Book Review - A Cornish Winter's Kiss by Jo Bartlett

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Title: A Cornish Winter's Kiss

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 2nd July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

It's the most wonderful time of the year...isn't it?

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

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

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

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

Another brilliantly emotional and uplifting read guaranteed to have you laughing and reaching for the tissues. Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

This is a wonderful book that would make even a hardened cynic believe in love. 

For that is exactly what Emily is trying to do, she needs to make Jude believe in just about any sort of love, so that he can make his detective are more rounded character that readers will buy into.  But due to his upbringing and the way life has treated him, he is closed off to the the idea that love is anything other than a transaction. 

Emily is also a massive Christmas fan and is a bit surprised the Jude doesn't seem overly keen at first on the season either.  

This isn't just about romantic love but family love, and even friendship. And not just in human form either as Gary Barlow and Jude's dog are clearly besotted with other.

I was delighted to see a familiar setting of Jo Bartlett's Cornwall and I was even happier to see a cameo from my all time favourite of her characters.  But don't panic, this is definitely a standalone novel, its not part of a series, just the author putting in easter eggs for her dedicated fans, of which I am one. 

Between romance,  Christmas, the insight into a crime authors mind, and Emily's wonderful family, especially her mother, this is a really enjoyable festive story, where we are just hoping for a Christmas miracle for Jude! 

Truly enjoyable, what a great book this is. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.