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nukkoldv's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
craftyemma's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A heart-warming story about Charlie, who has inherited her uncles old Routemaster bus, Gertie, and decides to drive it down to Cornwall to spend some time with her friend while pondering what to do with it.
Along the way, Charlie meets two men, both very different, but both possible suitors. As she gets to know them better she realises which one is for her, but there are difficulties in then getting together.
I enjoyed meeting all the characters, good and bad. Usually I find the miscommunication trope is irritating, but this novel makes it into a valuable life lesson and I'm looking forward to reading more from the seaside town of Porthgolow.
Along the way, Charlie meets two men, both very different, but both possible suitors. As she gets to know them better she realises which one is for her, but there are difficulties in then getting together.
I enjoyed meeting all the characters, good and bad. Usually I find the miscommunication trope is irritating, but this novel makes it into a valuable life lesson and I'm looking forward to reading more from the seaside town of Porthgolow.
musicalmuppet's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
itabar's review
2.0
Loved the concept so really looked forward to reading this. The MC was annoying and I found the many misunderstandings between her and the possible BF manufactured. And the last bit, the cliffhanger, ... really???
fionaaaaaa's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
What a lovely story, great location, a little romance and lots of cake. What's not to love.
ondbookshelf's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
polly423's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
readingandconfused's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mushmysteriesandmore's review against another edition
5.0
A double-decker ride of laughs and misunderstandings served up with tea and scones
As a huge baking fan, I was drawn to this story straight away. I'm also a big fan of Cressida McLaughlin after reading her Canal Boat Cafe series. This had a similar premise, a cafe or eatery set on an unusual setting. In this case, it's an old Routemaster bus left to our heroine Charlie by her late uncle. After a bit of a disastrous start to her cream tea bus, she relocates to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Not all the locals are pleased with the idea, they don't like the idea of someone new coming in and taking over and Daniel, the owner of the Crystal Waters Spa seems intent on rubbing her up the wrong way. But with the help of her friends and some of the more affable locals, Charlie takes her bus 'Gertie' on the road.
The setting is beautifully described, Cornwall is a place I really want to visit one day and this book only helped fuel that desire. The village of Porthgolow is a sleepy town, almost a ghost town but still such beautiful scenery. With Charlie's help, the village comes alive and brings more tourists in and helps the villagers and their businesses, despite some initial objections.
But it also has secrets. Who is maintaining the Instagram account, anonymous beautiful images of the town and no-one will admit to sharing them? What is Oliver, the bartender of the Marauding Mojito, hiding? Is there really a mermaid living in the little yellow house? Who is trying to sabotage Charlie and shut her bus down? All signs point to Daniel, but is it really him? And how can she be attracted to him if it is?
With equal parts of romance, intrigue and baking, this cake is meant for sharing.
As a huge baking fan, I was drawn to this story straight away. I'm also a big fan of Cressida McLaughlin after reading her Canal Boat Cafe series. This had a similar premise, a cafe or eatery set on an unusual setting. In this case, it's an old Routemaster bus left to our heroine Charlie by her late uncle. After a bit of a disastrous start to her cream tea bus, she relocates to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Not all the locals are pleased with the idea, they don't like the idea of someone new coming in and taking over and Daniel, the owner of the Crystal Waters Spa seems intent on rubbing her up the wrong way. But with the help of her friends and some of the more affable locals, Charlie takes her bus 'Gertie' on the road.
The setting is beautifully described, Cornwall is a place I really want to visit one day and this book only helped fuel that desire. The village of Porthgolow is a sleepy town, almost a ghost town but still such beautiful scenery. With Charlie's help, the village comes alive and brings more tourists in and helps the villagers and their businesses, despite some initial objections.
But it also has secrets. Who is maintaining the Instagram account, anonymous beautiful images of the town and no-one will admit to sharing them? What is Oliver, the bartender of the Marauding Mojito, hiding? Is there really a mermaid living in the little yellow house? Who is trying to sabotage Charlie and shut her bus down? All signs point to Daniel, but is it really him? And how can she be attracted to him if it is?
With equal parts of romance, intrigue and baking, this cake is meant for sharing.