‘ROSEMARY COTTAGE,’ BY COLLEEN COBLE

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Any visit to Hope Beach is one to treasure. The small town setting is a piece of cozy comfort featuring equally personable characters. Rosemary Cottage is another charming story of faith and family, a heartfelt novel that doesn’t seem to forget the people of the story.

‘ROSEMARY COTTAGE,’ BY COLLEEN COBLE. Review of the 2013 novel, book two in the Hope Beach series. All review text © Rissi JC

STORY: We meet Amy Lang, a young woman who defies her influential father’s wishes that she become a doctor and instead choses a more fulfilling line of work as a midwife. Through the death of her brother, Amy reconnects with Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland whose own sister died two short weeks prior to Amy’s brother Ben. When Amy begins to suspect that her bothers death is no accident, her findings point in ominous directions that neither one of them are ready to face.

Rosemary Cottage, by Colleen Coble | Book Review

Colleen has a knack for writing memorable figures in inspirational fiction. Another one of her trademarks is children, and this introduces us to Raine, the adorable one-year-old niece of Curtis. Giving him a child gives readers a deeper look into Curtis as a person; he loves deeply and defends them to a fault. He and Amy share this in common. However one of the books minor flaws is the arguments between Amy and Curtis. Their blind faith in family isn’t a “bad” thing, rather it’s how they transfer these doubts onto each other that disappoints. Once the two of them make the decision to dive into the secrets of the past, they rarely walk away without anger. This also carries into the ending which is, admittedly a little too fast. A handful of chapters lead up to the climax and in one short chapter, everything resolves. Amy’s secret, that she protects from Curtis for the entire book, suddenly comes rushing out and all during concern over the fate of a loved one.

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That being said, this girl still loves Rosemary Cottage. More romantic than its predecessor, all of the characters are hiding from something; each is in need of healing and the comfort only He can bring. Catching up with Libby and Alec is a treat and that way Amy’s work weaves into the story impresses. Being from a family who doesn’t use medical care on the norm, it’s interesting to read about herbs and the natural remedies she believes aid in good health. Really, the entire book is beautiful and of course, we love our Coast Guard hero.

Written with care and skill in a healing environment with persuasive underpinnings of mystery, Coble’s story is a charming summer read not to miss!

About the Book:

Author: Colleen Coble
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2013
Series: A Hope Beach Novel – book 2
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary, Christian
Shop the Book: Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5

Sincere thanks to Litfuse and the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purpose.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

6 comments

  1. This sounds lovely, even if you said it seemed a little rushed and all that. I liked the first one well enough and Colleen's books have made me smile and the covers…wow. :) I'm looking forward to picking up this book and trying it out for myself. The characters sound lovely and the cover is just gorgeous. Thanks for the review Rissi and enjoy your break!! (next time you want to take a break let me know and I'll try to get a guest post to you :D)

    1. This one was sweet, Sierra – it was a really nice story and I love how Colleen uses the mystery to drive the novel forward. It's never "too much" yet always leaves us breathless for the conclusion. That's the exciting part. :)

      The cover of this one is GORGEOUS. Must agree.

      I've been trying to take every weekend "off" from blogging and Internet in general, Sierra so really anytime you'd want to guest post, you're most welcome. :) Next time you feel inspired to write a guest post, I'd be happy to be its host.

    2. Yay! Looking forward to an eventual review from you then. :)

      Sounds like a plan, Sierra. Anytime… just send it and I'll get it posted. :)

    1. Glad to hear that, Heather – hope you can get more of Colleen's novels. Really liked the first book in this series! It was so good. :)

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