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Member Reviews

This is a lovely, easy to read book, perfect for relaxing or holida reading.
It is a heartwarming and romantic read, with lovely characters and an idyllic setting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my arc.

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The perfect summer read, just what I needed to read this summer, I read this one in just 2 sittings! I didn't want to put it down!

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A perfect summer read set in Cornwall giving you a taste of sun, sea and festivals. This is a story of new beginnings, whilst repairing relationships amongst the unravelling of buried secrets and feelings.
Tammy meets the ‘suited’ Raun as she creates her sand art on the beach. Instantly attracted, a friendship is built between them. What neither of them realise is that there is a connection that neither of them realises and it is one that could drive a wedge between them. Will Tammy allow the barrier to come down and allow Raun to claim her heart?
I felt Tammy’s reaction to the revelation was harsh on Raun and she was lucky he didn’t throw the towel in! Overall though she was a warm-hearted young lady and Raun was a loveable, caring young man.
Definitely get your feet up, with a cold drink and enjoy, along with the hot and sunny UK summer.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Phillipa Ashley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Easy to read prose with a satisfying cadence, this story from Phillipa Ashley has both tragedy and romance, but mostly it is heart lifting.

Tammy is a mid-30s sand artist living in a Cornish village. The setting is a stunning backdrop for the tale that plays out. This story isn’t all sunshine and glorious beaches, as Tammy’s life experiences have not been easy. That said, this story is full of hope, and is summer reading at its best.

Themes include bereavement, abandonment, compassion and care, self-reliance, inheritance, second seaside homes, and friendship in many forms.

I highly recommend One Cornish Summer with You by Phillipa Ashley.

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have been an avid reader of Phillipa Ashley’s books for many years now. She obviously has a special passion for the Cornish coast, as is apparent from reading the list of her previous titles. This book promised a return to the coastal town of Porthmellow, a setting for some of her earlier stories. I loved its cover, with its invitation to step from a sandy beach into water warmed by the sun.

The story concerns 32-year-old Tammy who has lived in Porthmellow all of her life. Sadly, her happy younger years came to an abrupt end due to her father’s financial problems which also led to her mother leaving her and her home. Now that her father has died, Tammy is all on her own, making a living as a sand artist and helping out at a friend’s gallery. She is intrigued one day when she notices a young man in a suit watching her at work. He stands out because of his apparel and the fact that he is obviously too hot. Tammy learns that he is a solicitor by the name of Ruan, who is new to the area. Over the next few weeks they develop a friendship. Tammy is independent, but as she gets to know Ruan, she feels that he may be someone she could let into her heart. However, when she discovers that he has been hiding a secret from her, she thinks that she may have been wrong to trust him after all, especially because that secret has implications for what she believed about her past life.

I very much enjoyed this summery romantic story with its beautiful setting and likeable characters. As well as the main characters, Tammy had many friends who we met along the way. Despite her situation, she was obviously popular and a well-known figure in the town. Ruan was also a kind and considerate person. I liked that fact that the romance between him and Tammy was very gentle and gradual. It was sweet that he could be so caring of Tammy’s feelings, even if it got him into trouble. As well as the characters, I really liked the setting for the story. I could well imagine strolling along the beach with the waves lapping at my feet and I could hear the cries of the gulls. The town had a really strong feeling of community which added to its attraction. It was interesting to learn that so many people would commission sand art for a celebration or other special occasion. I think that this book will make a great summer read, presenting an escape for the reader, even when sat at home.

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Once again a wonderful novel written by Fern! Delia inherits a mansion g T bat she doesn’t want and the story flips between the present and what she experienced in the past. Her life has been a rollercoaster with her childhood on the small farm and her whirlwind romance and Fern creates believable characters who bring the story to life as well as the setting of Cornwall with its dramatic landscape.

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This is the perfect holiday read if you are planning a trip to Cornwall this summer (or would just like to imagine you are!)

This is a cosy, heart-warming romantic novel, set in a fictional Cornwall beach town.

The lead characters are a little stereotypical for a modern Cornwall love story (Tammy, a sand sculpture artist and Ruan a solicitor and kitesurfing enthusiast from Bristol ) but they are also very likeable! I also really liked Tammy's landlord Davey, who was a friend of her late dad, so a real father figure to her.

There is also a side story aboitbthe impact of air bnbs and tourism on the availability of affordable accommodation for locals, which is very topical at the moment.

A fab light read for Summer!

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Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Tammy lives in a harbour town in Cornwall. Ruan has moved to Cornwall for a new start and when Tammy meets him she questions whether he could be the one to change her mind about relationships. However, Ruan has a secret that changes what Tammy knew about her past.

A great read.

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This book is a cute, romantic read that’s perfect for the summer months. I really liked the chemistry between the two main characters, Tammy and Ruan, and was really rooting for them to make it despite the ‘Will they or won’t they?’ teases throughout. I also enjoyed exploring the relationship between Tammy and Davey.

The setting of the Cornish coast is beautiful and made me want to be at the beach watching the tide wash away the sand art!

I also enjoyed the look back at Tammy’s family history and her childhood which linked back to the present day story with Ruan.

Overall, this book didn’t grip me and it’s a little predictable in parts but it’s definitely a heart-warming and easy read that isn’t overly cheesy with a beautiful setting.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

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Phillipa Ashley is one of my go-to authors for feel good, comfort reads. One Cornish Summer with you is the perfect summer book for your holidays! The gorgeous coastal Cornish setting was stunning.

Tammy is our MC who's had quite a tough life and is struggling after the loss of her father, but determined not to let anyone get too close and break down the walls she's built. But when she meets Ruan, the handsome out of towner solicitor who's moved in locally, she begins to wonder if he could be the one to try.

The beautifully flawed cast of characters make this a joyous read and I couldn't put it down!

Definitely recommend for this time of year, especially as it's also 99p on the kindle deals right now!

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This novel is the perfect blend of seaside charm, emotional depth, and just the right touch of mystery. Set in the picturesque Cornish town of Porthmellow, the story follows Tammy, a talented but guarded sand artist, as she navigates love, grief, and personal growth. Her reluctance to open her heart, shaped by past abandonment and tragedy, makes her incredibly relatable. Watching her journey unfold—especially through her tender, complex relationship with newcomer Ruan—was both moving and satisfying.

Ruan, a gentle and grounded lawyer, brings a lovely contrast to Tammy's stormy emotions. His own subplot, involving the inheritance of an old house and uncovering family secrets, added a layer of intrigue that kept me turning the pages. The mystery of his great-uncle Walter weaves in seamlessly with Tammy’s own struggles, enriching the emotional stakes and drawing their two worlds together.

The Cornish setting was a character in itself—vivid, atmospheric, and steeped in coastal magic. The beach scenes, especially during OceanFest, sparkled with creativity and community spirit.

This book left me feeling uplifted, a little sun-kissed, and very much like I’d just returned from a windswept walk along the shore. A perfect summer escape.

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I loved this story - it’s centred on Tammy, a sand artist looking for her big break, and Ruan, a solicitor who moves to Cornwall after inheriting a house in need of much work. As ever with these stories, their lives intertwine, there are misunderstandings and misadventure, but it’s a great summer read.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

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an easy cozy read to get lost in on a summers day.
a story of families, secrets and love and everything that comes inbetween.

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When Tammy and Ruan meet on a Cornish beach, sparks fly. As they get to know each other, lawyer Ruan and artist Tammy get on well. Ruan hasn't told Tammy that he's inherited a falling down houseand when he finds out more about it it's too late. can they get past the obstacles in their way, all from Tammy's past? A lovely summer romance in a beautiful setting. #netgalley #onecornishsummerwithyou

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Having read a few books set in the beautiful Porthmellow Harbour already I was really excited to be coming back. Even though I live in Cornwall I love reading books that are set here and although Porthmellow itself is fictional there were a lot of real places featured that I have been to and I feel that some are them are well overdue another visit!

Tammy's story is a sad one as she's recently lost her father and she's struggling with the mystery surrounding his death as she knows that she may never know what really happened. Her dad was incredibly proud of her and the amazing artistic talent that she has, and I think more than anything she still wants to make him proud and throws everything into her Sand Art.

I loved the relationship between Tammy and Ruan; from the very start you could feel the chemistry between them even though they seemed like complete opposites to begin with. However as we get to know more about Ruan it's clear they have more in common than we initially thought and it was lovely to watch them fall for each other. Of course not everything is plain sailing as Ruan has a big secret which threatens to derail their budding romance. It will take a lot of effort to overcome this monumental hurdle.

I also adored Davey and the relationship he has with Tammy. Davey has obviously tried to fill the shoes of Tammy's father and is very protective of her. Naturally he's suspicious of Ruan as he doesn't want to see Tammy hurt, but ultimately he just wants her to be happy and is a big softie at heart.

For me this was a five star read not just for the sweet romance but because of everything else that was happening; there were some truly huge secrets, twists, turns, and big reveals which kept me turning the pages. All of this in a beautiful setting made for a wonderfully addictive read.

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This was a beautiful story, right from the start you know that Tammy and Ruan will be together but there are so many complications along the way that there were times I started to doubt if they would make it. The reasons were totally understandable and the reason to why they were in this situation and how they became who they are. Their journey through this book was a relatable one and one that is a perfect summer read, full of uplifting hope and beautiful scenery!
There are some wonderful supporting characters in here as well and it was great to see at least one of them have their happy ending too. This is a fabulous feel good book which is easy to read and tells a lovely story of two people finding their way through the mire left behind by those who came before.

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Tammy paints sand pictures and the book opens with her doing a special one for her late father's anniversary.
Ruan is a solicitor new to the area and finds her sand painting fascinating. They strike up a conversation as she is also curious what he could be doing there at the beach in his suit and tie. It started with an ice cream!
The story is a well trodden path of romance but it is well written and describes Cornwall and the beach and you feel you are there.
Also there is a part of the story in the Scottish Highlands which is always a draw for me coming from Scotland.
I really liked this story definitely worth a read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.

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I am always obsessed with the stunning backdrops that Ashley locates her wonderful books. Her descriptions are so beautifully evocative, every story feels like a holiday from real life. Love the theme of the temporary nature of life alongside our lead’s sand art. Brilliantly done.

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Wonderful perfect beach reading, who doesn't love a book set in Cornwall. Slap on your lotion, grab a lounger and enjoy. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

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🔴❤️ Tammy loved her childhood growing up in the harbour town of Porthmellow. But when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned them, she was quick to learn that nothing lasts forever.

Now, Tammy spends her days creating works of art in the golden Cornish sand, and is determined to protect herself from further heartache. But everything changes when she meets Ruan – a gorgeous solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start.

Just as Tammy starts to question if Ruan could be the one to break down her walls, she discovers he has a secret – one that unravels everything she thought she knew about her past.

Can Tammy find the courage to trust again? Or will Ruan’s secret push her away forever? ……………………………………………………………….

📚 Out Now.
Oh this was such a lovely story and perfect read for over the summer months. I have a soft spot for books based in Cornwall, as I would love to visit one day. My husband blames Doc Martin 🤣🤣!
I have a few authors that I like to call my relaxing & Cozy reads. I devoured this book - 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me !!

#myself #follow #instagram #followback #instadaily #instadaily #philippaashley #cornwall #onecornishsummerwithyou

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