A Wedding in Cornwall by Laura Briggs
Novella – 92 pages
Romance.
Disclaimer – I won a copy of this book in Rachel’s Random Reads competition back in the summer.
It’s the career move of a lifetime, and Julianne can’t believe it’s hers: a position as an event planner at a country house in Cornwall, England, beginning with the wedding of a celebrity! If her old firm’s senior planner back in the States hadn’t fallen suddenly sick with the chicken pox, Julianne would never have found herself chosen for a life in one of England’s most beautiful coastal counties, surrounded by rugged shores, quaint cottages, elegant gardens and a house to die for.
But life in Cornwall isn’t exactly as Julianne imagined it. Her first bride-to-be is a resentful, petted snob, the groom is immature and bored, and the Cornish staff of Cliffs House has a difficult time believing that an event planner from a mid-level position can handle a wedding this big. And then there’s a personal matter — the handsome, sometimes charming, sometimes standoffish gardener Matthew Rose. He and Julianne have a strangely complicated relationship somewhere between friendship and attraction. But with a secret in his past, and a scheming bridesmaid plotting to have Matthew all to herself, will Julianne find a way to untangle her feelings and the problems of planning a perfect Cornish wedding?
My Review
This was a sweet little novella that I would’ve easily devoured it in one sitting if life didn’t get in the way.
The author admits from that start that she’s never been to Cornwall and this did fill me with apprehension, but I need not have worried. There were one or two details that might leap out at people who know the area well, but for me I was transported to Cornwall. I especially liked the visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is a family favourite of ours.
The lead character, Julianne, was likeable and her story flowed from scene to scene. There were no chapters, which I found unusual but it helped keep me involved in the story and I didn’t want to stop reading. I also really liked the love interest in the story, Matt.
With Julianne’s job being an events planner, there were lots of little details like the types of flowers in the displays and food being served, touches I really enjoyed.
The story built up to a satisfactory conclusion and I’ve just seen there is a sequel – A Christmas in Cornwall – perfect for this time of year.
I recommend A Wedding in Cornwall to those who enjoy a light romance story and who like a quick read.
Rating 4 stars.
Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author 