The subject matter here is heavier than Hunter usually deals with, but it's so well-handled and beautifully done that readers will have much to ponder throughout. Issues such as marital infidelity, divorce and sexual abuse are explored in a thoughtful, God-honoring way. And the exploration of what love should look like in marriage and in general is very deep and contemplative. This is a novel that can help facilitate healing.
After his heartbreaking divorce from Josephine, Noah leaves his family construction company and begins working on a horse ranch out in the country. A letter arrives from the IRS telling him that his divorce to Josephine has never been finalized, so the two of them are still married. Noah sets out to re-file the paperwork, but a situation puts both he and Josephine together for a few days. As Josephine shares information about her past, both of them begin looking at each other in a different light and try to explore what God might have in store for their relationship.

This one is sweet, lovely redemption story, full of dark secrets and the places where the lights get in.

Imagine you fall for a sweet, hot girl with a good heart. Your friends stay reserved in the face of your whirlwind romance, but you could not care less. You marry her within months - and within several months more, she is cheating on you. Divorce.
Common story, right?
Then you realize that you are still married because of the administrative mistake.
Oh wells, this is unpleasant, but workable.
But now you have to spend a time together to finish your divorce papers.

Common Hallmark love story, right?
Think again.

I love how Denise Hunter is not shy of dark, difficult topics!!! Many exclamation points, because this shows that she understands. That she sees that life is neither simple nor easy and that the behaviour might be very well based on past hurts. This is very important because this knowledge might humanize the reasons behind someone’s behaviour (of course this is not always the case and also one still needs to take responsibility - but often there is more to the story than meets the eye).

Also - the topic of the unconditional love is important. For humans, to love unconditionally is near impossible and so often it seems like a foolishness. We need God to lead us here.

As for the readoning behind 4 stars - Noah is somehow less rich character than Josephine is. I would love to see his brokenness, too.

But still, this is one enriching romance big on heart, understanding and hope. We simply need more of that on our lives. And Denise Hunter has yet to disappoint me! She is that good.

Recommended read.

SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE is not the first book I've ever read by Denise Hunter and it definitely won't be the last. The twists and turns keep coming and I had to know how it was going to end! Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, a few pages later, Ms. Hunter threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong! I'm kicking myself for not reading this wonderful novel sooner. I knew I was going to love this story just by the description. Don't forget your tissues!! Plan on not getting much sleep until you finish this suspenseful story!


SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE is a quick read and unputdownable! I can't believe it took me two years to get to this wonderful story! Isn't the cover gorgeous? Josephine and Noah find out that they are still married after Noah received a letter from the IRS. They can't believe this news as they thought the paperwork was filed for their divorce. The back and forth comments from Noah and Josephine are hysterical and you will find yourself laughing out loud. If you are looking for a great story with lots of heart to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE. I’m so excited to read more by Denise Hunter.


The twists and turns in SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. When Josephine starts talking about things from her past and how she was treated, it will blow your mind. I'm not a fan of cheating spouses. Usually it's husbands cheating on wives, but this story is the opposite. Josephine cheats on Noah and they both broke my heart. Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! Josephine has very low self esteem, but Noah never knew just how low and how much it affected her. Hang on tight as you are reading! It's a crazy and heart tugging ride. When everything is finally revealed, well, you won't believe it! I would love to see this beautiful story become a Hallmark movie.


I thoroughly enjoyed reading SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE. There is so much going on in this story, but Ms. Hunter does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad, then happy, and then yelling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia with my new found friends! The emotional healing Josephine goes though had me tearing up over and over again. When the snow storm hits, my heart was in my throat the whole time! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this emotional and heartbreaking story!

What a book! I'm so sad to see it end. I was captivated by this story. Not because it was all sunshine and roses but because it was real. It was ugly; full of hurt and sadness. But it was real life. The emotions described in the book were so on track. The characters dealt with huge issues. I loved the themes of grace, love, and forgiveness. I felt like I could relate to and connect with the characters. I wanted them to overcome. There were times where I wasn't sure what the purpose of the backstories was. I found the placement of some of the backstories a little odd but I rolled with it and kept reading. It all came together in the end. I also loved the authors note at the end of the book telling the reader about the process to get this book published. What a great God story. This book is excellent. I don't know why I waited so long to read it. I'm glad I did though! Great book.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley. This has in no way influenced my review. All thoughts are my own.

I loved Josephine and Noah's story though at times it was heartbreaking. It was a much more intense book than I am used to reading by Denise Hunter. I look forward to reading the upcoming series set in the same town.

Well, thinking back over this story, there are some things that I’d recommend to an older reader. I blasted through it with pure pleasure a few months ago and have since reread it. The book does edge closer to the line than her previous ones have, but the Christian message is strong, especially near the end. My rating is purely emotional based on how much I bonded with Noah and Josie and their interactions together.

Josie has to choose what she really thinks about herself and what she she believes about God. Noah, though he hasn’t always been perfect themselves, should be a great example of a man courting a gal in a fun, humorous banter, and a good strong backbone.

Cliff notes version:
I'm always eager for the next Hunter book, but I feel that this one is her most meaningful and heartfelt book to date, with a strong Christian message as well. Go ahead and order your copy, because you'll be sure to be touched by this one.

Content: pg-13 for some discussion of rape and other things; nothing graphic, though

I don't usually read Christian romance but my daughter had recommended this author to me before. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was sweet if a little predictable. The characters were realistic and you couldn't help but care about them. All in all, a sweet read for a couple of hours.

I love how Denise Hunter so often weaves the story of Jesus’ unconditional love for us into the hero’s pursuit of the heroine. Perhaps nowhere is this more clearly seen than in Sweetbriar Cottage. It takes a bit to get to that point though, for Noah is only human and just as flawed as Josie in his own way. The last thing he intends to do is pursue Josie … never again. But in his very nature, deep in his character, that tender love he once felt for her shows up in ways neither would ever have dreamed they would need.

Sweetbriar Cottage runs the gamut of emotions – passion, love, betrayal, anger, shame, and guilt. As the story progresses, we are also introduced to glimmers of hope, lots of grace, and a healthy dose of drama that will have you on the edge of your chair, frantically turning pages and not daring to breathe. I can honestly say that I had no idea how this one would turn out – and I loved every minute of it. I felt Josephine’s pain – and Noah’s – and I became deeply invested in their journey.

A journey that is more than just a story of two people who suddenly discover they aren’t really divorced. There is fantastic chemistry and swoonworthy kisses to be sure, but it’s also an emotionally-charged story of adultery, childhood abuse, insecurity, shame and pride. Most importantly, it’s a story of healing. The kind that can’t be found in another person’s arms but only at the feet of Jesus.

Bottom Line: Sweetbriar Cottage may have just joined The Convenient Groom as my favorite read from Denise Hunter. It’s not an easy read – and it’s certainly not all kisses and sunshine. But in a world where the love of so many has already grown cold, I crave fiction that shows the kind of love that refuses to let go. Noah and Josie’s story does just that, though maybe not in the way you first imagine. So much of this compelling novel took me by surprise, but I was captivated through every minute of it.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Denise Hunter has become one of my favourite authors to date. The last book series of hers that I read was the chapel springs series a great set of stories. In that series the book I loved most of all was Married ‘til Monday. If there are any fans of that particular book then you’ll love Sweetbriar Cottage.
Noah and Josephine a previously married couple, find themselves, not exes as they thought they were but still very much married, unknowingly, for a year and a half. This story is about forgiveness, healing, redemption and love and it gives you all the feels. What I took away from this book was that the unconditional love a lot of us seek can only be given to us by God. Placing that expectation on anybody else will lead to great disappointment for all involved. But still God reveals Himself through others, by helping us to forgive we see how He forgives. A lovely and touching story.

When Noah Mitchell learns from the IRS that his divorce two years ago from Josephine was never finalized, he storms into her barbershop demanding to know what happened. After she tore his heart out of his chest and stomped on it, he wanted nothing to do with her and left the filing of the papers in her hands. He went so far as to quit his job in the family construction business, moving to a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia to get away from reminders of how she had made a fool of him. Having to deal with her in any way is almost more than he can take.
Josephine isn’t happy to have Noah invading her shop. She’s finally made a life for herself that she’s proud of and the only men who are part of that life are those who sit in her barber chair – none of whom she ever dates. Yes, their failed marriage was her fault, and, yes, she’s the one who failed to file the paperwork but her heart was just as broken in the mess of their breakup as Noah’s whether he believes that or not.
When Josephine decides to save Noah a trip back down the mountain and delivers the final divorce paperwork, she is unprepared for the worst spring snowstorm they’ve had in years. Being stranded with Noah in his tiny one-bedroom cottage is beyond awful. His resentment rolls off him in waves, and yet, he’s still the best man she’s ever known.
As they are forced out into the storm, they have to work together to survive the elements. When Josephine finally lays her secrets out in front of Noah, will he turn away like everyone else in her life has done or will he offer the unconditional love she’s never had?
This story will break your heart for the young Josephine. It was definitely a departure from Denise Hunter’s usual fare. If you’re looking for a light, happy romance with a little conflict, this isn’t your book. But, if you want a book that grabs your heart, gives you a look into the heart of an abused child and shows you how God’s love can redeem a life from the pit, you definitely want to read this. Sweetbriar Cottage took me back to high school years and made me take a second look at some of the girls “we” looked down on because of their morals. It’s a story of forgiveness and the power of loving without boundaries. I loved the book but it was very tough to read.

Another great fun romantic book by Ms. Hunter. I have adored each and every one and look forward to the next one.

Sweetbriar Cottage was so much better than I expected! After seeing some not-so-positive comments on the book prior to starting, I was a little anxious about whether or not I would enjoy it...but it didn't take long before I started loving the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

I love second chance romance stories and Sweetbriar Cottage had a great one. I loved the unconditional love aspect of the book and the moments of danger made the book nearly unputdownable towards the end.

All in all, I loved the book and definitely recommend it if you have enjoyed previous Denise Hunter novels. It was amazing and I'm a little sad that it is a standalone, because I would like to see more of the characters...can't wait for Hunter's next novel!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

I’ve been a fan of Denise Hunter’s book since discovering her “Summer Harbor “ series and was excited to read this new story - especially since I’m something of a sucker for reconciliation stories. The premise intrigued me. What would it be like to discover you’re still married, after thinking the divorce was finalized? Why were they split to begin with? What would it take to bring them back together, again? These questions and several others teased my imagination and I couldn’t wait to find their answers! I found this book so engrossing that I’m pretty sure I groaned every time I was interrupted and managed to finish it in less than a day. Each time I would start to lay it down, something else would happen and “just one more page” always became a “few chapters later.” I can very happily say that this book exceeded all of my expectations!
Any time I start one of Ms. Hunter’s books, I try to make sure I have a free day, or at least a few hours to read without to many things on my to do list. Her tales always draw me in to the point of forgetting that these characters aren’t real and unfortunately, I can’t meet them for coffee later. Noah and Josephine quickly climbed right off the page and into my imagination and heart, making themselves comfortable as I got to know them and their story. This was definitely one of those books that I had a “hangover” after finishing! I couldn’t decide was to read next, because I really just wanted to flip back to the beginning and start over. I really enjoyed how the chapters alternated with the past and present, giving a glimpse of Josie as a girl and then a bit of their relationship, prior to the break. My heart broke for what they went through, for the pain that drew them apart.
Josephine was a character that I wasn’t sure I much liked, at first. But she grew on me, as I got to know her and began to understand what drove her actions and reactions. She was broken, but didn’t want to admit it. She tried to hide ugliness behind a facade that was slowly crumbling under the weight of a past she longed to escape. And Noah was such a sweet guy that didn’t have the full picture, but did his best to love her through it. Though he definitely had his faults too, like being impetuous and stubborn, unwilling to listen to the advice of others. Part of why I so enjoyed the forays into their past was seeing them mature and the contrast of who they were, verses who they are now.
My final comment is that I really appreciated how the author handled the ending. At first, I found it rushed, but thinking back over it now, I think she did what worked best for the story. We aren’t given the full details about how they worked through their issues, which would’ve slowed the story down drastically, but are left with both Josie and Noah as works-in-progress. And the epilogue was definitely “sigh- then-smile” worthy.

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Denise Hunter hits the ball out of the park again! I was completely taken with Noah and Jo. It was so refreshing to read a Christian Fiction romance that actually had a character that admitted to her mistakes! So often real life situations are glossed over for fear of offending someone. But Denise Hunter took a very fallible character and made her relatable, human, and had me rooting for her from the very beginning!

Denise Hunter is one of the queens of Christian romance novels. It’s no wonder that some of her books have become Hallmark movies although like most readers I think the books are better! “Sweetbriar Cottage” is probably the most serious book I’ve read by this author but it still managed to hold my attention through each and every page.

The story of a divorced couple who discover they are still married due to a paperwork error, this novel probes the depths of emotion when Noah and Josephine are forced to spend days in close proximity due to a winter storm. Then an even graver situation requires them to rely on each other and personal secrets are revealed that help each of them gain a better understanding of each other.

The author took me through every high and low with her beautifully developed characters. Noah was a near perfect hero but a few negative traits kept him human. Josephine was so in need of encouragement to help her overcome her past – something Noah had never realized. I loved how the couple learned how to depend on each other during such adverse conditions and how that brought them closer together.

This is one of those books that you just have to read for yourself but it is well worth the effort. I will always recommend books by Denise Hunter because she writes about real life situations featuring flawed humans who need each other and a Savior.

This was not my favorite Denise Hunter book, but it was still almost impossible to put down. Hunter is such a gifted writer! If you like the premise of this book, I highly recommend her book Married till Monday instead. It's amazing!

A breathtakingly beautiful story about trust, unconditional love, and forgiveness that touched my heart. I was really impressed with this new author to me, who wrote a Christian faith based romance novel, yet didn't shy away from the physical attraction between the main characters, but played it well as part of the plot and development of their relationship, as important part of the story, while managing to keep the story 'clean and sweet'.
I liked both Noah and Josephine Mitchell. They were a very different type of characters, both seemed like outgoing, yet Josephine's flirty behavior was part of the front she played, to hide her insecurities. Her past broke my heart, her childhood experiences some of those nightmares you wish upon no one. Her character development, her finding the way to be able to open up about her past, explain her past behavior, and accept forgiveness from herself as well as from others, those were the outstanding moments in the tale.
Noah was a strong character, his emotions were profound. From his anger to his passion, to his protectiveness, to his love, every single emotion he felt was tangible, true, and deep. That he found it in his heart to forgive and it was sincere, was the moment that all the emotional floodgates were opened for me.
The story has such a natural flow it was easy for me to immerse myself into the tale and forget the world around me. The rasing emotions that made havoc in lives of Noah and Josephine took me for a ride that will stay with me for some time. As the story was told, it was an astonishing tale about love and forgiveness. Josephine's development with her faith was referenced yet left a bit open, as was Noah's past with most details. But I am not sure if I would have needed that additional information if it would have made any difference in the story and the clear message absolution in love it delivers. This was a story that left me in awe a bit, a story that I will be processing for some time to come. It is a journey I can recommend for readers to take and approach with an open mind
~ Five Spoons

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter
When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.
Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.
Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and okay, the botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.
But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.
As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah? (From Publisher)
This title can be read as a standalone. The story is a quick read and a page turner like most of Denise Hunter’s novels. It, however, is darker than most of her novels. While it was enjoyable because it was a little darker, Sweetbriar Cottage was not the warm and fuzzy read that most fans of Denise Hunter have come to expect. Having said this, it still is a worthwhile read but if the reader is expecting warm and fuzzy, might they might come away a little disappointed. Ms. Hunter through her character of Josephine explores some darker subjects and the consequences that can arise by not trusting ones partner. As always, Ms. Hunter gives depth to her characters which make the reader emphasize with them and ultimately root for their success. Give this title to readers whom like a little edge to their reading and who can identify with some real hardships in a persons life.
Note: I was given an electronic copy via Net Galley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson for an honest review

I haven’t read all of Denise Hunter’s novels, but of those I have read, I would have to say Sweetbriar Cottage is by far the best—the most mature, even—not just because of the strength of the characterization and the story, but because of the way in which it explores what it means to love and be loved unconditionally. I haven’t always been 100% convinced by the conflict between Hunter’s characters in the past, but the tension between Noah and Josephine in this story was palpable and barely leashed—and so very understandable—and seeing the way these characters worked through that tension was incredibly satisfying.

The majority of this story takes place in the present, when Noah and Josephine become stranded at Sweetbriar Cottage during a snowstorm, but during the novel we also get a few glimpses into the beginning of Noah and Josephine’s relationship three-and-a-half years earlier, and further back at some defining moments in Josephine’s adolescence. I loved the glimpses into Noah and Josephine’s developing relationship—which provided a welcome break from the tension of their current circumstances—but I especially loved the restrained way in which Noah wooed Josephine, something which I appreciated all the more as my understanding of Josephine’s past grew. Nevertheless, it was possible to see where the cracks would appear in their relationship, primarily in the inequality of their faith and in the past Josephine hadn’t fully revealed to Noah.

Josephine’s past isn’t pretty—in fact, it’s downright heartbreaking—and while it doesn’t excuse her behaviour, it does cast it in a different light. These flashbacks were handled very tactfully and non-graphically in the story, but Josie is definitely not your clean-cut Christian fiction heroine of yore—and she knows it and feels her unworthiness deeply, despite all outward appearances. Noah had a superficial knowledge of Josephine’s past before and during their marriage, but he only uncovers the full truth over the course of her enforced stay at Sweetbriar Cottage, and the battle begins to wage within him between his own pain and anger, and his compassion for the broken woman he’s never really stopped loving.

If the tension between Noah and Josephine isn’t enough to keep your eyes riveted to the page, their circumstances in the last third of the novel most certainly will be! Wow! I know a happy-ever-after is generally a given in romance novels, but I love it when a story has you seriously worried they might not get there. But most of all I loved the way in which both of these characters grew as they worked through their complex emotions. Not only did it paint a beautiful picture of unconditional love, but it reminded me that we can still choose how to respond, even when we are wronged.

Sweetbriar Cottage is Denise Hunter at her best!

A beautiful and sweet love story that tugs at the heartstrings. Denise Hunter knows how to write an enjoyable romance, but with this one I felt that she went deeper. Maybe it is because of Josephine’s dark past.

Something happened to Josephine when she was only twelve years old and has influenced all she did in her later life, including making the wrong decision in her marriage.
Noah was hurt by what Josephine did and wanted a divorce right away. Only after a while he discovers that the paperwork was never finished and they are still married.
When Noah and Josephine are forced to spend time together, old wounds are opened and confusing feelings rise to the surface. Eventually Josephine opens up about her past. Can Noah ever forgive her? Is there healing for them?

Hunter never disappoints, but with this heartfelt story, I feel like she has written her best yet.