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The Cornish Cream Tea Bus #4
The Icing on the Cake
Part Four of the charming new series from the author of The Canal Boat Cafe. Perfect for cake lovers and old-fashioned romantics!
Can Charlie pull off the perfect showstopper?
Charlie has fallen in love with Porthgolow village and they adore her vintage bus, now getting a new lease of life as the best place to have a Cornish Cream tea in the whole of Cornwall. Charlie and her bus have heralded a new start for Porthgolow too, but the one fly in the ointment is Daniel Harper who is still resisting the charms of Charlie and her bus. Can Charlie bake her way into his heart or is it time to admit that her Cornish dream has got a soggy bottom?
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2019
62 people are currently reading
155 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 12, 2020
The final installment of the Cornish Cream Tea Bus. This is a wonderful feel good series and the last part does not disappoint - with a spot of drama thrown in for good measure and looking forward to new adventures of Gertie in Cornwall.
July 9, 2022
Book 4 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.
I absolutely loved this, literally read it in one sitting, was a perfect end to this court part book series, it tied lots of loose ends up and answered all my questions I’d still had and there was an unexpected drama/danger at the end of the book, one that has your heart beating pretty fast and emotions running high for a lot of the characters but especially Charlie.
I’m glad that Charlie finally discovered the truth about a few things and has learnt to have faith in those nearest her and believe in love again.
So I thought I’d be sad because the series has ended, but I’m not because I’m happy to report that the series continues, the author wrote more books with these delightful characters and Gertie the Cornish Cream Tea bus as well as introducing new characters too, so I’m very much looking forward to loosing myself i those real soon.
I absolutely loved this, literally read it in one sitting, was a perfect end to this court part book series, it tied lots of loose ends up and answered all my questions I’d still had and there was an unexpected drama/danger at the end of the book, one that has your heart beating pretty fast and emotions running high for a lot of the characters but especially Charlie.
I’m glad that Charlie finally discovered the truth about a few things and has learnt to have faith in those nearest her and believe in love again.
So I thought I’d be sad because the series has ended, but I’m not because I’m happy to report that the series continues, the author wrote more books with these delightful characters and Gertie the Cornish Cream Tea bus as well as introducing new characters too, so I’m very much looking forward to loosing myself i those real soon.
July 25, 2019
The Icing on the Cake is the concluding part to what has been a wonderful series from Cressida McLaughlin. It ties up all the loose ends and sees the delivery of answers to so many questions I have had whilst reading this series. The reader really has been taken on a journey with the main female character, Charlie, in her bid to see the plans for her charming Cream Tea Bus become a reality and for it to hopefully be a roaring success. When we return to Charlie she is battling to keep the bus open as someone seems to have an agenda against her and doesn't wish to see Charlie making a go of things. Part three (Scones Away!) had left us on a cliffhanger and Charlie is still trying to resolve this issue. This problem is the culmination of a number of things that have gone wrong for her just when she seems to be getting on an even footing and things are going right for her.
In the previous installment I had found Charlie to be frustrating to say the least as she was always jumping to conclusions without actually taking the time to stop and think about things. I suppose this was because she was so passionate about what she was trying to achieve in trying to bring Porthgolow back to life and getting the bus up and running but I was waiting for her to stop and realise she needed to take it easy a bit and not be so judgemental. Thankfully this did occur and she no longer laid the blame at the wrong persons door. She slowly began to become aware that a lot of situations in life are never black and white and straightforward and that with a little bit of further digging, along with some compassion and understanding, that she could see the truth from the lies and then go on to do something about it.
Charlie had numerous pressing issues and complications in her life to solve both on a personal and professional level and I loved how she set out to achieve a balance between the two. She was really caught between a rock and a hard place when it came to Crystal Waters hotel Daniel and Oliver of the Mauraduing Mojito. I know who I wanted her to choose and the chemistry between herself and my man of choice has been evident from the get go. I just hoped she would make the right decision for her because she truly deserved happiness after being through so much and for battling through when the tides seemed to have been against her so often. I had my suspicions as to who could be behind all the misdemeanours that unnecessarily befell Charlie in a bid to take her down and my instincts proved right although the reasons for this I didn't guess. Also with regard to who was behind the Porthgolow Hideaway Instagram account again something that had been niggling away at me just clicked and I knew who it was. It was so heart warming and brought a lovely warm feeling to the book.
I love how Cressida McLaughlin creates such wonderful settings and then fills them with characters you really do come to care for. Porthgolow was really a special place and ever since Charlie's arrival she could see this too. It was only ever supposed to be a few months sabbatical from her café job whilst she came to terms with the loss of her beloved Uncle Hal. But Charlie certainly got a lot more than she bargained for with all the great initiatives she had created and the friends she had made that when she is faced with the ultimate decision will she leave or will she stay then a lot of soul searching ensues. I really began to warm to Charlie again in part four as she just threw caution to the wind and got on with things despite so many obstacles being placed in her way.
Charlie really was growing up as well and not being as rash and hasty as she had been in the past. She was taking responsibility for misjudging people's characters and it is a brave woman who can admit she was wrong and say sorry. It was almost like she had settled into her new way of life and become comfortable in her own skin and with the ambitions she had laid out for both herself and the town. The community spirit she had strived so desperately to create was slowly starting to emerge and people believed in what she was doing. I loved how everyone pulled together with one big festival to showcase just how special and unique Porthgolow was. Charlie was the one who got the ball rolling and with initiative, hard work and of course lots of cream teas and delectable cakes along the way perhaps she would start to see plenty of rewards for her effort but not without some consternation and problems along the way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with with Charlie and co in Porthgolow. She was a person in need of rescuing and whether the village and someone of the opposite sex helped her truly achieved that well you'll have to pick up this series and discover the answer. This has been an uplifting, warm and inviting read packed full of characters some you love and some you love to hate combined with a picturesque idyllic setting. Also in this concluding part, there were a few nail biting dramas and tense moments that had you on the edge of your seat and really did leave the reader guessing as to the eventual outcome right until the very last minute. The Cornish Cream Tea Bus is perfect to lose yourself in for a few hours whether you read each part separately as I have done or else are able to wait for the full length addition. I would love a little update in the future on the residents of Porthgolow or even for some characters that were in the background to step forward. A little Christmas short story perhaps but in the meantime do enjoy your visit to Porthgolow as you follow Charlie and her life full of ups and downs, romance, laughter and plenty of yummy food and treats.
In the previous installment I had found Charlie to be frustrating to say the least as she was always jumping to conclusions without actually taking the time to stop and think about things. I suppose this was because she was so passionate about what she was trying to achieve in trying to bring Porthgolow back to life and getting the bus up and running but I was waiting for her to stop and realise she needed to take it easy a bit and not be so judgemental. Thankfully this did occur and she no longer laid the blame at the wrong persons door. She slowly began to become aware that a lot of situations in life are never black and white and straightforward and that with a little bit of further digging, along with some compassion and understanding, that she could see the truth from the lies and then go on to do something about it.
Charlie had numerous pressing issues and complications in her life to solve both on a personal and professional level and I loved how she set out to achieve a balance between the two. She was really caught between a rock and a hard place when it came to Crystal Waters hotel Daniel and Oliver of the Mauraduing Mojito. I know who I wanted her to choose and the chemistry between herself and my man of choice has been evident from the get go. I just hoped she would make the right decision for her because she truly deserved happiness after being through so much and for battling through when the tides seemed to have been against her so often. I had my suspicions as to who could be behind all the misdemeanours that unnecessarily befell Charlie in a bid to take her down and my instincts proved right although the reasons for this I didn't guess. Also with regard to who was behind the Porthgolow Hideaway Instagram account again something that had been niggling away at me just clicked and I knew who it was. It was so heart warming and brought a lovely warm feeling to the book.
I love how Cressida McLaughlin creates such wonderful settings and then fills them with characters you really do come to care for. Porthgolow was really a special place and ever since Charlie's arrival she could see this too. It was only ever supposed to be a few months sabbatical from her café job whilst she came to terms with the loss of her beloved Uncle Hal. But Charlie certainly got a lot more than she bargained for with all the great initiatives she had created and the friends she had made that when she is faced with the ultimate decision will she leave or will she stay then a lot of soul searching ensues. I really began to warm to Charlie again in part four as she just threw caution to the wind and got on with things despite so many obstacles being placed in her way.
Charlie really was growing up as well and not being as rash and hasty as she had been in the past. She was taking responsibility for misjudging people's characters and it is a brave woman who can admit she was wrong and say sorry. It was almost like she had settled into her new way of life and become comfortable in her own skin and with the ambitions she had laid out for both herself and the town. The community spirit she had strived so desperately to create was slowly starting to emerge and people believed in what she was doing. I loved how everyone pulled together with one big festival to showcase just how special and unique Porthgolow was. Charlie was the one who got the ball rolling and with initiative, hard work and of course lots of cream teas and delectable cakes along the way perhaps she would start to see plenty of rewards for her effort but not without some consternation and problems along the way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment spent with with Charlie and co in Porthgolow. She was a person in need of rescuing and whether the village and someone of the opposite sex helped her truly achieved that well you'll have to pick up this series and discover the answer. This has been an uplifting, warm and inviting read packed full of characters some you love and some you love to hate combined with a picturesque idyllic setting. Also in this concluding part, there were a few nail biting dramas and tense moments that had you on the edge of your seat and really did leave the reader guessing as to the eventual outcome right until the very last minute. The Cornish Cream Tea Bus is perfect to lose yourself in for a few hours whether you read each part separately as I have done or else are able to wait for the full length addition. I would love a little update in the future on the residents of Porthgolow or even for some characters that were in the background to step forward. A little Christmas short story perhaps but in the meantime do enjoy your visit to Porthgolow as you follow Charlie and her life full of ups and downs, romance, laughter and plenty of yummy food and treats.
August 18, 2019
Cornish confusion and conflicting conjecture.
I enjoyed the story. It had a feel good about it and set in beautiful Cornwall. The usual girl meets boy, boy infuriates girl, both realise that they have feelings for each other. They then have to endure misunderstandings and find a way to get together, which they do.
I enjoyed the story. It had a feel good about it and set in beautiful Cornwall. The usual girl meets boy, boy infuriates girl, both realise that they have feelings for each other. They then have to endure misunderstandings and find a way to get together, which they do.
September 3, 2019
Absolutely cracking final instalment. The action is ramped up throughout and the romantic interest becomes more intense. Fantastic ending to a great series. Must read!
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
August 8, 2019
So, the highly anticipated final part of the brilliant series The Cornish Cream Tea Bus by Cressida McLaughlin has finally arrived. I loved the series, written in such a gorgeous, inviting and warm way, and Cressida McLaughling had me glued to the pages, enjoying the stories, characters and fabulous setting. And delicious, mouth - watering food, mmm.
This part brilliantly ties up all the loose ends and everything is beautifully - if a bit too rushed, for my liking - wrapped up. Charlie has been taken - and we together with her - on a real roller coaster journey full of emotions, feelings, ups and downs but she was so determined and ambitious that she really didn't allow anything to stand in her way. However, before it happens, she has to solve some problems that part four throws her way, and really, the author keeps us in suspense till the very end. Charlie also seems to have learnt a lessons, there is no more wild jumping to conclusions and she was able to find the truth without blaming all people around her, and I so wanted to give her standing ovation for this.
Porthgolow is a place that is going to stay with me for longer, Cressida McLaughlin has created a fictional world that I'd love to be a part of, together with the lovely, noisy gang of characters that pulled together to create another wonderful festival. The title of this final part, "The Icing of the Cake", is simply perfect, as it's a real icing on the cake, this lovely, heart - warming and uplifting read, full of characters that you love or love to hate, gorgeous setting and perfect plot. Highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 24, 2019
I’m sad now I’ve read the final part of this lovely, coastal series, it ties up all the loose ends and just when you think everything is going to work out for Charlie, because of her hard work and willingness to learn to trust again, there is a final breathtaking twist.
The story begins where part three finished. Will ‘The Cornish Cream Tea Bus’, survive, and who wants it to fail? At the start of the series, there are lots of people who might want Charlie to fail, but at this point in the story, the perpetrators are much fewer in number, thanks to Charlie’s kindness and tenacity. When the guilty party is revealed it isn’t a surprise, but it’s good to have your suspicions confirmed.
Charlie’ s romantic future seems brighter, but what happens after the Summer? The final twist is heartstopping and the resolution is perfect.
I enjoyed my time in Porthgolow and I hope the author may take us back there again? A lovely coastal romantic story, with some good unique elements, and complex, relatable characters, the perfect beach read.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins UK = Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The story begins where part three finished. Will ‘The Cornish Cream Tea Bus’, survive, and who wants it to fail? At the start of the series, there are lots of people who might want Charlie to fail, but at this point in the story, the perpetrators are much fewer in number, thanks to Charlie’s kindness and tenacity. When the guilty party is revealed it isn’t a surprise, but it’s good to have your suspicions confirmed.
Charlie’ s romantic future seems brighter, but what happens after the Summer? The final twist is heartstopping and the resolution is perfect.
I enjoyed my time in Porthgolow and I hope the author may take us back there again? A lovely coastal romantic story, with some good unique elements, and complex, relatable characters, the perfect beach read.
I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins UK = Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 28, 2019
I had a few ideas of what I thought was going to happen at the end of this book and I was mostly right!
I loved the ending and everything happened that should have, even though I got really worried at one point that something was going to happen to throw a spanner in the works.
I’ve loved all four parts of this book and I’ve become very invested in all the characters until they almost feel like real people. I can just imagine going on holiday to Cornwall and coming across ‘Gertie’ and sampling a gorgeous cream tea!
Cressida’s writing style is wonderful and she can set a scene with her words perfectly.
Love love loved it!!
I loved the ending and everything happened that should have, even though I got really worried at one point that something was going to happen to throw a spanner in the works.
I’ve loved all four parts of this book and I’ve become very invested in all the characters until they almost feel like real people. I can just imagine going on holiday to Cornwall and coming across ‘Gertie’ and sampling a gorgeous cream tea!
Cressida’s writing style is wonderful and she can set a scene with her words perfectly.
Love love loved it!!
August 27, 2019
This is the fourth and concluding part of the Cornish Cream Tea Bus series and my favourite. In this novella you get to see developments in Daniel and Charlie’s relationship and Charlie has a big decision to make.
I liked the fact that this tied up all the loose ends and although I had guessed what would happen it didn’t lesson my enjoyment of the book.
The setting is idyllic, characters interesting and food sounds wonderful.
I would strongly recommend this series to anyone wanting an enjoyable read and I hope that where Charlie embarks on the next stage of her journey Cressida might share this with is in the future.
I liked the fact that this tied up all the loose ends and although I had guessed what would happen it didn’t lesson my enjoyment of the book.
The setting is idyllic, characters interesting and food sounds wonderful.
I would strongly recommend this series to anyone wanting an enjoyable read and I hope that where Charlie embarks on the next stage of her journey Cressida might share this with is in the future.
September 1, 2019
In the final part of Charlie's story, we see how she discovers who sabotaged her bus stopping her trading which was of no surprise to me who'd done it, the clues are there all along...
However the whole village comes together to make it better including with regular food festival's!
But will she and Daniel finally sort out their feelings?
I have truly loved this book. Once again Cressida has written a remarkable story with characters that I wish really existed as this bus sounds amazing and I would love to support it!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
However the whole village comes together to make it better including with regular food festival's!
But will she and Daniel finally sort out their feelings?
I have truly loved this book. Once again Cressida has written a remarkable story with characters that I wish really existed as this bus sounds amazing and I would love to support it!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
February 22, 2022
This is the final part of the serialisation of The Cornish Cream Tea Bus. I would recommend reading these in order as each part does lead on from the other. I absolutely loved this serialisation and was truly sorry to come to the end! Charlie's story was heart warming and I loved the location, the romance, the friendships and, of course, the delights of the Cornish cream teas! Would definitely recommend!!
July 21, 2019
I have been loving this mini series and had been waiting for this book, the final book in the series, The Icing on the Cake to be released!
I thought that it was a good follow on as the story picks up straight from where the third 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. I have enjoyed this series so much that I will definitely be looking to get my hands on what she releases next and may have to treat myself to some of the books she has already released!!
The book was lovely to read, easy to follow and it is 5 stars from me for this one!!
I thought that it was a good follow on as the story picks up straight from where the third 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. I have enjoyed this series so much that I will definitely be looking to get my hands on what she releases next and may have to treat myself to some of the books she has already released!!
The book was lovely to read, easy to follow and it is 5 stars from me for this one!!
August 1, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This is the final instalment in the Cornish cream tea bus series and it was a brilliant end to the series. Charlie rescues Daniel from a compromising position and finally decides what to do about staying in Porthgolow or returning back to her previous life in Bath.
Will definitely read more books by this author.
This is the final instalment in the Cornish cream tea bus series and it was a brilliant end to the series. Charlie rescues Daniel from a compromising position and finally decides what to do about staying in Porthgolow or returning back to her previous life in Bath.
Will definitely read more books by this author.
July 27, 2019
Perfect
Couldn't wait to read the final part. Excellent from the first book until the last one. Loved the story of Gertie and how she was transformed into the beautiful tea bus. A perfect read for the summer
Couldn't wait to read the final part. Excellent from the first book until the last one. Loved the story of Gertie and how she was transformed into the beautiful tea bus. A perfect read for the summer
July 28, 2019
A lovely end to this lovely book set in Cornwall. The descriptions of the cove just make me want to run away and live there. Charlie and Marmite the dog are wonderful characters and the drama in this section had me flicking pages faster than I usually would. Recommended summer read.
June 17, 2020
The Icing on the Cake is Easily the best in The Cornish Cream Tea Bus series. It's got everything - gorgeous scenery, mouthwatering good and even a daring rescue! Oh and Charlie wasn't annoying in this one!!
December 11, 2020
Part 4 the Cornish cream tea bus
Another good read by Crassida McLau
Goblin it was really enjoyable glad things worked out for Daniel and Charlie looking forward to reading the Christmas books .
Another good read by Crassida McLau
Goblin it was really enjoyable glad things worked out for Daniel and Charlie looking forward to reading the Christmas books .
June 24, 2021
3.5*
Charlie's enthusiasm and vision seem to have caught up with the villagers and they all come together to carry out a major event celebrating Porthgolow. After an unforeseen turn of events, Charlie finally gets the happy ending she deserves.
Charlie's enthusiasm and vision seem to have caught up with the villagers and they all come together to carry out a major event celebrating Porthgolow. After an unforeseen turn of events, Charlie finally gets the happy ending she deserves.
August 3, 2019
perfect ending to this series
August 10, 2019
The last part of the series, did not disappoint loved it xx
September 16, 2019
A very fun series! All of the elements i love in good, British, chick lit!
November 6, 2019
Really enjoyed this series. So light hearted and fun. Loved all the quirky characters.
January 30, 2020
great book
September 13, 2020
Last of the series
Loved this light, bright book. Its a lovely story and very uplifting. I am now going to read the follow on series of Cornish Cream Tea Summer.
Loved this light, bright book. Its a lovely story and very uplifting. I am now going to read the follow on series of Cornish Cream Tea Summer.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews