Blog Tour: Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash

 

If you have a look at my past and future list of contemporary romance reads, you will see that I have a strong tendency to read books set in France and, more lately, Italy. So when this tour was announced I thought I would expand my horizons and read something set in Cornwall in the UK instead. The other reason was there was much excitement at the announcement of this tour and my FOMO kicked in, so I volunteered. And I am glad that I did

I am not sure I have done a lot of internet shopping while I was somewhat tipsy. If I did, I am not sure that I would buy a new house, or more specifically a lighthouse that needs some work to make it into a house. I do understand the attraction of living right on the coast in a historical lighthouse, but the thought of those steps would be enough to put me off. But it doesn't put off Meredith Robinson. Once she gets over the shock, she decides that a new start is exactly what she needs.

However, Mere was in for more shocks when she arrives in the small village of Driftwood Bay. Firstly, there is the surly man who steals her car park, and then a very frosty reception from the locals. But the biggest shock is the condition of the lighthouse. Whilst the ad had said that there would be some work required that is a big different from the completely uninhabitable condition that it is in.Luckily for him, the real estate agent seems to have disappeared completely. Given the situation, Mere isn't sure that Driftwood Bay is the place for her in the long term, but it is her place for now, and she is going to make the best of it.

Luckily not all the locals are so unfriendly. Before too long, Mere has made friends with several people. The most fortuitous relationship is with Clem, who has all the necessary woodworking skills that are needed to convert the interior of the lighthouse into a lovely home. And as much as Mere enjoys spending time with Clem, it is clear that there are secrets, but he is helping her get her house ready before her mother arrives. Mere's relationship with her mother is somewhat difficult so she hopes to be able to impress her for once.

Mere has a heart of gold and before long she is involved with her friends and neighbours, even volunteering to walk Gladys the Labrador. Now, I only became a dog owner (kind of) 6 months ago, but I have become one of those owners. My Insta feed is full of reels of labradors getting up to all sorts of hijinks, so just the mention of Gladys is enoùgh to bring a smile to my face. But even then, there is still animosity from some of the locals and Mere has no idea why. 

The thing about these kind of new start stories is that they are feel good books, and so it is with this one. I really enjoyed this story, the setting, most of the characters, and of course Gladys! I also could relate to Mere's mother issues. I am also really enjoying that a lot of these books feature women who are my age, who are taking steps to live the lives they want to live instead of what is expected of them. I still wasn't convinced about the wisdom of buying a lighthouse. Maybe if you could install a lift up the middle I would consider it!

It was only after I finished the book and I read the author's bio that I realised that she is also a book blogger which is awesome!

And now I will need to go back and read Kim Nash's earlier books! Check out the other stops on the blog tour to see what everyone else thought of this fun read!

I am also sharing this review with British Isles Friday at Joy's Book Blog.

Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

About the Book

Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove

A perfect new start in Cornwall…

Meredith's life is at a standstill. She's stuck in a dead-end job, approaching fifty, and her dating life is a string of disasters. But one evening, while browsing the internet, she sees an ad for a lighthouse, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she makes a ridiculous bid for it.

With the help of local handyman Clem, she sets about renovating. And as they work together, a bond begins to form. But when Meredith finds out that Clem is keeping a secret from her, it changes everything. Will they find a way to build something more meaningful together?

A delightful story about community, friendship and having the courage to start over, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Lucy Dillon

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3WN6PWM

About the author

Kim Nash is the author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction. She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (division of Hachette UK), and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk. When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm

Twitter https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kim_the_bookworm/

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kim-nash