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The Cosy Cottage Cafe #4

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe

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Artist Honey Blackwell is happy with her life. Well, almost. She lives in the picturesque village of Heatherlea, has three close friends and a soft spot for local supply teacher Dane Ackerman. If only she could put her past behind her and embrace the present.


Dane is working hard to prove himself at the village primary school and doesn’t really have time for love, but he’s drawn to Honey and hopes she feels the same. When a permanent teaching position is advertised in Heatherlea, he faces stiff competition to secure it.


As Honey and Dane deal with the ups and downs of life, will they be able to find a way to be together, or will they have to accept that sometimes love just isn’t enough?


This is the fourth short story in The Cosy Cottage Café series.

Now available:

Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café

Coming soon:

A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café

145 pages, ebook

Published April 9, 2018

80 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Griffiths

49 books135 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
282 (59%)
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131 (27%)
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49 (10%)
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11 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
3,117 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

When Honey Blackwell moved to the little village of Heatherlea she didn’t expect to make such good friends in Dawn, Camilla, and Allie (Owner of the Cosy Café), nor a love interest in local supply teacher Dane.

Her relationship with Dane though feels as if it has stalled as she is holding back from him due to past personal issues that she is trying to keep secret and Dane is trying to secure a full-time job at the local primary school which is taking all his spare time.

Will Honey’s secret come to light and can her and Dane ever have a future together?

It is great to be back in the village of Heatherlea and spend time with the villagers once again. I last read about them in the third book in the series, ‘Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café‘. It was wonderful to catch up them all again, especially heavily pregnant Dawn who finally gives birth, though not quite in the manner she had expected!

The whole series has been a joy to read and gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. I’ve adored each book. The characters are just a delight, there isn’t a bad bone amongst them, which is unusual to find in books these days. With the setting being in a quaint English village it’s hard not to fall in love with the place and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it too.

I now look forward to reading book five, ‘A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café’.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
April 9, 2018
This is the fourth book in the Cosy Cottage series and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each of them. The Cosy Cottage is at the centre of village life in Heatherlea and it is a regular meeting place for the locals as well as hosting village events. A group of four young women meet their every Tuesday to discuss their lives and have fun together. One of these young women is Honey Blackwell, an artist who inherited a cottage in the village and now lives and works there. She has many secrets in her past but maybe now is the time to start being more open with her friends?

Honey is attracted to Dane Ackerman who has moved to village whilst working as a supply teacher at the local primary school. Now, most of my working life has been working as a primary school teacher so much of this was so easy for me to relate to - the marking, preparation, expectations and everything that goes with the job as any primary teacher knows so well! Dane is hoping to get a permanent post at the school but knows it is a job others will also be hoping to get, so is understandably unsure of himself and his future. Can the two have a future together? Will he get the job and win Honey’s heart? You’ll have to read it to discover for yourself!

This is an emotive but fun read with great characters, plenty of surprises and I keep being amazed at how well this author manages to keep the story well paced despite it being a novella type length. There are a plethora of realistically portrayed village characters and for anyone, like me, who has enjoyed the other books in the series, it is great to keep up with what has been happening to them and the village celebrations. I’m so happy that there will be a fifth book in the series - I really want to know what has happened to Mandy and discover just who it is that will be having ‘A Wedding at the Cosy Cottage Café’!

I requested and was lucky enough to be given a copy of this novel, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
April 10, 2018
Honey loves Heatherlea. She inherited a wonderful home there, she has her own studio where she can work on her art and she has good friends. She meets them every week at the Cosy Cottage Café. She's also seeing Dane from time to time, a kind and handsome teacher, and would love for them to become close, but her past keeps holding her back. Will Honey be able to conquer her insecurities and give love a chance?

Dane works incredibly hard. He has a temporary position at Heatherlea's primary school and enjoys it so much that he wants nothing more than to become a permanent member of their staff. Falling in love is the last thing he needs when he's so busy, especially because he doesn't know if he'll be able to stay. However, Honey proves to be hard to resist. Will he realize that he has to make time for the woman of his dreams before she fortifies her walls?

Spring at the The Cosy Cottage Café is another wonderful heartwarming story by Rachel Griffiths. Her main characters are both incredibly sweet. Honey has a good heart, but it isn't easy for her to tell people everything about herself. Her past has made it difficult for her to let people come close, but the comforting friendship of the ladies at the Cosy Cottage Café slowly makes her come out of her shell. Dane is a gentle and caring man and he's perfect for Honey. I kept hoping they'd overcome their obstacles, so they could give love a chance. It's clear from the beginning they're amazing together and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out where their story would lead.

Rachel Griffiths has a delightful sense of humor. She made me laugh out loud many times while reading Spring at the The Cosy Cottage Café. It's a fun feelgood story filled with wittiness and light. The story oozes charm. To give it depth as well, Rachel Griffiths balances this with the seriousness of Honey's past and this combination works really well. The result is a fabulous complete story that left me with a big smile on my face.
Profile Image for Grace J Reviewerlady.
2,135 reviews105 followers
April 9, 2018
The Cosy Cottage Cafe is central to the village of Heatherlea and I don't think the place would be half as attractive without it! On my fourth visit, there's still something new to discover - and the food sounds divine!

This novel has Honey as the central character; living in the cottage she inherited from her aunt, Honey has multiple secrets tucked away and they affect her self-confidence especially with Dane, the very handsome young supply teacher who has caught her eye. Along with following their relationship - or lack of one, we also get the chance to catch up with Honey's friend Allie, the owner of The Cosy Cottage Cafe, as well as friends and families previously encountered.

The tale of the events in the village move along well in this book, furthering previous story lines and bring some to their conclusion. The characters are all varied, interesting, true-to-life and so well written! Rachel Griffiths has a real talent for drawing the reader in and making you care about the people she writes about. This is a fabulous, feel-good series - one which I fully endorse - and I'm very happy to note that there is a fifth book in the pipeline. Some things are just too good to ever want them to end! I can't finish this review without giving mention to the fabulous covers for this series, showing The Cosy Cottage Cafe through the seasons - just gorgeous!

My grateful thanks to the author for my copy of her novel. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
235 reviews52 followers
April 10, 2018
I've enjoyed every single part of The Cosy Cottage Cafe series and this one was no different. I just love everything about Rachel's style of writing so I knew I was going to enjoy this fourth part of the series. The cover again is absolutely stunning and so cute. I adore how the seasons reflect on the cover and as a huge fan of Spring I find that this is my favourite cover yet. I love the flowers surrounding the outside and along the bottom and I think the pinky-purple shutters are so cute!

I've been waiting to hear more about Honey, I found her to be so intriguing and I couldn't wait to hear her story! This one starts off a bit differently from the others as Honey is already sort-of-seeing Dane, the substitute teacher of Heatherlea, so we really get to see their relationship blossom and I loved reading about the pair. Even though individually they're quite confident, together they go into their shells and appear quite shy so it was cute to seeing them growing in their confidence together!

Again, as I mention in my other reviews of The Cosy Cottage Cafe series, is that I find Rachel's novels so easy to read, so I get through them so quickly! I feel uplifted after reading her novels and the story lines are so lighthearted. I loved reading Honey's story, she has such a lovely aura about her and her friendship with Camilla, as well as the rest of the ladies, was so lovely to read and I found myself really connecting to her personally. I'm so excited to read A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Cafe!

Thank you to Rachel Griffiths for a copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
Profile Image for Joanne Robertson.
1,407 reviews646 followers
April 24, 2018
This is the fourth book in The Cosy Cottage Café series and I have loved each and every one! These books are the perfect length for hiding away to read with a cup of Earl Grey tea and a large slice of carrot cake in front of you. And believe me, you will need food in front of you when you read this novella! The descriptions of all the food that Allie prepares in the cafe will have you drooling all over your kindle if you’re not careful!

In this instalment of the series we are spending more time with Honey, who is attracted to local supply teacher Dane. The attraction is mutual but neither want to get too involved as Dane is only temporarily in the village. But when a permanent position becomes available at the primary school, Dane is determined to get the job and stay in the village. Honey has a past that she needs to put behind her so she can move forward in love and in her life but it’s never that easy, is it?

Being back in Heatherlea again felt like coming home for me! This is one village that I would love to visit just so I could go to the cafe and eat cake with this wonderful group of friends. It’s great to spend time with each of them in turn as we follow the ups and downs of their day to day lives. Their stories really do have the feelgood factor and it’s so easy to get lost in them as the the pages fly by. Rachel Griffiths writes with a real passion for her characters which makes them feel like real friends. And next time we visit the village there is going to be a wedding so I can’t wait! I do hope Allie will be doing the food though!

A great addition to the series and highly recommended for fans of romantic comedy.
Profile Image for Stephanie Wood.
Author 30 books98 followers
January 28, 2021
I've really enjoyed this series and spending time at the Cosy Cottage Cafe.
It has been fun getting to know the friends who meet regularly to discuss what is going on in their lives and to help each other out when they run into difficulties.
The Cafe setting is perfect because of the comforting, homely feel and this is echoed through the way the friends interact and support each other on a familiar level. With the addition of a second-chance romance, expanding families and the challenge of overcoming issues from the past, the author has created an uplifting and thoroughly heart-warming series.
Profile Image for Adele.
831 reviews
March 4, 2020
There are times in your life when you just want to escape from the world by turning off the TV, turn off your mobile and immerse yourself in a book. I knew from past experience that the writing style of Rachel Griffiths would do just the job.
Rachel Griffiths has a proven track record of writing cosy, warm hearted stories that have characters that are real and relatable and her settings are so idyllic that you just want to pack your bags and live within the pages. Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café is book 4 in The Cosy Cottage Café series.
It's been over two years since my last visit to The Cosy Cottage Cafe and the gang but as soon as I opened my kindle I felt very welcomed back into their lives. This little instalment is Honey's story. Honey is a local artist that is part of the lovely friendship group of Allie, Camilla and Dawn. Honey has been carrying a heart breaking emotional scar for a long time that she hasn't shared with anyone. When her friendship with local teacher Dane becomes more she grows afraid of her past and instantly backs away from what could be a beautiful friendship.
With confusions of the heart and miscommunications from both Honey and Dane can the pair reach out to each other and share their innermost thoughts?
A gorgeous heart-warming story that has left me wanting more from The Cosy Cottage Café and I know I've got a wedding to look forward to, but who's wedding is it?
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,177 reviews104 followers
May 18, 2018
I absolutely adored the Cozy Cafe and Honey's story is the best one yet. Honey is a talented artist that enjoys her girlfriends, her wine and her let chickens. She has secrets she hasn't told even her best friends so why is she starting something with the very attractive temporary teacher Dane?

Dane is sexy, sweet and super attentive. It's obvious he has feelings for Honey but he has things getting in the way too.

This adorable romance is sure to pull you in. Check out the other novels in this series too. Lighthearted and funny, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Loveromancebooks21.
394 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed honey and Danes story. I thought it was quite funny and i liked the way it was written. It was nice to have another catchup with the girls from the cosy cottage cafe. They almost feel like they could be your own friends. The only thing I didn’t like was the scene where the baby was born. For me it was too unbelievable and I’ve had 2 children myself. Aside from that one little gripe I really did enjoy this book and hope that there’ll be more from Heatherlee in the future x
Profile Image for Sam.
524 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2018
It was lovely to be re-acquainted with the characters/friends of the Cosy Cottage Cafe.

This book concentrates on artist/yoga teacher Honey and her blossoming friendship with school teacher Dane. Neither are good at communicating with each other about how they feel, so misunderstandings happen.

I loved this book and as usual, it finished all too quickly.
Profile Image for Marie (UK).
3,640 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.
350 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2021
Bunnies, unicorns, and chickens

Rachel Griffiths writes a sweet romance of not only one couple but a community of friends coming together. A heartwarming group of friendships becoming one happy family.
Profile Image for Emmahlovesbooks.
289 reviews24 followers
June 3, 2018
The fourth in the Cosy Cottage Cafe series. Loved all of the books. Can't wait for the next one.
388 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2019
Another brilliant story.

enjoyed these books about The Cost Cottage Cafe series about four friends and their families and how they all found love.
Profile Image for chrismmiaomiao.
25 reviews
May 5, 2025
The suspense in the beginning kept me focused and the curiosity made me finished the book in 1 sitting! Love this book from the Cosy Cottage Cafe series as well.
Profile Image for Susanne Baker.
730 reviews30 followers
April 12, 2020
Such a cosy read!
I love reading books based in such a welcoming community.
It was lovely to see Honey embrace her friendships and to realise her place in the community.
1,404 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2018
Artist Honey Blackwell is happy with her life. Well, almost. She lives in the picturesque village of Heatherlea, has three close friends and a soft spot for local supply teacher Dane Ackerman. If only she could put her past behind her and embrace the present.


Dane is working hard to prove himself at the village primary school and doesn’t really have time for love, but he’s drawn to Honey and hopes she feels the same. When a permanent teaching position is advertised in Heatherlea, he faces stiff competition to secure it.

As Honey and Dane deal with the ups and downs of life, will they be able to find a way to be together, or will they have to accept that sometimes love just isn’t enough?


This is the fourth short story in The Cosy Cottage Café series.

Now available:

Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café

Coming soon:

A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café

**
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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