A Wedding in Cornwall

A Wedding in Cornwall #1

by Laura Briggs

Spend the summer's holiday in a Cornish village that has rugged shores, quaint cottages, idyllic gardens, and a Poldark-inspired hero.

It’s the career move of a lifetime, and Julianne can’t believe it’s a position as an event planner at a country house in Cornwall, England, beginning with the wedding of a celebrity! If her old firm's senior planner back in the States hadn't fallen suddenly sick with the chicken pox, Julianne wouldn’t be roaming the grand halls of Cliffs House in one of England’s most beautiful coastal counties.But life in Cornwall isn't exactly as Julianne imagined it. Her first bride-to-be is a petted snob, the groom is immature, and the Cornish staff of Cliffs House have their doubts about the mid-level event planner handling a wedding this posh. And then there's a personal matter—the handsome, sometimes charming, sometimes standoffish gardener Matthew Rose. He and Julianne have formed a complicated relationship somewhere between friendship and attraction. But with a secret in his past, and a scheming bridesmaid interested in having Matthew all to herself, will Julianne find a way to untangle her feelings and the problems of planning a perfect Cornish wedding?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Novella, British Literature, Contemporary Romance

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Laura Briggs is the bestselling author of multiple lighthearted romance books, including the Amazon UK Top 100's LATE TO THE WEDDING and the popular A WEDDING IN CORNWALL series. Since her debut with Pelican Book Group's inspirational novella ONLY IN NOVELS, she has worked both with publishers and as an independent author, as well as partnering with others writers, including working under a pen name in other genres. She loves vintage fashion, classic movies, British melodrama, and spending time with her pets.

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and pleasant start to a popular series that has been out for two years, but I failed to notice. It was a sweet and gentle novella featuring Julianne, an American event planner who, due to a coworker’s illness, was getting her big break and a chance to be independent and plan a celebrity wedding if she was willing to move halfway around the world to a small village in Cornwall, England with a difficult name to pronounce – Ceffylgwyn – so many consonants! Of course, she was eager to do so and quickly packed up her books and obscenely large collection of designer stilettos and hopped on a plane. Her fashionable footwear was significantly important to her and I marvel at any woman capable of wearing and bearing these malicious devices of torture for more than 5 minutes. The first person POV narrative was easy to follow, well-paced, engaging, put me in the mood for flowers and chocolate and was mild enough to recommend to my elderly mother’s church lady’s book club yet still held my interest, a rare feat indeed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always great to have a wonderful setting behind a story and the author really sells Cornwall to the reader. I think due to the work that Matthew does, it makes it more colourful and vibrant and really made it stand out in my mind.

This is the first novella in a series of books set I’m assuming all in Cornwall. Not sure if it will concentrate on the main characters in this one or whether it will feature new ones but I have to say it would be nice to catch back up again with Matthew and Julianne.

I enjoyed Julianne’s character of an American coming over to England and getting used to the locals ways and sayings. I also like Matthew and thought he was a good love interest. It was easy to get swept up in how he shows Julianne the sights and introduces her to local delicacies, especially the Cornish Pasties that got my mouth watering.

The author includes in the back of the book some deleted chapters of which I did find slightly confusing. I didn’t understand if taking them out, why still keep them in the book? To be fair I enjoyed the further chapters and think they should have been left within the main story.

A Wedding In Cornwall is a cosy, relatively shortish, book that makes for a lovely summer time read. Of course you could read it at any time of year. Romance is definitely the main theme in the book but the wonderful setting does threaten to steal the limelight. A good and solid start and look forward to reading more in the series.

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be part of the blog tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Deeksha Bhardwaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars⭐

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛
A Wedding in Cornwall follows Julianne, an American event planner thrown into organizing a celebrity wedding at a grand Cornish estate. Between a snobbish bride, skeptical staff, and the charming but secretive gardener Matthew Rose, she must juggle wedding chaos while figuring out where her heart truly belongs.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
With a fast-paced plot, this was a short and sweet contemporary romance set in the countryside of Cornwall. The descriptions were lovely, from the landscapes to the flowers to the food, it was a delight to read.

I really enjoyed the mix of bitter banter and sweet bonding between the main leads. They had such lovable personalities and a cute chemistry, and I loved watching their bond grow slowly and sweetly through all the little experiences in Cornwall.

The humour was spot on, and the side characters were exactly the kind you want — funny, warm, and memorable. The story wrapped up with a heartwarming ending, making it a beautiful start to the series.

That being said, I did find it missing a bit of depth. The relationship could’ve been taken further with more meaningful conversations, and I would’ve loved a few more butterfly-inducing, swoony moments to really spark between the leads.

But, it was a sweet, cozy read... perfect if you’re in the mood for something light and heartwarming!

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐓𝐋;𝐃𝐑)
Overall, this was a short and sweet contemporary romance set in the cozy countryside of Cornwall. The descriptions, the fun banter, and the heartwarming moments made it such a beautiful read. Even though I did wish for a bit more depth and a few swoony sparks between the leads.

[Sophie Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in "The Wedding in Cornwall" series. I enjoyed this short, fun story about an American who moves to Cornwall to become an event planner at an historic British Estate. When Julianne is allowed to interview for the event planner job due to a colleague's bout with chicken pox, she jumps at the chance and is surprised when she is offered the job. Assuming she will never go anywhere in the job she is in, she accepts, and heads to Cornwall. When she arrives, she finds out that there is a wedding being planned for a celebrity couple. The bride is a miserable, status seeking model named Petal and the groom a handsome, Cornwall loving soccer star. With this couple wanting totally opposite things, and Julianne never actually planning a full event, you know there are going to be problems.

I liked Julianne right from the start. She is a fearless woman who leaves everything she knows to fly halfway across the world to prove herself. She is not afraid to give it her best shot. Add in the dreamy gardener/landscaper/botanist, Matthew Rose, who has a rather uncomfortable first meeting with Julianne, but ends up saving her on a couple of occasions. Just when they start to become comfortable with one another, and Julianne begins to have romantic ideas, she finds out that Matthew has been keeping secrets. Will they be able to move beyond this to continue to become more than just friends? Never losing their cool, Julianne, Matthew and the staff, pull off a wedding to put them on the map for "the place to hold an event in Cornwall." I enjoyed this story that introduces us to the characters, the estate and the Cornish countryside and will definitely be checking out the other books in this series.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series and is a delightful, heartwarming and fun romance. Julianne is given the opportunity to apply for a job as an events organiser in a Cornish country house when chicken pox prevents her boss for applying. Best of all, Julianna is successful! She's never actually been responsible for the planning of events and her first event is a huge celebrity wedding with a stroppy, resentful bride-to-be and a sports star groom who'd rather be somewhere else but wants his wedding here.

This is certainly going to be a trial by event first task for her! Then add in a handsome gardener, Matthew Rose, who proves to live up to his surname - sometimes being sweet, and petal soft but at others being really thorny, sharp and prickly! Despite the attraction between Matthew and Julianna growing, he's keeping secrets from his past which could put a huge spade in the works for them both as well as the wedding - and the plotting bridesmaid certainly isn't out to help!

As Julianna endeavours to settle into her new role, she'll face many dilemmas, some potential disasters and discover a surprising ally in this charming story set in the beautiful Cornish countryside.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story that was good but took me a short while to get into it. Julianne gets offered a dream job to go to Cornwall from America to be an events organiser and she has her first job as planning for a wedding does it go to plant and does she settle in to village life.

[Alison Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good story, nothing not like about it. Characters that can be related to, the story is a bit predictable but doesn't affect the enjoyment of the story.

[Fleur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brain candy.

[Amy's Book Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted, warm, delightful novella that reminds us that not everyone’s prince charming needs to be regal.

The story takes place on the majestic cliffs of the Cornwall countryside and is truly a love letter to the rugged landscape, delicious food, and beautiful flora found there.

The writing is remarkably descriptive. The plot is well-developed, with a good mix of drama and romantic tension. And the characters are intriguing, likeable, and incredibly charming.

Overall this is an adorable, quick, easy read that is perfect for the beach or a sunny afternoon.

Thank you to Laura Briggs, the author, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This review and more can be found on my blog at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, short entry (really a novella rather than a full book) featuring Julianne, an American event planner who is hired to be an event planner at a country estate in Cornwall. In this first entry she plans a celebrity wedding for two completely disagreeable people, and becomes interested in Matt, who she thinks is the gardener at the estate, but turns out to be quite a bit more. It looks like the remainder of the entries in the series follow the course of Julianne and Matt's relationship. I'll definitely continue reading with the second.

[Ted Tayler · Rating 2 out of 5]

"OK, if you like this sort of thing"

I have only visited Cornwall on a handful of occasions. The last time was in 1993, at the height of summer. It rained throughout the whole two weeks of our holiday. I tried to convince my three children each cloudburst was a 'clearing-up storm' but it never happened. Why did I mention that? After that experience I vowed never to return. This book falls into the same category. I'm sure there are lovers of this fluffy nonsense who will love it and follow the series. I won't be among them.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story which I got into from the start. I like the kitchen staff, especially Pippa - she was funny.
The main character, Julianne, is a wedding planner in the USA. She has been offered the same situation as a wedding planner, living in a big country house where they hold wedding receptions, in Cornwall, England.
I liked this story, so I will be reading #2. (A Wedding in Cornwall #1 is a freebie on Amazon UK)
5☆

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light reading

[Frederike · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the writer herself says: do not expect any highbrow literature and complicated plotlines and you can have an enjoyable read, which is true, especially if you have a connection to Cornwall

[Salomette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and cozy read

[Rizwan Asad · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's like trying to drink from an empty glass. The motions are intact, but that thirst isn't getting quenched anytime soon.

[_ammu_asoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Julianne Morgan who was hired as an event planner in a country house in Cornwall. She meets the charming Matthew Rose and they develop a relationship that isn't simple as friendship. I enjoyed reading this book!

[Chelle W (teaandplottwists) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julianne is moving to the UK from America to take up her new role as Wedding and Events Planner at Cliffs House in Cornwall and is excited! Although she’s never fully run her own event before she’s about to find out what challenges come with it – especially when your bride and groom are a celebrity couple!

Not only that but she has a run in when she arrives with one of the hotel’s staff – a gorgeous but grumpy gardener….. Although they move past this first meeting, things get complicated when it’s not clear where their friendship might be leading. And not only that, Matt has a secret that Julianne is yet to learn…..but will it impact on her debut event?

As always, Laura’s writing is clear, easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. I say this every time but she has a gift of really describing the beautiful places where the novels are set – transporting to you to the world of the characters. Whenever I read a book by Laura, I always feel like I’m there with the characters I grow to know and love and it makes reading her books wonderful.

I instantly liked Julianne (especially having been a Wedding & Events Organiser myself!) and could completely relate to her. The other staff at Cliffs House are all loveable, and they end up feeling like your friends. Matt starts off grumpy but as you get to learn more about him, you feel your initial thoughts about him melting away – as if you’re experiencing the same as Julianne.

This is a brilliant, light and warm hearted read that will have you feeling warm and snug inside, and will give you lots of chances to smile. I really enjoyed this and was over the moon to find out that this is book 1 of TWELVE of A Wedding in Cornwall series. My TBR is MASSIVE – but I NEED to add these to it! I can’t wait to learn what happens with Julianne and Matt next, and what other events (and issues!) happen at Cliffs House!

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The first thing that strikes you about the book is that the author has probably never set foot on British soil, let alone visited the places she is writing about. There is much that is American about the book and very little that is British, from the language to the locales none of it ever really feels centred in the locale that it purports so proudly to be set in. Strangely this was not an insurmountable problem for me as the writing is breezy and moves the plot along at a generous pace which stops you getting bogged down in the minutiae of both the plot and the writing; neither of which would really stand up to close scrutiny.

The one thing that did irritate was the nicknaming of Matthew to Ross - I really find it very hard to believe that native Cornish people would go down the Poldark route (as good as it may have been for Tourism). Not helped by me doing a reverse turn on the American writing about a location she has never visited by automatically seeing Ross as the esteemed Mr Geller from Friends rather than Poldark.

The characterisations are painted rather broadly but somehow still seem to have a depth and realism that did manage to surprise me. Julianne in particular is a good human mix of emotions and behaviours and prone to being a bit of a cow on occassion - makes a nice change from the overly lovely people we often meet in books.

I did enjoy this book as a light, frivolous read that would have been ideal for the commute (if I had one) as it was easy to dip in and out of.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to ask myself the question 'Why has it taken me 3 years to grab this book and devour it?' Honestly, as soon as I opened my kindle and started reading this utterly delightful novella I was totally lost in it's charm.
Julianne has just been offered the job of a lifetime as an Events Planner at a country house in Cornwall. She's packed her bags and passport and is on her way, leaving her home in the states, to start anew in a small village off the Cornish coast. Julianne has never been to Cornwall but Google has informed her of it's natural beauty and ruggedness. Julianne was enamoured with the country house and it's coastline setting and couldn't wait to start her new job, which coincidentally was a celebrity fuelled affair of a wedding that sounded like the perfect fodder for a glossy magazine.
A Wedding in Cornwall is the perfect summer read and is a brilliant start to what has been a best-selling series by author Laura Briggs. We have the stunning natural beauty of the Cornish coastline, delicious sounding wedding fayre, beautiful gardens with a kaleidoscope of floral masterpieces with it's own handsome gardener; a gardener that has smouldering good looks but sadness within his eyes. Julianne has to create the perfect wedding fit for a celebrity couple and it's entourage. There's plenty of fun and chaos with preparations for the big day leaving us with an entertaining read.
I adored this novella that captured my heart with all it offered and feel compelled now to read the rest in the series.

[Suzanne Rogerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in an online competition.

This was a sweet little novella that I would've easily devoured it in one sitting if life didn't get in the way.

The author admits from that start that she's never been to Cornwall and this did fill me with apprehension, but I need not have worried. There were one or two details that might leap out at people who know the area well, but for me I was transported to Cornwall. I especially liked the visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is a family favourite of ours.

The lead character, Julianne, was likeable and her story flowed from scene to scene. There were no chapters, which I found unusual but it helped keep me involved in the story and I didn't want to stop reading. I also really liked the love interest in the story, Matt.

With Julianne's job being an events planner, there were lots of little details like the types of flowers in the displays and food being served, touches I really enjoyed.

The story built up to a satisfactory conclusion and I've just seen there is a sequel - A Christmas in Cornwall - perfect for this time of year.

I recommend A Wedding in Cornwall to those who enjoy a light romance story and who like a quick read.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wedding in Cornwall - a review by Rosemary Kenny

American-born assistant wedding planner Julianne lands the job of a lifetime in a country house hotel as a sole events manager in this charming cozy mystery by Laura Briggs.
With full responsibility for organizing the up-coming marriage of a famous footballer and his equally famous fashion model bride-to-be, Julianne's naturally nervous, especially when she gets off on the wrong foot with the taciturn gardener, Matt Rose.

Who demolishes the special wedding cakes before the reception? How do Julianne and Dinah cope?
What unfortunate decision about the bride's bouquet puts Julianne in a panic? How does it get sorted? Who is Petal and what is her connection to Matt? What is Matt's real job?
Where do he and Julianne go on a date? What permanent job is Julianne offered after the wedding?

A lovely introduction to the characters, set against the charming backdrop of picturesque Cornwall at its very best - more please!

[nicola mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

American-born assistant wedding planner Julianne lands the job of a lifetime in a country house hotel as a sole events manager in this charming cozy mystery by Laura Briggs.
With full responsibility for organizing the up-coming marriage of a famous footballer and his equally famous fashion model bride-to-be, Julianne's naturally nervous, especially when she gets off on the wrong foot with the taciturn gardener, Matt Rose.
Who demolishes the special wedding cakes before the reception? How do Julianne and Dinah cope?
What unfortunate decision about the bride's bouquet puts Julianne in a panic? How does it get sorted? Who is Petal and what is her connection to Matt? What is Matt's real job?
Where do he and Julianne go on a date? What permanent job is Julianne offered after the wedding?
A lovely introduction to the characters, set against the charming backdrop of picturesque Cornwall at its very best - more please!

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, cute story

The story started out fine, pleasant, calmly flowing along. I have been to Cornwall and that is what drew me to this book, and the setting was gorgeous. Likeable characters, I liked Lady Amanda, she was fun. The story was charming, but also a bit forgettable. Nothing wrong with it, just lacking that spark of special.

But just as I started to really like it, but that feeling of ‘really like’ was still fragile, Julianne goes and destroys a protected plant, and won’t apologize for it, in fact, she doesn’t care at all and she’s even super rude to Ross. I can’t understand such a lack of respect for nature. Her rudeness was uncalled for. It immediately made me dislike her.

But I got over myself, because this was after all just a detail, and started enjoying the story again. It was a bit up and down, as you can tell, but in the end it was 7 out of 10.

[Isalum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Qué rabia me da leer una novela y no darme cuenta que no es autoconclusiva. LA novela es lenta, obviamente la autora necesita alargarlo para publicar las siguientes, algo, en mi opinión, totalmente innecesario ya que el desarrollo de la historia de amor se relata en esta primera entrega.
La historia entre Julianne y Matt me ha recordado a esas películas basadas en novelas de Rosamund Pilcher que tan de moda se han puesto últimamente. No tiene gran profundidad y aunque intenta meter algo de misterio en el pasado de Matt lo cierto es que no ha sido suficiente para engancharme.
En este caso, está extendida en exceso y por supuesto que no voy a leer las siguiente, que no sé ni cuántas son.
Mi puntuación un 2.5

[SANDYE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short romance story

I didn't realize this was a shorter romance story, well not as short as it actually is anyway. I thought I had about 60 pages left in the story, those pages thought were deleted scenes and excerpts from the other books in the series. It's a cute story with a young woman being hired as an event planned at an established country estate in Cornwall, England. While planning her first event, a high profile celebrity wedding, she calls in love with the man in charge of the gardens at the same estate. Quick read, feel good romance, and great descriptions of the flora and fauna, historic sites, and great views.

[Mrs J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wedding in Cornwall by Laurie Biggs is a quick read about a young American woman who moves to a fictional Cornish Village near Falmouth to start her new job as an events planner in a country manor.

Her first job is planning the wedding for a celebrity footballer and model.

At about 90 minutes reading time it's a perfect bit of escapism. Featuring luxury cakes, chocolates, and flowers, alongside traditional Cornish fayre and traditions, it really does set a wonderful scene. I felt that I learnt quite a lot about Cornish history too.

A nice introduction to the Cornish Wedding series. Currently free on Kindle.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julianne just got her dream job as the events coordinator at Cliffs House, a country estate in Cornwall. She picks up and moves from Seattle to England and arrives just in time to meet her first client - a celebrity couple planning their wedding at the Cliffs House.

The book itself was fine, sweet, and simple, but nothing much really happens. There is very little conflict for our main character to overcome, and everything really falls into place for her. This is the beginning of a series, and it feels very much like a television series, with this book serving as the pilot - introducing us to the setting and cast of characters.