A Cornish Winter's Kiss by Jo Bartlett

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…isn’t it?

Emily Anderson adores romance—both in books and in real life (though her own love life is more ‘tragic subplot’ than ‘happily-ever-after’). As an audiobook narrator, she spends her days bringing love stories to life, convinced that one day, her own perfect romance will come true.

Jude Cavendish, thinks romance is a fairy tale for fools. A crime author with a serious case of writer’s block, he’s horrified when his publisher asks him to add a love story to his latest novel. He knows murders, mysteries, and mayhem—not grand gestures and stolen kisses.

Desperate for help, Jude reluctantly turns to Emily, whose sunshine personality is the complete opposite of his grumpy cynicism. She’s determined to show him that love is more than just fiction, and he’s determined to prove her wrong. But as Christmas magic sparkles over the Cornish coast, Jude starts to wonder… what if Emily’s right?

Could the festive season bring them both the plot twist they never saw coming?

MY REVIEW

I know, I know. Christmas in July might sound a little nuts, but when it comes to Jo Bartlett’s charming storytelling, I’ll gladly make an exception. There’s something enchanting about diving into a delightful story that makes you lose all concept of time, and that’s exactly the experience I had with this book.

The story revolves around Emily Anderson, a hopeless romantic and a daydreamer who, in a twist of fate, lands her dream job as a voice actress narrating the works of her favorite romance writer. Jude Cavendish is a brooding crime author who crafts gritty thrillers. But here’s the kicker, Jude’s publisher insists he needs to shake things up by adding a love story to his latest manuscript. To Jude, love is nothing but a foolish distraction. When he reluctantly enlists Emily’s help, sparks fly, setting off a delightful chain reaction that alters their lives forever.

What I love about Emily is her unwavering spirit. She has this incredible ability to brighten everyone’s day, and, unsurprisingly, that becomes Jude’s kryptonite. Before long, Jude finds himself inviting Emily on walks and dinners, often acting like he’s just trying to be nice while secretly wrestling with the possibility of change.

When Jude’s walls begin to crack the reader is allowed a glimpse of his heart that is carefully hidden. Yet, love is rarely straightforward. Poor Jude. The healing journey is complex, and he is grappling with deep-seated wounds. It’s Emily’s infectious optimism that helps him embrace a love he never thought he needed.

This book wouldn’t be complete without the lovely supporting characters of Jude’s and Emily’s family and friends. I especially adored Jude’s stepmom Viv who loved Jude the way a mother should. And let’s not overlook those cute pups, Rufus and George Barlow—two best buds that could teach us all a thing or two.

So here’s to Emily and Jude, and the beautiful messiness of love. It’s not always easy, and it rarely goes according to plan, but sometimes that just makes the story all the more captivating. You never know what’s waiting around the corner or who might just change your life.

If you’re looking for your next summer read that proves love can surprise us all, pick up this book. You won’t regret it!

Thank you to Ms. Bartlett for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.