Blog Tour/Review: The Gingerbread Cafe Trilogy by Rebecca Raisin

Today's Post is the ever so lovely Rebecca Raisin's The Gingerbread Cafe Series which has been made into a trilogy! Yes I know i squealed with delight when I heard! I first read these awesome books as three single novellas which were all awesome and I just couldn't get enough! i was drooling over the cakes and things Lil was making all the time while I was reading....

The Blurb:

Enjoy the warmth, cupcakes and hot chocolate of The Gingerbread Café series, and follow Lil’s journey to happily ever after…

Lil has every recipe down, from gingerbread men to cinnamon muffins. So when gorgeous outsider Damon opens a shop opposite The Gingerbread Café, Lil refuses to let him steal her customers without a fight – no matter how much he makes her heart flutter.

When it comes to love, Lil’s never quite got the method right! But it looks like this time, deviating from the recipe might just lead Lil to the magic ingredient she’s been missing all along…

Don’t miss this delicious series from best-selling author Rebecca Raisin – the ultimate romantic indulgence.

You can read my reviews here:
Book 1: Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe Review
Book 2: Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe Review
Book 3: Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe Review



If you haven't read this series yet, what the hell are you waiting for? Purchase right now!! it is a wonderful series and you feel like the characters are your friends and your just following them through a journey!
I give the whole series an amazing & wonderful 5 stars!!!

Buy Now for £4.74!!!

Festive Guest Post: Christmas in Australia by Rebecca Raisin ++ Giveaway

Thanks Abbey and Katie for inviting me here today!

Christmas in Australia is very different to Christmas in the UK! Firstly it’s summer here, so it’s usually around 35c, which is HOT! It’s also our summer school holidays so kids here have seven weeks off over that time. 

The kids break up about a week or so before Christmas and then the fun begins! We immediately go and get a photo with Santa, and they write their wish-lists for him. 

That’s a picture of my twin boys last year! As you can see we’re very Aussie here! A shirt and tie with thongs! (I think you call them flip flops?) 

Once we’ve seen Santa we try our hardest to avoid the shops which are suddenly packed with people trying to get all their last minute shopping done. Unfortunately, I’m never organised so I am usually one of those people frantically dashing around trying to remember what I’m looking for.

In our family we actually celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. We are a family of ‘foodies’ so there’s lots of discussion before that day to work out who is cooking what. And everyone contributes so it’s not all down to one person to cook. Everyone tries to outdo each other food-wise! 

We have the usual Christmas meal of turkey, and roasted vegetables, but we start with seafood. We often have something fancy, ceviche, or prawns with some kind of chimmichurri, it changes every year. 

The side vegetables are always something a little different too. Last year I did green beans with flaked almonds, and pomegranate seeds, because I thought the ruby red seeds looked like little gems! So we go all out so the food looks stunning as well as tastes good! 

For dessert we have an Eton mess! Being summer we have all that gorgeous fresh fruit in season, so we rip up meringue and layer it with blueberries, passionfruit, raspberries, and kiwi fruit, and smother it with double cream! There’s also pudding and custard but I really hate that! 

We gather early afternoon, usually at my brother-in-laws house, because he has a pool! The kids are crazy with excitement, and we let them run riot as we hover around the kitchen, drinking wine and cooking together. 

Instead of buying presents for each adult we only buy for one person. But we buy for all of the kids! The adult list looks like this. (Complete with odd nicknames we use!) We pull names out of a hat and you buy a gift for that person. I love thinking about buying something special for that one person!

The kids however, get totally spoiled by everyone, and open their gifts before we exchange ours. 

My sister-in-law loves decorating the tables each year, and last year’s theme was black and gold. It was so pretty and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with this year! 

Once the huge Christmas Eve feast is over we usually have a very chilled Christmas day. The boys open their gifts from Santa, and we usually half-nap while they play. And by lunchtime we head off to the beach and spend the day in the sunshine! I’m usually reading whatever new book I have and the boys paddle in the water, or kick the beach ball around. 

Again, we catch up with family over the coming days, and have as much fun as we can cram into the time off. 

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you have fun! 

Rebecca's book Christmas Wedding at the gingerbread cafe is out now!!

Amazon US http://amzn.to/1qIb9VQ

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1m7wGWP

Amazon Aust http://bit.ly/1uCJVjx

Itunes http://bit.ly/1manX5S

Google play http://bit.ly/ZnNjTF

Pinterest http://bit.ly/1uF18I4

Goodreads http://bit.ly/1t4h1bA


!! Festive Giveaway Time !!
The Lovely Rebecca is offering not one but three lucky people to win an e-copy of her first book in the gingerbread cafe series 
Christmas at the gingerbread cafe
Enter Here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin Blog Tour: Q&A

Rebecca, Thank you so much for being on my blog today for the blog tour of Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe. Now let's get all festive with the questions.

Thank you so much for having me here today! 

Can you tell us a little bit about Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe?

It’s the third and final book in the Gingerbread Café series. It wraps up Lil’s story a year after it started with Christmas at the Gingerbread Café, and then mid-year, Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Café. It was quite an emotional story to write because I’m so close to Lil, and CeeCee and I felt like I was losing friends saying goodbye to them in this book! 

Which did Character did you love writing about the most?

CeeCee is my absolute favourite. I love her southern one-liners, and her ability to tell it like it is in a mothering, genuine way. I wish she was real and that she lived near me! 

How does it feel to write a Christmas novel throughout the year?

It’s really bizarre at first! To get into the Christmas spirit I play carols, and google recipes that the café will bake, and it’s only July! But by the time all the edits are done, before you know it, it’s almost Christmas and I’m eager to get decorating! 

Does it put you off Christmas or are you feeling festive all year?

No, I think it heightens it! That anticipation of all the festivities and fun finally creeps closer and the thought of the summer time here approaching, and the kids having school holidays makes me smile like a loon! 

What’s your favourite tradition at Christmas?

Taking the boys around the streets to see all the Christmas lights! We have lots of neighbours who go all out each December, and the boys love visiting them each night. Some of the owners dress up as elves or Santa and hand out candy canes and the boys eyes light up! It’s lots of fun!  

Are you always organised with Christmas presents or are you of them people dashing around Christmas eve?

I WISH I was organised! I am always running behind! We only buy for one adult in a Kris Kringle fashion, but we buy for all of the kids, so I am usually the one running around the shops, eyes wide, mumbling about being more organised next year!

Will we see Lily,Damon and Ceecee again maybe in the future?

I’ve had so many messages asking for just one more book that I am sorely tempted! But I think I left them just where they should be… but you will see glimpses of them in other books set in Ashford. I guess I’ll never say never, but for now, their story winds up on Christmas Day! 

What inspired you to start writing?

Another writer suggested I take a writing class! I was a fan of his, and he said I had a talent for it! So I took a few classes and was immediately hooked! I’ve always been a huge reader, and I guess it was a secret dream one day I’d write! I am so glad I did! 

Can you describe Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe in 5 words. . . .

Love, Friendship, Baking, Sadness, Joy! 

Buy Links

AMAZON UK

AMAZON US

AMAZON AU

KOBO

BARNES & NOBLE

iTUNES

NOOK

Author Bio

Rebecca Raisin is a true bibliophile. This love of books morphed into the desire to write them. She's been widely published in short story anthologies, and in fiction magazines. And now she is focusing on writing romance.

Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true love.

Book Trailer

Psssttt...don't forget to carry on following the blog tour!

 

Book Review: Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Title: Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: 15th October 2014



Blurb

You are invited to the wedding of the year!

Snow is falling thick and fast outside the Gingerbread Café and inside, its owner Lily is planning the wedding of the year. Her wedding! She never dreamt it would happen, but this Christmas, she’ll be marrying the man of her dreams - in a Christmas-card-perfect ceremony!

The gingerbread is baking, the dress is fitted and the mistletoe’s in place – for once, everything’s going to plan. That is until her mother-in-law arrives... Suddenly, Lily’s famous cool is being tested like never before and her dream wedding is crumbling before her eyes.

In the blink of a fairylight, the Gingerbread Café has been thrown into chaos! Lily thought she had this wedding wrapped up, but with so much to do before she says ‘I do’, can Lily get to the church on time – and make this Christmas sparkle after all?

Verdict
I first started reading The Gingerbread Cafe series in January and I have loved the series ever since. As much as i love Christmas and the cover for this book is so beautiful, I was dreading reading as I knew its the last book in the series and I love all these characters ever so much!

So Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe is about all  Lily's and Damon's wedding, the days leading up to the wedding are always the most nerve wrecking, Especially when Damon's mother arrives and Lily's patience is going to be tested for sure.

I just loved this book ever so much! CeeCee and Missy certainly had me in fits of giggles at times! I wished I could go to the gingerbread cafe every day, the way the gingerbread cafe is described in this book for Christmas is just amazing, I wish I could see the Gingerbread Christmas Tree in person myself.

I definitely cried when Lily was walking down the isle to meet her husband to be Damon..I listened to so many love songs while reading Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe but the one that sticks in my mind all the time now is One Thousand Years..it is the most beautiful and amazing song, the tears certainly flow! It was great to catch up with other characters from the little town of Ashford.

My Favourite Character? I cannot choose just one Character as I love them all the same and I always feel like I know them all in person..you will understand when you read the books :-)

I don't want to give too much away in this review as I want all the readers to appreciate the book themselves and enjoy the characters just as much as I do..But I can promise you will laugh, you will cry,you will smile a lot and you will feel all festive throughout the book.

Rebecca is the most amazing writer and friend I have ever known. The books Rebecca writes always entice her readers and gets the readers excited while reading. I wished Rebecca's books werent just e-books as if I saw her books in paperback form on the shelves I would be squealing for joy as the covers are always beautiful and would stand out so much!

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe is 5 Festive Amazing Beautiful Twinkling Christmas Stars
Perfect Christmas Read of 2014!
                      




Kindle

Book Review: The Bookshop on The Corner by Rebecca Raisin

Title: The Bookshop on The Corner

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Carina UK (Harlequin)

Publication Date: 17th June 2014

Blurb

Who said that only real heroes could be found in fiction?

Sarah Smith had an addiction – she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this wouldn’t have been such an issue if she hadn’t been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.

Ever since her close friend Lil, from The Gingerbread Café, had become engaged she had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find – especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop…

Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy-ever-after can happen in real-life too!

Verdict

I am such a huge fan of Rebecca's books and as soon as I heard that she was bringing another one out I just screamed with joy, the cover is ever so beautiful, looks very colourful and if it came out in paperback..it would stand out on shelves definitely!


If you have read Rebecca's previous books then you will know we meet Sarah briefly but this book is all about Sarah, Sarah Smith is addicted to romance novels, she just wants to meet her very own book boyfriend, she owns her bookshop and the only one in Ashford, Connecticut.

Love could be just around the corner when a New York journalist Ridge Warner steps into her bookshop...will she let her self fall in love with a hunky man and believe you can get that happy-ever-after in real life too!

I loved everything about this book, I totally loved reading about Sarah and her bookshop but also being able to catch up with Lil and CeeCee too. Sarah reminded me of myself the way i love reading a good book with a lovely book boyfriend for you to fall in love with and also a dream of mine is to maybe have my own bookstore in the future. Reading the detail of Sarah's bookshop was great, I could just picture it with it homely feel and also having the smell of books would just be totally amazing.

The Bookshop on the Corner is a feel good read may have you smiling, laughing and be in your own dreamland. It is such an easy read and you will be wanting more from Sarah and Ridge again. 

For any huge bookworms out there are going to love this new book by Rebecca and by the end of the story, you'll want to buy your very own bookshop and curl up with lots of books surrounding you.
Thank you Rebecca for writing a fabulous story and The Bookshop on the Corner deserves . 

Book Review: Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Title: Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe

Author: Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Carina UK (Harlequin)

Publication Date: 20th March 2014

Blurb

Chocolate…the most irresistible temptation?

The Gingerbread Café is all a buzz! This Easter, Lily and the rest of the town of Ashford, Connecticut are planning a truly decadent Chocolate Festival. Cooking up a storm, CeeCee and Lily are not just baking a batch of their sinfully delicious chocolate-dipped gingerbread men, but an excess of chocolate truffles, squidgy, cinnamony hot cross buns and melt in your mouth chocolate eggs. The Gingerbread Café staff have definitely enjoyed the tasting process!

Add in Damon’s cute-as-a-button seven year old daughter, Charlie, up for a visit and Lily’s perfect Easter may just be around the corner. Until her ex-husband Joel turns up demanding twenty thousand dollars… Suddenly the future of the Gingerbread Café is not so clear…and Lily finds herself eating far more of The Gingerbread Café’s treats than her skinny jeans allow…

Can Lily concoct a brilliant plan to save her beloved café, convince Damon she has no feelings for Joel and still throw a Chocolate Festival the town will be talking about for years? There’s only one way to find out...

Welcome back to the warmth, cupcakes and hot chocolate of The Gingerbread Café – your home away from home

This is the second novella in The Gingerbread Café series

Verdict

Love Love Love Love, I am so sorry but I just had to say that over and over. I was so excited when I found out Rebecca had written a second novella to the Gingerbread Cafe series, I loved the first one and couldn't wait to read more on Lily, Damon and CeeCee, This time it's Easter and Lily & CeeCee are getting ready for Easter baking lots of chocolate treats as the town of Ashford Connecticut are planning a truly amazing chocolate festival...very yummy indeed.

I just loved everything about this book, It was great to catch up with Lily, Damon and CeeCee straight away, I also love chocolate so while i was reading i was drooling so much. We also have a new face in this second book, being Damon's cute little seven year old daughter Charlie, which was so lovely to read the closeness between Lily and Charlie.

Disliked Joel very much, he is Lily's ex-husband and comes to Ashford to cause trouble for Lily and her beloved Gingerbread Cafe, but Lily will do anything to save her business and not let Joel get away with his nastyness.

I just love the style of Rebecca's writing and the chapters i felt i was flying through but enjoyed so much. I feel that i live in Ashford myself and that Lily & CeeCee are my friends, the characters come across so friendly, bubbly & like a good gossip. I would happily spend all day in that cafe, hehe.
Definitely  rating for this fab book and excited to read more from these lovely characters. You want to have a giggle, then this book is for you!

Book Review: Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

Title: Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Publisher: Carina UK
Publication Date: 12th November 2013


Blurb

Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.

But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – even the someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!

Verdict
This book was fantastic! I loved the cover of it to begin with, I got a very good Christmas feeling when I read this, It was a short story and I would of loved for the story to be longer as I was enjoying the characters alot.

We meet Lily who is owner of the Gingerbread Cafe and is spending Christmas being single once again and very lonely but is keeping herself busy baking lots of little goodies for all her customers when a new shop across the road opens..In walks Damon.. the very handsome new owner of the shop who is selling baked goods which boils Lily's blood and she will do anything to keep her cafe in business and not let the smug and handsome Damon win.

This was just a fantastic read, You easily warm to the characters Lily and Ceecee, you feel Lily's pain when the new shop opens across the road as she loves her Cafe and will not let that smug man take all her customers away..so she starts a little competition in the end..but who wins. Either way Love can blossom for anyone at Christmas.

I do hope that Rebecca will maybe write a sequel to this book as I feel there was definitely more to these characters and that you would want to know what happened to Lily and Damon in the future.

A very warm and Christmas 5 star feeling with this book. You will want to curl up on sofa with a good cup of coco :) -