Tinsel and Terriers

Primrose Terrace Series #4

by Cressida McLaughlin

Hilarious and touching, Primrose Terrace will appeal to fans of Game of Scones, Wickham Hall and The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe.

Christmas is coming to Primrose Terrace, Pooch Promenade is doing brilliantly and Cat has made lots of new friends in the street, both dogs and their owners. Life seems good. Things start to go badly when Cat learns something about Mark that she wishes she hadn’t. Then, when one of Ellen’s lovable schnauzers, Chalky, gets ill, it looks like this Christmas could be turning into a dog’s dinner. But Cat has never given up on anything in her life – and this is one Christmas that’s definitely worth saving…

Tinsel and Terriers is the fourth and final part of a serialized novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

Genres: Chick Lit

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2015

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

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 4 is here!!!!!!!! That should explain my excitement ;)

Raincoats and Retrievers is the third part of this series. It was lovely getting back to Primrose Terrace and seeing all these lovely characters again.

Tinsel and Terriers picks up where Raincoats and Retrievers left off. Cat is fighting for dogs tob e allowed at Fairview Cove. Other than taht she is thinking about organising a little party for Christmas. With her friend Jessica she starts planning.

Then there is Mark, she is dating him, but he is away a lot and doesn’t pick up on her Christmas enthusiasm. I really started to dislike him and his behavior in book 3 and that hasn’t changed. Also Cat starts thinking about her feelings and avbout what she really wants in a man and in life.

There is also still Joe. They sepnt a lot of time together in book 3 and when Joe goes to Portland for a course, Cat starts realizing what he really means to her. I have to say that I always enjoyed their scenes, they had a special connection from the start and it only got stronger.

The atmosphere and festive enegry in this book is lovely! The storyline flows beautifully and I enjoyed every single second of the book. Cressida is a very talented author. This is the perfect ending to a wonderful series, full of sparks, love and amazing characters. I can’t wait to read more stories by this fab author.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat is organizing a Christmas party. She’s feeling at home at Primrose Terrace. Now that Polly has finished her studies they have the chance to spend more time together. Cat finds out something more about both Joe’s and Mark’s past. Two very big surprises… Things are changing and not always in the direction she wants them to. Will she have a good Christmas this year?

I loved this last part of the Primrose Terrace series. Cat is funny and sweet. I like how she does so much for other people. She sometimes forgets herself in all of it though. I was hoping she’d get her happy ending. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to her and loved the finale.

I enjoyed every page of this series. The dogs are fabulous, the main characters are fantastic and Primrose Terrace is an amazing place to live. This is one of those rare perfect witty, warm and wonderful stories that will brighten up everyone’s dark winter nights.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series- would love to buy a paperback for my 'favourite' shelf. Cat is busy trying to bring the residents together for a festive celebration which involves their dogs. I could just feel the Christmas magic throughout and must admit I loved the way it ended. The dogs are lovely characters on their own and who wouldn't want to live on Primrose Terrace.
I would highly recommend this series.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tinsel and Terriers has been one of my most eagerly awaited releases this year. Yes, I know it's a novella but I have fallen in love with Cressida McLaughlin's Primrose Terrace series. I had already reviewed parts 2 and 3 on the blog so I was dying to discover the ending but at the same time I was sad simply because I knew I would be leaving behind such a wonderful cast of characters. Characters who live in such a beautiful setting as that of Fairview and have really gotten under my skin in the best of ways. Not to mention all the dogs who tugged at my heartstrings in particular the lovable Disco and Olaf.

I was fortunate enough to receive a full length edition of the series called 'A Christmas Tail' which contains all four parts combined into one and it has the most stunning cover, dogs and glitter what more could you want? Within the pages I eagerly searched for part four and once again dove into the world of Cat Palmer, keen to know was her dog walking business going to plan and would Joe Sinclair's secret finally be revealed? If you see Tinsel and Terriers and think I would like to give this a go do by all means as it is excellent and really does live up to the high standard set by the previous three novellas and can easily be read as a stand alone. But new readers to this series would do better to buy the full length edition to soak up all four parts in one go. You won't be left hanging at the end of each part like I was and will truly appreciate and savour this brilliant story all the more.

Tinsel and Terriers picks up where Raincoats and Retrievers left off, Cat has just put together a protest to prevent dogs being banned from Fairview Cove. The day has been successful but the outcome is still to be decided upon by the council. Hopefully Cat and all her friends have done the best they can. But now there are other things on Cat's mind based on an unexpected moment after the protest which has both her mind and heart working overtime. Cat is still with Mark and walking Chips his collie as well as the dogs of most of the residents of Fairview Terrace. What a difference from when we first met her at the beginning of the year. Pooch Promenade is now a success and Cat has also done her best to help anyone when she sees them in their time of need. So is it about time especially with the Christmas season coming up that Cat focuses on her self for once? I loved this description of Christmas and winter 'She loved the excitement of Halloween and fireworks and then the influx of lights and colours as people blotted out the winter greyness with sparkling festivity'. Lights do go on to play a magical role in the story.

After the first three parts I still didn't know what to make of Mark even though Cat seemed to like him. He seemed creepy and not always open and honest and remained non-committal and elusive. Honestly I felt Cat deserved much better and really there was someone far worthier waiting in the wings to confess and sweep her off her feet. Straight away Cressida brought us back to the heart of the matter as it's decision time for Cat regarding her love life. I just had my fingers crossed that she would make the right choice.

Throughout the year Cat has made her mark on Primrose Terrace through helping everyone. Her insatiable curiosity has done many a person a favour in their time of need. So it's time for Cat to look out for herself now that she has worked her special magic on the residents. Cat slowly starts to come to some realisations coupled with the fact that her parents are going off travelling to Canada and she sees the love they have for one another. Maybe now she understands she shouldn't settle for second best especially if that person won't even involve themselves in the Christmas Spectacular that's planned. Cat, Polly,Owen,Jessica and so many more have put so much time and effort into the Christmas lights and dog dress up competition and if someone doesn't feel the same connection to this maybe they really aren't good enough for Cat or on her wavelength at all? Cat got a bit of strength which I had been urging her to do for the last two parts but there was still the next step to take but hopefully the wonder and power of the festive season would help her to do that? Polly her best friend gives her the best advice ever and I thought this was brilliantly summed up 'Cat, you always have these, big ideas for other people, schemes to help them and rescue them. You always throw caution to the wind and you go for it, more often than not it works. Why not for once, take some of your own advice'. Polly couldn't have said it better and maybe Cat needed to hear that to push on and give into what her heart was trying to tell her.

Tinsel and Terriers built up to a fantastic conclusion that really made me wish it was Christmas already and snowing outside. O it wasn't without it's ups and downs and truthfully my heart was in my mouth when poor Chalky took ill. Why did that have to happen? But I loved how Mr .Jasper showed his soft, caring side and therefore I won't be left under the illusion that is a cold hearted meanie as portrayed in the previous books. It's not often I change my opinion of characters but with Mr.Jaspar I did. As for Joe's secret for once I hadn't guessed but it did explain a lot.

I envy those of you who can gobble up this delicious, engrossing series all in one go now the full paperback edition is being released. I hadn't enough patience to wait until the end of the year as this storyline with both dogs and humans alike was insanely gripping and I had to read each instalment as it came out. Whether you read the full book or the novella in parts this story should be on everyone's Christmas list and would certainly make the perfect Secret Santa present. The ending was just perfect and full of Christmas magic and fans of the series will be delighted with the outcome. Don't forget to do the quiz at the end of the paperback release to discover your inner doggess. It turns out I'm a Westie!

With regret I turned the last page on what has been a superb series that will always have a place in my heart. Primrose Terrace and Cat are special and I urge you to buy this as I'm sure when reading it you will feel the same. Next year Cressida is taking us in a totally different direction with The Canal Boat Cafe series, it's already on my wish-list and if it's anything like Primrose Terrace we are surely in for a real treat.

[Verity W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really, really enjoyed this novella series - and it comes to a very satisfying conclusion in Tinsel and Terriers. I loved the residents of Primrose Terrace and their antics and was pleased that it all worked out the way it did (without giving away spoilers!) - now I'm in a dilemma as to whether to get the whole novel when it's published to see what extras that has!

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant last part to the 4 part series

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great final installment to the series - lovely and Christmassy - and a happy ending

[Poorvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas is approaching in Primrose Terrace and everything seems to be going well. Cat has made new friends in the neighbourhood, through her successful Pooch Promenade business. However, things take a turn for the worse when she learns something troubling about Mark. Additionally, when one of Ellen's schnauzers, Chalky, falls ill, it seems like the holiday season may not be as joyful as anticipated. Despite the challenges, Cat is determined to save Christmas and refuses to give up.

Tinsel and Terriers is the fourth part of a serialised novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

[Emma Allsop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect ending to the Primrose Terrace series! I absolutely loved this and the friendships and relationship I longed to happen did throughout the series. There was moments within this book that I was nearly in tears. Such a lovely series and I’m looking forward to reading more!

[Barbara Lynn Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end

As we come to the end of the four books, all ends well. Happy ever after Cat and Joe go into the sunset.

[Jennsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred this instalment to the others as I felt it had a little more story and slightly better writing.

[Lynn Marie Hulsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered Tinsel and Terriers because the festive cover, featuring a dog and a Christmas theme caught my eye. Plus, I'm an Anglophile, and the hint of Notting Hill piqued my interest.

So, what you need to know is that The Primrose Terrace series is comprised of four parts: Wellies and Westies, Sunshine and Spaniels, Raincoats and Retrievers, and this one... the Christmas-centered final section: Tinsel and Terriers.

The fact that I read this one first did nothing to diminish my enjoyment. McLaughlin has cleverly written each novella in this four-part novel as a standalone. She deftly fills in any gaps regarding the characters, their backstories, and the history of the Primrose Terrace houses in Fairview where the community of friends, neighbors, and sometimes adversaries, live.

I've since gone back to read A Christmas Tail in it's entirety after having had my appetite whetted by Tinsel and Terriers. If parts of the other sections get mentioned, please forgive. Now, Cat Palmer's world is one big story in my mind, and a very satisfying one.

I'm a lover of chick lit and light, romantic comedy. While this is commercial and fun, McLaughlin is clearly a thoughtful and talented writer. It's not fluff. I was able to dig my teeth into Cat's emotionality as she struggles to find her place in life in terms of career, community activism, friendship, and love. She's a girl who gets messy and takes chances, and I love how the author isn't afraid to keep her in hot water. In that way, Cat reminds me of Bridget Jones, and believe me, that's highest praise coming from this Chick Lit devotee.

In part four, the action begins with the question of whether Cat's efforts to keep the beach at Fairview Cove open to dogs in her town will be successful or if she'll be thwarted by the town curmudgeon, Mr. Jasper, who has influence with the council. We also meet Mark, her recently minted boyfriend. He's gorgeous, has a great job, is a real grown-up, and shows devotion toward Cat which even veers into jealousy. She should be content, we think. The problem is that Joe, one of her best friends, has confessed to modeling his cartoon series after her, which waters a seed that was already planted in her brain. For the first time, she has a chance to slow down after establishing her business, Pooch Promenade, to think about what's really right for her as she transitions to being a true adult.

Cat is a relatable heroine whose enthusiasm is infectious. She starts out the book by enthusiastically throwing herself into planning a Christmas event for all of her neighbors at Primrose Terrace to enjoy. With the help of Polly, Owen, Jessica and the gang, there will be a holiday filled with decorations and lights and even a doggy costume parade and contest. But where is her boyfriend in all this? And why has Joe suddenly taken off to America for an art class? What will Cat do when her parents leave her to travel to Canada?

My favorite part is when Cat must finally put the focus back on herself after spending so much energy on the good of her friends, the town's dogs, and her community. When we slow down and listen to our own hearts, things get interesting.

I don't want to spoil the ending, but the conclusion is exactly what I want out of this type of book, and especially at Christmastime. There are some misty moments (I cry easily) when it comes to the health of a certain dog, and the Scrooge-like turnaround of one character.

I give this novella an A+ for heart, magic, and the skill of the author in painting a "world" that I loved and want to inhabit, and characters who seem like friends I might have on my own block here in New York City. Recommended!

[Tracey Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Final part of the Primrose Terrace series and is set at Christmas - a bit far fetched though. I cant see my street putting on a Christmas competition for best dressed house. I knew their would be something dodgy about the first love interest and knew she would end up with the person she ends up. Quick read again in an afternoon.

[Leigh Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in a great series. sad to see it end.

[Kellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whether or not I there are any more in this series, I am done. Cat just got more annoying with each book.