Welcome to Whitsborough Bay, a place where hopes and dreams really do come true... ✨
Life at the Chocolate Pot Café has never been sweeter for Tara Porter. Nestled on Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay, her café is thriving, her friendships are close, her foster parents are back where they belong—and she’s finally let herself fall in love with artist Jed Ferguson.
For Jed, returning from Australia feels like coming home in every sense. His teenage daughters have settled, his gallery opening is a success, and with Tara by his side, the future looks full of promise.
But the past can’t stay at bay forever.
When Tara’s estranged foster sister reappears, old wounds resurface. And when Jed is reunited with twelve year old Aaron - a boy he once believed was his son - secrets unravel and loyalties are tested.
Now Tara and Jed must decide whether facing the past will shatter everything they’ve built—or hope it gives them the strength and courage to dream again.
Review: I am an avid reader of Jessica Redland’s books, and was pleased to see that in this new release, I will be returning to the fictional Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay, and Castle Street, where the independent shops sell all manner of goods. This book is a sequel to Jessica’s earlier book, Starry Skies Over the Chocolate Pot Cafe. However, there is no need to have read the earlier book, since this one begins with a detailed cast of recurring characters and past events are explained in the text where necessary. This story can be read as a standalone.
The main characters in the book are Tara Porter, who owns the chocolate pot cafe, and Jed Ferguson, a single father and artist who owns the gallery across the road from the cafe. Tara lives above the cafe with her adorable house rabbit. As well as running her successful business, she likes to help people in any way she can. She and Jed have been in a strong relationship for some time, but their busy lives sometimes get in the way. However, suddenly things become even more complicated as Jed’s ex-wife reappears from Australia with her children in tow at the same time as Tara’s foster sister, who betrayed her in the worst possible manner, resurfaces. Tara and Jed wonder what impact these arrivals will have on their lives.
It was great to return to Whitsborough Bay and catch up with its inhabitants, Tara and Jed in particular. I have to admit that I was glad of the cast of characters at the beginning of this book. This story had so many threads to it - never a dull moment. Jed’s ex-wife was an absolutely incredible woman, dragging family back and forwards to Australia. I was afraid that Jed might not be strong enough to reject her latest suggestions. The tale of what happened with Tara’s foster sister was shocking and saddening and would increase any reader’s respect for Tara herself. I think this is one of Jessica Redland’s best books so far. It has multiple aspects, being full of romance, drama and humour, and that sense of community always found in Whitsborough Bay. If you’re not familiar with this author’s books, this would be a good place to start.
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