Title: Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery
Author: Jenny Colgan
First published February 26, 2015
416 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062465924 (ISBN10: 0062465929)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
In Joyce Maynard’s latest novel, readers are drawn into the captivating story of two sisters, Rachel and Patty, during the long, hot summer of 1979 in northern California. With a mother whose heart was broken and a charming yet unfaithful detective father, the girls are left to their own devices, spending their days playing dangerous games on the mountain behind their home and crafting elaborate fantasies about their mysterious new neighbor.
However, when young women start turning up dead on the mountain, their father is tasked with finding the killer known as The Sunset Strangler. As Rachel watches her father’s life unravel, she embarks on a dangerous game of her own – setting herself up as bait to catch the killer.
Decades later, Rachel has never given up hope of clearing her father’s name, and her search for justice brings her back to the secrets of her childhood. With thrilling suspense and a touching exploration of sisterhood and family bonds, After Her is a must-read for fans of Maynard’s previous works.
About the Author
Jenny Colgan has written many popular novels, such as ‘The Little Shop of Happy Ever After’ and ‘Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery’, both published by Sphere. In fact, ‘Meet Me at the Cupcake Café’ won the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance in 2012 and made it to the Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller list.
‘Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop of Dreams’ was also a bestseller and won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2013.
To learn more about Jenny, you can visit her website, Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter. She has also been published under a different name.
Editoral Review
Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan is a heartwarming and engaging novel that transports readers to the charming seaside town of Mount Polbearne in Cornwall, England. Colgan, a bestselling author of romantic comedy and women’s fiction, skillfully weaves together themes of friendship, love, loss, and self-discovery in this delightful summer read.
The story follows Polly Waterford, a young woman who has recently relocated to Mount Polbearne after a difficult breakup. Polly opens up her own bakery, Little Beach Street Bakery, on the ground floor of a run-down apartment building with the help of her new friend, a puffin named Neil.
She also finds romance with the handsome and kind-hearted American beekeeper, Huckle. However, Polly’s dream of success and happiness in her new home are threatened when a group of wealthy businessmen threaten to demolish her bakery and the entire building.
Colgan’s writing is light and breezy, yet evocative, painting vivid pictures of the rugged coastline, the quaint village streets, and the mouth-watering delicacies that Polly bakes in her kitchen. The author uses alternating perspectives of Polly and Huckle, as well as other supporting characters, to delve deeper into their motivations, fears, and desires.
The characters are flawed but lovable, and their relationships are complex and compelling. One of the greatest strengths of Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery is Colgan’s ability to tackle serious topics with a gentle touch.
The novel explores themes of grief, mental health, class inequality, and environmental conservation without ever feeling heavy-handed or preachy. The author brings attention to these issues in a way that is both accessible and relatable to readers.
One of the few weaknesses of the novel is its predictability. The plot follows a traditional romantic comedy structure, with obstacles and setbacks that are easily overcome.
Some readers may find this lack of surprises disappointing, but others may appreciate the comforting familiarity of the genre. Overall, Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery is a charming and engrossing read that is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
It will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and women’s fiction, as well as those who enjoy stories about small-town life and baking. The novel is a perfect escape from the stresses of modern life, and a gentle reminder to value the simple pleasures of friendship, love, and good food.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
