The Cottage by the Shore

Applemore Bay #5

by Rachael Lucas, Hannah Genesius (Narrator)

Heartwarming feel-good later in life romance with a cast of characters you'll fall in love with!

Veterinarian Sophie Jones sends her daughter Tabby off on the chance of a lifetime—a fully paid sports scholarship in Atlanta, Georgia. With the nest empty, Sophie surprises herself taking a position as the new vet in a Highland village, hundreds of miles from home.

Applemore has a big heart—from the coffee shop where village gossip is shared over sweet treats from the local bakery, to the cute white painted hotel that serves lunch overlooking the white sands and azure seas of Applemore Bay. Sophie throws herself into village life, making friends across the generations.

Divorced artist Ben Lewis is content, living alone in an old farmhouse overlooking the wild Highland beach—even if his grown up daughter teases him that he's turned into a grouch.

When a friend is in trouble and he has to get involved in village life he finds that being part of the community isn't so bad, especially when Sophie's around . . .

Escape to the Scottish Highlands with this delightful small town tale of friendship, family, and taking chances
from the bestselling author of The Winter Cottage .

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Ebooks, Womens Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Rachael Lucas has written 15 novels for adults and teenagers, including the Carnegie nominated THE STATE OF GRACE, the top ten bestseller SEALED WITH A KISS and many more. She is also the author (as Rosie Curtis) of sweet holiday romance We Met in December, an Amazon Editors' Pick. Her novels have been translated into many languages, including Korean, Hungarian, Italian, Turkish, French, German, Latvian, Estonian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and more.

Sign up for Rachael's newsletter at rachaellucas.com, and find her on Facebook at facebook.com/rachaellucaswriter for behind the scenes news and updates.

Rachael lives by the seaside in the north west of England with her family and two very enthusiastic spaniels. When she's not writing at the kitchen table with a coffee by her side, she's out walking the dogs on the beach or the nearby pinewoods. She's a huge Kindle fan - her ten year old self would have been over the moon to be able to carry a whole library around in her pocket - and a lover of sweet, romantic, small town stories, which is exactly what she likes to write. She's a big Hallmark movie fan, wanted to be Anne of Green Gables when she was growing up, and Jo March was her literary heroine. (She still is.)

Rachael's books are full of warmth and gentle humour, as well as beautiful small town settings which give her readers an escape from everyday. Rachael has been described as having "a gift for capturing complex emotion and both romantic and platonic intimacy" and writing which "exudes positivity and warmth" which has received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly. The British Guardian called her "honest, romantic and hilarious". Her teenage boys think she's a bit disorganised, and that she forgets to cook dinner when she's writing. (Luckily they don't get to leave a review.)

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

Sophie Jones has seen her only daughter Tabby off to university on a. Soccer scholarship in the USA. She decides it is time she made a change herself. She leaves London and takes a job in the tiny village of Applemore in the Highlands of Scotland. It doesn’t start well with a run in with Ben, her neighbour and his two dogs. Divorced artist Ben Sinclair is less than thrilled to have his peace and privacy of his old farmhouse overlooking the Highland Beach disturbed by this new neighbour. But it seems circumstances keep throwing them together. Despite their intital encounter an attraction develops. But given her recent disastrous history with a man she trusted, Sophie is not likely to trust any man again. But can Ben change her mind? Does he want to?
I loved being back with the folk in Applemore which I had enjoyed in an earlier book. But it is definitely not necessary to have read that book to enjoy this one. Although there are crossover characters from earlier books, there is the addition of new characters,
This is chick lit with a great setting, and some delightful and relatable characters. I found it easy to empathise with Sophie and Ben and loved the sense of community in Applemore. Yes, perhaps a tad predictable but I became involved with the characters so much, I didn’t really care. I was just enjoying the story. A charming feel good read and just the sort of book to escape into for a while. Definitely recommended. Treat yourself to some time in the charming community of Applemore.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being back in Applemore and catching up with new characters and old friends. Sophie is a vet and relocates to the Highlands and moves into a picture perfect cottage, she is settling in well and wants to move on with her life. Ben is an artist and Sophie’s new neighbour, he appears grumpy! They get off on the wrong foot but Applemore and it’s wonderful community work it’s calming magic on them. I loved the beautiful setting of the cottage and wish it was a real place! Delighted to see Ayr mentioned as that is where I live! An absolute treat that I read in a day as I was so engrossed in Sophie and Ben’s story. So special to have an early copy.

[Linniegayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Rachael Lucas' books since I first discovered her a few years ago. But this latest book, set once more in Applemore in the Scottish Highlands, has to be my favorite! I should warn that while some characters from previous books do appear in this one, it really is a standalone, and doesn't require any knowledge of the other books.

This book features a 40-something hero and heroine, each with a daughter at university. Sophie is a vet in England. She's worked in the same small practice since she left university, and is very much taken for granted (or even mocked) by everyone else in the practice. Sophie's trying to deal with empty-nest syndrome, as her daughter has left and gone to university in Atlanta. When Sophie's passed over for a promotion, she's had enough, and almost on a whim applies for a position in a small vet clinic in Scotland.

Sophie meets Ben -- an artist -- almost immediately upon arrival in Applemore; he lives in the cottage next two her. The two get off to a rocky start, but gradually become friends.

I liked both Sophie and Ben. They have a lot of the same problems, are both nice, intelligent people. The romance is very low key, but that was fine with me. I would love to see more books set in Applemore, perhaps one featuring Sophie's daughter (should she decide to move to Scotland).

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read!
My first Rachel Lewis book. I’ll look for a few more.
Loved Sophie and her bold move. I appreciated that the back story wasn’t the major thing to take precedence over the here and now in her new adventure. Just a few lines towards the end of the book to give clarity and then closure. Well done.
I love the setting.
Today is a cold coastal day by the ocean with the waves crashing into the shore, so I could relate to Sophie’s freezing coastal haunts.
Ben was a lovely character. No fuss. No drama. The community characters were all written in fabulously.
The ending was lovely.
.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet, fun romance

I have enjoyed these books with the wonderful characters and place, bring in a new pairing in each book. But always connecting familiar characters throughout. I’m gonna miss reading the goings on of Applemore!

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little read far too slow for my liking.

I really like all the characters I just feel that it was boring until maybe the last 4 chapters when they really started thinking of getting together. I feel robbed of cute Ben and Sophie moments though, I wish we got to see them together more than just the last chapter and the epilogue

[Andy N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and want to travel to this mythical part of the Scottish highlands.

Real romantic story that captures what I imagine Scottish villages by the sea to be like and the great values of its residents.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing read

I liked this story about a woman whose daughter has flown the nest, and she decides to throw caution to the wind. Sophie is a vet and she decides to move to a new practice in the Highlands. I liked the characters who were all friendly and welcoming towards her.

[Meg Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute, quick read. Really enjoyed this one

[Emma Thingsted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endnu en hyggelig fortælling fra Applemore 💕

[Harry Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary romance is my new guilty pleasure 😂 this was an ok story, I wished it followed on with the rest of the series and the Fraser family. It almost feels like it should be a spin off series and the Frasers don't really feature at all.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story from Rachael Lucas. Sophie is one of those characters you just know would be your best friend. Warm hearted and so natural I loved her from the very beginning and willed her to find her way in the beautiful village and community of Appledore.
Being back in the Highlands has been a wonderful tonic for the soul. Rachael writes about this community with such heart and I’ve loved reconnecting with old friends.

[Greta Yoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice romantic read

A great easy read! Makes me dream even more about moving to Scotland! The description of the highlands is perfect. A heart warming story!

[J . Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet, very readable with a happy ending, and a good depiction of vets.
1 star removed for the mention of expensive vet fees but only other veterinary staff will agree with me about that.
Also a realistic peek into the life of a parent with an older child no longer living in the family home.
Warning:
This book will leave you wanting to move to the Highlands and acquire spaniels.

[Bookfan36]

Brief synopsis from the book cover:

Small animal vet Sophie Jones has seen her daughter off to university in the USA. As a single parent with an empty nest, she surprises herself - taking a job in a tiny village of Applemore in the Highlands of Scotland. Hundreds of miles from home, she can try to escape the fear that her past might come back to haunt her.

Divorced artist Ben Lewis accepts his grown up daughter's teasing that he's turned into a grumpy hermit. He's perfectly happy with his life in an old farmhouse overlooking the wild Highland beach.

The last thing he needs is someone coming to live full time in the cottage by the shore - and their first meeting is a disaster. But circumstances keep throwing them together, and the attraction between them is undeniable.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Contemporary Fiction
Womens Fiction

Review:

Sophie Jones, a small animal vet, relocates to the quiet village of Applemore in the Scottish Highlands after her daughter leaves for university. Hoping to leave behind a troubled past, she finds herself in unfamiliar territory—both geographically and emotionally.
Ben Lewis, a divorced artist, lives a solitary life in a farmhouse by the beach. He’s not thrilled when Sophie moves into the nearby cottage, and their first encounter is anything but smooth. Yet as they continue to cross paths, a reluctant connection begins to form.
This is a story about two people in midlife navigating change, loneliness, and the possibility of new beginnings. The romance develops gradually, with believable tension and emotional depth. The Highland setting adds charm without overshadowing the characters.
The book is great for light reading. The story flows well, with a steady pace and clear writing that makes it easy to stay captivated. Perfect for anyone who likes stories that focus on real people, relationships, and a bit romance.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in this lovely feel-good romance series set in the Highlands of Scotland is about vet Sophie and artist Ben.

Sophie decides to move from her home in Liverpool to Applemore after her daughter wins a scholarship to study and play football in America. She needs a change to do something for herself, especially after the horrendous time she had several years before.

Ben, an artist at the Applemore farm shop artisan makers gallery, is used to bring on his own, his daughter off studying civil engineering at University.

When Sophie rents the Cottage which lies below his cottage, in an isolated part of Applemore, Ben isn't pleased, preferring the solitude he craves. Can they move past their differences?

Thus is a great series, one which I've read in a week or so. Whilst each book is a standalone story, they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I hope this isn't the last we hear from Applemore. In the meantime, I will be downloading more books by this talented author.

[Carolyn Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in a mood where I just wanted some light reading, and this cozy romance set in Scotland felt about right. There is nothing objectionable about this novel. The main character is sympathetic and the situations felt true enough. The dialogue was realistic with some charming repartee. I didn't roll my eyes like I often do with romances. The descriptions of the setting were evocative. There was just little conflict or mystery driving the plot. We find out fairly early on what happened in the MC's past that made her skittish about relationships with the opposite sex. There wasn't a lot in the way of the romance. While I appreciated that there wasn't some jacked up misunderstanding (which I always find a weak plot device) or anyone acting high-handed, there was hardly any impediment to the romance. I did like that the protagonist was older - forties - which is not really old in my book, but not an ingenue, anyway, with a daughter in college. It was all very pleasant, but there just wasn't much to keep my attention and propel me through the book.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage by the Shore was an enjoyable story to read. It was fun, thoughtful, upbeat, happy, and filled with all sorts of characters in a beautiful setting in the Scottish Highlands. I was very happy to be reading a story that was clean and wholesome, without any sexual encounters...that is, until close to the end of the book. Unfortunately, sex had to come into the picture in what otherwise was a very nice story of two lonely people, finding themselves as newbies in a Highlands community, and slowly discovering that what began as a not-so-good first meeting, gradually became more over time.
It is a good story about new beginnings, new friends, new relationships, and finding that happiness can happen when one strikes out on their own and faces an unfamiliar future that is not in their comfort zone. A good story like this doesn't need to have sexual content to be good.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I always enjoy reading books where the main characters are in their late 30s or older. And Rachael Lucas always seems to write her books so they’re just perfect for me!

I really liked both the main characters in this story. I so enjoyed watching Sophie come out of her shell and make friends after moving to Applemore. I loved the way her relationship with Ben slowly developed.

I loved being back in Applemore, and seeing favourite characters from the previous books make appearances. I also love the scenery, the books have a great sense of place.

This was such a lovely, gentle romance, which was a joy to read. I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Penny]

I really don’t read romances, but just occasionally I want to read something that takes absolutely no effort and won’t have me worrying about plot twists etc and this was free, and as a bonus set by the ocean and I wanted something simple to finish the month off. It was pretty good, nothing too dramatic or too unlikely; in fact it was all relatively believable.
I hadn’t realised it was part of a ‘sort of’ series. Books set in the same village but featuring different characters. I don’t know how much it needs to be read in order but I doubt it’s too important. I may find out if there’s another free one out there, but I probably wouldn’t pay to read these. I suspect real romance lovers would give it more than three stars.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think was the best of the series. I loved the premise and the characters and the setting. This felt like a story of real people finding themselves in a totally believable situation and working their way through to a happy ever after together.

I would have liked far more on the developing relationship between Ben and Sophie as it kind of dragged in the middle and the plethora of characters (who added nothing to the story), was unnecessary and irritating at times. The ending was somewhat speedy after the leisurely approach of 90% of the story.

I do recommend this - emotionally satisfying and such a fabulous evocation of Scotland.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an ARC copy of this book. It was so nice going back to Applemore and seeing all the characters from past books. Although each book can be read separately each book blends together so well. It was lovely to see Ben and Sophie getting to know each other and how they find their way together after both being in previous bad relationships. A great book which I throughly enjoyed. This is my own opinion and would definitely recommend this book.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachael Lucas writes the slowest, character driven novels that somehow keep you engaged. Truly. I don't quite get it. This is seen as a romance, but the couple got together at about 90% of the way through. It was really more of a character sketch of people in different seasons of life and it was really lovely. She's created such a beautiful setting with supportive characters that somehow carry the novel through all 300plus pages.

[Helen McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant read

Pleasant and flowing, good characters and I love the sound of Scotland, I'd love to go so this is the next best thing.. it sounds wonderful.
There's no surprises, everything is obvious and it's nice for once to not be waiting for a twist or something horrid to happen but actually just a nice easy read that makes you feel like everything happens for a reason and meets their soul mate

[Tina Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book it’s a new beginning for Sophie after leaving her old life behind and moving into the cottage and meeting next door neighbour and artist Ben it’s beautifully written and hard to put down and touches on the empty nest syndrome and also loneliness and been looked over in her line of work as a dedicated vet. I’ve loved this series of books and the village life I’m hoping there is more in the pipeline as I just can’t wait.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A vet and a artist

The storylines continue in this small town with Sophie new to town (vet) I did notice at the beginning of chapter 19 Sophie is talking to bea about only knowing her neighbours first name Ben etc but at the end of the chapter after walking dogs together she is thinking as she walks away about Ben lewis she magically learned his full name? All in one chapter.
I really liked these to people but did find the story slow.

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cottage by the Shore: Woman’s’ Fiction (Applemore Bay)

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I will go on to read the rest Rachel Lucas writes a lovely Story about the people who live, and love, in Applemore Bay. The character’s are very different but amazing and 5he love story woven throughout is lovely to read. If only life worked out the same. Onwards to the next book. 💕

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fine and followed a female vet as she makes a move from a large small animal practice to a small one in the Scottish Highlands. I just never grew to like the main character, Sophie, or her male counterpart, Ben, an artist. They weren't offensive but nothing drew me to them. The end was foreseen from the beginning and the book was about the journey to get there. No profanity or explicit sex although a sexual relationship outside of marriage was part of the book.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read in the Applemore series. If you are looking for a cozy, relaxing read, look no further! I love the highland setting and the characters in this series. You end up rooting for all of them. I didn't want this book to end because I wanted to stay immersed in Applemore. Highly recommended read!
~I was gifted an ARC which I thoroughly enjoyed reading~

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a delightful story with interesting characters. The Applemore series was truly wonderful!! I hope there will be more.


Amazon synopsis:
Small animal vet Sophie Jones has seen her daughter off to university in the USA. As a single parent with an empty nest, she surprises herself - by taking a job in the tiny village of Applemore in the Highlands of Scotland. Hundreds of miles from home, she can try to escape the fear that her past might come back to haunt her.

Divorced artist Ben Lewis accepts his grown-up daughter's teasing that he's turned into a grumpy hermit. He's perfectly happy with his life in an old farmhouse overlooking the wild Highland beach.

The last thing he needs is someone coming to live full time in the cottage by the shore - and their first meeting is a disaster. But circumstances keep throwing them together, and the attraction between them is undeniable.