What do you think?
Rate this book
Homecomings
At the end of the row of fishermen’s cottages by the harbour’s edge, stands an old granite house.
First it belonged to Ned’s parents; then Ned dropped anchor here after a life at sea and called it home. His nephew Hugo moved in too, swapping London for the small Cornish fishing village where he’d spent so many happy holidays.
It’s a refuge – and now other friends and relations are being drawn to the the house by the sea.
Among them is Dossie, who’s lonely after her parents died and her son remarried. And cousin Jamie, who’s coming home after more than a year, since his career as an RAF pilot was abruptly cut short. Both have to adjust to a new way of life.
As newcomers arrive and old friends reunite, secrets are uncovered, relationships are forged and tested, and romance is kindled.
For those who come here find that the house by the harbour wall offers a warm welcome, and – despite its situation at the very end of the village – a new beginning...
First it belonged to Ned’s parents; then Ned dropped anchor here after a life at sea and called it home. His nephew Hugo moved in too, swapping London for the small Cornish fishing village where he’d spent so many happy holidays.
It’s a refuge – and now other friends and relations are being drawn to the the house by the sea.
Among them is Dossie, who’s lonely after her parents died and her son remarried. And cousin Jamie, who’s coming home after more than a year, since his career as an RAF pilot was abruptly cut short. Both have to adjust to a new way of life.
As newcomers arrive and old friends reunite, secrets are uncovered, relationships are forged and tested, and romance is kindled.
For those who come here find that the house by the harbour wall offers a warm welcome, and – despite its situation at the very end of the village – a new beginning...
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 28, 2018
About the author
Marcia Willett
70 books378 followersMarcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 5, 2018
EXCERPT: This house, belonging to Ned’s parents, was a refuge: a place to which they all travelled to spend leaves, school holidays, to lodge between married quarters. It was home.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: At the end of the row of fishermen’s cottages by the harbour’s edge, stands an old granite house.
First it belonged to Ned’s parents; then Ned dropped anchor here after a life at sea and called it home. His nephew Hugo moved in too, swapping London for the small Cornish fishing village where he’d spent so many happy holidays.
It’s a refuge – and now other friends and relations are being drawn to the the house by the sea.
Among them is Dossie, who’s lonely after her parents died and her son remarried. And cousin Jamie, who’s coming home after more than a year, since his career as an RAF pilot was abruptly cut short. Both have to adjust to a new way of life.
As newcomers arrive and old friends reunite, secrets are uncovered, relationships are forged and tested, and romance is kindled.
For those who come here find that the house by the harbour wall offers a warm welcome, and – despite its situation at the very end of the village – a new beginning...
MY THOUGHTS: I discovered this author quite by accident, many years ago. I was having one of those days at the library where, despite there being thousands of books on the shelves, I could not find one that I wanted to read. I had started at the As and had meandered through the alphabet to the Ws when the name Marcia caught my eye. I have a cousin Marcia, somewhat older than me, of whom I am rather fond and whom I don't often get to see. It was on the strength of this relationship that I picked up my first ever Marcia Willett novel, never expecting to still be reading her all these years later.
Homecomings is a lovely read. Willett's writing is peaceful. She has a deep knowledge and understanding of many things, including people, nature and music. She makes me feel like I belong in the families she writes about, with Ned and Hugo and Jamie, Dossie and Adam, Prune, even Janna and the Sisters at the convent. Her writing is filled with gentle emotions; grief, anger, love, despair and joy.
If you like soap operas, and plenty of action, then this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you want a book that will warm your heart and leave you with the feeling that you have just made some new friends, I can definitely recommend Homecomings.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Homecomings by Marcia Willett for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: At the end of the row of fishermen’s cottages by the harbour’s edge, stands an old granite house.
First it belonged to Ned’s parents; then Ned dropped anchor here after a life at sea and called it home. His nephew Hugo moved in too, swapping London for the small Cornish fishing village where he’d spent so many happy holidays.
It’s a refuge – and now other friends and relations are being drawn to the the house by the sea.
Among them is Dossie, who’s lonely after her parents died and her son remarried. And cousin Jamie, who’s coming home after more than a year, since his career as an RAF pilot was abruptly cut short. Both have to adjust to a new way of life.
As newcomers arrive and old friends reunite, secrets are uncovered, relationships are forged and tested, and romance is kindled.
For those who come here find that the house by the harbour wall offers a warm welcome, and – despite its situation at the very end of the village – a new beginning...
MY THOUGHTS: I discovered this author quite by accident, many years ago. I was having one of those days at the library where, despite there being thousands of books on the shelves, I could not find one that I wanted to read. I had started at the As and had meandered through the alphabet to the Ws when the name Marcia caught my eye. I have a cousin Marcia, somewhat older than me, of whom I am rather fond and whom I don't often get to see. It was on the strength of this relationship that I picked up my first ever Marcia Willett novel, never expecting to still be reading her all these years later.
Homecomings is a lovely read. Willett's writing is peaceful. She has a deep knowledge and understanding of many things, including people, nature and music. She makes me feel like I belong in the families she writes about, with Ned and Hugo and Jamie, Dossie and Adam, Prune, even Janna and the Sisters at the convent. Her writing is filled with gentle emotions; grief, anger, love, despair and joy.
If you like soap operas, and plenty of action, then this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you want a book that will warm your heart and leave you with the feeling that you have just made some new friends, I can definitely recommend Homecomings.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Homecomings by Marcia Willett for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
dnf-defer-abandon
November 4, 2018I read about a quarter of it, but it's not for me. Lots of characters introduced early on with some obvious future match-making foreshadowed, although I'm sure the obvious ones may not have come to fruition. There seemed to be a lot of telling, rather than showing. I don't need to be told why dogs leap up when someone looks like they might be headed outside. Just let them leap up and trip someone!
Probably a perfectly satisfactory light read with some romance for fans. I won't rate it since I didn't read enough. I can see the author has plenty of books and fans, so I know when I'm in the minority!
Probably a perfectly satisfactory light read with some romance for fans. I won't rate it since I didn't read enough. I can see the author has plenty of books and fans, so I know when I'm in the minority!
September 23, 2018
A comfortable read about a group of mostly middle-aged friends and family members in a village in Cornwall. There’s plot and some dramatic tension, but not too much, and a nice, compassionate tone. Everyone seems to do their best and you have a sense the whole time that it will all work out. Sometimes you need a book like that.
April 26, 2020
Lockdown Book #6
Really enjoyed this book. Lighthearted easy reading. Makes me want to go on holiday to Cornwall.
Really enjoyed this book. Lighthearted easy reading. Makes me want to go on holiday to Cornwall.
May 23, 2018
Marcia Willett writes lovely gossipy books which are all about everyday lives. Her real skill lies with the characters that she creates who are so alive on the pages.
In this book Hugo is happily trotting along in life living with his elderly Uncle Ned. They have several friends including cleaning lady, Rose, Dossie who delivers frozen ready meals & their lodger Prune. Dossie needs to think about how to finance her beautiful home inherited from her parents & how to build her relationship with her brother Adam. Hugo's cousin Jamie come down for a visit and his life is changed by a chance encounter from the past. Prune is a young lady just starting out in life who is enjoying the company of the young lad at the pub, Ben.
I love Marcia Willett books. There is a plot - not a twisty all gripping plot but the events of life. I find herr work relaxing to read and I get very involved with the characters. This book is no exception with well written three dimensional personalities and interesting everyday events.
I shall be more than happy to read more of Marcia Willett's books as they are published.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley
In this book Hugo is happily trotting along in life living with his elderly Uncle Ned. They have several friends including cleaning lady, Rose, Dossie who delivers frozen ready meals & their lodger Prune. Dossie needs to think about how to finance her beautiful home inherited from her parents & how to build her relationship with her brother Adam. Hugo's cousin Jamie come down for a visit and his life is changed by a chance encounter from the past. Prune is a young lady just starting out in life who is enjoying the company of the young lad at the pub, Ben.
I love Marcia Willett books. There is a plot - not a twisty all gripping plot but the events of life. I find herr work relaxing to read and I get very involved with the characters. This book is no exception with well written three dimensional personalities and interesting everyday events.
I shall be more than happy to read more of Marcia Willett's books as they are published.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley
May 28, 2018
How wonderful it feels to be welcomed back into the warm embrace of a Marcia Willett novel.
Even more delightful to find old friends amongst the new characters.
This is a book one wants to keep on reading....without ever coming to the end.
An ideal book to read on the computer, making it easy to find the various pieces of music mentioned & listen to them on YouTube whilst reading.
Oh - I so loved this book : although my heart nearly stopped near the end ! The writer really has the knack of creating characters we care about, it is hard to believe they are not 'real'... I am already looking forward to a further volume : )
Even more delightful to find old friends amongst the new characters.
This is a book one wants to keep on reading....without ever coming to the end.
An ideal book to read on the computer, making it easy to find the various pieces of music mentioned & listen to them on YouTube whilst reading.
Oh - I so loved this book : although my heart nearly stopped near the end ! The writer really has the knack of creating characters we care about, it is hard to believe they are not 'real'... I am already looking forward to a further volume : )
June 4, 2018
Easy to read and to relate to. These characters end up people that you wish happiness for and you wish for the best outcome form them all. It is a book that is true to life. And pops with magic. This book has you happily ensconced in the storyline and with a happy smile after you have read it. I enjoyed reading this book.
July 16, 2021
I would have given 5 stars but the ending was too sudden.
May 18, 2023
Het boek leest prima weg. Een boek vol sentiment en hoe relaties met anderen je gelukkig maken. Het plot is voorspelbaar, maar er gebeurt genoeg om lekker tot het einde door te blijven lezen.
February 18, 2025
I absolutely love the theme of friendship throughout Willett's books!! I also love how she brings together recurring characters.
June 11, 2021
Disappointed in ending
The book ends VERY abruptly- which was extremely disappointing. Characters grew- so the abrupt ending was more jarring to me .
The book ends VERY abruptly- which was extremely disappointing. Characters grew- so the abrupt ending was more jarring to me .
Read
November 22, 2019Keeping it short, I really got into this story, and truly loved all the characters. Imagine my disappointment at the end to find the story- I’m my world- unfinished. A couple of the little storylines were simply left hanging. The author may have felt she wrapped them up to her satisfaction, but I was eagerly reading to discover how it all worked out, when I was startled to suddenly find myself on the last page, with A big whaaat? I Would easily have given this book 5 stars if she had not ended it so abruptly, and had brought all the various storylines to a clear resolution. It’s left me grumpy.
January 5, 2024
Such an enjoyable read. Ned and his nephew Hugo are living together in a big, rambling house in Cornwall. Ned’s wife Margaret died some years ago and his son Jack died in the Falklands War.
Hugo’s cousin Jamie, confronting the end of his career as a RAF pilot due to a serious and incurable vertigo problem, joins Ned and Hugo for a visit as he struggles to contemplate his future.
Neighbor and friend Dossie is close to Ned and Hugo. She lives alone in a big house nearby following the deaths of her parents and her much-loved husband Mike. Her somewhat estranged brother Adam has come to visit, and the siblings contemplate what’s to become of the big house, as they discover old hurts and misunderstandings in their family.
Into this rich, warm, mostly loving group arrives a young family and an ex-wife with some startling news that will definitely shake things up for everyone. A moving and lovely story.
Hugo’s cousin Jamie, confronting the end of his career as a RAF pilot due to a serious and incurable vertigo problem, joins Ned and Hugo for a visit as he struggles to contemplate his future.
Neighbor and friend Dossie is close to Ned and Hugo. She lives alone in a big house nearby following the deaths of her parents and her much-loved husband Mike. Her somewhat estranged brother Adam has come to visit, and the siblings contemplate what’s to become of the big house, as they discover old hurts and misunderstandings in their family.
Into this rich, warm, mostly loving group arrives a young family and an ex-wife with some startling news that will definitely shake things up for everyone. A moving and lovely story.
October 9, 2018
A Marcia Willett book is always a greatly anticipated treat for me. The reason I only gave this title 4 stars is because the book felt a bit thin somehow. I wish she had fleshed out the story and characters further to invest us more and take us further into the world of Homecomings and its characters. Some of her books (First Friends, The Courtyard, The Dipper & many, many others) feel as if I am right there in that world created on the page. Homecomings and one or two others feel as if I’m on the outside looking in.
Mrs Willett’s work will always be beloved —and for good reason. Stylistically she is unique; warm, smart, wholesome and energetic. Her characters are lovable and familiar and their stories are interesting without ever being too sensational. I truly do love every book she’s written but this one just wasn’t perfect. Perhaps all her other work spoiled me!
Mrs Willett’s work will always be beloved —and for good reason. Stylistically she is unique; warm, smart, wholesome and energetic. Her characters are lovable and familiar and their stories are interesting without ever being too sensational. I truly do love every book she’s written but this one just wasn’t perfect. Perhaps all her other work spoiled me!
October 23, 2020
A house in the harbor brings together old and new friends and is a place for new beginnings. The house is owned by Ned who is recovering from hip surgery and his nephew Hugo moved in. Also at the house is Prunella (Prune) who works nearby. Ned and Hugo are friends with Dossie who lives in the area and has a catering business. Another of Ned’s nephew’s Jamie moves down after being forced into retirement from the RAF. Dossie’s brother Adam comes down to visit. As everyone comes together and makes new friends, it’s a time as well for new beginnings.
A feel-good, comfort read which is a nice thing to have at times. So many of her characters are people that you'd enjoy knowing in real life if that were possible.
A feel-good, comfort read which is a nice thing to have at times. So many of her characters are people that you'd enjoy knowing in real life if that were possible.
September 7, 2018
Homecomings by Marcia Willett is such a beautiful read.
Set in a fishing village in Cornwall, from the first page you are taken there with it’s beauty and imagery of the characters in the story.
Hugo and his Uncle Ned share their cottage with a student Prune.
His close friend Dossie with her catering business pops in keep them company. Rose the cleaner comes in regularly as she has done for years.
Hugo’s cousin Jamie comes down to stay too after retiring from the RAF.
Dossie’s brother Adam comes to visit and she worries about the past and a new beginning.
Each character feels drawn to this peaceful place and it feels like coming home.
Such a heart warming read.
Set in a fishing village in Cornwall, from the first page you are taken there with it’s beauty and imagery of the characters in the story.
Hugo and his Uncle Ned share their cottage with a student Prune.
His close friend Dossie with her catering business pops in keep them company. Rose the cleaner comes in regularly as she has done for years.
Hugo’s cousin Jamie comes down to stay too after retiring from the RAF.
Dossie’s brother Adam comes to visit and she worries about the past and a new beginning.
Each character feels drawn to this peaceful place and it feels like coming home.
Such a heart warming read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 2, 2019I expected to like this book, a bunch of older friends and their ordinary lives, but I struggled with the choice of POV, third person present tense feels very odd to me, almost as though it is written as a screen play. I pressed on but continued to find this choice jarred with me, then the story lines crossed with my personal history bringing up too much from my past and so I have decided not to go on. This is my first by this author but if she always writes in 3rd person present tense I suppose I will always find that a bit weird.
I have deliberately not given this a rating because I feel it is inappropriate to do so.
I have deliberately not given this a rating because I feel it is inappropriate to do so.
July 1, 2020
This is a wonderful book if you like character-driven women's fiction. Thoughtful, with spiritual undertones (but entirely non-threatening, in my view) with the added bonus of some people who appeared in the author's earlier book 'The Christmas Angel'.
Set mostly in Cornwall, this novel features friendships, low-key romances, and family life. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who likes well-written fiction in this genre, with some depth.
It stands alone but is all the better for having read the earlier book about some of the same people.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Set mostly in Cornwall, this novel features friendships, low-key romances, and family life. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who likes well-written fiction in this genre, with some depth.
It stands alone but is all the better for having read the earlier book about some of the same people.
Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
June 10, 2021
Hooray! A new Marcia Willett story!
I had not checked for new Willett books in a few years, having moved across country and been rather busy. But I learned of this one and was delighted. Ms. Willett’s books truly draw the reader into the lives of her characters, and you find yourself wishing you could sit down with them over a cup of coffee or tea and have a long conversation and a catch-up on their lives. This one is no exception. I hated to see it end, and ordered a hard copy so that it will be on my shelves next to her earlier ones, to be taken down and re-read when I want to visit again.
I had not checked for new Willett books in a few years, having moved across country and been rather busy. But I learned of this one and was delighted. Ms. Willett’s books truly draw the reader into the lives of her characters, and you find yourself wishing you could sit down with them over a cup of coffee or tea and have a long conversation and a catch-up on their lives. This one is no exception. I hated to see it end, and ordered a hard copy so that it will be on my shelves next to her earlier ones, to be taken down and re-read when I want to visit again.
August 7, 2018
I haven't read any of Marcia Willett's previous novels, but I really enjoyed this one and will be looking at other books written by her.
A gentle, comforting read with interesting characters and a beautiful Cornish setting. I enjoyed the storyline and found all of the characters easy to relate to. I hope their will be a sequel so that I can find out what happened next.
An ideal book for a sunny afternoon in the garden or a holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A gentle, comforting read with interesting characters and a beautiful Cornish setting. I enjoyed the storyline and found all of the characters easy to relate to. I hope their will be a sequel so that I can find out what happened next.
An ideal book for a sunny afternoon in the garden or a holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2019
Three and a half star rating.
In need of a gentle, heartwarming story? Then you can’t go far wrong by choosing this book. Lots of mainly nice characters in a beautiful Cornish setting, some who are already living there, others finding their way “home”. A few dilemmas, a few problems to sort out. A nice relaxing read for anyone who doesn’t want too much drama or over excitement! Marcia Willett is the queen of this particular genre. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In need of a gentle, heartwarming story? Then you can’t go far wrong by choosing this book. Lots of mainly nice characters in a beautiful Cornish setting, some who are already living there, others finding their way “home”. A few dilemmas, a few problems to sort out. A nice relaxing read for anyone who doesn’t want too much drama or over excitement! Marcia Willett is the queen of this particular genre. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2023
Raamatu tegevus, nagu teisteski Marcia Willetti raamatutes, toimub Cornwallis. Olen Cornwallis aastaid tagasi käinud, seal kuu aega elanud ja ennast väga-väga hästi tundnud. Kui kirjanik kirjeldab, kuidas tegelased oma koertega üleval nõmmel pikkadel jalutuskäikudel käivad, siis olen nagu isegi koos nendega seal kõrgetel kaldapealsetel kõndimas. Ja kui veel lisada paras annus sõprust, hoolimist, mõnusaid ühiseid koosviibimisi, siis ongi südamesoojuse tunne raamatust käes. See on peamine mis sellest raamatust saab.
August 31, 2018
I like Marcia Willettt's books, though they are seeming somewhat formulaic now. She does have good characters which drive the small amount of plot, I just kept feeling deja vu with this one, so much like some of her others in plot & characters. It isn't bad, but definitely not her best; enjoyable enough to keep me entertained for an afternoon. And although she writes in present tense, it doesn't irritate me as much as most such books do.
June 7, 2020
It took me a bit longer to ‘get’ into this book but the characters soon came to life and I enjoyed it but there’s a but! It ended with me thinking ‘what?!’ and I feel a little frustrated wanting to know more ... did Jamie & Ems become friends ... did he meet his grandson ... did Hugo (loved his & Uncle Ned’s characters) & Rose get together ... is there a sequel or is that it?!! Saying that I’d read more of Marcia Willett’s books !!
June 9, 2021
A gorgeous meandering story about coming home, about finding and re-finding family, love, connections and stability. Marcia Willett never disappoints in establishing a connection between reader and character. Homecomings is an examination of relationships, both usual and unusual and how our deep connection to other people keeps us going through life. A comforting story, like a warm hug or a soft rug around the reader.
May 27, 2019
When I started this book I thought it was a bit like a lot of other novels set on Cornwall. But as I read I found I enjoyed the characters and the writing was around them rather than the villages and towns in Cornwall. I read this in one day and have now just bought the next one that Marcia has written. A great summer read.
September 18, 2020
The setting of this book was so lovely, Cornwall really catches my heart. The cast of characters in this novel really makes the house by the sea home.
Have to give 1 star though as the ending was upsetting. Felt very rushed and no finality or closure about any of the characters. I had been so invested with the characters only to be let go too quickly.
Have to give 1 star though as the ending was upsetting. Felt very rushed and no finality or closure about any of the characters. I had been so invested with the characters only to be let go too quickly.
August 5, 2021
Love seeing Marcia Willett books now on Amazon Kindle. Loved her books twenty years or more ago and always liked her writing. Homecoming was enjoyable. Love the complicated characters, the lengthy family connections, easy read, story stays with reader.
Looking forward to catching up on more of Marcia current books on Kindle now my favorite way to read!
Looking forward to catching up on more of Marcia current books on Kindle now my favorite way to read!
August 27, 2021
Homecomings is the first Marcia Willett novel I've read. There are a number of different characters in this story who all come together into a nice group of friends and form their own family unit. There are secrets from the past revealed and shared. A lovely story. I will read another novel by this author.
July 21, 2022
My first book by Ms. Willett and what a delightful experience! Very good writing with a feel of Rosamunde Pilcher's style, it puts you right into the English settings and paints mental pictures of the scenery and characters, and especially grabs your heart and ties you into the characters' thoughts and feelings. Recommended, I want to read all of hers now!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews