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The Cornish Escape
Get swept away along the beautiful Cornish coast, where a love story in a long forgotten diary has the power to change one woman’s life forever.
Victoria Langley’s world crumbles when her husband leaves, but she knows exactly where to go to mend her broken heart. The rugged shores of Cornwall will be her perfect sanctuary.
In the quaint, little village of Tregollan, nestled in the sea cliffs, Victoria is drawn to Seafall Cottage, covered in vines and gracefully falling apart. Inside she finds a diary full of secrets, from 1905.
Victoria is determined to unravel the diary’s mystery, but the residents of Tregollan are tight-lipped about Tilly Asprey, the cottage’s last owner. Just as she reaches a dead end, Victoria meets Adam Waters, the lawyer handling the cottage’s sale. He’s handsome, charming, and has a missing piece of the puzzle.
Tilly’s diary tells a devastating love story that mirrors Victoria’s own. Can Victoria learn from Tilly’s mistakes, and give herself a second chance at love? Or is history doomed to repeat itself?
Victoria Langley’s world crumbles when her husband leaves, but she knows exactly where to go to mend her broken heart. The rugged shores of Cornwall will be her perfect sanctuary.
In the quaint, little village of Tregollan, nestled in the sea cliffs, Victoria is drawn to Seafall Cottage, covered in vines and gracefully falling apart. Inside she finds a diary full of secrets, from 1905.
Victoria is determined to unravel the diary’s mystery, but the residents of Tregollan are tight-lipped about Tilly Asprey, the cottage’s last owner. Just as she reaches a dead end, Victoria meets Adam Waters, the lawyer handling the cottage’s sale. He’s handsome, charming, and has a missing piece of the puzzle.
Tilly’s diary tells a devastating love story that mirrors Victoria’s own. Can Victoria learn from Tilly’s mistakes, and give herself a second chance at love? Or is history doomed to repeat itself?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2017
611 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Lily Graham
18 books427 followersLily Graham grew up in South Africa and is a former journalist.
As a child she dreamt of being an author, and had half-finished manuscripts bulging out of her desk drawers, but it wasn't until she reached her thirties that she finally finished one of them. Her first books were written for children, but when her mother was diagnosed with cancer she wrote a story to deal with the fear and pain she was going through - this became her first women's fiction novel, which was published by Bookouture (Hachette) in 2016.
Since then she has written six novels, covering many topics, her first four novels were a blend of light hearted women's fiction and drama, but in recent years she has found her niche in historical fiction, after she wrote The Island Villa - a story about a secret community of Jews, who some believed were living on the island of Formentera during the Inquisition. It is a story about love, betrayal, and courage.
It took getting to her mid-thirties for her to realise that these were the types of stories she truly wanted to write. Since then she has written two other historical fiction novels, including The Paris Secret, a story about a woman, a bookshop and a secret that goes back to the occupation, and most recently, her most daunting book to date - The Child of Auschwitz, which was a story she never meant to write, but found herself compelled to after reading a story about a woman who gave birth to a child after surviving a concentration camp.
As a child she dreamt of being an author, and had half-finished manuscripts bulging out of her desk drawers, but it wasn't until she reached her thirties that she finally finished one of them. Her first books were written for children, but when her mother was diagnosed with cancer she wrote a story to deal with the fear and pain she was going through - this became her first women's fiction novel, which was published by Bookouture (Hachette) in 2016.
Since then she has written six novels, covering many topics, her first four novels were a blend of light hearted women's fiction and drama, but in recent years she has found her niche in historical fiction, after she wrote The Island Villa - a story about a secret community of Jews, who some believed were living on the island of Formentera during the Inquisition. It is a story about love, betrayal, and courage.
It took getting to her mid-thirties for her to realise that these were the types of stories she truly wanted to write. Since then she has written two other historical fiction novels, including The Paris Secret, a story about a woman, a bookshop and a secret that goes back to the occupation, and most recently, her most daunting book to date - The Child of Auschwitz, which was a story she never meant to write, but found herself compelled to after reading a story about a woman who gave birth to a child after surviving a concentration camp.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 11, 2017
5☆ + Review
The Cornish Escape, is a book about Mystery, new beginnings, discoveries and intrigue, sadness and romance.
I was hooked from the first few pages. It's such a heart warming, feel good story I didn't want it to end.
Seafall has so much charm and secrets I needed to uncover the truth. I couldn't put it down.
The story is focussed on the present but crosses over to the 1900's to uncover the story and diary entries of Tilly.
Victoria is the main character and she stumbles across the enchanting and mysterious Seafall cottage whilst clearing her head.
She has just walked out on her husband of 9 years after she discovers he's having an affair.
She ends up driving straight into Tregollan, where she is about to embark on a exciting new journey.
Seafall Cottage has charm and plenty of Character. Victoria is finding herself drawn to the derelict cottage.
But what secrets is it hiding?
Some say it's cursed and haunted. Whilst others just keep quiet.
But what Victoria does know is, she wants Seafall and is determined to make it hers.
Whilst discovering the Cottage she bumps into a strange man who drops a diary whilst running away. The diary we learn to discover is Tilly's and is set in the 1900's
Victoria is so intrigued by the diary she discovers it is written in code. She makes it her duty to decipher the code in a hope to unlock the secrets within.
Adam sells Victoria the Cottage but fails to tell her that he is the current owner of the Cottage, it is he's families.
He too is intrigued and sets out to help Victoria find the truth.
Adam and Victoria have a lot of sexual chemistry, it's so nice to see their relationship blossom through out the story.
I really enjoyed how the story incorporated Tilly's diary entries. It was so nice to be able to learn about her and the secrets and truth behind the cottage.
The Cornish Escape is a truly special book and captivates the reader within the first few pages. The mystery and enchantment of Seafall pulls you in.
You become part of the story and I was eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next.
I can't wait to see if there will be more from Tregollan and the enchanting characters within the village.
Highly recommend to everyone. This truly is a magical book.
I fell in love with Seafall Cottage and thanks to Lily I felt part of the story. When you become at one with the story you know it's magical.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
The Cornish Escape, is a book about Mystery, new beginnings, discoveries and intrigue, sadness and romance.
I was hooked from the first few pages. It's such a heart warming, feel good story I didn't want it to end.
Seafall has so much charm and secrets I needed to uncover the truth. I couldn't put it down.
The story is focussed on the present but crosses over to the 1900's to uncover the story and diary entries of Tilly.
Victoria is the main character and she stumbles across the enchanting and mysterious Seafall cottage whilst clearing her head.
She has just walked out on her husband of 9 years after she discovers he's having an affair.
She ends up driving straight into Tregollan, where she is about to embark on a exciting new journey.
Seafall Cottage has charm and plenty of Character. Victoria is finding herself drawn to the derelict cottage.
But what secrets is it hiding?
Some say it's cursed and haunted. Whilst others just keep quiet.
But what Victoria does know is, she wants Seafall and is determined to make it hers.
Whilst discovering the Cottage she bumps into a strange man who drops a diary whilst running away. The diary we learn to discover is Tilly's and is set in the 1900's
Victoria is so intrigued by the diary she discovers it is written in code. She makes it her duty to decipher the code in a hope to unlock the secrets within.
Adam sells Victoria the Cottage but fails to tell her that he is the current owner of the Cottage, it is he's families.
He too is intrigued and sets out to help Victoria find the truth.
Adam and Victoria have a lot of sexual chemistry, it's so nice to see their relationship blossom through out the story.
I really enjoyed how the story incorporated Tilly's diary entries. It was so nice to be able to learn about her and the secrets and truth behind the cottage.
The Cornish Escape is a truly special book and captivates the reader within the first few pages. The mystery and enchantment of Seafall pulls you in.
You become part of the story and I was eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next.
I can't wait to see if there will be more from Tregollan and the enchanting characters within the village.
Highly recommend to everyone. This truly is a magical book.
I fell in love with Seafall Cottage and thanks to Lily I felt part of the story. When you become at one with the story you know it's magical.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
June 29, 2017
An old cottage with hidden family secrets and a newly discovered diary containing the details of star crossed lovers - sign me up!
This story starts a bit slow, but evolves into a dual timeline set of two love stories. We have Victoria, a successful biographer, who is going through some life-changing events and stumbles upon a seaside cottage which steals her heart. After she discovers a diary written in code, the story of its past unfolds.
I certainly enjoyed the story, the past more than the present timeline. It took some time to get into the meat of the story, but once we did, it became unputdownable.
I have to say, I believe the cover art, while beautiful, does not fully represent the story here. I was under the impression that this would be a light read and it much more substantial that I thought it would be (a good thing!).
Also, I believe readers will either love or hate the ending. I thought it was very sweet, but it left me feeling like I needed a bit more closure.
3.5 stars, rounded down due to the slow start.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts a bit slow, but evolves into a dual timeline set of two love stories. We have Victoria, a successful biographer, who is going through some life-changing events and stumbles upon a seaside cottage which steals her heart. After she discovers a diary written in code, the story of its past unfolds.
I certainly enjoyed the story, the past more than the present timeline. It took some time to get into the meat of the story, but once we did, it became unputdownable.
I have to say, I believe the cover art, while beautiful, does not fully represent the story here. I was under the impression that this would be a light read and it much more substantial that I thought it would be (a good thing!).
Also, I believe readers will either love or hate the ending. I thought it was very sweet, but it left me feeling like I needed a bit more closure.
3.5 stars, rounded down due to the slow start.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Ahh that stunning cover! Makes me want to jump right in, I keep reading these lovely books set in these stunning places and it has me longing desperately for a vacation! Though this is billed as a romance I was pleasantly surprised by the added bonus of a historical mystery and you all know how much I love a good mystery.
Victoria has just been betrayed in the worst way by her husband of almost ten years, he’s cheated on her with a younger woman. Sigh. She escapes to Cornwall and is entranced with a rundown cottage, much to the dismay of the locals and her family. She can’t explain why she’s inexplicably drawn to Seafall Cottage, she just is. When she finds an old diary that an old man drops, her fascination grows. Soon, she’s wrapped up in the life of Tilly, a young girl who wrote the diary in the early 1900’s. She wholeheartedly and immediately identified with Tilly and she desperately wants to know her story.
This flips from Victoria in present day, then back to Tilly’s diary entries. Though I really enjoyed reading about Victoria’s new life and seeing the cottage transform from a ramshackle heap of junk into her lovely new home, I really loved Tilly’s story. She strikes up a friendship with Fen as a young girl, and they had such a sad story, the whole star crossed lovers thing. The characterization was fantastic, Adam is Victoria’s new love interest and he was charming and sweet. Victoria rents a houseboat while she’s renovating the cottage and her neighbors were the BEST! Angie was my favorite, she runs a bookshop from her houseboat, a FLOATING BOOKSHOP you guys! Amazing, it’s now my life’s dream to open one of these. She’s an aging hippie and I about died when she would offer Victoria a brownie that she called “suspicious”.
This had such beautiful scenery and a real sense of magic about it. I loved the mystery and intrigue, I don’t want to say too much, but it added something to make it standout in a sea of clichéd romance novels. The only thing I can say I didn’t love was the ending, it made me gasp and want more! It was very fitting though, I just wanted more information.
Ahh that stunning cover! Makes me want to jump right in, I keep reading these lovely books set in these stunning places and it has me longing desperately for a vacation! Though this is billed as a romance I was pleasantly surprised by the added bonus of a historical mystery and you all know how much I love a good mystery.
Victoria has just been betrayed in the worst way by her husband of almost ten years, he’s cheated on her with a younger woman. Sigh. She escapes to Cornwall and is entranced with a rundown cottage, much to the dismay of the locals and her family. She can’t explain why she’s inexplicably drawn to Seafall Cottage, she just is. When she finds an old diary that an old man drops, her fascination grows. Soon, she’s wrapped up in the life of Tilly, a young girl who wrote the diary in the early 1900’s. She wholeheartedly and immediately identified with Tilly and she desperately wants to know her story.
This flips from Victoria in present day, then back to Tilly’s diary entries. Though I really enjoyed reading about Victoria’s new life and seeing the cottage transform from a ramshackle heap of junk into her lovely new home, I really loved Tilly’s story. She strikes up a friendship with Fen as a young girl, and they had such a sad story, the whole star crossed lovers thing. The characterization was fantastic, Adam is Victoria’s new love interest and he was charming and sweet. Victoria rents a houseboat while she’s renovating the cottage and her neighbors were the BEST! Angie was my favorite, she runs a bookshop from her houseboat, a FLOATING BOOKSHOP you guys! Amazing, it’s now my life’s dream to open one of these. She’s an aging hippie and I about died when she would offer Victoria a brownie that she called “suspicious”.
This had such beautiful scenery and a real sense of magic about it. I loved the mystery and intrigue, I don’t want to say too much, but it added something to make it standout in a sea of clichéd romance novels. The only thing I can say I didn’t love was the ending, it made me gasp and want more! It was very fitting though, I just wanted more information.
April 6, 2017
4.5 stars.
My anguished howl of “nooooo” as I finished The Cornish Escape, by Lily Graham, was so loud I had to go and check I hadn’t woken my three-year-old who was sleeping in the next room.
I simply couldn’t help it – it wasn’t that I didn’t like the ending so much as I wanted the book to carry on and on and on.
The description on the front cover “A beautiful summer romance to warm your heart” really doesn’t do it justice because it’s so much more than that.
For a start it’s two romances, albeit set in different eras, as well as a detective story with a hint of the paranormal all rolled into one.
I’ll tell you what else it is; a cleverly written, wonderfully romantic, compelling read, featuring love lost and found, set against a beautiful Cornish backdrop, which really comes to life on the page.
I was caught from the very first, beautifully written, paragraph of this book and it just carried on getting better. My heart swelled as the love stories developed and then ached when both romances faltered. I was definitely invested – so much so that by the end I was ready to sell up and move to Cornwall.
The characters, past and present, felt like old friends quite soon into the story. Looking back now I can appreciate the plot is incredibly well-planned and probably took a lot of work but while reading it flowed so well, I was carried along as if floating on a summer sea breeze.
There were enough clues to maybe guess how it would end but it still came as a bit of a shock – hence my reaction. I realise now it was the perfect way to finish (no spoilers, promise) but I would have been quite happy with another chapter at the time.
Thank you to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My anguished howl of “nooooo” as I finished The Cornish Escape, by Lily Graham, was so loud I had to go and check I hadn’t woken my three-year-old who was sleeping in the next room.
I simply couldn’t help it – it wasn’t that I didn’t like the ending so much as I wanted the book to carry on and on and on.
The description on the front cover “A beautiful summer romance to warm your heart” really doesn’t do it justice because it’s so much more than that.
For a start it’s two romances, albeit set in different eras, as well as a detective story with a hint of the paranormal all rolled into one.
I’ll tell you what else it is; a cleverly written, wonderfully romantic, compelling read, featuring love lost and found, set against a beautiful Cornish backdrop, which really comes to life on the page.
I was caught from the very first, beautifully written, paragraph of this book and it just carried on getting better. My heart swelled as the love stories developed and then ached when both romances faltered. I was definitely invested – so much so that by the end I was ready to sell up and move to Cornwall.
The characters, past and present, felt like old friends quite soon into the story. Looking back now I can appreciate the plot is incredibly well-planned and probably took a lot of work but while reading it flowed so well, I was carried along as if floating on a summer sea breeze.
There were enough clues to maybe guess how it would end but it still came as a bit of a shock – hence my reaction. I realise now it was the perfect way to finish (no spoilers, promise) but I would have been quite happy with another chapter at the time.
Thank you to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for the ARC in return for an honest review.
April 6, 2017
This book was my first by Lily Graham and was completely different from what I thought it would be, in the best possible way. I was expecting a light and fluffy beach romance but, while there are in fact two romances, what really captivated me was the mystery. There's something very haunting about it in places and I loved the authors writing style. It also somehow convinced me that I absolutely must run away to Cornwall.
The Cornish Escape is really two stories in one. The first follows Victoria in the present day as she runs away to a small Cornish village after her husband tells her he's been having an affair. Trying to figure out where she goes from here and on sabbatical from work she comes across an abandoned cottage hidden away beside the cliffs. She falls in love with it and begins to investigate it's history with the help of local lawyer Adam.
What she discovers is the story of Tilly Asprey whose feelings seem to mirror her own in many ways. Flashing back to 1905, we discover what happened to Tilly.
While I enjoyed Victoria's story in many ways the highlight of this book was Tilly's story and the mystery surrounding Seafall cottage. I loved the slightly creepy and haunting atmosphere the author created around it and was absolutely fascinated by it. In many ways the story in the present day felt almost secondary although I did like all of the superstitions around the cottage and the quirky characters.
Victoria was definitely a character I could relate to but Tilly was much more captivating to read. I loved her passion, her determination and also her rebelliousness. Despite being from a privileged background she treats everyone the same and fights for equality.
The story is possibly not the most original but it does make for some gripping reading as Victoria gradually uncovers the clues from the past. My main complaint however is that ending. Without giving any spoilers it just left me with too many questions. I know not everything can be wrapped up neatly in every story but I still think this needed another chapter.
Overall, an enjoyable and captivating read that was completely different from the fluffy, light romance I expected. It just needs a better ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all opinions are my own.
The Cornish Escape is really two stories in one. The first follows Victoria in the present day as she runs away to a small Cornish village after her husband tells her he's been having an affair. Trying to figure out where she goes from here and on sabbatical from work she comes across an abandoned cottage hidden away beside the cliffs. She falls in love with it and begins to investigate it's history with the help of local lawyer Adam.
What she discovers is the story of Tilly Asprey whose feelings seem to mirror her own in many ways. Flashing back to 1905, we discover what happened to Tilly.
While I enjoyed Victoria's story in many ways the highlight of this book was Tilly's story and the mystery surrounding Seafall cottage. I loved the slightly creepy and haunting atmosphere the author created around it and was absolutely fascinated by it. In many ways the story in the present day felt almost secondary although I did like all of the superstitions around the cottage and the quirky characters.
Victoria was definitely a character I could relate to but Tilly was much more captivating to read. I loved her passion, her determination and also her rebelliousness. Despite being from a privileged background she treats everyone the same and fights for equality.
The story is possibly not the most original but it does make for some gripping reading as Victoria gradually uncovers the clues from the past. My main complaint however is that ending. Without giving any spoilers it just left me with too many questions. I know not everything can be wrapped up neatly in every story but I still think this needed another chapter.
Overall, an enjoyable and captivating read that was completely different from the fluffy, light romance I expected. It just needs a better ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all opinions are my own.
March 20, 2017
I loved 'A Cornish Christmas' by this author and this book is even better. So lovely and heartwarming and full of characters you want to be your friends. The descriptions are beautiful and I was transported. A beautiful book to escape with, full of heart. Loved it.
March 23, 2017
After Victoria’s marriage crumbles, she takes a much needed break and some quiet sanctuary in a small Cornish village called Tregollan.
She falls in love with the run-down Seafall cottage near the sea cliffs. Some of the locals are superstitious about the cottage and believe it to be cursed. Victoria is unable to see it that way and decides to buy it, against all logic and common sense. She has to go with her heart.
Since the cottage is in such a bad state, she initially rents a houseboat. This leads to some of my favourite parts of the book with the generous and giving houseboat community and even a floating bookshop which had me wishing for something similar.
Victoria finds an old diary written by someone called Tilly. With some help from a new friend called Adam, she gradually unlocks the secrets within the diary and a wonderful love story is unearthed.
“The Cornish Escape” was such a wonderful read. I really liked Victoria and really wanted to see her move on from the heartbreak of her failed marriage. She was brave to have such a completely fresh start and open herself up to a new home and a whole new circle of friends.
More than this, I loved Tilly’s story from the old diary. It was a beautiful and rather tragic romance that had me crying on more than one occasion. You would have to have a heart of stone not to feel anything for her situation. It absolutely made the book for me.
The ending may not have been quite what I wanted. I didn’t get quite the fluffy “happy ever after” that I always long for. In fact, the author did pre-warn of this towards the end with a wonderful quote “… real life hardly ever unfolds the way we’d like it to, not like in a story.”
It was a bittersweet ending though very beautiful nonetheless with its tale of everlasting love. A type of love that feels rather rare these days. You got a sense that this is what Victoria felt when she saw Seafall Cottage and was moved enough to buy it. It is a book I shall be thinking about rather fondly for quite some time to come.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and have given my honest opinion of it.
She falls in love with the run-down Seafall cottage near the sea cliffs. Some of the locals are superstitious about the cottage and believe it to be cursed. Victoria is unable to see it that way and decides to buy it, against all logic and common sense. She has to go with her heart.
Since the cottage is in such a bad state, she initially rents a houseboat. This leads to some of my favourite parts of the book with the generous and giving houseboat community and even a floating bookshop which had me wishing for something similar.
Victoria finds an old diary written by someone called Tilly. With some help from a new friend called Adam, she gradually unlocks the secrets within the diary and a wonderful love story is unearthed.
“The Cornish Escape” was such a wonderful read. I really liked Victoria and really wanted to see her move on from the heartbreak of her failed marriage. She was brave to have such a completely fresh start and open herself up to a new home and a whole new circle of friends.
More than this, I loved Tilly’s story from the old diary. It was a beautiful and rather tragic romance that had me crying on more than one occasion. You would have to have a heart of stone not to feel anything for her situation. It absolutely made the book for me.
The ending may not have been quite what I wanted. I didn’t get quite the fluffy “happy ever after” that I always long for. In fact, the author did pre-warn of this towards the end with a wonderful quote “… real life hardly ever unfolds the way we’d like it to, not like in a story.”
It was a bittersweet ending though very beautiful nonetheless with its tale of everlasting love. A type of love that feels rather rare these days. You got a sense that this is what Victoria felt when she saw Seafall Cottage and was moved enough to buy it. It is a book I shall be thinking about rather fondly for quite some time to come.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book and have given my honest opinion of it.
April 6, 2017
This was utterly fantastic, I just could not put it down. It had me gripped from the very start.
I loved the mystery of Seafall Cottage and finding out the real story that belonged to it.
I really enjoyed reading the bits from Tillys diary and going back in time. I think this was done perfectly and not to confusing.
The character of Victoria is very admirable, the way shes had the heartbreak in her life and how she is so strong and moves on with her life and how she takes a risk and buys and saves Seafall Cottage.
I am so gutted this book ended.
5 Stars!
I loved the mystery of Seafall Cottage and finding out the real story that belonged to it.
I really enjoyed reading the bits from Tillys diary and going back in time. I think this was done perfectly and not to confusing.
The character of Victoria is very admirable, the way shes had the heartbreak in her life and how she is so strong and moves on with her life and how she takes a risk and buys and saves Seafall Cottage.
I am so gutted this book ended.
5 Stars!
May 26, 2017
4.5 stars...
I really loved this book! I was thinking it was a fluffy romance, but it was so much more than I was expecting! Nothing fluffy here. I was pulled into the story of Victoria from the first chapter and loved the second storyline revolving around Tilly from the early 1900s as well. In Victoria we find a woman reeling from things she has discovered about her husband and trying to make sense of what her life will be like in the future without him. She escapes to beautiful Cornwall and finds that it feels like home. As she finds a mysterious old diary and begins to connect with it's writer and those around her, she starts to make a life for herself there. But of course we know life is full of surprises and she gets a few. There are compelling mysteries sprinkled throughout this book and in both time periods. It's a beautiful tale of love lost and love found with both era's stories equally compelling to the reader. The setting is haunting and vivid, and I cannot wait to visit Cornwall myself. Highly recommended! Would make a great book to get lost in while on vacation:)
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an e-galley to read and honestly review**
I really loved this book! I was thinking it was a fluffy romance, but it was so much more than I was expecting! Nothing fluffy here. I was pulled into the story of Victoria from the first chapter and loved the second storyline revolving around Tilly from the early 1900s as well. In Victoria we find a woman reeling from things she has discovered about her husband and trying to make sense of what her life will be like in the future without him. She escapes to beautiful Cornwall and finds that it feels like home. As she finds a mysterious old diary and begins to connect with it's writer and those around her, she starts to make a life for herself there. But of course we know life is full of surprises and she gets a few. There are compelling mysteries sprinkled throughout this book and in both time periods. It's a beautiful tale of love lost and love found with both era's stories equally compelling to the reader. The setting is haunting and vivid, and I cannot wait to visit Cornwall myself. Highly recommended! Would make a great book to get lost in while on vacation:)
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an e-galley to read and honestly review**
April 6, 2017
**RATING - IF I COULD GIVE IT MORE THAN 5STARS I WOULD!!**
There are not enough words in the world to describe how much I love this book!! I sat down after the kids went to bed and told myself that I would read for an hour, and three hours later I was in the same position, completely engrossed in Victoria and Tilly's world, and I knew I wouldn't sleep until I reached the end.
In this engaging, emotional story we meet Victoria, a successful biographer, as she faces the fact that her marriage is over and travels down to Cornwall to figure out what she wants from her future. While stumbling around the stunning scenery of Tregollan, she accidentally finds a crumbling house hidden in the cliffs and feels a deep connection to it. Impulsively she buys it, regardless of its local reputation as the cursed cottage, and when she finds a coded diary dated in the early 1900's, Victoria is determined to uncover the mystery of Tilly from the past. As the narrative returns to the past, I became really connected to Tilly and Fen, and desperately invested in their story. Even though Victoria and Tilly are separated by time, the house connects these two lost souls as Victoria begins to heal and become brave enough to go after what she wants.
With new friendships, a houseboat, a sexy neighbour, and a love story from the past, THE CORNISH ESCAPE by Lily Graham is one of the best romances I have read this year. I laughed, I cried, and I loved alongside Victoria and Tilly, and with the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, this story cannot disappoint - an absolute triumph. What are you waiting for???? Go and buy it now!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
There are not enough words in the world to describe how much I love this book!! I sat down after the kids went to bed and told myself that I would read for an hour, and three hours later I was in the same position, completely engrossed in Victoria and Tilly's world, and I knew I wouldn't sleep until I reached the end.
In this engaging, emotional story we meet Victoria, a successful biographer, as she faces the fact that her marriage is over and travels down to Cornwall to figure out what she wants from her future. While stumbling around the stunning scenery of Tregollan, she accidentally finds a crumbling house hidden in the cliffs and feels a deep connection to it. Impulsively she buys it, regardless of its local reputation as the cursed cottage, and when she finds a coded diary dated in the early 1900's, Victoria is determined to uncover the mystery of Tilly from the past. As the narrative returns to the past, I became really connected to Tilly and Fen, and desperately invested in their story. Even though Victoria and Tilly are separated by time, the house connects these two lost souls as Victoria begins to heal and become brave enough to go after what she wants.
With new friendships, a houseboat, a sexy neighbour, and a love story from the past, THE CORNISH ESCAPE by Lily Graham is one of the best romances I have read this year. I laughed, I cried, and I loved alongside Victoria and Tilly, and with the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, this story cannot disappoint - an absolute triumph. What are you waiting for???? Go and buy it now!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
April 7, 2017
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
Oh this was such an enjoyable book! The Cornish Escape is the second one by Lily Graham that I've read and while I certainly enjoyed her first book, The Summer Escape, I found this one much deeper and layered story.
I've been reading a lot of dark and disturbing books lately, so this book was just what I needed. I did have some expectations, however it proved to be much better than anything I've thought it would be.
After 9 years of marriage Victoria's happy life is shattered. Her husband cheats on her with a much younger woman and she sees no way out of it but to escape...leave him for good. She's a successful autobiographer and due to her work she's traveled all around UK and feels this special bond with Cornwall. Naturally it is there she finds peace and starts anew. However, there are some secrets she'll reveal, secrets that span decades and go back to the previous owners of the house she buys in Cornwall.
At the worst time of her life she discovers Tilly's diary and letters and starts her own investigation on who exactly Tilly was and why is there so many rumors about the house she bought, some even calling it the Cursed House. Good thing is that Victoria is not really into rumors and love s a bit of mystery and research. She starts feeling Tilly so close to her, as if never meeting this young woman or the decades that lay between them didn't matter.
This was such an easy book to read. The author's writing and the short chapters with some diary entries and letters make it really dynamic and easy to follow. I was quite impressed with the mystery element. I thought the book would be all about Victoria reinventing herself and healing her broken heart, and while it certainly there's a lot of it about that, the story goes beyond. Tilly's story makes the book more complete, complex and layered and it sure made me intrigued enough to keep turning the pages.
The only reason why I've decided to give it 4* instead of 5* when it's obvious I enjoyed the book, is that I wasn't too pleased with the ending. For me, it felt a bit rushed and I do think a few more chapters could've helped and made it more enjoyable. But this could be totally me as I've seen a lot of reviewers loving the ending even being surprised by it.
To sum up, The Cornish Escape is one enjoyable, feel-good book I totally recommend. You'll simply be flying through it, devouring it in one sitting. The author picked the perfect setting, beautiful Cornwall and did an amazing job in transporting me to this place. If you're a fan of women's fiction with some mystery and drama, this is definitely the book for you.
April 7, 2017
This book was sure to be a great read for me- set in Cornwall and a cottage set in the cliffs overlooking its own cove with a mystery thrown in.
Victoria escapes her life in London with her husband when he announces that he loves someone else. She falls in love with a ramshackle cottage that has been deserted for over 30 years and has to save it once she hears that they want to pull it down.
She soon settles into the coastal life- staying on a gorgeous sounding barge whilst her cottage undergoes a makeover. I would love to stay on a barge one day. She makes the first friends she's had in years and Angie is described as 'like that naughty aunt who gave you your first fake id, or snuck in the booze'. She feels settled and happy. Romance is around the corner for her aswell and it's lovely to feel the friendships growing.
There is an added mystery with the people who originally lived in the cottage and what secrets are being held. She is told the cottage is haunted and we're not sure whether the clues are ghostly happenings or whether she's on the verge of solving the mystery.
I loved the story set in the first days of the cottage and wanted to know what happened.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Lily Graham.
Victoria escapes her life in London with her husband when he announces that he loves someone else. She falls in love with a ramshackle cottage that has been deserted for over 30 years and has to save it once she hears that they want to pull it down.
She soon settles into the coastal life- staying on a gorgeous sounding barge whilst her cottage undergoes a makeover. I would love to stay on a barge one day. She makes the first friends she's had in years and Angie is described as 'like that naughty aunt who gave you your first fake id, or snuck in the booze'. She feels settled and happy. Romance is around the corner for her aswell and it's lovely to feel the friendships growing.
There is an added mystery with the people who originally lived in the cottage and what secrets are being held. She is told the cottage is haunted and we're not sure whether the clues are ghostly happenings or whether she's on the verge of solving the mystery.
I loved the story set in the first days of the cottage and wanted to know what happened.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Lily Graham.
April 28, 2017
This was a lovely story and I enjoyed every page of it. I have read other books by this author, and this one is written with the same attention to detail and with unexpected layers as the others I have read.
Victoria is a woman in crisis, her husband has been cheating on her and she flees to Cornwall. She ends up living on a houseboat and restoring a cottage with an interesting history. I loved the description of the houseboat and the others who also lived on the boats nearby, it sounded like such a lovely community. Anyway, Victoria gets involved with the story of Tilly and Fen, and as she is a researcher by profession, she takes on a bit of research when it comes to those two. What she uncovers is by degrees heartwarming and heartbreaking as well. She also has the distraction of Adam to contend with, where does he fit into Tilly's story?
There is an awful lot to like about this book. It is not a fluffy bit of chick lit, because although there is romance and lovely friendships as part of the story, there is quite a bit of depth too. I find it hard to describe really, read the book, you won't regret it!
A highly recommended read from me, 4.5 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Victoria is a woman in crisis, her husband has been cheating on her and she flees to Cornwall. She ends up living on a houseboat and restoring a cottage with an interesting history. I loved the description of the houseboat and the others who also lived on the boats nearby, it sounded like such a lovely community. Anyway, Victoria gets involved with the story of Tilly and Fen, and as she is a researcher by profession, she takes on a bit of research when it comes to those two. What she uncovers is by degrees heartwarming and heartbreaking as well. She also has the distraction of Adam to contend with, where does he fit into Tilly's story?
There is an awful lot to like about this book. It is not a fluffy bit of chick lit, because although there is romance and lovely friendships as part of the story, there is quite a bit of depth too. I find it hard to describe really, read the book, you won't regret it!
A highly recommended read from me, 4.5 stars.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
March 26, 2017
The Cornish Escape by Lily Graham is a lovely lighthearted read it's a nice bit of mystery thrown in.
After her relationship with her husband ends, biographer Victoria Langley runs away to Cornwall. She ends up in a quiet village and while out walking one day finds a run down cottage nestled in the cliffs. Intrigue gets the better of her and she sets off to explore it finding inside it a diary from 1905 written in code and belonging to Tilly Asprey a member of a family the locals are unwilling to discuss. Victoria, with the help of Adam sets about deciphering the code and uncovering Tilly's story.
The book goes between present day and the past with extracts from Tilly's diary. It's well written and you are drawn into this beautiful story. You were compelled to find out what would happen in both Tilly's and Victoria's love lives.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Lily Graham for the chance to review.
After her relationship with her husband ends, biographer Victoria Langley runs away to Cornwall. She ends up in a quiet village and while out walking one day finds a run down cottage nestled in the cliffs. Intrigue gets the better of her and she sets off to explore it finding inside it a diary from 1905 written in code and belonging to Tilly Asprey a member of a family the locals are unwilling to discuss. Victoria, with the help of Adam sets about deciphering the code and uncovering Tilly's story.
The book goes between present day and the past with extracts from Tilly's diary. It's well written and you are drawn into this beautiful story. You were compelled to find out what would happen in both Tilly's and Victoria's love lives.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Lily Graham for the chance to review.
May 22, 2017
Victoria is having a really bad day: her husband is having an affair with a younger woman, and she just needs to get away. Dashing off to Tregollan, a seaside village in Cornwall, where she hopes the isolation, sea air and gorgeous views will help her to heal and decide on her next move. I could instantly relate to Victoria’s running for the coast – it’s a wonderful place to think and regroup, but on one of her many wanders around the area she comes upon a run-down cottage. Even more surprising is the older man who dashes off, leaving behind a book – and within the pages Victoria finds a mystery, and a project.
Seafall Cottage is run down, rather spooky, and the locals claim it is haunted. As Victoria engages the help of Adam, the local solicitor, she is able to purchase the cottage and start to discover the secrets hidden within. But even in the purchase there are secrets, as Adam and his family own the little building, and he’s also curious about what is contained within. The little book that Victoria retrieved from the old man contains a diary from 1905 – it is the story of Tilly – and while it is written in a sort of code, Victoria needs to know her story.
Travelling along a dual timeline, bits of Tilly’s story are revealed as Victoria sets about to rehab the cottage and find her own place in the village. A tale of star-crossed lovers and a touch of mystery brought out from the diary help to provide an intricate tapestry, while much has changed in the intervening years, some things are still recognizable from the descriptions in the diary – and Victoria is paying a sort of homage to the past as she works through to find her own present. With wonderful secondary characters (Angie with the bookshop on a houseboat, an aging hippie who is prone to offer “suspicious brownies” was a particular favorite), plenty of clues to help suss out the mystery and a touch of romantic connection for Victoria, the story was wonderfully plotted and planned. Sure to provide you with an escape of your own, I couldn’t put this one down, and am anxious to read more from this author.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Seafall Cottage is run down, rather spooky, and the locals claim it is haunted. As Victoria engages the help of Adam, the local solicitor, she is able to purchase the cottage and start to discover the secrets hidden within. But even in the purchase there are secrets, as Adam and his family own the little building, and he’s also curious about what is contained within. The little book that Victoria retrieved from the old man contains a diary from 1905 – it is the story of Tilly – and while it is written in a sort of code, Victoria needs to know her story.
Travelling along a dual timeline, bits of Tilly’s story are revealed as Victoria sets about to rehab the cottage and find her own place in the village. A tale of star-crossed lovers and a touch of mystery brought out from the diary help to provide an intricate tapestry, while much has changed in the intervening years, some things are still recognizable from the descriptions in the diary – and Victoria is paying a sort of homage to the past as she works through to find her own present. With wonderful secondary characters (Angie with the bookshop on a houseboat, an aging hippie who is prone to offer “suspicious brownies” was a particular favorite), plenty of clues to help suss out the mystery and a touch of romantic connection for Victoria, the story was wonderfully plotted and planned. Sure to provide you with an escape of your own, I couldn’t put this one down, and am anxious to read more from this author.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
April 25, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and although it was provided to me as an ARC through Netgalley, the opinions stated below are my own. This book is a nice get-away, holiday beach read.
From the first this contemporary story pleasantly surprised me. I just loved reading about how the city- and carreer-girl moved to Cornwall and found herself in the middle of a mysterious cottage by the sea, and then in the middle of a warm houseboat-community. The main focus of this story is on the heroine and her journey from being a hurt and betrayed wife to creating a new life for herself. She falls in love with a deserted and run-down cottage on the Cornwall coast which she decides to buy and renovate. During the renovations she finds a diary and some letters and she also sets out to discover the mystery involving the house, its inhabitants in the beginning of the 20th century and the reasons why the cottage has fallen in disrepair. The discovery of the history and the contents of the diary are told as a secondary love story from the POV of those living the story then. There’s also a love interest, but to me, that aspect to the book is too small to label this book as a romance, and I would say it’s women’s fiction.
Then why only 3 stars? Mainly because of the last quarter of the book. Somehow, to me, the mystery of the cottage and its inhabitants had by then lost some of its appeal and originality. Also, the romance part of the story, at that point, centered on an obstacle, in the form of an, in my opinion, totally unnecessary ex-fiancée and an equally totally unnecessary misunderstanding. And the ending, to me, came too abrupt and without the closure on all fronts I would have liked. Besides the content, there were some choices made with respect to the layout I didn’t like, but thankfully didn’t bother me enough to put me off the story (for example a two page flashback entirely in cursive).
I would read other books by this author if the opportunity arises.
From the first this contemporary story pleasantly surprised me. I just loved reading about how the city- and carreer-girl moved to Cornwall and found herself in the middle of a mysterious cottage by the sea, and then in the middle of a warm houseboat-community. The main focus of this story is on the heroine and her journey from being a hurt and betrayed wife to creating a new life for herself. She falls in love with a deserted and run-down cottage on the Cornwall coast which she decides to buy and renovate. During the renovations she finds a diary and some letters and she also sets out to discover the mystery involving the house, its inhabitants in the beginning of the 20th century and the reasons why the cottage has fallen in disrepair. The discovery of the history and the contents of the diary are told as a secondary love story from the POV of those living the story then. There’s also a love interest, but to me, that aspect to the book is too small to label this book as a romance, and I would say it’s women’s fiction.
Then why only 3 stars? Mainly because of the last quarter of the book. Somehow, to me, the mystery of the cottage and its inhabitants had by then lost some of its appeal and originality. Also, the romance part of the story, at that point, centered on an obstacle, in the form of an, in my opinion, totally unnecessary ex-fiancée and an equally totally unnecessary misunderstanding. And the ending, to me, came too abrupt and without the closure on all fronts I would have liked. Besides the content, there were some choices made with respect to the layout I didn’t like, but thankfully didn’t bother me enough to put me off the story (for example a two page flashback entirely in cursive).
I would read other books by this author if the opportunity arises.
September 29, 2017
Victoria travels to Cornwall to get over her broken heart. She and her husband have grown apart and he's hurt her badly, so it's time for her to make a fresh start. When Victoria sees the dilapidated Seafall Cottage she feels drawn to it straight away. In the cottage Victoria finds a diary and the story inside makes her curious. The writer, Tilly, went through something devastating and Victoria wants to find out more about the history of the cottage and the life of the woman whose diary she's so engrossed in.
Meeting Adam, a handsome lawyer, might give Victoria the chance to get some details about Seafall Cottage. He's the person who's selling it and Victoria knows one thing, she wants to buy the place. While Victoria is getting to know Adam she's making progress with the cottage she will soon call home and its complicated history. Will Victoria find a happy future in a place where the past has been so unlucky?
Summer at Seafall Cottage is a beautiful story about the power of true love. I immediately loved both Victoria and Tilly. They're strong determined woman who fight for what they want and what they believe in. They're smart and capable and it was interesting to read about their lives and what's inside their hearts. I was equally interested in both the past and the present and flew through the pages. I love it when I can get so close to the main characters of a story and liked Summer at Seafall Cottage a lot because of it.
Lily Graham has a wonderful heartwarming writing style. She makes her settings come to life incredibly well and I really enjoyed reading about Seafall Cottage and the beautiful Cornish landscape. It's a perfect place for a romantic story, which for me was pure magic. I was enchanted and entertained by Lily Graham's charming story and absolutely loved Summer at Seafall Cottage, it's another amazing book by a great storyteller.
Meeting Adam, a handsome lawyer, might give Victoria the chance to get some details about Seafall Cottage. He's the person who's selling it and Victoria knows one thing, she wants to buy the place. While Victoria is getting to know Adam she's making progress with the cottage she will soon call home and its complicated history. Will Victoria find a happy future in a place where the past has been so unlucky?
Summer at Seafall Cottage is a beautiful story about the power of true love. I immediately loved both Victoria and Tilly. They're strong determined woman who fight for what they want and what they believe in. They're smart and capable and it was interesting to read about their lives and what's inside their hearts. I was equally interested in both the past and the present and flew through the pages. I love it when I can get so close to the main characters of a story and liked Summer at Seafall Cottage a lot because of it.
Lily Graham has a wonderful heartwarming writing style. She makes her settings come to life incredibly well and I really enjoyed reading about Seafall Cottage and the beautiful Cornish landscape. It's a perfect place for a romantic story, which for me was pure magic. I was enchanted and entertained by Lily Graham's charming story and absolutely loved Summer at Seafall Cottage, it's another amazing book by a great storyteller.
May 6, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
After Victoria finds her marriage shattered to pieces, she buys a little cottage in Cornwall. It's a new start, a project and when she finds the diary of a woman called Tilly some mystery is added to the story.
Victoria is determined to solve it and tries to find out more about Tilly and her family. On the way she discovers a lot and also meets some new people, one of them being handsome Adam, who is even connected to the mystery and might have a missing puzzle of the story.
I loved the intrigue in this book and how the chapters alternated between the diary and present day. I have to say that I was more drawn to the relationship between Adam and Victoria, but still enjoyed the connection to the past. On top of Adam and Victoria developing feelings for each other, there were their ex partners, who didn't make the situation easier. Some misunderstandings and drama totally made their journey more interesting.
I loved the scenery in this book and Lily Graham captured it beautifully. I was a little disappointed by the ending, not because it was bad, just because I wanted more, wanted to find out more and read more about the characters.
This is definitely a very captivating read, full of great characters, connecting storylines and a wonderful setting.
After Victoria finds her marriage shattered to pieces, she buys a little cottage in Cornwall. It's a new start, a project and when she finds the diary of a woman called Tilly some mystery is added to the story.
Victoria is determined to solve it and tries to find out more about Tilly and her family. On the way she discovers a lot and also meets some new people, one of them being handsome Adam, who is even connected to the mystery and might have a missing puzzle of the story.
I loved the intrigue in this book and how the chapters alternated between the diary and present day. I have to say that I was more drawn to the relationship between Adam and Victoria, but still enjoyed the connection to the past. On top of Adam and Victoria developing feelings for each other, there were their ex partners, who didn't make the situation easier. Some misunderstandings and drama totally made their journey more interesting.
I loved the scenery in this book and Lily Graham captured it beautifully. I was a little disappointed by the ending, not because it was bad, just because I wanted more, wanted to find out more and read more about the characters.
This is definitely a very captivating read, full of great characters, connecting storylines and a wonderful setting.
August 4, 2017
I was looking forward to this release by Lily Graham as I absolutely LOVED A Cornish Christmas. However, I was surprised as this one seemed a little slower to get into.
Our lead character Victoria's has gone to Cornwall and made an extremely rash decision and brought herself a derelict house. Following the breakdown of her marriage it appears this is her way of retreating to lick her wounds in private. ‘Seafall Cottage' Has its own secrets though and when she finds some diaries in the house she cannot help but be pulled into the stories within those pages. Before long she becomes almost obsessed with the owner and writer of the diaries Tilly. Tilly is a young girl living in the early 1900s and we see the story flip between present day and Victoria and then back to the past with Tilly.
Additional characters such as Angie, Victoria’s houseboat neighbor struck a cord and I really liked her and then there is Adam and a whole host of others. Somehow though I never really connected all that much with any of them. The writing was brilliant and the story enjoyable but I just felt there was something lacking with this latest book that wasn’t with the last one. I certainly enjoyed it, but think her first book was so amazing I spent the whole time comparing which is never a good idea.
Our lead character Victoria's has gone to Cornwall and made an extremely rash decision and brought herself a derelict house. Following the breakdown of her marriage it appears this is her way of retreating to lick her wounds in private. ‘Seafall Cottage' Has its own secrets though and when she finds some diaries in the house she cannot help but be pulled into the stories within those pages. Before long she becomes almost obsessed with the owner and writer of the diaries Tilly. Tilly is a young girl living in the early 1900s and we see the story flip between present day and Victoria and then back to the past with Tilly.
Additional characters such as Angie, Victoria’s houseboat neighbor struck a cord and I really liked her and then there is Adam and a whole host of others. Somehow though I never really connected all that much with any of them. The writing was brilliant and the story enjoyable but I just felt there was something lacking with this latest book that wasn’t with the last one. I certainly enjoyed it, but think her first book was so amazing I spent the whole time comparing which is never a good idea.
April 16, 2017
Visit the locations in the novel: Join the Cornish Escape!
I would quite like to head to Tregollan and find myself a quiet sanctuary after reading this book.
As for the lovely Seafall cottage nestled in the sea cliffs – some say its haunted but that doesn’t put off our heroine. The villagers might not realise what this place really is and it’s going to take Victoria to find it all out.
Even before we get to the house and the story behind it, the story floats alone so nicely (sorry) set as it is on a houseboat. The story in the house community and oh that floating bookshop! At that point more than ever did I want Tregollan to be real.
The story with Victoria’s recovery from her marriage, her new start and that intriguing diary she finds…where she meets Tilly and her story – this also captivated me and it was like a Cornish Escape in a Cornish Escape. The ending wasn’t quite the escape I’d hoped for but the story and the Cornish capers throughout more than made up for that. Turns out there is a lot of mystery wrapped up in a ramshackle cottage set in the Cornish landscape.
I would quite like to head to Tregollan and find myself a quiet sanctuary after reading this book.
As for the lovely Seafall cottage nestled in the sea cliffs – some say its haunted but that doesn’t put off our heroine. The villagers might not realise what this place really is and it’s going to take Victoria to find it all out.
Even before we get to the house and the story behind it, the story floats alone so nicely (sorry) set as it is on a houseboat. The story in the house community and oh that floating bookshop! At that point more than ever did I want Tregollan to be real.
The story with Victoria’s recovery from her marriage, her new start and that intriguing diary she finds…where she meets Tilly and her story – this also captivated me and it was like a Cornish Escape in a Cornish Escape. The ending wasn’t quite the escape I’d hoped for but the story and the Cornish capers throughout more than made up for that. Turns out there is a lot of mystery wrapped up in a ramshackle cottage set in the Cornish landscape.
April 20, 2017
Victoria is at a real low point in her life - she has just discovered her husband is cheating on her and so leaves and flees to Tregollan in Cornwall. While out trying to clear her head she comes across an old derelict house, Seafall Cottage, she finds out from locals that it has a bad reputation for being cursed but she doesn't care she has fallen in love with it and decides to buy it for herself.
When she finds a diary she is intrigued - especially as it is coded - and determines to find out about the owner and so we hear the story of Tilly from 1905
A great story that drew you in right from the start and I loved both timelines and seeing how the house wove its magic and brought everything together - I always love books about Cornwall as it is my favourite part of the country and this is a perfect summer read
When she finds a diary she is intrigued - especially as it is coded - and determines to find out about the owner and so we hear the story of Tilly from 1905
A great story that drew you in right from the start and I loved both timelines and seeing how the house wove its magic and brought everything together - I always love books about Cornwall as it is my favourite part of the country and this is a perfect summer read
September 24, 2017
Well, despite the front cover bearing a distinct resemblance to a hazy Port Isaac/Port Wenn (of Doc Martin fame), this book just really wasn't my thing I'm afraid.
It's broken into alternating chapters of Present Day and 1903 onwards, and I have to confess that after the first two chapters set way back when, I just kept skipping through all of them, and read only the present day story.
I loathe books broken into bits like this, almost as much as I loathe books with chapters being told by different people.
The present day story was...nice...
It's broken into alternating chapters of Present Day and 1903 onwards, and I have to confess that after the first two chapters set way back when, I just kept skipping through all of them, and read only the present day story.
I loathe books broken into bits like this, almost as much as I loathe books with chapters being told by different people.
The present day story was...nice...
April 24, 2017
What a lovely book. Nice characters. And a throw back to the past related to the house Victoria stumbled on while visiting Cornwall. It was interesting finding out all about the past. this made the book what it is. Really recommend the book to others
April 7, 2017
This is such a fascinating story. Told over two timelines early 1900’s and present day. A good mix of romance, mystery, tragedy and a little sprinkling of a paranormal/magical theme.
I have to say this book came at the perfect time for me because I am soon to move into my own little cottage in the rugged cliffs of Cornwall overlooking the sea so I could identify with so much of this!
It is set in a beautiful area, the writing is incredibly descriptive and the lead characters give the reader a sense of belonging.
Victoria has escaped a broken marriage, feels an overwhelming connection to Seafall cottage and buys it regardless of local rumours that it is cursed and gives the locals the heebie jeebies .
Tilly is the girl from the early parts and Victoria finds her diaries .. will her future be influenced by what happened at the cottage in the past?
I really enjoyed the ‘Tilly’ parts along with the boy Fen and his fox. The floating bookshop in Victoria’s section sounds idyllic .. maybe I should search for one of those.
An endearing story, which evoked a range of emotions. A quick easy read but once it ended I was like .. waaaaaaaaaaah you can’t end it there although it wound things up nicely. I could have happily read a lot more. A brilliant story that is just perfect for a summer read.
I read and reviewed this voluntarily, thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Lily for my copy.
I have to say this book came at the perfect time for me because I am soon to move into my own little cottage in the rugged cliffs of Cornwall overlooking the sea so I could identify with so much of this!
It is set in a beautiful area, the writing is incredibly descriptive and the lead characters give the reader a sense of belonging.
Victoria has escaped a broken marriage, feels an overwhelming connection to Seafall cottage and buys it regardless of local rumours that it is cursed and gives the locals the heebie jeebies .
Tilly is the girl from the early parts and Victoria finds her diaries .. will her future be influenced by what happened at the cottage in the past?
I really enjoyed the ‘Tilly’ parts along with the boy Fen and his fox. The floating bookshop in Victoria’s section sounds idyllic .. maybe I should search for one of those.
An endearing story, which evoked a range of emotions. A quick easy read but once it ended I was like .. waaaaaaaaaaah you can’t end it there although it wound things up nicely. I could have happily read a lot more. A brilliant story that is just perfect for a summer read.
I read and reviewed this voluntarily, thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Lily for my copy.
January 3, 2026
3.5 stars ✨
October 4, 2017
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
A fun and easy read The Cornish Escape will take you to the idyllic world of renovating dilapidated cottages and living on the river. It also delivers some romance and intrigue and some lovely characters with which to explore it all. I whipped through this novel and definitely enjoyed it. However, I preferred my previous Lily Graham read A Cornish Christmas.
Victoria’s marriage is over but I didn’t get the impression that she minded all that much, just that she was seeking a world where she felt she was more comfortable, and doing something for herself. I liked her purposeful exit and her lack of wavering. Her new life seemed to suit her personality better, it was not so frenetic and it allowed her time to think and take each new experience in. The mystery surrounding the cottage’s history had me hooked and I wasn’t expecting the thorough back story for the cottage and the diary to be interwoven into the present so well. Their story felt current and linked with Victoria’s- very well done.
My prior experience with Graham’s writing was warm, embracing and a little bit gritty. She dealt with a difficult topic using people that I felt drawn to. This novel didn’t pull me in as much and though the intrigue was there I didn’t feel the subject was so tender and therefore didn’t require as much subtlety of navigation. However, I enjoyed the novel and I liked the tiny links between this book and A Cornish Christmas- I wished there had been more!
Thank you to Bookouture for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
A fun and easy read The Cornish Escape will take you to the idyllic world of renovating dilapidated cottages and living on the river. It also delivers some romance and intrigue and some lovely characters with which to explore it all. I whipped through this novel and definitely enjoyed it. However, I preferred my previous Lily Graham read A Cornish Christmas.
Victoria’s marriage is over but I didn’t get the impression that she minded all that much, just that she was seeking a world where she felt she was more comfortable, and doing something for herself. I liked her purposeful exit and her lack of wavering. Her new life seemed to suit her personality better, it was not so frenetic and it allowed her time to think and take each new experience in. The mystery surrounding the cottage’s history had me hooked and I wasn’t expecting the thorough back story for the cottage and the diary to be interwoven into the present so well. Their story felt current and linked with Victoria’s- very well done.
My prior experience with Graham’s writing was warm, embracing and a little bit gritty. She dealt with a difficult topic using people that I felt drawn to. This novel didn’t pull me in as much and though the intrigue was there I didn’t feel the subject was so tender and therefore didn’t require as much subtlety of navigation. However, I enjoyed the novel and I liked the tiny links between this book and A Cornish Christmas- I wished there had been more!
Thank you to Bookouture for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
July 22, 2017
I was so pleased to have the chance to read this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers. I first met Victoria in ' A Cornish Christmas' and it was lovely to see she now had her own story. There were hints of the other characters within this new book and it always fun to see where characters have got to after the last page of their story has been turned.
Victoria's marriage is in shatters and she has decided to take herself to Cornwall to put the pieces of her life back together in some way. As she journies along the coastline, she discovers 'Seafall Cottage' a derelict house that looks like it is about to fall away into the ocean. It calls to her in many ways, not the least of which is the mystery of who owned the house and the diary she discovers within. In no time at all, she is making this cottage her home (well after a bit of restoration), she is becoming part of the community of Tregollan, she is exploring the mystery of the diary and finding out that maybe her heart could love again.
Ms Graham once again has created the most lovely of stories. What is fabulous in particular about this one is the fact that there are actually two tales unfolding, Victoria's as she finds her way back to herself and Tilly's, the owner of the diary. Both of these stories grab your attention and you really don't mind which one is being told at any point in time so long as they are being told. I cannot recommend this writer highly enough. She creates the most whimsical of places and completely commands you come and explore. I am a definite fan.
Victoria's marriage is in shatters and she has decided to take herself to Cornwall to put the pieces of her life back together in some way. As she journies along the coastline, she discovers 'Seafall Cottage' a derelict house that looks like it is about to fall away into the ocean. It calls to her in many ways, not the least of which is the mystery of who owned the house and the diary she discovers within. In no time at all, she is making this cottage her home (well after a bit of restoration), she is becoming part of the community of Tregollan, she is exploring the mystery of the diary and finding out that maybe her heart could love again.
Ms Graham once again has created the most lovely of stories. What is fabulous in particular about this one is the fact that there are actually two tales unfolding, Victoria's as she finds her way back to herself and Tilly's, the owner of the diary. Both of these stories grab your attention and you really don't mind which one is being told at any point in time so long as they are being told. I cannot recommend this writer highly enough. She creates the most whimsical of places and completely commands you come and explore. I am a definite fan.
October 14, 2017
I read a book by this author awhile back, and I liked her style of writing so much that I added her name to a list of authors to look out for. Her descriptions are vivid and she has a way of setting the mood, so I feel as if I am completely immersed in the book. This book is no different. Her style captivates me; however, I am baffled by all the cursing. Is it only within the pages of this book that she has decided to truly let loose with lots of f-words and cursing using the name of Jesus? I don’t recall it in the other book I read. For some reason, all the most recent fiction books I have read contain curse words like that. Why? I don’t personally know anyone who curses, so why do so many authors fill books with curse words? The sad thing is that this writer is so very talented I don’t think she needs to fall into the trap of adding words that many feel are offensive. There are so many other ways to show the character is upset, angry or irritated. I wouldn’t even mind a “dammit” so much if an author feels they have to use curse words. Bringing God into it is offensive to many, including me.
I enjoyed the hint of a mystery, the decoding of the old diary and the way the author slowly unfolded all the details about the previous occupants of the house she bought. The ending neatly tied everything together, and there weren’t any loose ends. For atmosphere, descriptions, setting, character development, I’d give the author at least 4.5 stars. I’m not sure I’d recommend this to others because of the curse words, and I personally felt it devalued the book. .
I enjoyed the hint of a mystery, the decoding of the old diary and the way the author slowly unfolded all the details about the previous occupants of the house she bought. The ending neatly tied everything together, and there weren’t any loose ends. For atmosphere, descriptions, setting, character development, I’d give the author at least 4.5 stars. I’m not sure I’d recommend this to others because of the curse words, and I personally felt it devalued the book. .
May 3, 2017
When I picked up this story I was expected a seaside romance story which I’ve read quite a few of lately, but it turned out to be much more than that. We actually have two stories running side by side, one in the present day and one at the beginning of the 20th century.
Victoria has been betrayed by her husband after he cheats on her with a younger woman so she escapes to Cornwall for some much needed breathing space. Whilst out walking she comes across a run down old house and instantly feels drawn to it – so she buys it! (I know, I’d love to be able to just buy a house like that too!). It’s in the house that she discovers some old letters – and that’s where the mystery begins.
I’m not ashamed to say that I blubbed several times in this book. True, I am crying at books far more often recently – I’ll put that as a side effect of my job! But this crying was well deserved. I did not want this story to end at all – I was absolutely captivated by the story of Tilly and Fen that we hear through the old letters. It was romantic but gave a very haunted feel too which I loved. ‘A beautiful summer romance to warm your heart’ absolutely does not do this book justice – how about a timeless romance to warm your soul?! I can’t remember the last time I was so sad to reach the end of a book and I’ll definitely be reading this one again.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and obviously Lily Graham for letting me read and review this
Victoria has been betrayed by her husband after he cheats on her with a younger woman so she escapes to Cornwall for some much needed breathing space. Whilst out walking she comes across a run down old house and instantly feels drawn to it – so she buys it! (I know, I’d love to be able to just buy a house like that too!). It’s in the house that she discovers some old letters – and that’s where the mystery begins.
I’m not ashamed to say that I blubbed several times in this book. True, I am crying at books far more often recently – I’ll put that as a side effect of my job! But this crying was well deserved. I did not want this story to end at all – I was absolutely captivated by the story of Tilly and Fen that we hear through the old letters. It was romantic but gave a very haunted feel too which I loved. ‘A beautiful summer romance to warm your heart’ absolutely does not do this book justice – how about a timeless romance to warm your soul?! I can’t remember the last time I was so sad to reach the end of a book and I’ll definitely be reading this one again.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and obviously Lily Graham for letting me read and review this
November 19, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the series, although it's not necessary to have read the 1st book to enjoy this one.
Victoria, a biographer, is having problems with her husband. She trashes off to Cornwall to clear her head and decide what to do.
On a walk she finds Seafall Cottage, which stood in the grounds of the Manor House. It's derelict but she can see so much potential there. She also finds a diary, which is written in code, in strange circumstances; this book centers around the diary and alters from present day to the early 1900's.
Together with Adam, the solicitor who helps with the sale of the cottage, they decipher the diary which is all about a love story between the daughter of the owner of the Manor and the Son of the man whom the cottage was built for.
Once I'd got into the book I couldn't put it down. This book is definitely worth a read. This is also called Summer at Seafall Cottage.
Victoria, a biographer, is having problems with her husband. She trashes off to Cornwall to clear her head and decide what to do.
On a walk she finds Seafall Cottage, which stood in the grounds of the Manor House. It's derelict but she can see so much potential there. She also finds a diary, which is written in code, in strange circumstances; this book centers around the diary and alters from present day to the early 1900's.
Together with Adam, the solicitor who helps with the sale of the cottage, they decipher the diary which is all about a love story between the daughter of the owner of the Manor and the Son of the man whom the cottage was built for.
Once I'd got into the book I couldn't put it down. This book is definitely worth a read. This is also called Summer at Seafall Cottage.
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