I’m so delighted today to share my review of the latest book from Phillipa Ashley, One Cornish Summer With You. Published by Penguin Books on 5th June (whoops, my apologies – this post was originally planned for publication day, but I ran out of time!), it’s now available in paperback, on all major e-book platforms, and as an audiobook. My thanks to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy, provided via netgalley.
Having taken far too long to discover Phillipa’s lovely books – and I always knew I’d love them, having really enjoyed hearing her talk at a few bookish events – I seem to have focused more on her Christmassy books than her summer ones. The first one I read was The Christmas Holiday back in 2022 (I told you it took me too long…) and I really loved it (you’ll find my review here): but then Four Weddings and a Christmas was even better, a glorious hug of a book with its wonderful Lake District setting and such strong chemistry between its two main (and really likeable) characters (you’ll find my review here). But then there was Escape for Christmas – fabulously festive, gloriously romantic, and the most perfect Christmas read (review here). But last year I finally read my first summer book – and Second Chance Summer totally won my heart with that perfect Isles of Scilly setting, a romance I so enjoyed, and a story that engaged me throughout (you can read my full review here). So this is my first visit to Porthmellow – but I’m already sure I’m going to like it there…
Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.
Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.
Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.
Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever?
It’s now five years since Tammy lost her father – she’s never really understood the circumstances of his death, and she misses him every day. Although he had his demons, he was the centre of her life after her mother walked away – even when some questionable decisions led to the loss of their home. But she’s a fighter – living in a flat above his ceramics studio, landlord Davey keeps a fatherly eye on her (sometimes too close an eye, but he’s a total sweetheart behind that gruff exterior), and she’s beginning to make a real success of life as a sand artist. When completing an installation that’s particularly special to her, she notices she’s being watched by a rather attractive man in a suit who looks rather out of place sitting on the sea wall – and an incident with an ice cream and a seagull brings Ruan, a solicitor who’s just moved into the area, into her life.
Her independence is really important to her – although she has good friends in her life as well as Davey, she’s always avoided longer term relationships. Well, apart from one – and that really didn’t end well. Ruan slowly gets under her skin, not at all the buttoned-up man he first appears to be – but he has secrets, kept from her for the best of reasons, that he worries might come between them. And things only get worse – even more secrets that might be particularly devastating, all tied up with events of the past that really have to be untangled.
The central romance in this book is quite wonderful – while Tammy won my heart from our very first meeting, Ruan is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and I really felt for him too. The chemistry between them is palpable, and very real – and, despite the many obstacles, I so wanted them to have a happy ending. The secrets, and the way they unfold, are so intriguing and well handled – but you’ll find that out for yourself as you read. I enjoyed the friendships too – Davey in particular has his own emotional story – and I absolutely loved the whole concept of the sand art that Tammy created, significant for herself or others but always washed away by the next tide. As well as the emotional ups and downs, there’s more than a touch of drama, plenty of laughter, and the most fantastic supporting characters – just wait until you meet Polly, I just know you’ll love her as much as I did.
I adored this book, the pages turning ever faster – I read it in a couple of uninterrupted sittings, and that was only because we all need to sleep at times. It really was a total delight, full of everything I enjoy, and beautifully written – do add it to your reading list, because I’m sure you’ll love it too.
About the author
Phillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times best selling author of uplifting romantic fiction. After studying English at Oxford University, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, Decent Exposure.
It won the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Award and was filmed as a Lifetime TV movie starring Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Hopkins.
Her novels have sold over million copies and been translated into many languages. She is also an Audible number 1 best-seller.
Phillipa lives in an English village with her husband, has a grown-up daughter and loves walking the Lakeland hills and swimming in Cornish coves.
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I just loved this beautiful book. It left me with warm, fuzzy feelings x
Couldn’t agree more! x