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The Cornish Cream Tea Novels #5
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea: The perfect heart-warming and romantic Christmas romance (The Cornish Cream Tea series)
Can she spread Christmas cheer in Cornwall this year?
All Meredith Verren has ever wanted is to escape the holiday season without having to wear a Christmas jumper. Her new job at the cosy gift shop in a picturesque Cornish tourist spot is making it impossible for her to maintain her scrooge-like manner.
With their seasonal hampers on everyone’s wish list, Meredith must paste on a smile and fake some holiday cheer. Then she meets handsome new arrival, Finn, who wishes it could be Christmas every day and wants her to feel the same way too.
Can she embrace the holly and the ivy before the decorations are packed away for another year?
All Meredith Verren has ever wanted is to escape the holiday season without having to wear a Christmas jumper. Her new job at the cosy gift shop in a picturesque Cornish tourist spot is making it impossible for her to maintain her scrooge-like manner.
With their seasonal hampers on everyone’s wish list, Meredith must paste on a smile and fake some holiday cheer. Then she meets handsome new arrival, Finn, who wishes it could be Christmas every day and wants her to feel the same way too.
Can she embrace the holly and the ivy before the decorations are packed away for another year?
372 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
79 people are currently reading
719 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 - 30 of 193 reviews
December 17, 2022
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
If Cressida McLaughlin and her ‘Cream Tea bus’ series has been on your radar for a while, then look no further. No only can this festive book be read now… it’s Christmas! But you can also dive in here straight away as this is a pure, standalone novel that has the merest of connections to the previous books. Set by the Cornish coast, you will be whisked away on chilly seas to a wonderful coastal village that seems full of the magic that I have come to anticipate from McLaughlin.
If Cressida McLaughlin and her ‘Cream Tea bus’ series has been on your radar for a while, then look no further. No only can this festive book be read now… it’s Christmas! But you can also dive in here straight away as this is a pure, standalone novel that has the merest of connections to the previous books. Set by the Cornish coast, you will be whisked away on chilly seas to a wonderful coastal village that seems full of the magic that I have come to anticipate from McLaughlin.
January 29, 2022
This was 5star material up until the 3rd act conflict, which annoyed me, but was then resolved beautifully. So because I enjoyed the rest of it, and because the audiobook, 4.5 stars.
November 13, 2021
I absolutely adored this book, and there is a lot to love about this rather Christmassy tale.
There are small things like the references Emma makes every time she talks to the choir she leads that made me smile, as they are linked, but I'll leave it you to work out what I'm going on about. Then there are big romantic gestures, directions the story goes in that enhances it but were rather unexpected, and a wonderful awakening of the Christmas spirit in Meredith.
For fans of The Cornish Cream Tea series, like I am, be aware this is set just down the coast from Porthgolow, in another small Cornish town, and there is only a small cameo from Charlie. It is in fact a whole new story, which does feature cream Tea hampers, but from the shop Meredith works in Cornish Keepsakes and not from the Cornish Cream Tea Bus. Despite being the fifth book in the series it does as a result work completely as a standalone novel. However I would have loved to see more from the characters I was expecting.
But that is my only slight disappointment with the book, and once I checked the blurb, and realised that it was clearly separate, I stopped thinking about that, and moved onto just thoroughly enjoying this new book instead.
Everything else was utter brilliance, I loved the interactions between Meredith and Finn, I loved Anisha, Meredith's best friend, and the massive all town Christmas plans they come up with. Despite Meredith normally doing her best to avoid all things Christmas. And Finn is gorgeous and has the gift of the gab, plus he loves Christmas and even offers to be Meredith's reindeer for some VIP hamper delivering.
I loved seeing how both of them developed over the course of the book, and indeed the Christmassy level of the book ramp up as it proceeded.
This is a lovely warm and cozy book, that kept me on my toes, packs in a large amount of story and development, plus Christmas, and left me feeling emotional but very much smiling and happy too.
If you love books set in Cornwall, featuring Christmas, small beagle puppies, handsome men, a large amount of Christmas music and a whole lotta festive feeling then this is a fabulous book and highly recommended for you.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
There are small things like the references Emma makes every time she talks to the choir she leads that made me smile, as they are linked, but I'll leave it you to work out what I'm going on about. Then there are big romantic gestures, directions the story goes in that enhances it but were rather unexpected, and a wonderful awakening of the Christmas spirit in Meredith.
For fans of The Cornish Cream Tea series, like I am, be aware this is set just down the coast from Porthgolow, in another small Cornish town, and there is only a small cameo from Charlie. It is in fact a whole new story, which does feature cream Tea hampers, but from the shop Meredith works in Cornish Keepsakes and not from the Cornish Cream Tea Bus. Despite being the fifth book in the series it does as a result work completely as a standalone novel. However I would have loved to see more from the characters I was expecting.
But that is my only slight disappointment with the book, and once I checked the blurb, and realised that it was clearly separate, I stopped thinking about that, and moved onto just thoroughly enjoying this new book instead.
Everything else was utter brilliance, I loved the interactions between Meredith and Finn, I loved Anisha, Meredith's best friend, and the massive all town Christmas plans they come up with. Despite Meredith normally doing her best to avoid all things Christmas. And Finn is gorgeous and has the gift of the gab, plus he loves Christmas and even offers to be Meredith's reindeer for some VIP hamper delivering.
I loved seeing how both of them developed over the course of the book, and indeed the Christmassy level of the book ramp up as it proceeded.
This is a lovely warm and cozy book, that kept me on my toes, packs in a large amount of story and development, plus Christmas, and left me feeling emotional but very much smiling and happy too.
If you love books set in Cornwall, featuring Christmas, small beagle puppies, handsome men, a large amount of Christmas music and a whole lotta festive feeling then this is a fabulous book and highly recommended for you.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 4, 2023
I was excited to discover I had somehow missed a book in the Cornish Cream Tea series, as I’ve enjoyed the other books I’ve read. Unfortunately, this didn’t work for me as well as the rest of the series. Typically, I like the heroine and hero of these books, but I didn’t warm to the heroine for a long time, and the hero remained an enigma for too long.
It’s a bit hard to describe the plot of the book, but it all revolves around preparations for Christmas. Meredith, our heroine, moved to Port Karadow in Cornwall a year ago to run Cornish Keepsakes, a local gift shop. One of the first things we know about Meredith is that she hates Christmas for some unknown reason. So of course, since this is set in November through December, she has many opportunities to exhibit her dislike, from being roped into delivering Christmas hampers for VIP friends of the shop’s owner to singing Christmas carols in a local choir, to having her neighbor display too many lights too early.
The hero, Finn, is much more of an enigma. He’s supposedly a visitor to the village, there for an unspecified amount of time. Meredith bumps into him repeatedly, and eventually he comes across as almost stalkerish (although knowing he’s the hero precludes this from being a true worry). A bigger problem with Finn is neither we nor Meredith learn much about him for a long time. In fact, at one point Meredith thinks, “… And once again he’d deflected her questions with a joke. He wanted to keep himself at arm’s length, while finding out everything about her.” (loc 1231-1233). Part-way through the book Meredith, and everyone else finds out who Finn really is. I thought the signs were pretty obvious. And then just when their relationship seems to be taking off, we have an unnecessary big conflict about ¾ of the way through. It just seemed unnecessary.
I had waited to read this book for a few weeks after discovering it, wanting to give myself something “special” to look forward to. While not awful, it just wasn’t up to my expectations for the series. I warmed to the story and to the characters around the halfway point, but truthfully, it’s only because I’ve liked the author’s other books that I stuck with it that long. I’d give it a C-/C, so three stars here.
It’s a bit hard to describe the plot of the book, but it all revolves around preparations for Christmas. Meredith, our heroine, moved to Port Karadow in Cornwall a year ago to run Cornish Keepsakes, a local gift shop. One of the first things we know about Meredith is that she hates Christmas for some unknown reason. So of course, since this is set in November through December, she has many opportunities to exhibit her dislike, from being roped into delivering Christmas hampers for VIP friends of the shop’s owner to singing Christmas carols in a local choir, to having her neighbor display too many lights too early.
The hero, Finn, is much more of an enigma. He’s supposedly a visitor to the village, there for an unspecified amount of time. Meredith bumps into him repeatedly, and eventually he comes across as almost stalkerish (although knowing he’s the hero precludes this from being a true worry). A bigger problem with Finn is neither we nor Meredith learn much about him for a long time. In fact, at one point Meredith thinks, “… And once again he’d deflected her questions with a joke. He wanted to keep himself at arm’s length, while finding out everything about her.” (loc 1231-1233). Part-way through the book Meredith, and everyone else finds out who Finn really is. I thought the signs were pretty obvious. And then just when their relationship seems to be taking off, we have an unnecessary big conflict about ¾ of the way through. It just seemed unnecessary.
I had waited to read this book for a few weeks after discovering it, wanting to give myself something “special” to look forward to. While not awful, it just wasn’t up to my expectations for the series. I warmed to the story and to the characters around the halfway point, but truthfully, it’s only because I’ve liked the author’s other books that I stuck with it that long. I’d give it a C-/C, so three stars here.
November 5, 2022
I absolutely loved this book.
Such a lovely festive read with a slight hint of sadness behind it. I love this series and this one is like a hug in a mug. Great characters and a beautiful setting. I have read the previous books in this series but this works well as a standalone read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Such a lovely festive read with a slight hint of sadness behind it. I love this series and this one is like a hug in a mug. Great characters and a beautiful setting. I have read the previous books in this series but this works well as a standalone read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
December 6, 2022
I love a bit of warm, cosy festive cheesiness and this is it!
December 1, 2021
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea is the fifth book in Cressida McLaughlin's Cornish Cream Tea series. Meredith Verren works in the gift shop, Cornish Keepsakes, in the picturesque Cornish tourist town of Port Karadow. Although Meredith loves her job she's not keen on Christmas and everything it brings, but will that change with the arrival of Finn?
This is a tale packed to the rafters with glitter, cosiness and festive cheer. There are twinkly lights, parades, carol singing, gingerbread baking, parties and celebrations galore so if you are a tad bah humbug, consider yourself warned! If you adore Christmas or just want to get in the mood this would be a perfect choice for you. You may wish you were spending Christmas at Port Karadow by the end. Community spirit, family and friendship are prominent in this evocative and sweet story. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HarperCollins via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is a tale packed to the rafters with glitter, cosiness and festive cheer. There are twinkly lights, parades, carol singing, gingerbread baking, parties and celebrations galore so if you are a tad bah humbug, consider yourself warned! If you adore Christmas or just want to get in the mood this would be a perfect choice for you. You may wish you were spending Christmas at Port Karadow by the end. Community spirit, family and friendship are prominent in this evocative and sweet story. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HarperCollins via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 27, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review.
After finishing this book I felt like I'd been enveloped in a warm hug. It really hits you in the festive feels, with a well written story, tinged with sadness, but that holds so much humour and joy. There are fabulous characters to fall in love with (I'd very much like my own Finn please!)
This is my first book by Cressida - but I certainly hope it won't be my last! This is the 5th book in the Cornish cream tea series - but it works fantastically well as a stand alone. I loved it.
After finishing this book I felt like I'd been enveloped in a warm hug. It really hits you in the festive feels, with a well written story, tinged with sadness, but that holds so much humour and joy. There are fabulous characters to fall in love with (I'd very much like my own Finn please!)
This is my first book by Cressida - but I certainly hope it won't be my last! This is the 5th book in the Cornish cream tea series - but it works fantastically well as a stand alone. I loved it.
May 27, 2023
If a trip to Cornwall at Christmas time is just what you are looking for to get in the Christmas spirit, then look no further than Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea. Cressida’s book is overflowing with all things Christmas and humbugs and grinches sure to find themselves swaying to all the festive cheer.
‘Her problem with Christmas was that there was so much of it. So many gifts and trinkets, sparkles and embellishments, that the meaning, the thoughtfulness, got lost amongst the sheer excess of it all. It was a celebration that Meredith thought had lost its soul, and over the years her dislike had turned into a genuine aversion.’
This tale surely has it all - carols, cooking, decorations, hampers, lights, parades, baking and celebrations for one and all! Cressida delivers bucket loads of everything we need to fire up and be ready for the big day. Add in some romance, village love with family and friends and this is a tale that can do no wrong.
‘I panicked! This is what Christmas does to you! There’s all this expectation, this stupid need to be bright and sparkly, to help people out and not have any weak moments, to say yes to everything because you know everyone’s stressed and you have to be as stressed as them or you’re not good enough.’
I love that it even digs a little deeper with Cressida addressing those that struggle at this time of year due perhaps to loss, grief or family separation. She allows both lead characters wonderful journeys where they are encouraged to pursue their dreams beyond this festive season. There is much more to this particular tale than just bright, shiny Christmas lights. This is, of course, part of The Cornish Cream Tea series, however, it is a complete new story in a different Cornish village - a definite standalone book.
‘… she’d had time to consider it this year, that you didn’t have to follow any rules for how you celebrated Christmas. You could have it exactly as you wanted.’
I adore books set in Cornwall and what could be better than to include Christmas! So make yourself a nice cuppa and settle in for all the festive feels! It even addresses a common discussion in our home:
‘What about your Dad and Die Hard? Is it a Christmas tradition that you try and make him watch it and he puts on It’s a Wonderful Life instead?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘Her problem with Christmas was that there was so much of it. So many gifts and trinkets, sparkles and embellishments, that the meaning, the thoughtfulness, got lost amongst the sheer excess of it all. It was a celebration that Meredith thought had lost its soul, and over the years her dislike had turned into a genuine aversion.’
This tale surely has it all - carols, cooking, decorations, hampers, lights, parades, baking and celebrations for one and all! Cressida delivers bucket loads of everything we need to fire up and be ready for the big day. Add in some romance, village love with family and friends and this is a tale that can do no wrong.
‘I panicked! This is what Christmas does to you! There’s all this expectation, this stupid need to be bright and sparkly, to help people out and not have any weak moments, to say yes to everything because you know everyone’s stressed and you have to be as stressed as them or you’re not good enough.’
I love that it even digs a little deeper with Cressida addressing those that struggle at this time of year due perhaps to loss, grief or family separation. She allows both lead characters wonderful journeys where they are encouraged to pursue their dreams beyond this festive season. There is much more to this particular tale than just bright, shiny Christmas lights. This is, of course, part of The Cornish Cream Tea series, however, it is a complete new story in a different Cornish village - a definite standalone book.
‘… she’d had time to consider it this year, that you didn’t have to follow any rules for how you celebrated Christmas. You could have it exactly as you wanted.’
I adore books set in Cornwall and what could be better than to include Christmas! So make yourself a nice cuppa and settle in for all the festive feels! It even addresses a common discussion in our home:
‘What about your Dad and Die Hard? Is it a Christmas tradition that you try and make him watch it and he puts on It’s a Wonderful Life instead?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 5, 2021
I am a crazed Cressida superfan so any time there is a book release by her it feels like Christmas to me! Book 5 in the Cornish Cream Tea series is titled Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea and has a festive cover to swoon over and will make the prefect stocking filler this Christmas.
Our heroine this time is Meredith who lives in a Cornish village working in a Cornish gift shop and is less than a fan of Christmas due to memories that she carries with her of a past Christmas. But as the shop is gearing up for the season Meredith can’t escape the festivities but can the help of the delightful newcome Finn get Meredith to begin to embrace the festive spirit and create new heartwarming feelings for Christmas?
Cressida really does have a skill at creating idyllic villages with endearing characters and this book is no exception. Meredith touched my heart and I loved following her every step of the way as she slowly began to open her heart and embrace the festivities. Finn was also such a loveable gentleman who brought a touch of romance to this sweet storyline.
There is only a brief mention of Charlie and our much loved Cream Tea Bus which some may find surprising but before you get a chance to be disappointed you are swept up in this festive romance with a wonderful community and friendship that keeps the series fresh and exciting. I hope future books in the series will see our characters merge together as they compliment each other. Easily read as a standalone so do not feel like you have to go back and read the first books in the series however you are COMPLETELY missing out on a fabulous series if you don’t!
This book has certainly got me in the Christmas spirits with its gift making, carol singing and gingerbread making all tied up in a bow, definitely another cracker by this author.
Our heroine this time is Meredith who lives in a Cornish village working in a Cornish gift shop and is less than a fan of Christmas due to memories that she carries with her of a past Christmas. But as the shop is gearing up for the season Meredith can’t escape the festivities but can the help of the delightful newcome Finn get Meredith to begin to embrace the festive spirit and create new heartwarming feelings for Christmas?
Cressida really does have a skill at creating idyllic villages with endearing characters and this book is no exception. Meredith touched my heart and I loved following her every step of the way as she slowly began to open her heart and embrace the festivities. Finn was also such a loveable gentleman who brought a touch of romance to this sweet storyline.
There is only a brief mention of Charlie and our much loved Cream Tea Bus which some may find surprising but before you get a chance to be disappointed you are swept up in this festive romance with a wonderful community and friendship that keeps the series fresh and exciting. I hope future books in the series will see our characters merge together as they compliment each other. Easily read as a standalone so do not feel like you have to go back and read the first books in the series however you are COMPLETELY missing out on a fabulous series if you don’t!
This book has certainly got me in the Christmas spirits with its gift making, carol singing and gingerbread making all tied up in a bow, definitely another cracker by this author.
December 1, 2021
Before I'd even opened the book I knew this was going to be a five star review, I've loved every one of Cressida's Cornish Cream Tea books & just knew this wouldn't let me down or disappoint.
Full of festive feels, this was a heartwarming, snuggle up read that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.
I love Cressida's writing style, her books are always a dream to read, the characters are like old friends & I so want to move to Cornwall right now!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Check out my Bookstagram to see my author spotlight on Cressida McLaughlin @ www.instagram.com/staceywh_17
Full of festive feels, this was a heartwarming, snuggle up read that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.
I love Cressida's writing style, her books are always a dream to read, the characters are like old friends & I so want to move to Cornwall right now!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Check out my Bookstagram to see my author spotlight on Cressida McLaughlin @ www.instagram.com/staceywh_17
February 11, 2022
I couldn’t wait to read this last one in the series but you could easily read it as a stand alone book it’s full of Christmas and learning to love the season again and also plenty about romance to.
Meredith doesn’t enjoy Christmas at all and she wants to escape the season as much as she can but will this work. She has a new job in a cosy gift shop in Cornwall she is making seasonal hampers and she’s pasting on the happy face to sell them. But she meets the wonderful Fin and he just loves Christmas and soon wants her feeling the same way will they end up celebrating together and enjoying the season or not.
Meredith doesn’t enjoy Christmas at all and she wants to escape the season as much as she can but will this work. She has a new job in a cosy gift shop in Cornwall she is making seasonal hampers and she’s pasting on the happy face to sell them. But she meets the wonderful Fin and he just loves Christmas and soon wants her feeling the same way will they end up celebrating together and enjoying the season or not.
December 12, 2021
I really struggled with this book I have read and enjoyed the previous Cornish cream tea books but this just did not work for me
I found the story very slow and I did not warm to any of the characters
I found the story very slow and I did not warm to any of the characters
October 21, 2021
A trip to Cornwall at Christmas time is just what I needed. This book is full of Christmassy cheer even if Meredith is unsure of where her Christmas spirit is. Her adventures with Finn to try and recapture the magic were wonderful, and as in the other Cornish Cream Tea stories Cressida McLaughlin has written the perfect mix of fun, romance and of course the seaside.
December 31, 2025
3.5*
Now, I have previously read a Christmas book by this author and absolutely loved it, so I returned for some more.
Sadly this one did not work as well for me. I just really couldn't connect with the main character, the way she acted and talked to her love interest really wasn't for me. The tone was off and her attitude was one that I just couldn't get invested in.
The other characters didn't add too much to the mix all for the same-ish reasons.
The setting could have packed more of a punch and it wasn't Christmassy enough for me.
I felt that the main bond which they ended up sharing due to what happened at the beginning(no spoilers) and how it came to light later, was the only thing I really enjoyed and I thought this was very sweet. This was done very well.
All in all, It would not put me off reading more from this author, I highly recommend reading The Cornish cream tea Christmas!
Now, I have previously read a Christmas book by this author and absolutely loved it, so I returned for some more.
Sadly this one did not work as well for me. I just really couldn't connect with the main character, the way she acted and talked to her love interest really wasn't for me. The tone was off and her attitude was one that I just couldn't get invested in.
The other characters didn't add too much to the mix all for the same-ish reasons.
The setting could have packed more of a punch and it wasn't Christmassy enough for me.
I felt that the main bond which they ended up sharing due to what happened at the beginning(no spoilers) and how it came to light later, was the only thing I really enjoyed and I thought this was very sweet. This was done very well.
All in all, It would not put me off reading more from this author, I highly recommend reading The Cornish cream tea Christmas!
December 16, 2025
what you see is what you get! a cute christmas romance, i loved both of the main characters in this book
the writing was a bit hallmark christmas movie-esque but it was fine once i got used to it
the writing was a bit hallmark christmas movie-esque but it was fine once i got used to it
November 26, 2021
This is the latest book in the Cornish Cream Tea series but the action moves in this book from Porthgolow to the nearby town of Port Karadow, where we meet a new character, Meredith, who is not a big fan of Christmas. This is a bit of a disadvantage when she works in a gift shop and is in charge of pushing and promoting products for the Christmas season. When her neighbour has her house decorated like the outside of the Rockefeller Centre and her best friend is planning the Christmas light display for the town. Christmas is everywhere, and there is no avoiding it, however much she might try.
There is nothing more delightful than a Christmas book set in Cornwall, and Cressida has milked the opportunities presented by this premise to the max. This book is bedecked with as much glitter, cosiness and festive cheer as you could possibly hope for, it is the knobbliest, fullest Christmas stocking of a book that you could possibly pick up and will get you perfectly in the mood for the Christmas season. There are lights, parades, carolling, parties and celebrations galore and you’ll wish you were spending Christmas at Port Karadow by the end of it.
On top of this, Meredith meets a man who charms, thrills and infuriates her all at the same time. Finn has come into Meredith’s life to teach her the real meaning of Christmas and show her that she can enjoy this time of year if she just starts to look at it differently. But Finn has issues of his own, can Meredith help him in return? I absolutely loved the way the relationship developed between Finn and Meredith. I was completely in love with both of them by the end of the book, to the point where I had a real lump in my throat and a tear in my eye at the denouement of the book.
This was only very loosely connected to the Cornish Cream Tea series, and for me this book had a different feel from the previous ones, but this isn’t a negative thing, it is nice to see Cressida taking the books in a fresh direction and I really enjoyed the new characters and setting introduced here. I am really looking forward to seeing what comes next since, in a recent interview, Cressida has confirmed that there are more stories to come in this series. Who wouldn’t want to pay more visits to the beautiful Cornish coast for more romantic encounters?
There is nothing more delightful than a Christmas book set in Cornwall, and Cressida has milked the opportunities presented by this premise to the max. This book is bedecked with as much glitter, cosiness and festive cheer as you could possibly hope for, it is the knobbliest, fullest Christmas stocking of a book that you could possibly pick up and will get you perfectly in the mood for the Christmas season. There are lights, parades, carolling, parties and celebrations galore and you’ll wish you were spending Christmas at Port Karadow by the end of it.
On top of this, Meredith meets a man who charms, thrills and infuriates her all at the same time. Finn has come into Meredith’s life to teach her the real meaning of Christmas and show her that she can enjoy this time of year if she just starts to look at it differently. But Finn has issues of his own, can Meredith help him in return? I absolutely loved the way the relationship developed between Finn and Meredith. I was completely in love with both of them by the end of the book, to the point where I had a real lump in my throat and a tear in my eye at the denouement of the book.
This was only very loosely connected to the Cornish Cream Tea series, and for me this book had a different feel from the previous ones, but this isn’t a negative thing, it is nice to see Cressida taking the books in a fresh direction and I really enjoyed the new characters and setting introduced here. I am really looking forward to seeing what comes next since, in a recent interview, Cressida has confirmed that there are more stories to come in this series. Who wouldn’t want to pay more visits to the beautiful Cornish coast for more romantic encounters?
November 23, 2021
Christmas Carols and a Cornish Cream Tea by Cressida McLaughlin
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Random Things Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
All Meredith Verren has ever wanted is to escape the holiday season without having to wear a Christmas jumper. Her new job at the cosy gift shop in a picturesque Cornish tourist spot is making it impossible for her to maintain her scrooge-like manner.
With their seasonal hampers on everyone’s wish list, Meredith must paste on a smile and fake some holiday cheer. Then she meets handsome new arrival, Finn, who wishes it could be Christmas every day and wants her to feel the same way too.
Can she embrace the holly and the ivy before the decorations are packed away for another year?
I have read and enjoyed the first four book in this series so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. Whilst part of The Cornish Cream Tea series, this book introduces Meredith and a new town with a range of new characters - we are even treated to an appearance by Charlie and Gertie. This is a wonderful festive read that could most definitely be read as a stand-alone, although I recommend that you read the previous books first to get the full enjoyment of this series.
After reading this book, I am now definitely in the mood to put up my Christmas decorations and this will not fail to put you in the festive mood. I cannot wait to see what Cressida does with this series next as I am not quite ready to leave Cornwall.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Random Things Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
All Meredith Verren has ever wanted is to escape the holiday season without having to wear a Christmas jumper. Her new job at the cosy gift shop in a picturesque Cornish tourist spot is making it impossible for her to maintain her scrooge-like manner.
With their seasonal hampers on everyone’s wish list, Meredith must paste on a smile and fake some holiday cheer. Then she meets handsome new arrival, Finn, who wishes it could be Christmas every day and wants her to feel the same way too.
Can she embrace the holly and the ivy before the decorations are packed away for another year?
I have read and enjoyed the first four book in this series so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. Whilst part of The Cornish Cream Tea series, this book introduces Meredith and a new town with a range of new characters - we are even treated to an appearance by Charlie and Gertie. This is a wonderful festive read that could most definitely be read as a stand-alone, although I recommend that you read the previous books first to get the full enjoyment of this series.
After reading this book, I am now definitely in the mood to put up my Christmas decorations and this will not fail to put you in the festive mood. I cannot wait to see what Cressida does with this series next as I am not quite ready to leave Cornwall.
Rating 4/5
January 29, 2022
I could not finish this book. This is not like the other, Cornish Cream Tea books. The language was horrible, swearing and vulgar. I could not read anymore. I was so looking forward to this book.
December 1, 2021
This is now the second book in the cream tea series that I’ve read and the charm of the Cornish villages really doesn’t grow old. I was ready and waiting to see Gertie the cream tea bus appear with Charlie and was glad when they got a mention in this.
I absolutely love the idea of hampers for Christmas and quite often make little hampers for people as presents as I feel like you can really personalise them and if I was receiving one I would know how much time and effort had gone into it. There’s just something quite special about a box or basket full of lots of little treasures and surprised isn’t there! It’s like a grown up stocking!!
Meredith’s enthusiasm for these hampers and everything at Cornish Keepsakes is infectious and I just know that it would be a shop I headed straight to if I was visiting. These little bespoke gift shops are the best and I find that they always have unique items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
The morning swims of Meredith’s aren’t really my cup of tea - definitely rather staying snug for an extra half hour lay in but Cressida makes it sound so refreshing and like the right way to start a day. Especially if you could walk out of the sea to find a gorgeous man waiting there for you…
I really liked Meredith and Finn’s budding friendship, especially how well Finn takes to Crumble and his caring nature whenever he’s talking to Meredith, even if there is a healthy dose of banter there to!
Another cracker for Cressida and it’s made me more determined to read the rest of the cream tea books - and also The Staycation!!!
I absolutely love the idea of hampers for Christmas and quite often make little hampers for people as presents as I feel like you can really personalise them and if I was receiving one I would know how much time and effort had gone into it. There’s just something quite special about a box or basket full of lots of little treasures and surprised isn’t there! It’s like a grown up stocking!!
Meredith’s enthusiasm for these hampers and everything at Cornish Keepsakes is infectious and I just know that it would be a shop I headed straight to if I was visiting. These little bespoke gift shops are the best and I find that they always have unique items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
The morning swims of Meredith’s aren’t really my cup of tea - definitely rather staying snug for an extra half hour lay in but Cressida makes it sound so refreshing and like the right way to start a day. Especially if you could walk out of the sea to find a gorgeous man waiting there for you…
I really liked Meredith and Finn’s budding friendship, especially how well Finn takes to Crumble and his caring nature whenever he’s talking to Meredith, even if there is a healthy dose of banter there to!
Another cracker for Cressida and it’s made me more determined to read the rest of the cream tea books - and also The Staycation!!!
Read
September 19, 2022*thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Sadly, I've had to DNF this book because I just got a little bit bored (I hate saying that about a book, but please do keep in mind it's all personal preference).
I do generally ADORE a small town sweet Christmas romance, but I just felt like the love interest was a little bit boring. At first, I loved this book and was flying through it but at about halfway through the book I didn't think I could make it much further.
I would like to say, again, that while it wasn't quite my cup of tea, I can see others really enjoying this book, especially because it's not like the usual small town romance. It's a lot more unique.
Sadly, I've had to DNF this book because I just got a little bit bored (I hate saying that about a book, but please do keep in mind it's all personal preference).
I do generally ADORE a small town sweet Christmas romance, but I just felt like the love interest was a little bit boring. At first, I loved this book and was flying through it but at about halfway through the book I didn't think I could make it much further.
I would like to say, again, that while it wasn't quite my cup of tea, I can see others really enjoying this book, especially because it's not like the usual small town romance. It's a lot more unique.
December 18, 2021
Loved this one hope there is more
December 28, 2021
So lovely! I can totally picture this as a Hallmark Christmas movie!
January 23, 2022
Another great book from Cressida. Loved the main characters Meredith and Finn and how their story took shape.
March 12, 2022
Loved this festive book on the series x
December 16, 2022
Another brilliant piece of escapism from one of my favourite authors ❤️
December 26, 2022
This feels like a prefect beside the fire Christmas read, full of cosy romance vibes. I could read another story about Merry and Finn, I’d love to find out about what happens next for them.
November 9, 2023
Lovely lighthearted Christmassy book. Everything you could want.
Carols, love, friendship and tinsel!!!
I loved it all. Especially the singing parts. So easy to read and created a lovely atmosphere.
Carols, love, friendship and tinsel!!!
I loved it all. Especially the singing parts. So easy to read and created a lovely atmosphere.
September 26, 2024
Good book to read, to get you in the Christmas spirit!
December 21, 2025
This was another cute installment in the cream tea series.
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