The setting of this novel, the first in a trilogy, is once more set in the idyllic Berecombe-by-the-Sea. With this setting come familiar and well-loved characters to catch up with, as well as new characters created especially for The Great Summer Street Party series for you to meet and greet.
It is an exciting time in Berecombe and the locals have come together to host and organise a year of the seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day activities. Invitations have been sent over to America inviting the Veterans who were once billeted in Berecombe to return for a street party, bringing their loved ones to celebrate the occasion with the local community who are so grateful for their help during the war. All sorts of events are taking shape as ideas are muted, thoroughly thought through and carefully planned for.
Ashley Lyddon has left her parent’s home in Shropshire to share a house with her cousin Noah who has made his home in the West Country. She is convalescing after a horrific car accident saw her having to learn to walk again. She still uses a stick to help her, especially as the day moves towards late afternoon or when she is tired and feeling unsure and unsafe. She used to be a teacher before the accident and loves to paint. Noah has encouraged her to get involved with the planning committee and she has made an eclectic group of friends as she gets stuck in with the organising.
A new to the area American History lecturer called Eddie McQueen has also arrived in the near area. He has left his homeland to get over a broken romance. He has accepted a two-year sabbatical and is very keen to help get the party started. It will hopefully help him to stop grieving for his lost relationship.
When Eddie and Ashley first meet he gallantly helps her to pick up her art materials after she stumbles. Then they both work together on the plans for the activities that are being arranged. They both feel the same undeniable fizz of attraction that only becomes more and more potent the longer they are together. They kiss and the matter is settled. Unfortunately Eddie has to return home to help his mother who has taken ill, but he hopes to be back for the main event. This is so much more than a romance novel. Other threads throughout the novel are exciting, sad and full of punch. Remember this story continues in two other novels and there is so much more to look forward to reading.
What a cracking start to this series of three books, all released within a few months of each other. Georgia Hill is known to favour historical fiction and romance stories in her writing. Here these two genres nest snugly together, each enhancing ‘Sunshine and Cider Cake’. Georgia is meticulous in researching her themes and is a wonderful storyteller. She keeps a good eye on her storyboard, making her story evenly paced but still with a modicum of tension and surprise. I enjoyed Part 1 very much. I received this moving novel through my membership of NetGalley and from publisher One More Chapter, all in return for an honest review. This is my 4.5* review. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed the affiliation to Cornwall as my Father was in the SBS during World War 2 and his raids began in a Cornish village.
He didn’t talk about his experiences like so many others so it is a joy to me to pick up bits of information from different sources

This was a very enjoyable story. A seaside community comes together to celebrate a funeral followed by a memorial to V E day and the G.Is who came to visit. A lovely cast of characters and an energetic storyline, with romance thrown in. Looking forward to reading Part 2

A cosy atmospheric read with a real sense of community and celebration. Good characters and an enjoyable read.

Following a bad accident, Ashley, moves to Berecombe-by-the-Sea to start again. The town is celebrating 75 years since D Day . When she meets an American could it be a sign of good things to come? Some characters from her previous books make an appearance. A thoroughly enjoyable read about friendship, romance and new beginnings.

Oh what a fun read! Berecombe is celebrating D-Day and everyone's involved. Ashely, who is new to the village, and Eddie, an American, find one another and, well, you know what's going to happen. It's sprightly and light. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Good reading for a winter's day.

Wasn't sure about this book at first as I didn't warm to the main character Ashley. However the other characters are fab and the story just brilliant. Can't wait to hear more about Ruby's history in the next installment.

The citizens of Berecombe welcome you into their small town, and you are invited to attend the celebration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day! This party kicks off a years long celebration, and it seems everyone in the town is involved in one way or another.

This was a sweet, fun introduction to Berecombe and focused on Ashley, a recent arrival; her cousin Noah and various residents. We meet Ruby, who lived in Berecombe when she was a child/teenager, back when children were sent from London into the countryside for their safety during the war times. We meet Eddie, an American who is in the area to teach at the local university and whom Ashley falls hard for. Oh, and Jimmy, who we never meet in real life but whose life is celebrated by those who knew him after his death.

I look forward to reading future books in this series.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Gosh I loved this. There are a couple of story lines. Ruby ‘s story of love with a GI and I can’t wait to find out more in part 2. Also Ashley the main character . She is strong , facing demons.. Noah was a great guy. You got your love element and a great feel good factor.. A fab read. Look forward to the next one

Roll on part 2!! Found Ashley and Noah a bit annoying but absolutely loved the other characters and the start of Ruby's story. Can't wait for the following parts to be released!

Ashley Lydden moves to Berescombe, on the coast of Lyme Bay, to stay with her cousin Noah, who asked for help with the local museum projects. Ashley was still recovering from a car accident that left her with serious injuries & needed a change from living with her parents in Ludlow. The injuries she sustained resulted in her giving up her job as an art teacher & now a change of focus was just what Ashley required.
The book flowed so well, the characters were likeable & the story interesting. A lovely feel good read with so much more I'm sure will develop in the next book of this series. Can't wait!

This is the first book that I read by Georgia Hill. I enjoyed her writing style, the characters she created and plot development. The story flowed so well and I was half the way through before I even realized it. (Reading on a Kindle, I sometimes lose track of point in a book I currently am.)

I am so happy that the author choice this topic for her book. While there might be contemporary romance books that have a background of WWI in them, I have not read any with this particular theme. I believe this book is a tribute to the men that fought in World War II. My dad was one of soldiers and I was continually thinking of him and how he would have loved to be a part of the celebration/remembrance of this street party. He attended many conventions of Veterans of Foreign Wars and it was always a treat for him to meet other men that fought since they shared the common thread of living through that difficult time in the world.

The book brings out so many emotions in me. I can relate to the characters trying to thank and honor the service people that helped the area in the war. I feel that same gratitude. I also will add that the younger generation do not seem to feel this. I think books like this may help them relate, knowing that the last remaining soldiers are in their 90’s or beyond, if still alive. The living history is almost gone.

I also enjoyed the story of acquaintance, to friends, to possible romantic couple of Eddie and Ashley. That is my favorite type of romance genre. I like a relationship to build slowly and know they are built on a solid foundation.

I miss the town of Berecombe-by-the-Sea now that I have finished the book and I also miss all the lovely people I met through reading this story. Since this is Part 1 of 3 parts, I know there is more to come and I look forward to reading the remainder of this series!

I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last. The great summer street party is part one in a series of three books and is such a delightful escapism read and a beautiful story that brought back lots of memories of my Nan with the descriptions of stories from the war. I warmed to all of the characters in this cosy and comforting read which is a mixture of romance and historical fiction and also features the gorgeous sounding Berecombe of which the authors descriptions make you feel that you are walking on the beach and eating fish and chips and also contains a whole lot of community cammoradary and spirit into the mix while telling the story of how Ashley ended up moving to the town and the events leading up to this and how she comes to meet Eddie abs starts to find herself again. I was so hooked by this story and read it almost in one sitting. I can’t wait for the second book when it comes out. Highly recommend.

Enjoyed the book and would give it 3.5 stars. It was a fun read. It's been three years since I read "The Little Book Cafe," so I didn't remember much about the characters that ended up making appearances in this one. Although, I couldn't forget Biddy and her erotica books. Berecombe sounds like a lovely place to live, plus there's so many people I would want to be friends with. Ashley definitely found the right place to get her life back in order. She has a purpose again and she's finally able to talk about the horrible accident. Eddie is perfect for Ashley, although I foresee Bree causing many problems. I loved Ruby and can't wait to see if there's more to her story. I wish Serena wouldn't be so controlling and would allow her mother to enjoy herself. Can't wait until we find out who Eddie's grandfather loved during the War. I have a sneaky suspicion who it might be. The next book can't come fast enough.

Definitely recommend the book. I can't wait for the next book in the series and finding out what's happening with Ashley and Eddie. I'm sure Bree will be stirring up the drama. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Welcome to Berecombe-by–the-Sea - come for the sunshine and seaside but stay for the tea and cider cake!

What a lovely blend of romance and historical fiction surrounding the soldiers involved in the D-Day landings.

Ashley Lydden, a former art teacher, has come to establish a new life at the seaside after recuperating from a devastating car accident. Thinking she can remain invisible and live life on her own terms, she soon finds it impossible as she’s swept up in the town’s celebrations for the 75 anniversary of D-Day. The surviving soldiers, American GIs, who billeted here prior to the D-Day invasion are invited back for a street party, a parade, a black-tie ball and more.

A rare moment of solitude is disturbed by Eddie McQueen, the American history lecturer, when he helps Ashley pick up her spilled art supplies. She finds herself falling for him and the object of affection for a flirty Cornish painter, Jake Tremayne. Caught up in a love triangle, who will win her affection?

Like the soldiers, Ashley soon finds out that putting the past to rest is easier said than done.

I was instantly endeared to the characters. I found myself protective of them watching the friendships they made and I truly wanted to know what was in store for them. The sense of community was spectacular and I loved the dreamy premise that tea and cake solve all life’s problems. The setting was richly described and the relaxed, easy read made it binge-worthy.

Get out the bunting! This book will be published February 3, 2022, GIs and Ginger Beer (book 2) on March 11, 2022, and Blue Skies and Blackberry Pies (book 3) on May 20, 2022.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is a fabulous start to a series and leaves you wanting to read more. It’s packed with romance, celebrations, starting life again and lots of see, sun and sand. There’s a lovely friendship and community vibe in this part.

Ashley, had a very bad accident and locates to the seaside to begin her life again and make changes. Feeling scared and still nervous after what happened in the accident.
Preparations are being made to celebrate 75 years of D Day and the town are going to do it in style, more so because of the American soldiers. Eddie, whose from America, is also there, he’s taken a job and soon he strikes up a friendship with Ashley.
But, he had to go back to America due to a family emergency, now he’s back, along with someone who’s making it clear to Ashley that they are together.
What will Ashley do now, will she fall for him, only to be left heartbroken or will she decide it’s not worth it…..

Highly Recommend It.

A great story set in the West Country, part one which made me really want to read more after rushing through it. A lovely community feel shaping up for a great series. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

The Great Summer Street Party Part 1: Sunshine and Cider Cake
By Georgia Hill

Georgia Hill excels at writing and this story was a great read.
An original story with a cast of characters to champion, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author waves together the main story with the sub-plots seamlessly and the setting is so well described, I could imagine it clearly.
Loved this book and getting to know the character's it definitely had the feel good factor about it and enjoyed the way it ended!

One More Chapter,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review closer to pub date.

This is a brilliant start to this series and wants you to read more so a great start. Full of starting over, celebrating and plenty of romance. Plenty of sun seaside and friendship in this part one. Will everyone be happy or not.
Ashley has had a nasty accident and moves to the seaside town to start again and see if she can change her life. She’s very nervous as the accident has changed her life. The town is celebrating 75 years of D day and want to celebrate in style and especially for the American soldiers. Eddie is in the town also he’s from America and come over for his job but he soon finds friendship with Ashley and he tries to support her but he goes back to America and when he comes back with someone with a clear sign they could be together how will Ashley feel will she fall for him hard and be heartbroken or not.
Fantastic read highly recommend.

The great summer street party,part one is a great read that has left me wanting more! I raced through part one and really didn’t want it to end so excited for when part two is out to catch up on Ashley’s love life and the planned celebrations in berecombe!
The most perfect setting in the West Country, sun sea and a fantastic welcoming community open their arms and hearts to welcome Ashley to the area, recovering from a nasty accident Ashley has come to stay with her cousin and live independently and is immediately taken up with life in berecombe finding a lovely niche for herself as she gets involved in community preparations for a very special celebration and makes new friends, grows in confidence and heals!
A must tantillising teaser that I can’t wait to read more of! Thank you netgalley for this early read.