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Available
Description
Fiction. Literature. Romance. Humor (Fiction.) HTML: For fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Jojo Moyes, and Jane Green, Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery is an irresistible novel from New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan�??moving and funny, soulful and sweet�??about happiness, heartache, and hope. And recipes. A thriving bakery. A lighthouse to call home. A handsome beekeeper. A pet puffin. These are the things that Polly Waterford can call her own. This is the beautiful life she leads on a tiny island off the southern coast of England. But clouds are gathering on the horizon. A stranger threatens to ruin Polly's business. Her beloved boyfriend seems to be leading a secret life. And the arrival of a newcomer�??a bereft widow desperately searching for a fresh start�??forces Polly to reconsider the choices she's made, even as she tries to help her new friend through grief. Unpredictable and unforgettable, this delightful novel will make you laugh, cry, and long for a lighthouse of yo… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member susan0316
This books is a follow up to Little Beach Street Bakery and is a continuation of the adventures of Polly baking bread on a small island in Cornwall. As the story begins it appears that life is wonderful, she is in love, her business is going well and her pet puffin is behaving. Then her landlord
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dies and all sorts of chaos happens to her. Even throughout the chaos, this book is light and fun and there are times that you laugh out loud. Jenny Colgan has done it again! I highly recommend this book! Show Less
LibraryThing member Cynthia357
First, I like the look of this book. The cover is inviting and the sketched at the beginning of each chapter made me smile. It was a fun book to carry around. This is a really cute story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the descriptions of the town and the bakery itself. I will look for more
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books by this author in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member mchwest
I received this as an ARC for Early Reviewers from LIbraryThing.com and it was so good. What made it better then norm was the fact I swore I had read the prequel, Little Beach Street bakery. Come to find it hidden away on my TBR shelf, I read that firs t and I found it was a fabulous story, full of
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descriptions of bread that I could almost smell as I pictured myself moving thru the small sea town. I will never forget the little character Neil the puffin, he was so enjoyable and who hasn't ever thought about living in a lighthouse! Bot books I will pass to many friends , read and enjoy!! I sincerely hope this isn't Jenny Colgan's last of this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview
This is a fun and easy read. I didn't read book one, but this fares well as a stand-alone. Most of the characters were likable and easy to relate to, and the author's narrator style allowed me to sink into the story.
It's fun to find a story that makes me both laugh and cry. Unexpected happenings
It's fun to find a story that makes me both laugh and cry. Unexpected happenings
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and realizations of those in her life, Polly takes a new look on her life. Show Less
LibraryThing member lewislibrary
This book is a sequel to Little Beach Street Bakery. Having not read the previous book, I was delighted to see there was a summary before the book starts, catching you up on everything that has gone on so far. I found that really helpful and did not have a problem following along at all. Jobs
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change, romantic relationships develop, and new friendships are forged. Oh, and there is a pet puffin.... we can't forget about him! This is a very light, quick read that is sure to delight. Show Less
LibraryThing member PamelaBarrett
Having not read the first Little Beach Street Bakery, I thought what I was getting in this book was a sweet story (pun intended) about a woman who bakes delicious goodies, who lives in a lighthouse in Cornwall, England with her American boyfriend, and a cute little Puffin. And it is, for about two
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chapters then everything turns into Puffin poo! Poor Polly the baker who runs the bakery is losing everything, her world is changing by the moment and not for the better and whatever happens to her affects the whole beach town including Neil her cuddly, funny little Puffin. I got so mad at one character that—well lets just say I’m glad he’s fiction. Luckily for the reader the sweetness balances the bitter, which makes this summer journey an unforgettable tale. Jenny Colgan is a great story teller. She knows how to make her readers care about the characters, I know I did, and so I am giving her 5 stars. The ARC I read didn’t have the recipes, which I’m told will be in the book which comes out March 2016. Come meet Neil and friends and take this trip to a place you’ll want to travel to again. Show Less
LibraryThing member terrylynn
This was an early reviewer book that wasn't for me. The characters and story line were very simple and predictable. I didn't read the prequel, but it was easy to pick up as I read the book. I wouldn't recommend this book, because it didn't have enough depth to hold my attention.
LibraryThing member marcyjill
I received this book as an Early Reviewer for Library Thing. Overall it was a sweet and charming read. Very quick and light. And I loved how purely British it is. Of course no American would ever say "Cor," but that was OK. Unfortunately, I haven't read the prequel so I felt like I was missing a
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lot which took some of the fun out of it for me. Combined with the first book, "Little Beach Street Bakery" you'd be all set for a good beach read. Show Less
LibraryThing member WillowOne
This story is one of love lost, love found, and love renewed. It speaks to losing identity, friends, soul mates and those things that define us. I enjoyed this story about Polly, Huckle, and Neil. I had not read the first book and I don't feel that it kept me from understanding the background of
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the characters or the story line. The author wrote this book in a way that it could be a stand alone. I received an uncorrected proof of this book in return for my review and it didn't have any recipes. From the book jacket though it appears the finished copy has those. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookfanMary
Jenny Colgan takes readers back to Mount Polbearne. I loved seeing what was new in the lives of Polly, Huckle and all the rest. Colgan's novel lived up to my expectations. There's love, loss, humor and drama in the lives of the residents of the tiny seaside village in Cornwall we first visited in
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Little Beach Street Bakery. We meet a few new characters and yes, Neil the Puffin is back. Even though Colgan provides a brief catch-up of the first book I highly recommend reading it before this book because I enjoyed it so much. Show Less
LibraryThing member whitreidtan
When you enjoy a book, sometimes you are leery of reading the sequel, worried that it will take characters you've come to care for in directions you don't want. This is especially true if the first book leaves them in a good and happy place. So I worried about Jenny Colgan's Summer at Little Beach
The novel opens with a catch-up by the author for those readers who don't remember or haven't read the first book, placing Polly's arrival in Cornwall, starting the bakery, acquiring Neil, ending up in a relationship with Huckle, and moving into a lighthouse in context. But happily ever afters are marred in real life and Colgan doesn't let her characters just fade away into a romantic fairy tale. New people come to the small, remote village, setting in motion change and conflict. Polly's crotchety landlord dies and so Polly's days of running the bakery her way come to a crashing halt when Mrs. Manse's boorish, nasty nephew takes over, insisting on cutting costs, lowering quality, and eventually firing Polly. Just as Polly is grappling with the loss of her beloved bakery, Huckle must go home to Georgia for an extended period of time that starts to look like it might last forever, Selina, Tarnie's fragile widow moves into town, reminding Polly of her own ill-fated relationship with Tarnie, and Polly must face the idea that her chubby, lovable puffin Neil really does belong with his own kind. Trouble certainly does come in threes for poor Polly and she struggles to find the drive and spirit to face all the changes and road blocks that this perfect storm has thrown her and to start over again.
As in the previous book, Colgan captures the connection and caring between people in the small town of Mount Polbearne. Her characters are well drawn and realistic. Malcolm is unlikable but also pitiable on occasion. Polly isn't quite as vivacious as in the first book but she perseveres and adapts even when she'd clearly prefer to climb the many flights of stairs to her bed and just hunker down until blue skies come again. Her relationship with Huckle is challenged by misunderstanding and the weight of responsibilities (for both of them) but it is ultimately a comfortable and easy relationship that proves it can weather any storm. Polly isn't quite as vivacious as she is in the first book and suffers from doubts and depression when she is walloped by so much going wrong at once or feeling so uncertain on top of it all but eventually her courage and ability to adapt in the face of so much turmoil shows her to be the same survivor readers loved the first time around. The setting is appealing and makes the reader want to visit Mount Polbearne and sample some of Polly's delectable sounding bread. All is not light and fluffy here though. There is a darkness that swoops in like a summer storm, ferocious and violent, but it eventually cedes to the clean, clear blue skies that follow such an event. There are no big surprises hidden in the story and it is, in the end, an easy, feel-good, escapist read perfect for the sunshine and warmth of summer. Light fiction fans will rejoice at this, Colgan's latest, delectable and delightful as it is.
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Streetn Bakery, satisfied with where she left Polly, Huckle, and Neil the domesticated puffin after the first book. But they and the small fishing village of Mount Polbearne were such rays of sunshine that I couldn't resist delving back into the happenings there. This second book takes them to sad and hard places, just like real life, but they remain characters you will care about, root for, and ultimately rejoice with when they face the newest challenges life has sent them.The novel opens with a catch-up by the author for those readers who don't remember or haven't read the first book, placing Polly's arrival in Cornwall, starting the bakery, acquiring Neil, ending up in a relationship with Huckle, and moving into a lighthouse in context. But happily ever afters are marred in real life and Colgan doesn't let her characters just fade away into a romantic fairy tale. New people come to the small, remote village, setting in motion change and conflict. Polly's crotchety landlord dies and so Polly's days of running the bakery her way come to a crashing halt when Mrs. Manse's boorish, nasty nephew takes over, insisting on cutting costs, lowering quality, and eventually firing Polly. Just as Polly is grappling with the loss of her beloved bakery, Huckle must go home to Georgia for an extended period of time that starts to look like it might last forever, Selina, Tarnie's fragile widow moves into town, reminding Polly of her own ill-fated relationship with Tarnie, and Polly must face the idea that her chubby, lovable puffin Neil really does belong with his own kind. Trouble certainly does come in threes for poor Polly and she struggles to find the drive and spirit to face all the changes and road blocks that this perfect storm has thrown her and to start over again.
As in the previous book, Colgan captures the connection and caring between people in the small town of Mount Polbearne. Her characters are well drawn and realistic. Malcolm is unlikable but also pitiable on occasion. Polly isn't quite as vivacious as in the first book but she perseveres and adapts even when she'd clearly prefer to climb the many flights of stairs to her bed and just hunker down until blue skies come again. Her relationship with Huckle is challenged by misunderstanding and the weight of responsibilities (for both of them) but it is ultimately a comfortable and easy relationship that proves it can weather any storm. Polly isn't quite as vivacious as she is in the first book and suffers from doubts and depression when she is walloped by so much going wrong at once or feeling so uncertain on top of it all but eventually her courage and ability to adapt in the face of so much turmoil shows her to be the same survivor readers loved the first time around. The setting is appealing and makes the reader want to visit Mount Polbearne and sample some of Polly's delectable sounding bread. All is not light and fluffy here though. There is a darkness that swoops in like a summer storm, ferocious and violent, but it eventually cedes to the clean, clear blue skies that follow such an event. There are no big surprises hidden in the story and it is, in the end, an easy, feel-good, escapist read perfect for the sunshine and warmth of summer. Light fiction fans will rejoice at this, Colgan's latest, delectable and delightful as it is.
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LibraryThing member thebooklover2
This was a fun little mystery to read. I enjoyed it very much. The protagonist of the story, Polly Waterford, owns a bakery in town. When a mysterious stranger shows up threatening to ruin her business, Polly also begins to notice her boyfrend's strange behavior. Add to the mix a widow, new in
Polly's charming world is about to get turned upside down and you the reader will be drawn in to the story. I loved this book and highly recommend to readers who like the genre.
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town, looking to start over after the loss of her husband. Polly's charming world is about to get turned upside down and you the reader will be drawn in to the story. I loved this book and highly recommend to readers who like the genre.
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LibraryThing member Twink
Jenny Colgan's newest book is Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery. Now, it's a follow-up to Little Beach Street Bakery, but you don't need to have read it to enjoy 'Summer'. (Although you might want to pick it up as well and tuck both into your summer reading beach bag)
Polly Waterford has made a
.....a new owner takes over the bakery - and that changes everything.....Polly faces uncertainty again on every front....
Colgan has created a wonderful backdrop and setting for her characters. I love quaint little towns and quirky characters and Mount Polbearne is just that. (I think I'd be quite happy living there) Polly is a great lead character - she's someone you'd love to have as a friend. And it's impossible not to cheer her on. Huckle is great, but it's Neil the puffin who takes best supporting character. Without saying much more than Eep, he'll steal your heart. (He does have his own twitter account @neilthepuffin) I wasn't completely sold on friends Kerensa and Reuben - they were a bit over the top. But they play their designated roles perfectly.
Colgan's description of the breads and baking had me salivating as I read. I've always dreamed of having my own business and enjoyed following Polly's start-ups.
Summer at Little Beach Bakery has everything you want in a great chick-lit book - love, loss, drama, humour and yes - a just right ending. There are many more stories waiting to be told in Mount Polbearne - I hope Colgan has plans for another book set here.
Jojo Moyes contributes a blurb to the cover - "Deliciously warm and sweet." I absolutely agree. Tuck Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery in your beach bag - it's perfect summer reading.
Polly Waterford has made a
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place for herself in the tiny Cornish town of Mount Polbearne - she's running a successful bakery (she doesn't own it yet, but...) has bought a home (yes an operating lighthouse!), has a fabulous boyfriend (Huckle, a transplanted American honeybee keeper) and a pet puffin named Neil. Life is good. Until.........a new owner takes over the bakery - and that changes everything.....Polly faces uncertainty again on every front....
Colgan has created a wonderful backdrop and setting for her characters. I love quaint little towns and quirky characters and Mount Polbearne is just that. (I think I'd be quite happy living there) Polly is a great lead character - she's someone you'd love to have as a friend. And it's impossible not to cheer her on. Huckle is great, but it's Neil the puffin who takes best supporting character. Without saying much more than Eep, he'll steal your heart. (He does have his own twitter account @neilthepuffin) I wasn't completely sold on friends Kerensa and Reuben - they were a bit over the top. But they play their designated roles perfectly.
Colgan's description of the breads and baking had me salivating as I read. I've always dreamed of having my own business and enjoyed following Polly's start-ups.
Summer at Little Beach Bakery has everything you want in a great chick-lit book - love, loss, drama, humour and yes - a just right ending. There are many more stories waiting to be told in Mount Polbearne - I hope Colgan has plans for another book set here.
Jojo Moyes contributes a blurb to the cover - "Deliciously warm and sweet." I absolutely agree. Tuck Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery in your beach bag - it's perfect summer reading.
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LibraryThing member ElizabethBraun
Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery is a delightful novel by Jenny Colgan. Polly is the proprietor of the Little Beach Street Bakery on the island of Mount Polbearne (near Cornwall). She lives in a lighthouse with her boy friend Huckle and her pet puffin Neil. When the owner of the bakery dies
I really enjoyed the book. It was an easy read. The characters were authentic and likable, except for Malcolm. The only torn was the appearance of the Baseball World Series at the beginning of the summer rather than the end of summer (now even into the fall!). Even so, I would recommend the book. It was light and refreshing and had strong women!
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unexpectedly, the bakery is taken over by the owner's sister and her son Malcolm. Malcolm decides to make drastic changes, such as not baking their own bread and cakes, and fires Polly. Jobless Polly is at a loss. But she eventually buys a bakery van (Nan the Van) and resumes her bread baking in direct competition with the Little Beach Street Bakery. I won't spoil the whole story, but it takes unexpected twists and turns.I really enjoyed the book. It was an easy read. The characters were authentic and likable, except for Malcolm. The only torn was the appearance of the Baseball World Series at the beginning of the summer rather than the end of summer (now even into the fall!). Even so, I would recommend the book. It was light and refreshing and had strong women!
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LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks
This book is a big departure from my usual reading in many ways. It’s a very light, chick lit kind of read. I usually don’t tend to take this kind of book but something about the synopsis appealed – my guess would be the “bakery” word. I was promised recipes but I received an Advanced
This is a sequel and I did not read the first book but it stands alone just fine. I did not feel any lack for not having read the first book. I’m sure like with most series subsequent books are always richer for having read all books but it’s not necessary for enjoyment of the current volume.
Now on to the actual review – overall it was an adequate read. The lead character, Polly has found some level of peace baking bread for her various neighbors. She is living in the lighthouse with her love, Huckle and all seems to be going well until the owner of the bakery dies and suddenly Polly’s world loses it’s calm.
The bakery gets a new manager who doesn’t agree with Polly’s methods, her former lover’s wife comes back to town – now Polly didn’t know he was married when they got together but that didn’t make it any easier – and Huckle’s brother shows up. He’s a free spirit who has left the family farm with his girlfriend back in the States because he can’t handle the pressure of work. And their is Neil, the pet puffin who goes where he wants and poops where he will.
Polly is overly attached to Neil, not quite attached enough to Huckle and seriously in need of some self confidence. When she loses her job and money becomes and issue Huckle goes home to the family farm leaving her on her own. She doesn’t handle “on her own” very well.
All in all it was a perfectly fine beach read. Polly’s wishywashyness really was a touch annoying. She really needed to grow a backbone. The characters of the town were fun and well drawn characters. Neil was a different sort of pet but a puffin is a wild animal and fortunately this was finally addressed.
My biggest problem with the book was the way cats were portrayed. Obviously the author has an issue with cats and that is fine she is certainly entitled to her opinion on that matter. I fully realize that not everyone loves cats. But using her book as a vehicle to promote declawing cats is reprehensible. Many nations have outlawed this barbaric procedure and there is a huge push to have it banned in the United States. I am hoping that Ms. Colgan wrote out of ignorance rather than intent.
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Reader Copy so I didn’t get any recipes. Bummer.This is a sequel and I did not read the first book but it stands alone just fine. I did not feel any lack for not having read the first book. I’m sure like with most series subsequent books are always richer for having read all books but it’s not necessary for enjoyment of the current volume.
Now on to the actual review – overall it was an adequate read. The lead character, Polly has found some level of peace baking bread for her various neighbors. She is living in the lighthouse with her love, Huckle and all seems to be going well until the owner of the bakery dies and suddenly Polly’s world loses it’s calm.
The bakery gets a new manager who doesn’t agree with Polly’s methods, her former lover’s wife comes back to town – now Polly didn’t know he was married when they got together but that didn’t make it any easier – and Huckle’s brother shows up. He’s a free spirit who has left the family farm with his girlfriend back in the States because he can’t handle the pressure of work. And their is Neil, the pet puffin who goes where he wants and poops where he will.
Polly is overly attached to Neil, not quite attached enough to Huckle and seriously in need of some self confidence. When she loses her job and money becomes and issue Huckle goes home to the family farm leaving her on her own. She doesn’t handle “on her own” very well.
All in all it was a perfectly fine beach read. Polly’s wishywashyness really was a touch annoying. She really needed to grow a backbone. The characters of the town were fun and well drawn characters. Neil was a different sort of pet but a puffin is a wild animal and fortunately this was finally addressed.
My biggest problem with the book was the way cats were portrayed. Obviously the author has an issue with cats and that is fine she is certainly entitled to her opinion on that matter. I fully realize that not everyone loves cats. But using her book as a vehicle to promote declawing cats is reprehensible. Many nations have outlawed this barbaric procedure and there is a huge push to have it banned in the United States. I am hoping that Ms. Colgan wrote out of ignorance rather than intent.
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LibraryThing member LiteraryChanteuse
I fell quite quickly for Polly Waterford! With a number of quirky characters that are fun and endearing it is difficult to not be intrigued by this story from the very beginning. Not having read the first book was only a slight hindrance as both the characters and the story begin to light up and
I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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shine the further one reads. A cozy romance description certainly fits here and for a light hearted and entertaining read, this should be at the top of the list.I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member rolyat
I couldn't help but fall in love with the main character, Polly, and her boyfriend, Huckle, and her Puffin, Neil. the story contains happiness, friendship, love, personal growth, laughter and sadness. I enjoyed this book the whole way thru. Never a dull or slow spot. Looking forward to reading more
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by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member marciablnc
I was half way through this book before I could get into the story line and follow it. I did like it after that and I liked the happy ending. Overall, it was a good viewe of Polly's struggles. I thought the pet bird was not realistic.
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
I thought Polly might just give up the struggle, but her tenacity makes this second book about her adventures worth the read. I love all the eccentric characters.
LibraryThing member nancynova
I received this book as an Early Reviewer for Library Thing. Quirky, light British Chil-lit. Since this is book 2, the author provided a catch-up chapter first. The book centers around Polly, a bread baker living on an island in a lighthouse, with her American Bee-keeper boyfriend and rescued
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puffin Neil, who thinks he's a pet. When the bakery's owner dies, bean-counter Malcom takes over, fires Polly, who then buys Nan-the-van and sets up a baking shop on the road. Lots of secondary character stories intertwined, a vicious storm, and the angst of setting Neil free to live with other puffins round out this light beach read. Show Less
LibraryThing member mmoj
"Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery" is a continuation to Ms. Colgan's, "Little Beach Street Bakery". You could read "SaLBSB" before "LBSB" but there are elements that you would miss that may be a bit frustrating.
In the first book Polly has moved to Mount Polbearne an island on the Cornish Coast
This was a funny entertaining read that hit all the right emotional notes.
In the first book Polly has moved to Mount Polbearne an island on the Cornish Coast
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to heal after some business and boyfriend troubles. She begins a "second bakery" that is very popular with locals and day-trippers alike. In this story Polly has settled into her life on Mount Polbearne and thinks that she's had enough bad things in her life that she will probably have a great life from here on in. Of course that's just begging fate to knock you down again and that's exactly what happens as the owner of the bakery dies leaving everything to her sister (which means her nephew). The nephew hates the island, has been unemployed (thus why his mom is letting him run the business) with no idea how to run a business and is an overall slug. Polly is forced to leave the bakery and must find a new way to make a living. This was a funny entertaining read that hit all the right emotional notes.
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LibraryThing member sraelling
A bit whiny for a good third of the book, but a "cleansing of the palate" book to read after some intense non-fiction. Everything seems to go wrong for Polly, but living in a lighthouse, having a hunky boyfriend and rich friends can't keep her from looking at the glass as being half-empty. She's
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involved with a harrowing rescue and perhaps, needed to be upended in order to be set straight again. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dmtcer
I discovered Jenny Colgan's books a few years ago and can't seem to get enough of them. I love the premise of her stories, and the slightly wacky characters. I like the idea of food-based romance, and truly find her books delightful. Everything is not all right in the world of the little town in
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Cornwall even if Polly would like it to be so. Truthfully, I would love to visit this little village and become a resident myself. Sweet romance filled with angst, yet resolution, which is what we require in all romance stories. Show Less
LibraryThing member jbarr5
Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
Bakery shop at the lighthouse and I like hearing about how she makes the bread. Apartment upstairs from the shop where she lives with her boyfriend and cat.
Don't quite understand some of the terminology but got a bit of a hint....
Few colorful
Like how she snaps out of her troubles and uses the truck to sell her wares.
Slang really got to me-not really knowing what words really translate to, usually will stay away from England slang and narrators.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Bakery shop at the lighthouse and I like hearing about how she makes the bread. Apartment upstairs from the shop where she lives with her boyfriend and cat.
Don't quite understand some of the terminology but got a bit of a hint....
Few colorful
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characters and the things that happen to them. Liked learning about how the food truck works.Like how she snaps out of her troubles and uses the truck to sell her wares.
Slang really got to me-not really knowing what words really translate to, usually will stay away from England slang and narrators.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
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LibraryThing member Maydacat
Polly’s bakery has a new owner, and the owner’s son has some ideas how to run it that conflict greatly with Polly’s. She wants to produce a good tasting product. He wants to cut corners and sell inferior products in the hopes of making a bigger profit. They clash, and Polly looses her bakery
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job. Now she and her boyfriend must make some money to stay afloat, so he heads back to the States and she looks into baking bread in a different place. Throw in a crisis with Neil the puffin, a wild storm of incredible force, some misunderstandings and hard feelings, and some realizations of what truly is important, and you end up with a delightful and quite entertaining tale. Show Less