What an absolutely brilliant read this was! I couldn't put it down once I'd started reading - it drew me in immediately and I cared about the characters so much that I needed to know if they got the happy ending!

Summer at the Ice Cream Café | Jo Thomas | 9780552178686 Summer at the Ice Cream Café | Jo Thomas | 9780552178686

And then of course, there is the ice-cream. Or, I should say, the gelato! Although the gelateria of her childhood was no longer in the town but was a trendy and expensive restaurant, Beca found through using her Nonna’s old recipe book that she too could make wonderful tasting gelato that was all the more wonderful because it was made with love. Some of the flavours sounded wonderful but some of them. particularly those suggested by Joe sounded awful! I loved the idea of running a gelateria from an old beach hut – now that does sound perfect to me.

The popsicle brand makes handcrafted pops, and is all about flavour. We’re talking a mix of fruity, funky and even cool regional flavours. If you’re in the mood for fruity pops, you can go for the likes of lychee, lemon, or strawberry. But they also have funky flavours like strawberry Nutella, and regional flavours such as sahlab and ghazal lebnen. It’s the summer treat we all need. Been coming here for years, one of the best places in the city if you ask me. All of the flavours are absolutely incredible. My personal favourites are strawberry sorbet, Nutella and tiramisu. All of the staff are so fantastic and welcoming. READ MORE: Surrey garden centre café has the most incredible 'create your own' full English breakfast

Summer at the Ice Cream Café by Jo Thomas | Goodreads Summer at the Ice Cream Café by Jo Thomas | Goodreads

Summer at the Ice Cream Café is an absolutely exceptional heartwarming read. I loved it so much and I did not want it to end. Such an incredible story, with great food, wonderful characters, friendship and community at its core and a superb picturesque setting.

Another delectable, totally immersive read based in picturesque Pembrokeshire, a tale of belonging, home, love and second chances! These accompany our Swirl Ice Cream machines that work perfectly in cafes, restaurants and small catering spaces! I devour everything Jo Thomas writes. Writing you just melt into. I liked the reveal of former relationships. The layering of subplot. Nothing too forced whether characterization or main story, the details always work themselves out, an effortless feel to reading about whatever, wherever any adventure is next.

Summer at the Ice Cream Café by Jo Thomas | Waterstones

Try the Chantilly Lace sundae made up of fresh strawberries, meringue pieces and raspberry ripple gelato, topped with soft-serve ice cream and cream. I immediately took to Beca and felt myself willing her to succeed in her bid to recreate some of her grandparents’ ice cream magic. There’s something rather special about finding a perfect recipe and recreating the tastes of years gone by. Of course, this requires trial and error and there’s a process to get it just right.

And she of course has run ins with her old boyfriend, but also reconnects with her best friend. What is clear from the story is that things never stay the same, as is evidenced by what became of Valentino's which was her family gelateria. And what a fabulous book this is and I especially loved getting to know the two children Beca is respite fostering, Blake and Joe. As their placement went on, seeing them come into their own, was just a lovely thing to experience and be able to watch. Keep an eye on Joe the youngest brother as he has as he has learning disabilities, nonspecific, but he can look after himself anxiety issues but generally he's very content when he knows what happening and is kept to a routin. He likes helping people as he feels like a hero in the making. I can understand why Beca decided to leave especially because of what happened with Ed. Due to circumstances she felt she couldn’t stay and everybody was talking about her, but not Ed. Everyone assumed that Beca left because she was in the wrong and then the story became gossip with a mind of its own, but the true reality was that Beca was the one that had been wronged.

The Summer Cafe | Malmesbury - Facebook The Summer Cafe | Malmesbury - Facebook

This was the perfect summer read but I must warn you… it will leave you wanting all of the gelato! Sat in the sun while writing this review I wish I had a bowl of the cold stuff sat beside me ready to accompany my next read! I loved Griff and I was hoping and hoping that the ending that did happen was going to. Just the best ending! And without giving anything away, towards the end what happens with the spoon was a genius idea! Very clever!Finally Beca has her first foster placement, ages she added they are around 10 and around 13. A lot older than she'd had hoped for. Beca Valentino is ready to escape the city. When she sees the perfect house for sale in her hometown, it seems like fate. Is this her chance to build the foster family she dreams of, on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast?