Review of 'The Cottage at Clamshell Bay' by Sara Jane Bailey

Review of 'The Cottage at Clamshell Bay' by Sara Jane Bailey

Release date: August 4th, 2023

Publisher: Storm Publishing

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REVIEW

The Cottage at Clamshell Bay is an inspiring delightful story of determination, love and strength. It is a fabulous follow up to the heart-warming Bakery at Clamshell Bay. This new series set on the northern west coast of United States, has all the warm and charming elements of country community spirit.

It is a lovely treat to read both books so close together. And such a cosy experience: like curling up with a nice blanket, cup of cocoa or chatting with an old friend. I have to say this one is even more moving than the first (and I loved it dearly as well!). Book two draws some of the same characters back into our hearts and explores issues of grief from both marital abandonment and death. It also covers blended families, entrepreneurial dreams, effective parenting, life counselling, financial upheaval, homemaker arts (cooking, housekeeping) and so much more. Relationships are thoroughly explored from all angles through characters you don’t want to say goodbye to!

Libby is a paediatric nurse with special training in grief counselling but she also is a garden/landscape designer. It has never been more important than now to get her business off the ground because she is at the risk of losing her home. To survive and provide for her children, is number one priority so she must earn a reasonable living. She is a single parent as her husband asked for a divorce. Although shocked by his request and infidelity, she grants his wish. But he is to continue to provide for her and their children—including covering the mortgage. It isn’t long, though, when he reneges on his promises and responsibilities. She is unaware he has fallen behind in house payments until a letter arrives from the bank. Threat of foreclosure is imminent. Libby tries to locate her ex-husband to discuss the matter but he is unreachable. He’s in Europe somewhere with his new younger woman.

Libby must find a way to hold on to her home until she can secure employment. So she goes to the bank to speak to Jeremy O’Toole, the manager. He is in a board meeting but desperation causes her to march boldly in on the event unannounced. Once catching sight of her, compassion rises in his heart and he gives her the audience she seeks. He has heard it all before and offers a sympathetic solution. But while in his office with her, he gets a call that his twin daughters are suddenly very sick. On the spur of the moment, he seeks Libby’s help because of her medical training. This begins a most unusual and intriguing journey: one that changes and challenges each of their lives.

I truly enjoyed the story of how these two come together with certain needs and provide amazing support for each other. As their friendship blossoms, so does their attraction. Jeremy has had a sad background, too. He lost his wife to breast cancer three years earlier. He has never really recovered from her death. But Libby comes into his life like a breath of fresh air. She is confident in her abilities and is an excellent organiser and exceptional parent. Although each are successful in their own right, they both have trust and relationship issues due to their losses. Initially they are not the best at communicating with each other. But when these handicaps are overcome and they receive closure from their past partners, the couple begin to blossom and create a new life together. Yes, this is a beautiful emotional story about fresh starts and learning to love again.

There is a wonderful flow to this story that made me settle in quite easily. I did not want to put it down and read most of it in one sitting. It is told from Libby and Jeremy’s perspective so we get an inside view of their thoughts on each other and events. It was heart-warming to see their growth and courage to overcome the toughest challenges.

I must not forget the theme of friendship that runs through the Clamshell Cove series. Friends from the first book make a brief appearance such as Cleo— the local baker, Megan— the painter and Brooke— a former model. These ladies in the first novel met at Cleo’s cooking class and in this one continue to be fabulous support for each other.

This novel has emotional depth, genuine friendships and valuable connections that leave you feeling moved, mesmerised and motivated. I highly recommend The Cottage at Clamshell Bay as it will truly brighten your day and charm your heart as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.