Secrets of Magpie Cove

Magpie Cove #2

by Kennedy Kerr

Lila had a favourite rock to sit on towards the back of the cove, where she often ate her breakfast, gazing out at the tumbling Cornish sea. As the sun rose that morning, Lila wished with all her heart that the grey-green waves could wash away her old life. That Magpie Cove would help her move on, and to forget…

When aspiring pastry chef Lila Bridges flees her life in the city after a heartbreaking tragedy, she finds herself working behind the counter at Magpie Cove’s most beloved local establishment – Serafina’s Café. The sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked chocolate croissants, the cheerful gossip of the regulars and the elderly owner Serafina’s feisty humour are a much-needed balm to Lila’s broken heart. For the first time since it happened, Lila is beginning to laugh again…

But when Serafina unexpectedly passes away, the future of the café looks bleak. Nathan Da Costa, Serafina’s estranged son, inherits, and returns to Magpie Cove determined to inject some big-city glamour into the place. To Lila, it seems impossible that dour, money-obsessed Nathan could be related to dear Serafina. He may have his mother’s mop of curly dark hair and deep brown eyes, but he has none of her warmth or heart.

Lila needs this job and the sense of peace the town has brought her, so she’s determined to make it work with Nathan as her new boss. But her resolution is tested when the secret Lila has been keeping about what brought her to the cove begins to unravel, just as she discovers an unexpected, sweeter side to Nathan. Will trusting Nathan Da Costa with her long-held secret be Lila’s new beginning in Magpie Cove, or her emotional undoing?

Be totally transported to the windswept beaches of Cornwall with this heart-warming and unputdownable story that will leave a huge smile on your face. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Veronica Henry and Heidi Swain.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult, Womens Fiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2021

About the author

Kennedy Kerr is the author of the Lost Maidens Loch witch-themed cozy mystery series. She is from a Scottish family and adores the magic and mystery of Scotland and all the Celtic lands: cairns, misty mountains, stone circles and misty lochs are her particular favourite things. She is the proud owner of a cuddly black cat called Twinkle, who evidently believes she is a princess.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.

Reviews

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila has fled the city and is reinventing her life in Magpie Cove. She's attending patisserie school and working in Serafina's cafe. Serafina is a loving, outgoing, and kind woman who keeps the town going. When she passes, Lila is left with a lot of uncertainty, including whether or not she still has a job. When Lila's son takes over the cafe, things get even worse. Will Lila have to leave Magpie Cove?

This is a sweet and fairly uncomplicated romance, but it really doesn't need many complications. The descriptions of Lila's small-town life, her supportive friends, and her constant tension with Nathan make for a great story. I loved the inclusion of Lila's fight to help feed the elderly in her town and the descriptions of the food she was making in the cafe or patisserie school. The fact that so many people have food insecurities they might be keeping secret is a major theme in this book, to its credit. Lila's struggles to deal with a past miscarriage are explored as well. The characters are interesting and endearing. Anyone who loves small-town romances should plan a visit to Magpie Cove.

I listened to the audiobook and Katie Villa does a great job with the narration.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Saga Egmont Audio via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lovely book, which was pleasant, easy to read and enjoyable.

Lila has suffered from a miscarriage and had moved to Magpie Cove for a new lease on life, escape from a difficult relationship and cheap rent nearby to where she is studying her patisserie course.

What Lila did not expect to find in Magpie Cove, was love, happiness and her future.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Saga Egmont Audio for my advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

3 Stars: It was a good book and well-crafted. I would recommend it to the right person.

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[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quaint small town Cafe really brings the town together. The characters in this book are really the main focus and everybody knows everyone in town.

Even though Lila has only been in Magpie Cove for a little while, it is her new home. It almost seems like this friendly place that makes you forget about your problems.

The Lila and Nathan relationship is interesting. She is managing the Cafe while going to school and he is now the new owner after his mother died. He is definitely a numbers kind of guy and Lila is all about the people. Bring on the conflict! Let's just say that some changes don't go over very well.

Overall this is a feel good book, even if I would have loved some romance as an addition.

Thank you to Saga Egmont and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.

[Tahera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets of Magpie Cove is the second book in the Magpie Cove series. I really liked the first book in the series... this one not so much. I might be in the minority here since a lot of readers have loved the book. I mean there really wasn't anything wrong with either the plot or the writing, I just didn't connect with the main characters Lila and Nathan introduced in this book like I did with Mara and Brian in book 1.  Also, Serafina the owner of the local cafe who becomes a friend/mother figure to both Mara and Lila and who is the Nathan's actual mother, dies at the very onset of this book. I really liked her character and had hopes of seeing more of her in future books so it was disappointing that her character's story arc came to a permanent end. In the end, it was an alright book to read but (atleast for me) paled in comparison to the first one.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kennedy Kerr for the e-Arc of the book.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this highly emotive read, Lila is beset by overwhelming grief,. She has sufferend a miscarriage, broken up with her boyfriend and her boss has died. Serafina was much more to a boss to Lila and Lila is desperately grievng her loss. When Serafina's son Nathan comes to sort out his mother's affairs, there is the possibillty that the café might close its doors. Will Lila lose yet again?

Nathan Da Costa is a man about business. That business means making change after change when he comes into town after his mother's death . First order of busines is the café. It is not turning enough profit and he can't see it lasting much longer. However, that is not the only change that Nathan makes, and soon the locals in the small Cornish village have much to grumble about, most of all Lila.

Despite the conflicts that are there from the very start, both Lila and Nathan share an undeniable chemistry. Will they ever act on it or are the changes Nathan is about far too much to overcome? Not only do we have Lila and Nathan's drama, we have other characters in this story that have drama as well. These other characters give strength to an already touching story and their drama proved to be just as compelling than that of Lila and Nathan.

This touching story by Kennedy Kerr deals with some sensitive issues, including grief, the long-term effects after a miscarriage, the things that the elderly can experience like hunger and poverty, acceptance and growth. I truly loved this story and definitely want to read the first book in the series, The House at Magpie Cove, before the next title is released.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Secrets Of Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kennedy Kerr, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 16th June 2021.

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Magpie Cove' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series 'The House At Magpie Cove' which is I would also recommend reading.

I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Veronica Henry and Heidi Swain.' I am a huge fan of Heidi so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kennedy and if this is as good as 'The House At Magpie Cove' it is sure to be a gorgeous read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 26 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited and had holidays in Cornwall on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere that Kennedy has based the book on.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Lila Bridges. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

Well done Kennedy on yet another absolutely beautiful and perfect read!! This is the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!

The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Lila's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. It was an absolutely compelling and addictive heartlifting read that kept me turning the pages until late at night. This book would make a beautiful movie!!

I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Lila developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. I loved Nathan who made me laugh on several occasions and thought he was just a great guy. Nathan and Lila have such a beautiful friendship going on it was lovely to see how well they bonded. I was absolutely gutted about Serafina who I met in 'The House At Magpie Cove', she was such an amazing and another strong woman, she had a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I loved meeting some old faces again and getting to know new ones. This is one of those series which could go on and on and I wouldn't get bored. I adored Betty and Cyd who made such an adorable couple and I also enjoyed meeting Nathan for the first time and getting to watch his character go from strength to strength. Here's to meeting them all again along with the next new faces of Magpie Cove!!

Congratulations Kennedy on another gorgeous success!!! Looking forward to my next holiday to Magpie Cove!!!

Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.

Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of as well as fans of Nicholas Sparks and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!


224 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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[J_McA 251 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read that didn’t have many surprises or twists, just a good, solid story in a charming setting. Right off the bat I enjoyed Lila’s choice of profession. I watch a lot of cooking shows, and I feel like this background actually gave me a lot of insight to her character. Lila wants to carry on the tradition set by Serafina, the late owner of a café that Lila works in. But Serafina’s son, Nathan, who inherited the café, has other ideas. There’s the usual conflict. Not a lot to unpack, just a nice story. I will say that there have been a lot of books that feature the heroine running from…something…in the big city only to end up in the idyllic coastal town. Nothing wrong with it, just an observation that it’s a popular setting these days. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrator Katie Villa 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Such a beautiful voice

Story 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Nathan and Lila. This was one of those books where I was so absorbed in it that it was over before I was ready for it.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful, contemporary romance set in a small, close-knit, seaside community.

Serafina was the hub of the community and her death left many of her friends and neighbours uncertain about their future. Lila Bridges moved to Magpie Cove after tragedy and now works part-time in Serafina’s Café whilst also studying to become a pastry chef. Serafina’s untimely demise has Lila and the regular customers uncertain about her future, especially when Serafina’s estranged son, Nathan DaCosta, inherits and brings in new money making ideas, so at odds with his Mum’s community spirit. Although Lila struggles to work with her new boss’s rules she is also attracted to him but as more changes to life in the community are imposed at his behest will sharing the secrets they are both keeping bring them together or tear them apart?

There are lots of lovely characters in this pleasurable read, ranging from Lila’s partner in class to other business owners and the elderly couple who have flaunted traditional expectations for most of their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this gorgeous setting which is filled with a wonderful sense of community working to help each other. There are plenty of laugh out loud scenarios, a few heartbreaking revelations and lots of love, too, making this a marvellous read to escape into.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed, have honestly reviewed and highly recommend!

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr is a read that will truly get you thinking..

Lila has left London and found a part-time job in the local cafe. When the owner suddenly passes away, her business minded son, Nathan. takes over and changes everything sending Lila and the community into turmoul. Will there be love and a happy community in the end?

This synopsis really doesn't give the story justice. There are lots of shocks along the way. And plenty of emotion to boot. I LIVE Lila's angry outbursts at Nathan, boy he really is something!

The only thing I found was that it often felt like I was listening to just half of a conversation and often wondered what Nathan was thinking.

Overall, a great read and a definite recommendation

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this continuation story and retuning to Magpie Cove in Cornwall. Lila Bridges leaves London for pastry school in Magpie Cove. Lila also leaves a broken relationship behind, and is in much need of emotional and physical healing. The coastal town residents completely embraced Lila, welcoming her into the town family. Serafina owns the Café in town and not only gives Lila a job but also a place to live until she can get on her feet. But when Serafina suddenly passes away, Lila is completely lost and feels like she doesn’t know what to do next. When Nathan, Serafina’s estranged son arrives in Magpie Cove to take over the café, he causes such upheaval in the town, but Lila stands her ground with him and does everything she can to keep the peace. This lovely summer read will have you feeling like you want to move to Magpie Cove, it is such a wonderful place and the township will make you feel like family. This story has all the feels, it was a wonderful escape and a charming read.

I absolutely loved this series. The well developed characters made me feel like old friends, while plot twists and turns kept me completely engrossed in the book. Thank you Kennedy Kerr for such a wonderful story. I loved it!

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m completely new to this series (huge mistake on my part, I’ll be looking out for the rest of the series) I was absolutely swept from Glasgow to Cornwall I could almost feel the beauty of the place. Lila, oh Lila is a beautiful soul, struggling to recover from the miscarriage that devastated her and the death of her friend and employer. She’s a good egg and I adored her kindly ways, but her strength in fighting for the rights of others. I loved the “elderly” friends and Lila’s lovely way and determination to make their lives better. I quite enjoyed Nathan’s character, but I’d have loved some more insight into his thoughts at times. Fantastic read, beautiful narration. I loved it! #Jorecommends.

I received an arc of the audio book from NetGalley and the publishers in return for an honest review. Thank you.

Synopsis

Lila had a favourite rock to sit on towards the back of the cove, where she often ate her breakfast, gazing out at the tumbling Cornish sea. As the sun rose that morning, Lila wished with all her heart that the grey-green waves could wash away her old life. That Magpie Cove would help her move on, and to forget…

When aspiring pastry chef Lila Bridges flees her life in the city after a heartbreaking tragedy, she finds herself working behind the counter at Magpie Cove’s most beloved local establishment – Serafina’s Café. The sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked chocolate croissants, the cheerful gossip of the regulars and the elderly owner Serafina’s feisty humour are a much-needed balm to Lila’s broken heart. For the first time since it happened, Lila is beginning to laugh again…

But when Serafina unexpectedly passes away, the future of the café looks bleak. Nathan Da Costa, Serafina’s estranged son, inherits, and returns to Magpie Cove determined to inject some big-city glamour into the place. To Lila, it seems impossible that dour, money-obsessed Nathan could be related to dear Serafina. He may have his mother’s mop of curly dark hair and deep brown eyes, but he has none of her warmth or heart.

Lila needs this job and the sense of peace the town has brought her, so she’s determined to make it work with Nathan as her new boss. But her resolution is tested when the secret Lila has been keeping about what brought her to the cove begins to unravel, just as she discovers an unexpected, sweeter side to Nathan. Will trusting Nathan Da Costa with her long-held secret be Lila’s new beginning in Magpie Cove, or her emotional undoing?

Be totally transported to the windswept beaches of Cornwall with this heart-warming and unputdownable story that will leave a huge smile on your face. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Veronica Henry and Heidi Swain.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends, if you haven’t read The House at Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr yet, I highly recommend it! I was overjoyed when I learned on Twitter that Kennedy Kerr had another Magpie Cove book available on NetGalley!! I’m so very happy I stumbled upon that tweet and that I was approved to read and review this book!

Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr discusses several topics seamlessly in this fantastic book! I’m very sad that Serafina, the owner of the cozy shop that many come for coffee or even a meal and hang out in Magpie Cove, a town not far from St Ives. I grew to love Serafina and her love for people. Although she wasn’t a main character in either book, Serafina is a matriarch for the community, the person who will listen and understand and offer suggestions and help out in any way she can.

Now that Serafina has passed away, Magpie Cove seems invaded by one of Serafina’s son, Nathan, who takes over all of Serafina’s properties and increases the rent while not caring about the livelihoods of anyone who loves and have businesses there. It’s an employee at Serafina’s shop, Lila, who wants to keep Serafina’s memory alive through being there and supporting those in the community. Lila and Nathan have so many conflicts and those moments of unexpected desire.

Lila’s in Magpie Cove for the cheap rent and part time job at Serafina’s while she finishes her patisserie course in St Ives. She and her classmate, Oliver, work out a plan to throw a benefit party and raise funds to help feed and entertain the elderly in Magpie Cove. Oliver happens to love visiting the area because of the atmosphere and vibe while in the community. Plus he wants to be there for his friend. They both happen to help Nathan with his private catering events, too, mainly for the extra cash, but it seems to be Oliver’s forte.

With the rents being raised for practically the entire community, including Lila, anger towards Nathan grows. Will Lila be able to help the community and get through to Nathan? Or will everyone be forced to move and start over?

I will admit I didn’t care at first that Serafina passed away! I actually mourned her loss while engrossed in this book. There are many topics discussed in this book that are quite relevant to most communities. Gay and lesbianism has been around for a years and only recently been more acceptable. Caring for the elderly should be part of every community. Bullying is squeezed into this story as well! And miscarriage is quite common, yet many women feel so alone in this experience. Kennedy Kerr does a fantastic job incorporating it all into this one story!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for access to Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr! I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because of the approach towards bringing together this one community through a caring for others and being aware of the needs of others, especially when they don’t talk about it. If there’s another book in Magpie Cove, I hope to read that, too, as I still want to live in this community!

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are occasions when I step away from my love of psychological thrillers and choose something completely different. Cornwall was the big pull for me when choosing this book and the bonus was reading it as I relaxed in the garden during this lovely sunny weather we are having at the moment.

Lila Bridges leaves London, an unfulfilling job and a failing relationship and moves to Cornwall. She is also haunted by a recent miscarriage which leaves her wondering whether she will ever be able to have a baby. Magpie Cove and its small community has proved to be a godsend. Serafina Lucido, a larger than life character, who owns the local café gives Lila a job helping her run the place. She quickly settles into her new life, signing up to a college course to learn to become a pattisier. And then the unthinkable happens. Serafina has a fatal heart attack.
This is a great story with some unforgettable local characters. I was soon drawn in to Lila's struggle to deal with Seraphina's son Nathan. Inheriting the café from his mother, he's keen to make changes and he's soon upsetting the locals, and especially her. But behind his brusque business like manner, Nathan is battling his own demons. Time spent within this small Cornish community is set to bring about changes for him and for Lila, given the chemistry between them. Interspersed with their central story are the residents of the cove, each with their own problems, which dovetail nicely into the story. I missed the first book in the series (which I will definitely read) and can't wait for the next instalment. All the ingredients for an enjoyable read are here -there are challenges (for Lila), humour, secrets and a wonderful layer of support players.. Oh, and I forget to mention, with Lila on her course, a lot of mouth watering food.

A lovely uplifting summer read - highly recommended.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr is the story of Lila, who has escaped an unfulfilling life in London to follow her passion and attend culinary school to train as a patisserie. She traveled to the small town, Magpie Cove, to live and work, mainly because it was cheaper. She had a job in a cafe, well, had a job. The owner, Seraphina Lucido had died a month ago and she was waiting to hear the son's decision on how to go forward. In fact, she was supposed to meet him today, but he was late. He was so different from his mother who had been a true free spirit. The cafe was probably not raking it in, but she had enough. Now, Lila, would be faced with many decisions if Nathan, the son, decided to close the cafe. She was still working through the issues that lead her to leave London, and her funds were limited. There was still four months left in her course.

Life changes, and this is a story of those changes, for many of the people in the story. Lila was not Seraphina but she did have a heart and wanted to use it. Nathan developed a heart during the course of the story, much, although not all of it, due to Lila's nudging. There was a pair of 80-yeard-old Lesbians, which tears to one's eyes, not because they were Lesbians, but because they were 80 and old age was showing. This is a pretty simple slice-of-life story depicting the changes people make based on the people in their lives and circumstances, and becoming part of a community. It was a touching, simple story, that didn't require a lot on the part of the reader, except to become immersed. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Secrets of Magpie Cove by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #Secretsofmagpiecove

[Gaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lila is a pastry chef and working in London when everything goes south. Instead of dealing with the fallout directly, she’s decided to seek new opportunities elsewhere. This comes in the form of a small village bakery in Cornwall, run by the omnipresent and solid community member Serafina. Instantly Lila bonds with Serafina, making things all the more difficult when she passes, and Lila is left with another crossroad. She’s determined to carry on Serafina’s legacy, but that may not be possible when her son Nick arrives with his own plans for the bakery.

From the start, Nick is all business and little fun: he’s determined to direct and decide on his mother’s legacy without Lila’s input, and the two are frequently at odds. But there’s an attraction between them – if only things weren’t so complex.

Of course, there is plenty of drama – but most of it is fairly straightforward and there are few surprises. Secondary characters like Oliver, Lila’s best friend help to keep the plot light and allow us some warm fuzzies particularly after the no-nonsense Nick arrives. He’s a bit of a prickly sort to unravel, but there is some heart there – as is evidenced by the sparks with Lila, and both need to learn to trust themselves, the influence of Serafina’s spirit and their own hopes for the future.

A pleasant read that allows you to escape with yet another heroine who drops everything to start fresh – a common enough theme these days, that all seems to work out in an enjoyable and satisfying way.

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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in a series was interesting. The descriptions of the town and the coast were beautiful. The story and the characters were very done. There were several laugh-out-loud scenes with Lila and her cooking class friend Oliver!. I've already grabbed the next book in the series.

Amazon synopsis:
When aspiring pastry chef Lila Bridges flees her life in the city after a heartbreaking tragedy, she finds herself working behind the counter at Magpie Cove’s most beloved local establishment – Serafina’s Café. The sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked chocolate croissants, the cheerful gossip of the regulars and the elderly owner Serafina’s feisty humour are a much-needed balm to Lila’s broken heart. For the first time since it happened, Lila is beginning to laugh again…

But when Serafina unexpectedly passes away, the future of the café looks bleak. Nathan Da Costa, Serafina’s estranged son, inherits, and returns to Magpie Cove determined to inject some big-city glamour into the place. To Lila, it seems impossible that dour, money-obsessed Nathan could be related to dear Serafina. He may have his mother’s mop of curly dark hair and deep brown eyes, but he has none of her warmth or heart.

Lila needs this job and the sense of peace the town has brought her, so she’s determined to make it work with Nathan as her new boss. But her resolution is tested when the secret Lila has been keeping about what brought her to the cove begins to unravel, just as she discovers an unexpected, sweeter side to Nathan. Will trusting Nathan Da Costa with her long-held secret be Lila’s new beginning in Magpie Cove, or her emotional undoing?

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

TRIGGER WARNING: this book deals with miscarriage
Lila is mourning the loss of her close friend and employer Serafina. She is hoping that Serafina's son Nathan will re-open the cafe so that she doesn't have to worry about money while she completes her patisserie course. They begin a tense friendship but Lila is fearful of it developing into anything more as she is also mourning the loss of a baby...
Secrets of Magpie Cove is the second book by Kennedy Kerr set in the seaside town of Magpie Cove (I have previously reviewed The House at Magpie Cove).
Lila has had a lot of sadness in her life and is used to dealing with issues alone. Her parents died when she was young, her ex was selfish and she had a miscarriage without realising she'd become pregnant. She jumped at the chance of a second start in life, enrolling on a patisserie course and working at a cafe to fund her studies. Now her friend has died too and her job and course are at risk.
Nathan is a more complex character as we have less insight into his past and emotions. He appears to have a kind soul but his actions scream the opposite. Lila is torn in her opinion of him and therefore so are we readers.
The double grief of losing a friend and a baby are handled sensitively. However, I loved Lila's fellow student Oliver for adding humour and light relief which softened the overall tone of the book.
Secrets of Magpie Cove is a gentle and emotional novel which tackles a serious issue sensitively.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light read with a wonderful small town feel which reminds people of the importance of community. Serafina was the hub of the community and her death left many of her friends and neighbors uncertain about their future. Lila Bridges moved to Magpie Cove after tragedy and now works part-time in Serafina’s Café whilst also studying to become a pastry chef. Serafina’s untimely demise has Lila and the regular customers uncertain about her future, especially when Serafina’s estranged son, Nathan DaCosta, inherits and brings in new money making ideas, so at odds with his Mum’s community spirit. Although Lila struggles to work with her new boss’s rules she is also attracted to him but as more changes to life in the community are imposed at his request she struggles with the impact of sharing the secrets they are both keeping. I enjoyed the setting and the description of the small town feel as well as being concerned for neighbors. There are many topics discussed in this book that are quite relevant to most communities. Gay and lesbianism has been around for a years and only recently been more acceptable. Caring for the elderly should be part of every community. Bullying is squeezed into this story as well! And miscarriage is quite common, yet many women feel so alone in this experience. Kennedy Kerr does a fantastic job incorporating it all into this one story..

Thank you to Netgalley, Kennedy Kerr and Bookouture.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Magpie Cove is a welcome addition to Kennedy Kerr’s Magpie Cove series. Lila Bridges found herself in the welcome arms of Serafina da Costa when she arrived in the small seaside village of Magpie Cove. Coming off of a traumatic experience and a terrible break up, Lila had escaped her unfulfilled life and London to come to her aunt’s home in Devon to change direction.

In the past year before leaving London, Lila had found cooking as a salvation, taking Saturday classes while miserable in her IT recruiting job. Now she had discovered an intense course for patisserie in St. Ives, but needed a place to live with low rent and a part time job to support herself while completing the course. It was Serafina that helped with those things.


When Serafina has a heart attack some months later and passes, it is her London son Nathan that is the executor of her estate. But Nathan is a banker and doesn’t understand what his mother had created with her cafe and other endeavors. And, while Lila and Nathan certainly don’t see eye to eye about many things, there is obvious chemistry between them.

This is such a lovely story! Character development is so well done, the scenic west coast of Cornwall comes alive, and the story of so many folks and the missing pieces of their lives comes together in such a delightful conclusion.

I very much enjoyed this book, the tender telling of the people’s stories, and the poetic story told. I do recommend this book!

[Rachel Bustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornwall is an escape from it all, and this is exactly what Lila does. She flees London, her failing relationship, dull job and is recovering from a miscarriage to start a new life in Magpie Cove. Magpie Cove is a quaint village where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. They all take Lila under their wing and she returns the favour by helping the elderly residents and working in Serafina’s Cafe. Lila dreams of becoming a Patissier and with her college friend Oliver they work hard to achieve this.

When Serafina passes away, Lila’s safe and secure job at the cafe and her home comes under threat. Serafina’s son Nathan has differing ideas to what the normal has been for everyone. Lila needs this job to stay in Magpie Cove and will do anything to keep on the right side of Nathan.

A fantastic read that really touched me. As someone who has suffered many miscarriages, it’s really great to see this topic approached and spoken about. It’s not done enough in modern-day reads. How the author wrote about Lila’s feelings how she manages this is spot on.

It’s the perfect summer book to take you away to blissful Cornwall, you get lots of fun friendships, hidden secrets, romance and cake!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my copy.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

hank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This was another lovely tale from Magpie Cove, and just as with the other book, The House at Magpie Cove, I could easily see it in my minds eye. I could picture myself walking the shore and visiting the little businesses that make up the town.

Lila leaves London and a failed relationship behind, she finds a new home in Magpie Cove where she can work part time at Serafina’s Cafe and take culinary classes to become a patisserie. Now that Lila’s much beloved boss, Serafina has died: she has to meetwith her son, Nathan who has inherited the Cafe. Nathan is not what she expected, he is a handsome city boy and he tries to run the cafe like it’s in London not the quaint countryside of Magpie Cove upsetting all of the locals.

As Nathan’s decisions impact all of Magpie Cove, Lila finds herself perhaps without a job and home, maybe it is time to move on but ia that what Serafina would want and why is she so drawn to Nathan.

The characters in this book were so enjoyable, they were unforgettable and had some of the best lines. The locals added so much life to this book and left me wanting to read more about Magpie Cove. I can’t wait to read what happens next in this quaint little village.

[Bobbie Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of SECRETS OF MAGPIE COVE by Kennedy Kerr in exchange for an honest review. Lila Bridges left London for pastry school in Cornwall after she realized just how unhappy she was in her job and romantic relationship. The lovely townsfolk and coastal beauty of Magpie Cove have given Lila an opportunity to begin to process her unexpected grief over the miscarriage of an unknown pregnancy. Serafina of Serafina’s Café not only gave Lila a job and a place to live, but she also provided room to heal. When Serafina passes away unexpectedly, her heir, Nathan Da Costa, has a radically different management style. Lila and the entire town learn over and over just how wonderful Serafina was as Nathan’s finance-focused business practices begin to negatively impact the entire town. Lila finds herself attracted to Nathan during his unguarded moments, but his greedy practices repeatedly drive a wedge between them. Will Lila and Nathan be able reconcile their differences and learn to trust one another, or will Lila have to leave the Serafina’s Café, Nathan, and Magpie Cove?

I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to fans of fiction featuring personal growth and coping with grief, isolation, poverty, failure, and change.

#SecretsofMagpieCove #NetGalley

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila runs away from London after suffering a miscarriage. Her relationship falls to pieces and her boyfriend wasn't really the right fit for her anyway, so she makes a fresh start in Cornwall, working in a cafe whilst studying as a pastry chef.

Whilst at college she meets Oliver, a confident, fun fella who can charm the birds from the trees. The two of them bond over the challenges of their course and they also cater some functions together. I loved the character of Oliver!! Every girl should have an Oli in their life :)

The owner of the cafe where Lila works passes away and her grumpy son Nathan comes to Cornwall to take over. Naturally enough, there are sparks of the wrong sort when Lila and Nathan meet each other but gradually they become friends and then there are sparks of the right sort. Is Lila ready for anything other than friendship though? I have to admit that even though Nathan thawed as the book went on, I didn't find him a very likeable character at all. Also, I know that miscarriage is a very traumatic thing to have happen, but Lila does belabour the point about it.

This is a nice, light read of a book. Not a lot of depth but I do like Cyd and Betty, and Oliver.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet summer read which was as light as a soufflé and as warm as the buttery biscuits fresh out from the over. You know, the kinds that melt in your mouth. Yumm…

The author Kennedy Kerr brought together two souls who were so different from each other yet the passage of the elderly kind-hearted Serafina brought them together as employer and employee.

Nathan was a strict business-man with a hidden vulnerable side to him. Lila was the righteous soft-hearted woman who had gone through great devastation.

Like the beach town they lived in, the two were like tides with a constant ebb and flow to their feelings. Other characters gave that town the great vibe, making me want to stay there.

There was an untold connection between the people which added to the vibes the author was setting up for. Something that could be greatly enjoyed over the lazy afternoon.

The story brought home a lot of emotions between the two of them. I loved Lila’s friend Oli who had such joie de vivre that I wanted to imbibe a few of them from him. Love and friendship, happiness and grief were perfectly enmeshed in this warm-hearted story.

Overall, you couldn’t go wrong if you picked up this book between your intense thrillers or fantasy tomes.

[Tara Alemany · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were aspects of "Secrets of Magpie Cove" that I really liked, and others that didn't resonate with me at all.

I did enjoy the growth that both Nathan and Lila had to undergo before they really made an attempt at trying to be together. They each had things that they needed to deal with from their past before they had a solid foundation to build a relationship on. So that was great! And the exploration of how we each grieve in our own way was poignant as well as both characters mourned the passing of Nathan's mother.

As an introvert, overly flamboyant people seem to suck all the air from the room for me. So I found Oliver to be a bit much at times. But I also appreciated how supportive he was of Lila. It just seems that when someone is looking for constant affirmation and attention, there's something a bit wrong there... So they become more of a tragic character than a comic foil.

Anyway, my personal preferences aside, the writing was strong, the character development was there (at least for the love interests), and the story had a good arc to it. I just wasn't quite my cup of tea.

Thank you to Kennedy Kerr, Saga Egmont Audio and NetGalley for an advance reader copy.

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr.

Lila leaves London and her ex-boyfriend behind to begin a new life and a new career in Cornwall. Whilst undertaking a college course to become a patissier, Lila works part time in Serafina’s cafe in Magpie Cove and is enjoying getting to know the locals and spending time with Oliver - her new friend at college. However, after Serafina sadly passes away, her son Nathan inherits the cafe and some decisions that he is making just don’t sit well with Lila.

I loved Secrets of Magpie Cove and although I haven’t read the first book in the series, this really didn’t matter. I will definitely put it on my TBR list though. Kennedy Kerr reminds me of Liz Fenwick in her writings and transports you into the lives of the characters from the outset. With her descriptions of the pastries that Lila is learning to cook, she made my mouth water many times!

Serafina helped so many people during her life, and some of this only comes to light after her death. Lila wants to help the local community in the same way that Serafina did and enlists the help of those around her to aid her in her mission. Secrets of Magpie Cove is lighthearted and an easy read with a genuine sense of community spirit. If you fancy something lovely to read in the sunshine, grab yourself a copy of Kennedy Kerr’s new novel.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Serafina passed away, life changed for the people of Magpie Cove. Her son Nathan arrives, and he is a numbers guy. Lila, worked at Serafina's café where they supported the community and the local businesses.
Lila wanted to continue what Serafina had been doing, but Nathan upped the rent on the people renting the homes and apartments that Serafina rented out.
Nathan had lost his job, and he came to realize that when he lost his job, he lost his future. He eventually could see his future in Magpie Cove, and he started making plans for the future. With the help of his new friends in Magpie Cove he could continue to carry on what his mother had created, and expand it to help the elderly, and the needs of what the community needed today.
This is a story of loss, becoming lost in life, and finding a way to a future you never dreamed, but life has a way of bringing people to exactly where they are meant to be.
I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr
An Unputdownable page-turner full of family secrets is a second book in the author's Magpie Cove series.

**I received a copy of the book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.**

I have to say that I enjoyed this book even though I haven't read the first book with Mara and her family. Lila Bridges loves her job in Magpie Cove and is almost finished with her pastries course. But when her boss Serafina suddenly passes away her son Nathan seems determined to take over her business and real estate. I loved Oliver her classmate and the residents of the Cove: Cyd, Betty, Eric, Maude and even the Real Housewives of Magpie Cove who were a laugh worthy.

But it's the sense of family that Nathan will have to learn about Lila and everyone who lives here in the Cove that will change everyone's life including his own. Each will face their challenges and learn from their strengths. This is a very sweet and heartwarming story and worthy of 4 stars.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kindly received an eARC advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley.

In this easy read, Lila has moved to Magpie Cove in Cornwall after a tough time in her life. She had a miscarriage after not knowing she was pregnant, left her boyfriend and decided to pursue a Patisserie course in St Ives.

She was working in a small cafe in Magpie Cove when her kind boss Serafina died unexpectedly. Now Serafina’s son Nathan has taken over the business and upsetting the residents of Magpie Cove with his business like ways of doing things.

Lila stands up to him for what she believes in. You realise that this is really hard for her. She struggles with showing her emotions and with the things she’s had to deal with in her past.

This is a charming story about Lila learning to trust her own instincts and learning to share with those around her. A cutie! 📚