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A Cornish Summer
Flora's been in love with her husband for twenty years. The trouble is, he's been married to someone else for the past fifteen...
Now she's been invited to spend the summer in the sandy coves of Cornwall, which should be blissful.
But there's one small snag: she'll be staying with her former mother-in-law, Belinda. And then her ex-husband shows up out of the blue, complete with his new wife...
Can Flora spend the summer playing happy families with the woman who stole her husband's heart, and the mother-in-law who might have had a hand in it? Could a holiday romance help her finally get over her him? And will stumbling on the family secret change her mind about them all?
If you like Fern Britton, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell, you'll love this irresistible and heart-warming summer read from the bestselling author of Wish You Were Here and About Last Night.
Now she's been invited to spend the summer in the sandy coves of Cornwall, which should be blissful.
But there's one small snag: she'll be staying with her former mother-in-law, Belinda. And then her ex-husband shows up out of the blue, complete with his new wife...
Can Flora spend the summer playing happy families with the woman who stole her husband's heart, and the mother-in-law who might have had a hand in it? Could a holiday romance help her finally get over her him? And will stumbling on the family secret change her mind about them all?
If you like Fern Britton, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell, you'll love this irresistible and heart-warming summer read from the bestselling author of Wish You Were Here and About Last Night.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
About the author
Catherine Alliott
37 books507 followersCatherine has sold over 3 million bestselling novels worldwide and is translated into eighteen languages.
The first of these novels Catherine started under the desk when she worked as an advertising copywriter. She was duly fired. With time on her hands, she persevered with the novels, which happily flourished.
In the early days she produced a baby with each book - but after three - stuck to the writing as it was less painful.
She writes with her favorite pen in note books, either in the garden or on a sofa.
Home is a rural spot on the Hertfordshire border, which she shares with her family and a menagerie of horses, cows, chickens, and dogs, which at the last count totaled eighty-seven beating hearts, including her husband. Some of her household have walk-on parts in her novels, but only the chickens would probably recognize themselves.
All her novels are published by Penguin Random House internationally, and by No Shooz Publishing in America and will be available in the US in the Fall of 2017.
The first of these novels Catherine started under the desk when she worked as an advertising copywriter. She was duly fired. With time on her hands, she persevered with the novels, which happily flourished.
In the early days she produced a baby with each book - but after three - stuck to the writing as it was less painful.
She writes with her favorite pen in note books, either in the garden or on a sofa.
Home is a rural spot on the Hertfordshire border, which she shares with her family and a menagerie of horses, cows, chickens, and dogs, which at the last count totaled eighty-seven beating hearts, including her husband. Some of her household have walk-on parts in her novels, but only the chickens would probably recognize themselves.
All her novels are published by Penguin Random House internationally, and by No Shooz Publishing in America and will be available in the US in the Fall of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
August 15, 2019
Chick lit isn’t my usual genre these days but I couldn’t resist this cover for a summer read, plus I have previously enjoyed Catherine Alliott’s writing. She’s a good story teller & her characters (although there are many) are all well rounded & engaging. I got ‘into’ the story quickly but felt the writing over the first half of the book was quite laborious to get through, mainly because of many ‘information dumps’ given. Rather than moving the story forward there was a lot of tedious back filling of what had happened years ago. Once all this had been done though and the plot began to move forward to the present day it got much more engaging. Yes it’s chicklit but not of the patronising variety. It’s a good summer beach read & I enjoyed the journey.
May 14, 2019
Got just a few pages into this and then she started talking about hunting as if it was just a jolly day out. As someone who finds it abhorrent I couldn’t continue reading.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc copy of this book.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc copy of this book.
May 16, 2019
What an epic cast of characters, and some of the ending that I definitely didn't see coming.
It felt like there really were a lot of words and characters to get to grips with, although once you had an idea of the family dynamics, most of the book slotted into place nicely in my mind, it just felt at times a tad too long.
That being said there were sections where I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page, the main action scenes, one involving a hunt, and one a far more serious happening a lot later on in the book. There are old friendships, new interests, all within this huge novel, set over a summer in Cornwall.
This is the summer where Flora finally learns to be not quite as hooked on her ex-husband and starts thinking of herself again. I wasn't really that keen on Flora, or indeed many of the characters which may explain why I took a while reading this. I think I just didn't really connect to her at all, and given the whole book was from her point of view, it wasn't the quickest of books for me.
I did enjoy the story, and I loved hating Belinda, while Roger was really lovely and Babs rather cheeky. And Edward although we didn't see much of him, there is one stand out scene he is involved in that had me giggling a lot.
I can't really talk much about what happens in the book, purely as it felt like most of the first half was providing much needed background and leg work to make the much stronger second half fly. I loved the last quarter or so of the book, and really felt pleased for various of the characters with their resolutions.
Although not my favourite book by Catherine Alliott, it is still a good story and there is some lovely writing and great characterisation to enjoy.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It felt like there really were a lot of words and characters to get to grips with, although once you had an idea of the family dynamics, most of the book slotted into place nicely in my mind, it just felt at times a tad too long.
That being said there were sections where I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page, the main action scenes, one involving a hunt, and one a far more serious happening a lot later on in the book. There are old friendships, new interests, all within this huge novel, set over a summer in Cornwall.
This is the summer where Flora finally learns to be not quite as hooked on her ex-husband and starts thinking of herself again. I wasn't really that keen on Flora, or indeed many of the characters which may explain why I took a while reading this. I think I just didn't really connect to her at all, and given the whole book was from her point of view, it wasn't the quickest of books for me.
I did enjoy the story, and I loved hating Belinda, while Roger was really lovely and Babs rather cheeky. And Edward although we didn't see much of him, there is one stand out scene he is involved in that had me giggling a lot.
I can't really talk much about what happens in the book, purely as it felt like most of the first half was providing much needed background and leg work to make the much stronger second half fly. I loved the last quarter or so of the book, and really felt pleased for various of the characters with their resolutions.
Although not my favourite book by Catherine Alliott, it is still a good story and there is some lovely writing and great characterisation to enjoy.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 8, 2023
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
As I persevered with reading this book, I kept telling myself that it would pick up and I would finally connect with the characters. As you might have guessed, this didn’t happen at all.
As I persevered with reading this book, I kept telling myself that it would pick up and I would finally connect with the characters. As you might have guessed, this didn’t happen at all.
July 25, 2019
I usually recall enjoy Catherine's book for some reason it took me time to get into this book which is unusual for me but once I did get into it I found it quite a good read lovely being based in Cornwall and some good characters and heartfelt and funny.
Flora has been in love with her husband for twenty years but he's been married to someone else for 15 years. She's been invited to spend the summer in Cornwall only problem is it's with her former mother on law Belinda. Problem is she learns her ex husband is also invited along with his second wife so can flora enjoy the summer or will family secrets come out and how will they all react.
Flora has been in love with her husband for twenty years but he's been married to someone else for 15 years. She's been invited to spend the summer in Cornwall only problem is it's with her former mother on law Belinda. Problem is she learns her ex husband is also invited along with his second wife so can flora enjoy the summer or will family secrets come out and how will they all react.
August 21, 2020
A pleasant summery read that strolls along .. maybe a little too slowly at times.
June 27, 2019
So many characters are introduced in the opening chapters of this book that it’s difficult to keep track of them all and understand the relationships between them. It’s a slow read, focusing on family dynamics without any specific, clear plot. As the book progressed and the characters become more familiar I did start to enjoy it but it’s definitely not my favourite book from this author!
June 13, 2019
Flora is a single mother, divorced for 17 years but still madly in love with her ex-husband, even though he has been happily married to his second wife for 15 years. Persuaded against her better judgment to paint a portrait of her former father-in-law she returns to her ex-husband's family home in Cornwall for the Summer. Soon it seems as though everyone else has also come to Cornwall, Flora's son Peter, Flora's best friend and fellow artist Celia, Flora's ex-husband Hugo, his wife Christina and their two children, Hugo's best friend, the American ladies man Tommy Rochester, with his 'friend' Janey, Hugo's parents Roger and Belinda, Roger's mistress Babs and his sister Iris.
Forced into close proximity with Hugo and his family for the first time in decades Flora is finally forced to confront her own feelings and reconcile her teenage feelings for the young boy she fell in love with, and her adult emotions now. But Flora's feelings aren't the only things drawing to a head as the summer continues and more family secrets may be forced into the open.
I enjoyed this but I would take issue with the blurb that describes this as a hilarious romantic comedy, I wouldn't even say it was funny per se. That's not to say this was all angst, angst, angst, Roger in particular was a fun character with his booze and his boats and his trysts with Babs, but as tensions between townies and the locals, the big house and the village, the Brits and the Yanks come bubbling to the surface Flora starts to realise that she has been wrong about a lot of things.
If a novel about spending the summer in a big Cornish mansion with a gaggle of weird and wacky family members, horse-riding, sailing, walking the cliffs, painting and finding romance is your idea of heaven then this is your perfect holiday reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Forced into close proximity with Hugo and his family for the first time in decades Flora is finally forced to confront her own feelings and reconcile her teenage feelings for the young boy she fell in love with, and her adult emotions now. But Flora's feelings aren't the only things drawing to a head as the summer continues and more family secrets may be forced into the open.
I enjoyed this but I would take issue with the blurb that describes this as a hilarious romantic comedy, I wouldn't even say it was funny per se. That's not to say this was all angst, angst, angst, Roger in particular was a fun character with his booze and his boats and his trysts with Babs, but as tensions between townies and the locals, the big house and the village, the Brits and the Yanks come bubbling to the surface Flora starts to realise that she has been wrong about a lot of things.
If a novel about spending the summer in a big Cornish mansion with a gaggle of weird and wacky family members, horse-riding, sailing, walking the cliffs, painting and finding romance is your idea of heaven then this is your perfect holiday reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
March 8, 2019
Sadly this wasn’t my most favourite book that Catherine had written. I found some of the characters a little one dimensional. That being sad the story has a wonderful heart, a lovely way about it and is an enjoyable read.
May 25, 2021
Again, this all boils down to what you consider to be a successful romantic pairing. I would be very sad for any woman who ended up in the h's shoes, even if she is very hard to warm to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2019
And.. another novel set in wonderful CORNWALL
Summer 2019 has seen a real uplift in novels set in this wonderful part of the world. Are we surprised? The county makes a wonderful backdrop for all kinds of stories, usually with a good dollop of romance. And romance is indeed part of A Cornish Summer.
A couple of decades ago Flora fell for Hugo Bellingdon, of Bellingdon Water (who provide water services around the county). They are toffs, living at the colossal pile that is Trewarren (not far from Truro it would seem). Flora and Hugo marry after she falls pregnant with Peter, but soon thereafter Hugo is tupping Christina and they go on to marry and sire two more children. Flora is abandoned and has to bring Peter up largely on her own and she never really gets over the ending. She still holds a candle for Hugo and is intensely involved in Peter’s life.
Roger is the patriarch of the family at Trewarren and he his married to formidable Belinda, a rather controlling and ghastly woman.
As the book opens, Peter is now 17 years old (as a marker of water under the bridge, no pun intended) and Flora and her friend and fellow painter Celia are on their way to stay with the in-laws (yes, it is all fairly boundaryless and dysfunctional) as Flora has been commissioned to paint Roger’s portrait – another one to add to the growing pictures of him that are dotted around the mansion. Why was she chosen? Indeed. Upon arrival and much to her consternation there is a house full of people (INCLUDING Hugo and his wife – and no-one has bothered to tell her – and several other people who come to play a part in the story). Of course there is much embarrassment, intrigue and various goings-on that keep the story pumped.
There is also conservationist Ted who has a team of students patrolling the local coastal areas in search of pollution. He is starting to discover that Bellingdon Water hasn’t perhaps been as circumspect in their treatment of pollutants as they should have been.
Overall, it is quite a fanciful premise to be honest – the family is in dire need of boundaries but actually the author handles her characters’ interactions well. There is one scene – a hunting scene – where the author needs to introduce an event but the story goes off at a significant and overly detailed tangent that had me glazed over for several pages. But no matter. Once all the characters are in place (and there are quite a few) the story gets into a good rhythm and I enjoyed it.
The author does have a good writing style and pulls the narrative together well. A good Summer read for Cornwall 2019.
Summer 2019 has seen a real uplift in novels set in this wonderful part of the world. Are we surprised? The county makes a wonderful backdrop for all kinds of stories, usually with a good dollop of romance. And romance is indeed part of A Cornish Summer.
A couple of decades ago Flora fell for Hugo Bellingdon, of Bellingdon Water (who provide water services around the county). They are toffs, living at the colossal pile that is Trewarren (not far from Truro it would seem). Flora and Hugo marry after she falls pregnant with Peter, but soon thereafter Hugo is tupping Christina and they go on to marry and sire two more children. Flora is abandoned and has to bring Peter up largely on her own and she never really gets over the ending. She still holds a candle for Hugo and is intensely involved in Peter’s life.
Roger is the patriarch of the family at Trewarren and he his married to formidable Belinda, a rather controlling and ghastly woman.
As the book opens, Peter is now 17 years old (as a marker of water under the bridge, no pun intended) and Flora and her friend and fellow painter Celia are on their way to stay with the in-laws (yes, it is all fairly boundaryless and dysfunctional) as Flora has been commissioned to paint Roger’s portrait – another one to add to the growing pictures of him that are dotted around the mansion. Why was she chosen? Indeed. Upon arrival and much to her consternation there is a house full of people (INCLUDING Hugo and his wife – and no-one has bothered to tell her – and several other people who come to play a part in the story). Of course there is much embarrassment, intrigue and various goings-on that keep the story pumped.
There is also conservationist Ted who has a team of students patrolling the local coastal areas in search of pollution. He is starting to discover that Bellingdon Water hasn’t perhaps been as circumspect in their treatment of pollutants as they should have been.
Overall, it is quite a fanciful premise to be honest – the family is in dire need of boundaries but actually the author handles her characters’ interactions well. There is one scene – a hunting scene – where the author needs to introduce an event but the story goes off at a significant and overly detailed tangent that had me glazed over for several pages. But no matter. Once all the characters are in place (and there are quite a few) the story gets into a good rhythm and I enjoyed it.
The author does have a good writing style and pulls the narrative together well. A good Summer read for Cornwall 2019.
July 8, 2020
This is a book that has a slower more sedate pace to it, well that is until you get a lot further into it. Flora has been commissioned to paint her ex-father-in-laws portrait, though she is nervous about this she does need the money. Flora and her ex, Hugo, have a son, Peter, who is well provided for, Hugo’s family are wealthy, they have status and not all of them look down on Flora.
This is a book that starts with Flora making her way to the estate in Cornwall where she will paint the portrait. She is shocked when she arrives as there are more people there than she was expecting. This launches nicely back in time to when Flora was a teen and how she and Hugo got together. It then flows naturally up to the present day.
The story has quite a bit of description about the past, about the various characters and also Flora’s thoughts. The more I read the more I found myself disliking some characters, and had a suspicion of something being underhanded. This gave an intriguing edge to the story and also there were some unexpected turns of event.
It is a story of family and secrets, and these secrets are not revealed until later in the book. The author has taken a route and twisted things along the way. It has quite a few characters and they were introduced in such a way that I was able to keep up with who was who, and I soon began to work out who I liked or didn’t.
The story was quite engaging for the most part, though there were times where I wanted it to move on quicker as I felt impatient to discover what revelation was going to happen next. But the journey through this book was lovely and I did enjoy it a lot.
This is a story that would appeal to readers who like contemporary fiction with some really nice descriptions. One I would recommend.
This is a book that starts with Flora making her way to the estate in Cornwall where she will paint the portrait. She is shocked when she arrives as there are more people there than she was expecting. This launches nicely back in time to when Flora was a teen and how she and Hugo got together. It then flows naturally up to the present day.
The story has quite a bit of description about the past, about the various characters and also Flora’s thoughts. The more I read the more I found myself disliking some characters, and had a suspicion of something being underhanded. This gave an intriguing edge to the story and also there were some unexpected turns of event.
It is a story of family and secrets, and these secrets are not revealed until later in the book. The author has taken a route and twisted things along the way. It has quite a few characters and they were introduced in such a way that I was able to keep up with who was who, and I soon began to work out who I liked or didn’t.
The story was quite engaging for the most part, though there were times where I wanted it to move on quicker as I felt impatient to discover what revelation was going to happen next. But the journey through this book was lovely and I did enjoy it a lot.
This is a story that would appeal to readers who like contemporary fiction with some really nice descriptions. One I would recommend.
July 3, 2022
Now, this author is an auto buy for me everytime. She is definitely one of my favorites for this genre #chicklit #womensfiction
It's been a while since I'v read anything by her, and I do tend to save her books for summer/hols so I chose to bring it with me abroad and decided to read it first (I brought 7 books 🙈😆)
I'v discovered paige toon since my Catherine Alliott days and I love both just the same as the other now. Although the styles are very different. I'd describe Alliotts' characters more mature and high class, where Toons characters are definitely more girl/boy next door. But both are highly addictive and I fall in love, always ❤ (and nobody will ever come close to Johnny Jefferson in my eyes)
A Cornish summer is no exception, and this one touched a little on some very deep and upsetting themes that threw me a little off guard. I didn't expect to cry reading it, so when a book does that to me, I can't fault it.
I'v been reading Catherine Alliott books now since I was a young adult, and her characters seem to grow up with me, and reading about women in their 30s 40s is a nice change. Loved it. Not my favorite of hers, but was lovely to be in her world again where the women are always named things like Flora and Clemantine, and wear espadrilles and paint landscapes whilst ogling dashing young men 😋🍹.
It's been a while since I'v read anything by her, and I do tend to save her books for summer/hols so I chose to bring it with me abroad and decided to read it first (I brought 7 books 🙈😆)
I'v discovered paige toon since my Catherine Alliott days and I love both just the same as the other now. Although the styles are very different. I'd describe Alliotts' characters more mature and high class, where Toons characters are definitely more girl/boy next door. But both are highly addictive and I fall in love, always ❤ (and nobody will ever come close to Johnny Jefferson in my eyes)
A Cornish summer is no exception, and this one touched a little on some very deep and upsetting themes that threw me a little off guard. I didn't expect to cry reading it, so when a book does that to me, I can't fault it.
I'v been reading Catherine Alliott books now since I was a young adult, and her characters seem to grow up with me, and reading about women in their 30s 40s is a nice change. Loved it. Not my favorite of hers, but was lovely to be in her world again where the women are always named things like Flora and Clemantine, and wear espadrilles and paint landscapes whilst ogling dashing young men 😋🍹.
June 29, 2019
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/roman...
What we see on the surface is hardly ever what’s playing out for real and in A Cornish Summer I’ve so enjoyed discovering for myself the warp and weft of the character’s lives that have made them who they are (see how real they are to me!) and how they react to life’s challenges.
I liked Flora from the beginning. Some might see her as hooked on a fantasy and feel frustrated that she hasn’t moved on but I understood her. To me she saw Hugo as a father figure and ‘safe’ which is something that had been missing from her life since she was 14. Powerful motivation! Hiding in her artist studio with Celia and not engaging with life is a coping mechanism that although may have been the right thing to do in the beginning, left her unfulfilled and stagnant and of course not dealing with her feelings. Staying on the Trewarren estate and painting Roger’s portrait forces her to look at reality and make changes that allow her to unfold. I loved watching her character develop.
All the characters are fabulous and easy to identify with and have their own vulnerabilities. Belinda reminded me of Hyacinth Bucket (from the TV sitcom Keeping up Appearances) but it has to be said, there’s a much different motivation. Her role as matriarch made me feel uneasy.
It probably doesn’t need to be said that it’s a fabulous setting but I will say The Shipwright’s Arms and the quay in Newlyn are the perfect places for secrets to surface. I worked out where a couple of things might lead to but one thing I had absolutely no idea! Oh it made so much sense and I wondered how I missed it. Alongside the emotions, the themes of art and the environment thread through the story giving it an added edge.
You really are in for a treat as you uncover the family dynamics of the Bellingdon’s. I’ve loved every moment and feel sad that it’s come to an end. Book hangover!
What we see on the surface is hardly ever what’s playing out for real and in A Cornish Summer I’ve so enjoyed discovering for myself the warp and weft of the character’s lives that have made them who they are (see how real they are to me!) and how they react to life’s challenges.
I liked Flora from the beginning. Some might see her as hooked on a fantasy and feel frustrated that she hasn’t moved on but I understood her. To me she saw Hugo as a father figure and ‘safe’ which is something that had been missing from her life since she was 14. Powerful motivation! Hiding in her artist studio with Celia and not engaging with life is a coping mechanism that although may have been the right thing to do in the beginning, left her unfulfilled and stagnant and of course not dealing with her feelings. Staying on the Trewarren estate and painting Roger’s portrait forces her to look at reality and make changes that allow her to unfold. I loved watching her character develop.
All the characters are fabulous and easy to identify with and have their own vulnerabilities. Belinda reminded me of Hyacinth Bucket (from the TV sitcom Keeping up Appearances) but it has to be said, there’s a much different motivation. Her role as matriarch made me feel uneasy.
It probably doesn’t need to be said that it’s a fabulous setting but I will say The Shipwright’s Arms and the quay in Newlyn are the perfect places for secrets to surface. I worked out where a couple of things might lead to but one thing I had absolutely no idea! Oh it made so much sense and I wondered how I missed it. Alongside the emotions, the themes of art and the environment thread through the story giving it an added edge.
You really are in for a treat as you uncover the family dynamics of the Bellingdon’s. I’ve loved every moment and feel sad that it’s come to an end. Book hangover!
August 8, 2019
Tāds riktīgs vasaras romāns
February 4, 2022
I could not decide 4 or 5 stars. Usually five if I will read it again. I will wait a while but I might.
First, the blurb does not even begin to let the reader have the real gist of the story.
The Bellingham family in Cornwall is not living in some quaint cottage. It is a mansion. Further the h, and her friend, rent the cottage from them. She is the ex-daughter-in-law who was pregnant, married and divorced from the only son. He quickly remarried and later had twins. The reason for the visit was the h, a professional painter, was to do the portrait of his father. She assumed there were no other family to be there except an unmarried aunt. Instead, the ex, wife and twins were there. The h had continued to love her ex and it had controlled her life for years. Slowly circling the group was an environmentalist who had discovered some real issues with the family company. In fact there was the ever slowly boiling water of a family crisis of epic proportions. There were love affairs, small beginnings and a happy ending.
I really enjoyed the book. Very well done and no British language barriers to this American reader.
First, the blurb does not even begin to let the reader have the real gist of the story.
The Bellingham family in Cornwall is not living in some quaint cottage. It is a mansion. Further the h, and her friend, rent the cottage from them. She is the ex-daughter-in-law who was pregnant, married and divorced from the only son. He quickly remarried and later had twins. The reason for the visit was the h, a professional painter, was to do the portrait of his father. She assumed there were no other family to be there except an unmarried aunt. Instead, the ex, wife and twins were there. The h had continued to love her ex and it had controlled her life for years. Slowly circling the group was an environmentalist who had discovered some real issues with the family company. In fact there was the ever slowly boiling water of a family crisis of epic proportions. There were love affairs, small beginnings and a happy ending.
I really enjoyed the book. Very well done and no British language barriers to this American reader.
April 29, 2019
A satisfyingly cosy saga set against the glorious backdrop of Cornwall.
It's 15 years since Flora's ex-husband left her. He's now remarried. Surely she doesn't still want him?
This started out a warm, cosy read-but soon I felt I had been misled a bit by the book's blurb. It said it was hilarious. It was not. But, as I got into the story, I later felt it didn't really matter and just read it for what it was. A steady, pleasant read.
It was a good read-just not so special. The last book I read by this author, 'About Last Night', I gave 5 stars to, that was really excellent and had everything. This just didn't really measure up. Not a bad book by any means, but it was a little bit disappointing that the promised perhaps tangled web of relationships never really happened. There was an unexpected twist at 82%-but boy we'd waited so long for something significant to happen, I could hardly be bothered by then. Not hilarious-indeed this final section has quite a serious episode in. What were they thinking with the blurb?
It's 15 years since Flora's ex-husband left her. He's now remarried. Surely she doesn't still want him?
This started out a warm, cosy read-but soon I felt I had been misled a bit by the book's blurb. It said it was hilarious. It was not. But, as I got into the story, I later felt it didn't really matter and just read it for what it was. A steady, pleasant read.
It was a good read-just not so special. The last book I read by this author, 'About Last Night', I gave 5 stars to, that was really excellent and had everything. This just didn't really measure up. Not a bad book by any means, but it was a little bit disappointing that the promised perhaps tangled web of relationships never really happened. There was an unexpected twist at 82%-but boy we'd waited so long for something significant to happen, I could hardly be bothered by then. Not hilarious-indeed this final section has quite a serious episode in. What were they thinking with the blurb?
September 22, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The book overall is a very slow burner, with lots of characters. It can be very difficult to keep track of all of the characters & how they link together. I don't think all of them where necessarily essential to the story. Iris, for example, would not be missed from the story & does not really add any substance to the plot. Once it got to the last 20% of the book, after a couple of plot twists, I couldn't put the book down. It is the first one I've read by this author and I'm sure to read more.
The book overall is a very slow burner, with lots of characters. It can be very difficult to keep track of all of the characters & how they link together. I don't think all of them where necessarily essential to the story. Iris, for example, would not be missed from the story & does not really add any substance to the plot. Once it got to the last 20% of the book, after a couple of plot twists, I couldn't put the book down. It is the first one I've read by this author and I'm sure to read more.
August 4, 2023
Paņēmu šo grāmatu kā vieglu lasāmo gabalu saspringtai vasaras darba nedēļai, bet pēdējā grāmatas trešdaļa bija kārtīga drāma. Lai arī stāsts beidzās laimīgi, man izpalika tā rozā sapņa sajūta.
May 15, 2019
It took me a while to get into this book as I found the story a bit of a slow burner with numerous characters which I found confusing but I was glad I continued reading because the twist half way through made the book more enjoyable and if I was rating the book on the second half I would definitely give it a five star .
Although the burb said it was hilarious I felt the story explored very serious issues.
The realisation that secrets can be so well hidden and the truth almost always comes to light was beautifully portrayed in this book which was set in the stunning Cornish location.
Overall I feel this book was let down by the slow start but nevertheless it redeemed itself when all the ends came together and I was left with a warm feeling for the main characters who all managed to find their own happiness in the end.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this enjoyable book.
Although the burb said it was hilarious I felt the story explored very serious issues.
The realisation that secrets can be so well hidden and the truth almost always comes to light was beautifully portrayed in this book which was set in the stunning Cornish location.
Overall I feel this book was let down by the slow start but nevertheless it redeemed itself when all the ends came together and I was left with a warm feeling for the main characters who all managed to find their own happiness in the end.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this enjoyable book.
March 23, 2019
Destined to be a big seasonal hit with the ‘buy it at the airport, read it on the sun lounger’ crowd, but none the worse for that, A Cornish Summer is the perfect feel-good escapist novel.
Packed to the brim with glamorous but still relatable characters, the plot is cosy but still current. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and absolutely loved the devastatingly romantic ending.
Five well earned stars to Catherine Alliott – you are a national treasure, missus.
Many thanks to NetGalley, to Penguin UK and to Ms Alliott for allowing me to read and review this lovely book.
Packed to the brim with glamorous but still relatable characters, the plot is cosy but still current. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and absolutely loved the devastatingly romantic ending.
Five well earned stars to Catherine Alliott – you are a national treasure, missus.
Many thanks to NetGalley, to Penguin UK and to Ms Alliott for allowing me to read and review this lovely book.
June 18, 2019
Flora is a single mother, divorced for 17 years already but still crazy in love with her ex - husband Hugo, even though he's married to his second wife for 15 years and they have twins. Nevertheless, Hugo remains a large part of her, and their son Peter, lives, taking care about his education and holidays. Now Flora is about to return to Cornwall, to Hugo's family home, as she has been commissioned to paint a portrait of her former father - in - law. Soon it turns out that it's more a family and friends reunion, as there are literally everybody significant to the Bellingdons' life. But forced to confront her feelings to Hugo, Flora is going to discover some hidden family secrets.
The book introduced us at the beginning to many characters - and I really mean, many - but incredibly quickly I got to grips with them and didn't have any problem with identifying who is who and to whom they belong in the family dynamics, so really hats off to the author for making it as uncomplicated as possible. Flora is the main one and the whole book is told from her point of view but it works. Though I must admit there were plenty of moments that I have found her frustrating, watching her living half a life and waiting for something that was impossible to happen. But altogether, she was likeable, even believable, kind and funny.
It is a relative slow burner. It felt as if the first half was this long introduction but providing us with this much needed information, dynamics, relationships for the second half that, thanks to that, felt much quicker to read. Although I must admit that it took me only one day to read this book - yes, admittedly, I had time to do nothing than read (finally!) but also it kept me glued to the pages, I simply wanted to know what's going to happen and I was engrossed in the story. It was absorbing, and set against the lovely, vividly and colourfully described Cornish coastal setting, the writing flowing beautifully and leading to a rather satisfying conclusion.
I wouldn't describe this book, like in the blurb, as "hilarious" romantic comedy. Yes, it was light - hearted, easily written and it had its moments, but it also touched upon some much more serious issues and the general tone was steady and maybe not deliberate but also not too light. What I missed was the promised tangled web of relationships. I was hoping for more interactions between the ex - wife, the present wife and the mother - in - law, I actually expected pulling hair out and deceiving each other. Some more interaction happened at the end of the story but, to be honest, I would love more. Also, as a horse lover I adored the scenes where the characters were riding out, the descriptions of horses and their habits but, totally frankly, the fox hunt for example went on and on, and I think, do I need to know, blow by blow, the chase, who did what and when?
Altogether, "A Cornish Summer" was a captivating, rich in details and descriptions story with an epic bunch of characters that you adore or love to hate, about old friendships, a great family saga with some twists that I didn't see coming, with sailing, horse - riding, painting and finding love there where you're not looking. It was full of secrets, lies, manipulation and social expectations that mixed altogether made a brilliant, perfect summer read, holiday escapism, with a great sense of place, about confronting your feelings, moving with your life. It's perhaps not the most light - hearted romance, as the subject matter is quite serious, but everything works really well. Truly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2019
3.5/5
Flora is hired by the family of her ex-husband to paint a portrait. She and her friend Celia aren't expecting to be greeted by half the family - including said ex husband and his new wife. Flora is still in love with her ex, will this be the Summer she's finally able to move on and find herself?
I went into this book expecting a character-focused book and wasn't disappointed. It's a slow burner - the first half is more about establishing who's who and what went on in the past to get them to where they are at the moment. I can't say I took to Flora immediately - I much preferred her friend Celia and I really loved Babs from the first time she appeared on the page.
There are a few different storylines happening simultaneously - a serious one about business, a secret, and Flora's own journey. Out of all of these, I liked seeing Flora's personal journey the most. I felt like "the secret" was a little predictable and I'm really not a fan of that particular thing being used as a plot device - I feel like it's overused in TV dramas, movies and books. I do have to say that here, it was done more respectfully than I've seen it done before - the addition of Christina was really good and I liked her character a lot.
While I felt like there were a lot of characters to keep track of, I had my favourites and didn't feel overwhelmed. I enjoyed the writing and thought that the story ended well. If you're looking for a character-driven beach or plane read, this is your one! For me, I'm a fast reader and this style of book doesn't really suit me all the time because I tend to rush through without meaning to. This is the type of book that needs to be savoured a little slower, so that you can get the full benefit of knowing all the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC.
Flora is hired by the family of her ex-husband to paint a portrait. She and her friend Celia aren't expecting to be greeted by half the family - including said ex husband and his new wife. Flora is still in love with her ex, will this be the Summer she's finally able to move on and find herself?
I went into this book expecting a character-focused book and wasn't disappointed. It's a slow burner - the first half is more about establishing who's who and what went on in the past to get them to where they are at the moment. I can't say I took to Flora immediately - I much preferred her friend Celia and I really loved Babs from the first time she appeared on the page.
There are a few different storylines happening simultaneously - a serious one about business, a secret, and Flora's own journey. Out of all of these, I liked seeing Flora's personal journey the most. I felt like "the secret" was a little predictable and I'm really not a fan of that particular thing being used as a plot device - I feel like it's overused in TV dramas, movies and books. I do have to say that here, it was done more respectfully than I've seen it done before - the addition of Christina was really good and I liked her character a lot.
While I felt like there were a lot of characters to keep track of, I had my favourites and didn't feel overwhelmed. I enjoyed the writing and thought that the story ended well. If you're looking for a character-driven beach or plane read, this is your one! For me, I'm a fast reader and this style of book doesn't really suit me all the time because I tend to rush through without meaning to. This is the type of book that needs to be savoured a little slower, so that you can get the full benefit of knowing all the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC.
June 16, 2019
Reading the prologue of this novel, I imagined two ladies from the between the wars era, travelling to a glamorous, if slightly contentious, house party. In reality, this story has a contemporary setting, but with all the atmosphere, secrets and intrigue of a more romantic era.
Flora, an artist, mother and daughter, grew up in Cornwall, she still loves her husband, to the extent she has put her romantic life on hold, but he has been married to another woman for over fifteen years. This story is about ‘ A Cornish Summer’, where the past meets the present, and secrets kept for years, change the family dynamic, and give Flora a chance of love and happiness.
This is the perfect book to be read when you have a few hours to yourself. It is absorbing, enlightening, and switches between humour and poignancy, against a lovely, vividly described Cornish coastal setting. The characters are authentic, believable, but not necessarily always likeable. Flora is a frustrating, woman, kind, loving, but only living half a life. More than anything else, this story is about her self-discovery, and you enjoy and empathise, as she finally comes out fo her self-imposed shell.
Family dynamics, social expectations, secrets, manipulation and unrequited love are the ingredients that make this story something you just have to finish but are sad when you do. Perfect holiday escapism.
I received a copy of this book from Penguin UK Books - Michael Joseph via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Flora, an artist, mother and daughter, grew up in Cornwall, she still loves her husband, to the extent she has put her romantic life on hold, but he has been married to another woman for over fifteen years. This story is about ‘ A Cornish Summer’, where the past meets the present, and secrets kept for years, change the family dynamic, and give Flora a chance of love and happiness.
This is the perfect book to be read when you have a few hours to yourself. It is absorbing, enlightening, and switches between humour and poignancy, against a lovely, vividly described Cornish coastal setting. The characters are authentic, believable, but not necessarily always likeable. Flora is a frustrating, woman, kind, loving, but only living half a life. More than anything else, this story is about her self-discovery, and you enjoy and empathise, as she finally comes out fo her self-imposed shell.
Family dynamics, social expectations, secrets, manipulation and unrequited love are the ingredients that make this story something you just have to finish but are sad when you do. Perfect holiday escapism.
I received a copy of this book from Penguin UK Books - Michael Joseph via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
A glorious read! An enthralling story which really got under my skin - it's so good!
Flora is heading back to her home county of Cornwall for the summer weeks; thrilled to be back on the coast, the only thorn in the ointment is her former mother-in-law. However, upon arrival she discovers her ex-husband, new wife and their children are also in residence. He may have divorced Flora, but she has never fallen out of love with him. It's going to be a very trying few weeks . . .
This is very much Flora's story. Although now in her thirties, this is definitely the summer she comes of age - in more ways than one, and the-times-they are-a-changing. I loved everything about this; the wonderful story, the stupendous Cornish setting, the quirks and foibles of all the characters - and make no mistake, there are some really funny revelations! Catherine Alliott has a real eye for creating a marvellously entertaining and readable book. The writing flows beautifully, and the story unfolds slowly to a very satisfying conclusion. This is the kind of book which tempts you in then swallows you whole! I'm becoming more and more fond of Cornwall - and I've never been there - yet! Simply superb, and a novel which fully earns a full house of stars..
My thanks to publisher Michael Joseph, an imprint of Penguin, for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Flora is heading back to her home county of Cornwall for the summer weeks; thrilled to be back on the coast, the only thorn in the ointment is her former mother-in-law. However, upon arrival she discovers her ex-husband, new wife and their children are also in residence. He may have divorced Flora, but she has never fallen out of love with him. It's going to be a very trying few weeks . . .
This is very much Flora's story. Although now in her thirties, this is definitely the summer she comes of age - in more ways than one, and the-times-they are-a-changing. I loved everything about this; the wonderful story, the stupendous Cornish setting, the quirks and foibles of all the characters - and make no mistake, there are some really funny revelations! Catherine Alliott has a real eye for creating a marvellously entertaining and readable book. The writing flows beautifully, and the story unfolds slowly to a very satisfying conclusion. This is the kind of book which tempts you in then swallows you whole! I'm becoming more and more fond of Cornwall - and I've never been there - yet! Simply superb, and a novel which fully earns a full house of stars..
My thanks to publisher Michael Joseph, an imprint of Penguin, for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
August 25, 2022
I loved Catherine Alliott’s early books, they made me giggle, the characters were fun and strong and I don’t really remember a pantomime villain in them, but now the mother in law always is one and it’s boring, it’s been done so many times and I’m tired of it. I felt this book was written twenty years ago at times. The chapters about fox hunting wasn’t needed or wanted. Why on earth did the author feel that heinous crime of fox hunting would be appropriate in a book surprises me. It wasn’t really needed in the story apart from setting up a character which could easily be done another way. Then the story line of homosexuality and “the shame” of it really annoyed me. Was she trying to say “I’m fine with it” or was she just trying to be more “current” Why portray Hugo as a weak, mummy’s boy hiding his sexuality. I felt it again it had been done before and was a disservice to his character. I didn’t really like any of the characters in the book and felt they were all poor copies from a Jilly Cooper novel from the nineties.
As for it set in Cornwall, I didn’t feel that Cornwall was captured in the book and the book could have been set anywhere by the sea.
The two stars are for the ease of the writing and maybe loyalty to the Catherine Alliott books of old.
As for it set in Cornwall, I didn’t feel that Cornwall was captured in the book and the book could have been set anywhere by the sea.
The two stars are for the ease of the writing and maybe loyalty to the Catherine Alliott books of old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
I found the first two thirds of the book quite long, initially there was quite a lot to get your head around including who all of the characters were and who they were linked to. There was also a lot of background info with flashbacks, and it wasn’t clear what the main plot line was until the final third of the book. Once this was known, it was a lot better with quite a few twists & turns, although perhaps these could’ve happened earlier in the book which would’ve made it a lot more enjoyable. For most of the book however, it is about Flora trying to get over her ex husband of ~15 years ago. The love story of Flora and Ted was interesting to read about although ended very abruptly, which I guess a summer romance would. I have to add that the ending was quite sudden and I did not see it coming at all. Whilst this may seem like a good thing, I am not sure it was as it meant there wasn’t a lot of suspense. Also, it seemed every character started an entirely new life which is perhaps a bit unrealistic. Overall, it was an okay book.
September 5, 2019
I’ve read a few Catherine Alliott books before and really enjoyed them. I found this book a bit of a slog if I’m honest and skim read the last 70 pages or so. I got to a point when I wasn’t sure what the story was actually about.
I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and the main character, Flora, frustrated me. I thought she was weak and at times I wanted to shake her.
It won’t put me off of Catherine’s books though as I thoroughly enjoyed the others I’ve read of hers and I have a couple on my book shelves to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. Sorry 😐
I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and the main character, Flora, frustrated me. I thought she was weak and at times I wanted to shake her.
It won’t put me off of Catherine’s books though as I thoroughly enjoyed the others I’ve read of hers and I have a couple on my book shelves to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. Sorry 😐
June 25, 2019
I thoroughly and utterly fell in love with this book. The story flowed seamlessly from present to past and back and forth without you realising it. The characters are lovely and the storyline could easily happen in real life. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and couldn’t put down. Definitely won’t be the last!
September 7, 2019
This book promised to be so much more than a chic lit romance with the descriptions of hunting and scenery but did not live up to early promise. The narrator/central character is annoying and stupid and the ending predictable. The dialogue so unnatural and often unbelievable. Still, it’s a quick and light read, as chic lit should be and distracted me from being ill on the weekend.
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