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Porthmellow Harbour #3
A Perfect Cornish Escape
Summer in Cornwall is the perfect time for a fresh start…
Seven years ago, Marina Hudson’s husband was lost at sea. She vowed to love him forever – but when kind-hearted Lachlan arrives in Porthmellow, should she deny herself another chance at happiness?
Tiff Trescott was living life to the full as a journalist in London – until her boyfriend’s betrayal brought it all crashing down. Fleeing to her cousin Marina’s cottage, Tiff feels like a fish out of water. And when brooding local Dirk wins a day with her in a charity auction, she’s thrown headfirst into Cornish life.
This summer promises new beginnings for both Tiff and Marina. But are they too good to be true?
Seven years ago, Marina Hudson’s husband was lost at sea. She vowed to love him forever – but when kind-hearted Lachlan arrives in Porthmellow, should she deny herself another chance at happiness?
Tiff Trescott was living life to the full as a journalist in London – until her boyfriend’s betrayal brought it all crashing down. Fleeing to her cousin Marina’s cottage, Tiff feels like a fish out of water. And when brooding local Dirk wins a day with her in a charity auction, she’s thrown headfirst into Cornish life.
This summer promises new beginnings for both Tiff and Marina. But are they too good to be true?
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2020
281 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
43 books1,185 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 165 reviews
June 11, 2020
Having read the first book recently, I was really excited to continue the series. However, my suspicions were confirmed that Ashley does not really feature characters we have already grown to love. Set in Porthmellow, Cornwall, readers are introduced to a new group of people who, naturally, have their own dilemmas and troubles to face.
This was remarkably different from the first book which I really appreciated. Whilst there was the theme of love and past demons, it was executed differently. I found I did not have the same love towards the key characters here, unlike before, but I relished in the difference in stories. With the backdrop of the ‘Wave Watchers’ working with the Lifeguards, it was interesting to see how much this element filled Marina’s life. (As as aside, how I did chuckle about Marina’s name – the irony considering she lives by the sea and helps with beach safety!)
Both Marina and Tiff are metaphorically ‘lost at sea’. Tiff is running away from career damages in London; Marina is trying to rebuild her life after losing her husband at sea. For Marina, the seven year anniversary is approaching and, with no body ever being found, would mean he would be officially declared dead. It’s a massive piece of closure that Marina, understandably, feels very emotional towards. Tiff escapes to Cornwall to be with her cousin but, what both women do not anticipate, is falling deeply in love. This romance shapes the stories and I relished in the unexpected developments in the last quarter of the story.
I did enjoy this book but I don’t think it was as strong as the first novel. You definitely do not need to read the other books in the series. The detachment from other characters means that you do not need to have an understanding of previous stories. I found it a shame that Ashley did not incorporate earlier personalities and, although there were familiar faces, feel that this would have added to the community spirit that is portrayed at Porthmellow.
I continue to love stories set by the seaside so it is without a doubt that I could only give this the highest rating! I could vividly picture the scenes at Portmellow and I would be interested to see if Ashley continues stories set at this fictional coastal town. All I would request is a bit more “air time” from these central characters in later stories.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was remarkably different from the first book which I really appreciated. Whilst there was the theme of love and past demons, it was executed differently. I found I did not have the same love towards the key characters here, unlike before, but I relished in the difference in stories. With the backdrop of the ‘Wave Watchers’ working with the Lifeguards, it was interesting to see how much this element filled Marina’s life. (As as aside, how I did chuckle about Marina’s name – the irony considering she lives by the sea and helps with beach safety!)
Both Marina and Tiff are metaphorically ‘lost at sea’. Tiff is running away from career damages in London; Marina is trying to rebuild her life after losing her husband at sea. For Marina, the seven year anniversary is approaching and, with no body ever being found, would mean he would be officially declared dead. It’s a massive piece of closure that Marina, understandably, feels very emotional towards. Tiff escapes to Cornwall to be with her cousin but, what both women do not anticipate, is falling deeply in love. This romance shapes the stories and I relished in the unexpected developments in the last quarter of the story.
I did enjoy this book but I don’t think it was as strong as the first novel. You definitely do not need to read the other books in the series. The detachment from other characters means that you do not need to have an understanding of previous stories. I found it a shame that Ashley did not incorporate earlier personalities and, although there were familiar faces, feel that this would have added to the community spirit that is portrayed at Porthmellow.
I continue to love stories set by the seaside so it is without a doubt that I could only give this the highest rating! I could vividly picture the scenes at Portmellow and I would be interested to see if Ashley continues stories set at this fictional coastal town. All I would request is a bit more “air time” from these central characters in later stories.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2020
How lovely it was to be back in Porthmellow, Cornwall, with a whole new cast of characters with cameos from familiar faces.
I'll admit that i had an inkling as to a certain direction that book may go from within the first couple of chapters , which means the big OMG moment that there was, didn't have quite the same impact for me, but from that point on regardless I found the book to be really addictive for the last part.
That didn't though detract from my enjoyment of the rest of the story, and I loved seeing how Marina and Tiff were trying to rebuild their lives and hearts. And their new male companions are fabulous.
Dirk and Lachlan both have their own stories which have made them the way they are, and I really loved getting to know them.
I found I was taken on a real emotional journey with this story, and there really is something for everyone in this, from charity auctions, to daring rescues, and from the stunning Cornish location to a Londoner coming to stay in Cornwall and trying to adjust.
This was another very enjoyable addition to this series, and another well written book from one of the queens of Cornish fiction!
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
I'll admit that i had an inkling as to a certain direction that book may go from within the first couple of chapters , which means the big OMG moment that there was, didn't have quite the same impact for me, but from that point on regardless I found the book to be really addictive for the last part.
That didn't though detract from my enjoyment of the rest of the story, and I loved seeing how Marina and Tiff were trying to rebuild their lives and hearts. And their new male companions are fabulous.
Dirk and Lachlan both have their own stories which have made them the way they are, and I really loved getting to know them.
I found I was taken on a real emotional journey with this story, and there really is something for everyone in this, from charity auctions, to daring rescues, and from the stunning Cornish location to a Londoner coming to stay in Cornwall and trying to adjust.
This was another very enjoyable addition to this series, and another well written book from one of the queens of Cornish fiction!
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
January 11, 2021
This is a nice little read if you don’t want anything too heavy. It’s got a sad/romantic storyline with a little twist near the end! I loved all the characters and really got into each of them.
It’s what I would call a nice summers day read.
It’s what I would call a nice summers day read.
June 13, 2020
DNF at 43%.
I was enjoying this to start with but then it just kind of ran out of steam, too cute, too predictable, too slow. Maybe in a different time or a different mood I could have enjoyed this but I put this down and just couldn't summon up the enthusiasm to pick it up again.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I was enjoying this to start with but then it just kind of ran out of steam, too cute, too predictable, too slow. Maybe in a different time or a different mood I could have enjoyed this but I put this down and just couldn't summon up the enthusiasm to pick it up again.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 11, 2020
This is the third book in the Porthmellow Series by Phillipa Ashley. I have read the other two books, but I believe you could enjoy this book on it's own if you have not read the previous books in this series. Of course reading a series in order gives the reader a much deeper understanding of the stories.
In this book we meet four people at a crossroad in their lives. All have a different situation they are dealing with, but with the help of each other they are strong and face the challenges head on. I loved the optimistic plot that actually gave me some strength to push forward myself. (I read this while the world is fighting COVID19, and any positive message at this time is appreciated.)
I enjoyed this book for an "escape" to the wonderful area of Cornwall with its beautiful cliffs and beaches. I can feel myself actually there in the author's fantastic descriptive words. She has great character development and I have come to love each of the unique characters of the town of Porthmellow Harbor. I look forward to the next book in the series (I hope there is one).
I want to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by reading the ARC.
In this book we meet four people at a crossroad in their lives. All have a different situation they are dealing with, but with the help of each other they are strong and face the challenges head on. I loved the optimistic plot that actually gave me some strength to push forward myself. (I read this while the world is fighting COVID19, and any positive message at this time is appreciated.)
I enjoyed this book for an "escape" to the wonderful area of Cornwall with its beautiful cliffs and beaches. I can feel myself actually there in the author's fantastic descriptive words. She has great character development and I have come to love each of the unique characters of the town of Porthmellow Harbor. I look forward to the next book in the series (I hope there is one).
I want to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by reading the ARC.
March 18, 2020
The third book in the Porthmellow Harbour series by Phillipa Ashley. On the coast of Cornwall Marina Hudson lost her husband seven years before. Now her cousin, Tiff Trescott, is here to visit after being fired from her journalist job in London. Both women are struggling to put their lives back on track and Lachlan and Dirk may be what they need.
Written in what I think of as a chicklit style, the story deals with 4 people who all have issues they are dealing with. While the book had its charm it didn't grab me the way I wanted. I am not sure if the terminology had something to do with it or not. I have to confess I am not familiar with some that is used throughout the story. I was able to keep up with the general story though. I was entertained to some degree and I did like it. I just didn't love it. Would I recommned this book? Maybe.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Written in what I think of as a chicklit style, the story deals with 4 people who all have issues they are dealing with. While the book had its charm it didn't grab me the way I wanted. I am not sure if the terminology had something to do with it or not. I have to confess I am not familiar with some that is used throughout the story. I was able to keep up with the general story though. I was entertained to some degree and I did like it. I just didn't love it. Would I recommned this book? Maybe.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
An easy summer romance, very predictable but light reading.
June 22, 2020
A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley is the third book in the Porthmellow Harbour series which can be easily read as a standalone book and even more so than the first two I would say. This new story returns to a familiar setting and once again the author builds upon the fantastic picture she has painted of the small Cornish coastal village that is Porthmellow. I felt I got an even deeper appreciation of its beauty and the community spirit that thrives within it as the coast and the sea play an important role throughout the book.
This time around we have new characters to get to know. Old familiar faces from the previous two books do make fleeting appearances but it’s literally just in passing and, in a sentence or two told from our main character Marina’s perspective, we get an update on their situations. It didn’t bother me in the slightest that we didn’t get to hear more from characters I had previously been deeply invested in because in all honesty their story had been told and now it was time to get to know Marina and her cousin Tiff as a promised summer of new beginnings seems to be on the horizon.
I felt A Perfect Cornish Escape was a much deeper and more emotional book than I had become familiar with in this Porthmellow series. Some thoughtful and sobering issues, life situations and emotions were explored but all done so in a nice easy manner that meant the book didn’t stray into sombre, hard to read territory. This wasn’t a light and fluffy read by any means either. Instead the perfect balance was struck between joy and happiness and loss and coping with trauma and heartache. Seven years previously Marina’s husband disappeared whilst fishing in his newly bought kayak. His body was never recovered and for all that time the loss hangs over Marina and is something she cannot shake. She knows their marriage wasn’t perfect and many things have come to light since Nate left her life which have changed her opinion of him. But Marina has weathered the storm and got herself back on her feet, financially at least, but perhaps the same can’t be said for her emotional state.
To honour Nate, Marina established Wave Watchers on the cliffs above the village bringing the disused and run down lookout station back to life. Through sheer hard graft and a lot of fundraising Marina and her many volunteers have re-established the lookout and now her guilt is eased somewhat as she knows there is always someone there watching out for any boats, people or children in trouble and she knows herself or her volunteers can contact the coastguard and help will be on its way within minutes. If Nate couldn’t be saved many others can be. With the seven year anniversary fast approaching and the time upon her for Nate to be legally declared dead, is now the turning point for Marina and can she cope with a new stage in her life considering she always feels like the past is waiting to catch her out preventing her from moving forward?
Tiff, Marina’s cousin, arrives from London needing somewhere to stay. She is escaping from the rat race having been let go in disgrace from her job as a newspaper reporter after an expose went disastrously wrong. Her name is mud in the London newspaper industry and she hopes that time away will give her a fresh perspective and perhaps some ideas for her next move. Both Tiff and Marina had similarities in that they were both trying to figure out what their next life step should be but Tiff was a real city girl and Porthmellow was a small village with a slow pace of life. What could it possibly offer her in the long term? But I loved how Tiff adapted and made the best of a bad situation. She could have been all doom and gloom and just moped about the place bemoaning what had befallen her in London but no that wasn’t the case. I thought she began to show many sides to her personality and that she wasn’t a hardened reporter who was always out to get the scoop. She demonstrated genuine compassion, warmth and kindness towards Marina. She allowed herself to become a shoulder to cry on for Marina and in turn they began to discuss their problems and offer sound and practical advice. She gets a job on a small local newspaper and although writing articles on conservatories may not be the highlight of her career at least it is something.
The story moved along at a nice, relaxing pace, really quite perfect for a summer read when you just want to read in the garden and to let the hours drift by as you enjoy an uplifting, sweet, cosy read. There were times though that I felt nothing much happened and midway through I felt things kind of stalled for a bit. Yes, we had a great chapter or two set around the fundraising day for the coastguard and Wave Watchers, but I needed a little bit more excitement to occur. I thought there was just that little bit too much repetition as to how Marina was feeling. I knew from the start that she still couldn’t fully let go of Nate, I didn’t need to be told this several times. Her absolute guilt if anything went wrong with Wave Watchers or if things didn’t go to plan when watching out for people in the water just became too much at times. She really needed to ease up a little bit and not take every little single thing on board that might go wrong and blame it on herself. I understood her passion for the project and her reasons for establishing it but after seven years and the circumstances that Nate left her to deal with maybe this summer truly was the time to move on?
Of course we had to have some male characters feature and they were both expertly crafted and portrayed. For Tiff she gets off to a bad start when she meets local lifeboat mechanic Dirk Meadows as she is asked to bring something to his cottage literally upon the minute of her arrival. It was clear the sexual tension between the pair ignited the minute Dirk opened the door to Tiff but whether they would act on it was another matter altogether. As we get to know a bit of background story to Dirk and his personal life, his stand offishness at times and his reluctance to open up and talk became more understandable and I thought his own story tied in and connected up with Tiff’s very well. I became more understanding of him even if I just did want to give the pair a slap and say oh why can’t you get it together you are just perfect for each other?
As for Marina, the day she rushes from the watch tower to a small cove to warn an absolute god of a man that the currents are dangerous to go swimming is the day maybe she starts to allow a change in her emotions and opinions to come forth. Lachlan is newly arrived in the village and is working for Aaron at his security firm. Lachlan has physical scars and Marina wants to know his story. I was so glad there wasn’t this great big mysterious secret as to his background, that we weren’t left literally guessing until the very last minute. This wasn’t that kind of story instead it was more of a focus on the characters well being and emotional state of mind. Lachlan had an awful lot to deal with in his past and this is where the more serious issues I mentioned up above come into play. He was an interesting character who could say what had occurred with him but still in a similar way to Marina he hadn’t quite reached that point where he could safely move on with his life. I could understand why this was the case because he was so traumatised with everything. Would he be the key to unlocking the stance Marina has established for herself these last years and could Marina do the same for Lachlan? Only time would tell.
All the main characters featured in A Perfect Cornish Escape need to take steps into a brave new world and put the past behind them for good and with the help, support and guidance from each other they can perhaps achieve this. Whether they do or not you will have to read this delightful book to find out all the answers. I think this is the best book in the series so far. I enjoyed how everything came together and that twist in the tale I had wondered would the author venture down that route and all along I was hoping she wouldn’t but the way it was written she pulled it off and it didn’t seem too out of place.
I hope there will be another visit to Porthmellow in the not too distant future but I do know there is a lovely Christmas book to look forward to from Phillipa A Surprise Christmas Wedding and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for that.
This time around we have new characters to get to know. Old familiar faces from the previous two books do make fleeting appearances but it’s literally just in passing and, in a sentence or two told from our main character Marina’s perspective, we get an update on their situations. It didn’t bother me in the slightest that we didn’t get to hear more from characters I had previously been deeply invested in because in all honesty their story had been told and now it was time to get to know Marina and her cousin Tiff as a promised summer of new beginnings seems to be on the horizon.
I felt A Perfect Cornish Escape was a much deeper and more emotional book than I had become familiar with in this Porthmellow series. Some thoughtful and sobering issues, life situations and emotions were explored but all done so in a nice easy manner that meant the book didn’t stray into sombre, hard to read territory. This wasn’t a light and fluffy read by any means either. Instead the perfect balance was struck between joy and happiness and loss and coping with trauma and heartache. Seven years previously Marina’s husband disappeared whilst fishing in his newly bought kayak. His body was never recovered and for all that time the loss hangs over Marina and is something she cannot shake. She knows their marriage wasn’t perfect and many things have come to light since Nate left her life which have changed her opinion of him. But Marina has weathered the storm and got herself back on her feet, financially at least, but perhaps the same can’t be said for her emotional state.
To honour Nate, Marina established Wave Watchers on the cliffs above the village bringing the disused and run down lookout station back to life. Through sheer hard graft and a lot of fundraising Marina and her many volunteers have re-established the lookout and now her guilt is eased somewhat as she knows there is always someone there watching out for any boats, people or children in trouble and she knows herself or her volunteers can contact the coastguard and help will be on its way within minutes. If Nate couldn’t be saved many others can be. With the seven year anniversary fast approaching and the time upon her for Nate to be legally declared dead, is now the turning point for Marina and can she cope with a new stage in her life considering she always feels like the past is waiting to catch her out preventing her from moving forward?
Tiff, Marina’s cousin, arrives from London needing somewhere to stay. She is escaping from the rat race having been let go in disgrace from her job as a newspaper reporter after an expose went disastrously wrong. Her name is mud in the London newspaper industry and she hopes that time away will give her a fresh perspective and perhaps some ideas for her next move. Both Tiff and Marina had similarities in that they were both trying to figure out what their next life step should be but Tiff was a real city girl and Porthmellow was a small village with a slow pace of life. What could it possibly offer her in the long term? But I loved how Tiff adapted and made the best of a bad situation. She could have been all doom and gloom and just moped about the place bemoaning what had befallen her in London but no that wasn’t the case. I thought she began to show many sides to her personality and that she wasn’t a hardened reporter who was always out to get the scoop. She demonstrated genuine compassion, warmth and kindness towards Marina. She allowed herself to become a shoulder to cry on for Marina and in turn they began to discuss their problems and offer sound and practical advice. She gets a job on a small local newspaper and although writing articles on conservatories may not be the highlight of her career at least it is something.
The story moved along at a nice, relaxing pace, really quite perfect for a summer read when you just want to read in the garden and to let the hours drift by as you enjoy an uplifting, sweet, cosy read. There were times though that I felt nothing much happened and midway through I felt things kind of stalled for a bit. Yes, we had a great chapter or two set around the fundraising day for the coastguard and Wave Watchers, but I needed a little bit more excitement to occur. I thought there was just that little bit too much repetition as to how Marina was feeling. I knew from the start that she still couldn’t fully let go of Nate, I didn’t need to be told this several times. Her absolute guilt if anything went wrong with Wave Watchers or if things didn’t go to plan when watching out for people in the water just became too much at times. She really needed to ease up a little bit and not take every little single thing on board that might go wrong and blame it on herself. I understood her passion for the project and her reasons for establishing it but after seven years and the circumstances that Nate left her to deal with maybe this summer truly was the time to move on?
Of course we had to have some male characters feature and they were both expertly crafted and portrayed. For Tiff she gets off to a bad start when she meets local lifeboat mechanic Dirk Meadows as she is asked to bring something to his cottage literally upon the minute of her arrival. It was clear the sexual tension between the pair ignited the minute Dirk opened the door to Tiff but whether they would act on it was another matter altogether. As we get to know a bit of background story to Dirk and his personal life, his stand offishness at times and his reluctance to open up and talk became more understandable and I thought his own story tied in and connected up with Tiff’s very well. I became more understanding of him even if I just did want to give the pair a slap and say oh why can’t you get it together you are just perfect for each other?
As for Marina, the day she rushes from the watch tower to a small cove to warn an absolute god of a man that the currents are dangerous to go swimming is the day maybe she starts to allow a change in her emotions and opinions to come forth. Lachlan is newly arrived in the village and is working for Aaron at his security firm. Lachlan has physical scars and Marina wants to know his story. I was so glad there wasn’t this great big mysterious secret as to his background, that we weren’t left literally guessing until the very last minute. This wasn’t that kind of story instead it was more of a focus on the characters well being and emotional state of mind. Lachlan had an awful lot to deal with in his past and this is where the more serious issues I mentioned up above come into play. He was an interesting character who could say what had occurred with him but still in a similar way to Marina he hadn’t quite reached that point where he could safely move on with his life. I could understand why this was the case because he was so traumatised with everything. Would he be the key to unlocking the stance Marina has established for herself these last years and could Marina do the same for Lachlan? Only time would tell.
All the main characters featured in A Perfect Cornish Escape need to take steps into a brave new world and put the past behind them for good and with the help, support and guidance from each other they can perhaps achieve this. Whether they do or not you will have to read this delightful book to find out all the answers. I think this is the best book in the series so far. I enjoyed how everything came together and that twist in the tale I had wondered would the author venture down that route and all along I was hoping she wouldn’t but the way it was written she pulled it off and it didn’t seem too out of place.
I hope there will be another visit to Porthmellow in the not too distant future but I do know there is a lovely Christmas book to look forward to from Phillipa A Surprise Christmas Wedding and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for that.
June 22, 2020
Whether you are a lover of this series or are reading this as a standalone, it's a great read.
Marina's husband Nate disappeared at seas seven years ago. She has learnt to live again by focusing on her teaching and volunteer work. Having her cousin Tiff to stay as she runs from her imploding London life is just what she needs. Meeting Lachlan is unexpected and lovely, but both have painful pasts, which they need to overcome.
Tiff's reputation is in ruins. After her lover's betrayal, she's sworn off men too. Dirk dislikes journalists, but he is irresistible at least physically. This is a tumultuous relationship full of anger and passion.
The main protagonists are likeable, and the romance is diverse and lovely. The community is full of colourful characters, some familiar. The Cornish setting is stunning and wild and provides the location for, the wave watchers and the lifeboat rescues.
There is plenty of conflict and twists, and even if you guess the main one, I did, it's still an engaging, exciting romantic read.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Marina's husband Nate disappeared at seas seven years ago. She has learnt to live again by focusing on her teaching and volunteer work. Having her cousin Tiff to stay as she runs from her imploding London life is just what she needs. Meeting Lachlan is unexpected and lovely, but both have painful pasts, which they need to overcome.
Tiff's reputation is in ruins. After her lover's betrayal, she's sworn off men too. Dirk dislikes journalists, but he is irresistible at least physically. This is a tumultuous relationship full of anger and passion.
The main protagonists are likeable, and the romance is diverse and lovely. The community is full of colourful characters, some familiar. The Cornish setting is stunning and wild and provides the location for, the wave watchers and the lifeboat rescues.
There is plenty of conflict and twists, and even if you guess the main one, I did, it's still an engaging, exciting romantic read.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 14, 2020
This is the third book in the Porthmellow series. The setting has moved slightly and although many of the characters from the other two books are featured, the backdrop is the sea and all its dangers.
Marina is a sea widow, having lost her husband seven years ago to the water and she works for the Wave Watchers, aiding the lifeboat rescue service. Her cousin Tiff arrives to stay with her and the story starts to unfold.
I found it as enjoyable as the previous two books and really enjoyed the characters, especially Dirk and Lachlan! Also I liked the way it was set among the backdrop of the beach and the whole sea faring community, a sort of Cornish Baywatch
A very enjoyable Summer read I recommend to all, and thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me an early read and review.
Marina is a sea widow, having lost her husband seven years ago to the water and she works for the Wave Watchers, aiding the lifeboat rescue service. Her cousin Tiff arrives to stay with her and the story starts to unfold.
I found it as enjoyable as the previous two books and really enjoyed the characters, especially Dirk and Lachlan! Also I liked the way it was set among the backdrop of the beach and the whole sea faring community, a sort of Cornish Baywatch
A very enjoyable Summer read I recommend to all, and thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me an early read and review.
March 27, 2020
A guaranteed page turner.
Marina and Tiff’s stories will keep you curled up in your armchair wanting more. It has a just the right amount of sadness, happiness, friendships and romance.
Marina lost her husband nearly 7 years ago and her cousin Tiff has just lost her job. Together they start to realise there is life after heartbreak as they live in the best place to conquer their fears and worries and perhaps find a chance of being happy again. You will be enchanted by the special community relationships and the little town of Porthmellow.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 16, 2020
Marina and Tiff are cousins - and Tiff chooses to spend the summer in Porthmellow when her love life and career meet disaster. Marina is also facing a tough anniversary and they find comfort in having each other. Brooding men add a romantic highlight and you are hoping that they will all find a happy every after despite all the heartbreak and issues.
I love books set in Cornwall and could just imagine Porthmellow with the steep paths and a harbour life saving lookout. It makes me want to be back in Cornwall- even though this summer is likely to be very different.
I am already keen to read the next book.
I love books set in Cornwall and could just imagine Porthmellow with the steep paths and a harbour life saving lookout. It makes me want to be back in Cornwall- even though this summer is likely to be very different.
I am already keen to read the next book.
April 24, 2025
With all the stress in the world right now, I wanted a good, escapist read. While helping research the best books coming out in June, I discovered A Perfect Cornish Escape. Drawn to the gorgeous book cover, and the appealing title, I knew this was the book for me. Well, I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a light-hearted, engaging read full of happily-ever-afters.
The female characters and their friendship stands out as do the appealing romances. Plus, a mystery surrounding the disappearance of Marina’s husband keeps you captivated throughout. (The final third of the novel kept me reading all night until I finished.) The romance was good, playing out like an appealing romantic dramedy. My only complaint is a personal thing. Characters thinking about their lust doesn’t appeal to me, but it’s not over the top. I also think the second half is better than the first.
If you love small-town love stories, miss Poldark (a Poldark-clone set in contemporary day graces the pages of this fun read), and love stories where everyone gets what they deserve (good or bad), then you’ll probably enjoy this fluffy but emotional read. It really is the perfect escape.
Adaptation Recommendation: Porthmellow Harbour would be a fantastic limited series (A Perfect Cornish Escape comes from a book series with standalone stories) with each episode a different story. Think Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. For this “episode,” no one other than Aidan Turner should play Dirk n Stormy. As for the rest of the cast, a variety of talented British actors would work just fine.
Content Note: Two characters frequently sleep together in the book. However, it’s more fade to black than explicit. It’s a relatively straightforward PG-13-like read with some language and sensuality.
Overall Rating: 4
Romance Rating: 4
The female characters and their friendship stands out as do the appealing romances. Plus, a mystery surrounding the disappearance of Marina’s husband keeps you captivated throughout. (The final third of the novel kept me reading all night until I finished.) The romance was good, playing out like an appealing romantic dramedy. My only complaint is a personal thing. Characters thinking about their lust doesn’t appeal to me, but it’s not over the top. I also think the second half is better than the first.
If you love small-town love stories, miss Poldark (a Poldark-clone set in contemporary day graces the pages of this fun read), and love stories where everyone gets what they deserve (good or bad), then you’ll probably enjoy this fluffy but emotional read. It really is the perfect escape.
Adaptation Recommendation: Porthmellow Harbour would be a fantastic limited series (A Perfect Cornish Escape comes from a book series with standalone stories) with each episode a different story. Think Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. For this “episode,” no one other than Aidan Turner should play Dirk n Stormy. As for the rest of the cast, a variety of talented British actors would work just fine.
Content Note: Two characters frequently sleep together in the book. However, it’s more fade to black than explicit. It’s a relatively straightforward PG-13-like read with some language and sensuality.
Overall Rating: 4
Romance Rating: 4
June 18, 2020
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
It is always a joy to dive into one of Phillipa Ashley's wonderful stories where community spirit and inner strength always shine through, and A PERFECT CORNISH ESCAPE is no exception.
Seven years ago Marina lost her husband, Nate, when he disappeared at sea. It was the hardest loss that she has ever had to endure and while their marriage hadn't been perfect, Marina loved Nate and grieved deeply for him. But setting up the Wave Watchers lookout had given her purpose and strength and she was determined to stop other families suffer in the same way that she had. She would always love Nate but she knew that she was ready to move into her future and when she befriends a new resident in the village who also has a tragic past, there is a gentle connection there that makes Marina look forward to what could be, for the first time in a very long time.
Meanwhile, Tiff, Marina's cousin, has arrived in the village to escape her humiliation. After being duped by someone she thought she loved, losing her career, and being black-listed, spending some time at the coast with her beloved cousin doesn't seem like a bad idea. Marina has gone through a lot after losing Nate, even though Tiff had never liked him for the way he treated Marina, and Tiff was hopeful that maybe she could nudge Marina into moving on. What Tiff didn't expect was a handsome, brooding, next-door-neighbour who lit her soul on fire. But Tiff knows that love never works out and she isn't going to stay in Cornwall forever, but what's the harm with a little fling?
But as the past comes back to haunt everyone, can this small community rally around when it is needed the most and can love overcome even the most surmountable of odds?
With a beautiful setting and a community that you will fall head over heels in love with, A PERFECT CORNISH ESCAPE by Phillipa Ashley is everything you could possibly want in a novel and more. While Marina and Tiff are both so opposite, they are both completely loveable and I desperately wanted them to find the strength to take a chance and be happy. There is drama, twists, kindness, and friendship brimming in these pages, and I could not put this book down once I turned the first page. An excellent novel by an excellent writer, I can't wait for more!
It is always a joy to dive into one of Phillipa Ashley's wonderful stories where community spirit and inner strength always shine through, and A PERFECT CORNISH ESCAPE is no exception.
Seven years ago Marina lost her husband, Nate, when he disappeared at sea. It was the hardest loss that she has ever had to endure and while their marriage hadn't been perfect, Marina loved Nate and grieved deeply for him. But setting up the Wave Watchers lookout had given her purpose and strength and she was determined to stop other families suffer in the same way that she had. She would always love Nate but she knew that she was ready to move into her future and when she befriends a new resident in the village who also has a tragic past, there is a gentle connection there that makes Marina look forward to what could be, for the first time in a very long time.
Meanwhile, Tiff, Marina's cousin, has arrived in the village to escape her humiliation. After being duped by someone she thought she loved, losing her career, and being black-listed, spending some time at the coast with her beloved cousin doesn't seem like a bad idea. Marina has gone through a lot after losing Nate, even though Tiff had never liked him for the way he treated Marina, and Tiff was hopeful that maybe she could nudge Marina into moving on. What Tiff didn't expect was a handsome, brooding, next-door-neighbour who lit her soul on fire. But Tiff knows that love never works out and she isn't going to stay in Cornwall forever, but what's the harm with a little fling?
But as the past comes back to haunt everyone, can this small community rally around when it is needed the most and can love overcome even the most surmountable of odds?
With a beautiful setting and a community that you will fall head over heels in love with, A PERFECT CORNISH ESCAPE by Phillipa Ashley is everything you could possibly want in a novel and more. While Marina and Tiff are both so opposite, they are both completely loveable and I desperately wanted them to find the strength to take a chance and be happy. There is drama, twists, kindness, and friendship brimming in these pages, and I could not put this book down once I turned the first page. An excellent novel by an excellent writer, I can't wait for more!
May 9, 2020
I do love Phillipa Ashley's feel-good Cornwall-based novels. I always have a strong urge to visit these type of places when I read them! The cover is cute and pretty. I like the bright colours and the simplicity of it. It doesn't give much away but it's good on the eye and draws you in - well it certainly drew me in anyway!
This novel focuses on two main characters. Cousins Tiff and Marina. Marina is more reserved than Tiff and I found myself warming to her more than I did for Tiff. She had been through so much with her late-husband Nate and I just really wanted her to have a happy ending with Lachlan, who had also been through a horrible time. I was hoping from the start that the small community events would push them together and they would both lose their heartache and enjoy their lives.
Tiff had also had a heartbreaking time recently but less so than Marina. She had found out that her ex, Warner, was using her in a plot to discredit her, and the newspaper she worked for, public image. So, with her tail between her legs she decided to move in with Marina for a while until she had her confidence back. However, she soon meets Dirk and even though she finds him absolutely infuriating, she also finds him incredibly attractive and sparks soon fly between them.
Both women have had a horrible time of it recently, but it appears the little harbour town of Porthmellow soon helps to heal their heartache and puts them in a happier place. The setting is absolutely idyllic and will have you wishing to live in Cornwall. The characters, which have been in previous Phillipa Ashley novels, are all lovely, friendly and caring.
Overall, a happy, heartwarming novel by the lovely Phillipa Ashley. I loved every page, every character and every storyline and setting. This novel is hard to put down and I believe that every book I read of this author, they just get better. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
This novel focuses on two main characters. Cousins Tiff and Marina. Marina is more reserved than Tiff and I found myself warming to her more than I did for Tiff. She had been through so much with her late-husband Nate and I just really wanted her to have a happy ending with Lachlan, who had also been through a horrible time. I was hoping from the start that the small community events would push them together and they would both lose their heartache and enjoy their lives.
Tiff had also had a heartbreaking time recently but less so than Marina. She had found out that her ex, Warner, was using her in a plot to discredit her, and the newspaper she worked for, public image. So, with her tail between her legs she decided to move in with Marina for a while until she had her confidence back. However, she soon meets Dirk and even though she finds him absolutely infuriating, she also finds him incredibly attractive and sparks soon fly between them.
Both women have had a horrible time of it recently, but it appears the little harbour town of Porthmellow soon helps to heal their heartache and puts them in a happier place. The setting is absolutely idyllic and will have you wishing to live in Cornwall. The characters, which have been in previous Phillipa Ashley novels, are all lovely, friendly and caring.
Overall, a happy, heartwarming novel by the lovely Phillipa Ashley. I loved every page, every character and every storyline and setting. This novel is hard to put down and I believe that every book I read of this author, they just get better. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
June 5, 2020
-- Read this review, and others, on my blog www.hookedbythatbook.com –
This book started with a very emotional recount of Marina’s husband Nate’s disappearance. Almost at the 7th year anniversary of the event, and Marina has moved on and used the tragedy as the catalyst to bring the lookout station back to life. She is quite content with her life and the contribution she and her team of volunteers make to keep everyone safe on the coast.
Marina is joined by her cousin, Tiff, who is escaping a failed relationship and getting fired from her job as a journalist at a paper in London. Tiff is a lot more outgoing than Marina, but hurt, and she came to Porthmellow to lick her wounds and to regroup. She meets Dirk, the local lifeboat mechanic, who has a reputation for being moody. Tiff and Dirk soon can’t deny the attraction between them anymore. Dirk is leery of Tiff’s career as a journalist, as he has been burned in the past. And Tiff is certain she is going to return to London and build a career there. Then Lachlan, with his own reasons for needing an escape, turns up and slowly pulls Marina out of her shell.
I really enjoyed the interactions between all the characters, and the descriptions of their daily lives. The two romances progressed very well and just right. The characters felt like real people with real issues and they reacted like real people would. And everyone was very mature and handled misunderstandings and problems with grace.
I can definitely recommend this for the character development, and if you like romances that develop slowly. It’s not steamy at all, but very sweet.
Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. Any thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book started with a very emotional recount of Marina’s husband Nate’s disappearance. Almost at the 7th year anniversary of the event, and Marina has moved on and used the tragedy as the catalyst to bring the lookout station back to life. She is quite content with her life and the contribution she and her team of volunteers make to keep everyone safe on the coast.
Marina is joined by her cousin, Tiff, who is escaping a failed relationship and getting fired from her job as a journalist at a paper in London. Tiff is a lot more outgoing than Marina, but hurt, and she came to Porthmellow to lick her wounds and to regroup. She meets Dirk, the local lifeboat mechanic, who has a reputation for being moody. Tiff and Dirk soon can’t deny the attraction between them anymore. Dirk is leery of Tiff’s career as a journalist, as he has been burned in the past. And Tiff is certain she is going to return to London and build a career there. Then Lachlan, with his own reasons for needing an escape, turns up and slowly pulls Marina out of her shell.
I really enjoyed the interactions between all the characters, and the descriptions of their daily lives. The two romances progressed very well and just right. The characters felt like real people with real issues and they reacted like real people would. And everyone was very mature and handled misunderstandings and problems with grace.
I can definitely recommend this for the character development, and if you like romances that develop slowly. It’s not steamy at all, but very sweet.
Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. Any thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2020
Simply beautiful. This was my first by Phillipa Ashley, and although this book is part of a series it can be read as a complete stand alone, I certainly didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The stories main characters are the main focus of the story, and what a story!
This book flowed beautifully right from the start, I was so engrossed in it that I was 30% in before I realised. Every single character o met fascinated me and each one perfectly added to the story line. I was drawn to the Dirk and Tiff story line, it was an almost given that they were going to have a relationship with plenty ups and downs. Marina was a different story, then Lachlan was added, they both had extreme heartache and wasn’t sure they could fix each other, or even if that was the main goal of the plot line, a solid friendship can be just as sweet to read with out the romantic attachment. My thoughts swirled around Nate at numerous times through out. At first I thought maybe he wasn’t dead and was going to turn up and be a plot twist and he and Marina would be the true love story. Then I thought, no, he’s really dead and the main focus is Marina and Lachlan overcoming their tragic backstory. I was perfectly content with this and then BOOM plot twist! I was reeling just as much as Marina when Lachlan tells her the truth and from that moment on I couldn’t read fast enough to know what was going to happen.
Needless to say I throughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be on the look out for more books by Phillipa.
This book flowed beautifully right from the start, I was so engrossed in it that I was 30% in before I realised. Every single character o met fascinated me and each one perfectly added to the story line. I was drawn to the Dirk and Tiff story line, it was an almost given that they were going to have a relationship with plenty ups and downs. Marina was a different story, then Lachlan was added, they both had extreme heartache and wasn’t sure they could fix each other, or even if that was the main goal of the plot line, a solid friendship can be just as sweet to read with out the romantic attachment. My thoughts swirled around Nate at numerous times through out. At first I thought maybe he wasn’t dead and was going to turn up and be a plot twist and he and Marina would be the true love story. Then I thought, no, he’s really dead and the main focus is Marina and Lachlan overcoming their tragic backstory. I was perfectly content with this and then BOOM plot twist! I was reeling just as much as Marina when Lachlan tells her the truth and from that moment on I couldn’t read fast enough to know what was going to happen.
Needless to say I throughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be on the look out for more books by Phillipa.
March 25, 2020
Marina's husband Nate went missing at sea years ago and after rebuilding her life and setting up Wave Watchers to help save other lives maybe her heart can finally move on after losing the love of her life and she finds Lachlan.
Dirk is a stormy character however when Marina's cousin Tiff arrives the two have an instant connection despite an odd meeting encounter and Tiff escaping her journalist lifestyle she had in London to start over again.
As things happen and Lachlan uncovers a huge secret, Marina gets a huge shock which is followed by Tiff also getting a huge shock following on from Lachlan's news and soon enough both women are facing huge decisions in love and work but are their hearts happiest where they are right now?
Tiff and Dirk were a fabulous couple the way opposites attract works so well here and Marina and Lachlan were both such soft caring characters it was beautiful the way they came to be together. The drama in the last hundred pages was immense and especially the ending wrapping it all up was thrilling i loved this next Cornish read!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Dirk is a stormy character however when Marina's cousin Tiff arrives the two have an instant connection despite an odd meeting encounter and Tiff escaping her journalist lifestyle she had in London to start over again.
As things happen and Lachlan uncovers a huge secret, Marina gets a huge shock which is followed by Tiff also getting a huge shock following on from Lachlan's news and soon enough both women are facing huge decisions in love and work but are their hearts happiest where they are right now?
Tiff and Dirk were a fabulous couple the way opposites attract works so well here and Marina and Lachlan were both such soft caring characters it was beautiful the way they came to be together. The drama in the last hundred pages was immense and especially the ending wrapping it all up was thrilling i loved this next Cornish read!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
March 19, 2020
Another brilliant Cornish Coast love story from the talented Phillipa Ashley. This wonderful book is about four people, three of which have come to the Cornish town of Porthmellow to run away from their problems, and one who has always lived there, but has run away in her mind. All of them not trusting and not willing to get hurt again in love. This book has mystery, love, human kindness, humor and a belief in that no matter what you have gone through love has a way of healing the soul. This book makes the town of Porthmellow come alive, with the quirkiness of a small town, over-crowded in season and just the local folks off-season where everyone knows everyone business. This is all within the beautiful Cornish coastline, you can smell the salt air, make your way along the craggy cliffs covered in gorse bushes. This is a wonderful read with ups and downs that leave the reader wanting to turn the page after page. I couldn't recommend this book more.
April 10, 2020
My first Phillipa Ashley book and definitely not my last. The book starts 7yrs ago when Marina’s husband Nate vanished whilst fishing in his kayak of the cove of Porthmellow in Cornwall. The lookout station had been abandoned for many years and Marina wondered if Nate would have been saved if it had been manned.
Their marriage hadn’t been perfect, Nate had debts, he was thoughtless, wasted too much money on crazy schemes and wasn’t always considerate but she loved him. On the morning of his disappearance they’d had yet another argument, he’d turned down a job and was convinced he’d be able to make a mink supplying fish to local restaurants.
Fast forward 7years and Marina has got the lookout station back up and running. Assisting the coastguard and keeping the coast safe for all its users.
You follow Marina on the next chapter of her life waiting for the 7 year anniversary of Nate’s death where he can officially be declared dead and she can move on with the rest of her life.
Their marriage hadn’t been perfect, Nate had debts, he was thoughtless, wasted too much money on crazy schemes and wasn’t always considerate but she loved him. On the morning of his disappearance they’d had yet another argument, he’d turned down a job and was convinced he’d be able to make a mink supplying fish to local restaurants.
Fast forward 7years and Marina has got the lookout station back up and running. Assisting the coastguard and keeping the coast safe for all its users.
You follow Marina on the next chapter of her life waiting for the 7 year anniversary of Nate’s death where he can officially be declared dead and she can move on with the rest of her life.
April 16, 2020
This is the third book in the Porthmellow series. It features some familiar characters from the first two books, but also has some new characters. It could easily be read as a standalone novel though.
One of the main female characters is Marina, who is trying to get through the next few weeks, when her Husband who was lost at sea 7 years ago will be marked officially dead.
She is joined by her cousin Tiff, who is trying to hide in Cornwall after losing her partner, job and home when she was disgraced.
This book was fairly predictable in places, but it was a lovely easygoing read. I could imagine the costal village perfectly, as the descriptions were so realistic. It made for the perfect escapist read at a time when we were on Lockdown. I could imagine that I was actually there.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would love to read more books by Phillipa Ashley.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
One of the main female characters is Marina, who is trying to get through the next few weeks, when her Husband who was lost at sea 7 years ago will be marked officially dead.
She is joined by her cousin Tiff, who is trying to hide in Cornwall after losing her partner, job and home when she was disgraced.
This book was fairly predictable in places, but it was a lovely easygoing read. I could imagine the costal village perfectly, as the descriptions were so realistic. It made for the perfect escapist read at a time when we were on Lockdown. I could imagine that I was actually there.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I would love to read more books by Phillipa Ashley.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
May 28, 2020
Dive back into Porthmellow Harbour and it's residents!
This time focusing on Marina and her cousin. Marina still grieves over her husband who she lost seven years ago. Her grief has given her focus to set up 'The Wave Watchers' a voluntary lookout post over the sea to try to prevent other deaths.
Her cousin, journalist Tiff comes to stay after leaving London under a black cloud of heart break and losing her job. She escapes to Cornwall and the begins to instill herself in the tight knit community. She always thought her heart was in the big smoke, but Porthmellow has seeped into her core...along with Dirk.
Both women begin to finally heal and move on from their past. Marina is shocked and wary of her growing fondness for Lachlan who has a tough past of his own. They help each other move forward until a secret is found out which rocks Marina.
Are both romances too good to be true?
Gorgeous setting! Pure escapism.
This time focusing on Marina and her cousin. Marina still grieves over her husband who she lost seven years ago. Her grief has given her focus to set up 'The Wave Watchers' a voluntary lookout post over the sea to try to prevent other deaths.
Her cousin, journalist Tiff comes to stay after leaving London under a black cloud of heart break and losing her job. She escapes to Cornwall and the begins to instill herself in the tight knit community. She always thought her heart was in the big smoke, but Porthmellow has seeped into her core...along with Dirk.
Both women begin to finally heal and move on from their past. Marina is shocked and wary of her growing fondness for Lachlan who has a tough past of his own. They help each other move forward until a secret is found out which rocks Marina.
Are both romances too good to be true?
Gorgeous setting! Pure escapism.
April 16, 2020
Welcome back to Porthmellow, Cornwall.
I don't know what Ms. Ashley's series of books set in Cornwall are, or rather were, doing for tourism to the area, but they have made this reviewer very keen to go back as soon as possible. Her ability to describe her locations are vibrant, vivid and vital. You simply feel like you're walking up the hill in the village and passing the row of cottages where Marina and Tiff live, the two female leads of this story.
This is a very well written story of how people get through life-changing events, recover and find new purposes, reasons to live. All are very believable and stir and move the heart.
I read this book over a couple of sittings as I simply could not put it down. Roll on Christmas in Porthmellow!
My thanks to Avon and Netgalley for providing the reading copy.
I don't know what Ms. Ashley's series of books set in Cornwall are, or rather were, doing for tourism to the area, but they have made this reviewer very keen to go back as soon as possible. Her ability to describe her locations are vibrant, vivid and vital. You simply feel like you're walking up the hill in the village and passing the row of cottages where Marina and Tiff live, the two female leads of this story.
This is a very well written story of how people get through life-changing events, recover and find new purposes, reasons to live. All are very believable and stir and move the heart.
I read this book over a couple of sittings as I simply could not put it down. Roll on Christmas in Porthmellow!
My thanks to Avon and Netgalley for providing the reading copy.
June 23, 2020
Perfect escape to Cornwall this read and couldn’t put it down was a perfect summer read. Full of moving forward and romance and so emotional will make you think some heartbreak with heartwarming to. Fantastic read.
Marina lost her husband at sea seven years ago but a body has never been found but it broke her heart and she said she would never love another man again. Problem is Lachlan arrives and will she deny herself happiness as she can’t move forward from her last love.
Tiff is a journalist in London but when her boyfriend breaks her heart she flees to her cousin marinas cottage. She is drowning her sorrows and when the local Dirk wins a day with her at a charity auction she is thrown in to Cornish life. The summer is going very well but then could a phone call about someone from the past change everything and will things go wrong or can happiness still happen.
Marina lost her husband at sea seven years ago but a body has never been found but it broke her heart and she said she would never love another man again. Problem is Lachlan arrives and will she deny herself happiness as she can’t move forward from her last love.
Tiff is a journalist in London but when her boyfriend breaks her heart she flees to her cousin marinas cottage. She is drowning her sorrows and when the local Dirk wins a day with her at a charity auction she is thrown in to Cornish life. The summer is going very well but then could a phone call about someone from the past change everything and will things go wrong or can happiness still happen.
August 14, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Phillips Ashley but it won’t be the last, Cornwall is one of my favourite counties and this author did a great descriptive job with Porthmellow and I really felt like I was visiting family and friends in this beautiful village. This is book 3 and I haven’t read the previous books so I can honestly say this can be read as a stand-alone.
This is a story about two people at a crossroad in their lives, neither looking for a relationship, both dealing with the bumps in the road life has given them. Will a chance meeting pull them together or will their pasts push them apart, sometimes we need someone else to prove how strong we can be.....
A beautifully written romance with twists and turns you won’t see coming and you will certainly be on the edge of your seat through this entertaining read. If you love romance pick up this gem
This is a story about two people at a crossroad in their lives, neither looking for a relationship, both dealing with the bumps in the road life has given them. Will a chance meeting pull them together or will their pasts push them apart, sometimes we need someone else to prove how strong we can be.....
A beautifully written romance with twists and turns you won’t see coming and you will certainly be on the edge of your seat through this entertaining read. If you love romance pick up this gem
February 22, 2023
This women's fiction/romance book is a really lovely book, which I enjoyed reading.
The story is about Marina and Tiff, who are cousins, and their journey to finding and romancing two men called Lachlan and Dirk. Marina's husband went missing years ago at sea, and was presumed to be dead, so she has been through a lot, and she is only just able to open herself up to new love. Tiff left her life as a journalist in London to live in Cornwall with Marina. Just as things are progressing with them all, Lachlan finds out something about Marina's past which shocks everyone. Will Marina and Tiff's relationship with Lachlan and Dirk be able to survive this news?
This is a great, heartwarming book, which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The story is about Marina and Tiff, who are cousins, and their journey to finding and romancing two men called Lachlan and Dirk. Marina's husband went missing years ago at sea, and was presumed to be dead, so she has been through a lot, and she is only just able to open herself up to new love. Tiff left her life as a journalist in London to live in Cornwall with Marina. Just as things are progressing with them all, Lachlan finds out something about Marina's past which shocks everyone. Will Marina and Tiff's relationship with Lachlan and Dirk be able to survive this news?
This is a great, heartwarming book, which I highly recommend!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
April 2, 2020
This was an okay romance story. It didn’t move me and I just couldn’t get into the characters. I wanted to feel bad for them but I found it all just too predictable, even the twist I was waiting for. Many others may enjoy it but all that I found I liked was the setting. It sounded breathtaking and beautiful yet dangerous as the sea can be. There was some humour in it and I enjoyed those parts but the rest of the book was just spent waiting for them to realize they were meant for each other. In my opinion it needed either more humour or more seriousness, it was caught in the middle so I can’t really label it. Sorry that I didn’t enjoy it but perhaps others will
April 19, 2020
An enjoyable visit to beautiful Cornwall with a story that was exciting and entertaining.
I liked having the duel stories of the two cousins Marina and Tiff, both of whom have struggled with love and relationships in the past.
The introduction of Dirk and Lachlan certainly caught my attention, it was fascinating to see the relationships build as the walls came down on these sensitive men, who also have had their issues before moving to Cornwall.
I love the backdrop of the beach and the Wave Watchers , it added lots of drama from time to time.
Overall it was a fabulous book that kept me reading avidly.
I liked having the duel stories of the two cousins Marina and Tiff, both of whom have struggled with love and relationships in the past.
The introduction of Dirk and Lachlan certainly caught my attention, it was fascinating to see the relationships build as the walls came down on these sensitive men, who also have had their issues before moving to Cornwall.
I love the backdrop of the beach and the Wave Watchers , it added lots of drama from time to time.
Overall it was a fabulous book that kept me reading avidly.
June 12, 2020
A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley is the 3rd book in the Porthmellow Harbour series, and my first book by this author. Marina Hudson lost her husband seven years ago, when he went out to sea and never came back. After meeting Lachlan, she wonders if she can ever love again. Tiff Trescott travels to see her cousin Marina after having trouble with her job and boyfriend in London. Tiff meets Dirk and sparks fly. I really enjoyed this book, it is the perfect escape to the beach, when travel is not possible. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy romances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 27, 2020
Absolutely brilliant read.
Full of twists and turns. I love the seaside but this book also reminds us how dangerous it can be.
There was a twist the end that I was not expecting at all. Great writing and story making.
I love how things are described and there appear to be two relationships blossoming throughout the novel which entices you to want to read it.
Wonderful book and I will be sharing this with my Facebook book club and recommending it highly to them.
Full of twists and turns. I love the seaside but this book also reminds us how dangerous it can be.
There was a twist the end that I was not expecting at all. Great writing and story making.
I love how things are described and there appear to be two relationships blossoming throughout the novel which entices you to want to read it.
Wonderful book and I will be sharing this with my Facebook book club and recommending it highly to them.
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