Escape to Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton is a heartwarming romance that blends humor, emotional depth, and a dash of seaside charm. The story follows Lauren Kirkham, a high-powered executive whose life falls apart after an unexpected pregnancy, job loss, and a painful breakup. In need of a break and some space to think, she heads to the picturesque coastal town of Polkerran to visit her friend Anna. There, she meets Daniel Tremayne, a rugged handyman with his own set of problems—chiefly, his broken heart and the sudden need for a fake girlfriend to appease a TV crew filming a segment about his life.

What begins as a practical arrangement between Lauren and Daniel quickly evolves into something more complicated and tender. The fake dating trope is executed beautifully, as both characters find themselves relying on one another for support and slowly developing real feelings. Grafton does a fantastic job of weaving a believable emotional arc as Lauren and Daniel navigate their personal struggles and growing attraction.

The charm of the book lies not only in the quirky, lovable characters but in the setting of Polkerran itself, a small town with its own unique characters and coastal beauty. The sense of place adds a lovely atmosphere to the story, making the book feel like a warm escape from real life.

Lauren and Daniel's evolving relationship, complicated by their fake dating scenario, is filled with delightful tension and sweetness. Grafton’s writing is engaging, and she captures the vulnerabilities of both characters as they wrestle with their pasts and uncertain futures. The dynamic between them feels genuine, and the progression from fake romance to something real is both heartwarming and satisfying.

Escape to Polkerran Point is a perfect read for fans of feel-good romance with a touch of humor and a lot of heart. The book is a delightful mix of emotional growth, chemistry, and the scenic charm of a small coastal town. With relatable characters, an engaging plot, and a dose of sweet romance, this is an ideal escape for readers looking to unwind and fall in love with the characters (and the town) along the way.

This was a very cute story, I enjoyed the read and felt like I could imagine myself at the story's setting. I enjoyed the cast of characters and thought they were very well done. I would love to see what the author publishes next!

New Author to me, and a lovely find too, a great afternoon read. The characters are likeable and the story is well put together, a definite recommended book with good humour.

There’s times you need to literally just fall into bed with a book and when I felt like this I knew which book I wanted! Polkerran seems like the loveliest place and I was straight in as Lauren, an executive who is pregnant comes to see her friend and stay for a while. Daniel a local who has his own Grand designs type show being developed, needs someone to pretend to be his other half so he can seem like a family person.
Just as I expected, warm, heartwarming, with drama and feel good.
Rating:5/5

Great book with an interesting mix of characters. I liked the story and hope there is more to come by this author

I have to say before I picked this book up I was in a complete reading slump. Several books before hadn't grabbed me and it was really getting me down - this book proved to be my reading saviour!!! It reignited my reading mojo!

It's the story of Lauren who goes to visit Anna her friend in Polkerran Point in Cornwall. She has found out she is pregnant and wants to clear her head. Straight away the two female characters and all the locals felt like friends of mine, I could completely relate to them, and was desperate to pull up a chair, pour myself a cup of coffee and grab on of Anna's home cooked brownies!

It was only when I finished that I realised this was a set of books, but how magical that it didn't impact on my reading and at no point did I feel lost that I was missing parts of the story.

Honestly, I can't stop smiling when I think of this book as not only was it a fantastic story, but it got me back into my reading groove!!

When your life’s falling apart, there can’t be a lovelier place to find refuge than Polkerran – although Lauren’s first impressions aren’t great when she gets on the wrong side of a grumpy local by parking in his reserved space. Without a job or home, she’s now also without a partner when he proved less than delighted with her unplanned pregnancy – but spending time with best friend Anna at her homely B&B makes everything about her situation look more manageable.

And that grumpy local? Well, that’s Daniel, and he becomes a supportive friend – now the local handyman, having left his financial career behind, he’s in the throes of building a Grand Designs style home on the clifftop. Rather than the short visit she planned, Lauren stays – at first helping Anna out by managing the B&B when she’s away, then moving in to Daniel’s spare room and becoming the fake partner he needs for the forthcoming TV show. Romance to follow perhaps? But he has a rather glamorous on-off girlfriend, disgruntled for now by his obsession with the building work, but certainly not off the scene for good.

There was so much I enjoyed about this book that I don’t know where to start – but Lauren’s emotional journey had a great deal to do with it. At first, she’s perhaps a little self-obsessed – and she certainly has plenty to think about, facing such an uncertain future – and a touch difficult to like, but I really grew to love her as she blossomed and began to embrace the prospect of motherhood and build a relationship with her “bump”. And as she opened up to others too – as well as Anna and Daniel, there’s that wonderful circle of friends, the collection of quirky local characters I’d grown to love in the first book who still treat Anna’s kitchen as their own and aren’t slow to share their views on the developments in everyone’s lives.

We met Daniel in that first book too – nothing to worry about if it’s your first visit, this one’s 100% readable as a standalone – and it was so good to get to know him rather better. And what a thoroughly lovely man he is – yes, just the romantic partner Lauren could do with for her fresh start if it wasn’t for that girlfriend who refuses to disappear, and makes him conflicted about their growing attachment and choosing the right path to follow.

It’s not entirely Lauren and Daniel’s story – there’s a really intriguing thread for Anna too, as she makes discoveries about her past and family, with some nicely handled emotional moments and a few surprises. Again, there’s absolutely no need to have read the first book (although I’d highly recommend you do – but only because I enjoyed it so much!) – all the background you need is there, but gently done and just enough to cover any gaps. And you’re going to just love Polkerran – it’s drawn with real attention to detail, comes to life on the page, and wraps the reader in the warmest of hugs.

The writing is all you could possibly want it to be – such perfect storytelling, well written dialogue, emotions you can feel, laughter you share, a few tears along the way, characters who really feel like friends. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series and my next visit to this wonderful community – but do try this one first, because I’m absolutely sure you’ll enjoy it every bit as much as I did.

I did not realise this was part od a series until I started reading it. It did not detract from the story, which can stand alone, but did spark my curiosity of what happened in the first book.

A feel good romance with likable characters and great settings. A curl up and lose yourself book.

Lauren goes for a 2 week holiday and ends up staying a whole lot longer. Grand designs, B and B, pregnancy and warm humour mix to creat a beasutiful story.

Having really enjoyed the first book, New Dreams at Polkerran Point, I fully expected to love the second and I did. I could imagine the locations so clearly and I loved the Cornish secondary characters - and they were characters. Loved the curveballs that the main character had to deal with and how she did. And, of course, the male lead was someone you couldn’t help falling for. Can’t wait for book 3.

High-flying exec Lauren Kirkham is having a bad week. Unexpectedly pregnant, out of work, and dumped by her boyfriend, she needs a respite. She goes to visit her friend Anna in Polkerran for a short stay. Local handyman Daniel Tremayne is busy building his own 'grand design' on one of the cove's cliffs. When TV crews turn up to film, expecting a happily paired-up couple, he urgently needs a fake live-in girlfriend, since he's also split with his ex. Can Lauren and Daniel solve their mutual dilemmas by joining forces, and if so, will their hearts emerge unscathed?

Just delicious! I escaped to Cornwall and lost myself in this uplifting and heart-warming novel. It was wonderful to return to Polkerran Point to catch up with Anna and get to know Lauren better.
Lauren is likeable, fun and capable. She moves from the ‘leaden skies’ if the city to the ‘frothy clouds’ of Cornwall. I enjoyed the way the setting and community wrapped itself around Lauren, forcing her to reflect on her life. A poignant message about the pace of life is integrated into this story.
Lauren is one of those characters who becomes a friend, inspiring the reader to care about her destiny. The narrative voice flows beautifully and is brimming with humour. Characters and relationships are brought to life so well. There is a vivid sense of place in the novel, conveying the beauty and charm of the place. I wanted to book into Anna’s B&B.
A cosy story about the power of friendship, love and the importance of opening one’s heart to possibilities. Though sad to when the story ended, I am excited for the next book in the series so I can visit old friends.

What a truly stunning read this book is and it certainly didn't disappoint. Heart warming and beautifully written.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a lovely, cozy and sweet romance. Though the writing style and cast of characters were wonderful, the book dragged a bit and was boring at times.

Lauren was originally painted as stiff, set in her ways and almost a bit detached from her pregnancy. Daniel was described as a grump, but nothing in what he said or did showcased anything but a kind and genuine man. Throughout the story, as Lauren grew and developed so did my liking of her - the author really did a great job at developing the characters, describing the setting and tone.

Heartwarming, lovely warm hug of a book. Easy read and really quite enjoyed switching off from real life drama to other drama!

This book got off to a flying start as we met Lauren Kirkham. As the synopsis explains, she is newly single and in the early stages of an unplanned pregnancy. She has lost her job along with her home and has turned to her best friend, Anna, for support. Arriving in the Cornish village of Polkerran, she meets the rather caustic Daniel Tremayne and finds herself on the wrong side of his humour by parking in a reserved space.
Lauren is a wonderful character, and I was immediately drawn to her. She is conflicted by her desire to find professional success and her determination to be a good mother to her forthcoming bundle of joy. Without having spent time planning her pregnancy, it was easy to understand her conflict, but I was comforted by her unyielding determination to meet and raise her unborn child.
We also get to know a little more about seemingly grumpy Daniel Tremayne. His experience with building his own Grand Design and navigating his relationship with an incredibly glamorous girlfriend speak volumes about his initial treatment of Lauren. In no time at all, I was definitely on team Daniel and hoping for a romance.
From what I can understand, the first instalment focused on Anna and her husband. Their story continues in this second book, but the storytelling is skilled, so I never felt like I had missed something. I certainly felt invested in their journey, but recognise that my investment may increase as I read the first book.
There’s an ensemble cast, and I enjoyed getting to know them, but wasn’t surprised to see that Lauren would find herself involved when a need for a fake dating scenario became clear. Of course, there are no spoilers from me, simply a reassurance that the happiest of endings is guaranteed.
This is a wonderful book, and I truly hope that the author finds continuing success with this series.

Lauren finds herself alone and pregnant, she decides to visit her friend anna and decide what to do next. she meets Daniel whose girlfriend has moved away. beautiful setting.

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

It was lovely to be back in Polkerran Point.

We meet Lauren, who comes to stay with her friend Anna. No longer got a job, her relationship has ended and she’s pregnant, not the position she wanted to see herself in.

She needs to decide what she wants to do next, and find another job.

Daniel, also has a problem, his girlfriend has moved away, and his relationship isn’t stable at present and needs someone to take her place to complete his commitment to film for his ‘Grand Designs’ dream house.

I highly recommend this book.

Escape to Polkerran Point, the led character is escaping to a seaside village to her friend's B& after a surprise pregnancy.


The story has cosy, take life as it comes with a side of handsome grumps and heartwarming friendships, vibes. I enjoyed my time in Polkerran Point.

It was so lovely to return to Polkerran in this second instalment of Cass Grafton’s Cornish romance series. And whilst it was great to catch up with the characters from the first novel, this story centred around Lauren (high-flying and pregnant) and Daniel (local and perfect romance hero fodder). I was soon hooked into the story, the wonderful setting and the humour that was threaded throughout and found the novel absolutely raced by as we wondered how on earth Lauren and Daniel would ever sort out the obstacles and achieve their happy-ever-after. A wonderfully cosy and comforting Cornish based romance.

Lauren suddenly finds herself out of a job, rather than taking the next step up the corporate ladder that she was hoping for, and without a boyfriend - just as she finds out that she's pregnant. She decides to visit her best friend Anna in Polkerran whilst she decides what to do next.
I loved the previous book and this one just reinforces my love of the setting, in a part of Cornwall that I have been visiting since my childhood (a long, long time ago now). It was great to catch up with Anna and Oliver and the other characters , but this can be read as a standalone book. I've never wished to be a high flying executive, so I can't relate to Lauren's point of view there, but can relate to being unemployed, albeit not the pregnancy side of her situation. Her relationship with Daniel is one of those where you want to knock their heads together so that they can properly discuss their mutism attraction, but then it would be a much shorter book....
One big advantage of a series is that you can revisit characters to find out where their story has gone to, so I'm really looking forward to the next one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.