Blog Tour – The Island Cottage by Jane Lovering @janelovering @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #PublicationDay #BlogTour #BookReview #boldwoodbloggers #RespectRomFic #TheIslandCottage

I make no secret of the fact that I have loved each one of Jane’s books and look forward to each new release.  With that comes a potential challenge as I am loathe to either post negative comments or promote a book that I found to be lacklustre.  I’m delighted to say that there is no danger of either scenario with The Island Cottage because I truly loved it!  If you’d like to take a look at some of my previous reviews for Jane Lovering, you can follow these links: A Seagull Summer and A Cottage Full of Secrets.

I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the blog tour invite and to Boldwood Books for providing my advance reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.  You can read my thoughts below.

Synopsis

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

Purchase Link

Review

Orkney was a surprise setting for this book as I am used to Jane’s books being set in the Yorkshire area, but while the protagonist hailed from Yorkshire, the entire story took us on an adventure in the remote Scottish area.  I got an immediate feel for the area and could imagine the vaguely unwelcoming terrain. I’ve never been but have watched films that have used the location.  There’s a certain wildness that truly captures the imagination.

Brid Harcus – pronounced Breed – is a really interesting character, and I thoroughly enjoyed following her determined path as she set about restoring the isolated cottage to a saleable standard.  She was certainly of hardier stock than me as I couldn’t imagine not having access to a bath or shower! Despite the lack of creature comforts, Brid had a definite vision, and I was definitely invested in seeing her work her interior design magic.

Of course, Jane writes wonderful romantic fiction, so I knew that there would be a love interest and was certainly not disappointed to meet Magnus.  As each element of his description and character emerged, I also started to fall for him.  There’s no doubt that he has the makings for a wonderful book boyfriend.  I’m not so shallow that it was his physical description, it was definitely his kindness and genuine sensitivity that had me hooked.

As the synopsis explains, there’s an element of witch magic but I will simply acknowledge the fact and leave you to decide whether you believe in that or not.  Whether you are drawn to the witchcraft element or simply looking for a stunning romantic trip to the Orkney Islands, this book is much bigger than magic alone.  I absolutely loved everything about it and am already excited to see what treats lay ahead for her summer offering. 

Author Bio

Jane Lovering is a bestselling and multi-award winning romantic comedy writer. Most recently Jane won the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2023 with A Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

Social Media and Weblinks  

Facebook

Twitter

Newsletter Sign Up  

Bookbub profile  

Check out the other stops on this magical tour