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Tremarnock #5
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall (5)
Escape to the Cornish coast with a new heartwarming Tremarnock novel, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Philippa Ashley. In the quaint Cornish village of Tremarnock, Chabela Penhallow arrives for a holiday and to discover more about her Cornish ancestors. But, as always with newcomers to the small seaside town, rumours start to fly about this beautiful stranger. Is there more to her than meets the eye? Meanwhile, Rob and Liz Hart's marriage is on the rocks, but only one of them knows the real reason. Once the secret is out, will they be able to handle the repercussions or will it destroy their life together? For the residents of Tremarnock, the revelations will either bond or break them – forever. 'A charming, warm-hearted read ... Pure escapism' ALICE PETERSON. 'The literary equivalent of a gin and tonic on a hot summer's day ... A delicious, delightful and decadent tale' BOOKISH JOTTINGS.
480 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2019
192 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Emma Burstall
28 books139 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 51 reviews
December 17, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
His plate was balanced on his lap and when she caught his eye, he looked away quickly, lifted his scone with both hands and nervously nibbled the edge, like a squirrel with a nut.
Chabela herself was woefully untidy. Her main filing system consisted of a large folder emblazoned with the words ‘VERY IMPORTANT STUFF’.
‘The buggers saw me coming and prepared to attack, I know they did.’ Just as he spoke, another bird, high above, let out a squawk and a gooey splat landed on the toe of his boot, followed by a second, a few feet from Liz’s shoe. ‘Right, that’s it!’ Robert was incandescent. ‘This is war!’
Señorita Penhallow, You’re more to me than life itself. I would do anything for you – climb mountains, fight sharks, even sit on cactuses.
My Review:
Ms. Burnstall provided me with thoughtful entertainment by creating an amusing and interesting village full of unique inhabitants, with a few tipping well over into the category of eccentric. Her latest tale was a pleasant escape and much-needed diversion to help me endure the torturous and disheartening monotony of Jury Duty. I much preferred spending my time with her odd collection of individuals while they squabbled, gossiped, celebrated, and rubbed along with difficulties and issues that were not uncommon yet vexing none the less. The storylines were slowly developed yet easy to follow and held my attention while they spanned the globe from Cornwall to Mexico and back again. And while the emotional tone was not always breezy, clever observations, amusing descriptions, and comical situations were scattered throughout. I particularly enjoyed the levity provided by the ongoing battle of the birds.
Most of all, I adored the sweet heart of the not so simple Simon and was intrigued by his quirks, twitches, and peculiar traits. Simon’s wardrobe seemed to be coordinated with the color of mulch and his rigid routines and very brown nature seemed to be the antithesis of the lovely and lively Chabela, the new visitor from Mexico whose presence seemed to be curiously shaking up the village. Culture clashes, bigotry, and stereotyping led to unfortunate misunderstandings but luckily the character of Chabela was more tolerant and forgiving of their pettiness than I would have been. Given the large slate of village characters, I am curious to explore the previous books in this series.
His plate was balanced on his lap and when she caught his eye, he looked away quickly, lifted his scone with both hands and nervously nibbled the edge, like a squirrel with a nut.
Chabela herself was woefully untidy. Her main filing system consisted of a large folder emblazoned with the words ‘VERY IMPORTANT STUFF’.
‘The buggers saw me coming and prepared to attack, I know they did.’ Just as he spoke, another bird, high above, let out a squawk and a gooey splat landed on the toe of his boot, followed by a second, a few feet from Liz’s shoe. ‘Right, that’s it!’ Robert was incandescent. ‘This is war!’
Señorita Penhallow, You’re more to me than life itself. I would do anything for you – climb mountains, fight sharks, even sit on cactuses.
My Review:
Ms. Burnstall provided me with thoughtful entertainment by creating an amusing and interesting village full of unique inhabitants, with a few tipping well over into the category of eccentric. Her latest tale was a pleasant escape and much-needed diversion to help me endure the torturous and disheartening monotony of Jury Duty. I much preferred spending my time with her odd collection of individuals while they squabbled, gossiped, celebrated, and rubbed along with difficulties and issues that were not uncommon yet vexing none the less. The storylines were slowly developed yet easy to follow and held my attention while they spanned the globe from Cornwall to Mexico and back again. And while the emotional tone was not always breezy, clever observations, amusing descriptions, and comical situations were scattered throughout. I particularly enjoyed the levity provided by the ongoing battle of the birds.
Most of all, I adored the sweet heart of the not so simple Simon and was intrigued by his quirks, twitches, and peculiar traits. Simon’s wardrobe seemed to be coordinated with the color of mulch and his rigid routines and very brown nature seemed to be the antithesis of the lovely and lively Chabela, the new visitor from Mexico whose presence seemed to be curiously shaking up the village. Culture clashes, bigotry, and stereotyping led to unfortunate misunderstandings but luckily the character of Chabela was more tolerant and forgiving of their pettiness than I would have been. Given the large slate of village characters, I am curious to explore the previous books in this series.
December 8, 2019
A sweet book where a beautiful visitor from Mexico shook the entire village of Tremarnock.
Chabela came home to Cornwall to trace her ancestry and to heal from a broken heart. And in that process found a best friend in Liz. The other characters added to the story with their relationships.
My first book by Emma Burstall, this was the sixth in the series, I liked how a stranger could kickstart the village with her appearance. Some were friendly, some suspicious. I loved how the author showed her expertise in writing about two different cultures.
The story had the different characters, who took time to let me into their lives to understand their story. I was a newcomer too. Lives shown were an added layer to the richness of the story.
Emma Burstall is a detailed storyteller with the varied characters woven and places described. I liked how emotions for the new exotic visitor were shown via the others. The characters were many and new to me, so it was a slow read for me.
Overall, it was enjoyable to read about different lives on a cosy Sunday afternoon.
Chabela came home to Cornwall to trace her ancestry and to heal from a broken heart. And in that process found a best friend in Liz. The other characters added to the story with their relationships.
My first book by Emma Burstall, this was the sixth in the series, I liked how a stranger could kickstart the village with her appearance. Some were friendly, some suspicious. I loved how the author showed her expertise in writing about two different cultures.
The story had the different characters, who took time to let me into their lives to understand their story. I was a newcomer too. Lives shown were an added layer to the richness of the story.
Emma Burstall is a detailed storyteller with the varied characters woven and places described. I liked how emotions for the new exotic visitor were shown via the others. The characters were many and new to me, so it was a slow read for me.
Overall, it was enjoyable to read about different lives on a cosy Sunday afternoon.
December 11, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
A charming setting and wonderful characters make THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME TO CORNWALL by Emma Burstall a captivating story that will grip you from the very beginning.
Tremarnock is a stunning Cornish village where everyone knows everything about each other and look out for each other at every turn. It looks like a postcard and has a special atmosphere for those that have lived there for so long. But when a beautiful stranger arrives to research her ancestry, not everyone welcomes her with open arms - why has this woman come to their village in particular? What secrets is she hiding? And who is she connected to in Tremarnock?
They do not know that Chabela Penhallow is trying to deal with a broken heart, and is searching for something to make her feel whole again. But as Chabela begins to make friends and open up about her life, there may be some interesting discoveries along the way ...
THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME TO CORNWALL by Emma Burstall is a well-crafted story about family and connection, and I enjoyed every moment of this novel. The characters are detailed and I enjoyed the community vibe that comes alive on the page at every turn. A well-thought-out book that is sure to please readers of this series as well as new readers.
A charming setting and wonderful characters make THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME TO CORNWALL by Emma Burstall a captivating story that will grip you from the very beginning.
Tremarnock is a stunning Cornish village where everyone knows everything about each other and look out for each other at every turn. It looks like a postcard and has a special atmosphere for those that have lived there for so long. But when a beautiful stranger arrives to research her ancestry, not everyone welcomes her with open arms - why has this woman come to their village in particular? What secrets is she hiding? And who is she connected to in Tremarnock?
They do not know that Chabela Penhallow is trying to deal with a broken heart, and is searching for something to make her feel whole again. But as Chabela begins to make friends and open up about her life, there may be some interesting discoveries along the way ...
THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME TO CORNWALL by Emma Burstall is a well-crafted story about family and connection, and I enjoyed every moment of this novel. The characters are detailed and I enjoyed the community vibe that comes alive on the page at every turn. A well-thought-out book that is sure to please readers of this series as well as new readers.
December 10, 2019
This is a further instalment of the Tremarnock series, I read book 4, 'A Cornish Secret', and this one has the same wonderful description of characters and setting. The plot is full of secrets, which threaten to disturb the tranquillity of the Cornish coastal haven.
The arrival of a beautiful Mexican woman causes a predictable stir in the coastal village, the initial impact of her arrival on one resident Rick, makes you realise she will ruffle some feathers, and make some inhabitants wish for younger days.
The writing style invites you to curl up and enjoy the escape into another world, full of diverse characters and picturesque scenery. The reception Chabela receives is typical of a small community, some friendly, others inquisitive and some wary. Her reasons for visiting seem genuine, but she is hiding unhappiness and seems to be seeking something that will only be found in Tremarnock.
An engaging, emotional tale, with detailed knowledge of Cornish village life and interesting snippets of life in Mexico. A lovely mix of humour and sadness, which makes you reluctant to leave when the story comes to its satisfying conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2021
The Girl who came Home to Cornwall is a sweet and heartwarming book, of new starts and friendship.
Despite this being the sixth book in the Tremarnock series and not having read any of the previous books, I found it very easy to fall into the story.
On the outside, this is all about a young woman coming home to Cornwall to start her life a new and shaking things up in a village which I think is a little set in its ways, but don't be deceived by the cosy and feel-good back blurb, it's much more dramatic than that.
Chabela the leading lady is a wonderful character, she is a little out of her depth once she arrives in the village. All she wants is to look into her Cornish roots and in the process begins to make little changes. I liked Chebala from the start, like all the characters in the book you feel a real connection to them, each one is very well written and people naturally throughout the book.
The story is engaging and easy to read, its pacing is sound and sure which allows the reader to fall headlong into beautiful Cornwall. I loved the author's descriptive writing too, I will certainly be reading more from her.
Despite this being the sixth book in the Tremarnock series and not having read any of the previous books, I found it very easy to fall into the story.
On the outside, this is all about a young woman coming home to Cornwall to start her life a new and shaking things up in a village which I think is a little set in its ways, but don't be deceived by the cosy and feel-good back blurb, it's much more dramatic than that.
Chabela the leading lady is a wonderful character, she is a little out of her depth once she arrives in the village. All she wants is to look into her Cornish roots and in the process begins to make little changes. I liked Chebala from the start, like all the characters in the book you feel a real connection to them, each one is very well written and people naturally throughout the book.
The story is engaging and easy to read, its pacing is sound and sure which allows the reader to fall headlong into beautiful Cornwall. I loved the author's descriptive writing too, I will certainly be reading more from her.
December 19, 2019
I loved being back in Cornwall again.
I felt so comfortable returning to fabulous Cornwall in this wonderful story by Emma Burstall.
All of the familiar characters are still there, as well some new ones including a new arrival from Mexico.
Relationships are strained , and some decisions need to be made.
Overall, a well written and entertaining read from beginning to end.
I felt so comfortable returning to fabulous Cornwall in this wonderful story by Emma Burstall.
All of the familiar characters are still there, as well some new ones including a new arrival from Mexico.
Relationships are strained , and some decisions need to be made.
Overall, a well written and entertaining read from beginning to end.
August 20, 2020
Totally loved this book. Another feelgood romance with no unexpected bits or huge surprises. Just what you need for Summer with a nice bottle of prosecco.
December 22, 2019
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall is the fifth in the Tremarnock series by Emma Burstall. I have really loved this series because in the small coastal village of Tremarnock, the author has created such a lovely feeling of community and friendship. It's a place where the residents pull together when times are tough and offer each other support or a shoulder to cry on. A solution to any problem can always be found through sheer hard work, will and determination. Each book focuses on a different character but people we have met in previous books always make a reappearance and its lovely to see how they are getting on given a lot of attention had been on them in the past. But one person whose storyline has ran through all of the books is that of Liz Hart. She has been my favourite character of them all and I was keen to see what the author had in store for her in this new book.
The girl who came home to Cornwall as mentioned in the title is a new arrival called Chabela Penhallow. She is a university lecturer in Mexico City. A beautiful woman who makes an impression on people and someone who seems to have this aura of calm around her but underneath it all she is hiding pain and heartbreak and is hoping time away in a new country in a new situation meeting new people will give her the distance and perspective she needs to make some important life changing decisions. Chabela was a nice enough character but the residents were always wary of new people, despite being welcoming there is a little bit of resistance to someone new because they think they will be there one minute and gone the next. Chabela for quite some time was treated as the outsider and it would take a lot of working her way into peoples lives and laying her cards on the table before some form of acceptance could begin to occur. If she could even attempt to do this given her personality.
I felt Chabela was a character who was hard to get to know. She seemed very cut off from things and never really revealed the inner workings of her mind until quite far into the story. It all felt a bit flighty with her and I didn't find anything concrete I could latch onto in order to really identify her. Her strand of the story searching for her heritage and trying to overcome the pain she had experienced in Mexico and then in turn meeting a new friend was OK but it didn't fully grab my attention and I found myself much more interested in the residents I had read about before. Probably because I was so familiar with them, I knew their back stories and had been through the mill with them so to speak so I was perhaps more eager to focus my attention on chapters which featured them.
Liz once again really caught my attention, I love her but god she frustrates me in equal measure. She has finally got the perfect life for herself but she seems determined to see it go off track. Events from the previous book still very much have a forbearing on her now and she can't seem to shake them from her mind. They impede her decision making process and I really wanted to be able to take her by the shoulders and give her a good shake. She was letting her marriage with Rob suffer because she wasn't being honest and was reluctant to keep the channels of communication open. The lure and potency of what is forbidden seemed to me as if they were going to be Liz's downfall and I disliked the direction her thought process was taking.
You could see the guilt eating away at her as her secret became ever more of a burden. I couldn't blame Rob for his actions but truly it was heartbreaking given how much they had been through in previous books to reach this point. I really felt like it was make or break for the couple and I desperately hoped that for Liz common sense would prevail over what she believed her mind and heart were telling her. There is excitement and guilt running through her veins but she needed to push through that and make the right decision for her family in the long term. I questioned would she ever reach that point? Maybe Chabela herself could be the one who needs to speak to Liz to help her find the resolution she so desperately seeks.
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall was a nice, light, easy read but I don't think it was the strongest book in the series. I felt we only scratched beneath the surface of things regarding relationships and struggles. A lot more in depth discussion and a sense of talking about what is really going on needed to occur. There was too much of skirting around the issue and I think things at times all got too light and fluffy. That said I would have read this book anyway because I love Tremarnock and I hope any future books will return to the form I know that has been present in the past. It's not a bad book by any means but for me it failed to completely capture that magic and essence that I had found from book one onwards. A pleasant enough read but it wouldn't be my favourite of the series.
The girl who came home to Cornwall as mentioned in the title is a new arrival called Chabela Penhallow. She is a university lecturer in Mexico City. A beautiful woman who makes an impression on people and someone who seems to have this aura of calm around her but underneath it all she is hiding pain and heartbreak and is hoping time away in a new country in a new situation meeting new people will give her the distance and perspective she needs to make some important life changing decisions. Chabela was a nice enough character but the residents were always wary of new people, despite being welcoming there is a little bit of resistance to someone new because they think they will be there one minute and gone the next. Chabela for quite some time was treated as the outsider and it would take a lot of working her way into peoples lives and laying her cards on the table before some form of acceptance could begin to occur. If she could even attempt to do this given her personality.
I felt Chabela was a character who was hard to get to know. She seemed very cut off from things and never really revealed the inner workings of her mind until quite far into the story. It all felt a bit flighty with her and I didn't find anything concrete I could latch onto in order to really identify her. Her strand of the story searching for her heritage and trying to overcome the pain she had experienced in Mexico and then in turn meeting a new friend was OK but it didn't fully grab my attention and I found myself much more interested in the residents I had read about before. Probably because I was so familiar with them, I knew their back stories and had been through the mill with them so to speak so I was perhaps more eager to focus my attention on chapters which featured them.
Liz once again really caught my attention, I love her but god she frustrates me in equal measure. She has finally got the perfect life for herself but she seems determined to see it go off track. Events from the previous book still very much have a forbearing on her now and she can't seem to shake them from her mind. They impede her decision making process and I really wanted to be able to take her by the shoulders and give her a good shake. She was letting her marriage with Rob suffer because she wasn't being honest and was reluctant to keep the channels of communication open. The lure and potency of what is forbidden seemed to me as if they were going to be Liz's downfall and I disliked the direction her thought process was taking.
You could see the guilt eating away at her as her secret became ever more of a burden. I couldn't blame Rob for his actions but truly it was heartbreaking given how much they had been through in previous books to reach this point. I really felt like it was make or break for the couple and I desperately hoped that for Liz common sense would prevail over what she believed her mind and heart were telling her. There is excitement and guilt running through her veins but she needed to push through that and make the right decision for her family in the long term. I questioned would she ever reach that point? Maybe Chabela herself could be the one who needs to speak to Liz to help her find the resolution she so desperately seeks.
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall was a nice, light, easy read but I don't think it was the strongest book in the series. I felt we only scratched beneath the surface of things regarding relationships and struggles. A lot more in depth discussion and a sense of talking about what is really going on needed to occur. There was too much of skirting around the issue and I think things at times all got too light and fluffy. That said I would have read this book anyway because I love Tremarnock and I hope any future books will return to the form I know that has been present in the past. It's not a bad book by any means but for me it failed to completely capture that magic and essence that I had found from book one onwards. A pleasant enough read but it wouldn't be my favourite of the series.
August 16, 2021
Absolutely loved it, as I have her other books
May 6, 2020
A sweet, but lengthy, romance. The central story, a Mexican woman seeking an escape from heartbreak, is pleasant, but the secondary story of Liz, a key character is all this series, and her husband Robert, is treated far too superficially at the end - as if the author either got bored or didn’t know how to round off the story properly. Sub-plots of pesky seagulls that introduced new characters to a story already packed full of too many characters add nothing. And some of the writing is a little poor - at one point a character was “shocked, dumbfounded and, for a moment, lost for words”; perhaps the Thesaurus she swallowed had got stuck in her throat...
A pleasant enough, easy listen on audio, but not particularly well-structured.
A pleasant enough, easy listen on audio, but not particularly well-structured.
December 13, 2019
Not as good
I really enjoyed the transition series and as a result had pre ordered this book for its release. But disappointed. Story felt weak and disjointed. The community spirit was lacking, the promising cliffhanger from previous book never really got me going again.
I really enjoyed the transition series and as a result had pre ordered this book for its release. But disappointed. Story felt weak and disjointed. The community spirit was lacking, the promising cliffhanger from previous book never really got me going again.
November 29, 2020
I have visited Tremarnock many times (four) over the years and it is always delightful to go back for another visit, this time it has taken me a while to go back. But here I am with Emma Burstall's fifth novel set in this Cornish Village where everyone knows everyone else and everything that is going on.
But the village is going to be shaken up a bit with the arrival of a visitor Chabela Penhallow. A Mexican woman with a very Cornish name. She is visiting to escape from the present and to very much find out about her past and links to her surname.
Chabela is not very forthcoming and is keeping herself and her real story back in Mexico to herself, but she finds herself drawn to Simon who is nerdy by his own admission and is helping her with her family history.
So is Rick, who has temporarily suspended his internet search for the perfect woman and sets his sights on Chabela.
However her presence is upsetting the equilibrium it seems in many of the relationships within the village. Characters you will have met from previous novels, Liz and her husband Robert are still struggling through some difficulties. Rosie and Rafael, the first flush of young love. Loveday and Josh solid and dedicated to each other.
Chabela seems to have got to them all in different ways. Can she explain her situation and perhaps solve the undercurrents of the village that seem to have been their since she arrived?
Going back to Mexico might focus her mind on exactly what she wants, but she still has some demons to get rid of first.
I enjoyed the book, though I realised what was the ultimate happy ending, I was intrigued as to how we were going to get there. Get there we did and learnt a lot out about all the characters, tin mining and the connections between Mexico and Cornwall. Emma Burstall is never afraid to deal with some issues which are perhaps glossed over in or not mentioned, in other comparable women's fiction books. The stories can have areal impact and this book was no different.
It was great to be back in Tremarnock and reminding myself not just of the characters but the familiarity of the landscape which is a character all in itself. Cornwall makes a great setting for so many books and it certainly works for this series.
Having been a fan of Burstall's work for a long time, I look forward to see whether we return to Tremarnock next or perhaps venture further afield. Whatever the theme and wherever it is set, no doubt it will have depth not often found in some books.
But the village is going to be shaken up a bit with the arrival of a visitor Chabela Penhallow. A Mexican woman with a very Cornish name. She is visiting to escape from the present and to very much find out about her past and links to her surname.
Chabela is not very forthcoming and is keeping herself and her real story back in Mexico to herself, but she finds herself drawn to Simon who is nerdy by his own admission and is helping her with her family history.
So is Rick, who has temporarily suspended his internet search for the perfect woman and sets his sights on Chabela.
However her presence is upsetting the equilibrium it seems in many of the relationships within the village. Characters you will have met from previous novels, Liz and her husband Robert are still struggling through some difficulties. Rosie and Rafael, the first flush of young love. Loveday and Josh solid and dedicated to each other.
Chabela seems to have got to them all in different ways. Can she explain her situation and perhaps solve the undercurrents of the village that seem to have been their since she arrived?
Going back to Mexico might focus her mind on exactly what she wants, but she still has some demons to get rid of first.
I enjoyed the book, though I realised what was the ultimate happy ending, I was intrigued as to how we were going to get there. Get there we did and learnt a lot out about all the characters, tin mining and the connections between Mexico and Cornwall. Emma Burstall is never afraid to deal with some issues which are perhaps glossed over in or not mentioned, in other comparable women's fiction books. The stories can have areal impact and this book was no different.
It was great to be back in Tremarnock and reminding myself not just of the characters but the familiarity of the landscape which is a character all in itself. Cornwall makes a great setting for so many books and it certainly works for this series.
Having been a fan of Burstall's work for a long time, I look forward to see whether we return to Tremarnock next or perhaps venture further afield. Whatever the theme and wherever it is set, no doubt it will have depth not often found in some books.
December 14, 2019
The last novel I reviewed by Emma Burstall was A Cornish Secret, book four in the Termarnock series which I loved and gave five stars to. So naturally I was pleased to recieve the ARC of book five.
In The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall, Chabela has left her native Mexico after a break up and hopes Tremarnock will give her a welcome change of scene. The Cornish town is so different to Mexico but her mind is full of what, and who, she no longer has.
As soon as she arrives, the locals begin to suspect something, for with her bright clothes and beautiful looks she catches their attention. Who is she? Why is she there? What or who does she want to find in Tremarnock?
Despite her Mexican heritage, Chabela is no stranger to Cornwall though as she is searching for answers to her past. When she meets Liz, she finds a friend. Will she discover what she came to? Or will there be more? Will she be shocked, surprised saddened or happy? Will Chabela find love again?
Read the novel if you'd like to find out.
It was great to be back in Tremarnock again after the time that's passed since book four. The place is charming and friendly, the perfect place to spend time.
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall is a quick paced enjoyable light novel which combines tranquil settings with the mystery of Chabela's arrival and her appearing in the town was a great way to start the novel and keep me interested.
I'm a lover of all things Spanish-related, having learned the language at age 11 at school and the aspects of Mexican culture which are the same as Spanish culture (eg the use of both the father's and the mother's surnames). It was good of the author to use this example to further show Chabela's heritage. I was interested to learn from the author Emma Burstall's bio that she also speaks Spanish. This fact makes the cultural and linguistic titbits within the novel highly authentic to me as I know from my own experience with the Spanish language that they are true and this makes me trust the research that has gone into this novel.
I was delighted by the beautiful scenery and by the "will she, won't she" feel of the writing as I followed her on her quest. I definitely wanted to know if she would find what she was looking for as well as if she would be able to find love again.
Emma Burstall always builds scenic settings and if she publishes another novel in the series I'll be happy to go back to Tremarnock again.
Thanks to Emma Burstall and Aria for my ARC of The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. 3. 5 stars. A relaxing and mysterious novel although some parts were a little predictable.
In The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall, Chabela has left her native Mexico after a break up and hopes Tremarnock will give her a welcome change of scene. The Cornish town is so different to Mexico but her mind is full of what, and who, she no longer has.
As soon as she arrives, the locals begin to suspect something, for with her bright clothes and beautiful looks she catches their attention. Who is she? Why is she there? What or who does she want to find in Tremarnock?
Despite her Mexican heritage, Chabela is no stranger to Cornwall though as she is searching for answers to her past. When she meets Liz, she finds a friend. Will she discover what she came to? Or will there be more? Will she be shocked, surprised saddened or happy? Will Chabela find love again?
Read the novel if you'd like to find out.
It was great to be back in Tremarnock again after the time that's passed since book four. The place is charming and friendly, the perfect place to spend time.
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall is a quick paced enjoyable light novel which combines tranquil settings with the mystery of Chabela's arrival and her appearing in the town was a great way to start the novel and keep me interested.
I'm a lover of all things Spanish-related, having learned the language at age 11 at school and the aspects of Mexican culture which are the same as Spanish culture (eg the use of both the father's and the mother's surnames). It was good of the author to use this example to further show Chabela's heritage. I was interested to learn from the author Emma Burstall's bio that she also speaks Spanish. This fact makes the cultural and linguistic titbits within the novel highly authentic to me as I know from my own experience with the Spanish language that they are true and this makes me trust the research that has gone into this novel.
I was delighted by the beautiful scenery and by the "will she, won't she" feel of the writing as I followed her on her quest. I definitely wanted to know if she would find what she was looking for as well as if she would be able to find love again.
Emma Burstall always builds scenic settings and if she publishes another novel in the series I'll be happy to go back to Tremarnock again.
Thanks to Emma Burstall and Aria for my ARC of The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. 3. 5 stars. A relaxing and mysterious novel although some parts were a little predictable.
January 9, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book and felt that the narrator was exceptionally good at accents, from Cornish, to Spanish to Scouse, her ability to switch voices really brought the characters alive.
This is the 5th book in the Tremarnock series and usually I do not mind reading books out of sequence. This one can still be enjoyed but I did for once appreciate that these characters have a huge history and that it might have been to my advantage and enhanced my reading pleasure had I got to know them in previous stories.
I was drawn to the book initially because I love almost any story set in Cornwall!
I didn't dislike the book but I cannot rave about it either. It is gentle, unassuming and pleasant and I enjoyed it enough to pick up any one of the preceding novels, 1-4, should I happen to come across any of them, I am just not sure I would actively seek them out.
I did like Chabella Penhallow, recently arrived from Mexico City, hurting from a long term affair with married man Alphonso, who works at the university where she lectures. Chabella has come to Cornwall to discover more about her ancestry and her connections to grandfather and mining magnate James Penhallow. I wasn't that interested in the history aspect (shame on me!) and more interested in the relationships between the characters and the setting descriptions.
I often fall in love with seascapes and villages, cute house names and likeable characters and there are plenty of these in this book. I did feel however that this is a tell-all book, with so much unnecessary detail such as taupe curtains, constant references to clothing and bits about searching for underwear and cleaning teeth. Yes, this in the minutiae of daily life but it does nothing to add to the storyline other than slow it down and make it clunky. Sometimes we need to simply imagine as a reader and not have every single thing explained so precisely.
This is a romantic read that will not offend and is easy to read or listen to and I should imagine that if you have started with book 1, by book 5 these characters feel like your neighbours and you would like to have more adventures with Liz and Robert, visit The Winkle in Time, eat a lobster roll from The Secret Shack and find out what Rick and Audrey, Loveday and Raphael, Rosie, Tabitha and Co. are all up to.
This is the 5th book in the Tremarnock series and usually I do not mind reading books out of sequence. This one can still be enjoyed but I did for once appreciate that these characters have a huge history and that it might have been to my advantage and enhanced my reading pleasure had I got to know them in previous stories.
I was drawn to the book initially because I love almost any story set in Cornwall!
I didn't dislike the book but I cannot rave about it either. It is gentle, unassuming and pleasant and I enjoyed it enough to pick up any one of the preceding novels, 1-4, should I happen to come across any of them, I am just not sure I would actively seek them out.
I did like Chabella Penhallow, recently arrived from Mexico City, hurting from a long term affair with married man Alphonso, who works at the university where she lectures. Chabella has come to Cornwall to discover more about her ancestry and her connections to grandfather and mining magnate James Penhallow. I wasn't that interested in the history aspect (shame on me!) and more interested in the relationships between the characters and the setting descriptions.
I often fall in love with seascapes and villages, cute house names and likeable characters and there are plenty of these in this book. I did feel however that this is a tell-all book, with so much unnecessary detail such as taupe curtains, constant references to clothing and bits about searching for underwear and cleaning teeth. Yes, this in the minutiae of daily life but it does nothing to add to the storyline other than slow it down and make it clunky. Sometimes we need to simply imagine as a reader and not have every single thing explained so precisely.
This is a romantic read that will not offend and is easy to read or listen to and I should imagine that if you have started with book 1, by book 5 these characters feel like your neighbours and you would like to have more adventures with Liz and Robert, visit The Winkle in Time, eat a lobster roll from The Secret Shack and find out what Rick and Audrey, Loveday and Raphael, Rosie, Tabitha and Co. are all up to.
January 23, 2024
A combination of blandness and irritation! I think the chief problem was that I didn't feel in much sympathy with either of the main characters.
Chabela has moved from Mexico to Cornwall to get over a broken heart. We are told repeatedly that she is very beautiful and also that she was aware of it and of the effect her looks had on men, which "had certainly come in handy down the years". But when she dances "in a sultry fashion" with a guy half her age in front of his girlfriend, we're expected to believe that she had no intention of causing any problems? Hmmm, not convinced.
And then we have Liz, the married woman who deliberately rekindles a past flirtation and then feels oblige to 'confess' to her husband. I found the resolution of that storyline very perfunctory - I had the impression that the author didn't really know how to end it properly.
There was also a totally unnecessary amount of description in the book. No one can get dressed or eat anything without their outfit/meal being carefully described. And at one point, Chabela makes an excuse to sneak a look at Simon's fridge, purely so that Burstall can list the contents in excruciating detail. Why? If I wanted to read this much about food, I'd pick a cookery book, not a novel.
I understand this book is part of a series. Maybe if you've read the earlier ones, you're invested enough in the characters to enjoy this. But for this first-time reader, it was too much candyfloss.
Chabela has moved from Mexico to Cornwall to get over a broken heart. We are told repeatedly that she is very beautiful and also that she was aware of it and of the effect her looks had on men, which "had certainly come in handy down the years". But when she dances "in a sultry fashion" with a guy half her age in front of his girlfriend, we're expected to believe that she had no intention of causing any problems? Hmmm, not convinced.
And then we have Liz, the married woman who deliberately rekindles a past flirtation and then feels oblige to 'confess' to her husband. I found the resolution of that storyline very perfunctory - I had the impression that the author didn't really know how to end it properly.
There was also a totally unnecessary amount of description in the book. No one can get dressed or eat anything without their outfit/meal being carefully described. And at one point, Chabela makes an excuse to sneak a look at Simon's fridge, purely so that Burstall can list the contents in excruciating detail. Why? If I wanted to read this much about food, I'd pick a cookery book, not a novel.
I understand this book is part of a series. Maybe if you've read the earlier ones, you're invested enough in the characters to enjoy this. But for this first-time reader, it was too much candyfloss.
June 17, 2023
I have now finished this series, and I'm sad that it's over. In this book, Chabela, a beautiful Mexican woman, had come to Cornwall to find evidence that her ancestors were Cornish. Simon Hosking, a school teacher who lives in Tremarnock, had found a letter from Chabela's great, great grandfather, who had moved to Mexico and worked in a tin mine there. He wrote to her about this and she came to meet him. She has his last name of Penhallow, a typical Cornish name. Meantime, Liz is dismayed to find that Alex, the man she was attracted to in the previous book, is coming to dedicate a plaque to his grandfather. They have an uncomfortable meeting, but she manages to stay away from him. But guilt makes her tell Robert of the attraction, and he leaves the house. Another funny incident is the seagulls making a nest on Liz's roof, and the ruling by the council that nesting birds cannot be moved. They have to put up with their noise and droppings until the babies leave the nest.
I recommend this series highly.
I recommend this series highly.
December 9, 2019
Hands up, this is my first read of this series but I may well go back to the start at some point - it's very good!
Chabela Penhallow comes to Tremarnock to find out more about her ancestors; after all, with a surname like hers there is only one place her family can come from. The locals accept this bright Mexican into their community with curiosity in their hearts .. is there more to Chabela than first appears, and will she find what she's looking for?
A truly lovely book in a marvellous coastal setting, this is an easy read full of warm characters with a story aimed at melting the coldest of hearts. Well written, smoothly flowing and with poignant details which all add up to a heartwarming read - and one which I enjoyed. If I do read the series from the beginning, it'll have to wait for a bit as this one reveals what I imagine has happened in past volumes. Emma Burstall is definitely an author worth following, and this one deserves a full four stars.
Chabela Penhallow comes to Tremarnock to find out more about her ancestors; after all, with a surname like hers there is only one place her family can come from. The locals accept this bright Mexican into their community with curiosity in their hearts .. is there more to Chabela than first appears, and will she find what she's looking for?
A truly lovely book in a marvellous coastal setting, this is an easy read full of warm characters with a story aimed at melting the coldest of hearts. Well written, smoothly flowing and with poignant details which all add up to a heartwarming read - and one which I enjoyed. If I do read the series from the beginning, it'll have to wait for a bit as this one reveals what I imagine has happened in past volumes. Emma Burstall is definitely an author worth following, and this one deserves a full four stars.
December 15, 2019
Thank you to Vicky at Head of Zeus for my invitation to the tour and my copy of the book in return for a fair and honest review.
A lovely comforting read that reminded me of one of my favourite places, Cornwall and the coming summer months.
I really liked Chabela who is a colourful character and a bit of a mystery to the locals. She has come to Cornwall to find out about her ancestors James Penhallow a Cornish Tin Miner who emigrated to Mexico.She is also recovering from a broken relationship. She meets up with Simon, a possible distant relative who has lived in Tremarnock his whole life and Chabela finds him to be the quite repressed Englishman on their first meeting.
Chabela meets Liz when looking for work and Liz is also hiding secrets from Rob her husband.
I loved how the author weaved the beauty and dramtic landscape of Cornwall into the story it really set the scene of the book. It was really interesting to read about the Mexican culture too.
Pure escapism, I really enjoyed this book, it is about relationships, taking risks and finding yourself. A great read.
A lovely comforting read that reminded me of one of my favourite places, Cornwall and the coming summer months.
I really liked Chabela who is a colourful character and a bit of a mystery to the locals. She has come to Cornwall to find out about her ancestors James Penhallow a Cornish Tin Miner who emigrated to Mexico.She is also recovering from a broken relationship. She meets up with Simon, a possible distant relative who has lived in Tremarnock his whole life and Chabela finds him to be the quite repressed Englishman on their first meeting.
Chabela meets Liz when looking for work and Liz is also hiding secrets from Rob her husband.
I loved how the author weaved the beauty and dramtic landscape of Cornwall into the story it really set the scene of the book. It was really interesting to read about the Mexican culture too.
Pure escapism, I really enjoyed this book, it is about relationships, taking risks and finding yourself. A great read.
May 19, 2020
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall bk 5 by Emma Burstall.
I cannot believe that this is the last book in the series.(Hopefully Emma will add to this)
Set in Cornwall a picturesque seaside village called Tremarnock.Where everyone knows everyone.
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall is exceptional and beautifully presented and very well written. I found that in places it pull your heartstrings and leaves you willing the characters on!
You can visualise the setting and the characters they feel very real to me.When reading I feel that I'm also there, I love Cornwall it's a beautiful setting for the series..
I truly cannot rate it high enough, I highly recommend this 5*.
Note to Author: Dear Emma,please can you make another I feel that Liz and Robert need a HEA.
I cannot believe that this is the last book in the series.(Hopefully Emma will add to this)
Set in Cornwall a picturesque seaside village called Tremarnock.Where everyone knows everyone.
The Girl Who Came Home to Cornwall is exceptional and beautifully presented and very well written. I found that in places it pull your heartstrings and leaves you willing the characters on!
You can visualise the setting and the characters they feel very real to me.When reading I feel that I'm also there, I love Cornwall it's a beautiful setting for the series..
I truly cannot rate it high enough, I highly recommend this 5*.
Note to Author: Dear Emma,please can you make another I feel that Liz and Robert need a HEA.
September 2, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Tremarnock series. Hopefully, there will be another one next year.
Emma always writes a good.story.
It's wonderful to come back to all the lovely old characters & the new. There's always something going on & storylines to keep us guessing to the next book.
This story revolves around Chabela, from Mexico. Who comes to Tremarnock seeking out Cornish ancestors, who settled in Mexico, many years ago.
But once there she finds a lot more than she bargained for!
The main characters in all the books are, Liz,Robert,Rosie & Lowenna. There is a lot of upheaval in this family & all is not a bed of roses.
There are sad,happy & funny moments, throughout this book, as are usual with all Emmas' books.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Emma always writes a good.story.
It's wonderful to come back to all the lovely old characters & the new. There's always something going on & storylines to keep us guessing to the next book.
This story revolves around Chabela, from Mexico. Who comes to Tremarnock seeking out Cornish ancestors, who settled in Mexico, many years ago.
But once there she finds a lot more than she bargained for!
The main characters in all the books are, Liz,Robert,Rosie & Lowenna. There is a lot of upheaval in this family & all is not a bed of roses.
There are sad,happy & funny moments, throughout this book, as are usual with all Emmas' books.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.
October 6, 2019
Perfect for fans of Emma Burstall’s Tremarnock series. A newcomer arrives in Tremarnock from Mexico and some of the locals are suspicious of why she is here.
Chabela is tracing her Cornish ancestry but gets off on the wrong foot with some of the villagers. Long standing relationships are tested and a visit to Mexico showcases Emma Burstall’s knowledge of both Cornwall and Mexico City. If you haven’t read any of this series it’s time you became acquainted with Tremarnock and read the 4 prequels to this book.
Chabela is tracing her Cornish ancestry but gets off on the wrong foot with some of the villagers. Long standing relationships are tested and a visit to Mexico showcases Emma Burstall’s knowledge of both Cornwall and Mexico City. If you haven’t read any of this series it’s time you became acquainted with Tremarnock and read the 4 prequels to this book.
December 26, 2022
Summary: In the quaint Cornish village of Tremarnock, Chabela Penhallow arrives for a holiday and to discover more about her Cornish ancestors. But, as always with newcomers to the small seaside town, rumours start to fly about this beautiful stranger. Is there more to her than meets the eye? Meanwhile, Rob and Liz Hart's marriage is on the rocks, but only one of them knows the real reason. Once the secret is out, will they be able to handle the repercussions or will it destroy their life together? For the residents of Tremarnock, the revelations will either bond or break them - forever.
October 4, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having read the first 4 books in this tremarnock series was absolutely delighted to get an early copy
I was certainly not disappointed with the 5th book in the series not quite as punchy as the others but it's like going home the characters in the small seaside village come together when needed once again an other OUTSTANDING read I can highly recommend this book
Having read the first 4 books in this tremarnock series was absolutely delighted to get an early copy
I was certainly not disappointed with the 5th book in the series not quite as punchy as the others but it's like going home the characters in the small seaside village come together when needed once again an other OUTSTANDING read I can highly recommend this book
November 15, 2019
It's the second time I visited Tremarnock and was more than happy to be back.
The novel is well written, heartwarming, engrossing and entertaining.
It made me crave to the in Tremarnock and root for the characters.
The character development is excellent and the plot is well crafted.
Hope to visit Tremarnock again soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The novel is well written, heartwarming, engrossing and entertaining.
It made me crave to the in Tremarnock and root for the characters.
The character development is excellent and the plot is well crafted.
Hope to visit Tremarnock again soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, I’ve read several easy read types that are set in Cornwall & was expecting something similar. However this spanned Cornwall and Mexico. I liked how there were several stories all going in at the same time & how there was a hint Chabela would settle with Simon but nothing was a given. A fab read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
There is more action and excitement in a Miss Read!!! I hoped for a dual story with Mexico but got a boring village story. When the author described the contents of Simon's fridge ....!
I then hoped for a child to go missing during the summer fete but alas nothing more exciting than a chick falling out of a nest! I kid you not!
I then hoped for a child to go missing during the summer fete but alas nothing more exciting than a chick falling out of a nest! I kid you not!
October 1, 2023
Chabla ( Isabella) comes to visit Tremarnock after a failed relationship. She meets Simon and Rick. Who both want to help her find her ancestry and her father's family why they went to Mexico from Cornwall to mine for silver there. Women in Tremarnock feel jealous of her and her beauty. Chabla gets a job at a beach shack finally makes friends with Liz who realises chabla is no threat.
December 28, 2019
Simple in time
Love this series of books about a Cornish village the characters become real and you can't wait to see what's going to happen next so another success as again I couldn't put this book down
Love this series of books about a Cornish village the characters become real and you can't wait to see what's going to happen next so another success as again I couldn't put this book down
January 4, 2020
Good, solid read. No fireworks or unexpected events but an enjoyable instalment centring around Tremarnock village. Allows you to catch up with old characters and meet some lovely new ones. Perfect for curling up and getting lost in.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
February 15, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. The characters were well written and likeable and of course Cornwall is always a winner in my eyes. This book had a comfortable feel about it and, as I've never read any of this authors books before, I shall be keeping my eye out for her upcoming work.
I LOVED IT!!!
I LOVED IT!!!
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