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The Cosy Cottage Cafe #1
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B072L554X3
Allie Jones loves her cosy cottage café in the picturesque village of Heatherlea. She has her independence, two grown-up children and two cute cats. Life is settled and she thinks she's happy.
Author Chris Monroe has it all. Critical success, a luxurious London apartment, and the kind of jet-set lifestyle most people dream of. But something's missing.
When a family bereavement throws these two old friends together, they begin to question the true meaning of happiness.
Love is in the air, but do Allie and Chris have room in their hands-on lives for more than a summer fling?
This is the first of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage Café series.
Coming soon:
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café
Allie Jones loves her cosy cottage café in the picturesque village of Heatherlea. She has her independence, two grown-up children and two cute cats. Life is settled and she thinks she's happy.
Author Chris Monroe has it all. Critical success, a luxurious London apartment, and the kind of jet-set lifestyle most people dream of. But something's missing.
When a family bereavement throws these two old friends together, they begin to question the true meaning of happiness.
Love is in the air, but do Allie and Chris have room in their hands-on lives for more than a summer fling?
This is the first of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage Café series.
Coming soon:
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café
179 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2017
232 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Griffiths
49 books136 followersRachel Griffiths is an author, wife, mother, Earl Grey tea drinker, gin enthusiast, dog walker and fan of the afternoon nap. She loves to read, write and spend time with her family.
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October 5, 2025I was hired as an editor for the Dutch translation of this book, so I don’t think it would be fair for me to write a full review or even give a rating, but I did want to give the book a little shoutout on here, so here I go:
This book is a really sweet, heartwarming tale of an older woman rediscovering her own happiness and confidence after having lived through an abusive marriage. Her journey leads her on the same path as an old flame she never thought she would see again and with whom she finally feels secure enough for her to trust in love once more. Their reunion brings all those old feelings of comfort and fireworks back, and she realises she has been missing something all those years they have been apart: true love. However, even though she knows it’s what she wants, does Allie truly dare to take the leap to start her life over with a new man?
This book is a really sweet, heartwarming tale of an older woman rediscovering her own happiness and confidence after having lived through an abusive marriage. Her journey leads her on the same path as an old flame she never thought she would see again and with whom she finally feels secure enough for her to trust in love once more. Their reunion brings all those old feelings of comfort and fireworks back, and she realises she has been missing something all those years they have been apart: true love. However, even though she knows it’s what she wants, does Allie truly dare to take the leap to start her life over with a new man?
June 24, 2017
Allie, is the owner of The Cosy Cottage Cafe, situated in the heart of Heatherlea. She decided to start her business after the tragic death of her husband Roger, in a car crash, leaving her a windowed mother of two children.
Chris, is a very successful author who has returned to Heatherlea under difficult circumstances, to bury his mother and deal with her estate.
Allie and Chris go back a long way when her, Chris, and Roger were firm friends as teenagers, but that all changed when Allie and Roger married. Chris upped and left the village, and was never seen again, until now.
With Allie catering for the wake, the two of them bump in to one another, literally! Why is a man that Allie hasn’t seen for well over a decade setting her heart a flutter, and what made Chris leave in the first place? All will be revealed.
The Cosy Cottage Cafe, is the first book in a series of short books by author Rachel Griffiths, set in the village of Heatherlea.
The book is about second chances, and reconciliation. It’s about finding out the truth about past mysteries, and Allie and Chris having the courage to move on with their lives.
It is a feel-good, chick-lit-esq book, which leaves you all warm and fussy inside.
At only 179 pages I got through it in just two sittings. The story was captivating, with down to earth, realistic characters, beautiful scenery, and an array of delicious food.
A lovely, sweet read, that has a gentle flow to it, but also has a few twists, just to keep you on your toes, along with a good portion of comedic moments.
A summery book, that brought a smile to my face, and will make you realise that sometimes happiness comes when you least expect it.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Chris, is a very successful author who has returned to Heatherlea under difficult circumstances, to bury his mother and deal with her estate.
Allie and Chris go back a long way when her, Chris, and Roger were firm friends as teenagers, but that all changed when Allie and Roger married. Chris upped and left the village, and was never seen again, until now.
With Allie catering for the wake, the two of them bump in to one another, literally! Why is a man that Allie hasn’t seen for well over a decade setting her heart a flutter, and what made Chris leave in the first place? All will be revealed.
The Cosy Cottage Cafe, is the first book in a series of short books by author Rachel Griffiths, set in the village of Heatherlea.
The book is about second chances, and reconciliation. It’s about finding out the truth about past mysteries, and Allie and Chris having the courage to move on with their lives.
It is a feel-good, chick-lit-esq book, which leaves you all warm and fussy inside.
At only 179 pages I got through it in just two sittings. The story was captivating, with down to earth, realistic characters, beautiful scenery, and an array of delicious food.
A lovely, sweet read, that has a gentle flow to it, but also has a few twists, just to keep you on your toes, along with a good portion of comedic moments.
A summery book, that brought a smile to my face, and will make you realise that sometimes happiness comes when you least expect it.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
May 30, 2017
I’ve a new favourite author - I loved this delightful second-chance romance and am so glad it is the start to a new series, I look forward to reading the subsequent titles!
After Allie’s husband died, she made a new life for herself and her two children by opening the Cosy Cottage Café in the picturesque village of Heatherlea. Doing so has helped rebuild her self confidence, make new friends and support her grown up children. She thought she was happy but there was something missing from her life.
As a teenager, Allie had two best friends, Roger and Chris. She married Roger and Chris disappeared from their lives. Now Chris is coming back to the village to bury his Mum and sort out her affairs. He’s a successful author but he’s always known something was missing from his life - Allie!
After all the years apart, will love find a way for these two to be together again or has time changed their feelings for each other?
This is a moving story of mistakes from the past now having the opportunity to be rectified to enable true love to flourish again. Although a relatively short story, there’s a lot packed into it and I found it a totally engaging read, a real page turner. It has a brilliant mix of romance, village life, comedy and mystery with plenty of twists and turns so you’re never quite sure what will happen next - a great light-hearted, heartwarming read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending! The characters are brought to life within the pages of the book and now feel like old friends I'd love to keep in touch with. I’ll certainly be looking out for the other three stories in the series:
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café
After Allie’s husband died, she made a new life for herself and her two children by opening the Cosy Cottage Café in the picturesque village of Heatherlea. Doing so has helped rebuild her self confidence, make new friends and support her grown up children. She thought she was happy but there was something missing from her life.
As a teenager, Allie had two best friends, Roger and Chris. She married Roger and Chris disappeared from their lives. Now Chris is coming back to the village to bury his Mum and sort out her affairs. He’s a successful author but he’s always known something was missing from his life - Allie!
After all the years apart, will love find a way for these two to be together again or has time changed their feelings for each other?
This is a moving story of mistakes from the past now having the opportunity to be rectified to enable true love to flourish again. Although a relatively short story, there’s a lot packed into it and I found it a totally engaging read, a real page turner. It has a brilliant mix of romance, village life, comedy and mystery with plenty of twists and turns so you’re never quite sure what will happen next - a great light-hearted, heartwarming read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending! The characters are brought to life within the pages of the book and now feel like old friends I'd love to keep in touch with. I’ll certainly be looking out for the other three stories in the series:
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café
March 24, 2025
super cute, but cheesy and predictable
June 3, 2017
I must start by saying that this book has totally ruined my diet! I had been doing so well but the mention of all the delicious cakes and pastries throughout this storyline had me heading straight for the kitchen to make (and eat!!) my favourite carrot cake. But Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe is such a wonderfully warm and enticing book that I can forgive author Rachel Griffiths just about anything as I loved this book so much! EVERYTHING in it worked like a dream for me, the second chance storyline, the well drawn and instantly recognisable characters and that perfect setting. I mean who wouldn’t want to live and work in a stunning thatched cottage, surrounded by tea and cakes and the best friends a girl could have. I say girl, but one of the main reasons I adored this book so much was Allie, who was a mature and relatable woman in her 40s and I’m really loving the move towards celebrating older women in romantic fiction at the moment!
Enticed into this novella by the most gorgeously designed cover, I found myself totally engrossed in Allies life very quickly indeed. Her marriage to Roger ended with his death 6 years ago and since then she has thrown herself into the business that she started after selling the family home. We get hints that all was possibly not well in their relationship but it’s not until the arrival of old friend Chris that we begin to find out more. Now I practically melted into my memory foam mattress when Chris arrived in the village, a gorgeous man in his 40s…….who was also an author!!! Cue lots of old fashioned swooning from me and another case of “fictional character crush”. You don’t get men like this in my local Costa! There were some awkward moments for the two of them once they meet again after so many years of not being in each other’s lives but also plenty of humour too. The scene in the pub with the reading glasses was hilarious and it was so easy to imagine it actually happening in real life as well.
Aside from Allies friends, the other characters that I fell madly in love with were her parents! What a wonderful relationship they had, both with each other and with their daughter. I want my marriage to be just like theirs when my husband and I get to their age (this is obviously dependant on me not looking for gorgeous man in their 40s in my local Costa as mentioned above!)
Rachel Griffiths has now shot onto my favourite author list and I am desperate to read Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe, the next novella in the series. If it’s up to the same standard as this book I will be a very happy incurable romantic indeed. If you want a feel good story that will leave you with a silly smile (and plenty of crumbs!) on your face for the rest of the day, then this is the series for you. Highly recommended by me!
Enticed into this novella by the most gorgeously designed cover, I found myself totally engrossed in Allies life very quickly indeed. Her marriage to Roger ended with his death 6 years ago and since then she has thrown herself into the business that she started after selling the family home. We get hints that all was possibly not well in their relationship but it’s not until the arrival of old friend Chris that we begin to find out more. Now I practically melted into my memory foam mattress when Chris arrived in the village, a gorgeous man in his 40s…….who was also an author!!! Cue lots of old fashioned swooning from me and another case of “fictional character crush”. You don’t get men like this in my local Costa! There were some awkward moments for the two of them once they meet again after so many years of not being in each other’s lives but also plenty of humour too. The scene in the pub with the reading glasses was hilarious and it was so easy to imagine it actually happening in real life as well.
Aside from Allies friends, the other characters that I fell madly in love with were her parents! What a wonderful relationship they had, both with each other and with their daughter. I want my marriage to be just like theirs when my husband and I get to their age (this is obviously dependant on me not looking for gorgeous man in their 40s in my local Costa as mentioned above!)
Rachel Griffiths has now shot onto my favourite author list and I am desperate to read Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe, the next novella in the series. If it’s up to the same standard as this book I will be a very happy incurable romantic indeed. If you want a feel good story that will leave you with a silly smile (and plenty of crumbs!) on your face for the rest of the day, then this is the series for you. Highly recommended by me!
October 29, 2025
Zomer is het eerste deel in de Cosy Cottage Café serie geschreven door Rachel Griffiths.
Allie Jones heeft na de dood van haar man het grote huis verkocht, een schattige cottage gekocht en daar een café in gemaakt. Het draait nu al een tijdje prima, haar zoon woont nog thuis en helpt af en toe in de bediening. Ze bakt zelf het lekkers wat bij de koffie en thee wordt geserveerd.
Op een dag is Chris weer terug in het dorp. Allie en Chris kennen elkaar van vroeger. Chris is toen vertrokken, maar Allie is altijd gebleven. Het lot heeft hen weer samengebracht.
Op zich allerlei leuke ingrediënten voor een zomerse feelgood. Toch waren er punten waardoor ik niet enthousiast ben. Het verhaal voelde te standaard voor mij, alsof je een checklist hebt voor een feelgood en alles hebt afgevinkt. Doordat het verhaal erg kort was, werd veel niet lang uitgewerkt. Ik had bijvoorbeeld graag uitgebreider gelezen over hetgeen wat de zoon van Allie wilde vertellen. Daarnaast lieten Allie en Chris het verleden wel heel makkelijk achter zich.
Op zich dus een leuk verhaal waarin twee mensen elkaar weer vinden en gelukkig worden.
Ik weet nog niet of ik verder zou willen lezen in deze serie. Misschien komen we dan wel iets te weten over de mysterieuze hond die op de cover staat, maar niet benoemd is in het verhaal. De auteur is overigens ook een mysterie, dus dat past dan weer wel.
@fidessaliterary bedankt voor het opsturen van dit exemplaar. Dat ik het boek gekregen heb, heeft mijn mening niet beïnvloed.
Allie Jones heeft na de dood van haar man het grote huis verkocht, een schattige cottage gekocht en daar een café in gemaakt. Het draait nu al een tijdje prima, haar zoon woont nog thuis en helpt af en toe in de bediening. Ze bakt zelf het lekkers wat bij de koffie en thee wordt geserveerd.
Op een dag is Chris weer terug in het dorp. Allie en Chris kennen elkaar van vroeger. Chris is toen vertrokken, maar Allie is altijd gebleven. Het lot heeft hen weer samengebracht.
Op zich allerlei leuke ingrediënten voor een zomerse feelgood. Toch waren er punten waardoor ik niet enthousiast ben. Het verhaal voelde te standaard voor mij, alsof je een checklist hebt voor een feelgood en alles hebt afgevinkt. Doordat het verhaal erg kort was, werd veel niet lang uitgewerkt. Ik had bijvoorbeeld graag uitgebreider gelezen over hetgeen wat de zoon van Allie wilde vertellen. Daarnaast lieten Allie en Chris het verleden wel heel makkelijk achter zich.
Op zich dus een leuk verhaal waarin twee mensen elkaar weer vinden en gelukkig worden.
Ik weet nog niet of ik verder zou willen lezen in deze serie. Misschien komen we dan wel iets te weten over de mysterieuze hond die op de cover staat, maar niet benoemd is in het verhaal. De auteur is overigens ook een mysterie, dus dat past dan weer wel.
@fidessaliterary bedankt voor het opsturen van dit exemplaar. Dat ik het boek gekregen heb, heeft mijn mening niet beïnvloed.
May 29, 2017
Allie always dreamed of having her own café. After becoming a widow she opened The Cosy Cottage Café in the beautiful Heatherlea. Allie's two children are both grownups now and only the youngest is still living at home. Allie has good friends, she loves her children, she's fond of her cats and she has her café. Life has given her a second chance and she thinks she has it all, but maybe things could get even better.
When Allie's old friend Chris is back in Heatherlea, Allie is incredibly happy to see him again. Chris is a successful author and he hasn't been back in the village for quite a long time. The reason of his return isn't a happy one and Allie wants to be there for him. While spending more time together they discover they still like each other, but will Chris stay long enough to see if there are any romantic feelings between them?
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café is a wonderful heartwarming story. I instantly fell in love with the amazing atmosphere of the setting and Allie is the perfect hostess, she makes everyone feel comfortable in her lovely place. She's talented, kind and caring and she's always there for the people she loves. My heart ached for her because of what happened to her in her past. Allie's so easy to like and I kept hoping she would find true love and happiness. Chris is just as friendly as Allie and that is why I immediately enjoyed reading about him as well. Their easy friendship made me smile and I couldn't wait to find out where their reacquaintance would lead.
Rachel Griffiths has a warm and welcoming writing style and she has a great sense of humor. She's written a funny lighthearted story with fantastic main characters. I also loved her mouthwatering descriptions of Allie's food. Her vivid descriptions of the café itself and everything that happens inside make Allie's story come to life very well. I enjoyed reading about her summer parties and the joyful good mood the characters are in. Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café is a cheerful sunny story. I absolutely loved this charming feel-good novella.
When Allie's old friend Chris is back in Heatherlea, Allie is incredibly happy to see him again. Chris is a successful author and he hasn't been back in the village for quite a long time. The reason of his return isn't a happy one and Allie wants to be there for him. While spending more time together they discover they still like each other, but will Chris stay long enough to see if there are any romantic feelings between them?
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café is a wonderful heartwarming story. I instantly fell in love with the amazing atmosphere of the setting and Allie is the perfect hostess, she makes everyone feel comfortable in her lovely place. She's talented, kind and caring and she's always there for the people she loves. My heart ached for her because of what happened to her in her past. Allie's so easy to like and I kept hoping she would find true love and happiness. Chris is just as friendly as Allie and that is why I immediately enjoyed reading about him as well. Their easy friendship made me smile and I couldn't wait to find out where their reacquaintance would lead.
Rachel Griffiths has a warm and welcoming writing style and she has a great sense of humor. She's written a funny lighthearted story with fantastic main characters. I also loved her mouthwatering descriptions of Allie's food. Her vivid descriptions of the café itself and everything that happens inside make Allie's story come to life very well. I enjoyed reading about her summer parties and the joyful good mood the characters are in. Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café is a cheerful sunny story. I absolutely loved this charming feel-good novella.
October 9, 2017
As cosy and comfortable a read as the name implies, with a second chance romance that goes well. For a wet day, in front of the fire, with a warm blanket and a cat on your lap.
May 29, 2017
I have to mention the cover as it is just so pretty and exactly what I could imagine The Cosy Cottage Café looking like. I loved the descriptions of the cafe making it seem just perfect and I wish it was real so I could visit. The food sounds delicious and I was definitely craving scones and pancakes. So I would make sure you don't sit down to read this book on an empty stomach.
Allie was torn between staying in her comfort zone and getting back out there and dating again. I couldn't help but find her character endearing especially when you find out more about her marriage to Roger. She is strong and I loved how she pulled herself together to start her business and make it such a success. Chris was so sweet, I loved the connection between both Allie and Chris. I guess it helped that they had been lifelong friends although at the same time it was also a little sad that they had lost touch.
The group of friends that Allie has were another charming addition especially Camilla because she has some great one liners. This book really does have a wonderful selection of characters and I can't wait to get to know them all even better in the rest of the series.
There were some fun moments too one part stands out where Allie and Chris are in the pub it had me cringing for Allie but it was so funny. I have to admit I read this story in one go everything just seemed to work so well.
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café has the lovely theme of new beginnings and taking a chance on being happy. When people talk about a hug in a book I have to say that reading this book is exactly this. A delight to read and I was pretty much smiling the whole way through. It's a short story making it perfect to spend a few hours with and completely unwind. I can't wait to visit Heatherlea again and catch up with everyone.
Engaging characters with a gorgeous story!
With thanks to Rachel Griffiths for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Allie was torn between staying in her comfort zone and getting back out there and dating again. I couldn't help but find her character endearing especially when you find out more about her marriage to Roger. She is strong and I loved how she pulled herself together to start her business and make it such a success. Chris was so sweet, I loved the connection between both Allie and Chris. I guess it helped that they had been lifelong friends although at the same time it was also a little sad that they had lost touch.
The group of friends that Allie has were another charming addition especially Camilla because she has some great one liners. This book really does have a wonderful selection of characters and I can't wait to get to know them all even better in the rest of the series.
There were some fun moments too one part stands out where Allie and Chris are in the pub it had me cringing for Allie but it was so funny. I have to admit I read this story in one go everything just seemed to work so well.
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café has the lovely theme of new beginnings and taking a chance on being happy. When people talk about a hug in a book I have to say that reading this book is exactly this. A delight to read and I was pretty much smiling the whole way through. It's a short story making it perfect to spend a few hours with and completely unwind. I can't wait to visit Heatherlea again and catch up with everyone.
Engaging characters with a gorgeous story!
With thanks to Rachel Griffiths for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 28, 2023
It’s never to late to find love, a second chance romance is perfect. Brimming over with sweet treats, this book made me hungry.
August 12, 2017
Summer at the Cosy Cottage Cafe is a relatively short book so it is absolutely perfect as a ‘read in one sitting’ book!
Allie has her own ‘cosy cafe’ in the picturesque village of Heatherlea; she has been a widow for 6 years since her husband died. She lives on the premises of the cafe alongside her 23-year-old son Jordan, her daughter Mandy is living away from home pursuing her dream.
Summer at the Cosy Cottage Cafe opens with the preparations for the wake of Mrs Monroe, however with the funeral brings back a ghost from Allie’s past – Mrs Monroe’s son Chris.
Chris is a successful author, travelling the world with a pad in London but something is missing. Chris, Allie and Roger, Allie’s late husband, were close friends when they were younger but Allie has not seen Chris since her wedding reception 20 years ago. Allie certainly isn’t expecting the emotions she feels when Chris walks back into Heatherlea.
This is a fabulous opening book in the Cosy Cottage Cafe series (Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe is due out in August). I adored Allie, she is someone the reader can easy relate to, she wears her heart on her sleeve but is understandably wary as she has been hurt in the past. I loved the relationship she had with her son, the bond between mother and son is immediately obvious and I look forward to finding out more about Jordan in future books. Chris steals the show for me, he is a little boy lost in a big world, grieving for his mother and also for the life that he thinks he should have had.
Summer at the Cosy Cottage Cafe is a warm, uplifting and funny read which is perfect for either a summer’s day reading in the garden or curled up inside when the rain comes down (like it did to me!). Certainly a feel-good read and I look forward to visiting Heatherlea again in the autumn!
Allie has her own ‘cosy cafe’ in the picturesque village of Heatherlea; she has been a widow for 6 years since her husband died. She lives on the premises of the cafe alongside her 23-year-old son Jordan, her daughter Mandy is living away from home pursuing her dream.
Summer at the Cosy Cottage Cafe opens with the preparations for the wake of Mrs Monroe, however with the funeral brings back a ghost from Allie’s past – Mrs Monroe’s son Chris.
Chris is a successful author, travelling the world with a pad in London but something is missing. Chris, Allie and Roger, Allie’s late husband, were close friends when they were younger but Allie has not seen Chris since her wedding reception 20 years ago. Allie certainly isn’t expecting the emotions she feels when Chris walks back into Heatherlea.
This is a fabulous opening book in the Cosy Cottage Cafe series (Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe is due out in August). I adored Allie, she is someone the reader can easy relate to, she wears her heart on her sleeve but is understandably wary as she has been hurt in the past. I loved the relationship she had with her son, the bond between mother and son is immediately obvious and I look forward to finding out more about Jordan in future books. Chris steals the show for me, he is a little boy lost in a big world, grieving for his mother and also for the life that he thinks he should have had.
Summer at the Cosy Cottage Cafe is a warm, uplifting and funny read which is perfect for either a summer’s day reading in the garden or curled up inside when the rain comes down (like it did to me!). Certainly a feel-good read and I look forward to visiting Heatherlea again in the autumn!
May 30, 2017
From the minute I seen this really pretty cover I couldn't wait to read it.
Once I started reading this I could not put it down. It doesnt take long to get to know the characters and I instantly loved them and the whole plot of the story.
The cafe itself sounds like a beautiful place, a real wee cosy spot for the locals to go to.
I found this so easy to read and very enjoyable. I had a smile on my face the from start to finish.
I am absolutely delighted that there is three more books in the series to come and I cant wait to read them.
The easiest 5 stars ive given this year!
Once I started reading this I could not put it down. It doesnt take long to get to know the characters and I instantly loved them and the whole plot of the story.
The cafe itself sounds like a beautiful place, a real wee cosy spot for the locals to go to.
I found this so easy to read and very enjoyable. I had a smile on my face the from start to finish.
I am absolutely delighted that there is three more books in the series to come and I cant wait to read them.
The easiest 5 stars ive given this year!
May 31, 2017
Sweet little romance story, in an incredibly cosy setting, that although short packs in a fair bit of story.
The Cosy Cottage Cafe really is just that, its a cafe, that is in a cottage, and it is cosy. It's small and sweet, and seems as though it does great business in the small village of Heatherlea. I loved the descriptions of the cottage cafe, and could really imagine it.
I really enjoyed the writing in this book, and can imagine that over the course of the series, I will get a better feel for Allie and her three friends. I liked the interactions between Chris and Allie, and also enjoyed the small bit of story that Allie's son Jordan had.
It really is just a cute little story that won't take long to read, and that already makes me interested in the rest of the series.
September 9, 2017
I devoured every book that has a village, cosy cottage on the cover with a feel good vibe a sprinkling of second changes and Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe is no exception. The warmth is just oozing out of the pages and enveloping me in a great big hug.
This book makes a perfect reading escape on any day (more so when it's drizzly outside). When I dive into the story, I got instantly transported into a picturesque village of Heatherlea where I got to know the leading character Allie who opened The Cosy Cottage cafe after her husband died. Allie slowly rebuilds her life, gain new confidence and new friends. Allie is happy, but there is a feeling of something missing from her life until a successful author (and a friend from the past) makes an appearance on the scene.
I loved the swift flowing plotline with engaging characters and sparks of something new and The Cosy Cottage definitely ticked all the boxes of a great summery read. I can't wait to stuck my nose into the second instalment of The Cosy Cottage Cafe
This book makes a perfect reading escape on any day (more so when it's drizzly outside). When I dive into the story, I got instantly transported into a picturesque village of Heatherlea where I got to know the leading character Allie who opened The Cosy Cottage cafe after her husband died. Allie slowly rebuilds her life, gain new confidence and new friends. Allie is happy, but there is a feeling of something missing from her life until a successful author (and a friend from the past) makes an appearance on the scene.
I loved the swift flowing plotline with engaging characters and sparks of something new and The Cosy Cottage definitely ticked all the boxes of a great summery read. I can't wait to stuck my nose into the second instalment of The Cosy Cottage Cafe
May 28, 2017
A very warm and witty novel, and although the first of four in series it is also a complete read all by itself.
Much as I enjoy thrillers and mysteries, I do like to intersperse them with lighter reads, and this rom-com is a fabulous book. I was reading it in bed last evening literally shaking with laughter and trying so hard not to wake my other half by laughing out loud.
In a small village setting, this is an engaging story with believable characters of varying personalities. As it ends, there are no strong indications of where it goes next - meaning I can hardly wait for the second book!
I believe this is Rachel Griffiths' debut novel .. in which case she has come in right at the top of the genre, and has easily earned five stars. I suspect this is an author we will be reading for some years to come.
I received an arc via the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Much as I enjoy thrillers and mysteries, I do like to intersperse them with lighter reads, and this rom-com is a fabulous book. I was reading it in bed last evening literally shaking with laughter and trying so hard not to wake my other half by laughing out loud.
In a small village setting, this is an engaging story with believable characters of varying personalities. As it ends, there are no strong indications of where it goes next - meaning I can hardly wait for the second book!
I believe this is Rachel Griffiths' debut novel .. in which case she has come in right at the top of the genre, and has easily earned five stars. I suspect this is an author we will be reading for some years to come.
I received an arc via the author in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
February 9, 2018
I was looking for something light for my holidays. Well, I got it. It's so light, it's thin air. I picked it up because it has so many amazing reviews. I do like chicklit but this one really wasn't for me.
I'm sorry but there was nothing interesting or special about this book. The characters and the plot were flat, I knew what are they going to say and what's going to happen.
But because I never abandon books I went through with it. Thankfully it's short. But I hope this didn't came out in print, because it would seriously be a waste of paper.
I'm sorry but there was nothing interesting or special about this book. The characters and the plot were flat, I knew what are they going to say and what's going to happen.
But because I never abandon books I went through with it. Thankfully it's short. But I hope this didn't came out in print, because it would seriously be a waste of paper.
July 17, 2024
This is a nice easy read. I listened to the audiobook, which gave it that cosy feel. It’s fast paced, as it’s only a novella. This the first book in a series of four, each book is set in a different season and follows different characters. The character's are lovable, but I wish it was that bit longer, so that we could have a deeper look into them.
August 28, 2025
It was cute and fun. I do feel like it was a bit short and therefore it lacked a bit of depth in the characters and the development between them. Also there could’ve been a bit more sparks/tension between the main characters. I wasn’t entirely feeling the love.
Will continue reading the rest of the series during the seasons in which they take place; curious to see how the story will continue.
Will continue reading the rest of the series during the seasons in which they take place; curious to see how the story will continue.
June 14, 2019
Interesting to listen to. Cute story. British accents
April 16, 2025
Second chance romance, crossed with mid-life crisis trauma. I really empathised with Allie never feeling good enough for her first husband, and his constant search for perfection, and there were some good female friendships. I also enjoyed the awkwardness of “is he interested or just friendly” vibes, which is SUCH a thing!
Aside from that, just a very chill holiday read, nothing to really love or hate.
Aside from that, just a very chill holiday read, nothing to really love or hate.
Read
January 28, 2021I've really enjoyed this series and spending time at the Cosy Cottage Cafe
September 24, 2018
Love, cakes and second chances... what else?
August 18, 2025
There's not much to this story. The main character is a widow and cafe owner and rekindles her friendship (and maybe more?) with her childhood friend when he comes back to town. It was cute, but needed more plot to make it memorable.
January 4, 2018
A pleasant cosy romance novel with a feel good factor - nothing amazing or unusual but nothing smutty or offensive either.
October 18, 2025
The Cosy Cottage Café van Rachel Griffiths is een heerlijk feelgoodboek dat je meteen dat warme, nazomergevoel geeft. Allie en Chris hebben een lange geschiedenis: oude vrienden die elkaar uit het oog verloren toen het leven anders liep. Hun onverwachte ontmoeting tijdens een wake voelt zowel spannend als vertrouwd, en je merkt meteen dat oude gevoelens soms niet zo makkelijk verdwijnen.
Wat ik echt geweldig vond, is hoe de auteur de kleine, alledaagse momenten laat spreken. Van het drukke café tot de zachte interacties tussen de karakters, alles voelt warm, herkenbaar en authentiek. Het verhaal gaat niet alleen over romantiek, maar ook over vriendschap, gemiste kansen en de keuzes die het leven maakt. Je voelt de chemie tussen Allie en Chris zonder dat het overdreven wordt, en het hele boek ademt een charmante, rustige sfeer die perfect past bij een kleine dorpssetting.
De schrijfstijl van Rachel Griffiths is vlot, prettig en heel beeldend: je ziet het dorp en het Cosy Cottage Café zo voor je, en je voelt je echt betrokken bij de personages. Dit eerste deel van de serie laat je verlangen naar meer verhalen uit dit dorpje, en ik kan niet wachten om te zien wat er nog meer gaat gebeuren. Een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van feelgood, warme verhalen en een vleugje romantiek.
Wat ik echt geweldig vond, is hoe de auteur de kleine, alledaagse momenten laat spreken. Van het drukke café tot de zachte interacties tussen de karakters, alles voelt warm, herkenbaar en authentiek. Het verhaal gaat niet alleen over romantiek, maar ook over vriendschap, gemiste kansen en de keuzes die het leven maakt. Je voelt de chemie tussen Allie en Chris zonder dat het overdreven wordt, en het hele boek ademt een charmante, rustige sfeer die perfect past bij een kleine dorpssetting.
De schrijfstijl van Rachel Griffiths is vlot, prettig en heel beeldend: je ziet het dorp en het Cosy Cottage Café zo voor je, en je voelt je echt betrokken bij de personages. Dit eerste deel van de serie laat je verlangen naar meer verhalen uit dit dorpje, en ik kan niet wachten om te zien wat er nog meer gaat gebeuren. Een absolute aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van feelgood, warme verhalen en een vleugje romantiek.
June 24, 2017
As soon as I spotted this cover on Twitter, I just knew that I had to read it and that I was going to enjoy it. The title of this book is lovely and the cover really draws you in. I found this book so lovely and easy to read that I literally flew through it in a day. It wasn't long enough!
The story follows Allie as she works at her cafe with her son Jordan after the death of her husband, Roger six years ago. When a funeral wake takes place at her cafe, she finds herself running into old friend Chris and things spark between them.
Without giving too much away, this book is all about rekindling friendships and perhaps realising that life is too short to not give in to what your heart desires. I found this book really charming, and the storyline and all the characters worked really well together - it was written beautifully and was so easy and lovely to read.
I've just seen the cover for the second book in the Cosy Cottage Cafe series (Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe) and I cannot wait to read it! The cover is even cosier than the Summer one and it makes you want to curl up with it next to a warm fire! Brilliant novel from Rachel Griffiths, can't wait to read the next.
The story follows Allie as she works at her cafe with her son Jordan after the death of her husband, Roger six years ago. When a funeral wake takes place at her cafe, she finds herself running into old friend Chris and things spark between them.
Without giving too much away, this book is all about rekindling friendships and perhaps realising that life is too short to not give in to what your heart desires. I found this book really charming, and the storyline and all the characters worked really well together - it was written beautifully and was so easy and lovely to read.
I've just seen the cover for the second book in the Cosy Cottage Cafe series (Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe) and I cannot wait to read it! The cover is even cosier than the Summer one and it makes you want to curl up with it next to a warm fire! Brilliant novel from Rachel Griffiths, can't wait to read the next.
August 18, 2017
This was such a treat of a read. I loved, loved the sound of this haven that the main character Allie Jones had created with The Cosy Cottage Café. Six years ago Allie's life had turned upside down with the tragic death of her husband Roger. Wanting to start afresh for her two children and herself Allie bought the rundown cottage turning the bottom half into a café. A lifelong dream of hers since secondary school bringing so much joy and comfort not only to herself but also to the community.
The café was doing fine and Allie was happy with the life she had formed for her two now grown-up children, her two cats and herself. However, when a close friend from the past turns up she realises how much she has missed the bond she once shared with Chris.
Chris Monroe left the village just after his two close friends Roger and Allie married. Wanting to pursue a career in writing he sought the buzz of the city. Now a successful author with benefits of a great lifestyle it takes the sad death of his mother to bring him back to the village. He then realises what and who was missing from his life, Allie Jones.
The rekindling of friendship between Allie and Chris evokes many memories between them and emotions soon stir between them. Can love make way into each of their lives?
A gorgeous start to a new book series that I am already eagerly awaiting for the next instalment. A beautiful, cosy, heart warming romance.
The café was doing fine and Allie was happy with the life she had formed for her two now grown-up children, her two cats and herself. However, when a close friend from the past turns up she realises how much she has missed the bond she once shared with Chris.
Chris Monroe left the village just after his two close friends Roger and Allie married. Wanting to pursue a career in writing he sought the buzz of the city. Now a successful author with benefits of a great lifestyle it takes the sad death of his mother to bring him back to the village. He then realises what and who was missing from his life, Allie Jones.
The rekindling of friendship between Allie and Chris evokes many memories between them and emotions soon stir between them. Can love make way into each of their lives?
A gorgeous start to a new book series that I am already eagerly awaiting for the next instalment. A beautiful, cosy, heart warming romance.
January 21, 2018
This isn’t usually the type of book that I go for, but this morning I woke up feeling poorly and needed something that I could happily sit and read easily from start to finish whilst in bed feeling sorry for myself. This didn’t disappoint. There seems to have been an influx in recent years of this genre: enter 40 something single woman, add in a rural country setting, most likely a bakery or cafe and then introduce a handsome man that will complete the picture. Yeah, I kinda want to be sick, too.
There were no surprises, good or bad, and I knew exactly what I was getting from the blurb. The love interest was introduced in the first couple of pages, he was easily recognisable, pretty unbelievable, and it was the classic easy, obvious love story. Having said that, it was written well and the cute, cosy setting of the cafe was a nice place to be for a few hours. I don’t think I’m in a rush to read the next one and I will have probably have forgotten about this in a few weeks, but it was a nice way to spend a few hours whilst it was raining outside and I had nowhere to be.
There were no surprises, good or bad, and I knew exactly what I was getting from the blurb. The love interest was introduced in the first couple of pages, he was easily recognisable, pretty unbelievable, and it was the classic easy, obvious love story. Having said that, it was written well and the cute, cosy setting of the cafe was a nice place to be for a few hours. I don’t think I’m in a rush to read the next one and I will have probably have forgotten about this in a few weeks, but it was a nice way to spend a few hours whilst it was raining outside and I had nowhere to be.
August 14, 2024
Book 25 of 2024 - Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths
This is the first book in a series of 4.
I chose it straight after quite a dark, gruesome book and it was just the tonic. It features Allie Jones, a young widow, who lives in a lovely, picturesque village and runs a lovely café. We hear all about the village and she finds love after a tiny hiccup.
Allie meets an author Chris who previously lived in the village and they could have been, might have been a thing if life did not take them in different ways but hey ho it did. Chris Monroe seems to have it all a sexy London flat, jetting around the world and a successful book publishing deal but with the death of his beloved mother – he reflects on his life and consider what is the meaning of true happiness.
It is just nice and warm and cosy and everything has a happy ending which sometimes, you just need. I will probably return to the next one in the series which is Autumn at The Cosy Cottage – when it is autumn here.
This is the first book in a series of 4.
I chose it straight after quite a dark, gruesome book and it was just the tonic. It features Allie Jones, a young widow, who lives in a lovely, picturesque village and runs a lovely café. We hear all about the village and she finds love after a tiny hiccup.
Allie meets an author Chris who previously lived in the village and they could have been, might have been a thing if life did not take them in different ways but hey ho it did. Chris Monroe seems to have it all a sexy London flat, jetting around the world and a successful book publishing deal but with the death of his beloved mother – he reflects on his life and consider what is the meaning of true happiness.
It is just nice and warm and cosy and everything has a happy ending which sometimes, you just need. I will probably return to the next one in the series which is Autumn at The Cosy Cottage – when it is autumn here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2017
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café is the first short story in this four part series, where the quaint Cosy Cottage Café invites us in. The idyllic café sounds like the perfect place to curl up with a hot beverage and a good book, and I know that if there was such a place in my town I would be there as often as I could!
Allie Jones is as sweet and inviting as her Cosy Cottage Café, a woman who has experienced heartache first hand, but turned her life into something stronger & more rewarding. Her relationship with her son Jordan made me smile, a fierce love and devotion to her kids that reminds me of my mum and our strong relationship. Allie puts her children first, and now that they are grown-up it's time to focus on her own life and happiness a little more too!
Handsome Chris Monroe certainly knows how to make an entrance, and the George Clooney look-a-like definitely causes a stir, bringing old feelings back for Allie. The sweet, charming Chris made me smile the entire time I was reading, and made my heart melt a little too.
This enchanting short story is the perfect treat to sit down and read with a nice cup of tea, which is exactly what I did!
*****stars from me!
Allie Jones is as sweet and inviting as her Cosy Cottage Café, a woman who has experienced heartache first hand, but turned her life into something stronger & more rewarding. Her relationship with her son Jordan made me smile, a fierce love and devotion to her kids that reminds me of my mum and our strong relationship. Allie puts her children first, and now that they are grown-up it's time to focus on her own life and happiness a little more too!
Handsome Chris Monroe certainly knows how to make an entrance, and the George Clooney look-a-like definitely causes a stir, bringing old feelings back for Allie. The sweet, charming Chris made me smile the entire time I was reading, and made my heart melt a little too.
This enchanting short story is the perfect treat to sit down and read with a nice cup of tea, which is exactly what I did!
*****stars from me!
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