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The Canal Boat Café #4
Land Ahoy!
Hilarious and touching, The Canal Boat Cafe series will appeal to fans of Game of Scones, Wickham Hall and The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe.
Summer Freeman has been trying to make a go of the Canal Boat Café, but her love life is in rough waters. Mason, the handsome photographer from the boat next door, has left Willowbeck, and Summer’s Bichon Frise, Latte, misses his Border Terrier, Pocket, almost as much as Summer misses Mason.
But the sunshine has arrived and with the help of the roving river folk who are in Willowbeck for a festival, Summer tracks him down. The course of true doesn’t run smoothly and when the unthinkable happens, Mason and Summer must face up to their past if they are to save Willowbeck and the community she has grown to love. Will Summer finally drop anchor and call Willowbeck her home?
- GenresChick Lit
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2016
70 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Cressida McLaughlin
61 books695 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 8, 2016
Pretty damn perfect.
Full review to come.
June 12, 2022
So I liked the ending of this four-part book much better than the middle two sections. I remain captivated by the canal boat environment, but disliked the format of having this book in four parts. Much of what occurred in the middle two parts could've been eliminated, and some that happened in the final part should've occurred much earlier. I'll continue to read the author, but will wait until her books come out as single books, rather than reading them in parts.
March 28, 2018
4th installment of this lovely series. Great to catch up with all the characters - and their dogs. The path of true love never runs smooth as they say and there are plenty of ups and downs for our romantic pair. Next instalment is waiting for me on my kindle.
June 7, 2023
I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sardine-carr...
https://numberoneboats.com/sardine-ca...
https://theboatyacht.com/pontoon-boat...
https://numberoneboats.com/jeanneau-6...
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?
In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.
It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.
I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...
Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus
We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
7. Reading is Motivational
By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sardine-carr...
https://numberoneboats.com/sardine-ca...
https://theboatyacht.com/pontoon-boat...
https://numberoneboats.com/jeanneau-6...
September 5, 2020
Read to the end.
I hadn't realised this was one story split into 4, so to find out the end I had to buy part 4, which was fine .
However, it did read as if it was being stretched out and I skimmed about 30 pages and read the end.
Easy reading and enjoyable.
I hadn't realised this was one story split into 4, so to find out the end I had to buy part 4, which was fine .
However, it did read as if it was being stretched out and I skimmed about 30 pages and read the end.
Easy reading and enjoyable.
July 23, 2017
I can't wait for the next in the series. I'm gladd the ugliness with Ross was resolved and that Jenny and Summer have reached cordiality. I can't wait for more of these, I also want more Harry!
August 22, 2017
Enjoyed the book, looking forward to reading more of the author's books
January 19, 2018
More
I enjoyed every page of this and the other three book's. Cressida McLaughlin is a brilliant story teller and I can't wait to read more of her book.
I enjoyed every page of this and the other three book's. Cressida McLaughlin is a brilliant story teller and I can't wait to read more of her book.
August 22, 2020
I have absolutely loved reading this series of books
February 25, 2021
The canal boat cafe
Lovely series of short books, easy, delightful reading. Will read more by this feel good author. Especially good at this difficult time.
Lovely series of short books, easy, delightful reading. Will read more by this feel good author. Especially good at this difficult time.
October 26, 2021
I loved this one of the series. This book brought all the characters together and rounded off the four stories before really well. Recommend this series to all of you.
December 2, 2021
Another great installment!
February 25, 2022
Land Ahoy
A great book to relax too ,good strong story
With believable warm and interesting characters. Look forward to next book
A great book to relax too ,good strong story
With believable warm and interesting characters. Look forward to next book
February 15, 2023
I love Cressida books as always a great read
November 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this cosy four part series about overcoming adversity and finding friendship and love in a canal boat community.
May 1, 2020
Lovely read
I have loved all of the series so far and look forward to downloading the the next in the in series
I have loved all of the series so far and look forward to downloading the the next in the in series
August 1, 2016
I MADE IT!!!
I honestly thought the first book would be just a quick read but ended up getting sucked in to the whole series.
I do think it definitely wasn't at all comedy focussed, like a lot of other chick-lit books - Marian Keyes for example, has a lot of humour in her novels. However it kept me interested with mystery - even if Ross' manipulations weren't really mysterious to me - I was waiting for everyone else to figure him out.
I was disappointed that there was only the one confrontation with Crazy-Ross, I felt like he should have come back like the presumed-dead slasher film villain. Usually in books like this you get the break-up scene and then the confrontation scene, where the spurned character shows up again at an awkward moment.
Everything was wrapped up at the end, even thought I skimmed a lot of it as it was just music festival stuff and repetitive paragraphs about the café being busy and the characters having quite stiff dialogue with each other.
The fire was a good way to bring together some separate plot points, and for maybe a tenth of a second I thought maybe it was Ross that had set the fire, but that didn't really make sense, so I was glad it turned out he didn't.
Overall a pretty good series. The writing doesn't really sparkle for me, but it's correct and well edited. I didn't really care about the central romance that, that was probably just hetero-romance fatigue on my part. I didn't really believe that there was much of a reason for them to be together either than that they were reasonably attracted to each other and not terrible people. That is apparently all you need in chick-lit.
So, a solid 'mild enjoyment' from me. At the end it said that this has been turned into one book, which is good because I felt like having it as 4 separate serials left some of the endings (mostly book 1 and 3) feeling a bit cheap and kind of like a cheat.
I honestly thought the first book would be just a quick read but ended up getting sucked in to the whole series.
I do think it definitely wasn't at all comedy focussed, like a lot of other chick-lit books - Marian Keyes for example, has a lot of humour in her novels. However it kept me interested with mystery - even if Ross' manipulations weren't really mysterious to me - I was waiting for everyone else to figure him out.
I was disappointed that there was only the one confrontation with Crazy-Ross, I felt like he should have come back like the presumed-dead slasher film villain. Usually in books like this you get the break-up scene and then the confrontation scene, where the spurned character shows up again at an awkward moment.
Everything was wrapped up at the end, even thought I skimmed a lot of it as it was just music festival stuff and repetitive paragraphs about the café being busy and the characters having quite stiff dialogue with each other.
The fire was a good way to bring together some separate plot points, and for maybe a tenth of a second I thought maybe it was Ross that had set the fire, but that didn't really make sense, so I was glad it turned out he didn't.
Overall a pretty good series. The writing doesn't really sparkle for me, but it's correct and well edited. I didn't really care about the central romance that, that was probably just hetero-romance fatigue on my part. I didn't really believe that there was much of a reason for them to be together either than that they were reasonably attracted to each other and not terrible people. That is apparently all you need in chick-lit.
So, a solid 'mild enjoyment' from me. At the end it said that this has been turned into one book, which is good because I felt like having it as 4 separate serials left some of the endings (mostly book 1 and 3) feeling a bit cheap and kind of like a cheat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2016
I cannot believe this is the last in the series and what a last book... lots of truths are told; twists and turns; reconciliations and romance.
Will Summer and Mason find true love; will Latte have her friend back; Who is making the gorgeous wooden sculptures?
I so enjoyed reading this series and if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cressida, she writes the type of book I like to read.
Will Summer and Mason find true love; will Latte have her friend back; Who is making the gorgeous wooden sculptures?
I so enjoyed reading this series and if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cressida, she writes the type of book I like to read.
May 27, 2016
Final chapter draws all the strings together
A short last booklet but I was very pleased when it auto-downloaded after pre ordering. Mason's secret is revealed. There's a fire and a life in danger. Maddy's death and Summer's guilt are all explained. A nice ending and Cressida's writing style is as usual comfortable and friendly.
A short last booklet but I was very pleased when it auto-downloaded after pre ordering. Mason's secret is revealed. There's a fire and a life in danger. Maddy's death and Summer's guilt are all explained. A nice ending and Cressida's writing style is as usual comfortable and friendly.
May 28, 2016
Book number four, following the lives of Summer and Mason on their canal boats at Willowbeck. I have loved this series of books and am sorry the story has come to an end.
It gets a big thumbs up from me.
It gets a big thumbs up from me.
May 27, 2016
I didn't want to start this book as I knew it meant that I'd not put it down until it was finished and that it would be the end of my time with Summer, Mason and the other live-aboards!
Once again the story didn't let me now, a perfect ending to what has been a really charming story.
Once again the story didn't let me now, a perfect ending to what has been a really charming story.
June 12, 2016
Loved the final part of the series
May 31, 2016
Lovely easy read and a nice following on book
June 19, 2016
Feel good romance!
Very light, easy to read. Not too taxing, not complicated, mildly gripping storyline. Some strong likeable characters but sometimes repetitive.
Very light, easy to read. Not too taxing, not complicated, mildly gripping storyline. Some strong likeable characters but sometimes repetitive.
November 18, 2016
Lovely easy quick enjoyable read even if a little cheesy!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews