The Back of Beyond Book Club

Cornish Romances Book Club #1

by Angela Britnell

A fresh start

It’s been a year since book editor Melissa Martyn’s husband passed away. Now it’s time to write a new chapter for herself.

And so she is welcomed back to the cozy Cornish village of Penworthal. Her close-knit group of girlfriends even start a book club to get Melissa back into the swing of things in Cornwall.

It seems she’s met with open arms by all but one.

A chance for forgiveness

English literature professor Nathan Kellow blames Melissa for the death of her husband — his best friend.

But Nathan has a secret. He has always been drawn to Melissa. And now he hates himself more than ever for the feelings he’s desperate to quash.

Keeping the barrier between himself and Melissa firmly in place is the easiest way to do that.

A love that could heal all

But Melissa and Nathan soon bond over their shared love of books, drawn together by the mutual attraction they’ll do anything to deny. Especially to each other.

Because they fear they’re doing the unforgiveable . . . Falling in love. Is fate offering Melissa and Nathan a second chance at a happy ending, or is this going to be a heartbreak they’ll never forget?

Genres: Romance, Womens Fiction

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2024

About the author

Find me on Facebook.

I was born in the beautiful county of Cornwall in southwestern England and grew up in a small village there. I return frequently to visit family and friends but especially to savor the cool rainy weather and hot tea. After school I joined the Royal Navy and served for nearly six years. I held varying jobs from being the only woman in the staff of a sports center to arranging social engagements for the Captain of the base. My last assignment was to Denmark where I thought I would spend a wild two years in Copenhagen only to discover I was being sent to a NATO Headquarters in a quiet town on the Jutland Peninsula. I was only disappointed for a while as I met my own tall, dark, handsome stranger there - a US Naval Officer named Richard who became my husband.

That was the beginning of an itinerant life as from Denmark we went to Sicily where we had our first son. Then it was on to Monterey, California and the birth of our second son. From there we headed to Patuxent River, Maryland where we had our third son. Richard's last assignment was to London where we spent a wonderful three years. Retiring from the Navy he took a job in Brentwood, Tennessee near where he grew up. Now he's retired for the 2nd time and I'm still writing!

I have always been a voracious reader, even at 5 years old my school reports show a keen interest in English and very little in math - some things never change! Although I enjoyed writing in school it wasn't until 2001 that I was tempted to take a creative writing class at a local recreation center which has sparked my new career.

I hope you enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoy writing it so sit back, make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy a break from everyday life.

Reviews

[Ayra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really really wanted to love this book! The entire plot was intriguing and I was very hopeful but it just fell really flat. For me the pacing was the main reason why I didn’t love it. I thought it was going to be an enemies to lovers type storyline with the late husbands best friend but it wasn’t. They started the booking hating eachother so much and by only 10% in became besties doing everything together after only one conversation.

While there was some chemistry between Melissa and Nathan, it wasn’t so intense that they should have slept together and confessed their feelings not even halfway through the book. I couldn’t keep up with their relationship dynamic and throughout the book some of the things happening felt really childish so I wasn’t sure if I was reading about someone in their 20s or 40s.

There was just alot going on and so many side characters that I had a really hard time keeping up. I didn’t really love any of the characters (even the main ones) and wasn’t that invested in their stories. A lot of the things that happened on the side get resolved or forgotten about so quickly you barely remember them even happening despite the buildup. It just wasn’t the book for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of “The Back of Beyond Book Club”

By: Angela Britnell

Available June 27/2024

Check it Out on Goodreads!!

Disclaimer: Please note that I received a Digital ARC from NetGalley and Joffe Books, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

⭐⭐☆☆☆

I had high hopes for “The Back of Beyond Book Club” by Angela Britnell, but unfortunately, it just didn’t hit the mark for me. The premise sounded promising – a fresh start for Melissa after the loss of her husband, a cozy Cornish village, and a love story with her late husband’s best friend, Nathan. But the execution fell short.

Let’s start with the positives. The chemistry between Melissa and Nathan is undeniable, and their bond over books is charming. I also appreciated the sweet relationship between Nathan and his niece, which added some warmth to the story. The book does a decent job of depicting the struggles of moving on after a loss.

However, I was expecting a slow burn romance, but by a quarter of the way through, what I thought would be a gradual build-up of longing was already over. It felt rushed and took away from the emotional depth I was hoping for.

Additionally, while some parts were engaging, other aspects felt quite juvenile. The secret-keeping and drama had a very high-school feel to them, which was disappointing given that these are supposed to be mature adults.

There was a moment in the book that seemed like a big event was unfolding, making me think I was nearing the climax. But it was resolved so quickly and then almost forgotten, which made the pacing feel off.

It also seemed like the author tried to incorporate too many character stories, which detracted from the main plot. The book summary basically covers the first quarter of the story, and after that, it felt like it lost its direction, focusing more on secondary characters than on Melissa and Nathan.

Overall, while the idea behind the book was great, it didn’t live up to its potential for me. Maybe it will resonate more with other readers, but it just wasn’t what I expected based on the summary.

Get it at…

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🎧 - Audio - 🎧

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[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The The Back of Beyond Book Club by Angela Britnell

Rating: 3.5 Stars

The Back of Beyond Book Club by Angela Britnell is a delightful blend of cozy romance, self-discovery, and a touch of mystery that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Melissa Martyn is ready to start a new chapter of her life after the devastating loss of her husband a year ago. Returning to the idyllic Cornish village of Penworthal, she is welcomed back by her close-knit group of girlfriends who form a book club to help her get back into the swing of things. The camaraderie and support among the friends are beautifully depicted, making you wish you were part of their group.

But not everyone in Penworthal is thrilled to see Melissa. Nathan Kellow, an English literature professor and her late husband's best friend, harbors resentment towards Melissa, blaming her for his friend's death. Nathan's internal struggle is palpable, especially as he grapples with his long-hidden feelings for Melissa. His battle between guilt and attraction adds depth and complexity to the story.

Despite his initial coldness, Melissa and Nathan find common ground in their shared love of books. Their journey from antagonism to a tentative friendship, and then to something deeper, is beautifully written. The tension between them is both heart-wrenching and captivating, as they navigate their feelings of guilt and the possibility of new love.

Angela Britnell weaves a story that is not just about romance, but also about healing and second chances. The scenic Cornish setting adds to the charm, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters, strolling through the village and enjoying the cozy book club meetings.

The Back of Beyond Book Club is an easy, enjoyable read that will have you rooting for Melissa and Nathan. It's a story about finding yourself after loss, the power of friendship, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good book that will leave you with a smile, this is definitely the one to pick up.


Thank you to The Author Angela Britnell & Joffe Books for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading something by this author and I found it to be a heartfelt and sweet story. It's a beautifully written tale of love, loss, and second chances. The story takes place in the charming backdrop of the Cornish village of Penworthal. It's been a year since Melissa lost her husband, and she is still trying to rebuild her life with the help of her friends. Nathan was her husband's best friend, and he blames her for his death. He struggles with guilt because he has always been drawn to Melissa, and those feelings have oy intensified. Their mutual love of books draws them close, and they can no longer deny their attraction to each other. They undeniably have strong chemistry, which is heightened by the emotional baggage they both carry. Nathan is conflicted between his feelings for Melissa and loyalty to his friend. Although they both struggle initially with their feelings, they eventually realize that love can blossom, even in the wake of tragedy.
A beautiful romance full of emotion that takes the reader on a journey of hope and healing. If you enjoy small-town settings and an emotional romance, then this would definitely be a book to pick up. The story will leave you with a warm feeling and a smile on your face.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable romance read from the author!! Set against the backdrop of Cornwall, we are introduced to Melissa who is recovering from the loss of her husband 1 year ago. If it was up to her she'd hide away for longer, but her neighbour Josie won't let that happen and gets her involved in a local book club to get back out into the world!

Her family are back in Tennessee but Melissa loves the Cornwall life and makes her feel close to Robin, and surrounded by people who loved him too. His friend Nathan, for some reason, seems to blame Melissa for Robins' death and it's only until they spend time together and talk that the reality of his belief is shattered.

There's a nice slower pace to this story, and watching her reconnect with the world and think about dating again is approached with care and didn't feel fake or rushed. The characters are the big draw in this book as they are in their 40's so have a more mature attitude to life!

The friendship group have problems of their own too, so that gives you a chance to see that problems happen to everyone and come in all shapes and sizes! And it was good to have different issues to focus on.

A real 'feelgood' book about moving on and the importance of friendship.

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf at 30%

I picked up this book because the premise seemed really interesting but unfortunately, I was left disappointed.

I expected an enemies-to-loves story based on the premise but this was really only present in the first 10% of the book. I felt like the romance was under developed and I wasn't really invested in their relationship.

The characters (both the mains and sides) weren't memorable. I also felt like the main characters behaved inconsistently and I couldn't really tell what their motivations were.

I wanted to keep reading but I just couldn't. I felt like I wasn't the target audience (female in my late 20s). Something about the writing gave me an undertone of looking down on younger people based on how Chloe was depicted and it left a sour taste in my mouth. This could have gotten better later in the book but unfortunately, I was no longer interested in continuing.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for gifting me this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I've read a couple of books by this author before, and I forgot how much I like her style of writing. The book is set in Cornwall, and I could picture myself, walking through the streets of Newlyn or seeing St Michael's Mount just by reading the book.

This is a lovely romance, with a bit of intrigue in the middle when 2 of the characters go missing.

Melissa returns to Cornwall after her husband, Robin, dies. She's met with suspicion by his best friend, Nathan, but all is not what it seems, after they meet and talk. Both in the literary field, she's a freelance editor; Nathan, a Professor of English Literature, they have lots to talk about. She's a member of the local book club, and they're reading books set in Cornwall, so Nathan takes her to locations in the books she's reading. Several of the books mentioned I've read, which gave me further insight into the story.

I'm definitely going to read more of this authors work as I really enjoyed reading this book. This book deserves a 5 star review as it's so good.

[Samantha Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Back of Beyond Book Club was…interesting. A cozy romance about finding yourself and new love while dealing with grief, but also a side of mystery thrown in?

Melissa is ready to get her life back together after the loss of her husband. With the help of her friends and a new love interest, she learns more about herself and how to heal.

This book had the makings of being a cozy romance but then there’s a sudden mystery thrown in halfway through that everyone is investigating. There is also a disconnect between chapters that leaves you wanting more details about what's happening. Problems arise and then are solved a couple of paragraphs later. I would have rather this book been longer to include more than what it was.

Overall, 3 stars from me. Not sure that I’d really recommend it, but it surely wasn't the worst book I’ve ever read either.

Thank you Joffre Books and Netgalley for the copy!

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* A lighthearted, enjoyable and easy read.

Set in Penworthal, Cornwall, the latest in Angela Britnell's Cornwall/Tennessee collection. I've read many of this author's books, the plots usually consist of family chaos leading to romance, this is more of a cosy mystery and a MC's second time around romance.

Almost everything seems to be covered here: widowhood, crippling debt, troubled family life, a violent ex-husband, pregnancy, crime, alleged adultery and romance. Phew. There's enough here to keep everyone interested.

With plenty of Cornish location descriptions for the armchair traveller, easy reading with believable and likeable characters. Being super critical, I think Angela’s previous books were better, certainly more humorous, but I still found this entertaining. Rate 3.5 marking up to 4.

eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books/Choc-Lit, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book because the premise sounded promising.

I was looking forward to reading a cozy, enemies to lovers/ husbands best friend storyline, however it fell flat and I couldn’t keep up with all the sub plots.

There was so much happening in the background, which was unfortunate because It took the focus away from Melissa and Nathan. The “enemies” portion of the tale didn’t last very long and it was really hard to connect with any of the characters.

Melissa and Nathan’s relationship seemed immature and rushed, their chemistry was lacking and they really were not a memorable couple.

The story may not have been for me but I’m glad others enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

2/5 stars

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Book

After the death of her husband, Robin, Melissa returned home to Tennessee but now she is back in Cornwall and beginning to pick up the threads of her life again. All her friends are happy to see her apart from Nathan Kellow, friend of Robin who blames Melissa for Robin’s death. Melissa and her friends are gathering for a meeting of the Back of Beyond book club, mostly to eat cake and gossip, but to also talk about books. No one knows the true state of Melissa’s marriage and she hopes things will stay that way, but secrets have a habit of being found out. I really enjoyed this book, once again Angela wrote with humour and compassion which made the characters seem real.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7⭐️

La única manera en la que pueda aceptar que la/el espos@ se quede con el amig@ de cónyuge muerto es que el/la esposa haya sido mala persona y pues aquí se cumplió.

La historia no es mala, pero se tratan muchas cosas que al final ninguna se le dedica el tiempo necesario y todo queda a la mitad. Por ejemplo, ¿qué paso con Laura y Barry? ¿Barry se enteró de la infidelidad? ¿Qué pasó con el ex de Josie?, etc.

Fue como leer los chismes del pueblo.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favourite of Angela Britnell's books (although I know I've said it before), partly because it has a book theme (not just the book club, but also Melissa being an editor and Nathan a professor of English literature) and maybe even more because Nathan is my favourite kind of romance hero - simply kind and smart but not showing off for it (or anything else). I also really enjoyed the subplots involving their friends/family members.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited by the premise of this book with it having book club in the title but unfortunately I did not love it as much as I thought I would although it was an ok read. I liked the chapters discussing the book group meetings but there was a lot of things going on with the characters which detracted from overall enjoyment of reading and o was expecting more of a love hate relationship between Melissa and Nathan.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the Cornish setting and the scenes describing the places of interest from the books that were chosen by the book club.

[Kim Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not long finished Summer In Paradise Valley by this author which I really enjoyed. I really wanted to love this book but it didn’t blow me away, I found I had to really concentrate and back track a lot with characters it took me a while to get used to them. I was surprised how quickly the romance started between Melissa and Nathan. I know Cornwall very well but have never been to Jamaica Inn this has spurred me into wanting to go.visit and I will think about that part of the book when I’m there!

[Laney Leichter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was well done and great mixture of romance and some mystery. I will admit that when I first picked up this book I thought it was going to be just like every other book i’ve read, self-healing and new beginnings type thing, but in all actuality it was a well done book and gave me a better perspective.

I enjoyed Melissa and her group of friends trying to help her navigate grief, and the romance was an added bonus.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle romance that all will enjoy. There are enough sub-plots and twists to keep you reading. Melissa and her friends are a Book Club I'd love to be part of! There are lovely moments between Nathan and Melissa but initially with a slightly sad overtone. Their romance seemed to kick off very fast but for me it worked OK. This is an easy read, ideal for poolside reading. Enjoy!

I received an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Avantia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soap opera

I downloaded this coz it looked like a sweet small town romance but this book isn't that... It's a soap opera! There so much going on I never felt connected to either main characters... It's though their eyes but that's it.. The writing didn't jump from the page and the plots played out like neighbours or something. I gave two stars coz if you like soaps you will like this but it's a hard no from me

[penny robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Binding

As opposed to spell binding! This story has to be read in one session as it captures you in its spell from Page One. I loved the main story plus the back stories of the secondary characters. Having lived in Cornwall twice this book is evocative of life in a Cornish Village - and interesting to learn that the author has also lived in Cornwall too. Highly recommended!

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, I loved the blurb when I first read it. But it just didn’t get me excited, I liked the characters but I felt that there wasn’t much about the book club which what the whole book title was about. I found some of the parts in the book a little confusing, I’m just disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would have.

[Jessica Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and wholesome story about finding yourself after loss.

A very easy story to read and get lost in with the characters that you can’t help but end up loving.

Nicely paced and definitely made me smile by the end knowing the MC was happy and had found herself again.

Overall a 4 star read x

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story about second chances and friendship. I enjoyed this village and the wide range of characters living there. Very nice summer day read.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Dawn Probert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyful and fun book. Lovely Cornish scenery and characters. Good strong women and great friendships too. This was a great story book and I really enjoyed and struggled to put it down. Great holiday read. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

[Heather Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell upon this by chance

Lovely lighthearted entertaining and romantic. A good book to unwind with. The epilogue wets your appetite to delve into other novels. I will certainly look out for more from this author. Thank-you for entertaining me.

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely read

I enjoyed reading this book about widow Melissa and her late husbands best friend Nathan. This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Melissa and Nathan. She is his best friends widow, so should be off limits, but will she stay that way? A great read, I liked how it was told from both points of view

[Maddi Girling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Some of it was a bit over the place and stuff thrown in that didn’t make sense but it followed a storyline that dealt with real feelings and emotions. Overall a great book.

[Ari (Head in a Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nice.
RTC

[June Selby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable but not exciting. I found it hard to invest in any of the characters

[Emma Blackmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, great characters, heart warming plot set in and around Cornwall.