Member Reviews
A pleasant short Christmas read based in a bakery with lots of mouthwatering cakes and cookies mentioned. It deals with lots of emotional topics but has a happy ending. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Loved this book fell in love it it from the first page a page turner for me i love the characters i liked them all the doc was my my favourite i did feel for him i was draw into his story love his son just like any child now days a great fun plot
The cafe was a magic place hub of the village i was part of the plot i read in a day i could not put it down just so good
Oh what a joy to be back with Christmas novels, this one is the first for this year and what a great choice it was. Jessica Redland can't put a word wrong, her books are a real pleasure to read, so well written and you feel as though you are part of the story. I thought I had read this before but there are different twists to it but it was well worth enjoying this. I wish you all the best Jessica for an exciting future so that we may enjoy many more novels from you. This is well worth far more than the 5 stars that I can give you. I recommend this lovely book to everyone who enjoys a good Christmas story.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
It felt a little odd to be reading about Christmas in mid-summer, but it was actually a really nice change from a book located on a beach or other sunny, summer setting.
I enjoyed reading about Carly and her cakes. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday. I got immersed in her world and had to finish reading on one sitting.
I'm glad to learn that Jessica Redland has written other books and will be looking out for them.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the preview copy of this re-worked book.
A wonderful Christmasy read.
This was a beautiful and quick read. I loved Carly and Liam, they were perfect for each other - as everyone could see but themselves!
Whilst the main premise of the story was the love story between these two characters we also get a lot on Carlys sister, Bethany. It was like a 2 for 1. There was so much going on with Bethany, the whole story could almost have been just about her. I loved how Joshua was totally devoted to her and loved her no matter what, their love story was touching and I really hope that we get to see another book about them and her recovery and their journey into married life.
I loved a Christmas read in July.
Cake - snow and a fairytale romance! Dream along with Carly as she finds love with her best friend.
Another absolutely fantastic read by a truly fantastic author. This is an author who never fails to lift my spirits and provide the perfect escape that is often needed. I have adored this absolutely gorgeous book.
I have been completely pulled in by this gorgeous cover, it instantly stole my attention. The story inside is just as beautiful and I have devoured this book in just one sitting.
I love Carly, she is such a likeable character and throughout the book she is given a real personality and I honestly feel like I know her well.
I have absolutely adored this book, it's July and I'm completely ready to get the Christmas tree out and music on. This book is just absolute perfection. I cannot say anything negative about this book.
I am a huge fan of this author, this is definitely my new favourite book. I absolutely recommend this book, it is without a doubt a five star read.
Public review to follow on blog tour
This was a very fast, light, breezy Christmas book. I loved the interaction with the sisters. And the book was very cozy and fun. I was able to finish this book in an afternoon.
This was a lovely short story that I devoured in an afternoon. It is the heart warming story of Carly and her little Cake shop in Whitsborough Bay. I loved the sound of the cake shop and could certainly see myself in there alot. I really like Carly as she is kind and caring, always puts others before herself a bit like me. The story line was engaging and I wished for Carly to have her happy ending. An all round perfect Christmas read. My first Christmas book of this year and it will be hard to beat.
I loved it. The descripton of the cakes and the town was lovely. Proves bullies don't win. A lovely love story.too. You felt for Bethany and I am so glad she got her happy ending. Carly was a great sister. I read it in a night , it was brilliant
Christmas, cupcakes and a chance for romance are the perfect ingredients for this charming book! The story weaves through Carly's relationship with her sister, Bethany (I loved Carly's unending love and patience!), her unrequited love for her best friend, Liam (I just wish there had been less pining and more romance!), and her friendship with chocolate café owner, Tara, and other shop owners in Whitsborough Bay. Overall, such a cute read and I can't wait for Tara's story! I especially loved the whimsical cover!
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
A easy quick read.
Carly runs Carly’s cupcakes were she employs her sister Bethany who thinks she is a failure. Bethany is getting married but keeps thinking she doesn’t deserve a happy ever after. Carly has been in love with her best friend forever but will she be able to tell him. Will they both get their happy ever afters.
Such a cute book! “Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes” was a great break from the chaos of daily life. A sweet tale of friendship, family, and love. Once again, a Jessica Redland book was what my heart needed to escape the reality of today’s world.
Loved this book from the beginning. Learning how Carly started her dream of owning a shop where she could make cakes to her hearts content. She longs for love but since the love of her life is her best friend in all the world, she cannot find the courage to tell him. Life is hard for her at times as she puts herself under so much pressure, however friends and fellow shop owners come to the rescue. A lovely story of hope, love, life and friendships plus a cupcake or two on the side always helps
This is a charming and heartwarming novel but requires a bit of time to get into due to Bethanny. I understand the trauma she went through but she acts like a spoiled and petulant child who is oblivious to the consequences of her actions. She sets Carly back financially and timing wise in her business. I thought my favourite part of the book was the conversation Carly and Liam had at the wedding with Elodie and how it is important to not waste time and truly live. As a result, they came together in the true love they deserve.
Carly has a cupcake shop in her local town. Her best friend Liam who she has been friends with forever. They were both bullied at school as they were different. Now they've grown up and Liam's in the army. Her younger sister Bethany is getting married and is having problems. Loved this book
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this lovely book.
The cakes mentioned in the book made by mouth water.
The story of Carly, the issues she faced growing up like bullying and how she started her own business along with her sister whose also had some issues, which come to light as the story progresses.
Fantastic book, recommend it.
A lovely, easy to read, festive story. Definitely not my favourite of this series but a recommended read none the less.
A lovely, quick and easy to read festive story. Not my favourite book in this series but sometimes you need a light hearted, feel good read and this is one of those.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC!!!
This book was so cute! It’s about 2 sisters- Carly and Bethany- and they both work in Carlys cupcake shop. Bethany is a bull in a china shop and does more harm than good in the cupcake store but she is suffering from PTSD from a previous job and her big sister wants to protect her and keep an eye on her mental health. She has a lot of confidence issues but she has a fiancé who loves her unconditionally and treats her very well. Carly on the other hand has it all together professionally but doesn’t have much of a love life. She does have a male best friend who is currently deployed and an ex boyfriend who comes back into the picture but no current prospects.
I thought Carly was a little bit of a pushover and there were many times I wished she’d just say what she wants, but it wasn’t annoying.
Overall, I loved the Christmas vibes in this book and thought the whole town was charming and thoroughly enjoyable!!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Carlys previous boyfriend had said he did not want marriage and kids but then they broke up and he quickly married and had a kid. He forgot to order a cake for his kids baptism so he comes to Carly for an SOS. He was such a gross jerk I wish she would’ve said no, but Carly was kind of a doormat.
In the end, Bethany runs away from everyone because she feels like such a failure and when they find her again, they discover the true depth of her PTSD and how much help she needs. She had worked in a childcare facility and a distraught parent came in and stabbed her.
As for Carly, she’s in love with her childhood best friend. He comes home for leave over Christmas and she doesn’t want to ruin the relationship by telling her feelings. That got frustrating but then he confessed his feelings and they got their HEA!