Cover Image: Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes

Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes

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Member Reviews

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.

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A lovely, easy to read, festive story. Definitely not my favourite of this series but a recommended read none the less.

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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.

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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!

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Carly has a problem. Her sister, Bethany, is a liability in her cupcake business - costing her time and money and possibly affecting her reputation. Her friend, Tara, advises her to sack her but Bethany suffers from crippling self-esteem issues and is getting worse day by day. At the same time she is struggling with her seemingly unrequited love for her best friend, Liam. It's only a few weeks till christmas - can she help her sister , fulfil all her orderand finally tell Liam how she feels before the big day?
I was already familiar with Whitsborough Bay before reading this but it wouldn't have mattered if I wasn't as it stands alone very well. What I really loved about this story, though, was that the 'love story' aspects really focuses on the love Carly has for his sister Bethany. Yes there is also the traditional romance as well but the real focus is on the sisters. Its lighthearted and Christmassy but with a slightly more serious edge as Bethany struggles with her mental health and Carly feels powerless to help her. There's also a focus on the impact of bullying too. Don't think the its depressing though because its not. There is a possible downside to this book, however, in that the descriptions of the iced cakes and cupcakes are so lovely that you might find yourself reaching for the baking trays and flour.
A perfect read in the run-up to christmas.

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A lovely feel good romance set in Carly’ cupcake shop. The story centres around Carly’s relationship with her sister who also works in the shop. Plus Carly has stayed friends with Liam since school, he is currently away in the army and Carly missed their easy relationship.

Likeable characters, a picturesque setting, cup cakes and snow angels. Mix it together and you have a book that keeps you turning the pages. Loved it

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Christmas at Carly's Cupcakes is descriptive and so lovely that you feel you are apart of the book. It is your typical romantic comedy in the best way and is just a good read for the soul. The character Carly is relatable as she has been bullied in school but always had her best friend by her side, and has become a success. I love how the book shows some hardships and real-life the characters have gone through. You can feel the magic and the snow at Carlys Cupcakes while reading this book.

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This is such a sweet, lovely little story. I don't want to spoil things but I will certainly be seeking out more of Jessica Redland's books when I'm in the mood for cheering up. This book gives a great reminder to the reader that you cannot set yourself on fire to keep others in your life warm.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books for this advance copy. I very much enjoyed it and hope to read more of your titles.

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Thank you for the early reading of this book. What a lovely delightful little book all about Carly and her cupcakes. Such a lovely little cozy read. Can wait to read more

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This is my first Jessica Redland book and I'm hooked. As owner of Carly's Cupcakes Carly is having very busy Christmas season filling orders and trying to help take care of her sister Bethany. Bethany has suffered a traumatic event and is having trouble coping. Carly is also waiting for her best friend Liam to return from the war. She and Liam have friends since they were twelve, and she has been in love with him since she was sixteen. With encouragement from her friend Tara she is ready to tell him how she feels.

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Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
What a lovely Christmas book I really enjoyed this author's book not read anything by her before can recommend

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Cute, likable characters makes this easy to read story the perfect Christmas read!

With her sister's upcoming nuptials and her best friend coming home from the service, plus the onslaught of holiday orders, Carly has more than she can handle. Managing it all is her strong suit, but will she ever take time for herself? Balancing family, work, and her love life Carly learns how strong the bonds of friendship and family really are.

A precious read for the holiday season, I look forward for more Jessica Redland books!

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3411804174

I enjoyed this book and would like to read more by this author, I like the characters and the storyline, it is an easy read and I cared about the characters and what happened to them.

My thanks to NetGalley for the book.

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Who doesn't love cakes, Christmas and a wedding!
That is exactly what you get from this story,

Carly is waiting for her best friend Liam to return for Christmas. Sister Bethany is marrying Joshua.

Can a boy and a girl just stay friends?
Can family work together?

This is an adorable read originally published in 2017, this has been refreshed and re edited and is so warm and cosy and gives you a nice fuzzy feeling.

A fab Christmas book to read all year round!

Thank you Boldwood books.

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