A Cornish Love Story is not my first Cressida McLaughlin’s novel, but, without a doubt, it’s my favourite. I read it in one day, completely engrossed in the two protagonists and their love story and drawn by the beautiful setting of Cornwall.

The story follows Georgie Monroe and Ethan Spark as their story alternates between the past and the present. Thirteen years ago, Georgie and Ethan, then eighteen-years-old, met and fell in love in their last year of school. Ethan is the new boy in town, while Georgie has lived in the Cornish village with her mother her whole life. Georgie is obsessed with a romance series by a local author and she dreams, one day, of becoming an author herself, while Ethan wants to be an architect. However, their love, young and authentic, is complicated by their families: Georgie is at her sick and overprotective mother’s beck and call, while Ethan often must rush away to help his rebellious younger sister. At the present time, Georgie still lives in town working as a part-time journalist for the local paper and a personal assistant for her idol, the author of the romance series she loved so much. She needs to cover the open house of a super high-tech mansion and Ethan is the architect behind all the work. They haven’t seen each other in 13 years, since they broke up, and there are many things that they have to face and resolve. Luckily, they have time as the super intelligent house, a house that had history with both her and Ethan, locks them in.

I loved this novel so much. The writing is captivating and I loved how the past intertwines with the present, how the characters develop and face their past and their story, and how it all ends beautifully, even though I never wanted it to end! Highly recommended!

I love Cressida McLaughlin's books and feel this one is the best I have read. Wonderful narratives, lovely setting and descriptions. Highly recommend.

Another lovely book from Cressida set in Cornwall. Some timely reminders about the concerns around AI, within a story of two young people who had split up years ago but still loved each..

Would love to see this as a TV drama.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I couldn’t put it down. The characters Ethan and Georgie were lovely and it was interesting how their story from when they were young was interwoven into the story, giving us an insight how they lost touch and the incidents leading up to that time.

Reading the letters was another beautiful way of showing how Georgie felt after Ethan left years ago, they were emotional.

I loved the setting, and the big house, it’s descriptions, the way it was brought up to date felt as though you was there seeing it yourself.

The story was so well written, I wanted them to live in that house themselves.

I highly recommend this book.

An enjoyable summer read, this would perfect holiday reading with its Cornish setting. Who doesn’t like an uplifting second chance romance with a dash of forced proximity and Cornish mythology thrown in?
I liked the main characters and enjoyed the chemistry between them. The flashbacks worked well and there was a mysterious element which added some fun. I’m never entirely convinced by stories of couples who’ve never got over their first love, but Georgie’s growth into a more mature and courageous adult made an enjoyable tale and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of well-written romances.

Perfect in every way possible. The story is well thought out, the characters are perfectly crafted and there’s something warming scene is set so wonderfully I think I can actually see and smell it when I close my eyes.
Perfect.

What great new book! I loved the flash back to Georgie and Ethan and friends when they were at sixth form, then sprinkled in with the current story.

What an amazing premise, an Intelligent house that seems to have gone rogue and locks them in. My nerdy brain went to an old tv series called Eureka with a smart house that did just that to its owner when it thought he was going to move away. Yes I’m nerdy! 🤣. However I loved this, there was an element of not being quite sure what was happening, and the responses Georgie sometimes got from the house really make you wonder what is going on. However, no need to worry it was all under control.

I really liked how Ethan had to work at getting back with Georgie, especially when she stops to reflect on her life and then takes bold steps to make changes. Wrapping it all in a traditional Cornish Mermaid love story was clever and beautiful. Some amazing views and descriptions in the book really made you feel that you were there

A fantastic love story to read on a Sunny Cornish beach this summer.

I don’t know where to begin. This is a book that no written review could do justice. It’s just absolutely perfect in every way possible.

I absolutely love a book written by Cressida. I know I’m guaranteed a treat. A Cornish Love Story is quite possibly the best to date. It’s definitely my favourite.

Ethan and Georgie dated and were torn apart. However, life has a way of making paths cross again later on and this is where our story really begins to come to life.

This is completely unique in the fact, Ethan’s architectural design works against the couple. Trapped inside a show house, will they get a second chance at love?

I’ve been here for every single event that’s on these pages. My heart has been completely stolen. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried but most of all, my heart has been completely invested in such a gorgeous story.

This book has been an utter delight to read and I’m even more convinced now that Cressida is one of the best authors out there.

This book is a masterpiece. I’ve devoured this in just hours with no regrets. Anyone and everyone who enjoys feel good fiction should get this on the TBR.

It’s an absolute must read.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I’m a huge fan of Cressida's writing and her stories , A Cornish Love Story is everything I’ve come to love and expect from her, an absolutely gorgeous romance that I don’t want to put down. Wonderful second chance romance pmerfect for Summer

I loved everything about this book! The characters, the setting, the second-chance romance,... The house sounds fabulous, I felt the chemistry between the characters throughout all the chapters, past and present. The book is really well-written, I couldn't put it down.

If you're looking for a cosy romance to wind down, I recommend adding this book to your TBR!

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute. I loved the flashbacks to when they were teenagers and how they were split up through the plot: Ethan and Georgie are such good people dealing with difficult situations but their story was a delight to read. I loved the development of Georgie’s character throughout the book. It was all in Georgie’s POV but the author gave us lots of insight into Ethan still.

Georgie Munroe grew up in small-town Cornwall, she loved the Rosevar family saga romance novels of the local author S.E. Artemis which were set in her beautiful cliff-top home Alperton House, which was called Tyller Klos. But the series ended thirty years ago with the last pair of lovers separated by the Atlantic Ocean, the author left her home and never wrote again. Georgie had plans to be a writer but her mother's MS meant she had to leave university after just one term to support her.

Since then Alperton House fell into disrepair, indeed as an adventurous teenager Georgie and her friends explored the half-derelict house and told each other ghost stories in the gloomy rooms.

As an adult Georgie works part-time as a journalist for a local newspaper and also as an assistant to Spence, (drum roll) none other than S.E. Artemis. Alperton House has been bought by a developer and a team have been hard at work transforming it beyond recognition, but Georgie gets a shock when she discovers the architect is none other than her childhood sweetheart Ethan Sparks. Encouraged/forced by both her employers to cover the open day for Alperton House, now renamed Sterenlenn, Georgie is both hopeful and terrified of seeing him after all that went down between them.

I have read and enjoyed previous books by this author so, despite having already requested another contemporary romance set in Cornwall I duly requested this one. Unfortunately, this book didn't really work for me, Georgie and Ethan's romance and break-up were told in flashback (which I have decided annoys me more often than I enjoy it after having two books in succession that use this device) and at the end of it it all seemed like a storm in a tea-cup and the two of them were wetter than a wet weekend in Manchester. Throw in a smart house with a mind of its own which locks Ethan and Georgie in the house and my eyes were rolling so far back I could see the inside of my skull.

Perfect for someone less cynical to read as a beach second-chance romance.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Cressida McLaughlin takes a classic mystery novel 'locked room' trope and applies it to her wonderful, sweeping, slow-burn love story.

Journalist Georgie Monroe is sent to cover the opening of a new high-tech mansion, one she and her best friends and former boyfriend used to trespass in as teenager. To her shock, she discovers that the architect behind the renovation is her ex, Ethan Sparks. And to her horror, she and Ethan end up locked inside the house by house's digital controller, Sparks (who seems eerily reminscient of HAL).

I am a huge sucker for a second-chance love story. What I love is that Georgie is aware its been 13 years since they broke up and became strangers to each other (oh gosh all the flashbacks leading up to their break-up had me very tense), so how could they even make it work in present day? Cressida McLaughlin really knows how to make her character work for their reunion, but in a way that makes their happy ending satisfying and realistic. Her writing also delicately balances being sexy while also being heartfelt. There's also such a warmth to her writing that feels uplifting when you finish.

Georgie and Ethan were just so good together in both past and present that I believed they would get it right this second time around. I love that he named the house Sterenlenn (I wish I lived there) as a homing beacon to try and win back Georgie (oh gosh those letters!).

A quietly sweeping slow-burn second-chance love story that is full of heart.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book follows Georgie Monroe, a journalist living in a quaint Cornish town who has long been enchanted by a beloved local author and the book series that shaped her teenage years. Now working for that very author, Georgie is asked to write a feature on the real-life house that inspired the novels—recently renovated and beautifully restored. But when she discovers who the new owner is, she’s faced with an unexpected reunion that brings back memories she thought were long buried.

Told through alternating past and present timelines, the story slowly reveals the connection between Georgie and Ethan, making their journey feel both romantic and real. Their shared history gives the novel emotional depth, while their present-day interactions add plenty of warmth and charm.

The house itself becomes a standout element in the book—its transformation mirroring the personal growth of the characters. It’s described so vividly, you can almost imagine yourself moving in and soaking up the Cornish air. With its engaging characters, a touch of mystery, and a good dose of humour, A Cornish Love Story is a light, lovely read that fans of cosy romance will no doubt enjoy.

A good romance but I failed to connect with the main characters. I think I normally fall in love with the authors books because of the descriptions of the Cornish landscapes and the gentleness of the way of life; this book was completely differently. This is a good book, just not quite what I was expecting when I started reading it.

A delightful tale of missed opportunities for the central characters Ethan and Georgie. Intriguing dual time line to unfold their story using the medium of letter writing and a house that means so much to the characters

Cressida delivers a delightful tale brimming with warmth, emotional depth, & a touch of serendipity. She excels at crafting characters who feel real & relatable, & Georgie & Ethan are no exception. I was drawn into their journey as they navigate the rekindling of old feelings amidst new revelations.
The writing style is a pure joy – evocative & immersive, it paints a vivid picture of the Cornish setting, making it feel like a character in itself. She masterfully blends moments of genuine romance with touches of humour & touching introspection. The narrative explores themes of second chances, forgiveness, & the power of facing one's past to build a new future.

Ultimately, A Cornish Love Story is a charming, uplifting, & unashamedly romantic read that provides a much-needed escape. It's a testament to Cressida's talent for crafting feel-good fiction that leaves you with a warm glow & a smile on your face.

This book is a must-add to your summer TBR list!

This book is a refreshing change from the author’s previous work. It weaves a captivating tale of romance with the main characters’ backstories and a slightly sinister computer system. The setting is divine, and the house design at the centre of the story is beautifully captured. The author truly paints a picture with words, making this a truly enjoyable read.

Thank you, Netgalley.

I absolutely adore this author! Her writing is chef’s kiss, and this book did not disappoint. The love story between the main characters is so beautiful. I did wonder if Orwell was a bad egg but not much was said about him so I took my own thoughts about him and think he probably was a bit!
Still, the split between ‘then’ and ‘now’ was so good; weirdly the ‘then’ reminded me so much of myself at the same age, and it felt like I was there with the characters.
Please go out and buy this book, you won’t regret it!

I absolutely adored this book and raced through it in 2 days. The story was quite unique and I loved the dual timeline and getting to follow Georgie and Ethan’s story right from the beginning when they were teenagers. The flashback scenes were some of my favourite ones, with the abandoned house setting especially. I loved seeing Georgie’s growth as a character and there was so much real chemistry between her and Ethan that I was really rooting for them from the start. The ending was perfection. To sum up, this was a perfect Summery read that I’ll be recommending to everyone.