There seems to have been a lot of books set in Cornwall recently and it’s not hard to see why. With beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling blue seas, and expanses of azure sky, it’s a beautiful place. Even on a stormy day there is something wild and appealing about the Cornish coastline. And I’m sure the current obsession with Poldark has done much to enhance Cornwall’s popularity too. Although the setting of this book is important, and beautifully described by the author, it is the characters and relationships which really make this book.
Things between Cat and Luke don’t get off to a promising start after a case of mistaken identity sees her coming into rather closer contact than she would otherwise have intended! Luke’s furious reaction puts the two at odds. But at a function at her hotel she sees another more caring side to Luke and a tentative friendship begins to develop.
There is a big rivalry between Luke and his cousin Jordan, although jealousy might be a better word to describe Jordan’s feelings. Following a family tragedy, Luke was brought up by his aunt and uncle. Unlike the rather spoiled Jordan, he works hard, takes all opportunities that come his way and seems successful in all he undertakes. This is just another reason for Jordan to dislike him.
Aunt Em and her ‘gossip girls’ deserve a mention. Elderly Aunt Em feels rather without purpose in her life and her so-called friends seem to encourage her to get involved in all kinds of situations which don’t work out well for her and antagonise the local community. Some of these were quite funny to read and the scene outside the local shop featuring a wobbly chair and a cucumber springs to mind! I did rather feel for Aunt Em and was pleased when she had the opportunity to enrich her life and that of the community.
Jo Lambert writes about her characters with real depth and emotion. There is a beautifully done love story at the heart of the book. In fact, there is more than one love story but that is one of the surprises of the book so I’ll say no more about it. In fact, there is a lot more to this book than its lovely cover may suggest. Yes there is sun, sea, sand and… romance. But there are also family secrets uncovered, beautifully written friendships, a crime to be solved and a trip to Italy along the way. I really enjoyed reading this book and will look forward to more from this author in the future.
My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to take part in the tour and Liz at ChocLit/Ruby Fiction for providing a review copy of the book. A Cornish Affair is available in ebook format and you can order it by clicking one of the following links:
UK – A Cornish Affair
US – A Cornish Affair
From the back of the book
In the close-knit community of Carrenporth in Cornwall everyone knows everyone else’s business. Luke Carrack is only too aware of this. He’s been away for two years but nothing has changed – from the town gossips who can’t see past the scandal of his childhood, to the cold way he is treated by some of his so-called family.
The only person who seems to understand is local hotelier’s daughter Cat Trevelyan, although even Luke’s new friendship with her could set tongues wagging.
But Carrenporth is about to experience far bigger scandals than the return of Luke Carrack – and the secrets unearthed in the process will shake the sleepy seaside town to its core …
About the author
Jo Lambert lives on the eastern edge of Bath with her husband, one small grey feline called Mollie and a green MGB GT. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. She has been writing since 2008. Her first five books, a set of linked romantic sagas following the lives of several families in West Somerset, was followed in 2015 by Summer Moved On, a contemporary romance set in South Devon. A sequel, Watercolours in th Rain followed in 2017,
In June 2018 Jo signed to Choc Lit and her debut A Cornish Affair, set in North Cornwall, has just been published. Jo is currently working on another coastal romance, this time set in South Cornwall.
When she isn’t writing she reads and reviews. She also has an active blog. Jo loves travel, red wine and rock music and she often takes the odd photograph or two.
Social Media Links
Website: http://jolambertbooks.com
Blog: http://jolambertwriter.blog
Twitter: @jolambertwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolambert185
Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jo-lambert-6 4644530
Instagram: jolambertwriter185
Portobello Book Blog 
Cornwall AND Italy in one book. Reading this would instantly make me want to book a holiday..
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Tempting isn’t it? 😊
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