Friday 8 March 2013

Miranda’s Mount by Philippa Ashley

16033045
Miranda Marshall leaned her elbows on the stone battlements and took a deep breath. This was her favourite spot on the whole of St Merryn’s  Mount and even though she’d seen the view thousands of times before, she still felt a thrill when she looked at it.
Published by Piatkus Entice in
Pages – 356
Goodreads Summary
When Miranda finds herself fighting for her home, her job and her heart, sleeping with the enemy may not be the best tactic…
With no family of her own, Miranda Marshall has developed a healthy respect – some would say obsession – with other people’s histories. As property manager of a spectacular island castle in Cornwall, she’s made St Merryn’s Mount one of the UK’s most popular heritage attractions. While she may have the castle running like clockwork, Miranda hasn’t bargained on its sexy owner returning to claim his birth right. Dark, handsome and with a rakish reputation, Jago St Merryn not only looks like a pirate but is intent on flogging the Mount to a soulless leisure corporation. Miranda faces the battle of her life as she tries to persuade him to face up to his past and continue the St Merryn dynasty. But Jago has his own reasons for jumping ship and when he throws down the gauntlet to Miranda, she’s forced to delve into painful memories she’d much rather keep hidden.
*******
This is a delightful, easy going read that will absorb your imagination and transport you to the sunny summery shores of Cornwall. Set on the fictional island St Merryn’s Mount which I’m presuming is based on the real island in Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount. The island is gorgeous and this book made me want to visit it. Cut off every high tide from civilisation, it reminded me of Brigadoon. The author obviously has a real love of Cornwall, because her passion for the place comes out within the pages of the story.
Miranda is a feisty, no nonsense character who knows what she wants. She has managed her life successfully since she ran away from home and she isn’t about to let anyone ruin it for her. She has a need to belong and St Merryn’s Mount has become her home. She feels threatened by Jago’s decision to sell. Jago, on the other hand, can’t wait to loose the ties that bind him to the island. He wants to sell it as quickly as he can and forget his history. Miranda and Jago make an interesting combination and I loved watching their tempestuous relationship unfold as they both fought  for what they wanted. Watch the sparks fly between them.  The author delves into their pasts, so you get a real sense of why they feel so strongly about their decisions. Jago, is a rather interesting male lead, definitely one the ladies will enjoy the company of.
The story is pretty straight forward and you come away feeling good inside. It reminded me a little of an episode of Doc Martin with Martin Clunes. Lovely characters, lovely setting,  from a feel good novel.

A warm, yet funny summery read that would definitely be a great accompaniment to the beach.

1 comment:

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