Summer Freeman, who runs the Canal Boat Café in the waterside village of Willowbeck, is having the time of her life. She’s navigated the café out of some stormy waters and her best friend is helping her try out some new recipes. Summer and her neighbour Mason, as well as their dogs Pocket and Latte, are spending more and more time together and after a romantic evening in together (which her nosy friends won’t stop interrupting), Summer is excited about where things are headed…Until things run adrift.
As seasons change and secrets are uncovered, Summer has to decide who she can trust, including Mason. Can she find love and make a new life for herself in Willowbeck? Or will she choose to keep her heart below deck?
I grew up in London surrounded by books and with a cat named after Lawrence of Arabia. I studied English Literature at the University of East Anglia and live in Norwich with my husband David.
I'm a total book nerd and my TBR pile is out of control. I would quite like to be a ghost hunter, and I'm a huge fan of a fictional hero.
When I'm not writing, I spend my spare time reading, returning to London or exploring the beautiful Norfolk coastline.
I love hearing from readers, so please get in touch if you have a question or if you just want to say hello.
Okay, that's the worst ending yet to the various parts of this book. Seriously, each time our heroine seems to be making progress, she takes a huge step back. Way too much push and pull. Yes, I will read the final installment, but there had better be a big payoff, and hopefully she will finally get rid of Ross!
Fed up with the infantile Summer and her silly A-frame chalk board and people pandering to her! Had planned to read the remaining books but won't bother now. I'm sorry but it's all become very immature now
I love historical events like this. Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
A bit of a let down I read the book called Canal boat cafe which is the story in full. The three books that I am now reading are just extended versions of the book. It's like reading the book twice with just extra words in it. Not very inventive. Why bring out the book when just the trilogy would be fine.
I like these stories but they're too short and end too quickly and always unfinished endings. Too get a conclusion you must continue the series, no choices!
This is the second book in this 4 part serial-novel that ends with one of the main characters picking up anchor and sailing away without a backwards glance.
Mason offers to tell Summer everything and she says she doesn't want to hear it (infuriating for the reader - I mean, I'm only mildly interested in him anyway but saying 'here's the mystery...no sorry, changed my mind, buy the next book' is kind of a cheap cheat - used for the second time in 3 books!
There was, however a juicy visit from the friendzoned neighbourhood psycho. Which livened things up no end. If he doesn't get his comeuppance in the 4th book I shall be deeply disappointed. I'm starting to think he has Summer's boat bugged, as he mentions things that I could have sworn happened without him being present and which Summer has not related to him - e.g. the break-in at her boat. This has yet to be commented on by Summer however, so not sure if it's just an accident or part of the plot.
Summer is starting to annoy however, she is getting more and more indecisive, prone to inaction and generally just a bit 2d for my tastes. She doesn't really do anything except run away from people or feel mildly embarrassed. In the first book she was reacting in a way that I could identify with - in this book however she discovers her mother's missing compass in Mason's boat and rather than having this build into a confrontation, she just shouts half-baked accusations about his dog taking it (reminding us ham-fistedly (ha!) that the dog entered book one in a HILARIOUS bacon stealing scene), then run away before anything actually happens.
I think my main issue is that both Mason and Summer are running away from their emotions - so they aren't really complimenting each other as one isn't pushing the other to reveal anything.
Anyway - have bought book 4, because I can't not finish this series now. There are bits I'm enjoying (admittedly mostly Ross-the-psycho) but think this will be a 'read once then not again' kind of series, much like the Maze Runner books - the interest is dependant on the mystery, and without that I don't think there's much to sustain me on a second read through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a good book, I enjoyed reading it and catching up with Summer and Mason. I would have liked it to be longer, probably because I didn't want the book to end and I cannot wait for the next instalment, good hob is not that long to wait.
The third in a series of four following the new life of Summer on The Canal Boat Cafe and her relationships with friends and fellow boaters. Including the "will they won't they" friendship with mysterious Mason who lives on "The Sandpiper". Can't wait for number four.
Another update on canal life. Loved catching up with everyone again and it left me wanting more - although sad that the next instalment is the final one.