I think we all know why this book caught me eye. It’s nearly Christmas – yay! I always find my focus is lacking in December, I struggle to really get into a book and often end up in a reading slump with a pile of DNFs by my side. I needed something light and charming that absorbed me and allowed me to relax.
Thankfully this book did the trick.
December has arrived in Mount Polbearne and whilst many are in the festive spirit; Polly is too busy to relax and enjoy it. Despite the bakery being busy with regulars, the winter months take their toll as the tourist numbers dwindle. Luckily for Polly, her best friend’s husband wants her to cater for his family over the holidays and although Polly really deserves a break, she needs the money more.
When Polly had bought the lighthouse, the practicalities of how to keep it warm were far from her mind… but now that winter is here, it’s a daily reminder of how much work her home needs.
Huckle; her charming and handsome fiancé, is the most supportive partner ever but sadly even he can’t solve their financial woes, as his business slows down for the cold months too.
To top it all off, there’s an even greater need for some extra cash as a cause close to Polly’s heart needs her help. And so she accepts the work from Reuben and forfeits her ideal Christmas.
Meanwhile her best friend; Kerensa, is miserable. She’s in a tricky situation and she’s riddled with guilt. When Polly finds out, she feels for her friend but in a way, she wished she didn’t know, now she feels part of it all…
Everything about this book is glorious. It’s full of winter cheer, drama and drool-worthy food. Colgan captures life on the island perfectly; as someone who grew up in a village, so much of the community spirit and going-ons resonated with me. I loved the passion that the locals felt for keeping things “local”, particularly with the school, and for me, there’s nothing more that warms my heart than seeing people pull together and help one another.
With lots of wonderful side stories and Neil; the puffin, bringing tonnes of cuteness to the pages, this book was overflowing with loveliness. I adored every moment of this story and am so happy that it dragged me out of my reading slump.
This book has soul.
This is the third installment in this series and whilst I had read the first, I hadn’t read the second, but this story can easily be read as a standalone.
Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery has been out for 2 years, but if you haven’t read it yet, it’s the perfect festive treat for this year. In the UK, it is available in paperback and eBook versions from Sphere. I managed to grab a hardback copy of this book at the Big Bad Wolf book sale when they stopped in Dubai.
Until next time, Chloé x
Reviews by Chloé 