Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea

Cottage by the Sea #4

by Rebecca Alexander

As Olivia watches the island grow larger on the horizon, she wonders if returning to this place was the right decision…

When Olivia Elliott decides to spend the summer on the remote Morwen Island where she grew up , she can’t help but wonder if returning home is a good idea. After all, she still remembers the heartbreak she left behind on those shores many years ago.

Back on the island, Olivia soon adjusts to life as an islander and rents a cottage for the summer. But, before long, she runs into her first love, Jory Trethewey , a handsome local boatbuilder who never left the remote community. And despite the fact she can still recall their painful breakup, Olivia finds she now can’t stop thinking about him…

When Jory offers to help Olivia fix up the cottage, the two begin to spend more time together. And as they renovate, they realise the house has its own secrets and they decide to put the past behind them and investigate its history.

Soon they uncover a story dating back to the Second World War , of a wounded airman who came to this island to hide from the world, and of the woman who fell in love with him, and risked everything to be with him…

As Olivia tries to find out what happened to the young woman and her airman, she finds herself frustrated by the lack of answers. What became of their story? Did risking everything for love work out for them? And, if it did, should she follow in the lovers’ footsteps, and finally trust her heart?

A totally heartbreaking and unputdownable read, perfect for fans of gripping family dramas, and for those who enjoy the novels of Debbie Macomber, Fiona Valpy and Nancy Thayer.

Praise for Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea :

‘ Delightful … This book is absolutely charming .’ Christian Bookaholic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ I could not put it down … Another brilliant read. I love these island books.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Fantastic … Curl up in a comfy chair and become immersed in the cottage by the sea.’ Netgalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Praise for Rebecca Alexander’s Island Cottage

‘ Oh my goodness … Wish I could give the book more than five stars .’ Netgalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Outstanding . I’ll be sorry to not have it to read tonight, but couldn't put the book down! ’ Netgalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Absolutely spectacular … best I’ve read … will pull at your heartstrings.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Beautiful … It really made me smile … took me back to a special place. Wonderful .’ @ surfchicksarah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ Utterly captivating … Delightful beyond words !’ Rain ‘N’ Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A feel-good book to read on a rainy day (or anytime!). I loved it .’ Niki’s Book Blog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ I was fully immersed in this from the start… fascinating .’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Family Drama, Womens Fiction

316 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2023

About the author

Having had a career in psychology, Rebecca Alexander decided to take time out to raise and home educate six children - and home educate herself with an MA in Creative Writing. The Secrets of Life and Death (2013) was a runner up in the 2011 novel writing competition with Mslexia and an agent and book deal for three books ensued. The Secrets of Blood and Bone (2014) and The Secrets of Time and Fate (2016) were published by Del Rey UK. With a historical strand exploring 16th century sorcery and a contemporary story about revenants, the books enjoyed a fantasy readership.

Since then, A Baby's Bones will be published by Titan Books (May 1 2018) and is decidedly crime. A sequel comes out next April, and the books follow the work of an archaeologist trying to solve crimes in the past. And staying safe in the present, with the help of Felix Guichard from the Secrets series. Things are still going bump in the night.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is a dual timeline story about two different generations in the same family. In 1942 Nancy is working as a land girl. She is working at the Aerodrome on St. Brannock's Island. They are farming all the land around the runway for others who don't have food. She meets Oliver Pederick, an airman who was injured in the war and is terrible scarred. Something about him calls to her and they strike up a friendship. Nancy has secrets, secrets she is ashamed of, but eventually tells her friend Henrietta and Ollie. When they come out, she is relieved and hopes that things will work out. The second timeline is in the present. Olivia Elliott, known as Libby, grew up on the island and is home for the summer. She is a costume designer and has been hired to make costumes for the newest actor in a period television series. Libby has some unfinished business with Jory, a neighbour and the boy she had a serious crush on while growing up. Libby moves into her grandparent's cottage and her story and theirs are told in alternating paragraphs.

This was a lovely story with two romances playing out in the same setting with two generations of the same family. Often when I read a dual timeline story, I prefer one time period over the other, but I enjoyed both of these equally. I don't want to give anymore of the story away, so will talk about how I felt as I read this book. Ollie, Libby's grandfather, was a great character. He survived his plane being shot down and was seriously injured, but he wanted to go back into the war to avenge his friends. He had a pretty good outlook considering his disfigurement from his burns and his injuries to his hand and leg. He was kind and gentle and it was easy to see why Nancy fell for him. Nancy was a go getter. She could repair tractors, support her friends, work for hours in the fields, and was willing to try anything to support the war effort. When we find out what happened to her in the past, I felt such sympathy for her and wanted to see things work out. Libby loved her grandparents and wanted to live in their cottage. When things started to go wrong, she was sure they would come up with a solution and worked to try and find it. Jory was also sweet. He wanted to see if the old feeling he and Libby had were still there, but he really bumbles it. He was insecure about her feelings as well as his new venture with designing boats. This was a sweet story, with not a lot of action, but lots of emotion that I enjoyed. Although this is the fourth book in the series, it read fine as a standalone, but I will be checking out the previous books in the series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy read but lovely twist to the story. Seem to have missed out book 3 in this series but they aren’t really crucial in reading order.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Elliott needs a vacation and decides to spend her summer on the beautiful and remote Morwen Island. She grew up there and is happy to be going home. Olivia remembers the last time she was there and she had so much heartbreak when she left. She rents a beautiful and quaint cottage on the tranquil shore. Soon after arriving, she runs into Jory Trethewey who happens to be her first true love. She remembers their heartbreaking breakup as if it was yesterday. Jory is a local boatbuilder who never moved away from the island. He decided to help Olivia renovate and bring the cottage to life again. As they spend time together redecorating and renovating the cottage they uncover some of its rich history. They want to know everything they can about the cottage’s history. When they find that the history of the cottage dates back to World War II, where a wounded airman arrived at the island and hid from the war. A woman found him, and they quickly fell in love with each other and risked everything to be together. Olivia and Jory find love while exploring the history of the cottage and discovering the past is actually just as beautiful as what the future holds.

Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea authored by Rebecca Alexander was a wonderful continuation of The Island Cottage series. I love time slip novels and this one did not disappoint. The characters in this story were so amazing and I loved them all. I felt a personal connection to them as their life stories unfolded. The author does an amazing job of perfectly describing Morwen Island and the beautiful island landscape. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s writing style and will continue to seek out her stories. This phenomenal story of the past, the present and the future is one that will remain in my heart. Don’t pass up this must read series. I loved everything about it.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What another powerful dual timeline island story from Rebecca Alexander! I really enjoyed this fourth instalment of the series. It really touched my heart in so many ways. For starters, it is packed with so much moving content and identifiable characters. The modern thread focuses on going home, visiting the past, family legacies, building a future, separating a long term romance from spur-of-the-moment infatuation. And the war timeline is about imposed change, sacrifice and loss but also courage, hope and restoration.

At the heart of this novel is an inanimate character: a cottage that houses secrets from the past. This quaint dwelling witnessed many changes over the years. Built on the edge of the sea, it has been affected by storms and tumultuous tides. The foundation has eroded but the memories have not. In the present day we see Olivia’s family dealing with the dilemma of whether to completely renovate it. This cottage is important to Olivia as it was the home of her grandparents. She is currently staying there while on a work assignment. After a damage assessment, her father is not sure whether he should sink a chunk of funds into it. It will be a costly adventure as its walls and foundation are literally crumbling. But Olivia is determined to see it restored and tries to find other ways to fund the repairs through drawing upon its historical significance. For this old place holds many stories.

Going Home to the Cottage By the Sea takes us to two time periods: modern day and 1942. I enjoyed the setting and characters of both eras but it was particularly fascinating to explore the secrets of the world war years. Heartbreaking, too, as there was much sadness and loss. Some of the troubles may have drifted away through time, but other seeds of the past are still very present. There are perilous revelations to unveil but also positive ones, too. The latter pop up like little flowers in spring to remind everyone of the love that once dwelt within these crumbling walls.

Olivia Elliot (known as Libby) is a costume maker and has been employed to work on a very popular series that takes her back to Morwen, her childhood home. Returning to this remote island stirs up a lot of memories: some that were good concerning her family but also painful ones from a breakup with her first love, Jory Trethewey. He remained on the island while she left to build her career. He has grown into a handsome fellow and is now the local boatbuilder. When she bumps into him, old feelings awaken. But she quickly becomes confused when another man develops a keen interest in her. Although this fresh new experience offers her some exciting moments, there are many obstacles in the relationship. He is younger than her and is the rising star of the series and it is a no-no to be seen as having a relationship with a co-worker. Libby gets caught, quite literally, in a love triangle. She must decide whether to go with someone from her past who has known her well or with someone from her present who will discover her for the first time? It is a tumultuous journey with both blockades and blessings. But Libby must sort out her feelings and make the choice that is best for her. Ironically, this decision comes after a jolt from danger. When trouble strikes, her heart decides for her.

The World War II story was very intriguing as we see how the Land Girls worked on the island to help during the war. They were in charge of farming, milking and driving tractors. In this story, we meet a woman named Nancy Baldwin who has been trained in these skills but also is excellent in tractor maintenance. She is on her way to the island for a new start after a painful loss and betrayal. She is without a home and her children have been taken from her. Her story is all quite heartbreaking. (Women were not allowed to be Land Girls if they were pregnant or married.) Her courage is admirable as she tries to build her life again and reclaim her children. Nancy is a strong independent woman and I admire her fortitude and drive. Although the circumstances are difficult, seeds of hope are planted in her heart when she meets an airmen who demonstrates true compassion and kindness towards her. As she begins to lean into him, wonderful things start to take shape in her life. Ollie is a wonderful character and so perfect for Nancy. I loved watching their relationship blossom. Being an airmen, though, means there will be dangerous moments. It is in those times Nancy begins to see how much Ollie means to her.

There were lots of parallels between the two storylines and both delivered excellent endings. The leading women recognised love when a dangerous situation occurred that could have taken their men away forever.

Going Home to the Cottage By the Sea is a wonderful story that leaves you feeling refreshed by the beauty of the landscape, moved by the memories of the characters and uplifted by the strength of the human spirit. I highly recommend this gorgeous novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for my review copy.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca Alexander’s Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is a beguiling, engrossing and entertaining summer romance that touches the heart and brings a tear to the eye.

Olivia cannot help but wonder whether her decision to spend the summer at Morwen Island might have been rather misjudged. Having grown up on the island, she is immediately assailed by old ghosts and past memories – and the heartbreak that had left her with no other choice but to leave everything that was familiar to her behind for good. Running into her first love Jory Trethewey brings to the surface old feelings she had never really got over and as that old flame rekindles while they renovate an old cottage, Olivia wonders whether she should take a leap of faith and a second chance on love or whether some things should be left in the past…

The old cottage has its own secrets and as Olivia and Jory discover a story dating back to the Second World War of a wounded airman and the woman he fell in love with, they find themselves consumed by a desperate need to uncover the truth about this love affair – which eerily has echoes to their own love story.

Can Olivia and Jory solve this decades old mystery? Will they find the strength to fight for their own romance? Or will past mistakes continue to come between them?

I was completely charmed by this uplifting, emotional and enjoyable romantic tale. Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is a wonderful story about second chances, love lost and found and healing from old wounds that made me laugh and cry. Rebecca Alexander writes with great style and flair and her story kept me glued to its pages from start to finish.

A stellar page-turner perfect for lazy summer days, Rebecca Alexander’s Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is not to be missed.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love gorgeous settings, dual timelines and a family discovery story all wrapped up in a shroud of romance! Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea has everything and more and it was such a joy to read.

Libby moves home to work from the family cottage, which she is also helping to renovate. As well as working, renovating, spending time with her family and connecting with an old flame, she’s come across some old family letters that tell a wonderful story. Can Libby leave her own past behind and move on with her life? And what happened to the people in the old letters?

I loved the dual timeline of this book and it worked so well. I adored Olivia’s journey to healing and her connection with Jory, but the story of the wounded airman being saved and falling in love was equally as gripping. Each time I switched timelines, I was torn between wanting to stay in the current time and also jump back into the other time to see what was happening. BOth stories kept me glued.

I loved how the cottage was a constant in both timelines - almost at the centre of both stories and linking them together through the ages. It’s a place where all the secrets hide and lurk, waiting to be revealed but also a place of great comfort to those who stay/live there too.

I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and to accompany them on their journey as they grew, loved, grieved and changed over time. They were a joy to be around and I became deeply immersed into their lives.

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely seek out the other books in the lined series to read.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture for my advance electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Her work as a costumer for Hollywood takes Olivia Elliot back to the Island where she grew up. She's back, she gets to spend time with her family, and she's in charge of costuming the film's handsome star, so life is good.
But it doesn't take long for her to realize that, if she's going to stay in her grandparents' old cottage, she'll need help fixing it up. And that means asking Jory Trethewey for help. But working with Jory only brings up painful memories of their breakup and what could have been. And what does it mean for her future when the movie star begins to show serious interest in her too? The cottage, as it turns out, has stories of its own, and during their work they discover the story of Nancy, a land girl on the island during World War II. She has secrets of her own, working on the island running from heartbreak and betrayal. But something about Oliver Pederick, a downed airman with whom she finds a connection, gives her reason to hope for a better future.

These dual timelines were artfully crafted around each other and around the cottage by the sea. I love the idea that an old home can have so many memories and be witness to the full spectrum of emotions and human behavior. Restoring a home was a beautiful metaphor for restoring/building a life, and it was well done. I found both female protagonists to be sympathetic and strong in their own ways, and appreciated the resolutions in the end. Rebecca Alexander was a new author for me, and I look forward to more of her work.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

1942, land girl Nancy arrives on the island to help with the war effort. She meets injured airman Oliver but she has her own emotional scars to contend with. Present day, Libby returns to the island she grew up on. She is engulfed by memories, happy and sad, but also has to deal with the reality of meeting up again with her former love Jory...
Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is the fourth book in a series but the first that I have read. We meet other islanders who I presume appeared in earlier books so there may be spoilers about the outcomes of their stories.
The book has a dual timeline, set in the present day as well as during WW2. The perspective alternates with each chapter so I felt equally absorbed into the lives of both Nancy and Libby. It was easy to follow the different plotlines and developments and I really enjoyed the style of writing.
There is a huge amount of emotion in both timelines as for both main characters. However, it was Nancy and Ollie's story that really pulled at my heartstrings. Both have been through so much physical and emotional pain in the past but are bravely fighting for what they believe in. Libby in the present is trying to forget Jory and focus on her career but forms a new friendship with an actor that could turn into more. This added a more lighthearted dimension to the book and I was keen for her to find happiness.
Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is an enjoyable and emotional book.

[Deanna Bookstagrammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea follows Nancy and Libby. This story is told in chapters between Nancy who was a land girl in the Second World War on the islands and Libby who is in modern day. The story is based around a cottage, which has been stood firm for years, but now, is in need of repair, which when started on reveals some hidden surprises. The cottage has loads of memories from the past tied to it, as only one family has lived in it since 1942. Told over two time lines, we learn how the cottage's summer house, the place where Libby is sleeping due to work being undertaken in the Cottage, came to be built,

This is a really well written book with great characters. Both Nancy and Libby had similar troubles with their feelings and their were some great love twists. Both parts of the story are alike, feelings between characters aren’t acted on, until something happens and actions force both characters to make their true feelings known. Can Libby and Nancy overcome their troubles and find love?

Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is a great book with fabulous characters and wonderful descriptive settings. It is a brilliant read and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opporutnity to read a complimentary copy of this book in rerturn for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I really enjoy this author, she writes a great book with such lovely stories. Her characters are memorable and easy to read about. This book is a dual timeline story, taking place in the present and 1942. This is the fourth book in the Island Cottage series, but each book is easily read as a stand alone.

In the present Libby moves back home to her grandfather's cottage for work and to renovate it. She is unsure about how she feels about running into her ex, Jory, but it doesn't take long ina small community to see him. When he offers his assistance with the cottage, and they undertake finding out about a mystery she wonders if they really could be meant to be each other's forever. In the past we have the story of Nancy, a landgirl working on the island during the war and Oliver, an airman who is scarred from an air accident who she finds interesting and keeps being drawn to.

The dual timeline stories really intersected well and complemented one another. Great book, cannot wait for the next book in The island Cottage series.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The same setting but two different romances -
And two different eras with different chances.
One is contemporary, the other the second world war
Both involve unexpected dangers they're not looking for.

Olivia is returning to her grandparents cottage to stay
Spending the summer, sometime working away.
Making costumes for television historical shows,
Catching up with family and folks that she knows.

Meeting her teen crush she's not looking forward to
Will she still love him? What should she do?
There's also the star she's sewing costumes for
Should she let him in or show him the door?

There's also the story of a land army woman
Who has journeyed to the island with a secret plan.
With the war, evacuees and plenty of twists, too,
She'll certainly bring along a surprise or two!

A genuine page turner, and enthralling read,
Now the next book in this brilliant series I need!
Whilst a standalone the story is emotive and so
I really hope you'll also give it - and the series - a go!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home To The Cottage By The Sea by Rebecca Alexander is a most delightful dual timeline novel. It is the fourth book in The Island Cottage series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action is set in 1942 and present day. It revolves around a cottage which is in need of renovation. It has stood firm all these years but is now crumbling, giving up a surprising find.
There are many memories tied up in the cottage as the same family has been in it since 1942. Memories keep us warm long after our loved ones are gone. They echo down the years and seem to be in the very fabric of the walls.
The parallel stories have many similarities. In both time periods there are attractions which are denied, until actions force characters to confront their true feelings.
This book is absolutely charming. I loved the characters and locations. I look forward to more from Rebecca Alexander.
I received a free copy from the publishers via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is book four in Rebecca Alexander’s Island Cottage series and introduces us to Nancy and Libby. Told over two timelines, we learn how the cottage’s summerhouse came to be built, the place where Libby is sleeping due to work being undertaken in the cottage. She has come back to the island because she is a seamstress for a new actor in a popular tv series that is shooting scenes there. Along comes Jory, her first crush while at school.

Nancy is working for the land army in 1942, she meets Ollie who was badly burned but determined to fly again and they become firm friends and Nancy confides some secrets from her past in him.

Can Libby and Nancy overcome their troubles, and find love? Well, you’ll have to read to find out. Great book with fabulous characters and wonderful descriptive settings. Highly recommended

[Ashley Bissette Sumerel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Island Cottage Series by Rebecca Alexander, Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea is an endearing story that takes place across two time periods. Much like the other books, it’s the back-and-forth storytelling between those two time periods that makes this such an intriguing read.

It’s noteworthy that you could read this book without having read the others. Is it better to read them all in order? Probably, especially since previous characters make appearances. But it’s not a requirement.


Read my full review of Coming Home to the Cottage by the Sea at Eulalie Magazine.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dual timeline novel, which alternated between two generations. Set in the Second World War, we meet a woman working in the Land Army and watch as her secrets are unravelled. You are struck by the attitudes of the time to women and their place in society as they 'do their bit' to keep the farmers producing food. Fast forwards to the present day and a young woman, Olivia, who is returning to her childhood island home. The community is as watchful as ever and friends and family welcome her back. There is unfinished business in her background and now she has to address her feelings and reactions to two very different men.

Each story feeds into the other. Whilst the Land Army provides an illusion of security for Nancy, Olivia's family certainly do support her. It seems the Second World War has not finished with her family as we find out. The Cottage stands in both stories, a symbol of love and family. The elements and the coastline have put it in danger but there are other threats as we see. This is a layered story, with some interesting and credible characters. It makes you think about the choices women in Nancy's position had at the time. Can Olivia realise what is important to her?

In short:can love conquer all?
Thanks to Bookoutre for a copy of the book

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful duel timeline story full of history, love and hope. Though this is the 4th book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
The time frame the story revolves around is present day and 1942.
What secrets will be found?
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in the story.
Rebecca Alexander writes in a way that makes you feel like you are right there in the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Anne Franzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet book. Libby is a newly employed costumer who decided to return home to her family’s cottage when she is on assignment. She is caught between an interesting love triangle between her new star and her high school crush. This heartwarming story is told through flashbacks of WW2, and what it was like for the people who’d been evacuated out of London. The star of the story is the cottage itself, and the need to preserve it for their family’s history.

[Dianna Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

So well written I felt like I was there. Each character was well placed and the story evolves wonderfully. I especially like the back and forth between the ancestors of past and their connection to present day descendants. I really hope this series goes on for several more stories. Highly recommend this series and this author.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually big on books written in dual times, but this one makes me say otherwise. I loved it! Who wouldn’t when there’s love, history, hope and promise all wrapped up in a binding for you to enjoy!

[Tone Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hjem til øya" nr 4 i serien. Lettlest og greit, men handling ikke veldig engasjerende el huskbar. Olivia er kostyme designer og kommer hjem t øya og møter en gammel flamme samtidig som en kommende film stjeene viser henne interesse. Leser nok neste bok også

[Angela Goble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cottage Book series

Great Book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series. The main characters were so lovable, they felt like family.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but found the constant switching between the past and present a little confusing and irritating. It didn't flow very well.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her books hooked

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites in the series so far!

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

loving this series of books. I love the way you get 2 stories in 1 book as you get the historical story abd the present day.
Lovely Chick Litt

[Tracy Fraley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Heather Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the way everything falls into place throughout this dual timeline. Great community and character building.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard to put down book! It’s told in dual timelines, both stories are good.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked that it was told from two different time periods, from both Libby and Nancy’s perspectives. And u loved that the house is what connected the two women. I definitely think I liked it more because we do get a present day story and the past as well. I love the parallel romantic relationships in the two time periods.

This is my first book by Rebecca and it definitely won’t be my last. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.