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The Great Cornish Getaway
As the sun sits high in the sky over Cornwall, and the sea breeze brings a welcome relief to the residents of the seaside village of Trevay, a stranger arrives in need of a safe haven.
The fact that the stranger is a Hollywood heartthrob makes villagers Penny and Dorrie even more keen to help. They both know what it’s like to feel that you need a break from life, and they bring the village together to keep their stranger’s secret. It’s not long before he’s helping some of the villagers find the answers to their own problems. In return, they find a place for him in their hearts.
A Cornish village with secrets at its heart
This delightful Quick Read from Sunday Times bestselling novelist Fern Britton is full of her usual warmth and wit. It is the perfect way to treat yourself to a gorgeous escape to Cornwall.
The fact that the stranger is a Hollywood heartthrob makes villagers Penny and Dorrie even more keen to help. They both know what it’s like to feel that you need a break from life, and they bring the village together to keep their stranger’s secret. It’s not long before he’s helping some of the villagers find the answers to their own problems. In return, they find a place for him in their hearts.
A Cornish village with secrets at its heart
This delightful Quick Read from Sunday Times bestselling novelist Fern Britton is full of her usual warmth and wit. It is the perfect way to treat yourself to a gorgeous escape to Cornwall.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2018
109 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Fern Britton
33 books415 followersFern Britton, an English television presenter, was born on 17 July 1957 in Ealing, London. She was educated at Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont and underwent training in stage management at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the daughter of the English actor, Tony Britton and Ruth Britton. Fern Britton spent the early days of her life at Buckinghamshire. Her older sister, Cherry Britton, is a script writer and her younger half brother, Jasper Britton, is an actor. She is married to the celebrity chef, Phil Vickery and lives with her family at Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire.
Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.
Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.
Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.
In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.
Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.
Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.
Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.
Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.
Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.
In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.
Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.
Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 24, 2018
Wow that is certainly one quick read, I couldn't put it down and under an hour after starting it I was finished. If anything I would say the story was too short, as I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end.
Being a huge fan of Fern Britton and familiar with her Pendruggan setting, meant I was delighted to see a whole bunch of familiar characters. However even if you have never read anything by this author this is 100% a standalone novella, with a lovely storyline and warm writing that draws you in.
This story features a very famous actor escaping for a few days in Cornwall, while hoping that people can be trusted with the secret that he is there. He just wants a break from his regular start studded life amongst good honest people.
In just over 100 pages, there are laughs, drama, action, and some truly fabulous scenes in a story that was a joy to read. This is another excellent book from Fern Britton and has proven to me she is one of the truly talented authors who can tell a great story in either 100 pages, or a full length novel, and still hook the reader in, and that is a skill set that not many have.
April 13, 2018
A very enjoyable read with engaging characters and an interesting storyline about an A list Hollywood actor finding some peace away from his normal life on the Cornish coast. There is some drama involved but its mainly about the characters which are perfectly drawn. I've only read a couple of Fern Britton's short stories so far but I would have no hesitation in picking up a full sized novel, she writes so well.
August 14, 2020
As the sun sits high in the sky over Cornwall, and the sea breeze brings a welcome relief to the residents of the seaside village of Trevay, a stranger arrives in need of a safe haven.
The fact that the stranger is a Hollywood heartthrob makes villagers Penny and Dorrie even more keen to help. They both know what it’s like to feel that you need a break from life, and they bring the village together to keep their stranger’s secret. It’s not long before he’s helping some of the villagers find the answers to their own problems. In return, they find a place for him in their hearts.
The fact that the stranger is a Hollywood heartthrob makes villagers Penny and Dorrie even more keen to help. They both know what it’s like to feel that you need a break from life, and they bring the village together to keep their stranger’s secret. It’s not long before he’s helping some of the villagers find the answers to their own problems. In return, they find a place for him in their hearts.
February 24, 2019
Perfect short story. Couldn’t sleep and didn’t want anything to keep me awake. This was easy to read. New the characters from a previous book. Slightly unbelievable but hey who cares it’s only a story. Enjoyed the storyline
November 18, 2025
It was a light and funny story.
March 5, 2018
The Quick Reads are such a great idea for adults who struggle with reading or those who just don't have time for a full book.
A very, VERY famous actor walks off set and ends up in Pendruggan, Cornwall, to get away from the real world for a while. If you're familiar with Fern's books, you'll be familiar with the setting, and familiar with how this actor was mentioned before (in A Seaside Affair). I tore through this but didn't finish it - I'm not a fan of this type of small seaside village stuff unless there's a body on the beach and someone has a secret, but if you like a bit of light, breezy escapism you may like this. I didn't like the use of a real actor, I thought it was a bit much, but I have to give the author props for making him seem very relatable and human.
A very, VERY famous actor walks off set and ends up in Pendruggan, Cornwall, to get away from the real world for a while. If you're familiar with Fern's books, you'll be familiar with the setting, and familiar with how this actor was mentioned before (in A Seaside Affair). I tore through this but didn't finish it - I'm not a fan of this type of small seaside village stuff unless there's a body on the beach and someone has a secret, but if you like a bit of light, breezy escapism you may like this. I didn't like the use of a real actor, I thought it was a bit much, but I have to give the author props for making him seem very relatable and human.
June 18, 2020
What an odd little book! In all honesty I only picked this up from my library app for a quick read while I was waiting for my next book to become available. It sounded charming and quick, so I figured why not...
The short story follows Richard Gere after he walks off set and decides to have a little secret jolly down in Cornwall with some old friends.
While I think the idea behind the ‘quick reads’ books is fantastic, safe to say, it’s not exactly the most believable story line! It’s charming, with some sweet characters, but ultimately I just didn’t get the point of this book. It probably would have worked much better if it wasn’t based on a real life actor. It just all seemed a bit, well, weird and pointless.
Not my cup of tea at all I’m afraid so only 2 stars from me for this one!
The short story follows Richard Gere after he walks off set and decides to have a little secret jolly down in Cornwall with some old friends.
While I think the idea behind the ‘quick reads’ books is fantastic, safe to say, it’s not exactly the most believable story line! It’s charming, with some sweet characters, but ultimately I just didn’t get the point of this book. It probably would have worked much better if it wasn’t based on a real life actor. It just all seemed a bit, well, weird and pointless.
Not my cup of tea at all I’m afraid so only 2 stars from me for this one!
March 4, 2018
This book was a very quick read but was excellent and wonderful to go back to the Cornish village and hear more about some of the characters. There is an American heartthrob who decides he needs a get away and he is taken down to the Cornish village but with penny and the vicar wondering where he has gone along with all the papers. Will he be found and can he stay hidden everyone is happy to help keep him secret and how do they manage. Really great reads and loved it from the first page.
November 30, 2019
Great fun and funny sweet book with very likable and relatable characters it made me like and want to visit Cornwall. Longer review soon... Review in Croatian: https://sisterdelightbookcaffe.blogsp...
December 28, 2019
A nice little short story to read.
May 21, 2022
Perfect reading for a long flight home from Australia and very enjoyable too.
January 10, 2021
Loved this quick read, able to zip through it in a few hours. A story about a very well known actor who is filming in England but needs to escape for a break so he goes to Trevay in Cornwall. (He has visited here before in Fern Britton's book A Seaside Affair so the characters in the book are all familiar if you have read this) He takes time out with his friends and then returns to filming. Entertaining and fun.
December 20, 2023
pretty much no storyline.
April 17, 2018
What a fantastic read, I’m still getting used to reading at 35 I have finally found my reading mojo thanks to a scheme the local library has run, I’ve been reading quick reads but this book has been amazing and I may well look into reading more of Fern’s other books.
June 9, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I have to say I really struggled to. I don’t want to sound too harsh as I know everyone likes different things but I really struggled to see the point of this book. The concept of Richard Gere running away to Cornwall was a bit unbelievable but I thought I’d go with it as surely there was a twist to the tail but there really wasn’t. Not having read any other previous books with these characters the significance of who they all were and how they connected was a bit lost on me. I forced myself to finish this short read in the hope it would get somewhere but it didn’t. In fact the ending left me even more confused as it seemed to bare no connection to the rest of the book. I’ve wanted to read a Fern Britton book for ages, the description and book covers always seem to draw me in but the writing style just didn’t sit with me. I’m a glutton for punishment and will probably try another book another time.
May 23, 2023
Overall, this was an alright read that was nice, quick and easy.
This little book is set in beautiful Cornwall and is full of an eclectic mix of characters including Holywood actor, Richard Gere. The book cover is really lovely and instantly drew me towards picking up the book.
The story however, was very simplistic and I did feel perhaps that there wasn't too much substance to the plot or characters. Sorry to say, it seemed a little bland. I also felt that they may have been a few too many characters for such a short book.
Despite this though, I did quite like the story and it provided a nice easy read for an afternoon whilst away.
I absolutely love the quick reads series and this was a great chance to read something by an author I haven't tried before. Might try one of the author's longer novels.
This little book is set in beautiful Cornwall and is full of an eclectic mix of characters including Holywood actor, Richard Gere. The book cover is really lovely and instantly drew me towards picking up the book.
The story however, was very simplistic and I did feel perhaps that there wasn't too much substance to the plot or characters. Sorry to say, it seemed a little bland. I also felt that they may have been a few too many characters for such a short book.
Despite this though, I did quite like the story and it provided a nice easy read for an afternoon whilst away.
I absolutely love the quick reads series and this was a great chance to read something by an author I haven't tried before. Might try one of the author's longer novels.
May 27, 2018
I love quick reads, they are perfect if you don't have a long time and want to get into something.
I have never read a book by Fern so was unsure what to expect, this was a light summery story, set in a village that apparently features in one of her longer books.
Richard Gere is fed up with his Hollywood lifestyle and wants to get away from it all, so heads down to Cornwall, where he has links. Hollywood is going mad that he has gone missing and are on the hunt to find him.
It was an o.k read, not the best and I didn't understand why Richard Gere was the main character to be honest, perhaps he is mentioned in a previous book?
If you are looking for a quick light hearted read then give this one a go.
I have never read a book by Fern so was unsure what to expect, this was a light summery story, set in a village that apparently features in one of her longer books.
Richard Gere is fed up with his Hollywood lifestyle and wants to get away from it all, so heads down to Cornwall, where he has links. Hollywood is going mad that he has gone missing and are on the hunt to find him.
It was an o.k read, not the best and I didn't understand why Richard Gere was the main character to be honest, perhaps he is mentioned in a previous book?
If you are looking for a quick light hearted read then give this one a go.
November 16, 2018
The characters felt very raw and real would love to find out what happened with the valentines disco.
This was my first fern britton book I really enjoyed it. I would look out for her other books.
There was one editorial error where there was a clear word wrong in the sentence.
The ending was predictable. But with most of these sort of books it's not really about the ending its about the characters and the world build up, which the author did well, and its also about relationships with each of them. All in all very good 4/5
This was my first fern britton book I really enjoyed it. I would look out for her other books.
There was one editorial error where there was a clear word wrong in the sentence.
The ending was predictable. But with most of these sort of books it's not really about the ending its about the characters and the world build up, which the author did well, and its also about relationships with each of them. All in all very good 4/5
April 20, 2020
Another quick read by the Reading Agency. Having not read this author before I didn't know what to expect. In this short read Richard Gere (yes the actor!) goes missing and finds himself in Cornwall where he is trying to get a break and a place to hide out from the prying eyes of the media. The story is full of the adventures that he gets up to, along with the interesting characters he meets along the way whilst trying to stay undercover, will he be found eventually? Where will he be? and will he have to return to his everyday life?
December 3, 2025
Heartwarming and sweet, I'm used to reading fantasy and romances but this was an unexpected and lovely read.
I loved all the characters, each one had a distinctive personality and they all complimented each other.
The writing was easy to read, perfect for when you've had a stressful day and don't want anything too heavy.
I found it bizarre how a small book could be so addictive, i was hoping for a second book as the ending was bittersweet.
Definitely a must read for those wanting something short, sweet, cosy and easy to read.
I loved all the characters, each one had a distinctive personality and they all complimented each other.
The writing was easy to read, perfect for when you've had a stressful day and don't want anything too heavy.
I found it bizarre how a small book could be so addictive, i was hoping for a second book as the ending was bittersweet.
Definitely a must read for those wanting something short, sweet, cosy and easy to read.
March 16, 2018
This is the first book by fern Britton I've read and I admit it's only because it was a quick read however I'm glad I did read it cos I actually enjoyed it. I admit I wasn't expecting Richard Gere to be the lead character that was a surprise lol the storyline itself is good the vibe basically being celebrity wanting to get away from the limelight and hiding out in beautiful Cornwall to get the much needed break they deserve. Nice quick read perfect if you don't have time to read a full novel
February 28, 2022
I was so pleased when I found this on my Kindle “unread” - a glorious visit to our friends in Trevay!
Pure escapism for a short while- follow Richard Gere as he takes time off the wheel and recharges. A warm tale that finishes all too soon, just fabulous!
Sadly on my Kindle it showed 10 minutes until the end BUT that was a preview of another (excellent) Fern book and several adverts which was really disappointing.
Pure escapism for a short while- follow Richard Gere as he takes time off the wheel and recharges. A warm tale that finishes all too soon, just fabulous!
Sadly on my Kindle it showed 10 minutes until the end BUT that was a preview of another (excellent) Fern book and several adverts which was really disappointing.
January 4, 2023
this was one of the books i picked up for my mum from our local library when she requested some 'beach reads' and i'll admit, i went off title/cover alone and didn't bother to read the back. she flew through it within an hour and when i asked her how it was, she grinned and said i should give it a go.
it's barely 100 pages, so i figured why not - only to read it and realise it's a wholesome fanfiction about RICHARD GERE?
oh, i love the world we live in.
it's barely 100 pages, so i figured why not - only to read it and realise it's a wholesome fanfiction about RICHARD GERE?
oh, i love the world we live in.
April 27, 2018
Having never read a book by Fern Britton before, I loved this quick read! And the fact that the Hollywood stranger is a real actor, (Won’t give away who) made it that bit more fun. I got this from the library, along with another of her books. Will be looking forward to reading that, and some of her others, in the future.
March 14, 2019
A VERY quick read with this one, well it is a "quick read" book, I don't normally buy these books but seeing this one by Fern Britton on a charity stall, I just had to buy it.
A lovely Cornish story featuring a well known American actor who turns up in a small village in Cornwall to escape everything. If you want to escape for a couple of hours then read this.
A lovely Cornish story featuring a well known American actor who turns up in a small village in Cornwall to escape everything. If you want to escape for a couple of hours then read this.
June 28, 2019
Despite being a quick read, this book is lovely. Richard Gere walks off a film set and escapes to Cornwall with his driver. Once in Cornwall, he meets up with old friends and enjoys himself. A funny and light-hearted read. It was short but sweet. My first Fern Britton book and it won't be the last. 3.5 stars
January 15, 2022
I finished this book in less than an hour and really enjoyed it. Following a celebrity actor needing some time away from Hollywood and finding peace and quiet with old friends on the Cornish coast.
The characters were well thought out and there was the perfect amount of drama for the length of the book.
The characters were well thought out and there was the perfect amount of drama for the length of the book.
March 21, 2018
This was a lovely quick read & involves characters from a previous novel, A Seaside Affair, set in Trevay, Cornwall. It was lovely to meet these characters again & the story was entertaining. Well worth the read.
April 11, 2018
Really enjoyed this short story. It’s great to add a bit of normalcy to a celeb life, an A lister at that:) very easy to read, I shall be reading more Fern Britton’s books if this is anything to go by:)
May 24, 2018
This book is like a cosy pair of slippers. It is cute and enduring, showing human kindness at its best. It is not a gripping read but a lovely piece of chick lit that you can snuggle up with a blanket and your favourite brew. Great pen pictures as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews