What do you think?
Rate this book
Winnifred Cottage
Winnifred Mayhew has exciting plans. The vineyards of southern France are beckoning and she is preparing to become an expert on wine.
However, life often has a way of side-stepping even the best laid plans, and a family tragedy shatters her dreams.
Winnie finds solace through her friends and family, and also from the colourful members of The Wine Club - where it soon becomes apparent that everyone is dealing with their own demons.
However, life often has a way of side-stepping even the best laid plans, and a family tragedy shatters her dreams.
Winnie finds solace through her friends and family, and also from the colourful members of The Wine Club - where it soon becomes apparent that everyone is dealing with their own demons.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
1533 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Alexander
17 books27 followersHello,
Thanks for visiting my author page.
My first writing success was to have some short stories published in a weekly fiction magazine.
And I remember being thrilled to bits!
My first novel 'The Beach Hut' was published in 2012 and since then I've written 15 more books.
I aim to create emotionally feel-good stories that hopefully absorb you in someone else’s world at least for a little while.
For more information on me, my books and short stories, please look me up on:
https://www.JennieAlexander.co.uk
I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for visiting my author page.
My first writing success was to have some short stories published in a weekly fiction magazine.
And I remember being thrilled to bits!
My first novel 'The Beach Hut' was published in 2012 and since then I've written 15 more books.
I aim to create emotionally feel-good stories that hopefully absorb you in someone else’s world at least for a little while.
For more information on me, my books and short stories, please look me up on:
https://www.JennieAlexander.co.uk
I'd love to hear from you!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 25, 2022
Great Sunday (or any day) read
Jennie Alexander has crafted a fun, easy to read, sweet story about sisters, families, secrets and love. What more could anyone ask for?
Jennie Alexander has crafted a fun, easy to read, sweet story about sisters, families, secrets and love. What more could anyone ask for?
March 9, 2021
This book started a bit slow and I almost gave up on it, but then it hooked me and I stayed up until it was finished! As I put my head on the pillow I went to sleep dreaming about how wonderful everything turned out for Abigail, her family and her friends. A delightful read with interesting characters and scenery.
Synopsis: Abigail loses her home and her partner all in one day. She has recently received a surprise inheritance from her grandmother in the form of Winnifred Cottage - set in the heart of England's beautiful Lake District . She was going to sell it and share the proceeds with her sister but now that her home was partially destroyed but a fire - this cottage could be the answer to her prayers.
The cottage offers Abigail a timely escape - a new home and a new beginning. But as many unexpected gifts turn out - the one has a few twists and turns.
Synopsis: Abigail loses her home and her partner all in one day. She has recently received a surprise inheritance from her grandmother in the form of Winnifred Cottage - set in the heart of England's beautiful Lake District . She was going to sell it and share the proceeds with her sister but now that her home was partially destroyed but a fire - this cottage could be the answer to her prayers.
The cottage offers Abigail a timely escape - a new home and a new beginning. But as many unexpected gifts turn out - the one has a few twists and turns.
November 20, 2022
winnifred Cottage
I am just glad that this book had a cheerful ending! Most of it was about people being miserable and arguing, as well as the rain being incessant with torrential downpours where they were literally dripping just running from the car to the house, day after day. It was depressing
Starts off with a fire in the bedroom at Abbies house and a fireman saying something about a cigarette, neither Abbie or Jack smoke so she jumps to the conclusion he had a women there and leaves! Grandmothers cottage she inherited is an awful disappointment and she hasn’t got much money - hello, the house she left was hers (Jack was just living there with her.) And there were quite a few contradictions
throughout the book, so wasn’t edited very well. Then in the last chapter everything wrapped up in a rush finishing on a high note!
I am just glad that this book had a cheerful ending! Most of it was about people being miserable and arguing, as well as the rain being incessant with torrential downpours where they were literally dripping just running from the car to the house, day after day. It was depressing
Starts off with a fire in the bedroom at Abbies house and a fireman saying something about a cigarette, neither Abbie or Jack smoke so she jumps to the conclusion he had a women there and leaves! Grandmothers cottage she inherited is an awful disappointment and she hasn’t got much money - hello, the house she left was hers (Jack was just living there with her.) And there were quite a few contradictions
throughout the book, so wasn’t edited very well. Then in the last chapter everything wrapped up in a rush finishing on a high note!
November 10, 2022
Sometimes I need a light read mixed in with my heavier fare and Winnifred Cottage promised to be that with the familiar trope of inheriting property. Abigail has inherited a cottage in the Lake District from her grandmother and impulsively decides to move there.
While one might admire Abigail's industry and independence, other less admirable sides to her begin to appear. I enjoyed the setting and getting to know the villagers, but several issues bugged me and one is like a splinter stuck in my skin.
I decided on the 3 stars because in the end, I enjoyed reading it.
While one might admire Abigail's industry and independence, other less admirable sides to her begin to appear. I enjoyed the setting and getting to know the villagers, but several issues bugged me and one is like a splinter stuck in my skin.
I decided on the 3 stars because in the end, I enjoyed reading it.
July 3, 2022
Cozy with a capital C!!!!!! One can solve any problem with a cup of tea. Beautiful description of the setting and characters.
October 16, 2023
Winnifred Cottage by Jennie Alexander is a story of fresh starts and old family secrets. Everything seems to be crashing down for Abigail “Abbie” Morgan. Her home burns down and she breaks up with her boyfriend. Her only option seems to move to the Winnifred Cottage in the Lake District. A surprise inheritance from her late grandmother, the cottage offers her a new start. Once she arrives, she realizes that the cottage needs a lot more work than she realized. After meeting her great aunts and other villagers, Abbie also realizes that the cottage holds a family secret and a glimpse into her grandmother she never knew. Can this move be a dream come true or her worst nightmare?
Winnifred Cottage is a lighter reading with a happy ending. It opens with Abbie in the hospital after a fall and she decides to move to the cottage. Feeling the need to escape and clear her head, the cottage offers the best option. Once there, she sees it’s not the dream she imagined. I always laugh at characters, and people in real life, who act shocked when they learn that their grandparents, or even their parents, had a past. Of course, they did. They didn’t come into this world as your parents. They were young adults who made life changing decisions. Overall, I enjoyed Winnifred Cottage. If you enjoy a slower paced story with family secrets, I recommend Winnifred Cottage.
Winnifred Cottage is available in paperback and eBook
Winnifred Cottage is a lighter reading with a happy ending. It opens with Abbie in the hospital after a fall and she decides to move to the cottage. Feeling the need to escape and clear her head, the cottage offers the best option. Once there, she sees it’s not the dream she imagined. I always laugh at characters, and people in real life, who act shocked when they learn that their grandparents, or even their parents, had a past. Of course, they did. They didn’t come into this world as your parents. They were young adults who made life changing decisions. Overall, I enjoyed Winnifred Cottage. If you enjoy a slower paced story with family secrets, I recommend Winnifred Cottage.
Winnifred Cottage is available in paperback and eBook
March 30, 2023
I kept thinking that at some point we'd get more backstory, more information, more *something* to give the characters depth that would make me care more about them, but nothing was ever forthcoming. The main character and her sister don't get along--why? We never find out. The MC has trust issues and suspects her loving partner of 3 years of cheating--we get a flimsy reason, but nothing that makes sense. No history on the grandmother or great-aunts. The MC doesn't even realize that the house she's been left isn't the same cottage she used to visit until she gets there, and she thinks nothing of the fact that the village doesn't look familiar, etc, until she sees the cottage itself (and we never find out what happened to the beautiful home her grandmother did live in). It was an okay story on the surface, but the lack of depth got frustrating, especially when you get to the end and realize that's all there is.
December 31, 2022
A really enjoyable book. I started and then got sidetracked but when I got back to reading it was hard to put down. I found it was a good mix of family dynamics and beautiful countryside as Abbie ventures up to the cottage that her grandma left her in her will. It just doesn’t happen to be the house that Abbie remembers spending time at (with her granny) when she was younger.
I like the little mystery that she finds herself in the midst of as she explores her new home and friends (and relatives) she meets. Why did her grandma buy the cottage and then leave it empty for years and what meaning does the beautiful watercolor that she’s left hold for her. The tight circle of her closest friend and her sister and her family begins to loosen as she expands her horizons and opens herself up.
I like the little mystery that she finds herself in the midst of as she explores her new home and friends (and relatives) she meets. Why did her grandma buy the cottage and then leave it empty for years and what meaning does the beautiful watercolor that she’s left hold for her. The tight circle of her closest friend and her sister and her family begins to loosen as she expands her horizons and opens herself up.
November 13, 2022
What a Wonderful Saturday Read!
Winifred Cottage is the kind of book I will look back on and relish the characters, the location, and the work the author put into the story. I bought the book this morning because it looked interesting, and read nonstop until this evening. Everything is so real about the book that I find myself thinking I actually was there. In fact, I just asked my caregiver if she went with me to one of the locations and she grinned and said "I don't think so." That means that the author's writing is so realistic that I really had a "moving experience." I actually was there in my mind! Now, that is good writing.
Winifred Cottage is the kind of book I will look back on and relish the characters, the location, and the work the author put into the story. I bought the book this morning because it looked interesting, and read nonstop until this evening. Everything is so real about the book that I find myself thinking I actually was there. In fact, I just asked my caregiver if she went with me to one of the locations and she grinned and said "I don't think so." That means that the author's writing is so realistic that I really had a "moving experience." I actually was there in my mind! Now, that is good writing.
March 16, 2022
Stunning story!
This book was so 👍 great. I enjoyed it so much. It was so life like that it was almost as if I were part of the story. The characters were full of stuff real life has in it. I absolutely loved the characters. I related to much of this story. Great job writing it, love your style of writing. The twists were exciting and some surprising. Great fun this story has been. I would recommend it to any reader that enjoys a fantastic read. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. Pegge.
This book was so 👍 great. I enjoyed it so much. It was so life like that it was almost as if I were part of the story. The characters were full of stuff real life has in it. I absolutely loved the characters. I related to much of this story. Great job writing it, love your style of writing. The twists were exciting and some surprising. Great fun this story has been. I would recommend it to any reader that enjoys a fantastic read. Thanks for sharing your talent with me. Pegge.
November 15, 2022
I love when people come to their senses and reunite.
This is a well written and well thought out story about realistic family difficulties. Most families have a bit of dysfunction to hide, and all families have secrets they want to keep hidden. This novel carefully untangles these sorts of family issues in a beautifully descriptive way. Readers will love the characters, appreciate the dynamics of squabbling sisters, and be delighted with the descriptions of the English countryside. It caused me to want to live in such a lovely place amongst such interesting folks.
This is a well written and well thought out story about realistic family difficulties. Most families have a bit of dysfunction to hide, and all families have secrets they want to keep hidden. This novel carefully untangles these sorts of family issues in a beautifully descriptive way. Readers will love the characters, appreciate the dynamics of squabbling sisters, and be delighted with the descriptions of the English countryside. It caused me to want to live in such a lovely place amongst such interesting folks.
January 31, 2021
A lovely and heartwarming story
I enjoyed this story so much. Annie just let her home and boyfriend of n the same evening when a fire breaks out in her bedroom and it looks like Jack had "company".. She decides to move to the cottage her grandmother left her and start anew. She learns more about herself, her family, and life in a small town and how it can be so much more than she imagined.
I enjoyed this story so much. Annie just let her home and boyfriend of n the same evening when a fire breaks out in her bedroom and it looks like Jack had "company".. She decides to move to the cottage her grandmother left her and start anew. She learns more about herself, her family, and life in a small town and how it can be so much more than she imagined.
February 16, 2022
not cliche exactly…
I loved most aspects of the ending. And of course there were all the necessary misunderstandings and hurt feelings, which always annoy me.
The first 2/3 of the book were close to quitting. Slog and no one saying what they were thinking. Plus one didn’t get a feel for Jack and Abbie…so it was hard to get a handle on the beginning or the end.
I did like the Miriam/ Alastair story line. It seemed the most realistic, romance wise.
I loved most aspects of the ending. And of course there were all the necessary misunderstandings and hurt feelings, which always annoy me.
The first 2/3 of the book were close to quitting. Slog and no one saying what they were thinking. Plus one didn’t get a feel for Jack and Abbie…so it was hard to get a handle on the beginning or the end.
I did like the Miriam/ Alastair story line. It seemed the most realistic, romance wise.
November 16, 2022
Family a d Friends
I picked this up free because it looked interesting and I'm always looking for new authors. To my joy it was a feel-good read that filled my heart. Sisters and best friends can be the same person even if your lives seem different. Willingness to open your heart and hear truth without being needlessly defensive can heal hearts and lives.
I look forward to reading more of her books.
I picked this up free because it looked interesting and I'm always looking for new authors. To my joy it was a feel-good read that filled my heart. Sisters and best friends can be the same person even if your lives seem different. Willingness to open your heart and hear truth without being needlessly defensive can heal hearts and lives.
I look forward to reading more of her books.
January 19, 2023
An absolutely delightful story!
This is so well done: from the very beginning, the people of the story are engaging. Their lives are changing and they must make changes to accommodate. The Lake District, where the story happens, is so much a part of the story, it's like another major character. When you think of delightful English romances, like Jenny Cogan's and Jane Linfoot's, you will have an idea of the treat in store!
This is so well done: from the very beginning, the people of the story are engaging. Their lives are changing and they must make changes to accommodate. The Lake District, where the story happens, is so much a part of the story, it's like another major character. When you think of delightful English romances, like Jenny Cogan's and Jane Linfoot's, you will have an idea of the treat in store!
April 25, 2024
A feel-goodO story...
This book kind of rambled a bit, but it eventually got where it was going. The story was solid. The characters were very interesting and had ample opportunities for change and growth. It was really great to see their relationships change as they changed. Abbee felt like such an outsider in the beginning, but she ended up making so many friends, good friends. There were so many mended fences, too. It really is a feel-good novel. Recommended.
This book kind of rambled a bit, but it eventually got where it was going. The story was solid. The characters were very interesting and had ample opportunities for change and growth. It was really great to see their relationships change as they changed. Abbee felt like such an outsider in the beginning, but she ended up making so many friends, good friends. There were so many mended fences, too. It really is a feel-good novel. Recommended.
August 1, 2021
A delightful summer read!
I found this book to be a delightful read . The characters are interesting and varied full of humor and warm hearted. I would recommend it to those people who love stories full of characters who learn to reach for their potential and learn through adversity to truly value their loved ones.
I found this book to be a delightful read . The characters are interesting and varied full of humor and warm hearted. I would recommend it to those people who love stories full of characters who learn to reach for their potential and learn through adversity to truly value their loved ones.
February 9, 2022
The pretty pink cover attracted me. A gift of a cottage given to a granddaughter. Changes a life. Characters are charming. The elderly sisters bickering warmed my heart. There was only one sconderl in the book. And he did some under handed things. Description of Winnifred Cottage made me want to cozy up there. The tea room would be a lovely place to sit a spell.
June 2, 2022
Refreshing!
I lived in Cornwall and Forced for two years, many years ago. One of the most cherished memories. This story depicts life in a small town - weaving lives who never before had thought into a tapestry of culture, relationship challenges, love and the beauty of the area, I to a brilliant, clever reveal that will leave you smiling! Thank you Winnifred!
I lived in Cornwall and Forced for two years, many years ago. One of the most cherished memories. This story depicts life in a small town - weaving lives who never before had thought into a tapestry of culture, relationship challenges, love and the beauty of the area, I to a brilliant, clever reveal that will leave you smiling! Thank you Winnifred!
June 8, 2022
Gave me peace
The author has a gift for drawing the reader in and allowing her to use her imagination by not over describing every detail. I felt like I was in the story and could visualise the areas the author wrote. A lovely story with many events and sorry it had to end. Jennie is a refreshing talent!the
The author has a gift for drawing the reader in and allowing her to use her imagination by not over describing every detail. I felt like I was in the story and could visualise the areas the author wrote. A lovely story with many events and sorry it had to end. Jennie is a refreshing talent!the
November 20, 2022
A story of love and family.
Wow, what a great story. It shows different dynamics of family, the struggles, the love, the impatience of a sibling, and how we are seeing things may not be the way they are. How will an inheritance of an old cottage affect so many people in this little cozy town. Hard to put this book down.
Wow, what a great story. It shows different dynamics of family, the struggles, the love, the impatience of a sibling, and how we are seeing things may not be the way they are. How will an inheritance of an old cottage affect so many people in this little cozy town. Hard to put this book down.
November 20, 2022
This was a nice, clean story. I appreciated that! One thing that bothered me was the lack of closure concerning Miriam & Alistair. Alistair just kind of disappeared and we were never told why he was acting so strange and why his work schedule was so odd. I would’ve liked to see an end to their storyline.
May 24, 2023
Not quite what I expected
The storyline was touted to be chasing a family secret, it was mainly about Abbie moving to a small cottage that was left to her and her sister by her Grandmother who had had a relationship with a fellow and she became pregnant. It was a quaint story and had a happy ending.
The storyline was touted to be chasing a family secret, it was mainly about Abbie moving to a small cottage that was left to her and her sister by her Grandmother who had had a relationship with a fellow and she became pregnant. It was a quaint story and had a happy ending.
August 9, 2023
What a wonderful story!
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. This story was so wonderfully written that I just couldn't put it down. I read it straight from start to finish. This author is so skilled. I appreciate that she as chosen to share her talent with the world.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last. This story was so wonderfully written that I just couldn't put it down. I read it straight from start to finish. This author is so skilled. I appreciate that she as chosen to share her talent with the world.
June 27, 2020
I did not like this book. The main character was hard to relate to for me. I normally do not write bad reviews, but lately I have decided to complain when I feel let down after buying a book that is nothing like the description of it. I would recommend skipping this one.
August 5, 2020
Lovely story
Loved the story of Winifred cottage and the character's. I chose this book because my name use to be Winifred, but I didn't like it so changed it, so was curious to see what Winifred cottage was about.
Loved the story of Winifred cottage and the character's. I chose this book because my name use to be Winifred, but I didn't like it so changed it, so was curious to see what Winifred cottage was about.
September 28, 2021
Happiness
Very sweet story! I have been charmed by visiting the Lake District and this story reveals the magic of the area even the rain! I wish Mrs. Garfield didn’t t perish but it was a good story! Thank you for writing it!
Very sweet story! I have been charmed by visiting the Lake District and this story reveals the magic of the area even the rain! I wish Mrs. Garfield didn’t t perish but it was a good story! Thank you for writing it!
January 7, 2022
Book teview
What a disappointment. This was too predictable and long drawn out. A teenager may enjoy this, but, I am so sorry I wasted my time on this book. I have read other books from this author that were outstanding. I found it hard to believe she wrote this.
What a disappointment. This was too predictable and long drawn out. A teenager may enjoy this, but, I am so sorry I wasted my time on this book. I have read other books from this author that were outstanding. I found it hard to believe she wrote this.
January 11, 2022
Hmmm, not sure how to review this book. Others rave about it, even though they admit it starts slow. If by “starts slow” they mean the first 95%, ok. I just couldn’t get into it and really thought the characters pretty much all annoying. Maybe just my Omicron-weary mood.
November 9, 2022
Slice of English Life
Characters are drab, storyline is predictable, outcome is easy to guess. Too much of the book is English cliche... scenery, apparel, weather, people, emotions, descriptions. Pretty much a waste of time, but one never knows until the last page.
Characters are drab, storyline is predictable, outcome is easy to guess. Too much of the book is English cliche... scenery, apparel, weather, people, emotions, descriptions. Pretty much a waste of time, but one never knows until the last page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews