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Return to Cornwall
Return to Cornwall: A Prequel to Return to Cornwall the Series
The prequel novel to the new series featuring characters from A WEDDING IN CORNWALL brings surprises, romance, humor, and wedding bells, to readers who fell in love with the first stories. Busy mother of two Julianne Rose has extended her talents beyond the manor house, opening her own event planning agency with the help of no-nonsense best friend Kitty. Balancing the chaos of daily life with their respective careers in their beloved Cornish village means Julianne can rarely snatch a romantic moment with handsome husband Matt. And just when it seems things couldn’t get any more chaotic, a sudden arrival at Cliffs House lands Julianne in the most unusual event of her career. The reappearance of Percy or ‘the old earl’ after years of adventures abroad has temporarily shocked Lord William and Lady Amanda and set the entire village abuzz with gossip. Grizzled, spry, and delightfully eccentric, he’s returned with a most unusual set of traveling an archaeological team digging in a spot whispered to have ties with the legendary Camelot. But it’s Percy’s ties with a certain charming woman among its team that has everyone taken by surprise, along with the news of their soon-to-be nuptials. Tasked with planning the big day, Julianne and Kitty spring at this opportunity despite its rushed timeline and their own woes regarding the renovation of their future event space. But as the big day rolls closer for the earl and his bride-to-be – with cakes and wedding flowers competing with pottery shards and an ancient warrior chieftain’s grave for attention -- are there still surprising revelations to come? Adding to the excitement is the return of former Cliffs House maid Gemma, whose posh new life as a novelist may not be all it seems … and Dinah visits in a flurry of festive baking for a holiday competition on everyone’s favorite baking show. Kitty’s life is in a tizz regarding both family and secrets … and Julianne’s happy marriage is challenged by an unwelcome sexy-and-persistent suitor among the summer visitors. Filled with old friends, new adventures, and heartwarming Cornish charm, RETURN TO CORNWALL is an all-new, full-length novel—the first one ever to feature the characters from the original series!
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
55 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Laura Briggs
100 books118 followersLaura Briggs is the bestselling author of multiple lighthearted romance books, including the Amazon UK Top 100's LATE TO THE WEDDING and the popular A WEDDING IN CORNWALL series. Since her debut with Pelican Book Group's inspirational novella ONLY IN NOVELS, she has worked both with publishers and as an independent author, as well as partnering with others writers, including working under a pen name in other genres. She loves vintage fashion, classic movies, British melodrama, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 7, 2020
Love Laura Briggs! Love Cornwall! Love this book! In case you missed it I am a huge fan of this author. Her characters and settings just completely resonate with me. I love the charm, Whimzy, and heart of her storytelling. This is a follow up story to her hugely popular novella series A Wedding in Cornwall. Admittedly I did not read all of those books (I know, I know), but I still thoroughly appreciated this book. Julianne and Matt have been married for some time now and have two adorable kids. But the honeymoon is definitely over and it is time to navigate real life. Julianne and bestie Kitty have started an event planning business. Toss in an eccentric Percy, an archaeological dig, A colorful cast of characters, a rush wedding and you’ve got yourself one heck of a story!
I had such a delightful time reading this book. Julianne was such a great character. I loved Matt and her marriage, it’s nice to see a book about an established marriage. Not only the good but the ugly as well. Also loved everything about the event planning business, and the friendship between Julianne and Kitty. There’s something about wedding planning I love to read about even though I never planned my own wedding (I got married at a courthouse and guess what divorced at that same courthouse, LOL). Grandpa Percy was the definite highlight of the story I loved his energy and quirk. Another fun filled story from one of my favorite authors.
I had such a delightful time reading this book. Julianne was such a great character. I loved Matt and her marriage, it’s nice to see a book about an established marriage. Not only the good but the ugly as well. Also loved everything about the event planning business, and the friendship between Julianne and Kitty. There’s something about wedding planning I love to read about even though I never planned my own wedding (I got married at a courthouse and guess what divorced at that same courthouse, LOL). Grandpa Percy was the definite highlight of the story I loved his energy and quirk. Another fun filled story from one of my favorite authors.
September 9, 2020
Loved this so so much!!
September 1, 2020
I will tell you a horrible thing now. (Mutters) I have never read this series. Yes I absolutely know I rant and rave about every single Laura briggs book and that people rave about it! I’ll get on it, okay?
I really enjoyed this, a book about Julianne, who is an events planner (yay!) in a cornish village. At the start I was intrigued to see something of a diversion from the writing (funnily enough not unwelcome, I loved the almost mom lit feel) I was used to from Ms. Briggs, as we met her family, including husband Matt, who was so lovely.
The writing gradually changed back to what I was used to, that iconic prose filled language that had me experiencing every beautiful detail of foods, gardens and events. I’ll admit this was a book of two halves for me, the first setting the scene of Julianne and Matt’s cosy but sometimes too comfortable marriage with the presence of Percy, who is professing his ability to change the investigating of historical finds, and young Dex, who has his eye on somebody … These stories definitely moved on in the second half, building to a nod along climax and very satisfying ending. Really enjoyable and very much recommended. Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.
Rating:4/5
I really enjoyed this, a book about Julianne, who is an events planner (yay!) in a cornish village. At the start I was intrigued to see something of a diversion from the writing (funnily enough not unwelcome, I loved the almost mom lit feel) I was used to from Ms. Briggs, as we met her family, including husband Matt, who was so lovely.
The writing gradually changed back to what I was used to, that iconic prose filled language that had me experiencing every beautiful detail of foods, gardens and events. I’ll admit this was a book of two halves for me, the first setting the scene of Julianne and Matt’s cosy but sometimes too comfortable marriage with the presence of Percy, who is professing his ability to change the investigating of historical finds, and young Dex, who has his eye on somebody … These stories definitely moved on in the second half, building to a nod along climax and very satisfying ending. Really enjoyable and very much recommended. Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.
Rating:4/5
July 18, 2024
This is a prequel to the author's latest series, Return to Cornwall. This series so far features most of the same characters as the previous series I read by her, An American in Cornwall. This book takes place about 6-7 years after the last series ended. Julianne and Matt now have two small children (she was pregnant at the end of the last series). Julianne no longer works at the manor, but has her own event planning business with her friend (and former assistant) Kitty.
Nothing terribly earth-shattering happens here. The Old Earl (now in his 70s) returns to town and wants Julianne to plan a wedding for him. We're introduced to a group of archaeologists in the area excavating the site that some locals link to Arthurian legends. There are also minor threats to Julianne and Matt's marriage (have they settled into a boring life?).
Over all, I liked this, but I don't think it would be too meaningful to anyone who hadn't read at least part of the previous series.
Nothing terribly earth-shattering happens here. The Old Earl (now in his 70s) returns to town and wants Julianne to plan a wedding for him. We're introduced to a group of archaeologists in the area excavating the site that some locals link to Arthurian legends. There are also minor threats to Julianne and Matt's marriage (have they settled into a boring life?).
Over all, I liked this, but I don't think it would be too meaningful to anyone who hadn't read at least part of the previous series.
August 31, 2020
It felt so familiar to return to the characters and settings which featured in Laura Briggs' successful series, Wedding in Cornwall, and I had no difficulty slotting back into the story. A few years have passed and the first bloom of romance seems to have dimmed as far as Julianne and Matt are concerned as everyday life has got in the way. The focus for the story centres around Will's grandfather who has returned from his travels abroad but the most interesting aspect of the story for me, has to be the archaeological dig which is taking place nearby.
Wedding and events planning still occupies Julianne who has set up her own business with Kitty. Their friendship adds to the story and there is plenty of humour to be found in Kitty and her attitude towards her unconventional family. Matt is as charismatic as ever- a great micture of the academic and the practical and it is great to see both Julianne and Matt's parenting and to meet their family. Laura does not seem to have missed a beat in revisiting this area of Cornwall. A major strength of the story has to be the range of characters, all with their own preoccupations and hopes for the future.
In short: A delightful chance to meet up with some old friends and make a few more.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Wedding and events planning still occupies Julianne who has set up her own business with Kitty. Their friendship adds to the story and there is plenty of humour to be found in Kitty and her attitude towards her unconventional family. Matt is as charismatic as ever- a great micture of the academic and the practical and it is great to see both Julianne and Matt's parenting and to meet their family. Laura does not seem to have missed a beat in revisiting this area of Cornwall. A major strength of the story has to be the range of characters, all with their own preoccupations and hopes for the future.
In short: A delightful chance to meet up with some old friends and make a few more.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
September 8, 2020
Return to Cornwall is a full length novel and sequel to the bestselling A Wedding in Cornwall series by Laura Briggs. I have to admit I have only read the first novella in the series so to go from book one to book thirteen took me a little while to settle in with the characters in Return to Cornwall. Although with the full and varied cast of characters laid out in front of me I was soon warming and enjoying this delightful bunch.
It was wonderful to return to Cornwall and the gorgeous coastal setting, I loved experiencing life a few years on from when I first met Julianne and Matt and their lives have been blessed with two young children and they are also kept busy with Julianne’s event planning business and Matt’s horticultural expertise.
Julianne with her business partner Kitty thought they had experienced the biggest wedding of their careers but when an old stalwart figure from the village returns with a boat full of archaeologists searching for the lost remains of an ancient chieftain life for the events team becomes very interesting and the village is soon wrapped up in the history of the area.
Another villager has also returned to Cornwall bringing forth more excitement.
With life moving at different paces for the young couple Julianne starts to worry that their initial spark in the relationship has fizzled.
There are also concerns of matters of the heart from many other sub-characters in the storyline and you are left wondering which direction cupid’s arrow will point.
A story full of fascination with it’s archaeological references, full of fun, intrigue, warmth and romance.
It was wonderful to return to Cornwall and the gorgeous coastal setting, I loved experiencing life a few years on from when I first met Julianne and Matt and their lives have been blessed with two young children and they are also kept busy with Julianne’s event planning business and Matt’s horticultural expertise.
Julianne with her business partner Kitty thought they had experienced the biggest wedding of their careers but when an old stalwart figure from the village returns with a boat full of archaeologists searching for the lost remains of an ancient chieftain life for the events team becomes very interesting and the village is soon wrapped up in the history of the area.
Another villager has also returned to Cornwall bringing forth more excitement.
With life moving at different paces for the young couple Julianne starts to worry that their initial spark in the relationship has fizzled.
There are also concerns of matters of the heart from many other sub-characters in the storyline and you are left wondering which direction cupid’s arrow will point.
A story full of fascination with it’s archaeological references, full of fun, intrigue, warmth and romance.
September 5, 2020
A good read!
This book is great for readers like me who are embracing middle age and finding they have a lot of plates spinning in the air; children, marriage, a career and day to day life. Julianne has a lot of plates spinning in this book.
I particularly warmed to this book because not only did it cover Julianne’s wedding business, Cornish village life, her two children, her assistant Kitty’s love life, a lord and lady, and an archaeological dig, but it also shed light onto Julianne’s marriage to the gorgeous Matt.
I did feel at the start her marriage to Matt felt a little too good to be true but I got the sense Laura Briggs was doing this before the marital ripples came in the form of sexy Dex and old feelings of jealousy to do with Matt and his ex-wife Petal.
My favourite quote:
‘Marriages have memories like elephants…’
Again – yes, Laura Briggs! Very true.
Can I just say that Dex writes a damn good love letter…
‘Your beauty is already given, brightening my day with only a glimpse; our conversation stays on my mind for hours after we have parted ways.’
I won’t give the game away on the Dex situation so I will walk away from this topic and not live up to my nickname – Lucy Loose Lips.
I enjoyed this book from Laura Briggs. It gave me everything I wanted; more adventures in Cornwall with Laura’s characters, a relatable plot, a great setting, some interesting marital ripples as I call them and a good insight into the life of Julianne.
This book is great for readers like me who are embracing middle age and finding they have a lot of plates spinning in the air; children, marriage, a career and day to day life. Julianne has a lot of plates spinning in this book.
I particularly warmed to this book because not only did it cover Julianne’s wedding business, Cornish village life, her two children, her assistant Kitty’s love life, a lord and lady, and an archaeological dig, but it also shed light onto Julianne’s marriage to the gorgeous Matt.
I did feel at the start her marriage to Matt felt a little too good to be true but I got the sense Laura Briggs was doing this before the marital ripples came in the form of sexy Dex and old feelings of jealousy to do with Matt and his ex-wife Petal.
My favourite quote:
‘Marriages have memories like elephants…’
Again – yes, Laura Briggs! Very true.
Can I just say that Dex writes a damn good love letter…
‘Your beauty is already given, brightening my day with only a glimpse; our conversation stays on my mind for hours after we have parted ways.’
I won’t give the game away on the Dex situation so I will walk away from this topic and not live up to my nickname – Lucy Loose Lips.
I enjoyed this book from Laura Briggs. It gave me everything I wanted; more adventures in Cornwall with Laura’s characters, a relatable plot, a great setting, some interesting marital ripples as I call them and a good insight into the life of Julianne.
September 1, 2020
I was delighted to return to this delightful series after a bit of a break. You may best appreciate it if you are familiar with the characters and setting from previous books in the series, but this does well also as a stand alone novel.
Julianne has married her soulmate, Matt and they now have two adorable bundles of energetic joy sharing their tiny cottage. Both adults have fulfilling and demanding jobs but manage to balance schedules quite well. They also find time to socialize and take on some new adventures as well.
Their good friends, lord and lady of the manner, are expecting a new addition to the family as well. However a surprise relation from the past also shows up on their doorstep, along with an entourage.
From wedding planning to digging in the dirt of an archeological dig, this book takes the reader on an adventure as well. Friendship, family life, romance and more are themes.
Julianne has married her soulmate, Matt and they now have two adorable bundles of energetic joy sharing their tiny cottage. Both adults have fulfilling and demanding jobs but manage to balance schedules quite well. They also find time to socialize and take on some new adventures as well.
Their good friends, lord and lady of the manner, are expecting a new addition to the family as well. However a surprise relation from the past also shows up on their doorstep, along with an entourage.
From wedding planning to digging in the dirt of an archeological dig, this book takes the reader on an adventure as well. Friendship, family life, romance and more are themes.
September 16, 2020
So I’ve only read one of the original series so had met a few of the characters before, so this wasn’t a big reunion for me. However, the story is still fab with lots of characters to keep you entertained. You can definitely read this as a standalone, although it’s always good to go back and read the rest of the series if you can, so you can properly get to know everyone first. I can imagine that if you’ve read the series, it would be amazing being back with all the characters after a five year break!
There are so many wonderful things going on in this story, my favourite being the archaeological dig (of course!). Having studied a bit of archaeology, you can tell that Briggs has researched this aspect well and I was completely sold on the dig and the characters. I could imagine myself there with them digging up all the exciting things!
As well as the dig, we are catching up with Julianne and her event planning business (another thing I love having been one once!), her family life with Matt and her two kids, life in beautiful Cornwall and her friends, and their lives. I adored Percy – an old eccentric Earl who has been off exploring the world and getting involved in archaeology all over the place! There are so many other characters in this; if you’ve not read the previous books it can take a little while to get your head around who is who, but it’s worth it as they are all brilliant!
As always, I love Briggs’ writing style. It’s so easy going and enjoyable to read, it flows so beautifully and really gets you invested in the story. So overall, yet another fab book from Briggs. I would recommend reading the series first to give you that closer feeling to the characters, and then you will love catching up with them years later. If you’re looking for your next fun, feel good novel with lots going on, then check this out.
There are so many wonderful things going on in this story, my favourite being the archaeological dig (of course!). Having studied a bit of archaeology, you can tell that Briggs has researched this aspect well and I was completely sold on the dig and the characters. I could imagine myself there with them digging up all the exciting things!
As well as the dig, we are catching up with Julianne and her event planning business (another thing I love having been one once!), her family life with Matt and her two kids, life in beautiful Cornwall and her friends, and their lives. I adored Percy – an old eccentric Earl who has been off exploring the world and getting involved in archaeology all over the place! There are so many other characters in this; if you’ve not read the previous books it can take a little while to get your head around who is who, but it’s worth it as they are all brilliant!
As always, I love Briggs’ writing style. It’s so easy going and enjoyable to read, it flows so beautifully and really gets you invested in the story. So overall, yet another fab book from Briggs. I would recommend reading the series first to give you that closer feeling to the characters, and then you will love catching up with them years later. If you’re looking for your next fun, feel good novel with lots going on, then check this out.
October 30, 2020
Great read!
A wonderful escape. The characters were delightfully different. Some so lovable I wanted them in my life. I highly recommend this one!!
A wonderful escape. The characters were delightfully different. Some so lovable I wanted them in my life. I highly recommend this one!!
July 4, 2021
Easy to read
Such a great book as with all in the a wedding in Cornwall,
I recommend to any one it's full of fun
Such a great book as with all in the a wedding in Cornwall,
I recommend to any one it's full of fun
September 30, 2020
When a visit brings more excitement than expected!
Julianne Rose is now the proud owner of an event planning agency. Life is going well for her, she is happily married to Matt and adores her two children. But having an own agency means also more work. Time for a romantic moment for her and Matt is not easily to be found. And when Percy, ‘the old Earl’ suddenly reappears after many years adventures abroad, more chaos is the result. This because he did not come alone, but brought a whole archaeological team and a woman Percy loves!
Julianne has to try to manage everything, going from a wedding, to making plans for her agency together with Kitty, the visit of Gemma and a suitor who does not understand ‘no’…
I loved reading about Julianne and Matt again! It was beautiful to read how their love is still there even after years being together. They truly are a power couple, respecting each other and their independence. It’s not that they don’t care about each other’s work, but they trust each other completely, with the knowledge that the other knows what he/she is doing. But when necessary they stand ground together and form a front.
Julianne finds herself submerged again in work. Not only she is making plans for her agency, but she also has a wedding to plan and is enjoying participating in the archaeological digging. She is a busy woman, yet she wants to make (or rather find) time for her family. And when she is having minor doubts about how everything is going, she still has lovely Matt.
Matt is truly the perfect husband for Julianne… of course we know him already and we know how amazing he is. Yet in this story he show again how amazing he truly is. He is the sweetest man on earth, yet at one specific occasion he becomes this macho-man which made me love him even more!
There is so much going on in this story, yet each event fits perfectly in the greater picture. The wedding was not a real surprise to me, but how the concerned people acted afterwards was admirable. And the problems Kitty is facing… well I would have lost my patience a lot sooner, but having the man you love on your side helps Kitty to temper her anger. And also here, you always get what you deserve. For some people it’s good news, for other not so….
For me, this story was the perfect proof that getting the man you love is not the end, but the start of a new, bigger adventure. Life holds many surprises and that’s what makes it exciting! And that even when you think you are in over your head, your family and friends are always there for you, no matter what!
Julianne Rose is now the proud owner of an event planning agency. Life is going well for her, she is happily married to Matt and adores her two children. But having an own agency means also more work. Time for a romantic moment for her and Matt is not easily to be found. And when Percy, ‘the old Earl’ suddenly reappears after many years adventures abroad, more chaos is the result. This because he did not come alone, but brought a whole archaeological team and a woman Percy loves!
Julianne has to try to manage everything, going from a wedding, to making plans for her agency together with Kitty, the visit of Gemma and a suitor who does not understand ‘no’…
I loved reading about Julianne and Matt again! It was beautiful to read how their love is still there even after years being together. They truly are a power couple, respecting each other and their independence. It’s not that they don’t care about each other’s work, but they trust each other completely, with the knowledge that the other knows what he/she is doing. But when necessary they stand ground together and form a front.
Julianne finds herself submerged again in work. Not only she is making plans for her agency, but she also has a wedding to plan and is enjoying participating in the archaeological digging. She is a busy woman, yet she wants to make (or rather find) time for her family. And when she is having minor doubts about how everything is going, she still has lovely Matt.
Matt is truly the perfect husband for Julianne… of course we know him already and we know how amazing he is. Yet in this story he show again how amazing he truly is. He is the sweetest man on earth, yet at one specific occasion he becomes this macho-man which made me love him even more!
There is so much going on in this story, yet each event fits perfectly in the greater picture. The wedding was not a real surprise to me, but how the concerned people acted afterwards was admirable. And the problems Kitty is facing… well I would have lost my patience a lot sooner, but having the man you love on your side helps Kitty to temper her anger. And also here, you always get what you deserve. For some people it’s good news, for other not so….
For me, this story was the perfect proof that getting the man you love is not the end, but the start of a new, bigger adventure. Life holds many surprises and that’s what makes it exciting! And that even when you think you are in over your head, your family and friends are always there for you, no matter what!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews