Reviews

A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin

kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin

This book was first published as an e-serial Primrose Terrace Parts 1-4. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Lucy Dillon and Debbie Johnson.

A Christmas Tail was first published as a four-part serial set in Primrose Terrace.

Catherine ‘Cat’ Palmer realizes that bringing an adorable puppy into work is a bad idea, especially when it gets her the sack. Deciding it’s the perfect opportunity to launch her dog-walking business, Cat enlists the help of flatmates Polly and Joe. After all Primrose Terrace, the street where they live, is full of home-alone hounds.

Dogs, Christmas and Cressida McLaughlin - what not to like? A very enjoyable read. Despite the title suggesting this is a Christmas book, it can be read at any time of year as Christmas does not feature that heavily. Some interesting characters make this a delightful read for any dog lovers.

Rating 4/5

charl149's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

cathodg's review against another edition

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3.0

A lovely read. There are no real surprises in this book, it's easy to work out the ending but it's pleasant getting there.

kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition

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4.0

Sweet Christmas Lovestory for doglovers.
Who ends up with whom is a little predictable, but I did really enjoy a lot of wagging dails, cold noses and Christmas Spirit anyway!
The main character is a really sweet woman, who wants to help everybody, and by doing that often creates new problems.
Definitely worth a look if you are looking for holiday chic lit.

mawillets's review

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4.0

A book about Christmas and Dogs! What more could a girl ask for?

Full of brilliant characters, both human and animal, that make it hard for you to not fall in love with all of them (well, most of them)...

onceuponabookreview's review

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5.0

I have never been a big fan of dogs, having had a bad experience when I was younger, but I absolutely LOVED this story! Thank you so much Cressida McLaughlin for once again writing a gorgeous and hilarious book 💕

gill's review

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3.0

A heart-warming story of Cat Palmer's new adventure into the world of starting her own business, settling into a new town and finding love. Cat loves dogs and although her house-mate forbids her from owning one herself, she finds a way to indulge her passion by starting her own dog-walking business. While drumming up new customers she meets and befriends her neighbours, tries to help with their problems and takes on the council when they try and ban dogs from the beach. The undercurrent of romance comes to a head at Christmas time culminating in a beautiful ending which will make anyone smile.

Now, I don't generally read chick-lit novels, I prefer something a little meatier which makes me think, however this novel found me just at the right time. I was looking for something festive to read which was light and fun after reading a few difficult (Booker Prize nominated) novels and this one fit the bill perfectly. It has just the right mix of character, story and slightly predictable (yet very enjoyable) plot.

Cat is ditzy, interfering, clumsy but has a good heart and has a passion for life which made her endearing to read. The story is split into four parts (one for each season, I guess) and follows Cat starting her own business, dealing with opposition, helping her neighbours and ends with a Christmas competition.

A great seasonal read, I would recommend this author and am looking forwards to reading more of her work.

bookmadjo's review

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5.0

I really loved this book, and not just because there were two miniature schnauzers in it, one of which was on the front cover! As the owner of two miniature schnauzers I was certainly intrigued by the book.

The book follows the story of Cat, who moves in with her best friend Polly, and Polly’s heartbroken brother Joe. After Cat takes a neighbour’s miniature schnauzer puppy to the preschool where she works, with disastrous results, Cat finds herself out of work. With encouragement from her friends, she sets up a dog walking business called Pooch Promenade, and talks to her dog-owning neighbours to gain business. On her first trial walk, with too many dogs, she is rescued by sexy (but smug) Mark, and his Collie Chips. As she becomes involved with Mark, and settles in to the local area, she tries to solve people’s problems, and prepares the street for a Christmas decorations competition.

I laughed so much throughout the book, but ended up sobbing when one of the miniature schnauzers was taken ill (coinciding with real life and a month where both of my schnauzers had been ill with the same condition). Cressida has created such lovely characters, and I enjoyed every minute of the book. A well deserved five stars from me.

hobbes199's review

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4.0

Light-hearted, and full of warm fuzzies, this seasonal collection will certainly appeal to any dog lover.
Full review to follow

georgia_books's review

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funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5