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The Little Duck Pond Cafe #16
A Summer of Surprises
When Ruby Watkiss lands a job at the True Loaf Bakery, she feels as if the sun has finally come out. Having been through a traumatic time, it’s a joy to be working for Ellie, and now all Ruby wants is to lead a quiet life and support her mum in getting the help she needs.
But life, it seems, has other plans for Ruby.
Working alongside the bafflingly rude Hudson Holmes would be bad enough – but then odd things start happening. It seems that someone is out to sabotage the café and bakery, and to her horror, Ruby finds the finger pointing at her.
Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with the most unlikely person in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Tailing suspects and hiding in bushes isn’t something she ever imagined she’d be doing, although her partner in mystery-solving seems the perfect man for the job. Can they clear Ruby’s name by discovering the real culprit?
With all the drama afoot, at least there’s no time for romance. Because that’s the very last thing on Ruby’s mind these days. Or is it…?
But life, it seems, has other plans for Ruby.
Working alongside the bafflingly rude Hudson Holmes would be bad enough – but then odd things start happening. It seems that someone is out to sabotage the café and bakery, and to her horror, Ruby finds the finger pointing at her.
Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with the most unlikely person in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Tailing suspects and hiding in bushes isn’t something she ever imagined she’d be doing, although her partner in mystery-solving seems the perfect man for the job. Can they clear Ruby’s name by discovering the real culprit?
With all the drama afoot, at least there’s no time for romance. Because that’s the very last thing on Ruby’s mind these days. Or is it…?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
209 pages, ebook
Published June 30, 2021
115 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 7, 2021
Every book that Rosie Green writes is a beautiful surprise, always unique, sweet, heartwarming and she also skillfully added a mystery to solve.
I loved to follow Ruby and Hudson around while she tries to find the real culprit of the mischief against the Little Duck Pond Cafe that got her fired.
They are a dynamic couple, she is impetuous and more than once she got herself in some funny situations, he is more rational and he is ready to save our heroine. I've enjoyed their friendship and I hope to see more of them in the next books.
A Summer of Surprises is a fantastic addition to this series, of standalones, and definitely a must read.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
July 3, 2021
I'm absolutely amazed at how after 16 books Rosie Green still manages to keep this series fresh and original.
At no point would I have guessed that this latest instalment was more like a cosy mystery, and I was hooked.
From the prologue which had me on tenterhooks, all the way through to the family secrets in Ruby's family, to just why it is Hudson sometimes behaves strangely and just who seems to have it in for Ellie, this is a book that certainly kept me on my toes.
If you are new to the series then don't worry I feel this could definitely be read as a standalone, as although some of the regulars are present it's predominately about all new characters.
This really is a series that is going from strength to strength, and I already can't wait for book 17. You know its a good series when you are still eager to read more even after this many books.
Plenty of events I didn't see coming, adds to the interest and rather addictive nature of this tale.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
At no point would I have guessed that this latest instalment was more like a cosy mystery, and I was hooked.
From the prologue which had me on tenterhooks, all the way through to the family secrets in Ruby's family, to just why it is Hudson sometimes behaves strangely and just who seems to have it in for Ellie, this is a book that certainly kept me on my toes.
If you are new to the series then don't worry I feel this could definitely be read as a standalone, as although some of the regulars are present it's predominately about all new characters.
This really is a series that is going from strength to strength, and I already can't wait for book 17. You know its a good series when you are still eager to read more even after this many books.
Plenty of events I didn't see coming, adds to the interest and rather addictive nature of this tale.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 27, 2021
I adore Rosie Green’s books and as soon as I get my hands on one, everything else is pushed to one side.
In this book, we meet quite a few new characters but it mainly focuses on Ruby, although I loved the parts with her and Hudson in. Things are far from dull when they are together! I loved getting to know both of them more and their mystery-solving skills without a doubt were fun as well as quite exciting. I kept changing my mind as to who could be behind trying to sabotage the café and bakery and kudos to the author for the great red herrings that totally had me off track.
The author as always tackles some tough topics that will pull on the readers heartstrings. She always finds something positive to come out of it though ensuring it isn’t heavy on the doom and gloom side but is in fact quite the opposite and you finish these books feeling uplifted and positive. They really are an absolute ray of sunshine that will brighten any readers day.
A Summer of Surprises certainly has lots in store for the characters as well as the reader. Was wonderful getting to know the new characters as well as catching up with regular ones. Its like a little piece of home is captured in these books as they are so enjoyable and comforting, they really do give you a great big hug. The perfect book to escape into this summer!
In this book, we meet quite a few new characters but it mainly focuses on Ruby, although I loved the parts with her and Hudson in. Things are far from dull when they are together! I loved getting to know both of them more and their mystery-solving skills without a doubt were fun as well as quite exciting. I kept changing my mind as to who could be behind trying to sabotage the café and bakery and kudos to the author for the great red herrings that totally had me off track.
The author as always tackles some tough topics that will pull on the readers heartstrings. She always finds something positive to come out of it though ensuring it isn’t heavy on the doom and gloom side but is in fact quite the opposite and you finish these books feeling uplifted and positive. They really are an absolute ray of sunshine that will brighten any readers day.
A Summer of Surprises certainly has lots in store for the characters as well as the reader. Was wonderful getting to know the new characters as well as catching up with regular ones. Its like a little piece of home is captured in these books as they are so enjoyable and comforting, they really do give you a great big hug. The perfect book to escape into this summer!
July 15, 2021
I’ve loved getting to know all of the regulars in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series, and with this one being the 16th instalment, it’s wonderful being back amongst old friends.
The story this time is a cosy mystery with someone trying to sabotage the cafe business. It’s a wonderful romp though clues and intrigue and Ruby is one of the amateur detectives trying to solve the mystery. It was great getting to learn more about Ruby and her family and friends, as she tried to work out who was behind the crimes. This is another fun filled story from Rosie Green and definitely worth a read. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
July 30, 2021
I have been a fan of Rosie’s work for a little while now. I love the ‘Little Duck Pond Café’ series. I haven’t quite caught up with all the books in the series but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘A Summer Of Surprises’ and it certainly sounded like another amazing read from Rosie. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down on the sofa for a fun afternoon of reading. Oh boy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Summer Of Surprises’ but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the character of Ruby Watkiss and I warmed to her from the very start. She is a lovely young lady, who shares a very close relationship with her mother. Ruby’s mother isn’t in the best of health and is currently suffering with leukaemia. There is a treatment option available but this threatens to open up a whole new can of worms. I won’t go too far into the details as I would hate to spoil the story for anybody but needless to say that I kept wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to give Ruby and her Mam a hug, whilst slapping the one upsetting them. I think that I had began to view Ruby as a friend and I felt all protective of her. Ruby gets herself a new job, which she is thrilled about but there could be trouble on the horizon. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my word, in some ways this was a bit of a difficult read for me. I don’t mean that as a criticism at all but the fact that Ruby’s mother suffered from leukaemia mirrored my own situation to a degree, as my father had leukaemia but he didn’t live long enough to even hear the treatment options. Reading about Ruby and her mother brought back some memories for me. When I sat and thought about it later, I realised that to a degree this book had acted as therapy for me as it forced me to confront the feelings I was trying to avoid thinking about. I know that might sound silly to some.
As soon as I opened the front cover of the book, the book developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I just found it impossible to put this book down for any great length of time. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me as I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I love the idea of the ‘Little Duck Pond Café’ and I liked the characters associated with the little community. Despite my best efforts to ration how much I read in one go to prolong my enjoyment of the book, I read the story in the space of a single day. I found ‘A Summer Of Surprises’ to be a gripping and fun read.
‘A Summer Of Surprises’ is superbly written but then that is true of all of the books in the series to date. Rosie has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Rosie grabs your attention with an eye catching synopsis and then she reels the reader in. Rosie describes the ‘Little Duck Pond Café’ so vividly and realistically that she makes it seem come alive. Rosie also has the knack of making the reader feel as though they are at the centre of the action and as though they are part of the story themselves.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Summer Of Surprises’ and I would definitely recommend this series to other readers. I will certainly 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*.
I absolutely loved the character of Ruby Watkiss and I warmed to her from the very start. She is a lovely young lady, who shares a very close relationship with her mother. Ruby’s mother isn’t in the best of health and is currently suffering with leukaemia. There is a treatment option available but this threatens to open up a whole new can of worms. I won’t go too far into the details as I would hate to spoil the story for anybody but needless to say that I kept wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to give Ruby and her Mam a hug, whilst slapping the one upsetting them. I think that I had began to view Ruby as a friend and I felt all protective of her. Ruby gets herself a new job, which she is thrilled about but there could be trouble on the horizon. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my word, in some ways this was a bit of a difficult read for me. I don’t mean that as a criticism at all but the fact that Ruby’s mother suffered from leukaemia mirrored my own situation to a degree, as my father had leukaemia but he didn’t live long enough to even hear the treatment options. Reading about Ruby and her mother brought back some memories for me. When I sat and thought about it later, I realised that to a degree this book had acted as therapy for me as it forced me to confront the feelings I was trying to avoid thinking about. I know that might sound silly to some.
As soon as I opened the front cover of the book, the book developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I just found it impossible to put this book down for any great length of time. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me as I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I love the idea of the ‘Little Duck Pond Café’ and I liked the characters associated with the little community. Despite my best efforts to ration how much I read in one go to prolong my enjoyment of the book, I read the story in the space of a single day. I found ‘A Summer Of Surprises’ to be a gripping and fun read.
‘A Summer Of Surprises’ is superbly written but then that is true of all of the books in the series to date. Rosie has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Rosie grabs your attention with an eye catching synopsis and then she reels the reader in. Rosie describes the ‘Little Duck Pond Café’ so vividly and realistically that she makes it seem come alive. Rosie also has the knack of making the reader feel as though they are at the centre of the action and as though they are part of the story themselves.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Summer Of Surprises’ and I would definitely recommend this series to other readers. I will certainly 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*.
July 1, 2021
When a write a review for the next book in the series, I feel like I can easily paste and copy a part of the previous review. It’s always nice to be back in Sunnybrook and meet some of the characters I already know, every story is great and I am, each and every time, looking forward to the next part.
The author introduces us to a few new characters Ruby and Hudson and I was not surprised it would involve Cupid too. It was great how they interacted with each other. There was a lot of teasing and it made me smile.
The series has always been like a romcom, but the author decided to spice things up a bit. She adds some suspense and turns the book into a very cozy mystery. Rest assured, no murders involved, just a bit of brain gym if you want to figure it all out before the characters do. 🙂
The main recipe for the book has not changed: romance, love and friendship are still very much there and maybe you should not change a winning one? Well, no if it does not add anything, you should keep it exactly the way it was. In this case though, it makes the whole even better. It turns the wonderful series in a wonderful wonderful one. 😉
Thank you, Rosie Green and Rachel’s Random Resources
The author introduces us to a few new characters Ruby and Hudson and I was not surprised it would involve Cupid too. It was great how they interacted with each other. There was a lot of teasing and it made me smile.
The series has always been like a romcom, but the author decided to spice things up a bit. She adds some suspense and turns the book into a very cozy mystery. Rest assured, no murders involved, just a bit of brain gym if you want to figure it all out before the characters do. 🙂
The main recipe for the book has not changed: romance, love and friendship are still very much there and maybe you should not change a winning one? Well, no if it does not add anything, you should keep it exactly the way it was. In this case though, it makes the whole even better. It turns the wonderful series in a wonderful wonderful one. 😉
Thank you, Rosie Green and Rachel’s Random Resources
July 26, 2021
Such a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon reading the most recent book in the Litte Duck Pond Cafe series. This one focuses on Hudson, an interior designer and Ruby, who has just secured a job with Ellie's new bakery. This book still features the regulars and is a delightful romantic comedy, but as the title suggests, it's full of surprises, not all of them sweet.
Ruby has family worries and is an easy target for manipulation with disastrous results. She is a well-crafted character, with many good qualities but realistic flaws too. Hudson has his secrets which mask his true personality, and they are not the only ones with something to hide.
There is a strong mystery to solve in this story, and Hudson and Ruby are the reluctant investigative team. This leads to danger, humorous discoveries and an unexpected romantic relationship. The story flows well, and the reader is soon immersed in the world of the Little Duck Pond Cafe, a perfect summer escape.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Ruby has family worries and is an easy target for manipulation with disastrous results. She is a well-crafted character, with many good qualities but realistic flaws too. Hudson has his secrets which mask his true personality, and they are not the only ones with something to hide.
There is a strong mystery to solve in this story, and Hudson and Ruby are the reluctant investigative team. This leads to danger, humorous discoveries and an unexpected romantic relationship. The story flows well, and the reader is soon immersed in the world of the Little Duck Pond Cafe, a perfect summer escape.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2021
Love this series one of my favourites and then too see there is another one out in october
July 27, 2021
Any summery book with a little duck and a cafe sounds like a good read, don’t you think? Then there’s this adorable cover! Yes, it looks like a fantastic read before even cracking open the cover! This is a stand alone Book 16 of the Little Duck Pond Cafe series.
Ruby starts her job as a baker at one of the local cafes. On her first day, she gets frantic calls from her mother, who insists on working as a house cleaner even after her diagnosis with leukemia. Ruby uncomfortably listens to her mother’s messages and tries to call her multiple times with no reply while her new boss, Ellie, encourages Ruby to put her mother first.
They are able to find Ruby’s mother and get her to the emergency room after a fall from the stairs where she managed to bump her head and accumulate some bumps and bruises. Ellie goes on to explain that her own mother has dementia and understands that mothers are precious. Even the cafe decorator, Hudson, happens to encourage Ruby to treasure her family.
Ruby’s mother wants her sister, Joy, to get tested to see if she’s a match for a bone marrow transplant. Research states that siblings are a very close match. Children about 50%. Ruby’s mother forbids Ruby to get tested because a distant aunt donated and had a reaction to the anesthesia and died. But this may not be the entire reason she’s forbidden.
One day, Aunt Joy asks Ruby to steal the customer contact info from Ellie’s cafe to benefit her own cafe on the other side of town. While Ruby does get the information, she didn’t give it to her aunt. But all these other catastrophes begin happening at the cafe and to discredit Ellie as the cafe owner. Ruby is blamed for all of it and is quickly dismissed.
Ruby discusses these events with Hudson and he agrees to help her investigate their leads. Will they ever get to the bottom of all the incriminating events happening to Ellie and clear Ruby’s name? Will Ruby get her Aunt Joy check to see if she’s a match?
I love how Ruby takes everything in stride. She may have holed up in her apartment for a few days trying to sort out her thoughts, but luckily she had Hudson to bring her out of it all. He’s the handsome knight who rescues Ruby quite a bit! While he goes through his own healing, he’s able to help her through her troubles.
Thank you to Kindle edition and Rachel’s Random Resources for access to this spectacular read! A Summer of Surprises by Rosie Green is a fabulous addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series that I give 5 out of 5 tiaras for! I thoroughly enjoyed this light summer read so much that I now want to read the rest of the series! How have I not come across this series before?
Ruby starts her job as a baker at one of the local cafes. On her first day, she gets frantic calls from her mother, who insists on working as a house cleaner even after her diagnosis with leukemia. Ruby uncomfortably listens to her mother’s messages and tries to call her multiple times with no reply while her new boss, Ellie, encourages Ruby to put her mother first.
They are able to find Ruby’s mother and get her to the emergency room after a fall from the stairs where she managed to bump her head and accumulate some bumps and bruises. Ellie goes on to explain that her own mother has dementia and understands that mothers are precious. Even the cafe decorator, Hudson, happens to encourage Ruby to treasure her family.
Ruby’s mother wants her sister, Joy, to get tested to see if she’s a match for a bone marrow transplant. Research states that siblings are a very close match. Children about 50%. Ruby’s mother forbids Ruby to get tested because a distant aunt donated and had a reaction to the anesthesia and died. But this may not be the entire reason she’s forbidden.
One day, Aunt Joy asks Ruby to steal the customer contact info from Ellie’s cafe to benefit her own cafe on the other side of town. While Ruby does get the information, she didn’t give it to her aunt. But all these other catastrophes begin happening at the cafe and to discredit Ellie as the cafe owner. Ruby is blamed for all of it and is quickly dismissed.
Ruby discusses these events with Hudson and he agrees to help her investigate their leads. Will they ever get to the bottom of all the incriminating events happening to Ellie and clear Ruby’s name? Will Ruby get her Aunt Joy check to see if she’s a match?
I love how Ruby takes everything in stride. She may have holed up in her apartment for a few days trying to sort out her thoughts, but luckily she had Hudson to bring her out of it all. He’s the handsome knight who rescues Ruby quite a bit! While he goes through his own healing, he’s able to help her through her troubles.
Thank you to Kindle edition and Rachel’s Random Resources for access to this spectacular read! A Summer of Surprises by Rosie Green is a fabulous addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series that I give 5 out of 5 tiaras for! I thoroughly enjoyed this light summer read so much that I now want to read the rest of the series! How have I not come across this series before?
August 31, 2021
Ruby is having a tough time due to her Mum’s illness but is happy that she’s just got a job she loves in the True Loaf Bakery, and all seems to be going well until she’s asked to do something unbelievable. Torn – she makes a decision but things don’t end up the way she hoped….
And then strange things start happening at the bakery and the cafe, with someone seemingly out to sabotage Ellie’s business. And the finger is firmly pointing at her. She’s determined to clear her name and is roped into an investigation with the grumpy and rude Hudson. But as they investigate not only do secrets unravel, but feelings that neither of them wanted appear to be surfacing. Will they clear her name? Will they solve the mystery? What secrets will be revealed? And will anything develop between then?
I loved the other books in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series that I’ve read so already knew I’d love this, and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed! The plot was fantastic with lots of different aspects of mystery and suspense, with a real cozy feel; as well as the beginning of a potential romance. I was completely gripped to the storyline and had no clue who the culprit was until the reveal – and I was stunned. The secrets that unravel around Ruby were also unexpected, as was the background to Hudson. So absolutely loads to keep you on your toes!
I adored Ruby, although at times questioned her actions! But everything she decides to do has the right intentions behind it so you can’t help but love her. Hudson takes a little while to warm to, but there are reasons for this, and once they’re revealed you see a different side to him. I also loved Ruby’s Mum!
The setting is definitely cozy. The little village sounds wonderful, the bakery and cafe being by the gorgeous little duck pond and it makes you just want to be there (as do the cakes!).
I love Rosie’s writing style. It flows well and is enjoyable and an absolute pleasure to read. Following the ending of this, I can’t wait to read what happens in the next book in the series!! Although this is a big series, you can read this as a standalone without any problems. Highly recommended by me!
And then strange things start happening at the bakery and the cafe, with someone seemingly out to sabotage Ellie’s business. And the finger is firmly pointing at her. She’s determined to clear her name and is roped into an investigation with the grumpy and rude Hudson. But as they investigate not only do secrets unravel, but feelings that neither of them wanted appear to be surfacing. Will they clear her name? Will they solve the mystery? What secrets will be revealed? And will anything develop between then?
I loved the other books in the Little Duck Pond Cafe series that I’ve read so already knew I’d love this, and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed! The plot was fantastic with lots of different aspects of mystery and suspense, with a real cozy feel; as well as the beginning of a potential romance. I was completely gripped to the storyline and had no clue who the culprit was until the reveal – and I was stunned. The secrets that unravel around Ruby were also unexpected, as was the background to Hudson. So absolutely loads to keep you on your toes!
I adored Ruby, although at times questioned her actions! But everything she decides to do has the right intentions behind it so you can’t help but love her. Hudson takes a little while to warm to, but there are reasons for this, and once they’re revealed you see a different side to him. I also loved Ruby’s Mum!
The setting is definitely cozy. The little village sounds wonderful, the bakery and cafe being by the gorgeous little duck pond and it makes you just want to be there (as do the cakes!).
I love Rosie’s writing style. It flows well and is enjoyable and an absolute pleasure to read. Following the ending of this, I can’t wait to read what happens in the next book in the series!! Although this is a big series, you can read this as a standalone without any problems. Highly recommended by me!
July 22, 2021
Gosh! Book 16 and I have loved every single one of these books, however…HOWEVER, this is by far my favourite. It had a completely different feel to the series and straight away I was drawn to Ruby and Hudson.
Both having secrets, one not knowing they had secrets and drawn together by someone who was out to get Ellie – shocking behaviour! I guessed really early on the secret in Ruby’s life, and I was itching for her to hurry up and have Ruby discover it. Mainly because I wanted to find out all the things we weren’t privy to.
I loved the air of mystery in this book and how it has taken a new turn. It is not just a straightforward case of a girl who has been hurt, meets a guy and has a happy ending, but I mean we all love those stories. This time we have that but so much more and I mean Holmes and Watkiss! Love it!
I am so glad that we get to see Ruby and Hudson again in book 17(!!) as I find them fascinating to read about. They are two people muddling through life and really bring out the sunshine in each other.
I also love that yes we do get glimpses of the original characters and some of the newer ones, Rosie still finds time to bring more new characters into the fold. Each time, a new set of people that we want to read about and care for.
My only complaint is that these books are just not long enough!! They always leave you wanting more and to be honest with the number of characters we have, well they could all have their own series! I just love it. I love that the series is still fresh and strong. Each time I pick up a book by Rosie I know that I am going to love the journey through the pages. I just know I could never tire of this series, it is one of my favourites and it always leaves me with a big smile on my face.
Both having secrets, one not knowing they had secrets and drawn together by someone who was out to get Ellie – shocking behaviour! I guessed really early on the secret in Ruby’s life, and I was itching for her to hurry up and have Ruby discover it. Mainly because I wanted to find out all the things we weren’t privy to.
I loved the air of mystery in this book and how it has taken a new turn. It is not just a straightforward case of a girl who has been hurt, meets a guy and has a happy ending, but I mean we all love those stories. This time we have that but so much more and I mean Holmes and Watkiss! Love it!
I am so glad that we get to see Ruby and Hudson again in book 17(!!) as I find them fascinating to read about. They are two people muddling through life and really bring out the sunshine in each other.
I also love that yes we do get glimpses of the original characters and some of the newer ones, Rosie still finds time to bring more new characters into the fold. Each time, a new set of people that we want to read about and care for.
My only complaint is that these books are just not long enough!! They always leave you wanting more and to be honest with the number of characters we have, well they could all have their own series! I just love it. I love that the series is still fresh and strong. Each time I pick up a book by Rosie I know that I am going to love the journey through the pages. I just know I could never tire of this series, it is one of my favourites and it always leaves me with a big smile on my face.
July 12, 2021
I loved this story. I thought it was the best yet. I have been taken with the setting of Sunnybrook, the genuinely nice characters that have appeared in the stories to-date, and the real-life situations which have cropped up and have been successfully managed or overcome. It really is a fabulous, uplifting, easy reading series that leaves me feeling positive, and with a smile on my face.
But this one adds something else. It's a romcom wrapped up in a cosy mystery. Ellie at the bakery is being targeted by someone who wants to put her out of business. Ruby Watkiss, a recently hired-then-sacked member of staff, is the prime suspect - and for good reason. However, the acts that are being perpetrated against Ellie, are not of Ruby's doing, and Ruby sets out with the help of Hudson Holmes to unmask the true culprit.
I really enjoyed analysing the clues with Ruby and Hudson, which was a bonus I was not expecting. I would recommend A Summer of Surprises, Little Duck Pond Cafe to readers who love a cosy mystery. I would say it could be read as a standalone because it is Ruby's story, a new character to this series, and does not rely on the reader knowing lots of things about the other regular characters to make it work.
Loved it!
But this one adds something else. It's a romcom wrapped up in a cosy mystery. Ellie at the bakery is being targeted by someone who wants to put her out of business. Ruby Watkiss, a recently hired-then-sacked member of staff, is the prime suspect - and for good reason. However, the acts that are being perpetrated against Ellie, are not of Ruby's doing, and Ruby sets out with the help of Hudson Holmes to unmask the true culprit.
I really enjoyed analysing the clues with Ruby and Hudson, which was a bonus I was not expecting. I would recommend A Summer of Surprises, Little Duck Pond Cafe to readers who love a cosy mystery. I would say it could be read as a standalone because it is Ruby's story, a new character to this series, and does not rely on the reader knowing lots of things about the other regular characters to make it work.
Loved it!
July 25, 2021
A Summer of Surprises is entertaining, funny, heart-warming, and a delightful story to read. If you expect the series to become stale by book sixteen, you will be sadly mistaken. It’s the perfect cozy mystery I’ve come to expect from Rosie Green.
In this tale, we meet Ruby and Hudson, who team up to solve the mysterious happenings at the Little Duck Pond Cafe. Several of my favorite characters are in the cast of this story. I’ve come to feel like I know them personally.
There are mysteries galore in this book. Some are long-held secrets from the past, and others are current troubles plaguing the residents of our favorite little English town.
I enjoyed this fast-paced tale of families trying to overcome life’s obstacles. The new amateur detective duo of Holmes and Watkiss have great chemistry, and I look forward to their next mystery in this series.
While this is a later book in the series, you can easily read it as a stand-alone. But once you’ve finished it, I bet you find yourself reading more of the series. I know I will be.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
In this tale, we meet Ruby and Hudson, who team up to solve the mysterious happenings at the Little Duck Pond Cafe. Several of my favorite characters are in the cast of this story. I’ve come to feel like I know them personally.
There are mysteries galore in this book. Some are long-held secrets from the past, and others are current troubles plaguing the residents of our favorite little English town.
I enjoyed this fast-paced tale of families trying to overcome life’s obstacles. The new amateur detective duo of Holmes and Watkiss have great chemistry, and I look forward to their next mystery in this series.
While this is a later book in the series, you can easily read it as a stand-alone. But once you’ve finished it, I bet you find yourself reading more of the series. I know I will be.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 1, 2021
How is it the 16th novella in this series already?! It feels like only yesterday that I was being introduced to the Little Duck Pond Cafe and its’ cast of many characters! And they still feel like old friends, and this latest installment is another wonderful visit with the main focus being Ruby, and the mysteries that face her as she starts working at the cafe – someone seems set on sabotaging the cafe and Ruby, with an odd choice of assistant, set out to solve the mysteries and try to bring peace back to this idyllic part of the world.
As always, there’s so much to enjoy in these books. We get to see Ruby starting up a new career, a little piece of happiness for her after some tougher times in her life. Then there’s the difficult people – one in particular! – that she faces and finds out that there’s more to some people than meets the eye!
And then there are the family secrets that begin to unravel in front of her eyes bringing some big shocks to her understanding of her past. This can easily be read as a standalone with all the goings on! Roll on the next installment!!
Loved, Loved, Loved!!
As always, there’s so much to enjoy in these books. We get to see Ruby starting up a new career, a little piece of happiness for her after some tougher times in her life. Then there’s the difficult people – one in particular! – that she faces and finds out that there’s more to some people than meets the eye!
And then there are the family secrets that begin to unravel in front of her eyes bringing some big shocks to her understanding of her past. This can easily be read as a standalone with all the goings on! Roll on the next installment!!
Loved, Loved, Loved!!
July 29, 2021
As in all the instalments in the series they can be read as a standalone as they focus on a different character or event but in all honesty I would treat yourself and purchase all the books in the series and have a lovely summer of reading. The Little Duck Pond Cafe is a gorgeous, feel-good, uplifting series that is centred around the lives of people living around the cafe, it’s full of delicious sounding cakes and delights and has romance at it’s core but it also tackles serious issues with care and sensitivity.
A Summer of Surprises is Ruby’s story and it starts off pretty thought provoking as Ruby copes with the news of her mum’s illness and her need for a donor to aid her recovery. Concerned about her mum Ruby also has a new job bringing anxious but also exciting thoughts. Ruby is to work at the bakery that’s attached to the cafe. Events spiral out of her control and Ruby is left with a dilemma.
Another newcomer to the cafe is Hudson Holmes who is helping Ellie renovating the cafe. When Ruby and Hudson first meet she is confused by his abruptness but as time passes Ruby began to rely upon Hudson with a quest to bring justice to not only herself but also unravel the mystery around the unfortunate and criminal activities against Ellie and the cafe.
Whilst all the sleuthing is taking place Ruby discovers more than she bargained for with regards to her heritage and this totally shatters her heart.
Rosie Green has written another wonderful instalment in The Little Duck Pond Cafe series. In amongst the heartache of the ups and downs of life the author has incorporated some lovely, light comical moments bringing a lovely warmth and feel-good factor. I think Ruby and Hudson are the making of a beautiful partnership and I look forward to learning how this progresses in future stories.
A Summer of Surprises is Ruby’s story and it starts off pretty thought provoking as Ruby copes with the news of her mum’s illness and her need for a donor to aid her recovery. Concerned about her mum Ruby also has a new job bringing anxious but also exciting thoughts. Ruby is to work at the bakery that’s attached to the cafe. Events spiral out of her control and Ruby is left with a dilemma.
Another newcomer to the cafe is Hudson Holmes who is helping Ellie renovating the cafe. When Ruby and Hudson first meet she is confused by his abruptness but as time passes Ruby began to rely upon Hudson with a quest to bring justice to not only herself but also unravel the mystery around the unfortunate and criminal activities against Ellie and the cafe.
Whilst all the sleuthing is taking place Ruby discovers more than she bargained for with regards to her heritage and this totally shatters her heart.
Rosie Green has written another wonderful instalment in The Little Duck Pond Cafe series. In amongst the heartache of the ups and downs of life the author has incorporated some lovely, light comical moments bringing a lovely warmth and feel-good factor. I think Ruby and Hudson are the making of a beautiful partnership and I look forward to learning how this progresses in future stories.
July 24, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book
This is my honest review, please take a look.
I always look forward to this stories in this series of books,
With great plots and characters - including the ducks!
It is great to catch up on characters old and new
And to find out what they’ve been up to since my last review!
This time Ruby starts working at the True Loaf Bakery but
Her time there will be short as her time there is cut.
She needs to prove she’s innocent of what she’s accused
As her job there she’d really rather not lose.
She wants to find out whose messing with Ellie’s life
There’s mice, salt and posters causing trouble and strife.
Hudson Holmes volunteers to assist in her quest so
The two new detectives are ready to go!
The story has family secrets concealed
And drama galore when they are revealed.
There’s romance and mystery in equal measure
In a story that gives readers like me lots more pleasure.
This is my honest review, please take a look.
I always look forward to this stories in this series of books,
With great plots and characters - including the ducks!
It is great to catch up on characters old and new
And to find out what they’ve been up to since my last review!
This time Ruby starts working at the True Loaf Bakery but
Her time there will be short as her time there is cut.
She needs to prove she’s innocent of what she’s accused
As her job there she’d really rather not lose.
She wants to find out whose messing with Ellie’s life
There’s mice, salt and posters causing trouble and strife.
Hudson Holmes volunteers to assist in her quest so
The two new detectives are ready to go!
The story has family secrets concealed
And drama galore when they are revealed.
There’s romance and mystery in equal measure
In a story that gives readers like me lots more pleasure.
July 25, 2021
One of the reasons why this series feels fresh and interesting is because each story introduces some new characters who all have their own story to tell. Add to them the joy of meeting up with some familiar faces and you sink down into the new story, confident that you have a treat in store. This story merges Ellie's story with Ruby's. Ruby is the newest recruit to Ellie's workforce. You have sympathy for her from the start as she finds herself put into a difficult situation.
There is the hint of a cosy mystery about this story as Ruby meets Hudson Holmes and they find they have a mystery to uncover. I enjoyed their growing friendship and the dynamic between the two. There are one ot two red herrings to uncover and Ruby turns out to have a very surprising past. Warm, welcoming, delightful- just what I'm looking for from this series!
In short: The series continues...
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
There is the hint of a cosy mystery about this story as Ruby meets Hudson Holmes and they find they have a mystery to uncover. I enjoyed their growing friendship and the dynamic between the two. There are one ot two red herrings to uncover and Ruby turns out to have a very surprising past. Warm, welcoming, delightful- just what I'm looking for from this series!
In short: The series continues...
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
July 29, 2021
I liked the sound of this book and I have to admit that I hadn't read any of Rosie Greens book's before.
I enjoyed the setting of the book in the Cafe and Bakery and the associated characters that worked there and I felt I could visualise them all. I was all set for this to be a nice rom-com type book but it ended up a cosy crime.
There were a lot of complex and interesting characters and I was trying to solve the crime as we were going along, however, we were kept guessing with lots of red herrings.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, lighthearted read and will be looking out for more of Rosie's books in the future.
I enjoyed the setting of the book in the Cafe and Bakery and the associated characters that worked there and I felt I could visualise them all. I was all set for this to be a nice rom-com type book but it ended up a cosy crime.
There were a lot of complex and interesting characters and I was trying to solve the crime as we were going along, however, we were kept guessing with lots of red herrings.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, lighthearted read and will be looking out for more of Rosie's books in the future.
September 13, 2021
Rosie Green does it again! She is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to authors and this series is partly why.
How in the world are we this many books in (SIXTEEN!) and I’m still so in love?! It’s because of Rosie Green’s magic and skill as a writer.
This book centers around Ruby and Hudson, and I’m going to have to admit that they may be one of my favorite couples from this series. Hudson comes off a little, uh, grumpy at first–and I think those are my favorite kind of main characters.
This book is full of mystery, romance and all the little intricacies that make a Rosie Green book shine!
How in the world are we this many books in (SIXTEEN!) and I’m still so in love?! It’s because of Rosie Green’s magic and skill as a writer.
This book centers around Ruby and Hudson, and I’m going to have to admit that they may be one of my favorite couples from this series. Hudson comes off a little, uh, grumpy at first–and I think those are my favorite kind of main characters.
This book is full of mystery, romance and all the little intricacies that make a Rosie Green book shine!
September 4, 2021
Great read- more fab characters just love this series !
I really enjoy the duck pond series, so many enjoyable characters. This one was different to the others but just as good. I have reread the whole series a few times and find it entertaining and so enjoyable- can’t wait for the next one hurry up Rosie !!
I really enjoy the duck pond series, so many enjoyable characters. This one was different to the others but just as good. I have reread the whole series a few times and find it entertaining and so enjoyable- can’t wait for the next one hurry up Rosie !!
September 9, 2021
Don't bother
Ridiculous, unbelievable storyline. I struggled to get to end of book but kept reading in the hope it would improve, it didn't. I think if author wishes to write a cosy mystery she should do that and not try to push it under the mantle of an already popular book series.
Ridiculous, unbelievable storyline. I struggled to get to end of book but kept reading in the hope it would improve, it didn't. I think if author wishes to write a cosy mystery she should do that and not try to push it under the mantle of an already popular book series.
September 14, 2021
I love the way how this series keeps on giving. You still have the drama of the little duck pond cafe and the bakery, but there is now a crime theme running through. By doing this Rosie Green has kept the series fresh, the same characters but more drama! Love it! I am so glad I found this series of books.
January 7, 2023
A Summer of Surprises: (Little Duck Pond Cafe, Book16)
I am really enjoying reading this series of The Little Duck Pond Cafe, every story is a stand alone book and following all the characters and introducing new characters along the way makes such great reading. I thoroughly recommend reading this series. Thank you Rosie Green x
I am really enjoying reading this series of The Little Duck Pond Cafe, every story is a stand alone book and following all the characters and introducing new characters along the way makes such great reading. I thoroughly recommend reading this series. Thank you Rosie Green x
July 15, 2021
Lovely escapism
I love these books as they are quick to read, yet they are like catching up with lovely old friends
I love these books as they are quick to read, yet they are like catching up with lovely old friends
July 24, 2021
Loved it and can't wait for book 17 to be available (I have it pre-ordered).
August 4, 2021
Another fantastic book. Look forward to the next one.
August 4, 2021
Another great episode
I loved this instalment of the Little Duck Pond Cafe as I have the ones before. Can't wait it see how Ruby and Hudson get on with their next bit of detection.
I loved this instalment of the Little Duck Pond Cafe as I have the ones before. Can't wait it see how Ruby and Hudson get on with their next bit of detection.
August 4, 2021
I loved being back in the little duck pond cafe with Ellie and the gang, also the adventure of Ruby Watkiss and Hudson Holmes trying to prove Ruby's innocent of the incidents at the cafe.
September 23, 2021
Brilliant read
Enjoyed the characters and the story line. The whole series vS been very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Enjoyed the characters and the story line. The whole series vS been very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 12, 2021
Another winner from Rosie
Another great addition from Rosie. I love how these extra characters are now joining the gang in one way or another.
Another great addition from Rosie. I love how these extra characters are now joining the gang in one way or another.
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