Guest Review: Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?

With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.

If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.

So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.

But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?

Review: Phillipa Ashley is one of my ‘go-to’ authors. For me, she always brings to life the characters and places in her books. I have enjoyed many a trip to Cornwall through her writing. This year, Phillipa’s Christmas book is a romance set once again in the Lake District, acknowledged as one of the prettiest areas of the UK, and one with which I am very familiar. The book has a wonderfully Christmassy cover, promising lots of snow and fun.

The story features Freya Bolton, born and bred in the Lake District and owner of a company that prepares holiday homes in the area for visitors. With her attention to detail and excellent customer service, she has built up a successful business. As she is busy putting the finishing touches to one cottage, ready for Christmas, she is startled to find that the incoming tenant is someone she knows well - her former fiancé and now renowned photographer, Travis Marshall, who has come back home to open a business of his own. As the days pass, it appears that there is still a strong attraction between them, and Freya suggests a secret relationship with no commitments. However, things are not that simple, as feelings develop in both of them and it seems this may be more than just a fling.

I really enjoyed this trip to the Lake District. The book was full of interesting characters and well-described settings. Freya and Travis were both likeable people for whom the reader is bound to want a happy ending, although, of course, there were many bumps in the road along the way. I admired their dedication to their businesses, but there was no denying the attraction between them. In addition to the central story, there were other interesting subplots involving Freya and Travis’s families and friends, including a few weddings, as the title suggests, and lots of Christmas-themed events. This is a lovely, light and heart-warming festive book, particularly perfect for reading by the fire on a cold wintry day.

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: A Secret Cornish Summer by Pillipa Ashley

When Eden steps out of her beautiful coastal cottage to find a Speedo-wearing, suntanned stranger doing yoga in next door’s garden, she is immediately on her guard. Since her ex-husband betrayed her in the worst possible ways, she has kept her distance from all men, taking refuge in her start-up coffee business.

But as she gets to know Levan, Eden begins to wonder if he might be different – until she discovers he’s not quite what he seems. And when a long-buried family secret surfaces, her faith in those she loves most is shaken to the core.

As the secrets spill out, relationships old and new will be tested like never before. Can Eden learn to trust again, and move past all the secrets of this Cornish summer?

Review: I was excited to see this new book by one of my ‘go to’ authors appear on my kindle. I knew I was in for a treat in a beautiful location. This time, the author took me back to Cornwall. I was hooked from the very first page and quickly devoured the rest of the story. 

This story centres on the Cornish seaside village of Hartstone, and in particular mother and daughter Sally and Eden, who live in one of a row of cottages adjacent to the lighthouse where Eden’s father and grandfather were once keepers. Eden runs a coffee roastery, processing beans for her own coffee shop and an increasing number of local businesses. She is recovering from a bad experience with a cheating ex-husband and is not interested in any relationships with the opposite sex. However, when a handsome new neighbour, Levan, moves in, she, Sally and grandmother Iris, are intrigued to find out all about him. He is determined to keep himself to himself, but is gradually drawn into the lives of his welcoming neighbours. In spite of everything, Eden and Levan are attracted to each other, but he has a secret that he fears, if revealed, will destroy their growing relationship. It transpires that he is not the only one with a secret, this one with far reaching consequences for Eden and her mum. 

Oh, I did enjoy this story, which was more than a romance, with its generous helping of dark and even official secrets and hint of danger. There were only a few characters, but these were all strong and interesting. I admired Eden for her fortitude in picking herself up after having been treated so shabbily by her ex. As for Levan, what a heroic specimen he turned out to be! The setting of the story couldn’t fail to attract the reader; I for one would love to be walking along by the sea admiring the lighthouse. I think this must be one of my favourite Phillipa Ashley books, and one which I’m sure will be enjoyed by many this summer. 

To order your copy now, just click here!

Guest Review: A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

This Christmas everything is about to change…

When Bo Grayson and her friends meet a mysterious fortune teller, she gives each woman the same prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.

But Bo quickly dismisses this as nonsense. And with the festive season in full swing, she has plenty to keep her busy: creating the seasonal menu for her Boatyard Café, getting her rock and roll dance group ready for their Christmas show – and avoiding thinking about last December, when her fortune took a turn for the worse…

Besides, she definitely isn’t ready to open her heart again. But will fate – and perhaps a sprinkle of Christmas magic – change her mind?

Review: I have been looking forward to reading this year’s Christmas book from Phillipa Ashley, one of my favourite writers who never fails to entertain me with her novels. This story is set in the coastal Cornish village of Falford, also the setting for Phillipa’s earlier book this year, An Endless Cornish Summer. Readers of that book will recognise some familiar characters, but most of the players in this festive story are new. 

The central female character in this story is Bo Grayson, who owns and runs the Boatyard Cafe, a waterside eatery popular with locals and tourists alike. Having had an unpleasant episode with her then boyfriend last Christmas, she is not looking forward to the festive season this year. However, she enjoys dancing with the local rock and roll dance group, the Flingers, and is very much involved with preparations for their forthcoming Christmas show. A relative newcomer to the village and music enthusiast, Ran Larsen, helps out as DJ for the dancers. When Bo, Ran and Angel, another member of the dance group and special friend of Bo’s, visit the Falford summer fair, they each have their fortunes told by a mysterious woman who foretells the same future for each of them - that they will be with the love of their life by Christmas. They are all sceptical but keep what she has said in mind. With Christmas fast approaching, Bo has plenty to keep her busy, and, not wanting a repeat of last year’s disaster, has no intention of becoming romantically involved with anybody. However, she is becoming closer to the enigmatic Ran, and there is always that prediction from the fortune teller….

I can happily recommend this light and heartwarming festive story, full of interesting and varied characters, with the promise of romance all the way through. It’s perfect for lovers of romance, dance or vintage music and fashion. The reader is treated to two Christmases that promise to be very different for Bo, the interval between being filled with rock and roll music and dancing. With Angel being a skilful dressmaker, there are some stunning costumes mentioned as we follow the fortunes of the dance group. She also makes some amazing craft items which would fit well into many homes. Of course, I should also mention the delicious sounding food produced by Bo at the Boatyard Cafe; I would undoubtedly enjoy sitting by the water being served some of her mouth-watering dishes. Bo and Ran are similar in many ways, each with their reasons for staying away from romance, but it may be that love can find its way in unexpectedly. I loved that way in which these two gradually became closer in a very gentle way. I liked Angel as a character. She had such a lot of stress in her life, but soldiered on regardless and found the strength to follow her dreams. I’m sure that others will enjoy this skilfully written story just as much as I have. The author kept me guessing practically right to the end how things were going to work out - a mark of a good story in my opinion. 

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: An Endless Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley

Escape to the seaside with this gorgeous new series from the Sunday Times bestselling author – perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Heidi Swain.

Rose Vernon is headed to a quiet Cornish village – to find the man who saved her life. 

 

For Rose, every day is a gift. She narrowly survived a life-threatening illness and owes everything to her anonymous donor. Determined to thank him, Rose follows a trail of clues that lead her to the little Cornish fishing village of Falford. 

 

But things become complicated when Rose is drawn into local life, becoming involved in the legendary Falford Regatta and meeting the handsome Morvah brothers – one of whom might just be the man she’s looking for. But which one? 

 

Can Rose find the answer she’s searching for, or will she lose her heart before the summer is over?

Review: As a fan of Phillipa Ashley, I have been looking forward to the release of her summer novel for this year. How nice it was to discover that I was to be taken off on a holiday by the sea in sunny Cornwall, the destination for so many of Phillipa’s books. I found this a compelling read from the very start and was absorbed in the story to the end.

The central female character here is archaeologist Rose Vernon, whose life has literally been saved by a donation of stem cells. Although such donations are anonymous, the few clues she has to the donor’s identity have led Rose to the Cornish seaside village of Falford and to two brothers who run a boatyard there. She manages to obtain a grant that will enable her to spend the summer in Falford while investigating some archaeological digs nearby. Rose has a marvellous summer in the village, making many friends and becoming involved in local activities, on and off the sea. She also gets close to Joey and Finn Morvah, the brothers she is looking for, and it looks as though she might unexpectedly have found romance.

I found this a captivating and uplifting story as I accompanied Rose on her search for the person who gave her another chance at life. Phillipa Ashley skilfully conveys the seriousness with which Rose conducts her investigation and how important it is to her to find the man she seeks. Although this is the main storyline, there is plenty going on for the other characters in the book, and Rose gets involved, helping out many of them where she can. The book is filled with lovely characters, most of whom have interesting stories of their own. The village itself has a warm community feel about it; Phillipa’s descriptions very effectively transported me there and I could almost hear the clanging of the masts on the yachts in the harbour. I can recommend this book to others who are in need of an escape to the sunny coast in the company of some wonderful characters.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: A Surprise Christmas Wedding by Phillipa Ashley

It’s been a year since Lottie’s fiancé walked out, leaving her heartbroken. But things start to look up when she lands her dream job at a beautiful Lake District estate, with a handsome groundskeeper for a neighbour.

 

So when Lottie is asked to organise a last minute Christmas wedding at Firholme, she can’t wait to get started. Until she meets the couple, and discovers that Connor, the man who broke her heart, is the groom-to-be.

 

As snow falls on the hills, can Lottie put aside her past to organise the perfect winter wedding? And will there be any festive magic left to bring Lottie the perfect Christmas she deserves?

Review: As a big fan of all things Christmassy, this is an exciting time of year for me as all the festive reads begin to emerge. I always look out for my favourite authors in particular, these including Phillipa Ashley. Having read a good many of her books, I wasn’t surprised when this one began in Cornwall, but was equally pleased when the action then shifted for the main part of the story to the Lake District, an area I know well and enjoy visiting when I can. I was soon absorbed in the story and found it a quick and easy read.

The central character in the book is Lottie, an events planner working in Firholme, a country house standing on the shores of Derwentwater in the Lake District. She loves her job and the little cottage that comes with it. However, she’s not sure about her new neighbour, estates manager Jay, who is initially not very sociable, unlike his gorgeous black labrador. Lottie’s boss is keen to net a big event to showcase the house and its facilities, and is delighted when a couple show up desperate to have their wedding there the week before Christmas, only a few weeks away. Lottie knows she can pull it off, but the drawback is that she knows the groom, having been engaged to him briefly just a year before, his desertion having left her heartbroken. As the wedding and Christmas approach, Lottie has the additional worry of her ill sister and helping look after her young twin nieces who are increasingly excited amidst the festive preparations. Readying the house for the wedding means she has to work closely with Jay and she begins to get to know him better and understand his dislike of the festive season.

I have really enjoyed this festive and heartwarming story and can heartily recommend it. There are some lovely characters, a marvellous location and just the right amount of snow. The wedding is, of course, central to the plot, but there is plenty of other activity as well. Lottie’s sister and Jay have interesting storylines of their own that emerge as the story progresses. I didn’t take to the bride or groom; some of their demands at such short notice were incredible. Lottie, however, was amazing, getting everything done while caring for her immediate family and sorting out Jay’s problems too; I would definitely want her organising my event.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Guest Review: A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley

Summer in Cornwall is the perfect time for a fresh start…

Seven years ago, Marina Hudson’s husband was lost at sea. She vowed to love him for the rest of her life – but when kind-hearted Lachlan arrives in Porthmellow, should she deny herself another chance at happiness?

Tiff Trescott was living life to the full as a journalist in London – until her boyfriend’s betrayal brought it all crashing down. Fleeing to her cousin Marina’s cottage, Tiff feels like a fish-out-of-water. And when brooding local Dirk wins a day with her in a charity auction, she’s thrown headfirst into Cornish life.

This summer promises new beginnings for both Tiff and Marina. But are they too good to be true?

Review: This is the third book in the Porthmellow series by Phillipa Ashley. Like the preceding two books in the series, A Perfect Cornish Summer and A Perfect Cornish Christmas, this story is set in the small, and sadly fictional, Cornish seaside village of Porthmellow. Although they have a common setting, and several recurring characters, the books can all be read as stand-alones. As with the other two books in the series, I found this one compelling reading; I was quickly drawn into the lives of the characters and all too quickly reached the end.

The main female characters in the story are Marina, a local teacher whose husband was lost at sea some years previously, and her journalist cousin, Tiff. Following some disastrous events affecting her personal and professional life in London, Tiff is staying temporarily with her cousin in Porthmellow. She soon meets up with local man, Dirk, known to be a moody character. Initially, the two clash, but a friendship gradually forms as time passes. Meanwhile, Marina meets Lachlan, a rather taciturn newcomer to the village; although she is drawn to him, can she get him to open up to her and learn what lies beneath the surface? It looks as if both girls may have the chance of a new start, but will it work out for one or both of them?

I can highly recommend this book for fans of Phillipa Ashley like myself, lovers of Cornwall or readers who just enjoy a heart-warming tale. I found this an easy read, but not lacking in depth and detail. There is also a nice feeling of friendship and community throughout. For readers of the other books in the series, there are old friends to meet up with - always a pleasure for me. The four principal characters all have interesting and perfectly believable back stories of their own; the individual issues they are dealing with are heartbreaking at times. I enjoyed the way that although the four formed into two couples, they each had very different sorts of relationships. There is an interesting twist towards the latter part of the story, which led to a very dramatic incident; the twist I could see coming, but the drama I could not. In my opinion this is another hit by Phillipa Ashley, and I shall be looking out for her next book.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Blog Tour: Review of A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

Today is my stop on the blog tour for A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley. I have a review for you today and if you like the sound of that, there are buy links at the bottom of this post! Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content and reviews. 

Here's what it's all about...

Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…

But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.

So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.

Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.

Review: I always look forward to books with a Christmas theme. This is the first one that has come my way this year, and I am delighted that it is by one of my favourite authors. Phillipa Ashley has written many stories based in Cornwall; this one is the second in a series featuring the Cornish seaside village of Porthmellow. I read and enjoyed the first In this series, and was looking forward to catching up with some familiar characters, as well as new arrivals in the village.

This story follows the fortunes of the Latham family - parents Anna and Roger, and grown up children Ellie, Marcus and Scarlett. While spending the Christmas break in Porthmellow, a well-meaning, but nonetheless disastrous Christmas present has left the family reeling following a shocking revelation. A year later, as the village of Porthmellow prepares once again for its annual Christmas celebrations, we find Ellie living there in the manor house that once belonged to her aunt, and joined unexpectedly by Scarlett, who is seeking answers about her heritage. As Christmas approaches, it appears that both girls may have found romance in the form of ex-army engineer Aaron and natural history writer and forager Jude, both of whom originally come from the village. However, there are complications in these relationships as well. When mother Anna also arrives on the scene, the girls hope that they may discover some answers and find a way to keep the Latham family from splitting apart.

This is a lovely romantic story, with a warm festive feel to it; I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a satisfying Christmas read. Porthmellow would certainly be a wonderful place to spend Christmas, with its charming decorations, great traditions and community spirit. Once again Phillipa Ashley has introduced the reader to some strong and interesting characters, as well as intriguing situations. I do enjoy her books set in Cornwall; her love for and familiarity with the county shine through her writing. I always finish her books with a strong desire to visit. I hope that there may be more Porthmellow stories in the pipeline - I would love to find out how the relationships in this story develop.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Blog Tour: Review of A Perfect Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley

It's my stop on the blog tour for A Perfect Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley today. I have a review to share with you. This book is out now, just scroll to the bottom of the post for the buy links. Thanks to Phillipa for stopping by today!

Here's what it's all about:

The first in a gorgeous new series from the author of Summer at the Cornish Cafe.

Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…

For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).

When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.

Review: How nice to be taken back to Cornwall in Phillipa Ashley’s latest novel. I have enjoyed reading many of her previous books set in this county, and was looking forward to discovering what events were about to unfold in this new tale. I found once again a story that, once started, was difficult to put down.

The book is set in the little Cornish seaside town of Porthmellow, where the annual food festival is just around the corner. The festival was dreamed up 10 years previously by Sam Lovell and friends who were looking for a way to reverse the fortunes of their failing town. Fortunately, the festival has gone from strength to strength and Sam looks forward to organising it every year, despite simultaneously running a busy catering business and looking after her younger sister. However, this year the star attraction, a renowned chef, has pulled out at the last minute. Fortunately, one of Sam’s team, Chloe, has found a replacement in Gabe Matthias, once a Porthmellow resident and now a famous chef based in London. However, Chloe has no idea that the return of this man is Sam’s worst nightmare, his departure years before having followed an event that spelled disaster and misery for Sam, her sister Zennor and brother Ryan.

As I expected, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and its characters; I was pulled into the story, and couldn’t predict how it was going to end. Sam is a very likeable and determined young woman, who has brought up her younger sister while building up a successful business and worrying about the fate of her brother, who she hasn’t seen for many years. It is also to her credit that the town’s food festival has become such a popular event, attracting visitors and exhibitors from a wide area. I thought it a shame that she has held a grudge against Gabe Matthias for many years over an admittedly serious event without apparently knowing all the details. The full details of what happened are hidden also from the reader until late in the story; until then, we are just given hints. In addition to the central story of Sam and Gabe, there are serious situations for other major characters, adding to the enjoyment of the book as a whole. I can recommend this book for anyone who would enjoy a bit of drama and romance in a beautiful setting; a perfect holiday read.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Blog Tour: Extract from Summer on the Little Cornish Isles by Phillipa Ashley

I'm very pleased to be part of the blog tour for Summer on the Little Cornish Isles by Phillipa Ashley. The book is out now and I shared a review of it which you can read here. I have an extract to share with you. 

Heres' what it's all about:

One summer can change everything …

Poppy has always loved Cornwall – the crisp sea air, the welcoming community. So when her boyfriend Dan suggests they leave their office jobs and take over the Starfish Studio on the Isles of Scilly, Poppy doesn’t need asking twice.

But things don’t go to plan when Dan dumps her, weeks before they’re due to move. Determined not to give up, Poppy accepts the help of local photographer Jake, her landlord’s grandson. But Jake is distracted by a loss from his past.

Can they turn the crumbling gallery into a success in time for tourist season? And will a summer on the little Cornish Isles mend just the studio – or Poppy’s heart too?

Thank you to Phillipa for stopping by and sharing this extract with us today, happy reading!

Poppy sneaked a glance at him. He seemed to be almost as mesmerised as she

was, lingering by paintings and showing no signs of being bored. Relieved not to be hauled

outside, she carried on exploring.

Although the walls were peeling and the display cabinets showing signs of age, the

space still gave her the shivers – in a good way. Alongside Archie Pendower’s oils, there

was work by other artists and makers. Every nook and cranny was filled with copper fish

twisting through metal water, driftwood sculptures, bangles made of semi-precious stones

and pendants with silver shells and sea glass in jewel-like colours.

At the rear of the gallery, Dan was now deep in conversation with Archie himself.

Archie’s deep local burr was mesmeric and Dan’s voice was livelier and more animated than

she’d heard him for ages.

Clutching a pack of postcards featuring Archie’s work, Poppy joined Dan and told

Archie how much she admired his work. She hoped she didn’t sound like too much of a

fangirl but the Starfish Studio seemed to have worked its magic on both of them.

At one time, while she was studying English at university, Poppy had harboured

vague dreams about running a gallery. She’d actually spent one of her university summer

holiday’s earning a bit of cash by helping out in a gallery – more of a gift shop really – at the

craft centre near her parents’ house. She was well aware that an artist’s life was far from the

creative bubble customers liked to believe, but she was still in awe of those who made their

actual living being creative. She’d always enjoyed dabbling with crafts and spent far too long

in the bead shop in her town. She was wearing one of her own creations today: a bracelet

inspired by the colours of the sea.

However, when she’d left university she’d got a job as a PR assistant with a building

products company and risen to be the communications manager. She still made a few

pieces now and then, but work and a long commute meant she had less time than ever for

her hobby.

She might laugh at Dan’s obsession with budgets and bulldozers, but her own job

was hardly creative. On the other hand, it was how she’d first met him: at a construction

conference a couple of years before. She’d gone along, thinking that it would be dull as

ditchwater and almost decided to miss the final seminar on marketing on the first day. She

was so glad she hadn’t.