Summer at Conwenna Cove is a fabulous summer read about de-stressing, letting go and being open for love. It is told from two perspectives which is great for the reader as we get an insight into the thoughts and feelings of the 2 main characters, Eve and Jack. I love Boleyn's friendly writing style which draws you in from the start with her well developed characters who come to life from the page and feel like friends.

Eve is a 30-something head teacher at a school in Bristol who is extremely stressed out and over worked. Following a particularly distressing panic attack brought on by anxiety and stress, Eve realises enough is enough and she needs to take some time out. Eve has an aunt who lives in Cornwall where she used to spend a lot of time when she was younger and has fond memories of Conwenna Cove so cannot think of a better place to go. Aunt Mary welcomes her with open arms and gets to work on making sure she relaxes and recuperates. Mary's lodger, Jack, is fighting his own demons from his time in Afghanistan as a marine - the last thing on both of Eve's and Jack's mind was love - but things don't always go to plan! 

I loved both Eve and Jack! Eve had everything, and lost everything, so understandably is extremely jaded and closed down emotionally. Jack has seen some terrible sights and still lives with his battle scars - he has also lost the future that he thought he would have upon his return from Afghanistan. As such, he has become a bit of a nomad but seems quite settled in Conwenna Cove with Mary, Jack is so loveable - well what's not to love; a sensitive and artistic ex-marine who helps out at a dog sanctuary....seriously?! From the outset, it is obvious that Eve and Jack are absolutely perfect for each other. 

Greyhounds feature heavily in this book (reflective of Boleyn's love of the dogs) and certainly compliment the main plot of the book. When Eve helps out at the sanctuary, she meets the beautiful black greyhound, Gabe who, like Eve and Jack, treats life with trepidation. The relationship that builds between Eve and Gabe is so heartwarming. 

Summer at Conwenna Cove should be at the top of everyone's holiday reads, it is pure escapism as Conwenna Cove sounds absolutely idyllic! This is a beautiful, heartwarming story about finding a balance and falling in love (and don't forget the greyhounds!).

The cover for this book caught my attention and the description clinched that it had the potential to be a book I would really enjoy.
Neither disappointed I loved the way in which this story was written, it was a relaxed read that would be a fantastic holiday read. It has a brilliant feel good factor and made me audibly laugh at times and smile throughout the story whilst being tinged with sadness reflected through the characters at key points.
I would recommend this book and it really resonated with me on some of the key issues the main characters faced throughout. 
Thanks for the opportunity to read such a fantastic book

Summer at Conwenna Cove is one of those books that as soon as you start reading it, you're 100% drawn into the storyline and are desperate to finish it to find out what happens.

The cover of this book is absolutely stunning and being a huge greyhound lover, I absolutely loved their part of the storyline! I also really enjoyed the setting of this book, it desperately made me want to visit there, and perhaps even be like Eve!

The book follows Eve and her choice to visit her Aunt Mary in Conwenna Cove after suffering from anxiety attacks from her hectic and very busy job as a headteacher of a primary school. During her stay at her Aunt's, she meets Jack, who like her, has been through pain in his life.

You can really see the change in Eve's character even after a few days at her Aunt's and I think the character development and relationships in this story is written beautifully. It was a a heart-warming novel and I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the chance to read this book in return of an honest review.

Eve used to be married, but a traumatic experience ended her relationship. She now lives alone and her only focus is work. She's a head teacher and she puts in as many hours as she can. However, coping with the pressure she's constantly being under isn't good for her mind and body and Eve needs to rest. That's why she decides to visit the place of many happy childhood memories, her aunt Mary's cottage in Conwenna Cove. Hopefully Eve's loving aunt can lift her spirits and make her feel whole again.
 
Mary has a tenant, Jack, who lives in the cottage next door. Eve isn't looking for romance and the same goes for Jack, but there's something between them from the moment they meet. They've both been hurt in the past and are afraid to give someone their heart. Jack works with dogs and soon Eve falls in love with one of the dogs he's taking care of. Mary's positive attitude, spending time with Jack, the dogs and the beautiful scenery of Conwenna Cove have a healing effect on Eve. She isn't there to stay though, will Eve be able to recharge her batteries enough to go back to work?
 
Summer at Conwenna Cove is a wonderful romantic story. Eve is incredibly sweet, but she's a perfectionist and doesn't know when to stop. She has to discover that there's more to life than work. Jack and Mary show her what it's like to live and I enjoyed watching her recover. Eve has her ups and downs, but slowly she finds happiness again. I kept hoping she'd follow her heart instead of striving to be great at a job that makes her feel empty instead of fulfilled. I loved how Darcie Boleyn approaches this thought-provoking subject, with empathy and a lovely sense of humor.
 
Jack is a kind guy. He used to be a marine and is now working with dogs at an animal shelter. I really liked the animals in Summer at Conwenna Cove, they're adorable. I could easily picture their personalities and loved them straight away. Jack is patient and caring, which makes him perfect for his job. He has many talents and it was fun to find out more about them. There's an instant connection between him and Eve, which is something I liked very much as well. I couldn't wait to discover if they'd find their happily ever after.
 
Conwenna Cove is a beautiful calm setting. The people are kind and the surroundings are gorgeous. The inhabitants are feeling well due to the soothing effect of the place and the absence of stress is a joy to read about. I immediately fell in love with this special town and enjoyed Darcie Boleyn's vivid descriptions of the sea, the rocks, the countryside and the docks. I absolutely loved the warm and welcoming feeling it gave me. It's the ideal setting to find true love and it's a strong foundation for a story. Summer at Conwenna Cove is a fantastic dreamy and charming book.

Thank you so much for my first netgalley book! A landmark in my reading career! Aptly read whilst on holiday in Cornwall I fully appreciated the pictures it painted in words. A novel to immerse myself in whilst contemplating the work life balance we all need to think about. A decent holiday read!

When I was asked if I would like to read and review Summer at Conwenna Cove as part of Darcie Boleyn's blog tour, I jumped at the chance.

I've loved Darcie's novels but her first, Wish Upon A Christmas Cake, had something magical about it that I felt her subsequent novels didn't quite have, albeit they were still very enjoyable to read.

Summer at Conwenna Cove however, was demolished in one sitting. Right from the opening page I was gripped into Eve's life and wanted to just keep on reading.

Eve is troubled with guilt over her choices she has made and the stress of a fast paced career as a head teacher is starting to take its toll on her health. With encouragement from her friend and colleague, Amanda, Eve makes the decision to have some time out. After contacting her Aunt Mary, who she has been neglecting for a while, she makes the trip to Cornwall for some well deserved R&R.
Aunt Mary is delighted to have Eve back at Conwenna Cove, but her lodger isn't so sure.

Jack has built Eve up in his head to be some stuck up city girl who can't be bpothered to make time for her aunt, however when Eve arrives he is thrown and surprised not only by hoe fragile Eve is but by the feelings she stirs in the depths of his soul and ones he thought had been locked away for good.
I adored Jack, maybe because I am biased of the Royal Marines anyway, but the way he came across as a gentle giant certainly makes him a contender for 'book boyfriend of the summer' - everyone needs a Jack haha!

It quickly becomes clear that there are feelings between Eve and Jack but both are nursing wounds and with Eve unsure where her future lies, they have to tread carefully.

Darcie's writing style flowed effortlessly, there was an enjoyable cast of characters, setting that make you want to jet off to Cornwall and a story line that was was a mixture of deep feelings and light hearted moments. 
I loved seeing Eve and Jack's relationship form, feeling characters fall in love as you read the words the author has written is one of the joys of romance books, but the supporting characters and their own stories were just as fab to read about.

For me, Summer at Conwenna Cove, had all the magic of Darcie's first story and I feel she is right back at the top of her game. Honestly, I could have read about Eve and Jack for a good few hours longer!

As I said, this book is a light, summery read evoking what's best about living 'Down South'. Cornwall is beautifully described and will make any reader want to make the journey to that rocky coastline and fantastic beaches.

As goes our main couple in the book, Eve and Jack, they are caring, nice people who have had bad times in their lives and now deserve something to go their way - and it definitely does!

What I think marks this book out is the plot points about the greyhound rescue. There are parallels between the rescue dogs and the characters, their reluctance to open up without careful handling being a case in point, but these parts also bring an interesting animal rights issue to the fore, raising awareness without stepping outside the bounds of the story. Cleverly done.

This book is definitely worth putting on your 'summer read' list

The book started off well for me, and I was enjoying it. Then it became predictable and like a lot of summer reads. It all went downhill from there and it was more of a chore to read which is a pity as i had been so looking forward to this book

Eve is a very successful head teacher and works extremely hard but she has had some tragedy in her life and has not allowed herself to grieve and so not surprisingly she is burning herself out - already split from her husband  and not allowing herself a minute to think she heads for a breakdown.

Advised to take some time out and go on holiday the only thing she can think of is going to see her Aunt Mary in Cornwall, where she spent all of her childhood summers - only trouble is she hasn't been there in years and has been swerving all of her calls responding only in brief texts

Mary however welcomes her with open arms and as soon as she arrives she feels a huge weight lifting but who is the rude man renting the adjoining cottage from Mary and why does he keep disappearing into his shed in the middle of the night!

A lovely story, perfect for the beach, I love the way Jack and Eve's friendship develops and especially love the greyhound sanctuary and the way they love the dogs

This was the perfect summer read- easy to lose yourself in a wonderful setting amongst great characters who quickly become new friends. Eve has had a stressful time and when things come to a head she heads down to Cornwall to stay with her aunt who owns 2 fishermen’s cottages in Cornwall. I could just imagine opening the door and being wrapped in the warm Cornish hugs and feeling like you’d come home!

Her aunt rents to a handsome man called Jack who is nursing demons of his own. He helps out at a greyhound rescue centre and Eve finds it very healing to spend time there. I loved the scenes at the rescue centre and the way they help the dogs find their forever homes. Jack is also helping to heal the stress away from Eve.
Eve’s aunt sounds like the perfect lady to spend time with- happy to open her home and make you feel welcome and providing a safe haven for healing vibes.
I adore books set in Cornwall and absolutely loved every page of this one.

This is a warm hearted romance as lovely as its enticing cover. When Eve is stressed and exhausted by her life, she takes herself to Corwenna Cove, home of her lovely Aunt Mary.  Bluebell Cottage is a place Eve loved as a child and now she finds it is a place of healing. There she meets Jack, a man with his own scars from his time as a marine in Afghanistan. As her heart mends she begins to appreciate a simpler life and learns what really matters. 
I fell in love with Corwenna Cove and these characters; especially the mischievous but warm Aunt Mary. I also liked the greyhound rescue storyline – I always fall for a doggy love story!  This is my second Darcie Boleyn and I like the combination of warmth and playfulness that stops her stories becoming dull or over-sweet, they are just flirty enough to be both sweet and fun!  A perfect summer romance that I finished feeling happy!

I read this book as part of a tour and I absolutely loved it! It was so refreshing to read about a manly man who indulged in such peaceful activities like painting. Men are too often written in the stereotype so this was wonderful!! 

I've not read many books by Darcie Boleyn but this book guarantees that it won't be my last :D

Eve is an ambitious head mistress in a school in Bristol but after a panic attack forces her to go to the hospital, she has to admit that it is time to take a break. So off she goes to visit her aunt Mary in Cornwall. During her childhood, Eve used to spend all her summer holidays with her aunt and they were very close but then she became too busy at work and she hasn’t seen her in years. But Eve doesn’t connect only with her aunt, but also with her lodger, ex-marine Jack, who is recovering from an injury. 
Although I found the narration and dialogues rather formal and not completely engaging, the plot is romantic and enjoyable and the Cornwall landscape creates an evocative setting.

2.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from Canelo and Netgalley in exchange of my honest opinion. 
I started reading Summer at Conwenna Cove believing that it's a light summer read that relaxes you and gives you a good feeling. But the book reaches deep subjects without succeeding to give them the real depth. This book is about Eve, a divorced teacher,  and Jack, a veteran marine, retreated to the seashore to find peace. The characters did not seem to be sufficiently developed and I could not attach to anybody or get anybody. The wandering soldier, wounded in Afghanistan and left by his wife, who discovers his extraordinary talent in painting, the divorced teacher who has lost a pregnancy and who thinks she has done a crime working until the pregnancy is lost, the unmarried 60 years old aunt. Some American stereotypes that did not fit into the English chick-lit novel.
But is also my personal and subjective opinion. Perhaps others will love the book very much. 
So, Thank you, Canelo, Netgalley and Darcie Boleyn for this advance reader copy of the book !

Having read one of Darcie Boleyn's books previously and thoroughly enjoyed it, I was really looking forward to this - and when I saw the gorgeous cover, I couldn't wait to read it! This was an absolutely beautiful, hopeful, and heartwarming book. I adored the writing and the characters of Conwenna Cove, and now I'm looking forward to Darcie's next release! Thanks for the opportunity of reviewing such a lovely book!

This is the second of Ms Boleyn's novels I've read, (the first was A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas) and although I really enjoyed the first, I enjoyed this one even more. I felt the author has grown as a writer from one novel to the next. There is far greater depth to her main character, Eve, and the descriptions of both the situation she is in and the setting (and the dogs, especially!!) are wonderful. 
 I felt this was less a romance - though romance featured heavily in it, of course! - and more a journey of self-discovery, and self-acceptance, and of realising what is really important in life. It's also a story of self-forgiveness. I found myself envying Eve her courage.
 
This is most definitely an emotional and heart-warming story.

Summer at Conwenna Cove is absolutely beautiful.  From the very first page I was drawn in and hooked.  One minute I was reading the first chapter next I was halfway through the book.  

The main character in the book is Eve, from the first chapter we see her going through a bit of drama and end up at hospital. She needs a break to get away after the terrible tragedy she suffered (which we never really find out until the end what happened to poor Eve). She has no one but her dear Aunt Mary who lives in Cornwall, only thing is that she hasnt spoke to her in so long.  

Once she gets to her aunts its like a huge weight is lifted for Eve and she rebuilds her relationship with her aunt.  She also meets her aunts neighbouring tenant Jack.  

In only a few days we see Eve grow stronger and become a different woman which is fantastic as shes been through so much. 

I absolutely adored this warm romance.  So easy and enjoyable to read.

After Eve suffers a heartbreaking loss, she hightails it to her aunt’s home in Cornwall to lick her wounds. Jack is also in Conwenna Cove, working with his rescued dogs. He prefers animals to humans, but something in him is drawn to Eve. They have both loved and lost and don’t want to risk their hearts again. But the human heart does not understand logic and Eve and Jack will have the chance for a happily ever after, if they dare take a chance