A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley has Bo, the cafe owner in Falford, who dresses in 1950s style dresses, loves the music, and is a member of Falford Flingers, who dance to rock and roll music, as the main character, who along with two friends, gets a predication at a summer fete that she'll meet the love of her life by Christmas!

There is a lot of Christmas rock and roll music, and other Christmas songs, mentioned, and it really made me feel like Christmas was soon, and that I needed to listen to all of these songs!

The story is also very Christmas based, and there are characters from the previous book who pop up!   I really enjoyed the music references, and all of the food and drink that was being mentioned!  The characters are enjoyable, and the story was good!

This is the second book sent in Falford, so if you've enjoyed this community, then read An Endless Cornish Summer.

A Special Cornish Christmas was published on 11th November 2021, and is available from Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.

You can follow Phillipa Ashley on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and her website.

I've read some other books by Phillipa Ashley, other than An Endless Cornish Summer above:

A Surprise Christmas Wedding

A Perfect Cornish Christmas

I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Avon Books UK.

For Bo Grayson, Christmas has always been the most wonderful time of the year. Well, until she had her heart broken last December. At a local summer fete, Bo and her friends meet the mysterious fortune teller Madame Odette, and they are each given the same prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.

I didn't realize that there were so many Cornish books in this series when I requested A Special Cornish Christmas but now I'm excited to read the others. This is a light, fun, easy read that makes you feel good and leaves you feeling happy overall. Perfect for the time of year.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Thank you to @netgalley and @phillipa.ashleyauthor for this ARC.

Out on the 11th November.

We are back in Falford Cornwall with the lovely Bo. She felt that she'd fallen in love with Hamish but is soon told otherwise.
Will Bo find her special person this Christmas?

A beautiful story set amongst characters that you watch develop and grow throughout.

🎄🎄🎄🎄

#netgalley #netgalleyreview #phillipaashley #aspecialcornishchristmas #kindle

I have been looking forward to reading this year’s Christmas book from Phillipa Ashley, one of my favourite writers who never fails to entertain me with her novels. This story is set in the coastal Cornish village of Falford, also the setting for Phillipa’s earlier book this year, An Endless Cornish Summer. Readers of that book will recognise some familiar characters, but most of the players in this festive story are new.

The central female character in this story is Bo Grayson, who owns and runs the Boatyard Cafe, a waterside eatery popular with locals and tourists alike. Having had an unpleasant episode with her then boyfriend last Christmas, she is not looking forward to the festive season this year. However, she enjoys dancing with the local rock and roll dance group, the Flingers, and is very much involved with preparations for their forthcoming Christmas show. A relative newcomer to the village and music enthusiast, Ran Larsen, helps out as DJ for the dancers. When Bo, Ran and Angel, another member of the dance group and special friend of Bo’s, visit the Falford summer fair, they each have their fortunes told by a mysterious woman who foretells the same future for each of them - that they will be with the love of their life by Christmas. They are all sceptical but keep what she has said in mind. With Christmas fast approaching, Bo has plenty to keep her busy, and, not wanting a repeat of last year’s disaster, has no intention of becoming romantically involved with anybody. However, she is becoming closer to the enigmatic Ran, and there is always that prediction from the fortune teller….



I can happily recommend this light and heartwarming festive story, full of interesting and varied characters, with the promise of romance all the way through. It’s perfect for lovers of romance, dance or vintage music and fashion. The reader is treated to two Christmases that promise to be very different for Bo, the interval between being filled with rock and roll music and dancing. With Angel being a skilful dressmaker, there are some stunning costumes mentioned as we follow the fortunes of the dance group. She also makes some amazing craft items which would fit well into many homes. Of course, I should also mention the delicious sounding food produced by Bo at the Boatyard Cafe; I would undoubtedly enjoy sitting by the water being served some of her mouth-watering dishes. Bo and Ran are similar in many ways, each with their reasons for staying away from romance, but it may be that love can find its way in unexpectedly. I loved that way in which these two gradually became closer in a very gentle way. I liked Angel as a character. She had such a lot of stress in her life, but soldiered on regardless and found the strength to follow her dreams. I’m sure that others will enjoy this skilfully written story just as much as I have. The author kept me guessing practically right to the end how things were going to work out - a mark of a good story in my opinion.

A Special Cornish Christmas - Phillipa Ashley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK I am leaving this review voluntarily

For Bo Grayson, Christmas has always been the most wonderful time of the year. Well, until she had her heart broken last December…

At a local summer fete, Bo and her friends meet the mysterious fortune teller Madame Odette, and they are each given the same prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.

This a nice, light-hearted festive romance. Whilst predictable in places you will be drawn in by the lovely tale. This is a perfect book to read if you want a festive, relaxing afternoon.

This is the second festive book I have read by Phillipa and I have found that she writes; lovely, up-lifting festive escapes.

Rating 4/5

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

A good book from Phillipa.

Bo’s favourite time of year was always Christmas until Hamish broke Bo’s heart last December. During a summer fete Bo and her friends visit a fortune teller who tells them all they will meet their love of their life by Christmas Day. Bo’s rock and roll dance group and her Boatyard are the only things on her mind this Christmas and how she can create the best seasonal menu for it. Her heart is closed to love until she starts to have feelings for Ran. Will she open her heart to love again or will she keep it closed.

Attending the village show Bo and her two friends visit a fortune teller. Afterwards, it seems they have all been told they will meet the love of their lives by Christmas.
Bo has finished with men, Angel has been married for years and Ran is seeking a divorce! so it all seems improbable.
Christmas approaches and all of them are busy being festive and working but maybe there is magic in the air.
Love all the references to the Christmas songs of my youth. Soon had me singing away!

I usually start reading Christmas novels at the start of December every year but I read this one before my usual time and I’m glad i did as it has put me so in the Christmassy mood . It follows the story of Bo, having had her heart broken on Christmas Eve she is now very much “off” Christmas and “off” relationships too, so can Ran change that? Can the fortune teller be right in her predictions. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Bo and her friends, and I love the setting this is the first book iv read of Phillipas and I will def be looking at her other novels to read in future. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy of this book to read.

A lovely gentle read, I enjoyed the characters especially getting to know more about Bo, whom we had met in a previous book, she runs the cafe at the centre of this small Cornish village. At the summer fete her and her friends are roped into seeing the fortune teller with unforeseen consequences for the rest of their year. I particularly enjoyed Angel's storyline, her finding her voice in the face of adversity was heartening and the joy she found in sewing was lovely to read. The sense of community and beautiful landscape really shines through and is very enchanting. A delightful story bookended by Christmas.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This gorgeous story was just what I needed. It follows our heroine, Bo, across two Christmas’s. The two special days come close to being similar, but with Phillipa Ashley at the reins, you can pretty much guarantee a happy ending.
We first met Bo as one of the supporting characters in An Endless Cornish Summer, the first book in this series. With an innate sense of style, she operates the Boatyard Café, feeding both residents and visitors alike. Bo’s dress sense is strictly in the Rockabilly style, so it’s no great leap to discover that she’s an avid dancer with the Falford Flingers who follow the Rock and Roll music of the 1950’s and the 60’s.
Whilst this is the second book in the series, you can absolutely enjoy is as a standalone story. We did revisit a couple of characters from the first book, but they are mentioned in a way that doesn’t leave you wondering what’s happened. (I do, however, recommend reading the first book too, it’s excellent).
There are two other major characters, Ran and Angel. Ran is the Flinger’s DJ and Angel is Bo’s best friend. The three friends each receive a clairvoyant’s reading, as mentioned in the synopsis, which leads to a lot of soul searching and a fair amount of cynical disregard.
One of the joys, of Phillipa Ashley’s writing, is the way in which her books flow. I never felt that the story was dragging, and it was anything but predictable. It was lovely to catch up with some already established characters, but equally enjoyable to meet a new group. As always, the characters were well developed, and I felt like they would be friends if I ever met them. Scratch that, there’s a small handful with whom I wouldn’t pass the time of day!
I hope you enjoy escaping to this sleepy Cornish village. I loved every moment, and I’m already looking forward to the next trip.

Another lovely book from Phillipa Ashley. Set in Cornwall during the festive period, this book had all the elements I love in a Christmas read. I could almost taste the mince pies and mulled wine as I was reading it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Following having her heart broken on Christmas Eve Bo decides to avoid relationships going forward. Ran has also had relationship problems and moved to Cornwall to escape and recover. Can these two form a relationship, brought together by a fortune teller?
I do enjoy a series, especially set in a small community in Cornwall, as it means that you already know the setting and can concentrate on the new characters whilst keeping up to date with the previous ones. Rock and roll dance music features predominantly in the story, to be honest this was before my time but it certainly brought it to life for me. Again this is the type of book to curl up with on a cold, dark evening and escape to a different world, definitely recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Unlucky in love Bo wants a quiet and uneventful Christmas. After visiting a psychic who instructs her that she will meet the love of her life by Christmas, will she really have the quiet Christmas she’s expecting?
A revisit to the coastal village of Falford, I was expecting another community orientated and special story and it really was. Based around Bo’s love of dancing and her close friendships within her community it really was a treat.
It was lovely to see the relationship between Bo and Ran grow into something special, even with the distractions and obstacles thrown in their way.
It was also lovely to follow the story of her lovely friend struggle to get her life back on track after her husband leaves for another woman. It’s a really heart-warming tale of friendship as well as love.
I really enjoyed the mentions of characters from previous books based in the village, it really helped give a brilliant picture of the community as I felt that I was already really familiar with many of the personalities, and the opportunity to get to know Bo was welcomed!
A great Christmas addition to the series, I enjoyed my revisit to Falford immensely.

This is the third book in the Cornish series that I have read from Phillipa Ashley and once again, a really heartwarming read set in beautiful Falmouth.

The story starts with the main character Bo being let down by her boyfriend Hamish on Christmas Eve.

Fast forward to 8 months later and the story picks up towards the end of summer when Bo, her best friend Angel and their friend Ran all visit a fortune teller at a local gala who pretty much tells them all the same thing - they will all discover love by Christmas!

Angel and Tommy have been married for 30 years so Angel is already with her love, or is she? Angel works for grumpy Kelvin, who doesn’t know how lucky he is to have such a knowledgable employee.

Although Bo likes Ran, she is unsure of how he feels and she is content to be ‘ just good friends’. Bo owns the local cafe and is hoping to attract more custom hosting larger events and expand her small business.

Ran likes to keep things close to his chest and doesn’t talk much about his life. He is self employed running a diving tuition business and also DJ’s for the local dance group.

We soon get drawn in to life with the locals and what a great community spirit there is, especially when someone needs help or support. It was also lovely to hear about some of the previous characters from Phillipa’s other books.

If you want a heartwarming Christmas read with your feet up by the fire and a warm drink, this is the book for you.

Many thanks to netgalley, the publishers and the author for an arc. Really enjoyed this.

A. very enjoyable Christmas read set in Cornwall. Bo owns the local cafe by the boatyard and is part of a dancing group - the flingers! Ran provides the music to their dances from his eclectic record collection! Both have been let down in love and when they, together with Bo’s friend Angel, visit a fortune teller, they find out more then they bargained for!
An easy enjoyable read!

I have reviewed A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley for book recommendation site LoveReading.co.uk
I have chosen it to appear as one of my Liz Robinson Picks of the month for December, it will also appear on the monthly newsletter and social media. See LoveReading for review.

Thanks to @netgalley for arc of this book
Loavely heartwarming book to read I sat down with glass of wine and read it over course of evening, follows lives of Bo a woman who runs her own cafe in a small boatyard community and Angel who is married to a fisherman Tommy and she works at the local garden centre /country store
Both are part of rock n roll dance group who perform around the local Cornish area. Their lives seem fine until they go to see a local fortune teller at a summer craft fayre. Do predictions really come true??

A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley
Pub Date 11 Nov 21
For Bo Grayson, Christmas has always been the most wonderful time of the year. Well, until she had her heart broken last December.
At a local summer fete, Bo and her friends meet the mysterious fortune teller Madame Odette. They are each given the exact prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.
With just a few months until the festive season, they dismiss the predictions out of hand. Instead, Bo's attention is focused on creating the best seasonal menu for her Boatyard Café and her rock and roll dance group – the Falford Flingers – who are hard at work getting ready for their Christmas Spectacular show.
The last thing she imagines is that she'll be ready to open her heart again. But will fate – and perhaps a sprinkle of Christmas magic – can change her mind?
Phillipa Ashley does it again; as with all her stories, she creates a genuinely great plot with fabulous characters that ooze appeal whilst being relatable. It's relaxed, emotional and sweet, with friendship, affection, laughter, and, of course, a touch of Christmas magic entwined.
Curl up with this charming cosy, well-written read.
I want to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and author Phillipa Ashley for a pre-publication copy to review.

A wonderfully heartwarming Christmas story. Perfect for cosying up by the fire. It had me hooked from the start.

The perfect Christmas book!! Yay!! Loved this latest from Phillipa Ashley, no disappointment here!!!
Bo runs The Boatyard Café in Cornwall, she loves all things vintage including rock n roll 50's music and dancing with the Fulford Flingers!! The book begins and ends at Christmas with a year in between......no more spoilers!!
Fantastic if you have read the previous books set in Fulford but just as amazing if this is your first.
This book will lift your heart and warm your cockles!! Just a joy, reading this I could hear the music playing all the way through. Phillipa weaves her magic and creates such beautiful pictures in her writing. This book is such a pleasure to read.
Hugely enjoyable and heartily recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early read.