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sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book.
I know it's not Christmas but I'm one of those annoying people that loves Christmas so much I look forward to it all year and can read a festive read anytime of the year, dispite not tending to read them after Feb.
I loved the friendship between Liam and Carl in this book. Its so lovely that they've been friends for so long.
The relationship between Carly and her sister Bethany is so lovely, it's so relatable. Poor Bethany goes through so much but it's so lovely how supportive Carly is and Bethany's fiance.
And amongst all of this you get to read about yummy cakes and the community of lovely shop owners that have shops near Carlys cupcakes. I absolutely loved this book and would absolutely share and recommend this to all my friends.
I know it's not Christmas but I'm one of those annoying people that loves Christmas so much I look forward to it all year and can read a festive read anytime of the year, dispite not tending to read them after Feb.
I loved the friendship between Liam and Carl in this book. Its so lovely that they've been friends for so long.
The relationship between Carly and her sister Bethany is so lovely, it's so relatable. Poor Bethany goes through so much but it's so lovely how supportive Carly is and Bethany's fiance.
And amongst all of this you get to read about yummy cakes and the community of lovely shop owners that have shops near Carlys cupcakes. I absolutely loved this book and would absolutely share and recommend this to all my friends.
shhh_thisisalibrary's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really cute heart warming Christmas story and I really liked the relationship between the sisters in this story, made me miss my sister and want to call her just to chat.
lucyrider's review against another edition
4.0
Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes - Jessica Redland
It's probably a bit weird to see me reading and reviewing so many books by Jessica Redland one after another (especially Christmassy ones in summer!), but there was a bit of a reason in that many were included as part of my Audible subscription, but only for a limited time and so it encouraged me to listen, but also they are compelling and easy to listen to.
Synopsis from Goodreads
"Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes is a cosy heartwarming tale of friendship, family, putting the past behind, and embracing the future.
It’s Christmas in Whitsborough Bay. With fairy lights connecting the shops and cafés on either side of the cobbles, Castle Street seems magical. And in such a magical place, surely Christmas wishes can come true.
Carly Travis, owner of Carly’s Cupcakes, has two Christmas wishes this year. Her first is for her younger sister, Bethany, to focus on the positives in her life, including her Christmas wedding, instead of writing herself off as a failure. Bethany's attempts at cake-decorating aren't going to win any awards, but she’s certainly great with customers. Carly’s second wish is for her best friend, Liam, to come home for Christmas.
When Liam calls to say he’s been granted leave from the army, Carly makes a third Christmas wish. It’s the one she’s made every year since she was a teenager and, if she’s really brave, could this be the year when it finally comes true?
With Liam coming home, the shop having its best year yet, and a wedding to look forward to, it’s shaping up to be the best Christmas ever for Carly. But for Bethany, things are starting to unravel …"
I continue to enjoy the fictional village/town of Whitsborough Bay and the crossover of characters that you get the more you read and this was a really heartwarming read which did have a slightly sinster backstory as to why Carly continued to forgiven her sister Bethany for behaving acting a bit like an incompetent and insubordinate employee.
Emma Swan narrated this book and following on from my previous read, I've definitely warmed to her narration.
This was a nice short listen of c6 hours and was genuinely heartwarming and fun with lots of snowy cosy scenes and a tale of "what ifs" from Carly's past with Liam.
A solid 4 out of 5 stars and a really good one to read if you are looking for a cosy, Christmas romance.
It's probably a bit weird to see me reading and reviewing so many books by Jessica Redland one after another (especially Christmassy ones in summer!), but there was a bit of a reason in that many were included as part of my Audible subscription, but only for a limited time and so it encouraged me to listen, but also they are compelling and easy to listen to.
Synopsis from Goodreads
"Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes is a cosy heartwarming tale of friendship, family, putting the past behind, and embracing the future.
It’s Christmas in Whitsborough Bay. With fairy lights connecting the shops and cafés on either side of the cobbles, Castle Street seems magical. And in such a magical place, surely Christmas wishes can come true.
Carly Travis, owner of Carly’s Cupcakes, has two Christmas wishes this year. Her first is for her younger sister, Bethany, to focus on the positives in her life, including her Christmas wedding, instead of writing herself off as a failure. Bethany's attempts at cake-decorating aren't going to win any awards, but she’s certainly great with customers. Carly’s second wish is for her best friend, Liam, to come home for Christmas.
When Liam calls to say he’s been granted leave from the army, Carly makes a third Christmas wish. It’s the one she’s made every year since she was a teenager and, if she’s really brave, could this be the year when it finally comes true?
With Liam coming home, the shop having its best year yet, and a wedding to look forward to, it’s shaping up to be the best Christmas ever for Carly. But for Bethany, things are starting to unravel …"
I continue to enjoy the fictional village/town of Whitsborough Bay and the crossover of characters that you get the more you read and this was a really heartwarming read which did have a slightly sinster backstory as to why Carly continued to forgiven her sister Bethany for behaving acting a bit like an incompetent and insubordinate employee.
Emma Swan narrated this book and following on from my previous read, I've definitely warmed to her narration.
This was a nice short listen of c6 hours and was genuinely heartwarming and fun with lots of snowy cosy scenes and a tale of "what ifs" from Carly's past with Liam.
A solid 4 out of 5 stars and a really good one to read if you are looking for a cosy, Christmas romance.
kazza27's review against another edition
4.0
Carly is supporting her sister Bethany who really has had a rough time.
Unfortunately Bethany has not inherited her sisters talent for baking and her friends are worried that Bethany is taking advantage of her sisters kindness.
Set in the lovely Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay, which is in it’s own community.
Carly does not have a social life, it is just work, work, work. Her best friend is Liam and he is has always been there for her since school. He can make her laugh, she is comfortable with him and she is also in love with him. He joins the Army and leaves Whitsborough leaving Carly devastated. After some disastrous relationships she decides she needs to take action.
It is Christmas in Castle Street and Carly’s friends are wondering what she is going to do this year, she is busy looking after Bethany, and busy in the shop. She always puts everyone else first.
Can Carly find sometime for love and herself ?
This is a lovely read, it is engaging and cosy. I loved the setting of Castle Street and I liked the sense of friendship and it was a joy to read, plus it has cake ! What could be better.
Unfortunately Bethany has not inherited her sisters talent for baking and her friends are worried that Bethany is taking advantage of her sisters kindness.
Set in the lovely Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay, which is in it’s own community.
Carly does not have a social life, it is just work, work, work. Her best friend is Liam and he is has always been there for her since school. He can make her laugh, she is comfortable with him and she is also in love with him. He joins the Army and leaves Whitsborough leaving Carly devastated. After some disastrous relationships she decides she needs to take action.
It is Christmas in Castle Street and Carly’s friends are wondering what she is going to do this year, she is busy looking after Bethany, and busy in the shop. She always puts everyone else first.
Can Carly find sometime for love and herself ?
This is a lovely read, it is engaging and cosy. I loved the setting of Castle Street and I liked the sense of friendship and it was a joy to read, plus it has cake ! What could be better.
isac711's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nklein's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
portybelle's review against another edition
5.0
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Jessica Redland's books. They never fail to leave me feeling happy and warm inside. Well, I think I loved everything about this book. The setting of Castle Street at Christmas time with all its independent shops was just lovely and I could picture its cosy charm easily. I was particularly taken with the teddy bear shop.
The relationship between Carly and her sister Bethany was great to read about too. At first Bethany did come over as a bit annoying, constantly forgetting to do things and ruining the cakes quite a lot. Be warned that you will be craving cake by the time you have read this book by the way! Carly knew that the employee/employer relationship wasn't working but how do you sack your sister? And she was so aware that she didn't want Bethany to feel even more of a failure. It was interesting and very sweet to read how that situation finally resolved.
The author also brought the relationship between Liam and Carly beautifully to life. I so enjoyed reading about the support they gave to each other during their school years when both were the victims of school bullies. This support for each other led to a firm friendship which endured past school and into their adult lives. Even though both had had other relationships, the friendship stood strong and was heartwarming to read about.
So all in, this book was a real winner for me: great characters, great setting, lovely romance and plenty of Christmas sparkle. I am desperate now for some snow this year to go and make some snow angels. You'll know why when you read the book!
The relationship between Carly and her sister Bethany was great to read about too. At first Bethany did come over as a bit annoying, constantly forgetting to do things and ruining the cakes quite a lot. Be warned that you will be craving cake by the time you have read this book by the way! Carly knew that the employee/employer relationship wasn't working but how do you sack your sister? And she was so aware that she didn't want Bethany to feel even more of a failure. It was interesting and very sweet to read how that situation finally resolved.
The author also brought the relationship between Liam and Carly beautifully to life. I so enjoyed reading about the support they gave to each other during their school years when both were the victims of school bullies. This support for each other led to a firm friendship which endured past school and into their adult lives. Even though both had had other relationships, the friendship stood strong and was heartwarming to read about.
So all in, this book was a real winner for me: great characters, great setting, lovely romance and plenty of Christmas sparkle. I am desperate now for some snow this year to go and make some snow angels. You'll know why when you read the book!
floorvanlokven's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0