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My Great-Aunt's Diary
‘Loved… Completely stole my heart… Brought me to tears… It lingers long after the last page… Beautiful.’ bookscoffeebrews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emily clasps the leather-bound diary to her chest, her pulse racing from the love story she has uncovered inside. Will this heart-wrenching family secret destroy her fresh start – or give her the strength to live her dreams?
Heartbroken and searching for a new beginning, Emily is shocked to learn she has inherited her great-aunt Violet’s cottage. She hasn’t seen her great-aunt in years… So why did she leave her Clifftop Cottage?
Deciding this is the change she needs, Emily travels to the seaside village of Dovecote. Not long after she arrives, she bumps into her childhood love, Will. Fifteen years ago, he broke her heart, making her feel like their love had no future. But as he runs his hand through his chestnut-brown hair, butterflies fill her stomach and she wonders if they could start afresh…
When Will offers to help redecorate the cottage, Emily is unsure. But she is soon distracted when they find a diary from the Second World War hidden inside an old desk. Turning the pages, she discovers a forbidden wartime romance she knew nothing about, changing everything she thought she knew about her family. Why did Violet keep this a secret from her?
Just as Emily is wondering if Dovecote could be the place she finally calls home, she uncovers a decades-old rumour about Violet which leads her to question everything. Can she trust Will to help her uncover this long-buried family secret? And, if she does, will this forgotten diary give her the happy ending she’s looking for?
An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking read packed with family secrets that will transport you to the beautiful south-coast of England. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe.
This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Readers are loving My Great-Aunt’s Diary :
‘This heart-wrenching yet uplifting story was an absolute delight. It broke my heart… Unputdownable… An absolute must-read.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gorgeous… From start to finish it was perfection… Fantastic… You’ll love every moment with this book in your hands.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This has all the feels… Powerful… It’s a must-read!’ coffeeandpages2021, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing… I couldn’t put this one down and finished it in one day.’ kearstensbookadventures, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love the strong representation of LGBTQIA+ relationships… I flew through this book… Beautiful… Heartbreaking.
Emily clasps the leather-bound diary to her chest, her pulse racing from the love story she has uncovered inside. Will this heart-wrenching family secret destroy her fresh start – or give her the strength to live her dreams?
Heartbroken and searching for a new beginning, Emily is shocked to learn she has inherited her great-aunt Violet’s cottage. She hasn’t seen her great-aunt in years… So why did she leave her Clifftop Cottage?
Deciding this is the change she needs, Emily travels to the seaside village of Dovecote. Not long after she arrives, she bumps into her childhood love, Will. Fifteen years ago, he broke her heart, making her feel like their love had no future. But as he runs his hand through his chestnut-brown hair, butterflies fill her stomach and she wonders if they could start afresh…
When Will offers to help redecorate the cottage, Emily is unsure. But she is soon distracted when they find a diary from the Second World War hidden inside an old desk. Turning the pages, she discovers a forbidden wartime romance she knew nothing about, changing everything she thought she knew about her family. Why did Violet keep this a secret from her?
Just as Emily is wondering if Dovecote could be the place she finally calls home, she uncovers a decades-old rumour about Violet which leads her to question everything. Can she trust Will to help her uncover this long-buried family secret? And, if she does, will this forgotten diary give her the happy ending she’s looking for?
An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking read packed with family secrets that will transport you to the beautiful south-coast of England. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe.
This book can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Readers are loving My Great-Aunt’s Diary :
‘This heart-wrenching yet uplifting story was an absolute delight. It broke my heart… Unputdownable… An absolute must-read.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Gorgeous… From start to finish it was perfection… Fantastic… You’ll love every moment with this book in your hands.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This has all the feels… Powerful… It’s a must-read!’ coffeeandpages2021, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing… I couldn’t put this one down and finished it in one day.’ kearstensbookadventures, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love the strong representation of LGBTQIA+ relationships… I flew through this book… Beautiful… Heartbreaking.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
853 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 5, 2025
I was excited about reading this book especially after reading the first one. It’s told with dual timelines and they flow together effortlessly. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the previous ones. I think that the characters just didn’t appeal to me
July 3, 2025
This was an interesting read. The fact that it's two stories in two time periods that all connect is amazing. This book was so well written. I loved seeing that both the main characters went through similar issues although it's 90 yrs plus difference. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in one day. I highly recommend it.
July 19, 2025
I wasn't sure about this to start with but It did improve on me but I didn't find it as good as the previous Dove cottage book.
The characters annoyed me.
But I again noticed that Violet story seemed to mirror Emily's story but they were both happy in the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc copy
The characters annoyed me.
But I again noticed that Violet story seemed to mirror Emily's story but they were both happy in the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc copy
August 5, 2025
Book review of My Great-Aunt’s Diary by Laura Sweeney. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This book felt like a warm, quiet weekend in a place you didn’t know you missed until you returned. From the first page, My Great-Aunt’s Diary swept me into the world of Dovecote—a charming seaside village that feels both timeless and familiar. Laura Sweeney has such a comforting, inviting style of writing. It’s not just about painting a picture—it’s about building a feeling. I could hear the sea through the open windows, feel the creak of the floorboards in the old cottage, and smell the roses in the overgrown garden. The setting isn’t just background—it breathes with every page, becoming a kind of character in its own right.
Emily is someone I connected with instantly. She’s not dramatic or flashy. She’s quietly heartbroken, uncertain, and so deeply human. Her journey home to Violet’s cottage felt like the kind of personal reset we all dream about when life overwhelms us. There’s a softness to the way she moves through her grief that made her feel real. I appreciated that she didn’t arrive with everything figured out—she was searching, not just for answers about Violet’s past, but for a way forward in her own life. It made every small choice, every rediscovered memory, feel important and earned.
The emotional core of the story really deepens when Will reappears. Their shared history hums beneath every interaction. I loved how Sweeney didn’t rush them—there’s space for hesitation, for awkwardness, for old wounds to surface naturally. Their chemistry is low-key but undeniable, like two puzzle pieces finally fitting back together after years apart. Will is patient, kind, but not perfect. Their second chance at love feels more like a slow rekindling than a grand gesture, and that made it so much more believable—and honestly, more satisfying.
And then there’s Violet’s diary, which completely stole my heart. The moment Emily discovers it, the story begins to open in a new direction. The dual timeline added so much richness, and Violet’s voice was so distinct—strong, romantic, and quietly brave. Her wartime love story had all the emotional depth I could’ve hoped for. It made me think about how many stories—especially women’s stories—go untold or forgotten, and how powerful it can be when someone finally listens. “Sometimes love waits in the quiet places, until someone is brave enough to remember.” That line nearly brought me to tears. It’s simple but profound, and it lingers long after the last page.
This book isn’t flashy, and that’s its strength. It’s thoughtful and comforting, like long conversations over tea, or digging through old letters in a forgotten attic. The themes—grief, healing, love, memory, and home—are explored with care and honesty. It reminded me that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is return to the place that broke you and try again. Emily isn’t just rebuilding a house—she’s reclaiming her story, and her family’s, too.
My Great-Aunt’s Diary is the kind of book I’ll reach for again when I want to feel wrapped up in something gentle and true. It’s a beautiful second installment in the Dovecote Cottages series, and I already can’t wait to return to this little village by the sea. Laura Sweeney writes with such warmth and understanding—like she’s been where her characters are and is gently guiding them, and us, toward hope.
This book felt like a warm, quiet weekend in a place you didn’t know you missed until you returned. From the first page, My Great-Aunt’s Diary swept me into the world of Dovecote—a charming seaside village that feels both timeless and familiar. Laura Sweeney has such a comforting, inviting style of writing. It’s not just about painting a picture—it’s about building a feeling. I could hear the sea through the open windows, feel the creak of the floorboards in the old cottage, and smell the roses in the overgrown garden. The setting isn’t just background—it breathes with every page, becoming a kind of character in its own right.
Emily is someone I connected with instantly. She’s not dramatic or flashy. She’s quietly heartbroken, uncertain, and so deeply human. Her journey home to Violet’s cottage felt like the kind of personal reset we all dream about when life overwhelms us. There’s a softness to the way she moves through her grief that made her feel real. I appreciated that she didn’t arrive with everything figured out—she was searching, not just for answers about Violet’s past, but for a way forward in her own life. It made every small choice, every rediscovered memory, feel important and earned.
The emotional core of the story really deepens when Will reappears. Their shared history hums beneath every interaction. I loved how Sweeney didn’t rush them—there’s space for hesitation, for awkwardness, for old wounds to surface naturally. Their chemistry is low-key but undeniable, like two puzzle pieces finally fitting back together after years apart. Will is patient, kind, but not perfect. Their second chance at love feels more like a slow rekindling than a grand gesture, and that made it so much more believable—and honestly, more satisfying.
And then there’s Violet’s diary, which completely stole my heart. The moment Emily discovers it, the story begins to open in a new direction. The dual timeline added so much richness, and Violet’s voice was so distinct—strong, romantic, and quietly brave. Her wartime love story had all the emotional depth I could’ve hoped for. It made me think about how many stories—especially women’s stories—go untold or forgotten, and how powerful it can be when someone finally listens. “Sometimes love waits in the quiet places, until someone is brave enough to remember.” That line nearly brought me to tears. It’s simple but profound, and it lingers long after the last page.
This book isn’t flashy, and that’s its strength. It’s thoughtful and comforting, like long conversations over tea, or digging through old letters in a forgotten attic. The themes—grief, healing, love, memory, and home—are explored with care and honesty. It reminded me that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is return to the place that broke you and try again. Emily isn’t just rebuilding a house—she’s reclaiming her story, and her family’s, too.
My Great-Aunt’s Diary is the kind of book I’ll reach for again when I want to feel wrapped up in something gentle and true. It’s a beautiful second installment in the Dovecote Cottages series, and I already can’t wait to return to this little village by the sea. Laura Sweeney writes with such warmth and understanding—like she’s been where her characters are and is gently guiding them, and us, toward hope.
July 13, 2025
My Great Aunt’s Diary by Laura Sweeney is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the Dovecote Cottages series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action is set in 1943 and 2016. We ‘hear’ about the action in real time and also via an old diary. The diary is about forbidden love. It ends abruptly, causing the Great Aunt’s niece to search for the end of the story. The search takes her across the sea to Ireland and then back again to Dovecote.
The novel opens in Brighton in 1943 and London in 2016. Both time periods see the characters ending up in Dovecote, unexpectedly. 1943 sees a family bombed out of their Brighton house. In 2016 a cottage is left to a character in a will.
There is loss within the novel. “Grief never really leaves you; you just get better at living with it.” The journey of grief is not linear. There are both good and bad days, one just has to cope the best one can.
In 1943 we see characters having to hide their true selves as social norms of the day mean that certain relationships cannot come to light. “I wanted her [Mum] not to pity me or see me as something broken, or deviant. But I didn’t know how she’d react if I told her.” It is heartbreaking to read, especially as the reader learns, along with the character, that her Mum loves her unconditionally.
A rogue bomb sees a home destroyed for the second time. A character fears it is her fault. “This [bombing] was my fault. I’d committed a sin… and this was my punishment.” The character carries the guilt around with her. It is a burden she was never meant to pick up.
In 2016 a young woman also struggles with feelings of unworthiness. She is told “you don’t trust kindness because you don’t think you deserve it.” She needs to learn to love herself.
We see the role that class plays in both time periods. In 1943 a character chooses wealth and status over true love – and misses out on the love that lasts a lifetime.
In contrast, her female friend in 1943 found and chose love. There are still heartaches and loss along the way but she found a faithful love.
This is a powerful novel about love. It is horrifying for the modern reader to see characters unable to be themselves in 1943 because society dictates to them.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed My Great Aunt’s Diary. I will leave the final words from Violet’s mother:
“You can be whatever you want to be and no matter what you do, no matter who you are, who you become, I will always love you and be proud of you.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in 1943 and 2016. We ‘hear’ about the action in real time and also via an old diary. The diary is about forbidden love. It ends abruptly, causing the Great Aunt’s niece to search for the end of the story. The search takes her across the sea to Ireland and then back again to Dovecote.
The novel opens in Brighton in 1943 and London in 2016. Both time periods see the characters ending up in Dovecote, unexpectedly. 1943 sees a family bombed out of their Brighton house. In 2016 a cottage is left to a character in a will.
There is loss within the novel. “Grief never really leaves you; you just get better at living with it.” The journey of grief is not linear. There are both good and bad days, one just has to cope the best one can.
In 1943 we see characters having to hide their true selves as social norms of the day mean that certain relationships cannot come to light. “I wanted her [Mum] not to pity me or see me as something broken, or deviant. But I didn’t know how she’d react if I told her.” It is heartbreaking to read, especially as the reader learns, along with the character, that her Mum loves her unconditionally.
A rogue bomb sees a home destroyed for the second time. A character fears it is her fault. “This [bombing] was my fault. I’d committed a sin… and this was my punishment.” The character carries the guilt around with her. It is a burden she was never meant to pick up.
In 2016 a young woman also struggles with feelings of unworthiness. She is told “you don’t trust kindness because you don’t think you deserve it.” She needs to learn to love herself.
We see the role that class plays in both time periods. In 1943 a character chooses wealth and status over true love – and misses out on the love that lasts a lifetime.
In contrast, her female friend in 1943 found and chose love. There are still heartaches and loss along the way but she found a faithful love.
This is a powerful novel about love. It is horrifying for the modern reader to see characters unable to be themselves in 1943 because society dictates to them.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed My Great Aunt’s Diary. I will leave the final words from Violet’s mother:
“You can be whatever you want to be and no matter what you do, no matter who you are, who you become, I will always love you and be proud of you.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2025
The inheritance of the cottage comes at a point in Emily’s life that she knows she must actively seek change from the toxic relationship she is in. Not having been back to this rural village for fifteen years, she is saddened and puzzled why her Aunt left this idyllic place to her.
The story falls into two timelines. Violet’s own life - a struggle coping with a mother who was mentally frail, two brothers evacuated and lost to her and Violet having to cope with being the mainstay for her mother. Violets change of life on meeting Zella, her relationship developing into one which would be unacceptable in society and then the heartbreak when Zeyla chooses comfort and a place in society over love. Violets also meets Hugo after the end of the war marries him and lives as happily as she could.
All this is because Emily discovers zeyla’s diary hidden in the cottage.
Emily fighting her feelings for Will, from fifteen years ago realises her feelings have not abated despite time and distance and the search for Zeyla brings them closer than ever before. Emily feels that the cottage was how she brought closure to Zeyla who is still alive and brought love into her own life.
The story was a peaceful and loving read, despite the harshness of WWII, the restrictions placed on homosexual or bisexual people. The characters were strong willed women who found a path for themselves. This added a depth to the story.
The story falls into two timelines. Violet’s own life - a struggle coping with a mother who was mentally frail, two brothers evacuated and lost to her and Violet having to cope with being the mainstay for her mother. Violets change of life on meeting Zella, her relationship developing into one which would be unacceptable in society and then the heartbreak when Zeyla chooses comfort and a place in society over love. Violets also meets Hugo after the end of the war marries him and lives as happily as she could.
All this is because Emily discovers zeyla’s diary hidden in the cottage.
Emily fighting her feelings for Will, from fifteen years ago realises her feelings have not abated despite time and distance and the search for Zeyla brings them closer than ever before. Emily feels that the cottage was how she brought closure to Zeyla who is still alive and brought love into her own life.
The story was a peaceful and loving read, despite the harshness of WWII, the restrictions placed on homosexual or bisexual people. The characters were strong willed women who found a path for themselves. This added a depth to the story.
August 8, 2025
This story is written within a dual time zone which is well defined between the chapters.
Emily has inherited her Great Aunts Cottage within the massive grounds of a very elaborate Manor House, Great Aunt Violet is living within the time of WW2 at the height of the bombings in all the big cities, her two brothers are sent off to the country whilst she is left to care for her mother who is not in a good place after the death of her husband. The two ladies end up in a place called Dovecoat which is a lovely seaside town - one night the air raids sound and everyone makes a dash to the nearest shelter which happens to be in the local pub basement, Violets mum refuses to go there so Violet goes alone to safety with the rest of the town - shockingly a bomb falls on the beautiful Dovecoat and leaves rack and ruins behind, Violet resurfaces from the shelter to find the bomb landed on her road and her mum is pulled from the wreckage and taken to a makeshift hospital, when she sadly succumbs to her injuries Violet is left alone to find a new normal with nothing but the clothes she is wearing.
Emily is left wondering what happened to her after the War and begins to piece together her life from a mystery diary she found whilst decorating the cottage.
As this is book 2 of a series I may have given a higher rating if I had read book 1 but the story was well written and explained.
Emily has inherited her Great Aunts Cottage within the massive grounds of a very elaborate Manor House, Great Aunt Violet is living within the time of WW2 at the height of the bombings in all the big cities, her two brothers are sent off to the country whilst she is left to care for her mother who is not in a good place after the death of her husband. The two ladies end up in a place called Dovecoat which is a lovely seaside town - one night the air raids sound and everyone makes a dash to the nearest shelter which happens to be in the local pub basement, Violets mum refuses to go there so Violet goes alone to safety with the rest of the town - shockingly a bomb falls on the beautiful Dovecoat and leaves rack and ruins behind, Violet resurfaces from the shelter to find the bomb landed on her road and her mum is pulled from the wreckage and taken to a makeshift hospital, when she sadly succumbs to her injuries Violet is left alone to find a new normal with nothing but the clothes she is wearing.
Emily is left wondering what happened to her after the War and begins to piece together her life from a mystery diary she found whilst decorating the cottage.
As this is book 2 of a series I may have given a higher rating if I had read book 1 but the story was well written and explained.
July 25, 2025
My Great Aunt’s Diary by Laura Sweeney was such a charming yet emotional read. Emily has just inherited her great aunt Violet’s cottage. Needing a change of pace and a place to heal her broken heart, Emily decides to return to the cottage. When she runs into Will, her childhood flame, so many memories come flooding back.
Emily decides to breathe some new life into the cottage and Will offers to help. When she comes across her great aunt’s diary, she is transported back to WWII and a secret love story. As the story unfolds, Emily learns so much that she never knew about her family and the secrets they carried with them over the generations.
The second book in the Dovecote Cottages Series, this dual timeline novel weaves together the stories of Emily and her great aunt Violet. This was a beautifully written story of love and loss that will take the reader on a journey of emotions. The author has done a wonderful job creating rich yet flawed and relatable characters that all types of readers can connect with.
Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC of this gripping, heart wrenching and heartwarming book!
Emily decides to breathe some new life into the cottage and Will offers to help. When she comes across her great aunt’s diary, she is transported back to WWII and a secret love story. As the story unfolds, Emily learns so much that she never knew about her family and the secrets they carried with them over the generations.
The second book in the Dovecote Cottages Series, this dual timeline novel weaves together the stories of Emily and her great aunt Violet. This was a beautifully written story of love and loss that will take the reader on a journey of emotions. The author has done a wonderful job creating rich yet flawed and relatable characters that all types of readers can connect with.
Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC of this gripping, heart wrenching and heartwarming book!
September 26, 2025
A moving dual-timeline story. The first impression doesn't do it justice—I couldn't really connect with the story or the characters for the first few chapters, but the narrative and the writing style got better and I got swept into the story eventually—so I'm glad I decided to keep reading.
The best thing about this book is that the story is, for the most part, low key and easily relatable—the romance isn't rushed or flashy, the main characters are flawed and uncertain, and healing happened with time and a looooot of help.
We get a glimpse into the life of Emily's late great-aunt, Violet Saunders (later Violet Cooper) who is a fine example ofhis the strong women who chose to be brave and live life fully despite the hardships, grief, and uncertainty of the war years. With her unbreakable spirit, emotional clarity, and gumption, she isn't a character I'll forget anytime soon.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming historic fiction with low-key romance.
Trigger warnings: war, bombing, death, separation from family, grief, breakup
I thank the publishers and netgalley for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
The best thing about this book is that the story is, for the most part, low key and easily relatable—the romance isn't rushed or flashy, the main characters are flawed and uncertain, and healing happened with time and a looooot of help.
We get a glimpse into the life of Emily's late great-aunt, Violet Saunders (later Violet Cooper) who is a fine example ofhis the strong women who chose to be brave and live life fully despite the hardships, grief, and uncertainty of the war years. With her unbreakable spirit, emotional clarity, and gumption, she isn't a character I'll forget anytime soon.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming historic fiction with low-key romance.
Trigger warnings: war, bombing, death, separation from family, grief, breakup
I thank the publishers and netgalley for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 17, 2025
Book two of the Dovecote Cottages series, but it can be read as a standalone.
This was a great story, very well written. It is a dual timeline set in present and in Second World War times. The dual timeline story worked well, was easy to follow and it all came together nicely at the end.
I really enjoyed this story, it was captivating, emotional, heartfelt, tragic and inspiring and will no doubt stay with me for awhile. I do enjoy reading stories based in WW2 times as I feel like I learn something new from that era each time I read a book set in that time period. Really does make you think, how it must have been all those years ago.
It was a delight getting to know all of the characters, seeing them interact with each other and the ultimate decisions that they made which then affected their whole lives.
Not sure how long I will have to wait, but I am already looking forward to book 3 when it comes out.
This was a great story, very well written. It is a dual timeline set in present and in Second World War times. The dual timeline story worked well, was easy to follow and it all came together nicely at the end.
I really enjoyed this story, it was captivating, emotional, heartfelt, tragic and inspiring and will no doubt stay with me for awhile. I do enjoy reading stories based in WW2 times as I feel like I learn something new from that era each time I read a book set in that time period. Really does make you think, how it must have been all those years ago.
It was a delight getting to know all of the characters, seeing them interact with each other and the ultimate decisions that they made which then affected their whole lives.
Not sure how long I will have to wait, but I am already looking forward to book 3 when it comes out.
August 27, 2025
📆 dual, linear timelines
👀 dual POV. 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
How lovely it was to be back in Dovecote, it's very quickly become one of my favourite fictional places and I really wish I could go and live there!
My Great-Aunt's Diary is a beautiful, dual timeline story set in the modern day and the 1940s. Both timelines centre around identity and acceptance and I was struck by how much had changed in the last 80 years. Violet and Zeyla were never really allowed to be who they wanted to be and that's just heartbreaking to think. I'm not really sure how I felt about Zeyla though, she was rather selfish I thought, but things were very different then and there were less opportunities for women. Back in the modern timeline and Emily had far more opportunity to be her true self.
I've fallen head over heels in love with Dovecote and can't wait to see whats next for our little village.
👀 dual POV. 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
How lovely it was to be back in Dovecote, it's very quickly become one of my favourite fictional places and I really wish I could go and live there!
My Great-Aunt's Diary is a beautiful, dual timeline story set in the modern day and the 1940s. Both timelines centre around identity and acceptance and I was struck by how much had changed in the last 80 years. Violet and Zeyla were never really allowed to be who they wanted to be and that's just heartbreaking to think. I'm not really sure how I felt about Zeyla though, she was rather selfish I thought, but things were very different then and there were less opportunities for women. Back in the modern timeline and Emily had far more opportunity to be her true self.
I've fallen head over heels in love with Dovecote and can't wait to see whats next for our little village.
August 6, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonderful series!!! This book is a great dual POV during WWII- 1943 and 2016.
Violet is living in 1943 and doesn’t fit society’s norms while her niece Emily is living in 2016. Emily starts off with heartbreak and has an emotional journey, with the help of her aunt’s secret diary.
The core of this story is being true to yourself and LOVE. It was heartbreaking that Violet missed out on love due to what society expected of her. Laura Sweeney has just become an automatic read for me. Glad I read this story and I can’t wait to read the next book! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#MyGreatAuntsDiary #LauraSweeney #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks
Wonderful series!!! This book is a great dual POV during WWII- 1943 and 2016.
Violet is living in 1943 and doesn’t fit society’s norms while her niece Emily is living in 2016. Emily starts off with heartbreak and has an emotional journey, with the help of her aunt’s secret diary.
The core of this story is being true to yourself and LOVE. It was heartbreaking that Violet missed out on love due to what society expected of her. Laura Sweeney has just become an automatic read for me. Glad I read this story and I can’t wait to read the next book! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#MyGreatAuntsDiary #LauraSweeney #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks
August 6, 2025
My Great Aunts Diary is the second book in the Dovecote Cottage series but it can easily be read as a stand alone . Told in two timelines 1940’s and 2016 I was completely absorbed by the story pertaining to both times . Sometimes with dual timelines one is better and more interesting than the other . But I can honestly say I was totally captivated reading about Violet and her life in the 1940’s and the Emily’s story in the present day . One of the main things I took from this book was the theme of love and how love can be in any form once a person is happy in their life . A beautiful and fulfilling read with great characters that I enjoyed from start to finish .
August 12, 2025
Just as the cover promised, My Great-Aunt’s Diary truly was an emotional, unputdownable read. Like Emily, who discovers her great-aunt Violet’s WWII diary, I was immediately intrigued by the mysterious secret that could change everything she thought she knew about her family. On top of that, I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for a second chance at love between her and Will. The story is told through dual POVs, which I’m usually not a fan of, but I found the way the two timelines intertwined surprisingly engaging.
If you're into hidden pasts, heartfelt stories, and a touch of romance then this one’s definitely for you!
Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC copy!
If you're into hidden pasts, heartfelt stories, and a touch of romance then this one’s definitely for you!
Thank you to Bookouture for the ARC copy!
July 12, 2025
I read this book straight after finishing the first book in the series. I loved the first book but this one didn't quite have the same strong storyline. It was still enjoyable but for me it lacked the "can't stop reading" feeling I got with the first book. They are both very well written and easy to read. I somehow didn't warm to the characters as much in this title. I do feel I have got to know Dovecot as a place and hope there will be more books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
August 4, 2025
Laura Sweeney has crafted another captivating and well-written book with My Great Aunt’s Diary, the second in the Dovecote Cottage series. The author’s debut book, My Grandmother’s Secret, was unputdownable, and this one is just as gripping. While it is a standalone novel, familiar names do appear throughout the story. It features a dual timeline that weaves a beautiful tale of loss, love, mystery, friendship, and forgiveness. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#MyGreatAuntsDiary #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#MyGreatAuntsDiary #NetGalley
August 1, 2025
An emotional journey for Emily as she tries to find out about her great aunt. Emily has just inherited a cottage from her great aunt that she hasn't seen or talked to in 15 years. She feels guilty about that and can't figure out why she left it to her. Emily and Violet's lives were parallel in ways that Emily is just now discovering. She realizes that she never really knew her great aunt. As she goes on this journey, she finds herself too. Good story.
August 9, 2025
My Great-Aunt's Diary by Laura Sweeney.
Dovecote cottage book 2.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did enjoy book 1. This was a good read. It was told between 1940s and 2016. I liked Violet from the 40s and Emily from the present. This book was cleverly written. I read this in a few days. It was different from the first book. I think i enjoyed this one more than the first one. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. My mother's photograph.
Dovecote cottage book 2.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did enjoy book 1. This was a good read. It was told between 1940s and 2016. I liked Violet from the 40s and Emily from the present. This book was cleverly written. I read this in a few days. It was different from the first book. I think i enjoyed this one more than the first one. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. My mother's photograph.
December 26, 2025
This is book 2 in the Dovecote Cottages series. I loved it and the first book, My Grandmother's secret. They are wholesome with great characters. Emily retreats to Hilltop cottage that she inherited from her Aunt. She runs into Will, her first love that broke her heart. They are working on cleaning the cottage when they find a diary hidden in a desk from World War II. A wonderful story and hope book 3 isn't far behind.
July 29, 2025
Emily is shocked to discover that she's inherited her Great Aunt Violet's cottage, whom she hasn't seen for 15 years. This is a dual timeline story set in 1943 and 2016, respectively. Victoria's story is told in real time and a diary that Emily discovered at the cottage. Emily's story is told during the present day as she discovers Victoria's story.
I enjoyed Victoria's story of forbidden love during WWII and the choices she made. Emily's story of self-discovery was interesting, but it moved a little too slowly for me. It was a lovely story of forbidden love, self-discovery, second chances, taking chances, and embracing life fully. This was my first time reading this author and won't be might last.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
I enjoyed Victoria's story of forbidden love during WWII and the choices she made. Emily's story of self-discovery was interesting, but it moved a little too slowly for me. It was a lovely story of forbidden love, self-discovery, second chances, taking chances, and embracing life fully. This was my first time reading this author and won't be might last.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
August 4, 2025
An enlightening story that splices between WWII and modern day.
At the center is a small cottage inherited by Emily from her great aunt Violet.
Both women had many things in common, mostly finding love after disappointment.
It’s a story about hope, courage, acceptance, and finding one’s community.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
At the center is a small cottage inherited by Emily from her great aunt Violet.
Both women had many things in common, mostly finding love after disappointment.
It’s a story about hope, courage, acceptance, and finding one’s community.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
August 7, 2025
What a beautiful story! This is one of a series, I haven’t read the first but it didn’t prevent me from enjoying this book. I loved the dual narrative, it was so lovely to hear about Violet’s life and how this led to Emily living in Dovecote. The character buildup was great and I loved the way it was written I couldn’t put this one down, I absolutely loved it.
September 20, 2025
A lovely story
I like that it's part of a series so you still read about the people in the other book and you already know about the area.
A lovely uplifting story.
I like that it's part of a series so you still read about the people in the other book and you already know about the area.
A lovely uplifting story.
November 29, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. A lovely heartwarming story.
December 7, 2025
Unexpected delightful story
This was page turner from the beginning I loved it I would recommend this book . The passage through time and modern day delightful
This was page turner from the beginning I loved it I would recommend this book . The passage through time and modern day delightful
August 8, 2025
✅My thoughts:
This story has us following Emily. She returns to her great-aunt’s seaside cottage to recover from heartbreak.
When she discovers her aunt’s hidden WWII-era diary, she discovers family secrets. Did her aunt have a past that Emily did not know about?
As Emily bumps into her childhood love, Will, she has to wonder if she can trust him again.
Will Emily be able to go forward in her life?
My Great-Aunt’s Diary is a beautiful story about healing, second chances,starting over and discovering what home really means.
This story has us following Emily. She returns to her great-aunt’s seaside cottage to recover from heartbreak.
When she discovers her aunt’s hidden WWII-era diary, she discovers family secrets. Did her aunt have a past that Emily did not know about?
As Emily bumps into her childhood love, Will, she has to wonder if she can trust him again.
Will Emily be able to go forward in her life?
My Great-Aunt’s Diary is a beautiful story about healing, second chances,starting over and discovering what home really means.
September 5, 2025
Right after enduring a breakup, Emily arrives at her great-aunt’s cottage in Dovecote, which to her surprise, she has inherited. When she finds Violet’s diary, however, everything starts to make sense.
The descriptions of the horror, loss, and heartache of the London Bltz during WWII are well done. The weaving together of the two timelines works well and makes sense. The descriptions of Clifftop Cottage completely bring it alive for the reader, and I could imagine myself there. The present-day romance between Emily and Will, however, is a bit predictable.
The secret being kept by Violet in the 1940s is one with which Emily can identify, and their stories meld together pretty well. Sometimes dual-timeline books do not work, especially if one of the timelines is in the present day, but in this case the present-day inclusion makes sense, as Emily and Violet share much in common.
The novel has LGBTQ+ main characters, but the publisher’s book description does not mention that. It is made clear, however, early in the book. Fans of WWII and LGBTQ+ fiction may enjoy this novel.
Although this is the second book in the Dovecote Cottages series, it can be read as a standalone.
My rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 on sites with no half-star option.
Thank you to Bookouture for a spot on the book tour and the free copy.
The descriptions of the horror, loss, and heartache of the London Bltz during WWII are well done. The weaving together of the two timelines works well and makes sense. The descriptions of Clifftop Cottage completely bring it alive for the reader, and I could imagine myself there. The present-day romance between Emily and Will, however, is a bit predictable.
The secret being kept by Violet in the 1940s is one with which Emily can identify, and their stories meld together pretty well. Sometimes dual-timeline books do not work, especially if one of the timelines is in the present day, but in this case the present-day inclusion makes sense, as Emily and Violet share much in common.
The novel has LGBTQ+ main characters, but the publisher’s book description does not mention that. It is made clear, however, early in the book. Fans of WWII and LGBTQ+ fiction may enjoy this novel.
Although this is the second book in the Dovecote Cottages series, it can be read as a standalone.
My rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 on sites with no half-star option.
Thank you to Bookouture for a spot on the book tour and the free copy.
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