Member Reviews
This is a lovely, cosy festive novel about a family in Cornwall at Christmas time. I enjoyed the writing and the characterisation and about halfway through I thought I knew exactly what was going on - I was wrong! The plot caught me totally off guard and I didn't guess what was going to happen at all.
This is a fun, exciting and heartwarming read that I'd recommend to anyone to brighten up their winter.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
I’m calling it at 61%. I’m always grateful for my arcs via Netgalley, but I just couldn’t finish this one. I’m not sure if it is the writing style or just a lack of connection to the characters, but I’ve been struggling to read this for months and I’ve only made it this far. I hate DNFing a book, but this is as much as I could do. I’m sure others will find this a joy, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Making one star since I have to rate it; however, no star review will be included in my goodreads review. Nothing against the book or author, just wasn’t for me.
Wow! This book was totally not what I was expecting, and in a really good way! I was expecting along the lines of Jenny Colgan, but everything was better: The writing, the character development, the relationships, the conflicts, the holidays. I’m definitely going tune in for the rest of the series!
I absolutely adore Phillipa Ashley's books, they are absolutely wonderful and this was no different. This was such a cheery festive read.
A perfect Cornish Christmas - a perfect escapist novel for December. Action from the get-go. Why exactly is Scarlet stumbling into the village pub on Christmas day soaked through to her skin and in bunny slippers? Scarlet and her sister Ellie arrange a surprise for their family on Christmas Day, but it doesn't go the way it was intended. The rest of the of the novel follows the fallout from that day. I love that the story is set in Cornwall - it's lovely reading about local places in books I read.
This wasn’t quite the cosy, Christmas read that I was expecting. It was a Family saga that took place at Christmas time, the characters had to deal with almost every situation regarding love, like and lust. Apparently there are more in the series about the quaint Cornish town but I’m not in a hurry to read more.
I absolutely loved this book, by one of my favourite authors.
It opens at Christmas time, the year before, with poor Scarlett distraught after her Christmas day turns into a disaster.
Almost a year later and many things have changed for the family, with buried secrets beginning to emerge, and another Christmas approaching.
I loved the gently weaving storyline, and the wonderfully drawn characters. The setting and atmosphere were also so real.
It’s a very festive and heartwarming book, and will really put you in a Christmassy mood, but there’s more to this book; there’s real life, heartbreak, and family secrets and difficulties.
Simply wonderful, a pleasure to read. Get a cosy spot, a nice warm drink, and just lose yourself in this captivating book. I loved it.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley is a delightful read full of romance with a dash of family drama and a little mystery to boot. The storyline is driven by a less-than-successful Christmas gift the year before. This book digs a little deeper than many of the Christmas-themed books I’ve read. It also offered a few twists I was not expecting. It’s a story about family, healing, and finding love. Just a lovely story for the season.
An entertaining and cosy read for the festive season. Not as much Christmas-focus as I thought there would be - more on Christmases that go wrong, and boy haven't most of us been there! - but still an enjoyable and interesting story about family secrets, dynamics and drama, with a lovely setting. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC!
A light and breezy read about a family torn apart by one big secret revealed one Christmas Day, in the form of a DNA test designed to appeal to their interest in family history.
There is temporary heartbreak as individuals go their separate ways to try and heal as well as a big dollop of romance for both girls, Ellie and Scarlett.
Scarlett is on a mission to discover who her real father is whilst trying very hard not to fall for Jude. Unfortunately, her mission does make her overactive brain put two and two together to come up with any number other than four, and so she is in danger of causing pain to people she cares about when she decides to speak her mind.
Ellie is nursing heartbreak from a disastrous relationship a long time ago which forced her into making a life changing decision. She is full of regrets and determined not to fall in love but of course that is before Aaron emerges on the scene.
Set in the village of Porthmellow, a small fishing village in Cornwall, the reader is able to relax, escape and know that in spite of all the issues that need resolving, romance will always win the day. Rest assured, gentlemen do exist and so does kindness, honesty and trust!
This book won't exactly stay etched on my memory but it is warm and inviting enough for me to pick up other books in Ashley's Cornish series for when I am in need of some reassurance and love!
Although I did enjoy this book I did have to keep turning back the pages to remind myself who was who as there seemed to be lots of characters. The story was lovely though and the food sounded devine
There are more secrets in this book than in the files of MI5! I loved the premise, the DNA test, but let this book serve as a warning - sometimes cans of worms may be opened, lol.
There are strong messages in the story - forgiveness, understanding, honesty, charity - and all of them were wrapped up in a very satisfying way. Two Christmases, two very different outcomes and a large dollop of feelgood festive cheer.
4☆ A Feel Good, Cosy Romance. The Perfect Start to a New Series!
Perfect Cornish Summer is a cosy heart warming, fun story of friendship, tradition, romance and community spirit.
I love a good food festival and try to go to at least 2 a year so when I see the blurb featured a food festival it certainly pricked my attention!
Sam is in charge of organising Porthmellow's Annual Food Festival which she is passionate about.
However this year she is about to be tested as the celebrity chef they have booked for the cooking demos has pulled out and the replacement.... just so happens to be Sam's Ex Gabe! And he spells trouble for Sam and the two have a turbulent history.
But can Gabe save the day and win over Sam's heart? Or will things fall apart?
There are plenty of eclectic and endearing characters that bring the community together and bring their own story.
There was quiet a few to get my head round at first,but it's the start of a new series so by the second book I'm sure they will feel like friends. Which is what I come to expect and love with Phillipa's stories.
A Perfect Cornish Summer is a Light hearted, Warm and Cosy story of second chances at Romance, Community Spirit, Drama, a dash of Mystery, Friendships, Family and plenty of light hearted Humour.
The perfect start to a new series.
Phillipa Ashley has written another Gem and I can't wait for the next instalment!
So if you are looking for a New Summer Series that is light hearted, Fun and has a Scrumptious Foodie Festival then you are in for a real Treat! Enjoy!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Family runs through this festive read from start to finish- it is literally in its DNA! You get to follow the two sisters, Ellie and Scarlett as they come to terms with events from the past. Their two stories run nicely alongside each other and I loved the feeling of community which is to be found through the cast of characters and village life. Full of quirky characters, festive touches and some darker moments behind the glitz, it is a highly recommended read.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book
I loved reading this book. I was so happy when I found out that I was able to get the book early and review it through netgalley. I do enjoy all the books by Phillips Ashley and was glad I could read on from the previous one. Fingers crossed there is another one and I will be lucky enough to get it.
This is the first Philipa Ashley book I have read and what a corker to start with. Perfectly Christmassy to get you in the mood for some festive fun, laugh out load in places, heart wrenching in others. Like a warm, woolly jumper, snuggled up by the fire with a hot chocolate, this will be a favourite for years to come.
The Blurb :
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?
My Thoughts :
Back in Porthmellow this time for Christmas.
Ellie is still living in in Porthmellow and looking after the house her parents inherited. Trying to get on with life after such an unexpected Christmas last year.
Scarlett was devastated last christmas when she found out that her dad wasnt her real dad atall and she is back in the village and staying with her sister Ellie to try and find out more about where she has come from and her heritage. What is uncovered sure leads to a devastating blow to the whole Latham family.
Each chapter is written from the sister’s point of view, which I really liked.
I enjoyed learning more about Ellie and Scarlett as we got further into the story, a few twists and turns and as usual there is some romance thrown in by the likes of Jude and Aaron.
I enjoyed being back in Porthmellow and to see all the past characters in the story, aswell as some new ones.
I always look forward to a new release from Phillipa Ashley and this festive treat didnt disappoint, she has a way to draw the audience in and make us feel part of the story that we are reading about. I am already waiting for her next release.
Another of my favourite authors, her books never disappoint.
It starts with Scarlett and Ellie's plans for a wonderful family Christmas going drastically wrong when they surprise the family with some interesting DNA history results. It was a lovely festive read, well written and engrossing. Also quite timely with all the publicity about obtaining DNA results!
There is a great plot, all the characters were relatable and of course, the cornish setting which just makes you want to sell up and move there. It's a perfect christmas read which will make you smile and feel all is well with the world.
Another excellent read from Phillipa Ashley, I can't recommend it enough.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
Wonderful feel good Christmas story! I absolutely loved the characters involved and there were some interesting twists in more than one of the story lines. And as for the village of Porthmellow - well, I would love to move into one of those cottages around the harbour tomorrow!
If you would like a easy to read, heartwarming Christmas story, read this!
Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for allowing me to review this book.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas was my first read of the Cornish series.
I wanted to really like this, but I was expecting a different take on a Christmas story. If you're looking for a story that is not Christmasy with only touches of the holiday here and there, then this book is for you. However, it was not a bad read and it was interesting because of the mysterious backgrounds of the characters.