The Beach Cottage

Coral Island #2

by Lilly Mirren

She says that she’s his daughter. Could the shocking claim be true? Beatrice is speechless. It’s something she never expected — a secret daughter. She and Aiden have only just renewed their romance, after decades apart, and he never mentioned a child. Did he know she existed? Their budding relationship may not survive a scandal this big. Penny’s brother comes back into her life along with her high school nemesis, his best friend. There’s one rule her brother has always held his friends to — no dating his sister. But she’s an adult now, does the rule still stand? Plus the friend has information about the photos that were found hidden inside the cottage walls. However, his revelation may uncover more questions than answers. Taya’s coming to terms with the new competition in town, an upscale resort built by her very own father. It could mean the end for the Blue Shoal Inn. Then Beatrice’s ex-husband comes back into the picture and throws a spanner into the works with a shocking announcement.

The Coral Island series is full of family drama, sweet romance, renewal, mystery, and friendship. This is the second book in the series and ends on a cliff hanger. Be sure to read book 1, The Island, before starting this one.

Genres: Fiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2022

About the author

Lilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.

She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.

"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine

Reviews

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing on from the first book in the series Bea and Aiden's budding romance is side tracked when a young girl claims that he is her father, something that he wasn't aware of. Penny, who runs a wildlife rescue centre, meets up with an old adversary Rowan, could there be a budding romance there as well?
It does make a nice change having the central characters being not so young, but their new relationships still aren't straightforward. The location still sounds idyllic (no spiders this time) and is certainly a place I'd love to visit. There is an increased level of mystery, with some photos found hidden that may have some bearing on a murder that had taken place years before. There is one more book due in this series and I am certainly looking forward to reading it to hear how the relationships go and to find out the truth behind the murder.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up where The Island (Book 1 in Coral Island series) finished, Aidan is introduced to his "daughter" at Beatrice's party, leaving Bea and her friends speechless. Aidan needs time away to spend with his newly found daughter, as Bea and her friends look into the murder of Penny's grandmother years ago. Why are so many people secretive about it? Penny's brother visits, along with his friend Rowan, someone she verbally sparred with all through high school, teasing and sarcastically joking with each other. So why does Penny feel something different now? Can they have a relationship, even though Penny's brother has a rule for his friends--no dating his sister? Mystery, romance, friendships and so much more fill The Beach Cottage and make it a fascinating page-turner! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series. It picks up where the last book ended. Bea has just reunited with her high school boyfriend, Aiden, when his daughter, that he didn’t know he had, comes to live with him. Aiden feels he needs time to get to know his daughter and breaks up with Bea. Penny meets up with an old classmate as well and begins to have feelings for him. In the meantime, the four friends try to solve the mystery of Penny’s grandmother’s murder. There seems to be many secrets surrounding the murder. The book ends with a cliffhanger as the first book did. Really looking forward to the next book. I love Lily Mirren books!

[Rose Mcclarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea now lives in the renovated beach house but her daughter Dani has decided to go back to university for interior design. Now Bea is by herself but her cafe is up and running and though tiring she loves it. Before Dani heads back to school they decide to have a big bonfire on the beach as a going away party and things are going well with Aiden so everything seems good until an uninvited 14 year old shows up calling Aiden Dad. So many twists and turns and as if they don't have enough to do Bea and the girls decide to investigate Penny's grandmothers murder. The plot thickens and just to make things more interesting Preston shows up. Lot of surprises going on. Great read, really enjoying this book and the series.

[Karn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first book in this series so bought #2. This one I really struggled with. There were a lot of inconsistencies and the story dragged. The author needs to decide what she is naming her characters then stick with whatever she chooses. Beatrice or Bea, Dani or Danita… doesn’t matter just make it somewhat consistent. In some cases she uses both names in the same paragraph, making it seem like there are additional characters.

This author could benefit from a good editor cleaning up poorly written sentences and inconsistencies that would make her books stronger.

Also, this book is the classic tv cliffhanger. While I would like to know the answer to the mystery, I am not invested in the story enough to buy the remaining 4 books.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in a series about life and its ups and downs on Coral Island south of the equator in Australia. It sounds lovely with beautiful people with lives filled with family, friends and events that affect all of them. A couple generations ago, there was a murder on that island and secrets are coming out about how all this happened so long ago. Imagine finding something hidden in a cottage that is true history of the citizens there. The writing is excellent, and I love the author that has shared such a great story, but I can hardly wait for the conclusion in the next book.

[Janet Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrigue and Love
This book is the second in a series. There is a story arc that carries through each book in a cozy mystery and family secrets fashion. The main story is about the changing lives of middle-aged women who are in love again. This story goes fast to the point that it felt rushed and lacking in necessary details. It also has a major 'Soap Opera' feel to it. Rather than it being a sweet and mature romance, it is gossipy. I am not sure how I feel about that, but I will continue the series.

[Margaret Shumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I am enjoying this series but a warning, theses are not stand alone but all part of one, so if you hate cliff hangers, these are not for you. The setting is Australia, which I love and the island near the Great Barrier reef is beautifully described, I would love to visit. The characters are interesting, there is a bit of romance and mystery to spice things up. These are easy, no actress ful reads so enjoy.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Coral Island series. This book has it all; beautiful setting, wonderful characters, mystery, drama and romance. It's well written and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. Loved it and can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot thickens!

I'm really enjoying this series! A little bit of intrigue, A little bit of romance and a peek at life in a country on the other side of the world! So interesting! So alike yet so different! City life versus island life. An escape from being confined by old age imprisoned by poor health!

[debmar50]

Ugh

I like the story, the characters and the writing. It's a series and so far book 1 and 2 are cliffhangers. This book was not long at all. I have a thing against cliffhangers so I might not continue. Idk yet. Set in Australia and entertaining.

[Linda Murphree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I like the development of the varied characters without feeling like you're skipping around too quickly. The story is easy to follow. Lots of family, old friends getting together in the story. Great, relaxing read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery and figuring life out

This story is about a group of women, who were friends in high school, but all ended up back on the island. They all are dealing with their own struggles. Then some old pictures sends them on a quest to get info about a murder. Good read.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful continuation of "Coral Island": I thoroughly enjoyed reading and waiting patiently for the next book

[Maryanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was book 2 of 2 but the saga continues :)

[pat s green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Book 2 was just as amazing as the first one. I’m falling in love with the people on coral island. Can’t wait to read book 3!!

[Pat Haan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the story was fun. But NEVER end book on cliffhanger hoping to sell more books. A real turnoff.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are just fun, cute and easy reads and you get attached to the characters

[Divina]

very interesting read

Interesting to know how sudden twists that are in the story. Keep the readers want to know more. Very intriguing.

[Denice Hein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet love story both romantic and friendships! Love the Australian accent of the narrator. Love the characters, can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Val Penner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for GR

[Robin Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like it so much that I’m now on the fourth book in the series!