The Forgotten Cottage at Harbor's End: A Sweet Romance Seaside Mystery

by Penny Lane-Parker

A forgotten legacy. A hidden secret. And a seaside mystery waiting to be solved.

When Emilia inherits her Great-Aunt’s cottage at the remote Harbour’s End, she expects a dusty renovation project, not a mystery. The old house, standing lonely against the wind, has been forgotten by time—but it hasn't given up its secrets yet.

As Emilia starts to peel back the layers of history, she discovers that her aunt left behind more than just a building. There are whispers in the village and a puzzle hidden within the walls of the cottage that leads to a truth no one on the island expected.

With the waves crashing against the cliffs and a charming stranger by her side, Emilia must race to uncover the story of the forgotten cottage before the past catches up with her.

Will unlocking the door to the cottage also open the door to her heart?

Return to the island for a heartwarming, cozy mystery full of romance, secrets, and the healing power of the sea.

614 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2025

Reviews

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I love all the characters. I love that the male lead character was a strong, dependable, loving, gentle protector.

I had a hard time putting this book down, and found myself reading this whole big book in just a few days. I definitely look forward to reading other books written by Penny Lane-Parker, especially the books about some of the other characters found in the pages of this sweet, sweet book.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lengthy book with a marvellously intricate plot
Divorcee, Emilia, leaving behind a messy life in Boston, arrives on the island of Harbor’s End with her daughter, Sophie, and their dog, Barnaby, to claim a cottage she has inherited from an unknown great-aunt.
John, also a fairly recently arrived resident, has come to the island to unearth a fifty-year-old mystery; a mystery that includes a third character with a similar motive. With both Emilia and Sophie finding long-hidden items, the developing connection between the characters, and the increasing suspense that is generated, the reader remains fully involved in the final outcome.
The author has created both primary and secondary characters who demonstrate authentic reactions, with Sophie and the dogs adding a particularly pleasing aspect to the story.
There were some (relatively minor) inconsistencies in the plot development and character actions which affected my final star-rating; however, it must be noted that I received this book as an advance review copy and my opinion is voluntary.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We start this book as Emilia, with her daughter, Sophie, & beagle Barnaby are arriving at the island. She has inherited a cottage from a great-aunt she barely remembers. She is trying to start a new life, well away from her ex-us and Mark. She meets John and his dog Captain on a beach & the dogs get along well and he treats them both politely, building a sand castle with Sophie as if she’s an equal. He becomes a regular helper with things around the house. Then her ex arrives and teams up with the pod-aster who has been annoying her since she was on the ferry. He’s convinced there’s a lot of money in the cottage. Eventually John decides he must stay at the cottage to keep Emilia and Sophie safe. Once I got into the story I just had to finish it and it is quite a long book.

[Marsha Asquith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forgotten Cottage was Great Aunt Catherine's inheritance to Emilia. A divorced mother looking for a fresh start on the island and in a cottage that has its own secrets that's been hidden for fifty years. Will those secrets help or hurt Emilia?

This story has secrets, romance, greed and bullying jerks. The community takes care of its own and secrets that need to come out, are revealed.

*mild profanity and terrifying a child are involved *

Personally, I didn't like either. The story as a whole is a good plot.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so many things I loved about this 1st book that I had the opportunity to read by this author. First there's plenty of mystery that kept me flipping the pages, 2nd there's lots of in-depth descriptions that let you get to know about the characters 3rd there's quite a few jaw-dropping surprises and so much more. I really enjoyed the book and I recommended to all who love an excellent mystery.

[Vernon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Penny Lane-Parker and I can't wait to read the other two. The romance and mystery are top notch. I enjoy the development of the main characters and how they interact with each other. The scenarios are so realistic and believable. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

[Kate Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like it but...Nah does not grab me. Too much repetition, too stalkerish, too predictable. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.