The Eclair Affair

The Cornish Cream Tea Bus #2

by Cressida McLaughlin

Part Two of the charming new series from the author of The Canal Boat Cafe. Perfect for cake lovers and old-fashioned romantics!

‘Captivating’ Heat Magazine ‘Beautiful… heartwarming’ Zara Stoneley ‘A wonderful ray of reading sunshine’ Heidi Swain

Charlie’s unveils her signature bake…
Charlie and Marmite finally arrive in the picture-postcard Cornish village of Porthgolow in thier vintage Routemaster bus. Not everything is as it seems and Charlie’s friend, Juliette, tells her about the owner of the big hotel up on the hill who has managed to upset the locals. That doesn’t stop Charlie and Marmite making new friends and the bus finds a new lease of life as the perfect mobile café for afternoon tea. But what will Charlie make of the enigmatic Daniel Harper when they meet, and more to the point, what will he think about Charlie and her bus parked outside his lovely hotel?

Genres: Chick Lit

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2019

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

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part 2 of a new 4-part series from Cressida McLaughlin and she's onto another winner!

I thoroughly enjoyed part 1 and this latest instalment was another amusing and light-hearted read that flowed so well.

Charlie is bequeathed a vintage bus following the death of her uncle and partly to keep his memory alive and partly out of sheer determination she decides to turn it into a bus cafe, this has carried results but Charlie is so determined, I love her grit.

I can predict how the story goes and we got a little closer in this part to a new romance, Daniel is my new literary crush and I'm so excited to read more about these 2 and their Porthgolow escapades!

My many thanks to Harper Collins UK (HarperFiction) for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of a 4 part book series, been wanting to read this set of books for ages. Note to readers, you can either read this as a 4 part book series like I’m going to or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts should you prefer to read it in that format.

So second book was pretty enjoyable, lots more happening. Gertie the bus made her debut festival and it was a good one. The festival sounded great, so much so that I wish I’d been there for real, experiencing it myself and sampling all the yummy sounding food.

So Charlie may not want love/romance to be on the cards or even looking for it, but it’s certainly found her, in the name of two very different guys, Oliver and Daniel. It’s a given she’ll end up with one of them by end of the series but which one, time will tell I guess. I was so very jealous of Charlie and Daniel’s hot tub scene, would love to have been in that hot tub, lol.

Right heading straight into book 3.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this so much, have been waiting for the second part to see where Charlie and Daniel go from here, it was well worth the wait , as always great level of humour, I love Charlie’s friendship with Juliette. The characters are just so warm and lovely. But oh my god each part ends far too quickly and I need the next part and it’s not here yet ! Argh, brilliantly addictive, you will devour in one sitting and need the need like just like the book junkie that I am. Another fabulous instalment from Cressida.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as the second part of The Cornish Cream Tea Bus became available, I downloaded it and started to read, still remembering how nice the first part was and looking forward to meet Charlie and Marmite and their new friends again, and see what the people of Porthgolow are to do with her fresh ideas to bring a little life to this coastal village.

Charlie is settling in Porthgolow, even though she was initially supposed to stay there for a few weeks, and not for a few months. She's determined to make a name for herself but also to wake Portholow up, and so she'd like to organise Porthgolow Food Fest, inviting some of the best food trucks. And when she sets her mind on something, there is nothing stopping her. Or is there? Like some unwilling residents?

So. This short story. As usual, so colourfully, vividly written, and Cressida McLaughlin brings the place so easily to life. I loved the descriptions of the food festival and then the fire on the beach, they were beautifully and gorgeously written. Of course, the food sounds DE - LI - CIOUS, all the cream teas mentioned, cakes but also all kind of other goodies.

The more I get to know Charlie, the more I like her. She's determined, consequent and also stubborn, but she wouldn't achieve this what she has achieved till now without being stubborn, right? She has only good intentions and she gives always her best. The romance aspect that is looming on the horizon is also lovely and right now I can't tell you in which direction is going to go, which is a great feeling as I love surprises! I have my favourite here already and I'm so curious if my gut feeling is right again.

I can't wait for the next instalment, as we are - again! Again! - left on a cliff-hanger, with Charlie facing many decisions. Cressida McLaughlin has such a great way with words, and I adored this lovely, warm and welcoming story. Recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is more settled into her Cornish life, The cream tea bus is proving a popular attraction, and Charlie wants the village to realise its full potential Her latest foody idea is received with mixed emotions, but does introduce the prospect of romance into her life, but is she ready for it?

The characters are complex and realistic, the possibility of a love triangle is suggested in ‘The Eclair affair, and Charlie meets another of Porthgolow’s residents, who has a surprising if reticent insight into to Daniel’s motivations. There is also the hint of someone messing with Charlie’s plans, but who, and the motivation for this, are still a mystery.

An absorbing, quick read, which leaves you wanting more. Set in a delightfully quirky Cornish coastal village.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I enjoyed part one I was eagerly awaiting the release of the second instalment and I have to say that I enjoyed it just as much!

I thought that it was a good continuation story flowed well, I really enjoyed the author’s writing style too and I am now really looking forward to reading part 3 when it is released!

It is another 5 star review for me, very highly recommended and such an enjoyable series!

[Katey Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh, things are hotting up for Charlie! Loved the scene at the spa and my crush on Daniel is coming along nicely. Such a fabulous summer read - can't wait for book three!

[Akhila Ganti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fun and easy-flowing nature of the story continues and we understand Charlie's strength and endurance better. Though she sometimes second guesses, she is still open to taking the plunge.
In that regard, a very unique friendship develops between Charlie and Daniel - which follows a sinusoidal pattern, sometimes good but at times bad.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankfully the time between finishing part one of Cressida McLaughlin's new series, The Cornish Cream Tea Bus, and being able to read part two The Éclair Affair was very brief. As soon as part two was available I couldn't wait to dive in and it didn't linger for long on my Kindle. Charlie Quilter is settling into her new surroundings in the Cornish coastal village of Porthgolow and we more or less pick up where the introductory part left off. I simply adored part one and the Éclair Affair was just as good.

We know a little bit about Charlie but I think there is still lots more to be revealed and her ambition and courage really shine through here. She is determined to continue the legacy of her Uncle Hal and to not let him down. She is a person that once she has made a promise, she really does stick to it and sees things right through to the bitter end. The focus on this part of the story was on establishing the Porthgolow Food Fest. One might think why had Charlie such energy and enthusiasm in getting Porthgolow back on the map? Well she could see its potential and like this reader she had fallen in love with the area and didn't wish to see it slowly fall apart due to lack of tourism.

Porthgolow is a special place and the way the author describes the village and the surrounding areas makes you instantly feel like you are there alongside Charlie and all the various characters she encounters. Charlie has her own personal issues to deal with but she views breathing new life into the village as being her main objective. If she can do this it will also help her with her own healing and she feels she will be doing good for the village which desperately needs the help even if there are a few unwilling residents. The village has become forlorn and unloved but it has plenty of potential.

Charlie's plan to revitalise the village really gets going and she is decisive and resolute that one way of going about this is establishing the Food Fest on the beach with lots of food trucks there with her pride and joy Gertie, the double decker route master she inherited, at its centre where she serves delicious cream teas as well as many other tempting treats. Given the title of each part features a pun to do with cakes, of course cakes and other goodies have to be mentioned and my mouth was watering whilst reading. SO much so I wish I could have attended the festival.

Nothing comes easy for Charlie and she doesn't want to let the village down so she persists in her quest and I admired her for this. She is a brilliantly written character with nothing but good intentions and when faced with opposition she finds ways to work around it. I also loved the simmering tension of romance bubbling away with her, it's almost like she has gotten herself in a little love triangle. This aspect of the storyline isn't the sole focus instead I think it balances nicely with her main goal of the festival. Oliver from The Marauding Mojito cocktail truck is calm, kind and a safe bet in my eyes. He was there in a supportive role for Charlie and they had a lovely friendship but was he the safe bet and was Charlie leading him to think things could develop into something more? As for Daniel who runs the luxury hotel nearby which everyone feels is threatening the village. People believe he is taking away the tourists and offering so much that they can't possibly compete.

Daniel really was an enigma. I don't think he ever revealed too much about himself but then saying that some of his actions in this story surprised me because he did things that wouldn't have been expected of him given his reputation. I loved the tension between himself and Charlie, they seemed to constantly rub each other up the wrong way but that was more to do with preconceived opinions of each other and the lack of communication and the willingness to work with instead of against each other. Compromise is a word that springs to mind and I think Charlie could apply this to both her personal and professional life. There were numerous humorous moments dotted through the story which added fun and laughter. Marmite, Charlie's Yorkipoo, just watch out for her antics.

All in all this was another fantastic read and one which I enjoyed very much. Charlie is facing many decisions when we leave her and she has to ask herself can she risk the possibility of her heart being broken again but as she always remember Uncle Hal saying 'live life to the full, you only get one chance' but what happens if she can't transform the village, will she cut the ties that bind her there and run? Part Three Scones Away will be with us in early July and I am eager to continue reading Charlie's story.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Quilter arrives in Cornwall, in Gertie, a vintage Routemaster bus left to her when her uncle Hal died. The bus has been jazzed up and now cream teas are being sold from it. Charlie plans, against much local opposition and suspicion, to hold a Food festival, determined that the local businesses and community will get a badly needed boost from the festival goers.
Throw in a handsome, distant man of mystery in the form of Daniel, the owner of a spa, as well as Oliver, from the Marauding Mojito wagon, and there’s definitely romance in the air.
Having loved Cressida’s previous novel, The Canal Boat Cafe, I was really looking forward to this new book. It’s a very easy summery read, the descriptions of Cornwall made me think about booking a holiday in the area, but I was a bit disappointed in some of the text. It felt a bit lacking in description at times, I was left wanting more.
I’m not keen on my fiction reading in instalments but if it was good enough for Charles Dickens.... I look forward to reading the concluding chapters

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie and Marmite her yorkiepoo are back and setting up the Portgollow food festival to help raise the areas profile and make their businesses a success as she runs her Cornish Cream Tea Bus.



As she reunites with Oliver from The Marauding Mojito, Daniel invites her to the spa after her opens up about helping and failing to give her friend a job.



So on enough she has a choice to make and to address her feelings, safe Oliver but sexy and risky choice Daniel, who'll she realise her feelings for?



I love this story and read it in one sitting as soon as it was available I was that excited! The chemistry between the characters is building nicely and the business is helping the area slowly but hopefully surely, the book is light and fun romance which is as sweet as the cream tea's and eclairs I'm imagining being served on board!



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved part 1 of the Cornish Cream Tea Bus series, and was very excited to be able to read an early edition of part 2 of the series via Netgalley.
The second part of the series is about the Food Festival that Charlie organises, despite opposition from some of the residents. Charlie now has a fully functioning tea shop on her bus, and she is trying to make a success of her business.
I absolutely loved this book, the only downside is that I have is that I have finished reading it and now I have to impatiently wait for the next part to come out. I can't wait, I'm really looking forward to reading it and finding out what happens next

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

After speeding through part one of this book and loving it, I couldn’t wait to read part two and was not disappointed! I even finished reading it in one afternoon!!
Charlie has inherited a run down vintage Routemaster bus and cannot wait to turn it into a ‘Cream Tea Experience’. She ends up visiting and staying with a friend who is living in Porthgolow, Cornwall and from there she launches her Tea Bus Venture.
I loved the authors style of writing and the way in which she sets a scene is beautiful.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment and find out what happens to Charlie and the residents of the beautiful Porthgolow.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part 2 of the serialisation of The Cornish Cream Tea Bus. I would recommend reading all four parts in order as they do all follow on from each other, or you could just read the entire full book in one go! We pick up Charlie's story and she's now staying with friends in the pretty Cornish seaside village of Porthgolow. She's in the process of getting Gertie, her old London bus which she herited from her Uncle Hal, all spruced up, but can Charlie win around the locals as easily? This is such a delightful read and as it's nice and short I finished it so quickly, all ready to move on to the next part of Charlie's story. Would definitely recommend!!

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I eagerly awaited part two of the Cornish cream tea bus, Charlie and Daniels relationship continues to develop and I can’t wait to see how it evolves!
Gertie the bus continues to go from strength to strength and the weekly foodie markets despite much misgivings are thriving and bringing much needed revenue into porthgolow, excited to see what happens in part three!

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part two in this four part series, which will eventually make up The Cornish Cream Tea Bus. I am really enjoying the writing style, the secondary characters (especially Marmite) and seeing how Charlie is trying to rebuild her life after a breakup and family death. The descriptions bring to life the sleepy Cornish village and make me want to while a way a day watching the waves.

[Karen Larvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely story

I have read nearly all of Cressida McLaughlins books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. She has a way of making you feel part of the story, as though you are there with the characters but they can't see you. Just about to read book 3 of The Cornish Tea Bus books - and they don't disappoint.

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I did love this book, the descriptions of Cornwall, Marmite the little Yorkipoo and the characters in general BUT. Yes, there's a but. For some reason Charlie did annoy me a bit in this one. It seemed to me like she wafted in to Porthgolow and then tried to force her ideas onto the locals!!
Brilliant book though.

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tea Bus takes off.

As life in the Cornish Cream Tea Bus moves at a pace, life outside it is also making strides. The village becomes a hive of activity, but not everyone is happy.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eclair affair by Cressida McLaughlin.
A fantastic feel good read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Daniel is warming up to me. I really liked Oliver. Charlie is still my favourite character. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.

[Clare Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for the chance of read this book.

The second instalment of Charlie’s adventures on her Cornish cream tea bus. Can organising a food market get porthgolow thriving again.

Can’t wait to read the third installment.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the series following the cream tea bus. Charlie is settling in and making new friends and there is a hint of romance possibly in the air. Cressida always creates such wonderful characters and settings that you find yourself desperate to read the next in the series.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two out of four and continues to be brilliant. More cakes! More beautiful scenery! More Gertie! Also the start of what could be a beautiful romance (or two). Must read this summer - or any time.

Thank you Netgalley

[Bekha Youmans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

Another fantastic read from Cressida! Love the story of the cream tea bus and how inspiration is found from corners all over Cornwall. Can’t wait to see the relationship of Daniel and Charlie develop and see where the cream tea bus goes next

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amusing, captivating, heartwarming are three of the ways to describe these little gems. Love them, love the story. Book three anyone....🍰🍨🍵🍪🍩

[Nicola (Not Just Books) Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect summer read. How can you go wrong reading about hot tubs, quiet beaches and Cornish cream teas. Escapism at its best.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second book of the four about The Cornish Cream Tea Bus and all the characters associated with it. I can't wait for book number three to become available to download.

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving this series

[MRS CHRISTINE SITTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first one I couldn't put this one down.

So nice and relaxing. Can't wait for part 3. Can visualise the bus in all its glory by the beach

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab installment. Will they? Won't they? Bit of a love story. A mysterious local woman. Cream teas. Cornish beaches. What is there not to like. Bring on part three.