As the waves crash against the boat, Nicole wonders if the island will be as magical as she remembers… Will it offer her the new beginning she’s been searching for?When Nicole finds herself in need of a new start, she instantly thinks of Morwen Island. She remembers the beautiful, remote place from her student days and, as she thinks of its cobbled streets and salty sea air, she wonders if this might be the place where she can begin again…As she settles into island life, Nicole begins to feel like her old self. And when a knock on her cottage door brings handsome local Josh, who she remembers from her time on the island, she is instantly attracted to his charming smile. With their shared passion for the island’s wildlife, they spend more time together, and soon Nicole finds it hard to ignore her growing feelings. But is her fragile heart ready to embrace the possibility of love once more?When Josh suggests they investigate the supposedly haunted old house where Nicole lived as a student, she is forced to put her feelings for him to one side. She recalls the past heartache she felt there all too well and, as she looks up at the crumbling old building, she wonders whether the locals are right. Does the house still have secrets to hide?As she explores, Nicole learns about the women who lived there during the Second World War, a long-forgotten family secret, and a loss that will break her heart…As Nicole pieces together what really happened during the war, she feels a stronger pull to the island than ever before. Will she be able to uncover what became of the women who lived in the old house? And, if she does, will she learn from their story, and open her heart to a new life with her one true love on Morwen Island?
Having had a career in psychology, Rebecca Alexander decided to take time out to raise and home educate six children - and home educate herself with an MA in Creative Writing. The Secrets of Life and Death (2013) was a runner up in the 2011 novel writing competition with Mslexia and an agent and book deal for three books ensued. The Secrets of Blood and Bone (2014) and The Secrets of Time and Fate (2016) were published by Del Rey UK. With a historical strand exploring 16th century sorcery and a contemporary story about revenants, the books enjoyed a fantasy readership.
Since then, A Baby's Bones will be published by Titan Books (May 1 2018) and is decidedly crime. A sequel comes out next April, and the books follow the work of an archaeologist trying to solve crimes in the past. And staying safe in the present, with the help of Felix Guichard from the Secrets series. Things are still going bump in the night.
Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander is a wonderful addition to The Island Cottage series. There is a strong message in this novel. How the beauty of island life can have a healing effect on injured hearts and bodies.
The call of a dream when a person is in pain physically, mentally or spiritually becomes the lifeline of that person’s soul. A place to find hope again, joy and refreshment. The Prologue of this novel clearly sings of this message. Nicole is broken. Severely wounded from a car accident. She must find her way back to herself—to that person of confidence. It is a tough journey of rehabilitation but she must make it. And once knowing she will never be the same, she learns to work with what she has left and to do the most menial tasks in a new way.
This story speaks volumes on the topic of physical disabilities and Post Traumatic Stress. When a piece of us is removed or disfigured for whatever reason, we do not feel whole. Loss of mobility or limbs due to an injury claws at our self-esteem. It can empty our reserves of confidence quickly. How do we do the things we once took for granted? Leap quickly off a rock or bed, step effortlessly up a flight of stairs, run easily on a piece of grass, skip freely across a beach. To someone who has lost this ability, it is devastating. Reliving the experience in a nightmare is horrifying, too. Then there is another kind of loss: of a child or another loved one. How do we go forward feeling the emptiness from their absence?
This novel is told in two timelines: each echoing similar experiences by different persons. The present day begins with Nicole, the woman who has been in a car accident. She longs to return to her favourite island. Many happy memories were nurtured there. It was a time when she was ‘in love with life’ (snorkelling, boat trips, lobster catches, free-diving for scallops). These sweet memories linger in her thoughts and it is natural for her to want to feel some of that joy again. She hopes that her year-long stay will allow her to recapture those happy feelings. Little does she know that this special Island will infuse its community spirit into her life. It is here where people come together in times of need and help each other over the rough patches. Plus, also join in and celebrate others’ personal victories. The warmth and closeness of Island dwellers can be a tender balm. Of course, secrets never stay secrets long in a community such as this. But what does that matter? For the good outweighs any hassle.
Nicole learns this quickly. And she falls in love with the island again. But she does not expect to find a man who shares her environmental passions. Someone who does not care that she has scars or has been physically wounded. For the first time she is comfortable with another person, exposing her vulnerabilities. This island nature warden, Josh, seems perfect for her. But can she trust in love again? As she spends time on the island and slowly heals, she realises what she really needs to fulfil her dreams.
And then there is an old crumbling haunted house, where Nicole lived as a student. It harbours some mystifying secrets. Josh suggests they should investigate it. We are taken back to the past of WW2 where everything unfolds. In this timeline of 1941, we learn what has been hidden as we follow the lives of Lily, James, Bernie, Oliver and Emma. They are a diverse group who deal with some ‘heavy emotional baggage’. But change comes and life goes forward for each of them. For ‘the war has made everything different.’ They have all had trauma that left them with scars. But here I will single out Lily. She has experienced great personal loss, and although her heartbreak will never be erased, time will deliver a new gift that will set her on a path of healing. And this new joy will touch the others, too.
Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea is a moving story of restoration where the issues of physical disfigurement are explored, where a grief stricken heart is understood, and scars are noticed but each person moves toward a path of healing that is right for them. You cannot help but care about these characters who are on a journey to wholeness. Rebecca’s beautiful island descriptions and heart felt plots draw you in quickly. Emotions run high as we experience each character’s grief, celebrate their hard earned accomplishments and cheer them across the finish line. It is a fulfilling uplifting read that I certainly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
A beautiful story about a young woman, Nicole, searching for a new beginning. She needs a new start in life after a horrific car accident. Will going to Morwen Island give her what she is seeking? The is the third book in The Island Cottage series by Rebecca Alexander. It can be read as a standalone with no problem. The story is told in two timelines…..present day with Nicole and Lily in the past. The past time frame of World War 2 was so intriguing. The story shows how you can get past physical challenges and heart wrenching grief. Once I started reading Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea, I was so immersed in the story I couldn’t stop reading it. I highly recommend this series. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Having read the previous books in The Cottage by the Sea series, I couldn’t wait to dive into Rebecca Alexander's latest instalment, Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea; the third title based on the Atlantic island of Morwen.
Recovering from devastating injuries sustained after a horrific car crash, Nicole is slowly trying to piece together her life. She rents a cottage on an island where she lived during her student days and hopes, a complete change of scenery will help her heal and regain strength whilst deciding what she wants to do with her life.
Readers are instantly confronted with the challenges Nicole faces as soon as she arrives on Morwen. Those who are familiar with the series will quickly recognise familiar characters as she settles into her new home for a year. It isn’t long before her passion for nature conservation leads to a meeting with Josh, the local wildlife warden.
Ms. Alexander’s beautiful island descriptions draw the reader quickly into this duel timeline novel. The overall feel of the narrative is uplifting; exploring the power of community support, the beauty of the natural world, and the resilience of the human spirit. The protagonists are both mourning their losses, creating empathy and an unexpected connection. All this is artfully interwoven with the history and secrets of the cottage during WWII. The characters are relatable and inspiring, and their stories remind us that even in the face of adversity there is hope.
Overall, Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea is a must-read for anyone seeking a heart-warming and uplifting story. I also highly recommend the other novels in this tremendous series; all are stand-alone. ***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley***
Nicole is in need of a fresh start and a new beginning. Morwen Island is the perfect place for her to be for that new beginning. She remembers being there many years ago and her memory takes her back to that island that she knows as her paradise. When Nicole starts to settle into the beautiful island, she meets local resident Josh. Josh remembers her from when she was on the island before. The attraction between them was immediate, and they enjoyed their time together exploring the island wildlife. This could be exactly what Nicole needed in her life. But when Josh suggests exploring an old house that she lived in as a student, she hesitantly agrees knowing the loss she experienced there. Will she uncover the events of her past, and piece together the things she lost build her new found future?
I was so happy to return to Morwen Island. I could feel the sun on my face while strolling on the beach. I was taken back to the cobblestone streets and the wonderful people that lived there. I absolutely love the mystery in this story…what great plot twists and turns. This story was very intriguing, heart-warming and inspiring. I love stories of second chances and new beginnings. This book hits all the feels. Thank you Rebecca Alexander for an amazing story, I loved it and I highly recommend it.
A gorgeous dual timeline romance Where visitors yearn for a second chance. Both are struggling after a life-changing event and Returns to where they once loved to go.
An accident, amputation and pain Leave Nicole seeking to begin again. She came to Morwen Island as a student years ago Happy memories, happy times she again wants to know.
During the war, Lily returned hoping to gain relief After her marriage is in turmoil as both suffer from grief. Will spending time with family in this island setting Help her to heal though never forgetting?
With the gorgeous settings, brilliantly brought to life, Along with events full of romance and strife, This is an emotional read, moving and more, Another in this series that I truly adore.
I like how the contrasting times are portrayed, How opportunities occur and choices are made. The characters come alive within the story and so I really hope you'll also give it a go!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you, As I share with you this, my honest review.
I read the second book in the series and loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. I love the setting of this series. I live so far from water and can only imagine the beauty of seeing it every day. I love that series explores the restorative power of the small island setting. While this works as a stand alone book, there is a treat of seeing previous book’s characters as you read this one.
I like the dual timelines and how they tie together with Nicole and Josh researching the history and secrets of the island. It explores how grief, trauma and scars both physical and mental are healed. How there is hope in the midst of a struggle. I usually favor one timeline over another when there are dual timelines and in this one I found myself immersed in both of them.
This was a refreshing and uplifting read for me. Such the opposite of the crime and mystery thrillers I read that are full of the bad side of life. It was nice to read and root for Nicole to get her fresh start.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
I need to book a vacation at this Island Cottage, Morwen Island is beautiful and mysterious. This is the third book in the Island Cottage series and I think this was my favourite book of the series so far. It could easily be read as a stand alone book.
Nicole, recovering from injuries, decides to rent a cottage on Morwen Island, the island she spent time on as a student. As she settles in she feels rested and starts to feel more like herself and then chance brings Josh into her life. She remembers Josh from her previous time on the island and as they get closer, she wonders if she is ready to love again. Nicole and Josh delve into the history of the island and try to solve a mystery together. Who was the previous resident of her cottage and what happened to her. Loved the way this story was told and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Book 3 of this series didn’t disappoint at all. Another dual timeline book but the author manages to keep our interest going in both stories.
In today’s world, Nichole, reeling from the terrible effects of an accident, comes to Morwen Island to take a break and to heal. She’s been here as a student and sees it as a quiet place to rest. She doesn’t bargain for the community reeling her in and one man, Josh, grabbing her attention the way he does! Their shared love of the ecology sees them working together and might change Nichole’s future course of action.
In World War 2 times, Lily, comes to live with her cousin on the main, to mourn her losses. When she hears of a another cousin who needs support, she rushes to help. How this decides the course of her future makes for the second story in this beautiful book.
Loss, grief, emotional baggage, and a beautiful community and their extended familes that helps both these women to heal is the common thread that runs through both stories.
Beautiful settings, great characters, raw emotion and healing from pain through love and community make this another lovely read from this author.
I absolutely loved Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea not just for the story, but for what it quietly stands for.
What made this book truly special for me was how naturally it wove in the protection of the sea. The coastline isn’t just a backdrop; it’s something precious, vulnerable, and worth caring for. In today’s world, that felt both refreshing and deeply relevant. It never felt preachy just human, grounded, and full of heart.
The sense of place, the healing journey, the echoes between past and present, and the way community and stewardship are shown through everyday choices all stayed with me long after I turned the final page. A gentle but powerful reminder that loving a place also means protecting it.
A beautiful, emotional read and one that feels quietly important.
I loved the two time lines and the way they are threaded together. I've enjoyed the first two books in this series, and love the way their stories intertwine. I felt I could hear the passing of time and enjoyed getting to know each character. Lilly, is lovely and the way she interacts with Emma is very touching. The story of Nicole and her journey back to life and love have me hope. Th Island is the character that binds them all together. Can't wait for book 4.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea sees us revisit the wonderful Atlantic islands off the Cornish coast for Nicole's story - she first visited the islands as a student and decided to return while she was between jobs and coming to terms with her injury. This is told in the present day whilst we also learn about Emma and Lily who tell their story in 1941. Both women broken by accidents, can they be repaired in the islands.. I'm so loving this series and hope there'll be another one!
I love this book but had to treat it as two books. This is third in the series and reading the series in order is best but in the other two she used the vehicle of back and forth between the story in the past and the present day story. That’s just confusing. So I decided to read the past story first, start to end then the modern the same. That way I enjoyed both much, much more. But at the end of the day - great book!!
This author is so good, i felt like I was there on the island. Nicole and Josh's story is heart warming. The story highlights that all of life's obstacles can be over come, healing is possible. Highly recommend this book, series although each book can be read as a standalone.
A romance novel that takes place over two different periods of time... The part in the past I enjoyed much more,, the part in the present, not so much. I did enjoy the description of Morwen Island however. I will probably not recommend.
I enjoyed this book much more than book 2. I found the two stories easier to follow and equally interesting. They linked together and I could follow this also once the story got going. Really good read. Now on to book 4.
This is the 3 rd book in a series that I continue to enjoy. It has been easy to follow two different stories presented a different time lines because the change occurs each chapter and the chapters are not long. Each book has its own storyline which has been enjoyable
I enjoyed this story of a woman recovering on the islands after a terrible accident, and the dual timeline with a woman in the 1940s, but the endings both seemed a bit rushed.