Author: Sue Watson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October, 2016
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description: Heart-warming and hilarious, a story that will make you laugh, cry and bring a smile to your face. Get ready for another deliciously amazing Christmas treat from Sue Watson….
As the Prosecco chills and Bing Crosby croons, Jen Barker just knows that her long-term boyfriend is about to propose. But instead of a diamond ring nestled in her champagne flute, Jen finds cold flat rejection. Her once perfect life and dreams of a husband and family seem even further from reach.
A working holiday to the Swiss Alps with her younger sister Jody might not be the Christmas Jen had it mind, but it offers her the chance to recharge her batteries and recover from heartbreak.
When Jen meets handsome ski instructor Jon Zutter her hopes for a happy-ever-after seem within her grasp again. Jon is kind and gorgeous and as they bond over Sachetorte at the picturesque Cake Café, Jen thinks he might just be her perfect man. But a relationship with him comes with a catch – and there are some things even cake can’t fix.
As the snow falls and Christmas approaches, could this be the place that restores Jen Barker’s faith in love?
My Thoughts: I really enjoy this author’s voice, especially the Christmas-themed stories. Sue Watson has a wonderful way of capturing the spirit of the holiday season within the pages of her books so vividly, as a reader, I feel transported into the story. I can almost feel the icy sting on my cheeks of the swirling snow, the melting chocolate on my tongue and the scent of apples and cinnamon baking in a cozy bakery. I want to live in Sue Watson’s books.
The Christmas Cake Café introduces us to Jen Barker, a middle-aged woman who has spent too much time and energy on her loser boyfriend who breaks her heart just when she thought he would propose. Thank God for Jen’s sister, Jody, who practically forces Jen to come to the Swiss Alps with her and some friends for a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas working holiday. Here in the perfect Christmas backdrop, Jen can find herself again and begin to dream of a happily-ever-after.
Jen meets Jon, a local ski instructor, who seems to show up during some of Jen’s less than appealing moments, especially when forced to wear clothing she had to borrow because her own luggage has gone MIA. I liked Jon, though. He is kind, sweet and attentive and manages to keep his surprise and bewilderment about Jen to himself. I especially liked that he has his own relationship baggage of his own to carry but doesn’t let it derail him from his own path.
Likable characters and a smooth flowing storyline are essential to me as a reader. The characters are easy to relate to and bond with. I really liked them all and cared about what happens to them. The story flows from moment to moment in a leisurely and smooth pattern. It was very easy to lose myself in the story and forget where I was.
My Final Verdict: I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the scenery and highly recommend it for anyone looking to add some Christmas cheer to their reading pile.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Cake Café from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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