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Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery: Escape to the cosy village of Polcarrow this festive season
A cosy Cornish village. A baker with a broken heart. And the community who piece it back together.
After a crushing breakup and the loss of her beloved grandmother Ruby, Lola escaped to the charming Cornish village of Polcarrow to start over with just her dreams of opening a café to keep her company.
But Polcarrow has other plans. With the help of her spirited best friend Freya, a surrogate grandfather in Alf and a community that quickly feels like family, Lola finds herself drawn into village life - and straight into the path of Tristan, the disarmingly attractive local vicar.
As sparks fly and Christmas magic fills the air, long-buried family secrets begin to surface. A hidden chapter in Ruby's past could change everything Lola thought she knew about love - and herself. And with the festive season in full swing and Tristan's ex back in town, Lola must will she protect her heart, or take a leap of faith for a love that could be written in the stars?
A feel-good festive romance brimming with charm, second chances and the sweet scent of mince pies. Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Jo Thomas.
Praise for Jennifer Bibby
'A sun-drenched delight, an absolute joy!' HEIDI SWAIN
'Charming and romantic, sweet and sunny. I loved it' MILLY JOHNSON
'A warm and charm-filled story about community, passion and following your heart . . . A holiday romance in book form - I adored it!' HOLLY MILLER
'A sun-drenched summer in picture-perfect Polcarrow - I didn't want it to end' HOLLY HEPBURN
After a crushing breakup and the loss of her beloved grandmother Ruby, Lola escaped to the charming Cornish village of Polcarrow to start over with just her dreams of opening a café to keep her company.
But Polcarrow has other plans. With the help of her spirited best friend Freya, a surrogate grandfather in Alf and a community that quickly feels like family, Lola finds herself drawn into village life - and straight into the path of Tristan, the disarmingly attractive local vicar.
As sparks fly and Christmas magic fills the air, long-buried family secrets begin to surface. A hidden chapter in Ruby's past could change everything Lola thought she knew about love - and herself. And with the festive season in full swing and Tristan's ex back in town, Lola must will she protect her heart, or take a leap of faith for a love that could be written in the stars?
A feel-good festive romance brimming with charm, second chances and the sweet scent of mince pies. Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Jo Thomas.
Praise for Jennifer Bibby
'A sun-drenched delight, an absolute joy!' HEIDI SWAIN
'Charming and romantic, sweet and sunny. I loved it' MILLY JOHNSON
'A warm and charm-filled story about community, passion and following your heart . . . A holiday romance in book form - I adored it!' HOLLY MILLER
'A sun-drenched summer in picture-perfect Polcarrow - I didn't want it to end' HOLLY HEPBURN
- GenresChristmas
384 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2025
About the author
Jennifer Bibby
7 books22 followersAs a lifelong lover of stories, Jennifer Bibby spent her teenage years wowing various teachers with her historical epics before finding her feet exploring the everyday lives of modern women through literature. In addition to being a bibliophile she loves classy cocktails, cake and medieval history. She's happiest by the sea and loves to travel, and firmly believes that dinosaurs improve everything. The Cornish Hideaway is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 4, 2025
Such a lovely festive read! Dare I say I might even have enjoyed this one a little bit more than the first one...? I just love Lola and Tristan, they're very much my type of people, and I loved the way the story of Ruby was incorporated into the story.
December 27, 2025
If you are looking for sugar & spice and everything nice to read during the festive season, look no further.
This cosy romance is heartwarming, emotional and a warm loving hug all rolled into one.
If you have read The Cornish Hideaway, you already know Lola and Tristan a little. It is so nice to read their story in this book. You get to know them well and follow their unfurling romance during a few weeks in December. They have a very different background, which makes them complimentary to each other. I was swept of my feet by Tristan as much as Lola was 😉
The worldbuilding is mint. I have the feeling that I would find my way around Polcarrow without any trouble. Community and friends are the fabric of the village, where Alf holds a special place in my heart. Lola's café and the harbour are described into detail, which makes it feel like it should exist. The village, the sea and the harbour add their own flavour.
The sidestory about Lola's grandmother Ruby, who spent a summer in Polcarrow in her youth, was an unexpected gem. I would have loved to read a bit more about those days, but who knows ... maybe in another Polcarrow story?!
Perfect read for the Christmas season.
This cosy romance is heartwarming, emotional and a warm loving hug all rolled into one.
If you have read The Cornish Hideaway, you already know Lola and Tristan a little. It is so nice to read their story in this book. You get to know them well and follow their unfurling romance during a few weeks in December. They have a very different background, which makes them complimentary to each other. I was swept of my feet by Tristan as much as Lola was 😉
The worldbuilding is mint. I have the feeling that I would find my way around Polcarrow without any trouble. Community and friends are the fabric of the village, where Alf holds a special place in my heart. Lola's café and the harbour are described into detail, which makes it feel like it should exist. The village, the sea and the harbour add their own flavour.
The sidestory about Lola's grandmother Ruby, who spent a summer in Polcarrow in her youth, was an unexpected gem. I would have loved to read a bit more about those days, but who knows ... maybe in another Polcarrow story?!
Perfect read for the Christmas season.
December 28, 2025
I enjoyed this next book in this series. It was such a cozy, lovely restful read and I loved returning to Cornwall again. The characters were so warm and friendly which made it even better. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
Googles: *can you date a vicar*
I found this at the library and needed a nice book. Lately everything I have been reading made me sad or enraged so this was a welcome change.
Honestly, it was going great until the other woman drama came in and that’s why I knocked off a whole star. I think the way Tristan handled that whole situation ruined his character a little for me. Did he not see that his lack of doing anything was also a huge problem?
I think he should have grovelled a bit and also the ending, which I won’t spoil, seemed too soon. But don’t listen to me. I’m 40 and divorced now ha ha.
It was still such a lovely story with a nice setting - a great holiday read and pick-me-up.
I found this at the library and needed a nice book. Lately everything I have been reading made me sad or enraged so this was a welcome change.
Honestly, it was going great until the other woman drama came in and that’s why I knocked off a whole star. I think the way Tristan handled that whole situation ruined his character a little for me. Did he not see that his lack of doing anything was also a huge problem?
I think he should have grovelled a bit and also the ending, which I won’t spoil, seemed too soon. But don’t listen to me. I’m 40 and divorced now ha ha.
It was still such a lovely story with a nice setting - a great holiday read and pick-me-up.
December 5, 2025
˖°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ . 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘆 ˖°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ .
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Holiday romance
𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 320 pages
• Small fishing village
• Friends to lovers
• Local vicar x baker
• Family secrets
• Self-discovery
• Cornish seaside
• Found family
• Slow-burn
I was completely immersed in the setting of this book. After reading it, this place has become my top travel destination that I hope to visit someday. It was depicted in such a beautiful and touching manner, with the sunrises and sunsets 🌇, the vast ocean 🌊, the sailors heading out to sea ⛵, and even the seagulls!
One of the things I loved most about this book was the portrayal of the community. Everyone came together for the Christmas season, and it was clear that their connections were not just for a single day but for a lifetime. The bonds felt genuine and truly brought tears to my eyes.
If someone were to ask me what true love feels like, I would say... read this book.
Our main character never expected to open her heart to love again, but the right person entered her life in the sweetest way through friendship. They completely melted my heart. I mean, he takes her stargazing and bakes her a cake, even though he doesn't know how, while she is the expert. They complement each other perfectly.
She hasn't been to a church or parish in years, but she decides to join in to experience the community and see him in action as the vicar, and she discovers something special.
I also loved that we could experience not just one story, but two through the diary entries.
I feel like I could talk endlessly about this story, but I’ll let you experience it for yourself. It’s truly beautiful storytelling. I've already added the new release scheduled for March next year to my reading list.
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Holiday romance
𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 320 pages
• Small fishing village
• Friends to lovers
• Local vicar x baker
• Family secrets
• Self-discovery
• Cornish seaside
• Found family
• Slow-burn
I was completely immersed in the setting of this book. After reading it, this place has become my top travel destination that I hope to visit someday. It was depicted in such a beautiful and touching manner, with the sunrises and sunsets 🌇, the vast ocean 🌊, the sailors heading out to sea ⛵, and even the seagulls!
One of the things I loved most about this book was the portrayal of the community. Everyone came together for the Christmas season, and it was clear that their connections were not just for a single day but for a lifetime. The bonds felt genuine and truly brought tears to my eyes.
If someone were to ask me what true love feels like, I would say... read this book.
Our main character never expected to open her heart to love again, but the right person entered her life in the sweetest way through friendship. They completely melted my heart. I mean, he takes her stargazing and bakes her a cake, even though he doesn't know how, while she is the expert. They complement each other perfectly.
She hasn't been to a church or parish in years, but she decides to join in to experience the community and see him in action as the vicar, and she discovers something special.
I also loved that we could experience not just one story, but two through the diary entries.
I feel like I could talk endlessly about this story, but I’ll let you experience it for yourself. It’s truly beautiful storytelling. I've already added the new release scheduled for March next year to my reading list.
November 11, 2025
🎄 Book Review – Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery by Jennifer Bibby
Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery is the perfect festive escape - sweet, heartfelt, and full of the comforting magic of second chances. After a painful breakup and the loss of her beloved grandmother Ruby, Lola retreats to the charming Cornish village of Polcarrow to rebuild her life and open the bakery of her dreams. But between mince pies, twinkling lights, and the warmth of a community that quickly feels like family, she might just find healing, and maybe even love, where she least expects it. 💫
Enter Tristan, the local vicar with a kind heart (and just enough charm to melt even a winter chill ❄️). As secrets from Ruby’s past come to light and old flames resurface, Lola must decide whether to protect her heart or take a leap of faith toward something new.
I really enjoyed this story. it’s beautifully written, uplifting, and full of heart. The Cornish setting feels magical, the characters are genuine, and the message of love, loss, and hope shines through every page. It’s the kind of book that wraps you up like a soft blanket and leaves you smiling.
⭐️ 4/5 stars
A sweet, slow-burn festive romance with warmth, charm, and plenty of holiday sparkle. Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Jo Thomas, and anyone who believes Christmas is about love, community, and new beginnings. 🕯️✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this delightful festive story in exchange for an honest review.
Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery is the perfect festive escape - sweet, heartfelt, and full of the comforting magic of second chances. After a painful breakup and the loss of her beloved grandmother Ruby, Lola retreats to the charming Cornish village of Polcarrow to rebuild her life and open the bakery of her dreams. But between mince pies, twinkling lights, and the warmth of a community that quickly feels like family, she might just find healing, and maybe even love, where she least expects it. 💫
Enter Tristan, the local vicar with a kind heart (and just enough charm to melt even a winter chill ❄️). As secrets from Ruby’s past come to light and old flames resurface, Lola must decide whether to protect her heart or take a leap of faith toward something new.
I really enjoyed this story. it’s beautifully written, uplifting, and full of heart. The Cornish setting feels magical, the characters are genuine, and the message of love, loss, and hope shines through every page. It’s the kind of book that wraps you up like a soft blanket and leaves you smiling.
⭐️ 4/5 stars
A sweet, slow-burn festive romance with warmth, charm, and plenty of holiday sparkle. Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Jo Thomas, and anyone who believes Christmas is about love, community, and new beginnings. 🕯️✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this delightful festive story in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2025
The well known phrase of 'reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are' couldn't have been more truer when reading this book!
Thank you Jenny for metaphorically transporting me to the Cornish seaside town of Polcarrow; where I feel I've been sitting in the cafe for the last two days, with numerous hot chocolates & mince pies, observing the comings & goings on of the wonderful characters that live there!
The incredible chemistry between Lola & Tristan was summed up in the most beautiful sentence by Jenny; "friendship that flirted around the edges of love." Oh my word!!! That quote perfectly captures their agonizingly slow burn chemistry. The romantic tension is drawn out in the most deliciously sizzling way. If you're a fan of friends to lovers then you'll absolutely love this! ❤️
The characters, the location, the story is truly perfect & I am really going to miss not being immersed in their world today!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It might have Christmas as the time of year but seriously don't wait until December to pick this book up, it literally needs to be read now!
Thank you Jenny for metaphorically transporting me to the Cornish seaside town of Polcarrow; where I feel I've been sitting in the cafe for the last two days, with numerous hot chocolates & mince pies, observing the comings & goings on of the wonderful characters that live there!
The incredible chemistry between Lola & Tristan was summed up in the most beautiful sentence by Jenny; "friendship that flirted around the edges of love." Oh my word!!! That quote perfectly captures their agonizingly slow burn chemistry. The romantic tension is drawn out in the most deliciously sizzling way. If you're a fan of friends to lovers then you'll absolutely love this! ❤️
The characters, the location, the story is truly perfect & I am really going to miss not being immersed in their world today!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It might have Christmas as the time of year but seriously don't wait until December to pick this book up, it literally needs to be read now!
January 15, 2026
A nice story with absolutely no surprises for this reader. Nice flow to the narrative. Very general storylines around both the bakery and the tarot cards, could have used some specifics to make the protagonist seem like she knows how to bake and understands the tarot.
Couple of editing issues that should have been ironed out around duplicate word choice.
Setting was very broad brush Cornwall, nothing to make a reader want to visit this fictional village.
Liked the intermingling of belief systems. This is a really cozy read, perfect for a bout with the flu during rainy season when one needs gentle entertainment.
Couple of editing issues that should have been ironed out around duplicate word choice.
Setting was very broad brush Cornwall, nothing to make a reader want to visit this fictional village.
Liked the intermingling of belief systems. This is a really cozy read, perfect for a bout with the flu during rainy season when one needs gentle entertainment.
October 9, 2025
Thank you to Jennifer Bobby, Bonnier Books, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC! After losing her grandmother and ending a relationship, Lola heads to the little village of Polcarrow to open her dream café. I loved the way she uncovers more about her grandmother throughout the story. I enjoyed the cozy small town setting and the slow burn romance that builds between Lola and Tristan. I love anything Christmas and it was incorporated so well here, festive but not overdone, making it a story you can enjoy all year round.
October 20, 2025
The perfect festive treat! I loved the mystery from the past that runs through this delightful tale and I literally sat on the edge of my seat as I devoured the pages, desperate to know if Lola and Tristan would find the happy ever after they so richly deserved. And to find the recipe for Lola's famous mince pies at the end of the story was the icing on the cake!
I am already looking forward to the next slice of life from Polcarrow, the adorable village by the sea I am sure we would all like to live in.
I am already looking forward to the next slice of life from Polcarrow, the adorable village by the sea I am sure we would all like to live in.
November 11, 2025
A nice festive read, I love a story set in Cornwall
December 3, 2025
Fantastic start to my christmas reading. Cosy read. Happy sigh.
December 9, 2025
A wonderful, cosy Christmas romance.
The ending perhaps a little far fetched given the timeline... but even so, I've enjoyed my time at Polcarrow. 🎄
The ending perhaps a little far fetched given the timeline... but even so, I've enjoyed my time at Polcarrow. 🎄
December 18, 2025
Vicarage and bakery meet cute.
January 15, 2026
An absolutely cozy, heart warming delight. Can’t wait to read Jennifer’s next Polcarrow book.
April 28, 2026
Perfect festive romance book. Wholesome.
January 16, 2026
Sweet and Christmassy, and not my usual kind of read, but one I still really enjoyed. This was light, festive and easy to settle into, the kind of book that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea and a quiet evening. It’s not one that’s going to linger with me for months, but as a seasonal read it did exactly what it promised and left me smiling at the end. A cosy little slice of Cornwall that felt just right for this time of year.
April 23, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Jennifer Bibby’s writing has such a gentle, uplifting warmth to it, and the Cornish setting sounds amazing. The characters are easy to connect with, and the themes of love, loss, and hope are woven in with so much heart. Lola and Tristan’s slow‑burn romance is a lovely thread throughout. A cosy festive story that left me feeling content and charmed.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Jennifer Bibby’s writing has such a gentle, uplifting warmth to it, and the Cornish setting sounds amazing. The characters are easy to connect with, and the themes of love, loss, and hope are woven in with so much heart. Lola and Tristan’s slow‑burn romance is a lovely thread throughout. A cosy festive story that left me feeling content and charmed.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews