Oh my goodness! I cannot begin to tell you just how perfect this book is! The cover is just absolutely gorgeous and it instantly attracted to me and made me want to read it and oh boy am I glad I read this! I just found it a real joy to read and it made me so happy. I loved settling down and reading this, it was so relaxing. I thought the characters were super and they really made the story. There are plenty of highs and lows in this book. I also loved the food in this it sounded so delicious and made me extremely hungry. I am a huge fan of Jane's books and this one in my opinion is her best yet and I am looking forward to her next!

4.5 Scrumptious Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Clemmie is being added to my ever-growing book BFF list! Loved her and her group of friends... you know the friendship is real when you are willing to dress up like a mermaid not just once but twice for your friends.... Tail and all! I’d love to go to the Little Cornish Kitchen and have a macaroon or two with these girls!

Clemmie has wanderlust never staying anywhere for too long... so when she returns home to check out the flat she is inherited from her grandmother, it is only temporary... even though she is enchanted by her grandmother’s eclectic beach front flat filled with memories, she insists this is still temporary... when she learns the repair costs of the flat she is determined to hold onto it... she especially does not want to sell it to her pushy neighbor Charlie... so she cooks something up to earn some money, still insisting this is temporary...

Clemmie and friends open a Singles/putting pop-up... with Clemmie making lots of yummy goodies from her grandmothers basket of recipes.... with several mishaps in the kitchen and frequent visits from her neighbor Charlie and his furry friends, this book kept me laughing and hungry! Loved the slow burning romance between clammy and Charlie.... and Charlie was quite brilliant he befriended all of her friends as well! The best way to a girls heart is through her friends, right?

Such a delightful book filled with fun, friendship, family, and yummy food! And I didn’t even mention the bit about Clemmie‘s long-lost father and brothers... Jane Linfoot I would be more than happy to visit the Little Cornish Kitchen in a future book, hint, hint!

An absolutely perfect summer read that will make your heart beat faster and your stomach rumble...

*** many thanks Harper Impulse and Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book ***

Born and raised in the small town of St Aidan in Cornwall, Clemmie has opted for a more nomadic way of life as a “grown up”. Living out of a rucksack and unable to plan more than a couple of days ahead she is out of her depth when forced to return home and make decisions about the flat she inherited from her Grandmother, Laura. Having barely known her paternal Grandmother her initial plan is to sell up and move on, however her friends persuade her to visit the flat not only changing her mind but the whole direction of her life.

Her new neighbour, the sexy Charlie Hobson, makes it clear from the beginning that he has his sights set on buying Laura’s flat. He ‘helpfully’ points out if Clem wants to live in the flat long-term she is going to need a lot of cash to pay for repairs. Unsure what to do and with a limited amount of time to raise the capital Clem’s friends pull together and with the help of Laura’s trusty recipe basket create The Little Cornish Kitchen, running pop up singles evenings filled with sweet treats! But does Clem really want to stay and give up her freedom even if she can raise the all-important money?

Much more than your average chick-lit romance, The Little Cornish Kitchen’s story is about discovering who you are and where you fit into the world as well as highlighting the importance of friendship and family. I have read several books set in Cornwall before and really love imagining the scenery and views and this book was no different. I could almost taste the salt coming in off the sea thanks to Jane’s wonderfully descriptive language.

The Little Cornish Kitchen is a fabulous easy, light-hearted read with a perfect feel good ending, ideal as a Summer read especially thanks to the beach side setting! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it held my attention throughout thanks to a sprinkle of mystery and a few twists to keep me on my toes. I will most certainly be looking out for more from Jane in the future as this is the first of her books that I have read.

My only word of warning is if you have a sweet tooth be sure not to read if you are even slightly hungry! The baking, puddings and sweet treats described sound mouthwateringly good and I spent most of the book salivating! P.S. There are some of Laura's recipes in the back of the book for you to try for yourself!

If ever I wanted to swap places with a character it would be with Clemmie Hamilton. She lives an independent life, with basic essentials in her backpack and moving on to the next opportunity to earn a bit of money wherever it may take her. At the beginning of this tale she is live-in support for a lady in Paris who has her quirks but is essentially quite easy to work for. Clemmie loves her Parisian life of few responsibilities, spending her days in coffee shops and boutiques in the shadow of the Eiffel tower. She gets a call home to Cornwall where she finds out her grandmother has left her an apartment overlooking the sea in a small town she has been avoiding for years. Her reaction seems at first to be total ingratitude; she doesn't want to move back to St Aidan and give up her independent life in Paris. Then as the story unfolds we find out that it's more a case of her unwillingness to face up to her family history and the painful home truths she needs to come to terms with which are stopping her from coming back.

Clemmie has the most amazing group of friends who each have fun nicknames for each other which have stuck since their childhoods. Between them they persuade Clemmie that things aren't impossible and perhaps she should give St Aidan another chance. Circumstances mean that Clemmie has little choice in the matter in the short term and sets about keeping her finances afloat at least for the time being. Always keeping her options open for a return to Europe, Clemmie doesn't look to the future much but the more time she spends in the apartment and the company of her next door neighbour and his menagerie the more attached she becomes to her surroundings as memories start to creep in of spending time there with her grandmother many years ago.

I really enjoyed the array of characters in this book; Clemmie's friends are fabulous and her neighbours in the town all seem to have a few personal issues under the surface which they have managed to keep under wraps despite living in such a tight knit community. There's a fantastic singles community in the town who are all out for some fun - luckily for Clemmie and her friends. Some scenarios seemed maybe a little far-fetched but hey, it's a light hearted novel not real life so I could allow some "poetic licence" in order for the story to work.


There's a serious storyline going on behind all the light heartedness and cookery classes which I felt panned out nicely - I did feel a happy ending was necessary for Clemmie and the author managed to achieve this without this part of the tale overpowering the whole proceedings. Overall it's a satisfying tale, great as a holiday read at this time of year. And there's lots of cake and recipes going on which is always a bonus. I would definitely recommend this to pop in your suitcase to read by the pool.

This review will be posted on my blog as part of the blog tour in July at www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk

The Little Cornish Kitchen- Jane Linfoot
Clemmie has gone back to her childhood town to visit friends and sort a few things out whilst her boss is away and she is therefore on leave herself. One of the main things to sort out is the flat her paternal grandmother left her. She has known about this for quite a while but it had tenants in it. Now at last it is vacated and she can decide what to do with it- her first thought is to sell it as she now lives in Paris. Next door lives Charlie Hobson who Clemmie melts at the sight of. She soon realises, however, that he has other plans afoot and in the spirit of “keep your friends close and your enemies even closer” keeps an eye on him in the best way she can. When Clemmie realises that if she stays , she has to raise a large amount of money in order to repair the roof, plans have to be made and the little cornish kitchen is born.with the help of her grandmothers treasure chest of recipes. This is a wonderful read to keep you smiling along the way. Yes maybe you can see where it is leading but who wouldn’t want to read (and then possibly make) about meringues, brownies, sorbets etc? A story of friendships and ideas, of the past and the present whilst having an eye on the future. A book to leave you feeling warm and loved, especially if you have cake in your hands!


(rest of links as part of blog tour)

Delectably sweet and delightful. This is a story about one woman finding her place in the world while discovering family secrets and learning to change her preconceived ideas.
It is a story of unbreakable friendship and overcoming difficult situations.
And love is in the air and sea breeze.

Do not read this book if you are on a sugar free diet. I dare you to resist the sweet temptations.
Yes, there is a happy ending but it is so much better than girl meets boy.

This is a perfect summer read to enjoy in stolen moments or on long afternoons.

Having read this author’s books before I was pleased to see there was a new story out. The cover and blurb sounded so enticing that it just had to be read! Clemmie Hamilton has returned home to the little Cornish village of St Aiden after she discovered her grandmother has left her an apartment by the sea. She initially doesn’t want to stay (commitment isn’t really her thing!) but she eventually decides to stay in it for a while. It needs repairing, but she doesn’t have any savings. When she discovers her neighbour, Charlie is a property developer who wants to buy the apartment, Clemmie decides to try and raise the funds to do up the apartment herself. Finding her grandmother’s recipes and with the help of her friends, she sets up The Little Cornish Kitchen!

I’ve loved the author’s previous books and thankfully this one was just as enjoyable. For me, the story began slowly and it took a few chapters to get the interest in the story. This didn’t last long though, and I found myself getting more into the story as it went on, and by the end I was hooked. I’m a sucker for books set down this part of the country and thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the area – I can’t for the life of me work out why these characters don’t want to stay in places like this! Clemmie is a lovely character, despite her reluctance to settle down, and she has a great group of friends in the village who look after her and help her with the Kitchen venture!

The most enticing bit of the book has to be, of course, the food! The descriptions of the desserts were heavenly and it even had some recipes in the back of the book if you fancied trying making them yourselves! As I was reading, I was transported to food heaven, smelling and tasting the different foods – which became a bit of a disappointment when I realised I wasn’t actually there!

A fun, heart-warming, romantic read with the perfect happy ending! Would definitely recommend – just don’t read it whilst hungry!

A fun and easy read with some proper funny moments. I love Jane Linfoot's books and this one did not disappoint. She always crafts her characters well and the storylines flow well. The descriptions of the scenery and cuisine are particular evocative and I have no trouble imaging it all as I am reading.

A perfect summer read with a few surprises in there too.

Plot rather unbelievable really, but an easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Never quite got to grips with the names of the friends, but didn’t seem to detract from my enjoyment.

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

It took me a really long time to get into this story. This fact actually took me by surprise, because I loved Jane Linfoot’s previous books. I somehow couldn’t connect to the storyline and the main character.

I really like the idea behind the book and after a while I started warming up to the community and people in St Aidan. My fave part was by far the story being set in Cornwall. I think the author captured that beautifully and in a very charming way.

I really wanted to like this book more, but there was something missing for me, especially from the main character.
There were a lot of funny, romantic and sweet moments in this book and these helped me a lot with the story.

Jane Linfoot actually had some little surprises in store for the reader and I’m really happy I finished the whole book. It’s warm and cozy and a wonderful summer read.

Well I was craving macarons in the first few pages, and then moved onto sorbets, meringues, chocolate and more. To say this book is a treat for the tastebuds would be an understatement.

If this book doesn't make you incredibly hungry as you read it I would be surprised.

Even with a new cast of characters I loved being back in St. Aidan which the author has used for some of her previous books, and is a gorgeous Cornish setting.

I loved everything to do with Clemmie's story, from the not knowing her father, to learning to cook to all of her fellow mermaids (friends).

In fact I loved every second of this marvellous story. What a joy to read.

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

#NetGalley #Summer #Summer2018 #Love #Romance

I was unable to stop reading until the end. The colorful and hearth warming adventures of epic characters. This is a very good choice of book to read this summer.

Have you every liked a book so much that you wanted to give it a hug? Well, that's how I felt about this one. The Little Cornish Kitchen is chick lit GOLD. It's got beautiful friendships, a relatable and likable heroine, and a little but of romance keep keep your hearts warm. I loved it! I can't wait to read more books by Jane Linfoot, especially if they make me feel all cozy and good like this one!

Isn’t it nice when you meet a character that you genuinely like, you know, one who is an all around good egg. That is exactly how I feel about Clemmie, and I am quite sure that she will be your ‘darling Clementine’ in only a few pages too. Apart from the delectable story and our devastatingly thoughtful hero, I was left feeling really pleased to have met the other characters involved in Clemmie’s tale. I love the young Milla who no doubt is growing up with memories of the Little Cornish Kitchen akin to those our heroine cherishes of time spent baking and tasting with her beloved late Grandmother. And as for the animals – well I definitely want a kitten now, that’s all I can say. Who wouldn’t want a cute purring ball of fur to snuggle up with.
As I finished the book I took a long, lingering look around Clemmie’s adorable flat. It too feels like a new friend and is one of the more enigmatic stars of the show. I wanted to explore it and spend time there, it really draws you in so much. I want to be able to curl up in one of Clemmie’s velvet chairs and poke my toes over the balcony as I soak up each and every glorious view over the effervescent sea. Many people who have the joy of living part of their lives by the ocean say that they miss it terribly if they have to move away. I am feeling that same jolt of sadness about having to leave this flat behind – I shall just have to re-read the book.
In this tale Clemmie learns some really big life lessons, but a supportive cast of friends and family come to the fore as she returns briefly to her childhood home of St. Aidan for a short break, to sort out some legalities with the flat that her Grandmother Laura left her a few years ago. Seaspray Cottage becomes the backdrop to a baker’s paradise. Coupled up in Laura’s flat, with the curious Charlie, who is teaching her the beginners guide to baking, whilst they both eat enormous amounts of their creations it has to be said.! Clemmie feels secure and comfortable. We do too as we are all pulled back in time to our own memories of birthday cake sampling and the thrilling licking out of the bowl. It’s as if this cosy corner of the cove has become Clemmie’s own little snow globe to live in. It works its magic and keeps her steady even when the winds of change blow and parts of her world are turned upside down.
This story has a real journey for our heroine and we are happy witnesses to her discovery that happiness really can settle, if we stay and fight for it. Clemmie learns that it is much better to swim with the tide even if it means sailing into a few previously unknown ports during the storm. Unchartered waters, Clemmie learns, are where you have to go with the flow and forget about the enormity of the uncertain, and just lean in to those you love and those who love you.
Clemmie is one of those hearts of gold who is always helping others and thinking of them and their needs. So much so that she is blind to the care that others are aching to give her, and she has spent a life time ignoring what it is that she really wants. Her time spent back in her little Cornish Kitchen helps wave upon wave of warm memories to come flooding back, wafting over her and opening up her brave mind and heart to the possibility of happiness. Through her time spent developing cute culinary skills, the therapeutic powers of the baking bubble help Clemmie to accept herself, others and the world around her afresh. She encourages us all in that way to be open to the positive and to accept that “this too shall pass”, that there can be two sides to the coin of life and maybe, just maybe, sometimes you can have your cake and eat it.
Coffee Cup Conversations and Teapot Talking Points:
Following the novel, I really wanted to reflect on some of the moving food for thought that the story raised – if you and I dear reader were sitting down together today, having both read the book, here are a few of the points we could mull over together, whilst chomping on a chocolate brownie or a cupcake or two of course:
When the pupil is ready does the teacher appear?
Through her friends Clemmie finds that it is important to extend yourself the hand of friendship and to include yourself in kindness. We get the impression that her pals have been trying to look after her and to get her to take care of herself for a long time. This trip home to St. Aiden really awakens her to what makes her happy and what is making her unhappy. Has someone ever helped you to see yourself in a more positive light? My grown-up son and my husband have currently taken to “boofing” me with a cushion if/when I put myself down. Self-care and compassion are something that we can easily overlook when we get really busy and we can get into patterns, mindsets and self-talk that can be very self-critical. It is important to remember to treat ourselves well and to develop a self-awareness about what makes us, as unique individuals, happy.
Have you ever renovated a building or built a house?
I would love to do this – but I don’t really have the capital, either financial or in terms of sheer talent. Sophie undertakes these types of projects in the story, and I think that Clemmie too has an interest in design – she feels right at home in Laura’s boudoir. I once alighted on a house, tucked away behind some really tall hedges, just as the builder – who was also the architect, put the finishing touches to it. He was so proud, and I was so in awe of what he achieved. Noah in the Notebook also creates that beautiful home – there is something amazing about someone breathing life into a building – it takes a phenomenal amount of skill and creativity. I find interior design enough of a challenge!
If you designed a cake or a pudding – what would your design, look like?
I think that I would like to design a cake that reflected my husband and our 3 grown up wonders. I think it might be a starfish, a great link to Clemmie’s infamous mermaid regalia, as we all are different, but very much united as a little family and always there for each other when life takes a nibble. But then again, the Star Wars lovers in my family would probably win out with their designs instead.

I loved Jane Linfoot’s other books but I found this one difficult to really get into at first. It is well worth persevering with because it has some real laugh out loud moments

Clemmie finds adjusting to life in Cornwall after the buzz of Paris difficult but feels she has no choice; she has to protect her legacy, against a ruthless property developer. Charlie's emotional baggage and problems make him prickly, but he mellows even though Clemmie seems determined to be his number one difficulty. Conflict, personality clashes and past hurts challenge their relationship, but there's something there that they can't ignore.

The friends that support Clemmie through her life-changing events are supportive and driven. They're not put off by Clemmie's hostility. The Cornish Kitchen is an inspired idea. There is a lovely medley of laughs and poignancy which bring the characters to life. The coastal setting is pure seaside and makes you long for ice cream, cake and paddling in the sea.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I don't think I've ever read a novel by Jane Linfoot before, and after recently finishing her newest book The Little Cornish Kitchen, I keep asking myself why! This story was amazing and I will honestly be reading much more by this author in future! First of all, how beautiful is this cover? The bunting is so cute, I love the sea in the background and all the pots and teapot in the front with the most amazing looking cake make such a stunning cover. I've been wanting to read this book since September last year, that's how much I love this cover!

The storyline was just as good. I started this novel when I was on holiday in Ireland so I didn't fully manage to get into the story until I was home. It took me around two weeks to finish this novel which I'm so, so surprised about because I loved it! The story follows main character Clemmie, who moves back home to Cornwall after her grandmother, Laura passes away and leaves Clemmie her very-much-loved flat which has the most amazing views of the sea.

Clemmie doesn't ever stay in one place, and she certainly doesn't make future plans, she's as free as a bird, and that's the way she wants it to stay. However, she soon falls in love with the flat and being back in St Aidan so her and her oldest bestest friends come up with an idea to help her raise the money needed to make much-needed renovations - and this is when The Little Cornish Kitchen is born! This is when Charlie comes into the story. Charlie lives next door and helps Clemmie with her baking, and you'll read all about chocolate brownies, strawberry tarts and delicious macaroons!

This is when I really fell in love with the storyline, I loved reading about Clemmie's baking, and the events that she put on, but I also loved reading about her relationships with the other characters - I loved reading about her old friends and I really enjoyed reading about Clemmie and Charlie's relationship. This really is a novel that pulls at all the heart strings - and it's also a novel which will make you very hungry!

Overall, an amazing novel by Jane Linfoot. I have some of her other books on my TBR pile and I will certainly be diving into them if they're anything at all like this one! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

This is I think the fifth book I’ve read by Jane, although I may be falling foul of losing count 😂. I loved her last book so much, the wrap up to the Little Wedding Series, which I can heartily recommend.

There’s always a risk, of course, when a writer says goodbye to such well-loved characters. Will the next book be as good? Will the next group of characters hit the right reader spot?

OMG I loved this. Jane has a talent to get right down to the funny bone almost right from the start of any of her novels and I was helpless with laughter over the mermaid sketch. Clemmy is a delight and the fact she lived in Paris an added twist. In fact, there’s a sliver of Rachel Khoo and The Little Paris Kitchen here, one of my favourite TV cookery programmes from a few years ago. This added with romance is pure genius. Charlie is the ideal male lead; surly but with the dark brooding look that a romantic hero demands. But more importantly I want a cat called Pancake. There’s lots here for everyone and I think Jane has dug deeper with this work. There’s a new depth here. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing in a will he, won’t he sort of way.

I have, probably erroneously, a view of Jane baking in her country kitchen, Aga on the side, with animals scattered about as she hums her way through the housework before settling down to a little bit of writing. This homely, country loving feel is what I get from each of her books; the country idyll that quite a few of us strive for in between the mad rush of work, kids, food shopping and other interruptions. The perfect life…

I love Jane's books- they always have a lovely bunch of characters and wonderful settings with a gorgeous story weaving their lives together.
Clemmie has a break from her job in Paris and comes home to see the flat that she has been left by her grandmother. She had lost contact with her dad's side of the family and she is reluctant to view the flat which would involve commitment.
Her bubbly group of friends encourage her to pick up the keys and we are introduced to Laura's quirky, bohemian flat with lots of colours and accumulated life keepsakes dotted around.
She's introduced to her neighbour and his big boundy dog, as they share a balcony overlooking the sea. When Charlie lets her know that she will need a big pot of money to help pay the shared costs of a new roof, she needs to come up with a way to raise money.
When they find her grandmothers hamper of handwritten recipes, her friends convince her to set up a pop up event for all the singles of St Aiden. I absolutely loved the parts where she learns to cook with Charlie's help and the way the events take off along with some funny incidents.
Her group of friends all sound wonderful and they all throw themselves wholeheartedly into helping Clemmie keep her quirky little flat despite her having to overcome obstacles in the way. I wonder whether we might revisit the castle?
It's heartwarming and as Clemmie discovers various items in the flat her knowledge about her lost family begin to emerge.
I could picture myself curled up on the sofa, looking out on the ocean and nibbling on the latest culinary delights produced in the Little Cornish Kitchen. I loved this book.

I loved the premise for The Little Cornish Kitchen from the gorgeous desserts to the romance aspect. Clemmie is an interesting character and in a way it took me a few chapters to warm to her. However she is a guarded person due to her past and I really enjoyed how Jane Linfoot brought her to life especially with her feisty nature. In this story Clemmie surrounds herself with her old friends and reluctantly connects with her past. Charlie is also a character who develops perfectly and I loved how more layers to his personality were revealed as the story progressed.

There are secrets, family drama and a simmering romance that all plays out wonderfully. This group of friends or should I say mermaids are so supportive and left me smiling on multiple occasions. I have to admit that there were a few tears but there were happy tears too! I will mention that before you pick up this book make sure you get settled with a large cup of tea and a selection of cakes. I was getting hungry just reading about the gorgeous descriptions of food. I may have gone out and bought brownies too, shh! The great thing is that I can even make Clemmie's brownies at home now along with some other delicious goodies with the help of some lovely recipes at the end of the book.

After getting to know the characters and feeling a lovely connection to the story I was a little sad to see this book finish. It's an uplifting, warm and romantic story that was a real pleasure to read. Jane Linfoot always creates the most gorgeous stories and The Little Cornish Kitchen showcases food, love and friendship. It really is the perfect treat!

Five stars from me!

With thanks to Harper Impulse and Netgalley for my copy.