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Magpie Cove #1
The House at Magpie Cove
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
251 pages, ebook
Published November 3, 2020
About the author
Kennedy Kerr
12 books50 followersKennedy Kerr is the author of the Lost Maidens Loch witch-themed cozy mystery series. She is from a Scottish family and adores the magic and mystery of Scotland and all the Celtic lands: cairns, misty mountains, stone circles and misty lochs are her particular favourite things. She is the proud owner of a cuddly black cat called Twinkle, who evidently believes she is a princess.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 5, 2020
Hope, heart and healing. This was a short but sweet story about second chances and secrets. Mara is unexpectedly kicked out of her house by Her lying cheating husband. Having recently inherited a beach home in Cornwall from her mother that she had no previous knowledge of; she decides heading there is the best option. Unfortunately it is not the beautiful beach house she was anticipating, the home is in tremendous disrepair. Fortunately handsome handyman Brian lives next-door who is willing to step in. Meanwhile in the process of fixing up the house Mara find some old letters. Old letters that reveal many things Mara never knew about her mother before. I really liked Mara and absolutely wanted things to work out for her. This small town of Magpie was absolutely charming with so many quirky colorful residence. The family secrets were intriguing I was curious how that was going to resolve itself. The romance really was the weakest part of the story for me. I really was not all that fond of Brian, especially at first, and I also sometimes like to see women find their happily ever after on their own. But then I guess it wouldn’t be a romance, would it? A lovely escapist story perfect for these turbulent times.
This book in emojis 👩👦👦 🏚 🏖 🛠
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis 👩👦👦 🏚 🏖 🛠
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
November 8, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
He gave the air of considering himself too important for something as fanciful as reading a novel or a play or a poem. Privately, Mara had always thought that anyone who didn’t like books was either boring or an idiot. Turns out, I was right.
Life’s always easier when you’ve got your hair done and a good pair of knickers on, in my experience.
Ugh. I am sick and tired of men, she thought. Maybe I can go and live on some kind of women’s commune where everybody is nice and eats cake and plants lovely vegetable gardens and we have monthly moon rituals and community sing-songs and I could train to be a medicine woman, and no one would ever be mean or unreasonable.
My Review:
This was an engaging, fairly quick, and entertaining read with relevant and relatable issues and knowable characters. There were several periods I wanted to give the main character of Mara a swift kick to dislodge her misplaced noggin from her colon and shake loose a few stagnate brain cells and some self-confidence in the process, but thankfully she saw the light before too much damage was done. The storylines were well constructed and smartly paced. I see this is only the author’s second book and I would never have guessed as the writing style was well developed with a smooth and inviting flow. Well done, Ms. Kerr, I am duly impressed.
He gave the air of considering himself too important for something as fanciful as reading a novel or a play or a poem. Privately, Mara had always thought that anyone who didn’t like books was either boring or an idiot. Turns out, I was right.
Life’s always easier when you’ve got your hair done and a good pair of knickers on, in my experience.
Ugh. I am sick and tired of men, she thought. Maybe I can go and live on some kind of women’s commune where everybody is nice and eats cake and plants lovely vegetable gardens and we have monthly moon rituals and community sing-songs and I could train to be a medicine woman, and no one would ever be mean or unreasonable.
My Review:
This was an engaging, fairly quick, and entertaining read with relevant and relatable issues and knowable characters. There were several periods I wanted to give the main character of Mara a swift kick to dislodge her misplaced noggin from her colon and shake loose a few stagnate brain cells and some self-confidence in the process, but thankfully she saw the light before too much damage was done. The storylines were well constructed and smartly paced. I see this is only the author’s second book and I would never have guessed as the writing style was well developed with a smooth and inviting flow. Well done, Ms. Kerr, I am duly impressed.
October 12, 2020
A delightful story about new beginnings and healing.
Mara is going through a separation from her cheating husband. She takes her 9-year-old twins to a beach house her mother left her after she recently died. She didn't anticipate that with the house came some unexpected people, secrets, and a charming man next door.
I like the writing and the pace of the story.
The characters are very relatable with situations they are in and how are they dealing with them.
It is a quick and easy read.
Why not a perfect score?
I was just missing more of an emotional connection with the storyline for it to leave a more permanent effect on me. I like it but don't love it.
However, I would recommend it, for all the readers looking for a perfect mixture of a book somewhere in between woman fiction and romance with mature characters.
* Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Mara is going through a separation from her cheating husband. She takes her 9-year-old twins to a beach house her mother left her after she recently died. She didn't anticipate that with the house came some unexpected people, secrets, and a charming man next door.
I like the writing and the pace of the story.
The characters are very relatable with situations they are in and how are they dealing with them.
It is a quick and easy read.
Why not a perfect score?
I was just missing more of an emotional connection with the storyline for it to leave a more permanent effect on me. I like it but don't love it.
However, I would recommend it, for all the readers looking for a perfect mixture of a book somewhere in between woman fiction and romance with mature characters.
* Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2020
Review coming soon.
January 8, 2021
Hope, healing, finding lost family and getting a second chance at love and living a life at one's own terms is what this book is all about. I loved the setting and description of the beach house at Magpie Cove and the fact that while the house gradually blooms from its initial derelict state, we simultaneously see Mara shedding her insecurities and blooming into a well assured, confident woman. I would have liked to know more about who the person was who had committed the atrocious crime against Mara's mother in this same beach house which turned it into a personal hell for her, making her move away and live such a difficult life. This aspect of the story was vague and I felt the nightmare Mara's mother lived through deserved a proper closure with the person responsible getting his due retribution, whether he was alive or dead.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kennedy Kerr for the e-Arc of the book and I apologise for sharing a late review.
The book was published on 3rd November 2020
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kennedy Kerr for the e-Arc of the book and I apologise for sharing a late review.
The book was published on 3rd November 2020
November 8, 2020
Secrets, we all keep them. But what if the one keeping them believes they are justified?
Fast paced, a roller coaster ride of emotions you'll never know quite what's going to happen next.
The book will keep you guessing!
Well developed characters really added to the balance of the story.
I can't wait to read more by this author!
Pub Date 03 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Fast paced, a roller coaster ride of emotions you'll never know quite what's going to happen next.
The book will keep you guessing!
Well developed characters really added to the balance of the story.
I can't wait to read more by this author!
Pub Date 03 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2020
Mara has recently lost her mother and her husband has told her to leave (he's been cheating on Mara). Mara leaves with their two children and goes to a house she has never seen, but has inherited from her mother - a house at Magpie Cove. The house isn't what she expected. It has a big hole in the roof and is generally in bad shape. She needs to get it in some kind of shape to sell so she and her children can afford some place to live.
The people of Magpie Cove are an interesting and welcoming bunch. In fact, I think I would love to live in a place like that. I enjoyed this short novel. It kept my attention and I liked the quirky characters in Magpie Cove. Also, the surfer guy was dreamy!
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
The people of Magpie Cove are an interesting and welcoming bunch. In fact, I think I would love to live in a place like that. I enjoyed this short novel. It kept my attention and I liked the quirky characters in Magpie Cove. Also, the surfer guy was dreamy!
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
March 18, 2022
DNF'ed
I rarely do this but I'm going to rip this book apart.
This story had such potential. Mara our MC begins the book separated from Gideon her cheating husband. She has twins and has just discovered her mother who recently passed owned a house in Magpie Cove that she didn't know existed. Shortly after arriving at this dilapidated house, she meets Brian who is the surfing instructor/repairman that will be her love interest. Then discovers she has a younger brother that her mother gave away at birth. In the middle of this, she finds herself trying to repair and house she isn't living in, working at a cafe, and struggling against her attraction to Brian.
Here's where things go wrong for me. First Mara acts like a modern-day woman on one page and then on the next she's an old fashion nilly who doesn't know what to do next. She doesn't know she should get a solicitor (attorney) for her upcoming divorce but knows how to track her brother down. She doesn't know how to work but she knows how to help her brother become a stronger person. She doesn't want to be attracted to Brian, is insulting toward him, but she signs a contract for half the sales of her house with him for his completion of the repairs. Mara annoyed me to no end.
Then there is the total lack of depth of Brian. Brian is dating someone through most of this book but is attracted to Mara from the beginning and while yes he admits that it's not serious between them, this author barely gives him any story. After all these years of being a bachelor with light relationships with younger women, he is suddenly in love with Mara and ready to do anything to help her, oh and the girlfriend, Mara isn't supposed to worry about her as it's over when they jump into bed together, but at no point do you know anything about it.
Then as soon as they do sleep together Mara's ex wants her back and she's like oh but I have children with him so I must go back to him right??? YUCK!!!!!!
I DNF'ed it right about there, I skimmed the rest of the book and know finally about the mom's diary and why she gave the brother up, and I know she ends up with Brain, but the story lacked chemistry, character development, and depth.
I saw others rave about this book and the story had such potential but if people think this is a great romance book, they are reading the wrong kinda romance. Sorry, this book was just bad. I promised myself a few years ago I would not finish books I was this unhappy with and I am keeping this promise.
I rarely do this but I'm going to rip this book apart.
This story had such potential. Mara our MC begins the book separated from Gideon her cheating husband. She has twins and has just discovered her mother who recently passed owned a house in Magpie Cove that she didn't know existed. Shortly after arriving at this dilapidated house, she meets Brian who is the surfing instructor/repairman that will be her love interest. Then discovers she has a younger brother that her mother gave away at birth. In the middle of this, she finds herself trying to repair and house she isn't living in, working at a cafe, and struggling against her attraction to Brian.
Here's where things go wrong for me. First Mara acts like a modern-day woman on one page and then on the next she's an old fashion nilly who doesn't know what to do next. She doesn't know she should get a solicitor (attorney) for her upcoming divorce but knows how to track her brother down. She doesn't know how to work but she knows how to help her brother become a stronger person. She doesn't want to be attracted to Brian, is insulting toward him, but she signs a contract for half the sales of her house with him for his completion of the repairs. Mara annoyed me to no end.
Then there is the total lack of depth of Brian. Brian is dating someone through most of this book but is attracted to Mara from the beginning and while yes he admits that it's not serious between them, this author barely gives him any story. After all these years of being a bachelor with light relationships with younger women, he is suddenly in love with Mara and ready to do anything to help her, oh and the girlfriend, Mara isn't supposed to worry about her as it's over when they jump into bed together, but at no point do you know anything about it.
Then as soon as they do sleep together Mara's ex wants her back and she's like oh but I have children with him so I must go back to him right??? YUCK!!!!!!
I DNF'ed it right about there, I skimmed the rest of the book and know finally about the mom's diary and why she gave the brother up, and I know she ends up with Brain, but the story lacked chemistry, character development, and depth.
I saw others rave about this book and the story had such potential but if people think this is a great romance book, they are reading the wrong kinda romance. Sorry, this book was just bad. I promised myself a few years ago I would not finish books I was this unhappy with and I am keeping this promise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t wait to pick it up again if I had to put it down.
It’s a typical heartwarming girly book which I enjoyed for a comfortable relaxed read.
It’s a typical heartwarming girly book which I enjoyed for a comfortable relaxed read.
November 22, 2020
"The House at Magpie Cove" by Kennedy Kerr. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and reading a Romance this time, instead of a mystery. What can I say other than I loved it and read in 3 hours. I’m adding author to my favourites list and will definitely check out her other books.
I have always been drawn to books set in the UK since a child, I think it comes from my parents being British. I visited Cornwall 4 years ago and the way this is written I was transported back and could picture it in full colour. The author was good at describing the every day life in a Cornish town, as well as taking me on an emotional journey.
I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were lots of twists and turns and multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. It's the story of a woman who finds herself while picking up the pieces after her mums death, family secrets , friendship and love.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Bookouture and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have always been drawn to books set in the UK since a child, I think it comes from my parents being British. I visited Cornwall 4 years ago and the way this is written I was transported back and could picture it in full colour. The author was good at describing the every day life in a Cornish town, as well as taking me on an emotional journey.
I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were lots of twists and turns and multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. It's the story of a woman who finds herself while picking up the pieces after her mums death, family secrets , friendship and love.
I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Bookouture and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2021
It was the idea of inheriting a house on a Cornish beach that first attracted me to this novel. Settings in Cornwall will always push my buttons and it is no secret that I love being near the sea.
Though not my usual genre of choice, romantic fiction does hold a place in my heart. "The House at Magpie Cove" is essentially a romance, but it has many elements of women's fiction as well. It covered subjects like parental responsibility, independence, and guilt.
Yes, I knew how it would end at about the 30% mark, yet.... I didn't care. I was there for the ride, and an enjoyable ride it was. Predictable yes, but sometimes that is exactly what you are in the mood for. The characters were very well rendered and the setting was sublime.
Highly recommended to those who appreciate a well-balanced blend of women's fiction and romance.
Though not my usual genre of choice, romantic fiction does hold a place in my heart. "The House at Magpie Cove" is essentially a romance, but it has many elements of women's fiction as well. It covered subjects like parental responsibility, independence, and guilt.
Yes, I knew how it would end at about the 30% mark, yet.... I didn't care. I was there for the ride, and an enjoyable ride it was. Predictable yes, but sometimes that is exactly what you are in the mood for. The characters were very well rendered and the setting was sublime.
Highly recommended to those who appreciate a well-balanced blend of women's fiction and romance.
July 31, 2023
I am kind of surprised this book is rated so high. I found it because I was looking for books that were similar to Maeve Binchy - and this was recommended. It did not really meet the mark. The story was fine but sappy and predictable at times. And a lot of it just didn’t make sense - that people would act the way the characters act from time to time. It was all a bit too good to be true. I did buy another book by this author so I’ll see if that one sparks my interest more. This one was just okay.
August 3, 2023
I wanted to like this book because 1) Cornwall 2) Beach house, but... I couldn't warm to Mara. The writing came across as unnatural. And, while I love the story, Mara's obsession with Annie Taylor (the first woman to go over Niagara Falls -- one of my fav badass women)... got really repetitive really quickly.
Plus, Mara using Brian Oakley's full name constantly was annoying. And their romance was too slow burn.
Did not like the "divorced woman must become a children's book author" trope. I swear I'd like one woman in a romance novel to become a plumber.
BUT what really got my goat was: (SPOILERS!)
Weak ass Mara goes back to her cheating husband "for the kids" and I hated, hated, hated that. This book was far too long and that part really irritated me.
Mara knew it was a bad idea and yet... ugh.
I won't go on with the series because the second book kills off my fav character.
Plus, Mara using Brian Oakley's full name constantly was annoying. And their romance was too slow burn.
Did not like the "divorced woman must become a children's book author" trope. I swear I'd like one woman in a romance novel to become a plumber.
BUT what really got my goat was: (SPOILERS!)
Weak ass Mara goes back to her cheating husband "for the kids" and I hated, hated, hated that. This book was far too long and that part really irritated me.
Mara knew it was a bad idea and yet... ugh.
I won't go on with the series because the second book kills off my fav character.
November 6, 2020
The House at Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr is a wonderful story, romance and my first book by this author. I really enjoyed this book, and visualized myself enjoying the beach. This book was easy to read and perfect for an escape from hot weather, snow or the pandemic. Mara inherits a rundown beach home from her mother, even though she knew nothing about it. There are secrets to uncover, both about her mother and herself. I will be reading more books by this author. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 19, 2020
Author: Kennedy Kerr
Book: The House at Magpie Cove
Publication Day: 03/11/20
Description:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
A story of secrets, family and forgiveness, this heartfelt read set in beautiful Cornwall is perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Fern Britton and Rosanna Ley.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The House At Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 31 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising places mentioned in this novel.
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Mara. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
What an absolutely beautiful and perfect read, even better if it was summer!! This would be the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the house on Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Abby's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Mara developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. Gidoen is just a typical womaniser who I could not stand!!! I loved Brian and thought he was just a great guy. Again, it was lovely watching his personality and attitude change throughout the book. Serafina was amazing and another strong woman, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I will definitely miss this gang!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Cage and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
242 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio:
Kennedy Kerr is the author of A Spell of Murder, a witch themed cozy mystery, and The House at Magpie Cove (November 2020) and The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). She adores beaches, lochs and magical places, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kennedykerra...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F5HTNGXSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/4dGc50AS9Z6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/obE750AS9Vr
Google: http://ow.ly/8wBT50ASa2g
Merged review:
Author: Kennedy Kerr
Book: The House at Magpie Cove
Publication Day: 03/11/20
Description:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
A story of secrets, family and forgiveness, this heartfelt read set in beautiful Cornwall is perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Fern Britton and Rosanna Ley.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The House At Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 31 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising places mentioned in this novel.
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Mara. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
What an absolutely beautiful and perfect read, even better if it was summer!! This would be the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the house on Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Abby's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Mara developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. Gidoen is just a typical womaniser who I could not stand!!! I loved Brian and thought he was just a great guy. Again, it was lovely watching his personality and attitude change throughout the book. Serafina was amazing and another strong woman, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I will definitely miss this gang!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Cage and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
242 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHouseAtMagpieCove #Bookouture #KennedyKerr #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KennedyKerr @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Kennedy Kerr is the author of A Spell of Murder, a witch themed cozy mystery, and The House at Magpie Cove (November 2020) and The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). She adores beaches, lochs and magical places, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kennedykerra...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F5HTNGXSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/4dGc50AS9Z6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/obE750AS9Vr
Google: http://ow.ly/8wBT50ASa2g
Book: The House at Magpie Cove
Publication Day: 03/11/20
Description:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
A story of secrets, family and forgiveness, this heartfelt read set in beautiful Cornwall is perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Fern Britton and Rosanna Ley.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The House At Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 31 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising places mentioned in this novel.
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Mara. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
What an absolutely beautiful and perfect read, even better if it was summer!! This would be the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the house on Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Abby's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Mara developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. Gidoen is just a typical womaniser who I could not stand!!! I loved Brian and thought he was just a great guy. Again, it was lovely watching his personality and attitude change throughout the book. Serafina was amazing and another strong woman, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I will definitely miss this gang!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Cage and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
242 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHouseAtMagpieCove #Bookouture #KennedyKerr #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KennedyKerr @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Kennedy Kerr is the author of A Spell of Murder, a witch themed cozy mystery, and The House at Magpie Cove (November 2020) and The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). She adores beaches, lochs and magical places, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kennedykerra...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F5HTNGXSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/4dGc50AS9Z6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/obE750AS9Vr
Google: http://ow.ly/8wBT50ASa2g
Merged review:
Author: Kennedy Kerr
Book: The House at Magpie Cove
Publication Day: 03/11/20
Description:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
A story of secrets, family and forgiveness, this heartfelt read set in beautiful Cornwall is perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Fern Britton and Rosanna Ley.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The House At Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 31 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising places mentioned in this novel.
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Mara. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
What an absolutely beautiful and perfect read, even better if it was summer!! This would be the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the house on Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Abby's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Mara developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. Gidoen is just a typical womaniser who I could not stand!!! I loved Brian and thought he was just a great guy. Again, it was lovely watching his personality and attitude change throughout the book. Serafina was amazing and another strong woman, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I will definitely miss this gang!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Cage and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
242 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHouseAtMagpieCove #Bookouture #KennedyKerr #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KennedyKerr @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Kennedy Kerr is the author of A Spell of Murder, a witch themed cozy mystery, and The House at Magpie Cove (November 2020) and The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). She adores beaches, lochs and magical places, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kennedykerra...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F5HTNGXSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/4dGc50AS9Z6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/obE750AS9Vr
Google: http://ow.ly/8wBT50ASa2g
January 8, 2021
Stunned with the dissolution of her marriage and her husband’s infidelity and apparent dismissal of her and her nine-year-old twins, Mara decides to head for her previously unknown family home in Magpie Cove on the Cornish coast. The death of her mother left her with many questions: primary being why she had never heard of the house or the connection to the little village.
Arriving with two confused children to a decrepit house in major need of repair, Mara isn’t thrilled: but deals with the hand dealt. From meeting several locals to the unexpected and frequent visits from Brian, a local surfer cum handyman, she’s starting to make some small dents in the huge list needed to make the house a home, while still dealing with questions from the children about their father and her own insecurities and doubts about her own self.
The story is the perfect escape from the everyday – with scenery to imagine, wondering just what secrets Mara will yet discover about her own mother’s life that she didn’t know, and if any of those secrets could change her future or her perceptions of herself and her family. While I wasn’t always able to read yet another of Mara’s frequent bouts of self-doubt without wanting to shake her firmly, the story felt plausible, even if I couldn’t connect to the ‘find a man and change your life’ attitude that Mara seemed to accept willingly, even as I didn’t feel the connection. Not perfect, but perhaps grabbing at a new chance to truly change things, Kerr has created a place and a person that many will relate to and enjoy.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Arriving with two confused children to a decrepit house in major need of repair, Mara isn’t thrilled: but deals with the hand dealt. From meeting several locals to the unexpected and frequent visits from Brian, a local surfer cum handyman, she’s starting to make some small dents in the huge list needed to make the house a home, while still dealing with questions from the children about their father and her own insecurities and doubts about her own self.
The story is the perfect escape from the everyday – with scenery to imagine, wondering just what secrets Mara will yet discover about her own mother’s life that she didn’t know, and if any of those secrets could change her future or her perceptions of herself and her family. While I wasn’t always able to read yet another of Mara’s frequent bouts of self-doubt without wanting to shake her firmly, the story felt plausible, even if I couldn’t connect to the ‘find a man and change your life’ attitude that Mara seemed to accept willingly, even as I didn’t feel the connection. Not perfect, but perhaps grabbing at a new chance to truly change things, Kerr has created a place and a person that many will relate to and enjoy.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
October 19, 2023
Mara is going through a separation from her cheating husband. She takes her 9-year-old twins to a beach house her mother left her after she recently died. She didn't even know about the beach house and it was in awful condition. But she met a cute handyman who said he would fix the house.
April 22, 2023
Nice, easy read
April 16, 2023
I liked this book, nothing to blow the socks off but it’s an easy read with a happy ending.
October 23, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Kennedy Kerr for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
When Mara Hughes’ mother loses her battle to cancer, Mara learns she has inherited a secret property in Magpie Cove. When her husband ends their marriage and kicks her out of the house that same week, she takes her children to the beach house. She’s hoping to sell the house and use the money to get her and the kids settled. What she finds instead, is a run down house with a hole in the roof, rotting wood and in need of more work than she could ever do herself. Enter hot local handyman Brian Oakley. Brian’s relationship is complicated and Mara is sure he's just another pig. When Mara opens a box full of letters her mother left her, she discovers she had a younger brother. She sends a letter hoping to reconnect and instead is melt with anger and hostility. As she reads the letters more of her mother’s secrets come out and suddenly everything Mara thought she knew may be no longer. As Brian and Mara get closer and their chemistry becomes undeniable, Mara’s husband decides he’s changed his mind and she is left with a big decision.
The House at Magpie Cove was a quick and easy read that was easy to get swept up into. I’ll be honest, there wasn’t much that wasn’t predictable except for Brian’s story. This book touched on male infertility and that’s a topic I honestly don’t think I’ve read about? I, myself, have PCOS and infertility is a big topic in my life so I was interested in the male point of view! I’ll admit, around 55% I really didn’t like Brian. I thought he was sleazy and that while he was kind, Mara could and should do so much better. And then when her ex came back into the picture? Geez I wanted to shake them all. Of course that’s not the end or this would’ve started much different! There were a few different plots throughout and by the end of the book things really came together and wrapped up nicely.
When Mara Hughes’ mother loses her battle to cancer, Mara learns she has inherited a secret property in Magpie Cove. When her husband ends their marriage and kicks her out of the house that same week, she takes her children to the beach house. She’s hoping to sell the house and use the money to get her and the kids settled. What she finds instead, is a run down house with a hole in the roof, rotting wood and in need of more work than she could ever do herself. Enter hot local handyman Brian Oakley. Brian’s relationship is complicated and Mara is sure he's just another pig. When Mara opens a box full of letters her mother left her, she discovers she had a younger brother. She sends a letter hoping to reconnect and instead is melt with anger and hostility. As she reads the letters more of her mother’s secrets come out and suddenly everything Mara thought she knew may be no longer. As Brian and Mara get closer and their chemistry becomes undeniable, Mara’s husband decides he’s changed his mind and she is left with a big decision.
The House at Magpie Cove was a quick and easy read that was easy to get swept up into. I’ll be honest, there wasn’t much that wasn’t predictable except for Brian’s story. This book touched on male infertility and that’s a topic I honestly don’t think I’ve read about? I, myself, have PCOS and infertility is a big topic in my life so I was interested in the male point of view! I’ll admit, around 55% I really didn’t like Brian. I thought he was sleazy and that while he was kind, Mara could and should do so much better. And then when her ex came back into the picture? Geez I wanted to shake them all. Of course that’s not the end or this would’ve started much different! There were a few different plots throughout and by the end of the book things really came together and wrapped up nicely.
November 6, 2020
This book by
Kennedy Kerr
is all about new beginnings, hope and healing.
The House at Magpie Cove was jam-packed with heartfelt moments and doses of reality. Mara Hughes inherits her late mother, Abby’s tumbledown beach house but it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Her marriage is dead in the water and her husband, Gideon is threatening to take the beach house, her family home, along with all the memories it holds. Mara intends to spend a few days there - just long enough to sell it and move on to rebuilding her life, but when she arrives in Magpie Cove, she realises there is more work needed than she had anticipated so she enlists the help of local handyman Brian Oakley to save the dilapidated cottage from ruin. It represents a link to her late mum and she is determined to keep it within the family, but then she finds some letters and makes a shocking discovery...
In narrative containing several different threads, Kennedy Kerr does a superb job portraying the lovely setting, as I found myself transported to Magpie Cove. The community there were so welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of both Mara and Brian. There were some extremely moving aspects to The House at Magpie Cove as well as the more lighthearted moments.
Kennedy Kerr's writing was heartfelt and realistic, making this novel a rewarding reading experience and I was really impressed by her. The House at Magpie Cove is my first book by this immensely talented author and I will be keeping an eye out for The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). A captivating and emotional read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The House at Magpie Cove was jam-packed with heartfelt moments and doses of reality. Mara Hughes inherits her late mother, Abby’s tumbledown beach house but it couldn't have happened at a worse time. Her marriage is dead in the water and her husband, Gideon is threatening to take the beach house, her family home, along with all the memories it holds. Mara intends to spend a few days there - just long enough to sell it and move on to rebuilding her life, but when she arrives in Magpie Cove, she realises there is more work needed than she had anticipated so she enlists the help of local handyman Brian Oakley to save the dilapidated cottage from ruin. It represents a link to her late mum and she is determined to keep it within the family, but then she finds some letters and makes a shocking discovery...
In narrative containing several different threads, Kennedy Kerr does a superb job portraying the lovely setting, as I found myself transported to Magpie Cove. The community there were so welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of both Mara and Brian. There were some extremely moving aspects to The House at Magpie Cove as well as the more lighthearted moments.
Kennedy Kerr's writing was heartfelt and realistic, making this novel a rewarding reading experience and I was really impressed by her. The House at Magpie Cove is my first book by this immensely talented author and I will be keeping an eye out for The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). A captivating and emotional read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 18, 2020
Author: Kennedy Kerr
Book: The House at Magpie Cove
Publication Day: 03/11/20
Description:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
A story of secrets, family and forgiveness, this heartfelt read set in beautiful Cornwall is perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Fern Britton and Rosanna Ley.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The House At Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 31 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising places mentioned in this novel.
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Mara. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
What an absolutely beautiful and perfect read, even better if it was summer!! This would be the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the house on Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Abby's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Mara developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. Gidoen is just a typical womaniser who I could not stand!!! I loved Brian and thought he was just a great guy. Again, it was lovely watching his personality and attitude change throughout the book. Serafina was amazing and another strong woman, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I will definitely miss this gang!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Cage and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
242 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheHouseAtMagpieCove #Bookouture #KennedyKerr #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KennedyKerr @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Kennedy Kerr is the author of A Spell of Murder, a witch themed cozy mystery, and The House at Magpie Cove (November 2020) and The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). She adores beaches, lochs and magical places, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kennedykerra...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F5HTNGXSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/4dGc50AS9Z6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/obE750AS9Vr
Google: http://ow.ly/8wBT50ASa2g
Book: The House at Magpie Cove
Publication Day: 03/11/20
Description:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
A story of secrets, family and forgiveness, this heartfelt read set in beautiful Cornwall is perfect for fans of Susanne O'Leary, Fern Britton and Rosanna Ley.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The House At Magpie Cove' by Kennedy Kerr.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis. I wanted something different to my usual psychological thrillers and this caught my eye. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 31 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK 🇬🇧 . I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited Cornwall on many occasions so am looking forward to possibly recognising places mentioned in this novel.
This book is written in third person perspective and one of the main protagonists is Mara. I enjoy books written in third person with several protagonists as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
What an absolutely beautiful and perfect read, even better if it was summer!! This would be the ideal beach read where you could sit there and turn around and just imagine the house on Magpie cove. The book is very well written with beautiful descriptions that completely drew me in. The synopsis and the cover match the storyline perfectly!!
The storyline itself completely swept me away. It is filled with love, friendship, loss and drama. It kept me turning the pages late at night. I really enjoyed having the insights into Abby's life and seeing what brought all the pieces together. This book would make a beautiful movie!!
I was completely invested in the characters we were all absolutely fantastic with their own individual personalities and quirks. I loved watching how Mara developed and went from strength to strength. It is fantastic to read about strong females who make their own way in lives and she definitely made the right decisions. Gidoen is just a typical womaniser who I could not stand!!! I loved Brian and thought he was just a great guy. Again, it was lovely watching his personality and attitude change throughout the book. Serafina was amazing and another strong woman, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and take no crud attitude!!! I will definitely miss this gang!!
Overall a perfect beach read with a great gang of characters!! Pick this up and kept swept away at Magpie Cove.
Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Nicholas Cage and any lovers of a book that you can float away with at the beach!!!
242 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio:
Kennedy Kerr is the author of A Spell of Murder, a witch themed cozy mystery, and The House at Magpie Cove (November 2020) and The Café at Magpie Cove (coming in 2021). She adores beaches, lochs and magical places, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.
Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kennedykerra...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08F5HTNGXSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/4dGc50AS9Z6
Kobo: http://ow.ly/obE750AS9Vr
Google: http://ow.ly/8wBT50ASa2g
October 22, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed The House at Magpie Cove.
A beautifully crafted story that takes place on the majestic shores of Cornwall.
The main character, Mara, is a mother of twins. Out of the blue, she is told by her husband he wants a divorce and he kicks her and the kids out of their family home. He is a very unlikeable man.
Mara finds out her deceased mother left her a beach house in Cornwall. She did not know anything about this house.
So much happens as Mara and the twins go to Cornwall to look at the house. Lots of surprises for sure!
I do have to say, I did feel a bit disappointed that there was not a answer as to who Mara’s father was. Will this be addressed in another book? I sure hope so! I need to know!
Kennedy Kerr is a new author to me and one I certainly want to read more from. Her writing flows seamlessly and draws you in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publish date: 3 November 2020
A beautifully crafted story that takes place on the majestic shores of Cornwall.
The main character, Mara, is a mother of twins. Out of the blue, she is told by her husband he wants a divorce and he kicks her and the kids out of their family home. He is a very unlikeable man.
Mara finds out her deceased mother left her a beach house in Cornwall. She did not know anything about this house.
So much happens as Mara and the twins go to Cornwall to look at the house. Lots of surprises for sure!
I do have to say, I did feel a bit disappointed that there was not a answer as to who Mara’s father was. Will this be addressed in another book? I sure hope so! I need to know!
Kennedy Kerr is a new author to me and one I certainly want to read more from. Her writing flows seamlessly and draws you in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and give my honest review about this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publish date: 3 November 2020
November 18, 2020
Mara’s Mother has recently passed away leaving her a house at Magpie Cove that she knows nothing about. Currently going through a messy divorce, her husband Gideon is trying to move her and their twins out of the house, so he can move his new girlfriend in. She decides to escape to the house in Magpie Cove. On arrival it appears the house is in a state and will take a lot of work to put it right and money she doesn’t have. As if her life isn’t stressful enough at the moment she finds out that her Mother has even more secrets she knew nothing about.
The book is a story of second changes, family, new friends and of course romance. I enjoyed it for the most part but some of the main characters I just couldn’t warm to especially Paul, an I found myself wanting to give Mara a shake sometimes throughout the book. Magpie Cove sounds like a lovely place to visit and make friends and I love the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley and the published for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a story of second changes, family, new friends and of course romance. I enjoyed it for the most part but some of the main characters I just couldn’t warm to especially Paul, an I found myself wanting to give Mara a shake sometimes throughout the book. Magpie Cove sounds like a lovely place to visit and make friends and I love the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley and the published for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2020
I devoured The House At Magpie Cove in no time! It's a feel-good, light-hearted story full of excellently written characters in a charming seaside setting. I really felt like I got to know the village and its inhabitants. There's found family, a villain you can really enjoy hating in the horrible Gideon, a sexy surfing love interest, a 'Grand Designs' sub-plot and a satisfyingly happy ending. If you need cheering up and transporting to another place, read this!
October 6, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I enjoyed Mara and the twins Pierre and Olivia's characters. The setting is peaceful and perfect. The romance is slow and sweet. It is a enjoyable book. I would recommend reading this book to anyone and everyone. This ebook is in stores for $0.99 (GBP).
November 3, 2020
This was a nice quick story. Mara and her kids go to the beach house that belonged to her mother. It’s falling down and needs repairs plus her husband wants a divorce.
Magpie Cove sounds like a lovey place to visit. Towards the end of the book I did want to shake some sense into Mara.
I enjoyed the story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Magpie Cove sounds like a lovey place to visit. Towards the end of the book I did want to shake some sense into Mara.
I enjoyed the story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
June 19, 2023
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
My rating:
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Women's Fiction
Review:
This is a great sweet feel good story full of positive energy. The book is set in a beautiful charming small Cornish village which added to the atmosphere. The characters are nice and interesting; you can’t help but wanting things to work out for them. They were portrayed with enough detail to make them appear realistic.
The family secret added debt to the story which made it more interesting, with a bit of intrigue and suspense at times overall this is a great story that captures you from the start and leaves a smile on your face once you finish.
The Cornish beach house creaked in the salty sea wind and, from the weathered wooden porch, Mara watched a lone magpie circle above. It was silly to think that her mother's spirit was still with her, but Mara felt as if there was something keeping her here. A secret that needed to be told...
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting day in July, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
My rating:
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
General Fiction
Women's Fiction
Review:
This is a great sweet feel good story full of positive energy. The book is set in a beautiful charming small Cornish village which added to the atmosphere. The characters are nice and interesting; you can’t help but wanting things to work out for them. They were portrayed with enough detail to make them appear realistic.
The family secret added debt to the story which made it more interesting, with a bit of intrigue and suspense at times overall this is a great story that captures you from the start and leaves a smile on your face once you finish.
May 31, 2024
This first book in a series was interesting. The descriptions of the town and the coast were beautiful. The story was very good. I've already grabbed the next book in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting summer afternoon, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
Amazon synopsis:
When Mara Hughes inherits her late mother’s tumbledown beach house overlooking the bright, sandy sweep of Magpie Cove, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With her marriage on the rocks and her husband threatening to take the family home, the beach house – with all the bittersweet memories it holds – might be the thing that finally sends Mara’s world crashing down around her. She tells herself she’ll only spend a few days there: sell it and move on to rebuilding her life.
When Mara arrives, the house is in a worse state than she feared – holes in the bedroom ceiling, birds’ nests in the attic and the beautiful, wrap-around porch on the brink of collapse… but she loves it anyway. With all its history it feels like the last link to her late mother and, determined to do whatever it takes to keep it in the family, Mara strikes a deal with local handyman – and town heartthrob – Brian Oakley to save the crumbling cottage from ruin.
But when a box of unopened old letters arrives on her new doorstep – a bequest from her mother’s will – Mara’s resolve to save the beach house will be tested to the limit. Because Mara’s mother’s perfect childhood in Magpie Cove was forever spoiled by one haunting summer afternoon, and the letters contain a secret about her family that Mara can scarcely believe to be true…
April 29, 2023
I was really looking forward to reading this and it was such a let down.
***Spoilers Ahead***
The mc's husband cheats on her, then tells her she and their children have to move out of their house so he can move the other woman in and she just goes along with it?! It doesn't even occur to her that she should speak to a lawyer or that she's entitled to half the marital assets (cheating hubby is a wealthy attorney yet she's living in a cheap rundown motel with the 2 kids).
Then we meet Brian and all we kept hearing was about how hot he is and yet we never even find out what the mc looks like.
I felt like we never really got to know Brian. From the little we did find out it seemed like the 2 mcs had nothing in common and I just couldn't see any chemistry between them. They never seemed to have enough interaction to form any kind of connection. She didn't want to hire him to work on her beach house because she didn't know him (cos everyone gets to know a tradesman before they hire them right?) even though he was well thought of by people in the town.
The whole book just felt shallow and bland and the only reason I stuck it out to the end was to find out Paul's story.
Oh, and aside from the bland story, at one point another character unwraps her tarot cards from the gold cloth they're wrapped in and when she's finished she puts them back in their red velvet bag. Things like this really break a story.
***Spoilers Ahead***
The mc's husband cheats on her, then tells her she and their children have to move out of their house so he can move the other woman in and she just goes along with it?! It doesn't even occur to her that she should speak to a lawyer or that she's entitled to half the marital assets (cheating hubby is a wealthy attorney yet she's living in a cheap rundown motel with the 2 kids).
Then we meet Brian and all we kept hearing was about how hot he is and yet we never even find out what the mc looks like.
I felt like we never really got to know Brian. From the little we did find out it seemed like the 2 mcs had nothing in common and I just couldn't see any chemistry between them. They never seemed to have enough interaction to form any kind of connection. She didn't want to hire him to work on her beach house because she didn't know him (cos everyone gets to know a tradesman before they hire them right?) even though he was well thought of by people in the town.
The whole book just felt shallow and bland and the only reason I stuck it out to the end was to find out Paul's story.
Oh, and aside from the bland story, at one point another character unwraps her tarot cards from the gold cloth they're wrapped in and when she's finished she puts them back in their red velvet bag. Things like this really break a story.
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