I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Castaway in Cornwall is another immersive historical mystery/romance from Julie Klassen, and as usual, she does not disappoint. This one as a bit slower than I remember her books usually being, although that’s not to say she’s usually a very fast-paced writer either. However, the leisurely pace also worked so I could simultaneously soak in all the details and become engrossed in every twist and turn.

Klassen’s research remains top-notch, and she clearly knows the places she writes about, both from visiting many of them and doing supplementary research (something she notes she relied on a bit more this time around, due to COVID-19). However, she makes the Cornwall coast really come to life in her prose, and the addition of the photos she shared in a video on her YouTube channel only serve to amp up the immersion. And even beyond the visuals, it was cool to see the little bits of daily life in Cornwall, including the somewhat harrowing fact that most people back then couldn’t swim!


Klassen’s characters are also unique, standing out in the aristocracy-saturated Regency market (although less so when you compare her characters to many of her peers in Christian fiction, where only a handful of authors write Regency). Laura has been through a lot with the loss of her parents and being dependent on others for room and board, but is also involved in recording shipwrecks and keeping track of the casualties for her uncle, which I found really interesting

Alexander was a prisoner of war with loyalties to the Bourbons during the Napoleonic Wars. I found the broader discussion of the politics of the time moving, as well as the consequences for him sticking to his own convictions in the matter.

However, I did find myself a bit perplexed by the inclusion of a discussion question at the end about relating Alexander’s political differences with his brother to what’s going on today, which struck me as a very poor comparison, given the drastically different circumstances at play today they weren’t back then in that particular issue, although I’m not surprised to see this comparison, all things considered, given the number of people who do believe in that way.

I did still enjoy it, despite the flaws, which in the grand scheme of things, were fairly minimal or to be expected. Julie Klassen is a favorite, and the issues I’ve pointed out have not (overly) impacted this view, although I have become a bit more cynical. I think if you loved her previous work, or love sweet and suspenseful historical romance, you’ll enjoy this one.

Julie Klassen has a way of transporting you to the location in all of her books and this one is no different. I will admit, I did get a little lost in all of the descriptions of the shipwrecks and the boating references. I also thought the story lagged a little bit in the beginning and I did have trouble getting into it. If you stick with it, it is a good story and the romance is well done. This is not my favorite book from this author, but I am glad I read it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

***VERY EXCITING, EDGE OF THE SEAT READ***
Floatsam: Any goods floating on the sea where a ship has sunk or been cast away.
Jetsam: Anything purposely cast out of a ship when in danger, in hopes of saving it, or at least lightening the load.
1813, N. Cornwall, England - "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here in Cornwall, so far from my childhood home. I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers. Is there a plan in all this? Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance?" Laura spends her days rescuing things from the sea, and trying to return them where they belong. Only now, she's rescuing a man.
Alexander is trying to get home to his father and brother before it's too late. But there is a war on and he has a past they may yet catch up to him, interfering with his goal. "He did believe the Almighty heard his prayers, although God had not promised he would not suffer.
I enjoyed learning about the hurdy-gurdy. If you look it up on Wikipedia you can actually hear a sample. I also loved how Jago called her Our Laura, just like in the BBC series Lark Rise to Candleford.
Tea Moment: Laura rose and put the kettle on. A few minutes later, refreshed by tea and shared cake, Laura urged, "One more?" Mary smiled. "What shall it be this time? Smuggler? Pirates? Shipwrecks?" Laura nodded. "Yes please. All three." Outside the wind continued to rise, and Mary began another story.
I was gifted a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation. I am happy to recommend this novel for those who enjoy clean, historic English romance with a bit of danger.
5 Stars (excellent)

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(4.5 / 5)

Laura Callaway feels like a castaway as she searches flotsam and jetsam from nearby shipwrecks on the coast in Cornwall for anything that might be of value, either monetarily or sentimentally. She's not completely alone, but she does feel abandoned by her parents. Then she discovers a real castaway on the beach--Alexander Lucas, who managed to survive a shipwreck. As Laura helps nurse him back to health, clues begin to surface about his identity, and before she knows it, Laura is caught up in a game of spies, smugglers, and prisoners.

This book had my attention from chapter one and kept it all the way through. I was surprised to realize how many pages it had once I was done, and the only reason it even took me more than two days to read is because I was too busy to get back to it like I wanted to. Laura and Alexander were both really interesting characters, and the description of shipwrecks, smugglers, and treasure kept me firmly in early 1800s England.

Even side characters and small side plots were interesting, and what I really liked about the story is that the romance wasn't so in-your-face, as if it was the only thing that mattered in the book. The half-point detraction was for a few minor quibbles that mostly came about near the end of the book. Some things were resolved a bit too easily, in my opinion, including a relationship that ended up feeling like it was only strained to give the MC a stronger reason to feel "castaway." Also the villain's arc ended with a trope that I find tired.

Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already looking for more from this author. I highly recommend it to fans of Christian books in the historical and/or romantic genres.

Julie Klassen has a way of writing stories that teach you about love at the same time that they teach you about forgiveness and the history of the world. Each time I read one of her books, I learn something new, and I especially loved this book for showing the two sides of a war most people in the US don't know much about. Her books, while Christian in genre, can be appreciated by people of all faiths and people of no faith, because you can read the story and see the beauty and ugliness of human nature. You can understand what good can come from doing right by other people, even if it puts you in danger, and you can see the importance of having faith in something, even if that something is simply yourself. Having faith in God is paramount to those of the Christian faith, but first you must have faith in yourself and recognize that the right path for you is also the path that God sets you on.

Laura Callaway hasn't belonged anywhere in a long time, ever since moving to Cornwall at a young age following the deaths of both her parents. While she may not always understand the Cornish ways of her guardians and her neighbors, she adopts them in her own way, ensuring her belief in what is good and right remain firm. When a ship wrecks near her home, the people flock to the beach to see what cargo they can claim as their own, only a few paying any mind to saving the people on board. A man washes ashore, injured, and Laura immediately rushes to his side, saving him from certain death from a bloodthirsty "wrecker" who'd rather there be no survivors, so that no one can claim what they find. Taking him home, she nurses him back to health, soon learning that all may not be as it appears. The man has an accent, even though he tries to hide it, and as bodies and belongings float to shore, it becomes clear that his secrets may put all of them in great danger.

There is something about a story where one person saves the other that calls to me. Perhaps it's because I like the appeal of the idea that one person would risk themselves to save another, even if they didn't know them. There is something so wonderful about that idea, and I especially liked how Julie Klassen portrayed it in this book. Laura was a sweet soul, clearly respecting of the Cornish traditions while also maintaining her own set of morals around what she would and wouldn't do to fit in. She befriended outcasts, saved shipwrecked items at her own peril, and took the time to notify loved ones of sailors who perished, even if it meant receiving an angry reply in return. She wasn't without faults, but she clearly had a beautiful heart. Alexander Lucas, the man she saved, was another who I could tell had an innate sense of good in him. His back story was so tragic, and I can't reveal much without giving away a large spoiler, though I think you will know his secrets before he reveals them. It doesn't take long to figure it out, and by then, you've become so attached to his character that you don't really care about his history. All I cared about was how he was going to make it work with Laura, because they both clearly deserved a happily ever after.

I always read Julie Klassen books, and so it's no surprise to me that I really enjoyed this one. Julie is a masterful storyteller and one I hope continues to gain readers from all backgrounds to enjoy the messages she imparts in each story.

If I were to give one word to describe Julie Klassen’s latest book, A Castaway in Cornwall, I would use the word rich. The setting, background and story are written masterfully and the emotions spill across the pages. It is more than some of the other light Christian fiction reads in the best way possible. Mystery and romance fill up the story and keep the reader entranced to the very satisfying conclusion.

I was so excited to receive a review copy of this one! Julie Klassen is a favourite & the story sounded fascinating!

And it did not disappoint! Take a classic Klassen Regency romance, add a little more action than usual & a touch of the poetic feel of Amanda Dykes and you end up with Julie Klassen’s best novel yet!

And I do not say that lightly! I love all her novels! And this is by far the best of them all! Beautifully written complex characters with stories to unravel, and a plot that takes a whole new direction just as you think it’s drawing to a close...

As mysterious and beautiful as anything she’s ever written, with beautifully flawed characters and a story that touches both the heart and the intellect, this is a stunning reflection on the meaning of family and belonging.

This is not to be missed! I will be rereading - and soon!

Keep an eye out for it or pre-order - release date is December 1.

Thank you SO much to @bethanyhousefiction and @netgalley for the ARC! All that was required of me in return was an honest review.

The Christian fiction story takes the reader on an adventure in Cornwall. Laura is lives with her uncle and his wife doing her best the contribute to the family with the treasurers she finds along the the shoreline. She discovers a shipwreck and saves one of the few survivors. Her compassionate nature leads her into adventure as she aids the survivor in escaping capture and finding his family. Through her journey ,she learns that true love and happiness can be found in unexpected places. This was a sweet romance and although slightly predictable, it had enough adventure to hold my attention.

All around me is the sound of the sea. Not a roar but a rhythm--a watery hum, strumming like a vibrating chord, a quickened heartbeat. The Atlantic rolls in, lapping and slapping at rocks with percussion, punctuated by the mournful cries of gulls.

...Beauty amid harsh conditions. Life where nothing should thrive.

Can I say the same for myself? Am I thriving, or merely surviving?”
-Miss Laura Callaway

Before I even get to the synopsis I have to say this book is incredible, and might even go so far as to say this is one of Julie’s best! I was immediately hooked right from the beginning and spent two late nights finishing this book. One thing I love about Julie’s books is they are hearty! While I love books I can finish in a day, I really love books that give me so much to hold on to!

Synopsis:

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks? --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

I’ve been reading a lot of books set in Cornwall lately, and was so happy to read this one and get a good feel for the location knowing Klassen’s writing style. Her descriptions made it feel like I was there, her characters made me feel like I was walking their story with them and the Christian elements gave me hope and so much peace as I read. This is an absolute must-read for 2020. If you loved the Girl in the Gatehouse, The Silent Governess or the Maid of Fairbourne Hall (all my favorites of Julie Klassen’s) I think you would love this story!

I received a complimentary book from NetGalley and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cornwall's coast is fascinating, especially to Laura Callaway. Although she feels like an outsider in her new home, she fills her days helping others and working to return lost flotsam and jetsam to the rightful owners. On the day she discovers a man who has washed ashore, her life changes. Julie Klassen has done her research in this interesting story of love and loss. I found the characters compelling and the setting remarkable. Although the book was a bit slow, the story is well written. Klassen goes into detail to make the reader feel the chilly coast and the heartache Laura carries. If you enjoy historical fiction set in England, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary copy of this item. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have been a fan of Julie Klassen since her first novel, which I have read several times. My opinion has not changed. This time, Klassen takes us to the wild, windswept coast of Cornwall as we are caught up in her wonderful storytelling, an ability that has brought great enjoyment to this reader over the years. I have never missed a Klassen book and never intend to. Recommended. My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.

4 ⭐️
Sitting in my favorite reading spot, I sip my steaming cup of coffee while writing this review. I just finished this lovely book by Julie Klassen. She writes a historical romance that’s fluent and captivating.
I knew nothing about shipwrecks and what became of the crew and cargo. JK did a superb job explaining it all to me. It was fascinating. How the sea is uncontrollable and learning of the fate of those who survive.
I loved the romance and JK always does a great job with mysterious twists and turns.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but that could just be me. I really loved this one! I highly recommend it if you love historical Christian romance.
Quotes from the Chapter pages....
“Bodies washed ashore were not allowed Christian burial until 1808, when a Cornishman, Davies Gilbert, succeeded in getting an Act of Parliament passed for their burial in churchyards.”
—A. K. Hamilton Jenkin, Cornish

“The news of the wreck it soon spread along shore, And women and men ran for gain; Thus numbers they harden each other the more, That love of curst money may reign.” —Religious tract by an anonymous clergyman

Thank you Bethany House Publishers via NETGALLEY for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Julie Klassen is an author I’m quickly starting to enjoy! “Castaway in Cornwall” is a story about treasures, a castaway, snuggling and war.

Laura is a young woman who finds her purpose in collecting the items that wash ashore, and seeking to return the items to their families, to bring them peace. A mysterious man drifts ashore after a stormy shipwreck, her family nurses him back to health. During his recovery, his true identity begins to unfold, along with Laura’s own.

A sweet, clean regency romance!

Flotsam or Jetsam

A Castaway in Cornwall is an emotional historical romance about feeling left behind and struggling to find a place in the world.

Laura and Alexander were both castaways. While Alexander was literally shipwrecked, Laura was an orphan living on the charity of relatives.

Their paths crossed when Laura, confronting the local smugglers, saved Alexander's life and took him to her uncle's home. I love how they slowly bond, the friendship that results, and the inner sense of belonging despite the secrets that threatened them both.

Laura was the sweetest of heroines. She routinely collected non-valuables washed ashore from the shipwrecks and recovered or repurposed them to donate to the poor. In a way, she did the same to Alexander.

Alexander was enigmatic and charming. He owned Laura his life and felt his heart being given in the bargain, but he had nothing to offer her but risk and heartbreak.

In addition to the romance, there is a lot to learn about how shipwrecks were a veritable business in Cornwall during the 1800s. It was exciting to read about the pirates, the tax authorities, and the smuggling locals. The connection between Cornwall in England and Cornouaille in France was another fascinating theme.

As always, the author brings lovely references to Jane Austen. They always made me smile mid-read.

A Castaway in Cornwall is another excellent Klassen's book. It has a sweet and emotional romance, adventure, villains, community, and kindness, intertwined with fascinating history bits.

Highly Recommended!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 12/02/2020 as part of the book's blog tour*

An incredibly moving, beautifully romantic Regency tale from beloved author Julie Klassen! A Castaway in Cornwall, an ambiguous title, gripped me from the first page and never let me go. The story is wonderfully full circle, beginning and ending with an analogy of flotsam and jetsam, each part touching and impactful. I only fell more deeply in love with the story as it went on, and as sad as I was to see it end, I was completely fulfilled by it.

Klassen has a wonderful talent for creating characters that make distinctly unique impressions on the reader. Her characters are not morally black and white, but are complex and intriguing, evoking reflection within the reader. Klassen’s impressive cast of characters will have the reader feeling hopeful, mournful, and renewed. Laura is an inspiring and compassionate heroine, and I adored her determination and selflessness. Alex is a different type of hero, one I’ve been waiting to read about for a long time without realizing it. He’s flawed and unafraid to express his emotions, passionate and versatile. He’s one of the most well written heroes I’ve read in a long time.

It’s been too long since I’ve read a Julie Klassen novel, and A Castaway in Cornwall has been a wonderful reintroduction to her delectable stories. Poignant and enchanting, this story is one that readers will be thinking about long after the final pages. 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Thoughts: The setting becomes a character here. It’s very rich in detail. Klassen did an amazing job weaving this culture into the storyline very naturally.
Klassen has always had a way of gripping me from the beginning, but this one struggled to keep my attention at times. It was slower paced in the beginning, but worth it in the end where the activity was faster paced and the characters were more intent on their goals.
One of the things I really appreciate was the steady message of our worth not being based on what the masses might think of us. It was very endearing to watch Laura care for each item she found. She truly saw a value in the small things that no one else did. But she didn’t treat people badly, even when they never fully accepted her. I really liked that about her character.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 4 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical or Regency novels.

~ I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

I am a huge fan of Julie Klassen and her wonderful stories. A Castaway in Cornwall is a delightful page-turning adventure that I got completely lost in. This seafaring tale of intrigue, belonging, and a developing love story, set mostly in beautiful Cornwall, England, passed by way too quickly for my liking! It starts with Laura Callaway rescuing mysterious Alexander Lucas, a lone survivor of a shipwreck. Laura lives with her uncle, a preacher and his family for many years after her parents pass away. She finds a noble purpose in trying to locate next of kin for those who perish on her shores, as well as keeping track of any treasures that wash ashore from shipwrecks. Nursing this lone survivor back to health sets Laura on course for a whole new adventure.

We encounter spies, prisoners, families divided on different sides of the war, betrayal, lovable neighbors, a real-life buried church in the sand, as we travel to Cornwall England, Jersey Island, and Cornouaille in France, in this engaging story. I love historical fiction and Julie Klassen does it so well. She brings the locations, and time period alive with her beautiful writing skills and her impeccable research. I learn something new with every story! I highly recommend A Castaway in Cornwall!


Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for letting me read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Where to even start? I was entranced from the first chapter and couldn’t put this book down. Two days later and I still think of the characters and places from this story. That’s when you know it’s amazingly written fiction.
Julie Klassen is a captivating storyteller and she has written a book that will stand out as one of the finest in her genre. I think we are all treasure hunters at heart and I would love to walk the sands of Cornwall and find hidden treasures along the beaches with Laura. The romance and adventure of this story will completely entrance its readers.

I enjoyed this novel about the times of Napoleon and learned a bit about what life was like then. I enjoyed the characters and setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review.

Spies. Shipwrecks. Hunted Treasure. Romance. Castaways. What a thrilling story idea! Julie Klassen's latest Regency novel takes place on the shores of Cornwall. Her novel A Castaway in Cornwall is smashing, delightful story filled with elements of finding what makes a person who they are. The romance started a little quicker than I like in novels, but later as their romance blossomed, it was sweet, and I could buy it. As for the plot, it was well-written with plenty of action to keep me glued to the pages of the story. The description was well-versed enough to allow readers to imagine and disappear along the rocky shorelines of England. Personally, as someone who has never left the country, it was nice to travel to Cornwall with Klassen's stories. Probably, why I enjoy her stories so much. I have such a desire to visit England, and her stories always gives me a little peek of the countryside. When I go, there will definitely be places from her stories that I have added to my visit list. Overall, A Castaway in Cornwall was a unique hunt for identity and treasure all in one. I highly recommend this story to fans of Jane Austen and Jane Eyre. If this is your first Klassen novel, go pick up the rest. Wonderful story teller.

I received a complimentary copy of A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen, but the opinions stated are all my own.