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Cliffs of Cornwall #2
A Stranger's Secret
As a grieving widow, Morwenna only wants to make a life for herself and her young son at her murdered husband’s estate. Until an unconscious man washes up on her shore, entangling her in a web of mysteries that threatens everything she holds dear.
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son’s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.
Upon learning of his father’s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father’s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family’s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna’s care do the pieces start falling together.
As David recovers in Morwenna’s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives—and mysteries—are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives.
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son’s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.
Upon learning of his father’s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father’s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family’s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna’s care do the pieces start falling together.
As David recovers in Morwenna’s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives—and mysteries—are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
34 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Alice Eakes
56 books363 followersLaurie Alice Eakes used to lie in bed as a child telling herself stories so she didn’t wake anyone else up. Sometimes she shared her stories withothers; thus, when she decided to be a writer, she surprised no one. Family Guardian, her first book, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007. In the past three years, she has sold six books to Baker/Revell, five of which are set during the Regency time period, four books to Barbour Publishing, as well as two novellas to Barbour Publishing and one to Baker/Revell. Seven of her books have been picked up by Thorndike Press for large print publication, and Lady in the Mist, her first book with Revell, was chosen for hardcover publication with Crossings Bookclub. She also teaches on-line writing courses and enjoys a speaking ministry that has taken her from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.
Laurie Alice lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs and two cats, and is learning how to make tamales.
You can learn more about her and her work at http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
Laurie Alice lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs and two cats, and is learning how to make tamales.
You can learn more about her and her work at http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 24, 2015
Over the last few years, I've come across a few other plots involving washed up, unconscious men discovered by heroines on the shores of their beaches, ponds or swamps. I wondered what would make this one special or different. Being set on the rugged coast of Cornwall was the drawcard for me. It's that nineteenth century time period when wreckers were notorious for deliberately luring ships to their doom for treasure and extra revenue. I was intrigued by the fact that the hero, although a stranger to the heroine, was wearing a medallion bearing her family crest when she found him.
Although she helps nurse him back to health, Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penvenan and shipbuilder David Chastain both believe they have good reason to regard each other with suspicion. All he knows is that he'd been on a mission to bring his dead father's body back from Falmouth, and suddenly finds himself a seriously injured guest beneath her roof. And David is well aware that Lady Morwenna is under suspicion of being part of a wreckers' ring herself. She certainly could use the money. For her part, she's desperately trying to clear her name and preserve her infant son's inheritance. Morwenna wonders why that medallion had been in David's possession, and who stole it the moment she was gone.
As I read, I wondered whether there might have been a previous novel, as references to Morwenna's grandparents and cousins made the plot sound thicker than it seemed on the surface. Her absent cousins, Elizabeth and Drake, seemed to be written larger than life, making me wonder if their escapades were part of other stories which I missed. I checked and saw that it was true. I should have read 'A Lady's Honor' first, which might have helped make a few aspects of this story clearer. Some sequels can stand alone but I'm not sure this is one of them.
Although I liked David from the start, it took me longer to warm to Morwenna. She comes across as very defensive and snippy. Not having read the prequel, I saw no problems with her grandparents' behaviour early on, for example, making me wonder why Morwenna had to keep her stand-offish pride intact. Even as secrets are gradually revealed, I feel her mysterious, self-sufficient attitude helped distance me from this main character who I would have preferred to relate to. She tries so hard to keep everyone at arm's length, it works even with the reader. However, if I'd read that prequel, it might have made all the difference.
Being reminded of David's attraction to Morwenna's stunning beauty got a bit tedious, along with how slight and delicately built she is. This was getting to the stage where I was saying, 'Yeah, come on, we know already,' whenever yet another mention popped up.
In many ways, the plot is good, with a romance involving a decent dash of mystery and threats of danger. I'd just recommend that you read the first book first, so you're not floundering as I was.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for my review copy.
Although she helps nurse him back to health, Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penvenan and shipbuilder David Chastain both believe they have good reason to regard each other with suspicion. All he knows is that he'd been on a mission to bring his dead father's body back from Falmouth, and suddenly finds himself a seriously injured guest beneath her roof. And David is well aware that Lady Morwenna is under suspicion of being part of a wreckers' ring herself. She certainly could use the money. For her part, she's desperately trying to clear her name and preserve her infant son's inheritance. Morwenna wonders why that medallion had been in David's possession, and who stole it the moment she was gone.
As I read, I wondered whether there might have been a previous novel, as references to Morwenna's grandparents and cousins made the plot sound thicker than it seemed on the surface. Her absent cousins, Elizabeth and Drake, seemed to be written larger than life, making me wonder if their escapades were part of other stories which I missed. I checked and saw that it was true. I should have read 'A Lady's Honor' first, which might have helped make a few aspects of this story clearer. Some sequels can stand alone but I'm not sure this is one of them.
Although I liked David from the start, it took me longer to warm to Morwenna. She comes across as very defensive and snippy. Not having read the prequel, I saw no problems with her grandparents' behaviour early on, for example, making me wonder why Morwenna had to keep her stand-offish pride intact. Even as secrets are gradually revealed, I feel her mysterious, self-sufficient attitude helped distance me from this main character who I would have preferred to relate to. She tries so hard to keep everyone at arm's length, it works even with the reader. However, if I'd read that prequel, it might have made all the difference.
Being reminded of David's attraction to Morwenna's stunning beauty got a bit tedious, along with how slight and delicately built she is. This was getting to the stage where I was saying, 'Yeah, come on, we know already,' whenever yet another mention popped up.
In many ways, the plot is good, with a romance involving a decent dash of mystery and threats of danger. I'd just recommend that you read the first book first, so you're not floundering as I was.
Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for my review copy.
September 26, 2021
I was intrigued by Morwenna after 'meeting' her in 'A Lady's Honor', so was glad to see her own story was getting told in this book. I ended up really liking her: despite her pridefulness, she honestly was trying to do what she felt God wanted her to do.
I also enjoyed the character of David, though he did attempt to keep too many secrets to himself, which he should have shared with Morwenna once he realised he could trust her.
The twists and turns of the suspense had me drawing conclusions, and then redrawing several times throughout the book, and ultimately, I was surprised at who the culprit was, though we'd been given sufficient hints all along.
(I know that at this point it is highly unlikely, but I kinda wish we would get a story about Drake, the 3rd Trelawny cousin.)
I also enjoyed the character of David, though he did attempt to keep too many secrets to himself, which he should have shared with Morwenna once he realised he could trust her.
The twists and turns of the suspense had me drawing conclusions, and then redrawing several times throughout the book, and ultimately, I was surprised at who the culprit was, though we'd been given sufficient hints all along.
(I know that at this point it is highly unlikely, but I kinda wish we would get a story about Drake, the 3rd Trelawny cousin.)
June 28, 2015
Widowed Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penvanan wants nothing more than to be left in her rundown mansion, but her grandparents want her to move back to their estate … or marry one of her pursuers. Plans change when she finds a shipwreck survivor on her private beach, a strange man with the Trelawny family crest on his pendant.
David Chastain is a shipbuilder who has travelled to Cornwell to try and solve the mystery of his father’s death, and the disappearance of their family’s money. But now he’s injured and in the care of an angel …
A Stranger's Secret never engaged me. I didn’t understand why Morwenna chose to live in the rundown Penvanan when her grandparents lived in luxury only a short distance away, and where where her parents? These questions were answered, but not until too late for my liking (and I had read the first book in the series, A Lady’s Honor, so that wasn’t the reason).
I found the first three-quarters of the novel very slow, which wasn’t helped by Morwenna’s overlong interior monologue (which still didn’t give any information about how she got into her situation, or why she wouldn’t accept help). David wasn’t any better: late in the book, we found out he knew more than he’d let on, which was a problem I had with the first book in the series as well. In contrast, the ending was fast—too fast. I never felt as though I got to know either character.
The historical research and sense of time and place was excellent, as were the Christian themes. However, I found some of the writing to be overly complex, almost archaic, even for a novel set during the Regency. There were several times when I found myself reading and rereading sentences in order to understand what was being said. I never had that problem reading Jane Austen.
Overall, I found A Stranger’s Secret a struggle to finish, because it took so long to get interesting and I felt no connection with any of the characters.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
David Chastain is a shipbuilder who has travelled to Cornwell to try and solve the mystery of his father’s death, and the disappearance of their family’s money. But now he’s injured and in the care of an angel …
A Stranger's Secret never engaged me. I didn’t understand why Morwenna chose to live in the rundown Penvanan when her grandparents lived in luxury only a short distance away, and where where her parents? These questions were answered, but not until too late for my liking (and I had read the first book in the series, A Lady’s Honor, so that wasn’t the reason).
I found the first three-quarters of the novel very slow, which wasn’t helped by Morwenna’s overlong interior monologue (which still didn’t give any information about how she got into her situation, or why she wouldn’t accept help). David wasn’t any better: late in the book, we found out he knew more than he’d let on, which was a problem I had with the first book in the series as well. In contrast, the ending was fast—too fast. I never felt as though I got to know either character.
The historical research and sense of time and place was excellent, as were the Christian themes. However, I found some of the writing to be overly complex, almost archaic, even for a novel set during the Regency. There were several times when I found myself reading and rereading sentences in order to understand what was being said. I never had that problem reading Jane Austen.
Overall, I found A Stranger’s Secret a struggle to finish, because it took so long to get interesting and I felt no connection with any of the characters.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
June 13, 2015
Give me a novel filled with intriguing suspense and I promise you’ll find one very happy reader. In my opinion, there’s nothing like feeling the salt of the sea from the pages of a novel, or getting so connected to the characters of the story -even to the story itself- that they seem within arms reach. I’m glad to say those pleasures were not missed in the second Cliffs Of Cornwall novel, A Stranger’s Secret.
I’m so glad this book gave closure to some of the unanswered questions I had about Morwenna. In A Lady’s Honor, the first novel in the series, the little we get to see of Morwenna made me think that she was nothing more than stubborn and forward. Did I forget to mention exasperating? But as I settled into the novel’s pages, a happy sigh of relief easily escaped when I realized, ”Hey, she isn’t that at all!” And the hero of this story? Definitely worth reading about!
At first, I really didn’t know what to expect in this novel. Towards the end, I still didn’t know what to expect. Every time I thought I had everything figured out something in the story would prove me wrong. Every time. Now I’m extremely excited to see what the next book in this series will bring!
Originally posted here:https://athoughtreflected.wordpress.c...
I’m so glad this book gave closure to some of the unanswered questions I had about Morwenna. In A Lady’s Honor, the first novel in the series, the little we get to see of Morwenna made me think that she was nothing more than stubborn and forward. Did I forget to mention exasperating? But as I settled into the novel’s pages, a happy sigh of relief easily escaped when I realized, ”Hey, she isn’t that at all!” And the hero of this story? Definitely worth reading about!
At first, I really didn’t know what to expect in this novel. Towards the end, I still didn’t know what to expect. Every time I thought I had everything figured out something in the story would prove me wrong. Every time. Now I’m extremely excited to see what the next book in this series will bring!
Originally posted here:https://athoughtreflected.wordpress.c...
August 14, 2025
From the very beginning this was a continual listen for me. Laura Kirman’s superb narration made the strong characters come alive and the story intriguing, with its’ stranger castaway on the beach of Cornwall and the lonely Morwenna Trelawny who finds him. The romantic aspect of this book remained clean but boy, did one ever feel the chemistry and building intimacy between David Chastain and Ms. Trelawny! 😍 I had no idea how all the mysteries in the story were going to weave together into the end, which kept me on the edge of my seat all the way! Considering I’ve already read all of Abigail Wilson’s novels, I think I’ve found a new author now, who not only writes extremely well, but who tells a captivating, suspenseful tale in a time period in history that I love to read about, one that warmed my heart & left me smiling at the very last!
Apparently this is book #2 in the series and I didn’t realize it. Oh well! 🤷♀️ On to book # 1 from here!
Apparently this is book #2 in the series and I didn’t realize it. Oh well! 🤷♀️ On to book # 1 from here!
December 20, 2017
A mysterious stranger.
False Accusations.
A beauty with a troubled past.
An unexpected death.
A mystery to solve.
All good ingredients for a great story and it was really well written. But....
I didn’t love this book and I’m not sure why. Something just didn’t click for me. I didn’t really like the main character, but I think it’s just my personal preference. I will be going back to read the first book, maybe reading them out of order is the reason I wasn’t fully engaged.
Also the ending was disappointing. I was hoping for something more complex. But the villain was a typical spoiled boy who threw a temper tantrum and tried to ruin everyone’s lives. He conveniently falls off a cliff. Everyone forgives everyone else for their selfish pride and lives happily ever after.
False Accusations.
A beauty with a troubled past.
An unexpected death.
A mystery to solve.
All good ingredients for a great story and it was really well written. But....
I didn’t love this book and I’m not sure why. Something just didn’t click for me. I didn’t really like the main character, but I think it’s just my personal preference. I will be going back to read the first book, maybe reading them out of order is the reason I wasn’t fully engaged.
Also the ending was disappointing. I was hoping for something more complex. But the villain was a typical spoiled boy who threw a temper tantrum and tried to ruin everyone’s lives. He conveniently falls off a cliff. Everyone forgives everyone else for their selfish pride and lives happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2021
4 1/2 stars
Right from the start there was mystery surrounding the heroine, Lady Morwenna. She struggled with an overload of pride and a distinct lack of self-worth. Deep down, she was kind and loyal, but her past required her to wear a thick armor to protect herself and her son. I rooted for her to find love and to find her value as a person.
I received this book complimentary from a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
Right from the start there was mystery surrounding the heroine, Lady Morwenna. She struggled with an overload of pride and a distinct lack of self-worth. Deep down, she was kind and loyal, but her past required her to wear a thick armor to protect herself and her son. I rooted for her to find love and to find her value as a person.
I received this book complimentary from a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
August 13, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Morwenna Penvenan, a character previously introduced in A Lady’s Honor, becomes the dynamic center of attention in Laurie Alice Eakes’ second Cliffs of Cornwall novel, A Stranger’s Secret. Her story fascinated and captivated me, and I loved it, just as much as I remember enjoying A Lady’s Honor. With the similar secret-laden suspense, between-the-classes romance and introspective character reflection and growth, A Stranger’s Secret provides a great follow-up story and is an entirely addictive and intriguing historical read. Fans of the genre cannot go wrong in picking up this novel - I recommend it and cannot wait to read more from Laurie Alice Eakes in the future.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A Stranger’s Secret and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Morwenna Penvenan, a character previously introduced in A Lady’s Honor, becomes the dynamic center of attention in Laurie Alice Eakes’ second Cliffs of Cornwall novel, A Stranger’s Secret. Her story fascinated and captivated me, and I loved it, just as much as I remember enjoying A Lady’s Honor. With the similar secret-laden suspense, between-the-classes romance and introspective character reflection and growth, A Stranger’s Secret provides a great follow-up story and is an entirely addictive and intriguing historical read. Fans of the genre cannot go wrong in picking up this novel - I recommend it and cannot wait to read more from Laurie Alice Eakes in the future.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of A Stranger’s Secret and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
August 13, 2015
Regency meets Gothic along the rugged cliffs of Cornwall. Those three things alone sent me into rapid reader rapture. Add in the fact that the author is Laurie Alice Eakes and I was in such a dizzy delirium it's a wonder I could read a word. But I managed -- read every last delicious one while alternately swooning and fuming along the way.
This is the second book in the Cliffs of Cornwall series. I think it reads well as a standalone, but you'll 'get' Morwenna (and the complicated Trelawny clan) better if you've read A Lady of Honor.
I love the intensity of Eakes stories. The way she builds suspense. And painstakingly dishes out tidbits of juicy clues. Keeps me riveted every time. And the romance -- impossible and adversarial one minute, sweet and tender the next. Then there's the fainting couch worthy kisses. Oh my! Exquisite read from beginning to end.
This is the second book in the Cliffs of Cornwall series. I think it reads well as a standalone, but you'll 'get' Morwenna (and the complicated Trelawny clan) better if you've read A Lady of Honor.
I love the intensity of Eakes stories. The way she builds suspense. And painstakingly dishes out tidbits of juicy clues. Keeps me riveted every time. And the romance -- impossible and adversarial one minute, sweet and tender the next. Then there's the fainting couch worthy kisses. Oh my! Exquisite read from beginning to end.
March 12, 2016
I had the privilege of reading this for endorsement. Here's what I said: "With a fabulous mix of emotionally complex romance, gothic suspense, and characters who will stay in reader's minds long after the book is finished, A Stranger's Secret is a compelling mystery-infused love story that any historical romance lover will enjoy."--Dawn Crandall, author of The Hesitant Heiress, The Bound Heart and The Captive Imposter
December 5, 2021
Story begins with David, a boat builder, washing ashore during a storm. He is rescued by Morwenna, a prideful and widowed Triloni granddaughter. Morwenna rescues him and suspects the ship he was in was lured to crash on the rocks to rob it and the passengers of their possessions. But someone is trying to kill David by poisoning and he trusts no one, especially not Morwenna, his rescuer.
I liked the independent spirit of Morwenna. Her character develops and matures in this story. The book will interest readers interested in historical books set in England in the 19th century and laced with intrigue and family drama. Morwenna’s tries to escape her autocratic family, while David misses the closeness of his own.
I liked the independent spirit of Morwenna. Her character develops and matures in this story. The book will interest readers interested in historical books set in England in the 19th century and laced with intrigue and family drama. Morwenna’s tries to escape her autocratic family, while David misses the closeness of his own.
November 30, 2017
A lady, a man and a mystery.
And a very little of a plot.
I hate to give a disappointed review of a book I thought I would like.
But, unfortunately, the plot there is very predictable and full of cliches. And americanisms (being an European, I wish that historical England (or Cornwall here) was less attractive to the writers who are not from there).
I love the authoress' s other works, so I will continue to read her. But I think I will prefer the novels from the American soil, as I can learn more from them.
And a very little of a plot.
I hate to give a disappointed review of a book I thought I would like.
But, unfortunately, the plot there is very predictable and full of cliches. And americanisms (being an European, I wish that historical England (or Cornwall here) was less attractive to the writers who are not from there).
I love the authoress' s other works, so I will continue to read her. But I think I will prefer the novels from the American soil, as I can learn more from them.
October 29, 2024
3.75 stars
Although I did enjoy this book, it didn't keep me as hooked as the first one in the series.
Morwenna was trying to do her best to be a good mother and to obey God. David came into her life and stirs up a lot of things. I liked the way Morwenna & David both spoke to the Lord naturally, as it should be.
I like that Morwenna's Grandparents tried to make amends for the past. There were a lot of twists and turns in this, but I felt that the ending was quite abrupt.
I own this on audible and the narrator did a good job with all the different accents.
Although I did enjoy this book, it didn't keep me as hooked as the first one in the series.
Morwenna was trying to do her best to be a good mother and to obey God. David came into her life and stirs up a lot of things. I liked the way Morwenna & David both spoke to the Lord naturally, as it should be.
I like that Morwenna's Grandparents tried to make amends for the past. There were a lot of twists and turns in this, but I felt that the ending was quite abrupt.
I own this on audible and the narrator did a good job with all the different accents.
May 26, 2017
This second book in the series is as enjoyable as the first. Packed with adventure, romance, secrets, and attempted murder, this book is hard to put down. Morwenna is fiesty and passionate, yet yearns to be loved for herself. David is a kind strong character, but doesn't know if he can trust Morwenna or if she is trying to kill him. The ending came a bit out of nowhere, but I really enjoyed the story.
November 8, 2017
I could not set this book down. I was riveted. I had to find out what was going on and how things turned out. I was a bit disappointed at the end when I found out who had done what but not so much that my rating (5 stars) fell at all. My one question now is whether there will be a book 3 with Drake’s story—probably not but a girl can wish....
March 15, 2019
Intriguing romance between a jaded lady of position, if not wealth, and a common boat builder who suspects her of involvement in his father's murder. Complicated family relationships and a dab of blue-collar heroism add meat to the bones of a very entertaining read.
October 22, 2019
This was good but not as good as the first. However, I do love the way Laurie Alice Eakes writes. Morwenna's pride does show through in a lot of us thinking we can do everything without the help of others. This makes the character very life like.
March 14, 2024
This filled a Poldark void. It is the type of a read that is as a guilty pleasure for me - historical fiction, Cornwall, mystery, murder, desire, love against the odds… Unlikely and very predictable all the same time. I enjoyed it and will be looking for more from this author.
July 22, 2017
3.5 stars. Good book. Nice mystery mixed with clean romance.
August 26, 2017
Enjoyable, quick read.
October 28, 2017
It was great to read further into the family and their history.
December 2, 2017
<> makes me want to visit Cornwall
April 2, 2018
Book was okay didn’t like it as much as others of Her books.
May 16, 2018
Enjoyable
Well written, with a good plot. There’s enough mystery as well as romance to keep me reading. It is refreshingly clean, as well!
Well written, with a good plot. There’s enough mystery as well as romance to keep me reading. It is refreshingly clean, as well!
September 16, 2018
Fun, but not well thought out.
It was a fun fantasy that was not backed up with dimension. What could've been a great story lacked depth.
It was a fun fantasy that was not backed up with dimension. What could've been a great story lacked depth.
April 9, 2019
Captivating! The story grabbed you immediately and held a mystery till the end. The romance was endearing and the characters well crafted.
July 10, 2019
Somewhat disappointing story since the resolution to the mystery seemed forced.
June 29, 2023
I enjoyed this story.
Content: clean - mild violence, passionate kissing
Content: clean - mild violence, passionate kissing
May 12, 2015
A Stranger's Secret (Cliff's of Cornwall, #2)
About the Book:
As a grieving widow, Morwenna only wants to make a life for herself and her young son at her murdered husband s estate. Until an unconscious man washes up on her shore, entangling her in a web of mysteries that threatens everything she holds dear.
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.
Upon learning of his father s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna s care do the pieces start falling together.
As David recovers in Morwenna s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives and mysteries are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives."
My Review:
Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penevan married a heir to a barony, when she was a young woman. When he was foolishly killed a while later, she was left with a son, the heir to the Penevan title. Now all she wishes is to raise her son, quietly and happily with out people standing in her way, trying force their thoughts on both her and her son. What makes it worse is all the security has felt in a tiny cottage in the woods is fall down around her, bit by bit. To make things worse, ships are continuously crashing on rocks, on the beach before her home. And again she is blamed for the crash. Once more she ventures to the shore line to see if anyone survived the dreadful accident. And there she finds a man cold, wet and unconscious, but yet he still breathes.
David Chastain learned of his father’s death and headed to the spot to fetch his body. When he arrives he finds a letter and a medallion around his neck. The medallion having the Trelawny Crest, is unlike anything he has seen before. Soon he is on a ship headed back home, but that too comes to an abrupt end. He awakens in severe pain, with a dark haired angel, tending to his wounds. It all seems fine until he discovers the medallion that once was around his neck has come up missing. Accusing the pretty woman of this misfortune only makes her upset and she begins questioning him herself about how he came to receive her families medallion.
Morwenna and David both find that their questions both come up unanswered. As she nurses him back to health, all while reputation continues to go down hill. But when someone wishes for David’s life, Morwenna and David must team up to find out who is after him and why. All while, they try keep their growing feelings to themselves.
I just adore Laurie Alice Eakes’ books, she has this amazing way to incorporate a mystery into a beautiful love story. Once I start reading I just can’t put it down! This book is book 2 in the Cliffs of Cornwall series. And I’m looking forward to the authors new book that is coming out in December!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.
About the Book:
As a grieving widow, Morwenna only wants to make a life for herself and her young son at her murdered husband s estate. Until an unconscious man washes up on her shore, entangling her in a web of mysteries that threatens everything she holds dear.
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.
Upon learning of his father s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna s care do the pieces start falling together.
As David recovers in Morwenna s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives and mysteries are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives."
My Review:
Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penevan married a heir to a barony, when she was a young woman. When he was foolishly killed a while later, she was left with a son, the heir to the Penevan title. Now all she wishes is to raise her son, quietly and happily with out people standing in her way, trying force their thoughts on both her and her son. What makes it worse is all the security has felt in a tiny cottage in the woods is fall down around her, bit by bit. To make things worse, ships are continuously crashing on rocks, on the beach before her home. And again she is blamed for the crash. Once more she ventures to the shore line to see if anyone survived the dreadful accident. And there she finds a man cold, wet and unconscious, but yet he still breathes.
David Chastain learned of his father’s death and headed to the spot to fetch his body. When he arrives he finds a letter and a medallion around his neck. The medallion having the Trelawny Crest, is unlike anything he has seen before. Soon he is on a ship headed back home, but that too comes to an abrupt end. He awakens in severe pain, with a dark haired angel, tending to his wounds. It all seems fine until he discovers the medallion that once was around his neck has come up missing. Accusing the pretty woman of this misfortune only makes her upset and she begins questioning him herself about how he came to receive her families medallion.
Morwenna and David both find that their questions both come up unanswered. As she nurses him back to health, all while reputation continues to go down hill. But when someone wishes for David’s life, Morwenna and David must team up to find out who is after him and why. All while, they try keep their growing feelings to themselves.
I just adore Laurie Alice Eakes’ books, she has this amazing way to incorporate a mystery into a beautiful love story. Once I start reading I just can’t put it down! This book is book 2 in the Cliffs of Cornwall series. And I’m looking forward to the authors new book that is coming out in December!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.
April 4, 2016
A Stranger’s Secret is the sixth book I have read by this author. In some ways, I might say it was better than the previous title in series, with its somewhat worn characterization of the superfluous and wonderful American hero. Morwenna was an interesting character in the last book, and is the protagonist in this one, which made things somewhat more interesting to see her come into her own, and her perspective on events.
I am sure though that her son’s name was changed- I’m sure I remember her calling him Conan after his father in the last one- but now he’s called Mihal- some kind of Cornish version of Michael, apparently. As for the hero- well like most in romance novels is was hugely handsome- though not as annoyingly sanctimonious as Rowan Curnow from the last book, and was at least credible. Except perhaps his Somerset accent.
There were also some wonderfully evocative and realistic depictions of the Cornish landscape, with some exiting scenes- but- I could say the first part of the novel was better. By the end I felt that the mystery was drawn out for too long, and events as well as the characters actions and responses became too predictable and repetitive. I mean David was poisoned something like three times- and the device of every chapter, or almost every chapter, having to end with some dramatic event or cliff-hanger just didn’t always work for me.
Could this reader be forgiven for mentioning Drama at the expense of other aspects of good storytelling?
Sadly also, this novel seemed to have a lot of the clichés of romantic fiction, with characters kissing and touching at really inappropriate or illogical moments- including in company- beating themselves up about how it was totally unseemly- then doing it again. I also found some of the characters attitudes annoyingly inconsistent. Morwenna’s grandparents for instance seemed to be presented as loving and having her best interests at heart one minute- then shortly after she would be griping about how ‘authoritarian’ they were. I have noticed that a few other books by this author seem to level the same accusation at authority figures such as parents- and it times it seems to be for no other reason than that they won’t let the protagonist do what they want- even if it’s dangerous, stupid or illogical, because it goes against their ideas of personal ‘freedom’.
On a personal level, I did not appreciate the passage in which one of the characters was scornful of the idea of freedom and equality- saying another character who believed it was as bad as an American- which seemed to be implying that such ideas were alien and abhorrent to ‘proper’ high-born Brits. To me, this seems a very arrogant notion, suggesting that Americans invented freedom and had some kind of monopoly on it.
American readers might attack me for this- but neither of the above is true.
Gripes aside, I would say this book was a marginal improvement on the last one, which annoyed me for several reasons which were mostly not present here. It is honestly not a bad novel, I just don’t think it’s that brilliant or has much to make it stand out from the crowd. Certainly worth reading as a decent regency with an interesting backdrop and a solid Christian theme. This series and author are not personal favourites, but others make like them better.
I received a free Kindle Edition of this book from Zondervan via Booklookbloggers for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
I am sure though that her son’s name was changed- I’m sure I remember her calling him Conan after his father in the last one- but now he’s called Mihal- some kind of Cornish version of Michael, apparently. As for the hero- well like most in romance novels is was hugely handsome- though not as annoyingly sanctimonious as Rowan Curnow from the last book, and was at least credible. Except perhaps his Somerset accent.
There were also some wonderfully evocative and realistic depictions of the Cornish landscape, with some exiting scenes- but- I could say the first part of the novel was better. By the end I felt that the mystery was drawn out for too long, and events as well as the characters actions and responses became too predictable and repetitive. I mean David was poisoned something like three times- and the device of every chapter, or almost every chapter, having to end with some dramatic event or cliff-hanger just didn’t always work for me.
Could this reader be forgiven for mentioning Drama at the expense of other aspects of good storytelling?
Sadly also, this novel seemed to have a lot of the clichés of romantic fiction, with characters kissing and touching at really inappropriate or illogical moments- including in company- beating themselves up about how it was totally unseemly- then doing it again. I also found some of the characters attitudes annoyingly inconsistent. Morwenna’s grandparents for instance seemed to be presented as loving and having her best interests at heart one minute- then shortly after she would be griping about how ‘authoritarian’ they were. I have noticed that a few other books by this author seem to level the same accusation at authority figures such as parents- and it times it seems to be for no other reason than that they won’t let the protagonist do what they want- even if it’s dangerous, stupid or illogical, because it goes against their ideas of personal ‘freedom’.
On a personal level, I did not appreciate the passage in which one of the characters was scornful of the idea of freedom and equality- saying another character who believed it was as bad as an American- which seemed to be implying that such ideas were alien and abhorrent to ‘proper’ high-born Brits. To me, this seems a very arrogant notion, suggesting that Americans invented freedom and had some kind of monopoly on it.
American readers might attack me for this- but neither of the above is true.
Gripes aside, I would say this book was a marginal improvement on the last one, which annoyed me for several reasons which were mostly not present here. It is honestly not a bad novel, I just don’t think it’s that brilliant or has much to make it stand out from the crowd. Certainly worth reading as a decent regency with an interesting backdrop and a solid Christian theme. This series and author are not personal favourites, but others make like them better.
I received a free Kindle Edition of this book from Zondervan via Booklookbloggers for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
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