Cornish Summer Memories from Mandy James
To celebrate the paperback publication of One Cornish Summer Mandy James tells us about her Cornish holiday…
My first memory of Cornwall was when I first came here on holiday. I was four years old, about forty years ago (okay and the rest) and we stayed in Looe. I have vivid memories of running down a very steep hill from our little chalet on the cliff to the beach every day with my older brother. When it was time for breakfast, Mum would hang a red towel out of the window and we would go back up. I also remember walking along a quayside, not sure which one, now, and seeing rows of sharks hanging on hooks. There was a big chalked sign saying words to the effect of ‘Do Not Touch The Sharks – Skin is Abrasive’, so guess what I did? Yup…I had a plaster on my finger for a while.
Since then, I have always longed to be close to the ocean and find it so inspirational, calming, and peaceful. Over the years I returned to Cornwall on numerous occasions. There’s just something about the county which makes you breathe a sigh of relief as soon as you cross the border. I have always felt so at home here and adore the beautiful countryside, the costal walks and the Atlantic north coast in particular. It is rugged, wild and breathtakingly stunning.
I remember I used to say that I’d love to live in Cornwall, and people would nod and say things like, ‘Ah yes, that would be nice. Or yeah, we can all dream, eh?’ But people didn’t really think I meant it, neither did I come to think of it…but I’ve been here five-years! And of course I didn’t come alone. There’s my husband Brian and I, daughter Tanya, her husband Manus and their two children, Ronan and Esmé. They live five-minutes away, so we’re very lucky.
And apart from feeling a great affinity with the ocean and Cornwall, I feel much more inspired to write looking out over the fields here instead of at a cul-de-sac! Since we moved I’ve had five novels set in Cornwall published.
I do realise that I am so lucky to be living in this great area, but my experience of writing and get published has taught me some valuable lessons. If you believe in yourself and really want something – be prepared to work very hard for it, be determined to succeed and never give up. The holiday in Looe sparked a love of Cornwall that has lasted a lifetime. Moving here was a long time coming, but so worth the effort! Never forget your dreams, folks.
DI Bryony Marshall has been on the tail of Kenny Ransom for two years. He’s involved in prostitution and trafficking, but there’s never been any real proof. To complicate matters further, Bryony’s best friend from childhood is his daughter Imogen.
Bryony worries about admitting the fact that she is trying to put Imogen’s dad away, but unexpectedly, Imogen turns on her father and helps the police. Kenny finds out and swears he’ll get his revenge.
Sick of being in the police force, Bryony visits her mother in Cornwall and considers starting a new life.
While in Cornwall, Bryony saves the life of a man caught up in a rip current in the sea.
But who is this stranger? And is Kenny really bent on revenge?
Liz here…I’d also love to see and hear about your Cornish Summer memories. If you use the hashtag #OneCornishSummer and tag me on Facebook, Twitter (@liz_fenwick) or Instagram (@liz_fenwick) you’ll be in with a chance to win a copy and a bottle of Curio Rock Samphire Gin. (by joining the giveaway you confirm you are over 18). Winner will selected on 12/8/2018.
One Cornish Summer and gin…
