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A Cornish Summer's Kiss
Two years after losing her husband, Finn, Lexie Turner is still struggling. She knows she needs to move on, but she has no idea where to begin. Packing up her life in London, Lexie heads to the coastal town of Port Kara to spend the summer working out her next move. With only her beloved Labrador for company, it’s the perfect place to start again.
But life in Port Kara is nothing like Lexie expected! Soon, she finds herself drawn into the close-knit community, unable to hide away. And when she meets local man, Elliott Dorton, Lexie begins to feel her broken heart slowly come back to life…
Elliott is kind but adventurous and his job requires him to take risks daily – something Lexie isn’t ready to deal with. Can she trust in Elliot and risk her heart breaking a second time, or will their one Cornish summer be all that Lexie can hope for?
From Jo Bartlett, the bestselling author of The Cornish Midwives Series, comes another emotional read about second chances and having the courage to grab them with all your heart.
But life in Port Kara is nothing like Lexie expected! Soon, she finds herself drawn into the close-knit community, unable to hide away. And when she meets local man, Elliott Dorton, Lexie begins to feel her broken heart slowly come back to life…
Elliott is kind but adventurous and his job requires him to take risks daily – something Lexie isn’t ready to deal with. Can she trust in Elliot and risk her heart breaking a second time, or will their one Cornish summer be all that Lexie can hope for?
From Jo Bartlett, the bestselling author of The Cornish Midwives Series, comes another emotional read about second chances and having the courage to grab them with all your heart.
192 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2021
326 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 16, 2025
Her husband Finn died two years earlier while on a holiday jaunt, and a trip to celebrate his 30th birthday. Lexie blames his mate and fellow risk taker Jasper Holland. Lexie blames Jasper for always encouraging Finn to take risks with his life.
Lexie and Finn had run a very successful restaurant where a lot of celebrities enjoyed coming. Finn was always happy to interact with them, Lexie was happier staying in the kitchen. After Finn died, Lexie lost her passion for the restaurant business. She sells the restaurant and heads to Myrtle Cottage at Port Kara in Cornwall. It was a place she-and Fiinn had gone whenever they got a chance to take a break. She rents the same cottage for six weeks, thinking that would give her time to figure out what to do next with her life. She moves with and Albie, her special Labrador friend It is through Albie that Lexie meets Elliott. Elliott is another risk taker who left a career in finance and now owns and runs a successful adventure centre. Lexie is determined to keep her distance. from Elliott. But that is not the way things work in the end.
I have read several books by this author and loved them, so I felt confident this would be the same. I was not disappointed. I never wanted to put this book down and when life forced me to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it again. I lived through everything with Lexie and Elliott. No surprise in that I adored this book as it sucked me right in. I really cared about Lexie and Elliott and powered through this story..
A heartfelt and emotional read, it certainly kept my attention, especially with the drama towards the end.
Great setting, likable main characters and some interesting and fun secondary characters with Morwenna, Vyvyan and Pat plus the two canines who provide fun and drama. Definitely a recommended read. A book to enjoy and am sure many will as I did.
Lexie and Finn had run a very successful restaurant where a lot of celebrities enjoyed coming. Finn was always happy to interact with them, Lexie was happier staying in the kitchen. After Finn died, Lexie lost her passion for the restaurant business. She sells the restaurant and heads to Myrtle Cottage at Port Kara in Cornwall. It was a place she-and Fiinn had gone whenever they got a chance to take a break. She rents the same cottage for six weeks, thinking that would give her time to figure out what to do next with her life. She moves with and Albie, her special Labrador friend It is through Albie that Lexie meets Elliott. Elliott is another risk taker who left a career in finance and now owns and runs a successful adventure centre. Lexie is determined to keep her distance. from Elliott. But that is not the way things work in the end.
I have read several books by this author and loved them, so I felt confident this would be the same. I was not disappointed. I never wanted to put this book down and when life forced me to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it again. I lived through everything with Lexie and Elliott. No surprise in that I adored this book as it sucked me right in. I really cared about Lexie and Elliott and powered through this story..
A heartfelt and emotional read, it certainly kept my attention, especially with the drama towards the end.
Great setting, likable main characters and some interesting and fun secondary characters with Morwenna, Vyvyan and Pat plus the two canines who provide fun and drama. Definitely a recommended read. A book to enjoy and am sure many will as I did.
March 28, 2025
*Taking Chances*
This delightful escapade was a pleasure to read. I needed a light read, and this was just the ticket.
We meet Lexie Turner, a woman struggling to move on from the loss of her husband, Finn. She’s visiting Cornwall, a place she used to visit regularly with him, but now she feels stuck.
Desperate to find peace and quiet, Lexie stays in a cottage that gets cut off by the tide. She wants to sort out her thoughts before heading to London. All she needs is her trusty Labrador for company.
Lexie’s husband was a daredevil who took risks in the water. She’s determined not to repeat the same mistake with being in another relationship with the same kind of man.
Enter Elliott, who spots Lexie trying to rescue her dog after it runs off. He springs into action and saves the day. Instantly attracted to Lexie, he tries to play it down, but his handsome appearance makes it hard for her to resist.
Now, will Lexie take a chance on Elliott or run away? This charming story is set against the beautiful backdrop of Cornwall.
This delightful escapade was a pleasure to read. I needed a light read, and this was just the ticket.
We meet Lexie Turner, a woman struggling to move on from the loss of her husband, Finn. She’s visiting Cornwall, a place she used to visit regularly with him, but now she feels stuck.
Desperate to find peace and quiet, Lexie stays in a cottage that gets cut off by the tide. She wants to sort out her thoughts before heading to London. All she needs is her trusty Labrador for company.
Lexie’s husband was a daredevil who took risks in the water. She’s determined not to repeat the same mistake with being in another relationship with the same kind of man.
Enter Elliott, who spots Lexie trying to rescue her dog after it runs off. He springs into action and saves the day. Instantly attracted to Lexie, he tries to play it down, but his handsome appearance makes it hard for her to resist.
Now, will Lexie take a chance on Elliott or run away? This charming story is set against the beautiful backdrop of Cornwall.
February 3, 2020
This was my first book by this author and certainly won't be the last was brilliant and I so enjoyed it. The characters are brilliant and the setting makes you want to go can't wait to read more by the author. Full of moving forward and being happy again and plenty of romance as well.
Lexie has had a hard time as she sadly list her husband and she needs to start again so decides to rent a cottage she went to with her husband on Cornwall and a small village she arrives and soon meets Finn and he has left London and started a new life and has an activity centre. Problem is he needs a new cook and he realises that that Lexie use to run a resultant so he asks if she can help. She offers to help for a few days but she soon gets herself engrossed in work and getting colder to Finn problem is she is worried as he is a risk taker and doesn't want to loose someone else. Can she decide to stay at the end of the summer or will she go back to her old life will she be happy again or not.
Well worth more than five stars.
Lexie has had a hard time as she sadly list her husband and she needs to start again so decides to rent a cottage she went to with her husband on Cornwall and a small village she arrives and soon meets Finn and he has left London and started a new life and has an activity centre. Problem is he needs a new cook and he realises that that Lexie use to run a resultant so he asks if she can help. She offers to help for a few days but she soon gets herself engrossed in work and getting colder to Finn problem is she is worried as he is a risk taker and doesn't want to loose someone else. Can she decide to stay at the end of the summer or will she go back to her old life will she be happy again or not.
Well worth more than five stars.
July 12, 2020
I've read all of Jo Bartlett's books and I love the characters, the settings and the warmth in her writing of all of them. This one might have just nudged ahead of the others as my most favourite yet.
Lexie is struggling to deal with life after the death of her husband. Having sold the restaurant they ran together, she's taken out a long-lease on the cottage they loved to visit in the Cornish seaside town of Port Kara where she's planning to spend the summer on long walks with her dog, Albie, while she tries to work out what her future might look like. The one thing she's very clear about is that she's not going to get involved with another man again, especially a thrill-chaser like her husband.
This is such a lovely story about moving on from grief and letting new people in, even if that's just new friends. I really felt for Lexie as she struggled to come to terms with her past and her future, and with new friend Elliott who has his own battles with the past to contend with. The ending was particularly exciting and kept me up reading far too late, eager to know how things would pan out. Loved every moment.
Lexie is struggling to deal with life after the death of her husband. Having sold the restaurant they ran together, she's taken out a long-lease on the cottage they loved to visit in the Cornish seaside town of Port Kara where she's planning to spend the summer on long walks with her dog, Albie, while she tries to work out what her future might look like. The one thing she's very clear about is that she's not going to get involved with another man again, especially a thrill-chaser like her husband.
This is such a lovely story about moving on from grief and letting new people in, even if that's just new friends. I really felt for Lexie as she struggled to come to terms with her past and her future, and with new friend Elliott who has his own battles with the past to contend with. The ending was particularly exciting and kept me up reading far too late, eager to know how things would pan out. Loved every moment.
August 23, 2023
I think took a short while to get into but then I whizzed through. Very much enjoyed with the lovely dogs and the Cornish beaches
June 14, 2023
Took just 2 days to read this one now to read more by this author .
July 15, 2023
Jo Bartlett is another new author for me this year ( #12 of 23 for 23 )
Firstly, why has it taken me so long to get around to picking up one of her books ?
Secondly, I know how popular The Cornish Midwives series has been, so I know I've got plenty of upcoming treats in store !
But back to this book for now, I absolutely loved it.
At just over 200 pages long, I read it in 2 sittings, but despite its short length I've gotten a good feel of the authors writing style, and soon became completely absorbed by the story.
Lexie Turner lost her husband Finn to a surfing accident two years ago, but still has no idea where her life is heading now.
Selling the restaurant they ran together in London, Lexie heads to Port Kara in Cornwall, with her Labrador Albie, to spend the summer trying to work out what to do next.
It is here that she meets Elliott Dorton, when he rescues her and Albie, whilst out walking.
Elliott runs the local adventure centre, and somehow Lexie agrees to help him out, cooking for the guests.
Lexie is content to bury herself in the type of work she loves doing for the time being, she is keeping her past a secret for now, but as the days go by she finds that her and Elliott have quite a lot in common.
Lexie knows her feelings towards Elliott are changing, but having already lost her husband to high adrenaline pursuits, can she honestly open herself up to the possibility, of falling for someone with the same addiction to such things ?
When Elliott risks his life twice, Lexie realises it's time to distance herself, but when she finds it's her that needs rescuing, she finally understands, what drives Elliott to do what he does.
With a fabulous cast of characters and a beautiful setting this truly is a gorgeous little read.
If like me you're new to Jo's books, in my opinion this would be a great introduction.
I can't wait to read more.
Firstly, why has it taken me so long to get around to picking up one of her books ?
Secondly, I know how popular The Cornish Midwives series has been, so I know I've got plenty of upcoming treats in store !
But back to this book for now, I absolutely loved it.
At just over 200 pages long, I read it in 2 sittings, but despite its short length I've gotten a good feel of the authors writing style, and soon became completely absorbed by the story.
Lexie Turner lost her husband Finn to a surfing accident two years ago, but still has no idea where her life is heading now.
Selling the restaurant they ran together in London, Lexie heads to Port Kara in Cornwall, with her Labrador Albie, to spend the summer trying to work out what to do next.
It is here that she meets Elliott Dorton, when he rescues her and Albie, whilst out walking.
Elliott runs the local adventure centre, and somehow Lexie agrees to help him out, cooking for the guests.
Lexie is content to bury herself in the type of work she loves doing for the time being, she is keeping her past a secret for now, but as the days go by she finds that her and Elliott have quite a lot in common.
Lexie knows her feelings towards Elliott are changing, but having already lost her husband to high adrenaline pursuits, can she honestly open herself up to the possibility, of falling for someone with the same addiction to such things ?
When Elliott risks his life twice, Lexie realises it's time to distance herself, but when she finds it's her that needs rescuing, she finally understands, what drives Elliott to do what he does.
With a fabulous cast of characters and a beautiful setting this truly is a gorgeous little read.
If like me you're new to Jo's books, in my opinion this would be a great introduction.
I can't wait to read more.
September 29, 2020
I read this in 1 sitting, I couldn't put it down. It's a really lovely, feel good read.
Lexie has sold up and taken a rental for the Summer in the town where she and Finn were happiest. She has to decide what to do with her life, after Finn dies in a surfing accident.
Elliott has left the City and bought an adventure centre, he's doing well and is a self confessed adrenaline junkie, much like Finn was.
Elliott and Lexie meet when Lexie needs rescuing after she tries to save her dog, the only thing left she has she shared with Finn.
So begins a Summer of finding herself again, realising that she can be happy again, but can she be happy with Elliott?
Loved loved loved the story, a must read.
Lexie has sold up and taken a rental for the Summer in the town where she and Finn were happiest. She has to decide what to do with her life, after Finn dies in a surfing accident.
Elliott has left the City and bought an adventure centre, he's doing well and is a self confessed adrenaline junkie, much like Finn was.
Elliott and Lexie meet when Lexie needs rescuing after she tries to save her dog, the only thing left she has she shared with Finn.
So begins a Summer of finding herself again, realising that she can be happy again, but can she be happy with Elliott?
Loved loved loved the story, a must read.
August 10, 2023
I really really enjoyed this book and I got into it straight away. I loved all the characters in this book, Lexie and Elliott were the perfect lead roles and their sidekicks Albie and Splash were adorable too.
I loved Vyvyan, Pat and Morwenna too. They were so welcoming to Lexie and just wanted her to be happy. They were definitely the light relief I think this book needed.
Even Jasper redeemed himself at the end of the book!
I liked that as a reader we knew there was a big secret beyond grief before Elliott did and I liked that we found out at the same time as him.
I really did think this was a lovely fell good love story!
I loved Vyvyan, Pat and Morwenna too. They were so welcoming to Lexie and just wanted her to be happy. They were definitely the light relief I think this book needed.
Even Jasper redeemed himself at the end of the book!
I liked that as a reader we knew there was a big secret beyond grief before Elliott did and I liked that we found out at the same time as him.
I really did think this was a lovely fell good love story!
July 17, 2022
Two years on from the death of her husband, Lexi is still struggling. In desperation she sells the restaurant they both ran and takes a long lease on a cottage in the Cornish town of Port Kara for the summer. Her hopes for some solitude are soon thwarted though as she finds herself taking on the temporary job of chef at a local outdoor centre. Gradually she becomes more involved with the centre and also the owner, Elliott. We follow Lexi's journey as she begins to come to life again and overcome her guilty feeling of being able to move on. This is a lovely book and I enjoyed every page.
August 31, 2022
Jo did not disappoint!
Wonderful read - warm likeable characters joined together in this poignant but amusing story.
Love and hope are always in the air but life keeps getting in the way.
Beautifully written- Port Kara is already known to us from the Cornish Midwives’ series so hopefully this is the start to a new collection.
A lovely journey to Cornwall- a perfect Summer read!
Absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down.
Wonderful read - warm likeable characters joined together in this poignant but amusing story.
Love and hope are always in the air but life keeps getting in the way.
Beautifully written- Port Kara is already known to us from the Cornish Midwives’ series so hopefully this is the start to a new collection.
A lovely journey to Cornwall- a perfect Summer read!
Absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down.
June 1, 2021
Brilliant. Summer escapism reading. Jo Bartlett does it again! 😊
Another Jo Bartlett feel good, emotional page turner. Realistic characters suck you into the story, and keep you routing for a happy ending for them right up to the very end. Summer reading perfected.
Another Jo Bartlett feel good, emotional page turner. Realistic characters suck you into the story, and keep you routing for a happy ending for them right up to the very end. Summer reading perfected.
June 22, 2019
A Cornish summer's Kiss
Another brilliant book by Jo Bartlett. I loved the characters they were lovely including the dogs. A fabulous book to read anytime.😊
Another brilliant book by Jo Bartlett. I loved the characters they were lovely including the dogs. A fabulous book to read anytime.😊
October 12, 2019
A good read
This was a lovely book to read. The characters and story line were entertaining. I would recommend reading this book.
This was a lovely book to read. The characters and story line were entertaining. I would recommend reading this book.
March 2, 2024
Just a super sweet, warm, cozy book set in a little Cornish beach village of Port Kara. Still reeling from her husband's death in a surfing accident two years ago, Lexie sells their successful London restaurant and rents a beach cottage in the village. She hopes two months in this secluded paradise with her dog will recharge her and help her figure out what's next in her life.
Former banker Elliott had enough of the London finance world and opens an adventure resort in Port Kara, offering guests everything from scuba diving to cliff jumping along with gourmet food. When he's desperate for a chef, Lexie agrees to help until he can find someone else, and their friendship begins.
The story centers on Lexie's conflicting feelings--wanting to move forward in her life but not knowing how she could ever love someone else, especially anyone who takes the same kinds of risks her late husband did. She wants to protect her heart at all costs. Even though it's in third person, we see more from Lexie's mind and point of view, and not as much from Elliott's, which is unfortunate. He's the whole package--caring, smart, unselfish, you name it.
There's more than the romance too, as Lexie's friendships with village residents play a strong role too. These parts sometimes feel a little forced and less interesting, maybe just because I'm in the book for the Lexie-Elliott storyline and not the village women. But start to finish, it's a nice, easy read that leaves you in a good mood.
Former banker Elliott had enough of the London finance world and opens an adventure resort in Port Kara, offering guests everything from scuba diving to cliff jumping along with gourmet food. When he's desperate for a chef, Lexie agrees to help until he can find someone else, and their friendship begins.
The story centers on Lexie's conflicting feelings--wanting to move forward in her life but not knowing how she could ever love someone else, especially anyone who takes the same kinds of risks her late husband did. She wants to protect her heart at all costs. Even though it's in third person, we see more from Lexie's mind and point of view, and not as much from Elliott's, which is unfortunate. He's the whole package--caring, smart, unselfish, you name it.
There's more than the romance too, as Lexie's friendships with village residents play a strong role too. These parts sometimes feel a little forced and less interesting, maybe just because I'm in the book for the Lexie-Elliott storyline and not the village women. But start to finish, it's a nice, easy read that leaves you in a good mood.
February 18, 2020
Lexie return to Port Kara for the summer was to remember the past, a means to reconnect with the idyllic time they had shared together, before she lost him to a cruel surfing accident. The last thing she is looking for is another risk taker in her life. Owing her's and her dog's life to Elliott meant that she would return to the kitchens to do him a favour, as a chef at his adventure center. But time does make her answer some of her own questions, can she dare to find love again, and could she risk it with another risk taker?
The characters in Port Kara make you want to be there for a summer. The detailing is brilliant and is Cornish ambiance is rich and riveting in Jo Barlett's A Cornish Summer's Kiss.
The characters in Port Kara make you want to be there for a summer. The detailing is brilliant and is Cornish ambiance is rich and riveting in Jo Barlett's A Cornish Summer's Kiss.
March 10, 2019
It is always with great pleasure that I welcome Jo Bartlett's books in my library. She never fails to provide comfort and grant us a few hours of pure escapism!
I particularly loved the cornish settings this time; add two main characters with baggage, a whole set of minor characters with a striking personality of their own (and that includes the pets!) all tied together by Jo's masterful and unique style and you won't want the story to end.
Actually, you'll be asking for a sequel (hint-hint).
Loved it!
I particularly loved the cornish settings this time; add two main characters with baggage, a whole set of minor characters with a striking personality of their own (and that includes the pets!) all tied together by Jo's masterful and unique style and you won't want the story to end.
Actually, you'll be asking for a sequel (hint-hint).
Loved it!
August 16, 2022
Cornish Sea Rescue
after losing her husband, Lexie feels like she has lost everything her life held for her. She's adrift, existing rather than living.
When she takes a trip back to Cornwall to the place she and Finn had loved, to try and get her head together, she ends up being rescued in more ways than one.
after losing her husband, Lexie feels like she has lost everything her life held for her. She's adrift, existing rather than living.
When she takes a trip back to Cornwall to the place she and Finn had loved, to try and get her head together, she ends up being rescued in more ways than one.
December 6, 2022
This was a short but sweet story. If you are not familiar with Jo's writing, this would be a great introduction. This is not a long story, but long enough to get a good idea of how Jo can make stories and characters develop and how the reader/listener can get completely lost in the story.
I immediately loved Lexie and wanted her to find happiness and love and preferably with Elliot. Elliot was a great leading man and the supporting cast was also lovely. The cute dogs were just the cherry on top.
What to expect:
- dealing with grief
- moving on/starting over
- not letting fear stop you from living
- small tight knit community
- beautiful setting in Port Kara, Cornwall
- very likeable main characters
- cute dogs
- brilliant narration
I immediately loved Lexie and wanted her to find happiness and love and preferably with Elliot. Elliot was a great leading man and the supporting cast was also lovely. The cute dogs were just the cherry on top.
What to expect:
- dealing with grief
- moving on/starting over
- not letting fear stop you from living
- small tight knit community
- beautiful setting in Port Kara, Cornwall
- very likeable main characters
- cute dogs
- brilliant narration
February 5, 2025
Light easy predictable reading. Classic love story with happy ending. Not my usual genre, but read for book club. However still very warm and positive in nature. Makes you feel there is hope in the world. I enjoyed the aspect of self-reflection of the protagonist and the supportive characters. Felt too good to be true, but it gives hope and that is sometimes what the world needs.
September 27, 2025
this is the first book that I read and all I can say is that, I loved this book, especially the ending where Elliott and Lexie will be married. ♥️✨ although, at first I was about to DNF this book, but I'm glad that I didn't!
December 9, 2025
My first Jo Barlett book and I was very impressed. It was an excellent read and emotional at times. I loved the characters and especially the two dogs - Albie and Splash.
It was a nail biting end as well, and a very satisfying epilogue.
It was a nail biting end as well, and a very satisfying epilogue.
October 19, 2019
Well written and a book I enjoyed at bedtime. Thank you
November 4, 2019
Lovely story
What a great story, the back drop of the story is like reading a guild book. Would love to try that adventure centre
What a great story, the back drop of the story is like reading a guild book. Would love to try that adventure centre
December 24, 2019
Loved it
May 9, 2020
Great Read
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. A great little washboard to make you feel happy. Looking forward to the next read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. A great little washboard to make you feel happy. Looking forward to the next read.
May 9, 2020
Romantic
Lovely book set in a Cornish village, lots of laughs & heart break. Romance isn’t dead nice but predictable ending
Lovely book set in a Cornish village, lots of laughs & heart break. Romance isn’t dead nice but predictable ending
June 1, 2020
Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
Lost myself in this book on every page. Heart warming, funny and a beautiful read. A real page turning book
Lost myself in this book on every page. Heart warming, funny and a beautiful read. A real page turning book
November 30, 2020
Gentle easy read
July 2, 2021
Another Cornish book
I seem to lean to books based in Cornwall recently. Another good read, thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting.
I seem to lean to books based in Cornwall recently. Another good read, thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews