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The Inn at Penglas Cove
A BRAND NEW, beautifully atmospheric and utterly spellbinding historical mystery of forbidden love and haunting secrets, set in a crumbling inn on the wild Cornish coast ✨🌊 Perfect for fans of Eve Chase, Daphne du Maurier and Poldark! When Juno’s marriage implodes, an unexpected inheritance offers her a way a crumbling inn perched high on a Cornish cliff, left to her by a great-aunt she never knew. Hoping to give her children a fresh start, Juno swaps city life for windswept coastal walks and salty sea air…
…only to find that the Cross Keys Inn is steeped in secrets. Locals talk of pirates, and a mysterious ghost ship connected to the chilling tale of Bess Trevelyn, murdered at the inn two centuries before. Meeting the handsome but cold landowner Will Penhelion, a descendant of poor Bess's husband, Juno realises the past and present are entwined in ways she never imagined.
Drawn into the legend of doomed lovers and her own tangled family history, Juno must decide whether the inn at Penglas Cove is her escape or her undoing. For in a house where love and betrayal echo across generations, some promises refuse to die...
Praise for Lauren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Lauren Westwood is a wonderful writer' Sophie Hannah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A top 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'This was a new, unknown author to me, BUT literally, within minutes of finishing this book, I was downloading her back catalogue. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that elicited such atmosphere.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Unsettling, compelling, very different - and superb writing' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Brilliant! It was a real page turner. I couldn’t put it down.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'You get swept away by the author's writing to the point where I looked up and hours had gone by.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Good combination of secrets, history, story & characters, hard to put down' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'An enchanting and engrossing read that I highly recommend and, if you have not yet read Lauren Westwood's books, then what on earth are you waiting for?' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Full of twists and turns, captivating and absorbing. I loved it' Reader Review
…only to find that the Cross Keys Inn is steeped in secrets. Locals talk of pirates, and a mysterious ghost ship connected to the chilling tale of Bess Trevelyn, murdered at the inn two centuries before. Meeting the handsome but cold landowner Will Penhelion, a descendant of poor Bess's husband, Juno realises the past and present are entwined in ways she never imagined.
Drawn into the legend of doomed lovers and her own tangled family history, Juno must decide whether the inn at Penglas Cove is her escape or her undoing. For in a house where love and betrayal echo across generations, some promises refuse to die...
Praise for Lauren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Lauren Westwood is a wonderful writer' Sophie Hannah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A top 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'This was a new, unknown author to me, BUT literally, within minutes of finishing this book, I was downloading her back catalogue. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that elicited such atmosphere.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Unsettling, compelling, very different - and superb writing' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Brilliant! It was a real page turner. I couldn’t put it down.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'You get swept away by the author's writing to the point where I looked up and hours had gone by.' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Good combination of secrets, history, story & characters, hard to put down' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'An enchanting and engrossing read that I highly recommend and, if you have not yet read Lauren Westwood's books, then what on earth are you waiting for?' Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Full of twists and turns, captivating and absorbing. I loved it' Reader Review
250 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2026
38 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Westwood
21 books124 followersLauren Westwood is my pen name for writing women's fiction. Thanks for taking the time to look me up and I hope you enjoy my books, which are a blend of romance, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 4, 2026
Another great book by Lauren Westwood, full of history and beautiful research. Juno inherits a run down inn in Cornwall and deals with tales of past and present piracy, revolving around her past and present ancestors. Descriptions are spot on; Lauren has such a way at painting images with her words - would make a great holiday read for anyone heading to Cornwall this summer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A lovely dual timeline story which was easy to read. it didn't jump about very much like some others do. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 3, 2026
Told via dual timelines, "The Inn At Penglas Cove" will appeal to readers of romantic fiction. It was the stunning cover that enticed me to read this novel.
Present Day - Juno Cartwright, a newly divorced mother of two, inherits a historic inn on a bluff in Cornwall. The inn is chock full of 'stuff', a hoarders paradise. She has her work cut out for her. She wants to get the inn in a good enough condition to put it on the market. Juno is an architect and interior designer, so she can visualize what she wants for the ancient building. Juno's two children have mixed feelings about the place. Her teenage daughter is full of attitude. No wi-fi, her friends are all in London, and she resents her mother having 'dragged' her to this remote locale. Her son is excited. A beach and caves to explore... and tunnels... dangerous tunnels, one of which is immediately beneath the inn.
At a local festival Juno meets the handsome ship captain, Oliver Penhelion whom she is immediately attracted to. Then a week or so later she meets his cousin, Will Penhelion. She begins to think that she might make a home at the inn and not sell it as she had originally intended. Which of the cousins should she trust? Both, or neither?
It soon becomes evident that the Cross Keys Inn has a tragic history - and perhaps it is still being used for nefarious purposes? Juno hears footsteps at night, and food is going missing from her kitchen. Doors that were open, are suddenly locked. Juno sees a sailing ship from her window at night...
1820 - Bess is a young woman who is betrothed to a man she has never met. She is to travel to Cornwall by ship to meet him and marry. However... Bess falls head over heels in love with the ship's captain, who swears he will come for her as soon as he is able. She waits and waits, but ends up marrying the older man her family has chosen for her. Bess meets a tragic end at the Cross Keys Inn. Bess's story is a tale of pirates, smugglers and ill-fated romance.
With themes of smuggling and people trafficking, there is more to this novel than just romance. The past and present are linked in myriad ways.
Cornwall is one of my favourite fictional settings. So much beauty and rich storied history. I found the characters engaging, though the outcome was fairly predictable. Recommended to those who enjoy romantic fiction with atmospheric settings.
Present Day - Juno Cartwright, a newly divorced mother of two, inherits a historic inn on a bluff in Cornwall. The inn is chock full of 'stuff', a hoarders paradise. She has her work cut out for her. She wants to get the inn in a good enough condition to put it on the market. Juno is an architect and interior designer, so she can visualize what she wants for the ancient building. Juno's two children have mixed feelings about the place. Her teenage daughter is full of attitude. No wi-fi, her friends are all in London, and she resents her mother having 'dragged' her to this remote locale. Her son is excited. A beach and caves to explore... and tunnels... dangerous tunnels, one of which is immediately beneath the inn.
At a local festival Juno meets the handsome ship captain, Oliver Penhelion whom she is immediately attracted to. Then a week or so later she meets his cousin, Will Penhelion. She begins to think that she might make a home at the inn and not sell it as she had originally intended. Which of the cousins should she trust? Both, or neither?
It soon becomes evident that the Cross Keys Inn has a tragic history - and perhaps it is still being used for nefarious purposes? Juno hears footsteps at night, and food is going missing from her kitchen. Doors that were open, are suddenly locked. Juno sees a sailing ship from her window at night...
1820 - Bess is a young woman who is betrothed to a man she has never met. She is to travel to Cornwall by ship to meet him and marry. However... Bess falls head over heels in love with the ship's captain, who swears he will come for her as soon as he is able. She waits and waits, but ends up marrying the older man her family has chosen for her. Bess meets a tragic end at the Cross Keys Inn. Bess's story is a tale of pirates, smugglers and ill-fated romance.
With themes of smuggling and people trafficking, there is more to this novel than just romance. The past and present are linked in myriad ways.
Cornwall is one of my favourite fictional settings. So much beauty and rich storied history. I found the characters engaging, though the outcome was fairly predictable. Recommended to those who enjoy romantic fiction with atmospheric settings.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this! Lauren Westwood is a new author for me, but before I was even halfway through this one I was looking to see which other books she had written and mentally adding them to my wishlist.
When Juno Cartwright discovers that her husband is cheating on her, she takes her two children – seventeen-year-old Bridget and her younger brother, Connor – and heads for Cornwall, where she has conveniently just inherited a cottage from a distant relative. At least, she thinks it’s a cottage…until they arrive at the Cross Keys, a crumbling old inn on the Cornish coast. Discovering that the inn is actually her inheritance, Juno intends to put it up for sale, but the longer she spends there the more she begins to feel at home. Connor is having fun exploring the cliffs, caves and beaches of Penglas Cove, but Bridget is disgusted with the whole situation – the inn has no Wi-Fi connection, no showers, and she just wants to go back to London.
Two centuries earlier, in 1820, Bess Trevelyan arrived in Cornwall to marry Lord Robert Penhelion. It was an unhappy marriage and, according to legend, Bess had a lover – Penhelion’s brother, a sea captain – and had taken refuge in the Cross Keys Inn to wait for the return of his ship. When Penhelion learned of the affair, he paid the disreputable Old John Dog to murder her. Juno is fascinated by this legend, particularly as she and Bridget seem to bear a striking resemblance to the portrait of Bess Trevelyan hanging on the wall in the inn. As Juno tries to find out more about Bess and her tragic story, it seems that history is beginning to repeat itself.
This is such an atmospheric novel! Penglas Cove and the Cross Keys Inn – complete with an adjoining smugglers’ museum and pirate cave with waxwork models playing out the story of Bess Trevelyan – are so vividly described they feel like real places. In her author’s note, Westwood acknowledges Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn and Frenchman’s Creek and Winston Graham’s Poldark series, as well as her own visits to Cornwall, and you can see the influence of all of these on her writing.
I loved our narrator, Juno, but she also has a strong cast of supporting characters around her; my favourites were Cliff and Elspeth, two elderly people who run the museum and pirate cave and who become almost like family to Juno and her children. And then there’s Bess, whose story unfolds in the form of a dual narrative. We don’t spend as long with Bess as we do with Juno, but it’s long enough to get to know her and to discover that there’s more to her story than anyone in the present day knows. Both threads of the novel were fascinating and it was all so readable that I finished it in two days, which could have been less if I’d had nothing else to do!
Although smuggling and piracy are things we tend to associate with times gone by, they do of course still exist today and in the modern day storyline Westwood explores the forms smuggling and trafficking can take in the 21st century. This gives the novel more relevancy and a more serious tone, but I personally would have preferred just to focus on the Bess mystery and Juno’s efforts to renovate the inn and build a new life for herself and the children. Still, I found The Inn at Penglas Cove a very entertaining and enjoyable read and just need to decide which Lauren Westwood book I should read next!
When Juno Cartwright discovers that her husband is cheating on her, she takes her two children – seventeen-year-old Bridget and her younger brother, Connor – and heads for Cornwall, where she has conveniently just inherited a cottage from a distant relative. At least, she thinks it’s a cottage…until they arrive at the Cross Keys, a crumbling old inn on the Cornish coast. Discovering that the inn is actually her inheritance, Juno intends to put it up for sale, but the longer she spends there the more she begins to feel at home. Connor is having fun exploring the cliffs, caves and beaches of Penglas Cove, but Bridget is disgusted with the whole situation – the inn has no Wi-Fi connection, no showers, and she just wants to go back to London.
Two centuries earlier, in 1820, Bess Trevelyan arrived in Cornwall to marry Lord Robert Penhelion. It was an unhappy marriage and, according to legend, Bess had a lover – Penhelion’s brother, a sea captain – and had taken refuge in the Cross Keys Inn to wait for the return of his ship. When Penhelion learned of the affair, he paid the disreputable Old John Dog to murder her. Juno is fascinated by this legend, particularly as she and Bridget seem to bear a striking resemblance to the portrait of Bess Trevelyan hanging on the wall in the inn. As Juno tries to find out more about Bess and her tragic story, it seems that history is beginning to repeat itself.
This is such an atmospheric novel! Penglas Cove and the Cross Keys Inn – complete with an adjoining smugglers’ museum and pirate cave with waxwork models playing out the story of Bess Trevelyan – are so vividly described they feel like real places. In her author’s note, Westwood acknowledges Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn and Frenchman’s Creek and Winston Graham’s Poldark series, as well as her own visits to Cornwall, and you can see the influence of all of these on her writing.
I loved our narrator, Juno, but she also has a strong cast of supporting characters around her; my favourites were Cliff and Elspeth, two elderly people who run the museum and pirate cave and who become almost like family to Juno and her children. And then there’s Bess, whose story unfolds in the form of a dual narrative. We don’t spend as long with Bess as we do with Juno, but it’s long enough to get to know her and to discover that there’s more to her story than anyone in the present day knows. Both threads of the novel were fascinating and it was all so readable that I finished it in two days, which could have been less if I’d had nothing else to do!
Although smuggling and piracy are things we tend to associate with times gone by, they do of course still exist today and in the modern day storyline Westwood explores the forms smuggling and trafficking can take in the 21st century. This gives the novel more relevancy and a more serious tone, but I personally would have preferred just to focus on the Bess mystery and Juno’s efforts to renovate the inn and build a new life for herself and the children. Still, I found The Inn at Penglas Cove a very entertaining and enjoyable read and just need to decide which Lauren Westwood book I should read next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What It’s About
In The Inn at Penglas Cove by Lauren Westwood, Juno’s life takes a sharp turn when her marriage falls apart and she inherits the old Cross Keys Inn on the Cornish coast. Hoping for a fresh start, she moves her kids there — but the inn isn’t just a fixer upper. It’s full of stories, whispers of pirates and smuggling, and the tragic tale of Bess Trevelyn, who met her end there two hundred years ago. As Juno digs into the past, she finds herself caught up in secrets, legends, and a touch of romance.
Review
This book has a great atmosphere — Cornwall’s wild coastline really comes alive on the page, and the inn itself feels like a character in its own right: crumbling, haunted, and full of history. The story runs on two tracks: Juno in the present, trying to rebuild her life, and Bess in the past, whose story is tied to the inn’s darker side.
What I liked most is how it shows that things aren’t always what they seem. The old tales of piracy and smuggling aren’t just dusty history — they echo into the present and shape the lives around the inn. That gave the book a nice edge of mystery and adventure.
There’s also a bit of action woven in — stormy nights, ghost ship legends, and smuggling routes — which keeps the pace lively. And while the story has its haunted moments, it also carries a sense of hope, with romance and new beginnings tucked in among the shadows.
My rating:
Plot 4.0 out of 5 Stars
Good mix of modern drama and historical mystery, with plenty of atmosphere and adventure.
Character Development 4.0 out of 5 Stars
The focus is on Juno in the present and Bess in the past. Both felt real and engaging, even if the side characters weren’t explored in as much detail.
Themes & Message 4.0 out of 5 Stars
Evocative and atmospheric, with Cornwall vividly described. The haunted undertones and adventurous energy add extra flavor.
Writing Style 4.0 out of 5 stars
Evocative and atmospheric, with Cornwall vividly described. The haunted undertones and adventurous energy add extra flavor.
Enjoyment 4.0 out of 5 stars
An engaging read that kept me hooked, with a satisfying ending
Overall 4.0 out of 5 Stars
A Cornish mystery full of atmosphere, action, and adventure — with haunting echoes of the past, plus a touch of romance and the promise of new beginnings.
Recommended for readers of:
Readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, historical fiction, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried — with a dash of adventure and romance.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
In The Inn at Penglas Cove by Lauren Westwood, Juno’s life takes a sharp turn when her marriage falls apart and she inherits the old Cross Keys Inn on the Cornish coast. Hoping for a fresh start, she moves her kids there — but the inn isn’t just a fixer upper. It’s full of stories, whispers of pirates and smuggling, and the tragic tale of Bess Trevelyn, who met her end there two hundred years ago. As Juno digs into the past, she finds herself caught up in secrets, legends, and a touch of romance.
Review
This book has a great atmosphere — Cornwall’s wild coastline really comes alive on the page, and the inn itself feels like a character in its own right: crumbling, haunted, and full of history. The story runs on two tracks: Juno in the present, trying to rebuild her life, and Bess in the past, whose story is tied to the inn’s darker side.
What I liked most is how it shows that things aren’t always what they seem. The old tales of piracy and smuggling aren’t just dusty history — they echo into the present and shape the lives around the inn. That gave the book a nice edge of mystery and adventure.
There’s also a bit of action woven in — stormy nights, ghost ship legends, and smuggling routes — which keeps the pace lively. And while the story has its haunted moments, it also carries a sense of hope, with romance and new beginnings tucked in among the shadows.
My rating:
Plot 4.0 out of 5 Stars
Good mix of modern drama and historical mystery, with plenty of atmosphere and adventure.
Character Development 4.0 out of 5 Stars
The focus is on Juno in the present and Bess in the past. Both felt real and engaging, even if the side characters weren’t explored in as much detail.
Themes & Message 4.0 out of 5 Stars
Evocative and atmospheric, with Cornwall vividly described. The haunted undertones and adventurous energy add extra flavor.
Writing Style 4.0 out of 5 stars
Evocative and atmospheric, with Cornwall vividly described. The haunted undertones and adventurous energy add extra flavor.
Enjoyment 4.0 out of 5 stars
An engaging read that kept me hooked, with a satisfying ending
Overall 4.0 out of 5 Stars
A Cornish mystery full of atmosphere, action, and adventure — with haunting echoes of the past, plus a touch of romance and the promise of new beginnings.
Recommended for readers of:
Readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, historical fiction, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried — with a dash of adventure and romance.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Juno’s marriage falls apart, a surprise inheritance gives her an unexpected escape: a rundown inn clinging to the edge of a Cornish cliff, left to her by a great-aunt she’d never even heard of. Determined to give her kids a clean slate, Juno trades the city grind for blustery coastal walks and salty sea air only to discover that the Cross Keys Inn is riddled with long-buried secrets. The locals whisper about pirates and a ghost ship, all tied to the grim fate of Bess Trevelyn, who was murdered at the inn more than two hundred years ago. When Juno crosses paths with Will Penhelion, the distant, guarded landowner descended from Bess’s husband, it becomes clear that history hasn’t finished making its mark.
Juno is a likeable, grounded lead, surrounded by a terrific supporting cast. Standouts for me were Cliff and Elspeth, the elderly couple who run the museum and pirate cave and slowly become a second family for Juno and her children.
Bess’s story unfolds alongside Juno’s through a dual timeline, adding depth and intrigue. There’s plenty of movement in the plot with wild storms, smuggling legends and eerie sightings, which keeps things ticking along nicely. While there’s a definite gothic edge, the story is also threaded with warmth, romance and the promise of new beginnings.
One of the novel’s real strengths is how seamlessly it weaves the past into the present. Juno’s interactions with Will Penhelion are charged with tension and unspoken history, mirroring the doomed love and betrayal that once played out within the inn’s walls. Their connection adds an emotional pull that deepens the mystery.
As Juno uncovers her great aunt’s hidden past and the truth behind the legend of the ill fated lovers, the story becomes a layered reflection on what we inherit, stories, scars and love that lingers long after loss. The Cornish setting is richly drawn, the mystery unfolds at a steady, confident pace, and the emotional payoff lands gently but effectively.
Atmospheric, haunting and beautifully told, The Inn at Penglas Cove will appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries with heart, history and a hint of gothic charm. It’s an easy, absorbing read, perfect to pick up and finish over a couple of sittings, with plenty of roguish characters to enjoy along the way.
Juno is a likeable, grounded lead, surrounded by a terrific supporting cast. Standouts for me were Cliff and Elspeth, the elderly couple who run the museum and pirate cave and slowly become a second family for Juno and her children.
Bess’s story unfolds alongside Juno’s through a dual timeline, adding depth and intrigue. There’s plenty of movement in the plot with wild storms, smuggling legends and eerie sightings, which keeps things ticking along nicely. While there’s a definite gothic edge, the story is also threaded with warmth, romance and the promise of new beginnings.
One of the novel’s real strengths is how seamlessly it weaves the past into the present. Juno’s interactions with Will Penhelion are charged with tension and unspoken history, mirroring the doomed love and betrayal that once played out within the inn’s walls. Their connection adds an emotional pull that deepens the mystery.
As Juno uncovers her great aunt’s hidden past and the truth behind the legend of the ill fated lovers, the story becomes a layered reflection on what we inherit, stories, scars and love that lingers long after loss. The Cornish setting is richly drawn, the mystery unfolds at a steady, confident pace, and the emotional payoff lands gently but effectively.
Atmospheric, haunting and beautifully told, The Inn at Penglas Cove will appeal to readers who enjoy mysteries with heart, history and a hint of gothic charm. It’s an easy, absorbing read, perfect to pick up and finish over a couple of sittings, with plenty of roguish characters to enjoy along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Inn at Penglas Cove is a gorgeously atmospheric historical mystery that sweeps you straight to the wild Cornish coast—salt on the air, waves crashing below, and secrets lingering in every shadow of the crumbling Cross Keys Inn. It’s the kind of novel that feels like stepping into a gothic daydream, rich with mood, mystery, and the ache of old stories refusing to stay buried.
Juno is a wonderfully relatable heroine, arriving at the inn bruised by the end of her marriage and desperate to give her children a fresh start. Her vulnerability, paired with her quiet resilience, makes her easy to root for as she trades city noise for cliff‑top solitude. But the inn she inherits is far from peaceful. Whispers of pirates, a ghost ship, and the tragic tale of Bess Trevelyn—murdered two centuries earlier—give the story a deliciously haunting undercurrent.
The novel shines in the way it braids past and present. Juno’s encounters with Will Penhelion, the aloof landowner tied to Bess’s legacy, crackle with tension and unspoken history. Their dynamic adds a compelling emotional thread, echoing the forbidden love and betrayal that once unfolded within the inn’s walls.
As Juno digs deeper into her great‑aunt’s secrets and the legend of doomed lovers, the narrative becomes a beautifully layered exploration of inheritance—of stories, of trauma, of love that refuses to fade. The Cornish setting is vivid and immersive, the mystery unfolds with elegant pacing, and the emotional stakes build quietly but powerfully.
Spellbinding, windswept, and wonderfully evocative, The Inn at Penglas Cove is perfect for readers who adore gothic‑tinged mysteries with heart, history, and a touch of the uncanny.
With thanks to Lauren Westwood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Juno is a wonderfully relatable heroine, arriving at the inn bruised by the end of her marriage and desperate to give her children a fresh start. Her vulnerability, paired with her quiet resilience, makes her easy to root for as she trades city noise for cliff‑top solitude. But the inn she inherits is far from peaceful. Whispers of pirates, a ghost ship, and the tragic tale of Bess Trevelyn—murdered two centuries earlier—give the story a deliciously haunting undercurrent.
The novel shines in the way it braids past and present. Juno’s encounters with Will Penhelion, the aloof landowner tied to Bess’s legacy, crackle with tension and unspoken history. Their dynamic adds a compelling emotional thread, echoing the forbidden love and betrayal that once unfolded within the inn’s walls.
As Juno digs deeper into her great‑aunt’s secrets and the legend of doomed lovers, the narrative becomes a beautifully layered exploration of inheritance—of stories, of trauma, of love that refuses to fade. The Cornish setting is vivid and immersive, the mystery unfolds with elegant pacing, and the emotional stakes build quietly but powerfully.
Spellbinding, windswept, and wonderfully evocative, The Inn at Penglas Cove is perfect for readers who adore gothic‑tinged mysteries with heart, history, and a touch of the uncanny.
With thanks to Lauren Westwood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love how Lauren Westwood is able to make old mansions and towns feel like characters of their own. It makes for great atmospheric stories.
This story follows Juno, a recently separated mom who travels to the Cornish coast with her two teenagers to claim an ancestral home. When they arrive, they discover a mansion that sits atop mysterious tunnels. They also meet a cast of unique characters who fill them in on the legends of the previous inhabitants of the mansion (including a pirate community). But several details remain mysterious. Who is this friend, Med, that Juno’s son claims to spend his days with? Why does Juno keep hearing mysterious sounds in the house? Why is there a photo of a woman who looks strikingly similar to Juno on the wall? And which of cousins Ollie and Will should Juno trust?
Westwood’s writing pulls you into the atmospheric setting right away… the underground tunnels linked to the house, and the mysterious museum in these tunnels leave you wondering what happened in this community… and what continues to happen today.
I enjoyed the dual timeline approach, and the parallels between the two stories. In addition to Juno’s story, you go back to 1820 and follow Bess—the young woman at the heart of the town’s legends. I also appreciated how Juno’s two teenagers got intertwined in the story.
I recommend this book if you want to settle in for a cozy, atmospheric and mysterious evening of reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows Juno, a recently separated mom who travels to the Cornish coast with her two teenagers to claim an ancestral home. When they arrive, they discover a mansion that sits atop mysterious tunnels. They also meet a cast of unique characters who fill them in on the legends of the previous inhabitants of the mansion (including a pirate community). But several details remain mysterious. Who is this friend, Med, that Juno’s son claims to spend his days with? Why does Juno keep hearing mysterious sounds in the house? Why is there a photo of a woman who looks strikingly similar to Juno on the wall? And which of cousins Ollie and Will should Juno trust?
Westwood’s writing pulls you into the atmospheric setting right away… the underground tunnels linked to the house, and the mysterious museum in these tunnels leave you wondering what happened in this community… and what continues to happen today.
I enjoyed the dual timeline approach, and the parallels between the two stories. In addition to Juno’s story, you go back to 1820 and follow Bess—the young woman at the heart of the town’s legends. I also appreciated how Juno’s two teenagers got intertwined in the story.
I recommend this book if you want to settle in for a cozy, atmospheric and mysterious evening of reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Lauren and Netgalley for allowing me to read The Inn at Penglas Cove before the publication date.
This is the first book which I have read by this author but it won’t be the last.
Her descriptions of windswept cliffs and sea mists of the Cornish coastline are so atmospheric that I had images of Poldark striding along the paths.
Lauren has spun a tale of the lives and loves of 2 women who lived 200 years apart.
Taking a step back in time to 1820s, Bess Trevelyn was betrothed to an older man. Arrangements were made for her to be transported from London to Cornwall on the cargo ship, The Halcyon. James Pelhelion is the handsome young captain of the ship and the cousin of the man to whom Bess is betrothed.
In the current day, Juno Cartwright discovers that her husband is cheating with an intern at their business.
When she inherits the Cross Keys Inn from a woman she has never heard of, Juno takes her son and daughter to Cornwall to determine what to do with the property. The area is rife with tales of smugglers and traffickers and ghostly events.
Enter the charming Oliver Penhelion who operates a charter business on a ship called the Halcyon.
Olly paints his cousin, Lord William Penhellion, owner of the Polgothley estate, in a bad light.
Will history repeat itself?
This is the first book which I have read by this author but it won’t be the last.
Her descriptions of windswept cliffs and sea mists of the Cornish coastline are so atmospheric that I had images of Poldark striding along the paths.
Lauren has spun a tale of the lives and loves of 2 women who lived 200 years apart.
Taking a step back in time to 1820s, Bess Trevelyn was betrothed to an older man. Arrangements were made for her to be transported from London to Cornwall on the cargo ship, The Halcyon. James Pelhelion is the handsome young captain of the ship and the cousin of the man to whom Bess is betrothed.
In the current day, Juno Cartwright discovers that her husband is cheating with an intern at their business.
When she inherits the Cross Keys Inn from a woman she has never heard of, Juno takes her son and daughter to Cornwall to determine what to do with the property. The area is rife with tales of smugglers and traffickers and ghostly events.
Enter the charming Oliver Penhelion who operates a charter business on a ship called the Halcyon.
Olly paints his cousin, Lord William Penhellion, owner of the Polgothley estate, in a bad light.
Will history repeat itself?
Review of advance copy
I was initially drawn to this by the beautiful cover art. The atmospheric sky, the cottage on the cliff. It just looked visually stunning.
I also happen to have a real soft spot for books set in Cornwall, there is just something truly magical about the location.
I wasn't sure that I would LOVE the story, given the historical element, as historical reads just don't really interest me, however this did not fail to capture my attention immediately. The chapters were mainly set in the present time but then the odd historic chapter would be randomly interspersed. These historic chapters told the mysterious story of Bess, James, Robert, Maggie and Old John Dog, and what a mystery it was. While we were learning from the historical chapters, in present times Juno is also discovering clues towards Bess's story and how she fits into the giant puzzle. In doing this we become aware of a modern mystery regarding human trafficking. There was so much action and intrigue throughout. I was completely gripped.
I loved getting to know the characters and their backgrounds. Cliff and Elspeth were so interesting, and I loved their update in the epilogue.
This is a human drama with a historical mystery, romance, action and suspense, so I think a wide variety of readers will enjoy this. I hadn't read anything from this author previously, but I would definitely read more from her in the future.
I also happen to have a real soft spot for books set in Cornwall, there is just something truly magical about the location.
I wasn't sure that I would LOVE the story, given the historical element, as historical reads just don't really interest me, however this did not fail to capture my attention immediately. The chapters were mainly set in the present time but then the odd historic chapter would be randomly interspersed. These historic chapters told the mysterious story of Bess, James, Robert, Maggie and Old John Dog, and what a mystery it was. While we were learning from the historical chapters, in present times Juno is also discovering clues towards Bess's story and how she fits into the giant puzzle. In doing this we become aware of a modern mystery regarding human trafficking. There was so much action and intrigue throughout. I was completely gripped.
I loved getting to know the characters and their backgrounds. Cliff and Elspeth were so interesting, and I loved their update in the epilogue.
This is a human drama with a historical mystery, romance, action and suspense, so I think a wide variety of readers will enjoy this. I hadn't read anything from this author previously, but I would definitely read more from her in the future.
January 30, 2026
What wasn’t there to love?
This story beautifully weaves together two timelines: one steeped in tales of smugglers, pirates and ill-fated lovers in the 1800s, and the other rooted in the present day with Juno — a 40-year-old single mum of two who unexpectedly inherits The Cross Keys Inn from a relative she never even knew existed.
At the heart of the novel is the mystery of how Juno is connected to her benefactor, and how her life is entwined with the history, legends and heartbreak of the place she now calls home. Watching those connections slowly unravel was an absolute joy.
Set in Cornwall — a place I know well — the setting felt wonderfully authentic. Cornwall has a magic all of its own, and Lauren Westwood captures it beautifully, from the rugged coastline to its rich smuggling past. The atmosphere is vivid, immersive and utterly believable.
I loved the dual POV structure, switching between Juno’s present-day story and Bess’s 19th-century narrative. Seeing how their lives and stories gradually wove together was so satisfying and rewarding.
The side characters, particularly Cliff and Elspeth, were another highlight and added real warmth and depth to the story.
A captivating, heartfelt read filled with history, mystery and a strong sense of place. I truly loved this one.
This story beautifully weaves together two timelines: one steeped in tales of smugglers, pirates and ill-fated lovers in the 1800s, and the other rooted in the present day with Juno — a 40-year-old single mum of two who unexpectedly inherits The Cross Keys Inn from a relative she never even knew existed.
At the heart of the novel is the mystery of how Juno is connected to her benefactor, and how her life is entwined with the history, legends and heartbreak of the place she now calls home. Watching those connections slowly unravel was an absolute joy.
Set in Cornwall — a place I know well — the setting felt wonderfully authentic. Cornwall has a magic all of its own, and Lauren Westwood captures it beautifully, from the rugged coastline to its rich smuggling past. The atmosphere is vivid, immersive and utterly believable.
I loved the dual POV structure, switching between Juno’s present-day story and Bess’s 19th-century narrative. Seeing how their lives and stories gradually wove together was so satisfying and rewarding.
The side characters, particularly Cliff and Elspeth, were another highlight and added real warmth and depth to the story.
A captivating, heartfelt read filled with history, mystery and a strong sense of place. I truly loved this one.
January 12, 2026
An atmospheric historical mystery filled with colourful characters. After Juno catches her husband in a compromising position with his assistant, she is given a chance to start over with her two kids with a surprise inheritance from a mysterious family member. The three leave London for the Cornish coast where they have inherited Cross Keys Inn. They arrive to find the place in shambles and have some interesting run ins with the locals. Despite its current state the Inn sounded amazing with its gorgeous view and its location atop of a cliff top filled with smugglers caves.
The mystery element involved Bess Kernicks, a woman whose husband receives his dowry from his bride and arranges for her murder. Told over a dual timeline, I enjoyed seeing both storylines play out, finding out the family connections and discovering all the secrets. I really enjoyed learning about piracy and smuggling in both the historical context and its more modern equivalent of people smuggling. It was fun how the romantic elements paralleled each other in the two different timelines. A perfect read for those who enjoy historical mysteries, old houses, a touch of romance and piracy!
The mystery element involved Bess Kernicks, a woman whose husband receives his dowry from his bride and arranges for her murder. Told over a dual timeline, I enjoyed seeing both storylines play out, finding out the family connections and discovering all the secrets. I really enjoyed learning about piracy and smuggling in both the historical context and its more modern equivalent of people smuggling. It was fun how the romantic elements paralleled each other in the two different timelines. A perfect read for those who enjoy historical mysteries, old houses, a touch of romance and piracy!
January 28, 2026
The Inn at Panglas Cove is a wonderful dual time novel with supernatural overtones.
Juno inherits an Inn on the Cornish coast the same day she discovers her husband is having a affair. Taking her two teenagers, Bridget and Connor she escapes to her new inheritence. Once she arrives at Cross Keys, she discovers that her idealic Inn is a bit of an albatross, but as an architect, she can see the good bones underneath, There are quirky locals, murderous ancestors, a possible ghost or three, a ghost ship, and two handsome aristocratic cousins to make this new life quite an adventure. As the two timelines merge, old secrets and new start to unravel.
I really enjoyed the Inn at Penglas Cove. The imagery of the local scenery and the Inn, and the mystery of pirates, smugglers, murder and love across time was a great read.
Juno inherits an Inn on the Cornish coast the same day she discovers her husband is having a affair. Taking her two teenagers, Bridget and Connor she escapes to her new inheritence. Once she arrives at Cross Keys, she discovers that her idealic Inn is a bit of an albatross, but as an architect, she can see the good bones underneath, There are quirky locals, murderous ancestors, a possible ghost or three, a ghost ship, and two handsome aristocratic cousins to make this new life quite an adventure. As the two timelines merge, old secrets and new start to unravel.
I really enjoyed the Inn at Penglas Cove. The imagery of the local scenery and the Inn, and the mystery of pirates, smugglers, murder and love across time was a great read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After discovering her husband's infidelity, Juno needs to redo her life. They lived and worked together and had two children, but his betrayal changed everything. An unexpected legacy takes Juno and her young family to a dilapidated Cornish inn with a tragic past. I enjoyed the unravelling of Juno's Cornish heritage and the connections over time. The cast of characters is complex and relatable, and the web of secrets creates an atmospheric tale. It's immersive reading with mystery, romance and suspense. The contemporary story is relevant and tragic, and the historical mystery is twisty. I enjoyed the use of sensory imagery, the timeslip moments and the storytelling.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Juno’s marriage has ended and she is on her way to the house she has inherited from an aunt she new nothing about, she Noe’s nothing of the house, other than it has a name ‘Cross Keys’ and it’s in Cornwall at the seaside. She hopes it is enough for her and her children Bridget and Conner.
However, when they get there in the dark and wet the key doesn’t work and it looks like an Inn with a rundown pirate museum attached.
Daylight brings a little respite, but it is a rundown inn with a rundown museum attached.
Soon Juno is embroiled with the local pirate king and is discovering that what she thought was smuggling tales might not neccesay be so.
An interesting romantic tale, my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc,
However, when they get there in the dark and wet the key doesn’t work and it looks like an Inn with a rundown pirate museum attached.
Daylight brings a little respite, but it is a rundown inn with a rundown museum attached.
Soon Juno is embroiled with the local pirate king and is discovering that what she thought was smuggling tales might not neccesay be so.
An interesting romantic tale, my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc,
February 11, 2026
An inheritance moves Juno Cartwright and her two kids from London to Cornwall. The inheritance consists of an inn, the Cross Keys, by the seaside coast. It comes cram-packed with junk, possible treasure, and secrets -- plenty of them. Secrets of the deadly kind, and the ghostly kind. I enjoyed how her ancestors stories were intertwined with modern day happenings. And how pirateering of old turned into the awful human trafficking of today. There's quite a lot to unpack in this story, and so many threads from the past, linking to the modern story. Quite intriguing overall!
Content:
Implied romance scenes. And some strong swearing.
(Only for these reasons do I have to deduct stars, as I was hoping for a slightly cleaner read.)
Content:
Implied romance scenes. And some strong swearing.
(Only for these reasons do I have to deduct stars, as I was hoping for a slightly cleaner read.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Juno inherits an inn in Cornwall from a great aunt that she hadn’t met, it seemed like fate as her marriage had just ended. This is a dual time line story, where the fate of Bess in 1820 is intertwined with the present. In the present day, there are people smugglers, contraband and an interesting array of characters. Gradually both stories unfold with some surprises and justice being served. I found this a very enjoyable and credible story, especially the way the pieces all came together with a happy ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book for me to read and freely review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Okay so this is not my first Lauren Westwood. She has a real talent for bringing her characters to life as well as making you feel like you are actually there with them in the book. I have never been to Cornwall and I found myself researching trips there after I finished. I could hear the ocean waves against the cliff, smell the salt in the air and feel the dampness of the caves the whole time I was reading. I have always been fascinated by pirates so this one really hit the spot for me. I won't spoil the plot anymore, just go read this book, you won't be disappointed.
Okay so this is not my first Lauren Westwood. She has a real talent for bringing her characters to life as well as making you feel like you are actually there with them in the book. I have never been to Cornwall and I found myself researching trips there after I finished. I could hear the ocean waves against the cliff, smell the salt in the air and feel the dampness of the caves the whole time I was reading. I have always been fascinated by pirates so this one really hit the spot for me. I won't spoil the plot anymore, just go read this book, you won't be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An interesting duel timeline book with pirates, lost loves, hidden secrets and new loves. What more could you ask for? I really enjoyed the present day timeline about Juno and her children navigating this new home in a rundown inn. It gripped me right from the beginning. The timeline in the past was more of a slow burn, but I began invested in it more as the book went on. By the end I was on the end of my seat in both timelines and the author didn't disappoint. Overall, a good story with complex characters.
This was an ARC from Netgalley, so thank you to them, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this. It comes out January 27th.
This was an ARC from Netgalley, so thank you to them, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this. It comes out January 27th.
January 29, 2026
This was such an interesting read especially with the dual timeline and the legend of what happened to Bess in the past, in present time we see Juno and her two children at Penglas Cove.
Set in Cornwall the writing really brought the beauty of the area to life and the characters were so well developed which made this read a page turning book.
Adding in pirates and the mystery around the legends of Penglas Cove it blended the history and present so well together to make this a heartwarming suspense filled enjoyable read.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Set in Cornwall the writing really brought the beauty of the area to life and the characters were so well developed which made this read a page turning book.
Adding in pirates and the mystery around the legends of Penglas Cove it blended the history and present so well together to make this a heartwarming suspense filled enjoyable read.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood, and the personal invitation I received to review this arc
Juno is left an inn from a distant relative and moves with her 2 children there from London to the Cornish coast after her divorce. What she discovers there are human trafficking, a pirate story, an alleged murder/cover up, a forbidden love and a new love. This is intertwined with a past story that brings it together with the current one.
I really loved this and highly recommend
Juno is left an inn from a distant relative and moves with her 2 children there from London to the Cornish coast after her divorce. What she discovers there are human trafficking, a pirate story, an alleged murder/cover up, a forbidden love and a new love. This is intertwined with a past story that brings it together with the current one.
I really loved this and highly recommend
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A dual timeline set in Cornwall amongst a history of smuggling, pirates and long lived feuding mystery.The Daphne Du Maurier references were well placed. A nice easy read that was easy to pick up and read in a couple of sittings with roguish characters throughout.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for my invite to read ahead of publication. Cornish sea history is fast becoming a fave of mine. Doomed love, betrayal and long lost secrets a plenty!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for my invite to read ahead of publication. Cornish sea history is fast becoming a fave of mine. Doomed love, betrayal and long lost secrets a plenty!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The past and present collide when a woman inherits an inn in the Cornish countryside from an unknown aunt. Strange events start happening, her teen son disappears for hours exploring the network of old caves beneath the inn, and love springs from an unexpected source. Creatively written and filled with lore and family history.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this dual timeline novel set in a wonderfully atmospheric Cornwall.
Set in modern times and the 1820s, both storylines had me pulled in from the start. I loved the mystery, suspense, twists and turns throughout.
I was gripped from the start and read this over a weekend. Highly recommended- a perfect book for a cold, wet weekend snuggled on the sofa with a cuppa and cake.
I have read and enjoyed several of Lauren Westwood’s novels and look forward to the next one.
Set in modern times and the 1820s, both storylines had me pulled in from the start. I loved the mystery, suspense, twists and turns throughout.
I was gripped from the start and read this over a weekend. Highly recommended- a perfect book for a cold, wet weekend snuggled on the sofa with a cuppa and cake.
I have read and enjoyed several of Lauren Westwood’s novels and look forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Although my usual type of books are thriller/horror I also love these type of murder mystery books aswell, it's like a modern day murder she wrote, and even though this story has a dual timeline, a love story, murder and a tangled family history, it's a great story.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. The Cornish coast setting is moody and atmospheric, and the old inn feels heavy with memories, loss, and long-kept secrets.
It’s a quiet read that leans more into feelings and atmosphere than action.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.
It’s a quiet read that leans more into feelings and atmosphere than action.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.
February 2, 2026
The Inn at Penglas Cove was my first book by Lauren Westwood. Although I did struggle at first and wasn't sure if this book was for me, I’m glad I stuck with it and by the end I found it had been a satisfying and enjoyable read. I would be open to reading more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
February 13, 2026
I was smitten with this book starting with the adorable title. I was in the mood for a lighthearted read and although this story has it's share of drama it was just what I needed right now. I loved the characters and the setting of the book, and the storyline was written like a movie. I kept thinking this would be a great book club read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OMG - very atmospheric. I have been to Cornwall and the descriptions bring back vivid memories as these two stories entwine and unfold. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 23, 2026
This is my first book by author Lauren Westwood. I am delighted I have found a new author. The story is set in Cornwall. Juno has split from her husband and has just inherited a property in Cornwall. She drives there for the holidays, expecting a pretty modern cottage. However she finds it is an old Inn with stories of haunting and pirates. Her teenage daughter is distressed there is no internet. Her son spends his time exploring the caves with a friend, Med.. On the first night they discover caves under the inn, an old museum with scary wax models. The caves are linked to tunnels which had been used for smuggling in the past. Are they being used for modern people trafficking today? The story moves between the 1800s and the present day. It doesn’t jump around too much and is a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed it.. my thanks go to NetGalley, Lauren Westwood and the publishers, Boldwood Books.
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