This is the first book I have read by Phillipa Ashley and whilst I didn't realise it was part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book. The story follows Marina who lost her husband some years ago in a tragic accident and her cousin Tiff who has lost her journalist job in London and has come to Porthmellow to lick her wounds. Enter two eligible single men in the form of Lachlan and Dirk, who help both Marina and Tiff to find their way back again.

For me the story took a while to get going, with not much happening for a good quarter/third of the book, other than getting to know the key characters. I also had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen in Marina's story so when it eventually did the impact was a bit lost on me as it felt just a bit too predictable.

Tiff's story was a bit more interesting and I felt her growing attachment to Porthmellow was well done and the subsequent conflict she feels when the professional opportunity she had been hoping for comes to fruition. I felt more satisfied with the ending for Tiff as it wasn't such a straight path whereas I feel Marina's story was pretty obvious.

I really liked the setting and wound be interested in reading some of the other books in this series. For me it was an easy likeable read, there were a few things that stop me from giving it five stars but on the whole it was good read.

It is always a joy to dive into one of Phillipa Ashley's wonderful stories where community spirit and inner strength always shine through, and A PERFECT CORNISH ESCAPE is no exception.

Seven years ago Marina lost her husband, Nate, when he disappeared at sea. It was the hardest loss that she has ever had to endure and while their marriage hadn't been perfect, Marina loved Nate and grieved deeply for him. But setting up the Wave Watchers lookout had given her purpose and strength and she was determined to stop other families suffer in the same way that she had. She would always love Nate but she knew that she was ready to move into her future and when she befriends a new resident in the village who also has a tragic past, there is a gentle connection there that makes Marina look forward to what could be, for the first time in a very long time.
Meanwhile, Tiff, Marina's cousin, has arrived in the village to escape her humiliation. After being duped by someone she thought she loved, losing her career, and being black-listed, spending some time at the coast with her beloved cousin doesn't seem like a bad idea. Marina has gone through a lot after losing Nate, even though Tiff had never liked him for the way he treated Marina, and Tiff was hopeful that maybe she could nudge Marina into moving on. What Tiff didn't expect was a handsome, brooding, next-door-neighbour who lit her soul on fire. But Tiff knows that love never works out and she isn't going to stay in Cornwall forever, but what's the harm with a little fling?
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But as the past comes back to haunt everyone, can this small community rally around when it is needed the most and can love overcome even the most surmountable of odds?

​With a beautiful setting and a community that you will fall head over heels in love with, A PERFECT CORNISH ESCAPE by Phillipa Ashley is everything you could possibly want in a novel and more. While Marina and Tiff are both so opposite, they are both completely loveable and I desperately wanted them to find the strength to take a chance and be happy. There is drama, twists, kindness, and friendship brimming in these pages, and I could not put this book down once I turned the first page. An excellent novel by an excellent writer, I can't wait for more!

Having just lost her job and her relationship, as well as being fed up of London life and backstabbers, Tiff escapes to the beautiful sunny Cornwall and joins her cousin, Marina, who had become a widow seven years previously. Together they comfort each other and realise that life gives everyone a second chance and loving another man is still possible after all the heartbreaks.

Beautiful, heartwarming book, full of mysteries- some expected and some unexpected. It is one of those books that kept me awake all night.

Thanks #Netgalley, #PhillipaAshely and @AvonBooksUK publisher for letting me read this book. Will definitely be searching for more of Phillipa Ashley.

There are a couple of stories in this book.

The 1st revolves around Marina. Her husband Nathan was lost at sea 7 years ago and she created a sea watch project in his memory where she and many other people volunteer to help save tourists against the tricky weather of the cornish coast.

Tiff is Marinas cousin. She went through some strife in London so goes down to Cornwall to escape for a bit.

Both women meet complicated men and the path of love doesnt move smoothly.

I really liked this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming. It was a nice story that is the perfect escapist read.

I love Ms Ashley's style of writing and I loved this story.
Great characters, great plot and a lovely setting that made me with to be there.
I found it engrossing and entertaining and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Marina’s husband vanished off the coast of Porthmellow seven years ago. She is reluctant to dishonour his memory by moving on romantically, but a new man has arrived in the village and he may just be someone to make her heart beat again.

Tiff, Marina’s cousin has arrived in Porthmellow to escape the eyes of judgement in London after a betrayal by her boyfriend left her journalism career in tatters. However, Cornish life isn’t at all what she expected. Especially after meeting the broody Dirk.

I love returning to Porthmellow and hope there will be more in this series.

A new novel by best-selling author Phillipa Ashley never fails to brighten up my day and this talented writer is back with another gorgeous tale set in Cornwall that will steal readers’ hearts: A Perfect Cornish Escape.

The bottom had fallen out of Marina Hudson’s world when her husband had been lost at sea. Her marriage to Nate was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but she still regrets the fact that the last words she spoke to him were angry ones. After his death, Marina had found out that her husband had secrets. Secrets that meant she was up to her eyeballs in debt, but lecturer Marina had worked hard and paid off every single penny her husband owed. Seven years later and Marina still loves her husband. In almost a decade, she hasn’t once looked at another man and spends all of her free time volunteering with the Wave Watchers, a foundation she set up that seeks to ensure that Nate’s death wasn’t in vain and that nobody else has to suffer in the same way Marina suffered when she lost her husband. Life in Porthmellow, Cornwall might not be particularly exciting or eventful for Marina, but she is perfectly content with her lot – until a stranger comes to town leading her to wonder whether she should step out of the shadows and give romance another try.

Marina’s cousin Tiff Trescott thought that she had her life figured out. With a thriving career in London and a gorgeous boyfriend, Tiff was living a life most people would envy – until it all came crashing down around her ears. Needing some time out from her life to figure out what she is going to do next, Tiff decides to visit her cousin in Porthmellow for a couple of weeks. Hopefully, by the time she gets back to London, the scandal will die down and she can pick up the shattered pieces of her career, however, when she meets brooding and handsome local Dirk, Tiff cannot help but wonder whether she has found a reason to stick around a little bit longer in Porthmellow…

Fresh starts and new beginnings are in the air for Marina and Tiff, but are the two cousins ready to let go of the past and take a leap of faith into the future? Or will they continue to let their fears and insecurities hold them back?

It’s such a joy to go back to Porthmellow and catch up with our old friends and get to know new people as they find a place they can belong in in Phillipa Ashley’s addictive, feel-good and captivating series set in Cornwall. A Perfect Cornish Escape is a witty, charming and heart-warming tale that drew me in from the very beginning and keep me entertained and engrossed until the end.

As brilliantly written as ever and full of humour, magic and heart, A Perfect Cornish Escape is a spellbinding romantic read that is the literary equivalent of a delicious ice cream on a warm and sunny day.

As always Phillipa Ashley writes lovely feel-good heartwarming books. Once again this one didn't disappoint.

Lovely to carry on reading about being in Cornwall. Especially in these times as we're not able to visit.

Fantastic you have done it again. Thank you Phillipa and Netgalley.

I absolutely love Phillipa Ashley's writing. This book was no different. A wonderful escape and a perfect summer read

This was the perfect Cornish escape!! Loved this book! The book follows 2 ladies Marina and Tiff, who are both living in challenging times within their lives, brought together as supporting cousins in the seaside town of Porthmello. Marina lost her husband at sea 7 years ago and the anniversary is coming up. Tiff has lost her job and her man in London under a scandal, and has come to stay with her cousin.
The characters are brilliant, the story has unexpected twists and turns.
A highly enjoyable book and would be perfect holiday summer reading. Although it is in a set of books based in Porthmello, you don't need to read them in order as they are stand alone.
Another fabulous book from Philippa Ashley, loved it!!

DNF at 43%.

I was enjoying this to start with but then it just kind of ran out of steam, too cute, too predictable, too slow. Maybe in a different time or a different mood I could have enjoyed this but I put this down and just couldn't summon up the enthusiasm to pick it up again.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A wonderful escapist read. This is the third book by the author in the Porthmellow Harbour series, but I have not read any of the others and it was fine. The books all take place in the same area but have different characters, so you don’t need to have read any of the others. This is one of those cute wanderlust reads I love where I can just except to the Cornish village as I read. You know how it’s going to end but that’s ok. It’s great to read a love story. I recommend for anyone that loves contemporary romance/women’s fiction in a cute British setting.

A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley is the 3rd book in the Porthmellow Harbour series, and my first book by this author. Marina Hudson lost her husband seven years ago, when he went out to sea and never came back. After meeting Lachlan, she wonders if she can ever love again. Tiff Trescott travels to see her cousin Marina after having trouble with her job and boyfriend in London. Tiff meets Dirk and sparks fly. I really enjoyed this book, it is the perfect escape to the beach, when travel is not possible. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy romances.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If like me, over these past weeks you need to escape from Covid 19 and the restrictions we are all facing, then this is the book for you. Don't hesitate to buy! This is the third book in the Series, but can be read stand alone and enjoyed just as much.
It's such a lovely and enjoyable light hearted read, transporting my mind to a much needed break in Cornwall. And there is nothing I love more than a harbour - Seagulls, sea and romance!
A Perfect Cornish Escape, takes us to Porthmellow Harbour. Marina and Tiff are lead characters and cousins. Marina resides in a cottage in Porthmellow, and his still recovering and grieving for the loss of her husband seven years ago at sea.Lachlan arrives in Cornwall, and although Marina becomes fond of him she has reservations as the pain from her loss is still so very raw.
Tiff, who has faced a traumatic break up from her partner, has arrived from London hoping to stay with her for a much needed escape and relaxation. She meet Dirk in arriving, but escaping a break up where her she was cheated on, Tiffis uncertain of him. 
Phillipa's style of writing makes for page turning reading, it's so easy to become absorbed, it's a true escapism and the title is perfect. You get to know the Cornish community, the area and lead characters. It feels as though, when reading, you are part of that community.It's an emotional read at times, learning of all four characters stories and how their loves take shape from meeting in Porthmellow. 
Four characters, Cornish air, a loveable community - Perfect lockdown reading. This is a series to be devoured. 
Five stars here. 
Thank you for our copy and blog tour invite.

This was the first novel by Phillipa Ashley that I'd read, and now I've finished it I'm clamouring for more! For me, a good romantic novel is a comfort; it doesn't make you feel too uncomfortable or give you bad dreams, it's something to look forward to at the end of a stressful day. A Perfect Cornish Escape had all of that in buckets and more. Yes, it deals with some tricky topics, but the underlying them is about acknowledging the hardships in life and moving on, at your own pace.

I loved this book. I love the way i could visualise the little Cornish village and the characters so easily. The story truly takes you on a journey of emotions and there are most definitely a couple of moments that will have your heart in your mouth and twists you may not see coming. A wonderful story.

A Perfect Cornish escape is another book in series from the harbour village of Porthmellow in Cornwall. Each novel can be read as a standalone and you can read them in any order.

This story focuses on cousins Marina and Tiff who are reunited for the summer.

Marina lives in Porthmellow and was widowed almost 7 years ago after her husband disappeared at sea. Tiff is a journalist from London who comes to stay in Cornwall to try and rebuild her life after losing her job and her boyfriend.

The pair work on a charity event to raise funds for the local search and rescue which includes the watchtower that Marina runs in her husband's memory.

The ladies both have possible new love interests and we follow how those new relationships develop.

A pleasant read when you need something that's not too taxing.

What a great title for the book - "A perfect Cornish Escape" made me feel like I was actually in Porthmellow. I hadn't read anything from this author before but have now added her to my wants list. Beautifully written and a perfect book for a summer read by the beach (or imagine you're by the beach)!

The main character, Marina, lost her Husband to the sea 7 years ago. As with a lot of stories, should she try to find happiness again? Her cousin Tiff comes to stay after suffering her own problems back in London. There are 2 male characters who make up the main story. It's not just a discovery of new relationships and love. It's emotional and not always predictable.

Highly recommend to anyone who wants a well written story with believable characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy. I'm so glad I had the opportunity.

In this third book of the Porthmellow Harbour series, Marina Hudson is trying to move on from losing her husband at sea seven years ago. Kind-hearted Lachlan is new to town and is the first person Marina has been able to see a potential future with, but Lachlan has his own past to confront.

Marina’s cousin Tiff Trescott flees from London to Cornwall after a betrayal which leaves her heart-broken and jobless. Sparks fly when she meets brooding Dirk, but Tiff never intended on staying in Cornwall for long.

I really enjoyed this visit to Porthmellow Harbour with cameos from its quirky and lovable residents that are introduced in the previous books. The four new main characters in this story are all interesting with deep emotions and complicated pasts. I thought the friendship between cousins Marina and Tiff was lovely and the chemistry between each of the two couples was well-written. There were interesting contrasts between the four characters and they all had distinct personalities and felt very real.

There are some wonderfully vivid romantic settings and scenes which left me with a big smile. I would love to read more stories set in Porthmellow Harbour and am looking forward to reading some of the author’s previous series.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys likeable complex characters, friendly communities, and a romantic escape.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Having read the first book recently, I was really excited to continue the series. However, my suspicions were confirmed that Ashley does not really feature characters we have already grown to love. Set in Porthmellow, Cornwall, readers are introduced to a new group of people who, naturally, have their own dilemmas and troubles to face.

This was remarkably different from the first book which I really appreciated. Whilst there was the theme of love and past demons, it was executed differently. I found I did not have the same love towards the key characters here, unlike before, but I relished in the difference in stories. With the backdrop of the ‘Wave Watchers’ working with the Lifeguards, it was interesting to see how much this element filled Marina’s life. (As as aside, how I did chuckle about Marina’s name – the irony considering she lives by the sea and helps with beach safety!)

Both Marina and Tiff are metaphorically ‘lost at sea’. Tiff is running away from career damages in London; Marina is trying to rebuild her life after losing her husband at sea. For Marina, the seven year anniversary is approaching and, with no body ever being found, would mean he would be officially declared dead. It’s a massive piece of closure that Marina, understandably, feels very emotional towards. Tiff escapes to Cornwall to be with her cousin but, what both women do not anticipate, is falling deeply in love. This romance shapes the stories and I relished in the unexpected developments in the last quarter of the story.

I did enjoy this book but I don’t think it was as strong as the first novel. You definitely do not need to read the other books in the series. The detachment from other characters means that you do not need to have an understanding of previous stories. I found it a shame that Ashley did not incorporate earlier personalities and, although there were familiar faces, feel that this would have added to the community spirit that is portrayed at Porthmellow.

I continue to love stories set by the seaside so it is without a doubt that I could only give this the highest rating! I could vividly picture the scenes at Portmellow and I would be interested to see if Ashley continues stories set at this fictional coastal town. All I would request is a bit more “air time” from these central characters in later stories.

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.