The Cornish Affair

by Victoria Cornwall

Previously published as Waiting for Our Rainbow by Victoria Cornwall.

Can their love survive a world at war?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must-read for any war romance readers.’ Reader review

‘Superbly researched and engrossing.’ Angela Britnell, romance author

While war rages across Europe, Anne works long hours repairing Spitfire wings, clinging to the fragile hope that tomorrow will be brighter. But each night brings news of bombings, invasions and local boys who will never return home.

When American soldiers arrive in her village ahead of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, Anne’s quiet life is upended by Joe Mallory — handsome, kind and complex. And destined for the front line.

Anne’s life has always been defined by duty — to her family, her community and the war effort. She vowed not to fall in love until peace returns, unwilling to endure the heartbreak of another goodbye. But the undeniable connection between her and Joe burns brighter with every stolen moment they share.

As the shadow of D-Day looms, Anne finds herself more torn than ever. Will she protect her heart from the storm of war . . . or will she risk everything for a love that may be lost before it even begins?

Perfect for fans of Amanda Lees, Soraya M. Lane, Lorna Cook, Fiona Valpy, Liz Fenwick or Tania Crosse.

Readers love Victoria Cornwall’s unforgettable wartime

Genres: Historical Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Victoria Cornwall grew up on a farm in Cornwall and can trace her Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. It is this background and heritage which is the inspiration for her Cornish based novels.

Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her the time to write. She initially self-published two novels, Old Sins Long Shadows and The Gossamer Trail under the name B.D.Hawkey. In 2016, award winning publisher, Choc Lit, acquired both novels as part of a four book deal. Old Sins Long Shadows is now published under a new title, The Captain's Daughter, and The Gossamer Trail has been released under the new title The Daughter of River Valley.

Victoria is married and has two grown up children. She likes to read and write historical fiction with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the blurb for The Cornish Affair, thinking this is a fluffy romance set in World War II. There is a lovely romance between a young Cornish woman and an American soldier, but this story is more than Yanks with silk stockings and Hershey's Bars. When the Americans arrive in Cornwall, they bring their racism and segregation expectations with them. This becomes an integral part of the story. Through the eyes of the American soldier, Joe, we follow the rigorous training the soldiers endured to prepare them for the invasion of Europe. It isn't easy reading about these young men, knowing what they will face when they land at Utah Beach, and the author doesn't sugarcoat the horrific experience of D-Day. Throughout the story, there are many amusing examples of cultural differences between the Yanks and the Brits, particularly with confusion due to vocabulary. I thoroughly enjoyed The Paris Affair, but I really loved this one. The Cornish Affair gave me a glimpse of the wartime lives of those who lived in Cornwall when the Americans arrived to prepare for the invasion. It reminded me that what they fought to protect was simply to live a life of their choosing.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always a sucker for good WWII historic fiction so this was right up my alley. The story begins in Cornwall in the months preceding D-day. It tells the story of an American GI who meets and falls in love with a young g lady in Cornwall, where he is staging for the invasion. Neither wants to fall in love, but they do. Will he survive D-day? Can they have a future together? Read it and see!

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved This Book

As soon as he sees her American GI, Joe is smitten with Anne, a young woman who helps repair Spitfire wings for her war work. When they meet, they are both clearly attracted to each other, but Joe will soon be leaving Cornwall to fight in the war. This was a beautiful love story, set in 1940's Cornwall, which I really enjoyed.

[Ruth Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

I could not put this book down. It is not only a love story but refreshes our memories on the men who were involved in D Day as well as the struggle all
African Americans had who lived in America before the Civil Rights Movement. This struggle even followed them into the military branches before and during WWII.