What a delightful Christmas romance! (Although truthfully, it would be fun to read anytime of the year!) It takes place in the picturesque Cornish town of Falford, and features a woman named Bo Grayson. Bo is such an interesting character. She likes 50s fashions and her hobby is dancing the swing and other 50's style dances.

She performs with a local rock and roll dance group called the Falford Flingers, and that's where she meets Ran -- who plays DJ and spins the records at the Flingers' rehearsals and performances.

Although Bo and Ran feel an attraction for each other, they won't let it develop. Bo is still hurting because her boyfriend -- who she thought was going to propose on Christmas Eve -- instead broke off with her, telling her he was engaged to a woman in Ireland. So she doesn't trust any men. Ran is dealing with problems of his own, including a wife who doesn't understand that he no longer wants to be a part of the fast-paced, expensive city life they were living.

This is a slow-burn book -- the romance takes a while to develop. In fact, at times, I wondered if a romance would develop at all, since Ran and Bo really tried to avoid each other and their feelings. But I think the slow development of the romance is good, because it gives us time to see how the hero and heroine mature while overcoming their internal struggles and feelings of low self-worth.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in return for a fair and unbiased review.

a lovely christmas story love the dresses and the way bo was making a go of her cafe after all her ups and downs and to get a lovely ending with ran and also to angie whom i sure this has happened to a lot of women but she changed her life around this story ended with a happy ending

A return to Cornwall for this lovely festive read. Bo was mentioned in the last book running the Boatyard Cafe, but it is a standalone book too. An enchanting read about dealing with life changes, being brave and strong, and starting over. I loved the background of the Flingers, a local dance group, and all the vintage dresses. A really entertaining and heartwarming read, I struggled to put it down.

I really liked this book and enjoyed returning to Cornwall and Falford. Another great read from Phillipa Ashley.

I loved going back to Cornwall with Phillipa! A different story but familiar characters. It felt like walking into a huge embrace.

All the characters were lovable and I liked the variety of “baggage” that came with each character that wasn’t the traditional love story. It’s pretty predictable in a lot of regards but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a feel good Christmas story so it’s alright to have that predictability to it. It’s the little things that happen in between that make it stand apart. This book in particular relies heavily on old time rock and roll and a lot of dancing.

A Special Cornish Christmas is primarily a slice-of-life plot, full of Bo and her friends and customers. The fishing boats go out, they come in. The customers come in, they leave. People come and go in you life, just as they do in Falford. It is a comfortable book in which, through the author’s words, the reader gets to know all of these people: how they think, how they feel, what they see when they look at one another. It is home, even though it’s far away. It’s a romance, but it is so much more. They have real problems and real solutions, and Ashley helps us see of it, as it happens.

It’s an entertaining, well-written story of fate, festivity, and finding love, and provides a warm, comforting read.

Didn’t even need to get to far into the story to know that i was going to have to add this book to my rereads. Most of it just makes you a little sad but the growth of the characters really gets this book to the finish line. I loved the differences in the characters everyone is going through so many life changes and hard times. This book is just really meaty in the drama department. Loved it so much. I’m definitely going to recommend it to my friends who just love these type of stories..

Sprinkling of Christmas magic is at work in this very magical romance story bringing together friends yet heartwarming but unfortunately can bring forth memories of heartbreak. This story outlines the devastation of a relationship or marriage breakup between two people, what they are going through and how they heal and move forward in their lives. Characters Bo and her friend friendship grows into more and an outsider comes in and breaks up the merging friendship. If the plot of the story contains the grief and emotions of lost relationships might cause anxiety or sadness of readers so please seek help if you are caused emotional setbacks.

#Netgalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Avon Books UK, Avon via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book

An enjoyable Christmas read, but beware, there is a lot of narrative about dancing, which tends to make it a slow moving read.

When Bo is dumped by her boyfriend at Christmas after he is scared off by her saying she loves him, she is turned off the idea of love and does not want another Christmas tarred with bad memories, Her friend Angel is also dealing with a break up and a rude and ignorant boss who makes her life hell. Luckily they have their dance group to keep them occupied, allowing them to share their love of rock and roll dancing and the associated music which is put together by the very handsome Ran. When the three of them see a fortune teller at a local fair, the hope of new beginnings is emphasised but they each have some trials to overcome before they have their happy endings. A good read.

Anothe4 wonderful festive tale from my favourite Christmas author. Likeable characters and a rural idyl. Perfect.

Bo is a girl who used to love the Christmas holidays until her heart was broken by someone she thought she knew. This book had a great cast of characters but I really struggled to finish the book as I just couldn't connect with any of them.

Fate will always find a way with love and with the magic of Christmas in the air this story leaves you with a warm glow inside. Perfect read of a winters day under a blanket with a brew. I always look forward to Philipa's books at Christmas and this one didn't disappoint. Looking forward to next Christmas already!

Fantastic festive read, which I really enjoyed. Having visited Falford before with Phillipa Ashley, it was lovely to be back there with Bo. Her Boatyard Cafe sounds like a great place to get a coffee and homemade cake after a walk along the estuary. I remember her from before and thought she was a great character to base a new story around.

This tale starts with her seemingly happy with Hamish, although unfortunately, things don't go accordingly to plan with that relationship. However, her romantic interest starts to grow elsewhere, although it is very much a slow burner. Along the way, the story tells you more about the residents of Falford and particularly, the Falford Flingers, the rock and roll dance group Bo is a member of. I really got into the story and was just keeping my fingers crossed that things would work out how you hoped. Did they - well, I couldn't spoil it for you but would highly recommend you read this book to find out yourself!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Nice ensemble cast, likable characters, but the plot just wasn’t for me. From the fortune teller onward I just wasn’t quite on board. Cute story though, and I liked the friendships and romance.

I fell in love with this cover, and seeing the book was set in Cornwall I had to read it. It’s the first of Ashley’s I’ve read. It was such a lovely story, very heartwarming and perfect to read at this time of the year. Such a cozy romance filled with hope.

I love Philippa's book and this is the first Christmas book I have read of hers and it was a perfect festive read. I knew I would enjoy it based on previous books and it didn't let me down. I love the descriptions of Cornwall, everytime I read one of her books I want to move there. It was a bit predictable but I expect that from this genre so it wasn't at all spoilt for me. Would definitely recommend this for a festive read.

This was a very heartwarming Christmas read just what I needed. Initially I felt that the number of characters felt too many and it already started with the main character in a relationship but I liked how the story proceeded and also the small Cornish town feel.
I love the warmth that flooded me throughout. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the e arc!

Thanks to #NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books UK, Avon and the author Phillipa Ashley for providing me with a digital ARC of A Special Cornish Christmas in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. This book was so festive and I absolutely loved reading it.This book comes highly recommended

There's something special about a festive story which is filled with love, life and friendship and that's exactly what Phillipa Ashley gives us in this charming story which is set in a lovely Cornish village and which features a whole list of wonderful characters who you take into your heart from the beginning. I especially warmed to Bo Grayson who runs the aptly named Boatyard Café and who has been so unlucky in love that she has given up on finding her Mr Right but then a mysterious fortune teller informs Bo that she will meet the love of her life before Christmas.

What then follows is a charming story which has everything you want from a festive read. With its intriguing story line about winning and losing in love and a gentle narrative which is filled with music and dancing. A Special Cornish Christmas is a perfect feel-good romantic story to sink into when the pressures of the festive season get too much.

I’m a big fan of this series and the festive edition has everything you look for in a Christmas romance.

Main character Bo suffers heartbreak just before Christmas so the last thing she needs is a repeat performance. Norwegian Ran catches her eye but he is battling his own demons and seems only interested in friendship, which is fine by Bo.

A touch of mystery is added to the story when Bo and her friends take a visit to Madame Odette at the village fete. They are all given predictions for the future which seem far fetched to say the least. Who is the mysterious fortune teller and is she genuine or fake?

I loved the vintage theme which runs through this story. From dancing to music and fashion, the details from a by-gone age give a heartwarming, nostalgic feel. Of course, romance plays a part and the stunning Cornish location adds to the feel good theme.

Another little gem from Phillipa Ashley, the perfect escape in these tough times.