Cover Image: Starting Over At Sunset Cottage

Starting Over At Sunset Cottage

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Member Reviews

I really enjoyed this story. At first I thought I was in for a festive read because of the cover, but that is only because snow is a significant part of the plot development. Aside from it finishing at Christmas, this is definitely an all-year rounder.

This is a re-write of an older story from Hobman and I think this is one of the reasons why I enjoyed it as much as I did: it definitely feels and reads differently to other novels I have read from this author. The story opens with the end of Jim and Flick’s marriage – quite a sobering beginning for the genre! However, the novel is non-linear and shows how Jim and Flick’s relationship started… and failed. I liked how Hobman doesn’t rigidly move from the early days to present times between Flick and Jim; instead, different episodes are recalled that are linked to whatever the character is experiencing. It made for a more interesting read.

Based on the split narrative, I found it difficult to sympathise with one character more than the other. In some situations, it is heartbreaking to see Jim suffering when his wife appears to have transformed into a career-monster. Yet, I understood Flick’s frustration towards her husband, even though the influence from her mother was also particularly shocking. When circumstances throw the pair together again, I was fascinated by reading both characters interpretation of events, trying to gauge how the other is feeling.

Whilst some may consider the plot predictable, I enjoyed watching the story unfold. When it moves to Chicago, I was curious to see whether there would be any reconciliation between the split characters, especially as distance and negative emotions added more tension between them. However, I liked how Hobman keeps readers on tenterhooks as we do not know whether this will become a tragic love story or one that ends on new beginnings once and for all.

Overall, I thought this was a story with more depth as we follow the rise and fall of Flick and Jim’s relationship. The Scottish setting added some charm to an otherwise lovely story.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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"Starting Over At Sunset Cottage" by Lisa Hobman is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant tale that deserves a solid five stars. The story beautifully explores the complexities of love, loss, and the possibility of new beginnings after the shattering of a once-happy marriage.

The narrative kicks off with the enchanting love story between Felicity "Flick" Johnston-Hart and Jim MacDuff, capturing the magic of their initial connection at Oxford University. The author skillfully weaves a tale of blissful marriage that takes an unexpected turn due to the interference of Flick's mother, Penelope. The pain and abrupt end to their relationship set the stage for a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Lisa Hobman masterfully delves into the aftermath of a broken marriage, portraying Flick's struggle to conform to her mother's expectations while realizing that life without Jim is not what she had envisioned. The exploration of regret and the irreversibility of certain decisions adds depth to the story, making it a poignant and relatable read.

Jim's character, settling back into life as a single man in the picturesque Highland village of Shieldaig, brings another layer to the narrative. The unexpected visitor and the revelation from beyond the grave propel him into a transformative journey that defies expectations. The author navigates the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and moving on with sensitivity and authenticity.

The central question of whether Flick and Jim can heal and truly move on keeps readers engaged, emotionally invested in their individual journeys. Lisa Hobman skillfully explores the theme that a broken heart may not be a blank canvas, but rather a canvas waiting to be painted with new colors and experiences.

The book's previous incarnation as "Through the Glass" only enhances its appeal, providing readers with a captivating and well-crafted story of love and redemption. "Starting Over At Sunset Cottage" is a five-star gem that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving a lasting impression with its poignant exploration of second chances and the resilience of the human spirit. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel.

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I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

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Book not meant for me. Hopefully someone will enjoy it more. I will look into renting it in the future

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This book was just so lovely
I do not have a more perfect word to describe this book other than lovely. Which is nothing but a compliment for this author
The book is the perfect book to lose yourself in on a rainy winter day
The author writes the perfect comfort book
I loved the dual perspective and learning the perfect love story from Jim and Flick
I will be looking out for more by this author

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I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I am kind of surprised that my opinion of the book is way different then most of the reviews. I just didn't feel this book. I honestly didn't like any of the main characters. I thought that they were both really annoying. I main female character is self-centered and I also can't believe that she would let he mom just run her life this she did and she was very rude to her husband. I also found myself feeling really sorry for him BUT when we would start getting his side of the story he was very needy and constantly needed the reassurance that she loved him. Don't even get me started on the new guy she dated a year before she broke up with. He was on purpose so disgusting it was kind of just unrealistic. I don't know I don't really feel like it was a great Christmas story. I mostly found the plot getting more and more annoying. Just was not my cup of tea and I honestly as I kept reading I could care less more and more about their backstory and where this was going.

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Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

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This book was a nice, light hearted, easy read. Perfect to take your mind off reality for a while.

Starting the book with the end of Felicity & Jim's marriage, it's clear this isn't your usual romance.

I enjoyed how the author reflected on Flick & Jim's love story as it allowed the reader to get to know the couple & how they were at the start of their relationship.

However, towards the end, the story suddenly become really unrealistic & although the ending was great, I didn't think it was realistic for me.

I rated this 3 stars⭐

Thank you to Lisa Hobman, Boldwood Books & NetGalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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A really enjoyable story, beautifully written with many twists and turns. This is a book which draws the reader in and keeps them enthralled, a romantic drama of second chances. Set in Scotland the locations are stunningly described. I really enjoyed Jim and Flicks story and would highly recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Lisa Hobman for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really like this authors books.
It was a cute story with lovely characters. I really enjoyed. This was a 3.5 stars for me.

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A heart-warming second chance romance of the type which Lisa is fast becoming known for. Beautifully descriptive, I always want to escape into one of Lisa Hobman's books.

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This was a brilliant read and is being featured on my blog for my quick star reviews feature, which I have created on my blog so I can catch up with all the books I have read and therefore review.
See www.chellsandbooks.wordpress.com.

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The descriptions of Scotland were especially vivid, and you get a real sense the author has fondness for it in particular
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. Whilst I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one, I did like it overall. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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A good romantic drama of second chances... should they get back together again or not? What I fail to understand about the book is why Flick would be so badly influenced by her mother but it still made good reading with good characters and a few twists and turns to keep your interest and I loved the Scottish part as I remember staying in Sheildaig as a child

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A relationship is usually doomed when one person wants something more from the union. Flick''s interfering mother constantly tells her daughter that she can do better than husband Jim.. While Jim tries to make a new life for himself in Scotland, Flick is very successful in the art world, but doesn't immediately realize what her success has cost. There are a few twists and turns, making this an entertaining read. .

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Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jim MacDuff is settling back into life as a single man in the beautiful Highland village of Shieldaig, after the love of his life Felicity “Flick” Johnston-Hart decided she didn't love him anymore and wanted more from life. With constant pursuasion from her mother who constantly tells Felicity, Jim is not good enough for her and she deserves so much more. She starts to believe it. All Jim has ever wanted was Flick and he thought he had the perfect life, until he had to start again. Then a letter from Felicity's Father makes him rethink the whole situation and their life together.

I really felt for Jim, it was quite refreshing to see this from the male perspective. I really struggled to like Felicity and couldn't understand how her Mother could influence her so much. If she loved Jim as much as claims, why would she just walk away, especially when they had been together for so long, I just found her very naive to say what an astute business woman she was.

I did enjoy reading the book, and would definitely read something by the author in the future. This one just wasn't my favourite.

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This was such a cute small town romance. I loved the banter and Loved the characters and plot! Highly recommend this book!

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Lovely story, had me crying in parts. Sometimes 2nd chances are what’s needed and in this story a second chance was worth it.

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When the story begins, you find yourself very much in Jim's camp. There seems to be very little to like in Felicity's behaviour and you wonder what is next in Jim's life. The story is told through both points of view so you follow them both and begin to understand more about their relationship. I enjoyed this development and by the end of the book realised how many layers there are to Felicity's character. There are several flashbacks back to when they both met and subsequent important events.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story and the period in Chicago feels like a complete gear change and was totally unexpected, by me at least. The writing is fluent and carries you through. My favourite section of the book concerned Sunset Cottage itself with all that gorgeous Scottish scenery and rural way of life. Knowing your own mind, family relationships and starting again are all important themes in this story.

In short: new starts and second chances
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
#Blogtour

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This started off really well but I didn't expect it to return to the start of the relationship, it felt wrong for a while but once into this it was a very god story. 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC

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