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Coming Home
When the only place you want to be is home…
When Ella’s beloved grandmother dies, she comes back to the beautiful Cornish coast to heal her heart. There she finds her home again and discovers a new life, and new love… But she also opens a treasure trove of secrets.
Sennen left Cornwall a young single mum but unable to cope. She left her children, her
family and part of her. She’s spent the years hiding from her past, hiding from herself.
Now it’s time to come back. To Cornwall. To face her mistakes. To pray for forgiveness. To hope for a future with her daughter.
When Ella’s beloved grandmother dies, she comes back to the beautiful Cornish coast to heal her heart. There she finds her home again and discovers a new life, and new love… But she also opens a treasure trove of secrets.
Sennen left Cornwall a young single mum but unable to cope. She left her children, her
family and part of her. She’s spent the years hiding from her past, hiding from herself.
Now it’s time to come back. To Cornwall. To face her mistakes. To pray for forgiveness. To hope for a future with her daughter.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
491 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
About the author
Fern Britton
33 books414 followersFern Britton, an English television presenter, was born on 17 July 1957 in Ealing, London. She was educated at Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont and underwent training in stage management at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the daughter of the English actor, Tony Britton and Ruth Britton. Fern Britton spent the early days of her life at Buckinghamshire. Her older sister, Cherry Britton, is a script writer and her younger half brother, Jasper Britton, is an actor. She is married to the celebrity chef, Phil Vickery and lives with her family at Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire.
Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.
Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.
Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.
In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.
Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.
Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.
Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.
Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.
Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.
In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.
Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.
Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
March 8, 2022
Read my full review on: diaryofdifference.com/2018/04/27/comi...
I had the pleasure to receive a copy of this book from GoodReads and HarperCollins. This was the first book I have read from Fern Britton, and I know it won’t be my last for sure!
Coming Home is based in Cornwall, England - a beautiful seaside area with loads of fisherman around. The author describes the place so well, that it made me want to go there, just to see it and be close to the characters. It reminds me of South Shields very much as well.
This is a story of one family, three generations and their difficult lives entwined with love, pain, leaving and coming back home.
Sennen is a woman that leaves her hometown, her parents and her two little children (Ella and Henry) at 17-years-old because life gets too hard to handle.
Ella and Henry are raised by their grandparents and live their whole life without their mother in their lives - until one day, Sennen comes back and wants to be a part of their lives. But are they ready for it?
We see the story through the eyes of Sennen, Ella and Henry and the grandparents. We travel from one generation to the other through the years, and learn a lot for each of the characters. It is so well-written, that I wasn’t confused at all. Usually I get confused when authors try to do this in other books, but this one was definitely not the case.
This is one of those books that will hook you from the very first pages! The characters are so warm and close to the heart, that I felt like I have known them forever. I felt close to them and their feelings and thoughts, that I could have easily gone out and have a conversation with them. It is one of those books that fills you with anticipation, then gives you a back-story, and just when you thought things will happen as you thought, you will discover a surprise.
Wonderful plot and beautifully written - this is a book of love, family, broken and fixed hearts. This is a book that will make you cry while waiting for a train, and laugh out loud while drinking a hot chocolate in a coffee shop.
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I had the pleasure to receive a copy of this book from GoodReads and HarperCollins. This was the first book I have read from Fern Britton, and I know it won’t be my last for sure!
Coming Home is based in Cornwall, England - a beautiful seaside area with loads of fisherman around. The author describes the place so well, that it made me want to go there, just to see it and be close to the characters. It reminds me of South Shields very much as well.
This is a story of one family, three generations and their difficult lives entwined with love, pain, leaving and coming back home.
Sennen is a woman that leaves her hometown, her parents and her two little children (Ella and Henry) at 17-years-old because life gets too hard to handle.
Ella and Henry are raised by their grandparents and live their whole life without their mother in their lives - until one day, Sennen comes back and wants to be a part of their lives. But are they ready for it?
We see the story through the eyes of Sennen, Ella and Henry and the grandparents. We travel from one generation to the other through the years, and learn a lot for each of the characters. It is so well-written, that I wasn’t confused at all. Usually I get confused when authors try to do this in other books, but this one was definitely not the case.
This is one of those books that will hook you from the very first pages! The characters are so warm and close to the heart, that I felt like I have known them forever. I felt close to them and their feelings and thoughts, that I could have easily gone out and have a conversation with them. It is one of those books that fills you with anticipation, then gives you a back-story, and just when you thought things will happen as you thought, you will discover a surprise.
Wonderful plot and beautifully written - this is a book of love, family, broken and fixed hearts. This is a book that will make you cry while waiting for a train, and laugh out loud while drinking a hot chocolate in a coffee shop.
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January 29, 2018
What a wonderful and moving story, spanning three generations of one family, and I was privileged to learn all of their stories. I was also delighted to see this book was focused on Ella's story, which I had been wanting to know more about since I finished The Postcard.
Although this is another book set in Pendruggan, and I did love my return to Trevay, this is definitely a standalone book, and the few recurring characters that were present really were there in a minor way this time around.
Ella was just a baby, and Henry two years old when their mother, Sennen who was 17 at the time, walked out on her children, leaving them to be brought up by her parents.
Fast forward to now and Ella and Henry are grown up, and have mixed feelings towards the mum the barely remember or knew. However things are about to come to a head, when she returns to Cornwall.
Over the course of the book we learn a lot about Adela and William's relationship, and what Sennen was like as a child. We see what Sennen has been doing from when she ran away, and also what her children are doing in the present.
The time line floats about between the various elements and after a while I got used to never being quite sure what the next chapter would bring or who the focus would be on.
I loved hearing about all the various stories involved, although Henry really didn't come off that well, I can understand his anger. I loved getting to know Ella and Kit a lot better and the situation with Sennen had me gripped at all times.
This is heart warming, slightly emotional, full of love and family ties, and really is a fabulous book that I adored reading. Easily one of my favourite Fern Britton books to date.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Although this is another book set in Pendruggan, and I did love my return to Trevay, this is definitely a standalone book, and the few recurring characters that were present really were there in a minor way this time around.
Ella was just a baby, and Henry two years old when their mother, Sennen who was 17 at the time, walked out on her children, leaving them to be brought up by her parents.
Fast forward to now and Ella and Henry are grown up, and have mixed feelings towards the mum the barely remember or knew. However things are about to come to a head, when she returns to Cornwall.
Over the course of the book we learn a lot about Adela and William's relationship, and what Sennen was like as a child. We see what Sennen has been doing from when she ran away, and also what her children are doing in the present.
The time line floats about between the various elements and after a while I got used to never being quite sure what the next chapter would bring or who the focus would be on.
I loved hearing about all the various stories involved, although Henry really didn't come off that well, I can understand his anger. I loved getting to know Ella and Kit a lot better and the situation with Sennen had me gripped at all times.
This is heart warming, slightly emotional, full of love and family ties, and really is a fabulous book that I adored reading. Easily one of my favourite Fern Britton books to date.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 15, 2018
Fern Britton's books are always such a delight to read. They are set in Cornwall and have such vividly drawn characters that you can imagine settling down over a glass of prosecco to have a chat.
Sennen abandoned her family as a 17 year old after her life became a little overwhelming. With two small children that she left for her parents to bring up, she carves out a nomadic life for herself. We learn more about her life and also the anguish her disappearance caused both her parents and her little boy.
When she travels back to Cornwall to see the solicitors she wants to build a new relationship with her children. Her son, who still had memories about his mum, is still very angry and initially doesn't want to meet her. Ella is keen to meet the mum she doesn't remember.
The Pencil House feels like a character in its own right and we can just imagine staying there.
Sennen has secrets that she is nursing and her flight back to Cornwall is stirring up more anguish for those she is leaving behind.
You can feel her desperation to be reunited with her children and her shopping trip to buy some more traditional clothing is particularly bittersweet. She is an individual but wants to create the right impression with her children.
I loved the way the story evolved, with the shattered feelings being hurled in Sennen's face and the way she turns to her childhood friend for a little support. You can feel Ella's need for her mum in her life and the relationship building between them.
I was sad to come to the end.
Sennen abandoned her family as a 17 year old after her life became a little overwhelming. With two small children that she left for her parents to bring up, she carves out a nomadic life for herself. We learn more about her life and also the anguish her disappearance caused both her parents and her little boy.
When she travels back to Cornwall to see the solicitors she wants to build a new relationship with her children. Her son, who still had memories about his mum, is still very angry and initially doesn't want to meet her. Ella is keen to meet the mum she doesn't remember.
The Pencil House feels like a character in its own right and we can just imagine staying there.
Sennen has secrets that she is nursing and her flight back to Cornwall is stirring up more anguish for those she is leaving behind.
You can feel her desperation to be reunited with her children and her shopping trip to buy some more traditional clothing is particularly bittersweet. She is an individual but wants to create the right impression with her children.
I loved the way the story evolved, with the shattered feelings being hurled in Sennen's face and the way she turns to her childhood friend for a little support. You can feel Ella's need for her mum in her life and the relationship building between them.
I was sad to come to the end.
September 4, 2018
2.5 stars
This book is not my usual trope.
When I was holiday recently, the campsite has a little library (how cool is that?!) Anyway, that's why I picked this book up to read. It was there and I thought 'why not?'
The relationship between Ella and Kit was sickly saccharine.
I didn't really get Serren at all.
I couldn't reconcile the girl who slept with a virtual stranger (twice) and who abandoned her children when she ran away to find this man, with the woman who returned.
Her reasons for not coming back just didn't seem enough.
And who the hell thinks inviting your new family to a huge event for your old (abandoned) family without mentioning it yo anyone is a good idea?! Apparently I'm the only one who thinks that's not normal behaviour. The characters in the book certainly acted as if it was normal... well apart from Henry... (See my next comment)
Henry was the most normal character and he was an arse.
I was disappointed that it doesn't contain any of the humour that I associate with Fern Britton.
I would say on the whole, it was quaint, sweet-ish and faintly charming although rather bland. It must have had something because I read to the end but I won't rush out to buy other books by this author.
This book is not my usual trope.
When I was holiday recently, the campsite has a little library (how cool is that?!) Anyway, that's why I picked this book up to read. It was there and I thought 'why not?'
The relationship between Ella and Kit was sickly saccharine.
I didn't really get Serren at all.
I couldn't reconcile the girl who slept with a virtual stranger (twice) and who abandoned her children when she ran away to find this man, with the woman who returned.
Her reasons for not coming back just didn't seem enough.
And who the hell thinks inviting your new family to a huge event for your old (abandoned) family without mentioning it yo anyone is a good idea?! Apparently I'm the only one who thinks that's not normal behaviour. The characters in the book certainly acted as if it was normal... well apart from Henry... (See my next comment)
Henry was the most normal character and he was an arse.
I was disappointed that it doesn't contain any of the humour that I associate with Fern Britton.
I would say on the whole, it was quaint, sweet-ish and faintly charming although rather bland. It must have had something because I read to the end but I won't rush out to buy other books by this author.
July 15, 2019
The cover of this book instantly appealed to me, coupled with the Cornish setting (we all know I love a good book by the sea). However, I wasn’t too sure what to expect from Britton; for me, she has always been a television presenter and, honestly, I was a bit sceptical about her writing talents. But, I am so glad I picked this up as I really enjoyed this warming story about a family of three generations.
The premise of the novel is quite sad. Very early on, we learn that Sennan, a very young mother, runs away and leaves her two toddlers behind. Unexpected pregnancies before she has even reached seventeen, it was impossible not to feel emotional when it is clear that firstly, Sennan has been played a fool; and that secondly, she is completely out of her depth and overwhelmed by her new responsibilities as a mother. Running away to Spain in the hope of meeting her children’s father, she soon realises that actually, she is on her own, subsequently carving her own path in life – away from her parents and her children.
Sennan leaves emotional chaos behind her. Her parents are responsible for raising Sennan’s children and, through the non-linear narrative, we learn about each generation and how the past meets the present. Not much time is spent on Sennan’s parents, the writer mostly focusing on Sennan’s story and her children – Ella and Henry. Moving from Cornwall to India, I loved the “sunshine feel” of this narrative and felt literally and emotionally warmed whilst reading this story.
As mother meets her children again, Britton successfully conveys how emotional it is for all three characters involved. The most touching part for me was when Sennan eventually discovers her parents’ graves. The description and narration of Sennan’s thoughts were touching and it literally gave me goosebumps. It is a reflection of Britton’s fantastic writing and, whilst it took me a bit of time to get stuck into the story, the narrative carries you through to an anticipated happy ending.
Once again I have discovered a new author and I am really pleased to have given this book a chance! The settings were delightful, the characterisation believable and the plot was warming. This is a perfect summer read and one that truly allows you to escape your own surroundings.
The premise of the novel is quite sad. Very early on, we learn that Sennan, a very young mother, runs away and leaves her two toddlers behind. Unexpected pregnancies before she has even reached seventeen, it was impossible not to feel emotional when it is clear that firstly, Sennan has been played a fool; and that secondly, she is completely out of her depth and overwhelmed by her new responsibilities as a mother. Running away to Spain in the hope of meeting her children’s father, she soon realises that actually, she is on her own, subsequently carving her own path in life – away from her parents and her children.
Sennan leaves emotional chaos behind her. Her parents are responsible for raising Sennan’s children and, through the non-linear narrative, we learn about each generation and how the past meets the present. Not much time is spent on Sennan’s parents, the writer mostly focusing on Sennan’s story and her children – Ella and Henry. Moving from Cornwall to India, I loved the “sunshine feel” of this narrative and felt literally and emotionally warmed whilst reading this story.
As mother meets her children again, Britton successfully conveys how emotional it is for all three characters involved. The most touching part for me was when Sennan eventually discovers her parents’ graves. The description and narration of Sennan’s thoughts were touching and it literally gave me goosebumps. It is a reflection of Britton’s fantastic writing and, whilst it took me a bit of time to get stuck into the story, the narrative carries you through to an anticipated happy ending.
Once again I have discovered a new author and I am really pleased to have given this book a chance! The settings were delightful, the characterisation believable and the plot was warming. This is a perfect summer read and one that truly allows you to escape your own surroundings.
March 21, 2018
Set in Cornwall, this is a beautifully woven tale of families, and love and community. The author's knowledge of Cornwall shines through and the village of Pendruggan is a character it its own right.
It's a sad time for Ella. She's returned to her childhood home after the death of her beloved grandmother Adela. Ella and her brother Henry didn't have a conventional upbringing and whilst they were loved unconditionally by their grandparents, the disappearance of their mother has always hung over the family like a black cloud.
Ella is a loving, forgiving woman, whilst her brother Henry is bitter and angry. Their mother Sennen left them when they were just babies and Ella has no memory of her at all. Sennen was young, just seventeen, when she ran away, and already the mother of two children.
Fern Britton cleverly mixes the modern-day story with that of the disappearance of Sennen all those years ago, she also tells how Adela and her husband Bill met and fell in love. This is seamlessly done and I particularly enjoyed Adela and Bill's story; a true and endearing story that really captured my imagination.
I do love a book that spans the generations, and that enables the reader to see why and how characters develop and make the decisions that they do.
Coming Home is really quite glorious; it's warm and intelligently written, dealing with sadness and regrets with a dollop of romance
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
May 19, 2018
Lovely read. I have read a few of fern's book's now and have been so suprised at how much Ive enjoyed them. And this one was not a disapointment. I loved the plot, and loved the style of writing. All the characters were lovely. Unusual story where Ella and Harry are abandoned as young children by there mother. Brought up by there grandparents. When the grandparents die, there is a will. Will Ella and Harrys mother come back take the money and run? You will have to read for yourself to find out. It was lovely. Pulling at the heart strings.
April 24, 2018
I always look forward to a new novel from Fern Britton. This book didn't disappoint. The writing is good, the story well plotted and the characters well developed. I couldn't quite sympathise with main character Sennen , perhaps because she abandoned her children when young and caused her parents such anguish, but the unravelling of the story does show her story to be more complex than it seems at first sight. The Cornish background is, as always,, a bonus !
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a review copy.
November 7, 2022
21/2 ⭐️ an easy read.
September 1, 2018
This was a truly moving story. The story of three generations of one family was so true to life that I actually felt I knew them personally.
Sennen abandoned her family when she was 17 leaving her two young children to be cared for by her parents.
Years later she is reunited with her children but will they accept her back into their lives? Will she risk losing her new family in the process? Will time allow her to truly come home?
The raw emotions felt by each family member were very well portrayed. Everyone reacts to circumstances differently and this was evident in the story.
As a mother myself leaving behind my children seems unimaginable but I cannot begin to comprehend how it would affect everyone involved.
I know personally a family who has been affected by a similar event and I could relate Ella and Henry’s attitudes in a almost identical way. The need for explanations and understanding for some and the denial from others.
The beautiful setting of Cornwall had me wanting to pack my suitcase. The beautiful ending to the book made it for me!! I really didn’t want it to end . Fern Britton is a very talented writer a first class read !!
Sennen abandoned her family when she was 17 leaving her two young children to be cared for by her parents.
Years later she is reunited with her children but will they accept her back into their lives? Will she risk losing her new family in the process? Will time allow her to truly come home?
The raw emotions felt by each family member were very well portrayed. Everyone reacts to circumstances differently and this was evident in the story.
As a mother myself leaving behind my children seems unimaginable but I cannot begin to comprehend how it would affect everyone involved.
I know personally a family who has been affected by a similar event and I could relate Ella and Henry’s attitudes in a almost identical way. The need for explanations and understanding for some and the denial from others.
The beautiful setting of Cornwall had me wanting to pack my suitcase. The beautiful ending to the book made it for me!! I really didn’t want it to end . Fern Britton is a very talented writer a first class read !!
February 22, 2018
What a fabulous, heartwarming read :) 10/10.
February 26, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Do you agree with the phrase; 'Home is where the heart is'? Or do you agree with the song lyric; 'Wherever I lay my hat, that's my home'? And anyway, what is the true meaning of 'home'? Every single person will have their own definition, especially Ella. She's lost the woman who brought her up, yet the idea of finding the woman who gave her up, is even closer than she originally thought. Should Ella try to fight for her right to get in contact with the woman who hasn't watched her grow up? Or should Ella side with her brother, a man whose anger is 100 percent directed to the woman who walked out on them as children. The difference being, he remembers their mother; Ella doesn't.
If you've read 'The Postcard' by Fern Britton, a couple of the characters may be incredibly familiar for you when you read this book. Don't worry, you're not going crazy!
All families have drama, it's the way of life. Fern Britton has focused on the concept of family dramas, highlighting one of the reasons which cause families to drift apart to begin with - parents not being around. When Sennen fell pregnant, she was facing motherhood as a single mum. When Sennen fell pregnant for the second time, the thought of coping on her own with two young children, became far too much for Sennen to deal with (even if she did have her parents to help). 'Coming Home' is a story which explores the aftermath of Sennen's decision, as well as finding out how the innocent parties of the situation, the children, grew up knowing the truth of what their mother did. Is their anger justified? Was Sennen right to leave her two young children with her mother, disappearing into the night?
I would be lying if I said that 'Coming Home' was an easy read, because it wasn't. The overall theme of the book is incredibly intense and, if like me, you've had a parent walk out on you as a child, you'll be able to sympathise with the characters in a whole different way. You may find you echo the characters anger as well - I know I did!
The storyline is very well written, engaging readers from the get go, allowing them to form their own opinion of every eventuality the author describes. Whilst I had to remember to not judge the mother on her decision, seeing as I wasn't in her position, I still found it hard to just sit on the fence where she was concerned. Obviously, seeing as I don't wish to sway anyone with my own opinion, I'll keep that part of it to myself. Just be prepared to go on an emotional journey.
Once again Fern Britton has captured the true essence, in my eyes, of the word 'home' and what it means. Even though I found parts of the storyline quite emotional to read, I was still able to appreciate what the author was trying to convey where Sennen was concerned. I may not have agreed with Sennen's decision, but I enjoyed being able to read the book from her point of view, whilst also being able to see both sides of such a heart-wrenching situation.
Written from the heart, 'Coming Home' is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Beautifully written and incredibly touching, Fern Britton has written a novel which is so in tune with every day circumstances, it really would be difficult to not relate to the book in any way. Why? Because the themes covered in this book ARE real life, and it's about time someone wasn't afraid to write it in black and white. Beautiful.
Do you agree with the phrase; 'Home is where the heart is'? Or do you agree with the song lyric; 'Wherever I lay my hat, that's my home'? And anyway, what is the true meaning of 'home'? Every single person will have their own definition, especially Ella. She's lost the woman who brought her up, yet the idea of finding the woman who gave her up, is even closer than she originally thought. Should Ella try to fight for her right to get in contact with the woman who hasn't watched her grow up? Or should Ella side with her brother, a man whose anger is 100 percent directed to the woman who walked out on them as children. The difference being, he remembers their mother; Ella doesn't.
If you've read 'The Postcard' by Fern Britton, a couple of the characters may be incredibly familiar for you when you read this book. Don't worry, you're not going crazy!
All families have drama, it's the way of life. Fern Britton has focused on the concept of family dramas, highlighting one of the reasons which cause families to drift apart to begin with - parents not being around. When Sennen fell pregnant, she was facing motherhood as a single mum. When Sennen fell pregnant for the second time, the thought of coping on her own with two young children, became far too much for Sennen to deal with (even if she did have her parents to help). 'Coming Home' is a story which explores the aftermath of Sennen's decision, as well as finding out how the innocent parties of the situation, the children, grew up knowing the truth of what their mother did. Is their anger justified? Was Sennen right to leave her two young children with her mother, disappearing into the night?
I would be lying if I said that 'Coming Home' was an easy read, because it wasn't. The overall theme of the book is incredibly intense and, if like me, you've had a parent walk out on you as a child, you'll be able to sympathise with the characters in a whole different way. You may find you echo the characters anger as well - I know I did!
The storyline is very well written, engaging readers from the get go, allowing them to form their own opinion of every eventuality the author describes. Whilst I had to remember to not judge the mother on her decision, seeing as I wasn't in her position, I still found it hard to just sit on the fence where she was concerned. Obviously, seeing as I don't wish to sway anyone with my own opinion, I'll keep that part of it to myself. Just be prepared to go on an emotional journey.
Once again Fern Britton has captured the true essence, in my eyes, of the word 'home' and what it means. Even though I found parts of the storyline quite emotional to read, I was still able to appreciate what the author was trying to convey where Sennen was concerned. I may not have agreed with Sennen's decision, but I enjoyed being able to read the book from her point of view, whilst also being able to see both sides of such a heart-wrenching situation.
Written from the heart, 'Coming Home' is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Beautifully written and incredibly touching, Fern Britton has written a novel which is so in tune with every day circumstances, it really would be difficult to not relate to the book in any way. Why? Because the themes covered in this book ARE real life, and it's about time someone wasn't afraid to write it in black and white. Beautiful.
July 11, 2019
I was not let down by Fern's book it was fantastic from the first page and you really felt you knew the characters. Love the fact it's going back to the same village in Cornwall as her last books and based round three generations of one family and full of lies, making up and romance and coming home. The story plot was so realistic and perfect book to curl up and read but heartwarming as well as upsetting to.
Senna left Cornwall years ago leaving her parents to bring up her two young children Ella and Henry as she wanted to go and find their father to be a family but couldn't find him and stayed away or so you thought. Her parents have died and she receives a letter as they have finally traced her saying she is left everything from her parents. She is now married with two young children and lives in India but she hasn't told her husband about her past and her grown up children. She tells him once she gets the letter and he tells her to head for England and make up with her past but she could loose her future so she heads back to Cornwall. Problem is Henry is very against meeting up with his mother as he says she left them when only very young and he can't forgive her and also blames her for his grandparents death as they were heartbroken at her leaving. Ella on the other hand wants to get to know her mum but they do meet up and the first visit doesn't go down well at all and Henry knot says she's back for her money they she will leave but is she or doesn't she want to make amends. Ella decides after a bad meeting she will meet up again on her own with her mum and will it be a success and when Ella gets engaged will her mum want to support her for the wedding and how will Henry react. Both Henry and Ella learn more than they expect and can they build bridges with the mum and will the mum be able to have all her children and her husband and be happy or has she left it to late and will she louse everything. Also will Henry find love and happiness in his life to.
A fantastic read worth far more than five stars
Senna left Cornwall years ago leaving her parents to bring up her two young children Ella and Henry as she wanted to go and find their father to be a family but couldn't find him and stayed away or so you thought. Her parents have died and she receives a letter as they have finally traced her saying she is left everything from her parents. She is now married with two young children and lives in India but she hasn't told her husband about her past and her grown up children. She tells him once she gets the letter and he tells her to head for England and make up with her past but she could loose her future so she heads back to Cornwall. Problem is Henry is very against meeting up with his mother as he says she left them when only very young and he can't forgive her and also blames her for his grandparents death as they were heartbroken at her leaving. Ella on the other hand wants to get to know her mum but they do meet up and the first visit doesn't go down well at all and Henry knot says she's back for her money they she will leave but is she or doesn't she want to make amends. Ella decides after a bad meeting she will meet up again on her own with her mum and will it be a success and when Ella gets engaged will her mum want to support her for the wedding and how will Henry react. Both Henry and Ella learn more than they expect and can they build bridges with the mum and will the mum be able to have all her children and her husband and be happy or has she left it to late and will she louse everything. Also will Henry find love and happiness in his life to.
A fantastic read worth far more than five stars
March 3, 2018
As always Fern Britton captures the essence of Cornwall. I also loved Sennon's journey in this book which embraces more exotic climes too. I did find it quite hard to warm to her though as trying to find the motivation for what she did, other than being young, selfish and wanting to 'find' herself', was quite hard. Her remorse at the end and her desire to mesh two different lives went some way towards understanding her, if not actually forgiving her. Her daughter Ella is more forgiving than her son but perhaps the healing powers of Cornwall can work their magic on him too? Exploring the themes of love, loss and forgiveness I enjoyed seeing the different points of view as well as the lovely descriptions of Cornwall.
February 28, 2023
I am sitting here sobbing. What a beautiful book. The best I have read for a long time. My favourite character was rosemary. She was the typical girl next door, until we met her partner. I definitely need to read more of fern Britton!
October 3, 2025
This was a fantastic read....I enjoyed everything about this book and find Fern to be a great writer. Brilliant storyline and warm characters who I loved getting to know.
October 8, 2020
This was good. A nice bit of light summer reading in tough times.
March 9, 2018
Just finished last night, a feel good read. Will review soon, hopefully in next few days.
February 10, 2018
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this ebook.
Fern Britton is a very accomplished writer. Her love of Cornwall radiates from the pages. It is the perfect location for her stories. Pendruggan - a delightful Cornish village that harbours a secret. Adela, Sennen and Ella - three women deeply affected by events that occurred more than twenty years ago.
Sennen - a teenage mother who cannot cope with her two children. Runs away in a desperate attempt to locate the father and make a new life. Adela, the mother of Sennen, bereft at her daughter’s disappearance and Ella, the daughter of Sennen and her brother Harry are left to be brought up by their grandparents. When Ella’s grandmother dies Ella returns to Cornwall to start a new life always hopeful that her mother will return one day.
Will Sennen ever come back, has she created a new life for herself in some far flung location? You will have to read Coming Home to find out.
Beautifully written with heart wrenching moments, the story unfolds over the decades, with characters you will come to love - some more than others!
Thank you Fern for another entertaining read.
Fern Britton is a very accomplished writer. Her love of Cornwall radiates from the pages. It is the perfect location for her stories. Pendruggan - a delightful Cornish village that harbours a secret. Adela, Sennen and Ella - three women deeply affected by events that occurred more than twenty years ago.
Sennen - a teenage mother who cannot cope with her two children. Runs away in a desperate attempt to locate the father and make a new life. Adela, the mother of Sennen, bereft at her daughter’s disappearance and Ella, the daughter of Sennen and her brother Harry are left to be brought up by their grandparents. When Ella’s grandmother dies Ella returns to Cornwall to start a new life always hopeful that her mother will return one day.
Will Sennen ever come back, has she created a new life for herself in some far flung location? You will have to read Coming Home to find out.
Beautifully written with heart wrenching moments, the story unfolds over the decades, with characters you will come to love - some more than others!
Thank you Fern for another entertaining read.
September 4, 2019
I think I have read all of Fern Britton's books and Coming Home is another great read. It follows the story of Sennen, who as a teenager ran away from home leaving her two very young children Henry and Ella in the care of her parents. Fast forward 20 years and both her parents have passed away and her children have grown up. A solicitor tracks Sennen down to her life in India, as she has inherited her parents estate and needs to come back to the UK to sort out the mess she left many years before. A shock to her husband and new family, Sennen had never told them of her children in England. A difficult reunion with her children follows and an uncertain future with her husband looks likely. Sennen has to face up to her past and explain why she made the decisions she did. The book jumps backwards and forwards as the story unfolds, showing Sennen's story.
I enjoyed the characters, the plot line and setting. Good reading and this was an interesting read, which made me want to see how it would all end. Well written, a great story about love, families and how one decision can effect not just one life but the lives of many others too.
I enjoyed the characters, the plot line and setting. Good reading and this was an interesting read, which made me want to see how it would all end. Well written, a great story about love, families and how one decision can effect not just one life but the lives of many others too.
March 8, 2018
This is a charming book with lots of twists in the plot. Beautiful Cornish scenery just finishes it off nicely.
The story is based around Sennen, the only child of Bill and Adela. Both parents are talented artists (dad make pottery and mum paints). Their rather bohemium take on life tends to make Sennen stand out, that is until she meets and falls in love with a magician who is topping the bill at the theatre.
Before he moves on to another town, another show, she is hopelessly in love, and pregnant. Her parents take it in their stride and support her through some difficult times. A while later Sennen tracks him down and another baby is created.
Henry and Ella are left with their grandparents and grow up knowing nothing about their mother. Bill burns all traces of her and she is never mentioned again.
Ella meets the man of her dreams and life is going well. Both grandparents are now dead so the solicitor is winding up their estate, having tried to contact Senna again. She receives and replies to the solicitor's letter and things change for ever.
The author describes these characters well and it is difficult not to like them. There is a calm about this book which is welcoming and draws you in. Cornwall is as magical as we all know it and I really enjoyed this book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. Many thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
The story is based around Sennen, the only child of Bill and Adela. Both parents are talented artists (dad make pottery and mum paints). Their rather bohemium take on life tends to make Sennen stand out, that is until she meets and falls in love with a magician who is topping the bill at the theatre.
Before he moves on to another town, another show, she is hopelessly in love, and pregnant. Her parents take it in their stride and support her through some difficult times. A while later Sennen tracks him down and another baby is created.
Henry and Ella are left with their grandparents and grow up knowing nothing about their mother. Bill burns all traces of her and she is never mentioned again.
Ella meets the man of her dreams and life is going well. Both grandparents are now dead so the solicitor is winding up their estate, having tried to contact Senna again. She receives and replies to the solicitor's letter and things change for ever.
The author describes these characters well and it is difficult not to like them. There is a calm about this book which is welcoming and draws you in. Cornwall is as magical as we all know it and I really enjoyed this book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. Many thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
October 24, 2020
I always enjoy Fern Britton's books and this one was amazing. The story was written in different time zones from present, past and in-between. Set in beautiful Cornwall, the story begins when Ella and Henry are called home to Pendruggan after the death of their grandmother Adela an artist who had brought them up with their grandfather a potter after their mother Sennan had run away at the age of 17 to find the father of her children. Sennan has been sent a letter also and decides to return if Henry and Ella want her to. The unfolding of three different generations of love, friendships, mistakes and warm family love.
August 23, 2019
Loved the story of Sennen and her family. Always like reading books based in Cornwall and this was no exception. Reminded me of Rosamunde Pilcher’s Shell Seekers. Look forward to reading more of Fern Britton’s books.
March 31, 2023
2 no depth stars 🌟
No story depth really - things just happened after another and there was no real emotional connection. I couldn’t stand Henry who changed his mind one page to another. There were also typos, some dates not adding up.
No story depth really - things just happened after another and there was no real emotional connection. I couldn’t stand Henry who changed his mind one page to another. There were also typos, some dates not adding up.
January 16, 2018
I loved Coming Home - an epic of secrets and lies over three generations zig-zagging continents with a beautiful ending. Spellbinding.
January 14, 2020
A charming read set in my beloved home county of Cornwall.
January 24, 2020
Really easy lovely book thoroughly enjoyed it
August 12, 2023
Although I enjoyed the storyline, I didn't like a lot of the characters.
September 4, 2018
There is always something very lovely about curling up with a new Fern Britton book. They never fail to make me smile and I devour them greedily in one sitting.
In this book we are in the gorgeous setting of Cornwall which I have fallen in love with on many occasions.
In this book we meet Sennen who at the age of 17 finds herself with two small children. Luckily for Sennen her mother and father are on hand to help with everything. Which is great. But Sennen wants more. Desperate to find the man who is the father of her children. A reality star who is a touring magician. Who Sennen met when he was doing Panto in her home town. Not wanting to get him in trouble. Sennen refuses to tell her parents who the father of her children are. Runs away with her friend Rosemary. To search for him. Their search takes them to Spain. Where he is long gone. Homesick Rosemary decides to go back home. Leaving Sennen behind. Who tours the globe a bit before settling down in India. Getting married and having two other children.
Adella and William are left in charge of raising Ella and Henry. William is distraught that his daughter could do that to them. Let alone her children. Erases every memory of Sennen from the house. All her belongings and pictures of her are burnt and he doesn’t want to hear her name mentioned again.
When William dies in his early 50’s. Adella is left raising the children by herself and so Henry takes on the role of being the man of the house. But when Adella dies. Henry’s world is broken.
A call from the family solicitor brings Sennens world and Ella’s and Henry’s back together. Adella has left her money to her only daughter. But on the grounds that bridges are fixed. Henry is furious and at first rejects his mother. As he is the only one who remembers her leaving and the pain that it brings. Ella however was too small to remember and she is determined that she wants to meet her mother and finally find out who she really is. Manages to persuade Henry to meet up with Sennen to try and fix some bridges.
But is everything as clear cut as what Henry and Ella have been left to believe? Is Sennen really the cold hearted woman she has been made out to be? Or is there more to the story than what they know?
This is a wonderful read. Full of ups and downs. Family secrets, finding out who you are, romance and love.
This is a fantastic book to curl up with wherever you are and whatever season you are in.
Fern has once again brought an amazing story to life that felt current and up to date. With characters that you feel for and take to heart. This is a book that chicklit and romance fans will love. I certainly did.
In this book we are in the gorgeous setting of Cornwall which I have fallen in love with on many occasions.
In this book we meet Sennen who at the age of 17 finds herself with two small children. Luckily for Sennen her mother and father are on hand to help with everything. Which is great. But Sennen wants more. Desperate to find the man who is the father of her children. A reality star who is a touring magician. Who Sennen met when he was doing Panto in her home town. Not wanting to get him in trouble. Sennen refuses to tell her parents who the father of her children are. Runs away with her friend Rosemary. To search for him. Their search takes them to Spain. Where he is long gone. Homesick Rosemary decides to go back home. Leaving Sennen behind. Who tours the globe a bit before settling down in India. Getting married and having two other children.
Adella and William are left in charge of raising Ella and Henry. William is distraught that his daughter could do that to them. Let alone her children. Erases every memory of Sennen from the house. All her belongings and pictures of her are burnt and he doesn’t want to hear her name mentioned again.
When William dies in his early 50’s. Adella is left raising the children by herself and so Henry takes on the role of being the man of the house. But when Adella dies. Henry’s world is broken.
A call from the family solicitor brings Sennens world and Ella’s and Henry’s back together. Adella has left her money to her only daughter. But on the grounds that bridges are fixed. Henry is furious and at first rejects his mother. As he is the only one who remembers her leaving and the pain that it brings. Ella however was too small to remember and she is determined that she wants to meet her mother and finally find out who she really is. Manages to persuade Henry to meet up with Sennen to try and fix some bridges.
But is everything as clear cut as what Henry and Ella have been left to believe? Is Sennen really the cold hearted woman she has been made out to be? Or is there more to the story than what they know?
This is a wonderful read. Full of ups and downs. Family secrets, finding out who you are, romance and love.
This is a fantastic book to curl up with wherever you are and whatever season you are in.
Fern has once again brought an amazing story to life that felt current and up to date. With characters that you feel for and take to heart. This is a book that chicklit and romance fans will love. I certainly did.
December 25, 2017
Loved this book, I have read all of Fern's books and have to say, this is my favourite. Published February 2018 . Will post my review when it is live on Lovereading.
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