This is the second of the Porthmellow books that I have read and I have fallen in love with the area and the people that live there.

Phillipa Ashley writes warmly of the area and you can't help but be absorbed by everything that is going on in the story.

This is a book of two halves as Marina has to process a life without her husband after he disappeared 7 years ago and is finally getting her life back on track.. the second half took me partially by surprise but ended up so much better than predicted.

What a fab read!

Another fantastic novel from Phillipa Ashley. I have already reviewed the previous novel to this one, A Perfect Cornish Christmas. Although this novel is set in the same town of Porthmellow, you do not need to read them in order to understand the story. The main characters from the first novel only become very minor characters in this one.

So where do I begin? A beautifully set romance novel. Ashley does not just give us one romance story. Oh no. That would be too easy. Instead we are given two romances stories perfectly intertwined with one another to really give us the feels. The stories couldn’t be further apart from each other yet Ashley effortlessly spins her tale without confusion.

We begin with a snippet of the past. Marina Hudson, one of our protagonists, lost her husband to the sea seven years ago. The pain and the hurt that this must have caused is described incredibly clearly and Marina has been on a rollercoaster of emotions. Her late husband Nate isn’t the perfect man, by no means and it seems to be a very unusual and mismatched marriage, if a very happy one at all. It’s heart wrenching to see how distraught Marina is, even though Nate didn’t treat her very well at all. I was desperate for her to want to move on. Enter Lachlan. A stranger to Porthmellow, the Scottish Lachlan moves into a cottage a stones throw from Marina and she is seemingly hooked from the get go. Although she battles with her emotions regarding Nate. Both have a hard history to live with and end up using the support of one another to fight those battles. It’s a lingering romance which takes a while for both of them to jump into. A one point I wanted to yell at Marina and just say ‘Go for it woman’. After all the pain she had been through and now seven years down the line she was allowed to declare Nate legally dead, she had her freedom and I think any reader would be routing for her to follow her heart and not to feel guilty.

Our other protagonist is Tiff Trescott, Marina’s cousin, come from London to escape a life that has let her down. Feeling very vulnerable after being used by her ex-boyfriend Warner, our journalist, Tiff escapes to Marina’s cottage to forgot love and try and rebuild her life. However, on her very first day in the harbour Tiff bumps into Dirk, or as the locals call him, Dirk and Stormy. A sexy, mountain of a man he gets Tiff’s blood boiling straight away. It’s an instant attraction for both of them but funnily they are both so stubborn that it takes them a while to admit to their raw, sexual feelings and jump each other. When it finally happened I was sighing with relief! A completely different relationship to Marina and Lachlan, Ashley manages to juxtapose them well throughout and show that different people are suited to different types of love. Tiff and Dirk have this raw animal magnetism about them, whereas Marina and Lachlan have a maturer, gentler kind of love.

I love the way that Tiff is thrown headfirst into Cornish life. She starts hating the place, just longing for an escape but ends up loving everyone, finding friends everywhere she goes. A lot of the novel focuses around the RNLI which is brilliant as its a fantastic cause to be highlighted that is really important in every day Cornish life.

Every time I read about Porthmellow I want to go there and I am looking forward to more stories based in this brilliantly colourful harbour town.

A must read book-lovers.

Thank you to Avon books via Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel before the publication date of the 11th June 2020. I implore you all to buy yourselves a copy.

A fabulous feel good book. Delightful characters, though the ‘heroine’ was so blinkered she was infuriating at times. Romance, family, friendships all entwined into a wonderfully funny story. The setting was marvellous too. Makes me want to visit Cornwall.

A really enjoyable Summer read. You are instantly transported to a beautiful Coastal town in Cornwall. You feel the sun, smell the sea, and feel the warmth of the locals. You also feel the small town sense of everyone knowing your business, and all that comes with it, good and bad.

There are some heavier themes touched on, such as grief and PTSD, and how these can weave through all aspects of your life.

A Perfect Cornish Escape is an idyllic escape during lockdown, to the memories of Summer holidays from childhood. Porthmellow represents somewhere so many of us would love to be right now.

It was such a pleasure to return to Porthmellow, a beautiful fishing community. I first visited when I read A Perfect Cornish Christmas. I am still yet to read the first book in the series, but these novels all work as standalone stories with no need to have read any previous ones. There are mentions of the characters featured from these books, but they don't affect the story in any way.

This story features cousins Tiff and Marina. Both are recovering from broken hearts, and neither are looking for romance, but naturally, it finds them regardless. Tiff is a journalist and because she gave her heart to the wrong person, not only is her heartbroken, but her career and reputation are on the line. So she heads to stay in Porthmellow with her cousin Marina. She crosses paths with next-door neighbour Dirk who has a deep-seated distrust and dislike for journalists thanks to his previous marriage to someone in the public eye and the media causing them trouble. As they get to know each other, Tiff and Dirk are drawn to each other, but both know their relationship is only destined to be a short term fling.

Marina lost her husband at sea seven years ago, and his body has never been found. She spends her free time volunteering for Wave Watchers, set up in her missing husband's name to watch the sea and beaches for anyone in trouble, to alert the coastguards quickly and save lives. As it approaches the date that she can finally list him as deceased, her emotions are all in turmoil, especially when she meets the newcomer to the village, Lachlan. He used to be in the forces, the RAF and also part of Mountain Rescue. He seems to have PTSD (although not explicitly mentioned) following a helicopter crash that rescued him but killed a co-worker while on a shout. Marina helps him to work through his problems but grows closer to him, trying to move on from losing her husband.

The only downside to this story was the 'twist' at the end was predictable, and I saw it coming from virtually the beginning of the story. However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the book, and I will be eager to return to visit the residents of this cosy community again.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Marina’s husband Nate disappeared 7 years ago after going out in the sea on a Kayak, he is missing presumed dead. Tiff (Marina’s cousin) is a newspaper reporter from London who escapes to the village of Porthmellow following her boyfriends betrayal bring her life crashing down. Marina mets Lachlan and Tiff meets Dirk can they put their pasts behind them and move on with their lives or will the past hinder their futures.

Had to keep reading to find out what happened to them both.

A Perfect Cornish Escape is the third book in a series, but it reads as a stand alone. We follow Marina and Tiff in Cornwall as their summer is being played out. I wanted a light and fun book and this hit the spot. I too want to go visit Cornwall and met all the townspeople.

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a gentle read during lockdown then look no further. The setting - the Cornish town of Portmellow - is lovely. Ashley's writing transports you there. I thought what happened regarding Marina's ex a tad predictable. I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers. Lachlan's character was interesting. I also liked Marina's cousin, Tiff, but I never took to Dirk. For a start, the name, but he was too abrupt, although he did try to make up for it. I liked the sense of community. There could have been a bit more in the way of emotion. It was all handled lightly, but all-in-all, this was an enjoyable read. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of A Perfect Cornish Escape which provided perfect escapism during this lockdown. I have not read any of Phillipa Ashley's other works so I was pleased when the story panned out to be more than a romantic plot based in Cornwall.

Although the whole premise of the book was predictable from the first chapter I soon became caught up in the character's lives at times to a very emotional point.

In other times this would make the perfect beach or poolside read being uplifting, heartwarming and interesting.

In the third installment of the Porthmellow Harbour series, two engaging characters, Marina and Tiff are both struggling to move forward with their lives. This book covers a lot of ground; loss, grief, PTSD, and does it all in a chick-lit style that is very enjoyable. I really liked that the book addressed deeper subjects but never made me feel depressed or weighed down by the story.

In the third in the Porthmellow series we meet Marina and Tiff who are cousins. Marina is a resident of Porthmellow but Tiff who is a journalist turned up there hoping to stay with Marina after a tough time in London recently. Both ladies have their life dilemmas, I would say Marina is definitely going through a very tough time after a tragedy of years previous. She is still trying to deal with her thoughts and feelings and I don’t blame her but I also totally wanted what was best for her, Tiff too. Marina meets the lovely Lachlan but she obviously has her reservations. Tiff on arriving she meets the mysterious Dirk. I was really hoping both ladies get what they so very much deserve but you will have to read the story to find out!

I loved being back in Porthmellow with the quirky residents and meeting new characters. It felt like being back in the lovely company of very close friends. This is a gem of a series and if you want to curl up and escape for a few hours then these are the books for you. Phillipa has a way of drawing you into a community and not letting you go until the very last page. I give ‘A Perfect Cornish Escape’ a sparkly 5*/5* 😊

Thank you to Avon Books UK for an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.

This was my first visit to Porthmellow and my first Philipa Ashley read.

It was like was like drinking hot chocolate on a cold day, it warm and comforting. I must admit I did guess how the story was going but then there is nothing wrong with this sometimes in confusing times we need comfort in a story that feels it ends in the most statisying way,

I enojyed the book enough that I want to adventure back to Porthmellow and hear the other stories.

A really enjoyable book with unexpected twists along the way, really enjoyed visiting porthmellow again and seeing where previous characters are and what they are up to if only brief.

Really enjoy visiting porthmellow in this series and hope there are more so we can have have a deeper look at certain characters a few years after there first appearance.

This was a lovely read about a small town on the coast in Cornwall. THe heroine, Marina, has had to rebuild her life after her somewhat unsatisfactory husband died while fishing. She dedicated herself to building up a local watch system to make sure that there will be more of a chance to save those who go out into the dangerous currents there. She’s lonely, but she has friends and a purpose. Into this village comes her cousin, Tiff, who lost her journalism career because she trusted a slimey boyfriend.

There are two reserved men who are attracted to these two cousins. One, Dirk, nicknamed “Dirk and Stormy,” has fled personal disasters in London to come to this Cornish village. And he and Tiff are fighting their attraction to each other. And Marina is attracted to Lachlan, a mysterious loner from Scotland. He has his own personal demons that he needs to overcome in order to build something with Marina.

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. There was a little bit of a twist near the end that wasn’t all that surprising. But I still really enjoyed it. It made me want to visit the Cornish coast and meet these lovely people.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Wow! What a compelling read. Such a well written book and fabulous story. I loved all of the main character Marina, Tess, Lachlan and Dirk. A heart-wrenching story with tears of sadness and joy along the way. Some really shocking twists and turns along the way, which made it a real page-turner, I couldn't put it down. I have loved all of the stories set in the community of Porthmellow in Cornwall, and this was no exception. It was great that some previous characters made a brief appearance too, especially lovable Troy and Evie.

I loved returning to Porthmellow. It sounds such a lovely place to live, all the residents seem very welcoming too. I love the description of the place you can almost feel as though you are there. Reading about the lookout tower and the wave watchers was interesting as I always wondered what they did in the huts. A nice story with a interesting second half of the story.

Back in the Cornish town of Porthmellow from Ashley's earlier books but you need no prior knowledge of the regular inhabitants of the place, you just need a love of Cornwall and cracking good story. 

Marina's husband was lost at sea almost seven years ago and time is a healer and when it comes to when she can finally let go and move on. Can she really move on to another love though?

Tiff is Marina's cousin and comes down to Porthmellow to stay with her to let the dust settle on her journalism career after causing a bit of a stir with a well known politician. 

Lachlan is in Cornwall to escape, he clearly has a story to tell. His scars go deeper than those on his face, there is a story to tell but who is the best person he can tell it to. 

Dirk, a resident and local of Portmellow who has been on the receiving end of being well known by association is a bit stormy. He is used to storms, his manner creates them buthe is also quite used to the ones out at sea as well, working on the lifeboat. 

All of them are escaping from one thing or another and it seems that maybe by doing so they can start to heal and move on with their lives. Because you can never really escape love. 

Plenty is packed into this novel as well as the relationships that are forged, along with a few complications just to make it difficult. Life is not easy and it is great to read a book where the happy ending is perhaps not inevitable and that changes have to be made on a all sides to find a new way, a new life.

The book is full of everything that you might love about a seaside harbour town. I was taken away to where you can see the lifeboat launch dealing with everyday occurrences when tourists and sometimes locals don't listen to those that know best. It was if the clear blue water, was washing over my feet as I walked whilst the sunset along the shore and I could be swept away with the warmth of the sun as well as the love. I wanted to sit and eat chips and devour them and the story. Utter bliss. 

Another great visit to Porthmellow and I hope we get to go back soon.

I loved this book. A great read with a mystery at its heart. A lovely read which helped me get through lockdown. Not able to go on holiday at the moment but this book gave me a trip to Cornwall. This is the third book I have read and love to revisit Porthmellow. A perfect slice of Cornish life with some twists that made me keep turning the pages. A nice feel good book and would love to read what happens next for Marina. Look forward to the next one.

I love Cornwall, don’t you? It’s so full of contrasts, wild rugged coastline, beautiful beaches with azure-blue seas which turn stormy grey in an instant when the rain lashes down. Stuck here at home, it’s one of the places I yearn for, and Philippa Ashley does such a fantastic job of conjuring it up for me, I could almost be there. And at a time when reading is about the only way to escape real life, this couldn’t be a better book to take you away from it all.

This is a lovely, lilting story about a woman who has lived through loss and rebuilt her life, about the importance of female friendship, and the serendipity of new beginnings. Marina’s husband drowned seven years ago and the village of Porthmello has surrounded her with love ever since. Her friend Tiff (and if you ever listen to BBC Radio Cornwall, that name will be a familiar one!) tips up fleeing the double-whammy of heartbreak and job loss, and together Marina and Tiff make their way through the summer months. This is a book full of laughter and sadness, about women finding new ways to live and love, but it’s also a love-letter to beautiful Cornwall.

Reading this book is like that shaft of sunshine cutting through the clouds on a miserable day, it puts a smile on your face and gives you a bit of hope for the future. Just what’s needed at the moment.

I do love Phillipa Ashley's feel-good Cornwall-based novels. I always have a strong urge to visit these type of places when I read them! The cover is cute and pretty. I like the bright colours and the simplicity of it. It doesn't give much away but it's good on the eye and draws you in - well it certainly drew me in anyway!

This novel focuses on two main characters. Cousins Tiff and Marina. Marina is more reserved than Tiff and I found myself warming to her more than I did for Tiff. She had been through so much with her late-husband Nate and I just really wanted her to have a happy ending with Lachlan, who had also been through a horrible time. I was hoping from the start that the small community events would push them together and they would both lose their heartache and enjoy their lives.

Tiff had also had a heartbreaking time recently but less so than Marina. She had found out that her ex, Warner, was using her in a plot to discredit her, and the newspaper she worked for, public image. So, with her tail between her legs she decided to move in with Marina for a while until she had her confidence back. However, she soon meets Dirk and even though she finds him absolutely infuriating, she also finds him incredibly attractive and sparks soon fly between them.

Both women have had a horrible time of it recently, but it appears the little harbour town of Porthmellow soon helps to heal their heartache and puts them in a happier place. The setting is absolutely idyllic and will have you wishing to live in Cornwall. The characters, which have been in previous Phillipa Ashley novels, are all lovely, friendly and caring.

Overall, a happy, heartwarming novel by the lovely Phillipa Ashley. I loved every page, every character and every storyline and setting. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.