When Jess Newman married the love of her life Ben she was sure they had what it took to stay together forever. So when Ben falls out of love with her only to promptly fall in the arms of new girlfriend, Naomi , she really doesn't know how to come to terms with their divorce.
A year later, after an uncharacteristic leap of faith, she is raising her eight-year-old daughter alone while turning the beautiful Cornish farmhouse her grandad left her into a business.
It's the fresh start she needed, but between learning how to lay gravel and making ends meet, it's not quite everything she hoped it would be. Jess is determined to never need anyone ever again, even if handsome contractor Riley is always around ready to offer a hand...
If she is brave enough to let someone in, could one summer change everything?
Linn B. Halton writes feelgood fiction: home is where the heart is! In 2013 she won the UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction Award. Originally from Bristol, she now lives in Somerset with her husband, and Bengal cat, Ziggy.
For Linn, life is all about family, friends and writing. She is a self-confessed hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. When Linn is not writing, she spends time in the garden weeding, or practising Tai Chi. And she is often found with a paintbrush in her hand indulging her passion for upcycling furniture.
Linn is represented by Sara Keane from the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.
She also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman.
✿ Plot: A humble tale of relocation, renovation and new beginnings. When Jess Newman’s marriage falls apart, she and her daughter escape to a rundown Cornish farmhouse left by her grandfather. Amid the fresh countryside breeze, saffron buns and seaside charm, Jess tackles restoration projects and unexpected challenges. With the help of a kindly contractor, she begins rebuilding a home - and cautiously opening her heart again.
✿ Writing style: Halton’s prose is accessible, warm, and breezy - though the pace drifts slowly, with multiple perspectives diluting momentum, particularly in the first half of the book.
✿ Characters: Jess is a resilient, mature lady determined to create a stable new life for herself and her daughter. The dynamic between the two leads is one of gentle reliability. A supporting cast adds the warmth of potential newfound family, even if individual arcs feel lightly touched upon.
✿ Impact: 'Summer At The Cornish Farmhouse' is a light, low-stakes story that focuses on inner healing and finding a sense of community. It doesn’t dazzle with dramatic twists, but its simplicity and kindness are pleasant.
✿ Entertainment value: If you’re looking for a relaxed, slow paced, clean romance set in rural Cornwall, this is a cosy read - though readers seeking emotional depth or gripping drama might find it a little subdued.
✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊ ✿ ❊
Genre: ✿ Contemporary romance ❊ Feel-good fiction
Tropes and Themes: ✿ Fresh start after divorce ❊ Renovating a historic family home ✿ Community ❊ Found family ✿ Handyman hero MMC ❊ Healing
EXCERPT: My hands shake as I press the call button, but the moment Grandma's voice fills the room my throat closes over. 'Jess?' My chest is so tight I begin to panic. 'Darling, what's wrong?' 'My . . . my world is falling apart, Grandma and I . . .'
ABOUT 'SUMMER AT THE CORNISH FARMHOUSE': When Jess Newman married the love of her life Ben she was sure they had what it took to stay together forever. So when Ben falls out of love with her only to promptly fall in the arms of new girlfriend, Naomi, she really doesn't know how to come to terms with their divorce.
Thankfully Jess's granddad, Gabe, has the perfect place for Jess and her eight-year-old daughter Lola to start afresh when he hands them the keys to his holiday home in Cornwall, a beautiful albeit rundown farmhouse – the fresh countryside air, the saffron buns and the seaside breeze might just be what the doctor ordered but soon it's clear this fresh start includes a whole new set of complications...
MY THOUGHTS: If you'd have asked me what I thought when I was halfway through Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse you would have got a vastly different answer to that you would get now.
I would have told you that there was far too much dialogue, a lot of which seemed stilted, that there was far too much detail about the renovations - honestly, I felt that every hammer swing was recorded - and there was nothing happening. I was bored and seriously considering abandoning this read. There was definitely nothing to entice me to read any further books in this series and I wouldn't have rated this any more than two stars.
But I'm glad I didn't give up. I'm glad I read on. There's a definite shift after the 50% point. Relationships start to develop. A plot becomes evident. The characters gain some depth and I began to enjoy this read.
By the end I was enjoying myself and looking forward to the next in the series.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#SummerattheCornishFarmhouse #NetGalley
I: @linnbhalton @headofzeus
T: @LinnBHalton @HoZ
THE AUTHOR: Linn B. Halton writes feelgood fiction: home is where the heart is! In 2013 she won the UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction Award. Originally from Bristol, she now lives in Somerset with her husband, and Bengal cat, Ziggy.
For Linn, life is all about family, friends and writing. She is a self-confessed hopeless romantic and an eternal optimist. When Linn is not writing, she spends time in the garden weeding, or practising Tai Chi. And she is often found with a paintbrush in her hand indulging her passion for upcycling furniture.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Head of Zeus via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse by Linn B. Halton for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
When her marriage ends unexpectedly, Jess moves she and daughter Lola to her grandparents property in Cornwall. It's a beautiful place, with plenty of old buildings that with a little TLC can be brought back to life! This was her grandparents dream, but since the passing of her grandmother its now up to Jess to make it happen.
Finding a trustworthy builder in Riley, and good friends throughout the community, will Jess and Lola find the new beginning they hoped for? Or will the work ahead be too much?
Thank you to Author @linnbhalton @netgalley & @headofzeus for providing me with this ARC. I've written this review willingly & all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the story, but found that sometimes it was a little confusing to follow the timeframes. Certain aspects of Jess' life were given extreme detail (like the renovations) whereas the sudden changes in her personal life seemed to have far less depth. I love the descriptions of the farm and surrounding countryside and wish I could teleport to Cornwall right now 💕
I received a free copy of, Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse, by Linn B. Halton. Jess thought her life was all planned out, until her husband told her its over, they divorce and he moves on without her. Jess decides to start over in beautiful Cornwall, with her 8 year old daughter Lola. Change is never easy especially if you never wanted it in the first place. Jess is a really strong character, I really enjoyed her, Lola, and Cappy.
The timelines were all over the place in this book. Also there were several editorial misses on names (at least 3!). I found the speech to be stilted and unbelievable. Also as a romance novel, one of the biggest hooks is the first kiss. This went straight from them looking awkwardly at each other to then cuddling in bed. There were no falling outs, no issues to overcome. The narrative was odd at times with things being mentioned fairly unnaturally. I assumed so it could be referenced later on but, nope. I did like the idea of the farmhouse and that was well described.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jess is hit out of the blue when her husband been tells her he wanted divorce and he’s in love with Naomi when her grandfather office her his farmhouse in Cornwall she takes him up on it but he’s ambivalent about the trip but try to make the best of it for her daughter Lola soon after moving in while rehabbing the grounds it seems it is one thing after another but when everything starts coming together and handyman Riley starts being a constant presence at the farm house things are looking up but is just ready to move on like been Hayes or will she remain on her own as a single mom. This was a wonderful heartwarming story and one I’ve come to depend on with this author she writes clean lovely family oriented romances and I love that no matter what name she writes under if you love clean inspiring romances then you definitely love this book I certainly did. I received this book from NetGalley in Aria and Ariess but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
Divorcee Jess Newman and her daughter Lola with a fresh start from Gloucestershire to Cornwall, Grandad Gabe offers them his farmhouse Renweneth Farm with land, with seaside breeze, country air it's just what they both need and a big step with a lot of hard work for jess is she doing the right thing?
Riley Warren a man of all trade no job is to small becomes a bonus to her as they start rebuilding and transforming the place it's in well need of a update the farm, the manor, smithy's cottage and the bakery holiday makers will come flocking hopefully and Jess surprises herself doing manual work she even surprises herself.
Her ex husband has moved on but she is of no interest of finding love and commitments ever again will Riley change that?
This book is so full of wholesome goodness that is beautiful to curl up with, that I enjoyed right through.
This was a sweet story about a mom and her daughter striking out on their own after a divorce and renovating their family's old property. I loved the descriptions of the renovations and reading about the plans for the home, but the book only gave us little hints of Cornwall in the story. I much prefer when the author really paints a picture of where the story takes place where you can almost feel as if you are stepping into that place. Here, we only had a few descriptions of Cornwall and the coast which were lovely, but I think much too much time was spent on the main characters friends than was really necessary. Overall, it was an easy read, but no real conflict or issues, just the run of the mill renovation problems which were interesting to read, but nothing got me really involved with the characters. I think my favorite character may have been Misty the cat, but otherwise, most were kind of bland and hard to relate to. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy, I think this story will be good for people wanting to read about renovations, but little else.
I liked imagining I was on a historic Cornish summer farm, that was relaxing and nice to fall asleep with. If you want a book with no cliffhangers or bad things to upset the protagonists plan and obvious plot lines then this might be worth your time. The protagonist had one bad thing happen in her life and then everything was on the up (in unrealistic ways) from there. Granted there were time period jumps so maybe there were bad bits, but the reader never heard about them. Also a lot of talk about the cat not being allowed out of the house for fear of it becoming spooked or running away (even after a cat flap was installed? Weird.)
Anyway I think there are others in this series and tbh I’ll probably issue them because it did a decent job of a stress free falling asleep book (for that task I give 4 stars).
Jess is heartbroken when her husband Ben tells her that he no longer loves her! She moves to Cornwall with her eight-year-old daughter Lola & takes over her grandparent's home & business. The farmhouse & surrounding buildings need renovation & Jess finds help from Riley, a delivery driver who also does home repairs. Riley becomes a great support with Jess's plans to work on the out buildings, & they make a great team.
Follow the story of their friendship, supporting family & changes in Jess' life. Such a lovely book that felt warm & comforting to read & I would love to read more of their story. Recommended read.
Too many descriptions of DIY for me. Having practically no previous experience of DIY, Jess learns so quickly that within a few weeks she is painting a whole room in an afternoon, laying a concrete floor and creating a garden from scratch in a matter of hours. Oh yes, she does have some help and I wondered what was going to happen there (not!!). To give it its due, I did keep going with the story and I did finish it. There was warmth in most of the relationships and concerns for others. Jess was very positive and wanted to help the whole community while starting her new life in one of her favourite places. I don’t think I’ll bother with any of the sequels though!
I really enjoy books like this and normally I find them quick to read so I was excited for this one. I found this book to be a bit slow going. Almost halfway through the book I felt like not too much had happened. There were a lot of characters but most of them just made pop up appearances which did make it easier to follow.
I'm confused as to why Jess feels that she has to do so much work. She's worried that Riley will feel like she's not pulling her weight, but she is paying him. He's literally there to do a job.
While I am a visual reader, I did find it a bit difficult to visualise all of the buildings in this book. There were just so many, and it was difficult to picture what they all looked like and where they were on the property.
The second half of the book definitely read faster than the first. More things started happening and Jess and Riley started exploring their feelings for each other a bit more which added extra interest.
There were one or two minor inconsistencies/typos in the story but they didn't detract from the story itself.
I am a bit disappointed that we don't get to see Riley and Jess being a couple out in the open. I feel like there could have been less about the renovating and then we could have had more of them together openly as a couple.
Overall, a nice, sweet romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a delightful read and a fun escape to the English countryside of Cornwall!
Surprised by her husband’s announcement that their marriage is over, Jess escapes with her daughter, Lola, to the comfort of her grandparent’s farm of her youth. Jess and Lola slowly restart their lives with new friendships, multiple challenges and fresh air at the rundown farm.
As Jess rehabs the farm’s buildings with the help of Riley, a local Mr. Fix-It, she also rehabs her life. It is not the turn of events that are surprising, but Jess’ reaction to them as her character matures and learns how to react to them.
This was a fun and easy to read story with likable characters that leave you looking forward to a sequel! My first, but not my last escape with Linn B. Halton!
Thank you #Net Galley and #Aria&Aries for the ARC !
The first book in a three part series, Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse sees newly divorced Jess moving to Cornwall with daughter Lola. They've taken on the renovation project Jess' grandparents initiated - has Jess bitten off more than she can chew, or will local handyman Riley be able to help her see her dreams through to fruition?
A sweet, gentle story, clearly making way for more to come. I really loved the character of Cappy, and I definitely think there is more to come from Jess' best friend Ivy and husband Adam. One slight irritation was the author's constant use of character names in conversations- no one says the name of the person they're speaking to in every other sentence in real life, and it did begin to really irritate me! I'll definitely be looking out for the next book, it left me wanting to know what happens next!
I don't know what it was about "Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse" but I didn't find it totally engaging as a novel. In some ways it was more like someone's diary and had rather a lot of technical detail which didn't really add to the narrative for me. Jess is a very driven character and has some great family and friends but there wasn't really much jeopardy as just about everything went well, with only a few minor hiccups.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
A nonsense book. Someone else in the reviews called this "a good falling asleep book" and I can't agree more because I fell asleep while reading this book a lot!
If you like in depth descriptions of how a character made quick pasta or rambling about renovation dreams, then this is a book for you. Alas, it was not the book for me.
Other than taking over a run down farmhouse (with numerous extra buildings, apparently) to renovate as a result of divorce and bereavement, basically nothing happens in this book. The author tries to make out like there's lots of major hurdles but they're such minor things like hours worth of delay in a delivery, a building planning regulation she's overlooked that is solved by a quick phonecall or brief visit, or a local worker feeling miffed about her management choices which she just changes after rumoured feedback. How will she cope with congested parking causing neighborhood grumbles?!
There's limited depth in any character. The main character Jess is quite boring, or at least generic, and I didn't really feel the grief or emotion from such big life changes (divorce, a family bereavement, and moving home). The book does read like a diary of her thoughts where some things seem to matter in incredibly great detail (such as every detail of bedroom paint colour choices, specific meals, or conversations about renovations), but other information like what the wider area is like or details about her ex-marriage are overlooked. She's constantly telling people she knows nothing about DIY and being told by her family/friends that they have no confidence in her plans and to take some time off, despite having hired a competent tradespeople and regularly stopping for a cup of tea and cake...
Riley's biggest character trait, other than being skilled in everything except electrics, is not wanting to make a mess in the house so is always going home to change - his limited wardrobe is apparently of great interest. It feels like Jess is trying to micromanage his life and mother him too. She's always making him food, drinks, scalding him for not looking after himself, and telling him to sleep over in spare rooms because he's tired and can't be trusted to drive home (although he's local isn't he, so it can't be far). Jess is continually telling everyone about Riley's work schedule.
Every time I thought there was going to be more to this story, the above was just rehashed again. Another phone call from her mum telling her she's working too hard or making more coffee for Riley...
Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse by Linn B Halton was a slow moving, but satisfying, romance which involved some recovery on the part of both participants. Jess had inherited the farmhouse property from her grandparents. Her grandmother had died and her grandfather didn’t want to stay there without her. It needed refurbishing but she had a broken heart and the work was just the thing. Her husband, Ben, had told her he didn’t love her anymore. She and their daughter, Lola were here, trying to make new lives for themselves. The biggest problem she had was unreliable contractors until she met Riley, who drove for the building materials company and had delivered huge bags of gravel. Her parents and her friends, Adam and Ivy, were coming to help her spread it over the “mudpit” that was the yard between the farmhouse and the cottage. Riley told her he did construction jobs and gave her his card in the event she needed him. After the first day they were all exhausted and so she called him but cautioned him to pretend to be a friend, just stopping by. He played along. Thus began their excellent employer/employee relationship.
Jess was a mess. For a while she thought Ben would come back, apologize and everything would go back as it had been. Eventually she recognized that the spark had gone out of their marriage and he had done the right thing. It was a hard-won victory for her. Riley also had an ex and a son he rarely saw. He had plenty of baggage, too. Slowly but surely the place began taking shape (as did they) and they were looking at the best season ever. Then, they came together, for one night only, they said, but neither of them was like that. Riley was the first reliable man she’d ever met (father and grandfather excluded) and that was what she found most attractive. She was sunshine, that is what drew Riley in. They eventually recognized that they were a good team and the farmhouse property was successful due to the both of them. There was so much more going on, of course. This was a very pleasant and enjoyable second chance romance novel. I highly recommend it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse by Aria & Aries, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AriaAndAries #LinnBHalton #SummerAtTheCornishFarmhouse
Jess’s heart is broken when her husband, Ben, tells her he no longer loves her and wants a divorce. Shortly afterward, Jess’s grandmother passes away unexpectedly, leaving her grandfather devastated. But, it’s at that time that he decides to move away from his Cornish farmhouse in need of renovating. So, Jess and her daughter, Lola, 8, decide to move into the farmhouse. She then begins the huge undertaking of renovating the farmhouse, outbuildings for holiday makers, and gardens. There is also the empty Renweneth Manor house that also needs a lot of work.
Jess works hard and has accomplished a lot. But she has limited funds to get the work done and has to be careful how she spends it. When she meets Riley, she is pleased to learn he does home repairs and agrees to work for her. He has a good reputation and promises hard work.
As Riley becomes full time working for Jess, they spark an attraction to one another. Although the work is not without problems, they persevere. Jess’s friends and family are all very close and are happy to spend time together.
This is a good story of the problems we face in life and the mettle that it takes to overcome them. The love of family and friends are featured in this this delightful book. I was quite taken with the in-depth plot and descriptions that the author gives the reader. An enjoyable read. Don’t miss it!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ever heard of a cozy mystery? This book was like a cozy romance. Not a lot of stress or angst but lots of imagery of the Cornish coastline while the heroine Jess works on creating a new life for herself after some personal heartbreak. Jess's husband tells her that he doesn't love her anymore so after her grandmother's death she and her daughter move to Cornwall to the farm/manor/camping resort that was her grandparents dream. Jess meets Riley who is also going through a crisis and they work together to renovate and repurpose a lot of the old buildings into homes and vacation destinations. If you're looking for a peaceful book with engaging characters-this book is for you. I sensed that this book was part of a series but did not need to read the other books in the series to follow the story. One minor critique is that I almost wished for a resort map with this book. It was hard to follow which part of her property Jess was referring to at times. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for my honest, albeit late review.
I just loved the descriptions of Cornwall and the beautiful farmhouse with its glorious flowers Jess moves to. Seemingly coming out of the blue, her marriage is over, and Jess's ex-husband has moved on. Her daughter's well-being is her main concern now and she moves to the beautiful Cornish farmhouse her granddad left her. She has the brilliant idea to turn it into a business. Renovations are underway and it's shaping up quite well. Contractor Riley gets the job done on the farmhouse, but can he unlock her frozen heart to let in love once again. I enjoyed seeing the family closeness Jess has with her granddad Cappy and how Cappy dotes on Lola, Jess's young daughter. This is so important when a child is going through times of uncertainty such as a parental divorce and moving to a new area. The story is warm, encouraging and upbeat. The perfect summertime beach read.
Published May 11, 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A lovely second-chance romance in a coastal Cornish setting. Jess finally acknowledges the end of her marriage when her husband, Ben, asks for a divorce. Seeking counsel from her Grandmother, she received excellent and prophetic advice. A year later, still hurt and lost, she takes the opportunity to live on her Grandfather's farm and renovate the buildings and her life. This uplifting read has community spirit, family love and friendship to help her make a new start for her daughter. The conflicts are numerous, and romance is not on her to-do list, but Riley is a rare find and proves to be a good friend.
I like the family and friend dynamic, the emotional growth of the protagonists and the mix of humour, poignancy and romance. It's a Summer escapist read that hugs you, perfect.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I would just like to say a big thank you to Netgalley for very kindly forwarding me an arc copy of theirs book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.
This book is the first one from a series set in a Cornish Farmhouse and i am so glad that there are going to be more books to come, as I absolutely loved this one!
Summer At The Cornish Farmhouse was such a lovely and heartwarming read and the storyline just pulls you along and makes you keep turning the pages so that you can find out what happens next in the story.
Divorcee Jess and her daughter Lola move to Cornwall for a fresh start and there they meet Riley and so the story begins…..
This was a wonderful, heartwarming story and it left me feeling well and truly happy…….
This was a delightful fun read. Set in the gorgeous countryside of Cornwall with the sea tantalisingly close enough to sniff. Jess thought that her life was planned out - married with a child until her husband tells her he doesn’t love her anymore and wants a divorce. With a new life for her and Lola her daughter she relocates to her grandparents farm in Cornwall to start a new life managing the campsite. Along the way she discovers that her marriage hasn’t been right for her, finds some new support and realises her true worth. This is a gorgeous read, perfect for anytime you need a pick me up and a dose of Cornish warmth. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
What a delightful story of Jess and how she starts again with her daughter Lola after her marriage breaks down. She finds herself taking over her grandads holiday home complete with run down barn. and finds herself learning new skills as she brings the holiday home and derelict barn back to life with the help of handy man Riley. I loved the way Jess copes with everyday problems along with her friends and family as they all pull together to help to get the business up and running. Strong characters all with their own unique way. A real feel good story and highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley & Aria & Aries for a ARC and a honest review.
After the break up of her marriage, Jess and her eight year old daughter move to Cornwall to take over the holiday business her grandparents had set up before her beloved grandmother died. Knowing she needs an income from the business Jess sets about building the business up and converting some old barns into holiday lets. By chance she meets Riley, who it seems can turn his hand to anything and between them they begin the work. Riley has also been hurt in the past and neither are looking for a relationship but will fate intervene? This book definitely has the feel good factor and I look forward to the next book.
Summer at the Cornish Farmhouse by Lucy Coleman (as Linn B. Halton) is a heartwarming tale of new beginnings and personal growth. After her marriage ends, Jess Newman pours her heart into transforming her grandfather’s Cornish farmhouse into a business while raising her daughter alone. Amid the challenges, she discovers unexpected support in Riley, a kind and helpful contractor who might just help her believe in love again.
Filled with charm, resilience, and a touch of romance, this uplifting story captures the beauty of second chances and the courage to rebuild. A perfect feel-good read for fans of small-town settings and emotional journeys!
Jess with her 8 years old daughter start new life in Cornish. She have vision that lead her to renovate farmhouse, build cottage, make bakery and open farmmarket. This is not come all in sudden but one by one, Riley help her and ofcourse with support from friends and family. It is take time for her to accept that her mariage is over and there is no come back to her ex but she enjoy her life.
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
I love Linn B Halton books and this one was a winner for me. I get so invested in her characters and the life they are living. Her stories are heartwarming and descriptive . I feel like I’m reading an account of old friends . I can see the book playing out as a screen play in my head. This story is a beautiful story of finding oneself again after divorce and heartache. Learning to love oneself and blooming in one’s own light and seeing what your new path brings.
I voluntarily received a free advanced copy for NetGalley and all opinions are my own
I would recommend this book and others by this author to my friends, family and book clubs