Jennifer Page

I couldn’t resist this title when it appeared in my social media feed. As a fan of board games and food, I’d be an eager patron of a business that combined the two.

It’s not exactly what Emily had in mind though when, after losing her job and her fiancé, she takes a chance on fulfilling the lifelong dream she had once shared, and hoped to accomplish, with her late mother. In The Little Board Game Cafe Emily uses all her savings to purchases the lease on a cafe just outside of the village centre. It’s a little run down, having been closed for a few months, but the accounts suggest it was recently a thriving concern. After a small facelift, a new menu, and with a new name, Emily confidently launches The Lancashire Hotpot, offering all day breakfasts, lunches, cakes and pies (I had to google Chorley Cakes because I had never heard of them).

I love that Emily finds the courage to take such a big leap. It’s not the most sensible of decisions given she has no formal training or experience either in cooking for a cafe, or running a small business, but she is motivated and enthusiastic. I felt for her as, able to attract barely a handful of customers a day, she realises that failure is a real possibility, but refuses to give up. Emily’s idea to turn things around is inspired, though she only achieves it with a lot of help.

The Little Board Game Cafe has some appealing supporting characters including Emily’s best friend, Kate; regular customers Mr B and Marjory; and later Annie; who offer Emily much needed encouragement and support. The romance that develops between Emily and local GP and board game enthusiast, Ludek, has some really sweet moments, though I wish they had spent a little more time together.

A feel good story about following your dreams, friendship, community and love, The Little Board Game Cafe is an engaging read.… (más)