Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Emily loves her romance novels, love and christmas , so when she meets her favourite author by accident and is offered the job of her dreams as a narrator, she thinks life can not get any better!

Jude is an author of crime novels and anti all that Emily believes in, so when their paths cross at a book reading, she is asked to help him introduce a love interest into his new novel.

Will Emily convince Jude that their can be everlasting love with the right person.

A wonderful read by this author, again!

Was this review helpful?

This was just a lovely romance. After a bumpy start Jude and Emily are separately in Cornwall over Christmas. Both are there to spend time with their families although the contrast between the two families could not be more different. There is fun and cooking and games and warmth on one side and a bit more of an austere atmosphere on the other. Jude and Emily need to work out how and if they might fit together whilst being so different in their views on the existence of love and importance of romance. The real heroes of the book are the two dogs who become best friends and will do anything to get their owners together, even howl out their inversion of karaoke.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first Jo Bartlett book that I've read but I shall be seeking out her other books on the basis of this as I really enjoyed it. The characters of Emily and Jude were endearing and believable and their romance, albeit a slow burn, had me rooting for them and for a happy ending. With Jude being an author and Emily being a narrator of romance novels the story was perfect for bookish readers like me and I loved this aspect. The addition of two cute dogs, Rufus and Gary, was a delight. Books, dogs, Cornwall, Christmas and romance - what's not to love? My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me the pleasure of reading this pre release copy in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book. My first book from this author. Made me a total fan of this book. would read this again and again.

Was this review helpful?

4 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming

Emily Anderson has always believed in romance, even if her life seems not to align with her hopes. As an audiobook narrator, she spends her days bringing romance stories alive and yearns for her HEA.
Jude Cavendish is a crime author who doesn’t believe in romance. However, with his writing block troubling him and the publisher’s request to add a love track to his latest novel, he needs some outside help and fast!
Emily and Jude are determined to prove themselves right. With Christmas magic in the air, both might get what they want and more!
The story comes in Emily and Jude’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
Is it time for Christmas reads? Who cares? I see a book with a snowy cover and title, and I grab it. ;)
I love that the book is dedicated to Emily, the author’s editor. It’s a sweet gesture.
The first chapter could also be a prologue since it shows the FMC’s career growth. This is a good way to share the backstory and establish her character without a ton of info dump.
It is a small book, but it is on the slower side. However, the story doesn’t drag much. It’s not exactly a love story and blends with women’s fic, which works in its favor.
The romance is also a bit of slow burn and closed door, which again, aligns with the plot. It is a proper cozy read despite a few heavy themes.
As you can guess, the book touches upon the hot topic of the popularity of the romance genre, the disdain against it, etc. It also highlights how the right audiobook narrator can elevate the emotions and take the book to the next level. I read this often in my friends’ reviews.
The MMC is a proper grump, but he manages to show his vulnerability enough for readers not to hate him for some of his comments. He slowly learns, so that’s good.
The FMC is sweet, optimistic, and kind. It’s easy to like her. We are told she’s only five feet and one and a half inches tall. But this aspect doesn’t play into the plotline after the initial mention. Even on the cover, you don’t see this. The guy would have to be 5’3” or so for them to look like that couple (unless the FMC has four-inch heels to walk in the snow). I am someone short (but taller than the FMC), and I prefer for short people's representation to be more than just a mention.
The setting is beautiful, with the added charm of snow and Christmas decorations. The side characters (FMC’s family and friend, MMC’s stepmom, etc.) shine in their limited roles. They are supportive, friendly, and good people.
The dogs, Rufus and Gary, are bonus sprinklers on hot chocolate. They lighten up the mood quite a few times.
To summarize, A Cornish Winter's Kiss is a heartwarming and cozy book about family, friendships, love, and hope. It should make for a good autumn read, too.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this such an adorable character story.
It made my heart happy!
Loved the characters the story the setting it as all so beautiful the cover is also adorable

Was this review helpful?

Just a really great book. I love this authors writing and this didnt disappoint at all.
I read this in one day. I liked the characters of Jude and Emily a lot. It felt real. It kept good pace and my heart ached for Emily at the beginning as her past unfurled in front of her. Jude was bitter and needed joy and Emily brought that light and love to it. This was a great book. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Jo Bartlett could you just sit in my mind and write me storys to read and falls in love with so i can have a ready supply until the end of time? no, too much? ok. then i guess i will have to wait until each of her beautiful books come out. and actually that is a delight in itself. and this book is just another top tier gem of a book. i adored it. the plot, the characters, the community. oh yes did i adore it.
this book is obviously even better because of the setting in the Cornish coast. there we find Emily who is a audio book reader. of romance books, the very thing our character Jude is against. he a writer but writer of grittier stuff. what is love going to do for those books i ask you? puff. but hes been told its time, time to dip his toes in romance writing. and that is where he needs Emily's help. but turns out she can show him a whole lot more than how to put heart into his words. she might just help him put heart into his own heart.
a gorgeous read from beginning to end. and my does it send you tingly and tangly with emotions.
and once again i feel very lucky to have been able to read one of Jo's books.

Was this review helpful?

This was a lovely Christmas read, weird reading it in June, but the book releases in July. It’s a cozy romantic read. Jude the crime author has writers block when stumbled along Emily a romantic audiobook reading. Both are different yet they are the same. A really cute read set in Cornwall at Christmas. A roaring 4.5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Was this review helpful?

Jo Bartlett is one of my favourite authors and this book is simply stunning. Great characters, beautiful setting and a lovely twist on a traditional romance story. Buy it, settle down with a cuppa and prepare to be transported.

Was this review helpful?

Cute predictable romantic story. Perfect for a day at the beach or an afternoon by the pool when you don’t need anything to challenging to occupy your mind.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

Lovely book, even though I could predict what was going to happen from the start, I still enjoyed it. Jo has a way of writing that draws you in to the characters and you can’t help but root for them as they’re so believable and likeable (mostly!)
This would be a great book to read wrapped up cosy in front of a fire. Definitely recommend

Was this review helpful?

Jude is a mystery writer, his publisher wants him to write a love story. He turns to Emily for help. the sparks fly as they work together.

Was this review helpful?

Was this a slightly cheesy read, yes it was. Did I absolutely love it, again yes I did. You can’t beat this Cornish story series. Just like a warm hug in book form. Glorious.

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

On the cornish coast of Port Agnes.
This is the story of romantic Novelists reader Emily Anderson and well known author Jude Cavendish. Emily is helping Jude to put some passion and sparkle and romance into his next book.
The moment they lock eyes is sealed for love.
I loved this read, the story, the characters, the love, is all combine into one.
Bringing readers enjoyment all the way to the end.

Was this review helpful?

I think I have now read all of Jo Barlett’s books and I enjoyed this one just as much if not more than all of the others. I always say that if a book can make me cry, and in this case unexpectedly, it is a good book! I also had some laugh out loud moments whilst reading this story.

A thoroughly enjoyable slow burn romance between confirmed romantic Emily and love sceptical crime writer, Jude. Nice to see characters from previous books making an appearance in this one. Loved every minute of this read and can’t wait for the next one.

Was this review helpful?

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. A festive Jo Bartlett read is always anticipated, but although this was a very enjoyable read, with interesting leads in Emily and Jude, I did not feel quite as connected to it as other books by the author. Both characters' individual plots were engaging and sensitively written, but I wasn't as persuaded by the central romance as I usually am in books by Jo Bartlett. The focus on the genre of books which this falls into was interesting, and added an interesting dynamic.

Was this review helpful?

Jude, crime writer who's asked by his editor to put a little romance in his book, something that he doesn't believe in.
Emily reads romance books and is certain that one day she will find her prince and live happy ever after.
When Jude asks Emily for her help in getting him to see that real love does exist expect sparks to fly.
I loved this book. The journey that Jude had to take from a cynic to a believer in love was one I thought he would never complete. Emily had one big job on her hands.
Another great read from Jo Bartlett.

Was this review helpful?

Gosh this an emotional read . Ace characters . New and old. It pulls at your heart . Moves between Cornwall and London. The first bit is fab and then it moves on. Your childhood has a lot to answer for. We got some insight of being an author . The conversation between the father and son, oh my . Also learn about a disease . Just read it. Jo Bartlett just gets better and better in her books .

Was this review helpful?