Member Reviews

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book did not meet my expectations. From the beginning it seemed to take the enemies-to-lovers trope to the extreme, with Miranda hating Jago on sight but full of lustful attraction that she is unable, or unwilling, to fight. There were so many instances of bad language and reference to drugs / highs that I was on the verge of giving up when I reached halfway. Then came the scene where CPR was required - I was appalled that someone in a management position in a remote area did not know how to perform this basic safety requirement for her job - no-one checked if there was a pulse before starting. This decided me and I DNF, and am unlikely to read more by this author.

Was this review helpful?

This book absolutely destroyed me and had me sobbing… Everything about it is just heartbreaking and beautiful, and just filled me with so much emotion… One of those books that will always stick with you once you’ve read it.

Was this review helpful?

Everything you'd expect from a Phillipa Ashley novel. Great characters, evocative descriptions and a wonderful story. . Thank you for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Was this review helpful?

An absolutely charming read. Loved the story of life at the castle, the fight to keep it and especially the characters. All very different, but all loveable. I struggled to put this book down. A book that makes you smile

Was this review helpful?

This book is a updated version of a previous book by this author. About a quarter of the book I realised I had previously read it. However I still enjoyed reading it a second time. It's a nice warm easy going read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.

Was this review helpful?

Im a massive fan of Phillipa Ashley and really enjoyed this read. Even though it was a re release from a previously published book [Miranda's Mount] I had never come across it before now. A good holiday read, loved all the characters and the storylines, a must read for this summer

Was this review helpful?

Couldn't come to early. It's never too last for a Phillipa Ashley book and I'm very, very sorry it's taken me so long to write this review. Perfect for your holiday or, if you're not going away, simply go on holiday with Phillipa!

Was this review helpful?

Return to Cornish Bay by Phillipa Ashley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Miranda's taken great care to create a calm and ordered world for herself, and in her job as property manager of a spectacular island castle in Cornwall, she's had the castle running like clockwork. But this summer, its sexy owner returns to claim his birthright - and Miranda's careful life will never be the same again.

Dark, handsome and with a rakish reputation, Jago St Merryn not only looks like a pirate but is intent on flogging the Mount to a soulless leisure corporation. Miranda faces the battle of her life as she tries to persuade him to change his mind. But if she's going to convince him, she'll have to face some secrets from her past that she'd much rather keep hidden away - and she might even have to risk opening up her heart...

This lovely summer story is the perfect escape - take an armchair holiday to the spectacular Cornish countryside alongside a heroine who is determined to keep fighting for her castle of dreams.

*Previously published as MIRANDA'S MOUNT and RETURN TO CASTLE BAY*

My Opinion

It is always enjoyable to read a Phillipa Ashley book. This is the re-release of a book originally published in 2012 but it was a new book to me. Reading early books from a author helps to see how a writer has adapted their writing style. For me this wasn't on of Phillipa's best books but it was still a lovely book to read.

Rating 4/5

Was this review helpful?

This delightful book is the perfect read for a holiday in Cornwall. I love the beautiful descriptions of the area, and the many humorous parts. This is a re-release of an earlier book by this author, and I do prefer her more recent books.

Was this review helpful?

Interesting to see how in 10 years the authors writing has improved after reading this previously released book ( as Miranda's mount) slightly dated feeling to it, but enjoyable. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Was this review helpful?

My idea of heaven, a new (to me) Phillipa Ashley book to read and it’s set in my favourite place of Cornwall. This was definitely a curl up in an armchair for the afternoon book. I sank into it quickly and lost myself in it. A wonderful story which I enjoyed from start to finish. Definitely five stars. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I read this book a few years back on my kindle. However, it was good to read it again to remind myself what Phillipa's earlier works were like. Still a good book today.

Was this review helpful?

Okay, you had me at Cornish.
Then you tell me that the story is set in a castle on an island that resembles Saint Michael's Mount and the protagonist has basically my dream job??!! Sold.
The love interest looks like a 17th-century pirate (Hello, anyone else pictured Captain "Guyliner" from ONCE?)??!! I'm hooked (pun intended).
Honestly, I didn't expect to love this book this much but it was wittily funny, sexy, emotional... exactly what I look for in a romance. And that beautiful setting, wow, it's like it became a character itself.
Man, I need to book myself a ticket to Cornwall ASAP.

Was this review helpful?

It’s always great to see that there is another book by Phillipa Ashley. This has been previously published under another title but it’s new to me.
Miranda’ job as the property manager of the island castle in Cornwall is under threat when the wayward son of the owner returns. There’s more to him than meets the eye and she’s torn between attraction to him and the fate of the island estate.
Another great romance, with some sauciness attached, from Ashley. The story about the estate and what happens when money comes between loyalty is on very apt. Readers will enjoy the sense of place too and a warning not to get caught on the causeway...Or in a boat with your knickers down...
.

Was this review helpful?

Return to Cornish Bay is a re-release of Miranda's Mount, which was first published in 2012 (and I like the new title much more!). It features Miranda, who is the property manager of a picturesque castle on an island in Cornwall. She's living her dream life until the arrival of Jago, the heir to the castle who has plans which don't fit with Miranda's. Even worse is that Miranda instantly takes a shine to Jago, so has to deal with the conflict of her head and her heart.

Return to Cornish Bay is a great escapist read, full of loveable characters, a classic will-they-won't-they and a stunning location.

Was this review helpful?

This is a re-release of an older hardback book (Miranda's Mount) from 2011.

I love to read these books set in Cornwall as the setting is always such a beautiful place. You really can visualise the scenery as you read.

I hadn't read the previous title so I was happy to read this and I was interested to see how Phillipa's writing style has changed over the years.

Miranda is manager at the castle at St Merryn's Mount, an island off the coast of Cornwall.

When Jago St Merryn (the heir to the estate) returns, Miranda is torn between disliking him and falling for him.

A bit cheesy and predictable but isn't that why we read this genre. 😉

There were some really funny moments, some frustrating ones and some descriptive raunchy ones (totally unexpected), so I still enjoyed the read, just not as much as the new ones Phillipa has written.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Miranda is the general manager of an ancient castle on a small island called St Merryn's Mount
Jago inherited the island when his father died but didn't want anything to do with it and left his mum to deal with it while he went abroad.
Jago is now back and has decided to sell up, Miranda is horrified and is trying her best to sabotage it as she can't imagine working for the prospective new owners or leaving to work anywhere else as she lives on the island
Can Miranda accept Jago selling up and can Jago see Miranda's point of view ?
I thought parts were hilarious and thoroughly enjoyed it

Was this review helpful?

Couldn't get into this at all. Seemed a little dated, then I read a review which said this is a re-release of an old book. DNF, wasn't for me

Was this review helpful?

A very enjoyable romp down in Cornwall from one of Phillipa Ashley’s back catalogue of great reads. Although it was a little dated in parts, this didn’t detract from a thoroughly great laugh out loud, giggle and blush!!!
Miranda is manager on St Merryn in Cornwall overseeing the running of the historical castle, the island and the community it serves and who live and work there. Everything is going well until the son of the owner turns up, he is good looking and brings all sorts of fantasies to Miranda’s mind, is everything on the island about to change? Can Miranda cope with the challenges she is about to face?
I loved reading about the running of the island, the amazing community, and the heart warming story of Miranda and Jago.
Great read, the perfect Cornish escape!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Piatkus Books for the early read, most enjoyable and entertaining!!

Was this review helpful?