Review: 'Pippa's Cornish Dream' by Debbie Johnson (2015)

Since Pippa Harte was forced to take over her parent’s farm, she’s barely had time to shave her legs let alone make time for love. Now she’s more likely to be getting down and dirty mucking out the pigs – and avoiding those of the human male variety.
When Ben Retallick walks out of her childhood and back into her present it seems that perhaps Pippa has more time than she thought. All Poldark smoulders and easy-going charm, Ben’s definitely worth whipping her wellies off for!
But Ben is a man with his own past and his own issues – and as much as she’s enjoying having him around, she’s got to get a grip. After all life isn’t always a beach … even if you are in Cornwall.
I think the cover of Debbie Johnson's latest release 'Pippa's Cornish Dream' is one of my favourite book covers of the past couple of months. The colours match so well, the font looks great, and it's just such a gorgeous cover; already reason enough for me to want to read the story that's hidden inside! However, I also already had enough other reasons to want to pick up this read; a publisher that often has thoroughly enjoyable reads (Harper Impulse), a lovely author (Debbie Johnson) and a fascinating book description. I got the chance to read and review Debbie Johnson's 'Cold Feet at Christmas' several months ago (click here to read my review) and I really enjoyed it. So, when Debbie contacted me about her newest book, I couldn't wait to pick it up and start reading!
When her parents died in a horrible car accident, Pippa Harte was suddenly left to her own devices and had to set aside her plans for going to Oxford University and instead stay at home to take care of her younger siblings and the family farm. These days, the farm is a holiday rental place run by Pippa while she also looks out for her younger siblings. One day, Ben Retallick, an aquintance from Pippa's past, hires one of the cottages and immediately there's a connection between him and Pippa; a connection that's difficult to ignore. However, Ben has a dark secret and he has come to Cornwall to hide away from the world. Pippa knows she needs to focus and can't use any distractions, but what happens when a distraction is as hard to ignore as handsome Ben...?
I’m happy to say the story inside ‘Pippa’s Cornish Dream’ is just as fabulous as its stunning cover; Debbie Johnson definitely has treated us to a wonderful romance story, perfect for a long and lazy summer day! The first chapter of the novel already paints a clear picture of main character Pippa’s life and I straight away warmed to her. Pippa is young and already has a lot of responsibility to shoulder; she takes care of her 4 younger brothers and sisters and the family holiday rental farm business. She’s independent and brave but at the same time she’s at an age where you try to find yourself and what it is you want in life. Mysterious, dark and handsome Ben Retallick comes into Pippa’s life at the right time, ready to shake things up a bit. I even developed a little crush on Ben; he’s the perfect hero for a romance story like this one and the chemistry between him and Pippa was definitely there.
I really liked the fact that while this is a relatively short and quick read (you can finish it within just one or two sittings), you really get to know the main characters. The storyline is an entertaining one and made even more fun with the help of secondary characters such as Pippa’s younger siblings Patrick, Daisy, Lily and Scotty. There was enough going on to keep my attention on the pages until the last sentence, and even then I found myself secretly wishing for more. This romance story was a true pleasure to read and one I’d like to recommend to any romance/chick lit fan. Overall, ‘Pippa’s Cornish Dream’ is a light, down-to-earth, feel-good read that will leave you with a smile on your face; I really enjoyed it!

Rating:9,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.