Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I need to book a vacation at this Island Cottage, Morwen Island is beautiful and mysterious. This is the third book in the Island Cottage series and I think this was my favourite book of the series so far. It could easily be read as a stand alone book.

Nicole, recovering from injuries, decides to rent a cottage on Morwen Island, the island she spent time on as a student. As she settles in she feels rested and starts to feel more like herself and then chance brings Josh into her life. She remembers Josh from her previous time on the island and as they get closer, she wonders if she is ready to love again. Nicole and Josh delve into the history of the island and try to solve a mystery together. Who was the previous resident of her cottage and what happened to her. Loved the way this story was told and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

An emotional, inspiring read about Nicole, a young woman recovering from a horrible car accident, dealing with physical and emotional damage from the accident. She decides a restorative year on Morwen Island, where she previously spent time as a student, is what she needs. The island life and her relationship with like-minded nature warden Josh help rejuvenate her.

This was a wonderful read. Once started it was hard to put down. I loved the characters of Nicole and Josh and the Island of Morwen sounded wonderful. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure, The family connections at the old house during the second World war years and the secret it held was touching. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I read the second book in the series and loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. I love the setting of this series. I live so far from water and can only imagine the beauty of seeing it every day. I love that series explores the restorative power of the small island setting. While this works as a stand alone book, there is a treat of seeing previous book’s characters as you read this one.

I like the dual timelines and how they tie together with Nicole and Josh researching the history and secrets of the island. It explores how grief, trauma and scars both physical and mental are healed. How there is hope in the midst of a struggle. I usually favor one timeline over another when there are dual timelines and in this one I found myself immersed in both of them.

This was a refreshing and uplifting read for me. Such the opposite of the crime and mystery thrillers I read that are full of the bad side of life. It was nice to read and root for Nicole to get her fresh start.

Book 3 of this series didn’t disappoint at all. Another dual timeline book but the author manages to keep our interest going in both stories.

In today’s world, Nichole, reeling from the terrible effects of an accident, comes to Morwen Island to take a break and to heal. She’s been here as a student and sees it as a quiet place to rest. She doesn’t bargain for the community reeling her in and one man, Josh, grabbing her attention the way he does! Their shared love of the ecology sees them working together and might change Nichole’s future course of action.

In World War 2 times, Lily, comes to live with her cousin on the main, to mourn her losses. When she hears of a another cousin who needs support, she rushes to help. How this decides the course of her future makes for the second story in this beautiful book.

Loss, grief, emotional baggage, and a beautiful community and their extended familes that helps both these women to heal is the common thread that runs through both stories.

Beautiful settings, great characters, raw emotion and healing from pain through love and community make this another lovely read from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea sees us revisit the wonderful Atlantic islands off the Cornish coast for Nicole's story - she first visited the islands as a student and decided to return while she was between jobs and coming to terms with her injury. This is told in the present day whilst we also learn about Emma and Lily who tell their story in 1941. Both women broken by accidents, can they be repaired in the islands.. I'm so loving this series and hope there'll be another one!

Having read the previous books in The Cottage by the Sea series, I couldn’t wait to dive into Rebecca Alexander's latest instalment, Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea; the third title based on the Atlantic island of Morwen.

Recovering from devastating injuries sustained after a horrific car crash, Nicole is slowly trying to piece together her life. She rents a cottage on an island where she lived during her student days and hopes, a complete change of scenery will help her heal and regain strength whilst deciding what she wants to do with her life.

Readers are instantly confronted with the challenges Nicole faces as soon as she arrives on Morwen. Those who are familiar with the series will quickly recognise familiar characters as she settles into her new home for a year. It isn’t long before her passion for nature conservation leads to a meeting with Josh, the local wildlife warden.

Ms. Alexander’s beautiful island descriptions draw the reader quickly into this duel timeline novel. The overall feel of the narrative is uplifting; exploring the power of community support, the beauty of the natural world, and the resilience of the human spirit. The protagonists are both mourning their losses, creating empathy and an unexpected connection. All this is artfully interwoven with the history and secrets of the cottage during WWII. The characters are relatable and inspiring, and their stories remind us that even in the face of adversity there is hope.

Overall, Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea is a must-read for anyone seeking a heart-warming and uplifting story. I also highly recommend the other novels in this tremendous series; all are stand-alone.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher Bookouture via NetGalley***

Nicole is in need of a fresh start and a new beginning. Morwen Island is the perfect place for her to be for that new beginning. She remembers being there many years ago and her memory takes her back to that island that she knows as her paradise. When Nicole starts to settle into the beautiful island, she meets local resident Josh. Josh remembers her from when she was on the island before. The attraction between them was immediate, and they enjoyed their time together exploring the island wildlife. This could be exactly what Nicole needed in her life. But when Josh suggests exploring an old house that she lived in as a student, she hesitantly agrees knowing the loss she experienced there. Will she uncover the events of her past, and piece together the things she lost build her new found future?

I was so happy to return to Morwen Island. I could feel the sun on my face while strolling on the beach. I was taken back to the cobblestone streets and the wonderful people that lived there. I absolutely love the mystery in this story…what great plot twists and turns. This story was very intriguing, heart-warming and inspiring. I love stories of second chances and new beginnings. This book hits all the feels. Thank you Rebecca Alexander for an amazing story, I loved it and I highly recommend it.

Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander is the third book in The Island Cottage series. I always enjoy returning to this heartwarming series set on a beautiful island . Thank you to both Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own,.

I enjoyed this dual timeline story with rich charcters that experience heartbreak yet find they can go on. The island is a atmospheric setting that adds to the story. The story sweeps the reader away . I found I read this cover to cover as its such a enjoyable read. I hope the author will continue the series.

What a beautifully written dual timeline story. It's a wonderful story about overcoming things in the past and moving forward with your life. I loved everything about this book; the characters, the setting and the way the author brought the book to life with her words.
I received a complimentary copy from Bookouture via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A gorgeous dual timeline romance
Where visitors yearn for a second chance.
Both are struggling after a life-changing event and
Returns to where they once loved to go.

An accident, amputation and pain
Leave Nicole seeking to begin again.
She came to Morwen Island as a student years ago
Happy memories, happy times she again wants to know.

During the war, Lily returned hoping to gain relief
After her marriage is in turmoil as both suffer from grief.
Will spending time with family in this island setting
Help her to heal though never forgetting?

With the gorgeous settings, brilliantly brought to life,
Along with events full of romance and strife,
This is an emotional read, moving and more,
Another in this series that I truly adore.

I like how the contrasting times are portrayed,
How opportunities occur and choices are made.
The characters come alive within the story and so
I really hope you'll also give it a go!

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

A beautiful story about a young woman, Nicole, searching for a new beginning. She needs a new start in life after a horrific car accident. Will going to Morwen Island give her what she is seeking?
The is the third book in The Island Cottage series by Rebecca Alexander. It can be read as a standalone with no problem.
The story is told in two timelines…..present day with Nicole and Lily in the past. The past time frame of World War 2 was so intriguing.
The story shows how you can get past physical challenges and heart wrenching grief.
Once I started reading Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea, I was so immersed in the story I couldn’t stop reading it.
I highly recommend this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea by Rebecca Alexander is a wonderful addition to The Island Cottage series. There is a strong message in this novel. How the beauty of island life can have a healing effect on injured hearts and bodies.

The call of a dream when a person is in pain physically, mentally or spiritually becomes the lifeline of that person’s soul. A place to find hope again, joy and refreshment. The Prologue of this novel clearly sings of this message. Nicole is broken. Severely wounded from a car accident. She must find her way back to herself—to that person of confidence. It is a tough journey of rehabilitation but she must make it. And once knowing she will never be the same, she learns to work with what she has left and to do the most menial tasks in a new way.

This story speaks volumes on the topic of physical disabilities and Post Traumatic Stress. When a piece of us is removed or disfigured for whatever reason, we do not feel whole. Loss of mobility or limbs due to an injury claws at our self-esteem. It can empty our reserves of confidence quickly. How do we do the things we once took for granted? Leap quickly off a rock or bed, step effortlessly up a flight of stairs, run easily on a piece of grass, skip freely across a beach. To someone who has lost this ability, it is devastating. Reliving the experience in a nightmare is horrifying, too. Then there is another kind of loss: of a child or another loved one. How do we go forward feeling the emptiness from their absence?

This novel is told in two timelines: each echoing similar experiences by different persons. The present day begins with Nicole, the woman who has been in a car accident. She longs to return to her favourite island. Many happy memories were nurtured there. It was a time when she was ‘in love with life’ (snorkelling, boat trips, lobster catches, free-diving for scallops). These sweet memories linger in her thoughts and it is natural for her to want to feel some of that joy again. She hopes that her year-long stay will allow her to recapture those happy feelings. Little does she know that this special Island will infuse its community spirit into her life. It is here where people come together in times of need and help each other over the rough patches. Plus, also join in and celebrate others’ personal victories. The warmth and closeness of Island dwellers can be a tender balm. Of course, secrets never stay secrets long in a community such as this. But what does that matter? For the good outweighs any hassle.

Nicole learns this quickly. And she falls in love with the island again. But she does not expect to find a man who shares her environmental passions. Someone who does not care that she has scars or has been physically wounded. For the first time she is comfortable with another person, exposing her vulnerabilities. This island nature warden, Josh, seems perfect for her. But can she trust in love again? As she spends time on the island and slowly heals, she realises what she really needs to fulfil her dreams.

And then there is an old crumbling haunted house, where Nicole lived as a student. It harbours some mystifying secrets. Josh suggests they should investigate it. We are taken back to the past of WW2 where everything unfolds. In this timeline of 1941, we learn what has been hidden as we follow the lives of Lily, James, Bernie, Oliver and Emma. They are a diverse group who deal with some ‘heavy emotional baggage’. But change comes and life goes forward for each of them. For ‘the war has made everything different.’ They have all had trauma that left them with scars. But here I will single out Lily. She has experienced great personal loss, and although her heartbreak will never be erased, time will deliver a new gift that will set her on a path of healing. And this new joy will touch the others, too.

Dreams of the Cottage by the Sea is a moving story of restoration where the issues of physical disfigurement are explored, where a grief stricken heart is understood, and scars are noticed but each person moves toward a path of healing that is right for them. You cannot help but care about these characters who are on a journey to wholeness. Rebecca’s beautiful island descriptions and heart felt plots draw you in quickly. Emotions run high as we experience each character’s grief, celebrate their hard earned accomplishments and cheer them across the finish line. It is a fulfilling uplifting read that I certainly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

An enjoyable bittersweet romance that I would recommend. Set on a rocky island, the main thing I disliked (and this is just my POV) is the dual story-lines of one in the past (1940s during the war) and the present. Obviously there is a connection, but it took a bit, and by then I was mainly skimming the story from the past. Again, just me, as I would have preferred two books instead of the bouncing back and forth. Would still recommend though, as this really is a nice story.

A romance novel that takes place over two different periods of time... The part in the past I enjoyed much more,, the part in the present, not so much. I did enjoy the description of Morwen Island however. I will probably not recommend.

Quick, entertaining, sweetly contemporary romance set in a small town full of history. The characters were well developed and written.

Thank you to Rebecca Alexander, NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc of this book.

Ooh I loved the story. The setting is stunning and the characters are straightforward,strong without any airs or drama. The characters complimented the backdrop very well for me in this story, especially the dual timelines.

This was a brilliant read. Told between two ladies one in the 1940’s and one in present day. It is a third in the series but you could read as a stand alone . Both main characters had big issues in their personal lives and it was the story of how they over came . The island setting was beautiful. I read the book in one night as I could not put it down. The island people were lovely . A must read. Loved it

The title caught my attention. …by the sea…who doesn’t like a book about the sea? Characters who come alive on the pages of this book keep the story moving. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author. The setting is almost a character. Family and friends woven together in a quick fun read. Enjoy

When Nicole finds herself in need of a new start, she instantly thinks of Morwen Island. She remembers the beautiful, remote place from her student days and, as she thinks of its cobbled streets and salty sea air, she wonders if this might be the place where she can begin again…

As she settles into island life, Nicole begins to feel like her old self. And when a knock on her cottage door brings handsome local Josh, who she remembers from her time on the island, she is instantly attracted to his charming smile. With their shared passion for the island’s wildlife, they spend more time together, and soon Nicole finds it hard to ignore her growing feelings. But is her fragile heart ready to embrace the possibility of love once more?

This book bursts from the first page like a horse at the gate and never stops running. It’s a wild ride.

Great, great, great - I am giving it a lot of love...read this one! An intense, emotional and utterly compelling narrative! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️