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Cherry Pie Island #1
The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe
When Annie White steps back onto Cherry Pie Island, it’s safe to say her newly inherited Dandelion Café has seen better days! And while her childhood home on the Thames-side island idyll is exactly the same retreat from the urban bustle of London she remembers, Annie’s not convinced that Owner of The Dandelion Cafe is a title she’ll be keeping for long. Not that she can bear the idea of letting her dedicated, if endearingly disorganized staff lose their jobs. Plus café life does also have the added bonus of working a stone’s throw away from millionaire Matt and his disarmingly charming smile!
One (shoestring budget) café makeover, a few delightful additions to the somewhat retro menu and a lot of cherry pie tastings later, The Dandelion Café is ready for its grand reopening! But once she’s brought the dilapidated old café back to life, Annie finds herself wishing her stay on the island was just a bit longer. She always intended to go back to the big city…but could island living finally have lured her back home for good?
One (shoestring budget) café makeover, a few delightful additions to the somewhat retro menu and a lot of cherry pie tastings later, The Dandelion Café is ready for its grand reopening! But once she’s brought the dilapidated old café back to life, Annie finds herself wishing her stay on the island was just a bit longer. She always intended to go back to the big city…but could island living finally have lured her back home for good?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2015
117 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Oliver
24 books254 followersJenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 15, 2015
5 Words: Loyalty, memories, love, family, community.
This was a truly gorgeous read, and I loved every moment of my experience of Cherry Pie Island. I can't wait for the next book so I can jump back in!
I found that this book was very much a feel-good, fun, flirty book, perfect for cheering up even the dreariest of afternoons. It was relatively quick to read, and although I wanted more I was happy with how it ended.
The island is just adorable. It's a gorgeous little place that I just want to go to. Please. Now.
Annie accomplishes so much and as a reader I really felt for her. Jenny Oliver really goes all out and drags you into the very soul of her characters.
That ending? It was a little shocking and although one part of me wishes it had ended differently, I feel that that ending was perfect for the story.
Now, I'm off to find some cherry pie. And I don't even like cherries.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
This was a truly gorgeous read, and I loved every moment of my experience of Cherry Pie Island. I can't wait for the next book so I can jump back in!
I found that this book was very much a feel-good, fun, flirty book, perfect for cheering up even the dreariest of afternoons. It was relatively quick to read, and although I wanted more I was happy with how it ended.
The island is just adorable. It's a gorgeous little place that I just want to go to. Please. Now.
Annie accomplishes so much and as a reader I really felt for her. Jenny Oliver really goes all out and drags you into the very soul of her characters.
That ending? It was a little shocking and although one part of me wishes it had ended differently, I feel that that ending was perfect for the story.
Now, I'm off to find some cherry pie. And I don't even like cherries.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
March 5, 2015
You can also take a look at the review in my blog WondrousBooks
&Connections: What really did not do it for me in the book, is the fact that everything is very fast resolved. Yes, this is quite the short book, which is both good and bad: good, as it doesn't take you a week to read about three events and actually look for them in a sea of useless information and artistic expression; bad - it does not allow characters to grow on their own - they have to be nudged far too obviously by the author. The narrative and stories don't just flow, you see Oliver's hand forcing everyone to act the way she needs them in order to tie up the story nicely.
And it's my opinion that the best of books are those you can lose yourself in, forget that they are books and forget that they have an author.
So this is basically why I knocked two stars off. I could go on about each and every character, but I'm not actually writing a novel based on the novel, so I'm going to summarize: The characters are adorable, really, really cute. And that's just it, they don't seem real enough and you cannot really put yourself in their shoes.
.Four: There was this one scene that really got to me, though. I absolutely loved it and it also broke my heart. I don't think I'm going to say anything too spoilery, but if you don't want any information about the book, skip the rest of this paragraph. {My absolute favourite part about this book was the scene in which Annie remembers her father when he gave her the car money and left. It really hit something in me. It's heartbreaking to imagine someone leaving you like that. Even if it was not your last meeting at all. It was beautiful and lovely and sad.}
Overall: I didn't give it higher rating, because characters are really important to me, but aside from that, I enjoyed The Grand Reopening of the Dandelion Cafe. It has fun and it's really sweet and such a nice way to spend a few hours.
Warning! May give you cravings for cherry pie!
* I received the book through NetGalley and this is the honest review I'm providing. *
As far as summaries go: Annie inherits the Dandelion Cafe, famous for its cherry pies and considers selling it but then decides to breathe some life into it and bring back the magic it used to possess in her childhood. She has the help of her millionaire neighbour, his teenage son, a very scary-looking but darling waitress and a passionate Latino cook. Her family is also part of this wonderful, cherry-flavoured adventure, starting from her kind and sweet mother and ending with her annoying brother who also happens to have a heart from time to time.
So, welcome to...
Oh, wait... wrong story.
But actually, for those of you who have watched Pushing Daisies, I recommend this book, I really do! It has the same colorful and adorable atmosphere. Actually... maybe it's food that does this. When I think of pies and sweets and ice cream I get fuzzy all over.
Now, I have a couple of things that I need to mention in this review, which are in no particular order and don't have much of a connection, so I'll just throw them out there:
.One: As I mentioned above, I really liked the entire setting of the book. Jenny Oliver has a knack for descriptions, I'll give her that. I could just imagine myself walking in the dusty cafe, with its dirty windows and chipped cups. But I could also imagine the smell of the "actually not bad coffee" and almost taste the pie. (Sadly I DID NOT eat cherry pie at all while reading. Which is sad. If I was a bad person I'd just take a star off the book for giving me food cravings. But I'm not. We'll get to the minus sides later.)
What is strange is that I could picture just about everything in the book, but not its actual setting. For the life of me I could not will myself to accept that this is in fact England. I could probably put some blame on Pushing Daisies, to be honest. But overall, it was all very colorful. I've been to England. It's BEAUTIFUL. It's amazing. It's lovely. It's inspiring. But when I think of it, I see it somewhat dulled. As if through a curtain of rain. And don't imagine that I say that as a bad thing. America, however, is all colors and no matter how hard I tried to convince myself of it, this book was sort of set in America for me.
.Two.Three: Characters, characters, characters. There is so much to be said about them. I should probably try to separate this part to sub-parts, but the characters are one aspect which consists of a couple of aspects. Still with me?
Annie: I mostly liked her when she was interacting with the other characters, but as a stand-alone person, I couldn't really connect with her. It's not just that she's older than me, that is rarely a factor and it depends entirely on the characters. It's that she's older than me and acting like someone much younger than me. I'm sorry if someone finds this offensive, but after all we are talking about an honest opinion. I do not think that it's bad for a person to live their life to the fullest, no matter the age. But one should still be responsible and somewhat appropriate. I cannot imagine a world in which I would wear sequined tights, let alone wear them ten years from now. And don't take this too literally. There is a metaphor hidden in those tights. Too often "living life" is mistaken with "running away from responsibility and acting like a child". So Annie's only redeeming quality for me is the fact that at one point she does try to be responsible.
&Connections: What really did not do it for me in the book, is the fact that everything is very fast resolved. Yes, this is quite the short book, which is both good and bad: good, as it doesn't take you a week to read about three events and actually look for them in a sea of useless information and artistic expression; bad - it does not allow characters to grow on their own - they have to be nudged far too obviously by the author. The narrative and stories don't just flow, you see Oliver's hand forcing everyone to act the way she needs them in order to tie up the story nicely.
And it's my opinion that the best of books are those you can lose yourself in, forget that they are books and forget that they have an author.
So this is basically why I knocked two stars off. I could go on about each and every character, but I'm not actually writing a novel based on the novel, so I'm going to summarize: The characters are adorable, really, really cute. And that's just it, they don't seem real enough and you cannot really put yourself in their shoes.
.Four: There was this one scene that really got to me, though. I absolutely loved it and it also broke my heart. I don't think I'm going to say anything too spoilery, but if you don't want any information about the book, skip the rest of this paragraph. {My absolute favourite part about this book was the scene in which Annie remembers her father when he gave her the car money and left. It really hit something in me. It's heartbreaking to imagine someone leaving you like that. Even if it was not your last meeting at all. It was beautiful and lovely and sad.}
Overall: I didn't give it higher rating, because characters are really important to me, but aside from that, I enjoyed The Grand Reopening of the Dandelion Cafe. It has fun and it's really sweet and such a nice way to spend a few hours.
Warning! May give you cravings for cherry pie!
April 7, 2015
Originally reviewed on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Let me start off by saying that it was so incredibly lovely to envelope myself within a brand new Jenny Oliver-esque world, and I don't think the author could have introduced her brand new Cherry Pie Island series in a more welcoming, inviting and wonderful way. I'd also like to thank the fabulous Sara Veal for getting in touch with me in regards to hopping along on the blog tour, and for providing me with a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest opinion. Despite having been book-blogging for almost near on two years, the utter thrill and excitement of being invited along for a book tour (especially when it's an author that you've read and loved) never, ever goes away. NEVER!
My past experiences of Jenny's books have left me yearning for more. I associate Jenny with having the uncanny ability to force hunger upon readers through the power of words, myself included, especially food of a sweet and delicious nature, food that really, really gets your taste-buds tingling. The author's descriptions of not only food, but settings and characters as well, are absolutely fantastic, and thankfully, this radiates throughout all of Jenny's previous novels as well as her latest. Which is why, as well as adoring the title and cover of the The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, I just could not frickin' wait to see what Jenny had in store for her readers next (and to salivate over whatever sugary goodness was on the menu).
It goes without saying that Jenny's cover for The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe is superbly evocative. That hazy blue sky, the boats resting on the sand, the lighthouse, and of course, last but by no means least, the adorable little cafe with that oh-so-cute red-and-white striped awning that reminds me of sunshine, ice-cream and sandcastles. Just the sight of the cover had me dreaming up all sorts of gloriously satisfying holiday imaginings, children running along that sandy shore, someone peeping down from the top of the lighthouse. Don't you just love when a cover has your mind running wild with all sorts of dreamy scenarios? Coupled with Jenny's delightful title, I really do think that it is the perfect package.
From the moment The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe begins, Jenny hooks the reader immediately into the world of Annie White, and the dilemma that she finds herself facing. She has inherited the rather tired-looking Dandelion Cafe, but despite knowing that she isn't up to the job of sprucing it back up, she can't seem to let it go. Filled with childhood memories of the island's famous Cherry pie, and spurred on by the thoughts of her father, Annie gets a plan together, and embarks upon the journey of bringing the Dandelion Cafe back to life. I'm a sucker for a renovation story, for a flurry of childhood memories, and for a heroine who is determined to prove everyone wrong. Annie had made a few mistakes in her past, but let's face it, who hasn't? But for some reason, certain family members just couldn't seem to let them go. Annie had, for the majority of her life, not been able to feel truly capable of achieving anything, mainly due to her showy-offy brother who seemed to be the best at everything. So when she takes on the job of taking care of the Dandelion Cafe, her brother's sarcastic comments turn out to be the fuel to her fire. She's more determined that ever to make Dandelion Cafe better than it's ever been before, even if the staff are a tad difficult at times.
Everything about The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe was pulling, tugging, and worthy of the arm-ache. Cherry Pie Island was atmospheric, full of that cosy feel that comes alongside family and memories and home-cooking, as well as yummy desserts! I adored watching Annie as she took the steps towards the reopening of the cafe, and not only that, but it was wonderful to watch her grow as a person and character, too.
Becca's Books is awarding The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe with five of my yummy cupcakes! I utterly, utterly loved this book, and as the first book in the Cherry Pie Island series, it's proved a very promising beginning. I am now eagerly awaiting book#2, and quite honestly, it cannot come soon enough! Bravo, Jenny!
Let me start off by saying that it was so incredibly lovely to envelope myself within a brand new Jenny Oliver-esque world, and I don't think the author could have introduced her brand new Cherry Pie Island series in a more welcoming, inviting and wonderful way. I'd also like to thank the fabulous Sara Veal for getting in touch with me in regards to hopping along on the blog tour, and for providing me with a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest opinion. Despite having been book-blogging for almost near on two years, the utter thrill and excitement of being invited along for a book tour (especially when it's an author that you've read and loved) never, ever goes away. NEVER!
My past experiences of Jenny's books have left me yearning for more. I associate Jenny with having the uncanny ability to force hunger upon readers through the power of words, myself included, especially food of a sweet and delicious nature, food that really, really gets your taste-buds tingling. The author's descriptions of not only food, but settings and characters as well, are absolutely fantastic, and thankfully, this radiates throughout all of Jenny's previous novels as well as her latest. Which is why, as well as adoring the title and cover of the The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, I just could not frickin' wait to see what Jenny had in store for her readers next (and to salivate over whatever sugary goodness was on the menu).
It goes without saying that Jenny's cover for The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe is superbly evocative. That hazy blue sky, the boats resting on the sand, the lighthouse, and of course, last but by no means least, the adorable little cafe with that oh-so-cute red-and-white striped awning that reminds me of sunshine, ice-cream and sandcastles. Just the sight of the cover had me dreaming up all sorts of gloriously satisfying holiday imaginings, children running along that sandy shore, someone peeping down from the top of the lighthouse. Don't you just love when a cover has your mind running wild with all sorts of dreamy scenarios? Coupled with Jenny's delightful title, I really do think that it is the perfect package.
From the moment The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe begins, Jenny hooks the reader immediately into the world of Annie White, and the dilemma that she finds herself facing. She has inherited the rather tired-looking Dandelion Cafe, but despite knowing that she isn't up to the job of sprucing it back up, she can't seem to let it go. Filled with childhood memories of the island's famous Cherry pie, and spurred on by the thoughts of her father, Annie gets a plan together, and embarks upon the journey of bringing the Dandelion Cafe back to life. I'm a sucker for a renovation story, for a flurry of childhood memories, and for a heroine who is determined to prove everyone wrong. Annie had made a few mistakes in her past, but let's face it, who hasn't? But for some reason, certain family members just couldn't seem to let them go. Annie had, for the majority of her life, not been able to feel truly capable of achieving anything, mainly due to her showy-offy brother who seemed to be the best at everything. So when she takes on the job of taking care of the Dandelion Cafe, her brother's sarcastic comments turn out to be the fuel to her fire. She's more determined that ever to make Dandelion Cafe better than it's ever been before, even if the staff are a tad difficult at times.
Everything about The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe was pulling, tugging, and worthy of the arm-ache. Cherry Pie Island was atmospheric, full of that cosy feel that comes alongside family and memories and home-cooking, as well as yummy desserts! I adored watching Annie as she took the steps towards the reopening of the cafe, and not only that, but it was wonderful to watch her grow as a person and character, too.
Becca's Books is awarding The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe with five of my yummy cupcakes! I utterly, utterly loved this book, and as the first book in the Cherry Pie Island series, it's proved a very promising beginning. I am now eagerly awaiting book#2, and quite honestly, it cannot come soon enough! Bravo, Jenny!
March 5, 2015
Another delicious romance from Jenny Oliver! Annie White grew up on Cherry Pie Island but left to develop her own design business. Now she returns to see ‘The Dandelion Café’ which she has recently inherited. She hasn’t decided what she’s going to do with it. Her brother wants her to sell it. The people working there hope she won’t. She never does what her brother wants . . . On a totally shoestring budget she works with the islanders to rejuvenate the café, rekindling relationships along the way with family and friends - and a pug!
This is book one in the series and is a delightful story with great characters looking for the recipe for love and happiness - delectable! I really want to read more books in this series and will certainly be looking out for their release! I highly recommend this brilliant, chicklit and will certainly be looking out for other books by this author in future!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book one in the series and is a delightful story with great characters looking for the recipe for love and happiness - delectable! I really want to read more books in this series and will certainly be looking out for their release! I highly recommend this brilliant, chicklit and will certainly be looking out for other books by this author in future!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2015
Thank you to Carina UK and Net Galley for this e-ARC. This is my honest review.
Annie White comes back to Cherry Pie Island after inheriting the Dandelion Cafe. She had a slightly misspent youth, and since Cherry Pie Island is a close knit community, everyone remembers her past indiscretions. She initially doesn't want to take have much to do with the cafe, and its seen better days.
She spends a day in the cafe, and meets Matthew, a man she remembers from high school, who has done incredibly well with his life. And slowly she decides to give the Dandelion cafe a chance.
This is a lovely opening book in the series, which can be read in just a couple of hours. This is the first of 4 books about Cherry Pie Island, and I get the feeling that different characters will be the focus of each of them, and I look forward to getting to know them all a lot better over the up coming months.
This is a cute little story, without too much depth, written in Jenny Oliver's really nice style.
Annie White comes back to Cherry Pie Island after inheriting the Dandelion Cafe. She had a slightly misspent youth, and since Cherry Pie Island is a close knit community, everyone remembers her past indiscretions. She initially doesn't want to take have much to do with the cafe, and its seen better days.
She spends a day in the cafe, and meets Matthew, a man she remembers from high school, who has done incredibly well with his life. And slowly she decides to give the Dandelion cafe a chance.
This is a lovely opening book in the series, which can be read in just a couple of hours. This is the first of 4 books about Cherry Pie Island, and I get the feeling that different characters will be the focus of each of them, and I look forward to getting to know them all a lot better over the up coming months.
This is a cute little story, without too much depth, written in Jenny Oliver's really nice style.
March 6, 2015
I received this copy from Carina Uk and Net Galley and it is titled The Reopening of the Dandelion café.
Annie has been left the Dandelion café on Cherry Pie Island (on Thames side). But it’s a struggling concern and has seen better days. BUT it is known for it’s Cherry Pie- can that save their business.
She decides it’s worth reopening the café and collects various discarded shelves and baking items to make it a shabby chic café. Her mum even makes some pretty curtains to go with the new look.
She still wants to return to her ‘day job’ in the city and sees this as a temporary stay- but the islanders draw her in and the ‘brooding male’ is another reason to stay! He buys her a really thoughtful present for opening day- and the story has a really feel good feeling about it.
It’s part of a series which is advertised as readable as stand alone books aswell. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Annie has been left the Dandelion café on Cherry Pie Island (on Thames side). But it’s a struggling concern and has seen better days. BUT it is known for it’s Cherry Pie- can that save their business.
She decides it’s worth reopening the café and collects various discarded shelves and baking items to make it a shabby chic café. Her mum even makes some pretty curtains to go with the new look.
She still wants to return to her ‘day job’ in the city and sees this as a temporary stay- but the islanders draw her in and the ‘brooding male’ is another reason to stay! He buys her a really thoughtful present for opening day- and the story has a really feel good feeling about it.
It’s part of a series which is advertised as readable as stand alone books aswell. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
March 23, 2015
Advance copy sent to me via Netgallery
First book by Jenny Oliver i have read, i enjoyed this so much that i have preordered the next 3 beeks in the series.
It's a very quick easy read which you could read in one sitting.
First book by Jenny Oliver i have read, i enjoyed this so much that i have preordered the next 3 beeks in the series.
It's a very quick easy read which you could read in one sitting.
April 17, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this good. It was well written, it had a good flow to it, I loved all the characters and the descriptions were so good I felt I was there.
A lovely read.
Four and a Half Stars
A lovely read.
Four and a Half Stars
May 10, 2019
Annie has been left Dandelion Cafe on her home town of Cherry Pie Island. She finally gets up the courage to go back home and realizes how in rough condition the cafe really is. She has two options sell up or try and bring business back into the cafe. She revamps the cafe and realizes all along this is what her dad wanted for her to continue running the business. Sweet and cute story about Annie proving herself and her family.
July 24, 2023
Contemporary short novel set on an island near London. Feel good story about relationships, family, responsibilities, misunderstandings and life changes. Reminded me of stories by Jenny Colgan. Some bad language but overall clean read. Not all books have to be about deep social issues or psychological introspection. Sometimes you just want to read a sweet story with a happy ending. This is the first in a series but each volume can be read as a stand alone. Highly recommend.
Note: difficult to read without a strong desire for a piece of cherry pie. And I don’t like cherries 😂
Note: difficult to read without a strong desire for a piece of cherry pie. And I don’t like cherries 😂
September 15, 2015
I've read a few of Jenny Oliver's books and there are two things I've really enjoyed about them - the way she writes about community and the descriptions of food. Honestly, there's no one else who can make my mouth water so much purely through their writing!
I absolutely loved The Parisian Christmas Bake Off when I read it a few years ago and also found The Little Christmas Kitchen and The Vintage Summer Wedding were good reads, although didn't captivate me in the same way. However, with The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Café Jenny Oliver had me hooked from the very first page - she's back to her baking best!
Firstly, I loved that Annie had a past. She's not broken by it, but it's there - an ex-husband from a Vegas wedding, an insecurity built on her father's preference for her brother over her, a lack of money management skills... I felt that by knowing more about Annie's history I empathised with her plight as she fought her inner battle over what to do with the café she's inherited. Should she stay and revamp it? Is it financially viable? Or should she sell it and allow developers to change the landscape of Cherry Pie Island forever?
Of course, this is a romance so there's a love interest (Hello Matt!) Annie and Matt's friendship develops throughout the book and it's a cute and believable progression. Both characters had baggage from their pasts but I was cheering this couple on and willing them to get together!
But the absolute highlights for me were the deliciously tempting descriptions of food being sold in the café and Jenny Oliver's charming titbits of information about the café's homely interior. Even by the end of the book it's nothing swish, but that adds to the delightful normalcy of it. It's exactly the kind of place you hope to stumble across for friendly conversation and a bite to eat, and is the perfect fictional retreat.
I'll definitely be back for another slice of cherry pie as the series continues. Mine's a large slice with cream please, Annie.
I received this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
This review was first posted at www.bookswithbunny.blogspot.co.uk
I absolutely loved The Parisian Christmas Bake Off when I read it a few years ago and also found The Little Christmas Kitchen and The Vintage Summer Wedding were good reads, although didn't captivate me in the same way. However, with The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Café Jenny Oliver had me hooked from the very first page - she's back to her baking best!
Firstly, I loved that Annie had a past. She's not broken by it, but it's there - an ex-husband from a Vegas wedding, an insecurity built on her father's preference for her brother over her, a lack of money management skills... I felt that by knowing more about Annie's history I empathised with her plight as she fought her inner battle over what to do with the café she's inherited. Should she stay and revamp it? Is it financially viable? Or should she sell it and allow developers to change the landscape of Cherry Pie Island forever?
Of course, this is a romance so there's a love interest (Hello Matt!) Annie and Matt's friendship develops throughout the book and it's a cute and believable progression. Both characters had baggage from their pasts but I was cheering this couple on and willing them to get together!
But the absolute highlights for me were the deliciously tempting descriptions of food being sold in the café and Jenny Oliver's charming titbits of information about the café's homely interior. Even by the end of the book it's nothing swish, but that adds to the delightful normalcy of it. It's exactly the kind of place you hope to stumble across for friendly conversation and a bite to eat, and is the perfect fictional retreat.
I'll definitely be back for another slice of cherry pie as the series continues. Mine's a large slice with cream please, Annie.
I received this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
This review was first posted at www.bookswithbunny.blogspot.co.uk
March 2, 2015
Every now and then I feel the need to read something that I know will soothe my weary brain and The Grand Reopening of the Dandelion Cafe is one such book. The first in a series of four books being published this year it's the story of Annie, a little cafe that she has inherited and her motley collection of relatives including a brother who can do no wrong and an overbearing mother.
Having worked her to establish her own business the last thing Annie wants to do is come home to the island to look after a cafe that had been her 'spot' with her late father and famous for its cherry pie. She does though and it turns out to be the best thing she could ever do.
Sulky teenage boys in bands, smouldering single dads, best friends with secrets and spending time with estranged family lead Annie to make long-lasting decisions that ultimately affect more than just herself. TGRofDC is a great read that will make you smile and wish for your own slice of cherry pie.
Having worked her to establish her own business the last thing Annie wants to do is come home to the island to look after a cafe that had been her 'spot' with her late father and famous for its cherry pie. She does though and it turns out to be the best thing she could ever do.
Sulky teenage boys in bands, smouldering single dads, best friends with secrets and spending time with estranged family lead Annie to make long-lasting decisions that ultimately affect more than just herself. TGRofDC is a great read that will make you smile and wish for your own slice of cherry pie.
April 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and find it easy to give it 5 stars, a brilliant start to The Cherry Pie Island series. It contains family trials and tribulations and the same amongst a close knit community. I loved Annie who has inherited The Dandelion Cafe from her father and after much soul searching has decided to give it a chance and gives it a revamp on a shoestring. The spark from Matt, know to her from her childhood, helped her come to the right decision. I eagerly await the next book and am off to the supermarket to buy a cherry pie!
April 1, 2015
3.5 stars.....Cute story about Annie, a successful young woman who returns to her home town island. She was left a little cafe & it is in disrepair & business is poor. Child hood friends appear, people from the past & family are all in this book. It was sweet & I may read the sequel. I very simple & predictable story.
I received this ARC copy from net galley for a fair & honest review-thanks net galley!
I received this ARC copy from net galley for a fair & honest review-thanks net galley!
March 12, 2015
Charming story of one woman's return to her childhood home. Made me cry.
May 30, 2015
A lovely easy pleasant read
June 16, 2015
Nicely written, warm, feel-good novel but (for me) not long enough to really get to know the characters.
February 20, 2018
Annie has a good job in London. She has finally saved enough money to pay off the mortgage on her apartment. Her life is going pretty well.
Now she has time to go and check on the cafe she has inherited from her father. It is on the island where her family's home has always been. Her mother has remarried. Her brother is there with his wife and two children. She has generally avoided the island because she believes that in the eyes of her family she is a failure. She is pretty sure she needs to sell the cafe and move on with her life.
But, plans do not always work out as expected.
Annie is a terrific character. She has ambivalent feelings about most things. She sees life clearly for others, but not herself. She believes she is a weak person, but in reality she is a very strong woman.
The cafe was a spot she loved when she was a child. But, when she looks closely, she can see it is falling apart around the edges. There is a chef, a waitress and a young boy who does just about everything, all of them seem to be as tired and worn as the cafe itself.
Annie has a change of heart and decides to try to save the cafe and see what happens.
It is a story about Annie but it is also about her family, the cafe's staff and people who live on the island. People come in and out of the cafe and in and out of Annie's life.
This is a story about about family relationships, friendship and regrets. It is a lovely warm story created by a very talented author. There is good sense of humor along with the action. No great angst and drama but a nice quick read that ends with a good feeling.
This is the first in a series but it is complete, there is no cliff hanger.
Now she has time to go and check on the cafe she has inherited from her father. It is on the island where her family's home has always been. Her mother has remarried. Her brother is there with his wife and two children. She has generally avoided the island because she believes that in the eyes of her family she is a failure. She is pretty sure she needs to sell the cafe and move on with her life.
But, plans do not always work out as expected.
Annie is a terrific character. She has ambivalent feelings about most things. She sees life clearly for others, but not herself. She believes she is a weak person, but in reality she is a very strong woman.
The cafe was a spot she loved when she was a child. But, when she looks closely, she can see it is falling apart around the edges. There is a chef, a waitress and a young boy who does just about everything, all of them seem to be as tired and worn as the cafe itself.
Annie has a change of heart and decides to try to save the cafe and see what happens.
It is a story about Annie but it is also about her family, the cafe's staff and people who live on the island. People come in and out of the cafe and in and out of Annie's life.
This is a story about about family relationships, friendship and regrets. It is a lovely warm story created by a very talented author. There is good sense of humor along with the action. No great angst and drama but a nice quick read that ends with a good feeling.
This is the first in a series but it is complete, there is no cliff hanger.
July 17, 2018
An enticing tale of love, family and believing in yourself.
Annie essentially ran away from her childhood home to escape the mistakes of her past, but when she is left the Dandelion Cafe in her father's will she has no choice other than to return. She does, however, have the choice on whether to stay or not.
Matt ran away from his past too, only now his past doesn't want anything to do with him. Leaving his son, River, behind was a mistake that Matt is now trying to amend but River is not going to make it easy for him.
Throughout the book, Annie is very undecided about what she wants for her future. She is torn between her design business and not letting go of the cafe. She has friends on one side encouraging her to give it a go and family on the other (her brother) telling her to get rid. she also has the same choices to make as far as Matt goes...does she stay or does she go?
There are some wonderful characters in this story. Martha, Ludo and River at the cafe, Annie's friend, Holly, her mother, Winifred, who has some very good words of wisdom when needed. And let's not forget her brother, Jonathan, who for being a doctor is a bit of an idiot and definitely a coward (I refer here to the tree incident!).
A lovely summertime read. Perfect for relaxing in the garden and just letting your mind drift away to Cherry Pie Island.
Annie essentially ran away from her childhood home to escape the mistakes of her past, but when she is left the Dandelion Cafe in her father's will she has no choice other than to return. She does, however, have the choice on whether to stay or not.
Matt ran away from his past too, only now his past doesn't want anything to do with him. Leaving his son, River, behind was a mistake that Matt is now trying to amend but River is not going to make it easy for him.
Throughout the book, Annie is very undecided about what she wants for her future. She is torn between her design business and not letting go of the cafe. She has friends on one side encouraging her to give it a go and family on the other (her brother) telling her to get rid. she also has the same choices to make as far as Matt goes...does she stay or does she go?
There are some wonderful characters in this story. Martha, Ludo and River at the cafe, Annie's friend, Holly, her mother, Winifred, who has some very good words of wisdom when needed. And let's not forget her brother, Jonathan, who for being a doctor is a bit of an idiot and definitely a coward (I refer here to the tree incident!).
A lovely summertime read. Perfect for relaxing in the garden and just letting your mind drift away to Cherry Pie Island.
September 19, 2018
Cute romcom that was a fast read and doesn't require 100% of your attention. I personally prefer her novel, Summer House by the Sea, but just as that novel saw a young woman reviving an old cafe, that's the same story here. Annie's father passes away leaving her the Dandelion Cafe. She works with the employees and town to update the cafe and along the way reconnects with her brother and finds love with the wealthy neighbor. Although similar to Summer House, Dandelion Cafe just didn't capture my interest. It felt superficial and provided no character depth. When Annie's ex-husband showed up, it seemed more like an afterthought than adding anything to the story.
Not my favorite but I will read a holiday themed romcom of hers this winter.
Not my favorite but I will read a holiday themed romcom of hers this winter.
April 6, 2020
Closer to four but not quite. I had read the second book in this series and decided I had to go back and start from the beginning. I think the book needed some editorial tweaking. I was confused in the beginning and kept going back to make sure I had not missed something. I THINK Annie and her family were in the restaurant but then Gertie comes running out from her house to give Annie an item. I was like, wait- how did they get there- is this a flashback- so confused. And then she is walking and encounters Matt and she drops something on the "floor". Again, floor or road? Once I got through that part, it was smooth sailing. :) The characters were very enjoyable and the story predictable but truly a fun enjoyable QUICK rom/com read.
September 6, 2017
The book follows Anna on her journey to reopening Dandelion Cafe that she inherited from her late father. She has to fight against all kinds of odds, one of them being her annoying brother and all the people who think that she can never get anything right. Throw into the mix a handsome millionaire neighbour and you have yourself a delicious summer read.
I loved the book for its lightness and easy readability. Jenny Oliver's writing style is amazing. That's for sure. She has a way of grabbing the reader on page one and not letting him/her go again. And that's all you want in a good book, right?
For the entire review, head over to my blog. :) https://wp.me/p95M0P-hK
I loved the book for its lightness and easy readability. Jenny Oliver's writing style is amazing. That's for sure. She has a way of grabbing the reader on page one and not letting him/her go again. And that's all you want in a good book, right?
For the entire review, head over to my blog. :) https://wp.me/p95M0P-hK
September 16, 2019
The was a quick read that follows our main character, Annie, a graphic designer who returns home after her father passes away and leaves a decrepit cafe to her. It is her journey towards self-discovery and revamping her beloved childhood hang out . . . all in 256 pages. While the characters were likeable and the plot fun to read this book felt very rushed for being the first in the series. Oftentimes I felt like I should have know the character's back stories and relationships amongst each other and I did not.
July 12, 2020
This has been an enjoyable story, although I did think it was a tad short. It certainly had the potential to be longer, as some of the events were rushed and could have been better if story was a bit longer.
However despite that, I really did enjoy it, loved getting to know the characters especially that of Annie and Matt, seeing them interact together.
This is book one of a five part series, each book will feature different characters from Cherry Pie island I believe. So with that said I'm looking forward to reading book two.
However despite that, I really did enjoy it, loved getting to know the characters especially that of Annie and Matt, seeing them interact together.
This is book one of a five part series, each book will feature different characters from Cherry Pie island I believe. So with that said I'm looking forward to reading book two.
June 27, 2017
A light easy to read book with very little depth to the character (hence the 3 stars) yet enjoyable as a sitting by the pool summer read. To be honest I can't imagine a place as idyllic and 'olde worlde' so close to London that you could pop in to buy a dress! A run down cafe would never sustain the number of staff it seems to employ and as to producing fresh cherry pies all year .......
Anyway, too much over analyzing - would I read number 2, actually yes I would
Anyway, too much over analyzing - would I read number 2, actually yes I would
September 19, 2017
This is first in a series set on Cherry Pie Island (near London on the Thames), and is a pleasant read with a bit of redemption of past sins, and finding of new loves. It was not very long, but I understand the other books in the series will go with this one to complete the story. Although I wouldn't call it great literature, it was a feel-good story with great food descriptions and nice characters.
October 18, 2017
I found this book (and the other Cherry Pie Island books as well) incredibly charming. I love swoony romances that take place in quaint towns, and Jenny Oliver never disappoints in that realm. I adore her writing. The tone and pace make for a quick, easy read. The romances are sweeter than anything one could find in real life. I will read Jenny Oliver as long and as often as I can.
December 27, 2017
Whilst I enjoyed this book I felt it ended abruptly. The title led me to believe the Cafe was going to reopen, and whilst it kind of did it was then destroyed...and although reopening was talked about that was it just talking. I was left with some questions too. Did Annie's Ex Husband come back and attempt to get half the cafe? Did Annie move in with Matt? Whose baby was Holly having?
January 19, 2020
Annie is trying to establish herself as a responsible adult, and inheriting a grotty old cafe with only a few patrons does not fit into her plans. It may be a terrible mistake. Or not.
I like this kind of English novel. Nothing too horrible happens, your friends rally around when you need them, and the humor is gentle.
I like this kind of English novel. Nothing too horrible happens, your friends rally around when you need them, and the humor is gentle.
April 9, 2015
"The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe" is the first in the series of four books about Cherry Pie Island. I have immediately fell in love with the sweetness of the book, it was incredibly nice and lovely read, peaceful yet the pace was just right. The story must not have incredible depth or be about incredibly important issues to be absolutely lovely. This book has such special feeling to it, I felt so welcome to the world of the characters, and I think there couldn't be a better start to the Cherry Pie Island series. And I even don't like cherries :)
This story has an incredible feeling of cosiness and comfort, and it's full of this special atmosphere that only memories, families, islands and old cafes can create.
Annie has just inherited the Dandelion Cafe from her father and so we see her coming back to the Cherry Pie Island - she hasn't been there for a while. She has found her place somewhere else, in Hampstead, and as she doesn't have good memories connected with the Island (some miss - spent youth, some mistakes that she'd rather forget, but the community on the island doesn't forget), she's not planning on coming back. Moreover, the cafe has seen better days, to be honest, and Annie is convinced that the best solution is to sell it. However, as she does visit it, the cafe slowly envelopes her, works its magic on her, and well, it is full of memories of her childhood and her father. And people working there really need this job. So what is Annie going to do?
I have instantly warmed to our Annie. She is likeable from the word go and stays so through the whole story. She's not perfect and perhaps this is why she feels like a perfect heroine, and everything she does or says is absolutely honest. She wanted to prove (especially her brother) that she's worth something and that she can manage by herself, and she can, she has a place to live, she has a job but I think that her heart is still on the Island. I totally adored the way Annie saw and learned where she belong, where is her place in this world.
The author created here a bunch of incredibly interesting and colourful characters, and even though it is a short story, she managed to squeeze so many information about them and shared their stories with us. Let's start with Annie's mother, who was so brilliantly warm, and her brother Jonathon who behaved as if he knew all the answers. Then we have Martha, who runs the cafe now, and before it was her mother's job, so it is understandable that she's so possessive about it, and let's be honest, the cafe is really her whole life. There is River, a teenager working in the cafe as well, and also singing in a band, and nobody has expected that he is THIS good. We have also Matt, River's father, or should I say estranged father, who's now trying to catch up on all those lost years that they were not together. And please, let's not forget the pug!
So many characters, so little book, and they all so different but so likeable! Really, hats off to Jenny for making every single person irreplaceable, all of them have their own place in the story and all of them has added so much warmth and personality to this novel!
I really so do hope that we are going to meet all of the characters in the next stories, as there are so many secrets to be revealed!
I was hooked immediately, from start to the end with the world of Annie White, and this dilemma that she was facing. I could so relate to her with the feeling of not knowing what to do, of leaving her comfortable and relatively stabile life and starting afresh, not being sure what the future has in store for her, or just let it be as it is. I am absolutely not good in making decisions to be honest, so I didn't envy Annie at all, but I think it was the right decision that she made.
I truly adore stories where holding on to memories is so important part because, well, sometimes memories are everything that we have. I also love stories where something old change into something new but still holds on to the old soul and atmosphere, and I love stories where the heroine wants to prove everyone that she can do this and is going to succeed in making Dandelion Cafe better than it has been before. But with the stuff and nature coming into the way it's probably not going to be the easy task, no?
Jenny Oliver can write in absolutely engaging, nice, light way, her descriptions of the island and nature were so vivid and beautiful, and her writing made me verrry hungry. The romance - aspect in this story was also adorable, I have read so many books with relationships starting, so I can say, I've been there and I've seen everything, but this one was so enjoyable, funny and quirky, and I can't wait to see how it's going to develop.
So "The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe" was a fantastic beginning and brilliant introduction to the Cherry Pie Island series, and if the stories continues in this style, it's going to be one of the loveliest series. I have utterly adored this book and am eagerly awaiting next parts in the series. It was entertaining, feel - good, funny, quick paced story filled with brilliant characters, good mood and delicious food.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
This story has an incredible feeling of cosiness and comfort, and it's full of this special atmosphere that only memories, families, islands and old cafes can create.
Annie has just inherited the Dandelion Cafe from her father and so we see her coming back to the Cherry Pie Island - she hasn't been there for a while. She has found her place somewhere else, in Hampstead, and as she doesn't have good memories connected with the Island (some miss - spent youth, some mistakes that she'd rather forget, but the community on the island doesn't forget), she's not planning on coming back. Moreover, the cafe has seen better days, to be honest, and Annie is convinced that the best solution is to sell it. However, as she does visit it, the cafe slowly envelopes her, works its magic on her, and well, it is full of memories of her childhood and her father. And people working there really need this job. So what is Annie going to do?
I have instantly warmed to our Annie. She is likeable from the word go and stays so through the whole story. She's not perfect and perhaps this is why she feels like a perfect heroine, and everything she does or says is absolutely honest. She wanted to prove (especially her brother) that she's worth something and that she can manage by herself, and she can, she has a place to live, she has a job but I think that her heart is still on the Island. I totally adored the way Annie saw and learned where she belong, where is her place in this world.
The author created here a bunch of incredibly interesting and colourful characters, and even though it is a short story, she managed to squeeze so many information about them and shared their stories with us. Let's start with Annie's mother, who was so brilliantly warm, and her brother Jonathon who behaved as if he knew all the answers. Then we have Martha, who runs the cafe now, and before it was her mother's job, so it is understandable that she's so possessive about it, and let's be honest, the cafe is really her whole life. There is River, a teenager working in the cafe as well, and also singing in a band, and nobody has expected that he is THIS good. We have also Matt, River's father, or should I say estranged father, who's now trying to catch up on all those lost years that they were not together. And please, let's not forget the pug!
So many characters, so little book, and they all so different but so likeable! Really, hats off to Jenny for making every single person irreplaceable, all of them have their own place in the story and all of them has added so much warmth and personality to this novel!
I really so do hope that we are going to meet all of the characters in the next stories, as there are so many secrets to be revealed!
I was hooked immediately, from start to the end with the world of Annie White, and this dilemma that she was facing. I could so relate to her with the feeling of not knowing what to do, of leaving her comfortable and relatively stabile life and starting afresh, not being sure what the future has in store for her, or just let it be as it is. I am absolutely not good in making decisions to be honest, so I didn't envy Annie at all, but I think it was the right decision that she made.
I truly adore stories where holding on to memories is so important part because, well, sometimes memories are everything that we have. I also love stories where something old change into something new but still holds on to the old soul and atmosphere, and I love stories where the heroine wants to prove everyone that she can do this and is going to succeed in making Dandelion Cafe better than it has been before. But with the stuff and nature coming into the way it's probably not going to be the easy task, no?
Jenny Oliver can write in absolutely engaging, nice, light way, her descriptions of the island and nature were so vivid and beautiful, and her writing made me verrry hungry. The romance - aspect in this story was also adorable, I have read so many books with relationships starting, so I can say, I've been there and I've seen everything, but this one was so enjoyable, funny and quirky, and I can't wait to see how it's going to develop.
So "The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe" was a fantastic beginning and brilliant introduction to the Cherry Pie Island series, and if the stories continues in this style, it's going to be one of the loveliest series. I have utterly adored this book and am eagerly awaiting next parts in the series. It was entertaining, feel - good, funny, quick paced story filled with brilliant characters, good mood and delicious food.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
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