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The Cornish Vintage Series
The Cornish Vintage Dress Shop
Escape to Cornwall with Rosemary Witham and step inside The Cornish Vintage Dress Shop…
Nestled amongst the cobbled streets of Ives-On-Sea is Rosie’s Cornish Vintage Dress Shop. Rosie, a twenty-something redhead, has left behind her cheating ex-husband, and is pursuing her love for reviving pre-loved clothes and their memories.
Surrounded by vintage garments, and her new friends, Rosie is adjusting to single life when Matt turns up on her doorstep. With his brand new suits and crazy ex-girlfriend, Rosie’s life is about to be turned upside down.
Can she find her happily ever after?
Nestled amongst the cobbled streets of Ives-On-Sea is Rosie’s Cornish Vintage Dress Shop. Rosie, a twenty-something redhead, has left behind her cheating ex-husband, and is pursuing her love for reviving pre-loved clothes and their memories.
Surrounded by vintage garments, and her new friends, Rosie is adjusting to single life when Matt turns up on her doorstep. With his brand new suits and crazy ex-girlfriend, Rosie’s life is about to be turned upside down.
Can she find her happily ever after?
- GenresRomance
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2022
108 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Holland
12 books105 followersElizabeth Holland is a writer of romance novels. She enjoys the escapism of picking up a book and losing herself in a new world. Elizabeth is a keen advocate for mental health and often speaks out about her own struggles. She writes to escape her own thoughts. When Elizabeth isn’t writing, she’s usually outside walking the dog. Her favourite walks are when it’s cold and rainy, so she can work on her next plot.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 16, 2023
Beautiful cosy romance book
I fell in love with this book right from the start. Beautifully and exceptionally well written, I felt like I was part of everyone's life in Cornwall. Elizabeth Holland writes magical, cosy books that leave you feeling so warm hearted. I devoured this book in an evening and finished it in my break, I was that enamoured with it.
If I could award ten stars, I would.
Perfect cosy book to snuggle up with.
I can highly recommend this book to you.
Kerry Kennedy Author
I fell in love with this book right from the start. Beautifully and exceptionally well written, I felt like I was part of everyone's life in Cornwall. Elizabeth Holland writes magical, cosy books that leave you feeling so warm hearted. I devoured this book in an evening and finished it in my break, I was that enamoured with it.
If I could award ten stars, I would.
Perfect cosy book to snuggle up with.
I can highly recommend this book to you.
Kerry Kennedy Author
September 26, 2022
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this delightful tale from the lovely author and spent a few days getting to know Cornwall, vintage clothing, and, especially Rosie, the main character. Now I want to book a flight to the UK and spend the entire time strolling through seaside villages and shopping in vintage shops.
I loved that Rosie and her friends in town are so vibrant, so well-rounded as characters. They seemed very real, just the kind of friends all of us need to call us out when we're talking smack about ourselves and to hang in there with us when we're struggling. Reading a romance novel where there are such deep female friendships is so refreshing!
Another great aspect of the story is that, while Rosie is recovering from heartbreak, she is anything but helpless. She gets on with her life. She opens her own business. She is an excellent businesswoman, friend, daughter, and sister. She sets boundaries that make sense. Yes, she makes some bone-headed moves, but we love her all the more for them. Who wants a perfect heroine?
Loved the twists! The complications to the budding romance are believable and intriguing!
With its charming locales, great characters, and natural dialogue, this is a must-read for any fan of contemporary romance.
I loved that Rosie and her friends in town are so vibrant, so well-rounded as characters. They seemed very real, just the kind of friends all of us need to call us out when we're talking smack about ourselves and to hang in there with us when we're struggling. Reading a romance novel where there are such deep female friendships is so refreshing!
Another great aspect of the story is that, while Rosie is recovering from heartbreak, she is anything but helpless. She gets on with her life. She opens her own business. She is an excellent businesswoman, friend, daughter, and sister. She sets boundaries that make sense. Yes, she makes some bone-headed moves, but we love her all the more for them. Who wants a perfect heroine?
Loved the twists! The complications to the budding romance are believable and intriguing!
With its charming locales, great characters, and natural dialogue, this is a must-read for any fan of contemporary romance.
September 18, 2022
I am not normally a romance reader but when I was asked by Elizabeth to read this ARC copy, I couldn't help but oblige.
This is a beautifully written book. I was rooting for Rosie from the first page and didn't falter her when she questioned everything that happened. I was so glad she was a strong-minded woman who finally worked out what her worth was.
I loved the way Elizabeth wrote this. It is a well thought out book and I would highly recommend this to everyone.
This is a beautifully written book. I was rooting for Rosie from the first page and didn't falter her when she questioned everything that happened. I was so glad she was a strong-minded woman who finally worked out what her worth was.
I loved the way Elizabeth wrote this. It is a well thought out book and I would highly recommend this to everyone.
October 23, 2022
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 21 October 2022
I just love this story. Initially because of the briliant evocation of this Cornish place and its quirky community, but then, and mainly, because of Elizabeth Holland's ability to manage, with great emotional intelligence, the business of old love making new demands, and new exciting love posing difficult questions.
I just love this story. Initially because of the briliant evocation of this Cornish place and its quirky community, but then, and mainly, because of Elizabeth Holland's ability to manage, with great emotional intelligence, the business of old love making new demands, and new exciting love posing difficult questions.
March 28, 2023
The plot of the book should be very familiar to other readers of the author's work. The protagonist is a young, short, and lean woman with an interest in (rolls dice) vintage clothing. She has to move away, at least for a while, from the big city due to (rolls dice) her former husband cheating on her, and decides to turn her interest into a business. While, or before, (flips coin) while she settles into her new home, she comes across a tall male love interest. She is, however, reluctant to pursue a relationship, especially once she finds out (rolls dice) he’s a workaholic with a crazy ex. Yeah, I’ve read enough of Holland’s books to come up with a mad lib for her plots. To be fair to this book, however, it does take some interesting turns towards the end, making it even a little bit more memorable than her previous fare. To be perfectly honest, though, I don’t read Liz’ books for the plot, I read them for her character work, worldbuilding, and prose. How does she fare in these fields?
For the most part, her character work is fine. The characters themselves are somewhat archetyped, they don’t really develop, or are explored, they mostly fill out the setting, serving as confidantes and friends to the protagonist, and as set pieces to push the plot forward to the author. Nevertheless, they are, overall, still quite clearly distinguishable from each other, even if only the main couple gets any kind of character development. One major disappointment I have concerning the main couple is how little description Matt, the love interest, gets. The narrative says he’s a workaholic, but I have no clue what his job is, or in what field. The book does mention he works at Canary Wharf, which is basically London’s Wall Street, but that could still mean absolutely anything. Does he work with a portfolio? Did he put it together himself? What’s in it? What draws him to that field, or those companies, or those stocks? With Rosie, there’s a big deal made concerning what drew her to open a vintage clothes shop, and how she thinks of and develops her products and offers, even if it doesn’t matter for the plot, yet Matt disappointingly receives none of that attention. His job is literally just a plot point to keep him away from the titular shop. He is the least developed love interest Liz ever wrote. And the worldbuilding, which at one point Liz was able to inspire me with, has taken a downturn in quality with this book. Nothing about the way the setting is presented is done so in an inviting or homely manner, every building and feature in it is simply presented in relation to the nearby hill and the sea, with nothing to entice the reader into the atmosphere, or actually build one in the first place.
That being said, what is it about this book that I find noteworthy? Various small things, to be honest, things most average readers perhaps won’t notice or think about. Rosie is the oldest protagonist Liz has written so far. She’s still using her writing to process her mental health struggles, and I think her work in that regard still merits attention, even if the way she wrote Mimi, Matt’s ex, is somewhat problematic. Also, this book represents another shift in the themes that her writing approaches; from starting anew, to rediscovering one’s passion, to reconciling one’s past. And I have to say, while Matt’s backstory was handled somewhat superficially, both main couple narratives do actually approach the topic in interesting ways.
Overall, while I am less than pleased with a few aspects of this book, its construction signals it as an interesting development in its author’s career.
For the most part, her character work is fine. The characters themselves are somewhat archetyped, they don’t really develop, or are explored, they mostly fill out the setting, serving as confidantes and friends to the protagonist, and as set pieces to push the plot forward to the author. Nevertheless, they are, overall, still quite clearly distinguishable from each other, even if only the main couple gets any kind of character development. One major disappointment I have concerning the main couple is how little description Matt, the love interest, gets. The narrative says he’s a workaholic, but I have no clue what his job is, or in what field. The book does mention he works at Canary Wharf, which is basically London’s Wall Street, but that could still mean absolutely anything. Does he work with a portfolio? Did he put it together himself? What’s in it? What draws him to that field, or those companies, or those stocks? With Rosie, there’s a big deal made concerning what drew her to open a vintage clothes shop, and how she thinks of and develops her products and offers, even if it doesn’t matter for the plot, yet Matt disappointingly receives none of that attention. His job is literally just a plot point to keep him away from the titular shop. He is the least developed love interest Liz ever wrote. And the worldbuilding, which at one point Liz was able to inspire me with, has taken a downturn in quality with this book. Nothing about the way the setting is presented is done so in an inviting or homely manner, every building and feature in it is simply presented in relation to the nearby hill and the sea, with nothing to entice the reader into the atmosphere, or actually build one in the first place.
That being said, what is it about this book that I find noteworthy? Various small things, to be honest, things most average readers perhaps won’t notice or think about. Rosie is the oldest protagonist Liz has written so far. She’s still using her writing to process her mental health struggles, and I think her work in that regard still merits attention, even if the way she wrote Mimi, Matt’s ex, is somewhat problematic. Also, this book represents another shift in the themes that her writing approaches; from starting anew, to rediscovering one’s passion, to reconciling one’s past. And I have to say, while Matt’s backstory was handled somewhat superficially, both main couple narratives do actually approach the topic in interesting ways.
Overall, while I am less than pleased with a few aspects of this book, its construction signals it as an interesting development in its author’s career.
September 21, 2025
After reading some of the reviews for this book I was really excited to start it. I had such high hope of would be as lovely as I anticipated. Instead I found a book that made me eye roll on multiple occasions. I knew it had some pretty typical themes for romance books (I love romance so it never bothers me much) but I felt this book had no angst. And considering the plot it should have had loads.
The FMC says she doesn’t trust men and doest want to start anything after what her ex did… but folds immediately when asked out. It was baffling, the MMC had no redeeming qualities to begin with other than being tall and attractive, so why did she agree?
They get together pretty swiftly then the FMC has the same internal monologue for almost the whole book. It’s jarring. She doesn’t trust him? But she doesn’t do anything about it. Once you e read the first 5-10 chapters you’ve accentually read the whole book. The FMC doubts the whole time. It’s the same conversation over and over and over again.
The descriptions in this book are lovely, but the characters are awful and I just could not get on board with it.
The FMC says she doesn’t trust men and doest want to start anything after what her ex did… but folds immediately when asked out. It was baffling, the MMC had no redeeming qualities to begin with other than being tall and attractive, so why did she agree?
They get together pretty swiftly then the FMC has the same internal monologue for almost the whole book. It’s jarring. She doesn’t trust him? But she doesn’t do anything about it. Once you e read the first 5-10 chapters you’ve accentually read the whole book. The FMC doubts the whole time. It’s the same conversation over and over and over again.
The descriptions in this book are lovely, but the characters are awful and I just could not get on board with it.
February 6, 2023
THE CORNISH VINTAGE DRESS SHOP is such a darling cozy romance. Rosie owns a vintage dress shop on the Cornwall coast and has made a new life for herself after her ex-husband cheated on her. I love atmospheric romances that have good food and transport me into the setting like I’m takin a mini-vacation there and oh, how this book did that! I loved the descriptions of this charming seaside village, from the gorgeous swishy dresses that Rosie takes in and wears, to the cozy pub where she has fish and chips with vinegar with friends, to eating croissants as she walks along the beach. She meets Matt when he comes in to drop off a clothing donation, and I loved the way their romance slowly builds while each of them learn to let the other in despite past hurts. I loved the friend group especially, and also the “Mimi” storyline. This was such a delightful romance and I can’t wait to read Elizabeth Holland’s next one! 5/5 stars.
July 15, 2024
Having read ‘The Cornish Vintage Jewellery Shop’ and loved it, I was keen to read this book and I was not disappointed. The story revolves around Rosie, a woman who having been cheated on by her husband, starts a new life in Cornwall.
Understandably she has immense trust issues and so when she meets Matthew Carter and is attracted to him, her own emotions quickly become obstacles to any hope of happiness.
As I never put spoilers into a review, you’ll have to read the book yourself to find out how their relationship develops.
As in the previous work, the author adds Cornwall as a third character and this really brings the whole story to life. From the descriptions of the spectacular scenery to the wonderful people.
If you love a well written romance, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to you and, in fact, will respectfully suggest buying more of this writer’s work.
Wonderful book!
Understandably she has immense trust issues and so when she meets Matthew Carter and is attracted to him, her own emotions quickly become obstacles to any hope of happiness.
As I never put spoilers into a review, you’ll have to read the book yourself to find out how their relationship develops.
As in the previous work, the author adds Cornwall as a third character and this really brings the whole story to life. From the descriptions of the spectacular scenery to the wonderful people.
If you love a well written romance, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to you and, in fact, will respectfully suggest buying more of this writer’s work.
Wonderful book!
September 6, 2022
As a person who's never read a romance novel in their life, I was lucky to receive an ARC of this quality. This was an excellent introduction to the genre for me. I was charmed by the setting of a small English seaside village, and felt as if I was living a snapshot of another persons life. But the best part for me were the little twists, and emotional turns that develop throughout the volume. Elizabeth spent time developing her characters, and it shows through their genuine feelings and interactions with one another. There were several times in reading this book that I had experienced the very thing I strive for in my own writing: emotional reaction from the reader. So if you want to experience the gamut of feelings, and be whisked away from your own troubles, try 'The Cornish Vintage Dress Shop'!
August 20, 2023
Ms Holland is exceptional at creating cosy environments in picturesque locations. The Cornis Vintage Dress Shop is no exception. You can almost hear the bell tinkle over the door and hear the rustle of the gently used clothing from bygone eras.
Then add to that the enigmatic Matt when he walks into Rosie's shop and is it karma or instant heartbreak. Both individuals have hidden secrets and are trying to wrest themselves from the emotional chaos of prior relationships by throwing themselves into their work.
But time will tell if this casual run-in and the attraction will survive. Rosie's trust issues and Matt's hidden reasons for his angst.
A wonderful story that any romance lover is sure to want to add to their collection.
Then add to that the enigmatic Matt when he walks into Rosie's shop and is it karma or instant heartbreak. Both individuals have hidden secrets and are trying to wrest themselves from the emotional chaos of prior relationships by throwing themselves into their work.
But time will tell if this casual run-in and the attraction will survive. Rosie's trust issues and Matt's hidden reasons for his angst.
A wonderful story that any romance lover is sure to want to add to their collection.
February 1, 2023
Matters of the heart …
A beautiful read that just touched my heart.
I felt Rosie didn’t realise how strong she is. Moving away from her cheating husband, trying her best to lift herself and others and most of all sharing and asking for help. There is no perfect relationship and unfortunately it hard to trust the next person you might fall in love with. This fact is portrayed so well in this story. This story is a good reminder to me and us all is there are many others who may not have out strength or support and it’s imp for us to step forward and help them.
If you are looking for a beautiful and inspiring love story, this is the book for you!
A beautiful read that just touched my heart.
I felt Rosie didn’t realise how strong she is. Moving away from her cheating husband, trying her best to lift herself and others and most of all sharing and asking for help. There is no perfect relationship and unfortunately it hard to trust the next person you might fall in love with. This fact is portrayed so well in this story. This story is a good reminder to me and us all is there are many others who may not have out strength or support and it’s imp for us to step forward and help them.
If you are looking for a beautiful and inspiring love story, this is the book for you!
September 3, 2022
I was delighted to ARC read this story, and did so very easily within five days. If you are searching for a charming contemporary romance set by the Cornish coastline, then this could be for you. We follow Rosie, as she runs her growing vintage dress shop, her romantic entanglements, her local and London circle of friends, and her relationship with family. Elizabeth Holland immerses one swiftly into Rosie's life with natural dialogue, pace, and an enjoyable simplicity. A feel-good book, written with warmth, hope, and love.
February 13, 2023
Delightful romance about learning how to trust again. There were lots of fun, vintage details and small town cozies sprinkled throughout, which gave the book a warm, close-knit feel. I loved how close Rosie was with her family and friends. They were such healthy relationships. That and the customers who filter through the store were probably my favorite parts. A little suspense at the end rounds the story out. Great read.
December 28, 2023
I love reading Elizabeth's books. It's like getting a cuddle from a friend you've missed—someone who always brings joy and fond memories.
The Cornish Vintage Dress Shop was no different. It had romance, angst, villains and vintage clothes. What more could you want? This read was a cosy romance that displayed how sometimes life may bring sadness and pain, but there's always hope.
The Cornish Vintage Dress Shop was no different. It had romance, angst, villains and vintage clothes. What more could you want? This read was a cosy romance that displayed how sometimes life may bring sadness and pain, but there's always hope.
November 18, 2022
This is a lovely story.
There were a few times I wanted to shout at Rosie, No don't do it.
I love books that get me invested like that.
Full of lovely scenery, interesting character's and enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Highly recommend.
There were a few times I wanted to shout at Rosie, No don't do it.
I love books that get me invested like that.
Full of lovely scenery, interesting character's and enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Highly recommend.
February 3, 2023
Such a gorgeous love story! I loved the sense of place, the descriptions of the vintage clothes and the characters... As well as the romance of course! I'd love to read a follow up with Aisha's story! Highly recommend.
February 27, 2023
Cute but formulaic romance
Nice setting and an interesting shop weren't enough to get past the predictable plot twists in this one. Abrupt ending left me wanting a better conclusion.
Nice setting and an interesting shop weren't enough to get past the predictable plot twists in this one. Abrupt ending left me wanting a better conclusion.
March 10, 2023
I fell in love with the vintage dress shop in this cosy, sweet, second-chance romance, from Elizabeth Holland. Rosie was such a brave character taking charge of her future, with wonderfully supportive friends helping her to navigate her heart. I just wanted to find this gorgeous Cornish village.
October 18, 2022
I enjoyed the story but the format of leaving a line between each paragraph spoilt it for me
December 19, 2022
Gorgeous feel good romance full of clothes, food and the feel of the British coast.
April 5, 2023
I just love books by Elizabeth. A great romance with twists and turns, and a happy ending. What more could you want. This author never disappoints.
February 3, 2024
Absolutely loving this nook so far. Well worth reading.
April 23, 2025
Cute read but needed stronger editing. I struggled with a lot of the melodramatic speeches but all in all I enjoyed it and will probably read the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews