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thedeathmaven's review
5.0
Christmas for me is a time for the kids, I’ll admit that I adore the twinkle of fairy lights everywhere, but outside of that it takes a lot to get me feeling festive. Christmas movies don’t really cut it at a push I’ll watch Die Hard or a Muppets Christmas Carol, and yet I am always drawn to books set at Christmas. There is just something so enchanting about their snow filled covers that makes my heart wish for a white Christmas, full of mince pies, mulled wine and snowball fights. The cover of the Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Cafe definitely ticks all of those boxes and is even more endearing with the quirky coloured shop buildings.
Tara’s story is one that I feel will be all to familiar to many people, a story of surviving heartbreak, deceit, loss, betrayal and so much more. Surviving yet not thriving as she has closed herself off from personal relationships, fearing what may happen if she trusts again.
On the outside Tara appears successful, she runs a successful business the wonderfully named Chocolate Pot Cafe yet in reality she has been hurt that she only really trusts her housemate. Thus housemate being a giant rabbit aptly named Hercules, who somehow seems to think he is a dog. Hercules certainly managed to lift the mood of this book, and it is clear that Tara’s love for him may well be what put the chink in the armour she has surrounded her emotions with.
Tara is a wonderfully well developed and complex character, she has had a difficult past, but as the story continues she slowly starts to develop as a person. I really appreciated how the author showed her progression and the character growth of Tara is definitely one of the best things about Christmas at the Chocolate Pot cafe.
At its heart Christmas at the Chocolate Pot cafe is a story of friendship, community and family. There is a romantic element but it is in the background and I loved how it was a very slow burn, which was far more realistic for a character like Tara than ‘love at first sight’.
The setting of Whitsborough Bay is lovely and the descriptions made me feel as if I could easily navigate the town if I was to ever visit. The sense of friendliness within the town also helped to underpin the themes of community.
This is a story that evoke all of the feelings, not necessarily the most festive Christmas book as a lot of it is set in November, yet one that does capture the true spirit of the festive season. I absolutely adored this book and know that I will now be seeing out more from this author.
***
I was invited on the blog tour for Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Cafe by Rachel’s Random Resources and I was provided a kindle copy to read. I received this product for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are truthful and 100% my own. I would like to thank her for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Tara’s story is one that I feel will be all to familiar to many people, a story of surviving heartbreak, deceit, loss, betrayal and so much more. Surviving yet not thriving as she has closed herself off from personal relationships, fearing what may happen if she trusts again.
On the outside Tara appears successful, she runs a successful business the wonderfully named Chocolate Pot Cafe yet in reality she has been hurt that she only really trusts her housemate. Thus housemate being a giant rabbit aptly named Hercules, who somehow seems to think he is a dog. Hercules certainly managed to lift the mood of this book, and it is clear that Tara’s love for him may well be what put the chink in the armour she has surrounded her emotions with.
Tara is a wonderfully well developed and complex character, she has had a difficult past, but as the story continues she slowly starts to develop as a person. I really appreciated how the author showed her progression and the character growth of Tara is definitely one of the best things about Christmas at the Chocolate Pot cafe.
At its heart Christmas at the Chocolate Pot cafe is a story of friendship, community and family. There is a romantic element but it is in the background and I loved how it was a very slow burn, which was far more realistic for a character like Tara than ‘love at first sight’.
The setting of Whitsborough Bay is lovely and the descriptions made me feel as if I could easily navigate the town if I was to ever visit. The sense of friendliness within the town also helped to underpin the themes of community.
This is a story that evoke all of the feelings, not necessarily the most festive Christmas book as a lot of it is set in November, yet one that does capture the true spirit of the festive season. I absolutely adored this book and know that I will now be seeing out more from this author.
***
I was invited on the blog tour for Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Cafe by Rachel’s Random Resources and I was provided a kindle copy to read. I received this product for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are truthful and 100% my own. I would like to thank her for the opportunity to read and review this book.
zooloo1983's review
5.0
There are some authors where you just see their name come through on an email asking you to take part in a blog tour. You see the author name and you do not even bother reading the blurb of the book, you just do not care, why? Because you know that the author will bring their A game, you know that they will put you through the wringer and still you come out smiling. You know that said main character will not have had it easy, that someone would have destroyed their world that they know and that there is always hope at the end of the book. Jessica is one of these authors.
Before I start my review, I have to do a Simon Baker appreciation, because, like me and fellow blogger Rae Reads, it appears Jessica has a “thing” for Simon Baker. Especially as the male lead in this book Jed Ferguson shares an uncanny resemblance for him. Ahem…
Having read previously Bear with me (still one of my fav books) and Callie’s Christmas Wish, it was nice to recognise some characters in the Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Café. Tara, the MC in this book, has had the worse of the worse backstory. I mean how mean are you, Jessica!! (Just joking, please don’t stop writing your books!) Tara has shut herself off from the world since her traumatic break up with the douche Garth and the fall out with her sister Leanne. When you finally learn what has befallen her, you understand why she is private, untrusting and lives in a hygge with her giant rabbit Hercules (best pet ever).
Once Tara up sticks and moved to my favourite place of Whitsborough Bay, she buys up the old crumbling café from Jed, and makes it into something of a dream place. Miscommunications, open hearts and tears are strong through the book, but like her other books, Love, Strength and Hope are the main features pulling the strings of this book. I am going to admit, I have the case of the feelings when reading this book, I cried again, goddammit not again something in my eye. My heart broke for Tara, but it was healed for her in time for her own personal growth.
I would love to live somewhere like Whitsborough Bay, there is a feeling of family and togetherness as everyone wants to help everyone, they are friends and supportive and there is just a magical feel to it all.
Jessica has a knack of making you love her characters, cheering for them, defending them and caring so damn much about them. Plus she made me want to drink a LOT of hot chocolate when reading this!!! Now the Grinch in me really did not want to read a Christmas book, but this is not really a Christmas book, ok it does feature but it is just an added feature. The book begins in November and ends the following December, but that it is. It is part of the scenery, the background while Tara and her epic Chocolate Pot Café take centre stage.
I do strongly recommend you pick up one of Jessica’s (or all of them) books, I have not started the series yet, but from what I heard it does not matter what order you read them, you will see your favourites pop up all over the place, leaving a little smile on your face.
aspiereads33's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Gaslighting
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Minor: Cancer
vivalalinzi's review
5.0
Great story. I do like this series of books as a little get away. This was a nice story and I loved hearing about the chocolate pot. Loved it!
sarahs_bookish_life's review
5.0
I adore the cover and title for this book. As soon as I read the book description, I couldn't help but be even more drawn to it and I am so glad I read it.
I have to start by saying this isn't an overly festive read. The story is mainly set in November in the run up to Christmas. This is by no means a bad thing though as it means you don't have to feel guilty reading this at anytime of the year!
Whilst it may not be overly festive, it does actually portray the real meaning of Christmas and that is family and friends. It's also doing more for the community and pulling together. Through Tara, I really learned what is important and presents are certainly not it.
Tara's background was both endearing as well as shocking. Wow, I was not expecting so many surprises from this genre of book. Totally blew me away. The author reveals over the course of the novel more about Tara and what makes her tick and I couldn't devour the pages quick enough.
Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Café is just an absolutely fabulous read. I have to admit I was expecting another heart warming, romantic read with lots of mentions of mouth watering cakes, of which it is, but then it is also so much more. At one point I was actually sobbing my heart out as I had got so wrapped up in Tara's world. It really had me going through an array of emotions and I absolutely loved it.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I have to start by saying this isn't an overly festive read. The story is mainly set in November in the run up to Christmas. This is by no means a bad thing though as it means you don't have to feel guilty reading this at anytime of the year!
Whilst it may not be overly festive, it does actually portray the real meaning of Christmas and that is family and friends. It's also doing more for the community and pulling together. Through Tara, I really learned what is important and presents are certainly not it.
Tara's background was both endearing as well as shocking. Wow, I was not expecting so many surprises from this genre of book. Totally blew me away. The author reveals over the course of the novel more about Tara and what makes her tick and I couldn't devour the pages quick enough.
Christmas at the Chocolate Pot Café is just an absolutely fabulous read. I have to admit I was expecting another heart warming, romantic read with lots of mentions of mouth watering cakes, of which it is, but then it is also so much more. At one point I was actually sobbing my heart out as I had got so wrapped up in Tara's world. It really had me going through an array of emotions and I absolutely loved it.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
ksmarsden's review
5.0
Tara has faced more than her share of adversity, and she has built herself the perfect armour. But perhaps she has gotten too good at keeping people at a distance.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This follows Tara, the owner of the hugely successful Chocolate Pot Cafe. After coming to the coastal town of Whitsborough more than a decade ago, to escape her past, and create a new life for herself, Tara has become a success. The price is, she has kept as disconnected as possible. She is a good boss, and is generous with her time, money and resources, but she now realises she has failed to connect with anyone on a personal level.
Cue the reappearance of Jed, the conniving previous owner of the cafe, and Tara's perfect armour begins to crumble.
This is the second book I've read by Redland, and I really like her light style of writing. Everything feels so real, and normal, but entertaining nonetheless.
I was surprised with the direction this book took - I thought it'd be a cosy romance - it is cosy, and there is some romance, but it's not at the center of the story.
This is about Tara learning to appreciate and open up to those around her. It's about accepting the good and the bad in her past, and being happy with who she is now. It's about the importance of friendship; and making the best positive contribution you can to the world.
Yes, Jed is there, but he's in the background as the prize, once Tara decides she is ready for a relationship.
I loved it. It was so light-hearted and easy to read, with the underlying mystery of Tara's life, slowly being unravelled. I admit that I felt my own emotions reflected in a lot of the story, with issues around black cloaks, and the illusion of independence that we hide behind. In the end, I felt so proud of every step that Tara made.
I would definitely recommend checking out this story, for a little home-made Christmas magic.
(p.s. I want a Hercules...)
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This follows Tara, the owner of the hugely successful Chocolate Pot Cafe. After coming to the coastal town of Whitsborough more than a decade ago, to escape her past, and create a new life for herself, Tara has become a success. The price is, she has kept as disconnected as possible. She is a good boss, and is generous with her time, money and resources, but she now realises she has failed to connect with anyone on a personal level.
Cue the reappearance of Jed, the conniving previous owner of the cafe, and Tara's perfect armour begins to crumble.
This is the second book I've read by Redland, and I really like her light style of writing. Everything feels so real, and normal, but entertaining nonetheless.
I was surprised with the direction this book took - I thought it'd be a cosy romance - it is cosy, and there is some romance, but it's not at the center of the story.
This is about Tara learning to appreciate and open up to those around her. It's about accepting the good and the bad in her past, and being happy with who she is now. It's about the importance of friendship; and making the best positive contribution you can to the world.
Yes, Jed is there, but he's in the background as the prize, once Tara decides she is ready for a relationship.
I loved it. It was so light-hearted and easy to read, with the underlying mystery of Tara's life, slowly being unravelled. I admit that I felt my own emotions reflected in a lot of the story, with issues around black cloaks, and the illusion of independence that we hide behind. In the end, I felt so proud of every step that Tara made.
I would definitely recommend checking out this story, for a little home-made Christmas magic.
(p.s. I want a Hercules...)
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