The Secret Mistletoe Promise

by Cressida McLaughlin

The delightful new romantic series from the bestselling author of The Cornish Cream Tea novels and The Secret Christmas Bookshop.___________________________________

Is a new beginning waiting for her this Christmas?When Imogen leaves her fiancé at the altar and escapes to her grandmother’s cottage by the sea, the only thing she wants to do is disappear.

But in a village curious about their new arrival, Imogen finds hiding out harder than expected, especially with the charming local baker Dexter around to distract her.

As secrets unravel and the festive season draws near, Imogen wonders if she’s been running from the wrong things all along.

Will the runaway bride find her happy ever after under the mistletoe?

‘Gorgeous…’ Woman

‘One of our favourite women’s fiction stars’ Heat

‘A warm and wonderful read’ Woman’s Own

‘Cressida’s characters are wonderful!’ Sarah Morgan

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*Readers LOVE Cressida McLaughlin*

'Cressida never fails to deliver…beautifully written!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The perfect Christmas cosy read…I happily lost myself in it in one whole sitting' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A beautiful wintery tale' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A heartwarming and festive romantic escape' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Filled with warmth, hope and just the right touch of Christmas magic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Impossible not to feel a glow when reading it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Everything you could want in a festive book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A lovely festive read full of wintery wonder and community' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Laughter and tears, Christmas and books – who could want anything more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Heartwarming and festive with a little mystery. Absolutely fantastic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Christmas

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

I grew up in London surrounded by books and with a cat named after Lawrence of Arabia. I studied English Literature at the University of East Anglia and live in Norwich with my husband David.

I'm a total book nerd and my TBR pile is out of control. I would quite like to be a ghost hunter, and I'm a huge fan of a fictional hero.

When I'm not writing, I spend my spare time reading, returning to London or exploring the beautiful Norfolk coastline.

I love hearing from readers, so please get in touch if you have a question or if you just want to say hello.

Reviews

[P.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had quite a good - if predictable - story to it. It was well written, and the characters very likeable. All in all, it was an enjoyable, cozy sort of read, ideal for the run up to Christmas.

Four and a half stars. Would I read it again? Maybe next Christmas!

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Cressida McLaughlin brought me the perfect comfort read. Perfect main characters combined with likeable secondary characters made the journey to the anticipated HEA wonderful. And the dogs…oh, the dogs who might have just been outdone by Felix the goat with his bespoke hand knitted sweaters.

[Carol Eileen Sayers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Christmas read

So romantic, I loved this.
The village described so wonderfully, the array of different characters, and the inclusion of the book all playing part.

A wonderful read, so full of atmosphere and festive warmth.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love the way Cressida McLaughlin perfectly balances a bit of a cozy romantic settings with characters who have real-life struggles and vulnerabilities. It was satisfying to see Imogen slowly gain her strength to stand up to her ex and her parents for the way they dictate her life. The romance with the sweet, reliable Dexter (and his daughter) was also a highlight. I also liked the way the supporting characters felt like real people you'd know. The scene stealer of the book however goes to Felix the goat.

I hope there's more from Mistingham to come!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC.