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talesofaliteraryaddict's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for this wonderful Christmas read! It’s comforting to see people who don’t have the fondest memories of Christmas discussed and how if they wish to, they can overcome their apprehension.
sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this festive, heart-warming book.
There are a few very funny situations, especially the one on Christmas day.
I really enjoyed the sense of Christmas by the sea and the fact that Meredith was a bit of a scrooge (for good reason) at the beginning and after meeting Finn she began to change.
When she get star struck, I think I would feel exactly the same in that situation.
There are a few very funny situations, especially the one on Christmas day.
I really enjoyed the sense of Christmas by the sea and the fact that Meredith was a bit of a scrooge (for good reason) at the beginning and after meeting Finn she began to change.
When she get star struck, I think I would feel exactly the same in that situation.
lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my word, and sniffle, and swoon, and sigh. What an utterly delightful, heartwarming and perfect-for-the-season book this is. I just wish I could forget it so that I can re-discover it for the first time again!
Meredith and Finn, along with the delightful Cornish setting and the super gorgeous Crumble, totally captured my heart. Meredith, our heroine, is a down-to-earth young woman with whom I instantly felt a connection. Already a very likeable character I enjoyed seeing her overcome those mental obstacles to truly become the best person she could be. Very notable was how authentic that growth felt; whilst Finn was the spark that lit the fuse it still felt as though Meredith had autonomy over her decisions.
The plot spread beyond the mere seasonal romance and incorporated several different aspects that helped move the story forward as well as engage the reader even more! The side plots involving Anisha and her family, the mystery of neighbouring Bernie, the hampers, and the artwork all added a vibrant richness to the book. There were one or two things I might have added to my Christmas list such as having at least a small amount of Finn's viewpoint - particularly around resolving the issues around his parents.
The author's voice felt like a warm hug; it has a smooth flow and steady quality to it. It took absolutely no time at all for me to be caught up in the story and invested in the characters. Cressida McLaughlin has a wonderful way with words, evoking strong emotions and precise images without being overly complex or descriptive. I was inside Meredith looking out through her eyes, rather than feeling like an outside observer. There may even have been occasions when I shed a few tears.
The book had so much hidden depth, not only with its themes of grief, family and love but also some of the other topics it touched on. The community aspect, the truth of Britain's struggling High Streets and the joy of the season all combined into a first-rate story. This was all further enhanced by the beautiful setting and subtle yet solid world-building. The author wove Cornwall into so many aspects of the story, but in such a gentle way that it didn't detract from the plot.
This may be the first book I have read by Cressida McLaughlin, if it is any indication to go by then I do not intend it to be my last.
Meredith and Finn, along with the delightful Cornish setting and the super gorgeous Crumble, totally captured my heart. Meredith, our heroine, is a down-to-earth young woman with whom I instantly felt a connection. Already a very likeable character I enjoyed seeing her overcome those mental obstacles to truly become the best person she could be. Very notable was how authentic that growth felt; whilst Finn was the spark that lit the fuse it still felt as though Meredith had autonomy over her decisions.
The plot spread beyond the mere seasonal romance and incorporated several different aspects that helped move the story forward as well as engage the reader even more! The side plots involving Anisha and her family, the mystery of neighbouring Bernie, the hampers, and the artwork all added a vibrant richness to the book. There were one or two things I might have added to my Christmas list such as having at least a small amount of Finn's viewpoint - particularly around resolving the issues around his parents.
The author's voice felt like a warm hug; it has a smooth flow and steady quality to it. It took absolutely no time at all for me to be caught up in the story and invested in the characters. Cressida McLaughlin has a wonderful way with words, evoking strong emotions and precise images without being overly complex or descriptive. I was inside Meredith looking out through her eyes, rather than feeling like an outside observer. There may even have been occasions when I shed a few tears.
The book had so much hidden depth, not only with its themes of grief, family and love but also some of the other topics it touched on. The community aspect, the truth of Britain's struggling High Streets and the joy of the season all combined into a first-rate story. This was all further enhanced by the beautiful setting and subtle yet solid world-building. The author wove Cornwall into so many aspects of the story, but in such a gentle way that it didn't detract from the plot.
This may be the first book I have read by Cressida McLaughlin, if it is any indication to go by then I do not intend it to be my last.
fulchet's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely, cosy romantic novel set at Christmas. Really enjoyed this book that linked into the Cornish Cream Tea series. A perfect standalone in the series. Enjoyable from start to finish.
alisona's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lennofspades's review against another edition
3.0
This was a book I've started reading before Christmas time, but only had the time finish today. In here we follow Meredith who works at cosy gift shop. She's good at what she does, but she just hates the holidays. And since Christmas is just around the corner, everyone in town seems to want one of their shop's seasonal hampers, so she has to fake some festive cheer. Then comes Finn, a tourist, who seems to enjoy the season so much that he wishes it could be Christmas all year long. Meredith just couldn't handle him until she realizes she's starting to be hopeful about this year's holidays.
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea is a very festive novel that just sets the Christmas vibe with its Cornish setting. I enjoyed it a bit, but I did find the pacing a little too slow for my liking.
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea is a very festive novel that just sets the Christmas vibe with its Cornish setting. I enjoyed it a bit, but I did find the pacing a little too slow for my liking.
jo_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Meredith is not a fan of Christmas, and does her utmost to avoid for the last ten years. However her new job in a Cornish gift shop means that she has no choice but to embrace the festive season.
When her boss wants to give hampers to the great and good of Porthglow, Meredith finds herself suddenly thrust into the festive season. Coupled with helping her best friend Anisha to create a last minute Christmas spectacular for Porthglow, Meredith cannot help become swept away.
Then enters Finn, as Meredith emerges from her cold water swimming, she meets Finn. And he seems to keep popping up everywhere around the little village and volunteers to help deliver the hampers. Finn embraces the true Christmas spirit and is determined for Meredith to see what Christmas can really be like, but he is not telling all and seems to be keeping something hidden.
This booked is packed full of Christmas, Cornish coastlines, Cold Water swimming, Carols, Charm and plenty of Curiosity to keep the reader guessing about whether; the festive hampers will be a success; the blossoming relationship between Finn and Meredith and who really owns the house on the cliff, that Meredith has dreamed about for a long time.
This is not a follow on from the previous Cornish Cream Tea novels, but some familiar faces do appear, but no matter if this is your first encounter with this authors work. It is an excellent Christmas read to get you in the spirit full of light, life and love. Perfect!
When her boss wants to give hampers to the great and good of Porthglow, Meredith finds herself suddenly thrust into the festive season. Coupled with helping her best friend Anisha to create a last minute Christmas spectacular for Porthglow, Meredith cannot help become swept away.
Then enters Finn, as Meredith emerges from her cold water swimming, she meets Finn. And he seems to keep popping up everywhere around the little village and volunteers to help deliver the hampers. Finn embraces the true Christmas spirit and is determined for Meredith to see what Christmas can really be like, but he is not telling all and seems to be keeping something hidden.
This booked is packed full of Christmas, Cornish coastlines, Cold Water swimming, Carols, Charm and plenty of Curiosity to keep the reader guessing about whether; the festive hampers will be a success; the blossoming relationship between Finn and Meredith and who really owns the house on the cliff, that Meredith has dreamed about for a long time.
This is not a follow on from the previous Cornish Cream Tea novels, but some familiar faces do appear, but no matter if this is your first encounter with this authors work. It is an excellent Christmas read to get you in the spirit full of light, life and love. Perfect!
baileysbear's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review.
After finishing this book I felt like I'd been enveloped in a warm hug. It really hits you in the festive feels, with a well written story, tinged with sadness, but that holds so much humour and joy. There are fabulous characters to fall in love with (I'd very much like my own Finn please!)
This is my first book by Cressida - but I certainly hope it won't be my last! This is the 5th book in the Cornish cream tea series - but it works fantastically well as a stand alone. I loved it.
After finishing this book I felt like I'd been enveloped in a warm hug. It really hits you in the festive feels, with a well written story, tinged with sadness, but that holds so much humour and joy. There are fabulous characters to fall in love with (I'd very much like my own Finn please!)
This is my first book by Cressida - but I certainly hope it won't be my last! This is the 5th book in the Cornish cream tea series - but it works fantastically well as a stand alone. I loved it.
eddddd_9378's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea by Cressida McLaughlin
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Random Things Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
All Meredith Verren has ever wanted is to escape the holiday season without having to wear a Christmas jumper. Her new job at the cosy gift shop in a picturesque Cornish tourist spot is making it impossible for her to maintain her scrooge-like manner.
With their seasonal hampers on everyone’s wish list, Meredith must paste on a smile and fake some holiday cheer. Then she meets handsome new arrival, Finn, who wishes it could be Christmas every day and wants her to feel the same way too.
Can she embrace the holly and the ivy before the decorations are packed away for another year?
I have read and enjoyed the first four book in this series so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. Whilst part of The Cornish Cream Tea series, this book introduces Meredith and a new town with a range of new characters - we are even treated to an appearance by Charlie and Gertie. This is a wonderful festive read that could most definitely be read as a stand-alone, although I recommend that you read the previous books first to get the full enjoyment of this series.
After reading this book, I am now definitely in the mood to put up my Christmas decorations and this will not fail to put you in the festive mood. I cannot wait to see what Cressida does with this series next as I am not quite ready to leave Cornwall.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Random Things Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
All Meredith Verren has ever wanted is to escape the holiday season without having to wear a Christmas jumper. Her new job at the cosy gift shop in a picturesque Cornish tourist spot is making it impossible for her to maintain her scrooge-like manner.
With their seasonal hampers on everyone’s wish list, Meredith must paste on a smile and fake some holiday cheer. Then she meets handsome new arrival, Finn, who wishes it could be Christmas every day and wants her to feel the same way too.
Can she embrace the holly and the ivy before the decorations are packed away for another year?
I have read and enjoyed the first four book in this series so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. Whilst part of The Cornish Cream Tea series, this book introduces Meredith and a new town with a range of new characters - we are even treated to an appearance by Charlie and Gertie. This is a wonderful festive read that could most definitely be read as a stand-alone, although I recommend that you read the previous books first to get the full enjoyment of this series.
After reading this book, I am now definitely in the mood to put up my Christmas decorations and this will not fail to put you in the festive mood. I cannot wait to see what Cressida does with this series next as I am not quite ready to leave Cornwall.
Rating 4/5