SYNOPSIS: Some might call it running away . . .
But after a scandalous Hollywood divorce, Blythe Stowe considered it damage control for body and soul. The pain, the humiliation, the daily tabloids shouting details as her famous husband dumped her for her own sister demanded a serious getaway: to the wild coast of Cornwall and a cottage by the sea that her Wyoming grandmother claimed had been home to her ancestors.
Some might call it chance . . .
But Blythe encountered more than just a quaint retreat nestled amid vivid skies and gorgeous ocean. And she had the odd sensation that her wickedly handsome neighbor Lucas Teague was more than a British gentleman going broke. He might be her destiny.
My Thoughts: Let me just say that Ciji Ware is quickly moving up in rank on my list of favorite authors! I am so grateful that Sourcebooks is re-issuing her books, I don't think I would have found them any other way and that for sure would have been tragic!
A Cottage by the Sea
is about a woman running way from her present, discovering a connection to her ancestors, all the while attempting to come to terms with her past and finding true love along the way.Blythe is a Hollywood production designer and her husband a famous director. When she discovers him cheating on her with her sister and knowing the media storm will soon be at her back, Blythe decides to hide out and travels to the gorgeous coast of Cornwall England, where family legend had it that her ancestors had lived.
The cottage she rents is owned by a widower named Lucas Teague, who lives in the adjoining manor, Barton Hall. Upon meeting her handsome, British landlord at Barton Manor Blythe is inexplicably drawn to his family tree. But what happens when she lays her hands upon it is wild! Have you ever wondered if events from our ancestor's pasts can be forever engraved in our own DNA? Have you ever felt connected to a certain place and can't understand why? The real heart of the story is based around these intriguing questions and I was utterly fascinated! I can't really speculate on the validity of the arguments presented, but it was fun to read!
Besides the supernatural aspect, there is also a very heart-warming love story between Blythe and Lucas. They are both trying to heal emotionally and to open themselves up to love again. While Blythe is feisty and Southern, Lucas is more reserved and an English man through and through, but opposites attract and these two cannot run from it! Be prepared for some steamy scenes, though they weren’t as numerous or as descriptive as the ones in Island of the Swans
. I’m not one that’s bothered with sex scenes, but I only mention it here because some reviewers thought it was a bit too much in Island of the Swans.Now I will say that there was one thing that got on my nerves a bit and that was when Blythe kept referring to her grandmother and the southern quotes, but the rest of the novel was so good that I can overlook that part!
Chock full of humor, raw emotion, love, redemption and forgiveness, A Cottage by the Sea
is a book I would recommend to everyone!NOVEL SOUNDTRACK: Motherland by Natalie Merchant (LISTEN HERE)
I also have really enjoyed Ciji Ware's novels. I read both Island of the Swans and Cottage...., and enjoyed them both. I like you am part of the Ware Fan Club.
ReplyDeleteNice review too!!
I liked this one a lot too, but I did think there was a small misstep at the end. I will be reading more from this author though.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading about your excitement with this book and am glad to read your review and see that you loved it! I just bought Island of the Swans and am hoping that I enjoy it as much as you did!! Thanks for the great review!!
ReplyDeleteI loved two of her books, can't wait to read some more!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books but I think I'll be adding this one to the list.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about the quoting. THat worked my nerves as well. I probably blocke dthem out and that's why I didn't remember :)
ReplyDelete