chelskiig's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fiddleysticks's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet and cosy. Perfect for reading on cold days!
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
4.0
This was more christmassy and less romantic than I expected from a Christmas romance, but it actually made it more enjoyable to me, as it felt a bit different to the (many!) other similar books I read. There definitely IS a romance, but it didn't take up all of the story, it was just a natural part of it.
I enjoyed Meredith as a character right from the start, as she is very much her own person and felt well rounded and like a real person right away. It took me a bit longer to get used to Finn, but once I did I also enjoyed his company. The more I got to know him, the more I warmed up to him.
I loved how much Christmas is contained on these pages, and how the whole town is part of the story.
Only 4 stars as the end was just a bit too quickly resolved, and a tad too convenient. It did take away from the depth off the story.
Still a really great book I enjoyed thoroughly!
I enjoyed Meredith as a character right from the start, as she is very much her own person and felt well rounded and like a real person right away. It took me a bit longer to get used to Finn, but once I did I also enjoyed his company. The more I got to know him, the more I warmed up to him.
I loved how much Christmas is contained on these pages, and how the whole town is part of the story.
Only 4 stars as the end was just a bit too quickly resolved, and a tad too convenient. It did take away from the depth off the story.
Still a really great book I enjoyed thoroughly!
maya_u's review against another edition
*thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Sadly, I've had to DNF this book because I just got a little bit bored (I hate saying that about a book, but please do keep in mind it's all personal preference).
I do generally ADORE a small town sweet Christmas romance, but I just felt like the love interest was a little bit boring. At first, I loved this book and was flying through it but at about halfway through the book I didn't think I could make it much further.
I would like to say, again, that while it wasn't quite my cup of tea, I can see others really enjoying this book, especially because it's not like the usual small town romance. It's a lot more unique.
Sadly, I've had to DNF this book because I just got a little bit bored (I hate saying that about a book, but please do keep in mind it's all personal preference).
I do generally ADORE a small town sweet Christmas romance, but I just felt like the love interest was a little bit boring. At first, I loved this book and was flying through it but at about halfway through the book I didn't think I could make it much further.
I would like to say, again, that while it wasn't quite my cup of tea, I can see others really enjoying this book, especially because it's not like the usual small town romance. It's a lot more unique.
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.
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
A festive and heartwarming Christmas romance, a good addition to this series.
It was a pleasant and enjoyable read, perfect for a winter lazy afternoon.
It's well written, great descriptions of Cornwall, the plot is compelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It was a pleasant and enjoyable read, perfect for a winter lazy afternoon.
It's well written, great descriptions of Cornwall, the plot is compelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
eilidhreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
kayleighs_book_reviews's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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? Yes
4.0
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea
By Cressida McLaughlin
“And in case I haven’t made it abundantly clear, Meredith, I am attracted to you. I was from the moment you steeped out of the water, on this very beach, looking mildly aggrieved at my presence. Even then, I was desperate to speak to you. It’s only been getting worse — or better, depending on how you look at it — since then.”
𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 : 4⭐️
𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑬 : 1🌶
𝑺𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 : The Cornish Cream Tea Series
𝑹𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑬 𝑫𝑨𝑻𝑬 : 25th November 2021
𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 : Third person
𝑷𝑶𝑽 : Merediths
𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺 : Christmas romance, small town, finding your Christmas spirit, community coming together, grumpy/sunshine
Meredith can’t wait for the entire festive season to be over, it starts too early and brings up memories she would rather not think about. But when Finn crashes her early morning wild swim on her favourite beach, he makes it his mission to find Meredith’s Christmas spirit.
Meredith and Finn’s love story is a slow romance with Meredith slowly rediscovering the joy of Christmas but despite Finn’s happy outgoing presence he is keeping parts of his own life hidden and not facing up to his own problems. This is a fade to black, so beware, we get so steam building kisses but then you jump to after the event.
Along with Finn and Merediths story there is also the side story of Nish, Merediths best friend, as she tries to juggle working, being a mum and wife, and helping her community.
This is a cozy romance that will bring out your Christmas spirit.
By Cressida McLaughlin
“And in case I haven’t made it abundantly clear, Meredith, I am attracted to you. I was from the moment you steeped out of the water, on this very beach, looking mildly aggrieved at my presence. Even then, I was desperate to speak to you. It’s only been getting worse — or better, depending on how you look at it — since then.”
𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 : 4⭐️
𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑬 : 1🌶
𝑺𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 : The Cornish Cream Tea Series
𝑹𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑬 𝑫𝑨𝑻𝑬 : 25th November 2021
𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 : Third person
𝑷𝑶𝑽 : Merediths
𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺 : Christmas romance, small town, finding your Christmas spirit, community coming together, grumpy/sunshine
Meredith can’t wait for the entire festive season to be over, it starts too early and brings up memories she would rather not think about. But when Finn crashes her early morning wild swim on her favourite beach, he makes it his mission to find Meredith’s Christmas spirit.
Meredith and Finn’s love story is a slow romance with Meredith slowly rediscovering the joy of Christmas but despite Finn’s happy outgoing presence he is keeping parts of his own life hidden and not facing up to his own problems. This is a fade to black, so beware, we get so steam building kisses but then you jump to after the event.
Along with Finn and Merediths story there is also the side story of Nish, Merediths best friend, as she tries to juggle working, being a mum and wife, and helping her community.
This is a cozy romance that will bring out your Christmas spirit.
melaniesreads's review against another edition
5.0
Something happened ten years ago that turned Meredith into a Christmas hating cross between Scrooge and the Grinch. Now she is desperately trying to avoid the festivities while also trying to sell seasonal hampers.
Finn has escaped to his aunts house, and after meeting Meredith while she was swimming has become her Christmas elf stalker. Determined to bring her into the season of joy, even if she is kicking and screaming all the way there.
After butting heads Meredith finally relents into accepting his help to deliver the hampers. Let the shenanigans begin…
Oh what a gorgeous pair of characters these two are. Meredith for all her anti Christmas has a spirit that is warm and loving and Finn for all his Santa jollities has secrets that he’s keeping close to his chest. The mermaid and the Michelangelo couldn’t be more perfect for each other.
The humour in this book was just how I like it sharp and dry, and Meredith calling the drinking establishment the murder den did make me chuckle. The setting was beautiful and easily pictured in my mind and along with a wonderful supporting cast of characters including best friend Anisha and her husband Tom, boss Adrian with his old fashioned views and colourful ties and Meredith’s pets Crumble and Smudge this is such a lovely book.
How have I not read this author before? Especially as she is local too! If this book is anything to go by then I have another romance author to add to my go to list and on the plus side that now means I have her whole back catalogue to enjoy. I wonder if any are set in my lovely Norfolk?
Finn has escaped to his aunts house, and after meeting Meredith while she was swimming has become her Christmas elf stalker. Determined to bring her into the season of joy, even if she is kicking and screaming all the way there.
After butting heads Meredith finally relents into accepting his help to deliver the hampers. Let the shenanigans begin…
Oh what a gorgeous pair of characters these two are. Meredith for all her anti Christmas has a spirit that is warm and loving and Finn for all his Santa jollities has secrets that he’s keeping close to his chest. The mermaid and the Michelangelo couldn’t be more perfect for each other.
The humour in this book was just how I like it sharp and dry, and Meredith calling the drinking establishment the murder den did make me chuckle. The setting was beautiful and easily pictured in my mind and along with a wonderful supporting cast of characters including best friend Anisha and her husband Tom, boss Adrian with his old fashioned views and colourful ties and Meredith’s pets Crumble and Smudge this is such a lovely book.
How have I not read this author before? Especially as she is local too! If this book is anything to go by then I have another romance author to add to my go to list and on the plus side that now means I have her whole back catalogue to enjoy. I wonder if any are set in my lovely Norfolk?
bookchatwithbeth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief