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The Little Cornish Isles #2
Spring on the Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm
Fans of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews will love this gorgeous new book from the author of the bestselling Cornish Café series.
Jess has lived at the idyllic flower farm on the Isles of Scilly her whole life, but when her boyfriend Adam leaves without explanation, Jess discovers that even her little slice of Cornish heaven can be lonely.
For the first time in Will’s life, he’s met someone he can’t stop thinking about. But nothing is simple when the woman of your dreams is working for you.
Gaby is running away from painful memories, and where could be more perfect than a remote island off the Cornish coast? But to put the past behind her, she must keep moving … however much she might want to stay.
Nothing is simple, even on paradise. Will love bloom for the residents of the little Cornish Isles?Authors love Phillipa Ashley’s books:
‘Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read.’ Katie Fforde
‘Filled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun!’ Jill Mansell
‘A glorious, tantalising taste of Cornwall, I could almost taste the salt of the sea air as I read it.’ Jules Wake
‘The perfect read for wherever you take your holiday but chances are if you read this first you’ll want to be heading to Cornwall!’ Bella Osborne
‘An utterly glorious, escapist read from a one of the freshest voices to emerge in women's fiction today. I loved every gorgeous page.’ Claudia Carroll
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2018
359 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
44 books1,171 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 146 reviews
September 21, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Twins Will and Jess have managed the flower farm after their father disappeared with another woman and their mother Anne has elected to turn it over to Will and Jess. The flower farm relies on seasonal workers. When Gaby turns up with her PHD in poetry and delicate looks, she appears the least likely candidate for a picking job. But there is more to Gaby than meets the eye, as Will soon finds out. Gaby is also trying to move on from the death of her brother. Jess is happy enough with her life on the flower farm and with her romance with Adam. But a text message sees Adam suddenly, and it seems inexplicably, take off. Suddenly life on her island home off the Cornish coast seems less attractive to Jess. What is going on with Adam? Will he come back to Jess? Will Gaby be able to put painful memories behind her and enjoy what she has now?
This is a purely escapist read. The setting of the Scilly Isles and the whole idea of the flower farm is beautiful. The characters are interesting, even though sometimes it seem they make stupid or misguided decisions. This is apparently book two in this Cornish Isle series. I had not read the first book but that was not an issue as it was easy enough to settle in with these characters. I did find the sudden jump after the first four chapters to Valentine’s Day five and a half months later a little odd.
Overall, it’s an entertaining read, although I never really felt involved that much with the main characters. A bit like it was all happening a bit at a distance. And sometimes the convenient interruptions that came in the way of conversations sorting out situations, became a bit too co-incidental. But if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require a real emotional investment but is just a light, easy read romance, you may well like this. After my last couple of reads I wanted something light and this did fit the bill. I’d certainly be interested to read another book by this author.
Twins Will and Jess have managed the flower farm after their father disappeared with another woman and their mother Anne has elected to turn it over to Will and Jess. The flower farm relies on seasonal workers. When Gaby turns up with her PHD in poetry and delicate looks, she appears the least likely candidate for a picking job. But there is more to Gaby than meets the eye, as Will soon finds out. Gaby is also trying to move on from the death of her brother. Jess is happy enough with her life on the flower farm and with her romance with Adam. But a text message sees Adam suddenly, and it seems inexplicably, take off. Suddenly life on her island home off the Cornish coast seems less attractive to Jess. What is going on with Adam? Will he come back to Jess? Will Gaby be able to put painful memories behind her and enjoy what she has now?
This is a purely escapist read. The setting of the Scilly Isles and the whole idea of the flower farm is beautiful. The characters are interesting, even though sometimes it seem they make stupid or misguided decisions. This is apparently book two in this Cornish Isle series. I had not read the first book but that was not an issue as it was easy enough to settle in with these characters. I did find the sudden jump after the first four chapters to Valentine’s Day five and a half months later a little odd.
Overall, it’s an entertaining read, although I never really felt involved that much with the main characters. A bit like it was all happening a bit at a distance. And sometimes the convenient interruptions that came in the way of conversations sorting out situations, became a bit too co-incidental. But if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require a real emotional investment but is just a light, easy read romance, you may well like this. After my last couple of reads I wanted something light and this did fit the bill. I’d certainly be interested to read another book by this author.
March 23, 2018
The story goes thus, Will and Jess manage the flower farm, now that their mother Anne takes a backseat. Enter Gaby, with a PhD degree, as a seasonal flower picker. Sparks of attraction and romance begin to fly between Will and her.
Meanwhile Jess's boyfriend Adam has left the island suddenly without warning, one fine day and she is left wondering if she would ever hear from him.
Will Adam come back? Will Gaby stay on? Will the islands work their magic on the couples?
My first book by Phillipa Ashley and she has wrung rings around me, in this beautiful fun-filled yet emotional tale involving the Scilly Isles. The atmosphere of the island brimming with flowers comes to life at the hands of Phillipa with breathtaking descriptions of the landscapes, and the characters grow both on the pages and in my heart.
Will and Gaby's banter was fun to read, the secrets which Gaby kept so close to her heart, when revealed squeezes the heart. All of them find their niche as the story progresses, but it is Jesse's strength and courage in the face of heartbreak and shock which stole my heart. To get up and deal with the practicalities of the day, when you just want to curl up and die, is what makes Jesse's character admirable. Truly a beautiful read..
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Avon Books UK, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Meanwhile Jess's boyfriend Adam has left the island suddenly without warning, one fine day and she is left wondering if she would ever hear from him.
Will Adam come back? Will Gaby stay on? Will the islands work their magic on the couples?
My first book by Phillipa Ashley and she has wrung rings around me, in this beautiful fun-filled yet emotional tale involving the Scilly Isles. The atmosphere of the island brimming with flowers comes to life at the hands of Phillipa with breathtaking descriptions of the landscapes, and the characters grow both on the pages and in my heart.
Will and Gaby's banter was fun to read, the secrets which Gaby kept so close to her heart, when revealed squeezes the heart. All of them find their niche as the story progresses, but it is Jesse's strength and courage in the face of heartbreak and shock which stole my heart. To get up and deal with the practicalities of the day, when you just want to curl up and die, is what makes Jesse's character admirable. Truly a beautiful read..
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Avon Books UK, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 1, 2018
A fun escape from reality read. The perfect weekend curl up and read book. Warm and likable characters. Gaby has some painful memories she is running away from and what could be a more perfect escape than a remote island off the Cornish coast? Now picture this,a beautiful idyllic flower farm on the Isles of Scilly . Jess has lived there her whole life but is lonely now that her boyfriend Adam has left without explanation . Will she hear from him as to why he has left ? Will they each be able to get on with their lives when Jess can't stop thinking of him? Will owns the flower farm and can't stop thinking about his new love interest but will it really work out for him when the love of this life woks for him? Should work and romance really be mixed and will it last? Fun Spring time book to read!
Pub Date 19 Feb 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
Pub Date 19 Feb 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 1, 2018
What an absolutely fabulous continuation in the Little Cornish Isles series this book turned out to be. All the charm and warmth and of course the glorious setting that had been evident in The Driftwood Inn was once again here in abundance. Phillipa Ashley has done it again and in The Flower Farm has written a story where you instantly feel at ease and at home. The characters come to life on the pages and in no time at all they feel like firm friends. You are constantly rooting for a positive outcome for everyone you are reading about and of course there has to an element of romance and here it was once again conveyed to perfection. I loved everything about this book and had been dying to get my hands on it as soon as I had finished The Driftwood Inn in the latter months of last year, fortunately the wait wasn't overly long and I was able to sit down and read to my hearts content following the story of Jess and Gaby.
Phillipa clearly loves the Scilly Isles on which she has chosen to base this series and that devotion is apparent with every turn of the page. I had mentioned previously how it felt like I had visited the islands even though I had never been there before and that was thanks to such vivid, beautiful descriptions of the setting that has such stunning landscapes that helped bring the story to life. Again I felt the same here. I know we were on St. Saviour's Island this time and focusing on different characters but it didn't feel like it was an entirely new setting rather it was just a continuation/a catching up with island life. At the same time we were given snippets as to the contents of the previous story regarding Maisie Samson whilst never giving away too much as it would ruin the first book for those who may have not had the opportunity to read it yet. If you haven't you really should rectify that immediately.
In book two our attention turns to St. Saviour's Island where Jess and her twin brother Will run the flower farm with their mother Anna taking more of a back seat and tending to a small herd of goats and cattle. Will and Jess had to grow up quickly and take over the business or face financial ruin over 15 years ago when an incident with their father left them no other choice. Years of hard work, resilience and dedication have now led to the flower farm being a success story but that's not to say they ever rest on their laurels. They love their jobs with Jess tending to focus more on the administrative side although she is not adverse to getting stuck in in the fields when needed. Will loves being outdoors at the forefront of everything, seeing the daffodils begin as bulbs and ending up ready for transportation to the mainland or wherever their final destination might be.
To some reading of a flower farm might not seem like the most exciting of topics to feature in a book and admittedly I did have very minor reservations what exactly could the author write about regarding the flower farm that would keep me hooked? But the author certainly did keep me interested and eager to read on. It was fascinating to read that given the climate and location of the Isles of Scilly that some varieties of daffodils starting making an appearance in September and the season goes right through until Easter. To be honest I'd say how many of us have given scant thought as to how the flowers end up in the shops to buy? But here I found the whole process fascinating to read about and Phillipa conveyed just how much Will and Jess valued the flower farm and the various opportunities it afforded them.
A new arrival in the form of seasonal worker Gaby Carter sets in motion the chain of events that unfold throughout the story. Gaby has a PHD in poetry and has worked in garden centres so what brings here to a windswept rugged isle that has such magic? Clearly she was hiding something and attempting to run away when really she was just best to confront her issues instead of bottling everything up. At first she didn't seem like she was cut out for the job, the work in the fields entails long hours and backbreaking work. I think Will felt the same when he first laid eyes on here but over the course of the book, Gaby proved her metal, time and time again she always did as she was asked and even went that extra mile.
Gaby wasn't my favourite character featured but I loved how she was always able to stand up to Will. They sparked off each other and were able to toss back and forth comments and retorts. Their banter was enjoyable to read about and one wondered was it just friendly talk or was there something else behind it all? She really did give as good as she got. At times I felt Gaby got involved in things as in the gig racing without really knowing what was ahead of her and it really wasn't something she wanted to do and in partaking she allowed a different side of her character to emerge. One who when given a challenge takes it on and runs with it full throttle determined for success. I wondered throughout the book would Gaby be the one to crack the tough exterior Will liked to portray? I felt she had to deal with her own personal problems before she would be open enough to maybe venture down the road of exploration pertaining to the feelings that were niggling away at her with regards to Will. As the book progressed I did think they would make a good couple but the questioned remained - were there too many obstacles in their way and was Will willing to soften a little bit and admit whether he had feelings or not?
I can't say I warmed to Will when we first met him as Jess brings Gaby to the farm for the first time. I felt a lot of the characters we encounter and other workers at the farm seemed to be walking on eggshells when they were around him. People seemed to be in awe of him and I wouldn't say in the sense that they feel at his face in reverence. They appeared tentative and never wanted to confront him for fear of upsetting him. They tiptoed around him never wanting to upset him and I got the sense that if he was riled up he could explode. I wanted to know what made him this way as this genuinely was the initial impression I perceived of him. I felt Jess knew the real Will who although dedicated to his work and always wanting the best in the long term for the flower farm did put up a stubborn front. He needed someone else to come along to understand him, who could read his body language and see beneath the quirks that may have put others off for good. I did love the passion and excitement Will showed when it came to the island sport of gig racing. He seemed to come alive and shine, his eyes lit up and he wanted desperately to win. It was really enjoyable to read about this and I am glad the author wrote about this unique aspect of island life.
Undoubtedly my favourite character was Jess. She goes through so much in this book and I felt for her every bit of the way. To all intents and purposes when we first meet her, she really does have it all. The flower farm has come back from the brink of financial run and is now successful and a labour of love. She has found love with her boyfriend Adam, the local postman and really life couldn't look any sweeter. So you would think and then everything is turned on its head. The author through a few chapters built up such a lovely picture of the love Jess and Adam shared and then suddenly this was all gone. Jess' future and the certainty she felt regarding her love for Adam was gone in an instant. Adam leaves the island with scant thought to how Jess will feel. Their relationship is over and Jess really is left floundering and heartbroken. My god I wanted to throttle Adam, he never gave any specific reason for his departure and I felt Jess was left in limbo. How devastating to be caught up in a romance, to feel so secure and looking forward to the future and then to have it so abruptly taken away from you.
It's the way that Jess deals with everything that is so admirable and the reader hopes that faced with the same situation they would do the same. Internally she finds it difficult to get through the days and find light at the end of the tunnel. It's an uphill struggle, a battle but one she must overcome. Where on the outside a positive front is always presented and she would hate to let her true feelings be known. Friend Maisie can see she is hurting but I think the only way for Jess to emerge stronger was to attempt to put Adam to one side and see who else could be out there that would make that sparkle reappear in her eyes once again? As one character said 'Sadly the world doesn't owe us happiness. We have to go out and find it'.
If it was me I would have first gone and found Adam and confronted him and gotten answers. He seemed to have rather easily given up a good thing but Jess wasn't that confrontational kind of person. It really was a mystery as to why a seemingly sound and loved up couple split up so suddenly. I enjoyed following Jess' storyline and I felt it developed perfectly. A new arrival to the islands may just be what she needed or did fate have further plans in store for her? Well you'll have to pick up this beyond delightful book to find out.
More often than not the follow on books from the début of a series tend to be weaker or go off track but not so in the case of The Flower Farm it was equally as good as book number one. Was it my favourite? Well, I am reserving judgement until I have read all the books in the series but one thing for sure this was an excellent read which has left me wanting more. If only July would hurry up and arrive so I can delve into Summer on the Little Cornish Isles: The Starfish Studio, I can't wait to see who we meet next.
Phillipa clearly loves the Scilly Isles on which she has chosen to base this series and that devotion is apparent with every turn of the page. I had mentioned previously how it felt like I had visited the islands even though I had never been there before and that was thanks to such vivid, beautiful descriptions of the setting that has such stunning landscapes that helped bring the story to life. Again I felt the same here. I know we were on St. Saviour's Island this time and focusing on different characters but it didn't feel like it was an entirely new setting rather it was just a continuation/a catching up with island life. At the same time we were given snippets as to the contents of the previous story regarding Maisie Samson whilst never giving away too much as it would ruin the first book for those who may have not had the opportunity to read it yet. If you haven't you really should rectify that immediately.
In book two our attention turns to St. Saviour's Island where Jess and her twin brother Will run the flower farm with their mother Anna taking more of a back seat and tending to a small herd of goats and cattle. Will and Jess had to grow up quickly and take over the business or face financial ruin over 15 years ago when an incident with their father left them no other choice. Years of hard work, resilience and dedication have now led to the flower farm being a success story but that's not to say they ever rest on their laurels. They love their jobs with Jess tending to focus more on the administrative side although she is not adverse to getting stuck in in the fields when needed. Will loves being outdoors at the forefront of everything, seeing the daffodils begin as bulbs and ending up ready for transportation to the mainland or wherever their final destination might be.
To some reading of a flower farm might not seem like the most exciting of topics to feature in a book and admittedly I did have very minor reservations what exactly could the author write about regarding the flower farm that would keep me hooked? But the author certainly did keep me interested and eager to read on. It was fascinating to read that given the climate and location of the Isles of Scilly that some varieties of daffodils starting making an appearance in September and the season goes right through until Easter. To be honest I'd say how many of us have given scant thought as to how the flowers end up in the shops to buy? But here I found the whole process fascinating to read about and Phillipa conveyed just how much Will and Jess valued the flower farm and the various opportunities it afforded them.
A new arrival in the form of seasonal worker Gaby Carter sets in motion the chain of events that unfold throughout the story. Gaby has a PHD in poetry and has worked in garden centres so what brings here to a windswept rugged isle that has such magic? Clearly she was hiding something and attempting to run away when really she was just best to confront her issues instead of bottling everything up. At first she didn't seem like she was cut out for the job, the work in the fields entails long hours and backbreaking work. I think Will felt the same when he first laid eyes on here but over the course of the book, Gaby proved her metal, time and time again she always did as she was asked and even went that extra mile.
Gaby wasn't my favourite character featured but I loved how she was always able to stand up to Will. They sparked off each other and were able to toss back and forth comments and retorts. Their banter was enjoyable to read about and one wondered was it just friendly talk or was there something else behind it all? She really did give as good as she got. At times I felt Gaby got involved in things as in the gig racing without really knowing what was ahead of her and it really wasn't something she wanted to do and in partaking she allowed a different side of her character to emerge. One who when given a challenge takes it on and runs with it full throttle determined for success. I wondered throughout the book would Gaby be the one to crack the tough exterior Will liked to portray? I felt she had to deal with her own personal problems before she would be open enough to maybe venture down the road of exploration pertaining to the feelings that were niggling away at her with regards to Will. As the book progressed I did think they would make a good couple but the questioned remained - were there too many obstacles in their way and was Will willing to soften a little bit and admit whether he had feelings or not?
I can't say I warmed to Will when we first met him as Jess brings Gaby to the farm for the first time. I felt a lot of the characters we encounter and other workers at the farm seemed to be walking on eggshells when they were around him. People seemed to be in awe of him and I wouldn't say in the sense that they feel at his face in reverence. They appeared tentative and never wanted to confront him for fear of upsetting him. They tiptoed around him never wanting to upset him and I got the sense that if he was riled up he could explode. I wanted to know what made him this way as this genuinely was the initial impression I perceived of him. I felt Jess knew the real Will who although dedicated to his work and always wanting the best in the long term for the flower farm did put up a stubborn front. He needed someone else to come along to understand him, who could read his body language and see beneath the quirks that may have put others off for good. I did love the passion and excitement Will showed when it came to the island sport of gig racing. He seemed to come alive and shine, his eyes lit up and he wanted desperately to win. It was really enjoyable to read about this and I am glad the author wrote about this unique aspect of island life.
Undoubtedly my favourite character was Jess. She goes through so much in this book and I felt for her every bit of the way. To all intents and purposes when we first meet her, she really does have it all. The flower farm has come back from the brink of financial run and is now successful and a labour of love. She has found love with her boyfriend Adam, the local postman and really life couldn't look any sweeter. So you would think and then everything is turned on its head. The author through a few chapters built up such a lovely picture of the love Jess and Adam shared and then suddenly this was all gone. Jess' future and the certainty she felt regarding her love for Adam was gone in an instant. Adam leaves the island with scant thought to how Jess will feel. Their relationship is over and Jess really is left floundering and heartbroken. My god I wanted to throttle Adam, he never gave any specific reason for his departure and I felt Jess was left in limbo. How devastating to be caught up in a romance, to feel so secure and looking forward to the future and then to have it so abruptly taken away from you.
It's the way that Jess deals with everything that is so admirable and the reader hopes that faced with the same situation they would do the same. Internally she finds it difficult to get through the days and find light at the end of the tunnel. It's an uphill struggle, a battle but one she must overcome. Where on the outside a positive front is always presented and she would hate to let her true feelings be known. Friend Maisie can see she is hurting but I think the only way for Jess to emerge stronger was to attempt to put Adam to one side and see who else could be out there that would make that sparkle reappear in her eyes once again? As one character said 'Sadly the world doesn't owe us happiness. We have to go out and find it'.
If it was me I would have first gone and found Adam and confronted him and gotten answers. He seemed to have rather easily given up a good thing but Jess wasn't that confrontational kind of person. It really was a mystery as to why a seemingly sound and loved up couple split up so suddenly. I enjoyed following Jess' storyline and I felt it developed perfectly. A new arrival to the islands may just be what she needed or did fate have further plans in store for her? Well you'll have to pick up this beyond delightful book to find out.
More often than not the follow on books from the début of a series tend to be weaker or go off track but not so in the case of The Flower Farm it was equally as good as book number one. Was it my favourite? Well, I am reserving judgement until I have read all the books in the series but one thing for sure this was an excellent read which has left me wanting more. If only July would hurry up and arrive so I can delve into Summer on the Little Cornish Isles: The Starfish Studio, I can't wait to see who we meet next.
February 9, 2018
This was such a wonderful read. Set on the Isles of Scilly- we get a real sense of community and living on a flower farm. I loved the characters. Will and Jess took over running the farm when their father left and feel a big responsibility for making it a success. Gaby is taking a temporary job there whilst getting over a family tragedy. She doesn't plan to stay long but the islands weave their magic over her. We wonder whether she will moving on or listening to the whisper of Cupid's Arrow.
I loved the thought of everyone planning nights out and going by boat- it really made me want to go back to the Isles of Scilly as we had a magical day there once. I remember the landrover meeting the helicopter flight and whizzing round the tiny lanes at amazing speed and trying to breathe in to make sure we got through the tight spaces!
I loved the thought of everyone planning nights out and going by boat- it really made me want to go back to the Isles of Scilly as we had a magical day there once. I remember the landrover meeting the helicopter flight and whizzing round the tiny lanes at amazing speed and trying to breathe in to make sure we got through the tight spaces!
January 30, 2025
A light, easy read romance, quite predictable but a change from heavier books.
February 17, 2018
After really enjoying the first Little Cornish Isles book, I found this one disappointing. To begin with I was thoroughly confused, because this doesn’t pick up where the last book ends. Instead it goes back several months to September, when Jess and Adam were still together. After four chapters, we suddenly jump forward to February, with Adam leaving – still none the wiser as to why they split up.
What then follows is a lot of recaps and telling with very little actually happening. In fact, nothing much happens until the last third of the book. There is no romance, no excitement, nothing. We just have Jess moping about, Gaby being… well, Gaby, and Will being a bit of a jerk. If I hadn’t wanted to know why Adam left, I’d probably have given up.
I didn’t like Gaby. I found her immature and rather boring. She has a PhD in poetry and a love for gardens, but neither of which played much of a part in her personality. She’s also grieving for her brother, but not even this could make me like her. Things between her and Will were awkward. I didn’t feel any chemistry and the way they act is pretty juvenile considering she’s in her mid-twenties and he’s ten years older. I had so little interest in seeing them get together that I started skipping over her chapters after the halfway mark, because nothing was happening, and then when it did, oh, the angst! THE ANGST!
Will really need a few POV scenes, because I didn’t like him at all and maybe I’d have thought differently if I’d known what was going on inside his head. Mostly he’s just stomps around in a great big sulk because his life didn’t turn out how he once wanted it to. Boo hoo.
I liked Jess, but I think most of that is a hangover from the previous book. Which if you haven’t read, don’t worry, because everything is recapped here. Everything. Which helped fill in the long stretches where nothing happens, I suppose… Other than that, Jess is sad because Adam is an idiot and she can’t get over him. There really is little else to her than that, which is a shame. Apart from when Luca appears, but that plot fizzled out in a very dissatisfying way.
Adam’s secret does of course come out eventually, but you will have to wait for it. Some of it I guessed, but there are also a few unexpected twists. I still don’t think he handled any of it particularly well, and there was a whole heap of extra-strength angst thrown in at the end, but at least it meant that something interesting finally happened.
St. Saviour’s also disappointed me, in that I got absolutely no feel for the island whatsoever. It has a flower farm, a hotel and a pub and at least a handful of cottages, but I have no idea how big any of those are, how big the island is, what its topography is like or how many people live there. There’s no sense of community, like in the last book, and I didn’t get much of a feel for the Scilly Isles either. The last book had such a great atmosphere I immediately wanted to pack my bags and go. This one completely lacked it – and without that, what’s the point of the setting?
So overall, this book just wasn’t for me. It lacked the charm and warmth of the last one, and neither romance held any spark for me. The pacing was slow, especially in the first two thirds and I failed to connect with any of the characters. Sadly, despite being excited to read it, I just found it disappointing.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
What then follows is a lot of recaps and telling with very little actually happening. In fact, nothing much happens until the last third of the book. There is no romance, no excitement, nothing. We just have Jess moping about, Gaby being… well, Gaby, and Will being a bit of a jerk. If I hadn’t wanted to know why Adam left, I’d probably have given up.
I didn’t like Gaby. I found her immature and rather boring. She has a PhD in poetry and a love for gardens, but neither of which played much of a part in her personality. She’s also grieving for her brother, but not even this could make me like her. Things between her and Will were awkward. I didn’t feel any chemistry and the way they act is pretty juvenile considering she’s in her mid-twenties and he’s ten years older. I had so little interest in seeing them get together that I started skipping over her chapters after the halfway mark, because nothing was happening, and then when it did, oh, the angst! THE ANGST!
Will really need a few POV scenes, because I didn’t like him at all and maybe I’d have thought differently if I’d known what was going on inside his head. Mostly he’s just stomps around in a great big sulk because his life didn’t turn out how he once wanted it to. Boo hoo.
I liked Jess, but I think most of that is a hangover from the previous book. Which if you haven’t read, don’t worry, because everything is recapped here. Everything. Which helped fill in the long stretches where nothing happens, I suppose… Other than that, Jess is sad because Adam is an idiot and she can’t get over him. There really is little else to her than that, which is a shame. Apart from when Luca appears, but that plot fizzled out in a very dissatisfying way.
Adam’s secret does of course come out eventually, but you will have to wait for it. Some of it I guessed, but there are also a few unexpected twists. I still don’t think he handled any of it particularly well, and there was a whole heap of extra-strength angst thrown in at the end, but at least it meant that something interesting finally happened.
St. Saviour’s also disappointed me, in that I got absolutely no feel for the island whatsoever. It has a flower farm, a hotel and a pub and at least a handful of cottages, but I have no idea how big any of those are, how big the island is, what its topography is like or how many people live there. There’s no sense of community, like in the last book, and I didn’t get much of a feel for the Scilly Isles either. The last book had such a great atmosphere I immediately wanted to pack my bags and go. This one completely lacked it – and without that, what’s the point of the setting?
So overall, this book just wasn’t for me. It lacked the charm and warmth of the last one, and neither romance held any spark for me. The pacing was slow, especially in the first two thirds and I failed to connect with any of the characters. Sadly, despite being excited to read it, I just found it disappointing.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
May 22, 2018
What a picturesque and gorgeous setting for a book, and by that I'm referring to not only the Isles of Scilly, but also Jess and Will's flower farm.
In fact I was so taken by the sheer amount of narcissi that are being grown on the farm that I have just had a google to see what they really look like. O so not my favourite sort of flower, but I can appreciate the hard work that goes into flower farming.
So can Gaby who has arrived at the farm as a picker for a 6 month contract, although it takes a while for us to know the real reasons she has moved so far from home to pick flowers. She is a gutsy plucky character that I enjoyed getting to know.
And her banter with Will is really entertaining. In the meantime, I felt as though I knew a bit about Jess and her boyfriend Adam as she is Maisie's best friend and Maisie's story was the main one in the first book of this trilogy. I really enjoyed getting to know her a lot better although the course of true love never did run smoothly!
Having recently read a run of short novellas with rather shallow characters, it was pure pleasure to delve back into a good length book, full of characters with real hidden depths to them. I loved everything about these characters and had great sympathy for most of them at one point or another.
There are sections of complete light relief while others are more serious but one thing that ties the book together is superb writing and storytelling. Although this is book 2 of a trilogy, it can easily be read as a standalone as the focus of this book is different, and I am already looking forward to the next release.
I had been worried that I had forgotten everything about the series but the first pages where I am reminded of the various islands names a lot of the info came back to me, plus a few short character recaps brought me back up to speed with the series.
Full of beautiful flowers, great locations some action packed scenes and fully formed characters, this is a fabulous book that I am delighted to have found the time to read.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
In fact I was so taken by the sheer amount of narcissi that are being grown on the farm that I have just had a google to see what they really look like. O so not my favourite sort of flower, but I can appreciate the hard work that goes into flower farming.
So can Gaby who has arrived at the farm as a picker for a 6 month contract, although it takes a while for us to know the real reasons she has moved so far from home to pick flowers. She is a gutsy plucky character that I enjoyed getting to know.
And her banter with Will is really entertaining. In the meantime, I felt as though I knew a bit about Jess and her boyfriend Adam as she is Maisie's best friend and Maisie's story was the main one in the first book of this trilogy. I really enjoyed getting to know her a lot better although the course of true love never did run smoothly!
Having recently read a run of short novellas with rather shallow characters, it was pure pleasure to delve back into a good length book, full of characters with real hidden depths to them. I loved everything about these characters and had great sympathy for most of them at one point or another.
There are sections of complete light relief while others are more serious but one thing that ties the book together is superb writing and storytelling. Although this is book 2 of a trilogy, it can easily be read as a standalone as the focus of this book is different, and I am already looking forward to the next release.
I had been worried that I had forgotten everything about the series but the first pages where I am reminded of the various islands names a lot of the info came back to me, plus a few short character recaps brought me back up to speed with the series.
Full of beautiful flowers, great locations some action packed scenes and fully formed characters, this is a fabulous book that I am delighted to have found the time to read.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 19, 2018
I couldn't wait to read this second book in the series and didn't let me down at all full of romance and such a warm read while has you laughing in places and beautiful place to escape to. Characters are great with some new ones and some from the first book and great story lines. Perfect summer read to curl up and enjoy highly recommend this book to read. Has twists and turns and has you wanting to read more.
Gabby is new in this series and she's escaping and running away from painful memories is this island and working on the flower farm the perfect place for her and will she be able to move on or not and can she find romance. Then there is Jess who lives on the flower farm and her boyfriend Adam has left without an explanation does she hear from him and does he have reasons for going can he come back and be happy and move on. She is lonely and misses Adam so much. Will also owns the flower farm and he's finally met someone he can't stop thinking about and can he be happy or not no is she happy to except him and can they be happy also does a fire at the farm make them realise what is best for them and be happy.
A perfect read to curl up and enjoy highly recommend this book.
Gabby is new in this series and she's escaping and running away from painful memories is this island and working on the flower farm the perfect place for her and will she be able to move on or not and can she find romance. Then there is Jess who lives on the flower farm and her boyfriend Adam has left without an explanation does she hear from him and does he have reasons for going can he come back and be happy and move on. She is lonely and misses Adam so much. Will also owns the flower farm and he's finally met someone he can't stop thinking about and can he be happy or not no is she happy to except him and can they be happy also does a fire at the farm make them realise what is best for them and be happy.
A perfect read to curl up and enjoy highly recommend this book.
March 5, 2018
“I mean it but sadly the world doesn’t owe us happiness. We have to go out and find it ...” (original quotation pos. 2864)
Content:
Will Godrevy and his twin-sister Jessica, together with their mother Ann, are the owners of the St Saviour’s Flower Farm. Dr Gabriella Carter “Gaby” has a PhD in Poetry, but joins the flower farm but joins the flower farm on St Saviour’s island as a field worker. Feelings are sparkling between Will and Gaby, but she just needed some time for herself, just during the narcissi flower picking season and after that she will travel on, time for her to see other parts of the world. Jess and Adam are thinking about moving in together. But within one day, he leaves the island without explanations. However, there always is the flower farm and life somehow has to go on …
The story tales place on one of the Isles of Scilly, on a narcissi flower farm. The main characters are likeable, and especially the sparks that fly between Will and Gaby, are described in a funny, humorous way. Hints and twists keep the reader with the story, as we have more than one main character and each of them has own decisions to make, including personal crises. There are some interesting descriptions of planting and growing different kinds of narcissi, as well a about rowing.
This romance is also about family values, trust and friendship. Experiences in the past, lead to some misunderstandings, caused by not-outspoken words. At a certain point of the story, the circling around the same questions and misinterpretations in my opinion lead to some lengths and stop the enjoyable reading flow.
A perfect pre-springtime read in a lovely setting, perfect for an enjoyable, relaxing weekend.
Content:
Will Godrevy and his twin-sister Jessica, together with their mother Ann, are the owners of the St Saviour’s Flower Farm. Dr Gabriella Carter “Gaby” has a PhD in Poetry, but joins the flower farm but joins the flower farm on St Saviour’s island as a field worker. Feelings are sparkling between Will and Gaby, but she just needed some time for herself, just during the narcissi flower picking season and after that she will travel on, time for her to see other parts of the world. Jess and Adam are thinking about moving in together. But within one day, he leaves the island without explanations. However, there always is the flower farm and life somehow has to go on …
The story tales place on one of the Isles of Scilly, on a narcissi flower farm. The main characters are likeable, and especially the sparks that fly between Will and Gaby, are described in a funny, humorous way. Hints and twists keep the reader with the story, as we have more than one main character and each of them has own decisions to make, including personal crises. There are some interesting descriptions of planting and growing different kinds of narcissi, as well a about rowing.
This romance is also about family values, trust and friendship. Experiences in the past, lead to some misunderstandings, caused by not-outspoken words. At a certain point of the story, the circling around the same questions and misinterpretations in my opinion lead to some lengths and stop the enjoyable reading flow.
A perfect pre-springtime read in a lovely setting, perfect for an enjoyable, relaxing weekend.
February 24, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com
I really, really enjoyed this book. If possible even more so than the first of the series! The cover itself is absolutely beautiful and the pink sky, sandy beach and flowers in the foreground make it really stand out and draws you in. I love the style of writing that the title is in too!
The story itself was really lovely and easy to read - I personally found Jess' story the most interesting as I just really wanted to get to the bottom of why Jess' boyfriend Adam left the island. It was so gripping! The other stories around Gaby and Will were equally as enjoyable and I really hoped that there was a happy ever after with them. Will seemed to be like such a closed book, it was nice that when Gaby started working that they had banter and you could see Will starting to gently come out of his shell.
I also felt awful for Gaby and what she had been through that had made her want to flee to the quiet island. I had a few tears at some points! Just a warning that you may need to get your tissues out! Having said this, I found that the book had a really lovely heartwarming feel to it and I felt happy whilst reading about what was going on at the Flower Farm. I just really loved the story! It was nice as well that even though the story wasn't directly about Maisie, it was still nice to read about Maisie (from the 1st book) and find out how she and Patrick were getting on.
The location of the story sounded beautiful and it's now made me want to visit these islands! They sound really charming and the community side of it sounded more like family than just neighbours! Overall, I would really recommend you picking up this novel (and the first) and giving it a go. You won't regret it! It's a happy and heartwarming story that I throughly enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
I really, really enjoyed this book. If possible even more so than the first of the series! The cover itself is absolutely beautiful and the pink sky, sandy beach and flowers in the foreground make it really stand out and draws you in. I love the style of writing that the title is in too!
The story itself was really lovely and easy to read - I personally found Jess' story the most interesting as I just really wanted to get to the bottom of why Jess' boyfriend Adam left the island. It was so gripping! The other stories around Gaby and Will were equally as enjoyable and I really hoped that there was a happy ever after with them. Will seemed to be like such a closed book, it was nice that when Gaby started working that they had banter and you could see Will starting to gently come out of his shell.
I also felt awful for Gaby and what she had been through that had made her want to flee to the quiet island. I had a few tears at some points! Just a warning that you may need to get your tissues out! Having said this, I found that the book had a really lovely heartwarming feel to it and I felt happy whilst reading about what was going on at the Flower Farm. I just really loved the story! It was nice as well that even though the story wasn't directly about Maisie, it was still nice to read about Maisie (from the 1st book) and find out how she and Patrick were getting on.
The location of the story sounded beautiful and it's now made me want to visit these islands! They sound really charming and the community side of it sounded more like family than just neighbours! Overall, I would really recommend you picking up this novel (and the first) and giving it a go. You won't regret it! It's a happy and heartwarming story that I throughly enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
March 8, 2018
First meeting Jess and Will in Masie’s story when she came back to Scilly, the twins have managed the farm since their father’s departure with another woman years ago. Neither had really planned to HAVE to stay on the island and make the business their life, but their loyalty to their mother and the need to have something to support the family is at the forefront.
With Jess confused and heartbroken with Adam’s departure without a word, a new seasonal employee named Gabriella with her own challenges to meet and the undeniable connection she and Will seem to have, Will’s anger with Adam for leaving without a clue and his frustration in being tied to the farm, that often results in his mercurial moods, and his struggles to finish the old rowing boat in time for the race.
Every moment on Scilly is s a joy: even with the isolation and struggles Jess is so desperate to move forward from Adam and her hurt, and Luca seems to provide the perfect option , and he’s pursuing her. Gaby arrived and both she and Will were shocked at her willingness and ability to jump into the work: her PhD in poetry and tiny stature, as well as an obvious fear of being on the water didn’t seem to fit_ but her rapid-fire responses to Will’s teasing (yes – he is like a 12 year old boy when it comes to her) gives Jess reason to think there may be a connection. But, as she is here to work and fulfill one of the many dreams she promised to chase, she’s intrigued by although confused by the on again off again behavior of Will.
And then, the rowing practice starts and Gaby, against her better judgment (she was cox on a boat at school and ran them into trouble) is roped into the crew – a crew that now needs to (according to Will) beat Hugo’s team with it’s obvious ‘ringer” Luca. A suave, handsome and actually a bit too smooth man who has set his eyes on Jess. Until Adam returns with a woman and child in tow – and no explanations, sending Jess into a spiral of confusion and hurt as she tries to move on with the next best thing: someone who wants her.
Philippa Ashley has captured the hearts of readers with this series: giving us insight into Jess and Will’s lives at home: the struggles of managing the business and having to rely on the vagaries of wind and weather for shipments, the dearth of ‘dating’ options, and the wonder about what life could be like elsewhere With Adam’s story, we have proof of Jess’s undying loyalty and commitment to the man, even when she believes that love and togetherness is not possible. For Will, his head is actually spinning about with new (to him) feelings for Gaby, and his selflessness in not asking her to stay as he’s sure she wants to travel about. Gaby, coming to Scilly to get away from the sorrow and guilt after her brother’s death, and trying to shore up her confidence by envisioning his approach to the world….. Oh love and angst and plenty of change are on the breeze in this one. A perfect getaway read, with visits with familiar characters, moments of heart, struggle and pure love: the story just keeps you turning pages and hoping for more time on the isles.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
With Jess confused and heartbroken with Adam’s departure without a word, a new seasonal employee named Gabriella with her own challenges to meet and the undeniable connection she and Will seem to have, Will’s anger with Adam for leaving without a clue and his frustration in being tied to the farm, that often results in his mercurial moods, and his struggles to finish the old rowing boat in time for the race.
Every moment on Scilly is s a joy: even with the isolation and struggles Jess is so desperate to move forward from Adam and her hurt, and Luca seems to provide the perfect option , and he’s pursuing her. Gaby arrived and both she and Will were shocked at her willingness and ability to jump into the work: her PhD in poetry and tiny stature, as well as an obvious fear of being on the water didn’t seem to fit_ but her rapid-fire responses to Will’s teasing (yes – he is like a 12 year old boy when it comes to her) gives Jess reason to think there may be a connection. But, as she is here to work and fulfill one of the many dreams she promised to chase, she’s intrigued by although confused by the on again off again behavior of Will.
And then, the rowing practice starts and Gaby, against her better judgment (she was cox on a boat at school and ran them into trouble) is roped into the crew – a crew that now needs to (according to Will) beat Hugo’s team with it’s obvious ‘ringer” Luca. A suave, handsome and actually a bit too smooth man who has set his eyes on Jess. Until Adam returns with a woman and child in tow – and no explanations, sending Jess into a spiral of confusion and hurt as she tries to move on with the next best thing: someone who wants her.
Philippa Ashley has captured the hearts of readers with this series: giving us insight into Jess and Will’s lives at home: the struggles of managing the business and having to rely on the vagaries of wind and weather for shipments, the dearth of ‘dating’ options, and the wonder about what life could be like elsewhere With Adam’s story, we have proof of Jess’s undying loyalty and commitment to the man, even when she believes that love and togetherness is not possible. For Will, his head is actually spinning about with new (to him) feelings for Gaby, and his selflessness in not asking her to stay as he’s sure she wants to travel about. Gaby, coming to Scilly to get away from the sorrow and guilt after her brother’s death, and trying to shore up her confidence by envisioning his approach to the world….. Oh love and angst and plenty of change are on the breeze in this one. A perfect getaway read, with visits with familiar characters, moments of heart, struggle and pure love: the story just keeps you turning pages and hoping for more time on the isles.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 22, 2018
The Blurb :
Jess has lived at the idyllic flower farm on the Isles of Scilly her whole life, but when her boyfriend Adam leaves without explanation, Jess discovers that even her little slice of Cornish heaven can be lonely.
For the first time in Will’s life, he’s met someone he can’t stop thinking about. But nothing is simple when the woman of your dreams is working for you.
Gaby is running away from painful memories, and where could be more perfect than a remote island off the Cornish coast? But to put the past behind her, she must keep moving … however much she might want to stay.
Nothing is simple, even on paradise. Will love bloom for the residents of the little Cornish Isles?
My Thoughts :
I absolutely loved book 1 in this series of The Little Cornish Isles that I couldnt wait to get stuck into book 2 and let me tell you it didnt disappoint.
We focus on Twins, Jess and Will Godrevy who run the flower farm on the Isles, after their father left they feel it is their right to make it a success. Enter Gaby Carter, who is a new addition in the series, working as a seasonal flower picker and packer. She is running from painful times and can the Cornish Isles make her forget everything!?.
As we once again follow the trials and tribulations of the Isles and its residents, we can get lost in the book with a mug of hot chocolate on a cosy cold night.
It was also a bonus to revist charactors from Book 1 including, Maisie and Patrick from the Driftwood Inn, Adam, Jess’s boyfriend and Hugo, who runs a resort on the neighbouring island of Petroc.
Phillipa Ashley, once again writes in that captivating way that draws you into the story and lives of the residents on The Cornish Isles. Looking forward to book 3 for more delights of this beautiful series.
February 26, 2018
Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to read the second. Wow! With twin brother and sister protagonists, this read was double everything--romance, fun, heartbreak, and beautiful resolution. Will and Jess, the brother and sister owners of the flower farm, had been introduced in the first book, and the trouble between Jess and her boyfriend Adam had been hinted at but with no explanation. In this book we learn more about them and eventually learn Adam's tragic secret. I adored the new character Gaby (who like me is short and has a Ph.D. in literature). As usual, with Phillipa Ashley's novels, the setting is a major character. Her love of Cornwall and especially the Scilly Islands is apparent. The islands seem through her description to be little jewels in the Atlantic. The flower farm setting is interesting and romantic, and the character of Luca is an extra treat! July, when the third book is published, seems very far away!
March 30, 2018
Brilliant
Loved it. Really loving this series. Totally losing myself in these books and would love to visit Scilly myself. Can't wait for next book!
Loved it. Really loving this series. Totally losing myself in these books and would love to visit Scilly myself. Can't wait for next book!
February 26, 2018
Oh how I love Phillipa's books and this series is the best so far! I thought several times that she would make a great travel writer, so lovely are the descriptions of the Scilly Isles. The characters are strong and I learned so much about flower production. I'm deeply appreciative of all the flower growers do - I rush out to buy daffs in January!
I love series because we can catch up with characters and places in previous books. And this was no exception.
Absolutely gorgeous book and can't wait for Summer!!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love series because we can catch up with characters and places in previous books. And this was no exception.
Absolutely gorgeous book and can't wait for Summer!!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2018
This book was quite messy. The story did not flow at all. We start off in the spring then jump around for months with gaps in-between and holes in the story and missing areas of character development.
I just never connected with any of these characters because their stories were all jumbled and incomplete. In the beginning Jess seemed logical and smart but then we jump ahead by months and her boyfriend has left town and now she's just a wreck and she has no idea why he has left. Gaby seemed interesting at first and then her story just got worse and worse as it went on. There is no way for the reader to connect Gaby and Will or Jess and Luca or Jess and Adam even. Adam leaves for months then pops back up and not much explanation given for the in-between time.
Personally I think this could benefit from a rewrite or better editing. Maybe those missing parts were edited out. My copy was an ARC provided by NetGalley for review but my opinions are my own.
I just never connected with any of these characters because their stories were all jumbled and incomplete. In the beginning Jess seemed logical and smart but then we jump ahead by months and her boyfriend has left town and now she's just a wreck and she has no idea why he has left. Gaby seemed interesting at first and then her story just got worse and worse as it went on. There is no way for the reader to connect Gaby and Will or Jess and Luca or Jess and Adam even. Adam leaves for months then pops back up and not much explanation given for the in-between time.
Personally I think this could benefit from a rewrite or better editing. Maybe those missing parts were edited out. My copy was an ARC provided by NetGalley for review but my opinions are my own.
April 4, 2018
This is the second book in the Little Cornish Isles series. The first book in the series called ‘Christmas On The Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn’ was published last year. I absolutely adored reading it and I eagerly awaited the sequel. I was not to be disappointed. I absolutely loved reading ‘Spring On The Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm’ but more about that in a bit
I warmed to Jess Godrevy from the start. Along with her twin brother, she helps to run ‘The Flower Farm’, which is the best and most popular flower farm within the little Cornish Isles. Both Jess and her brother, Will desperately miss their father but they don’t want to be seen as being disloyal to their mother. Their father had an extramarital affair and left the family home, which has left Jess’ mother feeling very bitter towards men in general. This doesn’t sit particularly well with Jess as she has, what she considers to be, a loving relationship with Adam, who sounds like a dreamboat and is a jack of all trades. He is a part time fireman, a rower, the island postman and other little jobs. However, things start to go wrong for Jess and Adam leaves the little Cornish Isles. The reasons as to why are not immediately obvious but as the book continues, you learn a little more. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give Jess a hug and generally have a bitching session about how unreliable men can be. Jess is one strong young lady, who is happy with her lot and she enjoys running ‘The Flower Farm’. Jess can’t help but worry about her brother, Will who seems to be a closed book, and who won’t allow himself to get close to anybody. That is until Gaby arrives on the scene. When me meet Gaby, it’s immediately obvious that she is hurting mentally and emotionally and she needs to get away from her usual surroundings to allow herself time to heal. I don’t want to type too much as to what has happened but I really, really did empathise with her at one point. She and the rest of her family have to make a heartbreaking decision and some of the emotions that are described are exactly how I felt, when my Mam and I had to make our own heartbreaking decision. . I actually felt a lump in my throat when I was reading what had happened. Gaby is highly educated as she has a PHD in poetry and one of her passions is gardening. To say that she fits in and feels at home at ‘The Flower Farm’ is a bit of an understatement. Then of course there is also the added bonus of having Will to look at. There’s obviously a spark between them and I wondered if that spark could turn into a full blown relationship. Will Jess get to the bottom of why Adam has left? Will Jess and Adam find a way to be together and to have the happy ever after ending that they both so richly deserve? Will Gaby tell Jess and Will just what has happened in her past to necessitate the period of healing? Will Gaby and Will act on their spark? Well for the answers to that and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you
To say that ‘Spring On The Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm’ is an addictive read has to be the understatement of the year. I simply loved everything about the book from the light and bright cover to the setting of the book to the characters and everything in between. I didn’t even need to read a word before I knew that this was one book that I was going to become addicted to and that I would binge read. I became so drawn into the story that I didn’t notice the page numbers literally whizzing past and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the setting, the characters and the writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue. The author uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that if I closed my eyes, I could just imagine that I was on the little Cornish Isles with the sun beating down on my face and listening to the hustle and bustle of ‘The Flower Farm’ going on around me. By the time I finished the book I decided that I have to visit the Scilly Isles because the author had made them sound so picturesque, attractive and beautiful. I really did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer after I finished reading the book with all the highs, the lows, the hope, the despair, the joy and the despair and well you get the picture. The characters are all so well written and totally believable. I found that I felt a particular bond with certain characters and found that I could empathise with them at times. I found that I cared about the characters and what happened to them. There were also times when I could have easily jumped inside the pages of the book to argue with certain characters or to slap them around the face with a wet fish a few dozen times as I couldn’t believe the way in which they were behaving. More than once I found myself saying that I just wished the characters could talk to each other.
In short, I adored reading ‘Spring On The Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm’. I can’t wait to read more from Phillipa Ashley and thankfully there isn’t too long to wait as the next book in the ‘Little Cornish Isles’ series is called ‘Summer On The Little Cornish Isles: The Starfish Studio’ is due for release in July 2018. I would have no hesitation in recommending this author and her books to anybody and particularly to those people, who enjoy light hearted, feel good, romance novels. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*. I would have awarded it more stars if I could have because I really did enjoy the book that much.
I warmed to Jess Godrevy from the start. Along with her twin brother, she helps to run ‘The Flower Farm’, which is the best and most popular flower farm within the little Cornish Isles. Both Jess and her brother, Will desperately miss their father but they don’t want to be seen as being disloyal to their mother. Their father had an extramarital affair and left the family home, which has left Jess’ mother feeling very bitter towards men in general. This doesn’t sit particularly well with Jess as she has, what she considers to be, a loving relationship with Adam, who sounds like a dreamboat and is a jack of all trades. He is a part time fireman, a rower, the island postman and other little jobs. However, things start to go wrong for Jess and Adam leaves the little Cornish Isles. The reasons as to why are not immediately obvious but as the book continues, you learn a little more. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give Jess a hug and generally have a bitching session about how unreliable men can be. Jess is one strong young lady, who is happy with her lot and she enjoys running ‘The Flower Farm’. Jess can’t help but worry about her brother, Will who seems to be a closed book, and who won’t allow himself to get close to anybody. That is until Gaby arrives on the scene. When me meet Gaby, it’s immediately obvious that she is hurting mentally and emotionally and she needs to get away from her usual surroundings to allow herself time to heal. I don’t want to type too much as to what has happened but I really, really did empathise with her at one point. She and the rest of her family have to make a heartbreaking decision and some of the emotions that are described are exactly how I felt, when my Mam and I had to make our own heartbreaking decision. . I actually felt a lump in my throat when I was reading what had happened. Gaby is highly educated as she has a PHD in poetry and one of her passions is gardening. To say that she fits in and feels at home at ‘The Flower Farm’ is a bit of an understatement. Then of course there is also the added bonus of having Will to look at. There’s obviously a spark between them and I wondered if that spark could turn into a full blown relationship. Will Jess get to the bottom of why Adam has left? Will Jess and Adam find a way to be together and to have the happy ever after ending that they both so richly deserve? Will Gaby tell Jess and Will just what has happened in her past to necessitate the period of healing? Will Gaby and Will act on their spark? Well for the answers to that and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves as I am not going to tell you
To say that ‘Spring On The Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm’ is an addictive read has to be the understatement of the year. I simply loved everything about the book from the light and bright cover to the setting of the book to the characters and everything in between. I didn’t even need to read a word before I knew that this was one book that I was going to become addicted to and that I would binge read. I became so drawn into the story that I didn’t notice the page numbers literally whizzing past and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the setting, the characters and the writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue. The author uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that if I closed my eyes, I could just imagine that I was on the little Cornish Isles with the sun beating down on my face and listening to the hustle and bustle of ‘The Flower Farm’ going on around me. By the time I finished the book I decided that I have to visit the Scilly Isles because the author had made them sound so picturesque, attractive and beautiful. I really did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer after I finished reading the book with all the highs, the lows, the hope, the despair, the joy and the despair and well you get the picture. The characters are all so well written and totally believable. I found that I felt a particular bond with certain characters and found that I could empathise with them at times. I found that I cared about the characters and what happened to them. There were also times when I could have easily jumped inside the pages of the book to argue with certain characters or to slap them around the face with a wet fish a few dozen times as I couldn’t believe the way in which they were behaving. More than once I found myself saying that I just wished the characters could talk to each other.
In short, I adored reading ‘Spring On The Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm’. I can’t wait to read more from Phillipa Ashley and thankfully there isn’t too long to wait as the next book in the ‘Little Cornish Isles’ series is called ‘Summer On The Little Cornish Isles: The Starfish Studio’ is due for release in July 2018. I would have no hesitation in recommending this author and her books to anybody and particularly to those people, who enjoy light hearted, feel good, romance novels. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*. I would have awarded it more stars if I could have because I really did enjoy the book that much.
February 16, 2018
Here we are with the second book of Phillipa Ashley’s second series to be set around Cornwall, in this case, we are based on the Scilly Isles, the Cornish Isles of the title. For this title, we focus on Jess and Will who run the Flower Farm of the title. Twins whom we met in Book 1, both were obligated to give up growing up dreams when their father ran off and so have made the best of the situation to run a very successful business. Despite the normal sibling arguments, both are devoted to the farm and each other.
Basic rundown – Jess is dumped by Adam, the man she hoped to marry whilst Will’s world is turned upside down by the arrival from the mainland of a whirling dervish of a lady, Gaby, who is hiding demons in her own life she’s trying to work through, that he fights so hard to resist. The path of true love can never run smooth in stories (or they’d be very short), such is the case here as we follow the twins fencing with their prospective partners, with Jess being wooed by a visiting businessman. Characters from the first book in the series, especially Jess’ best friend Maisie crop up through this story, nicely linking the series.
You can read this as a standalone, but personally, I would advise to have read, Spring on the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn first. You won’t lose anything if you don’t, but you’d miss the little snippets the author drops through this book that refer back. If you want to know more of the story, please buy the book, as I don’t want to give away any surprises – you’ll thank me for it.
Ms Ashley is a true queen of writing that makes you fall in love with a location that you’ve never been to. Together with her Cornish Café series (source this series!), she should be employed by the region for promotional services. Flowers, beautiful locations, gig races and wonderfully written characters, I count this author as one I should like to aspire to be near the same quality, a simply wonderful addition to her body of work.
Basic rundown – Jess is dumped by Adam, the man she hoped to marry whilst Will’s world is turned upside down by the arrival from the mainland of a whirling dervish of a lady, Gaby, who is hiding demons in her own life she’s trying to work through, that he fights so hard to resist. The path of true love can never run smooth in stories (or they’d be very short), such is the case here as we follow the twins fencing with their prospective partners, with Jess being wooed by a visiting businessman. Characters from the first book in the series, especially Jess’ best friend Maisie crop up through this story, nicely linking the series.
You can read this as a standalone, but personally, I would advise to have read, Spring on the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn first. You won’t lose anything if you don’t, but you’d miss the little snippets the author drops through this book that refer back. If you want to know more of the story, please buy the book, as I don’t want to give away any surprises – you’ll thank me for it.
Ms Ashley is a true queen of writing that makes you fall in love with a location that you’ve never been to. Together with her Cornish Café series (source this series!), she should be employed by the region for promotional services. Flowers, beautiful locations, gig races and wonderfully written characters, I count this author as one I should like to aspire to be near the same quality, a simply wonderful addition to her body of work.
March 20, 2018
There's nothing like flowers and a picturesque island to make you think of Spring and the second book in the Little Cornish Isles series - 'The Flower Farm' does that. If you've read the first book in the series 'The Driftwood Inn', you'll remember that Will and Jess run the flower farm on St Saviour.
Jess thought she'd found 'the one' but Adam's behaviour changes without explanation, he leaves, and she is heartbroken.
Will is all about work but meeting Gaby makes him question his outlook on life but it's complicated, she's a temporary worker on the flower farm, so he's her boss, and she's not planning to stay around, maybe it's best if he does nothing?
After a family tragedy, Gaby is running and determined to live life to the full. The Isles of Scilly are remote enough for her to heal but she never thought she would meet someone who would make her want to stay, maybe it's best he doesn't feel the same way?
Romance, humour and sadness all vie for attention in this lovely story, the setting is beautiful with plenty of intrinsic characters to make it come alive. The story's main protagonists are complex and likeable, and the plot has more than a few surprises. Living life in the moment is the message of this feel-good read and its the perfect sentiment for Spring, enjoy, I did.
I received a copy of this book from Avon UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Jess thought she'd found 'the one' but Adam's behaviour changes without explanation, he leaves, and she is heartbroken.
Will is all about work but meeting Gaby makes him question his outlook on life but it's complicated, she's a temporary worker on the flower farm, so he's her boss, and she's not planning to stay around, maybe it's best if he does nothing?
After a family tragedy, Gaby is running and determined to live life to the full. The Isles of Scilly are remote enough for her to heal but she never thought she would meet someone who would make her want to stay, maybe it's best he doesn't feel the same way?
Romance, humour and sadness all vie for attention in this lovely story, the setting is beautiful with plenty of intrinsic characters to make it come alive. The story's main protagonists are complex and likeable, and the plot has more than a few surprises. Living life in the moment is the message of this feel-good read and its the perfect sentiment for Spring, enjoy, I did.
I received a copy of this book from Avon UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
I love how Phillipa Ashley always brings both her characters and the setting of her stories to life. I couldn't help but fall in love with both the flower farm and the characters. The way the story is written I would probably class it as a standalone so don't worry if you haven't read book one in the series. However it was lovely to catch up with characters from the first book and she how they were doing.
This book follows a couple of characters but I thought this helped keep the story fresh and interesting. Gaby is trying to come to terms with a tragic event and you can feel her loss and pain as she tries to look to the future. Then you have Jess who is trying to pick up the pieces after her relationship with Adam ends. This part of the story definitely had me intrigued I just had to know why it went wrong for them.
There are themes of family, friendship, loss and love that just made this story so enjoyable. I found myself a cosy spot on the sofa with a hot chocolate and in no time at all I was caught up in the story hoping for a happy ending.
Charming and completely heartwarming!
Five stars from me!
With thanks to Sabah at Avon Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
This book follows a couple of characters but I thought this helped keep the story fresh and interesting. Gaby is trying to come to terms with a tragic event and you can feel her loss and pain as she tries to look to the future. Then you have Jess who is trying to pick up the pieces after her relationship with Adam ends. This part of the story definitely had me intrigued I just had to know why it went wrong for them.
There are themes of family, friendship, loss and love that just made this story so enjoyable. I found myself a cosy spot on the sofa with a hot chocolate and in no time at all I was caught up in the story hoping for a happy ending.
Charming and completely heartwarming!
Five stars from me!
With thanks to Sabah at Avon Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 2, 2018
Phillipa Ashley has the gift of being able to conjure up likeable and realistic characters that readers can empathise with: the Flower Farm is no exception.
From the outset the chemistry sparkles between Gaby and Will, not that either of them will admit it. With Will being a grumpy old goat at times, and pint-size Gaby being a strong independent woman, they’re both as stubborn as each other. There are times when you just feel like banging their heads together, but with Will’s future set on the farm, and with Gabby still running away from the heartbreak in her past, a future together seems very unlikely.
There’s lots of speculation and intrigue when Jess and Adam’s perfect relationship comes to a grinding halt after Adam suddenly starts receiving mysterious texts and then leaves the Cornish Isles. Just why did Adam leave? And Will Jess ever see him again? Will she ever forgive him? Or does Jess find true love elsewhere?
There’s lots going on in this well-written chillaxy read. I hope this review has whet your appetite for what’s to come when you read this great book. I recommend this book for anybody who likes to read books by Carole Matthews or Jill Mansell.
This book has met all the requirements of Literature Love’s 5 star rating.
From the outset the chemistry sparkles between Gaby and Will, not that either of them will admit it. With Will being a grumpy old goat at times, and pint-size Gaby being a strong independent woman, they’re both as stubborn as each other. There are times when you just feel like banging their heads together, but with Will’s future set on the farm, and with Gabby still running away from the heartbreak in her past, a future together seems very unlikely.
There’s lots of speculation and intrigue when Jess and Adam’s perfect relationship comes to a grinding halt after Adam suddenly starts receiving mysterious texts and then leaves the Cornish Isles. Just why did Adam leave? And Will Jess ever see him again? Will she ever forgive him? Or does Jess find true love elsewhere?
There’s lots going on in this well-written chillaxy read. I hope this review has whet your appetite for what’s to come when you read this great book. I recommend this book for anybody who likes to read books by Carole Matthews or Jill Mansell.
This book has met all the requirements of Literature Love’s 5 star rating.
April 26, 2018
The story is set up perfectly from the start so you already know who you’re rooting for. It has just the right amount of highs and lows to make it the perfect holiday read. I had many guesses as to why Adam left Jess and the island but none of them were correct, which made it all the better.
The fact that it was partly set on a flower farm was a big lure for me – although it does show the realities of being waist deep in mud so is perhaps not quite as idyllic as I thought. Having said that, the setting, which is largely fictitious but based on the Isle of Scilly, had me, once again, wanting to pack up and move to a remote island.
I haven’t read the first book in the series but it has now been added to my TBR pile, especially having met Maisie in this book. I definitely want to read her story.
The fact that it was partly set on a flower farm was a big lure for me – although it does show the realities of being waist deep in mud so is perhaps not quite as idyllic as I thought. Having said that, the setting, which is largely fictitious but based on the Isle of Scilly, had me, once again, wanting to pack up and move to a remote island.
I haven’t read the first book in the series but it has now been added to my TBR pile, especially having met Maisie in this book. I definitely want to read her story.
May 26, 2018
I hadn't read the first book in the series but found this was a great standalone novel - although I now look forward to going back and reading the first book.
What a gorgeous location for a novel - the glorious Isles of Scilly and a flower farm. Interesting characters. A story of family, friendship. love, loss and new beginnings. I was drawn into the story from the start and kept captivated throughout. A really lovely easy read perfect for an afternoon on the sofa or in the garden.
Highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a gorgeous location for a novel - the glorious Isles of Scilly and a flower farm. Interesting characters. A story of family, friendship. love, loss and new beginnings. I was drawn into the story from the start and kept captivated throughout. A really lovely easy read perfect for an afternoon on the sofa or in the garden.
Highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2018
It's great to be back in the Scilly Isles, w first met the twins Will and Jess in the first book about Maisie and now it is their turn. Will and Jess run a flower farm on a beautiful small island and Jess is happily in a relationship with Adam until he ups and leaves one day with no explanation.... has he gone for good or will he come back? Gaby comes to the island for work, having her own grief to deal with and not feeling able to stay in one place for long..... but then she meets Will and will he be enough to stop her running away and will he be able to get past the fact that she is an employee?
Lovely to be back here and to catch up with Maisie, I love all of these Cornish novels and can't wait for the next one in the series
Lovely to be back here and to catch up with Maisie, I love all of these Cornish novels and can't wait for the next one in the series
July 6, 2018
Spring on the Little Cornish Isles by Phillipa Ashley follows the stories of twins Jess and Will, who live on the flower farm on the Isles of Scilly. Jess has lived there her hold lifeand when boyfriend Adam leaves without a real explanation she is devastated. When he returns she seems to be able to get some answers. Her brother Will, has never been in love before but when newcomer Gaby arrives on the island he cannot stop thinking about her.
This appears to be the second in the Cornish Isles series but I haven't read the first book. It didn't stop me from enjoying this book though. A lovely summer read, good characters and plot.
This appears to be the second in the Cornish Isles series but I haven't read the first book. It didn't stop me from enjoying this book though. A lovely summer read, good characters and plot.
March 4, 2018
Brilliant
Simply loved it and could imagine all the beautiful flowers as the descriptions are terrific. Enjoyed this as much as the previous one. A perfect read as I've been stuck in the house because of the snow! Can't wait until the summer book is released.
Simply loved it and could imagine all the beautiful flowers as the descriptions are terrific. Enjoyed this as much as the previous one. A perfect read as I've been stuck in the house because of the snow! Can't wait until the summer book is released.
April 25, 2021
This was a fun read set in a picturesque location- an island off the Cornish coast. More than that- a FLOWER farm on the island, which was totally new for me. The characters were well drawn and while I wanted to just shake a couple of them, I was also pulling for them. There was some romance and some action (a big rowing race among other things) and all in all the book kept my interest throughout. I have the other two books in the Cornish Isles series and look forward to reading them.
January 11, 2025
I really enjoyed the is as an easy read romance. I noticed that many one star reviews noted they didn’t read the first book in the series. I would recommend reading the first book to get a sense of the time jumps in the second book.
March 6, 2018
A lovely book that makes you feel good and entertain at the same time. Lovely setting and characters.
Really enjoyable.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley
Really enjoyable.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley
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