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Wish Upon a Cornish Moon

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‘My eyes are full of tears and my heart is bursting with overflowing joy! What a beautiful, delightful, original plot!’ ‘I can see you don’t believe me, girl, but I’m telling you that there’s magic in the moon and that big sea out there.’ 1938One midnight in June, 15-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love – and someone writes back.1997On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells her story to her 16-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn’t found for over twenty years…Present daySingle mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the cove cast its spell once again…Readers love this ‘This story broke my heart in places and then pieced it back together again and made me laugh and cry in equal measure’ ‘Loved the magical feeling that I got from this book…the perfect beach read’ ‘This story was magical, what a beautiful ending!’ ‘You could feel as though you’re on the beach with the sand beneath your feet and breeze in your hair’ ‘Oh, What a beautiful story!’ ‘Beautifully written, with characters you root for and glorious descriptions of the Cornish coastline’ ‘I loved every minute reading this extraordinary story’

384 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2023

129 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

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Amanda James

40 books19 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,712 reviews1,695 followers
May 14, 2023
1938. One midnight in June, fifteen-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love - and someone writes back.

1997. On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells the story to her sixteen-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn't found for over twenty years.

Present day. Single mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the Cove cast it's spell once again....

This story has a multi-timeline. We follow the lives of three people who have thrown bottles with messages inside them into the sea. There is an element of magic to this story, and I liked the authors writing style. This is a magical love story that spanned generations. The characters are well rounded, the story is set in Cornwall. Merrin was my favourite character. This is an enchanting mix of magic and romance.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #AmandaJames for my ARC of #WishUponACornishMoon in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,837 reviews50 followers
May 10, 2023
This was a magical love story spanning several generations. It was a nice easy book and I really enjoyed it
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,773 reviews135 followers
May 14, 2023
Not many people believe in magic or love at first sight, but not many live at Chapel Porth Cove in Cornwall—an area of magic, mystery and wonderous things. Over the years there has been a young woman who wishes for something more and to find her one true love. It has happened over generations and whether you believe in magic or not, if you don't try, you will never know.

Merrin is a hard-working single mum, who helps out where she can and is not looking forward to her daughter leaving for university. When she meets Morwenna, she tells Merrin of how the cove is also known as magic cove and if a message is placed in a bottle and the words are spoken on a June night when the moon is full your true love will find it and you will meet.

Merrin has not had much luck with true love, she has in fact had her heart broken so is not looking for anything else in life. She is happy with her life, work and family.

The author has laid her story out over several timelines, these are easy to follow as are the different places where she sets her story, although the majority of it is in Cornwall. Mixing the past event with present situations is a great way of telling a tale as it gets pieced together gradually.

The story of Morwenna and her sister Lamorna is a sad one, but one that also makes sense when you realise what was going on in each of their lives at the time. A chance for a new exciting adventure with the man of your dreams is something that most girls want, but not everyone gets that chance, and some, they miss their chance.

Mixing the historical aspect of the story with a present-day one is a great way of drawing similarities between characters of many years of difference. It also makes for a tantalising read, I could see some things coming but not always in the way I expected them. The way the family dramas were worked in was great and it was a way of bringing different perspectives and experiences.

The romance side of the story is one that I adored, it was a mix of drama, adventure, daring and taking the chance when it appears. Set over different generations, it was a great way of showing how the magic of the cove and the message in the bottle could work in many different ways. Some things happen quickly, and some take a little more time, but things happen for a reason.

If you are a fan of romance, historical and contemporary fiction then this is one that you may well be interested in, there is a wonderful sense of warmth and hope throughout and with a message of taking a chance and doing what is right for you. I adored this one a huge amount and I would definitely recommend it, fabulous story.
Profile Image for Linda Hill.
1,531 reviews77 followers
June 28, 2023
Magic Cove has secrets to share.

What a lovely, escapist read Wish Upon a Cornish Moon is. Initially I had to make a conscious effort willingly to suspend my disbelief and to accept the coincidences and slightly supernatural aspects of the story, but it wasn’t long before I was completely absorbed. I thought the sweeping multi-generational story was exactly the kind of narrative we need in today’s negative world because it made me feel positive and open to possibilities that perhaps previously I would have dismissed.

The plot of Wish Upon a Cornish Moon is just lovely. There’s very much a feeling that true love is fraught with challenge and that when obstacles are overcome it is all the sweeter. I thought the concept of coup de foudre was brilliantly handled because Amanda James dealt with it realistically so that the relationships here feel genuine and believable. I also thought that, although the story revolves very much around Lamorna and Merrin, there’s a really good balance from the male perspective too through Harry and Ethan.

I especially enjoyed meeting Merrin and Morwen, but what works so well is how minor characters are distinct and credible so that Jodie and Faye, for example, feel like people you might meet in ordinary life. These are the kinds of characters you think about when you’re not actually reading the book because they have vitality and life beyond the page.

Underpinning the magic and romance of Wish Upon a Cornish Moon are themes that add gravitas to the story too. Obviously love, romance and relationships feature, but so do family, jealousy, betrayal, hurt, feminism, parenthood, society, loneliness and poverty, all creating a rich and rewarding tapestry to read about and adding texture to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wish Upon a Cornish Moon and found it emotional and magical. So, as I write this review it’s June and if anyone wants me later, they might just find me on the beach at midnight… but you need to read Wish Upon a Cornish Moon for yourself to discover why – and I really recommend you do!
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
725 reviews34 followers
May 4, 2023
Every now and again, a novel surprises me and this one certainly did. It's a pure delight from beginning to end.

The narrative begins with Grandmother Mary and her experience with the local folktale. She shares the details with her granddaughters, Lamorna and Morwenna, telling them how their dreams can come true...if they believe... It's simply to write a message in a bottle and follow the ritual on the Full Moon in June, down at Capel Porth Cove aka Magic Cove. Both young women choose to believe when the time was right for them and succeeded in finding their true love. Therefore, both are eager for the younger generation to embrace the tradition and for them to believe it can work for them too.

I liked how the author manages to weaver the past with the present, as we are introduced to Merrin and Ethan. Both have a tentative connection to the two sisters and how fate has brought them together. Just like those before them, they also have to have hope and faith and a belief that life will allow them to be together. Just like Lamorna and Morwenna, life throws up challenges for the pair to navigate and in the spirit of a happy ending, all turns out well!

Ms. James has written an enchanting story spanning several generations. Set again a mainly Cornish backdrop, we learn about a charming folk tale about how local young women can find a sweetheart if they just believe...

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 5 books155 followers
April 15, 2023
Oh, What a beautiful story!
I will probably end up gushing about this story to more than one person because I loved it that much!
This story spans several eras through two families, but they are all connected by a thread: the power of the moon and a belief in magic.
During and after WW2, Lamorna, and later on, her sister Morwenna, follow an old folk tale known in their community, harnessing the magic of the moon and a particular cove near where they live, in Cornwall, to launch their wishes for a love of their own, using a short incantation, and a message in a bottle.
In the present day, Merrin is not very easily adjusting to her life as a newly divorced mother to a teenager who is due to spread her wings and leave the family nest, too.
Fate brings her in touch with Morwenna, a lonely elderly lady who lives locally and shares the moon's secret with her.
And the way everything falls into place is just beautifully planned.
I don't want to go too far into it, but I can say that it is a gorgeous story filled with - fate, or maybe it really is magic.
I loved all the characters, and honestly, if I weren't happily settled down, I'd be ready to rush to that cove and take a punt on a message in a bottle, helping me with my own future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for an ARC.
306 reviews
May 10, 2023
I was over the moon to be invited by the publisher to read a review Amanda James’s latest novel. It was a true delight to be whisked away to the beautiful Cornish landscape and the magic of the local legends.
This story follows a multi-timeline family saga, starting at the end of the 19th century with a young woman wishing for love on a full June moon as she casts a message in a bottle into the sea. This magical legend is passed through the family and we watch Lamorna in 1938 follow her beloved grandmother’s words of magic. Years later on the other side of the Atlantic, Lamorna shares this story with her young great nephew Ethan. Can his wish come true too? Then to the present and Merrin finds herself a single mum having been left by her husband. A chance encounter with an elderly woman sees her too asking the June moon for her chance of happiness and for it to send her true love. Can the Cornish magic really make dreams of love come true?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story - the magic, the wishes, the highs and the lows that did bring a few tears to my eyes, but it left me with a great big smile and a belief that there is kindness and happiness and true love to be found. A super feel good read.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter Books, for an e-arc in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Judy Christiana.
1,003 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2023
My eyes are full of tears and my heart is bursting with overflowing joy! What a beautiful, delightful, original plot! Awesome characters that my heart is so attached to, I will be going into book withdrawal soon, when it hits me that I will not continue to know what happens to them in the future. I want to rate it however many stars it would take to reach the moon!

Amanda James is a fabulous author. I have read a few of her previous books and they are great, but this one, oh gosh, it just attached itself to my heart and I will not be forgetting it, ever!

The magic of finding a bottle with a message meant for you is not a unique theme, but it felt that way with this book. I loved every moment I spent in this world that Ms. James created. I actually forced myself to read the last third of the book slower, to stay a bit longer in it.

The book cover is stunningly beautiful and definitely sets the mood of the story.

I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC. #WishUponaCornishMoon
Profile Image for Daisy  Bee.
1,072 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2023
Wish Upon a Cornish Moon was a magical story and meant even more to me as it's set in a place I grew up.

Merrin Pascoe is turning forty soon and is still licking her wounds after being unceremoniously dumped by her husband after seventeen years. To add insult to injury he's now shacked up with a much younger woman. Merrin's daughter Lucy is off to Uni soon and Merrin feels unfulfilled and lonely.

When her idea to run a community larder from the cafe where she works gets the go ahead, a chance meeting with Wenna, an elderly resident, is set to change everything. As they form a friendship, Wenna tells her about the magic that is in the air every June at full moon. This is the time that her and her sister both sent out a message in a bottle with a wish, and those wishes both came true. With nothing to lose, Merrin sends out her own wish, and the very next day she finds a message in a bottle. From a man called Ethan. Who lives across the ocean, but who was planning a trip to Cornwall to visit his family's birthplace.

They meet and things don't run smoothly.

But there's no doubt that wishes do come true. And that love conquers all.

This is such a beautifully romantic story with wonderful characters and a really uplifting message of hope.
239 reviews
May 6, 2023
Another magical book by Amanda James. She always has a bit of the mystical in her books and beautiful Cornwall settings.

Wish Upon a Cornish Moon takes place in different time periods, but has the same premise. Is there a soul mate for everyone out there? Cornwall is a magical place, full of legends and beauty. In Wish Upon a Cornish Moon several women from the same family wish for a true love by placing a note in a bottle and throwing in into the sea. Some find true love, some don’t, some have the courage of their belief, some don’t. The novel covers the end of the 19th century to the present and takes the reader through war and peace. We have Grandma Mary who was not brave enough to throw her bottle into the sea and regretted it. Lamorna and Harry who took a chance on love, Lamorna’s sister Wenna who keeps the legend alive and in the present Merris who has more on her mind than folk tales and love.

This was a wonderful book in a beautiful setting, A great book to escape into on a Spring day,.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Harper Collins, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ritter.
1,161 reviews30 followers
May 25, 2023
Wish Upon a Cornish Moon is a lovely, mystical novel by Amanda James set in a small town on the Cornish coastline. This story is a mix of legendary old wives tales, a magical cove where it is told a special message in a bottle thrown to sea at midnight during a June full moon will bring your own true love if you believe and are worthy, and people effected by these tales. Two such sisters, Lamorna and Mowenna Williams, find this to be true as the story unravels linking generations together.

This multigenerational tale stretches almost a century between the time Grandma Mary shares this tale with 15 year old Lamorna before World War II begins and the current time when Mowenna recounts the stories to Merrit Pascoe, a disillusioned single mother.

Once again, Ms. James has spun a magical tale of the unexplainable and the good fortune that can accompany it. Her lovely prose paints such perfect descriptions that the reader is transported to the moonlit cove and can almost feel the magic. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
Profile Image for Sarah.
411 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2023
The premise of the book, the magic and the different timelines all very much appealed to me as I read the blurb. I liked the way it was written and it was very intriguing. The main character in the present day did irk me a little, as I couldn't really 'get' her, or understand why she made the choices that she did. All in all, I really enjoyed the book.
Spoilers ******
I was a bit disappointed in the ending however as the book seemed to change style as soon as Ethan met Merrin. It went from a well paced love story into a bit of a high school drama, then happily ever after story. It just turned unrealistic and soppy how they were declaring their undying love after meeting each other twice. I know it's the magic of the magic and so forth but even if two characters were meant to be... it just seemed fake. I have read stories by this author before and loved them, and I will read her again.
Thanks to Netgalley for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Colin Bell.
1,082 reviews13 followers
May 1, 2023
I tend to struggle with multi generation "sagas", however I didn't have that trouble with this story. Starting back in 1938, through to the current time, the common denominator is people wishing to meet someone via a message in a bottle thrown into the sea.
There is a certain amount of "magic" involved, which might put some off, however I enjoy stories with some mystery. With some mention of the horrors of WW2 there is also love and hope to counterbalance this. There is also Cornwall, my favourite part of the world and easy for me to visualise in my mind, to add to the story
In summary a quiet book to gently while the time away and thinking that there is perhaps more to life than what we know.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
Profile Image for Jeanne Chepko.
344 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2023
What a wonderful heartfelt story. It will definitely put a smile on your face.
Frustrated with her current family situation, and wanting more for her future Lamorna is intrigued with
a local legend promising magic. She struggles with the decision to toss a message in a bottle into to ocean during a June full moon in hopes of finding true love.
Discovering her Grandmother regretted backing out years before hangs heavy on her mind and she finally goes for it. Lamorna finds her magic, will others be so lucky?
The story winds thru generations of believers, non believers and wannabe believers. Wonderful characters with great storylines.
How far would you go to believe in the magic, the fairy tale and happy ending?

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions is this review are my own.

Thank you @HarperCollinsPublishers
Profile Image for Barb.
743 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2023
Grandma Mary shares the magic that may occur if you put a message in a bottle and throw it into the Atlantic at Magic Cove. Others have found their true love when someone has picked up the bottle much later and contacted the person from the message. This story spans time and place, beginning in 1938 and ending in present day. The couples are presented with love. The present day couple takes up most of the story sharing two cultures and two very different life styles. Ethan’s story is complicated, and I enjoyed watching him sort out his life. I liked the blend of elderly characters and young characters all believing in the magic.
292 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2023
Set in Cornwall over multiple time periods. In 1899 Mary as a young girl believes it is possible to find her true love simply by making a wish on a full moon in June and sending a message in a bottle from Magic Cove.
Years later in 1938 Mary convinces her granddaughter Lamorna to send a wish and a message in a bottle to find a sweetheart during June on the full moon.
In the present day Merrin is also tempted to make a wish during June on the full moon.
This was a magical romance about finding true love. It was about family relationships and friendships.
I loved the characters from the past and the present time and the way they interacted.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books115 followers
May 4, 2023
A multi-timeline family saga. Drama with a mystical twist and a Cornish setting. It spans five generations from 1899 to the present day but focuses on a grandmother, granddaughters and a grand-nephew and their experiences with sending a message in a bottle. The story is rich in historical details, and the sense of place is integral to the story and described lyrically. I like the serendipity and the complex and flawed characters that make this believable, even though it has a mystical element.
It's an engaging and heartwarming tale.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Profile Image for Christine Davies.
293 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2023
Can magic help you find the love of your life? Can throwing a letter in a bottle into the sea in June bring that love to your door?
This book is set in Cornwall & begins in 1899 & ends in the present time. Follow the stories of people who have thrown their bottles into the sea & what it has brought to their lives.
Such a great book & so well written. I could feel the sea breeze on my face & the sand between my toes. Loved the characters, especially Merrin. If you want a book to take you away, then this is the one. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Laura.
263 reviews
April 19, 2023
I am always drawn to books based in Cornwall as I live there, but I am not normally a fan of romance.
However, this book was an enchanting mix of romance and magic, set over dual timelines and spanning two continents and I was very quickly drawn into it.

Amanda James catches the magic of Cornwall perfectly and her characters are realistic and likeable, making this a very enjoyable book indeed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sue Sykes.
190 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2023
Another new author for me and I was not disappointed. What a lovely book, so enjoyed the duel time line and the characters were just lovely. All magical stuff that comes with the lovely county of Cornwall with the history and the excitement and romance of a message in a bottle. Very well written with beautiful characters and a wonderful ending. I can so recommend this book.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the early read
Profile Image for Jude Srivalsan.
267 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2023
I loved reading this book and seeing how three generations of women found love through a ‘message in a bottle’. A wonderful Cornish setting with its magic and customs. It’s a great read with wonderful characters that you warm to. It would be wonderful to think that everlasting love could be found across the oceans simply by wishing under a full moon and sending off an old bottle. Such a magical idea! .
27 reviews
August 14, 2023
the magic of a Cornish moon

I am thinking of moving to Cornwall, I know of all the folk lore but this wonderfully magic story book has convinced me now.
A lovely lovely tale of dreams, wishing, and the true magic of the ocean.
A do not put down book, but keep reading till the very end. And a wonderful ending indeed.
Deserving of my 5 stars. Hoping this shear escapism fills many more dreams than mine.
57 reviews
March 2, 2025
AnOcean of Excellence!

You will enjoy this magic journey of love made possible by simple bottles and the ocean! It’s a lovely story of people who believe in the magic of two special beaches, a full moon in June and a special chant, by placing their message in a bottle. Their true love and magic become successful after it’s received by that special person who is fortunate enough to find it.
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
7,471 reviews70 followers
April 12, 2023
Wish Upon a Cornish Moon by this new to me author is a story that spans decades - tells the lifestories of Mary, Lamorna, Ethan and Wenna.
A. James' book, published by Harper Collins UK / One More Chapter is a magic read. A story that gripped me, brought me to Magic Cove and didn't let go - and I loved every minute reading this extraordinaire story.
508 reviews
April 16, 2023
Wish Upon a Cornish Moon is a magical dual-timeline novel that spans two continents and brings with it the hope that true love can be found, even if it's an ocean apart. Thanks to author Amanda James, One More Chapter, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this enjoyable ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
2,466 reviews28 followers
May 5, 2023
This story starts in 1899 and continues until the present day. The link is the magic of a Cornish cove and a message in a bottle searching for that one true love. Although it was an enjoyable story and has some lovely characters, and a superb setting, it didn’t excite me. There wasn’t any wonder as to what would happen. I know other reader found it fascinating but it was just ok for me. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2 reviews
May 5, 2023
Such a beautiful book, I loved every chapter and read it within a week ❤️ I couldn't put it down. Living right by Porthtowan and Chapel Porth makes the book feel even more enjoyable. Thanks for a lovely read.
Profile Image for Ágnes Palásthy.
Author 28 books1 follower
May 10, 2023
This is a warm-hearted story with a gentle pace and poetic descriptions of the beautiful Cornish landscape.
Not believing in magic, I read the "magical" parts as a beautiful fairy tale and serendipity.
Still, I can recommend this poetic story to everyone.
Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,407 reviews135 followers
May 12, 2023
Magic and fate are the theme of Wish Upon a Cornish Moon,
A duel timeline romance that will have you crying and laughing.
A enjoyable book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
1,584 reviews
June 8, 2023
This was a wonderful story. Everyone needs a bit of magic in their lives! All the characters. seemed very real and the story flowed beautifully onwards. I was totally immersed in the story and felt very satisfied at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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