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Porthmellow Harbour #4
One Cornish Summer With You
Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever?
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever?
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
111 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
43 books1,184 followersPhillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times and Amazon Top 10 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.
She has written 26 books under three pen names since her debut novel , Decent Exposure, was made into a Lifetime TV movie called 12 Men of Christmas.
Her latest release is An Endless Cornish Summer.
A Special Cornish Christmas will be published in November 2021.
She also writes the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
She has written 26 books under three pen names since her debut novel , Decent Exposure, was made into a Lifetime TV movie called 12 Men of Christmas.
Her latest release is An Endless Cornish Summer.
A Special Cornish Christmas will be published in November 2021.
She also writes the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, One Cornish Summer With You, by Phillipa Ashley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Tammy did not have the best childhood in Cornwall, but she has some good memories. This book is deep and has alot of layers to it. I really like Tammy, and Cornwall.
May 10, 2025
An enjoyable summer read, perfect for holidays. The story follows Cornish sand artist Tammy and new arrival to Cornwall, solicitor Ruan. Will they or won’t they end up living happily ever after? I really liked the characters in this book, especially Ruan and Davey and although it was a predictable light hearted read I would have been really disappointed if it hadn’t been! The Cornish location is lovely with a nice jaunt to Scotland too & the story not written in an overtly cheesy way. What’s not to like?!
Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
May 26, 2025
Phillip Ashley is a fantastic author, and this novel doesn’t disappoint. She often writes about Cornwall, and I always want to visit after reading one of her books.
Tammy is an artist, and her medium of choice is sand art on the Cornish beaches. When she meets Ruen on the beach, she is initially very wary. Her mum left when she was young, and her father drank and gambolled, and then died – so her experience is that everyone she cares about leaves. Just as she is starting to trust him, she finds out a secret about him that may just destroy their relationship forever.
A lovely story, evocative of the region, and you will be rooting for Tammy and Ruen and the power of love.
Tammy is an artist, and her medium of choice is sand art on the Cornish beaches. When she meets Ruen on the beach, she is initially very wary. Her mum left when she was young, and her father drank and gambolled, and then died – so her experience is that everyone she cares about leaves. Just as she is starting to trust him, she finds out a secret about him that may just destroy their relationship forever.
A lovely story, evocative of the region, and you will be rooting for Tammy and Ruen and the power of love.
March 28, 2025
I struggled with this one unfortunately. The description of the Cornish Harbour town was wonderful, The premise for the story was promising and I was expecting to love it, however I just couldn't warm to Tammy the FMC. She cam across an entitled brat who doesn't take into account anyone's feeling but her own, and woe betide those who don't put her in the centre of their worlds. Or in the case of Ruan, even if they do it isn't good enough. The book wrapped up tidily enough but by then I wasn't invested in a HEA.
May 8, 2025
This was exactly as I predicted! A lovely easy heart warming read. I loved the characters and the setting, far fetched in places but romantic and endearing! A lovely read with a happy ending!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
July 13, 2025
Giving this a generous 4 stars for the setting and the Cornish summer vibes and sense of place but in reality 3 stars because of the really annoying lead female character and what seemed like a nonsense storyline. I found this story and the main characters tedious and pointless at times but then it would pick up a bit just enough to make me stubbornly continue. In reality I really couldn’t wait to be done with it. A very frustrating and long endless read 😩
June 7, 2025
It’s now five years since Tammy lost her father – she’s never really understood the circumstances of his death, and she misses him every day. Although he had his demons, he was the centre of her life after her mother walked away – even when some questionable decisions led to the loss of their home. But she’s a fighter – living in a flat above his ceramics studio, landlord Davey keeps a fatherly eye on her (sometimes too close an eye, but he’s a total sweetheart behind that gruff exterior), and she’s beginning to make a real success of life as a sand artist. When completing an installation that’s particularly special to her, she notices she’s being watched by a rather attractive man in a suit who looks rather out of place sitting on the sea wall – and an incident with an ice cream and a seagull brings Ruan, a solicitor who’s just moved into the area, into her life.
Her independence is really important to her – although she has good friends in her life as well as Davey, she’s always avoided longer term relationships. Well, apart from one – and that really didn’t end well. Ruan slowly gets under her skin, not at all the buttoned-up man he first appears to be – but he has secrets, kept from her for the best of reasons, that he worries might come between them. And things only get worse – even more secrets that might be particularly devastating, all tied up with events of the past that really have to be untangled.
The central romance in this book is quite wonderful – while Tammy won my heart from our very first meeting, Ruan is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I really felt for him too. The chemistry between them is palpable, and very real – and, despite the many obstacles, I so wanted them to have a happy ending. The secrets, and the way they unfold, are so intriguing and well handled – but you’ll find that out for yourself as you read. I enjoyed the friendships too – Davey in particular has his own emotional story – and I absolutely loved the whole concept of the sand art that Tammy created, significant for herself or others but always washed away by the next tide. As well as the emotional ups and downs, there’s more than a touch of drama, plenty of laughter, and the most fantastic supporting characters – just wait until you meet Polly, I just know you’ll love her as much as I did.
I adored this book, the pages turning ever faster – I read it in a couple of uninterrupted sittings, and that was only because we all need to sleep at times. It really was a total delight, full of everything I enjoy, and beautifully written – do add it to your reading list, because I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Her independence is really important to her – although she has good friends in her life as well as Davey, she’s always avoided longer term relationships. Well, apart from one – and that really didn’t end well. Ruan slowly gets under her skin, not at all the buttoned-up man he first appears to be – but he has secrets, kept from her for the best of reasons, that he worries might come between them. And things only get worse – even more secrets that might be particularly devastating, all tied up with events of the past that really have to be untangled.
The central romance in this book is quite wonderful – while Tammy won my heart from our very first meeting, Ruan is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I really felt for him too. The chemistry between them is palpable, and very real – and, despite the many obstacles, I so wanted them to have a happy ending. The secrets, and the way they unfold, are so intriguing and well handled – but you’ll find that out for yourself as you read. I enjoyed the friendships too – Davey in particular has his own emotional story – and I absolutely loved the whole concept of the sand art that Tammy created, significant for herself or others but always washed away by the next tide. As well as the emotional ups and downs, there’s more than a touch of drama, plenty of laughter, and the most fantastic supporting characters – just wait until you meet Polly, I just know you’ll love her as much as I did.
I adored this book, the pages turning ever faster – I read it in a couple of uninterrupted sittings, and that was only because we all need to sleep at times. It really was a total delight, full of everything I enjoy, and beautifully written – do add it to your reading list, because I’m sure you’ll love it too.
April 1, 2025
One Cornish Summer With You 4 STAR
Tammy lives in the harbour town of Porthmellow. She spends her days creating sand sculptures. On the anniversary of her father’s death, she is creating a sunrise in the sand when her eyes are drawn to a gorgeous guy in a suit, not your normal beach attire.
Turns out Ruan and Tammy have more in common than expected, but she is determined to protect herself from more heartache, so she keeps him at a distance.
Ruan, a solicitor, has a secret which he's kept from Tammy. When she discovers it, everything about her past begins to unravel.
This was so well written. Tammy went through so much: the mysterious death of her father, the loss of her family home at her father’s hands, and her mother abandoning her. The description of this Cornish town is so reminiscent of family holidays. It truly brings the story to life.
Tammy is such a caring woman. She deserves to be so happy, and it’s clear the connection she feels with Ruan.
Ruan holds his own secrets, but it’s obvious it’s to protect Tammy. He’s trying to work out what he wants for his own future, piece together the secrets of Seaspray.
I really enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship. It felt very true to life and believable.
Thank you, NetGalley, Phillipa Ashley, and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Tammy lives in the harbour town of Porthmellow. She spends her days creating sand sculptures. On the anniversary of her father’s death, she is creating a sunrise in the sand when her eyes are drawn to a gorgeous guy in a suit, not your normal beach attire.
Turns out Ruan and Tammy have more in common than expected, but she is determined to protect herself from more heartache, so she keeps him at a distance.
Ruan, a solicitor, has a secret which he's kept from Tammy. When she discovers it, everything about her past begins to unravel.
This was so well written. Tammy went through so much: the mysterious death of her father, the loss of her family home at her father’s hands, and her mother abandoning her. The description of this Cornish town is so reminiscent of family holidays. It truly brings the story to life.
Tammy is such a caring woman. She deserves to be so happy, and it’s clear the connection she feels with Ruan.
Ruan holds his own secrets, but it’s obvious it’s to protect Tammy. He’s trying to work out what he wants for his own future, piece together the secrets of Seaspray.
I really enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship. It felt very true to life and believable.
Thank you, NetGalley, Phillipa Ashley, and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2025
What a lovely summer read. The beach scenes and the wonderful descriptions of Cornwall really put me in a summery mood.
Tammy is a relatable character, her insecurities are real and I could totally understand her reluctance to actually let herself be fully open with any one incase she got hurt again. I enjoyed watching her grow. After meeting Ruan you can see the inner turmoil as she wrestled with her feelings. Ruan was kind and patient with her, even when it was obvious it was hurting him.
I enjoyed the mystery of great uncle Walter and how Ruan sought to find out more about him and the house he inherited. The twists and turns really kept me engaged and I liked how they too interlinked with Tammy and her feelings.
Learning about sand art was great, I really hope I get to see some and will enjoy visiting beaches in the summer for research 🤣. If you are wanting a delicious feel good beach read, then this is for you.
Tammy is a relatable character, her insecurities are real and I could totally understand her reluctance to actually let herself be fully open with any one incase she got hurt again. I enjoyed watching her grow. After meeting Ruan you can see the inner turmoil as she wrestled with her feelings. Ruan was kind and patient with her, even when it was obvious it was hurting him.
I enjoyed the mystery of great uncle Walter and how Ruan sought to find out more about him and the house he inherited. The twists and turns really kept me engaged and I liked how they too interlinked with Tammy and her feelings.
Learning about sand art was great, I really hope I get to see some and will enjoy visiting beaches in the summer for research 🤣. If you are wanting a delicious feel good beach read, then this is for you.
March 2, 2025
Free courtesy of Netgalley
I really liked this book, it is going to be a great holiday/summer read, full of love, mysteries and a community looking after each other.
Tammy is a sand artist, who lost her dad to the sea. Living in an apartment owned by her dad's best friend, she is living from day to day. One day she meets a stranger, in a suit, watching her create the tribute to her dad on the anniversary of his death. Will Ruan be the person to break the barriers she has put around herself and encourage her to live her life to her fullest. But Ruan has his own secrets and will his inheritance create a barrier between them as their histories intertwine.
I would recommend this book as it was a lovely read that took your soul to Cornwall for a little while
I really liked this book, it is going to be a great holiday/summer read, full of love, mysteries and a community looking after each other.
Tammy is a sand artist, who lost her dad to the sea. Living in an apartment owned by her dad's best friend, she is living from day to day. One day she meets a stranger, in a suit, watching her create the tribute to her dad on the anniversary of his death. Will Ruan be the person to break the barriers she has put around herself and encourage her to live her life to her fullest. But Ruan has his own secrets and will his inheritance create a barrier between them as their histories intertwine.
I would recommend this book as it was a lovely read that took your soul to Cornwall for a little while
May 31, 2025
A beautiful, emotional story told by Phillipa Ashley.
The story centres around two characters; Tammy, who has lived in Porthmellow all her life. She's a sand artist and also helps at a local gallery. Having lost her father, she is a bit untethered and quite reluctant to forge relationships with people other than her most trusted friends.
The second is Ruan. He's a solicitor, recently moved to the area, but with connections to the village and surrounding area that become more and more apparent as the story goes on.
You feel the connection between the two characters from the beginning, and feel the effects of past secrets coming out on that fragile start of something that could be so special.
I loved the story, and the cast of side characters brought extra depth to the story, especially Davey and Polly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC
The story centres around two characters; Tammy, who has lived in Porthmellow all her life. She's a sand artist and also helps at a local gallery. Having lost her father, she is a bit untethered and quite reluctant to forge relationships with people other than her most trusted friends.
The second is Ruan. He's a solicitor, recently moved to the area, but with connections to the village and surrounding area that become more and more apparent as the story goes on.
You feel the connection between the two characters from the beginning, and feel the effects of past secrets coming out on that fragile start of something that could be so special.
I loved the story, and the cast of side characters brought extra depth to the story, especially Davey and Polly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC
June 5, 2025
Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
May 21, 2025
A great holiday beach read (though I actually read it whilst amongst the hills on an island off the west coast of Scotland!). Great romcom set in another fab part of the world, Cornwall. Loved the characters and the storyline - it’s one of those books you always feel is going to come right in the end and thankfully it did! Don’t think I could have stood an unhappy ending for Tammy & Ruan! Highly recommended for great big happy vibes (with a few bumps along the way!).
May 9, 2025
A lovely summer read. There’s a fantastic cast of characters and the book wasn’t too cheesy. There were some interesting diversions from the standard romance plot.
May 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
August 12, 2025
Perfect light-hearted summer read ☀️ 🏖️
August 13, 2025
The dialogue between the characters was really clunky? There was no personality with them, it just sounded like robots talking to each other. Was lovely to read about Cornwall anyways ☺️☺️
June 15, 2025
Despite the Cornish backdrop, I really struggled with this book due to the fact that I found it repetitive and boring. The plot was predictable and I didn't care for the characters nor did I care for the many side characters either. The chemistry and romance between Tammy and Ruan came across as flat. Having read Phillipa Ashley before, I thought that this book lacked the charm of her previous books.
NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2025
💫: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🎧: “There's a girl in this harbour town” (Brandy [You’re a Fine Girl]; Looking Glass)
⏳: 2 days
—
First of all, why are they having sex in a cave ON A BEACH I refuse to believe that shit is comfortable
Second of all, the fuck you mean Ruan has never heard of a Fray Bentos pudding…?
🎧: “There's a girl in this harbour town” (Brandy [You’re a Fine Girl]; Looking Glass)
⏳: 2 days
—
First of all, why are they having sex in a cave ON A BEACH I refuse to believe that shit is comfortable
Second of all, the fuck you mean Ruan has never heard of a Fray Bentos pudding…?
June 3, 2025
One Cornish Summer With You is a romance novel set in Cornwall. I was excited to read this book as Cornwall is very close to my heart, but sadly the book just didn’t hit. At times I found the premise dragged on, with too many different characters involved. I didn’t gel with the main character and found her emotionally unavailable, stubborn and self-centred. A classic avoidant attachment style! The story was very predictable, but tied up nicely at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Random House UK, Cornerstone and Penguin for access to this eARC in exchange for this honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Random House UK, Cornerstone and Penguin for access to this eARC in exchange for this honest review.
August 1, 2025
Enjoyed reading this book, a book that’s easy to pick up and carry on from where you left it. I’ve been rushing to get to the end and it didn’t disappoint. A heartwarming story that makes me want to go back and visit Cornwall 😁
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April 11, 2025A perfect summer read full of emotion!!
March 3, 2025
When a new Philippa Ashley book is released, you know you can expect a real treat filled with a heartwarming storyline, set against the backdrop of a stunning location.
One Cornish Summer With You is set in the beautiful, charming and picturesque town of Porthmellow in Cornwall - you can sense the sea breeze and picture yourself strolling along the beach –a stunning area of beauty. Phillipa Ashley is a master in making you feel you are part of the story and being able to vividly imagine yourself in the locations themselves. Her descriptions of Porthmellow are just wonderful and I felt like I was actually there. The book was inspired by Philippa Ashley’s visit to the beautiful hidden gem of St Loy Cove in Cornwall. Porthmellow is featured in some of Philippa Ashley’s other novels too.
The two main characters in the book are Tammy, an artist who creates the most amazing sand art in Cornwall, which capture the essence of her surroundings and express her feelings and emotions. I absolutely loved hearing all about sand art. When Tammy was younger, her life was upended when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned the family. Her father sadly passed away. Understandably this has all had a huge impact on Tammy, not only when she was younger but also growing up. As an adult, Tammy now feels the need to rebuild her life and concentrate on creating a bright future - by dedicating herself to her sand art and grasping any new opportunities that may come her way.
Then we meet Ruan, a solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start in life, leaving behind his past and looking to rebuild his life again. He wants to move forward, free from the shadows of his past.
During one of Tammy’s incredible sand art creations, her path crosses with Ruan’s. Tammy is very cautious about meeting new people and finds it hard to let her guard down. Her relationship with her ex-boyfriend was complicated and ultimately resulted in significant heartbreak. Tammy and Ruan enjoy each other's company, but Tammy's past has meant that she has so many barriers up that Ruan finds it challenging to break through them. Ruan recognizes how hard it is for Tammy and gives her all the space she needs, which means so much to her and allows their relationship to grow slowly and develop naturally.
Tammy discovers an old letter belonging to her late father, which reveals a connection between Ruan and her family. His secret played a significant role in her past, leaving a devastating impact on her life.
Ruan did not know who Tammy was at first. When he found out about his link to Tammy, he didn't tell her because he was afraid it would ruin their relationship. But how could they both move forward together now that the truth was revealed? Tammy had trusted Ruan, but now this secret left her feeling betrayed and confused. Could love shine through? Could their relationship continue? You will need to read the book to find out!
Another incredible novel – thank you Phillipa! I love the storyline, the incredible setting, the characters and I was so pleased with the ending – new beginnings are exactly what we all deserve. When the past has been so difficult, moving forward is never easy but if you can find it in your heart to forgive and move on, the future can be so much brighter. It shows us that hope and healing may be within reach. Even through challenging times, there’s always the possibility of something wonderful emerging.
An enormous 5 stars from me!
Thank you very much Random House UK, Cornerstone, Penguin UK, and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
One Cornish Summer With You is set in the beautiful, charming and picturesque town of Porthmellow in Cornwall - you can sense the sea breeze and picture yourself strolling along the beach –a stunning area of beauty. Phillipa Ashley is a master in making you feel you are part of the story and being able to vividly imagine yourself in the locations themselves. Her descriptions of Porthmellow are just wonderful and I felt like I was actually there. The book was inspired by Philippa Ashley’s visit to the beautiful hidden gem of St Loy Cove in Cornwall. Porthmellow is featured in some of Philippa Ashley’s other novels too.
The two main characters in the book are Tammy, an artist who creates the most amazing sand art in Cornwall, which capture the essence of her surroundings and express her feelings and emotions. I absolutely loved hearing all about sand art. When Tammy was younger, her life was upended when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned the family. Her father sadly passed away. Understandably this has all had a huge impact on Tammy, not only when she was younger but also growing up. As an adult, Tammy now feels the need to rebuild her life and concentrate on creating a bright future - by dedicating herself to her sand art and grasping any new opportunities that may come her way.
Then we meet Ruan, a solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start in life, leaving behind his past and looking to rebuild his life again. He wants to move forward, free from the shadows of his past.
During one of Tammy’s incredible sand art creations, her path crosses with Ruan’s. Tammy is very cautious about meeting new people and finds it hard to let her guard down. Her relationship with her ex-boyfriend was complicated and ultimately resulted in significant heartbreak. Tammy and Ruan enjoy each other's company, but Tammy's past has meant that she has so many barriers up that Ruan finds it challenging to break through them. Ruan recognizes how hard it is for Tammy and gives her all the space she needs, which means so much to her and allows their relationship to grow slowly and develop naturally.
Tammy discovers an old letter belonging to her late father, which reveals a connection between Ruan and her family. His secret played a significant role in her past, leaving a devastating impact on her life.
Ruan did not know who Tammy was at first. When he found out about his link to Tammy, he didn't tell her because he was afraid it would ruin their relationship. But how could they both move forward together now that the truth was revealed? Tammy had trusted Ruan, but now this secret left her feeling betrayed and confused. Could love shine through? Could their relationship continue? You will need to read the book to find out!
Another incredible novel – thank you Phillipa! I love the storyline, the incredible setting, the characters and I was so pleased with the ending – new beginnings are exactly what we all deserve. When the past has been so difficult, moving forward is never easy but if you can find it in your heart to forgive and move on, the future can be so much brighter. It shows us that hope and healing may be within reach. Even through challenging times, there’s always the possibility of something wonderful emerging.
An enormous 5 stars from me!
Thank you very much Random House UK, Cornerstone, Penguin UK, and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
June 10, 2025
One Cornish Summer With You by Phillipa Ashley. Is a sweet sentimental romance between local sand artist Tammy and Raun, a solicitor who has just inherited a rundown house and moved to the county for a better work life balance.
One Cornish Summer With You is a typical romance novel where boy meets girl, the connection gets closer along the way, until a major event happens which threatens the relationship.
However in the end true love conquers all and the two seem to go on to live happily ever after. In this the writer, Phillipa Ashley does a wonderful job fulfilling this promise.
There are however a few minor issues with the novel.
The first being Tammy’s job, she works part time in a gallery, however her main aim in life is to be a sand artist, as this novel is set in the summer it does feel like the equivalent of a Christmas Tree farmer in a Christmas romance.
The other is the male lead Raun named after the river between Cornwell and Devon the first being the county the novel is set in and the second is portrayed as its rival. I have no issue with that.
The issue is Raun does not do exercise in the normal meaning of the word but he does go kitesurfing, giving him a hint of macho as he does an extreme sport. However at the moment he is taking a break due to an injury giving him a little vulnerability.
Both of these characters are more than this description, but they do sort of fall into the tropical characters in a romance novel.
Add to that the cause of the third act break up is so obvious from the start, that it might as well have a warning siren when the novel mentions the cause in any way.
Having said that if you read the romance genre this is what is the foundation of the story. What makes the difference is everything that the writer adds to these foundations to complete the building.
In this case Phillipa Ashley has written a romance that ticks all the boxes that any reader will want from a summer romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One Cornish Summer With You is a typical romance novel where boy meets girl, the connection gets closer along the way, until a major event happens which threatens the relationship.
However in the end true love conquers all and the two seem to go on to live happily ever after. In this the writer, Phillipa Ashley does a wonderful job fulfilling this promise.
There are however a few minor issues with the novel.
The first being Tammy’s job, she works part time in a gallery, however her main aim in life is to be a sand artist, as this novel is set in the summer it does feel like the equivalent of a Christmas Tree farmer in a Christmas romance.
The other is the male lead Raun named after the river between Cornwell and Devon the first being the county the novel is set in and the second is portrayed as its rival. I have no issue with that.
The issue is Raun does not do exercise in the normal meaning of the word but he does go kitesurfing, giving him a hint of macho as he does an extreme sport. However at the moment he is taking a break due to an injury giving him a little vulnerability.
Both of these characters are more than this description, but they do sort of fall into the tropical characters in a romance novel.
Add to that the cause of the third act break up is so obvious from the start, that it might as well have a warning siren when the novel mentions the cause in any way.
Having said that if you read the romance genre this is what is the foundation of the story. What makes the difference is everything that the writer adds to these foundations to complete the building.
In this case Phillipa Ashley has written a romance that ticks all the boxes that any reader will want from a summer romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2025
Tammy is a born and bred Cornish woman in her early thirties who is trying to make a living from her love of creating sand art. While her childhood was happy, it was blown apart when her parents split. She chose to stay with her Dad in Cornwall but when he passed away in tragic circumstances, she was left heartbroken. She slowly builds a life for herself with the help of friends but she still distances herself and finds it difficult to trust others. Ruan has just moved to the area from Bristol. A lawyer by trade but with a love for Cornwall and the coast, he has moved to the area partly for a better work life balance but partly because he inherits a run down house from a distant relative he only met once and he’s keen to work out the mystery of why this person chose him. A chance encounter between Tammy and Ruan sparks an instant attraction on both sides but will their past histories stop them from getting to know each other better or will they be just what each other needs?
As people who have read Philippa Ashley’s previous books will expect, this is an easy to read, cosy, emotional and ultimately heartwarming story. Cornwall is depicted magnificently and this book has made me desperate to visit again! I found parts frustrating related to some of the character’s behaviours (to say more would be a spoiler) but I also found parts of it refreshing for this type of story. I could see where the plot was going in many ways but even though I guessed right, there were still surprises because that part was dealt with much earlier in the book that I was expecting.
This is a perfect summer holiday read and one I would recommend to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
As people who have read Philippa Ashley’s previous books will expect, this is an easy to read, cosy, emotional and ultimately heartwarming story. Cornwall is depicted magnificently and this book has made me desperate to visit again! I found parts frustrating related to some of the character’s behaviours (to say more would be a spoiler) but I also found parts of it refreshing for this type of story. I could see where the plot was going in many ways but even though I guessed right, there were still surprises because that part was dealt with much earlier in the book that I was expecting.
This is a perfect summer holiday read and one I would recommend to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
March 31, 2025
🌊One Cornish summer with you - Phillipa Ashley 🌊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release date - 5th June 2025
Blurb - Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever?
My thoughts 💭- first and foremost thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity of a ARC of this stunning book.
If you didn’t know already I’m a little Cornwall obsessed 😍 (can you blame me?) so if it’s got Cornwall in the title, it’s set there or there’s some Cornish reference I’m gonna read it…. This one just didn’t let me down.
Gosh what a beautiful heartwarming and emotional story. This book just had it all even took twists I didn’t expect 🥰🥹
This is my first @phillipa.ashleyauthor book and will not be my last! Cannot wait to get stuck into more!
#arc #netgalley #bookreviewer #bookblogger #bookstagram #onecornishsummerwithyou #phillipaashley #romance #stunning
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release date - 5th June 2025
Blurb - Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever?
My thoughts 💭- first and foremost thank you to @netgalley for the opportunity of a ARC of this stunning book.
If you didn’t know already I’m a little Cornwall obsessed 😍 (can you blame me?) so if it’s got Cornwall in the title, it’s set there or there’s some Cornish reference I’m gonna read it…. This one just didn’t let me down.
Gosh what a beautiful heartwarming and emotional story. This book just had it all even took twists I didn’t expect 🥰🥹
This is my first @phillipa.ashleyauthor book and will not be my last! Cannot wait to get stuck into more!
#arc #netgalley #bookreviewer #bookblogger #bookstagram #onecornishsummerwithyou #phillipaashley #romance #stunning
April 24, 2025
Cosy, uplifting and full of heart. This book is so much more than a summer romance, I loved how much depth there was to it, so many layers to unravel, with family at the very heart.
Tammy is a sand artist who has lived in Cornwall her whole life. Following the death of her father at sea, she lives with Davey, who is the next best thing to a dad. One day, whilst creating a sand tribute to her Dad, she comes across Ruan, who instantly sparks her interest because he is wearing a suit on the beach 😅 Tammy and Ruan get to know each other and it’s clear there is a connection. Ruan has recently moved to the area with a new job, following the inheritance of a house from a Great Uncle he only ever met once. What neither Tammy nor Ruan know is that that house is going to connect them far deeper than they ever imagined. But will it divide them?
It’s a book full of secrets, past and present, and in the midst of them all, Tammy and Ruan definitely fall casualty. There’s a lot of heartache, particularly on Tammy’s side, as she fears that everyone she loves will eventually abandon her. Her tendency to push people away frustrated me at times but she did recognise this behaviour eventually. I thought Tammy and Ruan were a good match and it was clear that they both really wanted to do the right thing by each other the whole way through. They felt like really genuine and wholesome people with the kindest of intentions.
This was an enjoyable read that made me wish I lived in Cornwall 🥲
Tammy is a sand artist who has lived in Cornwall her whole life. Following the death of her father at sea, she lives with Davey, who is the next best thing to a dad. One day, whilst creating a sand tribute to her Dad, she comes across Ruan, who instantly sparks her interest because he is wearing a suit on the beach 😅 Tammy and Ruan get to know each other and it’s clear there is a connection. Ruan has recently moved to the area with a new job, following the inheritance of a house from a Great Uncle he only ever met once. What neither Tammy nor Ruan know is that that house is going to connect them far deeper than they ever imagined. But will it divide them?
It’s a book full of secrets, past and present, and in the midst of them all, Tammy and Ruan definitely fall casualty. There’s a lot of heartache, particularly on Tammy’s side, as she fears that everyone she loves will eventually abandon her. Her tendency to push people away frustrated me at times but she did recognise this behaviour eventually. I thought Tammy and Ruan were a good match and it was clear that they both really wanted to do the right thing by each other the whole way through. They felt like really genuine and wholesome people with the kindest of intentions.
This was an enjoyable read that made me wish I lived in Cornwall 🥲
July 13, 2025
Having read a few books set in the beautiful Porthmellow Harbour already I was really excited to be coming back. Even though I live in Cornwall I love reading books that are set here and although Porthmellow itself is fictional there were a lot of real places featured that I have been to and I feel that some are them are well overdue another visit!
Tammy's story is a sad one as she's recently lost her father and she's struggling with the mystery surrounding his death as she knows that she may never know what really happened. Her dad was incredibly proud of her and the amazing artistic talent that she has, and I think more than anything she still wants to make him proud and throws everything into her Sand Art.
I loved the relationship between Tammy and Ruan; from the very start you could feel the chemistry between them even though they seemed like complete opposites to begin with. However as we get to know more about Ruan it's clear they have more in common than we initially thought and it was lovely to watch them fall for each other. Of course not everything is plain sailing as Ruan has a big secret which threatens to derail their budding romance. It will take a lot of effort to overcome this monumental hurdle.
I also adored Davey and the relationship he has with Tammy. Davey has obviously tried to fill the shoes of Tammy's father and is very protective of her. Naturally he's suspicious of Ruan as he doesn't want to see Tammy hurt, but ultimately he just wants her to be happy and is a big softie at heart.
For me this was a five star read not just for the sweet romance but because of everything else that was happening; there were some truly huge secrets, twists, turns, and big reveals which kept me turning the pages. All of this in a beautiful setting made for a wonderfully addictive read.
Tammy's story is a sad one as she's recently lost her father and she's struggling with the mystery surrounding his death as she knows that she may never know what really happened. Her dad was incredibly proud of her and the amazing artistic talent that she has, and I think more than anything she still wants to make him proud and throws everything into her Sand Art.
I loved the relationship between Tammy and Ruan; from the very start you could feel the chemistry between them even though they seemed like complete opposites to begin with. However as we get to know more about Ruan it's clear they have more in common than we initially thought and it was lovely to watch them fall for each other. Of course not everything is plain sailing as Ruan has a big secret which threatens to derail their budding romance. It will take a lot of effort to overcome this monumental hurdle.
I also adored Davey and the relationship he has with Tammy. Davey has obviously tried to fill the shoes of Tammy's father and is very protective of her. Naturally he's suspicious of Ruan as he doesn't want to see Tammy hurt, but ultimately he just wants her to be happy and is a big softie at heart.
For me this was a five star read not just for the sweet romance but because of everything else that was happening; there were some truly huge secrets, twists, turns, and big reveals which kept me turning the pages. All of this in a beautiful setting made for a wonderfully addictive read.
July 1, 2025
🔴❤️ Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever? ……………………………………………………………….
📚 Out Now.
Oh this was such a lovely story and perfect read for over the summer months. I have a soft spot for books based in Cornwall, as I would love to visit one day. My husband blames Doc Martin 🤣🤣!
I have a few authors that I like to call my relaxing & Cozy reads. I devoured this book - 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me !!
#myself #follow #instagram #followback #instadaily #instadaily #philippaashley #cornwall #onecornishsummerwithyou
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever? ……………………………………………………………….
📚 Out Now.
Oh this was such a lovely story and perfect read for over the summer months. I have a soft spot for books based in Cornwall, as I would love to visit one day. My husband blames Doc Martin 🤣🤣!
I have a few authors that I like to call my relaxing & Cozy reads. I devoured this book - 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me !!
#myself #follow #instagram #followback #instadaily #instadaily #philippaashley #cornwall #onecornishsummerwithyou
April 23, 2025
This book just made me want to go to Cornwall even more than I already did. Everytime I pick up a Phillipa Ashley book I know I am in for a treat. She has a great way of blending romance, friendship and a heartwarming story of community spirit.
The book is set in the idylic town of Porthmellow in Cornwall, the author transports you to the seaside with her writing. Tammy our main MC spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, growing up in the town she had a wonderful childhood until everything went wrong, her father becomes bankcrupt and her mother abandons them. Now she bases her designs on the local area. One the day of her fathers anniversary she sees . Ruan a suited and booted solicitor moved to Cornwall for a fresh start. Both have their issues but find themselves drawn together.
I really like this kind of book. To be honest I didn't warm exactly with Tammy or Ruan but I love the characters in the background, especially Polly. I am assumeing there may be more books in the series as it has been left open, and I look forwards to finding out what everyone is up to.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 5th, 2025
The book is set in the idylic town of Porthmellow in Cornwall, the author transports you to the seaside with her writing. Tammy our main MC spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, growing up in the town she had a wonderful childhood until everything went wrong, her father becomes bankcrupt and her mother abandons them. Now she bases her designs on the local area. One the day of her fathers anniversary she sees . Ruan a suited and booted solicitor moved to Cornwall for a fresh start. Both have their issues but find themselves drawn together.
I really like this kind of book. To be honest I didn't warm exactly with Tammy or Ruan but I love the characters in the background, especially Polly. I am assumeing there may be more books in the series as it has been left open, and I look forwards to finding out what everyone is up to.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 5th, 2025
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