Pamela Scott – The Book Lovers Boudoir
‘I could have spent a lot more time in the world that the author created.’
Trish – Between My Lines
‘The book slips between two time settings effortlessly. In both timelines I loved the main characters.’
‘I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.’
Sandra – Beauty Balm
‘I loved the connections which are interwoven between the two stories which connect the past to the present. A beautiful read which I really enjoyed and would recommend.’
‘Definitely one of my top reads this year. I loved the storylines, the setting & the characters.’ – Via Twitter
Jo – Jaffa Reads Too
‘Time slip novels are notoriously difficult to get right, but I think the author has managed this very well.’
‘The Secret of Creek Cottage is a well written debut novel which captured my attention from first page to last. I’m interested to see what this talented author comes up with next.’
Lynne Pizza – The Book Reviewing Mum
‘I absolutely ADORE this book! I love EVERYTHING about it.’
‘A really well thought out, interesting and good paced plot, amazing characters, happiness and heart break, a book which touches so many of your emotions! Easily a 5 ***** from me.’
Chelle – Curled Up with a Good Book
‘This is a brilliant dual timeline novel that had me sucked in by the mystery of the secret of the cottage.’
‘I absolutely adore the way Edwards has pulled together some of my favourite things; a good mystery, nature, history and a bit of magic. For a first novel, this is absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait to see what else she brings us in the future.’
Sharon – Sharon Beyond the Books
‘I adored this story as both families in both eras just slotted into the other really smoothly and I found the author managed to deal with the view of our modern life with the historical story really well and it made for a really tense read.’
‘Excellent debut, am hoping to see more from Tina in the future.’
Reviews can be found on Goodreads
here.
Linda - Penzance Literary Festival
'This is a good page-turner which – although it deals with the dark subject of PTSD – manages to keep the overall reading experience upbeat. This is achieved mainly by separating the action into two parallel plots, which converge only gradually. While the rather grim story of a returning WW1 soldier with severe physical and emotional disability, and the impact of that on his wife and community, is progressing in 1916-1917, a jolly yarn of a young couple and their visitors provides a contrast in the present day.
The two different plots are easily distinguished, and Edwards has been very helpful to the reader by alternating them. The setting for most of the conveniently short chapters is clearly stated as a heading, and the very different styles of speech are similarly helpful. In 1917, Cornish families are all "wasson”, dropped ‘h’s and "cheel”: the young folk of the present day are big on "wowzers”,"OK” and "hun”. They also have a cutesy child and affectionate habits which – although I admit not particularly to my own taste – do ensure that this is a ‘feel-good’ book. We are told a fair bit about what these incomers eat and drink, which helps us to visualise the characters and their lifestyle, and also provides a clear contrast with the sugar-rationing and difficulty that forms part of the 1916-1917 experience.
The two plots are very skilfully managed with no awkward strands left hanging. The contrast between Cornwall in the different eras is also interesting, with credible links established between residents past and present. The setting is left tantalising (or perhaps for some annoyingly) loose – the village of Trunrowan is fictitious, but real-life St Austell and Penzance are both mentioned. This set me off on the fool’s errand of seeking a real-life Trunrowan: at some points (generally while reading the present day plot) I was sure I was somewhere on the Roseland Peninsula, and at others (generally in 1916-17) on the Penwith moors. But this is only likely to be a problem for literal-minded residents. If you would be reaching for your anorak at the mere thought of such a thing, this is possibly not the book for you. Likewise, if you prefer you fiction dark, murky and full of brooding or attach great significance to old charms and tarot cards, the ease of their introduction may grate. But that probably leaves about 95% of potential readers with an enjoyable and well-rounded book: the ideal holiday read, perhaps, for a wet day in a Cornish holiday cottage.'
You can find this review
here.
