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Porthmellow Harbour #1
A Perfect Cornish Summer
Escape to Cornwall with this gorgeous new series from Phillipa Ashley – perfect for fans of Nicola May and Holly MartinSummer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).
When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.
If you loved A Perfect Cornish Summer, don’t miss A Perfect Cornish Christmas and A Perfect Cornish Escape!
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 delicious festive treat with as many twists and turns as a Cornish country lane’ Jules Wake
‘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
‘Deliciously entertaining’ Liz Fenwick
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).
When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.
If you loved A Perfect Cornish Summer, don’t miss A Perfect Cornish Christmas and A Perfect Cornish Escape!
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 delicious festive treat with as many twists and turns as a Cornish country lane’ Jules Wake
‘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
‘Deliciously entertaining’ Liz Fenwick
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2020
485 people are currently reading
1417 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
43 books1,187 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 232 reviews
September 3, 2019
I was a bit worried about reading this as I’ve not read the other books in the series.
I Twitted I had received this from Avon books and the author Phillips Ashley saw my concern and assured me that it can be read as a stand alone. So I jumped in.
So glad I did.
I think this has only been my second kind of Summerish read this year. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love Cornwall and recognised some of the places mentioned. Don’t you live it when that happens in a book you’re reading.
This is based around friendship, love and Community.
I remember years ago attending a Wine and Food festival here in Bristol. Such fun.
And this book is so much fun too.
It has its very serious moments.
Years after starting the food festival, one of the women run into a problem. The Chef can’t make it.
Oh what to do.
Of course this has a love interest that is oh so sweet.
It goes without saying, I absolutely loved this book.
If you love a great, fresh, easy read, you’ve found it.
Oh just realised its book 1 yeah
I Twitted I had received this from Avon books and the author Phillips Ashley saw my concern and assured me that it can be read as a stand alone. So I jumped in.
So glad I did.
I think this has only been my second kind of Summerish read this year. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love Cornwall and recognised some of the places mentioned. Don’t you live it when that happens in a book you’re reading.
This is based around friendship, love and Community.
I remember years ago attending a Wine and Food festival here in Bristol. Such fun.
And this book is so much fun too.
It has its very serious moments.
Years after starting the food festival, one of the women run into a problem. The Chef can’t make it.
Oh what to do.
Of course this has a love interest that is oh so sweet.
It goes without saying, I absolutely loved this book.
If you love a great, fresh, easy read, you’ve found it.
Oh just realised its book 1 yeah
March 27, 2019
I'm ready for SUMMER! What better way to prepare for summer sunshine than to sail off to the Cornish coast. Well, at least in my imagination! It is A Perfect Cornish Summer thanks to Phillipa Ashley's brilliant new cosy.
One summer, while Sam and her friends are thinking of their small town's financial woes and also making plans to attend a festival in a nearby town, it occurs to Sam, who has money troubles of her own, that a festival is exactly what her own town of Porthmellow needs. It's also what Sam needs in her own life to keep her from thinking about her dismal, rather lonely life. Now it is twenty years later and the festival that Sam and her friends started is a region success and about to celebrate that twentieth anniversary! The only problem is that the nationally renown chef that they had booked has cancelled and the newly booked chef is someone from Sam's past that she never wanted or hoped to see again. Between the feeling of dread at that prospect and the sabotaging occurring all around the village, Sam is worried that the festival may not make to year twenty-one.
I adore Cornwall and talk about it so often that my own family just assumed it was a town nearby on Lake Michigan - I honestly kid you not. If there is a book written about Cornwall, set in Cornwall, featuring someone from Cornwall, you can bet I'm going to read it. A Perfect Cornish Summer did not disappoint me in the least with its small, twisty streets, community togetherness, sly humor and, of course, unpredictable stormy coastal weather! There are multiple story lines but each are relevant and well placed; they tie in nicely with one another and, I suspect, serve as an introduction to the key players who will be integral to subsequent books in the series. There also are multiple sub-plots which are not so much mysteries as they are mysterious subterfuge. This is a cosy read, it's not going to be an edge-of-your-seat dark thriller, nor should it be. It's the story of a woman, her family, her friends and her community and how they all work together to help one another succeed, despite hard feelings, past differences and even different tastes in music. Phillipa Ashley is a gifted story-teller and she has done a beautiful job of creating a tale that will envelope you in its summer warmth. Now, how quickly can I get to Cornwall from the middle of the US!?
Thank you to #Netgalley, #PhillipaAshley and @AvonBooksUK for my advanced copy of this delight book. You will find it on sale April 25th.
One summer, while Sam and her friends are thinking of their small town's financial woes and also making plans to attend a festival in a nearby town, it occurs to Sam, who has money troubles of her own, that a festival is exactly what her own town of Porthmellow needs. It's also what Sam needs in her own life to keep her from thinking about her dismal, rather lonely life. Now it is twenty years later and the festival that Sam and her friends started is a region success and about to celebrate that twentieth anniversary! The only problem is that the nationally renown chef that they had booked has cancelled and the newly booked chef is someone from Sam's past that she never wanted or hoped to see again. Between the feeling of dread at that prospect and the sabotaging occurring all around the village, Sam is worried that the festival may not make to year twenty-one.
I adore Cornwall and talk about it so often that my own family just assumed it was a town nearby on Lake Michigan - I honestly kid you not. If there is a book written about Cornwall, set in Cornwall, featuring someone from Cornwall, you can bet I'm going to read it. A Perfect Cornish Summer did not disappoint me in the least with its small, twisty streets, community togetherness, sly humor and, of course, unpredictable stormy coastal weather! There are multiple story lines but each are relevant and well placed; they tie in nicely with one another and, I suspect, serve as an introduction to the key players who will be integral to subsequent books in the series. There also are multiple sub-plots which are not so much mysteries as they are mysterious subterfuge. This is a cosy read, it's not going to be an edge-of-your-seat dark thriller, nor should it be. It's the story of a woman, her family, her friends and her community and how they all work together to help one another succeed, despite hard feelings, past differences and even different tastes in music. Phillipa Ashley is a gifted story-teller and she has done a beautiful job of creating a tale that will envelope you in its summer warmth. Now, how quickly can I get to Cornwall from the middle of the US!?
Thank you to #Netgalley, #PhillipaAshley and @AvonBooksUK for my advanced copy of this delight book. You will find it on sale April 25th.
May 3, 2019
4☆ A Feel Good, Cosy Romance. The Perfect Start to a New Series!
Perfect Cornish Summer is a cosy heart warming, fun story of friendship, tradition, romance and community spirit.
I love a good food festival and try to go to at least 2 a year so when I see the blurb featured a food festival it certainly pricked my attention!
Sam is in charge of organising Porthmellow's Annual Food Festival which she is passionate about.
However this year she is about to be tested as the celebrity chef they have booked for the cooking demos has pulled out and the replacement.... just so happens to be Sam's Ex Gabe! And he spells trouble for Sam and the two have a turbulent history.
But can Gabe save the day and win over Sam's heart? Or will things fall apart?
There are plenty of eclectic and endearing characters that bring the community together and bring their own story.
There was quiet a few to get my head round at first,but it's the start of a new series so by the second book I'm sure they will feel like friends. Which is what I come to expect and love with Phillipa's stories.
A Perfect Cornish Summer is a Light hearted, Warm and Cosy story of second chances at Romance, Community Spirit, Drama, a dash of Mystery, Friendships, Family and plenty of light hearted Humour.
The perfect start to a new series.
Phillipa Ashley has written another Gem and I can't wait for the next instalment!
So if you are looking for a New Summer Series that is light hearted, Fun and has a Scrumptious Foodie Festival then you are in for a real Treat! Enjoy!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Perfect Cornish Summer is a cosy heart warming, fun story of friendship, tradition, romance and community spirit.
I love a good food festival and try to go to at least 2 a year so when I see the blurb featured a food festival it certainly pricked my attention!
Sam is in charge of organising Porthmellow's Annual Food Festival which she is passionate about.
However this year she is about to be tested as the celebrity chef they have booked for the cooking demos has pulled out and the replacement.... just so happens to be Sam's Ex Gabe! And he spells trouble for Sam and the two have a turbulent history.
But can Gabe save the day and win over Sam's heart? Or will things fall apart?
There are plenty of eclectic and endearing characters that bring the community together and bring their own story.
There was quiet a few to get my head round at first,but it's the start of a new series so by the second book I'm sure they will feel like friends. Which is what I come to expect and love with Phillipa's stories.
A Perfect Cornish Summer is a Light hearted, Warm and Cosy story of second chances at Romance, Community Spirit, Drama, a dash of Mystery, Friendships, Family and plenty of light hearted Humour.
The perfect start to a new series.
Phillipa Ashley has written another Gem and I can't wait for the next instalment!
So if you are looking for a New Summer Series that is light hearted, Fun and has a Scrumptious Foodie Festival then you are in for a real Treat! Enjoy!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
June 1, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Well, you can imagine my disappointment when I found out that Porthmellow was not a real place! Darn it, I could have quite happily pootled on down to the Cornish bay in the hopes of finding Sam, Gabe and the Food Festival.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Well, you can imagine my disappointment when I found out that Porthmellow was not a real place! Darn it, I could have quite happily pootled on down to the Cornish bay in the hopes of finding Sam, Gabe and the Food Festival.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
March 6, 2019
I got to know about Cornwall through many gorgeous novels set in this land surrounded by sea. But none of them had induced me to visit this place, probably because I am more drawn to historical places than coastal towns. Thanks to Phillipa Ashley, now I might have to add it to my bucket list. I have never seen a novel which has so effortlessly captured the spirit and life of Cornwall within a beautiful and mesmerizing story.
There are so many things I loved about this book, starting from the elegant cover. Sam was in love with Gabe even from their school days, when he was not as good looking or famous as he is now. Their love life faced a set back when Gabe reported Sam's brother to the police. To be honest, I supported Gabe from the beginning but the way Sam behaved is quite understandable. And the way both of them moved on from their relationships and faced their break up is quite admirable too.
But this is not only about Sam and Gabe coming together after years. There is also a subplot involving the new member of their community, Chloe. Behind her happy facade lies a heaviness and sorrow, for which the efficient community of Porthmellow offers the perfect cure.
The author uses multiple narrative voices enhancing our understanding and the dilemma most of the characters undergo.
Altogether an impressive read, that won't disappoint you a bit.
There are so many things I loved about this book, starting from the elegant cover. Sam was in love with Gabe even from their school days, when he was not as good looking or famous as he is now. Their love life faced a set back when Gabe reported Sam's brother to the police. To be honest, I supported Gabe from the beginning but the way Sam behaved is quite understandable. And the way both of them moved on from their relationships and faced their break up is quite admirable too.
But this is not only about Sam and Gabe coming together after years. There is also a subplot involving the new member of their community, Chloe. Behind her happy facade lies a heaviness and sorrow, for which the efficient community of Porthmellow offers the perfect cure.
The author uses multiple narrative voices enhancing our understanding and the dilemma most of the characters undergo.
Altogether an impressive read, that won't disappoint you a bit.
May 16, 2019
This was a cute heart warming book, which brought out the brightness of a mild summer of the Cornish coast. The town of Porthmellow had started the Summer Festival a few years ago to deal with financial problems with Sam at the helm, and this year was the 20th anniversary. The chef they had booked suddenly dropped out and it was Gabe to the rescue, who was Sam's ex whom she had dumped years ago due to a betrayal.
My first book by author Phillipa Ashley, had me smiling as I turned pages the town and its characters were quirky and sweet. There was a nosiness about them but that came from an area of concern and caring. The main character's Sam and Gabe had their own issues which had separated them years ago, and they had to work through their own emotions. But my eye was caught by Sam's friend Chloe who had her own secrets.
There was something so dignified and beautiful about her, that I was automatically drawn to her. She was estranged from her daughter and granddaughter, but still her mother's heart never stopped worrying about them. I loved the way she was portrayed, and I was so thrilled when she got her happy ending.
My niggles just peeped from time to time. Certain parts were a bit slow, I wanted Sam to hear Gabe out before being judgmental. There were many characters that they did my head in initially. But they were smoothed out.
Overall, fun eccentric characters with their own stories, a warm loving down, and abounding love caused me to fall in love with this book.
My first book by author Phillipa Ashley, had me smiling as I turned pages the town and its characters were quirky and sweet. There was a nosiness about them but that came from an area of concern and caring. The main character's Sam and Gabe had their own issues which had separated them years ago, and they had to work through their own emotions. But my eye was caught by Sam's friend Chloe who had her own secrets.
There was something so dignified and beautiful about her, that I was automatically drawn to her. She was estranged from her daughter and granddaughter, but still her mother's heart never stopped worrying about them. I loved the way she was portrayed, and I was so thrilled when she got her happy ending.
My niggles just peeped from time to time. Certain parts were a bit slow, I wanted Sam to hear Gabe out before being judgmental. There were many characters that they did my head in initially. But they were smoothed out.
Overall, fun eccentric characters with their own stories, a warm loving down, and abounding love caused me to fall in love with this book.
December 14, 2020
Whenever I pick up a Philippa Ashley book I know I’m guaranteed a cozy read. This one was up there with the others. Set in Cornwall which is a place I love very much this was a “must read” for me. The descriptions of the little narrow streets made me think of the lovely little villages around the coast with there houses set up on the hills and the very long climbs out onto the cliff paths. This book was just right, a book I could settle into and forget all the troubles going on around me for a short while. Wonderful.
July 14, 2019
I’ve always lovely Phillipa’s books and this is one I won and is the start of a new series and she didn’t disappoint at all as simply brilliant. Full of romance friendship community spirit and families. It’s very heartwarming and a feel good book highly recommend and can’t wait for the next book.
Sam organises the porthmellows summer festival which is always the highlight of the year and pulls plenty of tourists in. She loves seeing the harbour full but it’s not easy organising the event. It does bring a distraction for her from her family life. Gabriel this year agrees to highlife the weekend he is a former villager but the problem is Sam should be delighted but isn’t she hasn’t spoken to him in years when he left breaking her heart. Can they put aside their differences and be able to organise the event and will his return change her life for the better or worse.
Sam organises the porthmellows summer festival which is always the highlight of the year and pulls plenty of tourists in. She loves seeing the harbour full but it’s not easy organising the event. It does bring a distraction for her from her family life. Gabriel this year agrees to highlife the weekend he is a former villager but the problem is Sam should be delighted but isn’t she hasn’t spoken to him in years when he left breaking her heart. Can they put aside their differences and be able to organise the event and will his return change her life for the better or worse.
April 13, 2022
So it turns out Porthmellow Harbour isn't a real place when it's the kind of place you would want to cocoon yourself in! *Sigh*
I listened to the audiobook and it was so enjoyable. It's all about second chance romance, friendships, community and a food festival... light hearted, fun, cosy and full of summer sunshine! I just love cozy romances for this exact reason. Laura Kirman does a great job of bringing the whole community to life with her fresh and lively narration.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
I listened to the audiobook and it was so enjoyable. It's all about second chance romance, friendships, community and a food festival... light hearted, fun, cosy and full of summer sunshine! I just love cozy romances for this exact reason. Laura Kirman does a great job of bringing the whole community to life with her fresh and lively narration.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
June 18, 2021
Marina hatte nie verwunden, dass ihr Mann Nate mit seinem Kajak aus der Bucht von Porthmellow direkt aufs Meer ruderte und spurlos verschwand. Hätte es an der Küste noch eine Station der Küstenwache gegeben, hätte ihn doch jemand beobachten und von seinem Vorhaben abbringen müssen. Nate zu Ehren gründete Marina die Wave Watchers, eine ehrenamtliche Gruppe von Strandwächtern, die selbst nicht als Rettungsschwimmer ausrücken, aber die Küstenwache alarmieren, wenn Schwimmer oder Freizeitkapitäne die Tücken der Bucht unterschätzen.
Nates Verschwinden jährt sich bald zum 7. Mal und Marina könnte ihn dann offiziell für tot erklären lassen. Ihre Stelle als Lehrerin und die Organisation des Wachdienstes füllen Marina aus. Woanders als in ihrem kleinen Cottage mit Meerblick konnte ich mir die junge Frau nur schwer vorstellen. Zwei Besucher versetzen die Idylle an der cornischen Küste in Aufruhr. Marinas Cousine Tiff hat durch eine fiese Intrige (ausgerechnet durch ihren Lover) ihre Stelle als Journalistin verloren und wird bei Marina wohnen, während sie als freie Mitarbeiterin für ein lokales Blatt arbeitet. Wenn Marina gewusst hätte, dass Tiff ihren Lebensunterhalt teils damit bestreitet, Ideen zu Cornwall-Themen an eine Kollegin zu verkaufen, wäre sie vermutlich weniger gastfreundlich gewesen. Direkt bei ihrer Ankunft fällt Tiff ein paar Urgesteinen Porthmellows vor die Füße, um kurz darauf Marinas riesenhaftem und ungeheuer attraktivem Nachbarn Dirk über den Weg zu laufen. Als Bootsmechaniker ist Dirk unentbehrliches Teammitglied der Wave Watchers. Marinas Fürsorglichkeit weckt dagegen ein geheimnisvoll verschlossener Neubürger, der aus Schottland zugezogen ist und in Porthmellow ein traumatisches Erlebnis verarbeiten will. Zwei denkbare Paare haben nun zahlreiche Missverständnisse zu überwinden, ehe sich an eine Beziehung auch nur denken lässt. Tiffs Organisationtalent ist beim Fundraising für die Wave Watchers hochwillkommen und auch der trainierte Lachlan wird von der hilfsbereiten Truppe mit offenen Armen empfangen. In Phillippa Ashleys Romanen über Licht und Schatten in kleinen Dorfgemeinschaften schwingt stets die Frage mit, wie Touristenorte funktionieren, wenn die Sommergäste abgereist sind, und ob die Geschäfte in der Saison genug einbringen, um das restliche Jahr davon zu leben. Menschen wie Dirk werden überall gebraucht, Tiffs journalistische Auftragsarbeiten werden sie jedoch auf die Dauer nicht ernähren. Streckenweise vorhersehbar, müssen allerlei Hindernisse überwunden werden, ehe die gegensätzlichen Cousinen ihr Glück finden können.
Wer sich am Blick von Marinas kleiner Terrasse auf ihren üppig blühenden Garten und das Meer vor der cornischen Küste erfreuen kann, wird gern zu einem weiteren, unabhängig zu lesenden Abenteuer aus Porthmellow greifen.
Nates Verschwinden jährt sich bald zum 7. Mal und Marina könnte ihn dann offiziell für tot erklären lassen. Ihre Stelle als Lehrerin und die Organisation des Wachdienstes füllen Marina aus. Woanders als in ihrem kleinen Cottage mit Meerblick konnte ich mir die junge Frau nur schwer vorstellen. Zwei Besucher versetzen die Idylle an der cornischen Küste in Aufruhr. Marinas Cousine Tiff hat durch eine fiese Intrige (ausgerechnet durch ihren Lover) ihre Stelle als Journalistin verloren und wird bei Marina wohnen, während sie als freie Mitarbeiterin für ein lokales Blatt arbeitet. Wenn Marina gewusst hätte, dass Tiff ihren Lebensunterhalt teils damit bestreitet, Ideen zu Cornwall-Themen an eine Kollegin zu verkaufen, wäre sie vermutlich weniger gastfreundlich gewesen. Direkt bei ihrer Ankunft fällt Tiff ein paar Urgesteinen Porthmellows vor die Füße, um kurz darauf Marinas riesenhaftem und ungeheuer attraktivem Nachbarn Dirk über den Weg zu laufen. Als Bootsmechaniker ist Dirk unentbehrliches Teammitglied der Wave Watchers. Marinas Fürsorglichkeit weckt dagegen ein geheimnisvoll verschlossener Neubürger, der aus Schottland zugezogen ist und in Porthmellow ein traumatisches Erlebnis verarbeiten will. Zwei denkbare Paare haben nun zahlreiche Missverständnisse zu überwinden, ehe sich an eine Beziehung auch nur denken lässt. Tiffs Organisationtalent ist beim Fundraising für die Wave Watchers hochwillkommen und auch der trainierte Lachlan wird von der hilfsbereiten Truppe mit offenen Armen empfangen. In Phillippa Ashleys Romanen über Licht und Schatten in kleinen Dorfgemeinschaften schwingt stets die Frage mit, wie Touristenorte funktionieren, wenn die Sommergäste abgereist sind, und ob die Geschäfte in der Saison genug einbringen, um das restliche Jahr davon zu leben. Menschen wie Dirk werden überall gebraucht, Tiffs journalistische Auftragsarbeiten werden sie jedoch auf die Dauer nicht ernähren. Streckenweise vorhersehbar, müssen allerlei Hindernisse überwunden werden, ehe die gegensätzlichen Cousinen ihr Glück finden können.
Wer sich am Blick von Marinas kleiner Terrasse auf ihren üppig blühenden Garten und das Meer vor der cornischen Küste erfreuen kann, wird gern zu einem weiteren, unabhängig zu lesenden Abenteuer aus Porthmellow greifen.
December 22, 2019
I really loved this book- I could really picture Porthmellow and the food festival that they are all planning. After having recently seen Fishermens Friend at the cinema which has a great sense of the Cornish community and reading Phillipa's book where you can imagine yourself living there and being roped in to delivering leaflets or phoning suppliers from the planning master list I am more than ready for my summer holiday!
I saw Phillipa Ashley recently at an author event where she was talking about her research for this book and her love of Cornwall shone through.
A book set in Cornwall is sure to be a winner for me- I would love to live there one day. The description of the food festival has me looking out for something local to visit.
This would be the perfect book to pack in your suitcase.
I saw Phillipa Ashley recently at an author event where she was talking about her research for this book and her love of Cornwall shone through.
A book set in Cornwall is sure to be a winner for me- I would love to live there one day. The description of the food festival has me looking out for something local to visit.
This would be the perfect book to pack in your suitcase.
January 4, 2020
Solid romance but the amount of characters and subplots made it a chore to finish.
August 14, 2021
What's better way to enjoy a summer in lockdown than to experience the summer in faraway land, such as Cornwall, with this book? With the surges in COVID-19 cases where I live and the prolonged lockdown period, I needed something to stimulate me, to transport me to a place where the pandemic couldn’t touch. And this book did exactly that, with such charm and warmth of a Cornish summer in a small town called Porthmellow.
Ten years ago, Sam Lovell and Gabe Matthias were the perfect couple of Porthmellow, enjoying their early-20s romance, when suddenly, Gabe turned Sam’s brother Ryan in to the police because Ryan had committed a crime. This act, though for the sake of Porthmellow’s community and Ryan, drew a wedge between Sam and Gabe, pushing her to break up with him. Ten years later, Gabe was a popular and successful chef in London, while Sam had turned her baking dream into reality with her Stargazey bakery right where she grew up. With the upcoming annual Porthmellow’s summer festival, and a headlining chef suddenly dropping out, Sam’s new colleague in the festival committee had to book Gabe as a replacement. This brought Gabe back to where he was from and where his former girlfriend still resided.
This is the first book by Phillipa Ashley that I read, and I must say she has a talent for creating such a warm and inclusive community in a fictional small town, although not without some conflicts. I have always loved to experience a town’s festival, especially the food, so reading this book was a joy for me. The Porthmellow’s summer festival served as an exciting background for the reunion of the two main characters, as well as for the stories of the side characters, notably Chloe and her worries over her young daughter and baby granddaughter staying with a controlling man.
Readers can catch some glimpses into the burning love and passion that Gabe and Sam still had for each other, growing evident as the preparation for the festival went on. However, I wish the author would spend more time and room in the book focusing on exploring and developing Sam and Gabe’s reignited flame and how they dealt with their differences coming from Gabe’s action ten years ago. It would make the story even more captivating, since it is, after all, a book about second chances and forgiveness. The truth about what Ryan had intended to do during that fateful time when Gabe turned him in was finally revealed in the last chapters, shedding more light into Gabe’s decision and his character. At the end of the day, this is definitely a charming and relaxing read for those who are looking for an escape during this difficult time.
Ten years ago, Sam Lovell and Gabe Matthias were the perfect couple of Porthmellow, enjoying their early-20s romance, when suddenly, Gabe turned Sam’s brother Ryan in to the police because Ryan had committed a crime. This act, though for the sake of Porthmellow’s community and Ryan, drew a wedge between Sam and Gabe, pushing her to break up with him. Ten years later, Gabe was a popular and successful chef in London, while Sam had turned her baking dream into reality with her Stargazey bakery right where she grew up. With the upcoming annual Porthmellow’s summer festival, and a headlining chef suddenly dropping out, Sam’s new colleague in the festival committee had to book Gabe as a replacement. This brought Gabe back to where he was from and where his former girlfriend still resided.
This is the first book by Phillipa Ashley that I read, and I must say she has a talent for creating such a warm and inclusive community in a fictional small town, although not without some conflicts. I have always loved to experience a town’s festival, especially the food, so reading this book was a joy for me. The Porthmellow’s summer festival served as an exciting background for the reunion of the two main characters, as well as for the stories of the side characters, notably Chloe and her worries over her young daughter and baby granddaughter staying with a controlling man.
Readers can catch some glimpses into the burning love and passion that Gabe and Sam still had for each other, growing evident as the preparation for the festival went on. However, I wish the author would spend more time and room in the book focusing on exploring and developing Sam and Gabe’s reignited flame and how they dealt with their differences coming from Gabe’s action ten years ago. It would make the story even more captivating, since it is, after all, a book about second chances and forgiveness. The truth about what Ryan had intended to do during that fateful time when Gabe turned him in was finally revealed in the last chapters, shedding more light into Gabe’s decision and his character. At the end of the day, this is definitely a charming and relaxing read for those who are looking for an escape during this difficult time.
April 23, 2019
A Perfect Cornish Summer is based in a town on the water called Porthmellow. Sam Lovell is the owner of a catering company and she is the organizer of an annual food festival which was her idea years before. Through the years the festival has continually grown much to the delight of many of the locals, but not all.
When the guest chef pulls out at the last minute and Gabe Matthias, a hometown boy made good offers to step into the role to save the festival, Sam is not too pleased. Their past history was once magical until Gabe up and told the police that Sam's brother Ryan was planning on robbing a store. This put Ryan in prison, Sam upset with Gabe and Gabe leaving town. When Ryan finally did get out of prison he vowed to never return and much to Sam's great sadness she has not seen him in years.
And as with any good love story/mystery we get to meet the comical characters who go along with a small harbor town where everybody knows one another. And most have secrets. Some more serious than others. The highlight of the story is the festival itself, that's where the comedy was at its best and kept a smile on my face. A smile still there even as this sweet story came to it's conclusion.
For fans of The Vicar of Dibley, a series from the BBC in England, you especially will relish the tight knit community and quirky characters which come along with it. The committee meetings are just on place in which I laughed. But most of all you will be pleased with the love and caring for others which occurs in this tiny place near the sea. More please!!
Thank you #NetGalley #Avon #Phillipa Ashley #A Perfect Cornish Summer for the advanced copy. It will be out on April 25.
When the guest chef pulls out at the last minute and Gabe Matthias, a hometown boy made good offers to step into the role to save the festival, Sam is not too pleased. Their past history was once magical until Gabe up and told the police that Sam's brother Ryan was planning on robbing a store. This put Ryan in prison, Sam upset with Gabe and Gabe leaving town. When Ryan finally did get out of prison he vowed to never return and much to Sam's great sadness she has not seen him in years.
And as with any good love story/mystery we get to meet the comical characters who go along with a small harbor town where everybody knows one another. And most have secrets. Some more serious than others. The highlight of the story is the festival itself, that's where the comedy was at its best and kept a smile on my face. A smile still there even as this sweet story came to it's conclusion.
For fans of The Vicar of Dibley, a series from the BBC in England, you especially will relish the tight knit community and quirky characters which come along with it. The committee meetings are just on place in which I laughed. But most of all you will be pleased with the love and caring for others which occurs in this tiny place near the sea. More please!!
Thank you #NetGalley #Avon #Phillipa Ashley #A Perfect Cornish Summer for the advanced copy. It will be out on April 25.
May 4, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
A PERFECT CORNISH SUMMER by Phillipa Ashley is a wonderful story about community spirit, determination, and love against the odds.
Years ago, Sam Lovell lost a lot - she lost her beloved mother, her brother was sent to prison, and the love of her life, Gabe, was the one who put him there. Alone with her sister, Sam threw herself into organising a food and family festival that just might save their lovely town. Now ten years later, and their festival is growing bigger and bigger, with celebrity chefs, hundreds of unique stalls, music, and fun for everyone. When the newest committee member and Sam's friend, Chloe, realises that they have been let down by their celebrity chef, she is delighted to find an even bigger and better replacement who even has links to the area. But Sam is shocked when she learns that Gabe is flying to the rescue. How will she ever deal with the man who broke her heart and destroyed her family? But sometimes there is often more to the truth then what one believes. And as someone seems to be out to sabotage Sam and the festival, will she be able to get her heart and her head on the same page, and find out the truth about everything?
Set in stunning Cornwall, this book made me wish I was there, experiencing the festival and the beauty of the area for myself. With wonderful, adept descriptions there is no stone left unturned with this story - you will feel every emotion, smell every smell, and taste the sea air on your tongue as you turn the page. The characters in this community are superb and eclectic, and I especially loved Chloe's story as she tried to help her daughter and granddaughter. Sam is feisty, strong, and a little too stubborn at times, but she is a great character that you would want to be friends with in real life. There is drama, vandalism, friendship, secrets, and true love deftly woven throughout A PERFECT CORNISH SUMMER by Phillipa Ashley and I cannot wait for more from this marvellous author.
A PERFECT CORNISH SUMMER by Phillipa Ashley is a wonderful story about community spirit, determination, and love against the odds.
Years ago, Sam Lovell lost a lot - she lost her beloved mother, her brother was sent to prison, and the love of her life, Gabe, was the one who put him there. Alone with her sister, Sam threw herself into organising a food and family festival that just might save their lovely town. Now ten years later, and their festival is growing bigger and bigger, with celebrity chefs, hundreds of unique stalls, music, and fun for everyone. When the newest committee member and Sam's friend, Chloe, realises that they have been let down by their celebrity chef, she is delighted to find an even bigger and better replacement who even has links to the area. But Sam is shocked when she learns that Gabe is flying to the rescue. How will she ever deal with the man who broke her heart and destroyed her family? But sometimes there is often more to the truth then what one believes. And as someone seems to be out to sabotage Sam and the festival, will she be able to get her heart and her head on the same page, and find out the truth about everything?
Set in stunning Cornwall, this book made me wish I was there, experiencing the festival and the beauty of the area for myself. With wonderful, adept descriptions there is no stone left unturned with this story - you will feel every emotion, smell every smell, and taste the sea air on your tongue as you turn the page. The characters in this community are superb and eclectic, and I especially loved Chloe's story as she tried to help her daughter and granddaughter. Sam is feisty, strong, and a little too stubborn at times, but she is a great character that you would want to be friends with in real life. There is drama, vandalism, friendship, secrets, and true love deftly woven throughout A PERFECT CORNISH SUMMER by Phillipa Ashley and I cannot wait for more from this marvellous author.
August 25, 2019
I really enjoyed my first visit to Porthmellow, and already wondering if it is, in mid August too soon to read the Christmas book to return there!
I loved both Chloe and Sam's stories in this, both with complicated pasts there were enjoyable to discover.
Between them they head the committee for the Porthmellow Food festival and to say this 10th annual festival is not only the biggest but the one with the most potential problems would be an understatement.
I loved getting to know the committee and all the main residents in this Cornish town. I loved the various quirks and seeing just how Sam was going to cope with things.
Especially the reappearance of her ex boyfriend, which she split up with years ago, after he reported her brother to the police, - well its very hard to come back from that.
But despite that I fell for Gabe, he clearly knows his right from wrong, and is an extremely talented chef too.
There are a large number of pies in this book, as well as plenty of other food, to make you hungry as you read.
I found it took some time for me to get into the stride of this book, but I think that is because every time I think of this author, one particular set of characters comes back to me from a previous series, and then I have to remember that I'm reading something fresh.
A really enjoyable book and I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
Thank you to Avon on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved both Chloe and Sam's stories in this, both with complicated pasts there were enjoyable to discover.
Between them they head the committee for the Porthmellow Food festival and to say this 10th annual festival is not only the biggest but the one with the most potential problems would be an understatement.
I loved getting to know the committee and all the main residents in this Cornish town. I loved the various quirks and seeing just how Sam was going to cope with things.
Especially the reappearance of her ex boyfriend, which she split up with years ago, after he reported her brother to the police, - well its very hard to come back from that.
But despite that I fell for Gabe, he clearly knows his right from wrong, and is an extremely talented chef too.
There are a large number of pies in this book, as well as plenty of other food, to make you hungry as you read.
I found it took some time for me to get into the stride of this book, but I think that is because every time I think of this author, one particular set of characters comes back to me from a previous series, and then I have to remember that I'm reading something fresh.
A really enjoyable book and I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
Thank you to Avon on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 6, 2019
There was just too much going on in this book. It didn't really need to be this long. For all the buildup towards the festival when the festival itself happened it was barely mentioned in the book. I expected some nice sweeping paragraphs about all the lush food and goods at the festival but was let down.
This was just a disappointment to me overall I guess. At first I found it hard to get past the names Samphire and Zennor? But their brother is named... Ryan. So why didn't he get a weird name? Gabe and Sam seemed to be terrible for each other as did Chloe and Drew. Too many side stories like Bryony, Troy and Evie, Chloe's daughter drama, Chloe's weird ex drama, the stuff with Ryan... just too much.
I think this could have been better as a smaller series, not everything crammed into one book. It felt like a chore to finish this and I usually enjoy books by this author. My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.
This was just a disappointment to me overall I guess. At first I found it hard to get past the names Samphire and Zennor? But their brother is named... Ryan. So why didn't he get a weird name? Gabe and Sam seemed to be terrible for each other as did Chloe and Drew. Too many side stories like Bryony, Troy and Evie, Chloe's daughter drama, Chloe's weird ex drama, the stuff with Ryan... just too much.
I think this could have been better as a smaller series, not everything crammed into one book. It felt like a chore to finish this and I usually enjoy books by this author. My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.
April 25, 2019
The Blurb :
The first in a gorgeous new series from the author of Summer at the Cornish Cafe.
Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).
When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.
Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour
My Thoughts :
I always love to hear Phillipa Ashley has a new book out and this was not a disapointment.
The series is set in a Cornish town called Porthmellow
We meet Sam Lovell, who is the owner of a Catering Company and organises the local food festival once a year. Things do not go well for Sam when the guest chef for the event pulls out at the last minute and leaves her with no option but to except help from TV Chef Gabe Matthias, who is a local from the town and has history with Sam which she would rather forget.
Will Gabe beable to get the town and Sam back on side again for has he well and truly messed up his reputation forever in Porthmellow.
We also meet Chloe, who is new to the town, although her life seems perfect things are far from ok when we learn her daughter has cut Chloe out of her and her grand daughters life but happiness comes in the form of Drew.
There are lots of things going on in the story and makes this a very interesting read.
Once again Phillipa Ashley delivers with her descriptive references of Cornwall and the beautiful surrounding scenery. She always transports you to the place she is writing about and makes you feel like you you are living the moment with the charactors. Looking forward to the next installment of the series.
The first in a gorgeous new series from the author of Summer at the Cornish Cafe.
Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).
When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.
Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour
My Thoughts :
I always love to hear Phillipa Ashley has a new book out and this was not a disapointment.
The series is set in a Cornish town called Porthmellow
We meet Sam Lovell, who is the owner of a Catering Company and organises the local food festival once a year. Things do not go well for Sam when the guest chef for the event pulls out at the last minute and leaves her with no option but to except help from TV Chef Gabe Matthias, who is a local from the town and has history with Sam which she would rather forget.
Will Gabe beable to get the town and Sam back on side again for has he well and truly messed up his reputation forever in Porthmellow.
We also meet Chloe, who is new to the town, although her life seems perfect things are far from ok when we learn her daughter has cut Chloe out of her and her grand daughters life but happiness comes in the form of Drew.
There are lots of things going on in the story and makes this a very interesting read.
Once again Phillipa Ashley delivers with her descriptive references of Cornwall and the beautiful surrounding scenery. She always transports you to the place she is writing about and makes you feel like you you are living the moment with the charactors. Looking forward to the next installment of the series.
August 6, 2023
When I started reading A Perfect Cornish Summer, I was expecting a light, summer story about a town and a festival and maybe a little romance, but I got so much more. This story is set in the seaside town of Porthmellow. They are preparing for the annual food festival when there is a huge glitch. The star chef can't make it and they need to find a replacement. Chloe is able to get a well known London chef to step in, apparently he grew up in Porthmellow and is prepared to spend the summer. What Chloe doesn't know is that the Sam Lovell, the chair of the organizing committee and Chef Gabe Matthias have a history, and not a good one. They were a couple when Gabe does something that causes them to break up and him to leave town. Now he is back and they have to deal with the feelings they both still have. Chloe is dealing with her own situation. She is divorced and new to Porthmellow. She is estranged from her daughter and has never seen her granddaughter. She is attracted to a local man but has been keeping more than one secret. Will the summer and the festival smooth out all the problems that the residents of Porthmellow are dealing with?
I found this story a bit slow to get started, but once I got into it and met all the main characters, I snuggled in for an enjoyable reading afternoon by the pool. I always love the setting of Cornwall and although I have never been, I always feel like I am returning for another visit to a small town along the coast. As I always expect in these small town stories, there are quirky characters, nosy neighbors who know everyone else's business, curmudgeons, helpful neighbors and those old folks who know everyone who ever lived in town. I loved how friendly everyone was and how they stepped up when help was needed. There were some secrets that come out near the end which added one more interesting and important plot to the story. There are some great themes in this book such as addiction, doing the right thing, family estrangement, ageism, bullying, romance, and more that made this story more than just a romance. There are a couple of happily ever afters that gave me a smile on my face as I finished this one.
I found this story a bit slow to get started, but once I got into it and met all the main characters, I snuggled in for an enjoyable reading afternoon by the pool. I always love the setting of Cornwall and although I have never been, I always feel like I am returning for another visit to a small town along the coast. As I always expect in these small town stories, there are quirky characters, nosy neighbors who know everyone else's business, curmudgeons, helpful neighbors and those old folks who know everyone who ever lived in town. I loved how friendly everyone was and how they stepped up when help was needed. There were some secrets that come out near the end which added one more interesting and important plot to the story. There are some great themes in this book such as addiction, doing the right thing, family estrangement, ageism, bullying, romance, and more that made this story more than just a romance. There are a couple of happily ever afters that gave me a smile on my face as I finished this one.
February 11, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book set in a Cornish fishing village with warm friendly loveable characters and is told through the prospective of three characters Sam, Gabe and Chloe.
The theme of the book is friendship second chances romance and community spirit. A great novel to curl up on the settee with on a winter's evening thinking of the coming summer.
I would highly recommend this a good feel good book as always with Phillipa Ashley and I can't wait to read more of her work.
The theme of the book is friendship second chances romance and community spirit. A great novel to curl up on the settee with on a winter's evening thinking of the coming summer.
I would highly recommend this a good feel good book as always with Phillipa Ashley and I can't wait to read more of her work.
April 7, 2020
Die junge Bäckerin Sam Lovell betreibt im fiktiven Küsten-Städtchen Porthmellow eine Catering-Firma. Damit nicht nur in der in Cornwall kurzen Sommersaison Einkünfte fließen, hat Sam jährlich ein Streetfood-Festival organisiert, das den kleinen Ort neu in der Reihe legendärer Küstenorte etablieren konnte. Um dem Ladensterben im Ort ein Ende zu bereiten, hatte Sam offenbar die zündende Idee. Als der Starkoch Zachary ausfällt, dem für seinen Auftritt in der Foodshow des Festivals bereits ein Vorschuss gezahlt wurde, ist guter Rat teuer. Der Ersatz-Koch ist zwar nicht weniger prominent, aber es ist ausgerechnet Sams Ex Gabriel, von dem sie sich vor Jahren unter dramatischen Umständen getrennt hatte. Gabriel stammt aus der Gegend, ist Besitzer mehrerer Restaurants und packt die Gelegenheit beim Schopf, in Porthmellow zu expandieren. Doch zunächst muss Gabe einsehen, dass der Ort sich seit seiner Jugend verändert hat. Event-Managerin Chloe, im Ort frisch zugezogen, konnte nicht ahnen, dass sie mit Gabriels Verpflichtung an eine alte Wunde rührt. Was damals zwischen Gabe, Sam und ihrem Bruder Ryan geschah, wurde nie wieder angesprochen. Doch nicht nur Sam wird von einem ungeklärten Konflikt belastet, Chloe geht es mit der Entfremdung von ihrer erwachsenen Tochter ähnlich. Die Leser sind durch Rückblenden und Perspektivwechsel den Ereignissen stets ein paar Schritte voraus – und doch kann die findige Sam immer wieder überraschen.
Philippa Ashley schickt mit Sam eine Sympathieträgerin in ihre neue Romanserie, in die sich Ashleys Leserinnen leicht einfühlen können. Auch das Organisationsteam ist sympathisch besetzt, die elegante mit ihrer neuen Heimat noch fremdelnde Chloe, „Onkel“ Drew Yelland mit der sozialen Ader, der Bootstouren für Touristen anbietet, und der betagte Troy Carman, der auch nach seiner Pensionierung als Hafenmeister immer noch einen sorgenden Blick auf den Ort hat. Schwerwiegende und leichtere Konflikte sind zu lösen, große und kleine Flunkereien aufzuklären, ehe das Food-Festival seinen Lauf nehmen und das Gemeinschaftserlebnis die Gemeinde erneut zusammenschweißen kann.
Mit eigenwilligen Typen, lockeren Dialogen und zwei Pasteten-Rezepten in den Buchdeckeln erfüllt „Sommer in Porthmellow“ alle Anforderungen an einen sommerlichen Wohlfühlroman, auch wenn ich eine Festival-Planung weniger heimelig finde als eine bewährte „Laden-Handlung“.
Philippa Ashley schickt mit Sam eine Sympathieträgerin in ihre neue Romanserie, in die sich Ashleys Leserinnen leicht einfühlen können. Auch das Organisationsteam ist sympathisch besetzt, die elegante mit ihrer neuen Heimat noch fremdelnde Chloe, „Onkel“ Drew Yelland mit der sozialen Ader, der Bootstouren für Touristen anbietet, und der betagte Troy Carman, der auch nach seiner Pensionierung als Hafenmeister immer noch einen sorgenden Blick auf den Ort hat. Schwerwiegende und leichtere Konflikte sind zu lösen, große und kleine Flunkereien aufzuklären, ehe das Food-Festival seinen Lauf nehmen und das Gemeinschaftserlebnis die Gemeinde erneut zusammenschweißen kann.
Mit eigenwilligen Typen, lockeren Dialogen und zwei Pasteten-Rezepten in den Buchdeckeln erfüllt „Sommer in Porthmellow“ alle Anforderungen an einen sommerlichen Wohlfühlroman, auch wenn ich eine Festival-Planung weniger heimelig finde als eine bewährte „Laden-Handlung“.
May 24, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Centred around the Porthmellow 10th annual food festival this story features Sam(phire) Lovell, the festival's organiser. When the celebrity chef they had booked to star at the festival declares bankruptcy Sam's assistant Chloe manages to book Gabe Matthias, former Portmellow resident as a late replacement. Little does she know that Sam and Gabe dated, until the night he shopped her brother to the police and got him sent to prison. 10 years later can Sam ever forgive Gabe?
Sam's assistant Chloe is hiding a secret or two of her own, will ship's captain Drew still like her when he finds out she's not quite who he thought she was?
This is a typical English cosy romance featuring an ensemble cast, elderly locals with 'charming' accents, hunky chefs, awkward villagers, lots of evenings at the pub and quaint village life. I didn't hate it but I also wasn't enthralled by it. I spend so much of time these days complaining about the amount of sex in books that I feel a bit of a fraud complaining about the lack in this one, but I'm pretty sure the first time we see even a proper kiss was at 61% on my Kindle - balance people, balance!
Anyway, if you are looking for a gentle, sweet, non-taxing romance, perfect for the beach then I reckon this will fit the bill.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Centred around the Porthmellow 10th annual food festival this story features Sam(phire) Lovell, the festival's organiser. When the celebrity chef they had booked to star at the festival declares bankruptcy Sam's assistant Chloe manages to book Gabe Matthias, former Portmellow resident as a late replacement. Little does she know that Sam and Gabe dated, until the night he shopped her brother to the police and got him sent to prison. 10 years later can Sam ever forgive Gabe?
Sam's assistant Chloe is hiding a secret or two of her own, will ship's captain Drew still like her when he finds out she's not quite who he thought she was?
This is a typical English cosy romance featuring an ensemble cast, elderly locals with 'charming' accents, hunky chefs, awkward villagers, lots of evenings at the pub and quaint village life. I didn't hate it but I also wasn't enthralled by it. I spend so much of time these days complaining about the amount of sex in books that I feel a bit of a fraud complaining about the lack in this one, but I'm pretty sure the first time we see even a proper kiss was at 61% on my Kindle - balance people, balance!
Anyway, if you are looking for a gentle, sweet, non-taxing romance, perfect for the beach then I reckon this will fit the bill.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
Pondered on choosing this book to read, but so glad I did. Interesting characters, several twists and turns and just a few secrets. What are they …… just read it and hopefully enjoy finding out as much as I did 😎
April 28, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
Reading this book was so much fun. The story got me captivated until the end, because I really wanted to know what really happened. Eventually, the ending was a bit of what I expected but not entirely. I liked that it wasn't just another romance with a predictable ending. Furthermore, I loved the setting and I loved the friend dynamics. There was a bit of a downside to this book though, at some points the story felt a little bit tedious. A flash-forward wouldn't have been out of place in such situations.
Reading this book was so much fun. The story got me captivated until the end, because I really wanted to know what really happened. Eventually, the ending was a bit of what I expected but not entirely. I liked that it wasn't just another romance with a predictable ending. Furthermore, I loved the setting and I loved the friend dynamics. There was a bit of a downside to this book though, at some points the story felt a little bit tedious. A flash-forward wouldn't have been out of place in such situations.
May 24, 2019
An amazing novel by an amazingly talented author. When I had an email asking me if I wanted to take place in the blog tour for Phillipa Ashley's new novel I jumped at the chance. I have adored Phillipa's previous novels and I absolutely fell in love with this cover so I knew I couldn't turn the opportunity down.
The cover really gives us a lovely feel as to what the novel is about. We have beautiful colourful cottages either side of the cover, with colourful and patterned bunting hanging overhead a female character. In the background is a beautiful, bright blue sea and I just love the use of all the flowers in the pots and the little sign pointing to the food festival. It's summery, feel-good and eye-catching and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
I'd never been to Cornwall before, but Phillipa does such a fantastic job of describing the little town that you feel like you've been there yourself! The setting sounded idyllic and I fell in love with the little town of Porthmellow and the food festival that is hosted there. It's hosted by our main character Sam, who we learn has had her fair share of heartache throughout the years. What with losing her mum and then her brother, she also broke up with who she believed was the love of her life, so she's had a devastatingly hard time. After trying to find a way to make ends meet so that she can live a good life with her sister, she decides to set up the food festival and this particular novel is set around it's 10th anniversary.
The festival is doing really well but there are a few people that do not want the event to take place due to the crowds and the disruption to the seaside town. Sam learns along the way that someone is out to ruin the festival, after tearing down flyers and then causing damage to her work van. She starts to question whether this person is out to get the festival or if they're actually out to get her. The chef that was headlining the festival pulled out with not a lot of notice so the committee had to rush in order to find a replacement. Chloe, who is new to the area, contacted Gabe, a successful chef who originally grew up in the town. She believed him to be the best person for the job and so contacted him and booked him for the festival. Of course, not knowing about the connection between Sam and Gabe.
It's clear from the very beginning that Sam and Gabe have a history, and we learn as the novel goes on what he done to break Sam's heart. However, although I know why they split, I still couldn't help but hope that they would end up back together! They seem to have such a great connection and I couldn't help but love reading about them together. Other characters which I really liked were Chloe, Drew, Troy and Evie. All of the characters are part of the committee and the whole novel does have an amazing community feel to it.
The novel is summery, heartwarming and easy and enjoyable to read. This novel had wonderful characters and a beautiful setting. It made me long to visit Cornwall! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
The cover really gives us a lovely feel as to what the novel is about. We have beautiful colourful cottages either side of the cover, with colourful and patterned bunting hanging overhead a female character. In the background is a beautiful, bright blue sea and I just love the use of all the flowers in the pots and the little sign pointing to the food festival. It's summery, feel-good and eye-catching and I couldn't wait to get stuck in.
I'd never been to Cornwall before, but Phillipa does such a fantastic job of describing the little town that you feel like you've been there yourself! The setting sounded idyllic and I fell in love with the little town of Porthmellow and the food festival that is hosted there. It's hosted by our main character Sam, who we learn has had her fair share of heartache throughout the years. What with losing her mum and then her brother, she also broke up with who she believed was the love of her life, so she's had a devastatingly hard time. After trying to find a way to make ends meet so that she can live a good life with her sister, she decides to set up the food festival and this particular novel is set around it's 10th anniversary.
The festival is doing really well but there are a few people that do not want the event to take place due to the crowds and the disruption to the seaside town. Sam learns along the way that someone is out to ruin the festival, after tearing down flyers and then causing damage to her work van. She starts to question whether this person is out to get the festival or if they're actually out to get her. The chef that was headlining the festival pulled out with not a lot of notice so the committee had to rush in order to find a replacement. Chloe, who is new to the area, contacted Gabe, a successful chef who originally grew up in the town. She believed him to be the best person for the job and so contacted him and booked him for the festival. Of course, not knowing about the connection between Sam and Gabe.
It's clear from the very beginning that Sam and Gabe have a history, and we learn as the novel goes on what he done to break Sam's heart. However, although I know why they split, I still couldn't help but hope that they would end up back together! They seem to have such a great connection and I couldn't help but love reading about them together. Other characters which I really liked were Chloe, Drew, Troy and Evie. All of the characters are part of the committee and the whole novel does have an amazing community feel to it.
The novel is summery, heartwarming and easy and enjoyable to read. This novel had wonderful characters and a beautiful setting. It made me long to visit Cornwall! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
April 24, 2019
When I requested this book, after a few weeks of being too ill to read (the horror!) I really was in need of something light-hearted and feel-good, and this sounded like it fit the bill to perfection. Even the book cover makes me think of just how much I love Cornwall, and how pretty it is. This book is the first book in the series, and it establishes the characters in this lovely little Cornish village. Here is the blurb:
Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).
When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.
Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.
This book was a slow burn for me, I think because there were quite a lot of characters to get to know, all of whom had secrets. However once I got a few chapters into the book I could not put it down and finished it in one sitting!
Although this is primarily a story of second chances and forgiveness, and particularly a second chance romance, I loved that the romance was not the focus of the book. The focus was on the Food Festival, and the community, and how the community rallies round when people are in need of support and assistance.
I loved the Festival committee meetings, and found the gentle humour utterly charming, although the tannoy announcements during the Festival had me seriously laughing out loud, which woke my husband who was asleep next to me as I read into the night. The Thomas Hardy geek in me loved that there was a Gabriel and a Troy in this book too.
This was my first book by Phillipa Ashley and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the characters so much I am really looking forward to finding out more about them as the series continues. It also made me want to plan a holiday to Cornwall.
Many thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…
For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).
When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.
Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour.
This book was a slow burn for me, I think because there were quite a lot of characters to get to know, all of whom had secrets. However once I got a few chapters into the book I could not put it down and finished it in one sitting!
Although this is primarily a story of second chances and forgiveness, and particularly a second chance romance, I loved that the romance was not the focus of the book. The focus was on the Food Festival, and the community, and how the community rallies round when people are in need of support and assistance.
I loved the Festival committee meetings, and found the gentle humour utterly charming, although the tannoy announcements during the Festival had me seriously laughing out loud, which woke my husband who was asleep next to me as I read into the night. The Thomas Hardy geek in me loved that there was a Gabriel and a Troy in this book too.
This was my first book by Phillipa Ashley and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the characters so much I am really looking forward to finding out more about them as the series continues. It also made me want to plan a holiday to Cornwall.
Many thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2020
This was a the perfect and much needed escape in these desparate pandemic times. Really enjoyed it and all the characters and am going to follow on with the next two in the series.
May 23, 2019
‘A Perfect Cornish Summer’ is my first read by Phillipa however her books have been on my TBR pile for a while, now I regret not reading one of her creations before now.
Anything that involves food is a must for me so when I read the synopsis of the book I knew it was my kind of read. The festival had me going hungry and wanting to be part of the festival myself!
Meeting Sam, Gabe and the other residents of Porthmellow was like a breath of fresh air. The town of Porthmellow sounds idyllic, especially in the summer and I wouldn’t hesitate to visit a place like this. As they prepare for their annual food festival (with Sam in charge of course!) the sense of community shines through the pages. As well as the light heartedness of the food festival there are also a few more serious back stories happening for Sam and Gabe. We also hear from the perspective of Chloe who is also a good friend of Sam’s and also is a huge help for the festival! I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers! I loved Phillipa’s writing style it flowed very freely.
I wanted to savour the story so I didn’t want to read it too quickly but then I wanted to know what happens in the end and I can’t wait for the next instalment of the Porthmellow Harbour series. This story is about love, family, forgiveness and most importantly community spirit ❤️
I give ‘A Perfect Cornish Summer’ a deserving 5*/5* 😊
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.
Anything that involves food is a must for me so when I read the synopsis of the book I knew it was my kind of read. The festival had me going hungry and wanting to be part of the festival myself!
Meeting Sam, Gabe and the other residents of Porthmellow was like a breath of fresh air. The town of Porthmellow sounds idyllic, especially in the summer and I wouldn’t hesitate to visit a place like this. As they prepare for their annual food festival (with Sam in charge of course!) the sense of community shines through the pages. As well as the light heartedness of the food festival there are also a few more serious back stories happening for Sam and Gabe. We also hear from the perspective of Chloe who is also a good friend of Sam’s and also is a huge help for the festival! I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers! I loved Phillipa’s writing style it flowed very freely.
I wanted to savour the story so I didn’t want to read it too quickly but then I wanted to know what happens in the end and I can’t wait for the next instalment of the Porthmellow Harbour series. This story is about love, family, forgiveness and most importantly community spirit ❤️
I give ‘A Perfect Cornish Summer’ a deserving 5*/5* 😊
Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.
April 4, 2019
5 CORNISH STARS
YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG https://antonellasbookworld.blogspot....
I freaking loved this book.
I admit that at the beginning when I saw how many pages the book was long I found myself doubting about reading the book, mostly because recently I haven't read novels so interesting so I didn't really have great expectations.
Ashley did surprise me positively instead.
This novel is a second chance romance who doesn't focus on the romance per se and I think that's best thing about this book. The focus on this novel is the local food festival with the addiction of the stories of three people, Sam, Gabe and Chloe. I loved the way it was written. I'm not British and English is not my mothertongue but the way it was written, I can feel it had so many British-ness and since I don't read so many British books it was sort of fresh air for me too.
The author was good at describing the every day life of those Cornish people and she was good at writing about the organization side of the festival, the feelings on it of the local people and the volunteers. Generally, I liked the way the author developed the main characters. They weren't just characters, but they were also multidimensional and I could totally see myself going inside the character's head.
The story was great, I can say one of the best I have read this year so far. I will probably read other books by this author just because her written style and the setting she uses.
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG https://antonellasbookworld.blogspot....
I freaking loved this book.
I admit that at the beginning when I saw how many pages the book was long I found myself doubting about reading the book, mostly because recently I haven't read novels so interesting so I didn't really have great expectations.
Ashley did surprise me positively instead.
This novel is a second chance romance who doesn't focus on the romance per se and I think that's best thing about this book. The focus on this novel is the local food festival with the addiction of the stories of three people, Sam, Gabe and Chloe. I loved the way it was written. I'm not British and English is not my mothertongue but the way it was written, I can feel it had so many British-ness and since I don't read so many British books it was sort of fresh air for me too.
The author was good at describing the every day life of those Cornish people and she was good at writing about the organization side of the festival, the feelings on it of the local people and the volunteers. Generally, I liked the way the author developed the main characters. They weren't just characters, but they were also multidimensional and I could totally see myself going inside the character's head.
The story was great, I can say one of the best I have read this year so far. I will probably read other books by this author just because her written style and the setting she uses.
*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 4, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the Cornish Cafe series by Phillipa Ashley and I love her style of writing so couldn’t wait to read A Perfect Cornish Summer. An absolute wonderful book. Based in the gorgeous Cornwall harbour of Porthmellow this book is centred on Sam Lovell organising a Summer food festival in her hometown.
The book is full of likeable characters who you can relate to. I loved the storyline, the village life and the warmth of the community within, the twists and turns of events and the mystery surrounding certain parts of the plot.
The book certainly made me smile and laugh and looks at how despite what has happened in the past, you can move forward and overcome challenges in life. A very powerful message within.
A lovely lovely romantic read – it certainly was a Perfect Cornish Summer! I want to go to Porthmellow now and meet the lovely Sam and Gabe! I would love to know what happens next between them and hear all about the Winter Food Fair! I think we all need to book a holiday at Christmas to visit the Fair!
A delightful read – can’t wait to read more by Phillipa Ashley, who is now on my favourite novelist lists!
The book is full of likeable characters who you can relate to. I loved the storyline, the village life and the warmth of the community within, the twists and turns of events and the mystery surrounding certain parts of the plot.
The book certainly made me smile and laugh and looks at how despite what has happened in the past, you can move forward and overcome challenges in life. A very powerful message within.
A lovely lovely romantic read – it certainly was a Perfect Cornish Summer! I want to go to Porthmellow now and meet the lovely Sam and Gabe! I would love to know what happens next between them and hear all about the Winter Food Fair! I think we all need to book a holiday at Christmas to visit the Fair!
A delightful read – can’t wait to read more by Phillipa Ashley, who is now on my favourite novelist lists!
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