Member Reviews
I liked this a smidge more than the first book in the series. Although, the title is a tad misleading, because said cottage only appears for a short time in the story. The main character, Libby is also an admirable, strong character like Cleo from the first book. She has to put her life back together after her divorce, has to find her strenght and her voice. Her friends and Jeremy help her throughout her journey. Libby connects with Jeremy because of their shared losses. As they help and support each other, love blooms between them. I liked how Libby got a new chance to build a relationship with someone in which they had to work through the arising problems to become equal partners. It showed how there are no perfect relationships, that there can be more than one ‘The One’ and no relationships are alike. I liked the ending here better than in the first book and I hope the rest of the girls from the girl squad get their happy endings in upcoming books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.
Cute, easy beach read about giving romance, friendships and life a second chance. Perfect for those wanting a happy ending and with only a few bumps along the way.
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.
Libby’s story this time. The second book in the Clamshell Bay series. . I enjoyed this book as much as the first one. A light easy read with plenty of twists to the plot the reader cannot imagine . Characters are interesting, and though some characters in the previous book are mentioned , it is a standalone book .
A great holiday or me time read , well written with great flow to the story, Highly Recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Sara Jane Bailey for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review
Another fun read from Clamshell Bay. When her cheating husband wants a divorce it takes all her energy to save her house and protect her kids. Good read in the series. Highly recommend.
A beautiful story for Libby which shows her strength and growth. A great follow on in the series and can't wait for the next!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
I was looking forward to reading the next book in the series. This one was better than the first!
A nice love story with complications along the way
As enjoyable as The Bakery at Clamshell Bay, The Cottage at Clamshell Bay is a sweet and wholesome second chance romance that delivers.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a common review for both The Bakery at Clamshell Bay and The Cottage at Clamshell Bay
They are the start of a new series and they're heartwarming and well plotted stories, set in a lovely setting and featuring a great cast of characters.
Can't wait to read other books in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The Cottage at Clamshell Bay by Sara Jane Bailey is a delightful book about second chances. Lillian is recently divorced and a mom of two and Jeremy is a widow with twin girls. Their worlds collide when Lillian finds out that her ex-husband has not been paying the mortgage as agreed and she receives a foreclosure letter. She goes straight to the president of the bank, Jeremy. While she is confronting him, his twin daughters call with a medical emergency after they have skipped school and gone home. One thing leads to another and Lillian's and Jeremy's lives become more entangled.
Will they end up friends or could this be their second chance at love?
A copy was provided for my review. All opinions are my own.
Charming story of a unexpectedly single mom and her struggle to keep her home. Lovely story well written and keeps you interested. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy
I enjoyed the story about starting over and making the most of your life when a man destroys everything you have. Libby was a woman and Mother lied to by her cheating husband , , financially abandon and she survived making a new life for her children starting from the ground up using her own skills and intelligence. I like that she never gave up and created new income sources for her famly and helped another grieving family thrive. A enjoyable read for summer.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.
This was a lovely story but, I didn't think it was as good as the first one. A little predictable and the characters weren't as lovely. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
This is an emotional book and at times I felt sorry for Libby and how her husband had treated her. Well written and enjoyable.
This is a nice, easy read, ideal for relaxing with, especially after reading some books with very dark themes recently. It handles death of a parent, betrayal, trust issues, and the value of good friends. I liked Jeremy and Libby, there was a nice spark between the two from the off, and although it was a forgone conclusion as to what would happen, it’s still worth a read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
Ok this book is a perfect one to grab for your beach read. It was an easy read that kept me reading and had me at the last page before I knew it.
It was a good continuation of the new series. The author has a way of making me feel like I am right there with characters in the story.
I really like the friendships that are in this story.
Thank you NetGalley, Sara Jane Bailey and Storm Publishing for the copy of The Cottage at Clamshell Bay. This is my personal review.
This is the start of a brand new series set on America's Pacific Ocean. Clamshell Bay is a small town full of people who are welcome and warm just what the three heroines of this book need.
If your looking for a brand new series full of friendship and warmth then this is the book for you.
This was a sweet read, realistic read.
Grief and heartbreak are prevalent, but so was healing and hope. Libby and Jeremy are both working hard to fight for their families, and needing to learn to let go. I think they both were able to help each other heal from their pasts and be just what the other needed. A second chance story of love that I think a lot of people will enjoy! (Does have a little spice)
🐚🌊⚾️📖
-Cute banter
-Second chance romance
-single parents
-coastal setting
A feel-good romantic comedy for a fun light and cheerful read. Would recommend this series
Thank you to Sara Jane Bailey, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book.
The Cottage at Clamshell Bay is a feel-good beach read that is the perfect book to get back into reading. Set in a seaside town in the Pacific Northwest, you'll find Libby and Jeremy O'toole finding their way, together and separately, after both of their first marriages have ended. Navigating personal and professional lives is not always easy, especially with young kinds involved, and the story follows Libby and Jeremy along their path of making the hard times easier.
This book was a cozy, easy ready and perfect for someone who wants a quick romance book with a happily ever after. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is because it is predictable from the beginning, but that makes it a feel-good read. This is my first time reading Sara Jane Bailey, and I would definitely read another of hers!