Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The book comes out on 13th April 2023.
Table of Contents
The Little Board Game Cafe
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Is it worth it to take a risk?
The Little Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page is such a sweet story. It’s an enjoyable quick read about Emily and her dream of opening a cafe. But it’s not one of those stories where everything magically falls into place. Emily struggles both in her professional, as well as her private life. We see her ups and downs, and we sympathize with her while she’s fighting her setbacks.
Usually, I jump at books like this’s throat because I like complicating things. But the thing is, there’s nothing bad to say about this book. I enjoyed it, and it’s so sweet! It’s like one of those pocket realities where everything is simple and uplifting – where everything is okay. (or when it’s not, you know it will be eventually).
You never know!
Emily dreams about opening her cafe. It’s a dream she always shared with her mother. Seeing her try to fulfill that dream made me feel for her, with so many hardships coming her way. I would definitely want to visit her place. The Little Board Game Cafe threw me into a cute Yorkshire scenery, and it definitely fed my fantasies about simple life somewhere nice and quiet.
Emily says that everyone knows everyone in Essendale. It’s like one of those rom-com places where everyone knows your name (but not your business), shares meals, get together, and help each other whenever they need. That’s the kind of vibe I was getting from this book.
The idea of a themed cafe is brilliant, as we see small businesses try to fight big chains with their uniqueness. It also brought together Emily’s friends to help and have her back. It’s such a cozy and lovely story. The atmosphere is just so friendly and safe.
Emily’s support system was something really amazing to see. She’s surrounded by beautiful people who have her back and are like her little family. That circle helps each other and picks each other up. They really care for one another.
Her love life is a bit complicated, and I understood her viewpoint. It was nice seeing her give herself a chance. Opening up and wearing your heart on your sleeve is a brave and scary thing to do. I’m glad Emily mustered up the courage.
Final thoughts on The Little Board Game Cafe
As I said, I like complicating things. For some reason, I navigate toward long books with three-line sentences. I want to see complex stories, characters, and relationships – maybe because I overanalyze everything. So, books like The Little Board Game Cafe are not my usual read. Also, I know nothing about board games.
But I saw a cute cover, and cafe-or-bookshop-anything is something to get my attention. (I fantasized so much about owning my cafe/bookstore one day. Now I mostly just read about it.) I’m glad I read this book. It took me a day. It was a perfect, relaxing escape from reality.
I loved the simple sentences, the flow of the story, and the fact that it wasn’t cliché. Nothing was rushed, and the author focused on very few events, but it well suited the story.
This was such a pleasant, heart-warming, and cozy read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good story. Also, it’s a proper English one, with lots of tea. I joined the party, as well, with my cup. So, dear reader, grab yours (coffee works, too), grab a copy of this book, and enjoy 😀
Glad it wasn’t cliche but rather a fun, feel good read.
Yes, I loved how the author approached the story! 🙂 Can’t wait for the book to come out!