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The Cornish Cream Tea Bus #3
Scones Away!
Part Three of the charming new series from the author of The Canal Boat Cafe. Perfect for cake lovers and old-fashioned romantics!
Charlie’s toughest technical challenge yet…
Now that Charlie’s Cornish Cream Tea bus has taken off, everything should be going swimmingly – the locals love her baking, Marmite adores getting his paws wet in the crystal-clear sea at Porthgolow beach, but Charlie has manged to get on the wrong side of the mercurial owner of The Porthgolow Hotel, Daniel Harper. He wants her to pack up her doillies and pastry cutters and take her bus elsewhere, but can Charlie convince him that they have just got off on the wrong foot and that her bus could be the start of something wonderful for the little village?
- GenresContemporary
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
61 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Cressida McLaughlin
61 books700 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 15, 2019
Oh my goodness, what is this amazing author doing to me?!!! I’ve just finished this wonderful book and have gone through all the feelings and now I can’t wait for the release of the final instalment so that I can find out what’s going on!!
These books are amazing and the whole will they won’t they thing that’s going on is exhausting and I now ‘have’ to know how it’s all going to end!
I love the characters in these books and love how their stories are being told and I hope that in the final part all the loose ends are tied up and everyone ends up happy!!
These books are amazing and the whole will they won’t they thing that’s going on is exhausting and I now ‘have’ to know how it’s all going to end!
I love the characters in these books and love how their stories are being told and I hope that in the final part all the loose ends are tied up and everyone ends up happy!!
July 9, 2022
Book 3 of a 4 part book series, been wanting to read this set of books for ages. Note to readers, you can either read this as a 4 part book series like I’m going to or there is a full length novel which includes all of the 4 parts should you prefer to read it in that format.
Well this was another enjoyable segment to the series, certainly a lot happening in this one and lots more development between Charlie and Daniel, emotions running high but Charlie is having some trust issues with Daniel, expecting the worst from him, which I guess is a little to be expected given what she suffered with her ex-boyfriend Stuart. But I do feel sorry for Daniel as he clearly has his work cut out for him, let’s hope he is the real deal and that he has the patience to stick around to convince Charlie that he is a good one.
So heading straight into book 4 next which is the final part to this series.
Well this was another enjoyable segment to the series, certainly a lot happening in this one and lots more development between Charlie and Daniel, emotions running high but Charlie is having some trust issues with Daniel, expecting the worst from him, which I guess is a little to be expected given what she suffered with her ex-boyfriend Stuart. But I do feel sorry for Daniel as he clearly has his work cut out for him, let’s hope he is the real deal and that he has the patience to stick around to convince Charlie that he is a good one.
So heading straight into book 4 next which is the final part to this series.
September 3, 2019
love a cliff hanger! This book has a beauty. The action is really ramping up through this series. More cake, more Gertie, more Cornish scenery and a big dollop of love angst. Definitely worth reading. Can’t wait for the final instalment.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
March 15, 2020
It's been a while since I read the first 2 installments of this series but the story soon came back to me. Great to catch up with all the characters and living the whole love triangle thing. Onto the last part......
July 12, 2019
loved this one third I'm the series and one more to go just need to wait patiently
July 15, 2019
Scones Away is part three in the wonderful new series from Cressida McLaughlin The Cornish Cream Tea Bus. I've been loving this story so far as our main character Charlie is really someone who you are rooting for right from the very first moment she decided to continue on the legacy left by her Uncle Hal. Charlie is making waves with her new, fresh and innovative ideas in the small, sleepy coastal village of Porthgolow in Cornwall and despite some opposition she is determined to make a success of things. Bringing the vintage bus back to life left to her by her Uncle has given Charlie herself a new lease of life and a real sense of purpose but there are still many obstacles in her way.
She sees such potential for the village which seems to have gone to sleep and lost the will to fight to attract tourists. Various business are dying on their feet but Charlie knows with a little bit of hard work, some clever ideas and determination the fortunes of the village could be turned around. She may have only recently arrived in Porthgolow but she knows a good thing when she sees it and so what if some residents are entrenched in their ways and want no change at all. Charlie knows if things go the way she envisages than hopefully everyone will be thanking her for the wonderful changes. Now if only Daniel Harper, owner of Crystal Waters the luxury hotel perched on the clifftops, would get onside instead of placing stumbling blocks in her way then life would be moving along just fine for Charlie.
I didn't think part three was as eventful as the first two parts to this series although it did end on a very nerve racking cliff hanger. I suppose that's because we are leading up to some dramatic revelations and the tying of all the strands of the story together in part four but none the less Charlie's journey is still very much enjoyable and I am loving the community spirit that is really starting to emerge. But for me Charlie is becoming that little bit frustrating in that she jumps to conclusions far too quickly rather than taking the time to find out all the information instead of forming harsh judgements. I think she does this because her love for the Cornish Cream Tea Bus and her passion for bringing Porthgolow back to life again are always at the forefront of her mind.
Charlie wants to see all her plans come to fruition and for everything to be successful and if anything arises that could set said plans off track then she gets in such a fluster and makes assumptions that are simply not true. I think in a way there is a lesson for us all here. Don't form opinions until you have all the facts and details because otherwise you are digging a hole for yourself and in Charlie's case this could have the most disastrous of consequences. When she thinks a yoga event is going to derail the weekly food market that she has established on the beach she loses her cool big time with Daniel. I understood how annoyed she was given many traders were relying on her and she felt the event was gaining momentum but really the beach was there for everyone to use so why did she get so confrontational with Daniel.
I think Charlie gets wound up so easily and there really is no need for it but if you look that little bit deeper beneath the surface is it because there could be feelings stirring deep down for the man who frustrates her the most. Daniel is a man who has followed his dreams and worked his way up from humble roots to create a hotel that will provide luxury holidays and he will work diligently to ensure the hotel’s success continues. I don't think Charlie wanted to up scuttle his long term plans and ambitions but I think the sexual chemistry and tension between them led to her acting differently and therefore perhaps every little thing that went wrong for her she used the opportunities to lay the blame at his door.
Daniel is a character who I feel we need to get to know that little bit more and hopefully we will be given the opportunity to do so in part four. I think he has remained cool, calm and collected throughout especially when Charlie comes out with all guns blazing and then when she realises that in fact she is wrong regarding several points she has to back track very quickly indeed. He allowed her to let rip and never lost his own rag and I thought he could have been more forceful with Charlie instead of letting her rant on.
I loved the romantic triangle that was developing with Charlie at its centre and again this is something she is trying to contend with whilst keeping the food market going and travelling around with the bus to promote both it and Porthgolow. Not to mention the tours she is hoping to establish as another way of keeping the spirit of Uncle Hal alive. No doubt about it Charlie is ambitious and a hard worker but maybe it's time to relax a little bit and let the fruits of her good work unfold and explore the personal side of her life a little bit more. Well maybe that's what she hopes to do until events over the last few pages certainly rain on her parade. I think what happened was very unjust considering all the good work that has been done but saying that it has set us up very nicely for the concluding part The Icing on the Cake. I'm really looking forward to seeing how everything comes together and of course to more glorious and mouth watering descriptions of food not to mention the wonderful descriptions of Cornwall that have been ever present from part one. So far this has been a heart warming and captivating read and I am eager to know will Charlie be successful in her venture?
She sees such potential for the village which seems to have gone to sleep and lost the will to fight to attract tourists. Various business are dying on their feet but Charlie knows with a little bit of hard work, some clever ideas and determination the fortunes of the village could be turned around. She may have only recently arrived in Porthgolow but she knows a good thing when she sees it and so what if some residents are entrenched in their ways and want no change at all. Charlie knows if things go the way she envisages than hopefully everyone will be thanking her for the wonderful changes. Now if only Daniel Harper, owner of Crystal Waters the luxury hotel perched on the clifftops, would get onside instead of placing stumbling blocks in her way then life would be moving along just fine for Charlie.
I didn't think part three was as eventful as the first two parts to this series although it did end on a very nerve racking cliff hanger. I suppose that's because we are leading up to some dramatic revelations and the tying of all the strands of the story together in part four but none the less Charlie's journey is still very much enjoyable and I am loving the community spirit that is really starting to emerge. But for me Charlie is becoming that little bit frustrating in that she jumps to conclusions far too quickly rather than taking the time to find out all the information instead of forming harsh judgements. I think she does this because her love for the Cornish Cream Tea Bus and her passion for bringing Porthgolow back to life again are always at the forefront of her mind.
Charlie wants to see all her plans come to fruition and for everything to be successful and if anything arises that could set said plans off track then she gets in such a fluster and makes assumptions that are simply not true. I think in a way there is a lesson for us all here. Don't form opinions until you have all the facts and details because otherwise you are digging a hole for yourself and in Charlie's case this could have the most disastrous of consequences. When she thinks a yoga event is going to derail the weekly food market that she has established on the beach she loses her cool big time with Daniel. I understood how annoyed she was given many traders were relying on her and she felt the event was gaining momentum but really the beach was there for everyone to use so why did she get so confrontational with Daniel.
I think Charlie gets wound up so easily and there really is no need for it but if you look that little bit deeper beneath the surface is it because there could be feelings stirring deep down for the man who frustrates her the most. Daniel is a man who has followed his dreams and worked his way up from humble roots to create a hotel that will provide luxury holidays and he will work diligently to ensure the hotel’s success continues. I don't think Charlie wanted to up scuttle his long term plans and ambitions but I think the sexual chemistry and tension between them led to her acting differently and therefore perhaps every little thing that went wrong for her she used the opportunities to lay the blame at his door.
Daniel is a character who I feel we need to get to know that little bit more and hopefully we will be given the opportunity to do so in part four. I think he has remained cool, calm and collected throughout especially when Charlie comes out with all guns blazing and then when she realises that in fact she is wrong regarding several points she has to back track very quickly indeed. He allowed her to let rip and never lost his own rag and I thought he could have been more forceful with Charlie instead of letting her rant on.
I loved the romantic triangle that was developing with Charlie at its centre and again this is something she is trying to contend with whilst keeping the food market going and travelling around with the bus to promote both it and Porthgolow. Not to mention the tours she is hoping to establish as another way of keeping the spirit of Uncle Hal alive. No doubt about it Charlie is ambitious and a hard worker but maybe it's time to relax a little bit and let the fruits of her good work unfold and explore the personal side of her life a little bit more. Well maybe that's what she hopes to do until events over the last few pages certainly rain on her parade. I think what happened was very unjust considering all the good work that has been done but saying that it has set us up very nicely for the concluding part The Icing on the Cake. I'm really looking forward to seeing how everything comes together and of course to more glorious and mouth watering descriptions of food not to mention the wonderful descriptions of Cornwall that have been ever present from part one. So far this has been a heart warming and captivating read and I am eager to know will Charlie be successful in her venture?
August 8, 2019
"Scones Away" is the third part in the uplifting, wonderful series from Cressida McLaughlin, full of delicious descriptions of food and characters that I've immediately warmed to. Charlie is still full of ideas for her Cornish Cream Tea Bus Gertie but this time, ladies and gentlemen, our lovely Charlie annoyed me a little, jumping to conclusions instead of letting people speak or simply thinking things over - too much and too often for my liking. Not everyone in the world is against you, Charlie!
This time Charlie is entangled in a blossoming love triangle and it was so interesting to see which of her two admirers she's going to choose, as they were so different! One of them open and honest, which is just what she needs, what with her trust issues, and the other not so easy to read but there is such sparkling chemistry between them! What is it going to be for Charlie, head or heart? Porthgolow finally seems to start accepting Charlie and her bus and it was lovely to have this heart - warming community spirit back and the locals enjoying her baking. The author has - again - created a world that I want to be a part of and try the famous cream tea. And I loved the idea of the tour that Charlie plans to establish with her bus, just imagine all the beautiful sights of the gorgeous Cornwall with the added bonus of Charlies's brilliant food. But I also had a feeling that this time this part was not as filled with events and surprises as the previous two parts, and it dragged a little, but it's still a warm, colourful read that I enjoyed, no worries!
This part ends, of course, on a cliff hanger and I can't wait to see how everything comes together at the end, and which surprises are awaiting us in the final instalment - with so many plot twists I am sure that Cressida McLaughlin has many revelations for us.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2019
This series is addictive. Now I know the characters and have experienced the numerous plot twists, I can't wait to read the final part.
Charlie is embroiled in a tentative love triangle with her two admirers, one seems open and honest, just what she needs, but the chemistry is lacking. Her other admirer is not so easy to read, but the air crackles between them, whenever they are together. Can she take a chance, or will he let her down, and destroy her fledgeling business?
Charlie's is still recovering from her boyfriend's duplicity and has trust issues. Her head says one thing, her heart something different, who if either of them will she choose?
The Cornish Cream Tea Bus venture expands and seems to be going from strength to strength, as the community finally seems to accept her and her bus.
This penultimate part is full of emotions. Anger and passion, threaten to overshadow Charlie's professional success. Just when she believes she knows who she wants and can trust, her plans are threatened again. Can she trust the man she is falling in love with or not?
Just off to read the final part now, so I can see if my suspicions are correct.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 20, 2019
Scones away by Cressida McLaughlin.
Charlie’s toughest technical challenge yet…
Now that Charlie’s Cornish Cream Tea bus has taken off, everything should be going swimmingly – the locals love her baking, Marmite adores getting his paws wet in the crystal-clear sea at Porthgolow beach, but Charlie has manged to get on the wrong side of the mercurial owner of The Porthgolow Hotel, Daniel Harper. He wants her to pack up her doillies and pastry cutters and take her bus elsewhere, but can Charlie convince him that they have just got off on the wrong foot and that her bus could be the start of something wonderful for the little village?
A fantastic feel good read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Daniel is warming up to me. I really liked Oliver. Charlie is still my favourite character. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Charlie’s toughest technical challenge yet…
Now that Charlie’s Cornish Cream Tea bus has taken off, everything should be going swimmingly – the locals love her baking, Marmite adores getting his paws wet in the crystal-clear sea at Porthgolow beach, but Charlie has manged to get on the wrong side of the mercurial owner of The Porthgolow Hotel, Daniel Harper. He wants her to pack up her doillies and pastry cutters and take her bus elsewhere, but can Charlie convince him that they have just got off on the wrong foot and that her bus could be the start of something wonderful for the little village?
A fantastic feel good read. I loved the story and some of the characters. Daniel is warming up to me. I really liked Oliver. Charlie is still my favourite character. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.
February 22, 2022
This is part 3 of the serialisation of The Cornish Cream Tea Bus. I would recommend reading all 4 books in order as they do lead on from each other, or you could just read the complete book in one go! Leading on from part 2, we're still in Porthgolow with Charlie and Gertie, her old London bus. Charlie's plans are slowly working out, but she finds herself in a dilemma over her feelings for two of her admirers. Who will win Charlie's heart?...I'll just have to wait for the final part of the story to find out!! I was, as in the previous 2 parts of the story, treated not only to the delights of the Cornish coastline but also the tasty treats served on Charlie's bus!! Would definitely recommend!!
August 27, 2019
This is part 3 of the Cornish Cream Tea Bus series and I was very much looking forward to catching up with Charlie and her Cream Tea Bus after reading the first two books in the series.
I’m pleased to say this didn’t disappoint and I got to know the characters of Porthgolow in more detail and misunderstandings and twists and turns kept me wanting more.
I have to admit Charlie annoyed me on occasions with her paranoia and jumping to conclusions but this was part of the reason I enjoyed the book as it stirred my emotions.
I love the fact that individually these are pretty quick reads but they leave you wanting more.
Relaxing, lighthearted read with great characters.
I’m pleased to say this didn’t disappoint and I got to know the characters of Porthgolow in more detail and misunderstandings and twists and turns kept me wanting more.
I have to admit Charlie annoyed me on occasions with her paranoia and jumping to conclusions but this was part of the reason I enjoyed the book as it stirred my emotions.
I love the fact that individually these are pretty quick reads but they leave you wanting more.
Relaxing, lighthearted read with great characters.
September 1, 2019
In the next part of the book, Charlie has to confront her true feelings for Oliver and Daniel especially when it seems one might have a wandering eye and not been honest with her alike she with them but only worse...
We also see how she plans to tour her bus around now and begins to trial her plans too!
Ooh the adventure in Cornwall continues to grow more and more dramatic, Cressida keeps us all in suspense I need the fourth part right now!
We also see how she plans to tour her bus around now and begins to trial her plans too!
Ooh the adventure in Cornwall continues to grow more and more dramatic, Cressida keeps us all in suspense I need the fourth part right now!
August 25, 2019
I feel a bit cheated to be honest .. (sorry author).
This is one story, split into 4 books.
None of the books has a true beginning, middle and end, instead you are compelled to spend more in order to find out what happens.
The books only take up 80% of the down load,and your left thinking we'll now what!
This is one story, split into 4 books.
None of the books has a true beginning, middle and end, instead you are compelled to spend more in order to find out what happens.
The books only take up 80% of the down load,and your left thinking we'll now what!
July 11, 2019
Couldn't put it down
Read it in a day as I just had to keep reading. The ups and downs that poor Charlie goes through kept me guessing the whole time. As for the end I can't wait to find out who has shut Gertie down and why
Read it in a day as I just had to keep reading. The ups and downs that poor Charlie goes through kept me guessing the whole time. As for the end I can't wait to find out who has shut Gertie down and why
July 21, 2019
I have been loving this mini series and had been waiting for this book, the third book in the series, Scones Away to be released!
I thought that it was a good follow on as the story picks up straight from where the second book ended and I loved being able to catch up with the characters.
I thought that the story flowed really well and I really like this author's writing style. The book was lovely to read, easy to follow and it is 5 stars from me for this one and really looking forward to reading the fourth and final part!
I thought that it was a good follow on as the story picks up straight from where the second book ended and I loved being able to catch up with the characters.
I thought that the story flowed really well and I really like this author's writing style. The book was lovely to read, easy to follow and it is 5 stars from me for this one and really looking forward to reading the fourth and final part!
July 21, 2019
Ooh things are ramping up in this instalment and gah I have to wait for the next one to come out!! Charlie continues with her plans for the Cream Tea bus, but is everyone what they seem? Still really enjoying this fun read, as well as finding myself hungry with all the descriptions of cream teas.
June 17, 2020
Ok I love the story itself but flipping heck is Charlie annoying. I thought she was annoying in the previous book but she really steps it up a gear in this one. Quite why Daniel and Oliver bother with her is beyond me. Rant over!!
July 11, 2020
Brilliant from beginning to end it was a book you don’t want to puts down can’t wait to read number four
Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a series of books as you can’t wait to get to the next one
Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a series of books as you can’t wait to get to the next one
July 20, 2019
Wow, I flew throgh this third Cream Tea Bus installment and am left wanting to read book 4 immediately. Sadly, I'll have to wait for the fourth book to be released, but I have it on pre-order.
July 26, 2019
Great
Loved book 3 read in one sitting. It follows on nicely and is a great holiday read would recommend .
Loved book 3 read in one sitting. It follows on nicely and is a great holiday read would recommend .
August 1, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book.
This is the 3rd instalment of the Cornish cream tea bus and it didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to read the final instalment and see how the story ends.
This is the 3rd instalment of the Cornish cream tea bus and it didn’t disappoint. Can’t wait to read the final instalment and see how the story ends.
August 4, 2019
Things are hotting up now! I'm hurriedly starting book 4 to find out what's next for Charlie!
September 16, 2019
A very fun series! All of the elements i love in good, British, chick lit!
January 22, 2020
great book
June 24, 2021
3.5*
Charlie continues to grow from strength to strength professionally but on personal front she is still battling trust issues which meddle with her happiness.
Charlie continues to grow from strength to strength professionally but on personal front she is still battling trust issues which meddle with her happiness.
December 6, 2025
Part 3 of the Cornish Cream Tea Bus yet again a quick and charming read. I love anything that is set in Cornwall.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews