Winter at the Cosy Cottage Cafe
 Rachel Griffiths
Camilla Dix is fiercely independent. Growing up, she had to be strong for her mother and younger sister after her father left them for a new life in Benidorm. Camilla has kept her heart firmly closed to love, and never allows her relationships with men to develop into anything serious.
Tom Stone moved to Heatherlea for a fresh start. He’s been hurt in the past and has no intention of making himself vulnerable again. The only company he wants at night is that of his rescue British Bulldog Hairy Pawter.
However, when Camilla and Tom meet, they can’t deny their mutual attraction, and something deeper soon develops between them.
As snows falls over Heatherlea, mulled wine flows and festive carols fill the air, but can Camilla and Tom put their fears aside and trust each other enough to let love in?
This is the third of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage Café series.
Now available:
Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café
Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café
Coming soon:
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café
My Review
This is the first book by Rachel Griffiths that I have read, but I will definitely be adding the other two books in this series to my TBR list.
Camilla is a strong, independent career lady but when it comes to romance her guard is firmly up and she avoids commitment at all costs. There is a very good reason for this, which is explained in the book, and my heart went out to Camilla because after looking after her mum and sister for most of her life, she deserves to be happy.
Tom is a vet who has just moved to the area and is eager to build a circle of friends.He arranges to meet Camilla for a drink but finds her vulnerable and upset after a deeply emotional encounter. Camilla opens up to him in a way that she has never done with anyone before and to her surprise finds that she can talk to him, and he listens and gives her support. As Camilla gets to know Tom better she starts having powerful feelings for him, but will she be able to put her insecurities aside and take their friendship to another level?
Tom has a British Bulldog, called Hairy Pawter who has a huge appetite and an aversion to exercise. His first meeting with Camilla is hilarious, and one that all dog lovers will appreciate!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Rachel Griffiths has an impeccable eye for detail and she sets a scene to perfection. The trip to the Christmas markets was just magical, and my personal favourite part of the book.
The characters are all extremely likable, with depth, and lots of humour. There is a very strong family theme, deep friendships and lots of happy gatherings at the heart of the story, the Cosy Cottage Cafe.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.