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The Canal Boat Café #1
All Aboard
The Canal Boat Cafe is a warm and touching story told in four parts, from the best-selling author of A Christmas Tail, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Holly Martin.
Summer Freeman returns to the waterside village of Willowbeck to help with the Canal Boat Café, which used to belong to her mother. Valerie, a fortune teller, has been running things, but the business is in a pickle. The coffee machine is jammed, the cake offerings are paltry, and not all of the locals want to see the café succeed. And then there’s the handsome wildlife photographer, Mason, from the boat next door, whose Border Terrier steals some bacon right under her nose. Her Bischon Frise, Latte, loves their boating neighbours, but Summer is less sure.
As her old life and the community of Willowbeck begin to entwine, Summer finds herself setting sail on a new adventure but will she find herself navigating choppy waters instead?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2016
138 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Cressida McLaughlin
63 books672 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 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 19, 2016
5 Words: Family, friendship, canal-boat, business, relationships.
As soon as I saw that Cressida McLaughlin had a new serial coming out, I immediately pre-ordered all of it.
I was so excited when I saw that it had dropped on to my kindle overnight and I was not disappointed.
This was everything I expected and more.
After that ending I need the next part now!
Last year I went on a canal boat for the first ever time and it was amazing. I got sun burn, almost broke my ankle, lost a few pounds with all of the walking, lock-opening and constant cleaning of the floor, walked funny when I was back on land because of the swaying on board, and I loved every second. And this book just took me right back.
As soon as I saw that Cressida McLaughlin had a new serial coming out, I immediately pre-ordered all of it.
I was so excited when I saw that it had dropped on to my kindle overnight and I was not disappointed.
This was everything I expected and more.
After that ending I need the next part now!
Last year I went on a canal boat for the first ever time and it was amazing. I got sun burn, almost broke my ankle, lost a few pounds with all of the walking, lock-opening and constant cleaning of the floor, walked funny when I was back on land because of the swaying on board, and I loved every second. And this book just took me right back.
August 25, 2016
Stories are supposed to have a start, a middle and an ending, right? Not in this book! A good start, lighthearted and easy to read book, I was enjoying the build up but then bam! It ended! It wasn't a stand alone book, you would need to read the others in the series to hear what happens and that was disappointing. I shan't be downloading the second instalment.
April 6, 2017
Cute and emotional! Only read the first part so far, but I was keen to read more (which I will do, when I've cleared a few more books off my ereader!)
June 12, 2024
Sigh. My love of all things narrowboat and cafe drove me to this title, and I have to say, it's better than the 'Cupcake Cafe' opening book, which I stopped reading after the first...20 pages? The main character is refreshingly certain about most aspects of her life, aside from whether or not she wanted to take over the cafe again, which is the central conflict. As opposed to 'The Beach Cafe' by Lucy Diamond, where the main character is a bit wooly and indecisive (like a lot of chick-lit characters).
I liked the minor innovation of having the 'secondary love interest' character being just a guy that refuses to be 'friendzoned' but so far in a not incredibly creepy way.
What took 2 stars off for me is that the dialogue is a bit wooden and some of it comes out of nowhere. And - the book JUST STOPS.
At best the book is only half a complete story, it sets up a lot of threads and a lot of plotlines, and leaving some of those unfinished at the end would have been a nice draw into a sequel, but at the end, nothing is resolved, not one plotline. The main character just picks up anchor and sails away from the plot of the book. Which felt quite cheap to me.
I have bought the second one and it picks up only a scant week or so after the end of the first one, so there seems no point in having them as two separate books. It's sort of spoiling my enjoyment of the story, because I feel like I've been quite coldly tricked into reading this series. I mean, all these 'The such-and-such Cafe' series' kind of feel commercial and fake, but I was enjoying this one, up until the end.
I liked the minor innovation of having the 'secondary love interest' character being just a guy that refuses to be 'friendzoned' but so far in a not incredibly creepy way.
What took 2 stars off for me is that the dialogue is a bit wooden and some of it comes out of nowhere. And - the book JUST STOPS.
At best the book is only half a complete story, it sets up a lot of threads and a lot of plotlines, and leaving some of those unfinished at the end would have been a nice draw into a sequel, but at the end, nothing is resolved, not one plotline. The main character just picks up anchor and sails away from the plot of the book. Which felt quite cheap to me.
I have bought the second one and it picks up only a scant week or so after the end of the first one, so there seems no point in having them as two separate books. It's sort of spoiling my enjoyment of the story, because I feel like I've been quite coldly tricked into reading this series. I mean, all these 'The such-and-such Cafe' series' kind of feel commercial and fake, but I was enjoying this one, up until the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2017
Deliciously addictive.
Read
October 6, 2016I LOVED this book - right up to the end that is!
The author's style is simply lovely, the characters are well-defined as are the locations and the whole story came across as believable. Then I got to the end.
This is supposed to be a 'perfect, feel good romance'.
All the way through reading this I was going to give it five stars. But I can't. And that is very very sad, because this is great writing and a great story.
The author's style is simply lovely, the characters are well-defined as are the locations and the whole story came across as believable. Then I got to the end.
This is supposed to be a 'perfect, feel good romance'.
All the way through reading this I was going to give it five stars. But I can't. And that is very very sad, because this is great writing and a great story.
February 12, 2017
Every so often I just want to curl up with chocolate biscuits and chick-lit and enjoy a lightweight but interesting read. This one appealed to me because of the narrow-boat setting.
I noticed there were two ways of reading this story - either in 4 parts or one omnibus edition, and I chose to read it in parts. This was mostly because I hadn't read anything by the author before and I've sometimes found this kind of novel unreadable, usually because I couldn't stand the heroine. So it was good to be able to try out a shorter read while knowing there was more of it if I wanted to carry on. However I really liked the heroine in this case, and the other characters were an interesting mix of personalities - not all likeable or perfect, but that's life! So in the end I went ahead and bought all the separate parts, and I really enjoyed all of them.
I noticed there were two ways of reading this story - either in 4 parts or one omnibus edition, and I chose to read it in parts. This was mostly because I hadn't read anything by the author before and I've sometimes found this kind of novel unreadable, usually because I couldn't stand the heroine. So it was good to be able to try out a shorter read while knowing there was more of it if I wanted to carry on. However I really liked the heroine in this case, and the other characters were an interesting mix of personalities - not all likeable or perfect, but that's life! So in the end I went ahead and bought all the separate parts, and I really enjoyed all of them.
February 23, 2016
This is the first installment in Cressida's new four-part novel called The Canal Boat Cafe. I truly loved this first quarter and really enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and learning all about the history of The Canal Boat Cafe. There were some hints to secrets that I hope will unravel as the story continues and there is certainly a spark between two characters which I hope ignites!
I've never been a lover of serialised novels as I just want to read it all in one go and pay all my attention to the story but I look forward to part two which is due out soon and can't wait to devour that one!
I've never been a lover of serialised novels as I just want to read it all in one go and pay all my attention to the story but I look forward to part two which is due out soon and can't wait to devour that one!
February 6, 2016
Loving the start of this series of The Canal Boat Cafe written by Cressida. Such a novel (no pun intended) place to be running a cafe from. Summer is now running the cafe since the death of her mum and it has taken her eight months to feel able to try to take the business on. She now lives on the barge with her puppy Latte but as she expected, this transition in her life is not particularly easy. Looking forward to the next book! 5 stars.
June 5, 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/concept-30-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-30...
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-32-b...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-32...
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/concept-30-f...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-30...
https://theboatyacht.com/concept-32-b...
https://numberoneboats.com/concept-32...
March 19, 2021
A feel-good and cosy book! Perfect if you want something light and if you love a book set in a small towns, café, and dogs! I give it about 3,9 stars out of 5.
However, I do have some pointers! This book was very predictable and it was very easy to tell what would happen next. Another thing that drove me crazy was how bad the characters communicated with each other. So many unnecessary problems occurred because (especially) the main character, Summer, wouldn’t stand her ground or talk about what she really thought. She was way to nice as a person and was run over, over and over again, as the same time as she didn’t speak her mind. Another thing was that she was a very bad listener... which also contributed to all the unnecessary problems... Honestly, it was kind of irritating... But throughout the book she developed as a person which was worth reading. She became stronger and more confident and I enjoyed the character development very much! This book also talked about the importance of grieving, friendship and second chances which was very inspirational! I recommend it if you want a quick summery book!
However, I do have some pointers! This book was very predictable and it was very easy to tell what would happen next. Another thing that drove me crazy was how bad the characters communicated with each other. So many unnecessary problems occurred because (especially) the main character, Summer, wouldn’t stand her ground or talk about what she really thought. She was way to nice as a person and was run over, over and over again, as the same time as she didn’t speak her mind. Another thing was that she was a very bad listener... which also contributed to all the unnecessary problems... Honestly, it was kind of irritating... But throughout the book she developed as a person which was worth reading. She became stronger and more confident and I enjoyed the character development very much! This book also talked about the importance of grieving, friendship and second chances which was very inspirational! I recommend it if you want a quick summery book!
December 22, 2020
I wanted to read a light book, but this is just the very beginning of a story. And so far didn’t really manage to get my attention: too much repetition, too shallow, too many descriptions of what characters are feeling and why. So I'm not really planning to read more of the series (or should I say the continuation of the story?).
Back in the days when I used to commute I used to pass by a boat café, so this book sounded intriguing! But it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment!
Back in the days when I used to commute I used to pass by a boat café, so this book sounded intriguing! But it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment!
August 24, 2020
It’s been my ambition to spend time on a canal boat since reading Katie Fforde’s The Rose Revived and with this book feel I have experienced living in one. Just imagine owning a canal boat cafe parked in an idyllic village, with delightful neighbors (mostly) including a hunky photographer and with a Bichon frise toboot?
That’s it in a nutshell, but with so much more!
That’s it in a nutshell, but with so much more!
May 27, 2017
Another enjoyable novella from Cressida McLaughlin. Really sweet. Loving that it's set on a canal boat. A hint of romance. Just what you need for a quick read. Can't wait for part 2 in this 4 part series!
January 18, 2023
Would have preferred this book to be a little longer, the ending just didn't seem quite right stopping where the story seemed to pick up. There are other books in this series so fingers crossed it follows on well. Otherwise I love this book.
July 23, 2017
This was a fun and refreshing read, I downloaded the next and got reading almost instantly if that gives an indication of how good it is.
August 9, 2017
fantastic book
August 21, 2017
Nice easy read, looking forward to the next book in the series
September 3, 2017
Nice to read
I it was the first time I read this author did like her book will read the rest of the books
I it was the first time I read this author did like her book will read the rest of the books
January 13, 2018
Boating
Halving lived on a narrowboat I love to read about working boats. A café on a boat is interesting. The story is good and I can't wait to read more.
Halving lived on a narrowboat I love to read about working boats. A café on a boat is interesting. The story is good and I can't wait to read more.
November 10, 2019
Feel good. Who doesn't want to live on a barge?
Easy relaxing read. Cut short in my opinion, but then it is a series. Worth a read when in between page turners.
Easy relaxing read. Cut short in my opinion, but then it is a series. Worth a read when in between page turners.
July 15, 2020
A lovely beginning to the series I can't wait to read the next book
November 1, 2020
joyful
Read
January 13, 2021This was a good story. I hated this one character though, and thought the main was being frustratingly stupid about reading him.
October 25, 2021
A nice read with a build up of the story now I'll have to get the second book to see what happens to the cafe and it's owner.
January 7, 2023
A classic "winter read" where the story is light and comfortable rather than entirely predictable.
May 16, 2024
Great book first time with this author was very good and will be reading the rest to the series
April 28, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the canal boat cafe, I could picture my self on the narrow boat have a cup of coffee and a cake.
This book was so well written that it draw me right in.
This book was so well written that it draw me right in.
August 8, 2025
Not too bad
March 5, 2016
There was a time when it seemed every blog had The Primrose Terrace series by Cressida McLaughlin. It was lauded in all the circles I followed, with much gushing and excitement. I’m sorry to say for some reason, in my blogging ignorance, I looked at the fact that this series (as the word ‘series’ would tell you), came in installments, and so I ignored them with a view to possibly reading in the future, although I possibly never would have. Oh what a fool (I have since jumped into series and in fact sometimes prefer to read a number of short installments spaced out as opposed to a full length book)! Saying that the Primrose Terrace series has now been put into one book for those of you still not tempted to give a series a go. This book is my first introduction to the great Cressida McLaughlin, and it most definitely will not be my last. This is, without a doubt, my book of the year so far and one that has moved me back to chick lit/ rom coms, from which I had been straying recently.
It begins with us meeting Summer Freeman as she arrives in the canal side village of Willowbank mid February. I’m mentioning the time of the year here, because there are just so many Summer/ Christmas books, and lately it seems that there is a remaining number of months to be dealt with that have been made obsolete! The crisp weather added to the beautiful cosy wintry atmosphere we’ve come to expect before the Spring truly arrives, and on viewing a wooden signpost that allowed us an introduction to some of the main entities of Willowbank, I think I was already hooked.
Next we viewed the inside of her mother’s cafe boat, and the disrepair it had fallen into, and watched as Summer was faced with a problem, would she decide to put efforts into bringing the cafe back to its former glory or let it go? As I’ve said before, I love a good fix up story and so I hoped the answer to this was ‘yes!’ As well as this we were given some insights into some of the secrets behind Summer’s mother, and why she mightn’t have been hugely welcome in Willowbank, and I look forward to this unfolding in the next few installments.
In fact the introductions to the characters, the boats, the buildings were what endeared me hugely. We were never bombarded with information, we merely walked alongside Summer observing as we went. I warmed to her mother’s best friend Valerie, and was interested as to her observations of her mother’s presence (in some other books I would have been sceptical, but I’m interested here, purely due to the writing style and the emergence of another mystery, one of various objects that begin to turn up at the cafe). Actually, in terms of characters her best friend, Harry, was lovely and I loved the kooky Norman the fisherman who reminded me of the Jim Trott from The vicar of Dibley, with his mumblings and musings. The love interest issue was done amazingly, with the presence of one old, Ross and one new (Mason, who was perfection. Seriously. Perfection!) There were a number of smile out loud moments, great pacing, a realistic timeline on it all and by the end of the book I was in a fantastic mood. My only issue at all was that at times there was the slightest amount of overacting and I by that I suppose I mean the slightest overreaction, especially by the venom in Jenny, which, even if justified, was a bit too full on for me.
All in all, I loved this so much (had you guessed?;)) and I’ll leave you with this, should Cressida McLaughlin ever decide to give classes in writing chick lit, I’ll be right at the front taking notes. After a bit of a run where I couldn’t find a chick lit book that made me excited, this book has definitely done the job. As I said, book of the year so far. End of gush.;)
Rating: 5/5
It begins with us meeting Summer Freeman as she arrives in the canal side village of Willowbank mid February. I’m mentioning the time of the year here, because there are just so many Summer/ Christmas books, and lately it seems that there is a remaining number of months to be dealt with that have been made obsolete! The crisp weather added to the beautiful cosy wintry atmosphere we’ve come to expect before the Spring truly arrives, and on viewing a wooden signpost that allowed us an introduction to some of the main entities of Willowbank, I think I was already hooked.
Next we viewed the inside of her mother’s cafe boat, and the disrepair it had fallen into, and watched as Summer was faced with a problem, would she decide to put efforts into bringing the cafe back to its former glory or let it go? As I’ve said before, I love a good fix up story and so I hoped the answer to this was ‘yes!’ As well as this we were given some insights into some of the secrets behind Summer’s mother, and why she mightn’t have been hugely welcome in Willowbank, and I look forward to this unfolding in the next few installments.
In fact the introductions to the characters, the boats, the buildings were what endeared me hugely. We were never bombarded with information, we merely walked alongside Summer observing as we went. I warmed to her mother’s best friend Valerie, and was interested as to her observations of her mother’s presence (in some other books I would have been sceptical, but I’m interested here, purely due to the writing style and the emergence of another mystery, one of various objects that begin to turn up at the cafe). Actually, in terms of characters her best friend, Harry, was lovely and I loved the kooky Norman the fisherman who reminded me of the Jim Trott from The vicar of Dibley, with his mumblings and musings. The love interest issue was done amazingly, with the presence of one old, Ross and one new (Mason, who was perfection. Seriously. Perfection!) There were a number of smile out loud moments, great pacing, a realistic timeline on it all and by the end of the book I was in a fantastic mood. My only issue at all was that at times there was the slightest amount of overacting and I by that I suppose I mean the slightest overreaction, especially by the venom in Jenny, which, even if justified, was a bit too full on for me.
All in all, I loved this so much (had you guessed?;)) and I’ll leave you with this, should Cressida McLaughlin ever decide to give classes in writing chick lit, I’ll be right at the front taking notes. After a bit of a run where I couldn’t find a chick lit book that made me excited, this book has definitely done the job. As I said, book of the year so far. End of gush.;)
Rating: 5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews