Review: The Secrets of Midsummer Cottage (Rosie Green) — warm, emotional instalment in the Little Duck Pond Café series

# Quick summary When a new worker, Ivy, joins the café in Rosie Green's Little Duck Pond Café series, veteran staff member Maddy senses something private under Ivy's polished exterior. Maddy's curiosity and low-key investigations set up the central tension: what is Ivy hiding, and how will the secret affect her attempt at a fresh start? The secret's eventual revelation is described as more heart-breaking than anyone expected. The reviewer rates the book four stars, calling it emotional, funny and engrossing.

# What happens and why it matters

The reveal is presented as emotionally powerful rather than sensational. That makes the book less about a mystery puzzle and more about character response, trust and belonging.

# Tone, style and pacing This instalment keeps the cosy, uplifting tone of the series while allowing sharper emotional beats. The reviewer highlights both laugh-out-loud moments and scenes that provoked tears. Overall the book is called a page-turner that the reviewer read in a single sitting, which suggests brisk pacing and straightforward prose that favors character and mood over elaborate plotting.

# Characters and dynamics

• Ivy: New, competent at work, purposely private. Her secrecy is central to the emotional arc.

• Café ensemble: Functions as a tight-knit group whose willingness to support or be hurt by Ivy is a key question.

The interactions among staff drive the emotional stakes: the story asks how far friends will go for someone they care about and whether withholding the truth will cost a person the happiness they seek.

# Who should read this If you enjoy contemporary women's fiction and romance set in small towns with ensemble casts, this book will fit. It will appeal to readers who want a comforting setting but are open to genuine emotional moments that land hard. It's also a natural pick for people already following the Little Duck Pond Café series.

# Rating and practical takeaway The reviewer gives four stars and describes The Secrets of Midsummer Cottage as "joyful, emotional, uplifting and engrossing." Expect a readable, emotionally direct novel that balances warmth with a striking personal secret.

# Where to find it The reviewer links to the author's social profiles and lists a purchase link for the novel. The review appears on Bookish Jottings and is part of a blog tour for the title.