If you want something comforting and safe, this may well be the book for you. For me personally, there wasn't enough action. The characters are nice, their lives are pleasant and the cafe itself sounds rather lovely. It was all a bit too 'normal' for me, and I found some of the details rather odd (discussion about curtains, the frequently-mentioned sex toys catalogue in the pharmacy, and the pharmacist who acts like she's about 16...). Perfectly readable, but really not for me.

Back at the Comfort Food Cafe - and it feels so good! I love that there's another story in this series, and it's so fun to be back with all the characters we know and love. Sometimes in a series too many books are written and it gets kind of old - but this one is so different each time so I haven't got bored yet! I loved this storyline (possibly one of my favourites) and as usual the writing was great. Can't wait for the next one!

I received a digital ARC of #AgiftFromTheComfortFoodCafÉ from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in the comfort food cafe series that I have read and I have loved each and every one. I was thrilled to have been accepted for this book as I had loved the previous two so much. This one didn't disappoint. It had been months since I had last read part of this series but I immediately fell back in love with the place and the characters that Debbie Johnson creates.

I felt sorry for Katie and all that she has experienced in life. I was really hoping she would settle in Budbury and allow herself to be part of the community. I won't spoil it for you by telling you what happens - you'll have to read it for yourself.

This is part of a series but enough detail is given that you would be able to read it if you've not previously read the rest of the series. However I do recommend reading the whole series as you will just fall in love with the place and characters. It put a smile on my face and I had a warm feeling inside. It's like putting on a comfy pair of slippers! I look forward to reading more in this series please Debbie Johnson!

I must say I had mixed feelings when I finally finished A Gift from the Comfort Food Café. Sure, it was cute and cozy, but that alone didn't do it for me. I had difficulty connecting with Katie, the main character and found her to be distant and not all that likeable at times. Sure, she's gone through a lot in her life and being a single mother of a three-year-old is not a walk in the park, but still, her reasons for not doing things and practically pushing people away, was not something I could get behind.

Then we have Van, sweet, gentlemany Van, home from being abroad and immediately takes a liking to Katie, who is, let's be frank, not the most approachable girl in the small village of Budbury due to her chilly and borderline antisocial personality.

There were a lot of characters to keep track off and I struggled to remember who's who sometimes. But that was until I found out that there are many more books about the Comfort Food Café and so I realise that I've jumped head first into an already established setting, but I didn't feel like I was missing too much information or backstory.

But despite all that, I did, for the most part, enjoy this story, although I'd hoped for a more christmassy vibe, but seeing as it's not Christmas when I read it, I guess that must be factored in as well.

All in all, a cozy British romantic novel that will do its best to warm your heart.

I love revisiting Budbury and the Comfort Food Cafe, it’s like putting on a comfy pair of slippers and visiting a friend!
This time we get to know the very quiet Katie and her son. We have seen glimpses of her in the other books, but she has always kept herself to herself in those. There’s no hiding in this one for her, though, as it is a spotlight on her life!
As always, this book was superbly written by Debbie Johnson and draws you in from the first page and doesn’t stop!
I chose this book for the Pink and Dizzy 2019 Reading Challenge as having a book with a cat in it (as I didn’t want to read a book about cats I thought this would be perfect!). I had worried that the cat would only be briefly mentioned, but I was pleasantly surprised that ‘Tinkerbell’ was woven throughout the story and wasn’t forgotten about. Not so sure on the name though, especially as a competition was run to name the cat. I was hoping for something a little more original, but hey ho!
Katie’s story is as lovely as all the ones we’ve read so far, and I’m looking forward to hearing more about her and Van in future books.

I read this book as a stand-alone but I gather it is actually the 5th in a series about the community of Budbury, a coastal village. Katie Seddon has moved to Budbury with her son, Sean, following her divorce. Her parental background left much to be desired and as a consequence she had difficulty in forming relationships and has trust issues.

I believe that the title says it all about this book. It is fairly predictable and if you think it might be a heart-warming romance you would be bang-on target. As such it is an easy read, no challenges, no complex plot; it does exactly what you would expect it to. Now, I am not damning this with faint praise because despite all of the above, I couldn’t wait to see exactly what happened. Yes, I did find Katie needed to get real and grow-up a bit. I did find that her parents, in particular her mother, a real pain and I did fall in love with her Sean with his little quirks. Also, I don’t know how the café made things pay… Having said all that, whilst reading I was conscious that I had a little smile in my mind. Now how bad is that?

A gift from the comfort cafe has a picturesque coastal setting with a rocky start. Katie Seddon’s parents didn’t demonstrate the perfect loving relationship when she was growing up. Unfortunately, the father of her child also wasn’t a good fit. Katie needs a fresh start and Budbury in Dorset is looking like a good fit. The comfort food cafe offers the perfect treat for a lonely heart.

I’m a little late reading this book as it’s a Christmas read. It was released back in October. If it was set at any other time of year I probably wouldn’t have even given the setting a second thought. Christmas is magical and this book adds a little Christmas spirit, giving extra warmth. I was a little worried when I started reading this book as it opens with Katie spending portions of her childhood running away from home. The book unfolds to be a warm-hearted magical read about finding a home, mending bridges and finding what really matters. It is a romance but so much more. It’s about friendship and community. This book is part of a series, however, can be read as a standalone. 3.5 stars out of 5.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Comfort Food Cafe series is a lovely read and this latest instalment didn’t disappoint. There’s enough background information on the characters not to have needed to read the previous books. Even though the characters have been through some drama in the past the book gives the feeling of a great big hug. A nice warm cosy read for a cold winters night.

This was a delightful story partly about the effects a disrupted childhood by mental abuse can have on a childs' development and future life but also about how you can rise above those effects. Especially if you have people around you who want you to enjoy life. I was in tears by the end, brilliant conclusion..

I love the Comfort Food Café. I've completely fallen in love with this series, its characters and of course, the cosy setting. Like the previous four stories in this series, this book can be perfectly read as a stand-alone as it has its own independent story, but I would highly recommend reading all the books, as each one of them is a real treat. And the big cast of characters can be a bit overwhelming for new readers.

This time, the focus falls on Katie. She has appeared a bit in previous books, but we just know that she is a single mum to a very active toddler and that she spends some afternoons in the Café. With this story though, we immediately discover Katie's past: coming from a very disrupted family, all her life she has been trying to escape, but she has never been sure of where to escape to.

Now she has something that she has never had before: people to rely on. Budbury's residents are a big family and they are determined to welcome Katie and her son with open arms. Something that might not have the desired effect on Katie herself...

As usual, author Debbie Johnson balanced the sadder and harder parts in Katie's story with the more humorous scenes perfectly. It's a story that can made you cry in one page and then make you laugh out loud in the following one. And of course, for fans of the series, it's a real treat to catch up with our favourite characters.

The only thing I didn't enjoy as much as in the previous books was actually the main character. Katie is a difficult character to like, especially at the beginning, as I couldn't understand some of her actions. But as the story unfolded, I also saw her change and evolve, which was very enjoyable.

But all in all, this turned out to be a magical story and the setting around Christmas was perfect to put me on the a festive mood. Definitely a story to enjoy on the run up to the holidays with a hot chocolate and some Christmas treats!

Ahhhh (sighs contentedly)!!! Is there anything more satisfying than reading a Comfort Food Cafe book? Another great instalment from Debbie Johnson where we get to meet all our old friends, meet new ones and learn a bit more about others who have previously only been in the background of the books.

This book features on single Mum Katie and her adorable son, Saul. Katie was always running away when she was younger and her parents were arguing 24/7. Now she is older and old habits die hard, she doesn’t like getting too close to anyone and likes to be as independent as she can. When things get tough or she feels things are getting too much, her first instinct is to run but now she feels she should be putting roots down and let Saul blossom in the village he loves so much. Throw in a love interest and poor Katie is in bits.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book (as I do with all in the series). I love how we get a wee catch up on the characters who have featured heavily in previous books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

3.5 - It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas... Stars!

We return to Budbury, Dorset for the fifth book in Debbie Johnson’s Comfort Food Café series. Katie Seddon and her toddler son; Saul finally start to integrate into village life just as Christmas approaches.

Things are changing – and I don’t want them to…

I’d say I fell in like, rather than love with this addition. The setting, secondary characters and the goings on with them were as entertaining as always, and everything on that front lived up to expectations. But when you struggle to like the leading character of the story being told it tends to dim the sparkle of everything else going on a little.

"I’ll let you rescue me…"

I can understand Katie’s actions and motivations in a way, but as the book progressed I found it more weak willed, and self-absorbed than anything, especially when the trouble she thought she had left behind comes knocking on her door and pretty much starts reverting back to the same old patterns as before, and rather than nip it in the bud immediately, she goes for the head-in-sand mentality until it’s almost too late.

"Have you ever considered... I don't know... telling them to fuck off?"

I held off on reading this one, because I wanted to save it to the last minute so it pains me that I didn’t totally love it. That-said I still read it in less than a day, I loved Saul, adored Van, and really appreciated seeing the rest of the characters I have gotten to know through the previous books moving along with their lives as Katie’s story played out.

"I’m maybe already in a bit deeper than I thought I was… And that’s okay – but I know you’re not."

I am so pleased to see that we get to return March 19, for A Wedding at the Comfort Food Café, lots happened in this book, so I am looking forward to reading more of the continuation of everyone lives when it’s released.

Back to the comfort cafe and this time it’s to Katie and her little boy Saul. Katie is hurt and scared of love due to her parents relationship and that of hers and saul’s Dad so she keeps to herself but with Saul being the whole village’s little angel she has to share him and her heart with Van. Van wants her to open up to love and at xmas as well.

Aww this was just lovely to read and no doubt I will read it again closer to xmas to enjoy the festivity of it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was glad to finish A Gift from the Comfort Food Café, and it’s the last Comfort Food Café book I’ll read. I enjoyed them at first because who wouldn’t like to live somewhere where everyone knows your name, people look out for each other and there’s endless supplies of cake? The books are very formulaic, though and the heroine-with-problems in this one is particularly dreary. Unlike most places Budworth has an apparently endless supply of dishy but also caring men. It irritates me that the answer to all the heroines’ problems is always A Man.

This is a really lovely series set in a lovely community and cliff-top cafe in Dorset.

This book is about Katie and her little son, Saul, who live in the little village of Budbury. Katie is quite a private person who finds it hard to make friends and socialise, but is slowly getting better as time goes on and her guards slowly come down as the very friendly people of Budbury and the Comfort Food Cafe slowly work their way past her defences.

The reason she likes a quiet life is because her parents constantly argued and had fights while she was growing up and she ran away quite a few times to her Gran's house nearby. But when her Gran died she had nowhere to go, so the minute she could leave she did. Then she started to fall into the same sort of relationship with her partner as her parents had, so she upped and left with her baby son Saul.

This book also catches up with all the really lovely residents of Budbury, with some good and bad things happening, and Katie slowly getting closer to, Van, a relative newcomer to the village. Unfortunately her Mother turns up at one point, as her Father has moved out, and upsets Katie's calm existence. Even though she loves her Mum she finds it very hard to live with her at times as she definitely takes over a bit and Katie is always waiting for a drama to happen with her. But once she gets herself sorted she is offered a job at the Comfort Food Cafe with the flat above and moves out and life returns to normal for Katie. But then her Father also appears at another point and whilst they try and sort out their problems their civility doesn't last long.

Of course this being Budbury with lovely residents things are eventually resolved with Katie finally getting a bit of a backbone and standing up to her parents, with Van riding to Katie's rescue and helping her get her head straight, he was a lovely character, I really liked him.

Very enjoyable book and series.

It's always worth visiting the Comfort Food Cafe, whatever the season, but this one is extra special as it has a festive twist. The book reads perfectly as a complete story, but give yourself a treat with the rest of the series, if you haven't already done so, they are worth reading.

This story will tug your heartstrings, Kate is a single mum who's had a difficult life, Christmas was one of her worst times, but she values her friends at the cafe and is willing to let them make it special with a little persuasion.

Festive cheer, heartwarming friendship, with a little bit of poignancy make this the perfect Christmas read.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A Gift from the Comfort Food Café is the fifth in the Comfort Food Café series by Debbie Johnson. Each book is easily read as a stand alone but in my opinion it would be advisable to start right from book one simply because this is such a gorgeous series that you won't want to miss out on any of these wonderful stories. There has never been a book centred around the café and the small village of Budbury that I haven't enjoyed. In fact my love for these books grows even stronger each time I return to a set of characters that are unique, friendly, supportive and loveable and who always extend the hand of friendship at every given opportunity.

Time and time again Debbie Johnson creates a warm and inviting atmosphere although which ever character the book focuses on is not without their troubles. That's what makes the people we meet easy to relate to and to identify with. That they are simply human like the rest of us and go through troubles and strife’s on a daily basis with some laughter and fun times thrown in for good measure. The café that perches on the cliff top overlooking the sea is like a beacon that calls people who need a helping hand or words of advice. Eccentric owner Cherie Moon is like the grandmother figure we would all love to have. She has created a family unit who although they may not be related by blood they are as close as any family could be. Accompanied by manager Laura - herself the focus of book one – Cherie and her team embrace everybody in this glorious series that continues to go from strength to strength.

Each book centres around a character who may have been hovering around in the background previously but now it is their time to step into the spotlight and share their story. At the same all the residents of Budbury that we have come to know and love appear again. I love that characters are never forgotten about, that they have prominence when needed and can step back a little when it is the turn for us to get to know someone new. This time the focus is on Katie Seddon and her young son Saul, who is always such a bundle of energy and exuberance and who steals so many scenes providing laugh out loud moments.

Katie is a single mother whose own childhood has had a deep affect on the way she lives her life today. There was an intensive and detailed opening chapter which was necessary as it allowed us to understand Katie's mentality from the off and why she acted the way she did. It was interesting and provided food for thought and the reader instantly wonders will Katie's barriers be easily broken down? She always tries to do her best for her son working in the local pharmacy whilst the Comfort Food Café crew all join to care to care for Saul. Christmas has never been Katie's favourite time of year and this Christmas is no different. She will do her bit for Saul but she rather wishes it was all just brushed under the carpet and that they could press fast forward to New Year. But Cherie,Laura and all the people I have come to know so well don't want that to happen for Katie and they are determined to give her a Christmas to remember.

Poor Katie, she really was a lovely girl and one to be admired for all that she does for her son but having so many memories in her life ruined by arguments and battles between her parents have left deep scars. So much so that she is afraid of commitment for fear of getting hurt herself, she doesn't want the life for Saul that she had herself. So she believes staying single and not engaging too much with others will prevent hurt and pain invading her life once again. I felt she really kept herself on the outskirts of the little community that was build up within the café. Yes she may have gone there to collect Saul and to indulge in some of the mouthwatering treats on offer, be warned you will want something tasty and full of sugar to hand whilst reading this book, but she never fully let go and enjoyed herself. Her guard was always up and the outer shell of protection she has created and which she believes to be necessary was very hard to crack. I really wanted her just to let go and embrace what Budbury had to offer.

The café offers conversation, reassurance and a warm welcome but given Katie's nature and her determination to stay as quite as possible so people won't notice her I questioned would she be the person for whom the magic of the café just didn't work. I'm not saying Katie was all bad in that she never interacted with anyone, of course she did but similar to some of us she prefers solitude and it's the defence mechanism she has built up for herself. On the other hand there was a kind and caring side to Katie that although she was reluctant to show it did emerge at various times. In particular when it came to Edie May and an incident that could have turned out an awful lot worse. Katie became a confidant for Laura who has an unexpected but the most wonderful of secrets. Certainly a smile came to my face with this particular storyline.

Things start to change for Katie as I felt events outside of her comfort zone started to take over and although Cherie may meddle in things it always done with such a good heart and in a respectful way, Katie was really presented with no other option other than to let go and allow love and friendship into her life. But can she do that or have the memories of the past done too much damage to ever recover from and move forward in her life? I really wanted Katie to get more confidence and realise that people genuinely wanted to help and that she is not a burden on anyone but I understand that when you are independent and have chosen to be that way for so long it can be hard to step out of the comfort zone you have built around you and to reach out and share the burden with others.

Although life has taught Katie not to believe in herself as much as others do the little glimmer of love and affection that emerged between herself and a member of the opposite sex was so lovely to see. I knew what I wanted to happen but I felt a lot of water needed to flow under the bridge before Katie could give in to feelings she has kept at bay for so long. Unless the issues that were present in her past can be resolved and she understands things aren't all her fault than there would be no way forward for her despite the efforts of Cherie and co. As Christmas draws nearer and Katie finds the changes around her very challenging the reader enjoys all the mentions of the festivities and celebrations and it reminds us that this time of year is one to be enjoyed and shared with those we love. I always had the question would this all be too much for Katie or was there something or someone which would allow her to see the light, to take the risk and to try and be happy?

A Gift from the Comfort Food Café was another delightful read which I loved from beginning to end. Katie's story was interesting and emotive and I believe many people will identify with her in one small way or another. This really is a series that I don't want to end and I was delighted to see that in March we will return to Budbury in A Wedding at the Comfort Food Café. That title alone has piqued my interest but in the meantime do read this wonderful and heart-warming story it will do you good to do so.

Katie is a single mum to a little boy Saul. She moves to Budbury hoping to find peace there, to just have a simple life, far away from her childhood home and her parents' constant fighting that outshone them the real needs of their daughter and the real sense of life. Katie doesn't want such life for her son. Budbury is full of wonderful people that want to help each other, people who embrace Katie without asking, who accept her immediately. But can Katie leave her past behind? And can her past leave Katie behind? Is she going to find what she's looking for in Budbury?

I really am not sure what to say more about the Comfort Food Cafe series that I haven't already said. It is really hard to write another review about a book that you loved - and please, please, please don't get me wrong, I could read books set in Budbury all year long - but they start to feel the same. "A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe" is a brilliant, funny, uplifting story, with beautiful characters but for me there was nothing that I haven't come across in previous books in this series.

But. Having said that I can only admit that Debbie Johnson has written another fabulous, full of feelings and emotions story. I loved getting to know Katie and her son Saul, though I must admit that the parts where the characters from the previous books entered the scenes brought me so much more joy, especially all the surprises. Katie, I think, was not the easiest character to like - she was challenging, with her moods and blowing cold and hot but it was, of course, absolutely understandable. Already at the beginning of the story we learn about her life and to say it was turbulent would be an understatement - hence the habit of running away when the troubles come. But now Katie found her place in Budbury - didn't she? I loved seeing Katie coming out of her shell, leaving her comfort zones, to have the guts to do something new, to perhaps start to trust again. However, when the troubles came back to literally knock on her doors, she started reverting back, packing her bags and it was incredibly sad to see. On the other hand, I think Debbie Johnson has captured here the most realistic, genuine emotions - the need to just bury your head in the sand, to repeat the old pattern because they were working, and this is what Katie's initial thoughts were, which was really understandable. It takes a lot of courage to overcome the old habits and it was truly brilliantly described by the author, and Katie felt so genuine, and I loved it. I think she just needs a chance, so please just give her some time, you will really like her and understand her.

Of course the story touches upon many sensitive issues and Debbie Johnson proves again that she can tackle them with so much sensitivity and also humour. I also adore this overwhelming sense of familiarity, belonging and community in her books. Debbie Johnson never disappoints with her stories, and the Comfort Food Cafe series is one of the best ever. They are books that you don't want to end, that you immediately feel like a part of the characters' world - that doesn't feel fictional at all and reading "A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe" was like being back with your old friends. Really, opening this book was like stepping back into a parallel world, a world that you know is just one page away. I immediately felt comfortable, as if I've came back to a place where I belong, and it is a great feeling.

It was a warm and feel - good book, perfectly mixing humour, fun and poignant moments. Despite some sadness, it was full of this overwhelming feeling of happiness and content and you know what, I'd love to be a character in Johnson's books, even if there are many challenges awaiting them because at the end they always find love, luck, come out of their shells and feel good on their own skin. It was a lovely story about friendship, letting go, finding yourself - highly recommended, even if you haven't read the other books in the series: every single one of them is a good start.