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 on all the major ebook platforms or in paperback. As I started reading Christmas books back in August (it gets earlier every year!), I have already shared my review once – but when it’s a book you’ve really enjoyed, I always think it’s rather nice to do so again, and when people are rather more likely to be searching for some festive recommendations. Thank you to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the author and publishers for my advance reading e-copy.
I have already mentioned, I know, how very much I enjoyed the first book in this series, New Dreams at Polkerran Point – I read it back in February 2020, when it was self-published as The Cottage in the Cornish Cove, and thought it was so special. It had everything I look for in a romance I’m guaranteed to enjoy – the well-drawn setting (I loved it so much it was one reason why I went to Fowey – its inspiration – on holiday…!), a warm community, plenty of humour, great characters, the loveliest emotional moments, and a perfect romance at its centre. I shared my review for a second time when it was republished by Canelo in September 2023, complete with its new title and lovely cover – you’ll can read it again here. The second book, Escape to Polkerran Point, the story of Lauren and Daniel, was every bit as good – great storytelling, well written dialogue, that perfect emotional touch, and characters who really have begun to feel like friends (you’ll find my review of that one again here). And I just knew I’d really enjoy being in Polkerran for Christmas, my favourite time of the year – let’s take a closer look…
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.
So – let me share my review just once more…
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.
Giveaway
With thanks to Cass and Rachel, I’m delighted to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a paperback copy of Christmas at Polkerran Point along with a small gift bag (open internationally). The gift bag contains a pack of Christmas post-it notes, a Cornish coaster, a gingerbread tree ornament and some festive-wrapped Tic Tac mints.
Here’s the rafflecopter for entry:
Terms and Conditions
Worldwide entries welcome. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
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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Lovely review!
Thanks Karen! xx