Member Reviews
This is a delightful, contemporary romance set in a small, close-knit, seaside community.
Serafina was the hub of the community and her death left many of her friends and neighbours uncertain about their future. Lila Bridges moved to Magpie Cove after tragedy and now works part-time in Serafina’s Café whilst also studying to become a pastry chef. Serafina’s untimely demise has Lila and the regular customers uncertain about her future, especially when Serafina’s estranged son, Nathan DaCosta, inherits and brings in new money making ideas, so at odds with his Mum’s community spirit. Although Lila struggles to work with her new boss’s rules she is also attracted to him but as more changes to life in the community are imposed at his behest will sharing the secrets they are both keeping bring them together or tear them apart?
There are lots of lovely characters in this pleasurable read, ranging from Lila’s partner in class to other business owners and the elderly couple who have flaunted traditional expectations for most of their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this gorgeous setting which is filled with a wonderful sense of community working to help each other. There are plenty of laugh out loud scenarios, a few heartbreaking revelations and lots of love, too, making this a marvellous read to escape into.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed, have honestly reviewed and highly recommend!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Secrets Of Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kennedy Kerr, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 16th June 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Magpie Cove' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series 'The House At Magpie Cove' which is I would also recommend reading.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Veronica Henry and Heidi Swain.' I am a huge fan of Heidi so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kennedy and if this is as good as 'The House At Magpie Cove' it is sure to be a gorgeous read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 26 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, 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 visited and had holidays in Cornwall on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Kennedy has based the book on.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Lila Bridges. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists 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.
Well done Kennedy on yet another absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! This is the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine Magpie cove. The book is very 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. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Lila's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. It was an absolutely compelling and addictive heartlifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Lila developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. I loved Nathan who made me laugh on several occasions and thought he was just a great guy. Nathan and Lila have such a beautiful friendship going on it was lovely to see how well they bonded. I was absolutely gutted about Serafina who I met in 'The House At Magpie Cove', she was such an amazing and another strong woman, she had a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I loved meeting some old faces again and getting to know new ones. This is one of those series which could go on and on and I wouldn't get bored. I adored Betty and Cyd who made such an adorable couple and I also enjoyed meeting Nathan for the first time and getting to watch his character go from strength to strength. Here's to meeting them all again along with the next new faces of Magpie Cove!!
Congratulations Kennedy on another gorgeous success!!! Looking forward to my next holiday to Magpie Cove!!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
224 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle 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.
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Kennedy Kerr has definitely done a great job of transporting me once again to the beautiful scenery of Cornwall and Magpie Cove. I can see the benefit of having read the first in the series as I already had a sort of emotional connection and familiarity with the place and the style of writing. However, this is also a book that works well as a standalone if you’re not a typical series reader.
Lila is a lovely, hard-working and genuine character who I was rooting for. However, Nathan also plays an important role in the story and Kennedy does a great job of creating two well‐developed and complex characters here.
The setting is beautiful, atmospheric and gives the book a much needed escapist feel. The story-line is engaging with elements of mystery, humour but overall a strong sense of community through the use of supporting characters.
After reading this lovely book, I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author and would recommend her work to fans of Jessica Redland and Heidi Swain.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr.
Lila leaves London and her ex-boyfriend behind to begin a new life and a new career in Cornwall. Whilst undertaking a college course to become a patissier, Lila works part time in Serafina’s cafe in Magpie Cove and is enjoying getting to know the locals and spending time with Oliver - her new friend at college. However, after Serafina sadly passes away, her son Nathan inherits the cafe and some decisions that he is making just don’t sit well with Lila.
I loved Secrets of Magpie Cove and although I haven’t read the first book in the series, this really didn’t matter. I will definitely put it on my TBR list though. Kennedy Kerr reminds me of Liz Fenwick in her writings and transports you into the lives of the characters from the outset. With her descriptions of the pastries that Lila is learning to cook, she made my mouth water many times!
Serafina helped so many people during her life, and some of this only comes to light after her death. Lila wants to help the local community in the same way that Serafina did and enlists the help of those around her to aid her in her mission. Secrets of Magpie Cove is lighthearted and an easy read with a genuine sense of community spirit. If you fancy something lovely to read in the sunshine, grab yourself a copy of Kennedy Kerr’s new novel.
In this highly emotive read, Lila is beset by overwhelming grief,. She has sufferend a miscarriage, broken up with her boyfriend and her boss has died. Serafina was much more to a boss to Lila and Lila is desperately grievng her loss. When Serafina's son Nathan comes to sort out his mother's affairs, there is the possibillty that the café might close its doors. Will Lila lose yet again?
Nathan Da Costa is a man about business. That business means making change after change when he comes into town after his mother's death . First order of busines is the café. It is not turning enough profit and he can't see it lasting much longer. However, that is not the only change that Nathan makes, and soon the locals in the small Cornish village have much to grumble about, most of all Lila.
Despite the conflicts that are there from the very start, both Lila and Nathan share an undeniable chemistry. Will they ever act on it or are the changes Nathan is about far too much to overcome? Not only do we have Lila and Nathan's drama, we have other characters in this story that have drama as well. These other characters give strength to an already touching story and their drama proved to be just as compelling than that of Lila and Nathan.
This touching story by Kennedy Kerr deals with some sensitive issues, including grief, the long-term effects after a miscarriage, the things that the elderly can experience like hunger and poverty, acceptance and growth. I truly loved this story and definitely want to read the first book in the series, The House at Magpie Cove, before the next title is released.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Friends, if you haven’t read The House at Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr yet, I highly recommend it! I was overjoyed when I learned on Twitter that Kennedy Kerr had another Magpie Cove book available on NetGalley!! I’m so very happy I stumbled upon that tweet and that I was approved to read and review this book!
Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr discusses several topics seamlessly in this fantastic book! I’m very sad that Serafina, the owner of the cozy shop that many come for coffee or even a meal and hang out in Magpie Cove, a town not far from St Ives. I grew to love Serafina and her love for people. Although she wasn’t a main character in either book, Serafina is a matriarch for the community, the person who will listen and understand and offer suggestions and help out in any way she can.
Now that Serafina has passed away, Magpie Cove seems invaded by one of Serafina’s son, Nathan, who takes over all of Serafina’s properties and increases the rent while not caring about the livelihoods of anyone who loves and have businesses there. It’s an employee at Serafina’s shop, Lila, who wants to keep Serafina’s memory alive through being there and supporting those in the community. Lila and Nathan have so many conflicts and those moments of unexpected desire.
Lila’s in Magpie Cove for the cheap rent and part time job at Serafina’s while she finishes her patisserie course in St Ives. She and her classmate, Oliver, work out a plan to throw a benefit party and raise funds to help feed and entertain the elderly in Magpie Cove. Oliver happens to love visiting the area because of the atmosphere and vibe while in the community. Plus he wants to be there for his friend. They both happen to help Nathan with his private catering events, too, mainly for the extra cash, but it seems to be Oliver’s forte.
With the rents being raised for practically the entire community, including Lila, anger towards Nathan grows. Will Lila be able to help the community and get through to Nathan? Or will everyone be forced to move and start over?
I will admit I didn’t care at first that Serafina passed away! I actually mourned her loss while engrossed in this book. There are many topics discussed in this book that are quite relevant to most communities. Gay and lesbianism has been around for a years and only recently been more acceptable. Caring for the elderly should be part of every community. Bullying is squeezed into this story as well! And miscarriage is quite common, yet many women feel so alone in this experience. Kennedy Kerr does a fantastic job incorporating it all into this one story!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for access to Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr! I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because of the approach towards bringing together this one community through a caring for others and being aware of the needs of others, especially when they don’t talk about it. If there’s another book in Magpie Cove, I hope to read that, too, as I still want to live in this community!
There are occasions when I step away from my love of psychological thrillers and choose something completely different. Cornwall was the big pull for me when choosing this book and the bonus was reading it as I relaxed in the garden during this lovely sunny weather we are having at the moment.
Lila Bridges leaves London, an unfulfilling job and a failing relationship and moves to Cornwall. She is also haunted by a recent miscarriage which leaves her wondering whether she will ever be able to have a baby. Magpie Cove and its small community has proved to be a godsend. Serafina Lucido, a larger than life character, who owns the local café gives Lila a job helping her run the place. She quickly settles into her new life, signing up to a college course to learn to become a pattisier. And then the unthinkable happens. Serafina has a fatal heart attack.
This is a great story with some unforgettable local characters. I was soon drawn in to Lila's struggle to deal with Seraphina's son Nathan. Inheriting the café from his mother, he's keen to make changes and he's soon upsetting the locals, and especially her. But behind his brusque business like manner, Nathan is battling his own demons. Time spent within this small Cornish community is set to bring about changes for him and for Lila, given the chemistry between them. Interspersed with their central story are the residents of the cove, each with their own problems, which dovetail nicely into the story. I missed the first book in the series (which I will definitely read) and can't wait for the next instalment. All the ingredients for an enjoyable read are here -there are challenges (for Lila), humour, secrets and a wonderful layer of support players.. Oh, and I forget to mention, with Lila on her course, a lot of mouth watering food.
A lovely uplifting summer read - highly recommended.
Oh my goodness, what a story. I do want to visit Magpie Cove and Serafina's Cafe! I love Cornwall anyway and Kennedy couldn't have chosen a better setting for what I hope will be a series of novels based in Magpie Cove! Secrets of Magpie Cove delves into Lila's life as she is halfway through a college course, learning to be a patissier whilst working part time and living in Magpie Cove. She had had a hard few years and is hoping this course will help her change her life around. The next few months prior problematic when her boss, Serafina, unfortunately passes away. Can Lila still cash on with her course and pass? Will she have to move? You'll have to read it to find out the answers.
A very happy read. I loved the food parts. You don’t have to have read the first one. Gosh Nathan was messed up but he came good. The miscarriage parts were sad. You don’t realise the pain people carry. Hated meals on wheels. The drive of Lila was amazing. Serafina was a legend and Lila really missed her. Too many people hid a their sexuality in the old days. I loved Cyd and Betty and how they had danced in the old days. Roll on book 3
I loved this one! Certain books just touch you and draw you in, this one did it for me. The characters were likable and so real, it felt like a Hallmark series and would be perfect for being adapted. I felt a true connection and was a little sad when the book was over, I would love to read more by this author!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this charming story.?
In this easy read, Lila has moved to Magpie Cove in Cornwall after a tough time in her life.
She had a miscarriage after not knowing she was pregnant, left her boyfriend and decided to pursue a Patisserie course in St Ives.
She was working in a small cafe in Magpie Cove when her kind boss Serafina died unexpectedly.
Now Serafina’s son Nathan has taken over the business and upsetting the residents of Magpie Cove with his business like ways of doing things.
Lila stands up to him for what she believes in. You realise that this is really hard for her.
She struggles with showing her emotions and with the things she’s had to deal with in her past.
This is a charming story about Lila learning to trust her own instincts and learning to share with those around her. A cutie! 📚
Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr
An Unputdownable page-turner full of family secrets is a second book in the author's Magpie Cove series.
**I received a copy of the book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.**
I have to say that I enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the first book with Mara and her family. Lila Bridges loves her job in Magpie Cove and is almost finished with her pastries course. But when her boss Serafina suddenly passes away her son Nathan seems determined to take over her business and real estate. I loved Oliver her classmate and the residents of the Cove: Cyd, Betty, Eric, Maude and even the Real Housewives of Magpie Cove who were a laugh worthy.
But it's the sense of family that Nathan will have to learn about Lila and everyone who lives here in the Cove that will change everyone's life including his own. Each will face their challenges and learn from their strengths. This is a very sweet and heartwarming story and worthy of 4 stars.
When Serafina passed away, life changed for the people of Magpie Cove. Her son Nathan arrives, and he is a numbers guy. Lila, worked at Serafina's café where they supported the community and the local businesses.
Lila wanted to continue what Serafina had been doing, but Nathan upped the rent on the people renting the homes and apartments that Serafina rented out.
Nathan had lost his job, and he came to realize that when he lost his job, he lost his future. He eventually could see his future in Magpie Cove, and he started making plans for the future. With the help of his new friends in Magpie Cove he could continue to carry on what his mother had created, and expand it to help the elderly, and the needs of what the community needed today.
This is a story of loss, becoming lost in life, and finding a way to a future you never dreamed, but life has a way of bringing people to exactly where they are meant to be.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
In Magpie Cove, Lila, sat on a favourite rock where she ate her breakfast. This morning she wished that the waves could wash away her past life. That she could move on.....
She fled her life in London after a tragedy, one that she’s not yet been able to forget. Now she’s working at a cafe, loving having to care for the customers, friends that she’s made whilst she’s been here.
The owner passes away and now the future of the cafe doesn’t look good. When Nathan arrives, the owners son, wanting to make changes to the way the cafe is run and other things in Magpie Cove to match the big cities, Lila isn’t happy, thinking he’s nowhere like the owner was.
But, she needs this job, as it gives her peace and a chance to not think about her past, she’s determined to make things work with her boss.
Soon, the reason why she’s here begins to become clear. Can she trust Nathan with this secret? Will it bring a new chapter in her life?
Highly Recommend It.
This was such a wonderful, cozy book about a woman who is re-evaluating what she wants out of life and trying to find a way to create the life of her dreams. I loved the main character and the plot was lovely.
I loved this book, thank you for letting me review it. I did however also struggled with the emotions knowing the loss Lila is feeling first hand. Kennedy Kerr writes from the heart, understanding the feelings of lost and love and how deep they run. Its book about healing, hope and the beautiful Cornwall coastline.
The Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerry is a read that will truly get you thinking..
Lila has left London and found a part-time job in the local cafe. When the owner suddenly passes away, her business minded son, Nathan. takes over and changes everything sending Lila and the community into turmoul. Will there be love and a happy community in the end?
This synopsis really doesn't give the story justice. There are lots of shocks along the way. And plenty of emotion to boot. I LIVE Lila's angry outbursts at Nathan, boy he really is something!
The only thing I found was that it often felt like I was listening to just half of a conversation and often wondered what Nathan was thinking.
Overall, a great read and a definite recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion. Having read the first in the series I was delighted to get the 2nd one, there really is magic in magpie cove.amazing camaraderie from the locals will life ever bee the same read on to find out.
An uplifting book where a community comes together to support their local bus as it is the only method to go anywhere if one doesn't have a car, support each other and celebrate large events together.. The owner of a local cafe has died and her son is determined to change the ways things are done including raising prices and setting limits as to how long one can linger. Business which were kind of limping along can't meet the rent so close, the Meals on Wheels program is serving poor food and the town looks as if it is could easily slip away into nothing taking the residents with it. How things are turned around, and love is found is hat this book is all about.
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of SECRETS OF MAGPIE COVE by Kennedy Kerr in exchange for an honest review. Lila Bridges left London for pastry school in Cornwall after she realized just how unhappy she was in her job and romantic relationship. The lovely townsfolk and coastal beauty of Magpie Cove have given Lila an opportunity to begin to process her unexpected grief over the miscarriage of an unknown pregnancy. Serafina of Serafina’s Café not only gave Lila a job and a place to live, but she also provided room to heal. When Serafina passes away unexpectedly, her heir, Nathan Da Costa, has a radically different management style. Lila and the entire town learn over and over just how wonderful Serafina was as Nathan’s finance-focused business practices begin to negatively impact the entire town. Lila finds herself attracted to Nathan during his unguarded moments, but his greedy practices repeatedly drive a wedge between them. Will Lila and Nathan be able reconcile their differences and learn to trust one another, or will Lila have to leave the Serafina’s Café, Nathan, and Magpie Cove?
I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to fans of fiction featuring personal growth and coping with grief, isolation, poverty, failure, and change.
#SecretsofMagpieCove #NetGalley