The beloved author of The Bookshop on the Corner returns with a sparkling, sunny, soulful new novel perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand. Years ago, Flora fled the quiet Scottish island where she grew up — and she hasn’t looked back. What would she have done on Mure? It’s a place where everyone has known her all her life, where no one will let her forget the past. In bright, bustling London, she … forget the past. In bright, bustling London, she can be anonymous, ambitious… and hopelessly in love with her boss.
But when fate brings Flora back to the island, she’s suddenly swept once more into life with her brothers — all strapping, loud, and seemingly incapable of basic housework — and her father. Yet even amid the chaos of their reunion, Flora discovers a passion for cooking — and find herself restoring dusty little pink-fronted shop on the harbour: a café by the sea.
But with the seasons changing, Flora must come to terms with past mistakes — and work out exactly where her future lies…
Funny and heartfelt, The Café by the Sea is a delightful summertime novel that puts a modern twist on the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers story.
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What a happy surprise this book was. I won a copy in a giveaway and was not sure how I would like it. I loved the title and cover, but had never read this author before. Happily, It was a fantastic summer read, beautiful locations, amazing characters, food and events. I loved them all, would want any of them over for tea. This book was not really about the romance it was about finding you in your world. Set in a mythical N. Scottish Island, small town, hard working honest people, and it’s weather. The MC is a young woman who left to pursue her career as a lawyer in London after her mother died. She thought she’d never be back on the island till her job takes her there for a visit. Oh and she cooks delicious sounding dishes which this lovely author included at the end of the book. I’m making at least two of them.
I can’t wait to read more from this author
I love everything by this author. As always, I couldn’t put this one down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Flora MacKenzie, a young woman who moved away from her home on a remote Scottish island for a more glamorous life as a paralegal in London. Only now a wind farm is being erected on the island and Flora’s boss wants her to return to deal with the locals. What follows involves romance, family conflict, selkies, and a new business known as the Cafe by the Sea. Btw, the scene of Flora singing to the beached whale is perfection.
a good story
Cute.
Absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t put it down. I listened to the audio book and the reader was fantastic too – the accent made it all the more real.
Very nice easy read Well written I felt I knew the characters in the book
The author brought the Scottish landscape and culture to life seamlessly by telling the story of her likable main characters.
I just discovered this 2016 novel by Jenny Colgan–it was absolutely charming, with a likable heroine and a lovely setting on an imaginary island in the far north of Scotland. I really enjoyed the sweet love story, whimsy, and family relationships… and the recipes! I’ll be looking for many more of Jenny Colgan’s stories!
A fascinating story of life on a small Scottish island. You see how regardless of were you live, most people face the same kind of problems. Loved the characters, loved the story. As always, wonderfully told by Jenny Colgan.
Loved it so much, I read the whole series. I couldn’t wait to see what happened to the characters.
Loved the descriptions of the island
Love anything written by Jenny Colgan!
This author’s novels are totally engrossing, drawing the reader into the time and setting and circumstances surrounding all the characters.
This book is a keeper!
At first it dragged- thought about putting it down…HaH!
Read a little further- goodness, main character grew. Delightful – fantastic -and a bit magical!
I believe I said – this book is a keeper!
Yup!
Predictable. Easy to read.
I love this author and the way you get caught up in her characters. I’m a baker and that’s one of the main draws of many of her books…the food aspect!
I finished the book thinking this would be a wonderful place to visit.
Love the setting!
It started off a bit slower than I would like, but it got much better. The characters are believable. The description that are given of the Shetland Islands makes me feel like I’m there. I love the fact that there are recipes included. I would love to try some of them. All in all, I really liked the book.
I did this as an audio book! It really helped experience the story.