Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.
While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast–known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors–Laura … survivors–Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents’ fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?
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Set in Cornwall England in the early 1800’s during the Napoleonic Wars, Laura has been taken in by her loving pastor uncle, but is not appreciated by her frugal step-aunt who feels Laura’s beauty will chase away suitors from her daughter. So Laura spends her time combing the beaches for things that have floated in from downed ships. She, one evening spies, a ship that has floundered on the rocks and rushes to help out. While watching to help, she spots a survivor of the ship on the sand, and thus begins an amazing adventure.
This book has a slow start, but once the action begins it kept my attention as I discovered more about Cornwall and the Napoleonic Wars. Klaussen’s vivid descriptions of Cornwall made me feel like I was right there on the windy beach with Laura. Even though I am of English descent, I couldn’t help but root for the French Officer, Alex. Laura reminded me so much of a Cinderella character, and Alex the perfect hero to rescue her. She definitely was a castaway in so many senses of the word. But she and Alex both clung to hope, forgiveness, and redemption as they journeyed together to find their families. With a wide variety of emotions, both found their way to happily ever after.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
A CASTAWAY IN CORNWALL is a story of mixed families, second chances, forgiveness and romance set in rugged Cornwall amidst smuggling, shipwrecks and war. Readers are sure to fall in love with this endearing story.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. Laura has never quite felt like she is accepted in Cornwall as she moved there after her parents’ deaths. She doesn’t always understand the Cornish ways, but tries her best to support and serve. She has a good heart. Alexander is a man with secrets. He is honorable, but must figure out what he can share and who he can trust. They get to know each other as Laura helps to nurse Alexander back to health and as they face challenges amidst a growing attraction. I enjoyed journeying along with them as they work through things and try to find their happily-ever-after.
The story is fairly evenly paced with a few climatic moments here and there. I found it to be an overall interesting story, although there were some lulls and some places where I felt there could have been more depth and intensity. Cornwall is an intriguing place with the shipwrecks and smuggling. It’s a place of strong contrasts and a rugged land and people. The romance was sweet and the inspirational element felt natural, with a very satisfying ending.
In the end, was it what I wished for? If you enjoy character-driven stories of perseverance, family, friendship and love, I’d recommend this one. Klassen is a favorite author and she does well weaving together the Cornish setting with lovable characters and an endearing story.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Laura Callaway is a keeper of treasures. She loves combing the beaches for things that wash ashore from one of the many shipwrecks off the Cornish coast. If there are identifying marks, Laura does her best to track down family members and return the trinkets or mementos. She never expected that the next treasure she would bring home would be a man.
As she aids Alexander Lucas’s recovery, she begins to suspect he isn’t everything he presents himself to be. When a rogue Frenchman turns up with an interest in Mr. Lucas, Laura must decide who is telling the truth—and which is the spy working against her country.
Alexander has seen a lot of loss in his life. His time in Cornwall allows him to think about what is most important, and what he will do to make things right with his family.
I enjoyed this Regency novel. Fans of Poldark will recognize the names of places in this story, as well as the unique phrasing of the Cornish accent. Tons of research went into making these scenes come to life—so many details slipping in smooth as butter. I’d recommend this to all fans of historical romance, especially if you enjoy stories set in Cornwall.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
A hauntingly beautiful story
My rating is 4.5 stars
Filled with melancholy and hope, A Castaway in Cornwall tells of Laura’s search for her true home.
Although she lived in Cornwall for the past eight years, the community still considers Laura to be an outsider. And honestly, she feels like one as well. Shipwrecks are common in this area and Laura spends her time finding things that are lost with the hope that she can return them to their owner. What is left after the wreckers take their haul, that is!
When Alexander washes up on the shore during a storm, Laura immediately sets out to do what she can to help him. But this mystery man is clearly more than he appears.
Reading the beautiful descriptions of this lonely Cornwall coastal town had me longing to roam the land and the tiny village. The characters were presented so realistically I felt that I knew them. And Alexander was fascinating! I wasn’t sure what to expect as it began to unfold and was surprised to find out who he truly was and how he ended up on the ship.
There is a thread of faith that flows throughout. As Laura questions how a loving God could allow the bad things in her life and Alex ponders the same, they find hope in God’s sovereignty and learn to trust Him.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with mystery and adventure will want to read this lovely story!
Read my review of A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Combining historical knowledge and romantic storytelling, Julie Klassen delivers an exciting Regency era story with the happiest of endings, taking place on the windswept shores of Cornwall……..
Laura Callaway makes her home with distant relations in Cornwall, though she struggles with traditions and people unlike her own and believes herself a castaway. She longs for answers regarding the circumstances that left her orphaned, and longs to escape Cornwall in search of the truth. For now, she spends her time walking the rocky Cornish shores—collecting items that drift ashore from the many shipwrecks along the coast and returning them to their owners or their surviving families. One night, she finds a mysterious survivor of a nearby shipwreck, and takes him into her care. With the help of friends, she is able to save the life of the mysterious castaway.
Alexander has secrets and a past, and longs to return to his home and right many wrongs. He carries with him secrets, and danger for any who choose to harbor him. Can Laura help return Alexander to his family like she does the keepsakes she finds stranded? And will their growing attraction bring them both closer to answers about the past?
In one of her most exciting storylines yet, Julie Klassen delivers another top-notch story of romance and intrigue to lovers of the Regency era. I was incredibly impressed by the extensive historical knowledge that was included in her writing, especially when it came to traditions and cultures of historic Cornwall. That historical knowledge only adds to the storyline, but never diminishes it. Character development was key in this story, and I enjoyed that backstories of each character were told in periodic flashbacks to keep me interested. I really felt that the author did a superb job of pulling the reader in through the perspectives of both heroine and hero, and the flashbacks only added to the mysterious nature of our characters. Also, the plot was always moving forward in this story, and I could not put the book down because it never lagged or became tedious. This story will delight any fellow fans of Poldark with its excitement and romance on the beautiful shores of Cornwall. I highly recommend this story to any reader looking to escape to a world of danger, mystery, and love through the pages of a book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!
Spies. Shipwrecks. Hunted Treasure. Romance. Castaways. What a thrilling story idea! Julie Klassen’s latest Regency novel takes place on the shores of Cornwall. Her novel A Castaway in Cornwall is smashing, delightful story filled with elements of finding what makes a person who they are. The romance started a little quicker than I like in novels, but later as their romance blossomed, it was sweet, and I could buy it. As for the plot, it was well-written with plenty of action to keep me glued to the pages of the story. The description was well-versed enough to allow readers to imagine and disappear along the rocky shorelines of England. Personally, as someone who has never left the country, it was nice to travel to Cornwall with Klassen’s stories. Probably, why I enjoy her stories so much. I have such a desire to visit England, and her stories always gives me a little peek of the countryside. When I go, there will definitely be places from her stories that I have added to my visit list. Overall, A Castaway in Cornwall was a unique hunt for identity and treasure all in one. I highly recommend this story to fans of Jane Austen and Jane Eyre. If this is your first Klassen novel, go pick up the rest. Wonderful story teller.
I received a complimentary copy of A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Flotsam or Jetsam
A Castaway in Cornwall is an emotional historical romance about feeling left behind and struggling to find a place in the world.
Laura and Alexander were both castaways. While Alexander was literally shipwrecked, Laura was an orphan living on the charity of relatives.
Their paths crossed when Laura, confronting the local smugglers, saved Alexander’s life and took him to her uncle’s home. I love how they slowly bond, the friendship that results, and the inner sense of belonging despite the secrets that threatened them both.
Laura was the sweetest of heroines. She routinely collected non-valuables washed ashore from the shipwrecks and recovered or repurposed them to donate to the poor. In a way, she did the same to Alexander.
Alexander was enigmatic and charming. He owned Laura his life and felt his heart being given in the bargain, but he had nothing to offer her but risk and heartbreak.
In addition to the romance, there is a lot to learn about how shipwrecks were a veritable business in Cornwall during the 1800s. It was exciting to read about the pirates, the tax authorities, and the smuggling locals. The connection between Cornwall in England and Cornouaille in France was another fascinating theme.
As always, the author brings lovely references to Jane Austen. They always make me smile mid-read.
A Castaway in Cornwall is another excellent Klassen’s book. It has a sweet and emotional romance, adventure, villains, community, and kindness, intertwined with fascinating history bits.
Highly Recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
A Castaway in Cornwall is Julie Klassen‘s latest historical romance. Set among the rugged landscape of England’s southwestern tip, it’s a tale of shipwreck, loss, adventure, discovery, and danger.
Laura Callaway feels adrift in her life in North Cornwall, but finds purpose writing to the next of kin and returning keepsakes of those lost when their ship wrecks on the craggy shore near her uncle’s house. When one of the castaways turns up alive – at least as long as she can save him – Laura recognizes his secrets could be the key to answers she craves. If she dares to trust him despite the clues she’s piecing together about his true identity.
I love Julie Klassen’s writing, especially in this story. It’s lyrical, like the sea, yet pulls a reader in so that you cannot put down the story. The secrets, the unraveling; I wanted to find out what happened so much that I kept turning page after page. Then the danger increased and the story completely ran way with me!
If you love shipwreck tales, stories of far off places, and have a penchant for wanderlust, A Castaway in Cornwall will speak to your soul. Fair warning: before you begin reading, be prepared to set aside a large portion of uninterrupted time. It’s a book to be savored even while it won’t let you go.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
First of all, check out the cover! Besides the beautiful image, it has a pearl finish that I have not seen on a book before. It is very eye catching.
We are introduced to Laura Callaway who feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere and is like a castaway who has no place to call home. Not long later she saves Alexander who is an actual castaway from a shipwreck. It is clear from the beginning that he is hiding something, but she still feels drawn to him. Together they will look for the answers they both need.
This book was lighter on the romance. It focused more on the historical elements and the mystery. Klassen has clearly done a lot of research in writing this book. There were so many things I learned about Cornwall.
I was really interested in the Sinkininny church. A church covered by sand where they lowered the pastor through the roof sounds crazy. I love that it’s true. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. There were so many interesting historical things that were weaved throughout the story.
As I was reading this book I thought it was unique to be reading a Regency era romance where I was rooting for the French Officer to succeed. During this time period with the countries at war with each other, the French are usually the bad guys in books set in England. I found it interesting that Alexander had some confusion about loyalties in the end as well. Our feelings kind of paralleled each other. I loved that Laura was so level headed though the story. Even when she didn’t know if she was dealing with a good guy or bad guy she chose to give people the benefit of doubt until she had learned the truth of the matter. She was also able to maintain good humor even though she felt so unaccepted by those around her. Her aunt was cool at best yet Laura just rolled her eyes at her behavior rather than take offense. She was also very honest amongst a set of people that had a high tolerance for what amounts to theft. And she is always trying to return information and belongings to their loved ones. Sometimes it isn’t appreciated by the recipients but at least in this story it definitely worked in her favor to get them through some difficult situations.
Mild Christian lit themes
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
*I received an ARC of this books through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.
This period piece is an epic tale of an English woman finding her place in a home not her own, and an escaped French prisoner of war hiding in plain sight in the English countryside.
After being injured and washed ashore on the coast of Cornwall, Captain Alexander Carnell is taken in by Laura’s uncle, and befriends Laura.
As the intrigue and tension between their countries build will either of them be able to completely trust and find hope in the midst of war?
I loved this sweeping tale full of complex characters and rich depictions of life at sea, and amidst the gentlefolk of Cornwall.
I recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
I received an ARC courtesy of Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
With each book I become a bigger fan of this author as her books just strike a cord within me. I found there were two castaways in this book in my opinion as Laura is orphaned and living with an uncle in an unfamiliar area and is not accepted by his wife and the lone survivor of a shipwreck Mr. Lucas is also a castaway. Together they forge a bond of friendship and you will enjoy the path their lives take. I enjoyed so many of the well developed characters in this book and found redemptive qualities in some I didn’t care for in the beginning. I could picture myself walking the shoreline with Laura looking for keepsakes of victims to help families find healing. I was engrossed from the beginning to end as the writing is almost spellbinding. I found it inspiring an well as entertaining. I recommend putting this on your must read list.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Julie writes a beautiful book, with fluid prose and exceptional detail. The places come alive under Julie’s pen and one can almost taste the salty sea and feel the sand blowing into your face. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, with subtle but important development falling gradually into place throughout this story.
Reading this book was like listening to a well-performed symphony and I didn’t want to music to end. I also find myself anxiously wanting to travel to Cornwall and Jersey. This book is beautifully written and I am so glad I got to read it.
Laura is kind of amazing. I related to her opinions in a lot of ways and admired her tenacity in doing what she genuinely believed to be the right thing. I liked how she befriended the “outcasts” of the village and didn’t let others’ opinions dictate what she did. She’s also very strong.
I admit I liked Alexander from the very beginning. He was mysterious, yes, and obviously keeping secrets, and yet (perhaps like Laura), I liked him. His character only improves with time. Excepting in the second to last chapter. Gah! He was making me nervous! Ha! But all turns out alright in the end.
The cast of supporting characters is rich and dynamic and really round out the story well. Uncle Matthew, Mrs Bray, Eseld, Treeve, Perry, Miss Chegwin, and Jago were all so fantastic! Each had varying levels of kindliness to them and ultimately each contributes to the story in important ways. (Confession: I really didn’t like Treeve for awhile; he redeems himself though.) Françoise is, essentially, the perfect villain and provides just the right amount of suspense for the story. I cannot make myself like Tom Parsons in any way.
There is some mild suspense and mystery included in this book. I was on the edge of my seat some of the time, anxious to know what would happen. Fantastic offering from Klassen. Highly recommend.
*Note: Contains mild romantic elements (kissing), and talk of war, fighting, and blood.
** I received an ARC of this book with the option to review. All opinions are 100% my own.
A swoony adventure based on a shipwreck in Cornwall. I love the look into the lives of smugglers in Cornwall and the rationale, right or wrong, of how this was incorporated into their everyday life. Each chapter has a fascinating quote to provide a look into customs or events in Cornwall during this time. A captivating description of the geography around this area made this tale really come to life. The best part of this story though is Laura and Alexander and their discovery of the truth to so many questions. Laura learns that not everything is at is seems and Alexander must learn to trust again. Klassen once again portrays characters with substance that go beyond the norm and creates layers of depth to the story that promise to keep you reading for more. The supporting characters are equally interesting and add a rich backdrop to this already exquisite tale. Highly recommended for all fans of historical fiction.
I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen is a marvelous blend of intrigue, mystery, and danger. The secrets of the handsome shipwrecked man (Alexander) are slowly and deliciously revealed, keeping you reading one more page, scene, or chapter until you’ve reached satisfaction at the end of the story.
The setting of Cornwall is magnificent and yet, dangerous and mysterious in its own right. I enjoyed learning the unique customs of the area, including the troubled history of the dangerous shoreline, wreckers, and smugglers. It is a place that holds such an interesting past and is a perfect setting for this book.
In truth, I loved everything about this story. I loved the idea of Laura being a castaway in the close-knit community of Cornwall after her parents’ death vs. the literal castaway, Alexander, who was not only an outsider but a man of many secrets. I loved the slow, respectful development of their relationship. How they could see each other’s truest hearts despite others’ preconceived notions. And how by finding each other, afloat as they were, they found their own mooring, in a place they were no longer outcasts.
I also took to heart the inspirational message Alexander discovered along his journey. His talk of forgiveness and redemption were heartwarming and led to much healing. It was a great reminder of God’s perfect gifts to us.
Overall, I enjoyed A Castaway in Cornwall thoroughly! I cannot say for certain it was my favorite Julie Klassen book because I love several of her titles. However, it will definitely rank high on the list! Any fan of Regency romance will fall in love with this story and its unique cast of characters. I highly recommend it!
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Julie Klassen has a way of transporting you to the location in all of her books and this one is no different. I will admit, I did get a little lost in all of the descriptions of the shipwrecks and the boating references. I also thought the story lagged a little bit in the beginning and I did have trouble getting into it. If you stick with it, it is a good story and the romance is well done. This is not my favorite book from this author, but I am glad I read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
“I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents . . . . Is there a plan in all this? Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance . . . ?”
Laura Calloway’s life mirrors the seashore in many ways, for the ebbs and flows of the her life tides have managed to forever reshape the shoreline of her future. Living with her uncle, a parson in North Cornwall, she has endured the whispers and stares of those who, after ten years, still consider her an outsider. Even her uncle’s wife and daughter politely maintain their own lives apart from Laura.
Quite unexpectedly on one fateful night, another castaway, a near death stranger, washes up on shore after being cast into the sea during a terrible storm, his ship torn to pieces along the rocky coastline. Alexander Lucas is who he eventually claims to be, but Laura has her doubts, for there are many who arrive along the wicked Cornwall coast hiding their true identities. As attraction ignites between Laura and Alexander during his convalescence, each of them must decide on which side of the English Channel they will call home.
” . . I realize that I no longer feel like a castaway. . . . I am where I was always meant to be. ”
Fans of romance, danger, and intrigue; tucked comfortably within an historical setting, will most certainly enjoy this story which travels in multiple directions before reaching its own safe harbor.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Welcome to the coast of Cornwall! Ship wrecks, smugglers, and strange men are all part of the intrigue in this latest tale by Julie Klassen. Lovely Laura, a kind young woman with a melancholy heart, lives with her guardian, her Uncle Matthew Bray, the local minister, and his family. When a shipwreck deposits a wet, bedraggled man on the beach at her feet, Laura immediately sets out to heal the man and uncover the mystery surrounding his identity.
Alexander Lucas, the mysterious man from the shipwreck, slowly begins to heal and begins a search for a cryptic object that he needs to take home with him. The story unfolds as Alexander’s past gradually gets exposed to Laura. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Nothing is quite as black or white as it seems.
Read this appealing story to uncover the mystery behind the shipwrecked man and his unforeseen connection to Laura! I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the intrigue, the understated romance, the unique characters, and the discovery of the real meaning of family.
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
#ACastawayInCornwall #NetGalley
(4.5 / 5)
Laura Callaway feels like a castaway as she searches flotsam and jetsam from nearby shipwrecks on the coast in Cornwall for anything that might be of value, either monetarily or sentimentally. She’s not completely alone, but she does feel abandoned by her parents. Then she discovers a real castaway on the beach–Alexander Lucas, who managed to survive a shipwreck. As Laura helps nurse him back to health, clues begin to surface about his identity, and before she knows it, Laura is caught up in a game of spies, smugglers, and prisoners.
This book had my attention from chapter one and kept it all the way through. I was surprised to realize how many pages it had once I was done, and the only reason it even took me more than two days to read is because I was too busy to get back to it like I wanted to. Laura and Alexander were both really interesting characters, and the description of shipwrecks, smugglers, and treasure kept me firmly in early 1800s England.
Even side characters and small side plots were interesting, and what I really liked about the story is that the romance wasn’t so in-your-face, as if it was the only thing that mattered in the book. The half-point detraction was for a few minor quibbles that mostly came about near the end of the book. Some things were resolved a bit too easily, in my opinion, including a relationship that ended up feeling like it was only strained to give the MC a stronger reason to feel “castaway.” Also the villain’s arc ended with a trope that I find tired.
Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already looking for more from this author. I highly recommend it to fans of Christian books in the historical and/or romantic genres.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy of this book to review.
I am a huge fan of Julie Klassen and her wonderful stories. A Castaway in Cornwall is a delightful page-turning adventure that I got completely lost in. This seafaring tale of intrigue, belonging, and a developing love story, set mostly in beautiful Cornwall, England, passed by way too quickly for my liking! It starts with Laura Callaway rescuing mysterious Alexander Lucas, a lone survivor of a shipwreck. Laura lives with her uncle, a preacher, and his family for many years after her parents pass away. She finds a noble purpose in trying to locate next of kin for those who perish on her shores, as well as keeping track of any treasures that wash ashore from shipwrecks. Nursing this lone survivor back to health sets Laura on course for a whole new adventure.
We encounter spies, prisoners, families divided on different sides of the war, betrayal, lovable neighbors, a real-life buried church in the sand, as we travel to Cornwall England, Jersey Island, and Cornouaille in France, in this engaging story. I love historical fiction and Julie Klassen does it so well. She brings the locations, and time period alive with her beautiful writing skills and her impeccable research. I learn something new with every story! I highly recommend A Castaway in Cornwall!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for letting me read an early copy. All opinions are my own.