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Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage
In her huge mansion overlooking Wyllow Cove, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Natalia Amore had everything she could possibly want. But having kicked out her adulterous ex-husband, her house is filled with nothing but echoes and Nat yearns for the coziness and bustle of seaside living. In particular, the rundown Lavender Cottage that has gone up for sale.
But when her mother has a fall, Nat's dream of a quiet new life crumbles as she instantly brings her into her home to care for her. With her two energetic nieces then dumped on her doorstep and her recently heartbroken daughter moving back into the nest, Nat can't possibly abandon her family... Lavender cottage will just have to wait.
That is until Irishman Connor enters Nat's life and makes her realize that it's okay to put herself first, and she's allowed to wish for more.
But when her mother has a fall, Nat's dream of a quiet new life crumbles as she instantly brings her into her home to care for her. With her two energetic nieces then dumped on her doorstep and her recently heartbroken daughter moving back into the nest, Nat can't possibly abandon her family... Lavender cottage will just have to wait.
That is until Irishman Connor enters Nat's life and makes her realize that it's okay to put herself first, and she's allowed to wish for more.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2021
181 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Barone
22 books83 followersNancy grew up in Canada, but at the age of 12 her family moved to Italy. Catapulted into a world where her only contact with the English language was her old Judy Blume books, Nancy became an avid reader and a die-hard romantic.
Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.
Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.
Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.
Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.
Like Erica, the heroine of The Husband Diet, Nancy is of Italian descent, but she swears that is where the similarities stop. And she’s absolutely never fantasized about murdering her husband.
Nancy has had a number of romance novels published, but The Husband Diet is her first Women’s Fiction book. She is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women’s Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 30, 2021
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is a first person romance novel set in the small town of Wyllow Cove in the UK. It tells the tale from Natalia Amore’s point of view. Natalia, recently divorced, is attempting a second chance at life. Nearing the dreaded mid-life crisis stage, and a little strapped financially, Natalia is forced to take on a boarder. That boarder just happens to be a handsome hunk of a man named Connor Wright.
As one may guess, taking on Connor as a live-in can lead to some complications. Especially since Connor is also a recent divorcee and several years younger. Add in Natalia’s sister Yolanda’s twin girls and her mother Beryl to the mix and you have a complex family drama with a bit of romance.
To me, Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is more Women’s Fiction than a Romance novel. The focus of the novel is primarily on Natalia’s family life and how she evolves into an independent woman on the verge of hitting the “Big 4-0.”
The characters in the novel are well developed as I found myself really disliking Yolanda with her cavalier attitude, and at the same time admiring Natalia for her perseverance.
The plot is simple yet there are some suspenseful moments that made for a bit of page turning “can’t put it down yet” phases. Twists are sprinkled here and there, which kept me engaged till the end. However, as a US based reader, I did find some of the UK vernacular a little strange and distracting. But it really didn’t spoil the story.
Overall, Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is an excellent novel worthy of four glowing stars.
I received a digital ARC from Aria & Head of Zeus through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
As one may guess, taking on Connor as a live-in can lead to some complications. Especially since Connor is also a recent divorcee and several years younger. Add in Natalia’s sister Yolanda’s twin girls and her mother Beryl to the mix and you have a complex family drama with a bit of romance.
To me, Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is more Women’s Fiction than a Romance novel. The focus of the novel is primarily on Natalia’s family life and how she evolves into an independent woman on the verge of hitting the “Big 4-0.”
The characters in the novel are well developed as I found myself really disliking Yolanda with her cavalier attitude, and at the same time admiring Natalia for her perseverance.
The plot is simple yet there are some suspenseful moments that made for a bit of page turning “can’t put it down yet” phases. Twists are sprinkled here and there, which kept me engaged till the end. However, as a US based reader, I did find some of the UK vernacular a little strange and distracting. But it really didn’t spoil the story.
Overall, Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is an excellent novel worthy of four glowing stars.
I received a digital ARC from Aria & Head of Zeus through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 30, 2021
Another fun book, set in a gorgeous location, with humor and enough emotional angst to make this a great read. The slow-burn romance, idyllic setting, and cast of delightful family members, neighbors, and villagers will make you laugh, sigh, and smile as you read this entertaining book.
Natalia (Nat) Amore, recently divorced, living in a huge home after her two daughters have left to live their own lives, decides it’s time to put the house up for sale and downsize. First, she needs some extra cash to pay the bills, so she decides to let out a room to a lodger. In walks Conner, handsome, and younger than Nat, who needs a room for just a few months. Nat knows that letting the room to a younger man will cause the villagers to talk, but after throwing her cheating husband out of the house just a few months earlier, she decides to take the chance and let the room out to Conner.
Before Conner can move in, Nat has her energetic twin nieces thrust upon her for an extended visit while her sister works overseas. Soon after that, Nat’s daughter Sarah breaks up with her cheating boyfriend and has to move home. Later, she takes in her mother, who’s had a fall. With a house full again, Nat’s plans to downsize will take a little longer than expected.
I really enjoyed this fun book. The beginning had a bit of a chaotic start, but once I got going, I became invested in the characters and couldn’t stop rooting for Nat to get her Happily Ever After. Nat is a nurturer and can’t say no when family needs her, and puts the needs of her family before her own needs (sound familiar?).
Conner is the perfect man, he can fix the garden fence, is happy to babysit the nieces, enjoys some playful banter with Nat’s mum, and can fix anything in the house, plus he’s not bad to look at. But, is he too good?
Sometimes Nat’s obsession with age, and helping her family got a bit much, but her delightful sense of humor and the way she loves her family made up for it.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Natalia (Nat) Amore, recently divorced, living in a huge home after her two daughters have left to live their own lives, decides it’s time to put the house up for sale and downsize. First, she needs some extra cash to pay the bills, so she decides to let out a room to a lodger. In walks Conner, handsome, and younger than Nat, who needs a room for just a few months. Nat knows that letting the room to a younger man will cause the villagers to talk, but after throwing her cheating husband out of the house just a few months earlier, she decides to take the chance and let the room out to Conner.
Before Conner can move in, Nat has her energetic twin nieces thrust upon her for an extended visit while her sister works overseas. Soon after that, Nat’s daughter Sarah breaks up with her cheating boyfriend and has to move home. Later, she takes in her mother, who’s had a fall. With a house full again, Nat’s plans to downsize will take a little longer than expected.
I really enjoyed this fun book. The beginning had a bit of a chaotic start, but once I got going, I became invested in the characters and couldn’t stop rooting for Nat to get her Happily Ever After. Nat is a nurturer and can’t say no when family needs her, and puts the needs of her family before her own needs (sound familiar?).
Conner is the perfect man, he can fix the garden fence, is happy to babysit the nieces, enjoys some playful banter with Nat’s mum, and can fix anything in the house, plus he’s not bad to look at. But, is he too good?
Sometimes Nat’s obsession with age, and helping her family got a bit much, but her delightful sense of humor and the way she loves her family made up for it.
I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 7, 2021
3.8 Stars
This is a cozy, warm, and feel-good book about life, relationships, family, and personal independence. Nat is a pretty fun character though she does obsess a little too much about her age.
We see she takes up more than what she can handle just because she loves her family. Yeah, some of it is annoying. But we also see even spine in her to realize she is no pushover. Connor is a compassionate younger man who seems to become an integral part of Nat’s mad mess in the mansion.
The pace is decent, and the narration is fluid. I could sustain my reading pace, so that’s a plus. There are a couple of reveals and some conflict towards the end. Of course, it’s all resolved, and we get the happy ever after.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Aria & Aries and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*****
Read the full review here.
This is a cozy, warm, and feel-good book about life, relationships, family, and personal independence. Nat is a pretty fun character though she does obsess a little too much about her age.
We see she takes up more than what she can handle just because she loves her family. Yeah, some of it is annoying. But we also see even spine in her to realize she is no pushover. Connor is a compassionate younger man who seems to become an integral part of Nat’s mad mess in the mansion.
The pace is decent, and the narration is fluid. I could sustain my reading pace, so that’s a plus. There are a couple of reveals and some conflict towards the end. Of course, it’s all resolved, and we get the happy ever after.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Aria & Aries and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*****
Read the full review here.
July 16, 2021
oh what a great great read!!! I wasn't expecting to love this book so much! I was even a bit skeptical at first to read it because the reviews for this book were not so good, but oh I did well not to give them too much attention! It was the first time for me to read a book by Nancy Barone and it will not be the last time for sure!!!! This book was sooo good, so fun to read but also so full of events that you won't expect for a minute! You will be surprised you will see! This is an excellent read and I can only warmly recommend it to you!
April 17, 2021
I hated this book from the first page and it might be that I stuck to this feeling way too much.
So, the first chapter starts with Nat, a 39-year-old divorcee who gave a notice in the newspaper about who knows what and a younger guy who shows up to her advert. We know not what her advertisement was about, but they are both super ashamed, dropping hints of bedrooms, being interested, checking each other our, Nat is trying to keep their meeting from the rest of the village, and the other things that are meant to lead you to believe that some sex arrangement is in matter. I always found this trick to be cheap and I hated it and I still do.
Besides that, Nat is constantly drooling over this guy who saw 3 seconds ago for the first time, but she is completely obsessing about his stubble, his chin/jaw? and wants to jump his bones. There was also a comment about her wet underwear which I found very distasteful.
She is constantly talking bad about her family, her sister doesn't say thank you, but when she does, Nat is all like "oh, yeah, just like her, saying thank you to seal the deal". She is angry with her mother for being next to her (Nat's) sister while she was doing IVF, and much more.
The flow was completely broken. One moment, she is in room playing some games that are meant to teach her nieces who knows what and then she goes to open that door when there was never a knock. She plays jenga and then eats lunch and sleeps in a matter of miliseconds, and sometimes she takes PAGES to prepare coffee.
I'll have you know that her 19-year-old daughter started living with her boyfriend a few years ago, and she manages to work and have some big fat savings at 19!!
The conversations are very repetitive. You will find the same sentence spoken several times, separated by, I don't know, starting a car or moving from one room to the other.
I found this book not so boring as I found it irritating. I hated every single person (even children!) and wanted to slap everyone in the face. Especially Nat. There wasn't a single thing that I enjoyed about this story.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
So, the first chapter starts with Nat, a 39-year-old divorcee who gave a notice in the newspaper about who knows what and a younger guy who shows up to her advert. We know not what her advertisement was about, but they are both super ashamed, dropping hints of bedrooms, being interested, checking each other our, Nat is trying to keep their meeting from the rest of the village, and the other things that are meant to lead you to believe that some sex arrangement is in matter. I always found this trick to be cheap and I hated it and I still do.
Besides that, Nat is constantly drooling over this guy who saw 3 seconds ago for the first time, but she is completely obsessing about his stubble, his chin/jaw? and wants to jump his bones. There was also a comment about her wet underwear which I found very distasteful.
She is constantly talking bad about her family, her sister doesn't say thank you, but when she does, Nat is all like "oh, yeah, just like her, saying thank you to seal the deal". She is angry with her mother for being next to her (Nat's) sister while she was doing IVF, and much more.
The flow was completely broken. One moment, she is in room playing some games that are meant to teach her nieces who knows what and then she goes to open that door when there was never a knock. She plays jenga and then eats lunch and sleeps in a matter of miliseconds, and sometimes she takes PAGES to prepare coffee.
I'll have you know that her 19-year-old daughter started living with her boyfriend a few years ago, and she manages to work and have some big fat savings at 19!!
The conversations are very repetitive. You will find the same sentence spoken several times, separated by, I don't know, starting a car or moving from one room to the other.
I found this book not so boring as I found it irritating. I hated every single person (even children!) and wanted to slap everyone in the face. Especially Nat. There wasn't a single thing that I enjoyed about this story.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2021
Well I’m gonna keep this short and relatively sweet. The beginning of this started strong-full of double entendres but it went, not necessarily downhill, but in a defense downward slope from there. The main character, Nat, advertises for a lodger in her giant house, and gets one, along with her sister’s twins (their mother is famous and doesn’t have time for them) and her mother, who has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so the house is full. He ex of course wants her back, but he’s a total jerk, as we’re a mojority of the characters-even the kids were quite unlikeable. When Nat falls for her lodger, things get even more complicated when his past gets revealed and things aren’t what they seem.
I liked the premise of this and it could have been fun. But the execution was for sure lacking and the dialogue was rough at times. And even more so, the timelines were all over the place. Some points skipped all over the place and then other points it took 2 pages for her to figure out how to work the tea kettle. The idea of living in a little Cornish Village saved it for me, and the descriptions of the houses were lovely.
Thanks to Aria Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
I liked the premise of this and it could have been fun. But the execution was for sure lacking and the dialogue was rough at times. And even more so, the timelines were all over the place. Some points skipped all over the place and then other points it took 2 pages for her to figure out how to work the tea kettle. The idea of living in a little Cornish Village saved it for me, and the descriptions of the houses were lovely.
Thanks to Aria Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
June 21, 2021
A real feel good romantic read about family and learning to love yourself again.
Natalia was a warm, friendly woman - always putting everyone else first - and it was lovely seeing her regain the confidence to be herself again. I loved how she cared for nieces and Beryl, her mum.
Nancy Barone writes with such humour and her characters are always such fun and totally engaging. A really heartwarming, easy to read story.
Natalia was a warm, friendly woman - always putting everyone else first - and it was lovely seeing her regain the confidence to be herself again. I loved how she cared for nieces and Beryl, her mum.
Nancy Barone writes with such humour and her characters are always such fun and totally engaging. A really heartwarming, easy to read story.
June 21, 2025
Main protagonist felt too much like a 'good' person. There was no nuance, and even her rage at her family was internalised and nothing ever came of it. It felt like this book was trying too hard to be bright and uplifting and so full of compassion, but it ended up bordering on saccharine and frankly unpalatable at times (for example, what's with one of the nieces behaving like a sociopathic brat, like this was just there to point out how patient Natalia is and such a 'good' mother to kids who aren't even hers?) Veered a tad into the martyr territory, which turned me off the read the more I went along.
July 2, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, author Nancy Barone, and Aria publishing for giving me a free arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 stars
Ever since I read "No Room At The Cornish Inn," I have been a fan of author Nancy Barone's books.
This is heart warming contemporary romance about family and learning to love yourself again.
This book is about Nathalia, a 39 year old divorcee who decided to take in an IT Lawyer lodger named Connor to order make some extra cash. But things begin to unravel when Nathalia suddenly has to look after her mother after a fall, one of her daughters moves back in after splitting up with her boyfriend and her two nieces whilst their mother works abroad.
I really enjoyed the setting, characters and storyline. The beginning of this story was a bit slow, at the beginning, but as the story progressed, the pacing picked up and held my interest until the very end.
This book was the very definition of slow burn. While I did not agree with all of the choices Connor made, I really liked how much he just wanted all the best for Nathalia. He was willing to help her bear the burdens of others' responsibilities that were placed on her. Nathalia was a bit of a weak character at the beginning of the story. She seemed to let everyone around her, but especially her sister, mother, and ex husband walk all over her. But after spending time with Connor, he helps her to begin to advocate for herself and became all the stronger for it. I really did not like Neil or Yolanda, Nathalia's sister. Both were just selfish individuals and only interacted with Nathalia when they needed something. I did not really buy into Yolanda's sudden 180, at the end, to become a caring and involved mother. The book had a lot of secrets revealed that I did not see coming and were realistic. The ending did a great job wrapping up the entire story! I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a feel good romance. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future.
4 stars
Ever since I read "No Room At The Cornish Inn," I have been a fan of author Nancy Barone's books.
This is heart warming contemporary romance about family and learning to love yourself again.
This book is about Nathalia, a 39 year old divorcee who decided to take in an IT Lawyer lodger named Connor to order make some extra cash. But things begin to unravel when Nathalia suddenly has to look after her mother after a fall, one of her daughters moves back in after splitting up with her boyfriend and her two nieces whilst their mother works abroad.
I really enjoyed the setting, characters and storyline. The beginning of this story was a bit slow, at the beginning, but as the story progressed, the pacing picked up and held my interest until the very end.
This book was the very definition of slow burn. While I did not agree with all of the choices Connor made, I really liked how much he just wanted all the best for Nathalia. He was willing to help her bear the burdens of others' responsibilities that were placed on her. Nathalia was a bit of a weak character at the beginning of the story. She seemed to let everyone around her, but especially her sister, mother, and ex husband walk all over her. But after spending time with Connor, he helps her to begin to advocate for herself and became all the stronger for it. I really did not like Neil or Yolanda, Nathalia's sister. Both were just selfish individuals and only interacted with Nathalia when they needed something. I did not really buy into Yolanda's sudden 180, at the end, to become a caring and involved mother. The book had a lot of secrets revealed that I did not see coming and were realistic. The ending did a great job wrapping up the entire story! I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a feel good romance. I can't wait to read more books by this author in the future.
July 1, 2021
After kicking her cheating husband out and ending up with a huge 5 bedroom detached house as part of the divorce settlement, Natalie still feels lost. Her kids have moved out and she's just rattling around in her old marital home - what she really wants is a quiet little cottage down in the village. But just as things too quiet for her, her sister drops her twin nieces off on the doorstep for a few months, and her heartbroken daughter returns. Then on top of it all her Mother has a fall and also moves in!
She's the glue that keeps the family together and never puts herself first. Until gorgeous Connor comes into her life and nudges her to realise she's important too. But can the things she wants really come true?
The first chapter will have you wondering where the story is going - but it's actually very funny! The storyline turns out to be heartwarming and cosy although it will certainly make you wonder what's going to happen at times. There were twists in this that I didn't expect AT ALL and they were brilliant.
Nat is a wonderful character, although at times I definitely felt like she was feeling old before her time! At 37 I'm not far off and would like to think my mentality hasn't reached that point just yet! Understandably, having been cheated on by her husband and father of her kids, her self-esteem is pretty low, and she puts everyone's needs above her own. Even to the point where she has her nieces for months on end because her sister just swans off to work!! She is so lovely though, and it was heartwarming seeing her realise that she was also important. I genuinely wanted to the best for her and for her to get everything she wanted. Connor is literally the world's perfect man. Gorgeous, fantastic with children, handy, friendly, caring......but is he too good to be true?
The setting is idyllic. I love a book set in Cornwall, and this is in a small little village, out of the way without many tourists (sounds like the dream place!). It's another one that will definitely make you want to visit.
So if you're looking for a heartwarming, romantic read with some big twists in a beautiful setting then you should check this out! Recommended by me.
She's the glue that keeps the family together and never puts herself first. Until gorgeous Connor comes into her life and nudges her to realise she's important too. But can the things she wants really come true?
The first chapter will have you wondering where the story is going - but it's actually very funny! The storyline turns out to be heartwarming and cosy although it will certainly make you wonder what's going to happen at times. There were twists in this that I didn't expect AT ALL and they were brilliant.
Nat is a wonderful character, although at times I definitely felt like she was feeling old before her time! At 37 I'm not far off and would like to think my mentality hasn't reached that point just yet! Understandably, having been cheated on by her husband and father of her kids, her self-esteem is pretty low, and she puts everyone's needs above her own. Even to the point where she has her nieces for months on end because her sister just swans off to work!! She is so lovely though, and it was heartwarming seeing her realise that she was also important. I genuinely wanted to the best for her and for her to get everything she wanted. Connor is literally the world's perfect man. Gorgeous, fantastic with children, handy, friendly, caring......but is he too good to be true?
The setting is idyllic. I love a book set in Cornwall, and this is in a small little village, out of the way without many tourists (sounds like the dream place!). It's another one that will definitely make you want to visit.
So if you're looking for a heartwarming, romantic read with some big twists in a beautiful setting then you should check this out! Recommended by me.
July 9, 2021
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage by Nancy Barone is a clever story about a woman, Nat (Natalia), who seems to serve as the doormat for her entire family. She is recently divorced from Neil, the town's GP, and instead of a cash settlement she got the family home, which was full of "family heirlooms" from his side of the family. She was currently cleaning that all out so she could sell up. Since she had five bedrooms, she had decided to rent on out and so had posted advertisements to that effect and had gotten her first call. She was nervous. He was on his way. In an amusing twist, she daydreamed she was interviewing him for a gigolo position. After determining he was a good fit (for both positions) they arranged that he would move in the following day. All of a sudden her sister, who had a popular television cooking show, was dropping her twin daughters of for an indeterminate length of time. Then, while in the village, she felt compelled to drop in on her mother, where she determined the older woman had sprained her ankle and was unable to walk, so she brought her home, too. So, it was chaos when Connor arrived. Then things got really chaotic.
This was a fun book with several unexpected plot turns. Since Nat was 39, younger people tended to view her as "old," including her daughters and her new boss. She had been writing an extremely popular column in a woman's magazine for the past 13 years and at this point, it was how she was paying the bills. She and her sister had always had a fraught relationship, so that is one point of connection for any of us that have sisters. She was so sexually frustrated that her daydreams of Connor were beyond ridiculous. Barone has written an extremely amusing piece of women's' fiction and should be applauded for hitting the nail on the head. The characters in this book are funny and real: the ex who left for a younger woman and now wants to come home; the celebrity sister who doesn't seem to understand what her responsibilities are; the young, hot lodger, who wants to be her friend, and an elderly mother who has never liked her. It's all right on!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dreamsofalittlecornishcottage
This was a fun book with several unexpected plot turns. Since Nat was 39, younger people tended to view her as "old," including her daughters and her new boss. She had been writing an extremely popular column in a woman's magazine for the past 13 years and at this point, it was how she was paying the bills. She and her sister had always had a fraught relationship, so that is one point of connection for any of us that have sisters. She was so sexually frustrated that her daydreams of Connor were beyond ridiculous. Barone has written an extremely amusing piece of women's' fiction and should be applauded for hitting the nail on the head. The characters in this book are funny and real: the ex who left for a younger woman and now wants to come home; the celebrity sister who doesn't seem to understand what her responsibilities are; the young, hot lodger, who wants to be her friend, and an elderly mother who has never liked her. It's all right on!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dreamsofalittlecornishcottage
April 28, 2022
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is a story that I went into completely prepared to enjoy myself having read this author’s work before. While the story is good, it’s also a bit jangled in timelines and other small details that I won’t nitpick about. I liked parts of this story, didn’t quite understand the why of other parts of it… and the twists involved here will possibly change your opinion from the beginning of this story to its ending.
Nat is a likable character – when she’s not obsessing about Connor’s good looks or the differences in their ages. She’s also someone I think a lot of women can identify with because she’s had to begin her life over after dumping a cheating husband and seeing her children off to their own lives. When suddenly her empty house, which she wants to trade in for a lovely little cottage in the village, is filled once again with others needing her help… the mom who has taken a fall, the daughter recovering from a break-up, the sister who must drop off her twins for weeks on end while she goes on about her job. And the new renter who is hiding secrets of his own while encouraging Nat to put herself first for a change and go after that cottage she’s dreamed of owning… while enjoying a flirtation or more with him.
I wasn’t expecting the twist of Connor’s secret, at all. And, I’ll admit, that changed my feelings about this story. It’s not horrible simply being outside of my own comfort zone to accepting someone’s truth I guess is the best way to describe my reaction.
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is basically a good story with perhaps a targeted audience. It’s one of those stories where I was entertained while reading but I won’t pick it up for a re-read kind of feeling.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is a story that I went into completely prepared to enjoy myself having read this author’s work before. While the story is good, it’s also a bit jangled in timelines and other small details that I won’t nitpick about. I liked parts of this story, didn’t quite understand the why of other parts of it… and the twists involved here will possibly change your opinion from the beginning of this story to its ending.
Nat is a likable character – when she’s not obsessing about Connor’s good looks or the differences in their ages. She’s also someone I think a lot of women can identify with because she’s had to begin her life over after dumping a cheating husband and seeing her children off to their own lives. When suddenly her empty house, which she wants to trade in for a lovely little cottage in the village, is filled once again with others needing her help… the mom who has taken a fall, the daughter recovering from a break-up, the sister who must drop off her twins for weeks on end while she goes on about her job. And the new renter who is hiding secrets of his own while encouraging Nat to put herself first for a change and go after that cottage she’s dreamed of owning… while enjoying a flirtation or more with him.
I wasn’t expecting the twist of Connor’s secret, at all. And, I’ll admit, that changed my feelings about this story. It’s not horrible simply being outside of my own comfort zone to accepting someone’s truth I guess is the best way to describe my reaction.
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage is basically a good story with perhaps a targeted audience. It’s one of those stories where I was entertained while reading but I won’t pick it up for a re-read kind of feeling.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
June 15, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for this ARC.
The story of Nathalia, a 39 year old divorcee who takes in IT Lawyer lodger Connor to make some extra cash while trying to sell the family home post divorce to buy her dream cottage.
Things I like.
The storyline build up with Connors secret was done relatively well. I also loved the descriptions of the Cornish coast and the little town.
Things I didn't really like.
The passing of time was really strange in this book. The characters would be doing things and then all of a sudden without comment really the story skips weeks and weeks. Made it difficult to follow and maintain the flow of the story, The majority of the first part of the book was quite unnecessary whereas the last part (25% or so) was actually the bulk of the story, The focus and complaining about the 6 years age difference was incessant and really not necessary for the story. The entire dementia story with her mother was overdone and not really relevant to anything in the story - wasn't like some desperate family secret came out etc.
I was waiting on an ending for the ex-husband as in there was some real final resolution there. It was really not explored. The characters were not all fleshed out and really seemed redundant at times - Lizzie the second daughter and Mags the BFF.
SPOILERS
Connor was an ok character but the storyline of him lying about his name and who he was just felt icky and creepy. Especially as he was trying to be near the kids. He didn't seem to be an alpha hero but more of a wimpy, shy one with no confidence. Also the fact that he had twins with her sister was just yuck. You really want to be able to put yourself in the hero/heroines place and this was just somewhere that I wasn't prepared to go.
Its not often I read a romance/womans fiction novel that really leaves me feeling icky and not happy afterwards. Definitely not a book I would choose to read again but I will try another by this author.
The story of Nathalia, a 39 year old divorcee who takes in IT Lawyer lodger Connor to make some extra cash while trying to sell the family home post divorce to buy her dream cottage.
Things I like.
The storyline build up with Connors secret was done relatively well. I also loved the descriptions of the Cornish coast and the little town.
Things I didn't really like.
The passing of time was really strange in this book. The characters would be doing things and then all of a sudden without comment really the story skips weeks and weeks. Made it difficult to follow and maintain the flow of the story, The majority of the first part of the book was quite unnecessary whereas the last part (25% or so) was actually the bulk of the story, The focus and complaining about the 6 years age difference was incessant and really not necessary for the story. The entire dementia story with her mother was overdone and not really relevant to anything in the story - wasn't like some desperate family secret came out etc.
I was waiting on an ending for the ex-husband as in there was some real final resolution there. It was really not explored. The characters were not all fleshed out and really seemed redundant at times - Lizzie the second daughter and Mags the BFF.
SPOILERS
Connor was an ok character but the storyline of him lying about his name and who he was just felt icky and creepy. Especially as he was trying to be near the kids. He didn't seem to be an alpha hero but more of a wimpy, shy one with no confidence. Also the fact that he had twins with her sister was just yuck. You really want to be able to put yourself in the hero/heroines place and this was just somewhere that I wasn't prepared to go.
Its not often I read a romance/womans fiction novel that really leaves me feeling icky and not happy afterwards. Definitely not a book I would choose to read again but I will try another by this author.
July 1, 2021
Nat is living on her own in a large 5 bedroom house after divorcing her GP husband after years of being treated badly and an affair. She advertises for a lodger, which an Irish man, Connor, responds to. She then suddenly has to look after her mother after a fall, one of her daughters who splits with her boyfriend and also her two nieces whilst their mother works abroad. In the meantime she dreams of moving to a harbourside cottage for a fresh start.
This is a slow burning book, I couldn't understand why she was so cautious about any romance with her lodger, who is 33, whilst she is 39. She is also treated badly by her ex husband and her new boss at the magazine where she writes a weekly column. As the story progresses though she does start growing a backbone, but will this be enough to overcome her fears? There are also some deep secrets which aren't revealed until towards the end of the book.
I could imagine the scenery that the book is set in with the coves and the harbour side community. Well worth spending a couple of evenings enjoying this.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is a slow burning book, I couldn't understand why she was so cautious about any romance with her lodger, who is 33, whilst she is 39. She is also treated badly by her ex husband and her new boss at the magazine where she writes a weekly column. As the story progresses though she does start growing a backbone, but will this be enough to overcome her fears? There are also some deep secrets which aren't revealed until towards the end of the book.
I could imagine the scenery that the book is set in with the coves and the harbour side community. Well worth spending a couple of evenings enjoying this.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
July 18, 2022
Dreams of a Little Cornish Cottage by Nancy Barone
In her huge mansion overlooking Wyllow Cove, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Natalia Amore had everything she could possibly want. But having kicked out her adulterous ex-husband, her house is filled with nothing but echoes and Nat yearns for the coziness and bustle of seaside living. In particular, the rundown Lavender Cottage that has gone up for sale.
But when her mother has a fall, Nat's dream of a quiet new life crumbles as she instantly brings her into her home to care for her. With her two energetic nieces then dumped on her doorstep and her recently heartbroken daughter moving back into the nest, Nat can't possibly abandon her family... Lavender cottage will just have to wait.
I stumbled upon this book whilst looking for available audiobooks in my local library and what a joy it was. This is a feel good book about learning to love yourself again. I have to admit that I was so convinced that Connor was a dream that I didn't see the plot twist coming. The books gets off to a bit of a chaotic start but quickly settles into a nice pace. A highly recommended summer read set in a lovely location.
Rating 4/5
June 13, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Aria, Head of Zeus Ltd. for a copy of "Dream of a Little Cornish Cottage" in exchange for my honest review.
The story is set in Wyllow Cove and the main character is Natalia Amore (Nat) who writes for "Lady" magazine. She recently kicked her husband out for having an affair. They share daughters Lizzie and Sarah. There is a lot of domestic drama. Nat has a sister Yolanda who has twin daughters Amy and Zoe. A lot of the story goes on and on about how Nat is more of a mother to the twins than Yolanda is. They certainly seem to live with her more than at their own home. There is also a lot of focus on the lodger that Nat has taken in to help make ends meet. She's interested in Connor Wright but it's pointed out over and over again how much "older" Nat is. In reality it's only 6 years but it's made to sound like decades.
There is a lot of "thought" dialogue throughout the book and the story moves at a slow pace. It was a difficult story to get into. The idea is wonderful but there was too much focus on the family drama and especially the "age gap" that did not need pointing out so often.
The story is set in Wyllow Cove and the main character is Natalia Amore (Nat) who writes for "Lady" magazine. She recently kicked her husband out for having an affair. They share daughters Lizzie and Sarah. There is a lot of domestic drama. Nat has a sister Yolanda who has twin daughters Amy and Zoe. A lot of the story goes on and on about how Nat is more of a mother to the twins than Yolanda is. They certainly seem to live with her more than at their own home. There is also a lot of focus on the lodger that Nat has taken in to help make ends meet. She's interested in Connor Wright but it's pointed out over and over again how much "older" Nat is. In reality it's only 6 years but it's made to sound like decades.
There is a lot of "thought" dialogue throughout the book and the story moves at a slow pace. It was a difficult story to get into. The idea is wonderful but there was too much focus on the family drama and especially the "age gap" that did not need pointing out so often.
August 30, 2022
I could not put this book down, I had to devour it from beginning to end in one long sitting. It was so easy to read, a real page turner with great characters and a good story. I was not prepared for the twists and turns the story took, it certainly kept me reading well into the small hours.
Natalia, a writer for The Lady and ex wife of a local GP has always put other people first, especially her family. When she divorces her husband for his infidelity she decides to sell her house, but she wasn't prepared for the deluge of family who descended upon her, expecting her to change her plans for them. From her daughter, to sister who uses her as an unpaid Nanny and her Mother. Then Connor appears on the scene, answering an ad she'd placed in the paper, can he be trusted?
This was, by far, one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm going to find more books by this author, if this one if anything to go buy, I've found another author to put on my 'must read everything by' list!
Natalia, a writer for The Lady and ex wife of a local GP has always put other people first, especially her family. When she divorces her husband for his infidelity she decides to sell her house, but she wasn't prepared for the deluge of family who descended upon her, expecting her to change her plans for them. From her daughter, to sister who uses her as an unpaid Nanny and her Mother. Then Connor appears on the scene, answering an ad she'd placed in the paper, can he be trusted?
This was, by far, one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm going to find more books by this author, if this one if anything to go buy, I've found another author to put on my 'must read everything by' list!
May 29, 2021
Lovely book to read on this dull bank holiday.
Natalia (Nat) is the put on but much adoring mum of two and very loyal and loving Auntie to her twin nieces.
Nat’s ex husband Neil is the village doctor but a douchebag!
He’s cheated on her for years and snobbishly tried to keep her apart from the rest of the lovely seaside village her and her family live in.
Nat’s a writer for Lady magazine and is in need of a spark!
She recruits a lodger - a very easy on the eye Irish lodger.
This book was so good. I’m going to seek out the other books written by this author.
This book was 4.5 stars.
This honest review was provided free of charge for an arc provided by netgalley.
Thankyou to the publishers and author.
Natalia (Nat) is the put on but much adoring mum of two and very loyal and loving Auntie to her twin nieces.
Nat’s ex husband Neil is the village doctor but a douchebag!
He’s cheated on her for years and snobbishly tried to keep her apart from the rest of the lovely seaside village her and her family live in.
Nat’s a writer for Lady magazine and is in need of a spark!
She recruits a lodger - a very easy on the eye Irish lodger.
This book was so good. I’m going to seek out the other books written by this author.
This book was 4.5 stars.
This honest review was provided free of charge for an arc provided by netgalley.
Thankyou to the publishers and author.
June 14, 2025
This book follows Natalia Amore, a 39-year-old woman living in a cozy cottage in a small Cornish town. She’s always putting her family first and never really caring for her own needs—until one day, a new lodger moves in. Enter Connor, a charming Irishman who shows her that putting herself first isn’t something to feel guilty about. And of course… they fall for each other. Butttt there’s a twist. (Obviously 🙄)
Honestly, this was such a cute, cozy read with total cottagecore vibes. I loved the chemistry between Natalia and Connor—even with the age gap, their connection felt so natural and heartwarming. It’s a soft romance with no spice (which I personally prefer), and it just left me with a big smile.
Honestly, Nat and Connor reminded me sooo much of Maddie and Cal from Sweet Magnolias. Nat especially gave such strong Maddie vibes 🥹 So if you loved those two, you’re going to absolutely adore Nat and Connor too.
Also, the humour in this book? So good. The kind that actually makes you laugh—not just a forced chuckle.
A feel-good, summery comfort read that’s perfect when you want something light, wholesome, and heartwarming 💛
Honestly, this was such a cute, cozy read with total cottagecore vibes. I loved the chemistry between Natalia and Connor—even with the age gap, their connection felt so natural and heartwarming. It’s a soft romance with no spice (which I personally prefer), and it just left me with a big smile.
Honestly, Nat and Connor reminded me sooo much of Maddie and Cal from Sweet Magnolias. Nat especially gave such strong Maddie vibes 🥹 So if you loved those two, you’re going to absolutely adore Nat and Connor too.
Also, the humour in this book? So good. The kind that actually makes you laugh—not just a forced chuckle.
A feel-good, summery comfort read that’s perfect when you want something light, wholesome, and heartwarming 💛
Read
July 10, 2022Nat has come out of an unhappy marriage. The house is too big and too reminiscent of her ex who was all about status. Nat dreams of a simpler life in a seaside cottage. However, all the niceties of divorce and separation have to be got through. Connor, her new lodger is a bit of a charmer, is he too good to be true? Nat’s sister exploits her good nature by leaving her daughters with Nat and then her mum has a fall and Nat’s ex who is a doctor gets involved. Oh, and her job as a columnist is under threat too. A lot is going on and this makes for a bit of a confusing book. Is it a feel-good romance? Is it more women’s fiction?
June 4, 2021
I have a few hangups about this one.
The age difference is only 6 years... but you would think it was 20 the way it's made into such an issue.
The timeline is weird. It repeatedly references weeks passing, but then seems to be written as if only days have passed? I'm not sure how to describe it, but it didn't make sense or flow well.
The last 20% of this book is great... but that first 80%?? Ooof, it drags. The story moves like molasses.
I appreciate the opportunity to this book in exchange for an honest review and I thank the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC.
The age difference is only 6 years... but you would think it was 20 the way it's made into such an issue.
The timeline is weird. It repeatedly references weeks passing, but then seems to be written as if only days have passed? I'm not sure how to describe it, but it didn't make sense or flow well.
The last 20% of this book is great... but that first 80%?? Ooof, it drags. The story moves like molasses.
I appreciate the opportunity to this book in exchange for an honest review and I thank the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC.
July 8, 2021
Natalia Amore has not long divorced her husband Neil who was cheating on her. As part of the settlement, she got the house or the Mausoleum as she calls it as it's full of her ex husbands family items. Money is tight so she advertises for a lodger & gets a very handsome Connor Wright. It's a 'will they or won't they' story but so much happens inbetween. Can any more be put on Nat's shoulders? She has so much to contend with! A really good book that I throughly enjoyed. Well worth a read & now to find more books by this author.
June 28, 2021
I am sorry but I didn't finish this book, at 27% in it felt like it had gone and was going nowhere, there is only so many times we can hear that "Connor" is an amazing/handsome guy and that her mother doesn't like her but she moved her in anyway, will probably skip to the end but I don't think I will have missed much, its not often I dislike a character, but so far there is nothing to like about any of them.
I hate giving bad reviews but I just couldn't read anymore.
I hate giving bad reviews but I just couldn't read anymore.
June 28, 2021
I've enjoyed other books by this author, so I'm not really sure where this one went off track for me, but it did. The story seemed to drag, moved in fits and starts throughout, and yes, portraying the 6 year age gap as a big deal was annoying.
I'm sure others really enjoyed this book, and it won't stop me from reading others by this author, but not this one.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
I'm sure others really enjoyed this book, and it won't stop me from reading others by this author, but not this one.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
July 10, 2021
Hi im writing this review right now while im reading it. The first scene got me thinking. What is this about? what is the ad about? And then, Natalia's thoughts confused me. Her thoughts was all about kissing Connor and sexual thoughts, and i assumed that the ad was about like "who's up for having sexual course?".
I did not continue reading the book after i finished the 1st chapter.
Still thank you so much for accepting my request Netgalley and Ms. Vicky ❤
June 9 2021
I did not continue reading the book after i finished the 1st chapter.
Still thank you so much for accepting my request Netgalley and Ms. Vicky ❤
June 9 2021
April 27, 2021
When the perfect man applies to become her lodger Natalia Amore is thrilled. But is he a little too perfect? When her nieces, her broken hearted daughter and her very demanding mother come to stay he doesn’t leave. Her obnoxious ex husband wants her back and her new boss is keen to sack anyone over 40 so all in all Natalia’s life is in free fall. An enjoyable read about family, love and hope.
August 31, 2021
A lovely story set in my favourite Cornwall, Nat goes from being lonely in her big empty house to having it bursting at the seams with a gorgeous lodger, daughter, nieces and her mother.... be careful what you wish for! Great characters and twists in the storyline make it a perfect beach read and I will be looking our for more books by this author
December 9, 2021
Twist and turns - But will it be Happy Ever After?
Delightful story set in beautiful Cornwall.
The characters are lifelike - but are they for real?
Love, laughter, sadness and many more ups and downs but will it all work out?
You MUST read it to find out -I am sure you too will love it.
Thank you Nancy for a great book.
Delightful story set in beautiful Cornwall.
The characters are lifelike - but are they for real?
Love, laughter, sadness and many more ups and downs but will it all work out?
You MUST read it to find out -I am sure you too will love it.
Thank you Nancy for a great book.
May 15, 2022
Dreams of a little Cornish Cottage
this is a new Author for me, so I will be back on Kindle in a few minutes to pick up the next in the series. This book was written beautifully, with love in every word. Romance in every line and a perfect ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone.
this is a new Author for me, so I will be back on Kindle in a few minutes to pick up the next in the series. This book was written beautifully, with love in every word. Romance in every line and a perfect ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone.
April 14, 2021
I was constantly irritated by the fact that a 6 year age gap was portrayed as somehow huge. I don't get it at all. An ok read on a sunny day.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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