The Cottage At The Edge Of The Woods By Jane Lovering
When single mum Libby is offered a life-changing sum of money to clear out an old cottage in the woods, she expects dust and decay. She doesn’t expect a house full of secrets, a room full of birds, and a woman who refuses to leave.
The handsome but stressed architect who hired Libby is also a puzzle. Why can’t Ross empty Elm Cottage himself? What can he possibly see in Libby, who has been burned by love and is wary of attachment? How can they persuade the mysterious but kindly Isobel to move on?
As Libby is pulled into the cottage’s story, she must face up to her own deepest fears. Can she help Isobel, fight the past that haunts her, and learn to open her own heart to love once more?
Some houses won’t let go of the past. Some people won’t, either…
❄️ Can they patch up their broken hearts this Christmas?❄️
Christmas in the picturesque village of Willowbrook should be dreamy – twinkling fairylights, snow in the air, and a busy time for Amélie in the repair workshop she owns, restoring furniture and mending treasured objects for locals to give as Christmas gifts. But in the tiny community, Amélie keeps bumping into her ex, Jack – and it’s killing her festive feeling.
Jack and Amélie were perfect for each other… until one day they weren’t. And when Jack’s attempt at reconciliation goes wrong, he finds himself locked in Amélie’s van.
Driving to her aunt’s house in the South of France, Amélie thinks she’s finally going to get some peace over the festive period, but like it or not, she’ll now be spending Christmas trapped on holiday with Jack. Could it help unwrap the secret to why they split up? Or will it be a gift they’d rather exchange?
This promises a festive escape with its blend of small-town charm, second chances, and a holiday trip to the South of France. Amélie, who runs a sentimental little repair shop in Willowbrook, is determined to enjoy a peaceful Christmas away from her persistent ex, Jack. But fate—and a van mishap—forces them into an unexpected holiday together, where old wounds and lingering feelings resurface.
The premise is fun and filled with festive potential: cozy village life, a French countryside setting, and the possibility of romance rekindled during Christmas. However, while the story has heart, the execution falls a little short of delivering that magical, warm glow readers often seek in seasonal romances. Amélie feels like a capable heroine, but the chemistry between her and Jack never quite sparks. His jokey, sometimes childish behavior undermines the emotional weight of their relationship, making the reconciliation feel less convincing.
Though the book has enjoyable moments and a charming backdrop, it doesn’t fully capture the cozy, romantic spirit of Christmas. It’s a pleasant read, but one that may not leave you with the lasting festive glow of other holiday romances.
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