What do you think?
Rate this book
Det lille hotel i Lobster Bay
Da Emma ser, at Det lille hotel i Lobster Bay er til salg på nettet, ved hun, at det er præcis den fredelige oase og nye start, hun har brug for til at komme sig efter en meget traumatisk oplevelse, så fra det øjeblik, da hun henter nøglerne, begynder hendes drøm om at eje et charmerende hotel med havudsigt at stå for hendes indre blik. Men – da hun endelig står foran huset med nøglen i hånden, bliver drømmen til alt andet end en ønskedrøm …
Hotellet er faldefærdigt og nedslidt, og der er kun en måned til de første gæster ankommer! Hvad Emma i skyndingen har overset er, at Wilbur følger med i handlen. Wilbur er den tidligere ejers gamle og meget store Newfoundlænder – uheldigt for Emma, eftersom hun ikke bryder sig spor om hunde.
Oven i alt dette er der naboen. Selvsikre Aidan, den lokale bådebygger, som ser ualmindeligt godt ud, men som er både meget uvenlig og ikke spor imødekommende.
Emma kæmper med at navigere imellem uforudsete katastrofer med sit lille hotel og nye venskaber, men i løbet af sommeren falder hun for Lobster Bay og dens indbyggere. Spørgsmålet, hun stiller sig selv, er, om hun også er ved at falde for Aidan?
Hotellet er faldefærdigt og nedslidt, og der er kun en måned til de første gæster ankommer! Hvad Emma i skyndingen har overset er, at Wilbur følger med i handlen. Wilbur er den tidligere ejers gamle og meget store Newfoundlænder – uheldigt for Emma, eftersom hun ikke bryder sig spor om hunde.
Oven i alt dette er der naboen. Selvsikre Aidan, den lokale bådebygger, som ser ualmindeligt godt ud, men som er både meget uvenlig og ikke spor imødekommende.
Emma kæmper med at navigere imellem uforudsete katastrofer med sit lille hotel og nye venskaber, men i løbet af sommeren falder hun for Lobster Bay og dens indbyggere. Spørgsmålet, hun stiller sig selv, er, om hun også er ved at falde for Aidan?
343 pages, ebook
Published January 13, 2022
12 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 24, 2024
Novela romántica ligera, con calidad que te dan ganas de de ir unos días a la hospedería para sentirte parte de la peculiar familia que han formado.
Una novela sencilla y rápida de leer para estos días.
Para distraerte y no pensar en nada.
Una novela sencilla y rápida de leer para estos días.
Para distraerte y no pensar en nada.
May 26, 2024
If you're looking for a light read but one which will pull you in thanks to location and characters, then this may be the book for you. An enjoyable summer read, with aspects of the impact of experiencing a teaumatic event, the tone is set just right.
November 6, 2021
I do tend to enjoy an Annie Robertson book, and this first book in a new series was no exception.
With a dramatic prologue that was the catalyst for Emma moving to Scotland and Lobster Bay, and then a heartwarming story, this really did make me smile.
Without a doubt Wilbur is my favourite character. Emma didn't realise he came with the house and is not a huge fan of dogs. But he is missing his old owner, and has a heart of gold.
I enjoyed getting to know the various locals in the Bay, and always enjoy reading about close knit communities.
The human characters are all really lovely and realistic and I would love the chance to stay in thus guest house, but perhaps after Emma's had more practice cooking breakfasts.
A great opening to a new series that i found to be a fast and enjoyable book to read. And since I have the next book in the series already loaded on my kindle, o won't have long to wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Welbeck and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
With a dramatic prologue that was the catalyst for Emma moving to Scotland and Lobster Bay, and then a heartwarming story, this really did make me smile.
Without a doubt Wilbur is my favourite character. Emma didn't realise he came with the house and is not a huge fan of dogs. But he is missing his old owner, and has a heart of gold.
I enjoyed getting to know the various locals in the Bay, and always enjoy reading about close knit communities.
The human characters are all really lovely and realistic and I would love the chance to stay in thus guest house, but perhaps after Emma's had more practice cooking breakfasts.
A great opening to a new series that i found to be a fast and enjoyable book to read. And since I have the next book in the series already loaded on my kindle, o won't have long to wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Welbeck and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 16, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review. An easy and enjoyable read with great characters.
January 22, 2022
Læste knap en fjerdel før jeg opgav i afsky. Har ikke ord for hvor frustreret den her bog gjorde mig. Den er half-assed og kører rundt i banaliteter. Hovedpersonen er barnlig og tilsyneladende ude af stand til at opføre sig om et almindeligt menneske. Der er en øjeblikkelig og totalt tåbelig konflikt med den hotte sure nabo, og jeg gider ikke engang snakke om dilemmaet med hunden. Jesus fucking christ. Stop.
November 30, 2025
Escuchado en audiolibro. Típico romance de verano/navidad de película de sobremesa de Antena 3. Entretenido, pero sin más.
April 21, 2024
Lovely feelgood read...
July 12, 2021
Review originally published on https://www.konfrankowski.com/2021/07...
In its nature, the purpose of humanity is to stay safe, cocooned in a cosy wrap of certainty and assurance. Sometimes, however, the world around us has other ideas, and the sanctuary of our lives gets soiled by events we cannot control. When this happens, it’s up to us to either desperately try and find solace in a cocoon we no longer feel is ours or move on and build another one. Or carry on running, hoping the safety will present itself…
Annie Robertson’s latest novel, The Guesthouse At Lobster Bay, is a wholesome, contemporary romance that asks several uncomfortable questions and explores quite a few topics, which are pretty far removed from the genre. From the very first pages, Robertson throws Emma, our protagonist, into a short but horrifying turn of life-altering events that feel real, raw and powerful. The opening chapter of The Guesthouse At Lobster Bay presents you, my faithful reader, with a terrifying scenario in which there are no winners. The prologue is as mesmerising as it is horrifying and visceral, which straight away puts this novel headband and top edge above its contemporaries. It’s not a sweet read that will give you a clear cut opening where you start rooting for a protagonist. It’s one that will challenge you and make you quiver under the burden of ‘what if it happened to me?’ kind of questions.
As the story progresses, we watch Emma navigating the new landscape of her life. The decisions she makes, the ideas she’s willing to explore against the resistance of her loved ones, the development of her points of view, which are multiple… We watch the world as she does. Things happen, so we need to learn to live with the unwanted consequences, but also, we have a very limited amount of time to find ourselves and explore our purpose.
Another vital element of the story is the setting. Annie Robertson gorgeously paints the picture of the Scottish coast, along with a kaleidoscope of colourful characters, which are both relatable and fun. Every single person Emma meets is gorgeously developed, even if they appear on the pages for a split second. It’s a powerful testament to Robertson’s writing; the novel, albeit a lovely piece of summer escapism, is well layered. Each element is meticulously crafted to fit the mosaic of this seaside mural of a story. It was written (and narrated by Eilidh Beaton – but more about it in a minute) with such zest that I was ready to book the Scottish holiday the moment I finished listening to it.
At the same time, Robertson wants us to have fun with the story. She brings in many familiar motifs that are quite prevalent for the contemporary drama/romance trope, yet we don’t mind as the novel defends itself with its relatability and the feeling of being an authentic, real-life story that indeed could have happened to any of us. I think this sense of authenticity drawn me to it and kept me hooked to the very end. In fact, we all know at least one of the characters depicted in the story. Whether it’s a bubbly single mum who’s trying to juggle being the best parent possible whilst trying to provide for her children, or a seemingly cantankerous elderly lady whose unsolicited advice may be slightly misplaced for the circumstances, but it comes from the place of caring. Or an old, lovable slobbering dog that doesn’t need much except for a bit of love, a scratch behind its ear or simply a moment of patience and understanding.
And yes, the story might be painted as a sweet summer adventure, but in its extraordinary level of authenticity, it doesn’t shy away from exploring more serious themes. Robertson delivers those with reverence, respect and sensitivity. She avoids cliches, stereotypes and certain stigma surrounding those issues, and it’s precisely what makes the novel so unique.
The Guesthouse… The Audiobook
And then there’s the narrator. Eilidh Beaton. Pronounced Hailey without the H. The delivery is simply superb. Eilidh brings the small coastal town of Lobster Bay to life with her outstanding ability to slide between voices and accents. She uses her voice to paint the story and transform it into an experience. All characters have their little voice-quirks and intonations. The narration is flawless; the dialogue flows; the characters become more and more real with each sentence… Beaton’s accomplished acting makes the story even more authentic, as she masterfully juggles the characters and their unique voices. Her voice is soft but lively, pleasant yet powerful – but most of all, she’s got what I can only describe as a “spark”. Eilidh’s voice tells the story as much as Annie’s words do. Perfect collaboration.
The Guesthouse At Lobster Bay is a wonderfully written contemporary romance, where the romance part is indeed rather a background for more serious issues than a pivotal part of the story. I would describe it as a journey of discovery for our main cast. A well-written drama, where everyone is a bit of a misfit, but with a single event, their lives will change irreversibly. And with that, my faithful reader, I shall leave you to book my trip to Scotland and find a real-life Lobster Bay.
In its nature, the purpose of humanity is to stay safe, cocooned in a cosy wrap of certainty and assurance. Sometimes, however, the world around us has other ideas, and the sanctuary of our lives gets soiled by events we cannot control. When this happens, it’s up to us to either desperately try and find solace in a cocoon we no longer feel is ours or move on and build another one. Or carry on running, hoping the safety will present itself…
Annie Robertson’s latest novel, The Guesthouse At Lobster Bay, is a wholesome, contemporary romance that asks several uncomfortable questions and explores quite a few topics, which are pretty far removed from the genre. From the very first pages, Robertson throws Emma, our protagonist, into a short but horrifying turn of life-altering events that feel real, raw and powerful. The opening chapter of The Guesthouse At Lobster Bay presents you, my faithful reader, with a terrifying scenario in which there are no winners. The prologue is as mesmerising as it is horrifying and visceral, which straight away puts this novel headband and top edge above its contemporaries. It’s not a sweet read that will give you a clear cut opening where you start rooting for a protagonist. It’s one that will challenge you and make you quiver under the burden of ‘what if it happened to me?’ kind of questions.
As the story progresses, we watch Emma navigating the new landscape of her life. The decisions she makes, the ideas she’s willing to explore against the resistance of her loved ones, the development of her points of view, which are multiple… We watch the world as she does. Things happen, so we need to learn to live with the unwanted consequences, but also, we have a very limited amount of time to find ourselves and explore our purpose.
Another vital element of the story is the setting. Annie Robertson gorgeously paints the picture of the Scottish coast, along with a kaleidoscope of colourful characters, which are both relatable and fun. Every single person Emma meets is gorgeously developed, even if they appear on the pages for a split second. It’s a powerful testament to Robertson’s writing; the novel, albeit a lovely piece of summer escapism, is well layered. Each element is meticulously crafted to fit the mosaic of this seaside mural of a story. It was written (and narrated by Eilidh Beaton – but more about it in a minute) with such zest that I was ready to book the Scottish holiday the moment I finished listening to it.
At the same time, Robertson wants us to have fun with the story. She brings in many familiar motifs that are quite prevalent for the contemporary drama/romance trope, yet we don’t mind as the novel defends itself with its relatability and the feeling of being an authentic, real-life story that indeed could have happened to any of us. I think this sense of authenticity drawn me to it and kept me hooked to the very end. In fact, we all know at least one of the characters depicted in the story. Whether it’s a bubbly single mum who’s trying to juggle being the best parent possible whilst trying to provide for her children, or a seemingly cantankerous elderly lady whose unsolicited advice may be slightly misplaced for the circumstances, but it comes from the place of caring. Or an old, lovable slobbering dog that doesn’t need much except for a bit of love, a scratch behind its ear or simply a moment of patience and understanding.
And yes, the story might be painted as a sweet summer adventure, but in its extraordinary level of authenticity, it doesn’t shy away from exploring more serious themes. Robertson delivers those with reverence, respect and sensitivity. She avoids cliches, stereotypes and certain stigma surrounding those issues, and it’s precisely what makes the novel so unique.
The Guesthouse… The Audiobook
And then there’s the narrator. Eilidh Beaton. Pronounced Hailey without the H. The delivery is simply superb. Eilidh brings the small coastal town of Lobster Bay to life with her outstanding ability to slide between voices and accents. She uses her voice to paint the story and transform it into an experience. All characters have their little voice-quirks and intonations. The narration is flawless; the dialogue flows; the characters become more and more real with each sentence… Beaton’s accomplished acting makes the story even more authentic, as she masterfully juggles the characters and their unique voices. Her voice is soft but lively, pleasant yet powerful – but most of all, she’s got what I can only describe as a “spark”. Eilidh’s voice tells the story as much as Annie’s words do. Perfect collaboration.
The Guesthouse At Lobster Bay is a wonderfully written contemporary romance, where the romance part is indeed rather a background for more serious issues than a pivotal part of the story. I would describe it as a journey of discovery for our main cast. A well-written drama, where everyone is a bit of a misfit, but with a single event, their lives will change irreversibly. And with that, my faithful reader, I shall leave you to book my trip to Scotland and find a real-life Lobster Bay.
July 10, 2021
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay is the story of a young woman called Emma, who decides to make big changes in her life after a traumatic event one Christmas Eve causes her to reassess the rut she has found herself in.
When Emma sees an advert for a guesthouse for sale in the tiny Scottish village of Lobster Bay, she sets her heart on recapturing her childhood dream and upping sticks for a fresh start. Little does she know of the trials and tribulations that lie ahead as she tries to give her new home a modern makeover, and get her hospitality business up and running - or about the little secret that the previous owner of the guesthouse has left for her in the laundry room.
As Emma settles into her new life, making friends and finding the sort of supportive community that she has always dreamt of being part of, she still finds herself following the habit of a lifetime by holding something of herself back from those around her. It is not just the guesthouse and making friends that are causing her some tricky moments either - love is in the air in the form of hunky next-door neighbour Aiden, but she is unsure about whether getting involved with him is a good idea with all the baggage he seems to come with, especially since her own mental state is far from clear with the trauma of a difficult Christmas Eve still haunting her. Will Lobster Bay become her forever home, or will the dilemmas she must navigate prove to be too hard to overcome?
This is such a wonderful escapist tale about friendship, family, love, and new beginnings, but at the heart it delves into some very real issues about modern life, mental health and grief that you don't normally come across in a romantic story of this type - with a lovely cast of characters of all ages coping with the pressures that come with relationships, money and human frailty.
Emma is a young woman aware that she is drifting in life, comfortable enough in her job and her choice of partner, but aware that things are stale and not terribly exciting on both fronts. When a traumatic event hits her for six, she knows she must make some drastic decisions about her situation if she is to achieve happiness and she grabs at the chance of a new life well out of her comfort zone, sure that she is strong enough to finally stand on her own two feet.
As the enormity of what she has taken on begins to dawn on her, and the legacy of the trauma she has been through threatens to derail her, it is actually the realisation that it is ok for her to ask for help from others, rather than trying to tackle everything on her own, that really makes this tale something more than a light-hearted yarn. As she learns to open up to friends, family and the possibility of romance, she is finally able to move on and really begin the new life she has been yearning for.
This is beautifully narrated by Eilidh Beaton who convincingly tackles all the accents here with her considerable voice acting skills and carries the story along with just the right amount of emotion. There are laughs and tears galore to be had as the story unfurls, and everything is rounded off with the kind of gorgeous, heart-warming ending that will bring a great big smile to your face.
I cannot recommend this story enough as something to completely engage you from start to finish, and I guarantee it will have you hankering after your own little idyll by the sea before well the story reaches its lovely conclusion.
When Emma sees an advert for a guesthouse for sale in the tiny Scottish village of Lobster Bay, she sets her heart on recapturing her childhood dream and upping sticks for a fresh start. Little does she know of the trials and tribulations that lie ahead as she tries to give her new home a modern makeover, and get her hospitality business up and running - or about the little secret that the previous owner of the guesthouse has left for her in the laundry room.
As Emma settles into her new life, making friends and finding the sort of supportive community that she has always dreamt of being part of, she still finds herself following the habit of a lifetime by holding something of herself back from those around her. It is not just the guesthouse and making friends that are causing her some tricky moments either - love is in the air in the form of hunky next-door neighbour Aiden, but she is unsure about whether getting involved with him is a good idea with all the baggage he seems to come with, especially since her own mental state is far from clear with the trauma of a difficult Christmas Eve still haunting her. Will Lobster Bay become her forever home, or will the dilemmas she must navigate prove to be too hard to overcome?
This is such a wonderful escapist tale about friendship, family, love, and new beginnings, but at the heart it delves into some very real issues about modern life, mental health and grief that you don't normally come across in a romantic story of this type - with a lovely cast of characters of all ages coping with the pressures that come with relationships, money and human frailty.
Emma is a young woman aware that she is drifting in life, comfortable enough in her job and her choice of partner, but aware that things are stale and not terribly exciting on both fronts. When a traumatic event hits her for six, she knows she must make some drastic decisions about her situation if she is to achieve happiness and she grabs at the chance of a new life well out of her comfort zone, sure that she is strong enough to finally stand on her own two feet.
As the enormity of what she has taken on begins to dawn on her, and the legacy of the trauma she has been through threatens to derail her, it is actually the realisation that it is ok for her to ask for help from others, rather than trying to tackle everything on her own, that really makes this tale something more than a light-hearted yarn. As she learns to open up to friends, family and the possibility of romance, she is finally able to move on and really begin the new life she has been yearning for.
This is beautifully narrated by Eilidh Beaton who convincingly tackles all the accents here with her considerable voice acting skills and carries the story along with just the right amount of emotion. There are laughs and tears galore to be had as the story unfurls, and everything is rounded off with the kind of gorgeous, heart-warming ending that will bring a great big smile to your face.
I cannot recommend this story enough as something to completely engage you from start to finish, and I guarantee it will have you hankering after your own little idyll by the sea before well the story reaches its lovely conclusion.
November 1, 2021
RomCom set in SCOTLAND
3.75*
The novel opens with a traumatic bang that prompts Emma to re-evaluate her life and, yes, she chooses a new path, away from London and her all-consuming job. Despite family reservations, she decides on a life in the far north of the British Isles and buys the rather run-down guesthouse of the title in a fishing village in Scotland.
Her conveyancing solicitor has been remiss and has not alerted her to a specific condition of sale. The building comes with a dog, and a very large dog at that, called Wilbur. It’s a Newfoundland, a breed that can often weigh as much as an adult human. As Emma enters the building, she eventually discovers Wilbur’s smelly presence locked away in a room (fear not, the help – Rhona – has been looking after him). Rhona confirms that he is ancient and can easily be outrun (but clearly by page 78 he is having an existential crisis and is bounding off ‘at full tilt’ and at one point later in the story there is even an offer for him to swim alongside a canoe – he is clearly invigorated by the ministrations of his new mistress!). In the first few pages the author has Emma putting down a marker that there is no way she would countenance having a dog in her guesthouse, as she doesn’t like ‘the smell, the hair, the slobber’. The scene is therefore set and she has her hands full!
Emma has dismissed her boyfriend Chris and arrived in her new life by page 30. I felt the build up was rushed, in order to hurry to the main focus of the story, to wit her new life in Scotland. The renovations in the guesthouse are soon underway and the guests are in. But of course it is not plain sailing, what with the dog whom she is intent on rehoming but who has other ideas; and so does the former owner Hilda, and not to mention her boating buddy and neighbour Aidan.
It’s a decent recipe, all the components are there for a readable romcom. It’s sweet and the writing is engaging, but I felt the storytelling needed a little tightening and would have loved a little more depth on the characters.
3.75*
The novel opens with a traumatic bang that prompts Emma to re-evaluate her life and, yes, she chooses a new path, away from London and her all-consuming job. Despite family reservations, she decides on a life in the far north of the British Isles and buys the rather run-down guesthouse of the title in a fishing village in Scotland.
Her conveyancing solicitor has been remiss and has not alerted her to a specific condition of sale. The building comes with a dog, and a very large dog at that, called Wilbur. It’s a Newfoundland, a breed that can often weigh as much as an adult human. As Emma enters the building, she eventually discovers Wilbur’s smelly presence locked away in a room (fear not, the help – Rhona – has been looking after him). Rhona confirms that he is ancient and can easily be outrun (but clearly by page 78 he is having an existential crisis and is bounding off ‘at full tilt’ and at one point later in the story there is even an offer for him to swim alongside a canoe – he is clearly invigorated by the ministrations of his new mistress!). In the first few pages the author has Emma putting down a marker that there is no way she would countenance having a dog in her guesthouse, as she doesn’t like ‘the smell, the hair, the slobber’. The scene is therefore set and she has her hands full!
Emma has dismissed her boyfriend Chris and arrived in her new life by page 30. I felt the build up was rushed, in order to hurry to the main focus of the story, to wit her new life in Scotland. The renovations in the guesthouse are soon underway and the guests are in. But of course it is not plain sailing, what with the dog whom she is intent on rehoming but who has other ideas; and so does the former owner Hilda, and not to mention her boating buddy and neighbour Aidan.
It’s a decent recipe, all the components are there for a readable romcom. It’s sweet and the writing is engaging, but I felt the storytelling needed a little tightening and would have loved a little more depth on the characters.
June 25, 2021
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay - Annie Robertson
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Welbeck Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily
When Emma sees The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay for sale online, she knows it is exactly the peaceful haven and fresh start she needs to recover from a recent trauma. Yet the moment she picks up the keys, Emma's dream of owning a successful guesthouse begins to unravel...
Emma has one month to get the handsome, terraced house with stunning sea views in order before her first guests arrive at the beginning of June, a task made all the harder by the discovery that the previous owner has included her elderly and enormous dog in the sale. And then there's the next-door neighbour, Aidan, the local boat-builder – self-assured and unwelcoming – who Emma must turn to for help in a crisis. As Emma and Aidan work together to get the guesthouse ready, they grow closer, but then Aidan is called away and Emma has to carry on, alone.
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay is a lovely contemporary romance that I really enjoyed and it was such a wonderful escape. The characters are all really well-written with good pacing throughout. This is the first book I have read by Annie and I have to say I would highly recommend it!
During this book Emma is trying to find her feet again following a terrorist attack on London, which leads to her following her dreams of running a guesthouse.
This book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but I was very pleased to find out that there will be a sequel, and I am very much looking forward to reading it.
Rating 5/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Welbeck Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily
When Emma sees The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay for sale online, she knows it is exactly the peaceful haven and fresh start she needs to recover from a recent trauma. Yet the moment she picks up the keys, Emma's dream of owning a successful guesthouse begins to unravel...
Emma has one month to get the handsome, terraced house with stunning sea views in order before her first guests arrive at the beginning of June, a task made all the harder by the discovery that the previous owner has included her elderly and enormous dog in the sale. And then there's the next-door neighbour, Aidan, the local boat-builder – self-assured and unwelcoming – who Emma must turn to for help in a crisis. As Emma and Aidan work together to get the guesthouse ready, they grow closer, but then Aidan is called away and Emma has to carry on, alone.
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay is a lovely contemporary romance that I really enjoyed and it was such a wonderful escape. The characters are all really well-written with good pacing throughout. This is the first book I have read by Annie and I have to say I would highly recommend it!
During this book Emma is trying to find her feet again following a terrorist attack on London, which leads to her following her dreams of running a guesthouse.
This book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but I was very pleased to find out that there will be a sequel, and I am very much looking forward to reading it.
Rating 5/5
September 26, 2021
Sometime it takes something dramatic to happen to force you out of a rut.
Emma is living in London with her boyfriend in a tiny flat. She works as an interior designer for a larger firm and while she is happy enough there is definitely a sense that she is treading water. Until one Christmas Eve when she gets caught up in a devastating and traumatic event. Suddenly the sense that life is precious and should be lived to the full prompts her to make some big changes.
The Guesthouse at Lobster Boy is for sale and it is the perfect t place to recover and rebuild and to realise some of her dreams. Before she can change her mind Emma has quit her job, ended her relationship and invested her savings in the building that will make or break her future.
This is fantastic story about new beginnings and friendship.
Emma quickly gets to know the tight-knit Lobster Bay community and make some valuable friendships. Of course there’s potential live interests, one being her unfriendly but gorgeous neighbour, Aidan. There’s lots of misunderstandings and flirtation along the way.
I love the conversations she has with former owner Hilda, who resents being in a nursing home and has not accepted that she needs support.
The star of the show is Wilbur – he has so much personality and his relationship with Emma will give you the warm fuzzies.
The story continues in Christmas at Lobster Bay which is published later this year and will definitely be going only TBR list.
Thank you Welbeck for my gifted copy of The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay- it’s a great summer read and I really enjoyed it.
Emma is living in London with her boyfriend in a tiny flat. She works as an interior designer for a larger firm and while she is happy enough there is definitely a sense that she is treading water. Until one Christmas Eve when she gets caught up in a devastating and traumatic event. Suddenly the sense that life is precious and should be lived to the full prompts her to make some big changes.
The Guesthouse at Lobster Boy is for sale and it is the perfect t place to recover and rebuild and to realise some of her dreams. Before she can change her mind Emma has quit her job, ended her relationship and invested her savings in the building that will make or break her future.
This is fantastic story about new beginnings and friendship.
Emma quickly gets to know the tight-knit Lobster Bay community and make some valuable friendships. Of course there’s potential live interests, one being her unfriendly but gorgeous neighbour, Aidan. There’s lots of misunderstandings and flirtation along the way.
I love the conversations she has with former owner Hilda, who resents being in a nursing home and has not accepted that she needs support.
The star of the show is Wilbur – he has so much personality and his relationship with Emma will give you the warm fuzzies.
The story continues in Christmas at Lobster Bay which is published later this year and will definitely be going only TBR list.
Thank you Welbeck for my gifted copy of The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay- it’s a great summer read and I really enjoyed it.
October 1, 2021
When Emma sees The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay for sale, she knows it's the seaside haven she needs to recover from a recent trauma. But as soon as Emma collects the keys, her dream of owning a successful guesthouse unravels . . .
Emma has a month to get the house ready before her guests arrive, a task made harder by the discovery that an enormous dog was included in the sale. Then there's the unwelcoming next-door neighbour, Aidan, who Emma must turn to for help. As Emma and Aidan work together, they grow closer, but then Aidan is called away and Emma has to carry on alone.
Over the summer, Emma must navigate unforeseen dilemmas and new friendships, and keep her business afloat. But as she falls in love with Lobster Bay, is she also falling for Aidan?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this fantastic book.
Emma has had a dream to run a guesthouse since she was young, following a tragic event she decides that this is exactly what she is going to do, Despite the scepticism from her family Emma buys a guesthouse without viewing it. Determined to make it work the story follows Emmas journey from newbie to successful with trials, tribulations, gossip and a few misunderstandings along the way. This story is all encompassing so set aside time to read it, dont make plans and enjoy the wonderful world of Emma!
Emma has a month to get the house ready before her guests arrive, a task made harder by the discovery that an enormous dog was included in the sale. Then there's the unwelcoming next-door neighbour, Aidan, who Emma must turn to for help. As Emma and Aidan work together, they grow closer, but then Aidan is called away and Emma has to carry on alone.
Over the summer, Emma must navigate unforeseen dilemmas and new friendships, and keep her business afloat. But as she falls in love with Lobster Bay, is she also falling for Aidan?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this fantastic book.
Emma has had a dream to run a guesthouse since she was young, following a tragic event she decides that this is exactly what she is going to do, Despite the scepticism from her family Emma buys a guesthouse without viewing it. Determined to make it work the story follows Emmas journey from newbie to successful with trials, tribulations, gossip and a few misunderstandings along the way. This story is all encompassing so set aside time to read it, dont make plans and enjoy the wonderful world of Emma!
June 9, 2021
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay by Annie Robertson is a wonderful contemporary romance that was a breath of fresh air and a wonderful escape. I truly enjoyed it.
I loved this story. After a life-altering and traumatic experience, Emma decides her life needs a chamge. She doesn’t really know who she is or what she wants for her life at this point. She tosses out an offer on a major fixer upper guesthouse in Scotland, and somehow gets it. Through her obstacles, rennovations, complications, she finds rays of hope in new scenary, new inspirations, friendships, and also a possible new relationship with Aidan.
Can Emma overcome all that she has taken on? Will Emma and Aidan find what they are looking for in life within one another? I loved readingthis book to find out. I am so excited to see that there will be a second book, and possibly a series?!?! Sign me up!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Welbeck Publishing UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately ( as of 6/10/21 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I loved this story. After a life-altering and traumatic experience, Emma decides her life needs a chamge. She doesn’t really know who she is or what she wants for her life at this point. She tosses out an offer on a major fixer upper guesthouse in Scotland, and somehow gets it. Through her obstacles, rennovations, complications, she finds rays of hope in new scenary, new inspirations, friendships, and also a possible new relationship with Aidan.
Can Emma overcome all that she has taken on? Will Emma and Aidan find what they are looking for in life within one another? I loved readingthis book to find out. I am so excited to see that there will be a second book, and possibly a series?!?! Sign me up!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Welbeck Publishing UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately ( as of 6/10/21 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
June 11, 2021
Great pace, loveable characters and a few twists; a perfect, happy and romantic read for the summer (and any other time!).
== advance reader copy via NetGalley ==
A bomb going off in London is the wake-up call Emma has been waiting for. She reevaluates her life and spring into action. Handing in her notice by email and buying a large house without seeing it, may not be the most thought through decisions she's ever made, but Emma is soooo ready for her next adventure.
Arriving in Lobster Bay Emma takes in the new scenery, the locals and her new home. She's in for quite a few surprises! Not being a local, she doesn't always have the full picture and misunderstandings happen.
The book has a happy ending with no cliffhanger, but as the characters are so well developed there is plenty more to look forward to and the second book in the series, Christmas at Lobster Bay, is scheduled to be published at the end of October 2021; an early Christmas present.
== advance reader copy via NetGalley ==
February 3, 2022
Oplæser: Kristine Marie Brendstrup. Jeg er ærlig talt ikke imponeret. Desværre trækker oplæsningen ned i den samlede vurdering af bogen.
Jeg havde glædet mig til denne bog. Temaet lød dejligt og drømmende. Hvem kunne ikke tænke sig et skønt hus med havudsigt, traveture langs vandkanten og skønne naboer. Jo, det kan vel sætte gang i mange af os.
Men så bliver det lidt kikset! Hvem køber et gammelt hus/hotel uden først at have set det? Hvilken bank vil låne penge til købet uden at vide noget om standen? Hvordan kan man banke lækker hotelstandard ud af et gammelt skrummel af et hus, uden at have løftet andet end en malerpensel? Hvem har råd til at vente i ugevis på håndværkere der åbenbart ikke ønsker arbejde = værelserne kan ikke udlejes = ingen indtægt.
Lyder jeg lidt negativ? Ja, jeg beklager. Det er en hyggelig men urealistisk historie. Jeg har læst andre bøger i samme genre, der var noget bedre end denne. Men hvis man blot vil underholdes og have en læs-hurtig bog, så er denne et godt bud. Min drøm krakelerede, men måske den næste læser bliver forelsket🥰
Jeg havde glædet mig til denne bog. Temaet lød dejligt og drømmende. Hvem kunne ikke tænke sig et skønt hus med havudsigt, traveture langs vandkanten og skønne naboer. Jo, det kan vel sætte gang i mange af os.
Men så bliver det lidt kikset! Hvem køber et gammelt hus/hotel uden først at have set det? Hvilken bank vil låne penge til købet uden at vide noget om standen? Hvordan kan man banke lækker hotelstandard ud af et gammelt skrummel af et hus, uden at have løftet andet end en malerpensel? Hvem har råd til at vente i ugevis på håndværkere der åbenbart ikke ønsker arbejde = værelserne kan ikke udlejes = ingen indtægt.
Lyder jeg lidt negativ? Ja, jeg beklager. Det er en hyggelig men urealistisk historie. Jeg har læst andre bøger i samme genre, der var noget bedre end denne. Men hvis man blot vil underholdes og have en læs-hurtig bog, så er denne et godt bud. Min drøm krakelerede, men måske den næste læser bliver forelsket🥰
December 26, 2021
Emma is in need of an escape from her recent trauma and life in London, and when she sees the Guesthouse at Lobster Bay on sale she knows exactly that this could be a new beginning.
But she didn’t know that we the house she had acquired a dog as well, and with only a month before the fist guests arrival, she has to not only fix the precarious fittings of the house and rely on her unfriendly neighbour, but she needs to be able to look after the dog.
A nice and lighthearted read to dive into this season.
Reading about Wilbur made me miss my dog so much, reading about Emma’s ever growing relationship with the dog was cute and heartwarming.
I’ve appreciated as well the fact that the author lets the reader understand that sharing your burdens with people you are close to, even if initially you think they might not understand, will life a huge weight off your shoulder.
Looking forward to read #christmasatlobsterbay now!
But she didn’t know that we the house she had acquired a dog as well, and with only a month before the fist guests arrival, she has to not only fix the precarious fittings of the house and rely on her unfriendly neighbour, but she needs to be able to look after the dog.
A nice and lighthearted read to dive into this season.
Reading about Wilbur made me miss my dog so much, reading about Emma’s ever growing relationship with the dog was cute and heartwarming.
I’ve appreciated as well the fact that the author lets the reader understand that sharing your burdens with people you are close to, even if initially you think they might not understand, will life a huge weight off your shoulder.
Looking forward to read #christmasatlobsterbay now!
July 7, 2021
A little gem.
A contemporary romance which touches on gritty topics such as PTSD. Listening to Eilidh Beaton narrate this provided a magical escape and enabled me to visualise Lobster Bay as an idyllic place to live. With a variety of well developed characters, they all brought something to the charming storyline.
Emma experiences a traumatic and life changing event in her life which leads her to re-evaluate everything in her life. She buys a large guesthouse without viewing it in person and moves to the Scottish Town of Lobster Bay.
Will the Guesthouse be everything she has dreamt of?
I loved listening to this audiobook. I thought it had just the right about of romance for it not to be mushy, but also touching on grittier aspects of life. It has all the good feels and is pure escapism.
It's never to late to start over!
A contemporary romance which touches on gritty topics such as PTSD. Listening to Eilidh Beaton narrate this provided a magical escape and enabled me to visualise Lobster Bay as an idyllic place to live. With a variety of well developed characters, they all brought something to the charming storyline.
Emma experiences a traumatic and life changing event in her life which leads her to re-evaluate everything in her life. She buys a large guesthouse without viewing it in person and moves to the Scottish Town of Lobster Bay.
Will the Guesthouse be everything she has dreamt of?
I loved listening to this audiobook. I thought it had just the right about of romance for it not to be mushy, but also touching on grittier aspects of life. It has all the good feels and is pure escapism.
It's never to late to start over!
September 20, 2021
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕪 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜!
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay
By Annie Robertson
Emma our leading lady experiences a traumatic experience when a suicide bomer goes off during a shopping trip on Christmas Eve in London.
This triggers some life changing decisions which causes Emma to impulsively buy The Lobster Bay guesthouse in Scotland.
Emma falls in love with the outdated rundown old place but she is positive that her interior design skills with a bit of elbow grease will have the place ship shape in no time.
In Emma's haste in signing the contract she wasn't aware that an enormous dog was thrown in with the deeds, now there's a surprise!
Wibur is just the cutest!🐶
This book is...
🦞Full of fun
🦞A Summery Read
🦞Cute Romance
🦞The Perfect escape
🦞A Heartwarming hug in a book
I just loved it!
So that's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!🤓
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay
By Annie Robertson
Emma our leading lady experiences a traumatic experience when a suicide bomer goes off during a shopping trip on Christmas Eve in London.
This triggers some life changing decisions which causes Emma to impulsively buy The Lobster Bay guesthouse in Scotland.
Emma falls in love with the outdated rundown old place but she is positive that her interior design skills with a bit of elbow grease will have the place ship shape in no time.
In Emma's haste in signing the contract she wasn't aware that an enormous dog was thrown in with the deeds, now there's a surprise!
Wibur is just the cutest!🐶
This book is...
🦞Full of fun
🦞A Summery Read
🦞Cute Romance
🦞The Perfect escape
🦞A Heartwarming hug in a book
I just loved it!
So that's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!🤓
June 14, 2021
I kindly received an eARC advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley.
Emma leaves work one Christmas Eve and on her way home is sadly caught up in a bomb attack. She ends up giving up her job as an interior designer, leaving her long term boyfriend that she realises is not “the one”, and buying a tired guesthouse in the Scottish town of Lobster Bay.
Her decorating skills are pulled into use when she arrives at the guesthouse. She doesn’t realise at the time of sale that the well-priced house comes with a very large dog, or an attractive neighbour who is keen to help Emma fix up the property.
I really enjoyed this book. Not too frivolous, making new friends in town and a little romance 🥰📚A good read!
Emma leaves work one Christmas Eve and on her way home is sadly caught up in a bomb attack. She ends up giving up her job as an interior designer, leaving her long term boyfriend that she realises is not “the one”, and buying a tired guesthouse in the Scottish town of Lobster Bay.
Her decorating skills are pulled into use when she arrives at the guesthouse. She doesn’t realise at the time of sale that the well-priced house comes with a very large dog, or an attractive neighbour who is keen to help Emma fix up the property.
I really enjoyed this book. Not too frivolous, making new friends in town and a little romance 🥰📚A good read!
July 2, 2021
With thanks to #Netgalley and #WellbeckPublishingUK for an ARC of #TheGuesthouseAtLobsterBay by #AnnieRobertson.
Emma has been through a tough time after witnessing a terror attack, she realises she needs a fresh start. The guesthouse at Lobstet Bay, ticks all the boxes and Emma hopes it will offer the safe place she needs to heal.
Things look less certain when Emma gets the keys and realises the task that lies ahead of her.
With the addition of an elderly oversized hound and a handsome neighbournn how will Emma’s new life work out in Lobster Bay.
This is a lovely, light read. Written well with some great humour and feel good romance.
The book fairies tell me that a sequel is on it’s way too.
Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 4, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Annie Robertson and Welbeck Publishing UK for the ARC of The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay. This is my personal review.
Emma witnessed a terror attack, and she knew her life had to change. She did just that – she quit her job, dumped her boyfriend, and bought a Guesthouse without ever seeing it and moved to Scotland.
The view from her Guesthouse is amazing and she knows with her skills as an interior designer she can make this a wonderful place. Things do not go as she had imagined. She makes new friends, and her life does make sense for her after all she has been through.
The cast of people in this book makes the story blend together and it all fits so well.
I am looking forward to coming back to Lobster Bay.
Emma witnessed a terror attack, and she knew her life had to change. She did just that – she quit her job, dumped her boyfriend, and bought a Guesthouse without ever seeing it and moved to Scotland.
The view from her Guesthouse is amazing and she knows with her skills as an interior designer she can make this a wonderful place. Things do not go as she had imagined. She makes new friends, and her life does make sense for her after all she has been through.
The cast of people in this book makes the story blend together and it all fits so well.
I am looking forward to coming back to Lobster Bay.
July 19, 2021
This feel good light hearted read, follows the story of Emma, who has recently purchased The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay in a less than average standard! She undertakes the lows and highs of renovations and I found myself very quickly emotionally invested in her progress, willing for her to succeed in her dreams. Entwined into this is, Emma finds a love interest in new neighbour Aidan, who just happens to be a builder...I can neither confirm nor deny if Aidan feels the same about Emma - No spoilers here!
This will appeal to anyone who has undertaken a big building project at home, as well as anyone who loves an amusing, charming romantic story, perfect for reading in the sunshine!
Thank you Welbeck Publishing for a gifted copy of this, in exchange for a honest voluntary review.
This will appeal to anyone who has undertaken a big building project at home, as well as anyone who loves an amusing, charming romantic story, perfect for reading in the sunshine!
Thank you Welbeck Publishing for a gifted copy of this, in exchange for a honest voluntary review.
July 21, 2021
After experiencing a horrific event, Emma decides to leave her boyfriend, job and life in London. Looking through places to visit in the U.K, Emma discovers Lobster Bay in Scotland and her dream home and business for sale there. On a sudden whim, she makes an offer and the offer is excepted. The beautiful guesthouse that she buys ends up with a lot more problems than she bargained for, including a dog and a very rude but handsome neighbour.
This book is the perfect summer read. It’s funny, romantic and has the perfect mix of warm, endearing characters. The setting is beautiful and I loved reading about the guest houses makeover. I can’t wait to read the next instalment, Christmas at Lobster Bay!
Thanks to Maddie @welbeck for the gifted copy!
This book is the perfect summer read. It’s funny, romantic and has the perfect mix of warm, endearing characters. The setting is beautiful and I loved reading about the guest houses makeover. I can’t wait to read the next instalment, Christmas at Lobster Bay!
Thanks to Maddie @welbeck for the gifted copy!
August 1, 2022
After surviving a terrorist attack, Emma decides to change her life. She dumps her boyfriend, quits her job and buys a guest house in Scotland, sight unseen.
In Lobster Bay, she realises there is more to the guesthouse than she originally thought, with hard work and new friends Emma is determined to make a success out of it. That also means talking to the handsome Aidan, her new, standoffish next-door neighbour.
Loved this book, I can’t wait to read the Christmas adventures of Emma and Lobster Bay.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In Lobster Bay, she realises there is more to the guesthouse than she originally thought, with hard work and new friends Emma is determined to make a success out of it. That also means talking to the handsome Aidan, her new, standoffish next-door neighbour.
Loved this book, I can’t wait to read the Christmas adventures of Emma and Lobster Bay.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 10, 2021
The Guesthouse at Lobster Bay was a shortish but gripping read,
After witnessing a terror attack Emma gives up everything and buys the guesthouse sight unseen. When she arrives she finds there's far more than she bargained for. Will she manage? What other surprises might there be?
I loved this book, it made me laugh out loud plenty of times, and cry my eyes out at others. The characters are all well-written and believable and the pace was fast in all the right places.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
After witnessing a terror attack Emma gives up everything and buys the guesthouse sight unseen. When she arrives she finds there's far more than she bargained for. Will she manage? What other surprises might there be?
I loved this book, it made me laugh out loud plenty of times, and cry my eyes out at others. The characters are all well-written and believable and the pace was fast in all the right places.
Definitely a book I would recommend.
December 6, 2025
No fue un libro horrible pero si muuuy soso. La sinopsis me llamó pero al final nada que ver. No hay romance alguno en "la pareja" ni un protagonista masculino porque ni aparece casi y cuando aparece es plano. Plano al igual que la protagonista. El protagonista sería más que nada el perro.
Los diálogos se sienten inconclusos al igual que las escenas. Tampoco entendí porque decidió meter algunas escenas intercaladas sobre el pasado, si en dichas escenas no pasa nada que no nos hubiesen contado ya y no aportaban nada.
Los diálogos se sienten inconclusos al igual que las escenas. Tampoco entendí porque decidió meter algunas escenas intercaladas sobre el pasado, si en dichas escenas no pasa nada que no nos hubiesen contado ya y no aportaban nada.
October 18, 2021
I really liked this book,great characters and location.
I liked how the book opened there was some lol moments.
I would of liked more detail about hotel/local area and much much much much much less about Wilbur,without all the dog details it would of been a 5⭐️.
Easy read but not without raising awareness for PTSD ! which was written sensitivity but informative.
I will read the 2nd book of the series
I liked how the book opened there was some lol moments.
I would of liked more detail about hotel/local area and much much much much much less about Wilbur,without all the dog details it would of been a 5⭐️.
Easy read but not without raising awareness for PTSD ! which was written sensitivity but informative.
I will read the 2nd book of the series
June 21, 2025
The start wasn't what I was expecting, and this then coloured my connection with the book. Sadly, the main protagonist just never gelled for me - it felt very 'watching from above' and not engaging enough, which further compounded in making the heroine unsympathetic if not entirely unlikeable at times
July 7, 2021
This was a lovely book, out of a disaster comes happiness, I liked the characters and look forward to revisiting them in the Christmas book, a very easy read that keeps you wondering and wanting to know more, which for me is a sign of a good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews