Book Review - The Cornish Christmas Book Club by Angela Britnell

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Title: The Cornish Christmas Book Club

Author: Angela Britnell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication Date: 22nd October 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

’Tis the season for second chances — and unexpected chapters . . .

Talented baker Tamara Pascoe has spent years saving every penny and perfecting her recipes in the hopes of opening her own café in the cosy village of Penworthal.

But her dream is suddenly out of reach when the perfect location is snapped up by newcomer Gage Bennet — a brooding ex-Marine with plans to open a bookshop.

Gage has no time for pleasantries, let alone Christmas spirit. But he didn’t count on Tamara — sharp, stubborn and brimming with festive cheer.

When the village book club throws them together, Gage realises they might just be able to help one another. Tamara needs a job. He needs help connecting with the community.

Striking a reluctant truce, Tamara and Gage’s frosty beginning starts to melt as they bond over their shared love of books.

While snow begins to fall and the fairy lights twinkle, could a little Cornish book club help two opposites write their own happily ever after?

This winter, curl up with this warm and uplifting festive romance, brimming with books, baking and second chances. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan, Cressida McLaughlin, Camilla Isley, Emma Bennet, Sarah Morgan or Philippa Ashley.

It's been a while since I last curled up with an Angela Britnell novel and I'm now scratching my head to wonder why! 

Admittedly I was a bit confused at the start just due to the sheer number of characters we are introduced initially. But once I had all the names straight in my head, it was a lovely smooth book to read.  Some of my overwhelm might be because this is the second book in a series and although it can definitely be read as s standalone, I did have to check the blurb of the previous book so I was able to realise which backstory I wasn't on top of! 

Once I got to know them, I loved both Tamara and Gage.  Tamara is a wonderful baker and member of the local book club. While Gage is new to town, an ex-marine struggling to fully adjust to civilian life, but he is opening up a bookshop in town and is a massive book fan too. 

They have a bit of a shaky first meeting, but as their paths keep crossing, I fully leant into their connection as they get to know each other. 

There is a good helping of delicious sounding food in this story, as well as plenty of side plots to enjoy, so definitely never a dull moment.  

This author always writes wonderful male leads that you can't help but fall for, and Gage is another example of just this.  He was divine. 

This was such a lovely story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm really hoping this won't be the last we see of the Back of Beyond book club. 

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