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The Cosy Campervan #1

The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

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Bringing love, laughter and friendship from coast to coast…

Next stop: seaside, sunshine and romance!

When Lucy isn’t in her cosy cottage by the sea, she’s winding through the Northumberland coast with her loveable Dachsund Daisy, cooking up a storm at the local village celebrations. Inspired by her Italian Poppa, Lucy’s chasing a new dream with her pizza van business. And at one particular party she meets Jack, the brooding but gorgeous owner of the Cocktail Campervan.

Wary of repeating mistakes of the past, Lucy and Jack keep it strictly business. But as the summer drifts by in a swirl of garden parties, fun and fizz, and as the cocktail campervan creates the community they so desperately need, romance starts to blossom – one stop at a time…

416 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2022

60 people are currently reading
640 people want to read

About the author

Caroline Roberts

18 books477 followers
Family, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make me smile. I love writing emotional stories about love, loss, betrayal, and family, that explore how complex and yet beautiful love can be. I also like to write romantic comedy, letting the characters have a bit of flirty fun too! I believe in following your dreams and working hard towards them, which led me to Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and a publishing deal (woop!) after many years of writing. Stunning Northumberland is my home – sandy beaches, castles and gorgeous countryside that have inspired my writing.

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5 stars
453 (42%)
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332 (31%)
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216 (20%)
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43 (4%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
1,720 reviews110 followers
August 19, 2021
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I thought I would, maybe it’s because I’ve read similar books lately and I’ve been swamped by the same theme. I thought it was well written and I will look out for her other books to read in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kerry Lloyd.
90 reviews26 followers
February 7, 2023
Really enjoyed this. It was just a nice, easy feelgood read. The characters were so likeable and easy to follow.
Profile Image for Lyndi (mibookobsession).
1,565 reviews50 followers
August 11, 2021
In a time that is nearly impossible to travel, this book was the perfect getaway. Set in Northumberland, Lucy just started her business All Fired Up, a traveling pizza stand where she makes her papa's recipes. Her family thinks she's crazy, but she needs a break after her fiance left her and she was forced to move. Now traveling to fairs, weddings, birthdays, and village market days feels like a fresh start. At her first event, she notices the bright red cocktail campervan and the typical flirty charming barman. Just out of a bad relationship, she gives this player, Jack, the cold shoulder at first. But the more events they work together, the more she realizes he's a more shy and reserved man than the barman persona he shows in public. And she really likes that man! Add in a quirky dachshund, plenty of yummy drinks, and of course pizza, and it's a lighthearted fun read. It really makes me want to drop everything and travel around to events too.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. This review is given voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews572 followers
July 19, 2022
The perfect mix of pizza and cocktails, set to a Northumberland backdrop and a great variety of special occasions.

Another joyous book from Caroline Roberts, who kept me hungry and thirsty throughout reading.

As the scent's coming from Lucy's piza horsebox, and the immense array of cocktails from Jack's cocktail campervan really tantalised and teased the imagination.

I also loved the interactions betwee Jack and Lucy, as well as all of Jack's bartender dialogue.

And Lucy's four legged friend was utterly fabulous too and full of mischief!

A pure pleasure to read on my holiday, and I can't wait for the author's next book.
Profile Image for Lisa Whittaker.
389 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2022
I loved this book. Such a lovely story and I really liked Lucy and Jack. I always really enjoy Caroline Roberts books. The Northumberland setting just sounds beautiful, especially the beaches. I’m looking forward to reading the Christmas book that follows on from this one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Profile Image for Eclectic Review.
1,684 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2021
What a delightful setting with a cocky mobile bartender and a standoffish mobile fire oven pizza vendor. The food is abundant and the drinks are superb.

Lucy is a bit gun shy after being dumped by her cheating fiancé so when the handsome and arrogant traveling Cocktail Guy starts hitting on her, she shoots him down. But who knew he would be so persistent.

Jack didn't understand his attraction to the ice queen Pizza Girl. She didn't seem that interested. Perhaps it was the challenge to make her smile. 

I have to admit I'm not a fan of either Lucy or Jack. Lucy is just plain rude especially when her dog pretty much destroyed Jack's sign and she laughed about it, and Jack disappointed me with his hopeful pursuit of Lucy and then pretty much ghosted her afterward.  Yes, they have a lot of responsibility with their businesses.  Yes, they have issues in their past, but they need to step up and be adults. Jack's carefree style and love of the outdoors is commendable, but he still lives with a roommate and apparently is a commitment-phobe due to a loss in his past.  His treatment of Lucy after stringing her along is unacceptable. Lucy has her own cottage and is barely getting by with her new venture, but her jumping to conclusions is childish and she didn't seem appreciative enough of Jack for finding her gigs.  They do finally find their balance and live happily ever after, but I just thought more groveling was needed and more recognition was required.

What I loved about the book was the idea of a cocktail campervan and a fire oven pizza horse trailer. The wonderful parties and partygoers they meet are stories in themselves. I was also thrilled to find recipes in the back of the book for Jack's creative cocktails and Jack and Lucy's yummy desserts.

If you enjoy angsty romances with intriguing and unique settings, give this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Roberts for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review. 
Profile Image for Jeanie.
729 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2021
NetGalley

Member Review
Cover Image: The Seaside Cocktail Campervan
The Seaside Cocktail Campervan
by Caroline Roberts
Pub Date: 19 Aug 2021
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 8 Jul 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley Caroline Roberts for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
I had read all of Caroline's books and just adore them, I was so excited to read this new one firstly I loved the cover its just so beautiful and campervans can only mean one thing fun. and there sure is oodles of fun and frolicking in this outstandingly fabulous tale. Jack is the very proud owner of the seaside cocktail campervan its his pride and joy and he has such a cute name for her, I'll let you find out yourselves. Jack decided that he was fed up doing the normal 9 to 5 job so decides to do up this campervan and goes round to weddings birthday partys etc with his cocktails usual there might be a couple of other vans doing food for the partys this is where he meets up with luscious Lucy she makes fabulous homemade pizza and this tale enter twines there rather bizarre behaviour at times but it's what has happened in the past will these two lost souls heal each other this such a beautiful journey wedding's in castles fabulous chocolates from a gorgeous chocolate shop and a barn dance with lots of puddings this book has the lot a very big fat 5⭐
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 19 Aug 2021, to post to these retailers.
Profile Image for Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves .
1,066 reviews
September 22, 2021
‘… I do like a good romance and a happy ending,’ Louise chipped in. ‘Heaven knows we need it. Real life’s hard enough at times. Surely books can be a bit of an escape.’

I don’t know what it is but these British seaside romcoms really hit the spot when needed. The concept behind Caroline’s tale is rather unique with Jack’s Cocktail van and Lucy’s Pizza van bringing a fresh approach to this style of story.

‘Lucy sighed, ‘Having a steady job’s not the be all and end all, Olly. Not when it starts to feel like a noose around your neck.’

Lucy finds herself in her thirties and, after a split with her fiancé and her life in finance, decides to buy a small cottage by the sea and renovate an old horsebox into a mobile pizza venue, All Fired Up. Add in ‘Cocktail Jack’ and you have an easy summer romance as two lost souls come together over drinks, pizza and cake whilst visiting a range of really interesting events.

‘Life moved on, your dreams shifted, some of them shattered and you had to let go of them, but then new goals and opportunities came to light.’

There is much to enjoy about this getaway, with everything from starting a new business, to book clubs, to the actual venues that these catering vans attend. For each event Caroline includes an invitation which sets the scene by giving the location, time and actual event eg. wedding. It is a wonderful way to travel the English countryside.

This brings me to the locations. It was wonderful to have the story not in the usual Cornwall locale where most of these stories tend to be set. Instead, it is in north east England in the beautiful Northumberland! Travelling that fabulous countryside in a classic campervan to Bamburgh Castle, as one example, was such a treat!

‘… I love the way of life, the freedom it gives me. I never feel tied down.’

As Caroline wrote herself, ‘.. this book was written during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns of 2020. Amidst such strange and unprecedented times, it was a joy to be able to head off (in my imagination)’ - and I couldn't agree more! For pure escapism and a tale of friendships, broken hearts, loss, and finding courage - with loads of yummy food and drinks! - look no further than these seaside campervan tales.

‘… it felt like summer … and seaside … and fun. All the worries of the world fading away. The here and now was all that mattered.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.





Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,747 reviews136 followers
November 7, 2021
It was the title of this book that caught my eye when I first saw it, it sounds like a fabulous venture to have. The Cocktail Campervan belongs to Jack, and he has been providing his mobile bar for private events for a few years. Lucy has just got started, her venture is homemade pizzas that she cooks and sells from a horsebox.

Both took a risk on their outside catering careers and it was at an event where they first meet, not the best first meeting considering Daisy the dog made quite an impact! Working fetes, weddings, birthdays and special occasions mean they are bound to meet again at some point. A friendship forms and this is great for Lucy as Jack manages to feed some business her way. Neither one is interested in romance or a relationship, they are busy with their businesses and don't need the hassle, the complications or the heartbreak, but they do get on and have an easy friendship.

This is a fab story of food, cocktails, amazing locations, friendship and family. I really enjoyed the feel of the story and the way the author brought the characters and their own individual stories out. Their stories are gradually teased out as their friendship grows. Very hard to make friends when you are flat out working at mainly evening functions but get to know each other they do.

The author creates some wonderful recipes, gorgeous-sounding cocktails and I was so happy to see quite a nice list of these and how to make or bake them at the end of the book. The scenery that is described ranges from dramatic and luxurious to a simple beach, all sounding wonderful. Friends and family have a part to play, while the main focus is on Lucy and Jack.

Tentative, heartwarming and wonderfully lovely read. Once for those who like contemporary romance and fiction, as well as food and drinks. A great read over the course of an afternoon and evening and one I would definitely recommend.

Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews131 followers
September 1, 2021
I was lured by The Seaside Cocktail Campervan as it is set in Northumberland, my hometown. Lucy has her own pizza business, All Fired Up that she operates from her van and old horsebox fully revamped. She is training her new recruit, seventeen-year-old Tamsin on how to make dough balls and spread her special tomato sauce when she notices Jack and his Cocktail campervan, a red VW. She travels to events in her mobile pizza van, taking her black-and-tan rescue Dachshund, Daisy with her who sleeps in the back of the van. In a lull serving customers, Lucy takes a short break and gets chatting to Jack, the flirty barman and cocktail maker.

This was a delightful little tale for me and I loved the mention of the historic town of Morpeth where Lucy used to work as an accounts clerk. In an endearing story, Lucy and Jack get off to a bad start when Daisy puts in her twopenn’orth. Blend together a great locale, a quirky dachshund, plenty of scrumptious pizza, some delectable sounding cocktails and soupcons of breezy romance and you have a lighthearted, dazzling read. This one is sure to make you smile.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from One More Chapter via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Bev.
1,177 reviews54 followers
July 11, 2021
What a lovely, relaxing, summery read this is! It did however make me long to go to an event with a cocktail camper van & a pizza horse box - think I’m going to be out of luck there. I must admit the cocktails sounded delicious and I was thrilled to find the recipes at the end of the book. It’s a love story yes, but it also has a strong theme of friendship and family and supporting those close to you. A great beach/garden/anywhere read which will leave you smiling.
Profile Image for Kelly.
606 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2021
Enjoyable read but lacking some fizz in comparison to other reads from the same author. I also found the ending quite abrupt. Daisy is a delightful character but unable to lift the whole story. The narrative felt quite formulaic and I’m not hoping for a sequel. Easy to read and a beautiful setting!

Thank you Netgalley
Profile Image for Karen Andrew.
770 reviews55 followers
October 30, 2022
Things I love in a book.... romance, friendship, North East of England setting (I spent most of my childhood there) and vehicles that get renovated into small businesses/homes. All of these things were within the pages of this gorgeous story and I was in my element.

The characters in this book are relatable, likeable and I think you can see yourself in each of the characters. The places that are visited are places I went to as a child and it was so wonderful to remember those times too.

I love that you feel like you are in this book, I could picture the food, smell the smells, taste the wonderful tastes and felt like I was making the cocktails with Jack.

I've got the book that follows on after this one which happens to be a Christmas read and I'm so excited to read more by @carolinerobertsauthor A new firm favourite for me.
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews41 followers
October 3, 2021
I love this author and no it will be good as soon as you see the cover and I wasn't disappointed at all. It's a romantic read and shows plenty of how you need to trust yourself and forget the past. It's a warm read with great characters and beautiful countryside.
Lucy has given up her job and got a van and is travelling round to different parties or venues making pizzas and she really wants to make it work after a nasty split with her ex. Then you have jack who has his cocktail campervan to wish he travels about to venues and parties so when he sees Lucy he wants her to make the best of her business and wants to help her but he also feels something for her but due to his past he doesn't want a relationship either so can they keep it to just business or will they just fall for each other to much.
A fantastic read.
Profile Image for Olivia's Bookish World.
410 reviews16 followers
August 31, 2021
I really struggled with this one. I was bored within the first few chapters but forced myself to finish it. My biggest problem - the love story is not believable. There is hardly any meaningful interaction between Lucy and Jack. No dating, just occasional run-ins at events and an afternoon or two together. Way too much internal dialogue instead of *actual* dialogue between Jack and Lucy.
Profile Image for Sarah Campbell.
Author 9 books15 followers
August 1, 2021
The Seaside Cocktail Campervan by Caroline Roberts.
Published by One More Chapter
Published on the 19th of August 2021
What is it about?
In the gorgeous Northumberland sparks fly when Jack and Lucy meet at a party they are both working at. Lucy has just set up her mobile business All fired up pizza and meets charming Jack who runs the Cocktail Campervan. While they are attracted to each other and get to know one another better, Lucy is still holding on to past hurts and Jack’s past threatens to come between them. Is there hope that they will be able to overcome their problems and have a real relationship?

My thoughts
First of all, can I just say that I loved the locations used in the book. I’m a northeast girl myself so I had been to many of the places the book mentions in beautiful Northumberland. I could hear the Geordie accents in my head which I also loved.
Right, now let’s talk about the concept of the book, I thought the idea of Jack’s Cocktail van and Lucy’s Pizza van was a fresh idea, perfect for summer reading.
The romance for me went along nicely as the book developed and was rather sweet in parts. How clever to have the chapters based around different events. So many interesting characters in each location to meet as well as the blossoming relationship between Jack and Lucy.
Although I did enjoy Jack and Lucy’s journey and lots of little things happened, I found myself wanting to see a bigger complication arise between them in the book. I warmed more towards Lucy than Jack as a character. Although I could see how he grew in the book. I liked that Lucy was a strongminded woman who wanted her new adventure to succeed and I admired her for that. The connection between Lucy and her family came across as heartfelt. Those cake recipes made my mouth water! Overall, there was lots of fun to be had – especially Daisy the dog, who stole the show with her crazy antics. With thanks to One More Chapter Books and NetGalley for this ARC that I received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sarah Kingsnorth.
455 reviews14 followers
July 23, 2021


With thanks to #Netgalley and #HarperCollinsUK for an ARC of #TheSeasideCoxktailCampervan by #CarolineRoberts.

Jack has given up the 9-5 rat race, and converted his much loved campervan into a mobile cocktail bar. Together they travel to various events, weddings, birthday parties and the like.
It’s at one of these events where Jack encounters Lucy, who has her own pizza business that she runs from her converted horsebox, along with her sidekick Daisy, who is a spirited sausage dog!
Jack and Lucy build a tentative friendship, that could go somewhere special, if they can both move on from the traumas in their respective pasts.

This is a wonderful summer read.
Jack and Lucy are both really likeable characters and Daisy is so well written. Anyone who knows a sausage dog, will relate to her antics.

The location descriptions in this story are fabulous, even the cover is cheerful and appealing.

This book is a real feel good read and a fresh take on a tale of romance.
Five enjoyable stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Profile Image for Ruth Haigh.
230 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2023
Lucy has just reached her thirties and decides life as an accountant is not what she wants to do. A split from her fiancé allows her financially to buy a small cottage by the sea and renovate an old horsebox into a mobile pizza venue - All Fired Up. The story starts at the very beginning of this new fledgling business. We are invited to each new event via an invitation (which helps to set the scene by giving the location, time and actual event i.e wedding) which is a really clever idea. Lucy keeps bumping into Jack at these events with his cocktail campervan. There appear to be two sides to Jack :- a player ,who she is not sure she can trust, and a caring thoughtful man who puts her name forward for events and tries to help her as much as possible to make All Fired Up a great success, who she really likes. Jack is confusing Lucy far too much when she needs to concentrate on her new business venture. Will she decide to go with her heart or her head? and will she manage to make the pizza truck a successful business or is she back to the 9 to 5 of the accountancy world?
Profile Image for Niki Skopelos.
41 reviews
September 17, 2021
If a could describe my favorite type of romance, it would be one like "The Seaside Cocktail Campervan." Why? It: 1) takes place in a picturesque beach town in another country (in this case, Northumberland, England); 2) it features a lead female character who has started a small business and is struggling to make a go of it, while trying to figure herself out; 3) it includes a lead male character who is dealing with his own internal struggles; 4) there are plenty of beautiful phrases and words to help me picture the gorgeous views of North England, so that I feel a bit like an armchair traveler. So, if you like romances that include these elements, read on to learn a bit more about "The Seaside Cocktail Campervan."

The story revolves around Lucy, a trained accountant who felt unfulfilled in her well-paying job, so she followed her dream to open up a mobile pizza business in a 'horsebox.' (I'm not English, so I had to look this up. It's basically what we call a camper van in the US.) Basically, she's using her grandfather's well-loved pizza recipe and taking it 'on the road,' creating custom pizzas in a portable pizza oven. At the beginning, her business is struggling and she worries if she made the right decision to leave her accountant job. However, one decision she doesn't have second thoughts about is her little seaside cottage, which she shares with her dachshund Daisy.

At one of her first bookings, she meets Jack, who owns a mobile cocktail service housed in a restored vintage VW campervan. Unfortunately, their first meeting isn't a pleasant one, since it occurs after Daisy unceremoniously does her business on one of Jack's cocktail menu boards. So the relationship starts out rocky, but they run into each other at many of the same festivals and events, and start to build a tentative friendship. Due to their pasts, each is hesitant to get involved in a relationship, but can't deny the spark that occurs whenever they are together.

However, when Lucy's best friend Becky reveals something about Jack's past, Lucy decides to keep her distance. Although Jack's actions don't match the description of the Jack that Becky knew, Lucy doesn't trust him. Despite this, she finds herself growing more attracted to him, especially when he plans a romantic beach dinner date for them.

But of course, few romances are easy, especially in books, right? So there are some bumps along the road, and I, as the reader, began to wonder if Jack and Lucy would ever get together, despite the fact that they seemed perfect for each other. Does this book have a "happily ever after?" I guess you'll have to read "The Seaside Cocktail Campervan" to find out!

This was a slow building romance, and at times, I felt like it moved a little too slowly. There was a lot of inner dialogue, which is sometimes good at helping the reader understand the main characters' motivations. But at times, it made the book drag a bit. However, it was worth pushing through these sections, because they help the reader feel the deeper connection between Lucy and Jack. I especially liked the way the author, Caroline Roberts, gently dealt with the more intimate moments between Jack and Lucy. So many authors today think they need to be overly descriptive. For me, that takes away some of the magic of romance.

After reading this book, I dream of owning a food truck and traveling around fairs and festivals in England!

I give it a "3 stars," which is how I rate books that I enjoyed and would read a second time, perhaps in a few years. (I reserve '4 stars' for books I could not put down, and '5 stars' for books that were so compelling that I want to re-read them again immediately.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rea Cobb.
439 reviews699 followers
August 21, 2021
After reading a lot of deep and thrilling storylines recently, I was struggling to settle in to any of the books I picked up to read. I decided to try something a little more Summery and light reading which is when I cam across The Seaside Cocktail Campervan by Caroline Roberts, an author whose books I have enjoyed previously.

This was the perfect book at just the right time, a light and uplifting romance that slowly lured me in and introduced me to our two main characters Jack and Lucy who both have quirky catering event businesses in the form of a cocktail campervan and a pizzeria horsebox. They find themselves continually bumping into each other at the same events and before long a little sparkle of attraction begins to twinkle but should they mix business with pleasure or will hearts get broken?

Romance is always my go to books to read especially when I am in need of complete escapism and that is what this book provided me with. Although the storyline was quite a simple flowing one that may not leave a lasting memory on me it was still none the less a very enjoyable read which was helped by the fact that I adore books that feature a new business venture that shows the difficulties in starting up and becoming established which was what we see Lucy trying to do as she found her feet with her pizza business, her passion for her work was shining through but she needed the bookings to increase if she was going to be able to make this business work.

I loved how the storyline alternated between both characters so we could get a true feel for each of them rather than just getting an insight through one’s eyes and the little chapters that started with the invitations to which ever event they were booked into next was also a great little touch too.

The romance was a little predictable but the ups and downs along the way still made this romance exciting to watch blossom. I think this is a wonderful light summery romance which is perfect reading to keep you company on your staycation this year. The authors easy flowing writing style will keep you intrigued the whole way through making this a fast paced novel that you will read in no time at all.

Profile Image for Anne Rogers.
102 reviews9 followers
February 24, 2023
I found myself skip reading this. I didn't really warm to either of the main characters, which was a pity. I was irritated very early on by Lucy's approach to responsible dog ownership with Daisy the dachshund being taken to work (completely inappropriately), and then taken out of the car into someone else's garden (also inappropriately) to 'do her business'. Not to mention that Lucy seemed very much less apologetic and horrified than I would've been if I'd been running a catering outlet, had wandered off leaving it in the hands of someone I was less than confident in, and then my dog proceeded to destroy part of another caterers stand. Sorry, but by that stage I was disliking Lucy - and Daisy - more and more.
I also found the going from event to event seemed rather same-y, and the storyline wasn't strong or engaging enough to make me want to pick up the book, meaning it got left for days before I'd go back to try to pick up on the read.
Then there was the 'I'll sleep with him/her but then immediately have a major insecurity attack which almost destroys the relationship' scenario. Personally I'd've preferred their growing relationship to be a bit more established before they slept together. Then they might've actually talked enough to not need all the unnecessary drama and crisis which I didn't really feel added much to the story and could've been handled differently. But perhaps I'm just old fashioned.
I'm sure others will enjoy it as it's well written, and the settings are nice, but although I love campervans, owning a VW one myself, it's a bit sad when the character you like most in a book is the van and not its owner. Or his friend. Or his friend's dog. But her pizza-trailer and business name are quite cool...

I've already got the second book as I bought them together, so given the positive reviews it's got, and the fact that I'm a sucker for a Christmas story, maybe I'll have another go with book 2, and see if Lucy and Jack win me over in that story.
359 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2021
This is a nice Summery read, set in Northumberland. The story evolves around Lucy and Jack who both run mobile catering Vans. Lucy is the new owner of a horse box that she has converted into a pizza kitchen. She wants a fresh start after the breakdown of a long term relationship. I loved the story of her Italian Papa and how she was using her old family recipes. I will definitely be trying some of the recipes out. Ruby the Campervan sounds lovely, I have always secretly wanted a Vintage Campervan and I love reading about them. Jack made some gorgeous sounding cocktails. Lucy often referred to him as cocky, but I thought that it was a good skill that he was able to quickly assess his customers and make them a custom made cocktail. He was good at reading his customers and making them feel special. I thought that it was good that the events had an invitation at the top of the chapters. It really helped to set the scene and made me feel like I was invited to the event. As I have not been to any parties or festivals recently it was nice to go to some, even if it was only via the pages of this book. I liked how Jack was always helping Lucy to build her business, even when she was ignoring him. This was an engaging and enjoyable read. There were a few references to some of Caroline Roberts previous books, which is always nice. I did think that the ending was a little short. Just a few more paragraphs or an epilogue would have been good in my opinion. It didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book though. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Profile Image for Joanne D'Arcy.
745 reviews59 followers
August 15, 2021
It is only in recent years that I have discovered Caroline Roberts and was thrilled to be able to read the latest from her. The cover itself is a delight and a great draw and just absolutely cheers your soul as does the story within.

Lucy lives in a cottage just near the sea with Daisy the Dachshund her faithful companion since she realises that her fiancé was never going to propose, well not to her anyway. Changing her life completely she finds herself starting a new adventure and venture with the Horse Box she has converted to a mobile Pizza van.

Jack has been driving his red Cocktail Campervan to local events, weddings, parties in Northumberland for the last couple of years. Whilst it is not what his parents thought he would end up doing, he has had made a success of it and he is kept busy. However Jack seems to be using all his energy into this venture and not giving himself any time for life and love.

Lucy and Jack’s paths cross at many events and the book is wonderfully divided into different events that we are also invited along to share the fun, the laughter, the wonderfully cocktails created and the delicious pizzas which simply make your mouth water.

Thanks to Daisy, Lucy does make rather an impact on Jack’s campervan and when they find themselves drawn together, despite some prior warnings and previous hurts it seems that the happy ending is clear for all to see. Of course true love does not always run smoothly and of course you need to be sure and both Lucy and Jack test this to the max.

Like the perfect pizza and cocktail you know when you have found your favourite and it made my heart sing the whole way through this story with Lucy and Jack. I wanted to dive right into the book, queue for the pizza and watch the cocktail being made and curl up in Lucy’s delightful cottage.

A book that will leave you simply smiling and with your heart full of joy – the best tonic to any cocktail!
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews136 followers
August 19, 2021
Another fantastic read, courtesy of One More Chapter and NetGalley!
Honestly, what did I think of it ?- read on to see . . . .

Starting afresh is tough for everyone
Especially when relationships have broken or loved ones gone
But with support of family, friends and others
It can be amazing what it uncovers!

Jack has Ruby, a camper van
And thrives on chances to be the cocktail man.
He likes to act as a cheerful barman
Serving delicious drinks as best he can.

Lucy has her converted horse box - complete with oven
Where she bakes tasty pizzas by the dozen.
‘All Fired Up’ is her business’s name
Which she’s hoping will bring her joy and fame,

At different events these two keep meeting
But they don’t always seem to give a welcoming greeting.
Attracted to each other but both have history
Will they share their pasts to remove the mystery?

There is laughter and joy as the story unfolds
Especially when Daisy the dachshund is being bold.
It is the story of friendships, family and romance
And being brave enough to give love a chance.

So if you’re in need of summer parties, festivals and fun
Travel with Lucy and Jack and see how its done.
Visit Northumberland, discover the food and drinks, too
In this delightful book, I really hope you do!

For those who like a tasty treat,
When you're read the story there's something neat
That's when you'll discover some recipes, too
So you can make cocktails just for you!
Profile Image for Jenn.
340 reviews53 followers
August 25, 2021
The Seaside Cocktail Campervan
by: Caroline Roberts
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

I am rejuvenated and relaxed after travelling the coast of scenic Northumberland with Jack, Lucy, and Daisy the Dachshund in The Seaside Cocktail Campervan. Jack's non-alcoholic elderflower fizz was my beverage choice, paired with Lucy's goat cheese and red pepper pizza. Caroline Roberts has created the most memorable characters and food trucks, with Lucy and her "All Fired Up" horse box mobile pizza van, and Jack's Cocktail Campervan named Ruby.
Jack and Lucy find themselves at some of the same birthday parties, festivals, and joyous events as they prepare food and beverages they are passionate about for guests. Their career and romantic adventures keep readers engaged to discover if these two will find personal love as well as foodie love, while each reflects on the past and dreams about the future. Lucy's endearing dog Daisy, called "The Devil Dog" by Jack, never wants to be left behind when the "All Fired Up" is rolling!
Roberts' character development is deep, and her vivid descriptions of the scenery, setting, food, and events left me feeling as if I were in England with the ensemble cast of Lucy, Jack, Daisy, their friends, and family. The story took me from melancholy, hungry, thirsty, romantic and optimistic feelings while making me laugh and tear up. I have discovered a new favorite author in Caroline Roberts, and I'm inspired to look up more about the beauty of Northumberland because of her writing.
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review of The Seaside Cocktail Campervan. #NetGalley #TheSeasideCocktailCampervan
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,145 reviews42 followers
September 3, 2021
It was OK, not really what I expected. I would give it 2.5 stars. Didn't really love the characters, even Daisy. Lucy didn't think her dog did anything wrong when she destroyed Jack's sign. She should have been apologetic. There was a continuous miscommunication between Jack and Lucy. They never talked to each other to figure anything out. Lucy listens to a friend and instantly changes her feelings toward Jack. Jack sees "Pride and Prejudice" at Lucy's house and assumes she's some sort of romantic. The way he treated her after spending the night at her house was ridiculous. They acted more like teenagers instead of adults. There was so much back and forth with them. I like him, now I don't, now I do. I like her, now I don't, now I do. Everything could have been resolved if they actually talked with each other. The best part of the book were the scenes at the events. I would have loved to read more about the different events than Lucy at home or Jack off by himself.

Definitely give the book a try, especially if you are a fan for romance and women's fiction, this one just wasn't for me. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Love the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Anna.
50 reviews8 followers
November 2, 2021
It was a very sweet book in a lot of ways, and I thought it was very interesting that I felt like the book did not have a clear genre. It contains a lot of elements of the feelgood genre, which I did think the book belonged to based on the synopsis, cover and name. However, the book was more built like a romance in plot and structure. It was nice to read a book that was a nice blend of both genres. The theme of the story was a lot around going your own way in life, intertwined with the couple’s relationship.

We got to see both perspective in the book, almost every other chapter followed first the male character and then the female main character. That is not something I have seen in feelgood but is of course very common in romance. The story had a lot of promise, but I think it felt short because of the relationship. They both did things around their relationship that made me VERY frustrated at both of them at times. The story really had it moments, but I have a hard time with romance stories where I kind of feel like they do not deserve to end up happily ever after together. In romance I want to really cheer for the couple will end up together and in this story both of them felt very unreasonable.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
363 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2021
I’ve read several of Caroline’s books before, mainly the Pudding Pantry series, and have enjoyed them so I was looking forward to trying this one. I was not disappointed

This is the story of Jack who runs a mobile cocktail bar from a converted camper van, and his interactions with the lovely Lucy who runs a mobile pizza van. It’s all set in the North East of England and the descriptions of the area really made me feel like I was there too,which is especially nice at the current crazy time of limited or no travel.

There are ups and downs (and I won’t spoil them here), and the story keeps you interested for more. All of the characters are believable and more than once I wanted to be eating cake with several of them. The regular descriptions of food, and recipes were so good that it left me feeling hungry on more than one occasion! Some of the cocktails also sounded very yummy!

As a fellow sausage dog owner, I loved the inclusion of Daisy “the Diva” Dachshund and her antics. They reminded me so much of our dogs too – as they really are such little characters. Very mischievous but lovable

It’s a fab read, but particularly enjoyable during the warm summer days.

4.5 stars

Copy provided by Harper Collins and One More Chapter via Netgalley
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