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Life in Icicle Falls #4

The Cottage on Juniper Ridge

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How to Change Your Life…

Can a book change your life? Yes, when it's Simplicity, Muriel Sterling's guide to plain living. In fact, it inspires Jen Heath to leave her stressful, overcommitted life in Seattle and move to Icicle Falls, where she rents a lovely little cottage on Juniper Ridge. And where she can enjoy simple pleasures—like joining the local book club—and complicated ones, like falling in love with her sexy landlord, Garrett Armstrong.

Her sister Toni is ready for a change, too. She's got a teenage daughter who's constantly texting her friends, a husband who's more involved with his computer than he is with her, and a son who's consumed by video games. Toni wants her family to grow closer—to return to a simpler way of life.

Other women in town, like Stacy Thomas, are also inspired to unload their excess stuff and some of the extra responsibilities they've taken on.

But as they all discover, sometimes life simply happens. It doesn't always happen simply!

378 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

98 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read

About the author

Sheila Roberts

111 books1,985 followers
With fifty books to her credit, both fiction and non-fiction, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been turned into movies for the Hallmark, Lifetime and Great American Family channels. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila can be found hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and, of course, writing and reading. Sometimes she even remembers to post books she's read!

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5 stars
515 (37%)
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513 (37%)
3 stars
269 (19%)
2 stars
43 (3%)
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24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
1,516 reviews205 followers
May 30, 2014
Another great one by Sheila!!


Every time I pick up one of Sheila's books I lose myself in it and THE COTTAGE ON JUNIPER RIDGE was a perfect way to spend the day. Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down. It was nice visiting Icicle Falls and visiting with old friends and making some new ones. The book club that Jen and Stacy are in have all read the Simplicity book and they are all trying to better their lives because of it. Do you think your life needs to be simplified? THE COTTAGE ON JUNIPER RIDGE will make you think about it. I really enjoyed watching all of these women try to apply the challenge of making their lives more simple. Sheila has a real gift of making all of her characters so relatable and real to the reader. The positive female friendships make you want to go out and make some new best friends. I am a huge fan of Sheila's books and I truly think this one is my favorite so far.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,355 reviews133 followers
June 23, 2019
Jen Heath, recently divorced, is overworked, stressed and so busy she is barely able to enjoy the condo she so desperately wanted. After reading Muriel Sterling's guide to simple living, "Simplicity", she decides to make changes to simplify her own life. On a whim she leaves her life in Seattle to move to Icicle Falls with the idea of writing her own book. After renting her condo, she rents a small cottage on Juniper Ridge. A side benefit is her sexy firefighter landlord, Garrett Armstrong. Garrett is struggling with issues with his ex-wife, and raising their son beyond the every other weekend his ex has him. He is looking for stability in any future relationship he pursues, not sparks and fun times.
As Jen settles into her new lifestyle, she joins the local book club, where the women have also recently read "Simplicity". Each of the women are each grappling with simplifying their own lives.
Jen's sister, Toni, has her own issues, feeling overshadowed by technology. Her husband is constantly on his laptop, her daughter her phone and her son his video games. Can she convince them to put their devices aside and enjoy some family time?
Another light, fun book in the "Life in Icicle Falls" series, filled with friendship, thoughtful ideas on simplifying and, of course, romance.
Profile Image for Lizz.
780 reviews22 followers
March 4, 2014
Well rats, I'm in the minority on this one too. I love the Icicle Falls series, but this one wasn't my favorite. For one thing the hero and heroine never actually get together! They avoid each other for the entire book, and them BOOM they're in love. Wha?? I need at least a LITTLE romance in my romance novels!!
Profile Image for Melanie Mole.
Author 12 books34 followers
February 28, 2017
What a lovely light read this was. Something to enjoy over a cold weekend by the fire, or by the pool in the summer.

I hadn't read any books by Sheila Roberts before. But I certainly will be now.

The main character called Jen is somewhat like me. Not in looks, but personality, clumsiness, and determination. She is also like me in that she has decided to simplify her life. So I could really relate to her journey of self discovery on the way to that more simple life.

Jen is cute, friendly, thoughtful, and has what every young woman might want. She lives in a large city, has a wonderful place to live, and a great family. But something is missing.

Her life is spiralling out of control because she can't seem to fit everything in. She is constantly exhausted and running furiously on the treadmill of life. Not really getting anywhere, and paying heavily for it.

Her sister gives her a book, and this opens a whole new world for her. It is about simplicity. Not something which Jen appears to have thought much about before, but once she gets started there is no stopping her.

Jen loves the book so much that she wants to know more. So she decides to visit the small town where the author lives to see what the fuss is all about. She has no idea when she gets there that it is going to change her life forever.

On a girly weekend in this lovely little town, Jen sees a run down cottage for rent. Against her sister's advice she falls in love with it and is determined to up sticks and move. Unable to sell her apartment, but desperate to change her life, she decides to rent it out. The rent from this covers both her mortgage and a chunk towards the rent she will pay in her new home. So without hesitation she goes for it and moves to start her adventure towards simplicity.

No job and a what appears to be a moody landlord mean that Jen's ride is somewhat bumpy. But she is determined to make her life more simple, and nobody is going to stop her.

The lovely part about this story is that it is one of hope, friendship and love, and who wouldn't want that?

Profile Image for Ruth Hill.
1,115 reviews647 followers
March 27, 2014
What a particularly delightful book this is, and I can recommend it to romance lovers of most genres. There are no bedroom scenes (thank goodness!), and the profanity is minimal. I truly wish that "sh--" had been left out of this book, but I am not marking down the book for that particular offensive term. With that exception, most readers will find this a delectable romance that will remind you about the joys (and difficulties) of residing in a small town. I believe that this book has the potential to challenge all of us to live a more simple, uncomplicated life as well.

What I appreciated the utmost about this sumptuous tale was that there were several interwoven stories of women from several walks of life making constructive changes. I am persuaded that everyone can relate to at least once character in the story--I certainly did. And if you treasure multiple happy endings, you will relish this book. And since this book takes place in the great Pacific Northwest, what could be more desirable?

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Profile Image for Jane Stewart.
2,462 reviews969 followers
June 15, 2015
3 ½ stars. Enjoyable time getting to know residents in a quaint mountain town.

This feels more like womens fiction than romance, although the main characters think about and desire romance. Jen was smitten with Garrett from the moment she met him. But Garrett thinks she’s too much like his ex-wife - flaky. He thinks he needs someone serious like Tilda, a cop. The problem is there is no chemistry between Garrett and Tilda. Jen and Garrett do not get together until the very end, so we don’t get to see their relationship. I don't think we see enough of them together to call it a romance.

The story jumps around among six women who are friends and book club members in Icicle Falls, a quaint mountain town in Washington state.

The idea of clearing clutter from your life and simplifying your life was fun. I enjoyed thinking about those things.

There are no sex scenes, although a couple scenes are referred to.

This is book 4 in the series. It’s the first book I read. I did not feel like I was missing something by not reading the previous books.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 369 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual content: about 2 scenes referred to or implied, no details. Setting: current day mostly Icicle Falls, Washington. Copyright: 2014. Genre: womens fiction with romance.
Profile Image for  Gigi Ann.
632 reviews40 followers
April 30, 2014

My Thoughts...

This is the fourth book in this series and since I enjoyed the other three I couldn't wait to read this book...And I wasn't disappointed. It brought back memories of 16 years ago when my hubby and I retired from farming and moved 850 miles away to retire. Talk about 'simplifying' my life, we had lived in the house we moved from for 40 years, so yes! there was a lot to downsizing so we could move into a small apartment. But, I wouldn't trade it for the busy life of a farm wife ever again. I now have time for my passion...reading.

Once I started to read this book I couldn't put it down I read it in one day. Dealing with a cold this week I couldn't do anything except watch TV or read, so that helped me get it read in a day.

I found this a wonderful feel good book to read, at least it left me feeling good, and just what the doctor ordered. It was nice visiting Icicle Falls and visiting with old friends and making some new ones. I look forward to Sheila's new book "The Tea Shop of Lavender Lane" coming June 24, 2014...It's already pre-ordered to my Kindle, now the wait.......

This book is part of my Nook library, and I really liked it and awarded it 4 sparkling icicle stars.
Profile Image for Janeiowa.
1,247 reviews
July 20, 2014
The story line was interesting and seeing the "simplify life" philosophy fit into several different characters' lives worked fairly well.

The romance angle for Jen seemed very dragged out...and then there was a rush at about 80% left to get them together...and the "method" bordered on the ridiculous, for me.
Profile Image for Dean Frech.
Author 8 books62 followers
March 22, 2014
I just got done reading Sheila Robert’s latest novel, The Cottage on Juniper Ridge. Yet another story set in Icicle Falls, this time we meet Jen Heath and Stacey Thomas. Jen Heath reads a Muriel Sterling book on simplifying her life and that includes selling her Seattle condo and moving to Icicle Falls. Stacey is a long-time resident who turns simplifying her life into a business of matching people with the right gentle used and antique things.

Once again, Sheila comes through with a great story about women and their incredible group of friends banding together to work through life’s problems. And it’s set in the gorgeous backdrop of the little mountain community of Icicle Falls. My husband, Thomas, and I would love to run a b&b in the little Ozark mountain town of Eureka Springs, AR one day. I think that’s why I like these stories so much, because I see myself fitting in this little town and getting along with these characters so much.

I’m a member of Sheila’s street team, so I usually get the book before everyone else does. Maybe one day I’ll get one read and posted by the time it’s released? Thanks for letting me be involved, Sheila!
Profile Image for Pravina.
162 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2019
*SPOILERS ALERT*

Didn’t read any of the previous books from this series. I usually like books with many characters narrating from their point of view. In this book, though we had a few characters and their backstories, I couldn’t really feel much of a connection with any of them.

Didn’t really fancy Garrett and Jen together either. Throughout almost 3/4 of the book, Garrett and Jen were just constantly trying to get away from each other especially Garrett because he was dating Tilda. When Garrett and Jen do spend time together, it’s boring. Their moments together were not so special, that I don’t see why they even fell for each other in the first place. Tbh, if you ask me, Garrett was such a jerk to Tilda for constantly giving her hopes.

The last part when Tilda handcuffed him to the bed and left him, I felt like he deserved it but Tilda was still so nice to let Jen and Garrett get together. It’s alright, Tilda deserves someone better.

Overall, it took me awhile to finish this but I really didn’t find anything memorable in this book and would probably not recommend it to anyone that loves a good chick lit book! ;)

Rating : 3/10

Profile Image for Gail.
1,546 reviews
February 20, 2014
Another awesome book by Sheila Roberts! The fourth book in The Icicle Falls series. I just love this series. I feel like I am part of the quaint little town when I read these books. Jen Heath reads the book Simplicity by Murial Sterling her guide to simple living and decides to make changes because of the book. She moves to Icicle Falls and meets her sexy landlord Garrett Armstrong. They sure have a lot of ups and downs. Stacy has too much clutter and finds a way to help her out of that mess. Jen's sister Toni wants a change too. Her husband and kids all they want to do is be involved with all their techy stuff. Everyone in the book club decides they need to make changes to their lives. I have to tell you after reading this book I need to go thru all of our stuff and eliminate stuff we don't need or use any more. Why keep it if you don't need it. I did get rid of a lot of stuff a few years back but we still have way too much stuff we do not use. Thanks Sheila for another awesome book. I don't know if I can wait until June for the next one.
Profile Image for Angela Holland.
417 reviews53 followers
March 20, 2014
I can't not say enough good things about this book, I absolutely loved this book. This is the second book in this series that I have read and one of these days I will get the first two read as this is one of my most favorite series. Icicle Falls is a town you fall in love with and want to pack up and move to. Another part of this book I liked was watching each of the characters learn how to simplify their life. It was ice watching each of them transform and their relationships prosper. I highly recommend this book to everyone and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Linda.
163 reviews15 followers
March 16, 2014
Another great book by Sheila Roberts!! It starts with Jen Heath wanting to simplify her life after reading the book Simplicity by moving to Icicle Falls and downsizing so she rents a little cottage on Juniper Ridge and falls in love with her landlord Garrett. A fun and witty book. Great characters. I really enjoyed book 4 in the Icicle Falls series. I love Sheila Roberts books. Can't wait for the next one!!
62 reviews
July 7, 2015
Really enjoyed this but wanted more about some of the other characters as their stories could have been more in depth x
Profile Image for Barb.
1,023 reviews23 followers
February 6, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I'm not a fan of romance, but Sheila Roberts did a great job! when I have time, I plan to read her other books in this series!
Profile Image for Gina Marie.
278 reviews9 followers
April 23, 2019
Every time I read an Icicle Falls book, the pages just turn and turn. This series has heart and humor and I always find myself feeling connected to the characters and relating in some way or another. I also like how these books are set up - each book has several main characters and each Chapter follows one (or a few) of them. Icicle Falls is a small town so residents throughout the books become intertwined. I really enjoyed The Cottage on Juniper Ridge as the main theme involved simplicity in life and having the courage to persevere with new challenges and change.
In this book we follow Jen’s new adventure with her Cottage and simple small town life after leaving a busy city life behind. She joins a book club after meeting several women in town and they become her friends. She also develops a major crush on her landlord, Garrett. Poor Jen, Garrett is scorned from a previous relationship and it is not easy “having a thing” for him but kind of funny as it plays out!
The book club ladies are encouraging to Jen and to each other as they all decide on the same books to read and check in with each other regularly for support - Charley with the busy restaurant and wedding planning - Juliet with her new baby - Stacy as a first time antique shop owner - Chita as a single Mom with little free time - Cecily is settling in town after leaving her business in LA behind - and Cass learning to accept help at her bakery.
The love stories involved are simple and sweet, the characters are lovable, and those qualities make for a delicious escape for the reader! The issues involved are relatable but kept light-hearted which I appreciate and enjoy. Looking forward to reading other Icicle Falls books. Happy reading!
Profile Image for PrettyFlamingo.
760 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2018

I liked the stylised cover of the book very much, which featured two friends chatting at a coffee shop – this is a big part of my life! I started reading it at Christmas, when the book begins, and finished it in the summer, when it ends, so I guess you could say I read it in real time

Divorced Jen is Stressed in Seattle, and decides to up and move to Icicle Falls to de-stress and change her life for the better. Rather a brave and bold move I would think. She quickly settles into the community and joins a book group. The Christmas read is Simplicity, a book on why and how you can simplify your life. Coincidentally Jen has been given a copy of it by her sister Toni so she fits right into the book group from day one.

Jen rents the cottage of the title, settles into the life of the small town and makes friends easily. She also decides to write a blog and a book and finds a part time job. So far so good. But this is a romance story, isn’t it? Nobody can live without a guy .............. so all the female characters had to be paired up in the final analysis. I’d quite liked to have seen some of them go it alone running a business or similar. I did like the characters and their individual lives, but it did feel somewhat one-dimensional.

It’s a very pleasant, light and easy read. No real drama or tension, and you know that everything works out in the end. I liked the idea of the small town. I would like to be able to go and eat at Zelda’s with my friends, and what I am pleased about is that the romance element was a slow build and not a bodice ripper. I don’t think I will seek out others in the series though I have a friend who will love them all!
Profile Image for Shelly Hammond.
1,959 reviews
December 5, 2018
This is another great edition to the Life in Icicle Falls book series. If you've read those that came before this one (which you probably should before you get to this one so you have the background of the town and the people) then you know the basic writing style and the set up and formula of sorts of these books. This one follows those but introduces some new characters, mainly our new female lead Jen and her sister and sister's family. I cant recall if the lead man in this one, Garrett, was mentioned before in other books. If not, he's the other new person.
Anyway, Jen gets ahold of a book written by none other than Icicle Falls own Muriel Sterling called Simplicity about how to simplify your life. Her life isn't very simple so she takes some drastic measures and finds herself moving from Seattle to Icicle Falls. Life is different and her landlord, Garrett Armstrong, just happens to be the ideal man although he does have a girl that he is seeing (I won't get into that one but it's the only thing I got a bit grumpy about while reading. I like Tilda! Anyway, moving on to avoid spoilers...). From this point the story progresses. There are other stories going on at the same time with others trying to simplify their lives, love matches being made, and families dealing with their own issues. So, this book has a lot going on and it's all worked out in just about a year. It starts on Christmas and ends just about the same time. This is a great book in this series and I'm anxious to move on to the next one and so I shall do so now
Profile Image for Ann.
395 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2017
The idea of making your life simpler is nice. Although I cannot relate, I don`t live in a big city, I am not constantly in lack of time.

The Cottage on Juniper Ridge was the first of the series for me (there was no notion of it being a series on the cover). There were so many characters that noone had actually enough coverage.

I liked Jen. Except the the fact she was after another woman`s man. I know Tilda and Garrett were not a perfect match but it was for them to figure it out. Except the fact she just jumped into impulse desicions without thinking things through. But fortunately evertyhing turned out well for her. But she was ready to try new thing and not settle. So she messed up a bit? Who doesn`t?

Garret was a wimp. Being burned in love ready to settle and make another person unhappy. By that I mean Tilda. Throughout the enitre book he went on about Jen is lovely. I should keep away. Prejudiced and a wimp.
39 reviews
February 13, 2023
This book is based on Jen, an over stressed and overcommitted young divorcee who has had enough of the crazy busy city life she has been living. After reading a book about simplifying things she decides to move and rent a little cottage by the mountains. It is inspiring to read that we can move beyond our disappointments and slow things down so we can actually enjoy life and not have it zip past us. It's nice to read about confident women who make the necessary changes in their lives. It also includes the adventures of other women in town who want to live a simpler life. It's nice to read about confident women who make brave changes in their lives to live better. I always enjoy Sheila's books and this one was a hit. It is part of the Life in Icicle Falls series but reads great as a stand alone, as I have not read all the books in the series. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Jeannie Chambers.
Author 2 books68 followers
April 18, 2018
Sheila Roberts has done it again. She’s managed to write a book that caught me right when I needed it. The characters in this book all need to simplify their lives, and I bet every reader will see themselves in at least one of them.

Roberts’ ability of quick-wit dialogue and the reality of the character’s real thoughts (sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-wrenching) help keep The Cottage on Juniper Ridge a page turner.

I normally like to read a book series in order, but I’ve haphazardly gobbled up books from Icicle Falls, and have found each read just as well as a stand-alone.

Always look forward to the next book by Sheila Roberts- I’ve never been disappointed.


Profile Image for S.J..
23 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2022
Really very good book to read when you’re feeling low. This book cheered me up and cheered me on when I feel like my whole world is on my shoulders due to my academic requirements. I loved the aesthetic vibes and I also appreciate Icicle falls, the townspeople, the festivals held, and the romance between Garett and Jen, I just wished there were more romance scenes tho but this book is not about romance. So if you’re the type of person who loves to read chick flicks and stories about friendships or turning your life up then, this book is perfect for you.

Oh and this book is good to read during rainy days and cold nights, such a cozy book. Lovely 💕
Profile Image for Ann Boytim.
2,002 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2018
Do you want to change your life? Jen Heath reads a book called Simplicity and decides to leave her stressful life in Seattle where she has two jobs to try and make ends meet to pay for her condo etc but her life is miserable so she decides to move to Icicle Falls where she rents a small cottage and wants to begin a new simple life. Jen';s meeting of her landlord gives her a new outlook on life and the fun begins.
Profile Image for Marran.
1,770 reviews25 followers
August 31, 2019
The idea of changing your life, starting over is a good one but it has been done better
. The main character swooning over a man that is pretty much an asshole every time they meet.. But he's so pretty it doesn't matter apparently. A man that thinks you're irresponsible if your having fun because heis ex wife was out having fun instead of taking care if their son.. Yeah not much logic being that that pretty facade..
52 reviews
May 21, 2021
Well Sheila Roberts - I didn't want to leave this story after I read the last word! This story has a little bit of everything. There is a few chuckles, suspense, and my favorite, romance. This book is definitely a must read for every woman that has a fast paced job and for all women for that matter. It is a wonderful escape to a more serene place. However, you loose a star for using the "s" word. I am looking forward to reading another of these stories soon.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
446 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2018
Loved it.

I always enjoy trips to Icicle Falls. I like that there is a main story with a few side ones. You definitely get to read about the other characters more in this series than in most others. It's the 5th book and we get to keep up with the main characters from the first (and not just a paragraph).
884 reviews
August 31, 2017
Feel good book!

I enjoyed reading how Jen took to heart the self help book she read and totally reinvented herself. I also really liked the support she received from the local towns women.
203 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2021
A 3 1/2 star story about simplifying life, making new friends and renewing family relationships. The quiet romances resolved a bit quickly. Jen and Garrett bumped along throughout the story and received a sudden hea as did several others.
Profile Image for Ree Govender.
117 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2022
This book has changed my opinion of life. It's about finding love in simplicity and making new changes in your life. The slow burn romance between Jen and her landlord is worth to read. Icicle Falls is absolutely magical and Sheila Roberts makes you fall in love with it with every word ❤️.
901 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2023
I loved this book. Great characters and storylines. The idea of simplifying life, and actually doing it pays off in many ways. Jen uprooted herself and starts over in Icicle Falls. I enjoyed watching the changes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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