I always love a book by Tilly Tennant, but this one sounded more than usually up my street, as a lover of the seaside and also waffles! This was a lovely quick read for me, the only disappointments I was left with were that it was finished and that this waffle house on the pier doesn’t really exist.

The principal female character in the story is Sadie, who comes from the little seaside town of Sea Salt Bay. Her family there are very much involved with activities in the bay itself, Sadie’s parents running boat trips for tourists, her brother operating a diving school and her grandparents running the all important waffle house which sits at the end of the pier, as illustrated on the book’s colourful cover. Sadie, however, has moved away to study, but is still unsure if she is following the right path. When her grandfather dies suddenly, Sadie moves back home to help her grandmother with the waffle house, but her grandmother’s health is causing difficulties and great concern within the whole family. Sadie’s ex-boyfriend Declan is on hand to help, but Sadie has moved on from that relationship; she is also feeling a growing connection with newcomer to the town, Luke. When it seems impossible to resolve the matter of the waffle house to everyone’s satisfaction, bizarrely a near tragedy brings all parties together.

I loved this story of the little seaside town and the waffle house that was at the centre of so much soul searching and heartbreak within one family. Once again, Tilly Tennant has brought the reader a wonderful tale full of likeable characters and believable situations. I felt for Sadie, pulled in so many directions over multiple issues in this book, and for her family struggling with a problem so tragically common for elderly people. I was never sure how it was all going to end - a sign to me of excellent storytelling. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to other readers; it was an enjoyable read that transported me to the seaside so well that I could almost hear the gulls and smell those waffles.

Definitely one of my favourites by Tilly Tennant, every one of her books warms my heart.
I loved the family and friends aspect of the story. I want to live there!! Sea Salt Bay sounds like a perfect place to live, where everybody knows each other and each other’s business (not always a good thing!)
Sadie’s brother and sister always seemed to have their lives planned out, Sadie….not so much. She was always a bit chaotic. She didn’t ever want to leave Sea Salt Bay, but unless you wanted to be part of the tourism industry there wasn’t much else to do jobwise. She decided to train as a teacher, this was surely her destiny! As a trainee teacher, it didn’t go quite so smoothly at the high school in a neighbouring town.
When her grandad dies suddenly her world is turned upside down. Her grandparents ran the waffle house on the pier, a very successful business. She is determined to keep the café open, despite objections from the family. It also seemed like grandad had been covering up how forgetful grandma had been. A real sensitive subject, covered with love and compassion.
Sadie’s initial meeting with Luke is certainly a strange way to start a friendship, and one that the family don’t initially support. She feels a spark with him though.
She is still best friends with her ex-boyfriend Declan, who the family do love. He is in a new relationship, but everyone thinks he still has feelings for Sadie. Including his current girlfriend.
I loved Sadie. Plus a great cast of characters in this story, from Sadie’s old friends and family, her best friend Declan and gorgeous Luke on the scene.....what's not to love.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy!

Run away to Sea Salt Bay, where the sand is warm and soft, the sea is a perfect blue, and a candy-coloured waffle house is about to change Sadie’s life…

Synopsis:
For as long as she can remember, Sadie’s grandparents have run the waffle house on the pier at Sea Salt Bay. With its pretty painted chairs, sweet smells, and the warm advice of her beloved grandparents, the waffle house is like a second home.

But when Sadie’s grandfather dies, leaving her grandmother without an anchor, Sadie must make a difficult decision. She quits her job and moves back home, determined to keep things going. The trouble is, she knows nothing about running a business, and learning at a million miles an hour with a shop full of hungry people isn’t easy. When she nearly burns the waffle house down, she has to admit she needs to get some help.

Her ex-boyfriend Declan promises to be there for her but Sadie worries that getting too close is a mistake – especially as he has a new girlfriend now. And anyway she’s just met newcomer Luke, with his gorgeous suntan and mellow voice…

Sadie’s family have always loved Declan and they’re not too sure about Luke, leaving Sadie unsure which way to turn. A terrible accident at sea forces her to look into her heart, but what if it’s already too late to tell the right man that she loves him?

The Waffle House on the Pier by the lovely Tilly Tennant is an absolutely wonderful read which will bring you joy, happiness and some heart wrenching moments.
Once again Tilly Tennant manages to create a picture perfect scenario full of warm and lively characters.
A perfect summer read that will not leave you disappointed.
I found my new favourite author! I will be enjoying reading more from Tilly!
My rating: 5/5

First of all this novel is set in a quaint English seaside town. You'll love the characters, they are so likeable. And, then, of course, it was written by Tilly Tennant, you couldn't ask for better...you could ask for more and hopefully she's writing as we discussion. A warm and comfortable read, which at the moment is greatly appreciated. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a beautiful cover, but I just never got into the story. I found it slow and dull. The characters felt flat. I generally love quick, beach reads and romantic comedies, and don't usually mind that they are formulaic, but there has to be something to hold the reader's interest and this book just never captured mine to begin with. To me it was so generic that I doubt I will even remember anything about it in a few weeks. Other readers seem to have enjoyed it so maybe it just isn't my cup of tea.
Thank you NetGalley, author, and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great family drama story. It is everything a reader needs. I love how well developed the characters are and how you feel like you truly know them by the end. I am hoping for a sequel. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

In the midst of this Covid-19 season, I've found myself reading quick, easy, fun books and The Waffle House on the Pier hits the spot. I did find the storyline a bit repetitive, but the heart of this book was endearing and well told. We are or will face aging family members and knowing how to help them is always going to be hard. I feel the author did a good job of portraying the emotions of each family member.

I was desperate to read this book as soon as the cover of it was revealed over on Twitter. The Waffe House on the Pier by Tilly Tennant looked & sounded like the perfect escape for these monotonous days of lockdown, a wonderful seaside getaway to look forward to amongst the endless 'groundhog day' vibe. I put my request in to read this book as soon as I could possibly could, and I looked forward to the moment I could step into the pages and say goodbye to reality for a little while.
The Waffle House on the Pier by Tilly Tennant follows Sadie as she tries to rescue the Waffle House which has stood proud on the pier in Sea Salt Bay for as long as she can remember, following the death of her beloved grandfather. Owned and run by her grandparents, Sadie refuses to let the old place crumble and be sold on to someone else, to be replaced by a nail or hair salon. So, determined as ever, Sadie quits her teaching course and steps up to help her elderly grandmother keep the place running. But with her husband gone, Sadie's grandmother isn't the same as she once was, and Sadie begins to wonder whether she's bitten off more than she can chew...
I loved this warm, uplifting and cosy tale of friendship, romance and family. It really hit the mark for me, and the setting of Sea Salt Bay was exactly what I needed. There really is nothing quite like a pretty seaside escape, and Tilly Tennant wrote this one beautifully. With its fish and chip bar, gift shops and arcade, it whisked me far away and dropped me into the heart of a place I wanted to call 'home' by the time I'd reached the final page. Tennant writes warmly and invitingly about the Dorset coast and I adored my time spent here. It was no wonder, really, that Sadie finds herself returning to the town she grew up in, because I think that if I had been in Sadie's shoes, I definitely would to.
Within this story, Tilly Tennant touches upon many subjects. We see Sadie battling with herself in regards to her career choices, and the awful reality of losing a loved one, not only to death but to dementia. We watch as Sadie is reunited with a love from long ago, as well as a new love interest who completely takes her by surprise. We're also witness to many tricky family discussions in regards to the Waffle House itself. Tennant really focuses on family in this story, and the different aspects of family relationships and the different generations within. This was thoroughly enjoyable and I really loved these moments around the dinner table, as the author made them feel so real and convincing with her exceptional dialogue and ability to bring her characters to life. With sensitivity, Tennant adds so much weight to her characters and their lives, and it really made the story shine.
Amongst everything else, what stood out to me most was how much I came to care about these characters and the future of the Waffle House. Tennant conveyed perfectly the importance of the waffle house in her characters' lives, and I particularly enjoyed the memories of Sadie being there with her grandparents when she was younger. Through these flashbacks, I was able to understand exactly why Sadie was so determined to keep the waffle house in the family, whether it was actually doable or not. Tennant writes with so much heart, it's impossible to not come to feel for the family within this story, and not want the best for them before the book reaches its final conclusion. I adored Sea Salt Bay and the people who lived there, and I wanted nothing more than for the Waffle House to remain at the end of the pier for many more years to come.
The Waffle House on the Pier by Tilly Tennant was a joyful, scrumptious dessert of a story, with so much filling and flavour, I just couldn't get enough. It made me smile, it induced a severe craving for something sweet, and it absolutely whisked me away to the seaside and provided me with a very welcome escape. I really enjoyed this tale from Tilly Tennant, and can't thank the author enough for providing me with someplace to escape to when we all need it most. With thanks to the published for the advanced reading copy of this book, that of which has no reflection on me providing a fair and honest review.

Sea Salt Bay: that's a name that makes me want to pack a suitcase and head over there. Sea, sun, sand and a lovely book. What more do you want?

This story is filled with all sorts of emotional moments. There are some heartbreaking ones, some that leave you gasping, some that have you sniggering, some that have you laughing, some that melt your heart.

I love the strong bond between the family members. They do disagree, they do have fights, but in the end they stick together like glue and figure out what's best for everyone.

Old love never dies, but it changes. New love is the way to go.

Why do I have the feeling that there is room left for a sequel? I most certainly would not mind, because I said goodbye (hopefully not for ever) reluctantly.

A great summer read that I enjoyed a lot. Not on the beach but in my sunny garden which is also very nice. :) 5 stars

Thank you, Tilly Tennant and Bookouture

The story is a good book. Not the type that makes you want to cry or smile with the characters. But it is the type of book that can be read on a Sunday evening, for light relaxation.
The characters are well developed and the plot is good. Even if it is a bit obvious, I feel like the story is beautiful.

Such an amazing read , I will not forget this book. I recommend it to everyone. Well done
Exactly what I needed

Sadie believed she was not the person to be confined with in a small society. She wanted more, there definitely was more excitement and adventure and super cool experiences waiting for her outside her little place. She gave up on her family business, parted ways with the love of her life to live that life. She was wrong. She understood that when she witnessed her teacher’s training failing before her. She gave it up to run the Waffle House with her Grandma after the loss of her Grandpa. Maybe this was another of her mistake. Maybe not. Her ex-boyfriend, Declan has a new girlfriend now and gossip has it that they aren’t going to make it. But maybe Declan was not the one. Maybe it was Luke, or Maybe she is wrong again. Maybe time will tell her.


A light happy read indeed. One thing i love to see in books and movies is the family bonding. The love between the siblings and their silly fights are just perfect. I loved Ewan and Kat. The trio girl gang is a dream. Luke’s past didn’t actually hit the mark for me because i just read something similar recently. I am sure I would have felt it if not. And one thing I actually, totally loved was the hidden message that its never too late to start again. Sadie with no clear job at twenty six, Natalie with no constant family, Luke trying to make a happy future at Thirty five. Its just so good.

The Waffle House on the Pier is a fun beach-read that seems perfect for the season. Sea Salt Bay is a charming little town by the sea where everyone knows each other. Sadie and her huge family are residents of this lovely town and own the Waffle House on the pier. Due to an unfortunate event, Sadie's grandfather passes away, leaving it in the position of April, his wife. While the family thinks it best to sell the waffle house, Sadie argues that the waffle house is something April needs in her time of grief.

Amidst the crisis of whether to sell or not to, Sadie also finds herself lodged in an awkward space in her love life. Her regret over dumping Declan, the near perfect ex-boyfriend, only seems to increase every time she sees him. Meanwhile, Sadie is bonked on the head by a boat. Fortunately, the guy who bonked her with the boat is incredibly gorgeous. Should she go back to dating Declan, her comfort zone, or give Luke, the new member of this town, a chance? Will Sadie be able to save the waffle house?

This book started by being very promising. I loved the visualizations involved, the description of Sea Salt Bay, the Waffle House and even the amusement park. Sadie is a character that I cannot say I cared too much about since I could not connect with her. She seems to be taking wrong decisions all the time and while that may be out of her control, she still does not listen. However, I did love the whole family dynamic that was going on. It is so rare that you read about a big family and it was wholesome. In fact I cared a lot more about Sadie's brother Ewan and his wife, Kat who is such a reasonable woman. Ewan was such a fun character to read, he was dripping love and sarcasm at the same time and I could not get enough this character. He looks out for Sadie and hates Luke for a long time for almost killing his sister.

As far as characters go, April was a cupcake too. I love how she would go from super sweet to the queen of sarcasm when she felt her family was playing her. Declan was adorable and if I were to say, I am Team Declan. Everyone in Sadie's life seems to mature, except for her. Even Melissa, who I started out by hating, comes around.

The story was not as strong as it could have been and the climax scene did not feel like one. But if you want to travel to a beach city without violating the international travel rules, this book will teleport you there. I swear, there were parts of the story where I could smell the sea and the waffles. What else do I need?

This book was so slow…at 40% in we finally meet the possible love interest and we have heard so so much about “The One” that she let get away but really nothing has happened and I’m bored. So I’m sorry I’m bowing out of this love story and jumping on board to another.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A sweet, quiet rom-com that’s ultimately more about family than romance, I quiet enjoyed “The Waffle House on the Pier.” Though the fairytale ending didn’t quite come how I expected it to, I really appreciated the adult, realistic look at what “having it all” really is: not a high-powered career and forever with your high school sweetheart, but a place in the world with your family by your side and someone you might never have expected to find. This was not the standout book of the year or anything of that ilk, but it was sweet and an enjoyable escape.

I just finished "The waffle house on the pier" and now I only wanna eat waffles so badly! I think I can even smell them. Instead I'm eating an apple. Life's not fair.

Once again Tilly Tennant manages to create a picture perfect scenario full of warm and relatable characters. I loved Sadie's endeavor to save the family business even with her whole family's opposition. I thought they weren't as fair as they should with her sometimes as her love for her grandma shined through every decision she made. It was sad reading about April's struggle with dementia as I'm sure most of us have lived through something similar with someone in our own family and could see ourselves in Sadie's shoes.

I also loved the love triangle situation. Should you choose the one everyone says is your soulmate or the new guy everyone distrusts but you feel could be THE ONE? I rooted for one of them from the beginning and I could't be happier when at the end Sadie chose him.

This was a perfect summer read and it will surely bring a smile to your face...and a craving of waffles!

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sadie is in school to be a teacher, and it's just not working out. Her grandfather dies, and she returns home to help her grandma run the waffle house. On the romance end of this novel, she's torn between a newcomer Luke or her former flame Declan.
I would definitely read another book about Sadie and Sea Salt Bay!

I received this ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

Longer review available at: nodistancebooks.com

Sadie has a reputation in her family for starting things up, regretting them, and leaving them unfinished, including all the short-lived relationships following her break up with Declan--a mistake that no one, including herself, can forget about. But after her grandfather dies and their family's waffle house is on the verge of being closed for good, Sadie finds herself making some big decisions that could change the course of her life.

I am so happy to say that this story didn't go the way I was afraid it would. Sadie is so annoyingly human that you can't help but love her. Her flaws and insecurities are extremely relatable. She feels overshadowed by her older siblings who have their lives together. She can't seem to find a partner for the long haul after making the mistake of letting go of the man who may very well be the love of her life. Sadie always seems to be looking up to someone else--her older sister Lucy who has left their town to greater things and her parents who have the perfect marriage.

Even when I was frustrated with Sadie's stubbornness, I had such a soft spot for her because I also know what it's like to want to prove your family and even yourself wrong. Even Sadie's pride has a limit and she knows, deep inside, when she's in over her head.

I was worried that this story would focus too much on Sadie getting back together with Declan, a worry that was further pressed upon by the fact that everyone in their small seaside town was hoping they'd rekindle their love, despite Declan being in a relationship with someone else. Fortunately, Sadie is a good person and a handsome newcomer moves to town. Their meet-cute is probably one of the more memorable ones I will have read about!

A quintessential beach-read about letting go of what needs to pass and holding onto what matters most.

Sadie isn't happy learning to be a teacher. She is still in love with her ex Dec. She's stuck in a rut. Enter Luke who nearly kills her and an opportunity to run the family waffle house. A romantic summer read. Enjoyable. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

I couldn't wait to dive into this gorgeous new novel by Tilly Tennant. I've been a fan of her novels for a long time now, they always leave you feeling positive and uplifted. The cover is possibly my favourite of Tilly's, the bright beautiful colours, the pretty Waffle House, the stars in the sky and the pretty coloured fairy lights make such a beautiful cover and really catches the eye.

The story follows main character Sadie, who has an issue on her hands. Sadie's grandpa dies suddenly and leaves her grandma, April, looking after their family Waffle House business that's been open as long as Sadie can remember. Sadie is heartbroken to learn that her family have decided to put it up for sale, so she packs in her teacher training and re-opens the eatery with her grandma, but all isn't what it seems at first.

April seems to be getting ever more forgetful and Sadie is worried. When April locks Sadie in the Waffle House one evening and goes wandering off down the promenade, that's the final straw in their families eyes and they make Sadie withdraw her help in the restaurant. However, during all of this, Sadie's ex Declan makes an appearance on the scene and so does newcomer Luke and Sadie must decide which one of the two men she truly loves.

The location of the novel sounded absolutely delightful. The descriptions of the sea, the sand and the other eateries and amusement arcades left me wishing to live in such a place! The characters as well were also really relatable and I found myself taking a liking to most of them. Sadie seemed a bit childish at first, and I wasn't too keen on Luke but the more I read the more I enjoyed.

Overall, a happy, bubbly and romantic read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgally, which I have reviewed honestly.