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La costa de los naufragios
Laura Callaway sale a pasear todos los días por la playa, en la costa de Cornualles, una zona conocida por los muchos naufragios que allí se producen y por los pocos supervivientes que quedan. Ella misma, que es huérfana y vive con su tío, un párroco casado con una mujer a la que poco importa, se siente como un náufrago, pues es huérfana y esa casa no es su hogar.
Cada vez que se produce un naufragio, muchos se acercan a ver si encuentran algo de valor, mientras que ella busca pistas de los fallecidos, escribe a sus parientes y les devuelve sus efectos personales. Sin embargo, lo que se encuentra un día es a un hombre tendido en la arena. Lo recoge y, entre una vecina y ella, se ocupan de él. Está herido, pero lo más extraño es que una de sus heridas es una puñalada. Cuando el hombre despierta, habla muy bien, de un modo muy educado, pero tiene un acento extraño. ¿Quién será? Según pasa el tiempo, todo apunta a que se trata de alguien peligroso. Pero la atracción crece entre ellos y… ¿Será Laura capaz de desvelar su identidad, lo sucedido y encontrar el amor que siempre ha buscado?
Cada vez que se produce un naufragio, muchos se acercan a ver si encuentran algo de valor, mientras que ella busca pistas de los fallecidos, escribe a sus parientes y les devuelve sus efectos personales. Sin embargo, lo que se encuentra un día es a un hombre tendido en la arena. Lo recoge y, entre una vecina y ella, se ocupan de él. Está herido, pero lo más extraño es que una de sus heridas es una puñalada. Cuando el hombre despierta, habla muy bien, de un modo muy educado, pero tiene un acento extraño. ¿Quién será? Según pasa el tiempo, todo apunta a que se trata de alguien peligroso. Pero la atracción crece entre ellos y… ¿Será Laura capaz de desvelar su identidad, lo sucedido y encontrar el amor que siempre ha buscado?
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
704 people are currently reading
7472 people want to read
About the author
Julie Klassen
32 books6,151 followersJulie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,002 reviews
November 8, 2020
On a stormy night Physician’s daughter Laura Callaway is alerted that there’s a shipwreck on the local shore with only one survivor. Alexander Lucas hides his secrets well, but danger seems to follow him to Cornwall.
A Castaway in Cornwall is written by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in North Cornwall 1813 and we follow Laura Callaway as she works on her admirable project to salvage trinkets from wrecks and inform next of kin of their loved ones lost at sea. When another ship wrecks, a man is washed ashore and ends up in Laura’s care to be nursed back to life. He presents himself as Alexander Lucas, has a foreign accent and reveals very little about who he is and where he is from.
While this is the second book I have read recently with similar setting, this plot stands out in the way it describes people’s struggles to survive in rather modest circumstances. With a backdrop of the Napoleonic War, the story deals with the need to belong to a family and a community. As an orphan, Laura struggles with both.
Main character physician’s daughter Laura Callaway lost her parents and lives with non-blood relatives. For a woman who struggles so much, I quite admire how she is able to make such a difference in other people’s lives and that’s why she is my favorite of this story.
Supporting character naval sea Captain Alexander Lucas struggles with consequences of war, and goes through a process of learning how to trust again. I felt he seemed human and likable as we got to follow his thoughts and perspectives. Danger seemed to follow him ashore in Cornwall.
I loved the vivid descriptions of daily life and occasional celebrations at the Cornish coast. I could easily see how story could easily be adapted to a movie reminiscent of Poldark. I found the characters relatable and many of them sympathetic. A few really unlikable ones wired me up and added great drama. The mystery element was my favorite part, which related to Alexander Lucas previous life and family background gradually told via his perspective of the story.
The romance part of the story seemed to be on the backburner until the last part of the plot. As danger was at the forefront, that made perfect sense to me. I enjoyed the dramatic parts of the story and the slightly surprising elements at the end. I felt it was all expertly tied up into a satisfying conclusion to this standalone novel.
Anyone who enjoys a historical romance set in Cornwall will love this story. As will fans of Julie Klassen. While awaiting Julie Klassen's next release you might enjoy checking out similar authors like Kristi Ann Hunter or Jody Hedlund. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Castaway in Cornwall is the entertaining and enjoyable story about a woman who struggles to belong and a man marked by war who both long for a place to call home.
Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: great plot and mystery element, relatable characters, signature writing.
A Castaway in Cornwall is written by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in North Cornwall 1813 and we follow Laura Callaway as she works on her admirable project to salvage trinkets from wrecks and inform next of kin of their loved ones lost at sea. When another ship wrecks, a man is washed ashore and ends up in Laura’s care to be nursed back to life. He presents himself as Alexander Lucas, has a foreign accent and reveals very little about who he is and where he is from.
While this is the second book I have read recently with similar setting, this plot stands out in the way it describes people’s struggles to survive in rather modest circumstances. With a backdrop of the Napoleonic War, the story deals with the need to belong to a family and a community. As an orphan, Laura struggles with both.
Main character physician’s daughter Laura Callaway lost her parents and lives with non-blood relatives. For a woman who struggles so much, I quite admire how she is able to make such a difference in other people’s lives and that’s why she is my favorite of this story.
Supporting character naval sea Captain Alexander Lucas struggles with consequences of war, and goes through a process of learning how to trust again. I felt he seemed human and likable as we got to follow his thoughts and perspectives. Danger seemed to follow him ashore in Cornwall.
I loved the vivid descriptions of daily life and occasional celebrations at the Cornish coast. I could easily see how story could easily be adapted to a movie reminiscent of Poldark. I found the characters relatable and many of them sympathetic. A few really unlikable ones wired me up and added great drama. The mystery element was my favorite part, which related to Alexander Lucas previous life and family background gradually told via his perspective of the story.
The romance part of the story seemed to be on the backburner until the last part of the plot. As danger was at the forefront, that made perfect sense to me. I enjoyed the dramatic parts of the story and the slightly surprising elements at the end. I felt it was all expertly tied up into a satisfying conclusion to this standalone novel.
Anyone who enjoys a historical romance set in Cornwall will love this story. As will fans of Julie Klassen. While awaiting Julie Klassen's next release you might enjoy checking out similar authors like Kristi Ann Hunter or Jody Hedlund. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: A Castaway in Cornwall is the entertaining and enjoyable story about a woman who struggles to belong and a man marked by war who both long for a place to call home.
Rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: great plot and mystery element, relatable characters, signature writing.
November 18, 2022
About this book:
“Laura Callaway daily walks the windswept Cornwall coast, known for many shipwrecks but few survivors. She feels like a castaway, set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers. Now living with her parson uncle and his parsimonious wife in North Cornwall, Laura is viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong somewhere again.
When ships sink, wreckers scour the shore for valuables, while Laura searches for clues to the lives lost. She has written letters to loved ones and returned keepsakes to rightful owners. She collects seashells and mementos, and when a man is washed ashore, she collects him too.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the castaway, the mystery surrounding him grows. He has abrasions and a deep cut that looks suspiciously like a knife wound, and he speaks in careful, educated English, yet his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Their attraction grows, and while she longs to return the man to his rightful home, evidence against him mounts. With danger pursuing them from every side, will Laura ever find the answers and love she seeks?”
Series: A stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Luke 15:8-9 at the beginning; A handful of Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, & read; Prayers, Thanking God, Praising God, & Blessings over food; Church going, Hiding in a church, & a sermon; A hymn is sung and said; Talks about God & serving Him; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Laura wonders if God truly holds her fate in His hands or if she life has been all happenstance (she wonders this a couple times, but at the end realizes that she is in God’s hands); Laura prays often, but does question if God will hear and answer her prayers (once); Alex realizes about halfway that he does believe that God hears his prayers and that God has not promised that he would live an easy life; Mentions of God, Jesus, & serving Him; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, praising God, & blessings over food; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, & reverends/clergymen; Mentions of a child’s playset of Noah’s Ark; A few mentions of others trusting and relying on God after doubting Him; A few mentions of Heaven; A few mentions of hymns; A few mentions of being Blessed; A couple mentions of those & events in the Bible; A couple mentions of Holiday services (Christmas & Easter) at churches; A couple mentions of wishing someone Godspeed; A mention of a young Alex railing against God for his mother’s death; A mention of religious persecution; A mention of a christening; A mention of someone’s journey to eternity; A mention of a man crossing himself; A mention of a headstone that has the Madonna and child; A mention of a man saying that his wife is a saint, but he is not; A mention of a woman wanting to avoid even the appearance of sin; A mention of a man saying that he doesn’t care about a fundraiser for the church, but will go because of the women there;
*Note: The phrase “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” is said; Celebrating & mentions of Allantide (a holiday celebrating St. Allan on October 31st), All Saints’ Day, & different items/superstitions (such as a carved jack-o’-lanterns from large turnips & a superstition of sleeping with an apple under your pillow and tossing the peel to see your future spouse’s initial (Laura says she doesn’t believe in such things, but her cousin says it’s just harmless fun and it turns out to be accurate)); Mentions of a legend of a man who sold her soul & the haunting howl of the wind people say is him (a ghost tale); Mentions of superstitious people & superstitions (including about a woman being above a ship is bad luck); Mentions of stories about piskies, mermaids, & curses; A few mentions of a man being called a devil & another being called a “charming devil”; A couple mentions of someone’s eyes having evil intent towards another; A couple mentions of a horse costume looking more like a devil than a horse; A mention of Laura’s uncle (a vicar) mostly not believing in ghosts as he’s a “learned man of God”; A mention of a woman saying that men can’t stand it when a woman doesn’t think they’re God’s gift [to women]; A mention of a hellish place; A mention of a man saying he’s “devilishly handsome”; A mention that someone being large does not mean they’re slow, “any more than having red hair makes one a devil”; A mention of a witch.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘bah’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘dash and blast’, a ‘thunder and turf’, two forms of ‘stupid’, 2 ‘idiot’ (used in referring to a very large man and people assuming that he’s slow), and four ‘dashed’s; A bit of eye rolling; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Seeing shipwrecks, people being tossed overboard, bodies, deaths, & Recalling all of it and being tied up (up to semi-detailed); Recalling the death of a toddler (an illness, up to semi-detailed); Being held at gunpoint, Seeing someone shot and killed, Fighting, Knives, Blood/Bleeding, Pain, & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Being ill & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Drinking bee wine at an event (Laura) & a sip of ale (Alex); Some lying (to save face, to keep secrets, to be safe, to keep someone from disapproving, and/or find out information); All about many, many mentions of shipwrecks, drownings, deaths, bodies, injuries from such events, & some people leading ships to a coast to crash and get their goods (up to semi-detailed); All about many, many mentions of the war, treason, fighting, spies, rebels, rebellions, prisons of war, prisoner camps, being on the opposite side of family members, executions, & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of injuries, illnesses, blood/bleeding, stitches, pain, & deaths (including a child, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of guns being aimed at people & someone being shot and killed (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a man that prefers there to be no survivors on a shipwreck so that he can get some of the goods from the ship & him wanting to kill the last survivor; Mentions of fights/brawls, fighting, violence, taunting others, & being tied up (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of crimes, criminals, arrests, & penalties of fines and death; Mentions of stealing, stolen items, thefts, & thieves; Mentions of pirates & smugglers; Mentions of alcohol, flasks, social drinking at events/balls, drinking, drunks, & taverns/taprooms; Mentions of smoking, cigars, pipes, & tobacco; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deceit; Mentions of prejudice towards outsiders and/or foreigners; Mentions of grief (parents, wives, husbands, close friends, a loved one, a son, a sister, & a brother); A few mentions of a fire; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of gambling; A couple mentions of bribes; A couple mentions of hatred; A mention of assassination attempts; A mention of snuff boxes; A mention of eavesdropping;
*Note: Laura feels out of place with her family as she is not blood-related to any of them & places an importance of finding out more about her biological family; Laura feels resentment towards her parents for leaving her & then not returning (dying) after a trip (this is resolved by the end with forgiveness); A mention of a baby being abandoned in a churchyard.
Sexual Content- Two forehead kisses, a neck kiss, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and three semi-detailed kisses; Staring a someone’s lips (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss & touch (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Winks & Blushes; Noticing (including a man’s hairy chest and hairy legs, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Laura gets into bed with an injured and unconscious Alex to warm him (she feels awkward doing so as it feels intimate, but is not caught by her guardians nor is it brought up again); Laura and Alex have to share a room, but there are two beds (it’s assumed that they are married and they do not correct it; Later at a different place, they have to go along with a lie to a woman that they are newly married; Alex promises to behave gentlemanly and warns Laura at one point to go back to her room before he breaks his word); Laura is helped by a maid to undress for bed and Alex tries not to notice but ends up leaving the room due to being he’s flustered and noticing (up to semi-detailed); Alex helps loosen Laura’s stays & Laura imagines being kissed and held by him (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing a couple in a fond embrace; Mentions of a wife’s affair & her being pregnant with another man’s child (*Spoiler* ; Mentions of how servants used to warm their masters by lying in bed with them & Laura wonders if she should do that for Alex, who is freezing & injured (she does and does not get caught by her guardians); Mentions of flirting, flirts, blushes, & winks; A few mentions of couples kissing & kisses; A few mentions of touches, embraces, & hand holding; A few mentions of a wife leaving her husband for another man; A few mentions of elopement & a young woman running off with a man (unmarried); A few mentions of reputations & propriety; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of a belief that if a girl is touched by a person in a certain costume, she’ll be pregnant or married by the end of the year; A couple mentions of a woman’s sensual appeal; A mention of a possible unwed mother; A mention of a man seducing a maid; A mention of a man (mostly) teasing Laura that he’ll share a bed with her; A mention of a romantic tête-à-tête; A mention of words uttered innocently but can be taken another way, so Laura blushes; A mention of a man saying something that would sound flattering from someone else, but sounds suggestive from him; A mention of a man not having a relationship with a woman (misunderstood and corrected); Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of wives/mothers who died in childbirth & a stillborn baby; A mention of that in some countries and traditions, a man is encouraged to marry his brother’s widow.
-Laura Callaway, age 23
-Alexander Lucas
3rd P.O.V. switches between them & In the Prologue and Epilogue, it is in her 1st person P.O.V.
Set in 1813-1814 (Epilogue in 1815)
392 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Treasure hunting was one of my favorite hobbies as a child—though, I’ll admit the parks nearby didn’t have much treasures, but sparkly trash like a broken bracelet or bottle cap.
Maybe that’s why I was so interested in this story, particularly the element of Laura trying to reunite items that have been washed ashore after a shipwreck to the families of the deceased. Those parts were truly the most interesting and I even teared up a few times at certain parts regarding her findings. I absolutely adored her compassion for others and how kind she was.
My only “compliant”, if you will, were the few times that Laura or Alex noticed something physically about the other that felt scandalous for the time period. It might not be scandalous nowadays to notice a man’s chest or muscle-y legs or even to cut his hair, but it felt so intimate for the time period and therefore made me a bit uncomfortable.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though, overall. If I could, I would give this book a 3.75 stars and rank it as possibly my favorite by this author. It truly captured my interest, and I didn’t find this book to be slow or unable to keep my attention. There were so many parts that I honestly forgot I was reading and had the scenes playing out vividly in my head. I found it to be an enjoyable story, personally, and could be a possible read for older teens.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Laura Callaway daily walks the windswept Cornwall coast, known for many shipwrecks but few survivors. She feels like a castaway, set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers. Now living with her parson uncle and his parsimonious wife in North Cornwall, Laura is viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong somewhere again.
When ships sink, wreckers scour the shore for valuables, while Laura searches for clues to the lives lost. She has written letters to loved ones and returned keepsakes to rightful owners. She collects seashells and mementos, and when a man is washed ashore, she collects him too.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the castaway, the mystery surrounding him grows. He has abrasions and a deep cut that looks suspiciously like a knife wound, and he speaks in careful, educated English, yet his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Their attraction grows, and while she longs to return the man to his rightful home, evidence against him mounts. With danger pursuing them from every side, will Laura ever find the answers and love she seeks?”
Series: A stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Luke 15:8-9 at the beginning; A handful of Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, & read; Prayers, Thanking God, Praising God, & Blessings over food; Church going, Hiding in a church, & a sermon; A hymn is sung and said; Talks about God & serving Him; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Laura wonders if God truly holds her fate in His hands or if she life has been all happenstance (she wonders this a couple times, but at the end realizes that she is in God’s hands); Laura prays often, but does question if God will hear and answer her prayers (once); Alex realizes about halfway that he does believe that God hears his prayers and that God has not promised that he would live an easy life; Mentions of God, Jesus, & serving Him; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, praising God, & blessings over food; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, & reverends/clergymen; Mentions of a child’s playset of Noah’s Ark; A few mentions of others trusting and relying on God after doubting Him; A few mentions of Heaven; A few mentions of hymns; A few mentions of being Blessed; A couple mentions of those & events in the Bible; A couple mentions of Holiday services (Christmas & Easter) at churches; A couple mentions of wishing someone Godspeed; A mention of a young Alex railing against God for his mother’s death; A mention of religious persecution; A mention of a christening; A mention of someone’s journey to eternity; A mention of a man crossing himself; A mention of a headstone that has the Madonna and child; A mention of a man saying that his wife is a saint, but he is not; A mention of a woman wanting to avoid even the appearance of sin; A mention of a man saying that he doesn’t care about a fundraiser for the church, but will go because of the women there;
*Note: The phrase “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” is said; Celebrating & mentions of Allantide (a holiday celebrating St. Allan on October 31st), All Saints’ Day, & different items/superstitions (such as a carved jack-o’-lanterns from large turnips & a superstition of sleeping with an apple under your pillow and tossing the peel to see your future spouse’s initial (Laura says she doesn’t believe in such things, but her cousin says it’s just harmless fun and it turns out to be accurate)); Mentions of a legend of a man who sold her soul & the haunting howl of the wind people say is him (a ghost tale); Mentions of superstitious people & superstitions (including about a woman being above a ship is bad luck); Mentions of stories about piskies, mermaids, & curses; A few mentions of a man being called a devil & another being called a “charming devil”; A couple mentions of someone’s eyes having evil intent towards another; A couple mentions of a horse costume looking more like a devil than a horse; A mention of Laura’s uncle (a vicar) mostly not believing in ghosts as he’s a “learned man of God”; A mention of a woman saying that men can’t stand it when a woman doesn’t think they’re God’s gift [to women]; A mention of a hellish place; A mention of a man saying he’s “devilishly handsome”; A mention that someone being large does not mean they’re slow, “any more than having red hair makes one a devil”; A mention of a witch.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘bah’, a ‘blasted’, a ‘dash and blast’, a ‘thunder and turf’, two forms of ‘stupid’, 2 ‘idiot’ (used in referring to a very large man and people assuming that he’s slow), and four ‘dashed’s; A bit of eye rolling; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Seeing shipwrecks, people being tossed overboard, bodies, deaths, & Recalling all of it and being tied up (up to semi-detailed); Recalling the death of a toddler (an illness, up to semi-detailed); Being held at gunpoint, Seeing someone shot and killed, Fighting, Knives, Blood/Bleeding, Pain, & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Being ill & Passing out (up to semi-detailed); Drinking bee wine at an event (Laura) & a sip of ale (Alex); Some lying (to save face, to keep secrets, to be safe, to keep someone from disapproving, and/or find out information); All about many, many mentions of shipwrecks, drownings, deaths, bodies, injuries from such events, & some people leading ships to a coast to crash and get their goods (up to semi-detailed); All about many, many mentions of the war, treason, fighting, spies, rebels, rebellions, prisons of war, prisoner camps, being on the opposite side of family members, executions, & deaths (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of injuries, illnesses, blood/bleeding, stitches, pain, & deaths (including a child, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of guns being aimed at people & someone being shot and killed (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a man that prefers there to be no survivors on a shipwreck so that he can get some of the goods from the ship & him wanting to kill the last survivor; Mentions of fights/brawls, fighting, violence, taunting others, & being tied up (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of crimes, criminals, arrests, & penalties of fines and death; Mentions of stealing, stolen items, thefts, & thieves; Mentions of pirates & smugglers; Mentions of alcohol, flasks, social drinking at events/balls, drinking, drunks, & taverns/taprooms; Mentions of smoking, cigars, pipes, & tobacco; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deceit; Mentions of prejudice towards outsiders and/or foreigners; Mentions of grief (parents, wives, husbands, close friends, a loved one, a son, a sister, & a brother); A few mentions of a fire; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of gambling; A couple mentions of bribes; A couple mentions of hatred; A mention of assassination attempts; A mention of snuff boxes; A mention of eavesdropping;
*Note: Laura feels out of place with her family as she is not blood-related to any of them & places an importance of finding out more about her biological family; Laura feels resentment towards her parents for leaving her & then not returning (dying) after a trip (this is resolved by the end with forgiveness); A mention of a baby being abandoned in a churchyard.
Sexual Content- Two forehead kisses, a neck kiss, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and three semi-detailed kisses; Staring a someone’s lips (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss & touch (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Winks & Blushes; Noticing (including a man’s hairy chest and hairy legs, border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Laura gets into bed with an injured and unconscious Alex to warm him (she feels awkward doing so as it feels intimate, but is not caught by her guardians nor is it brought up again); Laura and Alex have to share a room, but there are two beds (it’s assumed that they are married and they do not correct it; Later at a different place, they have to go along with a lie to a woman that they are newly married; Alex promises to behave gentlemanly and warns Laura at one point to go back to her room before he breaks his word); Laura is helped by a maid to undress for bed and Alex tries not to notice but ends up leaving the room due to being he’s flustered and noticing (up to semi-detailed); Alex helps loosen Laura’s stays & Laura imagines being kissed and held by him (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing a couple in a fond embrace; Mentions of a wife’s affair & her being pregnant with another man’s child (*Spoiler* ; Mentions of how servants used to warm their masters by lying in bed with them & Laura wonders if she should do that for Alex, who is freezing & injured (she does and does not get caught by her guardians); Mentions of flirting, flirts, blushes, & winks; A few mentions of couples kissing & kisses; A few mentions of touches, embraces, & hand holding; A few mentions of a wife leaving her husband for another man; A few mentions of elopement & a young woman running off with a man (unmarried); A few mentions of reputations & propriety; A few mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of a belief that if a girl is touched by a person in a certain costume, she’ll be pregnant or married by the end of the year; A couple mentions of a woman’s sensual appeal; A mention of a possible unwed mother; A mention of a man seducing a maid; A mention of a man (mostly) teasing Laura that he’ll share a bed with her; A mention of a romantic tête-à-tête; A mention of words uttered innocently but can be taken another way, so Laura blushes; A mention of a man saying something that would sound flattering from someone else, but sounds suggestive from him; A mention of a man not having a relationship with a woman (misunderstood and corrected); Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of wives/mothers who died in childbirth & a stillborn baby; A mention of that in some countries and traditions, a man is encouraged to marry his brother’s widow.
-Laura Callaway, age 23
-Alexander Lucas
3rd P.O.V. switches between them & In the Prologue and Epilogue, it is in her 1st person P.O.V.
Set in 1813-1814 (Epilogue in 1815)
392 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Treasure hunting was one of my favorite hobbies as a child—though, I’ll admit the parks nearby didn’t have much treasures, but sparkly trash like a broken bracelet or bottle cap.
Maybe that’s why I was so interested in this story, particularly the element of Laura trying to reunite items that have been washed ashore after a shipwreck to the families of the deceased. Those parts were truly the most interesting and I even teared up a few times at certain parts regarding her findings. I absolutely adored her compassion for others and how kind she was.
My only “compliant”, if you will, were the few times that Laura or Alex noticed something physically about the other that felt scandalous for the time period. It might not be scandalous nowadays to notice a man’s chest or muscle-y legs or even to cut his hair, but it felt so intimate for the time period and therefore made me a bit uncomfortable.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though, overall. If I could, I would give this book a 3.75 stars and rank it as possibly my favorite by this author. It truly captured my interest, and I didn’t find this book to be slow or unable to keep my attention. There were so many parts that I honestly forgot I was reading and had the scenes playing out vividly in my head. I found it to be an enjoyable story, personally, and could be a possible read for older teens.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
November 14, 2020
4 ⭐️
Sitting in my favorite reading spot, I sip my steaming cup of coffee while writing this review. I just finished this lovely book by Julie Klassen. She writes a historical romance that’s fluent and captivating.
I knew nothing about shipwrecks and what became of the crew and cargo. JK did a superb job explaining it all to me. It was fascinating. How the sea is uncontrollable and learning of the fate of those who survive.
I loved the romance and JK always does a great job with mysterious twists and turns.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but that could just be me. I really loved this one! I highly recommend it if you love historical Christian romance.
Quotes from the Chapter pages....
“Bodies washed ashore were not allowed Christian burial until 1808, when a Cornishman, Davies Gilbert, succeeded in getting an Act of Parliament passed for their burial in churchyards.”
—A. K. Hamilton Jenkin, Cornish
“The news of the wreck it soon spread along shore, And women and men ran for gain; Thus numbers they harden each other the more, That love of curst money may reign.” —Religious tract by an anonymous clergyman
Thank you Bethany House Publishers via NETGALLEY for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Sitting in my favorite reading spot, I sip my steaming cup of coffee while writing this review. I just finished this lovely book by Julie Klassen. She writes a historical romance that’s fluent and captivating.
I knew nothing about shipwrecks and what became of the crew and cargo. JK did a superb job explaining it all to me. It was fascinating. How the sea is uncontrollable and learning of the fate of those who survive.
I loved the romance and JK always does a great job with mysterious twists and turns.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but that could just be me. I really loved this one! I highly recommend it if you love historical Christian romance.
Quotes from the Chapter pages....
“Bodies washed ashore were not allowed Christian burial until 1808, when a Cornishman, Davies Gilbert, succeeded in getting an Act of Parliament passed for their burial in churchyards.”
—A. K. Hamilton Jenkin, Cornish
“The news of the wreck it soon spread along shore, And women and men ran for gain; Thus numbers they harden each other the more, That love of curst money may reign.” —Religious tract by an anonymous clergyman
Thank you Bethany House Publishers via NETGALLEY for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2022
Please see my review here https://veganbookblogger.wordpress.co...
One of my favorite authors, though I may be behind in my reads I will always read every book I can get my hands on by this author.
This book is set on the windswept Cornish coast. The area has quite a few shipwrecks and many of the areas inhabitants are known to have lost a loved one to these wrecks. Very atmospheric, you can feel the wildness of the wind tossing the ships about.
As the ships sink wreckers search the area for valuables that have washed ashore.
The man Laura rescues from the shipwreck near her Cornish home is surrounded in mystery, who is he and why does he have strange injuries on his body? The romance between Alex and Laura, the woman who rescues him after the shipwreck near her Cornwall home. I also enjoyed reading about the Cornish coast and it's rugged storms. Atmospheric and full of interesting characters the plot kept me entertained and I found it hard to put down.
Published December 1st 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
One of my favorite authors, though I may be behind in my reads I will always read every book I can get my hands on by this author.
This book is set on the windswept Cornish coast. The area has quite a few shipwrecks and many of the areas inhabitants are known to have lost a loved one to these wrecks. Very atmospheric, you can feel the wildness of the wind tossing the ships about.
As the ships sink wreckers search the area for valuables that have washed ashore.
The man Laura rescues from the shipwreck near her Cornish home is surrounded in mystery, who is he and why does he have strange injuries on his body? The romance between Alex and Laura, the woman who rescues him after the shipwreck near her Cornwall home. I also enjoyed reading about the Cornish coast and it's rugged storms. Atmospheric and full of interesting characters the plot kept me entertained and I found it hard to put down.
Published December 1st 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 25, 2022
There were some things I liked but mostly I was bored 😕
I didn’t care much about this girl’s back story for some reason. And I also didn’t care about the dude’s!
It did get exciting when they were on the run. And the faith parts were great.
Certainly not my favourite from her, maybe even my least favourite to date.
I know a lot of other people who loved this one, so give it chance if the synopsis interests you!
Clean and no language. There is one scene where she needs help undoing her dress and the guy struggles with that but otherwise, there was barely any romantic scenes in my opinion.
I didn’t care much about this girl’s back story for some reason. And I also didn’t care about the dude’s!
It did get exciting when they were on the run. And the faith parts were great.
Certainly not my favourite from her, maybe even my least favourite to date.
I know a lot of other people who loved this one, so give it chance if the synopsis interests you!
Clean and no language. There is one scene where she needs help undoing her dress and the guy struggles with that but otherwise, there was barely any romantic scenes in my opinion.
January 9, 2021
I generally liked this book. However, it doesn’t fit anywhere near my categories for being great.
It is set in 1812 Cornwell England. It starts with a shipwreck; moves to a bit of a detective like mode and finally ends up as a love story.
The pace is kind of slow and I think it was very predictable about what was going to happen in the last third of the book.
I lightly recommend.
It is set in 1812 Cornwell England. It starts with a shipwreck; moves to a bit of a detective like mode and finally ends up as a love story.
The pace is kind of slow and I think it was very predictable about what was going to happen in the last third of the book.
I lightly recommend.
July 31, 2023
I think one of the best things about this Cornwall book is that it isn't just another book about smugglers and all the things. I mean, if I see Cornwall, I automatically think smuggler. This book acknowledges the practice and why, but it shows more about the story--and how those without ties to the area might not understand why the locals do what they do.
I really enjoyed Laura and especially her nurse friend. Alexander... he was a conundrum for me. I think I like him. I grew to respect him over time, but I'm still not sure I actually like him. I sort of feel like Laura decided she liked him because we would expect her to.
That should mean I didn't actually like reading about them, and it's not true. I actually think it's part of the book's strength. These characters were oddly very realistic for people whose lives and thoughts and expectations I couldn't really grasp with my 21st-century ideals and ideas. That made for interesting reading.
In all, however, seeing how different people live out their faith and where their own flesh interferes with that really made the greatest impact of all on me. Well done, Ms. Klassen.
I really enjoyed Laura and especially her nurse friend. Alexander... he was a conundrum for me. I think I like him. I grew to respect him over time, but I'm still not sure I actually like him. I sort of feel like Laura decided she liked him because we would expect her to.
That should mean I didn't actually like reading about them, and it's not true. I actually think it's part of the book's strength. These characters were oddly very realistic for people whose lives and thoughts and expectations I couldn't really grasp with my 21st-century ideals and ideas. That made for interesting reading.
In all, however, seeing how different people live out their faith and where their own flesh interferes with that really made the greatest impact of all on me. Well done, Ms. Klassen.
November 30, 2020
It is 1812, and Laura Callaway feels like a castaway in Cornwall, where she lives with her uncle and his somewhat disapproving wife. Missing her parents, who are presumed dead, Laura has found solace and purpose in scouring the shores of Cornwall after shipwrecks. She finds and collects lost belongings and attempts to return them to the families of their owners. She does this under the disapproving eye of the Wreckers, men who try to seize and sell the cargo of wrecked ships, despite laws to the contrary. When a stranger is washed ashore, the Wreckers want to kill him, but Laura saves him too. However, she begins to have questions as more lost items turn up. Can this stranger be trusted?
This is a wonderful, well-researched book by Julie Klassen. The laws and practices surrounding wrecked ships of the time were fascinating. Klassen also provided tidbits of Cornish history, mythology, and practices at the beginning of each chapter. The characters sometimes converse in the old Cornish language. Legendary wrecker Tom Parsons is a major character in this novel, and the Napoleonic wars play a part. The romance is well written, and there is a Christian theme of forgiveness throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This is a wonderful, well-researched book by Julie Klassen. The laws and practices surrounding wrecked ships of the time were fascinating. Klassen also provided tidbits of Cornish history, mythology, and practices at the beginning of each chapter. The characters sometimes converse in the old Cornish language. Legendary wrecker Tom Parsons is a major character in this novel, and the Napoleonic wars play a part. The romance is well written, and there is a Christian theme of forgiveness throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
December 7, 2020
I absolutely loved the moody atmosphere of this book with its Cornish setting and air of mystery. Laura is a character that's easy to sympathize with- she's not in the most ideal circumstances, but she makes the best of it with grace and strength. Her compassion for her elderly neighbor and the genuine friendship they share shows a lot about her personality. As a collector myself, I thought her beach combing was an interesting quirk, and one that led to the rescue of Alexander. One of my favorite storylines is where the heroine nurses the hero back to health, and I particularly enjoyed the friendship and slow romance between Laura and Alexander. The way the details of his life unfolded slowly throughout the book kept me enthralled and the sense of danger added urgency to the plot. This is a book of discovery in more ways than one! Highly recommend!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Read
January 22, 2021Loved the gorgeous setting, the Cornish customs and traditions, and a plot that whisked me away. The heroine endeared herself to me by creating a purpose for herself, and one that was so important and compassionate for people she'd never met. Pieces of the hero's past were revealed in stories along the way, but without using the time-slip format. I appreciated knowing his history because the plot wouldn't have been as meaningful without it. Fans of Poldark or Cornwall in general will not want to miss this story.
February 19, 2021
I’ve been trying to think about how to explain this book, and the words that pop into my mind are moody, daring, morose, and yet cozy at the same time. I actually googled several places that were mentioned along the coast, historical facts about the shipwrecks, and random bits of information that I had never heard of before, like what a hurdy-gurdy was, and information about the Allentide tradition. I found the shipwreck setting fresh, and it felt alive to me. I could hear, taste, and smell this place! Klassen always does a great job with really planting me into where her story is set. The theme of forgiveness was well executed, and felt genuine. It was a very pleasing story to read; I learned, I escaped, I enjoyed the reminder to give grace, and forgive those who have hurt you.
December 1, 2020
Thank you, Julie Klassen, Bethany House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!
I always jump at the opportunity to read anything by Julie Klassen. A Castaway on Cornwall is definitely one of my most anticipated reads for this year. Laura Callaway is an orphan living with extended family in Cornwall but does not feel like she belongs. She spends most of her time walking the beach collecting items from shipwrecks. She does her best to identify the owners to bring them peace. Until one day, she finds a man on the shore, he is alive, but only just. Laura saves him. However, he has an accent and his injuries are quite suspicious. He doesn’t seem like he is dangerous but he is definitely not telling her the truth about who he is…
This is an enchanting novel set in the backdrop of the aftermath of the French Revolution. England and France are at war. Everyone is eyed with suspicion. I absolutely love the historical detail even though it is not the highlight of the novel. The highlight is the characters, specifically Laura and Alexander. Both are castaways in their own way. It only makes sense that they would connect. I love Laura’s development as she discovers what home truly is!
Even though this novel has a pretty slow start, it does pick up. There is actually quite a bit of suspense! In fact, there are a few twists and unpredictable endings. I was absolutely shocked with one of the plot points, so it will definitely keep readers on their toes. However, with all Julie Klassen’s novels, the description is absolutely beautiful! I have even added a visit to Cornwall to my travel bucket list…after COVID, of course. Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book releases tomorrow, December 1st, 2021!
I always jump at the opportunity to read anything by Julie Klassen. A Castaway on Cornwall is definitely one of my most anticipated reads for this year. Laura Callaway is an orphan living with extended family in Cornwall but does not feel like she belongs. She spends most of her time walking the beach collecting items from shipwrecks. She does her best to identify the owners to bring them peace. Until one day, she finds a man on the shore, he is alive, but only just. Laura saves him. However, he has an accent and his injuries are quite suspicious. He doesn’t seem like he is dangerous but he is definitely not telling her the truth about who he is…
This is an enchanting novel set in the backdrop of the aftermath of the French Revolution. England and France are at war. Everyone is eyed with suspicion. I absolutely love the historical detail even though it is not the highlight of the novel. The highlight is the characters, specifically Laura and Alexander. Both are castaways in their own way. It only makes sense that they would connect. I love Laura’s development as she discovers what home truly is!
Even though this novel has a pretty slow start, it does pick up. There is actually quite a bit of suspense! In fact, there are a few twists and unpredictable endings. I was absolutely shocked with one of the plot points, so it will definitely keep readers on their toes. However, with all Julie Klassen’s novels, the description is absolutely beautiful! I have even added a visit to Cornwall to my travel bucket list…after COVID, of course. Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book releases tomorrow, December 1st, 2021!
October 31, 2020
A Castaway in Cornwall is a regency tale of shipwrecks, smugglers, war, and romance. Each of these individually can make a great story, but together is even better.
I enjoyed the main characters in this novel. The supporting cast was well varied and added depth to the story as well. Some of the character development was brought on by situations I found a little far fetched but still made for an entertaining novel.
The setting was beautiful, but I just didn't feel like I was there as I read. I can't blame Julie Klassen for this, however, as she was unable to travel when writing this story (due to COVID19) and therefore had to base her writing on research rather than actual experience. I can only imagine the challenge in doing so.
The plot was quite well thought out, albeit unrealistic at times. The pace picked up a bit during the second half of the story which I quite enjoyed.
I enjoyed the main characters in this novel. The supporting cast was well varied and added depth to the story as well. Some of the character development was brought on by situations I found a little far fetched but still made for an entertaining novel.
The setting was beautiful, but I just didn't feel like I was there as I read. I can't blame Julie Klassen for this, however, as she was unable to travel when writing this story (due to COVID19) and therefore had to base her writing on research rather than actual experience. I can only imagine the challenge in doing so.
The plot was quite well thought out, albeit unrealistic at times. The pace picked up a bit during the second half of the story which I quite enjoyed.
October 4, 2022
4⭐️
I struggle with rating this one because it was everything I needed for a 5⭐️, but for some reason, something was missing and I don’t know what…
My first attempt:
DNFd at 11% because I felt the story was progressing so slowly.
The narrator, Liz Jasicki, is amazing though!!!
I struggle with rating this one because it was everything I needed for a 5⭐️, but for some reason, something was missing and I don’t know what…
My first attempt:
DNFd at 11% because I felt the story was progressing so slowly.
The narrator, Liz Jasicki, is amazing though!!!
December 2, 2020
It is 1812, and Laura Callaway feels like a castaway in Cornwall, where she lives with her uncle and his somewhat disapproving wife. Missing her parents, who are presumed dead, Laura has found solace and purpose in searching the shores after shipwrecks. She finds and collects lost belongings and attempts to return them to the families of their owners. She does this under the disapproving eye of the Wreckers, men who try to seize and sell the cargo of wrecked ships, despite laws to the contrary. When a stranger is washed ashore, the Wreckers want to kill him, but Laura saves him too. However, she begins to have questions as more lost items turn up. Can this stranger be trusted?
This is a wonderful, well-researched book by Julie Klassen. The laws and practices surrounding wrecked ships of the time were fascinating. Klassen also provided tidbits of Cornish history, mythology, and practices at the beginning of each chapter. The characters sometimes converse in the old Cornish language. Legendary wrecker Tom Parsons is a major character in this novel, and the Napoleonic wars play a part. The romance is well written, and there is a Christian theme of forgiveness throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
I would recommend this to any fan of historical fiction and romance.
This is a wonderful, well-researched book by Julie Klassen. The laws and practices surrounding wrecked ships of the time were fascinating. Klassen also provided tidbits of Cornish history, mythology, and practices at the beginning of each chapter. The characters sometimes converse in the old Cornish language. Legendary wrecker Tom Parsons is a major character in this novel, and the Napoleonic wars play a part. The romance is well written, and there is a Christian theme of forgiveness throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
I would recommend this to any fan of historical fiction and romance.
April 3, 2023
I've had an infatuation with Cornwall since Poldark came out, and since the series ended I have tried to find other ways to get my fill of the little coastal village in England, and I really enjoyed this story. I'd like to read it in full sometime later, since I started out listening to the audiobook version. It was moody and mysterious and romantic, and just exactly what I hoping for when I started it. :)
January 25, 2021
I always look forward to a new Julie Klassen book to come out. This one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the seaside setting. Alexander and Laura were a cute couple. Jago and Mary Chegwin were the nicest. I couldn’t stand Francois La Roche. It had a great ending. Overall,this was a good book,but not one of my favorite Julie Klassen books.
January 15, 2022
North Cornwall, England 1813
The pages swept me away in the seaside life of young adult Laura Calloway who has lost her parents and lives with her aunt, uncle and cousin. I particularly enjoyed her hunts for treasure along the shore and friendship with an older lady in the area.
Each chapter begins with an epigraph.
Another lovely novel by Julie Klassen.
The pages swept me away in the seaside life of young adult Laura Calloway who has lost her parents and lives with her aunt, uncle and cousin. I particularly enjoyed her hunts for treasure along the shore and friendship with an older lady in the area.
Each chapter begins with an epigraph.
Another lovely novel by Julie Klassen.
December 2, 2020
I have read almost all of Julie Klassen’s books and enjoyed every single one. This story had me so captivated that I finished it in one day. Klassen’s books are so well written, with relatable characters, a touch of romance and a fair amount of intrigue and adventure. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy clean, historical fiction with a touch of inspiration.
I received a free ebook for review from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
I received a free ebook for review from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
January 16, 2021
I really struggled with what to rate this book...I had figured I would give it 5, for the story was absolutely amazing and captivating throughout the whole book, but towards the end there was a couple parts I didn't appreciate as much, so therefore I decided to give it 4.
Definitely my favorite part about it was that it was set in Cornwall, I've always loved Cornwall and it's been my biggest dream to go there one day, so it was wonderful to visit in this book! 😊
All the love and heartache was just about enough to bring tears to my eyes many times...just when I would think the heartache would be over, I would be wrong and more would come.
I loved the message in it...how it really emphasized to stay close to God through everything - he has a plan, even when it's hard to understand it all.
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed..."
Definitely my favorite part about it was that it was set in Cornwall, I've always loved Cornwall and it's been my biggest dream to go there one day, so it was wonderful to visit in this book! 😊
All the love and heartache was just about enough to bring tears to my eyes many times...just when I would think the heartache would be over, I would be wrong and more would come.
I loved the message in it...how it really emphasized to stay close to God through everything - he has a plan, even when it's hard to understand it all.
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed..."
June 12, 2022
What a beautiful story of love, loss, family, and mystery. 4 stars! If you enjoy shows like Poldark and like a good Cornwall setting, you will love this book. Julie Klassen knows how to write a beautiful love story interweaves into an interesting historical setting, along with many mysterious twists and turns along the way. I also love the way she sprinkles faith and scriptures throughout her stories. We can obviously see the characters are Christian and I appreciate that.
This is set in the year 1812 in Cornwall, England. Laura Callaway walks the shores of Cornwall after shipwrecks occur. Laura collects lost items and her purpose is to return them to the families of their owners, if possible. She feels like a “Castaway in Cornwall” because she has lost her parents and lives with her Uncle and his new, unpleasant wife. Everything changes for Laura when a ship wrecks and a strange man is washed ashore and needs help. She proceeds to help this man and there are so many questions about who this man is, why is he here, what was he doing on the ship? The story takes off from here.
I enjoyed this story overall. The first several chapters I was intrigued in the idea of a woman rescuing a “shipwrecked man” on the shores. I loved the main characters of Alexander and Laura the most. I enjoyed the scenes at the beginning where we got to see her helping Alexander being nursed back to health and the scenes walking along the shores. I also loved how we got to see how Laura was trying to reach out to the families who lost items or family members.
I struggled a bit in the middle – perhaps because I was reading multiple books at one time – but once everything started happening around 70%, I was really interested again! I liked how the main characters were able to make certain resolutions with family and learn about what happened to others they cared about.
The ending was a bit wrapped up conveniently, but that’s OK – didn’t take away from the story much for me. 😊 It was well deserved.
This is set in the year 1812 in Cornwall, England. Laura Callaway walks the shores of Cornwall after shipwrecks occur. Laura collects lost items and her purpose is to return them to the families of their owners, if possible. She feels like a “Castaway in Cornwall” because she has lost her parents and lives with her Uncle and his new, unpleasant wife. Everything changes for Laura when a ship wrecks and a strange man is washed ashore and needs help. She proceeds to help this man and there are so many questions about who this man is, why is he here, what was he doing on the ship? The story takes off from here.
I enjoyed this story overall. The first several chapters I was intrigued in the idea of a woman rescuing a “shipwrecked man” on the shores. I loved the main characters of Alexander and Laura the most. I enjoyed the scenes at the beginning where we got to see her helping Alexander being nursed back to health and the scenes walking along the shores. I also loved how we got to see how Laura was trying to reach out to the families who lost items or family members.
I struggled a bit in the middle – perhaps because I was reading multiple books at one time – but once everything started happening around 70%, I was really interested again! I liked how the main characters were able to make certain resolutions with family and learn about what happened to others they cared about.
The ending was a bit wrapped up conveniently, but that’s OK – didn’t take away from the story much for me. 😊 It was well deserved.
December 22, 2020
Heavy sigh. I read too fast and now it's over and I have that unsettling post-immersive-read melancholy. :-( Honestly, 'coming to' in the 21st century -- especially in this COVID era -- has left me shell-shocked and aching for the simpler times of wreckers and smugglers and shipwrecks and spies. Bwahahahaha!
Every time I read a new Julie Klassen novel I think she can't possibly top it and then the next one comes out and she does! Part of her draw for me is her impeccable research. The author's notes at the back of the book are nearly as fascinating as the novel itself! And then, the way she weaves all those facts into spellbinding fiction sends me into a bibliophile ecstasy that puts me in a speed reading frenzy until it's over all too soon. Hence the aforementioned blues.
A Castaway in Cornwall is an atmospheric masterpiece of beguiling storytelling. Suspense. Danger. Betrayal. Romance. Oh-la-la -- the way Klassen draws out the mystery of the castaway had me on edge all the way through. Who is he? What is he hiding? Friend or foe? The answers are anything but clear cut and Laura finds herself challenged at every turn. And then there's the romance -- tinged with a certain amount of desperation as it all seems so impossibly doomed. And complicated.
The author also challenges her characters (and readers) to examine perspectives. Can anything every really be all black or all white? And when one man's loyalty is another's betrayal...how do we determine which one is right? Plus there's a magnificent faith thread woven throughout that deftly ties in with the castaway theme in the title. So many brilliant details that enrich the read and have left me with plenty to ponder.
Stunning. Breathtaking. Unputdownable. You'll feel compelled to rush through, but try to pace yourself and savor every blissful moment.
Every time I read a new Julie Klassen novel I think she can't possibly top it and then the next one comes out and she does! Part of her draw for me is her impeccable research. The author's notes at the back of the book are nearly as fascinating as the novel itself! And then, the way she weaves all those facts into spellbinding fiction sends me into a bibliophile ecstasy that puts me in a speed reading frenzy until it's over all too soon. Hence the aforementioned blues.
A Castaway in Cornwall is an atmospheric masterpiece of beguiling storytelling. Suspense. Danger. Betrayal. Romance. Oh-la-la -- the way Klassen draws out the mystery of the castaway had me on edge all the way through. Who is he? What is he hiding? Friend or foe? The answers are anything but clear cut and Laura finds herself challenged at every turn. And then there's the romance -- tinged with a certain amount of desperation as it all seems so impossibly doomed. And complicated.
The author also challenges her characters (and readers) to examine perspectives. Can anything every really be all black or all white? And when one man's loyalty is another's betrayal...how do we determine which one is right? Plus there's a magnificent faith thread woven throughout that deftly ties in with the castaway theme in the title. So many brilliant details that enrich the read and have left me with plenty to ponder.
Stunning. Breathtaking. Unputdownable. You'll feel compelled to rush through, but try to pace yourself and savor every blissful moment.
January 6, 2021
In this story a probably by Poldark inspired Julie Klassen takes us to Cornwall and delves into the world of shipreckers and smugglers.
I keep reading Klassen, because to me she is one of the most solid contemporary writers in christian fiction, but I find that I have a hard time connecting with her protagonists. They are superficially written and if there is one thing I cannot abide, it is badly composed characters. The story was also a let-down, - there was much potential in the premise, but it wasn't delivered.
I'm still giving it 3 stars, because it was entertaining while it lasted and it is solid storytelling as I said before, even if a little lifeless in my opinion.
I keep reading Klassen, because to me she is one of the most solid contemporary writers in christian fiction, but I find that I have a hard time connecting with her protagonists. They are superficially written and if there is one thing I cannot abide, it is badly composed characters. The story was also a let-down, - there was much potential in the premise, but it wasn't delivered.
I'm still giving it 3 stars, because it was entertaining while it lasted and it is solid storytelling as I said before, even if a little lifeless in my opinion.
February 14, 2021
I love Julie Klassen's books and this is a very good read. She writes beautiful prose. The epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter are a lovely addition.
You can tell an amazing amount of research went into this book and the history in the story is very interesting.
The mystery or the problems that are in her stories are well worked out and do keep you hooked.
I have long wanted to visit Cornwall and even more so after reading this book. There's just something magical about the place.
I docked a star because there was a little too much God in it for me and people who didn't deserve it, too easily forgiven.
I have to mention the absolutely gorgeous cover!
You can tell an amazing amount of research went into this book and the history in the story is very interesting.
The mystery or the problems that are in her stories are well worked out and do keep you hooked.
I have long wanted to visit Cornwall and even more so after reading this book. There's just something magical about the place.
I docked a star because there was a little too much God in it for me and people who didn't deserve it, too easily forgiven.
I have to mention the absolutely gorgeous cover!
December 3, 2021
Although I can't give a proper rating due to my lack of reading abilities during this book, I can say how much I thoroughly enjoyed it when I was able to read it! Please note: It's taken me much longer than usual to read but it's in no part on the quality of this book.
I loved how this book is so unique and despite not being there for research, Julie does an amazing job creating this historical fiction and bringing it to life. I also enjoyed how she tied up the story. So lovely. Plus, who doesn't love this cover!
I loved how this book is so unique and despite not being there for research, Julie does an amazing job creating this historical fiction and bringing it to life. I also enjoyed how she tied up the story. So lovely. Plus, who doesn't love this cover!
August 28, 2021
Maybe a better RTC, but for now:
While it wrapped up a little on the quick side, I haven’t felt so immersed in a book in quite some time. I truly felt transported, and it helped me through some days of not quite feeling so great, so 5 stars it gets!
While it wrapped up a little on the quick side, I haven’t felt so immersed in a book in quite some time. I truly felt transported, and it helped me through some days of not quite feeling so great, so 5 stars it gets!
March 5, 2021
RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Bethany House
Ever since I picked up Julie Klassen's first novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, I have felt like I have been transported back to another time. The way that Klassen writes, takes readers right into the story and invested in the character's lives. The first book I read was part of a series, and I enjoyed it enough that I read the entire series and picked up her next book. This will be my sixth book, third of her standalone novels. The Ivy Hill series reminded me of Jane Austen's stories. Klassen writes under the "Christian Fiction" genre, so the novels are pretty "clean" when it comes to sex and violence. The romances are sweet, but still have passion and chemistry that romance readers are looking for. What I also like about Klassen is that there is usually some kind of mystery. A Castaway in Cornwall reminded me a bit of Graham Winston's Poldark series. The characters are endearing and wicked, and sometimes both. The story is about a young woman who is orphaned, and lives with her uncle by marriage. When she was younger, her parents and maternal aunt and uncle have passed away from an illness. her father's sister and husband took her in. Losing her aunt to childbirth, she and her uncle leaned on one another to keep going. He remarries a widow with a daughter around Laura's age. Her step-aunt sees her in her daughter's way of finding a good marriage. Laura longs to see more of the world, especially where she lost her parents.
The Cornwall coast is known for many shipwrecks and few survivors. Laura, among many others, finds things and tries to send them back to their loved ones. One night when she rescues a man from a Shipwreck, she helps to nurse him back to health. As she gets to know the stranger she starts to think he may be lying about who he is. Yet he can take her to where he parents were last alive. This may be the adventure she has always wanted. The whole book was a fun journey. It was the sweet escape I needed get out of my own head.
***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; Bethany House
Ever since I picked up Julie Klassen's first novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, I have felt like I have been transported back to another time. The way that Klassen writes, takes readers right into the story and invested in the character's lives. The first book I read was part of a series, and I enjoyed it enough that I read the entire series and picked up her next book. This will be my sixth book, third of her standalone novels. The Ivy Hill series reminded me of Jane Austen's stories. Klassen writes under the "Christian Fiction" genre, so the novels are pretty "clean" when it comes to sex and violence. The romances are sweet, but still have passion and chemistry that romance readers are looking for. What I also like about Klassen is that there is usually some kind of mystery. A Castaway in Cornwall reminded me a bit of Graham Winston's Poldark series. The characters are endearing and wicked, and sometimes both. The story is about a young woman who is orphaned, and lives with her uncle by marriage. When she was younger, her parents and maternal aunt and uncle have passed away from an illness. her father's sister and husband took her in. Losing her aunt to childbirth, she and her uncle leaned on one another to keep going. He remarries a widow with a daughter around Laura's age. Her step-aunt sees her in her daughter's way of finding a good marriage. Laura longs to see more of the world, especially where she lost her parents.
The Cornwall coast is known for many shipwrecks and few survivors. Laura, among many others, finds things and tries to send them back to their loved ones. One night when she rescues a man from a Shipwreck, she helps to nurse him back to health. As she gets to know the stranger she starts to think he may be lying about who he is. Yet he can take her to where he parents were last alive. This may be the adventure she has always wanted. The whole book was a fun journey. It was the sweet escape I needed get out of my own head.
***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
May 30, 2023
2.5 ⭐
December 1, 2020
I have been a fan of Julie Klassen since her first novel, which I have read several times. My opinion has not changed. This time, Klassen takes us to the wild, windswept coast of Cornwall as we are caught up in her wonderful storytelling, an ability that has brought great enjoyment to this reader over the years. I have never missed a Klassen book and never intend to. Recommended. My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.
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