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The Windmill Café #2
The Windmill Café: Autumn Leaves (The Windmill Café, Book 2)
Summer days drifting away…
As the last rays of summer sunshine fade away, Rosie Barnes swaps serving ice-cold fizz and strawberries for warm, spiced pumpkin latte and chocolate brownies. Her love for the Windmill Café remains as strong as its peppermint green sails.
So, with time on her hands, Rosie agrees to help gorgeous Matt Wilson on one of his outdoor expeditions – camping under the stars with rugged Matt the perfect chance to wind down.
As the Autumn mist rolls in, the change in weather brings with it a sense of danger when one of the camping group is shot with a bow and arrow! An unfortunate accident, or a killer on the loose in picture-perfect Willerby?
If news escapes, Rosie knows dreams of building a life at Windmill Café will be over for good. Unless she and Matt can solve the mystery before it’s too late!
As the last rays of summer sunshine fade away, Rosie Barnes swaps serving ice-cold fizz and strawberries for warm, spiced pumpkin latte and chocolate brownies. Her love for the Windmill Café remains as strong as its peppermint green sails.
So, with time on her hands, Rosie agrees to help gorgeous Matt Wilson on one of his outdoor expeditions – camping under the stars with rugged Matt the perfect chance to wind down.
As the Autumn mist rolls in, the change in weather brings with it a sense of danger when one of the camping group is shot with a bow and arrow! An unfortunate accident, or a killer on the loose in picture-perfect Willerby?
If news escapes, Rosie knows dreams of building a life at Windmill Café will be over for good. Unless she and Matt can solve the mystery before it’s too late!
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2018
15 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 16, 2018
What a beautifully written feel good book, loved the friendship and beginnings of a romance angle.
I haven’t read the first book in this series but I effortlessly read this and soon got to know the characters and caught up on their back stories.
Rosie who runs the Windmill Cafe and always has an abundance of beautifully made cakes (I’m just envious) goes off for a night of outdoor camping with the handsome Matt and the members of the group “Myth Seekers Society” . Unfortunately the next day one of their party has disappeared and they find him with an arrow sticking out of his ankle!!!
Rosie and Matt join forces again to find the culprit.
Loved this as it was so easy to read and you get caught up in the mystery of it all. I had my suspect all sorted out and I’m glad to say I was wrong. This is my kind of Sunday reading, cuddled up under a fluffy blanket, glass of wine in hand and before you know it,you will have finished this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
I haven’t read the first book in this series but I effortlessly read this and soon got to know the characters and caught up on their back stories.
Rosie who runs the Windmill Cafe and always has an abundance of beautifully made cakes (I’m just envious) goes off for a night of outdoor camping with the handsome Matt and the members of the group “Myth Seekers Society” . Unfortunately the next day one of their party has disappeared and they find him with an arrow sticking out of his ankle!!!
Rosie and Matt join forces again to find the culprit.
Loved this as it was so easy to read and you get caught up in the mystery of it all. I had my suspect all sorted out and I’m glad to say I was wrong. This is my kind of Sunday reading, cuddled up under a fluffy blanket, glass of wine in hand and before you know it,you will have finished this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 3, 2018
Summer Breeze, the first in The Windmill Cafe series by Poppy Blake, was a story that I stumbled upon quite by accident but I was certainly glad I did so. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first instalment as I feel books centred around cafés have been done to death recently. But with this brilliant series Poppy Blake has brought something totally fresh, new and innovative to the genre. This being the inclusion of a mystery element. Normally, I'm not the biggest fan of mystery books so I would have never have expected this to be present judging the book on its cover but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the story. It doesn't have the twee cosy crime element either instead we have a lovely balance between Rosie and her job running the Windmill Café in the town of Willerby in Norfolk and some romance is thrown in too. But trouble and strife always seem to arrive at her door with a conundrum/mystery to be solved and it makes for a riveting, page turning read.
Thankfully I didn't have to wait too long for the second story in the planned trilogy. Autumn Leaves with its gorgeous cover called out to me as soon as it landed on my Kindle and knowing how much I loved my first introduction to Rosie and co I got stuck straight in and thoroughly adored my return visit. The stories can easily be read as stand alone adventures but to get a real flavour of just how brilliant Poppy Blake's writing is I would suggest you start with Summer Breeze.
A new season is approaching at the café where Rosie is manager. It's a place that offers comfort, warmth and contentment and within the first few pages your mouth will certainly be watering at all the descriptions of such delectable cakes and treats that are on offer. Chocolate and pecan brownies, blackberry and apple roulade, pumpkin and treacle tarts, apricot and cranberry brownie. I could go on and on but suffice to say don't read this book on an empty stomach. Rosie is preparing for the Autumn Leaves Halloween party but understandably given the events that occurred during the Summer she is anxious that all will go to plan. To be honest I think Rosie would be anxious anyway. It's in her nature, it's part of her character as well as her obsession with order and cleanliness. Everything in the café has its place and she can never rest easy until every surface is spotless. Routine and cleaning are part of her daily life and it seems as if she will never be able to relax with regard to this aspect of her personality.
We have already been privy to some aspects of Rosie's past and the reader can tell she is still hurting and it is hindering her moving on the present particularly when it comes to the romance element of the story. She is loosening up a bit but healing and opening up again takes time. I think Matt from Ultimate Adventures will be there for her no matter what. He is patient, kind and understanding and maybe the time is not quite right for things to go that little bit further. Apart from being able to focus on romance the pair have more than enough to keep them occupied especially with the arrival of a group of guests who stay on site at the holiday cottages near the café. What problems and worries await them as the Myth Seekers Society are on the lookout for ghostly and unusual happenings. They are legend lovers, thrill seekers and adrenalin junkies but will they get a lot more than they at first bargained for?
That is what is so great about this series, it's not the run of the mill setting up a café, it gets into difficulties and everyone has to club together to get things sorted and make a success of it. No the café is more a feature in the background as the members of the society cause trouble, unrest and upset which could be devastating for both the future of the café and Matt's adventure centre. The cynic in me thought, god ghosts and strange happenings this is all a bit far fetched and I will find parts of the story just laughable and boring but it's the way the author writes and develops the story that has you drawn in and wanting to keep turning the pages to see what happens that meant I forgot all my scepticism and just got lost in the story. I wanted to know who had been the person who let fly the arrow that hit Rick in the foot and led to plenty of secrets being unveiled. The night spent camping outside and visiting Garside Priory did not go to plan and Rosie was right to be worried before she embarked on the trip. I think she was very reluctant to go but she wanted to be there for Matt and support him with regard to his business just like he does the same for her. They have a beautiful friendship but the reader does wish they could really talk and get everything out in the open because they would just be so perfect together.
There are plenty of suspects in the case of who shot the arrow and as Rosie and Matt work together to find the answers so they can save the reputation of their respective business the story took on so many twists and turns. So much so you I never knew for sure until the very end who the actual culprit was and I was delighted to be kept guessing. At the end of every chapter I was convinced who it was but then within a few paragraphs of the next my opinion was changing and this happened time and time again. I wouldn't really blame anyone for wanting to get rid of Rick, even if the target didn't hit the desired spot. He was one of the most unlikeable characters I have read about in a long time. He was full of snide comments, put downs and his competitive streak left a lot to be desired. How the other members of the society put up with him I will never know but I suppose they all had their reasons for keeping him as a member.
Rick was obnoxious, rude, arrogant and in constant pursuit of superiority and wanting to gain one up on everybody else. But Matt and Rosie make a great team and with their shared love of puzzle solving they won't rest until they have all the answers and their journey to uncovering the truth kept the reader on their toes guessing. The development of their friendship and the support they offer each other through the trials of finding out who who was responsible only added to the overall brilliance of the book. Emma and Brad, Steph and Phil and Helen all had their own motives and I thought these were expertly woven into the story and then developed. Each character and their situation was given ample time and explanation as sometimes I feel given so much time is spent setting things up that it is such a shame when the fall out is never fully examined and analysed.
At the same time I think we got more inside Rosie's head and I understand her doubts and fears an awful lot more now. My only hope is that all these can be allayed at some stage in the future. Matt, too has his own worries and doubts and maybe with the pair working together they can resolve each others issues. Again as with book one the ultimate reveal/climax was brilliantly written and we were thrown plenty of curve balls which leave the reader breathless and excited to uncover what exactly happened once and for all. As for that ending, wow, what a cliffhanger and it throws everything so wide open. I was so frustrated that it had to end there but if it hadn't already guaranteed it Poppy Blake made sure you will return for part three Christmas Trees when it publishes in September. Bravo Poppy Blake for writing another first rate story.
Thankfully I didn't have to wait too long for the second story in the planned trilogy. Autumn Leaves with its gorgeous cover called out to me as soon as it landed on my Kindle and knowing how much I loved my first introduction to Rosie and co I got stuck straight in and thoroughly adored my return visit. The stories can easily be read as stand alone adventures but to get a real flavour of just how brilliant Poppy Blake's writing is I would suggest you start with Summer Breeze.
A new season is approaching at the café where Rosie is manager. It's a place that offers comfort, warmth and contentment and within the first few pages your mouth will certainly be watering at all the descriptions of such delectable cakes and treats that are on offer. Chocolate and pecan brownies, blackberry and apple roulade, pumpkin and treacle tarts, apricot and cranberry brownie. I could go on and on but suffice to say don't read this book on an empty stomach. Rosie is preparing for the Autumn Leaves Halloween party but understandably given the events that occurred during the Summer she is anxious that all will go to plan. To be honest I think Rosie would be anxious anyway. It's in her nature, it's part of her character as well as her obsession with order and cleanliness. Everything in the café has its place and she can never rest easy until every surface is spotless. Routine and cleaning are part of her daily life and it seems as if she will never be able to relax with regard to this aspect of her personality.
We have already been privy to some aspects of Rosie's past and the reader can tell she is still hurting and it is hindering her moving on the present particularly when it comes to the romance element of the story. She is loosening up a bit but healing and opening up again takes time. I think Matt from Ultimate Adventures will be there for her no matter what. He is patient, kind and understanding and maybe the time is not quite right for things to go that little bit further. Apart from being able to focus on romance the pair have more than enough to keep them occupied especially with the arrival of a group of guests who stay on site at the holiday cottages near the café. What problems and worries await them as the Myth Seekers Society are on the lookout for ghostly and unusual happenings. They are legend lovers, thrill seekers and adrenalin junkies but will they get a lot more than they at first bargained for?
That is what is so great about this series, it's not the run of the mill setting up a café, it gets into difficulties and everyone has to club together to get things sorted and make a success of it. No the café is more a feature in the background as the members of the society cause trouble, unrest and upset which could be devastating for both the future of the café and Matt's adventure centre. The cynic in me thought, god ghosts and strange happenings this is all a bit far fetched and I will find parts of the story just laughable and boring but it's the way the author writes and develops the story that has you drawn in and wanting to keep turning the pages to see what happens that meant I forgot all my scepticism and just got lost in the story. I wanted to know who had been the person who let fly the arrow that hit Rick in the foot and led to plenty of secrets being unveiled. The night spent camping outside and visiting Garside Priory did not go to plan and Rosie was right to be worried before she embarked on the trip. I think she was very reluctant to go but she wanted to be there for Matt and support him with regard to his business just like he does the same for her. They have a beautiful friendship but the reader does wish they could really talk and get everything out in the open because they would just be so perfect together.
There are plenty of suspects in the case of who shot the arrow and as Rosie and Matt work together to find the answers so they can save the reputation of their respective business the story took on so many twists and turns. So much so you I never knew for sure until the very end who the actual culprit was and I was delighted to be kept guessing. At the end of every chapter I was convinced who it was but then within a few paragraphs of the next my opinion was changing and this happened time and time again. I wouldn't really blame anyone for wanting to get rid of Rick, even if the target didn't hit the desired spot. He was one of the most unlikeable characters I have read about in a long time. He was full of snide comments, put downs and his competitive streak left a lot to be desired. How the other members of the society put up with him I will never know but I suppose they all had their reasons for keeping him as a member.
Rick was obnoxious, rude, arrogant and in constant pursuit of superiority and wanting to gain one up on everybody else. But Matt and Rosie make a great team and with their shared love of puzzle solving they won't rest until they have all the answers and their journey to uncovering the truth kept the reader on their toes guessing. The development of their friendship and the support they offer each other through the trials of finding out who who was responsible only added to the overall brilliance of the book. Emma and Brad, Steph and Phil and Helen all had their own motives and I thought these were expertly woven into the story and then developed. Each character and their situation was given ample time and explanation as sometimes I feel given so much time is spent setting things up that it is such a shame when the fall out is never fully examined and analysed.
At the same time I think we got more inside Rosie's head and I understand her doubts and fears an awful lot more now. My only hope is that all these can be allayed at some stage in the future. Matt, too has his own worries and doubts and maybe with the pair working together they can resolve each others issues. Again as with book one the ultimate reveal/climax was brilliantly written and we were thrown plenty of curve balls which leave the reader breathless and excited to uncover what exactly happened once and for all. As for that ending, wow, what a cliffhanger and it throws everything so wide open. I was so frustrated that it had to end there but if it hadn't already guaranteed it Poppy Blake made sure you will return for part three Christmas Trees when it publishes in September. Bravo Poppy Blake for writing another first rate story.
June 13, 2018
I received this book form the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I was hopingthis book will be diffrent from hundreds of those cafe/bookshop books that are set in Cronwall/Devon/Somerset books, but unfortunately it's not.
The book lacks character development, which is my main problem with it. The characters are bland. Like, you can't say ANYTHING about Matt, the love interest, besides the fact that he's an owner of a business. He's not particulary funny or memorable, all we know about him is that Rosie, the main character, fancies him. But why does she really?
Rosie herself is pretty bland character too. She works in a cafe, she had her heart broken and she misses her dad. Ok, fine, but what else? We know nothing about her and that makes us not invested in her story.
You can't just pict two or three traits for your character, tell us about them and do not SHOW them at all.
I liked the fact that the typical story was mixed with a whodunnit, but as I said before when reviewing Summer Breeze – Part One The Windmill Café the Poitor-esque ending, when he puts all of the suspects in one room and then talks and talks and talks was too much for me. It is charmin when you read Christie's novel, but it's annoying when you read it elswhere.
Do you really think that police officers whoul allow some two random people do that? That's not how the system works.
Also, what bothered me in this book (and the previous too) was the "let's make some research" part. Here, Rosie was googoling archery clubs in north west and surprise surprise she found a culprit that way. You know how many archery clubs are there? A LOT.
In the previous book, Matt called his friend living in Mallorca to make some enquires about the suspects. Yes because that's how it works - there are 20 people only living in Mallorca and they all know each other.
Besides many problems I had, it's not a totally bad book.
It's not th most unique one, but it's a fast read, perfect for a plane or a train ride.
I was hopingthis book will be diffrent from hundreds of those cafe/bookshop books that are set in Cronwall/Devon/Somerset books, but unfortunately it's not.
The book lacks character development, which is my main problem with it. The characters are bland. Like, you can't say ANYTHING about Matt, the love interest, besides the fact that he's an owner of a business. He's not particulary funny or memorable, all we know about him is that Rosie, the main character, fancies him. But why does she really?
Rosie herself is pretty bland character too. She works in a cafe, she had her heart broken and she misses her dad. Ok, fine, but what else? We know nothing about her and that makes us not invested in her story.
You can't just pict two or three traits for your character, tell us about them and do not SHOW them at all.
I liked the fact that the typical story was mixed with a whodunnit, but as I said before when reviewing Summer Breeze – Part One The Windmill Café the Poitor-esque ending, when he puts all of the suspects in one room and then talks and talks and talks was too much for me. It is charmin when you read Christie's novel, but it's annoying when you read it elswhere.
Do you really think that police officers whoul allow some two random people do that? That's not how the system works.
Also, what bothered me in this book (and the previous too) was the "let's make some research" part. Here, Rosie was googoling archery clubs in north west and surprise surprise she found a culprit that way. You know how many archery clubs are there? A LOT.
In the previous book, Matt called his friend living in Mallorca to make some enquires about the suspects. Yes because that's how it works - there are 20 people only living in Mallorca and they all know each other.
Besides many problems I had, it's not a totally bad book.
It's not th most unique one, but it's a fast read, perfect for a plane or a train ride.
September 12, 2018
Good follow on from the first book in the series in fact I have to say I preferred this instalment. A satisfying cosy mystery with cake thrown in for good measure, it’s hard to beat. I hadn’t completely guessed who the perpetrator was but did have a bit of an inkling but the twists and turns make you doubt your decision! The ending however I certainly did not guess! Looking forward to the next instalment.
August 27, 2018
A lovely little piece of cooler weather in the dreaded heat of summer :c)
March 16, 2019
Did not enjoy this was too far fetched. To members of the public phone police every so often for an update on an ongoing attempt murder case
June 29, 2018
Another book I jumped into without having read Book 1 of the series, but I don't think that made any difference to my enjoyment of this book! Especially when it turned out to be quite different from what I was expecting it to be - in a good way! This was more cosy crime than romance and I liked the mix of the genres, so hope to pick up Book 1 and see how the mystery solving duo did at the start!
Rosie is very happy with life as she bakes her favourite cakes in The Windmill Cafe, but as the season winds down she finds herself with some spare time and agrees to go with some friends on a overnight camping trip to discover some local folklore and watch the sunrise at Garside Priory. Matt, who runs the outdoor expedition centre, is keen to get her out of her comfort zone and gently teases her about her fears and reluctance to enjoy spending time under the stars!
While they are there though one of the party gets shot by an arrow, so the mystery needs to be solved as to who would attack one of the party in such a way. The more you hear about the man who was shot, the more you realise what an unpleasant bloke he is so the list of suspects is quite long!!
I really enjoyed the fun, relaxed feel to this book! There was plenty to keep you entertained and pondering just who the suspect would be! OOh and that twist at the end!!! Didn't see that coming! Bring on book 3!!!
Rosie is very happy with life as she bakes her favourite cakes in The Windmill Cafe, but as the season winds down she finds herself with some spare time and agrees to go with some friends on a overnight camping trip to discover some local folklore and watch the sunrise at Garside Priory. Matt, who runs the outdoor expedition centre, is keen to get her out of her comfort zone and gently teases her about her fears and reluctance to enjoy spending time under the stars!
While they are there though one of the party gets shot by an arrow, so the mystery needs to be solved as to who would attack one of the party in such a way. The more you hear about the man who was shot, the more you realise what an unpleasant bloke he is so the list of suspects is quite long!!
I really enjoyed the fun, relaxed feel to this book! There was plenty to keep you entertained and pondering just who the suspect would be! OOh and that twist at the end!!! Didn't see that coming! Bring on book 3!!!
July 9, 2018
A lovely story, full of mystery, friendship and love.
This is the second book in a series of three, set in Autumn in the wonderful village of Willerby in Norfolk. The story is about Rosie and her very much loved Windmill Café which we are able to picture and be transported to due to such wonderful descriptions and narrative by Poppy Blake.
Rosie loves order, the Windmill Café is her haven and she loves nothing more than being in her immaculate, pristine kitchen, baking and cooking for her friends and customers.
This is a lovely book about life, collecting new memories, experiences, friendships and happiness despite going through much sadness in her life. One of Rosie’s mottos is that Life is a journey, not a destination.
Once I started reading the Windmill Café, I really wanted to know what happened and whether or not they solved the mystery! It is a very thought provoking book and keeps you engaged right to the end.
It would be great to see some of the recipes at the back of the book that were made in the Windmill Café! The fig and walnut scones, and pineapple and coconut cookies sound delicious! You could almost smell the wonderful baking aromas as you read the book! I would love to visit the Windmill Café!
I am very much looking forward to reading the third book in this series, The Windmill Café: Christmas Trees, which is out on 14th September 2018.
This is the second book in a series of three, set in Autumn in the wonderful village of Willerby in Norfolk. The story is about Rosie and her very much loved Windmill Café which we are able to picture and be transported to due to such wonderful descriptions and narrative by Poppy Blake.
Rosie loves order, the Windmill Café is her haven and she loves nothing more than being in her immaculate, pristine kitchen, baking and cooking for her friends and customers.
This is a lovely book about life, collecting new memories, experiences, friendships and happiness despite going through much sadness in her life. One of Rosie’s mottos is that Life is a journey, not a destination.
Once I started reading the Windmill Café, I really wanted to know what happened and whether or not they solved the mystery! It is a very thought provoking book and keeps you engaged right to the end.
It would be great to see some of the recipes at the back of the book that were made in the Windmill Café! The fig and walnut scones, and pineapple and coconut cookies sound delicious! You could almost smell the wonderful baking aromas as you read the book! I would love to visit the Windmill Café!
I am very much looking forward to reading the third book in this series, The Windmill Café: Christmas Trees, which is out on 14th September 2018.
June 21, 2018
I was looking forward to this second book in this series and it didn't let me down at all still full of mystery and wonder and friendship pulling together to solve the mystery. Full of wonderful food and beautiful countryside you just want to be there to enjoy.
Summer has gone and Autumn is coming Rosie is still working at the windmill cafe but she offers to help Matt with his outdoor expedition and they will all camp under the stars and enjoy watching the sunset. She thinks it will be a great way to wind down but also she will be with Matt just what she wants. Problem is one person goes out on there own on the camping trip and gets shot with an arrow and they need to find out who it is. There are many possible people but can Rosie find out who it was in time to save matts place of work or not and she really wants to stay working at the windmill cafe but can she find the killer in time or not.
A great simple read.
Summer has gone and Autumn is coming Rosie is still working at the windmill cafe but she offers to help Matt with his outdoor expedition and they will all camp under the stars and enjoy watching the sunset. She thinks it will be a great way to wind down but also she will be with Matt just what she wants. Problem is one person goes out on there own on the camping trip and gets shot with an arrow and they need to find out who it is. There are many possible people but can Rosie find out who it was in time to save matts place of work or not and she really wants to stay working at the windmill cafe but can she find the killer in time or not.
A great simple read.
January 21, 2019
The Windmill Café: Autumn Leaves by Poppy Blake is a delightful contemporary mystery that will entertain whilst having the reader glued and guessing.
For anyone who knows the BBC series Death In Paradise, Autumn Leaves has a similar format and atmosphere. It is very much a light-hearted read whilst characters bond around cake.
Village life is uncomplicated – or is it? A community atmosphere where everyone pulls together could not possibly hide a potential murderer – or could it?
Autumn Leaves shows amateur super sleuthing at its best. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, the reader follows two would be crime busters as bit by bit they try to piece together the action.
Everyone has a motive but only one committed the crime. Can you guess who before the big reveal?
A really fun light hearted escape that entertains. It would make a fabulous channel 5 afternoon movie.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
For anyone who knows the BBC series Death In Paradise, Autumn Leaves has a similar format and atmosphere. It is very much a light-hearted read whilst characters bond around cake.
Village life is uncomplicated – or is it? A community atmosphere where everyone pulls together could not possibly hide a potential murderer – or could it?
Autumn Leaves shows amateur super sleuthing at its best. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, the reader follows two would be crime busters as bit by bit they try to piece together the action.
Everyone has a motive but only one committed the crime. Can you guess who before the big reveal?
A really fun light hearted escape that entertains. It would make a fabulous channel 5 afternoon movie.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
June 26, 2019
‘I relished every moment of this story ... definitely not one to be missed’ Emma, Shaz’s Book Blog Summer days drifting away... As the last rays of summer sunshine fade away, Rosie Barnes swaps serving ice-cold fizz and strawberries for warm, spiced pumpkin latte and chocolate brownies. Her love for the Windmill Café remains as strong as its peppermint green sails. So, with time on her hands, Rosie agrees to help gorgeous Matt Wilson on one of his outdoor expeditions – camping under the stars with rugged Matt the perfect chance to wind down. As the Autumn mist rolls in, the change in weather brings with it a sense of danger when one of the camping group is shot with a bow and arrow! An unfortunate accident, or a killer on the loose in picture-perfect Willerby? If news escapes, Rosie knows dreams of building a life at Windmill Café will be over for good. Unless she and Matt can solve the mystery before it’s too late!
November 5, 2021
Book 2 of a 3 book series. New author for me, but this series The Windmill Cafe has been on my to be read list for a while, so glad I’m finally getting around to reading it.
Book two has been a just as enjoyable as book one, although I did find some bits a little tedious, butI think that’s probably down to me not being a fan of active sports/adventures lol. Anyway it was great being able to get reacquainted with the main characters again, being Rosie, Mia, Matt and Freddie, all of whom are very likeable. Rosie and Matt got to be sleuth detectives again, trying to solve the mystery before getting police involvement.
Just like with book one, there was mention of some truly yummy sounding food that the girls were baking, enough to make my mouth water and make me hungry lol.
Well I’m looking forward to book 3 of the series, which is also the last book to the series and yay it’s based around Christmas time which is a put seeing as it’s November and Christmas will soon be here.
Book two has been a just as enjoyable as book one, although I did find some bits a little tedious, butI think that’s probably down to me not being a fan of active sports/adventures lol. Anyway it was great being able to get reacquainted with the main characters again, being Rosie, Mia, Matt and Freddie, all of whom are very likeable. Rosie and Matt got to be sleuth detectives again, trying to solve the mystery before getting police involvement.
Just like with book one, there was mention of some truly yummy sounding food that the girls were baking, enough to make my mouth water and make me hungry lol.
Well I’m looking forward to book 3 of the series, which is also the last book to the series and yay it’s based around Christmas time which is a put seeing as it’s November and Christmas will soon be here.
July 16, 2018
The Windmill Cafe, Autumn Leaves is the second instalment in this mystery/foodie series.
The first instalment I didn’t really love, it was ok but I feel this next one is better although I do have a few knarks, which even now leave me a bit baffled. Rosie runs the windmill cafe and little bits of her past are being revealed scarcely, we know she fancies Matt but who is Matt?? We know he owns a local business and other little bits and bobs but I feel by the end of this novel I really don’t know any of the characters well so I hope the next instalment has more character depth.
On the whole I enjoyed this easy read but beware it does end on a cliff hanger and is probably the most exciting thing in the book!!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse, Killer Reads for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
The first instalment I didn’t really love, it was ok but I feel this next one is better although I do have a few knarks, which even now leave me a bit baffled. Rosie runs the windmill cafe and little bits of her past are being revealed scarcely, we know she fancies Matt but who is Matt?? We know he owns a local business and other little bits and bobs but I feel by the end of this novel I really don’t know any of the characters well so I hope the next instalment has more character depth.
On the whole I enjoyed this easy read but beware it does end on a cliff hanger and is probably the most exciting thing in the book!!
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse, Killer Reads for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2018
This combines elements of a cozy with a light romance. It's a quick read (it's short!) and the characters are sweet. Rosie's got the Windmill Cafe but she's agreed to help Matt with his glamping business. Who would expect there to be a murderer who kills with a bow and arrow? In Willerby? Well, because this is short, you might figure out who-done-it pretty quickly but the real story here is the Rosie-Matt connection. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A nice diversion.
September 14, 2018
I have to say I wasn't all that keen on the 1st book in this series - Summer Breeze and gave it 3 stars. Autumn Leaves is much better. One of my problems with Summer Breeze was that I didn't feel it flowed very well, no such problems in this book. I would have given Autumn Leaves 5 stars had it not been for all the repetitevenes about Rosie and her previous life in London with Harry. Other than that, great book.
Thanks to Publishers and NetGalley for my free copy.
Thanks to Publishers and NetGalley for my free copy.
November 30, 2023
1.5 stars. Sorry to anyone who likes this series but it’s just so boring?! Powered through this and I have the 3rd one to read as I got all 3 from the library but I’m not really looking forward to it. Exactly same as the first book: a crime happens and Rosie and Matt have to solve it before the police. I loose track of the characters as they all merge into one and the ‘romance’ between Rosie and Matt is so weak. Last 2 chapters were better and the twist on the final page was quite interesting.
June 6, 2018
This book was a ok read. I found the constant introspectiveness of the characters to be slow and boring. The mystery is nice, although I didn't like the reveal of the bad guy that much. The writing is a blend of british and american words and phrasing which can be a bit confusing in places. The character development is great. The description of the area and scenery is very nice.
July 28, 2018
Another nice easy read in ‘The windmill cafe’ series. The books are like reading an episode of a mystery program on the television. It kept me entertained and intrigued to the end. Looking forward to the next in the series to see how Rosie and Matts relationship unfolds.
August 15, 2018
A continuation from the first book, with new and old characters.
August 26, 2018
loved this one can't wait for the next part
December 8, 2020
Good book
March 24, 2021
Excellent. Loved it. A wonderful mixture of cosy cafe and mystery.
June 26, 2018
In this second book in the series, Rosie is still quite busy at the Windmill Café, but wonders if she wants more. Presently, she agrees to help her good friend Matt Wilson on one of his outdoor expeditions. After a drudging hike and a night's sleep, the first morning brings on worries. As leader of the expedition, Matt has an early morning pre-sunrise hike planned, but he and the rest of the group oversleep. Two things are quickly realized. They must've have been poisoned, causing them all to oversleep, and one of their party is missing, and is discovered after having been shot with an arrow, and it was no accident.
Meanwhile, although having suffered recent heartbreak at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Rosie now finds herself quite drawn to Matt, and he seems to feel the same. Over the summer, there was a poisoning at the café, and Matt and Rosie teamed up to solve it, and it appears they plan on doing the same again this time, a crime-solving duo.
This is a cute story with a budding, sweet romance. Having not read the first in the series, I still felt connected enough with the story and the characters. This was a very quick read with a great little mystery. I was surprised at the ending, which means to get the complete story, the third book in the series must be read when it is released.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Date of publication: June 29, 2018
Meanwhile, although having suffered recent heartbreak at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Rosie now finds herself quite drawn to Matt, and he seems to feel the same. Over the summer, there was a poisoning at the café, and Matt and Rosie teamed up to solve it, and it appears they plan on doing the same again this time, a crime-solving duo.
This is a cute story with a budding, sweet romance. Having not read the first in the series, I still felt connected enough with the story and the characters. This was a very quick read with a great little mystery. I was surprised at the ending, which means to get the complete story, the third book in the series must be read when it is released.
Many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Date of publication: June 29, 2018
dnf
September 23, 2018Ik ga hier niet in verder. Het verhaal is eigenlijk vrij kort maar de eerste 50 paginas pakken mij al niet. Er wordt vaker dan eens teruggekomen op een incident dat zich heeft afgespeeld in een eerder verhaal. Hierdoor raak ik in de war omdat ik de details niet weet. Tevens spreekt mij de schrijfstijl niet aan. Het begon al met dat er vanuit een derde perspectief geschreven werd en niet vanuit een personage. Its confusing.
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