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The Penwith Trilogy #2
Christmas at the Cornish Cafe
Christmas will be slightly less turbulent than summer, won't it? Demi certainly hopes so.She and Cal are keeping their fledgling relationship under wraps for now. But then Kit Bannen, a hunky, blond - and somewhat mysterious - writer arrives at Kilhallon Resort, and not everyone is charmed. Cal is sure that Kit is hiding something. But is he the only one guarding a secret? Demi is busy baking festive treats for the newly opened Demelza's cafe, but when Cal's ex Isla arrives to shoot scenes for her new drama, Demi can't help but worry that things aren't quite over between them. Kit flirts with both women, fuelling Cal's suspicions that Kit has hidden motives for staying on at Kilhallon. Then Cal has to go to London, leaving Demi and Kit to decorate the cafe for Christmas... all by themselves. A storm is brewing in more ways than one. As surprises unfold and truths are uncovered, can Demi and Cal finally open up to each other about their feelings?This second novel in the bestselling Cornish Cafe series is the perfect Christmas read.
Audiobook
Published November 30, 2017
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About the author
Phillipa Ashley
44 books1,194 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 203 reviews
October 22, 2016
3.5 stars
The story of a young couple opening up a new business in Kilhallon, Cornwall. It's a holiday park where cabins and yurts are rented and young Demelza has opened a café on the grounds. Her boyfriend, Cal, owns the property and oversees the entire operation. This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a stand alone as I did, it really should be read in order. I felt like I was always lagging behind, missing something and not sure of the complexities of the characters personal interactions.
Still, it's Christmas time in Cornwell and what sounds better than that? The town has a lovely Harbor Lights Festival that the author deftly brings to life. But Christmas time being Christmas time, old unresolved family connections come to light and must be dealt with. Neither Cal nor Demelza have had an easy year and are carrying baggage that must be handled. The question is whether they trust each other enough to reach out to one another.
I thought this might be a light weight read but it's really not. It deals with a lot of emotional issues that are relevant to many people. The characters are likable. The setting is breathtaking. The Christmas events are quite moving.
I am interested enough that I'd like to read the next one. In the meantime I am going to go back and read the first one filling in some unanswered questions I have. And for people who want a good Christmas read, you won't go wrong with this this one.
Thanks to Net Galley for the copy in exchange for a fair review.
The story of a young couple opening up a new business in Kilhallon, Cornwall. It's a holiday park where cabins and yurts are rented and young Demelza has opened a café on the grounds. Her boyfriend, Cal, owns the property and oversees the entire operation. This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a stand alone as I did, it really should be read in order. I felt like I was always lagging behind, missing something and not sure of the complexities of the characters personal interactions.
Still, it's Christmas time in Cornwell and what sounds better than that? The town has a lovely Harbor Lights Festival that the author deftly brings to life. But Christmas time being Christmas time, old unresolved family connections come to light and must be dealt with. Neither Cal nor Demelza have had an easy year and are carrying baggage that must be handled. The question is whether they trust each other enough to reach out to one another.
I thought this might be a light weight read but it's really not. It deals with a lot of emotional issues that are relevant to many people. The characters are likable. The setting is breathtaking. The Christmas events are quite moving.
I am interested enough that I'd like to read the next one. In the meantime I am going to go back and read the first one filling in some unanswered questions I have. And for people who want a good Christmas read, you won't go wrong with this this one.
Thanks to Net Galley for the copy in exchange for a fair review.
December 18, 2022
*Secrets & Revelations*
**3.5 Stars**
This is book 2 in the trilogy. It took me while to read and I must admit for me the first book was more enjoyable but towards the end of the book saved it for me.
It is still told from two different perspectives. You have the brooding Cal who is trying to put a lid on his feelings for anyone let alone Demi, he is guarded and straight talking.
Demi is already in love with him but there is so much that Cal is keeping from her. Their relationship is secret and she is a tough cookie.
They are fast approaching Christmas and want everything to be just right and without incident, what could possibly go wrong? As they continue to shape Kilhallon the old estate that Cal’s late father let go to rack and ruin.
A mysterious writer Kit Bannen arrives to rent a cottage. Cal takes a instant dislike to him, while Demi is intrigued by him. Cal is uneasy in his presence but little does he know there is something they both share…..
As the story moves on we see that someone already knows Cal’s secret and the source is closer to home than he thinks.
Demi is in her element and she is the manager of the newly built cafe Demelza’s named after her and her baking and cooking skills sound mouthwatering
Will Cal’s secret be revealed, will there be consequences, Demi’s past comes back to haunt her and how will things pan out in the last of the trilogy……
At the end of the book there are some recipes too from the cafe
**3.5 Stars**
This is book 2 in the trilogy. It took me while to read and I must admit for me the first book was more enjoyable but towards the end of the book saved it for me.
It is still told from two different perspectives. You have the brooding Cal who is trying to put a lid on his feelings for anyone let alone Demi, he is guarded and straight talking.
Demi is already in love with him but there is so much that Cal is keeping from her. Their relationship is secret and she is a tough cookie.
They are fast approaching Christmas and want everything to be just right and without incident, what could possibly go wrong? As they continue to shape Kilhallon the old estate that Cal’s late father let go to rack and ruin.
A mysterious writer Kit Bannen arrives to rent a cottage. Cal takes a instant dislike to him, while Demi is intrigued by him. Cal is uneasy in his presence but little does he know there is something they both share…..
As the story moves on we see that someone already knows Cal’s secret and the source is closer to home than he thinks.
Demi is in her element and she is the manager of the newly built cafe Demelza’s named after her and her baking and cooking skills sound mouthwatering
Will Cal’s secret be revealed, will there be consequences, Demi’s past comes back to haunt her and how will things pan out in the last of the trilogy……
At the end of the book there are some recipes too from the cafe
December 18, 2020
2.5
I always get weak with those snowy and festive covers of Christmas books, so I was looking forward to read "Christmas at the Cornish Café".
The beginning was quite nice. I was slowly getting into the story and its setting. For a Christmas book the story is starting quite early, in the beginning of October, and is slowly progressing to Christmas time. Unfortunately I was missing the Christmas spirit and the festivity in this book. Christmas is only a very short bit in the story and I was hoping for some more decorations and Christmas activities.
The story is told by Demi and Cal but I had a really hard time connecting with both. They felt very distant to me and also their relationship seems very shallow. Their relationship lacks in emotions and romance.
The setting was nice most of the times but with a few more descriptions of the surroundings it would have felt much more cosy and especially festive.
I always get weak with those snowy and festive covers of Christmas books, so I was looking forward to read "Christmas at the Cornish Café".
The beginning was quite nice. I was slowly getting into the story and its setting. For a Christmas book the story is starting quite early, in the beginning of October, and is slowly progressing to Christmas time. Unfortunately I was missing the Christmas spirit and the festivity in this book. Christmas is only a very short bit in the story and I was hoping for some more decorations and Christmas activities.
The story is told by Demi and Cal but I had a really hard time connecting with both. They felt very distant to me and also their relationship seems very shallow. Their relationship lacks in emotions and romance.
The setting was nice most of the times but with a few more descriptions of the surroundings it would have felt much more cosy and especially festive.
December 14, 2016
Awesome read !
Wow feeling very festive after reading this story ! Now I don't like to give the story away but you won't be disappointed for sure whether you have read the first book or not. Phillipa has come up trumps yet again, just makes me want to head back to Cornwall, but right now I'll have to make do with baking some mince pies .... good job Phillips Ashley ! I do hope there's more to come of this series ( I feel there is ! )
Wow feeling very festive after reading this story ! Now I don't like to give the story away but you won't be disappointed for sure whether you have read the first book or not. Phillipa has come up trumps yet again, just makes me want to head back to Cornwall, but right now I'll have to make do with baking some mince pies .... good job Phillips Ashley ! I do hope there's more to come of this series ( I feel there is ! )
October 13, 2016
Firstly I want to say, in no uncertain terms, you HAVE to read this book!
This book follows on from Summer at the Cornish Cafe, it works perfectly as a standalone book but I think you get a lot more from it if you read that one first. The author has managed to get across the information that you need to know from book one, without it being boring for people who have already read that book, it's a fine line to tread but she has perfected it.
The two main characters in the book are Demi and Cal, the story is mostly told through Demi's point of view but occasionally Cal takes over for a chapter. It is very clear who is narrating, sometimes I find it can be confusing when books switch between characters but Phillipa Ashley manages it well and the story just flows nicely.
There were many twists and turns in the book and I found myself wondering and speculating what was going to happen next. I found myself saying "just one more chapter..." because I couldn't bear to put it down. My heart was in my mouth at times, the writing style really draws you in and it's like you are there living through the drama with them.
I like the addition of the recipes at the end of the book, I hope that I can do them justice as I found my mouth watering when Demi's bakes were described! I would love to bake some of them and enjoy while re-reading Christmas at the Cornish Cafe
It's been a few months since I read the first book but from the very first page I settled back in to this setting and it was like greeting old friends, I was sad to reach the end and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
I have recommended this to so many people already, and to whoever is reading this, I urge you to read this book, I'm certain you will love it. This is my favourite series of books and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next
This book follows on from Summer at the Cornish Cafe, it works perfectly as a standalone book but I think you get a lot more from it if you read that one first. The author has managed to get across the information that you need to know from book one, without it being boring for people who have already read that book, it's a fine line to tread but she has perfected it.
The two main characters in the book are Demi and Cal, the story is mostly told through Demi's point of view but occasionally Cal takes over for a chapter. It is very clear who is narrating, sometimes I find it can be confusing when books switch between characters but Phillipa Ashley manages it well and the story just flows nicely.
There were many twists and turns in the book and I found myself wondering and speculating what was going to happen next. I found myself saying "just one more chapter..." because I couldn't bear to put it down. My heart was in my mouth at times, the writing style really draws you in and it's like you are there living through the drama with them.
I like the addition of the recipes at the end of the book, I hope that I can do them justice as I found my mouth watering when Demi's bakes were described! I would love to bake some of them and enjoy while re-reading Christmas at the Cornish Cafe
It's been a few months since I read the first book but from the very first page I settled back in to this setting and it was like greeting old friends, I was sad to reach the end and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
I have recommended this to so many people already, and to whoever is reading this, I urge you to read this book, I'm certain you will love it. This is my favourite series of books and I can't wait to find out what is going to happen next
January 11, 2023
This audiobook was okay.
We meet Cal and Demi who seem to be a FWB arrangement until we hear from Cal. He actually admires her quite a lot but he doesn’t show it in the slightest. Plus his whole infatuated with his ex is off-putting and hypocritical.
It felt very repetitive and I just couldn’t get into it properly.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/01/26/book-re...
We meet Cal and Demi who seem to be a FWB arrangement until we hear from Cal. He actually admires her quite a lot but he doesn’t show it in the slightest. Plus his whole infatuated with his ex is off-putting and hypocritical.
It felt very repetitive and I just couldn’t get into it properly.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/01/26/book-re...
September 27, 2016
I loved the return to Kilhallon and Demelza’s cafe. Kilhallon displays it’s stormy, brooding side in this book- along with the snow. It’s described so beautifully that you can conjure up the images as if you’d spent your holiday there. The cover is so enticing that you couldn’t fail to pick it up to read. I am so grateful to have received a proof copy from Harper Collins and have really enjoyed reading it.
Cal and Demi have a stormy relationship with both hedging around their issues whilst the steamy side tries to win through! He’s a true brooding lead male with a heart of gold.
I loved the way that the community pulled together with Demelza’s at the hub. There was a real wartime type spirit going on whilst the locals tried to help everyone.
This book doesn’t do anything for your diet- her seasonal offerings sound so delicious that you want to go and bake a batch of mince pies and order in some clotted cream! I could just imagine the scents in the air and the taste of the festive fare.
Even the little cottages have me falling in love with Kilhallon. I love everything about the place that I’ve never even visited. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Christmas at the Cornish Cafe leaves you with the warm, festive feel that only a truly magical Christmas can.
Cal and Demi have a stormy relationship with both hedging around their issues whilst the steamy side tries to win through! He’s a true brooding lead male with a heart of gold.
I loved the way that the community pulled together with Demelza’s at the hub. There was a real wartime type spirit going on whilst the locals tried to help everyone.
This book doesn’t do anything for your diet- her seasonal offerings sound so delicious that you want to go and bake a batch of mince pies and order in some clotted cream! I could just imagine the scents in the air and the taste of the festive fare.
Even the little cottages have me falling in love with Kilhallon. I love everything about the place that I’ve never even visited. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Christmas at the Cornish Cafe leaves you with the warm, festive feel that only a truly magical Christmas can.
February 10, 2017
Loved it, read it over chtidtmas
Loved the way the book switches from character to character so you see things from each perspective. You fe
Great reads, funny, sad, endearing. Loved it and did not want it to end.
Loved the way the book switches from character to character so you see things from each perspective. You fe
Great reads, funny, sad, endearing. Loved it and did not want it to end.
December 31, 2019
A very average chick lit with a festive theme, quite pleasant and easy to read, especially at this time of year.
October 14, 2016
Where on earth do I start? I am sitting here pretty much gobsmacked, about how much I enjoyed the book, and how it really was a book of two halves, or parts at least. There is a lot of light hearted moments, and build up to the magical time of year. Demi loves Christmas, and is hoping this will be one of her best ever. Cal had a nightmare of a Christmas last year, and so is hoping things will be a lot better this time.
The resort opens, as does the Cafe and there are mouthwatering mentions of so many delicious treats. I'm not a fan of mince pies, but even I wanted to eat the ones being created by Demi at Demelza's.
There is a huge amount of drama in Christmas at the Cornish Cafe, which will have you hooked and on the edge of your seat. There were moments when I really had no clue what was going to happen next, and I love it when I am surprised as much as I was by where the story takes us.
A fair amount of more serious topics are discussed, including exactly what happened to Cal that led to him coming home to Kilhallan. The weather, not normally the most interesting of subjects plays a massive part in this story, and not just in one storyline, but a few. It is a turbulent run up to Christmas this year in Cornwall.
Christmas at the Cornish Cafe is the second book in the Penwith Trilogy, and I think it does work as a standalone, as a lot of the key plot points from the first book are mentioned which will help a new person catch up. I will say though how much I am looking forward to the third book, as this series continues to impress me.
This is only the second book I have read by this author and I have loved both of them. The descriptions really draw you in and I felt as though I was there, living through various aspects of the story alongside Cal and Demi. There is a fantastic chemistry between the pair, and at one point I was very tempted to go on social media to ask if I was allowed to knock the heads together of two fictional characters...I felt that strongly about it, as they just couldn't seen to realise how the other felt a lot of the time!
Overall a fantastic story, that will keep you gripped from start to finish, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
The resort opens, as does the Cafe and there are mouthwatering mentions of so many delicious treats. I'm not a fan of mince pies, but even I wanted to eat the ones being created by Demi at Demelza's.
There is a huge amount of drama in Christmas at the Cornish Cafe, which will have you hooked and on the edge of your seat. There were moments when I really had no clue what was going to happen next, and I love it when I am surprised as much as I was by where the story takes us.
A fair amount of more serious topics are discussed, including exactly what happened to Cal that led to him coming home to Kilhallan. The weather, not normally the most interesting of subjects plays a massive part in this story, and not just in one storyline, but a few. It is a turbulent run up to Christmas this year in Cornwall.
Christmas at the Cornish Cafe is the second book in the Penwith Trilogy, and I think it does work as a standalone, as a lot of the key plot points from the first book are mentioned which will help a new person catch up. I will say though how much I am looking forward to the third book, as this series continues to impress me.
This is only the second book I have read by this author and I have loved both of them. The descriptions really draw you in and I felt as though I was there, living through various aspects of the story alongside Cal and Demi. There is a fantastic chemistry between the pair, and at one point I was very tempted to go on social media to ask if I was allowed to knock the heads together of two fictional characters...I felt that strongly about it, as they just couldn't seen to realise how the other felt a lot of the time!
Overall a fantastic story, that will keep you gripped from start to finish, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Read
October 24, 2016Christmas at the Cornish Café by Phillipa Ashley is a wonderful new festive Christmas novel with a feel good ending. It has been a dream for Demi for over a year to open Demelza’s Café in Kilhallon Park. She and Cal Penwith have turned a rundown family home into a lovely resort near the Village of St.Trenyan in the corner of Cornwall.
Demi has had a troubled life, leaving home as a youngster and has become estranged from a father whom she thinks has ignored her since her mother’s death. She has spent time living on the streets depending on no one but herself, but now more settled, sees her dream of opening and running a successful café a reality. How will that affect her new relationship with Cal Penwith? And Cal has some major issues of his own involving trust and forgiveness.
The resort and café open and the first guest is Kit Bannon, a journalist needing some quiet to finish his novel. Kit seems to have an agenda of his own though. Is he just a charmer or is he hiding something? Through all the twists and drama. can the resort and café make it? As a Christmas storm, both literally and figuratively brews, will all their secrets come out? Can they all weather the storms?
This is the second in a Trilogy about Kilhallon Park, Demelza’s Café, Demi and Cal, but I found that it could stand-alone. The descriptions of the scenery are beautiful and made it as though you could see the cliffs, feel the ocean spray, smell the pastries baking and even feel the weather change. It is also wonderful that several of the recipes are included because the descriptions of the food will make you hungry. Only problem will be converting them to US measurements.
For a Christmas novel, this book hit all the points, characters that were real with dialogue that was believable, situations and problems that ware well thought out and an ending the fit the Holiday Spirit. All in all, one of the better Christmas books that I’ve read this year.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Avon Maze,
Demi has had a troubled life, leaving home as a youngster and has become estranged from a father whom she thinks has ignored her since her mother’s death. She has spent time living on the streets depending on no one but herself, but now more settled, sees her dream of opening and running a successful café a reality. How will that affect her new relationship with Cal Penwith? And Cal has some major issues of his own involving trust and forgiveness.
The resort and café open and the first guest is Kit Bannon, a journalist needing some quiet to finish his novel. Kit seems to have an agenda of his own though. Is he just a charmer or is he hiding something? Through all the twists and drama. can the resort and café make it? As a Christmas storm, both literally and figuratively brews, will all their secrets come out? Can they all weather the storms?
This is the second in a Trilogy about Kilhallon Park, Demelza’s Café, Demi and Cal, but I found that it could stand-alone. The descriptions of the scenery are beautiful and made it as though you could see the cliffs, feel the ocean spray, smell the pastries baking and even feel the weather change. It is also wonderful that several of the recipes are included because the descriptions of the food will make you hungry. Only problem will be converting them to US measurements.
For a Christmas novel, this book hit all the points, characters that were real with dialogue that was believable, situations and problems that ware well thought out and an ending the fit the Holiday Spirit. All in all, one of the better Christmas books that I’ve read this year.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Avon Maze,
October 21, 2016
I was so excited about the follow up to Summer at the Cornish Cafe and I have to say that I was not at all disappointed! The thing I loved most about SATCC is that I got lost in the characters and story line so easily and really cared about what happened to them (and of course rooted for Demi and Cal to get together). Christmas at the Cornish Cafe took those characters set in the wonderful wild Cornwall and really padded them out and gave them depth, and also introduced some new characters, all the while with a background of festiveness that will make any bah humbug go out and buy a tree!!
I really love Phillipa's writing and the settings of her books, I am now eager for the 3rd book in the trilogy and can't wait to find out what happens next! In short, buy Summer at the Cornish Cafe and Christmas at the Cornish Cafe you really won't regret it!
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers and Phillipa Ashley for an advanced readers copy of Christmas at the Cornish Cafe in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I really love Phillipa's writing and the settings of her books, I am now eager for the 3rd book in the trilogy and can't wait to find out what happens next! In short, buy Summer at the Cornish Cafe and Christmas at the Cornish Cafe you really won't regret it!
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers and Phillipa Ashley for an advanced readers copy of Christmas at the Cornish Cafe in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
January 24, 2019
It's hard to rate because the recipes included did sound pretty nice, and there's enough mystery to keep me interested, but the format was HORRIBLE, as in the indecisiveness when it comes to whether or not to put POV characters, location, specific events, or timeframe, at the top of the chapters. It just looks super messy and unprofessional. Pacing was also super off; while it's not uncommon to leave the big reveal at the end, it came out as a very monologue-ish infodump. It didn't help that I completely don't care for the two main characters. Hopefully I'd like the finale more than this book!
October 27, 2016
Demi has mostly overcome her problems from the previous book and is now excited to be opening her own café, Demelzas, on Cal's holiday park in Kilhallon in Cornwall - she is also in the early stages of an exciting romance with Cal.......how life has changed for her!
All the old characters are back and the café is servicing delicious Christmas fayre - make sure you are not hungry before you start reading! A lovely warm hearted book depicting life in a lovely Cornish village - definitely a book to curl up in front of the fire with and really looking forward to the final installment
All the old characters are back and the café is servicing delicious Christmas fayre - make sure you are not hungry before you start reading! A lovely warm hearted book depicting life in a lovely Cornish village - definitely a book to curl up in front of the fire with and really looking forward to the final installment
December 20, 2017
Demi Jones aus Hinter dem Café das Meer hat im Kilhallon-Resort in Cornwall Arbeit und Unterkunft gefunden. Ihre Chefs Polly und Cal betreiben dort einen Campingplatz der Luxusklasse mit vermieteten Cottages und Jurten. Demi eröffnet zusätzlich zu ihrem Job bei Cal direkt am Küstenwanderweg im Oktober ihr Demelza’s Café, das sie zu Ehren ihrer Großmutter getauft hat. Sie ist passionierte Bäckerin und als Bloggerin in den Social Media bestens vernetzt, so dass dem Erfolg ihres Cafés nichts im Wege stehen dürfte. Hochzeiten will sie ausrichten, für Feiern im Ort das Catering übernehmen und die Wanderer auf dem Küstenwanderweg verpflegen. Erzählt wird die Geschichte in der Ichform abwechselnd von Demi und von Cal.
In Cals und Demis Privatleben sieht es weniger erfolgversprechend aus. Cal ist noch nicht lange von einem humanitären Einsatz in Syrien zurück (der ihn noch immer belastet) und Demi scheint ihrem neu gefundenen Glück noch nicht trauen zu können. So haben die beiden zwar Sex mit „ekstatischen Sekunden“, aber keine wirkliche Beziehung miteinander. Während im strömenden Regen ein Dauergast für die Wintersaison im Resort eincheckt, entfalten sich eine Reihe von Problemen. Kit, der angebliche Krimi-Autor, dem Demi von Anfang an nicht traut, ist eines davon, Cals Ex-Partnerin Isla mit ihrer Neigung zu komplizierten Dreiecksbeziehungen ein weiteres. Beide Partner sind von ungeklärten Konflikten in ihren Herkunftsfamilien belastet und werden dadurch zu Einzelkämpfern ohne familiären Rückhalt. Demi neigt dazu, sich in zig Projekten zu verzetteln und sich selbst auszubeuten, indem sie alles selbst erledigt und zu viel Energie in Ankündigungen und Erklärungen investiert. Cal als Einheimischem bräuchte Demi viel weniger zu erklären als dem unwissenden Leser, so dass die Erzählperspektive und die Verteilung auf zwei Icherzähler nicht ganz geglückt wirken. Durch zu viele Problemkomplexe entstehen im Roman einige Längen. Als Weihnachten mit schnellen Schritten naht und sich eine Sturmflut ankündigt, musste ich meine Vorstellungen von besinnlichen Feiertagen erst der Lage an der winterlichen Atlantikküste anpassen. Das Thema Café und Backen spielte leider nur eine Nebenrolle im Roman; der Schluss hat mir wiederum gut gefallen.
Mit Cornwall als sturmumtostem Schauplatz und den Themen Liebe, Existenzgründung, Backen und Auftritt des Hundes Mitch erfüllt der mittlere von drei Bänden der Penwith-Trilogie alle Anforderungen an eine „Cozy“-Lektüre. Mit einigen Längen ist zu rechnen und mit Handlungsfäden, die nicht überzeugend zum Ende geführt werden.
In Cals und Demis Privatleben sieht es weniger erfolgversprechend aus. Cal ist noch nicht lange von einem humanitären Einsatz in Syrien zurück (der ihn noch immer belastet) und Demi scheint ihrem neu gefundenen Glück noch nicht trauen zu können. So haben die beiden zwar Sex mit „ekstatischen Sekunden“, aber keine wirkliche Beziehung miteinander. Während im strömenden Regen ein Dauergast für die Wintersaison im Resort eincheckt, entfalten sich eine Reihe von Problemen. Kit, der angebliche Krimi-Autor, dem Demi von Anfang an nicht traut, ist eines davon, Cals Ex-Partnerin Isla mit ihrer Neigung zu komplizierten Dreiecksbeziehungen ein weiteres. Beide Partner sind von ungeklärten Konflikten in ihren Herkunftsfamilien belastet und werden dadurch zu Einzelkämpfern ohne familiären Rückhalt. Demi neigt dazu, sich in zig Projekten zu verzetteln und sich selbst auszubeuten, indem sie alles selbst erledigt und zu viel Energie in Ankündigungen und Erklärungen investiert. Cal als Einheimischem bräuchte Demi viel weniger zu erklären als dem unwissenden Leser, so dass die Erzählperspektive und die Verteilung auf zwei Icherzähler nicht ganz geglückt wirken. Durch zu viele Problemkomplexe entstehen im Roman einige Längen. Als Weihnachten mit schnellen Schritten naht und sich eine Sturmflut ankündigt, musste ich meine Vorstellungen von besinnlichen Feiertagen erst der Lage an der winterlichen Atlantikküste anpassen. Das Thema Café und Backen spielte leider nur eine Nebenrolle im Roman; der Schluss hat mir wiederum gut gefallen.
Mit Cornwall als sturmumtostem Schauplatz und den Themen Liebe, Existenzgründung, Backen und Auftritt des Hundes Mitch erfüllt der mittlere von drei Bänden der Penwith-Trilogie alle Anforderungen an eine „Cozy“-Lektüre. Mit einigen Längen ist zu rechnen und mit Handlungsfäden, die nicht überzeugend zum Ende geführt werden.
October 7, 2016
I was thrilled to receive a proof copy of this excellent novel, from Harper Collins. Christmas at the Cornish Café is book two of the Penwith Trilogy and it was a joy to return to the characters and setting of Summer at the Cornish Café. Amid the final preparations for the opening of Demelza’s café and receiving guests at the newly refurbished Kilhallon holiday park Cal and Demi both face uncomfortable issues from their pasts and these challenges enrich this already absorbing story. With her usual humour, hard work and optimism Demi is determined to make her new business venture a success. It isn’t long since she and her precious dog, Mitch were sleeping in doorways, fearful of an uncertain future. She never loses sight of how far she has come and takes nothing for granted especially the new and gloriously exciting romance with sexy Cal Penwith. Cal too is taking a chance, reopening the holiday park his family has owned for years. Privately he has secrets he can share with no one, not his family, his first love, Isla nor his new love the funny, adorable Demi for whom his feelings are deepening.
The setting for this novel, the wild and rugged coastal region of Cornwall is almost another character in the book – sometimes soft and soothing, other times wild and dangerous. Kilhallon, with its ancient farmhouse and newly refurbished cottages become so real I feel I could pick up the phone and book a holiday there.
This multi-layered story is so much more than a romance. It explores the themes of self-belief, learning to trust and having the courage to take chances. Infused with all the humour we enjoyed in the first novel in this trilogy Christmas at the Cornish Café takes us to a new and deeper level of understanding for the characters we’ve come to love so well.
The setting for this novel, the wild and rugged coastal region of Cornwall is almost another character in the book – sometimes soft and soothing, other times wild and dangerous. Kilhallon, with its ancient farmhouse and newly refurbished cottages become so real I feel I could pick up the phone and book a holiday there.
This multi-layered story is so much more than a romance. It explores the themes of self-belief, learning to trust and having the courage to take chances. Infused with all the humour we enjoyed in the first novel in this trilogy Christmas at the Cornish Café takes us to a new and deeper level of understanding for the characters we’ve come to love so well.
December 26, 2024
W H A T LA FIN ??????
bon bas #inattendu au moins elle finit avec cal et elle emmenage avec lui
mais par contre kit je m’y attendais pas du tt le reuf c un ouf🤣🤣 #demifrere??????
jpensais que ca allait etre une sorte de quatuor de couple mais pas du tt isla et kit ne sont pas interesses et je m’y attendais pas mdrrr
bref il manque juste le quatuor et le je t’aime mais l’histoire est bien !!
bon bas #inattendu au moins elle finit avec cal et elle emmenage avec lui
mais par contre kit je m’y attendais pas du tt le reuf c un ouf🤣🤣 #demifrere??????
jpensais que ca allait etre une sorte de quatuor de couple mais pas du tt isla et kit ne sont pas interesses et je m’y attendais pas mdrrr
bref il manque juste le quatuor et le je t’aime mais l’histoire est bien !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
J'adore les romans british mais lui... je ne sais pas. Les personnages agissent bizarrement. Pour un couple, ça me laisse perplexe. Nul doute que j'aurais déjà tout oublié dans une semaine. Petite précision : j'ai écouté l'adaptation audio en regrettant que le premier tome (Un été au Café des Cornouailles) ne soit pas déjà disponible. 😏
December 21, 2023
This was a cozy romance with a little sex thrown in. It was kind of like a smalltown saga, everday working life with a little bit of love and some family drama and a couple of secrets.
December 31, 2016
My thoughts:
Since reading Summer at the Cornish Cafe I was eager to read the next in the series. So I was very happy to receive a proof copy through the post.
So what did I think...
I love that the characters are complex and interesting. Demi is a likeable and resilient character and Cal is perfect as the brooding love interest. I liked the fact that this book explores the past trauma that Cal experienced. It really gives both his character and the story extra depth. Every character adds a little something to this story and I especially liked the addition of Kit it made things all the more interesting.
I was looking forward to returning to Kilhallon and to revisit the people who live there. Kilhallon is described beautifully, Phillipa Ashley has brought to life a gorgeous place and well written characters. The down to earth writing style will appeal to most people and it really is an easy going and heart warming story.
The descriptions of food at the cafe had me pretty much permanently hungry. I especially liked the sound of the mince pie cookies. Which goes to prove how delicious they sound as I'm not the biggest fan of mince pies. I wish I could visit Demelza's for real!
Overall:
This story has a beautiful setting and some pretty great characters. My attention was caught from the first couple of chapters and it was like meeting up with old friends. I couldn't stop reading but at the same time I didn't want the book to end!
Christmas at the Cornish Cafe is a truly delightful festive treat!
Five stars from me!
Thank you to Avon for my copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Since reading Summer at the Cornish Cafe I was eager to read the next in the series. So I was very happy to receive a proof copy through the post.
So what did I think...
I love that the characters are complex and interesting. Demi is a likeable and resilient character and Cal is perfect as the brooding love interest. I liked the fact that this book explores the past trauma that Cal experienced. It really gives both his character and the story extra depth. Every character adds a little something to this story and I especially liked the addition of Kit it made things all the more interesting.
I was looking forward to returning to Kilhallon and to revisit the people who live there. Kilhallon is described beautifully, Phillipa Ashley has brought to life a gorgeous place and well written characters. The down to earth writing style will appeal to most people and it really is an easy going and heart warming story.
The descriptions of food at the cafe had me pretty much permanently hungry. I especially liked the sound of the mince pie cookies. Which goes to prove how delicious they sound as I'm not the biggest fan of mince pies. I wish I could visit Demelza's for real!
Overall:
This story has a beautiful setting and some pretty great characters. My attention was caught from the first couple of chapters and it was like meeting up with old friends. I couldn't stop reading but at the same time I didn't want the book to end!
Christmas at the Cornish Cafe is a truly delightful festive treat!
Five stars from me!
Thank you to Avon for my copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 29, 2017
Blurb
Christmas will be slightly less turbulent than summer, won’t it? Demi certainly hopes so.
She and Cal are keeping their fledgling relationship under wraps for now. But then Kit Bannen, a hunky, blond – and somewhat mysterious – writer arrives at Kilhallon Resort, and not everyone is charmed. Cal is sure that Kit is hiding something. But is he the only one guarding a secret?
Demi is busy baking festive treats for the newly opened Demelza’s cafe, but when Cal’s ex Isla arrives to shoot scenes for her new drama, Demi can’t help but worry that things aren’t quite over between them. Kit flirts with both women, fuelling Cal’s suspicions that Kit has hidden motives for staying on at Kilhallon. Then Cal has to go to London, leaving Demi and Kit to decorate the cafe for Christmas . . . all by themselves.
A storm is brewing in more ways than one. As surprises unfold and truths are uncovered, can Demi and Cal finally open up to each other about their feelings?
I didn't read the first book as I didn't know much about the author so when I received the book through the post* I was amazed at snowery scene it made me want to open the book and find out what will happen as I didn't have a blurb on the back of the book as it was an Uncorrected proof copy.
I was so glad I received this book as I love to settle back with a cup of tea and a lovely romance story while snuggling under my cover. I feel sorry for Demi as her mother died and her father drank so she didn't have anyone to listen and support her. But she decided her and Mitch her dog will be better to walk out and she started her life on the streets.
But I feel they cover the story in the first book but in this book Demi as been saved by Cal and they are building up their business but converting old caravan site into a holiday let with the beautiful cottages and cafe to provide homemade fresh produces. Demi loves what she does but she also starts a sex without strings with Cal but they both feel they want their fling to be more a relationship. But Cal as secrets what preventing from moving the relationship on. Will he tell Demi?
The story got more intruging as a mysterious blonde handsome guy name Kit come to stay in one of the cottages. Kit is a aspiring author and he as come to relax and write more of hes novel but Cal doesn't trust and hes jealous of how Demi looks at him. But will Demi and Cal find out Kit's secret.
I love how the author made me feel warm inside and I so wanted Demi to have her happy ever after and I won't ruin it so I'll let you read this book and find out.
I would love to read more of her books. Thanks Phillipa for writing this beautiful book x
*I won this book on a giveaway over on AvonBooks Twitter before Christmas, what a perfect Christmas present to get through the post.
The book cover looks so beautiful and makes you feel all Christmassy.
Christmas will be slightly less turbulent than summer, won’t it? Demi certainly hopes so.
She and Cal are keeping their fledgling relationship under wraps for now. But then Kit Bannen, a hunky, blond – and somewhat mysterious – writer arrives at Kilhallon Resort, and not everyone is charmed. Cal is sure that Kit is hiding something. But is he the only one guarding a secret?
Demi is busy baking festive treats for the newly opened Demelza’s cafe, but when Cal’s ex Isla arrives to shoot scenes for her new drama, Demi can’t help but worry that things aren’t quite over between them. Kit flirts with both women, fuelling Cal’s suspicions that Kit has hidden motives for staying on at Kilhallon. Then Cal has to go to London, leaving Demi and Kit to decorate the cafe for Christmas . . . all by themselves.
A storm is brewing in more ways than one. As surprises unfold and truths are uncovered, can Demi and Cal finally open up to each other about their feelings?
I didn't read the first book as I didn't know much about the author so when I received the book through the post* I was amazed at snowery scene it made me want to open the book and find out what will happen as I didn't have a blurb on the back of the book as it was an Uncorrected proof copy.
I was so glad I received this book as I love to settle back with a cup of tea and a lovely romance story while snuggling under my cover. I feel sorry for Demi as her mother died and her father drank so she didn't have anyone to listen and support her. But she decided her and Mitch her dog will be better to walk out and she started her life on the streets.
But I feel they cover the story in the first book but in this book Demi as been saved by Cal and they are building up their business but converting old caravan site into a holiday let with the beautiful cottages and cafe to provide homemade fresh produces. Demi loves what she does but she also starts a sex without strings with Cal but they both feel they want their fling to be more a relationship. But Cal as secrets what preventing from moving the relationship on. Will he tell Demi?
The story got more intruging as a mysterious blonde handsome guy name Kit come to stay in one of the cottages. Kit is a aspiring author and he as come to relax and write more of hes novel but Cal doesn't trust and hes jealous of how Demi looks at him. But will Demi and Cal find out Kit's secret.
I love how the author made me feel warm inside and I so wanted Demi to have her happy ever after and I won't ruin it so I'll let you read this book and find out.
I would love to read more of her books. Thanks Phillipa for writing this beautiful book x
*I won this book on a giveaway over on AvonBooks Twitter before Christmas, what a perfect Christmas present to get through the post.
The book cover looks so beautiful and makes you feel all Christmassy.
November 11, 2017
The second in a series of 3 books by Phillipa Ashley, the first being Summer at the Cornish Cafe. I found Christmas at the Cornish Cafe a great read and was happy to meet up with Demi and Cal to see how they were getting on. A nice easy read, with good plot, nice characters and Christmas thrown into the mix. I am looking forward to reading the last in the trilogy now.
October 16, 2016
This book was an absolute joy! The on/off romance between Cal & Demi continues but there are many spanners in the works in this book!
A new character, Kit Bannen, causes mayhem - jealousy and then an absolute bombshell! We have storms - literally and figuratively for both the town, Cal & Demi. I can't say too much without giving the plot away!
The characters are wonderfully drawn and deep - I'm amazed how much depth Phillipa can give them in a book! The scenery, as always is described perfectly and makes me want to jump on the next train to Cornwall!
And, if you follow the book carefully - you may just discover an amazing vet called......Annie Cooper ;)
Really lovely book - thank you to NetGalley & the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Can't wait for the next one!
A new character, Kit Bannen, causes mayhem - jealousy and then an absolute bombshell! We have storms - literally and figuratively for both the town, Cal & Demi. I can't say too much without giving the plot away!
The characters are wonderfully drawn and deep - I'm amazed how much depth Phillipa can give them in a book! The scenery, as always is described perfectly and makes me want to jump on the next train to Cornwall!
And, if you follow the book carefully - you may just discover an amazing vet called......Annie Cooper ;)
Really lovely book - thank you to NetGalley & the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Can't wait for the next one!
March 6, 2020
I enjoyed Book 1, but couldn’t finish this one. I got most of the way through before the constant anger and arguing got under my skin. Personally, I need some joy spread amongst the strife to make a balanced story. This book became one argument after another, which was wearing me out. Then, came the breaking point.
After saying a particularly nasty bit to Demi, Cal says, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. YOU MADE ME SAY THAT TO YOU.” And that’s when Cal became a classic abusive, toxic person. That is a telltale sign of an abusive relationship . It’s an abuser’s excuse. I can’t - and won’t - hang with that.
After saying a particularly nasty bit to Demi, Cal says, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. YOU MADE ME SAY THAT TO YOU.” And that’s when Cal became a classic abusive, toxic person. That is a telltale sign of an abusive relationship . It’s an abuser’s excuse. I can’t - and won’t - hang with that.
November 14, 2016
I was looking forward to reading this but was far better than I expected it was excellent and great follow on from the Cornish cafe. Demi is doing really well with her cage but what about her relationship. Can she find love and also she lost contact with her father and he turns up at her cafe how does she cope. How does the business go do they manage to make a go of it or does a stranger who turns up change relationships around. Well written and excellent characters well worth reading.
December 13, 2020
For all its good intentions, this book was boring. Unfortunately I didn't read the previous book and yet I don't think my opinion on this one would have changed if I had.
October 13, 2016
Earlier in the year,I really enjoyed the first book in this planned trilogy from Phillipa Ashley, Summer at the Cornish Café, but I did feel there was a distinct lack of the café as mentioned in the title. I realise the first in a series was all about setting the scene and the sharing the history behind the characters and just getting a feel for everything and that two more books would follow but one of my pet peeves is when something is mentioned in a title and it fails to materialise. I have found this with quite a number of books this year. Aside from this minor personal issue I was really looking forward to a return visit to Kilhallon Park to see how Demi and Cal were getting on and had progress been made with all the plans that had been discussed and had previously been tentatively put into action. What better time of year than to pay a return visit than at Christmas?
I eagerly dove in to Christmas at the Cornish Café and more or less read it in two sittings. Thankfully right from the start the issues I had previously had disappeared as our main female protagonist Demi is just on the verge of fulfilling a dream of opening her own café Demelza's on the site of Cal Penwith's holiday park. We seemed to get straight down to the story and I felt there was so much more depth to every plot line yet at times it was slow and frustrating but that was purely down to my own impatience to get answers. When they did come they were shocking and sadly all too relevant to today's society and I was so glad Phillipa was brave enough to include this plot concerning a significant character. I adored this book from start to finish and was sad to see it end but I know there will be one last visit next Summer. No one need worry if you haven't read the first book as it's quite easy to fill in the blanks and work out what had happened but if you do enjoy this book you can go back and discover the beginning of the story whilst waiting for the conclusion.
As all the setting up had been covered in book one I felt the author was really free to just get on with things and this she certainly did as I found myself sucked into the story as soon as I started reading chapter one. Demi is settled at Kilhallon Park after a rough start and although I wouldn't go as far as to say she is fully contented and happy she is doing her best to get there. Her past is still very much affecting how she is living in the present. Her relationship with Cal is still in the fledging stage to say the least and I felt it stayed that way for the majority of the novel. In fact I wanted to bang their heads together and say why all the secrecy? Why couldn't they be more open to people and to each other but I suppose that would have made for a very boring book.
Phillipa excels at describing the Cornish coastal area where Kilhallon Park is and also the tiny village of St.Trenyan, I can picture it all vividly in my head. The descriptions of the café in particular were brilliant. She made it seem so warm, cosy, inviting and friendly as it sits perched over looking the cliffs, coastal path and sea. Demi is a woman who in the past may have been lost and hurting but Cal and the goal of opening the café and park have helped her slowly find herself again. I don't think she ever had enough confidence in herself and with things with Cal being so turbulent that didn't help matters either. 'One day there are storms between us, the next clear blue skies, and sometimes four seasons in one day'. I think this quote perfectly sums how things are between Cal and Demi. But with the café keeping her so busy and other events coming to the forefront Demi begins to show a strength and courage she never knew she had and I sincerely hoped things would settle down a bit for her and true feelings could come to the surface and be shared and acknowledged. Yet there was a lot that had to occur before that could even be attempted and that is what made for such a good book.
Most of the old characters I had come to know and enjoy were back here once again. Polly is P.A to Cal and helps him run the cottages and yurts on the site as well as help from Demi. Polly is a fun, older character and has known Cal since he was small and is never afraid to tell him what she thinks especially when he needs to hear some home truths. Isla - Cal's former girlfriend makes a brief appearance and others characters are mentioned in passing so we know what they are up to. I liked the fact that they weren't forgotten about considering we had come to know them so well and invested time in their stories. Mawgan Cade returns with a vengeance and is as cruel as ever, most residents of the village seem to live in fear of her exerting her so called power over them. Mawgan has a history with the Penwith family and secrets we had previous glimpses into threaten to spill forth. I can't say I liked her at all, I maybe even detested her more so than the first book because she always had ulterior motives and never was as she seemed.
To keep the book fresh the author introduced a new character Kit Bannen who makes a windswept arrival and not a very good first impression on the opening day of the holiday cottages. He is a author who has come to the park to escape London and try and complete his first book. A two week stay turns into something longer and from the beginning I just couldn't warm to him. I felt he had a façade and I wanted to know just why he was there in the first place? He was brilliantly written keeping everything close to his chest and being nice to certain people but giving others worries and major creepy feelings.
So does this book mention Christmas considering Christmas is in the title? Well the answer to that is thankfully yes. It was such a lovely inclusion to have the Harbour Lights Festival which in itself through up a few surprises for everyone involved. It was such a unique idea and a great way of bringing the characters and the general community together just as the café does so well at the same time. Even though by this point we were racing towards the conclusion of the story Phillipa still threw in plenty of surprises and certain people finally admitted some truths which needed to be said. Really this book had the right tone between being light and fresh and very descriptive and mouthwatering when it came to the café but then when needed it got all serious and showed how people need to talk and confront what is affecting them but also how communities really do pull together in times of need. This second book has really moved the story along well and set us up nicely for the conclusion coming in summer 2017 with the publication of Confetti at the Cornish Café. In the meantime I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book as I fell in love with the characters and setting all over again. Phillipa Ashley has written a book full of warmth, happiness and togetherness with some trials and tribulations thrown in along the way that once you pick up you'll find it increasingly difficult to put down.
I eagerly dove in to Christmas at the Cornish Café and more or less read it in two sittings. Thankfully right from the start the issues I had previously had disappeared as our main female protagonist Demi is just on the verge of fulfilling a dream of opening her own café Demelza's on the site of Cal Penwith's holiday park. We seemed to get straight down to the story and I felt there was so much more depth to every plot line yet at times it was slow and frustrating but that was purely down to my own impatience to get answers. When they did come they were shocking and sadly all too relevant to today's society and I was so glad Phillipa was brave enough to include this plot concerning a significant character. I adored this book from start to finish and was sad to see it end but I know there will be one last visit next Summer. No one need worry if you haven't read the first book as it's quite easy to fill in the blanks and work out what had happened but if you do enjoy this book you can go back and discover the beginning of the story whilst waiting for the conclusion.
As all the setting up had been covered in book one I felt the author was really free to just get on with things and this she certainly did as I found myself sucked into the story as soon as I started reading chapter one. Demi is settled at Kilhallon Park after a rough start and although I wouldn't go as far as to say she is fully contented and happy she is doing her best to get there. Her past is still very much affecting how she is living in the present. Her relationship with Cal is still in the fledging stage to say the least and I felt it stayed that way for the majority of the novel. In fact I wanted to bang their heads together and say why all the secrecy? Why couldn't they be more open to people and to each other but I suppose that would have made for a very boring book.
Phillipa excels at describing the Cornish coastal area where Kilhallon Park is and also the tiny village of St.Trenyan, I can picture it all vividly in my head. The descriptions of the café in particular were brilliant. She made it seem so warm, cosy, inviting and friendly as it sits perched over looking the cliffs, coastal path and sea. Demi is a woman who in the past may have been lost and hurting but Cal and the goal of opening the café and park have helped her slowly find herself again. I don't think she ever had enough confidence in herself and with things with Cal being so turbulent that didn't help matters either. 'One day there are storms between us, the next clear blue skies, and sometimes four seasons in one day'. I think this quote perfectly sums how things are between Cal and Demi. But with the café keeping her so busy and other events coming to the forefront Demi begins to show a strength and courage she never knew she had and I sincerely hoped things would settle down a bit for her and true feelings could come to the surface and be shared and acknowledged. Yet there was a lot that had to occur before that could even be attempted and that is what made for such a good book.
Most of the old characters I had come to know and enjoy were back here once again. Polly is P.A to Cal and helps him run the cottages and yurts on the site as well as help from Demi. Polly is a fun, older character and has known Cal since he was small and is never afraid to tell him what she thinks especially when he needs to hear some home truths. Isla - Cal's former girlfriend makes a brief appearance and others characters are mentioned in passing so we know what they are up to. I liked the fact that they weren't forgotten about considering we had come to know them so well and invested time in their stories. Mawgan Cade returns with a vengeance and is as cruel as ever, most residents of the village seem to live in fear of her exerting her so called power over them. Mawgan has a history with the Penwith family and secrets we had previous glimpses into threaten to spill forth. I can't say I liked her at all, I maybe even detested her more so than the first book because she always had ulterior motives and never was as she seemed.
To keep the book fresh the author introduced a new character Kit Bannen who makes a windswept arrival and not a very good first impression on the opening day of the holiday cottages. He is a author who has come to the park to escape London and try and complete his first book. A two week stay turns into something longer and from the beginning I just couldn't warm to him. I felt he had a façade and I wanted to know just why he was there in the first place? He was brilliantly written keeping everything close to his chest and being nice to certain people but giving others worries and major creepy feelings.
So does this book mention Christmas considering Christmas is in the title? Well the answer to that is thankfully yes. It was such a lovely inclusion to have the Harbour Lights Festival which in itself through up a few surprises for everyone involved. It was such a unique idea and a great way of bringing the characters and the general community together just as the café does so well at the same time. Even though by this point we were racing towards the conclusion of the story Phillipa still threw in plenty of surprises and certain people finally admitted some truths which needed to be said. Really this book had the right tone between being light and fresh and very descriptive and mouthwatering when it came to the café but then when needed it got all serious and showed how people need to talk and confront what is affecting them but also how communities really do pull together in times of need. This second book has really moved the story along well and set us up nicely for the conclusion coming in summer 2017 with the publication of Confetti at the Cornish Café. In the meantime I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book as I fell in love with the characters and setting all over again. Phillipa Ashley has written a book full of warmth, happiness and togetherness with some trials and tribulations thrown in along the way that once you pick up you'll find it increasingly difficult to put down.
March 20, 2024
I really enjoyed going back to Kilhallon and St Trenyan. I knew that this story would delve further into both Cal and Demi's pasts as Cal's relationship with his father and his time in the Middle East came into sharper focus, along with Demi's family relationships. I look forward to seeing them develop further in the last book of the trilogy.
The first part of the book was a little slow, as the scene was set with Cal and Demi's relationship and the arrival of Kit Bannen, but it soon became more engaging as secrets came to light and mysteries were solved. I liked seeing Demi come into her element, less reluctant to engage and more willing to speak out and it's great to see her blossom from where we met her at the beginning of book one. You do really need to read book one first to get the background as I started reading this one first and then went back to read the first one and this one made more sense once I had!
I always love these Christmas books as they always seem to see the community coming together in a moment of crisis which I love. And I do love the community of St Trenyan and Kilhallon as there are so many characters who come together and they have such individual personalities. The community coming together is also a pretty pivotal moment for Cal, Demi, and Kit, and how the relationships between them will play out.
I'm really looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy and finding out what happens in Cal and Demi's lives, and what happens next at Kilhallon, as I imagine it won't be smooth sailing!
The first part of the book was a little slow, as the scene was set with Cal and Demi's relationship and the arrival of Kit Bannen, but it soon became more engaging as secrets came to light and mysteries were solved. I liked seeing Demi come into her element, less reluctant to engage and more willing to speak out and it's great to see her blossom from where we met her at the beginning of book one. You do really need to read book one first to get the background as I started reading this one first and then went back to read the first one and this one made more sense once I had!
I always love these Christmas books as they always seem to see the community coming together in a moment of crisis which I love. And I do love the community of St Trenyan and Kilhallon as there are so many characters who come together and they have such individual personalities. The community coming together is also a pretty pivotal moment for Cal, Demi, and Kit, and how the relationships between them will play out.
I'm really looking forward to reading the last book in the trilogy and finding out what happens in Cal and Demi's lives, and what happens next at Kilhallon, as I imagine it won't be smooth sailing!
August 3, 2019
As Demelza the café is approaching it's opening, now it's October after the summer since starting the series off, everyone pulls together to make it work.
When Kit reveals a shocking surprise to Cal after he sees him with Mawgan their lives all change at this revelation.
Physical and emotional battles get revealed for Cal he finally confides in Demi a huge secret while Demi has a shock turn around with her dad and their relationship.
There is a sentence at the end of the book about Christmas not being perfect and how we shouldn't expect it to be. I have to say not only is it true anyway but definitely in my family as we always lose members at Christmas and sadly my beloved auntie passed on the 21st the same day my grandma passed a year before I was born unfortunately. In this book Phillipa makes it a very emotional ride with family at the heart throughout. With all the issues arising for the extra cast of characters we can't help but get hooked on the storyline
When Kit reveals a shocking surprise to Cal after he sees him with Mawgan their lives all change at this revelation.
Physical and emotional battles get revealed for Cal he finally confides in Demi a huge secret while Demi has a shock turn around with her dad and their relationship.
There is a sentence at the end of the book about Christmas not being perfect and how we shouldn't expect it to be. I have to say not only is it true anyway but definitely in my family as we always lose members at Christmas and sadly my beloved auntie passed on the 21st the same day my grandma passed a year before I was born unfortunately. In this book Phillipa makes it a very emotional ride with family at the heart throughout. With all the issues arising for the extra cast of characters we can't help but get hooked on the storyline
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