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Cornish Village School #1
The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules
Rosy Winter is definitely not looking for love... Following heartbreak, Rosy has rebuilt her life in the beautiful Cornish village of Penmenna. Now, headmistress of the local school, she is living by The Rule: no dating anyone in the village. Easy right? But Rosy Winter has a new neighbour, handsome gardener Matt. In Penmenna for his new gardening TV show, this guy next door will do everything he can to persuade her to break her rule and win her heart. Meanwhile, Penmenna Village School is threatened with closure and it’s up to Rosy to rally the local community and #SaveOurSchool. Can she bring her worlds together and accept help from the most unlikely of sources? One thing’s for sure... she won’t be giving up without a fight. Product Information: ISBN: 9781788633420 Author: Kitty Wilson Publisher: Canelo Format: Paperback Pages: 319 Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 2cm
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 29, 2019
A charming and beautifully written book that captured my heart instantly.
Rosy Winter moved to Cornwall to start a new life after a disastrous relationship. Rosy has settled into a small village and is the headmistress of the local school. She has a rule never to date anybody from her village and joins a dating site. I was in hysterics over the face licking date!!
When handsome new neighbour Matt moves in, there is an instant attraction but will Rosy break her dating rule? Meanwhile She hears news that the village school may be closing and has a fight on her hands with the help from all the villagers to save it .Matt has offered to help her but he is the last person she would ask.
I loved this book. You made me laugh out loud and you also made me fall in love with the characters and with Cornwall. Maybe I do believe in love at first sight after this delightful story!!
I didn’t realise this is the start of a new series. I couldn’t be happier to learn this!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Rosy Winter moved to Cornwall to start a new life after a disastrous relationship. Rosy has settled into a small village and is the headmistress of the local school. She has a rule never to date anybody from her village and joins a dating site. I was in hysterics over the face licking date!!
When handsome new neighbour Matt moves in, there is an instant attraction but will Rosy break her dating rule? Meanwhile She hears news that the village school may be closing and has a fight on her hands with the help from all the villagers to save it .Matt has offered to help her but he is the last person she would ask.
I loved this book. You made me laugh out loud and you also made me fall in love with the characters and with Cornwall. Maybe I do believe in love at first sight after this delightful story!!
I didn’t realise this is the start of a new series. I couldn’t be happier to learn this!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
June 9, 2018
3.5 stars.
I love this time of year when we get all the easygoing summer reads and The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules fits the bill nicely, centralising around headteacher, Rosy and her plight to save her school from closure, and her new and very gorgeous neighbour, TV gardener, Matt.
Green-fingered and Gorgeous.”
This definitely brought together all the elements I love in this genre and with a beautiful setting, a man to love and a cast of quirky and likeable residents, we’re brought plenty of humour and flirt, and a more serious edge as a Rosy and Matt get to know one another.
...we only get one first kiss…”
There was however one sticking point for me and that came in the form of Matt’s sister, Angelina who royally rubbed me up wrong way each time she made an appearance adding little if any value to the storyline, but that aside, this was a sound introduction to Kitty Wilson’s writing and I’d have no qualms in visiting Penmenna again in the future.
Copy received courtesy of Canelo via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I love this time of year when we get all the easygoing summer reads and The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules fits the bill nicely, centralising around headteacher, Rosy and her plight to save her school from closure, and her new and very gorgeous neighbour, TV gardener, Matt.
Green-fingered and Gorgeous.”
This definitely brought together all the elements I love in this genre and with a beautiful setting, a man to love and a cast of quirky and likeable residents, we’re brought plenty of humour and flirt, and a more serious edge as a Rosy and Matt get to know one another.
...we only get one first kiss…”
There was however one sticking point for me and that came in the form of Matt’s sister, Angelina who royally rubbed me up wrong way each time she made an appearance adding little if any value to the storyline, but that aside, this was a sound introduction to Kitty Wilson’s writing and I’d have no qualms in visiting Penmenna again in the future.
Copy received courtesy of Canelo via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
June 22, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Kitty Wilson’s debut novel is set in the gorgeous Cornish countryside and follows head-teacher Rosy Winter as she tries to save her village primary school from being shut down and her pupils moved over 10 miles away to a bigger school.
She will do everything and anything in her power to win this battle including getting the help from her new hunky neighbour, celebrity gardener Matt Masters.
Both Matt and Rosy have sworn off dating, and with Matt carrying baggage from a break-up and Rosy swearing never to date anyone from her small village, can the two keep their relationship strictly business? Especially when they obviously have the hots for one another.
The Cornish Village School – Breaking the Rules, was a fun start to what looks like is going to be a fab series set in the most beautiful countryside village, Penmenna.
It isn’t often I come across a book where the main focus is a primary school, so this was a welcome change. The characters were all a delight to get to know and the chemistry between Matt and Rosy was obvious from the beginning. Their banter was perfectly realistic and I was hoping that the two would realise that life’s too short to miss a romantic opportunity like they could have.
I love how the book brings together a whole community and gives them a voice. It was a quick, flawless read and I now can’t wait to see what Ms. Wilson has in store for us with the rest of her series.
Kitty Wilson’s debut novel is set in the gorgeous Cornish countryside and follows head-teacher Rosy Winter as she tries to save her village primary school from being shut down and her pupils moved over 10 miles away to a bigger school.
She will do everything and anything in her power to win this battle including getting the help from her new hunky neighbour, celebrity gardener Matt Masters.
Both Matt and Rosy have sworn off dating, and with Matt carrying baggage from a break-up and Rosy swearing never to date anyone from her small village, can the two keep their relationship strictly business? Especially when they obviously have the hots for one another.
The Cornish Village School – Breaking the Rules, was a fun start to what looks like is going to be a fab series set in the most beautiful countryside village, Penmenna.
It isn’t often I come across a book where the main focus is a primary school, so this was a welcome change. The characters were all a delight to get to know and the chemistry between Matt and Rosy was obvious from the beginning. Their banter was perfectly realistic and I was hoping that the two would realise that life’s too short to miss a romantic opportunity like they could have.
I love how the book brings together a whole community and gives them a voice. It was a quick, flawless read and I now can’t wait to see what Ms. Wilson has in store for us with the rest of her series.
May 30, 2018
3 - "Why the grumpy face..?" Stars.
Kitty Wilson begins her new Cornish Village School series with enjoyable results. Breaking the Rules gave great introduction to the Cornish village of Penmenna and the people living there, around the story Head-mistress Rosy Winter’s attempts at saving her school from closure.
Defeated? Not a chance. She was going to prepare for battle.
This positives in this book are that I discovered a new author whose writing style was definitely a hit. I enjoyed the descriptions of the locale, the wealth of secondary characters introduced were all individuals I could picture in my mind’s eye, and the absolutely adorable Matt Masters, landscape gardener extraordinaire, and all-round good guy. Some might say too good…
The two of them just made sense together…
I started out really liking Rosy as well, told from dual POV with Matt, it was great to get in both their heads when as the relationship between them developed. But here is where my enjoyment fizzled a bit, because as I said all-round-nice-guy Matt was just given too much too deal with in my opinion, what with a wholly spoiled and pretty dis-likeable sister; Angelina the waste-of-space reality star, throwing her toys out of the pram every other chapter, but for who he pretty much dropped everything for and went running to her aid each and every time, he then goes and falls for a woman who turns into a petulant drama-queen in the form of Rosy.
The solitary nature of his work appealed deeply.
I understood her previous heartbreak, and her initial knee-jerk reaction to things, but what detracted from my enjoyment a lot is the fact that it took her weeks to actually make amends with a man who pretty much went out of his way to do the best he could for and in trying to save the school by making it and the students an integral part of his new Television show.
He didn’t know which way to turn or what he was supposed to think.
I actually found her actions pretty cowardly, and her behavior in the latter stages of the story was just dragged out over too long a space of time for me to continue sympathizing with her. I actually wanted Matt to move on and get-together with someone else because of it.
He knew, at this moment there was no doubt in his mind, this woman was the one he as meant to find.
Still an extremely solid start though, and it was purely characterization rather than writing style or general bones of the story that lowered my rating for this book. I still enjoyed it, and it was certainly in the main not struggle to read, I just wanted the resolution to the conflict to have been played out over days rather than weeks, some of Rosy’s students displayed more maturity than she did at points because of it. I am also hoping that due to it being a series, there will be more closure on some of the side plots that were plating out too as in general it didn't really feel as if things had been closed off in relation to some of the characters.
This is definitely a series I want to read more from, I hope the future books are from other characters perspectives though, there were certainly enough of them introduced that I’d like to get to know on a more personal level going forwards.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Kitty Wilson begins her new Cornish Village School series with enjoyable results. Breaking the Rules gave great introduction to the Cornish village of Penmenna and the people living there, around the story Head-mistress Rosy Winter’s attempts at saving her school from closure.
Defeated? Not a chance. She was going to prepare for battle.
This positives in this book are that I discovered a new author whose writing style was definitely a hit. I enjoyed the descriptions of the locale, the wealth of secondary characters introduced were all individuals I could picture in my mind’s eye, and the absolutely adorable Matt Masters, landscape gardener extraordinaire, and all-round good guy. Some might say too good…
The two of them just made sense together…
I started out really liking Rosy as well, told from dual POV with Matt, it was great to get in both their heads when as the relationship between them developed. But here is where my enjoyment fizzled a bit, because as I said all-round-nice-guy Matt was just given too much too deal with in my opinion, what with a wholly spoiled and pretty dis-likeable sister; Angelina the waste-of-space reality star, throwing her toys out of the pram every other chapter, but for who he pretty much dropped everything for and went running to her aid each and every time, he then goes and falls for a woman who turns into a petulant drama-queen in the form of Rosy.
The solitary nature of his work appealed deeply.
I understood her previous heartbreak, and her initial knee-jerk reaction to things, but what detracted from my enjoyment a lot is the fact that it took her weeks to actually make amends with a man who pretty much went out of his way to do the best he could for and in trying to save the school by making it and the students an integral part of his new Television show.
He didn’t know which way to turn or what he was supposed to think.
I actually found her actions pretty cowardly, and her behavior in the latter stages of the story was just dragged out over too long a space of time for me to continue sympathizing with her. I actually wanted Matt to move on and get-together with someone else because of it.
He knew, at this moment there was no doubt in his mind, this woman was the one he as meant to find.
Still an extremely solid start though, and it was purely characterization rather than writing style or general bones of the story that lowered my rating for this book. I still enjoyed it, and it was certainly in the main not struggle to read, I just wanted the resolution to the conflict to have been played out over days rather than weeks, some of Rosy’s students displayed more maturity than she did at points because of it. I am also hoping that due to it being a series, there will be more closure on some of the side plots that were plating out too as in general it didn't really feel as if things had been closed off in relation to some of the characters.
This is definitely a series I want to read more from, I hope the future books are from other characters perspectives though, there were certainly enough of them introduced that I’d like to get to know on a more personal level going forwards.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
August 29, 2018
Rosy loves living in Penmenna. She’s the headmistress of the village school and has built a great life for herself. She’s still single and isn’t looking for love after having her heart broken in the past, so when a handsome man moves into the cottage next door Rosy is determined not to fall for him. Matt is a successful gardener, working on a television show. When he sees Rosy for the first time, he knows she’s special, will he be able to win her heart?
Rosy’s job is on the line. There are plans to close her beloved school. Even though it performs outstandingly, higher powers want several schools to merger. Nobody in Penmenna wants to lose this important, welcoming part of their community. Rosy needs all the help she can get and Matt offers his assistance. Will she be able to resist his charms once they’re spending a lot of time together?
The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules is a wonderful heartwarming story. Rosy is kind, smart, capable and organized. However, she lets her past influence her present and doesn’t easily let people in. Matt likes her a lot and doesn’t give up, I loved his persistence and genuine and friendly personality. He’s handsome and sweet, which is a fabulous combination. It was fun to read about their adventures and I couldn’t wait to find out if these two adorable neighbors would have a chance at true love. I read their story in one sitting and enjoyed every single page.
Kitty Wilson has a terrific sense of humor. She combines sizzling chemistry with hilarious situations and this works very well. Her story oozes charm and I was entertained from beginning to end. I loved her warm descriptive writing style and could easily picture every single scene. I enjoyed the large number of surprising twists and turns, the gorgeous atmosphere and the great fast pace of the story. The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules is a delightful feelgood story that made my heart melt and put a big smile on my face.
Rosy’s job is on the line. There are plans to close her beloved school. Even though it performs outstandingly, higher powers want several schools to merger. Nobody in Penmenna wants to lose this important, welcoming part of their community. Rosy needs all the help she can get and Matt offers his assistance. Will she be able to resist his charms once they’re spending a lot of time together?
The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules is a wonderful heartwarming story. Rosy is kind, smart, capable and organized. However, she lets her past influence her present and doesn’t easily let people in. Matt likes her a lot and doesn’t give up, I loved his persistence and genuine and friendly personality. He’s handsome and sweet, which is a fabulous combination. It was fun to read about their adventures and I couldn’t wait to find out if these two adorable neighbors would have a chance at true love. I read their story in one sitting and enjoyed every single page.
Kitty Wilson has a terrific sense of humor. She combines sizzling chemistry with hilarious situations and this works very well. Her story oozes charm and I was entertained from beginning to end. I loved her warm descriptive writing style and could easily picture every single scene. I enjoyed the large number of surprising twists and turns, the gorgeous atmosphere and the great fast pace of the story. The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules is a delightful feelgood story that made my heart melt and put a big smile on my face.
May 22, 2018
I hadn't heard of this author and the cover really attracted me to the book and I mean so glad I read it as didn't disappoint at all the cover is beautful and the book is just the same it's heartwarming and romantic and shows you how you sometimes have to break your rule in order to be happy. I now want to read more by this author and would love a follow on as so good. Shows how people can pull together when they need to and can they save the school or not. Set in beautful countryside and you want to imagine yourself there with them. A very easy read and has you wanting to read more. To see what happens.
Rosy has settled into a small Cornish village called Penmenna and she's the new headmistress of the little village school. She always played by the rules and never dated anyone from the village which you would think would be quite easy but once Matt moves in next door will it be as simple. As soon as Rosy sees Matt she gets that feeling in her that she hasn't experienced since her first love but that ended badly and can she move forward from that or is it just to hard for her. Matt is a gardener and wants to do a new tv show and he will do everything to persuade Rosy that she can break the rule and will he win her heart or not. Meanwhile Rosy is trying to save the village school as its set to close she pulls all the community together but can the one person she doesn't want to ask help her in a way she wasn't expecting and can she's save the school and be happy or not.
Rosy has settled into a small Cornish village called Penmenna and she's the new headmistress of the little village school. She always played by the rules and never dated anyone from the village which you would think would be quite easy but once Matt moves in next door will it be as simple. As soon as Rosy sees Matt she gets that feeling in her that she hasn't experienced since her first love but that ended badly and can she move forward from that or is it just to hard for her. Matt is a gardener and wants to do a new tv show and he will do everything to persuade Rosy that she can break the rule and will he win her heart or not. Meanwhile Rosy is trying to save the village school as its set to close she pulls all the community together but can the one person she doesn't want to ask help her in a way she wasn't expecting and can she's save the school and be happy or not.
June 11, 2018
I quickly fell in love with the characters and the setting in this book. A book set in Cornwall is almost guaranteed to make my reading list- and this was an adorable story. Rosy is the local headteacher who is having to fight to save their village school. After a troubled youth she's very wary around dating- but when Matt moves in next door the electric sparks between them. He is adorable- very friendly, very sexy and great with dogs and children!
I could just imagine the cottages and settling down in the evening with a nice glass of wine.
Matts sister was an amusing character- very fiery and entitled.
I loved the way that Matt's gardening shapes the story and how he wants to help the school appeal. He really is a sweetheart!
I could just imagine the cottages and settling down in the evening with a nice glass of wine.
Matts sister was an amusing character- very fiery and entitled.
I loved the way that Matt's gardening shapes the story and how he wants to help the school appeal. He really is a sweetheart!
July 18, 2018
Rosy is the headteacher at Penmenna primary school and is very happy there and determined to stay that way and so makes a rule for herself about getting involved with men.......... can she keep to that though when Matt the gorgeous celebrity gardener moves in next door! Then the school is threatened with closure so will she be able to save it with the help of the local community?
An enjoyable book based in Cornwall my favourite part of the country and although predictable the characters and setting made it a good read....I especial loved Marion....I am sure every PTA has one!
An enjoyable book based in Cornwall my favourite part of the country and although predictable the characters and setting made it a good read....I especial loved Marion....I am sure every PTA has one!
June 11, 2018
Well, what a tempting read! Bursting at the seams with delightful details, this is such a pleasing novel.
Rosy Winter loves her job; as Head Teacher at the local primary school which has been deemed as outstanding by Ofsted, she has a lot of job satisfaction. Living on the outskirts of the village, within easy walking distance of the Cornish coast, life is good. Not perfect - but then, perfection is hard to find. Then come a couple of clouds on the horizon; a very handsome and oh so sexy man moves in next-door, but Rosy has 'The Rule' which she lives by and deems no dating of neighbours. Hot on the heels of that, it seems that the local authority has plans to amalgamate the surrounding village schools into one larger - and not local - super school. All of a sudden, these clouds look like turning into a great big thunderstorm - can Rosy turn things around?
This is a marvelous book; lots going on, skilfully crafted characters - and one or two eyebrow-raising ones creating lots of giggling opportunities. It's such a fun read in a picturesque setting with wonderful writing. Both an easy to follow and entertaining tale plus a wonderful eye-catching cover all make this one I'm so very happy to recommend as a perfect summer read - don't miss it!
My thanks to publishers Canelo for approving my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Rosy Winter loves her job; as Head Teacher at the local primary school which has been deemed as outstanding by Ofsted, she has a lot of job satisfaction. Living on the outskirts of the village, within easy walking distance of the Cornish coast, life is good. Not perfect - but then, perfection is hard to find. Then come a couple of clouds on the horizon; a very handsome and oh so sexy man moves in next-door, but Rosy has 'The Rule' which she lives by and deems no dating of neighbours. Hot on the heels of that, it seems that the local authority has plans to amalgamate the surrounding village schools into one larger - and not local - super school. All of a sudden, these clouds look like turning into a great big thunderstorm - can Rosy turn things around?
This is a marvelous book; lots going on, skilfully crafted characters - and one or two eyebrow-raising ones creating lots of giggling opportunities. It's such a fun read in a picturesque setting with wonderful writing. Both an easy to follow and entertaining tale plus a wonderful eye-catching cover all make this one I'm so very happy to recommend as a perfect summer read - don't miss it!
My thanks to publishers Canelo for approving my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
May 21, 2018
I got this book just when I needed a smile on my face and boy did I get it!? A headmistress of a local school in a nice little Cornish village keeps matters of the heart tightly under lock and key. But then there's a new neighbour she hadn't reckoned on and he's a gardener don't ya know. I think as it's summer and the fact I've been watching a few garden programmes recently, got me thinking. oh this might be a nice and very timely story! And it was. Matt's doing a show in the small village! He's got an eye for our Rosy too!
What I liked about this story is that it's not a straight forward romance as Rosy has some problems as the school is set to close. Another very timely thing sadly but one which made the story very real too. Nice characters, a setting I only wish was real as I would move there immediately, and the promise of Matt the gardener! Everything in this garden really is Rosy!
What I liked about this story is that it's not a straight forward romance as Rosy has some problems as the school is set to close. Another very timely thing sadly but one which made the story very real too. Nice characters, a setting I only wish was real as I would move there immediately, and the promise of Matt the gardener! Everything in this garden really is Rosy!
June 12, 2018
I'm sorry. I know lots of people loved it. It appealed as a bit of light relief after the thrillers I usually read but I just couldn't get over the way these two supposed mature adults were behaving like twelve year olds in the midst of their first crush! Maybe it would have got better but I couldn't see my irritation getting any less & life's too short to read a book you don't enjoy so this is one of my rare 'Did Not Finish' ones!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me try!
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me try!
January 28, 2023
I thought this was ok but it was so predictable and I knew exactly what would happen. I often don’t mind this but I did here and found myself frustrated by it.
March 2, 2019
This is one of those easy read/easy listen to books. The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules is the story of the small Cornish village of Penmenna that sticks together to prevent a school closing and amalgamation in a large school. It centers around Rosy, the headteacher who has escaped to Penmenna after a disastrous romantic situation. She is aided by the head of the PTA, and her gorgeous neighbour, Matt, a television star of a gardening show, aptly titled, Green-Fingered and Gorgeous (at least that is what they want to call it).
This was a fun story. It has a beautiful setting, a lovable man, a cast of quirky and likeable residents, humour, flirty and fun banter, romance and a main character who is struggling with her feelings towards her new neighbour. Marian, the head of the PTA was hilarious. She used every connection she had to keep the local school open, yet was a bit of a thorn in Rosy's side. The only character that I did not like was Angelina, Matt's sister. She was annoying, self-centered and obnoxious. I didn't like her any more at the end of the story as I was hoping I would. I have the next book in this series to read, so I hope she comes across as a more likeable character. This was an easy poolside story for me and I enjoyed it. Being a retired educator, I enjoyed the story of the school closing, the fight against it and the PTA president. It made me smile. With the romance angle, this made for a fun story that I recommend to lovers of Chick-Lit or fun, light romance. The audio narration of the story was enjoyable and I will listen to more stories by this narrator.
This was a fun story. It has a beautiful setting, a lovable man, a cast of quirky and likeable residents, humour, flirty and fun banter, romance and a main character who is struggling with her feelings towards her new neighbour. Marian, the head of the PTA was hilarious. She used every connection she had to keep the local school open, yet was a bit of a thorn in Rosy's side. The only character that I did not like was Angelina, Matt's sister. She was annoying, self-centered and obnoxious. I didn't like her any more at the end of the story as I was hoping I would. I have the next book in this series to read, so I hope she comes across as a more likeable character. This was an easy poolside story for me and I enjoyed it. Being a retired educator, I enjoyed the story of the school closing, the fight against it and the PTA president. It made me smile. With the romance angle, this made for a fun story that I recommend to lovers of Chick-Lit or fun, light romance. The audio narration of the story was enjoyable and I will listen to more stories by this narrator.
May 31, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Rosy Winter is the Headmistress of Penmenna Village School, Rosy is a conscientious teacher loved by her pupils and the other villagers. During university she was involved in a bad relationship with a man that wrecked her confidence and friendships. Ever since Rosy has followed the golden rule to never date anyone from the village and keep separate from her friends and work.
Rosy had followed this rule happily for years until celebrity gardener Matt Masters moved in next door. There was a definite spark between Matt and Rosy but both were scared of commitment. Matt moved to Penmenna to star in a gardening programme redesigning the garden at Penmenna Hall and wanted to concentrate on that..
Then Rosy found out there was a possibility that Penmenna Village School would be amalgamated with 3 other village schools in the area. The kids at Penmenna would then have to travel to school 10 miles away, Rosy enlisted the help of Uber Mum/school governor/head of the PTA Marion Marksharp to stop the school closure.
Matt comes up with the idea of having a weekly segment with the school children helping him at the hall. Marion hopes the exposure will put pressure to stop the LEA from closing the school. Rosy is upset because she thinks Matt is encroaching into her professional life.
Breaking The Rules was a light hearted fun read. The village sounded perfect and I laughed at the idea of Sunday lunch accompanied by the battle of the local bands. My favourite character was Marion, Godzilla of the PTA. Although Marion was bossy on the outside she was also sex mad and caught in flagrante with her husband in a cupboard. I also liked the spoilt, bad tempered, Angelica who made me laugh with her bad behaviour.
I tried to like Rosy but she was very immature outside the classroom and constantly blew hot and cold with Matt. Even when Rosie explained to Chase what happened at university it was no excuse to treat him so badly.
I recommend this book with its quirky characters, adorable children and a naughty dog. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
May 29, 2018
What a fantastic introduction to a new series from Kitty Wilson. I love the setting of this book maybe because it is close to my heart and most probably because of Kitty's swoon-worthy writing style!
The first book in the series introduces to one lovable headteacher of a little Cornish school, Rosy who has one rule, a fundamental rule- never to date anyone from the village.
Until one day a handsome gardening guru blocks her way out of her house, and then the rule might be threatened because Matt is a pretty charming guy.
I loved Rosy and Matt and their undeniable chemistry, and I also loved the little Cornish community with a school that is threatened with closure in its heart.
Cornwall is such a charming setting, and Kitty brought the setting to live by her vibrant descriptions of the area, the beach and the little school and its pupils.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from this story that is brimming full of wonderfully crafted characters living in an idyllic setting.
A not to be missed summery read!
The first book in the series introduces to one lovable headteacher of a little Cornish school, Rosy who has one rule, a fundamental rule- never to date anyone from the village.
Until one day a handsome gardening guru blocks her way out of her house, and then the rule might be threatened because Matt is a pretty charming guy.
I loved Rosy and Matt and their undeniable chemistry, and I also loved the little Cornish community with a school that is threatened with closure in its heart.
Cornwall is such a charming setting, and Kitty brought the setting to live by her vibrant descriptions of the area, the beach and the little school and its pupils.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from this story that is brimming full of wonderfully crafted characters living in an idyllic setting.
A not to be missed summery read!
May 26, 2018
A debut book by new author Kitty Wilson and what an awesome debut. Fun, easy to read and fabulous. This book is sure to put a smile on your face, a fire in your belly and give you a warm and affectionate hug. This heartwarming, romantic book is just a gorgeous as it’s stunning cover. With fantastic characters that you end up really caring for, set in the beautiful countrysid, full of rolling hills and stunning scenery. This book has it all. I promise you if you take a chance on this book you will not be sorry. I for one would love a follow up to the fabulous book and I cannot wait to read more from this debut author. Definitely on my authors to watch out for list. Take a chance on a new book today and I promise you, you will not be sorry. I loved it.
September 1, 2018
You know you’ve read an excellent book when the characters stay with you even when it’s not in your hand.
I was in the unfortunate situation, when I first started to read Kitty Wilson’s excellent debut novel, of being unable to read it in one go. How I envied people saying ‘I couldn’t put it down’, because there were times when I really had no choice – and it would be days and sometimes weeks before I could pick it up again!
The unexpected joy of having to read this lovely story in instalments, however, was that I took Rosy, Matt, Marion Marksharp (how fantastic is that name?!) and Angelina (not “a human-size fictional dancing mouse”, as Rosy speculates before meeting her, but an absolute nightmare of a famous-for-nothing celeb) with me in my head as I did all the other things that were preventing me from continuing my read.
Rosy is the head teacher of Penmenna village school in Cornwall (sigh). The location, to be fair, becomes an extra character in this story, and Ms Wilson’s love of the county and its people shines through chapter after chapter.
The school, however, comes under threat of closure, and Rosy has to rally the troops to fight to save it. Added into the mix is Rosy’s new neighbour, the rather attractive, good-natured and funny Matt, who is a very successful gardener, landscaper etc, and is in the area to film a TV series on the gardens at nearby Penmenna Hall.
Neither Matt nor Rosy are looking for love. Their heads are very clear about this, and Rosy even has a set of Rules she lives by – only she doesn’t realise that the last thing she is doing is living. The attraction between them is obvious from the start, but they both have baggage from past events in their lives. Will their hearts or heads win the battle when their worlds collide?
With beautifully rendered, intensely human characters, a neatly interwoven plot where trowels become the pitchforks of the school’s fight against authority, and the stunning Cornish landscape as backdrop, The Cornish Village School – Breaking the Rules packs an emotional punch and tugs at your heartstrings, even as you’re laughing out loud at the snappy banter and Rosy’s hilarious internal dialogue.
A fabulous debut novel from Kitty Wilson, and I look forward to reading what she has in store for her superb cast of characters in the next book!
I was in the unfortunate situation, when I first started to read Kitty Wilson’s excellent debut novel, of being unable to read it in one go. How I envied people saying ‘I couldn’t put it down’, because there were times when I really had no choice – and it would be days and sometimes weeks before I could pick it up again!
The unexpected joy of having to read this lovely story in instalments, however, was that I took Rosy, Matt, Marion Marksharp (how fantastic is that name?!) and Angelina (not “a human-size fictional dancing mouse”, as Rosy speculates before meeting her, but an absolute nightmare of a famous-for-nothing celeb) with me in my head as I did all the other things that were preventing me from continuing my read.
Rosy is the head teacher of Penmenna village school in Cornwall (sigh). The location, to be fair, becomes an extra character in this story, and Ms Wilson’s love of the county and its people shines through chapter after chapter.
The school, however, comes under threat of closure, and Rosy has to rally the troops to fight to save it. Added into the mix is Rosy’s new neighbour, the rather attractive, good-natured and funny Matt, who is a very successful gardener, landscaper etc, and is in the area to film a TV series on the gardens at nearby Penmenna Hall.
Neither Matt nor Rosy are looking for love. Their heads are very clear about this, and Rosy even has a set of Rules she lives by – only she doesn’t realise that the last thing she is doing is living. The attraction between them is obvious from the start, but they both have baggage from past events in their lives. Will their hearts or heads win the battle when their worlds collide?
With beautifully rendered, intensely human characters, a neatly interwoven plot where trowels become the pitchforks of the school’s fight against authority, and the stunning Cornish landscape as backdrop, The Cornish Village School – Breaking the Rules packs an emotional punch and tugs at your heartstrings, even as you’re laughing out loud at the snappy banter and Rosy’s hilarious internal dialogue.
A fabulous debut novel from Kitty Wilson, and I look forward to reading what she has in store for her superb cast of characters in the next book!
February 13, 2020
I read that Kitty Wilson likes romantic heroines who speak their mind. She manages this with lead role Rosy who is hiding her relationship past with not looking for love. That's until she meets Matt her neigbour who also has an ex of his own who likes to show up. They are very hot and cold between the book with a perfect ending for romance lovers. I love Rosy I hope she features again in the next parts to the series.
July 1, 2018
This was such a cute and fluffy read, but then it is summer time, meaning the time for beach reads is upon us! Both Rosy and Matt were fun characters, so nice with just enough saltiness to give them flavour. And they were so perfect together, with light, easy banter mixed with adorable awkwardness here and there. As for the setting, Kitty gave Cornwall an almost magical air, painting a picture of calm beauty. I can understand why people would flock to the area during the holidays if the way Kitty portrayed the area is accurate. I read the whole thing with a smile on my face while plotting my own trip to Cornwall!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Cornwall - a place I have never set foot in, yet I feel as though I know it extremely well given the amount of books I have read with Cornwall as its setting. It's a very popular setting that's for sure and, whilst I do seem to roll my eyes whenever I realise a book is Cornwall based, I nearly squealed in excitement when it became clear that Kitty Wilson made her characters the highlight of the story instead of Cornwall. Look, I have nothing against the place, I would just love to see more variation in settings. Seeing as this author put a different spin on the Cornish place we have all grown to love, I won't hold the setting against her ;).
Rosy adores her little house, seeing it as a place of tranquility and her safe haven away from the PTA busybody at the school she is headmistress of. That is until one day, she comes face to face (literally) with a man who rather enjoyed blocking her car in the driveway, with a van full of his belongings for his brand new home right next to Rosy's house. If Rosy was looking forward to keeping herself to herself after a hard days work, she's got another thing coming, especially when her new neighbour seems to find any little reason to go knocking on her front door. The village seemed smitten with the new, local gardener, but Rosy wasn't convinced - even when she realised that Matt may just be the answer to her prayers...
Keep your mind out of the gutter, I didn't mean like that! Well, Rosy would probably be dreaming about Matt in that way, but that isn't what I was insinuating. I think!
I adored Rosy and her looks that could kill. I saw a lot of myself in her, which made me laugh harder when Rosy seemed to plan people's murders with her eyes alone. Such a fun, sassy, and bold character, I really don't think I would ever get bored reading about Rosy and her antics.
Just like a lot of the female character population in this book, I ended up tilting my head to one side saying 'awwww!' when Matt spent time with the children from Rosy's school. I'm not usually like that but it was cute, and no I won't tell you why so if you wanted to know, you'll have to pick up the book and read it!
'The Cornish Village School' was such a multi-layered, laugh out loud, heart-warming, and energetic read which kept me entertained with every turn of the page. I enjoyed how the author put a different spin on Cornwall, bringing its beauty into the description but not letting the setting take the shine away from the overall theme of the book. I suppose the other way of describing this book is by saying that it is a 'feel good read', because it is. It's light-hearted with a hint of serious depth, yet incredibly cosy and guaranteed to keep a smile on your face.
I thought the characters were very well thought out, each with their own memorable personalities (some more than others!). Marion, whilst being incredibly over-bearing, nosy, and often quite annoying, ended up making me warm to her as believe it or not, she actually had a heart underneath the exterior of sticking her nose into everyone's business. Who would've thought it, eh!
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gem of a book! The only downside for me was that I wanted more and I didn't have any more, so if the author could rectify that spit spot then I would be rather happy haha.
Cornwall - a place I have never set foot in, yet I feel as though I know it extremely well given the amount of books I have read with Cornwall as its setting. It's a very popular setting that's for sure and, whilst I do seem to roll my eyes whenever I realise a book is Cornwall based, I nearly squealed in excitement when it became clear that Kitty Wilson made her characters the highlight of the story instead of Cornwall. Look, I have nothing against the place, I would just love to see more variation in settings. Seeing as this author put a different spin on the Cornish place we have all grown to love, I won't hold the setting against her ;).
Rosy adores her little house, seeing it as a place of tranquility and her safe haven away from the PTA busybody at the school she is headmistress of. That is until one day, she comes face to face (literally) with a man who rather enjoyed blocking her car in the driveway, with a van full of his belongings for his brand new home right next to Rosy's house. If Rosy was looking forward to keeping herself to herself after a hard days work, she's got another thing coming, especially when her new neighbour seems to find any little reason to go knocking on her front door. The village seemed smitten with the new, local gardener, but Rosy wasn't convinced - even when she realised that Matt may just be the answer to her prayers...
Keep your mind out of the gutter, I didn't mean like that! Well, Rosy would probably be dreaming about Matt in that way, but that isn't what I was insinuating. I think!
I adored Rosy and her looks that could kill. I saw a lot of myself in her, which made me laugh harder when Rosy seemed to plan people's murders with her eyes alone. Such a fun, sassy, and bold character, I really don't think I would ever get bored reading about Rosy and her antics.
Just like a lot of the female character population in this book, I ended up tilting my head to one side saying 'awwww!' when Matt spent time with the children from Rosy's school. I'm not usually like that but it was cute, and no I won't tell you why so if you wanted to know, you'll have to pick up the book and read it!
'The Cornish Village School' was such a multi-layered, laugh out loud, heart-warming, and energetic read which kept me entertained with every turn of the page. I enjoyed how the author put a different spin on Cornwall, bringing its beauty into the description but not letting the setting take the shine away from the overall theme of the book. I suppose the other way of describing this book is by saying that it is a 'feel good read', because it is. It's light-hearted with a hint of serious depth, yet incredibly cosy and guaranteed to keep a smile on your face.
I thought the characters were very well thought out, each with their own memorable personalities (some more than others!). Marion, whilst being incredibly over-bearing, nosy, and often quite annoying, ended up making me warm to her as believe it or not, she actually had a heart underneath the exterior of sticking her nose into everyone's business. Who would've thought it, eh!
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gem of a book! The only downside for me was that I wanted more and I didn't have any more, so if the author could rectify that spit spot then I would be rather happy haha.
June 12, 2018
Having been a fan of books set in schools all my life and a huge fan of books set in Cornwall, downloading and reading this one was a no brainer decision for me.
It is an excellent debut novel from a talented writer who really knows how to put cute children and a cute dog into the same book as a sexy gardener, a reality tv star and a headmistress amongst others
This is a book centering around a campaign to save a local village primary school and the way the teachers and PTA and community come together with some great ideas.
I loved Rosy who is determined to live her life by one very important Rule, but when the dishy Matt moves in next door she is forced to re-examine her life a bit.
With some great auxiliary characters, flashes of humour and a general feel good vibe to it, this is a fabulous story and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It is an excellent debut novel from a talented writer who really knows how to put cute children and a cute dog into the same book as a sexy gardener, a reality tv star and a headmistress amongst others
This is a book centering around a campaign to save a local village primary school and the way the teachers and PTA and community come together with some great ideas.
I loved Rosy who is determined to live her life by one very important Rule, but when the dishy Matt moves in next door she is forced to re-examine her life a bit.
With some great auxiliary characters, flashes of humour and a general feel good vibe to it, this is a fabulous story and I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 6, 2018
Really enjoyed this first instalment of a new series by this author. Definately a feel good story in a beautiful setting. Can't wait for the next installment as I need to know what happens in the juicy new romance.
April 26, 2019
A very fun story...
Watch the blog for a review of the second book in this series I received as an ARC 😊
Watch the blog for a review of the second book in this series I received as an ARC 😊
October 25, 2020
this is pure Mills and Boon she loves hims she hates him she loves him - story telling done. I was bored to tears
June 24, 2018
Rosy Winter has only one strict rule in her life, don't mix love with friends or work, never ever! The only problem is that when her handsome neighbour moves to the house next to her, she starts feeling butterflies on her tummy and can not stop thinking about him... She will have to decide what's more important the heart or the conscience, who would win?
This had been a romantic and funny read, but don't underrate this story, it has a love story, yes, but it also talks about serious themes that concern all readers, making it an addictive read.
Rosy is a loving woman but she is a fighter too, she had the sad news that her school will be closed but she is not ready to leave without a fight. Lucky for her, the Penmenna community will help her to. Even the handsome neighbour will try to help them, but Rosy is not ready to accept Matt's help, so she will have to decide what's more important for her; the school or her fears...
Matt seems a very nice guy, sweet and a hard worker; he is a great gardener and soon a tv star, but he has a very special sister; egocentric, diva, jealous... Matt knows how to treat her, the only problem is that it seems that he is the only one who tolerates her behaviour, maybe is time that someone tells her the truth.
I have to say that I loved the main story of the book; but I felt like the other characters had so many interesting stories and some secrets to share with the reader that I hope we will see more about Penmenna in the next book of Kitty Wilson!
Be prepared for a heartwarming read, full of interesting characters and a sweet love story.
Ready for a trip to Penmenna?
This had been a romantic and funny read, but don't underrate this story, it has a love story, yes, but it also talks about serious themes that concern all readers, making it an addictive read.
Rosy is a loving woman but she is a fighter too, she had the sad news that her school will be closed but she is not ready to leave without a fight. Lucky for her, the Penmenna community will help her to. Even the handsome neighbour will try to help them, but Rosy is not ready to accept Matt's help, so she will have to decide what's more important for her; the school or her fears...
Matt seems a very nice guy, sweet and a hard worker; he is a great gardener and soon a tv star, but he has a very special sister; egocentric, diva, jealous... Matt knows how to treat her, the only problem is that it seems that he is the only one who tolerates her behaviour, maybe is time that someone tells her the truth.
I have to say that I loved the main story of the book; but I felt like the other characters had so many interesting stories and some secrets to share with the reader that I hope we will see more about Penmenna in the next book of Kitty Wilson!
Be prepared for a heartwarming read, full of interesting characters and a sweet love story.
Ready for a trip to Penmenna?
June 20, 2018
Strong female characters and the author's knowledge and appreciation of all things Cornish makes this a welcome addition to growing number of fictional tales set in England's most south-westerly county.
Rosie, the village school headteacher, sees the village as her new start, nothing will spoil it for her as long as she follows her rules. Matt, a celebrity gardener, moves in next door, and their growing physical and emotional attachment threatens Rosy's rule book.
Aside from the emotional angst, the school is under threat of closure, and the subsequent campaign to #SaveOurSchool draws the community together and gives the Matt and his sister a chance to become part of something real and worthwhile.
The plot is simple and a little predictable, but the characters are believable, quirky and vividly portrayed, so the complete package makes a satisfying read.
Romance, humour, Trust and community are all themes of this village based tale, and I look forward to seeing who comes under the village spotlight next.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Rosie, the village school headteacher, sees the village as her new start, nothing will spoil it for her as long as she follows her rules. Matt, a celebrity gardener, moves in next door, and their growing physical and emotional attachment threatens Rosy's rule book.
Aside from the emotional angst, the school is under threat of closure, and the subsequent campaign to #SaveOurSchool draws the community together and gives the Matt and his sister a chance to become part of something real and worthwhile.
The plot is simple and a little predictable, but the characters are believable, quirky and vividly portrayed, so the complete package makes a satisfying read.
Romance, humour, Trust and community are all themes of this village based tale, and I look forward to seeing who comes under the village spotlight next.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 6, 2021
This is a light romance with a nice setting and likeable characters. It's a bit predictable, but it is a pleasant way to fill a few hours.
March 9, 2025
A fun, easy read with some great characters. Looking forward to reading more.
July 2, 2018
Rosy Winter is the headmistress of the local school in the pretty Cornish village of Penmenna. She rebuilt her life in the little village after she had her heart broken and she is definitely not looking for love! That is until handsome new neighbour, Matt moves in. Matt is a TV gardener and is looking for inspiration for his new TV show. Accompanied by his very needy sister, Matt calls upon Rosy to help him customise to life in a Cornish village. He also helps Rosy when her school is threatened with closure and rallies the troops to “Save Our School”.
My first book by this author. The cover of this book initially attracted me as it is beautiful! It illustrates what life in a little Cornish village should be like and sets the scene perfectly for this book. Rosy is a lovely character! She’s obviously had her heart broken before and is determined not to let it happen again. Her main priority is her school and the school children….that is until the lovely Matt arrives! There’s a spark between them both, but Rosy tries to keep her distance especially when she mistakes Matt’s sister for his girlfriend. I love the scene where Rosy tries to teach Matt some of the Cornish accent and sayings – it’s just like a different language! You really hope from early on in the book that Rosy and Matt get it together as their characters work so well together!
This was a lovely book! The setting was beautiful, the characters were cute and it had love, fun, kids and animals - all the lovely things that you could want in a book like this! This is definitely one which I would recommend and it’s perfect for a summer read! I hope there’s another part in the series to carry on the story!
My first book by this author. The cover of this book initially attracted me as it is beautiful! It illustrates what life in a little Cornish village should be like and sets the scene perfectly for this book. Rosy is a lovely character! She’s obviously had her heart broken before and is determined not to let it happen again. Her main priority is her school and the school children….that is until the lovely Matt arrives! There’s a spark between them both, but Rosy tries to keep her distance especially when she mistakes Matt’s sister for his girlfriend. I love the scene where Rosy tries to teach Matt some of the Cornish accent and sayings – it’s just like a different language! You really hope from early on in the book that Rosy and Matt get it together as their characters work so well together!
This was a lovely book! The setting was beautiful, the characters were cute and it had love, fun, kids and animals - all the lovely things that you could want in a book like this! This is definitely one which I would recommend and it’s perfect for a summer read! I hope there’s another part in the series to carry on the story!
June 12, 2018
I loved the style of this writer. Fun, witty and with an uncanny knowledge of what a teacher's life is like in a small village school, this novel is entertaining, light and a great escape from the humdrum of everyday life. The internal monologue of the main characters is particularly witty and lifts it above the normal romcom. A perfect read to bring a smile to your face.
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