3 - "We shall make the world a better place, one cake at a time…" Stars.

So we reach the end of the Comfort Food Café series with Pharmacist Auburn Longville’s story wrapping things with the village and residents of Budbury up.

Gosh… I’m annoying.

As much as I have loved this series, the last couple of books have definitely been less enjoyable for me, A Wedding at the Comfort Food Café being a bit of a disappointment all round. Don’t get me wrong, it was easy enough to read, with the usual wit, one liners, and razor sharp banter that I have come to expect from the author, but whereas the earlier books were quirky and offering unique spins on stories, we have been moving into lackluster and predictable and this final installment had massive ticks in both the aforementioned boxes.

"We’ve come a long way haven’t we…?"

Its safe to say the author was always going to struggle to win me over with one of my most detested tropes taking front of stage (view spoiler) but at the end of the book what frustrated me the most was how it was all wrapped up in a matter of paragraphs and to my mind felt like it a wholly been used as filler material to give an otherwise emaciated story-line a little bit of fleshing out.

We may not all be related by blood, but we are a family…

This series will always hold a place in my heart, I just feel a little underwhelmed by its end, my favorite bit was at the start when the author gave you her thoughts and ideas on what everyone’s life was likely to be like a few years on, in a way that is the book I wish she had written, a Budbury - Ten Years On, book instead of the one we got.

I’ll still look avidly for new titles from Debbie, her down to earth writing style and characters always hold an appeal, even if sometimes the story-lines don’t necessarily ring all my bells, but then life would be boring if everything pleased everyone all the time wouldn’t it.

I love the Comfort Food Café. I've completely fallen in love with this series, its characters and of course, the cosy setting. Although I am sad that this is the last installment in the series, I think it was the right decision from the author, to end on a high note. Through the series, we have read about 6 amazing women, I have cheered for them and I have shared their joy at finding their own happy endings, and they will for sure keep a little piece of my heart.

But let's talk about this story now. It focuses on Auburn, who moved to Budbury a few month ago to help her sister Willow care for their mother. We don't know much about her, other than she has quite a wild past. I was really curious to find out more about her before Budbury, especially as quite a big secret is revealed quite early in the story.

This soon creates a lot of problems in her life and affects her new relationship. As we got to know more about this secret, I really had no idea how her story was going to end, as not everything was as black and white as it first looked like. And although I didn't always think that Auburn made the best choices, I liked that she was aware of her faults and always tried to be honest with everyone.

But my favourite part of the story was the wedding (and all the preparations leading up to it) of two of my favorite characters in the series, it was a great example of how lovely and supportive this community is and how they are aways ready to help each other. I loved catching up with all the regular characters. It was the perfect end to a gorgeous series. The Comfort Food Cafe might not be a real location but it has become a haven to escape to for a few hours, where there's always good food and lovely people.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Auburn, the former wild child, has settled in Budbury. She, with the brilliant red hair, still tries to stop smoking and sometimes drinks too much, but she's happy in her skin - finally. Her relationship with the gorgeous Finn is going from strength to strength and really, everything looks peachy. That is, until one day, one shock revelation sees the light of day and an unexpected visitor arrives - and this sends Auburn back to her reckless day in Spain. She starts to question her choices - shall she stay in Budbury? Did she really change or is she still, deep down in heart, looking for adventures?

I love the Comfort Food Cafe series, and I am also the one always telling that the cafe should be real, and I think I will miss the characters but I also think that it's the best time to stop the series now - the author can so beautifully and gorgeously explore all kinds of feelings, she can so well write about emotions, and the way the characters are able to speak about it all is truly amazing but I simply think that the lovely formula has just run out. Though I will be the first in the virtual queue to put my hand high and admit that I'd love to hear more from Laura - especially Laura. The author has also told us at the beginning of the book how she sees the characters in the future - and as much as I loved reading it, for me they should all simply stay in Budbury. They just belong there and make the place so great.

This story was as well filled with larger than life characters, real feelings, delicious cakes, wild parties, tons of dramas and troubles, and this all written in this gorgeous, chatty, humorous writing style. Those books brought me so much joy and happy tears, as they were so warm and inviting, and full of the overwhelming feel - good factor. The way they are written is absolutely inimitable but I think that those were the characters that made the series so exceptional and special - loveable, real and realistic.

As usual the main character, and this time we get a focus on Willow's sister Auburn, has secrets she hides, problems and skeletons in the closet. However, as it usually happens, the secrets have a habit of catching up with you. I quickly learnt that there is always much more to Debbie Johnson's characters than meet the eye, that you can't judge them, that you simply have to give them time, and it was the same with Auburn. What I really liked in her was the fact that she was totally honest, that she didn't want to hide her feelings, that she wanted to be frank with Finn.

I raced through the pages of "A Wedding at the Comfort Food Cafe", as always, enjoying the gossip and characters' antics. Reading this book was like being back with your best friends, you really know the characters so well. They feel so real because they are moving, growing, maturing, changing, they become children and it feels like a wheel of life, like there is someone who's going to continue the characters' work, who's going to keep the place going. They care about each other and they are so honest and altruistic and you simply feel like a part of their gang. Shortly - it was another book about the power of friendship and trust, about second chances and love. Gorgeous and utterly compelling and I highly recommend it to you all.

Firstly – have you got the following- a warming drink; check, a big slice of cake; check, a tissue? You are going to need all three. If you have never been to this cafe before then you are the luckiest of readers as you can dive in here and then read the whole back series. If, like me you are already a huge fan of Cherie and her Comfort Food Café community then you will be blubbing by the end of the introduction. For some of us- this is a bitter sweet moment – the end of the last chapter will signal the end of an era as the series comes to an end. You can feel the tug on the heartstrings for our author too as she pens the final words. But somehow you can’t afford to hold that thought, before you know it you will be pulling up a chair with your best buddies of Budbury, hanging out with the dangling mobiles and memorabilia and sticking your nose into all the gossip. I had missed my friends here so much, and it was such a thrill to just revel in the moment and pinch myself - I was lucky enough to be back here again.
The pages flick past fast under your fingers and the tale sets off at a pace that leads you quickly into this latest instalment. I could not put the story down, and took it up to bed with me – first I turned down the duvet and turned out the big light, then, when my husband came to bed I turned out the lamp and turned on my reading torch – I could not bear to go to sleep without knowing how things all turned out.
Suffice to say that I had sweet dreams. I know this series so well that it is very easy to settle myself in a corner of the Comfort Food Café and dream away. I can go and visit with any of my new friends and even imagine where I might fit into the landscape.
Just like in my own life, everyone here is growing up and moving forward – at their own pace and at their own point of the Ferris wheel of life, but all are going onward and upward. It’s heart-warming and encouraging stuff and there is something for us all to identify with. As a wise woman in the story says herself – ‘there is no sell-by date on sadness’ and we all need someone to care. Do you know what? that is the true heart of this series – in these pages we find people who care, and their love reaches out and holds our hands too. If Cherie is able to second guess the comforting food of choice for each customer, ‘making the world a better place – one cake at a time’, then Debbie Johnson also has that gift and she introduces us to characters that will be the perfect friend to us – they watch out for us and welcome us in to a ‘spider-web of friendship’ where it is ‘all for one and one for all.’
I will miss this wonderful series that spreads ‘faith, trust and pixie-dust’ – for me it is a comforting classic, one that I will turn to when I need a mate, whenever I may be feeling low or under the weather and when I just want to sample a piece of that ever-loving atmosphere. I shall be imagining, from time to time, the exploits of my CFC pals too– wondering where they are in their worlds and being grateful that I followed them for some of the way.
Coffee Cup Conversations and Teapot Talking Points:
If you and I dear reader were sitting down together at the Comfort Food Café today, settled in with a cup of our favourite brew and a beautiful, buttery scone, having both read the book, here are a few of the points we could mull over together.

Who is your favourite character from this series?
I know this is a cruel question, right? I like different people for different reasons and one of the joys of the series has been to get to know the characters, to learn not to judge from outside appearances, but to learn the lessons of spending a little time in someone else’s shoes. I also like the range of ages and life-experiences. I love that I can live life through someone else’s’ lens for a bit and root for someone who is completely different to me.
However, I have to say how much I love Laura. I have twins too and I am married to a Matt – so perhaps that is what seals it – but if it were not for Laura I would never have passed through the doors of the café – and I love her story so, so much. The final party reminded me of when she first clapped eyes on her new homies – what a perfect arc of a story, it brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.

Where would you live in the village?
Everyone always says to Debbie that they wish the café was real, and that Budbury existed with Cherie at the helm – I know I am one of those people. I have often wondered where I would be – would I be a teacher at the local school – as that is my role in life? But as I am a Zoe and I love reading and writing – I do think that I might be an assistant in the bookshop. I teach Spanish and French too – so that could come in handy.

What would your comfort food be?
So, If Cherie worked her magic on you, what snack or pick-me-up of choice would she dish up for you each time? I think for me it would be a wonderful caramel brownie- or perhaps a coffee and walnut cake. Although, these days I am trying to limit my sugar intake – so If I went in regularly - as let’s face it – I would – it might have to be a strawberry smoothie and an oat cake!

I am quite sad that this is the last in the series of the Comfort Food Café. It did not disappoint and left a lovely warm feeling once I'd finished it.

I have normally given up on books written in series but this has been a get one that never wanted to put down. Brilliant characters and lovely settings all beautifully written.

I received an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I have read all of the other books which are set at the comfort cafe, this one is sadly the last in the series. I absolutely love the series, and I couldn't recommend them enough. In my opinion, it is advisable to read the books in order, as there is such a wide range of characters, who gradually get introduced throughout the series. It would not be as enjoyable as a standalone novel, although the book does give a few recaps of previous events.
This book features Auburn, the pharmacist, who moved back to the village in the previous novel. She has secrets that she is trying to hide, but the last has a habit of catching up with you. The book also features Laura's wedding to Matt, this is the wedding that is referred to in the books title.
I enjoyed this book immensely, If Budbury in Dorset was a real place, then I would love to visit the Comfort Good Cafe as the setting is stunning and it sounds like a lovely welcoming place. This book has it all, stunning setting, excellent characters, wonderful food, adorable pet, comedy, drama, romance. I absolutely love it!

Firstly I’d like to say how sad I was to discover that this is the last book in the Comfort Food Cafe series but I’m also happy that I have read them all and they will all stay with me forever.

This is a book that’s written so brilliantly that you will find yourself saying “just one more page”, I could have easily read this in a day or 2 but I wanted to savour it. Debbie writes with such passion for all her characters, and I love it how she always includes real life issues.

My favourite character in this book was Auburn, I admired the way she’d turned her life around. My least favourite character was Seb, he was like a bad smell.
I pictured the lovely Finn as the gorgeous Liam Hemsworth and I also found myself finally realising who I had in mind for Laura - Minnie Driver !!!!
The whole Seb, Auburn and Finn story reminded me of my favourite film ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.

I especially loved the reference to Brexit, I found myself having a little chuckle at this part.
There is a quote in this story that really captured my attention- ‘Things that seem like huge deals at the time look minuscule with a bit of time and space’ , I’m going through a tough time at the minute so I will try and bear this in mind.

Thank you Debbie for writing this wonderful series xx

After reading this one I’m no onger sad that the series is ending. I don’t much care for Auburn, she is pretty terrible and the storyline with Seb and Finn was just uncomfortable and juvenile.

I was really into this series at first but the fringe characters got to be too much like caricatures of stereotypes. Did we ever find out who Joanne is/was? Why set up the outreach program only. End the series? I’d like to read more about Mr P and the other villagers.

I LOVE this series of books. The Comfort Food Cafe has brought me, as a reader, so much joy. What wonderful, feel good stories, warm, lovable characters and a wicked sense of fun and friendship - we have been spoiled with these books and feel part of that much loved community so, it's only right to feel a sense of grief creeping in knowing that this is our last visit.

And what a flourishing finale it is! I was hooked from the off - which isn't unusual, you can always count on Debbie for a cosy, engulfing hug of a book. I enjoy how we always get to focus on one of our much loved residents whilst still revisiting the lives of other characters.

Auburn, the former wild child, has seemingly settled in Budbury, found love with Finn and is almost at a place where she'd agree her life was going well. With shock revelations and a visitor that sends Auburn right back to the wild, reckless days she thought she'd moved on from, we see how she distances herself from the wonderful Finn, she contemplates how her life could be moving forwards and we see her as she starts to question her choices, is it too hard in Budbury and should she give in to the temptation being offered?

This book is everything we would expect from the Comfort Food Cafe - friendship, love, community. Everyone in place to support each other and welcome new additions - whether they end up being for the good of our favourite characters or not. I love how all of the characters have their own little back story and how it's interwoven into this one too.

Although it is the last in a series of books it works well as a stand alone, but I urge anyone to read the other books too because they are just as good as this.

A fantastic read to cosy up with, a gorgeous binge read or perfect for a holiday book.

Thank you to Debbie Johnson, Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the last in the Comfort Food Cafe series set in the Dorset village of Budbury.
Auburn has settled into village life, reconnected with her family and is in love with the gorgeous Finn. Everything is going so well until her new relationship means she needs to deal with the ghosts of her previous one.
This is cosy and warm and friendly. It makes you want to move to the coast and run a tea shop!
If you've enjoyed the series you'll definitely want to read the conclusion - And treat yourself to a slice of cake while you're reading. An enjoyable, easy read.
Thank you Debbie Johnson, HarperImpulse and Netgalley for this advanced copy in return for a review.

Auburn Longville is the former wild child turned pharmacist, brilliant red hair (hence the name) with a few bad habits (trying to stop smoking, drinks too much on occasion), she has turned her life around and her new relationship with Finn Jensen seems to be going really well. Then, in what Auburn refers to as 'Diary Irony', someone from her past comes to sleepy Budbury to stir things up and lead Auburn to question her life.

I've got to say I just love this series, set in a small village and centred on the Comfort Food Cafe run by the eccentric Cherie it's full of delicious cake, wild parties, real life family dramas and second chances. This book is yet another gem.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Am so sad this is the last one in the series! I've really enjoyed this series and after each one I'm left feeling really happy and warm inside and this one was no different. It was lovely to catch up with the characters in the other novels but if you haven't read them before this one can still be read as a standalone. It was lighthearted, so enjoyable and really heartwarming.

The last book in the series, A Wedding at the Comfort Food Cafe is a light hearted read, despite not having read all the book in the series I found it easy to get into, it was an enjoyable read.

The final book in this series, this is Autumn's book and also a catch-up with all the other characters met across this series.

A light hearted and enjoyable read.

Not my usual type of read but thought I would have a change as I normally read psychological thrillers.

In my view it was a warm, cosy sort of read, quite pleasant and funny in parts but I couldn't get to liking any of the characters.

I am sure many readers will love this book but sorry I didn't.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse Killers Reads for giving me the opportunity to read this book.