This is the first Georgia Hill book I have read.  I enjoyed it and would recommend this author as an easy sweet and light read – perfect for the beach - with a shaded undercurrent running through it. This is the first of four in ‘The Little Book Café’ series and tells of Tash’s story while introducing the other locals which I am sure will feature in the rest of the series.

I found the story a bit predictable and the first half is a bit repetitive however the book as a whole captivates the reader as the story progresses. 

I will be reading the rest of the series and also look out for other Georgia Hill books for my next holiday read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Impulse for the opportunity to read and review this book.

As Tash joins the Millie's café book club, she meets other villagers including Kit a nice local man.



As Tash grows wearier of her fiancé, Aidan, his controlling behaviour growing worse than ever as he amps it up to include violence and drugs, not just his demanding sexual desires she detests feeling demeanored, Tash begins to feel unsafe and lost. All she knows is Kit is kind and so are the rest of the book club and her work colleagues, hopefully they can help her out...



It was a shocking read to say the least as we build up to Aidan's jealousy reaching sky high levels. It wasn't a typical girly read as it combines such a negative character into the mix, but life does that anyway sometimes! A read for anyone whom can handle a domestic abuse storyline as it does include a lot of behaviour surrounding that.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

I finished this in one sitting as the title intrigued me and I got into it, it took me about 3 hours to complete. This isn't a book for domestic violence survivors or animal lovers, I finished the book 10 minutes ago and I have to admit I'm still angry with the main male lead. I know millions of women probably suffer daily but it was raw and emotional, I cant say I'd recommend this book because I wouldn't, but if someone asked me about it I'd say it was good but raw and intense hence the 3 stars.

My review has been posted to my blog & Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

Thank you! :c)

The Little Book Café: Part One Tash’s Story by Georgia Hill is a super fun romantic romp — book one in a new three-part series perfect for fans of Willow Cottage and The Canal Boat Cafe.

Local estate agent Tash isn’t sure she wants to join the book club at Berecombe’s lovely new bookshop and café. Her friend Emma drags her there, believing she MUST have time away from her clingy boyfriend Adrian. Yes, he’s a great guy who truly loves her, but he’s becoming possessive of late. So when Tash meets gorgeous new local farmer Kit, awash in scruffy beard and laid-back style, she’s entranced. Maybe the book club is a better way to spend time than she thought! What will happen with Tash and Adrian ... or Tash and Kit? You’ll have to read this highly recommended heartwarming romance to find out! 5/5

Pub Date 03 Aug 2018

Thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#TheLittleBookCafe #NetGalley

This is the first book I have read by Georgia Hill and I have to say that I cannot wait to read the series before this-Millie Vanilla’s story. I also cannot wait to read the other books in “The Little Book Café” series. I do have to admit that what drew me to this book was the cute Westie on the cover. Reading Tash’s story was a hard one for me to read, emotionally. The book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Tash and her story. She seemed a little haughty, and pretentious. Reading further in the book though, I hated Tash. I screamed at her and was mad she could not see what Adrian was doing to her. Then when I realized Tash had no idea, I had sympathy for her and wanted to beat the crap out of Adrian. Especially after poor Benji! That just made me want to snuggle with my Westie forever. Georgia Hill captivated me with her words and story. Although I had trouble with some of the British slang and terminology, I had to Google it. This is a great summer read and made me longing to be near the beach. I hope Georgia Hill writes more about Tash and her life after Adrian.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Tash lives in Berecombe with her boyfriend Adrian, but since they have moved in together he has changed and become possessive and jealous...... not attractive qualities! When a new book club gets set up Emma, Tash's best friend, insists that they go along, even though it really isn't Tash's cup of tea, and surprisingly she enjoys it....... maybe something to do with the farmer Kit!

A lovely light read and great to be back in Berecombe so definitely looking forward to the next two books

I’ll admit it, reading Tash’s story wasn’t always easy for me. It can be said that not all roads to love and self-care are paved with hearts and flowers. However, right from the first page I was gripped by a sense of compassion and protection for our heroine. I was so glad to see a sprinkling of pooches in the story as I felt like a little snarling canine at times, ready to bare my teeth and pounce in order to keep our mistress safe. I’ll be honest and say I considered leaving Tash’s tale for another time and place, maybe it was too much for me, the poignancy and the reality of the relationship that she had found herself in? But the careful writing of the characters and the daily details and dilemmas drew me into a tale so believable that I had to stay – maybe I would learn something, how to spot and read the signs around this situation so that I could be alert in this world as well as Tash’s. After all, not all superheroes wear capes.
I stuck with the story and I am so glad that I did. The clever weaving and interlocking of the narrative with that of the book club’s chosen pick and the private lives of the club members taught me not to judge a book by it’s cover. Nothing is as it may seem on the surface. How quick we are to judge someone’s insides by their outsides. When it came to the crunch I was pleasantly surprised by who came to save the day. There is the most gorgeous and kind Kit and the effervescent and empathic Emma, but there are others too – who show their strength, their true colours, just when Tash needs them most. The author shows us that a little bit of love, at just the right time, means that we too have all the right ingredients at our disposal to be there when it counts.
I am really looking forward to reading the following instalments of The Little Book Cafe. The writer has left me in no doubt that they have a tale to tell and I for one am going to pull up a chair and listen. I finished Tash’s story full of love and pride for her and her friends and I felt empowered to use my girl power for the greater good of the sisterhood around me. I also felt an enormous wave of gratitude for the kind and loving people in my own life. Who knew that I would be this blissed out after just one little visit to this special cafe. It must be something that someone put in the cakes?!?
Coffee Cup Conversations and Teapot Talking Points:
If you and I dear reader were sitting down together today, on a couple of comfy armchairs upstairs in the bookshop, having both read the book, here are a few of the points we could mull over together.
How do we spot the signs of the cry for help?
The story shows us that friendship matters – in the good times and the bad. It shows that the little things that we notice about someone we care about count. Maybe they are not quite themselves and there are just a few little things that are somehow off -it’s important to be there for that person, and to notice. As always, it’s a careful balance but it is really important not to ignore our gut instincts. As individuals too, our internal antenna is so important to listen to. That still small voice deep down inside of us knows what we need the most, and we just need to get really quiet and have the courage to listen to it.
Have you a furry friend?
They say that ‘man’s best friend is his dog’ – and Benji, in this story, is a bouncing bundle of delight. I have a special place in my heart for the cat’s I have had as pets. There seem to be so many benefits to having a canine companion. It is not something I could do as I am not able to offer the time needed to care for a dog – but they cheer young and old, frail and strong alike and they live with an abundance mentality, always ready to love unconditionally. I could really see the appeal in the comfort of these poochie pals.
What does your ideal home look like in your mind?
Tash lives in a modern, all mod-cons blazing house, with minimalist furnishing and interior design. In contrast, Kit lives in a ramshackle, ancient home that is in various stages of elegant decay. The book raises many questions about what makes a house a home. Are you someone who has a strong pull to a home town or an area? Do you prefer the countryside or the town? They say that ‘home is where the heart is’ and I definitely feel strong attachments to my home. The memories I have there, the sights and the sounds of our house over the year, make me feel secure and safe and I miss it when I am not there – they offer me shelter in the storms of life. I wonder what the elements to a happy home truly are – they are certainly something different to the glossy images in the estate agents’ window.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book which I really enjoyed.

Local estate agent Tash isn’t convinced about joining the new book club at Berecombe’s beautiful new bookshop and café. Dragged there by her friend Emma, she knows she needs a night out. Her boyfriend Adrian is wonderful, and adores her, but has become a bit clingy of late. So when she is introduced to new local farmer Kit, with his scruffy beard and low-key look, its’s a breath of fresh air to chat to someone so un-Adrian. Maybe this book club idea could be fun after all!

But when Tash starts forgetting things and behaving oddly, over-protective Adrian is determined to keep her from her new interest. But if the book club has taught Tash anything, she should know not to judge a book by its cover…

A great start to a new Novella series by Georgia Hill. It was really lovely to revisit Millie Vanilla's Café and some old characters even though this is a completely different series.

I didn't really like Tash to start off with but once the story developed it became apparent why she was like that because of the how Adrian her partner treated her. Once she realised what was going on she seemed to mellow and started to enjoy her life and the people in it.

Really looking forward to part 2 when it is released.

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it... the little town of Berescombe sounds adorable and a great place to live.

I knew that Georgia Hill had written some other books but didn't realise they were about the same little town so I am adding all those to my TBR list as I really liked her style of writing and the feel of the place.

I could relate to Tash as having people playing mind-games etc is quite unreal and makes you question yourself and everything else in your life... I think Georgia Hill really hit the mark with her portrayal of Tash and the subtleness of Adrian's action's even though it could been seen he wasn't that subtle, to Tash he was the love of her life and she enjoyed the lifestyle... busy lives also play a part... Tash's actions when realisation kicked in was quite on spot too.

I enjoyed the storyline... I look forward to her next release in this series.

This novel is the first in a trilogy set in the lovely seaside town of Berecombe. It tells Tash’s story although other familiar characters from Millie Vanilla’s Café are also included. Tash and Adrian are living together in their lovely new home. They are both proud of themselves. They have good, well paid jobs, spare cash to spend on luxuries and a lovely home. All of these accomplishments are very important to them both. They are a couple in love, they are settled and the world is their oyster.
Recently Adrian has seemed to change from an easy-going and fun loving boyfriend to a more possessive, controlling and clingy man. He begrudges her training schedule for a start and does not like her to go out without him anymore. He moans when she wants to go out to the inaugural meeting of the local book club with her friend Emma. She knows she needs to spend time away from Adrian once in a while. He is so intense. He’s changed and she’s not sure she likes these changes. He is critical and unpredictable. Never-the less Tash and Emma do go to the book club where she meets Kit who is a laid back farmer. They talk about anything and everything easily and Tash looks forward to spending time at the next meeting. He’s a really nice guy, but she knows Adrian would be jealous of their fledgling friendship. There would definitely be trouble brewing on the horizon if he ever thought he had a rival.
I enjoyed reading this novella but I definitely didn’t like Adrian or Tash. They were very materialistic and critical. I liked Kit because he was at ease with himself, friendly and good hearted. He was level-headed and helpful and an all-round nice man. The novel was all about friendship, loyalty and trust. I thought the issue of abuse was dark and worrying, but also good to bring into a story context, especially as it was within a partnership. Domestic abuse is a taboo subject and needs to be brought out into the open.
Two more 'The Little Book Café' novellas are soon to follow. ‘Emma’s Story’ is published on 21st September then soon after on 5th October it is ‘Amy’s Story’, the third part of the trilogy is published. On 13th December each part is united into the Little Book Café’.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher HarperImpulse through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. It’s a 3.5* review from me.

Loved this book even if it wasn't what I was expecting based on the cover. I guess the saying is right. "never judge a book based on its cover. I hope it's a series

A trip to Berecombe - my summer is complete! Things have moved on in the town, but the story is as delicious as ever.

Tash, manager of the local estate agents, is happily settled with her long-term boyfriend, Adrian - but lately it all seems to be about him. Her friend and co-worker Emma decides they are both going to attend the inaugural meeting of a new book club and won't take 'no' for an answer. To her surprise, Tash actually rather enjoys herself - could it be something to do with the new resident, Kit?

I've so enjoyed my Berecombe 'fix'. The kind of seaside town we would all like to holiday in - if not take up residence! Things have moved on since we visited Millie Vanilla's cafe, although it still features in the story. It's lovely to catch up with those we know and love who are now taking a back seat with the focus shifting to new characters. As always with this author, the story is light-hearted and packed with fun and laughter whilst there is a darker side to make you think. Reading in bed, I laughed and shook with laughter so hard that my sleeping husband began to stir. So enjoyable! I'm really looking forward to the next book - it's so good to be back I can almost smell the sea and hear the waves! An absolutely gorgeous series - it's good to be back!

My thanks to publishers HarperImpulse for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

I loved this book and enjoyed Tash and Kit together. It is very well written and kept me reading.

I give this 4 out of 5

Thank you for the early copy.

I picked this up because of the plot, I was looking for something cute. A interesting and well done novel. I recommend this for fans of chick let.

Adrian might seem perfect but Tash's friends aren't so sure. Tash herself isn't especially nice, especially at the beginning of this novella (I especially hated how she talked about her friend Amy). When she meets Kit, things open up. This isn't chick lit, exactly, because there's a more serious undercurrent, and it's not a rom-com, but it's a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'd like to read Amy's story next.

I've looked forward to reading this ever since I seen Georgia's twitter announcing she's releasing a new series! When this popped up on Netgalley I immediately requested and was keen to get started. I would have given this more as it's such an easy and gripping read, but I just really didn't like main character Tash.

From the beginning, I found her to be snappy, rude and I didn't like what she said about friend Amy. I understand that she was stressed about Adrian, but I found throughout the novel there was quite a lot of snapping and arguments and it was a bit draining. Making comments like 'Amy could eat the whole picnic, Tash was sure' and 'Chubby women' just kind of put me off her. I also found her to be rather materialistic, and was shocked that she only stayed with Adrian because she liked the lifestyle - even though Adrian was a controlling maniac!

Having said this, I found the short novella completely gripping and couldn't put it down! I was so invested in what would happen to Tash that I just had to continue reading it. Towards the end of the book I will say that Tash's personality got a bit better so perhaps we was just seeing how much she had to change for Adrian? She definitely gets better as the book goes on and starts becoming her old self again.

I think this is a very promising series and I can't wait to read the other two. It was a great read and I really enjoyed it, I just found that main character Tash let it down in some parts. I enjoyed the location and it was nice to read about some of the characters from Georgia's other novels. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

This is an easy read, set in a lovely, English seaside town. There's a variety of different characters in protagonist Tash's life, though we don't learn much about most of them aside from Tash and her boyfriend Adrien. Most of the book centers around their seemingly perfect relationship and comfortable life, but everything is not always as it seems. Tash finds it harder to find time to meet with friends at the cafe/bookshop for a meal or book club, or to train for the upcoming 5k fun run.

I didn't really like Tash's rather materialistic, shallow attitude at the start of the book, but throughout the story, she becomes more self-aware and goes through some positive changes. There are a few tense scenes involving abuse, which keep this from being a happy, light-hearted romance, but the story is engaging and the conclusion is satisfying. I've already got the 2nd book in the series in my TBR list.

I received an advance copy of this book. The honest thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

I loved Georgia Hill's previous book and this first part in this series didn't let me down it was excellent with heartbreak and upset and shows friendship as well and really appropriate to current issues that people go through and she seeks with it so well when writing the book. Really can't wait for part two now as very promising series and has you hooked from the first page and lovely to go back to the seaside where her first book was set.
Tash who is the local estate agent is not convinced about joining the new book club at the new bookshop cafe that Millie runs. She is taken by her friend as Emma knows she needs a night out. Problem is her boyfriend Adrian is very clingy of her of late and will pick her up early when she's not ready to go and he's not keen on her going out. She's introduced to kit the local farmer he's a breath of fresh air to her and enjoys chatting with him. She soon realised the book club may be a good thing now. Tash starts forgetting things and behaving oddly Adrian gets over protective and can she get away from him or is he determined to ensure she stays with him but the book club is teaching Tash to bever judge a book by its cover and who is she to be happy with can she learn the truth behind what Adrian is really like. She really learns who her friends are.
Great short story and can't wait for book two now worth five stars easily.

A short but interesting read, which deals with current issues. Although considering the problems she had with Adrian she realised what they were and moved on remarkably quickly, like it didn't affect her too much.
Looking forward to reading the other stories in this series.