When I saw Phillipa had a new book out, I could not wait to start reading it. It is set in Porthmellow in Cornwall. Cornwall is a place I have only been to once but would love to go back there because of the descriptions of Cornwall that Phillipa writes about. This story is about Tammy who is a sand artist which I found incredibly interesting to read about, but life is not plain sailing for Tammy who meets Ruan and then everything seems to unravel and Tammy does not know where her head is at. I loved all the characters that make an appearance and I really felt part of the family there. It was an easy read to get swept away with and I look forward to reading Phillipa's next book.

I was thrilled to be ablet to review this book by Phillipa Ashley, and, as always, it didn't disappoint. The setting of Cornwall is always pleasing - and always has me booking another holiday there, the subject matter was both emotive but also interesting. The only complaint (if you can call it that) I have is that there was a line in the book about somebody in their 30s not knowing who a certain actress is - I'm pretty sure most people of that age would know her from a popular TV series that has recently had a Christmas special!
I can't wait to read Phillipa's next story! My usual favourites at the moment involve WWI and WWII - Phillipa's books bring me back to the modern times with a smile and sometimes a bit of a cry! All the best things to enjoy when you're reading!

Phillips Ashley does it again with another fab summer book. In this book, she has great characters who have substance and a past that get more and more interesting as the story goes on.
Tammy and Ruan meet at a time when Tammy is still grieving the loss of her dad and Ruan has just moved to Cornwall. They both have secrets of some kind and we learn about them as the story unfolds. Can their relationship grow despite their differences, or will their pasts interfere with their future? And will other people in their lives help or hinder?
A lovely summer story set in Cornwall.

Am always eager to devour a Phillipa Asley book and this was an easy to read, in an afternoon tale. Set in a beautiful Cornish town it tells of Tammy and the new man in town Ruan, their relationship and an interweaving subject of a beautiful house, thoroughly enjoyed it & definitely recommend

Another excellent book by Phillipa ashley, she always tells such a good story and ready to read. I have read all of her books.

This was a lovely, thoughtful book! I was hooked on this story from the moment Tammy laid eyes on Mr Suited and Booted, Ruan.

There was a lot going on that could mean the story went in different directions.

Ruan didn't know what he had got himself in for - have to say him meeting Polly has to be one of my favourite bits of the book.

Tammy was hurt, and didn't want to take any risks... but she didn't have much choice! Her job is something that is always going against the tide as she is making art in the sand, so the parallel of her life story is a really interesting twist. I hope that there is another Porthmellow book that solves the mystery about her dad's passing. The relationships between both her and Ruan, and her and Davey (her other dad) were fascinating, and then the consequential one between Ruan and Davey totally skewed the story (no spoilers!).

The community feel here is incredible and I can't wait to go back to Cornwall to find out where everyone's story goes next!

This book has romance and comedy, along with themes that make you think, including being abandoned, and health (of Davey!).

I would recommend Phillipa Ashley's books to everyone. They don't fail to make you smile!

An enjoyable light summery read set in Cornwall in a small coastal town. A little predictable in places but enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Good believable character development and atmospheric descriptions of the Cornish coast. Usual sprinkling of misunderstandings by refusing to listen or communicate. A perfect book to take on holiday as light and easy to relax with.

In this novel we are returned to Porthmellow, the fictional Cornish village setting of some of this author's previous tales, and the home of Tammy , a sand artist. When she meets Ruan, the surprised recipient of an amazing bequest, her life to date has made it difficult for her to trust in good fortune. A perfect summer read.

Tammy is remembering her father on the anniversary of his death by creating one of her pieces of sand art on the beach at Porthmellow. She spots a handsome man in a suit watching her from the wall and is instantly drawn to him, Ruan has recently moved to Cornwall and is struck by talent and wild beauty. But life is complicated and the couple have a lot of unravelling to do. Another gem of a book from Phillipa Ashley.

This is a wonderfully easy-to-read summer romance set against the beautiful backdrop of Cornwall. The setting adds to the charm of the novel, making it the perfect escapist read.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Tammy’s unique job as a sand artist. The story offers a fascinating insight into this creative profession, adding an extra layer of depth and originality to the plot. Beyond the romance, the novel is filled with plenty of twists and turns that keep you engaged right until the very last page.

Overall, this is an enjoyable and gripping read, perfect for those who love a romance with a bit of intrigue and a stunning coastal setting.

A thoroughly enjoyable story as one would expect from Phillipa Ashley. This book gave you a couple of different threads to the story, all of which were enjoyable.

One Cornish Summer With You is a sweet story of grief, love and relationships, a perfect book to take on holiday.
I loved the setting and the beautiful descriptions of Cornwall and the landscape. I felt the various different relationships between the characters made for a good story that i felt invested in, I particularly loved the relationship between Tammy and Davey.
Most of the significant action took place in the second half of the book and i found the pace on the first half was very steady which is appealing for readers who enjoy a gentle story - for me it could have been faster.
The second half suited me better and i loved the complexity of the story which stretched back in time and connected many of the characters.
The book is a charming read, a great one to pack in your beach bag. I can see it really appealing to lovers of a gentle tale in a beautiful setting.

A great story in what sounded like a great location Porthmellow in Cornwall. A perfect place to create sand art on the beautiful beaches. It was such a great story that is was difficult to put down - a real page turner. I love how Phillipa set the scenes of the surroundings in which the characters live and work - it makes me want to live there such is her descriptions.

As a big fan of Phillipa Ashley books, I was so excited when I got an early preview copy through Netgalley.
As expected, this is true Phillipa, Cornwall, friendships, beaches, romance, and a fork in the road, which leads to heartache and realisation before the big happy ending.
Tammy, Ruan, and Davey are loveable main characters who you can not help but feel for, as they share their ups and downs of their lives with tears and smiles, this is a must read book for 2025... my only issue... it had to end!
Reviewed on Goodreads.com

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Tammy is a sand artist. She lives in a flat owned by her friend in the town she grew up in. Ruan is a solicitor, new to town.
Romance between them is a slow starter. But Ruan has a secret. Can Tammy forgive him? Or is this the end of this romance?
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in return for my honest review.

When a new Philippa Ashley book is released, you know you can expect a real treat filled with a heartwarming storyline, set against the backdrop of a stunning location.

One Cornish Summer With You is set in the beautiful, charming and picturesque town of Porthmellow in Cornwall - you can sense the sea breeze and picture yourself strolling along the beach –a stunning area of beauty. Phillipa Ashley is a master in making you feel you are part of the story and being able to vividly imagine yourself in the locations themselves. Her descriptions of Porthmellow are just wonderful and I felt like I was actually there. The book was inspired by Philippa Ashley’s visit to the beautiful hidden gem of St Loy Cove in Cornwall. Porthmellow is featured in some of Philippa Ashley’s other novels too.

The two main characters in the book are Tammy, an artist who creates the most amazing sand art in Cornwall, which capture the essence of her surroundings and express her feelings and emotions. I absolutely loved hearing all about sand art. When Tammy was younger, her life was upended when her father went bankrupt and her mother abandoned the family. Her father sadly passed away. Understandably this has all had a huge impact on Tammy, not only when she was younger but also growing up. As an adult, Tammy now feels the need to rebuild her life and concentrate on creating a bright future - by dedicating herself to her sand art and grasping any new opportunities that may come her way.

Then we meet Ruan, a solicitor who has moved to Cornwall for a fresh start in life, leaving behind his past and looking to rebuild his life again. He wants to move forward, free from the shadows of his past.

During one of Tammy’s incredible sand art creations, her path crosses with Ruan’s. Tammy is very cautious about meeting new people and finds it hard to let her guard down. Her relationship with her ex-boyfriend was complicated and ultimately resulted in significant heartbreak. Tammy and Ruan enjoy each other's company, but Tammy's past has meant that she has so many barriers up that Ruan finds it challenging to break through them. Ruan recognizes how hard it is for Tammy and gives her all the space she needs, which means so much to her and allows their relationship to grow slowly and develop naturally.

Tammy discovers an old letter belonging to her late father, which reveals a connection between Ruan and her family. His secret played a significant role in her past, leaving a devastating impact on her life.

Ruan did not know who Tammy was at first. When he found out about his link to Tammy, he didn't tell her because he was afraid it would ruin their relationship. But how could they both move forward together now that the truth was revealed? Tammy had trusted Ruan, but now this secret left her feeling betrayed and confused. Could love shine through? Could their relationship continue? You will need to read the book to find out!

Another incredible novel – thank you Phillipa! I love the storyline, the incredible setting, the characters and I was so pleased with the ending – new beginnings are exactly what we all deserve. When the past has been so difficult, moving forward is never easy but if you can find it in your heart to forgive and move on, the future can be so much brighter. It shows us that hope and healing may be within reach. Even through challenging times, there’s always the possibility of something wonderful emerging.

An enormous 5 stars from me!

Thank you very much Random House UK, Cornerstone, Penguin UK, and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

I wonder if Philippa Ashley lives in Cornwall, as do I. She couldnt describe it more beautifully without at least visiting, which I'm sure she does. Frequently.
Such a lovely gentle romance this is. Tammy, scarred from family problems, missing her father and feeling alone, lives in a flat overlooking the beautiful water views. She is a sand artist, something I had not really heard of. I can imagine the lovely patterns she creates to honour people, especially her Dad. Ruan comes on scene and is soon entranced by her. Their romance goes through some difficult times, but there is a sense of everything working together for good.
Thanks to netGalley for the chance to read this book which I so enjoyed.

Book Review: One Cornish Summer With You by Phillipa Ashley

Phillipa Ashley's One Cornish Summer With You is a heartwarming and evocative novel that sweeps readers away to the charming harbor town of Porthmellow. Known for her beautifully crafted romances, Ashley once again delivers an enchanting tale filled with love, secrets, and the healing power of new beginnings.

The story centers around Tammy, a talented sand artist who has built a safe and quiet life for herself on the Cornish coast. After a tumultuous childhood marked by her father's financial ruin and her mother's abandonment, Tammy has learned to guard her heart. Her days are spent creating fleeting masterpieces on the golden sands, but her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble when Ruan, a handsome and enigmatic solicitor, arrives in town seeking his own fresh start.

The chemistry between Tammy and Ruan is palpable from the start, but their romance is not without its hurdles. Just as Tammy starts to believe in the possibility of love, Ruan’s hidden past surfaces, challenging everything she thought she knew. The novel delves into themes of trust, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to open up to love despite past wounds.

Ashley’s writing is wonderfully descriptive, transporting readers to the stunning Cornish coast with its sparkling seas and quaint village life. Porthmellow is brought to life through its vibrant community, adding depth and charm to the story. The sand art element is particularly unique, offering a refreshing and creative backdrop to Tammy’s journey of self-discovery.

The novel masterfully balances lighthearted romance with deeper emotional undertones. Tammy’s backstory is handled with sensitivity, and her growth throughout the novel feels authentic and rewarding. Ruan is not just a romantic lead but a complex character in his own right, bringing a layered and realistic dynamic to their relationship.

Readers who love immersive settings, well-rounded characters, and a storyline that offers both escapism and emotional resonance will find One Cornish Summer With You an absolute delight. Phillipa Ashley’s ability to blend warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments makes this book a perfect summer read, ideal for fans of Katie Fforde, Heidi Swain, and Jill Mansell.

In the end, this is a story about letting go of the past, embracing change, and finding the courage to let love in. Whether you are looking for a cozy escape or an uplifting story of hope and renewal, One Cornish Summer With You is sure to leave you with a smile and a longing for the Cornish seaside.

This is a lovely and quite gentle romance set in the amazingly well described Cornwall area. Tammy is an artist who works with sand creating masterpieces that are ephemeral in nature just waiting for the tide to sweep them away. She’s only just living within her means and carrying emotional baggage from her childhood and her parents separation. A buttoned up beautifully suited.Ruan arrives into her world and disturbs it hopefully for the better. The descriptions of the coastline and of the work that Tammy does on the beaches is beautifully told and really makes a character of the landscape..