Ellie is back! It's now Summer at the Dog & Duck, and Ellie has settled into her life in Little Leyton. She's running the bar, dating Max, and spending time with her friends Josie and Polly. Life couldn't be sweeter....and then Max's kid sister Katy and super-hot ex-girlfriend Sasha show up in town.

I rather enjoyed Winter at the Dog & Duck. I thought it was fun, if not completely absorbing. I hate to say it, but Ellie REALLY got on my nerves in this one. So much so that at one point, I didn't think I'd be able to finish it. Polly and Josie - and wanting to know more about the handsome newcomer, George - kept me going. I also liked Katy a lot, but the whole storyline with Ellie and Max made me want to throw in the towel.

Max is....I don't know. He's not terrible, but he's got some issues and what happens is Ellie gets all worked up about how much of a jerk he's being and then ends up apologizing. Yes, you read that right - Ellie apologizes to Max when Max is the one who should be apologizing to her. It really irked me. Maybe I'm just tired of reading about unhealthy relationships. Shrug.

I don't think I'll be continuing the series, which is a little bit of a shame - it's great fluff reading, and the setting is lots of fun. Too bad the characters just don't do it for me! I'm being generous and giving this one a 3 star rating, but truthfully it's more along the lines of 2.5.

What a feel good story about a close knit community, thanks Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy. Well worth a read

If you read the cover blurb of "Summer at the Dog and Duck", it promises a feel-good story with happy ending, meeting nice characters in a close-knit community, lovely English countryside, who-will-end-up-with-whom intrigues (without great surprises) and warm-fuzzy vibes all around.

I am happy to say that the author, Jill Steeples, delivers on all the promises: satisfaction guaranteed while reading and on finishing the book. It is an easy and entertaining read, perfect for summer holidays.

Ellie and Max are an affectionate, sympathetic couple, so you find it easy to root for them and you wish for them to sort out all the upcoming obstacles in their way. I also like the fact that they are not afraid to stand up to each other and tell the other if they have a problem (with some necessary hide & seek involved).
Ellie is a lovely character through and through: she stands by her friends & does not neglect them just because she is in a relationship; she supports Max over the troubles with his sister yet isn't afraid to take her side when she feels that's the right way to go.
It is also a welcome element that Ellie gives Max the benefit of the doubt & tries not to jump to conclusions when a situation arises that screams * obvious SETUP, but you have to fall for it & break up with boyfriend!!!*.

This was a fun, relaxing read and I will also read Book#1, Winter at the Dog & Duck to learn how Ellie & Max became a couple.

This was a nice light hearted novel, sometimes predictable, sometimes very funny. Ellie, landlady of the pub, is happy in her work and happy in her romance with her friend Max. Max's sister Katy arrives and sets the cat amongst the pigeons. An old girl friend of Max's turns up, with her own little agenda. And Ellie copes with it all. Somehow!

At the beginning of the year (is it really April now?! Time flies!) I've read the first book of the Dog & Duck-series by Jill Steeples. Thanks to NetGalley I was able the read the next book: "Summer at the Dog & Duck" will be published on 1 June. If you haven't read the first one yet, please notice that this review might contain some spoilers.

A few months have passed since Ellie took over the pub called "The Dog & Duck" and started the relationship with Max Golding, the good looking property developer and owner of a manor. It's spring now and Ellie enjoys running the pub and the company of her dog Digsby. Sadly, there isn't a lot of time for Max as they are both busy with their jobs. Then there is the summer fair coming and some other celebrations, too.

When Max' teenage sister Katy shows up, there are a few arguments not only between the siblings. And we shouldn't forget Max' ex Sasha who has a little surprise and Ellie fears the worse. And it's kind of weird that her name is Sasha because my boyfriend's name is Sascha. 😃

So this is a quick summary of the events. Although books like this are predictable, I loved reading this heart-warming novel. On some points I was like "omg, Ellie. Don't you see what's happening with you? Even I can see that!" But I don't know. If you were in her situation, would've you noticed? I think not.

On the other hand, I couldn't tell at the beginning what the problem between Katy and her mum was. I understand her behaviour now and you can see a big development in her character - as well as in Sashas.

The end came too quickly and it's a cliffhanger! Now I want to know what happens next. Will Max propose? What about their announcement? How are the reactions? What about Polly and George? I hope there will be a third book!