Amber is a talented musician who is unable to play so she finds solace in a run-down cottage.

As she starts to renovate the cottage, with the help of local handyman Ben, she finds herself healing from her past trauma. The cottage and surrounds work their magic on her and when local boy Kai needs a helping hand, she swings into action. There is nothing like forgetting your own troubles by focussing on someone else's.

I liked this book a lot. It is a gentle read, but it makes you think. Following your heart is the best advice in this book, for sure. This is the first book I have read by this author but it can easily be read as a standalone and I hope to be reading another book in this series soon.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I love this series, this book can easily be read as a standalone but definitely recommend reading then all. Amber and Ben are great characters and the setting is perfect making you want to go and visit. Perfect beach read

I love books about family, secrets, relationships and even love. This is a story of Amber and her return to her family home after some devastating events in her life. Feeling quite down she meets Kai and her love of music returns. She also learns more about the cottage and her families past while also falling for Ben, the local builder.

This is a story that will get to the heart, you will shed a tear and you can feel the emotions radiating from the pages. It is heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time, it is well written and easy to read but has the depth of a good story and a good writer. The setting is perfect, the story is charming and you will love the characters that come alive on the pages. I loved it and couldn't put it down.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

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.

This is a dual timeline story, following the lives of Amber in the present day and Georgie in 1943. Amber is reeling from an accident that has left her unable to play the violin at the pace that she is used to and she has recently called off her wedding, not sure if it is what she wants. Did she love Patrick or was Patrick the safe option. Amber decides to assist in renovating her family's rental cottage, she feels it might heal her spirit. In the past, Georgie and her children move to Morwen island to a property owned by her husband, who is missing and presumed dead. Morwen island has its share of secrets, the secrets surrounding the cottage are well protectd by the islanders. As we follow both the lives of Amber and Georgie we see their struggles and triumphs and the similarities between both women. This was a well written and lovely story.


This author's books are always heartfelt stories that leave you smiling. I have enjoyed every one I have read and look forward to reading more.

A really enjoyable, charming read. I loved the characters and the setting was idyllic.
My favourite part though was the way the story was told. We have a 'now and then' narrative following Amber in the present day as she escapes from her life after cancelling her own wedding, and Georgie in the time of WW2. Both women come to the cottage and their stories weave together on the pages beautifully.

I loved this story a lot, and I really enjoyed Rebecca Alexander's writing - I shall definitely look out for more by her!

In this charming small-town cozy romance, readers follow Amber, a violinist whose injury leads her to calling off her wedding and retreats to her parents’ summer home on a whimsical island. Amber soon finds a sense of peace and camaraderie with the locals, including a young boy named Kai who loves music but is seriously ill. As her friendship with Kai and her romantic tension with local builder Ben grow, Amber discovers some more secrets about her parents’ home that suggest others have found love there too. However, Kai becomes more ill, and Amber and Ben join forces to organize a fundraising concert for this musical little boy -- and perhaps leading to Amber’s happy ending. With a mysterious wartime romance mirroring Amber’s romance with Ben, readers get a little bit of historical fiction romance with this charming modern novel. Bringing this small town and its inhabitants to life, Alexander’s characters are the heart of this novel with their vibrant, realistic, and complex personalities. With the whimsical setting and the light-hearted and charming characters, this heartwarming novel is a fun and light read for all fans of modern fiction. Alexander’s latest novel brings a small island town, those who live in it, and their relationships and struggles to her readers throughout this novel that readers are sure to enjoy.

Amber Marrak, a violinist, retreats to Beehive Cottage, a quaint property owned by her parents, to find solace after abruptly calling off her wedding. Despite recovering from surgery, she's determined to supervise the cottage's restoration following a recent fire. It's there that she encounters Ben Kevell, the contractor, and soon enough, the small-town rumor mill of Morwen starts churning.

Meanwhile, Georgina Preston, whose husband is missing and believed to be dead, embarks on a journey from London to Morwen with her children in tow. After a bombing leaves them without a home, they relocate to the secluded island, inheriting Beehive Cottage from her husband's aunt. Faced with new challenges, Georgina's resilience becomes the talk of the town.

The sixth installment of this dual-timeline series is as compelling as its predecessors, filled with meticulous historical details and rich, emotional depth. We delve into the lives of Amber and Georgina, exploring their trials and triumphs.

As my introduction to both the series and the author, I found that this book stands well on its own, consistent with the series' ability to allow each novel to be enjoyed independently.

My gratitude to Bookouture for the opportunity to review this eARC through NetGalley.

"The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea" is a testament to Rebecca Alexander's storytelling prowess. It is a beautifully written novel that strikes a balance between sorrow and hope. The book's merits lie in its well-crafted plot, rich character development, and the seamless integration of themes. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to readers who appreciate stories of overcoming hardship and finding new beginnings. It is a standout addition to the genre and a work that will undoubtedly touch the hearts of its readers.

In summary, Rebecca Alexander's novel "The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea" is a poignant and elegantly crafted narrative that warrants inclusion in any individual's literary collection. The novel's examination of resilience and the significance of opportunities for redemption is not only timeless but also deeply moving.

#TheGirlintheCottagebytheSea #NetGalley

This was a really great read. I loved the characters and especially Amber and her story. Beehive cottage had a very interesting history and it was lovely to read how it was being renovated. A great story of loves both lost and won which made this a real page turner. Both heart warming and heart breaking in equal measure,

Violinist, Amber Marrak moves into Beehive Cottage to escape the fallout from cancelling her wedding at the eleventh hour. Owned by her parents, the small property is being renovated after a fire and she will oversee the renovations despite the fact she is recovering from surgery. There, she meets Ben Kevell, the builder. However, it isn’t long before tongues start wagging by the locals on Morwen…

With her husband missing presumed dead, Georgina Preston is making the long journey from London to Morwen with her two children. Homeless after a bombing destroyed their home, they are moving to the remote Atlantic island courtesy of her husband’s aunt, who has gifted Beehive Cottage to him and her young son. Once on the island, Georgina quickly becomes resourceful due to necessity which generates gossip among the islanders.

The sixth book in this astonishingly well written, duel time series doesn’t disappoint. Brimming with well researched details, the novel oozes heartfelt emotion, as we become acquainted with the two women, their challenges and how they overcame them.

With a series, it’s always a lovely when familiar characters pop-up within the narrative and see how they blend into the community. However, like all the books in the series, each one can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel.

***arc received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley***

While I enjoy my suspense reads, I also enjoy turning to gentle tales to take me away from it all.

The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea is part of a series, but every book can be read as a stand alone. And it was exactly what I was looking for.

The setting is perfect - a small village on a small island where everyone knows you, your history, your family - and your business. And on that island is a wee cottage that needs that needs a lot of love.

The book is told in one of my favourite styles - now and then. The 'then' takes us back to WWII in 1943 and the story of Georgie, who lived in Beehive Cottage. And the 'now' brings Amber to the same place in time, running away from her life for many reasons. It was hard to to put the book down - I was invested in both stories.

Alexander has created two wonderful protagonists in Geordie and Amber. The supporting cast is just as well written. There might be a romantic plotline - or two - woven into the stories as well. And a change in both of their lives.

I quite like this quote from Rebecca Alexander: "This whole series has been about the ripples that are created by people rediscovering themselves in an isolated place where the people depend on each other, where the bonds of love and friendship form."

I think there's a few more stories to be told...in a cottage by the sea.

Suffering from a broken heart, Amber needs a new beginning. She finds just that at Beehive Cottage, in a lovely village near the sea, and it is her family’s home. As much as Amber is happy to be back home, she is disconcerted by the fact that the cottage is falling apart. Not only will being there help Amber to deal with her recent breakup, it doesn’t take her long to find fulfillment in all of the renovation that the cottage will need to bring it back to its former glory.

As Amber gets to work she discovers some documents. These documents are quite old and they actually contain secrets from the decades that have passed. Amber is worried that learning about those family secrets will put a damper on the good feelings that she had being back at the cottage. This is a story of second chances and this heartwarming story by Rebecca Alexander was absolutely wonderful. I did not realize that this was the fourth book in a series, but the story did remarkably well as a standalone novel. I had no problem connecting to Amber and her journey, as well has she found the road to true love.

As we read Amber’s story there was so much to be gained, especially when it came to the real second chances that Amber had in her life. When you think of how the story began with Amber when she was coming from a place of vulnerability and pain, it was wonderful to see her find joy and fulfillment in life.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Amber loves the time she spends at her family’s home, Beehive Cottage, located near the beautiful sparkling sea. She is completely devastated when her wedding is abruptly called off, the one thing she needs is to get away from it all. The only place she wants to be is Beehive Cottage. When she arrives, the charming little cottage is falling apart and she wants to spend her days renovating it. The work will help her keep her mind off her wedding that didn’t happen. She finds a stack of documents that were rolled up hidden behind an old cupboard. As she reads through the documents, secrets not only of the cottage, but of the past generations of her family come to light. Will this be a new beginning, a second chance or the happily ever after that she deserves?

The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea written by Rebeca Alexander is an amazing read. I absolutely love The Island Cottage Series. I could not wait to get my hands on this installment. I loved Amber’s story, the family history and the hope of a second chance at happiness. The character of Ben was heart-warming, and the plot twist was exceptional. The author’s writing is amazing and she doesn’t waist any time pulling you into the story. This awesome storyline kept me engaged from the first page to the last. This rapid read is sure to melt your heart and I highly recommend it. It can be read as a standalone book even though it is part of a wonderful series.

What a beautiful, thoughtful and heart melting story! I have loved all the books in this series but I think this one is my ultimate favourite. I was moved to tears by The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea for it truly captured my heart and the music references resonated deep in me-- since I am also a musician and understand its creative expressive connection to the soul.

Ms Alexander’s writing is just stunning in this Cottage Island instalment and some of the descriptive lines, similes and metaphors are pure perfection. I felt emotionally, mentally and physically transported to this gorgeous island soaked in fascinating history. Though Morwen is a fictional setting, the author has made it clear it reflects the local islands near where she lives in England.

I truly enjoyed Amber’s journey to completeness and finding true romantic love through her visit to the island and in reconnecting with her musical abilities. It was heartbreaking to read of her scary injury that led to some pretty extensive surgery and recovery. For a musician to lose certain physical abilities, even temporarily, is most devastating. For one never knows whether they can play again or not as well. There is a real sadness that burrows deep into the soul and wounds the mind when such a thing happens.

Initially, Amber’s injury steals her confidence and places her in a vulnerable state. She receives a lot of tender care from Patrick which was great but she confuses this emotional support for love. This leads to her engagement to a man who is not right for her. He loves her but is not the one to make her heart sing. She cannot understand her feelings at first so the break up is quite dramatic. And he, of course, feels betrayed. But once she realises her feelings are not the right kind for a marital union, she has the courage to call it off before it is too late. I feel the author exposes and explores this predicament very well. I truly felt Amber’s anguish upon the realisation but rejoiced in her courage to make things right.

Then she heads to the island to continue in her recovery and gets a fresh start. Helping with the restoration of her family’s cottage gives her a chance to rediscover herself and to zero in on her true passions. Through some prompting, she picks up the violin again and discovers she still wants to play but in a different way. She worked hard to become a great violinist travelling with the Symphony Orchestra as first violinist. But does she want that life now? She makes some changes to her playing style that caused the injury in the first place and her father has her violin modified to take some strain off her neck. Her creative soul soars and pours again through her music while the house whispers a song to her that she begins to compose. And, healing begins in her heart. Part of this transformation comes as a result of meeting lovely Ben, who was hired to work on the cottage with her. As they collaborate together manually and creatively, something fresh and beautiful ignites and blossoms.

As noted, Beehive Cottage is a huge character in this story for it has witnessed and fostered new beginnings and contains many secrets in its walls. During its restoration phase, Amber finds a manuscript/journal hidden in a dusty cupboard that was written by a women named Georgina who lived there during the Second World War. It is quite a moving account recorded in the second timeline. Losing her husband in the sinking of a war ship, left her in a vulnerable state. First he is missing, before being declared deceased. So, her hopes rise and fall over a long period. Plus, the cottage she lives in is not hers. Her home in London was destroyed by bombs. Thankfully her husband’s aunt has a cottage on the island that was left to him and their son, so it becomes their place of refuge. But she never has it easy. Out of necessity, she takes on a few jobs to get enough money to feed her children. Friends help her when they can and because her husband is not declared dead for a long time, an army pension is not available to her at first. But she seeks help from a legal man working locally (who was a casualty of the war) to assist her with the paperwork. He does what he can. It was interesting to learn of all the stipulations that were placed on these pensions and how difficult it was for a woman left behind to begin her life again with someone new. And I won’t say more but Georgina has a few surprises come her way. Her journey is quite moving and prompted copious tears in me, both from sorrow and joy. I was happy to see her finally receive some much deserved happiness for I admired her perseverance, courage and strength.

I was so deeply lost in the story that when I turned the last page I did not realise I was at the end! I wanted to read more! I loved both threads equally well and they totally captured my attention and held my heart completely. They blended together beautifully in an uplifting finale, too. I can say without hesitation this novel deserves more than five stars as it is an achievement on all levels. It shines with the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of romantic love. The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea is a stunning, breath-taking triumph. A novel I will never forget. 5+ Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

Picture an island crowded with three generations of gossip, each interwoven with threads of love.

This was an interesting read — less opaque compared to my typical reads. There was a lot of inferring as you read along these characters’ lives, though the end wrapped things up nicely.

I peg this a historical fiction that is mystery and part love story, with a few elements of magical realism.

I enjoyed following each character along their journey.

In the beautiful setting of the remote, fictional island Morwen, author Rebecca Alexander has written an emotional tale of two young women starting anew in Beehive Cottage.

This novel has two POVs. One of them being Amber, a talented violinist who is renovating the cottage in present day. The other is Georgie, and I LOVED reading about her. This book should be all about Georgie in my opinion. Georgie arrives at Morwen in 1943 with her two young children, her husband missing in the war. Her story was captivating and heart-warming. She has to fight for herself and her little family, build a new life from basically nothing, grieve her husband and survive on hardly any money. It was all very emotional and inspiring, and I couldn't wait to find out how her story would end.

The island of Morwen was a delightful place to be, and I fell in love with its community of strong women and the friendly families living there. Its scenery sounded stunning. I wish I could visit Beehive Cottage and have tea with the neighbours.

To sum it all up; the novel is about friendship and relationships, and there are multiple love stories to follow throughout the story. I think "The Girl in the Cottage by the Sea" will appeal to a lot of readers. I found the beginning of the story to be the strongest part of this book, but unfortunately I lost a little bit of interest half-way. Not much was going on in Ambers life (that I enjoyed reading about, that is), so I lost a bit of pace along the way. But that being said: this book was interesting, inspiring and moving. If you like historical fiction and romance - this will be right up your alley!

(This can be read as a standalone)
Be ready to be taken to a windswept island on the British Coast. The island is so small, everyone knows everyone’s business.
Told in duel timeline of two women who end up living in the same cottage years apart.
In present time, we have Amber who is recovering from major surgery. The past time line is about Georgie and her two children.
So much going on within this heartwarming and heartfelt story!
Perfect book to read for historical fiction fans.
Thanks NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved the dual timeline in the story. Beautiful setting on a remote island. I enjoyed the book very much.

The past meets the present. Two women years apart…love and romance…loss…family and friends…I enjoy these books …cottage by the sea…this talented author has written a page turner. I could not stop reading. A quick fun read…historical fiction also…thanks Netgalley.

Two women . one cottage on a remote island, both with live changing problems and the way the people on the small island interact to help.
One a musician who has been injured and finding her way back and one finding herself and her children penniless as. her husband is lost in the war. This is a book you won't be able to put down.