“It’s exactly how Kitty always pictured it… except in her head, she wasn’t standing here alone”


In the short July spell of record breaking intense heat, the coolest pace has definitely been in a cool dark room, with a craving for an easy-reading, ‘comfort’ story, to see me through. I read this lovely book in just a couple of days, although I feel sure that if I had been able to secure a dedicated ‘bibliotherapy’ session (yes! that really is a word), I could have safely powered through it in a day, whilst still enjoying what would seem like a leisurely read.

…

So let’s get down to a potted version of the storyline first, although the premise really does already include a few small ‘spoilers’…

Admin assistant for a London based interior design company, Kitty and her partner Mitch, live in a dingy flat whilst they are saving for the deposit on a house, closer to the suburbs and nearer to her older sister Cooper and her family. Kitty spends every moment of her spare time drooling over the estate agent’s window, wishing that she could work there, as she loves to imagine herself living in the properties that come up for sale and how she would decorate them to their best advantage, with the ultimate aim of matching the right property with the ideal buyers and not just selling stock through for a quick sale. From Kitty’s point of view, every property has a unique personality and she knows exactly what her own dream place would look like.

However, in the space of just a few short weeks, Kitty’s world is about to implode spectacularly and she is set to lose everything in her life in one fell swoop, leaving her desolate and inconsolable. Fearing the ridicule of a very straight talking Cooper, Kitty is loathe to divulge the source of the help she seeks when trying to rebuild her shattered dreams, but suffice to say, the advice she receives turns out to be spot on and invaluable. Searching for the new beginning she has been advised to seek, Kitty finds herself taking a short six month lease on a seaside property, in a pretty village in South Wales, which the family used to visit when Cooper, Kitty and younger sister Cassidy were children and before the split between her parents, which ended in divorce.

For the first few days, Kitty is content to explore the local area and just take some time for herself, to regroup her thoughts and unravel her mixed up emotions. Everyone who spoke to her, commented on how familiar she looked, but none were willing to engage in conversation with her and she begins to feel like a complete outsider in this small insular community, where everyone knows everybody else – and all their private business too! She is almost at the point of kicking the tenancy agreement and the whole notion of a bright new start into the long grass, when by chance she meets young wife and mother, Cherry, and almost instantly her mood and spirits are lifted, by this cheery force of nature, whose eternal optimism, love of life and making the most of all the chances which come her way, is infectious and the best tonic Kitty could have found. Not only has she discovered in Cherry, a firm and loyal friend, but an oracle of local knowledge, so when she suggests that rather than simply idle away her six months grace period, Kitty should perhaps find some part-time work, the solution comes as part of the package and Kitty soon finds herself in her dream job, with arguably the most congenial and generous boss Roly, and group of co-workers she could have imagined.

Life for Kitty chugs along quite nicely for a few weeks. Thanks to Cherry, her path towards community acceptance is assured and even red-carpeted in many cases. The property vendors and indeed prospective buyers, warm to her obvious enthusiasm for the job and even her fractured family are minded to change their opinions and approve of her decision to put down roots, when they see how happy and contented she is with her new life. There is one big crease which needs ironing out however, instigated by Cooper who insists she knows what she heard as a child, when they took their last family holiday in Pennystrand, and this could be the make or break of Kitty’s final choice. She makes Kitty promise that she ask her father to be upfront and honest with her, so Kitty manages to track him down and puts him right on the spot with Cooper’s allegations. To say he is aghast, is putting it mildly. It seems as though Cooper is way off the mark, with the separation and divorce having been instigated by their mother, who in his opinion, should have told the girls the truth many years ago, and who must still speak for herself on the matter. When Kitty puts two and two together in her own mind, she asks her mother outright just how close to the truth she is and Tilly comes clean, which explains so many of the aside remarks and glances Kitty has been receiving from the villagers in general and one family in particular.

Kitty’s love life takes a bit of an uptick too, temporary as it might be, so by the time it comes to making her mind up about the lease on her property, she has already decided that Pennystrand is where she belongs, once she has laid down some boundaries for her new found family; which is just as well, because Roly has already indicated that her temporary part-time job is set to become a permanent and full-time position, and he thinks he might have found just the place for her to buy, which should suit her down to the ground, as it does. Is her romance with the hunky Cory about to flourish too, which would really be the icing on the cake!

…

Whilst on the whole, this was quite a predictable and formulaic, feel-good storyline, there were one or two twists which added extra layers, were unique and intriguing, and which I didn’t fully work out ahead of the reveal. Author Tracy Rees, has a delightfully fluent, effortless and personable style of storytelling, which is immersive and relaxing, textured and rich in atmosphere, compelling and obviously written from the heart. The story was narrated in short, seamless chapters, which kept everything moving forward towards its conclusion at a steady pace, whilst some lovely descriptive passages were seamlessly woven in, bringing the charming coastal location to life, which really resonated with me, as this would also be my ideal style of living, even if not in that exact spot. Everything exuded a calming aura of peace and serenity, conducive to the healing, soothing balm, which Kitty was seeking as the new beginning to rebuild her fractured life. I would have been a little happier if Tracy had used real place names, which I could have tracked on the map, but that is just the ‘nerd’ in me I’m sure, and I am certain that most ‘armchair travellers’ would have been more than happy with their journey.

A quite large cast of lovingly drawn, engaging and well developed characters, are reliable, authentic, easy to connect with and relate to, sharing some great dynamics, energy and synergy between them. It was so easy to imagine that I was listening to them telling their own story, as they have been given such a strong and animated voice, by an author who is clearly confident in the imagery her words can conjure up. I guess the one person who bucked the trend was Mitch, who was just a self-centred individual, full of his own importance and ego, who felt that by clicking his fingers and saying all the right words, he would have Kitty at his feet, begging to be taken back. There were a couple of other characters who at first seemed rather remote, aloof and full of their own importance. However, as the mystery surrounding Kitty unravelled, it became clear why they had adopted that deliberate stance. Although still not sure about her own connection with their fractured lives, Kitty immediately detected an inner sadness, which she perceptively managed to work out and alleviate for them, despite the fact it might have laid her career on the line, before it had even truly begun. Luckily she and Roly are like minded individuals when it comes to making sure that the right person is paired with the ideal home, so he backed Kitty’s decisions, rather than berating her for having made them.

This was a story of new beginnings. Chasing a dream if it is at all attainable and you don’t damage anyone else in the process. Learning how good life in a relationship can be if both people are singing from the same song sheet and the giving isn’t all one sided. How much more fulfilling a job can be if it is the right one for you and you can be passionate about what you do. It also highlights the long-term misunderstandings and indeed damage, which can be done in crisis, when children are not treated with the honesty and respect they deserve as mini adults. Half heard and imagined truths, seen and heard by a child, will often be remembered completely out of context, as Cooper discovers in the book, but not until her middle-age years, when she has spent her life protecting Kitty and Cassidy from an imagined wrong. And most important of all, after the love of family are the lasting and enduring friendships we make along our way through life.

Perhaps I am reading far more into this storyline than the author ever intended, and obviously for now, Kitty is living her utopian idyll and enjoying every moment of it, which is what makes occasional escapism reading so uplifting. As the title of the book suggests, this is either the first in a new series, or there is at least a sequel in the offing, so perhaps I shall get to catch up with Kitty again, just to see how things are working out – And perhaps more importantly, find out if the ‘auntie’ gin drinking sessions have become a regular feature!

I read for a whole range of reasons, but among them are enjoyment, entertainment, escapism and emotion. This story soundly ticked all those boxes and more besides.

Sometimes to make changes you need the first step to take
One choice at a time is all you can make.
By doing so, and looking out for yourself, too,
The future could be much brighter for you!

Her partner's betrayal triggers a fresh start,
In which a psychic, family holiday and secrets play a part.
A heartwarming read about moving on
When the one you loved and trusted is gone.

Kitty Roberts has dreams of a cottage by the sea,
But losing her partner and job, how could this be?
With happy memories of a childhood holiday
To Wales is where she decides to go stay.

New friends, a dream job and the beach
Make a happy ending seem again within reach.
But family drama from decades gone by
Could thwart her endeavours - should she try?

A gorgeous read from beginning to end
This is a lovely read I highly recommend.
With great characters and setting as well as romance
There's some mysteries, surprises as Kitty takes a chance!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Tracy Rees and Bookouture for the copy of The Little House by the Sea. This is my personal review.
The Little House by the Sea is the first book in the new series Pennystrand Village. This book was a perfect beginning for what is going to be a great series.
Kitty has dreams of what her life is going to be like with her boyfriend until the day her life crashes and she is on a different path and that path leads her to the seaside village of Pennystrand in Wales.
This book was so wonderfully written that I could feel myself in the story. I liked all the characters and I an so looking forward to the next book in the series.

Such a delightful book, I loved every second of it! After a heartbreak and losing her job, Kitty leaves London and decides to settle for 6 months in a lovely village in Wales where she spent holidays when she was young.
The story revolves around Kitty finding her way in a new place, and back to herself. This is an inspiring and empowering book, with a big family secret, a tiny bit of romance, and wonderful strong friendships.
This is only the second book I read by Tracy Rees and she made it on my favourite authors list!

I devoured this book and I can't wait to read the next one, I fell in love with Pennystrand, and all the characters, I'd move there in a heartbeat!
Highly recommended if you want a heartwarming, cosy, and emotional page-turner.

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A great start to a new series and one that I am looking forward to reading much more as the new books come out. Lovely setting and the characters are lovely to get to know. A real feel good book, worth 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

This book has just the right balance of happy, sad, joy, friendship, and romance, with a sprinkle of magic, and it’s perfect for someone looking for a light summer beach read.

Kitty is a character you instantly like and root for. Her emotions come across the pages so you feel her struggles in the aftermath of getting dumped by her boyfriend. We want to see her find happiness again, and we cheer her on as she grows and evolves over the course of the book. I read this book almost in one sitting because I couldn’t wait to see how she ended up, and the ending was just right.

I fell in love with both Pennystrand and the characters in this book, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boukouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wonderful start to a new series. This book starts out kinda slow but stick with it, it's a great read. I loved the setting, the characters and the emotions in this story. I look forward to the next book in this series. Perfect book to escape into.
I received a complimentary copy from Bookouture via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kitty Roberts's life is about to change.

What I so love about Tracy Rees's writing is the absolute confidence that it will be beautifully written, perfectly plotted and emotional, with fabulous characters I can believe in and gorgeous descriptions that transport me wherever the author chooses. The Little House by the Sea is all of those things and more. I loved it. There isn't a dissonant note throughout so that reading The Little House by the Sea is absorbing, entertaining and incredibly satisfying.

In amongst a carefully plotted story that weaves several strands into a brilliant narrative, is a lightness of touch that includes humour through Roly, balanced by depth of theme in the past lurking in Kitty's family with just a tiny sprinkling of magic from Agatha that allows the reader to choose their own interpretation. There's everything here from love and relationships, to family and friends and from ambition to acceptance in many forms. I loved the fact that Kitty isn't defined by a man, but finds her place in life independently so that The Little House by the Sea feels surprisingly feminist as well as romantic. The plot is believable even where there are surprises which makes the story so engaging. It feels as if any reader could experience life like Kitty, making her relatable and appealing.

Indeed, the characters are fabulous, and I adored the way the small town  of Pennystrand means everyone knows everyone else's business. What I found so refreshing was that whilst the full range of characters is present, we get to know a few really thoroughly, making them vivid and real. I thought Kitty was depicted to perfection; possibly because her obsession with houses matches my own!

I don't know about Tracy Rees, but I so enjoyed The Little House by the Sea that I'm not finished with the people of Pennystrand - or the town itself - so I hope we'll hear more in the future. I can't stop thinking about the place because of Tracy Rees's evocative descriptions or about the people because I feel they are completely authentic. I just loved this feel good, heartening and thoroughly entertaining story and I really recommend The Little House by the Sea as a breath of fresh (sea) air!

Just the perfect sweet story to escape in. Kitty was the perfect host to show me around the new houses available in the pretty Welsh seaside village and I loved her zest for life. She’d been dealt a poor hand recently and I loved how she had the strength to follow her heart and go somewhere new to rest and repair. My nosy personality would so love to be an estate agent - imagining the lives and loves that have happened in each of the houses visited and Kitty really brought them to life. A charming read I’d recommend.

I want to move to Pennystrand Village. This book swept me away to this charming village with lovely characters. I love finding books I consider to be gems. This is one. A great, feel good read.

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.


It’s too bad that Pennystrand isn’t a real place. Because I would be packing to move there tomorrow if it was.

Kitty Roberts has a fixation with houses. She spends hours upon hours at the local estate office poring over their listings. She and her partner have been living in a hovel, saving up for the day that they can move to country to purchase their dream home. Until Kitty finds out that isn’t the boyfriend’s dream at all.

When all falls apart in her London world, Kitty escapes to Wales, to the small beachside village of Pennystrand. Her family had summered there when Kitty was small, and she never really got it out of her system. While her sister thinks this is a disastrous move, Kitty feels like it’s right. Especially when everything starts to fall into place. A job, a friend, the perfect little rental.

Then she meets Cory Hudson, world renowned surfer and Pennystrand native. Kitty swore not to let herself get head over heels for anyone, but Cory is special. Kitty hadn’t planned to make Pennystrand her permanent home. Still, the way everything is happening, maybe this was meant to be.

Pennystrand Village is the quirky small town that we’ve all visited and wanted to make home. Kind people, crazy old ladies, and the beach. Like I said, I would move there immediately if it were an option. I’m so excited that Tracy Rees has made this book one, because I can’t wait to spend more time in this perfect little town.

When you need a break from reality and the harsh news of the day, take a visit to Pennystrand. You will love it and want to stay forever, just like me.

I am a big fan of Tracy Rees, true I haven’t read all of her books but the one I have read I absolutely loved so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with one of her stories again, plus it’s the first book in a brand new series. Win, win!!

The Pennystrand Village series is going to be fabulous judging by this first visit, it’s full of interesting characters who I can’t wait to get to know throughout the series and hopefully more of the villagers will have stories of their own.

The Little House by the Sea is like a box of chocolates, you open it up and see the wonders f dreamy delicious chocolates inside and are excited to dive in and discover the delights within.

Hmmm, went off on a little chocolate fest there, this is what happens when I have a box of Diary milk sitting on the sideboard begging to be opened. Yes, I go a little distracted, LOL!

The story centres around Kitty Wilson, a city gal who is dreaming of another more tranquil life, preferably by the sea. She is an ordinary woman who just wants more, she isn’t sure what kind of more she wants she just knows that her life isn’t set in stone in London and dreams of sea views, quiet coves and idyllic tranquil skies.

Don’t we all!!

Like so many of us, she is one of the many who walks around estate agents looking for the perfect escape, yes I will put my hand to that one too, who doesn’t do the same? Unfortunately, her dead-wood of a boyfriend doesn’t share her dream, she soon dumps her and leaves her heartbroken but opens up an opportunity for her to finally get her dream. She leaves London and her life behind and flees for her childhood safe place, the place she always felt happy and relaxed. She goes ‘home’ to Pennystand village in Wales, where she begins to breathe the sea air and mend her heart, she starts believing that this is what she wants she even has a fleeting romance with a sexy as hell, surfer; Cory.

But, good things don’t last long do they? Cory reveals that he won’t be staying and she starts to feel as though things are being hidden from her, that there is something about Pennystand which is eluding her. There is certainly, more to this sleepy village than meets the eye, secrets are entwined in her very own past, but will she be brave and seek out the truth or will she run?

I won’t say too much about what happens, or about the scenes or even how I all connect within, but it’s emotional and hugely enjoyable watching the story unfold and watching Kitty relax and grow into a warm, engaging and relatable woman.

The Little House by the Sea is beautifully written, and magical and most importantly it will make you smile. Reading this will make you feel happy and content, who cares what is happening in the world when you can escape to the beautiful and magical Welsh coast?

Kitty Roberts is dumped by her boyfriend. She decides to move to a small town called Pennystrand in Wales. Her plan was to only stay for 6 months and regroup. But she finds a job that she loves, makes new friends, and uncovers a family secret. Very enjoyable read.

The only issue I had with this lovely book, is that it was a bit slow in the beginning for me. There were a couple of times I thought about putting it aside... But I'm so glad that I didn't!

This story swept me away to Pennystrand Village, where Kitty Roberts makes her escape in the hope for a happier life after being dumped by her boyfriend. Her sister wants Kitty with her, but Kitty is ceaseless in her desire for a fresh start in this village that she has only fond memories of. 

The road isn't always easy for Kitty, but in the end, she finds her home. 

I fell in love with the characters in this one. They were all so fun to read about! And the village--I can't WAIT to read more! 

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review will be live, at the given link, on 8/22/22.

I really enjoyed this feel good read about life turning itself around and becoming far better than it ever had been before. A great heatwave (or rainy day) read.

Kitty's boyfriend and best friend betray her and she picks up and heads to Pennystrand in Wales to recoup and refuel her heart. She was happy there as a child and, as it turns out. her family has a special connection that won't be revealed for a long time. Working as an estate agent is revelatory - she's happy and meeting new people, including Cory. While there's romance here, this is very much about Kitty finding her bliss. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Yes. it's trope-y but it's also got a great setting and the characters are delightful. A good read.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book from the very first page! I've read a lot of books with a similar plot, but this was one of my favorites.

Needing to start over after her boyfriend cheats on her, Kitty visits a psychic who tells her to go to a town she visited as a child. Kitty heeds the advice and jumps full in to a new adventure in Pennystrand Village. This book title says this is book #1 of the series and I do hope there will be more because I absolutely loved the little village and all of the characters in this story. Kitty is a delightful main character who you will be cheering for the whole time to succeed and find her own happiness, her boss is an absolute sweetheart, the Parnells are the rich clan living on the hill who harbor many secrets to uncover. The story takes us to Pennystrand in the springtime and throughout the summer, but I definitely wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next to Kitty and Cory. I'll be keeping a look out for future books in this series and I hope to see Kitty and her friends again.

If you are looking to put a smile on your face, then THE LITTLE HOUSE BY THE SEA is a must read. And the author, Tracey Rees is a gem. Once again there is a slight learning curve as this is a British work of literary art but once you get sucked into this amazing story the odd phrases and words fall easily into place.
Kitty is looking for a new start after an embarrassing end to her relationship with the man who had filled her heart and life. As a couple they seemed set on the same path, until he found someone else. Took his portion of their future dream house and set off to discover wonders with his new squeeze.
Easy to hate him, but then you settle into Kitty rediscovering what makes her supremely happy. And it is sigh worthy. Learning the ropes of real estate sales in her new little seaside town Kitty makes interesting discoveries. Some brought back memories of my own move to a city that provided driving instructions referencing buildings or businesses that no longer existed. Where Harold’s used to be, you get the picture. Pure joy.
Get ready to meet some adorable characters, yes, I did say adorable. Flawed and wonderful, the town seems to adopt Kitty. Sense of belonging so very important to this young woman who had felt left out to dry. This is her time to shine. And Tracey Rees does it with aplomb.
Kitty is searching for a sense of well-being, but in Pennystrand she finds so much more. And Tracey Rees brings us along for a glorious adventure. Not much missing in THE LITTLE HOUSE BY THE SEA. We have romance, broken hearts, family messes, relationships new and old, and even a bit of family drama. So get your British vocabulary and humor tuned up and get you copy of THE LITTLE HOUSE BY THE SEA by Tracey Rees and be prepared to be entertained.

Oh wow, this was a lovely book!

Kitty lives with her long-term boyfriend, Mitch, in London. They are saving hard to buy a house of their own - until they aren't. Mitch is caught with someone else and this, of course, really throws her.

She finds herself in Pennystrand, an idyllic village near the sea. There, she licks her wounds and tries to re-evaluate her life.

I don't want to spoil the plot so I think I should leave it here.

There is a bit of romance in this book, of course, but it is more about Kitty herself and the people she surrounds herself with. What does SHE want from her life? How can she make her dreams come true?

A really gorgeous book. The only thing that I didn't like is that it ended! Can't wait for book 2 in the series.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.