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The Dover Cafe #1
The Dover Cafe at War
Dover, 1939
At the heart of Market Square lies Castle's Café, run by the formidable Nellie Castle and her six children.
Since the scandalous birth of her son ten years ago, Marianne, Nellie's eldest daughter, has preferred to stay in the kitchen, hidden away from the scrutiny of the town gossips. Overcome with shame, she has never revealed the identity of Donny's father - not even to her own mother.
But with World War II just around the corner, soon Marianne's past catches up with her. And suddenly the lives of the Castle family become a lot more complicated.
Will the secrets from her past destroy their future?
At the heart of Market Square lies Castle's Café, run by the formidable Nellie Castle and her six children.
Since the scandalous birth of her son ten years ago, Marianne, Nellie's eldest daughter, has preferred to stay in the kitchen, hidden away from the scrutiny of the town gossips. Overcome with shame, she has never revealed the identity of Donny's father - not even to her own mother.
But with World War II just around the corner, soon Marianne's past catches up with her. And suddenly the lives of the Castle family become a lot more complicated.
Will the secrets from her past destroy their future?
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2020
435 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 7, 2020
The Dover Cafe #1
Castle's Cafe is in the middle of the Market Square. The cafe is run by Nellie Castle and her six children. Her oldest daughter, Marianne, life changes when she gives birth to a boy, Danny, when she was just sixteen. Marianne decides to remain in the kitchen after her sons birth. Nellie's other two daughters also work in the cafe. But when WWII breaks out, Nellie's sons sign up.
What a good start to this new series. The characters are likeable and well rounded. It tells us what family life was like during the war. The storyline flows along at a steady pace. It's a well written book and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
Castle's Cafe is in the middle of the Market Square. The cafe is run by Nellie Castle and her six children. Her oldest daughter, Marianne, life changes when she gives birth to a boy, Danny, when she was just sixteen. Marianne decides to remain in the kitchen after her sons birth. Nellie's other two daughters also work in the cafe. But when WWII breaks out, Nellie's sons sign up.
What a good start to this new series. The characters are likeable and well rounded. It tells us what family life was like during the war. The storyline flows along at a steady pace. It's a well written book and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
April 11, 2021
why do bad covers happen to AMAZING books?? honestly based on the cover this isn’t something i would usually pick up, but it was on my library app and i was fancying some historical fiction and so decided to give it a go.
this was SO good. the characters were all incredible, the story so engaging and all set against the backdrop of the start of the second world war. honestly cannot recommend it enough.
also super excited that it is part of a series because although the ending was nice, it didn’t feel “finished” - cannot wait to pick up the second book when it comes out!
this was SO good. the characters were all incredible, the story so engaging and all set against the backdrop of the start of the second world war. honestly cannot recommend it enough.
also super excited that it is part of a series because although the ending was nice, it didn’t feel “finished” - cannot wait to pick up the second book when it comes out!
February 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, and I'll look forward to the next book in the series.
The characters are all well written, I loved everyone of them. The storyline was interesting, plenty going on and the chapters about the evacuation of Dunkirk were particularly well researched and written with love and care.
The characters are all well written, I loved everyone of them. The storyline was interesting, plenty going on and the chapters about the evacuation of Dunkirk were particularly well researched and written with love and care.
July 14, 2020
The Castle Family, Nellie, Rodney, Marianne, Lily, Edie, Bert and Jimmy.
1929 is a year Marianne will never forget, seventeen years old and gives birth to her son Donny, who she names after her dad. her family accept the little boy, and Marianne hold the truth to his fathers name for the next ten years to come.
1939 and the Castles Dover Cafe is still going strong and war is looming will the family all hold things together, Marianne doesn't want her son to grow up in a world of war, she has lived with the scorn of the town folks, and also his father who is dead to her. but one day she clearly pays for her mistakes as you read on.
oh this book is such a joy to read, I love how all the characters bring the book to life, all the community come together as one in times of needs, and all have their own stories to tell that i hope to read in future books by this author. greatly looking forward to them.
such a delightful read that I highly recommend.
1929 is a year Marianne will never forget, seventeen years old and gives birth to her son Donny, who she names after her dad. her family accept the little boy, and Marianne hold the truth to his fathers name for the next ten years to come.
1939 and the Castles Dover Cafe is still going strong and war is looming will the family all hold things together, Marianne doesn't want her son to grow up in a world of war, she has lived with the scorn of the town folks, and also his father who is dead to her. but one day she clearly pays for her mistakes as you read on.
oh this book is such a joy to read, I love how all the characters bring the book to life, all the community come together as one in times of needs, and all have their own stories to tell that i hope to read in future books by this author. greatly looking forward to them.
such a delightful read that I highly recommend.
September 28, 2021
This was a fantastic book leading up to the war,looking forward to reading book two.
October 22, 2021
I was recommended this by a friend and she was right, I did love it!
The characters were written so well that you needed to know what was happening to them. I was rooting for them the whole time.
Exciting family stories set in WW2 are one of my favourite genres.
I am so looking forward to listening to the next one.
The characters were written so well that you needed to know what was happening to them. I was rooting for them the whole time.
Exciting family stories set in WW2 are one of my favourite genres.
I am so looking forward to listening to the next one.
June 21, 2025
Another war time saga success. Wonderful writing, colourful characters are both good and bad and great storyline. Now, to read the others 😉
July 20, 2020
Castles is a cafe run by Nellie Castle with the help of her daughters Marianne,Lily and Edie the sons Rodney,Bert and Jimmy take no part.One day while working in the cafe 16 year old Marianne has the shock of her life and life changes for her.Marianne chooses to stay hidden away in the kitchen of the cafe until war is declared then it's all hands on deck the boys join up and Edie has her job at the garage that she loves.Then one day Mariannes past comes back to haunt her can she survive what she has to face.BRILLIANT book i loved it.
July 6, 2020
Marianne
A definite 5 star review loved this book about marianne and being so innocent doesn't realize what's happening to her but with her family helping her she survives it's a must read.
A definite 5 star review loved this book about marianne and being so innocent doesn't realize what's happening to her but with her family helping her she survives it's a must read.
July 30, 2020
The Dover Cafe at War is set in mist of ww2, on Castle street there's the Dover Cafe where this sort is set. I love historical fiction so i knew I would enjoy this book.
In the opening of the book, it's 1929 and 16 year old Marianne her life changes forever when she has her son Donny. Life goes on and 10 years later war is announced and life changes once again.
The book was so heartwarming, dealing with family and life during the war. I loved all of the characters and really enjoyed the dynamic of everyone in the neighbourhood. The book touched on subjects like, illegitimacy, homophobia and illiteracy, I found that it really helped you to understand just how different life was at this time and how it could take its toll on people.
I loved the personal touch at the end of the book, talking about how the author was connected to Dover and the recipe looked very interesting, I might be giving that at go.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Historical fiction fan, I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In the opening of the book, it's 1929 and 16 year old Marianne her life changes forever when she has her son Donny. Life goes on and 10 years later war is announced and life changes once again.
The book was so heartwarming, dealing with family and life during the war. I loved all of the characters and really enjoyed the dynamic of everyone in the neighbourhood. The book touched on subjects like, illegitimacy, homophobia and illiteracy, I found that it really helped you to understand just how different life was at this time and how it could take its toll on people.
I loved the personal touch at the end of the book, talking about how the author was connected to Dover and the recipe looked very interesting, I might be giving that at go.
I would definitely recommend this book to any Historical fiction fan, I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 30, 2024
Book 11: The Dover cafe at war
I loved this book - a huge cast of well-painted characters, a community response to war, a family of six very different kids growing up with a very opinionated, widowed mother … and so much more.
So much story was packed into this book - lots of sub plots and turns, tears, joy, laughter and jealousy - and it all worked. My favourite characters were probably 10-year old Donny and Jasper, a father-figure to the clan of six who grew up in the cafe. I just wish Nelly, the mother, could see how much he loves her, them. They’d make a great couple.
I’ve started the next book in the trilogy and love getting in the car every time so I can listen to more updates from this seaside cafe family. This second book features Lily as the main character, who has just graduated to become a nurse.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves stories set in WWII, family sagas and getting into the thick of hanging out with a boisterous, loving family. There’s even a bit of love on the horizon.
9/10
#bookreview #ginnybell #wwii #audiobooks #amreading #trilogy
I loved this book - a huge cast of well-painted characters, a community response to war, a family of six very different kids growing up with a very opinionated, widowed mother … and so much more.
So much story was packed into this book - lots of sub plots and turns, tears, joy, laughter and jealousy - and it all worked. My favourite characters were probably 10-year old Donny and Jasper, a father-figure to the clan of six who grew up in the cafe. I just wish Nelly, the mother, could see how much he loves her, them. They’d make a great couple.
I’ve started the next book in the trilogy and love getting in the car every time so I can listen to more updates from this seaside cafe family. This second book features Lily as the main character, who has just graduated to become a nurse.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves stories set in WWII, family sagas and getting into the thick of hanging out with a boisterous, loving family. There’s even a bit of love on the horizon.
9/10
#bookreview #ginnybell #wwii #audiobooks #amreading #trilogy
January 26, 2021
I was looking forward to reading this book as I felt it would fill the whole left by the ending of Ellie Deans Cliffehaven series. I wasn't disappointed. We have started to learn all about Dover and the Castle Cafe during WW2. The saga has started with Mariannes story and it was good with lots of layers to work through - even a little bit of menace to spice things up. Ginny Bell has created lots of wonderful characters especially Nellie as the matriarch of the family who stands for no nonsense but will protect her brood against everyone. This is a stand alone story but with the threads that will lead us to the next story in the saga - which I am looking forward to.
March 13, 2021
This is a wonderfully-written book which allowed me to immerse myself in the characters. I could really feel Marianne's desperation, whilst at the same time wanting to shake her for not snapping at Elspeth. I couldn't help but feel that, in her position, I would probably have told her exactly what I thought of her, instead of letting her get away with her nastiness. I loved the no-nonsense, indomitable Nellie; she's a little rough around the edges but she defends her family fiercely and there's no messing with her, and she holds the community together. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 30, 2021
3.5 stars. It's a good book, I liked it, I just found it a bit long and drawn out at times. It focuses on the early days of the war and the uncertainty that lay ahead. There was a real sense of community which was heart warming and Donny made me smile so much throughout. Marianne was a wonderful, strong character. I'd like to see what happens the rest of the characters....particularly Jimmy. My heart broke for him. Overall, a decent start to a wartime saga.
Thanks to Netgalley and Zaffre for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Zaffre for the opportunity to read this book.
July 3, 2023
4.5 stars
A real page turner about a loving family who have their fair share of problems but always support each other. The setting of Dover makes this a homefront story that comes very close to the war itself, with one of the events in the book being the evacuation of Dunkirk.
I particularly appreciate that the author does not do a lot of 'telling' of facts, letting the reader use their own resources if they wish to research the history further.
Very much looking forward to continuing with this series.
A real page turner about a loving family who have their fair share of problems but always support each other. The setting of Dover makes this a homefront story that comes very close to the war itself, with one of the events in the book being the evacuation of Dunkirk.
I particularly appreciate that the author does not do a lot of 'telling' of facts, letting the reader use their own resources if they wish to research the history further.
Very much looking forward to continuing with this series.
August 26, 2020
This was an enjoyable and informative historical romance. The first part of a series that I am avidly looking forward to reading more of. The characters are full of depth and I easily became involved in each of their storylines and their lives. As well as being an excellent story, I felt that I learnt a lot about the effects of the war on the inhabitants of the south coast that I had never thought about before. I highly recommend this book.
June 18, 2021
A cosy aga saga with great characters and a solid plot line. The Dover Cafe is the story of the Castle family, who run a cafe in Dover at the start of the Second World War. Maryanne, the eldest daughter disgraced herself a decade earlier by giving birth to an illegitimate child at the age of 17. But she’s spent ten years hanging on to a secret that could now threaten to tear her whole family apart. Great read. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next in the series.
September 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this gentle book. The character are well written and I so felt for Marianne, Donnie, Nellie and the whole Castle family. As the book starts WW2 hasn't started but the threat is looming and as it progresses we see how the Castle family deal with their changing circumstances and the danger Dover was in during the time of Dunkirk. I've been down to the tunnels in Dover Castle and as I read could imagine all those people down there.
July 24, 2022
Shaneless nostalgi porn, but quite well done. My interest is strengthened by the fact that I was born in Dover. My Dad was 16 when the novel begins, and was in the local 'Dd
s Army before he enlisted, and witnessed the Battle of Britain, and the shelling. My grandma and great grandmother grew up in Dover, and my great great grandad was the chief lifeguard between Walmer and Deal. I adre Dover Castle, and have nany happy memories of the area.
s Army before he enlisted, and witnessed the Battle of Britain, and the shelling. My grandma and great grandmother grew up in Dover, and my great great grandad was the chief lifeguard between Walmer and Deal. I adre Dover Castle, and have nany happy memories of the area.
September 9, 2024
Bit a guilty pleasure but love the references to Dover - yes maybe they aren't totally accurate but it gives a good insight into life in Dover during the war.... the front line really was the front line....
Dover is so important to the culture and economics of the UK - anything that increases the reputation of dover is to be welcomed... the country and the government should be investing in Dover not leaving it to rot which seems to be the current strategy.
Dover is so important to the culture and economics of the UK - anything that increases the reputation of dover is to be welcomed... the country and the government should be investing in Dover not leaving it to rot which seems to be the current strategy.
October 23, 2024
This has been a good read, but I know my mum will enjoy next.
They were good characters in the whole family of Marianne , the matriarch Nelly , edie , Lily , the brothers and Marianne's son Donny.
There is a another storyline that's secondary to the main plot, of Henry the man that favoured Donny . he's not a very nice man , after doing the dirty on Marianne he then proceeded to hook edie into his web to try and get to his son.
They were good characters in the whole family of Marianne , the matriarch Nelly , edie , Lily , the brothers and Marianne's son Donny.
There is a another storyline that's secondary to the main plot, of Henry the man that favoured Donny . he's not a very nice man , after doing the dirty on Marianne he then proceeded to hook edie into his web to try and get to his son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
A great start to the Dover Cafe series. The sisters of the family seem to have a very similar taste in men. The Matriarch is a slightly overbearing woman, but for the most part her heart is in the right place. The story weaves through the elements of the opening months of the world war 2 and how the Castle family deal with the changes. This first story ends just weeks after the evacuation of Dunkirk with the promise of a marriage and hope for the future.
July 7, 2020
This was a very good read and amazing for a debut novel. It was pretty typical of other books written about family sagas during Worl War 2 but that is fine by me as it's what I enjoy. There is depth to the story and the characters are well developed and interesting. I look forward to the second in the series.
August 4, 2020
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book by Ginny Bell.
At the beginning it's the year 1929 and 16 year old Marianne her life changes forever when she has her son Donny. Life goes on and 10 years later war is announced and life changes once again....
such a great historical fiction book, great characters, great storyline.
4 stars
At the beginning it's the year 1929 and 16 year old Marianne her life changes forever when she has her son Donny. Life goes on and 10 years later war is announced and life changes once again....
such a great historical fiction book, great characters, great storyline.
4 stars
July 28, 2022
I enjoyed every part of this book.
The drama made me happy, sad, and angry. I just loved it. I loved the characters and the plot. It made me feel something I can’t describe.
I loved the unity described in the wake of WWII where the community of Dover came together.
I’m really looking forward to reading the second book.
The drama made me happy, sad, and angry. I just loved it. I loved the characters and the plot. It made me feel something I can’t describe.
I loved the unity described in the wake of WWII where the community of Dover came together.
I’m really looking forward to reading the second book.
February 13, 2023
I persevered until I was about 25% of the way through the book but then I had to give up. Life is just too short to waste on tosh like this. Horrible writing, and characters who range from being unbelievably drippy to annoyingly brash.
I found this to be utter drivel, and I genuinely have no idea why on earth anyone thought it was a good idea to publish this book.
I found this to be utter drivel, and I genuinely have no idea why on earth anyone thought it was a good idea to publish this book.
February 8, 2024
I thought this book was really going to be quite interesting to read.
This story had really gripped me.
From the beginning I was shocked and how the characters lives were in this story.
You couldn't wait to find out more.
I was quite surprised how one character came about. But I wonder if the character will return.
I am looking forward to reading the next book.
This story had really gripped me.
From the beginning I was shocked and how the characters lives were in this story.
You couldn't wait to find out more.
I was quite surprised how one character came about. But I wonder if the character will return.
I am looking forward to reading the next book.
March 18, 2024
This is the first book I have read from Ginny Bell and I couldn't put it down going through the lives of a family the Castles. Marriann had an affair with a married man but she didn't know, and the man she had an affair with gave her a false name. War starts so what will happen next and will there be a happy ending?
September 8, 2024
Three and a half stars. This is not your run of the mill WW2 saga, there are unsavory characters and situations in this book. I felt that the book could have been a little shorter. Also, it would have benefited from a cast of characters as there are a lot of townspeople to keep straight. I do plan on reading the next book in the series.
November 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this story of life during World War Two for a family that ran a cafe in Dover. It was easy to get drawn into the characters lives and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series. It’s quite scary thinking how close to the enemy the folk of Dover were.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews