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The Penwith Trilogy #3
Confetti at the Cornish Cafe
The heart-warming new novel in Phillipa Ashley's bestselling Cornish Cafe series
Cal and Demi are preparing to launch their beloved Kilhallon Resort as a wedding venue. Cakes are baking, Cornish flowers are blooming, and fairy lights are twinkling. With the cliff-top setting and coastal views, it's the perfect place for a magical marriage ceremony.
But their first clients are no ordinary couple. The bride and groom are internationally famous actors Lily Craig and Ben Trevone. Kilhallon is about to host a celebrity wedding . . .
With the pressure on, Demi and Cal are doing all they can to keep their guests happy and avoid any wedding disasters. But is the unpredictable weather the only thing standing in the way of the Big Day?
As secrets surface and truths are told, can Demi and Cal ensure that Kilhallon's first wedding is a success? One thing’s for sure, this will be a Cornish celebration to remember . . .
Cal and Demi are preparing to launch their beloved Kilhallon Resort as a wedding venue. Cakes are baking, Cornish flowers are blooming, and fairy lights are twinkling. With the cliff-top setting and coastal views, it's the perfect place for a magical marriage ceremony.
But their first clients are no ordinary couple. The bride and groom are internationally famous actors Lily Craig and Ben Trevone. Kilhallon is about to host a celebrity wedding . . .
With the pressure on, Demi and Cal are doing all they can to keep their guests happy and avoid any wedding disasters. But is the unpredictable weather the only thing standing in the way of the Big Day?
As secrets surface and truths are told, can Demi and Cal ensure that Kilhallon's first wedding is a success? One thing’s for sure, this will be a Cornish celebration to remember . . .
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2017
355 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
43 books1,185 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 136 reviews
June 5, 2017
4☆ Feel good fun Read.
This is the 3rd book in the Series.
I wasn't fortunate enough to have read the other two books but this one is a stand alone book.
I don't think it hindered my enjoyment as there was enough back story to be able to follow with ease.
However I do believe to get the true feel to this beautiful book reading the other two books would help the reader to engage more with the characters. As with every series, characters and relationships are developed a long the way. Plus the Kilhallon holiday park has alot more I want to learn about.
Demi and Cal own Kilhallon a holiday park. They have just decided to expand their business to cater for weddings.
So when they get their first booking they are delighted... except it is a famous film couple... I mean what could possibly go wrong! After all keeping the famous wedding a secret should be easy... right??
Celebrities are never easy but planning the perfect wedding should be.
Confetti at the Cornish Cafe is a fun read, we all love a celeb wedding so being part of one is fun. The mishaps and dramas make it even more enjoyable.
With Romance and Love in the air, will it last and how far will Demi and Cal go to make the new venue a success.
This is the perfect summer read. Fun, romance, mishaps, drama, heartwarming, warm, feel good read.
Phillipa literally transports the reader right into the pages of the wedding. Very cleverly written.
Perfect for lovers of Chick Lit, Rom Com, weddings, celebs, romance, Summer reads.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
This is the 3rd book in the Series.
I wasn't fortunate enough to have read the other two books but this one is a stand alone book.
I don't think it hindered my enjoyment as there was enough back story to be able to follow with ease.
However I do believe to get the true feel to this beautiful book reading the other two books would help the reader to engage more with the characters. As with every series, characters and relationships are developed a long the way. Plus the Kilhallon holiday park has alot more I want to learn about.
Demi and Cal own Kilhallon a holiday park. They have just decided to expand their business to cater for weddings.
So when they get their first booking they are delighted... except it is a famous film couple... I mean what could possibly go wrong! After all keeping the famous wedding a secret should be easy... right??
Celebrities are never easy but planning the perfect wedding should be.
Confetti at the Cornish Cafe is a fun read, we all love a celeb wedding so being part of one is fun. The mishaps and dramas make it even more enjoyable.
With Romance and Love in the air, will it last and how far will Demi and Cal go to make the new venue a success.
This is the perfect summer read. Fun, romance, mishaps, drama, heartwarming, warm, feel good read.
Phillipa literally transports the reader right into the pages of the wedding. Very cleverly written.
Perfect for lovers of Chick Lit, Rom Com, weddings, celebs, romance, Summer reads.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
December 26, 2022
*Wedding Drama*
With Kilhallon Resort firmly up and running with the cafe, cottages and Yurts, Cal & Demi are busy getting things ready for their first ever Wedding, their first clients are famous celebrities, so no pressure what could possibly go wrong?… there are a few references to the Cornish scenery which sounds idyllic.
This wedding ceremony is a HandFasting. Which is legal but not recognised as a legal wedding in the U.K. the ceremony is mostly performed by a Celebrant and involves the couple holding hands so that their wrists or pulse points are touching. A length of ribbon or cord is looped around the hands 6 times as the couple make a declaration at each loop. (Something I had not heard of which goes back years)
There is drama as one vindictive person who is out to see Cal & Demi fail tries to sabotage the wedding and Cal has to leave to get closure on a personal matter as Demi wonders if he will be back in time to help out at the wedding. Will the HandFasting go ahead? And Cal has a surprise for Demi right at the end. A satisfying ending to the trilogy.
At the end of the book there are some recipes to try
With Kilhallon Resort firmly up and running with the cafe, cottages and Yurts, Cal & Demi are busy getting things ready for their first ever Wedding, their first clients are famous celebrities, so no pressure what could possibly go wrong?… there are a few references to the Cornish scenery which sounds idyllic.
This wedding ceremony is a HandFasting. Which is legal but not recognised as a legal wedding in the U.K. the ceremony is mostly performed by a Celebrant and involves the couple holding hands so that their wrists or pulse points are touching. A length of ribbon or cord is looped around the hands 6 times as the couple make a declaration at each loop. (Something I had not heard of which goes back years)
There is drama as one vindictive person who is out to see Cal & Demi fail tries to sabotage the wedding and Cal has to leave to get closure on a personal matter as Demi wonders if he will be back in time to help out at the wedding. Will the HandFasting go ahead? And Cal has a surprise for Demi right at the end. A satisfying ending to the trilogy.
At the end of the book there are some recipes to try
December 18, 2017
A cute (almost) G Rated romance set around a small Cornish café. There is a little swearing but apart from that you could give this book to your grandma. I enjoyed this series, and I'll be reading more book by this author.
June 2, 2017
Fantastic end to a totally wonderful series. I'm going to miss Demi and Cal so much, but the finale was perfect! This is my favourite book of the three.
August 11, 2017
What a way to round up a trilogy, this book covers all the loose ends and in such a great way. There is plenty of drama throughout the book to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I have absolutely loved the Cornish Café series, and it was great to see this latest instalment in Cal and Demi’s lives. This could be read as a standalone and the prologue gives plenty of either recap for existing readers, or a good summary of the key points in their story leading up to the start of this book.
Kilhallon is gearing up for the wedding of the year, and also the first wedding held at the glamping site, and it’s for famous actors Ben and Lily. They seem nice enough, just want a down to earth wedding that looks like it was thrown together naturally at the last moment.
Of course its not that simple, and Demi has to hire a wedding planner to help out, and between them all they have to weather large amounts of speculation as to whether the wedding is really being held there.
As the book progresses there are moments of high action and drama, there are moments of laughter and romance and generally there is the feeling that that book is building to a crescendo. And what a finale sequence it was, the last perhaps quarter of the book was in some ways completely unpredictable, in fact I was expecting some completely other unexpected occurrences, which didn’t happen!
I love Demi, and have done since the first book, and I’m so pleased for the range of character development there has been through, and her various continuing storylines are wrapped up really well in this book. As is Cal’s biggest long term storyline.
Confetti at the Cornish Café is a celebration of a quirky wedding with some rather unique ideas, some adorable dogs, and the romance between Cal and Demi. It is a really great story and as a fan of the series I think it’s a great way for it to wind up.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I have absolutely loved the Cornish Café series, and it was great to see this latest instalment in Cal and Demi’s lives. This could be read as a standalone and the prologue gives plenty of either recap for existing readers, or a good summary of the key points in their story leading up to the start of this book.
Kilhallon is gearing up for the wedding of the year, and also the first wedding held at the glamping site, and it’s for famous actors Ben and Lily. They seem nice enough, just want a down to earth wedding that looks like it was thrown together naturally at the last moment.
Of course its not that simple, and Demi has to hire a wedding planner to help out, and between them all they have to weather large amounts of speculation as to whether the wedding is really being held there.
As the book progresses there are moments of high action and drama, there are moments of laughter and romance and generally there is the feeling that that book is building to a crescendo. And what a finale sequence it was, the last perhaps quarter of the book was in some ways completely unpredictable, in fact I was expecting some completely other unexpected occurrences, which didn’t happen!
I love Demi, and have done since the first book, and I’m so pleased for the range of character development there has been through, and her various continuing storylines are wrapped up really well in this book. As is Cal’s biggest long term storyline.
Confetti at the Cornish Café is a celebration of a quirky wedding with some rather unique ideas, some adorable dogs, and the romance between Cal and Demi. It is a really great story and as a fan of the series I think it’s a great way for it to wind up.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 28, 2020
Finished this fabulous little book.
I really do like the characters in it especially Cal and Demi.
Lily was such a fabulous character , I liked it when she found her backbone to sort our that poisonous jade and put her in her place . That’s probably my best part of the book .
Philippa Ashley knows how to write a cosy read and she does Cornwall such a glowing description !
My only regret was that my distraction over the week
Stopping me from reading the book at times .
I really do like the characters in it especially Cal and Demi.
Lily was such a fabulous character , I liked it when she found her backbone to sort our that poisonous jade and put her in her place . That’s probably my best part of the book .
Philippa Ashley knows how to write a cosy read and she does Cornwall such a glowing description !
My only regret was that my distraction over the week
Stopping me from reading the book at times .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2017
This is the third book in this series and I would love to give this far more than five stars as so worth it was a excellent read of love and heartbreak. Cal and Demi extend their holiday resort and cafe to now do weddings and their first wedding is a celebrity wedding but they need to keep it quiet. Can they run this smoothly or do a number of things go wrong it's a beautiful read and lovely to hear more from the Cornish village. Do the celebrity couple get married or does it fall through and their a number of lovely surprises along the way.
May 30, 2017
What a great book to round off The Penwith Trilogy, very in keeping with the previous 2 books. 'Confetti at the Cornish cafe' works as a stand alone book, but will be enjoyed a lot more if one or both of the previous books are read first. It's hard to toe the line between enough back story to make it a possible stand alone book, while not boring readers who have read the previous books, and I feel that Phillipa Ashley has this down to a fine art. I found that by the bottom of the first page I was already transported back to the Cornish setting, and it managed to be a nice easy read while still keeping me gripped on the edge of my seat and reluctant to put the book down (I finished it in 2 sittings)
The trilogy centres around a holiday park in Kilhallon, it is owned by Cal who is one of the 2 main characters, and at the start of the first book he takes on Demi to work for him and she becomes the second main character. The story is mostly narrated through Demi, but occasionally it is told through Cal's voice, I think that this works well and that some chapters really needed Cal as narrator rather than Demi. I occasionally find these mixed narrator stories difficult to follow, but this is not the case when it comes to The Penwith Trilogy, it is really obvious and easy to follow while also being necessary in my opinion
This book takes place only a year after the first book, and it's amazing what they have achieved in that time, if I ever wanted something doing then I would get them on the case! It does feel a realistic time frame for the trilogy though, especially with such determined and hard working characters.
The only problem I have with this is that I've seen a year into the lives of the characters and it's just not enough! If all of this can happen in a year then who knows what could happen from here on out. I know this has always been intended as a trilogy, but I feel that it's been left open enough to be returned to in the future if the author so wished, or even for a prequel to be added. Luckily, Phillipa Ashley has given closure to the readers in this final book, it hasn't been left on a cliffhanger or with unanswered questions.
If I could say one thing to a possible future reader of this book it would be - don't hesitate to pick up any of The Penwith Trilogy books, but be prepared to fall in love with the characters and their surroundings
The trilogy centres around a holiday park in Kilhallon, it is owned by Cal who is one of the 2 main characters, and at the start of the first book he takes on Demi to work for him and she becomes the second main character. The story is mostly narrated through Demi, but occasionally it is told through Cal's voice, I think that this works well and that some chapters really needed Cal as narrator rather than Demi. I occasionally find these mixed narrator stories difficult to follow, but this is not the case when it comes to The Penwith Trilogy, it is really obvious and easy to follow while also being necessary in my opinion
This book takes place only a year after the first book, and it's amazing what they have achieved in that time, if I ever wanted something doing then I would get them on the case! It does feel a realistic time frame for the trilogy though, especially with such determined and hard working characters.
The only problem I have with this is that I've seen a year into the lives of the characters and it's just not enough! If all of this can happen in a year then who knows what could happen from here on out. I know this has always been intended as a trilogy, but I feel that it's been left open enough to be returned to in the future if the author so wished, or even for a prequel to be added. Luckily, Phillipa Ashley has given closure to the readers in this final book, it hasn't been left on a cliffhanger or with unanswered questions.
If I could say one thing to a possible future reader of this book it would be - don't hesitate to pick up any of The Penwith Trilogy books, but be prepared to fall in love with the characters and their surroundings
June 26, 2017
It’s always a sad moment when you come to the end of a beloved series. Harry Potter, the original Star Wars Trilogy, and my latest – ‘Confetti at the Cornish Café’ is the third and final book in the ‘Cornish Café’ trilogy; unless Phillipa can be persuaded to keep them going? But would that be a good thing? All good things come to an end, is a very true saying and some things go on way past their sell-by-dates. This is not the case here.
I have enjoyed, to say the least, Ms Ashley’s tales of Demi and Cal and the third, unusual but certainly important character, Kilhallon (the estate in Cornwall the story is mainly set). There are many books where the location is important, but few that earn the right to be counted as a character in their own right (Mandalay in Rebecca comes to mind). I want to visit Cornwall again now to try and search it out, but know that despite the beauty of the county, I’d be disappointed.
Ms Ashley has been extremely clever with her pacing of these novels as hints have been dropped about the cause of Cal’s behaviour, which were revealed in ‘Christmas at the Cornish Café’, but here we finally get to meet the little girl from his past that has so affected him, and the way it was written brought tears to the eyes of this reviewer. But what about Cal and Demi you ask? Do they finally get together?
Well, they already are at the start of the book, in that they’re living together now. But the title of the book? Suffice to say, all revolves about a celebrity wedding taking place at Kilhallon, though all is not quite how it appears. Old enemies try to stir things up, relationships are not what they seem and, I could go on and on, but I won’t.
If you enjoyed the first two books, then you’ll be thrilled to continue your adventures and yes, this can be read as a stand-alone book, but things will make more sense if you read the first two.
I very much look forward to reading this author’s next novel. She’s a gem!
I have enjoyed, to say the least, Ms Ashley’s tales of Demi and Cal and the third, unusual but certainly important character, Kilhallon (the estate in Cornwall the story is mainly set). There are many books where the location is important, but few that earn the right to be counted as a character in their own right (Mandalay in Rebecca comes to mind). I want to visit Cornwall again now to try and search it out, but know that despite the beauty of the county, I’d be disappointed.
Ms Ashley has been extremely clever with her pacing of these novels as hints have been dropped about the cause of Cal’s behaviour, which were revealed in ‘Christmas at the Cornish Café’, but here we finally get to meet the little girl from his past that has so affected him, and the way it was written brought tears to the eyes of this reviewer. But what about Cal and Demi you ask? Do they finally get together?
Well, they already are at the start of the book, in that they’re living together now. But the title of the book? Suffice to say, all revolves about a celebrity wedding taking place at Kilhallon, though all is not quite how it appears. Old enemies try to stir things up, relationships are not what they seem and, I could go on and on, but I won’t.
If you enjoyed the first two books, then you’ll be thrilled to continue your adventures and yes, this can be read as a stand-alone book, but things will make more sense if you read the first two.
I very much look forward to reading this author’s next novel. She’s a gem!
May 28, 2017
The prologue does a great job of introducing Demi and the main facts that have taken place in the previous books. Everything feels natural as Demi ponders everything that has happened in the past. This way I don't think that it is totally necessary to read the other books in the series. However I have really enjoyed getting to know Cal and Demi and I am certain you would too.
It was so easy to fall back into Demi and Cal's lives it was if no time had passed at all. I was pulled right in and didn't want to leave Kilhallon and the people who live there. I love Cal and Demi they are just perfect for each other and I thought it was lovely that they seemed more settled although to be fair it isn't all smooth sailing. It's such a lovely connection that Cal and Demi share and it's wonderful seeing them working as a team to make Kilhallon a success.
I also enjoyed seeing more of Demi's family included, it was a great addition to the storyline. As usual Mawgan is the perfect character that you love to hate, it just wouldn't be the same without her!
There were so many complications of arranging a wedding sorry Handfasting! I felt so sorry for Demi having to make everything work and having to deal with all the trouble that the event brought. Demi is so determined to put the wedding together and I just hoped that everything would turn out ok. There are a few emotional parts within the story especially involving Cal. I really hoped that he would get some closure and that the ending would be a happy one.
A comforting and heart warming story!
With thanks to Avon Books & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It was so easy to fall back into Demi and Cal's lives it was if no time had passed at all. I was pulled right in and didn't want to leave Kilhallon and the people who live there. I love Cal and Demi they are just perfect for each other and I thought it was lovely that they seemed more settled although to be fair it isn't all smooth sailing. It's such a lovely connection that Cal and Demi share and it's wonderful seeing them working as a team to make Kilhallon a success.
I also enjoyed seeing more of Demi's family included, it was a great addition to the storyline. As usual Mawgan is the perfect character that you love to hate, it just wouldn't be the same without her!
There were so many complications of arranging a wedding sorry Handfasting! I felt so sorry for Demi having to make everything work and having to deal with all the trouble that the event brought. Demi is so determined to put the wedding together and I just hoped that everything would turn out ok. There are a few emotional parts within the story especially involving Cal. I really hoped that he would get some closure and that the ending would be a happy one.
A comforting and heart warming story!
With thanks to Avon Books & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this concluding part to the Cornish Cafe trilogy. I’m going to miss Demi, Cal, and Kilhallon, though I do have their story to re-read. You're just transported into their lives and can visualise the house, the cafe, the wedding glade, and the wild walks along the cliffs. It's very well-written and the descriptions are vivid.
I loved how Demi and Cal’s story wrapped up, though I do wish there had been more of a conclusion to Mawgan’s part in things. I'm glad there was a confrontation of sorts in the Kilhallon kitchen, showing how grasping and desperate she was, but I think it would have been nice to have more, and to have Demi there as well. Maybe a spin-off of Mawgan's redemption could be written? I also wanted to see more of Andy and Robyn as their relationship is so cute, and such a big part of the overall story and the problems between the Penwiths and the Cades.
Cal’s past was finally put to bed, though let’s face it there was no way Esme wasn’t going to be found, it was just how it was going to happen that there was a question mark over. I was glad we got to see how it unfolded, rather than hear about it third hand as well. It was a lovely conclusion to that part of the story, and allowed Cal and Demi to move forward together.
Seeing the development of Kilhallon has been fun, all of the things that go wrong and how people come together to fix them. The whole trilogy had a very community feel to it, which I enjoyed immensely. I think that’s at least part of why I enjoy Phillipa Ashley’s books so much, that they are so community and family oriented, they’re cosy and so enjoyable. This was without a doubt my favourite book of the three.
I loved how Demi and Cal’s story wrapped up, though I do wish there had been more of a conclusion to Mawgan’s part in things. I'm glad there was a confrontation of sorts in the Kilhallon kitchen, showing how grasping and desperate she was, but I think it would have been nice to have more, and to have Demi there as well. Maybe a spin-off of Mawgan's redemption could be written? I also wanted to see more of Andy and Robyn as their relationship is so cute, and such a big part of the overall story and the problems between the Penwiths and the Cades.
Cal’s past was finally put to bed, though let’s face it there was no way Esme wasn’t going to be found, it was just how it was going to happen that there was a question mark over. I was glad we got to see how it unfolded, rather than hear about it third hand as well. It was a lovely conclusion to that part of the story, and allowed Cal and Demi to move forward together.
Seeing the development of Kilhallon has been fun, all of the things that go wrong and how people come together to fix them. The whole trilogy had a very community feel to it, which I enjoyed immensely. I think that’s at least part of why I enjoy Phillipa Ashley’s books so much, that they are so community and family oriented, they’re cosy and so enjoyable. This was without a doubt my favourite book of the three.
July 15, 2017
I made a point to read the first 2 books in the series, and am happy I did, as I believe it adds to the enjoyment. I liked this book with it's lovely Cornish setting, and of course, the love story of Demi & Cal. There is lots to like about this book including the excitement and challenge of hosting a celebrity wedding at Kilhallon, restoring family relationships, and a satisfying end to Cal's search for a little girl lost in far away Syria.
June 3, 2017
Clever romance. The characters are lovable.
November 4, 2021
In "Hochzeit im Hotel am Meer" findet die Geschichte um Demi und Cal nun im dritten Teil ihr Ende; ich weiß nicht so recht, ob ich leider oder endlich schreiben soll, denn mein Verhältnis zu dieser Reihe ist durchaus ambivalent. Einerseits sind die Romane so leicht zugänglich, dass ich mich direkt unterhalten fühlte, andererseits stach die Anspruchslosigkeit und Trivialität so stark hervor, dass es mich stört und die beim Lesen investierte Zeit fast als verschwendet empfinde.
Vor allem dieser letzte Roman besticht durch seine nahezu ereignislose Handlung. Neben der im Titel genannten Hauptthematik wird lediglich großes Bohei um einigermaßen triviale Problemchen gemacht. Sonst werden Geschehnisse aus den vorherigen Teilen wieder aufgegriffen und abgeschlossen, wodurch eine penetrante Wiederholung bekannter Inhalte stattfindet. Es wirkt, als werde den Lesenden nicht zugetraut, einfachen Plot zu behalten, da alles dreimal und aus diversen Perspektiven dargelegt wird, was absolut nicht notwendig ist. Weiterhin wird versucht, über die tragische Vergangenheit der Charaktere, Tiefe zu erzeugen, aber sie bleiben trotz dessen in ihren Handlungen einigermaßen flach. Die Erzählung im Allgemeinen wird hierdurch sehr vorhersehbar.
Alles in allem also ein eher enttäuschender Abschluss der Buchreihe, in dem meine Sympathien für die Protagonist*innen verloren gingen. Anspruchslose Lektüre zum Weglesen, wenn man Lust auf Kitsch hat, und dann zum Weglegen.
Vor allem dieser letzte Roman besticht durch seine nahezu ereignislose Handlung. Neben der im Titel genannten Hauptthematik wird lediglich großes Bohei um einigermaßen triviale Problemchen gemacht. Sonst werden Geschehnisse aus den vorherigen Teilen wieder aufgegriffen und abgeschlossen, wodurch eine penetrante Wiederholung bekannter Inhalte stattfindet. Es wirkt, als werde den Lesenden nicht zugetraut, einfachen Plot zu behalten, da alles dreimal und aus diversen Perspektiven dargelegt wird, was absolut nicht notwendig ist. Weiterhin wird versucht, über die tragische Vergangenheit der Charaktere, Tiefe zu erzeugen, aber sie bleiben trotz dessen in ihren Handlungen einigermaßen flach. Die Erzählung im Allgemeinen wird hierdurch sehr vorhersehbar.
Alles in allem also ein eher enttäuschender Abschluss der Buchreihe, in dem meine Sympathien für die Protagonist*innen verloren gingen. Anspruchslose Lektüre zum Weglesen, wenn man Lust auf Kitsch hat, und dann zum Weglegen.
October 31, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this, what a fantastic end to the series. Was really pleased that everything worked out for Demi and Cal.
January 7, 2019
An easy yet repetitive read I can't decide if the author forgot what she had written or assumes her readers are so unintelligent they cannot remember something from the previous chapter.
June 5, 2017
A lovely end to the Cornish Cafe trilogy
Booktrail the locations in the novel here -: Booktrail your visit to Cornwall
This cheered me up this weekend – Cornish sunshine and a visit back to St Trenyan where I’ve already spent two holidays with Philippa Ashley’s characters. This time I got to see the famous Kilhallon Resort again and it was the star of the show! The setting for a celebrity wedding no less. This was a lovely ending to the series and also the deepest one so far as there are a lot of loose ends tied up with character stories and more.
Even though the location is fictional it is largely based on St Ives and it's no hardship imagining the fun Philippa must have had creating this with the natural setting at her disposal. It’s been a charming read and a series I enjoy for the simple pleasure it gives when reading. As with weddings in general, particularly celebrity ones, things never go to plan and I liked the mix of old characters and new being brought together and their stories being nicely tied together in a ramshackle wedding bouquet.
Not everything gets tied up though and there may be another visit to St Trenyan? A lovely book for the beach (Cornish one of course)
Booktrail the locations in the novel here -: Booktrail your visit to Cornwall
This cheered me up this weekend – Cornish sunshine and a visit back to St Trenyan where I’ve already spent two holidays with Philippa Ashley’s characters. This time I got to see the famous Kilhallon Resort again and it was the star of the show! The setting for a celebrity wedding no less. This was a lovely ending to the series and also the deepest one so far as there are a lot of loose ends tied up with character stories and more.
Even though the location is fictional it is largely based on St Ives and it's no hardship imagining the fun Philippa must have had creating this with the natural setting at her disposal. It’s been a charming read and a series I enjoy for the simple pleasure it gives when reading. As with weddings in general, particularly celebrity ones, things never go to plan and I liked the mix of old characters and new being brought together and their stories being nicely tied together in a ramshackle wedding bouquet.
Not everything gets tied up though and there may be another visit to St Trenyan? A lovely book for the beach (Cornish one of course)
February 16, 2018
Confetti at the Cornish Café by Phillipa Ashley
It’s always a sad moment when you come to the end of a beloved series. Harry Potter, the original Star Wars Trilogy, and my latest – ‘Confetti at the Cornish Café’ is the third and final book in the ‘Cornish Café’ trilogy; unless Phillipa can be persuaded to keep them going? But would that be a good thing? All good things come to an end, is a very true saying and some things go on way past their sell-by-dates. This is not the case here.
I have enjoyed, to say the least, Ms Ashley’s tales of Demi and Cal and the third, unusual but certainly important character, Kilhallon (the estate in Cornwall the story is mainly set). There are many books where the location is important, but few that earn the right to be counted as a character in their own right (Mandalay in Rebecca comes to mind). I want to visit Cornwall again now to try and search it out, but know that despite the beauty of the county, I’d be disappointed.
Ms Ashley has been extremely clever with her pacing of these novels as hints have been dropped about the cause of Cal’s behaviour, which were revealed in ‘Christmas at the Cornish Café’, but here we finally get to meet the little girl from his past that has so affected him, and the way it was written brought tears to the eyes of this reviewer. But what about Cal and Demi you ask? Do they finally get together?
Well, they already are at the start of the book, in that they’re living together now. But the title of the book? Suffice to say, all revolves about a celebrity wedding taking place at Kilhallon, though all is not quite how it appears. Old enemies try to stir things up, relationships are not what they seem and, I could go on and on, but I won’t.
If you enjoyed the first two books, then you’ll be thrilled to continue your adventures and yes, this can be read as a stand-alone book, but things will make more sense if you read the first two.
I very much look forward to reading this author’s next novel. She’s a gem!
It’s always a sad moment when you come to the end of a beloved series. Harry Potter, the original Star Wars Trilogy, and my latest – ‘Confetti at the Cornish Café’ is the third and final book in the ‘Cornish Café’ trilogy; unless Phillipa can be persuaded to keep them going? But would that be a good thing? All good things come to an end, is a very true saying and some things go on way past their sell-by-dates. This is not the case here.
I have enjoyed, to say the least, Ms Ashley’s tales of Demi and Cal and the third, unusual but certainly important character, Kilhallon (the estate in Cornwall the story is mainly set). There are many books where the location is important, but few that earn the right to be counted as a character in their own right (Mandalay in Rebecca comes to mind). I want to visit Cornwall again now to try and search it out, but know that despite the beauty of the county, I’d be disappointed.
Ms Ashley has been extremely clever with her pacing of these novels as hints have been dropped about the cause of Cal’s behaviour, which were revealed in ‘Christmas at the Cornish Café’, but here we finally get to meet the little girl from his past that has so affected him, and the way it was written brought tears to the eyes of this reviewer. But what about Cal and Demi you ask? Do they finally get together?
Well, they already are at the start of the book, in that they’re living together now. But the title of the book? Suffice to say, all revolves about a celebrity wedding taking place at Kilhallon, though all is not quite how it appears. Old enemies try to stir things up, relationships are not what they seem and, I could go on and on, but I won’t.
If you enjoyed the first two books, then you’ll be thrilled to continue your adventures and yes, this can be read as a stand-alone book, but things will make more sense if you read the first two.
I very much look forward to reading this author’s next novel. She’s a gem!
May 17, 2017
Confetti at the Cornish Cafe is the third in a series featuring Demi (short for Demelza) and Cal and their holiday park of Kilhallon in Cornwall. The main story is stand alone with previous storylines mentioned in passing but I feel it would be enhance your enjoyment if you read the previous novels to get a better understanding of Cal and Demi's backgrounds and the relationship between them.
In this book, Cal and Demi are about to launch Kilhallon as a quirky wedding venue and to their surprise their first potential customers are none other than a famous filmstar couple. Trying to get Kilhallon ready and keep the news of the wedding secret proves to be quite difficult not helped by Mawgan Cade who is as always trying to cause trouble.
One thing I particularly enjoyed in this book was reading about how the relationshipsbetween Demi and her father was deepening, helped by her father's new partner Rachel and Demi bonding over baby Freya, Demi's half sister. It was good to see Demi beginning to gain more trust in her family again. It seemed that Cal and his half-brother were also making progress towards a better relationship. Cal and Demi's relationship became stronger too over the course of the novel though not without some misunderstandings on both sides! The story is told from the most part by Demi but there are also a few chapters from Cal's point of view giving the reader a better insight into his thoughts and feelings. I have to admit that telling the story in the present tense didn't quite work for me in this novel. I can't quite put my finger on why but it didn't feel quite right somehow. Having said that though, as I hope you can tell from my review, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The book isn't just a romance novel though as it touches on topical issues such as the ongoing war in Syria and how people who are out there either working or volunteering are affected by what they have witnessed and experienced. The difficult situation for families in refugee camps being separated and trying to find relatives and a place of safety is also featured.
Confetti at The Cornish Cafe is a really enjoyable, romantic read with a perfect feel good ending. I'm sure I read somewhere that the Cornish Cafe series is supposed to be a trilogy but I'm hoping there might be another book as I'd love to know what happens next for Demi and Cal and Kilhallon.
In this book, Cal and Demi are about to launch Kilhallon as a quirky wedding venue and to their surprise their first potential customers are none other than a famous filmstar couple. Trying to get Kilhallon ready and keep the news of the wedding secret proves to be quite difficult not helped by Mawgan Cade who is as always trying to cause trouble.
One thing I particularly enjoyed in this book was reading about how the relationshipsbetween Demi and her father was deepening, helped by her father's new partner Rachel and Demi bonding over baby Freya, Demi's half sister. It was good to see Demi beginning to gain more trust in her family again. It seemed that Cal and his half-brother were also making progress towards a better relationship. Cal and Demi's relationship became stronger too over the course of the novel though not without some misunderstandings on both sides! The story is told from the most part by Demi but there are also a few chapters from Cal's point of view giving the reader a better insight into his thoughts and feelings. I have to admit that telling the story in the present tense didn't quite work for me in this novel. I can't quite put my finger on why but it didn't feel quite right somehow. Having said that though, as I hope you can tell from my review, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The book isn't just a romance novel though as it touches on topical issues such as the ongoing war in Syria and how people who are out there either working or volunteering are affected by what they have witnessed and experienced. The difficult situation for families in refugee camps being separated and trying to find relatives and a place of safety is also featured.
Confetti at The Cornish Cafe is a really enjoyable, romantic read with a perfect feel good ending. I'm sure I read somewhere that the Cornish Cafe series is supposed to be a trilogy but I'm hoping there might be another book as I'd love to know what happens next for Demi and Cal and Kilhallon.
June 6, 2017
Confetti at the Cornish Café was simply the perfect ending to a brilliant series which has been filled with such warm,lovable characters who all experience their ups and downs but that's what makes you root for them even more. The story is infused with warmth, understanding and humour and before you know it you wish you could move to the resort or surrounding areas and have Demi and Cal as friends. Now is the right time to end the series as writing any more would be stretching things just that bit too much and I would hate for any of the warmth and magic to be lost. I'm sad to leave the characters behind but how everything all panned out was just the way I wanted it too. If you haven't read anything by Phillipa Ashley before don't hesitate in the slightest in picking up this book. It's a truly gorgeous read.
March 11, 2018
After reading the first two I was so looking forward to this, but I nearly gave up as it was so slow with nothing really happening. But I carried on and so pleased I did as all of a sudden lots was happening and became a real page turner, and loved the ending
January 16, 2021
Here is my review of the trilogy:
https://bookadept.com/2021/01/16/love...
https://bookadept.com/2021/01/16/love...
June 4, 2017
Cornish Cafe
A happy ending to a great trilogy. I would love to know more of Cal and Demi. Perhaps in the future?? A lovely light read, perfect for relaxing with.
A happy ending to a great trilogy. I would love to know more of Cal and Demi. Perhaps in the future?? A lovely light read, perfect for relaxing with.
August 7, 2020
A perfect end to a perfect trip of stories - didnt want to put them down!
August 11, 2017
A feel good read.
I've read all three books & really enjoyed them all. A really feel good book. Love the settings in Cornwall makes you want to be there a part of it. Love all the characters & liked the ending.
I've read all three books & really enjoyed them all. A really feel good book. Love the settings in Cornwall makes you want to be there a part of it. Love all the characters & liked the ending.
May 13, 2018
This book series is perfect. It’s something that I will read again, I was so in love with the main characters and to be Demi at this point in her life would be amazing. It is so worth a read, love it!
May 14, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Penwith series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn’t put it down. It was lovely to catch up with Demi and Cal again along with some old characters but also to meet some new ones.
I won’t spoil it for anyone but I definitely recommend this book. It was just brilliant.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more books by Phillipa Ashley.
I won’t spoil it for anyone but I definitely recommend this book. It was just brilliant.
I’m very much looking forward to reading more books by Phillipa Ashley.
December 18, 2017
A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
This book makes me wonder, is there a consensus goodreads etiquette around reviewing books you haven't finished? Because I didn't finish this one. If you want to ignore my review accordingly, now you know to do so.
I didn't finish it because the first few chapters were rubbish.
Pet hate of mine is awkward crowbarred exposition, especially in dialogue. A normal person might shout at their spouse, "hurry up! or we'll be late!"
A normal person would never, ever in the collective entirety of human history shout at their spouse "hurry up! or we might be late! and we can't afford to be late, because we're meeting a very important potential investor in my start-up business, and you know how my business is so overwhelmingly important to me, because ever since our cat died last year it's been the only thing I've been clinging onto! gosh, if only our rude and grumpy neighbour hadn't run over our cat in his stupid Range Rover then Tiddles would still be here and we wouldn't be fighting all the time and I wouldn't have to throw myself into my entrepreneurism so devotedly."
Chapter one was absolutely full of this style of writing. (Don't worry, I made up a random example, that wasn't actually anything to do with the plot of this book).
But, I gave it a pass, because it was chapter one. You kind of expect at least a bit of this in chapter one. Like, OK, she needs to get some background exposition dumped ASAP, but then it'll settle down.
Nope: several chapters in, that style of writing continued. It's bad enough when it's an awkward means of telling the reader things we don't know, but need to know. But this book was doing it to repeat context we'd *already* been given. Like, two pages ago.
Another pet hate: publishers publishing sequels or books-in-a-series with ZERO indication on the cover that this is the case. Literally, coming to goodreads to write this review was the very first indication I got that this is book 3 of a trilogy. I suppose that might somewhat explain the above rant, she/they are trying to make it sellable as a pseudo-standalone book?
Also, naming half the characters after Cornish place names was a bit weird. If I read a book set in London where the characters were called ridiculous things like Kensington Smith or Jane Bromley-by-Bow, I wouldn't think "gosh, this feels authentically London"; I'd think, the author obviously doesn't know London very well if they've resorted to trying to inject some London flavour by picking random names off a map.
(In the event the author reads this review and thinks I'm being a bit mean/rude: hopefully you can comfort yourself with the knowledge I bought this brand new from a bookshop, instead of being a library or charity shop pickup like usual)
I didn't finish it because the first few chapters were rubbish.
Pet hate of mine is awkward crowbarred exposition, especially in dialogue. A normal person might shout at their spouse, "hurry up! or we'll be late!"
A normal person would never, ever in the collective entirety of human history shout at their spouse "hurry up! or we might be late! and we can't afford to be late, because we're meeting a very important potential investor in my start-up business, and you know how my business is so overwhelmingly important to me, because ever since our cat died last year it's been the only thing I've been clinging onto! gosh, if only our rude and grumpy neighbour hadn't run over our cat in his stupid Range Rover then Tiddles would still be here and we wouldn't be fighting all the time and I wouldn't have to throw myself into my entrepreneurism so devotedly."
Chapter one was absolutely full of this style of writing. (Don't worry, I made up a random example, that wasn't actually anything to do with the plot of this book).
But, I gave it a pass, because it was chapter one. You kind of expect at least a bit of this in chapter one. Like, OK, she needs to get some background exposition dumped ASAP, but then it'll settle down.
Nope: several chapters in, that style of writing continued. It's bad enough when it's an awkward means of telling the reader things we don't know, but need to know. But this book was doing it to repeat context we'd *already* been given. Like, two pages ago.
Another pet hate: publishers publishing sequels or books-in-a-series with ZERO indication on the cover that this is the case. Literally, coming to goodreads to write this review was the very first indication I got that this is book 3 of a trilogy. I suppose that might somewhat explain the above rant, she/they are trying to make it sellable as a pseudo-standalone book?
Also, naming half the characters after Cornish place names was a bit weird. If I read a book set in London where the characters were called ridiculous things like Kensington Smith or Jane Bromley-by-Bow, I wouldn't think "gosh, this feels authentically London"; I'd think, the author obviously doesn't know London very well if they've resorted to trying to inject some London flavour by picking random names off a map.
(In the event the author reads this review and thinks I'm being a bit mean/rude: hopefully you can comfort yourself with the knowledge I bought this brand new from a bookshop, instead of being a library or charity shop pickup like usual)
June 4, 2017
Just over a year ago I as introduced to Penwith and to Cal and Demi, in the first of this trilogy. I returned there at Christmas and I was more than thrilled to complete their story with the last of the trilogy Confetti at the Cornish Cafe.
First off I need to say that you really must go back and read books one and two before you start on this one. There is enough to reference back so you get a sense of the characters and the journey they have been on. You can read it without the history of the other two, but I feel that you will not get full enjoyment out of the book as you could. Satisfying the author does not simply regurgitate the previous two books so you get a sense of place, she simply refers concisely and succinctly.
With Kilhallon Resort expanding and find its feet as a unique destination for a break and some escapism. Demelza's the on site cafe which is also open to locals who wish to walk past and experience the atmosphere, the views and of course the cakes is going to be the place to be seen if you are anyone that is anyone!
Demelza's and Kilhallon is going to be a wedding venue, for a not so secret wedding. Of course they can cope, Cal and Demi can turn their hands to anything, as Demi tells the happy couple. It seems that to satisfy the bride and groom they are going to have to pull out all the stops to make sure it does not leave the wrong impression.
Of course you know it is not going to run smoothly and not everything is going to come up smelling of roses, in fact the opposite as it seems there are quite a few more people involved in this wedding as well as the bride and groom and they all want different outcomes.
Cal and Demi have some difficult times ahead, and whilst trying to manage all of this they are both trying to find a place and purpose in life and they are both not sure if it is together.
Surely organising a wedding can make them see something?
The third and final book of this trilogy is as good as the previous two and I am going to miss reading about how Kilhallon Resort is developing and of course Demi, Cal and the ensemble supporting cast who have made these books a thoroughly good read.
First off I need to say that you really must go back and read books one and two before you start on this one. There is enough to reference back so you get a sense of the characters and the journey they have been on. You can read it without the history of the other two, but I feel that you will not get full enjoyment out of the book as you could. Satisfying the author does not simply regurgitate the previous two books so you get a sense of place, she simply refers concisely and succinctly.
With Kilhallon Resort expanding and find its feet as a unique destination for a break and some escapism. Demelza's the on site cafe which is also open to locals who wish to walk past and experience the atmosphere, the views and of course the cakes is going to be the place to be seen if you are anyone that is anyone!
Demelza's and Kilhallon is going to be a wedding venue, for a not so secret wedding. Of course they can cope, Cal and Demi can turn their hands to anything, as Demi tells the happy couple. It seems that to satisfy the bride and groom they are going to have to pull out all the stops to make sure it does not leave the wrong impression.
Of course you know it is not going to run smoothly and not everything is going to come up smelling of roses, in fact the opposite as it seems there are quite a few more people involved in this wedding as well as the bride and groom and they all want different outcomes.
Cal and Demi have some difficult times ahead, and whilst trying to manage all of this they are both trying to find a place and purpose in life and they are both not sure if it is together.
Surely organising a wedding can make them see something?
The third and final book of this trilogy is as good as the previous two and I am going to miss reading about how Kilhallon Resort is developing and of course Demi, Cal and the ensemble supporting cast who have made these books a thoroughly good read.
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