Spend a couple of weeks doing up a remote Orkney cottage, put it on the market, return to your nice organised life with money to buy your own place... a simple ask, you might think. For Brid, however, the experience is a lot more than she bargains for in several different ways.
This book was a bit of a slow starter but picked up nicely. Told in the first person entirely by Brid, she initially comes across as very single-minded, almost frustratingly so, but the truth of her situation is very cleverly revealed to the reader before she even realises it. I liked the way her relationship with Magnus developed and particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Orkney which is practically a character in itself. The other secondary characters felt a little one-dimensional (well, apart from the goose), although that might be down to seeing them through Brid's relentlessly practical eyes. The hints of witchcraft added a little twist to the tale, and provided an interesting extra dimension to another enjoyable story from this author.

Brid travels to the Orkney islands to prepare a cottage that her mother had inherited from her Great Aunt Jennet. When she arrives she finds that the cottage is in fact semi-deralict with a resident goose - and is also the reputed home of the Orkney witch.
I absolutely loved this book, with its description of the Orkney islands and the touch of mysticism. Brid comes across really well, finding her way in a lifestyle totally different to the one she has at home as an accountant to trying to help others. I'm not sure that I'd visit in the winter, but the Orkney certainly sound like a lovely place to go. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy something a little bit different.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

I enjoyed this sweet story about a woman who grows to love the tiny home she intended to resell as well as the people she meets. Great characters and a fun plot.

4* So good, it's worth reading a second time.

It’s a long time since I read a book by Jane Lovering, an author who's writing I find is amusing, observant and often containing wicked one-liners, so I was delighted to be offered an eARC of The Island Cottage.

Brid Harcus is persuaded by her mother to take time away from her busy job in York and travel to Orkney and sell her great aunt Jennet’s cottage. I had great problems accepting what happened next.

When Brid arrives in Orkney she immediately moves into Midness Cottage. This tiny cottage, barely more than a bothy, was left empty and boarded up 50 years ago after the death of aunt Jennet. Since that time it was occasionally used to store hay and animal feed (mice everywhere?), even as a winter shelter for sheep, who aren't exactly house trained. A few modern amenities were installed, but generations of creepy crawlies and cobwebs must have accumulated. Weirdly Brid spent little time cleaning.

Ignoring my scepticism, I continued reading. Brid discovers there's a widely held local belief that whoever lives in Midness Cottage is a witch – that's her! She faces howling winds, horizontal rain, a broody goose nesting in her cupboard, plus the cottage is covered in ivy – home of more wildlife. It's all a far cry from Brid's city life as an accountant in York.

Having said all that, I thoroughly enjoyed The Island Cottage and read it in one day, the twist at the end was totally unexpected.

eARC generously supplied by Boldwood Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

Loved it!! Brid was in for a shock when she reaches Orkney Islands and finally sees Midness Cottage. It was more like a shed than an actual cottage. A shed that comes with a "bathroom." By bathroom, you only get a toilet. There's a metal tub that you put in the tiny kitchen fill with hot water. The best part is whoever lives in the cottage gets the distinct honor of being known as the cottage witch by all the locals. Unbeknownst to Brid, she also inherited a goose to go along with the cottage. Cushie and her goslings live in the pantry, come and go as they please and leave goose poop everywhere. Even though Innis and Tor lived right next to the cottage, Brid never really got to know them or spend much time with them. Kizzie seemed more like a child than an actual adult. Instead of a painting, she owes Brid a new couch, rug and towels. No one is ever going to want to sit on that couch ever again. Loved Magnus and Brid's relationship. They made each other laugh and it was obvious they were perfect together. Of course, Brid was dead set on selling the cottage and getting back to York soon as possible, even though she didn't have much there waiting for her. Orkney Islands sound like a beautiful place to visit, when it's summer.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, writing style and story. Cushie wins the award for best house goose. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Love the book cover. Those cute covers get me every time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The author of this book does such a wonderful job of describing the Orkney Islands, you feel like you are there. The book itself moves a bit slowly, but I enjoyed it. It was very well written and I look forward to more from Jane Lovering.

A quick read set in the Orkenys( an island off the coast of Scotland). The main character inherits an old house that she sees as a quick way to get money to start a new beginning. Once there, she finds an old one room home occupied by a mother bird and her babies, Also, she discovers that she is related to a family of witches. Beautiful descriptions of the Orkneys, however the book was a little slow to me. I enjoyed it but it's not for everybody.