A Cornish Stranger

by Liz Fenwick

There's an old Cornish saying: 'Save a stranger from the sea, he'll turn your enemy...'

When her reclusive grandmother becomes too frail to live alone, Gabriella Blythe moves into the remote waterside cabin on Frenchman's Creek which has been her grandmother's home for decades. Once a celebrated artist, Jaunty's days are coming to a close but she is still haunted by events in her past, particularly the sinking of Lancasteria during the war.

Everything is fine until a handsome stranger arrives in a storm, seeking help. Finn has been left a family legacy: a delicate watercolour of a sailing boat which leads him to this beautiful stretch of Cornish water. As Finn begins to pick at the clues of the painting, he is drawn into the lives of Gabe and Jaunty, unraveling a remarkable story of identity and betrayal . . .

In her delightful new novel, Liz Fenwick weaves a spelling binding tale of romance and intrigue, set against the gorgeous Cornish coast.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, British Literature, World War II

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 22, 2014

About the author

Award winning author of ten novels and two novellas. The latest is The Secrets of Harbour House out in the UK in July 2025. There are translated editions of my novels available in Dutch, German, Portuguese, French, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Estonian, Latvian, Turkish, Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, Italian, and Finnish.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where do I start with A Cornish Stranger?

“Save a stranger from the sea, and he’ll turn your enemy.”

Liz Fenwick’s third novel has a somewhat different feel to her previous two. The Cornish House and A Cornish Affair have a very rich and almost magical Cornish feel to them. Although A Cornish Stranger is mostly set in beautiful Cornwall, it is a heavier read, due to some of the subject matter, has more depth, and an overall darker feel to it than her previous novels.

Jaunty is a woman and artist in her nineties, living on her own in Cornwall, until her granddaughter, Gabriella (Gabe), who is a singer lacking confidence, moves in to help look after her.

This story takes you in to the past, where you will learn about the dark secrets, guilt and regrets that have haunted Jaunty for many years, especially during the time of the Second World War. At the same time, in the present-day, a handsome stranger suddenly appears in a storm. What impact will this stranger have on Jaunty and Gabriella? You’ll have to read this book to find out.

The characters in this book feel very real, especially Jaunty, making it an emotional read at times. At one point I was so shocked, I actually gasped out loud. On a lighter note, it was fun spotting characters from her previous novels, plus there was even mention of fairies, which made me happy.

This is a great read for those who love mystery and romance set in the captivating surroundings of Cornwall.

I can’t wait to read Under a Cornish Sky, and looking forward to the work in progress.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Liz Fenwick’s previous novels, The Cornish House and A Cornish Affair so was excited to win a proof copy of A Cornish Stranger!

The prologue sets the theme of the story with the reader finding out about Jaunty (92 years old) and her need to write down the truth as she’s nearing the end of her life.

Granddaughter Gabe has decided to move in with Jaunty – on the surface to look after her. She used to perform on stage as an opera singer but left four years ago … why?

Fin arrives in the creek – then the storm happens. The scene with Gabe rescuing him was full of tension and made me hold my breath!

Jaunty is only able to write her letters for a short length of time and these are so well paced and share just enough information that the intrigue is kept alive. You think you know what the secrets are but then there’s another twist to her past. The writing in the letters is so vivid that I really felt as if I was back in that time during the war.

Alongside Jaunty’s secrets, Gabe has one of her own. Hiding in the cabin with Jaunty doesn’t go to plan with the arrival of Fin and being pulled into the rehearsals with the villagers. Her pain was palpable and is obvious in her interactions and body language.

I didn’t know what to make of Fin. Was he genuine? Was he acting on Jaunty’s instructions? Was he out to sell a story? This is so cleverly written that it took me a long time to make up my mind!

The isolation of the cabin and the creek is the perfect environment for the secrets and the healing to take place. Some fantastic scenes play out here.

It was fabulous to see previous characters too – Mark Trigg, Justin, Tamsin and Hannah play a part in A Cornish Stranger. The community feeling is alive and well when they reach out to protect their own.

Intrigue, suspense, tension, conflict, romance and community. This is a perfect combination and one that kept me hooked throughout.

[The Incredible Pipster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, readers who have read my other reviews of Liz Fenwick's books will know that a) I don't fit the average profile for a reader of chick lit and b) despite this I have really enjoyed the previous two.

This effort on the other hand, appeals to me very much on many levels. Firstly, once again, it is an extremely well crafted book by Liz Fenwick and once again has the familiar cameos by characters I already feel that I know from previous books (I am very pleased to see that Hannah seems to be growing up into a nice young woman. She could have gone either way).

Secondly, it feels a lot more like a book that a man with 15 years military service behind him should be reading. There's war, there's death, there's masses of adventure, there is more than a touch of skulduggery and also a bit of "how's your father?"

Yes, this is a book that I genuinely couldn't put down. Liz Fenwick has certainly upped the tempo for this installment in her hugely popular "Cornish" series. To add another layer of interest for the male reader "Gabe" is absolutely stunning which helped to draw me into the love story that inevitably threads its way through the lies, deceit, murder and all-out thrills elsewhere in the book.

To summarize, this book will be immediately familiar to readers of other books in this series, yet it seems to me that the author is sufficiently astute not to retread old ground too closely. A book like this one is a very strong outing that stands alone and while set in Cornwall does not rely on a Cornish setting to attract readers (which one may argue the earlier books in the series did to a certain extent). The result is a book that I expect will sell well globally based on expert storytelling, fast pace, a geographically familiar, but more neutral setting and very wide-ranging subject matter.

This is definitely a 5 star book, but only because it isn't possible to award it a 6.

*****

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Já tinha lido "A Casa dos Sonhos" e gostei do tipo de história, mas este superou-o. Gostei muito de ler sobre Gabe, Jaunty e Fin. Fin é um protagonista masculino jeitoso, sim :) Então quando ele aparecia nu (e fê-lo algumas vezes) deixava-me o coração a bater mais depressa Lol No final, quando ele e Gabe se aproximaram mais, protagonizaram umas cenas românticas que foram, simplesmente, lindas e deliciosas.

[Liliflaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

predivno

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting storyline and a light easy read in a friendly Cornish village setting. Enjoyable holiday reading.

[Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/04...

This is my first book by Liz Fenwick and it certainly won't be my last. She totally captured me with her descriptive style and complex characters. I thought A Cornish Stranger would be a light read to take my mind off for a couple of days but it couldn't be further from the truth, once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Liz created such an intricate story with so many secrets that I just wanted to know more.

The story centers around Gabriella, a talented opera singer that has decided, for some reason, to forget all about opera and focus on writing jingles. When we meet her, she has decided to move to Cornwall to be with her grandmother, who at ninety something is not as fit as she used to be. Both women hide their own secrets but when a gorgeous stranger enters their lives, everything changes. Ready or not, their time is running out and they have to face some truths to be able to move on.

Gabe was a really interesting character to read but the one who stole the show for me was her grandmother, Jaunty, a real survivor. As we learned more about her life, I could only wonder at what she had done and how she had fought to have the life she had. I certainly didn't expect at all some the secrets she finally unraveled. What a woman. I couldn't stop shading a tear or two reading about her.

I also enjoyed a lot learning more about the gorgeous stranger named Finn. It was clear from the beginning that he also had a fair share of secrets of his own and also had some kind of link with Jaunty and Gabe. But he slowly stole their hearts and mine too.

All in all A Cornish Stranger was a fascinating read in a stunning setting. I've never been to Cornwall but with Liz's descriptions I could easily picture the atmospheric scenario and how it was such an important part of the story. This is certainly a book I would recommend to all readers as it has something for everyone, family, friendship, love, secrets, mystery, war tales, art, great settings... and the list could go on and on.

[Maria João (A Biblioteca da João) · Rating 4 out of 5]

7,5 de 10*

A Quinta Essância publica, em 14-07-2015, o novo livro de Liz Fenwick. Será o seu terceiro livro publicado em Portugal, depois de "A Casa dos Sonhos" e "Um Amor na Cornualha". O local onde se passa a acção mantêm-se, mas são três histórias diferentes com personagens diferentes.
No entanto, têm várias coisas em comum: a riqueza das descrições dos locais onde se passa a acção, a complexidade das personagens que têm sempre passados conturbados e o rumo das histórias, sempre redentoras.

Relativamente a este "Mistério na Cornualha", confesso que não é o meu livro preferido dos três. Embora a história esteja bem construída, os personagens sejam crediveis e o dito mistério seja muito interessante, tive algumas dificuldades com este livro...

Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third of Liz Fenwick's Cornish novels, and her love of the county shines from every page.

Allied to a multi-layered story of love, abandonment, and redemption spanning almost 100 years this is a deeply satisfying read.

The story hinges round Gabrielle, a talented but withdrawn singer and musician, and her Grandmother, Jaunty, an artist with a dark secret in her past, The Stranger in the title is Fin, who finds himself and his boat cast up on their foreshore and into their lives.

Liz Fenwick's ability as a storyteller increase with every book she writes. This is a book, not just for the summer, but to read again over the years.

[Isabel Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel by Liz Fenwick that I've read and I enjoyed it enormously. A romantic story, it has an interesting historical background, and the beautiful creek in which Gabe returns to live with her grandmother Jaunty, is beautifully and vividly evoked. The psychological motivation for what has put Gabe's singing career on hold was also very poignant, sensitively handled, and completely believable. I lost myself in the world of this book for two days, and thoroughly recommend it.

[Sonia189 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by the author. Interesting themes, ideas, plot.
Boring in the beginning, I thought it got better as I moved along but in the end I expected a bigger impact on some things, or a more emotional development but felt strangely distanced from it so... good but not as good as it could be, for me.

[Sandra Melo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esta autora enche-me sempre o coração. Adorei...

[Katie Mok · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my last book I needed something to give me some easy thoughts, smiles and loose myself in another world where there is nothing complicated and life is easy. The book delivered exactly this and made me feel part of Gabe’s life and the way she found how to trust the stranger that came into hare life.
I read the the Cornish stranger quite quickly and will go to the next Cornish book in my library. Recommend it to everyone who wants to escape in a safe place

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow moving story but with vivid descriptions of the Cornish landscape.

[Tânia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I share the same fascination that the author has for Cornwall and that’s what led me to pick up one of her books. I guess you could say I’m still a stranger myself because I didn’t get very well acquainted with the story. I think she’s very good at descriptions, but not so much at plot development. I liked how she captured the beauty of the Cornish coast, but the rest just wasn’t very convincing. Jaunty’s perspective, in particular, kept jumping from italics to bold text, and it didn’t feel very well put. I think separate and alternated chapters between past and present could’ve worked better.

Add to that all the telling, and not showing, I found the story superficial and the characters flat. They had minimal interactions and didn’t speak much so I wasn’t convinced these people had a real bond. Besides, it was all so routine, I easily lost interest.

I did like reading about the inspiration behind the story at the end, though, and I might yet try one of her other books because of obvious reasons.

[Titinha Scaeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ainda estou em duvida entre o 4* e o 4,5*... Adorei o livro, adorei o ir desvendado os mistérios que a história tem... Adorei o Fin e a sua doçura mas o que não me faz dar 5*, foi a protagonista... Percebi e percebemos que o que ela passou não foi fácil, mas pareceu-me que mesmo antes dos acontecimentos, ela era uma pessoa frágil, alegre mas frágil... Insegura, não sei explicar, pois a sensação que tive foi que a sua insegurança não nasceu do que lhe aconteceu!

Esta autora está no top das minhas preferências, escreve tão bem e com tanto carinho e amor, que ficamos sempre com o coração apertado e uma lágrima no olho, quando algo acontece às personagens... ^_^

Ahhh, já me esquecia da "avó"... De surpresas elas nos reserva! :D
A última não esperava!

[Carla Geraldes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5* :)

[Pam Hutley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought this was the sort of fiction I don’t usually read- only bought it to make up the 3 for ... in charity shop. But I was delighted by the easy read and so thrilled to realise she was describing the very area I was staying in on holiday. Lovely evocative descriptions telling the real time story of the dying old lady and her granddaughter but revealing the back story of the old ladies youth and errors - the lies on which she based her life. Of course it’s about love but also of survival and how the two things are intertwined .

[Catrinamaria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and particularly the reclusive artist. The story was a good one and I was keen to find out what happened, when and why. It was a pity the writing felt rather disjointed and the structure was confusing until about three quarters of the way in. The neatly of the Cornish seascape was lost. I loved the idea of connecting to a Spotify playlist which I'm now following and I will give Liz Fenwick another go.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A nice easy read with some intrigue and mystery. It could have gone a bit deeper but nevertheless a good story.

[Encruzilhadas Literárias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este é o terceiro livro que leio de Liz Fenwick e é evidente o fascínio patente pela Cornualha. Não só porque de uma forma ou de outra, ela inclui a palavra nos títulos dos seus livros, mas também porque enaltece a região com descrições de paisagens que nos transportam para o local: não muito extensas, mas o suficiente para nos deslocarem para uma realidade sensorial em que o azul da água, o cheiro das flores e os sons líricos da natureza nos tocam.
Em Mistério na Cornualha, a autora surpreende com duas personagens femininas muito fortes, cada uma à sua maneira, tanto nas fragilidades como nas apetências para a criatividade e para a cobertura de segredos.
Gabriella volta a casa, que lhe guarda recordações de infância e lhe cria refugio de temores mais recentes, também com o intuito de passar os últimos dias de vida da avó Jaunty com ela, e desta forma ampará-la.
Cada uma com os seus traumas e desafios, as duas mulheres encontram no isolamento da cabana que lhes proporcionou as últimas duas décadas de memórias e vivências uma forma de recomeçar, reconstruir, aceitar que as feições nem sempre correm a nosso favor e procurar soluções de apaziguamento e encontro com a sua consciência.
Com um discurso dual entre passado e presente, a forma como a autora montou a estrutura foi por vezes confusa, especialmente quando iniciava a explanação de factos passados em itálico e os continuava normalmente, exigindo uma maior atenção na distinção dos vários momentos temporais. Como registo, enuncio ainda o lado melancólico que ainda não tinha sentido em nenhum dos livros da sua autoria, e que não só era vísivel por alguma enunciação de palavras, mas também pela condução do enredo, pela interação de personagens, pela apresentação lírica de elementos na envolvênvia, trazendo-nos a cada página pequenas surpresas, mas seguindo-as de uma languidez de discurso que cortava o impacto da descoberta. Este foi para mim um dos aspectos contribuiu para o defraude das minhas expectativas quanto a este livro, não necessariamente por terem sido mal conduzidas, mas porque não as esperava e/ou pretendia obter numa leitura do momento.
Quanto às personagens secundárias, e como já vem sendo frequente nos seus livros, elas têm profundidade e complexidade para poderem ser melhor exploradas, uma vez que, e seguindos os padrões habituais, estas se centram e direcionam totalmente para a trama principal estabelecida pelas duas personagens-chave.
Ainda assim, desde a força e inspiração redentora de Hanna, aos momentos de descontração de Max e à bisbilhotice de uma comunidade local bem intencionada e pronta a ajudar em qualquer crise, esta conjugação de elementos trouxeram para o livro as nuances que já vêm sendo habitais na autora, de celebração do poder da comunidade e da entreajuda.
Quanto a Fin. gostaria que a sua personagem se tivesse afastado mais do papel do redentor, que me parece injusto e inapropriada ao atender à messagem de resolução e emancipação que a autora tenta conquistar em favor das suas personagems. E ainda que a personagem seja dotada de pequenos elementos que pretensamente o retratam como anti-herói, a verdade é que ele nunca chega a sê-lo.
No geral, senti-me bem acompanhada nos últimos dias, tendo-me sido proporcionada uma leitura ainda assim envolvente, onde a paixão pela interligação de personagens e lugares é latente, e que ofereceu uma imersão completa no enredo.
Apesar de tudo, e dentro do registo do romance feminino (o qual quem nos acompanha já sabe que não é o meu forte), Liz Fenwick continua a surpreender-me e está a tornar-se uma autora que pretendo acompanhar. Ela é toda doçura, paixão pela etnografia dos lugares e redenção - e os seus livros são reconfortantes por esse motivo. - Cláudia

[Sanela K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

To je treći dio ali može se čitati posebno, svaka priča je za sebe, s tim da se u njima spominju isti sporedni likovi, mještani iz Kornvola. Na poleđini knjige piše sljedeće:
"Velika nada operske scene, tridesetdvogodišnja Gejb Blajd iz neznanih razloga posvetila se skromnom komponovanju muzike za reklame. Umjesto da se vrati svojoj karijeri, odlučuje da se preseli kod svoje babe slikarke, samotnjakinje i čudakinje Džonti, u usamljenu brvnaru na obali Francuzovog potoka, ne bi li pobjegla od svijeta zajedno s gorkom tajnom koju skriva...
Nekada slavna umjetnica Džonti sada odbrojava posljednje mjesece života, ali je i dalje proganjaju događaji iz prošlosti, naročito potapanje Lankastrije tokom rata.
Taman što su pronašle svoj mir, jedne noći usred oluje pojavljuje se privlačan neznanac, Fin, tražeći pomoć. Njemu je ostalo porodično zavještanje: jedna divna slika ušća Francuzovog potoka i brvnare, koja ga je dovela do kornvolskih obala. Dok Fin pokušava da otkrije tajnu slike, biće uvučen u život Gejb i Džonti i razotkriće nevjerovatnu priču o identitetu i izdaji."
Moja preporuka za čitanje.

[Griffinyarn · Rating 4 out of 5]

N.B. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

A beautifully written, heart wrenching story.

Jaunty has a secret. One which her granddaughter, Gabriella, and the world, needs to know. So she starts writing down the memories of her past. And time is running out... The narrative alternates between the present and the past, keeping the reader in suspense as Jaunty's secret is revealed one scene at a time. But Gabriella has a secret too...

I enjoyed reading this novel. Liz Fenwick has a lyrical writing style and skilfully engages the reader's emotions. The characters were well-developed, the pacing was good and the ending perfectly satisfying.

I would recommend this book.

Note: There are a couple of traumatic events There is a rape scene, although not graphically described, still upsetting and a couple of intimated love scenes.

[Ana Luisa Henriques · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um mistério que se adivinhava e cicatrizes da vida que não são fáceis de falar nem de ultrapassar.

Gostei bastante da parte da história que fala das cicatrizes, das marcas que deixam e das mudanças que sofremos/ que a nossa vida sofre quando temos de nos fechar numa concha e meramente sobreviver para conseguirmos andar para a frente.

Já o mistério não foi assim tão misterioso e com uma ou outra nuance até foi das coisas menos interessantes da história.

Por outro lado, a autora foi fabuloso ao conseguir levar-nos a viajar até à Cornualha e a sentir o rio que por ali passava.

Em conclusão, esperava mais desta autora, por tudo o que se fala dos seus livros... mas talvez não tenha começado pelo melhor. A ver se gosto mais de um próximo.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Liz Fenwick that I’ve had the privilege to read and Liz has now gone straight onto my favourite authors list.

This was a stunning book that I was totally absorbed in from the start. It was like a story with two halves which by the end culminated into one story. I loved the throwbacks to Jaunty’s past life. Jaunty’s life was eventful to say the least. It was exciting, fearful and tragic but it also had beautiful longing, loving moments. Gabe had a heartbreaking, tragic secret in her past which was controlling her life.
A fantastic story filled with wartime saga, lost loves and secrets that could change what lies ahead

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard of Liz Fenwick but had never read any of her books, now I am not sure why I hadn't read any as I fell in love with this story. The cover looked great and I couldn't wait to get started. The plot is an emotional one but it is portrayed so well. I love reading a good book where you can just pick it up and put it down but still remember what is going on.

I loved the fact at the end that the cabin is actually a real place, so one day I would love to visit and I really liked the photos of the different places at the back, it is such a clever idea. I will definitely be looking out for more of Liz Fenwick's books as I thought this one was brilliant.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway***

Such an engaging story! I love a good WWII story and the more secrets the better - this had both. I loved the way the story of the past was told through one of the main character's writings. The short snippets were so reflective of her own wandering mind. This story was really well done and has me interested to read something else by this author.

[Helen White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty compelling as secrets get slowly revealed. Artist Jaunty is a recluse in Cornwall when her granddaughter joins her in order to look after her. Jaunty is having none if it though and is far more interested in Fin the handsome stranger who appears on his boat. This makes it sound like a happy go lucky romance but it's actually quite dark - shadows of violence, grief, loss even murder.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, but it took me a while to get into it. Once I did, I couldn’t put it down! The descriptions of the location made me feel like I was there with the characters. Loved the storyline and the characters. This is my first Liz Fenwick book, and I’ll be reading more of this author in the future.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third book of Liz Fenwick's set in Cornwall and you really got a feel for the area to which the book was written it had fantastic characters and kept you hooked to the book to find out what was happening next. It was very clever in the way it was written and an excellent read.