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A Golden Cornish Summer
Under the golden Cornish sun, buried treasure and family secrets will change Emma’s life forever…
Emma loved her life in the seaside village of Silver Cove. But when the discovery of sunken treasure ignited a feud between her family and that of Luke, her first love, everything fell apart. Heartbroken and betrayed, she fled.
Now, as she wades into the sparkling surf for the first time in fifteen years, she remembers everything she loved about this beautiful place. Then a huge wave knocks her off her feet. Wet and dripping, Emma is rescued by none other than Luke – who is, to her dismay, even more handsome than ever.
As their paths continue to cross, and Emma is reminded of everything she ran away from, she starts to wonder if returning home was a huge mistake.
Or could the real treasure have been waiting here for her all along?
A heart-warming read full of sun, sea, friendship and romance. Fans of Sarah Morgan and Trisha Ashley will be hooked from the very first page.
Emma loved her life in the seaside village of Silver Cove. But when the discovery of sunken treasure ignited a feud between her family and that of Luke, her first love, everything fell apart. Heartbroken and betrayed, she fled.
Now, as she wades into the sparkling surf for the first time in fifteen years, she remembers everything she loved about this beautiful place. Then a huge wave knocks her off her feet. Wet and dripping, Emma is rescued by none other than Luke – who is, to her dismay, even more handsome than ever.
As their paths continue to cross, and Emma is reminded of everything she ran away from, she starts to wonder if returning home was a huge mistake.
Or could the real treasure have been waiting here for her all along?
A heart-warming read full of sun, sea, friendship and romance. Fans of Sarah Morgan and Trisha Ashley will be hooked from the very first page.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2022
132 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
45 books1,197 followersPhillipa Ashley is a multiple Sunday Times and Amazon Top 5 and Audible #1 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.
She has written over 30 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 the friends-to-lovers romance, The Distance Between Us - an Amazon Original Story available now on Prime. Her next full length romantic novel is A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky in June 2026.
She also wrote the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
She has written over 30 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 the friends-to-lovers romance, The Distance Between Us - an Amazon Original Story available now on Prime. Her next full length romantic novel is A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky in June 2026.
She also wrote the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 23, 2022
Emma returns to her hometown at Silver Core, Cornwall after her Father dies. She also has a work assignment and as an illustrator this is the perfect setting to work on her looming deadline. An old family feud ignites between her and Luke, her highschool boyfriend and first love. They find themselves facing the biggest questions of their lives.
With a setting as this one you get a beautiful glimpse of this seaside town. The characters really bring this book to life. The family feud about the sunken treasure and the history around it for both families was not big enough, we needed a bit more to make it pop. Without giving it away, I did like the last few chapters were we get a look into how selfless Luke is.
Overall a really fast enjoyable book! Thank you Netgalley and HaperCollinsUK for this ARC.
With a setting as this one you get a beautiful glimpse of this seaside town. The characters really bring this book to life. The family feud about the sunken treasure and the history around it for both families was not big enough, we needed a bit more to make it pop. Without giving it away, I did like the last few chapters were we get a look into how selfless Luke is.
Overall a really fast enjoyable book! Thank you Netgalley and HaperCollinsUK for this ARC.
April 7, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book - the premise is very good - feuding families and lost treasure has a kind of Romeo & Juliet or West Side Story vibe too it. I loved the setting and the beautiful lodge, Falford seems like a magical place.
What I didn’t like however is I found the whole thing a little anti-feminist and uncomfortable. Firstly Emma’s teacher Ms Bowen treated Emma abhorrently in her school years, abusing her position of power because she was angry that a teenage girl was not treating her boyfriend as she believed he should be treated. If an adult in a position of power treated a student unfairly because of her romantic entanglements then she should have been reported, no? Secondly, Emma is referred to as the ice maiden because she wasn’t forthcoming with her emotions and seemed cold towards people. This is awful! Just because she doesn’t display what has been deemed the correct level of emotion she is treated badly by the people who are supposed to care for her? That doesn’t seem right at all. I loved the idea of the story but the characters fell short for me.
What I didn’t like however is I found the whole thing a little anti-feminist and uncomfortable. Firstly Emma’s teacher Ms Bowen treated Emma abhorrently in her school years, abusing her position of power because she was angry that a teenage girl was not treating her boyfriend as she believed he should be treated. If an adult in a position of power treated a student unfairly because of her romantic entanglements then she should have been reported, no? Secondly, Emma is referred to as the ice maiden because she wasn’t forthcoming with her emotions and seemed cold towards people. This is awful! Just because she doesn’t display what has been deemed the correct level of emotion she is treated badly by the people who are supposed to care for her? That doesn’t seem right at all. I loved the idea of the story but the characters fell short for me.
June 22, 2022
Thank you Harper Collins UK audio for thiw audio copy...
When I saw rhw cover I wanted so see what ia all about and the describtions were great.. i can dive into the water and come to visit. What would ir feel to go back to your hometown after 15 years. To found out some things never change and everyone can have a secret. Anyway I wanted to know how the second chance rommance would turn out.
When I saw rhw cover I wanted so see what ia all about and the describtions were great.. i can dive into the water and come to visit. What would ir feel to go back to your hometown after 15 years. To found out some things never change and everyone can have a secret. Anyway I wanted to know how the second chance rommance would turn out.
July 2, 2022
Narrated by Olivia Darnley
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful soothing voice. Could definitely listen to this narrator over and over.
Story 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this story and the developing/rebuilding of the relationship between Luke & Emma. I was rooting for them.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beautiful soothing voice. Could definitely listen to this narrator over and over.
Story 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this story and the developing/rebuilding of the relationship between Luke & Emma. I was rooting for them.
July 23, 2022
What a lovely distraction listening to this fab read whilst working.
February 24, 2025
Another lovely read from Ashley where readers are transported to the Cornish coast. I immensely enjoyed this book because it felt like the perfect escapism in the winter with a story that offered hope and optimism. However, I thought that Ashley did something a bit different with this story, thanks to the subplot of missing treasure, making it an even more interesting read.
This is a second chance novel where Emma returns to her home town of Silver Cove after the death of her father. However, she doesn’t anticipate bumping into old faces so soon, forcing forgotten memories to resurface. Not only do we see the strained relationship that Emma had with her old art teacher (awkward still, even when Emma is now an adult), but also the fact that Emma’s old flame, the handsome Luke, has also returned to the area. In such a small town, their paths continue to cross and with it, recollections of how their relationship ended.
Emma and Luke have a chance to make things right again but the past needs to be addressed. The beach litter pickers makes a great connection to the protagonist’s past as Emma’s father was obsessed with trying to find the hidden treasure of Silver Cove. Yet, it is this that caused her and Luke’s distance and the ripple effect still continues. Will the legend of the Silver Cove treasure continue to push the couple apart or can they bury the hatchet and move forwards?
The setting definitely grabbed me in this story and I felt transported to the seaside. Not only that, I thought the Beachcombers were an interesting gang and it saddened me to feel that this is probably a reflection of reality: where teams of people regularly litter pick on the beaches, finding discarded items from tourists and what has been washed up on shore. Ashley does not present this in a preachy manner, but I think it raises subtle awareness of protecting our lovely planet.
The romance between Emma and Luke is sweet but Ashley keeps readers in suspense as to whether they are able to rekindle their relationship. With their parents’ bitter feud and a father that does not want to let bygones be bygones, it added an extra layer of stress to the couple. Emma is torn between permanently returning to Silver Cove or escaping back to Oxford, avoiding these past demons that haunt here wherever she goes.
A lovely story set in Cornwall with plenty of warm characters and an enjoyable plot. I was rooting for Emma and Luke to move forwards again whilst also enjoying reading about the other characters and their lives at Silver Cove.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a second chance novel where Emma returns to her home town of Silver Cove after the death of her father. However, she doesn’t anticipate bumping into old faces so soon, forcing forgotten memories to resurface. Not only do we see the strained relationship that Emma had with her old art teacher (awkward still, even when Emma is now an adult), but also the fact that Emma’s old flame, the handsome Luke, has also returned to the area. In such a small town, their paths continue to cross and with it, recollections of how their relationship ended.
Emma and Luke have a chance to make things right again but the past needs to be addressed. The beach litter pickers makes a great connection to the protagonist’s past as Emma’s father was obsessed with trying to find the hidden treasure of Silver Cove. Yet, it is this that caused her and Luke’s distance and the ripple effect still continues. Will the legend of the Silver Cove treasure continue to push the couple apart or can they bury the hatchet and move forwards?
The setting definitely grabbed me in this story and I felt transported to the seaside. Not only that, I thought the Beachcombers were an interesting gang and it saddened me to feel that this is probably a reflection of reality: where teams of people regularly litter pick on the beaches, finding discarded items from tourists and what has been washed up on shore. Ashley does not present this in a preachy manner, but I think it raises subtle awareness of protecting our lovely planet.
The romance between Emma and Luke is sweet but Ashley keeps readers in suspense as to whether they are able to rekindle their relationship. With their parents’ bitter feud and a father that does not want to let bygones be bygones, it added an extra layer of stress to the couple. Emma is torn between permanently returning to Silver Cove or escaping back to Oxford, avoiding these past demons that haunt here wherever she goes.
A lovely story set in Cornwall with plenty of warm characters and an enjoyable plot. I was rooting for Emma and Luke to move forwards again whilst also enjoying reading about the other characters and their lives at Silver Cove.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2025
This book was the first I've read by this author. It was an easy read with mainly likeable characters. Only thing was part of the storyline was similar to another book I've read by someone else.
July 4, 2022
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...
A Golden Cornish Summer is an enjoyable 'will they won't they' romance read.
The main characters Emma and Luke are former teenage sweethearts. Emma has just moved back to Cornwall after a long period away, and of course, it doesn't take long for their paths to cross. Conflicted by her feelings and trapped by the echoes of the past, can Emma overcome her struggles to stay in Cornwall for good this time?
The descriptions in this book are superb and the author's love for the Cornish coastline clearly seeps through the pages. From Emma's artwork to the vital work of the team clearing rubbish from the beaches, there is a real passion for Cornwall entwined with the story. It's a joy to read!
I was really looking forward to the buried treasure aspect of this book as I love a good mystery. However, I felt it was undervalued by other elements of the plot which was a real shame, as it brings a unique angle to the story. Despite that, the plot was enjoyable and this was a great summer read.
I should also point out that I love the fact that Phillipa Ashley's books are all set in the same universe, with familiar places and characters cropping up in each new book. It's like waving hello to an old friend each time you come across a familiar name!
Fun and light, A Golden Cornish Summer is another great read from author Phillipa Ashley.
A Golden Cornish Summer is an enjoyable 'will they won't they' romance read.
The main characters Emma and Luke are former teenage sweethearts. Emma has just moved back to Cornwall after a long period away, and of course, it doesn't take long for their paths to cross. Conflicted by her feelings and trapped by the echoes of the past, can Emma overcome her struggles to stay in Cornwall for good this time?
The descriptions in this book are superb and the author's love for the Cornish coastline clearly seeps through the pages. From Emma's artwork to the vital work of the team clearing rubbish from the beaches, there is a real passion for Cornwall entwined with the story. It's a joy to read!
I was really looking forward to the buried treasure aspect of this book as I love a good mystery. However, I felt it was undervalued by other elements of the plot which was a real shame, as it brings a unique angle to the story. Despite that, the plot was enjoyable and this was a great summer read.
I should also point out that I love the fact that Phillipa Ashley's books are all set in the same universe, with familiar places and characters cropping up in each new book. It's like waving hello to an old friend each time you come across a familiar name!
Fun and light, A Golden Cornish Summer is another great read from author Phillipa Ashley.
May 17, 2023
Another great read from Phillipa Ashley. I stayed up late to finish it because I couldn't put it down. I find this with Ashley's books; once I reach the last quarter I tend to finish it because I can't bear to put it down!
Once again visiting Falford, we meet Emma who is an illustrator returning to her childhood town. Running into her teenage sweetheart, Luke, on the beach starts a story where you know the pair will end up together again, but it's the journey there that matters. Much of the conflict comes from a discovered hoard of buried treasure years before, but other family secrets and tensions come to the surface, past and present, and you know everything will be revealed, but it's how the characters deal with this that makes for such involving reading.
It is set in a beautiful location and you can imagine yourself on the beaches and in the seaside towns of Cornwall even if, like me, you've never been there. Ashley's books make me want to visit though! This story really has a small town feel with gossip spreading and everyone knowing everyone else's business all of the time.
I also loved Emma's friend, Maxi, and her children. The children added some comic relief and Maxi was a way for Emma to reveal her feelings and thoughts within the story. The characters, location, and added bonus of buried treasure combine to make this a lovely relaxing book, full of hope and inspiration.
Once again visiting Falford, we meet Emma who is an illustrator returning to her childhood town. Running into her teenage sweetheart, Luke, on the beach starts a story where you know the pair will end up together again, but it's the journey there that matters. Much of the conflict comes from a discovered hoard of buried treasure years before, but other family secrets and tensions come to the surface, past and present, and you know everything will be revealed, but it's how the characters deal with this that makes for such involving reading.
It is set in a beautiful location and you can imagine yourself on the beaches and in the seaside towns of Cornwall even if, like me, you've never been there. Ashley's books make me want to visit though! This story really has a small town feel with gossip spreading and everyone knowing everyone else's business all of the time.
I also loved Emma's friend, Maxi, and her children. The children added some comic relief and Maxi was a way for Emma to reveal her feelings and thoughts within the story. The characters, location, and added bonus of buried treasure combine to make this a lovely relaxing book, full of hope and inspiration.
October 5, 2022
This book is so good, and has so much in it! Every time I picked up "A Golden Cornish Summer", I found myself going on such an emotional journey with this story, and had such a hard time putting this book down.
Firstly, what a beautiful cover!
This is the first book I have read by Philippa Ashley, and it will certainly not be my last! Her writing style is vivid, visceral, full of emotion, and, as the reader, I truly felt pulled in to the story from the first page to the last.
I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will say, this book is full of romance, twists, turns, and mystery. When Emma returns to her hometown for the first time in a very long time, old memories and pain come to the surface. When an ex-boyfriend, Luke, and Emma once again enter each other's lives, what happens next? You will just have to read to find out.
The authors love for Cornwall is so clear, and I could truly envision the sea and surrounding places!
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Firstly, what a beautiful cover!
This is the first book I have read by Philippa Ashley, and it will certainly not be my last! Her writing style is vivid, visceral, full of emotion, and, as the reader, I truly felt pulled in to the story from the first page to the last.
I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will say, this book is full of romance, twists, turns, and mystery. When Emma returns to her hometown for the first time in a very long time, old memories and pain come to the surface. When an ex-boyfriend, Luke, and Emma once again enter each other's lives, what happens next? You will just have to read to find out.
The authors love for Cornwall is so clear, and I could truly envision the sea and surrounding places!
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 25, 2022
This was a brilliant book. I just felt so good and relaxed listening to this audiobook. I thought the narrator was fantastic. It held a wonderful sense of atmosphere and would make a fantastic summer read. The book had a great slow to medium pace that flowed so well. I love how heartwarming the story-line was and it had me engrossed. The book definitely turned into a fantastic page turning novel. The book held a fantastic sense of community spirit and wonderful friendship blossomed.
I really do recommend this book to all those who love a slow building women's fiction novel with some slow building romance.
I loved the variety of different characters and warmed to them all straight away. There development over time was delightful to read. I really connected with each and every character and was emotionally involved. There were certainly some great twists to the story and one event where my heart was in my mouth. Yes some great edge of your seat moments. Both the story and characters were believable and relatable which I enjoy in my stories.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating this wonderful feel good story that just radiates love and warmth. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
I really do recommend this book to all those who love a slow building women's fiction novel with some slow building romance.
I loved the variety of different characters and warmed to them all straight away. There development over time was delightful to read. I really connected with each and every character and was emotionally involved. There were certainly some great twists to the story and one event where my heart was in my mouth. Yes some great edge of your seat moments. Both the story and characters were believable and relatable which I enjoy in my stories.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating this wonderful feel good story that just radiates love and warmth. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.
June 21, 2022
A lovely read. I was fascinated learning about all the things left and washed up on the beach, astounded by how much and the effects of the plastic. Luke and Emma are such a great couple and I was ‘will they? Won’t they?’ all the way through. What a lot of twists and turns, not just treasure that was buried in this story. I also really loved Ursula, she was such an important character in this book and she was the thread that helped pull Emma and Luke together, and learning her own history was heartbreaking, but her strength to move on was inspiring.
A lovely summer read.
A lovely summer read.
May 1, 2022
Emma loved her life in the seaside village of Silver Cove. But when the discovery of sunken treasure ignited a feud between her family and that of Luke, her first love, everything fell apart. Heartbroken and betrayed, she fled.
Now, as she wades into the sparkling surf for the first time in fifteen years, she remembers everything she loved about this beautiful place. Then a huge wave knocks her off her feet. Wet and dripping, Emma is rescued by none other than Luke – who is, to her dismay, even more handsome than ever.
Emma starts to wonder if returning home was a huge mistake. Or could the real treasure have been waiting here for her all along?
I really enjoyed this book with its tales of beach combers cleaning up and with secrets and treasure buried in equal measure. Sure to be another hit for the author, Phillipa Ashley.
I was fortunate enough to read an ARC on Netgalley
Now, as she wades into the sparkling surf for the first time in fifteen years, she remembers everything she loved about this beautiful place. Then a huge wave knocks her off her feet. Wet and dripping, Emma is rescued by none other than Luke – who is, to her dismay, even more handsome than ever.
Emma starts to wonder if returning home was a huge mistake. Or could the real treasure have been waiting here for her all along?
I really enjoyed this book with its tales of beach combers cleaning up and with secrets and treasure buried in equal measure. Sure to be another hit for the author, Phillipa Ashley.
I was fortunate enough to read an ARC on Netgalley
July 18, 2022
I thought the main character was annoying and selfish and the book was full of padding. I didn't enjoy this book at all.
July 1, 2023
Enjoyed this book a nice comfort read
September 14, 2023
Pleasant experience with a story taking place in Cornwall. I love the Lizard area and could imagine myself being part of the Beachcombers
July 7, 2022
Summer isn't summer without a Cornish escapade from this author. A perfect idyllic escape.
August 15, 2022
Sorry not 5 stars, but took me a good few chapters to get into it, which is rare for me with this author, but it made up for it 2nd half of book.
June 6, 2022
Emma needs some peace and quiet to finish a work assignment, and when friend Maxi offers her somewhere to stay, she finds herself back in her home town after many years away. One of the first people she sees is former love Luke - and things do not go smoothly. Can they find a way to overcome the issues from their youth? Will Emma find the peace she's after?
The book was an easy read, with beautiful Cornish descriptions. I did however find the main characters a bit irritating at times, the issue they had with their family history I felt just wasn't as big as made out and as such I felt the book dragged a bit in the middle.
The book was an easy read, with beautiful Cornish descriptions. I did however find the main characters a bit irritating at times, the issue they had with their family history I felt just wasn't as big as made out and as such I felt the book dragged a bit in the middle.
May 30, 2022
The more books I read that are set in Cornwall the more breathtaking it sounds. Living on the coast like that makes for a great setting for a book with an artist as the main character.
I really liked Ursula but the two main characters didn’t quite “move” me. They went through some things as teenagers but it didn’t really seem as traumatic as they made it out to be. After 15 years they should have grown up enough to be able to act like adults.
Overall it is a good romance but not one that swept me off my feet.
I did appreciate the Beachcombers cleaning up the beach each week and education people on all of the things they found. Plastic is destroying our planet and people need to open their eyes and realize this.
I really liked Ursula but the two main characters didn’t quite “move” me. They went through some things as teenagers but it didn’t really seem as traumatic as they made it out to be. After 15 years they should have grown up enough to be able to act like adults.
Overall it is a good romance but not one that swept me off my feet.
I did appreciate the Beachcombers cleaning up the beach each week and education people on all of the things they found. Plastic is destroying our planet and people need to open their eyes and realize this.
October 15, 2022
Emma returns to her hometown of Falford in Cornwall to spend the summer working on a painting commission and is living with her childhood best friend and her family. Unfortunately, Emma soon discovers that the love of her life has also moved back to town and has bought her old home, The Old Chapel, and is living there. Luke and Emma had been in love in school and because of a giant rift between their families they broke up and moved away after school.
Emma forms a friendship with her old art teacher and an environmental group called the Beachcombers who clean the pollution on the beaches. Luke is also involved with them and it creates some awkward moments but both of them realize they’re still very attracted to each other.
The longer Emma stays in Falford the more she finds it hard to resist Luke, especially when he asks her to take a diving lesson from him. Luke runs a diving school and is an expert diver. But dark family secrets from both their parents keep surfacing and Luke has a dark secret of his own about a buried treasure his father found that Emma’s father felt was rightfully his. Ultimately Emma and Luke decide that the past has ruined any chance they have of a future together and Emma decides to leave Falford.
Of course, their old art teacher knows they should be together and begins to plan a way to make them realize they’re meant to have a HEA. And, surprisingly, their mothers both eventually start to agree.
Some of the characters from another of Phillipa Ashley’s books set in Falford make brief appearances which is fun if you’ve read those books.
This is a typical PA romance but not one of my favorites. I didn’t feel a ton of chemistry between Luke and Emma and the parents were awful till close to the end. But I still gave it four stars because I always like her descriptions of Cornwall (hoping to go there one day) and it had a satisfying ending.
Emma forms a friendship with her old art teacher and an environmental group called the Beachcombers who clean the pollution on the beaches. Luke is also involved with them and it creates some awkward moments but both of them realize they’re still very attracted to each other.
The longer Emma stays in Falford the more she finds it hard to resist Luke, especially when he asks her to take a diving lesson from him. Luke runs a diving school and is an expert diver. But dark family secrets from both their parents keep surfacing and Luke has a dark secret of his own about a buried treasure his father found that Emma’s father felt was rightfully his. Ultimately Emma and Luke decide that the past has ruined any chance they have of a future together and Emma decides to leave Falford.
Of course, their old art teacher knows they should be together and begins to plan a way to make them realize they’re meant to have a HEA. And, surprisingly, their mothers both eventually start to agree.
Some of the characters from another of Phillipa Ashley’s books set in Falford make brief appearances which is fun if you’ve read those books.
This is a typical PA romance but not one of my favorites. I didn’t feel a ton of chemistry between Luke and Emma and the parents were awful till close to the end. But I still gave it four stars because I always like her descriptions of Cornwall (hoping to go there one day) and it had a satisfying ending.
May 22, 2022
I found this story of a second chance at love enjoyable. While I am not sure these two (Emma and Luke) really spent enough time to know who they have grown into as adults, they still have strong feelings lingering from their teen romance, that was broken apart by many situations that occurred. Can they really have an honest, mature relationship when both of them hold secrets from each other?
I enjoyed returning to the Cornish Isles, and although I do not see this book listed as a part of a series, the story takes place in the same area of previous Phillipa Ashley books and a few characters are mentioned that I already know from other books. The book can be read independently not having read other of Ms. Ashley’s books.
Quite a bit of the book focuses on a beach cleaning team of townsfolk that go out regularly to clear off items left by people using the beach. This struck me so sad. I never imaged that people could act so badly, but I suppose I give people too much credit for people actually acting like mature adults, which also brings me to some of the characters in the book. Some of these adults certainly did not act properly when Emma and Luke were teens and now years later, they still have not mature very much more.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
I enjoyed returning to the Cornish Isles, and although I do not see this book listed as a part of a series, the story takes place in the same area of previous Phillipa Ashley books and a few characters are mentioned that I already know from other books. The book can be read independently not having read other of Ms. Ashley’s books.
Quite a bit of the book focuses on a beach cleaning team of townsfolk that go out regularly to clear off items left by people using the beach. This struck me so sad. I never imaged that people could act so badly, but I suppose I give people too much credit for people actually acting like mature adults, which also brings me to some of the characters in the book. Some of these adults certainly did not act properly when Emma and Luke were teens and now years later, they still have not mature very much more.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
June 23, 2022
Emma Pelistry has returned to Silver Cove after being away for fifteen years. Her Dad has died & she has so many mixed emotions. So much has happened in the past & nothing has been resolved. Luke Kerr being part of the difficult past.
Emma is an illustrator & has moved in with her friend Maxi to finish a commission & the past is dominating her time.
I do like Emma, a great character with a great story. Phillipa Ashley never disappoints with her story lines & this one is capturing. Enjoy!
Emma is an illustrator & has moved in with her friend Maxi to finish a commission & the past is dominating her time.
I do like Emma, a great character with a great story. Phillipa Ashley never disappoints with her story lines & this one is capturing. Enjoy!
June 28, 2022
My full review is on My Weekly, but A Golden Cornish Summer is one of my favourite reads this year. I just loved its exploration of what treasure is and where we could be looking for it! A Golden Cornish Summer is absolutely gorgeous, filled with community, the environment and different relationships. It’s one of my favourite reads this year.
September 7, 2022
Emma returns to her hometown by the sea. We can just imagine being on the beach and having a dip in the sea. There is family feuds, friendships, romance and the lovely beachcombing aiming to make the place beautiful. The perfect summer read- pack it for your holiday reading.
I love Phillipa's books set in Cornwall- they transport you to a wonderful place and you while away the hours.
I love Phillipa's books set in Cornwall- they transport you to a wonderful place and you while away the hours.
September 23, 2022
I thought I was really going to like this book but I ended up being really bored. I felt like Emma's anger was slightly clichéd and got tiring after awhile. It also didn't feel like there was too much happened within the plot.
I did like the setting of the Cornwall beach area. It was relaxing thinking of the beautiful beach at summer.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
I did like the setting of the Cornwall beach area. It was relaxing thinking of the beautiful beach at summer.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
June 25, 2022
A Golden Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley is a kind of serious romance between Emma and Luke. Emma and Luke had been lovers in their last year of school and after a breakup, primarily caused by interactions with their families, had been parted. Emma had gone to college and Luke had joined the navy. Now Emma was back in Falford (Cornwall) for the summer, staying with her friend Maxi and her family. Luke had moved back several years earlier and had purchased what had been Emma’s home. She was upset to hear that but later learned that if he hadn’t a developer would have turned it into flats and she could not have borne that. She was a commercial artist who illustrated books and greeting cards, and such and she had sublet her apartment in Oxford for the summer to be submersed in inspiration for the book she was working on. Luke still took her breath away but there was so much else to do. She joined the Beachcombers who picked up trash on the beach. One of the beachcombers was Ursula, who had been her high school art teacher, and with whom she’d had a rocky relationship. They became friends as well as kindred spirits.
Emma felt at home here in Cornwall and she considered staying but her relationship with Luke was rocky, at best, and it made it all so difficult. She was an excellent artist and fit well into the community. She felt better there, was recovering from her father’s death. Luke was part owner in a dive shop and loved his life. He was caring, and intelligent and quick. He loved Emma, always had, but there were too many problems. It was all too complicated. Then his father showed up, drunk, and made a fool of himself, and hurt Luke, again. As is often the case, lack of communication was impacting their relationship or lack of one. Ursula kept pushing, so did Maxi. It was an entertaining book, not a straight forward romance at all, but a romance it was, maybe several. Worth the read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Golden Cornish Summer by Harper Collins, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #harpercollins #phillipaashley #agoldencornishsummer
Emma felt at home here in Cornwall and she considered staying but her relationship with Luke was rocky, at best, and it made it all so difficult. She was an excellent artist and fit well into the community. She felt better there, was recovering from her father’s death. Luke was part owner in a dive shop and loved his life. He was caring, and intelligent and quick. He loved Emma, always had, but there were too many problems. It was all too complicated. Then his father showed up, drunk, and made a fool of himself, and hurt Luke, again. As is often the case, lack of communication was impacting their relationship or lack of one. Ursula kept pushing, so did Maxi. It was an entertaining book, not a straight forward romance at all, but a romance it was, maybe several. Worth the read.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Golden Cornish Summer by Harper Collins, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #harpercollins #phillipaashley #agoldencornishsummer
April 23, 2022
A Golden Cornish Summer is destined to be another smash hit for Phillipa Ashley. It boasts everything that a reader of romantic fiction could want from a book. I didn’t immediately take to Emma, she seemed initially cold and not a very pleasant type of girl. However, that opinion soon changed when the story of the feud between Emma’s and Luke’s family was revealed. I can’t imagine that I would be the warmest soul if I thought that a man, I trusted, could betray me so deeply that it had massive repercussions for me and my family.
Luke is simply lovely. He’s built up a solid life and business despite his early setback and is determined to make a difference to the people and beaches of the Falford area. Of course, he’s not perfect, so if you are hoping for a huge romantic reunion, you’ll need a huge dollop of patience. Luke owns a diving business in partnership with Ran, who we met in A Special Cornish Christmas. Don’t worry if you’ve not already read the other books in this series, they all work as standalone stories with enough back story to bring you up to speed.
Once I got to know Emma, I was praying for her to find her happy ending, but that wouldn’t necessarily include a man. She has created a wonderful Illustrating business and is more than capable of standing on her own two feet. Her visit to Falford is as much about exorcising the ghosts of her past as it is about looking for a new beginning.
It was easy to pick a favourite character; I have stayed in touch with a number of my former teachers and Ursula Bowen was like a concentrated version of a few of mine. Her drive and passion for art were the inspiration behind Emma’s business, whether she recognises that, or not. I absolutely loved her stubborn determination and incredibly supportive manner.
Phillipa Ashley’s writing feels effortless, the pages seem to turn themselves. The characters are always beautifully developed to the point that I look out for them in each successive book. Escaping to Falford was just what I needed and a trip to Silver Cove was a bonus.
Luke is simply lovely. He’s built up a solid life and business despite his early setback and is determined to make a difference to the people and beaches of the Falford area. Of course, he’s not perfect, so if you are hoping for a huge romantic reunion, you’ll need a huge dollop of patience. Luke owns a diving business in partnership with Ran, who we met in A Special Cornish Christmas. Don’t worry if you’ve not already read the other books in this series, they all work as standalone stories with enough back story to bring you up to speed.
Once I got to know Emma, I was praying for her to find her happy ending, but that wouldn’t necessarily include a man. She has created a wonderful Illustrating business and is more than capable of standing on her own two feet. Her visit to Falford is as much about exorcising the ghosts of her past as it is about looking for a new beginning.
It was easy to pick a favourite character; I have stayed in touch with a number of my former teachers and Ursula Bowen was like a concentrated version of a few of mine. Her drive and passion for art were the inspiration behind Emma’s business, whether she recognises that, or not. I absolutely loved her stubborn determination and incredibly supportive manner.
Phillipa Ashley’s writing feels effortless, the pages seem to turn themselves. The characters are always beautifully developed to the point that I look out for them in each successive book. Escaping to Falford was just what I needed and a trip to Silver Cove was a bonus.
February 8, 2023
Yes a little predictable but a cracking easy read to be enjoyed.
Following the death of her partially estranged father and the end of her current relationship with her ex Theo, Emma returns to the Cornish village of Falford she was raised in. Finding the more things have changed the more they remain the same. Having become a successful freelance artist, she has a commission to complete on sea life and coastal interests, she rents out her Oxford home and rents her friends holiday cabin.
Held back by secrets kept that were not of her making, that led her to lose the love of her life, Emma’s return is fraught with emotional turmoil, and a hideous toe curling first encounter with her first love Luke and her feisty old Art teacher Ursula Bowen.
Finding Luke living in her old family home, after her snobbish parents were forced to leave over the finding of buried treasure, leaves Emma startled and resentful. Blaming Luke and his family for all her parents past losses complicates matters further.
Staying in Falford Emma settles into her new/old life making new friends out of surprising old relationships. Soon Emma finds she no longer sees Oxford as home…yet asks “where is hone”
Luke and Emma believe their families have been what they thought were sworn enemies all round, yet secrets arise. New friendships ensue. Will more treasure be found, or is it already there under their noses?
Standing up and admitting your feelings ,facing old adversaries and fear of failure, letting out the truth and finding out the truth is never easy. Fighting for someone lost or to let the past go, should Emma run or listen to lessons from old teachers. Should old Teachers take some of their own advice?
A beautifully crafted novel that leaves you immersed in the Cornish costal summer.
Following the death of her partially estranged father and the end of her current relationship with her ex Theo, Emma returns to the Cornish village of Falford she was raised in. Finding the more things have changed the more they remain the same. Having become a successful freelance artist, she has a commission to complete on sea life and coastal interests, she rents out her Oxford home and rents her friends holiday cabin.
Held back by secrets kept that were not of her making, that led her to lose the love of her life, Emma’s return is fraught with emotional turmoil, and a hideous toe curling first encounter with her first love Luke and her feisty old Art teacher Ursula Bowen.
Finding Luke living in her old family home, after her snobbish parents were forced to leave over the finding of buried treasure, leaves Emma startled and resentful. Blaming Luke and his family for all her parents past losses complicates matters further.
Staying in Falford Emma settles into her new/old life making new friends out of surprising old relationships. Soon Emma finds she no longer sees Oxford as home…yet asks “where is hone”
Luke and Emma believe their families have been what they thought were sworn enemies all round, yet secrets arise. New friendships ensue. Will more treasure be found, or is it already there under their noses?
Standing up and admitting your feelings ,facing old adversaries and fear of failure, letting out the truth and finding out the truth is never easy. Fighting for someone lost or to let the past go, should Emma run or listen to lessons from old teachers. Should old Teachers take some of their own advice?
A beautifully crafted novel that leaves you immersed in the Cornish costal summer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2022
It was so lovely to back in beautiful Cornwall with its wonderful community, friendly faces, new characters and a fantastic storyline. A Golden Cornish Summer is based around Emma and Luke. Due to a family feud which left Emma heartbroken, she left her family home in the stunning Silver Cove. Returning back to stay with a friend due to her work and an art commission, she finds out that her first love, the lovely Luke, is also here. You really get such a brilliant connection between the characters, particularly the difficulties between Emma and Luke and you really feel for them. I was rooting for them to get back together throughout the book. I loved the theme of the sunken treasure which came with many hidden secrets - definitely added a different dimension to the book. I loved the community beachcombers and the sea glass jewellery Ursula (great name!) was making. Ursula was my favourite character! I enjoyed reading about the environmental impact that we all have on the area we live and how we can all do a little bit to help was great.
Everyone deserves a second chance, and although it may take time to work through everything and to regain trust, that time was very much worth it for Emma and Luke and it was not just the sun shining at the end of the book, but their love for each other! A brilliant read where you could see yourself sitting on the rocks looking over the sea, smelling the sea and taking in all the wonderful surroundings and people. I look forward to returning back to Cornwall! Thank you Phillipa Ashley for another wonderful book.
Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Everyone deserves a second chance, and although it may take time to work through everything and to regain trust, that time was very much worth it for Emma and Luke and it was not just the sun shining at the end of the book, but their love for each other! A brilliant read where you could see yourself sitting on the rocks looking over the sea, smelling the sea and taking in all the wonderful surroundings and people. I look forward to returning back to Cornwall! Thank you Phillipa Ashley for another wonderful book.
Thank you very much for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
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