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Mure #6
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26'If I could live inside a Jenny Colgan novel, I'd be happy forever' JILL MANSELL
EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR THEIR PERFECT HOUSE.
BUT HOME IS REALLY WHERE THE HEART IS ...
Janey Carter has a lot to be grateful for - a home by the sea in Carso that she renovated herself, a job as an audiologist that she loves, two great kids, and a network of kind and supportive friends. But since her husband left, her confidence has taken a nosedive. And then, out of the blue, her grumpy 30-year-old daughter announces she's moving back home. Janey loves Essie dearly but they only just made it out alive from her adolescence. And this really is going to cramp her soon-to-be-rediscovered dating style.
Yes, Essie Carter is grumpy but she's just lost her job, she can't afford her rent in Edinburgh and her boyfriend isn't ready to commit. There's nothing for it but to admit defeat and hope the sea air soothes her soul. Life seems to be punching this millennial squarely in the face.
Living back under the same roof brings its challenges. But a combination of rescue dogs, pub quizzes and a surprise project doing up the unloved Seagate Cottages next door slowly brings mother and daughter closer together. Meanwhile, the steady stream of people coming past the house with fabric swatches and paint brings revelations for Essie, and offers Janey a surprise second chance at love as well.
EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR THEIR PERFECT HOUSE.
BUT HOME IS REALLY WHERE THE HEART IS ...
Janey Carter has a lot to be grateful for - a home by the sea in Carso that she renovated herself, a job as an audiologist that she loves, two great kids, and a network of kind and supportive friends. But since her husband left, her confidence has taken a nosedive. And then, out of the blue, her grumpy 30-year-old daughter announces she's moving back home. Janey loves Essie dearly but they only just made it out alive from her adolescence. And this really is going to cramp her soon-to-be-rediscovered dating style.
Yes, Essie Carter is grumpy but she's just lost her job, she can't afford her rent in Edinburgh and her boyfriend isn't ready to commit. There's nothing for it but to admit defeat and hope the sea air soothes her soul. Life seems to be punching this millennial squarely in the face.
Living back under the same roof brings its challenges. But a combination of rescue dogs, pub quizzes and a surprise project doing up the unloved Seagate Cottages next door slowly brings mother and daughter closer together. Meanwhile, the steady stream of people coming past the house with fabric swatches and paint brings revelations for Essie, and offers Janey a surprise second chance at love as well.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 19, 2025
184 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Colgan
122 books11.7k followersJenny Colgan is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including 'The Little Shop of Happy Ever After' and 'Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery', which are also published by Sphere.' Meet Me at the Cupcake Café' won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and was a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller, as was 'Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams', which won the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2013.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
For more about Jenny, visit her website and her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter.
Jenny Colgan has also been published under the name Jenny T. Colgan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 23, 2025
Awww but this was such a delightful listen. I adored this story. I loved the characters, all of them but, especially, the dogs🐶. The relationshop between mother and daughter, and their issues, touched me deeply. Also, it was good to see a romance emerging between two "older" people.
I loved this.🩷🩷🩷
And the cover is gorgeous.
As always, Eilidh Beaton did a magnific narration🩵.
I loved this.🩷🩷🩷
And the cover is gorgeous.
As always, Eilidh Beaton did a magnific narration🩵.
September 9, 2025
4.4⭐️'s
June 20, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Jenny Colgan story - I’ve a load on the shelves that I’ve read many times and loved. Meet Me At The Seaside Cottages was a lovely reintroduction to her writing.
Janey and Essie are great characters. Their relationship is a little strained since Essie’s teenage years, so it was interesting seeing them back together in their home village as they try to manoeuvre through their relationship as adults.
Jenny Colgan writes such warm-hearted stories and the village community shone through on every page as Essie tried to make sense of what home means.
Felicity and Verity were definitely favourites of mine and added a little fun to the story.
Janey and Essie are great characters. Their relationship is a little strained since Essie’s teenage years, so it was interesting seeing them back together in their home village as they try to manoeuvre through their relationship as adults.
Jenny Colgan writes such warm-hearted stories and the village community shone through on every page as Essie tried to make sense of what home means.
Felicity and Verity were definitely favourites of mine and added a little fun to the story.
Want to read
November 19, 2025(Note: I’ve got some catching up to do here but I just got Jenny’s new book from Netgalley!!! So excited!)
September 24, 2025
A nice enough read. Found the daughter to be a complete adult brat which ruined it slightly
August 13, 2025
Jenny Colgan writes feel-good fun books. This was no exception, but wasn’t really my favorite of hers. Essie loses her high paying finance job, in the city, and must move home with her mother, who she doesn’t get along with. When she gets home, she finds that the town she grew up in has quite a lot more to offer than she remembers, although she does so grudgingly. The setting was cute and the characters, I just felt bad about the way Essie treated her mom. The romance between Essie and Dwight was a bit too far fetched for me, I was not a huge fan of Dwight. AND I was shocked there was an open door sex scene that was a bit, woah. That is not typical for Jenny Colgan. I tended to like Janey and Lowell’s relationship more. The puppies were a cute addition.
June 25, 2025
Such a cute and fun read. Thank you to hodder and Jenny Colgan for the ARC copy via NetGalley.
This book follows Janey and her daughter Essie as they try to overcome their rocky relationship.
Essie grew up in a small town with her parents and brother with a goal of leaving the small town behind. Life in Edinburgh is exactly as she hoped, it’s beautiful and it’s perfect. She has a great home and the perfect boyfriend and what she thought was the perfect job until one day that job isn’t as stable as she once thought leaving Essie to go back home.
Janey loves her life and loves her job. Shes finally settled into a lovely home after the end of her marriage. The only thing niggling at her is her broken relationship with her daughter that she wishes she could fix.
When Essie arrived back home there’s attitude, snarky comments and bitterness but Janey pushes past all that and still continues to try.
I wasn’t a fan of the way Essie was treating Janey and pretty much everyone in the place she grew up. She seemed so stuck up at times it was irritating but other than that it was enjoyable.
Seeing Janey and Essie’s story move along the way it has, has been so lovely. Watching their relationship mend and their bond strengthen was beautiful.
Jenny Colgan brought us a lovely warm hearted read. It was a fun and meaningful read.
This book follows Janey and her daughter Essie as they try to overcome their rocky relationship.
Essie grew up in a small town with her parents and brother with a goal of leaving the small town behind. Life in Edinburgh is exactly as she hoped, it’s beautiful and it’s perfect. She has a great home and the perfect boyfriend and what she thought was the perfect job until one day that job isn’t as stable as she once thought leaving Essie to go back home.
Janey loves her life and loves her job. Shes finally settled into a lovely home after the end of her marriage. The only thing niggling at her is her broken relationship with her daughter that she wishes she could fix.
When Essie arrived back home there’s attitude, snarky comments and bitterness but Janey pushes past all that and still continues to try.
I wasn’t a fan of the way Essie was treating Janey and pretty much everyone in the place she grew up. She seemed so stuck up at times it was irritating but other than that it was enjoyable.
Seeing Janey and Essie’s story move along the way it has, has been so lovely. Watching their relationship mend and their bond strengthen was beautiful.
Jenny Colgan brought us a lovely warm hearted read. It was a fun and meaningful read.
June 23, 2025
Thanks to Iole at Hodder for sending me a finished copy of the novel and allowing me to take part in the blog tour.
While this is another novel set in Carso, and it mentions some of the characters in Summer Skies and Close Knit, this novel is a stand-alone that can be enjoyed as that. This book contains humour, wit, and another perfect set of characters in another close-knit community, which all make me jealous that I don't live in a place like Carso. These are all the things I love about Colgan's books.
At its heart are two romances, one about a divorced woman that has maybe given up on love after heartbreak, and the other about a woman that is struggling financially after losing her job and having to retreat back home, but both ultimately finding love where they least expect it. It's also about how appearances can be deceiving. Add in some unusual but cute puppies, a main character with an interesting job as an audiologist, a project to renovate some tired and run-down cottages, and problems with money investments, and you're off to a winner here. This is my third read of Colgan’s novels, and I know she's now an autobuy author for me. I can’t wait to check out her extensive back catalogue.
While this is another novel set in Carso, and it mentions some of the characters in Summer Skies and Close Knit, this novel is a stand-alone that can be enjoyed as that. This book contains humour, wit, and another perfect set of characters in another close-knit community, which all make me jealous that I don't live in a place like Carso. These are all the things I love about Colgan's books.
At its heart are two romances, one about a divorced woman that has maybe given up on love after heartbreak, and the other about a woman that is struggling financially after losing her job and having to retreat back home, but both ultimately finding love where they least expect it. It's also about how appearances can be deceiving. Add in some unusual but cute puppies, a main character with an interesting job as an audiologist, a project to renovate some tired and run-down cottages, and problems with money investments, and you're off to a winner here. This is my third read of Colgan’s novels, and I know she's now an autobuy author for me. I can’t wait to check out her extensive back catalogue.
December 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read a Jenny Colgan book before this one even though I had heard good reviews. I was intrigued that this book takes place in Scotland. It didn't take long before I was hooked on the plot. I was dying to know what happened to the characters. The writing was great and I can't wait to read more by her.
I haven't read a Jenny Colgan book before this one even though I had heard good reviews. I was intrigued that this book takes place in Scotland. It didn't take long before I was hooked on the plot. I was dying to know what happened to the characters. The writing was great and I can't wait to read more by her.
September 4, 2025
Lovely story that makes the very north of Scotland, feel like an appealing place to live. Lots of tension between mother and daughter which is unusual for this author but didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. Great characters, lovely scenery, gripping story and puppies!
June 28, 2025
"Meet Me at the Seaside Cottage" didn't convince me as much as I hoped it to. I love Jenny Colgan's book, it's not a secret, so all the more the feeling of ... disappointment? It took me long to get into this story and I was really starting to feel very, very unsecure, what's happenning that I can't connect with this book? Help! Essie was not easy to like, until the end, maybe because I know such a person myself, a person that, instead of thinking for herself, lives with her old resentments, and Essie was like this.
And then I also thought, Essie got this really, really hot scene, but Janey not? Why not? Because she's older?
Jenny Colgan writes with such warmth and understanding, with great characters and community - feeling, but this time this didn't save the story for me, didn't grab me emotionally as much as the other stories.
And then I also thought, Essie got this really, really hot scene, but Janey not? Why not? Because she's older?
Jenny Colgan writes with such warmth and understanding, with great characters and community - feeling, but this time this didn't save the story for me, didn't grab me emotionally as much as the other stories.
July 1, 2025
girl what the HELL was that 😐😐
June 7, 2025
A good book but I found it to be a bit slow at the beginning (and I just wanted to shake Essie) and then a bit rushed at the end. There were certain aspects of the book that I really enjoyed (the puppies were adorable) and others that were just ok. A good bit of escapism that has you dreaming of wide open beaches and a perfect Scottish day.
June 29, 2025
There is something comforting about picking up a book by Jenny Colgan, and you know it will put a smile on your face - and this is no exception.
Made redundant from her job in finance, Essie is forced to leave her seemingly perfect life in Edinburgh and return home to Carso, a small town in the far north east of Scotland and one she couldn’t wait to leave Relations with her mother Janey are somewhat strained since her parent’s divorce so living together in a tiny cottage proves challenging - but Essie begins to realise there are some benefits to small-town living, and she and her mother start to rebuild their relationship.
With a happy ending guaranteed, it is an entertaining journey to get there with cottage renovations, love interests for mother and daughter - and puppies. And it did make me chuckle to see St Andrews, the town where I grew up, called the “swot capital of the world”.
There is also an interesting sub-plot as we learn more about Janey’s job as an audiologist - and Colgan highlights the issue of locals being priced out of the housing market by incomers and short-term rentals. There’s a little more spice than you might expect from Colgan but overall it is a heartwarming story about community and finding happiness where you least expect it, and a perfect feel-good summer read.
Made redundant from her job in finance, Essie is forced to leave her seemingly perfect life in Edinburgh and return home to Carso, a small town in the far north east of Scotland and one she couldn’t wait to leave Relations with her mother Janey are somewhat strained since her parent’s divorce so living together in a tiny cottage proves challenging - but Essie begins to realise there are some benefits to small-town living, and she and her mother start to rebuild their relationship.
With a happy ending guaranteed, it is an entertaining journey to get there with cottage renovations, love interests for mother and daughter - and puppies. And it did make me chuckle to see St Andrews, the town where I grew up, called the “swot capital of the world”.
There is also an interesting sub-plot as we learn more about Janey’s job as an audiologist - and Colgan highlights the issue of locals being priced out of the housing market by incomers and short-term rentals. There’s a little more spice than you might expect from Colgan but overall it is a heartwarming story about community and finding happiness where you least expect it, and a perfect feel-good summer read.
May 23, 2025
I love Jenny Colgan. So many authors do feel-good novels these days, but only Jenny does them with perfectly pitched humour and just enough grit of realness. So when I managed to get my hands on her latest I was extremely excited.
Essie grew up in beautiful, windswept, very remote Carso and couldn’t wait to leave it behind when she left for university. She works in finance and loves her insta-perfect Edinburgh life with her posh boyfriend. I totally understood her fascination with him and his group of friends, and their experience of financial safety that is so alien to her. At the start of the book she loses her job when the firm relocates to Bern, and has to move home temporarily. Where she instantly reverts to the moody teenager she was when she left.
Janey is Essie’s Mum, a popular audiologist in the village, who finally feels safe in her tiny, cosy cottage after the stressful and tumultuous end of her marriage and divorce (which Essie has never quite forgiven her for). She loves Essie desperately but they can never make themselves understood to each other.
While trying to find a new job Essie ends up getting involved in the refurbishment of the dilapidated cottages on Janey’s street. As well as the developments in their lives and the appearance of puppies and love interests alike, the book touches on how investors, holiday homes and AirBnbs have contributed to a housing crisis and shortage of affordable homes for locals - a hot topic in Scotland today.
At the start of the book Essie’s posh boyfriend jokes about her going home being like a cheesy Christmas movie where the city girl rediscovers the meaning of life, starts wearing flannel, and falls in love with the hot woodsman. And yes through the book Essie does come to understand the joys of living at a slower pace, being less interested in shiny material things, and doing what some would call ‘honest work’. But while the happy ending for mother and daughter is never really in doubt, the best thing about the book is the journey to get there.
Despite many of the settings and issues here being close to my heart (and life) this didn’t grab me emotionally as some of her other books do. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I don’t want to be a sobbing wreck after each book I read, but I’ve knocked a star off for it.
Also, a note that a couple of scenes in here are much spicier than I’m used to from Colgan! Maybe a nod to the cosy, spicy novels everywhere these days.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Essie grew up in beautiful, windswept, very remote Carso and couldn’t wait to leave it behind when she left for university. She works in finance and loves her insta-perfect Edinburgh life with her posh boyfriend. I totally understood her fascination with him and his group of friends, and their experience of financial safety that is so alien to her. At the start of the book she loses her job when the firm relocates to Bern, and has to move home temporarily. Where she instantly reverts to the moody teenager she was when she left.
Janey is Essie’s Mum, a popular audiologist in the village, who finally feels safe in her tiny, cosy cottage after the stressful and tumultuous end of her marriage and divorce (which Essie has never quite forgiven her for). She loves Essie desperately but they can never make themselves understood to each other.
While trying to find a new job Essie ends up getting involved in the refurbishment of the dilapidated cottages on Janey’s street. As well as the developments in their lives and the appearance of puppies and love interests alike, the book touches on how investors, holiday homes and AirBnbs have contributed to a housing crisis and shortage of affordable homes for locals - a hot topic in Scotland today.
At the start of the book Essie’s posh boyfriend jokes about her going home being like a cheesy Christmas movie where the city girl rediscovers the meaning of life, starts wearing flannel, and falls in love with the hot woodsman. And yes through the book Essie does come to understand the joys of living at a slower pace, being less interested in shiny material things, and doing what some would call ‘honest work’. But while the happy ending for mother and daughter is never really in doubt, the best thing about the book is the journey to get there.
Despite many of the settings and issues here being close to my heart (and life) this didn’t grab me emotionally as some of her other books do. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I don’t want to be a sobbing wreck after each book I read, but I’ve knocked a star off for it.
Also, a note that a couple of scenes in here are much spicier than I’m used to from Colgan! Maybe a nod to the cosy, spicy novels everywhere these days.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 20, 2025
Meet Janey and Essie Carter, mother and daughter respectively. Janey loves living in the tiny town of Carso, working in the local hospital as an audiologist whereas Essie couldn't wait to get away to the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. But then it all falls apart, Essie's employer is moving to Switzerland and there's no position for her, also she's been there less than two years so she doesn't qualify for redundancy. With no new job on the horizon, realising she has huge credit card debts, and can't afford her flat share Essie reluctantly decides to move back to Carso and her mum's tiny cottage, since her posh boyfriend Connor doesn't seem willing to let her stay with him and his colleague Tris.
Janey is thrilled to have Essie back home, even if her daughter blames her for the divorce and finds fault with everything, but soon Essie's messiness, unwillingness to do anything around the cottage, and slovenly appearance are driving her to drink.
Luckily, Janey's son Al persuades Essie to join them and Janey's colleagues down the one remaining pub for a quiz night, where Janey runs into the father of one of her former patients, and Al and Essie catch up with their old school friend Dwight (who developed a love of country and western clothing as a child and doesn't seem to have dropped it) who has been working the oil rigs. Dwight has just bought the three dilapidated cottages next to Janey's and intends to do them up and sell them, but after five minutes talking to him Essie realises he hasn't the first clue about budgeting or decorating and volunteers herself as project manager.
Meanwhile, Janey's former patient's father's dog has had puppies in one of the cottages. Lowell is totally clueless and enlists Janey's help with caring for the puppies, which she helped to birth after the first one got stuck.
This was just charming from start to finish. As a woman of Janey's age I identified more with her, especially since Essie came across as a spoilt brat at first, but it was just charming, sweet, funny, all the feels.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Janey is thrilled to have Essie back home, even if her daughter blames her for the divorce and finds fault with everything, but soon Essie's messiness, unwillingness to do anything around the cottage, and slovenly appearance are driving her to drink.
Luckily, Janey's son Al persuades Essie to join them and Janey's colleagues down the one remaining pub for a quiz night, where Janey runs into the father of one of her former patients, and Al and Essie catch up with their old school friend Dwight (who developed a love of country and western clothing as a child and doesn't seem to have dropped it) who has been working the oil rigs. Dwight has just bought the three dilapidated cottages next to Janey's and intends to do them up and sell them, but after five minutes talking to him Essie realises he hasn't the first clue about budgeting or decorating and volunteers herself as project manager.
Meanwhile, Janey's former patient's father's dog has had puppies in one of the cottages. Lowell is totally clueless and enlists Janey's help with caring for the puppies, which she helped to birth after the first one got stuck.
This was just charming from start to finish. As a woman of Janey's age I identified more with her, especially since Essie came across as a spoilt brat at first, but it was just charming, sweet, funny, all the feels.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
June 20, 2025
When you step outside your comfort zone and love it. Yes this. I loved this book and there isn’t a dead body or deranged killer in sight. Fifty something Janey Munroe lives alone in the seaside town of Carso in a cottage near the sea. Divorced with two adult children she is considering dating again, with the help of her friend Lish and a dating app! This writing is so engaging and so easy to read, I sat down to start it and got up when I finished it, with thanks to my partner for the copious cups of tea.
Briefly, Janey’s thirty year old daughter Essie lives in Edinburgh but having lost her job she moves back to stay with her mother. Not an ideal situation but Janey is delighted, at first! On a quiz night in the local pub they meet up with an old school friend of Essie and her brother Al. Dwight has bought the rundown cottages next to Janey’s but clearly has little idea about the logistics of a major renovation. Seeing an opportunity Essie offers herself as project manager. Meanwhile, and most exciting of all, there are puppies!
Quite character driven and some likeable and some not so much. Janey is lovely, as is her son Al, but Essie starts off a bit precocious and I wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to act like an adult. I love how the author shows the characters rebuilding (no pun intended) their lives and their relationships. A delightful, charming read about family and dealing with whatever life throws you, good and bad. Wonderful read. I’ve just checked out her back catalogue. Wow!
Briefly, Janey’s thirty year old daughter Essie lives in Edinburgh but having lost her job she moves back to stay with her mother. Not an ideal situation but Janey is delighted, at first! On a quiz night in the local pub they meet up with an old school friend of Essie and her brother Al. Dwight has bought the rundown cottages next to Janey’s but clearly has little idea about the logistics of a major renovation. Seeing an opportunity Essie offers herself as project manager. Meanwhile, and most exciting of all, there are puppies!
Quite character driven and some likeable and some not so much. Janey is lovely, as is her son Al, but Essie starts off a bit precocious and I wanted to give her a good shake and tell her to act like an adult. I love how the author shows the characters rebuilding (no pun intended) their lives and their relationships. A delightful, charming read about family and dealing with whatever life throws you, good and bad. Wonderful read. I’ve just checked out her back catalogue. Wow!
July 22, 2025
💬 My Bookish Thoughts
Jenny Colgan is one of my favourite authors, and her books are my go-to comfort reads — the ones I return to time and again.
And once again, I’ve fallen in love. How do you manage it, Jenny, every single time?
This story is full of heart — parent-child relationships, rebuilding after life’s curveballs, restoring seaside properties, and rediscovering your childhood community. Oh, and there's a fabulous bit of unexpected spice too (go, Jenny!).
As a hearing aid wearer, I really appreciated the care and research Jenny clearly put into portraying hearing impairments. I adored Janey — such a warm, caring audiologist — and the relationships between Janey, Lowell, and his daughter Verity were just gorgeous. Essie and Verity’s connection was equally heartwarming and hopeful.
Felicity and her puppies were a joyful addition, adding even more warmth and fun.
This book was exactly what I needed. It completely distracted and uplifted me during a week of uncomfortable and exhausting perimenopausal symptoms. Jenny’s trademark wit, her compelling storyline, and her cast of loveable characters immersed me in their vibrant seaside world.
Another Colgan gem earns its place in my Comfort Reads Wellbeing Toolkit, and I can absolutely see myself reading it again. If you need a book to take you away from life’s stresses and wrap you up in joy, this one’s for you!
🙏🏼 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @hodderstoughton, and @jennycolganbooks for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Jenny Colgan is one of my favourite authors, and her books are my go-to comfort reads — the ones I return to time and again.
And once again, I’ve fallen in love. How do you manage it, Jenny, every single time?
This story is full of heart — parent-child relationships, rebuilding after life’s curveballs, restoring seaside properties, and rediscovering your childhood community. Oh, and there's a fabulous bit of unexpected spice too (go, Jenny!).
As a hearing aid wearer, I really appreciated the care and research Jenny clearly put into portraying hearing impairments. I adored Janey — such a warm, caring audiologist — and the relationships between Janey, Lowell, and his daughter Verity were just gorgeous. Essie and Verity’s connection was equally heartwarming and hopeful.
Felicity and her puppies were a joyful addition, adding even more warmth and fun.
This book was exactly what I needed. It completely distracted and uplifted me during a week of uncomfortable and exhausting perimenopausal symptoms. Jenny’s trademark wit, her compelling storyline, and her cast of loveable characters immersed me in their vibrant seaside world.
Another Colgan gem earns its place in my Comfort Reads Wellbeing Toolkit, and I can absolutely see myself reading it again. If you need a book to take you away from life’s stresses and wrap you up in joy, this one’s for you!
🙏🏼 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @hodderstoughton, and @jennycolganbooks for the gifted digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2025
I've read most of Jenny Colgan's books and love them like a well-worn blanket that always smells faintly of sea salt and fresh scones.
Meet me at the Seaside Cottages delivers exactly what's promised on the tin: beautiful landscapes so vivid you can practically smell the bluebells, and a supporting cast that works like the world's most charming Greek Chorus—if ancient Greek choruses had spent their time gossiping over tea instead of warning about impending doom, that is.
The mother-daughter tension between Essie and Janey is handled with Colgan's trademark emotional intelligence. The dialogues (both internal monologues and actual conversations) hit exactly the right notes, and I found myself empathizing with both women—no small feat when dealing with family drama that could power a small soap opera.
Despite its pacing hiccups, this is the literary equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt who always has biscuits in the tin. Perfect for a quiet weekend, preferably somewhere lovely where the Wi-Fi is terrible and the scenery is magnificent.
Meet me at the Seaside Cottages delivers exactly what's promised on the tin: beautiful landscapes so vivid you can practically smell the bluebells, and a supporting cast that works like the world's most charming Greek Chorus—if ancient Greek choruses had spent their time gossiping over tea instead of warning about impending doom, that is.
The mother-daughter tension between Essie and Janey is handled with Colgan's trademark emotional intelligence. The dialogues (both internal monologues and actual conversations) hit exactly the right notes, and I found myself empathizing with both women—no small feat when dealing with family drama that could power a small soap opera.
Despite its pacing hiccups, this is the literary equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite aunt who always has biscuits in the tin. Perfect for a quiet weekend, preferably somewhere lovely where the Wi-Fi is terrible and the scenery is magnificent.
May 31, 2025
This is yet another wonderful tale by Jenny Colgan, starting in Edinburgh and ending up in Essie's home town (or is it a village) of Carso, in the back of beyond.
It opens as she loses her big cheese job in finance, and has to find out her next steps, which seems to be crawling back to her mother (Janey) and history she doesn't want to remember, leaving behind her city boyfriend and his rich mates. Due to her love of buildings, the twists and turns that result, starting with working on the seaside cottages, to the relationship with Dwight, and the puppies.... you are not entirely sure where this story goes. And let's be honest, you can't predict the ending!
My favourite bit of this book is the dogs unifying everyone (especially the end chapter) and bringing Essie and her mother back together, along with much more.
I love that Jenny Colgan always brings a twist in the tale of something you wouldn't think about. In this book, Janey is an audiologist and as the story develops includes her signing to Lowell's daughter. The fact that Verity is deaf and the differing responses from her parents is an interesting one to think about.
Everyone should read this book, it will make you think. But is also a funny and cosy read.
It opens as she loses her big cheese job in finance, and has to find out her next steps, which seems to be crawling back to her mother (Janey) and history she doesn't want to remember, leaving behind her city boyfriend and his rich mates. Due to her love of buildings, the twists and turns that result, starting with working on the seaside cottages, to the relationship with Dwight, and the puppies.... you are not entirely sure where this story goes. And let's be honest, you can't predict the ending!
My favourite bit of this book is the dogs unifying everyone (especially the end chapter) and bringing Essie and her mother back together, along with much more.
I love that Jenny Colgan always brings a twist in the tale of something you wouldn't think about. In this book, Janey is an audiologist and as the story develops includes her signing to Lowell's daughter. The fact that Verity is deaf and the differing responses from her parents is an interesting one to think about.
Everyone should read this book, it will make you think. But is also a funny and cosy read.
August 21, 2025
I was saving this for my recuperation from an operation, and read it slowly to savour it as I find Colgan's books are like crack cocaine for me - addictive and with withdrawal symptoms when finished. This focuses on Essie and her mum Janey who lives in an idyllic village in far north Scotland. Essie is forced to return after losing her job and moves in with her mum, and undergoes the usual regression to teenage years. Janey on the other hand is lamenting the lack of men! Colgan's usual habit of close knit cast of characters is once again spot on and it was nice to have the passing inclusion of Morag in there (appropriate as it is near the islands).
Essie's journey from big city back to hometown is one that many millenials have experienced I expect, but not many live in such a beautiful or remote area as our protagonist. I get Essie's petulance, arrogance, hostility as we all revert to teenagers if we go stay with parents. Add in the loss of independence and lavish lifestyle in Edinburgh and its understandable she is experiencing grief. Her boyfriend and his friends are all utter wombles and having met some rich gits, I can say this is accurate behaviour from my experience!
Another reasonably short review...but Colgan's book does exactly what it says on the tin!
Essie's journey from big city back to hometown is one that many millenials have experienced I expect, but not many live in such a beautiful or remote area as our protagonist. I get Essie's petulance, arrogance, hostility as we all revert to teenagers if we go stay with parents. Add in the loss of independence and lavish lifestyle in Edinburgh and its understandable she is experiencing grief. Her boyfriend and his friends are all utter wombles and having met some rich gits, I can say this is accurate behaviour from my experience!
Another reasonably short review...but Colgan's book does exactly what it says on the tin!
June 19, 2025
A great read, loved the descriptions of the wilds of Scotland. I felt it was a bit slow to start with, and I found Essie hard to connect with initially, and I felt more connected to Janey, but as the book progressed, Essie really opened up and became true to herself and I found myself rooting for her. Dwight was my absolute favourite character, everything about him made me smile. I loved how Essie responded to him and how though they seem totally unlikely to fall for each other, they are in fact a perfect fit.
I loved the puppies and wished the book came with the ability to cuddle them, some very interesting looking dog will be seen soon by the Seaside cottages.
Having a deaf character in the book was new to me and really enjoyed it. Verity was a great little character and I loved how Janey was able to connect with her and then Essie bonding with her and learning to sign to talk to her.
Essie’s rescue mission at the end was riveting, I was reading faster and faster hoping she would make it, and hoping they could find Dwight and get him on side. I loved how they all pulled together to help each other.
A lovely read and I can’t wait to visit the cottages again.
I loved the puppies and wished the book came with the ability to cuddle them, some very interesting looking dog will be seen soon by the Seaside cottages.
Having a deaf character in the book was new to me and really enjoyed it. Verity was a great little character and I loved how Janey was able to connect with her and then Essie bonding with her and learning to sign to talk to her.
Essie’s rescue mission at the end was riveting, I was reading faster and faster hoping she would make it, and hoping they could find Dwight and get him on side. I loved how they all pulled together to help each other.
A lovely read and I can’t wait to visit the cottages again.
September 19, 2025
A lovely, easy listen — that’s what stood out most about this audiobook. The narration was spot-on, drawing me in immediately, and the characters were incredibly engaging. Jenny Colgan has a real talent for crafting people you genuinely care about. I found myself completely invested in their choices, relationships, and personal journeys.
The dynamic between mother and daughter, Janey and Essie, was particularly powerful. I actually caught myself yelling in frustration at times, willing Janey to set boundaries with her daughter. When her brother Alistair finally stepped in — I was cheering! The character development throughout the story was evident and deeply satisfying.
The charming coastal town of Carso was another highlight. Colgan's vivid descriptions made me want to pack up and move there. It’s the kind of setting that wraps around you like a warm blanket, making it easy to lose yourself in the world she’s built.
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages is the perfect story to settle into — a little escape into someone else’s life for a while. I’ll definitely be reaching for more books by Jenny Colgan. Highly recommended for fans of heartwarming, character-driven fiction.
The dynamic between mother and daughter, Janey and Essie, was particularly powerful. I actually caught myself yelling in frustration at times, willing Janey to set boundaries with her daughter. When her brother Alistair finally stepped in — I was cheering! The character development throughout the story was evident and deeply satisfying.
The charming coastal town of Carso was another highlight. Colgan's vivid descriptions made me want to pack up and move there. It’s the kind of setting that wraps around you like a warm blanket, making it easy to lose yourself in the world she’s built.
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages is the perfect story to settle into — a little escape into someone else’s life for a while. I’ll definitely be reaching for more books by Jenny Colgan. Highly recommended for fans of heartwarming, character-driven fiction.
May 30, 2025
After a slow start, this story set on the Isle of Lewis took off. Essie, having lost her job, has to leave Edinburgh and her perfect life with her perfect boyfriend to go to live with her Mum in her tiny cottage. She is not happy and makes that clear to everyone. However, over time, the charm of the island and her neighbours, she begins to see how nice it is living in a small place, where everyone knows your business and pulls together. This isn't an easy transition, though.
I loved the characters in this story. It is a multi-generational story, which always makes a story more interesting and rounded, I think, more pleasurable to read. I loved Essie's Mum Janey, with all her doubts and worries, but she was such a nice woman. All the characters were well-written and well-rounded, and a pleasure to get to know.
This is a little raunchier than the usual Jenny Colgan book, with a sex scene that some may be surprised by, but it didn't detract from the story. I loved this story and it makes for a really good summer read.
#netgalley
I loved the characters in this story. It is a multi-generational story, which always makes a story more interesting and rounded, I think, more pleasurable to read. I loved Essie's Mum Janey, with all her doubts and worries, but she was such a nice woman. All the characters were well-written and well-rounded, and a pleasure to get to know.
This is a little raunchier than the usual Jenny Colgan book, with a sex scene that some may be surprised by, but it didn't detract from the story. I loved this story and it makes for a really good summer read.
#netgalley
November 23, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I found this story to be quite gloomy and didn't really like or care about any of the characters. About halfway through I started skimming. Colgan's usual snarky dialogue kind of fell flat for me and, overall, the whole book felt really bleak. I kept waiting for the story to get better. I mean, I initially didn't like Flora ("The Cafe by the Sea") or Carmen ("The Christmas Bookshop") but, by a third of the way through their stories, I really started liking them and rooting for them. Not so much for Janey and Essie or anyone else in the cast of characters.
Jenny Colgan is one of my favorite authors and I perennially return to Mure, Kirrinfief, Carso, and Mount Polbearne. to immerse myself in satisfying, romance, and very entertaining stories filled with wonderful characters and delightfully snarky dialogue. However, I don't feel that way about all of her books and, unfortunately, this is one of them.
I found this story to be quite gloomy and didn't really like or care about any of the characters. About halfway through I started skimming. Colgan's usual snarky dialogue kind of fell flat for me and, overall, the whole book felt really bleak. I kept waiting for the story to get better. I mean, I initially didn't like Flora ("The Cafe by the Sea") or Carmen ("The Christmas Bookshop") but, by a third of the way through their stories, I really started liking them and rooting for them. Not so much for Janey and Essie or anyone else in the cast of characters.
Jenny Colgan is one of my favorite authors and I perennially return to Mure, Kirrinfief, Carso, and Mount Polbearne. to immerse myself in satisfying, romance, and very entertaining stories filled with wonderful characters and delightfully snarky dialogue. However, I don't feel that way about all of her books and, unfortunately, this is one of them.
December 31, 2025
Are you even at the Scottish seaside if Jenny Colgan didn't take you there?
We find ourselves in Carso, with Janey who adores her sweet and hard-earned cottage. Carso has a property problem - there isn't enough it! Apparently this is a problem throughout Scotland, as we learn when Janey's adult daughter Essie comes home for an extended visit and bemoaning the lack of housing. Developers are snapping up homes left and right for rentals, keeping locals from getting a foot on the property ladder!
Family, love, flora, fauna, remote village life...all of the Jenny Colgan staples are here. Once again, she writes with such heart and attention to detail as the community comes to life across the pages. I spent a lot of time looking up Scottish food, geography, vocabulary and more. I love it! Opening the book was like stepping into a Scottish village. You will definitely want to meet Janey at her seaside cottage!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! It was a treat.
We find ourselves in Carso, with Janey who adores her sweet and hard-earned cottage. Carso has a property problem - there isn't enough it! Apparently this is a problem throughout Scotland, as we learn when Janey's adult daughter Essie comes home for an extended visit and bemoaning the lack of housing. Developers are snapping up homes left and right for rentals, keeping locals from getting a foot on the property ladder!
Family, love, flora, fauna, remote village life...all of the Jenny Colgan staples are here. Once again, she writes with such heart and attention to detail as the community comes to life across the pages. I spent a lot of time looking up Scottish food, geography, vocabulary and more. I love it! Opening the book was like stepping into a Scottish village. You will definitely want to meet Janey at her seaside cottage!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! It was a treat.
May 26, 2025
What a delightful five-star read. This is a must for anyone who wants to run away to the Scottish wilds, or even a town that’s mistaken for a village, it sounds delightful to me. This is also a must read for anyone with a less that amazing mother/daughter relationship, as I think we could all learn a thing or two from Janey and Essie, there are so many delightful aspects of this story that you wont want to miss, I especially loved how Janey’s job was a role that we don’t often hear about, and shone a light on deafness and aspects we don’t often hear about. There were a couple of great secondary storylines in this one, a couple that really added to the overall story really well, complimenting the whole story in an unexpected way. I so loved the puppies and their various names. This story was one of community and how strong we can be together, no mater what is thrown at us, it shows how strong we can be.
May 27, 2025
Reading a Jenny Colgan book is like meeting an old and delightful friend.
There will be laughter, there will be drama but its always a great experience.
This book is set in Carso near to the airport of other stories and, as usual characters from other stories dip in and out of this one.
Janey is in her 50s and she is content and settled after some rocky times in the past, Essie her daughter is absolutely not. Forced to return to the middle of nowhere after her exciting life in Edinburgh is ripped from her she is not very happily settled back with her mother. All is becoming very gloomy but a dog(s), a small child and a line dancer from an oil rig help them both to get to a better place. Just the right amount of peril and danger to make this a real page turner.
Makes great points about the impact of tourism on remote beautiful places and the perils of the internet.
A really lovely read
There will be laughter, there will be drama but its always a great experience.
This book is set in Carso near to the airport of other stories and, as usual characters from other stories dip in and out of this one.
Janey is in her 50s and she is content and settled after some rocky times in the past, Essie her daughter is absolutely not. Forced to return to the middle of nowhere after her exciting life in Edinburgh is ripped from her she is not very happily settled back with her mother. All is becoming very gloomy but a dog(s), a small child and a line dancer from an oil rig help them both to get to a better place. Just the right amount of peril and danger to make this a real page turner.
Makes great points about the impact of tourism on remote beautiful places and the perils of the internet.
A really lovely read
June 9, 2025
Essie has lost her job and flat and has to move from the city of Edinburgh back to her home town and move in with her mother.
At first she feels frustrated and that she is going backwards in life but she soon settles back in and starts to realise that maybe being back home isn’t as bad as she first thought.
I loved some of the characters in the book especially Janey her mother. I enjoyed seeing the dynamics between Essie and Janey and how their relationship changed. It was also nice to see both of their perspectives.
I found there were lots going on in the book which I felt was a positive and I liked hearing about Janey’s job and her different patients.
Overall I found this book quite different to some of Jenny’s previous novels but I still really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
Thanks for NetGalley, Jenny Colgan and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
At first she feels frustrated and that she is going backwards in life but she soon settles back in and starts to realise that maybe being back home isn’t as bad as she first thought.
I loved some of the characters in the book especially Janey her mother. I enjoyed seeing the dynamics between Essie and Janey and how their relationship changed. It was also nice to see both of their perspectives.
I found there were lots going on in the book which I felt was a positive and I liked hearing about Janey’s job and her different patients.
Overall I found this book quite different to some of Jenny’s previous novels but I still really enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
Thanks for NetGalley, Jenny Colgan and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 14, 2025
I’ve read every single Jenny Colgan book, and once again I wasn’t disappointed.
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages is exactly what I come to her books for: a cozy escape filled with warmth, wit, and that comforting sense of “coming home,” even if it’s to a new place. The seaside village of Carso is full of charm rescue dogs, quirky neighbors, windswept cottages and the emotional heart of the story lies in Janey and her grown daughter Essie reconnecting after life knocks them both around a bit.
There’s something so soothing about watching them renovate a crumbling old cottage while also quietly renovating their relationship. It’s tender, funny, and just the right amount of hopeful.
Yes, some of the beats are familiar if you’re a longtime fan like me and the pacing in the middle lags a bit but that’s part of the comfort. You know Jenny Colgan will deliver: a lovely cast, just a touch of romance, and characters who earn their second chances.
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages is exactly what I come to her books for: a cozy escape filled with warmth, wit, and that comforting sense of “coming home,” even if it’s to a new place. The seaside village of Carso is full of charm rescue dogs, quirky neighbors, windswept cottages and the emotional heart of the story lies in Janey and her grown daughter Essie reconnecting after life knocks them both around a bit.
There’s something so soothing about watching them renovate a crumbling old cottage while also quietly renovating their relationship. It’s tender, funny, and just the right amount of hopeful.
Yes, some of the beats are familiar if you’re a longtime fan like me and the pacing in the middle lags a bit but that’s part of the comfort. You know Jenny Colgan will deliver: a lovely cast, just a touch of romance, and characters who earn their second chances.
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