(courtesy official Cressy McLaughlin newsletter)
SNAPSHOT
In a seaside village, where the winter sunset meets the sea, Daisy is coming home … When her perfect life falls apart, Daisy returns to Mistingham, determined it’s a temporary stop until she can find her feet again. She hasn’t counted on the community’s irresistible (aka infuriating) festive spirit. Or on Avery, building a grand house near the village green – his optimism and easy smile are proving equally hard to resist. As Mistingham works its magic, Daisy wonders if her heart has known where home is all along. (courtesy official Cressy McLaughlin email)
I love Christmas and so, it stands to reason, that I also everything Christmassy.
This is true but not all Christmas things are created equal, and while I am increasingly enjoying a metric ton of festive romcoms every festive season (but not, contrarily enough the movie equivalent: well, not for the most part as there are exceptions), not every book celebrating the love, hope and possibility of Christmas carries the same seasonal bliss.
One author who lands it perfectly every single time is Cressy McLaughlin, previously known as Cressida McLaughlin, and one series of hers in particular, The Secret Bookshop which includes The Secret Christmas Bookshop and The Secret Mistletoe Promise, has provided all kinds of escapist festive delights.
I love the way she brings her characters to life, the richness and vivacity of the dialogue and the sense of nourishing and embracing found family and community which infuses every page.
I am therefore beyond happy there is a third instalment coming my way this Christmas and had to share news of it with you right after I spotted it in the author’s latest newsletter. Happy festive days lie ahead!
The Secret Holiday Kiss releases 8 October 2026.
(courtesy official author site)