‘Summer at the Cornish Café’ by Phillipa Ashley

Genre: Adult Fiction – Chic Lit

Published: 2016

Format: eBook

Rating: ★★★★

I actually started reading the second book in this series first and thought that I was missing something, not realising, and I had to go back and read this one! I don’t mind that there was more to the series than I first thought – I love Phillipa Ashley for a relaxing feel-good book.

After reading this I’m excited to get back into the second book and find out how Demi and Cal’s story continues. The characters in this trilogy are a real mixed bag of personalities and it’s great seeing how they play off each other. Demi is a fiery character who speaks her mind and has some brilliant ideas, and it causes fireworks but has the makings of something very special. I’m glad this is a trilogy because there is so much more to go into with Demi and Cal, Isla and Like, and Mawgan, Robyn and Andi.

I want to see Kilhallon surpass all expectations! It’s such a great concept and it’s been interesting seeing the concepts of the resort develop throughout the book despite all of the setbacks and complications. I want to see how the opening goes and the exciting potential of Demi and Cal’s joint venture. I think I’m more interested in that than their burgeoning relationship!

I’ve never been to Cornwall, but these books make me want to visit! I love a Phillipa Ashley book, and I’ve still got a lot of her back catalogue to read so I’m very excited to keep reading!

‘The Bear and the Nightingale’ by Katherine Arden

Genre: Adult Fiction – Fantasy

Published: 2017

Format: Paperback

Rating: ★

I was disappointed with this book. The premise sounded really interesting and talking to someone else who had already read it, I thought I would enjoy it.

I got over a third of the way through and I was basically just bored all of the way through. Nothing was happening and I decided that I would rather read something that I wanted to read rather than something I was forcing myself to read. The spirit idea and how it links to Russian folklore could have been more front and centre and perhaps it would have drawn me in more.

I didn’t particularly care about any of the characters. Vasya seemed the most interesting, but I didn’t want to know what happened to her. Even she seemed a bit insipid and droll, despite the author trying to build her up as some magical being. It didn’t work for me. There is a lot of description that didn’t seem to add anything to the plot or the atmosphere. Frankly, most of part one could have been dispensed with I think. The pertinent points could have been made with more oomph and in a shorter space.

I won’t be reading the second and third books in the trilogy. Onto my next book!