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Cornish Hearts #2
The Cottage at Plum Tree Bay
One summer can change everything...
Catherine Bromley has spent her life in Penhallow Sands, dedicating herself to work and supporting her emotionally fragile mother. Since her father left, it’s always been the two of them and Catherine has no interest in romance. What’s the point when men just leave? And besides, her mother needs her.
But when handsome novelist Mark Coleman arrives to stay at the cottage overlooking nearby Plum Tree Bay, Catherine’s world is changed. She’s soon bumping into Mark everywhere – or being thrown at him by her matchmaking friend! The chemistry is undeniable. But can Mark let go of his painful past to be the man that Catherine can rely on? And will Catherine find the courage to let love in?
A heart-warming romance set in Cornwall and perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Phillipa Ashley.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2019
91 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Darcie Boleyn
33 books196 followersDarcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 1, 2019
This was a very cute and cozy story. Bit of escapism with the Cornwall setting, but of rom-com, and some fun friendships. Catherine was a bit of a wet noodle at first but I warmed up to her as a character. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review all opinions are my own.
July 27, 2019
Couldn't wait to read the second book in this series as the first was excellent and the second one was fantastic and amazingly well written and didn't want to put the book down at all. The characters are brilliant and the story plot has twist and turns and kept you on tender hooks. It's full of romance but having to let the past go and to move forward to be happy also full of family secrets and telling the truth. Very heartwarming and worth far more than five stars.
Catherine lives in Penhallow sands and lives in her house but with her mum who won't go out and won't see anyone or talk with anyone Catherine works at the school and her job is her life along with her mum and the cat. She is very friendly with Jemal and Bradley who own the hairdressers and they are partners. Mark is a writer but after splitting up with his girlfriend he's had writers block and he feels he needs to get away. He sees the house up for rent in Penhallow sands and decides to head to Cornwall to see if he can get his writing mojo back. Once he arrives he loves the house and goes for a walk and while on the beach he sees something in the sea and things it's a body so goes to rescue it and soon learns it was Catherine who was meditating and they both see each other and can feel something but they try to hide it. Catherine's mums car goes missing while people at at the house and they go and try and find it and when they do another cat is with it so she takes them both home to her mum. Something changes in the mum and she starts speaking to her sister and also going out. Catherine and mark are trying to hide their feelings for each other due to nasty break ups from the past. Catherine's mum tells her how she's lied to her all her life and now realises she needs to tell the truth so she can move forward and trust a man. Mark also learns his ex is getting married but he's spent some time with Catherine and he's starting after opening up to her getting his mojo back with writing and he writes a story but in the meantime Catherine messages mark to say she can't see him again. He writes his story and leaves it for her to read but it gets in the wrong hands will she get it and learn the truth and be happy and move forward and except mark and will mark be able to love again as well. Everyone knows they are good together but can they see it and then once they do will something go wrong and it all fall apart or not.
Fantastic read highly recommend.
Catherine lives in Penhallow sands and lives in her house but with her mum who won't go out and won't see anyone or talk with anyone Catherine works at the school and her job is her life along with her mum and the cat. She is very friendly with Jemal and Bradley who own the hairdressers and they are partners. Mark is a writer but after splitting up with his girlfriend he's had writers block and he feels he needs to get away. He sees the house up for rent in Penhallow sands and decides to head to Cornwall to see if he can get his writing mojo back. Once he arrives he loves the house and goes for a walk and while on the beach he sees something in the sea and things it's a body so goes to rescue it and soon learns it was Catherine who was meditating and they both see each other and can feel something but they try to hide it. Catherine's mums car goes missing while people at at the house and they go and try and find it and when they do another cat is with it so she takes them both home to her mum. Something changes in the mum and she starts speaking to her sister and also going out. Catherine and mark are trying to hide their feelings for each other due to nasty break ups from the past. Catherine's mum tells her how she's lied to her all her life and now realises she needs to tell the truth so she can move forward and trust a man. Mark also learns his ex is getting married but he's spent some time with Catherine and he's starting after opening up to her getting his mojo back with writing and he writes a story but in the meantime Catherine messages mark to say she can't see him again. He writes his story and leaves it for her to read but it gets in the wrong hands will she get it and learn the truth and be happy and move forward and except mark and will mark be able to love again as well. Everyone knows they are good together but can they see it and then once they do will something go wrong and it all fall apart or not.
Fantastic read highly recommend.
August 10, 2019
This is another winner from Darcie Boleyn, an engaging and heartwarming story set in Cornwall with great characters, a plot filled with twists and turns and an added sprinkling of humour, too.
Catherine Bromley has been brought up to expect men to let her down, starting with her father who left when she was a child. She’s certainly not looking out for romance but when author Mark Coleman takes over the nearby cottage their chemistry is palpable but both have events in their past to make them wary. It will take surprise revelations, a romance for Bob and Ginger, secrets to be uncovered and a new love story to help write a HEA for this couple!
With a delightful setting, a roller coaster romance and fantastic story telling, this is another great read from this talented author. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone looking for a heartwarming romance that really does make you feel good.
Catherine Bromley has been brought up to expect men to let her down, starting with her father who left when she was a child. She’s certainly not looking out for romance but when author Mark Coleman takes over the nearby cottage their chemistry is palpable but both have events in their past to make them wary. It will take surprise revelations, a romance for Bob and Ginger, secrets to be uncovered and a new love story to help write a HEA for this couple!
With a delightful setting, a roller coaster romance and fantastic story telling, this is another great read from this talented author. I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone looking for a heartwarming romance that really does make you feel good.
July 27, 2019
Another lovely Darcie Boleyn book, I adored this so much I read it across an evening, I just didn’t want to put it down. Darcie writes such lovely, heartwarming and appealing characters you can’t help but want them to fall in love. I adore the fact they are flawed, imperfect people and it makes them so much more relatable and easy to connect with. Each book I have read of Darcie’s is a little ray of happiness into your heart, pure unadulterated happiness and warmth in a book. If you need a lift or to smile, you need to read this and also the previous book in the series, you won’t be disappointed
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 28, 2019
What an absolute joy this book was to read, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Having read book 1 to this series, I was very excited to read book 2 to the series. I loved getting to know the new characters Catherine and Mark, discovering their journey/stories but also I loved being able to reaquaint myself with characters from book 1, seeing how they are getting on.
One of my fave parts throughout the story were the going ons between the two cats Bob and Ginger, so cute and lovely that they had their own little story to play out.
So if you haven't discovered Darcie's books yet then I can highly recommend them.
Having read book 1 to this series, I was very excited to read book 2 to the series. I loved getting to know the new characters Catherine and Mark, discovering their journey/stories but also I loved being able to reaquaint myself with characters from book 1, seeing how they are getting on.
One of my fave parts throughout the story were the going ons between the two cats Bob and Ginger, so cute and lovely that they had their own little story to play out.
So if you haven't discovered Darcie's books yet then I can highly recommend them.
January 15, 2021
A nice light read. I'd certainly check other books by this author.
June 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this, another new author for me, but look forward to reading more by Darcie
August 2, 2019
Catherine is thirty-four, works as a teacher, lives with and takes care of her needy mother, and has only had one romance, which she gave up in order to stay with her mother. Mark is recently out of a very long-term relationship and has gone to stay in Penhallow Sands to recover and fight through writer’s block. Neither are looking for romance, but neither can deny the attraction between them.
If you’re looking for romance, you’ll find it in spades. If you’re looking for women’s fiction, you’ll sort of find it. Overall, this book follows the formula for the typical romance. Yet it’s also categorized as women’s fiction, and we do get some of that. Catherine has never left her mother or Penhallow Sands and there are some issues with being abandoned by her father at the start of her adolescent years. Over twenty years later, her encounters with Mark have brought out a yearning to know if there’s more to life, and what her life could have been and could be. I would say this is about three-quarters romance and one quarter women’s fiction. Perfect if you’re looking for romance, not so ideal if you’re looking for women’s fiction.
As a rule, with very few exceptions, I don’t enjoy romance. It’s too formulaic to me. I’m glad to say most of this book was cleverly disguised with women’s fiction themes, so the fact that it is also a romance didn’t hit me until the end, when that oh so typical element in romance where something breaks up the hero and heroine popped up and felt almost like a non-sequitur. Honestly, I wish it had been left out. Other than attempting to add some tension and throw in a usual romance element, it felt very flat, and made me question Catherine’s character and everything I had learned about her. I was so disappointed in her character and stopped caring about the couple, who are far from the typical twenty-somethings figuring out themselves and their relationships. I did love that both Catherine and Mark are in their thirties.
One thing I absolutely loved was how some of the characters were portrayed. They were fun, sassy, and had a great deal of flair. Of course, they also felt stereotypical, but I loved that, instead of having a girlfriend sidekick, Catherine had a gay couple. I mean, what girl doesn’t want a gay best friend? I loved them, and wanted to take them out of the book for myself. What I didn’t love were Diana, Catherine’s mother, and Lucy. Neither felt fully developed despite playing important roles. Come to think of it, though, I could have done without the Lucy subplot. She was more of a vehicle to showcase Catherine and Mark as little more than angels. While I’m on this thread, Mark’s character was surprisingly lackluster. He was very stagnant despite having his heart shattered and discovering an attraction to Catherine.
If you like dramatic events, there are plenty here. They were a little over the top for me. Overall, I don’t feel they added much to the story, other than to knock Catherine over the head with what a catch Mark is and she would be stupid to cling to her mother instead of taking a chance. They did, though, add color to the relatively quite Penhallow Sands and the inhabitants.
Overall, this is more typical romance than typical women’s fiction. It was a decent read with plenty of charm and a relatively heartwarming romance that could be seen a mile away. Not bad for an easy summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for a free e-copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
If you’re looking for romance, you’ll find it in spades. If you’re looking for women’s fiction, you’ll sort of find it. Overall, this book follows the formula for the typical romance. Yet it’s also categorized as women’s fiction, and we do get some of that. Catherine has never left her mother or Penhallow Sands and there are some issues with being abandoned by her father at the start of her adolescent years. Over twenty years later, her encounters with Mark have brought out a yearning to know if there’s more to life, and what her life could have been and could be. I would say this is about three-quarters romance and one quarter women’s fiction. Perfect if you’re looking for romance, not so ideal if you’re looking for women’s fiction.
As a rule, with very few exceptions, I don’t enjoy romance. It’s too formulaic to me. I’m glad to say most of this book was cleverly disguised with women’s fiction themes, so the fact that it is also a romance didn’t hit me until the end, when that oh so typical element in romance where something breaks up the hero and heroine popped up and felt almost like a non-sequitur. Honestly, I wish it had been left out. Other than attempting to add some tension and throw in a usual romance element, it felt very flat, and made me question Catherine’s character and everything I had learned about her. I was so disappointed in her character and stopped caring about the couple, who are far from the typical twenty-somethings figuring out themselves and their relationships. I did love that both Catherine and Mark are in their thirties.
One thing I absolutely loved was how some of the characters were portrayed. They were fun, sassy, and had a great deal of flair. Of course, they also felt stereotypical, but I loved that, instead of having a girlfriend sidekick, Catherine had a gay couple. I mean, what girl doesn’t want a gay best friend? I loved them, and wanted to take them out of the book for myself. What I didn’t love were Diana, Catherine’s mother, and Lucy. Neither felt fully developed despite playing important roles. Come to think of it, though, I could have done without the Lucy subplot. She was more of a vehicle to showcase Catherine and Mark as little more than angels. While I’m on this thread, Mark’s character was surprisingly lackluster. He was very stagnant despite having his heart shattered and discovering an attraction to Catherine.
If you like dramatic events, there are plenty here. They were a little over the top for me. Overall, I don’t feel they added much to the story, other than to knock Catherine over the head with what a catch Mark is and she would be stupid to cling to her mother instead of taking a chance. They did, though, add color to the relatively quite Penhallow Sands and the inhabitants.
Overall, this is more typical romance than typical women’s fiction. It was a decent read with plenty of charm and a relatively heartwarming romance that could be seen a mile away. Not bad for an easy summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for a free e-copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 1, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #thecottageatplumtreebay #netgalley
Catherine Bromley is a thirty......something deputy head teacher at the local primary school. She has had a difficult past being brought up by her unwell single mother. Catherine's content with her life until a beautiful author buddies the waters. Will Catherine allow herself to be loved.
The bright and airy, pink cover, showing the cottage of plum tree bay drew me to this book.
Some research into this author has told me that this is her second book in the series. However you would not know this when reading and this book makes a great stand alone book, Something I think this author has got down to a fine art.
Once opening the book it is a page turner. Catherine draws you into her unconventional life and makes you laugh, cry and hold your breath as you go through the roller coaster of Catherine's summer holiday.
This book is a great summer read romance and you never feel that you are missing anything from the story line allowing you to follow it through until the end with confidence that you will get a good ending. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as parents divorce and mental health I do not feel this takes away from the romantic summer feel of the book.
This book includes some difficult but pressing topics within this book including mental health, child carers, single parents and the lengths people go to due to poverty. All of the characters have their own difficulties and this allows me topics to be broached in a way that does not make the book too heavy. Which could have happened if only one character went through all of the difficulties. It is great that this can be included in a 21st century romance read to normalise this and get everyone speaking about these taboo topics.
I would love a follow on book in this series regarding Catherine's relationship with Mark, her father and mother on her return.
Catherine Bromley is a thirty......something deputy head teacher at the local primary school. She has had a difficult past being brought up by her unwell single mother. Catherine's content with her life until a beautiful author buddies the waters. Will Catherine allow herself to be loved.
The bright and airy, pink cover, showing the cottage of plum tree bay drew me to this book.
Some research into this author has told me that this is her second book in the series. However you would not know this when reading and this book makes a great stand alone book, Something I think this author has got down to a fine art.
Once opening the book it is a page turner. Catherine draws you into her unconventional life and makes you laugh, cry and hold your breath as you go through the roller coaster of Catherine's summer holiday.
This book is a great summer read romance and you never feel that you are missing anything from the story line allowing you to follow it through until the end with confidence that you will get a good ending. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as parents divorce and mental health I do not feel this takes away from the romantic summer feel of the book.
This book includes some difficult but pressing topics within this book including mental health, child carers, single parents and the lengths people go to due to poverty. All of the characters have their own difficulties and this allows me topics to be broached in a way that does not make the book too heavy. Which could have happened if only one character went through all of the difficulties. It is great that this can be included in a 21st century romance read to normalise this and get everyone speaking about these taboo topics.
I would love a follow on book in this series regarding Catherine's relationship with Mark, her father and mother on her return.
July 10, 2019
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
This is the perfect summer read! Everything about this book is charming - the characters, the setting, the story. There is enough depth to the characters of Mark and Catherine to make them interesting, but not make them so serious that the story becomes too heavy. The twist related to Mark's profession is predictable, but doesn't detract from the story because it is not made into a big deal (which so many other authors most likely would have done). I so enjoyed following Catherine's journey as she decided to start taking chances and open herself up to the idea of a relationship with Mark. Her insecurities made her relatable and someone I found easy to root for. Mark is also an instantly likeable character and it is easy to see why/how someone could fall for him so quickly. There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters that add just the right amount of humor and substance to the story. It is so nice to see that Catherine has people who look out for her when she needs support. I also appreciated that the conflict toward the end of the novel was cleared up quickly rather than being dragged out for dramatic purposes. If you enjoy fun heartfelt romances then this is definitely the book for you.
This is the perfect summer read! Everything about this book is charming - the characters, the setting, the story. There is enough depth to the characters of Mark and Catherine to make them interesting, but not make them so serious that the story becomes too heavy. The twist related to Mark's profession is predictable, but doesn't detract from the story because it is not made into a big deal (which so many other authors most likely would have done). I so enjoyed following Catherine's journey as she decided to start taking chances and open herself up to the idea of a relationship with Mark. Her insecurities made her relatable and someone I found easy to root for. Mark is also an instantly likeable character and it is easy to see why/how someone could fall for him so quickly. There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters that add just the right amount of humor and substance to the story. It is so nice to see that Catherine has people who look out for her when she needs support. I also appreciated that the conflict toward the end of the novel was cleared up quickly rather than being dragged out for dramatic purposes. If you enjoy fun heartfelt romances then this is definitely the book for you.
February 23, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Darcie Boleyn but as soon as I opened the pages I felt totally welcomed by the setting and the characters, it felt just like coming home.
Darcie Boleyn writes stories about life, love, laughter and tears and this story had it all in and more.
It was great to return to the lovely Cornish coastal village and learn more about the locals and this story focuses on Catherine, deputy headteacher at the local primary school. Catherine lives with her mother who holds so much insecurity and anxiety. There is a lot of historical heartbreak within the mother and daughter relationship and this has held Catherine back in seeking her own romantic happiness. Until a stranger moves into Plum Tree Cottage and gives her questions that need answering about her own wishes and fulfilment.
Mark moved to Plum Tree Cottage to get away from heartbreak in London he wanted to be as far away as possible from the life he held for so long. Mark is a writer and the deadline for his latest book is looming but his words have run dry. When Mark meets Catherine he feels a glimmer of hope for his heart but understands that it’s not only his heart he had to be careful with but Catherine’s.
Can these two broken spirited individuals find the way to healing their own heartbreak?
A lovely story of love finding its way through the upheavals of life.
Darcie Boleyn writes stories about life, love, laughter and tears and this story had it all in and more.
It was great to return to the lovely Cornish coastal village and learn more about the locals and this story focuses on Catherine, deputy headteacher at the local primary school. Catherine lives with her mother who holds so much insecurity and anxiety. There is a lot of historical heartbreak within the mother and daughter relationship and this has held Catherine back in seeking her own romantic happiness. Until a stranger moves into Plum Tree Cottage and gives her questions that need answering about her own wishes and fulfilment.
Mark moved to Plum Tree Cottage to get away from heartbreak in London he wanted to be as far away as possible from the life he held for so long. Mark is a writer and the deadline for his latest book is looming but his words have run dry. When Mark meets Catherine he feels a glimmer of hope for his heart but understands that it’s not only his heart he had to be careful with but Catherine’s.
Can these two broken spirited individuals find the way to healing their own heartbreak?
A lovely story of love finding its way through the upheavals of life.
July 5, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for providing me with a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Charming, romantic, and lighthearted! There were plenty of things I enjoyed about “The Cottage at Plum Tree Bay” by Darcie Boleyn and it makes for the perfect summer read. In fact, I read the majority of this story poolside and felt I was being whisked away to the Cornish coast where the events take place. Having entered the ‘30s club’ recently, I find myself gravitating more and more towards romance/women’s fiction novels and “Plum Tree Bay” was particularly satisfying. I am keen on nabbing my own Mark Coleman one day and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t swooning over his character’s romantic tendencies and charm. In fact, I wouldn’t mind surrounding myself with each one of these characters who all seemed so familiar and relatable; and I do want to point out how paramount the setting of Penhallow Sands is. Although fictional (I believe after a Google search—pardon me, I’m not English), the friendliness and essence of community in Penhallow Sands were prominent throughout and the town served as its own supporting character in the book.
A wonderful, quick read! I look forward to reading more by Darcie Boleyn.
Charming, romantic, and lighthearted! There were plenty of things I enjoyed about “The Cottage at Plum Tree Bay” by Darcie Boleyn and it makes for the perfect summer read. In fact, I read the majority of this story poolside and felt I was being whisked away to the Cornish coast where the events take place. Having entered the ‘30s club’ recently, I find myself gravitating more and more towards romance/women’s fiction novels and “Plum Tree Bay” was particularly satisfying. I am keen on nabbing my own Mark Coleman one day and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t swooning over his character’s romantic tendencies and charm. In fact, I wouldn’t mind surrounding myself with each one of these characters who all seemed so familiar and relatable; and I do want to point out how paramount the setting of Penhallow Sands is. Although fictional (I believe after a Google search—pardon me, I’m not English), the friendliness and essence of community in Penhallow Sands were prominent throughout and the town served as its own supporting character in the book.
A wonderful, quick read! I look forward to reading more by Darcie Boleyn.
July 24, 2019
What a beautiful summer read .. the very thing to put you in the mood for sun, sea and sand!
Catherine Bromley lives in her home town of Penhallow Sands where her mother needs her emotional support. Living under the same roof isn't conducive to love and romance, but Catherine is very much a dutiful daughter. When the handsome Mark Cavendish rents a nearby cottage for the summer though, there is no denying the frisson between them. With all the baggage both of them are carrying, will their attraction ever come to fruition?
Oh, it's lovely to be back at the coast! Penhallow Sands sounds rather idyllic and the author does it full justice with her wonderful descriptive prose. I'm a big fan of her work and this series is terrific; with great array of characters and a super story it all comes together in a beautifully structured novel which is an absolute delight! To top it all off, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and really does the novel justice. Darcie Boleyn writes with warmth and empathy, a bit of fun, a dollop of romance and it all adds up to a fabulous, really enjoyable book which I adored. No less than five shining stars will do for this fantastic summer read.
Catherine Bromley lives in her home town of Penhallow Sands where her mother needs her emotional support. Living under the same roof isn't conducive to love and romance, but Catherine is very much a dutiful daughter. When the handsome Mark Cavendish rents a nearby cottage for the summer though, there is no denying the frisson between them. With all the baggage both of them are carrying, will their attraction ever come to fruition?
Oh, it's lovely to be back at the coast! Penhallow Sands sounds rather idyllic and the author does it full justice with her wonderful descriptive prose. I'm a big fan of her work and this series is terrific; with great array of characters and a super story it all comes together in a beautifully structured novel which is an absolute delight! To top it all off, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and really does the novel justice. Darcie Boleyn writes with warmth and empathy, a bit of fun, a dollop of romance and it all adds up to a fabulous, really enjoyable book which I adored. No less than five shining stars will do for this fantastic summer read.
November 27, 2020
Not my usual type of book. A straight up romance. I lent my kindle to my mum and this was one of the books she downloaded. I fancied something light and easy to read. This was that.
I think this was meant to be a romcom, but to me it was more a straight forward romance although it did have the romcom staples. The gay best friend (a hairdresser how very stereotypical), a misunderstanding at the initial meeting, romance blossoming, then another misunderstanding before the final happy ending. All of these were written in a highly enjoyable way. So although the tropes were all their everything flowed smoothly.
I may have liked this book simply because of the descriptions of the scenery. I’m a West Country girl and do love the Devon and Cornwall coastline so reading the descriptions just allowed me to be there.
This was a cosy comforting read and just the thing for a cold day in front of a roaring fire with a nice glass of wine or cup of hot chocolate.
Will I read anything by this author again? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
I think this was meant to be a romcom, but to me it was more a straight forward romance although it did have the romcom staples. The gay best friend (a hairdresser how very stereotypical), a misunderstanding at the initial meeting, romance blossoming, then another misunderstanding before the final happy ending. All of these were written in a highly enjoyable way. So although the tropes were all their everything flowed smoothly.
I may have liked this book simply because of the descriptions of the scenery. I’m a West Country girl and do love the Devon and Cornwall coastline so reading the descriptions just allowed me to be there.
This was a cosy comforting read and just the thing for a cold day in front of a roaring fire with a nice glass of wine or cup of hot chocolate.
Will I read anything by this author again? I don’t know, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
February 8, 2022
The Cottage at Plum Tree Bay by Darcie Boleyn
Catherine Bromley has spent her life in Penhallow Sands, dedicating herself to work and supporting her emotionally fragile mother. Since her father left, it’s always been the two of them and Catherine has no interest in romance. What’s the point when men just leave? And besides, her mother needs her.
But when handsome novelist Mark Coleman arrives to stay at the cottage overlooking nearby Plum Tree Bay, Catherine’s world is changed. She’s soon bumping into Mark everywhere – or being thrown at him by her matchmaking friend! The chemistry is undeniable. But can Mark let go of his painful past to be the man that Catherine can rely on? And will Catherine find the courage to let love in?
This was a cute and cosy story that is possible to read as a stand-alone. A heart-warming tale with lovely characters and a plot that will keep you guessing. A good read suitable for a holiday or a quick afternoon escape.
Rating 4/5
Catherine Bromley has spent her life in Penhallow Sands, dedicating herself to work and supporting her emotionally fragile mother. Since her father left, it’s always been the two of them and Catherine has no interest in romance. What’s the point when men just leave? And besides, her mother needs her.
But when handsome novelist Mark Coleman arrives to stay at the cottage overlooking nearby Plum Tree Bay, Catherine’s world is changed. She’s soon bumping into Mark everywhere – or being thrown at him by her matchmaking friend! The chemistry is undeniable. But can Mark let go of his painful past to be the man that Catherine can rely on? And will Catherine find the courage to let love in?
This was a cute and cosy story that is possible to read as a stand-alone. A heart-warming tale with lovely characters and a plot that will keep you guessing. A good read suitable for a holiday or a quick afternoon escape.
Rating 4/5
August 9, 2019
A lovely heartwarming read, I enjoyed this book. I had read the first book in the series, but do not think this essential as this could be read as a standalone novel.
I have read most of Darcey Boleyn's previous titles and have enjoyed them all. The author has a warm writing style with excellent characters and lovely plot development. I enjoyed the setting of this book and how the characters developed throughout the book. I particularly loved the two cats Bob and Ginger.
A perfect summer holiday read or for an afternoon in the garden.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read book this in exchange for an honest review.
I have read most of Darcey Boleyn's previous titles and have enjoyed them all. The author has a warm writing style with excellent characters and lovely plot development. I enjoyed the setting of this book and how the characters developed throughout the book. I particularly loved the two cats Bob and Ginger.
A perfect summer holiday read or for an afternoon in the garden.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read book this in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2019
A small town in Cornwall and a pair destined for one another- what's not to love! Catherine has shut herself off from romance (with good reason) but she's always open to a fun time. Mark is trying to finish a novel but he's carrying some sorrow. It's a small town (with great characters, btw) so they can't not meet. And they can't not get close to one another.....Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a nice story well told. It's sort of meant to be summer reading but it would be perfect to cheer you in the winter as well.
September 10, 2019
This was a perfect cute summer read. It can definitely be read as a standalone novel though obviously you might gain a few more insights if you read the previous one. A pair of destined lovers in a small cornish town - what isn't to love about that really? I do have a soft spot for books set in or around Cornwall as it's one of my fave places to holiday. The plot isn't really anything too new in this genre but it's still enjoyable.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2020
Catherine has dedicated her life in Penhallow Sands to her teaching job and her emotionally fragile mother. Since her father left when she was a child her mother was never really happy and tried to poison Catherine's mind to men and how they will always let you down..... but will Mark Coleman the writer who has newly arrived change her mind to this?
A lovely warmhearted book that draws you into the characters from the first pages and also great to be back in Penhallow Sands. Perfect summer read.
A lovely warmhearted book that draws you into the characters from the first pages and also great to be back in Penhallow Sands. Perfect summer read.
July 18, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this summery book because in addition to the gorgeous setting, you get to follow Catherine’s story and see her develop. There is a cast of likeable and in some cases, amusing characters. Catherine may not have many friends but those she has are genuinely on her side. Her relationship with her mother is problematical and based on secrecy on her mother’s side, which was a surprising plot point. It is well worth a read.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book.
August 5, 2019
This book was very predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. I read this on the aeroplane on the way back from holiday and it helped pass the time very quickly.
There was very strong character development throughout and a beautiful love story. I loved reading about Catherine and Mark, their friends and their journey. There were also side stories which were interesting and did not distract from the main plot.
Enjoyable read and would recommend! My rating: 3.5 stars!
There was very strong character development throughout and a beautiful love story. I loved reading about Catherine and Mark, their friends and their journey. There were also side stories which were interesting and did not distract from the main plot.
Enjoyable read and would recommend! My rating: 3.5 stars!
August 10, 2019
Catherine is cautious of love because her parents divorced when she was growing up. Now a new guy has came into the village and Catherine is interested yet not. She lives with her mother who watches over Catherine as if she were a child.
The only thing I disliked about this book was the lack of confidence on the part of Catherine. At her age she should have been less worried about how her mother felt about things.
The only thing I disliked about this book was the lack of confidence on the part of Catherine. At her age she should have been less worried about how her mother felt about things.
October 18, 2019
Eternal romantic Catherine has notions of romance but caring for her mother kind of puts a stop on that. Then she meets the handsome, Mark, who is wowing the locals, and before long Catherine is under his spell. Can she break free and believe in herself to fall in love.
How I love Darcie’s books they always make me feel good and smile. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
How I love Darcie’s books they always make me feel good and smile. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2023
A beautiful romance set in Cornwall Catherine is dedicated to her work and looking after and being their for her mum.Catherine isn't into romance as her dad cheated on her mum but later in the book Diana Catherine's mum spills a deep secret that she's kept from Catherine all her life.Catherine meets a guy called Mark who is an author little does she know her favourite author is actually mark but written under a pen name. A beautiful story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2019
Entertaining summer read.
Catherine has lived in the village pretty much all her life with no plans to leave, and Mark is just visiting for the summer while he tries to finish his novel. They are drawn together, but will it just be a summer fling?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
Catherine has lived in the village pretty much all her life with no plans to leave, and Mark is just visiting for the summer while he tries to finish his novel. They are drawn together, but will it just be a summer fling?
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
July 25, 2024
A wee heart warming escapism book. I read it in 3 days, a really lovely read. I will definitely read numbers 1 and 3. I hadn't realised this was number 2 in a series but it didn't matter as the characters were easy to get on board with and vary from book to book according to blurbs. If you like romance, girl meets boy, novels, tbis is a a good light read.
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September 28, 2019Heartwarming and charming tale. Likeable characters and a beautiful setting. You couldn’t ask for more. The storyline has some twists and turns, some of which unforeseen. Enjoyable book.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
June 4, 2021
I quite enjoyed parts of this book, but the character of Catherine got on my nerves with her many self doubts. Just because one man supposedly behaved badly, she judged all men that way. Ridiculous. A very weak character, whose behaviour had kept her from a potentially happy life.
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December 6, 2021An escapist read, set in Cornwall. Catherine has a lot on her plate, she can’t think about romance. Mark has left his past behind and is having a new start in Cornwall. Neither is looking for romance, but what if fate has other ideas?
December 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy read for lazy days. The first book I have read by this author and I would buy more of her books in the future. Catherine was a likable character and I am a sucker for romance so this was the perfect book for me.
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