Book Review: Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café By Jessica Redland

I am so excited to be welcoming Jessica Redland back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café. 

Sometimes all your hopes and dreams really do come true… ✨🌈

Life at the Chocolate Pot Café has never been sweeter for Tara Porter. Nestled on Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay, her café is thriving, her friendships are close, her foster parents are back where they belong—and she’s finally let herself fall in love with artist Jed Ferguson.

For Jed, returning from Australia feels like coming home in every sense. His teenage daughters have settled, his gallery opening is a success, and with Tara by his side, the future looks full of promise.

But the past can’t stay at bay forever.

When Tara’s estranged foster sister reappears, old wounds resurface. And when Jed is reunited with twelve year old Aaron – a boy he once believed was his son – secrets unravel and loyalties are tested.

Now Tara and Jed must decide whether facing the past will shatter everything they’ve built—or hope it gives them the strength and courage to dream again.

Warm, heartfelt and hopeful, Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café is a story of love, forgiveness and second chances.

*****

As Christmas ends and a new year begins, Tara is feeling optimistic about life. She loves her life in Whitsborough Bay. Her business, The Chocolate Pot Café is going well. In letting herself open up to people, she now has friends and her new relationship with Jed grows stronger every day. However, life rarely runs smoothly and soon, they are both facing more life changing events. Can they weather this storm together or will Tara retreat into the lonely life she had before?

As a huge fan of Jessica Redland’s novels, I will always jump at the chance to be a part of any of her blog tours. I couldn’t wait to get started on Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café.

What I did realise when I began to read this book is that I had not read the one before it – Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café. It passed me by completely and I am not sure how. What it does mean is that I have a surprise book by Jessica Redland to add to my TBR pile. Having said that, reading Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café first didn’t ruin my enjoyment of it. It can be read as a standalone as the author does a really good job at catching the reader up with events that precede the beginning of this book.

Although I hadn’t read Tara and Jed’s first book, this wasn’t my first visit to Castle Street and Whitsborough Bay. It was so delightful to be back with the residents. The setting is so beautifully described and reminds me the small areas in my hometown. There is such a sense of community, and I love it. It feels like you’re returning after a long journey and, as the reader, you’re being welcomed back with a big, warm hug.

It didn’t take me long to get pulled into this book. As with other stories by this author, I got completely invested in Tara and Jed’s story. They both felt so real, believable and well developed. I loved Tara and even though this book was my introduction to her, I could still feel how far she’d come. She’s likeable and overall, a positive person. I loved the idea of the Pollyanna mindset and will be trying the glad game for myself.

Jed is also a wonderful, strong character. He is someone you’d want in your corner. He’s focused, kind and is a man who will step up in any situation. It was great to see this kind of person portrayed.

The supporting characters are a marvellous bunch of people. I particularly felt sorry for Zoë and the children in this book. As for the other characters, I liked some more than others (when you read it, you’ll know who I mean). What is presented is a mixture of society and it explores the ups and downs people go through. Themes such as the foster care system, abandonment and blended families are presented in a compelling yet sensitive way.

Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café is a brilliantly written book filled with humour, warmth, community, love, family, betrayal, forgiveness and having the courage to decide how you want to live your life. All you need is faith and courage. Another excellent book from one of my favourite authors. I am hoping this isn’t the last we see of Tara and Jed.

About Jessica Redland –

Jessica Redland is the million-copy bestselling author of novels, including the Hedgehog Hollow and Escape to the Lakes series.

Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough and the Lake District, she writes uplifting women’s fiction of love, friendship and community.

Say hello to Jessica on Facebook, X, Instagram and Bookbub. Click to sign up to her newsletter. 

Hopes and Dreams at the Chocolate Pot Café was released by Boldwood Books on 3rd April 2026. Click to buy on Amazon, Apple and Waterstones.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.