This is a lovely novel set in Cornwall that depicts finding love and finding your Chrismas Spirt. I really enjoyed the characters and their journeys. I loved the swimming element and the puppy was adorable. I want a dog and a Christmas hamper now.

I was a bit hesitant to read this book by Cressida McLaughlin as I didn't really enjoy a previous book by her but I wanted to give it another go so I picked up this Christmas book which is number in the Cornish Cream Tea series. I didn't read the previous books in this series but you can easily read it as a stand alone book. Although I loved the atmosphere in this book and the main characters, I had some issues to really enter the story, to really enjoy my reading and the writing style. I guess this book was not for me. I am giving it a stars out of . Hopefully I will enjoy more the next book by Cressida McLaughlin!

Wholesome and heartwarming, feel-good Christmassy read

Meredith loves going for a solitary swim in the sea and feels a little aggrieved to find someone else already on her regular beach which is normally deserted and has brought her so much solace.

She sees Christmas as a time to get through rather than celebrate. But working in a gift shop she doesn't have much choice so grits her teeth and gets on with it.

Having thoughtfully created individual hampers to encourage people to start Christmas early, she struggles to get in the spirit herself, until handsome Finn appears and offers his help. She reluctantly accepts, but eventually finds his charm offers the breakthrough she needs to start overcoming her feelings of loss.

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very wholesome, really touching and there's a lot of important life lessons within. I adore Christmas, but the family and friends within this book were truly heartwarming as they embodied the Christmas spirit, understanding the importance of togetherness.

Four stars chosen because; throughout the story, there were instances where I expected to read more about, but did not. Say for example Meridith was meeting someone in the evening, the chapter would end and the next chapter would then continue somewhere within the next day, so we would get a less detailed retelling of the moment, rather than experiencing it first hand.

What better way than spending the days before Christmas, reading this book. A warm and cozy read with lots of laughs upon the way. First time I’ve come across this author, so can’t wait to read the previous books in this and her other series.

What a fabulous read. I have not read Cressida McLaughlin before and I am so excited to see how many other books she has written. This is a delightful Christmas read and an absolute must read!

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.

Another good book in the Cornish Cream Tea Bus series. This one was a bit different to the previous books in that the bus isn’t actually in it, other than a very brief glimpse, and neither are any of the previous characters. It’s set I a different seaside resort, with new people and places, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, looking forward to the next one.

I loved this book and how finn was determined to make meredith enjoy Christmas even after all the years she has hated it since her dad died on Christmas eve.

I loved his auntie too who was helping them.on there way.

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.

Enjoyed this book nice easy read not as predictable as some loved the way the characters interacted and the storyline

i was really excited to read this book, but it archieved and now i cant download it im now planning on buying the book.

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book. Idyllic location that set the tone of the book to perfection. Perfect seasonal book to get you in the mood for the festive season.

A lovely cosy Christmas read that draws you right in. Meredith likes to avoid the outward trappings of the Christmas season but works for a gift company that are delivering hampers to local residents. A chance meeting with handsome stranger Finn- who volunteers to help deliver them. This book just oozes warmth and romance within a wonderful community led setting. A winning read from Cressida McLaughlin.

I loved every second of reading this fabulous book. It captivated me from start to finish with romance, escapism, humour and feel-good emotions. I've recommended it to everyone I know!

A lovely and festive book to get you in the mood for Christmas. Ideally read by a fire with a warm beverage beside you. A little slow on the start, but still enjoyable.

Lots of hints of friendship, romance, and community spirit which is something I love in a book.

Lovely Christmas read but I did struggle to get into the story. However the pace picked up about halfway through and injected some Christmas magic. I did miss Porthoglow but lovely to visit another area of Cornwall. The animal companions add an adorable element to the story.

Thank you Netgalley

A really great story, charming, atmospheric, great characters. Filled me with warmth and spirit. Well written and flowed nicely, was romantic and funny, charming and full of fun. A great read, i really enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved this book!! Cressida has a wonderful way of telling a story without it being too slushy and over the top! This I instalment from the cream tea series takes us through the life of Meredith, who due to personal family life has lost the Christmas sparkle. Slowly but surely a chance encounter with a dreamy male lead by the name of Finn she finds it’s not gone she just has to view things differently. I don’t want to spoil the book it had me in tears towards the end on how they could make things work when he works in London.. but this book a lovely treat and you will adore her puppy crumble!!! Please can we have more of their story!