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A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky: The unputdownable new romance and escapist beach read from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jun 26Five years ago, Zennor’s perfect Cornish wedding fell apart in the most spectacular style - thanks to Matt Veryan, the man who crashed the celebrations and shattered her happily ever after.
Now a successful business owner in St Ives, Zennor is shocked to discover Matt is not only back in her life- he’s also her new landlord.
As old feelings resurface and long-buried secrets come to light, Zennor must face the truth about her past, her marriage . . . and the man she never truly forgot.
But can Zennor ever forgive Matt? And if she does, could it lead her to a love greater than she ever dared dream possible?
Now a successful business owner in St Ives, Zennor is shocked to discover Matt is not only back in her life- he’s also her new landlord.
As old feelings resurface and long-buried secrets come to light, Zennor must face the truth about her past, her marriage . . . and the man she never truly forgot.
But can Zennor ever forgive Matt? And if she does, could it lead her to a love greater than she ever dared dream possible?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 4, 2026
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
45 books1,212 followersPhillipa Ashley is a multiple Sunday Times and Amazon Top 5 and Audible #1 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.
She has written over 30 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 the friends-to-lovers romance, The Distance Between Us - an Amazon Original Story available now on Prime. Her next full length romantic novel is A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky in June 2026.
She also wrote the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
She has written over 30 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 the friends-to-lovers romance, The Distance Between Us - an Amazon Original Story available now on Prime. Her next full length romantic novel is A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky in June 2026.
She also wrote the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 15, 2026
A fun and easy going Cornish caper set around a local Surf Life Saving Club. The outcome is predictable even by the end of the prologue but a humorous and romantic journey leads you there. I didn’t enjoy this as much as the author’s most recent Christmas book as it felt all a little too cheesy for comfort (not helped by outdated terms such as ‘local hunks’ ) & repetitively detailed entertainment events, but I did like the main characters apart from Trev- a pantomime villain if ever there was one.
April 7, 2026
3.5 stars
I was really looking forward to this one, and while there were elements I enjoyed, overall it felt a little far‑fetched and the outcome was obvious from the outset. The setting is lovely and the premise has real charm, but the predictability meant some of the emotional beats didn’t land as strongly as they could have.
On the positive side, I did enjoy the twist — it added some much‑needed tension and drama. The characters and the Cornish setting have real potential, and there were moments where the story genuinely shone.
Overall, a pleasant read with some enjoyable elements.
Thank you Nergalley for the ARC
I was really looking forward to this one, and while there were elements I enjoyed, overall it felt a little far‑fetched and the outcome was obvious from the outset. The setting is lovely and the premise has real charm, but the predictability meant some of the emotional beats didn’t land as strongly as they could have.
On the positive side, I did enjoy the twist — it added some much‑needed tension and drama. The characters and the Cornish setting have real potential, and there were moments where the story genuinely shone.
Overall, a pleasant read with some enjoyable elements.
Thank you Nergalley for the ARC
March 7, 2026
A wedding under the Cornish sky has to be my new favourite read from Phillipa Ashley
The most perfect summery read,the,most idyllic Cornish coastal location full of beaches, secret coves and stunning scenery with a great plot and interesting characters! Romance,second chances and starting over again, What more do you need for a summer read?
Zennor the main character is coming to terms with life as a single person after her divorce, when out of the blue an ex boyfriend reappears and her ex husband!Zennors complicated love triangle takes the reader on a wonderfully entertaining journey, absolute escapism and a book I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
The most perfect summery read,the,most idyllic Cornish coastal location full of beaches, secret coves and stunning scenery with a great plot and interesting characters! Romance,second chances and starting over again, What more do you need for a summer read?
Zennor the main character is coming to terms with life as a single person after her divorce, when out of the blue an ex boyfriend reappears and her ex husband!Zennors complicated love triangle takes the reader on a wonderfully entertaining journey, absolute escapism and a book I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
March 26, 2026
You can never go wrong with a book by Phillipa Ashley! So much so I stayed up until 2am to finish it.
We first meet Zennor at her wedding to Trev, which is ruined by her ex-boyfriend, Matt making accusations about her groom.
The book jumps straight to a few years later, and we meet a divorced Zennor making a go of life without her husband. She is working in a talent agency with her best friend, supplying artistes for different venues around her locale in a Cornish village, including her wedding venue. Then Matt turns up and her life changes, she sees things in a different light and the adventure continues... let alone a surprise from her past which doesn't help the situation!
I don't want to say a lot as don't want to ruin the book but wow, the twists and turns of this book, and the ending... wow! There are hints at what may/may not happen, but it is certanly not predictable.
This is a dreamy summer read, although it does make you double think your choices! If it doesn't make you want to visit Cornwall..
We first meet Zennor at her wedding to Trev, which is ruined by her ex-boyfriend, Matt making accusations about her groom.
The book jumps straight to a few years later, and we meet a divorced Zennor making a go of life without her husband. She is working in a talent agency with her best friend, supplying artistes for different venues around her locale in a Cornish village, including her wedding venue. Then Matt turns up and her life changes, she sees things in a different light and the adventure continues... let alone a surprise from her past which doesn't help the situation!
I don't want to say a lot as don't want to ruin the book but wow, the twists and turns of this book, and the ending... wow! There are hints at what may/may not happen, but it is certanly not predictable.
This is a dreamy summer read, although it does make you double think your choices! If it doesn't make you want to visit Cornwall..
April 7, 2026
I really enjoy Phillipa Ashley's books - they are cosy, fun, upbeat and enjoyable to read. Perfect for a bit of escapism. I've enjoyed and reviewed Phillipa's books before and appreciated being sent this book to review by the publisher.
The main character, Zennor, is bouncing back after a divorce, focused on her talent agency business and getting used to her new and single life. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a rivalry for her affections, when childhood sweetheart Matt and ex-husband Trev come back onto the scene and what follows is a whole load of twists and turns.
I always enjoy reading Phillipa Ashley's books and this was exactly what I was expecting and what I needed at the time - a lovely, enjoyable and light-hearted read. Phillipa's books set in Cornwall are always magical - with the sea, the coastline and the way of life forming a key part of the storyline. I could almost hear the seagulls!
Thanks to Phillipa Ashley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and NetGalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
The main character, Zennor, is bouncing back after a divorce, focused on her talent agency business and getting used to her new and single life. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a rivalry for her affections, when childhood sweetheart Matt and ex-husband Trev come back onto the scene and what follows is a whole load of twists and turns.
I always enjoy reading Phillipa Ashley's books and this was exactly what I was expecting and what I needed at the time - a lovely, enjoyable and light-hearted read. Phillipa's books set in Cornwall are always magical - with the sea, the coastline and the way of life forming a key part of the storyline. I could almost hear the seagulls!
Thanks to Phillipa Ashley, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and NetGalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review also features on Diary of an Ink Drinker
There is something wonderfully bittersweet about stories centred around second chances. Life is built on milestones: first loves, first homes, first weddings, and we are often taught to believe those ‘firsts’ should also be our forever. But what happens when they fall apart? Can a failed beginning still lead to the life you were always meant to have? These questions sit at the heart of A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky by Phillipa Ashley, a warm and gently reflective romance wrapped in sea air, family drama, and emotional unfinished business.
The novel opens with what should have been the happiest day of Zennor’s life. Swept away by the charming and dependable Trev, she is moments from beginning her future when the sudden arrival of her ex and first love, Matt, sends carefully laid plans spiralling into chaos. It is a dramatic opening that immediately hooks the reader, not simply because of the disruption itself, but because of the emotional uncertainty it creates. In that moment, Phillipa Ashley establishes the question that lingers throughout the novel: are some relationships impossible to forget, no matter how much time has passed?
Several years later, Zennor has rebuilt her life. Happily divorced and fiercely independent, she runs a thriving business with her best friend Roo, in a small Cornish coastal village. Her life is far from perfect, but it is comfortable, familiar, and safely uncomplicated, aside from her ongoing battle of wills with a particularly troublesome seagull named Eric. Yet peace rarely lasts long in romance novels, and Zennor’s carefully balanced world is shaken when Matt unexpectedly returns to town after purchasing the building that houses her business. As if that were not enough upheaval, Trev also reappears, having bought the very hotel where their disastrous wedding took place.
What follows could easily have slipped into a predictable love triangle narrative, but Phillipa Ashley takes the story in a more thoughtful direction. Rather than focusing entirely on romantic rivalry, the novel explores the emotional weight of history, regret, forgiveness, and personal growth. The central question becomes less about which man Zennor will choose and more about whether people can genuinely change, and whether revisiting the past is ever worth the risk.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting; Phillipa Ashley captures Cornwall's atmosphere beautifully, balancing postcard-worthy charm with the realities of life in a close-knit seaside community. You can almost feel the salty breeze rolling in from the harbour and hear the chatter of locals who know far too much about one another’s business. The village itself feels vividly alive, becoming as much a character as the people inhabiting it. There is a comforting cosiness to the world-building that makes the novel incredibly easy to sink into.
The supporting cast also adds real depth to the story. Zennor’s blended and often complicated family dynamic is handled with warmth and authenticity, while characters such as Roo and the wonderfully eccentric Sybil prevent the novel from becoming too narrowly focused on romance alone. Even smaller side characters are given purpose and personality, something that is surprisingly rare within the genre. Phillipa Ashley clearly understands that strong community relationships are just as important as romantic ones, and the story benefits enormously from that balance.
That said, the novel does not completely avoid the familiar conventions of romantic fiction. Some of the antagonists verge on pantomime-level villainy, and seasoned romance readers will likely predict the ending fairly early on. However, this never feels particularly detrimental to the reading experience. In many ways, predictability is part of the comfort of the genre. Readers are not necessarily seeking shocking twists or devastating emotional wreckage; they are seeking warmth, escapism, and the reassurance that happiness can still emerge from messy circumstances. A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky understands exactly what it wants to be and delivers it confidently.
At its core, this is a story about trust, not only trusting others, but trusting yourself enough to risk happiness again after disappointment. It explores how easy it is to become trapped by old versions of people and how difficult it can be to accept that both love and individuals evolve over time. Beneath the cosy romance and seaside charm lies a surprisingly thoughtful examination of emotional resilience and the courage required to begin again.
A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky may not reinvent the romance genre, but it does not need to. It is heartfelt, comforting, and full of charm, offering exactly the sort of escapist reading experience many readers crave. Perfect for slipping into a beach bag or curling up with on a rainy afternoon, it is a gentle reminder that sometimes life’s second chances can turn out even better than the first.
There is something wonderfully bittersweet about stories centred around second chances. Life is built on milestones: first loves, first homes, first weddings, and we are often taught to believe those ‘firsts’ should also be our forever. But what happens when they fall apart? Can a failed beginning still lead to the life you were always meant to have? These questions sit at the heart of A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky by Phillipa Ashley, a warm and gently reflective romance wrapped in sea air, family drama, and emotional unfinished business.
The novel opens with what should have been the happiest day of Zennor’s life. Swept away by the charming and dependable Trev, she is moments from beginning her future when the sudden arrival of her ex and first love, Matt, sends carefully laid plans spiralling into chaos. It is a dramatic opening that immediately hooks the reader, not simply because of the disruption itself, but because of the emotional uncertainty it creates. In that moment, Phillipa Ashley establishes the question that lingers throughout the novel: are some relationships impossible to forget, no matter how much time has passed?
Several years later, Zennor has rebuilt her life. Happily divorced and fiercely independent, she runs a thriving business with her best friend Roo, in a small Cornish coastal village. Her life is far from perfect, but it is comfortable, familiar, and safely uncomplicated, aside from her ongoing battle of wills with a particularly troublesome seagull named Eric. Yet peace rarely lasts long in romance novels, and Zennor’s carefully balanced world is shaken when Matt unexpectedly returns to town after purchasing the building that houses her business. As if that were not enough upheaval, Trev also reappears, having bought the very hotel where their disastrous wedding took place.
What follows could easily have slipped into a predictable love triangle narrative, but Phillipa Ashley takes the story in a more thoughtful direction. Rather than focusing entirely on romantic rivalry, the novel explores the emotional weight of history, regret, forgiveness, and personal growth. The central question becomes less about which man Zennor will choose and more about whether people can genuinely change, and whether revisiting the past is ever worth the risk.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting; Phillipa Ashley captures Cornwall's atmosphere beautifully, balancing postcard-worthy charm with the realities of life in a close-knit seaside community. You can almost feel the salty breeze rolling in from the harbour and hear the chatter of locals who know far too much about one another’s business. The village itself feels vividly alive, becoming as much a character as the people inhabiting it. There is a comforting cosiness to the world-building that makes the novel incredibly easy to sink into.
The supporting cast also adds real depth to the story. Zennor’s blended and often complicated family dynamic is handled with warmth and authenticity, while characters such as Roo and the wonderfully eccentric Sybil prevent the novel from becoming too narrowly focused on romance alone. Even smaller side characters are given purpose and personality, something that is surprisingly rare within the genre. Phillipa Ashley clearly understands that strong community relationships are just as important as romantic ones, and the story benefits enormously from that balance.
That said, the novel does not completely avoid the familiar conventions of romantic fiction. Some of the antagonists verge on pantomime-level villainy, and seasoned romance readers will likely predict the ending fairly early on. However, this never feels particularly detrimental to the reading experience. In many ways, predictability is part of the comfort of the genre. Readers are not necessarily seeking shocking twists or devastating emotional wreckage; they are seeking warmth, escapism, and the reassurance that happiness can still emerge from messy circumstances. A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky understands exactly what it wants to be and delivers it confidently.
At its core, this is a story about trust, not only trusting others, but trusting yourself enough to risk happiness again after disappointment. It explores how easy it is to become trapped by old versions of people and how difficult it can be to accept that both love and individuals evolve over time. Beneath the cosy romance and seaside charm lies a surprisingly thoughtful examination of emotional resilience and the courage required to begin again.
A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky may not reinvent the romance genre, but it does not need to. It is heartfelt, comforting, and full of charm, offering exactly the sort of escapist reading experience many readers crave. Perfect for slipping into a beach bag or curling up with on a rainy afternoon, it is a gentle reminder that sometimes life’s second chances can turn out even better than the first.
May 3, 2026
✨3 stars✨
I thought this was a quick read, one that I can imagine will be a popular holiday read this summer!
** POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD **
Setting:
As the title of the book would suggest, this book was set in Cornwall but St. Ives to be exact. This setting was perfect for the light, fast-paced read as it brought the ideal seaside vibes but also gave the sense of a real tight-knit community as the characters all seemed to know each other or at least of each other. My only slight qualm with this was that certain characters only seemed to pop up when it was convenient to the plot as they helped reveal information to our main characters but then faded into obscurity and were never mentioned again. I only wished this sense of community was utilised more as it would have helped to add more depth to the characters. As a result, everyone just fell kind of flat.
Characters:
1.) Zennor (named after a village in Cornwall) is our FMC who in the prologue marries Trev. The rest of the book follows mostly her perspective. I'll be honest, she irritated me a lot of the time with how she was so trusting of Trev, even when her instincts are yelling at her that something is wrong she'd rather stick her head in the sand. Also acted much younger than she apparently was.
2.) Matt is the guy that Zennor was in a relationship before she went away to Uni (there were a few mentions of sex in the coves) so essentially "the guy that got away". He attempts to tell Zennor the truth about Trev at her wedding in the prologue but is ignored. After the 5 year time jump after the prologue, he returns to St. Ives where the plot stems from.
3.) Trev is your stereotypical pantomime villain in the sense that he's charming when he wants something from you but is ruthless and vindicative if you stand in his way. Somehow manages to charm his way into the pants of multiple women whilst engaged to Zennor but we are supposed to believe that him when he says he was faithful to her during their short marriage. He too comes back, years after their divorce, wanting Zennor back even though she has given him zero indication that she wants to get back together with him. Throughout the supposed "love triangle" it was so clear who Zennor was going to end up with so if you enjoy blatant predictability in the books you read then you might enjoy this. He was a narcissistic slimy rat.
4.) Sybil who is Zennor's arty surrogate aunt so to speak. Probably the character I found most interesting and developed which isn't really saying much. Kept multiple secrets from Zennor which are revealed by the end and clearly had a preference over which of the men Zennor should end up with, so much so that she didn't even attend the wedding to Trev.
5.) Roo, Zennor's best friend and business partner. Not much is said about her apart from the fact she has a son and a daughter, the former having broken his arm. Mostly moans about the school rush so may be relatable to some. Wish she could have been fleshed out a bit more as all of the main character seemed to fit neatly into their stereotypical archetypes and then just acted accordingly.
The rest of the character only seemed to be mentioned once or are barely important to the plot.
Writing:
I thought Phillipa Ashley's writing was easy to read which meant I flew through this in less than 24 hours. Again I think a lot of people will enjoy this during the summer if they are looking for a light fluffy read. I just didn't enjoy this as some of her previous books that I have read and found in this one there was a lot of telling us how characters felt instead of showing. There were also times where certain thing felt over-explained in a way that wasn't at all necessary for the reader.
Overall, this was a decent read though predictable read. I can imagine it being popular during the upcoming Summer months.
I received an ARC from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I thought this was a quick read, one that I can imagine will be a popular holiday read this summer!
** POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD **
Setting:
As the title of the book would suggest, this book was set in Cornwall but St. Ives to be exact. This setting was perfect for the light, fast-paced read as it brought the ideal seaside vibes but also gave the sense of a real tight-knit community as the characters all seemed to know each other or at least of each other. My only slight qualm with this was that certain characters only seemed to pop up when it was convenient to the plot as they helped reveal information to our main characters but then faded into obscurity and were never mentioned again. I only wished this sense of community was utilised more as it would have helped to add more depth to the characters. As a result, everyone just fell kind of flat.
Characters:
1.) Zennor (named after a village in Cornwall) is our FMC who in the prologue marries Trev. The rest of the book follows mostly her perspective. I'll be honest, she irritated me a lot of the time with how she was so trusting of Trev, even when her instincts are yelling at her that something is wrong she'd rather stick her head in the sand. Also acted much younger than she apparently was.
2.) Matt is the guy that Zennor was in a relationship before she went away to Uni (there were a few mentions of sex in the coves) so essentially "the guy that got away". He attempts to tell Zennor the truth about Trev at her wedding in the prologue but is ignored. After the 5 year time jump after the prologue, he returns to St. Ives where the plot stems from.
3.) Trev is your stereotypical pantomime villain in the sense that he's charming when he wants something from you but is ruthless and vindicative if you stand in his way. Somehow manages to charm his way into the pants of multiple women whilst engaged to Zennor but we are supposed to believe that him when he says he was faithful to her during their short marriage. He too comes back, years after their divorce, wanting Zennor back even though she has given him zero indication that she wants to get back together with him. Throughout the supposed "love triangle" it was so clear who Zennor was going to end up with so if you enjoy blatant predictability in the books you read then you might enjoy this. He was a narcissistic slimy rat.
4.) Sybil who is Zennor's arty surrogate aunt so to speak. Probably the character I found most interesting and developed which isn't really saying much. Kept multiple secrets from Zennor which are revealed by the end and clearly had a preference over which of the men Zennor should end up with, so much so that she didn't even attend the wedding to Trev.
5.) Roo, Zennor's best friend and business partner. Not much is said about her apart from the fact she has a son and a daughter, the former having broken his arm. Mostly moans about the school rush so may be relatable to some. Wish she could have been fleshed out a bit more as all of the main character seemed to fit neatly into their stereotypical archetypes and then just acted accordingly.
The rest of the character only seemed to be mentioned once or are barely important to the plot.
Writing:
I thought Phillipa Ashley's writing was easy to read which meant I flew through this in less than 24 hours. Again I think a lot of people will enjoy this during the summer if they are looking for a light fluffy read. I just didn't enjoy this as some of her previous books that I have read and found in this one there was a lot of telling us how characters felt instead of showing. There were also times where certain thing felt over-explained in a way that wasn't at all necessary for the reader.
Overall, this was a decent read though predictable read. I can imagine it being popular during the upcoming Summer months.
I received an ARC from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4-4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I'd read quite a few thrillers and heavy novels before this one so I needed something a bit lighter and I can always rely on a Phillipa Ashley book to be great.
What I love about her books is that, yes, they are happily-ever-after type books and I love that. But they've also got so much depth, so many layers that you might not always get in your stereotypical will-they-won't-they story.
I thinks this is the 6th of her books I've read. I confess I prefer the Christmas ones but that's because I am a Christmas/winter obsessive and a hater of hot weather so they appeal more to me. Having said that, this story and the storytelling, characters, and writing are just as impressive.
It's about love, family (found and blood), friendship, community, lost love, wrong love, forgotten love, mistakes, forgiveness, new beginnings, self-confidence, and self-identity.
The characters aren't always nice people but they're well written. You've got the heroine, the pantomime villain, and the hunk in shining armour. So whilst I might not have liked all the characters in terms of their personalities, there's no denying her ability to create familiar, fascinating, and well-rounded characters.
I love Cornwall - although it's been many years since I've been - and so the setting was just perfect for this story.
It has a relatively predictable conclusion which might be a negative for some readers. But if I'm honest, I read these kind of uplifting novels because I know they'll end in a certain way. There may be twists throughout the story but you always know how it'll end and that's part of the appeal. I want the happily-ever-after bit. I want familiarity, and that's what makes it a relaxing read.
Sure it's a bit repetitive at times but that's not a big issue for me. It's fun and easy to read, light-hearted but memorable.
It's not got a lot of the highlights that some of her others have, it was missing this big spark, but that's a minor point because I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, and the themes and emotions behind it all.
I really should pick up her other books to read because they're just perfect for that relaxing, cosy, heartwarming read as you relax in the sunshine this summer.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I'd read quite a few thrillers and heavy novels before this one so I needed something a bit lighter and I can always rely on a Phillipa Ashley book to be great.
What I love about her books is that, yes, they are happily-ever-after type books and I love that. But they've also got so much depth, so many layers that you might not always get in your stereotypical will-they-won't-they story.
I thinks this is the 6th of her books I've read. I confess I prefer the Christmas ones but that's because I am a Christmas/winter obsessive and a hater of hot weather so they appeal more to me. Having said that, this story and the storytelling, characters, and writing are just as impressive.
It's about love, family (found and blood), friendship, community, lost love, wrong love, forgotten love, mistakes, forgiveness, new beginnings, self-confidence, and self-identity.
The characters aren't always nice people but they're well written. You've got the heroine, the pantomime villain, and the hunk in shining armour. So whilst I might not have liked all the characters in terms of their personalities, there's no denying her ability to create familiar, fascinating, and well-rounded characters.
I love Cornwall - although it's been many years since I've been - and so the setting was just perfect for this story.
It has a relatively predictable conclusion which might be a negative for some readers. But if I'm honest, I read these kind of uplifting novels because I know they'll end in a certain way. There may be twists throughout the story but you always know how it'll end and that's part of the appeal. I want the happily-ever-after bit. I want familiarity, and that's what makes it a relaxing read.
Sure it's a bit repetitive at times but that's not a big issue for me. It's fun and easy to read, light-hearted but memorable.
It's not got a lot of the highlights that some of her others have, it was missing this big spark, but that's a minor point because I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, and the themes and emotions behind it all.
I really should pick up her other books to read because they're just perfect for that relaxing, cosy, heartwarming read as you relax in the sunshine this summer.
May 20, 2026
Even though I live in Cornwall I absolutely love to read books that are set here; being able to see the setting in my minds eye really brings the story to life for me. I've been to St Ives so many times that it was very easy to become immersed in Zennor and Matt's daily lives as I could easily picture them walking along the seafront and harbour, as I have many times!
After the dramatic events at Zennor's wedding in the opening chapter, it was understandably a massive shock when the cause of that drama arrives back in St Ives. As if that wasn't bad enough, Matt is also Zennor's new landlord so there can certainly be no avoiding him, as much as she would have liked to.
I really liked both Matt and Zennor and I was so glad that circumstances pushed them together as it was obvious that circumstances were the reason that their Romance had ground to a halt in the past. Being forced to spend time together was a blessing in disguise as it allowed them both to rediscover what they loved about each other, as well as finally have a long overdue conversation about what happened at the wedding.
Of course I took an instant dislike to Zennor's ex-husband Trev, but I'm sure that was the intention! He's clearly only interested in himself and will never admit to any wrongdoing, entirely placing the blame for the wedding drama on Matt. He definitely came across as a man used to getting what he wants and isn't used to being told no.
This was a lovely relaxing read with some very likeable (and unlikeable!) characters, a gorgeous setting, a second chance Romance, and a healthy dose of drama for good measure. I always enjoy a Phillipa Ashley book, they're pure escapism, even when you live in Cornwall yourself! I have quite a few more books on my TBR and I'm really looking forward to diving into some more.
After the dramatic events at Zennor's wedding in the opening chapter, it was understandably a massive shock when the cause of that drama arrives back in St Ives. As if that wasn't bad enough, Matt is also Zennor's new landlord so there can certainly be no avoiding him, as much as she would have liked to.
I really liked both Matt and Zennor and I was so glad that circumstances pushed them together as it was obvious that circumstances were the reason that their Romance had ground to a halt in the past. Being forced to spend time together was a blessing in disguise as it allowed them both to rediscover what they loved about each other, as well as finally have a long overdue conversation about what happened at the wedding.
Of course I took an instant dislike to Zennor's ex-husband Trev, but I'm sure that was the intention! He's clearly only interested in himself and will never admit to any wrongdoing, entirely placing the blame for the wedding drama on Matt. He definitely came across as a man used to getting what he wants and isn't used to being told no.
This was a lovely relaxing read with some very likeable (and unlikeable!) characters, a gorgeous setting, a second chance Romance, and a healthy dose of drama for good measure. I always enjoy a Phillipa Ashley book, they're pure escapism, even when you live in Cornwall yourself! I have quite a few more books on my TBR and I'm really looking forward to diving into some more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another gorgeous read by Phillipa Ashley!
Our FMC, Zennor, lives in St Ives and is a successful business owner, scouting and representing local entertainment acts with her business partner, Roo. She has come a long way from the heartache of a broken marriage and the memories of a fraught wedding day five years previously. Just as her life is coming together, her past comes back in more than one way to haunt her.
Her first love, Matt, reappears and is rather close for comfort, now the owner of the building her offices are in; then her ex-husband, Trey, turns up, having bought the very hotel where their disastrous wedding took place, with every intention of staying close by.
Anything set on the Cornish coast gets my approval as it sounds beautiful, and I am ashamed to say that despite 50 years on this earth and in this very country, I have never been! I will go one day, even if it is just to pay homage to all the gorgeous literature based there!
This was a wonderfully comforting read, with a foregone conclusion, but plenty of its own little twists and turns to keep a reader turning pages.
Our FMC, Zennor, lives in St Ives and is a successful business owner, scouting and representing local entertainment acts with her business partner, Roo. She has come a long way from the heartache of a broken marriage and the memories of a fraught wedding day five years previously. Just as her life is coming together, her past comes back in more than one way to haunt her.
Her first love, Matt, reappears and is rather close for comfort, now the owner of the building her offices are in; then her ex-husband, Trey, turns up, having bought the very hotel where their disastrous wedding took place, with every intention of staying close by.
Anything set on the Cornish coast gets my approval as it sounds beautiful, and I am ashamed to say that despite 50 years on this earth and in this very country, I have never been! I will go one day, even if it is just to pay homage to all the gorgeous literature based there!
This was a wonderfully comforting read, with a foregone conclusion, but plenty of its own little twists and turns to keep a reader turning pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky by Phillipa Ashley is a warm and uplifting read that drew me in from the first chapter. The setting is beautifully described and the Cornish landscape feels like a character in its own right. Phillipa Ashley has a real gift for creating stories that balance emotion, gentle tension and charm, and this one is no exception.
The plot is engaging with a satisfying blend of romance, personal growth and community spirit. I enjoyed following the characters as their lives intertwined and as they faced both new beginnings and lingering challenges. Each character feels well developed and relatable which made it easy to become invested in their journeys. The relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, are written with affection and authenticity, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.
Overall this is a delightful and heartfelt read that offers comfort, warmth and just the right amount of escapism.
Thank you to NetGalley and Phillipa Ashley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
The plot is engaging with a satisfying blend of romance, personal growth and community spirit. I enjoyed following the characters as their lives intertwined and as they faced both new beginnings and lingering challenges. Each character feels well developed and relatable which made it easy to become invested in their journeys. The relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, are written with affection and authenticity, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.
Overall this is a delightful and heartfelt read that offers comfort, warmth and just the right amount of escapism.
Thank you to NetGalley and Phillipa Ashley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, this was an easy 5 stars! Underneath the fluffy title and gorgeous cover, this is a good solid page turning read.
Five years ago, Matt ruined Zennor's wedding reception, with scandalous accusations about her husband Trev. Zennor has just about moved on with her life and is settling into her new career when Matt reappears on the scene, as her new landlord. Cue conflict and chaos, made worse when Trev also decides to reappear!
While the battle for Zennor's attention is itself a great and entertaining story, the subplot of dealing with loss, betrayal and expectations brings emotional weight to the book, elevating it beyond the normal 'summer read' stereotype.
If you enjoy books by Milly Johnson or Ruth Jones, you will love this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK, Cornerstone for the review copy.
#AWeddingUnderTheCornishSky
#NetGalley
Five years ago, Matt ruined Zennor's wedding reception, with scandalous accusations about her husband Trev. Zennor has just about moved on with her life and is settling into her new career when Matt reappears on the scene, as her new landlord. Cue conflict and chaos, made worse when Trev also decides to reappear!
While the battle for Zennor's attention is itself a great and entertaining story, the subplot of dealing with loss, betrayal and expectations brings emotional weight to the book, elevating it beyond the normal 'summer read' stereotype.
If you enjoy books by Milly Johnson or Ruth Jones, you will love this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK, Cornerstone for the review copy.
#AWeddingUnderTheCornishSky
#NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was asked by NetGalley to review this lovely summery read
A lovely romance in Cornwall. Trev and Zennor wedding was perfect - Trev being 10 years older than Zennor, but then and old boyfriend called Matt of Zennors comes on the scene and accusations start on Trev.
Fast forward and five years on the Zennor and Trev marriage has ended and Zennor returns to Cornwall to start a business with a friend, Nothing is peaceful when Matt returns to the village as their landlord and Trev has bought the hotel they had had their wedding in. Fireworks!!
Both Mat and Trev want something from Zennor and this then makes Zennor look to secrets and the past
A good summer read and is due to be published just before the long summer holidays
Recommended lovely read.
A lovely romance in Cornwall. Trev and Zennor wedding was perfect - Trev being 10 years older than Zennor, but then and old boyfriend called Matt of Zennors comes on the scene and accusations start on Trev.
Fast forward and five years on the Zennor and Trev marriage has ended and Zennor returns to Cornwall to start a business with a friend, Nothing is peaceful when Matt returns to the village as their landlord and Trev has bought the hotel they had had their wedding in. Fireworks!!
Both Mat and Trev want something from Zennor and this then makes Zennor look to secrets and the past
A good summer read and is due to be published just before the long summer holidays
Recommended lovely read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of a ARC from Netgalley
Zennor and Matt are the main characters, supported by a host of likeable people including long-term friends and family. Teenage romance hasn’t ended as they wished but destiny seems to be bringing them together. The story unfolds over a lovely Cornish coastal in setting, with the characters developing feelings , evoking old memories and emotions. However is the path of romance going to be smooth one. With ex husbands returning? Appearing to have undergone emotional growth and teenage romances not left in the past who will she pick ?
Secrets stored in closets in the subplots to keep you entertained all in a fantastic read.
Highly recommend.
My first Phillipa Ashley read but I’ll be going back to previous books for certain.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another trip to Cornwall, and another uplifting and endearing story from this fabulous author!
It's hard to review this one without giving the story away, as so much happens in the first few chapters to explain the here and now. It is full of past loves, regrets, secrets and is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
Full of great characters, the main ones being Zennor, Trev and Matt, with a wealth of other colourful ones along the way. Some you will love, and some you will grow to dislike as their true characters come to the forefront!
I absolutely loved this story, and couldn't put it down, having read it in 3 days!
It is a hopeful story of love, friendship and forgiveness that will bring tears of sadness and joy along the way.
It's hard to review this one without giving the story away, as so much happens in the first few chapters to explain the here and now. It is full of past loves, regrets, secrets and is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.
Full of great characters, the main ones being Zennor, Trev and Matt, with a wealth of other colourful ones along the way. Some you will love, and some you will grow to dislike as their true characters come to the forefront!
I absolutely loved this story, and couldn't put it down, having read it in 3 days!
It is a hopeful story of love, friendship and forgiveness that will bring tears of sadness and joy along the way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Zennor’s wedding to Trev is interrupted by her ex Matt telling everyone the Groom has been up to no good on their wedding day. A few years later Zennor has started her own business with her friend, a talent agency and all seems to be going well although she is no longer with Trev.
Then Matt turns up and Zennor realises how angry she still is with Matt, however Matt knows he still loves Zennor but also understands how much hurt he has caused. Then Trev decides to buy a hotel in the area and wants to make a go of things again with Zennor and that’s when the rivalry starts.
Beautiful setting as always and an easy to read book with a few unexpected twists.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Uk Cornerstone for an advance copy of this book with opinions all my own.
Then Matt turns up and Zennor realises how angry she still is with Matt, however Matt knows he still loves Zennor but also understands how much hurt he has caused. Then Trev decides to buy a hotel in the area and wants to make a go of things again with Zennor and that’s when the rivalry starts.
Beautiful setting as always and an easy to read book with a few unexpected twists.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Uk Cornerstone for an advance copy of this book with opinions all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Zennor wants to make a success of the entertainment company she runs with her friend and business partner Roo, in the beautiful Cornish town of St Ives. However, two men from her past, Matt and Trev, both move to the town and it seems that both are determined to win her back. But can she believe what either of them are telling her?
Another sun soaked tale from Phillipa Ashley; you can almost hear the waves, feel the sun and smell the suntan lotion. It is a lovely tale, filled with romance, but also a twist or two. Perfect for a beach read.
Another sun soaked tale from Phillipa Ashley; you can almost hear the waves, feel the sun and smell the suntan lotion. It is a lovely tale, filled with romance, but also a twist or two. Perfect for a beach read.
March 12, 2026
Set in beautiful Cornwall, Zennor is rebuilding her life after a messy divorce from her ex. When her first love comes back on the scene things slowly begin to escalate.
There were some great characters which really added to the book and some you will love to hate
I don’t want to risk any spoilers as this book is best read without knowing what will happen.
A fantastic summer read with some brilliant chapters and great storylines
Thanks to NetGalley, Phillipa Ashley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
There were some great characters which really added to the book and some you will love to hate
I don’t want to risk any spoilers as this book is best read without knowing what will happen.
A fantastic summer read with some brilliant chapters and great storylines
Thanks to NetGalley, Phillipa Ashley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When you choose to read a Romance, you usually have a very strong inkling, almost from the beginning, about what's going to happen at the end. This is certainly true of Phillipa Ashley's new book. Sometimes the path from start to end is fairly predictable. This was not the case in A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky. Although some of the usual elements were there, there were enough surprises to keep me hooked right to the end.
Thank you to the Publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book prior to publication.
Thank you to the Publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book prior to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An uplifting feel-good summer read.
After Matt gate crashes Zennor's wedding reception to Trev, he moves away. Five years later, and a divorce, Zennor has moved on, setting up her own business with friend Roo.
Now, both Matt and Trev are back and are trying to win Zennor's heart.
The setting is beautiful. You can't go wrong with Cornwall.
I liked that this had some twists to it, which I wasn't expecting.
A delightful read which fans of Phillipa will love.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK/Cornerstone for the invitation to read this in return for an honest review.
After Matt gate crashes Zennor's wedding reception to Trev, he moves away. Five years later, and a divorce, Zennor has moved on, setting up her own business with friend Roo.
Now, both Matt and Trev are back and are trying to win Zennor's heart.
The setting is beautiful. You can't go wrong with Cornwall.
I liked that this had some twists to it, which I wasn't expecting.
A delightful read which fans of Phillipa will love.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK/Cornerstone for the invitation to read this in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fabulous read; it made me want to pack my case and travel straight to the Cornish Coast!
Zennor lives and works in this Cornish village, she has recently got divorced from Trev and is concentrating on her Talent Agency supplying artists and acts for local events.
Her ex boyfriend Matt turns up out of the blue (he did ruin her wedding day to Trev), but was her schoolgirl boyfriend, having known each other from childhood. It transpires that Matt is now her landlord and he makes himself almost indispensable, renovating her offices and the surf club rooms.
Ah, here comes Trev back too; he's inherited money from his late mother and he decides to buy the hotel and then takes a renewed interest in Zennor.
Now Zennor is torn; she has feelings for both of them or should she just stay clear of them both?
A truly lovely easy beach read - pack my towel, sarnies and book and I'm there!
Zennor lives and works in this Cornish village, she has recently got divorced from Trev and is concentrating on her Talent Agency supplying artists and acts for local events.
Her ex boyfriend Matt turns up out of the blue (he did ruin her wedding day to Trev), but was her schoolgirl boyfriend, having known each other from childhood. It transpires that Matt is now her landlord and he makes himself almost indispensable, renovating her offices and the surf club rooms.
Ah, here comes Trev back too; he's inherited money from his late mother and he decides to buy the hotel and then takes a renewed interest in Zennor.
Now Zennor is torn; she has feelings for both of them or should she just stay clear of them both?
A truly lovely easy beach read - pack my towel, sarnies and book and I'm there!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
enjoyed this gentle romance set in Cornwall. Zennor had the perfect wedding to Trev - 10 years her senior - until her old flame, Matt, appeared and made accusations against him. Five years on her marriage has ended - she has returned to her Cornish home town and has started a new business with a close friend.
Her peace is shattered by the news that Matt has returned to the village as their landlord and Trev has bought the hotel they were married in. Both want something from her and both make Zennor face secrets and truths from her past.
An enjoyable light read.
Her peace is shattered by the news that Matt has returned to the village as their landlord and Trev has bought the hotel they were married in. Both want something from her and both make Zennor face secrets and truths from her past.
An enjoyable light read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.
Another wonderful, light hearted romance by Philippa Ashley. Zennor is a successful small business owner making her own way after a divorce when her first love comes back onto the scene. Not long after, her ex husband arrives aswell. Zennor has to navigate old feelings, new feelings and unravel some secrets in order to find her happy ending.
A lovely, summery read that would be perfect as a holiday read.
Another wonderful, light hearted romance by Philippa Ashley. Zennor is a successful small business owner making her own way after a divorce when her first love comes back onto the scene. Not long after, her ex husband arrives aswell. Zennor has to navigate old feelings, new feelings and unravel some secrets in order to find her happy ending.
A lovely, summery read that would be perfect as a holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Phillipa Ashley has written another perfect summer read. Set on the glorious Cornish coast we are introduced to Zennor and Trev on their wedding day and Matt, Zennor's past love, who gatecrashes their perfect day with a bombshell confession.
A will they won't they tale follows with some beautiful settings and some great side characters thrown in for good measure. RIP Eric!
Grab a glass of something fizzy, pull up a deck chair and enjoy!
A will they won't they tale follows with some beautiful settings and some great side characters thrown in for good measure. RIP Eric!
Grab a glass of something fizzy, pull up a deck chair and enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teenage lovers who split up when university beckoned. Acrimonious meeting at Zennors wedding to Trev.
Matt had witnessed Trev and a waitress in a clinch and told the whole wedding reception.
Divorced and running an entertainment agency with her friend Roz both males re-enter her life.
Both wanting to rekindle past romance.
Who will Zennor choose? What is the full truth of previous events?
An entertaining summer read that I enjoyed
Matt had witnessed Trev and a waitress in a clinch and told the whole wedding reception.
Divorced and running an entertainment agency with her friend Roz both males re-enter her life.
Both wanting to rekindle past romance.
Who will Zennor choose? What is the full truth of previous events?
An entertaining summer read that I enjoyed
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautiful Cornish setting makes for an enjoyable summery read with second chances, secrets and starting again.
Perfect for those long sunny afternoons escaping to a world of gentle romance and finding your own strength.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the chance to read this ahead of publication date
Perfect for those long sunny afternoons escaping to a world of gentle romance and finding your own strength.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the chance to read this ahead of publication date
March 12, 2026
I love Cornwall and to be transported to St Ives every time I picked up this book was joyful. The story moved at a good pace and the characters were well rounded and believable. The side stories about the surf club and the acts that Zennor manages added some depth to the story and gave the book a community spirit found in small towns.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another fantastic escape to Cornwall with Phillipa Ashley. Her books are always a way to escape somewhere beautiful with a bit of romance for the main characters. I always feel that her books are a like a warm hug which I look forward to every time. There are well rounded characters going through completely relatable experiences which endears them to you.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky, by Phillipa Ashley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Zennor, such an odd name, has some of her exes back in ton, will one of them catch her eye again? This was a nice read. Great location.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cute will they won’t they romance tale set in the lovely Cornwall backdrop. Not my favourite read by this author as I only liked it rather than loved it. However, still worth a read.
Thanks to Penguin RandomHouse for my advance early copy. This review is my own honest opinion
Thanks to Penguin RandomHouse for my advance early copy. This review is my own honest opinion
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