I sussed out what was going on, who was probably going to end up together, pretty early. But that’s the way I like it. In fact, my sunshine can turn grumpy real fast if I’m wrong. So, it’s the journey that matters, and this was a delightful, slow burn that will keep you turning those pages with a frustrated glee.
About the Book
A surprise inheritance will open the doors to her future, and also the past…
When Aunt Meg leaves her cottage to Anna Redding in her will, Anna immediately packs up and heads to Polkerran, the Cornish fishing village where she was so happy as a child.
With ambitions to turn the cottage into a B&B, a job working for the enigmatic historian, Oliver Seymour, and the return of her childhood crush, Alex Tremayne, it seems the stars have all aligned for Anna.
But Aunt Meg left behind a mystery for her to solve, and a shock discovery reveals she may be living a dream that isn’t really hers to hold. Can Anna rescue the new life she’s made for herself? Who in Polkerran can she really count on in her time of need?
A charming and cosy romance for fans of Trisha Ashley, Cressida McLaughlin and Suzanne Snow.
Previously published as The Cottage in the Cornish Cove.
My Thoughts
I’m not going to spoil you with which guy in this love triangle (one of the tropes everyone loves to hate, but I LOVE!) wins, but golly gee, this was one of those that kept me on my toes for a good long time. I was rooting for the winner from the first time we met him and didn’t trust the loser as far as we could throw him. And the funny thing is that there will absolutely be people who feel that way about the opposite person. I couldn’t even exactly tell you why I didn’t like the one in the beginning; it was just a vibe, I think. But I can’t go any further into that without spoilers.
Weirdly, I think my favorite character was Aunt Meg, who is dead from the get go. But the echoes of her are so vibrant, sweet, and beautiful. This is such a beautiful tribute to grief, survival, and moving on when those we love are gone. For a generally light-hearted, breezy summer read, this one actually deals with a lot of grief and trauma topics. The author did a great job of seamlessly blending those darker and lighter topics and didn’t allow them to drag the book’s tone down.
Like many romance books, you can find a plethora of tropes within the pages of this book. From the aforementioned love triangle (one of my favorites) to childhood crush to grumpy/sunshine, you can find a lot of favorites (and not-so-favorites) here. There are also some really big twists, almost like a thriller! While this isn’t a detective story (the death isn’t considered suspicious), there is a life-altering mystery the main character, Anna, has to solve. And the stakes are huge. I really enjoyed that aspect because it added an extra dimension to the read. I adore cozy mysteries, and this made it feel like one. Also, the major clue was dropped pretty early, and I felt like I was watching one of those horror movies where you have to yell at the characters, and they’re just not listening!!!
I can’t wait to read more by this author! This is my first book by her, but it looks like she has some Jane Austen-related books. She also has some more books at Polkerran Point, including an upcoming Christmas one that I’m super excited about!!
Who’s It For?
If you love a sweet, slow-burn romance, I think you’ll love this. It had a lot going on, a fabulous love triangle. It explored childhood trauma, familial relationships (including found family), and so much more!
Content Warnings: Divorce, Single Parenthood, Parent Death, Parent Abandonment, Classism, Trauma, Teen Pregnancy, Adoption, Grief, Betrayal
Question of the Day
Do you ever dream of starting over in a new place?
About the Author
Cass began her writing life in Regency England, enlisted Jane Austen’s help to time-travel between then and the present day and is now happily ensconced in 21st century Cornwall. Well, in her imagination and soul; her heart and physical presence reside in northern England with her ever-patient husband and Tig and Tag, their cute but exceptionally demanding moggies.
A bit of a nomad, Cass has called three countries home, as well as six different English counties, but her aspiration is to one day reunite with her beloved West Country. In the meantime, she writes feel-good contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manages to live there vicariously through her characters and settings.
An Ambassador for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, Cass is also a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Jane Austen Society UK and the Society of Authors
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/f9oWuJY
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/7441dk9
Bookshop UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/new-dreams-at-polkerran-point-cass-grafton/7450882?ean=9781804365991
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/156500476-new-dreams-at-polkerran-point
Author Website: https://cassandragrafton.com/
Thank you so much, Amorina! This was the loveliest of reviews to wake up to today! I’m so grateful to you for taking the time to read and review, and I hope you’ll take another trip to Polkerran Point soon (there is something quite ‘big’ revealed in book two, so it does help to read it before the third Christmas one)!
I’m so glad you enjoyed my review. Thanks for stopping in to tell me. I love to hear from fellow authors and readers! I am also a big fan of reading books in order, so thanks for the tip!