Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this ARC.

Georgie Monroe, 31, has lived in Alperwick, Cornwall all her life. She is a journalist for a local paper and also PA for local writer Spence Artemis. What she really wants is to write her own book but for now she is content helping Spence write a sequel to her Cornish Sands series, finally giving lovers Amelie and Connor their happy ending.

But first she is sent by Spence to have a look at newly redesigned Alperwick House, the location of fictional Cornish Sands and Spence's old house, which also holds memories for her. It has been renamed to Sterenlenn, meaning Blanket of Stars, and now sports glass fronts and a very modern Smart House system, invented and installed by architect Ethan Sparks.

There is unresolved history between Georgie and Ethan who used to be sweethearts 13 years ago but broke up due to his tearaway sister Sarah claiming all his time and energy, plus Georgie's mother needing her. So Georgie is keen to leave the Open House Event as soon as possible but suddenly the Panic Room Mode gets activated and locks the two in, with no possibility of calling for help.

This is a simple story of forced proximity between former lovers but it's storytelling at its finest against a picturesque backdrop, interspersed by flashbacks to their 18 year old selves with friends Kira, Freddy and Orwell, and exquisite love letters from Amelie to Connor. The house itself with its architectural innovation and high-tech elements containing a disco shower feels like its own, slightly unhinged character.

One, I loved Georgie and Ethan and how they tried to work through their problems. Two, they are endearing characters who both have had to deal with family problems. Three, I especially liked how Georgie deliberately went through a period of personal growth and arranged her life just so before she contacted Ethan again as it speaks of strength in character I'd like to see in more female protagonists. Four, the rekindled second chance romance is never in doubt, but the journey there is captivating and engaging. Five, this is brilliantly written and I highly recommend it - Cressida McLaughlin at her finest.

4.5 stars

Georgie and Ethan are childhood sweethearts who had a bitter and unexpected breakup. Years later they are reunited when Ethan returns to Cornwall to transform Alperwick House which is full of memories of their love.
The characters were wonderfully written and I loved how the book was written both in real time and when they were young. I also enjoyed the love letters which really added to the story.
A beautiful read which I couldn’t put down and I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I love Cressida Mclaughlin books and this one was so good.
This is a story about Ethan and georgie teenage sweethearts.
Georgie's favourite auther used to live in the big house on the cliff in her town until she became to frail and moved into a bungalow ever since her house has been left to decay.
Georgie and her friends often met up there and dreamed of what it would be like to live there.
Ethans dream was to become an architect and renovate it until family life got in the way and got inbetween them.

fast forward 10 years and Georgie is the PA to her favourite auther anad dreams of writing her own books.
The house on the cliff has been renovated and her boss wants her to go have a look at it to get inspiration to finish off her books that she started writing there.

A lovely love story . Moving back in time then present time. Not always my favourite way to read but it works . There are always more to people than you realise. You warm to some characters more than others. The house was amazing. I would like a disco shower. The main character got stronger and stronger. Cressida McLaughlin never disappoints . The tea bus gets a mention. A proper neat ending. Read it and escape .

Book Review: A Cornish Love Story by Cressida McLaughlin

Cressida McLaughlin’s A Cornish Love Story is a heartwarming and captivating tale of second chances, love, and the secrets that can shape our lives. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall, this standalone novel offers everything readers could want from a romance—charming characters, an atmospheric setting, and a story brimming with emotion.

The plot follows Georgie Monroe, a journalist who has been watching from the sidelines as a historic house in Cornwall is transformed into a sleek, high-tech modern marvel by an anonymous buyer. When she’s invited to report on an event at the newly renovated property, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Ethan Sparks, her first love and the architect behind the house’s redesign. The reunion stirs up old memories, as well as the complicated emotions tied to their past relationship. But as they find themselves trapped in the house when a malfunction occurs, Georgie and Ethan are forced to confront not only the house’s secrets but also the ones they’ve been hiding from each other.

McLaughlin has an incredible ability to blend romance with rich, layered storytelling. The characters are endearing, with Georgie and Ethan’s history offering a depth to their interactions that is both emotional and compelling. The tension between the two, built around years of unresolved issues, is palpable, and the slow-burn romance that develops feels both satisfying and tender. Their dynamic is one of the book’s greatest strengths—readers will root for them, hoping they can navigate their past and build a future together.

The setting of Cornwall is, as always, beautifully rendered in McLaughlin’s hands. The author masterfully captures the magic and charm of the Cornish landscape, with the house itself acting almost as a character in its own right. The juxtaposition of the house's sleek, modern design with its hidden secrets makes for a fascinating backdrop to the unfolding romance, creating an atmosphere that is both alluring and mysterious.

The plot is expertly woven, with the house’s malfunction providing the perfect catalyst for the characters to reconnect and confront their shared past. The secrets they uncover about both the house and each other add a layer of intrigue and tension, keeping the reader hooked until the very end. The pacing of the story is spot-on, and the combination of romance, mystery, and personal growth makes it a thoroughly engaging read.

Ultimately, A Cornish Love Story is a beautifully written novel about love, forgiveness, and the power of new beginnings. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who believes in the possibility of second chances, especially when love is involved. McLaughlin’s trademark warmth and wit shine through in this novel, and fans of her previous works will not be disappointed.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Cressida McLaughlin or new to her writing, A Cornish Love Story is a perfect read for those looking for a romantic escape filled with charm, heart, and just the right amount of intrigue. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt, feel-good romance set in a stunning location.