If you love all the colours of autumn, you're sure to warm to this uplifting story of love, loss and starting over. Primrose Wilkins arrived in Sunnybrook with a burning desire to find the family she's never known. But after a heart-breaking false start, she's beginning to have second thoughts. Can she find the courage to battle on in her quest? And with her romantic life at an all-time low, will meeting the intriguing and attractive Callum Davy be just what she needs to renew her faith in love? Meanwhile, Fen is also finding it hard to be brave. She's made it through to the final of TV show 'Battle of the Bakes' (thanks to Ellie entering on her behalf), but she's always shied away from being in the spotlight. How will Fen cope now that she's a famous 'celebrity', recognised in the street everywhere she goes?
Apparently alcohol kills brain cells slowly… But that doesn’t bother me because I’m not in a hurry.
I met Harvey at a speed dating event that Gran persuaded me to go to… I later found out he’d gone on the Greek jaunt in question in the company of my mobile hairdresser, Kirsty, who I’d thought was my friend. Presumably Harvey had lots of fun in the sun and a free haircut. (I know what I’d have been tempted to do with Kirsty’s scissors.) It was a double blow. I lost a boyfriend. But worse, I had to find myself a new hairdresser.
I’m Barry, your friendly local photographer. Available for weddings, christenings and contract killings. I shoot people.
The only time I ever saw that depth of affection in my ex’s eyes was when he was checking his own reflection in shop windows, which he seemed to do an awful lot.
And who wouldn’t enjoy being desired by an attractive man like him? Against the backdrop of a starry sky and the lovely party, that kiss should have been a dream come true. But it wasn’t. The reality was that our teeth clashed and his tongue was thrusting in and out of my mouth like a mechanical digger, which made me feel weirdly invaded.
My Review:
I rarely read serials but I have enjoyed all of Rosie Green’s wryly amusing and engaging Little Duck Pond novellas, each comfortable and breezily entertaining installment has featured a different worker or the owner of The Little Duck Pond Café which is a mainstay in a small British village; while also providing interactions and updates on those previously spotlighted.
This volume was written from the first-person POV of Primrose, a newcomer to the village, who arrived with a mission to find the sixty-year-old woman who would be her grandmother. This unknown, unsuspecting, and mysterious grandmother had given her child up for adoption as an unwed teenage mother and had no knowledge or awareness of Primrose or her plans. I adored Primrose, she was a quirky and sensitive little thing, yet she was also highly relatable despite her penchant for wearing unique, garish, and vividly colored outfits and hair colors. Primrose apparently applied her makeup with a trowel. I truly revel in Rosie Green’s distinctive brand of levity and writing style.
I fell into a rabbit hole session with Mr. Google and Wikipedia as I felt compelled to research Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes, and ginger parkin - which is a centuries-old Bonfire Night traditional food that is a sticky and rich cake made with oatmeal, ginger, and molasses. And now my diet has been ruined once again by that palate tease known as Rosie Green, she is a hazard to my waistline.
Oh what an absolute joy to be back and what a scrumptious title. Just sums up Autumn perfectly. Oh and the book cover....Adorable!!
Sunnybrook feels like home, the residents feel like best friends and I still never want to leave!
Each novella instalment can be read as a standalone (this is the 7th instalment).... But I Strongly & Highly recommend reading the whole of this Gorgeous Series! You won't be disappointed.
This time round is the heart warming story of Primrose and her search to find information about her real grandmother.
Of course there is also a cosy romance crackling along for Primrose, which was intriguing to work out who she would pick!
Oh and we also catch up with Fen and her baking competition....Battle of the Bakes. I do love a good bake off and it ties in nicely with the bake off being back!
Must, Must, must mention Maisy Moo... omg is that not the cutest name for a pup?? She truly is adorable. A cheeky pup that I would love to give snuggles too.
Once again Rosie has written an absolute gem! She always leaves me wanting more, I never want the story to end. It's so wonderful to catch up with all my favourite characters and get to know Primrose more.
Bonfires & Hot Chocolate is a Heartwarming, feel good, compelling read with a whizz of Romance, Drama, mystery, Emotion, Humour, delicious food and sizzling bonfires makes this one, warm and cosy read!
So grab a steaming hot drink and snuggle up and prepare to fall in love with the residents of Sunnybrook.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The perfect way to kick off your fall reading! I could feel the crisp in the air, the crunch of the leaves, and the warmth of the hot chocolate. Always lovely coming back to Sunnybrook and spending time with these charming characters. I loved all the fall festivities it made me feel all warm and cozy. Also all the delicious fall goodies! It appears as though they are not quite as obsessed with pumpkin everything in the UK as we are in the US! Once again Rosie Green has written a story that made me smile and a little bit hungry.
This was the seventh book in the Little Duck Pond Café series and probably my favorite so far! I thought the series wouldn’t be as good after the storyline veered away from the original trio, but I was wrong. This story was about Primrose Who we were introduced to in the last book. Primrose has come to town seeking out her biological grandmother and finds a job at the café. Primrose is a colorful character both in personality and dress. She has a big heart and a love for dogs. There is a bit of a love triangle although I was pretty sure of who the final love interest would be and I was glad for that. But what will happen when Primrose does or doesn’t find a family connection in Sunnybrook? The secondary storyline was about Fen and what happened at the end of her time on the baking reality television show. We also got periodic glimpses of Ellie and her wedding planning (is the next book about the wedding?). Another wonderful addition to this charming series and even though this was the seventh book I think it would work just fine as a standalone. However I would strongly encourage you to spend as much time as you can with these characters in this town at this café!
So Rosie Green is back with her latest instalment which is set in autumn. Perfect timing!
How I’ve missed Sunnybrook and was so glad to be back as it’s Primrose’s turn to be the main character in the spotlight. We briefly get to know her in the previous novella to this one but worry not if you haven’t read it as it works well as a stand alone.
Primrose is a great character who is in a bit of turmoil as she tries to find her blood relatives. Being in Sunnybrook you are never far away from a friendly face. This is why I love these novellas as we get to catch up with previous main characters in the series and see what they are getting up to. As well as being introduced to some new ones.
Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at The Little Duck Pond Cafe is a fabulous novella set at just the right time of year where you will want to snuggle up on the sofa, with a hot drink and turn off from the real world outside. You get a real warm and cosy feeling inside when reading these books as they are the perfect feel good reads, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. A compelling and at times emotional story.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Reads for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
It is fair to say that I love this series, and just when you think it can't get any better - it does!!!
The latest installment features Primrose, a woman with quirky fashion sense and on a mission to find her grandmother as she's feeling very alone and just wants some answers to questions that have bugged her for years.
She's found plenty to keep her days busy and put a smile on her face with working at the cafe, and dog walking, and soon there's someone else making her happy as she grows closer to Callum who is new to the village. She's been treated bad by an ex so she's happy not to rush into anything dating wise!
The community are also brought together to support Fen who is appearing on TV in a baking show, and I love how they all turn up to watch it together!
With Primrose delving into the past to uncover some truths, she's really pushed through the ringer emotionally and I even found myself getting quite teary at times! The more that she uncovers too, the more she finds extra support from someone else who isn't Callum! What a dilemma to have!!
The author has created such a wonderful set of characters that you can really connect to. It's so great to catch up with various people with each new novella, but they can easily be read as a standalone if you've not visited The Little Duck Pond Cafe before! I adored this latest installment and cannot shout loudly enough about how much I think everyone should visit The Little Duck Pond Cafe series!
Before I start raving about this novella, I have to say this is probably my favourite one in the series, it’s definitely the one that made me cry the most….I mean there was something in my eye…..
Book 7 and this time we are focusing on newbie Primose and her hunt for her biological Grandma. I have been worried that when the books did not focus on the original trio of Fen, Ellie or Jaz that I would not still love the series. If anything I love the series more, ok there was no Jaz in this book a brief mention but the new characters hold their own and they are fantastic additions to the series.
Rosie knows the formula to write a successful novella and she does not deviate from it. A couple of star crossed lovers and a couple of twists to boot, all make for a happy and cute ending….so you hope!
Primrose’s story is one of trying to find the missing piece of the puzzle in her life, she has lost her parents and recently she lost her Grandma. The reminiscing and the scenes of clearing out the old farm had me in buckets of tears. It got to a stage where I had to stop reading as I could not read the words on the page!! All the while the hunt for her birth grandma was heartbreaking, a few misdirections are thrown in and a lot of longing to find out who the mysterious woman is and generally just calling out for a happy ending for Primose.
While we have this, we finally get to see how Fen is getting on in Battle of the Bakes, has she got enough to win the competition? I love that every Tuesday everyone gathers in the Café to watch the episodes as a community. This is one thing that I absolutely adore about the novellas and makes me want to up sticks and move to Sunnybrook, everyone is so welcoming and these girls all become a family. They are there for each other, they support and they love each other. It just gives me all the warm and fuzzies! Plus the upcoming pending wedding of Ellie and Zak is getting closer! Eeek I cannae wait for one! Wish it was a real wedding we could go to – ho-hum.
It is a heartwarming story and one to make your heart sing, for someone who is an old fashioned romantic then this is the perfect book to get cosy up on the sofa and lose yourself for an hour or so. I for one can not wait for the next instalment. Please, Rosie, do not stop writing about the girls and Sunnybrook!!
What a delightfully autumnal addition to this series, complete with Halloween and Fireworks. Plus Maisie Moo in fancy dress, and Maisy Moo just being an all around star.
Ok I really wan't Maisie's puppy, she is so adorable and cuddly and Primrose seems to love walking her. Primrose who moved to Sunnbrook in the previous book, and is now the central character, as we see if she can discover who her birth grandmother really is.
This is a lovely and moving story, and I loved getting to know Primrose so well. And of course catching up with all of the other wonderful women that this series has brought into our lives. We finally get to discover how Fen does in the Battle of the Bakes, and Ellie is getting much closer to her wedding.
There are two potential love interest in this edition for Primrose, although I was reasonably sure who she would be with quite early on, it was enjoyable to see the story develop.
This is just another incredibly enjoyable addition to The Little Duck Pond Cafe series, and although it could be read as a standalone, its even better having read all the other wonderful books before it!
Reading this felt like returning home to old friends, and I really am excited to hear there will be another book in this series, as I definitely want more.
This is a delightful story which focuses on Primrose, a rather colourful recent arrival to the village who is rather noticeable as she wears brightly coloured clothes and often dyes her hair to match. She's come to the village in an attempt to discover her birth grandmother following the death of her grandmother who had adopted her mother as a baby. Her grandmother also brought Primrose up after her parents were tragically killed when she was just ten years old. Through the story more is revealed about Primrose and her past, including just why she prefers to be so colourful. Her search for her birth grandmother, her connecting with others along the way and the support provided by her friends is beautifully and emotively portrayed.
Primrose has two potential love interests in the story and it was interesting to see how her relationships with them both developed. I also liked her discoveries whilst clearing her old home and seeing her problems convincing her love interest that she's not pining for someone else.
This is the seventh book in this heartwarming series, along with the hot chocolate, bonfires and fireworks! However I suspect this book would still work well as a standalone. Having said that, the series is a fantastic saga of a close knit community and I've enjoyed keeping up to date on just what the residents have been involved with through the stories. In this story, I enjoyed discovering just how Fen had got on in the Battle of the Bakes, all about a secret project and Ellie's wedding preparations. Just wait till you read about the dog Primrose takes for walks - Maisie Moo -what a matchmaking dog she is! I definitely had fantastic images of this amazing pooch dressed up for trick or treating!
Visiting the Little Duck Pond Café and finding out what all of them have been up to is like going back to visit close friends. I really enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to finding out what happens at the wedding in the next book in this series.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
I love autumn and so I was very happy to see this addition to the Little Duck Pond series. Regular inhabitants of Sunnybrook all get a mention, but this book focuses on the character of Primrose and her continued search for her grandmother. It made for a cosy read on an autumnal evening.
There is a gentle love story that unfolds as Primrose establishes herself within the community, and while there are two possible suitors it soon becomes apparent who is the right choice. As for who Primrose’s grandmother is, Rosie Green does a good job of keeping you guessing until almost the end of the book. But needless to say, you’ll be left feeling as warm and cosy as those who enjoy the bonfire and accompanying hot chocolate!
I have always liked Fen (introduced in earlier books) so I was delighted that this book provided the opportunity to see her character develop further too; discovering who won the battle of the bakes and what happens next for Fen, was a real treat for me. Bonfires and Hot Chocolate at the Little Duck Pond Cafe could be read as a standalone book, but I think you’ll enjoy the characters and their development more if you follow their stories through the series.
Primrose has been working at the Little Duck Pond Cafe for a while now. She arrived in Sunnybrook not knowing anyone after her Gran died. She has another Gran one she has never met, as her mother now deceased was adopted and she would dearly love to find her. Fen is now a TV star thanks to being entered in a baking competition by Ellie however Fen is not enjoying the attention. She has her wedding at the end of the year to prepare for and would rather just get on with her everyday life than be a celebrity albeit for a short time. I love this series. Books that are easy to get into, heart -warming stories and characters that you could easily be friends with. A little romance, always something of a mystery or two (of a nice nature) and much to make you smile. That of course combined with the mention of several cakes and coffee does it for me! A heartwarming read to restore your faith in human nature.
Yes, finally back in Sunnybrook. As soon as I finish one of the stories, I start missing the characters straight away and wish I could read the next part already.
The people in that little village are so warm, friendly and loving I would love to live there as well. There always seems so much going on. It’s as if they are all one big family in stead of a village. Of course they have their fair share of sadness as well, but everything always works out for the best.
This is, yet again, a heartwarming book about family, friends and love. Who does not like that ? It’s autumn over here and in Sunnybrook as well. I enjoyed this lovely story snuggled under a warm blanket with my puppy dozing next to me. Pure bliss and that of course means another 5 star story by this author.
Thank you, Rosie Green and Rachel’s Random Resources.
If, like me, you're a summer person, then this book might just be the one to make you look forward to Autumn as well. Perfect for this time of year, the book is the very essence of the season with hearty food, hot chocolate and of course a bonfire. The story focuses on Primrose and the search for the grandmother she has never known. no spoilers but the reader is in for a big surprise! Really enjoyable read that made me reach for the woolly pullover and a hot chocolate with marshmallows. A great follow on to the series.
OMG can these little beauties get any better than this! The cover was absolutely stunning & the story so heartwarming, perfect Autumn reading! 🍂
In this one we met Primrose, a colourful character in personality, dress & hair dye! She's on a mission to find her Grandmother, does she too live in Sunnybrook?
This was my favourite of the series so far & I'm super excited as I've now found three other books in the series waiting to be read & a new Christmas one coming soon! 🎉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is book #7 of the Little Duck Pond Café series. It can be read as a standalone book, but for a better understanding of the characters and their stories, I would recommend reading the books in order. This book focusses mainly on the character of Primrose Wilkins, who we met in the last instalment. When we previously met her she was in search of her biological family, who she believed used to live in the little village of Sunnybrook. I love this series of books and have read them all, so was happy to return to the village to pick up the story again!
This was another great addition to the series and was absolutely perfect for an autumnal read! I loved Primrose’s character in the previous book, and found her to be equally likeable, if not more, in this book. Always seemingly unlucky in love, it was wonderful to see there may be a love interest on the cards for Primrose, and the ‘will they-won’t they’ and ‘who will it be’ storyline kept me hooked until the end of the book! Of course, the other characters who have been the focus of the previous books are back, along with some fabulous new characters, and we also pick up the “Battle of the Bakes” storyline to see whether Fen will be the winner!
The Little Duck Pond Café is a fabulous place and when you’ve read all 7 books of the series, you’ve read and pictured the café (and the village) in all its glory throughout the year – the hot summer, the snowy winter and the breezy spring! This time it’s autumn’s turn, and whilst reading I could just imagine the leaves falling off the trees, bonfires and fireworks and of course, the amazing hot chocolates served at the café!!
This is another great book of the series and it’s full of good old fashioned romance, families and friendships! As its novella sized, it’s perfect for reading over an afternoon, so grab a blanket and settle down to catch up on the stories at the Little Duck Pond Café!
Primrose only arrived in Sunnybrook a few short months ago with a broken heart. She is looking for a fresh start and ties to a family she has never known. Her mother was adopted and Primrose was raised by her grandmother from a young age when both of her parents tragically died. When she thought she was close to finding her grandmother, the missing daughter of that woman (not Primroses's mother) turns up! As disappointing as that is, Primrose has found a new family of sorts and a feeling that she belongs in Sunnybrook. Maisie Moo always adds a sense of brightness and humorous light when needed throughout this series.
As the village prepares for a wedding, and Primrose wonders if her own heart will ever feel open enough to love again, a couple of handsome men do make it to her notice.
At the beginning of the book, just as the autumn season is beginning, local baker Fen is featured on a baking competition television show. I am not much of a foodie show watcher, but recently, I have also begun watching televised baking competitions, based on Halloween themes. I get more emotionally involved in them than reality tv dance or singing competitions. A major twist during the show's finale (in this book) had me even more emotional!
You will probably best enjoy this book having read previous books in the series, but similar to the Gilmore Girls television series, a visit even out of chronological order is always endearing. It is enjoyable to see the characters develop. A gentle read but always much happening to keep you intrigued.
I have loved all the books in the Little Duck Pond Series and Bonfires and Hot Chocolate at the Little Duck Pond Cafe has to be my new favourite.
At the end of the last book, we are introduced to Primrose who has arrived in Sunnybrook hoping to find her biological grandmother. Primrose struck me as quite a sad, lonely character who was mourning the loss of her adoptive grandmother. Now that Primrose is alone in the world she yearns to find a link to the family she has never known. She struck up a great friendship with puppy Maisie Moo and I was so happy to see that this lovely relationship continued. As a dog lover, I really related to the comfort and companionship that Primrose gained from the company of the little dog.
All the usual customers and staff of the Little Duck Pond Cafe are included and there’s a couple of new hunky men in the form of Sam and Callum.
Will one of them bring some happiness into Primrose’s life and help her find her long-lost grandmother? It’s Autumn at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and everyone is eagerly awaiting the results of the TV baking competition. They all gather at the cafe to watch and see if Fen will bring home the trophy.
There is lots of romance, fun, secrets and even a rumour of sabotage in the story. The characters are so well rounded that they feel like actual friends and of course, there is the lovely close-knit community which is woven throughout all the books in the series. This cosy, heartwarming read is just what you need now that the nights are drawing in and the days are getting colder.
I can’t believe that this is already book 7 in this fabulous series!
I have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get my hands on this one after reading the blurb, and then seeing that lovely cover! Having read the book, I can say it certainly did not disappoint and I loved it!
The book, Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at The Little Duck Pond Cafe is the perfect book to read at this time of the year and I thought that it was a fabulous novella.
It is a perfect book to read when snuggled up on the sofa, with a hot drink and some chocolate, or cake and you can just turn off the real world and enjoy it.
It is at times emotional read and one I also found to be highly addictive, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover, it is another great addition to the series – 5 stars from me!!
This series has been brilliant! They’re all short, easy reads that will just take you away to a perfect, cute and cosy little town. It’s like returning home everytime I tuck into one of these stories the people, town and community it just feels like I’ve known them all forever. Homely. This story is Primrose’s story a recent new arrival to the welcoming town. She has plenty keeping her busy and has settled in well. She is on the hunt to find some of her lost biological family, will she succeed? In all the mist she finds herself torn between two men who will she fall for? Callum or Sam? A beautiful ending. I liked Primrose’s character. This is the perfect Autumn read. So get cosy under your covers, hot choc at the read and settle in for a brilliant read. Brilliantly written. A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.
This book continues the story of the people of Sunnybrook. Primrose has come to the village in search of her real grandmother, and this story follows her attempts to track down the woman who gave up Connie, Primrose’s Mum, for adoption. We get the twists and turns, including an unexpected love story, all set against more in the lives of the Duck Pond Cafe regulars. This is a good antidote to the sadness and worry of real life!
I started at the beginning and so glad I hadn't found them before because now I don't have to wait for the next one.! A truly enjoyable read, you can imagine yourself popping in to the cafe or grabbing a loaf from the bakery. Just like your part of the community. Amazing Rosie , well done keep writing xx
Bonfires & Hot Chocolate at The Little Duck Pond Cafe. Book 7
How I am loving reading this series, the enjoyment of the written word has been my chosen thing to do since I learnt to read. I am a bookworm. Thank you Rosie Green for giving us all such great enjoyment I can recommend any of Rosie Green’s books
Omg what and amazing book, I have loved every book I've read by Rosie, I get hooked straight away then can't put the book down until its finished. If you haven't read any of the other books I would highly recommended them. Happy reading
Excellent read just like all the others I like how each book is about a different person from and around the cafe would recommend the whole series Thankyou
Another instalment, another new character, but a lovely twist in the relationships in Subnybrook. Rosie Green has hit on a fab idea, and I am starting to want to move to this village myself!