The Cornish house / Liz Fenwick.

When she inherits a house in Cornwall, newly widowed artist Maddie jumps at the chance to leave London. Still grieving for her husband and struggling to cope with his teenage daughter, she hopes a change of scene will give them the fresh start they both need. Brattish Serena makes it clear she is not at all happy to be uprooted from London, and that she will fight Maddie every step of the way. Maddie was adopted at birth and living in Carnew begins to shed light on her own mysterious past. Maddie's dream of a calm life in the countryside is far from the reality that she faces. Constantly battling with Serena, unable to find inspiration for her painting, her money dwindling, she faces the prospect of having to sell the house she has come to love. She is grieving not only for her husband, but also for the fact that she carried out his last dying wish, something she has kept secret. Only Mark, her neighbour, provides her with support and comfort when things get tough. Carnew itself seems to be harbouring family secrets that have lain hidden for generations. The answers, when they come, will resonate for everyone.