Summer at Conwenna Cove

This is the second of Ms Boleyn's novels I've read, (the first was A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas) and although I really enjoyed the first, I enjoyed this one even more. I felt the author has grown as a writer from one novel to the next. There is far greater depth to her main character, Eve, and the descriptions of both the situation she is in and the setting (and the dogs, especially!!) are wonderful.
I felt this was less a romance - though romance featured heavily in it, of course! - and more a journey of self-discovery, and self-acceptance, and of realising what is really important in life. It's also a story of self-forgiveness. I found myself envying Eve her courage.

This is most definitely an emotional and heart-warming story.

Having read one of Darcie Boleyn's books previously and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was really looking forward to this - and when I saw the gorgeous cover, I couldn't wait to read it! This was an absolutely beautiful, hopeful, and heartwarming book. I adored the writing and the characters of Conwenna Cove, and now I'm looking forward to Darcie's next release! Thanks for the opportunity of reviewing such a lovely book!

Summer at Conwenna Cove is absolutely beautiful. From the very first page I was drawn in and hooked. One minute I was reading the first chapter next I was halfway through the book.

The main character in the book is Eve, from the first chapter we see her going through a bit of drama and end up at hospital. She needs a break to get away after the terrible tragedy she suffered (which we never really find out until the end what happened to poor Eve). She has no one but her dear Aunt Mary who lives in Cornwall, only thing is that she hasnt spoke to her in so long.

Once she gets to her aunts its like a huge weight is lifted for Eve and she rebuilds her relationship with her aunt. She also meets her aunts neighbouring tenant Jack.

In only a few days we see Eve grow stronger and become a different woman which is fantastic as shes been through so much.

I absolutely adored this warm romance. So easy and enjoyable to read.

This was the perfect summer read- easy to lose yourself in a wonderful setting amongst great characters who quickly become new friends. Eve has had a stressful time and when things come to a head she heads down to Cornwall to stay with her aunt who owns 2 fishermen’s cottages in Cornwall. I could just imagine opening the door and being wrapped in the warm Cornish hugs and feeling like you’d come home!

Her aunt rents to a handsome man called Jack who is nursing demons of his own. He helps out at a greyhound rescue centre and Eve finds it very healing to spend time there. I loved the scenes at the rescue centre and the way they help the dogs find their forever homes. Jack is also helping to heal the stress away from Eve.
Eve’s aunt sounds like the perfect lady to spend time with- happy to open her home and make you feel welcome and providing a safe haven for healing vibes.
I adore books set in Cornwall and absolutely loved every page of this one.

Eve is a very successful head teacher and works extremely hard but she has had some tragedy in her life and has not allowed herself to grieve and so not surprisingly she is burning herself out - already split from her husband and not allowing herself a minute to think she heads for a breakdown.

Advised to take some time out and go on holiday the only thing she can think of is going to see her Aunt Mary in Cornwall, where she spent all of her childhood summers - only trouble is she hasn't been there in years and has been swerving all of her calls responding only in brief texts

Mary however welcomes her with open arms and as soon as she arrives she feels a huge weight lifting but who is the rude man renting the adjoining cottage from Mary and why does he keep disappearing into his shed in the middle of the night!

A lovely story, perfect for the beach, I love the way Jack and Eve's friendship develops and especially love the greyhound sanctuary and the way they love the dogs

As I said, this book is a light, summery read evoking what's best about living 'Down South'. Cornwall is beautifully described and will make any reader want to make the journey to that rocky coastline and fantastic beaches.

As goes our main couple in the book, Eve and Jack, they are caring, nice people who have had bad times in their lives and now deserve something to go their way - and it definitely does!

What I think marks this book out is the plot points about the greyhound rescue. There are parallels between the rescue dogs and the characters, their reluctance to open up without careful handling being a case in point, but these parts also bring an interesting animal rights issue to the fore, raising awareness without stepping outside the bounds of the story. Cleverly done.

This book is definitely worth putting on your 'summer read' list

When I was asked if I would like to read and review Summer at Conwenna Cove as part of Darcie Boleyn's blog tour, I jumped at the chance.

I've loved Darcie's novels but her first, Wish Upon A Christmas Cake, had something magical about it that I felt her subsequent novels didn't quite have, albeit they were still very enjoyable to read.

Summer at Conwenna Cove however, was demolished in one sitting. Right from the opening page I was gripped into Eve's life and wanted to just keep on reading.

Eve is troubled with guilt over her choices she has made and the stress of a fast paced career as a head teacher is starting to take its toll on her health. With encouragement from her friend and colleague, Amanda, Eve makes the decision to have some time out. After contacting her Aunt Mary, who she has been neglecting for a while, she makes the trip to Cornwall for some well deserved R&R.
Aunt Mary is delighted to have Eve back at Conwenna Cove, but her lodger isn't so sure.

Jack has built Eve up in his head to be some stuck up city girl who can't be bpothered to make time for her aunt, however when Eve arrives he is thrown and surprised not only by hoe fragile Eve is but by the feelings she stirs in the depths of his soul and ones he thought had been locked away for good.
I adored Jack, maybe because I am biased of the Royal Marines anyway, but the way he came across as a gentle giant certainly makes him a contender for 'book boyfriend of the summer' - everyone needs a Jack haha!

It quickly becomes clear that there are feelings between Eve and Jack but both are nursing wounds and with Eve unsure where her future lies, they have to tread carefully.

Darcie's writing style flowed effortlessly, there was an enjoyable cast of characters, setting that make you want to jet off to Cornwall and a story line that was was a mixture of deep feelings and light hearted moments.
I loved seeing Eve and Jack's relationship form, feeling characters fall in love as you read the words the author has written is one of the joys of romance books, but the supporting characters and their own stories were just as fab to read about.

For me, Summer at Conwenna Cove, had all the magic of Darcie's first story and I feel she is right back at the top of her game. Honestly, I could have read about Eve and Jack for a good few hours longer!

Thank you so much for my first netgalley book! A landmark in my reading career! Aptly read whilst on holiday in Cornwall I fully appreciated the pictures it painted in words. A novel to immerse myself in whilst contemplating the work life balance we all need to think about. A decent holiday read!

Summer at Conwenna Cove is one of those books that as soon as you start reading it, you're 100% drawn into the storyline and are desperate to finish it to find out what happens.

The cover of this book is absolutely stunning and being a huge greyhound lover, I absolutely loved their part of the storyline! I also really enjoyed the setting of this book, it desperately made me want to visit there, and perhaps even be like Eve!

The book follows Eve and her choice to visit her Aunt Mary in Conwenna Cove after suffering from anxiety attacks from her hectic and very busy job as a headteacher of a primary school. During her stay at her Aunt's, she meets Jack, who like her, has been through pain in his life.

You can really see the change in Eve's character even after a few days at her Aunt's and I think the character development and relationships in this story is written beautifully. It was a a heart-warming novel and I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in return of an honest review.

The cover for this book caught my attention and the description clinched that it had the potential to be a book I would really enjoy.
Neither disappointed I loved the way in which this story was written, it was a relaxed read that would be a fantastic holiday read. It has a brilliant feel good factor and made me audibly laugh at times and smile throughout the story whilst being tinged with sadness reflected through the characters at key points.
I would recommend this book and it really resonated with me on some of the key issues the main characters faced throughout.
Thanks for the opportunity to read such a fantastic book

I really enjoyed Summer At Corwenna Cove. It is a lovely warm romantic read set in beautiful Cornwall. I liked all of the characters, and particularly liked the greyhounds who appeared in the story.
Eve is a sweet character who has a severe anxiety problem and needs a break from her highly pressured job. She decides to visit her Aunt Mary in Corwenna Cove. I enjoyed watching Eve slowly begin to recover with the help of her Aunt. Aunt Mary has a tenant, Jack, who lives in the cottage next door. I was drawn into Jack’s story and enjoyed the will they/won’t they relationship between Eve and Jack, will they get their happy ever after?
This is a light-hearted romance, which makes perfect summer reading. I recommend this as an easy read. I enjoyed Darcie Boleyn’s style of writing and will look out for more of her books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Every time Darcie Boleyn brings out a brand new book I seem to turn into an excited puppy, unable to sit still and pining with impatience. Seriously, I'm not even kidding. Oh, and by 'pining' I mean DM'ing the author asking when her next book is coming out, over and over again. I'm nice like that, SOOOO not annoying.

Anyway. Cornwall. Again. Deep down I really didn't want to groan about the setting as Darcie Boleyn is one of my favourite authors, but the groan just shot out before I could stop it. Now, I don't have anything against Cornwall as it sounds so beautiful, it's just there are loads of books which are set in Cornwall, most of them being published recently!

I kept an open mind and as I ploughed into the storyline and got to know the characters, my 'issue' with the setting went completely out the window. Eve has hit rock bottom. No longer is she the confident, carefree, optimistic individual she once was; instead she is a woman who has reached her breaking point. All I wanted to do was give Eve a big hug and obviously I couldn't. I felt so, so sorry for her as a character as her circumstances were quite heart wrenching to read about. Seeing as Eve needed a change of scenery, my mind was so occupied with the way that she was feeling I didn't seem to mind where she went, as long as she took the time she needed to recuperate.

It was from that moment that the storyline itself took precedence over the setting. The setting was an eye-catching addition instead of being the star of the show. For me, that is more important. I wanted to be able to connect with the storyline and its characters BEFORE I was able to gaze at the scenery; it's no use if the setting of a book overpowers the true essence of the story and the characters. Hats off to Darcie Boleyn for writing such a powerful storyline that was able to showcase its own beauty.

Alongside Eve as a main character, is a man called Jack. A man who prefers his own company after being 'stabbed' in the back but people he thought he could trust. We've all been there, eh? I didn't know what to make of his character at first as it took a while for his guard to come down, so his inner personality was always hidden away. It was as though he was always putting on a front. As time went on, his 'guard' kept doing squats by coming down, then going back up again, which meant that my opinion of Jack kept changing.

For me, the absolute stars of the show were the dogs in the rescue centre. Well, one in particular but I don't want to say too much as I might give snippets away. I am not ashamed to say that where those dogs were concerned, 'teary' became my middle name. Wow.

'Summer at Conwenna Cove' sure does pack a punch in terms of intensity and depth. I was amazed at how full of information the book was, there was just so much to sink my teeth into!

I really have no idea how Darcie Boleyn does it, but she does. Every. Single. Time. I cannot fault this book at all, not even for the setting! I loved the diversity of the characters, the intense situations, the deep and meaningful conversations and the heart-warming moments with the dogs. Most importantly, I loved how the author brought all of the different situations and emotions together to create this mesmerising, huggable, rollercoaster ride of a novel; all without losing any momentum.

'Summer at Conwenna Cove' is a book to be read, cherished and understood. A book to be your hug when you're on your own. A book to give you that confidence to be able to admit when you need to re-group. A book to give you the kick up the backside to ensure that your own well-being is put before anyone else's. Not just A BOOK, it's THIS BOOK.

Out-flipping-standing.

Thank you Canelo.

What an absolutely perfect cover for Darcie Boleyns newest book! It just makes me want to jump straight into that beach scene and run along along the sand, with that leggy greyhound racing alongside me towards that beautiful blue sea. It promises treats galore waiting for the reader between its pages and, oh my goodness, does it deliver!

It’s no secret that I absolutely adore this authors books but I was rather concerned when I saw that this new one was set in Cornwall! Much as I adore Cornwall and have spent many happy holidays there with my family, there have been A LOT of books set there recently! So I’m so pleased to be able to say that this book was like a beautifully fresh breath of Cornish air for me as it transported the reader into the relaxing summer sunshine of Conwenna Cove.

I fell in love with Eve and Jack as soon as I met them and then as the book progressed, I fell in love again-this time with Mary and a whole kennel full of rescue dogs! Seeing Eve gradually become stress free and happy as she falls in love, first with her aunts village and then with Jack and Gabe, was enchanting to watch. And as she learnt to let go of her feelings and open her heart up to the Cornish magic, we are also given an insight to the heartbreak that lead to Eve’s emotional shutdown. It’s a tale of second chances and this theme is repeated throughout various threads of the storyline to heartwarming effect.

Summer at Conwenna Cove was as sweet and satisfying as a cream tea. It was such a feel good romance that it came as a bit of a shock to me that I ended up sobbing for the last 15% of the book!! I mean, how the hell does Darcie Boleyn do it?? My feelings were all over the place as unexpected plot twists, combined with my own personal triggers, came together to create an emotional maelstrom…..And I loved every minute of it! A perfect summer romance that will stay with you long after the tourists have packed up and gone home. Another winner for the fabulous Darcie Boleyn!

This was a wonderful story, and within minutes I was completely transported to Conwenna Cove – a place I’d happily visit right now if possible! I absolutely adored the setting and Darcie Boleyn really creates a wonderful village that is easy to imagine, and see in your mind’s eye.

I loved the characters of Eve and Jack, and of course, Eve’s Aunt Mary. The romance was slow and gentle and sweet, with both Jack and Eve having reason to feel wary of allowing anyone into their heart again, but we are behind them all the way and want nothing more than for them to get together. Of course, they’re perfect for each other and we want them to see that too!

Another lovely aspect to this book is the greyhound rescue that Jack introduces Eve to. I immediately fell in love with Gabe, and when there’s talk of another dog not making it, readily admit to filling up! Luckily, I wasn’t reading in public at the time! Darcie Boleyn definitely has no qualms about pulling on the heartstrings – and of course, that’s exactly what we’re after!

‘Summer at Conwenna Cove’ is a beautiful, gentle story that I would have happily devoured in one sitting had time allowed! If you’re looking for the perfect, relaxing summer read, then I’d absolutely recommend you grab this now!

Eve's life comes tumbling around her after becoming ill at work, realizing she needs time off she heads to her aunt's in Conwenna Cove. Eve goes on a journey of self discovery, forgiveness and healing with the help of Jack an ex service man who is also on his own journey to find happiness. The writer has done a beautiful job of tackling the tough issues that Eve and Jack face in this book while also keeping it light hearted in places and while is a romance book at it heart has not taken that aspect over the others she is writing about. The book has good descriptions and you are drawn in to the book and feel like you are sat right with them on the beach at times. This is definitely a book where you will need some tissues and a cosy spot to enjoy Eve's journey.

This was such a delightful read that I devoured and didn’t want to end. This is my first introduction to the work of Darcie Boleyn and I’m not really sure why I haven’t read her work before now as her blueprint to writing are stories that I just love.

Darcie Boleyn has written a wonderful, romantic novel with lots of depth and character and including a gorgeous four legged friend, a rescue greyhound called Gabe, made the story even more charming and heart warming. I do believe animals bring out different sides to people’s personalities and also very often the characteristics of an animal can reflect with the personality of a human.

Eve is a young, highly successful headteacher in a secondary school in the city of Bristol. Ever since graduating Eve has worked hard to achieve her career goals. But with the demands of a headship and personal heartbreak catching up with Eve her health starts to suffer and when it all comes to a head quite unexpectedly at work Eve is forced to take a step back and let her body and mind heal. The only place where Eve feels she can truly relax and take stock of her life is at Conwenna Cove, Cornwall where her aunt lives.

Eve is a little hesitant to how her unexpected visit to Cornwall will be accepted as she hasn’t been the best of nieces recently. Life’s struggles have definitely taken over Eve’s life and keeping in touch with her loved ones haven’t been high up on her agenda. Eve is welcomed with open arms at the quaint, idyllic sounding cottage residing in the village of Conwenna Cove. The cottage has a wonderful sea view and the fresh sea air and homemade food made by her Aunt Mary could be the tonic that Eve needs.

Since the last time Eve was in Cornwall Aunty Mary has acquired a tenant in her adjoining cottage. A hulk of a man called Jack who doesn’t take too kindly of this niece of Mary’s turning up after so long being away. Jack has found solitude in Conwenna Cove himself after being injured during a tour of duty in Afghanistan, the ex-Royal Marine has suffered both physically and mentally. Eve and Jack clash a little at first but with a little match making from Aunty Mary Eve and Jack are forced to find out more about each other.

Will Conwenna Cove be the saving grace for Eve as it has been for Jack?

A wonderful, charming story that was a delight to read. 5/5*

Humorous, engaging and picturesque!

This is a captivating, lighthearted story that reminds us that we should work to live and not live to work and sometimes we should stop and smell the roses.

The prose is refined and vividly descriptive. The setting is the idyllic Cornwall with its sandy beaches and rugged coast. And the main characters including the stressed, workaholic Eve; the reluctant, gentle Jack; and the adorable, sweet Gabe are wounded, vulnerable, lonely and in desperate need of some unconditional love.

This is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, family, heartbreak, healing, self discovery and happiness and overall it is a wonderful story with a delightful cast of characters, majestic scenery, a touch of greyhound rescue awareness and last but definitely not least scrumptious, comforting treats, including my favourite the mouth-watering lemon drizzle cake. This truly is a warm, charming read from start to finish and perfect for a summer day.

Thank you to Canelo and Darcie Boleyn for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It was an honour and a pleasure.

There’s a lot of sunshine in this book to enjoy but the book is more than that as mix in a few layers of heartache and stress and this makes for a really touching read. Both Eve and Jack come from different backgrounds and have their own set of problems but it was heartwarming to see how they coped in Cornwall and how their stories came together. People can have high pressure jobs or pain which stops them from living life to the full and sometimes we all need to step back and reevaluate our lives - I think this is the message if you like of the book and what a way to realise this with such a heartwarming tale. The story is written with warm hugs and kisses on the forehead dotting the words and I felt very happy to have spent time in Cornwall with Eve, Jack and Darcie.

It has been many years since I have stepped foot in Cornwall, by Ms. Boleyn’s descriptions of such a beautiful part of the UK had me visually standing in the heart of this scenic county.

All three main characters are incredibly authentic, and their individual personalities shone of the pages. Eve is quite a stubborn woman, one who has tried to deal with her issues by throwing herself into her job, and working all the hours she can. She’s never known how to relax, and take it easy, but if she is to get back to her old self, she needs to learn to.

Jack is an ex soldier, and is suffering with an old injury. He works at a shelter for dogs, preferring the company of animals to women, and doesn’t want to ever get romantically involved with a woman again.

Mary is such a lovable, ageing woman whose positive attitude to life will make your heart warm. She is one of life’s optimists and can see, and know you better than yourself. She is a fabulous character, and one that I was sad to say goodbye to. She also had the most beautiful home.

This is one of those books that at times hits you right in the heart. It is written in a style that hold you captivated to the pages, and drags you into Cowenna Cove and the delights it has to offer, especially cake!!

At times it will have you feeling pity for both Eve and Jack. The raw emotions that both of them show will tug at your heart strings. There are also moments that will have you thinking about your own life.

A perfect book, that no matter the weather, with always have you basking in the sunshine!

I have to say I had a few tears in my eyes whilst reading this story especially at the beginning. It's mainly because of something that Eve has gone through. I have also experienced the same thing and I could definitely relate. Eve isn't entirely whole and feels pretty lost but can Conwenna Cove help to put her back together again?

The story is told from both Eve and Jack's perspective. For me this is perfect as I always like to hear the story from more than one point of view. Eve is vulnerable but has a hidden strength that she just needs to find again. Jack is also trying to heal himself and this made them the perfect pair to strike up a friendship. I also have to admit I may have little crush on Jack!

My heart broke for Gabe especially the first meeting between him and Eve. I loved the shelter it was a lovely part of the storyline and also a great sense of healing for both Gabe, Eve & Jack.

Mary is a delightful character and I loved her caring nature, it was so lovely to see Eve and Mary re-connect again. Conwenna Cove is such a wonderful place and there are a whole host of characters that I could see having their own stories too. It's so hard to pick a favourite moment because I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single moment!

The setting is perfect and when Eve first arrives at the cottage it was if I was seeing things through Eve's eyes. Conwenna Cove is stunning and the whole place has the ability to heal which is a beautiful thing. Even though there were parts that were emotional there were also parts where I was smiling and laughing too. It really has a brilliant combination of lighter and also deeper moments. I felt such a connection to this story and I didn't want to put it down but I also didn't want it to end.

Summer at Conwenna Cove is the perfect summer story with plenty of emotion, hope and new beginnings.

A book where all I wanted to do was escape into the pages!

With thanks to Faye Rogers, Canelo & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

What a wonderful and emotional book! I loved the characters, especially Aunt Mary, and the storyline was well handled.

The fact that there are rescue dogs in there too and greyhounds at that, just makes it all that bit extra special! (I even dreamed of greyhounds after I read it!)

I read it in the garden, surrounded by my rescue dogs - a perfect summer read!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5☆ Heart warming read and feel good read

This is my first book i have read by Darcie and it certainly won't be my last.

Summer at Conwenna Cove is a beautifully heart warming, feel good read.
A big plus for me is the story features beautiful dogs. Always a winner for me as I'm a huge lover of dogs and animals.
My Sister volunteered in a Greyhound Rescue Centre and it bought back so many beautiful memories and some painful ones too. I am a strong supporter of the amazing work rescue centres do.

When Eve is taken ill during a meeting with a very bad Anxiety attack. Caused by the high stress of her head teaching job, She is at her witts end and just needs to get away.
Eve never takes time off but she just can't face going back just yet.

With no where to go, She decides to embark on a journey to see her Aunt Mary who lives in the beautiful Conwenna Cove, Cornwall. Where Eve spent many a childhood holiday.

During Eve's stay she meets Jack.
He is Mary's neighbour and doesn't warm to Eve straight away.

Both Eve and Jack are scarred by their past and find it hard to lower the wall they have both built up.

Jack for me was a gem, he's caring nature towards the rescue dogs and Mary really shone through. Which is why I found him so endearing. Not to mention the mental scars he has from he's time at war. Makes him even more vulnerable.

Watching Eve and Jack together was like watching a flower blossom through spring. It was beautiful to see their friendship/ relationship grow.

Conwenna Cove is just what Eve needed and to see her learn to relax and embrace life again was like a breath of fresh air. So heart warming.

I loved this book a delightful read. It was beautifully written, full of Emotion, endearing characters, Relationships, the charm of Conwenna Cove is a real gem, a story of letting go and learning to love life, yourself, and letting others in and New Beginnings.

Highly recommend, the perfect  Summer Read.

Perfect read for lovers of Chick Lit, Romance, Cornwall Summer reads, Women's Literature, feel good reads and  Animal Lovers.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher. Heart warming read and feel good read.