Review - The Cornish Cottage by the Sea

Title:   The Cornish Cottage by the Sea 

Author:  Kim Nash

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   309

Date of Publication:  May 10, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A gorgeous, uplifting, romantic read from the author of the Cornish Cove series, Kim Nash 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?

Escape to the windswept shores of Cornwall in this heartwarming story of love, friendship, and fresh starts. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Phillipa Ashley, and Emma Burstall.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Jo Jenkins is a new divorcee and her ex-husband is now engaged to her former best friend. However, everything in her life isn’t dark because she has a surprise in store. She discovers something completely unexpected, something that brings her hope. She receives a surprising inheritance—an old cottage in Cornwall from her ex-husband’s great aunt. This unexpected gift leaves Jo questioning her current life and wondering if she should leave her familiar surroundings to embrace this new chapter. Could this cottage become her forever home?

At first, Jo’s hesitancy is not surprising. But as she spends more time at the cottage, she begins to realize that it holds the potential to bring her a sense of order and peace. It may not be the beautiful place that she remembered from the past, but between the cottage and its many outbuildings, it has a certain charm that draws her in.

Jo soon meets Seamus, a friendly and talented handyman who proves to be invaluable when it comes to the much-needed renovations. As they work together, they form a deep friendship and Jo begins to rebuild her life. Jo also makes other friends in the small seaside town, and she begins to see a bright future for herself.

While there are certainly challenges along the way, Jo’s determination and the unwavering support of her dear Mum keep her going. The story is filled with heartwarming moments and heartbreaking ones, making it a truly captivating read. Kim Nash’s latest offering is an excellent testament to her wonderful storytelling. 

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction.

She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is Head of Publicity for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

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Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA.

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs.

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Amazing Grace was her debut novel with Hera Books and came out in April 2019. Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published in September 2019. Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and will be published on June 4th 2020.

You can read Kim's Blog here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

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BLOG TOUR - The Venice Murders

DESCRIPTION:

Amateur detective and bookshop owner Flora Steele, and her dashing new husband Jack Carrington, are finally embarking on the honeymoon of a lifetime. But will gorgeous gondola rides be ruined by their most heart-stopping case ever?

Venice, 1959: As Flora and Jack step onto the beautiful, historic streets of Venice, they vow to put sleuthing aside to finally enjoy their honeymoon. But on their very first sun-soaked morning, whilst enjoying sparkling wine and mouthwatering pastries, they’re interrupted when hotel receptionist, Franco Massi, is discovered floating face-down in the Grand Canal.

Remembering poor Franco’s kind demeanour when they checked into the Cipriani Hotel, Flora quickly realises her honeymoon phase is over: she must solve the case. She saw a hot-headed restaurant owner arguing with Franco the night he died. Could their mysterious argument have gone too far? Or could it have been Franco’s jilted ex-fiancée Bianca, who acted so coldly at news of his death? Was it a crime of passion that sent him tumbling into the waters?

When Flora learns from a priest that a priceless painting has disappeared from his church along with his elderly housekeeper, she begins to marry together the clues that will lead her to a dangerous family that will stop at nothing to get their revenge. Will Flora and Jack crack the case before the killer claims another victim? Or will it be ‘death do us part’ for this crime-solving couple?

A completely gripping and totally charming cozy murder mystery novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis!

BUY LINK:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0DNG1T6T1social

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Title:  The Venice Murders

Author:  Merryn Allingham 

Series:   Flora Steele Mystery #11

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Cozy Mystery 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   294

Date of Publication:   May 9, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Flora Steele and her husband, Jack Carrington, are very much looking forward to enjoying their honeymoon together in the picturesque city of Venice. This trip should afford them the opportunity to not have to worry about solving any murders, which is something that they both excel at. 

Shockingly, the receptionist at the hotel where they are staying, Franco Mancini, has been found dead in a nearby canal. Flora can’t ignore her penchant for crime solving, and quickly takes it upon herself to begin looking for answers. 

From the very start, Flora can’t ignore evidence that more than one person could have wanted Franco dead, so she really digs deep to find Franco’s killer and to bring them to justice. However, Jack is fairly insistent that they make a better use of their time and enjoy beautiful scenery, the exquisite food and the gorgeous weather. 

Flora can’t leave Franco’s murder to the police, especially when other crimes happen in quick succession. Instinctively, Flora just knows that all of these sudden crimes are connected. With the often-annoyed Jack by her side, Flora goes to any lengths to get to the bottom of things. 

As a fan of cozy mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed Merryn Allingham’s latest book. My dream vacation is to visit Venice, so it was delightful to immerse myself in the story alongside Flora and Jack as they explore the city and work together on their latest case. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband and one last cat, Bluebell. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

https://merrynallingham.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites
https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Merryn Allingham here:  https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham

BLOG TOUR - What’s Mine is Yours

DESCRIPTION:

She invited her into her home. She shouldn’t have…

Emily: It’s been a long time since my best friend Ava stopped speaking to me. But I knew I’d find a way back in. When I hear that her daughter won’t sleep at home because of a burglary on the street, I offer to swap houses for a while. Ava is so grateful. And now I’m staying in her family home, I finally understand why she’s been avoiding me… Ava isn’t as perfect as she makes out. She’s been hiding a big secret that could ruin her idyllic life. Only now, I know all about it…

Ava: I didn’t want to let Emily back into my life, but my daughter begged me to agree to the swap. I’ll do anything for my precious girl. As I lie in Emily’s bed in her cramped apartment, I fear what she’s up to inside my home. Has she looked through my belongings? Has she found the key to the locked room in my basement? And does she know the truth about what I did?

Two friends. Two secrets. Which one is telling a deadly lie, and which is in danger?

With a jaw-dropping twist, What’s Mine Is Yours is a truly addictive psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Sally Hepworth and Adele Parks.

 

BUY LINK:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0DWXBFSKKsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Title:   What’s Mine is Yours 

Author:  Leah Mercer

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  275

Date of Publication:  May 8, 2025

My Rating: 4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Ava and Emily reconnect after a break in at Ava’s neighbor’s house. Once the best of friends, their friendship did not survive. They come up with an interesting plan. As Ava’s daughter Lexi is now terrified to be at her home, Ava and Emily agree to swap houses for a time. This is when things really become interesting. 

Emily has an ulterior motive when it comes to the agreeing to swap houses. What she wants is the friendship between her and Ava to be restored, and will go to any extreme possible to make that happen. As it turns out, one or both of the women have secrets that soon are accompanied by danger if not shockingly poor decisions.

Told in alternating perspectives, this captivating story slowly weaves events from the past to the present. Leah Mercer’s masterful storytelling keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end, drawing them into the unfolding drama. This domestic thriller is a must-read, an absolute delight that will leave you eager to discover what happens next. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Leah Mercer was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada. Her first ambition was to be a journalist, but after completing a master’s in journalism, she soon realised she preferred anything other than reporting the news. After trying her hand at public relations, teaching and recruitment in various countries around the world, she finally settled in London and returned to writing… fiction, this time. Her first two novels, Who We Were Before and The Man I Thought You Were, were shortlisted at the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association Awards. Leah loves books, running and visiting historic houses with her husband and their son.

Author Social Media Links

Website: www.leahmercer.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/leahmercerauthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LeahMercerBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahmercerauthor

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/leah-mercer

BLOG TOUR - One More Day of Us

DESCRIPTION:

Would you give up your dreams for love?

1990: In a hot, humid Hong Kong summer, three young singers are loving life, performing to packed crowds every night in a swanky hotel bar. Twenty-three-year-old Scottish songbird, Moira Chiles is living the dream alongside Carina Lloyd and Lisa Dixon. They work hard, play hard, and always stick together… until one day Moira has to make a choice that changes everything.

Fast forward to…

2025: In a wet, chilly, Glasgow summer, Moira has just retired after singing in Glasgow pubs and Caribbean cruise ships for three decades. Now she’s ready for a new adventure – one that takes her to Hong Kong to revisit a world she left behind. Moira hasn’t seen Carina or Lisa for over thirty years, but will an invitation to join her on a holiday of a lifetime rekindle the friendships that changed her life? Or will stepping back in time expose secrets that could break their hearts?

BUY LINKS: https://mybook.to/OneMoreDayofUS

Title:  One More Day of Love

Author:  Shari Low

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Genre:   Women’s Fiction 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   298

Date of Publication:   May 2, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars 

MY THOUGHTS:

Moira and her friends Lisa and Carina were all in Hong Kong in the nineties and they all had blossoming musical careers. As time often proves, going separate ways can suddenly put decades between friendships that seemed certain to last forever. 

It is present day in 2025 and the women, all who have led separate lives, go back to Hong Kong. Although Moira is hopeful that seeing both Carina and Lisa will heal old wounds, she also hopes that the three of them will have the opportunity for second chances. 

One feeling that I got while reading this book is the saying that “you can’t go home again”. Their lives, circumstances, and even personalities have changed. But, this second chance story is truly one that shows the depth of female friendships, and how old wounds can be healed, even through tears and sadness. 

I was pleasantly surprised to learn how prolific Shari Low has been as a writer, especially as this is my first novel by her. Her storytelling is masterful, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to finally have had the chance to read one of her books. 

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shari Low is the multi-million copy bestselling author of over 30 novels, including the #1 bestsellers One Day with You and One Midnight with You.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @sharilowbooks

Twitter: @ShariLow

Instagram: @sharilowbooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ShariLownews

Bookbub profile: @ShariLow

BLOG TOUR - Mystery at Hideaway House

DESCRIPTION:

Amateur sleuth Eve Mallow is enjoying a very well-deserved holiday in a charming cottage with her new husband. But murder never takes a break…

Nestled among the trees of a gorgeous country estate, Hideaway House is the perfect place for a holiday – complete with roof terrace, cosy fireplace and four-poster bed. It’s been a labour of love for charismatic Duncan Blake, who shot to fame thanks to his TV shows restoring old buildings, and he’s hoping his hard work will pay off with a good review.

Despite her misgivings – Eve can’t be bought! – she packs up Robin and dachshund Gus and heads to Kesham. But from the beginning it’s the holiday from hell. First, she finds a threatening note warning her that Hideaway House has history…

And then Duncan is found dead at the bottom of a ditch.

But who wanted to demolish the building expert? Was it his keen apprentice, who was working for free? His wife, who gave up her dreams to follow his? Or the owner of nearby Kesham Hall, whose relationship with Duncan was on decidedly rocky foundations?

Brick by brick, Eve gathers her evidence: a missing murder weapon, a long-lost daughter, and the secret sabotage of Duncan’s plans. But can she nail the killer before she digs herself into a deadly hole?

BUY LINKS:

https://geni.us/B0DLBNHHTWsocial

Title:   Mystery at Hideaway House

Author:  Clare Chase

Series:  An Eve Mallow Mystery Book 14

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Cozy Mystery 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  354

Date of Publication: May 7, 2025

My Rating:  5 Stars 

MY THOUGHTS:

As an obituary writer, Eve Mallow has the freedom to ask questions, even if they might be perceived as intrusive to others. However, she has taken matters into her own hands as an amateur sleuth on numerous occasions. For now, she is away on a holiday with her new husband, Robin.

Their host, Duncan Blake, is genuinely hoping that their holiday destination, Hideaway House, will receive a rave review from Eve. But even before Eve, Robin, and her beloved dachshund, Gus, can settle in, Eve finds a chilling note that warns of Hideaway House’s dark history and the potential for unpleasant events. Is this a mere coincidence, or is foul play the intended outcome?

This very question becomes the central focus of Eve’s mind when she and others are shocked to discover that their host, Duncan, has tragically fallen to his death. A myriad of questions immediately surface in her mind, demanding answers to the question of who killed Duncan and why.

Determined to get to the bottom of things, questions of resentment and revenge arise when Eve considers the other guests that are there. Eve knows from past experience that digging too deeply could land her in danger, but she is relentless in her question to find answers. 

This latest book (14!) in the Eve Mallow series is a true delight, just as all of the previous books in the series have been. I love that Eve and Robin are now married, and that his past and present work quite well in the happy life he is now sharing with Eve. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.

Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder on the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.

Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.

As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.

You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareChaseAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareChase_

Website: www.clarechase.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarechaseauthor/

Bookouture email signup: https://www.bookouture.com/clare-chase

BLOG TOUR - This Thing Called Love

DESCRIPTION:

A truly heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story about family, friendship, love and serendipity.

When Bee loses her job, home and boyfriend – all on the same day that a man accidentally spills coffee all over her; she decides life can’t get any worse. So when her mother finally tells Bee the name of the father she’s never met – a musician named Luke Friday – she decides to take a risk and go in search of him.

Meanwhile, Alex – who accidentally bumped into a pretty girl earlier that day, spilling his coffee all over her – returns home, where his mother is increasingly dependent on him. He wants to help her find some of her memories again. But the only person he thinks can help is a stranger to him. A man called Luke Friday, who his mother once played music with.

As Alex and Bee start their search for the same man, Luke’s nine-year-old daughter is also looking for something – anything – that might help her father with his grief. Little does she know her prayers might just be about to be answered… as a little thing called love starts to bring their lives together in ways none of them could possibly have imagined.

BUY LINK: https://mybook.to/thingcalledlovebook

Title:  This Thing Called Love

Author:  Debbie Howells

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Genre:   Women’s Fiction

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   330

Date of Publication:   May 5, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Bee, newly unemployed and shocked about her sudden breakup, finds herself at a crossroads. Forced to move in with her mother, a decision she’s not thrilled about, an unexpected twist unfolds. Bee discovers the name of her father—a man she never knew, a man her mother has kept hidden from her. Intrigued, she embarks on a journey to Majorca to meet the man she’s always wondered about.

Meanwhile, Alex, a kind-hearted young man, is deeply concerned about his mother, who has early-onset dementia. Struck with an idea to help alleviate her symptoms, he sets out to find and meet a man who might provide some assistance.

As fate would have it, both Bee and Alex are looking for the same man, Luke Friday. This story becomes one of self-discovery and emotional exploration for each of them. Bee finds an unexpected connection and surprise when she meets her father, while Alex’s plan to revive a cherished memory from his mother’s past brings a sense of comfort and joy.

This heartwarming and emotionally resonant novel weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and unexpected twists. With its warm and tender tone, it captivates the reader from beginning to end. 

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie Howells is a Sunday Times bestseller, who is now fulfilling her dream of writing women’s fiction with Boldwood. She has perviously worked as cabin crew, a flying instructor, and a wedding florist! Now living in the countryside with her partner and Bean the rescued cat, Debbie spends her time writing.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @debbie.howells.37

Twitter: @debbie__howells

Instagram: @_debbiehowells

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DebbieHowellsnews

Bookbub profile: @DebbieHowells