Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn

The Little Cornish Isles #1

by Phillipa Ashley

’Scandals and secrets in the Scillies – sheer joy!’ Katie Fforde

Christmas has arrived on the Cornish Isles of Scilly, bringing mistletoe, surprises and more than a sprinkle of romance . . . Fans of Poldark and Carole Matthews will love this brand-new festive read from the author of the bestselling Cornish Café series.



For Maisie Samson, this Christmas is going to be different. After years working in a busy Cornish pub, she’s moved back to quiet Gull Island where she grew up, to help her parents run the family inn.


But even though she can’t wait for the festive season to arrive, Maisie cannot shake the memories of what happened to her last Christmas – the day she lost everything. She keeps herself busy, setting up the tree and hanging mistletoe ready for her first proper family Christmas in years.


Until a new arrival to the island walks into her bar and changes everything. Australian backpacker Patrick is looking for a job for the low season. When Maisie takes him on, she doesn’t expect him to last the week, but to her surprise Patrick is the perfect fit. Charming and handsome, could Maisie allow herself to hope that she and Patrick could be more than just colleagues?


As Christmas approaches, Maisie finds herself dreading the spring, when Patrick is due to leave. With the help of a little Christmas magic, can Maisie get the happily ever after she always dreamed of?



Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles is the first in a stunning new series from Phillipa Ashley. The perfect book to snuggle up with this Christmas.



Praise for Phillipa Ashley’s bestselling Cornish 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

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Holiday, Contemporary, British Literature

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2017

About the author

Phillipa 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.

Reviews

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a beautiful and tranquil setting of Gull Island in the Scilly Isles, this is a story that drew me in. With its fabulous cast of characters, and set over the winter months, this is much more than a Christmas book.

Yes Christmas plays a large part, but more as a setting, than to try to get the reader feeling festive, for what is important in this book are what the islanders are up to, what secrets are being hidden, over the course of the winter. This is a book that could easily be read at any time of year, although it was rather fitting that I was reading it on a rainy miserable day, as it fitted into some of the more atmospheric weather descriptions.

For on a remote island like Gull Island it is rather unusual for an Australian backpacker to decide to spend the off season there, even more so by taking a job in the Driftwood Inn. It is clear quite early on there is something he is hiding, but even my wildest guesses were way off mark when the secrets are revealed.

Patrick is a handsome Aussie and tries his hardest to fit in with life on Gull Island, and Maisie his boss tries to fight her growing attraction to him. Maisie runs the Inn and is just hoping Christmas this year is better than last year. She is also determined not to let the Inn and other properties on Gull be sold to Hugo.

I just really enjoyed every element of this story, there is the fight to keep the island how it is, there are many great islanders which we meet through Maisie's role in the pub, there is Patrick's troubled past, a great feeling of community not just on Gull Island but also the other Scilly Isles, and I loved seeing how the story between Patrick and Maisie developed.

Plenty of drama and action, some laughs, and this is just the first book in the Little Cornish Isles series, I can't help but feel this will get even stronger and more brilliant as the series progresses. Or at least I can't wait to find out!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so desperate to read this book as love Phillipa's books so much but was the first one in this series and it certainly didn't disappoint me at all full of romance and heartbreak and set on the most beautiful island of scilly. It's very warm and funny and now can't wait to read the next book in the series. Maisie moves back to her parents inn to help them out on the island and she's had heartbreak with loosing a baby can she find happiness again or not. When an Australian man called Patrick comes backpacking to the island and she gives him a job can he share his secrets and settle down or not and how will Maisie cope with him will she dread him leaving after Christmas or not. Perfect Christmas read.

[Phillipa]

Book one in a brand new series published in ebook on September 18 and in paperback in November. Each full-length novel is a self-contained story focusing on a different island and characters - however you'll also be able to follow the progress of familiar characters in future novels.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely piece of Christmas chick lit, its cheesy and predictable but a very easy read. The first of a series, I found it a warm and cosy seasonal book.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillipa Ashley's books just keep getting better and better! This one is still set in her beloved Cornwall, but this time on the Scilly Isles. It is the first in a new series of separate stories with the same setting and some recurring characters. Maisie--who has her 40th birthday during the course of the novel--has moved back home to the islands after a tragedy in her personal life and is helping her parents run the charming but a bit in need of repair Driftwood Inn. One day Patrick, a gorgeous, blond Aussie walks into the pub and into her life. As their relationship develops, so do issues on the island. A developer wants to turn Gull Island from a quaint, authentic place into a luxury resort destination. Both Maisie and Patrick have secrets, some of which threaten not only their relationship but the future of the island.

There are so many things I loved about this book! I liked the slightly older heroine and that the hero was a bit younger, the setting and the interesting supporting characters. I liked the warmth of this book. Most of all, the book made me want to visit the Scilly Islands. Also, it will be hard to wait until February to find out what happens in the next book in the series!

[Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd be "Scilly" not to read this!

Phillipa - if you ever decide to change genres - you'd make a great travel book writer! The descriptions of the Gull Island and the Scilly Islands in general, made me want to hop straight on a plane/boat! It is now definitely a bucket-list destination.

Maisie runs the pub and is hard-working, determined and susceptible. Aussie backpacker Patrick arrives and stays, working in the pub. The attraction is enormous but they both have baggage - Patrick a lot more than Maisie! There are a couple of twists to the story that I wasn't expecting, although hints had been given, had I noticed them!

This is the first of a series and I am really looking forward to the next ones. For personal reasons, I shall be following Patrick's story closely but look forward to seeing how the other characters' destinies are fulfilled.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel to the Scilly Isles, just off the coast of Cornwall, Gull Island and the Driftwood Inn become the focal point in this story of the islanders, their independence and the struggle to make a living and a life in a picturesque if remote location. Maisie has left her job on the mainland to come home and run the family business, The Driftwood Inn. After years away from family and a traumatic end to a relationship that left her bruised and grieving, the short tourist season is ending and the off season looms: a time to find money and energy to keep the inn viable and appealing to customers. While Maisie is determined to keep the locals on island, and working together to keep the independent spirit and unique flavor of the island, she’s battling against an upscale resort property on a neighboring island, with an owner with deep pockets and a ruthless determination to purchase the whole island for his own company’s growth.

Patrick is an Aussie on island for a bit of backpacking and some personal research. The season is ending, but he’s met Maisie and wants to know more, both for his own personal quest and to answer questions about the attraction he feels for her. After losing his parents at a young age, he was at loose ends and often in trouble, until a couple stepped in and provided him security and guidance, and a bit of tough love. After losing the man who was more a father figure to him, he’d retreated into grief and this field trip to Cornwall and the Scilly Islands is part of his own quest for answers and healing.

Philippa Ashley brought these islands to life and light: one would never assume that life was easy, but the balance of scenery, friendship and community shine through. From moments of grey fog through the bright sunshine contrasting with seascapes, wind and wildlife, every new moment of description adds color and depth to the visual images. Maisie and Patrick are both intriguing characters: both with secrets and agendas, neither willing to give over fully (at first) to the attraction that is building between them. With secondary characters that add both depth and angst to the story, plenty of moments to worry for both Maisie and her father, and a single-minded Labrador retriever who deserves his own story, I read this book in one sitting and wanted to go back for more.

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: al conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Pippa Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read. Set in the Scilly Isles (somewhere that's on my 'must visit' list), on a fictional, more remote islands, Maisie is approaching 40 and has returned home following the bruising breakdown of her previous relationship and a miscarriage. Her parents are growing older and she takes a part share in their home and business, the Driftwood Inn. Into the pub one day walks Patrick. An Australian with a few secrets left behind in Melbourne. The attraction is instant, and sizzles between them, can they find a way to make a relationship work?
Maisie and Patrick are both complex characters and it was oddly refreshing that they were a little older than the usual romantic fiction characters, the fact that Maisie was approaching 40 (a birthday I hit this year) added to her indecision and her reluctance to surrender to her feelings for Patrick. The island itself, and it's inhabitants are evocatively described. I'm hoping for a follow up to this book featuring Maisie's best friend Jess, or possibly her brother Will who definitely deserve to find loves of their own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The story strands featuring Maisie and Patrick come together beautifully and the backdrop of a struggling and isolated rural community is effectively described,. Philippa Ashley has created multi-dimensional characters who I want to find out more about. There's also a cracking twist which I didn't see coming in the slightest. I was anticipating the reveal of Patrick's secret but the reality was completely unexpected and actually made me gasp.
This is a warm, funny, compelling and very Christmassy read. Recommended.

[Sorcha]

Full review can be found here:

https://nordie.wordpress.com/2017/09/...

[Mandy Radley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A lovely little read set on the beautiful Scilly Isles, (had a fabulous holiday there) not as Chrismassy as I was expecting. Will try another one before Christmas.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming love story.!

[Book Gannet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely small community romance with a slightly different setting – the Scilly Isles (which are off the western tip of Cornwall for those who don’t know). And I’ll admit that was what drew me in. I’m a Westcountry girl and Scilly is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go, so it was lovely to read a story set there.

But this book is also about more than just it’s setting, with our heroine, Maisie, attempting to keep her parents pub going through another winter. Along with the usual issues of a dwindling customer base, keeping the building safe against storms and finding time to get all the important things done, we also have the prospect of a wealthy local trying to buy up all the businesses on Gull Island – including Maisie’s inn. Summer ends and winter gradually draws in towards Christmas as events unfold, with a bit of romance, a dose of community spirit and a few painful memories and secrets helping to keep things interesting.

Maisie is determined and hardworking, not to mention more than a little heart sore. She’s got a lot to worry about – the inn, her parents, her hunky new barman – but she still finds time to be a good friend and neighbour. She’s also likeable without being too sweet, which was nice.

Patrick is our sexy Australian drifter who, like all cliché Aussies visiting these isles, is great behind the bar. There is a lot more to him than that and it’s obvious from the first that he has a secret – one which he’s in no hurry to reveal, but you sense is going to mean trouble when it does come out. In the meantime he’s friendly, fits in well and is good for Maisie. I liked the pair of them together – they get on well and make a good team.

Much like the whole of Gull Island. There’s always plenty going on to keep the plot rolling, with some fun side characters to bring life to the place. I’ll admit I would have liked to have more of a sense of Gull itself, beyond the area right in front of the inn and Hell Cove, but on the whole this was a lovely, easy read to while away the winter nights. I will definitely be looking out for more from this series.

(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)

[Sarah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of Little Cornish Isles series by Phillipa Ashley. I liked this book and have read the others, but don't feel that you cannot read and enjoy this if you haven't read any others in the series. A good Christmas tale, with good characters and a nice plot. A good cosy Christmas read.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having adored Demi and Cal's story in the Cornish Cafe trilogy, I didn't think another wonderful and setting could come along and battle for my affections, yet this is what has happened. Phillipa Ashley's, Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn is the first in a new trilogy that easily won that battle within the first few chapters. This new series is all kinds of fabulous and I loved every minute of my time spent on the Isles of Scilly on the fictional islands created by Phillipa.

This is certainly one of the better Christmas books out there which does what it says on the tin and actually features Christmas rather than alluding to the big event rather sparingly. Not one fault could I find with the book and it's obvious that the author loved the time she spent researching and writing this book. Her love for the isles and the people who reside their shine through. I've never been to the Isles of Scilly but have watched the programme An Island Parish when it showcased this special little place with its own unique landscape and characters. Phillipa Ashley not only made me feel like I had been there many times but that I knew the characters intimately and was fully invested in their lives and the personal and professional problems they are experiencing.

It's mid October and Maisie has returned home to spend her first Christmas in 8 years with her family. They run the cosy Driftwood Inn on quiet Gull Island on the Isles of Scilly. Maisie loves her family, and of course the island where she grew up and spent so many happy years, but at the same time her return is a slight reluctant one. The reasons behind which don't become apparent for quite some time and keep the reader on their toes guessing why Maisie feels this time on the island is but a stop gap. Events of last Christmas constantly play on her mind and combined with the fact her parents who are semi-retired are considering selling the inn which she holds so dear to her heart, things clearly aren't all plain sailing.

As Gull Island is so small everyone knows each others business but this was something I liked about the book, the small community feel, the quirky characters and the fact that people realised nothing stayed secret for long. So if they wanted to keep anything to themselves they had to work at it. But sometimes a problem shared is one which can be more easily solved and the magic and spirit of the island will do its work in the most special way possible and in doing so provide the readers with a wonderful story that grabs you and doesn't let go until you finish the very last word.

Maisie without doubt was the stand out character. She was all kinds of things to all people. There for her parents and the residents when they needed her the most. She always pushed herself to the limit and with firm goals set she would do anything to achieve them. She was kind, considerate and loving but I don't think she always took the best care of herself or faced what was bothering her beneath the happy persona she presented to all. She is afraid of dealing with her feelings and commitment and romance present obstacles for her. I wanted her to experience the happiness and joy she brings to so many others but will this come with a price?

The arrival of a man Maisie briefly met and shared a kiss with turns things on their head. Patrick McKinnon is from Australia and on a trip to England. It's strange for visitors to stay for so long on the island but who's complaining when he is so handsome and helpful. Patrick really was a closed book for much of the story. He was secretive and very much kept his own personal story close to his chest. The reader could see there was a slight spark between himself and Maisie and fervently wished they could give in to it. Yet Maisie regarding these feelings really frustrated me. I wanted to shake her and say look at this hunk of a man who you have taken on to help out at the inn and here you are being elusive and not opening up to him when the opportunity presents itself. I suppose the time old saying- the path to true love never did run smooth lent itself to this book very well.

Apart from the romance element which will delight fans of the genre immensely there is the more pressing issue of Hugo Scorrier wanting to buy up everything on the island and use it for his own gain. He runs neighbouring Petroc Island as a resort of the highest quality and wants to expand his empire. His dog Basil provided plenty of comedic moments to lighten the tense situation as he runs amok at the most inopportune times. I didn't like Hugo at all, he seemed underhand and didn't speak very nicely to people at all. He put unnecessary pressure and worry on Maisie when she needed it the least.

Yet when the bad times start appearing the residents pull together led by Maisie. Maisie showed such leadership skills and her love for the island and the place she calls home may override everything else running through her head. All the other people mentioned throughout the story, Will Godfrey and his sister Jess at the flower farm on St. Saviour's Island, Javid from the Gull Island camp-site, Úna and Phyliss Barton from Hell Cove Cottages and Archie Pendower, an artist from Pendower Island, all got their little moment to shine. It all felt so lovely and warm and cosy despite the challenges they were facing. Patrick too shows his metal.

From the halfway point the story moved on at a cracking pace, even if I was reluctant that it do so, purely for the fact I didn't want this book to end. There were lots of surprises thrown in that really on reflection given the subtle hints I should have guessed at. But the surprise of the reveals overcame the fact that I missed out on the clues. The twist I never saw coming was jaw dropping in a way but it definitely made a lot of things fall into place. The question remains will there be happiness for all or will Hugo have his way and ruin the magic of Gull Island forever?

Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles more than provided the comfort and escape I was looking for at the time of reading. It kept my attention throughout and captured my imagination and showed happy endings are difficult to come by but could just be worth the fight. I can't wait to return to these rare isles where the characters walk off the page to meet you. Maisie and Patrick are certainly characters I will remember but at the same time I am looking forward to reading book two in February, Spring on the Little Cornish Isles: The Flower Farm, where our attention turns to Will, Jess and St. Saviour's Island.

[Rachel (Rae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say first of all that I loved The Cornish Café Series by Phillipa Ashley so as soon as I saw that there would be a new series of books called The Little Cornish Isles I was over the moon.

The setting is gorgeous and Phillipa Ashley really sets the scene perfectly, I wish I could take a trip there too. With some stunning descriptions that made me want to visit even in the depths of winter.

I loved that both Maisie and Patrick were pretty feisty and strong characters especially Maisie. Then add in some wonderful chemistry and you end up with a story that I really didn't want to put down. Both Maisie and Patrick have had difficult pasts so I was definitely hoping that they would find a happy ending. The question is will it be with each other? Maisie is down to earth and has a spirited personality that made me instantly warm to her. I loved that she was trying to keep The Driftwood Inn running aswell as trying to come to terms with her past which also added a bit of vulnerability to her character too. I guess the same can be said of Patrick too and I loved that there was also a mysterious side to his character. I was instantly looking forward to seeing which direction his story would go.

There are a few secrets that will keep the reader guessing and intrigued as to how everything will play out. This definitely made the story all the more engaging for me especially with some of the islands inhabitants and their community spirit making the story come to life even more. I was smiling pretty much all the way through and I can guarantee you will be left with a lovely contented feeling after finishing this story. The plot moves smoothly and pretty quickly too, it really was a delight to get to know the characters. It's a wonderful start to a new series of books by Phillipa Ashley and I can't wait to read the next one.

Heart warming and funny with a delightful romance that will set you up not only for Christmas but the cold winter months ahead!

With thanks to Sabah at Avon Books & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blurb :
For Maisie Samson, this Christmas is going to be different. After years working in a busy Cornish pub, she’s moved back to quiet Gull Island where she grew up, to help her parents run the family inn.
But even though she can’t wait for the festive season to arrive, Maisie cannot shake the memories of what happened to her last Christmas – the day she lost everything. She keeps herself busy, setting up the tree and hanging mistletoe ready for her first proper family Christmas in years.
Until a new arrival to the island walks into her bar and changes everything. Australian backpacker Patrick is looking for a job for the low season. When Maisie takes him on, she doesn’t expect him to last the week, but to her surprise Patrick is the perfect fit. Charming and handsome, could Maisie allow herself to hope that she and Patrick could be more than just colleagues?
As Christmas approaches, Maisie finds herself dreading the spring, when Patrick is due to leave. With the help of a little Christmas magic, can Maisie get the happily ever after she always dreamed of?

My Thoughts :
Phillipa Ashley is one Author who doesnt disappoint with her stories and her new series is another winner.
Set on The Isles of Scilly, Maisie Samson returns home to Gull Island to help out in her parents inn for the winter season. After recently suffering heartbreak, Maisie wants to keep herself busy in the run up to Christmas day as thats where it all went wrong for her last year. As Aussie backpacker Patrick, walks into her life, Maisie has a hard job not to fall for him and can she put her past behind her to move on. Patrick is also holding some secrets of his own but can he share these with Maisie?!.
This is such a warming, funny story with romance all added in. It will have you turning the pages in anticipation to see what is coming next.
Phillipa Ashley, does a great job with setting the scene and describing the beautiful backdrop that is the Scillies. A great little festive read for the upcoming season. Looking forward to book 2.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillipa Ashley is back with her new series of novels, and this time we have stepped a little bit away from Cornwall, to the Scilly Isles. Just across the water we discover new places, new problems and new characters. The islands in the novel are fictional but could quite easily exist as further islands away from the major five of the Scilly Isles.

Within a first few pages I am hooked as I find out about Maisie, returned to Gull Island to help her parents run the pub The Driftwood Inn. She has returned home to seek quiet sanctuary from what has happened to her in the previous few months.

But it is not going to be quiet on the island. Maisie is worried about her parents health and the fact that she is of an age where starting again might be difficult. After the temporary summer staff have all gone back to find jobs, Maisie still needs someone to help her. When Patrick walks in right at the moment she needs someone it seems that is her answer.

Trouble is her and Patrick shared a stolen kiss and she cannot get him out of her mind and now she has him in her place of work and a cottage out the back of the building. Tensions are bound to build in such close proximity.

Patrick was only meant to be on Gull Island to fulfill a dying wish to a friend now he has found some work his return to Australia is postponed but what was his real reason for being on Gull Island? As Christmas comes and the advent of a new year means new beginnings will Maisie finally be able to settle and will Patrick reveal the truth for his real reason for being interested in Gull Island.

I cannot wait to return and find out more about these Little Cornish Isles and their residents and of course I want to see how Maisie is getting on.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles is the first book in a new trilogy from Phillipa Ashley, and is centred around Maisie Samson and her family pub, The Driftwood Inn.

Maisie has returned home to Gull Island, a gorgeous place in the heart of the Scilly Isles, where the tourist season is winding down for winter and everyone knows everyone who lives there.

Maisie is very much looking forward to Christmas and spending time with her parents after a bad festive season the previous year.
She hires Patrick McKinnon, a handsome Australian who she shared a kiss with a few weeks before after he told her a story about visiting Gull Island as a promise he made to a late friend.
Now some of what he told Maisie is true but there's something else about Patrick that leaves you wondering right up until the last 10% of the book!

I loved both Maisie and Patrick as characters - both strong in their own ways but both hiding things from their past's. They embark on a secret relationship but its not a smooth sailing.

With lots of little sub plots, Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles is a cute wintery read that you will enjoy curling up to this year.
Although I found the story a little slow to get into, the descriptions of the Scilly Isles and surroundings of Gull Island kept me interested and when the story really kicked in, I thoroughly enjoyed it and very much looking forward to returning to this idyllic fictional resort for the next instalment where I hope we get to meet Maisie and Patrick again and see how they are progressing.

[M.W. Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn by Phillipa Ashley

I discovered Ms Ashley through her debut novel ‘Decent Exposure’ and thought that if this was the quality she could produce from her first published novel, what would she be producing now? This question was fortuitously answered by the release of her ‘Cornish Café’ series. Quick note – if you haven’t read those, then put them on your ‘to read’ list, you won’t be disappointed.

After that series drew to its natural closure, I was very pleased to discover that Ms Ashley had decided to stay in the area well, the Scilly Isles which is close enough. Our heroine is Maisie who finds refuge in running the island pub after a traumatic episode made her re-evaluate her life and priorities. Things are complicated when she takes on Aussie bartender Patrick, with whom she had a slightly drunken snog before making island fall. Needless to say, there’s much more to Patrick than what you see and as the story unfolds, we find how he is entwined with both the island and her beloved pub.

I loved how Ms Ashley wove an enthralling story with the dramatic scenery of the Isles. There’s a great list of supporting characters who I hope crop up in the following stories.

Phillipa Ashley is an author whose career that I have followed closely since I discovered her and this story disappoints in no way whatsoever. If you’re new to her, this is a perfect place to start, if you’ve read her before, why are you reading this review? You know how good she is!

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

What more could you want from a book, it is about Christmas, it is set in a beautiful idyllic setting, it has wonderful character and it is written by Phillipa Ashley. Who is a fantastic author. If you haven't read anything by her yet. Then I highly recommend her as an author and highly recommend this book as well as it will leave you smiling from ear to ear. I simply loved it.

Maisie has decided that this Christmas is going to be different. After years of working in a pub. Maisie has moved back to her childhood home to help her parents run their inn.

Maisie simply loves Christmas but is hoping that things are going to get much better for her after how disasters it was last year. When she lost everything that she held dear.

But when backpacking Australian Patrick walks through the doors of the inn. Looking for a job to tide him over the low season. Things start looking a little brighter for Maisie. As Christmas draws nearer and Maisie and Patrick start spending more and more time together. Maisie finds herself dreading the spring. When Patrick is going to leave.

Has Christmas worked its magic and made them more then colleges? Will maisie get the happily ever after that she has always dreamed off?

This is a lovely Christmas book that leave you smiling from ear to ear. Ioved it.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie has returned home to Gull Island on the Scilly Islands to help her parents run their inn and she is really looking forward to spending Christmas there for the first time in years.........and forgetting her disastrous Christmas of the previous year

It is hard work being back on the island though the seasonal staff have all left and she really needs help in the bar and so when the gorgeous Aussie, Patrick, turns up offering his services it seems a perfect solution.........except she is far too attracted to him and that is something she definitely doesn't want at the moment..............but is Patrick keeping secrets and what will they mean to Maisie!

Things are also not running smoothly on the island - Hugo is always lurking around trying to buy up the homes and businesses of the islanders to turn it into another resort island for him so Maisie is determined to rally the islanders together to fight him as a community

Another lovely Cornish book by this author, I loved the Cornish Café series and definitely looking forward to the next instalment in this series

[M.W. Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn by Phillipa Ashley

I discovered Ms Ashley through her debut novel ‘Decent Exposure’ and thought that if this was the quality she could produce from her first published novel, what would she be producing now? This question was fortuitously answered by the release of her ‘Cornish Café’ series. Quick note – if you haven’t read those, then put them on your ‘to read’ list, you won’t be disappointed.

After that series drew to its natural closure, I was very pleased to discover that Ms Ashley had decided to stay in the area well, the Scilly Isles which is close enough. Our heroine is Maisie who finds refuge in running the island pub after a traumatic episode made her re-evaluate her life and priorities. Things are complicated when she takes on Aussie bartender Patrick, with whom she had a slightly drunken snog before making island fall. Needless to say, there’s much more to Patrick than what you see and as the story unfolds, we find how he is entwined with both the island and her beloved pub.

I loved how Ms Ashley wove an enthralling story with the dramatic scenery of the Isles. There’s a great list of supporting characters who I hope crop up in the following stories.

Phillipa Ashley is an author whose career that I have followed closely since I discovered her and this story disappoints in no way whatsoever. If you’re new to her, this is a perfect place to start, if you’ve read her before, why are you reading this review? You know how good she is!

[Adelyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

I do like these sorts of fun chick-lits from time to time, and in that respect this one ticked all the boxes you would expect, though it wasn't quite up there with my favourites (Jenny Colgan and Sarah Morgan pretty much). While I enjoyed my time on the Isle of Scilly, I've decided to scrap my original plan of reading all the books in the trilogy back-to-back as I found I wasn't as excited about returning to Driftwood Inn as I thought I might have been.

I am still looking forward to returning to this character universe, I see from the blurb that the second book is about Jess and Will, both of whom I found more intriguing characters than I did Maisie in this one (that was part of the problem I think, I just didn't like her as much as I usually do chick-lit protagonists). Maybe I will read them according to when they are set - since I've already got close enough to Christmas with this one.

[Adrienne B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warmhearted novel which will draw you in from the start! I loved Phillipa Ashley's new novel Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles: the Driftwood Inn. I was expecting a seasonally appropriate read but in my opinion this novel is perfect for any time. Maisie Samson is a strong independent woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to be impulsive. Patrick is a attractive Australian who has shown up to Maisie's little island and he has a few secrets he would like kept unshared. Will the tall blonde and handsome Aussie draw in Maisie or will she steer clear of the trouble she sees on the horizon?

One of my favourite aspects of Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles: the Driftwood Inn is that it is just the right length. The plot keeps you captivated throughout and the conflict/resolution comes at the appropriate time. I also appreciate the character development. Gull Island was idillic. It felt like it could be a real place where the local inns and pubs are the gathering places for all the locals and seasonal tourists come and go with the change of seasons. I would definitely recommend giving this novel a read.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't help but start this review with "an Australian walked into a bar." Patrick is the catalyst for romance and other things in this delightful light read set on Gull Island in the Scilly Islands of Cornwall. I've loved this setting since forever- there's a certain romance even though it's not the easiest place to live. Maisie hasn't had it easy either and she's home working with her parent inn when Patrick arrives. This is happy, cheery, and a good read about a small town and the people in it even as it's also a romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to more books by Ashley.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series and you are in for a real treat. The Cornish setting sounds wonderful and you can really feel the community spirit. Maisie the main character has had heartbreak so moves back to the island where she grew up to help her mum and dad run the pub that they own. The last thing she is thinking about is love and then walks in a cute Australian guy and her life will never be the same again. I love the fact that through the heart ache of what happened in her past, Maisie comes back stronger than ever and there is happiness for her.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book No 1 in a Trilogy ..

A soft and fluffy Christmas Chic-lit read .. perfect for cold winter afternoons when snuggling on the sofa with a book & a cuppa is needed ..

This story largely follows the standard formula you should expect from this genre of book, but the location was a new one for me, being the Isles of Scilly, and the main characters were mostly likeable, but the 'villain' could have been darker ..

I do have the other two Books, so I will read them to coincide with their titles, namely Spring & Summer ..

[Linda Louch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie returns to Gull Island in the Cornish Isles of Scilly to help her parents run the Driftwood Inn. Unbeknown to her Hugo Scorrier from a neighbouring island is trying to buy up the businesses on Gull Island to become part of Scorrier Holdings.But with the help of Patrick an Australian visitor to the island she organises help for the struggling businesses. Patrick becomes a very special person in her life but he is not who he seems to be. A feel good joyful Christmas read.

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book by Phillipa Ashley!. This has been a joy to read, I was left feeling very festive and really wanting to go and visit Gull Island.

Maisie and Patrick are wonderful characters and I love a book with a good bit of drama, mystery and of course Christmas!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Phillipa Ashley book I've read and I found it a really fun, escapist read. The main character, Maisie, is strong and competent and I was rooting for her happy ending. I especially loved her interactions with the bar patrons - she was warm and funny but didn't take crap from anyone. Anyone who's worked in the service industry will resonate with her.

I also enjoyed the way the author created a realistic community in this novel. The supporting characters each have their own goals and problems but they don't overwhelm the story. Everyone is trying to do what they think is best for the island and it leads to conflict and chaos and a very entertaining read.

One thing I was worried about was how long the Patrick kept his secret for. Normally I'm not a fan when the conflict could be resolved or avoided by talking to each other but I felt Patrick's reasons for staying quiet were justified in the end.

Overall a great read with a lovely community vibe that will have you rooting for the characters.