Firstly, the plot. Evie is different to the rest of her family. A bit of a dreamer, some might even go so far as to say flighty, Evie has never really settled at anything. So when her beloved Aunt dies, leaving her a café in Cornwall, she is doubtful as to whether she can run it. She couldn't manage it long distance, that's for sure, so would mean a move to the seaside. And what's more, Evie can't bake. Surely she can't really make a go of it? It sounds good, doesn't it? It is. The Beach Café is a proper old fashioned story about life, love and dreams. It makes me feel like good things can happen out of difficult situations. It makes me believe pie in the sky fantasies can come true. And it makes me long to be on a beach, the waves crashing onto the shore reminding me of the beauty of life. Lucy Diamond has created a character you will fall in love with in Evie. She represents everyone who has ever longed for something which seems out of reach and everyone who has failed to live up to the expectations of society, their parts or the world at large. In short, you'll be aching for her to triumph, in all areas of her life. The fine line between balancing humour and poignant moments in life is walked with precision, and even though I knew what was coming I had a lump in my throat as Evie made difficult decisions. The observational humour is brilliant, Lucy could always take her sharp quips about the quirks we as humans possess to the stage as a sideline- she'd give Peter Kay a run for his money! Overall, this is a wonderful book, heartfelt and touching. The perfect summer read. I wasn't sure if I'd like this. I'm a big fan of Jenny Colgan and I wondered if it would be a bit of a rip off of her Cupcake Cafe, Beach Street Bakery, or Sweetshop novels. But it wasn't at all. I ended up unable to put this book down. The main character, Evie, was identifiable and likeable, and she had a great relationship with her best friend which was nice to read. The lead guy in the book was great, and all the personalities of the characters involved in the Beacch Cafe were great too. I'm keen to read more of Lucy Diamond's work now!
Do You like book A Tengerparti Kávézó (2014)?
Good easy read. Feel good factor was sufficiently high. I enjoyed the whole story.
—Cassidy
Loved it. A super summer read. Very enjoyable.
—Jen
