Set in Cornwall on a beautiful peninsula with a lighthouse, this book has many interesting characters who hold their secrets closet to their hearts.
Three generations of strong women have lived in the lighthouse cottage whilst their husbands and fathers tended the lamps. Iris and sally lost a son and husband respectively, and Eden, proud of her heritage had her confidence broken by her ex husband.
When Levan moves into the cottage next door he brings his own secrets and exposes long buried secrets from the lighthouse family.
I found this an interesting read, slow at times but with so many secrets I had to read to the end.

Eden lives with her mother in a cottage next to a lighthouse in Cornwall, since her ex-husband betrayed her she has struggled with making relationships with men. This is thrown into confusion when Leven, a Speedo wearing stranger, moves in next door.
I'll always read a book set in Cornwall and especially one by this author. I really felt for Eden with all that she had been through, but Levan has his own issues that are gradually revealed during the book. Ivy, Eden's grandmother, is a real character, but also has secrets of her own. Throw in a touch of cloak and dagger to the romance and the story kept me hooked all the way through. Definitely recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.

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.

Absolutely loved this book right from the beginning. I definitely think this is Phillipa's best book yet. I felt like I knew all the characters personally they were that well written. The story involving a lighthouse and family of old was something I really enjoyed.

A pleasant summer read, filled with friendship, family and romance set in beautiful surroundings. Another lovely feel-good book by Phillipa Ashley.

Escapist summer reading about three generations of women- Iris, Sally, and Eden- their secrets, and their relationships. Eden has come home to Cornwall and is running a coffee business. Levan, her neighbor is appealing bit he's got a secret too. Nothing heavy but no spoilers from me. Iris, the grandmother, is a hoot but Sally is a cipher. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Trope-y but fun.

A lovely romantic summer read set in Cornwall, perfect for holiday reading. Some wonderful descriptive writing. Three generations of women bring the book to life as they retell the past secrets, of family bonds and lovely friendships.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

A fabulous unputdownable book,

I loved characters, the three women from different generations, who’ve been there for each other through the good times and bad.

The neighbour that moves next door wasn’t too bad either, but he had his own issues.

A beautiful story of love, trust and friendship.

I highly recommend this book.

I really wanted to love this book, it had all the right ingredients, lovely characters etc. It was, however, very pleasant non taxing read. A good book to take on holiday where you don't have to overthink the story line. Overall it felt that there was little real depth to any of the characters. Levan, the hot new neighbour, Eden the girl whose ex-husband was a total cad, Eden's Mum, Sally, whose character was never expanded on, and the kick ass Granny, Iris. I wanted a bit more meat to the story and felt a little short changed. As the story unfolds, the slimy ex-husband puts in an appearance and it seems that Levan isn't the only one keeping secrets.

I was given a free copy of the e-book to review from NetGalley. The views and opinions are entirely my own.

I loved this book, it was a great form of escapism. Phillipa always delivers with her descriptive writing for the setting for her books. I felt like I could totally imagine the coastal setting. A lovely story which tackled some difficult issues along the way. A story of 3 strong women with a hunky next door neighbour.

Definitely a book to read on holiday or just wanting to escape to Cornwall.

Look forward to the next book

A lovely heartwarming story, set on the gorgeous Cornish coastline. All about the lies we tell, from the small white lies we tell to protect ourselves to the awful gaslighting lies that some use to manipulate.
I really enjoyed this, especially the relationships between the women of the Carrick family.

Perfect summer reading!! Another knock out from Phillipa Ashley!! Warm hearted, feel good, fun times down in Cornwall!! Loved it!!
Eden has had to restart her life back home in Cornwall, setting up a coffee and coffee shop business when a new neighbour moves in next door. Levan is starting his new life in Cornwall when will his secrets come to light! Eden’s Nan Iris has a big birthday looming, celebrations ahoy!
Full of family, friends and long held secrets. This is great summer escapism, with feel good sensitively written storylines. Great characters and an absolute joy to read! The perfect holiday read for beach or home! This is the very essence of summer reading!! Loved being down at the end of Cornwall, this book came with a freshness I wasn’t expecting!
Thank you NetGalley and Avon books for the early read!! Totally loved it!!

I always enjoy reading Phillipa's books but this one really stood out for me. The lovely family that Eden has and meeting Levan and welcoming him in was superb. As always, this was well written with wonderful characters that flowed from the page but the unique setting of the lighthouse made it for me and I wish I could visit, magnificent!

First things first ... have plenty of coffee available when reading this book! You can actually smell the lovely wonderful aroma of all the different coffee blends when reading!

A Secret Cornish Summer is a fascinating read, with a magnificent storyline, full of interesting extensive details. You can tell the book has been thoroughly researched. I am fascinated by lighthouses and this book gave a beautifully romantic story along with some wonderfully interesting themes including the lighthouse workers and the secret service. I learnt so much reading this book, along with enjoying a really lovely story with superb characters.

The book is set in beautiful Cornwall where friendships develop and some of the characters are brought alive by those they meet. Friendships are enhanced and with everyone’s help and encouragement they make such a difference to the life of so many of the characters. Helping them to move forward, leaving parts of their past behind to create and achieve a new bright and happy future.

The characterisation is so in-depth, and the family connections, so solid - despite the secrets held deeply within. I loved the generational storyline revolving around Iris, Sally and Eden. I felt like I was a character in the book. I would love to stay at one of the lighthouse cottages and visit the Coffee Roastery!

This is a perfect escapism read, but so much more. Full of friendship, family, romance, lighthouses and secrets. A brilliant read which I highly recommend! A big five stars!

Another winner for Phillipa.
Three generations of women, Iris, Sally, and Eden.
This is mainly about Eden, who has had a rough time from her ex.
Returning to Cornwall to live with her mum Sally, Eden sets up her own coffee business.
Meanwhile, Levan moves into the cottage next door. A sexy hunk who soon falls for Eden, but he has his own secrets.
Absolutely loved the setting, especially the secret hideaway.
Not so keen on the coffee, I'm a tea girl!
This is a perfect summer read and will definitely be a hit.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Having read a number of this authors other books I was delighted to receive an ARC of this novel and looked forward to reading it but I'm sad to say I was disappointed.

I understand that Eden was scarred by her past and has major trust issues but I can't understand what her major issue was when Levan reveals his secret - he didn't lie about it, just left it until Eden was able to know him well enough to open up. The reaction seemed OTT and I couldn't get behind the motivation.

I also struggled with the constant reinforcement of what characters were feeling, rather than interpreting it from their actions and words - it felt like we were being walked through emotions rather than empathising them.

Perfect summer read from Phillipa Ashley. A book that I just couldn’t put down.
Eden and her grandmother discover she has a new neighbour Levan. Eden is very cautious, her ex-husband betrayed her so she doesn’t trust people easily.
As she gets to know Levan more she begins to think that he could be different until she finds out he isn’t what he seems either.
Secrets start coming out, who can she trust?

I really enjoyed this book. The location was beautiful and I really enjoyed the descriptions and details. The stories about the lighthouse keepers were interesting and something I’d never really thought about before, or indeed given much thought about and I found their experiences really interesting to learn about. Learning about how to roast coffee beans was fascinating and I swear I could smell the coffee whilst reading.
The back story of Levan was quite a twist and not what I had expected. I liked how he tried to do the right thing with Eden and also I really enjoyed his friendship with Iris, and her little story twist even more.
It was beautifully written anecdote wonderful friendships and family relationships were depicted and I could totally understand why Levan wanted to be part of that loving family and community.

I found the main character, Eden, annoying. Yes, I know she had trust issues due to a previous relationship, but it seemed to have taken over her whole life. I didn't like the way she treated Levan. Was he supposed to confess all when they first met? I don't think so. I don't think he did anything wrong, and the way Eden treated him wasn't very nice. Also, the three generations of women, it was all a bit schmaltzy for my tastes. And double standards Eden, regarding your grandmother and Levan. Both kept secrets, and Levan's secret didn't involve you. Not my favourite book by Ashley. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

One of the many things that I enjoy about Phillipa Ashley’s writing is the volume of research that she packs into each book. This was no different and I am delighted to say that I learned about coffee roasting, lighthouse keeping, and surveillance by the intelligence services.
Our main protagonist is Eden. She lives with her mother in a former lighthouse cottage since losing everything at the hands of her ex-husband. Duped out of her money, her home, and her future, she has no desire to feel attracted to another man for a long time. Eden is a third generation in a long line of lighthouse keepers, but now that everything is automated, she’s free to run her coffee business. With the support of her mother and her grandmother, she’s slowly rebuilding her confidence and learning to trust again.
Levan makes a memorable appearance, as he indulges in a headstand, in his neighbouring garden, while wearing a pair of bright orange speedos. Despite her self-imposed moratorium from men, Eden can’t help feeling a zing of attraction as she spots his toned body. Eden and Levan begin a gentle friendship that begins to help restore her faith in men. Of course, as with all Phillipa’s books, there are some wonderful characters, and they add depth to the story. I loved Eden’s best friend, Morwenna, but her Granny was a hoot.
At the heart of this story are three closely guarded secrets. Eden hates talking about what happened in her marriage, Levan won’t reveal why he is estranged from his parents, and who is the handsome man in the faded photograph that Eden discovers amongst her Granny’s things.
As the characters follow a well-developed story arc, it’s impossible not to be drawn into their lives. The setting and characterisations are perfect, and I was able to relax in the knowledge that I was in expert hands.
Phillipa Ashley has once again created an immersive book that captured my imagination from the earliest pages. I predict another best seller sticker coming her way.