A Castaway in Cornwall

For years Laura Calloway has felt like a castaway in Cornwall—carried in like jetsam on the tides of tragedy. All her blood relatives have died, and she lives with her Uncle Matthew and his second wife—who doesn’t approve of her. Laura spends hours combing the beach for odds and ends cast ashore from the frequent wrecks, hoping to find clues to the identities of shipwreck victims.

While she has no real closure in the deaths of her parents, she yearns to provide closure for others who have lost loved ones. One fateful night she joins the wreckers on the beach and saves the life of the only survivor of a vessel torn apart by the rocks near shore. As she nurses him back to health, she struggles to trust him.

Alexander Lucas narrowly escapes death and finds himself at the mercy of a beautiful woman. He longs to tell her the truth but fears the truth could endanger her and his host’s family. Above all else, he must return home and exonerate his brother and reconcile with his father. But with little money and weakened health, his only hope lies in trusting a stranger.

Why I Loved This Book

I love all things Cornwall—Doc Martin, Poldark, and Sarah E. Ladd’s books. Throw in a Regency setting, smugglers, and the Island of Jersey, and you have the perfect recipe for a moody romance that inspires as well as entertains.

I loved learning about quirky customs and can relate to Laura—a woman who never feels as if she quite fits in. By including quotes from books about life in Cornwall written during different time periods at the start of each chapter, Klassen brings together fact and fiction. She takes the time to fully develop the characters and make them relatable (even the antagonist).

Mystery, romance, history and a bit of adventure, all in an intriguing and captivating story.

Thank you for the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Castaway in Cornwall is a lovely, clean, story of Laura, who often walks the seashore looking for lost items from shipwrecks. After a shipwreck, she finds a half drowned man on the shore, she gets him up to her house she shares with her Uncle, Aunt, and cousin, to help the poor man recover from his injuries. His name is Alexander, and he is very mysterious. He stays until he recovers, and at this point, she learns the truth about him. She finds that he is an escaped prisoner of war, but still a good man. He needs to get to his brother, to get him released from prison. They travel together to an island in the English channel, and he goes on to his homeland, just to find out his brother has already been executed. An exciting and interesting story I enjoyed reading!

Klassen is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint! I love how much research was done for this book. I appreciate all the history and detail. There are inserts from historical documents for each chapter which is a great bonus. Throughout the book you get to see many destinations and experience some history. Klassen keeps you guessing what each character is hiding so you want to keep reading it to get to the bottom of it all. Pieces of information is given as the book unfolds and allows you to start understanding the characters more and more. I enjoyed reading about the hardships and twist and turns. You feel you need to look out for them and help them reach the final destination. Laura and Alexander grow in depth and their relationship at a good pace. Laura is strong and determined and Alexander has a good heart under all that life has thrown his way. This book kept me engaged not being able to guess what was next.

A Castaway in Cornwall is a regency tale of shipwrecks, smugglers, war, and romance. Each of these individually can make a great story, but together is even better.
I enjoyed the main characters in this novel. The supporting cast was well varied and added depth to the story as well. Some of the character development was brought on by situations I found a little far fetched but still made for an entertaining novel.
The setting was beautiful, but I just didn't feel like I was there as I read. I can't blame Julie Klassen for this, however, as she was unable to travel when writing this story (due to COVID19) and therefore had to base her writing on research rather than actual experience. I can only imagine the challenge in doing so.
The plot was quite well thought out, albeit unrealistic at times. The pace picked up a bit during the second half of the story which I quite enjoyed.

A Castaway in Cornwall
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 01 Dec 2020 | Archive Date 13 Jan 2021

We have quite a few patrons in our small library that love anything Julie Klassen. Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for allowing me to read the ARC. Great story, has history and romance and just a great book!

5 star

My Thoughts: The setting becomes a character here. It’s very rich in detail. Klassen did an amazing job weaving this culture into the storyline very naturally.
Klassen has always had a way of gripping me from the beginning, but this one struggled to keep my attention at times. It was slower paced in the beginning, but worth it in the end where the activity was faster paced and the characters were more intent on their goals.
One of the things I really appreciate was the steady message of our worth not being based on what the masses might think of us. It was very endearing to watch Laura care for each item she found. She truly saw a value in the small things that no one else did. But she didn’t treat people badly, even when they never fully accepted her. I really liked that about her character.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical or Regency novels.

~ I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

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.

Where to even start? I was entranced from the first chapter and couldn’t put this book down. Two days later and I still think of the characters and places from this story. That’s when you know it’s amazingly written fiction.
Julie Klassen is a captivating storyteller and she has written a book that will stand out as one of the finest in her genre. I think we are all treasure hunters at heart and I would love to walk the sands of Cornwall and find hidden treasures along the beaches with Laura. The romance and adventure of this story will completely entrance its readers.

I enjoyed this novel about the times of Napoleon and learned a bit about what life was like then. I enjoyed the characters and setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review.

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.

Reading A Castaway in Cornwall reminded me why Julie Klassen is my favorite Christian Fiction author. Her vivid descriptions of Cornwall transported me through time to experience the beauty and brashness of the rocky seaside setting. Each of her tales regales you with a history lesson of the setting area of England, and this story reveals how locals dealt with the many shipwrecks that pounded the shores of Cornwall. And of course, romance is never far...

Laura, staying with with an uncle by marriage after the death of her parents, felt as though she were a castaway in a far away land. With the many shipwrecks, she has found solace in gathering lost items washed ashore and reuniting them with their rightful owners. When she aids a man washed up from one of these shipwrecks, she has a new challenge of helping to restore him to his family and righting many wrongs. Filled with just the right amount of intrigue, Laura and Alexander embark on a journey of justice, reconciliation, and love.

A great read, A Castaway in Cornwall fits perfectly in with Julie Klassen's other tales. I appreciate the research she puts in for each of her novels and cannot ever pass up the chance to place myself in her characters and settings with each read!

Laura Callaway searches along the shorlines of north Cornwall for little treasures or bits of things left behind after shipwrecks and one day happens to save the life of a survivor of a wreck of a ship named the Kittiwake, Alexander Lucas. She is living with her Uncle Matthew and Mrs. Bray, his second wife and is an orphan. With the help of the local nurse Mrs. Chegwin and a young doctor they bring Alexander back to health. He is a bit hazy about certain details about his past and has a bit of a French accent when speaking English so it is reasonable during the Napoleonic War between England and France to be discreet about details about his past. Even so as time goes by an attraction between the two of them develops slowly and the truth about both of their past lives start to come out. I feel that the title is perfect because in a way they are both castaways one without a family of her own anymore and Alexander has left a large political rift with his brother Alan in France and is deeply worried both about him and the chaos this rift has caused with their father in the middle. After many attempts to get home to Brittany to see his brother only to find he has been executed and his father is dying, he realizes how much he loves Laura who has discovered that her aunt did not die and is alive in Jersey and she is not alone without a family. The ending was beautiful and touching and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks to Net Galley and Bethany Books for the opportunity to read this lovely story.

This delightful historical book will keep you guessing from beginning to end. As the lives of the characters and their pasts and presents collide together, mysteries unfold. This is another very enjoyable story by Julie Klassen - one that is difficult to put down!

I was so excited to receive a review copy of this one! Julie Klassen is a favourite & the story sounded fascinating!

And it did not disappoint! Take a classic Klassen Regency romance, add a little more action than usual & a touch of the poetic feel of Amanda Dykes and you end up with Julie Klassen’s best novel yet!

And I do not say that lightly! I love all her novels! And this is by far the best of them all! Beautifully written complex characters with stories to unravel, and a plot that takes a whole new direction just as you think it’s drawing to a close...

As mysterious and beautiful as anything she’s ever written, with beautifully flawed characters and a story that touches both the heart and the intellect, this is a stunning reflection on the meaning of family and belonging.

This is not to be missed! I will be rereading - and soon!

Keep an eye out for it or pre-order - release date is December 1.

Thank you SO much to @bethanyhousefiction and @netgalley for the ARC! All that was required of me in return was an honest review.

The Christian fiction story takes the reader on an adventure in Cornwall. Laura is lives with her uncle and his wife doing her best the contribute to the family with the treasurers she finds along the the shoreline. She discovers a shipwreck and saves one of the few survivors. Her compassionate nature leads her into adventure as she aids the survivor in escaping capture and finding his family. Through her journey ,she learns that true love and happiness can be found in unexpected places. This was a sweet romance and although slightly predictable, it had enough adventure to hold my attention.

All around me is the sound of the sea. Not a roar but a rhythm--a watery hum, strumming like a vibrating chord, a quickened heartbeat. The Atlantic rolls in, lapping and slapping at rocks with percussion, punctuated by the mournful cries of gulls.

...Beauty amid harsh conditions. Life where nothing should thrive.

Can I say the same for myself? Am I thriving, or merely surviving?”
-Miss Laura Callaway

Before I even get to the synopsis I have to say this book is incredible, and might even go so far as to say this is one of Julie’s best! I was immediately hooked right from the beginning and spent two late nights finishing this book. One thing I love about Julie’s books is they are hearty! While I love books I can finish in a day, I really love books that give me so much to hold on to!

Synopsis:

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 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? --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

I’ve been reading a lot of books set in Cornwall lately, and was so happy to read this one and get a good feel for the location knowing Klassen’s writing style. Her descriptions made it feel like I was there, her characters made me feel like I was walking their story with them and the Christian elements gave me hope and so much peace as I read. This is an absolute must-read for 2020. If you loved the Girl in the Gatehouse, The Silent Governess or the Maid of Fairbourne Hall (all my favorites of Julie Klassen’s) I think you would love this story!

I received a complimentary book from NetGalley and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

If I were to give one word to describe Julie Klassen’s latest book, A Castaway in Cornwall, I would use the word rich. The setting, background and story are written masterfully and the emotions spill across the pages. It is more than some of the other light Christian fiction reads in the best way possible. Mystery and romance fill up the story and keep the reader entranced to the very satisfying conclusion.

Cornwall's coast is fascinating, especially to Laura Callaway. Although she feels like an outsider in her new home, she fills her days helping others and working to return lost flotsam and jetsam to the rightful owners. On the day she discovers a man who has washed ashore, her life changes. Julie Klassen has done her research in this interesting story of love and loss. I found the characters compelling and the setting remarkable. Although the book was a bit slow, the story is well written. Klassen goes into detail to make the reader feel the chilly coast and the heartache Laura carries. If you enjoy historical fiction set in England, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been a fan of Julie Klassen since her first novel, which I have read several times. My opinion has not changed. This time, Klassen takes us to the wild, windswept coast of Cornwall as we are caught up in her wonderful storytelling, an ability that has brought great enjoyment to this reader over the years. I have never missed a Klassen book and never intend to. Recommended. My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.

Julie Klassen is an author I’m quickly starting to enjoy! “Castaway in Cornwall” is a story about treasures, a castaway, snuggling and war.

Laura is a young woman who finds her purpose in collecting the items that wash ashore, and seeking to return the items to their families, to bring them peace. A mysterious man drifts ashore after a stormy shipwreck, her family nurses him back to health. During his recovery, his true identity begins to unfold, along with Laura’s own.

A sweet, clean regency romance!

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 made 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.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 12/02/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*

An incredibly moving, beautifully romantic Regency tale from beloved author Julie Klassen! A Castaway in Cornwall, an ambiguous title, gripped me from the first page and never let me go. The story is wonderfully full circle, beginning and ending with an analogy of flotsam and jetsam, each part touching and impactful. I only fell more deeply in love with the story as it went on, and as sad as I was to see it end, I was completely fulfilled by it.

Klassen has a wonderful talent for creating characters that make distinctly unique impressions on the reader. Her characters are not morally black and white, but are complex and intriguing, evoking reflection within the reader. Klassen’s impressive cast of characters will have the reader feeling hopeful, mournful, and renewed. Laura is an inspiring and compassionate heroine, and I adored her determination and selflessness. Alex is a different type of hero, one I’ve been waiting to read about for a long time without realizing it. He’s flawed and unafraid to express his emotions, passionate and versatile. He’s one of the most well written heroes I’ve read in a long time.

It’s been too long since I’ve read a Julie Klassen novel, and A Castaway in Cornwall has been a wonderful reintroduction to her delectable stories. Poignant and enchanting, this story is one that readers will be thinking about long after the final pages. 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

***VERY EXCITING, EDGE OF THE SEAT READ***
Floatsam: Any goods floating on the sea where a ship has sunk or been cast away.
Jetsam: Anything purposely cast out of a ship when in danger, in hopes of saving it, or at least lightening the load.
1813, N. Cornwall, England - "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here in Cornwall, so far from my childhood home. I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers. Is there a plan in all this? Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance?" Laura spends her days rescuing things from the sea, and trying to return them where they belong. Only now, she's rescuing a man.
Alexander is trying to get home to his father and brother before it's too late. But there is a war on and he has a past they may yet catch up to him, interfering with his goal. "He did believe the Almighty heard his prayers, although God had not promised he would not suffer.
I enjoyed learning about the hurdy-gurdy. If you look it up on Wikipedia you can actually hear a sample. I also loved how Jago called her Our Laura, just like in the BBC series Lark Rise to Candleford.
Tea Moment: Laura rose and put the kettle on. A few minutes later, refreshed by tea and shared cake, Laura urged, "One more?" Mary smiled. "What shall it be this time? Smuggler? Pirates? Shipwrecks?" Laura nodded. "Yes please. All three." Outside the wind continued to rise, and Mary began another story.
I was gifted a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation. I am happy to recommend this novel for those who enjoy clean, historic English romance with a bit of danger.
5 Stars (excellent)

Reviews posted or will be posted at: Amazon wait for 12/1, Goodreads, My Blog, CBD, Barnes and Noble, BooksAMillion, Google Play Books , Pinterest, IG, Kobo wait for 12/1, Lifeway wait for 12/1

(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.

Julie Klassen has a way of writing stories that teach you about love at the same time that they teach you about forgiveness and the history of the world. Each time I read one of her books, I learn something new, and I especially loved this book for showing the two sides of a war most people in the US don't know much about. Her books, while Christian in genre, can be appreciated by people of all faiths and people of no faith, because you can read the story and see the beauty and ugliness of human nature. You can understand what good can come from doing right by other people, even if it puts you in danger, and you can see the importance of having faith in something, even if that something is simply yourself. Having faith in God is paramount to those of the Christian faith, but first you must have faith in yourself and recognize that the right path for you is also the path that God sets you on.

Laura Callaway hasn't belonged anywhere in a long time, ever since moving to Cornwall at a young age following the deaths of both her parents. While she may not always understand the Cornish ways of her guardians and her neighbors, she adopts them in her own way, ensuring her belief in what is good and right remain firm. When a ship wrecks near her home, the people flock to the beach to see what cargo they can claim as their own, only a few paying any mind to saving the people on board. A man washes ashore, injured, and Laura immediately rushes to his side, saving him from certain death from a bloodthirsty "wrecker" who'd rather there be no survivors, so that no one can claim what they find. Taking him home, she nurses him back to health, soon learning that all may not be as it appears. The man has an accent, even though he tries to hide it, and as bodies and belongings float to shore, it becomes clear that his secrets may put all of them in great danger.

There is something about a story where one person saves the other that calls to me. Perhaps it's because I like the appeal of the idea that one person would risk themselves to save another, even if they didn't know them. There is something so wonderful about that idea, and I especially liked how Julie Klassen portrayed it in this book. Laura was a sweet soul, clearly respecting of the Cornish traditions while also maintaining her own set of morals around what she would and wouldn't do to fit in. She befriended outcasts, saved shipwrecked items at her own peril, and took the time to notify loved ones of sailors who perished, even if it meant receiving an angry reply in return. She wasn't without faults, but she clearly had a beautiful heart. Alexander Lucas, the man she saved, was another who I could tell had an innate sense of good in him. His back story was so tragic, and I can't reveal much without giving away a large spoiler, though I think you will know his secrets before he reveals them. It doesn't take long to figure it out, and by then, you've become so attached to his character that you don't really care about his history. All I cared about was how he was going to make it work with Laura, because they both clearly deserved a happily ever after.

I always read Julie Klassen books, and so it's no surprise to me that I really enjoyed this one. Julie is a masterful storyteller and one I hope continues to gain readers from all backgrounds to enjoy the messages she imparts in each story.

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.

It is 1812, and Laura Callaway feels like a castaway in Cornwall, where she lives with her uncle and his somewhat disapproving wife. Missing her parents, who are presumed dead, Laura has found solace and purpose in searching the shores after shipwrecks. She finds and collects lost belongings and attempts to return them to the families of their owners. She does this under the disapproving eye of the Wreckers, men who try to seize and sell the cargo of wrecked ships, despite laws to the contrary. When a stranger is washed ashore, the Wreckers want to kill him, but Laura saves him too. However, she begins to have questions as more lost items turn up. Can this stranger be trusted?

This is a wonderful, well-researched book by Julie Klassen. The laws and practices surrounding wrecked ships of the time were fascinating. Klassen also provided tidbits of Cornish history, mythology, and practices at the beginning of each chapter. The characters sometimes converse in the old Cornish language. Legendary wrecker Tom Parsons is a major character in this novel, and the Napoleonic wars play a part. The romance is well written, and there is a Christian theme of forgiveness throughout the book.

I would recommend this to any fan of historical fiction and romance.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

I read another book recently about a small village on an English coast and the shipwrecks that happened and how people would take the things that wash ashore and sell or hide them for profit.

Image my surprise when that same thing happens in this book. And then again imagine my surprise when one of the things that the main character in the book, Laura, tries to save is an actual human who happens to still be alive.

Laura and her neighbour who was a chamber nurse set to work straight away to get this castaway survival to survive. It's touch and goes for a bit but they're getting it done. But things aren't adding up.

Who is this man and where did he come from? Where is he bound? And why was there a french navy coat among the items washed ashore? No one else has been found alive and they need answers soon.

I loved meeting Laura and Alex. They're great characters and they seem to be growing close but yet Alex has secrets he's not willing to share. Laura has mysteries in her past that she still needs to figure out answers to.

Can they help each other with answers? When Alex must go to Jersey and that's where Laura's parents last were before they died she knows she must go with him. Not just for answers but also for love.

The journey is dangerous and he's a wanted man. Who can they trust and will they survive?

Great book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Thank you, Julie Klassen, Bethany House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

I always jump at the opportunity to read anything by Julie Klassen. A Castaway on Cornwall is definitely one of my most anticipated reads for this year. Laura Callaway is an orphan living with extended family in Cornwall but does not feel like she belongs. She spends most of her time walking the beach collecting items from shipwrecks. She does her best to identify the owners to bring them peace. Until one day, she finds a man on the shore, he is alive, but only just. Laura saves him. However, he has an accent and his injuries are quite suspicious. He doesn’t seem like he is dangerous but he is definitely not telling her the truth about who he is…

This is an enchanting novel set in the backdrop of the aftermath of the French Revolution. England and France are at war. Everyone is eyed with suspicion. I absolutely love the historical detail even though it is not the highlight of the novel. The highlight is the characters, specifically Laura and Alexander. Both are castaways in their own way. It only makes sense that they would connect. I love Laura’s development as she discovers what home truly is!

Even though this novel has a pretty slow start, it does pick up. There is actually quite a bit of suspense! In fact, there are a few twists and unpredictable endings. I was absolutely shocked with one of the plot points, so it will definitely keep readers on their toes. However, with all Julie Klassen’s novels, the description is absolutely beautiful! I have even added a visit to Cornwall to my travel bucket list…after COVID, of course. Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book releases tomorrow, December 1st, 2021!

A Castaway in Cornwall
by Julie Klassen
Back of the Book: “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 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?
Impressions: This felt a bit deja vu for me as I recently read, The Light at Wyndcliff, by Sarah E. Ladd. Both books had similar settings and theme of shipwrecks.
Rated: a few kisses, shipwrecks, death, deception, theft, war, and prison camp memories
Liked: I enjoyed the characters and glimpse into Cornish culture. Laura feels out of place in her new home after being orphaned. Although these are her feelings it appeared that she was well-liked in her interactions with others. It took Laura leaving to realize that she was more apart of the community and family than she realized. There are defiantly times where I feel this way, that I don’t belong or don’t fit in. Just as Laura does, I think it is important to keep doing good no matter.
Disliked: Perhaps this is a spoiler but I didn’t care for Alexander’s decisions when it came to women. I know that he liked Laura but his past relationships brought up so much confliction for him that it felt like he wasn’t sincere in his regard for her. I imagine he didn’t have much time to process all that he was experiencing to know his true feelings until they were apart but even then, he seemed swayed too easily by his fathers’ input.
Learned: Unsaid feelings can lead to bitterness. Bitterness leads to hate and ultimately death. You can not chase after such negative feelings and win.
Quotes:
“Life can be hard, and yours has not been easy. But I can honestly say that serving God and serving others has given me purpose and fills my soul when life is sometimes disappointing. I would love for you to find that same fulfillment.”
“That is not how love works. It is not blind to faults, nor must it accept the wrongdoing of those dear to us.”
“He did believe the Almighty heard his prayers, although God had not promised he would not suffer. If the Father had allowed his believed Son to suffer and die on this earth, why should a mere mortal like him expect a carefree life?”
“Almighty God, look with mercy on those here assembled and accept our humble petitions. We are grateful for this new day and for the gracious hospitality of your hosts. Please pardon our offenses of yesterday and guard us from evil today. You know our weaknesses and the temptations that surround us. We ask for your protection through any dangers ahead, and we pray for all who travel by land or by sea.”
“Life might disappoint you, Friends may desert you. But God is faithful. Stay close to Him, and you won’t stray far from the right path.”
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Castaway in Cornwall is another immersive historical mystery/romance from Julie Klassen, and as usual, she does not disappoint. This one as a bit slower than I remember her books usually being, although that’s not to say she’s usually a very fast-paced writer either. However, the leisurely pace also worked so I could simultaneously soak in all the details and become engrossed in every twist and turn.

Klassen’s research remains top-notch, and she clearly knows the places she writes about, both from visiting many of them and doing supplementary research (something she notes she relied on a bit more this time around, due to COVID-19). However, she makes the Cornwall coast really come to life in her prose, and the addition of the photos she shared in a video on her YouTube channel only serve to amp up the immersion. And even beyond the visuals, it was cool to see the little bits of daily life in Cornwall, including the somewhat harrowing fact that most people back then couldn’t swim!


Klassen’s characters are also unique, standing out in the aristocracy-saturated Regency market (although less so when you compare her characters to many of her peers in Christian fiction, where only a handful of authors write Regency). Laura has been through a lot with the loss of her parents and being dependent on others for room and board, but is also involved in recording shipwrecks and keeping track of the casualties for her uncle, which I found really interesting

Alexander was a prisoner of war with loyalties to the Bourbons during the Napoleonic Wars. I found the broader discussion of the politics of the time moving, as well as the consequences for him sticking to his own convictions in the matter.

However, I did find myself a bit perplexed by the inclusion of a discussion question at the end about relating Alexander’s political differences with his brother to what’s going on today, which struck me as a very poor comparison, given the drastically different circumstances at play today they weren’t back then in that particular issue, although I’m not surprised to see this comparison, all things considered, given the number of people who do believe in that way.

I did still enjoy it, despite the flaws, which in the grand scheme of things, were fairly minimal or to be expected. Julie Klassen is a favorite, and the issues I’ve pointed out have not (overly) impacted this view, although I have become a bit more cynical. I think if you loved her previous work, or love sweet and suspenseful historical romance, you’ll enjoy this one.

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.

This was a fascinating story. I was drawn in from the first scene when Laura walks the beach trying to decide if she is flotsam or jetsam as she searches for the same. She has always been out of place in Cornwall where she came after her parents’ died. Her life takes a decided turn when she saves a man who has been shipwrecked on the coast.
I really liked Laura. She is bold and adventurous. She is a bit unconventional. She sees the worth in people others have looked over. Alexander is a bit mysterious, thoughtful, and wonderful. I enjoyed his relationship with Laura. I appreciated how the story came full circle and Laura rethinks what Cornwall means to her. I liked many of the secondary characters and would love to see Treeve and Jago in future books.
This was a great, interesting book. I’d highly recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Julie Klassen never ceases to amaze me with her writing! In A Castaway of Cornwall, she makes the reader feel right at home among the seaside of Cornwall as they become engrossed in her story.
Character development is great, as well as the flow of the plot.
If you like historical fiction from this part of the world, you will love this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I couldn’t stop reading this, from the shipwreck to the ending.
There was just enough suspense and romance. Some was predictable and maybe not believable. But I have a thing for stories about shipwrecks so I loved this one.
The setting in Cornwall is lovely and I could totally picture the English seaside descriptions. I also loved the tie in to the Napoleonic War. The smuggling, the secrets, and everything though maybe far fetched became real to me. I was invested in the story and the romance. I loved the opening and loved how the epilogue tied it all together.
I have read only a couple books by Klassen, but this one has exceeded the others by far. Maybe it’s a little different than her others, but I loved it.

The beautiful setting of Cornwall always draws me in. I have loved all of Julie’s books but this one may be my favorite.
Julie’s newest story is a captivating tale filled with shipwrecks, smugglers, wars, spies, secrets, and romance. I quickly fell in love with this set of characters and couldn’t wait to figure out the mystery. Regency fans will adore this couple and their story. Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are own.

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for this tale of intrigue and romance. I have read almost all of Julie Klassen’s books and enjoyed every single one. This story had me so captivated that I finished it in one day. Klassen’s books are so well written with relatable characters and a touch of romance. This one also had a fair amount of intrigue and adventure that kept me turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy clean, historical fiction with a touch of inspiration.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the free copy to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

I love Julie Klassen’s novels. They are high-quality stories clearly well researched and well written. A Castaway in Cornwall is no exception. This story is breathtaking. I found the plot engaging. The characters all unique and realistic. The romance sweet and satisfying. And, the themes timely and thought-provoking. A Castaway in Cornwall is a true 2020 must-read that I highly recommend.

One of my most favorite aspects to Klassen’s novels is that her characters are realistic. They may believe in God, but they are also angry or hurt or struggling or frustrated or questioning. They aren’t perfect even when they seem perfect. I really love Laura’s character in this novel. She is a truly good person. She is law-abiding when many around her are rule-benders. She genuinely cares for others — even those who seem like outcasts. To Laura, a person in need is a person in need no matter his/her race, financial status, or position in society. She is always respectful no matter what. And, she is humble. Add to this that she is beautiful and Laura appears to be the perfect Christian character. But Laura knows better. She knows she is holding resentment in her heart. She knows she needs to forgive but struggles to do so. She knows she can have a haughty attitude towards others. And, she knows she looks like a good Christian girl, but really she is just going through the steps as if she is following a “good-girl, Christian checklist.” Laura knows she is a woman who needs fixing, but how does one get “fixed” when it feels like God has deserted her? And, herein lies the spiritual crux of this story. Laura’s physical journey in this novel is a metaphor for the spiritual journey we all must endure in order to see just how much God works in our lives. God loves His kids and He is an active Father, but we kids have to be willing to pause, self-reflect, and stop making assumptions that God is impotent just because we don’t get what we want when we want it. This is a superior and timely message we all need to hear today. Does Laura realize just how important she is to her Heavenly Father? Does she do what she needs to in order to see God active in her life? Well, you’ll just have to read this superb story to find out.

A Castaway in Cornwall is a beautiful, hope-filled, satisfying Historical Romance that I highly recommend. If you are a fan of Julie Klassen’s stories, and if you love well-researched, romantic, and engaging Historical Fiction, then A Castaway in Cornwall is the novel for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Having read my first Julie Klassen book yesterday, I started on this one today. A most enjoyable read. The story was completely different from the other one which was a bit unexpected as often authors seem to write with variations of the same theme. As with the other book, a strong story, different from the normal books in this genre and with an undercurrent of spirituality. Perfect for reading at this time of year.

Julie Klassen is a favorite author, and I will read anything she writes. A Castaway in Cornwall has an intriguing mystery and a lovely romance. I loved escaping to Cornwall, and getting to know the eclectic cast of characters and their fascinating life by the sea. The story was a little long in parts, so I would recommend reading it when you want a richer, longer read. It's perfect for the winter season, so brew a cup of tea and settle in.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.

I enjoyed this book especially as Cornwall is one of my favourite places. I know Padstow very well so, it made this book such a lovely read.. it was very well written and it kept me interested all the way through, I don’t often read books like this so, this made a pleasant change for me. The descriptions of the sea and the scenery made me want to go back to Cornwall as soon as possible. I found this book an easy read and I would love to read more by this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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.

My most recent fiction book whisked me back to the rocky shores of Cornwall, but this time with author Julie Klassen. A Castaway in Cornwall has an enjoyable mixture of mystery and romance. As if often true of these novels, the main character has an interesting living situation in that she lives with family that isn't family by blood and is thus not always treated kindly. Laura is also looked down upon by locals as not being "from Cornwall." She spends a great deal of time looking for retrievable items from shipwrecks, otherwise being useful, and making the best of her situation. When there is another shipwreck, she nurses a survivor in their home. The mystery is partially who is this survivor and why was he on the ship? The appearance of another survivor creates a dangerous situation requiring they flee for safety. In the midst of the danger, Laura also uncovers information about her blood family. A Castaway in Cornwall is a light, enjoyable read. The story pulls you in and has you rooting for the characters.

I received a complementary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.

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.

Even the smallest of details in this book are well-researched, truly placing the reader in North Cornwall, England in the early 1800s. I found A Castaway in Cornwall to be a wonderful companion read to The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd, which I had recently read and enjoyed. I felt that Evelyn Bray and Laura Callaway would have been the best of friends. Laura's guardian even shared Evelyn's surname. Both story lines revolve around the frequent shipwrecks off the coast of Northern Cornwall, and the free-traders and smugglers who profited from them. A Castaway in Cornwall also incorporates the conflict between the English and French.

Laura Callaway saves the life of a passenger from a doomed ship, the Kittiwake. She takes him to her uncle's home to recuperate and becomes entangled in his efforts to return home and save his brother from the noose. Throwing caution and propriety to the wind, Laura may also fulfill a long-held dream of her own.

I highly recommend A Castaway in Cornwall and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I never gave much thought about what happened to shipwreck cargo and the crew. The author not only wrote a great romantic story, but I learned new things about shipwrecks. The story was the perfect book to curl up with on a cold and dreary day.

I am thoroughly impressed with Julie Klassen’s new book, “A Castaway in Cornwall.” The story of Laura Callaway, who spends her time locating items from shipwrecks to return to the families of those lost in the tragedies, and Alexander Lucas, who himself was washed ashore following a shipwreck, is filled with so many unsuspected turns that the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into the tale. The research and explanation of this time period is excellent and necessary as many readers are likely to have little knowledge of this time period. Bravo. Well done.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Julie Klassen has written another book that educated and entertained me at the same time.

This book is set during the Regency time period. Laura is a young woman who doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. She is an orphan living with non-blood relatives and in a close-knit community. She feels as if her parents abandoned her and doesn't see her true worth.

Her life takes a drastic change when there was a shipwreck near her home. She saves the life of the only survivor and is his advocate and champion when danger is near. He is also different, a fact that leads to a kinship between the two.

Sprinkled in the story, Klassen adds tidbits of history about the region and the religious and social practices of the time. I loved the small community setting and could imagine myself there. She described the customs and people in a way that I felt as if I could connect with them.

The book contains romance and suspense. I loved the dual perspective of the French and English during the war. This is a book that is worth reading.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first Julie Klassen book I have read and boy am I hooked .
Set around the rugged coast of Cornwall it has all the ingredients you need for a historical romantic novel. Romance intrigue a good mystery with pirates and Cornish reckers in the mix.
Just loved it and can’t recommend it enough
Five stars all the way

Wrap yourself up warm and enjoy all aspects of this tale set in the early 1800's in a small coastal village in North Cornwall 2 miles from Padstow.

The setting is important as Ms Klassen gives us scenes involving smuggling, pirates and shipwrecks. There is a simplicity to life experienced by the main character, Laura Callaway who loves just wandering along the beaches. The author even gives us characters who sometimes converse in the old Cornish language.- all adding to the atmosphere!

Yes, there is love involved but no other spoilers. Have a pasty and a couple of pints of 'Doom Bar' and lock yourself away with such a good book.

Thanks to Net Galley and Bethany House for the chance to read and review.

A story of shipwrecks and smugglers in a time of war. Orphaned Laura Callaway lives with her uncle by marriage and his second wife, in a small Cornish village. One of her projects is to try and identify shipwreck victims by their personal belongings and give their families closure. After one tragic incident she rescues a near dead man, going by the name, Alexander Lucas and nurses him back to health. However, as the days go by and her feelings for Alexander grow, she finds herself embroiled in treasonous acts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a wonderful read. I am totally a romance-novel-addict and I lived this one. If you like my got a Historical fiction bug, you will love this book. Julie Klassen writes so beautifully. And the characters are so real.
I deeply enjoyed it.
This was a 4 stars for me.

I enjoyed the setting and getting to know the believable, interesting main and minor characters. I liked Laura, and her Uncle Matthew as they lived on the coast of North Cornwall, England in 1813. They helped shipwreck survivors and nursed them back to health the best they could, possibly reuniting them back with their family. The author takes her time in having readers get to know these characters and the community they lived in.

I enjoyed the Cornwall coast as the author had it come alive through main characters searching the beaches looking for treasures. I enjoyed how Laura does this to not only to find treasures for herself, but she hopes to reconnect the treasure with their family. Sometimes reuniting a treasure with the family was not always well-received – caused some trouble to a few which surprised Laura.

Things change for Laura when she helps rescue a likable, mysterious man from a shipwrecked boat. She is intrigued by him and treats him well. Laura treated people the way she would like to be treated, kind of like Jesus loving people right where they are not waiting until they are cleaned up and beautiful.

I enjoyed this fun blend of mystery, danger, and intrigue with characters I enjoyed hanging out with in a unique setting. I enjoyed learning about the community they lived in and the things they faced and how this group was skeptical of outsiders who washed up on their shores. I enjoyed how this all played out with Laura and this mysterious guest.

I found the author note to readers interesting, she says, “If you were surprised to read that more people on shore did not try to help those trapped on foundering ships, or that so many died in shipwrecks, remember that few people knew how to swim in previous centuries, and this period is before the creation of the Coastguard, or the proliferation of the rocket life-saving device and breeches buoy, etc. The Padstow lifeboat was not established until 1827. Before that, shipyard gig crews, fishermen, and others did what they could to save those in distress, though many perished.”

This is an interesting read that would make for an interesting book club pick. The author includes ten questions to help create a lively discussion for your group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Romance, adventure, and intrigue.

I recently discovered Julie Klassen and really like her writing. I think my favorite books are the Ivy Hill series. This book is a bit different than that series, more intrigue, more cliffhanger until the very end. It will especially be popular with fans of Poldark, Jane Austen, and Jane Eyre. A lovely diversion for reading by the fire.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

A Castaway in Cornwall is such a wonderful book. The setting of Cornwall is magnificent and yet, dangerous and mysterious in its own right. I have read several stories of the unique customs of the area, including the history of the dangerous shoreline, where ships would be thrown upon the rocks and then what’s left of the ship the winds would finish demolishing it. Very few of the ships crew would be saved. Then there were wreckers, who deliberately shown lights during the storms to lure them onto the rocky shore. So the smugglers could reap the contents of the ship. Laura lives with her uncle after the death of her parents, but she never feels like she belongs so she spends her time finding things that are lost with the hope that she can return them to their owner. That is what’s left after the wreckers take their haul. She carefully cleans each item and writes a note of which person, {a description as best she can} it was found on or near and the date of the wreck. After a severe storm the men that washed ashore and are alive are taken up to the main house of her uncle. 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. He is definitely hiding something. I loved the slow, respectful development of their relationship……Oh there is so much to this story that will keep you reading on and on. I heartily recommend this book, you will not be disappointed……I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it. I loved it.

Fans of regency historical fiction will find a new book to love in Julie Klassen's A Castaway in Cornwall. With wonderful attention to detail, Ms. Klassen spins an exhilarating tale filled with shipwrecks, smuggling and romance. The vivid setting of the Cornish coast almost appears as a character itself under Julie Klassen's pen. I loved the quotes the author included at the beginning of each chapter. These snippets from the past gave historical authenticity to the story playing out within the pages of the book. The theme of finding a place to belong, family and forgiveness tugged at my heart. Julie Klassen proves once again why she is one of favorite authors. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.

What a moving story! I was caught up in this book and had a hard time putting it down. The story and characters captivate you into Cornwall and beyond. I don’t want to give anything away but you will enjoy this from beginning to end. I look forward to ready many more books by Julie Klassen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

True to Julie Klassen form, A Castaway in Cornwall is atmospheric and romantic. I loved the thread of intrigue running through this story! And I adore the cover. :)

I did enjoy this story very much. It really describes how life was in the area at this time, with the shipwrecks, the wreckers and how hard life was for some people. Laura was living with her uncle by marriage and his second wife but she always felt like an outsider, as she hadn’t been born in Cornwall. She was a very caring person and did what she could to help people. Alexander Lucas, was shipwrecked near where Laura lived and Laura helped nurse him back to health. There is a mystery surrounding Alexander and gradually this unfolds through his memories. Alexander and Laura began to develop feelings for each other but their circumstances didn’t help. There are some dangerous events, but also happy ones and definitely a very satisfying ending. I enjoyed reading about the way the community would help one another. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Castaway in Cornwall combines an idyllic setting, secrets, and unique history of the region all with a story of loyalty and friendship. It has been far too long since I’ve read a Julie Klassen novel, and I’m happy to say this one delivered the richly historical story I wanted!

Much as the heroine, Laura, happens upon cast off trinkets and the occasional item of value from the sea, her fated discovery and care of the mysterious hero of the novel proves a story of personal discovery, too. The backstory of these characters is smartly revealed as the story unfolds. I enjoyed their growing camaraderie and the way their wits and strengths must come into play in their relationships with each other and with their friends and enemies.

The Cornish setting is wonderfully portrayed by Klassen! Fans of Poldark will enjoy seeing familiar place names and even similar themes of loyalty, betrayal, joy amidst loss, and friendship. I was also happy with the surprising direction of the story in the latter half — I won’t say more than it explores a unique part of history not always given its due in Regency stories.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Moving and enchanting:
True to her other works, this book flowed seamlessly with beautifully written prose. It was full of adventure, mystery and a gentle romance. It was interesting discovering more about life on the Cornish coast during the Napoleonic war, which was rife with smugglers, spies and danger.
It had a bit of a slow start but it kept my attention and I enjoyed the various twists and turns along the way. I connected with both of the main characters and although Laura and Alexander faced numerous obstacles and challenges, I was so pleased when things worked out for them. There were also an enjoyable cast of supporting characters who livened up the story and gave it depth.
Overall I found this standalone book really interesting and the light Christian message uplifting.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The first book I've read by this author (don't know why) but it won't be my last.
Smugglers, Shipwrecks and personal belonging along the Cornish Coastline, loveable characters, a rolacoaster of emotions in this beautifully written book, an excellent read.

Poldark meets Jane Austen!

Laura, orphaned daughter of a physician, lives with her Uncle in Cornwall. She feels out of place in the county as she only arrived there in her teens, and spends much of her time searching along the shore. After a ship is wrecked, she rescues one of the survivors, preventing one of the looters from killing him. She cares for him and he recovers. Who is he? Does he have family? Where does he come from?

The story has many twists and turns; the friendship between Laura and Alex deepens, but he must leave. Will they meet again?

A well-woven story, with great descriptions of Cornwall and other places that the story takes you to.

Well worth reading.

After her parents have passed, Laura has been living with her uncaring relations in Cornwall. Feeling unwanted, she spends time walking along the beach, searching for anyone whose ship has been wrecked in storms, trying to help or salvaging what she can. When she finds a wounded man, she takes him back to her relatives’ home to help him to recover.
The scene is set by an expert hand. There is a real sense of Cornish history, and you can visualise the poverty and customs of the time, with short Cornish quotes at the beginning of each chapter adding dimension. Characters are well written and you feel empathy with Laura who was abandoned by her parents as a child, and the caring way she tries to help others in need.
The book unfolds at a steady pace, keeping your interest as secrets are discovered regarding Alexander, the wounded man that Laura rescued from the shipwreck. Growing increasingly concerned as she wonders whether he is who he says he is.
On the downside, I feel that the story is quite long and loses a little pace and vibrancy as the story unfolds. On the whole though, a well-written entertaining historical read.

Review to come!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Castaway in Cornwall is a book that has everything, mystery, history and romance. This is the first historical fiction book I have read and I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking for more books by Julie Klassen in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy.

Laura captures my heart as she tries to solve the mystery at hand I feel for her heart as I too have felt like a castaway. It's adventurous, mysterious, romantic, but the waves pull you into the depth of your soul searching. The satisfying ending will leave you smiling and pondering for days to come.

Julie Klassen’s A Castaway in Cornwall is a sweeping tale with mystery, romance, and adventure.

I wasn’t sure about this novel at first, and it took me a few chapters to get into it. But once I was sucked in, I was invested and ready to reach the ending.

Klassen blends suspense and romance with a historical setting that is rich and vibrant. This small parish on the coast of Cornwall almost felt like home, and the rich characters that populate this village seemed like old friends.

And by characters, I mean characters. From wrecker Tom Parsons to gentle giant Jago. I couldn’t help but love each one. But Alexander definitely grabbed my interest from the moment he opened his eyes in the Brays’ guest room. The melding of his secret with Laura’s protectiveness drove the plot as hurdles appeared and friendships were tested. I found myself entranced as clues were slowly revealed and everything began to come together.

The story definitely took a surprising turn, which I don’t want to spoil for you. But it deepened the plot and forced the characters to face their past in an unexpected way, leading to a satisfying ending.

There’s also a great spiritual thread about God’s hand in our lives. Klassen ties in the castaway theme with this thread, and I don’t know how to fully explain. You’ll just have to read it to find out.

Overall, A Castaway in Cornwall is a satisfying Regency romance filled with intrigue and adventure.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

A Castaway in Cornwall

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
____________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Julie Klassen welcomes readers to journey with her to Cornwall and the coasts that hold so many secrets during the time of England's war with Napoleon to find out the story of a young rescuer and the mysterious man she finds along the shore.

Julie Klassen has a special skill to weave a fascinating story filled with intrigue, love and danger that is neither modern nor overwhelming. I love stories written in days gone by but this one will probably stick with me for a while because it's location is not one I've often read about. Cornwall is a close-knit community on the edge of the British Isles that is known for keeping its secrets. The people there are not-welcoming to outsiders but hold tight to those from their coasts. This story had so much history included alongside the fiction that it was easy to picture the happenings described. I loved that the supporting characters also had good depth and personalities as well as the main. Stories that are complex like this one draw you in and carry you along on an adventure you never knew you wanted to go on. Often I found myself quite a bit anxious or holding my breath to see if certain things would happen or be discovered. I'll not spoil the story for others by telling more but will say that I will recommend this story to others as a very good read that will both engage and educate readers. I certainly was and am looking forward to whatever story Ms. Klassen may have coming next.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Cornwall has a history of being the location for classic titles such as Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. In recent years, perhaps due to the success of the 2015 television adaption of the Poldark novels, it has become a favored location again. This is the third novel I’ve read this year that focuses on the area, and its dangerous coastline, and a way of life that includes shipwrecks and smuggling.

As with Julie Klassen’s other novels, A Castaway in Cornwall is set during England’s Regency era, towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The prologue - intriguingly written in a first-person narrative as is the epilogue - focuses on the thoughts of a young woman wondering where she belongs in life. In the first paragraph, I learned there is a difference between Flotsam and Jetsam; I’d always believed the two words were part of a phrase with one definition. Ah, well. The bulk of the story is then written in the third-person format, and readers get the perspectives of both Laura and Alexander.

The book has many twists and turns within its pages, and I wasn’t sure where it might finish. This is just one of the many reasons to keep reading. Another is the description of the area of Cornwall in which the book is set. It includes real places such as the half-buried St. Enodoc Church that, today, sits in the middle of a golf course. I never got to this part of England when I lived there, and now I wish I had. Also, A Castaway in Cornwall resonated with me on a thematic level, for its theme of finding family and home. This year, I've found myself missing the country of my birth more than ever and longing to be back there. Which is ironic given that at one point in time, I couldn't wait to leave. So, yes, I well understood Laura's thoughts about having a place to call home.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, the words and opinions above are my own.

An excellent book by Julie. This story is told with rich character development and vivid narration.

I could identify with Laura and how she felt like an outsider at times and like she didn’t belong. Alex seems to bring her connection.

I enjoyed all of the characters in this book and I like the ending and a bit of surprise we get, although I can’t share it here.

If you enjoy historical romance with a flare for the sea you will love this book.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own

Love me some well-written historical fiction! When I started reading this, I was questioning whether or not I would like it, because I had recently read another book about shipwrecks and thought it may be too similar. Happily, I was proved wrong. :) It was a very different story, and a good one.. Though there are some challenges to the romance, it's not one of those wishy washy back and forth forever ones that I can't stand. ;) I also love learning about actual history through fiction,and this book does a great job of this.

This was a very enjoyable story based in the times of the Napoleonic Wars. Involving escaped French sailors, Cornish smugglers and ladies looking for husbands. Lots of action, great descriptions and a satisfying conclusion.

This story was so unlike any I’ve read before. The characters and the setting were so different from what I am used to in Historical Romance Novels. The heroine Laura, is living where she doesn’t quite fit in. After her parents died she was adrift, and thankful to have distant family take her in. Laura had no clue how different other peoples customs and ways of life could be. It was so fun seeing the “Cornish ways” through her eyes, and I couldn’t imagine living in so different a place and seeing the things she did. I can imagine how poverty could cause people to do things that we might see as inhumane and weird, but to them it was just a way to provide for their families.

I loved watching the romance grow between Laura and the man she rescued. In a world torn by war it’s hard to know who can be trusted, and no one can blame anyone for being weary of strangers. Love might not know the difference between sides, but secrets often have a way of revealing themselves. This story was so unpredictable and I enjoyed every moment of it. I found myself feeling a range of emotions from total elation to completely nervous. I loved how Laura cared for others, and longed to bring comfort to the loved ones of those lost to the sea. I had the hardest time putting this book down. And when I wasn’t reading, found my mind wandering back to the story and dying to pick it back up again. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

A Castaway In Cornwall is Julie Klassen's newest novel. I loved all of the descriptions of bygone days in Cornwall. Julie obviously did quite a bit of research into the customs and language. The characters were realistic and I loved the dialogue. The plot was a little slow to develop but picked up towards the end. I do recommend this book to all who love Great Britain and Regency era books.
So Brew a pot of tea and settle in for your latest Historical fix.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com. All thoughts are my own.

What an interesting and unique story. Fans of Poldark and/or England will especially enjoy it. Even if you’re not a fan of those, you’ll enjoy it. Laura is such a sweet character. She makes the best of each circumstance. Alexander is trying to do the right thing. He’s shipwrecked and almost dies, but Laura saves him. And they have a journey together and with the beautiful Cornwall setting. The way the author describes it makes you feel like you’re there seeing the beauty. Highly recommend this book! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.

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!

This is my first book from Julie Klassen. I enjoyed the book, the descriptions of Cornwall, shipwrecks, the wild sea and shoreline. The story will take you on a journey. I would recommend this book.

I give a 4-star rating.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF READING AN ADVANCED COPY OF THIS BOOK

I really love the way Julie Klassen writes. She is so vivid in her descriptions. I could see the people of Cornwall, the beaches and the village. In this book, you will find a heroine you can relate to, a far away place we would all love to visit and a budding romance. This is historical fiction in a way that I learned about France and England but it was woven in the book seamlessly and easy to follow. I will definitely continue to read Ms Klassen’s books.

A great historical fiction romance about two castaways trying to get back home to family. The characters are full of mystery and spunk. It was a little slow at the beginning but started to speed up when Francois comes into the picture. I really enjoyed the plot, the relationship between Laura and Alex, and the answer to the question, "Who is the real castaway in this book? Alex or Laura?" I would highly recommend this book to readers who love a good romance or historical fiction read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 stars
Cornwall provides a unique backdrop for this novel with its steep cliffs, rocky shores and colorful residents. As ships often find themselves adrift and cast headlong into danger, the same is true for Laura Callaway. Without close family to call her own, she often feels a bit lost. As she searches the shores for treasures, she witnesses a shipwreck and plays a part in rescuing one of its few surviving inhabitants. She finds a new purpose in taking care of him, which leads to a shift in life as she knew it.

This novel was a very enjoyable read, including interesting characters in a variety of settings, romantic tension, and light suspense. There was a clear villain, who was especially nasty to the hero, and it was contrasted with moments of redemption in the story for several of the main characters. Julie Klassen always does an especially great job in creating romantic tension, which I love. I felt like the romantic tension was high in the beginning of the book when the mysterious castaway was found and they were in Cornwall, then dipped some as the plot shifted. At that time, the romantic tension dropped some as the suspense increased. I found it to be a shift that helped build up to more romantic tension in the future. Nicely done! This book really does have a little bit of everything. I will say, though, if you're a fan of Poldark, the beginning of the book reminded me SO MUCH of some of those characters and plot. Even so, there were enough differences that it kept me engaged 'til the end.



*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

From the desk of Katie Patchell:

In this holiday season, acclaimed novelist, Julie Klassen, returns to the Regency world with her latest historical romance, A Castaway in Cornwall. Featuring dangerous wreckers, shifty smugglers, and mysterious strangers, readers may well detect a similar refrain to the haunting melody that is Daphne du Maurier’s classic, Jamaica Inn. Readers brace yourselves: prepare to be transported outside of the lights and glare of the 21st century to an old-world bathed in mists and deafened by the roaring of the sea. Prepare to meet a heroine who, against all odds, bravely fights to reclaim what the ocean has stolen.

“Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here in Cornwall, so far from my childhood home. I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide…”

Laura Callaway has lived along Cornwall’s unpredictably beautiful shores since the reported death of her parents while en route to the Isle of Jersey years ago. With no closure from her own loss, Laura combs the shores for items to save from greedy locals in order to return them to the families of loved ones who have perished in shipwrecks. When a man washes up on the shore one fateful night, half-alive, by instinct Laura spares him from a wrecker’s death blow. Little does she know that this man isn’t the only survivor of the wreck, and this final survivor will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

“In a haze of confusion, Alex had seen the blurred image of a red-haired woman bending over him, her windblown hair falling around her lovely face, her eyes as dark as the depths. He’d thought the legend of the mermaid had invaded his dreams. Now he knew the woman was real…”


On waking in a strange bed on foreign shores, Alexander knows instinctively that he must keep his surname and mission a secret. If someone were to find out who or what he was, the consequences could cost his family their lives. When an enemy from his past hunts him down, Alex has no choice but to trust the woman who has saved his life so recently: the brave Miss Callaway. Thrown together by the sea yet bound together through layers of an unsolved mystery, Laura and Alex must work together to find out the truth–whatever the cost–before it’s too late.

“All around me is the sound of the sea. Not a roar but a rhythm–a watery hum, strumming like a vibrating chord, a quickened heartbeat.”

I had the amazing fortune to road-trip around the United Kingdom twice. Each country–with its people and places, mountains, and moors–was an unforgettable experience. Yet, for me, Cornwall will always stand out in memory as a bright blue gem does against a black velvet stand. Close your eyes for a moment and remember with me the winding cliff paths around Lizard Point. Listen to the sound of the waves far below and the long grass rustling against ancient stone boulders. On gray days it was as if Daphne du Maurier’s broodingly atmospheric novel, Jamaica Inn, had come to life around me. By sunlight, the ghosts of wreckers and smugglers vanished, and all was aquamarine waters and the golden sun glinting off seaside quays. A Castaway in Cornwall’s setting was a breath of fresh, salty air. It effortlessly transports readers to a unique place and will likely put Cornwall on many post-COVID travel lists.

I found the romance to be a blend of Daphne du Maurier and Anne Bronte; there is passion mixed with restraint, and life-threatening secrets bound up with a grey-shaded world where nothing is exactly black or white. The thrilling premise of a woman, lost even to herself, making the choice to save and return what was lost, was one that held strong from the first page to last. Never once did I grow tired of Laura or Alex, especially when his backstory became as important to the main plot as hers.

My only mixed response to A Castaway in Cornwall was that I wanted more. I enjoyed the tantalizing glimpse of the war between England and France and of what their proximity did to the citizens living on the coastlines nearest, but I was still left with many questions. For example, why was Alex so accepted to the people in England, even after finding out his French nationality and wartime past? Sometimes the best course really is a massive tome to while away the chill Winter evenings, and ‘more pages’ is what I would have wished for this novel.

With its captivating romance, hauntingly beautiful setting, and heart-pounding adventure, A Castaway in Cornwall is sure to appeal to fans of Regency and Gothic reads. Yet there is something else that causes it to shine even brighter; its compelling narrative of love, loss, and love again will remain in readers’ hearts long after the final page closes.

A story of shipwrecks, mysterious strangers, spies—and so much more!

Cast adrift to live with her uncle and less-than-welcoming aunt on the shores of Cornwall, Laura Calloway often scours the beaches, searching for treasures washed ashore by the stormy tides and feeling little more than flotsam and jetsam herself. So when a shipwreck tosses a mysterious stranger upon those same shores, Laura wonders if she might have found her greatest treasure yet.

Drawing upon the spy-ridden culture of the Napoleonic Wars and rich with period detail, Klassen gives us a fascinating peek back into time. With characters who step off the page and into the imagination, she crafts a tale of intrigue and betrayal that will leave readers turning page after page in hopeful anticipation of a happily ever after.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I truly enjoyed reading A Castaway in Corwall on this first day of 2021. It was just what I needed as I sat in my cozy reading chair on a rainy day. To me it had a bit of a Poldark feel to it and I could picture the scenery as I read.

I enjoyed the mystery that surrounded Alex, the man Laura saved after the ship he was on wrecked near her home in Cornwall. There was sweet romance, some adventure and themes of forgiveness and reconciliation throughout this book. I have to say I think this is my new favorite by Julie Klassen.

If you're in the mood for a great Regency romance, give this one a try, It truly does not disappoint!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

My first Klassen book and it won't be my last! Excellent writing, engaging setting. It was so refreshing reading a clean book. Thank you for allowing me to review this book!

A touching romantic story about lost love and found hopes in a time of war and disdain. A story that will leave you speechless with its emotional reality that mixes sadness and happiness, pain and love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
An unforgettable story that takes us deep into the world of young Laura Callaway. A girl left alone in this world, living with a family that doesn't share her blood. A castaway nor fully accepted, nor rejected by the inhabitants of the small town. Her peace and pleasure are walking along the coast collecting small treasures that the sea throws away after shipwrecks. But one day, the sea will throw out such a treasure that will bring the greatest happiness but also danger in her peaceful life. Will she find the strength to defend and protect the priceless treasure?
The book seems like a love novel, but I would give a lot more weight to this reading. With an extraordinary narrative gift, the author skillfully leads us on this journey to Cornwall. A complex account of the life that took place there in the 1800s. A distant time for us, and yet so similar. The difficulties of being an orphan, money as the biggest motivator and destruction, clandestine activities as a way to make quick money ... these are some truths that have not changed to this day... But also we can see all the difficulties and hardships that people faced at that time. So many layers, so many threads masterfully woven into a story that will capture your attention from beginning to end. And so many topics to think about. And will we pay attention to the lack of medical care, or the difficulties of not having enough financial means, maybe to the cruelty that war brings, turning brother against brother, father against son ..... Every thread of the story is so skillfully intertwined that as you even read, it seems that you are there and you can see all the situations, feel all the emotions, perceive all the details ... And the details, believe me, are flawlessly fitted, from small superstitions, maidens’ silliness to general beliefs, to detailed descriptions, to historical data and notes that you do not have the impression that they burden you. The whole story is just captivating, with its wonderful premise, well-developed characters, and fascinating truths.
The main character Laura warmed my heart. An ambitious young lady who has many dreams in her life and a very noble purpose. Small for the world, but something greatest for her. At times you think that you are Laura because of the amazing storytelling that seems so real as if there is not much imagination. And you read about her cruel fate. And you see the beauty of her soul. Fighting for people who do not have the strength to fight for themselves, bringing peace and closure for families, you realize that she is a character who simply fascinates you. And Alexander, with his pride and strength, is a man who is simply perfect for her. A man who went through hell to be able to help his family and friend. A man who isn’t afraid to accept help and to show emotions. A man who knows how to appreciate the beauty and sacrifice of this exceptional girl.
Definitely. A book that amazed me with its well-conceived plot and fascinating layering. A book that pulls you in like a whirlwind and doesn't leave you until you read the last page.

“Flotsam or jetsam?” This is the opening line of Julie Klassen’s latest, A Castaway in Cornwall. Such a great opening line when you realize exactly what it means in the context of the story. Not having seen Poldark (I know, I know) I have heard that the opening scenes are Poldarkish, but I can’t deny nor confirm, since I have not watched that series. However, we start with Laura Callaway walking along the shore looking for objects washed up on the shore. Of course, there is a shipwreck and that’s where our hero of the story comes in. I loved every second of this book, intrigue, secrets, a search for belonging, and struggles to do what is right in a world turned upsidedown by the war between England and France. Escape into history and a love story with this beautiful book by Klassen. I found myself reluctant to come up for air. Enjoy!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Another new to me author. This book gripped me from the beginning. I have visited Cornwall & France many times and know some of the locations in the story. Jersey is on my list to visit. I was also familiar with Normans Cross Prisoner of War camp, having viewed an exhibition of the history for the site. All of these things added to my interest as the story developed. The story is set during the 19th Century Napoleonic Wars.
Laura was orphaned whilst a school girl and went to live with her uncle in Cornwall, here she was at odds with the Cornish ways and did not feel that she belonged there. Whilst out on her regular beach walks she rescued Alexander from a shipwreck, and helped him recover his health. During this time she came to like him and wanted to help him return to his home, although he was a very mysterious man who hid his identity and secrets for many months. Laura was also, perhaps, more adventurous than many women of her time and liked to be more independent, particularly as she felt an outsider both at home and in the community. All the characters in the story had back stories which added to the intrigue and also worries for them. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who like mystery and intrigue, but not thrillers.

I chose this as a change from my usual psychological thriller/crime preferences. I do enjoy historical romance and the fact this story is set in North Cornwall influenced my choice.

After the tragic death of her parents, Laura now lives with her Uncle Matthew and his wife and daughter Eseld. Although Laura is loved by her uncle and cousin, her aunt is a difficult woman, often making her feel she is a charity case. Ship wrecks are common along the coast and Laura spends her time scouring the beaches and collecting items. She stores them in the ice house in the family's garden and if she can, returns them to the families of those who have lost their lives. When a merchant ship from Yarmouth is wrecked in a nearby cove, she rescues a drowning man - Alexander Lucas and nurses him back to health. This is the beginning of a gentle romance wrapped around a world of smuggling, spies and deception.
It's a lovely easy read, rich in detail - the author certainly has done a lot of research. If you love historical fiction, especially set around the Napoleonic Wars - then you will enjoy this.

One of the best things about Ms. Klassen's works is the way they transport me to another time and place. This book was no exception. The story is rich in language, customs and details unique to the location (Cornwall) and time (early 1800s). The snippets from supporting works at the beginning of each chapter were a great touch and so interesting!

Reading from the point of view of a Captain fighting for Napoleon was a unique experience; as most of the books I read have the benefit of knowing how history played out, they typically align their characters with the winning side. I appreciated the different perspective.

On a side note, as usual I am one of the few that *doesn't* appreciate the nods, or rather direct quotes from Pride and Prejudice/Jane Austen worked into the story.

Would definitely recommend!

A Castaway in Cornwall is an English historical novel written by Julie Klassen.

Summary: Laura Callaway feels she has no real place in the world. After the tragic deaths of her parents, she is forced to rely on her uncle and his family. It’s not always pleasant, and she grieves the life she once had.

In an effort to find a purpose to her life, she searches shipwrecks to help identify those that have lost their lives. She writes to grieving families in hopes of helping them to receive closure in their loved ones’ deaths.

But everything changes when Laura discovers a wounded man washed up on the beach. As she nurses him back to health, she discovers he is not all he seems. Has Laura brought danger to herself and those around her, or will she finally find the true home she has been longing for all along?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book. It has a different feel to it than most of the books I read, and it was a refreshing change. To me, it felt like there was a wistfulness behind the entire plot line. Almost as if the characters were just holding on to the idea that things could change for their futures. I liked it.

I enjoyed the history in this book as well-the war with the French, as well as how shipwrecks were handled in Cornwall.

Overall, this is a wonderful book and I would recommend it. There is an interesting plot, I liked the characters, and there is a nice and light romance as well.

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Laura Callaway feels like an outsider in the coastal Cornwall village where she resides with her uncle, and his wife. Laura wanders the beaches after the wrecks, gathering things of value in hopes of returning them to their rightful owners, but when a mysterious man washes up on the beaches she feels compelled to help him, but feels that there is more to his story than he has revealed.

Laura finds herself unsure of where to turn and risking it all for a man rescued from the wreckage. Julie Klassen brings the salty coastal air of Cornwall to life in this mysterious tale of sacrifice, risk, and identity. I loved how Laura had many close supportive friends, who helped her over the course of the book, Wenna, and even her stepsister, Eseld.

Engaging from the start, I loved the beautiful coastal setting of Cornwall, though I felt like the pace slowed in the mid-section and I questioned some of the character's choices. This was a pleasant read, with themes of faith and friendship, trust, and belonging, as well as intriguing characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book takes you through a rather long journey. It almost could have been a two book series. The first half was almost a different story and feel than the second half but I still enjoyed it.
Laura lives in Cornwall with her Uncle and his wife and her daughter. Laura isn’t related by blood to any of them, and has always felt as an outsider since moving there. The beach closest to where she lives is known for frequent shipwrecks and she enjoys finding hidden treasures. However, one night she finds a lone survivor from a shipwreck and she saves him and nurses him back to health. There is some mystery revolving around him but it doesn’t stop her growing admiration for him...or his for her. We get both Laura’s and Alexander’s points of views in this book which is nice.
I don’t feel like I can say too much about the remainder of the book without giving away the storyline. However, I guess I can say that the beginning feels like a regency type story, and then you go on a journey, and then there is some resolution, and then some waiting, and then happiness and then finally a happily ever after. ;-)
All in all, it was well written and a good story.

A Castaway in Cornwall was published in December but I just got around to reading it a few days ago. I was met, as expected, with a work of fiction that hit all the right notes for me at the right time. It’s an atmospheric telling, obviously about a castaway in Cornwall – a shipwreck survivor – and the woman who nurses him to health, a castaway in her own right. That’s an overly simplistic capture of the plot, but I don’t want to spoil the story – I want to encourage you to read it for yourself. Inside you’ll find a lot of coastal or sea-worthy jargon with an emphasis on flotsam and jetsam (do you know the difference?) and a reflection of the Cornish history of smuggling and wreckers woven into the period piece.

The lead characters in this novel have some depths to them – secrets, pasts, scars – but they’re steadfast – which is not to be confused with boring. The book as a whole is not fast-paced, and it’s not a romp – it takes its time to get from cover to cover, but it’s an enjoyable journey nonetheless. I would classify it as historical inspirational fiction with intrigue and an innocent, slow-burn romance. Bonus points for the cover art – I just absolutely love the colour palette and soft design. This title felt quite a bit like a novel written just for me.

My thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Great book! Totally swept along with the journey. Julie Klassen is fast bring a firm favourite of mine.

A Castaway in Cornwall
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 01 Dec 2020


I am reviewing a copy of A Castaway in Cornwall through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:



Laura Callaway has been set adrift by the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and she is now wanting answers. She lives with her Uncle and his wife, a disapproving woman who makes it clear how she feels. Laura has always felt like a Castaway, an outsider who has no place to belong.




Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners, while the wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast known for its many shipwrecks but survivors were very few. After a man is washed ashore Laura quickly acts to protect him from a local smuggler who has become determined to destroy him.



As Laura as well as a neighbor take care of the survivor they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. As other clues wash ashore Laura realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite all the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. As danger pursues them on every side and as an unexpected attraction grows between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?



I give A Castaway In Cornwall five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

An enjoyable story. I liked the shipwreck background. I liked the research that went into this story. I'm sure it was accurate historic research. I have liked others I read by this author, but this seemed like the hero in the story was not fleshed out enough. I liked the heroine, and there was some good dialog.. I liked the history about the church buried in sand and the fact the vicar held annual services. I liked the fact that Laura collected bits of flotsam from the wrecks.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read. #Netgalley

Set in the early 1800's in Cornwall England, Laura Callaway rescues a man that has been washed up on the shore.
As she get's to know him, she finds that she is attracted to him even though he is keeping his past a secret. When men show up looking for the this mysterious man, can she trust him with her life as well as her heart?

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. She always provides a gripping story, with well written characters . This book is a wonderful read for anyone who loves the historical fiction and theVictoria England era.

Back at it again with another instant favorite, Julie Klassen’s latest release will leave you hungry to the very end.

Food for Thought: The most page-turning books not only have one overarching point of tension but also include a bunch of minor struggles and triumphs. I have been thinking about this while debating why one book is more engaging than another. This book is one such book. The overarching tension being the war and Laura’s desire for closer, with a multitude of obstacles to overcome. Originally read at the end of December, I had forgotten how many shifts to the story there were. The summary only touches the surface of the beginning of the story.

Lonely and abandoned, Laura is a character that many readers will bond and empathize with. After the death of her parents, she is given into the care of an uncle through marriage whose second wife dislikes and disapproves of the girl. Just like the items she finds washed ashore, she too longs to feel as if she belongs and matters to someone. Despite the hardships in her life, Laura is caring, compassionate, and strong. Given the opportunity to trade places, I am not sure if I would be able to handle her life with such grace and fortitude.

Heart wrenching and tragic, Alexander’s past both saddened me and endeared him as a character worth empathizing with. I don’t want to say too much in order to keep the mystery alive, but if you are so blessed as to read this new release, you will discover a character full of strength, devotion, and determination despite life’s unfair way of unfolding.

If you don’t know this yet, then you should know… I love history. Whether it be ancient, medieval, or World War I, I love learning about other cultures, contrasting views of famous historical events, or even about a time in our history that I know little to nothing about. Despite having read many books set during the regency era, I do not know much about the Napoleonic War. Having studied it in school, I know the basic gist, but beyond that, I am at a loss. A Castaway in Cornwall not only provides insights into this time in history but tells the story from a unique angle. You’ll just have to read the story to figure out what angle to which I am referring ;)

Furthermore, I do not know much about Cornwall so it was a nice addition to have the language and customs incorporated into the story.

I was given a free copy of the book, but the opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
***4 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop

After the death of her parents Laura now lives with her aunt and uncle in Cornwall, unfortunately she feels lost and doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere, she rescues Alexander from a shipwreck and brings him home, whilst nursing him back to health love blossoms, but who is he really? This story is full of suspense, mystery and romance.and I would recommend it to those who enjoyed the Poldark books.

I loved the plot Julie Klassen had in this book! With windswept coastlines, shipwreck survivors, and a little bit of lost treasure, what is not to love? The characters and settings were nicely done, and the story kept me coming back for more. I also loved getting a peek into the time period this book was set in. There was some very interesting historical bits that I loved learning about. I am already looking forward to the next book from Julie Klassen, and can not wait for it to come out!





I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Picking up a book by Julie Klassen you are always sure of a well researched historical novel and this one doesn’t fail to grab your attention. A mysterious man swept up on the Cornish coast, smugglers, a heroine longing to find what happened to her parents. All the ingredients for the sort of book you can’t put down. Thank you Julie

Klassen's historical mystery/romance is well-researched as always. The setting and story arc involve shipwrecks along the coast of Cornwall and the salvaging of goods by local "wreckers" and officials. The heroine, cast upon the mercy of unwelcoming extended family, saves a mysterious man washed ashore from one of the shipwrecks and changes her life.

A Castaway in Cornwall is another great tale from Julie Klassen. Following the deaths of her parents, Laura Callaway is living with her guardian in Cornwall, England. In an effort to find her place in this new world, Laura starts collecting relics lost in the shipwrecks that occur along the shoreline. Her latest relic is a mysterious man, the sole survivor of the most recent wreck!

As Laura and an elderly neighbor, who was formerly a mid-wife, work hard to save this man's life, she tries to discover clues as to who he is and where he is from. Once he recovers and begins to speak, Laura notices a slight French accent. As a friendship begins to form between Laura and her patient, she knows he is still keeping secrets from her!

This story holds a bit of mystery and a lot of unknown. The telling gets very interesting as Laura and this man take an adventure together to try to find answers to questions in both of their past lives!

There was a lot to keep me turning the pages on this one. It has a great setting (the rocky shores of Cornwall--reminded me of Poldark), deep and complicated characters, plot twists, and a satisfying ending.

This would be a great book to read for any Poldark fan!

Another great book by this author. A beautiful tale that takes place during the regency period in England. This story has it all - mystery, shipwrecks, rescues, escapes, soldiers and war, spies, romance, and smuggling. This is a charming romance with a lot of mystery and intrigue thrown in. You cannot go wrong with this book.

A Castaway in Cornwall was enjoyable as all of Julie Klassen's novels are, and was actually deeper and more complex in terms of the storyline than it appeared. For the first time, we have a French hero during an important period in the Napoleonic Wars. This adds the extra layer of political intrigue among a divided family. He's from Brittany and has an English mother, but we're not sure exactly where his loyalties lie.
Laura was also a very compelling and quite unconventional heroine. Unconventional in a good way, not an implausible or cliched one. Her quirks made her interesting, not annoying.

The romance was good, but as stated the book went beyond that. There a few gushy romance clichés at the beginning but towards the middle the story got darker and more complex with a couple of scenes almost reminiscent of The Thirty-Nine Steps.

As usual Mrs Klassen worked some fascinating historical and geographical details into the story. This usually works very well, since she actually visits many of the areas she writes about. Who knew about the ancient connection between Brittany and Cornwall (puts hand up)?

Overall, this was a great standalone novel from Julie Klassen who is continuing her legacy of well-researched and exciting Regency novels which go somewhat against the grain.

Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this title via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This was a very atmospheric story with a rich setting that begins on the Cornwall coast during a storm that wrecks a boat. The rescued castaway is a young man who evidently has plenty of secrets, which lead to surprising developments when his nemesis shows up in the area. Then it’s a puzzle if they can keep Alex from being arrested on the man’s allegations before they can prove he’s the real problem.

The story also follows Laura’s business as a collector of the personal items of shipwrecked folks who died, where she keeps items for a period of time and attempts to let the relatives know about their losses. That was an interesting facet to read.

I’ve always enjoyed stories about Cornwall and the wreckers on the coast, and it was fun to recognize areas I’d read about before, such as Tregeagle.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

This was an enjoyable and immersive read. I've read quite a few of Julie Klassens books and she creates riveting storylines that merge romance with an underlying mystery that unfolds as the plot progresses. You never quite know where she is taking you , she gives you hints and glimpses of clues but then adds twists and turns into the storyline.
Laura Calloway discovers a drowned man washed up on the beach on the Cornish coast where she lives. She takes him back to the house and nurses him back to health . Who is he and why was he washed up on the shore? Were wreckers involved and who is involved in the local smuggling ring?
It has the usual happily ever after you come to expect from her work and I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a little mystery

4 out of 5 stars - If you ask me, I'll tell you to read it

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy.

Laura Callaway has never felt like she belonged in her small town where she currently lives with her uncle (through marriage, not blood) and his family. Her blood relatives have all passed away and she is just trying to survive life. She has a passion in life for collecting lost items from shipwrecks along the seashore, both flotsam (items lost to the sea) and jetsam (items deliberately thrown overboard). She tries to reconnect these items to their owners or the owners family, bringing closure for lives lost.

During one shipwreck at night, she saves the life of a man from being killed by a local smuggler. Laura and her neighbor, with the help of a young local doctor, nurse the man back to health. Through this process, there appear to be things that do not add up. Is this man English, or is he really a Frenchman from the other side of the war?

I really enjoyed learning about shipwrecks, the Napoleonic Wars, and Jersey. I loved the little quirks of Cornwall that I was able to learn, including about the sand buried church! These historical novels, with good research, are wonderful ways to learn little tidbits about history.

RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Bethany House

Ever since I picked up Julie Klassen's first novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, I have felt like I have been transported back to another time. The way that Klassen writes, takes readers right into the story and invested in the character's lives. The first book I read was part of a series, and I enjoyed it enough that I read the entire series and picked up her next book. This will be my sixth book, third of her standalone novels. The Ivy Hill series reminded me of Jane Austen's stories. Klassen writes under the "Christian Fiction" genre, so the novels are pretty "clean" when it comes to sex and violence. The romances are sweet, but still have passion and chemistry that romance readers are looking for. What I also like about Klassen is that there is usually some kind of mystery. A Castaway in Cornwall reminded me a bit of Graham Winston's Poldark series. The characters are endearing and wicked, and sometimes both. The story is about a young woman who is orphaned, and lives with her uncle by marriage. When she was younger, her parents and maternal aunt and uncle have passed away from an illness. her father's sister and husband took her in. Losing her aunt to childbirth, she and her uncle leaned on one another to keep going. He remarries a widow with a daughter around Laura's age. Her step-aunt sees her in her daughter's way of finding a good marriage. Laura longs to see more of the world, especially where she lost her parents.

The Cornwall coast is known for many shipwrecks and few survivors. Laura, among many others, finds things and tries to send them back to their loved ones. One night when she rescues a man from a Shipwreck, she helps to nurse him back to health. As she gets to know the stranger she starts to think he may be lying about who he is. Yet he can take her to where he parents were last alive. This may be the adventure she has always wanted. The whole book was a fun journey. It was the sweet escape I needed get out of my own head.

***I received a complimentary copy of this trade paperback from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

I love a story that can truly transport me to a different place and time through their description and storytelling and Julie Klassen truly does this so well. I have read a few other books from her in the past, and was happy to see that to be the case with A Castaway in Cornwall too. She really just sets the scenes oh-so-perfectly.

This story takes place in an area known for shipwrecks. Where others come to find treasures and the like, Laura Callaway looks for clues as to those who did not survive in an effort to bring answers to their loved ones. When a survivor- Alexander Lucas- washes up on sure, there is a lot of mystery surrounding him too. What follows is a great story full of mystery, drama and yes, even some romance.

While shipwreck stories have not been something I had much interest in in the past, I must say this is the second Christian fiction story I have read recently on the topic and this one has definitely had me wanting to read even more! Overall, fans of historical romance and/or those who enjoy a story with some mystery are certain to want to check this out.

**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Laura Callaway is an orphan that was sent to live in Cornwall. Here she finds the culture and people different from what she was used to and she struggles to fit in and feel accepted.

She makes a hobby of looking for flotsam and jetsam along the shores where shipwrecks are quite common. I found the definitions of flotsam and jetsam interesting. Flotsam is goods floating on the sea where a ship sunk and jetsam is anything that was purposely cast out of the ship in hopes of saving the ship. She tried to find the owners of the things she found if it was at all possible.

And one night she rescues a man who struggled to shore after a ship wrecked on rocks. But who is this man and is he really who he says is and can he be trusted? For the answers to that, you will have to read the book.

This book, while classified as historical fiction, is mostly fictional, but yet loosely based on things that could have happened in that era of time. Tom Parsons, a wrecker, was a real person though not much is known about him. There also was a church who was buried in sand and shipwrecks were common along the coastline and because not many people could swim back then, many people would die as a result of these shipwrecks.

I also enjoy Julie Klassen's writings and try to read all her new books as they come out. Someday I am hoping to read all her backlist as well. They are well-written and often pretty thick and there is something satisfying about that combination.

I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

🐚 When I saw the only @julie.k.klassen book on @netgalley was a book set in Cornwall...I did not hesitate to request it!!! Oohhh it was so good to be back on the coast and it gave me major Poldark vibes!!!
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🐚 This is the second novel I've read by Julie Klassen and I'm a fan. This is Christian fiction that reads like contemporary historical fiction, but with bits of Truth weaved throughout. I love her writing, it's hard to find in this genre.
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🐚 For some reason, this book took me almost a month to read!! February kicked my butt and apparently I've only had time for my audiobooks! It definitely is not a reflection on the actual book because I absolutely loved it!!!!
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🐚 I could smell the sea, see the waves, feel the sand, and taste the salt in the air. The atmosphere was painted beautifully, as was the story!!! I loved how she included so many Cornish words and phrases, as well as historically accurate terms that actually made me grab my dictionary!
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🐚 The love story was slow and organic and precious and....sigh....did I say I loved this book???
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🐚 If you enjoy historical fiction, or for SURE if you like Poldark, you should pick this up!! How do I move on to reading anything not set on a coastline??!?!?
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🐚 No content warnings!!! 🙌🙌

Rich in historical detail and populated with colorful, interesting characters, Julie Klassen’s book, A Castaway in Cornwall, whisked me away to the wild Cornwall shores and kept me captivated to the end. I enjoyed learning more about the history and customs of Cornwall, and I could tell that Klassen had done her research on the area. Set in the early 1800s, this tale featured Laura Callaway and a shipwreck survivor named Alexander. I enjoyed the interaction between the two.

With plenty of intrigue, suspense, adventure, and a dash or two of romance, this novel has something for everyone. Themes of family and home, belonging, and forgiveness add to the satisfaction of the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to read this book because it was by Julie Klassen and I tend to really like her books. I knew nothing about Cornish history going into this and this book definitely intrigued me. Cornwall seems like a very different place to other placed in Great Britain.

The story of the novel follows Laura, the orphan niece of the local pastor. Laura, though having lived in Cornwall for many years, does not feel that she belongs. She has been searching for a way to feel like she fits and has a purpose but has not yet found it.

North Cornwall is apparently the place of many shipwrecks and the people there scavenge through what is washed ashore. Laura likes to find the trinkets she can and try to track down the family to whom they belong. There is apparently a law that says they are up for free after a year and a day of being washed ashore. So Laura collects these things in hopes to give closure to the families of the deceased.

It is during a stormy night and another shipwreck that a man washes ashore and Laura saves his life. This man intrigues Laura as he has a strange accent and some fear that he might be French. This is during the Napoleonic War and so if he were French there would be great danger to the British.

The plot really focuses on the dangers to Laura and the mysterious man which escalate quite quickly. And Laura finds herself having to make a choice between helping the man or turning him in as a possible Frenchman. This really keeps the book moving along and I kept reading to find out if they would both be safe. It was a great story and I highly recommend it.

I absolutely loved the moody atmosphere of this book with its Cornish setting and air of mystery. Laura is a character that's easy to sympathize with- she's not in the most ideal circumstances, but she makes the best of it with grace and strength. Her compassion for her elderly neighbor and the genuine friendship they share shows a lot about her personality. As a collector myself, I thought her beach combing was an interesting quirk, and one that led to the rescue of Alexander. One of my favorite storylines is where the heroine nurses the hero back to health, and I particularly enjoyed the friendship and slow romance between Laura and Alexander. The way the details of his life unfolded slowly throughout the book kept me enthralled and the sense of danger added urgency to the plot. This is a book of discovery in more ways than one! Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

While Laura searches for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast, Laura finds a man is washed ashore after a shipwreck, Laura takes him in, nurses and protects him until she can figure out just who he is. Returning items to their rightful owners is something Laura does and this man seems to have a special need that she feels she can help with. A little mystery and a little romance. I requested a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

A wonderful romantic read set in the backdrop of Nepolionic times in Cornwall. Lovely, gentle read with the dashing ship wrecked prisoner and orphaned young lady as the stars of the story. Easy to read and enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley.

This is a beautiful story with an incredible setting that adds to the feeling of longing and loss in this story. I loved how the author incorporated her research of this time in history all throughout the storyline and made this book come to life for me. Laura Callaway was a compelling character and I felt sympathy for her from the very beginning of the book. As Laura and the handsome sea captain try to stay one step ahead of danger, the story keeps the reader turning pages. There is a faith aspect that adds to this compelling story, and brings this book to another level.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley. This review is my personal opinion.

I must say that of all the books I’ve read of Julie Klassen, this one is now my favorite. When we first meet Laura, she is struggling to belong to feel part of where she is, she feels lost. We learn that she is an orphan and has been living for eight years with her uncle and his family in the north of Cornwall in 1813. Julie Klassen did an excellent job with the descriptions, the historical elements make the story more interesting. Then in a twist of events, Laura saved a man's life who was left as a castaway, when we first meet Alexander we know that are some pieces missing in his story; I’m more than grateful how Julie Klassen took a complex situation and make it more human.

I believe that we can relate to some of the situations the characters live in. This story in my opinion has all the elements to surprise you, make you cry, make you reflect on God’s love for you and the importance of forgiveness and how each one of us matters to God and He knows where and about what is inside our hearts. In this world where we all want to belong, been seen, love, and have to hope amid pain and sorrow I must say it it’s a beautiful gift to read a great story that will give you more than entertainment. My only recommendation is to take your time while reading this book; don’t rush, you may lose an important message. Well done to Julie Klassen and all the team that makes this book possible.

Laura Callaway lives on the coast of Cornwall and loves to take walks looking for items that have washed ashore. She returns them to their family or lets loved ones know that a family member has perished. Laura is an orphan and lives with her Uncle and his new wife and stepdaughter. As her Aunt works to marry off her cousin, Laura often feels like the odd one out. After a shipwreck, she helps to rescue and care for a mysterious stranger that has survived, Alexander. As clues wash ashore, Laura has to put them together to determine what happened. Who exactly is Alexander?

I greatly enjoyed this story. I love stories set in Cornwall especially about the shipwrecks that occurred and how they were handled. The time period of this novel was during the Napoleonic War with the French and I found it fascinating. I listened in to an interview with author Julie Klassen at the Minnesota January JASNA meeting. Her research into this area and time period were fascinating. I loved the historical details that were included in this novel. I also loved the characters as Klassen is a great character author.

This is an inspirational novel, and I enjoyed the theme of finding your purpose.

I think fans of Poldark, Daphne Du Maurier, and of course Klassen herself would enjoy this novel.

Favorite Quotes:

“Life can be hard, and yours has not been easy. But I can honestly say that serving God and serving others has given me purpose and fills my soul when life is sometimes disappointing. I would love for you to find that same fulfillment.”

“Tears overflowed, streaking her cheeks and cleansing the final traces of resentment from her heart.”

Overall, A Castaway in Cornwall is a great historical novel set during a fascinating period of time, the Napoleonic Wars, and has many interesting characters.

Book Source: Review Copy from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers. Thank-you!

A Castaway in Cornwall is another beautifully written Regency romance from Julie Klassen. I loved following Laura as she tried to unravel the mystery of Alexander, the man she saved following a shipwreck. (I do have to mention that the unraveling did take a little longer than I would've liked--the pacing felt just a touch off in the middle third of the novel.) Laura and Alex had a sweet romance that was so enjoyable, and I really liked the adventures they had together. I think my favorite aspect, though, was the way that supporting characters continually surprised me. Just when I thought I had a character figured out, something would come to light that completely changed my perception of them. It was like a slow uncovering that I found to be completely delightful!

This novel is one that Regency romance and/or Klassen fans won't want to miss!

I enjoyed this book. The author lives in America and had to do her research remotely because of COVID restrictions. She has done a great job. I’m not an “up-country girl”. I am from Cornwall.

I've never been to Cornwall but I feel as though I've just paid a visit to this special area in England. Cornwall, where shipwrecks often occurred and searching for treasure among the wreckage was a common practice among the inhabitants. Laura Callaway, however, chooses to focus on the people involved in those tragedies as she concentrates on the families left behind. Instead of plundering, she wants to nurture and her true nature is never more evident than when she finds a shipwreck survivor and takes him home to nurse him back to health.

A Castaway in Cornwall is Regency fiction at its finest. There is intrigue associated with war and smuggling and questions about Alexander Lucas's true identity. Klassen teases us with Laura's interest in this unknown survivor and I kept hoping that Laura's gentle and trusting nature wasn't being taken advantage of. Laura is an outcast needing to experience the joy of belonging and I love when she finally understands that all of us are valuable in God's eyes.

This is a wonderful story of love and forgiveness and I recommend A Castaway in Cornwall to all who enjoy inspirational historical romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

“I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers. Is there a plan in all this? Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance? ~Laura pg. 8”

I think we all have asked this at one time in our life or another; is there truly a plan God has for us, or is it all happenstance? Julie Klassen explores this in her newest novel where she takes our heroine, Laura Callaway, on a journey to discover the answer to that very question. She feels adrift after the deaths of her parents & never really a part of her uncle’s family, though he cares a great deal for her. Until one day she finds a barely alive stranger washed ashore after a shipwreck, thus changing the course of her life as she sets out to discover who he is.

Alexander Lucas is our hero; a mysterious, dark stranger who keeps hold his secrets. I don't blame Laura for being a bit wary of him! The more she begins to get to know & trust him, the more tangled this story got, all in a good way. I enjoyed peeling back the layers of who his character was to get a deeper understanding of his life. I fell in love with him the moment Laura brought him into her care and just had a feeling he was one of the good ones.

This story had a definite Poldark feel that I very much savored! There's not a character in here that I didn't like, with the exception of our villains, who truly made my skin crawl. There's plenty of mystery in A Castaway in Cornwall along with danger, secrets, and an immersive atmosphere that will take you on an adventure through the pages. Julie Klassen is already one of my top historical writers and I really liked the feel of her latest installment. It's a bit more suspenseful than her usual Regencies, but definitely a good change! Oh and you can't forget the romance, it sizzles & sparks so when our hero & heroine are finally able to get together...wowser....pure magic! The faith message is strong with many deeply rooted truths and reminders of God's promises in our lives. Watching Laura taking those truths in her heart & finding her place in the Lord was very encouraging to me. I recommend this book to inspirational historical fans, Julie Klassen fans & those who love all things Cornwall or Poldark!

“I used to wonder if there was a plan in all the loss I experienced. Now I know the answer. Yes. Once, I feared I would never belong anywhere again. But I no longer ask myself if I am flotsam or jetsam, cast off and unwanted. I finally understand that in God's hands, and now in Alexander's arms, I am truly home. ~Laura pg. 378”

*I received a complimentary digital copy through Netgalley and wasn't obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are mine. *

1813 North Cornwall, England
Laura was orphaned as a young girl, sent to live with her aunt, who also died. She was loved by her Uncle, but when he remarried she became unwanted. She had a habit of going down by the sea, looking for items that washed ashore from shipwrecks, which were common there. She was on shore when a shipwreck happened and witnessed a man washed up on shore, all other passengers lost. She protected him and had him brought to her neighbors house where she helped nurse him back to health. The story unfolds from there for both Laura and Alexander, their backgrounds and family stories interestingly told, and neither of them fit in. Danger twists in during this time of war between France and England. The wreckers are also interesting to learn about, adding to the mystery. Intriguing, holds your interest to the very end. Another get lost in story by Julie Klassen.
I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #ACastawayInCornwall #JulieKlassen #5Stars #ChristianHistorical #Bethany

Another masterpiece by Julie Klassen. Beautifully written. Enchanting storyline. Memorable characters. Historical. Poetic. Treat yourself to this novel. Savor ever page. Five stars.

A castaway, the dictionary tells us, is “a person who has been shipwrecked and stranded in an isolated place.”

Both the heroine and hero of Julie Klassen’s historical novel are castaways, literally or figuratively. With its picturesque backdrop of North Cornwall’s rocky shores during the Napoleonic Wars, it’s tailor-made to draw in Poldark fans, though the love story is more of a gentle, slow burn than one of smoldering passion.

In 1813, Laura Callaway, a young woman of 23, is a lost soul of sorts. Orphaned as a teenager, she had moved to Cornwall eight years earlier to live with her late aunt’s husband, Matthew Bray. Unfortunately, Matthew’s new wife has never truly accepted Laura as part of the family. As a pastime, Laura wanders along the shoreline, collects objects washed up on the sand after shipwrecks, and tries to identify their rightful owners. After the Kittiwake runs aground off the coast one evening, she guards the life of the survivor of the wreck. He calls himself Alexander Lucas and claims to be from Jersey – but he speaks English with a slight accent, and signs point to something hidden in his background. With Britain at war with France, what could his secret possibly be? And Alex may not, in fact, be the only passenger who survived…

Both Alex and Laura are wholeheartedly good people, and their falling in love, despite the obstacles thrown in their path, is a foregone conclusion. Laura’s principal flaw is that she lets her pride get in the way of getting to know her neighbors. Her discoveries over the course of the book eventually set her to rights and give her a sense of belonging.

A Castaway in Cornwall is a story where the setting is a character in its own right, and it’s the most intriguing and multifaceted one of all. The author establishes a sense of community through her large cast while blending Cornish history and customs credibly into the plot. We learn, for example, about St. Enodoc in Trebetherick, a quaint old church partly buried underneath the dunes, and how its minister (Laura's Uncle Matthew) is lowered via rope through a hatch in the roof in order to conduct services there once a year. There are more authentic Cornish names than you can shake a stick at, and the shipboard action scenes are first-rate; I wouldn’t have minded more of them.

Though marketed as Christian fiction, the biblical content is very light overall. It’s an enjoyable story, though there is one scene toward the end that adheres to genre conventions but made me uneasy, given everything that happened beforehand.

I have a new favorite Julie Klassen novel!! This book was just wonderful, with its mystery plot line and its great characters. I had trouble putting this book down because I wanted to know what happened next. I also loved the location and settings of this novel. I really want to visit Cornwall and Jersey after reading this story! Basically this was a pretty perfect read for me. And that cover is gorgeous! My hard copy of this book is a beautiful addition for my keeper shelf.