A Cosy Christmas at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery

Carrington's #4

by Alex Brown

Bridget smiled to herself, certain she could see one of the stars twinkling extra brightly in that moment as if to acknowledge her wish and convince her that, yes, Mulberry-On-Sea was just the place they all needed to be. Surrounded by those happy memories of holidays and special times where nothing bad ever happened…

Finding yourself without a home in the weeks before Christmas would break most people, but for Bridget Carrington it’s a chance to start again. Mulberry-On-Sea has always been her happy place and she’s hoping it can work its magic this festive season and heal her family after a difficult year.

Now, as the community wraps Bridget and her children in its warm embrace, she starts to feel like herself again. With a new business, kids who are starting to smile, and the promise of a second chance at love, Bridget’s holiday season might just be a happy ever after…

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Holiday, Humor, Fiction

346 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2021

About the author

Alex Brown is an International No.1 bestselling author of fourteen books including A Postcard from Italy, the Carrington’s series, The Secret of Orchard Cottage, The Great Christmas Knit Off, The Wish, A Postcard from Paris and the Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery series. Her books are loved worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages.

Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.

Reviews

[Melindam · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars on my Grinch-O-Meter

An overindulgence in supercringe-worthylisticexpialidocious moments. Bleurrgh.

Having read Alex Brown before, I knew that she had a fondness for creating lots of awkward knicker-flashing accidents for her clumsy and befuddled MCs, but you can have too much of a good thing. This could be a fixation of hers or a kind of signature-plotting or .... something.
Be that as it may, I found the knicker-flashing incident in this book (as a first encounter between the would-be couple - awwww, meet-uncute) so gross that I almost dnf-ed on the spot and not all the cosy bread-baking and Christmas-prep that followed could make up for that traumatic experience, especially as it was brought up on all possible occasions, if it hadn't been enough once. It is a bit of a blur, as mercifully I blacked out at that point, but... If trying to make a desperate wee among the ice cold sand dunes in the dark with your HO-HO-HO knickers off while suddenly accosted by your would-be love interest's dog and your 6-year-old-daughter pointing out that you have a BIG WHO-WHO-WHOLE in your knickers is your idea of unbound hilarity, fine, I guess.

I feel rather generous in giving a 2nd star, but peace on earth and all that jazz.


While reading this book, I realised how repetitive Brown's style is & that despite the different set-ups, her main characters all feel/act/sound the same. It's like reading the same book all over. You have these tiresomely accident-prone, overzealous, overdramatic characters without an ounce of common sense and once the love interest turns up, their behaviour pattern revves up even more. The 1st person narration does not help, as you are forced to spend all page-time in their heads, which is pretty exhausting.

Sadly, the point of no return has arrived for me: I have fallen out of like with this author. :(

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ An Uplifting, Heartwarming and Unputdownable Romance perfect for anytime of the year!

Oh wow what a book. It had me laughing, tearing up, smiling and filled my heart with warmth and joy. What more could you ask for... oh yealh Christmas Delights and there was plenty of those.

All the Characters were superbly written and I instantly fell in love with each and everyone of them. Especially Henry and Sinead the two adorable 🐶 pups.

Oh and Jack what a guy 🥰 I was rooting for Bridget and Jack to get together. Their first encounter had me laughing so hard I can just picture it now bottom in the air 🤣

Then there's the Scrumptious baking oh my if you love bread & mince pies your in for a treat!
All made in Bridget’s tiny kitchen, on her years old Aga, whilst the waves and crackling fire outside ooze Christmas Charm.

This book has so many Uplifting Qualities, it had me laughing out loud at all the little Antics, but then it had me tearing up at the heartache Bridget and her adorable family face, when her husband passes away and she loses her home, then having to move them back to where she first met their father. It really got to me. Especially how it effected the children.
Watching Bridget and her children grow in confidence and happiness was the Icing on the cake!

It was like a rollercoaster of emotions. But I was Completely absorbed and Couldn't put it down.
This is one of those books that melts your heart and leaves you wanting more and believe me I do! I really, really hope there is a second book as I have so much I want to catch up with!



Thank you to Harper Collins One More Chapter & Netgalley for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Alex. Although this was part of a series it read as a stand alone book. I found it so engaging and I loved all the characters as well as all the baking for Christmas. I’m definitely going to read more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, loved this book, but be aware it will most likely make you crave bread or other baked goods, so please makes sure you have something to hand to snack on while you are reading.

And it was so good to be back in Mulberry-On-Sea, in this new spin off from the Carrington's' series, which I always loved. Rest assured though this is definitely a standalone with a whole new family at its heart.

I was completely hooked by the first few pages, as Bridget moves her family to their new home in Mulberry-On-Sea, in the hopes that this may be a happier Christmas than the previous year when they had just lost Ted, Bridget's husband. And there is a very memorably moment within that first chapter which was rather funny and great introduction to the tone of the book, and to a rather key character.

Bridget as well as a keen love of baking, has twin teenage sons and 6 year old daughter Freya, in addition to Henry their dog who is rather bouncy. And he isn't the only rather exuberant four legged friend in this book! Freya, Oscar and Olly are still trying to come to terms with their dad's death, but it is soon apparent this change of scenery for them is going to do a whole world of good for the family.

As Bridget starts to get to know her new community including the online sea shanty choir that was doing Christmas sons, shanty style (and I'd love to hear those), she also gets to know some rather lonely people, and is able to really help the whole community when the road to the big shops become unpassable and is able to supply bread to the town.

There is so much to love about this book, but it was Jack who really stood out to me, I am completely in love with the man, he is so thoughtful, but also rather funny, and seems to like children in addition to their mum! I just loved all the scenes he was in.

It's a story about healing, growing stronger, getting to know a new community, plenty of bread and baking, and of allowing yourself to move on. All with a Christmas beachside backdrop.

I'm already counting down the days until the next book in the series will be available, as I really want to read more from all of these characters. A fabulous start to a new series.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Liva's reading antics · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy and drama-free Christmas romance.🎄☃️

It is a perfect holiday book as it has everything necessary to create the best Christmas feeling - cottage, fun in the snow, gifts underneath the tree, the closeness of family, and the irresistible smell of just-baked pies.😋

While it has everything to build a perfect holiday setting, overall, I find this story a little boring. The first half of the book consists of the main character baking bread, meeting people who tell her how kind and selfless she is and repeatedly getting in an awkward situation with a dog. It is great to read a festive, happy-ending romance with no added drama, but there were no sparks for me. It was all too nice. While reading, I found myself constantly waiting for something to happen, for her amazingly understanding kids to act out of line, or someone getting a bad batch of pies or anything at all. It never happened. The worst in all of the story was her mother being out of line. Even after I finished reading this, I kept wondering, is this all?! And while Jack had all the right attributes to be "Hot Jack", I did not feel any chemistry or romance developing between the characters.

Don't get me wrong, the story is very likable and will be perfect for someone who is looking for a cozy, all nice and sweet story that reminds that surviving the death of a loved one and starting over is never easy, but with great people around, things get better. Just be aware that there will not be any surprises on the way.

BTW, what's with the crazy consumption of the bread? Everyone being obsessed with a good piece of freshly baked bread left me wondering how much bread does each of you eat in a week?😅

Thanks to NetGalley, Alex Brown, and HarperCollins UK for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.🤗

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Alex browns books so much and couldn’t wait to read this as so loved the front cover. It’s was full of festive cheer and starting a new life and being happy again after loosing a loved one. Will there be romance or not in store. The village sounds a beautiful friendly village and you feel you are there and can just smell the baking she does especially the bread. A feel good read and wonderful characters and will certainly cheer you up when reading this story. It’s worth more than five stars in my eyes as such a brilliant read.
Bridget has her children and has lost her husband and needs to start a new life so heads back to her childhood village and she hasn’t got much money and turns up in the dark and can’t find the key and everything seems against her as her car is broken down as well. She needs to earn some money and be able to support her children so she bakes her bread and mince pies and starts selling them to people in the village. One person really stands out to her but is he to good looking and she feels it’s to early to find romance again. She wants to settle her children and be happy and she soon starts to this with baking and seeing old friends and new ones as well. But when her children tell her a few home truths and can see things she can’t will she believe them and be happy with the man of her dreams or not and will they all celebrate Christmas as a happy family unit.
Highly recommend this book.

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

Well, I’ve devoured this gorgeous festive read in one sitting. Alex Brown has again written a brilliant piece of escapism with grief and second chances handled sensitively and warmly. I loved Bridget, Oscar and Olly and Freya completely from the very beginning. The idea of living beachside whilst providing a service to the community sounded like a mini piece of heaven and transported me to Mulberry-on-sea for the festive season. It was great meeting up with old faces from Carringtons too and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. This was the first book I've read from Alex brown and I was delighted with it. I will be going and checking out the others now.
There is so much to love in this book, wonderfully festive and packed with fell good factor galore.
New beginnings, fresh hope and lovely characters. I highly recommend it.


I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding herself homeless before Christmas, widowed Bridget heads off to Mulberry-On-Sea with her three children, hoping the past magic she's found there will see them through this difficult time. Can they rebuild their lives and is there any chance Bridget might bring herself to love again?

This really was such a cosy, heartwarming read that's put me right in the mood for Christmas already - bring on the turkey, mince pies and snow! I loved the beautiful setting that couldn't have felt more festive and no complaints at the Bridgerton vibes given off by local chef, hot Jack! If you're looking for a feel-good story to curl up with, that will leave you feeling uplifted, this is definitely the one for you.

Warm, sweet and satisfying, like the very best festive hot chocolate.

[Eeva · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately this was surprisingly medicore.
It's drama-free and I enjoyed that, but everything else was just meh. It was just boring and long-ish, I didn't really connect to anyone and I didn't really care about that happened to any of the characters.
What I found odd was the fact that Bridget was mourning her husband (literally, she was still crying when thinking of him) and then five minutes later she was ready for a new relationship. I don't say one should not start new life in a situation like that, I'm just saying it's odd that on one page she's overcome by grief and on the other she's like "oh he's hot, I'm ready". Like,give a girl some time, really.




I received this book from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer Mullins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, and there were parts that enjoyed. But, I found I could not connect to the characters at all. Freya and the dogs were my favorite! I also liked the setting-I like the beach!

Unfortunately, it was too slow-paced and boring for me. While I can appreciate a good swearing, I felt the cursing did not enhance the storyline at all. It just felt awkward to me and some of the language used did not fit the vibe of the story at all.

There are clearly a lot of people who enjoyed this, but it was not for me. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read abs review this story.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read but seemed a bit rushed to introduce everyone and progress the story. Bridget and Jack certainly seemed rushed to me, and not very romantic. I found the bread storyline a bit unbelievable, surely someone else in town can bake bread and rolls. It’s not hard.

My copy was provided by NetGalley for review

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The excitement was real when earlier this year Alex Brown announced that her new book would return to Mulberry on Sea, the setting for her beloved Carrington’s series. Way back in 2013, the first Carrington’s book Cupcakes at Carrington’s was published and ever since then I have adored everything that Alex has written. It’s been a long, long wait but finally we return to the setting that cemented my love for this wonderful author’s work.

A Cosy Christmas at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery is everything you want and more from a Christmas book and right from page one I felt instantly at home and I completely lost myself in the feel good story that unfolded. It’s a book that has you laughing on page one and for me that means I know I am going to love every minute of it and I certainly did. This book has such a gorgeous, whimsical Christmas cover that encapsulates the spirit of the story perfectly. It’s a book that makes you happy and transports you away to a magical place filled with warm and inviting characters that capture your heart and refuse to let go.

Bridget arrives in Mulberry on Sea a few weeks before Christmas with her 14 year olds twins Oscar and Olly and her six year old daughter Freya, oh and not forgetting the two guinea pigs and Henry the dog. Right from that first introduction detailing the hilarious car journey and subsequent arrival in the coastal town of Mulberry on Sea, famous for its Carrington’s department store, this story is packed full of humour and laugh out loud moments expertly balanced with the more emotional side of what Bridget is going through. This move is a big upheaval for Bridget’s family but it’s a necessary one. They have all been through the mill since the sudden and unexpected death of their beloved father Ted, just over a year ago. Now even though Bridget is still deep in mourning she knows she needs to focus on building a happy, stable future for herself and the children.

Bridget is exhausted from solo parenting. She feels as if she is making things up as she goes along and she would give anything at all to turn back time and have Ted by her side as they were such a great team and the love they had for each other was so deep and meant to be everlasting. They first met when she worked part-time in Carrington’s and now returning back to where it all began stirs up many memories for her. But she needs to put her best foot forward no matter how challenging this may seem and try and establish a new life for her family despite her anchor missing from her side. There is a quite fizz of excitement at stepping into a new chapter in her life but is she ready for the challenges coming her way? Her main goal is to put her family back together and to feel happier and cheerful. Will relocating to Mulberry on Sea allow her to achieve these aims?

Thanks to her in-laws she has a home to go to as financially things aren’t going that well for her. Arriving at their holiday home/beach house, which needs a little work and some tender care, amidst the sand dunes of Mulberry on Sea it’s pitch black and forgetting the key doesn’t have things getting off to a good start. Not to mention an unfortunate, cringeworthy but definitely funny introduction to local resident and bar man Jack, well things don’t go to plan for Bridget and her children. Bridget was such a fabulous character. You could identify with her feelings of grief and these words though few are so powerful is describing what it feel like. ‘Grief is love with nowhere to go’. This certainly made me stop and think. Bridget could have just curled up in a ball and stayed isolated at the beach house just doing enough to make it through each day but she knew she needed a purpose in life not to mention some money needed to start coming in or her children would not have the unfirms needed for their new school not to mention Christmas would be non-existent.

The beach setting seemed another world away from the town itself and I could easily visualise Bridget putting her plan into action which soon grew to something much more. She starts baking for her family and my god the descriptions were just mouth-watering and I was delighted to see some recipes included at the end. Sausage rolls, sourdough loaves, mice pies, gingerbread men to name just a few but it certainly made me really hungry whilst reading. Bridget bakes at nighttime as a way of trying to avoid the loneliness and having her mind drift back to darker times. Times she wishes to put behind her and emerge much stronger from. Soon she is on her bicycle to travel to town and spread some Christmas cheer distributing some of her bakes and this is what proves the turning point for her. Such a simple thing to do but it’s fuelling her passion. This is where the human side of the story really came into play as I loved reading of the people Bridget met as she went about her daily deliveries. Each had their story to share and in doing so Bridget herself was starting to heal and understand things. It was a simple but affective tool in helping Bridget to see that she was back where she belonged and needed to be and that with time she would be able to move forward and find harmony once she became settled and found her new rhythm. That the darkness would lift but Ted would always remain strong in her heart.

The entire book had a real sense of community about it, of working together when the town gets cut off due to ice on the road. Here is where Bridget’s little enterprise really starts to flourish and I loved the hustle and bustle of everything. How she is so busy she has no time to ponder and she finds herself at the heart of the community providing sustenance and help and in doing so she starts to make many friends. I loved her interactions with Jack as from their first meeting they really didn’t get off to a good start. They certainly rubbed each other up the wrong way and she finds him to be cocky and it’s like they start a tit for tat feud with lots of misunderstandings. It seems kind of obvious where this eventually might go but there is certainly long and bumpy road in store for them. I’m really keen to see how this will play out in the future.

A Cosy Christmas at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery gave me everything I had hoped for and more from a book I have long waited to read. The characters and the picturesque setting - especially Bridget’s beach hut amidst the sand dunes - come alive off the page and you feel wrapped in their embrace. It’s feel-good fiction at it’s very best so much so that you’ll want to read it one sitting and to be honest I was completely gutted when it ended because I just wanted to read more and more. Thankfully there will be a follow up book coming in coming July 2022, A Summer Holiday at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery. I most certainly will be ready and waiting and eager to read the next instalment in the life of Bridget and the residents of Mulberry on Sea. In the meantime, don’t let this magical, emotional and heart-warming story pass you by this Christmas season. It’s a sure fire winner from me.

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book, it definitely lived up to its title of a cosy Christmas. I can just picture myself sat in front of the fire pit with a cup of tea and a freshly baked mince pie listening to the sea crash…

Reading this will make you crave some freshly baked goods, especially a loaf of sour dough with a nice thick warming bowl of soup - in fact I had that for lunch one day when I was reading this and it was just 👌

I loved all of the characters in this but Bridget’s kids especially. The way Ollie and Oscar step up and look after Bridget and Flora is so heartwarming, they may not be Ted but they’re definitely helping to fill that ‘man of the house’ role. Flora is just the cutest kid and she had me chuckling away a few times as I was reading this - especially the hole incident on the beach 🙊

This isn’t an overly Christmassy book despite being set around Christmas so you could definitely read this over the next few months quite happily. (I know some people only read Christmas books in December normally)

There is something special about being at the coast and reading about it always transports me to the beauty of nature and the calm serenity of nothingness. This book captures this perfectly and yet still delivers that close community feel that you get in little villages.

A lovely read that has left me hungry and thinking of the sea so I’m going to go and warm myself up some left over mince pies….

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! It was an easy, uplifting, light – hearted read where nothing, absolutely nothing, went wrong. OK, our main character Bridget and her children didn’t have it easy, but as soon as they arrive in Mulberry – On – Sea, everything is plain sailing. I would normally be probably appalled by this fact, but in this book it gave it such a warm feeling and actually I didn’t want that something happens. I wanted it to happily and joyously drift towards a happy end, with all the characters falling in love and finding their happiness. I don’t like to think it was all a bit too rushed and unrealistic, I’d rather say there was a bit of magic instead, making all fall easily into pieces – it truly felt like stepping into a fairytale where nothing can go wrong and everything can be fixed by a fresh loaf of bread or hot chocolate or something to eat. There was so much positivity in this story BUT – how the author has achieved it, no idea – it doesn’t feel too cheesy or to meh, it simply feels good.

This book was already full of Christmas spirit and festive atmosphere. I’ve been reading it for the last two days, in a beautiful sunny October, but the author has easily transported me into her fictional, snowy world.

“A Cosy Christmas at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery” is just this – a cosy, wonderful and cheerful read, a great piece of escapism, set in a beautiful place, with gorgeous and vivid descriptions and some brilliantly sounding recipes at the end. A lovely story about new beginnings, friendship, understanding and kindness, peppered with humour. Yes, some may say the book lacked in substance and plot, too gushy and sentimental and I’d absolutely agree with it, but somehow the author has managed to pull it off – so if you are in need of a light – hearted, cosy and unproblematic read – and this is a huge complement – look no further. I’d read this book again and again and I’m excited there is another story about Bridget coming our way.

[Kim Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutly loved this book. A big warm hug of a feel good story with relatable chatacters....a story that leaves a big smile on your face.

Following the death of her husband Ted a year ago, and struggling to make ends meet , bridget accepts her in laws offer of moving into their beach house....a little run down and needing some renovation. Bridget moves her twin teenage boys, 6 yr old daughter and the family pets down to mulberry on sea, the seaside town she grew up in.

The first night proves challenging as the key to the front door is lost and Bridget ends showing her christmas knickers to a strange man as she falls in the dunes. This strange man is later revealed as Jack, the extremly good looking, sought after batchelor of the town.

Struggling to make ends meet, Bridget does what she does best....baking and takes samples into the town to see if there is interest in her providing regular orders. Bridgets wares are hugely successful with orders pouring into bridgets bicycle bakery.

As the family slowly settle into their new life they come to terms with Teds death, realising it is ok to move on the residents of mulberry on sea are just the people to help them do this.

A fabulously entertaing read, highly recommend.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 *stars*

Thanks to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for providing and advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a "Christmasy" book!!!
It would have been 5 stars but the first chapter was hard to get into. It was unnecessary, too descriptive. Every other word was just too much for my liking. That's why it will be 4.5 stars from me.

My thoughts:
Finally a good Christmas themed book. Despite the first chapter the rest of the book was amazing. When I was reading it I felt like it's Christmas time already. The snow, the moment of grief, the family relationships, the freshly baked goods and of course Hot Jack! It's a perfectly balanced romance book.

Brief synopsis:
All you need to know: the main point is dealing with grief and how to live your life after losing someone you really love and not feeling guilty/bad about it. But there is a cute romance aspect as well. Timeline is shortly before Christmas and you can definitely feel the vibe of it. And you can't imagine Christmas time without freshly baked sourdough bread, mince pies etc.

If you are looking for a Christmas book, pick this one up!
Thank you!

#NetGalley

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review first appeared on https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/book-...

I can’t believe it’s been NINE years since Alex Brown first drew me into the world of Carrington’s with her fabulous series.

I was so excited when I found out she was revisiting Mulberry-on-Sea with Bridget in a new series.

It says a lot about an author’s skill when, even after all this time, I was taken right back and remembered everything. I remembered the characters and how they made me feel. Amazing! I felt like I had come home and I was back with the old gang 🙂

Even though A Cosy Christmas at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery was bittersweet for me (only because I hated seeing Bridget struggling!) it’s a fabulously entertaining story.

So many moments of pure laughter – the choir practice had me chuckling 😀 – and just as many touching moments. I loved the bbq on the beach and the sledging. I could just picture Henry’s face (Bridget’s dog) when he couldn’t find the snowballs! I’ve loved getting to know Bridget’s children and of course Jack.

This story is so uplifting. It’s not just about the romance (although that’s really great too). The community draw you in and wrap you up in love. If only I could bottle how this story made me feel!

I thought there was a positive message too – even if happy ever afters don’t last forever, be open to new but different possiblilites. Life still has surprises in store.

My only complaint is that it was over too quickly. I can’t wait until July when A Summer Holiday at Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery publishes.

If you’re in any doubt, I LOVED this story. You don’t need to have read any of the previous Carrington stories to enjoy this one (but they will entertain you just as much). Highly recommended.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so sweet and cheery! Cute and clean this is a great little holiday read. This is my first by this author but it won’t be my last.
Bridget’s husband has passed away suddenly, leaving her and her children to figure out how to go on without him. They move back to her husband’s family’s holiday home where she had so many happy memories with him. As they start over, Bridget picks up where she left off with some of her friends and starts doing the thing she loves best, baking. And as people hear about her delicious baked goods, they queue up for it and it inspires her to take it to those that can’t come to her to get it. And when her old car gives up on her, she makes deliveries on her bike! She also meets a handsome stranger which totally catches her off guard ;)
Fun little side note: there’s recipes for some of the things she makes in the back of the book.
Thanks to Harper Collins Publishing and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With her and her children still grieving the sudden loss of her husband almost a year later, now isn't the time for Bridget to lose her job and home. She jumps at the chance when her in-laws offer her their vacation home in Mulberry-on-sea. She grew up in this small seaside community where she fell in love, and she's hoping to reconnect with friends and create a new home for her three kids. But the house is in bad shape and everyone in town is laughing about her meet-cute with the local barman. She finds comfort in baking, but soon has too much for her little family. A trip around town on her bicycle with the extra goodies inspires an idea for a new business and a fresh start.
This is a sweet and clean romance with all the magic of the Christmas season. The small town atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming. I just wanted to cuddle up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a fireplace. Unfortunately for me, I'm reading an advance review copy in early October and the temperature is still in the 70s.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, sweet festive read. You couldn't help but love Bridget and her strength love and compassion for other people. It warmed my heart how the residents of Mulberry On Sea welcomed her into their community. I found the fact that there was an Irish Wolf Hound named Sinead far more entertaining than I probably should have. A worthwhile read.

Thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[TheBabyGarnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first ebook ever so I didn’t know what to expect at all, and I was also reading a paperback too so I thought I was going to mix up the storyline completely tbh but when I went back to my old book after finishing this book, I didn’t mess it up at all, I was proud lol. Overall the book was really gripping and the animals did it so much more than what I thought even if I thought that wasn’t possible🙂

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy this book was to read! It was fabulous being back in Mulberry-On-Sea and Carringtons! It felt like spending Christmas with old friends!

Bridget and her family are such lovely characters to follow. Their grief made them so real but they joy they also had was so heartwarming, especially little Freya!

Absolutely adored everything about this book and can't wait for more!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridget takes her family to live in a beach house and finding a way to make a living sees an array of breads and cakes being baked making you sure you can smell them and wishing you were there to buy them straight from the oven. She finds a way to help the village when access becomes a problem and you are willing her on. A lovely book about family, relationships and a real sense of community pulling together provides a wonderfully evocative Christmas read.

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one preordered the next one

[Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and cozy family Christmas story based in the UK. You’ll want to read this with some hot tea and a fire going.

[Zoe_reading_queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 for me. I enjoyed it but felt it ended to soon and more could have happened for Bridget x

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable, heartwarming Christmas story! I loved the characters, the setting and this author’s writing style too. It’s my first book by Alex Brown, but it will definitely not be my last. Bridget, a newly widowed mom of three, must leave their home and move to her hometown. They will be living in an old, rundown beach house owned by her in laws. She needs to get an income and fast. So she begins baking to sell, one of her passions. She makes some wonderful new and old friends and possibly a new romantic interest. I’m happy to know this is just the beginning of a new series.
It’s a fun holiday story and one to add to your Christmas reading. Thank you to netgalley and One More Chapter/Harper Collins for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Norma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holidayish ,wonderfully spiced with aroma feel good Christmas Cheer, describes this Holiday Read.. The description of Bridget's bread she bakes to make ends meet is so heartwarming.
Bridget, a widow who lost her husband Ted at such a young age, is now trying to bring a happy Christmas to her three children.
She can't afford a new house ,and her in laws offer her their beachhouse. Its a wreck,needing much maintenance but TLC especially.
Bridget grew up here at the seaside and met Ted here. They married and moved away from Mulberry-On-Sea and hopes her children will feel at home being back . Its a difficult move, but they,along with the fmaily pets, take a chance on starting a new life here.
The loaves of bread she bakes,...the mince pies, the sausage rolls...I could just smell it all as I read all her survival baking skills she uses and a bicycle to deliver her samples in the town. This is Bridget's winning tool that keeps them afloat,and all the freinds she makes as word gets around that she makes the best bread! AFter all,noone can get any bread from the local store since someone is buying it all up. Bridget to the rescue with baking day and night.It fills her soul as she kneads and bakes this delicious sounding bread!
She schemes up ways to get creative and even delivers the goods.
Customers go by their beachhouse asking for this bread,and as they wait for loaves, her children setup a warm firepit ,chairs,and offer coffee and teatoo. The twins,Ollie and OScar get creative and whip up different types of specialty coffee..all from instant coffee.
She also may find romance in unexpected ways, showing her Christmas knickers in the dunes when she fell.
He won't let it go, always remindin g her and passing it as a joke around town.
Her mother Patty ,who dates and meets a man from a dating site, and wants her daughter to meet an elegible new man the same way .SOmehow Patty didnt care for her late husband Ted, until later there is a truth where her mother starts to appreciate her daughter more.
I so enjoyed this pre holiday book and the care and love this town shares together, makes you feel thata community can come together to help one another,especially those who are in need for holiday dinners..Noone is left out on Christmas Day.
Thank you Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for my honest ARC review,

[Caroline Kerdouci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5⭐️

To enter the world of Bridget’s Bicycle Cafe is to enter an alternative world where reality is suspended and life can be viewed through rose tinted spectacles. This latest offering from Alex Brown is cosy comfort overload particularly as we’re introduced to Bridget Carrington and the picture postcard setting of Mulberry-On-Sea during the festive season. If you’re one of those Christmas addicts counting off the weeks until the big day itself, love a bit of baking or are glued to the tv screen watching the current series of GBBO then this is the book for you. It’s a taste bud tingling, mouthwatering, appetising, calorie laden delight of a narrative that made me feel as if I’d piled on half a stone just envisioning all Bridget’s tempting treats. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer and we head towards the season to be merry, snuggle up and submerge yourself in the lives of these Mulberry-On-Sea residents as they welcome Bridget and her family back into the fold.

Returning to the picturesque seaside village following the death of her husband Ted, Bridget together with twins Olly and Oscar, 14, six year old Freya, Henry the retriever and Snuggle and Chewy the guinea pigs, is determined to make a fresh start. What better place to rediscover the joys of life and make plans for the future than here in Mulberry-On-Sea, full of wonderful happy memories and also Ted’s final resting place. Alex Brown tackles the very serious subject of grief in a lighthearted but sensitive manner, focusing on the family’s endeavours to move beyond their sadness and loss, finding a new way to live around the gaping hole Ted has left in all their lives. Bridget’s love of baking is the staple ingredient guaranteed to turn this family’s fortunes around, her life buoy in this sea of chaos, confusing and challenging times. Taking her therapeutic hobby and transforming it into a fledging business with some extra help from the children and other members of this close knit community is the essence of this gorgeous novel. Expect your stomach to rumble constantly as the kitchen in her fisherman’s beach house is filled with the aroma of baking bread, mince pies and other festive treats. Alex Brown has thrown every cliche under the sun into writing that exudes warmth, happiness, joy and festive good cheer ensuring her readers are safe in the knowledge that in this fictional world there’s absolutely NOTHING that can’t be fixed by a hot chocolate, a glass of mulled wine or some edible delight straight from the Aga. It’s like stepping into a magical fairytale of new beginnings where friendship, kindness, love and community spirit exist in abundance. I felt giddy with all the positivity floating in the salty sea air and tickled by the humour that is peppered throughout the pages, poor Bridget being the butt of many jokes ( you’ll understand the intended pun once you start reading!) All that is required is a generous dollop of romance and the recipe for the perfect cosy read is complete.

This is a storyline crammed to the rafters with cute,charming and charismatic characters. Freya is a poppet, a whirlwind of energy to match that of beloved retriever Henry and Hot Jack’s Irish wolfhound Sinead. Rita, landlady of the pub Hook Line and Sinker is kindness and generosity personified and I loved Vicar Joe and his sea shanty choir. If you’ve read the previous books in this series (which I haven’t) then certain characters will be familiar. Perhaps my favourite one of all is Bridget’s mother Patty who’s definitely a tad on the naughty side,flirtatious and funny and partial to a cocktail or three but not necessarily very maternal. She spices up what is otherwise a super sweet storyline as does the presence of pub chef Hot Jack. The author is definitely channelling Bridgerton vibes with this character!

Is there such a thing as TOO much loveliness? In my opinion quite possibly! I love a novel that envelops you in a big warm hug, wraps you up in cotton wool and protects you from the true harshness of life but I can only tolerate so much fantasy in one go without feeling slightly nauseous. This novel is literally bursting at the seams with goodness it’s like eating a very rich sumptuous dessert where one mouthful is enough before you feel replete. On this occasion I felt I’d truly overindulged by the time I’d turned the last page. In terms of the feel good vibe (which is off the scale!) induced by Bridget’s new beginnings and second chance at love this book deserves 5⭐️ It’s positive and uplifting but underneath the froth there’s very little substance which shouldn’t come as any real surprise. My 3.5⭐️ reflects the fact whilst enjoyable this novel is also terribly predictable. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, easy and gentle read which is sometimes funny and romantic then this novel ticks all those boxes. Put some glitter and sparkle back in your life and gorge yourself on A Cosy Christmas at Bridget’s Bicycle Cafe.

Overall although I found the narrative to be slightly too gushing and sentimental with life’s problems oversimplified I wouldn’t be averse to following Bridget’s next adventure; I just need to walk off the virtual calories first!

My thanks as always to the publisher OMC and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.