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The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea: Escape to Cornwall this summer with a brand new second-chances romance
'Heartfelt and hopeful, this coastal tale of new beginnings, friendship, and second chances is a gorgeous, uplifting story... 5 stars from me' - Caroline James, author of The Cruise
' A thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming story with relatable and realistic characters, and a setting that makes you want to relocate!' - Lisa Hobman, author of Dreaming Under an Island Skye
***
Life doesn't always go to plan . . .
After a messy breakup and a nightmare boss, Kate swaps the chaos of London for the calm of Starry Cove-the charming seaside village she loved as a child. She arrives hoping for peace and a fresh start. But life has other Kate soon discovers she's going to be a mother.
As she navigates small-town life (and morning sickness), Kate finds friendship in the 'coastal girls'-a warm, welcoming group who help her land a job with Piers, the reclusive owner of the local manor. He's guarded, grumpy and impossible to read... but there's more to him than meets the eye.
As feelings grow and secrets slowly come to light, Kate must decide if s he's ready to open her heart again-and whether Starry Cove could be the home she's been searching for all along.
***
Readers LOVE The Little Cottage by the Cornish
'A wonderful story of love and determination, friendship and loyalty... A must read!!' - 5* NetGalley review
'A lovely summer read' - 5* NetGalley Review
'Another gorgeous read from a brilliant author' - 5* NetGalley review
'Another wonderful Starry Cove story from Nancy Barone. It is the gift that just keeps on giving!' - 5* NetGalley review
' A thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming story with relatable and realistic characters, and a setting that makes you want to relocate!' - Lisa Hobman, author of Dreaming Under an Island Skye
***
Life doesn't always go to plan . . .
After a messy breakup and a nightmare boss, Kate swaps the chaos of London for the calm of Starry Cove-the charming seaside village she loved as a child. She arrives hoping for peace and a fresh start. But life has other Kate soon discovers she's going to be a mother.
As she navigates small-town life (and morning sickness), Kate finds friendship in the 'coastal girls'-a warm, welcoming group who help her land a job with Piers, the reclusive owner of the local manor. He's guarded, grumpy and impossible to read... but there's more to him than meets the eye.
As feelings grow and secrets slowly come to light, Kate must decide if s he's ready to open her heart again-and whether Starry Cove could be the home she's been searching for all along.
***
Readers LOVE The Little Cottage by the Cornish
'A wonderful story of love and determination, friendship and loyalty... A must read!!' - 5* NetGalley review
'A lovely summer read' - 5* NetGalley Review
'Another gorgeous read from a brilliant author' - 5* NetGalley review
'Another wonderful Starry Cove story from Nancy Barone. It is the gift that just keeps on giving!' - 5* NetGalley review
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2025
14 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Barone
22 books83 followersNancy grew up in Canada, but at the age of 12 her family moved to Italy. Catapulted into a world where her only contact with the English language was her old Judy Blume books, Nancy became an avid reader and a die-hard romantic.
Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.
Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.
Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.
Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.
Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.
Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 29, 2025
The Little Cottage By The Cornish Sea by Nancy Barone is the most delightful contemporary novel that I absolutely loved and never wanted it to end.
The main theme is that of friendship. The lead character is fleeing her life in London. It was an isolated life with just one best friend. Her life was closed and lonely in London. In contrast with a small Cornish fishing village which offers friendship, care, compassion and so much more. It is a place where strangers are welcomed as family. Love and support abound.
A dilapidated cottage is in need of a make-over. Likewise, this echoes the life of the leading lady who also needs a make-over of her life.
There are huge hearts within the novel. Their love and care reach beyond the pages to envelop the reader. We feel better at the end of the book than we did at the beginning.
Lives need help in order to heal. In the village kind hearts provide the groundwork for healing.
There are some misunderstandings but the truth is always the truth, and will come out one day.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn and believable. The action was seen in the first person from the point of view of the leading lady. She was extremely likable and we admire her tenacity and bravery.
I am sorry that the book has ended. I really want to know, what happens next, and could do with more books in the series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The main theme is that of friendship. The lead character is fleeing her life in London. It was an isolated life with just one best friend. Her life was closed and lonely in London. In contrast with a small Cornish fishing village which offers friendship, care, compassion and so much more. It is a place where strangers are welcomed as family. Love and support abound.
A dilapidated cottage is in need of a make-over. Likewise, this echoes the life of the leading lady who also needs a make-over of her life.
There are huge hearts within the novel. Their love and care reach beyond the pages to envelop the reader. We feel better at the end of the book than we did at the beginning.
Lives need help in order to heal. In the village kind hearts provide the groundwork for healing.
There are some misunderstandings but the truth is always the truth, and will come out one day.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn and believable. The action was seen in the first person from the point of view of the leading lady. She was extremely likable and we admire her tenacity and bravery.
I am sorry that the book has ended. I really want to know, what happens next, and could do with more books in the series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2025
First and foremost this is one of those lovely books that you need to have on one side for one of those days that you want to escape from. I can’t think of a better place to escape to than Starry Cove and the amazing group of “Coastal Girls” that we could all do with in our lives.
I hunkered down with this gorgeous book on a wet afternoon when there was no one else in the house and read it from start to finish in one go, with a couple of stops for tea and cake ( an absolute must with this book - and preferably carrot cake- I just wish I had The Rock Scones cafe next door ) to keep me sustained.
Yes it is , in many respects, the typical romantic storyline with hidden secrets, will they won’t they and an idyllic setting ( what is there not to like about a secret little Cornish village by the sea) Yet there is more to this when you get below the surface. This is a book about friendship, acceptance and looking out for each other , and love in many of its aspects. A story where unselfishly looking out for each other is important and where tea and cake plays a big part, and I am not saying that flippantly.
I have never read any of Nancy’s books before but I will be making sure that I have more to hand for those days when I need to escape and remind myself of what is really important in life through a charming story of love and friendship.
I hunkered down with this gorgeous book on a wet afternoon when there was no one else in the house and read it from start to finish in one go, with a couple of stops for tea and cake ( an absolute must with this book - and preferably carrot cake- I just wish I had The Rock Scones cafe next door ) to keep me sustained.
Yes it is , in many respects, the typical romantic storyline with hidden secrets, will they won’t they and an idyllic setting ( what is there not to like about a secret little Cornish village by the sea) Yet there is more to this when you get below the surface. This is a book about friendship, acceptance and looking out for each other , and love in many of its aspects. A story where unselfishly looking out for each other is important and where tea and cake plays a big part, and I am not saying that flippantly.
I have never read any of Nancy’s books before but I will be making sure that I have more to hand for those days when I need to escape and remind myself of what is really important in life through a charming story of love and friendship.
July 14, 2025
The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea by Nancy Barone
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Life doesn't always go to plan . . .
After a messy breakup and a nightmare boss, Kate swaps the chaos of London for the calm of Starry Cove-the charming seaside village she loved as a child. She arrives hoping for peace and a fresh start. But life has other Kate soon discovers she's going to be a mother.
As she navigates small-town life (and morning sickness), Kate finds friendship in the 'coastal girls'-a warm, welcoming group who help her land a job with Piers, the reclusive owner of the local manor. He's guarded, grumpy and impossible to read... but there's more to him than meets the eye.
As feelings grow and secrets slowly come to light, Kate must decide if s he's ready to open her heart again-and whether Starry Cove could be the home she's been searching for all along.
My Opinion
Nancy Barone has written a delightful novel. Kate is in need of a fresh start and she returns to Starry Cove. The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea has a beautiful setting and some great characters. A wonderful, cosy read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Life doesn't always go to plan . . .
After a messy breakup and a nightmare boss, Kate swaps the chaos of London for the calm of Starry Cove-the charming seaside village she loved as a child. She arrives hoping for peace and a fresh start. But life has other Kate soon discovers she's going to be a mother.
As she navigates small-town life (and morning sickness), Kate finds friendship in the 'coastal girls'-a warm, welcoming group who help her land a job with Piers, the reclusive owner of the local manor. He's guarded, grumpy and impossible to read... but there's more to him than meets the eye.
As feelings grow and secrets slowly come to light, Kate must decide if s he's ready to open her heart again-and whether Starry Cove could be the home she's been searching for all along.
My Opinion
Nancy Barone has written a delightful novel. Kate is in need of a fresh start and she returns to Starry Cove. The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea has a beautiful setting and some great characters. A wonderful, cosy read.
Rating 4/5
July 1, 2025
After being framed by her boyfriend Kate escapes to a tiny village in Cornwall where she spent many a happy holiday when she was a child. Managing to rent a small rundown cottage under an assumed name she tries to keep hidden whilst looking for a job to enable her to support herself. She then finds out that she is expecting, making her life even more difficult, however finds that she is welcomed in and supported by the locals.
This is unashamedly an emotional book that some won't appreciate, whilst others, especially myself, will absolutely love it. I really felt for Kate finding herself in that situation, I'm not sure what I would have done (although if I found myself pregnant I could sell my story to the newspapers) and admire her for what she managed to do. There is a love interest, a mysterious owner of the local manor who offers her a job plus others in the mix. Don't expect a totally realistic story, just immerse yourself in this wonderful cosy story instead.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is unashamedly an emotional book that some won't appreciate, whilst others, especially myself, will absolutely love it. I really felt for Kate finding herself in that situation, I'm not sure what I would have done (although if I found myself pregnant I could sell my story to the newspapers) and admire her for what she managed to do. There is a love interest, a mysterious owner of the local manor who offers her a job plus others in the mix. Don't expect a totally realistic story, just immerse yourself in this wonderful cosy story instead.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
July 12, 2025
After Kate arrives in Starry Cove she is looking for a refuge and she seems to find it from the start. Having decided to look to the future and to make a new life for herself and her baby, she finds a group of friends who seem to recognise in her a vulnerable soul looking for a new start. There are some lively characters in the village, all with their own stories and Kate comes to realise that she needs to let other people give her support.
With a great setting and some funny moments, this makes for an enjoyable read. There is always a feeling of optimism and a sense that Kate will be able to sort out her future. There is a slow burn romance waiting to come out into the open. Piers, her boss, has secrets of his own to conceal and he too needs to be able to trust people. There are times when you have to swallow any disbelief, such as when Kate is able to access services and a home with no paperwork as to her identity, but that does not detract from the story.
In short: new starts and hidden identities
Thanks to the publisher
With a great setting and some funny moments, this makes for an enjoyable read. There is always a feeling of optimism and a sense that Kate will be able to sort out her future. There is a slow burn romance waiting to come out into the open. Piers, her boss, has secrets of his own to conceal and he too needs to be able to trust people. There are times when you have to swallow any disbelief, such as when Kate is able to access services and a home with no paperwork as to her identity, but that does not detract from the story.
In short: new starts and hidden identities
Thanks to the publisher
July 13, 2025
The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea by Nancy Barone is an absolute gem! With its charming seaside setting and engaging characters, this delightful story whisks you away to Starry Cove, where Kate, our endearing protagonist, seeks solace after a breakup. Her journey to rediscover herself takes a surprising turn when she learns she’s expecting a little one, adding layers of emotion and excitement.
Barone captures the essence of small-town life beautifully, and the 'coastal girls' quickly become a lovable support system for Kate, making the narrative feel like a warm hug. The grumpy but intriguing Piers adds a touch of mystery and tension, keeping readers eager to see how their relationship unfolds.
With its themes of friendship, love, and finding one's true home, this book is both heartwarming and uplifting. If you're looking for a charming escape filled with laughter, heart, and a sprinkle of seaside magic, this is the perfect read, it will make your heart so happy!
Barone captures the essence of small-town life beautifully, and the 'coastal girls' quickly become a lovable support system for Kate, making the narrative feel like a warm hug. The grumpy but intriguing Piers adds a touch of mystery and tension, keeping readers eager to see how their relationship unfolds.
With its themes of friendship, love, and finding one's true home, this book is both heartwarming and uplifting. If you're looking for a charming escape filled with laughter, heart, and a sprinkle of seaside magic, this is the perfect read, it will make your heart so happy!
July 15, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
From the start, I felt a connection with the protagonist, Kate. She was treated terribly by her ex, and when she formed a plan to get away, I was right behind her. I felt the author wrote in a heartfelt way that encouraged the reader to empathise with Kate and her experiences.
The Cornish setting felt like an escape, which was exactly what I needed. I also found Kate's narrative a little bit humorous in places, which was something that I enjoyed. It was a joy to follow Kate's journey, especially with all the new friends she met along the way. I found the book both moving and lighthearted at the same time. It also felt like a very summery read; ideal for the time of year.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
From the start, I felt a connection with the protagonist, Kate. She was treated terribly by her ex, and when she formed a plan to get away, I was right behind her. I felt the author wrote in a heartfelt way that encouraged the reader to empathise with Kate and her experiences.
The Cornish setting felt like an escape, which was exactly what I needed. I also found Kate's narrative a little bit humorous in places, which was something that I enjoyed. It was a joy to follow Kate's journey, especially with all the new friends she met along the way. I found the book both moving and lighthearted at the same time. It also felt like a very summery read; ideal for the time of year.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
July 27, 2025
A phone call, a discovery, a need to getaway
Kate drives away from London, unsure where to stay.
She returns to Starry Cove, with happy memories there
Hoping to find some way to hide somewhere.
A welcome greeting, a rundown cottage there
Discovering she's pregnant isn't something she wants to share.
Forget being able to hide quietly away
The 'coastal girls' welcome her and hope they'll get her to stay!
Getting to know the locals, sorting out her new home
Maybe she can settle her, no longer need to roam?
The girls help to find her new jobs for her to do
With the community helping her pull through.
A story filled with secrets and hiding people, too,
And a community determined to help in all they do.
For my copy of this book, I have to say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Kate drives away from London, unsure where to stay.
She returns to Starry Cove, with happy memories there
Hoping to find some way to hide somewhere.
A welcome greeting, a rundown cottage there
Discovering she's pregnant isn't something she wants to share.
Forget being able to hide quietly away
The 'coastal girls' welcome her and hope they'll get her to stay!
Getting to know the locals, sorting out her new home
Maybe she can settle her, no longer need to roam?
The girls help to find her new jobs for her to do
With the community helping her pull through.
A story filled with secrets and hiding people, too,
And a community determined to help in all they do.
For my copy of this book, I have to say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
August 1, 2025
Who does't love a book set in dreamy Cornwall. As Kate arrives back in Starry Cove and naviagates her new life, she is joined by a host of wonderful characters. The author has the essence of small town life written perfectly. It just makes me want to visit Cornwall even more.
It is a book about friendships, starting over and second chances and how people in a small community come together when needed. I loved everything about this novel. It is a easy read which leaves you feeling like you have just received a warm hug.
It is the first book I have read by the author, but I will be looking out for her books in the future. This ticked every box for me. I also love the vibrant front cover, and had I seen this book in a shop I would have picked it up instantly.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Publishing for giving me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is a book about friendships, starting over and second chances and how people in a small community come together when needed. I loved everything about this novel. It is a easy read which leaves you feeling like you have just received a warm hug.
It is the first book I have read by the author, but I will be looking out for her books in the future. This ticked every box for me. I also love the vibrant front cover, and had I seen this book in a shop I would have picked it up instantly.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Publishing for giving me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
An easy read, fine for a summer holiday. But...
Totally unbelievable and illogical.
It felt that it needed a British person to go through and remove all the Americanisms (we stroke animals rather than pet them, and if animal fairs exist I'd be gobsmacked) and the misapprehensions about living in the UK (walking through 4 separate villages to get to a pub for lunch? Maybe when I was 16 and had no lift but it would take a good hour and a half plus!).
The issues with timeline and continuity really bothered me - she got the job on the Monday, started there and then, then 2 days later had the Tuesday meeting. That's only one example of the writing and editing really lacking in detail but there were loads.
I've not actually finished it yet but that speaks volumes of how much these things are impacting on my enjoyment.
Totally unbelievable and illogical.
It felt that it needed a British person to go through and remove all the Americanisms (we stroke animals rather than pet them, and if animal fairs exist I'd be gobsmacked) and the misapprehensions about living in the UK (walking through 4 separate villages to get to a pub for lunch? Maybe when I was 16 and had no lift but it would take a good hour and a half plus!).
The issues with timeline and continuity really bothered me - she got the job on the Monday, started there and then, then 2 days later had the Tuesday meeting. That's only one example of the writing and editing really lacking in detail but there were loads.
I've not actually finished it yet but that speaks volumes of how much these things are impacting on my enjoyment.
July 7, 2025
3.5 stars.
Nancy Barone has set her Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea in a small hidden place in Cornwall. Unbeknown to this reader she has set quite a few other books there, and they having had their own stories told now formed a strong background of friendship for Kate.
Kate has escaped to this area because she has been falsely accused of a crime by her scumbag ex boyfriend. I had to take a few things in the plot with a grain of salt and just move on to enjoy this story. It is this group of friends who go into strong protection of Kate and surround her with much love and care and work to keep her solvent.
The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea is a sweet story where everything works out and has left me thinking I might track down some of the previous books about this place.
Nancy Barone has set her Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea in a small hidden place in Cornwall. Unbeknown to this reader she has set quite a few other books there, and they having had their own stories told now formed a strong background of friendship for Kate.
Kate has escaped to this area because she has been falsely accused of a crime by her scumbag ex boyfriend. I had to take a few things in the plot with a grain of salt and just move on to enjoy this story. It is this group of friends who go into strong protection of Kate and surround her with much love and care and work to keep her solvent.
The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea is a sweet story where everything works out and has left me thinking I might track down some of the previous books about this place.
July 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this heartfelt romantic story set in a magical Cornish coastal village. Kate is in a nightmare situation, and runs to escape the consequences she cannot fight in her current state. It's an immersive and insightful story that draws you into Kate's dilemma. You acutely feel her fears and insecurities. What Kate finds is a magical place, where sensitive, welcoming individuals want to help her. The storytelling is lovely, and it makes Starry Cove and its inhabitants believable. The twists are well-written and make you invest in Kate and her future. I like the story's emotion, the characterisation and the village community.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 14, 2025
love books like this at this time of year I am always drawn to books that take me to the coast. The setting of Starry Cove seaside village is so idyllic and picturesque, the idea of leaving the chaos of London and starting over again when life throws surprises at you is so appealing. I loved how she bonds with the friendly ‘coastal girls,’ who make her feel at home and the friendships we all need are formed. Piers, the grumpy but mysterious owner, adds just the right touch of intrigue. It’s a beautiful story about hope, friendship, and discovering where you truly belong which is a message I can get behind
June 6, 2025
Such a cute book, the perfect scenery, lovely and descriptive. Kate is fresh from a bad relationship and she runs to her happy place, lucky for her she didn’t share that with her ex Will. She runs and quickly becomes part of the local safety net of women. They quickly scoop her up and offer her friendship, love and security. She is living under an assumed identity buy how long will that keep her safe for. She worries what will happen when the truth comes out.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
For me this book was a slow burn and I’m still unsure as to whether the criminal element was necessary. There were also a few blips which I thought were odd, like she moved to a new town but drove there in her car? Wouldn’t that have been able to be traced? It took a long time for me to warm to the characters; however by the end I was routing for the fmc and mmc to sort out their misunderstanding and get together. Overall a pleasant read if you take it for what it is #TheLittleCottagebytheCornishSea #NetGalley
July 14, 2025
This was my first time reading a book by Barone and it's absolutely not going to be the last!
I think I've found my new favourite bookish place in Starry Cove. It's by all accounts a gorgeous little seaside town on the Cornish coast...and sadly it's not real *sobs.
The cove is full of charming characters and I'm so hoping that this is the first in a new series so we can visit them again.
It's a heartwarming story of friendship and starting over, and I didn't want it to end.
A delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think I've found my new favourite bookish place in Starry Cove. It's by all accounts a gorgeous little seaside town on the Cornish coast...and sadly it's not real *sobs.
The cove is full of charming characters and I'm so hoping that this is the first in a new series so we can visit them again.
It's a heartwarming story of friendship and starting over, and I didn't want it to end.
A delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 29, 2025
Nancy Barone kicks of this novel by dropping us right in the action. Quite a lot happens in the first few pages and chapters drawing you right in.
I love the cover of this book it’s so vibrant and cute looking, giving all the vibes of the type of book I like to read.
I fell in love with all the Cornish characters straightaway - exactly the kind of neighbourhood I want to live in when I move to Cornwall. The author really does well the make the characters warm and lovable.
A great read which I would thoroughly recommend.
I love the cover of this book it’s so vibrant and cute looking, giving all the vibes of the type of book I like to read.
I fell in love with all the Cornish characters straightaway - exactly the kind of neighbourhood I want to live in when I move to Cornwall. The author really does well the make the characters warm and lovable.
A great read which I would thoroughly recommend.
November 8, 2025
Wow, the start of this book throws you straight in the deep end, and it doesn't stop as Kate's life is thrown upside down.
I couldn't stop reading, hoping desperately that Kate would get her happy ever after.
The storyline keeps you guessing as she tries to settle into a new community without giving away her past.
I loved how everyone came to help her - the sense of community in Starry Cove is strong and I loved the mystery around Piers her love interest.
It was a story I would read again and recommend to any romance reader.
I couldn't stop reading, hoping desperately that Kate would get her happy ever after.
The storyline keeps you guessing as she tries to settle into a new community without giving away her past.
I loved how everyone came to help her - the sense of community in Starry Cove is strong and I loved the mystery around Piers her love interest.
It was a story I would read again and recommend to any romance reader.
June 22, 2025
Everyone needs a place like Starry Cove. The residents are just so accepting and welcoming.
I loved how everyone rallied around Kate even after she told her identity lie.
A lovely rom com with a brilliant ending. I really enjoyed this one and didn’t find it to be cheesy unlike some romance novels I have read recently.
I really warmed to the characters which I think helps and I was rooting for them to do well.
I loved how everyone rallied around Kate even after she told her identity lie.
A lovely rom com with a brilliant ending. I really enjoyed this one and didn’t find it to be cheesy unlike some romance novels I have read recently.
I really warmed to the characters which I think helps and I was rooting for them to do well.
July 2, 2025
The story of a lovely character named Kate who is having a hard time after finding out her boyfriend is cheating and now he is trying to frame Kate for a crime that she didn't commit. Kate assumes a new identity and escapes to the little town in Starry Cove where she hopes to remain anonymous. Although that hope quickly crumbles when she meets the locals. This is a beautiful second chance romance with the kindest characters and the most cozy plot that warmed me up on this cold day.
June 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.
This book sounded like everything I would love but for me it didn’t quite reach the mark.
Kate finds herself moving from London to Cornwall to escape a cheating boyfriend who’s also trying to frame her for stealing documents from their workplace.
I didn’t really feel a connection to the MFC and found her choices to be very hard to believe. The story would change subject so quick I often found myself wondering if I had skipped a page.
Whilst this wasn’t for me the story will be a good easy read for some.
June 23, 2025
Lovely cosy read. I really enjoy stories that involve the character rebuilding their lives so this didnt disappoint. There were elements that were a bit far fetched but it didn't put me off reading it.
It took me a while to warm to the characters but by the end of the book I was rooting for the characters.
I would like to read more of Nancy's books as it was enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
It took me a while to warm to the characters but by the end of the book I was rooting for the characters.
I would like to read more of Nancy's books as it was enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
June 26, 2025
The Little Cottage by the Cornish Sea is delightful. Sit back and dive into this page-turning read. Heartfelt and hopeful, this coastal tale of new beginnings, friendship, and second chances is a gorgeous, uplifting tory. I loved this and look forward to reading many more novels by this author. A big fat 5 stars from me.
Thanks to the publisher for an early copy.
Thanks to the publisher for an early copy.
January 7, 2026
I really liked the idea of this book but it missed the mark. Also, quite a few mistakes and contradictions. I assumed this was her first book but that’s not the case. Overall an easy and enjoyable read as long as you don’t ask too many questions.
July 15, 2025
loved reading this book by the sea. a cute summer read.
October 10, 2025
BOOK 33/52 READ FOR THE 52 BOOK CHALLENGE 2025.
PROMPT 47: 'I THINK IT WAS BLUE'
A Blog Tour read, a thousand apologies I have as yet been able to provide a review.
PROMPT 47: 'I THINK IT WAS BLUE'
A Blog Tour read, a thousand apologies I have as yet been able to provide a review.
July 16, 2025
Kate runs away from London to Starry Cove in Cornwall, a place she has fond memories of visiting as a child. She's heartbroken, pregnant, and has got mixed up in trouble at work that she fears she will be blamed for. A fresh start is harder than she thought with a run down cottage, no job, no money, and miles away from her best friend.
I found this a lovely summer escapism read with friendship, love, and the uplifting inspiration of a community coming together. It's set in a small seaside village that sounds beautiful. The people are welcoming and being small town life, everyone knows everyone's business.
It's more than just a summer romance, though, with an emotional storyline and depth to the characters. The way everyone welcomes and protects Kate despite being a stranger to them made me feel emotional. There were a lot of strands to the storyline, which kept me gripped to the story as everything came together in the end.
I found this a lovely summer escapism read with friendship, love, and the uplifting inspiration of a community coming together. It's set in a small seaside village that sounds beautiful. The people are welcoming and being small town life, everyone knows everyone's business.
It's more than just a summer romance, though, with an emotional storyline and depth to the characters. The way everyone welcomes and protects Kate despite being a stranger to them made me feel emotional. There were a lot of strands to the storyline, which kept me gripped to the story as everything came together in the end.
July 16, 2025
We meet Kate who finds herself in a really bad situation as she finds out the man she has been with for years now has another woman,this is bad enough but then she also finds out he is trying to frame her for stealing documents from the firm they both work for, which happens to be his Dad’s firm……seeing no other option she runs away assuming her boyfriends new girlfriends name and hasn’t a clue where to go……she ends up in Starry Cove in Cornwall,an idyllic,safe,known to her from childhood village in Cornwall not really knowing what will happen or what her future,short and long term,will be
What Kate finds is somewhere to live,albeit not her first choice,to start a new life and plenty of nice welcoming villagers who protect her…….and of course she finds an unpleasant man ( Piers ) who is determined to be ‘off’ with her whenever he can….
I think maybe you can guess the rest and that’s what makes this book such a good read,there are twists and turns but you get the feeling all will end up well for Kate in the end
Loved Starry Cove and the characters we met and got to know,an ideal place to find herself if needing help and reassurance
A pleasant mainly uplifting read that taken as it’s meant to will do as you expect it to 😊.
What Kate finds is somewhere to live,albeit not her first choice,to start a new life and plenty of nice welcoming villagers who protect her…….and of course she finds an unpleasant man ( Piers ) who is determined to be ‘off’ with her whenever he can….
I think maybe you can guess the rest and that’s what makes this book such a good read,there are twists and turns but you get the feeling all will end up well for Kate in the end
Loved Starry Cove and the characters we met and got to know,an ideal place to find herself if needing help and reassurance
A pleasant mainly uplifting read that taken as it’s meant to will do as you expect it to 😊.
September 17, 2025
Kate has left behind her old life in London for a new life in Starry Cove but she's hiding not only who she is but what she's running from. When she starts a new role with Piers and they become close will Kate tell him the truth about who she?
I really enjoyed this book and as soon as I started to read I found myself swept away to Starry Cove. When the book ended I was sad to leave. Starry Cove sounded like such a lovely place to visit or live and was the perfect place for a new start. The storyline was about new beginnings, kindness and community with a dash of romance.
Kate finds herself in a very difficult and unexpected position when she makes the decision to end her relationship with her boyfriend. She has no choice but to leave London and the first place that comes to mind is Starry Cove, a seaside town where she spent time as a child. She has many happy memories of her stays so it seems the ideal place to hide and start again. Initially when Kate arrives at Starry Cove her plan is to keep herself to herself but she quickly realises that that's not going to be possible. The community of Starry Cove are tight knit but very welcoming. As soon as Kate arrives she is welcomed into the community and considered as one of their own. As a part of the community the inhabitants look out for each other and protect each other which is something I loved. Kindness is a running theme throughout the story and that’s one aspect that I adored. Wherever Kate turns or whoever she interacts with she is met with kindness whether that is in the form of words or acts.
Grumpy is definitely the best description for Piers. But as Kate gets to know him she realises he's really not grumpy but in some ways he's a big softy. Piers is very attentive towards Kate when she starts to work for him and wants to get to know her. I thought it was so sweet when he arranged a picnic for them. What could derail anything developing between them is the fact that Kate is keeping a secret from him. However, Piers also has a secret of his own. Piers’ secret was an interesting one and one I didn’t anticipate at all.
A story about fresh starts and community.
I really enjoyed this book and as soon as I started to read I found myself swept away to Starry Cove. When the book ended I was sad to leave. Starry Cove sounded like such a lovely place to visit or live and was the perfect place for a new start. The storyline was about new beginnings, kindness and community with a dash of romance.
Kate finds herself in a very difficult and unexpected position when she makes the decision to end her relationship with her boyfriend. She has no choice but to leave London and the first place that comes to mind is Starry Cove, a seaside town where she spent time as a child. She has many happy memories of her stays so it seems the ideal place to hide and start again. Initially when Kate arrives at Starry Cove her plan is to keep herself to herself but she quickly realises that that's not going to be possible. The community of Starry Cove are tight knit but very welcoming. As soon as Kate arrives she is welcomed into the community and considered as one of their own. As a part of the community the inhabitants look out for each other and protect each other which is something I loved. Kindness is a running theme throughout the story and that’s one aspect that I adored. Wherever Kate turns or whoever she interacts with she is met with kindness whether that is in the form of words or acts.
Grumpy is definitely the best description for Piers. But as Kate gets to know him she realises he's really not grumpy but in some ways he's a big softy. Piers is very attentive towards Kate when she starts to work for him and wants to get to know her. I thought it was so sweet when he arranged a picnic for them. What could derail anything developing between them is the fact that Kate is keeping a secret from him. However, Piers also has a secret of his own. Piers’ secret was an interesting one and one I didn’t anticipate at all.
A story about fresh starts and community.
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