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Cornwall is for Lovers
It's 1945, and German-born Kenneth Diederich is sick of the war, sick of his job, and sick of pining after best friend Frank Malone, who has recently re-entered his life. When the war suddenly ends, it seems like the most natural thing in the world to accept Frank's offer of a holiday trip. The two of them, on Frank's trusty Triumph motorcycle, heading down to the wide blue bay of Cornwall… What could go wrong?
♦ 27,000 words .
♦ 27,000 words .
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2017
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 18, 2017
3.5 stars
Urgh!! Why did it end abruptly?!?
For a novella, I thought it was pretty "complete" -- except for the ending. It started during the WW II, when Kenneth reunited with his childhood friend (and crush) Frank. Ken was a code-breaker stationed in Bletchley while Frank was a courier, and he was going to be assigned to the Bletchley area. The two rekindled their friendship, and when the war was over, Frank asked Kenneth to take a trip to Cornwall.
I loved the atmosphere of this story. I loved the tentative progress between the two because of the era, and because Ken wasn't completely sure of Frank's sexuality. The story was written solely from Ken's perspective but I didn't feel like I've missed Frank's thoughts that much. I guess Ken's feeling, his internal struggle (he was more shy compared to Frank), and the problem he had being a half-German during that time was more compelling to me than Frank's.
It was wonderful ... If only Medina added more pages to the ending, I would've rated this higher. That abrupt ending annoyed me because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the two young men... I wanted to have a better HEA closure, gift-wrapped in rainbow ribbons!!
Urgh!! Why did it end abruptly?!?
For a novella, I thought it was pretty "complete" -- except for the ending. It started during the WW II, when Kenneth reunited with his childhood friend (and crush) Frank. Ken was a code-breaker stationed in Bletchley while Frank was a courier, and he was going to be assigned to the Bletchley area. The two rekindled their friendship, and when the war was over, Frank asked Kenneth to take a trip to Cornwall.
I loved the atmosphere of this story. I loved the tentative progress between the two because of the era, and because Ken wasn't completely sure of Frank's sexuality. The story was written solely from Ken's perspective but I didn't feel like I've missed Frank's thoughts that much. I guess Ken's feeling, his internal struggle (he was more shy compared to Frank), and the problem he had being a half-German during that time was more compelling to me than Frank's.
It was wonderful ... If only Medina added more pages to the ending, I would've rated this higher. That abrupt ending annoyed me because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the two young men... I wanted to have a better HEA closure, gift-wrapped in rainbow ribbons!!
July 24, 2018
Lovely little novella that warms the cockles of your heart.
February 22, 2017
*3.5 stars*
I struggled a little with my rating for this one. I wanted to give it 4 stars with all my heart, but it ended too abruptly for my tastes. Had there been a little more romance or steam, I would have definitely rounded up. In any case, I'm impressed with this new to me author, and I'll definitely check out more of their work in the future.
The story is set in 1945 England, in the end of World War II. The author did an amazing job capturing the atmosphere of a European capital during this dreadful time, all while leaving out the gruesome details. It's this constant fear, melancholy and rage, the death of all dreams, and the impossibility to find hope unless the war stops.
Kenneth, a code-breaker stationed in Bletchley, just reunited with his childhood friend, Frank, who worked as a dispatcher. I found the dancing around each other very natural. Both men want to come forward, but it's not an era when one can be forthcoming about his sexual orientation, right? Besides, Frank's presence just started bringing some light in Kenneth's dark and dull life, so better not risk it.
But the war ends, and it takes inhibitions and hung ups with it, and the boys finally open up to each other during a road trip to Cornwall.
The writing was very evocative, and truly British. There is A LOT of slow burn, but zero steam. If only there was one more chapter...
I struggled a little with my rating for this one. I wanted to give it 4 stars with all my heart, but it ended too abruptly for my tastes. Had there been a little more romance or steam, I would have definitely rounded up. In any case, I'm impressed with this new to me author, and I'll definitely check out more of their work in the future.
The story is set in 1945 England, in the end of World War II. The author did an amazing job capturing the atmosphere of a European capital during this dreadful time, all while leaving out the gruesome details. It's this constant fear, melancholy and rage, the death of all dreams, and the impossibility to find hope unless the war stops.
Kenneth, a code-breaker stationed in Bletchley, just reunited with his childhood friend, Frank, who worked as a dispatcher. I found the dancing around each other very natural. Both men want to come forward, but it's not an era when one can be forthcoming about his sexual orientation, right? Besides, Frank's presence just started bringing some light in Kenneth's dark and dull life, so better not risk it.
But the war ends, and it takes inhibitions and hung ups with it, and the boys finally open up to each other during a road trip to Cornwall.
The writing was very evocative, and truly British. There is A LOT of slow burn, but zero steam. If only there was one more chapter...
February 17, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a nice short story.
In a time when homosexuality was a crime in England, Ken has never dared making his inclination known.
His summers as a boy were ruined because he went out of his way to avoid other boys from noticing him looking while they were swimming in the pond or doing other summer activities.
He crushed on Frank when they were in school, but he kept his distance so he wouldn't suspect.
The war gets them together again by chance, Ken a decoder, Frank a dispatcher, and they rekindle their friendship.
When the war comes suddenly to an end, Frank and Ken go on a trip that will compensate Ken for all those missing summers as a boy.
This was a nice short story.
In a time when homosexuality was a crime in England, Ken has never dared making his inclination known.
His summers as a boy were ruined because he went out of his way to avoid other boys from noticing him looking while they were swimming in the pond or doing other summer activities.
He crushed on Frank when they were in school, but he kept his distance so he wouldn't suspect.
The war gets them together again by chance, Ken a decoder, Frank a dispatcher, and they rekindle their friendship.
When the war comes suddenly to an end, Frank and Ken go on a trip that will compensate Ken for all those missing summers as a boy.
June 25, 2018
Lovely. This is a charming novella and I loved it. It takes place in England right as WWII is ending and features two military men: a Bletchley codebreaker and a motorcycle courier. Two childhood friends re-connect as adults and it's a warm, quiet, feel-good story. The wartime atmosphere is beautifully done and the writing is delicate and lovely. This author has two books listed here on GR and they're both wonderful in completely different ways and both so nicely written. I am eager to see what H.P Medina does next, because I wish there was more to read by this author.
March 6, 2017
there wasn't really that much of a plot, just pure unadulterated fluffy romance, and i loved it. it was a really quick, feel-good sort of novella that made me grin so much my cheeks ached. the writing was also really good and almost poetical in places, which i appreciated a lot. (also, there was a cameo by alan turing!! ALAN TURING!! seriously, namedrop this dude and i am THERE. i am a complete sucker for alan turing.)
March 3, 2017
I’m so glad I took a chance on Cornwall Is for Lovers. H.P. Medina crafted a touching story about friendship, love, and courage set amid the fascinating backdrop of Bletchley Park, and the heroic efforts of the codebreakers working there to end the war. The most famous of those codebreakers was, of course, Alan Turing, whose work on breaking the Nazi’s Enigma code gave the Allies the edge they needed to ultimately win the war. The thing I loved about what Medina did, though, was how she truly made all of that the backdrop to Kenneth and Frank’s story. In the book, Kenneth worked as a codebreaker and translator alongside Turing, but the most we saw of the famous mathematician was when he was teasing Kenneth about the way Frank looked at him. The author worked the historical elements in seamlessly, but didn’t allow them to overshadow the simpler love story she was telling.
Kenneth and Frank were both so likeable. Though they were once very close childhood friends, it was sadly too easy to lose touch after their families both moved away from Dover. Brought back together by the war—Frank works as a dispatcher/messenger, bringing important messages to Bletchley Park—it is luckily just as easy to rekindle their friendship. I loved that they had a shared history and so many memories together. It made their reconnection and watching their growing friendship that much sweeter.
The romance was definitely a very slow burn. But, understandably so, as it was illegal to be gay at the time; they each had to be very guarded…couldn’t risk giving anything away unless they were one hundred percent sure how the other felt. Another thing that was realistic to the time period was the prejudice Kenneth experienced because of his German name and descent. Though his mother was Scottish, and he grew up in Dover, and later London, the fact that his father was German was enough to fuel some people’s intolerance. Being reminded of bigotry of any kind is never fun, but I appreciated how Medina handled it in the story.
We see the friendship and easygoing camaraderie between Kenneth and Frank throughout the story, but it’s after the war ends and they decide to go on a holiday together down to Cornwall that they begin to discover they aren’t alone in thinking their feelings for each other run deeper than friendship. I really liked how things unfolded for them on the trip, and Cornwall was nice once they got there, but I wish we had gotten to see more of them being happy by the sea. However, while I do think the ending came much too quickly, the story really was in their journey.
There were many little things to love in this novella. I hope you guys will give it a shot, too!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
Kenneth and Frank were both so likeable. Though they were once very close childhood friends, it was sadly too easy to lose touch after their families both moved away from Dover. Brought back together by the war—Frank works as a dispatcher/messenger, bringing important messages to Bletchley Park—it is luckily just as easy to rekindle their friendship. I loved that they had a shared history and so many memories together. It made their reconnection and watching their growing friendship that much sweeter.
The romance was definitely a very slow burn. But, understandably so, as it was illegal to be gay at the time; they each had to be very guarded…couldn’t risk giving anything away unless they were one hundred percent sure how the other felt. Another thing that was realistic to the time period was the prejudice Kenneth experienced because of his German name and descent. Though his mother was Scottish, and he grew up in Dover, and later London, the fact that his father was German was enough to fuel some people’s intolerance. Being reminded of bigotry of any kind is never fun, but I appreciated how Medina handled it in the story.
We see the friendship and easygoing camaraderie between Kenneth and Frank throughout the story, but it’s after the war ends and they decide to go on a holiday together down to Cornwall that they begin to discover they aren’t alone in thinking their feelings for each other run deeper than friendship. I really liked how things unfolded for them on the trip, and Cornwall was nice once they got there, but I wish we had gotten to see more of them being happy by the sea. However, while I do think the ending came much too quickly, the story really was in their journey.
There were many little things to love in this novella. I hope you guys will give it a shot, too!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
March 26, 2017
Excellent Read and Insight
I love stories about WWII that incorporate the obvious subject matter here. I thought the diary element was wonderful, chilling, and so sad. I'd like to see the authors create a story around that diary as well.
Loved the characters here and though placed in a very difficult and different time, I could very much relate to Kenneth. I have always wondered what it must have been like for people like me during the war and the immediate post war era as well. Very well done.
My only criticism is that the book is most certainly not long enough.
I love stories about WWII that incorporate the obvious subject matter here. I thought the diary element was wonderful, chilling, and so sad. I'd like to see the authors create a story around that diary as well.
Loved the characters here and though placed in a very difficult and different time, I could very much relate to Kenneth. I have always wondered what it must have been like for people like me during the war and the immediate post war era as well. Very well done.
My only criticism is that the book is most certainly not long enough.
February 17, 2017
This was a lovely little read. <33333 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
October 29, 2019
This was such a nice, sweet read! The ending of it was a little abrupt, but it’s not like isn’t was a bad one, just a little sudden, so it didn’t ruin my reading experience so I still say it’s a five star quick read! Just a really enjoyable book!
March 29, 2017
A 'slow burn' and lovely little story!
The writers I admire the most are the ones who are able to convey a character's emotional personality with intensity. H.P. Medina is one of them. Kenneth is adorable <3
This novella left me wanting more!
The writers I admire the most are the ones who are able to convey a character's emotional personality with intensity. H.P. Medina is one of them. Kenneth is adorable <3
This novella left me wanting more!
April 6, 2017
A superb PG-13 male/male historical romance.
This is a fantastic slice of life M/M romance told in the third person perspective of a single character, Kenneth. The choice of perspective works really well. I love the somewhat unusual historical sitting in London and Cornwall at the end of World War II. I thought it was really cool that the story mentions "Dr. Turing's machine" (the very first computer) and its noise at Bletchley, which was a government facility in England. That is a fascinating little bit of historical trivia. The character Kenneth actually works indirectly for Dr. Turing as a codebreaker!
This novella also impressed me as a well-researched historical romance. The language, jargon, and accents all seem very authentic. There are little details all over the place that make the reading experience feel very vivid. The entire book is told in the third person past tense perspective from one only one person, Kenneth. Kenneth is a smart, quiet young man in his late 20's who is firmly in the closet. We see only Kenneth's view of Frank, whom Kenneth had had a crush on since they were in grade school together. Frank is a jovial, outgoing, lovable young man who makes the best of things. Frank comes back into Kenneth's life while they are working together during the war, and they become best friends. Kenneth is to afraid to broach the subject to Frank of being gay and really liking Frank. I have not encountered any male/male romance without sex scenes, and I am really impressed by this one. It really worked without sex scenes. The growing relationship was sweet, and we got a lovely ending that feels like a happily ever after.
Neither Kenneth nor Frank are experienced at sex because being homosexual was highly illegal at this time in England. The movie "The Imitation Game" about Dr. Alan Turing first made me aware of this awful fact. I understand how hesitant Kenneth was about telling anyone that he was gay.
I recommend this novella to newbies and experienced readers in male/male romance. In addition, I think that all readers who like WWII romances would like this one. Also, I think that most people who loved the movie "The Imitation Game" should try this book.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
This is a fantastic slice of life M/M romance told in the third person perspective of a single character, Kenneth. The choice of perspective works really well. I love the somewhat unusual historical sitting in London and Cornwall at the end of World War II. I thought it was really cool that the story mentions "Dr. Turing's machine" (the very first computer) and its noise at Bletchley, which was a government facility in England. That is a fascinating little bit of historical trivia. The character Kenneth actually works indirectly for Dr. Turing as a codebreaker!
This novella also impressed me as a well-researched historical romance. The language, jargon, and accents all seem very authentic. There are little details all over the place that make the reading experience feel very vivid. The entire book is told in the third person past tense perspective from one only one person, Kenneth. Kenneth is a smart, quiet young man in his late 20's who is firmly in the closet. We see only Kenneth's view of Frank, whom Kenneth had had a crush on since they were in grade school together. Frank is a jovial, outgoing, lovable young man who makes the best of things. Frank comes back into Kenneth's life while they are working together during the war, and they become best friends. Kenneth is to afraid to broach the subject to Frank of being gay and really liking Frank. I have not encountered any male/male romance without sex scenes, and I am really impressed by this one. It really worked without sex scenes. The growing relationship was sweet, and we got a lovely ending that feels like a happily ever after.
Neither Kenneth nor Frank are experienced at sex because being homosexual was highly illegal at this time in England. The movie "The Imitation Game" about Dr. Alan Turing first made me aware of this awful fact. I understand how hesitant Kenneth was about telling anyone that he was gay.
I recommend this novella to newbies and experienced readers in male/male romance. In addition, I think that all readers who like WWII romances would like this one. Also, I think that most people who loved the movie "The Imitation Game" should try this book.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the publisher via Netgalley, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
April 12, 2017
This was an extremely slow read and an extremely slow burn short story. It wasn't bad. But certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
I enjoyed the build up of the friends reconnecting. But... I'll be honest here. I needed more romance. Just some hope of what's to come early on. You really don't get that until way later in the story. But it still wasn't a lot to hold on to.
This book is full on British. It was kind of hard to get into. Americans do not use a lot of the words that they use. Or phrase things as they do. So it took me awhile to get into it. It wasn't bad. Just hard to follow at times.
The ending of this book just kind of stops. Right when it was getting good. Why? I felt that's what the book needed to even It out. Plus I would have liked to read more about them as a couple.
Overall... this was an ok read for me. A little in the slow side. But... Sweet... friends reconnecting and finding something more between them.
*ARC provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley*
-Michelle
I enjoyed the build up of the friends reconnecting. But... I'll be honest here. I needed more romance. Just some hope of what's to come early on. You really don't get that until way later in the story. But it still wasn't a lot to hold on to.
This book is full on British. It was kind of hard to get into. Americans do not use a lot of the words that they use. Or phrase things as they do. So it took me awhile to get into it. It wasn't bad. Just hard to follow at times.
The ending of this book just kind of stops. Right when it was getting good. Why? I felt that's what the book needed to even It out. Plus I would have liked to read more about them as a couple.
Overall... this was an ok read for me. A little in the slow side. But... Sweet... friends reconnecting and finding something more between them.
*ARC provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley*
-Michelle
April 12, 2017
This was an extremely slow read and an extremely slow burn short story. It wasn't bad. But certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
I enjoyed the build up of the friends reconnecting. But... I'll be honest here. I needed more romance. Just some hope of what's to come early on. You really don't get that until way later in the story. But it still wasn't a lot to hold on to.
This book is full on British. It was kind of hard to get into. Americans do not use a lot of the words that they use. Or phrase things as they do. So it took me awhile to get into it. It wasn't bad. Just hard to follow at times.
The ending of this book just kind of stops. Right when it was getting good. Why? I felt that's what the book needed to even It out. Plus I would have liked to read more about them as a couple.
Overall... this was an ok read for me. A little in the slow side. But... Sweet... friends reconnecting and finding something more between them.
*ARC provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley*
(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account)
I enjoyed the build up of the friends reconnecting. But... I'll be honest here. I needed more romance. Just some hope of what's to come early on. You really don't get that until way later in the story. But it still wasn't a lot to hold on to.
This book is full on British. It was kind of hard to get into. Americans do not use a lot of the words that they use. Or phrase things as they do. So it took me awhile to get into it. It wasn't bad. Just hard to follow at times.
The ending of this book just kind of stops. Right when it was getting good. Why? I felt that's what the book needed to even It out. Plus I would have liked to read more about them as a couple.
Overall... this was an ok read for me. A little in the slow side. But... Sweet... friends reconnecting and finding something more between them.
*ARC provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley*
(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account)
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