I thought I might like this book but it far exceeded my expectations and I loved it. It was an absolute delight from start to finish. With mostly short chapters I found I just couldn't stop reading it.

At the start we are introduced to a number of different characters and I did wonder if it was all going to get a bit confusing but then I realised that they were all linked in some way and it quickly came together into a really heart-warming story.

It's a very gentle book in many ways. It's called The Little Kiosk by the Sea but the kiosk is only a very small part of the story. It's certainly a central part and Sabine, who runs it and books the trips out on the boat, is a major character, but there's also her brother, Johnnie and her friend, Harriet, along with BB who is trying to trace the English strand of his family, Rachel who has a secret and Harriet's daughter, Ellie who is about to get a big surprise.

There wasn't a single character who was weaker than the others. I enjoyed reading about them all. The story is cleverly woven and although there were a few convenient coincidences I liked the fact that the ends were tied up so well.

I could almost smell the sea air, taste the coffee ice creams, imagine the kiosk and see the boats on the water. It's one of those books where I almost wanted to jump into it and meet the characters.

As I was reading I just kept thinking "this is such a lovely book". I got to the end and felt so happy and satisfied with it. I read it in two days which is really quick for me. I just couldn't put it down. I'd highly recommend it for a feel-good summer read. ( )