Rudolph the Red Velvet Cupcake

The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas #1

by Cressida McLaughlin

Hannah Swan is looking forward to Christmas for the first time in years. Not only have her squabbling family called a truce for once, her new job as an eco-consultant is taking her – and her geeky colleague, Noah – to the beautiful Cornish village of Porthgolow for the first time.
They’re are helping the Crystal Waters Hotel to ramp up its green credentials, though after a bumpy journey, Hannah can’t shake off the feeling that Porthgolow is strangely familiar…
Is Hannah about to get a lot more than she bargained for?

Genres: Romance, Christmas

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2020

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

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this series can't wait for next one

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall - 3.3/5
Story - 2.5/5
Writing - 3.5/5
Character - 3.5/5
Memorability - 3.5/5
Enjoyment - 3.5/5
Would I read again? No

Light and fluffy. I loved the setting - rugged Cornwall. A haunted hotel. An afternoon tea bus. Yes please! But the plot, and sub plots, didn't really hang together that well. Could have done with dropping at least one of them an investigating the others more closely. I can't deny I enjoyed myself though.

[Gemma Hayes · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes given the reviews. I don't want to bash this book too much, but it really wasn't for me. I felt that the characters had absolutely no depth, the relationship between Hannah and Noah was unfounded, the supposed 'flirting' was just conversation. There was minimal story line, with one of the main themes being Hannah feeling like she'd been to the village before on holiday. This was turned into part of the plot, with her acting like this was something to be kept secret, only to be swept away towards the end of the book with her simply saying, she must have gone there on holiday when they were little but there was nothing else to read into it... For me, her going somewhere on holiday when she was younger isn't dramatic or enough to keep me interested. The whole book was rushed and the ending wasn't an ending at all, with no clear croshendo or cliff hanger. It is certainly an easy read if that's what your after, but I wouldn't say it's a book you invest yourself in.

Edit: I later found this book in Sainsbury's. I had purchased it on my Kindle. The Kindle version was much shorter and when I flicked to the end of the copy in Sainsbury's, I hadn't read that part before. I assume mine was some kind of long sample, that I paid for... This may explain why I felt like there was no ending.

[Carole Hearn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this lovely book last night snd it was as the other 2 in the series absolutely beautiful. Well written and a beautiful setting in Cornwall. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the three other book in this series.

[Jenthe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping to enjoy the whole Cream Tea Bus Christmas book, but am giving up after 30%, which happens to be Part 1 / this first novella. The setting was cosy, but I just did not care about anything, and Hannah's preoccupation with her past holidays in Cornwall was weird.

[scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, light read for Christmas! Not what I'd have chosen for myself, but a good book all the same.

I found this book in a phone-box, and picked it up on a whim- but I'm glad I did! I loved the setting of the book- despite the storms and train disruption in the book, the town of Porthgolow seemed so warm and cheerful, especially with such welcoming characters. Setting it around Christmas time also helped to make the book very jolly and upbeat- especially as I'm reading it around Christmas!

The characters were also great- I didn't dislike one of them, which was an achievement for such a feel-good kind of book. There were a lot of cliches in the story-line, but that was to be expected- and I thought they tied in well to the characters themselves, so they didn't feel forced. I especially liked Hannah, as I think not only did she fit in well in Porthgolow, but her character arc and story-line was really interesting.

The plot itself was different to how I'd expected it to be- although not in a bad way. The story starts with Hannah going to Crystal Waters (a hotel) for work, only to become involved with all the locals and news of Porthgolow. She also gets closer to Noah, her work partner- but what made me like the book even more were the sub-plots. During the book (minor spoilers) we hear about how Hannah had visited Porthgolow before, as a child. The journey and doubt of wondering if there really was something that Hannah's mother was hiding was really intriguing to read. Similarly, the subplot about the hotel being haunted was also great, for the same reasons. Even though there were potentially darker themes being explored by the subplots, the main plot of Hannah and Noah's relationship kept the whole book cheerful and lighthearted.

All in all, if you enjoy a bit of light reading that isn't too complex to read, but still draws you in with it's interesting plot and amiable characters then this is the book for you. From what I've heard, there are also several other books in this series, so if you like this one there's always more you can read!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook.

Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read/listen to 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 first up, I am so very happy to be back in the picturesque Cornish village of Porthgolow and to be reacquainted with some of the previous characters (from the previous series in this ongoing book series set in Porthgolow) being Charlie, Daniel, Marmite and others that live in the village but it’s also been a delight getting to know the new characters of Hannah and Noah. What I also love it that we get a more in-depth look at the Crystal Waters hotel run by Daniel, as I think it is going to be featured quite a bit in this four part series given that’s where Hannah & Noel have come to do some work.

I’m a bit puzzled as to the title of this part one book though, being Rudolph the Red Velvet Cupcake, as there was no mention of red velvet cupcakes anywhere in the story lols. Not that it ruined anything for me. I did however love the sound of Charlie’s mince pie scones with brandy butter, yummy, I’d definitely order one of those if I ever had the pleasure of visiting Gertie the cream tea bus 😊.

Anyway, enough said for now, as it’s time to delve straight into part two of the series. Can’t wait to see how things progress with the story and especially between Hannah and Noah.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, I hadn't realised though that it was part one of four parts!!! It got to a delicious cliff hanger (literally as they were about to negotiate the cliff walk in a dangerous storm) and I wasn't expecting it to end! I very quickly downloaded the next 3 in the series as well as the Cornish Tea bus books! I have a feeling this is going to become a firm favourite.

I loved everything about it, the description of the Crystal Spa Hotel, I felt I was there. The relationship of Hannah and Noah, I'm intrigued as to what the problems are that are arising. The whole premise of a bus that hosts cream teas, the gorgeous small town of Porthgalow and the mystery of Hannahs history with the town. I can't wait to see where it all leads!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This did not dissapoint in the slightest. We became acquainted with newcomers Hannah & Noah in this mini series who are in Porthgolow on business, but what secrets are they both hiding? Gertie's back in business festooned for Christmas in another fabulous mini series, along with mentions of spooks! Book 2 was released 20 minutes ago & I cant wait to get stuck in 🎅🏻 🚍

[Amanda Weatherley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive Escapism

I enjoyed this, my first book by Cressida. I wanted a Christmas book to read over the Festive period and saw a recommendation for this one online so thought I'd give it a go. The first part of the Cornish Cream Tea Christmas was just the perfect easy reading experience I was looking for. Already looking forward to part 2,3 and 4.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read from Cress McLaughlin. It's lovely to meet Daniel and Charlie in Porthgolow again with Gertie the Cream Tea Bus, and the new characters, Hannah and Noah seem interesting - both of them with secrets yet to share. Mix in a sprinkle of Christmas and it's another 5star read.

[Hen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending felt a bit rushef unfortunately. I waa waiting for another chapter.
Apart from that, lovely and sweet quick read. I bought this after reading the cornish cream tea bus series and loving it 😊

[Sarah Baines · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

This is a good start to The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas. I'm glad to be back in Porthgolow. In fact I like it so much, I may just move there!! Seriously though, I love these books but all the yummy good descriptions make me so hungry!! On to Part two!

[Sarah Burridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual style of book but lovely story line can't wait to read the next instalment

[Claire Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas book. Felt like I wanted to visit Cornwall after reading it.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving being back in Cornwall Hannah and Noah, Daniel and Charley onto part two xx

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drags on, gave up on it.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great Christmas read.......Christmas, Cornwall, food, dogs, a bit of mystery and some romance - what's not to enjoy? :)

[Elizabeth Dewfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the ghost and especially Spirit I enjoy series that introduce new characters while not forgetting the original ones look forward to the next one

[Bekha Youmans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading the first part of the Cornish cream tea bus Christmas book, I fell in love with the Cornish island from the beginning and excited to see where the relationship of the main characters leads

[Tracey Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part one of a new Cornish Cream Tea series, a spin off from the Cornish Cream Tea Bus. This book started off in Edinburgh at Waverley Station which was a nice introduction and the main character ends up staying in the Hotel which has been mentioned in the previous 2 series for work. as i said before i love anything set in Cornwall and this was a nice start to the series. She meets a work colleague at the station in Newquay and this is the basis of the 4 books (will they/wont they).