This is a wonderful book that would make even a hardened cynic believe in love.

For that is exactly what Emily is trying to do, she needs to make Jude believe in just about any sort of love, so that he can make his detective are more rounded character that readers will buy into. But due to his upbringing and the way life has treated him, he is closed off to the the idea that love is anything other than a transaction.

Emily is also a massive Christmas fan and is a bit surprised the Jude doesn't seem overly keen at first on the season either.

This isn't just about romantic love but family love, and even friendship. And not just in human form either as Gary Barlow and Jude's dog are clearly besotted with other.

I was delighted to see a familiar setting of Jo Bartlett's Cornwall and I was even happier to see a cameo from my all time favourite of her characters. But don't panic, this is definitely a standalone novel, its not part of a series, just the author putting in easter eggs for her dedicated fans, of which I am one.

Between romance, Christmas, the insight into a crime authors mind, and Emily's wonderful family, especially her mother, this is a really enjoyable festive story, where we are just hoping for a Christmas miracle for Jude!

Truly enjoyable, what a great book this is.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I love how Jo manages to write such cosy characters but that make you care about their story.
I love how it doesn't matter which story you pick up the old reliable characters make appearances. I can't wait for the next read.

Firstly, thank you so much for letting me read A Cornish Winters Kiss.
I very much enjoyed reading about Emily's journey to prove to jude that love really does exist.
I was hooked till the last page! It was simply adorable!

Jo Bartlett returns with another charming, heartfelt romance, delivering exactly the kind of escapism readers crave during the festive season. Set on the windswept Cornish coast, this story combines humor, warmth, and an irresistible seasonal sparkle.

Emily Anderson, an audiobook narrator with a hopelessly romantic streak, finds herself teaming up with Jude Cavendish, a crime writer who has little time for love stories—until his publisher demands one. What follows is a delicious clash of optimism and cynicism, with Emily determined to prove that love isn’t just fiction, and Jude equally sure that it is.

Bartlett handles this classic “grumpy meets sunshine” pairing with flair, weaving witty dialogue, emotional depth, and a sense of community that makes the Cornish setting feel alive. Emily’s effervescent charm balances beautifully against Jude’s guarded vulnerability, and their chemistry unfolds with just the right balance of slow-burn tension and festive sweetness.

More than a romance, this novel is about rediscovering joy, taking risks, and embracing the unexpected—perfect themes for a Christmas story. Bartlett’s prose is warm and uplifting without straying into cliché, and readers will find themselves laughing one moment and reaching for tissues the next.

A cozy, romantic triumph, this book is tailor-made for fans of Jenny Colgan, Jessica Redland, and Holly Martin. It’s the kind of novel that leaves you smiling long after the final page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A festive, feel-good gem that captures the true magic of Christmas and love.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

This was a cozy, heartwarming book that I really enjoyed!

A really lovely feel-good festive read that will appeal to anyone who has enjoyed Jo Bartlett's series set in Cornwall.

There are several layers to this story which attract me to the book. The first has to be the stunning setting in Cornwall which is always a favourite for a read. Then there are some familiar faces from Jo Bartlett's other series who turn up in the story and give us a window into their lives. The family, friends and community you meet give the story warmth and depth and the characters credibility. Both central characters are so likeable with some vulnerabilities but some really strong characteristics. The festive touches add to the magic of the story. Finally, I love the references to fiction, especially romcoms with the tropes and situations woven in.

Emily is the sunshine to Jude's grumpy demeanour, especially where romance is concerned. Emily has not given up hope that a happy ever after will be possible for her, whilst Jude cuts off any promise of love. You sense the reasons for this as you learn more about his childhood and his relationships with his parents. Jude has built a monumental wall around his feelings, which Emily, with her caring family has never had to do. As you follow Emily's attempts to show Jude that love exists for some in a selfless manner, you hope that they both will see the light and put down their defences.

In short: grumpy- sunshine and a festive touch

A really enjoyable book with lots of interesting storylines. I really liked Emily and warmed to Jude once we found out more about his past.

I will say it wasnt overly Christmassy but it was still romantic none the less.

Overall a great read

4.5 stars
I just love Jo's writing. She has become a must read author for me! Jo writes stories where the characters feel so real and where the reader feels what the characters are going through.

I loved Emily, the main character and she had such a lovely family too, full of love. Jude is not my favorite character but as he grows throught the story I do start to understand him more and therefore also like him more.

I really enjoyed how both main characters love books and work with books, and how their characters were complete opposites but somehow also complemented each other.

when do opposites collide can they attract? a grumpy crime writer who basically hates everything and everyone enlists the help of a audio book narrator who loves love and life!
it’s a turbulent ride but a great read

Emma narrates romantic audio books and Jude writes crime fiction. When Jude’s editor tells him his books are falling from the top spot and he needs to add a bit of romance to try to and liven up his books he drafts Emma in to try to change his opinion on love.
When Emma decides to go home to Cornwall for Christmas Jude decides to go to as his family are also local.
Can Emma change how Jude feels about love and will spending time back with Emma and his family only time will tell.
A beautiful book taking us back to Port Agnes, filled with Christmas love and sparkle another wonderful book by Jo Bartlett.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A lovely, heartwarming festive read. Perfect for cold, winter nights. Emily believes in love with all of her heart, Jude does not believe in it at all. Can they find any common ground?

This is such a gorgeous and emotional festive read. It definitely makes you feel warm and happy.
I love Jo Bartlett's books, this one is well written, with lovely characters. It is an enjoyable, heartwarming read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my arc.

A Cornish Winter Kiss* is a charming, heartwarming read that wraps you in a cozy blanket of festive romance and small-town magic. Set in a picturesque Cornish village during the winter months, the story follows two endearing characters brought together by fate—and maybe a bit of holiday spirit.

The author paints the setting beautifully, making you feel the chill in the air and the warmth of a crackling fire. The romance develops at a gentle pace, with enough tension and emotional depth to keep it engaging without becoming overly saccharine.

While the plot is fairly predictable (as most seasonal romances are), the strong character development and vivid atmosphere more than make up for it. It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a cold evening, especially if you're craving a feel-good escape with a satisfying, snowy ending.

Ideal for fans of festive fiction and second-chance love stories, *A Cornish Winter Kiss* delivers everything you want from a holiday romance—and a little extra charm to spare.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review

This one took a while to get going for me; however the characters started to grow on me and I ended up caring strongly about them and what happened. There was a lot of interesting back story in the book, which added to the storyline. The two main characters had very different family backgrounds and this added to the interest within the book, and it was clear the trauma involved had a big impact on Jude.

Some interesting examinations of the themes of love and romance developed within the book, it had a backdrop of books and authors which is always good, and also the added Christmas dimension within the book. These all added to the book in my opinion.

At times I found myself frustrated with the characters in the book and wanted to shake them. However I did really enjoy this book, and happy to recommend it if you enjoy a good romance, which has many layers, which slowly unravels.

Jo Bartlett is a favourite author of mine, and this book didn't disappoint. Just lovely..

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

In this fun, heartwarming, and cozy winter romance novel, readers follow Emily Anderson, a big believer in romance for others and (eventually) herself and audiobook narrator who loves bringing stories to life, and Jude Cavendish, a crime author with writer’s block who scoffs at love stories. Forced to add a romance subplot to his next book, Jude begrudgingly seeks out Emily’s help, and she is committed to helping him realize that love is real against the backdrop of a Cornwall Christmas season. As they spend time together, the two of them might discover that Christmas magic is enough for a happy ending. With a classic grumpy-sunshine trope at the heart of the book and other fun tropes included throughout, readers will love the holiday backdrop and great chemistry between the characters in this fun new romance novel. Emily and Jude are well-written, complex characters, and their relationship is really fun to follow because of the tropes and the background factors that bring them together. The setting is detailed and acts as a fantastic backdrop for the two characters’ relationship and their continued tropey interactions. With great characters with fantastic chemistry, readers will really enjoy this holiday and winter romance novel.

A lovely story about Emily and Jude. Emily lived for love but Jude did not believe in love. Emily was on a mission to get Jude to believe in love. Emily's family was heartfelt and their devotion with each other. An all round good read

I really enjoyed Jude and Emily’s story. It was a book I couldn’t put down , brilliant characters, good storyline, and a beautiful location. Jo is a brilliant writer who really makes the reader engage with her characters. A book I didn’t want to end , Highly Recommended
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Jo Bartlett for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Another great book from Jo Bartlett, I loved the story of Jude and Emily and how from nowhere their friendship grew and the chemistry between them was shouting from the rooftops. It was a great storyline and pageturner I read it in one session and it is definitely a book that will leave you with a warm glow