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The Cosy Cottage Cafe #2

Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

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Motherhood has been one of the great blessings of Dawn Dix-Beaumont’s life but with her children’s growing independence, it’s finally time for Dawn to return to teaching. However, Mother Nature has other ideas…

Rick Beaumont loves his family but he’s busier than ever. With his high-flying career, two children and a third on the way, there’s a lot to juggle.

Battling expectations, disappointments and a few surprises along the way, Dawn and Rick find their commitment to each other tested to the limit. The next steps they take will be the most important of their lives.

So when the pressure mounts and an important decision has to be made, will Dawn and Rick’s marriage become stronger than ever, or will it be time to move in different directions?

This is the second of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage Café series.

112 pages, ebook

First published August 18, 2017

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230 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Griffiths

49 books136 followers
Rachel Griffiths is an author, wife, mother, Earl Grey tea drinker, gin enthusiast, dog walker and fan of the afternoon nap. She loves to read, write and spend time with her family.

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5 stars
448 (53%)
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231 (27%)
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128 (15%)
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22 (2%)
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16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
August 18, 2017
I loved the first story in this series and couldn’t wait to read this latest addition - and I certainly wasn’t disappointed! The series is set in the small country village of Heatherlea where the The Cosy Cottage Café is the hub for so many who live there. In the first story, the focus was on All and Chris, both of whom also appear in this story, but this time the spotlight is on Dawn Dix-Beaumont and her family. You don’t need to have read the first book to appreciate this one but both are delightful reads IMHO.

Dawn was a teacher and had been hoping to return to teaching now her two children are both in school but discovered she’s expecting her third child, postpones any such plans. Her husband, Rick Beaumont, works is a city financier in a high powered, stressful and busy job that is taking up more and more of his time. These issues are putting a strain on their marriage, and these are related with empathy and understanding through the story. Don’t, however, think this is a sad story, it is anything but. There are plenty of giggles as life in the village and especially in this family are explored.

The relationships between the different characters are portrayed brilliantly, they feel like people you could know and easily relate to - especially as you learn of their stresses, strains and misunderstandings. When Rick’s Mum comes to stay, I initially really didn’t like her but get ready for even a few surprises as you learn more about her! Discover what happens to Wallace and join me in guessing who may be the stars of the next story in the series. The community spirit, characters and events are brought to life through the talented writing of Rachel Griffiths and I can’t wait to read more books from her in future - they always have me laughing out loud, sighing with contentment and with a grin on my face!
Profile Image for Jessica.
266 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2017
I am a huge fan of The Cosy Cottage Cafe series and I couldn't wait to get back to it.

Part two is based on the character Dawn, she is a character I think a lot of us can relate too. She is a busy mother of two, wanting to return to work but has found herself pregnant again. Husband Rick is spending more and more time at work and not coming home until very late, his behaviour is very suspicious, all signs lead to affair.

A character I loved in this part was Wallace, I found him absolutely hilarious! He was the star of the book, quite the character.

I love the returning character Allie who was the main character in the first book, she is the owner of the cafe and she is just a really kind and caring person who has time for each and every customer and friend.

The Cosy Cottage Cafe is a delight, and so so easy to read. It really does have a cosy feel to it so I really think the name of the series is absolutely perfect.

I really adore this series and I cannot wait for the part three!
Profile Image for Joanne Robertson.
1,407 reviews646 followers
August 25, 2017
I love this series as you can probably see from the review I wrote of Summer at the Cosy Cottage Cafe So I was delighted to return to that sumptuous café to catch up with the group of friends now that the Autumn months are gently meandering through the village of Heatherlea. Allie is back with her delicious cakes and pastries but this time the main focus is on Dawn and her husband Rick. They sound like the perfect little family unit but an unexpected pregnancy seems to be putting a few hurdles in the way of their usually solid relationship. What secret is Rick hiding and more importantly, what effect will it have on Dawn and her unborn baby?

This installment had a slightly different vibe to it as we get to find out more about Dawn who is happily married to Rick but finding her third pregnancy is putting a strain on that relationship, especially as Rick is away a lot. I found myself mentally supporting Dawn throughout her family dilemmas as she really did feel like a friend in need to me! She had to cope with two young children, whilst struggling with a difficult pregnancy and an interfering mother in law from hell! Thank goodness she had her support network at the café to help cheer her up with friendship, cookies and the occasional peppermint tea! Her pragmatic approach to motherhood was peppered with classic vignettes of family life. The scenes involving Wallace the guinea pig were absolutely hilarious and I could just imagine Wallace and Lula being the stars of their own Instagram account. Their antics inspired an hilarious thread running throughout that added an entertaining touch of bittersweet comedy to counteract the “kitchen sink” drama of a marriage in trouble.

This is the perfect length for you to grab a coffee and a slice of cake for yourself which I actually did in one childfree session in my own local café. It’s the book equivalent of a plate of comfort food leaving you with that same sated, feelgood satisfaction. Rachel Griffiths writes about real women with a warmth and understanding of the sisterhood bonds that exist between them. This is another lovely addition to the series and now I can’t wait for Winter to bring some Christmas cheer and possibly some festive flirtation under the mistletoe!
3,117 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2017
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe, is the second book in a planned series, the first being Summer at the Cosy Cottage, which I reviewed earlier this year. The Third, Winter at the Cosy Cottage, has just been released a few days ago.

In book two we peek into the lives of Dawn and Rick Beaumont-Dix and their two children, Laura and James.

Dawn is pregnant with the couples third child, but the pregnancy is taking its toll on her. She is having dizzy spells, feeling sleepy all the time and to top it all off, she is also feeling stressed about her husband, and their marriage.

Rick has been spending longer and longer hours at the office, often not returning home until late in the evening, and recently not coming home at all. Dawn suspects that he is having an affair and although she doesn’t want to, she logs into his email account and is surprised at what she sees.

When Dawn collapses and needs hospital treatment, it’s time for the two to make a decision about their marriage.

I love the Cosy Cottage Series, in fact I have book three on my Kindle waiting to be read. Each book is between 120 – 140 pages long, and delves into the lives of the villagers of Heatherlea.

In the first book we met Allie, who runs the Cosy Cottage and her new boyfriend Chris. It was lovely to be able to catch up with these two again, as well as some new faces.

Even-though the books are only short, Rachel Griffiths certainly packs a lot in, and with the books following on from one another, it does just feel like you are having a break in between reading a full sized novel.

Autumn at the Cosy Cottage made me giggle and frown throughout. I really felt sorry for Dawn, especially at the start of the book when she has to deal with the children’s Guinea Pig Wallace, that has suddenly died. Wallace was the famous Instagram partner to Lulu, their pet Rabbit . I won’t give the plot away, but let’s just say one may of gone, but more will appear.

The characters, setting and plot are all very realistic, just your average, everyday people going about their normal lives, with a bit of drama and tension involved.

This is a brilliant short read, that is not only enjoyable, but engaging. A tale of relationships, families, and misunderstandings, weaved perfectly together.
Profile Image for Grace J Reviewerlady.
2,135 reviews104 followers
August 15, 2017
It only took seconds for me to settle back into this rom-com set in the village of Heatherlea with the lives of the owner and customers of The Cosy Cottage Cafe, and just as quickly their warm friendships were slipping under my skin.

This time around the story features on Dawn who found herself with a third pregnancy at the end of the first tale. Wanting to do her very best for her young family, Dawn and her husband Rick encounter a few hiccups along the way – all told with a great depth of understanding and more than a few giggles! Well written, as always, this novella finishes off the current story beautifully whilst giving the reader a little hint as to who will star in the next one.

Easily as good as the first book, I have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone who enjoys reading this genre of book – it will leave you with a sigh of satisfaction and a happy smile!

I received an arc from the author which in no way influenced this review.
Profile Image for Sky .
694 reviews14 followers
November 24, 2024
I enjoyed this one, it’s a nice, fast paced read. This is the perfect filler book between big reads. Although short, you can still see the growth and development between the characters and it was nice to see the end of their story come together.
Profile Image for Melissa.
100 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2023
Cute, light read. I was expecting more autumnal vibes. And there’s not much of a plot, but a nice easy read.
Profile Image for Carol Jones-Campbell.
2,035 reviews
October 7, 2021
Motherhood has been one of the great blessings of Dawn Dix-Beaumont's life but with her children's growing independence, it's finally time for Dawn to return to teaching. However, Mother Nature has other ideas...Rick Beaumont love's his family but he's busier than ever. With his high-flying career, two children and a third on the way, there is a lot to juggle. Battling expectations, disappointments and a few surprises along the way, Dawn and Rick find their commitment to each other tested to the limit. The next steps they take will be the most important to their lives. So when the pressure mounts and an important decision has to be made, will Dawn and Rick's marriage Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe.

When Dawn collapses and needs hospital treatment, it’s time for the two to make a decision about their marriage. I love the Cosy Cottage Cafe Series.

In the first book we met Allie, who runs the Cosy Cottage Cafe and her new boyfriend Chris. It was lovely to be able to catch up with these two again, as well as some new faces.

Even-though the books are only short, Rachel Griffiths certainly packs a lot in, and with the books following on from one another, it does just feel like you are having a break in between reading a full sized novel.

Autumn at the Cosy Cottage Cafe made me giggle and frown throughout. I really felt sorry for Dawn, especially at the start of the book when she has to deal with the children’s Guinea Pig Wallace, that has suddenly died. Wallace was the famous Instagram partner to Lulu, their pet Rabbit . I won’t give the plot away, but let’s just say one may have gone, but more will appear.

The characters, setting and plot are all very realistic, just your average, everyday people going about their normal lives, with a bit of drama and tension involved. This is a brilliant short read, that is not only enjoyable, but engaging. A tale of relationships, families, and misunderstandings, weaved perfectly together. When Dawn collapses and needs hospital treatment, it’s time for the two to make a decision about their marriage.

In the first book we met Allie, who runs the Cosy Cottage Cafe and her new boyfriend Chris. It was lovely to be able to catch up with these two again, as well as some new faces.

Even-though the books are only short, Rachel Griffiths certainly packs a lot in, and with the books following on from one another, it does just feel like you are having a break in between reading a full sized novel.

The characters, setting and plot are all very realistic, just your average, everyday people going about their normal lives, with a bit of drama and tension involved. This is a brilliant short read, that is not only enjoyable, but engaging. A tale of relationships, families, and misunderstandings, weaved perfectly together. I had not heard of this series I was a delight to read, and share the characters with each other. Recommend.
Profile Image for Rachel (Rae).
702 reviews59 followers
August 18, 2017
Even though Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café is the second book in The Cosy Cottage Café series it's still easily classed as a standalone. However I would recommend reading the first book as you get to meet Allie and Chris and read their wonderful story.

I loved that this story focused on a family and every day life because of this it felt very real. I found myself nodding along at certain parts agreeing with Dawn and particular situations. It was very easy to feel a connection to Dawn whether it's because she is a mother or it could be that she is a genuinely likeable character who is trying to do her best. The relationship between Dawn and Rick felt realistic after all no marriage is perfect so it was nice to see the down to earth way they are portrayed. They really are a perfect match but can they get themselves through this rough patch?

Even though it's a short story it was very easy to connect with the story and the characters. It was lovely to catch up with Allie, Chris and The Cosy Cottage Café and of course to revisit Heatherlea. I loved the little subplot with Wallace and I couldn't help but laugh even when there were times I shouldn't have. The scene in the café with Allie was pretty funny though!

Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café brought a smile to my face and a few giggles too. It's a quick read so very easy to read in an evening which is exactly what I did. After grabbing a cup of tea and maybe a little bit of chocolate (okay a full bar of chocolate) I settled down feeling completely relaxed and caught up in the story. I enjoyed catching up with this group of friends and I'm definitely intrigued about what will happen next.

A sweet and enjoyable story that is guaranteed to leave you with a smile.

With thanks to Rachel Griffiths for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Adele.
831 reviews
August 18, 2017
This is the second book in the new cosy romance series by Rachel Griffiths and I'm loving it! I feel at home with these novels. The setting is perfect; a cosy cottage cafe in a small country village. The ideal haven for friends and family to have a cup of tea and a piece of cake to catch up on gossip, to forget about your everyday chaos, to meet and make new friends, to welcome in old friends. This little book series makes you feel like you are joining friends with the warm array of characters the author has created.

This second book concentrates on Dawn who is married to Rick and has two children. She's just found out she is expecting her third child, a complete shock and surprise. Dawn had hopes of returning to her teaching career now the children were settled in school. However, with this new arrival now on the cards Dawn's hopes of returning to work are put on the back burner. Dawn's emotions are all over the place and she's starting to feel a little vulnerable in her marriage. Rick works very long hours in the city and seems to be spending more time away from home. Can the couple get a little time together to work out their concerns?

Another gorgeous story from an author that is rapidly becoming one of my favourites.
Profile Image for Naomi.
46 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2017
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café is the second novella in the series (available from August 18th 2017), set in the same picturesque English village of Heatherlea. In this second short story we delve further into the lives of Allie's friend Dawn, and the trials and tribulations her marriage is going through.

In this book I really loved the way in which the author Rachel Griffiths doesn't depict Dawn's marriage as one without any problems. Both Dawn and Rick have their flaws, and I found this refreshing. It made their relationship more believable and realistic, as no matter how perfectly suited you may be, every relationship has rough patches, you just have to weather the storm.

I loved the humour that Wallace adds, the loveable guinea pig who brings their own problems into the mix!

The friendships, relationships, and general joy this series introduces us to with these first 2 books makes me very excited to see what the future holds for the inhabitants of Heatherlea, and the customers at The Cosy Cottage Café.

This second story gets *****stars from me!
Profile Image for Sam.
524 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2018
This is the second book in the "Cosy Cottage" series by Rachel Griffiths. I read the first book and went straight into this second book and was not at all disappointed.

This book still has the same characters but concentrates on Allies friend, Dawn who is married to Rick. They are expecting their unplanned third child and Dawn is suffering with many pregnancy symptoms.

Husband Rick works in the finance sector in London, working long stressful days, leaving Dawn to look after things at home. Ricks days become longer and he seems to be taking lots of private calls on his mobile, so Dawn suspects there may be more to these possible excuses about trains etc. I won't say more as I don't want to spoil others read.

I really enjoyed this book. It flows well and the characters seem very real. I have book number three of the series "Winter at the Cosy Cottage Cafe" downloaded and ready to read.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,176 reviews104 followers
September 10, 2017
Falling in love with these short stories one at a time.

After reading Allies story in the first cozy cafe book, I couldn't wait to read the next installment. Lucky for me it was available.
Dawn had mixed feelings about being pregnant again with her third child. She was tired all the time and her husband Rick seemed to always be working extremely late most nights lately. Dawn doesn't know what to think so she does what any wife would do. She gets more and more concerned. Will Dawn have the courage to approach Rick before her secret feelings tear her apart?
This was another win for me. I fell in love with Dawn and enjoyed hearing about the other familiar characters too. The authors does an amazing job at describing the town and cafe. It almost transports the reader to this fantasy village. I wouldn't mind spending a day or two there. 😄
Profile Image for Petra Quelch.
Author 1 book8 followers
October 25, 2017
Another fabulously autumnal read is Autumn in The Cosy Cottage Cafe.
Rachel Griffiths warm and engaging writing style took me right in the midst of the story and I as I happily snuggled down for another dose of this delicious and charming village life. This time I visited Heatherlea where The Cosy Cafe is pretty much the centre of all things important, and I spend time with a lovely family The Beaumonts and their everyday life ( including some surprises and dilemmas).
Dawn Beaumont is set to return back to her teaching profession, but rather surprises put a bit of a spanner in her plan. Dawn also has to deal with her husband's high flying city job and all other things that put a strain on their marriage.
The Autumn in The Cosy Cottage Cafe delivers laugh, love, happiness and a dose of the real-life drama in a wonderful, crisp and appealing package.
Profile Image for Ray.
Author 1 book29 followers
October 3, 2025
An absolute snooze fest. I was clearly not the target audience for this book.

Also, there was barely anything about the atmosphere or the café at all, which makes the title feel misleading. I expected something with similar vibes to book one, but instead I got a cringe-inducing book.

Profile Image for what ila reads.
105 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2020
I listened to the audiobook on Storytel and I highly recommend the audiobook version of this book, it was a lovely quick listen.

TW: death of a pet (not in detail)

I picked this book for the #sparkjoyreadathon hosted on Instagram by @readwithsam for the prompt: “a book set in a cozy cafe” and this book definitely delivered on that front. I’ve been on the hunt for more cute and cozy autumnal reads and this was a perfect fit.

I loved the writing style and the story, all of the characters felt real and well developed even if the book is shorter than what I usually read. It also touched on some important topics: motherhood, friendships, marriage and relationships with extended family members.

I’m definitely going to catch up with the other books in the series soon.
2,091 reviews
October 7, 2025
This book is short, but, for something that has the word "cozy" in the title, it felt too stressful. It reminded me of the performance of 'The Play That Goes Wrong' I had seen some years ago: a continuous string of progressively more stressful events, secrets and cover-ups, many of which are born of the best intentions, but are disastrous anyway.

The ending of the book is really the best outcome the situation could have resulted in. But the strongest impression the book has left in me is that of wonder that people ever end up doing anything right or well, given how narrow the path for that happening often is.
Profile Image for Debbie.
299 reviews16 followers
August 25, 2017
Having read the first in the series I was looking forward to this one and loved the fact that the four friends in the first Cosy Cafe book were back in this one. I love the fact that the author uses normal every day life stories and finds a way for them to be worked out just as if it was any one of the readers reading the story. So can't wait for the next one in this series - Winter at The Cottage Cafe, I wonder who this one will be about as we have already had 2 of the original characters in the first two books.
Profile Image for Cheriwinkle.
1,173 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2025
I listened to an audiobook narrated (as was the first book) by Rebecca Courtney. Dawn and Rick’s story was a good one, full of ups and downs and relationship growth. I was, however, left shaking my head at the whole episode involving the hamster. I see that it was a side story to add to the main storyline, but if you can’t talk to your kids about the death of pets, you should NEVER have pets. It was a good read with one unforgivably stupid element.
163 reviews
April 12, 2020
Picked this as I have read the first in the series. Whilst I really enjoyed the first book I didnt find this as entertaining. However, it was still a good, easy read. I enjoyed the story like of Dawn, Rick and the family. It has some funny moments along the way which keeps it entertaining. I will certainly continue with this series of books.
Profile Image for Cathy.
2,437 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2018
Four woman are introduced in the first book and then I guess, each woman gets her own novella. This was a insecure, pregnant, married woman who fears her husband is having an affair. This story has been done to death and much better in other books.
Profile Image for Marie (UK).
3,633 reviews53 followers
October 8, 2018
Ok so i have read all four of these books for a challenge. Each of four friends has a run with the course of true love and of course it never runs smooth. They are readable and if you are a romance fan i suspect you will rate them higher. For me they are a bit predictable chintzy a cosy read.
387 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2019
Lovely series.

This is the second book in the cost cottage cafe series and I love these stories. Following Allie Jones and her friends and family. I will be reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Loveromancebooks21.
392 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2020
I loved the first story in this series and couldn’t wait to return to heatherlea and read more about Allie, dawn, Camilla and honey. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved reading about dawn and her husband x
Profile Image for Gigi Sandoval.
62 reviews
November 29, 2025
1 out of 5 stars.

Hardly any autumn references until the end. This was no story; this was a misunderstanding between a married couple who love their kids yet complain about them, lie to them, and don't communicate with each other.
32 reviews
December 30, 2017
Easy read

Nice feel good story , I can't say I enjoyed it as much as the first book but still a nice story .
On to the next .
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