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Moonlight Bay #1
The Cottage on Rose Lane
Jenna Fossey's life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.
Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea - at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her - especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he's come to think of as his own?
Includes the bonus story "A Wedding on Lavender Hill" by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help - the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.
Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea - at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her - especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he's come to think of as his own?
Includes the bonus story "A Wedding on Lavender Hill" by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help - the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
386 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Hope Ramsay
36 books559 followersHope Ramsay is a USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming contemporary romances, set below the Mason-Dixon Line. Her children are grown, but she has a beloved fur baby, Daisy the Cockapoo who keeps her entertained. Hope lives in the medium-sized town of Fredericksburg, Virginia and when she’s not writing or walking the dog, she spends her time knitting and noodling around on her collection of guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
February 10, 2019
Spoiler contains my spin on the book synopsis:
Diverse and multi-cultural, with plenty of family issues, sailing, small-town gossip, and sweet tea, The Cottage on Rose Lane has emotion, substance, and a lot of heart. Check it out.
My favorite quote:
"That was the thing about sailing. You could find balance out here. Even tranquility in a spot that was never quite tranquil."
Diverse and multi-cultural, with plenty of family issues, sailing, small-town gossip, and sweet tea, The Cottage on Rose Lane has emotion, substance, and a lot of heart. Check it out.
My favorite quote:
"That was the thing about sailing. You could find balance out here. Even tranquility in a spot that was never quite tranquil."
November 28, 2018
The Cottage on Rose Lane by Hope Ramsay is the first book in the new contemporary romance Moonlight Bay series. This opener focuses on a character looking into her family’s past and finding her own future.
Jenna Fossey never knew her own father and had been raised by her single mother. However, out of nowhere Jenna ends up getting a call that she had inherited all of her grandfather’s millions and would not want for money the rest of her life.
After taking some time to travel and think about the inheritance Jenna decides that she wants to go to the small town of Magnolia Harbor to find out more about her father’s side of the family. After arriving Jenna meets Jude St. Pierre and talks him into giving her sailing lessons to get to him and the rest of the town along with the secrets of her past.
The Cottage on Rose Lane is one story in which the main character is hiding her identity which normally has me screaming just tell the truth. However, this trope worked in this story in the idea that those in town had ideas about her that weren’t true and she needed time to get to know everyone so it worked well this time. The setting, diversity in the characters and the slow build romance all blended nicely together to make for one sweet romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Jenna Fossey never knew her own father and had been raised by her single mother. However, out of nowhere Jenna ends up getting a call that she had inherited all of her grandfather’s millions and would not want for money the rest of her life.
After taking some time to travel and think about the inheritance Jenna decides that she wants to go to the small town of Magnolia Harbor to find out more about her father’s side of the family. After arriving Jenna meets Jude St. Pierre and talks him into giving her sailing lessons to get to him and the rest of the town along with the secrets of her past.
The Cottage on Rose Lane is one story in which the main character is hiding her identity which normally has me screaming just tell the truth. However, this trope worked in this story in the idea that those in town had ideas about her that weren’t true and she needed time to get to know everyone so it worked well this time. The setting, diversity in the characters and the slow build romance all blended nicely together to make for one sweet romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 24, 2023
Jenna Fossey has inherited a large fortune from the grandfather she does not know at all. She learns she has other relationships ex she has never met living in the small town of Magnolia Harbor, in the South Carolina low country. In an attempt to find out more about the father she never knew and his relatives, she makes her way to Magnolia Harbor, under another name. One of her first encounters is with the sexy Jude St Pierre. She asks him him for sailing lessons in an attempt to try and understand more of her father and his love for sailing and questions about his death. Jude is reluctant. He wants nothing to do with a blonde haired white tourist. Jude is passionate about trying to preserve the culture, land and language of the Gullah people from whom he is descended. He definitely doesn’t want to do as his father did and fall in love with a white tourist who ended up leaving him. But the money Jenna is flashing around would help him support his father and their boat charter business.
A couple of things bugged me. One was the constant references to Jude’s skin colour as against Jenna being blonde and white. Got the point early on. It didn’t need all the repetition. The other was a grown man calling his father Daddy. Sounded off to me, unless that is a cultural thing? Apart from those two things, it was an engaging read though I learned more about sailing than I will ever need. But then it’s always good to learn new things and I enjoyed learning more of the culture of the Gullah people. Deals with racism, alcoholism, family, secrets and life choices. On the whole a pleasant read.
A couple of things bugged me. One was the constant references to Jude’s skin colour as against Jenna being blonde and white. Got the point early on. It didn’t need all the repetition. The other was a grown man calling his father Daddy. Sounded off to me, unless that is a cultural thing? Apart from those two things, it was an engaging read though I learned more about sailing than I will ever need. But then it’s always good to learn new things and I enjoyed learning more of the culture of the Gullah people. Deals with racism, alcoholism, family, secrets and life choices. On the whole a pleasant read.
July 15, 2019
This was such a cute, cozy, and warmhearted read that's perfect for summer!
If you like novels set in the South with a down home feel, definitely check this one out. From the Southern Charm of all the characters to the setting of the Harbour, this got the South down to a tee! In fact, it even featured some history regarding the Gullah heritage and I LOVED how that was included in the storyline.
This story was an easy one to read and love on a summer day and I loved all of the characters (from the main duo to the side characters--even ones where the love was slow to grow).
As well, the short story featured at the end of this book by Annie Rains was equally delightful. I go back and forth on whether I like short stories but this one was a definite good one. It was a quick yet cute read and the couple had chemistry that was pure dynamite.
If you are looking for a quick summer read to give you all the summertime vibes, check this one out!
I do have a minor side note that I have to mention. As much as I love, love, love the cover (seriously it's cute and adorable), I think this novel would have been better suited with a beach/nautical theme. Yes, there was a cottage on Rose Lane in this story but man, this book was ALL about sailing and it would have been PERFECT to include it on the cover. Again, it's just a minor personal preference but something that I couldn't help thinking about.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
If you like novels set in the South with a down home feel, definitely check this one out. From the Southern Charm of all the characters to the setting of the Harbour, this got the South down to a tee! In fact, it even featured some history regarding the Gullah heritage and I LOVED how that was included in the storyline.
This story was an easy one to read and love on a summer day and I loved all of the characters (from the main duo to the side characters--even ones where the love was slow to grow).
As well, the short story featured at the end of this book by Annie Rains was equally delightful. I go back and forth on whether I like short stories but this one was a definite good one. It was a quick yet cute read and the couple had chemistry that was pure dynamite.
If you are looking for a quick summer read to give you all the summertime vibes, check this one out!
I do have a minor side note that I have to mention. As much as I love, love, love the cover (seriously it's cute and adorable), I think this novel would have been better suited with a beach/nautical theme. Yes, there was a cottage on Rose Lane in this story but man, this book was ALL about sailing and it would have been PERFECT to include it on the cover. Again, it's just a minor personal preference but something that I couldn't help thinking about.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
December 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this book I received through Netgalley. It's the story of Jenna, an heiress, trying to connect to her family she never knew in South Carolina. It's got drama, love, history, sailing and great characters.
July 23, 2019
Not only has Jenna Fossey received an unexpected inheritance, she wants to know more about her relatives and now seems the best time for her to learn about them. However, she is more than a bit distracted when she heads to the town of Magnolia Harbor, primarily because she takes one look at a sailing instructor, and she cannot take his eyes off of him. But she has questions about her family, so she must have some sort of focus.
Jude St. Pierre absolutely loves the open water. Whether he is sailing for enjoyment, racing, or teaching, he is happiest when at sea. When he meets Jenna, after struggling to peel his eyes off of her, he is rather surprised when she asks him for sailing lessons. He agrees to teach her, but is rather annoyed with himself at how strongly attracted he is.
Jude discovers Jenna's true purpose for coming to his town. He knows he can help her but is reluctant to do so. He worries that if she discovers what she is seeking that he himself could possibly have a lot to lose.
The Cottage on Rose Lane is the first book in a new series and it is a very good start. Both main characters are a delight and this made for very pleasant reading. I enjoyed the diversity that exists between Jude and Jenna as well. That was a nice addition to this story. This is my second read by Hope Ramsay and I look forward to reading more by her, including the next book of the series, Summer on Moonlight Bay.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Jude St. Pierre absolutely loves the open water. Whether he is sailing for enjoyment, racing, or teaching, he is happiest when at sea. When he meets Jenna, after struggling to peel his eyes off of her, he is rather surprised when she asks him for sailing lessons. He agrees to teach her, but is rather annoyed with himself at how strongly attracted he is.
Jude discovers Jenna's true purpose for coming to his town. He knows he can help her but is reluctant to do so. He worries that if she discovers what she is seeking that he himself could possibly have a lot to lose.
The Cottage on Rose Lane is the first book in a new series and it is a very good start. Both main characters are a delight and this made for very pleasant reading. I enjoyed the diversity that exists between Jude and Jenna as well. That was a nice addition to this story. This is my second read by Hope Ramsay and I look forward to reading more by her, including the next book of the series, Summer on Moonlight Bay.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 4, 2019
This one was okay. Everyone was just way too nice and understanding about everything. We have a heroine craving a family, a hero bogged down by family obligations. This was just too sugary for me.
November 30, 2018
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest review.
A great start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Very well written with a great cast of characters that draw you into the story.
A story of family secrets, forgiveness and second chances.
A great start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Very well written with a great cast of characters that draw you into the story.
A story of family secrets, forgiveness and second chances.
January 18, 2019
I loved this book!! Great story!! 1st time reading this author will read more of her books!! Loved the bonus story!!
August 8, 2019
Since I read these books back to back I thought I would just do one review to combine my thoughts on both of them, plus they’re also available now and I know I personally love being able to start a new series with at least a couple of books already out, waiting is the worst.
Lately I’ve been loving small town, sweet and simple romance novels and this series delivers on that! They totally remind me of feel good Hallmark movies and they’re ideal for a light and easy summertime read. Their set in a small, picturesque town and while the two main characters change from book to book, they become secondary characters the next time around. The first book focused on Jenna and Jude and then the second was about Lia and Noah but both Jenna and Jude made several appearances and I just loved getting a peek at what they were up too.
While the romance is definitely at the forefront of both books, there’s also so much more on offer as well. The residents of the town are a basically fun bunch with a few exceptions and they add some extra charm and humor to an already fun story. I found both books to be equally heartfelt and sweet and am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!
Lately I’ve been loving small town, sweet and simple romance novels and this series delivers on that! They totally remind me of feel good Hallmark movies and they’re ideal for a light and easy summertime read. Their set in a small, picturesque town and while the two main characters change from book to book, they become secondary characters the next time around. The first book focused on Jenna and Jude and then the second was about Lia and Noah but both Jenna and Jude made several appearances and I just loved getting a peek at what they were up too.
While the romance is definitely at the forefront of both books, there’s also so much more on offer as well. The residents of the town are a basically fun bunch with a few exceptions and they add some extra charm and humor to an already fun story. I found both books to be equally heartfelt and sweet and am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!
November 27, 2018
Oh, my heart, what a wonderful, touching, small-town Southern romance! Ms. Ramsay certainly knows my home state and the Low Country nuances and brings them to life beautifully in this poignant, evocative romance. A place where old money talks, tradition is honored and cultures passed down for generations are in danger of dying out, but hearts are big, neighbors lend a hand and love thrives.
Jenna Fossey suddenly finds herself the only heir to the Bauman millions, but money doesn’t matter when she's all alone in the world. She heads to Magnolia Harbor to learn more about the father she never knew. Knowing about the bad blood between her grandfather and her great-uncle, she withholds her identity as she learns about the community and becomes a part of it. She feels a connection with fishing charter captain, Jude St. Pierre, and she asks him to give her sailing lessons so she can sail to the place where her father died. But Jude has his own challenges with stilted family relationships and his family's land being threatened, so he does his best not to get involved with a tourist who will be leaving soon.
Everything about this book is phenomenal. Ramsay has a way of tucking these characters away in your heart before you even realize it’s happening, and there is no choice but to eagerly devour her words to find out what happens. With family relationships that need mending, racial and cultural considerations, members of the community in dire straits, and old prejudices and fundamental beliefs being challenged, this story is vivid, rich and complex, and all the more stunning because of it. You’ll fall in love with not only the characters, but the vivid, quaint, charming backdrop of a truly special place. The Cottage on Rose Lane is such a treasure, so make sure you don’t miss this exquisite, evocative read!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Jenna Fossey suddenly finds herself the only heir to the Bauman millions, but money doesn’t matter when she's all alone in the world. She heads to Magnolia Harbor to learn more about the father she never knew. Knowing about the bad blood between her grandfather and her great-uncle, she withholds her identity as she learns about the community and becomes a part of it. She feels a connection with fishing charter captain, Jude St. Pierre, and she asks him to give her sailing lessons so she can sail to the place where her father died. But Jude has his own challenges with stilted family relationships and his family's land being threatened, so he does his best not to get involved with a tourist who will be leaving soon.
Everything about this book is phenomenal. Ramsay has a way of tucking these characters away in your heart before you even realize it’s happening, and there is no choice but to eagerly devour her words to find out what happens. With family relationships that need mending, racial and cultural considerations, members of the community in dire straits, and old prejudices and fundamental beliefs being challenged, this story is vivid, rich and complex, and all the more stunning because of it. You’ll fall in love with not only the characters, but the vivid, quaint, charming backdrop of a truly special place. The Cottage on Rose Lane is such a treasure, so make sure you don’t miss this exquisite, evocative read!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
March 12, 2019
Melissa contributed this review to Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
THE COTTAGE ON ROSE LANE BY HOPE RAMSAY BOOK REVIEW
The Cottage on Rose Lane is a wonderful story about how we are all intertwined & everyone is connected.
LOTS OF CHARACTERS
I’ll admit, The Cottage on Rose Lane takes a bit of a setup. Hope Ramsay introduces us to many characters. While it took me a while to get them all straight, I’m glad I did. Magnolia Harbor is a great town & I loved getting to know the residents.
MANY FAMILY SECRETS
As Jenna arrives in Magnolia Harbor, she starts to uncover secrets. I’m not just talking about a few white lies either. There are some deep-rooted family secrets long hidden. Just as Jenna uncovers one secret, two more questions are revealed. Lies that were told in the past are no longer hidden. Jenna keeps digging to get to the bottom of the story. In the end, all the secrets are revealed.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! The Cottage on Rose Lane will make a fantastic TV series. I sure hope Hope Ramsay is able to continue on with these characters. With The Cottage on Rose Lane, Hope Ramsay opens up a world of possibilities. There are so many more places these characters and storylines can go.
Special thanks to Hope Ramsay, Read Forever & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
THE COTTAGE ON ROSE LANE BY HOPE RAMSAY BOOK REVIEW
The Cottage on Rose Lane is a wonderful story about how we are all intertwined & everyone is connected.
LOTS OF CHARACTERS
I’ll admit, The Cottage on Rose Lane takes a bit of a setup. Hope Ramsay introduces us to many characters. While it took me a while to get them all straight, I’m glad I did. Magnolia Harbor is a great town & I loved getting to know the residents.
MANY FAMILY SECRETS
As Jenna arrives in Magnolia Harbor, she starts to uncover secrets. I’m not just talking about a few white lies either. There are some deep-rooted family secrets long hidden. Just as Jenna uncovers one secret, two more questions are revealed. Lies that were told in the past are no longer hidden. Jenna keeps digging to get to the bottom of the story. In the end, all the secrets are revealed.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! The Cottage on Rose Lane will make a fantastic TV series. I sure hope Hope Ramsay is able to continue on with these characters. With The Cottage on Rose Lane, Hope Ramsay opens up a world of possibilities. There are so many more places these characters and storylines can go.
Special thanks to Hope Ramsay, Read Forever & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
December 29, 2018
When you have been anticipating a new book by one of your fav writers, you do not want to be disappointed and let me tell you I was not... This was a compelling and beautiful written small town romance. Jude and Jenna are complete opposites and yet the attraction to each other was instant and electric. Jenna had a secret about why she was in town and her beliefs made it hard for her to keep it until she was sure all the players would accept her.
Jude was an Island boy born and raised. He worked along side his father in their charter and fishing business. An even though he was a top notch sailor, he did not teach sailing and that is what Jenna wants him to do, teach her to sail. She wants to find the place where the father she never knew, died. After finding out that he was a great sailor, why did he die on a calm sea... She needed answers. So she does not let on who she really is to her relatives she never had the chance to grow up with.
For Hope Ramsey fans, you will love this book and for those of you who have not read her books, you are in for a great reading experince. I can't wait for more books by Hope and I am sure there will be more stories coming from this one.
Jude was an Island boy born and raised. He worked along side his father in their charter and fishing business. An even though he was a top notch sailor, he did not teach sailing and that is what Jenna wants him to do, teach her to sail. She wants to find the place where the father she never knew, died. After finding out that he was a great sailor, why did he die on a calm sea... She needed answers. So she does not let on who she really is to her relatives she never had the chance to grow up with.
For Hope Ramsey fans, you will love this book and for those of you who have not read her books, you are in for a great reading experince. I can't wait for more books by Hope and I am sure there will be more stories coming from this one.
November 16, 2018
I love reading Hope Ramsay books and she didn't dissapoint with this one! I couldn't put it down-I read it in 2 days. "The Cottage on Rose Lane" is the first in a new series, Moonlight Bay and I am really looking forward to reading about the rest of the characters and hearing their stories as well. It was a sweet and charming love story with a well written story line with real life, every day obstacles that can stand in the way of relationships. I felt like I was there, in Moonlight Bay, along with all of the characters and I could picture everything in my head! I enjoyed reading about the Gullah culture and how the main male character was trying to preserve it's history. Hope Ramsay, you've written another amazing book! Thank you!!!
[I received a complimentary copy of this book and my opinion is my own.]
[I received a complimentary copy of this book and my opinion is my own.]
January 5, 2019
History of the Gullah people of South Carolina
Jenna was the remaining single woman after her mother died and inherits a fortune from a man she knows nothing about from the Bauman family on the island in South Carolina. She wants to get to know her father even if he died at a very young age. He was racer of sailboats so decides she wants to learn how to sail.
Jude St. Pierre catches her eye as he brings his sailboat to shore. Jenna approaches about sailing lessons but he doesn't trust her as he thinks she is a tourist working for the company wanting but all the land where Gullah town site and belonging to his relatives who lived there as slaves.
A very interesting story of the history of South Carolina after the Civil War. I had never heard of the Gullah people and there history. A well written by a great author. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Jenna was the remaining single woman after her mother died and inherits a fortune from a man she knows nothing about from the Bauman family on the island in South Carolina. She wants to get to know her father even if he died at a very young age. He was racer of sailboats so decides she wants to learn how to sail.
Jude St. Pierre catches her eye as he brings his sailboat to shore. Jenna approaches about sailing lessons but he doesn't trust her as he thinks she is a tourist working for the company wanting but all the land where Gullah town site and belonging to his relatives who lived there as slaves.
A very interesting story of the history of South Carolina after the Civil War. I had never heard of the Gullah people and there history. A well written by a great author. Thank you for sharing this with us.
November 24, 2018
A new Hope Ramsay series is always a welcome source of excitement to me, but the setting and situation of the characters as described in the blurb had me really sitting up and taking notice. I was happy to sail away with Jenna and Jude around his small town South Carolina island home, learn about the Gullah Islander culture, and the usual lovely small town cast of characters that this author writes so well.
The Cottage on Rose Lane, from the beginning was such a surprise in more ways than one. Foremost was the heavier tone it struck. The author dug deep for this one and it showed. She also tackled a hero from a unique culture, the Gullahs, descendants of the freed slaves who were given their land and slowly their culture is dying off or pushed aside for development along the coast. There are other elements of the island culture from a local pirate who may or may not haunt the old home of his unrequited love, sailing club, slower life and close-knit community that were introduced. But, beyond the deeply rich culture and the hero's identity to it, there is the heroine's search for family and acceptance, discovering the truth about a father she didn't know a thing about and learned he died before she was even born.
The hero, Jude St. Pierre is a preservationist and is fighting to protect his family's home and heritage, while trying to keep the family fishing charter boat business afloat when his drunk daddy wants to wallow in the past and refuses to change anything that might help. Jude's prodigal brother, Micah, is back home and Jude doesn't want to forgive him. And, now he has a woman tourist wanting sailing lessons who may be a corporate spy for a big resort company who wants the family land to develop for a resort and golf course. Jude knows Jenna is lying to him about something and it stirs up his abandonment issues when his mother breezed into the community, stayed a little while, and then breezed right back out again without a backward glance.
Jenna Fosse is the sole inheritor of the Bauman fortune when her grandfather dies. She wants nothing to do with the money and wanted nothing to do with the family who never came looking for her. She loses her job because her grandfather's company was a competitor of the one she was working for so she feels her life is coming apart. With her new wealth, she takes a year to travel in the East and find herself through Buddhism. She thought she had found some semblance of peace and balance and was ready to approach her long lost family, but the truth is not the same as her mother painted it. Nothing she knew was true and now she must start again. She takes on a false identity so she can approach her aunt and uncle who likely resent having some unknown niece receiving the entire family fortune and the will won't allow her to share it with them. This one lie leads to further complications when she meets Jude and wants the handsome sailing man to teach her to sail so she can feel closer to the father who loved to sail on those very waters when he was alive. She slowly starts to involve herself in the place and the lives, but what happens when she reveals the truth?
This gently-paced story is simply beautiful from cover to cover. Jenna's story and Jude's the story of the island and their families, the other people in the story... and that rascally pirate's ghost that may or may not be real. I don't normally enjoy a story where a character is lying to everyone including the hero and even starts to form relationships while still involved in a lie, but this time I could see that the truth wouldn't have served. As soon as she saw what her lie was doing to Jude, she told him the truth so he wouldn't fret about corporate spies and she was the most kind and giving woman who was so lonely and wanted to be a part of something, but was afraid she would be rejected. And, she soon learned that she had reason to fear because her family hated her mother and blamed her for Jamie Bauman's death. I found it interesting having a heroine who was Buddhist and didn't just do a few yoga moves and gave lip service, but she really buys into the teachings and they are part of who she is and how she acts.
The romance is as slow and steady as the rest of the book. Both have reason to hesitate on taking a chance on love. Their different races do play a roll, but also their vast differences in economic status and her being from out of town. Throw in Jude's abandonment issues and her own lack of trust in relationship commitment her mother instilled in her and they had an uphill battle. I loved seeing them hesitantly opening up to love even while circumstances were happening to make it difficult.
This was a great set up book and I am hoping that Jude's brothers, Colton and Micah, are next for a romance. I saw a little hint now and then about Micah that has me curious. Oh, and I definitely want more of the St. Pierre's Gullah culture, island life, and that rascally Captain Bill. Those who enjoy a gently-paced, slightly spice contemporary romance should take a peek.
I rec'd this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
The Cottage on Rose Lane, from the beginning was such a surprise in more ways than one. Foremost was the heavier tone it struck. The author dug deep for this one and it showed. She also tackled a hero from a unique culture, the Gullahs, descendants of the freed slaves who were given their land and slowly their culture is dying off or pushed aside for development along the coast. There are other elements of the island culture from a local pirate who may or may not haunt the old home of his unrequited love, sailing club, slower life and close-knit community that were introduced. But, beyond the deeply rich culture and the hero's identity to it, there is the heroine's search for family and acceptance, discovering the truth about a father she didn't know a thing about and learned he died before she was even born.
The hero, Jude St. Pierre is a preservationist and is fighting to protect his family's home and heritage, while trying to keep the family fishing charter boat business afloat when his drunk daddy wants to wallow in the past and refuses to change anything that might help. Jude's prodigal brother, Micah, is back home and Jude doesn't want to forgive him. And, now he has a woman tourist wanting sailing lessons who may be a corporate spy for a big resort company who wants the family land to develop for a resort and golf course. Jude knows Jenna is lying to him about something and it stirs up his abandonment issues when his mother breezed into the community, stayed a little while, and then breezed right back out again without a backward glance.
Jenna Fosse is the sole inheritor of the Bauman fortune when her grandfather dies. She wants nothing to do with the money and wanted nothing to do with the family who never came looking for her. She loses her job because her grandfather's company was a competitor of the one she was working for so she feels her life is coming apart. With her new wealth, she takes a year to travel in the East and find herself through Buddhism. She thought she had found some semblance of peace and balance and was ready to approach her long lost family, but the truth is not the same as her mother painted it. Nothing she knew was true and now she must start again. She takes on a false identity so she can approach her aunt and uncle who likely resent having some unknown niece receiving the entire family fortune and the will won't allow her to share it with them. This one lie leads to further complications when she meets Jude and wants the handsome sailing man to teach her to sail so she can feel closer to the father who loved to sail on those very waters when he was alive. She slowly starts to involve herself in the place and the lives, but what happens when she reveals the truth?
This gently-paced story is simply beautiful from cover to cover. Jenna's story and Jude's the story of the island and their families, the other people in the story... and that rascally pirate's ghost that may or may not be real. I don't normally enjoy a story where a character is lying to everyone including the hero and even starts to form relationships while still involved in a lie, but this time I could see that the truth wouldn't have served. As soon as she saw what her lie was doing to Jude, she told him the truth so he wouldn't fret about corporate spies and she was the most kind and giving woman who was so lonely and wanted to be a part of something, but was afraid she would be rejected. And, she soon learned that she had reason to fear because her family hated her mother and blamed her for Jamie Bauman's death. I found it interesting having a heroine who was Buddhist and didn't just do a few yoga moves and gave lip service, but she really buys into the teachings and they are part of who she is and how she acts.
The romance is as slow and steady as the rest of the book. Both have reason to hesitate on taking a chance on love. Their different races do play a roll, but also their vast differences in economic status and her being from out of town. Throw in Jude's abandonment issues and her own lack of trust in relationship commitment her mother instilled in her and they had an uphill battle. I loved seeing them hesitantly opening up to love even while circumstances were happening to make it difficult.
This was a great set up book and I am hoping that Jude's brothers, Colton and Micah, are next for a romance. I saw a little hint now and then about Micah that has me curious. Oh, and I definitely want more of the St. Pierre's Gullah culture, island life, and that rascally Captain Bill. Those who enjoy a gently-paced, slightly spice contemporary romance should take a peek.
I rec'd this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
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January 17, 2019Sweet.
March 11, 2019
Terrific story of love and family and finding ways to deal with the past. Jenna recently inherited a great deal of money from a grandfather she never knew existed. She was raised by a single mother, and never knew her father. The inheritance upended Jenna's world, so she took a year to travel the world and decide what to do with her life. In her travels, she learned a lot about Eastern religions and adopted many of those traditions. Once back from her travels she decided to travel to Magnolia Harbor to find out about her father and connect with the only relatives she had left. Nervous about their reaction, Jenna arrived under an assumed name. Shortly after she arrived, Jenna learned that her father was an avid sailor who died while out sailing on his boat. She decided that learning to sail would be a good way to connect with him. A chance encounter had her hiring Jude to be her instructor.
Jude is a many with a lot of things on his plate. He and his father run Barrier Island Charters together, but Jude does most of the work. His father is an alcoholic who is also very set in his ways, making it difficult for Jude to grow the business the way he wants to. Jude was also involved in trying to preserve his Gullah heritage on the island. He was fighting to get land and cabins added to the historic register. He also wanted to prevent a large resort developer from buying the land and destroying the habitat. He also watched over some of his elderly relatives. Jenna's appearance made him suspicious, believing her to be a corporate spy for the resort developer. Her determination to hire him to teach her to sail, since he isn't a sailing instructor, just added to that suspicion.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jenna and Jude. She was attracted and drawn to him before she met him, just from watching him race his sailboat. I loved her vision of him as a pirate, especially once I learned of his ancestry. Jude was just as attracted to her, but determined to resist. Besides his conviction that she was a spy, she also ran up against his issues about women tourists and relationships with locals. Though his head told him to stay away, his heart kept pulling him closer. I loved seeing them together. Even though they were opposites in so many ways, they still managed to connect on others. I loved watching Jude introduce her to his Gullah heritage and her fascination and appreciation of what she learned. I appreciated the fact that Jenna confided the truth to Jude early on so that their relationship wasn't built on lies. The relationship built slowly, with caution on both sides because of their fears. Added to that were their different races and economic statuses, creating some real challenges to a future together. I ached for them both when Jenna's attempts to do something good ran up against Jude's pride, and her confession to her aunt and uncle created some painful questions about the truth. I loved Jude's big moment at the end as he let go of his fears and went after the woman he loved. The epilogue was a fantastic look at the difference investing in love can make.
I loved seeing how so many threads were woven together to create such an amazing story. There are family relationships that need to be mended. Jenna wants to connect with her aunt and uncle, but there are things about her father's death that needed to be cleared up before that could happen. Jude had a difficult relationship with his father, his brother Colton was less than understanding or helpful, and he has been angry at his brother Micah for deserting them. Micah wanted to make amends to all of them, having missed them in his years away. I loved how Micah was there for Jude when he really needed him. There were some racial and cultural tensions also. Jude's determination to preserve the Gullah traditions and lands weren't truly understood by those he tried to convince. Jude also had trouble believing that his race didn't matter to Jenna. Micah faced his memories of being the only black boy at the white church when he was younger, and now being the spiritual leader of that same church. Finally, there were those who fought for a better life against somewhat overwhelming odds. Jude had great plans for the business, but couldn't overcome his father's old-fashioned way of doing things. Ashley wanted to stay in her home and raise her son there, but the problems mounted at an alarming rate. Her pride and independence won't allow her to accept any help that even hints at charity. Through it all, love and patience ended up forming a community stronger than ever. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Jude is a many with a lot of things on his plate. He and his father run Barrier Island Charters together, but Jude does most of the work. His father is an alcoholic who is also very set in his ways, making it difficult for Jude to grow the business the way he wants to. Jude was also involved in trying to preserve his Gullah heritage on the island. He was fighting to get land and cabins added to the historic register. He also wanted to prevent a large resort developer from buying the land and destroying the habitat. He also watched over some of his elderly relatives. Jenna's appearance made him suspicious, believing her to be a corporate spy for the resort developer. Her determination to hire him to teach her to sail, since he isn't a sailing instructor, just added to that suspicion.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jenna and Jude. She was attracted and drawn to him before she met him, just from watching him race his sailboat. I loved her vision of him as a pirate, especially once I learned of his ancestry. Jude was just as attracted to her, but determined to resist. Besides his conviction that she was a spy, she also ran up against his issues about women tourists and relationships with locals. Though his head told him to stay away, his heart kept pulling him closer. I loved seeing them together. Even though they were opposites in so many ways, they still managed to connect on others. I loved watching Jude introduce her to his Gullah heritage and her fascination and appreciation of what she learned. I appreciated the fact that Jenna confided the truth to Jude early on so that their relationship wasn't built on lies. The relationship built slowly, with caution on both sides because of their fears. Added to that were their different races and economic statuses, creating some real challenges to a future together. I ached for them both when Jenna's attempts to do something good ran up against Jude's pride, and her confession to her aunt and uncle created some painful questions about the truth. I loved Jude's big moment at the end as he let go of his fears and went after the woman he loved. The epilogue was a fantastic look at the difference investing in love can make.
I loved seeing how so many threads were woven together to create such an amazing story. There are family relationships that need to be mended. Jenna wants to connect with her aunt and uncle, but there are things about her father's death that needed to be cleared up before that could happen. Jude had a difficult relationship with his father, his brother Colton was less than understanding or helpful, and he has been angry at his brother Micah for deserting them. Micah wanted to make amends to all of them, having missed them in his years away. I loved how Micah was there for Jude when he really needed him. There were some racial and cultural tensions also. Jude's determination to preserve the Gullah traditions and lands weren't truly understood by those he tried to convince. Jude also had trouble believing that his race didn't matter to Jenna. Micah faced his memories of being the only black boy at the white church when he was younger, and now being the spiritual leader of that same church. Finally, there were those who fought for a better life against somewhat overwhelming odds. Jude had great plans for the business, but couldn't overcome his father's old-fashioned way of doing things. Ashley wanted to stay in her home and raise her son there, but the problems mounted at an alarming rate. Her pride and independence won't allow her to accept any help that even hints at charity. Through it all, love and patience ended up forming a community stronger than ever. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 4, 2018
ARC REVIEW TO COME
Moonlight Bay #1, I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. I didn't know what to expect but what I found was a young woman trying to find herself after a life altering inheritance and a young man trying to save his family's history and culture. I also found a town on the coast where the locals are treated like family and everyone else is a tourist. It's deeper that I would have expected the emotions run hot you're not just dealing with Jude and Jenny's emotions with each other but with their relationship with the other townspeople and family.
Jenny Fosse is alone in the world she never knew her father and her mother lost her battle with cancer a few years earlier. Out of the blue she receives notice that she is the sole heir of a multi billionaire legacy from the grandfather she never knew she had. But soon after she lost her dream job and with no idea what to do she went on a journey of self discovery all over Asia and India. After a year and she still didn't know what to do the lawyer she inherited suggest trying to connect to her great-uncle and aunt her only living relatives and find out more about her father but the bad blood between the brothers leaves Jenny with no clue how to go forward so she first decides to test the waters first go in incognito and see how she will be received.
Jude St. Pierre is on a mission to save his ancestral lands and the slowly disappearing culture with it. With this battle he's fighting land developers who want to turn into a resort and half the townspeople who don't see the cultural importance. He's also fighting his drunk father who is slowly ruining their fishing charter business who won't let Jude expand or even get a bank loan to help with some costs. When Jude meets Jenny it's an instant attraction, but he's to scared of making the same mistake his father did with his mother that Jude is hesitant to get involved with her especially since he thinks she's working with the land developers and is a corporate spy. Jenny wants sailing lessons, she learned her father loved to sail and feels like it will bring her closer to him and she is willing to pay for them. Jude needs the money or otherwise he'd say, no, and despite being ten times harder on her than he needs to be she still wants to learn from him. The longer Jenny stays in town the more she falls in love with it, the more she wants to help them especially Jude. But Jenny is lying about who she is and why she's there and she knows it's only a matter of time before they find out.
Overall, it was a very emotional story and the characters are so well written you get emotionally attached to the whole town. I can't wait for the next one.
Moonlight Bay #1, I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. I didn't know what to expect but what I found was a young woman trying to find herself after a life altering inheritance and a young man trying to save his family's history and culture. I also found a town on the coast where the locals are treated like family and everyone else is a tourist. It's deeper that I would have expected the emotions run hot you're not just dealing with Jude and Jenny's emotions with each other but with their relationship with the other townspeople and family.
Jenny Fosse is alone in the world she never knew her father and her mother lost her battle with cancer a few years earlier. Out of the blue she receives notice that she is the sole heir of a multi billionaire legacy from the grandfather she never knew she had. But soon after she lost her dream job and with no idea what to do she went on a journey of self discovery all over Asia and India. After a year and she still didn't know what to do the lawyer she inherited suggest trying to connect to her great-uncle and aunt her only living relatives and find out more about her father but the bad blood between the brothers leaves Jenny with no clue how to go forward so she first decides to test the waters first go in incognito and see how she will be received.
Jude St. Pierre is on a mission to save his ancestral lands and the slowly disappearing culture with it. With this battle he's fighting land developers who want to turn into a resort and half the townspeople who don't see the cultural importance. He's also fighting his drunk father who is slowly ruining their fishing charter business who won't let Jude expand or even get a bank loan to help with some costs. When Jude meets Jenny it's an instant attraction, but he's to scared of making the same mistake his father did with his mother that Jude is hesitant to get involved with her especially since he thinks she's working with the land developers and is a corporate spy. Jenny wants sailing lessons, she learned her father loved to sail and feels like it will bring her closer to him and she is willing to pay for them. Jude needs the money or otherwise he'd say, no, and despite being ten times harder on her than he needs to be she still wants to learn from him. The longer Jenny stays in town the more she falls in love with it, the more she wants to help them especially Jude. But Jenny is lying about who she is and why she's there and she knows it's only a matter of time before they find out.
Overall, it was a very emotional story and the characters are so well written you get emotionally attached to the whole town. I can't wait for the next one.
November 11, 2018
I absolutely loved everything about this book. It is truly written from the heart. Jenney arrives in Magnolia Harbor, South Carolina from Boston using a different last name and identity to find out what happened to her father, Robert Bauman, who had died sailing on the water before she was born. As Robert’s brother, Harry, who lives there with his wife, Patsy, did not receive the bulk of the massive inheritance Jenney unexpectedly received, Jenney needs to test the waters to see if she will reveal who she really is. She meets Jude St. Pierre and wants him to teach her how to sail, hoping to understand what may have caused the loss of her father. The sailing lessons become a real test of endurance for Jenney. I had to laugh at how difficult Jude made it for her. Barrier Island Charters, owned by Jude’s father, is his life, and the historical land and structures north of town are part of his Gullah heritage. Holding onto it all is at risk. There are many secrets amongst the characters, and care is taken as to who can be told what, and when. It is a small town. Family, heritage, the art of sailing, secrets, and wanting to belong are topics that are well expressed in a warmhearted way. I absolutely loved this book. [I received a complimentary copy of this book and my opinion is my own.]
December 12, 2018
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book, a new series for Hope Ramsay. This story puts to test, acceptance. Between new found family or a life partner. New subject matter for me was interracial relationships and Hope Ramsay certainly told the story candidly and from the heart. Needless to say, there was alot of emotion that made me keep reading. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 11, 2020
Synchronicity, indeed!
What a great story. Small town, outsider woman with a secret, local man with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Family challenges and reconciliations. And a ghost that I sure hope will be revisited in a future tale! Ramsay's storytelling really pulled me in to the story and left me wanting more.
Someday I will visit the islands of South Carolina. Until then, I'll keep reading books like this one.
What a great story. Small town, outsider woman with a secret, local man with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Family challenges and reconciliations. And a ghost that I sure hope will be revisited in a future tale! Ramsay's storytelling really pulled me in to the story and left me wanting more.
Someday I will visit the islands of South Carolina. Until then, I'll keep reading books like this one.
January 28, 2019
The Cottage on Rose Lane was a fun contemporary romance set in South Carolina. The two main characters, Jenna and Jude, are perfect for each other, but of course, there are circumstances that lead to them each getting in their own way. I liked that Jenna practiced Buddhism and focused a lot on karma, meditation, and acts of kindness. The story was sultry and sweet and I loved following along with their love story.
This book contained a bonus story:
I really loved this story! It was short, sweet, and just made you fall in love with love.
I checked this book out of the library to read and my review is not influenced in any way. I chose to read this group to discuss in the Brenda Novak's Book Group January 2019 book club meeting.
This book contained a bonus story:
I really loved this story! It was short, sweet, and just made you fall in love with love. I checked this book out of the library to read and my review is not influenced in any way. I chose to read this group to discuss in the Brenda Novak's Book Group January 2019 book club meeting.
January 4, 2019
A modern day romance set in South Carolina. The main characters are Jenna Fossey and Jude St Pierre who meet and are attracted to each other but both come with baggage that must be overcome. The book was a quick easy read.
January 26, 2019
First time reading this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Interesting “different characters”!
January 19, 2019
Jenna inherits from family in South Carolina she never knew. The Cottage on Rose Lane is a story of family secrets plus sailing along with local culture. It's a good informative and engaging read. It's mysterious but charming. Perfect for a relaxing weekend read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Hope Ramsay but it will definitely not be the last. This is the first book in a series Moonlight Bay and I am looking forward to reading more about the secondary characters from this story. A charming sweet and sexy story with a well developed story line and characters. I enjoyed reading about the Gullah culture and liked that the main character was working to find ways to preserve history. Don't miss this one.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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June 26, 2020Magnolia Harbor is a great little town for those of your looking for a new small town series. I really enjoyed Jude and Jenna's story.
January 23, 2019
A good read, the first book in a new series by this author. I would certainly recommend this book to others.
January 25, 2019
I am glad we start with the first book. Jenna was a woman who was looking for information on her father and was suppose to meet her uncle Harry and aunt Pasty. But she was afraid things would not go the was she wanted. So instead she was looked like a tourist or a traitor for a resort that wanted to dig up his family heritage. I love the way she got her sailing lessons and she had her mind made up that Jude was the man to do it. She was a sweet lady that every thought she had a secret that she was hiding. She started with Jude telling first he would either stay or leave after the news. Then she did things the Micah Jude's brother this Minister. When a boat got ruined she new it was time to come clean. Harry and Pasty told that she wasn't Jamie's daughter and to leave. When she got home she Jude was waiting for her so she told him she loved him but at the same time she was hurting both of them while walking out putting clothes In the car he was mad because of the boat and she just took off he didn't know what to say he was mad about he paying for the boat and her telling him she was in love with him and just leaving. Ashley and him and Pasty talked to Micah and Jude listened to what is older brother said and reminded him of there family meeting last night. Who was willing to invest on helping keep the land and fix it up.Then Ashley say Jenna paid Colton for the new roof. Pasty was so sorry for what was say to Jenna. Hope Jude can talk her to come back. I don't know he said I was really mad. Micah had said " do u love her?" Jude" , I do I guess"!. Don't worry about it about being like daddy your not. Now go get her before she gets on that plane.
Hope I love a good romance story when it is including two different. Culture's like when you mention black man and a white woman.
Hope I love a good romance story when it is including two different. Culture's like when you mention black man and a white woman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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