Christmas at the Board Game Cafe
Jennifer Page

This is the fourth installment, of The Little Board Game Cafe series and is such a wonderful festive addition. A cosy small town setting, Christmas approaching and a second chance romance to sweep you off your feet.

I love this series and they can also be read as a standalone too. I love a Christmas read and of course the second chance romance. Lovely book and lovely series.

Welcome back to Essendale, the Yorkshire town that's looking anything but festive this year, thanks to a lack of local government support. With the town's businesses struggling, marketing guru Kate plans a living advent calendar, with store window seasonal displays opening each night.

But while Kate's career and community involvement are moving ahead in leaps and bounds, her personal life is a shemozzle, with an estranged father, absent mother, and a string of failed relationships. She takes a chance on her best friend's ex, Peter, but when an old flame appears on the scene, will she give him a second chance?

I enjoy the Board Game Cafe series - they're lighthearted, low stakes romcoms, and this latest offering in the series is no exception. The Christmas setting brings a cozy warmth to the town as we explore the impact of short term, seasonal rentals has on small communities, the environmental impact of the season, and how one misunderstanding can colour a person's whole outlook.

This is a zero-spice romance, filled with warmth and heart as a community rallies behind Kate to revitalise the town.

A lovely holiday romance.

~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~

This was an enjoyable Christmas read. All the stuff that is described in this would be wonderful to see in person and I was eager to know what the last window was going to look like. I would love to have a board game café near me, they sound great. This is the only second book that I have read by this author and It won’t be my last, I need to get the first two books in the series.

The thrill of discovering a new author will never grow old and that’s exactly what happened this year when I came upon the Little Board Game Café series by Jennifer Page. Since then she has established herself as one of my favourite authors and I have read all four of the books in the series so far. Each book has been better than the last and that’s saying something as every book has been fantastic from beginning to end. Jennifer has created a cast of characters that you are rooting for all the way and with a real community feel in the villages of Essendale and Hebbleswick which only grows with the publication of each new story.

Each book is unique in its concept and truly it’s genius the ideas that Jennifer has come up with. Each has kept my attention whether it featured board games, scrabble, upcycling fashion or as with the latest instalment a Living Advent Calendar. My enthusiasm and affection for the series has just grown and grown. Those who have read the previous books in the series will revel in overlapping characters and stories (in fact that’s half the fun and enjoyment - spotting familiar faces and seeing how they are doing now) but each book can be read as a standalone as there is much to enjoy in each book alone. But let’s be honest if you are anything like me and start one book you’ll instantly want to devour them all one after the other if at all possible.

At the end of book three, Second Chances at the Board Game Café, I was left wondering would Kate ever get a chance to share her story? Thankfully my question has been answered and let me tell you the wait to delve deeper into the character of Kate was well worth it and it was even more of a bonus that it was centred all around Christmas. In Christmas at the Board Game Café, Jennifer Page has excelled herself in writing a festive read that does what it says on the tin. Too many books in this genre claim to be Christmas reads and then the reader can be left bitterly disappointed with little or no connection to Christmas. But here Christmas and everything that goes with the most wonderful time of the year was here in abundance and I soaked up every magical moment of it. I truly didn’t want this book to end as I adore the writing by the author as she creates those just one more chapter kind of books and then before you know it you are gutted to have reached the end. If I could I would take the time to savour every page but I couldn’t because I as just so enthralled with everything going on and dare I say it Kate has been my favourite character to read about so far. In the previous books she was always there in the background doing everything for all the other featured characters. But now we come to realise that Kate has her own insecurities and problems and now that the spotlight has been turned on her it is perhaps the time to do some work on herself as well as continuing all the wonderful work that she has done for so many others.

Kate is such a fantastic well developed character and I think we can all see a little bit of ourselves within her. Too much time spending doing things for others that she neglects herself. Or in this case it’s to take her mind off the fact that she hasn’t found the right man and fears that she never will. Kate is always on the go in her marketing job, working long hours and completing her tasks to perfection. So much so that she has won an employee award for several years running. She is always there for her friend Em, who runs the board game café, or helping Jo with the recent Scrabble festival or Taylor with her upcycled fashion show. Kate is kind, caring and generous and is always there to offer a shoulder to cry on in times of need. She offers her knowledge and skills free of charge. This is highlighted throughout this story as she realises the towns of Essendale and Hebbleswick are distinctly lacking that Christmas charm that will bring visitors and improve the fortunes of local businesses. If something is not done and fast then many businesses whose owners have worked so hard to keep them going will be forced to shut. Kate can’t stand by and let that happen especially when it comes to her friends.

Despite dreading Christmas every year as it reminds her of all that she doesn’t have and deeply longs for and it also reminds her of people that should be in your life but no longer are for whatever reason. That being a husband and a family. She is aching to have someone by her side who wants her and to have children and to feel part of a family. The more time passes the more Kate feels like the odd one out in her friendship group as they all have partners and are happy and content with exciting events ahead for some of them. But she pushes her own worries aside and strikes upon a brilliant idea - to create a Living Advent Calendar - where all the businesses will devise their very own special Christmas window. It will be a fun project for Kate but businesses will be pinning their hopes on it. Kate becomes like a whirling dervish organising the event and I thoroughly enjoyed every detail that was explored. This meant the book couldn’t be more Christmasier if it tried. I revelled in all the windows that were unveiled with some very inventive ones displayed, it has to be said. Kate gives her full commitment to the task but is worried the visitors the towns so badly need won’t arrive. Will the whole thing be a flop and a disaster for the usually very much on the ball Kate?

For those that have previously enjoyed this series of course there is a romantic angle to this story. But what I love is that each of the main male characters are just normal, down to earth men who each have some unusual hobbies/pastimes. There are no hard to reach men who seem unobtainable and out of this world and completely unrealistic. Instead, you feel as if you could meet one of them on the street in real life and actually be quite happy to do so. Kate initially finds herself in quite a conundrum when she wakes up in the house of Peter, the ex-fiancée of Em who runs the local engineering company. I mean isn’t it some unwritten law somewhere that one never ventures into that territory. But Em gives her blessing and a tentative relationship ensues between the pair. But to be honest it didn’t feel real at all. It was as if Kate was desperate and settling for second best and Peter himself seemed distracted from the whole thing. An unexpected arrival sets the cat amongst the pigeons in the form of Xander, Kate’s ex boyfriend. He is very much the one that got away and through no one’s fault only Kate’s. You can see the regrets she has regarding this and that she believes she truly blew any chance of happiness when she let Xander slip through her fingers. But there must have a been a good and solid reason for this and overtime delving into Kate’s family history things become a little bit clearer. I loved this aspect of the story as it brought out a more human side to Kate which she kept hidden with her work ethic. The true meaning of Christmas, family and loved ones starts to come to the fore and this will bring a tear to your eye.

Kate has a heart of gold and works like a trojan and it was fun to see what each window would be each evening in the countdown to Christmas with Xander keeping his secret until the very last night. I desperately hoped that Kate would overcome her issues and find the happiness that she so truly deserved. Filling her life with activities to make her feel less alone will only work for so long. I kept my fingers crossed that things would work out for Kate and indeed that the Advent Calendar would do its job and be a roaring success. Without doubt, Christmas at the Board Game Café has been my absolute favourite Christmas book out of the few that I have managed to read this year. It’s trademark Jennifer Page filled with warmth, love, community and soul. Make sure it’s on your Christmas reading radar this year.

The Board Game Cafe sounds like such a delightful place to gather for food (Em sounds like an amazing cook), fun (Scrabble, anyone?), and fellowship. Why not plan a gathering for family and friends there for Christmas?

The problem is that the cafe may not make it to Christmas with the dip in business during the off season. Essendale is a summer destination! Em's friend Kate has a brilliant idea. Businesses and homes in town and the neighboring village could create a Christmas display in their front window. It would be an Advent style presentation with a new reveal each night on the 1st through 24th of December.

This is the only book I have read in "The Little Board Game Cafe" series. It works fine as a standalone. I can see that each book in the series has featured one of the women in Em's circle of friends. Since Kate is in marketing, this book is perfect for her to shine. What really shines is the creatitivity and variety shown throughout the month. The last window especially dazzles with its impact. I tear up just thinking about it. An amazing idea!

A big thank you to Aria and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this author's writing. I haven't read anything by them before, but I really got into the story and the pacing of it. The characters were well developed and lovable.

This book was cute and fun. It wasn’t my favorite Christmas book but I really enjoyed it. The plot was cute.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy to honestly review.

I really struggled to get into this book and connect with the characters, and unfortunately did not finish the story. Disappointing.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. I adore this series, and the latest installment did not disappoint. I was saving this and this was the perfect festive read. The characters were likeable and well written and I enjoyed the plot. The story leapt off the page, and while I found the references to Katie's obsession with healthy eating and taking 10000 steps a day jarring and unnecessary, I loved the book. It was cosy and heartwarming, and I can't wait for the next one.

Another lovely story by Jennifer Page. I loved reading about the advent windows, and the characters were relatable. There was perhaps a little too much detail about the boardgames occasionally, but overall a cosy, festive read.

Such a lovely book. I really enjoyed this story and this one was a perfect add on to the others I love seeing past characters and having a window advent calendar was definitely different. Would love something like this local. Can't wait for my next return trip.

Another solid 10/10 from Jennifer Page! I honestly don't think I could ever dislike a book in this series. I loved getting Kate's story in this book, and appreciate the minor updates on previously featured characters.

I loved being back at the board game cafe, and catching up with the all characters I already know and love.

Couldn’t put down Kate’s story and I love the journey she goes on. Perfect cozy read, will make you want to design a Christmas window,

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely festive instalment of this gorgeous heartwarming series from Jennifer Page. I’m a big fan of this series, having read them all, so it was fab to be back in this West Yorkshire village - it felt like I was spending time with friends. You could read this as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself of Jennifer’s previous books? If you do dive into the series here, I guarantee you’ll be reading the rest of the series soon after. A cosy festive read which I highly recommend

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book so much that I bought my own copy so I could read it again!

This was a beautiful easy read with a lovely Christmassy feel to it. Very much enjoyed in the run up to Christmas. If you love a cosy Christmas read with a little romance this is the one for you!

Christmas at the Board Game Café is the fourth heartwarming installment in Jennifer Paige's much-loved series, and it’s as cozy and delightful as ever. This festive tale follows Kate, the quintessential “Little Miss Perfect,” who excels at everything she does but often struggles to let her guard down. Her story is one of community, love, and self-discovery, all wrapped in the warm glow of Christmas magic.

One of the highlights of the story is Kate’s ambitious and creative effort to organize a living advent calendar in the village. Each day in December brings a new festive window designed to attract visitors and breathe life into local businesses that are on the brink of closing down.

The Board Game Café remains the heart of the story, with its cozy charm and sense of community. It feels like curling up with a cup of hot chocolate, surrounded by friends, laughter, and the simple joy of board games.

Paige’s writing shines in her ability to balance lighthearted moments with emotional depth. Kate’s journey is relatable and inspiring, as she learns that perfection isn’t always the goal—sometimes, it’s about embracing imperfections and letting others in. The romance adds a lovely layer to the story, though it’s the friendships and community spirit that truly steal the show.

And let’s not forget Paul! I can’t help but hope he gets a story of his own in the future. A whole book about Paul would be a joy to read, and it feels like there’s so much more to uncover about his life.

Christmas at the Board Game Café is a festive treat that captures the magic of the holidays and the power of community. Kate’s living advent calendar brings the village to life and will leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book will warm your heart—and make you hope for more stories from this delightful world, especially one about Paul

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This uplifting, Christmas romance, follows Kate in the town of Essendale, and with Christmas approaching she is feeling lonely.

She suddenly finds herself dating an unexpected man from her friend’s past, but when her ex-boyfriend arrives in town old feelings resurface.

Meanwhile, the local town is struggling getting enough customers, including many of her friends’ businesses so she decides to organise a live advent calendar around the town to bring more visitors.
It is a daunting challenge for Kate, but she is determined to make it work.

Will the live advent calendar be a success? Will Kate find the perfect man for her?

This romance is very uplifting and has a strong community theme throughout as the town comes together to organise the live advent calendar.

There is also strong friends and family support too, which not only assists Kate with her challenge but helps her to work through things from the past which have held her back.

I have never heard of a Live Advent Calendar before, but it sounds like it would bring a lot of enjoyment and excitement in a local area, especially around the magical time of Christmas.

Overall, an uplifting Christmas romance, where Kate sets out to save her town’s businesses.

This is Jennifer Page’s 4th novel and can be easily read as a standalone, but is better read in order as part of the Little Board Game Café series.
This book concentrates on Kate. Amongst her lovely friendship group of Em, Jo and Taylor, Kate is the only single one. She had hoped by now to have a partner and children and when Taylor announces her pregnancy, it makes Kate feel even more lonely and out of things.
Kate is always trying to be perfect and keeps herself busy to stave off her loneliness and insecurities. Near the start of the book, Kate ends up sharing a bed with Peter Ridley – the ex-fiance of her best friend Em, who owns the board game café and is now with Ludek. Feeling this could make things awkward with her friend, she initially hides it, but then confides in Em, who approves, so Kate begins dating Peter.
However, she can’t forget Xander, an ex from years before. They only had five dates, but for some reason, she keeps thinking about him and sees him as The One Who’d Got Away.
It’s coming up to Christmas, which is Kate’s least favourite time of the year. She usually spends it just with her dad, who she’s not particularly close to.
Businesses in the town are suffering, they’ve been quiet since summer and one of the clothes shops has had to shut down. Em asks Kate for marketing advice – can she think of any idea to help all the shops in the town? Away at a wedding, reading a magazine over breakfast, the inspiration comes for a living Advent calendar, involving all the local shops and buildings in Essendale and Hebbleswick in creating Christmas window displays throughout December. But will they like the idea, and will it bring shoppers back to the town?
I really enjoyed this and it’s just my kind of book – a clean, closed door romance. I loved Kate from the start and you really want her to find her happy ever after, so you’re rooting for her all the time and maybe hoping she ends up with one man or another. I also loved her tight-knit group of female friends, who look out for each other and are there when you need them.
Christmas at the Board Game Café is a wonderful festive read, as you’d expect, with all the symbols you associate with the time of year and I loved that aspect of it too, being a big Christmas fan.
Overall, this novel is really well written and engaging. I got straight into it, because of the lovely characters and Jennifer Page has a beautiful warmth in her writing style which shines through on every page. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books. Highly recommended.