Wow! What another powerful dual timeline island story from Rebecca Alexander! I really enjoyed this fourth instalment of the series. It really touched my heart in so many ways. For starters, it is packed with so much moving content and identifiable characters. The modern thread focuses on going home, visiting the past, family legacies, building a future, separating a long term romance from spur-of-the-moment infatuation. And the war timeline is about imposed change, sacrifice and loss but also courage, hope and restoration.

At the heart of this novel is an inanimate character: a cottage that houses secrets from the past. This quaint dwelling witnessed many changes over the years. Built on the edge of the sea, it has been affected by storms and tumultuous tides. The foundation has eroded but the memories have not. In the present day we see Olivia’s family dealing with the dilemma of whether to completely renovate it. This cottage is important to Olivia as it was the home of her grandparents. She is currently staying there while on a work assignment. After a damage assessment, her father is not sure whether he should sink a chunk of funds into it. It will be a costly adventure as its walls and foundation are literally crumbling. But Olivia is determined to see it restored and tries to find other ways to fund the repairs through drawing upon its historical significance. For this old place holds many stories.

Going Home to the Cottage By the Sea takes us to two time periods: modern day and 1942. I enjoyed the setting and characters of both eras but it was particularly fascinating to explore the secrets of the world war years. Heartbreaking, too, as there was much sadness and loss. Some of the troubles may have drifted away through time, but other seeds of the past are still very present. There are perilous revelations to unveil but also positive ones, too. The latter pop up like little flowers in spring to remind everyone of the love that once dwelt within these crumbling walls.

Olivia Elliot (known as Libby) is a costume maker and has been employed to work on a very popular series that takes her back to Morwen, her childhood home. Returning to this remote island stirs up a lot of memories: some that were good concerning her family but also painful ones from a breakup with her first love, Jory Trethewey. He remained on the island while she left to build her career. He has grown into a handsome fellow and is now the local boatbuilder. When she bumps into him, old feelings awaken. But she quickly becomes confused when another man develops a keen interest in her. Although this fresh new experience offers her some exciting moments, there are many obstacles in the relationship. He is younger than her and is the rising star of the series and it is a no-no to be seen as having a relationship with a co-worker. Libby gets caught, quite literally, in a love triangle. She must decide whether to go with someone from her past who has known her well or with someone from her present who will discover her for the first time? It is a tumultuous journey with both blockades and blessings. But Libby must sort out her feelings and make the choice that is best for her. Ironically, this decision comes after a jolt from danger. When trouble strikes, her heart decides for her.

The World War II story was very intriguing as we see how the Land Girls worked on the island to help during the war. They were in charge of farming, milking and driving tractors. In this story, we meet a woman named Nancy Baldwin who has been trained in these skills but also is excellent in tractor maintenance. She is on her way to the island for a new start after a painful loss and betrayal. She is without a home and her children have been taken from her. Her story is all quite heartbreaking. (Women were not allowed to be Land Girls if they were pregnant or married.) Her courage is admirable as she tries to build her life again and reclaim her children. Nancy is a strong independent woman and I admire her fortitude and drive. Although the circumstances are difficult, seeds of hope are planted in her heart when she meets an airmen who demonstrates true compassion and kindness towards her. As she begins to lean into him, wonderful things start to take shape in her life. Ollie is a wonderful character and so perfect for Nancy. I loved watching their relationship blossom. Being an airmen, though, means there will be dangerous moments. It is in those times Nancy begins to see how much Ollie means to her.

There were lots of parallels between the two storylines and both delivered excellent endings. The leading women recognised love when a dangerous situation occurred that could have taken their men away forever.

Going Home to the Cottage By the Sea is a wonderful story that leaves you feeling refreshed by the beauty of the landscape, moved by the memories of the characters and uplifted by the strength of the human spirit. I highly recommend this novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for my review copy.

A beautiful duel timeline story full of history, love and hope. Though this is the 4th book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
The time frame the story revolves around is present day and 1942.
What secrets will be found?
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in the story.
Rebecca Alexander writes in a way that makes you feel like you are right there in the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I’m not usually big on books written in dual times, but this one makes me say otherwise. I loved it! Who wouldn’t when there’s love, history, hope and promise all wrapped up in a binding for you to enjoy!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is a dual timeline book, set between 1942 and the present.

The story is based around a cottage, which has been stood firm for years, but now, is in need of repair, which when started reveal hidden surprises.

The cottage has loads of memories from the past tied to it, as only one family has lived in it since 1942.

Both parts of the story are alike, feelings between characters aren’t acted on, until somethings happens actions force both parts characters to make their true feelings known.

I recommend this book.

Coming Home To The Cottage By The Sea by Rebecca Alexander is a most delightful dual timeline novel. It is the fourth book in The Island Cottage series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action is set in 1942 and present day. It revolves around a cottage which is in need of renovation. It has stood firm all these years but is now crumbling, giving up a surprising find.
There are many memories tied up in the cottage as the same family has been in it since 1942. Memories keep us warm long after our loved ones are gone. They echo down the years and seem to be in the very fabric of the walls.
The parallel stories have many similarities. In both time periods there are attractions which are denied, until actions force characters to confront their true feelings.
This book is absolutely charming. I loved the characters and locations. I look forward to more from Rebecca Alexander.
I received a free copy from the publishers via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This was a very sweet book. Libby is a newly employed costumer who decided to return home to her family’s cottage when she is on assignment. She is caught between an interesting love triangle between her new star and her high school crush. This heartwarming story is told through flashbacks of WW2, and what it was like for the people who’d been evacuated out of London. The star of the story is the cottage itself, and the need to preserve it for their family’s history.

I liked this book and have read and enjoyed others in the series. I enjoyed the 2 timelines and found the characters and story warm and engaging. Would recommend.

Olivia and Nancy's stories are worlds apart - one a costume designer and the other a land fill girl in the second world war. This is a heartbreaking and moving book from Rebecca Alexander that happens to be book four in her series. Trust me when I say you are going to want to read this book, wither or not, like me, have read the rest of the books.

I love these island books. This was told in chapters between two ladies. Nancy who was a land girl in the Second World War on the islands and Libby who was modern day . Libby was a costume maker . I loved Nancy’s story and how cruel the world was back then. Land girls worked home. Libby was a great character and I loved how she wanted to save the cottage on the beach . Great love twists . Another brilliant read and I could not put it down.

When Olivia Elliott decides to spend the summer on the remote Morwen Island where she grew up, she can’t help but wonder if returning home is a good idea. After all, she still remembers the heartbreak she left behind on those shores many years ago. Back on the island, Olivia soon adjusts to life When Olivia Elliott decides to spend the summer on the remote Morwen Island where she grew up, she can’t help but wonder if returning home is a good idea. After all, she still remembers the heartbreak she left behind on those shores many years ago. Oh what a beautiful story packed with heartwarming, uplifting and though-provoking narrative. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Libby goes home and wants to save her grandfather’s cottage. Friends and family help. In the background, there is historical fiction. Love and romance are included. Realistic characters keep this story moving quickly. The setting and the images are fantastic. This talented author has written a page turner. Curl up in a comfy chair and become immersed in the cottage by the sea. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and gifted author. I really like this author.