Review of 'Second Chances at the Cottage by the Sea' by Rebecca Alexander

Review of 'Second Chances at the Cottage by the Sea' by Rebecca Alexander

Release date: Jan 18th, 2024

Publisher: Bookouture

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What the story is about:

When Eleanor Markham is asked to run a festival on St Brannock’s Island, she instantly accepts. She needs something new to focus on after the death of her beloved mother, and she knows that her mother was adopted from the island. Is it possible Eleanor will find her lost family in this remote place?

When she arrives, Eleanor is welcomed by the islanders. All except rugged farmer Bruno Roskelly, who glares at her with his piercing dark-brown eyes. He doesn’t want the festival to take place on his land but, as Eleanor tries to persuade him, she realises his gruff exterior hides a kind heart that was broken many years ago.

With Bruno’s help, Eleanor discovers that she is staying in the very cottage where her mother was born. And as she gets closer to learning who her grandmother might be, she uncovers the story of a remarkable woman who lived in the cottage too, and who risked everything to protect the islanders during the Second World War, as well as to be with the man she loved…

As the fragments of history fall into place, Eleanor feels closer to her family than ever before. But can she take inspiration from her past and be brave once more? And if she does, might she mend Bruno’s broken heart, and perhaps even her own?

REVIEW

What an outstanding and completely engaging masterpiece! I have adored Rebecca Alexander’s Island Cottage series so much and Book 5 is my absolute favourite! Rich history, captivating mystery and magical scenery weave together to create a stunning narrative that pulls fiercely on the heartstrings. There is a beautiful flow to this dual timeline that eases us back and forth with a gentle persuasion. I loved both threads but the 1940’s captured my heart a little more. It was a great reminder and learning experience to go back to an era before modern medical advances and how the island people dealt with a more limited and natural remedy/old wives tale approach to healthcare. It was also a tough time for women doctors to be acknowledged, trusted or taken seriously. Even worse for those who attempted to set up practices on the islands. New blood, innovative ways and fresh approaches were frowned upon or ignored by the locals. To watch Dorothy overcome the odds and the prejudices that tried to derail her was seriously uplifting. She never gave up trying to win the people over with her common sense, persistence and kindness. Eventually she made headway but not without taking some advice from friends and colleagues, making peace with the local ‘nurse’ and teaming up with an American male doctor. Her unselfish acts of kindness, tireless dedication and endearing sacrifice reveal her admirable strength of character. And for these and other reasons, she became my favourite heroine of this series.

Second Chances at the Cottage by the Sea is aptly titled as it definitely is about starting over for a number of the characters who grace this heart-touching novel. In the modern timeline, Eleanor Markham is asked to set up a festival on St Brannock’s Island. She decides to go for two reasons. She loves her work but also hopes to learn more about her mother’s past connection to the island—including her adoption. Now that her mother has passed on, she misses her terribly and wants to honour her memory. In the process, between work and socialising, she meets some interesting people who were part of her mother’s past. On this emotional journey, she begins to find the answers she seeks, while the island and its people work their magic on her. A once grumpy farmer named Bruno and his lively daughter make a huge impression on her heart and help her unravel some mysteries surrounding her family.

Searching one’s roots, discovering the branches that lie beneath plus creating new family connections, is what this story is about. The call of the past on future generations is a strong one and we see this in Eleanor. In order to move forward and experience healing for herself and to offer it to others, she must uncover truths that have been buried a long time. The Doctor’s cottage has witnessed many events in the past and Eleanor ends up staying in the same residence where she learns many things. It will be uncomfortable at first but eventually a flood of peace will follow. As this story graciously unfolds, and the two story lines come together in a beautiful natural union between passionate souls, many ghosts are laid to rest. Second Chances at the Cottage by the Sea delivers a delightful homespun tender and triumphant ending that will stay with me a long time. I highly recommend this unforgettable novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.