A Second Chance Summer: Book One of the Coming Back to Cornwall series

**AMAZON UK BESTSELLER**: "Delightful read! Exactly what I was looking for from the genre: escapism, characters I recognised, an engaging storyline. Couldn't put it down."

Alice knows that coming back to Cornwall means she will have to see Sam, who she fell in love with ten years earlier when they were both aged 18. How will he react to her return, and what changes have the intervening years meant for them both?

Still recovering from a toxic relationship, Alice realises she has allowed life to become too predictable, while Julie has just ended things with the man she was due to marry. The two friends decide to throw caution to the wind; coming back to Cornwall, where they spent a long, happy summer before life got serious. As they return to the same small flat in the centre of town, and seasonal jobs at the Sail Loft Hotel, Alice harbours both hopes and fears of finding Sam, while Julie is determined to enjoy the freedom she’s been missing.

A lot can change in ten years, though, as their friend Luke - now a handsome, successful businessman – proves. Back in Cornwall himself to spend time with his seriously ill mum, he and Julie form a close relationship. Alice is worried that her friend is making a huge mistake and, all-but-abandoned, starts to spend time with single mum Casey.
Sam, meanwhile, proves elusive but slowly reveals that, although he appears not to have changed at all, the previous decade has been eventful for him, too.

It's not all about the boys, though. Alice and Julie's strong, honest friendship will quickly draw you to them. Alice can be opinionated, Julie reckless, but both are quick-witted, funny, warm and ambitious. The county of Cornwall, famous for its rugged coastlines, glorious beaches and picturesque harbour towns, provides a vivid backdrop for the perfectly paced beginning of this cracking new series.

Is it possible to relive the best time of your life? Alice and Julie are about to find out.

Originally planned as a contemporary romance trilogy, this series does not want to end. Book twelve is due out in June 2025.

"Once again Katharine has written the type of book that you just can't put down. The way she describes the sights, sounds and smells of Cornwall in the summer makes you feel as if you are there relaxing on the beach too, or swimming in the cold salty sea along side Alice. This book is a lovely easy read that can be consumed in a couple of sittings! Look forward to the next instalment. Very well done."

"Read this book in 2 sittings and really enjoyed it. Light hearted, feel good story. Evokes sunny days in a beautiful part of the world - just what I needed to get through the misery of flu! Would make an easy holiday read."
"A brilliant summer read. Perfect for holidays or when you need a bit of cheer. Set in the glorious county of Cornwall, this story shows us what could happen if we take that leap and give ourselves the chance we thought we had missed years ago.The characters are distinct and very believable, the writing flows easily and the author really knows how to spin a great tale.I cannot wait for the next on the series."

"Couldn't put this book down! I recommend you read this book. This is a lovely story about ordinary people who find themselves dealing with real life experiences. Katharine makes sure that you get to know her characters and care about what happens to them. I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in a holiday town in Cornwall and deals with holiday romance, rekindled love and relationships. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next installment....hope I don't have too long to wait!!"

"Loved the story line with colourful and believable characters. Who wouldn't want a second chance to follow your heart. Highly recommended, well worth a read."

Katharine E. Smith is a writer, editor and publisher. An avid reader of contemporary writers such as Kate Atkinson, Ali Smith, David Nicholls and Anne Tyler, Katharine always aims to write books she would like to read herself, and also enjoys adding the odd twist, or element of mystery, here and there.