Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin

Oct 17, 2014 Julie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, e-book, author-request, christmas-theme

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe' by Rebecca Raisin is a 2014 Carina UK press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am so sad this is the last book in this deliciously sweet series. The author really knows how to write wonderful heartwarming and touching stories. Despite the fact I would love to see the series continue there couldn't have been a better ending.

When Lily and Damon first met a year ago, things got ...more

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Oct 17, 2014 Sheerie rated it it was amazing

THE GINGERBREAD CAFE SERIES...............

Christmas at the Gingerbread Café - Book 1................
Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Café - Book 2...............
The Bookshop on the Corner - A Gingerbread Café Story..............AND THEN THIS BOOK :-
Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café - Book 3................

Reading Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café has been like coming home, to my favourite village of Ashford. If I wasn't me and lived in my *real* life, this is where I would lik THE GINGERBREAD CAFE SERIES...............

Christmas at the Gingerbread Café - Book 1................
Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Café - Book 2...............
The Bookshop on the Corner - A Gingerbread Café Story..............AND THEN THIS BOOK :-
Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café - Book 3................

Reading Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café has been like coming home, to my favourite village of Ashford. If I wasn't me and lived in my *real* life, this is where I would like to live, obviously on the understanding of there being an available hunk! Ashford community has it all, old, young, cackling people, quiet people but each has the heart full of warmth and compassion when needed.
This book is planned as a 10 day countdown to the two main characters, Lil and Damon's forth coming wedding on Christmas Eve. I say two main characters but lets not forget CeeCee, the larger than life, best friend that anybody could ever wish for. Friends from the previous books, Missy and Sarah also play a big part. Not forgetting, Charlie, Damon's darling 7 years old daughter who gets to come home to spend Christmas at Ashford.
This is pure escapism, no back stabbing and jealously of others happiness, apart from shall we say a little misunderstanding from the future mother-in-law, Olivia, which gets sorted out, when honestly prevails shockingly from Olivia. It contains happiness and heartache which Rebecca manages to write in such detail and depth that you are transported there, sitting among what is going on. It contains laughter and tears but love manages to override everything in the end. As it is based in Lil's Gingerbread Café, there is so much scrumptious food and deeply delicious hot drinks to be had in front of an open fire, don't read without having your own supplies at the ready!
I'm so going to miss Ashford and i have no problem in giving this book 5 stars if what you are looking for is a good dollop of snow and Christmas cheer.
This book could be read as a stand alone book but why miss out on the previous books where you get to know all the characters in so much more depth. Each of Lil's girlfriends have such good stories of their own but with Lil and CeeCee in the centre of things. ...more

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Oct 19, 2014 Kim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle, 2014, net-galley

An absolutely gorgeous Christmas read. It's the third in the Gingerbread Cafe- but the first one I've read. I didn't feel that I'd missed the back story as it all flowed so well. But I will definately go back and get the other books and any more by Rebecca Raisin.

Lily runs an adorable 'Gingerbread' cafe- where all the locals pop in for cosy chats and tasty treats. She's due to marry her fiance in a matter of days and all the plans and preparations are well under way. Her dress is being made loca ...more

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Dec 26, 2014 Rachel Gilbey rated it it was amazing

Wow, what a fantastic way to wrap up Lily and Damon's story.

Its Christmas one year on, from when Lily and Damon met in the first book. And they are getting married on their first anniversary of being together.

This book is about the run up to the wedding, and the wedding day, and of course Christmas.

The storyline of CeeCee and Janey had tears in my eyes, as it was so emotional. There are plenty of new characters introduced, including both sets of parents, and mentions of a character that I beli ...more

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Oct 31, 2014 Cookie1 rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. Yet again Rebecca Raisin has captured the Christmas atmosphere within her story.
I can't wait to read more of these.

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Sep 16, 2014 Jill rated it it was amazing

How would I sum up Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe? Irresistible, delicious perfection! I cannot tell you just how much I loved this, and the other books in the Gingerbread Cafe series. They are simply magical and once I picked them up I was unable to put them back down again.

Part of me has been dreading reading this book, but purely because I know it is the final book in the series and I don't want it to end. Rebecca has written such great characters who don't feel like works of fict How would I sum up Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe? Irresistible, delicious perfection! I cannot tell you just how much I loved this, and the other books in the Gingerbread Cafe series. They are simply magical and once I picked them up I was unable to put them back down again.

Part of me has been dreading reading this book, but purely because I know it is the final book in the series and I don't want it to end. Rebecca has written such great characters who don't feel like works of fiction, they feel like real people who are so kind, and funny, and quirky that I would love to be part of their friendship circle.

The books are set in a small town where everyone is one big community. There is the cafe, the hairdresser, the book store, and other small stores that make them one big family. I adore all the characters but Lily and Cee Cee who run the gingerbread cafe are my favourites.

Lily is the main character in the books and we have previously seen her transform into a wonderful lady who has left her past behind her, and found love with Damon. As this book starts we are ten days away from their wedding, and each chapter counts down day by day as the wedding approaches. I love the warmth of Lily's character. She is one of life's good eggs and I can't imagine any reader not wanting her to have a fairy tale ending.

I simply adore Cee Cee. She is one talented baker, but more than that, she is a confidante, a loving and open person with a knack for seeing what happens to people. She has endured heartbreak in the past, but rather than being destroyed by it she seems to be even warmer and more loving from it. I love how she isn't only a employee of Lily's but is also like a mother figure for her.

I could almost single out all the other characters for various reasons too. Rebecca has an exceptional way of writing characters and settings that feel like a home from home. So down to earth and loving, warm and safe. I adore her writing and will be reading all her books from here on in.

We know that weddings can be tense affairs, with so much to do, and with families coming together often for the first time. This wedding is no exception. As the clock ticks down of course there is drama, both on the practical side, but also emotionally as we meet Damon's parents. His mother Olivia is a force to be reckoned with, and at times I wondered if Rebecca had modelled her on someone I know (I shall say no more!!).

I could gush about the book all day but I really don't want to give away any of the storyline. I lapped it up and would hate to have read any spoilers. I hope you as a reader enjoy it just as much as I have.

I have to admit that I pretty much sobbed my way through the last third of the book, and stayed up well past my bedtime totally engrossed, and needing to finish it before I could rest. There are some parts that tugged at my heart strings and had me crying my eyes out with sadness, but equally I was like a voyuer who couldn't get enough of the love and affection in the book, which had me crying with happiness.

My Mum is Irish and grew up in a small village on the border of Cork and Kerry. We spent every summer there as kids and it is somewhere I still hanker after to this day. If I could move back there I would, in a heartbeat. It has a small close knit community, where everyone knows eachother, but more importantly, everyone looks after eachother. This is how this series feels for me, and probably part of the reason I am so sad to see it end.

If you love a good series with great characters who you feel part of, and uplifting tales, this is perfect. I would really recommend reading them in order, and particularly leaving this til the last of them.

Thank you to Carina who provided a copy via Netgalley in return for an honest review. ...more

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Oct 11, 2014 Louise Seraphim Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed, arc-blog-reads, read-2014

Wow! I absolutely devoured this book in no time at all. What a perfect and beautiful ending to such a dreamy story.
Christmas wedding takes us to a year after Lil and Damon first got together. They met the Christmas before when Damon moved to Ashford to open his shop, which sold a lot of similar items to Lil's Gingerbread Cafe across the road. After Lil initially decided to start a war on Damon, she found herself unable to keep it up when his charm took over. That was a year ago, and after some u Wow! I absolutely devoured this book in no time at all. What a perfect and beautiful ending to such a dreamy story.
Christmas wedding takes us to a year after Lil and Damon first got together. They met the Christmas before when Damon moved to Ashford to open his shop, which sold a lot of similar items to Lil's Gingerbread Cafe across the road. After Lil initially decided to start a war on Damon, she found herself unable to keep it up when his charm took over. That was a year ago, and after some ups and downs they are now awaiting their very own fairytale Christmas wedding.
This last chapter in their beautiful story, starts 10 days before their wedding and follows all the excitement leading up to it.
From a wedding cake fiasco to a nearly chopped wedding dress. Anything that could potentially go wrong, seems to want to have a try. Yet it doesn't seem to stop Lil and Damon from getting to the most exciting, and dream like day they have both been waiting for.
In this part, we get to meet both sets of parents. From Lil's bustling, bundle of energy, mom, and her jolly Dad who can't keep away from all the delectable treats the cafe offers. To Damon's parents, George who seems to nod off at every point and the regal Olivia, who seems to be the only one in Ashford, not as enthusiastic about the wedding.
The bubbly, fun and hilarious CeeCee is back again as Lil's right hand woman, yet this time Cee has her own sad news to deal with, making for some ultra sad moments, among all the sweet ones.
Again, like all the books in this series, my senses were on unbelievable overload. I really didn't think my growling tummy could take any more images of gorgeous food. I was ready to try nibbling on my iPad case, it was getting that extreme. From delicious and totally unique wedding cakes, to the little sweet treats that seem to flow from every available surface in the cafe. I'm not sure how on earth author Rebecca Raisin seems to do it, making the food that she is writing about, so delicious and desirable. Just through words! In every, single, book. She really should be writing menus as well. ;)
I'm also feeling like I want it to be Christmas already, yes, I'm actually saying that in October. That's just how magical the words are in this book. From all the picturesque fluffy snow and traditional decorations all over the cafe, to the people of Ashford getting together, to meet up at their church to sing carols. It's all so inviting and I wish I lived in Ashford! :)
The wedding itself is absolutely dreamy. The detail in the wedding dress, and everything that goes in to what makes it so beautiful is perfection. Lil and Damon are such a sweet couple and their day, even after the ups and downs is incredible. Like every little girls dream.
Now this story wouldn't be complete, with out some part of it wanting to make you cry. Well, I pretty much sniffed and welled up through all of the 2nd half of the book. By the end the tears were free fall. I never normally cry at such sweet books, I actually try not to cry at books full stop. But, I just couldn't stop, at all!! It was ridiculous just how much crying was going on. I'm not going to throw spoilers in to this book, but there is one big scene, everyone will know which it is. Where, I couldn't actually read the words. It was just that sad, but in a really good way!!
So after all the tears and sighing, plus the extremely hungry tummy. I actually feel really sad to leave Ashford and all the colourful and amazing characters that live there. I truly loved this series and this final book was perfection.
An overwhelmingly big 5 stars, covered in all manner of icky ingredients!!

**I was given a copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review** ...more

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Sep 16, 2014 Sophie rated it it was amazing

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café has been my most anticipated book to be released since I reviewed the previous books in the Gingerbread Café series back in July. When I read those books, I genuinely believed that this series could get no better but Rebecca proved me wrong with my now new favourite book of the series. Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café is simply divine, with stunning writing slipping between being utterly
Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café has been my most anticipated book to be released since I reviewed the previous books in the Gingerbread Café series back in July. When I read those books, I genuinely believed that this series could get no better but Rebecca proved me wrong with my now new favourite book of the series. Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café is simply divine, with stunning writing slipping between being utterly romantic, charming and fun-filled and a little emotional. It was great to be back in Ashford, like checking in with old friends and as Rebecca says this will be the last book in the Gingerbread Café series, I have to say that she surpassed herself here with this perfectly fitting ending.

That I loved this book would be a massive understatement. I wanted to live in it – to be there when Lily, CeeCee, Sarah and Missy are having their girly gossip and catch-up, to spend time at the Gingerbread Café (especially when Lily and CeeCee are baking up some treats) and definitely to attend the wedding of the year! What I adore the most about Rebecca’s writing is how beautifully descriptive and evocative it is. She builds a brilliant, vivid picture of every setting, person and cake. Cake especially as when they’re putting together Lily’s gorgeous wedding cake, it was so easy to imagine it and how it would taste. I’m still dreaming about that wedding cake now, actually. With Rebecca’s writing, I never feel like I’m simply a reader but more like I’m there at the heart of the book, watching the build up to the wedding and everything unfold rather than just being told about it. It’s a book I can feel like I belong in and full of memorable characters that I’d love to befriend.

We’ve seen the characters grow a lot since the first book in the series and their bond is so heart-warming to read – whether it’s the friendship between the girls or the relationship between Lily, Damon and little Charlie, there’s a massive feel-good factor whenever they’re around. So when Damon’s parents and more specifically Lily’s mother-in-law Olivia turn up, things look set to get a little disrupted. Olivia’s motives definitely don’t seem to fit in with the residents of Ashford and she seemed determined to stir up trouble in the lead up to the wedding. Rebecca did a great job at building up Olivia’s character - a character I may or may not have wanted to strangle at one point – and it kept me hoping for the harmonious nature to return because I wanted, needed, Lily and Damon to have their happy ending. I also loved the introduction of a couple of new characters which hint that maybe Ashford could still have a place in Rebecca’s future books.

Although Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café was typically full of humour and happiness, this book felt better-rounded than the rest with some more moving and touching moments too. There was one particular part of this book which I could really identify with and hit me emotionally – but I thought Rebecca’s writing was sublime, as always, and it made this book even more special for me. Everything about this book proves why Rebecca is one of my favourite authors. Like the rest of her books, they’re perfect for pure escapism. Sitting down with some chocolate (or leftover birthday cake in this case) and one of Rebecca’s books is one of my favourite things to do and Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café is her best book so far and a truly beautiful book to read.

*Book gifted for honest review. ...more

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Oct 10, 2014 Abbey rated it it was amazing

Title: Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: 15th October 2014

Blurb
You are invited to the wedding of the year!

Snow is falling thick and fast outside the Gingerbread Café and inside, its owner Lily is planning the wedding of the year. Her wedding! She never dreamt it would happen, but this Christmas, she’ll be marrying the man of her dreams - in a Christmas-card-perfect ceremony!

The gingerbread is baking, the dress is fitted and the m ...more

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Oct 01, 2014 Paris Baker rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, 2014-christmas-books

Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.

Firstly, I really have to give some appreciation to that cover. Each book in the series has a beautiful cover, but this one takes the crown; it’s simply stunning.

We’re back in Ashford following Lil and Damon in the run up to their Christmas Eve wedding, and it was so lovely to see them as adorably loved up as ever. I loved catching up with every one, particularly the familiar faces of Cee Cee, Sarah, Missy and Chalrie; all of whom I’ve fallen in love Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.

Firstly, I really have to give some appreciation to that cover. Each book in the series has a beautiful cover, but this one takes the crown; it’s simply stunning.

We’re back in Ashford following Lil and Damon in the run up to their Christmas Eve wedding, and it was so lovely to see them as adorably loved up as ever. I loved catching up with every one, particularly the familiar faces of Cee Cee, Sarah, Missy and Chalrie; all of whom I’ve fallen in love with like my own dear friends. Rebecca creates a beautifully festive feeling, which made the welcoming warmth of Ashford even more alluring – I honestly want to move there!

Lil and Cee Cee are rushed off their feet at the Gingerbread Café, with all the wedding goods to make on top of all the usual Christmas treats. It’s well worth it though, as the wedding looks set to be perfect, and everything seems to be surprisingly going to plan.

Then Damon’s parents arrive. His father George is a sweet, older version of Damon, and Lil instantly feels comfortable with him. Her mother-in-law-to-be though, is quite a different matter. She certainly can plaster on a smile and seems to be as sweet as pie, but there’s one too many seemingly off the cuff remarks that are a hitting a little below the belt for Lil’s liking, and she’s instantly put on edge. There’s definitely an icy cool under that seemingly perfect exterior, but what on earth is her problem? It’s obvious to everyone that Damon and Lil are deliriously happy together, so why isn’t Olivia happy for them? Suddenly, Damon and Lil’s relationship is tested like never before, and they haven’t even made it to the church yet.

Having grown so very fond of Ashford and all it’s inhabitants, Olivia’s attitude was instantly unsettling. I felt so protective of Lil and of Ashford life in general, so this unwelcome hostility did not sit well, and I think Rebecca did a fantastic job of building the tension.

I was so sad when I learnt that this was the last of the Gingerbread Cafe books, as it feels like saying goodbye to old friends, but I can’t deny that Rebecca has ended the series on a perfect high. The story is utterly charming, romantic, fun and genuinely moving. This was certainly the most touching of them all; my eyes welled up a few times throughout the story, and by the end I had several tears rolling down my cheeks. It was beautiful. Rebecca’s familiar writing is evocative, inviting and wonderfully descriptive.

5 whole-hearted Christmas Penguins for a book that’s sure to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, with a healthy dose of Christmas Spirit. ...more

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Oct 03, 2014 Katey Lovell rated it it was amazing

I'm feeling a teensy bit sad writing this, knowing it's the last in the Gingerbread Café series. Lil, Damon and CeeCee are like old friends to me, the kind you don't see regularly but when you do get together it's like time and distance are immaterial. Basically, these characters took me on a journey (I know that sounds a bit X-Factor, but still...). Without giving away too much to anyone who hasn't read the previous two books (where have you been? Get yourself copies NOW!), there has been heart I'm feeling a teensy bit sad writing this, knowing it's the last in the Gingerbread Café series. Lil, Damon and CeeCee are like old friends to me, the kind you don't see regularly but when you do get together it's like time and distance are immaterial. Basically, these characters took me on a journey (I know that sounds a bit X-Factor, but still...). Without giving away too much to anyone who hasn't read the previous two books (where have you been? Get yourself copies NOW!), there has been heartache, upheaval and a few tears shed on the road to this wedding. But now it's time for happiness to reign and for Lily to plan her perfect winter wedding.

Author Rebecca Raisin

Of course, there is a spanner in the works, and this particular spanner is her future Mother-in -Law, who whizzes into town determined to not only take over, but in Lily's eyes ruin the whole day. There was one moment (it involved floral table arrangements and was the absolute final straw!) where I literally threw my kindle down in rage. This is my Lily, she doesn't need this! Appreciate her, you vile old bag! Your son is lucky to have her! were my thoughts.

Although I remained sure the ceremony would happen, I did have a few doubts about whether it would go smoothly and all I could think was that Lily has been through enough! And when the ceremony passed, with a tender moment to remind everyone of the true meaning of love and friendship, I had a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. Totally beautiful.

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café is a story of family- not just those you are born into, but those you make for yourself. It is the perfect Christmas read, not just because it reminds you to value those you love, but because it is sweet, funny and most of all festive. And on a personal level, it reminded me of my own Christmas Wedding in 2005.

Although this is the end of the Gingerbread Café series (sob!) there is more to come from Rebecca Raisin, and I'm hoping on cameos from all the characters in further books. And I'm desperate for a book about a young CeeCee-I need to know just how she got so wise, and I'd love to see how her personality has evolved. She's so caring and fun loving, I'm sure she could have had her fair share of romances in her youth.

So my final words are to BUY THIS BOOK. I was trying desperately to think of a comparison for people who haven't read Rebecca's work yet, and I've come up with one- she's a modern Maeve Binchy. If you love books about community life with true-to-life characters in true-to-life situations, delivered with gentle humour and heartfelt emotion, these are for you.

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Nov 04, 2014 Sam Still Reading rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: those looking for the perfect festive book

Recommended to Sam Still Reading by: loved the other books in the series

I don’t know how Rebecca Raisin manages to infuse her stories with love, warmth and friendship, but every story she writes places the reader in an almost tangible world. I was very happy to see character favourites such as CeeCee and Charlie appear again in the third book in the Gingerbread Café series, this time culminating in the wedding of Damon and Lil, who met in the first book. If you haven’t read the series in order, it’s no issue, but there will be spoilers for earlier books if you start I don’t know how Rebecca Raisin manages to infuse her stories with love, warmth and friendship, but every story she writes places the reader in an almost tangible world. I was very happy to see character favourites such as CeeCee and Charlie appear again in the third book in the Gingerbread Café series, this time culminating in the wedding of Damon and Lil, who met in the first book. If you haven’t read the series in order, it’s no issue, but there will be spoilers for earlier books if you start with this one. Plus, you shouldn’t deny yourself the fun and warmth of the other two books (not to mention copious mentions of baked sweet treats, which will get you into the kitchen, drooling with delight!)

This book is a little longer than the previous books in the series, which was both a delight (more of the characters and the cosy town of Ashford in winter) and a little bit sad (because I couldn’t read the whole thing in one day). The book’s chapters countdown to what will be a major event in Ashfield this year, the Christmas Eve wedding of Damon and Lil. Both sets of parents are returning home, Charlie’s coming to visit and Lil has a beautiful cake in mind for her and CeeCee to make. Naturally, things don’t go to plan – Lil’s mum brings a new meaning to clumsiness and Damon’s mother is acting like a wicked witch to Lil. Why? Lil doesn’t know, but it’s beginning to wreak havoc with her perfect snow white wedding plans…

There are also some very sad moments for one character – I defy you to read this and not become emotional. Raisin handles sorrow with grace and the happy moments radiate through the page. This is a book where the emotions shine through the page and you can’t help but be affected. It’s a rare gift, but Rebecca Raisin has it in bundles.

The book also gives us an insight into what might be the next book set in Ashford as a new man and his sister move into an old farm just outside of town. What are their secrets? Who is looking for love? I hope to find out soon.

A truly beautiful story, this is one to put you into the festive mood and keep you there for the whole season.

Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My opinions are honest and not influenced by receiving an eARC.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
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Oct 09, 2014 Dawn rated it it was amazing

I was given an ecopy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review, which I'm more than happy to do.

I make no secret of the fact that from reading the very first 'gingerbread' book Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe I was hooked. Rebecca has a beautiful way of writing that you feel like you're reading about real friends and places. Every book is a drool a minute and not just from the delicious offerings in the cafe!

This latest book sees Lily preparing for 'the wedding of the year'. I was given an ecopy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review, which I'm more than happy to do.

I make no secret of the fact that from reading the very first 'gingerbread' book Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe I was hooked. Rebecca has a beautiful way of writing that you feel like you're reading about real friends and places. Every book is a drool a minute and not just from the delicious offerings in the cafe!

This latest book sees Lily preparing for 'the wedding of the year'. She and Damon her fiancé are due to marry on Christmas Eve and Lily is flat out preparing for that, at the same time as running the Gingerbread Cafe with her best friend CeeCee.

Just as in real life, weddings, future mother-in-law's and christmas add a fair bit of stress as well as hilarity and fun to the mix. I thought each of the two previous 'gingerbread' books was the best and didn't think they could be topped but, this book is special, it far outshines the others. Although I'm sure the christmas charm and gingerbread treats have blinkered my view (as I'm sure was intended). It truly is a delicious read that will touch your heart, make you teary eyed then lift you again making you smile.

Rebecca has poured bucket fulls of charm, love, character and drama into this book. Demonstrating with ease the power of love, friendship and trust. When the chips are down the Ashford community rally - each and every character necessary and important to the story. There is always a reason for our actions although the motivation is not always clear at first as we found out when Lily met her future mother in law for the first time.

If you're looking for a read that will warm your heart, drag you into the story and let the pages wrap around your heart then this and the other books in the series are for you. It is a sensory book that will make you drool and sniff. The descriptions are so vivid, smells and tastes seem so real. It has characters that I'd be proud to call my friends and a town that I'd move to tomorrow. So head over to amazon and order this book now - you won't be disappointed - I loved it, loved it, loved it ...more

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Oct 04, 2014 Emma Star Crossed Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas-2014

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Ok where to start. Firstly thank you to Chicks That Read for letting me take part in this blog tour. I was more than thrilled when this book arrived in my inbox.

I can't believe that only this time last year I was reviewing the first book in this series. At that point I had only had my blog ...more

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Oct 16, 2014 Suze Lavender rated it it was amazing

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe is the third book of the Gingerbread Cafe trilogy. Lily and Damon are planning their Christmas Eve wedding. There are only a few more days before the big day. Unfortunately nothing goes as planned. This will be Lily's second wedding and she can't wait to marry the man of her dreams, who is the love of her life. She hasn't had the chance to meet her mother-in-law yet and Lily is looking forward to meeting Damon's parents. They arrive earlier to spend a f ...more

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Oct 11, 2014 Natalie TBGWP rated it really liked it

At the very start of book one in Rebecca Raisin's Gingerbread Cafe series. She stated she aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. I can honestly say that she has succeeded in doing so. I fell in love with Lil, CeeCee, Missy and Damon from the start of book one and have enjoyed being part of their lives over the past year and three books.

Christmas Wedding at The Gingerbread a cafe is a warm Christmassy hug, full of love and friendship. It's calming flow helps you relax i ...more

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Sep 18, 2014 Karan Eleni rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2014

This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com

Rebecca did an AMAZING job with the third and final (*insert super sad face here*) installment of the Gingerbread Café series, Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café. We get to tag along as Lil and Damon count down the 10 days until their gorgeous Christmas wedding! All the feels...Lil going up against the mother-in-law, the usual cold feet and self doubt. There were a few parts later in the story that made me want to find a raincloud and sta

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Nov 11, 2014 Samantha Tonge rated it it was amazing

Now I am really annoyed with myself - I have finished this festive read which would have been perfect to read over Christmas! I didn't want it to end, this story is so cosy and feel-good.
Lil and Damon are engaged to be married and the Christmas wedding is looming - but will his conniving, stand-offish mother mess up plans? This is a real page-turner and written in Raisin's easy-to-read style. so full of appealing images. Her descriptions of cake are mouthwatering and had me yearning to raid the ...more

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Jan 16, 2015 Bethany Clark rated it it was amazing

I would like to begin by thanking Net Galley and Carina UK for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
What a great festive read with all the right touches! It was perfect from beginning to end.

This is book 3 in the Gingerbread Cafe series and it did not disappoint.

Lily is planning the wedding of the season to the love of her life Damon and she couldn't be more excited. They chose to marry on Christmas Eve, a magical time of year for everyone they love.

They are busy making all sorts ...more

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Oct 28, 2014 Lynn Brown rated it it was amazing

Finally we get to be able to spend more time in Ashford with book 3 – a full length title. By now if you’ve read the first two books you will be familiar with the characters, but this is still a standalone book if not.
I found the plot intriguing and was rushing to read the next chapter to find out if the pre-wedding mishaps were going to spoil the dream. Ashford seems such a lovely place that I found it hard to believe anything bad happening but all came ok in the end and there was also a lovely ...more

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Sep 17, 2014 Bec rated it it was amazing

It made me laugh, it made me cry (just a little bit at the end)!

I fell in love with this little town when I read the first in the Gingerbread Café series. It's filled with people you can't help be friends with, the kind that rally around and help when things are down, make you laugh when you want to cry and just make a small town what it really is. Rebecca Raisin's writing brings this little down to life and you can smell the delicious yummy treats coming from Lily & CeeCee's Gingerbread Caf ...more

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Oct 29, 2014 Jessica Alcazar rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, reviewed-amazon, publisher-carina-uk

An absolutely wonderful Christmas read. It's the third in the Gingerbread Cafe- but it is the first one that I have read and I felt like I missed NOTHING because it was written THAT GOOD! I will definitely be going back and getting the other books and any more by Rebecca Raisin. The author really knows how to write wonderful heartwarming and touching stories. It was full of happiness and heartache and cheer along with laughter and tears!! But love wins in the end! :)
If you're looking for a feel ...more

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May 27, 2015 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle, netgalley

Carina UK and NetGalley provided this book to me for an honest review.

Merry Christmas in May! This is another wonderful treat from Rebecca Raisin! I absolutely devoured it. It is the story of Lil and Damon's Christmas wedding and it was another fun read! I don't want to give anything away, but mayhem is involved and so is a town full of wonderful big-hearted people who I have grown to love! It is a great, fun read even if it's not Christmas - yet.

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Dec 08, 2016 Ranjini rated it it was amazing

This is the best one in the trilogy!
Full of love and warmth - this book portrays the intricacies in all the relationships splayed out in the series.
And of course, right up there on the Christmas quotient.
The characters come alive on the page and you live their dream and sorrows... you laugh and cry with them, feeling their happiness and grief as the author weaves the story oh-so-magically.

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Jul 30, 2017 Luvena rated it really liked it

I think this one was the best of all 3 - the romance was not as corny, and the characters were given a little more complexity. Life & death... and everything in between was better portrayed. 3.5 for me.

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Dec 07, 2018 Kat Duncan rated it it was amazing

Loved the entire series. So hoping there are more.

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Oct 27, 2014 Agi rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014

"Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe" is a third book in the "Gingerbread Cafe" series but my first one to read (yes, I know, it IS possible!). I was a little afraid that perhaps I should read the previous books before starting this one, but unfortunately my day has only 24 hours and I haven't managed it. Nevertheless, I started reading this novel and I was immediately dragged in the story and I haven't had any feeling that I missed something. No, I started it just like any other stand - a "Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe" is a third book in the "Gingerbread Cafe" series but my first one to read (yes, I know, it IS possible!). I was a little afraid that perhaps I should read the previous books before starting this one, but unfortunately my day has only 24 hours and I haven't managed it. Nevertheless, I started reading this novel and I was immediately dragged in the story and I haven't had any feeling that I missed something. No, I started it just like any other stand - alone novel, but - it's really strange, really - I felt as if I am meeting good, old friends, people that I knew for ever.

The story is about Lily and Damon getting married at Christmas. Actually, everything is already prepared, there are only some bits and bobs, such as dress fitting, baking cake... The finishing touches. But then Lily's future parents - in - law arrive, earlier as expected, and while Damon's father is a very laid - back and hearty man, Olivia, Damon's mother, is a little different story... she doesn't fall for Lily and she makes the preparations a little complicated... Is she going to sabotage the wedding? Is she going to really complicate the things?

This book covers the last ten days before the wedding and it's a countdown to this day. Of course, every day brings something new, and as it usually is with the weddings, and especially those planned on Christmas, this "new" doesn't necessarily mean "nice" or "trouble - free". Well, Lily didn't make it lighter for herself with working in the cafe till the very end, so on top of her own wedding cake, she must bake her usual dose of things that her customers so like. Also, her mum's clumsiness with the beautiful, full of heart and work wedding cake is not this kind of help that she was hoping for. I really felt sorry for our Lily.

This book has only positive feelings to it, there is nothing pessimistic or sad in it, even if the storyline also follows a death. It's in fact so sweet that I started to feel fed up to my back teeth and I was yearning for SOMETHING, anything to happen, something that add a little drama, that make the plot to twist or turn a little. I remember my English Literature professor once, drawing an outline on the blackboard and showing us what a climax is, and I still see it with my eyes, this high spot marked climax. And while reading this book I was also looking for such a climax, for a highlight, for something that is going to shake the whole book, but unfortunately I haven't found anything. It was as if the plot was following a very long, very straight line, without any turns, ups or downs. I mean, in my opinion, there was so much potential to make this book even greater as it was, for example with the mother - in - law - to - be... Oh yes, our main character had one scene when she exploded with jealousy, but it was such out of order and it totally didn't fit her and the story.

The characters were nice ones but I couldn't find any depth to them. They always appeared at the right moments and even the author's attempt to spice things a little with the bad mother - in - law went down like a lead balloon. It just rang so untrue, Olivia lied through her teeth to Damon, when all the signs on heaven and on earth were telling something different... I mean, calling the dress - maker, telling her to change the dress and then denying it... This whole intrigue just seemed so amateurish, I think that from such an author as Rebecca Raisin we could expect something more refined.
What was nice, though, was that the relationships and friendships in the story were believable and the girls could talk you to death, such chatterboxes they were. The author can also in a very sublime way deal with sad moments and describes those moments in a very emotional way, and a big applause for her for this, and for the fact that the sorrow, while present in the book, doesn't overwhelm the happy moments. There is also the one thing that it's hard not to notice, and it is the atmosphere and warmth of the story. It's oozes with charm and friendship and in my eyes it has made up for those gaps in the storyline.

I guess it was the author's goal, to write an optimistic, sweet story, brimming with good feelings, and she has achieved it. I'm only really sorry that the magic didn't work on me as much as on the other reviewers, I seem to have been looking for something more in this book. Nevertheless, so many people enjoy this story, and it makes me really happy - it was just not for me. But if you are looking for a cosy, feel - good romance, full of oh my so yummy cakes and gingerbread, friendship, love, romance, snow, then Rebecca Raisin is your person.

Copy received in exchange for a review as a part of Blog Tour.
...more

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Oct 15, 2014 Toni rated it it was amazing

How would I sum up Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe? Wow, incredible, the Christmas book to read and the Christmas wedding to read oh and also delicious. I cannot tell you just how much I loved this, and the other books in the Gingerbread Cafe series. They are incredible Rebecca always knows how to put an amazing book together. I didn't want this book to end so read it slowly only because I know it is the final book in the series and I don't want it to end and love all the characters Re How would I sum up Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe? Wow, incredible, the Christmas book to read and the Christmas wedding to read oh and also delicious. I cannot tell you just how much I loved this, and the other books in the Gingerbread Cafe series. They are incredible Rebecca always knows how to put an amazing book together. I didn't want this book to end so read it slowly only because I know it is the final book in the series and I don't want it to end and love all the characters Rebecca brings to life. Rebecca's characters feel like real people who are so kind, generous, helpful and funny feels like you would love to have them as friends.
The books are set in a small town where everyone is one big community. There is the cafe, the hairdresser, the book store, and other small stores that make them one big family. I love all the characters but Lil and Cee Cee who run the gingerbread cafe are my favorites. Cee Cee is someone everyone wants in their life she helps everyone is so genuine also very funny and I can picture her while I am reading and saying things in her southern accent.

Lil is the main character in the books and we have previously seen her transform into a wonderful lady who has left her past behind her, and found love with Damon. As this book starts we are ten days away from their wedding, and each chapter counts down day by day as the wedding approaches which I totally loved how Rebecca set this book up like that. I love Lil's character she is so giving and works hard everyday at what she loves to do so does Cee Cee whom helps her in the gingerbread cafe. Lily deserves her fairy tale wedding she is such a loving, caring character with a heart of gold.

I could almost single out all the other characters for various reasons too. Rebecca has an exceptional way of writing characters and settings that feel like your actually there. So down to earth and loving, warm and safe. I adore her writing and have read all her books which I so love. In the gingerbread cafe you will always find everything baked from the heart with different and creative treats that you can imagine in your head what they would look like by how descriptive Rebecca writes them and you can only imagine how delicious they would be. The wedding cake that Lil and Cee Cee made sounded so good that was until Lil's mom bumped into it and knocked it over by mistake destroying it. You will have to read how heartfelt the next make of the wedding cake came together. This book was like a hallmark movie the whole series was.

We know that weddings can be tense affairs, with so much to do, and with families coming together often for the first time. This wedding is no exception. As the clock ticks down of course there is drama, both on the practical side, but also emotionally as we meet Damon's parents. His mother Olivia is a force to be reckoned with but her mother in law has a past of her own that she confides first with Lil her future daughter in law first after they start to get a long. I can talk about this book forever but I hope you as a reader enjoy it just as much as I have.

If you love a good series with great characters who you feel part of, and uplifting tales, this is perfect. I would really recommend reading them in order, and particularly leaving this til the last of them. But you don't have too this was the Christmas Wedding of the year filled with everything you would want in a perfect Christmas read and wedding. I had a Christmas wedding well Dec 15 and it took me back to my wedding I heart Christmas a lot so it was perfect for me to have my wedding near Christmas with my tree up and decorations but also wedding decorations up as I had it in my house Rebecca would be so proud too see how I decorate my house and how I love Christmas so much. I had cupcakes made with snowflakes on them done in a light blue. My dress was red and my hubby's suit was black with a nice red tie. It was my dream come true to have a Christmas wedding and I got it just like Lil and Damian did. There are a couple of surprises in this book too. So sad too see this series end as I loved it so much well done Rebecca you did it again. :) ...more

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Oct 31, 2014 Amanda rated it it was amazing

christmas wedding at the gingerbread cafe by rebecca raisin
BY AJBOOKREVIEWCLUB ON OCTOBER 31, 2014
CHRISTMAS WEDDING AT THE GINGER BREAD CAFE BY REBECCA RAISIN
THE BLURB
You are invited to the wedding of the year!

Snow is falling thick and fast outside the Gingerbread Café and inside, its owner Lily is planning the wedding of the year. Her wedding! She never dreamt it would happen, but this Christmas, she’ll be marrying the man of her dreams – in a Christmas-card-perfect ceremony!

The gingerbread i ...more

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Oct 18, 2014 Arlena rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, contemporary, 5-stars, chit-lit, excellent-book, holiday-christmas, my-reviews, women-fiction, women-s-fiction, series

Title: Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Publisher: Carina UK
Series: The Gingerbread Cafe # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe" by Rebecca Raisin

Book Description...

"You are invited to the wedding of the year!"

"Snow is falling thick and fast outside the Gingerbread Café and inside, its owner Lily is planning the wedding of the year. Her wedding! She never dreamt it would happen, but this Christmas, she’ll be marrying th ...more

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