“Aunt Ivy’s Cottage” follows Zoey as she eases her aunt through the loss of her best friend, Sylvia, and offers assistance as she progresses through old age. Zoey suddenly finds herself caring for her elderly aunt and her teenage niece and trying to get back on her feet after losing her job. We also meet Mark, Zoey’s cousin, who is the next in line to inherit the cottage and has begun pushing Aunt Ivy to renovate and ultimately move into an assisted living facility.

One of my biggest issues in this book was keeping track of the family tree and who was related to whom and what secrets mean what. I think that the big twist is such a slow burn and I was so confused that it didn’t deliver the punch that I anticipated. The family tree felt a little convoluted and there were some similar names that didn’t help the situation.

I was also disappointed in Zoey’s reactions to Mark’s behavior. I understand that they are not siblings and so maybe Zoey did not feel like she had ground to stand on, but I feel like she was incredibly passive when it came to the well-being of her aunt and the cottage. I also thought that there was going to be a grander altercation or even better presented evidence at the end of the book when Zoey makes her discovery. It all felt so rushed and anticlimactic.

Lastly, there were some absurdly long sentences at the beginning of the book. I would have to reread the sentence to keep track of the main idea. I really only noticed it at the beginning of the book and then it got better.

I loved the character of the house and Aunt Ivy’s stories, it made her so endearing and I always wanted to hear more. It was fun to read the story and I really liked the history of the town and why it was so special to Zoey. Her relationship with Gabi was great and I really enjoyed watching that blossom through all of their grief.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book and I will be posting my review on Goodreads.

The cover is gorgeous and initially what drew me in but unfortunately this book is extremely slow moving and some conversations are repeated a little too much for my liking especially the remodel of the kitchen and other parts of the home. Honestly i did lose interest several time and felt i could skip pages and still know what happened character development threw me a little as well as it didnt feel like any grew or moved on so that was hard to relate to.

What a great story of family love and devotion with a twist of intrigue. Kristin Harper tells a wonderful story of self awareness, love, and heartbreak. It’s a roller coaster of emotions that kept this reader turning the pages. The real life situations of loss and growth strikes a chord in the heart of this reader. Each character is experiencing their own grief and sadness yet each rallies around the others as their learn their strengths and weaknesses. Thank you so much to the publisher for the requested ARC and the opinions are all my own.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review. Having read Summer at Hope Haven, I was immediately interested in reading this upcoming novel by the author.

This book is another simple beach read that can be read in one sitting, but will tug at the heart-strings much more than the previous book did. This story explores the concepts loss and the importance of family and support. Once again at Dune Island, we visit Aunt Ivy's cottage, a place that holds so many memories across generations. We meet Zoey, who comes to stay with her great-aunt Ivy and to take care of her while everyone is dealing with the grief of losing great-aunt Sylvia. Ivy's character is interesting, but we only ever see her lost in the past and repeating stories of times long gone. Mark, Zoey's cousin, is at odds with everyone and has a different view on how Ivy should be taken care of causing the cousins to be on opposite ends. Throw into the mix memories of Zoey's sister who passed away due to illness and her niece, the only remaining part of her sister and we are in for an emotion filled ride.

However, the story line does not completely flow the way the synopsis suggests which is a little disappointing. The focus in the story is more on remodeling Aunt Ivy's house and taking care of her. There is an element of mystery as Mark's claim to inherit the cottage is under question. Even though this is suggested to be of importance, it takes a backseat as the story progresses until the end. The story does slow down in between, but there are many parts that are very enjoyable, including the references to the characters from the author's previous book. 

Overall this is a pleasant read albeit sad at times and is worth picking up for all fans of Romance out there!

Having lost so much, Zoey returns to her family vacation home off the island of Cape Cod to recover. She had recently been laid off from her job as a librarian and having lost all her life savings due to poor investment choices, she was also on the brink of losing her townhouse. In addition, the death of her parents and her older sister leaves Zoey emotionally drained

The novel centers around family values and how much each member of the family is willing to sacrifice for each other.

In addition to the main plot of the story, Gabi, Zoey's niece comes to stay at the cottage while her father was in rehab and she had lost her mother to cancer.

As the only surviving relative of the Winslow family, Zoey's cousin, Mark is set to inherit Aunt Ivy’s magnificent house when she passes away, as stipulated by her father’s iron-clad will. Eager to renovate the house and lease it out to cover his mounting debts, Mark is trying his best to justify his reasoning as to why Aunt Sylvia should be moved into an assisted living facility. However, Zoey is highly suspicious of Mark.

I would like to thank Kristin Harper, Bookouture Publishers, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Summary:
Excellent story of family relationships. Overall, charming setting, even as they bicker over the inheritance of a house and they learn about all the old family secrets.

I love this cover! I had read a previous book by this author so I was really excited to have the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
It’s kind of a slow moving book but it works in this book. There’s several side stories going on in this book. One has a bit of a mystery to it. I enjoyed the book!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

I liked the main character in this and the descriptions of the setting but it was very slow paced. Lots of dialogue going over the same issues, especially the remodelling of a kitchen and I lost interest at times.

Also too much emphasis on inheritance for my liking.

Overall an easy read and I would try another book by this author.

I received an ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley for an honest review. As a child, Zoey loved visiting her Aunt Ivy on Dune Island. When her Aunt Sophie passed away, Zoey saw how her Aunt Ivy wasn't herself. She overheard her cousin Mark talking and realized he was next in line to inherit the cottage and he wanted to put Aunt Ivy into a nursing home. Mark has plans for the cottage and wants to get it remodeled. The local carpenter is going to do the remodeling but can he be trusted. Zoey decided to stay and take care of Aunt Ivy.
The book will keep you turning the page because there are secrets, lots of secrets. Gabi, Zoey's niece came to stay at the cottage while her father was in rehab and she had lost her mother to cancer. Gabi seems to have lots of secrets too. It is hard to decide who can be trusted and it is hard to figure out what is wrong with Aunt Ivy. Everything will be revealed and when a journal is found, questions will have answers and Zoey will have to decide what to do with the information she discovered.
This is a book about family but one reason I liked it so well is that it isn't everyone gets along and everything goes smoothly. It is showing us who they really are.

The story starts with the funeral of one Aunt, which brings the family together. Ulterior motives and secrets cause problems. With some dark characters lurking, who can be trusted? I loved Zoey, she had lost everything but still was there for everyone else.

I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of depth in the book with lots of little story's and character's intertwined. It captured my attention from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and the setting sounded delightful. It was quite emotional at times but there was a balance of lighter moments. A bit of romance, a bit of mystery, family bonds and friendship this book has it all I enjoyed the characters, the author brought them to life. I loved it and the cover is so beautiful.

This cover of this ARC attracted me to read the book. While it was a heartwarming read, the characters left a lot to be desired. Zoey is given the opportunity to go and care for one of her aunts who is sick. Zoey is left stuck between her aunt, whom she cares for, and her cousin who simply wants to take hold of his inheritance. Zoey just wants her aunt to be happy.

The characters jump around so much that they seem completely made up (yes, I know they are fiction). While the setting is charming, the characters seem to make it difficult for the reader to connect with it.

This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Love the cover♥️. It is what drew me to this book. And, the title ”Aunt Ivy’s Cottage” sealed the decision to read this book. Definitely 5🌟 for both.
Family secrets....
Inheritance squabble....
Family relationships....
Overall, there were some sweet, funny, emotional and heartwarming moments throughout the story.
I received the arc of Aunt Ivy’s Cottage from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Aunt Ivy’s cottage wasn’t really a cottage but a rambling old house that sounded amazing.

The description of the interior made me want to see it in person.

We meet Aunt Ivy, Aunt Sophie, Zoey, Mark, and Gabi. Aunt Sophie had just passed, Aunt Ivy still lived in the cottage, Zoey was there because she lost her job and was taking care of Aunt Sophie.

Mark was there because he was selfish and wanted to see what he could do about getting Aunt Ivy’s house and use it as an investment.

Gabi was there because her father needed someone to take care of her since he was in an alcohol rehabilitation center.

I liked all of the characters - well all except Mark - as we learn about their life and loyalty to family. Mark wasn’t loyal. Mark was only out to get what he could from the family and kept looking for something in the house.

There must be some secret in the family's past.

When Zoey finds something out, she knows it must be what Mark has been worried about anyone finding out.

AUNT IVY’S COTTAGE is a sweet read that will warm your heart because of the lovable characters and how they put family first.

If you need an uplifting read, this book will be perfect.

And look at that adorable cover. 5/5

This book was given to me for a tour by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Arc from netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This was a very sweet and touching story. I found Mark super annoying, but I suppose that's the point.

The ending was nice but I felt like Mark relinquished his hold so easily that it wasn't as believable.

The cover of this book is beautifully eye catching and inviting. Once beyond the cover, the characters were interesting and I was keen to continue reading to see how the characters and story developed. The pace wasn’t cracking but it was pleasant enough for an easy read. My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Kristin Harper for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for my opinion.

Romance and mystery collide in this cozy 'beach novel' about loss, love, second chances, and family secrets.

Thirty eight year-old Zoey Winslow arrives at her aunts’ home on Dune Island at a loss. Several losses, in fact. First her parents divorced. Then they both died.  Then she lost her beloved sister Jess to cancer. Nearly bankrupted by bad investment made by her ex-boyfriend, a “financial planner,” Zoey’s also recently lost her job as a librarian. She comes to Dune Island and Hope Haven to care for her ailing Aunt Sylvia and Sylvia’s dearest friend, Zoey’s elderly Aunt Ivy.

But Aunt Sylvia’s cryptic deathbed message to Zoey about her cousin Mark leaves Zoey wondering. As the only surviving “blood relative” of the Winslow family, Mark is set to inherit Aunt Ivy’s magnificent house when she passes away, as stipulated by her father’s iron clad will. Eager to renovate the house (on Aunt Sylvia’s dime) and lease it out to cover his mounting debts, Mark is maneuvering to get Aunt Sylvia out of the picture and into an assisted living facility, pronto. But something doesn’t smell right to Zoey.

Is Mark’s claim to the house – or “Winslow” - legitimate, or something else? And what about the enigmatic retired lighthouse keeper, Mr. Witherell? What did he witness all those years ago that so effected Aunt Sylvia? Why did she refuse his letters? How come Aunt Ivy chased him away? And what about the handsome carpenter/contractor Aunt Ivy hired to renovate her kitchen? Zoey has sworn off men for at least six months after her last creep of a boyfriend. But there’s something about Nick…

Meanwhile, Zoey has a choice to make when she discovers a sixty-plus year old family secret: Does she spill the beans and nix Mark’s plans to lease out her aunt’s house to strangers, at the risk of losing not only her beloved aunt’s house but her aunts’ legacy of love, too? Or does she keep quiet and let the chips falls where they may? How far will Zoey go to honor her aunt’s wishes? How hard will she fight to do what’s in her family’s best interest? And just what, exactly, IS that interest?

There’s a lot to keep track of in this novel. The timeline spans several decades and goes back and forth between past and present. Ditto the family tree and who’s related to whom. There’s an “aunt” who’s not really an aunt. Multiple “Marcuses.” A cousin “Mark” who makes conniving and manipulating his favorite indoor sport. Also Ivy’s sister, Jess.  Jess’s alcoholic husband, Scott. Their taciturn daughter, Gabi. Scott’s second wife, Kathleen. And cribbage. Apparently, you can learn a lot about couples by watching them play cribbage. Who knew?

"Sometimes, these things have a way of working out for best for everyone."

A gentle, uplifting romance/mystery full of hope, memory, and the sounds of the sea, Aunt Ivy’s Cottage is a cozy read sure to warm your winter – or any season..

Good story of relationships between family members. As they bicker over the inheritance of a house they learn all the old family secrets.

I wanted a good mystery to read on a rainy day so I started this. The book kept my interest for a while. Main character comes to help her aunt in an old house by the ocean. She discovers an old diary that connects family members and a past history of secrets.. I thought my kind of book but as I read more, I had a suspicion of how the book would end. And I was right. It was a good read however and it kept me busy on a rainy day. For those who want a quick read, I would recommend.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed this book set by the coast, all is not quite what it seems to be takes you on a journey of time and a strong house of women highly recommend.

I feel in love with the cover of this book and I loved the story! I loved the setting of the book! This was a first by this author and enjoyed it very much

*I received this book as an Advanced Review Copy from NetGalley.

I dearly wish I could have liked this book. The premise sounded good, the cover is beautiful; unfortunately, I just had too many issues with the book that made me not enjoy it as much as I would have liked to.

Zoey has always loved her aunts and visiting with them. So when she has job and life troubles and an opportunity opens up for her to go care for one of them who is sick, she takes it. Unfortunately the sickness runs its course and she's left with only one aunt; who isn't in the best of shape herself. To make matters worse, she has a cousin poking and prodding at the remaining aunt to move out of the house he is to inherit so he can get in a little early, while all Zoey wants is for her aunt to be happy.

The characters are what I had the main problem with in the book. They all start out ok; but then have such drastic leaps and turns through the whole book that it rings as inauthentic. One character; who is presented a certain way through the whole book, magically seems to have a change of heart at the end and doesn't put up a fight in the way I thought would have been more realistic. Another goes hot and cold and seems to just be added drama rather than a meaningful add. I think about the only realistic one was the teenager, and even she had some crazy mood swings. While I think some is explainable by the themes of grief, hardship, etc.; there's just a lot of stuff that doesn't add up.

The premise is ok; I'm not sure what's going on with the book description because it's actually somewhat different than what really happens in the book (and that's all the further I'm going so I don't give out spoilers). While there's a lot of intrigue it kind of fizzles out at the end and everything wraps together a little too neatly.

Overall, charming setting, there was a scant mention of cranberry ice cream (the whole thing that made me read the book), and a nice cover; I just couldn't connect with the characters or appreciate them.

Review by M. Reynard 2020