This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Ever dreamed of start 
ing over? Issy Randall can bake. No, more than that – Issy can create stunning, mouth-wateringly divine cakes. After a c hildhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe's bakery she has undoubtedly inherited his talent. So when she's made redundant from her safe but dull City job, Issy decides to seize the moment and open up her own cafe. It should be a piece of cake, right? Wrong. As her friends point out, she has trouble remembering where she left her house keys, let alone trying to run her own business. But Issy is determined. Armed with recipes posted to her from Grampa, and with her local bank manager fighting her corner, Issy attempts to prove everyone wrong. Following your dreams is never easy and this is no exception. Can Issy do it?
I love me some Colgan. So when I got a copy of Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe in the post I was very giddy about it. I'm usually quite good about reading books in the order that I receive them, but this one jumped straight to the top of my TBR pile (I wouldn't be a very good fan-girl if I exhibited some control and waited patiently until I had finished my other books before I read it) and was gobbled up over the space of two very pleasant days.
I'll be honest, after the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure. The book was clearly wonderfully written, but not vintage Colgan. Where were the snarky social observations I'd been expecting? And the clumsy, drink-a-lot characters who were just like me?
I continued on regardless and I'm very glad I did. This book turned out to be super satisfying.
Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe is a bit of a departure from earlier novels by the author. It's more grown up. The pace has settled down (in a lovely indulgent way as opposed to a boring way), the supporting characters are a little more accomplished and the leading lady just as relatable and funny as ever. Just so happens that I rather love grown up Colgan.
Conclusion – Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe is a sweet, escapist and deliciously romantic read. But make sure you've eaten something before you tuck in. I will leave you wanting lots of cake.
Recommended.
8/10