Cover Image: The Little Cornish House

The Little Cornish House

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

A lovely story . It is amazing how parents do mess us up. Glad Ruby’s father finally got there. I loved learning about the pottery . It sounded an amazing place, The pottery classes sounded great fun. I loved how the neighbour watch pulled together.. Lots of interesting story lines and a perfect ending for Ruby. Also a lovely love element .

Was this review helpful?

Having never read anything by Donna before I wasn't sure what to expect. But I will definitely be reading more!

I loved the main story line/romance, but even more so the secondary characters and storylines.

The element of mystery and crime solving was just perfect and the budding romances of the older characters was just lovely, love knows no age after all!

I will be recommending this book to others, a great summer/holiday read. Perfect escapism. *****

Was this review helpful?

It’s not always the case, but you can often tell how you’ll feel about a novel after the first few sentences. And it was definitely the case with this one! Immediately felt drawn in and didn’t feel like I had to struggle through the first few chapters to get to know the story & get into the story. I loved the synopsis and description, and the contents definitely lived up to (perhaps even exceeded?!) expectations.

I really loved the the opening chapter. It immediately set the scene & I could visualise the beauty of Cornwall straight away. I also really enjoyed that it got right into the story and you know how Ruby is feeling as soon as the novel opens.

Honestly, I loved everything everything this! The writing style, the vivid imagery that fully set the scene, the array of interesting characters and, of course, the romance. It’s definitely the perfect summer escape romance novel, and it really made me want to travel to Cornwall (or to the seaside in general)!

This is the perfect, light read for romance/romcom lovers. It’s definitely being shelved as one of my new comfort reads! I could also 100% see this being one of those perfectly cheesy romcom films that everyone loves and watches over and over again, and I mean this in the BEST way possible!

Was this review helpful?

Surprised about the ending. Not my favourite read, but it was solid. Very coming of age esque. The descriptions we're vivid and it was as if I could see the sea and clearly picture the fields. I loved the grandma who was epic. And overall rated this a 2/5

Was this review helpful?

The Little Cornish House is a gorgeous romance in a beautiful setting. I loved that all of the characters had their own stories weaved into the plot. A really feel-good uplifting read that I really enjoyed.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I wasn't actually sure I would finish this book as I wasn't keen on the main character Ruby as I found her slightly annoying, however, I persevered and in the end quite enjoyed this easy summer read.

Was this review helpful?

A thoroughly enjoyable book about family, love, and forgiveness.
Ruby comes home to help her grandmother out in her pottery shop, only top discover that the place is falling apart and her father has once again taken all of her grandmother's money. They are trying too get a new group of potters in the shop to keep the business afloat. It is a very eclectic group, but they all learn more than just pottery in their time together. Meanwhile someone is reeking havoc on Gabe's bar, and he is desperate for the "accidents" to stop. But, when he learns thee truth behind what has been happening, he will have a hard time believing it.
The cast of characters were awesome. Each has their own issues, whether small or big, that draws them to the others. Plot was easy to read and flowed easily from scene to scene. Truly a wonderful story.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful setting, fantastic characters, romance, and mystery all come together beautifully in this heartwarming book! Ruby, our lovely main character, has been wounded and disappointed, making it hard for her to depend on and get close to anyone. She’s given up so much to keep herself safe, but when she meets Gabe, she must decide if she will trust her heart to him, or continue to shield herself. A slow-burn romance with undeniable heat and sparks, I enjoyed watching their relationship build. All of the characters, even the minor ones, had distinct personalities that added immensely to the story. This is an entertaining book about forgiveness and love that will touch your heart.

Was this review helpful?

OK, I'll read anything Donna Ashcroft writes. Each time I read one of her books, I find myself a little in love with one of the characters, wanting to move to wherever it was set, and in general just feeling warm and fuzzy about life. The Little Cornish House was no different - a quick and easy, feel-good romance, this time with just the right amount of mystery and trouble brewing to make it not too saccharin. I've purchased all of her previous books and as soon as this one hits shelves, I'll be buying a physical copy to add to my collections - these are great stories to re-read when you need a pick-me-up or something quick to grab for a summer vacation! I do hope we'll get to revisit Indigo Cove in a future book and get a glimpse into the future lives of Ruby, Gabe, Lila, Gryffen (one of my favorite characters), and the rest of the gang at the Pottery Project!

Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Ashcroft, and Bookouture for the advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved reading this book. Ruby was such a lovely lady and her grandmother was lovely. I loved how the story was told around a pottery business. It was really nice and full of interesting characters. I couldn't put it down as I was keen to know whether the cottage and the pottery could be saved. The romance between Ruby and Gabe was a really lovely story with all its twists and turns. A heartwarming read. Donna Ashcroft tells a mighty fine story drawing the reader in from beginning to end.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I've read by Donna Ashcroft and I was slightly unsure that I would finish it at the start as I didn't immediately warm to the Author's writing style.
The instant 'relationship' between Ruby and Gabe came across as cliché and a bit too stereotypical however, I am pleased that I persisted as this got better as the book went on.
The setting of Cornwall in any book is an instant hook for me as I love the summery escapist feel of a warm countryside/beach backdrop and this didn't disappoint - I enjoyed the descriptions of the locations and the community feel of the village.
Ashcroft does also look at some deeper issues - the troubled relationship between Ruby and her father, childhood illness and parental death and the general struggles of adulthood (money, work and family) - which makes this novel more than just a basic romance.
After I had got past the initial few chapters, I would recommend this novel.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book by Donna Ashcroft that I've read..
A cute and adorable read.
I like the cover too.
Thank you for providing me with this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I have a guilty pleasure, which is all things "Cornish." So I was happy to receive a copy of this book to review. It was a lovely, warm, feel-good romance.
Ruby returns to Indigo Cove to spend some time with her grandmother. Her grandmother runs a little pottery studio, and it is here that Ruby encounters the very attractive Gabe Roskilly, who is the owner of a local brewery.
Gabe's business is struggling, and he soon becomes the brunt of some ongoing and dangerous vandalism. A group of local characters set out to determine who is responsible for this intrusion. Ruby and Gabe are thrown together and soon become romantically entangled. But will the truth about the vandalism bring them together or break them apart?
This was a delightful story. It was well written, and the characters were truly remarkable. A great summer beach read!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouoture for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This book tells the story of Ruby Penhaligon, a reliable and down-to-earth accountant living in London, who travels to Indigo Cove to help her grandmother, Lila, with her business, "The Pottery Project". Right away Ruby meets Gabe Roskilly, co-owner of the family brewery and full owner of two beagles, the rascal Sammie and the angelic Rex. Slowly, but surely, Gabe is cracking through Ruby's defenses, and she has to decide whether to let herself feel or continue her safe and feelingless existence.
I absolutely loved this book! It had everything: love, sex and mistery! I was completely hooked on this book from chapter 1. It was my first Donna Ashcroft book but it will definitely not be the last!

Was this review helpful?

Another great page turner from Donna Ashcroft! She always delivers a plot that will keep you up all night! I started reading in an evening and completed it the next morning when I awoke. I became so engaged in the characters’ lives and their outcomes that I just did not want to stop. The digital pages fluttered past quite quickly!

The Little Cornish House is told from two viewpoints: Ruby’s and Gabe’s. Ruby has returned to Indigo Cove at her grandmother-Lila’s request for she is in danger of losing her little cottage and pottery business. On Ruby’s return, she runs into the handsome local brewery store owner, Gabe, who is trying to help Lila, too. Ruby is attracted to this strong, charming fellow but tries to keep her distance for she has had some bad romantic experiences in the past. Male figures have not served well in her life. For she has also been hurt by a father that abandoned her early on and left a trail of broken promises. So, she carries a cartload of negative feelings that have caused her to build a protective wall around her heart. Having great trust issues, she sees everything through the warped lens of past relationship failures and disappointments. Her determination to stick to her opinions and refuse to see the world in any other light, sometime causes her to miss the obvious.

Gabe has his own issues, too, and is fiercely protective of his twin brother. This leads him into some less than perfect positions and affects his own views on family. How true is the old saying that ‘blood is thicker than water’ and how far should its meaning stretch? Gabe has been taught that family loyalties and relationships are the most important ones. But can this stalwart thinking, sometimes blind him to the facts?

The Little Cornish House is bursting with a mystery at its core that definitely upsets the apple carts of many of its characters. Even though I surmised a possible outcome early on, it was still an enjoyable journey for Donna’s excellent writing carries you like a cascading wave across a glistening shore. I must note, this moreish tale contains a heavier dash of physical romance than what I have seen in Donna’s books before (at least the ones I have read) but she handles it all with expert skill. Emotions and feelings run high between Ruby and Gabe, leading to some very heightened memorable scenes between the two.

The apt setting of Indigo Cove (lovely name) on the Cornish coast gives us a warm cosy feeling and conjures up some exquisite sparkling scenes in our minds. As always, Donna paints a welcoming picture of the surroundings that serve her characters and plot well.

This novel is a lot about relationships, how they start, stall and evolve. And yes, in spite of past performances, people can change when given enough time and the right incentive. Love alters people, maybe not always at first for the best, but things tend to swing around given enough space and healthy nurturing. Healing must begin in each person in order for wounded relationships to mend.

Tucked in the folds of this story are such things as the bonds of friendship, family ties, forgiveness and trust. And a strong message of the need for second chances. To make this happen, one must take off the blinders to see the truth as it stands in all its nakedness and less than perfect glory, rather than be lost in a swirl of misconceptions. More than one character in The Little Cornish House must learn this lesson.

A lot of sensitive issues are packed into this enticing story. Many of which I have not touched upon but I will leave the rest for the reader to discover. Plus the wonderful craft of pottery-making, dishes up some delightful creative twists in this story, too! There are many topics covered in this gem to keep you reading. I highly recommend The Little Cornish House with the big heart. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

Was this review helpful?

I love a book that has a beautiful front cover and this is one of them. The Little Cornish house tells a story of a thirty soemthing year old woman named Ruby, who moves to Indigo Cove to save the beloved Cornish cottage, at the request of her grandmother. She meets Gabe Raskilly, who owns the local brewery, and as much as she tries to distance herself away from him, the two fall in love.

This book is cheesy, romantic book. Ruby sounds like my personality a little bit. The writing was great and I do like how the romance developed between Ruby and Gabe. I also like how Ruby was trying to find who the father of Ruby's friend Anna's child was, suspecting that it was Gabe's twin brother Aaron. The story also tells about Ruby's estranged relationship with her father and of course, Aaron's heaps of debts.

Overall, I did enjoy the story and it was a heartwarming story as well. Worth four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Was this review helpful?

Another excellent read from Donna Ashcroft, it has interesting characters, a captivating storyline and is set in a beautiful part of the world. What more could you ask for.

Was this review helpful?

Great summer read. Gorgeous setting and characters. This author never fails to write a good, enthralling book.

Was this review helpful?

Another good read by this author. Easy to read, decent pace. Gorgeous characters and setting. .

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this very much, it’s quite steamy for a chick-lit summer romance novel, featuring very sexy pottery giving slight Ghost vibes.

It’s a relatively easy-going plot that does take on some larger sensitive issues. I always try and feature a trigger/content warning for sensitive topics and this features themes of gambling, childhood cancer, problematic parenting and childhood trauma. It’s up for debate but I think our protagonists best friend (Anna) is in an emotionally abusive relationship.

Gabe is our sexy love interest who doesn’t disappoint and is a perfect match for Ruby who has shut herself off from all spontaneity and romantic relationships. It’s an enjoyable summery read about opening your heart and welcoming new experiences.

I didn’t enjoy Ruby going against the express wishes of her friend however and took an instant dislike to her from then on, seeing her as selfish and quite honestly, a really bad friend. But overall an enjoyable, steamy summer read. Also - may leaving you wanting to take up pottery, I certainly do!

Was this review helpful?