I can see why this could be a highly enjoyable book if you're in the mood for a languid and well written story. I simply found it overly long, and overly descriptive. I feel it would have benefited from a hundred less pages. However, I see that it has many positive reviews, so if atmosphere and descriptions of Cornwall appeal to you, then this might be a very worthwhile read.

Kate Ryder’s Beneath Cornish Skies tells the story of Cassandra Shaw, who leaves behind her outwardly perfect but soulless life in Sussex to work for a chaotic Cornish family. The contrasts between the two settings are sharp, but united by the author’s love of horses, nature, and the lore attaching to the natural world.

This book blends romance with new beginnings and a ghostly past. Don’t be put off by the fact it’s described as ‘book 3 of 3’ on Amazon, it is in fact a standalone novel.

Since Cassandra Shaw’s parents we’re killed in a car accident, she has lived with David Ashcroft, 1st at the scene, her saviour and later lover. But 10 years on, her life of luxury is meaningless and she is increasing suspicious of David’s behaviour and infidelities. On a whim, she applies for a general helping hand for a chaotic, busy family in Cornwall.
I really enjoyed this book and Cassie’s growth and self discovery. The author has such a gentle way of writing that I felt instantly relaxed each time I picked this up. The characters were relatable and likeable (except David) and the slow romance featured was enjoyable.
A little hint of old history story telling and a slight ghostiness makes this book a good escapism.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read.

The first on the scene after an RTA which claimed her parents lives, David has never left Cassandra's side and has been with her ever since. They have been together for ten years. David runs a successful international business, they live in a beautiful house and have an enviable lifestyle. She wants for nothing. She has no need to work and spends most of her time with her beloved horses. But something she spots on her return from a morning ride causes her to question. And that one moment changes her life forever. Leaving David, she moves to Cornwall to work for the Kinsman family as their ‘Superhuman’ supporting the family and their business.

Anything with Cornwall in the title is an automatic draw for me. David, I found unlikeable from the very beginning. Some of their high-flying friends were pleasant enough but it was clear Cassie lived in an environment she had become increasingly unhappy with. When everything comes to a head, at first, she has difficulty deciding whether to take a leap of faith and leave her old life behind. The Kinsman family are delightful. Living in an old manor house, with children and dogs, it’s hard work but a refreshing change from Cassie’s former corporate life with David. She has always been a dreamer, and life in rural Cornwall, opens up a whole new and stimulating world for her. A friendship develops between Cassie and nature writer Hunter Harcourt who lives locally; a friendship which soon blossoms into something more. Hunter, whose real name is Luke Metcalfe, is a mine of information about flora, fauna and local history. As she accompanies him on walking trips, she realises how fulfilling this new life of hers has become. Spending so much time in each other’s company, they soon begin to develop feelings for each other. And of course, there are complications. Luke is married and David is keen to persuade Cassie to return.

It's a beautifully written tale. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cornish coastline, It is about rediscovery and second chances. A lovely uplifting read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Aria for an ARC of Beneath Cornish Skies in exchange for an honest review.

‘What is important is being true to yourself and not living life on someone else’s terms. We’re stronger than we know.’

Everyone dreams of escaping to Cornwall and that was what initially attracted me to this book. However, I would appear to be very much in the minority with my opinion of this book. Don’t get my wrong, it is a good read, but not at the level that many other reviewers have it at and I’m not sure why.



I did enjoy my escape to Cornwall - rich in history and dramatic vistas - it just has that certain vibe. There are wonderful descriptions and a lot of research has been undertaken by the author. A lot of research and herein lies my first issues - there are some major information dumps and I just don’t go for that in a fictional read. I think the author even acknowledges this at one stage when she writes a character saying, ‘... he gives me a sheepish smile. ‘Let me know if this is information overload.’ Yes! I want to say, it is! So if a short history of the area appeals to you then you will enjoy the added details.

‘... also assist coastal protection by dissipating wave energy, capturing sediments and nutrients, and providing a carbon sink. Care for these marine plants is essential for our wellbeing and that of our planet.’

Secondly I appreciate the main character's journey of growth and self discovery, however, I have to embrace my inner prude and state that the romance where both parties were married, albeit unhappily, did not make for comfortable/enjoyable reading. Yet once again, if you are in the space to read of a woman and man both breaking free of restrictive relationships then you will relate to the story.

Finally there is the supernatural element ... meh. I did not find it strong or relevant enough for my liking. I understand that given the rich history of an area such as Cornwall, there are sure to be a few ghosts but having it in the background of an already full plot just did not work for me. So all up this is a nice bit of escapism, I mean we would all rather be walking along the Cornish coast with a nice looking man on the cusp of commencing a new start to life.

‘Cornwall attracts many a soul with baggage, but it welcomes us all and makes no judgement on the flotsam and jetsam that end up on its shores.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Cornwall is a land of myths, legends and mystery and when I started reading Beneath Cornish Skies I was easily transported back there. Kate has brought us a wonderful new romance, though not a time shift there are many references to people of a bygone era and throughout the story I had the feeling that they might be still around!

Cassandra has been living with the gorgeous and enigmatic David in a life of luxury that many of us would envy. But after ten years she is living a shallow existence and has become nothing but his hostess and arm candy. When she broaches the subject of making their relationship more permanent and having a family David refuses to discuss it and after discovering his affair with their cleaner she knows that her life with David is over.

Taking a job with a family in Cornwall as nanny, bookkeeper, horse trainer and more she begins her new life in a historical manor set in the wilds of the Cornish countryside. As Cassandra starts to explore her new home I became a spectator watching events unfold, imagining swirling mists that were hiding mysterious and otherworldly creatures.

When his dog frightens the horse of one of her charges Cassandra meets author Luke and begins a special friendship with him. They spend time together exploring the landscape and the sea shore, finding unique and unusual things. Luke teaches Cassandra much about the nature and history of the region and helps her to rebuild her confidence and bring to the surface the intelligent beautiful woman that has been hidden away for the last ten years.

If you love history and nature you will adore this story. It had me continually going to google to learn more about the places and things that Kate describes. This is a magical meant to be love story set in a magical place but it is so much more. It had my imagination working overtime and I am left wondering if some events in the past were recreated in the present.

It is an excellent piece of writing, well researched from a writer who is very knowledgeable about Cornwall. As a lover of history I was enthralled with this story and unable to put it down. It has left me wanting to explore Cornwall again once we are able to travel.

I wanted to read Beneath Cornish Skies as it belongs in a couple of genres that I dip into from time to time and also as it's set in a place I've visited and would very much like to again.

Kate Ryder's characterisation skills were evident and I loved her portrayal of our protagonist, Cassandra (Cassie) Shaw. Cassie's spirit and determination really shone through and she was courageous in her decision to leave David Ashcroft, her inconsiderate, controlling, cheating and distant boyfriend of ten years, to pursue different goals and make the necessary changes in her life.

Cassie starts to settle into her new surroundings and it was lovely to read about her experiences as the new live-in nanny working for the Kinsmans. The storytelling by Kate Ryder was so polished and elegant and the plotline had a magical element to it that was sublime. I particularly liked the author's descriptions of Foxcombe Manor with its air of tranquility. I was easily able to picture the surrounding area with images of the crashing waves, the deep blue sea complete with its shimmering shoreline, the sandy beach and breathing in the salty air. There were light sprinkles of romance between Cassie and Luke, the man in the woods and I was really rooting for them.

A terrific, spirit-raising and totally immersive story about self-discovery with shades of ghostliness and the supernatural, that I'm delighted to have read.

Thank you to Kate Ryder, Aria, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Beneath Cornish Skies by Kate Ryder is a beautifully written and delightful read that I simply adored from beginning to end. The story has an ethereal quality to it that I loved, with the backdrop of the hauntingly beautiful Cornish coast weaving its magic and drawing me into Cassie’s story, as she slowly begins to emerge from the shadows to become the person she was always meant to be.

Cassandra Shaw appears to be living the perfect life, but in reality her life is anything but. So when she finds out that her boyfriend has been lying to her she decides the time is right for her to put her past insecurities and self doubt behind her, answering an advert to become a live in home help and nanny for a family living in a rambling manor on the beautiful North Cornish coast. Cassie soon settles in to her new role, feeling more fulfilled and happy than she ever has before.

But what are the flashes of light she keeps seeing in the valley? And who is the mysterious man living deep in the woods? With her imagination going into overdrive, Cassie begins to wonder exactly what it was that drew her to this secluded part of Cornwall. Is this the place where she was always meant to be? Or are her ties to the past too strong for her to finally let go?

This is the first book I’ve read by Kate Ryder but it definitely won’t be my last. Her writing is gorgeous, evoking a wonderful sense of time and place that I found enchanting, with the gentlest hint of the paranormal weaving its tendrils of ghostliness throughout the story and making me shiver.

And even though Beneath Cornish Skies is most definitely a love story, with Cassie’s entanglement with Luke a major element of the story, it was Cassie herself and the personal development she made that I found most captivating. I couldn’t help but fall in love with her from the outset and loved the progression of her character as she slowly grew in confidence, beginning to blossom and come into her own.

With a hint of the paranormal, a gentle romance and some wonderfully spine tingling twists, turns and revelations that kept me reading long into the night, Beneath Cornish Skies is a delightful and uplifting read that I would highly recommend.

This story is a lovely reading experience, layered with an atmospheric setting, believable characters and an otherworldly ambience. Diminished by her parents' emotional distance, Cassie's world crumbles unexpectedly in a tragic accident. Another life beckons. She is too naive and needy to question its rightness. Years later, she realises her mistake and desperation makes her take a chance on a different life.

The reader follows Cassie's journey of self-worth, reconnection with others and the world she lives in, interwoven with eerie echoes from the past which I love. The Cornish setting, vibrant and wild mirrors her transformation in sensory imagery.

I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

One to get your senses tingling! Different, and most enjoyable.

Cassandra lives a very privileged life, but becomes aware that she is paying a heavy price for it. Her boyfriend treats her coldly and she realises that she has lost her self-respect. With no relatives around, she gathers her confidence and answers an advert for a 'Girl Friday' to a family in Cornwall. Settling in quickly, Cassandra relishes the feeling of satisfaction that each new day brings but she is aware that there is something other-worldly on her periphery.

The first thing to attract me to this novel was the author's name; Kate Ryder can always be depended upon for a good read. This, her latest novel, has a wonderful cast of characters, an excellent story with enough of a touch of magic realism to be believable but not so much as to freak me out. Add in children, animals, a sprinkling of romance and a bit of doubt as to where it's all heading and you have an interesting read. I thought that using different derivates of the lead character's name in each part of the story admirably emphasised the changes in her life. Every bit as good as I expected it would be and a book I definitely recommend. Four stars!

Favorite Quotes:

It’s odd how a relationship can end on such a seemingly small, inconsequential incident. But that’s what happened, and however many times I went over the minutiae of our life together there was never any satisfactory explanation as to how we had unravelled so spectacularly without my noticing.

People are usually unaware of the chains of cause and effect created by their actions, but life is a blending of choices that opens doors to new experiences. Essentially, we are constantly reshaping our futures… Just remember, Cass. You may not be able to control the wind but you can control your sails.


My Review:

This was a moody and atmospheric hybrid women’s fiction/romance with ghostly paranormal undertones and a varied assortment of generations of British characters. The storylines were vividly etched with lush descriptions and brain-snagging details while also providing interesting lessons on Cornwall history, marine biology, and botany. I was simultaneously entertained and educated, which rarely happens!

The main character of Cassandra/Cass initially resided in the lap of luxury yet she was not fulfilled and realized her life was shallow and without real joy. I personally don’t know a thing about enduring a luxurious lifestyle but do know how easily one can fall into slogging through a repetitive cycle of dull day-to-day numbness and ignoring troublesome issues we chose not to deal with. However, I cannot see myself turning a blind eye to repetitive, blatant, and overt betrayal and struggled with Cassandra’s continued pull towards a man who had callously and insultingly admitted to doing so. She needed a few pinches and maybe a connection with my favorite purple crocs to her backside to jar her head loose. But that is just me - and I can be fierce. Just ask my quivering husband; I keep the little man in fear. ;)

Sometimes a change of scenery is the only way to have a fresh perspective of our life and make the necessary changes to be happy again.
This is the story of Cassandra Shaw, her life may seem perfect from the outside but she is stuck in a place she doesn’t like and with a boyfriend who doesn’t love her, so when she sees a job offer she can’t wait to step in and take a little vacation from her life. Will she find the light she is looking for or will she find much more? You’ll have to read the book to know the answers!
This is a romance book, but not the main part of the story; what keep you turning pages in this book is the Cornwall views and all the mysteries that Cassandra discovers during her long walks, she will have the company of a mysterious man that will open her eyes to another world.
This is a slow paced book, to keep the reader walking with the characters and breath peace, don’t expect twists or surprises, only a little bit of magic and a sweet story.
I’ve always been a little scared of horses, but Cassandra showed me that they are elegant and beautiful, like many animals, if you love and take care of them they will be the best friends ever!
This is a story to disconnect, to make you dream a little and put a smile in your face! Ready to discover “Beneath Cornish Skies”?

Beautiful story about a woman leaving her cheating boyfriend. She moves to Cornwall to help take care of a family. There she blossoms, finds friends, experiences ghosts, and finds love. Can't wait to read more from this author.

I was lucky enough to read The Secrets of the Mist by Kate Ryder and was was thrilled to get an advance copy of her latest novel Beneath Cornish Skies. Where The Secrets of the Mist was a wonderful time-slip novel, Beneath the Cornish Skies is more a novel of a woman finding herself after a life of material riches, but not a life of personal riches, The story reminds me of Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy’s novels.

The story follows Cassie Shaw who when she was 17 was involved in an accident that killed her parents and seriously injured her. While recovering in the hospital her “savior” David viists her and takes care of her every need. What is not to love about a man that saves you from a potential fatal accident, takes care of you and gives you every material thing you can ask for. Well what if he does not respect you, cheats on you, and treats you poorly. Do you have the courage to walk away?

Cassie does find the courage to walk away and this is where the lovely Cornish portion of the novel comes in. She answers an advert for a nanny/housekeeper for a wonderful family in Cornwall and finds herself along the way. When David shows up wanting a reconciliation, will she have the courage to be the woman she has become?

This is a wonderful story and though I prefer timeslip and historcial novels, I love a good novel set in a beautiful setting and with a story that transports me to another place, this novel delivered. Kate Ryder is fast becoming one of my go to authors.

Thanks to Netgalley, Kate Ryder and the publisher Aria for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Beneath Cornish Skies by Kate Ryder is not only a lovely piece of women's fiction, but a romance, as well. When she was 17 1/2 she was almost killed in a car accident; her parents were killed. She spend over three months in hospital and every day he came, with gifts, with books to read, with conversations to be had. David looked like a young god. Every woman in the hospital was jealous. When the time came he took her home with him and there she stayed for ten years. He life was good, if a little empty. No marriage, no children, but certainly everything else she could possibly want: a beautiful home, a Range Rover, a trailer for her horse, her gorgeous horse, Caspian. Life was manageable until the day she saw David looking awfully cozy with their house cleaner, in a place neither one of them should be. Things fell apart in that moment and continued falling. A she was filling his car up with gas, she saw the magazine that would change her life; not only the article but the advertisement for life helping at a home in Cornwall; one with children, horses, freedom. Then shortly after, she hooked up the trailer, loaded Caspian, and was off.

Slowly Cassandra's life became her own. She rode, she helped with the kids, she cleaned. One day, she realized she was happy. She had friends; she had a life. Then David reappeared. He had been texting and calling but now he was here, prepared to give her most of what she wanted. Cassandra exemplifies plenty of women out there who sacrifice themselves for a life they think they want. She had the courage to break away and the bravura to reach out and grab it. She was a fabulous character and this is a wonderful story, all about her and the things she discovered along the way, about herself and about others. I can't tell you how moving it was. And exciting. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Beneath Cornish Skies by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #beneathcornishskies

New year, new starts and resolutions so a great time to read Beneath Cornish Skies.

Lots of people have lives that look perfect to outsiders but are actually unhappy. Overcoming the tragedy of her past, Cassandra feels stiffled in her long term relationship. She decides to start over and find herself in Cornwall.

Cassandra is an instantly likeable character and the reader is on her side and wants her to find happiness. She may not know exactly what she wants but as the story progresses she finds the things that bring her joy.

The magic of the Cornish landscape is an essential part of this story and the description of the cliffs and sea is so evocative the reader can see why Cassandra and some of the other characters, especially Luke, have such a connection to the land.

This is the first book by Kate Ryder that I have read, but I’ve been reading more romance lately so I’m sure it will won’t be the last.

This was a magical, escapist read that takes you on a journey of self-discovery.

Thank you Aria Books and at Netgalley for the gifted copy in return for a review.

Many thanks to Net Galley, Aria & Aries Publications and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

Ever since I had read Secrets of the Mist by Kate Ryder, I have been looking forward to her latest release. Firstly, that beautiful and enchanting cover image had hooked me from the start.

Secondly the serenity and tranquility that the author conveys thru her writing, I am so much in awe.

Thirdly, the story itself that talks about love offering second chances regardless of the hardships that one may face.

Cassandra has always been a loner who prefers her affinity to nature and animals in spending her days rather than be sociable. An accident that alters her life status finds her charmed and in love with David Ashcroft and living with him. 10 years later, questioning her loyalty to man who hardly values her, Cass takes up an all consuming job at Foxcombe Manor, helping out in all the ways that she can. Meeting Luke as the famed author Hunter Harcourt opens up all possibilities and life becomes free of pain and sadness soothing her weary soul.

Kate Ryder writes an immersive novel about Cass’s journey of self-discovery finding her feet, trusting her heart and acknowledging what is primarily more important in her life which was simply terrific. I loved each character in the book, Ginny and her family, Robyn who befriends Cass and provides a soulful connection, even the ghostly presence that evokes a feeling of melancholia.

I would have loved the final few chapters to a bit more detailed as after introducing Luke’s POV at the end, it would have been interesting to see the discussion between him and his wife Amanda. However, the story leaves the reader with a feeling of warmth and contentment like being cocooned inside a most cherished blanket which is in itself a lovely accomplishment.

Highly recommended!


This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India and twitter.

Cassie’s life is about to change!

Beneath Cornish Skies is a sweeping story of landscape, identity and romance that takes the reader through a range of emotions in a glorious setting. Kate Ryder’s writing is an authentic blend of history, geography and the natural world with just a touch of magical realism that is most unusual. She weaves factual detail into her narrative so that there is an added layer of interest and engagement. I looked up some of the references as I read and this added an extra layer of interest for me.

Cassie’s first person narration draws in the reader, making them feel as if Cassie is addressing them personally. I very much appreciated the fact that Cassie’s name changes as she sloughs off her old life and identity, and becomes someone new. She did, however, infuriate me in her attitude to David who so enraged me I could quite cheerfully have caused him physical harm. I wanted her to realise her worth much more quickly, but this is one of the themes of Beneath Cornish Skies and Cassie’s self-discover is essential to the plot.

There’s an intense sense of longing beneath Cassie’s story, not just in her present but in the past too as the reader encounters the ghosts and places of history. Cassie longs for love and happiness, but above all else she wants to belong. I think that feeling will resonate with many readers.

Beneath Cornish Skies is a slow burn of a story and one that rewards a careful reading as mysticism blends with more prosaic elements such as Cassie’s caring for horses and another family. I think it would translate into a successful Sunday evening television series as Cassie learns that her fate is in her own hands. I felt it had a touch of Catherine Cookson in a modern era.

The setting of Cornwall in Beneath Cornish Skies is very vivid and I very much enjoyed the compelling allure of the sea because it felt like a metaphor for Cassie’s life, ebbing and flowing with different moods. I thought Kate Ryder conveyed extremely accurately how life is unpredictable and that we have to be true to ourselves. In fact, the romantic narrative aside, one of the aspects I enjoyed most in Beneath Cornish Skies was the exploration of theme, especially the concept that money doesn’t buy happiness.

Beneath Cornish Skies transports the reader through time and place so that it provides an escape from the real world for a while.

To the outsider Cassandra seems to have it all. A luxurious lifestyle and a doting husband, but it is only she who knows the controlling aspect from her husband and the fact that having children do not come into his long term plans. Cassandra always wanted a family, and she thought that ten years of marriage would have softened her husband's attitude.

Unexpectedly faced with a philandering husband was the impetus Cassandra needed to make a fresh start and walk away to work as a full time nanny and general dogsbody to a family with a carefree lifestyle, horses that needed to be trained and looked after and two lovely lively children. Trying to forget the man she had loved and lived with was easier said than done but a new romance also seems to be coming up in Cassandra's life.

Seamlessly told between the two lives that Cassandra led, showcasing a controlling husband on the one side and a carefree life on the other it is upto her to make a decision as to what she wants to do.

Very descriptive, this was such a pleasant read.

At 17 Cassie is involved in a tragic accident which claims the lives of both her parents. Passer by David stays with Cassie, helps with rehab and ten years later have built an amazingly beautiful life together but something is missing and Cassie needs more in her life.

Having applied for a job at the bottom of the country in Cornwall, Cassie packs up and embarks on a new life with the one man she knows she can trust, her horse Caspian.

She has her work cut out for her working for the new family, running errands, cooking, cleaning, looking after the horses, admin for the farm but Cassie has never felt so settled.

She loves riding in the forest with the children and the horses and its somewhere she feels connected, she needs to know what the forest holds, there are shapes, flashing lights and someone living there.

This book had me gripped from the first page and I was really invested in the story. I was desperate to know more. I loved the surroundings, I love anything set in the country. It's my first Kate Ryder book and it wont be my last.
⭐⭐⭐⭐