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A Starlit Summer
A Hollywood star, a handsome surfer, a taste of fame. Will Jenna's Cornish summer be one to remember?
When Jenna Wilson lands a role in a movie, it's the biggest opportunity of her life. A summer shoot is her chance to swap London for her family's cottage in Cornwall.
But Hollywood star Milo Blake's interest in Jenna is not what it seems and his secret is one she has to keep or risk destroying her career. Its impact filters through her life damaging a budding relationship and threatening her Cornish escape.
Jenna's time in the limelight is not what she imagined. Will it be a summer of love or one she'd rather forget?
When Jenna Wilson lands a role in a movie, it's the biggest opportunity of her life. A summer shoot is her chance to swap London for her family's cottage in Cornwall.
But Hollywood star Milo Blake's interest in Jenna is not what it seems and his secret is one she has to keep or risk destroying her career. Its impact filters through her life damaging a budding relationship and threatening her Cornish escape.
Jenna's time in the limelight is not what she imagined. Will it be a summer of love or one she'd rather forget?
- GenresRomance
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2020
222 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Kate Frost
30 books195 followersKate Frost has wanted to be an author ever since she wrote her first novel during the long months she spent off school following open heart surgery when she was seven. The novel was called London's Burning and was a time travel story set during the Great Fire of London.
Over the years Kate has worked in a cinema, a bookshop, a factory and as a part time lecturer at Bath Spa University teaching lifewriting to Creative Writing undergraduates. She's also worked as ground staff at Edgebaston Tennis Tournament, as a Virgin Vie consultant and as a Supporting Artist in the films Vanity Fair, King Arthur and The Duchess.
Kate has a MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has had articles and short stories published in The London Magazine, New Welsh Review and QWF. She now works as a freelance writer/author and lives in the UK with her husband, her son and their dog.
Over the years Kate has worked in a cinema, a bookshop, a factory and as a part time lecturer at Bath Spa University teaching lifewriting to Creative Writing undergraduates. She's also worked as ground staff at Edgebaston Tennis Tournament, as a Virgin Vie consultant and as a Supporting Artist in the films Vanity Fair, King Arthur and The Duchess.
Kate has a MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University and has had articles and short stories published in The London Magazine, New Welsh Review and QWF. She now works as a freelance writer/author and lives in the UK with her husband, her son and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 7, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
April 30, 2023
An okay read
Have enjoyed all the other books in this series a lot more. Can’t really say why. That said, I did finish it.
Have enjoyed all the other books in this series a lot more. Can’t really say why. That said, I did finish it.
January 5, 2025
Engaging, Evolving, Thought Provoking
Genres: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
A Starlit Summer by Kate Frost - Author . 🧰 📽
After being cheated out of her dream job, Jenna lands another, if not quite as good, it makes her happy. She is thrilled when she realises that the location is not far from her Great Aunt Vi’s cottage which is currently standing empty whilst restoration work is completed, so rather than residing at the hotel, booked for everyone else, she decides to stay at Bramble Cottage. However, caught up in her excitement at getting a cosy cottage by the sea for eight weeks and working in the beautiful Cornish countryside, in her naivety, she unwittingly allows herself to be taken advantage of by an older more powerful colleague, and whilst the merits of this in terms of furthering both their careers are clear, her self-worth is at stake, and an element of her personal life is left hanging by a thread. She must make a choice, play the game, or stay true to herself. 🏡🌊🍦
This novel is my second favourite of Kate Frost’s books. Its also the second that I’ve read that had the main character working within the broadcasting industry, however this time, the main character is in front of the camera which I actually enjoyed more. It was also a really nice change to read work from this author that wasn’t set somewhere abroad. Although, the settings of sunny climes take you away in your head to somewhere with better weather and scenery, sometimes it is nice to be able to perhaps have a clearer more realistic mental picture of a place that is more familiar to you. Kate’s descriptions of the environments in her novels are always very detailed and well put across, even if you haven’t visited that place, it is always very easy to attain a clear vision. However, this novel still contained all the same ingredients, beautiful people, gorgeous weather in an equally stunning environment which has its merits as reading material in the middle of a cold December, but also makes you feel very envious even though it is only fiction. The story is very cleverly interwoven with a message of the importance of self respect, valuing yourself and thinking about how you want others to view you and steering your life towards that goal. If you want to be respected, you have to earn it. Whilst the narratives of Kate’s books (and I have read about five of them now) aren’t over complicated and are somewhat formulaic, I like the comfortable familiarity of her books. I know that I can come back to them after reading more intricate and complex plots. These novels are the sort of stories I grew up reading and they are nice to re-visit when I just need an uncomplicated and entertaining storyline. 📖
I found Jenna to be a confusing and frustrating character, very naive in the ways of her industry. Not seeming to be wanting to be taken for a dumb blonde, but giving rise to it occurring. Putting herself in very obvious situations with the star of the moment and then wondering why the situation is being perceived the way it is. She describes Milo as clearly ‘seeking her out’, that should have been her first clue that he was up to something. If she was looking to stay low key and not get press attention, then why would she want his attention? Having said that she is very clear in her thoughts on her relationship with Finn always seeming quite logical and measured when weighing up their long term prospects given that she is permanently residing in London for her work, as well as self preservation. So although it was somewhat annoying because I wanted them to end up together, I could understand her motives for not running after Finn. I’m not at all sure that he was worthy of the amount of chances she gave him, given that he was so quick to firmly believe what he read, rather than talk to her. 💔
Kate also managers to intertwine humour with her mother ‘whispering’ the things that she thinks are inappropriate, and Jenna’s friend and Carla telling Jenna that she was trending on twitter and that she’s a ******* hashtag! Both of those scenes really made me laugh.♥️
The ending, as with all of Kate’s books was well written and gave the characters journey a predictable yet anticipated conclusion. I think there may be room for a sequel here following up the discovery of the letters between her Aunt and Henry….just a thought… This thread of the story made perfect symmetry alongside Jenna’s work being based in the 1940’s. 💌
Genres: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
A Starlit Summer by Kate Frost - Author . 🧰 📽
After being cheated out of her dream job, Jenna lands another, if not quite as good, it makes her happy. She is thrilled when she realises that the location is not far from her Great Aunt Vi’s cottage which is currently standing empty whilst restoration work is completed, so rather than residing at the hotel, booked for everyone else, she decides to stay at Bramble Cottage. However, caught up in her excitement at getting a cosy cottage by the sea for eight weeks and working in the beautiful Cornish countryside, in her naivety, she unwittingly allows herself to be taken advantage of by an older more powerful colleague, and whilst the merits of this in terms of furthering both their careers are clear, her self-worth is at stake, and an element of her personal life is left hanging by a thread. She must make a choice, play the game, or stay true to herself. 🏡🌊🍦
This novel is my second favourite of Kate Frost’s books. Its also the second that I’ve read that had the main character working within the broadcasting industry, however this time, the main character is in front of the camera which I actually enjoyed more. It was also a really nice change to read work from this author that wasn’t set somewhere abroad. Although, the settings of sunny climes take you away in your head to somewhere with better weather and scenery, sometimes it is nice to be able to perhaps have a clearer more realistic mental picture of a place that is more familiar to you. Kate’s descriptions of the environments in her novels are always very detailed and well put across, even if you haven’t visited that place, it is always very easy to attain a clear vision. However, this novel still contained all the same ingredients, beautiful people, gorgeous weather in an equally stunning environment which has its merits as reading material in the middle of a cold December, but also makes you feel very envious even though it is only fiction. The story is very cleverly interwoven with a message of the importance of self respect, valuing yourself and thinking about how you want others to view you and steering your life towards that goal. If you want to be respected, you have to earn it. Whilst the narratives of Kate’s books (and I have read about five of them now) aren’t over complicated and are somewhat formulaic, I like the comfortable familiarity of her books. I know that I can come back to them after reading more intricate and complex plots. These novels are the sort of stories I grew up reading and they are nice to re-visit when I just need an uncomplicated and entertaining storyline. 📖
I found Jenna to be a confusing and frustrating character, very naive in the ways of her industry. Not seeming to be wanting to be taken for a dumb blonde, but giving rise to it occurring. Putting herself in very obvious situations with the star of the moment and then wondering why the situation is being perceived the way it is. She describes Milo as clearly ‘seeking her out’, that should have been her first clue that he was up to something. If she was looking to stay low key and not get press attention, then why would she want his attention? Having said that she is very clear in her thoughts on her relationship with Finn always seeming quite logical and measured when weighing up their long term prospects given that she is permanently residing in London for her work, as well as self preservation. So although it was somewhat annoying because I wanted them to end up together, I could understand her motives for not running after Finn. I’m not at all sure that he was worthy of the amount of chances she gave him, given that he was so quick to firmly believe what he read, rather than talk to her. 💔
Kate also managers to intertwine humour with her mother ‘whispering’ the things that she thinks are inappropriate, and Jenna’s friend and Carla telling Jenna that she was trending on twitter and that she’s a ******* hashtag! Both of those scenes really made me laugh.♥️
The ending, as with all of Kate’s books was well written and gave the characters journey a predictable yet anticipated conclusion. I think there may be room for a sequel here following up the discovery of the letters between her Aunt and Henry….just a thought… This thread of the story made perfect symmetry alongside Jenna’s work being based in the 1940’s. 💌
August 16, 2023
I've read several of this author's books and have loved most of them, but this was probably my least favorite. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't a complete hit for me.
I did love the setting in Cornwall, which is a little different from most of her other books, which are set in more exotic destinations. It was enjoyable to picture the seaside towns and the rolling hills of Cornwall, and it's amusing to think that Brits may consider the drive "really long" to get there, but here in the U.S., a 5 hour drive is practically a quick hop. :)
I think the thing that turned me off the most about this book was Jenna's profession. Although I'm usually interested in learning about professions that I don't have much knowledge about, I just can't muster the interest in actors and their world. The snobbery and hyperfocus on physical looks is a huge turn-off, and that part of Jenna's story just soured the story for me. I also felt that too much of the story was dedicated to the situation with Milo, and we got very little with Finn. I would've liked to have seen Finn be in more of the story, as when things finally got resolved, the next steps felt a bit rushed in the end.
I still really love this author's writing style, and have a few more of her books in queue - so I'm definitely still a fan :)
I did love the setting in Cornwall, which is a little different from most of her other books, which are set in more exotic destinations. It was enjoyable to picture the seaside towns and the rolling hills of Cornwall, and it's amusing to think that Brits may consider the drive "really long" to get there, but here in the U.S., a 5 hour drive is practically a quick hop. :)
I think the thing that turned me off the most about this book was Jenna's profession. Although I'm usually interested in learning about professions that I don't have much knowledge about, I just can't muster the interest in actors and their world. The snobbery and hyperfocus on physical looks is a huge turn-off, and that part of Jenna's story just soured the story for me. I also felt that too much of the story was dedicated to the situation with Milo, and we got very little with Finn. I would've liked to have seen Finn be in more of the story, as when things finally got resolved, the next steps felt a bit rushed in the end.
I still really love this author's writing style, and have a few more of her books in queue - so I'm definitely still a fan :)
May 15, 2025
Cornwall England.
Jenna an actress that works a lot in London. Her family inherited a cottage in Cornwall so she goes over to help them clean it out, falls in love with the quaint area. The parents get a contractor to start work on the cottage. She hears from her agent that she got a part in a movie for the summer in the Cornwall area she is so excited to spend time at the cottage and over see the Reno. She gets there and it’s not the dad it’s a young good looking bloke. She spends time weeding and getting to know Finn.
After filming starts Milo the star flirts with Jenna, everyone notices the flirting. She likes it, she could be interested so she invites the crew over to the cottage one night they are drinking and talking and her girlfriends Uber back to the hotel but Milo and Tim stay. That night she hears them moaning she knew what they were doing. It explains why he didn’t kiss her or try anything.
She and Finn share a sweet kiss and she is looking forward to more but a story breaks in a tabloid that Milo and Jenna are hot and show pics of them kissing. Finn won’t talk to her, she try’s to explain he won’t listen.
Tim really like Jenna as a person so he goes to Finn to tell him the truth. At the opening of the movie Milo tells all he’s in love with Tim.
Jenna an actress that works a lot in London. Her family inherited a cottage in Cornwall so she goes over to help them clean it out, falls in love with the quaint area. The parents get a contractor to start work on the cottage. She hears from her agent that she got a part in a movie for the summer in the Cornwall area she is so excited to spend time at the cottage and over see the Reno. She gets there and it’s not the dad it’s a young good looking bloke. She spends time weeding and getting to know Finn.
After filming starts Milo the star flirts with Jenna, everyone notices the flirting. She likes it, she could be interested so she invites the crew over to the cottage one night they are drinking and talking and her girlfriends Uber back to the hotel but Milo and Tim stay. That night she hears them moaning she knew what they were doing. It explains why he didn’t kiss her or try anything.
She and Finn share a sweet kiss and she is looking forward to more but a story breaks in a tabloid that Milo and Jenna are hot and show pics of them kissing. Finn won’t talk to her, she try’s to explain he won’t listen.
Tim really like Jenna as a person so he goes to Finn to tell him the truth. At the opening of the movie Milo tells all he’s in love with Tim.
July 11, 2020
I absolutely loved this story. Set in Cornwall, the descriptions take you away from the chaotic, humdrum city life and transport you to sandy beaches, picturesque ports, and the perfectly named Bramble Cottage.
The narrative is full of beautiful descriptions:
The night was starlit, the sea an endless black, the only colour the white surf catching the moonlight as it foamed onto the beach.
I also love how the author uses her own experiences on sets to bring the magic of film making to us, showing the dark as well as the glamorous side of being on TV. And the mix of characters is just right, each one bringing warmth, or bitchiness, to the story.
This is a beautifully written, heart-warming story that evokes memories of endless summer days and true love. A 5-star read for me that I highly recommend.
The narrative is full of beautiful descriptions:
The night was starlit, the sea an endless black, the only colour the white surf catching the moonlight as it foamed onto the beach.
I also love how the author uses her own experiences on sets to bring the magic of film making to us, showing the dark as well as the glamorous side of being on TV. And the mix of characters is just right, each one bringing warmth, or bitchiness, to the story.
This is a beautifully written, heart-warming story that evokes memories of endless summer days and true love. A 5-star read for me that I highly recommend.
August 25, 2020
I adore Kate's writing style, it sucks me straight into her beautiful storylines. I'm always captivated by her descriptive vocabulary and believable characters who I find myself really caring about!
A Starlit Summer is another shining
example of all the above, with a dreamy Cornish setting and real intrigue throughout the intertwining plots.
I love how Kate brought some of her personal experience on film sets to the story, an insight into a world most of us can only dream of - but which clearly has its pros and cons like all jobs! I really can imagine this being made into a fantastic film 🎥
I found this book addictive, always wanting to read just one more chapter before lights out! Highly recommend ❤️
A Starlit Summer is another shining
example of all the above, with a dreamy Cornish setting and real intrigue throughout the intertwining plots.
I love how Kate brought some of her personal experience on film sets to the story, an insight into a world most of us can only dream of - but which clearly has its pros and cons like all jobs! I really can imagine this being made into a fantastic film 🎥
I found this book addictive, always wanting to read just one more chapter before lights out! Highly recommend ❤️
September 25, 2020
Young actor Jenna is handed her biggest part to date, and as luck would have it, she must relocate to Cornwall for the summer, allowing her to oversee renovations on her great aunt’s cottage.
Jenna loves the peace and quiet of Cornwall, and the attention of two men: heartthrob Milo Blake, and builder Finn Harrison.
However, Jenna soon learns that many secrets hide beneath the glitzy movie world surface, and she finds herself in a sticky - and heartbreaking - situation.
I absolutely loved this story! The author’s acting knowledge is evident in the detailed descriptions of life on set, her characters are endearing, and her descriptions of Cornwall swept me away. I’m missing the ability to travel in 2020, but reading one of Kate Frost’s books is the best remedy. Highly recommended!
Jenna loves the peace and quiet of Cornwall, and the attention of two men: heartthrob Milo Blake, and builder Finn Harrison.
However, Jenna soon learns that many secrets hide beneath the glitzy movie world surface, and she finds herself in a sticky - and heartbreaking - situation.
I absolutely loved this story! The author’s acting knowledge is evident in the detailed descriptions of life on set, her characters are endearing, and her descriptions of Cornwall swept me away. I’m missing the ability to travel in 2020, but reading one of Kate Frost’s books is the best remedy. Highly recommended!
July 16, 2020
Another great book by Kate Frost full of longing, love, heartbreak, secrets &nlies and misunderstandings. Everything that makes a great book great! Had a very authentic feel comparing it to real life. This book has a slower pace compared to The Baobab Beach Retreat, but it is equally as good and well written. I enjoyed reading this book & you will too!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2021
Pure escapism
This book is part of a romantic escapes series. Loved everything about this book, the story and the characters.
I especially loved Jenna, Finn & Carla, in the end I also liked Milo for being brave but his antics did annoy me lol.
I felt I was with Jenna, in her world, being in her cottage, on set, with Finn at the beach; felt her heartache, frustration and happiness - such a great ending. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
This book is part of a romantic escapes series. Loved everything about this book, the story and the characters.
I especially loved Jenna, Finn & Carla, in the end I also liked Milo for being brave but his antics did annoy me lol.
I felt I was with Jenna, in her world, being in her cottage, on set, with Finn at the beach; felt her heartache, frustration and happiness - such a great ending. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
October 20, 2024
Typical Feminist Romance
This girl meets boy, has a fight, then kisses and makes up is so much like the rest. Ms. Frost defined her characters quite well and made the setting believable. The novel was okay. She made her mistake by diminishing an American politician when the setting is in England. It left a sour taste in this reader’s mouth as I know the author is a resident of the UK, not the US.
This girl meets boy, has a fight, then kisses and makes up is so much like the rest. Ms. Frost defined her characters quite well and made the setting believable. The novel was okay. She made her mistake by diminishing an American politician when the setting is in England. It left a sour taste in this reader’s mouth as I know the author is a resident of the UK, not the US.
June 9, 2021
Escapism at its best! Loved this book, the story and the characters were amazing. My favourite characters were Jenna and Finn and by the end I liked Milo for being brave. I felt I was in Cornwall with Jenna, felt her pain when she thought she had lost Finn, then the ending was great, especially Milos speech and hearing what Jenna and Finns future hold- perfect!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
Nicola’s review
This book was by far brilliant and the best one I’ve read yet. It was a joy to read. The characters really come to life and shine through. The storyline is very good and has a touchy freely feel good factor in it. I think Kate Frost is a very good author and she knows how to target her audience.
This book was by far brilliant and the best one I’ve read yet. It was a joy to read. The characters really come to life and shine through. The storyline is very good and has a touchy freely feel good factor in it. I think Kate Frost is a very good author and she knows how to target her audience.
July 15, 2020
I really enjoyed following Jenna through her summer, and I was really captivated about her love story!
The story is beautifully written, and you can easily see that the author paid a lot of attention to every detail.
I recommend this book!
The story is beautifully written, and you can easily see that the author paid a lot of attention to every detail.
I recommend this book!
July 21, 2020
What a lovely escape from everything going on in the world right now! An awesome setting in Cornwall, a fun behind the scenes look at a movie set, and loveable characters. Great read if you're looking for something fun and lighthearted!
January 26, 2023
Sweet
Didn't want to put it down, loved the different characters, some with their heads and hearts in the right place and others not so. Easy read, loved the story, fate and destiny.
Didn't want to put it down, loved the different characters, some with their heads and hearts in the right place and others not so. Easy read, loved the story, fate and destiny.
April 25, 2023
I had a little trouble identifying with the heroine but the idyllic Cornwall summer of the setting was wonderful. Jenna Wilson is an actress who is staying in her great aunt's cottage while filming for eight weeks in Cornwall and simultaneously supervising the renovations on the cottage for her mother, who hopes to turn it into a vacation rental. Tensions on the movie set were easy to follow but not especially believable. The romance with the builder was sweet but not very likely. I cam away from this story thinking I might like to spend a summer in Cornwall but not very vested in the romance.
November 16, 2020
A new author to me and I will look for her books again. A nice relaxing read.
April 23, 2021
Enjoyed it easy to read.
August 14, 2021
Great read
I enjoyed this book very much. It is a wonderful getaway from the daily grind. I especially loved the description of Cornwall.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is a wonderful getaway from the daily grind. I especially loved the description of Cornwall.
September 10, 2023
fantastic!!!
Great story I throughly enjoyed it!
Always enjoy a happy ending to a love story!
Couldn’t put it down fab!
Great story I throughly enjoyed it!
Always enjoy a happy ending to a love story!
Couldn’t put it down fab!
October 17, 2023
Nice book, good and clean. Was alittle hard at first to get into. After I did it kept my interest well. Looked forward to picking it up every time.
October 18, 2024
Fun read
I love a book that makes the setting a character.bi feel
like I was just in Cornwall and met nice people. A win
I love a book that makes the setting a character.bi feel
like I was just in Cornwall and met nice people. A win
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews