I was eagerly awaiting a new novel or series by Cressida McLaughlin, her novels are brilliant and I can never put them down! So when I saw the cover of this on Amazon I couldn't wait to read it. I absolutely adore the colours used - such bright pastels used on the bus, the bright yellow sand, sunshiny blue sky and the cute bunting along the top makes such a lovely cover and makes me want to visit! I also love that at the start of each chapter there is a cute little teacup.

The story itself starts off quite sadly, with Charlie and her dad working on the old bus and feeling quite emotional as they've just lost a loved one. However, you can feel how close they were to Hal and how close they are as father and daughter as well, and it was quite a nice opening. The story gets moving quite quickly, so soon we're enjoying Charlie taking Gertie out for a test run (at being a moving tea room) at a fair, to see how people react. Most of Hal's old friends aren't too impressed, and after a minor disaster strikes, Charlie is left feeling quite deflated. Her boss orders her to take some time off, and so Charlie decides to go down to Porthgolow to visit her best friend Juliette and to get a break away from everything else.

Porthgolow sounded so idyllic and not for the first time throughout Cressida's novels I'm wishing that I could live or visit some place just like that! The story absolutely flew by, and once Charlie moved to Porthgolow I really started loving it and didn't want it to end! I loved each new character, the new location, and everything that was changing with Gertie was just so exciting! I enjoyed reading about Charlie's relationships, with both Daniel and Oliver, and I was intrigued as to who she would feel closer to. Charlie's character herself was really relatable. She seemed like such a genuine and caring character. And I loved reading about her conversations with Reenie. As well as Reenie, there are also other secondary characters that you get to meet and read about, and most of them (with the exception of a few) are all really lovely and a dream to read about.

The storyline itself is really addictive, with each part only taking a few hours to read and finish. It's an absolutely fabulous novel and I urge you to give it a read. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

A fun and attractive read with a nice theme about regenerating a seaside town. Charlie is a charming heroine and nothing bad happens to the animals in the book at all, thank you!

Full review on my blog https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2019/07/18/book-review-cressida-mclaughlin-the-cornish-cream-tea-bus/

This was a delightful story based in Cornwall. A young entrepreneur comes to stay on the North Coast with a friend, bringing with her an old Route master bus, left to her by her uncle. With a bit of work the bus turns into a mobile tea room and is the beginning of the development of a very quiet, forgotten village, sitting in a beautiful, forgotten cove. Into a thriving community. With a bit of romance thrown in what more could you want, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I was not sure what to expect from this, as I have not read this author before. I have to say I was gripped from the start. The story of Charlie's shattered heart, due to both a betrayal and her Uncle's death, and her sheer determination to carry on in his memory by turning Gertie into a Cornish Cream Tea Bus was spellbinding. I could not put this book down. I came to love all of the characters within the Cornish seaside town, their personalities bought to life so well, and I loved little Marmite too. The description in the book was excellent, without being too much, and I could imagine the Cornish landscape. The story was well written and had me turning page after page. A heart-warming story of sheer determination, love and friendship.

A sweet and tasty summer read, will lovely characters and great scenery! A perfect beach or pool read, I loved it!

When I started this book I thought it ticked nearly all my boxes. After all how can you go wrong with sunkissed beaches, hunky men and cakes. For the most part I really enjoyed this book, the only bit I had trouble with was Charlie's habit of jumping to conclusions,usually the wrong ones. While this was ok at the beginning but by two thirds of the way into the book it was becoming a bit tired. By this stage I couldn't understand why one man could be bothered with her never mind two. Apart from that there were some great moments especially those that included Jonah. I would read the author's work again and would recommend the book for a light hearted read.

Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon.

I loved this book! I felt as if I was in Cornwall and aboard the Cream Tea Bus. I loved the dynamic between Charlie and Daniel and there were a few twists along the way. Great summer read!

Oh my goodness, what is this amazing author doing to me?!!! I’ve just finished this wonderful book and it has sent me through all the feelings and back again! Cressida McLaughlin is a wonderful author and her writing style is amazing and through her words she can set a scene perfectly..
This book was amazing and the whole will they won’t they thing that’s going on is exhausting and I loved it!! I just had to keep reading until I got to the end and found out how it all turned out.
I got very invested in all the characters until they almost felt like real life people . I can just imagine going on holiday to Cornwall and coming across ‘Gertie’ and sampling a wonderful cream tea.
As the whole book came to an end it gave me goosebumps as everything was coming together and happening how it should do! Although I got really worried at one point that something was going to happen to throw a spanner in the works!
Loved this book from start to finish and will definitely be looking for more from this author!

The story of Charlie and her vintage bus.

She inherits the bus from her uncle, Charlie sets about re-purposing it as a cafe. She heads off to Cornwall to stay with her friends, and soon meets local hotel owner Daniel. They clash the first time they meet. Does he dislike her or does he just like to get a reaction from her.

As the summer progresses, can she convince the local town that the bus cafe is a good thing to have in town?

A total delight from start to finish!
I have read this book in three parts as I have been so lucky to receive parts one and two and then the complete book!
A perfect summery read ideal for the beach or the garden! The Truely lovable character of Charlie and her ever faithful, fully restored bus Gertie, this book chronicles her struggles to restore Gertie the bus, and set up her own baking business and eventually tours all from the bus! Throughout we are teased and tantalised with descriptions of the lovely porthgolow and surrounding areas and the delectable, delicious offerings from the Cornish cream tea bus! Throw in the elements of romance a loyal pet, great friend and you have a perfect read, read and devoured in one day and thoroughly enjoyed!
Thank you so much net galley and Cressida for this advance copy.