I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for Christmas at Polkerran Point, the third book in the really lovely Little Cornish Cove series from Cass Grafton. Published on 22nd August by Canelo, it’s now available via Amazon in the UK and US, but also available on all other major ebook platforms or in paperback from your favourite online or local retailer. My thanks to Kelly at Love Books Tours for the invitation and support, and for providing my advance reading e-copy.
I read and loved the first book in this series, New Dreams at Polkerran Point, back in February 2020 – at that time, it was self-published as The Cottage in the Cornish Cove – and loved every single moment. It had everything I enjoy in a book – a well-drawn setting, a real sense of community, lots of warmth and humour, wonderful characters, a few perfectly handled emotional moments, and the loveliest romance at its centre. And I was thrilled when it was republished by Canelo – with its new title and lovely cover – in September 2023, this time as the first book in a planned series. And yes, I shared my review for a second time – if you’d like to read it again, you’ll find it here. The second book, Escape to Polkerran Point, the story of Lauren and Daniel, was every bit as enjoyable – perfect storytelling, well written dialogue, emotions you could feel, plenty of laughter to share, a few tears along the way, and characters who really have begun to feel like friends (you’ll find my review of that one again here). And this time we’re visiting at Christmas – my favourite time of year – and I was very much looking forward to getting to know Gemma and Matt…
Fate may have brought them together, but secrets seem destined to keep them apart…
An accident and a lost passport mean Gemma’s six-month sabbatical to go travelling is not off to a strong start. She heads to Polkerran Point to stay at her aunt’s while her new passport is processed and to find temporary work in the meantime.
Enter musician Matt. Newly moved into a secluded, renovated mill – complete with a recording studio – Matt is preparing for his band’s big reunion tour. Focused on writing new music for the album, he needs a live-in housekeeper.
Even as sparks fly, Gemma can sense Matt’s keeping secrets and with her role ending once Christmas is over, will there be anything to keep her in Polkerran?
A cosy, festive Cornish romance for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Cressida McLaughlin.
When life isn’t going quite as well as you wanted it to – Gemma’s travel plans are temporarily on hold after losing her passport – some time at Polkerran can be just what you need. Those wonderful conversations in Anna’s kitchen, where the community gathers to put the world to rights (and enjoy her baking), will lift anyone’s spirits and bring a smile. But she needs to earn some money while she’s there – and Anna’s newly found brother Matt is in need of a live-in housekeeper. Fair to say they might not have exactly warmed to each other at first meeting – she’s bouncy and chatty, he’s reserved and a touch spiky. And there’s the small issue that she really can’t cook – but Anna’s on hand to help with that, filling the freezer and teaching her a little. And it turns out it doesn’t matter too much – he hardly eats any meal she struggles to put on the table.
Matt is staying at an isolated mill with a recording studio attached – he was in a really successful boyband, and the other members are due to arrive to prepare for a reunion tour. But it’s clear he has his concerns – the not eating, the time he spends alone, and the fact that he seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Gemma’s relentless cheerfulness might prove a bit of a trial for him – and with Christmas just around the corner, the time of year she really loves, she’s particularly full of the joys of the season. But she’s a dab hand at managing the small boat that maintains their connection with Polkerran – and, despite the festive decorations she insists must be part of their lives, they get on with things. But she really does need to know what makes him so very difficult to get on with at times – when he’s in a better mood, there’s a lot about him that she really likes – and, having uncovered a few secrets, whether there’s anything she can do to help put things right.
Their relationship is at the centre of the story – a really well-handled grumpy/sunshine one, a friendship at first, their connection growing but with more than a few complications along the way, and between two quite complex individuals I grew to really like, becoming increasingly invested in the possibility of a much hoped for happy ending. And despite the many obstacles along the way, it all turned out exactly the way I wanted it to – a romance that became strong, convincing, and particularly moving.
But there was so much more I enjoyed too, especially the time spent at Polkerran in the run-up to Christmas (endured by Matt, enthusiastically embraced by Gemma) with events and traditions that bring the community together. Every individual is so well drawn, and I loved all the little touches of detail that really brought the season to life. And there’s a happy event on the horizon too – the wedding of Anna and Oliver – and that was so beautifully done, really bringing a tear to the eye.
This really is the most gorgeous series, and this was a perfect addition – filled with warmth and the most perfect festive touches, wonderful characters and a touch of mystery, a perfectly drawn location and such a well-told story. If you’ve missed the two earlier books, do read it as a standalone – I loved spending time with old friends, but a visit at Christmas would be just fine (and, if you then want to, you can always catch up later…). A really lovely read – and one I’d heartily recommend.
About the author
Cass began her writing life in Regency England, enlisted Jane Austen’s help to time-travel between then and the present day and is now happily ensconced in 21st century Cornwall.
Well, in her imagination and soul; her heart and physical presence reside in northern England with her ever-patient husband and Tig and Tag, their cute but exceptionally demanding moggies.
A bit of a nomad, Cass has called three countries home, as well as six different English counties, but her aspiration is to one day reunite with her beloved West Country.
In the meantime, she writes feel-good contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manages to live there vicariously through her characters and settings.
An Ambassador for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, Cass is also a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Jane Austen Society UK and the Society of Authors.
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Thank you so much, Anne, for the detailed and lovely review. Your support of this series means a great deal to me.
I really love this series – and the reviews are an absolute pleasure xx
Thank you ever so much, Anne. xx