Any book written by Liz Eeles is a must-read for me! So I was thrilled when The eighth instalment of the Heaven’s Cove series appeared. I can say without reservation, I thoroughly enjoyed this magnificent addition. The Wife at the Last House Before the Sea is an enthralling mystery romance that captured me from the intriguing prologue to the last page. Once I started, I literally could not put it down until finished. (I read it in one day and was happy with the outcome but struggling to keep my eyes open!)

I have been trying to put my finger on what is different about this novel from the others. And I think it is the tone with its grittier edge and heightened level of maturity in topic. Mostly due to character Robert who has some serious issues and secrets he has been carrying around a good portion of his adult life. The plot has a number of emotional layers with lots of dramatic twists and turns. There is a great supporting cast of realistic characters that make this story work on so many levels.

Robert’s son, Leo, is a bit grumpy at the start when a mishap happens that disrupts his and his father’s livelihood. But it was easy to warm up to and actually be charmed by him after various encounters with Emma and others. Of course the question in any reader’s mind is: will he become more than a friend to Emma, once they get past their stumbling blocks?

This story contains emotional journeys for a number of its characters. But at the core is a wife, a donated dazzling silk wedding dress and a lost ring that brings the past into question and under scrutiny.

The story is told from three points of view: Emma, Leo and Robert and it was easy to follow as their names headed the chapters. The Prologue, though, is see through Beatrice’s eyes. She has decided to donate her wedding dress to charity: a symbol that it is ‘time to let go of the past…But the past was not so easily left behind…’ Memories come flooding back but she knows she must move forward as everything is changing. So she stuffs this dress and many other pieces into a bag as ‘they belonged to another life.’ This is basically what is happening to a few of the characters. Change is on the horizon and they must deal with the sudden shifts in their lives.

Emma has just come through a difficult divorce. Her ex-husband left her for a younger woman. To her credit, she leaves London and heads to Heaven’s Cove to start a new life and business. In fact, to follow her dream. Fashion is her passion—particularly vintage clothes so she sets up a shop. It is here where she encounters the mysterious dress that has been donated by an anonymous person.

Although Emma is excited with her new adventure, she learns quickly it is harder to fit in with the villagers than expected. Some are less welcoming than others. But she does not give up and is rewarded in due time. One thing that brings them together (particularly Leo and Emma) is the case of the silk wedding dress. They each wonder why its appearance has caused Leo’s father such an unusual reaction. He denies knowing anything, of course, but they don’t believe him and venture out to find clues and solve a mystery that will shock and surprise them. Their journey together is very interesting and how the pieces of the puzzle fall together is quite clever. During this time, Leo and Emma draw closer while they try to unravel the past which includes Robert’s former work and romantic life. Leo discovers some family secrets that will stun him but their unveiling will bring about much change in his father’s life.

The Wife at the Last House Before the Sea is beautifully written. Liz was already a powerful story teller, but I think her skills have hopped up another notch with this one. She delves deeper into the psyche and motives of a character (particularly Robert’s). There are lots of grey areas she explores. And there are more intricate details that drew me deeper into the mind of a man who wanted to rise above his birth station, to be more than his past but that path was not necessarily an honest one. What makes people do things they shouldn’t do? There are many answers to this question and we see great examples in this story. Perceptions shaped by culture and social classes can wreak havoc. Which can damage self-worth. This is explored not only with Robert but also with Emma, who must learn that she is worthy of true love and of pursuing and fulfilling her dreams. Robert learns that growth can only come in facing the past so that a person can succeed in the future. This novel gave me lots to think about and I whole heartedly recommend it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

I enjoyed this book. It pulled me in right away, and kept my interest. It’s well written and sweet. I thought each chapter being from the perspective of one of the three main characters was a creative way to tell the story. It flowed well and I was able to learn more about each character in a well organized way, that came together beautifully in the end. Even though this book is the eighth in the series, and I haven’t read any of the previous books, there was no confusion or questions. Very well done.

I like this author. I like this series. A quick read with likable characters. This book is a page turner. What will happen next? This is a book that can stand alone also. I like the protagonist especially. Curl up in a cozy chair, grab a comfy Afghan and a cup of tea…you won’t want to stop reading. Thanks Netgalley