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Summer at the Kindness Cafe
Summer at the Kindness Cafe was previously published as a four-part serial titled Random Acts of Kindness. This is the complete story in one package.
Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee... almost!
Meet the three women whose lives are about to change forever:
Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Her sister, Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfil her husband's dying wish... to reunite his family.
This summer these three very different women are inspired by the random acts of kindness written up on the Kindness Board at Brew, and decide to make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves…
Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Eszter, Abbie and Louise are about to find out!
Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee... almost!
Meet the three women whose lives are about to change forever:
Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Her sister, Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfil her husband's dying wish... to reunite his family.
This summer these three very different women are inspired by the random acts of kindness written up on the Kindness Board at Brew, and decide to make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves…
Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Eszter, Abbie and Louise are about to find out!
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2018
114 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Walters
49 books465 followersVictoria Walters is a full-time author living in Surrey. Victoria writes sweet and spicy rom coms including the BookTok viral hits THE LOVE INTEREST, THE PLOT TWIST and THE PARIS CHAPTER. She used to work in publishing and a bookshop, and has been a bookworm since childhood.
Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.
Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.
Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.
Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
September 2, 2021
Was in a rare mood for a feel good story and decided to give this one a try and I'm glad I did. Such an heartwarming and sweet story with very intresting characters to read about. Think I'll need to start to read more feel good!
May 24, 2019
Wow what a simply wonderful book this is, all about being kind to each other and paying the kindness forward.
Originally published in four novellas each part could in theory be read as a standalone, as there are small reminders at the start of each, so if you are reading it as a full book, expect a small bit of repetition from earlier in the book, as it was originally published over a period of time.
What I do find though is that I always loved reading these combined books and find that due to the way each part needs to hook readers itself that the book was extremely addictive and kept throwing out little curve-balls to entice you to keep on reading. And I loved it for it.
Upon meeting our three leading ladies I was hooked into all of their stories instantly. Louise, two years on is still recovering from heartbreak, but there may be a new potential man in her life, if she decides to give love a chance. Then there is Abbie, Louise's sister who is determined to be moving back to London, as she is convinced there will be nothing for her in Littlewood. Although a certain project may be enough to change her mind.
Then there is Ezter and young daughter Zoe, who have come over to England for the summer, to see where her late husband grew up, and to fulfil his dying wish, which is easier said than done.
The three all meet in Brew, the local cafe on Ezter and Abbie's first day in Littlewood and a friendship springs up instantly and all because of the kindness board in the cafe.
This has such a lovely small village feel to it, and the focus shifts around our three main characters so we get to see them up close, and personal.
It's such a charming book and it screams kindness as you, from small things you can do for a person, to slightly larger more obvious things. I would have loved to live in Littlehampton with such a lovely feel good feel to the place.
This may only be the second book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. Any book I can read and devour and be hooked on so quickly is a winner in my book!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Originally published in four novellas each part could in theory be read as a standalone, as there are small reminders at the start of each, so if you are reading it as a full book, expect a small bit of repetition from earlier in the book, as it was originally published over a period of time.
What I do find though is that I always loved reading these combined books and find that due to the way each part needs to hook readers itself that the book was extremely addictive and kept throwing out little curve-balls to entice you to keep on reading. And I loved it for it.
Upon meeting our three leading ladies I was hooked into all of their stories instantly. Louise, two years on is still recovering from heartbreak, but there may be a new potential man in her life, if she decides to give love a chance. Then there is Abbie, Louise's sister who is determined to be moving back to London, as she is convinced there will be nothing for her in Littlewood. Although a certain project may be enough to change her mind.
Then there is Ezter and young daughter Zoe, who have come over to England for the summer, to see where her late husband grew up, and to fulfil his dying wish, which is easier said than done.
The three all meet in Brew, the local cafe on Ezter and Abbie's first day in Littlewood and a friendship springs up instantly and all because of the kindness board in the cafe.
This has such a lovely small village feel to it, and the focus shifts around our three main characters so we get to see them up close, and personal.
It's such a charming book and it screams kindness as you, from small things you can do for a person, to slightly larger more obvious things. I would have loved to live in Littlehampton with such a lovely feel good feel to the place.
This may only be the second book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. Any book I can read and devour and be hooked on so quickly is a winner in my book!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 27, 2019
The story focuses on three women. Abbie and Louise who are sisters and Eszter, a recently widowed mum to one. All three women are quite different and stand out in their own way. As with most stories in this genre, this one is no different with the idyllic little town of Littlewood which had me wanting to hop in the car and move there. Especially to the little cafe shop with the wonderful idea of a kindness board.
The kindness board is like one of those pay it forward things, where one good act will hopefully have that person on the receiving end go do something nice for some one else. I really loved the whole idea and it makes you want to be a better person and try it out for yourself.
This is a story very much about friendships, romance and new beginnings. It definitely has the feel good factor and was drawn in by the authors story telling and didn’t want to put the book down at anytime as I was enjoying it so much.
Summer at the Kindness Café is a delightful and heart warming read. It was so easy to get lost into the characters lives and the going on’s in Littlewood and I felt very much part of it whole. A truly fabulous read and one I loved very much.
My thanks to Anne Cater and Simon & Schuster for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The kindness board is like one of those pay it forward things, where one good act will hopefully have that person on the receiving end go do something nice for some one else. I really loved the whole idea and it makes you want to be a better person and try it out for yourself.
This is a story very much about friendships, romance and new beginnings. It definitely has the feel good factor and was drawn in by the authors story telling and didn’t want to put the book down at anytime as I was enjoying it so much.
Summer at the Kindness Café is a delightful and heart warming read. It was so easy to get lost into the characters lives and the going on’s in Littlewood and I felt very much part of it whole. A truly fabulous read and one I loved very much.
My thanks to Anne Cater and Simon & Schuster for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 26, 2018
Such a lovely read, full of likeable characters and a believable storyline. Random acts of kindness throughout, just goes to show that everyone needs someone somewhere along their journey through life.
August 19, 2019
Loved this book. The characters made me feel I wanted to be part of their lives. I'd love to see a sequel, maybe a Christmas novel?
October 28, 2022
A real 'feel good' and uplifting story. Enjoyable read.
May 22, 2025
A good story with a warm feel good vibe. The theme of kindness running through the story
September 14, 2018
So enjoyable
Really enjoyed this and so glad there was a happy ending. Loved both Abby and Louise, very different characters but both nice people
Really enjoyed this and so glad there was a happy ending. Loved both Abby and Louise, very different characters but both nice people
October 24, 2018
Victoria Walters (2018) SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ
eBook published by Simon & Schuster UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com write “Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee... almost! Meet the three women whose lives are about to change forever: Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Her sister, Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfil her husband's dying wish... to reunite his family. This summer these three very different women are inspired by the random acts of kindness written up on the Kindness Board at Brew, and decide to make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves… Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Eszter, Abbie and Louise are about to find out!”
I DO LOVE A BIT OF CHICK-LIT! And this one is as heartwarming as it claims be - very, in the mostest. Genuinely cosy. Genuinely cwtchy. Set somewhere that reminds me of back home.
#Amazon #Kindle #eBook #VictoriaWalters #SummerAtTheKindnessCafé #SummerAtTheKindnessCafe #VictoriaWaltersSummerAtTheKindnessCafé #VictoriaWaltersSummerAtTheKindnessCafe
eBook published by Simon & Schuster UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com write “Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee... almost! Meet the three women whose lives are about to change forever: Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Her sister, Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfil her husband's dying wish... to reunite his family. This summer these three very different women are inspired by the random acts of kindness written up on the Kindness Board at Brew, and decide to make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves… Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Eszter, Abbie and Louise are about to find out!”
I DO LOVE A BIT OF CHICK-LIT! And this one is as heartwarming as it claims be - very, in the mostest. Genuinely cosy. Genuinely cwtchy. Set somewhere that reminds me of back home.
#Amazon #Kindle #eBook #VictoriaWalters #SummerAtTheKindnessCafé #SummerAtTheKindnessCafe #VictoriaWaltersSummerAtTheKindnessCafé #VictoriaWaltersSummerAtTheKindnessCafe
June 16, 2019
Summer at the Kindness Café was originally published as 4 novella’s over a period of time so there are four distinct sections of the book and as a result there is some repetition to remind readers of key events from the previous book/s.
Victoria Walters debut novel, The Second Love Of My Life was one of my top reads of 2016 therefore I started Summer at the Kindness Café with high expectations…and it did not disappoint!
Abbie has fled London after being made redundant and is needing to stay with her sister temporarily in Littlewood whilst she job hunts and gets back on her feet. Louise is very different to her sister, she loves the sleepy town feel of Littlewood where she ended up after running away from heartbreak.
Abbie arrives in Littlewood before her sister so heads to the local café for a coffee – whilst there she bumps into Eszter and her daughter Zoe and it is in this café that she discovers the kindness project Littlewood has whereby you pass on random acts of kindness – this is an alien concept to Abbie after living in London! As the book blurb states – can a little bit of kindness really change your life?
Summer at the Kindness Café has such well developed characters and a beautiful setting (Littlewood and its stately home sound just wonderful!). I adored the main female characters in the book who are all feisty, independent but all wonderfully supportive of one another. The dynamic between Abbie and Louise is brilliant as they seem to think they are like chalk and cheese but in fact they are more similar than they realise. Ezster was also a strong character who is in a strange country with her young daughter, Zoe, fulfilling her husband’s dying wish for them to visit his home and meet his mother, Anne. Ezster certainly isn’t welcomed with open arms as Anne is carrying a lot of bitterness about her son’s absence from Littlewood but is a lonely woman when she starts to let the walls down and open up to someone. All these women are the type of people you would want in your life, fighting your corner.
Whilst, I felt that this book is predominately about kindness (clue in the title ) and female friendship, there are a couple of fabulous male characters that deserve a mention; Thomas Huntley who is rattling around his stately home trying to make ends meet so he doesn’t lose his family home and Alex, the local vet. Both these chaps are true gentlemen who bring an air of classic romance to the story!
Victoria Walter’s writing is stunning, she draws you in with the wonderful characters and the setting which she brings to life through the descriptions of the community and locations. Littlewood is as important to the narrative as the characters are.
I had high expectations after The Second Love Of My Life and its short story prequel The Summer I Met You and Summer at the Kindness Café did not disappoint! I absolutely adored this book and the infectious theme of kindness that runs through the book – I was rooting for Abbie, Louise and Eszter from the start and 100% fell in love with Littlewood and it’s community.
A wonderful heartwarming read which is the perfect summer read – highly recommended!
Victoria Walters debut novel, The Second Love Of My Life was one of my top reads of 2016 therefore I started Summer at the Kindness Café with high expectations…and it did not disappoint!
Abbie has fled London after being made redundant and is needing to stay with her sister temporarily in Littlewood whilst she job hunts and gets back on her feet. Louise is very different to her sister, she loves the sleepy town feel of Littlewood where she ended up after running away from heartbreak.
Abbie arrives in Littlewood before her sister so heads to the local café for a coffee – whilst there she bumps into Eszter and her daughter Zoe and it is in this café that she discovers the kindness project Littlewood has whereby you pass on random acts of kindness – this is an alien concept to Abbie after living in London! As the book blurb states – can a little bit of kindness really change your life?
Summer at the Kindness Café has such well developed characters and a beautiful setting (Littlewood and its stately home sound just wonderful!). I adored the main female characters in the book who are all feisty, independent but all wonderfully supportive of one another. The dynamic between Abbie and Louise is brilliant as they seem to think they are like chalk and cheese but in fact they are more similar than they realise. Ezster was also a strong character who is in a strange country with her young daughter, Zoe, fulfilling her husband’s dying wish for them to visit his home and meet his mother, Anne. Ezster certainly isn’t welcomed with open arms as Anne is carrying a lot of bitterness about her son’s absence from Littlewood but is a lonely woman when she starts to let the walls down and open up to someone. All these women are the type of people you would want in your life, fighting your corner.
Whilst, I felt that this book is predominately about kindness (clue in the title ) and female friendship, there are a couple of fabulous male characters that deserve a mention; Thomas Huntley who is rattling around his stately home trying to make ends meet so he doesn’t lose his family home and Alex, the local vet. Both these chaps are true gentlemen who bring an air of classic romance to the story!
Victoria Walter’s writing is stunning, she draws you in with the wonderful characters and the setting which she brings to life through the descriptions of the community and locations. Littlewood is as important to the narrative as the characters are.
I had high expectations after The Second Love Of My Life and its short story prequel The Summer I Met You and Summer at the Kindness Café did not disappoint! I absolutely adored this book and the infectious theme of kindness that runs through the book – I was rooting for Abbie, Louise and Eszter from the start and 100% fell in love with Littlewood and it’s community.
A wonderful heartwarming read which is the perfect summer read – highly recommended!
June 17, 2025
A romantic feel good book about kindness and friendships. It was good, but a bit predictable.
June 17, 2022
It was ok. Predictable.
March 9, 2022
A read to loose yourself to. Kindness to others makes for a happy feel.
June 10, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
After reading SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ I can safely say that I am now a HUGE Victoria Walters fan because this story captivated me from the very beginning and I loved every page of this excellent story.
When Abbie loses her job, her boyfriend, and her fast-paced life in London, she is a little lost and decides to stay with her sister, Louise, in the quaint community of Littlewood so she can figure out her future. But when an act of kindness inspires another, Abbie finds herself helping out the local Lord of the Manor save his estate and there is something about him that makes her smile. But she belongs in London, doesn't she?
Louise is excited to spend time with her sister because when she isn't working hard as a nurse to sick children, she is lonely. But after what happened with her ex, Louise knows that relationships aren't for her and only end in sadness. And no matter how kind and handsome the local vet is, it is just not worth risking her heart, right?
Eszter and her lovely little girl have arrived in Littlewood to fulfil the final request her husband asked of them before he passed away - to find his estranged mother and make peace with her. Eszter has no idea what reception she is likely to receive but she will spend the summer here for Nick. And who knows, maybe they will be able to find a new beginning for themselves ...
The setting is stunning and I adored the idea of a community which bases itself around the premise of kindness and spreading joy wherever possible. The café and the manor are wonderfully descriptive and I could picture everything in my mind as I read. But it is the characters that are the crowning glory in this story. They are relatable, loveable, and engaging from the very start and by the end I really didn't want to say goodbye to them - I desperately hope that there will be more from the community of Littlewood.
Grief, heartache, and the fear surrounding new beginnings are all excellently handled and my heart broke for Eszter and Zoe at times but they are such strong and resilient characters that they made me smile a lot too.
SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ by Victoria Walters is like being enveloped in a huge hug when you need it the most and is definitely going on my list for top books this year.
After reading SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ I can safely say that I am now a HUGE Victoria Walters fan because this story captivated me from the very beginning and I loved every page of this excellent story.
When Abbie loses her job, her boyfriend, and her fast-paced life in London, she is a little lost and decides to stay with her sister, Louise, in the quaint community of Littlewood so she can figure out her future. But when an act of kindness inspires another, Abbie finds herself helping out the local Lord of the Manor save his estate and there is something about him that makes her smile. But she belongs in London, doesn't she?
Louise is excited to spend time with her sister because when she isn't working hard as a nurse to sick children, she is lonely. But after what happened with her ex, Louise knows that relationships aren't for her and only end in sadness. And no matter how kind and handsome the local vet is, it is just not worth risking her heart, right?
Eszter and her lovely little girl have arrived in Littlewood to fulfil the final request her husband asked of them before he passed away - to find his estranged mother and make peace with her. Eszter has no idea what reception she is likely to receive but she will spend the summer here for Nick. And who knows, maybe they will be able to find a new beginning for themselves ...
The setting is stunning and I adored the idea of a community which bases itself around the premise of kindness and spreading joy wherever possible. The café and the manor are wonderfully descriptive and I could picture everything in my mind as I read. But it is the characters that are the crowning glory in this story. They are relatable, loveable, and engaging from the very start and by the end I really didn't want to say goodbye to them - I desperately hope that there will be more from the community of Littlewood.
Grief, heartache, and the fear surrounding new beginnings are all excellently handled and my heart broke for Eszter and Zoe at times but they are such strong and resilient characters that they made me smile a lot too.
SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ by Victoria Walters is like being enveloped in a huge hug when you need it the most and is definitely going on my list for top books this year.
June 7, 2019
The Kindness Cafe is a darling story of friendship, bravery and of course kindness. The characters face hardships, bereavements and broken hearts but navigate them all with their heartwarming love for each other. Their acts of kindness leave the reader with the best of warm fuzzy feelings. Highly recommend!
October 7, 2019
I expect people will say: Why are you reading books like this? It's the feel good factor I enjoy. On holiday reading a holiday book. 3 main stories all working out for those involved. Lovely jubbly. Enjoyed it very much.
July 10, 2019
A beautifully wonderful book full of hope, happiness and good vibes! Really lifted my spirits this week
August 14, 2019
This is the first book I have read of Victoria Walters. I loved it. Made me laugh, tears in my eyes and loathe a particular character. I hope there is a follow on to this.
December 2, 2019
What a lovely warm-hearted read. I had trouble putting this book down and my chores certainly piled up because of it. Lovely characters with great stories. I can't wait to read the other now!
June 27, 2022
This was an easy, gentle read but one thing I found very frustrating was that it quite often recapped what had happened only a few pages prior, very odd!
June 1, 2025
a cute book
June 13, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I'm just going to chuck this straight out there - what a breath of fresh air this book is! I have never, ever, rooted for three characters as much as I did Abbie, Louise, and Eszter! I really wanted them all to have their happily ever afters, I was even half tempted to do a Joey Tribianni and step into the book instead of a map!
All three ladies have their own story to tell, each of which are explored as the storyline progresses, and all three women have fled to Littlewood to restart their lives. Thanks to a 'Kindness Board' in local cafe, Brew, their lives take an interesting turn which allows them to revaluate their fears and attempt to make a decision that will change their lives forever.
Putting it like that, I guess it sounds pretty dramatic! It isn't, not really. I mean, Abbie has ventured to Littlewood to see her sister, Louise, after being made redundant (there's more to that story!), Louise arrived few years prior after a relationship breakdown, and Eszter brought her daughter, Zoe, to the little village from Hungary...of all places, to fulfil one last wish. Could they BE any more chalk and cheese? I think that's why I thought they worked brilliantly together. Each woman had their own way of doing things, and brought different wisdom to the table whenever it was needed. I loved their diversity and the fact that wanted to go all out to help people they barely knew, just because. No hidden agenda. No guilt attached. Nothing. They were kind because, guess what? THEY WANTED TO! I know, people seem to think that being kind is hard!
I ADORED this book! I loved how infectious the authors determination to be kind was, and I just loved how satisfying the entire book was. If you feel as though you are needing a pick me up, or if you feel like you've misplaced your reasons to get up and go, I highly recommend reading this book to help you put things in perspective. Don't get me wrong, it's not going to tell you how to live your life or tell you the answers to your questions - it's not a Magic 8 ball, however the story really does have its own magical powers in the sense it makes you look at situations from a different angle. Instead of sitting and worrying about looking like a 'lumpy sausage' in a dress, just go and get a new one. It sounds very simple, but when you're in amongst things and are struggling to think logically, you just don't find the answers to things as quickly as you usually would.
'Summer at the Kindness Cafe' also had a wonderful character who had me in hysterics and left me clapping my hands in glee; Ben. What a wonderful, wonderful addition to an already beautiful book. He is brilliant and definitely worth its weight in gold!
As I said, I cannot recommend this uplifting, joyous, poignant and utterly divine book which will open your eyes to different paths on journeys you may embark on. Victoria Walters brings happiness and warmth to this poignant and heartwarming novel, in the most unique and unforgettable way. Such a joy to read - I'm envious of anyone and everyone who gets to read it for the very first time!
I'm just going to chuck this straight out there - what a breath of fresh air this book is! I have never, ever, rooted for three characters as much as I did Abbie, Louise, and Eszter! I really wanted them all to have their happily ever afters, I was even half tempted to do a Joey Tribianni and step into the book instead of a map!
All three ladies have their own story to tell, each of which are explored as the storyline progresses, and all three women have fled to Littlewood to restart their lives. Thanks to a 'Kindness Board' in local cafe, Brew, their lives take an interesting turn which allows them to revaluate their fears and attempt to make a decision that will change their lives forever.
Putting it like that, I guess it sounds pretty dramatic! It isn't, not really. I mean, Abbie has ventured to Littlewood to see her sister, Louise, after being made redundant (there's more to that story!), Louise arrived few years prior after a relationship breakdown, and Eszter brought her daughter, Zoe, to the little village from Hungary...of all places, to fulfil one last wish. Could they BE any more chalk and cheese? I think that's why I thought they worked brilliantly together. Each woman had their own way of doing things, and brought different wisdom to the table whenever it was needed. I loved their diversity and the fact that wanted to go all out to help people they barely knew, just because. No hidden agenda. No guilt attached. Nothing. They were kind because, guess what? THEY WANTED TO! I know, people seem to think that being kind is hard!
I ADORED this book! I loved how infectious the authors determination to be kind was, and I just loved how satisfying the entire book was. If you feel as though you are needing a pick me up, or if you feel like you've misplaced your reasons to get up and go, I highly recommend reading this book to help you put things in perspective. Don't get me wrong, it's not going to tell you how to live your life or tell you the answers to your questions - it's not a Magic 8 ball, however the story really does have its own magical powers in the sense it makes you look at situations from a different angle. Instead of sitting and worrying about looking like a 'lumpy sausage' in a dress, just go and get a new one. It sounds very simple, but when you're in amongst things and are struggling to think logically, you just don't find the answers to things as quickly as you usually would.
'Summer at the Kindness Cafe' also had a wonderful character who had me in hysterics and left me clapping my hands in glee; Ben. What a wonderful, wonderful addition to an already beautiful book. He is brilliant and definitely worth its weight in gold!
As I said, I cannot recommend this uplifting, joyous, poignant and utterly divine book which will open your eyes to different paths on journeys you may embark on. Victoria Walters brings happiness and warmth to this poignant and heartwarming novel, in the most unique and unforgettable way. Such a joy to read - I'm envious of anyone and everyone who gets to read it for the very first time!
November 14, 2019
💫Book Review💫⠀
⠀
“Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee...almost!”⠀
⠀
This book was my second read by Victoria Walters and it won’t be my last!! It was absolutely wonderful 😊⠀
⠀
💫Synopsis💫⠀
⠀
Abbie has been made redundant and is forced to leave London. She’s a real city chick but has no choice but to move in with her sister, Louise, who lives in a small town called Littlewood.⠀
Louise is unlucky in love and refuses to open her heart to any man again, instead she throws herself into her career at the hospital, which she loves.⠀
Lastly meet Easter, she has travelled all the way from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfil her husband’s dying wish, which was to reunite his family.⠀
⠀
These 3 very different women become such good friends and make a pact with each other to be kinder to others, but also to themselves, and in doing so open up their hearts to some wonderful possibilities.”⠀
⠀
I absolutely adored this book. The 3 main ladies are absolutely lovely and I love how their relationships blossom throughout the story.⠀
I also love the idea about “the Kindness Board” at Brew where people share acts of kindness that they have received and, in turn, vow to fulfil an act of kindness themselves...I wish their could be places like that in the world, it would be a much happier place. ⠀
⠀
My favourite quote from the book is “Was kindness something that could be sprinkled around as if it was confetti?” And my answer is yes!! ⠀
⠀
A truly magnificent, heartwarming book, that made me smile and filled me with hope that kindness is a powerful thing. An easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!!⠀
⠀
Victoria Walters has firmly cemented herself as a favourite of mine⠀
⠀
“Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee...almost!”⠀
⠀
This book was my second read by Victoria Walters and it won’t be my last!! It was absolutely wonderful 😊⠀
⠀
💫Synopsis💫⠀
⠀
Abbie has been made redundant and is forced to leave London. She’s a real city chick but has no choice but to move in with her sister, Louise, who lives in a small town called Littlewood.⠀
Louise is unlucky in love and refuses to open her heart to any man again, instead she throws herself into her career at the hospital, which she loves.⠀
Lastly meet Easter, she has travelled all the way from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfil her husband’s dying wish, which was to reunite his family.⠀
⠀
These 3 very different women become such good friends and make a pact with each other to be kinder to others, but also to themselves, and in doing so open up their hearts to some wonderful possibilities.”⠀
⠀
I absolutely adored this book. The 3 main ladies are absolutely lovely and I love how their relationships blossom throughout the story.⠀
I also love the idea about “the Kindness Board” at Brew where people share acts of kindness that they have received and, in turn, vow to fulfil an act of kindness themselves...I wish their could be places like that in the world, it would be a much happier place. ⠀
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My favourite quote from the book is “Was kindness something that could be sprinkled around as if it was confetti?” And my answer is yes!! ⠀
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A truly magnificent, heartwarming book, that made me smile and filled me with hope that kindness is a powerful thing. An easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!!⠀
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Victoria Walters has firmly cemented herself as a favourite of mine⠀
January 11, 2022
Summer at the Kindness Cafe by Victoria Walters
Welcome to Littlewood, a small town community with a big heart...
Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfill her husband's dying wish... to reunite his family.
Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Three very different women are about to find out when they make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves…
I picked this book in the library entirely by chance - I hadn't seen any reviews and I haven't read any books by Victoria previously, although Coming Home to Glendale Hall has been on my kindle for the last year just waiting for me to get around to it. The cover really spoke to me, so I selected this as my lunch time read - this was a mistake. I read 45% during my lunch break and then spent the rest of the day counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up again.
We very quickly meet the three main characters, each of their stories had me hooked - the three meet up in the local coffee shop on Abbie's first day in Littlewood and a friendship is very quickly struck up. This book has that lovely small village feel, where everyone looks out for each other. Such a charming and easy book to read. I will definitely be reading more books by Victoria in the very near future.
Rating 5/5
Welcome to Littlewood, a small town community with a big heart...
Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, hoping to fulfill her husband's dying wish... to reunite his family.
Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Three very different women are about to find out when they make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves…
I picked this book in the library entirely by chance - I hadn't seen any reviews and I haven't read any books by Victoria previously, although Coming Home to Glendale Hall has been on my kindle for the last year just waiting for me to get around to it. The cover really spoke to me, so I selected this as my lunch time read - this was a mistake. I read 45% during my lunch break and then spent the rest of the day counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up again.
We very quickly meet the three main characters, each of their stories had me hooked - the three meet up in the local coffee shop on Abbie's first day in Littlewood and a friendship is very quickly struck up. This book has that lovely small village feel, where everyone looks out for each other. Such a charming and easy book to read. I will definitely be reading more books by Victoria in the very near future.
Rating 5/5
June 24, 2019
Originally published as 4 novellas, this book focusses on the lives of three different women, all living in the small town of Littlewood. Abbie has moved here from London after being made redundant. Louise, Abbie’s sister, who was already living here and working in the local hospital, never finds herself lucky in love. Eszter and her daughter, Zoe have travelled from Hungary to help reunite her husband’s family as part of his dying wish. Centred on the local café, the theme of the story is kindness and doing good deeds for others so that they may do good and kind things for you. The ‘kindness’ board is up in the café, and this is where the three ladies all meet, on Abbie and Eszter’s first day in the town. Eszter also was the donor of the book’s first kind act when she returns Abbie’s lost handbag to her, which started off the book perfectly!
I have to admit, what drew me to this book initially was the cover. It looks absolutely stunning with its bright colours and blue skies. It looks exactly like the kind of place I would like to be right now! When I started to read it, I realised I had already read the first part of the book when it was released as 4 novellas, and the storyline came flooding right back to me straight away! As I hadn’t managed to read the other 3 parts (and don’t ask me how that happened!), it was a great opportunity to finish off the story that I had already begun,
The idea of having a kindness board, where people repay acts of kindness with other kind deeds is a really sweet and original idea! The characters in the book are all so likeable and the three main women in the book all have their own stories which brings them all together. You just know in this type of book that there will be so many different emotions being thrown around, and I felt like I was getting caught up in every single one of them! It took me from happy to sad to happy all in the space of a few chapters and left me with a lovely warm glow in my heart! It was very easy to forget where you were or what you should have been doing after half an hour’s reading (which very easily turned into an hour!) as I just didn’t want to put the book down.
It was a fabulous story of life, love and friendships, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end! My first full length book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last! Beautiful book, would definitely recommend!!
I have to admit, what drew me to this book initially was the cover. It looks absolutely stunning with its bright colours and blue skies. It looks exactly like the kind of place I would like to be right now! When I started to read it, I realised I had already read the first part of the book when it was released as 4 novellas, and the storyline came flooding right back to me straight away! As I hadn’t managed to read the other 3 parts (and don’t ask me how that happened!), it was a great opportunity to finish off the story that I had already begun,
The idea of having a kindness board, where people repay acts of kindness with other kind deeds is a really sweet and original idea! The characters in the book are all so likeable and the three main women in the book all have their own stories which brings them all together. You just know in this type of book that there will be so many different emotions being thrown around, and I felt like I was getting caught up in every single one of them! It took me from happy to sad to happy all in the space of a few chapters and left me with a lovely warm glow in my heart! It was very easy to forget where you were or what you should have been doing after half an hour’s reading (which very easily turned into an hour!) as I just didn’t want to put the book down.
It was a fabulous story of life, love and friendships, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end! My first full length book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last! Beautiful book, would definitely recommend!!
June 4, 2019
Summer at the Kindness Café is centred around three young women who have felt heartbreak and loss in their own way. Abbie, Louise and Eszter have come to escape, make amends, recoup in a little fictional town called Littlewood. As in most towns there is a welcoming café and Brew has a little special something about it, apart from the generosity of the owners it has a sort of novelty that draws visitors in and reminds them of the good in people all around them.
A bond soon starts developing within the three women and they share the ethos of the kindness and hospitality stemmed from the cafe and this is spreading to all that they touch. Littlewood becomes an haven for the women as they each moved to the town for different reasons. After a little while Abbie, Louise and Eszter soon become settled with their new lives. New friendships for the women are being made bringing much hope for the future but life has a way of throwing stumbling blocks in their paths. Will all the good that the women have built in the little town soon be a forgotten memory?
Summer at the Kindness Café is a gorgeous, heart-warming tale that is quite inspirational. Kindness doesn't cost anything. There is a definite cosy, feel-good feel to this novel and it is the perfect summer holiday read.
I have worked in an Infant and Secondary School and I can totally see the concept of the spreading and paying back of kindness working with children. Kindness is not age related and has no barriers, the inspiration from Victoria Walters novel could prove a very useful tool in schools building morale, ownership of actions and a sense of togetherness.
A bond soon starts developing within the three women and they share the ethos of the kindness and hospitality stemmed from the cafe and this is spreading to all that they touch. Littlewood becomes an haven for the women as they each moved to the town for different reasons. After a little while Abbie, Louise and Eszter soon become settled with their new lives. New friendships for the women are being made bringing much hope for the future but life has a way of throwing stumbling blocks in their paths. Will all the good that the women have built in the little town soon be a forgotten memory?
Summer at the Kindness Café is a gorgeous, heart-warming tale that is quite inspirational. Kindness doesn't cost anything. There is a definite cosy, feel-good feel to this novel and it is the perfect summer holiday read.
I have worked in an Infant and Secondary School and I can totally see the concept of the spreading and paying back of kindness working with children. Kindness is not age related and has no barriers, the inspiration from Victoria Walters novel could prove a very useful tool in schools building morale, ownership of actions and a sense of togetherness.
August 23, 2019
I adored this beautiful magical lovely book, I’ve just said to a friend it’s the book equivalent of a huge comfy chair, blanket, hot mug of tea and a big hug on a rainy day which sounds weird but it’s sweet, comforting, lovely, cute and just wonderful.
Not really my usual choice by from the minute I spotted the cover in the shop I was drawn to it and it didn’t disappoint.
Very few books make me disappear into the world but this did, similar to narnia or toymakers I felt I was there and how lovely it was.
Loved the intertwined stories and it all falls together so very well.
The board in brew is just fantastic and having recently been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness with one condition only -pay it forward - this book truly touched me. We should all be more kind. To each other and ourselves.
I wanted to read a book to take me away from the stresses, demands, and anger of a hectic life and it succeeded, and far exceeded my expectations,
Can’t recommend this book enough. I’m sad it’s finished.
Not really my usual choice by from the minute I spotted the cover in the shop I was drawn to it and it didn’t disappoint.
Very few books make me disappear into the world but this did, similar to narnia or toymakers I felt I was there and how lovely it was.
Loved the intertwined stories and it all falls together so very well.
The board in brew is just fantastic and having recently been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness with one condition only -pay it forward - this book truly touched me. We should all be more kind. To each other and ourselves.
I wanted to read a book to take me away from the stresses, demands, and anger of a hectic life and it succeeded, and far exceeded my expectations,
Can’t recommend this book enough. I’m sad it’s finished.
June 5, 2019
This book surprised me, it was concerned it might feel like similar ones I’ve read however the characters made a huge difference to it and really added a lot to it. The Kindness Cafe, better know as Brew, is based in a Surrey village and has earned its nickname from a board where customers can write about random acts of kindness that have happened to them, it’s not the centre of the story however the theme of acts of kindness and the cafe itself feature regularly. The main stories are based around three female characters - Abbie, her sister Louise and Hungarian Eszter. Abbie needs to turn her life around after being made redundant, Louise is struggling to move on from her broken engagement two years ago which has left her with no trust or self confidence and newly widowed Eszter is acting on her late husbands wishes to visit his childhood home and build the bridges he burnt. All three women have strong stories and the recurring theme of kindness makes for a very positive book which offers pause for thought, this is a good book which offers a nice relaxing read.
August 29, 2020
A great book!!! A tiny qualm was going to be that at the start of every part it gave you a weird run down of what had happened and reintroduced the characters even though you’ve already read the rest of the book and are very familiar with the story. But now I see it was originally published in 4 parts so that makes sense.
The ending lacked that certain ‘must read on’ excitement and plot twists that some books have, maybe because you could easily guess how it was going to end. It was such a lovely book that you know all the people will be happy in the end and that’s what happens.
My positives were pretty much everything!! It’s so SO well written, the story is just lovely and warm in both heart and setting. You’re engaged from the very start and although it’s a light read and easy to keep up with, it was well intertwined and we got to see so much of the characters lives. It’s just such a happy, zone out kind of holiday book and I would certainly recommend reading it.
The ending lacked that certain ‘must read on’ excitement and plot twists that some books have, maybe because you could easily guess how it was going to end. It was such a lovely book that you know all the people will be happy in the end and that’s what happens.
My positives were pretty much everything!! It’s so SO well written, the story is just lovely and warm in both heart and setting. You’re engaged from the very start and although it’s a light read and easy to keep up with, it was well intertwined and we got to see so much of the characters lives. It’s just such a happy, zone out kind of holiday book and I would certainly recommend reading it.
June 25, 2019
What an absolutely perfect, heartwarming and uplifting book. I loved everything about this story, and thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Littlewood, it sounded like such a delightful place and everyone was so lovely. I adored the idea of the kindness board and loved how supportive the whole community was. I was completely addicted to reading this from the very beginning, it totally sucked me in and gave a warm feeling and a sense of belonging. I love it when a book does that to me. I would love to be able to revisit Littlewood to see how Abbie, Eszter and Zoe are getting on after deciding to stay. I have to quote Abbie from the book and say that ‘Littlewood gets under your skin’ because it really does, in a good way of course. Safe to say that I highly recommend this delightful book.
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