Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage

The Lakeside Cottage

by Erin Green

Welcome to the Lakeside Cottage . . . A place to write, where inspiration awaits . . .

Five authors have gathered at the idyllic Lakeside Cottage for a retreat, with the promise of peace and dedicated writing time. At least, that's the idea . . .

Retreat organiser Rula is there to edit, surrounded by like-minded souls. An interloper, especially one with whom she has a past, was certainly not part of her plan.

Eve has a bad case of writer's block, despite numerous bestsellers under her belt. Can she find new inspiration? Or will she get drawn into the dramas that unfold around her?

Alice has a deadline looming but is seemingly more interested in anything but writing. And where does she keep disappearing to?

Daphne is an experienced self-published author, but might she be more unconventional in other ways too?

And then there's Brontë, the complete novice. She's a mere scribbler, not a 'proper writer' like these other women, and she feels totally out of her depth.

As the collective word count grows, and their personal stories interweave, each woman finds herself drawn in unexpected and life-changing directions.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

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Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage, by Erin Green, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Bronte, Daphne, Rula, Eve, ans Alice, are writers at a writing retreat. This book is set in a beautiful location, it was nice reading about five people, instead of one. Its an interesting read.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. I read this whilst on holiday so it took me a little bit longer but there were times I was itching to pick my kindle up and find out what was happening at Lakeside Cottage with all the authors.

What a colourful group of ladies, their personalities were so vibrant I felt like I was watching them on tv. I always wondered what happened at writing retreats, know I know! It was really interesting to learn about the different publishing experiences and how there is so much more to writing than simply just writing it!

I have to say, the star of the book for me was Josie and Arthur. I’ve enjoyed Josie in previous books in this series but it was nice to learn more about her and from very early on I was rooting for Arthur to be her person. I bet he’s secretly pleased the authors retreat got moved to Lakeside as those woman really showed Josie how to be free and go after what you want and see what was right in front of your nose.

Brilliant from start to finish, and I loved the little character twist with Rulas’ agent. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, although i wasn't sure part of the way through, it was a little long winded and drawn out at times, but I did like the different view points, part of the way though I did just wonder if Erin had experienced all this herself or this was a struggle for all authors, i really hope not, but in the end it was a good story and I did like the characters and the way they interacted, I would have liked a little bit more information on how it ended for all of them rather than the snippet we received.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this- very easy read, and was everything i wanted it to be 🫶🏻 read within 3 days too (which is good for me haha)

[Mr AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters really enjoyed reading this book thank you Erin Green x

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, who doesn’t love the idea of a countryside break? The setting of this book instantly piqued my interest especially based on its setting.

I adored all of the characters and how they came together to boost each other regarding their writing and more importantly ‘wine hour’. Josie and Brontë were my favourites although Alice’s antics cracked me up.

This is a light-hearted read, with endearing characters and a brillant twist towards the end, I had an idea through, but the wrong character!

A must read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to be able to return to the Lakeside Cottage in a brand new totally standalone novel.

And this one featured a writing retreat, which is a fabulous way to see behind the scenes of the writing process for a variety of authors all at different stages of their careers, in one place.

We have Bronte the newbie, Eve and Rula are the old hands, Daphne who seemed to fade into the background for much of the book and Alice who is rather flighty.

We get chapters from some of their points of view, as well as Josie the housekeeper, who has appeared in all the books of this series.

An enthralling set of antics occur over this retreat, some more surprising than others, and all a lot of fun as a reader to devour.

A highly enjoyable story.

Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Jack Tunnicliffe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so bad genuinely, the author was even getting confused in her own storyline due to moments where characters didn’t match up with the perspectives states at the beginning of the chapter as well as having random scene changes whilst still in the middle of a conversation. There was no plot in book and you were reading for the sake of reading it. I tried to get out of reading slump with this book and bloody hell it put me in an even bigger one. The characters were just bland and boring and there were times where I’m sure they changed their backstories for one and another and again the author got confused. So so so bad

[Sue Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read. I was right there in the retreat as I have been to many. I identified with Bronte mostly, unsure of her ability comparing herself to real authors. I liked her method and caring personality. The others were certainly a mixed bag served by the lovely Josie, housekeeper for the week.
Lots of writing tips and guidance weaved into conversations that would be authors will find useful/inspiring.

[Megan Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read. Nothing too crazy, which meant at times I wasn’t itching to pick it up because I knew there wouldn’t be lots happening. But it was funny and enjoyable, I wish I could give it 3.5 stars because I did really enjoy reading it, it just didn’t have as much of an impact on me like other books do.

[Jade Doodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst it took me a little while to get properly into this book I ended up really enjoying it. It focuses on a group of authors on a writers retreat and I really enjoyed reading about their processes and dramas. I enjoyed all the viewpoints we got and how it all came together nicely at the end.

[S.J. Lomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book sounded perfect, but I was really disappointed and confused by most of it. None of the characters were likable, except maybe Josie, but none of them struck me as being realistic.
Too bad.

[Nicky herring · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

Wonderful escapism, loved every minute of this page turner. Great insight into an authors life. Loved the ending, who’d have thought…

[Denise Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book very well written. Great knowledge about writing and publishing with the five authors on the retreat. Love Lakeside Cottage.

[Jess Book Shelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely feel good read 📚

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book! I thought it did get a bit boring at times though and was confusing to understand, but it was a fun cosy read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

[Karen Pyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow and a bit repetitive

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bronte, Daphne, Rula, Eve, and Alice are all writers who come together at a lakeside writing retreat. Set in a beautiful and peaceful location, the story offers a refreshing change by focusing on a group rather than just one main character. It’s lovely to see how each woman brings her own dreams, struggles, and personality to the retreat, and how their friendships slowly build over time.

The setting is described so well that you can easily picture the calm water and cozy cottages, making it a very comforting read. It was interesting to follow all five women’s journeys, seeing how writing brought them together but life took them in different directions too. Their experiences highlight not just creativity but also personal growth, new beginnings, and the courage to follow your heart.

Overall, Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage is an engaging and heartwarming story. It’s perfect if you enjoy stories about friendship, second chances, and pursuing your passions in a beautiful setting.

[Meg Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Retreat to the Lakeside Cottage by Erin Green
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

📚 What It’s About:
A beautifully uplifting story about finding yourself in the most unexpected places. When the main character escapes to a lakeside cottage for a fresh start, she discovers friendship, healing, and the inspiration to live life on her own terms.

💭 What I Thought:
One of my top reads this year! This book was everything I needed—heartwarming, inspiring, and so full of hope. I loved the setting and the way the story unfolded with gentle, genuine emotion. I would absolutely read it again.

💡 Favourite Part:
How empowering it felt—watching the character rebuild her life and find her strength was so motivating.

✅ Would I Recommend It?
Definitely. If you love feel-good fiction that leaves you inspired and smiling, this is a must-read.