The Scones on the Bus
The Cornish Cream Tea Bus by Cressida McLaughlin.
No Spoilers I promise!
"We'll go back in a moment." He replaced his thumb with his mouth....
I've never come across McLaughlin's work until I came across her book in Sainsbury's book section while late shopping, the book section is usually my first stop before I do some actual shopping. I was drawn towards it by its cover and beautiful title, yes I judged a book by its cover, but don't we all? It seemed like the kind of book that I would read, after reading the blurb in depth, much to my brother's irritation who wanted to look at the gaming section I decided that although I don't know the author or any of the people who have praised the book I will take a leap of faith, hey I might enjoy it.
The story takes place in a seaside village in Cornwall that seems forgotten and lifeless till Charlie turns up to escape from her grief and heartbreak. Charlie restores her late Uncle's routemaster and turns it into a tea rooms and attempts to breath new life into the village by promoting it through her bus as she travels the Cornish seaside villages and towns. Along the way Charlie meets new friends and begins to make something of herself, but what about her life back at home?
If there's one thing that I do know about this book its that it charming, captivating and can warm the coldest of hearts. I loved this book, although like most romance novels it was predictable in some sections but not to the point where I thought of giving up and starting a different book. I loved the honest words and the fact that the main protagonist, Charlie is not perfect or super glamour but in fact has flaws. A character with flaws in far more interesting than one who is the description of perfect. McLaughlin's words are fresh and inspiring to anyone who has ever dreamt of doing something different and unique, after reading this wonderful book I want to buy my own bus and start a cafe and drive to Cornwall, although there's more chance of it raining men than that for me but that is not the point, the point is that this book makes you want to live life to the fullest and do what makes you happy which a lot of us afraid of feeling, happiness that is. This book is great for a quick read or something for over those winter months to warm you up. I will be most definitely be reading more of McLaughlin's work in the future. Have you read it yet? What are your thoughts? I would love to hear about it?
After all tomorrow is another day spent reading,
Phoebe x