A Cornish Dream: The new heart-warming summer escape from the bestselling author

by Hilary Boyd

ESCAPE TO CORNWALL THIS SUMMER AND PRE-ORDER THE NEW NOVEL FROM HILARY BOYD NOW!


Pencarrow Bay has one more heart to fix after Gen is left picking up the pieces following her traumatic break up.

Just as she starts to heal, the last thing she expects is to be swept off her feet by a dashing Dutchman who sales into the bay. He’s the perfect distraction and their days enjoying one another under the Cornish sun.

But then Gen is left staring at a positive pregnancy test, and it offers her the chance to fulfil one of her biggest dreams. Even if she finds herself facing this new future alone.

They say 'it takes a village' and in the case of Pencarrow Bay, it really does...

Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashely, Sue Moorcroft and Cathy Bramley

Praise for Hilary

'A delightful summery story of seaside, second chances and new starts.' Cathy Bramley, Sunday Times bestselling author

'A charming read about seizing new opportunities and finding your own way' Phillipa Ashley, Sunday Times bestselling author of Second Chance Summer

'A beautiful summer read!' Amanda Prowse, author of Swimming to Lundy

‘A very storied story. It drew me in and kept me gripped' Sue Moorcroft, Sunday Times bestselling author of A Skye Full of Stars

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

Boyd was born and spent the first six months of her life in Prestatyn, North Wales, where her father, an army major, was stationed after the war. She was later educated in London, then at the boarding school Roedean. She trained as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and subsequently as a marriage guidance counsellor with Relate before reading English Literature at London University in her late 30s.

After college, Boyd became a health journalist, writing about depression, step-parenting and pregnancy. She began writing fiction as a hobby whilst raising three children and working at various day jobs including running a cancer charity, Survive Cancer, working for an engineering company, and an online vitamin site.

Reviews

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Made Me Laugh and Cry

Jen is shattered to find out that Jake, the man she thought she would be with for the rest of her life, confessed he didn't want to be a father. Now Jen is forty, and knows time is running out for her to realise her dreams of becoming a mother and decides to end their relationship. Enter Rik, he has stopped off at Pencarrow Bay on his yacht, and sweeps Jen off her feet, but is he really as perfect as he seems? Soon Jen is left pregnant and penniless. A lovely book which made me laugh and cry.

[Glampuss · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book at all, I had read the previous book and enjoyed it but either the timescale was too long as I had trouble recognising and remembering the characters.
At 8% I started skipping paragraphs, at 18% I gave up and scrolled to 99%! I have never done this but as I’m not maternal the constant “I want a baby” thing was not for me and the boat called GENEVER was pathetic.

Sorry but I’ve loved all but one of HBs previous books but I think it’s time I give her a rest.

[Lynda Addison · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOT Hilary Boyd’s best book by far. The story was weak, long and laborious. I kept wishing I could get to the extremely predictable end which didn’t have a good enough twist.
Sorry Hilary, I’ve loved most of your books but this one wasn’t intriguing enough for me.

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornwall courtship

In the second book of this series, familiar characters from the first book are the focus of the tale. It's easy to get straight into it as you already have a feel for the little town and the couple at the heart of the story.

[KATHLEEN SOUTHWORTH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book

Another delightful novel from Hilary Boyd. Kept in suspense almost until the end. Looking forward to another of her books.