CHRISTMAS AT THE CUPCAKE CAFE - Jenny Colgan
William Morrow Paperbacks
ISBN 10: 0751549223
ISBN 13: 9780751549225
September 2022
Fiction

London and New York City - Present Day

Issy Randall, owner of the Cupcake Cafe in London, feels as if her life is finally settling down. Taught baking by her late grandfather, Issy is loving the responsibility, and feelings of accomplishment with her business. And now with the Christmas season approaching, Issy is excited about the holiday, as well as comfortable in her love life. Austin came along after a miserable break-up, and, even though he has his own issues to deal with, Issy and Austin have settled into a loving routine. 

Pearl is not too excited about Christmas, Caroline has different ideas of what kind of decorations are appropriate, and Issy is now hit with a dilemma. Austin, who is in the banking business, has been offered a lucrative position that means not only a higher salary, but a very responsible, respectable position. The only thing is, it's in New York City. Issy has been living with Austin and his eleven-year-old brother, Darny, and she thought life couldn't be better. But what if Austin accepts this job? How can she deal with a long-distance relationship? Or will he ask her to leave her beloved cafe, and go to New York with him? 

Austin is dazzled by New York City, as well as the reception he's gotten from the banking staff. They already just expect him to accept the offer. And then they suggest that they will pay for Issy and Darny to come across the pond to see how they like the city. Austin is all too aware of Issy's pride in her cafe. He is also well aware that his brother's antics at his school have him walking on thin ice there. Would a life in America be better for him? 

Issy loves Austin, and Darny too. But she also loves her cafe, and her friends. What can it hurt to visit New York? 

First published in 2012, CHRISTMAS AT THE CUPCAKE CAFE is another of Jenny Colgan's delightful tales. She is adept at delving into people's feelings, making seemingly everyday issues come alive, and keeping readers turning the pages. Issy hasn't had the most normal upbringing with a gadabout mother who was rarely around, but a grandfather who tried to keep things as down-to-earth as he could. Austin and Darny lost their parents in a tragic accident, and Austin had to give up his dreams to find work to support the two of them. Since meeting Issy, he's felt that life couldn't be any nicer, and she feels the same. What will the potential new job mean to the three of them, though? 

What makes this novel so much fun are the real recipes that begin each chapter. While this is a sequel to MEET ME AT THE CUPCAKE CAFE, readers will have no trouble enjoying this book. 

Jani Brooks