Christmas and New Year are festive holiday times that elicit strong feelings in many people. Tara has disturbing memories of this time of year, but she still goes through the motions making it a lovely time for her customers at the cafe.

Tara's past defines her. Her childhood is difficult and, as a foster child, her life full of goodbyes until she meets her final foster family. They love her but as she grew up her foster sister reveals her true nature, with devastating results for naive Tara.

Tara carries this legacy of abuse and betrayal, self-contained she keeps acquaintances at arm's length and her past hidden. Carly, a character from a previous story, is a friend who gradually encourages Tara, to share her secrets.

This is a poignant story, but the issues raised are written with sensitively, and Tara learns that she is not her past and shouldn't let others define her. This story ends positively with festive cheer, but its thought-provoking messages resonate.

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

I loved Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes and this time we are back at the wonderful Castle Street in the fictional North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitsborough Bay, with Tara Porter from The Chocolate Pot Cafe.

I first met Tara in Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes and I already knew she would be a great character to read her back story on, and boy did this book not disappoint. We know Tara has a bit of a troubled past and we discover that there are some dark moments in her past that she really needs to confront. This was at times emotional to read especially reading about Tara’s childhood, but I loved how Redland handled the storylines.

I loved Tara’s growth and transformation throughout this story, the fact that she confides in Carly about her life shows that she is ready to finally move on.

This is a lovely festive read in which Carly is busy getting ready for Christmas but her sister, Bethany, is proving a very mixed blessing as she keeps accidentally causing havoc with Carly’s schedule and her baking! Bethany is getting married just before Christmas and the stress of it all, following on from the traumatic events from earlier in the year, are making her more anxious and clumsier than usual. Meanwhile, as well as all that entails, Carly is eagerly anticipating the return of her best friend from active service in Afghanistan. She knows she loves him but is wary of making him aware of her feelings and ruining their friendship. As drama in the bakery unfolds, can these sisters both find true love and happiness this Christmas?

What a fun read this proved to be. I really enjoyed learning about the various businesses on Castle Street and it is fantastic how their owners help and support each other. There are plenty of characters to get to know, lots of laughs and some moments of anguish, too, in this delightful festive read. I can’t wait to learn more about this great community in the sequel which I’ll be reading next!

Many thanks to Boldwood Book and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

If you’re looking for a Christmas story that will tug at your heartstrings and make you fall in love with the characters, you don’t need to look any further.

Tara hasn’t had an easy life but has been determined to make a success of her own business. She’s kept her past to herself and doesn’t open up easily to her friends to protect herself. Some of Tara’s past is particularly dark and this isn’t as light to read as Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes. However, this added to Tara’s character and made her feel realistic and human.

Jessica Redland effortlessly creates a community of characters that you’re rooting for throughout. There’s such a welcoming atmosphere at Whitsborough Bay that it’s the perfect place for anyone needing a fresh start! It’s the perfect setting for a cosy Christmas book and I wish the Chocolate Pot Cafe was a real destination!

I own two rabbits and I loved reading a book that had a giant rabbit as a pet rather than the standard cat or dog. I might be biased but I think rabbits are just as loving, if not more so and Hercules is a great companion for Tara.

Seeing Tara grow in confidence and opening up to her friends was my favourite part of the story. It’s such an uplifting book despite the trauma Tara has experienced.

A thoroughly enjoyable festive novel that is engaging from start to finish.

Omg I loved this book second one of the series I have read.
Tara sounds like she had an awful childhood but has over come that to become a success but not in everything. She is slowly learning to trust people again and Carly from Carlys cupcakes is one of those people.
This is a lovely tale of helping others and yourself and learning how to forgive yourself and learning how to move on. I love this series of books. Will definetley read more.

First, I want to thank Jessica Redland, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Readers put Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café by Jessica Redland on your TBR list. This Christmas story I guarantee is unlike any book in its genre that you have ever read before. It is unforgettable and you won't be able to put it down! This is one book that readers will be talking about til after the Christmas season is over with!
I don't usually re-read books-but this was just so intense that I would re-read it! Now that is saying a lot!

Jessica dedicates this book to Liz Pen pal, beta reader, fabulous friend xx To see a person – to really see them – is to notice all of their magic. To love a person – to really love them – is to remind them of their magic when they’ve forgotten it’s there.

One thing I love about Jessica’s writing (this is my second book I have read of hers) she takes people or places from her real world as inspiration and incorporates them into her story. Her friend Liz is an example of this. It makes the characters and the story more meaningful to her and it shows in her writing.

If you have read Jessica’s previous book Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes you will recognize a friendly face. Carly and Carly’s Cupcakes make a few appearances in this book who lends an ear to Tamara.

Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café totally surprised me!! The book started off all sweet like many books in this genre do-until we learn about Tamara’s past! WOW!! There were scenes from her past I don’t think anyone reading this book would see coming! They were so intense! I am an open minded reader but even I felt very awkward for Tamara during all of this. It was just so sick and twisted what Leanne was arranging for her sister. However, all this being said it made for one amazing, intense, eye opening, jaw dropping, storyline that blew my mind. Jessica needs to write more storylines in this sub genre she has a gift with this!

Jessica does bring up some very important topics in this book such as the foster care system. She lets us in to see first hand how Tamera had to navigate the system. Breast Cancer, Depression, Bipolarism, Drug Abuse is also discussed.

One major thing I loved about this book was how much Tamara and her Dad loved eachother! They had such an incredible loving bond. Hearing their Christmas Eve traditions and how much fun they had truly put a smile on my face and love in my heart. It made me want to call my father and tell him how much I love and appreciate him.

There is a quote in the book that touched me as I too connected with it on a personal level. “Don’t let your past define you, Tara. You’re stronger than that. And don’t feel you have to tell people about it. You choose what to share and you choose when and, if you really want to share, then find the truth that works for you. People don’t have to know your deepest secrets to know you.”

I'm not sure what I expected from this book, but it was different than I expected. Tara's life is transformed when she discovers a truth about her sister that causes her to run away, leaving her foster parents, husband, and sister behind. Tara clings to the hopeful attitude her father taught her but struggles to truly live her life after all that happened.

Tara opens the Chocolate Pot Cafe and hides behind her community work, her cafe, and struggles to let anyone in. This is ultimately a story of second chances, forgiveness, and learning to live your life again.

I thought this story was cute, but I thought the backstory was a bit dark for the light tone I was expecting. I didn't love that aspect of the story and sometimes felt like it overshadowed the aspect of the book I enjoyed.

I recommend for readers who enjoy Hallmark movies with a darker twist and books about re-discovering yourself.

I was expecting a fluffy Christmas romance, with maybe some minor harder-hitting details thrown in. But Tara's backstory is grim and dark, making it even more surprising how positive she has managed to stay throughout her life.

So while this book was a tougher read than I was expecting, I had a good time with this story. Tara grows throughout the book and becomes more at ease with letting people in, and I'm betting you'd be hard-pressed to find any reader who doesn't end up having quite deep feelings while reading Tara's story.

A wonderful 5* read that made me laugh and cry throughout, I am loving reading books by Jessica Redland and this story totally stole my heart.

After reading about Carly, it was great to get to know her friend Tara. The story is told from Tara's perspective and takes you between her past and present day to establish how she ended up at The Chocolate Pot Cafe all those years ago.

I love the emotion in this story, the trauma that Tara experienced will really resonate with people and the lasting damage these scenarios create. Jessica is an author who always touches on real life issues and creates an emotional response to the events within the story.

A superb festive read, filled with hygge, a selection of flavoured hot chocolate and homemade decorations.

This is the story of Tara at the Chocolate Pot Cafe – we met her briefly in the other Whitsborough Bay books, and experienced the warmth of her friendship and support in Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes. You really don’t have to read any of the other books to enjoy it – it’s complete in itself, entirely standalone – but if there was ever a series I’d urge you to catch up on, I think this just has to be the one.

This book goes right back to Tara’s arrival in Whitsborough Bay, randomly chosen as her destination by placing her finger on a map, needing somewhere she can call “home”. And it goes back further than that, into her sad childhood and the reasons why she fled and left her former life behind – and it’s dark, it’s a bit disturbing, and unusual to find in the light Christmassy read you might have been expecting. I’ll even admit I wasn’t too sure I liked some of its twists and turns, but the author handles it exceptionally well and it gives a real depth to the story that helps you understand why Tara has chosen her solitary and secretive life. But she’s lonely too – and the fact that she tells her story to Carly is just the start of her gradual unfolding, caring for others showing her that what she gets in return can be something really special and improve her life beyond recognition.

It’s impossible not to take Tara to your heart – her loneliness really hurts, as she settles down for Christmas Day alone (well, other than her giant house rabbit) to watch a Friends series and to try not to let her memories of happier times overwhelm her. I loved the story of how she found the cafe and made the place her own – but rather less the man who sold it to her, making things difficult by forcing her to pay over the odds to get her dream in place. The heart of the story is really Tara’s transformation – all the little steps as she lets people come a little closer, as she interests herself in their lives and slowly learns to share her own. But there’s a threat too – the cafe’s previous owner is back in town, and it looks as if he’s going to open up a cafe across the road, threatening her happiness and everything she’s worked so hard to achieve.

I loved the small details and touches in Tara’s story – the snow globe, the photograph album, the motif of the lighthouse, the pot that gave the cafe its name, the memories of the fairground on a really special day (and the way it becomes a recurring image). Then there’s her Etsy business and the detail around the crafting process, the swimming, the pilates classes, the rather special art – and I really loved Tara’s home (and refuge) above the shop, Hercules the rabbit, the decorative touches in the cafe. The descriptions are so excellent, and the book’s setting – the cafe and Tara’s home, the street, the town that surrounds it – are vividly brought to life.

I liked the supporting characters – the other traders on Castle Street, the team at the Chocolate Pot cafe that we get to know better at the same time that she’s getting to know them too. And I particularly loved the romance – in many ways, it’s a fairly classic enemies-to-lovers story, but I really enjoyed the way it progressed from its unpromising start, filled with misunderstandings and mistrust, into a relationship that entirely filled my heart.

This is a Christmas story in many ways, but in many ways it isn’t – it starts that way, and it finishes that way too (oh, those gifts – and all that emotion as family comes to the fore) but the story encompasses the whole year in between, as well as dipping back into the past. Emotionally, it’s all just so perfect – I was totally enchanted, cheering every little advance that Tara achieved, seeing her blossom, sometimes shedding a tear, but more often smiling.

I just loved everything about this book – a wonderful story, a heroine I loved, a romance I really believed in, and the very best of writing. Go on, add it to your list now… I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Having read and loved Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes by Jessica Redland I was eager to read this follow up which focuses on Tara, one of the characters in the earlier book. I need to stress at this point that this works perfectly as a standalone book so not to worry if you didn't read the Cupcake book.

I found it easy to warm to Tara, a lovely woman but with a very sad and harrowing past. As a result of previous hurts and humiliations and coercive abuse she is reluctant to open her heart or her door to anyone and has spent the last fourteen years leading a very reclusive life refusing to form friendships or romantic attachments. Her only companion is a giant rabbit called Hercules (I LOVED him). Tara keeps herself to herself despite running a very successful 'Chocolate Pot Cafe' with the help of the loveliest staff. The cafe is part of a group of shops on Castle Street and the proprietors of the shops there all form part of this lovely story. I hope that there will be more books set in Castle Street as it is so well described that I can just imagine walking down those cobbles and popping into the various shops there. Despite the warm characters, a slow burn romance and an abundance of scrumptious cakes it would be an error to refer to this book as Chic Lit. It is far, far more than that. There are some quite dark parts, some heart breaking incidents and some very touching moments. I don't cry easily over books but this really did have me weeping (happy tears) in a few places. All in all, a lovely, heart warming but also emotional and inspiring book, I can honestly say I loved it. and look forward to more from Jessica in future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre release copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tara’s story is much more involved and takes place after Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes. Fleeing an undisclosed event, Tamara sticks a pin into a map and, after realising that she can’t live at sea, draws a line to discover the fictional location of Whitsborough Bay.
Although she is set financially, she invests her money in a run-down café, changes her name to Tara and renovates the entire building which includes an amazing flat on the top floor.
As her business begins to thrive, Tara makes strong connections with her staff, customers and other local traders. However, she keeps them all at arms-length as she is too scared to reveal her embarrassing past.
Can she follow the advice that she gave to Carly and reveal her true self to the people who she has become so fond of?
Add in a new trader, someone who Tara has taken a dislike to, but also happens to be drop dead gorgeous, and the scene is set for a delightful Christmas tale.
The highlights for me were the wonderful relationships that Tara had built up with her staff and the other traders on Castle Street.
As the truth of her past was slowly revealed, it became impossible not to muse how I would deal with such a devastating betrayal. I’m not sure that I would have coped quite as well as Tara.
These two books are an absolute triumph and I can’t think of a better way to spend these winter months than to curl up with a hot chocolate, a cupcake and let the stories unfold.

After reading Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes, I was excited to find another book in the series following one of the supporting characters. This book follows Tara the owner of The Chocolate Pot Cafe. She has quite the past and is starting to finally open up. I loved that Carly was a major supporting character. Tara's story is a true story of success after dealing with a rough hand. I absolutely loved it.

After reading Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes I was really excited to read this and find out a bit more about Tara from The Chocolate Pot.

I really enjoyed this book, not only was it really Christmassy (which I love) but it also had so much content. This wasn’t just a happily ever after love story but you learnt about the trials and tribulations that Tara had been through as a child, She really had been put through the ringer and grown up with things that you wouldn’t even think possible, especially not all to one person.

But it’s never too late to say goodbye to the past and start looking forward. It really is true that your neighbours can be your friends and by asking questions about others you can develop a really close group of friends.

Even though you can kind of see the ending coming it doesn’t dent the magic and the wonders of Castle Street are still really strong. I can’t wait for more books about Castle Street to learn more about the other shopkeepers. Jessica’s writing transports you and you feel like you are right there with the characters.

The thriving cafe, The Chocolate Pot owned by Tara Porter is magical.
Christmas is always difficult for her and Tara takes us into her history.
This is a fabulous feel good novel, that you get drawn into from the moment you pick it up.
Two people arrive from Tara's past both affect her in different ways.
It's a wonderful seasonal story that everyone will love cosies up with a mug of hot chocolate.
It made me smile laugh and cry, and I just adored Tara.
The author has certainly captured my heart i loved every single page.
It's one magical Christmas treat for all her readers.

I loved this book! I really enjoyed Tara's story and the flashbacks. Jessica is a fantastic author and I can't wait to read more of her books!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy of this book!

Jessica Redland never fails to deliver engrossing story and this one is no exception.
It's heartwarming and poignant, it moved me and made me smile.
It deals with grief, fragility but also with hope and community.
The cast of characters is well developed and likable, the plot is tightly knitted and engrossing.
I recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I am a massive fan of the way Jessica Redland writes. I enjoy her lead characters and how there is always more than one story being told along the way. This is great as a stand-alone but absolutely perfect as the sequel to Carly’s Cupcakes. The story of Tara hit me right in the heart, it was great to catch up with Carly a bit more and lovely to see where Maria from Making Wishes at Bay View has ended up (with a cameo from Callie too)
Loved this one!

Welcome to Whitsborough Bay, the fictional North Yorkshire seaside town where owner of The Chocolate Pot Cafe, Tara Porter, resides. At 22, escaping a failed marriage and an unhappy past, Tara finds herself in this part of the world keen to make a fresh start. Buying a dying cafe business from Jed Ferguson, Tara throws her energies and experience into creating the wonderful welcoming atmosphere
that epitomises The Chocolate Pot Cafe as it is now, which is when this story really begins. Maintaining a safe distance from her lovely team members and other traders of Castle Street, with only her giant pet rabbit Hercules for company, Tara is lonely and ashamed of the circumstances that have led her to leading such an insular life. However, no man is an island and although shunning friendship has kept her immune from hurt, isn’t it about time to take the plunge and open up her heart? This novel is all about Tara taking that leap of faith and I loved witnessing her transformation.

The readers who are familiar with this idyllic setting will no doubt be overjoyed to reacquaint themselves with this gorgeous setting whilst if you’re a newcomer to the place, like me, I can almost guarantee this is the perfect setting for a heartwarming tale of friendship and romance. I instantly fell in love with the characters and the surroundings,imagining myself browsing the shops along Castle Street before popping into Tara’s cafe to indulge in some of her sweet treats, maybe purchasing a decoration or two from the cobbly crafter. A word of warning; this book may make you hungry! I’m not a fan of hot chocolate but there are some interesting flavours on offer courtesy of Tara and her team so if I could visit this place in reality maybe I could be tempted!

Both setting and characterisation turn this book into the sweet, charming, indulgent read it is. Tara, or Tamara Chadwick as she was formerly known is that wonderful mix of both brave and fearful, typical of the female characters that are at the heart of romantic fiction. Her past defines her, losing both her parents at an early age, but seemingly lands on her feet when she is fostered by the Sanderson family. Is this a blessing in disguise or could years spent in the company of Tim Kirsten and Leanne be her undoing? I enjoyed discovering why Tara has found herself in Whitsborough Bay although the reasons for uprooting herself, leaving her marriage behind, did take me by surprise and does feel at odds with the overall syrupy sweet tone of the book.
Tara’s underlying strengths are in conflict with her reluctance to engage fully with those around her. With her entrepreneurial skills, her creativity and her resilience she makes a great role model for anyone not having the best start in life. Tara oozes kindness, keen to help others so that she is a character the reader can easily warm to. Her love of all things hygge and her participation in community projects almost makes her too good to be true but naturally there are less positive aspects of her character. I despaired of and felt saddened by her insular nature, hiding behind her carefully constructed walls, afraid of letting anyone see her vulnerability,of letting anyone into her heart. I wanted her to recognise her strengths as other do, let go of the past and embrace the future. With the love and support of those around her, it is heartwarming to witness Tara transform herself back to a woman with that Pollyanna approach to life and if she can achieve that then just maybe there’s a chance she’ll find love too?!? Just who will fulfil that romantic role? You may be in for a surprise!

Starry Skies over the Chocolate Pot Cafe, definitely has a Christmassy vibe, with an emphasis on the festive season and New Years Eve pertinent to Tara’s past. I did have a sense of this being a book of two halves, unsurprising when I realised this is an updated version of the original. I’m still deliberating whether some parts of Tara’s background fit in with the type of book a reader imagines it to be, when picking it up off the shelf. Judging the book by its beautiful cover I envisage lighthearted, romantic escapism type fiction, an element I think that gathers momentum through the latter half of the book, so that it does succumb to unadulterated tweeness at times! I wasn’t expecting the darker, sleazier side of life to feature in Tara’s past although the sensitive way the author deals with suicide is to be applauded with descriptions of depression as a black cloak very apt. Despite this tragedy and the unexpected events that force Tara to leave her foster family behind, I think the author has created a charming piece of escapist fiction to brighten the darkest of days. There is also a recognition that memories, good or bad can play a huge role in shaping our futures, but that the bad ones especially don’t have to define who we become.

Overall this storyline has the perfect blend of wonderful friendships, a great sense of community and love and romance all neatly wrapped up making it a lovely heartwarming read. It is cozy, comforting and undemanding, ideal for indulging that inner romantic soul that still believes in heart and flowers and happy endings, a blissful antidote to today’s world. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

This was a first read for me by Jessica Redland and I can say that I was pleasantly surprised! When I first started reading I though I was not going to be able to get into the book, but that quickly changed as you get to know more and more about the main character, Tara. I fell in love with the characters and really enjoyed getting to know them. The main focus being on Tara.

Tara left her family 14 years ago because of being betrayed by some on the closest people to her that she thought loved and cared for her. When Tara left, she ended up in a small town looking for a place to open her own restaurant. Tara finds the perfect place, but the owner is sort of a butt and wants more for the business and building than it is worth. Tara is very conservative and has not talked to too many people since she left her parents, but she is not going to let anyone else run over her either. She is determined to get the building on her terms. She does get the contract on her terms but then something comes back to bite her in the butt and she has had to learn another hard lesson in life.

Tara lives above her restaurant and is happy there with her rabbit, Hercules. She and Hercules have spent many nights and weekends together alone in the flat and that is how Tara wants it until her friend opens her eyes a little and makes her see that there is more out there for Tara and that not all people are as cruel as the people that have hurt her in her past. I loved being able to go along on this ride with Tara. The way that she gradually lets people in is honorable. She doesn't just jump into things again, but is cautious and plays it safe.

One day, many years after owning the Chocolate Pot Cafe, Tara sees Jed, the previous owner of the building, back in town. Tara immediately has a dislike for the man and wonder if he is there to try and take back his old spot? Why would he be back anyway, his wife had wanted to move away and he went with her. Jed and Tara eventually run into each other and immediately there is something there about Jed that Tara didn't sense last time. He is not as hostile and stand offish with her. They have a casual conversation and Jed mentions that he is looking to open up a shop on the same strip as the Chocolate Pot Cafe. This worries Tara and Jed keeps things a secret until he is ready to open the store. Come to find out, it is no competition for Tara at all.

With the revelation that Jed is not there to provide competition for Tara, they both are able to overcome their past and move one with getting to know each other. Tara finds out that Jed is divorced now and his daughters live with him. Tara is surprised by this and is excited for the chance to get to know Jed even more. You will have to read this one to see if Tara can open up enough to actually let someone in her life again or if she is going to close down all doors again and just continue to live with Hercules as her main companion? This book was a good read. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. Can't wait to read more from this author!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.