Picture an American storyteller who traded Massachusetts for the windswept cliffs of Cornwall, weaving tales that capture hearts worldwide—meet Liz Fenwick! Known for her enchanting blend of romance, mystery, and Cornish history, Fenwick has earned the title 'queen of the contemporary Cornish novel' by The Guardian. Her novels, like The Cornish House and The Secret Shore, transport readers to Cornwall’s rugged shores, where love and secrets intertwine.
Born in 1963, Fenwick’s journey from a global nomad to a celebrated author is as captivating as her stories. With nine novels and two novellas translated into 15 languages, she’s a literary force who found her muse in Cornwall’s landscapes and lore.
The Making of Liz Fenwick
Liz Fenwick was born in Massachusetts, where her love for storytelling bloomed early, inspired by books like Clifford the Big Red Dog and Georgette Heyer. After graduating with an English Literature degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1985, she moved to London in 1989, where she met and married her British husband. Their global adventures—spanning Canada, Russia, Indonesia, and the UAE—shaped her worldview, but Cornwall stole her heart. In 1996, they bought a home there, grounding her stories in its history and beauty.
Her writing career began later, fueled by a lifelong passion for crafting worlds. Fenwick’s debut, The Cornish House, published in 2012 by Orion, marked her as a fresh voice in commercial fiction. Her global experiences and Cornish obsession gave her stories a unique, heartfelt authenticity.
Liz Fenwick’s Unforgettable Stories
Fenwick’s novels are love letters to Cornwall, blending romance, historical intrigue, and mystery. The Cornish House follows Maddie, who inherits a Cornish home and unravels family secrets, weaving love and loss with coastal charm. A Cornish Affair, which won the 2013 Romantic Readers Award, explores Jude’s journey of self-discovery amid a mysterious Cornish mansion. The River Between Us, a 2021 No. 1 Heatseekers chart-topper, intertwines historical and modern narratives, earning the 2022 RNA Popular Romantic Fiction Award.
Her latest, The Secret Shore (2023), dives into wartime Cornwall, showcasing her knack for vivid settings and emotional depth. Fenwick’s style is immersive, with lush descriptions of Cornwall’s cliffs and seas, paired with complex characters and multigenerational sagas. Her stories often explore themes of love, identity, and resilience, resonating with readers who crave escapist yet grounded tales.
Fenwick’s meticulous research—though she learned to avoid over-researching after A Cornish Stranger—ensures historical accuracy, enriching her narratives. Her ability to craft mysteries within romantic frameworks sets her apart, making each book a page-turner.
Why Liz Fenwick Matters
Liz Fenwick’s impact extends beyond her books. Dubbed a Cornish literary queen, she’s brought global attention to Cornwall’s cultural heritage, inspiring readers to explore its history and landscapes. Her mentorship of aspiring Emirati writers in 2015 through the Emirates Literature Foundation highlights her commitment to fostering new voices. Awards like the RNA’s and her consistent chart success underscore her influence in romantic and historical fiction.
Fenwick’s stories resonate because they’re relatable yet aspirational, offering readers an escape into Cornwall’s magic while tackling universal themes. Her global perspective, shaped by years of international moves, adds a unique layer to her work, making her a bridge between cultures and eras.
About Liz Fenwick
- Born: 1963 in Massachusetts, USA
- Key Works: The Cornish House, A Cornish Affair, The River Between Us, The Secret Shore
- Awards: 2013 Romantic Readers Award, 2022 RNA Popular Romantic Fiction Award
- Lives: Cornwall, England, with her husband and two cats
Snag The Cornish House or The Secret Shore and dive into Liz Fenwick’s spellbinding world of Cornish romance and mystery!