REVIEW
Wow! What another powerful dual timeline island story from Rebecca Alexander! I really enjoyed this fourth instalment of the series. It 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 gorgeous novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture & Netgalley for my review copy.
