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The Canal Boat Café Christmas #2
The Canal Boat Café Christmas: Starboard Home
A Christmas special continuing the charming and heart-warming story of The Canal Boat Café, the runaway bestseller
Summer and Mason take their upbeat and feelgood Canal Boat Café to London for Christmas, with unexpected results.
Starboard Home – Summer and Mason find themselves unexpectedly spending the entire Christmas holiday in Little Venice when the canal freezes over. But their idyllic winter excursion is thrown into turmoil when an unexpected visitor appears on the scene. Are Summer and Mason facing the Big Freeze in more ways than one? Or will this be one Winter Warmer that they’ll never forget?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2017
37 people are currently reading
194 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 15, 2019
Well this has been a delightful read and I have thoroughly enjoyed being reacquainted with all of the characters but especially Summer and Mason, and the two adorable dogs Archie and Latte, impossible not to love those two.
One thing that should be mentioned as the blurb details on here are a bit misleading when it states that this book is a full novel at 400 pages, it's not as it's actally a short story of 130 pages thereabouts. A truly wonderful story though and a perfect addition to the rest of the series.
I'm a little bit sad to have come to the end of this series as I have enjoyed them all and will miss the characters dearly. But all good things must come to an end as they say.
One thing that should be mentioned as the blurb details on here are a bit misleading when it states that this book is a full novel at 400 pages, it's not as it's actally a short story of 130 pages thereabouts. A truly wonderful story though and a perfect addition to the rest of the series.
I'm a little bit sad to have come to the end of this series as I have enjoyed them all and will miss the characters dearly. But all good things must come to an end as they say.
December 7, 2017
This was simply amazing story I really didn't want it to end and lovely to hear more about the canal boat cafe and the characters are excellent so heartwarming and perfect Christmas read. Summer and Mason have gone to London for a trip before Christmas but end up staying over Christmas with amazing events taking place when not expected. Mason while in London saw someone he use to go out with and summer was worried he would go off with her so she was desperate to make sure he stayed. After a note was left for her she really thought he had left her but he hadn't at all and while summer went out with a friend she came back to a very romantic gesture what does she think and how do they react. Lovely to read more about the cafe boat and full of romance and friendships.
January 3, 2020
Loved this so much, Summer is as lovely as ever and of course Mason would never !! It’s just the perfect Christmas read, light, fluffy and perfect to curl up with. Books to make you smile are the best.
January 11, 2018
I honestly cannot tell you how excited I was when this was sent to my Kindle on release day. I've been waiting for part 2 ever since I finished part 1 (you can read my review here). I absolutely loved the full length novel and really enjoyed the part 1 in this mini Christmas series. I loved being back in the Canal Boat Cafe with Summer and her cute little dog Latte. This novella was literally like a warm, Christmassy hug. I loved it.
Following on from the cliffhanger left in the first novella, I was so excited to see what was going to happen next. It starts off where it left off and from the off I was intrigued and glued to my Kindle. I just love the way Cressida describes everything festive in this novella, it's so lovely and Christmassy. So along this journey, we see Summer and Mason going out and having fun in the holidays with the rest of the rovers. They go to all new and different places close to Little Venice but the festive cheer is never far away in this story. I loved the part about the elves that came into the pub and started singing Christmas songs and making Summer get involved.
There are lots of little bits like what I mentioned above which just make the story so lovely. I loved reading about Summer's plans for Mason (if you've read the first one you'll know what I'm talking about!), and her and Claire's shopping trip sounded like fun too. But the bit I enjoyed reading the most, was the bit near the end (you will find out when you read it - I'm not giving that away!).
The part where Claire and Summer come back from London Zoo - something beautiful happens. The ending of this novella is just so magical and heartwarming, it got me all teary-eyed! I must admit that it was an emotional but absolutely beautiful ending and I am so sad that the Canal Boat Cafe books are over! I really hope that Cressida McLaughlin writes more about these characters because I really enjoy them! (but that's just me being selfish).
Overall, a beautifully written Christmas novel with a festive feeling on every page. I absolutely loved it and if I could give it more than five stars I would! If you haven't read a Cressida McLaughlin novel yet, then you're missing out!
Following on from the cliffhanger left in the first novella, I was so excited to see what was going to happen next. It starts off where it left off and from the off I was intrigued and glued to my Kindle. I just love the way Cressida describes everything festive in this novella, it's so lovely and Christmassy. So along this journey, we see Summer and Mason going out and having fun in the holidays with the rest of the rovers. They go to all new and different places close to Little Venice but the festive cheer is never far away in this story. I loved the part about the elves that came into the pub and started singing Christmas songs and making Summer get involved.
There are lots of little bits like what I mentioned above which just make the story so lovely. I loved reading about Summer's plans for Mason (if you've read the first one you'll know what I'm talking about!), and her and Claire's shopping trip sounded like fun too. But the bit I enjoyed reading the most, was the bit near the end (you will find out when you read it - I'm not giving that away!).
The part where Claire and Summer come back from London Zoo - something beautiful happens. The ending of this novella is just so magical and heartwarming, it got me all teary-eyed! I must admit that it was an emotional but absolutely beautiful ending and I am so sad that the Canal Boat Cafe books are over! I really hope that Cressida McLaughlin writes more about these characters because I really enjoy them! (but that's just me being selfish).
Overall, a beautifully written Christmas novel with a festive feeling on every page. I absolutely loved it and if I could give it more than five stars I would! If you haven't read a Cressida McLaughlin novel yet, then you're missing out!
June 7, 2019
In this second part of the Christmas story, we follow Summer as her jealousy over Tania being back however briefly in her and Mason's life rattles her.
After their narrowboat gets frozen on the canal and they have to stay extra time in London, she prepares for her proposal to Mason despite her doubts.
But one startling and shocking revelation comes out about Tania which leaves the friends reeling and wanting to set the record straight about her intention and actions once and for all.
She also has another interaction with a man who's alike Santa Claus who loved their mince pies and would bulk buy them. This adds a fun level to the book at the end when a surprise from Mason reveals her favourite people being there for her when she wants them to be most.
This was a feel good fun Christmas book I enjoyed the complete difference in lifestyle shown living by boat as it's not the norm for most people let alone running a business on it too! It tied the story up well and I'm said for this to be the end of the series with these guys but the ending was breathtakingly beautiful.
After their narrowboat gets frozen on the canal and they have to stay extra time in London, she prepares for her proposal to Mason despite her doubts.
But one startling and shocking revelation comes out about Tania which leaves the friends reeling and wanting to set the record straight about her intention and actions once and for all.
She also has another interaction with a man who's alike Santa Claus who loved their mince pies and would bulk buy them. This adds a fun level to the book at the end when a surprise from Mason reveals her favourite people being there for her when she wants them to be most.
This was a feel good fun Christmas book I enjoyed the complete difference in lifestyle shown living by boat as it's not the norm for most people let alone running a business on it too! It tied the story up well and I'm said for this to be the end of the series with these guys but the ending was breathtakingly beautiful.
December 15, 2017
Like the other books in the series, I loved this book and the characters and friends living on the canal. Summer and Mason are invited to cruise the canals with friends Claire & Co, to sell their wares at Little Venice, London. It's a trip Summer wants to take, but it means changing her existing plans and she isn't sure if Mason will go for it or not, so things hang in the balance a little.
I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the read for others, but this is a lovely easy read with lovely people and I felt very sorry when the book came to an end. It gets a big thumbs up from me.
I won't say more as I don't want to spoil the read for others, but this is a lovely easy read with lovely people and I felt very sorry when the book came to an end. It gets a big thumbs up from me.
December 4, 2017
Perfect for Christmas
As always I really loved the story of the cafe character. Everyone comes to life and with such vibrant descriptions you feel as if you know them so well. Love the two dogs Archie and Latte how they get involved in everything that's going on. Enjoyed the twist which I didn't expect and the way it turned out. Looking forward to learning about Summer and Masons weddding.
As always I really loved the story of the cafe character. Everyone comes to life and with such vibrant descriptions you feel as if you know them so well. Love the two dogs Archie and Latte how they get involved in everything that's going on. Enjoyed the twist which I didn't expect and the way it turned out. Looking forward to learning about Summer and Masons weddding.
December 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this, I loved catching up with old friends Summer and Mason. Seeing them struggle through the workings of a new relationship and getting past ex girlfriends and old ghosts. Their bond is beautiful and I loved the special role ‘Santa’ played, especially over trying to decipher the note Mason left. It was great to see them finally get their happy ever after.
December 1, 2017
Loved it and cried at the ending. Another entertaining series from Cressida and I look forward to the next one.
December 3, 2017
I'm glad they solved the Tania issue, and Summer and Mason got the cutest happy ending.
December 6, 2017
loved this book
December 19, 2017
Good chick lit book and a great continuation of the The Canal Boat Cafe series. It had the sweetest ending and I still really loved the characters contained within this little novella.
February 28, 2018
great book
July 1, 2018
The final book in the series left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling - everyone loves a happy ending.
June 17, 2019
It was a nice ending to the series overall. Though the 2 Christmas books should have been made into one book.
August 24, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this while series and foowing summer and Mason on their journeys 🙂
October 28, 2020
What a lovely book! Full of winter fun, Christmas and romance; the perfect read for a cosy afternoon indoors.
January 10, 2021
Nice gentle story, nothing not to like
December 28, 2025
One word...MAGICAL!
January 1, 2019
I loved reading the main story so much, the characters were absolutely wonderful and it was such a feel good, fun summer read - I couldn't wait to get back and find out 'what happens next' and a sparkly glittery Christmas setting!
I was not disappointed, as Christmas planning gets quickly underway, with a last minute escape down to London and Little Venice, which I have absolutely fallen in love with and can't wait to visit myself. We get to see all the old characters, from the residents in sleepy Willowbeck to the colourful roving traders as they travel down the waterways for a Christmas Market.
I loved hearing about how the already colourful Canal boats were gorgeously decorated, and the amazing festive feel of the whole book with Christmas themed baked goods, gingerbread lattes a plenty and of course lots of mischief caused by the two furry liveaboards, Archie and Latte.
That's not to say there wasn't the fair share of Christmas drama, as Summer and Mason settle in to their lives together, and not all blasts from the past are welcome ones. It's a beautiful depiction of those insecurities we all have as a new relationship starts becoming really serious, but also how they can be overcome with the right person, and a whole heap of love.
It's a wonderful little read, really got me in the Christmas mood in the lead up to the big day! But I still want to know what happens next next! Not that I'm greedy for Summer and Mason or anything 😁
I loved hearing about how the already colourful Canal boats were gorgeously decorated, and the amazing festive feel of the whole book with Christmas themed baked goods, gingerbread lattes a plenty and of course lots of mischief caused by the two furry liveaboards, Archie and Latte.
That's not to say there wasn't the fair share of Christmas drama, as Summer and Mason settle in to their lives together, and not all blasts from the past are welcome ones. It's a beautiful depiction of those insecurities we all have as a new relationship starts becoming really serious, but also how they can be overcome with the right person, and a whole heap of love.
It's a wonderful little read, really got me in the Christmas mood in the lead up to the big day! But I still want to know what happens next next! Not that I'm greedy for Summer and Mason or anything 😁
December 26, 2020
The Canal Boat Cafe Christmas Port Out and Starboard Home are actually two halves of one story. Loved the cozy vibes, all the delicious food, the fact it was set on canal boats which I’m intrigued by, and that one plot point involved a woman planning to propose to her boyfriend while another involved ornithology. I was frustrated at the end of the first book because it just stopped mid story. Luckily I could access the second straight away.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews