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Birch Harbor #4
Cottage by the Creek
Intriguing mystery, romance, and a new small-town scandal: visit Birch Harbor, Michigan with USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Bromke.
As she cleans up the cottage her mother left behind, Clara Hannigan discovers a locked hope chest. Inside is a book that might have the answers to her questions... if she can connect the dots between her mom and a prominent local. Complicating matters is one of Clara's students: a mean girl who has a bone to pick with the Hannigans.
Meanwhile, Clara's oldest sister, Kate, is ready to take her romance to the next level. She could have everything she wants by Thanksgiving, until her boyfriend’s daughter is implicated in Birch Harbor High School drama… and it has nothing to do with theatre club.
Amelia is ready to open her new business to locals and tourists. But that means she must finally bury the search for her father. It would be easy, if one of her sisters didn’t show up with an old yearbook and a new interest in the case.
Megan is in the throes of fixing her life. With a new career and a new home, all she needs now is to ensure her teenage daughter will fit in at the local high school. But when Megan expects special treatment from the familiar staff at B.H.H.S., her fresh start is compromised and rumors begin to spread.
Cottage by the Creek is the fourth installment in the Birch Harbor family saga. These romantic women's fiction titles are best enjoyed in sequential order.
As she cleans up the cottage her mother left behind, Clara Hannigan discovers a locked hope chest. Inside is a book that might have the answers to her questions... if she can connect the dots between her mom and a prominent local. Complicating matters is one of Clara's students: a mean girl who has a bone to pick with the Hannigans.
Meanwhile, Clara's oldest sister, Kate, is ready to take her romance to the next level. She could have everything she wants by Thanksgiving, until her boyfriend’s daughter is implicated in Birch Harbor High School drama… and it has nothing to do with theatre club.
Amelia is ready to open her new business to locals and tourists. But that means she must finally bury the search for her father. It would be easy, if one of her sisters didn’t show up with an old yearbook and a new interest in the case.
Megan is in the throes of fixing her life. With a new career and a new home, all she needs now is to ensure her teenage daughter will fit in at the local high school. But when Megan expects special treatment from the familiar staff at B.H.H.S., her fresh start is compromised and rumors begin to spread.
Cottage by the Creek is the fourth installment in the Birch Harbor family saga. These romantic women's fiction titles are best enjoyed in sequential order.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
595 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bromke
56 books224 followersElizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 28, 2020
The saga of the Hannigan sisters continues as Clara (the youngest)discovers more secrets left by their mother Nora. Clara's trying to expand her horizons and not be such an introvert. She's now teaching at the high school and dating Jake Hennings. Her sisters are also moving on with their lives--Kate and Matt Fiorillo are still dating but his teenage daughter Vivianna stirs up some trouble for Clara which could affect her relationship with Jake; Amelia and Michael are together but she still hasn't found any more clues about her father's disappearance from Birch Harbor; and Megan's back with her husband Brian, her new business is getting off the ground and teenage daughter Sarah is trying to fit in as the new girl at the high school.
I was hoping for more Clara in this book as the cottage by the creek is hers, but although she has a prominent story, this book catches us up on everyone's lives and gets us further into the mystery of what happened to their father Wendall Acton. We also find out a few more things about their mother Nora and there's more to Judith Carmichael than we originally thought. I can't wait to find out what really happened all those years ago.
I was surprised that Matt's daughter would start such a rumor that would not only hurt Sarah, but Clara, her relationship with Jake and drag Jake's sweet daughter Mercy into the mess too. I wanted to smack that useless principal upside the head for calling in Sarah's parents and then talking in circles about "the incident" instead of being straightforward. I'm glad it was all able to be cleared up and now the big family secret isn't a secret anymore.
NOTE: You really need to read the books in order to understand everything that's going on in relation to the family secrets and mystery.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
I was hoping for more Clara in this book as the cottage by the creek is hers, but although she has a prominent story, this book catches us up on everyone's lives and gets us further into the mystery of what happened to their father Wendall Acton. We also find out a few more things about their mother Nora and there's more to Judith Carmichael than we originally thought. I can't wait to find out what really happened all those years ago.
I was surprised that Matt's daughter would start such a rumor that would not only hurt Sarah, but Clara, her relationship with Jake and drag Jake's sweet daughter Mercy into the mess too. I wanted to smack that useless principal upside the head for calling in Sarah's parents and then talking in circles about "the incident" instead of being straightforward. I'm glad it was all able to be cleared up and now the big family secret isn't a secret anymore.
NOTE: You really need to read the books in order to understand everything that's going on in relation to the family secrets and mystery.
I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
August 5, 2020
*** Start at the beginning! ***
Book 1: "House on the Harbor"
Book 2: "Lighthouse on the Lake"
Book 3: "Fireflies in the Field"
***
Book 4 of the Birch Harbor saga continues the story of Nora Hannigan's four daughters and their return home after her death.
Kate is dating Matt more seriously. They are faced with some interesting challenges regarding Matt's teenage daughter, Vivi, and her attitude toward the Hannigan family.
Megan and Brian are concerned about Sarah fitting in at her new school, even though she made several friends over the summer. The idea of weekend "beach parties" makes them feel even more nervous. But Brian's "Fireflies" app is doing well, and Megan's matchmaking/events business continues to thrive!
Amelia is worried about her relationship with Michael when the past resurfaces yet again. She still has not given up hope of finding Wendell Acton (the girls' father). And Judith Carmichael seems more and more suspicious. Meanwhile, Amelia is trying to get the lighthouse/museum up-and-running for a grand opening combined with Megan's event. With so many things pulling for her attention, she has to prioritize and focus on the things that matter most to her.
Clara stumbles upon yet another clue about Wendell Acton, but is more interested in the future than the past. Her energy is directed toward exploring a new relationship with Jake Hennings, widowed father of her favorite student, Mercy. Their budding relationship (and her reputation) are threatened by teenage gossip, which brings the family (and their significant others) together to find resolution.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL:
I was expecting a bit more of an emphasis on Clara this time, but there was a fairly even split in character development for each sister -- and for the younger generation of girls (Sarah, Vivi and Mercy). That said, there was significantly more romance for Clara (and some for Amelia).
Less time was spent investigating the mystery of Wendell's disappearance, but Amelia and Clara both found significant items. (Waiting to find out what happened to Wendell is killing me! But I have it on good authority that the answers are coming soon. 🙂)
Family drama was slightly different this time, happening chiefly among the younger generation.
Content: Clean! Mild kissing scenes. Continued development of romantic interests becomes a bit more prominent, but it's still not the main focus.
Language: mild profanity
Themes include teenage rumors, jealousy, and poor decision-making under pressure; implications of inappropriate sexual relationships/interest.
Book 1: "House on the Harbor"
Book 2: "Lighthouse on the Lake"
Book 3: "Fireflies in the Field"
***
Book 4 of the Birch Harbor saga continues the story of Nora Hannigan's four daughters and their return home after her death.
Kate is dating Matt more seriously. They are faced with some interesting challenges regarding Matt's teenage daughter, Vivi, and her attitude toward the Hannigan family.
Megan and Brian are concerned about Sarah fitting in at her new school, even though she made several friends over the summer. The idea of weekend "beach parties" makes them feel even more nervous. But Brian's "Fireflies" app is doing well, and Megan's matchmaking/events business continues to thrive!
Amelia is worried about her relationship with Michael when the past resurfaces yet again. She still has not given up hope of finding Wendell Acton (the girls' father). And Judith Carmichael seems more and more suspicious. Meanwhile, Amelia is trying to get the lighthouse/museum up-and-running for a grand opening combined with Megan's event. With so many things pulling for her attention, she has to prioritize and focus on the things that matter most to her.
Clara stumbles upon yet another clue about Wendell Acton, but is more interested in the future than the past. Her energy is directed toward exploring a new relationship with Jake Hennings, widowed father of her favorite student, Mercy. Their budding relationship (and her reputation) are threatened by teenage gossip, which brings the family (and their significant others) together to find resolution.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL:
I was expecting a bit more of an emphasis on Clara this time, but there was a fairly even split in character development for each sister -- and for the younger generation of girls (Sarah, Vivi and Mercy). That said, there was significantly more romance for Clara (and some for Amelia).
Less time was spent investigating the mystery of Wendell's disappearance, but Amelia and Clara both found significant items. (Waiting to find out what happened to Wendell is killing me! But I have it on good authority that the answers are coming soon. 🙂)
Family drama was slightly different this time, happening chiefly among the younger generation.
Content: Clean! Mild kissing scenes. Continued development of romantic interests becomes a bit more prominent, but it's still not the main focus.
Language: mild profanity
Themes include teenage rumors, jealousy, and poor decision-making under pressure; implications of inappropriate sexual relationships/interest.
August 13, 2020
4**** Ideal for a relaxing read
Book four of a 5-book series that is advisable to read in the correct order. This fourth book concentrates on Clara, the youngest of the Hannigan sisters, following on from Kate, Amelia and Megan. Clara has finally become independent, is a newly appointed teacher at the local high school and at the start of a serious romance. The main drama in this instalment is provided by the youngest generation, their rumours and cruel innuendos could effectively destroy several peoples' lives, including Clara and Jake.
Set at the end of the summer in the small coastal town of Birch Harbor on Lake Huron, Cottage by the Creek continues following the lives of the close knit Hannigan sisters each attempting to start a new business, while at the same time searching for a reason their father, Wendell Acton, disappeared so many years ago.
An intriguing family saga complete with an ongoing mystery, a mystery that I'm impatiently waiting to be revealed.
ARC generously supplied by the author and BookFunnel, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.
Book four of a 5-book series that is advisable to read in the correct order. This fourth book concentrates on Clara, the youngest of the Hannigan sisters, following on from Kate, Amelia and Megan. Clara has finally become independent, is a newly appointed teacher at the local high school and at the start of a serious romance. The main drama in this instalment is provided by the youngest generation, their rumours and cruel innuendos could effectively destroy several peoples' lives, including Clara and Jake.
Set at the end of the summer in the small coastal town of Birch Harbor on Lake Huron, Cottage by the Creek continues following the lives of the close knit Hannigan sisters each attempting to start a new business, while at the same time searching for a reason their father, Wendell Acton, disappeared so many years ago.
An intriguing family saga complete with an ongoing mystery, a mystery that I'm impatiently waiting to be revealed.
ARC generously supplied by the author and BookFunnel, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.
August 29, 2020
This is book four of A Birch Harbor series and it was another great read. It has it all; mystery, romance and drama. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This series must be read in order to get the full story. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 10, 2020
I went into this thinking it was going to be Clara's story....it kind of was but it still covered everyone else. I would have liked a bit more Clara. There was some family drama as usual and the mystery still continues in regards to the disappearance of their father Wendell. This book we have a few more questions and suspicions with Judith Carmichael. I'm interested to see how things wrap up in the next and final story.
December 27, 2020
Voyage By The Creek is the fourth amazing book written by Elizabeth Bromk in her Birch Harbor series. The characters are still the strong independent sisters from the previous books. The Hannigan sisters are continuing with their lives but not without some upsets along the way. This story continues with the mystery of their missing father and ramps it up a notch. Of course there is a few more clues discovered involving who their mother, Nora, really was and what she was hiding. None of the four sisters want to end up like her but they each possess some of her qualities.
A new twist in this story revolves around the younger girls. When Sarah suddenly finds herself feeling left out of Vivi and Mercy's circle she turns in a different direction. Then when a major problem rears up involving a mean girl aspect who is to blames. When all is revealed how the girls handle it is very important. Also another part of the Hannigan sister's saga involving another well kept secret is revealed which adds to the worries within the family. I have enjoyed reading this series and look forward to the final book and how everything plays out.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke for writing another fantastic story continuing her series.
A new twist in this story revolves around the younger girls. When Sarah suddenly finds herself feeling left out of Vivi and Mercy's circle she turns in a different direction. Then when a major problem rears up involving a mean girl aspect who is to blames. When all is revealed how the girls handle it is very important. Also another part of the Hannigan sister's saga involving another well kept secret is revealed which adds to the worries within the family. I have enjoyed reading this series and look forward to the final book and how everything plays out.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response and all opinions are my own. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke for writing another fantastic story continuing her series.
December 8, 2022
Great part of a 5 book long mystery with some romance
You really need to read this series in order. The books follow one after the other. All the books deal with the Hannigan sisters and the different secrets they are discovering. Kate is trying to work things out with Matt and his daughter Vivi. Amelia is trying to get her lighthouse going and figure out the mystery of their father's disappearance with the help of Michael. Megan and Brian are working on building them new business venture. Finally, Clara is starting over at a new school and starting to date one of her students' dads. Each chapter is told from one of the women's points of view, including Megan and Brian's daughter Sarah who is the new girl during her Senior year. There are a ton of secrets too.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and endearing. The overarching mystery ties the stories together, and it is wonderful to have all the different points of view. The interesting twist is that the series interconnects with one of the characters in the Hickory Grove series. I love when that happens! If you like small towns, mystery and detailed character development along with the romance, then this is for you! Enjoy!
You really need to read this series in order. The books follow one after the other. All the books deal with the Hannigan sisters and the different secrets they are discovering. Kate is trying to work things out with Matt and his daughter Vivi. Amelia is trying to get her lighthouse going and figure out the mystery of their father's disappearance with the help of Michael. Megan and Brian are working on building them new business venture. Finally, Clara is starting over at a new school and starting to date one of her students' dads. Each chapter is told from one of the women's points of view, including Megan and Brian's daughter Sarah who is the new girl during her Senior year. There are a ton of secrets too.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and endearing. The overarching mystery ties the stories together, and it is wonderful to have all the different points of view. The interesting twist is that the series interconnects with one of the characters in the Hickory Grove series. I love when that happens! If you like small towns, mystery and detailed character development along with the romance, then this is for you! Enjoy!
August 14, 2020
I received an ARC for an honest review. I love Elizabeth Bromke's style of writing and I love the Hannigan sisters and their men in this particular series. These books have it all, a touch of romance, a touch of family and a small dose of mystery. The author knows how to keep you hooked and turning pages. This is book four of the Hannigan family and I've been thoroughly engaged in their story from page one of the first book. In each chapter you get a whisper into the lives of each sister and by the end of the book you've gotten a glimpse of what their lives are like on the edge of Lake Huron in the small town of Birch Harbor. This book is set at the end of summer and the beginning of fall when the air turns just a little bit crisper. So pull up a porch swing, grab a fluffy comfortable blanket, cuddle up with your furry reading partner and indulge in the Hannigan family shenanigans. I'm betting you won't be disappointed.
September 2, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author, Elizabeth Bromke, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. I enjoyed this book the most of the four that I have read in this series. Clara gets her time in the spotlight in this book. She has been a loner most of her life but when she meets Jake and they start dating, she seems to blossom into a beautiful outgoing young woman. She was transferred to the high school to teach after teaching the lower grades in years past so that is something new in her life. This whole series evolves around the position that Clara has in her family as well as the disappearance of Wendall, the father of the three older sisters, decades ago. The mystery is getting closer to being solved. Hopefully that happens in book 5 of this series. I highly recommend this book and this series even though you need to read all the books to get the whole story.
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October 12, 2020This is book 4 of a 5 book series and need to be read in order to fully understand what is happening. The continuing story of the Hannigan sisters as Clara discovers more secrets. Clara, the youngest, is teaching school and trying to be more outgoing is dating Jake but his daughter Vivianna stirs up trouble.
Clara’s sisters are moving forward with their lives: Amelia and Michael are together; Kate and Matt Fiorillo are still dating; Megan is back with her husband Brian.
Clara wants to know more about what happened to her father , Wendell Acton, why he disappeared years ago.
I received a ARC of this book from the author via Bookfunnel, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.
Clara’s sisters are moving forward with their lives: Amelia and Michael are together; Kate and Matt Fiorillo are still dating; Megan is back with her husband Brian.
Clara wants to know more about what happened to her father , Wendell Acton, why he disappeared years ago.
I received a ARC of this book from the author via Bookfunnel, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.
August 16, 2020
This book continues the stories of the four Hannigan sisters. Each is trying to move on in their romantic lives but the mystery disappearance of their father, Wendell, is still to be determined. You can always count on children to add some drama in life, and this certainly happens. Is there more mystery lying in Nora's hope chest? Many unanswered questions still and I'm anxious to read the next book to get my answers. This is a great series of books so I hope everyone will read them. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
August 18, 2020
Buy this book now. You will devour it. This is a sweet, clean, small-town romance that is fast paced, interesting and keeps you wanting to turn the pages. The characters and scenes are so well developed that you feel like you personally know the characters and actually live in Birch Harbor. I’ll definitely miss the Hannigan sisters and Birch Harbor when the series ends.
My gratitude to the author for an advanced copy of this novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
My gratitude to the author for an advanced copy of this novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 23, 2020
Clara, the 4th sister, inherited the Cottage. She took care of her deceased mother for years and lived in the cottage and still loves it. She teaches at the Birch Harbor High School. Her family secrets have enlarged to include some of her students, now, and one handsome single dad. But obstacles keep stopping Clara from becoming who she could be. But what happens if some of those secrets unravel, will that free Clara or destroy her? I've been binge reading Mrs. Bromke's Birch Harbor stories and can't wait to find out what happens!
August 28, 2020
I received an ARC to review: the Hannigan family saga continues in this fourth book of the series. Teenage mayhem, cementing of love, new love-relationships, renewed love, family secrets and ties, intrigue and drama all collide in the Hannigans' epic tale. Threads from the first few books are coming together and a beautiful tapestry is taking shape. I can't wait to see the whole picture when book 5 comes out!
February 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The Hannigan Sister's continue on in their hint for truth about their father who disappeared. Clara, the youngest, finally seems to develop some independence from her sisters and develop into her own person since the death of her mother. Enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Looking forward to reading book 5 which I believe to be the last of the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 5, 2021
I really enjoy reading books by Elizabeth Bromke. Great family oriented books that I can relate to! I read this book, which was the 4th in the series of Birch Harbor. Of course, I always read them in order if possible. Small town saga of family, sisters, their many different personalities and conflicts.
I enjoy this as a nice change from the sometimes more sad books I read and like to try different genres.
I enjoy this as a nice change from the sometimes more sad books I read and like to try different genres.
November 14, 2021
Fans of cozy romance and mystery will enjoy Elizabeth Bromke’s novels. Read the series in order. 4 sisters, their spouses and significant others, and their teenage daughters are dealing with many issues. Some are family, while others are social. Fledging Businesses and romances mixed with mysteries of the past. What is in the notebook? Where is Wendell? What role does Judith play in the Hannibal family? Time to read Bells in the Bay to find out!
August 15, 2020
This is book 4 in a five book series, and like the books before it, this is an excellent continuation of the story. Even though each of the books kind of focuses on one of the sisters, each book is about all of the women and the men they come to love. It’s well written, captivating, entertaining, and charming. I’m very excited about reading book 5 next month!
August 18, 2020
Another great book by Elizabeth Bromke...
Anyone who enjoys women's romance & mystery would enjoy this book. I read it in 2 days. There are all kinds of mysterious happenings in the lives of these 4 sisters to enthusiastically carry you from chapter to chapter. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series in Birch Harbor.
Anyone who enjoys women's romance & mystery would enjoy this book. I read it in 2 days. There are all kinds of mysterious happenings in the lives of these 4 sisters to enthusiastically carry you from chapter to chapter. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series in Birch Harbor.
September 2, 2020
The Hannigan Secrets Affect a New Generation
This is the fourth book in the generational saga. More secrets are solved as more are uncovered. I this ongoing soap opera, the adults are finding answers while the teenagers are discovering secrets. The saga just keeps going on and on. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.
This is the fourth book in the generational saga. More secrets are solved as more are uncovered. I this ongoing soap opera, the adults are finding answers while the teenagers are discovering secrets. The saga just keeps going on and on. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.
August 12, 2020
I cannot wait for the ending of this saga! So much has happened and yet there are so many questions and speculations!! This has been a wonderful drama to read through and I’m anxious for the resolutions!!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 16, 2020
The fourth book in the A Birch Harbor Novel series another well written story in this series. The continuing saga of a family in Birch Harbor. I enjoyed reading this story and want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2021
See my review for Book #1 of this series for as to why I only gave this a 3 Star. The "sister" this book basically follows is probably my least favorite because of how the author makes her so afraid of everything and how she keeps putting off trying to find out more about the beginning of her life.
June 14, 2023
I did enjoy this book in the series much better than the last one. They are getting much into some other characters, but also keep the original ones going. Every chapter keeps you guessing! I'm anxious to read the fifth one.
August 14, 2020
What a great book to add to the series. I am completely blown away by the storyline and loved all the characters
August 14, 2020
Clara and the Hannigan family
I enjoyed this book but at times it seemed to drag. It is the continuing saga of a family in Lake Huron.
I enjoyed this book but at times it seemed to drag. It is the continuing saga of a family in Lake Huron.
October 12, 2020
Book 5 here I come!
Eager to read the next book in the series! Love the characters and settings. Feel like i know all this family.
Eager to read the next book in the series! Love the characters and settings. Feel like i know all this family.
April 4, 2021
A lot of editing errors in this one.
June 19, 2021
Lots of mystery
This is a good series. Lots of questions close to an answer then more questions. Looking forward to the next book.
This is a good series. Lots of questions close to an answer then more questions. Looking forward to the next book.
January 1, 2022
Clara falls in love
Story continues with the sisters still trying to find out what happened to their father. Clara meets the love of her life.
Story continues with the sisters still trying to find out what happened to their father. Clara meets the love of her life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews