I’m delighted to be sharing my thoughts on New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe by Julie Haworth.
LOVED being back in Blossom Heath!
New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe by Julie Haworth
- Category : Contemporary Romance
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster UK; 1st edition (18 July 2024)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 432 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1398527483
- ISBN-13 : 978-1398527485
- Goodreads | Amazon
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New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe Summary
New Beginnings at The Cosy Cat Café tells the story of Tori who, after being dumped and left stranded by her long-term boyfriend Ryan on a trip of a lifetime to Asia, returns home to the sleepy Sussex village of Blossom Heath with her tail between her legs and her dreams shattered. Donning her frilly apron to help her Mum, Joyce, behind the counter at The Cosy Cup Café, Tori starts to believe – with the help of a hunky fireman and a clowder of rescue cats – that perhaps the secret to her future happiness might lie closer to home than she ever thought possible.
New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe Review
I was so excited when I saw the author was writing another story set in Blossom Heath. I loved Always By Your Side, such a feel-good story. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on New Beginnings! Did I love it as much? Oh yes. So much so that I was sad when it ended…
When Tori returns alone to Blossom Heath from her travels, her confidence is low and with her planned future no longer something to work towards, she’s lost her way (and lost her faith in relationships). It’s not long before she’s in contact with the friends she went to school with and when her mum makes a suggestion, she starts to feel excited about life in Blossom Heath.
I loved the bond she has with her mum Joyce – so nurturing, caring and looking out for each other. The same can be said for Tori’s friendship with Rose too. You know when characters make an appearance from previous stories in a series it’s often just a passing reference? Not so with Rose. Brilliant to see her involved in Tori’s life and as a result, how things are with Jake and her school job. I really liked this continuity.
I enjoyed the Cosy Cat Cafe taking shape with all the planning, support and conflict with the village. Plenty happens to provoke emotions 🙂 There are scenes that made me want to rage but balanced so well with heart-warming scenes. Adding new items to the menu alongside customer favourites is not only a hit in Blossom Heath but inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I haven’t been disappointed yet!
The stories that thread through of customers and the impact of being with the cats (and adopting them) is really touching. It was great to see Mason and his mum Hayley pay a visit 🙂 I loved that the resident cats have their own personalities. The welfare of the cats, Grace (the vet) and the charity are so cleverly woven through the story.
The ‘will they won’t they’ isn’t forced at all for Tori and Leo. I’ve got to say, Leo is pretty hot! Not only does he have the looks but when we meet him (might not have said the same before haha) he is considerate and thoughtful. And those sparks between the two of them… Leading up to the barn dance I did wonder if the past would pull her in though and kept shouting at her to go with her instinct, to trust herself. There’s more than one romance building up too.
Blossom Heath is a community I would live in. Now my thoughts are turning to who could be the focus in the next story (fingers crossed there is more!). Nina would be great and even though I dislike Claire, her growth as a character would be worth reading about. Or maybe Jess. I’d like to see her stay and not move away.
You don’t need to have read Always By My Side to enjoy New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe although I would recommend that you do.
An easy 5 stars from me!
About the Author
Julie Haworth writes uplifting stories about friendship and community, bursting with romance and charm, from her home in the bustling city of Chelmsford, Essex. Her debut novel, Always By Your Side, won the RNA’s Katie Fforde Debut Romantic Novel Award for 2023. Julie is still pinching herself that she’s realised her lifelong dream of becoming a published author!
When she’s not busy writing or running her copywriting business, Julie can mainly be found shopping, drinking ridiculous amounts of coffee and hanging out with her two rescue cats. Julie is also a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Society of Authors.
Julie loves to chat with her readers and you can find her on X @jhaworthauthor or over on Instagram @juliehaworthauthor
