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The Cornish Cream Tea Summer #1
All You Knead is Love
‘Captivating’ Heat Magazine
‘Beautiful… heartwarming’ Zara Stoneley
‘A wonderful ray of reading sunshine’ Heidi Swain
Everyone’s favourite bus goes on a summer adventure full of sunshine and the promise of romance…
Charlie has a new helper on her bus, her free-spirited and loveable cousin, Delilah, who’s paid a visit to the charming Cornish village of Porthgolow and is helping out on Charlie’s adorable cream tea bus.
When the Director of a new TV series filming further along the coast tells Delilah that the bus would be the perfect addition to their onsite catering, she takes him a bit too literally, and before long she and the bus have taken a rather unexpected journey…
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2020
91 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Cressida McLaughlin
61 books704 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 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 8, 2020
What an absolute delight that Cressida McLaughlin has chosen to continue writing about The Cornish Cream Tea Bus and all its adventures. I absolutely loved the previous book, which I read as each part was published and I am going to do the same again this time around as I can't wait for the full length publication. Charlie and her pride and joy Gertie, her newly renovated bus which she inherited from her Uncle Hal, really struck a chord with many readers and I am thrilled the story is to be continued albeit with more of the arrival of a new character and the problems she brings with her. This new story is called The Cornish Cream Tea Summer and the title of part one as always with Cressida has a great play on words that really fits the theme - All You Knead is Love. Again there is another gorgeous, bright cover which really makes you wish that the beautiful Cornish coastal village of Porthgolow could be real.
We get straight down to business with no messing around, right from chapter one. Any filling in relation to the previous books is slotted in, in a paragraph or two when necessary so it's not strictly essential to have read Charlie's story. Although to be honest to really appreciate what a wonderful cast of characters, with a great setting and fun and exciting plot the author has created, I would read the first book. Delilah Forest, Charlie's cousin, turns up in the village unannounced and unexpected but of course she is welcomed with open arms as Charlie is never one to turn anyone away despite how busy she may be, or what might be going on in her life. Charlie is now happy and successful with the running of the bus and her love life is flourishing as well but the same can't be said for Delilah. From the outset it is clear she is running from something and she thinks getting away and hiding in Porthgolow may give her the chance to break free from what is haunting her.
I loved how we weren't kept in the dark for too long as to what was bothering her as I didn't think this element of the story could be sustained throughout four parts. So having the focus on Delilah rebuilding her life and establishing a positive future was a good idea. The seeds of which were very much sown in part one. I could see why she would be so cut up over what had happened and her role in it but after trying to fix things up with no success I think she did the right thing in removing herself from the situation allowing for reflection and a new perspective even though she had tried her utmost to make amends.
Delilah gets to know the village and meets some of the villagers and the fabulous descriptions of the coast and the set up of the market with the bus at its centre really helps the reader refamiliarise themselves with what had happened previously. Delilah feels perhaps Charlie's success will put her failures into sharp focus and she soon comes to realise she needs to get up and at it and make some changes in her life. She seemed to be a bit of a lost soul to me, someone who had lost her purpose and was nervous of what could come next. It was like she almost feared history repeating itself but I admired her guts and determination that when she saw an opportunity she went for it even if Charlie did feel a bit head hunted and with little choice but to say yes.
I felt on edge throughout part one almost as if I was waiting for Delilah to fail spectacularly once again and I thought Charlie put great faith in her. I questioned as to whether Cornwall could work its magic and sort Delilah out and be the making of her or was it all going to come tumbling down once again. Can she achieve something worthwhile rather than being notorious for all the wrong reasons? I thoroughly enjoyed that grabbing the chance to be part of the catering team for a TV series which was shooting in the local area gave Delilah the opportunity to prove herself to Charlie. It also provided a change of setting and the introduction of some new characters and I enjoyed guessing who was going to play a more prominent role in the future parts of the story.
There were little sub plots established throughout part one and it will be interesting to see how they will be explored and developed. I felt we got to know Delilah fairly well and that she is a person who is spontaneous and although she may be quick to rush into things for better or worse that really underneath it all she does have a heart of gold and only wants to do her best. OK she may be a little lost and not certain as to the direction she sees her life going in long term but at least she knows she had done wrong and now is trying to make amends in other ways.
All You Knead is love was the perfect introduction to The Cornish Cream Tea Summer series. It was a lovely read which I know I am always guaranteed with any book that Cressida writes. She has that unique talent to create spectacularly wonderful settings which almost become characters in themselves. She also finds a unique angle to base the series around be it canal boats, nature reservations, guest houses or pets and each one feels so different and special. Part one provided just enough plot and introduction of characters to keep the readers interested peeked and I thought a lot was covered given the constraints in relation to length when serialising a book. The tools are in place for Delilah to redeem herself and make a difference but will she use them wisely or will some curve balls be thrown her way? Will Charlie's business continue to grow from strength to strength as well as her love life? Given we ended on a little mini cliff hanger of sorts when Delilah is given some liberties I do hope she will make the best of it. Part two Beauty and the Yeast is published on March 19th and I am excited to see what is next in store.
We get straight down to business with no messing around, right from chapter one. Any filling in relation to the previous books is slotted in, in a paragraph or two when necessary so it's not strictly essential to have read Charlie's story. Although to be honest to really appreciate what a wonderful cast of characters, with a great setting and fun and exciting plot the author has created, I would read the first book. Delilah Forest, Charlie's cousin, turns up in the village unannounced and unexpected but of course she is welcomed with open arms as Charlie is never one to turn anyone away despite how busy she may be, or what might be going on in her life. Charlie is now happy and successful with the running of the bus and her love life is flourishing as well but the same can't be said for Delilah. From the outset it is clear she is running from something and she thinks getting away and hiding in Porthgolow may give her the chance to break free from what is haunting her.
I loved how we weren't kept in the dark for too long as to what was bothering her as I didn't think this element of the story could be sustained throughout four parts. So having the focus on Delilah rebuilding her life and establishing a positive future was a good idea. The seeds of which were very much sown in part one. I could see why she would be so cut up over what had happened and her role in it but after trying to fix things up with no success I think she did the right thing in removing herself from the situation allowing for reflection and a new perspective even though she had tried her utmost to make amends.
Delilah gets to know the village and meets some of the villagers and the fabulous descriptions of the coast and the set up of the market with the bus at its centre really helps the reader refamiliarise themselves with what had happened previously. Delilah feels perhaps Charlie's success will put her failures into sharp focus and she soon comes to realise she needs to get up and at it and make some changes in her life. She seemed to be a bit of a lost soul to me, someone who had lost her purpose and was nervous of what could come next. It was like she almost feared history repeating itself but I admired her guts and determination that when she saw an opportunity she went for it even if Charlie did feel a bit head hunted and with little choice but to say yes.
I felt on edge throughout part one almost as if I was waiting for Delilah to fail spectacularly once again and I thought Charlie put great faith in her. I questioned as to whether Cornwall could work its magic and sort Delilah out and be the making of her or was it all going to come tumbling down once again. Can she achieve something worthwhile rather than being notorious for all the wrong reasons? I thoroughly enjoyed that grabbing the chance to be part of the catering team for a TV series which was shooting in the local area gave Delilah the opportunity to prove herself to Charlie. It also provided a change of setting and the introduction of some new characters and I enjoyed guessing who was going to play a more prominent role in the future parts of the story.
There were little sub plots established throughout part one and it will be interesting to see how they will be explored and developed. I felt we got to know Delilah fairly well and that she is a person who is spontaneous and although she may be quick to rush into things for better or worse that really underneath it all she does have a heart of gold and only wants to do her best. OK she may be a little lost and not certain as to the direction she sees her life going in long term but at least she knows she had done wrong and now is trying to make amends in other ways.
All You Knead is love was the perfect introduction to The Cornish Cream Tea Summer series. It was a lovely read which I know I am always guaranteed with any book that Cressida writes. She has that unique talent to create spectacularly wonderful settings which almost become characters in themselves. She also finds a unique angle to base the series around be it canal boats, nature reservations, guest houses or pets and each one feels so different and special. Part one provided just enough plot and introduction of characters to keep the readers interested peeked and I thought a lot was covered given the constraints in relation to length when serialising a book. The tools are in place for Delilah to redeem herself and make a difference but will she use them wisely or will some curve balls be thrown her way? Will Charlie's business continue to grow from strength to strength as well as her love life? Given we ended on a little mini cliff hanger of sorts when Delilah is given some liberties I do hope she will make the best of it. Part two Beauty and the Yeast is published on March 19th and I am excited to see what is next in store.
May 18, 2020
This really is the Perfect escapism to Cornwall for part of your day, set in four parts it did not take long to read part one.
Charlie is proud owner of Gertie the tea bus, when cousin Lila turns up what chaos does she bring.
Even if set in a cold February what is not to love about this story it really is a fun read that I really enjoyed, can't wait to read the rest.
I just wish I had read about Gertie in the cornish cream tea first.
Charlie is proud owner of Gertie the tea bus, when cousin Lila turns up what chaos does she bring.
Even if set in a cold February what is not to love about this story it really is a fun read that I really enjoyed, can't wait to read the rest.
I just wish I had read about Gertie in the cornish cream tea first.
May 23, 2020
This was a wonderful lovely read and full of moving on and plenty about Cornwall and plenty of romance it’s a great follow on with plenty of sunshine.
Delilah decides to take a break from life and go down for an adventure to Cornwall to join her cousin Charlie. She goes and helps on the bus and she takes the bus to a where a tv series is filmed and she does the catering for them where will it lead her.
Delilah decides to take a break from life and go down for an adventure to Cornwall to join her cousin Charlie. She goes and helps on the bus and she takes the bus to a where a tv series is filmed and she does the catering for them where will it lead her.
May 22, 2020
Absolutely loved everything about this book & the fact that it was based in Cornwall, the storyline and the characters.
Such an easy read and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.
Such an easy read and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.
December 11, 2019
I love this first installment of the cornish cream tea bus. I can't wait to read the rest of it.
May 23, 2020
The Cornish Cream Tea Summer Part 1 by Cressida McLaughlin
Delila is full of enthusiasm but disaster seems to be her middle name and it follows her around. Having had a major disaster she ends up losing her job and her best friend from childhood in one great move! She goes off to Cornwall to visit her cousin Charlie and lick her wounds and try to get life back on track. Charlie has made a big success of setting up a Cornish tea room in an old converted bus called Gertie.
A bit slow to get started following the trials & tribulations of Lila on the run up to the summer with Charlie on board Gertie. Just getting engrossed in the story when it ended !
I really wish if you are doing a series of books they can stand alone as a story as reading this book it’s longer than a sampler/Novello but the story just ends at the end of part 1 leaving too many loose ends. Disappointed hopefully will be able to read the next instalment soon! It has the potential to be a really good read.
Delila is full of enthusiasm but disaster seems to be her middle name and it follows her around. Having had a major disaster she ends up losing her job and her best friend from childhood in one great move! She goes off to Cornwall to visit her cousin Charlie and lick her wounds and try to get life back on track. Charlie has made a big success of setting up a Cornish tea room in an old converted bus called Gertie.
A bit slow to get started following the trials & tribulations of Lila on the run up to the summer with Charlie on board Gertie. Just getting engrossed in the story when it ended !
I really wish if you are doing a series of books they can stand alone as a story as reading this book it’s longer than a sampler/Novello but the story just ends at the end of part 1 leaving too many loose ends. Disappointed hopefully will be able to read the next instalment soon! It has the potential to be a really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2020
It's lovely to be back with Charlie and her Cornish Cream Tea Bus. This time her cousin Lila is running from her imploded life in London. Charlie and Lila are close but have very different personalities. Impulsive Lila soon ruffles Charlie's organised life with the best of intentions. A contract with a film company on location challenges Lila's career plans and her emotional future. Meeting the actors and film crew engages Lila and draws her into a glamorous world. It's so enjoyable for the reader too.
The beautiful setting believable characters and engaging plot make this an enjoyable, effortless read. I'm looking forward to reading the remaining three parts of this serialised story.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK -Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The beautiful setting believable characters and engaging plot make this an enjoyable, effortless read. I'm looking forward to reading the remaining three parts of this serialised story.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK -Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2022
I listened to this on audiobook.
Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read/listen to 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.
So this 4 part series actually carries on from a previous series which features Gertie the Cornish Cream tea bus and it’s owner Charlie, so if you’ve not read those yet, you might want to go look them up first.
Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed this part 1, was great getting reacquainted with previous characters Charlie, Daniel, Gertie & adorable Marmite. And a pleasure to meet some new characters too, mainly Charlie cousin Delilah who is quite a unique character in her own way.
Can’t wait to see how the series progresses, so looking forward to heading straight into book 2 already.
Book 1 of a 4 part book series. Note to readers, you can either read/listen to 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.
So this 4 part series actually carries on from a previous series which features Gertie the Cornish Cream tea bus and it’s owner Charlie, so if you’ve not read those yet, you might want to go look them up first.
Anyway I thoroughly enjoyed this part 1, was great getting reacquainted with previous characters Charlie, Daniel, Gertie & adorable Marmite. And a pleasure to meet some new characters too, mainly Charlie cousin Delilah who is quite a unique character in her own way.
Can’t wait to see how the series progresses, so looking forward to heading straight into book 2 already.
July 26, 2025
This is the first book in a series called the Cornish Tea summer which is based and includes characters from another series by the author called Cornish Tea bus which i did not really enjoy the first book in the series. I will continue with the rest of the series as they are quite short books 100-150 words and i can read in less than 2 hours. The main character Lila is a bit of a pain in the backside she seems to have her heart in right place but she cannot work out why her best friends is alientatig her - it was something she done and she thought was doing something good.
May 18, 2020
Absolutely loved this book!! After reading other reviews, I wish I had read Cressida's other books based around these characters just to understand them more and have more of a connection to Charlie and Leila but it can be read as a stand alone, I thoroughly enjoyed it and however backwards it may be, im going to go and read the others as well! I can't wait for more!
June 17, 2020
Loved it.
Prior to reading this, I had mixed feelings as I wasn't sure I was going to like it as I found The Cornish Cream Tea Bus series to be a bit of a mixed bag. I shouldn't have been concerned as this is brilliant! Lila is an absolute hoot and I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment!!
Prior to reading this, I had mixed feelings as I wasn't sure I was going to like it as I found The Cornish Cream Tea Bus series to be a bit of a mixed bag. I shouldn't have been concerned as this is brilliant! Lila is an absolute hoot and I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment!!
September 29, 2020
I've had these little beauties for a long time, but thought I'd better start reading them now the Christmas editions are due out!
Charlie receives a visit from her cousin Lila, who impulsively arranges for the cream tea bus to be used as the refreshments bus on set for an upcoming television series.
Can't wait to start on the next in the series ☕🧁🍰🍶
Charlie receives a visit from her cousin Lila, who impulsively arranges for the cream tea bus to be used as the refreshments bus on set for an upcoming television series.
Can't wait to start on the next in the series ☕🧁🍰🍶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
I knew this was going to be a cozy kind of book but it was so simplistic and really should be marked as an early teen kind of book. I think 13-14 year old girls would really enjoy this book. Very disappointed
December 26, 2022
Good to see all the positive reviews because I love a bit of Cornish escapism. However for me the frustrations were over played and made me wonder how the main character could be so annoying and stupid. It’s a shame. It could have been more lightly done.
April 6, 2020
Such fun. Loved the characters, I loved the fact it was on a film set. Lila is just the kind of heroine you are rooting for. And there were some funny moments. Can't wait to read the rest.
April 9, 2020
Can't wait to read the next part!
May 4, 2020
Enjoyed part one happy to be reading of more adventures of the cream tea bus
June 23, 2020
Enjoyed this series of books lots of twists and turns
June 27, 2020
Fabulous
Excellent, the characters are so real and it feels like we are part of the book too. Really excited about starting book 2. What a fabulous series this is going to be 👍
Excellent, the characters are so real and it feels like we are part of the book too. Really excited about starting book 2. What a fabulous series this is going to be 👍
October 18, 2020
I enjoyed this one just as much as the first book, I'm completely hooked to find out what happens next.
November 2, 2021
loved it
May 16, 2022
Okay read, probably closer to 2.5 than 3. My journey with the Cornish cream tea bus ends here.
March 5, 2020
Lila is Charlie's cousin who surprises her by turning up out of the blue after a disaster in London with her best friend and job.
It safe to say drama follows Lila as an opportunity for the Cream Tea Bus to work with a BBC production arises and Lila is eager practically signing them up before asking Charlie properly!up
As Lila gets to grips working the bus, brushing shoulders with tv stars and many guys Lila wonders of maybe Cornwall can serve her life well like it has leading Charlie to Daniel and then they drop a huge bombshell on her, can she cope?
This series is one of my favourite ever discoveries and seeing Lila arrive and enjoy the area, uniqueness of the bus and the chance to be part of a filming set is great fun to read. If you enjoy Cornwall, food or baking and love stories this is a book for you a magical read I wish I could wander into myself and live in!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
It safe to say drama follows Lila as an opportunity for the Cream Tea Bus to work with a BBC production arises and Lila is eager practically signing them up before asking Charlie properly!up
As Lila gets to grips working the bus, brushing shoulders with tv stars and many guys Lila wonders of maybe Cornwall can serve her life well like it has leading Charlie to Daniel and then they drop a huge bombshell on her, can she cope?
This series is one of my favourite ever discoveries and seeing Lila arrive and enjoy the area, uniqueness of the bus and the chance to be part of a filming set is great fun to read. If you enjoy Cornwall, food or baking and love stories this is a book for you a magical read I wish I could wander into myself and live in!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Read
November 12, 2020First book I've read by this author.. picked it up in charity shop purely because it's set in Cornwall.... throughly enjoyed it and will look out for more by this author.
March 5, 2020
An enjoyable and fun read that made me smile and root for the characters.
I liked the setting, the well thought cast of characters and the plot that flows.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the setting, the well thought cast of characters and the plot that flows.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 2, 2020
Couldn't put it down
Really enjoyed the previous stories of the bus and this one is as excellent as them. Already have ordered the rest of the series and can't wait to see them when I open my kindle
Really enjoyed the previous stories of the bus and this one is as excellent as them. Already have ordered the rest of the series and can't wait to see them when I open my kindle
February 29, 2020
loved the start of this series. perfect follow on from the last one
February 29, 2020
Part one was great! I can't wait for part two!
February 26, 2020
I was so excited when I saw this book. I loved the Cornish Cream Tea Bus, and am so pleased that Gertie is back. Part One had me hooked from the start, and I can't wait for Part Two. It was nice to have Charlie, Daniel and Marmite back again, along with some of the characters from the Cornish village. Lila is a great new character, who I instantly warmed to, and I can't wait to see how her character and the story progresses in the subsequent parts...………….
February 14, 2020
This is the first book in the sequel to The Cornish Cream Tea book. It definitely needs to be read as part of the series. This installment introduces us to Lila, Charlie's Cousin.
Lila is very impulsive, and acts first, and only thinks later when she realizes that she has made a big mistake. She is running away from her latest mistake in London, where she has lost her job, and her best friend.
She decides to visit Charlie in Cornwall, where she is happily running her Cream tea shop, on Gertie, her beloved vintage bus. Before long, she is making changes and taking risks that Charlie won't necessarily agree with.
This book is perfect for a cold and dreary Winter's day. Although the book is set in February, the coffee, cream teas. and the cakes give the book a warm and cosy feel. The location of Cornwall is idyllic, and for me, it is a perfect, feel-good setting for this book.
I did not instantly warm to the character of Lila, As I was reading the book, I was just waiting for her to inadvertently cause trouble for Charlie. This could be intentional of course, as I'm now waiting to see what happens next to the Cream Tea bus.
If you liked the first book, then you will definitely love this one. I'm really looking forward to reading the next part of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Lila is very impulsive, and acts first, and only thinks later when she realizes that she has made a big mistake. She is running away from her latest mistake in London, where she has lost her job, and her best friend.
She decides to visit Charlie in Cornwall, where she is happily running her Cream tea shop, on Gertie, her beloved vintage bus. Before long, she is making changes and taking risks that Charlie won't necessarily agree with.
This book is perfect for a cold and dreary Winter's day. Although the book is set in February, the coffee, cream teas. and the cakes give the book a warm and cosy feel. The location of Cornwall is idyllic, and for me, it is a perfect, feel-good setting for this book.
I did not instantly warm to the character of Lila, As I was reading the book, I was just waiting for her to inadvertently cause trouble for Charlie. This could be intentional of course, as I'm now waiting to see what happens next to the Cream Tea bus.
If you liked the first book, then you will definitely love this one. I'm really looking forward to reading the next part of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews