Member Reviews
Wow could this book contain any more cosy vibes than it had! The most perfect book to get you ready for winter. The way this was written was so wonderfully inviting it made you want to be there.
Gwen and Elle - Both having been through difficult situations I warmed to them right away. I adored their friendship and individual characters. Ella’s behaviour made me laugh where as Gwen I just really found her endearing and a sweetheart.
Things I absolutely loved :
•I really enjoyed how the chapters were labelled - such a nice touch.
•The loveliest characters made this a charming story.
•Great community spirit - made me smile throughout.
•The importance of letting people in, being brave and over coming fears.
•The most delicious food mentioned - and what a delight that was is in store for us at the end (No spoilers)
•All the winter scents.
•The cottage - I really am inspired by renovation so was really interested to see how this was going to turn out. I would love to live there!!
As well as the above I really enjoyed getting to know the hot local men - with their sweet, caring romance! Not to forget that sizzling chemistry.
A book that will leave you squealing in delight and with happy tears!
I loved it so much I would highly recommend reading this. Grab a hot chocolate, a sweet treat and enjoy!
Firstly, the fictional village of St Aidan in Cornwall is idyllic, I could pack up and move there tomorrow! I love Gwen and Ella, as well as all the other rich, warm characters Jane Linfoot has brought to life.
A fabulous read for this time of year, full of friendship, being brave enough to move on with your life and some sparkling romance.
This is book 3 in The Little Cornish Kitchen series by Jane Linfoot. Although I haven't read the first two instalments I wasn't deterred from reading this one. I enjoyed the author's characterisation, finding main character, Gwen Starkey brave as she gradually came out of her shell, following the loss of her brother. Gwen has moved from London with her bestie, Ella Simpson. Set in the fictional Cornish town of St Aidan, the two women are renovating a small cottage, called Stargazey and they meet Ollie Lancaster who lives at Stargazey House, down the road. A great winter tale told with humour and one I found heartwarming and immensely compelling.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from One More Chapter via NetGalley.
The book is written in the first person from Gwen's point of view, almost in the style of a diary or letter which works well. At the beginning I was a bit concerned at first that the book may be full of farcical situations but I kept reading and was thankfully proved wrong. Gwen and Ollie were badly affected by grief and the story covers their tentative steps towards healing. The author has created a wonderful cosy, welcoming world that's great for escapism. I had a couple of minor issues with the story like why Gwen was so hard on Ollie at the beginning and so judgemental, but other than that I really enjoyed story and the characters were engaging. I loved reading about the design plans for the cottage and the house and all the events around the village. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heartwarming, cosy stories. I also really want to read Jane's other books now!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the gifted e-book in exchange for an honest review
A delight to be back in St Aiden, with characters old and new, Jane Linfoot has created a idyllic sounding community with another story full of ups, downs, laughter and romance of course.
Ella and Gwen are following a dream, both wanting to enjoy a new start by the coast in a favourite village from their childhood but have perhaps “oversold” themselves when in competition to get the cottage of their dreams (or so they think!) Promises have been made and the villagers are regularly keen to see what Ella and Gwen can do. Both are recovering from heartbreak, can a simple renovation project help heal their hearts?
Upon their arrival to St Aiden they soon discover things are not exactly what they seem; an abrupt meeting with a neighbour and a realisation of the task they’ve taken on.
Ollie is the new neighbour, he has his own secrets and own history that he is working through but it doesn’t stop him always being there for Gwen when she needs him, even if he doesn’t quite take to community life as she does.
Gwen thrives in this small close knit community, slowly but surely she starts to rediscover parts of herself, with the help of our ‘Mermaid’ friendship group. Honestly you will be hungry throughout this book, with wonderful descriptions of yummy foods and tasty treats.
I am a massive fan of Jane’s and thoroughly enjoy every book; this trip to St Aiden was a pleasure and although romance was plentiful it was slow, steady and allowed other issues to be resolved. It was well paced, characters that were realistic and likeable.
A book to curl up with this winter, make sure you enjoy it with a hot choc and treat!
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
This is actually book number 3 from ‘The Little Cornish Kitchen’ series but can very easily be read as a stand alone without any problems at all.
I really enjoyed this book and found it very easy to read, right from the very beginning and right to the very end, I just couldn’t read it fast enough!
This book also had quite a few amusing parts that had me giggling along but also be warned - when reading this book you will be left feeling very very hungry with all the mentions of delicious food!!
It was a cosy, wonderful, heartwarming story and I was left with my heart feeling very happy and full…..
This is a lovely light hearted book that will leave you with a rumbling tummy and the desire to do some decorating – or at least that’s what it did for me!
Food was a big part of the book and it helped Gwen to come to terms with the loss of her brother to a certain extent but also helped to increase her confidence and self belief. It also went a good way to ingrain her into the community of St Aidan and felt like a central part of every community and singles night event – I mean at the end of the day, who doesn’t like a get together with a good food table!
Gwen was definitely the centre of the story and I loved reading and watching her develop as we pass through the chapters, her moments with Ollie always left me a little unnerved as you couldn’t tell how they were going to pan out. There was that simmering chemistry just lying in the undercurrent waiting to burst out!
Ella in comparison was a bit of a quieter character, but I think this helped to elevate Gwen’s progress as it forced her out of her comfort zone and to try things that she felt she’d never be able to do again. I’m still amazed that Ella didn’t even know how to load a dishwasher though!
Overall this was a lovely cosy read that I enjoyed, although I did expect it to be a little more Christmassy from the cover. I think the enjoyment would be greater enhanced if I’d read the other books in this series as then you’d know the other characters to, however reading this without even realising it was part of a series just shows that it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone book to.
This was an ultimate cozy read and will definitely get you craving fudge (and other yummy treats) Best friends Gwen & Ella are starting over in the lovely Cornish town St Aidan, you follow along on their journey and the friendships you make. I thought this was really lovely and easy read and would definitely recommend this book. It is book three in a series but they can all be read as standalone novels which I really like.
A slow start. Gwen and Ella move into a very run down cottage in Cornwall and then they meet Ollie. Sparks fly but will Gwen and Ollie be able to deal with a new love.
Such a sweet read, about fresh starts and mending broken hearts. This feels so genuine, and the characters feel so real and well rounded. I love the fact this novel has a strong 'village' feel and an authentic, heartwarming nature. The narrative is so immersive it feels like you are living within it. Within minutes of finishing this I downloaded the rest of Jane Linfoots books to listen too. If you like a cosy multi-faceted romance then this is perfect for you
AWinterWarmerattheLittleCornishKitchen #netgalley
Cosy, heartwarming and delicious!
Firstly, a word of warning; don’t read this book if you’re on a diet as I can guarantee you will be snacking your way through reading, especially if like me you have a sweet tooth (or a full mouth of precious teeth) and weak-willed and crave anything with chocolate. Honestly, I swear my jeans are tighter. LOL!
I loved the sound of this book instantly, the title alone is so charming and draws you in and the cover makes you want to reach out with grabby hands and read it.
I adored the setting, the Cornish coast is beautifully written it’s like a character all on its own I was transported there by the lusciously richly descriptive writing. I have been reaching more for stories set near the sea lately, I’ve never been to Cornwall but I got a real sense of how atmospheric and beautiful it is and I adored the community feel to the story.
I did think that the romance aspect took a back step, it wasn’t the overriding element of the story which was a little bit of a disappointment but I could see where the author was going with each other the character’s storylines, I just wished that romance blossomed a little faster than it initially did as there seemed to be a rather a lot of dithering due to other factors. But saying that as the romance wasn’t pushed forefront from the beginning allowed me to properly get to know the characters and watch as they develop and change throughout the story which I liked.
I have read Jane Linfoot books in the past and loved them, which is one of the reasons this book appealed to me, as it’s been far too long since I had the time to read this author’s work. I thought this book was a little slower in pace than I usually read and different to what I remember from her previous books, yet I do think the pacing worked for the characters and the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to St Aiden – and will definitely return again, I loved the richly detailed and charming setting, the characters are likeable and relatable and the overall story is delightful..
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@chicksroguesandscandals
This is a hug in book form and with the recipes from Gwen thrown in you’d be hard pressed to ignore the good feeling vibes from Jane Linfoot’s new story.
Gwen is one of those great characters you fall for straight away - she has lost so much and it’s totally easy to understand her reticence in getting involved in anything new - the village of St Aidan is just what’s needed to bring some colour back into her life.
Jane Linfoot has imagined such a warm and wonderful community and I loved seeing their get togethers throughout the year which added such warmth to Gwen’s life.
An entertaining and heartwarming read! Gwen and her friend Ella are looking for a fresh start after suffering personal losses. They head to the Cornish village of St. Aidan to take on a renovation project and find themselves enveloped by helpful villagers. Great characters and lots of humour make this a lovely story.
This book is part of a series set in St. Aidan in Cornwall. It can be read as a standalone novel as it features new characters. There is also a catch up with characters from the previous books.
This is a nice cosy and heartwarming read. Perfect for curling up with on a cold day. This book will make you hungry, there are many descriptions of delicious sounding food. This is a lovely book and I enjoyed reading it. I hope that there are more books in this location.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Gwen and her best friend Ella decide to renovate a property together in St Aidan's, it will be a new start for both of them, but this little escape will not be as quiet as they initially thought it would be.
This is an excellent winter feel-good novel, where you will love every character, laugh at the one-liners and cringe at the main characters when things go wrong.
This novel left me happy and my face aching from every facial expression imaginable.
This was a really easy read and written in the first person from the point of view of Gwen, which allowed the reader to be more involved.
If you need a novel to curl up to as it gets darker earlier and the nights get colder I would highly recommend this book.
I couldn’t wait to get into this based on the title. It’s the first one by a new-to-me author for me, I immediately liked Gwen and found Ella supportive at times but found that to me she wasn’t as vividly created a character as Gwen and I felt like I barely knew her. I wouldn’t have known they were best friends unless that fact had been mentioned because at times that wasn’t very apparent.
.I didn’t really ever warm to Ollie, and the romance also wasn’t very apparent as it was very very slow burn. He was a character that I felt was were developed in terms of being unlikeable much of the time but there were some moments when I thought he was changing from the better, I just hoped he’d do so sooner.. It certain kept the suspense up that he was the way he was though.
The Cornish settings were amazing and I enjoy being part of the renovation work, as I felt I was and that was a good way to keep the reader’s interest.
The sweet treats just made my mouth water and were a bonus and a way to increase the bonds between the characters. I loved every mention of a brownie, a flapjack or a cupcake (the Hallowe’en ghost cupcakes sounded delicious and the recipe was original) ) and the endless tasting sessions were fun to be a witness to.
Thanks to Jane Linfoot, and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and volunteer review.
4 stars
The latest book set in St Aidan, a fictional coastal village in Cornwall, is heartwarming and often humorous. St Aidan welcomes Gwen, Ella, and Ollie to its uniquely welcoming community; all have some emotional healing to do, and this is the perfect place to do it. This author writes humour so well, and the characters often make me smile. New friendships, healing, and slow-burn romance balance the poignant moments as Gwen, Ollie and Ella come to terms with their loss and move on with their lives. Food plays a vital role in the community, and this story has some delicious descriptions and recipes. I love the characters, the community and the cornish setting. It's the perfect escapist read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Gwen and Ella arrive in St Aidan, a beautiful, unspoilt seaside village in Cornwall. Will Ollie Lancaster's charms and the wonderful people of the village change the way the girls look at their live?
Gwen and Ollie discover they have hidden tragedies in their past. Can they help one another to overcome their issues?
The village of St Aidan has a better social calendar then any town or city. Can this bring everyboday together and make the girls wan to stay in this idyll?
A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen is a heart-melting feel-good romance.
I liked the other two books in this series, but I LOVED this book. I was not expecting to fall so head over heels for the characters and the story. I couldn't get enough of this book and ended up re-reading it; even though I really don't have the time, my reading schedule is packed! It is this perfectly cozy fall/winter read and left me feeling just so happy and light. First, let's talk (gush) about the cover. It's warm and welcoming and fits the story well, and I love how it stands out from the more cartoonish romance covers out there. So well done, whoever picked that cover.
A Winter Warmer picks up a little after the second book in the series. Like most romance series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. But as usual, I would recommend reading the other two books because they are delightful and filled with delicious food talk. This book would be considered a Christmas holiday book (which you all know I love) since the plot leads up to Christmas day. But this book isn't inundated with Christmas stuff; Jane weaves the festive holiday throughout the plot but ensures that it doesn't overwhelm her readers. This story has it all: romance, humour, two fabulous reno projects, and set in that quirky small coastal town. I felt like all the story elements just came together so beautifully. Readers got to meet some fabulous new characters, catch up with the old ones, and of course, there are some adorable animals in this book. The plot moves at that perfect charming romance pace, and along the way, we get to dig deeper into Gwen, Ella, and Ollie's (the main male character) lives. Each of these characters has wonderful backstories, and there are moments when you will find yourself tearing up. What made me fall in love with this book was Gwen, she is just darn sweet, shy, and likeable, and chaos follows her wherever she goes. She is one of those characters that I instantly connected with. As I read this story, I found myself rooting for her and hoping she would find the courage to start living again.
The food talk in this book had my stomach growling and wishing I could hop on a plane, so I could eat some wonderful English food. I also loved how Jane added some of Gwen's recipes at the back of the book. This is great for those keen on trying to recreate some of these yummy dishes. There are also two fabulous reno makeovers in this book! I ate up every description of the two cottages and felt like I just saw how they transformed into two beautiful homes.
The romance between Gwen and Ollie is sweet and delicious, just like a cup of hot chocolate. Their meet-cute moment was hilarious. Gwen's clumsiness always seemed to come out when Ollie was around, which meant there were lots of awkward moments for poor Gwen. The progression of Gwen and Ollie's relationship was slow, but it worked for the story and for the characters. Both Ollie and Gwen are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one that has left them scarred and afraid to live their lives. I love how they supported and understood each other. They encouraged each other to step out of their comfort zones. They really were just so well matched. I think I lost count of the number of moments between these two that made my heart go pitter-patter.
A Winter Warmer at the Cornish Kitchen is a sweet and heartfelt holiday novel that you will want to read again and again.
Thank you, HarperCollins UK and Rachel Random Resources for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A “hedgehog” romance between two bereaved people.
This is a feel-good story about two people who have reason to feel very bad indeed having both lost the most important person in their lives, neither of whom was a romantic partner. Both are frightened of forming new relationships or even carrying on with many aspects of normal everyday life associated with their departed most important persons. Even small steps are a significant risk and challenge to them. They have to form friendships very carefully, like hedgehogs.
The author creates an environment for them, the fictional Cornish resort/fishing village of St Aidan, where this kind of healing is possible. And what is depicted is indeed healing rather than “moving on” or “replacement” because the relationship being formed is romantic and sexual in nature and neither of the relationships ended by tragedy was. This is made possible by a community of people who, while not neglecting their own interests, abstain from putting their own wants above the evident needs of others. Even new members of the community are looked after and coaxed back into life. It is a utopia, but one which might be within our grasp if we allowed common decency to take precedence over political doctrine and group identity.
The fact that a flight-impaired white pigeon survives for the entire novel suggests that St Aidan is also a utopia largely free of ginger and white tomcats.