Review of 'The Candy Apple Cafe' by Donna Ashcroft
Release date: August 25th, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
REVIEW
You always know when you pick up a Donna Ashcroft novel it is going to have certain delightful ingredients like romance, community, animals, identity, new starts and heart aching drama. And The Candy Apple Cafe has these elements and more in spades! Yes, these tropes are present: Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town, Found Family and a healthy dash of Spice but as always, Donna puts a fresh spin on everything she creates. This is the beginning of a new series titled Honey Haven and it is divine, delicious and moreish—like the cakes and treats made by the main female character Izzi!
And speaking of Izzi: she is such a warm, friendly and considerate character you cannot help but love her. Not only because she has a talent for cooking but she cares deeply about those she connects and works with and in doing her best in all things. She is conscientious in relationships and in delivering her beloved food creations. As Cameron’s grandmother sees, Izzi is dependable in fulfilling her tasks to the highest standard and her treats are drawing in a good crowd and increasing sales.
But why has she come to Honey Haven, a quaint Scottish town? Her aunt has died and she was the last of Izzi’s family. But this lady was less than kind to her. She made dear Izzi feel unwanted and left her without an inheritance. But Izzi discovers a letter among her aunt’s things that reveal there is a family member she knew nothing about as her aunt never told her. This sends Izzi to the destination Honey Haven where this person is supposed to be living. While working for Cameron’s grandmother, Maud, she hopes to uncover more information. She is given a place to stay and this is when she meets someone who will set her heart on fire. Cameron is Maud’s grandson and Izzi cannot help bit notice he is quite attractive. They have their ups and downs but their romantic relationship unfolds unexpectedly for each of them but it is heart-warming to watch the sparks fly as they are both such good people who deserve a special love.
But Cameron has had his heart broken and his ex-girlfriend took advantage of him and his grandmother. So he has trust issues. Although Izzi seems like a breath of fresh air, initially her cheery attitude annoys him until he gets to know her better. And then things steam up but it is not just a carefree fling. Always under the high tension attraction is a true heartfelt connection between these two. Until something happens that upsets the apple cart…
I enjoyed the Scottish setting, feisty engaging characters, beautiful German Shepherd named Cupcake!, the festive spicy Autumn atmosphere and colours, the search for family and finding love in an unexpected place and time. This brewing romance between two gorgeous souls who need a bit of help and healing—make this escape to the fictional world a treat and memorable experience. There’s a twist added to the mystery of who Izzi’s relative really is and it creates some momentary havoc! But everything works out in the end and the story lands on a high note. Good things happen out of the bad. Lessons are learned and hearts are restored. I loved The Candy Apple Cafe -- a worthy page turner for the wild romantic heart! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC.
