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Tremarnock #4
A Cornish Secret
Esme Posorsky is an enigma. For as long as people can remember, she has been part of community life in the quaint Cornish fishing village of Tremarnock, but does anyone really know her? She is usually to be found working in her pottery studio or at home with her beloved cat, Rasputin. But when an old school friend turns up with a secret from the past, nothing will ever be the same again.
Meanwhile teenager, Rosie, is excited to find a bottle washed up on Tremarnock beach with a message from a former German prisoner of war. While the rest of the village is up in arms about a new housing development, she sets out to find him. Little does she know, however, that her discovery will unleash a shocking chain of events that threatens to blow her family apart.
Tremarnock may look like a cosy backwater, but some of its residents are about to come face to face with tough decisions and cold reality...
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2018
433 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Emma Burstall
25 books136 followersEmma is the author of nine novels including her bestselling Cornish series, Tremarnock. These books in order are - Starting Over In Cornwall, Christmas At The Cornish Guest House, A Summer in Cornwall, A Cornish Secret and The Girl Who Came Home To Cornwall.
Her latest book, The House On Rockaway Beach, came out in September 2022 and she's currently working on the next one.
Emma read English at Cambridge University and began her career as a cub reporter on the Western Morning News in Plymouth, later becoming features editor of Woman and Family Circle.
She loves films and the theatre, yoga, pilates, wild swimming, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
She lives in South West London and has three children and two grandchildren.
Her latest book, The House On Rockaway Beach, came out in September 2022 and she's currently working on the next one.
Emma read English at Cambridge University and began her career as a cub reporter on the Western Morning News in Plymouth, later becoming features editor of Woman and Family Circle.
She loves films and the theatre, yoga, pilates, wild swimming, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
She lives in South West London and has three children and two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 26, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
He wasn’t bad-looking, with short black hair, shaved at the sides and longer on top and a sprinkling of designer stubble, but his unusually large ears made him look rather as if he might take off in flight at any moment.
It looked as if Barbara might have got to him with her foot pump, for his short body seemed to be filled with air and his two chins waggled self-importantly.
She glanced up and her smile lit the room, taking Esme’s breath away. It was the sun breaking through clouds, it was Monday made Friday, it was a tidal wave that swallowed up a thousand doubts… and most of all, a curve that made the whole world spin and also set it straight.
He then came up with the idea of having special T-shirts printed with Tremarnock Resists on the front, and the conversation was side-tracked while they discussed colour schemes and matching beanie hats, so they would look as if they meant business.
I can assure you I have many, many faults. Sometimes I even pick my nose.
The older woman’s shoulders drooped and despite her tall, broad stature she looked fragile and shrunken, as if someone had come along, pulled her apart and done a poor job of putting her together again.
My Review:
I am feeling rather indecisive and unsure of how to rate this one. I was new to the author and series and for some reason, I went into this book expecting a romantic comedy, which it wasn’t. There were comedic elements with numerous cleverly amusing descriptions and witty observations and underpinnings, however, the overall tone of the book felt rather melancholy as the majority of the characters were struggling with either personal, vocational, social, or community issues.
Despite the dizzying number of unique and fully fleshed out characters, the writing was easy to follow, effusively descriptive, lusciously detailed, and conjured strong visuals. I enjoyed Ms. Burstall’s smooth and engaging writing style as well as her relevant, thoughtful, and socially diverse storylines. My conflict is with the ending, there wasn’t one; it just stopped with open threads left unknotted… but thankfully, no heinous cliffhanger in sight. I just didn’t expect this was to be an on-going tale. Hence my dilemma.
I do have a few new additions to my Brit Vocabulary list with Rootle (to root or delve), pushchair (a child’s stroller), chocky bickies (chocolate cookies), and I couldn’t help but notice that their use or purpose for an “outhouse” is significantly different from ours in the USA ~ smirk.
He wasn’t bad-looking, with short black hair, shaved at the sides and longer on top and a sprinkling of designer stubble, but his unusually large ears made him look rather as if he might take off in flight at any moment.
It looked as if Barbara might have got to him with her foot pump, for his short body seemed to be filled with air and his two chins waggled self-importantly.
She glanced up and her smile lit the room, taking Esme’s breath away. It was the sun breaking through clouds, it was Monday made Friday, it was a tidal wave that swallowed up a thousand doubts… and most of all, a curve that made the whole world spin and also set it straight.
He then came up with the idea of having special T-shirts printed with Tremarnock Resists on the front, and the conversation was side-tracked while they discussed colour schemes and matching beanie hats, so they would look as if they meant business.
I can assure you I have many, many faults. Sometimes I even pick my nose.
The older woman’s shoulders drooped and despite her tall, broad stature she looked fragile and shrunken, as if someone had come along, pulled her apart and done a poor job of putting her together again.
My Review:
I am feeling rather indecisive and unsure of how to rate this one. I was new to the author and series and for some reason, I went into this book expecting a romantic comedy, which it wasn’t. There were comedic elements with numerous cleverly amusing descriptions and witty observations and underpinnings, however, the overall tone of the book felt rather melancholy as the majority of the characters were struggling with either personal, vocational, social, or community issues.
Despite the dizzying number of unique and fully fleshed out characters, the writing was easy to follow, effusively descriptive, lusciously detailed, and conjured strong visuals. I enjoyed Ms. Burstall’s smooth and engaging writing style as well as her relevant, thoughtful, and socially diverse storylines. My conflict is with the ending, there wasn’t one; it just stopped with open threads left unknotted… but thankfully, no heinous cliffhanger in sight. I just didn’t expect this was to be an on-going tale. Hence my dilemma.
I do have a few new additions to my Brit Vocabulary list with Rootle (to root or delve), pushchair (a child’s stroller), chocky bickies (chocolate cookies), and I couldn’t help but notice that their use or purpose for an “outhouse” is significantly different from ours in the USA ~ smirk.
April 18, 2024
Liz, Esme and Caroline are the main three characters but there are plenty of others popping in and out. Liz is married to Robert but these days with his restaurant A Winkle in Time plus another project on the go she hardly ever sees him. She is lonely. Esme has been alone most of her life till she decides to finally take a chance on love. Caroline, her friend from school days, has left her husband and their adult offspring , and after years come to visit Esme in Cornwall. Liz is married to Robert but these days with his restaurant A Winkle in Time plus another project on the go she hardly ever sees him. She is lonely.
The fight to save the children’s playground from developers who want to build a housing estate plus the mystery around the found message in a bottle were interesting. The message found by teenager Rosie is from a German pow who was cared for by a family in Cornwall during world war 2.
Lovely setting and some interesting characters. Not my first visit to Tremarnock as I had read book 1 of the series. This is book 4 and I have not read 2 and 3. I was loving it to start with but somewhere along the line I started to be less keen on it. I found at times I was a bit confused. Part of this was my lack of attention and partly the issue of the number of characters.
I didn’t like the way some stories were developed. They felt predictable and the ending was disappointing. But plenty of others have loved it so maybe it is just me.
The fight to save the children’s playground from developers who want to build a housing estate plus the mystery around the found message in a bottle were interesting. The message found by teenager Rosie is from a German pow who was cared for by a family in Cornwall during world war 2.
Lovely setting and some interesting characters. Not my first visit to Tremarnock as I had read book 1 of the series. This is book 4 and I have not read 2 and 3. I was loving it to start with but somewhere along the line I started to be less keen on it. I found at times I was a bit confused. Part of this was my lack of attention and partly the issue of the number of characters.
I didn’t like the way some stories were developed. They felt predictable and the ending was disappointing. But plenty of others have loved it so maybe it is just me.
June 24, 2018
A snapshot of life in a Cornish fishing village that captures angst, camaraderie, gossip and scandal against a picturesque coastal background. The fourth in the series about Tremarnock took me awhile to get into this story having not read any of the previous three books. There is little backstory, and so it is hard to empathise with the characters if you aren't familiar with them from reading the previous books. Despite this, I enjoyed my visit to the village and the adventures of its inhabitants.
Esme, an artistic person, is an enigma, no one knows much about her, but she is one of the community stalwarts. Caroline, an old school friend, becomes her holiday companion when the two decide to meet after years apart. Their story's poignancy resonates.
Rosie finds a 'message in a bottle, that has implications both for her family and the village, not all of which are pleasant and make Rosie questions whether she should have read the message at all.
The prospect of an unwanted housing estates draws the village community together and provides some comic moments for the reader. The three subplots are easy to follow and well-drawn together by the end.
The coastal setting is well-described, and the characters have authenticity and depth. Reading this makes me want to read the previous books in the series.
A perfect beach read whether you're visiting Cornwall or not; if you haven't read the previous three books make room for them in your beach bag too and get the best from this series.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Esme, an artistic person, is an enigma, no one knows much about her, but she is one of the community stalwarts. Caroline, an old school friend, becomes her holiday companion when the two decide to meet after years apart. Their story's poignancy resonates.
Rosie finds a 'message in a bottle, that has implications both for her family and the village, not all of which are pleasant and make Rosie questions whether she should have read the message at all.
The prospect of an unwanted housing estates draws the village community together and provides some comic moments for the reader. The three subplots are easy to follow and well-drawn together by the end.
The coastal setting is well-described, and the characters have authenticity and depth. Reading this makes me want to read the previous books in the series.
A perfect beach read whether you're visiting Cornwall or not; if you haven't read the previous three books make room for them in your beach bag too and get the best from this series.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 30, 2019
4.5 Stars
How refreshing it was to be back amongst friends in Tremarnock. Ever since the first book of this wonderful series I have been hooked.
There are some fabulous new characters introduced into this book, including Caroline and Max, in two very different story lines.
If you haven't read any of this series, besides missing out on great books, not to worry, as this can easily be read as a standalone.
My favourite plot in this book was the fight to save the village playground, and the way the method picked develops. If I didn't know these characters so well, I'd almost think it was unbelievable, but its a great way of peacefully standing ground.
Then there is Esme's friendship with Caroline, which takes a direction that will almost certainly surprise some.
Oh and Rosie finds a message in a bottle that is dated to WW2, and she is determined to find either the write or intended recipient of it.
Meanwhile Lizzie seems to be at her wits end with Robert, while Lowenna is utterly adorable.
I love all of these wonderful characters and being able to find out what they are all up to currently. Its another excellent addition to this much loved series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
How refreshing it was to be back amongst friends in Tremarnock. Ever since the first book of this wonderful series I have been hooked.
There are some fabulous new characters introduced into this book, including Caroline and Max, in two very different story lines.
If you haven't read any of this series, besides missing out on great books, not to worry, as this can easily be read as a standalone.
My favourite plot in this book was the fight to save the village playground, and the way the method picked develops. If I didn't know these characters so well, I'd almost think it was unbelievable, but its a great way of peacefully standing ground.
Then there is Esme's friendship with Caroline, which takes a direction that will almost certainly surprise some.
Oh and Rosie finds a message in a bottle that is dated to WW2, and she is determined to find either the write or intended recipient of it.
Meanwhile Lizzie seems to be at her wits end with Robert, while Lowenna is utterly adorable.
I love all of these wonderful characters and being able to find out what they are all up to currently. Its another excellent addition to this much loved series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 20, 2020
I love the cover.
I've somehow managed to read this series without making a conscious decision to do so and they are a delight being about wonderful Cornwall. In this one the delightful village of Tremarnock is under threat from housing developers so the villagers become eco-warriors, in the nicest possible way, to save the childrens play area from the bulldozers whilst other, more intimate, stories happen too. Pure escapism, right time right book.
Toast
I've somehow managed to read this series without making a conscious decision to do so and they are a delight being about wonderful Cornwall. In this one the delightful village of Tremarnock is under threat from housing developers so the villagers become eco-warriors, in the nicest possible way, to save the childrens play area from the bulldozers whilst other, more intimate, stories happen too. Pure escapism, right time right book.
Toast
March 12, 2022
I enjoyed this even though I haven't read any of the previous books
August 15, 2018
Emma Burstall just goes from strength to strength with her Tremarnock series, each book gets better and better and the more I read such a fabulous series, the more I fall deeper in love with the characters and all the various goings on. A Cornish Secret is the fourth in the series but like with most books that form part of a series it is easily read as a standalone. As we meet new faces, and reacquaint ourselves with old favourites, the author slots in a brief little paragraph every now and then explaining said characters back story so you feel story lines are refreshed if there has been a significant gap between you reading the books. This will also help readers new to this special coastal village in Cornwall as you don't feel you have missed out on heaps or are confused by the various story lines.
Tremarnock is a very special place and the author’s love for her characters and Tremarnock itself despite it being a figment of her imagination shine through in the writing. It's so easy to lose yourself in the writing for a couple of hours as you feel you are catching up with old friends and all their news after a brief absence and seeing what has happened and how the different characters are working through the trials and tribulations that life presents themselves with. As for that cover it is just beautiful, so vibrant and colourful and looking at the street that leads down to the sea it's exactly how I picture Tremarnock to be.
Emma Burstall strikes a lovely balance between descriptions of the setting and the numerous ongoing plots. I enjoy the fact the book is not all endlessly character driven instead where they live fuels their actions and in this book more so than ever as the residents gather together to fight as one to save the local playground. Their campaign to stop the council selling the land to make way for a housing estate which will taint the charm of the village is what forms the main plot but as with all the books the author provides the reader with lots of little sub plots which keep our attention. This also allows the story to move along at a lovely pace and before you know it you are over halfway through the book.
Everyone who lives in Tremarnock doesn't want to see the unique atmosphere and small community feeling shattered by the building of vast soulless houses where people may buy them and then only stay during the holidays. With narrow cobbled streets, rocky beaches, cream teas and pasties in cafés, the Winkle in Time restaurant and so much more to offer they feel a new housing estate replacing a community amenity is not what is desired. Joining forces and setting up a live in protest showed such great community spirit and a deep love for their home place. Plus it provided endless scenes of humour which added to the lovely overall tone of the book. The only question remained would any of their actions prove worthwhile or have the council made up their mind and the playground would be no more?
Saving the playground plays a significant part to A Cornish Secret but I was glad to see Esme the local potter now gets a chance to share her story and what an interesting, thought provoking and heartbreaking story it was. She has hovered on the fringes of the previous three books and definitely is an enigma. She does engage within the community to a point but no one really knows her deepest thoughts and where she wants to go with her life. What she reveals is certainly an eye opener and it just blended so well into the overall story. I felt great empathy for the situation she finds herself and could see it had been eating her up for so long with no expected resolution in sight.
It all felt so natural and not out of place and I am so glad authors are starting to include this in their books as the usual plot lines in books in this genre have been done to death. Going away on a walking holiday to a different part of Cornwall connected to the Santiago De Compostela with her old school friend Caroline, who herself is facing turmoil and many decisions, opens up a can of worms for Esme. Everyone sees a different side to her character and as the title suggest will all her secrets be revealed or will she continue to shoulder the burden which she has carried for many years?
Liz is the stalwart of this series, I love how with each book her story line is expanded and we get to delve a little deeper into the goings on of her and her family. Things aren't always plain sailing now that Liz is married to owner of A Winkle in Time, Robert. He works harder than ever and Liz seems to be left to mind their young daughter Lowenna on her own for the most part. Her older daughter Rosie has her own issues to master but she deals well with these and it's great to see the friendship developing between herself and Rafael. When Rosie discovers a message in a bottle on the beach, uncovering who the author of the letter is sets in motion a chain of events that will have far reaching consequences. Testing times are ahead for all involved. Some waver more than others with doing the right thing and there was a certain character who I lost some respect for because of the choice they made. Spur of the moment or not I didn't like what they did even if they felt they needed some form of comfort because things in their everyday life weren't as they wanted them to be.
As the tension grows between Robert and Liz as he goes about setting up another business his time away from the family only increases. I don't think we have really gotten to know Robert yet despite this being book four. He seemed very much on the periphery and I really wanted Liz to sit down with him and just express how she was feeling instead of letting resentment just keep on brewing. His absences, the lack of communication lead to not seeing eye to eye and the fun in their relationship seems to go out the window. I sense their issues are not something that can be quickly resolved. I love Liz as a character and hate to see her struggle be it with Robert or tiffs that occur between herself and Rosie but at all times she puts on a brave front. She is known in the community for being a helper, who will always volunteer or get involved in a cause. She looks out for people in need offering support, comfort and encouragement. She balances her life well for the most part so I desperately hoped this stumbling block with Robert could be overcome.
In times of crisis the people of Tremarnock, too many too mention here but all are such great characters, pull together and this time it proves no different but will they be successful or are the secrets about to be exposed just too devastating to come back from? You'll have to read this gen of a book to discover the answers. Some might view the ending as being very ambiguous if they search for definitive endings with everything neatly tied up. I am normally of this viewpoint but here I didn't mind at all that we were left on a cliffhanger because it confirms there will be more books in the Tremarnock series. It has set us up nicely for future books and really left me wanting more. I'm just disappointed that I'll have to wait another year to see what happens but I know that the wait will be worth it as Emma Burstall has created a brilliant series that I haven't the slightest hesitation in recommending.
Tremarnock is a very special place and the author’s love for her characters and Tremarnock itself despite it being a figment of her imagination shine through in the writing. It's so easy to lose yourself in the writing for a couple of hours as you feel you are catching up with old friends and all their news after a brief absence and seeing what has happened and how the different characters are working through the trials and tribulations that life presents themselves with. As for that cover it is just beautiful, so vibrant and colourful and looking at the street that leads down to the sea it's exactly how I picture Tremarnock to be.
Emma Burstall strikes a lovely balance between descriptions of the setting and the numerous ongoing plots. I enjoy the fact the book is not all endlessly character driven instead where they live fuels their actions and in this book more so than ever as the residents gather together to fight as one to save the local playground. Their campaign to stop the council selling the land to make way for a housing estate which will taint the charm of the village is what forms the main plot but as with all the books the author provides the reader with lots of little sub plots which keep our attention. This also allows the story to move along at a lovely pace and before you know it you are over halfway through the book.
Everyone who lives in Tremarnock doesn't want to see the unique atmosphere and small community feeling shattered by the building of vast soulless houses where people may buy them and then only stay during the holidays. With narrow cobbled streets, rocky beaches, cream teas and pasties in cafés, the Winkle in Time restaurant and so much more to offer they feel a new housing estate replacing a community amenity is not what is desired. Joining forces and setting up a live in protest showed such great community spirit and a deep love for their home place. Plus it provided endless scenes of humour which added to the lovely overall tone of the book. The only question remained would any of their actions prove worthwhile or have the council made up their mind and the playground would be no more?
Saving the playground plays a significant part to A Cornish Secret but I was glad to see Esme the local potter now gets a chance to share her story and what an interesting, thought provoking and heartbreaking story it was. She has hovered on the fringes of the previous three books and definitely is an enigma. She does engage within the community to a point but no one really knows her deepest thoughts and where she wants to go with her life. What she reveals is certainly an eye opener and it just blended so well into the overall story. I felt great empathy for the situation she finds herself and could see it had been eating her up for so long with no expected resolution in sight.
It all felt so natural and not out of place and I am so glad authors are starting to include this in their books as the usual plot lines in books in this genre have been done to death. Going away on a walking holiday to a different part of Cornwall connected to the Santiago De Compostela with her old school friend Caroline, who herself is facing turmoil and many decisions, opens up a can of worms for Esme. Everyone sees a different side to her character and as the title suggest will all her secrets be revealed or will she continue to shoulder the burden which she has carried for many years?
Liz is the stalwart of this series, I love how with each book her story line is expanded and we get to delve a little deeper into the goings on of her and her family. Things aren't always plain sailing now that Liz is married to owner of A Winkle in Time, Robert. He works harder than ever and Liz seems to be left to mind their young daughter Lowenna on her own for the most part. Her older daughter Rosie has her own issues to master but she deals well with these and it's great to see the friendship developing between herself and Rafael. When Rosie discovers a message in a bottle on the beach, uncovering who the author of the letter is sets in motion a chain of events that will have far reaching consequences. Testing times are ahead for all involved. Some waver more than others with doing the right thing and there was a certain character who I lost some respect for because of the choice they made. Spur of the moment or not I didn't like what they did even if they felt they needed some form of comfort because things in their everyday life weren't as they wanted them to be.
As the tension grows between Robert and Liz as he goes about setting up another business his time away from the family only increases. I don't think we have really gotten to know Robert yet despite this being book four. He seemed very much on the periphery and I really wanted Liz to sit down with him and just express how she was feeling instead of letting resentment just keep on brewing. His absences, the lack of communication lead to not seeing eye to eye and the fun in their relationship seems to go out the window. I sense their issues are not something that can be quickly resolved. I love Liz as a character and hate to see her struggle be it with Robert or tiffs that occur between herself and Rosie but at all times she puts on a brave front. She is known in the community for being a helper, who will always volunteer or get involved in a cause. She looks out for people in need offering support, comfort and encouragement. She balances her life well for the most part so I desperately hoped this stumbling block with Robert could be overcome.
In times of crisis the people of Tremarnock, too many too mention here but all are such great characters, pull together and this time it proves no different but will they be successful or are the secrets about to be exposed just too devastating to come back from? You'll have to read this gen of a book to discover the answers. Some might view the ending as being very ambiguous if they search for definitive endings with everything neatly tied up. I am normally of this viewpoint but here I didn't mind at all that we were left on a cliffhanger because it confirms there will be more books in the Tremarnock series. It has set us up nicely for future books and really left me wanting more. I'm just disappointed that I'll have to wait another year to see what happens but I know that the wait will be worth it as Emma Burstall has created a brilliant series that I haven't the slightest hesitation in recommending.
June 16, 2018
I have a huge confession to make. Although I have a couple of Emma’s books on my massive ‘To Be Read’ pile, ‘A Cornish Secret’ is the first of hers that I have actually sat and down and read. All I can say now is ‘where have I been all this time?’ I absolutely loved ‘A Cornish Secret’ but more about that in a bit.
There are a few different characters in this book that have their own little storyline. Esme is one such character. She is a woman of a particular age who is in need of a break. She decides to retrace the steps of people from centuries ago. Whilst she is arranging this, her friend Caroline, who lives in France decides that it would be an ideal opportunity to meet up with an old friend and reconnect. At school Esme and Caroline were good friends but at the same time they were competitive with each other- almost as if they were rivals. The two friends meet up but it isn’t long until a particular secret comes tumbling out of the closet, which threatens to unsettle the friendship again and change things for good. I love the character of Rosie. She is a teenage girl with the usual anxieties that teenage girls have. She is a good student and she has a close friendship with Rafael, who is from Brazil. Rosie also has to cope with mild cerebral palsy and she had treatment for a brain tumour a few years previously. She may have a couple of obstacles in her way but she doesn’t let them hold her back and she certainly isn’t deterred by them. Rosie finds a note in a bottle from a German POW (Prisoner Of War) which was put there in 1946. Her discovery intrigues her and she resolves to do what she can to investigate the note, to find out what happened to its writer and hopefully to reunite the note with the person it was intended for.
Oh my this is a really well written. The author captured my attention from the start and before I knew it I was addicted to reading the book. As I was so into the book, the story, the characters and the writing style, I just had to keep reading on and on. The page numbers and the chapters flew past in a blur. Before I knew what was happening I was 25% of the way through the book, which I hadn’t realised until I looked up to check my progress. Reading this book was a bit like being on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The characters are so well developed and I felt myself go through all the feelings that the different characters were going through. I silently cheered for Rosie, as I know what it’s like to have the odds stacked against you as my goddaughter has cerebral palsy and everything that she achieves shows just what can be achieved and that disability doesn’t have to define you.
I loved the way in which the author has perfectly captured the essence of a small village mentality. By that I mean everybody knows everybody else’s business and somehow each villager is either related to each other or knows somebody who is. A quiet and sleepy village can often be a hot bed of gossip, intrigue and scandalous revelations. I know this because I live in a relatively small village.
The author writes such vivid descriptions of the area, the people and the coast that if I closed my eyes I could easily imagine that I was on the beach in Cornwall with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, I could taste the salt in the air and I could smell the smell of fish and chips frying. This book has also put ideas into my head because it has made me want to visit Cornwall again, it makes me want to eat fish and chips and it makes me want to eat a cream tea.
In short I absolutely loved reading ‘A Cornish Secret’. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Emma Burstall but whilst I wait I will content myself with catching up with the first three books in the Tremarnock series. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
There are a few different characters in this book that have their own little storyline. Esme is one such character. She is a woman of a particular age who is in need of a break. She decides to retrace the steps of people from centuries ago. Whilst she is arranging this, her friend Caroline, who lives in France decides that it would be an ideal opportunity to meet up with an old friend and reconnect. At school Esme and Caroline were good friends but at the same time they were competitive with each other- almost as if they were rivals. The two friends meet up but it isn’t long until a particular secret comes tumbling out of the closet, which threatens to unsettle the friendship again and change things for good. I love the character of Rosie. She is a teenage girl with the usual anxieties that teenage girls have. She is a good student and she has a close friendship with Rafael, who is from Brazil. Rosie also has to cope with mild cerebral palsy and she had treatment for a brain tumour a few years previously. She may have a couple of obstacles in her way but she doesn’t let them hold her back and she certainly isn’t deterred by them. Rosie finds a note in a bottle from a German POW (Prisoner Of War) which was put there in 1946. Her discovery intrigues her and she resolves to do what she can to investigate the note, to find out what happened to its writer and hopefully to reunite the note with the person it was intended for.
Oh my this is a really well written. The author captured my attention from the start and before I knew it I was addicted to reading the book. As I was so into the book, the story, the characters and the writing style, I just had to keep reading on and on. The page numbers and the chapters flew past in a blur. Before I knew what was happening I was 25% of the way through the book, which I hadn’t realised until I looked up to check my progress. Reading this book was a bit like being on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The characters are so well developed and I felt myself go through all the feelings that the different characters were going through. I silently cheered for Rosie, as I know what it’s like to have the odds stacked against you as my goddaughter has cerebral palsy and everything that she achieves shows just what can be achieved and that disability doesn’t have to define you.
I loved the way in which the author has perfectly captured the essence of a small village mentality. By that I mean everybody knows everybody else’s business and somehow each villager is either related to each other or knows somebody who is. A quiet and sleepy village can often be a hot bed of gossip, intrigue and scandalous revelations. I know this because I live in a relatively small village.
The author writes such vivid descriptions of the area, the people and the coast that if I closed my eyes I could easily imagine that I was on the beach in Cornwall with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, I could taste the salt in the air and I could smell the smell of fish and chips frying. This book has also put ideas into my head because it has made me want to visit Cornwall again, it makes me want to eat fish and chips and it makes me want to eat a cream tea.
In short I absolutely loved reading ‘A Cornish Secret’. I can’t wait to see what comes next from Emma Burstall but whilst I wait I will content myself with catching up with the first three books in the Tremarnock series. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
June 27, 2018
A Cornish Secret is Emma Burstall’s forth book based in the tranquil Cornish village of Tremarnock. I’ve loved all the covers of her books but this one has to be my favourite, how cosy does that cat look at in that window with that gorgeous view, I’m very jealous.
In A Cornish Secret, three storylines are interwoven into the book and at first, I wasn’t sure how everything was going to come together to form a cohesive plot, but it does at the end making for a very enjoyable read.
One of the background characters from previous books Esme becomes the focus in this book. After more than twenty years she’s being reunited with her old school friend Caroline as the two embark on a walking holiday along the Cornish coast. Esme kept her true feelings for her friend under wraps for most of her life but when the two meet is obvious her feelings are mutual, can Esme finally find some happiness being herself? I loved having Esme as one of the main characters, she’s been mentioned in previous books but always seemed a solitary character and a bit flakey, this book explains her history and gives her glimpse at happiness. My only gripe was the storyline between her and Caroline came to an abrupt end with no real solution. I hope this means there is another book coming as I’d love to know if these two manage to work things out.
Alongside this storyline the majority of the Tremarnock villagers are forming a protest group to try and save their local playground from developers. This created some great scenes in the book as residents form a makeshift campsite on the playing field which really highlight the community spirit which has flown throughout all of Emma Burstall’s Tremarnock books. I loved the description of Loveday and Jesse’s treehouse and Audrey’s extravagant marquee and all the camaraderie with the singing round the campfire on a night.
As most of the villagers unite Liz, a main character from previous books notices her husband Robert is becoming more and more distant from herself and from overall village life, burying himself in his work. When her daughter Rosie finds a message in a bottle down on the beach Liz throws herself into helping trace the writer and this only leads to more trouble.
I loved been back in Tremarnock as it feels like I’m getting to know these characters well now after four books with them. My favourite is still Liz and I’m glad this book highlighted that even though you’re married you still need to work at your relationship to keep it sparkling. Emma Burstall’s did a great job of weaving two of the three storylines together but I wish Esme’s was more complete, perhaps in a future book? I’d also love her to write something about Audrey as feel there’s more we need to know about this character.
Overall I found A Cornish Secret a joy to read, it’s the perfect summer read and it will make you long to be in Cornwall just like I do now. Emma Burstall has shown yet again she can create an entertaining story within the beautiful village of Tremarnock with characters that soon feel like friends whether you’ve read the previous books or not.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus for sending me a copy to review and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
In A Cornish Secret, three storylines are interwoven into the book and at first, I wasn’t sure how everything was going to come together to form a cohesive plot, but it does at the end making for a very enjoyable read.
One of the background characters from previous books Esme becomes the focus in this book. After more than twenty years she’s being reunited with her old school friend Caroline as the two embark on a walking holiday along the Cornish coast. Esme kept her true feelings for her friend under wraps for most of her life but when the two meet is obvious her feelings are mutual, can Esme finally find some happiness being herself? I loved having Esme as one of the main characters, she’s been mentioned in previous books but always seemed a solitary character and a bit flakey, this book explains her history and gives her glimpse at happiness. My only gripe was the storyline between her and Caroline came to an abrupt end with no real solution. I hope this means there is another book coming as I’d love to know if these two manage to work things out.
Alongside this storyline the majority of the Tremarnock villagers are forming a protest group to try and save their local playground from developers. This created some great scenes in the book as residents form a makeshift campsite on the playing field which really highlight the community spirit which has flown throughout all of Emma Burstall’s Tremarnock books. I loved the description of Loveday and Jesse’s treehouse and Audrey’s extravagant marquee and all the camaraderie with the singing round the campfire on a night.
As most of the villagers unite Liz, a main character from previous books notices her husband Robert is becoming more and more distant from herself and from overall village life, burying himself in his work. When her daughter Rosie finds a message in a bottle down on the beach Liz throws herself into helping trace the writer and this only leads to more trouble.
I loved been back in Tremarnock as it feels like I’m getting to know these characters well now after four books with them. My favourite is still Liz and I’m glad this book highlighted that even though you’re married you still need to work at your relationship to keep it sparkling. Emma Burstall’s did a great job of weaving two of the three storylines together but I wish Esme’s was more complete, perhaps in a future book? I’d also love her to write something about Audrey as feel there’s more we need to know about this character.
Overall I found A Cornish Secret a joy to read, it’s the perfect summer read and it will make you long to be in Cornwall just like I do now. Emma Burstall has shown yet again she can create an entertaining story within the beautiful village of Tremarnock with characters that soon feel like friends whether you’ve read the previous books or not.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus for sending me a copy to review and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
June 7, 2018
Tremarnock is a Cornish village. It is populated as all villages are, with people who know one another, and care for one another or tolerate one another. They are human beings with lives filled with all that life has to offer.
Esme is going on a walking tour with a woman who went to the same boarding school when they were very young. Their past contains a shared secret.
Liz and her daughter Rosie are searching for family of a WWII German prisoner of war who was captured and lived in the village for a time. Rosie found a bottle in the ocean and it contained a letter he had written to a child who had given him a sense of welcome. They become celebrities when the story goes all over Britain and Europe.
The majority of the village are fighting to save a park from a developer who wants to build and eliminate what is important to the village children.
There is a shared history everywhere you look. There are families who are trying to get along. And there are people who need to talk to one another honestly, but seem incapable of listening to one another.
This is the fourth book in a series about Temarnock. At times, I would have appreciated a little bit more back story so I could feel more involved in the action.
Ms Burstall has written a story which is about life with all the ups and downs. She is a talented author who has created a village which draws the reader.
I would have preferred more direct action and less descriptions and inner thoughts. It made me feel distant from the characters.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
Esme is going on a walking tour with a woman who went to the same boarding school when they were very young. Their past contains a shared secret.
Liz and her daughter Rosie are searching for family of a WWII German prisoner of war who was captured and lived in the village for a time. Rosie found a bottle in the ocean and it contained a letter he had written to a child who had given him a sense of welcome. They become celebrities when the story goes all over Britain and Europe.
The majority of the village are fighting to save a park from a developer who wants to build and eliminate what is important to the village children.
There is a shared history everywhere you look. There are families who are trying to get along. And there are people who need to talk to one another honestly, but seem incapable of listening to one another.
This is the fourth book in a series about Temarnock. At times, I would have appreciated a little bit more back story so I could feel more involved in the action.
Ms Burstall has written a story which is about life with all the ups and downs. She is a talented author who has created a village which draws the reader.
I would have preferred more direct action and less descriptions and inner thoughts. It made me feel distant from the characters.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
June 20, 2018
Havjng not listened to any of Emma Burnstall's books boefore, I had no backstory for the characters beforehand. I've requested quite a few Cornish-themed ARCs and this one was different because of the "message in a bottle" subplot hinted at in the synopsis. That got my attention. There are themes in the story that I immediately latched onto such as the mention of Spain. Any book with any mention of Spain has me requesting it straight away for personal reasons. Being fluent in the language and familiar with the culture, I know that Santiago de Compostela and the "Camino," (trail) are very prized landmarks of the country. I knew people through family who did the pilgrimage and have heard it is a real accomplishment.
Moving on. The largest take away for me from having listened to this was the inclusion of an MC with physical disability, namely Cerebral Palsy (CP). This touched me deeply and I could sympathise with some of Rosie's feelings about having CP because I, too, was born with it. I know some people who are affected by CP in the same way as Rosie, and within seconds it was clear to me that the type of CP Emma Burnstall describes in Rosie is hemiplegic CP where one arm and leg are mostly affected. This is milder than what I live with, but a huge challenge nonetheless because I could really sympathise when Rosie talked about being in pain or tired upon or after moving. Cerebral Palsy can really take it out of you by the end of the day!
I was impressed by Rosie's way of living her life and behind her all the way. Huge congratulations to Emma Burnstall for creating and bringing Rosie's character to life. I am all for more books with characters with CP and other disabilites because there aren't enough.
Tremarnock is a charming seaside village and all the residents are vividly created. The subplots were well weaved together so that the writing literally flowed, never stalling. A Cornish Secret is a delightful book. After this, I definitely want to listen to more by Emma Burnstall and am curious to see what went on in the other boooks in the Tremarnock series.
Thanks to Emma Burstall and Aria, Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Moving on. The largest take away for me from having listened to this was the inclusion of an MC with physical disability, namely Cerebral Palsy (CP). This touched me deeply and I could sympathise with some of Rosie's feelings about having CP because I, too, was born with it. I know some people who are affected by CP in the same way as Rosie, and within seconds it was clear to me that the type of CP Emma Burnstall describes in Rosie is hemiplegic CP where one arm and leg are mostly affected. This is milder than what I live with, but a huge challenge nonetheless because I could really sympathise when Rosie talked about being in pain or tired upon or after moving. Cerebral Palsy can really take it out of you by the end of the day!
I was impressed by Rosie's way of living her life and behind her all the way. Huge congratulations to Emma Burnstall for creating and bringing Rosie's character to life. I am all for more books with characters with CP and other disabilites because there aren't enough.
Tremarnock is a charming seaside village and all the residents are vividly created. The subplots were well weaved together so that the writing literally flowed, never stalling. A Cornish Secret is a delightful book. After this, I definitely want to listen to more by Emma Burnstall and am curious to see what went on in the other boooks in the Tremarnock series.
Thanks to Emma Burstall and Aria, Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
June 26, 2019
Just finished A Cornish Secret by Emma Burstall,this is book 4 in her Tremarnock series. It's truly
Excellent spellbinding with a wonderful plot and in-depth characters.
Had me on the edge of my chair throughout the whole book.Its also an
Easy reading,that builds characters, a little love, mystery and keeps you guessing until the last page.
You really can't go wrong with one of Emma's books!!
Emma continues this series with the folks from this tiny village,each characters are true to life and are from the previous books with two added characters. One maybe a second chance romance and the other a descendant from a German WW2 solider.
Emma continues to write extremely wonderful books this is no exception. I was hooked from the very first page right until the end .a very strong plot, that has you hooked, wondering what will happen next and leaves you needing the next book to see how it turns out.I highly recommend this and look forward to book5. 5*+
Excellent spellbinding with a wonderful plot and in-depth characters.
Had me on the edge of my chair throughout the whole book.Its also an
Easy reading,that builds characters, a little love, mystery and keeps you guessing until the last page.
You really can't go wrong with one of Emma's books!!
Emma continues this series with the folks from this tiny village,each characters are true to life and are from the previous books with two added characters. One maybe a second chance romance and the other a descendant from a German WW2 solider.
Emma continues to write extremely wonderful books this is no exception. I was hooked from the very first page right until the end .a very strong plot, that has you hooked, wondering what will happen next and leaves you needing the next book to see how it turns out.I highly recommend this and look forward to book5. 5*+
February 20, 2022
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and as the cover says ‘Was a joy from beginning to end!’ The book is the 4th in a series but I didn’t find this mattered.Evocative descriptions of Cornwall brought back memories of many trips to Cornwall. But what secrets are hidden in the village of Tremarnock? The quiet Esme meets an old school friend from the past -how will this change her life? Teenager Rosie finds a bottle washed up on a beach with a message from a former German prisoner of war. What will this discovery lead to? Add in the villagers trying to save their play park from developers building a housing estate -will the village come together and stop the builders moving in? The words painted a lovely picture of the village ,it’s residents and their friendships, lives and secrets. What will that kiss lead to? All will be revealed in this joy of a book and I will certainly be heading back to the library to try and read the other 3 books.
June 2, 2018
I always look forward to a new release in the Tremarnock series. A new book always seems to coincide with one of my holidays and has now become as much of an integral part of it as a bottle of prosecco and some down time. This instalment brings a new battle for the community of Tremarnock as well as personal trials for some of its residents. Emma Burstall’s new book provides the usual comfortable tale but as always, she adds a breath of fresh air into each new story. We meet all of our favourite residents, which always feel like putting on your favourite jumper, whilst adding new characters which brings a refreshing feel too. A lovely addition to the Tremarnock series which is comfortable and enjoyable, yet refreshing.
June 7, 2023
Rosie finds a bottle on the beach which contains a letter from 1946 from a German POW who lived in Tremarnock for two years. Esme goes on a hiking trip with a childhood friend, Christine, and realizes that she's still in love with her after 50 years. The Tremarnock council has accepted a building proposal to turn the children's play park into fifty houses, and a protest group begins a "live-in", with tents and even a tree house and people sleeping there every night. Robert is busy with a new food kiosk in a neighbouring town, and hardly every speaks to Liz. All this comes together with a big party and some big drama. Not at good as the previous book, but I'm looking forward to reading the next one, the last one is this series.
May 5, 2019
An easy read, quite enjoyable, disappointing ending. Typical Chick Lit.
Esme Posorsky is an enigma. For as long as people can remember, she has been part of community life in the quaint Cornish fishing village of Tremarnock, but does anyone really know her? She is usually to be found working in her pottery studio or at home with her beloved cat, Rasputin. But when an old school friend turns up with a secret from the past, nothing will ever be the same again.
Meanwhile teenager, Rosie, is excited to find a bottle washed up on Tremarnock beach with a message from a former German prisoner of war. While the rest of the village is up in arms about a new housing development, she sets out to find him. Little does she know, however, that her discovery will unleash a shocking chain of events that threatens to blow her family apart.
Tremarnock may look like a cosy backwater, but some of its residents are about to come face to face with tough decisions and cold reality..
Esme Posorsky is an enigma. For as long as people can remember, she has been part of community life in the quaint Cornish fishing village of Tremarnock, but does anyone really know her? She is usually to be found working in her pottery studio or at home with her beloved cat, Rasputin. But when an old school friend turns up with a secret from the past, nothing will ever be the same again.
Meanwhile teenager, Rosie, is excited to find a bottle washed up on Tremarnock beach with a message from a former German prisoner of war. While the rest of the village is up in arms about a new housing development, she sets out to find him. Little does she know, however, that her discovery will unleash a shocking chain of events that threatens to blow her family apart.
Tremarnock may look like a cosy backwater, but some of its residents are about to come face to face with tough decisions and cold reality..
June 23, 2018
I love Emma Burstall's writing style and her descriptions of Cornish life so I was grateful to recieve an arc to give an honest review. Reading the Tremarnock series is like going on your summer holiday you can visualise being near the sea and visiting the old characters of the Cornish village and meeting new ones. The book focuses on Esme a character I have always loved and her Parisian friend Caroline but you get to catch up on Liz and her family too.
The story did not grab me as much as her others but it is a lovely summer read for new fans and old.
The story did not grab me as much as her others but it is a lovely summer read for new fans and old.
June 27, 2018
3.5 stars
A Cornish Secret is 'women’s fiction' and book #4 in the Tremarnock series.
Caroline has come to Cornwall to meet Esme, an old school friend. They plan to walk sections of a pilgrim path.
Meanwhile, residents of Esme’s village, Tremarnock, hear that the council plans to sell off the playground to a housing developer. Villagers organise a huge protest which attracts the local media. They set up a camp on the site which replicates other well-known activist groups. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-boH
A Cornish Secret is 'women’s fiction' and book #4 in the Tremarnock series.
Caroline has come to Cornwall to meet Esme, an old school friend. They plan to walk sections of a pilgrim path.
Meanwhile, residents of Esme’s village, Tremarnock, hear that the council plans to sell off the playground to a housing developer. Villagers organise a huge protest which attracts the local media. They set up a camp on the site which replicates other well-known activist groups. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-boH
January 14, 2019
Very lightweight and utterly predictable; it was an effort to finish this! The plot promises much but the characters are straight from 'Central Casting' albeit with Cornish flavour. In the middle, it is very long-winded and I rapidly tired of thinking 'of course he/she did/would' after each 'revelation'! The ending is almost as if the author got bored too and opted to bring it all to a close and release us. Won't look at any more of this author's work.
March 1, 2019
Oh wow, this was brilliant!
This, the final (well for awhile anyway) in the Tremarnock series, was just fantastic. Two new visitors to the village, both from different parts of Europe; a long hidden secret love, a mystery to be solved, as well as a fight to save part of the village from development.
Once again Emma Burstall delivered a great well written story which I didn't want to end.
This, the final (well for awhile anyway) in the Tremarnock series, was just fantastic. Two new visitors to the village, both from different parts of Europe; a long hidden secret love, a mystery to be solved, as well as a fight to save part of the village from development.
Once again Emma Burstall delivered a great well written story which I didn't want to end.
March 28, 2020
Many secrets - some good, some not so good.
Story of the lives and loves of people in a quiet Cornish village.
Emma Burstall weaves a wonderful story with many believable and likeable characters. Their daily lives are full of happenings and some of those secrets are revealed, but the villagers stand by each other and their love for each other and their special home make thisma great story.
I recommend it to you.
Story of the lives and loves of people in a quiet Cornish village.
Emma Burstall weaves a wonderful story with many believable and likeable characters. Their daily lives are full of happenings and some of those secrets are revealed, but the villagers stand by each other and their love for each other and their special home make thisma great story.
I recommend it to you.
June 3, 2021
This is the fourth book in the Tremarnock series and it doesn't disappoint. As readable as the other 3 books with a good story which keeps true to the characters which have been embedded in the previous books. I would not recommend reading this as a stand alone book, much better to read these books in order so as to benefit from the back stories and character development. I look forward to reading book 5.
August 10, 2021
Yet another fabulous book from Emma Burstall.
It was a pleasure to go back to Tremarnock and see what all the local people were getting up to. This is definitely still a place I would feel comfortable visiting and I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
Emma’s writing really draws you in and I am unable to put it down, even when I get to the end I just want the book to last longer.
It was a pleasure to go back to Tremarnock and see what all the local people were getting up to. This is definitely still a place I would feel comfortable visiting and I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
Emma’s writing really draws you in and I am unable to put it down, even when I get to the end I just want the book to last longer.
June 3, 2018
I never knew about the Tremarnock series but there's a new fun after this book.
I loved the settings, the characters and their stories. This book has a great plot, with different stories full of humour and tenderness.
I read it in one setting and it left feeling good.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the settings, the characters and their stories. This book has a great plot, with different stories full of humour and tenderness.
I read it in one setting and it left feeling good.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC
June 4, 2018
Totally fabulous
Once again such a joy to be back In Tremarnock I feel each time I read the next book iam visiting old friends this was a totally outstanding book with Esmè and Caroline and a love so deep and hidden Truely wonderful and the message in the bottle very poingent read this book in one sitting 5*****+ can't wait for the next one
Once again such a joy to be back In Tremarnock I feel each time I read the next book iam visiting old friends this was a totally outstanding book with Esmè and Caroline and a love so deep and hidden Truely wonderful and the message in the bottle very poingent read this book in one sitting 5*****+ can't wait for the next one
June 8, 2019
An enjoyable sojourn in a Cornish seaside village
Some great characters in here and it was lovely to hear a bit about most of them. Sometimes tender, sometimes funny but always well-observed, the writing keeps you interested and keen to read on. I did get a bit fed up of hearing about everyone’s clothing but that’s just me, I guess!
Some great characters in here and it was lovely to hear a bit about most of them. Sometimes tender, sometimes funny but always well-observed, the writing keeps you interested and keen to read on. I did get a bit fed up of hearing about everyone’s clothing but that’s just me, I guess!
September 6, 2020
Read this on holiday and it was an easy read. There were some interesting characters and stories but a bit predictable in some parts and not quite enough depth in any of the storylines running through the book. It also ended unfinished (in my opinion) and is definitely part of a series where you need to read the other books to get conclusions on other parts of the storyline. Easy holiday read.
April 13, 2021
Another lovely tale of the inhabitants of this Cornish village. Each book of the series seems to tackle very real life events in a sympathetic manner, studying it from all angles while weaving it in to a story. Another commendable book. I will be sad when the final book is finished (this is book 4 of 5)
September 23, 2023
It took me a while to get into this with the different story lines, but once I’d because accustomed to the characters about 1/3 of the way through it really comes to life and became such a beautiful story with twists and turns I didnt expect. The setting plays such a big part and is described so well I now need another trip to Cornwall!
May 27, 2019
Don't really know what to make of it. Not terrible but there were maybe too many characters, many of whom did nothing so I kept forgetting who was who. But also some of the plots were relatively unexciting.
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