"The Cornish Cottage by the Sea" by Kim Nash is the second book I’ve read from this talented author, and much like her first, it beautifully captures the charm of the Cornish landscape. The story centers on Jo Jenkins, a woman who has spent her life putting the needs of others before her own. Now that her children have grown up and her ex-husband, Michael, is living with her former friend, Jo, finds herself feeling adrift and uncertain about her future.

Everything changes when she receives a life-altering phone call: Michael's aunt has passed away, leaving her the Cornish cottage in Sandpiper. This quaint cottage holds many fond memories for Jo, who used to spend summers there with Michael and the girls when they were children. However, upon her return, she discovers that the once-vibrant home is in disrepair and requires extensive renovations—repairs that Jo simply can't afford.

As Jo navigates the challenges of restoring the cottage, she meets Seamus, a warm and approachable local electrician who is not only skilled but also possesses a great sense of humor. With the loyal company of his dog Theo, Seamus becomes a crucial ally in Jo’s renovation efforts. Together, they share countless hours working on the house, during which a deep friendship blossoms, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversations.

In Sandpiper, Jo also forms two meaningful friendships with two other women who understand her struggles and aspirations. These connections offer her a sense of belonging and support as she embarks on her journey of self-discovery. and friendship. With each passing day, Jo starts to envision a brighter future—one where she can prioritize her own happiness for a change.

Despite the obstacles she faces, including financial constraints and the looming memories of her past, Jo discovers a hidden secret within the cottage that reaffirms her decision to stay and make a new life for herself. Ultimately, "The Cornish Cottage by the Sea" is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, friendship, and the power of new beginnings.

The Cornish Cottage by the Sea by Kim Nash. The Cornish Cottage by the Sea is a charming story about Jo and Seamus.

Jo is in a bit of a rut with her life but things are about to change for the better when she inherits a cottage by the sea that turns her life around for the better. The cottage sadly isn’t quite as Jo had remembered it but you could easily see the potential of it being the perfect home. I fell in love with it as much as Jo did as well as the fabulous people she meets.

There was so much to love about this story. The beautiful setting, the ram shackled cottage, her new friends as well as Seamus. Jo certainly has her ups and downs and her ex, Michael, absolutely infuriated me. I don’t think I have ever wanted to slap a character as much as I did with him. Even her daughters made me want to give them a good shake. I loved Jo’s mum though who has a big heart. It was a shame to see how selfish some people can be with no thought for others. We get to see the good side of people though through Jo’s new friends and Seamus.

The Cornish Cottage by the Sea was sublime! It whisked me away to a place I would love to call my home and was a reminder of no matter what life throws at you, to keep your chin up, rise above it and concentrate on the good in life. There is a lot of humour with some great one-liners that left me with a smile on my face. It had everything I wanted from this genre with plenty of heart warming moments that was good for the soul. A joyous and uplifting story!

This is my first read by Kim, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. When Jo inherits a cottage, it is at the perfect time in her life as her life is falling apart, even though it is a big project Jo knows with some of the friendly locals that she can make this work and have the life she wants and deserves. The descriptions of the place sounded wonderful, I felt as though I could hear the waves of the sea and smell the sea air. It has made me want to go to Cornwall now. It was an enjoyable and hopeful read. I loved it.

Jo Jenkins is a new divorcee and her ex-husband is now engaged to her former best friend. However, everything in her life isn’t dark because she has a surprise in store. She discovers something completely unexpected, something that brings her hope. She receives a surprising inheritance—an old cottage in Cornwall from her ex-husband’s great aunt. This unexpected gift leaves Jo questioning her current life and wondering if she should leave her familiar surroundings to embrace this new chapter. Could this cottage become her forever home?

At first, Jo’s hesitancy is not surprising. But as she spends more time at the cottage, she begins to realize that it holds the potential to bring her a sense of order and peace. It may not be the beautiful place that she remembered from the past, but between the cottage and its many outbuildings, it has a certain charm that draws her in.

Jo soon meets Seamus, a friendly and talented handyman who proves to be invaluable when it comes to the much-needed renovations. As they work together, they form a deep friendship and Jo begins to rebuild her life. Jo also makes other friends in the small seaside town, and she begins to see a bright future for herself.

While there are certainly challenges along the way, Jo’s determination and the unwavering support of her dear Mum keep her going. The story is filled with heartwarming moments and heartbreaking ones, making it a truly captivating read. Kim Nash’s latest offering is an excellent testament to her wonderful storytelling.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

What a wonderful story! I loved this refreshing read. How lucky Jo is!
I love this quote between her and her Mum about the cottage.
‘Well, you never know. Maybe the very clever universe has a plan for you that you’re not aware of. Life can be full of surprises when you’re not expecting them.
And those surprises can sometimes be best!! Those are the ones to cherish.
I'm so glad that I picked up this book.
Jo reminds me of myself right now. Though I'm not divorced I still feel at a stand still feeling not needed. Especially when everyone's at work during the day.

We follow Jo's life post divorce as she moves to an inherited property and behind to make a new life. She meets Seamus along with several others and begins to find herself. It was a lovely story of love and growth, and recognizing that people around us may be sad or lonely without us having any idea. So kindness should always be the way we treat others.

I've just finished this and it's another gorgeous and uplifting read from Kim Nash who is at the top of this genre!

A beautiful setting with some wonderful characters, I managed to read in a day as I couldn't stop turning the pages.

A fabulous 5 star read 🌟