Member Reviews
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Hopeful Hearts At The Cornish Cove' by Kim Nash.
Read and reviewed for Kim Nash, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 30th March 2023.
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY KIM!
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its stunning eye catching cover, its setting and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is " 'A delightful story about community, friendship and having the courage to start over, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Lucy Dillon" I am a huge fan of all three of these authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood Books. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book). The other reason I am looking forward to reading this book is because I have done book tours for Kim Nash and am definitely looking forward to reading a book written by her!
This novel consists of 45 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, England, UK. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture .I have actually just returned from a holiday in Cornwall as well as being there previously and going in September so am intrigued to see if I recognise places based on anywhere I visited while there as well as any recommendations on places to visit when I return. Cornwall is a stunning area and I love losing myself there in real life as well as in books.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Meredith Robinson.The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'Hopeful Hearts At The Cornish Cove' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Kim discusses
What an absolute stunner from the extremely talented Kim!! Well done Kim on an absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! This is the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the town coming to life around you.
This book is extremely well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. I absolutely adored the storyline and getting to know the lives of so many different people, seeing their relationships and friendships change and see how they react to secrets, grudges, changes, romance and everything else that goes on in this absolutely fantastic read!! I've not long got home from Cornwall and missed it before I read this book but OMG Kim has made me want to jump in the car and go straight back now!!! Kim's evocative writing skills ensures the readers are absolutely sucked into the stunning storyline with the atmosphere and characters coming to life all around them.. I absolutely fell in love venturing back into Cornwall and Kim portrays life in a small town absolutely perfectly I became so invested in this book that it actually felt like going on a holiday and I absolutely dreaded coming to the end where I had to unpack my suitcase and get back to reality. It was an absolutely compelling and addictive heart lifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. I loved discovering the pasts and histories of the characters and the town and I was absolutely swept away in the story line. The town came to life around me and I cannot wait to return in the next book in what promises to be an absolutely stunning series. I had to laugh at the fact that Meredith bought the lighthouse when she was drunk!! What a girl 😂!! It makes anything I've done when drunk look like child's play! I can't believe it's taken me this long to read one of Kim's books and if this one is anything to go by I just cannot wait to get into more of her previous and future books and escaping back into whichever town or village she masterfully creates!! This book is escapism at its best and is a perfect way to disappear into an amazing world for a while. It is one of those books that I just could not put down and drive everyone mad by walking around reading it every chance I got and ended up devouring it in one sitting!! This book would make an absolutely gorgeous movie which I would absolutely love to see!!
An absolutely gorgeous, page turning and addictive start to what promises to be a stunning series!! Don't even peek into this book until you've cleared your schedules as you won't be able to put it down!!
I became completely invested in the characters, along with the storyline, who were all, well almost all, absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. They all started feeling like friends so quickly having got to meet and know so many of them so well. I felt like I was leaving amazing people and friends and feel quite sad about that but am happy in the knowledge that this book is part of a series which I can't wait to get stuck into more of these gorgeous books. I loved watching how so many characters and personalities from Driftwood develop and go from strength to strength from the first page to the last. I loved watching relationships change and develop and seeing how close knit many of them are. I absolutely loved Meredith who is a strong and brave woman to leave everything behind and start afresh in a new place where she doesn't know anyone. I love how she is determined to win the community over and turned the other cheek even when certain characters were so rude to her. She is definitely a better person than me as I wouldn't have been as polite especially to certain people!! She is such a great female role model which I always love seeing in books being female myself. It was fascinating watching her relationship/friendships with all the different characters change and develop throughout the storyline. I absolutely fell for Clem, after a few meetings as he definitely didn't make the best first impression, who is not only hot but is very handy to have around as well. The apple didn't fall far from the tree as his father was lovely too. I loved how dependable he was and I really enjoyed seeing his character develop. Gemma and Lucy were amazing and I'd love to have chefs, I mean friends like that. They welcomed Meridith with open arms and were a great support network for her. Violet had me laughing out loud on several occasions coming put with many things that were definitely unexpected!! The fact that she was so concerned about her Lanrador Gladys too helped as being an animal lover myself any books including pets or any animal loving characters is definitely a win for me!! There were certain characters that I could quite happily have slapped for being so rude and despicable but you can't love everyone just as in real life. I could go on and on but it's already turned into a bit of a book in itself so I hope I havent bored you and will leave it there!! Regardless of whether you love them or hate them all of these characters work perfectly together to make this a stunning page turner and I cannot wait to return to Driftwood to meet them again!!
Congratulations Kim on an absolutely gorgeous success!!! Im definitely looking forward to my next holiday to Cornwall!!! Welcome to my favourite author club and here is to your next success 🥂 !!!
Overall this is a perfect, stunning, page turning beach or fireplace read with a great gang of characters that will sweep you away to the gorgeous town of Driftwood from the very first page to the end!
Genres covered in this novel include Fiction Mashups, Romance Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Women Writers & Fiction, Literary Fiction, Clean & Wholesome Romance, Contemporary Women's Fiction and Women's Romance Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to fans of the above and fans of Carole Matthews, Susanne O'Leary, Milly Johnson, Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Berry, Sue Roberts, Victoria Hoslop, Lucy Dillon and anyone who loves a gorgeous read perfect for any weather.
270 pages.
This book is just £1.89 to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#HopefulHeartsAtTheCornishCove #KimNash #BoldwoodBooks #Boldwood #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
@HopefulHeartsAtTheCornishCove @KimNash @BoldwoodBooks @Boldwood @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
teaser/ramble at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2023/03/hopeful-hearts-at-cornish-cove-by-kim.html
I have adored Kim Nash since before she even became Kim Nash - Romance Novelist Extraordinaire. She's beginning to scare the ever-livin' out of me, though. My first real post of the year was a two-fer of her Muddleford Cove books. There was much ugly crying and multiple boxes of tissues and snotty sweater (or jumper, depending on which side of the pond you're on) sleeves ... and pure joy to be had.
I think after this one Kim probably owes me a new sweater/jumper ... or I need to find a way to AirMail some G&T across the Atlantic as thank for once again coming to the rescue of my repeatedly shattered being. Please please please tell me this won't be a one-and-done.
This is the right book at the right moment: you're tired, the workload is heavy, you would be happy to do some radical changes in your life and this book is a sort of heaven-sent as it seems to talk to you and talk about you.
I think that Meredith is braver than me and she dares to change finding more than she thought. I love this character and enjoyed her changes and how she acts to change thing and achieve what she didn't know she wanted.
Kim Nash deliver an delightful story that made feel good and smile. I rooted for the characters, wish I was in a lighthouse in Cornwall.
Truffaut, one of the most important French directors of XX century, said something about love song and how they tell the truth about love and feeling. We can define this book escapist but there's a truth behind the dream and there's a moment when you feel like Meredith.
Well done and well written.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this arc, all opinions are mine
If you have a look at my past and future list of contemporary romance reads, you will see that I have a strong tendency to read books set in France and, more lately, Italy. So when this tour was announced I thought I would expand my horizons and read something set in Cornwall in the UK instead. The other reason was there was much excitement at the announcement of this tour and my FOMO kicked in, so I volunteered. And I am glad that I did
I am not sure I have done a lot of internet shopping while I was somewhat tipsy. If I did, I am not sure that I would buy a new house, or more specifically a lighthouse that needs some work to make it into a house. I do understand the attraction of living right on the coast in a historical lighthouse, but the thought of those steps would be enough to put me off. But it doesn't put off Meredith Robinson. Once she gets over the shock, she decides that a new start is exactly what she needs.
However, Mere was in for more shocks when she arrives in the small village of Driftwood Bay. Firstly, there is the surly man who steals her car park, and then a very frosty reception from the locals. But the biggest shock is the condition of the lighthouse. Whilst the ad had said that there would be some work required that is a big different from the completely uninhabitable condition that it is in.Luckily for him, the real estate agent seems to have disappeared completely. Given the situation, Mere isn't sure that Driftwood Bay is the place for her in the long term, but it is her place for now, and she is going to make the best of it.
Luckily not all the locals are so unfriendly. Before too long, Mere has made friends with several people. The most fortuitous relationship is with Clem, who has all the necessary woodworking skills that are needed to convert the interior of the lighthouse into a lovely home. And as much as Mere enjoys spending time with Clem, it is clear that there are secrets, but he is helping her get her house ready before her mother arrives. Mere's relationship with her mother is somewhat difficult so she hopes to be able to impress her for once.
Mere has a heart of gold and before long she is involved with her friends and neighbours, even volunteering to walk Gladys the Labrador. Now, I only became a dog owner (kind of) 6 months ago, but I have become one of those owners. My Insta feed is full of reels of labradors getting up to all sorts of hijinks, so just the mention of Gladys is enoùgh to bring a smile to my face. But even then, there is still animosity from some of the locals and Mere has no idea why.
The thing about these kind of new start stories is that they are feel good books, and so it is with this one. I really enjoyed this story, the setting, most of the characters, and of course Gladys! I also could relate to Mere's mother issues. I am also really enjoying that a lot of these books feature women who are my age, who are taking steps to live the lives they want to live instead of what is expected of them. I still wasn't convinced about the wisdom of buying a lighthouse. Maybe if you could install a lift up the middle I would consider it!
It was only after I finished the book and I read the author's bio that I realised that she is also a book blogger which is awesome!
And now I will need to go back and read Kim Nash's earlier books! Check out the other stops on the blog tour to see what everyone else thought of this fun read!
Meredith Robinson has purchased a dilapidated lighthouse. One of her first problems with her new purchase is that some of her furniture won’t even fit. Secondly, it is so unfit that she has to stay at a B&B at least for a few days until she can make it habitable. Her decision may have been rash, but life had just not been what she might’ve expected. Now that she has the lighthouse, she is determined to give her life a fresh new start.
Some of the members of the small town become very invested in Meredith and her project and one of them recommends a local handyman named Clem as more than a few things need to be worked on in the lighthouse. Meredith finds herself drawn to Clem, but it doesn’t mean that things will be easy for this burgeoning relationship.
I loved this latest book by Kim Nash. It was great to see Meredith as a bit of an older woman in a delightful romance. While this book had a community vibe to it, it took time for Meredith to fit in. That only increased the readability of this book because she was new to the town, but it it was enjoyable to see how she became part of what really was a tight-knit community. If you want a book that is an easy and warm read, one that will leave you smiling, grab a cup of tea and put your feet up because you will be in for a treat.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This was a great romance novel with a balance of story line, character development and spicy scenes that were believable.
The story line featuring a 50ish year old women going through massive life changes and finding herself translates across age brackets and is easily relatable to most. The ending was satisfying but also left me wanting more and to see where the author might take other characters if she were to turn it into a series which the small town vibes would lend it to.
Definitely recommend this to any romance lover!
What a delightful change to have a book set in a lighthouse. The two main characters have a set to in a supermarket car park only to find that Clem ends up helping Meredith in renovating the lighthouse. An easy, but engrossing read which I highly recommend.
This is such a gorgeous book, the perfect start to a new series. Meredith is a lovely character who definitely deserves a happy ending. She had an unhappy marriage and a difficult relationship with her Mother. She is making a fresh start in Cornwall but it's not easy.
I loved the characters and the setting of this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This was an enjoyable read. Heartwarming, humorous and entertaining.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
I adored this delightful book, as usual with Kim’s books I’d got a smile on my face before I finished the first chapter. Kim writes about emotions and relationships SO well. Her characters are so realistic they leap off the page. I giggled at Meredith buying a lighthouse without seeing it late one night after a couple of glasses of wine – I know someone who would do just that! Cornwall is one of my favourite places and I really want to live in a lighthouse now! Kim described the setting so well. Clem was a great character too. Kim has created a light-hearted fun story with some serious undertones slipped in, the relationship between Meredith and her mother being one of them. Do treat yourself to this fabulous read.
I received an e-Arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review!
This book was so cute and heartwarming! It was fun, quick and you feel like at home with the main character Meredith as she goes on a journey buying a lighthouse! The setting was so peaceful. Who doesn't love the ocean??
Meredith ends up with a lighthouse and many things happen when she arrives to the town! Some townsfolk are excited and while some others are just plain rude. There's all kinds of characters. It's just really nice. While she realizes how much work to be done on the lighthouse, Clem a local handyman helps her out. At first they butt heads but in time they learn to appreciate each other and flirt so well. There were bits and pieces that I was chuckling at. So fun! I loved Meredith reactions to the flirting. Could there be something more there than friendship? (Psst....Go get the book to find out!)
I love the friendships that Meredith builds with the townsfolk. It felt warm and nice and like what a friend should do. Vi is a riot! I loved how Meredith helps her out. Meredith's best friend comes to visit which was great. She also befriends the lady from the B&B which was such a nice vibe. It also gives a sense of community. Even the other folks in town warm up.
There is a serious moment in the book regarding to Meredith and her mum. I would say their relationship is a bit rocky. Does her mum and Meredith get along in time? Will they talk about everything that they need to talk about? Will they have a happy ending in their relationship? You need to read this. It is so good in regarding to how people feel and what they go through.
Such a great book to read of fiction, friendship, community, relationships and a cute romance!
Pick this book up today when it comes out.
You won't regret it. I'm glad I read this wonderful story.
I was drawn into this story from the beginning, possibly because of the older protagonists but also because of the story's characterisation, humour and authenticity. The Cornish setting is vibrant, and the renovation of the lighthouse provides the story's added interest, but Meredith and the women she meets make this so readable and relatable. It's a tale of second chances, letting go of the past, learning to trust and community spirit, and it's addictive reading. The humour is also noteworthy and another element in this uplifting read.
I like the characters, community and Cornish setting too.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Another fantastic book from Kim!
I’m a sucker for a renovation themed story and so this gorgeous book was right up my street!
Meredith is a fascinating character, impulsive for sure, strong minded, most definitely and incredibly likeable, completely! It was great to have a main character the same age as me who was totally believable and someone who you warmed to instantly.
I was drawn into the story quickly and remained engrossed in the goings on as Meredith settled into her new life in Cornwall.
I liked her sassy attitude and ability to make the most of her situations. A breath of fresh air!
Clem was another great character, and despite his initial appearance, he becomes a very dependable and likeable character.
Extremely entertaining and enjoyable read, a perfect book to take on your holidays!
I absolutely adore this authors books and I couldn’t wait to read this one and read it in one sitting was a perfect cosy and uplifting read for a Sunday afternoon.
This was an uplifting and life affirming and heartwarming positive read with relatable characters and a real community feel. This book made me go through a whirlwind of emotions and made me laugh out loud one minute and shed a tear the next. This authors books always get to the core of human emotions.
I absolutely loved the descriptions of Cornwall and the setting and could almost feel and touch it from the page. I was left longing to escape and join Meredith in the light house.
I would love a sequel to this to see where the lives of Meredith and clem develop and what happens in all the other fabulous characters in this book lives.
I can’t wait for the next book by this author.
I don't often read women's fiction, but after a tough few days, Hopeful Hearts At The Cornish Cove was just what I needed. Kim Nash describes the Cornish village to which Meredith has moved so clearly that I could picture the landscape in all it's beauty and it felt like a hug between the covers.
The protagonist of Hopeful Hearts At The Cornish Cove is Meredith. Meredith is in her late forties, and for me, this made a change from many central characters in women's fiction who are often in their twenties. It means that Meredith has a little more life experience and this allowed me to emotionally connect with her much more deeply and gain a greater understanding of her hopes and fears. I was really rooting for her to find happiness.
The community in Hopeful Hearts At The Cornish Cove is really close knit, and this is demonstrated by the wariness of the locals towards Meredith when she initially arrives in the village. However, there are some wonderful characters (especially Clem, Gemma, Lucy, James and Vi - and of course, Gladys) and I enjoyed getting to know them alongside Meredith. I feel that many of them still have back stories to be revealed and I look forward to finding out more.
Alongside the more lighthearted storylines, Kim Nash is not afraid to introduce more serious themes, such as grief, self-esteem and depression. These are issues that all resonate with me and they all add an extra layer to this lovely story.
I believe Hopeful Hearts At The Cornish Cove is the beginning of a series and I will definitely be keeping track of future releases!
Let's meet Meredith the leading lady of this wonderful book. Meridith is nearing 50, who needs a fresh start. So one night and one impulsive decision later she is the new owner of a lighthouse. Feeling optimistic Meredith sets out for her new start in life. However she doesn't get the welcome that she thought she would get. She didn't expect to be welcomed with open arms. But neither did she expect the people be so hostile. Plus the lighthouse, isn't precisely, exactly what was advertised.
However Meridith is extremely determined to make the new start a good one, and so she decides to hire a handyman to bring the lighthouse back up to scratch. Together Clem and Meridith work together and soon the lighthouse starts begining to look better and the townspeople start to thaw as they see she isn't so bad.
This is a charming and lovely book. Meredith is a great character with lots of guts, determination, very likeable and endearing. There are both likeable and not so likeable people in this book. It is entertaining and you really root for Meredith throughout.
What a fabulous book this is.
I loved the friendships, disagreements, and general life of this story.
It had me really laughing at times.
Kim Nash has a real knack of writing great characters, people who you feel that you already know, and could be mates with.
The setting is gorgeous, and so is Clem!
An easy 5 stars from me.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy in which I give my honest opinion.
New beginnings, new friends, and a new outlook on life! What a charming and sweet book this was.
Meredith makes an impulsive purchase one night- a lighthouse! This will give her a chance to make changes in her life. She is nearing 50, is not in a relationship, and needs a home. When she arrives in town, she is not welcomed with open arms, in fact the townspeople are downright rude and frosty. Plus, the lighthouse is not as promised by the real estate agent.
Determined to make her now lighthouse a home, she hires a local handyman Clem, the man she had a verbal tiff with upon her arrival. They put that behind them and get down to the business of making her home habitable.
As her home begins to look better, the townspeople begin to defrost and become more welcoming. Meredith begins to think that living here won’t be so bad after all.
This was such a charming and sweet book. I loved Meredith's quiet determination and her thoughts about situations she was in. Her self-talk was relatable and endearing. I liked how she won the town over and the community began to accept her. There is also the right amount of angst in this book to keep me on my toes and keeping my fingers crossed Cornwall's newest resident.
This was my first book by Kim Nash and will not be my last. She has created both likeable and unlikeable characters who made this book interesting and entertaining. Meredith won me over almost instantly and I rooted for her the whole way. She put a smile on my face and had me chuckling from time to time.
Charming and endearing.
#HopefulHeartsattheCornishCove #NetGalley #KimNash #BoldwoodBooks
I love Meredith, i love how she not affraid to start a new live in new place with her age. I laugh her first encounter with Clem and slowly love how they spend time together amd support each other dream. There is family drama, nosy and annoying people and trouble around lighthouse. I enjoy the reading.
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#HopefulHeartsattheCornishCove #KimNash #BooldwoodBooks #NetGalley #ARC
How to buy a lighthouse when drunk, this funny story has twists and turns but is a great read. The characters and settings are great. Who doesn't love a book set in Cornwall. Well worth 5 stars, please can I give it more.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC
Meredith has just made the ultimate spur of the minute purchase and bought a lighthouse in Cornwall without seeing it. The estate agents blurb leads her to believe it's livable but needs some renovations doing. How wrong was that, when Meredith arrives she has a shock to find it is uninhabitable so has to stay at the local B&B
On her way to the village she bumped into a grumpy and very unhelpful local at the local supermarket and hopes she will get a better welcome from the other locals. Unfortunately there are some who seem to have a problem with her and the grumpy man she bumped into turns out to be the best builder around called Clem who she will need to help her with the lighthouse
Absolutely loved it