I’m delighted today to be joining the blog tour for the latest book from Kim Nash, The Cornish Cottage by the Sea, and sharing my review. Published on 10th May by Boldwood Books, it’s now available as an e-book (free via Kindle Unlimited), in paperback, and as an audiobook. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance e-copy (provided via netgalley).
So, did you ever have the chance to visit Driftwood Bay? Over the course of Kim’s lovely Cornish Cove series, it became one of my favourite places – every visit felt like spending time with friends, there was the loveliest romance at each book’s centre, and a warmth that radiated from the pages of every book. I didn’t think I could love a book more than Making Memories at the Cornish Cove – Lydia’s story – with its more mature lead characters, the fresh starts and second chances that were so moving and believable (you’ll find my full review again here). And then she outdid it with The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove – the loveliest balance between the fun moments and the more emotional ones, and the happy ones really filled my heart with joy. And that perfect bookshop setting – as I cheered Nancy’s every small win along the way to financial security and a hoped-for happy ending (you can read my full review here). But this time we’re leaving Driftwood Bay behind (wipes away a tear…) – and I’m hoping I’ll love it just as much with Jo at her Cornish cottage by the sea…
A new start by the sea…
For Jo Jenkins, life has always been about putting others first. But with her children grown and her ex-husband as rotten as ever, she knows it’s time to put herself at the heart of the story. So, when she inherits a beautiful beachside cottage in Cornwall, she grabs the chance to start over.
The crumbling old cottage needs a little love, but so does Jo. And with the help of her new friends – a kind-hearted jeweller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, and a local Jack of all trades with a past of his own – Jo begins to rebuild more than just bricks and mortar.
But tucked away inside the cottage is a secret that could change everything. As the waves roll in and the sea air clears her mind, Jo must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past. Will she finally learn to embrace the life she truly deserves?
Jo’s at a crossroads in her life when – rather out-of-the-blue – she inherits a dilapidated cottage at Sandpiper Shore on the Cornish coast. She always loved staying there with the family when they visited her husband’s Aunty June – and she can hardly believe she might be able to make it her home. She’s now divorced (aargh, that ex-husband…), her two girls have their own lives, her mother has made it clear she’s happy to live her own life too – so why not?
But, on arrival, she wonders if she might have made the wrong decision – the cottage is more rundown than she expected, she doesn’t have the money to do the major work needed, and she feels very alone. But she’s determined to make her new start work – finding new friends who help provide the solutions, as well as supporting her when her old life starts to rear its head and cause difficulties. And they’re also there for her when her new life brings some wholly unexpected – and rather major – surprises.
The first in a new series, the friendships in this book are simply wonderful – it’s something the author always does ever so well. Seamus the handyman is a particularly lucky find for Jo – easy on the eye, a genuinely nice guy who’s happy to undertake the work at a pace she can afford (in exchange for a bit of dog-sitting), and who makes working side-by-side fun. A bit of romance too seems out of the question – and what a shame. But her other two new friends – the jeweller and the businesswoman – become important in her life too, despite her initial fears that she’s allowing people to get too close too quickly. And as for Jo herself – she’s so easy to empathise with, overcoming the sadnesses in her life, finding joy in the small things, ready to fight to have the future she wants and deserves.
There’s far more to the story – a few twists and turns, some misunderstandings, and one stunning big reveal – and it’s all so beautifully told, with the most perfect emotional touches, a few tears at times, and plenty of laughter. The family issues are so well handled – very real, particularly uncomfortable at times – and there’s a strong sense of community throughout the book, something I always so enjoy. Every single individual has their own story, and I’ll look forward to getting to know them better. Sandpiper Shore is so much more than just a backdrop – I’m going to enjoy it there. And yes, there is a particularly lovely slow-burn romance too, one that was all the more heartwarming and moving because of its gentle pace, and a particularly perfect ending.
The whole book was a total delight – engaging, heartwarming, one big cuddle from beginning to end, but not without its moments of drama, and with a story that proved to be even more of a page turner than I was expecting. One for everyone’s summer reading list – I really loved it.
About the author
Kim Nash is the author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl. She works as Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture. She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni. When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog and reading, as well as running a book club in Staffordshire and organising local and national reader/author events.
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