Cover Image: Making Memories at the Cornish Cove

Making Memories at the Cornish Cove

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Member Reviews

When I was thinking about how to start this review, I contemplated saying something along the lines of my destination not being as exotic as some of my recent reads which were set in Greece and Italy, but that probably isn't really fair. I mean, if I got offered a trip to Cornwall I wouldn't really say no!


This is the third book in the Cornish Cove series and this book stars Lydia, who is the mother of Meredith (aka Mere), the main character in the second book. Lydia has moved to Driftwood Bay from America after her fifth marriage failed. However, Lydia has spent quite a bit of time working on herself and so finally finds herself settled in the town and building on her relationship with her daughter.

She enjoys her routine in town, which includes yoga on the beach and spending time with her neighbour and other friends including Martin, who Mere's partner's father. What she knows is that she has no intention of getting romantically involved with anyone - five husbands is more than enough for her, thank you very much!

When she receives a box from her ex-husbands house in America, her memories of her younger life come flooding back. A life where dance was important but one she gave up when her life was turned upside down.

Parts of this book are like a mix between a show like Strictly Come Dancing and The Repair Shop.When Martin asks Lydia to be his partner in a dance competition, her competitive streak is revealed. Soon Martin and Lydia are spending time together practicing their dancing. They also work together in comfortable companionship as they repair several beloved items in Martin's workshop which is a converted church. We love the TV Show The Repair Shop so this part of the book was a real pleasure.

This book was interesting to me in some ways. One of the things that I really related to in the last book was the difficult relationship between Mere and her mother. This book is all about the repaired relationship between the two. Whilst there clearly still room for growth, great strides have been made in their relationship. It's not something I see happening in my own life really.

Once again, I have enjoyed my time in Driftwood Bay, and will read the next book from Kim Nash whenever it becomes available!!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews and British Isles Friday hosted at Joy's Book Blog

Thank you to the publisher, Rachel Random's Resources and Netgalley for the review copy. Be sure to check out other reviews on the blog tour at the stops below.

Rating 4/5

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The third book in the Cornish Cove series is Lydia's story, and this one is full of laughter and love with a few poignant moments, too. Lydia has moved to the cove to spend time with her daughter. They had a complicated relationship in Meredith's earlier life, and now, in her seventies, she wants to atone. Lydia faces some health issues in this story, which show her the value of family and friends. I enjoyed this uplifting tale with its relatable blend of happy and sad and the overriding message that there is always the chance for another adventure. I like the characters, the sense of community and the celebration of life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

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This is the third book in the wonderful and uplifting Cornish Bay series and again it’s an absolute pleasure to be back in Driftwood bay and get reacquainted with all the fabulous characters. I just adore this series and this one is no exception. I loved reading about Lydia’s story and how happy she is with life and doesn’t let age or anything get in her way. There was one quite emotional part in the book but for the most part it was full of humour and had me laughing out loud at times. I adored Viv, she really had me in tears of laughter with her sayings and way with words. When I came to the end of the book I actually felt quite sad to be leaving who I now consider to be friends and I hope we will be meeting up again in another of Ms Nash’s books. Before I finish this review I just want to say how beautiful the dedication was at the start of the book.

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Making Memories at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever.

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor.

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too...

My Opinion

Kim Nash is back with another delightful book set in Driftwood Bay. I have missed a book in this series but I was able to follow along with ease. This was a wonderful tale of friendship, family and community and it was such a heart-warming read. For me this was such an easy book to read, it had a great plot and some amazing characters - I mostly read this in short sittings and it was just so easy to dip in and out of. With some familiar characters from the earlier books returning to Driftwood is like coming to visit old friends.

Rating 4/5

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Just sometimes, a book turns out to be everything you could possibly want it to be. The author’s writing, the characters she creates, the settings, the way she makes you feel – they’ve always made me love her books, but this one was something particularly special.

When Lydia, Meredith’s mother, first arrived in Driftwood Bay, she was a rather less than sympathetic character with a fractured relationship with her daughter – but she was ready to stay around and work on making amends for the selfishness of her past, and they’re very slowly achieving that mother-daughter closeness they’d both rather like. With five marriages behind her, Lydia is now in her seventies and determined not to fade into old age. She’s happier than she’s ever been, fiercely independent and self-sufficient (which can bring problems at times) – but she understands the importance of friendship and support, with the lovely Celia living next door (until she decides to spread her wings with an extended holiday, to be replaced by her sister Dianne – insisting on her two n’s, and just perhaps not quite as lovely…) and Martin (the father of Meredith’s partner Clem, still getting over the loss of his wife) always around for her to share thoughts and concerns. When a parcel arrives, a box found by her last husband when clearing the attic, it brings back so many memories, including the pleasure she used to find in dancing – and a forthcoming competition (with Martin as a rather less than accomplished partner) will provide the opportunity to get her dancing shoes out again.

But the book focuses on the wider community too – Gemma and her now thriving seafront cafe, her sister Lucy with her new baby, Meredith’s struggles with the change of life (and its impact on her relationship with Clem – and his reaction to it all, that only made me love him more than I already did…), and local character Vi who is giving all the signs of struggling a little. Every single character is quite wonderfully drawn and entirely real, however peripheral to the story – and the bonds and ties between them quite perfectly captured. But I had a particular affinity with Lydia – she was so very easy to identify with (ok, other than the five husbands…), her voice clear, authentic and consistent, her thoughts and fears very recognisable and with real resonance to any reader of a similar age. Oh, if only I had a Martin though – through sharing her early morning yoga on the beach, the preparations for the dance competition, and working alongside him at the “repair shop” he’s set up in the local church, their friendship slowly deepens and I absolutely loved every moment.

The author’s emotional touch is absolutely perfect – there’s plenty of lightness and humour but this was a book that really made me feel, written from the heart, with people I really grew to care about. And yes, there were moments that brought a tear to my eye too – especially, but certainly not exclusively, where the mother-daughter relationship was the focus. With the warmth that radiates from its pages, the fresh starts and second chances that were so moving and believable, and the individuals who became my closest friends, this was a book that I entirely loved – read it as a standalone, or as part of the lovely series, but it’s a book I really can’t recommend enough.

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Some authors write books that have the ability to envelop you like a hug. Kim Nash, with authentic characters and touching plots, often manages this, and, without question, Making Memories at the Cornish Cove continues her streak.

In her third standalone book in the Cornish Cove series, Nash returns to the nearly perfect Driftwood Bay community, this time focused on Lydia, a five-times married septuagenarian who hopes of strengthening the bond between her and her daughter, Meredith. Nash revels in Lydia's voice, revealing a somewhat cheeky, though always considerate, woman who's still beating herself up over past choices. This results in several incredibly tender moments as Lydia attempts to navigate instances bitten by regrets while also discovering just what she wants in life. Though that's not at all to suggest this book is without fun—Nash's practically trademarked sense of humor is on full display, and Lydia, along with her cadre of friends and neighbors, are quick to offer genuine laughs.

It also helps that the plot moves along at a clip. While the mother-daughter relationship is always at least peaking out from the backburner, Lydia finds herself helping an aged friend with a big secret, repairing toys alongside her new and handsome neighbor, Martin, and even managing a sudden health scare. The bulk of the action, though, rests on the desire to relive her former dancer days, eventually roping Martin into entering a competition as her partner. Lydia's desire to do something for herself and attacking it with such passion is one of the biggest highlights of the book—though Nash certainly doesn't make it easy for her.

Above all, Making Memories at the Cornish Cove serves as an uplifting portrait of making the most out of a new chapter in your life. As Lydia gets tossed around in a world that won't seem to slow down, it's impossible not to cheer her on as she dances to her own beat. It's an utterly heartwarming read.

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Lydia lived in America most of her life and recently moved to Driftwood Bay. She wants to establish a relationship with her daughter Meredith, but that is easier said than done. Lydia and Meredith’s relationship understandably takes some time to flourish. Much time has been lost over the years past and it isn’t easy for them to turn back the hands of time.

Lydia not only wants her relationship with Meredith to grow, but the unexpected happens. Lydia has been divorced several times and she never expected to find love once again. Lydia meets Martin, who happens to be Meredith’s soon to be father in law. Not only does the relationship between Lydia and Meredith mend and grow but so does the friendship of Lydia and Martin.

This lovely story of family, friendship, reconciliation and new beginnings was an absolute delight. Driftwood Bay is a wonderful place to visit, very picturesque and full of amazing people. Life there seems so peaceful and it was an absolute joy to return there. I truly enjoyed all the wonderful characters in this story, however, my favorite was definitely Lydia. Author Kim Nash will draw you in to the story at the very first page and will not let you go. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that hits all the feels, with a delightful ending, this is the book for you. This book is an amazing addition to the Cornish Cove series. I loved it and I know you will too.

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Yet another great book by Kim continuing the Cornish Cove series. Beautifully written book with lovely, friendly characters and setting. This one ticks all the boxes for me and didn't disappoint.

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Returning to Driftwood Bay this time the story is centred around Lydia, Meredith's mother, who has moved there to be near her daughter. To be honest anything set in Cornwall will grab my attention, and I also love stories set in small communities, but this isn't the only reason that I loved this book. Having the main character at a similar age to myself helps me with an insight into them, although there is a wide range of ages in the story, so you don't have to feel left out if you're younger. It is actually quite a deep book, showing how communication is so important in relationships, without being too heavy. There is a lot of dancing involved, something I know absolutely nothing about, but there is also a thread that anyone who has watched The Repair Shop can relate to. I'm really enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

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I'm very happy when I read story about women like Lydia who live at full, paid the price and still want more from life.
A heartwarming and life affirming story about and old/young bad girl who might have found something more
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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This book is the third book in the Driftwood Bay series. It can be read as a standalone novel but it is more enjoyable when it is read as part of the series.
I love the setting of Driftwood Bay, it sounds so idyllic and I love the sense of community and friendship.
This book mainly focuses on characters who we have met in the previous books. The older characters are featured more in this book, and the issues that are faced as we age.
There is still fun, forgiveness heartwarming moments in this book though. I really enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

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I have honestly loved each of the books in Kim’s Cornish Cove series and think that this one may very well be my favourite. Each of her books feature a range of ages, but this one focused on more mature characters for the central themes.
We first met Lydia in the first book in the series, when her estranged daughter moved to Cornish Cove having bought a lighthouse while scrolling through house listings accompanied by a few too many glasses of wine. Their relationship has slowly limped to the current status, which sees a glimmer of hope for a permanent ceasefire between mother and daughter.
A box from the loft of her former home triggers memories and a determination to take control of her future and includes a couple of moments when I actually howled with laughter. We soon learn that in her youth, Lydia was an accomplished dancer, and we get to follow the series of events that ensue when Lydia discovers an old dance dress and the matching shoes from her former life.
This is definitely an ensemble story with many familiar faces reappearing as the story unfolds. I think my favourite characters, beside getting to know Lydia, were definitely Vi and newcomer Dianne (with two n’s). They brought a breath of fresh air and some truly lovely doses of comedy. A special mention has to made to the gorgeous, platonic friendship that forms between Lydia and Martin. Martin operates a repair shop that is now based in the former church, and he finds his life interwoven with Lydia’s as they discover how deeply their connection is rooted.
There’s a lot packed into this delightful book from health scares, both physical and mental, for a few members of the community, to life-changing decisions and second-chance opportunities. Despite that, I never felt overwhelmed and instinctively knew that Kim would guide the story with a skilled hand.
This series is incredibly special, and I cannot recommend it enough.

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Making Memories at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash and is the third book in the brilliant Cornish Cove series and it was another beautiful book from start to finish.
All of Kims books I have read especially this series has been written from the heart and this one was no different. This book was a beautiful, heart warming story that will take your mind to a better place especially if it is raining outside.
Once I opened this book on my kindle and started to read Making Memories at the Cornish Cove I wanted to be there, sitting at a little tea room eating Scones and cream with a pot of tea reading this book......and become apart of this story. This is why I love Kim's books.......

I loved it especially as it is a "down to earth book" and I highly recommend it.

A great holiday read and a welcome trip back to this part of the UK.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially Boldworld books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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What another fabulous book in the Cornish Cove series this one is. Returning to some of the characters to catch up with things going on in their lives as well as learning more about them and newer characters is great.

This one focuses on Lydia, she is Meredith's mum and they have reconnected after many years. There is a past that gradually emerges and it is a chance for pasts to be dealt with. Lydia is enjoying being in her 70s and she is a very capable lady who does not feel old and has plenty of things to look forward to. She is given the chance for some new opportunities and a chance to do something she thought she never would. She has been married before and she is deciding if she needs a relationship or if she is happy in her own company. Living in this community of Driftwood is a way of finding herself if you like.

Along with Lydia and Meredith, we have Clem and his Dad Martin, a new neighbour and the vocal and wonderful Vi. Everyone needs a Vi in their lives, and they probably know someone similar... I am saying nothing about who she occasionally reminds me of! I think this is wonderful about this author's characters, they feel familiar and that is not just through reading the books in order, but that they do remind you of people you already know in everyday life. I think this is what makes this series so good and for me, it means the balance is right.

With new starts and fresh opportunities, things are going well, but there are some more serious aspects that the author brings in. This does leave a cloud over things and these are dealt with as any of us do in reality. We dwell and overthink and wonder about the what-ifs. Don't think this means the book is down and moody because it never is, the author knows her characters too well to let them suffer in silence. They do live in a close-knit community after all.

There are some wonderful heartwarming moments in this book and I will admit to a tear or two at some scenes. This is a fabulous book and would work as a stand-alone, but reading in order helps with the continuing stories of what are becoming regulars. One for fans of heartwarming contemporary fiction and romance, with some very humorous moments and great characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

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I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful, heartwarming book. I enjoyed it a lot!

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Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved being back in Driftwood Bay.

The story is mainly about Lydia, who is Meredith’s Mum, and she wants to make up for lost time, as well as to rebuild their relationship.

She’s been married five times, and now she wants to do some self exploration.

I loved that the community is always there to help others in need. It was nice to meet the characters from previous books, and catch up to see what’s happening in their lives.

There was some sensitive topics covered in the story.

Reading this book, tells you to never give up your dreams.

I recommend this book.

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"Making Memories at the Cornish Cove" by Kim Nash. What can I say other than I enjoyed it and read over a couple days. Who doesn’t want to escape to a small village by the sea...

The setting of a tiny village called Driftwood Bay sounded breathtaking, I could picture it especially as I have visited small villages along the coast of England. It had everything you could want in a story love, family, community and second chances.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots like the dancing competition, the relationship with her daughter to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. It’s a great series, and I can’t wait to pick up Meredith’s story in the next book!

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Lovey read and gorgeous setting, great characters and very descriptive, couldn’t put it down til I obviously got to the end, loved it!

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I am a massive fan of Kim Nash’s books, especially her ‘Cornish Cove’ series which can be read as standalones too. I have just finished the third book ‘Making Memories at the Cornish Cove’

In this story we meet Meredith’s mother, Lydia. Meredith moved to Driftwood Bay a few years before and Lydia has moved to be closer to her. Lydia is also making connections of her own with Martin who is Meredith’s partner’s dad. Can Lydia make amends in Driftwood Bay?

I absolutely loved reading a book where the female main character is older, Lydia is 71 and is full of life experiences. I also loved being back to reading a familiar setting in Driftwood Bay. It sounds like an amazing place to live.

Although there is some romance in this book, what I enjoyed more was witnessing the relationship between Lydia and her daughter. I flew through this story and it was just such a tonic. A huge warm hug in a book and I for one loved it.

I honestly can’t wait to read more by Kim as she has a way of transporting you to a different world. This story is full of family, friendship and a bit of love to boot 💖

Thank you to Boldwood books for an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Wonderful series. I loved this book and the relationships between the characters. I may even have wiped a tear away at the end. I highly recommend this book and everything this Author writes. Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

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