What do you think?
Coming Back to Cornwall #1
A Second Chance Summer
✨Kindle Bestseller in multiple countries!✨
"Such a lovely book, very different from my usual genre. The author takes you on a journey of hope and self discovery."
What if the life you left behind is the one you were meant to return to?
Alice and Julie thought they had left their Cornish summer behind them. Now, with life not quite turning out as they had hoped, the two friends decide to return.
Cornwall is just as beautiful as they remember, but going back brings more than sunshine and sea views. Old friendships are rekindled, family ties are tested - as well as their own relationship - and Alice finds herself face-to-face with Sam — the man she never quite managed to forget.
Could this really be a second chance at the life and love she once dreamed of?
As Alice and Julie settle into their new lives, they discover that starting again is not easy. Sometimes, it takes courage to admit that what you thought you wanted isn't what you need — and that it's never too late to make a different choice. But the past has a habit of catching you up...
"I keep putting it down as I don't want to finish it. I was brought up in St Ives and I can almost imagine I am walking those streets with Alice"
A Second Chance Summer is a warm, uplifting story about love, friendship, family and finding the courage to start again, set against the beautiful Cornish coast.
Perfect for readers who love women’s fiction with romance, second chances, strong female friendships, family drama and escapist stories set in Cornwall.
Discover the beginning of the much-loved Coming Back to Cornwall series.
"Such a lovely book, very different from my usual genre. The author takes you on a journey of hope and self discovery."
What if the life you left behind is the one you were meant to return to?
Alice and Julie thought they had left their Cornish summer behind them. Now, with life not quite turning out as they had hoped, the two friends decide to return.
Cornwall is just as beautiful as they remember, but going back brings more than sunshine and sea views. Old friendships are rekindled, family ties are tested - as well as their own relationship - and Alice finds herself face-to-face with Sam — the man she never quite managed to forget.
Could this really be a second chance at the life and love she once dreamed of?
As Alice and Julie settle into their new lives, they discover that starting again is not easy. Sometimes, it takes courage to admit that what you thought you wanted isn't what you need — and that it's never too late to make a different choice. But the past has a habit of catching you up...
"I keep putting it down as I don't want to finish it. I was brought up in St Ives and I can almost imagine I am walking those streets with Alice"
A Second Chance Summer is a warm, uplifting story about love, friendship, family and finding the courage to start again, set against the beautiful Cornish coast.
Perfect for readers who love women’s fiction with romance, second chances, strong female friendships, family drama and escapist stories set in Cornwall.
Discover the beginning of the much-loved Coming Back to Cornwall series.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2018
About the author
Katharine E. Smith
31 books24 followersKatharine E. Smith is a British independent fiction author, as well as the founder of Heddon Publishing. With a degree in Philosophy, Katharine worked in the IT and charity sectors before going freelance as as copywriter, proofreader and editor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 18, 2019
Right up my street!
Loved reading this and I’m eager to follow the friends in the next chapters of their lives! New author to me will certainly be reading more!
Loved reading this and I’m eager to follow the friends in the next chapters of their lives! New author to me will certainly be reading more!
April 11, 2019
Loved reading this book couldn't put it down ,
June 17, 2018
"See" the beauty of Cornwall!
The author describes in beautiful detail all that is Cornwall. Her story is like a travelogue of the area. Friendship, love and family abound.
The author describes in beautiful detail all that is Cornwall. Her story is like a travelogue of the area. Friendship, love and family abound.
July 7, 2018
Lovely love story set in Cornwall. Beautiful descriptions of the scenery. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 17, 2019
The author employs first-person narration and deftly manages present tense – a very difficult thing to do. The story is narrated by Alice, the 28-year-old protagonist, so we see events from her perspective, as well as spending a vast amount of time in her head as she provides a running internal commentary to all that happens in her life. The writing style is confident and engaging, and characterization fairly well done, although I wished for a little more descriptiveness with regard to the main players. I’m having trouble picturing Alice, but also the rest of the cast, although the men are a little more sketched out. The beautiful locale of a seaside resort in Cornwall, on the other hand, is lusciously described including the wild weather, flora and fauna, since the hero is a keen conservationist.
However, the plot is not faultless. Without giving too much away, for a second-chance romance I found the circumstances leading up to the split to be a stretch. Based on my own life experience, the hero gives up far too easily, and the heroine doesn’t try at all (if you discount a few phone calls and texts, which I certainly do).
I suppose the endearing quality is that we have some weak characters, exhibiting their human limitations only too well. One could argue that Alice, although trying to be strong in overcoming a dreadful event, would not have ended up in that situation, had she been less malleable. Her best friend Julie is a ridiculous selfish mess. Anyone else would lose patience with her, but Alice is doggedly loyal, which is admirable but also infuriating. I liked David best, although again the way everything turns out in the end defies belief. Life is, unfortunately, not that conveniently accommodating. Luke is also a successful combination of strong and vulnerable.
Despite what I see as faults, I enjoyed reading this book, which is really an instalment as the story continues over three more volumes. The romance is sweetly told, but for me there is a certain lack of passion in the main couple, despite their protestations. Their actions are just too restrained and deliberate. Apart from a few instances of mild cursing, the book is suitable for the widest audience. The bedroom scenes are hinted at, and the reader is left outside a firmly shut door. Sadly, the current drinking culture is in full view; apparently, the only way to have fun is to drink to the vomiting or passing-out stage – which is regrettable, as well as untrue.
However, the plot is not faultless. Without giving too much away, for a second-chance romance I found the circumstances leading up to the split to be a stretch. Based on my own life experience, the hero gives up far too easily, and the heroine doesn’t try at all (if you discount a few phone calls and texts, which I certainly do).
I suppose the endearing quality is that we have some weak characters, exhibiting their human limitations only too well. One could argue that Alice, although trying to be strong in overcoming a dreadful event, would not have ended up in that situation, had she been less malleable. Her best friend Julie is a ridiculous selfish mess. Anyone else would lose patience with her, but Alice is doggedly loyal, which is admirable but also infuriating. I liked David best, although again the way everything turns out in the end defies belief. Life is, unfortunately, not that conveniently accommodating. Luke is also a successful combination of strong and vulnerable.
Despite what I see as faults, I enjoyed reading this book, which is really an instalment as the story continues over three more volumes. The romance is sweetly told, but for me there is a certain lack of passion in the main couple, despite their protestations. Their actions are just too restrained and deliberate. Apart from a few instances of mild cursing, the book is suitable for the widest audience. The bedroom scenes are hinted at, and the reader is left outside a firmly shut door. Sadly, the current drinking culture is in full view; apparently, the only way to have fun is to drink to the vomiting or passing-out stage – which is regrettable, as well as untrue.
March 14, 2021
I was really anxious to read this book because I enjoy books about Cornwall and there were some good reviews. First, the overall storyline itself was good and the descriptions of the setting were good. I even enjoyed the first-person perspective. I just didn’t enjoy that these almost-30-year-olds spent so much time drinking until they were actually throwing up and picking up guys in bars and pubs. I’m not against drinking but the excess of it detracted from the story for me and there seemed to be no reason for it. Maybe it’s my generation but that turned me off of the book.
April 22, 2021
I love this book.
It doesn’t happen often enough for me but from the very first pages I felt myself sinking into this story, so warm and comfortable, exactly like the way you feel when you meet someone for the very first time and instantly know you are going to be great friends.
This book introduces us to Alice and Julie, two life-long friends, approaching the end of their twenties, who plan a trip to Cornwall for the entire summer - pitched as a holiday but in reality both of them are in desperate need of an escape from the reality of their lives.
Julie is fleeing a broken engagement, and Alice, the main protagonist and narrator of this story, hasn’t allowed herself to feel much after two broken relationships, the last ending with violence several years ago. Alice knows that deep inside, the fact that she has felt herself unable to get beyond her feelings for her first love,Sam, - a romance that sparked and ended in a Cornwall summer visit a decade ago - is both her biggest problem and the source of her innermost dreams.
“I want to breathe it in, revisit that golden summer, the summer of Sam - when everything seemed straightforward , and obvious, and opportunities were endless. “
This story wraps itself around you as we get to know these wonderful characters and share in their steps and mis-steps as they try to sort through their jumbled lives - reaching for every moment of joy that presents itself (and there are many made possible by this gorgeous setting alone) as they struggle to put the pieces of their lives, including the relationships that really matter, into some sort of soul-soothing order.
“I soak it in; the warmth of the night, the calm of this place.”
With delicious irony, I could not sum up my feelings in reading this book any better than these words of holiday-making-Alice herself:
“This is not real life. Yet I feel I belong here’.
And what a delight to learn that this is the first book in a seven-part series “Coming Back to Cornwall”.
A great big thank you to the author, Katherine E. Smith for a review copy of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
It doesn’t happen often enough for me but from the very first pages I felt myself sinking into this story, so warm and comfortable, exactly like the way you feel when you meet someone for the very first time and instantly know you are going to be great friends.
This book introduces us to Alice and Julie, two life-long friends, approaching the end of their twenties, who plan a trip to Cornwall for the entire summer - pitched as a holiday but in reality both of them are in desperate need of an escape from the reality of their lives.
Julie is fleeing a broken engagement, and Alice, the main protagonist and narrator of this story, hasn’t allowed herself to feel much after two broken relationships, the last ending with violence several years ago. Alice knows that deep inside, the fact that she has felt herself unable to get beyond her feelings for her first love,Sam, - a romance that sparked and ended in a Cornwall summer visit a decade ago - is both her biggest problem and the source of her innermost dreams.
“I want to breathe it in, revisit that golden summer, the summer of Sam - when everything seemed straightforward , and obvious, and opportunities were endless. “
This story wraps itself around you as we get to know these wonderful characters and share in their steps and mis-steps as they try to sort through their jumbled lives - reaching for every moment of joy that presents itself (and there are many made possible by this gorgeous setting alone) as they struggle to put the pieces of their lives, including the relationships that really matter, into some sort of soul-soothing order.
“I soak it in; the warmth of the night, the calm of this place.”
With delicious irony, I could not sum up my feelings in reading this book any better than these words of holiday-making-Alice herself:
“This is not real life. Yet I feel I belong here’.
And what a delight to learn that this is the first book in a seven-part series “Coming Back to Cornwall”.
A great big thank you to the author, Katherine E. Smith for a review copy of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
July 5, 2019
2.5 stars
This was alright, I didn't hate it. It was a quick, easy read but I just wanted to shake the characters sometimes. There was a lot of mundane details, that didn't really make the story more interesting, or paint a more vivid picture, that were just kind of...there. I did like the main character, though sometimes I felt she let people off too easily (her best friend...is not great) & other times needed to have an adult conversation no matter how awkward it is.
I didn't love this by any means, but kudos to the author because I am intrigued to see where the story goes.
This was alright, I didn't hate it. It was a quick, easy read but I just wanted to shake the characters sometimes. There was a lot of mundane details, that didn't really make the story more interesting, or paint a more vivid picture, that were just kind of...there. I did like the main character, though sometimes I felt she let people off too easily (her best friend...is not great) & other times needed to have an adult conversation no matter how awkward it is.
I didn't love this by any means, but kudos to the author because I am intrigued to see where the story goes.
May 26, 2020
I wanted to read this series because I once worked a summer season in Cornwall, and although we have spent numerous holidays with the kids there since then, I have always wondered what it might have been like to have gone back there to work for another season, or two. This series won’t tell you that, but although it isn’t “high brow” writing, it’s quite entertaining in a “sit on a beach with an ice cream in your hand” sort of way. That sounds a bit snobby and I don’t mean it to be, but it’s light entertainment and very easy to read. I’ll probably finish the series....maybe.
May 7, 2020
The books itself is well written with a good setting and an interesting plot. However, when I read these modern day romances, I'm so glad that i grew up in a different era. Apparently morality of any type is totally out of style now in England.
How did we ever manage to have good times when we didn't go around getting so drunk we had to stop anywhere we could just to throw up so we felt better. And how did we manage to find our true loves when we didn't jump into bed every night with a different guy.
I'm really sorry for this generation. Apparently they think they are having a wonderful life. Sad.
How did we ever manage to have good times when we didn't go around getting so drunk we had to stop anywhere we could just to throw up so we felt better. And how did we manage to find our true loves when we didn't jump into bed every night with a different guy.
I'm really sorry for this generation. Apparently they think they are having a wonderful life. Sad.
October 7, 2021
Light hearted and believable read.
Such a lovely book, very different from my usual genre. The author takes you on a journey of hope and self discovery.
The reader becomes a part of the characters lives for a few weeks one summer. We are shown that taking risks and looking forward shows that life can give you what you wish for, if you are prepared to take step into the unknown!
Such a lovely book, very different from my usual genre. The author takes you on a journey of hope and self discovery.
The reader becomes a part of the characters lives for a few weeks one summer. We are shown that taking risks and looking forward shows that life can give you what you wish for, if you are prepared to take step into the unknown!
March 5, 2020
I loved this book. Such lovely descriptions of Cornwall that you feel as if you are there. The storyline is of two friends who decide to go back to Cornwall for the summer, 10 years after they first did it. Alice bumps in to the boy she previously fell for, all those years ago. So now they have met, will it continue? I'll have to read the next book to find out......
June 26, 2020
A friend recommended this series of books to me. Initially I downloaded a sample and then off the back of it I bought the box set for my kindle.
A wholesome story which was easy to read. I flew through this book in no time to at all.
Easy to read and likeable characters no back stabbing nastiness just normal likeable people featured in the stories of their lives.
A wholesome story which was easy to read. I flew through this book in no time to at all.
Easy to read and likeable characters no back stabbing nastiness just normal likeable people featured in the stories of their lives.
July 19, 2019
I didn’t feel it was a whole story, which makes sense since it’s the beginning of a series, it was a light read, but a little predictable and trite. I’ll continue with the series to see if it improves.
December 30, 2019
OK
I chose this because of the promotion, the reviews & because I love Cornwall. The storyline also appealed - returning to a special place & first love after ten years. I wouldn't be reading the second book in the series if I hadn't already been tempted by the promotion.
I chose this because of the promotion, the reviews & because I love Cornwall. The storyline also appealed - returning to a special place & first love after ten years. I wouldn't be reading the second book in the series if I hadn't already been tempted by the promotion.
February 21, 2020
A new author to me but will certainly be reading more as there are another 4 books in this series. A great feel good summer story where the beautiful setting of Cornwall enriches this story of summer love lost and found. Perfect holiday read or anytime you just want to escape from life for a while.
November 3, 2020
*Discovered on Amazon Prime*
Easy to read novel - more 3.5 stars out of 5. Not most exciting novel but sets the scene and feel it’s a good first novel for the series to then follow. Would be interested to see how the story for the characters progress but not needing to know instantly.
Easy to read novel - more 3.5 stars out of 5. Not most exciting novel but sets the scene and feel it’s a good first novel for the series to then follow. Would be interested to see how the story for the characters progress but not needing to know instantly.
February 28, 2021
A lovely story!!
Alice and Julie are going back to Cornwall to see if they can recapture the fun of the summer when they were 18. They both run into men they knew back then but of course, life is a little more complicated than it was at 18. I truly enjoyed this story!!
Alice and Julie are going back to Cornwall to see if they can recapture the fun of the summer when they were 18. They both run into men they knew back then but of course, life is a little more complicated than it was at 18. I truly enjoyed this story!!
June 24, 2026
Cliffhanger
The book was a little slow, but good. Then at about 93%, the next page says you have to purchase another book to see the rest of their story. Just tell us in the beginning so we can make up our own mind about buying 2 books!
The book was a little slow, but good. Then at about 93%, the next page says you have to purchase another book to see the rest of their story. Just tell us in the beginning so we can make up our own mind about buying 2 books!
March 22, 2021
This book was so irritating. The two women who were the main characters were so annoying. One totally self indulgent and the main character so needy and neurotic. Mills and Boon level.
May 28, 2021
A lovely read
I really enjoyed reading this. It inspired me to go back and spend some time in Cornwall. Thank you, looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed reading this. It inspired me to go back and spend some time in Cornwall. Thank you, looking forward to the next one.
June 14, 2021
Sweet
Easy to read and nice story about Cornwall
Makes me want to go there again
Good holiday read fo the beach
Easy to read and nice story about Cornwall
Makes me want to go there again
Good holiday read fo the beach
July 18, 2021
Wonderful summer read. Definitely makes you want to visit Cornwall. You'll fall in love with the characters.
August 18, 2021
If you like Cornwall, romance and a bit of a saga, plus several strong empowered women, this series is for you
April 10, 2022
a second chance summer
I like this book. I liked all the quirky characters in it too. I am glad it all worked out
I like this book. I liked all the quirky characters in it too. I am glad it all worked out
August 15, 2022
absolutely loved this book.
July 15, 2024
Really easy read, enjoyed it but nothing “wow”. Also didn’t realise it’s part of a massive series of books, probably won’t read them all
July 28, 2024
I loved this book and look forward to the series.
August 24, 2026
As someone who adores Cornwall, this story was wonderful and evoked the atmosphere of the place so well. I look forward to continuing the series.
October 2, 2026
Loved it! Read it in a day very wholesome romantic easy read book will be reading the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews