A Stirring Tale of Salvage and Seeking

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance

SETTING: North Cornwall 1813

SYNOPSIS: Since the reported deaths of her parents eight years ago, Laura Callaway has become a dependent in her uncle’s household. He and his family live in North Cornwall, and the way of life there – with its tragedies, perils, and illegal activities – is very different from the “up-country” world from which she came. But Laura finds purpose with her daily walks to shore and careful searches for lost belongings – which she hopes to reunite with their owners, or with the owners’ families (if the owner perished). Sadly, shipwrecks are a common occurrence in this area with its dangerous shoals and treacherous navigating conditions.

When another ship helplessly wrecks while trying to shelter from a storm, Laura saves the life of one of the ship’s passengers – Alexander Lucas. While Alexander recuperates with Laura’s family, Laura begins to lose her heart to the charming stranger, yet at the same time she wonders if he is who he says he is…and if not, what is he trying to hide…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Regional Setting: This distinct setting of rugged and rough North Cornwall is nothing like other Regency locales of London, country estates, and seaside resorts. I loved being transported to this breathtakingly beautiful and dangerous setting. And I enjoyed encountering the hearty and almost autonomous people who live there. Their language, practices, more humble lifestyle, and questionable morals make this a fresh and interesting setting to explore.

• Shipwrecks and Smugglers: Julie Klassen thoroughly educates her readers about the protocols and practices surrounding shipwrecks during this time period. How the customs officer would try to return any surviving goods to the ships’ owners while “wreckers” would try to claim and carry off any washed ashore goods for themselves. And in addition to that form of self-profit, many residents of the area also practiced free-trade or were involved in the smuggling of French goods. I am most appreciative of the Julie Klassen’s extensive research and informative prose – I learned quite a lot about a different way of life in this story.

• Laura Callaway: Laura Callaway is a sympathetic, unassuming, and gentle heroine that will win your heart. She is thoughtful and perceptive, genuine and selfless, and equally as brave as she is compassionate. I was completely endeared to her and I would very much like to be her best friend. I think what I loved most about her character was that she was both quiet and brave, and I loved the moments where she was timid yet courageously stood her ground.

• Residents of Fern Haven: This little village off the coast felt so vivid and vibrant, and this is in large part due to the well-drawn and dynamic characters Julie Klassen created. I loved getting to know all inhabitants of Fern Haven and see their relationships with each other. I had soft spots for Uncle Matthew, Jago, and Miss Chegwin, and I was intrigued by the flirtatious Treeve Kent and appalled by the evil Tom Parsons.

• Finding Home and Forgiveness: I enjoyed the thematic parallels Julie Klassen seamlessly wove into this beautiful tale. Just like flotsam and jetsam and the items that wash up on the shores of beaches – people can feel displaced and adrift. The message of finding where you belong and finding peace with your life was inspiring to witness. There was also an equally moving message about forgiving others and showing mercy.

• A Question of Sides: Whether it be opposing sides of the war or opposing sides of the law, this story illustrations the dilemma of deciding where you stand – especially when choosing differently from those in your family and community. This was a very timely theme to encounter, and I enjoyed how Ms. Klasseen handled the questioning of sides and what is right.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Romantic Arc: I loved the beginning stages of Laura’s and Alexander’s relationship together – there were many sweet and heart-stirring moments together. But as the story progressed, the focus on their relationship felt started to feel secondary. And while I enjoyed the unraveling of Alexander’s secrets and witnessing the perils of his mission, I was disappointed to see the romance and connection between the two characters weaken, and become less important, (to the point where I questioned how is this story going to end!) But Ms. Klassen does make up for it in part towards the end!

CONCLUSION:

A Castaway in Cornwall is another spectacular historical romance by Julie Klassen! Ms. Klassen’s talent for blending romance, historical backdrop, intrigue, literary allusions, and inspiring messages shine bright like a beacon in this tale! I cannot wait to see where or when in England Julie Klassen takes readers next!

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My thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose for putting this lovely blog tour together and inviting me to take part!