Summer at the Cornish Café

The Cornish Café Series, Book 1

By: Phillipa Ashley

Narrated by: Emma Spurgin Hussey

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Demi doesn't expect her summer in Cornwall to hold anything out of the ordinary. As a waitress, working all hours to make ends meet, washing dishes and serving ice creams seems to be as exciting as the holiday season is about to get.

That's until she meets Cal Penwith. An outsider like herself, Cal is persuaded to let Demi help him renovate his holiday resort, Kilhallon Park. Set above an idyllic Cornish cove, the once popular destination for tourists has now gone to rack and ruin. During the course of the Cornish summer, Demi makes new friends - and foes - as she helps the dashing and often infuriating Cal in his quest. Working side by side, the pair grow close, but Cal has complications in his past which make Demi wonder if he could ever truly be interested in her.

Demi realises that she has finally found a place she can call home. But as the summer draws to a close, and Demi's own reputation as an up and coming café owner starts to spread, she is faced with a tough decision....

A gorgeous story exploring new beginnings, new love and new opportunities, set against the stunning background of the Cornish coast.

Recommended for those who loved Summer at Shell Cottage, The Cornish House, Tremarnock and Poldark.

©2016 Phillipa Ashley (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read." (Katie Fforde)

"Filled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun!" (Jill Mansell)

"An utterly glorious, escapist read from a one of the freshest voices to emerge in women's fiction today. I loved every gorgeous page." (Claudia Carroll)

Glad I stuck with it!

This is the story of the difficult path two difficult people push through to take on a difficult life. I have to like that none of the characters in this book are perfect. There is no one leading a charmed life. Their actions and emotions are real and believable. The key ones have had a very rough time of it and are finding their place in the world. It very much feels like a “book 1” though. I also have to say that the narrator almost had me bailing early on. He delivery is nearly monotone, and it’s easy to get tired of listening to her.

Great Book, Narration not so much.

What made the experience of listening to Summer at the Cornish Café the most enjoyable?

It's a great story. Engaging and entertaining. Characters you love. Honestly, there isn't anything bad I can say about the story.

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator uses the same voice for both the main characters and because the story jumps between the two different POVs it's not always easy to know who is telling the story.

A Poldark fan must! ❤️

I have thoroughly enjoyed this modern day Poldark romance! The narration was superb!!! Highly recommended!!!

Summer at the Cornish Cafe'

The author has written an interesting, but slow book. It was very hard to get into it. The reader was so disapointing. I couldn't figure out who was talking. Her voice was so uninteresting. I doubt if I will continue with this series if this reader is being used. Further editing would really help the book.

Ridiculous!!

I usually love these type of stories but not this one! I found myself grimacing with the unreality of the characters and story line!

Looking for Joy

I have loved Phillipa Asheley’s other books because they have a measure of Joy in them. At this point I’m looking for books that include joy in life, even though they are set in a realistic scene. This author’s other books show the kindness and care that some people show for neighbors, friends and the world as well as joy & love. This book, though, was more uncertain and depressing throughout. Even though things get tied up, much of the book is depressing right until the last sentences. I really enjoyed Asheley’s Porthmellow Harbour series, which held a mixture of highs and lows, as well as wonderful descriptions of daily life by the sea.