"Is that what I’ve been worrying about all these years, being judged? Worrying what people will think of me, that I’m not good enough? Wanting to show the world I could succeed, to give them something worthwhile to talk about?"

"I’ve spent so long thinking I had to be the best. The best daughter, worrying about letting them down. The best in business, because I wanted to prove I could be. But everything doesn’t have to be perfect, does it? That’s what I loved about growing up here."

"Here, we celebrate our imperfections!"

I always find it impressive how Jo Thomas manages to write books that on some level are similar, but yet are so different. Summer at the Ice Cream Café was no exception. This was quite a heart-warming story focusing on foster-care and re-building relationships. I was very happy that the boys ended up staying with her in the end. The only bit I found a tad unrealistic was when Joe went out on the boat. That didn't match his personality and behaviour. Gelato anyone? ( )

Beca Valentino left her childhood home town in West Wales years ago but is now ready to come home. She manages to buy a house she always liked and decides to foster children. When she was young her Italian grandparents owned an ice cream café and Beca's childhood memories are entwined with it so to see it's been taken over and made into a wine bar really niggles at her. A chance situation, her Nonna's old recipes and the help of friends, old and new, see Beca turning her hand to making gelato of her own.

I absolutely adored this book, just completely loved it. Jo Thomas always sells me a dream in her stories but this one in particular felt like I was there with the characters and could so easily imagine the town, the beach, the whole set-up. I really enjoyed the ice cream making and the pop up café that Beca sets up. I found myself wishing it was real and I could stroll along the cliff path and stop for a delicious treat. There were so many delectable flavours on offer!

It's not all about the gelato though. This is Beca's homecoming and it's not always easy. Small town gossips struggle to accept her as a local but equally so, she's not one of the incomers, the second-home owners from the city. Her old friend, Griff, is a big help to her and I thought he was a fabulous character. I also loved the boys Beca ends up fostering.

The whole feel of this book was just delicious and I felt like I could have read on forever but all good things do need to come to an end. As always, I closed it with a sense of not only satisfaction, hunger and wanderlust, but knowing that I'd spent my time reading something that utterly captivated me and transported me thoroughly to my literary destination. Summer at the Ice Cream Café is actual perfection and I loved every bit of it. ( )

Jo Thomas gets me every time with her books. You start off and think this is a nice story, with an interesting but not earth shattering premise or character. Before long she has me totally hooked and desperately needing to read on and caring passionately about the people in her stories.

In this one Beca returns to her childhood village after many years away, and finds the place has changed. Will she be happy here setting up a home for respite care for children in local authority care? Will she be any good at it? How will her former best friend and a former boyfriend relate to her? The story unfolds in front of your eyes.

I really fell in love with the characters, the place and the story in this one, and just didn’t want to put this book down. At times it had me feeling every emotion imaginable and yes at points it had me crying, especially the ending! I was almost shouting at Beca telling her what she needed to do. A truly engaging and uplifting story.

This was a five star read for me and I do strongly recommend it. Jo Thomas has really become one of my favourite authors, especially in this genre, and I cannot wait for her next book. A great book to read during the Summer ahead.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ( )