I have read and enjoyed a few of Jane Linfoot's books before. I was excited to receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher when I found out that it was set in St. Aidan. This is the location of several other books by this author. Christmas books always appeal to me, so I knew that o was going to love this book.
Ivy, the main protagonist is a feisty character who is determined to turn the rented holiday castle into the most festive and wonderful place that Instagram has ever seen. Her client Libby is a childhood friend, who slightly scares her, so everything must be spectacular and perfect.
Unfortunately the castle is sparse and bare, which means that she has to rely on Bill, the caretaker for help. He is an old crush who she hasn't seen for years, and she clashes with him as he is now a very grumpy person.
There is a huge cast of characters in this book, and it was difficult to remember who each one was. Many of the characters initially seemed to be unlikeable at the beginning of the book. As the book progresses we find out that some of them have problems and secrets. So many people staying in the castle causes misunderstandings and frustrations. It is down to Ivy to pull everything together.
The location was stunning, although it would have been nice to see more of the previous characters from St. Aidans featuring in this book.
There were many funny moments in this book, which made me laugh. There was an underlying theme of Ivy's tragic accident the year before, and how she was trying to not think about it. There was also a reminder that what might outwardly seem perfect to others is often not when you get to see what their real life is like.
Overall this is a fun and festive read. I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Who can say no to Christmas in a magical castle?
I felt like rather than following two character’s as they discover their love and find their way to each other, we learn several life lessons about recognising our needs, loving ourselves, not judging our lives based on what we see of others and letting love in all its forms into our lives. The whole family is involved in the development of this story and the realisation, acceptance and love of each other.
Ivy and Will/Bill are the focus of the story. However, I don’t think their story would be as great, dramatic or real without the rest of the family involved. With Bill coming to terms with a loss he thought he couldn’t control, Ivy trying to come to terms with her guilt and learn to love and accept herself again, Fliss hoping her marriage isn’t ending while trying to stay sane with two young kids, Libby running the show and leading the “perfect” life and Miranda looking like she’s about to get married again there’s a lot going on. What’s Christmas without all that drama though?
The way they come together to support, guide and give a stern talking to each other as and when needed is great. For a Christmas romance I was truly surprised at how many life lessons were packed into one book. I honestly think all teenage girls and young women need to read this to learn these lessons. I’m sure guys could get benefit from it as well.
However, I also feel that there are some uniquely female issues that are displayed and worked through that guys can only empathise with. Although, that might be a good thing to give guys a perspective of what the women in their lives are going through and how they can support them during these difficult times.

A cosy Christmas read full of cheer to get you into the Christmas spirit!
Initially I found this book a little slow to get into and was confused by the huge amount of characters! As the book progressed the story line improved, every aspect of Christmas was described well and cockle shell castle sounded so appealing in all its Christmas glory and totally Instagram worthy! Ivy in her role as chief organiser and photographer for a bunch of London friends coming to Cornwall to experience a castle Christmas,excels in her role with a few mishaps along the way, all complicated by her feelings for will/ bill! Plenty of colourful characters,Christmas cheer, a lovable dog, children, a cute baby donkey and romance! What more could you want?
Thank you net galley for this early read.

Loved the cover of the book, it made everything feel Christmassy and cozy, which was a good thing for this book. It is what I consider a cozy mystery, which makes it a good way to disappear from reality for a while. The book was an enjoyable read, the author was very descriptive and it felt real. I could picture myself at the castle and feel the cold weather. All of the curves that were thrown and the protagonist were good, though exciting. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

I had a hard time getting into this book. The cover and title drew me to it but I couldn’t connect very well with the storyline. The beginning started out quite slow though it did pick up toward the end.
Overall, A Cozy Christmas in Cornwall is a light, cute Christmas story that does get you in the holiday spirit.....
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of this book.

It’s Jane Linfoot – so of course it’s going to have a ton of hilarious moments and gaffes, a dog that is too cute for words, angst and struggle for at least one character, good friends, crazy family and of course, LOTS of Romance. And this does NOT disappoint, leaving me with the desperate need to book a Cornish holiday as I scan photos on the internet hoping to find my own little St. Aidan’s Bay. But, in this story we have Ivy, a window dresser and stylist who has an obsession with all things Christmas except reindeer, and who has been hired by her best friend’s sister to “style” and “Instagram” their holiday in Cornwall. Arriving a few days early, hoping to find four-poster beds, ancestors lining the walls, faerie lights, swags and boughs, trees and a staff - she is more than dismayed to find a fairly ‘bare bones’ castle – tiny, draughty rooms, rock walls, utilitarian furniture and the “caretaker’ naked in the hot tub out back.

The “caretaker” also happens to be one of the owners, Bill, someone Ivy met years before on a skiing holiday with her ex-boyfriend – even as she and Bill had a massive connection and she has dreamed of him since. Bill also has had dreams of Ivy – but he’s more interested in the fact that she’s expecting decorations, holiday cheer, and a staff – for a “to die for” one of a kind Instagram-drool worthy setting – that will house people, children and, of course, Ivy’s little sidekick dog and his wardrobe. Not one for hosting more than stag-do’s with plenty of gin and hijinks with little to nothing to break, lose, destroy or damage in the castle – the two instantly prickle at the memories. Perhaps even more for Ivy due to a tragedy almost a year before that left her scarred and guilty.

Oh this was SO much fun – like all of Linfoot’s books there were laughs, moments to cringe, plenty of descriptions, chaos, people you want to hug and those you may want to throttle momentarily, and the slow burn as Ivy and Bill work their way around to acknowledging their connection. With plenty of interference, an engagement that didn’t, lots of snarky and snarling pre-teens, and plenty of Christmas cheer from decorations to events and even an appearance by Nutty pulling Santa and his helper to top off a holiday full of adventure, heart, heat and finally understanding with new starts for EVERYONE.

Trust me – Linfoot has that balance of humor, serious moments, heart and heat with some complete slapstick moments that are described so perfectly you can see them in your head. From over-tired and overwrought mums to dueling chef moments in the kitchen, a new age type who is no-sugar, no preservatives in the middle of the cakes, cupcakes, cocoa, treats and candy available – you can put yourself in the corner of the castle – watch, laugh and enjoy.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-ay0 /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This was a cute story where the characters were enthusiastic in the beginning of the book, a bit too jolly for my liking. It felt as if everyone was clamoring for my interest. Luckily for me, they settled down after the initial flurry when the cold days started.

Ivy was given the task to give a makeover to a rental at the Cockle Shell Castle and make it Instagram ready for Christmas. Only the owner seemed to be uncooperative, and he turned out to be her long-ago panty melting, bust heaving crush. I liked their clashes in the present time, made me smile. Ivy had to work with different people to make it all come together. The newcomers too seemed to be in different stages of their relationships. Things went deep and crip in the book.

My first book by author Jane Linfoot, the story was cute in some aspects and in some, I was overwhelmed with the number of characters. The book soon settled in the second half, and I could enjoy their journey down the book.

This was a good Christmas read, the spirit of it was well captured in the vibes the chapters gave off. There were a lot of humorous moments that had me smiling, donkey sanctuary was one of them. Written in only Ivy's point of view, it was fun to see her scampering about trying to douse the relationship fires, including her own which she wanted to increase.

Overall, a cute, completely over the top Christmassy read. The chapter headings too reflected the merry cheer.

This title couldn't be more apt if it tried. It's certainly a cosy read, it's full of Christmas fun and it's set in a castle in Cornwall.

We have Ivy who feels she needs to make Christmas perfect for everyone else after the previous year ended in disaster.

And Bill who Ivy has met years ago as the grumpy not overly festive at all. But he was the one that let out his castle for a massive family of 20 for 2 weeks.

And Ivy somehow needs to turn this sparse castle more suited to stag parties into a homely space full of festive feeling before her best friend, her best friends sister, and that sisters sort of frenemy and all their kids descend.

To say there are many characters would be an understatement. But they all have such distinct personalities that I never felt lost.

I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this story. All the Christmas activities really got me into the mood.

So many fabulous little touches, secrets to uncover, Instagram worthy picture perfect moments to be had. Was Jane Linfoot at her very best.

And I loved the mentions of nearby St Aidan the setting of many other of the as authors fab books.

There is even a cute dog, some donkeys and the most adorable pony too at points in the book.

What more could a Christmas book lover want. This was a winter wonderland of festive goodness. I loved it!!

Thank you to One More Chapter on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

Jane Linfoot.
I enjoyed A cosy Christmas in Cornwall, love the characters especially Ivy who had a lot to put up with .
Not all went to plan especially the encounter with Mr Scrooge (Bill or Will ) trying to put a damper on the event that Ivy is trying to create for Christmas.
Good storyline and entertaining.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advance copy for a honest review.

The cover initially drew my attention to 'A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall' which had me dreaming of Cornwall. I love Cornwall and have been there many times. I really enjoyed reading this book, which made a welcome change from some of the fast paced books that i often read. Loved the characters, especially Ivy. It's not often that a book can make me smile or laugh, but this book certainly did. A deserving 5 stars! Recommended.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review which i have voluntarily given.

This is a nice festive read even if it does have a slow start and takes a bit to get going. I love the cover, Christmas picture postcard ! I liked some of the characters but found others annoying. The second half was much more festive and a pleasure to read. A nice book to curl up with in the run up to Christmas.

A great christmas read.

Set in the run up to Christmas, Ivy is at the castle to make sure it is decorated for the festive season. When she gets there she finds things aren't as expected, but the biggest surprise is Bill. Last time she met him she knew him as Will, and they spent a unforgettable afternoon together.
Neither of them are the person they were back then, but do they have a chance together now?

I chose this book because the author is constantly being referred to on the covers of books I like to read, so I thought I might enjoy it. I did, but it’s not quite my cup of tea. The first half seemed to be very slow going, the plot was good, but it just took forever for anything to happen. There were also so many characters that I didn’t like at all, only Fliss and Ivy appealed to me.

However, the pacing felt much better in the second half, and many of the characters appeared to mellow out and become a little more likeable. The atmosphere of the book (especially the second half) is very Christmassy, and Will/Bill redeems himself as his history is revealed.

If you don’t mind a slow start and a few unlikeable characters, this is a Christmas romance that is a little different.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who loves everything about Christmas - and making everything look festive, this book spoke to me! I really enjoyed the chemistry between Bill and Ivy and the development of their relationship. Plus it's set in Cornwall, which is always a winner! Great yuletide read! Another winner by Jane Linfoot.

If like those cheesy hallmark christmas movies, this one is for you!

Here you have the same trope of a guy being a downer "a scrooge" and you have Ivy which is all #TeamChristmas because she has been hired to make this manor very "festive" and "instagram friendly" but nothing goes as planned at the castle that was rented for the holiday and she has to work hard and the owner is no help especially after the really bad year. One other thing is that there is a lot of storylines in the book, throughout the book there are a few couples at different stages in their relationships which you get to see.

Overall, the book is your typical feel-good and warm romance and if those are your type, then i think you'll enjoy it especially if you're feeling festive af.

A December to remember…

Christmas in a Cornish castle? Sign Ivy Starforth up! Hired to kit out the holiday rental as the world’s most Instagramable festive dreamland, there’s only one thing standing in the way of her hefty paycheque – the lord of the manor.

Bill Markham could give Scrooge a run for his money but Ivy is firmly #TeamChristmas…even if her handsome host seems to be doing everything he can to sabotage her staging. Maybe she shouldn’t have stumbled in on him starkers in the hot tub?

As the temperature outside cools, things inside the castle heat up. It’s been a long time since Ivy allowed herself to give in to temptation…surely one little kiss under the mistletoe won’t hurt?

First of all - that cover ... it's gorgeous. And it's set in Cornwall, where I live - brilliant. I couldn't wait to read this book. Snow at Christmas? Unfortunately I've not known it to in the nearly 40 years that I've lived here. We do get snow sometimes though! But with artistic licence - why not?

This was a really nice change from what I've been reading recently. I loved the characters - Ivy (now there's a Christmassy name for starters). If only somebody had been called Holly - but maybe that would have been too much - yes I'm thinking of Christmas songs now. And Bill/Will he's gorgeous too!

The other characters are good too, you see them change during the book. Some are very uptight and eventually they relax and everybody gets into the Christmas spirit. Some more than others!

I loved everything about this book and would recommend anybody who likes the occasional (or not so occasional) romance to read this one. 5*

It took me until about a quarter of the way in to get into this festive offering but then I quickly found my stride.

Ivy is tasked with making Cockle Shell Castle look instagram-ready in time for Christmas. The castle owner just happens to be someone (Bill) that she shared a Chamonix holiday with previously (with other friends including Bill's girlfriend) and who she clearly has a crush on. There is a lot of playful banter between them that I adored!

The castle is starkly bare of any decorations and this is definitely a Christmas read as there is a lot of talk about trees and decorations to spruce (see what I did there...) up the rooms so I definitely feel like this is one to be read in the final lead up to Christmas to help get you in the festive mood!

There are a whole host of characters that turn up at the castle and I got confused at times but overall it was a really solid read that kept the pages turning and really does lighten the mood.

My many thanks to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads (One More Chapter) via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall is a beautiful feel good book that left me smiling. Ivy is in charge of making this Christmas with her friends perfect for social media pictures. Nothing goes as planned at the castle that was rented for the holiday and she has to work hard and enlist the help of a motley crew to make this all work. Throughout the book there are various couples at different stages in their relationships. You will find yourself routing for all of them and especially Ivy who has had a horrible year. She meets a man she has been dreaming about since a group holiday years ago. This book will make you laugh and feel as if you are at the castle with them. It’s a warm and perfect book to read leading up to the holidays. Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this book.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was actually really excited to read this book and I even wasn't bothered if it was written in first person (I'm slowly learning to get over my hatred for first person narrative). But I just feel the reality of this book wasn't quite what I'd imagined it to be.
For starters, referring to the hero of the tale as a scrooge/grinch. I was expecting a brooding Darcy type who grumbled about Christmas. Not someone who is introduced while listening to Feliz Navidad and sings along to Christmas songs.
I also wanted to be more attached to the heroine, she had a traumatic back story and history with Bill/Will but I just found her annoying.
I'll admit that I skimmed the end of this book because I got fed up with reading it and I think maybe my expectations were too high. It wasn't quite the grumpy hero/chirpy heroine story that I was expecting.
2 stars.