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sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
Poor Tamara, Pollyanna. Leanne seems quite spiteful, it may be due to being the first child.
The play dates was really hard to read about, Tara has been through so much in her life and she is still such a kind and lovely soul despite all of this. To up and leave everything must have been such a difficult time but for her it felt right.
I love the friendship between Carly and Tara, its so easy and Tara is beginning to open up to her and sharing some of the difficult stuff that life has thrown at her.
The journey of building up the Chocolate pot cafe is so lovely to follow. Tara is a force to be reckoned with, she's built a successful business and it made me feel proud of her.
Love the meeting between Jed and Tara. I like the dynamics between the different characters. I needed a tissue on more than one occasion in this book.
The play dates was really hard to read about, Tara has been through so much in her life and she is still such a kind and lovely soul despite all of this. To up and leave everything must have been such a difficult time but for her it felt right.
I love the friendship between Carly and Tara, its so easy and Tara is beginning to open up to her and sharing some of the difficult stuff that life has thrown at her.
The journey of building up the Chocolate pot cafe is so lovely to follow. Tara is a force to be reckoned with, she's built a successful business and it made me feel proud of her.
Love the meeting between Jed and Tara. I like the dynamics between the different characters. I needed a tissue on more than one occasion in this book.
boomakes's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely festive read - and possibly the only one I've come across that features a dungeon!
lucyrider's review
4.0
Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Cafe - Jessica Redland
I'm a bit behind on my reviews at the moment and have a total of 6 that I need to catch up with, as well as doing all the reading stuff as well! This was another audible book and I've really enjoyed a lot of the Whitsborough Bay series from Redland and this was narrated by Emma Swan who has grown on me (I initially had preferred Redland's work narrated by Lucy Brownhill, but this book was well read and Swan had to master a wide range of accents and voices.)
Synopsis from Goodreads
A few minutes of courage might change your life…
Emotionally, Tara Porter finds the festive period a challenge. Christmas Day is a reminder of the family she lost, and New Year’s Eve holds bitter memories of the biggest mistake of her life: marrying Garth Tewkesbury. Shunning invitations to celebrate, she seeks refuge in her flat with only her giant house bunny, Hercules, for company.
Professionally, though, it’s the best time of year. Tara’s thriving café, The Chocolate Pot, is always packed. With the café hosting a wedding and engagement party, it’s shaping up to be the café’s best Christmas ever.
When former nemesis, Jed Ferguson, threatens the future of The Chocolate Pot, Tara prepares for a fight. The café is everything to her and she’s not going to let anyone or anything jeopardise that.
Tara badly misjudged ex-husband Garth and, since then, has refused to let anyone in. After all, if you don’t let them in, they can’t hurt you. But has she misjudged Jed too? Is it possible that he’s not the arrogant, deceitful man from whom she bought the café 14 years earlier? Can she find the courage to find out for sure?
I generally liked this book, I was captivated and wanted to keep reading, but... and I won't give any huge spoilers away here, I wasn't sure that Tara needed quite the strenght and depth of backstory that she was given in this book. It could potentially trigger some readers if they have been exposed to a similar scenario. I think there would have been many other plausible reasons for the character to have moved to Whitsborough Bay to start a new like and potentially other reasons less jarring as to why she opted to not let people get close.
I enjoyed the setting of The Chocolate Pot Cafe and would love to live in Tara's flat that sounded wonderful with the Hygge theme running through it and a giant bunny rabbit. I liked most of the characters, although the "baddies" where entirely awful and perhaps could have shown a human side or not necessarily have needed to be as "bad" as they were.
Four stars for me and I think it wouldn't have been hard to elevate to five, I think I just found the back plot a bit too harsh.
I'm a bit behind on my reviews at the moment and have a total of 6 that I need to catch up with, as well as doing all the reading stuff as well! This was another audible book and I've really enjoyed a lot of the Whitsborough Bay series from Redland and this was narrated by Emma Swan who has grown on me (I initially had preferred Redland's work narrated by Lucy Brownhill, but this book was well read and Swan had to master a wide range of accents and voices.)
Synopsis from Goodreads
A few minutes of courage might change your life…
Emotionally, Tara Porter finds the festive period a challenge. Christmas Day is a reminder of the family she lost, and New Year’s Eve holds bitter memories of the biggest mistake of her life: marrying Garth Tewkesbury. Shunning invitations to celebrate, she seeks refuge in her flat with only her giant house bunny, Hercules, for company.
Professionally, though, it’s the best time of year. Tara’s thriving café, The Chocolate Pot, is always packed. With the café hosting a wedding and engagement party, it’s shaping up to be the café’s best Christmas ever.
When former nemesis, Jed Ferguson, threatens the future of The Chocolate Pot, Tara prepares for a fight. The café is everything to her and she’s not going to let anyone or anything jeopardise that.
Tara badly misjudged ex-husband Garth and, since then, has refused to let anyone in. After all, if you don’t let them in, they can’t hurt you. But has she misjudged Jed too? Is it possible that he’s not the arrogant, deceitful man from whom she bought the café 14 years earlier? Can she find the courage to find out for sure?
I generally liked this book, I was captivated and wanted to keep reading, but... and I won't give any huge spoilers away here, I wasn't sure that Tara needed quite the strenght and depth of backstory that she was given in this book. It could potentially trigger some readers if they have been exposed to a similar scenario. I think there would have been many other plausible reasons for the character to have moved to Whitsborough Bay to start a new like and potentially other reasons less jarring as to why she opted to not let people get close.
I enjoyed the setting of The Chocolate Pot Cafe and would love to live in Tara's flat that sounded wonderful with the Hygge theme running through it and a giant bunny rabbit. I liked most of the characters, although the "baddies" where entirely awful and perhaps could have shown a human side or not necessarily have needed to be as "bad" as they were.
Four stars for me and I think it wouldn't have been hard to elevate to five, I think I just found the back plot a bit too harsh.
thepocketwolfies's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. Delayed holiday read
The big heavy mystery surrounding her past kinda just gets glossed over at the 70% mark nonchalantly and it just doesn't feel quite right
The big heavy mystery surrounding her past kinda just gets glossed over at the 70% mark nonchalantly and it just doesn't feel quite right
thepeachmartini's review against another edition
3.0
First, and most importantly, a content warning: emotional abuse and manipulation, discussions of suicide, depression, and mental health issues. Also the backstory is not exactly easy to read...
While it is somewhat Christmas-related (a good deal of the story takes place around Christmas) the subject matter is not what most readers of cozy Christmas novels would pick up. The backstory is uncomfortable to read, so if you're one who suffers severely from second-hand embarrassment, this may not be a good book for you.
I tried listening to the audiobook, and it completely ruined it for me. The narrator was not a good fit for the MC, and while I scoffed at first at the people who DNF'd this based solely on that, if I had only listened to this I would have done the same. I decided to actually READ it, and it was much easier (as much as can be expected).
Outside of the backstory, which seemed like a really...odd...story to tell (like random for a seemingly cozy Christmas read), I do appreciate this author's approach to mental health issues and not shying away from characters who have major barriers and hardships in their lives.
I started out very frustrated with Tara, but as I read on, I grew to understand why she did the things she did. I can appreciate the desire to want to keep certain parts of your life hidden away - even things that a lot of people don't think is a big deal (crafting, keeping a pet, etc) It may not seem like a big deal to you, but there's likely a reason the person has kept it to themselves for so long.
I will share more thoughts as I have time to think it over :)
While it is somewhat Christmas-related (a good deal of the story takes place around Christmas) the subject matter is not what most readers of cozy Christmas novels would pick up. The backstory is uncomfortable to read, so if you're one who suffers severely from second-hand embarrassment, this may not be a good book for you.
I tried listening to the audiobook, and it completely ruined it for me. The narrator was not a good fit for the MC, and while I scoffed at first at the people who DNF'd this based solely on that, if I had only listened to this I would have done the same. I decided to actually READ it, and it was much easier (as much as can be expected).
Outside of the backstory, which seemed like a really...odd...story to tell (like random for a seemingly cozy Christmas read), I do appreciate this author's approach to mental health issues and not shying away from characters who have major barriers and hardships in their lives.
I started out very frustrated with Tara, but as I read on, I grew to understand why she did the things she did. I can appreciate the desire to want to keep certain parts of your life hidden away - even things that a lot of people don't think is a big deal (crafting, keeping a pet, etc) It may not seem like a big deal to you, but there's likely a reason the person has kept it to themselves for so long.
I will share more thoughts as I have time to think it over :)
azdesert_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I added this to my December reading list because I thought it seemed like it would be a cute holiday read. Granted, I based this on the cover and the notion that there was “festive sparkle.” I also didn’t know this was book three in a series.
This was not your typical warm and fuzzy holiday rom-com. The book starts at Christmas, goes through the whole next year and ends at the following Christmas. The ending is really sweet and fulfills the Christmassy feels that you want, but the rest of the book addressed some pretty tough and emotional challenges for more than just our main character, Tara.
Tara opened up the Chocolate Pot Café fourteen years earlier in Whisper Bay. This sounds like an amazing and beautiful little town in Yorkshire. Yes, another holiday read that takes place in England! All this is accomplishing is making me want to visit even more! Anyway, through flashbacks, throughout about 75% of the book, we learn why Tara moved to Whisper Bay and shut herself off from everyone including severing all ties with her family.
She slowly realizes that after all these years, she is missing the human connection that I personally feel makes life fulfilling. She slowly decides to begin to rely on and trust her friend and fellow business owner, Carly and slowly begins sharing the story of her past. This friendship gives her the support and confidence she needs to really explore what she wants out of life and how to begin living again.
Tara’s early life was devastating, she was hurt and betrayed and it is understandable that she wouldn’t trust, but it was quicker than I expected. I guess once the floodgates open, there is no holding back when the new love interest finally enters the picture. What I really liked is that they both have baggage. They both have issues that they are trying to cope with and learn to lean on each other to support decisions and show what it really means to love and care about someone.
I respected the topics addressed and Tara’s selflessness in giving so much back to the community that took her in. There were a few points I felt were a little slow or where I struggled with Tara, but in the end, I felt that there was a solid conclusion and there really weren’t any questions that I was left with. I loved the family dynamics and the unconditional love that creates the foundation of a family, even when that love makes really hard “tough love” decisions a necessity. I really did enjoy it and loved seeing how Tara found herself and love.
This was not your typical warm and fuzzy holiday rom-com. The book starts at Christmas, goes through the whole next year and ends at the following Christmas. The ending is really sweet and fulfills the Christmassy feels that you want, but the rest of the book addressed some pretty tough and emotional challenges for more than just our main character, Tara.
Tara opened up the Chocolate Pot Café fourteen years earlier in Whisper Bay. This sounds like an amazing and beautiful little town in Yorkshire. Yes, another holiday read that takes place in England! All this is accomplishing is making me want to visit even more! Anyway, through flashbacks, throughout about 75% of the book, we learn why Tara moved to Whisper Bay and shut herself off from everyone including severing all ties with her family.
She slowly realizes that after all these years, she is missing the human connection that I personally feel makes life fulfilling. She slowly decides to begin to rely on and trust her friend and fellow business owner, Carly and slowly begins sharing the story of her past. This friendship gives her the support and confidence she needs to really explore what she wants out of life and how to begin living again.
Tara’s early life was devastating, she was hurt and betrayed and it is understandable that she wouldn’t trust, but it was quicker than I expected. I guess once the floodgates open, there is no holding back when the new love interest finally enters the picture. What I really liked is that they both have baggage. They both have issues that they are trying to cope with and learn to lean on each other to support decisions and show what it really means to love and care about someone.
I respected the topics addressed and Tara’s selflessness in giving so much back to the community that took her in. There were a few points I felt were a little slow or where I struggled with Tara, but in the end, I felt that there was a solid conclusion and there really weren’t any questions that I was left with. I loved the family dynamics and the unconditional love that creates the foundation of a family, even when that love makes really hard “tough love” decisions a necessity. I really did enjoy it and loved seeing how Tara found herself and love.
cleg11's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Another good book from Jessica.
This is Tara’s story of how she ends up living in Castle street and how fate helps her to make a successful business called the chocolate pot. A book about past relationships and how they impact on new relationships and opening up to people.
Loved Tara’s story and can’t wait to see if there is another book in the series.
Another good book from Jessica.
This is Tara’s story of how she ends up living in Castle street and how fate helps her to make a successful business called the chocolate pot. A book about past relationships and how they impact on new relationships and opening up to people.
Loved Tara’s story and can’t wait to see if there is another book in the series.
ianmcnamara's review against another edition
5.0
This series has been the bright spot of having to spend the week ill in bed. I really love the way characters this author creates are realistic and all go on journeys of growth. I am looking forward to future books by this author.
ellerose21's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25