Member Reviews
This story is what I call “nice” but predictable. The main character, Grace is very close to both parents, which is unusual in this day and age. She is an author and self sufficient and not realistic again in this day and age. She has issues I couldn’t relate to but maybe others can. Slow reading since I forced myself to come back to read the entire book knowing the end once I met all the characters. I wish the location was described more fully. So I have to give 2 stars and say skip this book.
This review is written with thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for my copy of Christmas At Conwenna Cove.
Grace Phillips is in Conwenna Cove, visiting her parents, Simon and Louise, who have recently moved to the area, for Christmas. One of the first people she meets during her stay is Oli Davenport, the local vet, whose wife died two years ago. Whilst at first, Grace finds him a little standoffish, she soon gets to know him, and his two children, Amy and Tom, better. Can the magic of Conwenna Cove at Christmas time bring them together?
As I participated in the blog tour for the prequel to this novel, Summer At Conwenna Cove, I was eager to see how Boleyn would build on the previous book, and how the beautiful summer landscapes she described would take on a more wintery feel. The descriptions in Christmas At Conwenna Cove are still beautiful, and whilst Grace is sceptical when she hears people talk of the magic of Conwenna Cove, I was completely taken in by it. The scenes that Boleyn creates really capture the Christmas spirit, and I enjoyed curling up on cold winter nights to become fully immersed in life at Conwenna Cove.
Christmas At Conwenna Cove can be read as a standalone novel; however, I enjoyed the reappearances of the central characters from the prequel. I would have perhaps liked more interaction between Grace and Eve and their families, although the inclusion of the previous characters highlights the strong sense of community at Conwenna Cove.
As I admitted when I read Summer At Conwenna Cove, these novels belong to a genre I do not usually read. Once again, Christmas At Conwenna Cove has everything you would expect from chick lit, and this makes the plot a little too predictable in places. However, there is a sense of tragedy for both Grace and Oli, and this gives the plot an extra layer and adds depth to the characters. Amy and Tom are also adorable children, and I was rooting for the whole family throughout the novel.
Overall, Christmas At Conwenna Cove is a heartwarming story, and I couldn't help but feel more Christmassy at the end!
Conwenna Cove sounds like the most idyllic small village, the perfect place to have a snowy Christmas. I did not read the first in the series, so you can go ahead and read this without missing anything. The characters are just so nice and warm, no villains. Just a sweet book about finding love again after loss.
Grace goes to Conwenna to help her parents move there. She planned on staying there for a short period of time, but not all things go according to plan. Her path crosses with a local vet Oli, who is a widower with two children. They are both cautious about love and going into a new relationship, but if the feelings are real it’s worth the risk nevertheless.
It’s the second book in Conwenna Cove series, but can be read as a standalone. There were a few moments with the main characters from the first book, but it won’t confuse readers, who haven’t read the first book yet. I absolutely loved this book-it’s well written and sucks you into the story right away. I liked how it dealt with serious topics that pull on your heartstrings as well as what’s the meaning of love and a family and pets had a great part in the book as well. I very much enjoyed reading it and I hope there will be more books in the series.
If a book could be made of spun sugar and then sprinkled with gold and silver stardust then Christmas at Conwenna Cove would be one such book. Beautifully written and presented, this is a story that will so completely tug away at your heartstrings that you will want to carry the book from room to room, just so that you can sneak a read at any free moment.
I defy anyone not to fall under the spell of Conwenna Cove. It's a picture box perfect Cornish seaside village, with wonderful people, seemingly amazing cafes that serve delicious cakes, and thrown into the mix are two damaged and sad people who, by chance, fate has decided to sprinkle with a little happiness. I fell in love with Oli and Grace from the start, they're such lovely people that you can't help but warm towards them. That both of their lives have been blighted by sadness only makes the story all the more poignant to read, and as we start to share in their lives, we begin to invest in them emotionally as characters and hope that life is about to be a little kinder to them. Whether it is, or not...well, this is one of those stories you need to read for yourself.
This is such a lovely Christmas story to curl up with and so on a cold, wintery afternoon I snuggled in my super size blanket, comforted myself with a hot chocolate topped with gooey marshmallows, and let my imagination take flight to Conwenna Cove to spend time with this group of delightful characters.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for sending me this in exchange for an honest review.
So we're back at Conwenna Cove, Cornwall, and although there are a couple of mentions about Eve and Jack from Summer At Conwenna Cove, this festive novel is about the village vet, Oli and his two children, Amy and Tom.
Grace's parents - Simon and Louise - have moved to Conwenna Cove from Cardiff. They move in to Rosehip Cottage (how cute does that sound?) and whilst Grace is wandering around Conwenna Cove, she meets vet Oli at the cafe. And the rest is history. Chuck in a few heart breaks on either side, some mixed messages and family drama and the novel is complete.
I did really enjoy this novel. It's light and fluffy and festive, with heart break without it being too serious. The only thing that got on my nerves was at points I felt like I was being spoken to like a child. I don't have the exact quote but it went along the lines of "we have to be nice to animals as well as people." Well duh! Otherwise, I enjoyed it.
Firstly thank you to Net Galley & the publishers for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
I loved this book!
I mostly read on the train and found myself smiling along with this book during my journeys.
It is a lovely story of finding what you didn't know you wanted in life and grabbing it with both hands, a story of new lives and fresh starts.
It is well written and the characters are warm, friendly and loveable.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes a feel-good story, especially one set over Christmas!
Following the death of her brother, Grace Phillips parents decide to leave Cardiff and relocate to Conwenna Cove. With the village awash with a warm welcome and festive cheer, it’s not hard to see why her parents and the locals are charmed by the Cove.
Oli Davenport initially comes across as rude and abrupt. The tough exterior doesn’t take long soften as Grace gets to know him. He’s naturally wary, having lost his wife to cancer two years previously and the welfare of his children at the forefront of his mind.
As Louise and Simon, Grace’s parents, finally start living again; will Grace and Oli do the same?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has everything I want in a book this time of year. It’s full of Christmas magic, it’s romantic, sentimental and warms the heart.
I was very happy to come upon this delightful Christmas Book.
An amazing thing happens during this time of the year. Oli's wife passed away from cancer three years ago, leaving him broken-hearted with two adorable young kids. Oli has thrown himself into work and his kid's lives, what else young widower can do, right? One day, on his way to a clinic, Oli sees a beautiful redheaded stranger in the coffee shop's window. However the introduction of the two doesn't go well, Oli comes off as a grumpy man. Grace was not moved by her first impression of a local veterinarian. But during their second "bump-in" in another cafe, both parties feel the spark. Little do they know that this is a beginning of a beautiful... "friendship".
Neither Oli nor Grace are looking for anyone special in their lives. Grace's brother passed away nine years ago from a long time illness and she saw the impact it took on her parents and left her devastated as well. Since then Grace decided to never marry nor have kids on her own. She has a great and sweet relationship with her parents, and when they decided to buy a cottage in Conwenna Cove - Grace supported her parents and helped them move in and settle there. But she never intended to stay in the village, more than that, she never expected to fall in love with Oli and his sweet and kind kids.
Conwenna Cove and Christmas make magic happen in this heartwarming book. Lovely and jolly read. Made me feel happy and warm.
This is one totally delightful Christmas romance. Set in the gorgeous Cornish village of Conwenna Cove. Grace helps her parents move there to a delightful cottage after having honeymooned there 30 years ago. Once there she is in no hurry to return to her flat in another town as she makes friends there in Conwenna and the people are friendly and welcoming. How about going to the pub with us,having a cuppa or stopping at the cafe they ask. After meeting town's veterinarian,Oli they try not to let the other know of their interest in each other. It just may not be the right time. Oli is a widower who lost his wife to breast cancer and it not only stole his wife from him but his children's mother and his happiness. Go on he must though he has a thriving vet practice and an 11 year old daughter and 5 year old son. As Oli and his children start spending more time together Oli is concerned his children will get too attached for her and she will move back to her flat leaving the children and him heartbroken again. Out shopping one day his son asks Santa for something and we can guess what it is,a Mommy for Christmas :) This has to be one of the sweetest,clean Christmas books I've read. It has left me with such a warm fuzzy feeling as I read it sipping my tea and eating biscuits!
Pub Date 09 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Grace is helping her parents settle into their new home in Conwenna Cove and enjoying the peace as a break from her Cardiff life. A successful author but unsuccessful in love. She meets Oli, the local vet and widower with two children who penetrate Grace’s hardened heart but can their feelings blossom?
I am not normally a fan of Xmas romance books but this was beautiful. Funny, romantic, emotional and a brilliant read. Although this is the second in a series, I hadn’t read the first and although it isn’t necessary I will now be purchasing it.
The first book I have read by Darcie Bole but it won't be the last. I want to move to Corwenna Cove. Slightly predictable end but a lovely easy read on a cold, dismal day. Felt like I was actually in Corwenna enjoying the lives of the characters.
A lovely heart warming story of a girl who has given up on relationships when she stays with her parents who have just moved into a Cornish village. She meets a prickly village vet and after a series of misunderstandings they admit they are in love. The characters are very well described and easy to relate to. An easy, but compelling read. Perfect for a duvet day, it kept me absorbed to the last page.
Found this book interesting, but I have to say that it was a bit too sugary for my liking. Everything fell so nicely into place and in reality life is nowhere near that. I was a slushy romance, but I am afraid it was not for me. However I did read it all and enjoyed Cornwall.
An easy to read book that many will relate to. Even rescued greyhounds find a place in it. Being widowed because his wife died of cancer Oli the local vet really has enough to deal with, 2 children ,work etc. He has not thought of looking for a new love.
Until he meets Grace. It doesn't begin well but over time Christmas and Cornwall change things and feelings.
The best book for a cold weekend, snuggled beneath a throw with hot chocolate and a roaring fire. You can't help but feel uplifted. Laughs and sadness, unexpected love, a village Christmas in a pretty setting with all the traditional trimmings. Maybe a little predictable but a lovely read in a world full of stress.
This is ideal for present giving or just treat yourself to a bit of Cornish escapism.
Darcie Boleyn continues to write super books, looking forward to the next one.
The perfect read for this time of year, ‘Christmas at Cowenna Cove’ is a delightful festive read that I enjoyed immensely. It was so nice to catch up with the characters from the previous book, and I hope we get the opportunity to meet up with them again in the future. A heartwarming 4 stars.
5☆ The Perfect Christmas Romance, Heart Warming, feel good, didn't want it to end!
Christmas at Conwenna Cove is the second book in the Conwenna Cove Series.
This most definitely can be read as a standalone.
I was absolutely thrilled to be back at Conwenna Cove for Christmas. It was like I had never left!
This time round we meet Grace and her parents Louise and Simon who have just moved into Rosehip Cottage.
We also meet the very sexy local Vet Oliver (Oli) and his adorable children Tom and Amy.
Oliver has had a really tough few years when his lovely wife Linda passes away 2years ago. Oliver has never even looked at another women since. Well that is until he meets Grace.
Something between them instantly spark and the chemistry between them is buzzing!
Grace too is grieving, she too lost someone very close to her. Her brother Sam. Grace has not been able to let her guard down since. But that is until she meets Oli and his children.
All of the gorgeous animals that Oil helps and the important messages being portrayed within the book about neutering etc..
My sister is a Vet Nurse so I really related to all the amazing work Oli does at the vets.
Now I have to mention Hope! The gorgeous and gentle greyhound. If you are a dog lover like me, be prepared to shed a tear as she fills your heart with love!
I adored Grace and Oli, their tortured souls learning to trust and love again. It was so beautiful to see. It was like watching a flower blossom. They melted my heart.
Tom and Amy, Oli's children, wow such amazing children! By far my favourite characters!!
After everything they have gone through, all they wanted was to see their Dad happy.
I adored watching Grace and their relationship grow. I just know you are going to fall in love with them just like I did!!
Christmas at Conwenna Cove is such a heartwarming read it melted my heart and I shed a tear or two.
Darcie has this way of making you fall in love with Conwenna Cove and the residents that live there.
The whole way through i was falling deeper and deeper into the story, and before I knew it I was at the end!
I was so disappointed I didn't want it to end! I really really hope there is more from Grace and Oil as by far they are my favourite characters!!
I loved Darcie's first book Summer at Conwenna Cove and I have to say Christmas at Conwenna Cove is even better!!
This is a Compelling yet feel good story about, family, learning to love again, relationships, new beginnings, grief, gorgeous animals, I laughed alot, smiled, shed a tear, and fell in love with Conwenna Cove and all the fantastic Characters within.
I urge you all to pick up Christmas at Conwenna Cove and read it as I know you won't be disappointed!!!
So the big question is.... would i recommend this book........... without a doubt...100000% ...... YES!!!!!
A perfect Holiday Read for those who love Chick Lit and Romance, Humour, Heartwarming, Poignant reads, Animals, Christmas.
This is the time of year when I’m already getting into the Christmas spirit and Christmas at Conwenna Cove was the perfect read to start off the holiday season.
Set in the small Cornish village of Conwenna Cove, the story centers around a writer named Grace Phillips who is helping her parents move there. While in Conwenna, Grace meets Oli Davenport who is the local veterinarian. He is a widower and a single father of two young children whose wife passed a way from cancer two years ago. Oli resembles Tom Hardy so *insert heart and flames emojis here*.
When the two first meet Oli initially seems stand offish but as the story flows and they get to know each other the magic happens. Oli is still mourning the loss of his wife and Grace has never gotten over losing her brother Sam, so the two of them share a connection over the loss of a loved one. Grace gets to know Oli’s two children, who were adorable by the way, and the interactions with the kids made me smile. I liked both Grace and Oli and that there were stray animals being rescued in the storyline was a plus. This is part two in the Conwenna Cove books but it reads perfectly as a stand alone.
Author Darcie Boleyn writes small town life nicely, I felt like I was visiting Conwenna and I’d love to go back. She creates characters you can care about and this is a cozy small town holiday romance to be enjoyed. The goodies that they were eating and drinking set the mood just right as well.
Christmas at Conwenna Cove is perfectly sweet romance that put a smile on my face and even had me tearing up towards the end. I recommend this one if you enjoy nice Christmas romance, small town settings and second chances. I feel like this one needs to be made into one of those Hallmark channel holiday movies.
I really enjoyed this book. Excellent storyline and great main characters. I would recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. This was another fab book by Darcie. I was hooked from the first few pages and could not put it down.
A great read for these cold dark nights with Christmas just round the corner.