A Castaway in Cornwall

De: Julie Klassen

Narrado por: Elizabeth Jasicki

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast - known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors - Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

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 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?

©2020 Julie Klassen (P)2020 Recorded Books

Historical Beachcomber

The beachcomber in me loved listening to the passages about Laura walking the coastline in search of treasures washed ashore. The shipwrecks and all that surrounded them are just one more sad vein of history, but also one in which true courage and heroic deeds shine forth.

Though slow at the start, the second half was most enjoyable. Well researched and engaging. Lots of historical tidbits making the tale feel grounded, feel like it was jewel carefully set in place. Of course you know that Alexander and Laura are going to marry by book’s end. I was enjoying it up until they reached Jersey. Then something went incredibly wrong with our hero. I felt like there needed to be a lot more hearing Alexander’s thoughts, to at least hear the conflict within of leaving Laura. This was supposed to be the woman he was in love with, but he leaves her without even a “I hope to see you again one day.” Sure, reconnecting with Leoni was I suppose the counterpart to Treve Kent’s interest in Laura. But it felt forced. Everything a little too neatly tied up in the end with literally everyone except maybe Miss Chegwen finding their true love.

All that aside, it was still really good. I liked that the author wrote them both as adventurous, and gave them a longing for one another. The villains are horrible (as villains should be) but redemption bittersweet in the end.

Recommended :) Set the audio to 1.2 to keep it moving along.

Absolutely riveting and moving

This was just amazing. I was riveting, intrigued, moved among other things. This book made me cry happily and grievously. Just delightful.

Well written and narrated

I enjoyed the characters and story development, as well as the setting of Cornwall, and the historical aspects.

Wonderful!

This was my first by Julia Klassan, I went on to listen/read three more books in a row by her. The whole thing is wildly enjoyable and fun to read. The author somehow manages a ‘slow burn’ romance whilst maintaining an entirely G-rated book. There is a religious undertone to her stories but have no fear, it’s written in tastefully and relatable …not unexpectedly shoved down your throat like some others.. Absolutely worth the read!!!

Wonderful story, narration, ending

Everything about this book was beautiful…. I kept comparing to Poldark and had to stop myself numerous times….although horrible to witness I’m sure, it would be kinda cool to find so many “treasures” on the beach and then try to get them back to their families…. I loved that part so much…

Another enjoyable story

I have enjoyed reading quite a few stories by this author, and this one was no exception. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how they grew in their faith. The history and geography of the region was interesting and I found myself wanting to know more, especially of the French history. The audio narration was absolutely perfect!

Julie did it again

Julie Klassen has beautiful written another historical novel. I love this Author and her style of writing. Her description of the Cornwall coast made me feel as if I were really there standing on the cliffs with the wind blowing in my hair and walking the beaches looking for treasures. All her characters relationships to one another left me with a great satisfaction. I loved the different locations. An excellent story.

A wonderful romance with some mystery included

Story: 5 stars

I strongly advice reading the footnotes at the end of the book to really understand how Ms. Klassen was trying to convey the complex attitudes of the people along the coast and of that era towards "free traders". If I had read it first, I think I'd have been less uncomfortable with all the smugglers in the story.

It was wonderfully written and, as with every Julie Klassen novel I've ever read, the characters are imperfect, complex and likable (well, the main characters are...). I love her side characters, she spends time developing them and it makes her stories all the more believable.

Narration: 5 stars

Ms. Jasicki has a number of "voices" in her arsenal and she is a delight to listen to! Her voice is quite deep, which means that her male voices sound like men. She is able to incorporate various accents, as well, which only adds to her appeal as a voice actress!

lovely story

I'm a sucker for a good love story with a happy ending. I enjoyed every minute!

Clean Well thought out plot, elements of faith

Recommended listen, interesting storyline with well developed characters and believable narration! Very good listen! Makes me want to visit Cornwall