Sunshine and Spaniels

Primrose Terrace Series #2

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.

'A gem…I loved it’ Alexandra Brown
Cat Palmer’s dog-walking business, Pooch Promenade is taking off. It hasn’t been plain sailing but with the help of her flatmate Joe, she’s taken on some more new clients from Primrose Terrace. But when she meets boisterous puppy Olaf, who is owned by harassed single mum Frankie, she wonders if she has bitten off more than she can chew! Cat’s also getting to know her sexy neighbour Mark and his Collie, Chips, a little better, but is there more to him than meets the eye? Perhaps sorting out her best friend Polly’s love life will be easier than her own…

Sunshine and Spaniels is the second part of a serialized novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

Genres: Chick Lit

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 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

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Words: dogs, good-deeds, friendship, attraction, feel-good.

If you need a quick pick-me-up then look no further! The second instalment in the Primrose Terrace serial is the perfect feel-good fiction. I couldn't help but smile as I read.

Cat is once again hilarious. I'm a bit wary of Mark, just like Cat I think there's something he's hiding, and I love the growing sexual tension between Cat and Joe, simmering away there under the surface.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The return to Primrose Terrace felt like settling back in amongst friends. Cat's business Pooch Promenade is doing well and the Picnic to publicise it is well attended and draws in some new interest.

When Cat discovers one of their neighbours seems to be struggling she wants to help and they come up with a plan to transform the attic - so she can raise some money to help her finances. Loved the description of the furniture finds and the community spirit.

She is hoping romance is in the air- but is she looking in the right direction? I can't wait for the next in the series to see where her heart will lead her.

There is an amusing scene where they think that the cat is the local thug and go round to apologise.

Really pleased I found this series.

With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book.

[Poorvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Sunshine and Spaniels, Cat’s dog walking business Pooch Promenade is thriving and she’s even got her own event planned. She’s beginning to feel at home in primrose terrace and is getting to know the neighbours a bit better. She also helps out a single mum, Frankie, who has two young children and a dog. Cat and her best friend Polly are walking dogs together. Cat continues to see Mark occasionally and walks his dog when he is away. Mark remains mysterious and doesn't share much about himself, despite showing interest in Cat. Polly's brother Joe is becoming more helpful and less grumpy, assisting Cat with her business. Cat wonders if she can repay Joe for his kindness. Cat is getting to know her attractive neighbour Mark and his dog Chips better, but she wonders if there is more to him than what she sees on the surface. Maybe helping Polly with her love life will be simpler than dealing with her own.

Sunshine and Spaniels is the second part of a serialised novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read this book but as the full novel rather than as the individual four part ebook series, which is why this hasn’t been included or added towards my 2019 reading challenge as the full length novel has been added to it already.

[Tina.Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really love Cressida mclauglins books but this series is a miss for me. It’s quite boring and I just can’t get in to the story. Read the first 2 parts but not going to continue

[Katey Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed part one of the Primrose Terrace series earlier this year- you can see that review here. I mentioned then how I wasn't always a fan of serialised novels, and that still holds true. Personally, I find it takes a while to reengage with the characters when there's been a while between release dates, and then the first few pages are spent reintroducing the protagonists and the setting. However, that's just my taste, and although I still feel I'd rather be reading this in one lovely chunky book than in shorter novella-style snippets, I can only review on what's in front of me at the time.

And what was in front of me was some fabulous writing! Cressida McLaughlin has created such a warm and friendly place in Primrose Terrace, somewhere it is a delight to visit, even if that is only through the pages of a book.

Cat, the cheery optimist who runs a dog-walking business, organises a puppy picnic at the local park. Here we are introduced to lively puppy Olaf and his family, and Cat, always keen to help, offers her support to struggling young Mum, Frankie. I loved this storyline. It had the cosy, community feel I always adore, and without giving too much away, never have I so coveted a fictional bedroom!

I liked that Cat's friend Polly was given her own love interest this time around too- as a veterinary nurse with a kind, caring nature, she deserves some happiness. I hope that by the next instalment things will still be on an upward trajectory for her (and her beau has the most perfect job!)

The love triangle for Cat still smoulders on- should she pick enigmatic Mark or her reliable housemate Joe? (Pick Joe, pick Joe!) I have less of a bad feeling about Mark after this one, but there's still an element of distrust. He's just so unreliable, which is never good. Plus Joe sounds so lovely- if she doesn't end up with him, he can be my next book boyfriend instead. Some of the things he does are incredibly thoughtful and that always makes me swoon.

Overall, I really enjoyed reacquainting myself with these characters. I hope Cressida McLaughlin is writing fast, because I'm gagging for a full length novel full of the heart and humour that this series has. Sunshine and Spaniels is another winner!

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring has turned into Summer and Cat's dog walking business, Pooch Promenade, is becoming a success. She's even organized her own event. She's starting to feel more and more at home at Primrose Terrace and she's doing her best to get to know everyone in the neighborhood. That also means she wants to make things better for them, so she's trying to help Frankie, who's a single mother with two children and a dog.

Together with her best friend Polly Cat is walking the dogs. She's still seeing Mark from time to time and she's walking his dog when he's away. Mark keeps being an enigma, even though he seems to like Cat he doesn't tell her much about himself. And then there's Joe, Polly's brother. He's starting to become less grumpy and he's helping Cat with her business. Can she do something for him in return as well?

Cat is such a bubbly and cheerful person. It makes me happy to read about her. That is what I like most about this series of novellas. They are a cheerful and fun. I like reading about the inhabitants of Primrose Terrace, both the people and the animals. Mark is strange and hard to figure out and Joe is such a sweetheart. I can't wait to read more about them in the next novella. I'm curious to see what will happen in the autumn. I think Cressida McLaughlin has created something wonderful, she's written such a warm and loving story. I like it very, very much.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here it is, #2 of Cressida’s Primrose Terrace series. It was great to dive into Cat’s story again. Her business Pooch Promenade is booming and gets to know Frankie. Frankie is a single mum and has to deal with her kids as well as puppy Olaf. Cat is willing to help her.

Cat is also always there for her best friend Poppy, who is studying all the time. When he is here, she spends time with Mark and he finally asks her out. But I have to say I grew a little suspicious on him. His behaviour seemed weird at times.

Then there is Joe. I really liked him in this story. He stood up for Cat and was really nice. I’d say they even had a little moment. I think this will get really interesting…

Cressida continues her fabulous writing, with her unique and fresh voice. Her style is sparkly, young, magical and really vivid. It’s so easy to see all these moments and it just makes me want to dive in more. I’m really excited for part 3 and 4 now!!!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the second installment of the Primrose Terrace series. Another light but amusing tale of the inhabitants of the seaside street with plenty of animal antics and perhaps love is in the air for some of the human residents too?

[Emma Allsop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the second book in the return to Primrose Terrace, it was lovely to see how Cats business pooch promenade is growing and the developing friendships. Despite efforts to ruin what Cat is building from past events at the nursery there is lots of support for pooch promenade. I hope we see more development of her neighbour Frankie and her family in part 3!

[Jennsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to get into this book because the characterisation was a little under-developed. It introduced more characters and is a continuation of the first book about a girl who starts a business walking dogs and who has an eye on one dog owner.

[Keshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know why I’m continuing this series, I’m not that invested. There’s nothing exciting about the book, but I do want to know whether she ends up with Joe or not.
It’s an easy read, so there’s no excuse but I might need a break before I read thr next in the series.

[Barbara Lynn Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer

Another lovely read. Happy to read more of these stories. Highly recommended reading and can't wait to read the other books.

[Candace W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing is really happening in them, but I find them oddly compelling.

[Loredana · Rating 4 out of 5]

a cute short read.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I was excited about the release of Sunshine and Spaniels by the incredibly talented Cressida McLaughlin is a huge understatement. Normally if at all possible I wait until a series of novellas are published as one whole book as in Cathy Bramley's Ivy Lane series. The reason simply being I am impatient and hate being left waiting for the next instalment with the story ending on a cliff hanger. So to make me buy each novella on release day it has to be special with a unique loveable cast of characters that become firm friends. That is what I found in part one of the Primrose Terrace series Wellies and Westies. So I was more than eager to revisit Cat and co to discover how the dog walking business was going? Was Disco as cute as ever? Was Joe still a bit on the grumpy side at times? Would we meet new characters both human and canine? Well all these questions and more were answered in this fabulous story that once again left me wanting to read more, more, more about the lives of the residents of Fairview.

There was no setting up here at all, enough of that had been done in part one. We were taken straight back to Cat Palmer as she is running an event in Fairview Park to raise awareness of her dog walking business Pooch Promenade alongside best friend Polly. Instantly I felt Cat was more confident in herself the business was beginning to take off and she knew where she wanted her future to go. Well at least on the professional side of things. Gone was the girl feeling sorry for herself having been fired from the local nursery over an incident with lovable rogue Disco. Here we have someone who is determined to do well in life whilst helping others out in any way she can. All the old characters we have previously met made a welcome reappearance with Frankie and her children Emma, Lizzie and Henry being newly introduced. I never thought there would be a dog who could rival Disco for my affections but young spaniel puppy Olaf has found his way into my heart. Totally adorable and always up to mischief and this balance between the dogs and the human stories are what make these novellas so successful and a pleasure to read. Cressida does such a fantastic job of describing all the dogs and their owners and how Cat deals with each individual personality that dog lover or not you couldn't fail to become lost in this wonderful story. I was surprised to read at the end in the author bio that the author doesn't even have a dog of her own. I loved how she described the dogs as fur kids - as important as children to their owners because my fluff ball would be exactly like that to me.

Ok so the author had the canine element of the story covered to perfection but what about the human side, well for me there were no problems here. If possible it was even stronger than part one. Joe (Polly's brother and fellow housemate) still gives Cat the cold shoulder at times but then you see his softer side starting to emerge. He tries to help Cat by drawing cartoons for her to promote the business. But underneath his rough exterior you sense there is a vulnerability and that something from his past is still haunting him and this in turn affects how he can deal with the present. I'm hoping Cat and Joe may eventually get together they seem to me destined for each other if only she could unlock what is eating away at him. At the moment though Cat's eyes are firmly set on Mark - owner of Chip and recently arrived to Primrose Terrace. He didn't feature as much in this book but I'm not all that drawn to him and I couldn't exactly say why. There is just something a bit sinister about him and maybe there is more going on with him than meets the eye.

When Cat meets Olaf's owner Frankie and her children she realises they are under enormous pressure, being a single mum is starting to take it's toll. Cat steps in his and shows her admirable qualities in wanting to help out. To me this shows Cat is kind, generous and always puts others first. She is trustworthy and loyal a bit like her canine companions and is now feeling inspired and supported by her friends and the people who employ her. If only her love life could reach the same successful heights as her business. To find out if this happens we'll have to wait for the next instalment Raincoats and Retrievers when it will be Autumn in Fairview Park. I have this on pre order already and only wish I could read it now. This series is simply the best novella I have read in a long time, I loved every minute of my time spent with Cat and co and am annoyed with myself that I read Sunshine and Spaniels so quickly. Thank you Cressida for another marvellous story. Roll on September for part three.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sunshine and Spaniel" is the second part in the Primrose Terrace Series and we not only follow adventures of Cat and her friends, but it introduces as to some new characters, and Olaf is now my favourite spaniel in the world. Never thought I'm going to say this, to be honest, as spaniels are not my favourite breed, but well, the exception proves the rule :)

I felt comfortable and in the right place already after reading the first sentence of this short story. Cressida throws us right at the heart of the novella, we start where we left in "Wellies and Westies" and I had a feeling that I have never left Primrose Terrace and was only shortly away from people that I already started to like so much.

Cat is Cat, I'm so happy to report that she is equally bubbly, sparkly and full of optimism as in the first part of the series. And equally overly curious! But she has a heart made of gold and she wants to help not only animals, but all people - I only hope that carrying problems of the whole world on her shoulders is not going to break her. In "Sunshine and Spaniels", where the weather is really beautiful and the sun really shines, Cat sets her sights on helping Frankie, a single mother of three children and owner of spaniel, the above mentioned lovely Olaf. Cat, being a very persuasive person, manages to get almost the whole community involved into helping, and really, I so wanted to pat her on her head, because she's such a nice girl.

You know, I remember I was not so sure about Joe in the first part, but this time he was not so grumpy and moody (although he had his moments as well!), and he was much more likeable, and this is now Mark that I am unsure what he has in store. It's just like Cat says, the more secretive he is, the less exciting it so, so get a grip, Mark!

Of course the story was full of dogs (and some very bad cats) and I love the way Cressida writes about them, with a lot of humour but also understanding, and it is a real joy for me, such a dog - admirer and owner of altogether more than 20 dogs in my life, to have a book mostly about the dogs and their antics, which are so greatly captured.

Nevertheless, my gut feeling is telling me that perhaps we can expect some troubles in paradise for our Cat? I have a feeling that this anti - dog campaign is only gaining impetus and that something is going to happen.

This was a great, cute, lovely short story and I must be honest, I liked it more than the first part - the writing here has just felt so much more confident, and it looks like the author has felt so comfortable in the story herself. I truly loved it, it made me feel better and left me with a smile on my lips, and I can't wait for the next adventures of Cat & Co.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.

[Tracey Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part 2 of a 4 part serial - i enjoy reading these individually opposed to the whole book. i read this in just over an hour.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome return to Primrose Terrace for part two of a four part serialisation. I really enjoyed part one, Wellies and Westies and wasn't let down by this second installment. We meet up with Cat at an event she has organised in the park to promote her dog walking business. The event is quite eventful (and funny!). Whilst in the park she meets two young children out walking their lively and mischievous puppy. When she accompanies them home she discovers that, like Cat, they live on Primrose Terrace and that their Mum, Frankie is a very stressed out single parent.

Cat, along with Polly set out to make life a bit easier and more fun for Frankie. Cat helps out with dog walking and Polly offers to clear out the loft so that she can enter it out to earn some extra money.

As with the first part, the story is told beautifully. My favourite character is Cat. She is a wonderful, warm and funny character. She still has an up in the air kind of relationship going on with her neighbour where he appears to be giving her the run around. Part of me wants to jump in and shake her a bit, but then who knows where it will go from here. I also like her best friend Polly. I would say in real life they would be a formidable duo and I would definitely want to be friends with them.

I am definitely a fan of Cressida's writing style. I find it very easy to follow and get engrossed in. Her writing is descriptive and builds up a clear image of the characters and surroundings. I find this makes it very easy to get to know them and the area, which makes me feel connected to the story and eager to keep turning the pages.

I am not the greatest fan of serialisations, but purely because I am always too eager to find out what happens next. This series is no exception. I am really enjoying it and am very much looking forward to reading what life has in store for them in part three.

[Jennifer Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professional dog-walker Cat Palmer's business is really starting to take off. With the help of her friends and flatmates, Polly and Joe, word has spread and she's taken on more clients. When she meets struggling single mum Frankie, Cat wants to help out - and not only with her dog, Olaf.

Sunshine and Spaniels is the second part of Cressida McLaughlin's Primrose Terrace series and I was looking forward to meeting up with Cat and her four-legged friends again. In the first part, I fell in love with puppy Disco, so I was glad she returned in this part too - as well as new, equally adorable dogs.

Although only a novella, there is quite a lot packed into Sunshine and Spaniels and I liked that there were several threads happening, which made for an interesting, fast-paced read. As well as Cat's intention to find a solution for Frankie's problems, there is also the mystery of Paris, an unhappy little papillon who seems scared to go outside and the seeds of a love interest for Cat's friend, Polly.

Cat is a great character and I like that she is always willing to help out her friends and neighbours, even if the problem isn't easily solved. She's fun and caring and obviously dotes on the animals in her care.

Cat's business life is going well, but the same can't be said about her love life. Cat has a crush on her neighbour, Mark and although he shows signs that he likes her too, Cat doesn't know much about him yet, which worries her. There is another potential love interest on the horizon, however, so I'm looking forward to the next part in the series to see how it all works out for Cat.

Sunshine and Spaniels is a lovely, dog-tastic read. I enjoyed getting to know more residents of Primrose Terrace as well as some from further afield in Fairview.

[Jenny in Neverland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this year, I reviewed, “Wellies and Westies“ the first part of Cressida’s “Primrose Terrace” series. I absolutely loved it; a gorgeous setting and cute dogs – what’s not to love! I’ve been so excited for “Sunshine and Spaniels“, the next instalment and as expected, Cress did not disappoint and I was transported right back onto Primrose Terrace with Cat and Polly, grumpy Joe, hunky Mark, new friend Frankie and of course, their canine companions.

To be completely and utterly honest, I wish this book just came out as a book, not in 4 parts because I’m loving the story so much, it’s paining me to have to wait for so long until the next instalment. I’m finding it hard to leave Cat and her lovely little world after only a quarter of a book! Call me greedy but I want more! Aside from that, this part followed on nicely from the first and as well as being reunited with the already existing characters, there were also a few nice new faces to be introduced to as well.

As I said in the review for the first part, Cress really does a fantastic job at painting a picture for you and goes into fantastic detail as to make sure you’re as much in the story as her characters are. Cat is such a lovely, warming character who is impossible not to like – who would do anything for anyone and Polly, her best friend, is a fantastic secondary character who, a bit more down-to-earth, compliments Cat perfectly. I’m enjoying the progressing storyline and am very excited to find out what happens with Cat and Mark. Or Cat and Joe? We will see… But I know who I’d prefer, #teamMark.

A truly captivating story with loveable characters and even more loveable dogs! I thoroughly enjoyed spending summer on Primrose Terrace and I can’t wait to see what Autumn has to bring.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Primrose Terrace series, I have only just finished the first int he series, so grabbed the second to begin straight away. I am glad I read these so close together as the characters have been fresh in my mind and I was looking forward to the next in the series.

During this part of the series, we begin to get to know other characters that also like in Primrose Terrace, these have connections to Cat and when she finds out one of her neighbours - Frankie, needs some help, she wants to lend a hand. I really loved reading about the meeting of Emma and Cat, I enjoyed hearing about how they knew each other (the nursery) this I felt made the two novellas link nicely and if being read as a whole novel would not feel out of place.

The story flowed really well and in this part I really thought like I was getting to know the characters well. I am enjoying the characters develop through the series and having two major men on the scene - Joe (Polly's brother) and Mark, I am unsure of what is going to happen, however I am not sure about Mark, something is not quite right about him!

I am enjoying this series, my only negative is that we have to wait so long for the next installment, I think that this would read better as a whole book, as from reading the second one, there was no gentle introduction etc, this had all been covered well in part 1. I think leaving is so long to read the next one, you may forget certain parts.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back for part 2 of Cat and the Primrose Terrace characters. Cat's dog walking business is really taking off and she is gaining customers all along the terrace and making new friends a the same time. She decides to organise a doggy get together at the local cafe in the park but her horrible ex boss turns up and starts campaigning against her. Cat doesnt let this little set back stop her though and we meet more great doggy characters.

Another great novella following on from Westies and Wellies full of lovely characters, both human and dog, and some hilarious scenes. I am really looking forward to the next installment.

[Verity W · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****

I picked this up from NetGalley - and then went out and bought part one so that I'd get the full effect. Now I'm desperate for the third novella to find out what happens next.

In part two, Cat continues to meddle, her dogwalking business continues to take her to meet new people as it grows and she's still getting to know sexy neighbour Mark. This is so much fun and the characters are so relatable. I raced through it and wished there was more. Roll on Raincoats and Retrievers.

[Ann Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella as much as I did the first. Knowing I was going to be left hanging helped this time! As usual the stars of the book were the dogs. Cat is a well-meaning interferer and cannot mind her own business. Her attraction to Mark moves along a little - but at what cost? How will the taciturn Joe take this development?

Lots of laughs and, as a petsitter and dog walker, these books are close to my own heart!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and I again thoroughly enjoyed it, the characters have more of a chance to develop on this one and more new people (and dogs!) are introduced. For me it wasn't quite as good as the first one but still was an easy 4 stars. Looking forward to the next one. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as fun as the first, but I still enjoyed it. Starting to not like Cat at all...