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South Side Stories #1
The Enchanted Garden Cafe
For her sixth birthday, Fiona Campbell’s mother, Claire, made her a peace sign piñata filled with wishes for a better planet instead of candy. When she got her period, her mother held a womanhood ceremony at their café and invited the neighborhood. On her sixteenth birthday, they celebrated with a drum circle.
Fiona grew up trying to keep the impulsive Claire in check, and their struggling café afloat. She plans to move out, but first must find a way to stop a big corporation from tearing down their business and destroying her mother’s livelihood.
Claire thinks karma will solve their financial and legal problems. Fiona prefers a spreadsheet and a solid business plan. The last thing she has time for is Matthew Monroe, a handsome complication who walks through their door with a guitar on his back and a naughty gleam in his eye. But when disaster strikes, and Fiona’s forced to turn to him for help, will she learn to open her heart and find she can believe in something magical after all?
Fiona grew up trying to keep the impulsive Claire in check, and their struggling café afloat. She plans to move out, but first must find a way to stop a big corporation from tearing down their business and destroying her mother’s livelihood.
Claire thinks karma will solve their financial and legal problems. Fiona prefers a spreadsheet and a solid business plan. The last thing she has time for is Matthew Monroe, a handsome complication who walks through their door with a guitar on his back and a naughty gleam in his eye. But when disaster strikes, and Fiona’s forced to turn to him for help, will she learn to open her heart and find she can believe in something magical after all?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
1554 people are currently reading
2826 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Drake
42 books418 followersAbigail Drake is the award-winning author of twenty-one novels, but she didn’t start her career in writing. She majored in Japanese and economics in college, and spent years traveling the world, collecting stories wherever she visited. She collected a husband from Istanbul on her travels, too, and he is her favorite souvenir.
Abigail is a coffee addict, a puppy wrangler, and the mother of three adult sons. She writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and young adult fiction, and has taught workshops for many different writing organizations. In her spare time, she blogs about her dog, Capone, and teaches writing classes for children at her local library.
In 2019, Abigail was awarded an honorable mention for her book "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone" in the Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Awards. She is the winner of the 2017 Prism Award for her book "Traveller", the International Digital Award for her young adult novel, "Tiger Lily", and the Stiletto Contest for "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone." In addition, she was named a finalist in the Golden Pen, the Golden Leaf, the Dante Rossetti Book Award, and the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction.
Abigail is represented by Lauren Bieker of FinePrint Literary Management. For more information, visit her website at www.abigaildrake.net.
Abigail is a coffee addict, a puppy wrangler, and the mother of three adult sons. She writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and young adult fiction, and has taught workshops for many different writing organizations. In her spare time, she blogs about her dog, Capone, and teaches writing classes for children at her local library.
In 2019, Abigail was awarded an honorable mention for her book "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone" in the Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Awards. She is the winner of the 2017 Prism Award for her book "Traveller", the International Digital Award for her young adult novel, "Tiger Lily", and the Stiletto Contest for "Love, Chocolate, and a Dog Named Al Capone." In addition, she was named a finalist in the Golden Pen, the Golden Leaf, the Dante Rossetti Book Award, and the Cygnus Award for Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction.
Abigail is represented by Lauren Bieker of FinePrint Literary Management. For more information, visit her website at www.abigaildrake.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
April 16, 2018
Enjoyable read!
The Enchanted Garden Cafe is a mystery, a romance, a book about karma, taking chances, and never giving up. Great characters, plot, and environment.
The Enchanted Garden Cafe is a mystery, a romance, a book about karma, taking chances, and never giving up. Great characters, plot, and environment.
April 9, 2018
This book NEEDS to be a Hallmark movie! I am in love with the South Side and the eccentric characters that live there. Auntie Mags, Sally and Ralph, Moses, Kate, Claire, Fiona and the jaw dropping Matthew make me wish I could crawl into the pages, go to their stores, join in their close knit group and enjoy the crazy ride.
In my opinion, the love that Ms. Drake poured into each and every page shines brightly while giving the reader warm and fuzzy feelings. She also throws in a dash of mystery, a pinch of magic and heaping spoon of much appreciated humor. The author's writing flows beautifully. Each new page has something eloquent and poetic. I want to share one of my favorite quotes that really touched me. “In the end, we only regret the chances we couldn’t take, the decisions we took too long to make, and all the wonderful things we did not bake.”
I highly recommend this fun-loving novel. I know it will stick with me for a long time and as soon as the second book is released, I will be devouring it.
In my opinion, the love that Ms. Drake poured into each and every page shines brightly while giving the reader warm and fuzzy feelings. She also throws in a dash of mystery, a pinch of magic and heaping spoon of much appreciated humor. The author's writing flows beautifully. Each new page has something eloquent and poetic. I want to share one of my favorite quotes that really touched me. “In the end, we only regret the chances we couldn’t take, the decisions we took too long to make, and all the wonderful things we did not bake.”
I highly recommend this fun-loving novel. I know it will stick with me for a long time and as soon as the second book is released, I will be devouring it.
June 8, 2019
3+ stars
I was ready for a change of pace after some serious reading. This hit the spot. Although predictable as far as the romance in the novel, the cast of quirky and colorful characters made the read worthwhile for me. I didn't devour it, or anxiously await the next opportunity to read more, but I found escapism plentiful and enjoyable when I did pick it up.
The Enchanted Garden Cafe casts Fiona Campbell as the chief baker and accountant. Her eccentric mom Claire is the owner, and they seem as different as night and day. Fiona being the more down to earth, and Claire portrayed as flighty and from the hippie era, believing in karma, chakras, fates, shamans and her magic "teas" secretly made from the water of the old fountain in their garden. The fountain itself seems a character in this whimsical novel. There is a toe-dip of magic to the novel, just a touch of fantasy, a good dose of humor, and a lot of warmth. The cafe hosts an "acoustic" night with a guitar player, reiki and yoga classes and even some wicca meetings, bringing a lot of interesting topics and players into the conglomeration.
I enjoyed the quotes on Fiona's aprons and those from Aunt Francesca, the original owner of the property at the beginning of each chapter.
"If the cake crumbles, cover it in custard and call it trifle."
"In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips"
"In the end we only regret the chances we couldn't take, the decisions we took too long to make, and all the wonderful things we did not bake."
Anything that includes baking always entices me, and there is a lot of it going on here, all sounding deliciously yummy. Fiona takes out her frustrations by baking, and some recipes are included at the end.
Somewhat of a cozy mystery as well, with satisfying conclusions and a couple of pleasant surprises at the end. For those that need to know there is some explicit sexual content, but not overly graphic. Although I think this could have been trimmed down by a few chapters, I would recommend this to anyone who needs a light-hearted read with a "feel good" aspect to it, especially for lovers of romance and happy endings.
I was ready for a change of pace after some serious reading. This hit the spot. Although predictable as far as the romance in the novel, the cast of quirky and colorful characters made the read worthwhile for me. I didn't devour it, or anxiously await the next opportunity to read more, but I found escapism plentiful and enjoyable when I did pick it up.
The Enchanted Garden Cafe casts Fiona Campbell as the chief baker and accountant. Her eccentric mom Claire is the owner, and they seem as different as night and day. Fiona being the more down to earth, and Claire portrayed as flighty and from the hippie era, believing in karma, chakras, fates, shamans and her magic "teas" secretly made from the water of the old fountain in their garden. The fountain itself seems a character in this whimsical novel. There is a toe-dip of magic to the novel, just a touch of fantasy, a good dose of humor, and a lot of warmth. The cafe hosts an "acoustic" night with a guitar player, reiki and yoga classes and even some wicca meetings, bringing a lot of interesting topics and players into the conglomeration.
I enjoyed the quotes on Fiona's aprons and those from Aunt Francesca, the original owner of the property at the beginning of each chapter.
"If the cake crumbles, cover it in custard and call it trifle."
"In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips"
"In the end we only regret the chances we couldn't take, the decisions we took too long to make, and all the wonderful things we did not bake."
Anything that includes baking always entices me, and there is a lot of it going on here, all sounding deliciously yummy. Fiona takes out her frustrations by baking, and some recipes are included at the end.
Somewhat of a cozy mystery as well, with satisfying conclusions and a couple of pleasant surprises at the end. For those that need to know there is some explicit sexual content, but not overly graphic. Although I think this could have been trimmed down by a few chapters, I would recommend this to anyone who needs a light-hearted read with a "feel good" aspect to it, especially for lovers of romance and happy endings.
January 20, 2025
such a sweet, romantic, mysterious read. If you’re into Hallmark movies, then give this book a chance. It gave me all the warm, fuzzies and I enjoyed every bit of it ☺️
November 8, 2020
Ok, maybe this genre just isn’t for me because it’s all 4 and 5 star reviews, and I’m at about a 2.5. The good things about the book: I loved the setting. The shop was really fun, and there was an eclectic range of visitors. I also loved Claire (in general, and as a mom). I mainly didn’t like Fiona. she seemed really unbelievable to me. At 25, she is SUPER naive, and I couldn’t count the number of times she “burst into tears” or “started weeping.” Grow up and figure your shit out.
Read
January 17, 2023You can fight City Hall! Fun mystery full of local color and interesting characters.
May 31, 2018
This is the first Abigail Drake book I have read but it won't be the last. The Enchanted Garden Cafe enchanted me from page one and did not disappoint. The twist at the end was surprising. I love the characters in the book including the magic fountain, which was a character in itself. I look forward to reading more about the South Side, and the people who make up this wonderful neighborhood.
July 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this story.
May 17, 2024
Loved this!!
May 15, 2024
This was such a fun read! A (somewhat romantic) cozy mystery involving a tea shoppe, lots of baking, and a David vs. Goliath conflict over an expropriation in a beloved neighborhood. All of it right up my alley.
There were lots of eclectic characters, a diverse but connected community, a common purpose and plenty of true friendships supporting each other through all kinds of challenges.
Oh yes… and a few romantic moments… some fleeting and some lasting.
Each chapter opened with a twist on a witty saying, most referencing baking somehow, which provided foreshadowing of what was to come in the chapter.
Each character and each event at the cafe was a thread woven into the plot and added another layer to either the mystery or the challenges. Descriptions were very vivid which allowed you to visualize every page. It really was great fun!
Will read more from this author… particularly when a light cozy mystery is called for!
There were lots of eclectic characters, a diverse but connected community, a common purpose and plenty of true friendships supporting each other through all kinds of challenges.
Oh yes… and a few romantic moments… some fleeting and some lasting.
Each chapter opened with a twist on a witty saying, most referencing baking somehow, which provided foreshadowing of what was to come in the chapter.
Each character and each event at the cafe was a thread woven into the plot and added another layer to either the mystery or the challenges. Descriptions were very vivid which allowed you to visualize every page. It really was great fun!
Will read more from this author… particularly when a light cozy mystery is called for!
February 16, 2024
I had some sort of weird mental dissonance when this book veered off the "cosy mystery" track, straight down into the romance ditch of "looooads of sex" in a way that I just wasn't prepared for. 😂
I mean, I like smut and even seek it out - but I did not expect it in this type of "cosy" book and therefore I felt like it was a bit: "WTF!?"
Especially since the two love-birds went from barely even knowing each other directly to having sex everywhere - even leaving a used condom and stray panties behind for the MC's mother to find - in a way that I found more tasteless and less romantic. *criiiinge* 😂
The mystery wasn't all that difficult to figure out, but the main character's blind belief in her own ability to figure things out was annoying as heck. (Because she was mostly completely WRONG.)
Will I return to this series though? Yeah, I think I will give the second book a chance, now that I know the author doesn't shy away from a lot of sex. It was a bit jarring when I was prepared for something completely else, but now that I know: No worries!
I mean, I like smut and even seek it out - but I did not expect it in this type of "cosy" book and therefore I felt like it was a bit: "WTF!?"
Especially since the two love-birds went from barely even knowing each other directly to having sex everywhere - even leaving a used condom and stray panties behind for the MC's mother to find - in a way that I found more tasteless and less romantic. *criiiinge* 😂
The mystery wasn't all that difficult to figure out, but the main character's blind belief in her own ability to figure things out was annoying as heck. (Because she was mostly completely WRONG.)
Will I return to this series though? Yeah, I think I will give the second book a chance, now that I know the author doesn't shy away from a lot of sex. It was a bit jarring when I was prepared for something completely else, but now that I know: No worries!
October 5, 2023
A love story wrapped in mystery
I couldn't put this book down. First, the author represented the neighborhood beautifully, speaking as someone who is quite familiar with the South Side.
Second, I was intrigued by the characters. They are an ecclectic bunch of people I would love to know in real life.
Finally, the shroud of mystery was woven in such a way that I couldn't stop thinking about it. And it was all so unexpected,the twists and turns made this a heartwarming story that I didn't want to end,
I couldn't put this book down. First, the author represented the neighborhood beautifully, speaking as someone who is quite familiar with the South Side.
Second, I was intrigued by the characters. They are an ecclectic bunch of people I would love to know in real life.
Finally, the shroud of mystery was woven in such a way that I couldn't stop thinking about it. And it was all so unexpected,the twists and turns made this a heartwarming story that I didn't want to end,
December 20, 2022
This was quirky and so much fun! I loved it!!
September 26, 2022
I really liked this novel. I had read another book in the series first so now I'm thinking of rereading it to see where this novel fits in.
Fiona works in her mother's cafe. She is all but engaged to Scott when all sorts of bad things start happening on her street. A man is attacked and hospitalized and Fiona tries to find out what happened and why. Also, her mother's cafe may have to close due to the redevelopment of the area.
And then she meets a handsome guitar player.....
This was fun and I found myself reading this at odd times just so I could find out what would happen next. Very enjoyable novel.
Fiona works in her mother's cafe. She is all but engaged to Scott when all sorts of bad things start happening on her street. A man is attacked and hospitalized and Fiona tries to find out what happened and why. Also, her mother's cafe may have to close due to the redevelopment of the area.
And then she meets a handsome guitar player.....
This was fun and I found myself reading this at odd times just so I could find out what would happen next. Very enjoyable novel.
September 7, 2022
I was in the mood for a light fun book. This one fit the bill. What a fun little community. I loved all the quirky characters and wish i lived in such a great community. My only issue with the book was that i found it a tad bit predictable and i got frustrated my the fact the characters should have figured things out a bit faster.
November 12, 2023
this was tragic
November 26, 2024
Brb, about to sell everything and open a quaint cafe on the south side.
October 28, 2021
Love story with a little enchantment and mystery who-dun-it thrown in.
June 7, 2024
Cute cozy mystery. Eccentric characters, a sense of community.
August 27, 2024
The Enchanted Garden Cafe is a fun and engaging romance read, following the journey to self-discovery of Fiona Campbell as she juggles romantic attachments and strives to save her mother's beloved café and esoterica business from unscrupulous developers.
September 20, 2024
If you’re in your fantasy-witchy-romance-with a hint of hallmark movie vibes era, this is your next read!
July 10, 2022
I freaking loved it. Bought the other two before finishing this one! I wish the people of South Side were real.
March 6, 2025
A light-hearted whimsical small town romance with touches of mystery, magic, baking, and community.
October 22, 2021
I read the first book, The enchanted garden café and it was amazing, I started reading the hocus pocus magic shop and again wasn’t disappointed.
The fact that the characters from the first book interact in the second book was so refreshing to see as you sometimes read a second in a series and the characters do not relate at all.
I found the book to be refreshing, funny but it always left you wondering about something.
The writer is amazing and I can’t wait to start the third book.
The fact that the characters from the first book interact in the second book was so refreshing to see as you sometimes read a second in a series and the characters do not relate at all.
I found the book to be refreshing, funny but it always left you wondering about something.
The writer is amazing and I can’t wait to start the third book.
December 11, 2022
Audiobook, 4.25 Stars!
August 3, 2025
2.5/5 stars. I'll be honest this book started out as a 5/5 book. It was super cute and it seemed like there was going to be some fun magic. Unfortunately it went downhill pretty quickly.
The first thing that really put me off was that the slur for Romani people was used multiple times in a derogatory way. I know that culturally this term hasn't been seen as a slur for very long so maybe the author didn't know but it still was a really sour note for me and I think spoilt the rest of the book for me.
I also didn't like Fiona's back and forth between Scott and Mathew. She kept saying Scott wasn't good for her but then still kept him in her life. I'm not a huge love triangle person so thats also probably part of it.
Also I don't know why she never thought Scott could be involved with the lawyers trying to buy the block?? Like he clearly he was the mole and she had maybe one thought like "oh I don't want to think he did that" and then never again thought about it even when Scott showed her he was a mean person and pushing them to sell the place way too much?? It just felt so obvious (I was literally saying out-loud "it's Scott!!") and especially since she was mad at him and saw that his very close friend and business partner was clearly involved...
I also expected way more magic. I was expecting at least some subtle magic to force its way into Fiona's life and give her insight or something but all we really got was the fountain...
It was honestly a struggle to finish this book which is so disappointing since it was such a fun book to start with. I think it could have been like 1/3 of the length and it would have been better tbh.
The first thing that really put me off was that the slur for Romani people was used multiple times in a derogatory way. I know that culturally this term hasn't been seen as a slur for very long so maybe the author didn't know but it still was a really sour note for me and I think spoilt the rest of the book for me.
I also didn't like Fiona's back and forth between Scott and Mathew. She kept saying Scott wasn't good for her but then still kept him in her life. I'm not a huge love triangle person so thats also probably part of it.
Also I don't know why she never thought Scott could be involved with the lawyers trying to buy the block?? Like he clearly he was the mole and she had maybe one thought like "oh I don't want to think he did that" and then never again thought about it even when Scott showed her he was a mean person and pushing them to sell the place way too much?? It just felt so obvious (I was literally saying out-loud "it's Scott!!") and especially since she was mad at him and saw that his very close friend and business partner was clearly involved...
I also expected way more magic. I was expecting at least some subtle magic to force its way into Fiona's life and give her insight or something but all we really got was the fountain...
It was honestly a struggle to finish this book which is so disappointing since it was such a fun book to start with. I think it could have been like 1/3 of the length and it would have been better tbh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2018
The Enchanted Garden Cafe is a beautiful easy to read story that introduces you to some amazing and intriguing characters. This 5 star read took me to a place where magic is everywhere and left me wanting to visit in person. As with all the books I've read so far but this talented author, the words and descriptions used allow you to visual the sights and sounds as the characters experience them. You become so involved in the story that you forget about what's happening around you until something pulls you back to reality and you have to remind yourself of where you are.
This book is just what I needed. It allowed me to relax and simply enjoy the pleasure of reading. I'm excited for more of this series and can't wait for book 2. Hopefully, we'll get to catch up with everyone and see what magic they weave together next.
This book is just what I needed. It allowed me to relax and simply enjoy the pleasure of reading. I'm excited for more of this series and can't wait for book 2. Hopefully, we'll get to catch up with everyone and see what magic they weave together next.
November 20, 2023
3.5
A Hallmark summer movie where the plot is extremely predictable which wouldn't be bad if the main character was likeable
Like
- Love the atmosphere, the cafe itself and everyone else except for our main character
- This was a well written and cozy read. The entire setting is absolutely perfect and I want an Enchanted Garden Cafe to be a real thing. From the garden, the delicious sounding baked goods to the events. Everything!
- When the community came together I gor teary eyed and emotional
Dislike
- I didn't like Fiona - our main character - at the start, warmed up to her and then went back to disliking her and ended up feeling "meh"
- I think the story was too predictable that I was getting frustrated that Fiona is so blind to everything happening. She's so negative and unbelieving that she felt sucked up as a character
A Hallmark summer movie where the plot is extremely predictable which wouldn't be bad if the main character was likeable
Like
- Love the atmosphere, the cafe itself and everyone else except for our main character
- This was a well written and cozy read. The entire setting is absolutely perfect and I want an Enchanted Garden Cafe to be a real thing. From the garden, the delicious sounding baked goods to the events. Everything!
- When the community came together I gor teary eyed and emotional
Dislike
- I didn't like Fiona - our main character - at the start, warmed up to her and then went back to disliking her and ended up feeling "meh"
- I think the story was too predictable that I was getting frustrated that Fiona is so blind to everything happening. She's so negative and unbelieving that she felt sucked up as a character
April 28, 2018
Delicious.
As a reader with a mother- daughter relationship eerily similar to Claire and Fiona's, these pages peeked a bit into my own personal time capsule. For that connection alone, I'd recommend this to anyone who set out to craft a life entirely different from their parents only to find that (surprise!) nature and nurture reign supreme. You'll savor all of the "great read" ingredients here: Love, Deceit, Friendship, Conflict........and a real homage to Community as well. Steep a glorious cup of tea and enjoy.
As a reader with a mother- daughter relationship eerily similar to Claire and Fiona's, these pages peeked a bit into my own personal time capsule. For that connection alone, I'd recommend this to anyone who set out to craft a life entirely different from their parents only to find that (surprise!) nature and nurture reign supreme. You'll savor all of the "great read" ingredients here: Love, Deceit, Friendship, Conflict........and a real homage to Community as well. Steep a glorious cup of tea and enjoy.
May 21, 2018
Enchanting Indeed
This is a book I nominated on Kindle Scout. I was intrigued by the magical theme. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even Scotty. He wasn't meant to be liked, and he wasn't, at least not by me. Not my typical genre, but I was well rewarded for my nomination. Magic, love post and love found. Heartbreak and the ecstasy of new love wine through the story. The author paints not one perfect person, which made it all the more enjoyable. Your soul mate won't be perfect, that doesn't mean he or she isn't perfect for you! Read it!
This is a book I nominated on Kindle Scout. I was intrigued by the magical theme. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even Scotty. He wasn't meant to be liked, and he wasn't, at least not by me. Not my typical genre, but I was well rewarded for my nomination. Magic, love post and love found. Heartbreak and the ecstasy of new love wine through the story. The author paints not one perfect person, which made it all the more enjoyable. Your soul mate won't be perfect, that doesn't mean he or she isn't perfect for you! Read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews