I’ve been so eagerly awaiting “The Once in a Blue Moon Guesthouse” as one whole beautiful novel! I love Cressida McLaughlin’s stories and when this gorgeous baby arrived, I really wanted to stop all the people on the streets to show them my wonderful copy.

The story introduces us to Robin Brennan who has just come back home to Campion Bay. There couldn’t be a better timing, as her parents have just decided to retire, and so Robin takes over The Campion Bay Guesthouse. She quickly realises that there are things to do to improve the number of bookings and so the guesthouse soon faces a serious makeover. One of the things that brought Robin home was the need to heal her sadness, to leave a dramatic past of London behind – is time going to heal? Also, being back home means old (but also new) friends and ex – boyfriends with some strange ideas – what and who is future going to bring in Robin’s life?

I liked Robin from the beginning – she was just this kind of girl that you can’t NOT to like. She had her heart on the sleeve and she always wanted to please other people but it didn’t make her a doormat, oh no, I didn’t have a feeling that she let others use her. She knew what she wanted and she also knew when to go on or when to back away. I loved her amazing ideas, she was so creative and it was often one thing that would make her start and we could see brilliant events as the result. She was enthusiastic, full of drive and determination but she really knew when to say stop.

I adored the descriptions of the rooms in the guesthouse. The designs were unique, gorgeous and so very considered. There was always a story behind each of them and I really loved how much thought and heart were put into them. There was so much heart and soul in the whole guesthouse idea, you could see that Robin is the right person in the right place. And of course we have the lovely community spirit in this book, that Cressida McLaughlin captured just in the right way, and I so enjoyed visiting the little businesses on Goldcrest Road! And, as in all Cressida’s stories, there are some animal characters as well, and wow, can she write animals! Eclipse and Darcy, Robin’s little cat and Will’s cute dog, added so much joy and fun to the pages.

For me this story was perfectly organized for being published as series, but not so as a whole novel. Don’t get me wrong here, pretty please, because I adored it, I only think that it was much better suited to seeing the world as series – it was rather on the slow side, and what slowed it down was the fact that every single guest in the guesthouse was introduced to us, and while I really see it working in parts, it didn’t work so much for me in the whole story. There was too much focus on the details than on the story itself – in the whole. It also felt a little repetitive – and again, it was absolutely OK for the series, probably it didn’t stick out so much then. I also had some problems with Will. I just had a feeling that he let Robin do all the chasing, that he wasn’t as interested as she was and that he just went with the flow – it didn’t let me to warm to him as much as I’d like to warm to the lovely Robin’s love interest. Also Robin’s ex – boyfriend – oh boy, was he creepy!

Altogether, it was such a lovely, heart – warming and uplifting story, and I really love this gorgeous, rich and vivid Cressida’s writing style. Her words have such distinctive voice and she easily brings everything: the setting, the characters, all the feelings and emotions, to life. The story flows, it is full of twists and turns, family dynamics, old and new friendships and relationships, and this all just works together. Each section of the novel ends – of course! – with a cliffhanger and it was such a relief to be able to keep reading! It was really a charming story, without unnecessary dramas but with enough surprises thrown our way. Highly recommended!

I enjoyed this book very much. It has the usual elements of a romance but also concentrates on friendships and new beginnings. With two men vying for attention it is easy to guess which Robin chooses, and there are no big story surprises, yet the book has a warmth about it and a cast of likeable and very real characters. The dramatic scene in the caves added a level of suspense and helped to bring several threads of the story towards their conclusion. My only criticism is that the final chapter felt superfluous. The story ended well for me without it.

I don't know how I did it given how much I have loved Cressida McLaughlin's previous two books but somehow I managed to hold on until her third story The Once in a Blue Moon Guesthouse was published in its entirety. I'm certainly glad I did because I don't know how I could have beared to finish a part only then to have to wait months for the next instalment. I loved this new book with it's brilliant setting and wonderful characters just as much as her Primrose Terrace and Canal Boat Café series.

Cressida writes in such a way that has you instantly drawn into the story and soon rapidly turning the pages to discover what happens next. Each section always ends on a cliff hanger and it was with relief that I was able to keep reading on. All the warmth and charm I have come to know and love from the author's writing was once again here in abundance and this time the story focuses on a guest house. The settings of guest houses or bed and breakfasts seem to be the in theme this year for books in this genre just like cafés may have been in the past. Not that I am complaining as this is the third book I have read with a guest house at its centre and I am loving them all. The Campion Bay Guesthouse is the focal point for Robin Brennan as she returns from London to Campion Bay to get away from everything and in doing so she hopes to push her own personal problems/demons firmly to the back of her mind.

Robin's parents have run the Campion Bay Guesthouse for many years and now they feel it is time to retire to France and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Bookings are way down from what they used to be and they believe they have done all they can. What's needed is something fresh and innovative and Robin may just be the person to continue on her parents legacy but in doing so can bring her new ideas to the fore. In London Robin had run the Once in a Blue Moon luxury events company but things have fallen apart and she feels by returning home she is coming back to familiar ground, some sort of security and safety will be there but her parents news provides Robin with decisions to be made or maybe the challenge and push she needs to get back out there and get her creative juices flowing and her talents put to good use again.

I can see why Robin felt at such a crossroads in her life given the circumstances surrounding the events in London leading to the closure of her business. Her energy levels both mentally and physically were low and there comes a point where one thinks do I carry on? What is the point? It was almost as if her parents planned their timing to leave to perfection as Robin couldn't let such an opportunity go as to turn around the fortunes of the guest house with an overhaul, redecorating and re-branding with the new name. I felt the further we got into the story we could see a spark ignite once again within Robin and I enjoyed how she was determined to see her big idea through to the end. She came across as someone who needed something to get her teeth stuck into and throughout the journey or process of achieving her goals she could achieve some sort of happiness.

Two things this author does so well with her writing is setting and of course characters. Campion Bay proved to be a charming coastal village that had a lot going for it and I enjoyed how various characters were brought into the story. Even if they were just mentioned in passing or featured more prominently. Those that got one line made me think could there be more to come in the future from them? Molly from the beauty parlour played a pivotal role. It was great to see her as the backup and support system to Robin when things didn't always go to plan and when a positive end never seemed to be about to materialise. As Robin redecorates the rooms in the hopes of many guests to come I thought the connection between the rooms and her old job was just so poignant and perfect. The themes of The Rockpool Room, Sea Shanty, Wilderness Canvas, Andalusia and Starcross just fitted in so well with the overall themes of the book and made me wish the guest house was real and that one day I could pay a visit. Cressida certainly nailed the imagery and connections throughout the book and more than once they brought a smile to my face and had me nodding along and thinking these sentiments are so true and so real.

Of course a book by Cressida would not the page turner they always are if there wasn't some ups and downs both in terms of the business and of course some romance and here was no different. Robin's ex Tim, a real estate agent, appears back on the scene and from the outset I didn't like him at all. He had ulterior motives and hidden agendas. I hoped Robin wasn't foolish enough to think his charms could win her over again, I wanted her heart to rule over her head. Tim in my mind only wanted the sale of the house next door so he could further his career. Tabitha had lived in number four Goldcrest Road for years and now she has gone the house has been left to her nephew the delectable Will Nightingale. Unfortunately the house is a wreck so Will has to take a room in the guest house. So ensues plenty of twists and turns and frustrating misunderstandings and miscommunication. Time and time again things were taken the wrong way or blown out of proportion. Of course Robin and her friends didn't want a house with a blue plaque sold for redevelopment but I think Will overheard things he shouldn’t have and presented the cold shoulder instead of discovering the truth. Of course if he had done that we wouldn't have had the engaging story this turned out to be. Robin showed her caring, nurturing side with regards to Will and I loved how she was willing to help him out with the house. It was interesting to see a bond slowly develop but then for events and words to turn everything on their head.

The Once in a Blue Moon Guesthouse was an utter joy to read from start to finish. I became fully invested in all of the characters and wanted nothing but good to happen to them. It was great everything wasn't all plain sailing as that wouldn't have been very reflective of true life. It really did come across that the author was enjoying the writing of this story and really wanted her readers to love it too. Long time readers will delight in this story but also new readers to Cressida's work will love this book. It's the perfect summer time read. Not to heavy going that will leave you needing to put the book down but instead it has just that edge to it to give the reader something to get their teeth in to whilst at the same time achieving a nice balance of lightness and romance and of course fun and mishaps and mayhem. With such a bright, inviting cover this will catch plenty of people's eyes on bookshelves in the coming weeks it's just brilliant to be able to say the content lives up to the cover and title. I read somewhere Cressida is working on something Christmas based which is great news as it won't be too long until my next fix of her brilliant writing.

What a wonderful, packed read! At 500 pages long this is a full and enjoyable novel, and one which I have relished reading. I suspect that British seaside holidays may be doing a roaring trade this year thanks to the authors like Cressida McLaughlin who are writing such fabulously appealing stories!

Robin Brennan returns to her home town of Campion Bay to the loving arms of her parents. Why? Read the book! There is never a dull moment between the pages what with family, friendships - old and new - relationships (again, old and new) and the terrific scenic view, so well described that you can almost fool yourself into smelling the salty sea breeze!

This is a lovely, warm read - perfect as a holiday / beach read, and one which I urge you to choose as it will leave you, as you will leave it, with a sigh of complete and total satisfaction. A full five sunny stars from me.

I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher. I loved loved this book, lovely story great characters and if this is a series will be absolutely delighted to read them.

Pure indulgence and escapism, perfect comfort reading

I absolutely adored the Once In A Blue Moon Guesthouse series! I just wish that it was a real place so I could go and stay there myself. Campion Bay sounded incredible and with Cressida's descriptive writing it was easy to imagine walking by the sea. The characters were so easy to get to know and love, especially little Darcy. Any dog is a big plus for me in a book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Robin's journey transforming the guest house, especially the detail put in to the rooms. As an event planner in training, I also loved hearing about Robin and Neve's company, and the way Robin brought the special touches to the guesthouse as well. I'd love to read what happens next with Robin and Will and will be reading more from Cressida soon! Thank you for the chance to read and review this - I can't wait for my spot on the blog tour!

This is the first Cressida Mclaughlin book I have read, it was a lovely enjoyable book which was fun and entertaining.

Robin Brennan has returned to her childhood home in Campion Bay, Robin ran an events business in London with her best friend and business partner who died unexpectedly. Robin’s parents run the Campion Bay Guesthouse but have decided to move abroad and Robin decides she would like to take it over.

Robin sets about updating the guesthouse, with each room having a different theme, and with the help of her neighbours she has it up and running in no time. The house next door to the guesthouse used to belong to Tabitha, who has passed away while Robin was living in London and Robin’s ex-boyfriend Tim, a property developer, wants to buy the house and turn it into flats. On the opening night of the guesthouse a man soaked to the skin turns up and asks for a room, and Robin discovers he is Tabitha’s nephew Will, who now owns her old house.

The story follows Robin and Will and the misunderstandings that keep happening between them, the many guests all with different reasons for being at the guesthouse and the way Robin tries to enhance their stay.

There are some lovely characters in this book, Robin and Will, Robin’s best friend Molly and her daughter Paige who is growing up too fast for Molly, Maggie who owns Skull Island and even Mrs Harris, the bad tempered owner of another guesthouse. The only character I disliked was Robin’s old boyfriend who I thought was sly and sleazy. An excellent book with a very good storyline which I would recommend.

I just couldnt put this down and im really pleased I waited to read all the parts together in this full book as each part ended with suspense and I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next.

A really lovely story, I loved the characters and the descriptions in the book were fantastic and I could just imagine everything from the breakfasts to the bedrooms in the guesthouse.

Robin the main character is a really kind and caring person that goes out of ber way to make people happy. Shes full of amazing ideas, perfect for taking over a guesthouse and she really makes into a beautiful place to stay.

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Katherine Hayward's review Jun 05, 2017 · edit
it was amazing
bookshelves: netgalley, tower-teams-v

Robin, like many of us, has dreams. When tragedy forces her to leave London, and her job as joint manager of the Once in a Blue Moon Days events firm, she heads to her parents' house. Except "home" for Robin's family is a guesthouse in a small Devon town.
I really liked how supportive Robin's best friend Molly was, and they both seemed the kind of friends I look for in real life. Robin finds herself in charge of the guesthouse which has been in the family for years and decides a perfect project will be to rebrand it. She creates rooms with their own character to create a truly unique holiday spot for her guests. Luckily, she has Molly to help out. Her ex boyfriend makes some unwelcome appearances and Will, literally the "guy next door" turns up at just the right time with his adorable dog. Robin has an equally cute cat and with the animals thrown into the mix, Cressida McLaughlin creates an idyllic setting.

This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by this author, and the writing style is perfect escapism. A perfect holiday read.
In fact, listening to this book via VoiceOver on my iPad was so relaxing and Cressida McLaughlin's writing style made the story such an easy and interesting listen that I was gripped by a sudden desire for a beachside holiday myself, and couldn't stop fantisising about going away for the perfect beachside break!

4.5 stars.

Thanks so much to Cressida McLaughlin and the publisher for the eARC via NetGalley. This is just a perfect summer read, and anyone who has been to the Dorset coast as I have on many a family holiday will be amazed at the realistic descriptions of the area that completely envelope the reader in the story. It certainly left me feeling nostalgic and wanting to read more of Cressida's books from the series. A real gem!

See the review post on my blog here https://katherinesbookuniverse.wordpr...

Since her parents have retired, it’s up to Robin Brennan to come home to take up the rains at the Campion Bay Guesthouse. The problem is, there aren’t many guests, probably because the property is looking seriously dated. Well, since her life in London has gone down in flames, maybe reworking the old house will perk her up and bring in a few more guests, too. With the chance at reviving an old love affair, or maybe starting a new one, along with all the work on the guesthouse and the new friends she’s making, Robin won’t have time to miss her old life as she builds a new, happier one, right at home