Complex domestic, idyllic setting. Can Flora survive the Summer whilst staying with her former mother -in-law when her ex-husband and his present wife make an.appearance? Time will tell. Nicely written escapism with an entertaining although unlikely premise! Enjoyable holiday reading - from armchair or otherwise.

I’ve read and enjoyed Catherine Alliott’s books for many years now, ever since her first one when I was somewhat younger! I think this book is up there with her best work, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It looks a complex family relationships and how they impact on people’s’ lives and finding new love. Fun to read and easy to enjoy. Perfect. Thank you for letting me review this book.

I expected a light hearted romance but there was a lot more to this novel as we joined the Bedlington family in Cornwall for the summer. The story is told from the perspective of Flora, ex wife of son and heir Hugo, and mother of his oldest child, 17 year old Peter. Flora agrees to spend the summer painting her ex father in law, Roger. When she arrives with artist friend, Celia, she finds her ex husband Hugo, his wife Christina and their twins as well as his long term friend, and thorn in Flora's side, American Tommy and his friend Janey. The summer doesn't quite go to plan - long buried secrets emerge, there is a large, interfering and supporting cast, and everyone is now who they seem. All with the idyllic background of the Cornwall coast. I felt I was there and part of the group, which is down to the writing. A great beach read.

Flora never really got over the breakup of her marriage to Hugo 15 years ago, even though he has been married to someone else for all that time, so when her ex father in law asks her to paint his portrait at their house down in Cornwall she has some misgivings, but as long as Hugo isn't there it should be ok....... until Hugo changes his plans and decides to come to Cornwall for the summer! Can she cope with him and his wife..... not forgetting his formidable mother and what are the family secrets that seem to be hidden!

Another lovely book by this author I always enjoy her style and the humorous approach she gives to her writing, a lovely beach read with a few twists and turns to keep your interest, and I always love books set in Cornwall

Flora has been in love with Hugo for 20 years.They have a son Peter who is now 17 years old.
Hugo is now married to Christina who have two children together..

Hugo's family own a large house and also the local business of providing water services for the county.

They all meet up at the parents house and things do not go as planned.

A really well written and enjoyable book. Has the laughter and also the sorrow which makes "A Cornish Summer" such a great read.

A good holiday book that leaves you wanting more.Just as it should do.

A perfect summer read. A family drama set in Cornwall. What is there not to like? I really liked the characters who were totally believable. I also loved the wonderful descriptive passages.. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it left me with a smile n my face.

A Cornish Summer is a rich family drama. A divorced mother is commissioned to paint her former father in laws portrait and is drawn back into her former family's intrigues. Filled with warmth and Cornish sunshine, this is a light but heartstrings filled summer read.

This is the perfect summer read, Cornwall , beaches, families. Although it would be equally as good read in the winter time to remind you of that lovely summer sun feeling. It’s a family saga set in beautifully described Cornwall on the beach.. Flora an artist is returning to her hometown and ex in-laws house with her friend Celia, also an artist and so an excuse for lots of arty images.
A really enjoyable read, family tension, old enemies, ex husbands, new wives and a monster mother in law, not to mention the art, the beach and the environment.

Thank you netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for an opportunity to read this in return for an honest review.

Proper beach read. Bit predictable on the most part but with a little twist at the end - worth reading until the end just for that.

Did a lot of eye rolling through this book though - characters a bit prosaic and storyline of woman just not moving on but her ex doing so spectacularly makes me a little cross - why not the other way around?

But the scenery described was idyllic (and living in Cornwall myself I can say so) and was easy to read through. Doesn't require much brain power.

Thank you Netgalley for my review copy of this book

An involved story about Flora, who goes to paint a portrait of her former father in law, in Cornwall. The family is a big part of the local community, thanks to her former mother in law - Belinda. Her former husband, Hugo is running the family business - Bellingdon Water.
This book has possibly too many characters to follow clearly, and several shocks about certain characters. It is well written, if involved, and shows Cornwall up at its best.

I thought l would give this a go as l had often seen this author books and they did appeal to me. So with anticipation l started but they aren’t for me l can see the appeal easy reading great description of lovely locations interesting but not challenging storyline l honestly think this would be a perfect holiday read by a pool or in a little Cornish cove - if that’s what you are after go for it 👍

A lovely read from Catherine Alliott. This book centres around Flora and her life. It is very descriptive and has a meaningful flow all the way through. You really do feel for Flora and want a happy ending for her, does she get it you will have to read on.

I really struggled to get into this book from the off and it didn't for me get any better. Hopefully this is just a one-off as I have enjoyed other books by the author.

When Flora is asked by her ex mother-in-law Belinda to paint her ex father-in-law Roger’s portrait she agrees and with her friend Celia heads down to Cornwall for the summer. The last thing she is expecting when she arrives is that her ex-husband and his family will be there as well. Even though they have been divorced 15 years Flora has never quite got over Hugo and relishes the small amount of time they spend together at school events etc. for their son Peter.
Also staying with the family is Hugo’s old friend Tommy who has never really gotten along with Flora..
After meeting Ted an environmental scientist and campaigner Flora wonders if she could finally be getting over Hugo and ready to move on but Ted is in Cornwall looking for evidence to prove that the water company Hugo runs has been covering up sewage leaks and issues with pipes for the past few years.
Tommy is there to go through Hugo's paperwork to ensure that everything is above board but instead finds that Hugo is in far deeper than he feared.
As things start to unravel can Hugo find a way out and will Flora finally let him and their past go so she can move on with her life.
Good characters, story-line and setting. Perfect summer read!

I absolutely loved this book. The description of the setting was like a painting in itself like Flora and the narration felt as though the reader is an onlooker to the goings on.

I loved the description of the country life and the events of a big house and the secrets hidden behind the front door.

This is definitely a holiday read - if not, I would want to hotfoot it to a beach so not to have FOMO.

Loved this book. A great summer read. Thanks to netgalley and the author for the advance copy. Definitely recommend

I have read and enjoyed many of Catherine Alliott's previous books and really enjoyed this one too.

A perfect summer read - lighthearted but with a serious topic of coastal pollution too. An interesting cast of characters. I thought the hunting scene was particularly well written and I felt as if I was there. A story of family, relationships, loyalties, friendship and manipulation. I loved the Cornish setting and it made me want to be there.

A very enjoyable read - perfect for a sunny afternoon on the beach or in the garden.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Heavenly...what fantastic summer reading! I can smell the sea, hear the surf on the beach...
I really enjoyed this book, it had unexpected depths, extremely well written ones, showing an understanding and wisdom rarely experienced in novels.
I loved the horsy parts of it too!
Like a super-clever Jilly Cooper! More, please!

An absolute joy to read. A gentle start with a climb towards a crescendo of shattering proportions. Gorgeous setting, believable characters and relationships. I loved this book from start to finish. A perfect summer read.

Thank you Netgalley

I’m a fan of Catherine Alliott and this book does not disappoint. A lovely summer holiday beach read.