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The Secret Holiday Kiss
One magical kiss was only the beginning… but can it lead Daisy to her happy ever after? ‘Cressida's characters are wonderful!' Sarah Morgan Named Woman & Home’s Festive Romance Bookclub Pick and Woman’s Weekly Festive Pick!
In a seaside village, where the winter sunset meets the sea, Daisy is coming home …
When her perfect life falls apart, Daisy returns to Mistingham, determined it's a temporary stop until she can find her feet again.
She hasn't counted on the community’s irresistible (aka infuriating) festive spirit. Or on Avery, building a grand house near the village green – his optimism and easy smile are proving equally hard to resist.
As Mistingham works its magic, Daisy wonders if her heart has known where home is all along.
In a seaside village, where the winter sunset meets the sea, Daisy is coming home …
When her perfect life falls apart, Daisy returns to Mistingham, determined it's a temporary stop until she can find her feet again.
She hasn't counted on the community’s irresistible (aka infuriating) festive spirit. Or on Avery, building a grand house near the village green – his optimism and easy smile are proving equally hard to resist.
As Mistingham works its magic, Daisy wonders if her heart has known where home is all along.
- GenresChristmas
Audible Audio
Published October 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 1, 2026
I absolutely love the series! You cannot fail to enjoy spending time with the characters, especially Felix (and for this one, you definitely need to read the other books in the series).
The main character, Daisy, has to come back to her home town of Mistingham, and back to her family home, to stay with her brother and his new wife, due to the fact that there is an accident in her new London flat, helped by the fact she has a client in the nearby Norwich. This is the last thing she wants to do after the loss of her parents, as she has been avoiding confronting her past.. that is her feelings and the people she left behind and has avoided for so long.
When she returns, she (re)meets the lovely Avery, due to the fact that he is playing one of her favourite songs from her past, Jimmy Nail! This develops into a love-hate relationship, as they confront their pasts and futures together, both in Mistingham and out of it. This is great, there is a competition of who is going to provide the best Christmas entertainment, then the house, and the personal relationship that comes out of it (cue the name of the book).
This book shows how people can work together to do something great and how your environment really affects who you are and what you do. It's a story of redemption, family coming back together, new and old friends, and confronting your past!
There is also the added twist of the Secret Bookshop which will only really make sense if you have read the other two books! I sense a 4th (please!)... we need more adventures with the amazing Mistingham family - and the crazy animals that come with them!
The main character, Daisy, has to come back to her home town of Mistingham, and back to her family home, to stay with her brother and his new wife, due to the fact that there is an accident in her new London flat, helped by the fact she has a client in the nearby Norwich. This is the last thing she wants to do after the loss of her parents, as she has been avoiding confronting her past.. that is her feelings and the people she left behind and has avoided for so long.
When she returns, she (re)meets the lovely Avery, due to the fact that he is playing one of her favourite songs from her past, Jimmy Nail! This develops into a love-hate relationship, as they confront their pasts and futures together, both in Mistingham and out of it. This is great, there is a competition of who is going to provide the best Christmas entertainment, then the house, and the personal relationship that comes out of it (cue the name of the book).
This book shows how people can work together to do something great and how your environment really affects who you are and what you do. It's a story of redemption, family coming back together, new and old friends, and confronting your past!
There is also the added twist of the Secret Bookshop which will only really make sense if you have read the other two books! I sense a 4th (please!)... we need more adventures with the amazing Mistingham family - and the crazy animals that come with them!
September 26, 2026
I couldn’t wait to start this book as I loved the two previous books in this series. It can be read as a standalone but the other books are so good I would recommend reading.
Daisy returns home to Mistingham to stay with her brother and sister in law after a flood in her flat. Although she struggles when back home due to the death of her parents and negative memories she soon starts to remember the joys of village life.
When she stumbles upon the handsome Avery sparks begin to fly and their journey begins. Avery was a great character and I was rooting for the pair from the beginning.
I absolutely loved this book and I enjoyed seeing Daisy grow as a character. It was also great to catch up with characters from the previous books.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cressy McLaughlin and Harper Collins for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Daisy returns home to Mistingham to stay with her brother and sister in law after a flood in her flat. Although she struggles when back home due to the death of her parents and negative memories she soon starts to remember the joys of village life.
When she stumbles upon the handsome Avery sparks begin to fly and their journey begins. Avery was a great character and I was rooting for the pair from the beginning.
I absolutely loved this book and I enjoyed seeing Daisy grow as a character. It was also great to catch up with characters from the previous books.
Thanks to NetGalley, Cressy McLaughlin and Harper Collins for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 11, 2026
Oh the absolute joy and warmth to be back here reading about the residents of Mistingham...Felix the goat very much included!
Daisy and Avery...I loved them both from the get go. A light-hearted and cosy winter warmer absolutely perfect for those afternoons you just want to get lost in a book with. Small town, festive romance that pulls you right in like a great big hug. There were definitely some chuckle out loud moments, as well as some real heart warming stuff too. I love when a book series includes previous characters and it just feels natural and free flowing. I love everything about Mistingham. Can be read as a standalone, but honestly, why would you.
Daisy and Avery...I loved them both from the get go. A light-hearted and cosy winter warmer absolutely perfect for those afternoons you just want to get lost in a book with. Small town, festive romance that pulls you right in like a great big hug. There were definitely some chuckle out loud moments, as well as some real heart warming stuff too. I love when a book series includes previous characters and it just feels natural and free flowing. I love everything about Mistingham. Can be read as a standalone, but honestly, why would you.
October 12, 2026
I love Cressida McLoughlins books so was very excited to read The secret holiday kiss, and what a book it was a total joy to read and one that fully immersed you from start to finish.
Fantastic characters in Daisy, Avery and Felix the goat! And wonderful to catch up with familiar characters in the magical Mistingham which sounds like the type of village anyone would love to live in and it’s great proximity to the beach always an added bonus.
Daisy has returned back home to Mistingham a difficult decision to make due to childhood memories and is really not relishing the idea of living back in the family home with her brother and his wife but needs must!
Despite her reservations Daisy is won over by the welcoming community and friends and before she knows it is totally immersed back into village life aided and abetted by the gorgeous Avery!
A really cosy festive read just perfect fit Christmas and the colder months
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Fantastic characters in Daisy, Avery and Felix the goat! And wonderful to catch up with familiar characters in the magical Mistingham which sounds like the type of village anyone would love to live in and it’s great proximity to the beach always an added bonus.
Daisy has returned back home to Mistingham a difficult decision to make due to childhood memories and is really not relishing the idea of living back in the family home with her brother and his wife but needs must!
Despite her reservations Daisy is won over by the welcoming community and friends and before she knows it is totally immersed back into village life aided and abetted by the gorgeous Avery!
A really cosy festive read just perfect fit Christmas and the colder months
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
October 17, 2026
Daisy is hesitant to return to Mistingham after her life falls apart. The village she grew up in holds painful memories of a time when she felt lost. Returning brings those memories back, but she soon discovers that the Mistingham she remembers is not quite the place she finds herself in now. Mistingham has a wonderful community, and they are getting ready to get into the spirit of Christmas.
Rediscovering her hometown Daisy bumps into her brother’s old friend Avery, a contractor who is working on a beautiful house. As an interior decorator, Daisy shares his appreciation for the house and its potential, and they begin to bond over their shared interest in creating something special. It creates a lovely foundation for their developing relationship.
However, Daisy soon senses that there is something going on with Avery. Despite her growing concern, he refuses help from anyone. Will this end a wonderful relationship before it has even started?
The Secret Holiday Kiss by Cressy McLaughlin is a charming festive read that combines romance, family, a wonderful community and the possibility of new beginnings.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in return for my honest review.
Rediscovering her hometown Daisy bumps into her brother’s old friend Avery, a contractor who is working on a beautiful house. As an interior decorator, Daisy shares his appreciation for the house and its potential, and they begin to bond over their shared interest in creating something special. It creates a lovely foundation for their developing relationship.
However, Daisy soon senses that there is something going on with Avery. Despite her growing concern, he refuses help from anyone. Will this end a wonderful relationship before it has even started?
The Secret Holiday Kiss by Cressy McLaughlin is a charming festive read that combines romance, family, a wonderful community and the possibility of new beginnings.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in return for my honest review.
October 12, 2026
I was so pleased when asked to review this beautiful festive cosy read.
Daisy come back to her home village of Mistingham to stay with her brother and wife as her flat had been flooded out. This is hard as both parents are dead and she has sad memories, despite this she loves village life.
She comes across the gorgeous Avery and something connects - will they get together?
Well written and a must cosy festive read this Christmas so so recommended. This author can write.
Daisy come back to her home village of Mistingham to stay with her brother and wife as her flat had been flooded out. This is hard as both parents are dead and she has sad memories, despite this she loves village life.
She comes across the gorgeous Avery and something connects - will they get together?
Well written and a must cosy festive read this Christmas so so recommended. This author can write.
October 22, 2026
Another amazing story from Mistingham. I couldn't put it down. I really do hope Cressy McLaughlin writes some more about the village. Maybe May will get a story soon, I would love her to find a special someone
October 19, 2026
Daisy meets Avery when she is temporarily back in her home village, the place she couldn't wait to leave. A great setting, and you want everything to work out for them.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews