This is an interesting read to me because I haven't read any book about Cornish people and their culture. The seas are dangerous in Cornwall and there are many shipwrecks. Things and even people can be washed ashore. Laura likes to help these shipwrecked victims and she also finds some things from the boats. Alexander is washed ashore. Laura with the assistance of family and friends helped him recover from his injuries. He has secrets and is not ready to reveal it to anyone, even to Laura.

The story is set during the Napoleonic wars and so spies, prisoners and military people are involved. I like that their love for each other just grew over time and Alex is respectful of Laura. The story evolves more of finding out Alex's true nature, his plan to go back home to France to help his brother, and how the people of Cornwall lives. Oh Francois and Alexander's relationship is intriguing and their last scene together is emotional. I didn't expect Laura's decision on Alexander's escape to the ship. Treeve is a surprise too. The book is long but overall, I enjoyed the book. If you love historical fiction this is for you. 4 stars

Thank you #netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy.

A Castaway in Cornwall is Julie Klassen‘s latest historical romance. Set among the rugged landscape of England’s southwestern tip, it’s a tale of shipwreck, loss, adventure, discovery, and danger.

Laura Callaway feels adrift in her life in North Cornwall, but finds purpose writing to the next of kin and returning keepsakes of those lost when their ship wrecks on the craggy shore near her uncle’s house. When one of the castaways turns up alive – at least as long as she can save him – Laura recognizes his secrets could be the key to answers she craves. If she dares to trust him despite the clues she’s piecing together about his true identity.

I love Julie Klassen’s writing, especially in this story. It’s lyrical, like the sea, yet pulls a reader in so that you cannot put down the story. The secrets, the unraveling; I wanted to find out what happened so much that I kept turning page after page. Then the danger increased and the story completely ran way with me!

If you love shipwreck tales, stories of far off places, and have a penchant for wanderlust, A Castaway in Cornwall will speak to your soul. Fair warning: before you begin reading, be prepared to set aside a large portion of uninterrupted time. It’s a book to be savored even while it won’t let you go.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

What a moving story! I was caught up in this book and had a hard time putting it down. The story and characters captivate you into Cornwall and beyond. I don’t want to give anything away but you will enjoy this from beginning to end. I look forward to ready many more books by Julie Klassen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Set in Cornwall England in the early 1800's during the Napoleonic Wars, Laura has been taken in by her loving pastor uncle, but is not appreciated by her frugal step-aunt who feels Laura's beauty will chase away suitors from her daughter.  So Laura spends her time combing the beaches for things that have floated in from downed ships.  She, one evening spies, a ship that has floundered on the rocks and rushes to help out.  While watching to  help, she spots a survivor of the ship on the sand, and thus begins an amazing adventure.  

This book has a slow start, but once the action begins it kept my attention as I discovered more about Cornwall and the Napoleonic Wars.  Klaussen's vivid descriptions of Cornwall made me feel like I was right there on the windy beach with Laura.  Even though I am of English descent, I couldn't help but root for the French Officer, Alex. Laura reminded me so much of a Cinderella character, and Alex the perfect hero to rescue her.  She definitely was a castaway in so many senses of the word.  But she and Alex both clung to hope, forgiveness, and redemption as they journeyed together to find their families.  With a wide variety of emotions, both found their way to happily ever after.  

** I received a complimentary copy of this book  from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

This was a fascinating story.  I was drawn in from the first scene when Laura walks the beach trying to decide if she is flotsam or jetsam as she searches for the same.   She has always been out of place in Cornwall where she came after her parents’ died.  Her life takes a decided turn when she saves a man who has been shipwrecked on the coast.  
I really liked Laura.  She is bold and adventurous.  She is a bit unconventional.  She sees the worth in people others have looked over.  Alexander is a bit mysterious, thoughtful, and wonderful.  I enjoyed his relationship with Laura.  I appreciated how the story came  full circle and Laura rethinks what Cornwall means to her.  I liked many of the secondary characters and would love to see Treeve and Jago in future books.  
This was a great, interesting book.  I’d highly recommend it.  Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

Julie Klassen never ceases to amaze me with her writing! In A Castaway of Cornwall, she makes the reader feel right at home among the seaside of Cornwall as they become engrossed in her story.
Character development is great, as well as the flow of the plot. 
If you like historical fiction from this part of the world, you will love this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I couldn’t stop reading this, from the shipwreck to the ending.
There was just enough suspense and romance. Some was predictable and maybe not believable. But I have a thing for stories about shipwrecks so I loved this one.
The setting in Cornwall is lovely and I could totally picture the English seaside descriptions. I also loved the tie in to the Napoleonic War. The smuggling, the secrets, and everything though maybe far fetched became real to me. I was invested in the story and the romance. I loved the opening and loved how the epilogue tied it all together.
I have read only a couple books by Klassen, but this one has exceeded the others by far. Maybe it’s a little different than her others, but I loved it.

The beautiful setting of Cornwall always draws me in.  I have loved all of Julie’s books but this one may be my favorite. 
Julie’s newest story is a captivating tale filled with shipwrecks, smugglers, wars, spies, secrets, and romance. I quickly fell in love with this set of characters and couldn’t wait to figure out the mystery. Regency fans will adore this couple and their story. Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are own.

4.5 stars — A Castaway In Cornwall by Julie Klassen was a beautiful read!

Klassen does a wonderful job of writing real characters with real problems. The setting was lovely and realistic. I loved the mystery components woven into the plot. Klassen really knows how to reel a reader in and keep them there throughout the whole novel. 

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review!

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for this tale of intrigue and romance. I have read almost all of Julie Klassen’s books and enjoyed every single one. This story had me so captivated that I finished it in one day. Klassen’s books are so well written with relatable characters and a touch of romance. This one also had a fair amount of intrigue and adventure that kept me turning the pages. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy clean, historical fiction with a touch of inspiration.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the free copy to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

I love Julie Klassen’s novels. They are high-quality stories clearly well researched and well written. A Castaway in Cornwall is no exception. This story is breathtaking. I found the plot engaging. The characters all unique and realistic. The romance sweet and satisfying. And, the themes timely and thought-provoking. A Castaway in Cornwall is a true 2020 must-read that I highly recommend.

One of my most favorite aspects to Klassen’s novels is that her characters are realistic. They may believe in God, but they are also angry or hurt or struggling or frustrated or questioning. They aren’t perfect even when they seem perfect. I really love Laura’s character in this novel. She is a truly good person. She is law-abiding when many around her are rule-benders. She genuinely cares for others — even those who seem like outcasts. To Laura, a person in need is a person in need no matter his/her race, financial status, or position in society. She is always respectful no matter what. And, she is humble. Add to this that she is beautiful and Laura appears to be the perfect Christian character. But Laura knows better. She knows she is holding resentment in her heart. She knows she needs to forgive but struggles to do so. She knows she can have a haughty attitude towards others. And, she knows she looks like a good Christian girl, but really she is just going through the steps as if she is following a “good-girl, Christian checklist.” Laura knows she is a woman who needs fixing, but how does one get “fixed” when it feels like God has deserted her? And, herein lies the spiritual crux of this story. Laura’s physical journey in this novel is a metaphor for the spiritual journey we all must endure in order to see just how much God works in our lives. God loves His kids and He is an active Father, but we kids have to be willing to pause, self-reflect, and stop making assumptions that God is impotent just because we don’t get what we want when we want it. This is a superior and timely message we all need to hear today. Does Laura realize just how important she is to her Heavenly Father? Does she do what she needs to in order to see God active in her life? Well, you’ll just have to read this superb story to find out.

A Castaway in Cornwall is a beautiful, hope-filled, satisfying Historical Romance that I highly recommend. If you are a fan of Julie Klassen’s stories, and if you love well-researched, romantic, and engaging Historical Fiction, then A Castaway in Cornwall is the novel for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Having read my first Julie Klassen book yesterday, I started on this one today. A most enjoyable read. The story was completely different from the other one which was a bit unexpected as often authors seem to write with variations of the same theme. As with the other book, a strong story, different from the normal books in this genre and with an undercurrent of spirituality. Perfect for reading at this time of year.

Julie Klassen is a favorite author, and I will read anything she writes. A Castaway in Cornwall has an intriguing mystery and a lovely romance. I loved escaping to Cornwall, and getting to know the eclectic cast of characters and their fascinating life by the sea. The story was a little long in parts, so I would recommend reading it when you want a richer, longer read. It's perfect for the winter season, so brew a cup of tea and settle in.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.

I enjoyed this book especially as Cornwall is one of my favourite places. I know Padstow very well so, it made this book such a lovely read.. it was very well written and it kept me interested all the way through, I don’t often read books like this so, this made a pleasant change for me. The descriptions of the sea and the scenery made me want to go back to Cornwall as soon as possible. I found this book an easy read and I would love to read more by this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Wreckers. smugglers, spies--this book was full of clandestine pursuits, much of which just being the way of life in Regency-era Cornwall (though less the spies, and more the wreckers and smugglers). I loved the setting and the look at such a different way of life--maybe not one I'd want to live, but one that was fascinating to read about. The brief look at the isle of Jersey was something completely new for me--I'd known only about its existence, not that it had a role in the Napoleonic wars. For once, there wasn't a clear delineation that British are good and French are bad; it was much murkier. The French showed divided ideologies, as they themselves had experienced several regime changes, and loyalties didn't necessarily transfer. And in the more remote parts of England, patriotism couldn't compete with full bellies, not when full bellies were anything but guaranteed, so people looked aside from things that could be construed as treason or aiding the enemy.

This was a story that didn't follow an expected formula; I didn't foresee Alexander's identity, nor Laura's actions following his reveal. It's a pleasure to read a book in which I have no idea where it's going, other than hopefully a happy ending (and don't worry, it does make it there!). 

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

As I was reading this book I thought it was unique to be reading a Regency era romance where I was rooting for the French Officer to succeed. During this time period with the countries at war with each other, the French are usually the bad guys in books set in England. I found it interesting that Alexander had some confusion about loyalties in the end as well. Our feelings kind of paralleled each other. I loved that Laura was so level headed though the story. Even when she didn't know if she was dealing with a good guy or bad guy she chose to give people the benefit of doubt until she had learned the truth of the matter. She was also able to maintain good humor even though she felt so unaccepted by those around her. Her aunt was cool at best yet Laura just rolled her eyes at her behavior rather than take offense. She was also very honest amongst a set of people that had a high tolerance for what amounts to theft. And she is always trying to return information and belongings to their loved ones. Sometimes it isn't appreciated by the recipients but at least in this story it definitely worked in her favor to get them through some difficult situations.

Mild Christian lit themes
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some
*I received an ARC of this books through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

My most recent fiction book whisked me back to the rocky shores of Cornwall, but this time with author Julie Klassen. A Castaway in Cornwall has an enjoyable mixture of mystery and romance. As if often true of these novels, the main character has an interesting living situation in that she lives with family that isn't family by blood and is thus not always treated kindly. Laura is also looked down upon by locals as not being "from Cornwall." She spends a great deal of time looking for retrievable items from shipwrecks, otherwise being useful, and making the best of her situation. When there is another shipwreck, she nurses a survivor in their home. The mystery is partially who is this survivor and why was he on the ship? The appearance of another survivor creates a dangerous situation requiring they flee for safety. In the midst of the danger, Laura also uncovers information about her blood family. A Castaway in Cornwall is a light, enjoyable read. The story pulls you in and has you rooting for the characters.

I received a complementary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.

This period piece is an epic tale of an English woman finding her place in a home not her own, and an escaped French prisoner of war hiding in plain sight in the English countryside.
     After being injured and washed ashore on the coast of Cornwall, Captain Alexander Carnell is taken in by Laura’s uncle, and befriends Laura.
     As the intrigue and tension between their countries build will either of them be able to completely trust and find hope in the midst of war? 
     I loved this sweeping tale full of complex characters and rich depictions of life at sea, and amidst the gentlefolk of Cornwall.
     I recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. 
     I received an ARC courtesy of Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Even the smallest of details in this book are well-researched, truly placing the reader in North Cornwall, England in the early 1800s. I found A Castaway in Cornwall to be a wonderful companion read to The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd, which I had recently read and enjoyed. I felt that Evelyn Bray and Laura Callaway would have been the best of friends. Laura's guardian even shared Evelyn's surname. Both story lines revolve around the frequent shipwrecks off the coast of Northern Cornwall, and the free-traders and smugglers who profited from them. A Castaway in Cornwall also incorporates the conflict between the English and French. 

Laura Callaway saves the life of a passenger from a doomed ship, the Kittiwake. She takes him to her uncle's home to recuperate and becomes entangled in his efforts to return home and save his brother from the noose. Throwing caution and propriety to the wind, Laura may also fulfill a long-held dream of her own. 

I highly recommend A Castaway in Cornwall and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I never gave much thought about what happened to shipwreck cargo and the crew.   The author not only wrote a great romantic story, but I learned new things about shipwrecks.  The story was the perfect book to curl up with on a cold and dreary day.