Summer at the Art Cafe by Sue McDonaghSynopsis: “Dreams do come true . . . Artist and café owner Lucy Daumier’s marriage is on the rocks. All her husband Gerry seems to do these days is put her down. Then she wins a brand-new purple motorbike in a raffle. It’s always been her dream to ride one and she’s never had the chance . . . until now. Gerry says she’s too fat to ride a motorbike and should sell it. When did he become so cruel? She’s determined to prove him wrong. Under the watchful eye of bearded biker Ashley, Lucy begins to take motorbike lessons. But she’s definitely not a natural . . . And there’s more to Ashley than meets the eye. He’s single dad to seven-year-old Daisy and hides a big heart beneath those leathers. Lucy begins to get the hang of riding and grows closer to Ashley by the day. But a bullying soon-to-be ex-husband is determined to snatch her newfound happiness away. With a little help from her friends at the café and potential romance with Ashley, can Lucy recapture the woman she used to be? Follow Lucy’s journey of rediscovery and finding friends along the way. Perfect for fans of Jo Thomas, Sue Moorcroft, Carole Matthews, Jessica Redlands and Polly Babbington.”

My Review

This was a really lovely romance set in South Wales. It’s my second book by the author, after having loved The Sea Sisters Swimming Club two years ago.

I loved Lucy and Ash the two main characters, and really enjoyed their romantic journey, and Lucy’s adventure of learning to ride a motorbike.

The story was told from Lucy and Ash’s points of view, and it worked really well for me. It was a gentle romance, with a few secrets being relieved along the way, plus some dramatic twists and reveals.

The setting in South Wales was great, especially as it seemed to be quite sunny. I loved the Art Cafe, it sounded like somewhere I’d definitely visit regularly for coffee and cafe. 

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a gentle romance set in Wales.