Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen by Tilly Tennant had the honour of being my first Christmas read for 2020 and I can safely say that I picked a gorgeous story to get me in the mood for the festive season. This book has such a stunning cover with the most striking of colours used to convey the Christmas season. The minute you look at it you just want to open the door to that cosy house and step inside and meet its residents. I found the book to be a quick, light and easy read, it’s the perfect antidote to everything that is going on in the world right now. It’s not too taxing but provides you with an escape and it’s so easy to dip in and out of if you don’t have a block of time to sit down and read without interruption. The plot is easy to follow with not too many characters that you become confused and the message of the story is a lovely one. Basically it’s the ideal read for this time of year in the run up to the big day.

Cathy lives in a small cottage on the outskirts of Linnetford. Tollkeep Cottage has been a very lonely place for her since she lost her mum. Deep down she knows she needs to get out more and make new friends and find new things to do with her time now that her duties as her mother’s carer have come to an end. I could really identify with Cathy given I have experienced a loss similar to hers, she was at a total loss as to what her next life step should be. For some time her routine and been strict and structured as she knew she had to look after her mother, this was her sole focus and everything else for her fell by the wayside. You would do anything to help and support a loved one who needed it but the problem there after remains, what do you do when your purpose is gone? The one that has kept you going through the darkest of times and now it has been pulled from under you not that you wanted that to happen. By caring for her mother Cathy had let the world move on without her and this makes her feel a slight resentment at the wonderful lives that other people and some friends led. This is the situation Cathy finds herself in and now she is left with a big hole that she has no idea how to fill.

At 38 Cathy feels that she is too old to be starting again as in rebuilding her social life and putting herself out there. She is vulnerable and afraid to do this as she is missing her sense of worth. But helping is the one thing that Cathy is good at it and she works a few days a week at French for Flower’s, a flower stall run by Fleur. Initially Cathy made it out as if she had no one at all that she could meet or confide in but in a way Fleur was that person as she gave her an outlet to get out and meet people some days. But I sensed that despite a friendship between the pair that Cathy was looking for something more. I didn’t like that Cathy constantly put herself down which made me realise the experience of caring for her mum, and then losing her, had really had such a devastating impact on her. New social situations overwhelmed her and she believes she has no one to fall back on to help her cope with the fall out. Why couldn’t she accept praise when it was given especially when it came to her talents for baking? If she could do this she would grow in confidence and find new avenues to explore and broaden her horizons in order to open up her world that little bit more.

So when Cathy finally bites the bullet and attends a coffee morning at the local church, St. Cuthbert’s, you sense that this may be the starting point for a new Cathy to emerge but it won’t be easy as she needs to see the value in herself and come to understand that she is loved and has such a lot to offer people in the community. As I mentioned before Cathy loves baking, it makes her feel calm and contented and the treats she brings to the coffee morning are a huge success. Everyone wants to know her mum’s recipes and she decides to write them in a notebook as they have never been recorded before. This gives Cathy a renewed sense of purpose and you can tell there is a little glimmer of hope and anticipation surrounding her now if only she can build on these tentative foundations. The characters she meets at St. Cuthbert’s soon become like a family to her and I was so glad to see Cathy stepping outside her comfort zone and spreading her wings that little bit more. She feels hopeful and optimistic that things can change for the better for her and that her mother would be proud of what she is doing. She meets Erica whose father died from cancer and she feels a connection with her. They can share their problems and worries, and the older ladies Iris and Dora are like a comedy double act providing lots of loud out moments with what they are saying. There are a few other people who attend to but they didn’t make a significant impact on the overall story.

Cathy has a great idea to set up cookery lessons at the church as she feels cookery is meant to be inclusive and open to everyone. For people who are lonely or need that bit of human connection, perhaps she is talking about herself when she says this. Given the title of the story I thought the kitchen would refer to like a little café or something that Cathy would go on to set up, so I was surprised that the focus was on the cookery lessons. I get the idea of the kitchen in the title but did think it was slightly misleading. Tansy, Erica’s niece, joins in with the lessons but she is very sullen and does her best to up scuttle people’s bakes and really in general she is not the most happiest of teenagers. You could tell deep down that something was bothering her and Cathy could too. So I was glad when Cathy didn’t give up on her when the other participants in the classes wanted to get rid of her.

You could see Cathy growing in confidence as she taught the group to make wonderful treats and baked goodies but you did wonder was there something else that needed to happen in her personal life to make her happiness come full circle and complete. Things seemed to be going well for Cathy with the classes and as she writes the recipes down a little notebook of delicious treats begins to emerge. That’s one thing I will I say I would have loved for some of the recipes and bakes featured to have perhaps been included at the end of the story for readers to try out. They really were mouth-watering and since the first lockdown I’ve taken a bit more of an interest in baking as many other people have too. Usually I would just glance through something like this when included in a book but these recipes, cakes and tempting treats seemed like something I would really love to be able to eat myself.

The cookery class enriches Cathy’s life and the lives of the participants but I wanted a little bit of romance to be thrown into the mixture too. I got that in the nicest way possible but there was a little spanner in the works trying to upset the apple cart. The past does have an unfortunate way of rearing its ugly head when you least expect it. But the journey to the end regarding the issue of some love and personal romance for Cathy was a joy to read and gave the story that extra little bite as at one or two points things became just a little bit routine and formulaic before picking up once again. But overall Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen truly is a gorgeous, delightful and heart warming read which will please the many fans of Tilly Tennant.

This was a delightful book, about the love of families and finding happiness. I loved the idea of the cookery club and cook book and was jealous I myself couldn't attend.
Nothing groundbreaking but an easy festive read with lovely messaging.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

I loved this book so much.
I love how it's not just a love story between Matt and cathy that was a side story.
The story was more about cathy growing into a person with friends and confidence and how the cookery club started and helped her to achieve this.
Thank you for a brilliant book tilly Tennant cant wait to read more of your books.

I read this at the end of September but circumstances have prevented me from reviewing it until now. This afternoon I began making my Christmas cake and immediately I thought of this book! Surely that’s a strong review in itself!

Cathy is a warm and very real character. She cared for her mother for many years and now finds herself on her own after her mother’s death with no idea how to move forward in her life. Her confidence is low; she feels she has no skills and nothing to offer the world. She has found herself a part-time job at the market with florist Fleur, who encourages Cathy to believe in herself. A chance visit to a coffee morning at the local church becomes the catalyst for meeting new people. Although she hadn’t realised how talented she is, Cathy has been baking since she was a child and the cakes Cathy brings with her lead to a request that she start a cookery club which in turn leads to the idea of publishing a cookery book through which she can share her mother’s recipes. New friendships follow, including the possibility of finally finding love.

I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. There is a wide range of memorable characters alongside Cathy. Fleur is a strong and positive role model; the elderly folk from the church are funny and inspiring as they find ways to keep themselves busy and hold their loneliness at bay. Erica becomes a good friend to Cathy and through her we meet Tansy, a troubled teen, and her uncle Matt, a man with tragedy in his past. Loneliness, loss and mental health are threaded through the story but with a deft touch. This is, as you would expect, a feelgood story, but with real themes at its heart. The setting feels real too. Linnetford sounds a delightful little town but also genuine. There are industrial estates alongside the canal path and coffee house. And of course there are the inevitable challenges as Cathy begins to create her new life, including Jonas, her erstwhile fiancé, who reappears with his new wife years after he and Cathy had broken off their engagement and now seems keen to rekindle their romance.

As a Christmas book, this differs from many I’ve read which focus heavily on snow and Christmas confusion and dizzy heroines. The story builds as Christmas approaches but much of it does not feel seasonal. I had no problem with this and found it a refreshing change but I was reading some time before December so it worked perfectly for me. If you are looking for a full-on Christmas romance to read just ahead of the big day this may not work so well. I’d certainly recommend it though - maybe as a November read!

This was my first book by Tilly Tennant. It won’t be my last. My thanks to the author, Netgalley and Bookoutre for the early review copy. (And apologies for the delay in reviewing!)

Reviewed on Goodreads, Waterstones and Amazon (though not able to post review direct from here to Goodreads)

2.5 stars

Around this time of year it is raining Christmas themed feel good novels. I absolutely love them and gobble them down like an overexcited turkey. When I saw the cover of Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen I was instantly drawn to it. Is has everything to make me curious about the story. Snowflakes, fairy lights and the word kitchen. I can’t help it, but I am a sucker for food related feel good stories. Needless to say I had very high hopes for this book…

So it pains me to say this book was actually a huge let down and part of that is because of the very misleading title “Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen”. Christmas Kitchen, for me that suggest that the story is about Christmas. If you look at the overall story I think about 25 pages are actually about Christmas or Christmas related. Nothing wrong with that at all. Because a good feel good romantic novel is always a treat, but even that was a bit of a letdown.

Don’t get me wrong. It is a cute story about friendship and family. But if you are writing a book in a genre that has books going on the market everyday it has to be outstanding or bring something new to the game. Or at least suck a reader in. For me Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen did none of that.

I couldn’t really connect to the main character of Cathy. She is a good girl, but so incredibly bland. She is a do good who never takes a stand for herself and lets other people decided her life. Luckily she is surrounded by lovely people who want the best for her. But even in the part of the story were she is supposed to grow and find herself, she is still not making her own decisions. Next to that I really hated the fact that she was always downplaying her talent. Nobody likes a show off, but Cathy looking down on her own talent got boring really quickly and made me roll my eyes every time she was talking herself down. (And that is a lot… if I had to sip a glass of mulled wine every time she talked down on herself, I would have been crazy drunk by the end of the book.)

Luckily the love interest Matt was more interesting and brought some spice to the story. However I felt that his storyline was over dramatized for no particular reason. The same thing with there romance. It felt at times like the author wanted to complicate the final outcome but never really dared to go there. So you get little titbits of complications, that are never really addressed. They disappear like snow in the sun without further even mention of them. And the ending…. The book cut of so very abruptly and all was wrapped up in a 3 page epilogue.

I wouldn’t really recommend this book. There are far better books on the market to indulge in this Christmas.

This is a book of two halves. The first half I found quite hard to engage with. The pace was slow and the characters quite flat. The second half was quite a contrast. I devoured it with high anticipation levels wanting to see the conclusion and I really enjoyed it. I have to say though that this methodology really bought to the fore the grief in the main characters story and the feelings of loneliness at the start of the book. Overall as long as you can get through the first half the story is heart warming and enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
This is a lovely story that has been very well written. The characters are fully formed and the plot lines are believable. On the surface this is a Christmas romance, but there’s a lot more substance to it than that. The focus is most definitely on all the relationships surrounding our heroine and she doesn’t even meet her love interest until a significant part way through the book. Like I say, I feel this made the book more believable and relatable- most people have got more than just one focus in their lives- they’ve got jobs, family, pets, hobbies, friends, multiple commitments, even before you bring in their love lives. I feel this book reflects that very well. Not that you done out of some Christmassy romance if that’s what you’re after.
Overall highly recommend.

A snowy winter in Linnetford, A cozy kitchen, the smell of baked goods. and a romance. The perfect winter read.

I love Tilly Tennant and this book did not disappoint me. It was uplifting and heartwarming, This 100% got me in the mood for Christmas and for baked goods! I may have consumed a slice of cake or two whilst reading this book but really it was the perfect acompanyment.

Cathy’s life has changed drastically since the death of her mom. She’s alone. Most of her friends have drifted away since she’s spent most of her time, over the last several years, caring for her mom. Her relationship with her mom was strong, and she considered it her duty to care for her. Once her mom dies, she feels a bit…off…reflective. So begins this wonderful story.

Cathy shares her mom’s love for baking. Her mom taught her how to make her first cake when she was a child. Feeling nostalgic, she recalls the church she used to attend with her dad – before his untimely death – when she was a tyke. When she sees an advertisement for a Coffee Morning at the very same church she’d visited as a child – she felt the urge to attend.

The coffee event is the catalyst that changes Cathy’s life. She finds hope, companionship, friendship. When she comes to the Coffee Morning for the first time, bringing some of her homemade baked goods…her culinary skills are recognized. Her scones, muffins, cakes and pies create a new opportunity for her to connect with others regularly.

The food in this book will make your mouth water. I wish there were recipes provided! As Cathy meets new friends, and builds emotional connections, you want to cheer for her. I kind of sensed that Cathy didn’t like being a recluse – she was practically forced into that role because of her mom’s illness.

I loved to see how she connected with other people. She makes friends through her new church connection as she shows others how to bake. She also connects with a wayward teen and there is a hint of romance in this story too.

I liked this book, but, at times, I felt that Cathy was too nice. I felt, at times, she needed more backbone. However, her sweet nature may have been developed from having to care for her mom for so long.

If you want a warm, enjoyable Christmas story then you should read this British tale. This charming British story made me smile. The mouthwatering desserts, and the baking scenes, were magnificent!

I usually like Tilly Tennant's books but I struggled with this one as Cathy grated on my nerves with her insecurities and always bringing herself down.
The setting was lovely and I loved some of the characters.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

What could be better than a sweet, holiday romance set at Cathy's Christmas Kitchen!? This book was so darn cute and made me feel very in the holiday mood and spirit. This is one that I would highly recommend!!!

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I tried to get into this book a few times and it did not keep my interest. May try again at a later date.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

3.5 Stars
Ever since Hallmark and Netflix announced their Christmas lineup I have been in such a festive Christmas mood, espcially because it means I have no responsibilities as a student. But I recently read One Family Christmas and ever since I have wanted to read more Christmas romances. This was an uplifting hartwarming Christmas story filled with holiday chher, friendship and most importantly baked goods.

Cathy who works at a floral stall and is always bringing her coworkers and friends baked goods is encouraged to open up her own bakery, dealing with the loss of her mother she doesn't feel like it is the right time and instead decides to host a weekly cooking class at the local church.

This was such a comfort read because of the pacing and I just loved the atmosphere of the community and I really felt for Cathy's character. Although, I hated Tansy for most of the book. I did think there could have been more romance but I did enjoy this for what it was, and the cooking and baking aspect made me really enjoy it.

I really enjoyed this book all the way through. It had a really good plot, great main characters and really keeps you hooked on the plot. I would highly recommend this book.

A feel good, charming, delightful cosy romance with likable and relatable characters, a cosy setting of a small charming village, sweet romance and lots of delicious goodies being baked throughout the book! It's still 2 months to Christmas but reading this book will get you into the right mood for all things Christmasy. All those mentions of yummy baked goodies that the heroine Cathy is constantly whipping up, at home and the cookery club she heads, got my mouth watering and me going 😋!

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Tilly Tennant for the e-Arc of the book.

A really festive and uplifting read. Took me a little while to get into but once I was into the storyline I couldn't put it down.

A festive read and new beginnings

As a carer myself, Cathy’s situation hit home, when you dedicate years of your life, looking after a loved one come to the end of theirs, it takes its toll, they become your sole though, friends drift away, a work-life becomes harder and love life is non-existent. Many people can never understand unless they live it and it’s even harder to explain.

The way that Tilly dealt with the loneliness and loss is very sympathetic and refreshing to read, it’s rare for people to just move on. This is a slow burner of a story for Cathy, things happen slowly, even the baking. After attending a charity coffee morning, Cathy learns that she had a place in the village and friendships form through her baking classes in the church hall with a quirky bunch of characters. Throw in a dash of teen angst and a new love interest, it’s all I need to curl up with a warm cup of something and while the afternoon away in Linnetford

My thanks to #Netgalley, #Bookouture, and @TillyTennant for allowing me to review a copy of #Cathy’sChristmasKitchen

Oh boy this was not for me. Cathy was a whiny wet dishrag with no social smarts. Her inner monologue was driving me nuts. Oh woe is me I’m not a great baker I just use my Mommy’s recipes heheeeee. Oh boy my baking is sooooo much better than this random old person at the church social. Rinse repeat.

Not enjoyable at all.

I have enjoyed all books I have read by Tilly Tennant, and this one did not disappoint. There was more to this book that I expected by reading the blurb. Cathy was pretty much isolated, with no friends and very little family that she cared to spend time with. She had nursed her mother for most of her life, and with her recent death, Cathy is at loose ends. She finds her way to a coffee fundraiser at a local church and meets a woman, Erica, that she hopes to become friends with. When the others try the treats she has brought to share, they all tell her what a wonderful baker she is. After a few weeks, she is convinced to begin a cooking class at the church and it changes her life.

I don't want to say much more than that about this story, because it is important that you read the story to learn about Cathy and her awakening to her new life after her mother's death. I really liked Cathy. She is very vulnerable and doesn't have much self-esteem. Others see what a great person she is, but it takes her awhile to believe it. When she meets a young man walking his dog, there is a connection and I enjoyed reading about the relationship as it develops. Of course no romance can go smoothly, so throw in her ex-fiance who has returned to Linnetford from Scotland with his wife. When he and Cathy bump into each other, there seems to be a few lingering emotions. Can their feelings be rekindled after all this time? I enjoyed the camaraderie of the members of the cookery classes. There was some humour in their interactions, but also some fireworks. Will cooking bring Cathy into the life she deserves? A well plotted, uplifting story with wonderful characters and Christmas charm. I definitely recommend this one.