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Summer at Coastguard Cottages
Eight weeks to change their lives!
Bruce is learning to live again after the recent death of his wife.
Megan is counting on this summer to patch up the cracks in her marriage.
Carrie is looking for her birth mother, after inheriting a fortune from the father she never met.
Guy is still dealing with the trauma of the last few months and needs time to put the past behind him.
Hazel is hitting a mid-life crisis and struggling to cope with her stroppy teenager.
A summer at Coastguard Cottages looks like the perfect remedy for everyone. But after eight weeks, unexpected events will change their lives forever…
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2017
478 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Bohnet
39 books289 followersSixteen years ago Richard and I, with our then dog, 14 year old Holly in a trailer attached to Richard's bike, cycled down through western France via the canal paths, arriving in Antibes in July. With the exception of two fleeting visits back to the UK we have lived in France ever since.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
For the past five years we have lived in a small cottage in central Brittany with one large collie dog called Viking, one fat cat known as Little’un and a young tortoiseshell cat called Missy. Oh, and there are various ducks and chickens in the garden, and a large pond with about a hundred fish in!
I have contributed short stories and serials to many of the UK women's magazines including, The People's Friend, Candis, My Weekly, Best, Yours and my stories have been published in Australia, Sweden, South Africa and Ireland.
I also write magazine features and my work has been published in national magazines and newspapers like, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Home and Country, Devon Life. For over three years I had my own newspaper column in the South Hams Group of Newspapers, that took a wry look at family life.
I am a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 17, 2018
The story has a great setting so even if you arn't lucky enough to be jet setting somewhere sunny this summer, you can be transported to the idyllic Devonshire Coast whilst you read about the characters lives.
The book focuses on three main characters of which the chapters alternate so we get to find out more about each one and their lives at Coastguard Cottages. All three characters each have things they need to deal with in their lives and it was a bit like watching your favourite soap seeing how everything was going to unfold.
There is a bit of something in here for everyone that enjoys this genre of book. It's an easy read with nice characters that the readers will be interested in. It did take me a while for the story to grab hold with the swapping to the different characters but overall was a good read and a good book to pack on your hols or enjoy in the comfort of your back garden in the warmth of the sun.
The book focuses on three main characters of which the chapters alternate so we get to find out more about each one and their lives at Coastguard Cottages. All three characters each have things they need to deal with in their lives and it was a bit like watching your favourite soap seeing how everything was going to unfold.
There is a bit of something in here for everyone that enjoys this genre of book. It's an easy read with nice characters that the readers will be interested in. It did take me a while for the story to grab hold with the swapping to the different characters but overall was a good read and a good book to pack on your hols or enjoy in the comfort of your back garden in the warmth of the sun.
August 20, 2017
If you fancy summer on the Devonshire coastline, featuring four main characters all going through different things in their lives, but that all have things in common too, then spending your summer at the Coastguard Cottages is a good idea.
For these are a row of cottages that are all owned by different people, sometimes rented out, but normally a regular community of people each summer. They reminded me of communities of beach hut owners, but instead these are decent sized properties!
This is the summer where everything is going to change in our characters lives. Karen is trying to work out what to do about her husband, and whether she really will divorce him. Bruce is facing his first summer without his beloved late wife. Guy is renting out Charlie's cottage and is recovering from events in his life a year ago, he has also met one of the coastguard cottage owners before.
Then there is Carrie, and it was her story I was most interested in, when she is left an unexpected inheritance and ends up on a journey of self-discovery.
There are even a couple of gorgeous dogs that feature a fair amount in the book and I would have loved to have either one as my own pet!
This was an enjoyable book that had quite a few surprises crop up during the story. It certainly made me feel like I was experiencing a Devonshire summer, and I loved the idea of the daily sundowners where all the cottage owners would get together for a bit to socialise and lower the flag. I also really liked seeing just how Karen, Bruce and Carries lives change in just 8 weeks.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For these are a row of cottages that are all owned by different people, sometimes rented out, but normally a regular community of people each summer. They reminded me of communities of beach hut owners, but instead these are decent sized properties!
This is the summer where everything is going to change in our characters lives. Karen is trying to work out what to do about her husband, and whether she really will divorce him. Bruce is facing his first summer without his beloved late wife. Guy is renting out Charlie's cottage and is recovering from events in his life a year ago, he has also met one of the coastguard cottage owners before.
Then there is Carrie, and it was her story I was most interested in, when she is left an unexpected inheritance and ends up on a journey of self-discovery.
There are even a couple of gorgeous dogs that feature a fair amount in the book and I would have loved to have either one as my own pet!
This was an enjoyable book that had quite a few surprises crop up during the story. It certainly made me feel like I was experiencing a Devonshire summer, and I loved the idea of the daily sundowners where all the cottage owners would get together for a bit to socialise and lower the flag. I also really liked seeing just how Karen, Bruce and Carries lives change in just 8 weeks.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this review copy.
What a wonderful summer read! The cover and the title both draw you in for a perfect read lazing on a hot summer’s day! This story is spread over 8 weeks of summer and are all based around the picturesque Coastguard Cottages in a little Devon village. It features lots of characters, but with specific reference to the stories of Karen, Carrie, Bruce and Guy.
Karen’s marriage is on the rocks. Her parents left her the coastguard cottage many years before and she, and her family, have been spending the summer here for years. This is year is no different other than she is going there on her own to collect her thoughts and work out if her marriage is worth saving. While there, she meets an old friend, and old boyfriend, Guy who is staying in one of the other cottages. Will she end up going back to her husband?
Guy is a photographer. His marriage is also on the rocks and he is staying at his friend’s summer cottage to think about things. He is sure he wants a divorce, but he’s not sure if this is what his wife, Melissa wants. He meets Karen, his old girlfriend, who he hasn’t see for years, and begins to enjoy his time spent with her.
Bruce is recently widowed. His wife, Gabby died 8 months before from a tragic accident. This is his first summer at their summer cottage without Gabby and he is finding it very difficult. They had no children, despite many years of trying, and he is feeling very alone. He decides to live in the cottage permanently and considers buying a property in the local area to renovate. A chance encounter with an injured stray dog brings him some company!
Adopted Carrie has recently been left a legacy by her biological father, Robert Trumble, whom she has never met. He has left her a large sum of money and some property. She decides to visit his home in a little village about half an hour from the Coastguard Cottages where the other characters live. She makes friends with Robert’s friend Tony and she discovers that Tony has been left with the name and address of her real mother. What links Carrie to the other residents of the Coastguard Cottages?
I really loved this book! It wasn’t what I expected at all. From the cover, I expected a romance, chick lit type of book. It wasn’t like this at all. It was a wonderful story of very likeable characters and their lives. A story of relationships, friendships, love and loss. It covered all bases really! The story was told from each characters perspectives with alternate chapters for each one. I did wonder where the story was going with regards to Carrie, as it seemed that she had no connection to the Coastguard Cottages, but this all gets revealed by the end of the book. I loved the way the characters weren’t all young women and showed that some of the more “mature” women can find love and romance! I didn’t really dislike any of the characters, with exception to Karen’s husband Derek, and loved the way the story dipped in and out of their own individual stories.
Setting the story aside, the setting of the book sounded just perfect. You really felt that you were there in the cottages, watching the boats sailing past on a beautiful hot summer’s day. A truly magical setting!
Very much recommended, the perfect book to lose yourself in for a couple of days! Five stars!
What a wonderful summer read! The cover and the title both draw you in for a perfect read lazing on a hot summer’s day! This story is spread over 8 weeks of summer and are all based around the picturesque Coastguard Cottages in a little Devon village. It features lots of characters, but with specific reference to the stories of Karen, Carrie, Bruce and Guy.
Karen’s marriage is on the rocks. Her parents left her the coastguard cottage many years before and she, and her family, have been spending the summer here for years. This is year is no different other than she is going there on her own to collect her thoughts and work out if her marriage is worth saving. While there, she meets an old friend, and old boyfriend, Guy who is staying in one of the other cottages. Will she end up going back to her husband?
Guy is a photographer. His marriage is also on the rocks and he is staying at his friend’s summer cottage to think about things. He is sure he wants a divorce, but he’s not sure if this is what his wife, Melissa wants. He meets Karen, his old girlfriend, who he hasn’t see for years, and begins to enjoy his time spent with her.
Bruce is recently widowed. His wife, Gabby died 8 months before from a tragic accident. This is his first summer at their summer cottage without Gabby and he is finding it very difficult. They had no children, despite many years of trying, and he is feeling very alone. He decides to live in the cottage permanently and considers buying a property in the local area to renovate. A chance encounter with an injured stray dog brings him some company!
Adopted Carrie has recently been left a legacy by her biological father, Robert Trumble, whom she has never met. He has left her a large sum of money and some property. She decides to visit his home in a little village about half an hour from the Coastguard Cottages where the other characters live. She makes friends with Robert’s friend Tony and she discovers that Tony has been left with the name and address of her real mother. What links Carrie to the other residents of the Coastguard Cottages?
I really loved this book! It wasn’t what I expected at all. From the cover, I expected a romance, chick lit type of book. It wasn’t like this at all. It was a wonderful story of very likeable characters and their lives. A story of relationships, friendships, love and loss. It covered all bases really! The story was told from each characters perspectives with alternate chapters for each one. I did wonder where the story was going with regards to Carrie, as it seemed that she had no connection to the Coastguard Cottages, but this all gets revealed by the end of the book. I loved the way the characters weren’t all young women and showed that some of the more “mature” women can find love and romance! I didn’t really dislike any of the characters, with exception to Karen’s husband Derek, and loved the way the story dipped in and out of their own individual stories.
Setting the story aside, the setting of the book sounded just perfect. You really felt that you were there in the cottages, watching the boats sailing past on a beautiful hot summer’s day. A truly magical setting!
Very much recommended, the perfect book to lose yourself in for a couple of days! Five stars!
June 9, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. Beautiful cover. Enjoyed right from the 1st page. Love when a book grabs your attention this quick. The Coastguards cottages. Sounded like an idyllic place to go for the summer. There was a mix of different characters. All really nice and complemented each other well. Each character had there own story to tell. Didn’t want this book to end. Really hope this author writes a follow up. This was the 2nd book I’ve enjoyed with this author and would look out for her in the future
September 11, 2017
The second title I’ve read from Bohnet, what strikes most obviously is the characters and their growth and transformation, even as they are in a ‘familiar to them’, at the Coastguard cottages. The cottages are four summer cabins, each owned by one of the four characters in the story: Bruce, Megan, Carrie and Guy, who all are having their own moments of crisis and hoping the setting will help them come to decisions. With insets from secondary characters, and plenty of soul-searching, the stretch for each to find their own new path while basking in the gorgeous coastal setting is a seemingly simple, yet decidedly complicated story. In all the best ways.
From coming to terms with life without his beloved wife, to the dissection of a marriage on the rocks, a search for a birth mother after a windfall from an unknown and unmet father to the simple task of healing, each character comes alive and palpable: allowing readers into their own lives, stories and struggles as they completely burrow into your heart and head. Who hasn’t had those moments of questioning: who you are, why you are there, just where should you go now? With gentle interactions and friendships renewed and rekindled, the characters each find answers and new determination to move forward, changing their trajectories or finding comfort in the old and familiar. Bohnet gives moments of engagement and insight into each character: allowing them to develop and grow, even as you find yourself worrying for them, cheering them on, or wondering just why they don’t do things your way. Easing readers into the story that doesn’t just focus on each character’s moments of trial or interior monologue, but allowing for the interactions and subtle insets of each person’s story to unfold, presenting a rich tapestry of a tiny community, brought together by chance but bonding in support, camaraderie and shared struggles.
Dialogue is natural and flows, with distinct voices of each coming through clearly: you feel the sorrow that weighs heavily on Bruce and Guy, feel Hazel’s frustrations, understand the tentative approach to the world that stands out from Megan as she struggles with redefining herself as wife or divorce, and then there is Carrie. Adopted and now searching to discover her beginning without the worry of money from an unexpected inheritance, her voice shows the questions as she works to define herself with the newfound knowledge and unending questions she has lived with forever. A wonderful read that shows that taking time to truly discover yourself in a setting that is familiar yet different from your everyday can help you to grow, discover and decide on your next moments.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
From coming to terms with life without his beloved wife, to the dissection of a marriage on the rocks, a search for a birth mother after a windfall from an unknown and unmet father to the simple task of healing, each character comes alive and palpable: allowing readers into their own lives, stories and struggles as they completely burrow into your heart and head. Who hasn’t had those moments of questioning: who you are, why you are there, just where should you go now? With gentle interactions and friendships renewed and rekindled, the characters each find answers and new determination to move forward, changing their trajectories or finding comfort in the old and familiar. Bohnet gives moments of engagement and insight into each character: allowing them to develop and grow, even as you find yourself worrying for them, cheering them on, or wondering just why they don’t do things your way. Easing readers into the story that doesn’t just focus on each character’s moments of trial or interior monologue, but allowing for the interactions and subtle insets of each person’s story to unfold, presenting a rich tapestry of a tiny community, brought together by chance but bonding in support, camaraderie and shared struggles.
Dialogue is natural and flows, with distinct voices of each coming through clearly: you feel the sorrow that weighs heavily on Bruce and Guy, feel Hazel’s frustrations, understand the tentative approach to the world that stands out from Megan as she struggles with redefining herself as wife or divorce, and then there is Carrie. Adopted and now searching to discover her beginning without the worry of money from an unexpected inheritance, her voice shows the questions as she works to define herself with the newfound knowledge and unending questions she has lived with forever. A wonderful read that shows that taking time to truly discover yourself in a setting that is familiar yet different from your everyday can help you to grow, discover and decide on your next moments.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
August 24, 2017
I know you should not judge a book by its cover but who cannot help love this one? It was a bonus that the story contained within it was just as lovely.
Along a part of the Devon coastline is the Coastguard cottages, where for roughly eight weeks in the summer are full of people, life, laughter, love, friendship and food. It is of course the same faces, the same people, but this summer it seems that it is all about to change.
Bruce is at his cottage, for the first time without his beloved wife, Gabby. He has some decisions to make about his and the cottages future, but when an unexpected visitor or two turns up it seems that perhaps the future is not going to be as predictable as he first thought.
Karen, mum to two children, who are now making their own way in the world is simply left with her husband, Derek. Is her marriage finished, could she manage without him especially as the cottage she has is simply hers and hers alone? The break at this cottage is the test they both need.
Guy, is borrowing his friend's cottage, he realises he has been here before and he may still know some of the more regulars. Guy needs to escape and heal from what he has seen in the last twelve months. But he also has to face up to his marriage - divorce has to be the answer but is it one his wife will accept.
Carrie, is left a legacy, one she would never have even believed. It means she can settle with little financial worries for the foreseeable future. But it has come from a man she has never met and it is finding out about him., that leads her to one particular coastguard cottage during the summer. Will she find the answers to the many questions she has?
As these main characters and a few secondary ones, who you soon learn how they all fit in together at the cottages, the books travels along nicely and the story winds and weaves along.
A real heart warming story and one where you can enjoy coming together with a community who do not judge your choice, your life and you can enjoy a glass of something chilled and toast the day as the flag shifts and the sun sets over the sea.
I really enjoyed the setting, the place and whilst I would love to go back to these coastguard cottages, possibly even stay in one, the story was brought to its rightful conclusion and the characters live on after the book has been finished - a sign of a well written book in my simple opinion.
Thank you to the publisher via netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Along a part of the Devon coastline is the Coastguard cottages, where for roughly eight weeks in the summer are full of people, life, laughter, love, friendship and food. It is of course the same faces, the same people, but this summer it seems that it is all about to change.
Bruce is at his cottage, for the first time without his beloved wife, Gabby. He has some decisions to make about his and the cottages future, but when an unexpected visitor or two turns up it seems that perhaps the future is not going to be as predictable as he first thought.
Karen, mum to two children, who are now making their own way in the world is simply left with her husband, Derek. Is her marriage finished, could she manage without him especially as the cottage she has is simply hers and hers alone? The break at this cottage is the test they both need.
Guy, is borrowing his friend's cottage, he realises he has been here before and he may still know some of the more regulars. Guy needs to escape and heal from what he has seen in the last twelve months. But he also has to face up to his marriage - divorce has to be the answer but is it one his wife will accept.
Carrie, is left a legacy, one she would never have even believed. It means she can settle with little financial worries for the foreseeable future. But it has come from a man she has never met and it is finding out about him., that leads her to one particular coastguard cottage during the summer. Will she find the answers to the many questions she has?
As these main characters and a few secondary ones, who you soon learn how they all fit in together at the cottages, the books travels along nicely and the story winds and weaves along.
A real heart warming story and one where you can enjoy coming together with a community who do not judge your choice, your life and you can enjoy a glass of something chilled and toast the day as the flag shifts and the sun sets over the sea.
I really enjoyed the setting, the place and whilst I would love to go back to these coastguard cottages, possibly even stay in one, the story was brought to its rightful conclusion and the characters live on after the book has been finished - a sign of a well written book in my simple opinion.
Thank you to the publisher via netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 15, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog ~ thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com
What a lovely and feel-good read by Jennifer Bohnet. I've never read any of her other books and now I find myself questioning why that is! It was a light-hearted and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It's set in the beautiful Devon with descriptions of the town and the sea that will make you want to pack your bag and head on down there yourself. The book follows three main characters - Karen, Bruce and Carrie (as above) - whom each have their own life issues. However, all the characters somehow interlock and I found it so interesting how they done so.
The stories all come together in some way or another which shall have you at the edge of your seat when the twist happens! (which I was not expecting!) Even though there is a twist, the whole rest of the book has more of a relaxed feel about it which makes it a really enjoyable summer read.
One thing I absolutely adore about this book is of course - the cover! It is absolutely beautiful and draws you in straight away and just makes you want to read it. I love the colours, the lighthouse, the sea - everything is just so pretty! And I think I'm not the only one who wants to read a book purely from it's cover!
The characters are all very likeable and I enjoyed getting to know each of them in turn and finding out what was happening in their lives. This book includes everything you could possibly want in a love story - romance (of course), drama, and a beautiful setting. I think the only person I disliked was Karen's husband Derek (but he wasn't in the story that much).
Even though not much happens (there isn't a huge event that takes place) it's still really enjoyable and overall, a beautifully written summer read. A must have even if you are just snuggled up on the sofa as opposed to laying on a hot beach somewhere!
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.
What a lovely and feel-good read by Jennifer Bohnet. I've never read any of her other books and now I find myself questioning why that is! It was a light-hearted and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It's set in the beautiful Devon with descriptions of the town and the sea that will make you want to pack your bag and head on down there yourself. The book follows three main characters - Karen, Bruce and Carrie (as above) - whom each have their own life issues. However, all the characters somehow interlock and I found it so interesting how they done so.
The stories all come together in some way or another which shall have you at the edge of your seat when the twist happens! (which I was not expecting!) Even though there is a twist, the whole rest of the book has more of a relaxed feel about it which makes it a really enjoyable summer read.
One thing I absolutely adore about this book is of course - the cover! It is absolutely beautiful and draws you in straight away and just makes you want to read it. I love the colours, the lighthouse, the sea - everything is just so pretty! And I think I'm not the only one who wants to read a book purely from it's cover!
The characters are all very likeable and I enjoyed getting to know each of them in turn and finding out what was happening in their lives. This book includes everything you could possibly want in a love story - romance (of course), drama, and a beautiful setting. I think the only person I disliked was Karen's husband Derek (but he wasn't in the story that much).
Even though not much happens (there isn't a huge event that takes place) it's still really enjoyable and overall, a beautifully written summer read. A must have even if you are just snuggled up on the sofa as opposed to laying on a hot beach somewhere!
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.
August 10, 2017
This book had a nice setting with the lovely seaside cottages and many interesting characters including some lovable dogs.
I do love a nice cosy read and this hit the mark.
Great quick summer read.
I do love a nice cosy read and this hit the mark.
Great quick summer read.
June 18, 2019
Another sweet story by Jennifer Bohnet. This is the third story of her's I have read and while I did enjoy it I didn't find it quite as engaging as "A Year of Taking Chances" and "Rosie's Little Cafe on the Riviera".
As with those other two books there are a cast of protagonists, with four primary characters in the case of this book. Carrie, one of the primary protagonists, is a 28 year old veterinarian who was adopted as a baby by her parents. She has recently learned that her biological dad has died and left her a sizable fortune which includes two houses. When she visits the houses she finds she is drawn to the charm of one of them and the village its in. She meets a young man who knew her birth father and who knows the name and location of her birth mother. So for much of the book the reader is left wondering who her birth mother is. In the end all is revealed and it is a bit bittersweet. The other three primary protagonists have their situations resolved and overall it's a happy ending.
I plan to continue to read Jennifer Bohnet's works.
As with those other two books there are a cast of protagonists, with four primary characters in the case of this book. Carrie, one of the primary protagonists, is a 28 year old veterinarian who was adopted as a baby by her parents. She has recently learned that her biological dad has died and left her a sizable fortune which includes two houses. When she visits the houses she finds she is drawn to the charm of one of them and the village its in. She meets a young man who knew her birth father and who knows the name and location of her birth mother. So for much of the book the reader is left wondering who her birth mother is. In the end all is revealed and it is a bit bittersweet. The other three primary protagonists have their situations resolved and overall it's a happy ending.
I plan to continue to read Jennifer Bohnet's works.
October 7, 2018
What a lovely story. First time I've read anything from this author and think I will be reading more. Easy five stars
May 3, 2020
Fan reading. Certainly put a smile on my face with the way the story ran
Excellent read. Different storyline than normal. Recommend. One of the best I've read recently. - - - - - .
Excellent read. Different storyline than normal. Recommend. One of the best I've read recently. - - - - - .
January 18, 2018
quick, light read. definitely a holiday read.
August 30, 2017
Jennifer Bohnet is one of my favourite authors. If you haven't discovered her yet. I highly recommend that you read her books and what better place to start then with this feel good summer read.
Five people are in a mission to change their lives this summer. For Bruce he is learning to survive without his wife by his side. Megan is hoping that this summer will help to patch up the cracks in her marriage. Carrie is looking for her birth mother trying to find out where she has come from. After her father unexpectedly leaves her a small fortune in his will. Guy had been through the mile these last few months and is hoping that the summer will help to put his life back on track again, and Hazel is going through her mid life crises at the same time as trying to raise a stroppy teenage daughter.
Everyone books in to stay at the beautiful Coastguard cottages but unexpected events change everyone's life's.
This book is fantastic. It had wonderful descriptions, (I would love to go and spend a few weeks at the coastguard cottages) wonderful characters that you really feel for and romance wish them all the best and want them to find happiness and a fantastic story. With some laughout loud moments and lots of love.
This book is perfect for fans of romcom and chicklit books.
I would like to thank Netgalley, the publishers and Jennifer Behnet for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review. I loved it.
Five people are in a mission to change their lives this summer. For Bruce he is learning to survive without his wife by his side. Megan is hoping that this summer will help to patch up the cracks in her marriage. Carrie is looking for her birth mother trying to find out where she has come from. After her father unexpectedly leaves her a small fortune in his will. Guy had been through the mile these last few months and is hoping that the summer will help to put his life back on track again, and Hazel is going through her mid life crises at the same time as trying to raise a stroppy teenage daughter.
Everyone books in to stay at the beautiful Coastguard cottages but unexpected events change everyone's life's.
This book is fantastic. It had wonderful descriptions, (I would love to go and spend a few weeks at the coastguard cottages) wonderful characters that you really feel for and romance wish them all the best and want them to find happiness and a fantastic story. With some laughout loud moments and lots of love.
This book is perfect for fans of romcom and chicklit books.
I would like to thank Netgalley, the publishers and Jennifer Behnet for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review. I loved it.
August 11, 2017
Eights weeks together for Karen, Bruce and Carrie in their respectful summer cottages in Devon, means their lives change and for the better...
Karen's parent's bought the holiday house years ago and despite her bully husband Derek, she declines parting with it as she and her son Wills like it there.
Bruce lost his wife, Gabby and is a left with no children either after they suffered three miscarriages together. He throws himself into working on his renovation business for distraction and fulfilment until later a huge secret about his late wife comes to light.
Guy loved but had to lose Melissa as she became a shell of herself when they were together. At first he numbs his pain with drinking whisky until he meets Karen...
Carrie found out she was adopted and also inherited a fortune from said dead biological father, she takes leave from working as a vet before venturing to discover the cottage she's inherited and works to solve the mystery of her real father Robert Trumble by asking other locals who knew him, about him.
This was a good book, I would have liked more about Bruce's back story without all being focused solely on Gabby but I understand why it was that way. Over all it really worked and I loved Carrie's journey the most.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Karen's parent's bought the holiday house years ago and despite her bully husband Derek, she declines parting with it as she and her son Wills like it there.
Bruce lost his wife, Gabby and is a left with no children either after they suffered three miscarriages together. He throws himself into working on his renovation business for distraction and fulfilment until later a huge secret about his late wife comes to light.
Guy loved but had to lose Melissa as she became a shell of herself when they were together. At first he numbs his pain with drinking whisky until he meets Karen...
Carrie found out she was adopted and also inherited a fortune from said dead biological father, she takes leave from working as a vet before venturing to discover the cottage she's inherited and works to solve the mystery of her real father Robert Trumble by asking other locals who knew him, about him.
This was a good book, I would have liked more about Bruce's back story without all being focused solely on Gabby but I understand why it was that way. Over all it really worked and I loved Carrie's journey the most.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
September 6, 2017
When Carrie receives a legacy from a father she never met she doesn't want to accept it at first - she has everything that she wants in her life - her parents adopted her as a baby and gave her a great life - she has a brilliant job as a vet doesn't need the money........but she finds herself drawn to the beautiful house in Devon and starts wondering who her mother was but there is only one person who can tell her
Karen inherited the Captain's house from her parents and loves spending her summer down there but this year she is going on her own and having a trial separation from her husband Derek....and so far definitely enjoying it. Bruce owns the Bosun's Locker where he spent many happy summers with his beloved wife Gabby, but this year she died and he is struggling on his own. Guy has had some hard experiences lately and so when his friend Charlie offers him the use of his summer home he jumps at the chance to get away from everything and everyone....but it is in a town that he spent a wonderful summer years ago and fell in love.....surely there won't be any reminders still there will there!
A lovely feel good book that makes the characters feel like real friends and so you don't want to leave them at the end of the book as you become so involved in their stories - definitely recommended for a light beach read
Karen inherited the Captain's house from her parents and loves spending her summer down there but this year she is going on her own and having a trial separation from her husband Derek....and so far definitely enjoying it. Bruce owns the Bosun's Locker where he spent many happy summers with his beloved wife Gabby, but this year she died and he is struggling on his own. Guy has had some hard experiences lately and so when his friend Charlie offers him the use of his summer home he jumps at the chance to get away from everything and everyone....but it is in a town that he spent a wonderful summer years ago and fell in love.....surely there won't be any reminders still there will there!
A lovely feel good book that makes the characters feel like real friends and so you don't want to leave them at the end of the book as you become so involved in their stories - definitely recommended for a light beach read
February 13, 2018
Firstly I want to say that I hope Jennie is writing the sequel to Summer at Coastguards Cottages as I just wanted to continue reading when I got to the end of the book!! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down and any interruptions by my husband were met with a growl as I just wanted to sit and read!
Eight weeks to change their lives!
Bruce is learning to live again after the recent death of his wife.
Megan is counting on this summer to patch up the cracks in her marriage.
Carrie is looking for her birth mother, after inheriting a fortune from the father she never met.
Guy is still dealing with the trauma of the last few months and needs time to put the past behind him.
Hazel is hitting a mid-life crisis and struggling to cope with her stroppy teenager.
A summer at Coastguard Cottages looks like the perfect remedy for everyone in fact I now want to spend my holidays there it sounds idyllic!
The book had so many different stories within it that I was intrigued by all the characters and want to know how it all pans out for them. I didn't see Carrie's birth mother being who it was either, I thought it would be Karen. Even the animals were part of the stories and I wanted to meet them all.
Another success Jennie Bohnet and I am now looking for the follow-up!
Eight weeks to change their lives!
Bruce is learning to live again after the recent death of his wife.
Megan is counting on this summer to patch up the cracks in her marriage.
Carrie is looking for her birth mother, after inheriting a fortune from the father she never met.
Guy is still dealing with the trauma of the last few months and needs time to put the past behind him.
Hazel is hitting a mid-life crisis and struggling to cope with her stroppy teenager.
A summer at Coastguard Cottages looks like the perfect remedy for everyone in fact I now want to spend my holidays there it sounds idyllic!
The book had so many different stories within it that I was intrigued by all the characters and want to know how it all pans out for them. I didn't see Carrie's birth mother being who it was either, I thought it would be Karen. Even the animals were part of the stories and I wanted to meet them all.
Another success Jennie Bohnet and I am now looking for the follow-up!
November 15, 2017
This is the 1st book I've read by this author, I really enjoyed it so I will look out for more to read.
An interesting story of some cottages which were mainly privately owned holiday lets whose owners meet over the Summer holidays and a woman who receives an unexpected bequest. For most of the book there is no connection between the 2, then it becomes clear.
Carrie, a woman in her late 20's is a vet, she was adopted as a baby. She receives an inheritance which changes her life.
Bruce is the owner of 1 of the cottages, this Summer is going to be difficult as he lost his wife earlier in the year and being in the place they loved so much is going to be hard.
Karen is the owner of another one of the cottages, a wide and mother, she inherited the cottage from her parents. She arrives for the Summer without her husband, needing a break from their difficult marriage.
Guy is renting one of the cottages from a friend, keen to put the past behind him he seeks sanctuary at the cottage, but the past catches up with him.
I wonder if there is another book here to be written. There is another set of owners whose story hasn't been told, and then there's the rest of Carrie's story wiring to be written.
A really enjoyable book and well worth a read.
An interesting story of some cottages which were mainly privately owned holiday lets whose owners meet over the Summer holidays and a woman who receives an unexpected bequest. For most of the book there is no connection between the 2, then it becomes clear.
Carrie, a woman in her late 20's is a vet, she was adopted as a baby. She receives an inheritance which changes her life.
Bruce is the owner of 1 of the cottages, this Summer is going to be difficult as he lost his wife earlier in the year and being in the place they loved so much is going to be hard.
Karen is the owner of another one of the cottages, a wide and mother, she inherited the cottage from her parents. She arrives for the Summer without her husband, needing a break from their difficult marriage.
Guy is renting one of the cottages from a friend, keen to put the past behind him he seeks sanctuary at the cottage, but the past catches up with him.
I wonder if there is another book here to be written. There is another set of owners whose story hasn't been told, and then there's the rest of Carrie's story wiring to be written.
A really enjoyable book and well worth a read.
August 16, 2017
This is the third book I’ve read by Jennifer Bohnet and I’ve enjoyed each one. Summer at Coastguard Cottages transports you to the beautiful Devonshire Coast with a whole host of new characters to fall in love with!
There are three main stories running through this book, firstly Carrie. She is looking for her birth mother after inheriting a fortune from the father she’s never met. Then there’s Bruce, trying to move on from the recent death of his wife. Karen has realised her marriage isn’t how it used to be and escapes to Coastguard Cottages and then we have Guy. He’s been struggling the last few months with something from his past.
The stories are all intertwined and work wonderfully well together. I fell in love not only with the characters but also with the setting. I found myself totally immersed in the book and read it in a couple of days.
I would give this book 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author for the chance to review.
There are three main stories running through this book, firstly Carrie. She is looking for her birth mother after inheriting a fortune from the father she’s never met. Then there’s Bruce, trying to move on from the recent death of his wife. Karen has realised her marriage isn’t how it used to be and escapes to Coastguard Cottages and then we have Guy. He’s been struggling the last few months with something from his past.
The stories are all intertwined and work wonderfully well together. I fell in love not only with the characters but also with the setting. I found myself totally immersed in the book and read it in a couple of days.
I would give this book 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ Digital and the author for the chance to review.
September 24, 2017
This ebook was kindly provided by the author, publisher and Netgalley prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a great summer read. I liked the way the story alternated between four characters. I was particularly interested in Carrie's story - she inherited a fortune from her birth father - and it was clever the way her path crossed with Bruce's, who was grieving for his late wife. That leaves Karen, whose marriage was on the rocks, and Guy, who was also going through a break-up and who, it turned out, had met Karen years before. Nice easy-going writing style and the setting was brought to life by the author.
This is a great summer read. I liked the way the story alternated between four characters. I was particularly interested in Carrie's story - she inherited a fortune from her birth father - and it was clever the way her path crossed with Bruce's, who was grieving for his late wife. That leaves Karen, whose marriage was on the rocks, and Guy, who was also going through a break-up and who, it turned out, had met Karen years before. Nice easy-going writing style and the setting was brought to life by the author.
October 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book - a heartwarming read set in a lovely location with an amazing community feel. I loved the setting and warmed to all of the characters straight away.
A lovely warm read about families, relationships, friendship, love and loss. Alternate chapters told from the different perspectives of the characters. A beautiful location set in a glorious village on the Devon coast - it seems idyllic, the ideal location for a holiday.
A feel good read where you can get lost in the tale of each character. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A lovely warm read about families, relationships, friendship, love and loss. Alternate chapters told from the different perspectives of the characters. A beautiful location set in a glorious village on the Devon coast - it seems idyllic, the ideal location for a holiday.
A feel good read where you can get lost in the tale of each character. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and HQDigital for allowing me to read this book. The storyline was interesting and revolved round a mystery, the history of some of the main characters, all with a romantic twist or two. Good to see romance is not dead in the 40+ age groups as well as for the younger set. A good read, addictive once started.
September 13, 2017
Four people are returning for summer vacations at Coastguard Cottages. They have been visiting their summer homes for years but there are some changes this summer. Divorce, death, finances all play a part in determining how this year turns out. A nice summer read that's not too deep that will make you feel good. Set in a small Devonshire village it makes a great change of pace.
October 3, 2017
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. I really enjoy this book. It has several different stories going at once which I love, it keeps me wanting more! The main female characters found their voice and backbone by the end. I can't wait to see what happens next to them!
October 1, 2017
A very good holiday read, some intrigue, with tales of personal relationships. Very enjoyable book, could not put it down
A very good enjoyable holiday read. Intriguing with tales of personal relationships entwined into the story. Couldn't put it down
A very good enjoyable holiday read. Intriguing with tales of personal relationships entwined into the story. Couldn't put it down
November 21, 2017
Another good read.
A very got book but I would like to know what happened to the characters, was the B&B a success, did the relationship s work out?
A very got book but I would like to know what happened to the characters, was the B&B a success, did the relationship s work out?
September 25, 2018
I'm always up for an easy-breezy, quick, light-hearted read full of drama and romance. 'Summer at the Coastguard Cottages' soared in some places and completely fizzled out in others. Two of the characters listed in the synopsis are barely even mentioned except in passing.
The writing is very well done. It flows easily and the descriptive narrative helps bring the Devonshire coast to life. I must say that this little romance story has made me want to take a trip down to the Devonshire coast, eat cream teas and buy myself a Border Collie and I love that aspect. A book that's able to transport you and even inspire your inner nomad is a winner to me.
There are some major problems with 'Summer at the Coastguard Cottages' by Jennifer Bohnet in regards to the characterisation and the way in which the story ended. The characterisation almost made me stop reading. Like any story worth its salt it has good guys, bad guys and a couple in between. However, Derek, Karen's husband is so two dimensional that it made reading the scenes he was in a chore. He was surly, aggressive, impulsive, dismissive and outright misogynistic to the point where that was all he was. Derek as a character had no personality and failed to bring anything to the narrative other than as a catalyst for Karen to move on with her life and start the business she'd always wanted. I can understand the need for a character such as Derek's especially in regards to the type of man he represents. I just wish he did more than throw his toys out the pram whenever things didn't go his way.
The other issue is that I felt the ending of the book just left me with endless questions. Did Carrie and Tony become a couple? What happened as a result of Karen's divorce battle? And does Carrie finally find out about her mother? I finally felt like the story was getting somewhere and building up to a great finish when it didn't. It just fell flat.
Hopefully, should I ever read another book in a similar guise by Jennifer Bohnet again, it won't be so disappointing.
.
The writing is very well done. It flows easily and the descriptive narrative helps bring the Devonshire coast to life. I must say that this little romance story has made me want to take a trip down to the Devonshire coast, eat cream teas and buy myself a Border Collie and I love that aspect. A book that's able to transport you and even inspire your inner nomad is a winner to me.
There are some major problems with 'Summer at the Coastguard Cottages' by Jennifer Bohnet in regards to the characterisation and the way in which the story ended. The characterisation almost made me stop reading. Like any story worth its salt it has good guys, bad guys and a couple in between. However, Derek, Karen's husband is so two dimensional that it made reading the scenes he was in a chore. He was surly, aggressive, impulsive, dismissive and outright misogynistic to the point where that was all he was. Derek as a character had no personality and failed to bring anything to the narrative other than as a catalyst for Karen to move on with her life and start the business she'd always wanted. I can understand the need for a character such as Derek's especially in regards to the type of man he represents. I just wish he did more than throw his toys out the pram whenever things didn't go his way.
The other issue is that I felt the ending of the book just left me with endless questions. Did Carrie and Tony become a couple? What happened as a result of Karen's divorce battle? And does Carrie finally find out about her mother? I finally felt like the story was getting somewhere and building up to a great finish when it didn't. It just fell flat.
Hopefully, should I ever read another book in a similar guise by Jennifer Bohnet again, it won't be so disappointing.
.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2017
It took me a while to warm up to this book. Perhaps it was because there were multiple main characters, but I didn't find myself invested in the story until nearly half way through the book. The characters do become interesting after a bit and the story is solid once it gets moving. I liked the way the author handled tying the various story lines together by the end of the book.
I thought the descriptions of the locations used in this book were really good and the author made it easy for me to imagine being there alongside the characters. The events from the past that surfaced were all interesting and added a lot to the novel, giving it depth. I liked some characters better than others and was always excited to get back to their portion of the plot.
Overall, I thought this was an entertaining read and I'm sure that others will enjoy it, particularly if they like romance books where there is more than just a single romance going on.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I thought the descriptions of the locations used in this book were really good and the author made it easy for me to imagine being there alongside the characters. The events from the past that surfaced were all interesting and added a lot to the novel, giving it depth. I liked some characters better than others and was always excited to get back to their portion of the plot.
Overall, I thought this was an entertaining read and I'm sure that others will enjoy it, particularly if they like romance books where there is more than just a single romance going on.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2018
An easy read
There's lots of different characters to meet and understanding how all of their lives intertwined is most of the story. I felt like the story was just beginning to get interesting when it was over! Still a nice easy read though with some laughs and one or too heart string pulling moments! Definately has the option for a sequel, the story is left open in my opinion
There's lots of different characters to meet and understanding how all of their lives intertwined is most of the story. I felt like the story was just beginning to get interesting when it was over! Still a nice easy read though with some laughs and one or too heart string pulling moments! Definately has the option for a sequel, the story is left open in my opinion
February 13, 2018
There were quite a few main characters in this book so found it difficult at times as to their relationships and almost didn't read it to the end. What a mistake that would have been as it turned out to be a great read and all the characters finally came together. Have read previous books of Jennifer Bohnet and enjoyed them all.
September 20, 2018
Set in England on the Devonshire Coast during the summer months this is a well written contemporary, second chance romance novel with HEA (Happy Ever After), sometimes in surprising ways.
It has more content and plot development, characterisations and good descriptions of the area than the usual ‘fluff’ you can find in this type of genre.
A very enjoyable read.
It has more content and plot development, characterisations and good descriptions of the area than the usual ‘fluff’ you can find in this type of genre.
A very enjoyable read.
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