A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

 

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Publisher's Synopsis: Laura Callaway lives in Cornwall with distant relatives after the deaths of her parents. One night, during a shipwreck, a man is washed ashore. As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence mounting against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents’ fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

My Review: ***VERY EXCITING, EDGE OF THE SEAT READ***

Floatsam: any goods floating on the sea where a ship has sunk or been cast away

Jetsam: Anything purposely cast out of a ship when in danger, in hopes of saving it, or at least lightening the load.

1813, N. Cornwall, England - "Sometimes I wonder how I ended up here in Cornwall, so far from my childhood home. I feel like a castaway, set adrift on the tide by the long-ago deaths of my parents, and left wanting answers.  Is there a plan in all this?  Does God truly hold my fate in His hands, or has my life all been happenstance, the mysterious ebb and flow of chance?" Laura spends her days rescuing things from the sea, and trying to return them where they belong.  Only now, she's rescuing a man. 

Alexander is trying to get home to his father and brother before it's too late.  But there is a war on and he has a past they may yet catch up to him, interfering with his goal. "He did believe the Almighty heard his prayers, although God had not promised he would not suffer. I enjoyed learning about the hurdy-gurdy.  If you look it up on Wikipedia you can actually hear a sample.  I also loved how Jago called her Our Laura, just like in the BBC series, Lark Rise to Candleford.

Tea Moment: Laura rose and put the kettle on.  A few minutes later, refreshed by tea and shared cake, Laura urged, "One more?" Mary smiled. "What shall it be this time? Smuggler? Pirates? Shipwrecks?" Laura nodded. "Yes please. All three." Outside the wind continued to rise, and Mary began another story.

I was gifted a book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation.  I am happy to recommend this novel for those who enjoy clean, historic English romance with a bit of danger & a gorgeous, shimmery cover!

5 Stars (excellent)

Catch up with Julie
Klassen here