Member Reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of Tash, Emma and Amy, members of a book club held at a new bookstore. The first part of the book centers on Tash’s story, as she tries to extricate herself from an abusive relationship. Tash is Emma’s boss, and the second part of the book tells Emma’s story, as she doubts her long term relationship while crushing on a literature professor. Finally, Amy’s story, as the insecure manager of the bookshop, smarting from being left at the altar, shows Amy’s growth into accepting herself. Recommended for lovers of women’s fiction.

Was this review helpful?

This was a great little read. It's basically three little books in one all revolving around a book group which gathers at a book cafe. I loved each of the three characters and they flowed really well together.

Definitely an uplifting and enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

Excellent book! Loved the characters and it was a great storyline. I would highly recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Georgia Hill. It is an enjoyable read with three woman’s stories.
Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I found this to be an easy to read compilation of the 3 books in the little book café series. Each of the sections tackles the life of one of the 3 friends, whilst slotting in with the other friends' lives in the background:

Tash outwardly seems to have herself a nice, very comfortable life sorted with gregarious Adrian yet something doesn't seem quite right and she's not 100% satisfied that this is what she really wants. Once she realises she needs to take action to find her true happiness and the scales fall from her eyes everything seems so much more obvious that things haven't been right for along time.

Friend and colleague Emma has been with boyfriend Ollie on and off since school and finds her head turned by seemingly worldly Joel, a writer and academic who is in the town running a literary course at the little book café. She wants more from life than the small town has offered her so far and wonders if she can spread her wings. Only once she starts down the path to change does she realise how much she values the life she already has.


Bookshop manager Amy loves nothing more than losing herself in a good book, talking about books, selling books to people - especially little people who are just starting to discover books - anything which involves books really... and cake. Since disaster struck on her wedding day she has hidden herself away, protecting herself from real life and people by hiding under the radar amid fictional characters and plots. With the success of the bookshop and the little book group she set up, she begins to realise that maybe she is missing out on real life - a point her mother is quite willing to labour at any possible opportunity.
Can she be brave enough to step out and get noticed again or is she destined to remain hidden away between the shelves?


This is a cosy set of 3 tales of women in similar circumstances yet all in different ways. Their friendship and the sense of community draws their inner strength out to make their lives complete - I love the coastal setting and would be more than happy in Amy's role in life. A bookshop and café set right on the coast in my favourite area of the UK, a great community spirit across the age groups and a close friendship with a small group of special people who all want the best for each other. What more could I possibly want? I very much felt that Georgia Hill had dipped in to my head and stolen my dreams to write her book with, and come up with the perfect ending too. I thoroughly enjoyed each section in its own right, and by joining the 3 parts into one volume we have the complete story all zipped up together.

Was this review helpful?

Tasha's story...

I enjoyed Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe series and expected this one to be similar. It does feature some of the characters I met previously, but this story has a much darker tone. 
Outwardly Tash appears ambitious and successful, her property developer boyfriend dotes on her, and she has the lifestyle she always aspired to. She's only attending the book club for her friend Emma and considers it a waste of time. The first book club meeting is pivotal in Tash's life. It highlights the cracks in her perfect facade and makes her wonder if a different life would suit her better.
Tash's gradual realisation that something isn't right in her relationship is accompanied by out of character forgetfulness. Adrian's attitude towards her is increasingly controlling, and she knows something needs to change but is she strong enough to face the challenge?
Natasha's character development is extensive as the story progresses, and her strength of character finally lets her be the person she is. Adrian is a dark, draining individual with dangerous secrets. The suspense and menace in this story intensify with every scene as Tash fights for her identity. 
The ending is powerful and satisfying and makes me want to see what happens next.
Not what you'd expect from this author but riveting reading.

Emma's Story...

Emma uses the Little Book Cafe to escape from her family and a less than exciting relationship with Ollie her long-term boyfriend. She loves her work as an estate agent but a new staff member wants to get ahead at any cost, and she forces Emma to question her life choices and makes the workplace yet another source of stress in Emma's life. A classic literature evening class gives her a much-needed escape but also endangers everything she loves.
Again this story has a darker side, Joel her attractive tutor has a controlling nature and seems willing to abuse his position of trust. Emma is vulnerable, and the suspense builds as she debates whether to leave Ollie and stability behind. Emma is vibrant and impulsive; she is in a rut by risks losing something worthwhile if she acts hastily. Book club characters provide the help and support Emma needs, and the story has an exciting ending.

Amy's Story...

Amy's story is the perfect way to end this romantic series. which spotlights some hard-hitting issues among the books, cakes and romance.
Amy has featured in the first two stories, but she deserves her own happy ending and 
Patrick, the Irish charmer may just be the man to give it to her. Amy has more emotional baggage than most. She has her reasons for being shy of relationships. Her lack of self-esteem is compounded by her overcritical mother, who has her own regrets, which she takes out on Amy. 
Patrick is her friend, always there to help and doesn't judge, she's in love but he seems content to remain just friends.
Amid, the book clubs, parties and solving the local crime wave, love finds a way and this story ends on an undeniably hopeful note. The only drawback, this is the last story. Hopefully, there may be a few more tales to be told in Berecombe yet?

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Stories about 3 very different women.

The Little Book Cafe is the first book I've read by Georgia Hill. I thought the book blurb sounded promising and decided to try the book. Sadly it was just an ok story for me. I never could warm up to Tash and found myself skimming parts of the stories. Emma and Amy were definetly more likable characters. It also had a bit too much drama for me and darkness. However I found the scenes of the book club very smart with the secondary characters adding enjoyable layers to the story.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley,

Was this review helpful?

Tash is getting ready for book club meeting . Adrian is trying to convince tash to stay at home and get warm with him..Tasha friend emma tells her is not as fun as use to be since meet Tash. i thought tash was a good strong woman

Was this review helpful?

I will admit from the beginning of this review that this is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Georgia. However I have seen lots of positive feedback on social media regarding these three special stories. The feedback from others is what made me want to request a copy of “The Little Book Cafe” I was excited to start reading. This book was originally released in three separate parts, but I wanted to read them as one novel (though they can be read separately)

It did take me a few chapters to get used to each character but I’m glad I kept on reading. I love discovering new authors and this is always why I persevere with any new book.

This is the first book I have read in a while where I have taken a disliking to a specific character’s personality, I am talking about Adrian he’s manipulative and possessive but it does make Tasha’s story a lot more interesting (if it’s even possible to get more interesting)

I am really drawn to Tasha, you want her to do well from the beginning, I won’t go into specific parts as I don’t want to spoil it for everyone. However her relationship with Adrian does add a lot of drama to the storyline. I have to put my hands up to Georgia for putting issues like domestic violence in her writing. It was brave! Does Tasha get her happy ending? You will have to read it to find out! 😊

Well what can I say about Emma...she is totally different to Tasha yet they are best friends. It took me a few chapters to get into her story but again I persevered and I’m glad I did. Emma is a strong independent woman, she is determined to fight for what she wants and stands up for herself if she needs to. You really get a sense of Emma’s feelings in parts and you want her to get the happy ending she deserves. Can you tell I just want everyone to get their happy ending 😊

Amy literally has my dream job I am so jealous, she manages a quirky bookshop with tea and delicious cake on tap! Amy doesn’t seem to want to stick up for herself with anyone, especially her mother (more about that in the story) she really wants to love and be loved. In my head I was hoping she would at least stand up for what she believes in, you will have to read about Amy to find out.

Overall I loved the book as a whole and I would have enjoyed them equally had I of read them separately. When I finished “The Little Book Cafe” I found I had a smile on my face. Such a lovely, feel good book full of anticipation and I won’t hesitate in reading more of Georgia’s creations. I give this book 5*/5*

“Words are important. They can change you. They can change the world” - Emma Tizzard ❤️🙂

Was this review helpful?

The Little Book Cafe, Part I , is the story of Tash, she manages the local estate realtor office in this quaint beachside town, has a boyfriend who owns a fancy house and a fancy car and spoils her with fancy presents and it looks like she has the beginning of a perfect life. As we all know sometimes things are not as they appear and as Tash starts to sort out some issue she has been struggling she starts making changes, and as she does she is hoping they are for the better.

A quick enjoyable read about a small close knit town and the people that live there, this book focuses on Tash but you get to know many other characters all very enjoyable!

The Little Book Cafe, Part II, continues the lovely story of this quaint beach side town but focuses more on Emma. Emma is Tash assistant at the realtor office and has been satin Ollie on and off her whole life. She wants to strive for me and see what else the world has to offer. She enrolls in a literature class being offered at the book shop being taught by a Professor from Exeter and she really is enjoying it and the possibilities it makes her think of. Will Emma change her life and expand her horizons? Will she stay with her first love Ollie? Read this lovely little series to find out what Emma does along with more stories of other local residents that she encounters along her journey.

The third installment in this series features Amy, the lovely shy, quiet manager of the new book shop. Amy was once jilted at the altar which broke her self confidence, add that to an over bearing criticizing mother and you have a sweet girl who has forgotten how to speak up for herself. She runs the store and host events and has made more friends since managing the shop including Patrick. Somewhere along the way she has developed feelings for him but they are clearly just friends and she doesn’t know what to do so decides to let it be. As Amy forages forward and begins to start coming out of her shell she realizes that her life has changed for the better and she can achieve what she wants out of life if she allows herself to shine!

Was this review helpful?

This was a wonderful book I really enjoyed it. It made it all the more personal as I live in Exeter so I knew a lot of the places mentioned. The cafe and the bookshop sounded so warm and cosy that I wished I could pop in!
I thought the characters being split into sections to tell their own story was a great idea, and I loved all 3 of the girls in the book. It was a heartwarming story and perfect for this time of year. It also makes you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you never know what is going on in someone else’s life. Worth a read.

Was this review helpful?

Tasha is living the perfect. She has a great job. A luxurious house. A wonderful boyfriend. But everything isn’t always as it seems.

Emma loves her boyfriend, Ollie, but a new literacy course has her studying the charming professor.

Amy buries herself in her work, but a bookshop regular has her questioning whether she’s ready to love again.

Three different women. Three different romances. One quirky book club.

First, it should be noted that this is actually three different books wrapped into one omnibus. Each section can be read as a single novel, but author Georgia Hill expertly packs callbacks to previous books as the series progresses. So, if Tash grows on you (and she will), don’t worry! She has plenty to say in the next two books, culminating in an ending that ties everything together.

Each of the stories centers around one of the women from the book club at The Little Book Café, and the location alone makes this work completely charming. But it’s the growth and eventual bond of the three women that will keep readers engaged. On the outside, each of the three women couldn’t be more different. Hill, though, weaves a common thread of self-doubt that creeps into their lives in varying ways. Tash questions her seemingly idyllic life, Amy lacks confidence, and Emma is just plain bored. As their narratives buck and weave, it’s no surprise that their lives ultimately intertwine—they’re just so suited for each other.

These carefully formed friendships represent one of the biggest appeals of Hill’s writing. When the three women gather for lunch or a slice of lemon drizzle from Millie Vanilla’s, the café next to the bookshop, it reads like sitting down with a couple of pals. It’s effortless.

However, Hill does not shy away from unlikable characters and difficult situations. There are a couple of individuals and a few scenes that are downright despicable. This was actually a refreshing change of pace for a cozy romance as Hill explores abuse, predators, and the legal system in a tactful way. A happy ending is understood, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a bumpy ride.

This is not to suggest it’s all dark times in Berecombe. The romantic plots are strong and flow naturally for each of the three women with just enough drama to keep them lively. And of course, the titular bookshop scenes are a high point and will play especially well with anyone who has ever attempted a book club. As well, the secondary characters offer just enough quirk and fun to balance out the main stories, with the erotica-obsessed Biddy being a standout.

For a fun read with a bit of drama, stop by The Little Book Café.

Was this review helpful?

Really enjoyed the book!! I would give it 3.5 stars. This book contained all three stories (Tash, Amy and Emma) in one book. The book is about Tash, Emma and Amy as they deal with relationships, jobs, finding love, criticizing moms, friendships, obsessions with Poldark and so much more. All three stories center around The Little Book Café and a book club. A book club where no one seems to read the actual book chosen.

Amy was probably my favorite of the three. I hate to say it, but I wasn't a fan of Tash. I just didn't like her, I felt sorry for the situation she was in, but never really warmed up to her. She justified staying in a horrible relationship because she wanted a fancy house, lots of money and a lavish lifestyle. She wasn't a very nice to people either, especially Amy. I thought Tash would give herself sometime to breath after getting out of her crazy and scary situtaion but waits a week, maybe two and already begins another relationship. Emma and Amy's stories were definitely less dark than Tash's story. At times I though Emma was a teenager with the way she acted. She easily became obsessed with things. I loved Amy. I didn't know much about her until her story. Her mother was horrible to her and it definitely wasn't constructive criticism, just plain meanness. Biddy stole the show throughout the book. Her desire to write erotica and what she wanted to name the book was hilarious. Then she confused pseudonym with sausage-nim.

I loved the characters (most of them), story and writing style. I felt like I was in Berecombe and now want to go live their and enjoy all of the delicious food at Millie Vanilla's Café, stroll through the book store and join the book club and actually read the book. I loved the cover of the book.

Definitely recommend the book. It was a fun read, although there were some dark moments. I can't wait to read more books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and the author, Georgia Hill, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was pleasantly surprising. I haven't read the other books in the series, but it definitely had that 'small town' feel. The three main characters are very different and so are their stories.
With Tash I actually feared for her at times due to the author's ability to describe the situations in thrilling detail. Emma's story was lighter and probably the one I enjoyed the most due to the outcome and growth of the character.
Amy's story is light as well and ends happily too, wrapping up all three stories as we interact with Tash and Emma during it.
A light and enjoyable read, I give it 3.5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

Three women, three very different lives and one thing in common - a book club at the brand new Little Book Cafe. This one tells the story of Tash, struggling with a boyfriend who is becoming more and more controlling, Emma who is having boyfriend troubles of her own and struggling to grow up and Amy who is unhappy and not sure which direction to turn.

I looooved this one so much more than I expected. It took me a few chapters to get into it, and look it wasn't perfect but it was light, it was fluffy and just a fun read. I quickly found myself totally invested in the characters and I truly loved the setting. A Little Book Cafe sounds like an absolute dream.

Was this review helpful?

Really loved the first book in this series so much that this is a let down.. I went into the book with expectations and the book was bla. I found myself skipping through reading a third way in. Hoping the final book is better.

Was this review helpful?

If you haven't read the three books which make up this compendium, you're in for a treat. If you have, or if like me, you've read one or two, then you're also in for fun because it's nice to get the full story all at one. This is the story of Tash, Emma, and Amy- three very different women who find themselves friends and comrades in both books and treats. Tash is kind of a mean girl, at first, especially to Amy, but by the end, well, you'll like all three women. I found myself rooting for each of them. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a good read.

Was this review helpful?

This is a lovely and enjoyable book, I read the series but the omnibus was great as it gives you the possibilities of rereading them one after the other.
I loved the characters, the plot, and the style of writing.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to HarperImpulse and Netgalley for this ARC

Was this review helpful?

what an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
I loved the authors style of writing and will be looking for other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to friends and family

Was this review helpful?

This is an omnibus of a series I have previously reviewed...I stand by the previous 3 reviews...a lovely series by the author of another of my favourite series (Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe) :c)

Was this review helpful?