After reading Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes I knew I wanted to continue with this companion series. I quickly picked up the next listed one Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café and was immediately drawn into the main character Tara’s story. This one begins at Christmas time and continues through a whole year giving you an opportunity to live life through Tara’s eyes.
Tara owns the local café The Chocolate Pot in Whitborough Bay. She opened the café shortly after moving to the area following a horrific divorce and separation from her family. She was looking for a new start and was determined not to be fooled again. Too many people had hurt her in the past and she just didn’t want to go through that again. She is just fine living on her own with her pet house rabbit. Of course, living in a small homey town has a way of changing perspectives.
My feelings for Tara ran deep as she starts to delve into the story of her past. This was a woman who had been tricked and hurt but, still felt the internal desire to help others. In fact, the name for bakery came from a special piece of her childhood which she has always carried with her. Her desire to help others becomes more and more obvious with the decisions she makes in terms of her café; and her relationships with the other businesses. I really enjoyed watching her open herself up and having her realize she still had alot of life left to live beyond what had happened to her.
One of the relationships which was most special to watch in Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café was Tara’s relationship with Jed. Fourteen years earlier, the two had met when Jed sold the location of the café to her, and she was left feeling that he had screwed her over in the business sense. Unknown to her, he actually had no idea what had happened to her. When their paths cross again, their is an immediate attraction, and once all of the cards are on the table, an easy friendship is developed. I loved watching these two individuals who had both been badly hurt by the other people in their lives come together and find love again. It was very sweet to visualize amongst the Christmas lights of the town.
My next read will be Christmas Wishes at the Chocolate Shop which is also set in Whitborough Bay during the holiday season. It is scheduled for released on August 3rd, 2021. I’m looking forward to spending more quality time with these characters that I’ve come to know and their shops which I wish I could visit.
Rating: 4 Stars
welcome to the zoo! 