Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

The Little Duck Pond Cafe #12

by Rosie Green

Get set for a wonderful celebration of autumn with all your favourite characters at the Little Duck Pond Cafe!

An autumn fair is coming to Sunnybrook, much to the delight of the villagers. But for Madison, whose personal life seems to be spinning out of control, a roller-coaster is the last thing she needs – especially when it’s her emotions at stake.

Can she convince the delectable Jack that their relationship is worth another shot? Or has their romance ground to a permanent halt like a faulty big wheel? Will she solve the mystery of the missing name on her birth certificate? Or will her discoveries take her on a journey even bumpier than the dodgem cars? One thing’s for sure. Madison is going to need more than a fairground fortune teller to find the answers to her questions, if she’s going to ‘waltz-er’ into the happiest of sunsets…

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2020

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and delectable. Charming and sweet. This is the 12th book in Rosie greens lovely Little Duck Pond Café series and this time we get Madison‘s Story. When we first met Madison she was such a self-centered bossy so-and-so. But I knew there was more to her then she was letting on. As the series progressed I really grew to like Madison and was really wanting her to find her own HEA. I thought she had completely blown it a few books back, but in this story we see if Jack will give her a second chance. We also get to meet Madison‘s family in this book and get some of her backstory. The cherry on top of this apple toffee cake is we also get to catch up with all the other Little Duck Pond girls as well. One of the highlights of this book was humorous bog snorkling. Imagine snorkeling in muddy water while wearing a costume being chased by the Incredible Hulk. Another fun edition to this fabulous series.

This book in emojis 🍰 🤿 🧜🏻‍♀️ 🎡

*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so lucky to read this book when outside finally felt like Autumn because it made this experience even more spectacular.

I really like how Rosie Green's writing seems so effortless to read but it always convey a deeper meaning.

Madison realized how much she loved Jack only when they were no longer together, but she doesn't give up so easily and she tries to covince him to give their relationship another chance because she is changed and she assures him she won't repeat the same mistakes twice.
But this isn't the only challange in Maddy's life because she has recently discovered that there isn't her fahter's name on the birth certificate, she always feelt like out of place with her family so she decides to find out the thruth about her birth.

Madison's journey is one of self awareness and personal growth.
I was invested in her life because she is relatable and I could easily share most of her insecurities, and at the end I was so proud of her choises.

I recommend this nice story that I unfortunately have read too quickly and now I'll just have to wait next intallment of the series.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is a character that has taken me a while to warm to over this series. I really didn’t like her that much when we first met her but with each book since then she has grown on me. More so the previous book. Having just finished this one, I think I actually might love her character now.

If you are a fan of the series then you will be no stranger to Madison and how rude and self obsessed she was but she has mellowed out a lot and I think in this story I really got to finally understand why has been the way she has. Quite a few times I wanted to wrap my arms around her and give her a great big hug. Don’t worry though as this is still overall a light hearted read that raised a smile on my face more than a few times.

It was great to be back in Sunnybrook as the author has taken us to the coast in our last couple of outings with the characters. You get that wonderful feeling as if you are returning back home and was good to be in familiar surroundings with the locals. As usual things don’t always go to plan but there is an overwhelming sense of community which I especially love.

Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Cafe is my little piece of reading heaven. It has everything that I could wish for in this genre of book and even though this is the twelfth book in the series, the content has been consistently great throughout. I do hope there will be lots more books to come in the series as I just love Sunnybrook and its residents. Fabulous as ever!

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with the girls and this time the focus is all on Madison. I will admit, I quite like Madison, she gets a hard time from the girls which I don’t always feel is fair and plus she has her own dramas to sort out with her family. She isn’t a character you necessarily warm to instantly but if the last couple of books are anything to go by she’s definitely on the right path.

I actually find Maddy quite refreshing. She just says things, in her way, and although they are brutally the truth at times, she does it from a place of love. She’s not a person who could readily accept you in her life, these things have to be earned. She is the kind of girl I would want in my life for sure, straight-talking and no-nonsense.

I can’t say too much about the plot (not that I do normally) because it’s not in the blurb. However, Madison has her own personal journey to go on which made the eyes leak at one point. Plus whoever would be up for a bit “bog snorkelling” is definitely a girl I need in my life! I might be tempted to join in with her, did sound like a bit of fun!

Rosie really has created something really special here with the community and the girls. You have a family with a bond which is wonderful to read about. They are a family that chose each other and that is a bond that is to cherish. Each book could be standalone but the overall journey is needed. With each book, you see everyone’s lives just move forward that but more and it’s nice knowing what’s going on. So you know chop chop get reading.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I've only read a few of the books in this series, it's like coming home, and over Christmas, I plan to catch up on those I've missed. This story focuses on Madison, and for those who don't know her, there is enough backstory to let you enjoy this book.

This is a story of self-realisation for Madison as she tries to repair her relationship with Jack and find out who her father is. As she works towards these goals, she mellows and realises the importance of family, friendships and love.

The autumnal setting is lovely and atmospheric, and the relationships are believable. This a lovely balance of lighthearted romantic comedy underpinned with emotional issues that make it realistic for new and old readers of this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #12 in the Little Duck Pond Café series. It can easily be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the characters backstories! I can’t believe we are up to #12 in the series, yet it only felt like yesterday when I was right back at the beginning making my first visit to the little village of Sunnybrook. The beauty of these books are they are fairly short, easy to read and are absolutely perfect for passing a few hours on a lazy afternoon!

We are back in the village for this latest instalment, it’s Autumn and coming up for Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations. All of the characters I’ve come to know and love are back, but the story does focus mainly around Madison. We first met Madison all the way back in book #5 (if my memory serves me right!) and she has definitely been a character who has needed to grow on you! It does feel that sometimes she goes one step forward and three steps back, but you can tell that deep down she is growing into a lovely character!! This book gives the perfect example though of how much a person can learn about themselves! It was sad though, despite her faults to see Madison struggling with her relationship and personal life so much in this book, and you end up keeping your fingers crossed that she works it all out and gets a happy ending! Of course, she has all her friends around her when she needs them, and it’s heart-warming to see that the girls are all still there for each other after so long!!

The book flows along at a lovely pace, and the autumnal theme gives a lovely cosy feel to it! It’s not all about Madison though, and there is plenty going on with the other characters! I particularly enjoyed Jaz’s pregnancy storyline and did chuckle at some of her antics and feel for her during her very late stages of her pregnancy!! As with the other books in the series, you feel like you are returning to meet old friends, and straight away get involved with their storylines. There is a little bit of something for everyone in this book and I guarantee it will give you a lovely warm autumnal glow and leave you with a smile on your face. And…for all the sweet tooth cake lovers out there, there is even a bonus recipe thrown in at the end of the book for the titled Toffee Apple Cake! Enjoy!!

[Karen Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this instalment of the Little Duck Pond Cafe. Looking forward to starting #13

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving reading about the wonderful ladies who run the Little Duck Pond Cafe and on this visit we got to spend more time with Maddy. She is a complicated member of the group who we get to observe and see how life is unravelling from her perspective as well as that of her friends.

I wasn't sure on whether I liked Maddy's character as I read as she lost her temper quickly and came across as selfish, however the more time I spent with her the more I could see how lost she was becoming and how this was impacting upon her relationships with those closest to her.

I loved the last 20% of this story and how it all pulled together, it warmed my heart and left me with that lovely fuzzy feeling you get after observing real friendship. Another wonderful addition to this series and I look forward to reading the next instalment, hopefully in the very near future.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Rosie’s work for a little while now and I especially love ‘The Little Duck Pond Café’ series. I haven’t quite caught up with the full series but I keep pace with Rosie’s new series instalments and when I have a spare day or so, I read one of the earlier episodes. ‘Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake At The Little Duck Pond Café’ is the twelfth book in the series and it was released on 31st August 2020. It is another amazing read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into this story. In fact the lovely cover and the mention of cake was enough to grab my attention and the story within the covers just sealed the deal. I tried to ration how quickly I read the story so I could prolong my enjoyment of the story but I found that I enjoyed reading this delightful book so much that I simply couldn’t put it down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The only problem was that I craved cake for ages whilst reading this book which isn’t good for somebody trying to lose weight!!
‘Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake At The Little Duck Pond Café’ is brilliantly written but then I think that to be true of all of Rosie’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. She has a way of creating adorable characters who are impossible to dislike and you can’t help but hope for the best for them. The author has one of those warm and easy going writing styles that reads more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. I hope that makes sense. I was gripped by the story from start to finish. Reading this book felt more like a hug from a mug, leaving you all warm and fuzzy inside. That’s how I felt anyway.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake At The Little Duck Pond Café’ and I will definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will be reading more of Rosie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How on earth are we on book 12 of this fabulous series already, and each book continually feels different and fresh, which must take a real skill from Rosie Green.

This time we have Madison as the main character, and it's about time we get to know her better. At the centre of this we have her wondering if she will ever get back together with Jack, having finally realised she needs to treat him better. And there is also the discovery of just who her dad is.

Which leads to amongst other things are rather amusing radio jingle and what Madison believes to be dog snorkelling (she was a letter out, but the real sort of snorkelling is just as entertaining).

Madison needs to learn how to be a better friend and family member in this story, and I loved seeing her journey of self discovery.

Even though this is the 12th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, we get a few chapters which are great for new readers, and possibly useful reminders for existing fans, of her story in Stonybrook so far, which covers her key moments from the previous books, so should be easy enough to dip into from here.

We do naturally get to catch up with the other Little Duck Pond Cafe girls, which includes a bit of drama, and continuations of all of their lives.

It's just another fabulous instalment in this incredibly pleasing series, I'm already looking forward to the festive additions for this year, and hope that Rosie Green can keep going with the Duck Pond Cafe girls for many years.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved everything about the Little Duck Pond Cafe series and I’m hoping author, Rosie Green, will keep on writing lots of new stories for us. Can you get bored of a series, no I don’t think you can especially when it’s written with realistic characters, with heart, with humour and the setting is perfect with lots and lots of cake?!

This instalment focuses of Maddy’s story, Maddy is a complicated character and she is her own worst enemy. She loves dearly but doesn’t trust her own feelings and those of others and ends up ruffling a few feathers with her friends and loved ones along the way. Maddy is still heartbroken over her breakup with Jack and she’s desperate to prove him wrong and that she is good for him. Maddy also needs to uncover the truth about an important part of her life that has been kept hidden by her parents.

When Maddy finds out the truth about her parentage she goes on a journey of finding her birth father and becomes a little obsessed by this new information. With this shiny, new person in her life she becomes distracted and dismisses what she has held dear to her heart all this time and tempers become frayed between many.

Jack has also returned back in Maddy’s life but not in the way she wants and he has a sidekick in tow. Maddy is confused, distraught and is once again hellbent on destroying her chances of happiness.

Log Fires and Toffee Apple Cakes is filled with lots of soul searching for Maddy but it’s a fun filled romp of a read and has the heart of friendship and community at it’s centre.

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th novella in the series… and I never want it to end!!! I have adored every part of this series, and this is one is no exception! It’s like catching up with old friends and this time there’s an awful lot going on to remind us that reconnecting with the past doesn’t always go as smoothly as we hope!

The story centres mainly around Madison and the dilemma she finds herself facing. She’s at a crossroads in her life wanting to move forward, but there’s unresolved issues from the past that are causing her to rebel a little! She’s always felt a little out of place in the family with her decision to follow a career in baking and not law, but she soon discovers some news that rock everything she ever knew and doesn’t know how to cope with it.

There’s also excitement amongst the ladies as Jaz is soon to give birth so everyone is on high alert and tensions often run high with all that is going on! Sometimes friendly advice isn’t as well accepted when hormones are in the mix!!

As always, I just really enjoyed spending time in the company of these women. In Madison, we meet a character who has shown real growth over the past couple of books and has mellowed out a bit – but she still has a tendency to rush things and act before she speaks or thinks and we get to see the consequences of that play out in this storyline. Just another wonderful addition to the series and I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!!!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous addition to this wonderful series - and another cracking cover!

As the seasons change from summer to autumn, Madison finds herself still estranged from Jack and she knows that she wants them to rekindle their romance; but she also knows it takes two to tango - so how does Jack feel about it? She is also determined to find out why her father's name is missing from her birth certificate, but extracting the information from her mother won't be easy, and the expected arrival in Sunnybrook of an autumn fair is just too much for her to take in at the moment. Can she finally get her life sorted out?

Sunnybrook is the perfect name for such a pleasant village, bursting at the seams with terrific characters. I marvel that author Rosie Green has expanded this into a twelfth story, with this one every bit as fresh as the first. With all relationships touched upon in this, Maddy's story, none of it is sugar-coated and their issues are much the same as all the rest of us go through. This is overwhelmingly a feel-good read though, and it's a beautifully told tale, as you would expect - and, of course, including a most mouth-watering recipe at the end of the book! Another lovely instalment in this superb series, fully worth all five sparkling stars and the highest recommendation.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being another book in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series I knew I was likely to enjoy this one, having enjoyed the previous books. They can be read as stand alone’s but I would recommend reading them in order to get the full character development as the stories have progressed.

We follow Madison in this story as she deals with the sudden discovery that her dad is not her biological dad, and also as she tries to convince Jack that they should be together.

I don’t know what it’s like to discover the parent you’ve know all your life isn’t a biological one but the feelings and reactions of Madison certainly come across as realistic and genuine. I could understand the decisions she was making, and why she felt as she did, even if I didn’t agree with all of it.

The reactions of her friends and family also came across as genuine and this is a big part of why these books are so good. The reactions and emotions are so realistic that it feels like you are somehow watching people’s lives, rather than reading about fictional characters.

If you’ve enjoyed any or all of the previous books then you’ll enjoy this one. If you’ve not read the previous ones I would recommend starting at the beginning but, either way this is a cosy read that will get you in the mood for autumn, bonfires and the impending fireworks and festive season. Another brilliant read.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I love this author’s books and I was thrilled to see that she had a new release!

I thought that this book was lovely, it was well written, the characterisation was brilliant and I loved being able to catch up with some of my favourite characters. The setting for the books is wonderful and I love being able to visit them as I turn the pages and it is the perfect escape for me.

This story features on Madison and we get to know more about her, she has been one of my least favourites in the series but I have warmed to her now after reading this one.

The attention to detail was great and the book was very well developed and it is the perfect read for this time of the year – and it made me really want to have a warm hot chocolate and cake!!

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I was a fabulous read – very highly recommended and I am already looking forward to reading the next release in this fabulous series!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a warm and welcoming novella to escape into for Autumn. All the familiar characters are there, but one or two have a few challenges to overcome and a few surprises to deal with. We learn more about Madison in this story and get to meet her parents and twin sisters. You realise how important family is to her but also why she has been a little spiky and abrupt at times in past stories. She has discovered quite a secret which has shaken her world and in this book, we get to see how she works through the aftermath.
Family and friendships are at the heart of the story as the circle of friends continues to expand and grow. As ever, the next story is hinted at and as the number of settings grows, both cafes, to the bakery which is not yet finished, I can only see more potential for new characters and storylines. Perfect for an Autumn weekend read, this is one of the best so far.
In short: Family and friendship.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a lot of people it’s back to school as I am writing this. Some with happy faces, some with sad ones. For me though it was back to Sunnybrook and I was very pleased about that. So big happy face here. 🙂

The author has told us the stories about several of the main characters already and this time we focus on Maddy. Fans of the series know how she is. She wears her heart on her sleeve and though this is not (always) a bad thing, she sometimes hurts people this way. On the other hand, you know where you stand with her.

It’s time to find out a bit more about her. We know about the present, but what about the past? And do we glimpse Cupid hovering too?

Another great installment of a series I never seem to tire of. I read, I enjoyed, I recommend. 😉 5 stars once again.

Thank you, Rosie Green and Rachel’s Random Resources.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Bookshortie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page when I was introduced to Madison (Maddy) and her fiends I knew this was going to be a book I enjoyed. It was so easy to see from the beginning how close they all are. Madison has been dumped by Jack and he’s recently made an appearance back into her life. Is there any hope that they get back together? She’s finally approached the subject of who her father is and this is a discovery that’ll completely change her life and have an impact on her relationships with friends and family. I really liked the character of Maddison. She’s so funny and some of her one liners and quips made me laugh out loud. She is genuinely a lovely person and someone who if I met in real life I know we’d be friends.

This is a book about friendship, family and choices, all of which Madison has to deal with in some way. Although this was a short book I really enjoyed it. I flew through it and before I knew it it was finished. It’s only through this tour that I’ve discovered this author and the Little Duck Pond Series. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and have added all the books that preceded this one to my tbr. The toffee apple cake recipe that was at the end of the book made a nice finishing touch to a very sweet story. By the time I’d finished this book I wished I was in Sunnybrook with Madison and all her friends.

I received a gifted copy of this book for an honest review.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

 I bloody love this series. In this story we get a look into Maddys hectic life. A roller coaster of a read plenty of ups and plenty of downs. Bound to keep us reading and seeing what turns out good and what doesn’t. As usual loved the village, characters and setting. Perfect!
A cosy autumn read to curl up with. Really enjoyed it. A short one under 200 pages but well worth it! This series is expanding and I never want it to end. Brilliantly written. Parts had me laughing, parts had me tearing up. The friendships within this book have me beaming. THE ENDING. Oh my heart! Beautiful. Emotional. Perfection.
A well deserved four stars from me. Loved it!!! Devoured it. Already looking forward to the next one. Highly recommend this book and the whole series so far.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a plethora of summer reads and Christmas books but this one nicely fits the bill as we head into Autumn. Full of beautiful Autumn colour this story is Madison's, as she searches for a connection with her birth father. You can taste the toffee apple cake and feel the heat of the log fire as you read the latest in the series. It really does shed light on why Madison is the way she is. There are plenty of surprises along the way too in this fun, easy-to-read series.

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Cafe (Book 12)

Another lovely little story of one of the characters from Sunnybrook and the Café by the Duck Pond. I recommend reading this series. The characters are amazing have trials and tribulations, but mostly happy endings.

[G. McGavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I love this series of books and it was great how the story centred round Maddy but all the other characters had their story as well. It a lovely feel good story and I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Kirsty Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story in the little duck pond cafe series. This time it is in the perspective of Mandy. She faces a bombshell in her personal life and this ends up effecting the friendship circle of the girls at the little duck pond cafe!

[Diane Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ups and downs are brilliant. You feel part of the community when reading these wonderful books. I think I have read all the little duck pond cafe book and feel sad. Hopefully they will come back.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im enjoying this series of stories, getting to know the characters. The only flaw, is that every book so far, on my tablet, has lots of mistakes...wrong words, wrong names, words missing, etc. Not sure if the print versions have the same🤔

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice to follow Maddie's life and to see where her journey goes, she matures as the story unfolds x

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed this book

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely visit to The Little Duck Pond Cafe - this time with Madison.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow