself and decided that laughing like a seal would be my ‘go to’ action of the book!
Once again Sue Watson has completely outdone herself as she has written another fantastic book which oozes her trademark humour and huggable writing. Despite the moments of hilarity; the storyline covers a few moments of heartbreak and re-building relationships which I felt added another dimension to the storyline and showed another side to each of the characters involved. One of the topics that Sue has covered in the story is quite complex and unfortunately quite popular in todays society. However, Sue has written about it so beautifully and in such a sensitive manner, it made the topic come across as ‘the norm’ instead of possibly frowned upon.
Whenever Sue writes a book I always want to give her a huge hug after reading it as it’s very clear that the book has been written from her heart and filled with love. ‘The  Christmas Cake Cafe’ is the home away from home; a truly magical book that is filled with intense emotion and a lot of love. Such a hug in a book that showcases Sue’s fabulous writing, one of her best books to date!
Thanks to Bookouture for my ARC.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher Bookoutre and Sue Watson for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

just look at the cover doesn't it look inviting and adorable. I love books about cooking/cafes ect so when I read the title of this book I instantly thought it was for me.

Then I read the bio. Ohhh another one of my favourite things in books. Not only is it about food/cakes/cafe but it also had a love story win, win. Also it's about Christmas and I love Christmas. What couldn't be better this book sounded perfect for me.

40 year old Jen our main character. Has been in a long term relationship with her boyfriend and is hoping that a Christmas proposal is on the cards. Sadly the only thing on the cards was Jen being dumped, throwing a cake at her cheating ex boyfriend and being filmed by a student in the school Jen works at.

Feeling dishearten Jen going back in switches on the tv and is even more distraught when she sees an ex best friend on tv with her cooking show and her loving husband.

Jen starts having a midlife crisis. Jen is worried that she will never find the love of her life and will never be able to start a family. For a start there are more ways to start a family then the conventional way as there are lots of children wanting to be adopted and looking for a loving home. Alternatively there is always other treatments that could get her pregnant. I digress.

Jens younger half sister (we are reminded of this fact constantly. Although to me what does it matter she is still her sister at the end of the end no matter if it's half or whole. It doesn't make the fact less so just because she's her half sister!! Anyway) suggests a working holiday in the Swiss alps (which are beautiful by the way) to take her mind off things.

Jen reluctantly agrees. Once there Jen meets the rather Olaf ski instructor Jon who would rather be a baker and who keeps disappearing. Jon and Jan get to know each other over cakes and drinks in the lovely alps cafe. Soon things happen between them which I guess is meant to be where the love story comes in. Sadly I thought there there wasn't really much chemistry between them and I felt their relationship was completely rushed and there didn't seem to be any sparks.

Jen has a good soul but trouble and mishaps follow her around everywhere and the course of true love never did run smoothly.

This book was ok. It didn't wow me as much as I hoped and left me feeling rather disappointed. I mean it was ok but there was a lot of repition which I found really annoying and I didn't really feel connected to the storyline or the characters.

Merry Christmas and happy reading everyone

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was delighted to see Sue Watson was treating us to a Christmas book this year considering she had already published a more serious book We'll Always Have Paris earlier on this year. The Christmas Cake Café is not that long but I wouldn't consider it a novella as it was a bit longer than what that type of read would be. The café as mentioned in the title is not the focus of the book, more a long held aspiration for our main female protagonist Jen so those expecting the book to be mostly set there will have to put that aside. I expected glorious descriptions of Christmas cakes etc but that wasn't the case. Yet I wasn't in the slightest bit disappointed as the book takes place for the most part in a ski resort in Switzerland and Sue excelled at creating such a vivid, wintry, Christmas atmosphere that I soon forgot the café was but a dream.

This book proved to be a funny, light Christmas read that wasn't too taxing or demanding of your attention. It was something that you could dip in and out of if you were under time pressure but would still be easily to keep up with the threads of the plot. I read it in a few sittings and it gave me that warm, cosy feeling inside. There was a good storyline here, if at times I felt we skipped through weeks/months very suddenly and maybe just too much was packed in and it might have worked even better than it did by becoming a fuller length novel. That said the story of Jen coming back to her own self as she turns 40 after being put down for so long was an enjoyable read.

In the prologue it is Christmas Eve and Jen is out to dinner with her long term partner Tim. Things have been a bit lacklustre on the romance front lately with everything just that bit stale and needing some spicing up. Jen is about to turn 40 on Christmas Day and she feels the next big step surely has to happen now, Tim has to be about to propose in the romantic setting of the restaurant with the Christmas decorations all around, Christmas music playing in the background and tasty food on their plates Jen couldn't be more wrong as Tim lands a bombshell and uses the age old cliché of our relationship has run its course. What Jen thinks, and to be honest I wouldn't blame her, after investing 10 years in a relationship surely a ring is the next logical step. I felt so sorry for Jen as she had wasted so much time and effort in a relationship that she should have realised earlier was clearly going nowhere. 'My throat closed up and I couldn't speak, breathe or swallow - my whole world had crashed, taking my past and future with it. No sparkly ring in my glass no flower framed wedding photos of the two of us smiling, no bouquet thrown in the air, my life fused with his'. To say Jen is devastated is an understatement.

The prologue gave us a nice introduction as to where Jen's state of mind is when we reconnect with her 10 months later and it is only as the book unfolds we realise maybe said relationship wasn't all a bed of roses and she was probably better off out of it. I know that's not much to her when she is wallowing in misery and looking to the future where she thought she would be married with children and living in a nice house. She feels she is not getting any younger and that biological clock is ticking and another stage in a women's life that some may dread is firmly knocking on the door.

Jen had been a creature of comfort and routine. She had been meandering along in her job working as a librarian but now her life plan has been thrown off course and I could feel her desperation, loneliness and general confusion as to where her life path would take her. But I suppose she really needed to come terms with everything and realise life is never simple and plain sailing without obstacles thrown in our paths. She needed to buck up, move on and reset and evaluate what she would do next. Things are often sent to challenge us for the better. She had been under Tim's spell and control for too long and now was Jen's time to shine. Thankfully in steps Jen's half sister Jody and she was a great addition to the story. She was a nurse and always said what she thought and was never afraid to tell Jen a few home truths that needed to be out in the open. Jody presents Jen with the perfect solution – OK so it may have been short term but it was better than nothing. Take six months with Jody and her friends and work in a ski resort in Switzerland over the winter season. This could be the very life changing shake up that Jen so desperately needed to get her out of her funk. Who knows what could possibly happen on the ski slopes?

The book really took off once we got to Switzerland and it was great to see an author using a different location for a Christmas book. I have never been to Switzerland but now having finished this story I feel I have. The pictures were so vivid in my head of log fires, the hot tub on the balcony, chalets, the ski slopes and hot ski instructors, the snow and horse drawn carriages, the magical lights, the decorations and Christmas food not to mention the Gluhwein. Jen feels 'I could do a lot of thinking somewhere like Switzerland, all that pure white snow, like a blank canvas to write a new life on. What did I have to lose?'. Bit by bit Jen learns to let go and just embrace life and go with the flow with some hilarious results – the nightclub scene is one that springs to mind! All the girls want to work hard but party even harder and it was enjoyable to read of their exploits. It's only when handsome ski instructor Jon makes an appearance that the fun began to take a back seat and some romance came into the story. I did think this aspect of the storyline became very rushed and at times it was a bit forced. There seemed to be gaps in the time-line where we jumped forward a few weeks into the season and I wanted to know what had happened in between. Due to the short nature of the book I felt that's why everything concerning Jon happened far too quickly and I did think it needed alot more development. To go from having no man at all and floundering around romantically and then rushing head long into something that perhaps had more to it than meets the eye seemed a bit unrealistic. I understand 'holiday romances' but still here it just didn't sit well with me.

I enjoyed the first half of the book with all the setting up, descriptions and getting to know the characters but the second half felt rushed and it could have done with becoming a full length novel. One positive was there was plenty all about Christmas itself, and the idea of the Christmas Cake Café was a nice touch even if it wasn't the dominant theme of the book. This quote sums up Jen perfectly 'I'm not a people pleaser these days, I'm more of a Jenny pleaser' Jen needed to undergo a transformation in order to move on with her life and Switzerland, Jody and her friends helped her with that and for the most part this was an enjoyable read. The ending was lovely and I think there could be more to come from these characters in the future.

The Christmas Cake Cafe was a nice read but maybe not the most memorable of the Christmas books I have read so far this year. Too much was packed into too short a space and it lost the flow. It is grand for a few hours curled up on the couch and is worth a read. It could have been amazing, yes it was festive and had a good theme, but for me I preferred Sue Watson's previous Christmas releases.