Book Review - The Secret Mistletoe Promise by Cressida McLaughlin

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Title: The Secret Mistletoe Promise

Author: Cressida McLaughlin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 6th November 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Is a new beginning waiting for her this Christmas?

When Imogen leaves her fiancé at the altar and escapes to her grandmother’s cottage by the sea, the only thing she wants to do is disappear.

But in a village curious about their new arrival, Imogen finds hiding out harder than expected, especially with the charming local baker Dexter around to distract her.

As secrets unravel and the festive season draws near, Imogen wonders if she’s been running from the wrong things all along.

Will the runaway bride find her happy ever after under the mistletoe?

It has been fabulous being back in Mistingham, and amongst some familiar faces from the previous book set here.  But rest assured it is definitely a standalone novel, and our main characters are completely new. 

In fact Imogen is a runaway bride on Halloween, and is escaping to her grandmother's cottage in Mistingham for refuge. Bridie unfortunately wasn't attending the wedding due to a family rift with her daughter, which the more you hear about Imogen's parents, the more its understandable. 

Before she has even reached her gran's house, Lucy and Aubergine come across her, and then Lucy insists on running to get her dad, Dexter to come to the rescue in the form a lift! 

I adored Dexter from that first meeting, he is the beating heart of the village, everyone absolutely adores him, and its also rather clear that there is something between him and Imogen, even if she isn't quite ready to admit any feelings. After all she is coming to terms with jilting her fiancée at the alter! 

I really enjoyed how Imogen was getting stuck into village life,  and how she starts to get to know everyone.  And is even integral to locating Felix a few times (a rather mischievous pet goat!). 

Such a gorgeously festive story, sprinkled with mistletoe, snow, a chance at a brand new life, romance, and a whole lot more. I adored every word of it, and couldn't get enough of the story.  I really hope there will be another book in this series next Christmas, as they are just so lovely. 

Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.