So good to come back to this sweet Cornish town…and at Christmas no less! Like all of Phillipa Ashley’s books, this was a warm, gentle read and perfect for the season. Another great read from a favorite author! She never disappoints!

This was a really good read. Easy story to follow, charming setting and great characters. Really enjoyed it.

I loved this book, it was great to be back in Falford and the boat yard. Bo was a character that interested me in the previous book so I was excited to get her story. I love her style and her generous heart. The descriptions of the dresses she wears are amazing. I loved her friendship with Angel and how she supported her in the break down of her marriage and the start up of her business. Bo’s friendship with Ran is nice too, from the start you can tell they both like each other but have walls up to protect themselves. I like how they navigate the friendship and build a solid friendship. The way it all develops is amazing, the descriptions of the dancing and the castle are amazing.
I loved every minute of this and felt I was really there.

This was such a delightful read that had me hooked right from the start. Whilst, as the title suggests, it’s about a Cornish Christmas, it doesn’t throw the festivities in your face. This wouldn’t normally be a problem for me, as I like full-on festivities, but for some they don’t want Christmas rammed down their throats so this is a genteel introduction.

Whilst I have some of Phillipa’s books, I realised I hadn’t actually read any of them, so this was my first foray into her world and it was a lovely world. There’s some great original characters, all a mixture of light and dark and real human elements. The main character of Bo was very well written; she is feisty but vulnerable, and a great match for Ran and Angel, our other protagonists. There’s a good mix of uplifting holiday magic, but also serious topics such as relationships and marriages ending, and the worry of job security.

Whilst this did follow the happily-ever-after plot I come to expect from Christmas novels, there was the niche introduction of a rock and roll dancing plot point which ran through the whole book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Knowing absolutely nothing about what world, I got the idea that Phillipa had done a lot of research to make it sound believable.

I thoroughly look forward to whatever Phillipa produces next - hopefully another Christmas book!

"A Special Cornish Christmas" is the second of Phillipa Ashley's novels set in the fictional village of Falford. However, it is not necessary to have read the previous novel to enjoy this one. The action covers a year from one Christmas to the next in the life of Bo, proprietor of the Boatyard Café. Be warned that reading this book may encourage you to join a swing/rock and roll dance group as it sounds like they have a lot of fun, as well as being an enjoyable form of exercise. There is a good mix of characters and plenty happening to keep the reader engaged. A great read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Bo had her heart broken at Christmas and swore off men so she didn't get hurt again, instead putting her time into her boatyard cafe and the Falford Flingers dance group
During the summer fete she is persuaded by her friends Angel and Ran against her better judgement to visit the fortune teller who tells them all that they will meet the love of their lives by Christmas Day. None of them believe it but strange things start occuring that start to make them wonder if there is any truth in the predictions.
A fab festive read

Phillipa Ashleys newest book in the Falford Series is a light seasonal romantic tale. Bo is eagerly awaiting a cozy Christmas tucked up with the love of her life, but he suddenly abandons her leaving her heartbroken. At a local summer festival, Bo and her friend Angel visit a mysterious fortune teller who tells them both that they will be with the love of their lives by Christmas. All of this is news to Angel as she has been married for several years. We witness the events that transpire in this little community to bring about a happy ending for our protagonists.
Initially, I found the book a little slow-moving and found it hard to really engage with the characters. I have enjoyed Phillipa Ashley's previous stories and characters, but I struggled with this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books
3 stars out of 5
Available on Amazon
Release date October 11, 2022 ( next year)

I love these books! I enjoy the little refer to other people that have featured in past books and it makes you feel as if you are part of that community and they are your friends also. I was wishing for a happy ending and a Christmas that is the best ever for all Bo and Angel! I also loved how the young and the older people combined to create a joint rock and roll club with dancing and having fun. What a wonderful time they all are having! A truly wonderful read as always in Cornwall.

Having spent most of my Christmas' in Cornwall, and being denied that opportunity last year due to lockdowns, I am looking forward to returning home this year, This was the perfect pre reading to get me in the festive mood. Great characters with Bo and Angel. Just lovely.

Thank you NetGalley, Phillipa Ashley and Avon Books for the copy od A Special Cornish Christmas. This is my personal review.
The lives of Bo, Ran and Angel are all friends and they all have had ups and downs in their lives. They go together to see Madame Odette, a fortune teller. When they are each given the same prediction – that each of them is going to meet the love of their lives by Christmas. They know that this cannot be something that will really happen to them all.
This is a book you will want to read. The author has done a beautiful job making the readers really care about each person in this book.

An absolutely perfect Christmas read! I loved the cosy Christmassy setting, the storyline was pacy and the ending was very satisfying. I loved how fiery the main character, Bo, was and the developing love story. Thank you so much for this arc!

I found A Special Cornish Christmas to be an enjoyable cosy, festive read. I enjoyed the friendships throughout the book, especially between Bo and Angel.

I didn’t realise until after I’d read the book that there have been previous books by Phillipa Ashley set in Falford, presumably with some of the same characters. I do like revisiting fictional places so perhaps I should have read the previous books first.

It was a gentle romantic story which is great for a festive novel. However, I did feel it lacked some of the charm of the other festive books I’ve read this year. It was enjoyable and the characters were well developed but I just didn’t find myself as invested in the relationships as I would have liked. The book moves at quite a leisurely pace and I found it a little slow and predictable in places. Perhaps I’ve just read too many Christmas romances recently!

Overall it is an enjoyable, festive read, just not one of my favourites.

What a beautiful holiday story to lift my spirits and remind me of what is important in life!
The story centers around the lives of Bo, Ran, and Angel - three friends involved in a dance club, the Flingers. They all have some emotional upheaval in their lives, and with the support of the group, find a way to move forward in the best possible way.
The book has it all - friendship, love, forgiveness, and second chances. The story is predictable, but completely enjoyable and will leave you knowing that while life sometimes takes a different path than you once thought you wanted, you can still find happiness!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My heart goes out to Bo! Can her heart be broken during Christmas time two years in roll despite the fortune-teller's predictions?
I loved the small-town vibes and holidays festivities pouring out of the book. I'm not familiar with many of the classical artists mentioned in this novel. However, it was still easy to imagine the dancers preparing for their performances, making this cozy romance a delight.
NetGalley gave an audio version which I thought the narrator was great. These thoughts are my own and I'm not obligated to provide a positive review.

Thanks to netgalley for this free read. I have enjoyed reading this book in the 'Cornish' series as much as I did the last one - it has been great getting to know the different characters living in 'Falford' and following their stories. There were lots of ups and downs and will they get together or won't they. You will have to read the book to find out if there was a good ending!
I look forward to reading the next book in the series - I am hoping there will be another one!
Thanks once again to netgalley.

Another hit from Phillipa Ashley, I always enjoy a storyline set in a seaside town & it’s community. Thoroughly enjoyed this

Another wonderful Christmas book by Philippa Ashley. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was cosy and festive and easy to read once I got into it.

Back in the bubble of Falmouth and the friends and areas. Love this book. Was great to get someone else love story and great to read a little about a previous character which I always enjoy!

This is a lovely, well-written Christmas story. There is a definite feel of Cornwall about it, from the descriptions of the area to the way the characters speak. I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

Another amazing book by Phillipa Ashley and an amazing festive read that made me feel cosy and christmassy, well written, great characters and a really enjoyable read.