Member Reviews

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Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “Eden’s Comfort Kitchen” by Tilly Tennant. Tilly is on my “must read” list with her heartwarming stories. I completely lost track of time as I was pulled into the town of Seaglass Bay.
Eden recently lost her mother so she decides to go back to the place that held wonderful memories for her- Seaglass Bay, where she vacationed as a child. Eden makes friends with the locals and decides to open a kitchen to help feed her neighbors and everyone can spend time together. Everything is going well until Cam comes to town. He wants to buy the land her restaurant is on.
I was reading so fast to see how the book played out. And the ending did not disappoint! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#EdensComfortKitchen #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

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After Eden’s sudden and tragic loss of her mother, which she feels responsible for, she runs back to her childhood vacation spot, Seaglass Bay, the place where she last remembers happy memories, to try and escape from the pain. Eden embraces the small town life and starts connecting with the locals and in doing so discovers that many of them struggle to get by. Fueled by her guilt and pain, and determined to help the community that has taken her in as one of their own, Eden decides to open a community cafe where people can come and eat something home cooked and only pay what they can afford. All is going to plan until a handsome but aggressive land developer named Cam comes along wanting the spot that Eden has set up her cafe in. Eden used to work for Cam, so she knows what he’s capable of. She makes him a deal in order to try and get him to back off but is there more to him than meets the eye? Will Eden stop running and deal with her grief?
This is definitely a story about personal growth and found family, with a little bit of romance added in. I loved the small town aspect and how lovely the locals were. The community really rallied around Eden once they realized what she wanted to do to help and that was nice to see, because we live in a world where you don’t even know your neighbors anymore.
There were lots of heartfelt moments, but the ending felt slightly rushed, and I wished there was an epilogue to see how things flushed out in the end. Overall man easy and pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

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Considering we’ve already had the pleasure of two books from Tilly Tennant this year - The Village nurse series - I wasn’t expecting anything else and was content to wait until next year for something new from this wonderful author. So imagine my surprise when I saw Eden’s Comfort Kitchen pop up and then I read the blurb and just knew I had to read it. I loved this story from beginning to end and it provided the perfect change of genre and setting amidst the numerous historical fiction books that I have read lately. I always connect with Tilly’s characters and stories and this proved to be no different. It was a captivating, wholesome, feel-good read that I didn’t wish to end. The setting of Salt Glass Bay and the people who live there really get under your skin and you are rooting for a positive outcome for everyone but in particular our main female character Eden.

Ok, the first half might have been sad in a way, as in when we are introduced to Eden she is newly arrived to the beautiful coastal village of Salt Glass Bay and is so down on herself. It was hard going at times to read about her. Not because of the writing or the plot and I don’t mean it in a bad way but I just felt she put so much unnecessary pressure and guilt on herself and always thought the worst of herself, her actions and her personality. She could see no good in anything and the fact she believed her family would be better off without her spoke volumes as to why she felt the need to flee from her family at a time when family should be as close as possible in one tight unit.

I didn’t like the fact that she behaved this way and she really needed to take a different stance on things and see that she was a good person who could do brilliant things and make those around her who love her deeply so very proud. I make it sound that this was a bit doom and gloom but it wasn’t in the slightest. It’s just the tone of the first half of the book was in line with how Eden was behaving and acting. But soon Salt Glass Bay will start to work it’s magic and the true Eden that perhaps she didn’t realise that she had harboured deep inside her will start to emerge and she will go on to do brilliant things for so many people.

Eden is grieving following the sudden loss of her mother to a heart attack just a month previously. The blame lays at her feet or so she thinks and now she is viewed as the black sheep of the family. She wasn’t an easy child growing up and some of this has carried through to adulthood. Leaving her job in a property developers behind she has rented Four Winds Cottage for six months in the hopes of revaluating her life and making a fresh start. She’ll have time to ponder her next move. Eden thinks that her sister Caitlin just feels that Eden can never take responsibility for her actions or do the right kind. Maybe there is some truth to this, but really deep-down Eden isn’t all that bad and is way too harsh on herself. Saying she doesn’t deserve comfort and understanding only punishment and blame was a bit too much I thought. I was keen to discover what exactly led to Eden feeling so woeful and guilty about everything. In a way I wanted it to live up to my expectations but on the other hand what on earth could she have done that led her to abandon her family and led her to be so utterly miserable about things?

Numerous characters are introduced as the book progresses, but this never became confusing. In fact, the more the merrier as it all added to the sense of community and friendship that was developing and it also allowed for further development of the main plot. Livia works with her mum Julia running the ice cream parlour as well as raising two children Levi and Nancy who added lots of little cute moments. I adored Livia as a character and hope that in the future she may get a book of her own. She was always on the go and never complained about the lot that she had been dealt in life. Livia became a solid supporter, confident, ally and friend to Eden and I felt this was the turning point for our main character. Her reinvention began and she knows now is the time to make her life better and do something for others. Something that gives back and with her mother looking down upon her hopefully she would make her proud. Getting a job in the local pub, The Darling Dolphin, alongside Livia and with boss Ralph, Eden sees how Ralph cares for those who are in need. That perhaps everyone in Salt Glass Bay is doing well and there are those struggling to make ends meet and need a helping hand. Ralph gives those people some food at the end of the day and here is where inspiration strikes for Eden.

The idea of a community café/kitchen sets its seeds in Eden’s mind and soon she is at hard work making her vision come to fruition. This was the turning point for Eden where she left wallowing behind and started to do good for others. She wasn’t as morose or filled with self-doubt and this is where I thought go on Eden you can do it and now is where I am starting to feel more empathy, understanding and appreciation towards you. The local scout hall is selected as the venue and Eden will fund things herself with those who can afford to do so donating a small fee for their dinner. Eden came into her own with the support of the new friends that she had made. I adored how everyone pulled together to get the venture off the ground because they knew if successful it would make such a positive difference to the community. Running the café keeps Eden occupied and she doesn’t have time to dwell on the so called mess that she has made of her life. Eden starts to feel needed and mattered and this becomes like an addiction to her. The more effort she puts into the kitchen the more she wants it to thrive. But what happens when her six-month stay is up?

For the vast majority of the book there was no romance and to be honest I was glad. There wasn’t a desperate need for it as the story itself was strong enough with characters I was caring for and a plot I was becoming deeply engrossed in. But then lo and behold it arrived in the form of former work colleague of Eden’s property developer Cam who wants to buy the land the scout hall sits upon. Eden when taking on the project knew this was for sale and that the kitchen mightn’t be a permeant fixture in the village but still she won’t go down without a fight. A challenge is given to Cam. Come and volunteer at the kitchen for two weeks and if after that he hasn’t changed his mind then go ahead and buy the land. Cam willingly accepts the bet. He comes across as witty, interesting and lovable but Eden has a bee in her bonnet about him and after all he can be ruthless when it comes to property deals. I loved the way things played back and forth between the pair as personal and professional lives started to mingle. But saying that despite cupid potentially calling it wouldn’t have bothered me if this element of the story had been present or not.

All in all Eden’s Comfort Kitchen as a delightful read which I very much enjoyed. The ending was a bit abrupt as it ended at the 80% mark on my Kindle but I do sense there is room for another story if not two or three more. I want to know what happened to the characters after I left them and there are several unanswered questions also. If you have a few spare hours then you won’t go wrong by picking up this fabulous read which will leave you wanting more.

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3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Eden’s Comfort Kitchen.

Eden has just suffered a major loss and she feels like she was to blame for what happened. She decides she needs a change so she quits her job, gets rid of her apartment, sells some of her belongings and decides to go spend time in Seaglass Bay where her family vacationed as a child. Everyone is very welcoming and she finds a job. She also learns that many people are struggling in Seaglass Bay so she gets an idea for a community kitchen where people can pay what they can. But Cam comes to town and threatens to take it all away.

I enjoyed this book. The storyline was very well written and it tackles major issues that many people go through in life.

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Eden's Comfort Kitchen is the third book I have read from Tilly Tennant and it does not disappoint. Tennants are the books you turn to when you want to have your heart warmed and invigorated, enthused by the power of the human spirit for the self and others

Eden believes she causes havoc wherever she goes, and it would be better for all if she just left and started anew elsewhere. She has just lost her mother and decides to relocate to Seaglass Bay, in the cottage where she spent many idyllic Summers as a child. She want's to give back to the community her mother loved and when she sees how they struggle during the off-peak season, she decides to open a comfort cafe. However, things go awry when a face from Eden's past returns, and not just for a friendly ello. Cap is looking to sell the land from beneath the communities feet...

Another beauty from Tennant that will warm your soul and engage your heart. Absolutely stunning

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Tilly Tennant for this wonderful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

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Running from her troubles, Eden finds her bliss by helping out the community that she comes to love. Strong community ties, HVE and friendship are what made this a great read!

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SO cute and cozy, perfect for fall. I loved the progression of Edens relationships with the various people in town, especially Livia. I feel like well developed friendships are sometimes hard to come by, especially in romance novels. The relationships with Livia and the other townspeople added to the cozy vibe and made everything feel more real. The relationship with Cam came in a little bit later than I expected and the emphasis of the book was more on Eden's growth and the community kitchen. I personally enjoyed this but I know some people might have expected a little more there. I wasn't quite ready for the book to end! If you're looking for a comforting read I would definitely recommend.

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Thank to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I enjoyed this book.

We meet Eden, she’s recently lost her mother and is feeling that she’s made so many mistakes that she needs to go away from her family and decide what she wants to do next:

She goes to the place where her family visited in her childhood called Sea Glass Cove and rents a beautiful beach house in the village.

She makes friends with a few of the locals. Whilst she’s still trying to sort her life out, she opens a kitchen where people can come and have a meal and meet other people.

What she wants to do is carry on with it after the time she’s allowed to use the place, but, the land is for sale and the person who is there to do a deal is someone she used to work with.

Will Eden be successful in purchasing the land and also make amends with her family?

I recommend this book.

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It was a cute and light read. I loved the small town setting so much, it being one of my favourite trope in a book added to the charm. Eden's character was interesting and I loved reading her character development. At first, I couldn't relate but it got better with the story and I loved seeing her growth throughout. How she dealt with grief was well written and I loved seeing her relation with her mother. I loved the side characters so much and would love to read their stories in subsequent parts as well. They really excited me a lot. Cam and Eden's romance was cute but it felt somewhat less. Cam's entry into the story should have been earlier according to me. And at the end story felt a little rushed. I would've loved to read an epilogue which was missing in this one. Overall it's a heartwarming and cute read and perfect for someone looking for a light read.

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After reading her previous book I don't know why I asked for this because the main character annoys me. It's a pity party that follows through rightto the end. She's so full of herself and the writing was boring. I wanted to enjoy this as it looked good but I just couldn't. Maybe this will be the perfect book for someone else but not for me.

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Oh I loved this book! It tugged on all the emotions. Especially at the start which had such sadness to it. But it's quickly managed to be all the warm and fuzzy feels that a book from this genre needs to be. And more. I've read Tilly before and I'm so glad she is an author in one of my favorite genres. Because she's just brilliant. And once again I'm privaleged to get to read her next book.

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A story that tugged on all my heart strings. It's just so fuzzy and warm it felt like coming home to my favourite pair of slippers! This author is fast becoming my favourite. If you haven't read any of her books you are missing out!

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I felt like this book started out a little sad. It got better as it goes on. It’s a feel good story with some romance.
I don’t think I was quite ready for it to end.

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Eden’s Comfort Kitchen by Tilly Tennant follows Eden as she retreats to Seaglass Bay after her mother’s sudden death. Struggling with grief, Eden embraces small-town life and opens a community café where locals pay what they can. However, tension arises when a developer threatens the café. While the story had potential, it felt rushed, with underdeveloped characters and a romance that seemed forced. The town’s charm and Eden’s growth were highlights, but the abrupt ending and unresolved plot points left it feeling incomplete. Despite its flaws, the book had heartfelt moments and a strong sense of community.

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"Eden's Comfort Kitchen" by Tilly Tennant is an enchanting and heartwarming novel that immerses readers into the charming world of Eden as she embarks on a journey of personal growth following the sudden loss of her mother. The book beautifully portrays the idyllic setting of a fabulous beach house in the quaint village of Sea Glass Cove, evoking a sense of community and warmth. Throughout the story, readers will be captivated by the lovable main and side characters, feeling a genuine connection to their experiences. However, the conclusion felt abrupt, and the reconciliation with her father and sister seemed rushed, leaving me longing for more. Despite this, the book is a quick and engaging read that will resonate with those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling.

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This book gave me feelings of warm comfort hug. The beach setting, summer vibes, small town, supporting townsfolk, and comfort that's what I needed at this point. I didn't expect much from the start and I blindly went in to read this book. As a beach person, It made me want to visit beaches (which I haven't visited in a few years).

As for the character, I loved Eden. The way she dealt with her guilt and her mother's death made me like her even more. Her communication gap with her family regarding the misunderstanding is too realistic and relatable.

As for me giving 4 stars instead of 5 is due to my expectations regarding the romance part. I expected more romance, more interaction between Cam and Eden, and an epilogue for their happily ever after. But it didn't affect much of my experience of reading and I still loved every second of reading this book. And I will recommend this to everyone who loves to read small-town beach vibe books.

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Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. Although I adore the Village Nurse series, this didn't hit quite the same note for me unfortunately. However, the setting was beautiful and there was a rich cast of likeable characters, and I am looking forward to reading further books by this author.

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Eden has lost her mother and is at odds with her life. She decides to rent a fabulous beach house in the village where her family used to vacation. It's the place she's always wanted to stay. She moves in and makes friends with some of the villagers. While she's there, she's trying to figure out her next move and ends up opening a community kitchen and trying to make a difference in the community. She wants to buy the land where the cafe is and continue it - however, the land is up for sale and it's a former co-worker that is in town to close the deal. They rub against eachother and the friction is building. It's a sweet story of beginnings and ending.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

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I really love this author, but I felt this time it finished all too abruptly. I was on 80%, turned the page and it was the end. The other 20% was promoting previous books, of which I've read and loved them all.
I wanted to know more about Cam, and Eden's family after they visited.
I really hope there is a part two, as I feel like the story isn’t finished.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early copy, this is my honest opinion

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Feeling like she has wronged so many people in her life Eden returns to Sea Glass Bay for a break and to get herself over the death of her Mother. It is a special place from her memories, a place she her sister and parents would visit every year for family holidays. Eden is once again searching for that peaceful feeling that has been missing from her life since she was a child. She is embraced by the community and forms a close bonds and friendships with the locals and realises that she isn't the only person to have suffer a loss. She settles into village life, getting a job at the local pub and realises that the pub does a lot for people in the village who are struggling to make ends meet by giving them free left overs. Eden has an idea to start a local cafe, where people can donate their time in return for a hot meal, a chat and friendship. Her perfect plan and peace is then shattered when her old work colleague Cam comes into town in hopes of developing the land and building she is using for her cafe. Eden is preparing to fight him all the way but suddenly realises she is in danger of falling in love with him.

I so want to go and live in Sea Glass Bay and join in with the locals. Another lovely read from Tilly Tennant. Her books never fail to leave me with that warm fuzzy feeling of friendship and community spirit, this book was no exception.

There are issues I had with this book or more Edens character, always blaming herself for everything when it was obviously she wasn't responsible for her family or her mother, but in the end I really enjoyed it. The friendships she carved out were lovely and the characters of the village also very likeable, especially Bilbo he quickly became my favourite.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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