Very often I aim to read Christmas books during December as we prepare for Christmas.  I have this picture of reading in a cosy chair, warm fire, hot chocolate and the Christmas tree lit.  The reality is very different, December is always very busy here at Serendipity Loves.  Given the opportunity to read Christmas at Conwenna Cove in October - we jumped at the chance.

Christmas is a time for Children, family gatherings, good food and of course a touch of romance.  The main characters are Grace Phillips and Oli Davenport.  Together with Grace and Oli's respective parents (Simon, Grace's Dad is a great cook - you can almost smell his dinners as you read!) and Oli's children - Tom and Amy, and with Oli being the local vet a greyhound - Hope - and cat with a family of kittens.  These characters plus a gorgeous setting in a cove in Cornwall, makes for an amazing Christmas read.

Grace is a successful author who lives in her flat in Cardiff, she is spending sometime at Conwenna Cover over the Christmas period to help her parents as they settle into their Rosehip cottage.  As the story unfolds, Grace finds it very difficult to leave the Cove, the inhabitants are very warm and friendly.  That is with the exception of her first meeting at the local Cafe with Oli, he is nothing but hostile to Grace.  Her second meeting with Oli, at the local pub she sees a different side to him, he has two children, has a great love for animals, a widower.  As she sees more and more of Oli, she warms to him although it is always in the back of her mind, she will return to her flat in Cardiff.

Both Grace and Oli have had their hearts broken. Oli lost his wife (Linda) to cancer and both him and children are facing their second Christmas alone with her. But Oli, cannot face losing anyone else from his life and feels disrespectful to Linda if he loves another. Grace, lost her brother to a genetic disease and has decided she won't have children, in fear of passing on the gene and also feels as though life would be better alone.

Everyone talks about the magic of the Cove, will it work it's wonder and bring the two together?  Will a quiet whisper into Santa's ear bring Tom's Christmas wish?

I really enjoyed this book, read it in under 24 hours, it is without a doubt a feel good Christmas story.  It not only covers love, hope and family, it covers grief, how it feels to love and to have lost, children's hopes and wishes, strength and determination to move into the future.  It is very well written and a must read before the festive season.

Thank you to both Canelo and Darcie Boleyn for the advanced copy.

Last year I read A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas by Darcie Boleyn and that one story was enough to get me hooked on her wonderful writing. This year, 2017, I'm reviewing her next Christmas read, Christmas At Conwenna Cove.

An instant pull into Christmas At Conwenna Cove is the hilarious opening chapter. I was giggling to myself in a few short minutes of starting the book. I really want to go into more detail but I won't so I don't ruin it for you. Just take my word that the book certainly has an entertaining beginning. This is something I love about Darcie's writing. There's no faffing about and taking four chapters to set the scene. Just straight in and on with the story. Brill!

The basic guideline of the story revolves around Grace helping her parents move and make a start on renovating the house. Of course there's an intriguing, and initially rude, love interest involved and there's a couple of really great kids too. Children in stories never used to appeal to me much, but since having my little Jessica it's more heartwarming and relatable to me. Amy and Tom are lovely to read about so big thumbs up to Darcie for these charming little ones.

As I said there's no hesitating in plunging straight into the plot of Christmas At Conwenna Cove, there's a lot of plot to get through so an immediate starter makes the read really smooth and ashamedly fast. Once you get started with this read it may very well get stuck to your hands. It's a superglue read. 

I was delighted with the outcome of the story and by the first few chapters I felt like I was part of the story and not just looking in. I didn't think the Conwenna Cove serial could get any better but here I am saying that I loved it!!

As soon as I got my copy of Christmas at Conwenna Cove it immediately went straight to the top of my to be read pile as I absolutely loved Summer at Conwenna Cove and I was very excited and eager to get back to Conwenna! This series is just awesome!

This time the book is based on a brilliant character called Grace.  She is really easy to like and you instantly connect with her.  Its not long before the local vet Oli catches her eye, from the minute they meet there is definitely a spark between them. They definitely are two people destined to be together both so kind and caring.  

What I loved about their relationship was that the writer of the book didn't drag out 'them getting together' through the whole book which you often find in romance books, and they got together pretty quickly so you are able to enjoy their relationship and see their romance blossom throughout the book.

The book really is a feel good read, in fact I read the whole book with a huge grin on my face as I just enjoyed every single page and I must say this is one of the best books I have read this year! I loved it that much that I had to drag out the last few chapters as I didn't want the book to end!  

''The most perfect romance book'' 

I really recommend you read Christmas at Conwenna Cove because it is a pure joy to read.

This has turned out to be my favourite festive read so far but I know there are plenty of reading days left until Christmas! It has it all- a beautiful setting, a warm and friendly community and some interesting characters. I particularly liked Grace Phillips, who is in the village to help her parents who seem to have the kindest hearts. Grace may be a successful writer, but she has her insecurities and the whole family are coming to terms with a tragedy in their past. They aren't the only family in the village to be coping with loss and trying to move on. At this time of year, grief is all the more poignant.

    Just right for a cosy, winter festive read, there is a lot going on in the background. There are animals who are in need of new homes and Oli's children who are trying to carry on despite their loss. You find yourself willing them all on, hoping that the festive season will weave its spell over them. Ultimately it is a hopeful romance, with the promise of new beginnings. 

 festive, heartwarming and hopeful!

A bit too cheesy and predictable, but a quick easy read.

2.5 stars. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Darcie Boleyn for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant! Love love love this! Finished last night, couldn’t go to bed until it was ended! Fabulous writing and a touching story. Few tears were shed in a good way!

This author takes us on a wonderful journey to a beautiful village filled with wonderful people and sad people
The author is so eloquent when she describes the smells, shops and even the sea you can smell all the smells and hear the sea in the cove 
This is a lovely light read in which the author encompasses us into her world
Definitely one of my favourite reads

Even though this is the second visit to Conwenna Cove this book does actually makes for a perfect standalone. However you would be missing out on Eve and Jack's story along with an adorable greyhound called Gabe. So if you get chance I definitely recommend reading the gorgeous Summer at Conwenna Cove.

The wonderful descriptions of Conwenna will easily pull you into the story just as they did for me. I felt like I was in my own little bubble while reading, completely wrapped up in Grace and Oli's story. There is tragedy in both of their pasts that gives a little emotional pull and I was smiling as they began a tentative friendship. 

I loved the little glimpses of characters that I first met in book one especially Eve and Jack. Then you have the lovely addition of Grace's parents, Tom and Amy. There are themes such as grief, loss and family but most of all love all packaged together to make a delightful festive story. Along with a couple of funny moments one in particular involving Grace and her mum Louise in the cafe. I would have been giggling too and I could easily imagine something like that happening to me! These moments lighten the mood perfectly, I have to admit to being a pretty emotional person and there were moments where I had tears in my eyes. Note to self don't read any sad parts on the commute to work. I may have got a few strange looks!

Darcie Boelyn writes the most heart warming and comforting stories that completely wrap you up in the characters lives. If you have never read a book by Darcie Boleyn you are definitely missing out. They really are a warm and loveable treat, I can't recommend them enough! 

Conwenna Cove is once again the perfect place to heal and find yourself. There is so much to love about this story with a beautiful sprinkling of hope, love and family - perfect!

With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This is a seasonal feel-good book that is an easy read as well as being enjoyable.

Single author, Grace, arrives with her parents at their new home in Conwenna Cove, Cornwall.  This is a new start for her parents who have left the sadness of their only son dying, behind them.  They chose this part of Cornwall because they stayed there on honeymoon, some 30 years earlier.  The cottage is old and in need of renovation, but they can all tell that it will eventually be a lovely home.

As they settle in, they gradually meet a lot of the locals, in particular the vet, Oli and his two children.  The area sounds lovely and is well described.  The main characters are portrayed as interesting and kind, the type of new neighbours we would all like.

Oli's late wife Linda has only been gone for 2 years, so her passing is still raw.  Neither he, nor his children, are able to give their hearts to another.  Until Grace appears, that is.

I really enjoyed watching these characters develop and will now read her first book.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased.  My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for a copy of this book. I highly recommend it. It’s a great combination of romance, location, friendships, relationships, children and pets woven into a heartwarming tale.

4.5 star review of  Christmas at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn 
What's not to love? It's the most magical time of the year and also happens to be my most favourite holiday. I love any story that is cantered around Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate life.      
This was a fun, quirky, fast read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I enjoyed Darcie Boleyn’s writing style and felt as though I was a part of the magic of Conwenna Cove.   
Can the magic of the Christmas season bring together two lost souls, emotionally drained from the loss of loved ones, each determined to survive but not really living and enjoying life? Can a wish whispered into Santa’s ear by a small boy make a wish come true? 
Conwenna Cove sounds like a beautiful place to live and I found this story to be full of hope, love and family; of strength and determination and all in all a heart warming read. 
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.

Grace's parents have bought a cottage in Conwenna Cove, a beautiful Cornish village. Grace accompanies them and is planning on staying for a while before returning to her flat in Cardiff. Grace is a writer, so she can work wherever she wants. When she's only just arrived Grave meets Oli, the local vet. Initially he isn't very kind to her, but he soon makes up for his rude behavior. Oli is a widower and he has two children, Amy and Tom. Will spending time with him and his family convince Grace she should stay in Conwenna Cove?

Oli doesn't want to fall in love after having his heart broken, it hurts too much. He lost his wife two years previously and still misses her badly. When he meets Grace something changes inside him and he's able to feel something he thought he'd never feel again. However, he has two children to think of and is scared to risk being shattered by grief once more. He immediately likes Grace and isn't able to stay away from her. Will he be able to give her a chance or is he hurting too much to make things work between them?

Christmas at Conwenna Cove is a wonderful Christmas story. Grace is kindhearted and generous. She loves with all her heart and is giving and sweet. She's exactly what Oli and his children need. Oli is a gentle man and a caring father. His children's happiness is incredibly important to him. It's clear from the start that Oli and Grace have a special connection. There are plenty of sparks and they also form an easy friendship. Oli has Amy and Tom to think of and Grace is amazing with them. The kids were the best part of the book for me. Amy is wise for her age, but she's also vulnerable and endearing. Tom is disarming and totally adorable. Darcie Boleyn knows how children behave and she makes them come to life really well. Romance and cuteness are a fantastic combination for a story and she knows exactly how to make it work.

Darcie Boleyn has a lovely warm writing style. Christmas at Conwenna Cove is festive and filled with hope. There's also room for sadness and loved ones are being remembered in a fabulous emphatic way that I liked a lot. Darcie Boleyn's dialogue always makes me smile. She has a great sense of humor and her conversations feel realistic. Christmas At Conwenna Cove is a charming and captivating feelgood story. I highly recommend this heartwarming Christmas read.

This is the second in the Conwenna Cove series and I loved the first one. Conwenna Cove sounds so delightful and a return at Christmas was particularly welcome.

It has everything- Christmas magic in abundance, families, cute animals and children, romance and the most beautiful setting.

Grace falls in love with the charm of the Cornish cove when she helps her parents move in. Oli, the local vet has 2 children. They are both dealing with personal tragedies and not looking for love- but there is a definite spark in the air between the two. I loved the way they got to know each other and that happiness is just around the corner.

Review: Another amazing visit to Conwenna Cove and this time in Snow!

I fell in love with Grace. I can relate to her and love her character. Also the fact that she is a fellow writer. The background to her story which explains the fear she is feeling, I wont give anything away, but pulls at your heart-strings. As does Oli and his little family. The close-knit community are very protective of this family but Grace's passion shines through and wins them over.

The Magic of Conwenna Cove certainly worked its magic on me but you will have to read this book to see if it does for Oli and Grace.

A great book to snuggle up with on the lead up to Christmas.

Christmas at Conwenna Cove is my first festive read of the season and what a brilliant start it is! I adored Summer at Conwenna Cove so I was absolutely thrilled to see that Darcie Boleyn was taking us back to Conwenna Cove for a Christmas visit!

This is a sequel of sorts, we are back in Conwenna Cove which was first introduced to us by Eve and Jack. In this book, we are introduced to Louise, Simon and Grace Phillips. Louise and Simon have moved to Conwenna Cove and their daughter, Grace, is staying with them to help decorate the house and unpack. Grace has every intention to head back to Cardiff once she has got her parents settled into their new home.

Oli Davenport is the local vet who sadly lost his wife nearly 2 years ago so is raising their 11 year old daughter Amy and 5 year old son Tom on his own. Oli was absolutely devastated by the loss of Linda so he has shut himself down emotionally. His life revolves around his children and the animals he looks after in the surgery.
Oli and Grace meet in the local café and its clear from the start that there is an attraction on both sides (even if Oli is a bit standoffish!) which is beautiful to watch pan out.  Christmas at Conwenna Cove isn’t just a fabulous romantic read, it also explores grief and its effects on those both young and old.

I absolutely adored everyone in this book, both sets of parents are lovely – they are nurturing and supportive whilst protective of their children…even when the children are in their thirties! Oli and Grace are both great characters, you can really relate to them as  they come alive off the pages through the wonderful, friendly and warm writing style that the author has.

Also, I was thrilled to find the greyhounds are back!! In Summer at Conwenna Cove we are introduced to Gabe who was a central part to the story and I was pleased to say that we are introduced to another gorgeous greyhound in this one.

I really liked the references to Eve and Jack so we get an update as to where their lives have taken them, Conwenna Cove is a small place so it’d be weird if they didn’t pop up but I loved that this was about Grace and Oli. Whilst the storylines are similar in terms of outsiders falling in love with the small town, this is very much it’s own book and storyline. The reasons for the relocation to Conwenna Cove and the history of the characters if completely different.

Christmas at Conwenna Cove is the perfect festive read; you can almost hear the carols and Christmas movies, feel the festive spirit, see the twinkling lights and smell the mulled wine!

When I got asked if I wanted to be part of the blog tour for Christmas at Conwenna Cove, I jumped at the chance - who wouldn't? I absolutely loved the first one so I knew I would love the second - plus it was set at Christmas, which is already a winner in my books. Then I saw the cover reveal and instantly fell in love with it.

When I read the book, I can't believe how much I actually did enjoy it. I managed to read it in under a day and in that time I fell in love with Oli and Grace's story. Grace has come to Conwenna Cove to help her parents settle in to Rosehip Cottage (what a cute name) but doesn't realise she'll fall in love with the village herself. Oli, who is the vet in the village, hasn't wanted a relationship since his wife died, but the pair come together and the Christmas magic has something in store for them.

The book was incredibly romantic and Christmassy. The use of the Christmas markets, gingerbread spiced drinks and Oli's children decorating a tree made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I found myself really looking forward to Christmas. The snow and the friendly villagers made me wish that I lived in Conwenna Cove myself!

The characters in Christmas at Conwenna Cove are all absolutely lovely and I really loved Oli's children Amy and Tom. They were so cute and really set the Christmas novel off nicely. Both Oli and Grace had been through a lot in their life and have both suffered a terrible loss so it was nice to see them coming together and relating to each other. One other thing I adored is the amount of greyhounds in the story - something I feel really passionate about because it's my dream to adopt a couple too!

Overall, I couldn't get enough of this book. There was a beautiful romance, a bit of humour and lots of Christmas spirit. Thank you to publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

This is not the first book I have had the pleasure of listening to via my iPad's VoiceOver. I just LOVE Darcie Boleyn's books. I have listened to Love at the Italian Lake and also Summer at Conwenna Cove. It was wonderful to revisit Conwenna Cove in this, the second novel located in the small Cornish town. 

The book is the second of Darcie Boleyn's in my Kinda library that has a Christmas theme. The first was A Very Many Manhattan Christmas.

The only reason Grace is in Conwenna Cove is to help her parents move into Rosehip Cottage. She thinks Conwenna Cove is pretty, but not for her as she's used to the flat she rents in central Cardiff which is a stone's throw away from the shops and station. Therefore it's a wrench for her to be there. 

Her parents are lovely people: her dad loves cooking and they are both very hospitable. Grace went through the loss of her brother to cystic fibrosis and the grief of the event is still very much present in her life. She copes with it by writing and is a published author. 

Oli is the town's vet and lost his wife. He has a cute five year old son called Tom. 

Thanks to Darcie Boleyn and Canelo for an ARC and the chance to participate in the blog tour for this book.

Grace is helping her parents move to Cowenna Cove when she meets local vet Oli. He is a widower and she hasn't got over her brother passing away. 
An emotional book to read but well written.

The storyline was nice with a lovely setting in Cornwall.  It was slightly predictable as to what the ending would be but a  nice book to read without having to think too deeply about it.

Ah now there’s a thing, a book with strands of personal truth as I too spent my honeymoon in Cornwall, not 30 years ago, only 25.
Ms Boleyn’s support of greyhound rescue dogs is well known and I just love the way she’s been able to weave this into the storyline. A widower, a writer, a magical place that embodies all the best parts of Christmas and lots and lots of animals. Quod erat demonstrandum...
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC, this review is mine though - you can’t have it.