A bit late to the table but catching up with reading in 2024.
Readers this is the second book in series, but loved this as a essentially stand alone chick lit novel.
This is trully a lovely heart warming read with a lovely sense of community and feel good story.
Ellie Browne swaps the hustle and bustle of her London life for a quiet village life in Little Leyton. can she be a match for Eric the landlord who os her predecessor and just happens to be her best friends father! thewn there"s Max - his teenage sister and ex girlfiend - lots going on in this charming village.
Who will end up with who- well readers I recommend this cosy read.

I will be seeking out this author and hopeto read book one very soon.

The continuing story of Ellie, who manages the local pub in her small town, and her budding romance with Max, the local gentry. Enjoyed this one, and it is the 2nd in the series of 4, but keep in mind there is a cliff hanger at the end, so the books are designed to be read in order. Good to feel like you know the characters more, but frustrating at times that multiple books have to be read to get the full picture. Still, enjoyable and one I highly recommend.

Usually I pick this type of read based on what the heroine does for a living, however this time round I liked the sound of Ellie having to deal with a teenager rather than her lifestyle choices. Initially Ellie doesn't have much do with the tearaway as it's her boyfriend's sister, but, perhaps because Ellie is female and not related to Katy, Katy takes to Ellie. She opens up a little amongst all the teen angst, ends up being helpful to Ellie who in turn provides good advice for Katy regarding the reason she was sent to her brother by her mum in Spain.

It's realistic because families have lots of similar situations these days, and all the teens often need is someone like Ellie to help guide them back to a sensible path. Ellie clashes with her boyfriend over situations Katy gets in, which wasn't a surprise and had me feeling sorry for Ellie as she just wanted to help Katy, even though the help sometimes annoyed her boyfriend. They eventually work things out, and he sees that at times he is too protective.

The community atmosphere surrounding Ellie's pub was there when it mattered-yes some missed the previous owner which upset Ellie but that led to an empowering moment for Ellie who isn't afraid to stand her ground. There's a point where Ellie puts her pub's reputation in jeopardy but this is a Happy Ever After read so I was very satisfied with the end. I felt terrible for Ellie when she thinks she's mucked everything up, as she worked hard to be where she was and I wanted her to succeed. She does, on a level I didn't imagine. Definitely a feel good book for my reread shelf!

a light enjoyable read, a bit predictable in some places but interesting.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and so was looking forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed.

A delightful well written romance with lovely believable characters who you instantly warm to. A gorgeous village setting with fantastic community spirit. Charming, funny with a feel good feeling throughout. A fabulous light hearted read. I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book sitting in the sunshine and I must say it was a couple of hours blissfully spent.

'Summer at the dog and duck' is an easy, feel good read that evokes the Cosy,nostalgic fuzzy tummy type feeling that makes this genre so appealing if done well. And done well it certainly was- conjuring up images of quaint country pubs set against the backdrop of glorious English countryside. I loved it ❤️

What made it extra special for me were the two central characters Ellie and Max. They make a lovely couple and enjoy a normal everyday relationship with all its ups and downs and trials and tribulations. But both come across as genuine, warm people who are involved and interested in those around them. But what I loved most was that neither of them are a pushover, they are both strong minded individuals who have an honest relationship and speak their peace. I read this book in just one sitting. It has a strong storyline and things start to get really interesting, when Max's ex makes an appearance, as could be expected not the most welcome of visitors and bound to set the cat among the pigeons but she has an agenda and when she delivers some shocking revelations it really puts Ellie and Max's relationship to the test. So how about on top of that Max's sister arrives weighed down with baggage ( and by that I don't mean suitcases and overnight bags), but the emotional, daily variety. Ellie and Max's life is thrown upside down and I found myself rooting for them all the way. I felt really sorry for them trying to deal with all that was going on and poor Max trying to keep three women happy!!

But Ellie was hands down my favourite character she is a lovely, warm honest genuine and sympathetic but also no pushover.. Someone I would love to be friends with in real life! All this is set in a gorgeous little country pub at the heart of a close knit community and there are a few surprising revelations and lots to keep you riveted. So whether it's to curl up in bed with, read on your flight or beside the pool I would highly recommend this title ... It's the second in a series and I would say if you can read them in sequence. I didn't and it works fine as a standalone but in hindsight I really wished I had read the other first as it would have built up the characters for me and allowed me to get to know them all even more.

Jill Steeples is an accomplished writer and she drew me in to Ellie and Max's world and I couldn't help but fall in love with 'The Dog and Duck' - if only I could nip in for an ice cold beer it's so hot out their today!!

A 4 .5 star ⭐️ read from me and highly recommended for any avid readers of fab well- written women's fiction.

Very, very cute! Thank you to the Publisher for the review copy :)

A delightful piece of chick lit that highlights not only the romance between Ellie and Max but also = and even better in some ways- the people in the village of Little Leyton. Steeples has written a wonderful ensemble novel. You'll laugh at some of the eccentrics and, if you've lived in a small town (even if it isn't in the UK) , the annoyances that come with it. I had not read the first book but I really didn't find that a problem as this is perfectly self contained. I read it on a stinking hot day but it would be perfect anytime you'd like a light happy read. Thanks to net galley for the ARC.

Charming, feel good story. Loved it.

A breezy summer read that is as refreshing as a glass of vintage champagne, Summer at The Dog and Duck is a must-read for fans of Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley!

Landlady Ellie Browne’s life couldn’t possibly get any better – she loves her job running The Dog and Duck, adores living in the idyllic village of Little Leyton and is head over heels in love with handsome property developer Max Golding. With her gorgeous black Labrador Digby by her side, Ellie really is living the dream – but it looks her like her perfect life is about to be smashed into smithereens with the arrival of Max’s younger sister Katy who seems intent on wreaking havoc. And as if things weren’t bad enough, Max’s glamorous ex Sasha rocks up in the village with her own devastating secret….

As Katy and Sasha begin to take up a lot of Max’s time leaving Ellie feeling like an outsider, she begins to wonder whether her relationship with Max stands any chance of survival…and whether the time has come for her to pack up her bags and seek happiness elsewhere.

But will Max realise that Ellie is the only woman for him? And will their relationship get back on track in time for the summer charity ball at Braithwaite Manor?

An absolutely charming and magical read that I couldn’t put down, Summer at The Dog and Duck is a fabulous book set in a village I want to live in with a gorgeous hero and a fantastic heroine I’d love to have as a best friend! Add plenty of laughs, charm and emotion and you’ve the perfect book to take to the beach with you!

Jill Steeples has created the ideal book to lose yourself into this summer and I hope that there will be more visits to Little Leyton and The Dog and Duck!

If you're not aware of this already, 'Summer at the Dog & Duck' is the second book in the 'Dog & Duck' series. Ideally it would be better reading this one AFTER you have read the first book, just so that you don't end up confused as the second book picks up where the last story ended, so to speak. Also, I think that if you read the Summer book beforehand, you may end up giving yourself spoilers for the first book before you have even read it. But that's just my opinion, obviously!

We are back in Little Leyton and the infamous, The Dog & Duck, with new landlady, Ellie Browne. Poor ol' Ellie is feeling a little insecure, wondering if she is good enough to run the pub, would the punters accept a woman as their landlady instead of a man, and so forth. But, seeing as her boyfriend's ex is wanting to return to the village, I think Ellie's concerns over her landlady status could be the least of her worries, don't you?

I LOVED being back in Little Leyton! I was sad when the previous book ended, so I was so excited to return and catch up with the familiar characters I had grown to love. Last season at The Dog and Duck, we saw things getting ready to change, friendly faces deciding their next moves, and relationships starting to blossom. It was strange to come back this season and not have those characters where they were before, however, Ellie has done a magnificent job. I thought that Ellie was a little more introvert than before, she seemed to have mislaid her fiery nature and confidence where certain things were concerned. On one hand it was great to see a different side to her character, yet on the other side I missed those traits.

For me, Jill Steeples' new novel was such a quick read, as soon as I started reading it, I just couldn't put it down! The authors fabulous humour makes itself known throughout the entire storyline, I think I snlaughed (snorted & laughed at the same time) on more than one occasion. Fantastic.

As for the storyline itself, it wasn't a hard-hitting, overly intense, brain ache of a storyline. No. It was more of a light-hearted, fun-filled, spot on intensity levels, type of cosy read. I thought the careful added situation of Max's sister, Katy, was written brilliantly, and no doubt a lot of parents with teenagers will resonate! I'm not a mum to a teenager, but I remember being one! As far as I can remember, my attitude wasn't THAT bad, but then again we all say that haha. The only part of the book to irk me a tad, was how Max was reacting to Katy's actions. Don't get me wrong, I could see why he was becoming rather aggravated, BUT, I thought that he crossed the line once of twice. Obviously folk handle situations in different ways, but I could actually see the situation from Katy's point of view, and not just because I was able to read both sides ha.

Time to be severely vague; at one particular point in the storyline I became rather emotional. I didn't think that I would find myself crying at that part, but I did and it was beautiful. Now, the only way you're going to find out what part that was and why it made me cry, is by going and buying the book!

Summer at the Dog & Duck, for me, is my favourite book of the two so far. I absolutely adored the heart-felt emotion. The community spirit. The heart warming friendships and relationships. The sense of belonging and fitting in. Knowing that your extended family is around every single corner, in every shop; everywhere in Little Leyton. This book blew me away, it filled my heart with so much comfort, warmth and love, I was extremely sad to reach the end.

Personally, this novel showcases Jill Steeples' incredible talent of story telling as from the start of the book until the very end, Jill Steeples manages to make the reader believe in themselves and learn to trust their heart.
Outstanding.

Thank you Aria Fiction

This is the second book in this series and although I didn't read the first, although I would have liked to I don't think it really mattered as I think it was a well written book that doesn't really require too much prior knowledge of the characters.
The characters are definately what makes this book, this is the first book I have read that doesn't have any unlikeable characters in it. Ellie is the main character and is very likeable she runs the local pub and is literally pulled from one job or good turn to another with hardly any time for boyfriend, Max the rich property developer. Add into this Max's little sister coming to stay with him from Spain full of angst, moods, rebellion and upset, makes life even harder for Ellie and Max.
The book has a feel good vibe running right through it and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, the village was full of community spirit and there was plenty going on to keep it interesting. I can definately see another in the series being a success.
I would like to thank netgalley and aria for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely return to the Dog and Duck and the lovely landlady- Ellie Browne. I loved the first book in the series and you very quickly settle amongst familiar characters and the wonderful village community and feel like you are rejoining friends. This would be the perfect read to take on your holidays- easy to relax into and a feel good story.

Ellie and Max are a lovely couple but life throws more than a few obstacles in their path during the course of the book with his ex and his sister making an appearance.

A pub called the Dog and Duck just has to have a resident dog and black labrador Digby is an adorable character in his own right. The regulars are lovely and really make you want to live in Little Leyton with the Dog and Duck as your local.

I was sent this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
.Ellie has returned to the idyllic country village of Little Leyton to run the local pub, The Dog and Duck.. She is just starting a relationship with Max, a wealthy businessman, but things, or should I say people, are getting in the way.. Firstly Max's ex is back on the scene and then his teenage sister turns up with a whole load of problems. How will the relationship continue?
Summer at The Dog and Duck gives us all a peek into the realms of village life, where everyone knows everything about each other. The book gives a comforting warmth and the pages fly by effortlessly
The main character, Ellie is a hard working, independent woman with a heart of gold. The relationship with Max is packed full of chemistry and I desperately wanted her to find the happiness she deserves..... but life just keeps getting in the way!
A charming, warm hearted read from Jill Steeples.

Ellie is now landlady at the Dog and Duck and trying to fit her busy life around Max's equally busy schedule so that they can get to see each other, things are always coming up to get in the way though.

She has also taken on Digby the black lab so has to find time to walk him every day but she has great friends around and brilliant staff. To make matters worse Max's younger sister Kate is sent over from Spain to stay as she has been getting into trouble over there and not getting on at all with her stepfather.....and Max has absolutely no idea how to manage a stroppy teenager!

Ellie soon starts to win Kate round but then Max's very glamorous ex, Sasha appears in the village and has decided to stay and is renting a house from Max.....Ellie definitely needs to get the bottom of that one!

Great to be back with all of the old characters and following up on the story of Ellie and Max....a lovely warm hearted book showing typical village life and exactly the sort of place I would like to live!

4☆ Feel good, full of charm

This is the second book in the series.
I wasn't fortunate enough to have read the first book in the series, however this one most definitely can be read as a standalone.

I absolutely adore country pubs so when I came across this book I was very excited and it didn't disappoint.
The cover is simply beautiful, it captures the essence of the Dog and Duck perfectly!

The Dog and Duck is a charming pub that oozes character and charm. It really Is the social hub of the community. Many a gossip to be had within the pub.

Ellie and Max have had their fair share of ups and down, so when Max' s Ex shows up with a shocking confession. Ellie and Max's world is about to be turned upside Down.
Are they both strong enough to overcome this new hurdle.

 Max is pushed to he's limits when he's sister turns up as well, bringing a whole lot of family drama and plenty of Sass.
 I felt sorry for Max as he now has 3 women to try and please and do right by them all. But someone is undoubtedly going to get hurt.... I just hope he can hold it together for Ellie.

Ellie is so lovely and caring. She is a hard worker and always has time to listen. The perfect landlady. If only she made more time for herself.
I just hope she can stay strong enough to recover from Max' s Ex!

Summer at the Dog and Duck is everything you expect it to be. A fun, feel good , laugh out loud moments, shocking confessions, gossip and not to mention the adorable Digby the Lab. A pub just doesn't feel complete without a loveable dog!

I do wish I had read the first book as I would of liked to of got to know Ellie and Max more. They are a genuinely nice couple that has it's ups and downs just like any couple does.

This is the perfect summer read, I can just see myself sitting in a beer garden in the country sunshine reading this charming book.

I Most definitely recommend reading this delightful book.
Be warned it may just have you wanting to visit your local.

The perfect chick lit book, summer reads, Rom com, lovers of charming pubs.

The perfect summer beach read that is sure to leave you smiling, happy and ready to head to England for your own slice of village life. Jill Steeples should be writing tourism brochures for village councils in need of new blood – every moment of this book was steeped in atmosphere. Ellie decided to move back to her hometown after a successful but unfulfilled life in London, the early exposure to a village where everyone knows your name, your history and your business is a transition not easily left behind. When her best friend’s father decided he wanted to give up landlording the town’s pub for travel, Ellie stepped in and has taken over: small changes that mark the Dog & Duck as a community gathering point. News, information, meetings, romances and even a few tiffs occur regularly, and the presence of Digby the Labrador makes for a homey atmosphere.

But, pulled twelve ways from Tuesday, it seems as if Ellie is never wanting to say ‘no’ to anyone, from welcoming her parent’s tenant, to spending time with her best friends and carving out time with her new-ish boyfriend Max, there’s rarely time for Ellie to just move forward without worrying about something. And when you add Max’s teenaged sister Katy to the mix, complete with stroppy behavior, attitude and a bone-deep sadness that he doesn’t seem to know how to handle, one more person has been added to Ellie’s to sort out list. With plans for the summer fete, concerns about her own management style for the pub with surprise inspectors prone to dropping in, her own insecurities about her relationship, the limited time they spend together and now Max’s pregnant ex-girlfriend turning up to rent one of his cottages, the constant barrage of elements continues. And yet, with good grace, only a few minor meltdowns and the communication breakdowns between Max and Ellie occurring with regularity, while I could see the possible ending coming, the actual pathway was as twisty as a maze.

But, despite the back and forth and Ellie’s occasional moments of insecurity and second guessing, the characters were real, present, flawed and likable. Secondary characters, including dogs, pensioner regulars, and the seemingly endless well of good humor that Ellie draws from to keep herself balanced, it was hard to put this story down. With a super surprise at the end that was only a surprise to Ellie (I figured it out quite early) and a wonderful sense of family, friends and community – this is a story that will make you contemplate your own relocation to a small community if only to get those welcomes. A favorite for the writing and the feel-good endorphins that have run wild for the hours since I finished the last page, I’m curious to see what the next season at the Dog & Duck will bring.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-94a/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Lovely feel good book. Just perfect for the summer. I really enjoyed the book. It was exactly as i expected from the description. Lots of fun to be had for the characters in such a lovely close knit community

It was so lovely to be back at the Dog and Duck again! It was like being reunited with an old friend who you haven't seen for a while, but with whom you instantly reconnect. I thought I might have forgotten some of the old characters, but no, I was straight back into the story.
What a wonderful instalment this is. We are back with Ellie as she runs the pub, and continues her relationship with Max. Everything changes when Max's sister Katy appears, and there are some difficult times ahead when she arrives.
An uplifting and heartwarming story to make you look forward to the summer.

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

It’s that feeling of being left behind. As if life is something that’s happening to everyone else, while I’m still waiting to even get on the bus.

He’s a bit full-on, isn’t he? He has this sort of wild energy that fills all the air in a room, and then when he leaves, it’s like you can breathe again.

‘I’m on my way,’ he said, sounding so much like a proper all-round superhero that I half expected him to fly in through the window in his cape and knickers, although that was probably just wishful thinking on my part.

For once he drove slowly and carefully. Usually he went at breakneck speed, throwing the Jeep around the bends in the lane like he was a rally driver while I hung onto the edges of the seat for grim death, but this time he was clearly mindful of Sasha and her special cargo.

My Review:

Summer at the Dog and Duck was a light, charming, and sweet British rom-com. I am new to the author and had not read the first book in the series although I did not need to as the book had strong legs and able to stand alone, although I enjoyed the writing and tale so much I would like to go back to read the origins of their story. The storyline was packed with amusing humor, colorful details, and insightful observations as well as a plethora of busy small village inhabitants and happenings. It held my attention and alternated between squeezing my heart and creasing my face with a smile. And I am happy to add a new word to my Brit vocab list that intrigued me and required Googling - “misog,” which for the uninformed like myself, was reported by Urban Dictionary to be an abbreviation for miserable old git and can be used to insult either sex. I do love learning new words, especially those of the more colorful variety.