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thebookishnarwhal's review
5.0
Are you interested in a delightful escape into a world where love, warmth, and freshly baked treats await? Then look no further than A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery by Linn B. Halton.
Meet Ivy and Adam Taylor. They are newlyweds who have poured their hearts and souls into building their own businesses. However, when circumstances conspire against them, their dreams come crashing down (been there, amirite?).
Then a Christmas miracle is suggested: opening the bakery Ivy has always dreamed of at their Cornish farmhouse. Ivy hesitates but as the couple start from scratch in their new location, they discover they are far from alone. The tight-knit community excels at celebrating Christmas, and as the snow falls, anything becomes possible.
Halton's writing captures the magic of the Christmas season, and weaves together themes of love, resilience, and community. The characters come alive against the backdrop of a charming Cornish village, where the scent of freshly baked goods mingles with the crisp winter air. Ivy and Adam's journey is one of hope, second chances, and the power of shared dreams.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Ivy and Adam Taylor. They are newlyweds who have poured their hearts and souls into building their own businesses. However, when circumstances conspire against them, their dreams come crashing down (been there, amirite?).
Then a Christmas miracle is suggested: opening the bakery Ivy has always dreamed of at their Cornish farmhouse. Ivy hesitates but as the couple start from scratch in their new location, they discover they are far from alone. The tight-knit community excels at celebrating Christmas, and as the snow falls, anything becomes possible.
Halton's writing captures the magic of the Christmas season, and weaves together themes of love, resilience, and community. The characters come alive against the backdrop of a charming Cornish village, where the scent of freshly baked goods mingles with the crisp winter air. Ivy and Adam's journey is one of hope, second chances, and the power of shared dreams.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
books_glorious_books_'s review
2.0
There is nothing like a cozy Christmas read, and I had high hopes for this one but it missed the mark for me. Unfortunate after reading a third of the book I decided to DNF, which was a struggle for me as I almost always finish books.
Perhaps reading the first book in this series would have made me feel more invested in the characters. The premise of the book is great, and had I read Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse first my review might have been different. As a standalone I felt it was slow, repetitive and a bit confusing. (So many characters to remember!)
The plot felt like something was missing. I needed to be pulled in and wonder how things would turn out but it just didn’t do that for me.
I hate to give a star review for this one as I didn’t finish the book, but if I had to I would like give it one & a half or maybe two.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC and my honest review.
Perhaps reading the first book in this series would have made me feel more invested in the characters. The premise of the book is great, and had I read Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse first my review might have been different. As a standalone I felt it was slow, repetitive and a bit confusing. (So many characters to remember!)
The plot felt like something was missing. I needed to be pulled in and wonder how things would turn out but it just didn’t do that for me.
I hate to give a star review for this one as I didn’t finish the book, but if I had to I would like give it one & a half or maybe two.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC and my honest review.
aldarakamey's review
3.0
Sweet. Sweet. Sweet Christmas story, about a filling community and love. It's really good for holidays to put on some comfy socks and drink some hot beverage
lifeasmrsbaker's review
4.0
"A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" by Linn B. Halton is a heartwarming and enchanting holiday romance that transports readers to the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, England. With its cozy setting, endearing characters, and festive atmosphere, this novel is a perfect read for the Christmas season.
The story revolves around the Farmhouse Bakery, a charming family business run by a strong-willed and talented protagonist. As the holiday season approaches, the bakery becomes a hub of activity, and its heartwarming traditions come to life. Halton expertly captures the essence of the Cornish countryside, painting a vivid backdrop filled with scenic beauty and a sense of community.
At the center of the narrative are well-drawn characters whose personal stories and struggles add depth to the novel. The romance unfolds naturally and is both heartwarming and relatable. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their emotional journeys make it easy for readers to become invested in their happiness.
The book celebrates the spirit of Christmas, highlighting the importance of family, tradition, and the magic of the season. While the plot follows a familiar romantic formula, it's the cozy setting, the holiday traditions, and the genuine warmth of the characters that make this story a standout in the genre.
In conclusion, "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" is a delightful and uplifting holiday read that captures the magic of Christmas in Cornwall. Linn B. Halton's storytelling skillfully blends romance, tradition, and community spirit to create a heartwarming and memorable narrative. If you're a fan of Christmas romance novels that transport you to idyllic settings and fill your heart with festive cheer, this book is a perfect choice to curl up with during the holiday season.
The story revolves around the Farmhouse Bakery, a charming family business run by a strong-willed and talented protagonist. As the holiday season approaches, the bakery becomes a hub of activity, and its heartwarming traditions come to life. Halton expertly captures the essence of the Cornish countryside, painting a vivid backdrop filled with scenic beauty and a sense of community.
At the center of the narrative are well-drawn characters whose personal stories and struggles add depth to the novel. The romance unfolds naturally and is both heartwarming and relatable. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their emotional journeys make it easy for readers to become invested in their happiness.
The book celebrates the spirit of Christmas, highlighting the importance of family, tradition, and the magic of the season. While the plot follows a familiar romantic formula, it's the cozy setting, the holiday traditions, and the genuine warmth of the characters that make this story a standout in the genre.
In conclusion, "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" is a delightful and uplifting holiday read that captures the magic of Christmas in Cornwall. Linn B. Halton's storytelling skillfully blends romance, tradition, and community spirit to create a heartwarming and memorable narrative. If you're a fan of Christmas romance novels that transport you to idyllic settings and fill your heart with festive cheer, this book is a perfect choice to curl up with during the holiday season.
blissbubbley's review
4.0
Another author I’d not read before and another to add to my list. Lovely festive book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. There are hints in this book from the first one and it’s easy to follow along.
the_sassy_bookworm's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Book Review: A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery
⭐⭐/5 Stars
"A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" follows the journey of newlyweds Ivy and Adam Taylor, who face unforeseen challenges that lead to the collapse of their businesses. When Ivy's best friend, Jess, suggests she opens a bakery at her Cornish Farmhouse, Ivy is hesitant about starting over during winter. However, as they venture into this new chapter, they discover the warmth and support of the Renweneth Farm community, which excels at creating a magical Christmas atmosphere.
I really need to stop being lured in by a beautiful festive cover. This is the second book I have read this week that had a beautiful cover but didn't deliver on the story. "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" struggled to engage me from the beginning. The festive atmosphere promised in the summary doesn't fully manifest until much later in the book, leaving readers waiting impatiently for the Christmas spirit to truly come alive.
The main drawback of this novel is its slow pacing. Rather than providing a compelling narrative arc, the author focuses excessively on providing a play-by-play account of the characters' daily lives. While some readers may appreciate this level of detail, it ultimately detracts from the overall enjoyment of the story. The repetitive dialogue further exacerbates this issue, making it feel like a never-ending loop of mundane conversations.
However, despite these shortcomings, one redeeming aspect of "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" is its picturesque setting. Cornwall serves as a delightful backdrop for the story, offering readers a glimpse into its idyllic charm. From snowy landscapes to cozy cottages, the setting helps create a visual experience that transports readers to a magical winter wonderland.
In conclusion, while "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" falls short of expectations, it is not without merit. The slow pace and repetitive dialogue make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the narrative. However, fans of Cornwall and its enchanting atmosphere may find solace in this book's evocative setting. Ultimately, it is a tale that may appeal more to those seeking a leisurely read rather than an engaging holiday adventure.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
⭐⭐/5 Stars
"A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" follows the journey of newlyweds Ivy and Adam Taylor, who face unforeseen challenges that lead to the collapse of their businesses. When Ivy's best friend, Jess, suggests she opens a bakery at her Cornish Farmhouse, Ivy is hesitant about starting over during winter. However, as they venture into this new chapter, they discover the warmth and support of the Renweneth Farm community, which excels at creating a magical Christmas atmosphere.
I really need to stop being lured in by a beautiful festive cover. This is the second book I have read this week that had a beautiful cover but didn't deliver on the story. "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" struggled to engage me from the beginning. The festive atmosphere promised in the summary doesn't fully manifest until much later in the book, leaving readers waiting impatiently for the Christmas spirit to truly come alive.
The main drawback of this novel is its slow pacing. Rather than providing a compelling narrative arc, the author focuses excessively on providing a play-by-play account of the characters' daily lives. While some readers may appreciate this level of detail, it ultimately detracts from the overall enjoyment of the story. The repetitive dialogue further exacerbates this issue, making it feel like a never-ending loop of mundane conversations.
However, despite these shortcomings, one redeeming aspect of "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" is its picturesque setting. Cornwall serves as a delightful backdrop for the story, offering readers a glimpse into its idyllic charm. From snowy landscapes to cozy cottages, the setting helps create a visual experience that transports readers to a magical winter wonderland.
In conclusion, while "A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery" falls short of expectations, it is not without merit. The slow pace and repetitive dialogue make it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the narrative. However, fans of Cornwall and its enchanting atmosphere may find solace in this book's evocative setting. Ultimately, it is a tale that may appeal more to those seeking a leisurely read rather than an engaging holiday adventure.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
fionaaaaaa's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.0
It was ok but I felt I was getting a running commentary. I don't know if this is a 2nd book and the author was trying to fill in the gaps, but it just didn't flow as well as it could. Nice idea of a story but it felt a bit too much info for me.
emmybird86's review
4.0
The cover of this book is just so cute. I just love Christmas books! I knew i had to read this one as soon as I saw it. This was such a sweet Christmas story. It was about friendship and relationships. There is so much heart and family in this book. It has a true sense of community. I loved all the healthy baking. It sure made me hungry.
kitvaria_sarene's review
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery by Linn B. Halton on Netgalley.
It's a really enjoyable read, and even rhough I haven't read the first in the series it was no problem to quickly get into the story. You get hints about a previous book every so often, but it works well on it's own.
Having a married couple as the main characters was a definite plus for me, instead of all the drama being around stupid misunderstandings or such to create the tension for the book, hee we have a stady and strong couple. The hook of the book is all about the tough decuisions of choosing your dreams, or rather going with the save option.
The cast was lovely, and I was very happy to spend my time with these close knit people who are always happy to lend a hand and help out. It definitely got me in the Christmas spirit, and the ralk about all teh christmas cakes had my mouth watering!
I also adored how both the bakery and the whole farm are trying to go a healthier and more local way. With real ingredients and employees that are already close at hand. It added more depth and feeling to the story, and yet none of the characters was ever pushy about it, so it didn't feel like they tried to force anyone into their way of life.
Even though I enjoyed teh book a lot, I'll end up with 4 stars, as a few times the book felt a bit preachy about life, as in it didn't feel like authentic character dialogue a few times, especially in teh end, but rather like the author lecturing me about how precious life is. The story managed to show this perfectly all on it's own, which made this extra emphasis stick out even more. There's also one big drama moment added, probably to raise the stakes and have one "heart racing" moment, but again it didn't seem to fit perfectly with thebook, and I would have enjoyed the story more if that bit was simply not there - and it wouldn't even have changed the story.
Outside of these two quibbles, this was a fantastic read with such a great setting, and so many baked goods I want to try right away, I wish I could just walk right into the farm!
It's a really enjoyable read, and even rhough I haven't read the first in the series it was no problem to quickly get into the story. You get hints about a previous book every so often, but it works well on it's own.
Having a married couple as the main characters was a definite plus for me, instead of all the drama being around stupid misunderstandings or such to create the tension for the book, hee we have a stady and strong couple. The hook of the book is all about the tough decuisions of choosing your dreams, or rather going with the save option.
The cast was lovely, and I was very happy to spend my time with these close knit people who are always happy to lend a hand and help out. It definitely got me in the Christmas spirit, and the ralk about all teh christmas cakes had my mouth watering!
I also adored how both the bakery and the whole farm are trying to go a healthier and more local way. With real ingredients and employees that are already close at hand. It added more depth and feeling to the story, and yet none of the characters was ever pushy about it, so it didn't feel like they tried to force anyone into their way of life.
Even though I enjoyed teh book a lot, I'll end up with 4 stars, as a few times the book felt a bit preachy about life, as in it didn't feel like authentic character dialogue a few times, especially in teh end, but rather like the author lecturing me about how precious life is. The story managed to show this perfectly all on it's own, which made this extra emphasis stick out even more. There's also one big drama moment added, probably to raise the stakes and have one "heart racing" moment, but again it didn't seem to fit perfectly with thebook, and I would have enjoyed the story more if that bit was simply not there - and it wouldn't even have changed the story.
Outside of these two quibbles, this was a fantastic read with such a great setting, and so many baked goods I want to try right away, I wish I could just walk right into the farm!
xoxo_tip's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Ivy and Adam seems to have their whole lives planned out. Ivy runs a pretty successful bakery. However that all came crashing down with her horrible landlord ruined her plans for expansion.
Luckily Ivys friend Jess offered her a space in one of the complexes she owns, and after a lot of hesitation she decided a to move to Cromwell.
Overall I loved the love that Ivy and Adam have with each other, however the story needed something more, it was very flat.. there wasn’t really any action mixed with very little drama, I was really bored. I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again