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Porthmellow Harbour #2
A Perfect Cornish Christmas
Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…
But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.
So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.
Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?
Curl up with this festive, heart-warming story about love, family and Christmas. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley.
But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.
So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.
Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?
Curl up with this festive, heart-warming story about love, family and Christmas. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley.
389 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2019
509 people are currently reading
1289 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 246 reviews
November 1, 2019
Phillipa Ashley was on my to-be-read list of authors for some time, so I am so glad that A Perfect Cornish Christmas was the first novel by her that I have read, because I really enjoyed it.
If you know me, you know Christmas stories are my absolutely favourite, and I can proudly say that I am happy that I have opened the season with this one.
Going into A Perfect Cornish Christmas I had no idea if it was a standalone or part of the series. It definitely read as a standalone, but then again, I know that Ashley has another book called A Perfect Cornish Summer so I believe they are companion novels (someone should update it to Goodreads, so we’d know!).
This story follows two sisters; Scarlett and Ellie. Since the story centres mostly around Scarlett, I would say she is our main character, but because we do get to follow the story from Ellie’s perspective as well, I’d say she is our second main character.
The story is written in third person.
When it comes to genres, I’d say that A Perfect Cornish Christmas is women’s fiction, or even general fiction with romance in it.
In the first place the story talks about family, and complicated relationships between people. It covers some serious topics that are result of people choices, and how they effect other’s lives.
It also talks about belonging and how it impacts us as beings, how it defines who we really are.
Romance is also part of this book and we get to follow two romance developments, one for each sister.
The third important part of the story, in my opinion, is Christmas itself. The setting, food, snow… basically everything that happens around Christmas time, and in this novel, there is a Christmas festival that takes place and is also nice addition to the fable.
I liked most of the characters, and disliked some that were negative ones.
The only character I simply couldn’t understand was Scarlett and Ellie’s mother. I don’t understand how could she kept quiet about everything even after the truth came to light.
I also had hard time understanding their father and his choice to stay with her in the same house while she was acting that way.
The only downside of the novel is that there are lots of repetitions and I felt like I was reading a 500 pages long book, when in reality it has 400 pages.
Overall, I think A Perfect Cornish Christmas is the one to curl up with during winter, so I recommend it to women’s fiction lovers.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
If you know me, you know Christmas stories are my absolutely favourite, and I can proudly say that I am happy that I have opened the season with this one.
Going into A Perfect Cornish Christmas I had no idea if it was a standalone or part of the series. It definitely read as a standalone, but then again, I know that Ashley has another book called A Perfect Cornish Summer so I believe they are companion novels (someone should update it to Goodreads, so we’d know!).
This story follows two sisters; Scarlett and Ellie. Since the story centres mostly around Scarlett, I would say she is our main character, but because we do get to follow the story from Ellie’s perspective as well, I’d say she is our second main character.
The story is written in third person.
When it comes to genres, I’d say that A Perfect Cornish Christmas is women’s fiction, or even general fiction with romance in it.
In the first place the story talks about family, and complicated relationships between people. It covers some serious topics that are result of people choices, and how they effect other’s lives.
It also talks about belonging and how it impacts us as beings, how it defines who we really are.
Romance is also part of this book and we get to follow two romance developments, one for each sister.
The third important part of the story, in my opinion, is Christmas itself. The setting, food, snow… basically everything that happens around Christmas time, and in this novel, there is a Christmas festival that takes place and is also nice addition to the fable.
I liked most of the characters, and disliked some that were negative ones.
The only character I simply couldn’t understand was Scarlett and Ellie’s mother. I don’t understand how could she kept quiet about everything even after the truth came to light.
I also had hard time understanding their father and his choice to stay with her in the same house while she was acting that way.
The only downside of the novel is that there are lots of repetitions and I felt like I was reading a 500 pages long book, when in reality it has 400 pages.
Overall, I think A Perfect Cornish Christmas is the one to curl up with during winter, so I recommend it to women’s fiction lovers.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
November 6, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Sisters Ellie and Scarlett thought getting their DNA tested to check their ancestry would make an amazing Christmas present to give to their parents, however, not everything goes to plan when it turns out that they have different fathers. Christmas is ruined and subsequently, the family starts to fall apart with their mother denying everything and declaring that the test must be false.
Move forward a year and their parents are living in separate rooms and their mother is still refusing to talk about the issue. Ellie is living in Porthmellow, Cornwall, and Scarlett believes that’s where the answers to who her real father is lies, so she asks Ellie if she can live with her for a while.
As Scarlett gets closer to the truth more and more problems arise and more secrets start to unravel. Has Scarlett bitten off more that she can chew in pursuit of the truth?
This is the first Phillipa Ashley book that I have read but it won’t be my last. I was a little unsure when starting this story whether it was part of a series or not due to Ms. Ashley’s previous novel ‘A Perfect Cornish Summer’, however, whilst I realised the setting is the same in both of the books and a few of the characters from the first make an appearance, this book certainly works as a standalone.
The book opened strongly and straight into the aftermath of the Christmas fallout. Then we get to find out what everything was about before moving forward in time.
The book was a sheer delight to read and for a romance book, there were a lot of twists, turns, and surprises along the way which kept me on my toes. The scenery is just beautiful and you can certainly see Porthmellow in all it’s Autumn glory as well as the Winter Solstice festival which I would love to attend.
There are two love interests in the plot and it was enjoyable to watch both of them develop although neither runs smoothly. Whilst Scarlett was the main character, Ellie played a major role too and I really enjoyed both of their stories equally.
This is a book that brings family life to the forefront and shows you that no family is perfect, everyone makes mistakes in their lives but it is how you deal with the issues together and come together as a unit that matters. Family is precious and comes in all shapes and sizes so make sure you treasure it.
Sisters Ellie and Scarlett thought getting their DNA tested to check their ancestry would make an amazing Christmas present to give to their parents, however, not everything goes to plan when it turns out that they have different fathers. Christmas is ruined and subsequently, the family starts to fall apart with their mother denying everything and declaring that the test must be false.
Move forward a year and their parents are living in separate rooms and their mother is still refusing to talk about the issue. Ellie is living in Porthmellow, Cornwall, and Scarlett believes that’s where the answers to who her real father is lies, so she asks Ellie if she can live with her for a while.
As Scarlett gets closer to the truth more and more problems arise and more secrets start to unravel. Has Scarlett bitten off more that she can chew in pursuit of the truth?
This is the first Phillipa Ashley book that I have read but it won’t be my last. I was a little unsure when starting this story whether it was part of a series or not due to Ms. Ashley’s previous novel ‘A Perfect Cornish Summer’, however, whilst I realised the setting is the same in both of the books and a few of the characters from the first make an appearance, this book certainly works as a standalone.
The book opened strongly and straight into the aftermath of the Christmas fallout. Then we get to find out what everything was about before moving forward in time.
The book was a sheer delight to read and for a romance book, there were a lot of twists, turns, and surprises along the way which kept me on my toes. The scenery is just beautiful and you can certainly see Porthmellow in all it’s Autumn glory as well as the Winter Solstice festival which I would love to attend.
There are two love interests in the plot and it was enjoyable to watch both of them develop although neither runs smoothly. Whilst Scarlett was the main character, Ellie played a major role too and I really enjoyed both of their stories equally.
This is a book that brings family life to the forefront and shows you that no family is perfect, everyone makes mistakes in their lives but it is how you deal with the issues together and come together as a unit that matters. Family is precious and comes in all shapes and sizes so make sure you treasure it.
December 6, 2023
Cosy festive romance, a hot chocolate and log fire kind of read!
October 26, 2019
I’m not one for Christmassy books as I’m not one for Christmas! Yup, I’m one of those people who are bahumbug but do it for the kiddos. But this book was really appealing from the cover to the blurb. And the book itself didn’t disappoint. As with any book, it had its downsides but it was just filled with such an amazing story and quirky characters that it just made my heart swell!
The downside? Ellie. I didn’t like her much. Thought she was a bit uppity in places and acted like a teenager the majority of the time. She was way OTT stroppy in the third quarter of the book with Aaron when it wasn’t necessary for her to be as bad as she was. But she’s literally the only downside... actually, so was the mother - Anna - she had no reason to have strop and not tell anyone the truth and carry up the pretenders that ‘nothing happened’. And I didn’t like that Scarlet got the blame for it all when it’s was a joint present with Ellie too. Yet she took no blame, and even went on like she was a saint. Just no.
I loved the rest of the characters though. Scarlet and Jude were my two favourites! I just think they’re adorable and I love how Jude is a little shy, and it’s nice to a character who does a job that’s a little different to anything else. It was an intriguing and enlightening job too. Scarlet, I found, had every right to be bitter and confused, especially as her mother kept tight lipped for way too long. Scarlet may have gotten her wires crossed, but I would have too! Aaron was another character I liked, fresh out of the Army and drool-worthy to boot. He was laid back and kind, and really just warmed hearted.
I’ve never heard of this author before but I’m glad I have now! Her writing style is unique but AMAZING! It’s really draws you in the pages and, subsequently, the story. I really felt I was in Porthmellow with the characters. This authors style definitely know how to entice the reader and keep them hooked. It’s nice to read a Cornish-based book too as I family in Bodmin.
Overall, a fantastic read and warm hearted. A delightful outtake of Cornwall and it’s blessed little communities. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The downside? Ellie. I didn’t like her much. Thought she was a bit uppity in places and acted like a teenager the majority of the time. She was way OTT stroppy in the third quarter of the book with Aaron when it wasn’t necessary for her to be as bad as she was. But she’s literally the only downside... actually, so was the mother - Anna - she had no reason to have strop and not tell anyone the truth and carry up the pretenders that ‘nothing happened’. And I didn’t like that Scarlet got the blame for it all when it’s was a joint present with Ellie too. Yet she took no blame, and even went on like she was a saint. Just no.
I loved the rest of the characters though. Scarlet and Jude were my two favourites! I just think they’re adorable and I love how Jude is a little shy, and it’s nice to a character who does a job that’s a little different to anything else. It was an intriguing and enlightening job too. Scarlet, I found, had every right to be bitter and confused, especially as her mother kept tight lipped for way too long. Scarlet may have gotten her wires crossed, but I would have too! Aaron was another character I liked, fresh out of the Army and drool-worthy to boot. He was laid back and kind, and really just warmed hearted.
I’ve never heard of this author before but I’m glad I have now! Her writing style is unique but AMAZING! It’s really draws you in the pages and, subsequently, the story. I really felt I was in Porthmellow with the characters. This authors style definitely know how to entice the reader and keep them hooked. It’s nice to read a Cornish-based book too as I family in Bodmin.
Overall, a fantastic read and warm hearted. A delightful outtake of Cornwall and it’s blessed little communities. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
September 14, 2019
This was not entirely terrible, but I admit to finding the “reveal” super sketchy. What a bad idea that was. None of the characters were especially endearing to me, some were just overly daft.
Some issues I had included a part in the book where there are 6 people in a room, and five of them were staring at one person but the text reads “six pairs of eyes turned on Scarlett in expectation” so was Scarlett somehow staring at herself? Another bit that had me in stitches of laughter: “She was trying not to stare at his tanned feet. They were nicely shaped for a man, and he wore a pewter toe ring.” A toe ring! I’m laughing all over again just typing that.
Porthmellow seems like a nice town but the characters just don’t work for me. My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own.
Some issues I had included a part in the book where there are 6 people in a room, and five of them were staring at one person but the text reads “six pairs of eyes turned on Scarlett in expectation” so was Scarlett somehow staring at herself? Another bit that had me in stitches of laughter: “She was trying not to stare at his tanned feet. They were nicely shaped for a man, and he wore a pewter toe ring.” A toe ring! I’m laughing all over again just typing that.
Porthmellow seems like a nice town but the characters just don’t work for me. My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own.
November 25, 2022
Puh, also die vielen guten Bewertungen kann ich leider gar nicht nachvollziehen. Der Plot ist eigentlich gar nicht so schlecht - oder zumindest die Idee dahinter. Eine Weihnachtsüberraschung geht furchtbar schief und das Leben einer Familie wird komplett durcheinander gewürfelt. So weit, so gut. Leider sind die Charaktere aber allesamt eher blass, sie unterscheiden sich kaum von einander - und der Schreibstil hat mich auch überhaupt nicht mitgenommen, das war alles sehr statisch, sprachlich nicht überzeugend und teilweise einfach völlig platt. Ich kann natürlich nicht ausschließen, dass das an der Übersetzung liegt, aber zumindest eine englische Review hat nahegelegt, dass das Problem auch im Original besteht. Da kann ich leider nicht mehr als einen Stern vergeben, das war nichts für mich.
August 25, 2019
How lovely to be back in Porthmellow with this all new, standalone story. I was hooked from the first chapter, and wanted to know what on earth had disrailed Scarlett's Christmas day so much that she fled from it and ended up in the pub, wearing fluffy bunny slippers.
As the events of that first Christmas are revealed, well I could definitely understand her feelings and also had a strong hunch that this would be one tremendous book which is really was.
Although I did spend a fair amount of the story wondering whether the title was ironic, as I just couldn't see how there would be a perfect Christmas in it, but I'm delighted to say that the author has some fabulous tricks up her sleeve!
This is the story of Scarlett and Ellie's family, as they go from the bombshell of the previous year, into a more turbulent time. Assorted family secrets are revealed and both ladies also have potential romances, although nothing runs smoothly.
I enjoyed the Winter Solstice festival, I just wish that like the first book we had seen more of the planning and committee members. Although Sam, Gabe, Ben and Zennor were all present in this story, it felt more like cameo's and just seeing familiar faces around the community, rather than anything further really happening with them.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas is a story with the greater themes of Christmas at its heart, the importance of family, and the feeling of coming together as a community. It was another incredibly enjoyable book in this series. And given how early in the year I read this, I'm also delighted to say it's not overly festive, its more a story that takes in two Christmases' and an autumn in between, as we follow the sister's stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
As the events of that first Christmas are revealed, well I could definitely understand her feelings and also had a strong hunch that this would be one tremendous book which is really was.
Although I did spend a fair amount of the story wondering whether the title was ironic, as I just couldn't see how there would be a perfect Christmas in it, but I'm delighted to say that the author has some fabulous tricks up her sleeve!
This is the story of Scarlett and Ellie's family, as they go from the bombshell of the previous year, into a more turbulent time. Assorted family secrets are revealed and both ladies also have potential romances, although nothing runs smoothly.
I enjoyed the Winter Solstice festival, I just wish that like the first book we had seen more of the planning and committee members. Although Sam, Gabe, Ben and Zennor were all present in this story, it felt more like cameo's and just seeing familiar faces around the community, rather than anything further really happening with them.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas is a story with the greater themes of Christmas at its heart, the importance of family, and the feeling of coming together as a community. It was another incredibly enjoyable book in this series. And given how early in the year I read this, I'm also delighted to say it's not overly festive, its more a story that takes in two Christmases' and an autumn in between, as we follow the sister's stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 1, 2019
It was lovely to make a return to Porthmellow, the site of the summer novel ‘A Perfect Cornish Summer’. Returning to such a wonderful location was really special, and although the original cast of characters were present, this book introduced a new group of people to Porthmellow.
This book focuses on sisters Scarlett and Ellie who move into their Great Aunt’s house near Porthmellow in Cornwall, which their mother had inherited, after an explosive Christmas when DNA tests purchased as a fun gift blew their family apart. Both sisters needed a resolution to their problems, but as the story progresses, it is clear that nearly everyone has a secret. This is a story about love, about family, and more importantly, about honesty and trust.
Although this is, in essence, a Christmassy novel, it actually follows the story through a full year, from Christmas to Christmas, so it’s not so Christmassy that it could not be read at any other time of year. Both sisters find love interests in Porthmellow, and I have to say I did enjoy the connection Scarlett had with Jude, who was a fascinating man, but this is so much more than a story of romance. This was a wonderful return to a much loved fictional location for me and one that I recommend!
‘A Perfect Cornish Christmas’ is out now. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for my copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book focuses on sisters Scarlett and Ellie who move into their Great Aunt’s house near Porthmellow in Cornwall, which their mother had inherited, after an explosive Christmas when DNA tests purchased as a fun gift blew their family apart. Both sisters needed a resolution to their problems, but as the story progresses, it is clear that nearly everyone has a secret. This is a story about love, about family, and more importantly, about honesty and trust.
Although this is, in essence, a Christmassy novel, it actually follows the story through a full year, from Christmas to Christmas, so it’s not so Christmassy that it could not be read at any other time of year. Both sisters find love interests in Porthmellow, and I have to say I did enjoy the connection Scarlett had with Jude, who was a fascinating man, but this is so much more than a story of romance. This was a wonderful return to a much loved fictional location for me and one that I recommend!
‘A Perfect Cornish Christmas’ is out now. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon for my copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2019
Ashley's books are the ones you snuggle with on a chilly night with a mug of hot chocolate and this was exactly that. I haven't read any other book in this series, hence I couldn't recognize a few recurring people. But that didn't make a difference to how much I enjoyed the book.
All Scarlett wanted to do was to find out if she and her sister Ellie had any Viking blood in them, but the surprise is a bust as a dangerous secret is revealed during a family Christmas dinner. Scarlett, still recovering from it decides to move back to the Cornish town of Porthmellow to find more about all that she lost because of a well-kept secret by her other. She moves in with her sister, Ellie into the family mansion and goes about her investigation.
Both these ladies encounter love along the way, but turbulence and troubled time follow them like a shadow. Some hidden and well-placed twists add thrill to this cozy romance. The Winter Solistice Festival, which is one of a kind (and something I haven't heard of before) is the life of the book. The entire town coming together was truly a joy to read, The story gets repetitive and that is probably my only problem. We are told countless time about the now-broken family Scarlett and Ellie dwell in and how everyone is losing their calm and reliving that same evening again and again. The same thing keeps happening throughout the book and Honestly, it was a bit tiring.
Just like any other Christmas-y story, this one right here is about the importance of Christmas and family, and how it brings together people despite their differences. The story isn't all Christmas trees and reindeers (basically, not shoving everything Christmas-y on our face), but cute enough to continue the tradition and give us a story at the same time.
All Scarlett wanted to do was to find out if she and her sister Ellie had any Viking blood in them, but the surprise is a bust as a dangerous secret is revealed during a family Christmas dinner. Scarlett, still recovering from it decides to move back to the Cornish town of Porthmellow to find more about all that she lost because of a well-kept secret by her other. She moves in with her sister, Ellie into the family mansion and goes about her investigation.
Both these ladies encounter love along the way, but turbulence and troubled time follow them like a shadow. Some hidden and well-placed twists add thrill to this cozy romance. The Winter Solistice Festival, which is one of a kind (and something I haven't heard of before) is the life of the book. The entire town coming together was truly a joy to read, The story gets repetitive and that is probably my only problem. We are told countless time about the now-broken family Scarlett and Ellie dwell in and how everyone is losing their calm and reliving that same evening again and again. The same thing keeps happening throughout the book and Honestly, it was a bit tiring.
Just like any other Christmas-y story, this one right here is about the importance of Christmas and family, and how it brings together people despite their differences. The story isn't all Christmas trees and reindeers (basically, not shoving everything Christmas-y on our face), but cute enough to continue the tradition and give us a story at the same time.
December 22, 2024
Leuk boek in kerstsfeer.
October 9, 2019
Review TO come soon ..
January 11, 2020
This was a brilliant book from the beginning to the end and really kept you guessing to what would happen. It's got great characters and the village setting is amazing to. Full of friendship, families, heartbreak and happiness and plenty about Christmas to perfect read to curl up and read.
Ella has been staying in her parents house in Porthmellow and she's still trying to get over the shock from last Christmas that her sister has a different father. Scarlett her sister rings and says she's also coming to stay in the village to find out as she wants to find out who her real father is after the shock of the year before. Her parents still haven't got through the difficult stage and can they work through it. Scarlett soon gets very friendly with lovely handsome Jude but then when her mother turns up she gets her wires crossed and starts to pull away from Jude. Can she talk everything through with her mother and find out who her father is and will the secret be out in time for them to have a lovely Christmas and will Jude and Scarlett be able to work through the problems and be happy to or not as both have had secrets.
A perfect Christmas read.
Ella has been staying in her parents house in Porthmellow and she's still trying to get over the shock from last Christmas that her sister has a different father. Scarlett her sister rings and says she's also coming to stay in the village to find out as she wants to find out who her real father is after the shock of the year before. Her parents still haven't got through the difficult stage and can they work through it. Scarlett soon gets very friendly with lovely handsome Jude but then when her mother turns up she gets her wires crossed and starts to pull away from Jude. Can she talk everything through with her mother and find out who her father is and will the secret be out in time for them to have a lovely Christmas and will Jude and Scarlett be able to work through the problems and be happy to or not as both have had secrets.
A perfect Christmas read.
February 2, 2020
I love curling up with the latest Phillipa Ashley book, especially when they are set in Cornwall. They have wonderful characters and settings and a real sense of community. Scarlet is spending a second Christmas in Porthmellow and we gradually discover what happened before and how the community helped her at her lowest point. I was totally engrossed in this book from start to finish.
The covers are always so enticing and make you want to pick the book up to add to your tbr list. A wonderful Christmas read.
The covers are always so enticing and make you want to pick the book up to add to your tbr list. A wonderful Christmas read.
October 8, 2019
Wow, this story pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you up past bedtime, reading just one more chapter, then another lol. Its jam packed with family secrets, heartache, friendships, romance and a couple of teasers just to keep you on your toes. A book to definitely add to your Christmas list.
October 6, 2019
A real feel-good read, perfect for this time of year with the nights drawing in and when you just want to snuggle in under a blanket and read!
There was no lead-in to the action with this book, with drama from the very first page which was great. I thought the book would be around 1 main character but actually 2 sisters shared the limelight and whilst Scarlett and Jude were supposed to be the main protagonists, I enjoyed Ellie and Aaron's story more as I felt it was a touch more romantic and realistic.
The book was set in the run-up to Christmas but wasn't overly festive which I enjoyed as Autumn and the beginning of Winter is such a wonderful time, it needn't always just be about Christmas. The Winter Solstice festival sounded fantastic and was a welcome addition to the story. The foraging aspect too was well researched and thought out; I love getting in touch with nature.
Whilst I believe there is another book set in Porthmellow, this was easily read as a standalone however I am sure I wouldn't be disappointed with the previous book and any more from this lovely part of Cornwall!
My many thanks to Avon via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
There was no lead-in to the action with this book, with drama from the very first page which was great. I thought the book would be around 1 main character but actually 2 sisters shared the limelight and whilst Scarlett and Jude were supposed to be the main protagonists, I enjoyed Ellie and Aaron's story more as I felt it was a touch more romantic and realistic.
The book was set in the run-up to Christmas but wasn't overly festive which I enjoyed as Autumn and the beginning of Winter is such a wonderful time, it needn't always just be about Christmas. The Winter Solstice festival sounded fantastic and was a welcome addition to the story. The foraging aspect too was well researched and thought out; I love getting in touch with nature.
Whilst I believe there is another book set in Porthmellow, this was easily read as a standalone however I am sure I wouldn't be disappointed with the previous book and any more from this lovely part of Cornwall!
My many thanks to Avon via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2024
“Een Perfecte Kerst in Cornwall” van Philipa Ashley biedt meer dan alleen een gezellig kerstverhaal. Dit boek raakt ook serieuze thema’s, wat het onderscheidt van de standaard feelgood-romans. Verwacht geen oppervlakkig verhaal – de personages hebben diepgang en hun worstelingen maken het geheel boeiend.
Het boek leest snel en makkelijk, maar de schrijfstijl is vooral functioneel. De kracht van het verhaal zit in de menselijke interacties en de groei van de personages, niet in mooie zinnen.
De beschrijving van Cornwall draagt bij aan de sfeer, maar het echte middelpunt is de emotionele reis van de hoofdpersonen. Als je op zoek bent naar een kerstverhaal dat meer biedt dan romantiek en clichés, dan zit je goed. Verwacht echter geen literair werk – dit boek levert precies wat het belooft: een oprechte, aangename leeservaring met wat extra diepgang.
3,5 ster naar beneden afgerond
Het boek leest snel en makkelijk, maar de schrijfstijl is vooral functioneel. De kracht van het verhaal zit in de menselijke interacties en de groei van de personages, niet in mooie zinnen.
De beschrijving van Cornwall draagt bij aan de sfeer, maar het echte middelpunt is de emotionele reis van de hoofdpersonen. Als je op zoek bent naar een kerstverhaal dat meer biedt dan romantiek en clichés, dan zit je goed. Verwacht echter geen literair werk – dit boek levert precies wat het belooft: een oprechte, aangename leeservaring met wat extra diepgang.
3,5 ster naar beneden afgerond
December 29, 2019
What a good book - really enjoyed this one. Set in Cornwall, obvs, this follows the tale of two sisters, Scarlett and Ellie and how they set in motion a train of catastrophic events. Throw in a pinch of romance and a few nasty characters and it was very well done and most enjoyable.
August 3, 2021
This book was just what I needed after a couple of serious books. It is light and fun. The characters are well-drawn and I found myself rooting for them. The location-a manor and a pub in Cornwall-caught my interest right away. There is some romance, dome family drama, and a little Christmas. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 2, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.
Emotional and compelling, A PERFECT CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Phillipa Ashley is about family and making mistakes, and shows how love may never be perfect but it is always the most precious thing in the world.
Last Christmas her family was torn apart when Scarlett and her sister, Ellie, came up with the perfect plan of researching their ancestry through their DNA and presenting it to the rest of their family on Christmas day. But what it showed was that Scarlett is their half-sister and their dad is not her biological dad. Now almost a year later, her mum refuses to talk about it and her parents are on the brink of divorce. Moving to the picture-perfect town of Porthmellow where Ellie lives, makes sense to Scarlett and she has a suspicion that her biological father may just live there too. Soon Scarlett makes friends, finds work, and even feels the first flutters of love after having a horrid breakup over a year ago. But as Scarlett starts digging deeper and deeper for the truth, will it bring even more secrets to the surface? And will she ever have her whole family together for Christmas again?
With plenty of twists and turns, emotional highs and lows, and characters that really worm their way into your heart, A PERFECT CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Phillipa Ashley is my favourite type of book, where you get sucked into the story immediately and you walk around reading it while trying to clean ('trying' being the operative word here!). The setting and community spirit of Porthmellow touched my heart and I loved their Christmas day lunch idea. As the past came hurtling into the present, I felt for Scarlett who was so desperate to find out who her dad was but I also felt for her mother as it was obvious that this wasn't some sordid affair, and was something painful for her mother, so I felt for both sides. Ellie was one of my favourite characters as we got to know her and the traumatic things she had dealt with alone for so long and I desperately wanted her to open herself up and find happiness after what she had been through.
A PERFECT CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Phillipa Ashley shows that there is no such thing as perfect in life, but there is such a thing as love. The kind of love that takes the good with the bad, that learns to trust and be vulnerable, and the kind of love that can forgive. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
Emotional and compelling, A PERFECT CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Phillipa Ashley is about family and making mistakes, and shows how love may never be perfect but it is always the most precious thing in the world.
Last Christmas her family was torn apart when Scarlett and her sister, Ellie, came up with the perfect plan of researching their ancestry through their DNA and presenting it to the rest of their family on Christmas day. But what it showed was that Scarlett is their half-sister and their dad is not her biological dad. Now almost a year later, her mum refuses to talk about it and her parents are on the brink of divorce. Moving to the picture-perfect town of Porthmellow where Ellie lives, makes sense to Scarlett and she has a suspicion that her biological father may just live there too. Soon Scarlett makes friends, finds work, and even feels the first flutters of love after having a horrid breakup over a year ago. But as Scarlett starts digging deeper and deeper for the truth, will it bring even more secrets to the surface? And will she ever have her whole family together for Christmas again?
With plenty of twists and turns, emotional highs and lows, and characters that really worm their way into your heart, A PERFECT CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Phillipa Ashley is my favourite type of book, where you get sucked into the story immediately and you walk around reading it while trying to clean ('trying' being the operative word here!). The setting and community spirit of Porthmellow touched my heart and I loved their Christmas day lunch idea. As the past came hurtling into the present, I felt for Scarlett who was so desperate to find out who her dad was but I also felt for her mother as it was obvious that this wasn't some sordid affair, and was something painful for her mother, so I felt for both sides. Ellie was one of my favourite characters as we got to know her and the traumatic things she had dealt with alone for so long and I desperately wanted her to open herself up and find happiness after what she had been through.
A PERFECT CORNISH CHRISTMAS by Phillipa Ashley shows that there is no such thing as perfect in life, but there is such a thing as love. The kind of love that takes the good with the bad, that learns to trust and be vulnerable, and the kind of love that can forgive. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
November 18, 2023
If an author writes “pulled a face” more than three times in a book, let alone TWICE on a page, then you should know the rest will suck. Top it off with cringey sexual innuendos between shallow characters (who are supposed to be adults but are written as if they’re in high school) then you know it’ll be a bad time. Plus there wasn’t a lot of christmasy scenes. And the characters were all hateable (except for ellie and scarlett’s parents but they barely had any lines— hmm).
November 26, 2019
The Blurb :
Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…
But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.
So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.
Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?
My Thoughts :
Back in Porthmellow this time for Christmas.
Ellie is still living in in Porthmellow and looking after the house her parents inherited. Trying to get on with life after such an unexpected Christmas last year.
Scarlett was devastated last christmas when she found out that her dad wasnt her real dad atall and she is back in the village and staying with her sister Ellie to try and find out more about where she has come from and her heritage. What is uncovered sure leads to a devastating blow to the whole Latham family.
Each chapter is written from the sister’s point of view, which I really liked.
I enjoyed learning more about Ellie and Scarlett as we got further into the story, a few twists and turns and as usual there is some romance thrown in by the likes of Jude and Aaron.
I enjoyed being back in Porthmellow and to see all the past characters in the story, aswell as some new ones.
I always look forward to a new release from Phillipa Ashley and this festive treat didnt disappoint, she has a way to draw the audience in and make us feel part of the story that we are reading about. I am already waiting for her next release.
Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…
But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.
So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.
Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?
My Thoughts :
Back in Porthmellow this time for Christmas.
Ellie is still living in in Porthmellow and looking after the house her parents inherited. Trying to get on with life after such an unexpected Christmas last year.
Scarlett was devastated last christmas when she found out that her dad wasnt her real dad atall and she is back in the village and staying with her sister Ellie to try and find out more about where she has come from and her heritage. What is uncovered sure leads to a devastating blow to the whole Latham family.
Each chapter is written from the sister’s point of view, which I really liked.
I enjoyed learning more about Ellie and Scarlett as we got further into the story, a few twists and turns and as usual there is some romance thrown in by the likes of Jude and Aaron.
I enjoyed being back in Porthmellow and to see all the past characters in the story, aswell as some new ones.
I always look forward to a new release from Phillipa Ashley and this festive treat didnt disappoint, she has a way to draw the audience in and make us feel part of the story that we are reading about. I am already waiting for her next release.
November 6, 2019
A Perfect Cornish Christmas is the second book I have read by Phillipa Ashley. I am glad I decided to continue with this series as it was a very entertaining, fun filled read. It was a feel good read, perfect for curling up with on a cold winter's evening while the snow is softly falling outside my window.
Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…
But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.
So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.
Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?
I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were lots of twists and turns and multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. It's the story of a woman, her search for her father, a community and how they all work together to help one another succeed. I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy courtesy of NetGalley and Avon publishing. All opinions are my own.
Christmas in Cornwall is just around the corner…
But after last Christmas revealed a shocking family secret, Scarlett’s hardly feeling merry and bright. All she wants this Christmas is to know who her real father is.
So Scarlett heads to the little Cornish town of Porthmellow, where she believes the truth of her birth is hidden. She just didn’t bargain on being drawn into the Christmas festival preparations – or meeting Jude Penberth, whose charm threatens to complicate life further.
Everything will come to a head at Porthmellow’s Christmas Festival … But can Scarlett have the perfect Christmas this year, or are there more surprises on the way?
I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were lots of twists and turns and multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. It's the story of a woman, her search for her father, a community and how they all work together to help one another succeed. I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advanced readers copy courtesy of NetGalley and Avon publishing. All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2019
Loved diving back into the lives at Porthmellow!
A festive romance centered around the Ellie and Scarlett’s family based in the Cornish harbor town. We begin with Ellie taking over her late Aunt Joan’s manor, gathering her family together for Christmas. A family secret blows the family apart as all family members try to come to terms with the news when a Christmas present of a family tree DNA test reveals Scarlett and Ellie are not full sisters.
A year later and Scarlett is determined to find out who her birth father is and moves in with Ellie as she believes he is from the local town and her agenda is to find out who he is. As she delves further the women in the family have a shock when they realise they have all had dealing with a local man over various decades once the truth is revealed. While Ellie has spent her life travelling and not putting down roots in case of getting close to people but has she finally found her forever place in Porthmellow?
Ellie and Scarlett both help with the festive preparations in the harbor town as the town pull together for Christmas. The community spirit is woven throughout the story and makes it an ideal place to live – even I want to! Both sisters become immersed in local life and even have their own romances along the way – full of misunderstandings, warmth and humour.
A festive romance centered around the Ellie and Scarlett’s family based in the Cornish harbor town. We begin with Ellie taking over her late Aunt Joan’s manor, gathering her family together for Christmas. A family secret blows the family apart as all family members try to come to terms with the news when a Christmas present of a family tree DNA test reveals Scarlett and Ellie are not full sisters.
A year later and Scarlett is determined to find out who her birth father is and moves in with Ellie as she believes he is from the local town and her agenda is to find out who he is. As she delves further the women in the family have a shock when they realise they have all had dealing with a local man over various decades once the truth is revealed. While Ellie has spent her life travelling and not putting down roots in case of getting close to people but has she finally found her forever place in Porthmellow?
Ellie and Scarlett both help with the festive preparations in the harbor town as the town pull together for Christmas. The community spirit is woven throughout the story and makes it an ideal place to live – even I want to! Both sisters become immersed in local life and even have their own romances along the way – full of misunderstandings, warmth and humour.
January 3, 2020
i ventured out of my comfort zone here, so, well, three stars. dreamy set-up and colourfully painted atmosphere, but unnecessary desperate female characters, a hunk for everyone and full pages of cringe-worthy conversations.. I read tru to the end though, with mulled wine and cookies.
November 5, 2019
.99 was the right amount to pay for this book!
The characters were 32, 36, 38, and 45. They each seemed 10 years younger than their stated ages.
The characters were 32, 36, 38, and 45. They each seemed 10 years younger than their stated ages.
April 11, 2020
Absolutely loved this. Even though I have read it at Easter, given that none of us know what day it is any more it doesn't matter. Perfect escapism and utterly lovely.
January 5, 2025
Omdat Scarlett afgelopen Kerstmis een schokkend familiegeheim ontdekte, wordt de kerst dit jaar anders dan anders. De familie is niet bij elkaar, en niet alleen Scarlett worstelt met haar verleden en vragen. Ook haar zus Ellie, die haar intrek heeft genomen in het landhuis van hun onlangs overleden tante Joan, heeft zaken te verwerken. In Een perfecte kerst in Cornwall leer je de twee zussen én hun moeder beter kennen in het schattige stadje aan de kust.
Ondanks dat Een perfecte kerst in Cornwall een kerstboek is, speelt het verhaal zich niet alleen tijdens kerst af. Het begint tijdens de vreselijke kerst vorig jaar, en bouwt op naar de kerst van dit jaar. Hierbij wordt de spanning goed opgebouwd en het verhaal verliest nergens het momentum. Tegen de achtergrond van een lieflijk Engels kuststadje ontvouwt zich een interessant verhaal.
De twee zussen leven een tijdje samen in het landhuis van tante Joan. Ze leren beide een man kennen uit het dorp, maar hebben door hun verleden én het schokkende familiegeheim moeite om mannen te vertrouwen. Ellie ontmoet Aaron, een ex-militair die nu klaar is om zich te gaan settlen. Maar kan ze hem wel vertrouwen? Zit zijn verleden niet in de weg? Normaliter skip ik boeken met military romance, dus ik was blij dat het niet te diep in ging op dit deel van de romantiek. Het is slechts een achtergrondverhaal van Aaron, maar wel een met gevolgen voor de romance met Ellie…
Ook Scarlett is niet immuun voor een knappe man in het stadje: Jude. Hij heeft een bijzondere hobby, namelijk foerageren (het zoeken en vinden van voedsel in de natuur). Jude lijkt een beetje een vreemde vogel, maar is wel heel lief voor Scarlett. Maar heeft zijn familie iets te maken met het familiegeheim?
De opbouw van de spanning in Een perfecte kerst in Cornwall is goed, maar soms vond ik het boek wel iets te GTST – er waren veel verhaallijnen en bijzondere plottwists die naar mijn mening iets te veel waren. Toch was ik erg benieuwd hoe het nou zat met het geheim, en met de romantiek. Het had van mij een tikje minder gemogen, maar het is wel een leuk en gelaagd boek.
Deze recensie verscheen eerst op https://www.readalicious.nl/recensies...
Dit ebook heb ik ontvangen van de uitgeverij in ruil voor een review. Dit had geen invloed op mijn mening over het boek.
Ondanks dat Een perfecte kerst in Cornwall een kerstboek is, speelt het verhaal zich niet alleen tijdens kerst af. Het begint tijdens de vreselijke kerst vorig jaar, en bouwt op naar de kerst van dit jaar. Hierbij wordt de spanning goed opgebouwd en het verhaal verliest nergens het momentum. Tegen de achtergrond van een lieflijk Engels kuststadje ontvouwt zich een interessant verhaal.
De twee zussen leven een tijdje samen in het landhuis van tante Joan. Ze leren beide een man kennen uit het dorp, maar hebben door hun verleden én het schokkende familiegeheim moeite om mannen te vertrouwen. Ellie ontmoet Aaron, een ex-militair die nu klaar is om zich te gaan settlen. Maar kan ze hem wel vertrouwen? Zit zijn verleden niet in de weg? Normaliter skip ik boeken met military romance, dus ik was blij dat het niet te diep in ging op dit deel van de romantiek. Het is slechts een achtergrondverhaal van Aaron, maar wel een met gevolgen voor de romance met Ellie…
Ook Scarlett is niet immuun voor een knappe man in het stadje: Jude. Hij heeft een bijzondere hobby, namelijk foerageren (het zoeken en vinden van voedsel in de natuur). Jude lijkt een beetje een vreemde vogel, maar is wel heel lief voor Scarlett. Maar heeft zijn familie iets te maken met het familiegeheim?
De opbouw van de spanning in Een perfecte kerst in Cornwall is goed, maar soms vond ik het boek wel iets te GTST – er waren veel verhaallijnen en bijzondere plottwists die naar mijn mening iets te veel waren. Toch was ik erg benieuwd hoe het nou zat met het geheim, en met de romantiek. Het had van mij een tikje minder gemogen, maar het is wel een leuk en gelaagd boek.
Deze recensie verscheen eerst op https://www.readalicious.nl/recensies...
Dit ebook heb ik ontvangen van de uitgeverij in ruil voor een review. Dit had geen invloed op mijn mening over het boek.
June 1, 2020
4 star review of A Perfect Cornish Christmas (Porthmellow Harbour #2) by Phillipa Ashley
I was drawn to the cover and the blurb and since I love any story that is centered around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas, I couldn’t wait to read this story. Phillipa Ashley is a new author to me and I have no idea why I have not come across her before.
I found myself easily picturing myself in Porthmellow, Cornwall and the surrounding area as I read this story. It was an entertaining and well written story which I really enjoyed. I really liked Scarlett and Jude and I felt for Scarlett as she searched for answers.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas was full of quirky characters that were entertaining to read about. It was heart warming and enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book, through the publisher via Netgalley.
I was drawn to the cover and the blurb and since I love any story that is centered around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas, I couldn’t wait to read this story. Phillipa Ashley is a new author to me and I have no idea why I have not come across her before.
I found myself easily picturing myself in Porthmellow, Cornwall and the surrounding area as I read this story. It was an entertaining and well written story which I really enjoyed. I really liked Scarlett and Jude and I felt for Scarlett as she searched for answers.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas was full of quirky characters that were entertaining to read about. It was heart warming and enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book, through the publisher via Netgalley.
June 22, 2020
4 star review of A Perfect Cornish Christmas (Porthmellow Harbour #2) by Phillipa Ashley
I was drawn to the cover and the blurb and since I love any story that is centered around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas, I couldn’t wait to read this story. Phillipa Ashley is a new author to me and I have no idea why I have not come across her before.
I found myself easily picturing myself in Porthmellow, Cornwall and the surrounding area as I read this story. It was an entertaining and well written story which I really enjoyed. I really liked Scarlett and Jude and I felt for Scarlett as she searched for answers.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas was full of quirky characters that were entertaining to read about. It was heart warming and enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book, through the publisher via Netgalley.
I was drawn to the cover and the blurb and since I love any story that is centered around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas, I couldn’t wait to read this story. Phillipa Ashley is a new author to me and I have no idea why I have not come across her before.
I found myself easily picturing myself in Porthmellow, Cornwall and the surrounding area as I read this story. It was an entertaining and well written story which I really enjoyed. I really liked Scarlett and Jude and I felt for Scarlett as she searched for answers.
A Perfect Cornish Christmas was full of quirky characters that were entertaining to read about. It was heart warming and enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book, through the publisher via Netgalley.
February 14, 2021
"Everyone can be lonely, even in the middle of a crowd—especially in the middle of a crowd."
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