littlemisscass's review against another edition
3.0
“Here I am, young, free and single, but currently babysitting an eighty-year-old eco warrior in a tiny Cotswold town”.
Callie works in a bookshop and lives with her eighty-year-old grandfather in the town where she grew up, loving her job but letting life kind of pass her by.
Callie was a pretty relatable character - she's warm and has a good heart and feels strongly about things, but doesn't always share her feelings with others. It was nice to see her really grow in confidence and begin to share her opinions.
The entire cast of secondary characters was lovely. Callie's grandfather was a gem and I could honestly imagine my mum doing similar things (protesting, deciding to take up extreme sports) in her old age. Becca, Phyllis, Millicent, Mary and Flora were all just nice additions to the story.
Honestly in the beginning, having forgotten the plot from the blurb, I kind of expected Callie to fall for Finn, but as soon as he actually appeared and spoke for the first time it was very evident he would not be a love interest. I didn't mind Noah as a love interest, but he seemed a bit wishy washy and they proclaimed their love after meeting five or six times after an eight year gap. Didn't really buy it. Cute, but a bit fast.
The bookshop/cafe storyline just bothered me a little - I hate that trolls exist - but I did like the ending of the storyline. I would have definitely been on board for Callie working in a B&B in direct competition with Finn's under-construction boutique hotel (featuring architect and brother Noah) though.
Overall a nice read, probably wouldn't read again but will definitely read Flora's upcoming book.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Callie works in a bookshop and lives with her eighty-year-old grandfather in the town where she grew up, loving her job but letting life kind of pass her by.
Callie was a pretty relatable character - she's warm and has a good heart and feels strongly about things, but doesn't always share her feelings with others. It was nice to see her really grow in confidence and begin to share her opinions.
The entire cast of secondary characters was lovely. Callie's grandfather was a gem and I could honestly imagine my mum doing similar things (protesting, deciding to take up extreme sports) in her old age. Becca, Phyllis, Millicent, Mary and Flora were all just nice additions to the story.
Honestly in the beginning, having forgotten the plot from the blurb, I kind of expected Callie to fall for Finn, but as soon as he actually appeared and spoke for the first time it was very evident he would not be a love interest. I didn't mind Noah as a love interest, but he seemed a bit wishy washy and they proclaimed their love after meeting five or six times after an eight year gap. Didn't really buy it. Cute, but a bit fast.
The bookshop/cafe storyline just bothered me a little - I hate that trolls exist - but I did like the ending of the storyline. I would have definitely been on board for Callie working in a B&B in direct competition with Finn's under-construction boutique hotel (featuring architect and brother Noah) though.
Overall a nice read, probably wouldn't read again but will definitely read Flora's upcoming book.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
mushmysteriesandmore's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kazza248's review against another edition
5.0
I read these book out of sequence I read the second book first but wasn't disappointed in this the first book, I now have read the back story, and loved it!
Callie had been in love with Noah before going to university but broke it off after something she overheard him saying to his brother.....now he is back looking hot!
we first meet all the wonderful other characters in this book, mary, Becca, gramps, Millicent, dick, Phyliss, and Flora the shop owner.
Gramps is such a character at 80 he has his second childhood and wants to do everything he hadn't done like sky diving and tries to be up with the youngsters, he is totally hilarious.
Follow Callie and Noah as they rediscover themselves
Loved this book!
Callie had been in love with Noah before going to university but broke it off after something she overheard him saying to his brother.....now he is back looking hot!
we first meet all the wonderful other characters in this book, mary, Becca, gramps, Millicent, dick, Phyliss, and Flora the shop owner.
Gramps is such a character at 80 he has his second childhood and wants to do everything he hadn't done like sky diving and tries to be up with the youngsters, he is totally hilarious.
Follow Callie and Noah as they rediscover themselves
Loved this book!
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely slow burn romance, wonderful sweet characters and a happy end. The story is lovely, a sweet read, my only criticism would be felt a bit short, like the end was missing something a bit more, but that’s the biggest criticism I can give, that I would have like more!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
saschadarlington's review against another edition
5.0
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.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2019/03/25/earc-review-of-new-starts-and-cherry-tarts-at-the-cosy-kettle/
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.
read more: https://saschadarlington.me/2019/03/25/earc-review-of-new-starts-and-cherry-tarts-at-the-cosy-kettle/
meg728's review against another edition
5.0
What a fabulous little story! I really enjoyed watching Callie grow into her own in this story. My favorite character has to be her Grandpa Stanley, an amazing inspiring character with a heart of gold!
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
A cute, funny and heartwarming novel that I really enjoyed.
I liked the setting, the cast of characters and the style of writing.
It was the first book I read by this author and it won't be the last.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC
I liked the setting, the cast of characters and the style of writing.
It was the first book I read by this author and it won't be the last.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC
chelton's review against another edition
5.0
Callie Fulbright wants nothing more than to impress her new boss, Flora, at the bookshop, but she never expected to be given the task of opening an adjoining café. However, after it takes off, Callie finds herself juggling a ragtag group of regulars and a Gramps who’s suddenly … well, a bit extreme. And that’s before the biggest heartbreak from her past, Noah, comes rolling back into her tiny Cotswold town.
Sometimes an author crafts a book that feels so natural and effortless it makes readers want to dip into the pages and settle into the world. Author Liz Eeles has done that here. The Cosy Kettle is an utterly charming café inside a bookshop in an idyllic village— what’s better than that?
A huge part of what makes this book work is the heroine, Callie. Smart and focused, she initially struggles with self confidence. It’s completely realistic. Stuck back in her hometown without a solid career and living with her grandfather, she’s at a point in her life where she feels stagnant. However, as her boss gives her more responsibility and her friends and family challenge her, Callie plunges head-on into uncharted territory. As the café progresses, so does she, and these moments of self-discovery are absolutely joyous.
The secondary cast of characters really puts this book over the edge. Gramps is also concerned with bettering himself, though his version takes the form of skydiving. Flora struggles with building the bookshop into something both profitable and community-oriented. And then there’s the bookshop regulars— each bring their own insights and problems to share over a cup of coffee and a pastry.
Of course, there’s a bit of romance in the air, and Eeles gives it proper attention. Callie and Noah have a complicated yet totally believable past. They so obviously belong together and yet Eeles does everything in her power to keep their interactions thorny and packed with so much delicate tension. It’s more than effective, resulting in a satisfying conclusion.
It’s sweet, quirky, and a fabulous slice of small town Cotswold life— just perfect for reading with a hot drink and a pastry.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Sometimes an author crafts a book that feels so natural and effortless it makes readers want to dip into the pages and settle into the world. Author Liz Eeles has done that here. The Cosy Kettle is an utterly charming café inside a bookshop in an idyllic village— what’s better than that?
A huge part of what makes this book work is the heroine, Callie. Smart and focused, she initially struggles with self confidence. It’s completely realistic. Stuck back in her hometown without a solid career and living with her grandfather, she’s at a point in her life where she feels stagnant. However, as her boss gives her more responsibility and her friends and family challenge her, Callie plunges head-on into uncharted territory. As the café progresses, so does she, and these moments of self-discovery are absolutely joyous.
The secondary cast of characters really puts this book over the edge. Gramps is also concerned with bettering himself, though his version takes the form of skydiving. Flora struggles with building the bookshop into something both profitable and community-oriented. And then there’s the bookshop regulars— each bring their own insights and problems to share over a cup of coffee and a pastry.
Of course, there’s a bit of romance in the air, and Eeles gives it proper attention. Callie and Noah have a complicated yet totally believable past. They so obviously belong together and yet Eeles does everything in her power to keep their interactions thorny and packed with so much delicate tension. It’s more than effective, resulting in a satisfying conclusion.
It’s sweet, quirky, and a fabulous slice of small town Cotswold life— just perfect for reading with a hot drink and a pastry.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
gemmiejewel's review against another edition
4.0
Callie works at a bookshop in the town she grew up in. She lives with grandad who seems to be having a late life crisis. Eight years ago she split with the boy of her dreams and has seemed to accept life as it is since then. Then her new boss allows her set up The Cosy Kettle, a little coffee shop in the bookshop’s store room in order to entice customers into the store.
This is a gorgeous little read with characters that will warm your heart. Callie is very time is to begin with and seems to have accepted her lot in life but gradually regains her confidence. I love the fact that Liz Eeles has included various representations in her work such as Becca the young girl with crippling anxiety and Sarah, Callie’s best friend who is entering a same sex marriage.
I have to say that my favourite part of the whole book was Stanley, Callie’s eccentric yet loving granddad who just wants to enjoy his life whether that is jumping out of a plane or chaining himself and others to trees. I adore him!
The only issue I had was the romance itself. Callie and Noah’s chemistry seemed a little stilted for me and I didn’t really believe it.
All in all however I did love this little read that felt as cosy as the cafe itself.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGally for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a gorgeous little read with characters that will warm your heart. Callie is very time is to begin with and seems to have accepted her lot in life but gradually regains her confidence. I love the fact that Liz Eeles has included various representations in her work such as Becca the young girl with crippling anxiety and Sarah, Callie’s best friend who is entering a same sex marriage.
I have to say that my favourite part of the whole book was Stanley, Callie’s eccentric yet loving granddad who just wants to enjoy his life whether that is jumping out of a plane or chaining himself and others to trees. I adore him!
The only issue I had was the romance itself. Callie and Noah’s chemistry seemed a little stilted for me and I didn’t really believe it.
All in all however I did love this little read that felt as cosy as the cafe itself.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGally for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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