A Cottage Full of Secrets by Jane Lovering #Review

 

We are back to the Yorkshire Moors for amn uplifting romcom from Jane Lovering. A Cottage Full of Secrets was published by Boldwood on February 15th. 

Cottage Two, Bracken Ridge Farm sits at the end of a pitted track, with the glorious Yorkshire moors stretching behind it. 

Just a simple two up, two down, the cottage holds the promise of a new start for two very different women, but it is also full of secrets.

Fifty years ago, newly-wed Stella is relishing making the little cottage a happy home. But for all the lovingly handmade curtains, and the hot dinners ready on the table for her husband, Stella’s dreams of married life jar painfully with the truth.

Fifty years later, the cottage is a new beginning for Tamzin. Determined to get away from her previous life, she makes the move to the wild and vast Yorkshire countryside.

When Tamzin finds a sepia photo of a woman, Stella, standing in the cottage’s garden, there’s a sadness in her eyes that Tamzin recognises.  As the cottage reveals more of its secrets, Tamzin is desperate to find out whether Stella got her happy ending.  And as she gradually makes new friends, and starts to win over her mysterious neighbour Euan, Tamzin dares to dream about her own happy ending too…

Escape the rat race with this heart-warming, page-turning new novel from Jane Lovering. Perfect for fans of Julie Houston, Beth O’Leary and Kate Forster.

My Thoughts

I was totally brought into the world which Jane Lovering has created in this romcom. Tamzin and Euan are both such interesting characters who have been damaged by past relationships. Although on the surface, this is a gentle and heart-warming romance, there is quite a dark side to some of the issues which are hidden. Tamzin and Euan recognise in each other their vulnerabilities. Nature and the environment seem to have a healing quality which offers them some hope and a chance to connect with what is important.

    The secondary characters who come and go all add to the humour of the story and offer a glimpse of a well balanced and hopeful way of life. There is also a very important member of Tamzin's family, Brack the fox, and his story is so touching. He helps Tamzin to heal and gives her focus. At one point, your heart breaks for her. Cottage no. 2 contains an intriguing story which you learn about through flashbacks. The cottage literally hides some secrets and almost feels like a character in the story. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel which shows that bravery does not have to be displayed in bold but can be an intrinsic part of a much quieter way of life.

In short: second chances, friendships and love with some bitter secrets. 

About the Author

Jane Lovering is the bestselling and award-winning romantic comedy writer who won the RNA Novel of the Year Award in 2012 with Please Don’t Stop the Music. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home. Her first title for Boldwood was published in September 2020.

You can follow Jane here:  Twitter  | Facebook |  Website   |  Bookbub  |  Newsletter Sign up

Book links: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Jane Lovering, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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