Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars

Well, I don't appear to be doing a very good job at sticking to my "no more WWII era books" but
I cannot resist this author and her books. Inspired by local lore, Lindsay Jayne Ashford takes readers to Cornwall, England where a mysterious woman washes up onshore. A survivor of a ship torpedoed by a German submarine, Alice, is rescued by local man, Jake Trewella. As Alice works on Jake's land in exchange for lodging, she cannot help but realize her growing admiration for her rescuer. Although the feeling does seem mutual, Alice is haunted by the decisions of her past. Will Jake accept her secrets? Will Alice be able to do the same?

I read this story in two sittings and I quite enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, the characters were interesting, but the romance was a bit so-so and predictable. It seemed a bit rushed in the last few chapters as we hurtled towards the end of the novel, but overall it was a satisfactory read.


Goodreads review published 24/07/20
Expected Publication 11/08/20






TheHouseatMermaidsCove #NetGalley

I really enjoyed this book. I do feel like it almost could have been two separate stories. I enjoyed the historical elements of the story, the characters were daring and brave and fun. The mystery and romance add to the story, but it also feels like they could have have their own plot in another book. Overall, they really worked well together. Thank you NetGalley, Lindsay Jayne Ashford, and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a really good book, it had a great plot with interesting characters and what I liked about it was that there wasn't really a supernatural element just the story. Overall this was a really good read.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing, the author, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

With a backdrop of WWII England, a woman washes up in Mermaid's Cove and is found by the man who owns the house. She must decide whether to return to her old life or start a new one.

I thought this book was going to be more predictable. When Alice is discovered on the beach, she has a shaved head and her clothing has a number stitched into it. My initial predictions were incorrect and I like the novel more because it wasn't what I was expecting.

However, the ending felt a little rushed. It seemed like time passed too quickly in the final chapters, which didn't fit with the slower pace of the beginning of the novel. Since I was enjoying this book, I would have been willing to read another 50 or so pages to slow down the action.

Overall, I really enjoyed The House at Mermaid’s Cove by Lindsay Jayne Ashford! I highly recommend it to readers who like historical fiction with mystery and suspense!

I'll be upfront and say that in my mind I actually had this idea that this book had something to do with a mermaid. A story where a mermaid is discovered. So when the book opens with a woman washing onto shore I thought for sure she was a mermaid and got her "legs". ( Maybe I watch too many Disney movies!) So I have to say In my head I actually was thinking this is why Alice was so secretive and hiding the truth from Jack. As I read the story I had this is the back of my mind and when it never unfolded I was confused and let down. Again this is 100% no fault to the author or even the book itself, but it may have changed the way I viewed the book. When I was done and looked back on the story I did enjoy it and loved the love story element. Beautifully written and flowed nicely, but it doesn't include mermaids! lol

The House at Mermaid's Cove is a fast-paced Historical Fiction with a bit of romance sprinkled into it. We start off when Alice is washed ashore and found by the intriguing Viscount Jack Trewella. It is a miracle that Alice has survived and she wants to start her life fresh without her past making an appearance. Jack doesn't really know what to make of her but offers her a place to stay in exchange of her helping around the farm until she figures out what she wants. Both characters were mysterious and I enjoyed getting to know them better the further I got into the story.

I have read a couple of books set during World War II, but I found this book to have an original plot and showed a different side with the focus on the French Resistance. I enjoyed all the side-characters and the development of the plot, however, I wanted the book to be longer. I was really getting into the story and before I knew it, it was over already. The story felt like it touched the surface of both the war, Resistance, friendships, and romance. The author didn't really go into depth with any of it, which unfortunately left me unsatisfied at the end. I wanted more background information on both main characters, and I wanted to see more growth in their relationship. I also was very intrigued by the operations of the Resistance, but I felt like we only got a quick peek into it. I do have to say that I enjoyed the writing style of the author, and I found it very easy to read. So I am planning on reading this author's other books.

A love story set in WW2, this will be a wonderful addition to our library collection as our patrons love historical fiction.

I must admit I ummed and ahed (hummed and ha’ed?) about requesting this one. It sounded a bit “twee” – the mysterious Viscount Jack Trewella….the shadow of war, lost love, and haunting memories… – I also feared that the eponymous mermaid might make an appearance but I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did! I loved it!

I’ve enjoyed many novels about WW2, about different women facing dangers in different ways, and very few have been as involving as this one. It was believable and, instead of making it all high drama,the author somehow downplayed the drama, making it all matter of fact, while also keeping it as a vital part of the story.

I found both Jack and Alice to be sympathetic characters, and all of Alice’s motivations were eminently believable. Her religious faith was underlined, but the point wasn’t forced; her doubts and questions were natural, and credible. Jack too was a believable character. The only jarring note slightly was the part set in Geurnsey (I don’t want to say more) which didn’t quite ring true; but I’m willing to overlook this point.

Some reviewers complain that Alice’s experiences in the Congo were glossed over, or that the book was too short, not giving enough detail. I never felt this – the time in the Congo was mentioned (I felt!) in enough detail to sketch out Alice’s reactions…and the book was about her after this time, not during it. Yes, it was important to understand where she had come from and how this shaped her reactions and life afterwards, but I think I might have got a bit frustrated if there had been too many flashbacks incorporated in the story. I didn’t feel it was too short, and I felt the ending, and why Alice did not continue her wartime work elegantly explained. I have read another book where the heroine just stopped doing what she was doing (trying to avoid spoilers!) with no real explanation.

Although it was noted to be an uncorrected edition, there were no grammatical or layout errors (Thank you!) The language used by the author was not overly flowery, while at the same time didn’t feel too sparse. The descriptions of the Cornish beach, the African landscapes, the wooded valleys were all well put together.

This is the first time I’ve given a NetGalley book five stars! But I feel it deserved them.

There seems to be a lot of World War II fiction being published lately. The House at Mermaid's Cove carves its own place among these books with a main character who is a former nun turned spy and a cast of supporting characters with interesting backgrounds.

Alice is a nun who struggled to fit in with convent life in Africa. Sent back to Ireland, her ship is attacked by German boats and she washes up on the shores of Cornwall. Naturally, the first man to find her is the lord of the manor, Jack Trewalla. While hiding her own secret, Alice discovers the secrets of the others in the community. There is Jack of course, who helps with intelligence missions by ferrying people and supplies across the English Channel. There is Merle, a mother from Guernsey, who assists with the radio. There is also young Ned, who is in desperate want of a mother.

Overall, The House at Mermaid's Cove was an enjoyable story. I would definitely recommend it if you are interested in World War II fiction.

I enjoyed this book, it was a nice story of a rescue, a romance and a daring wartime escapade.
Great characters that were believable and a lovely location of a Cornish cove. Add a handsome landowner into the mix and you have got a few hours of enjoyable reading ahead of you.

This was my first book by Lindsay Jayne Ashford and it reminded me of all the reasons historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I was really glad that the story used World War II as part of the setting but didn't make it the entire story. All of the characters not just the main characters were fully formed. The setting was beautiful and it added to the story. The story is first person from Alice's point of view and since she was a positive person the story was lighter that a lot of WWII stories I've read. I appreciated that the story took it seriously but didn't get bogged down in how horrible things were.

Jack Trewella finds Alice washed up on the beach after her boat is shot down by the Germans and he gives her a place to stay. They slowly get to know each other through him visiting her at the boat house and bringing her food and clothing. Alice transforms as she leaves behind her past as a nun. I really liked her struggle with what she wanted to leave behind from her years as a nun and what was still important to her.

I loved the story and character growth. I am looking forward to reading other novels from the author. I will be recommending this novel to everyone who enjoys historical romance.

I requested The House at Mermaid's Cove without really knowing what it was about. I remember thinking it sounded good and the cover looked nice, so I just went with it. It ended up really surprising me in a very positive way. A WW2 story like I'd never read before.

The main character of the book is an ex-nun named Alice who sees the perfect opportunity of fleeing the religious life when the ship she is on is bombarded and she washes ashore in Cornwall. Being offered a place to live and work at first, and later getting the opportunity to work for the resistance because of her perfect French. While living in Cornwall she meets and gets to know her host, Lord Jack Trewalla, and both their life stories are revealed as they fall in love over time.

Especially the part about the resistance that operates between Cornwall and France was a new bit of history for me. I'd never before read any WW2 story that focuses on this part of the war before, so I was dleighted to learn something new. Both the life stories of Alice and Jack were also very interesting, and I was eager to learn what brought them to the place they are now.

A beautiful take on WW2 history that managed to hold my attention throughout. I would definitely recommend this book this fans of historical fiction.

Beautiful and Poignant. The House at Mermaid's Cove reads like an old fashioned romance novel with looks and forbidden gestures. A nun who leaves her old life behind only to be thrust into a new and more dangerous one with a litany of well rounded characters and protagonist to root for, this book had it all. It reminded me of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and well worth the read.

Quite thrilling, an excellent beach read or travel take along. The characters, Alice and Jack, are complicated and riveting as they each have secrets and darkness. Yet slowly feelings, wanting begins to tease their hearts despite themselves. What starts out as a mild romance novel between an ex-nun and a disgruntled viscount during World War II on the edge of England, takes a sharp turn into a secret government resistance espionage. A page turning world of who will survive.

I really liked this book! The storyline was quite unique and fascinating. A very different and engaging view point on WWII.
The first pages grab you as the story unfolds with a young woman, Alice, being washed up on a secluded beach in Cornwall, England. Her head is shaved and she’s wearing a smock with numbers stitched inside.
Her rescuer, Jack, learns Alice’s secret and they begin a friendship with each other as the wages on.
This is a historical novel but with a different take on how the Cornish people helped the French Resistance.
A beautiful slow burn romance, intrigue, suspense, mystery and redemption.
The research the author put into this story is truly amazing. I really enjoyed the writing style of Lindsay Jayne Ashford and look forward to reading more from her.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

Good, quick summer reading about a nun who washes up on the shore of Cornwall during World War II. Alice has just left the Congo survived an attack on the ship carrying her back to the UK. An aristocrat, Jack, offers her shelter...but then asks her to participate in the French resistance movement against the Nazis.

The storyline and plot were good, but the story could have been much better developed. The protagonist had a huge crisis of faith and calling that were barely touched on. Her time in the Congo was also glossed over. Even though I enjoy a quick read now and then, this novel would have been better (in my humble opinion) as a much longer and more developed novel.

Overall, however, I really liked the book and would recommend it.

I chose to read this book mainly because I live in Cornwall. I enjoy reading about the area. I'm pleased that it only briefly referenced the supernatural mermaid, and in no way was it a main part of the plot, as that is all done in too many other books. I've also read most of the Dauphne Du Maurier' novels, which I would highly recommend even though they were written so long ago. They remain classics for a reason. However, there was one reference to Du Maurier's private life that I am sure was not correct and that put me off and left me wondering what other elements might not be fully researched.
All said I enjoyed the storyline relating to WW2. That was intriguing enough to read the book alone. I'm not a fan of chicklit and the main characters relationship was too obvious from the start and I nearly didn't continue reading the rest of the book. However, I'm so glad that I did read this variation from my usual choice of novel.

I read and enjoyed Snow Gypsy by Lindsay Jayne Ashford and out of the (almost) 200 books I've read since then the story still sticks in my head. So when I saw The House at Mermaid's Cove as an ARC, I jumped at it 🧜‍♀️ And I was not disappointed at all! A quick, short historical fiction set in Cornwall, The House at Mermaid's Cove explores the complexities of trust, belief, and dedication. I really enjoyed the story, as well as the author's notes which are always very much appreciated! There were times that I struggled to deeply identify with the characters and parts where the pacing was off, but it was still good. ⭐⭐⭐.75/5 Thank you, #netgalley for the complimentary ARC. THAMC publishes August 11 from Lake Union. Definitely pick this one up - and in the meantime, check out Snow Gypsy 💃

I enjoyed this novel a lot. It was super interesting and captivating the whole time. I thought the characters were well-developed and watching Alice’s journey was wonderful. Seeing herself discover what was best for her life and how to make herself happy was quite beautiful. I loved seeing the romance develop as well, and to see Alice make Jack a better person. Their love story was inspiring and I thought it was paced nicely as well.

I loved seeing Alice grow as a mother figure as well, and seeing her caring nature as a nun shine through in herself as a person. She also never lost sight of her religious beliefs, which I thought added to her overall character arc.

Overall, I would give this novel 5 stars because it was a beautiful novel and I greatly enjoyed the writing style. Looking forward to reading more from Lindsay Jayne Ashford!

3.5 stars

I received this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

I found The House at Mermaid's Cove to be an enjoyable, and quick read. It is a perfect read for fans of WWII historical fiction. This book included plenty of twists and turns that leave the reader flipping to the next page. If you are looking for a slightly lighter historical fiction read, then this book would be perfect for you!

I did find some issues with the pacing, as it felt rushed in places, leaving room for more plot and character development. I would have preferred a slower pace that allowed for details to be drawn out more.

As far as trigger warnings go, there aren't too many. However, I will warn that there are some for rape-although there are no explicit details included in the book. Rather, it is mentioned in passing by side characters.

Overall, I thought The House at Mermaid's Cove was a charming read. I would pick up more books by this author.