I really enjoyed this book from an author I hadn't read before. I read all three books in the Trilogy in order and really enjoyed the overall story arc of Demi and Cal's stories. A great read and I'll look forward to reading further books (and Trilogies) by Phillipa.

2.5

I always get weak with those snowy and festive covers of Christmas books, so I was looking forward to read "Christmas at the Cornish Café".

The beginning was quite nice. I was slowly getting into the story and its setting. For a Christmas book the story is starting quite early, in the beginning of October, and is slowly progressing to Christmas time. Unfortunately I was missing the Christmas spirit and the festivity in this book. Christmas is only a very short bit in the story and I was hoping for some more decorations and Christmas activities.

The story is told by Demi and Cal but I had a really hard time connecting with both. They felt very distant to me and also their relationship seems very shallow. Their relationship lacks in emotions and romance.

The setting was nice most of the times but with a few more descriptions of the surroundings it would have felt much more cosy and especially festive.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

A return of characters Cal and Demi .. throw in an unruly dog called Mitch.
New characters have been added to make this a good carry on story from box 1.

Although I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I could not get along with this one. The relationship between the two seemed very odd, not sure why they would have to hide it, and basically it seemed that they were just having sex but without an actual relationship. Abandoned, sorry to say as I had expected more of a romantic story. It may well have developed into that later on but I couldn't read that far.

Review of an advance copy from the publisher.

I loved it! Very festive, romantic read, maybe a bit predictable, but it didn't matter.

While I enjoyed this book I didn't feel as connected to it as the first in the series, Summer at the Cornish Cafe. It was a book I could put down and not pick up straight away. I think there may have been too many stories trying to be heard in this book.

From the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for a review. This is the second in the Penwith Trilogy - I havent read the previous book, but I dont think I suffered not having done so - this book is fairly standalone (though I'm sure reading the previous book - Summer at the Cornish Cafe - summerwouldnt do any harm!).

The story is told mainly by Demi, but sometimes by Cal - something that caught me out once or twice, but mainly because I wasn't paying attention (it's made clear at the top of each section what the day is, and who is "talking").

Demi and Cal are still in the early stages of their relationship - they haven't told the staff in the hotel about them as it's still so new. Having spent so long on her own (the previous year she was homeless and living on the streets), she still needs her escape plan for when she believes things have fallen apart, and is therefore reticent to move in with Cal.

Cal has his own secrets to keep, specifically about what happened the previous year whilst he was working in Syria.

Both people are therefore slightly damaged, and there are people that each person reacts adversely to, for various reasons and sometimes with justification.

Anyway, the story starts with the opening of the hotel and the café. The first visitor is Kit, a secretive and occasionally moody character, who decides to stay until Christmas – he says it’s to allow him to complete writing his first novel.

The Café also opens, run by Demi and her staff, and it’s soon attracting hikers, tourists, and film crews – including Cal’s ex, Isla, and the two women continue working on making things better, especially where it comes to their mutual enemy Mawgan.

Because Demi has Mitch the dog, there’s plenty of opportunity for great descriptions of the weather and landscape of Cornwall – especially when Mitch goes missing one evening and the search parties are sent out.

Meanwhile it seems that there is good reason for Cal to not like Kit – Demi thinks it’s unfounded, but Kit shows his hand at the Harbour Lights celebration by letting Cal know he’s not there just to finish his book, but bring additional information out into the open, and that he doesn’t care who he hurts in the process.

Demi has her own issues to deal with at this point and she’s too overwhelmed to sort out what’s going on with Cal.

The last part of the book deals with the vagaries of the winter weather and living so close to the coast – something we are seeing more and more of in recent years. The community comes together to help locals and tourists out. It brings surprises for both Cal and Demi, which means the year finishes better than both could have hoped for.

There’s lots going on in this book – it’s certainly not one to breeze through in one sitting – in a good way of course! Make sure you stay for the end of the book, as there are a number of recipes right at the end – wouldn’t want you to miss out on the mincemeat or Banana Bread! In checking out the genre listing whilst writing this review, I'm a little relieved that it's not targetted in "romance" - whilst there are romantic parts of the story, it does tend to tie it to a specific format in people's heads, which doesnt do it justice. If I ever work out what "Women's Fiction" means, I'll let you know if this fits in there!

Fun light read! I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens to Cal and Demi in the future. This is prime chick lit, especially for those of us who like a Cornish setting. I don't think it matters a whit if you've watched or read Poldark- just enjoy this for what it is. It's well written and entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Christmas at the Cornish Cafe by Phillipa Ashley is a women's fiction read.
Christmas will be slightly less turbulent than summer, won’t it? Demi certainly hopes so.

She and Cal are keeping their fledgling relationship under wraps for now. But then Kit Bannen, a hunky, blond – and somewhat mysterious – writer arrives at Kilhallon Resort, and not everyone is charmed. Cal is sure that Kit is hiding something. But is he the only one guarding a secret?

Demi is busy baking festive treats for the newly opened Demelza’s cafe, but when Cal’s ex Isla arrives to shoot scenes for her new drama, Demi can’t help but worry that things aren’t quite over between them. Kit flirts with both women, fuelling Cal’s suspicions that Kit has hidden motives for staying on at Kilhallon. Then Cal has to go to London, leaving Demi and Kit to decorate the cafe for Christmas . . . all by themselves.

A storm is brewing in more ways than one. As surprises unfold and truths are uncovered, can Demi and Cal finally open up to each other about their feelings?
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Demi was my favourite character. I loved how she and Cal were. Made me laugh and cry. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

Nice read and easy to follow story line. Look forward to reading more from this author.