Such an adorable story! I loved this story.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

What's not to like about a book set in a bookshop - add in a cafe and I'm in heaven! This was a lovely story about rekindling long lost friendship and seeing how people aren't always what they seem on the outside.

What a lovely, fun feel good book. Wonderful read from cover to cover and speaking of covers, look at this book's cover. It's delectable, so pretty it just invites you in to start reading it.
The characters are charming, though some may be a bit eccentric, grandpa we're talking to you here. Very engaging story, the setting is wonderful and the story line fun and easy to follow.
I'll be on the lookout for more books by this author.
Published March 12th 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley through Bookouture. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

What an inventive story! I really enjoyed the way the author used imaginative characterization to convey little nuances about the people, and the way that emotions are so vivid and strong - It really makes for a great reading experience! I would definitely recommend everyone read this book :)

You've truly got to love books either written by British authors or set in English countryside. I mean is there anything that you could love more than a quaint town, with snoopy neighbours, small-town gossip, small businesses and beautiful historic homes, what more could you want? I really did love this novel, and it's always truly gratifying to see the main protagonist grow throughout the novel, and Callie, the main character in this case, does. Besides, this novel contains an old flame romance, which are one of my favourite storylines (no matter how cliched it is). So yes, I loved this novel, but let's have a look at why.
Overall:
This was a great novel to read, perfect to read with a giant cup of tea (or I suppose coffee in this case), preferably by the fire in winter. And it tells the story of Callie, who, as the blurb states, has given up on love, not unlike several other book characters (and real characters). She has a loveable grandfather, who spoiler - made me cry several times (I'll happily admit that I cried in this - in a good way), who also happens to be slightly loopy and millennial in some ways. She also happens to have a brand new boss at the bookstore she works at, as well as an old flame who broke her heart back in town - and of course, many shenanigans ensue.
Characters
As I was saying earlier, I love when a character begins to change for the better across the course of a novel. I hate when, at the end of a whole novel, the character is the exactly the same, just now they're in a relationship. But this was not the case in this one - I really did feel that Carrie went through a change in the novel. She kind of grew up a little, and began to actually chase her dreams - which I personally think is a massive encouragement to us all. And besides, I loved her caring spirit and kind heart, for all the lost and the tired and the isolated. I mean, to open up a coffee shop and have all these people who don't have many others around is fantastic, and honestly, I don't know if I could have done the same thing.
As for Noah, I don't know. I didn't swoon at him. He was a bit of a, dare I say, mediocre love interest for this story. There wasn't anything particularly special about him. He kind of just has that whole, intelligently good looking thing going for him. But honestly, I didn't really feel that he was amazing, or perhaps just not my type. Even so, that's just my opinion, and I'm sure that there's plenty other who were swooning. Just not me.
Okay, so normally, I only have a look at the 2 main characters, but in this case, I just had to mention Callie's grandfather. I freaking loved him. And honestly, I think anyone who has read this book would probably agree with me. He was so fun and I adored his whole millennial, "I'm going to be my true self" phase that he was going through. It broke my heart at points to see him being ridiculed over the trees (you'll see if you read the book) and he was just a character that you would want to hug. But enough about him.
Storyline and Plotting:
Overall, in terms of plot and pacing, this novel checked all my boxes for me, it didn't move too slowly, nor too quickly, HOWEVER, if I were to nitpick on something, it would simply be that I wished I saw more of Noah, and saw their relationship develop further, before they fell back into each others arms. And in this case, it's not quite 'insta-love', because they did have an ahem history. But still I couldn't bring myself to be fully satisfied with the interactions that they had - I just felt like I needed more. That's not to say that there wasn't romance - there was, but I would've just loved a little more of it.
Overall, a great novel to read when you're in the mood for something comfy, cozy, warm and coffee filled. Fantastic way to wind down in the evening with.
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and the author in exchange for and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a fun and sweet book! No, it's not groundbreaking or the best book ever written, but it's the perfect hug of a book. Sometimes you want a book that's snarky, but kind and makes you feel warm and happy inside. Full of quirky characters, a main character that you are cheering for and actually stands up for herself and doesn't give everything up for love, and a gorgeous setting. A perfect, cozy read!

I would change the cover though, I don't think it represents that it has a young and modern characters. The cover is lovely, but it makes it look more like a sweet granny novel.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC!!

First off, Liz Eeles’ New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle is far, far better than the blurb might lead you to expect.

Callie Fulbright lives in Honeyford, a quaint village in the heart of the Cotswolds, where she works in a bookstore and is happy enough because she loves her village and her grandfather, who she takes care of, even if he’s become a bit of a handful now that he’s turned 80. On the day the novel opens is the first day Callie will work for a new bookstore owner, Flora, and that’s just the beginning of a whole world of changes in Callie’s future, one of which includes the return of Noah, a boy she once loved and who she may have never gotten over.

I loved this book. The writing was very good and once I started reading I did not want to put it down because not only did I love the characters but it raised all of the emotions, and you can’t beat a novel that makes you laugh and cry within pages.

“Good idea. It is pretty hot today.”

“Yeah, it’s quite close,” he says, panic flickering across his face.

“Absolutely. The weather’s been unseasonably warm lately and the river is low.”

Now it’s me that’s panicking. The river is low? I sound like a spy parroting codewords before handing over vital microfilm.

The heart of the novel is good-natured Callie who grew up with parents who were always bickering so it became her nature to not say much. She has a heart of gold and is willing to listen and help anyone. She’s smart but hasn’t really had a chance to prove herself and has never needed to take the initiative.

The village of Honeyford is home to some wonderful characters and some who don’t seem so nice but who change by the end and do some heartwarming things. And while there’s some quirk, it’s not superficial. Rather, it’s the quirk of how real people sometimes behave.

I have to admit that more often than not when I pick up a British chick lit/romance I know that I am going to be rewarded with a very good read, one in which something actually happens, in which characters change and develop and have real interests, have a sense of humor and actually do things as opposed to angsty navel gazing.

Who would like this novel? Anglophiles; readers who might want to be anglophiles; readers who enjoy women’s fiction and chick lit with a sense of humor and heart; readers who love second chance romances; and readers who like to read well-written chick lit. Who won’t like this novel? Readers of chick lit who enjoy reading bad books. 😉

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Naww, this was a lovely book and I liked Callie immediately.

Callie is a girl who works in a bookshop and lives with her grandfather, a man who is trying to "find himself" at the age of eighty. She has lived in the same village her whole life and loves where she lives. So why does her first love Noah still have the power to throw her life into disarray? Will she get the courage to say what she thinks, instead of keeping all her feelings to herself?

There is a lot going on with Callie, but basically the story is about Callie getting some courage together and being the best she can be. She is clearly a kind girl whom people are drawn to and she has a lovely group of people around her, from her boss, Flora, to her grandfather and friends and customers too.

This was a great read and I really want to know what happens with Callie and her friends next!

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle
by Liz Eeles (Goodreads Author)

Kindle Edition, 284 pages
Published March 12th 2019 by Bookouture



Goodreads synopsis:
Fans of Cathy Bramley, Debbie Johnson and Jenny Colgan will fall in love with the Cosy Kettle café, where slices of lemon meringue pie are served in the sun-dappled garden – and where Callie’s new beginning collides with an old flame… 

After yet another failed romance, twenty-six-year-old Callie Fulbright is giving up on love. She’s determined to throw all her efforts into her very own, brand-new café: The Cosy Kettle. Serving hot tea, cherry tarts and a welcoming smile to the friendly locals proves to be the perfect distraction, and Callie feels a flush of pride at the fledging business she’s built. 

But her new-found confidence is soon put to the test when her gorgeous ex reappears in the quaint little village. She’ll never forget the heartache Noah caused her years ago, but when they bump into each other on the cobbled streets of Honeyford she can’t help but feel a flutter in her chest… 

As Callie and Noah share laughter and memories, she starts to wonder if this could be her second chance at happiness. But when Callie discovers that someone is mysteriously trying to ruin the café’s reputation… she has an awful suspicion that Noah knows who’s involved. 

Was she wrong to ever trust him again? And can she find out who’s behind the lies and rumors, before it’s too late for the Cosy Kettle? 

***

4 Stars

Callie’s life has been pretty mundane. She was taking care of her elderly grandfather and working at the local bookseller. Then a new lady takes over the bookshop and she is more open to Callie’s ideas. There is also a link to her past that shows up in town…. her old high school flame, Noah. Noah’s brother, Finn, has bought the manor house in town and is making it into a boutique hotel.

Callie’s boss allows her to start a new cafe inside the bookshop and this business booms. This book is about how you can learn to be your authentic self by allowing yourself to speak your mind. Callie needed to trust herself and use her voice in order to be heard and in order to discover the truth behind the misunderstandings of the past.

As a cozy mystery reader, it took me until almost the end to realize there wasn’t a murder in this book. I am not sure why I thought this was a cozy mystery but I did indeed enjoy the light-hearted interactions between the characters and the British setting was a refreshing and wonderful touch.

Definitely check out this book if you are looking for a British-style contemporary romance. It was a really fun ride.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

The cover is so gorgeous and I must say the story is just perfect.

This is such lovely cosy read with a fab cast of characters.

Maybe one of my favourites this year so far!

My thanks go to Noelle and the publishers for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour.

I was absolutely delighted to learn there was to be a new series by Liz Eeles as I had adored her last series of books featuring Annie Trebarwith and so I couldn’t wait to be introduced to another character that I would no doubt come to grow very fond of.

Callie Fulbright lives in the idyllic village of Honeyford with her granddad, Stanley who although is in his later years, is not one to act his age. His idea of relaxing is to want to jump out of an aeroplane and chain himself to trees in protest! Right away, I knew I was in for a treat, especially if Stanley was anything to go by.

Callie appears to be happy with her life but also is maybe in danger of playing it quite safe. She works in the local bookshop which has recently been taken over by a new owner and eager to show her good side and impress she suggests turning the back stockroom in a café – what can go wrong here?! Well, enter Noah, the boyfriend she had in her teenage years that got under her skin and never really left and it shapes up to be a very interesting plot…

Callie is a wonderful character to have as your guide through this story, she is always looking to do the right thing and please others and when the café idea becomes a reality, Callie is determined to make this a success. HER success.

Throughout the story we are introduced to a variety of characters who all come into Callie’s life maybe in a little need of something to help them. The new café becomes almost like a haven for them and I loved reading on the pages as this develops into a real sense of family and more importantly, a community.

Liz Eeles has developed a lovely character with Callie and I really look forward to reading more about the village of Honeyford!

This novel was written as a first person narrative. It directly describes characters from one point of view and allows for conflicts of society, oneself, and other characters to seen through the eyes of this one character. The theme involves popular topics such as love, death, power and corruption, and prejudice.

Callie Fulbright is our protagonist who is all about helping out strays and giving them some much needed advice. She is a round character who many see as putting her life on hold to take care of her grandfather after the loss of her father and grandmother. She goes through a dynamic change as the power is put in her hands to create a small cafe, all on her own. Her main confidant are friends Jess, Becca and boss Flora. Noah Shawley is out antagonist who has come back to their small town to help his brother open his new hotel. He is a round character who went off to school before travelling to New York where he has become an architect. His main confidant is also his foil, his older brother Finn. The exposition shows the small little town of Honeyford and Callie, Flora and her grandfather. The rising action is all about the return of the Shawley brothers and the idea of Callie’s Cafe. The climax is the first few weeks of opening the cafe and the troubles that online trolls can cause. The falling action is more about the relationship between Callie and Noah, but also Noah and Finn. The resolution is all about Finn making amends but also the town of Honeyford opening its two newest business.

The writer use of words is excellent as the characters are not using a lot of British slang. The flow and organization do follow a logical order that allows readers to pick up and drop off in the middle of a chapter without feeling like they are losing anything. Yes, I would recommend this book. Those who enjoy success stories, short reads about character growth, or any small town stories. This book would not be good for those looking for lots of action, steamy love scenes or lots of drama.

I have a huge obsession with British Chick Lit and Liz Eeles is one of my absolute favorite authors when I need a feel good and fun book! I adored her last series and while I was excited she was starting a new one with new characters and a new town, I was also a little nervous about connecting with a whole new group. That was silly of me because I’m just as obsessed with this new series, it was fabulous and just SO much fun and absolutely perfect for spring reading!

Per usual the author has created a protagonist that I loved right away, Callie is so warm and lovely and I was rooting for her right away. She works in a bookstore which is something I fantasize about when I think about running away from my life 😜 and watching her open a cafe and simultaneously learn many things about her own strength of character was such a delight. The secondary characters are just as engaging and endearing as Callie and as it’s the start of a brand new series, I can’t wait to see more from them in future books.

This was just such such a charming read, the setting is perfect and gorgeous and the author always manages to bring these little villages to life for me and makes them so easy to picture. I loved everything about this one and recommended it for those days when you need a pick me up, it’s ideal to chase a bad day away, it’s got humor, heart and romance, what more could you want?!

New Starts and Cherry Tarts at the Cosy Kettle in three words: Warm, Charming and Sweet.

Callie lives in the village where she grew up, working in a book shop and living with her grandfather.

Then there are changes in life: a new boss at work, opening up a cafe in the bookshop, her grand father and his antics, and the reappearance of her ex boyfriend Noah.

An enjoyable read,

This is such a lovely feel-good story, that even had be shedding a few tears towards the end!

Callie lives with her Gramp (who is a legend!) and works in a bookstore in a small Cotswolds village. After having a new boss take over the bookshop, Callie is able to expand and open a little cafe – The Cosy Kettle. She does a fantastic job, with lots of of people popping in to spend time with Callie who has a gift for helping those in need. Then her ex Noah arrives in town, ……an ex that caused her heartbreak 8 years ago and who she hasn’t really ever gotten over.

They eventually rekindle their friendship, but he lives in New York now so any dreams of anything ever happening between them again are hopeless. Is he really ‘the one that got away’? Is there any chance for them?

Callie is doing really well with the cafe but then, through social media, the cafe starts getting negative reviews. Callie knows her clientele well and can’t work out who these people are and why they are posting negative things…..not great for her self-esteem. But are they really disgruntled customers, or is there more to it? And what will become of the cafe she has worked so hard for? You will have to read to find out!!

We meet some amazingly quirky characters in this story, and I loved each and every one of them. Gramp has to be my favourite – an 80 year old man with a new, dangerous lease of life….one that Callie has to try and reign in! And then there are locals in the cafe who are all so lovely! Flora, Callie’s boss, is also amazing – really believing in Callie and helping her build her dream.

I honestly love this story. Although there are sad and frustrating moments, there are equally hilarious laugh out loud moments and times when you are fully backing the characters in their lives. This is the first in The Cosy Kettle series and I literally can not wait to read the next one and see what’s happening with the characters!

Instantly I picked up this book when I seen that gorgeous cover, it is so pretty looking and really makes you want delve inside. The story itself is a real treat full of fabulous characters and stunning surroundings and delicious foods. I devoured this book and just couldn't put it down. I must say this is one of the best books I have read this year. I absolutely loved it. It is like a warm hug, it makes you feel so cosy and is sure to put a smile on your face.

Callie has not ventured far from her home village. She did branch out to university but due to the death of her grandmother she comes back to stay with her grandfather and doesn’t leave again. Having lost her father and her mother now remarried, she finds that home is the best place for her to be.

With a job in the local bookshop, Callie is just really coasting along in life. When a new owner takes over the shop, Callie has an idea – a coffee shop - and for once someone listens to her. So her plans to create a little coffee shop tucked away amongst the books is what Callie needs to boost her confidence and be proud of what she has done.

Gathering waifs and strays along the way Callie forms some strong bonds, with stressed out mums, a young girl with anxiety issues as well as having to deal with her 80-year-old straight talking grandfather who has some wacky plans for the rest of his days. She doesn’t have really much time for romance.

That is until Noah, a face from the past appears in the village.

Callie heard Noah say something back before she went to university and has never forgotten it and therefore the last things she wants to do is bump into him. But in a small village and with Noah’s brother renovating ‘the big house’ into a hotel it seems that their paths are going to cross more than once.

What did Noah say all those years ago? Can Callie ever forgive him?

This is the first in a new series of novels from Liz Eeles.  It starts quite slowly and really you are just getting to know everyone in the village as you would need to do but it does pick up and then you start to care about Callie and her wonderful grandfather as you learn more about their past. With the other new characters introduced you can start to see that this story and therefore the series could in fact go anywhere…..romance, humour, family dynamics, mental health problems, broken marriages, bullying in fact you don’t realise how much is covered as it seems such a gentle read on the surface.

A satisfying read and I can’t wait for another cup in the Cosy Kettle Café.

As I have come to expect with Liz Eeles books, NEW STARTS AND CHERRY TARTS AT THE COSY KETTLE enveloped me from the very beginning and finishing this wonderful story was like saying goodbye to family when I turned the final page.

In the lovely community of Honeyford, Callie has the love of her family and a new career as she sets up the Cosy Kettle - a fabulous cafè with desserts that will make your mouth water. She is happy with everything except her non-existent love life. But when the boy who broke her heart all those years ago returns home, Callie cannot help but feel that familiar pull in her heart. But can she and Noah ever be more than friends again? And when someone tries to destroy the business that she has poured her heart and soul into, is it just paranoia that Noah seems to know more than he is letting on?

I loved absolutely everything about this story. The characters are warm and engaging, especially Callie's grandad, and the setting comes alive in such a way that you can picture every place and smell the cakes as they bake. There is friendship, strength, determination, romance, and some misunderstandings along the way, and it all combines to create a spellbinding story that is sure to impress cosy fiction and romance fans alike.

NEW STARTS AND CHERRY TARTS AT THE COSY KETTLE by Liz Eeles is an excellent story that will warm your heart and make you smile and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Laugh out loud funny, romance and cake what more could you want! Lovely book that manages to give you a cuddle and a giggle at the same time. Stanley is certainly a character to watch out for. There are several strands woven through this tale with a satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley

I loved this story and the cover is gorgeous!

I really enjoyed the plot and I thought that the characters worked very well together.

I thought that the plot was excellent and it was really amusing too and I found myself chuckling to myself more than once.

I thought that the story was well written and the detail was really good.

Five stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!!