Book Review: The Sea Glass Cottage
THE SEA GLASS COTTAGE is a sweet contemporary story full of love that’s perfect escapism. It helped me through a very rough time when I needed to think about another place. Even with all these characters’ flaws, this world didn’t seem as messed up as the one we’re living in now. I needed that hope of healing.
Olivia Harper witnesses a crime in Seattle where she lives, and berates herself for not being brave enough to help the woman attacked by a junkie. Staying inside her apartment with her comforting rescue dog is all she has been able to do for the last week. Can she come out of hiding and help her mom in her hometown of Cape Sanctuary, just because she needs her?
Oliva left Cape Sanctuary when all the sadness there became too much to handle. Her engagement made it seem like her life was back on track, until they realized they didn’t love one another. Can she go back to live with her mom and her deceased sister’s daughter, even short term? Can they survive the secrets when they’re disclosed?
These characters don’t make it easy for themselves with their misunderstandings, secrets, and stubbornness. But this story is all about forgiveness and moving into your next chapter, which makes it relatable and easy to understand why they do what they do.
An easy read in a comfortable small-town, this novel is perfect for relaxing with a cup of hot tea in your comfy chair. Early on, I spotted one of Thayne’s signature unusual words. She teaches me at least one new one with every book. I feel like I’m on a treasure hunt every time.
I especially enjoyed the garden center theme because it’s one of the many things I’ve done for a living that still has my heart. Once a gardener, always gardener – just a little slower but not less enthusiastic.
I appreciated the relevance of social media and how it can help good causes. The characters were likable, even the bratty teenager who realizes her assumptions may be off regarding her aunt. I was especially happy about the May-December romance that sparks throughout the pages. There should be more older couples experiencing a second chance at love in romance novels. I thought it was a great idea to have three generations experiencing different levels of love at the same time. It kept the book intriguing.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an advanced reading copy prior to publication. It kept me occupied during a very stressful time, then I lost my ability to cohesively describe it. I’ve since read it again this month in order to write my review. Rarely a re-reader, I found this one just as enjoyable the second time.
Reading a RaeAnne Thayne book is like coming home to old friends. The details of her small towns are charming, even when the struggles her characters face are often overwhelming for them. The best part? Getting more than one happy-ever-after in varying ages is pure bliss in this story. Three couples will charm you, and dare we hope for a young love story in the future?
Available now in Hardcover, Audible, and digital format, SEAGLASS COTTAGE will release in Mass Market paperback in January 2021. Book two in this CAPE SANCTUARY series, THE PATH TO SUNSHINE COVE, is due to release in March 2021.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne
Category: Contemporary
Series: Cape Sanctuary, Book 1
Publisher: HQN; Original Edition (March 17, 2020)
ISBN-13: 978-1335045164
Rated 4 out of 5
