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Hidden Treasures
A Seaside Affair
You will love this wonderfully warm and witty novel from Fern Britton, the Sunday Times bestselling novelist.
When the residents of the Cornish seaside town of Trevay discover that their much-loved theatre is about to be taken over by coffee chain, Café au Lait, they are up in arms. It is up to Penny Leighton, hotshot producer and now happily married Cornish resident, to come up with a rescue plan. Armed with only her mobile phone and her contacts book, she starts to pull in some serious favours.
The town is soon deluged by actors, all keen to show their support and take part in a charity season at the theatre. One of the arrivals is Jess Tate, girlfriend to TV heartthrob Ryan Hearst. His career is on the rise while hers remains resolutely in the doldrums. But when opportunity comes calling, it isn’t just her career prospects that are about to change. Trevay is about to put on the show of its life – but can the villagers, and Jess, hold on to the thing they love the most?
A Cornish Village with secrets at its heart
When the residents of the Cornish seaside town of Trevay discover that their much-loved theatre is about to be taken over by coffee chain, Café au Lait, they are up in arms. It is up to Penny Leighton, hotshot producer and now happily married Cornish resident, to come up with a rescue plan. Armed with only her mobile phone and her contacts book, she starts to pull in some serious favours.
The town is soon deluged by actors, all keen to show their support and take part in a charity season at the theatre. One of the arrivals is Jess Tate, girlfriend to TV heartthrob Ryan Hearst. His career is on the rise while hers remains resolutely in the doldrums. But when opportunity comes calling, it isn’t just her career prospects that are about to change. Trevay is about to put on the show of its life – but can the villagers, and Jess, hold on to the thing they love the most?
A Cornish Village with secrets at its heart
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
330 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Fern Britton
33 books414 followersFern Britton, an English television presenter, was born on 17 July 1957 in Ealing, London. She was educated at Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont and underwent training in stage management at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the daughter of the English actor, Tony Britton and Ruth Britton. Fern Britton spent the early days of her life at Buckinghamshire. Her older sister, Cherry Britton, is a script writer and her younger half brother, Jasper Britton, is an actor. She is married to the celebrity chef, Phil Vickery and lives with her family at Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire.
Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.
Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.
Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.
In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.
Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.
Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.
Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.
Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.
Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.
In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.
Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.
Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
February 26, 2016
There isn't anything not to enjoy about this book!! This was my first Fern Britton book and I can't wait to read her others.
August 23, 2017
A little far fetched and i struggled to actually care about the characters.
February 4, 2025
A lovely, easy read set in beautiful Cornwall.
May 19, 2014
I was very lucky to win a copy of this fantastic book by Fern Britton so it had to queue jump my to read pile which has more of her books in to read.
In this book me so many fabulous characters which bring the book together and you actually feel that you are staying in this lovely seaside village life.But in the first half of the story we meet Jess who is a struggling actress with an successful actor boyfriend who is going places , then we meet Brooke who is very beautiful and is the new model for a coffee chain and has a famous boyfriend we also meet Ollie who is a theatre actor just finishing his current show and is in a relationship with a rock star Red. And is that's not enough people, then we meet the heart of the story the people of Pendruggan who are out to save the old theatre from the coffee chain , Cafe au Lait. The head of the the complain is Penny Leighton a hotshot tv producer who is married to the town vicar !!!! An then there is Helen her best friend who is seeing Piran the local historian who heart is not really in saving the Trevay but does has he is told then we met dear old Colonel Walter Irvine who has been with the Trevay from the day it opened and was the ordinal actor and then moved to stage manager.
As you read this book your fall in love with the characters and they all gel together in this little seaside town as the complain gets going we meet up with Brooke who is on a night out with her famous boyfriend and the mangers of the huge coffee chain finds herself in a bad situation at the end if the night but in the morning her life turns into a nightmare and she really finds out the her relationship was only for status and that her agent has dropped her as well her new contract and that she might never work again until she see watching the news on Travey and saving from the clutches of Cafe au Lait and they she pulls her self together and joins the complain and holds some important cards in her hands to play against them but she does more than that through they book you see that you never judge a book by its cover that is true in Brooke's case !!!!!
The the first half we meet Jess who is stuck in a runt in her acting career until she goes for a casting for a new comedy and gets the part and the show is a hit but she is still alone at home while handsome boyfriend is acting in his hit Tv show he tells her all the things she wants to hear even when he asks her to marry him..... But Jess finds she is sent an invites to save the Travey by playing in production so Jess packs herself and the her two little dogs and head to Travey and a life change but she doesn't know it!!!!!
When we meet Ollie he is just on the end of finish a play in London and is waiting for new jobs to come in and his income is very low but his rock star girlfriend wants him with her but for some reason he stays in the Uk and moves down to see his more in the seaside town for a few days and before he knows it he is Travey show and fighting the complain .
.
In the second half of the book we see the fight take hold the Travey is being restored as the village pulls together and miracles do had from finding old films with stars from the past to save the future new relationships and friends are made but I'm not going to give to many spoilers from the second half of the books and it's a must read to find out the outcome but Fern Britton held my imagination from page one to the very end I hope to meet the characters again in her future books.
In this book me so many fabulous characters which bring the book together and you actually feel that you are staying in this lovely seaside village life.But in the first half of the story we meet Jess who is a struggling actress with an successful actor boyfriend who is going places , then we meet Brooke who is very beautiful and is the new model for a coffee chain and has a famous boyfriend we also meet Ollie who is a theatre actor just finishing his current show and is in a relationship with a rock star Red. And is that's not enough people, then we meet the heart of the story the people of Pendruggan who are out to save the old theatre from the coffee chain , Cafe au Lait. The head of the the complain is Penny Leighton a hotshot tv producer who is married to the town vicar !!!! An then there is Helen her best friend who is seeing Piran the local historian who heart is not really in saving the Trevay but does has he is told then we met dear old Colonel Walter Irvine who has been with the Trevay from the day it opened and was the ordinal actor and then moved to stage manager.
As you read this book your fall in love with the characters and they all gel together in this little seaside town as the complain gets going we meet up with Brooke who is on a night out with her famous boyfriend and the mangers of the huge coffee chain finds herself in a bad situation at the end if the night but in the morning her life turns into a nightmare and she really finds out the her relationship was only for status and that her agent has dropped her as well her new contract and that she might never work again until she see watching the news on Travey and saving from the clutches of Cafe au Lait and they she pulls her self together and joins the complain and holds some important cards in her hands to play against them but she does more than that through they book you see that you never judge a book by its cover that is true in Brooke's case !!!!!
The the first half we meet Jess who is stuck in a runt in her acting career until she goes for a casting for a new comedy and gets the part and the show is a hit but she is still alone at home while handsome boyfriend is acting in his hit Tv show he tells her all the things she wants to hear even when he asks her to marry him..... But Jess finds she is sent an invites to save the Travey by playing in production so Jess packs herself and the her two little dogs and head to Travey and a life change but she doesn't know it!!!!!
When we meet Ollie he is just on the end of finish a play in London and is waiting for new jobs to come in and his income is very low but his rock star girlfriend wants him with her but for some reason he stays in the Uk and moves down to see his more in the seaside town for a few days and before he knows it he is Travey show and fighting the complain .
.
In the second half of the book we see the fight take hold the Travey is being restored as the village pulls together and miracles do had from finding old films with stars from the past to save the future new relationships and friends are made but I'm not going to give to many spoilers from the second half of the books and it's a must read to find out the outcome but Fern Britton held my imagination from page one to the very end I hope to meet the characters again in her future books.
August 9, 2014
Loved this story
June 25, 2020
I feel bad giving this book a low star rating, but the blurb and marketing comments just did not match the book. The sub-title promised me "heart-warming" and "gripping" and the quote from the Daily Mail promised it "Captures the essence of ... Cornwall" - none of these things were delivered.
First the blurb - I've never read a book that was simultaneously "heart-warming" and "gripping", so I knew I was likely to be underwhelmed somehow. The plot focuses on a variety of relationships that start/end in cheating - our main character finishes the novel more jaded and worldly-wise and we've taken the long slow journey to revelation with her. That journey unfolds not as a "gripping" tale, but as a meander through the ups and downs. Maybe if I came to this book in a different frame of mind I'd have appreciated the "heart-wrenching" "character study" that it is, but that wasn't what I settled myself down to read.
An as for the "essence of ... Cornwall" - the characters spend large parts of their time in London, the Lake District and abroad, there is only one thread of the plot that is taking place in Cornwall and that is to save a seaside theatre. The ailing seaside theatre could have been set in any coastal town, but the specifics (built in 1950s, likely reuse as a coffee shop, at one point implied as an end-of-pier building etc...) make Cornwall an unlikely location for it rather than this being quintessentially Cornish. Added to that, the characters kept on zipping from "Cornwall" to London at the drop of a hat for short periods of time (eg couple of days to go get dinner at the Ivy, a weekend together etc..), as if that isn't a really tedious and long journey. I didn't see anything other than the town name in the book that sounded Cornish.
My theory is that the book was originally set in Sussex and at some point someone thought it would work better in Cornwall so Waterloo was changed to Paddington, Hove to Trevay etc... The really annoying thing is that the setting totally doesn't matter. The story works equally as well in Cornwall as Sussex, it's a bit more surprising how many actors there are around, but doesn't change the story. However as a reader who loves going to Cornwall and wanted to read the "essence of Cornwall" it's very annoying to have been mis-sold on this point too!
Having had my expectations of the book subverted, I didn't give it a fair go - hence the low rating.
First the blurb - I've never read a book that was simultaneously "heart-warming" and "gripping", so I knew I was likely to be underwhelmed somehow. The plot focuses on a variety of relationships that start/end in cheating - our main character finishes the novel more jaded and worldly-wise and we've taken the long slow journey to revelation with her. That journey unfolds not as a "gripping" tale, but as a meander through the ups and downs. Maybe if I came to this book in a different frame of mind I'd have appreciated the "heart-wrenching" "character study" that it is, but that wasn't what I settled myself down to read.
An as for the "essence of ... Cornwall" - the characters spend large parts of their time in London, the Lake District and abroad, there is only one thread of the plot that is taking place in Cornwall and that is to save a seaside theatre. The ailing seaside theatre could have been set in any coastal town, but the specifics (built in 1950s, likely reuse as a coffee shop, at one point implied as an end-of-pier building etc...) make Cornwall an unlikely location for it rather than this being quintessentially Cornish. Added to that, the characters kept on zipping from "Cornwall" to London at the drop of a hat for short periods of time (eg couple of days to go get dinner at the Ivy, a weekend together etc..), as if that isn't a really tedious and long journey. I didn't see anything other than the town name in the book that sounded Cornish.
My theory is that the book was originally set in Sussex and at some point someone thought it would work better in Cornwall so Waterloo was changed to Paddington, Hove to Trevay etc... The really annoying thing is that the setting totally doesn't matter. The story works equally as well in Cornwall as Sussex, it's a bit more surprising how many actors there are around, but doesn't change the story. However as a reader who loves going to Cornwall and wanted to read the "essence of Cornwall" it's very annoying to have been mis-sold on this point too!
Having had my expectations of the book subverted, I didn't give it a fair go - hence the low rating.
March 3, 2017
Lovely to go back to the lovely Cornish village and hear some more about some of the characters. Excellent characters and story line and really enjoying reading this book. The village learn a local theatre is going to be turned into a cafe so try to save it do they manage to and can people find love on the way or are they heartbroken as well. Well worth reading.
April 2, 2015
Romance novel set in Cornwall (“Cornwall feeds something in the soul…”)
The Pavilions Theatre in fictional Trevay is under threat. The Café au Lait conglomerate has this delapidated building in its sights for a major coffee chain revamp. But the scourge of the mulitnationals is not going to happen in this small seaside town that prides itself on its theatrical heritage, if the locals have anything to do with it! The good people of Trevay are mustering support, and this comes in from all kinds of folk who start to get involved.
The locals have many skills that they can bring to such a project, and Penny, hotshot producer and local resident, has the contacts; but money, of course is sorely lacking, Colonel Stick has the longest association with the theatre, Piran and Simon eventually join the swelling numbers.
Brooke Lynne (and there is a wonderful back story as to how she got her name, which is “kinda Beckham”) is an actress, and the stunning face of Café au Lait. Her agent Milo joins her in Cornwall for a meeting with the coffee group plus a local councillor, who is totally on board for the conversion; but the meeting certainly doesn’t pan out as anticipated! Brooke is persuaded to join the activists, and is particularly pleased that she will have an acting part in “Hats Off, Trevay!” which is running for the Summer Season to raise money for the restoration and rebuilding cause.
Others who join are down-and-out actor Ollie, who is dating pop superstar Red (not Pink obviously); and Jess, who is dating TV heartthrob and star of the popular series Venini, Ryan Hearst (with an ego the size of the county of Cornwall). But, does the course of true love run smoothly for these iconic couples? Add in a smattering of Royalty, with detective detail, and some eccentric locals, sprinkle with a bit of Hollywood glamour dust, and the book bowls along to the denouement … a few characters are, of course, scattered to the four winds, some new friendships are forged, and the story is brought to a close with an overriding feel-good experience of the life on the stage. It is clear that the author has experience of the theatre – discover behind-the-scene activities, find out what it means when Mr Brown is in the house; enjoy the chat in the Green Room, venture into the dressing rooms of the actors, attend rehearsals….
And what of the location? In an article in The Cornish Guardian, it is clear that “Fern Britton loves Cornwall and everything about it”” and that “the county does have a sense of romance.” She says that “There is a lot of Padstow in Trevay, and The Metropole is definitely my Starfish Hotel. It is all made up, but I can walk the streets in my head“. Thus, a perfect setting for her delightful novel!
The Pavilions Theatre in fictional Trevay is under threat. The Café au Lait conglomerate has this delapidated building in its sights for a major coffee chain revamp. But the scourge of the mulitnationals is not going to happen in this small seaside town that prides itself on its theatrical heritage, if the locals have anything to do with it! The good people of Trevay are mustering support, and this comes in from all kinds of folk who start to get involved.
The locals have many skills that they can bring to such a project, and Penny, hotshot producer and local resident, has the contacts; but money, of course is sorely lacking, Colonel Stick has the longest association with the theatre, Piran and Simon eventually join the swelling numbers.
Brooke Lynne (and there is a wonderful back story as to how she got her name, which is “kinda Beckham”) is an actress, and the stunning face of Café au Lait. Her agent Milo joins her in Cornwall for a meeting with the coffee group plus a local councillor, who is totally on board for the conversion; but the meeting certainly doesn’t pan out as anticipated! Brooke is persuaded to join the activists, and is particularly pleased that she will have an acting part in “Hats Off, Trevay!” which is running for the Summer Season to raise money for the restoration and rebuilding cause.
Others who join are down-and-out actor Ollie, who is dating pop superstar Red (not Pink obviously); and Jess, who is dating TV heartthrob and star of the popular series Venini, Ryan Hearst (with an ego the size of the county of Cornwall). But, does the course of true love run smoothly for these iconic couples? Add in a smattering of Royalty, with detective detail, and some eccentric locals, sprinkle with a bit of Hollywood glamour dust, and the book bowls along to the denouement … a few characters are, of course, scattered to the four winds, some new friendships are forged, and the story is brought to a close with an overriding feel-good experience of the life on the stage. It is clear that the author has experience of the theatre – discover behind-the-scene activities, find out what it means when Mr Brown is in the house; enjoy the chat in the Green Room, venture into the dressing rooms of the actors, attend rehearsals….
And what of the location? In an article in The Cornish Guardian, it is clear that “Fern Britton loves Cornwall and everything about it”” and that “the county does have a sense of romance.” She says that “There is a lot of Padstow in Trevay, and The Metropole is definitely my Starfish Hotel. It is all made up, but I can walk the streets in my head“. Thus, a perfect setting for her delightful novel!
November 26, 2018
For the literary locations in the novel: Booktrail of A Seaside Affair
Fictional location – Trevay and Pendruggan
Real location – According to an article we found in the Cornish Guardian – Trevay was based on Port Isaac. Pendruggan is similar to St Dominick and Padstow (the Metropole hotel is said to be the inspiration for the Star Fish hotel)
Ah the life of theatre in a sunny seaside town in Cornwall.
The Cornish Guardian ran an article in which Fern Britton spoke of her beloved Cornwall and the fact that she based fictional Trevay on Padstow and that the Metropole hotel there was the inspiration behind her Starfish hotel.
“There is a lot of Padstow in Trevay, and The Metropole is definitely my Starfish Hotel. It is all made up, but I can walk the streets in my head“.
Well welcome to Cornwall – the story with as sunny a disposition as Fern herself. What would people do if a major coffee chain wanted to just dive in and spoil the idyllic surroundings and destroy the theatrical heritage of the small community?
Community spirit is called for!
So, with that in mind, the locals band together and each brings their skills to the Save the theatre project.
Penny brings the contacts and the determination, Colonel Stick his theatrical links and more people follow.
Brooke Lynn is the hot shot actress from the new Coffee shop and flounces into Trevay with her agent Milo. Brooke soon sees just what she is up against. She is particularly surprised at the local production “ Hats off Trevay’ and wonders if she shouldn’t change her approach.
The world of the theatre is well entrenched in Trevay and the theatre comes alive as does the Cornish charm and idyllic setting. It has all the ingredients of a play you will want to see what happens both behind the curtain and on the stage.
Just what will happen to Trevay and its beloved theatre?
Bookish musings
Oh I do love a novel set in Cornwall and the characters, humour and with sprinkled on every page really make it feel like home. Fern’s humour shines through and her quirky take on things and expressions really do make you smile.
Life in the seaside village of Trevay has a lovely community feel to it and the fact that the people all come together to save their theatre and town from the encroaching coffee chain is just the David and Goliath fight that is fun to read about and I was cheering them on!
Eccentric locals, hot shot producers, Hollywood glamour and so much besides is woven into a charming and very full read.
Oh Fern, you paint such a wonderful and exciting picture of Cornwall. Can’t wait for your next read!
Fictional location – Trevay and Pendruggan
Real location – According to an article we found in the Cornish Guardian – Trevay was based on Port Isaac. Pendruggan is similar to St Dominick and Padstow (the Metropole hotel is said to be the inspiration for the Star Fish hotel)
Ah the life of theatre in a sunny seaside town in Cornwall.
The Cornish Guardian ran an article in which Fern Britton spoke of her beloved Cornwall and the fact that she based fictional Trevay on Padstow and that the Metropole hotel there was the inspiration behind her Starfish hotel.
“There is a lot of Padstow in Trevay, and The Metropole is definitely my Starfish Hotel. It is all made up, but I can walk the streets in my head“.
Well welcome to Cornwall – the story with as sunny a disposition as Fern herself. What would people do if a major coffee chain wanted to just dive in and spoil the idyllic surroundings and destroy the theatrical heritage of the small community?
Community spirit is called for!
So, with that in mind, the locals band together and each brings their skills to the Save the theatre project.
Penny brings the contacts and the determination, Colonel Stick his theatrical links and more people follow.
Brooke Lynn is the hot shot actress from the new Coffee shop and flounces into Trevay with her agent Milo. Brooke soon sees just what she is up against. She is particularly surprised at the local production “ Hats off Trevay’ and wonders if she shouldn’t change her approach.
The world of the theatre is well entrenched in Trevay and the theatre comes alive as does the Cornish charm and idyllic setting. It has all the ingredients of a play you will want to see what happens both behind the curtain and on the stage.
Just what will happen to Trevay and its beloved theatre?
Bookish musings
Oh I do love a novel set in Cornwall and the characters, humour and with sprinkled on every page really make it feel like home. Fern’s humour shines through and her quirky take on things and expressions really do make you smile.
Life in the seaside village of Trevay has a lovely community feel to it and the fact that the people all come together to save their theatre and town from the encroaching coffee chain is just the David and Goliath fight that is fun to read about and I was cheering them on!
Eccentric locals, hot shot producers, Hollywood glamour and so much besides is woven into a charming and very full read.
Oh Fern, you paint such a wonderful and exciting picture of Cornwall. Can’t wait for your next read!
May 5, 2015
A coffee chain is moving to the Cornish town of Trevay, their plan to take over the residents' much-loved theatre not going down well in the town. Penny Leighton, hotshot producer is tasked with coming up with a rescue plan. With help from a host of famous faces, not all of them fictional, actors soon start arriving in the town, keen to show their support and save the theatre.
You know when the setting of a book is everything? That. I finished this book and wanted to pack up my things and set up home in Trevay. Fern captures the setting beautifully and brilliantly, completely bringing it to life and allowing it to become a character in itself, along with the myriad of other characters that make up the story. I love reading stories where the author includes their own passions, and draws on their own knowledge when writing. Fern's love for Cornwall shines through, as does her experience and knowledge of theatre life.
The actual idea behind A Seaside Affair isn't entirely unique, the saving of a much-loved icon being done often in the past, but the way in which it is written, and the sheer number of characters that make up the story allow Fern to make it that little bit different from books similar to it in this genre and I loved the inclusion of celebrities, as said earlier, not all of them fictional! To list the characters that make up A Seaside Affair would fill a review in itself, yet it really is such a varied mix and I felt all the emotions whilst reading this book. A slow start builds up to a brilliant second half that will have every reader cheering the characters and story on.
If you are looking for a book with characters, a setting, and a story that you will just fall in love with, then look no further, you've found it with A Seaside Affair and I will definitely be looking to read more of Fern Britton's books in the future.
You know when the setting of a book is everything? That. I finished this book and wanted to pack up my things and set up home in Trevay. Fern captures the setting beautifully and brilliantly, completely bringing it to life and allowing it to become a character in itself, along with the myriad of other characters that make up the story. I love reading stories where the author includes their own passions, and draws on their own knowledge when writing. Fern's love for Cornwall shines through, as does her experience and knowledge of theatre life.
The actual idea behind A Seaside Affair isn't entirely unique, the saving of a much-loved icon being done often in the past, but the way in which it is written, and the sheer number of characters that make up the story allow Fern to make it that little bit different from books similar to it in this genre and I loved the inclusion of celebrities, as said earlier, not all of them fictional! To list the characters that make up A Seaside Affair would fill a review in itself, yet it really is such a varied mix and I felt all the emotions whilst reading this book. A slow start builds up to a brilliant second half that will have every reader cheering the characters and story on.
If you are looking for a book with characters, a setting, and a story that you will just fall in love with, then look no further, you've found it with A Seaside Affair and I will definitely be looking to read more of Fern Britton's books in the future.
August 11, 2015
I didn't want to dislike this book, with which there is nothing wrong per se - it just isn't for me. Sorry, Fern, I wanted to like it (and I still think you're fab). The problem for me is that it was trying to be very Jilly Cooper (idyllic setting, large cast, upper middle class, intrigue, melodrama, a community rallying together etc.) but it had none of the wit, sass or sheer joy that Cooper provides. In this, the characters were bland and unlikeable - the rogues weren't roguish enough, the lovely girls not lovely enough and the bad characters not bad enough. There was little humour or the subtle observation of Cooper and none of the raunch, in fact, Britton throwing in the odd use of the word fuck, actually jarred. If you're stuck on a Cornish beach with nothing to do then by all means read this, but if you can find a Jilly Cooper read that instead.
August 23, 2014
I recieved this book as a winner of a goodreads giveaway.
I enjoyed the book, lighthearted and positive easy read. As predictable it was in most parts it was nice to read something with a happy ending. Its a feel good book. All characters likeable. What annoyed me most is all the characters calling each other 'darling', I dont know if that happens in Cornwall or it's just an annoying habit of the writer. Overall, easy read storyline and plot with a happy ending. I'm not sure I would recommend to people, it's not a standout book to me.
I enjoyed the book, lighthearted and positive easy read. As predictable it was in most parts it was nice to read something with a happy ending. Its a feel good book. All characters likeable. What annoyed me most is all the characters calling each other 'darling', I dont know if that happens in Cornwall or it's just an annoying habit of the writer. Overall, easy read storyline and plot with a happy ending. I'm not sure I would recommend to people, it's not a standout book to me.
April 11, 2015
This is the second book by Fern Britton that I have read and even though I did enjoy it, some parts to me did feel quite rushed. There are quite a lot of characters in this book so I did find myself having to concentrate, having said that all the characters were well written and I did feel for a couple of them. It was a good story and the setting seemed idyllic. A gripping story that you wont want to put down.
June 7, 2014
Another great read from Fern Britton. Set in Cornwall and all the locals are fighting to save the local theatre.
April 27, 2014
For a more detailed review, please check out my review below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
July 1, 2014
Had this down for holiday reading and was a good book. Sometimes when there is loads of characters I get a bit lost but didn't find that happening here.
May 24, 2015
have liked her books previously but not so much this one
July 10, 2014
Not sure this one was quite as good as her earlier titles but it is a good Summer read.
October 5, 2017
I quite enjoyed A Seaside Affair. I was looking for a fun, light read, and this book delivered exactly what I expected.
There were times I got frustrated with characters who were dating/engaged to partners who treated them like rubbish, but that didn't take away from the story as I was confident there would be a happy ending. Plus, there were enough twists and turns to keep me reading.
If you're looking for a light and fluffy book to read, this is a good choice.
There were times I got frustrated with characters who were dating/engaged to partners who treated them like rubbish, but that didn't take away from the story as I was confident there would be a happy ending. Plus, there were enough twists and turns to keep me reading.
If you're looking for a light and fluffy book to read, this is a good choice.
June 21, 2018
It took me a long time to finish this book. It was a very easy-going, totally forgettable read, but just what I need when I'm having a busy time at home. Perfect beach fodder.
November 14, 2021
I absolutely love Fern's books. It was lovely to read whilst going through a bout of covid.
June 26, 2015
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With its beautiful summery cover, this novel announced the season of sweltering hot beach reads to me. Though the weather in the UK was not quite up to scratch yet while I was reading it, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment of being transported to a relaxing holiday destination. I may have been slugging away at the office, but it felt like I was vacationing on those precious hours on my commute, which I spent with the villagers of Trevay.
The focus on the Cornish village reminded me somewhat of a novel I reviewed last year; A Fete to Remember. Both are set in a small town and focus on the real community spirit which emanates from the pages of the novels, but where Julia Stagg's fell flat to me as I never truly connected to the characters and their struggles, Fern Britton's wonderfully descriptive writing style managed to transport me to Cornwall, and I felt a real part of that amazing feeling of solidarity among the villagers that rippled through the story.
A Seaside Affair centres on, as previously mentioned, the Cornish town of Trevay. And in particularly the villagers' battle against a big coffee chain wanting to take over The Pavillions, which houses their historic theatre. The problem is that The Pavillions don't look like they used to; run down and neglected it needs some serious money injected into it, which the coffee chain can provide and so the council is pretty set on signing the paperwork as soon as possible, and by doing so getting rid of the eye sore that is the current theatre.
Armed with a passion for their community and some handy contacts in the worlds of television and theatre, the towns people put their heads together to come up with a plan to save The Pavillions without the need to sell out to the coffee chain. They soon manage to rope in an array of celebrities to put Trevay and The Pavillions on the map before the start of a new theatre season, which includes an exclusive event around television series Downtown Abbey and a play which stars a famous model turned actress, who has her own reasons for taking on the job in the small village. All the money made from the events will go to the helping to save The Pavillions, but will it be enough? And will the drama that plays out behind-the-scenes not get in the way of the ultimate goal?
I do love Cornwall and Fern Britton describes her lovely fictional village in such a way that it sounds like the perfect holiday destination. I wish it was real so I could go there on my next trip! It is no surprise that the townspeople feel passionate about the place and I really enjoyed reading that feeling of solidarity that was created by the mutual goal of saving the theatre and fighting their Goliath; the coffee chain.
Unfortunately I did think that there were too many characters the novel tried to focus on, which meant that none of them really received the page time they deserved or needed for me to be able to truly care for any of them. There was a lot of focus on the actors' various spouses which didn't really serve the story at all, only added unnecessary dramatics that actually made the characters get on my nerves after a while.
And that is a shame, because there is a lot to enjoy within A Seaside Affair too, I particularly loved the core plot of saving the theatre. And if you're looking for a real holiday read this summer, A Seaside Affair ticks all the right boxes. Don't expect amazing character developments or a highly imaginative plot, but if you love romantics novels with a heavy dose of drama, then this is just the book for you.
With its beautiful summery cover, this novel announced the season of sweltering hot beach reads to me. Though the weather in the UK was not quite up to scratch yet while I was reading it, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment of being transported to a relaxing holiday destination. I may have been slugging away at the office, but it felt like I was vacationing on those precious hours on my commute, which I spent with the villagers of Trevay.
The focus on the Cornish village reminded me somewhat of a novel I reviewed last year; A Fete to Remember. Both are set in a small town and focus on the real community spirit which emanates from the pages of the novels, but where Julia Stagg's fell flat to me as I never truly connected to the characters and their struggles, Fern Britton's wonderfully descriptive writing style managed to transport me to Cornwall, and I felt a real part of that amazing feeling of solidarity among the villagers that rippled through the story.
A Seaside Affair centres on, as previously mentioned, the Cornish town of Trevay. And in particularly the villagers' battle against a big coffee chain wanting to take over The Pavillions, which houses their historic theatre. The problem is that The Pavillions don't look like they used to; run down and neglected it needs some serious money injected into it, which the coffee chain can provide and so the council is pretty set on signing the paperwork as soon as possible, and by doing so getting rid of the eye sore that is the current theatre.
Armed with a passion for their community and some handy contacts in the worlds of television and theatre, the towns people put their heads together to come up with a plan to save The Pavillions without the need to sell out to the coffee chain. They soon manage to rope in an array of celebrities to put Trevay and The Pavillions on the map before the start of a new theatre season, which includes an exclusive event around television series Downtown Abbey and a play which stars a famous model turned actress, who has her own reasons for taking on the job in the small village. All the money made from the events will go to the helping to save The Pavillions, but will it be enough? And will the drama that plays out behind-the-scenes not get in the way of the ultimate goal?
I do love Cornwall and Fern Britton describes her lovely fictional village in such a way that it sounds like the perfect holiday destination. I wish it was real so I could go there on my next trip! It is no surprise that the townspeople feel passionate about the place and I really enjoyed reading that feeling of solidarity that was created by the mutual goal of saving the theatre and fighting their Goliath; the coffee chain.
Unfortunately I did think that there were too many characters the novel tried to focus on, which meant that none of them really received the page time they deserved or needed for me to be able to truly care for any of them. There was a lot of focus on the actors' various spouses which didn't really serve the story at all, only added unnecessary dramatics that actually made the characters get on my nerves after a while.
And that is a shame, because there is a lot to enjoy within A Seaside Affair too, I particularly loved the core plot of saving the theatre. And if you're looking for a real holiday read this summer, A Seaside Affair ticks all the right boxes. Don't expect amazing character developments or a highly imaginative plot, but if you love romantics novels with a heavy dose of drama, then this is just the book for you.
August 21, 2015
What a wonderful book, this is the ultimate tale of a seaside town, banding together to try and save their much-loved, iconic Pavillions theatre, from the grips of a global coffee chain. And the town of Trevay are definitely up to the task.
Although the overall outcome of the book at least in regards to the Pavillions may have been predictable almost from the time the predicament is mentioned, the story surrounding the various people in the town trying to save it, and the outside help they get, is so entertaining and enjoyable, I honestly didn't care.
There are many main characters to this book, of which I could either sit and wax lyrical about all the different people and their various personalities, and run the risk of confusing you, or I could suggest you take a look at the book yourself, where Fern Britton will introduce you to everyone when they become relevant and keep you updated with all the threads of the story, without it ever becoming confusing.
There are also loads of famous names mentioned, partly as people donating items to help the cause, but also there is a cameo by an extremely sexy actor right towards the end, although you would probably never guess the reasoning for him being there.
This is a fabulous book of friendship, camaderie, many romances and ultimately how people can all pitch in when its a cause close to their hearts.
A Seaside Affair is set in the lovely seaside town of Trevay, and the locals are generally a very friendly bunch of people, and the town itself sounds like a lovely place to visit. But it is the theatre that I fell in love with, the history of the place, and the stories of the actors and actresses roped in to help the fight to save it.
I loved every second of this book, and felt it really summed up small Cornish town life really well.
Although the overall outcome of the book at least in regards to the Pavillions may have been predictable almost from the time the predicament is mentioned, the story surrounding the various people in the town trying to save it, and the outside help they get, is so entertaining and enjoyable, I honestly didn't care.
There are many main characters to this book, of which I could either sit and wax lyrical about all the different people and their various personalities, and run the risk of confusing you, or I could suggest you take a look at the book yourself, where Fern Britton will introduce you to everyone when they become relevant and keep you updated with all the threads of the story, without it ever becoming confusing.
There are also loads of famous names mentioned, partly as people donating items to help the cause, but also there is a cameo by an extremely sexy actor right towards the end, although you would probably never guess the reasoning for him being there.
This is a fabulous book of friendship, camaderie, many romances and ultimately how people can all pitch in when its a cause close to their hearts.
A Seaside Affair is set in the lovely seaside town of Trevay, and the locals are generally a very friendly bunch of people, and the town itself sounds like a lovely place to visit. But it is the theatre that I fell in love with, the history of the place, and the stories of the actors and actresses roped in to help the fight to save it.
I loved every second of this book, and felt it really summed up small Cornish town life really well.
April 23, 2015
This is the first of Fern Britton's books I have read and it is as bubbly and cheerful as Fern herself. The small town of Trevay is exactly as most city dwellers would like to imagine Cornish small towns or villages to be. Trevay comes together as a community to stand up to the corporate baddies and save their theatre. By doing this, they not only hope to save the theatre but to strengthen the community spirit as well. Fern Britton has created a large cast of characters and between them they probably fit the stereotype of every type of villager you might expect. I don't mean that in a bad way though. It is quite comforting sometimes to have characters where you know how you expect them to behave and to have a good idea of how things will end.The fun is in getting to that end. There is the well meaning vicar, the eccentric ex-military man, the domineering wife, the hen-pecked husband, the airhead aspiring actress, the rough but handsome Cornish man, the good-looking actor struggling to find his next job and the up-and-coming actress who we suspect is being cheated on by her successful actor boyfriend. The vicar's wife though is certainly not a conventional character! It was an entertaining story as we read about the villagers working together and finding out about the relationships between the characters. This is a light-hearted book and would be perfect for enjoying in your garden, by the pool or, even better, on a sunny Cornish beach!
My thanks to Lovereading for the review copy.
My thanks to Lovereading for the review copy.
April 15, 2015
I was lucky to get this book from http://www.lovereading.co.uk/ for an honest review.
I have not read any of Fern Britton's books but started it with and open mind and was pleasantly surprised.The old Pavilion in Trevany is falling down but when the council decide it should be sold off and made into a coffee shop the residents are furious, The rescue plan is taken up by the vicar's wife and her longstanding friend.With the help of some actors they hope to put in a show that will convince everyone the Pavilion is needed. I was drawn into the story and could almost imagine being part of the comittee to save it.The story follows some of the actors who help out and their 'big star' partners but the real mainstay is a resident 'Colonel Stick who was there on the opening night of the pavilion although he is being a bit secretive about the past. I really enjoyed being 'part' of the story and found myself getting agitated when the people just couldnt see what was in front of their face. It was a joy to read and quite a plot what with 'royals and big name rock stars all geiing in on the act although not always in a good way.
A definate good read and I just couldnt put it down, I rad it in two sittings.
I have not read any of Fern Britton's books but started it with and open mind and was pleasantly surprised.The old Pavilion in Trevany is falling down but when the council decide it should be sold off and made into a coffee shop the residents are furious, The rescue plan is taken up by the vicar's wife and her longstanding friend.With the help of some actors they hope to put in a show that will convince everyone the Pavilion is needed. I was drawn into the story and could almost imagine being part of the comittee to save it.The story follows some of the actors who help out and their 'big star' partners but the real mainstay is a resident 'Colonel Stick who was there on the opening night of the pavilion although he is being a bit secretive about the past. I really enjoyed being 'part' of the story and found myself getting agitated when the people just couldnt see what was in front of their face. It was a joy to read and quite a plot what with 'royals and big name rock stars all geiing in on the act although not always in a good way.
A definate good read and I just couldnt put it down, I rad it in two sittings.
May 5, 2014
When the residents of the Cornish seaside town of Trevay discover that their much loved Theatre is about to be taken over by a coffee chain they are up in arms.
It's up to Penny Leighton hotshot producer and local resident to come up with a rescue plan.
Armed with only her mobile phone and her contacts book, she starts to pull in some serious favours.
The town is soon deluged by actors, All keen to take part in a charity season at the Theatre.
One of the new arrivals is Jess Tate, Girlfriend to TV heartthrob Ryan Hearst. His career is on the up,while her own remains in the doldrums.
Trevay must put on the show of its life - but will the townsfolk and Jess hold on to the thing they love the most??
I love love love this book !
I find all Ferns books are feelgood and make you want to continue to read to see whats going to happen next.
All of her well loved characters are in this book - Helen, Piran, Penny and Simon and some new ones too, I especially liked Colonel Stick, the old Theatre Manager. All there all helping to save the old pavilion Theatre.
There are some laughs and some lows in this book but all in all a excellent read.
It's up to Penny Leighton hotshot producer and local resident to come up with a rescue plan.
Armed with only her mobile phone and her contacts book, she starts to pull in some serious favours.
The town is soon deluged by actors, All keen to take part in a charity season at the Theatre.
One of the new arrivals is Jess Tate, Girlfriend to TV heartthrob Ryan Hearst. His career is on the up,while her own remains in the doldrums.
Trevay must put on the show of its life - but will the townsfolk and Jess hold on to the thing they love the most??
I love love love this book !
I find all Ferns books are feelgood and make you want to continue to read to see whats going to happen next.
All of her well loved characters are in this book - Helen, Piran, Penny and Simon and some new ones too, I especially liked Colonel Stick, the old Theatre Manager. All there all helping to save the old pavilion Theatre.
There are some laughs and some lows in this book but all in all a excellent read.
May 12, 2015
A wonderful, light summer read.
When the Pavilions theatre in Trevay, Cornwall is threatened with a takeover by a coffee shop chain the locals are aghast and set about saving it.
Penny a hotshot tv producer and local vicar's wife tries to pull in favours from the business world, her friend Helen and her partner Piran a local historian also tries to muck in along with a whole host of outrageous characters, Ollie Pinkerton a theatre actor, Brooke Lynne an ex celeb and also one of the poster girls for the takeover coffee chain and Jess Tate a small time actress who is hitting the big time and trying desperately to keep up with her international jet setting actor boyfriend and Jonathan a jaded, disheartened director looking for a new career direction.
Along with a local surprise celebrity, Colonel Stick who was the original manager and actor from the Pavilions in the 50s.
Can this rag tag and mish mashed assortment of people from all walks of life fight the local corrupt council and also find the funds to save a local historic monument and give life to it again for a modern community?
Funny, touching and really well written to me this is a step above in the "chick lit" genre.
When the Pavilions theatre in Trevay, Cornwall is threatened with a takeover by a coffee shop chain the locals are aghast and set about saving it.
Penny a hotshot tv producer and local vicar's wife tries to pull in favours from the business world, her friend Helen and her partner Piran a local historian also tries to muck in along with a whole host of outrageous characters, Ollie Pinkerton a theatre actor, Brooke Lynne an ex celeb and also one of the poster girls for the takeover coffee chain and Jess Tate a small time actress who is hitting the big time and trying desperately to keep up with her international jet setting actor boyfriend and Jonathan a jaded, disheartened director looking for a new career direction.
Along with a local surprise celebrity, Colonel Stick who was the original manager and actor from the Pavilions in the 50s.
Can this rag tag and mish mashed assortment of people from all walks of life fight the local corrupt council and also find the funds to save a local historic monument and give life to it again for a modern community?
Funny, touching and really well written to me this is a step above in the "chick lit" genre.
April 16, 2015
Set in a small Cornish village of Trevay, the story revolves around the residents who are trying to save a local theatre from being taken over by a corporate coffee chain. It’s up to Penny, Simon, Helen and Piran to preserve this much-loved institution. The locals turn to the vicar’s wife, TV producer Penny, to call in some favours to help save the Pavilions Theatre. Penny decides to put on a fundraising show with the help of some of her celebrity friends. Ollie Pinkerton, a Shakespearean actor with a rock superstar girlfriend, Brook Lynne, and Jess Tait, a former sitcom actress with a heartthrob boyfriend who neglects her.
The story revolves around these three characters and their relationship issues, and, of course, how they all come together with the Cornish locals to save the theatre. The characters are well developed and as I read through the story I slowly began to fall in love with them. A Seaside Affair is a fun light-hearted read about true friendship that would be perfect on a summer holiday or just when you are lounging in the garden.
The story revolves around these three characters and their relationship issues, and, of course, how they all come together with the Cornish locals to save the theatre. The characters are well developed and as I read through the story I slowly began to fall in love with them. A Seaside Affair is a fun light-hearted read about true friendship that would be perfect on a summer holiday or just when you are lounging in the garden.
April 22, 2016
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. (Although it took me a while to get around to reading it, oops).
This is another good read from Fern. Like the others it is written in a very "posh" way. I like how the original people, Helen, Penny, Simon and Piran are involved in the book but not really the main characters at all. The story is based around the people of Trevay trying to save their falling down wreck of a theatre becoming a large national chain coffee shop. With Penny's celebrity knowledge and Colonel Stick's help they manage to get a sell out show to run for the Summer and lots of publicity to help bring it back to life.
This is another good read from Fern. Like the others it is written in a very "posh" way. I like how the original people, Helen, Penny, Simon and Piran are involved in the book but not really the main characters at all. The story is based around the people of Trevay trying to save their falling down wreck of a theatre becoming a large national chain coffee shop. With Penny's celebrity knowledge and Colonel Stick's help they manage to get a sell out show to run for the Summer and lots of publicity to help bring it back to life.
May 11, 2014
I have just read Fern's first novel and was a little disappointed but felt that this book was much better. A good like able read. Perfect for the holidays. Well written, with good characters and plot. It took me a little to get into the story but once I had I couldn't put it down.
It tells the story of a group of Cornish residents of the Cornish seaside town of Trevay, who band together to save their much-loved theatre.It is left to Penny, a hotshot producer and resident of Trevay, to come up with a rescue plan. Taking her contact book she approaches her actor friends and soon the toen is full of actors all wanting to help.
It tells the story of a group of Cornish residents of the Cornish seaside town of Trevay, who band together to save their much-loved theatre.It is left to Penny, a hotshot producer and resident of Trevay, to come up with a rescue plan. Taking her contact book she approaches her actor friends and soon the toen is full of actors all wanting to help.
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