Secrets of the Cottage by the Sea — Rebecca Alexander

As Ellie stood on the boat, watching the small island come into view, she wondered what awaited her on shore. What secrets would she uncover in this place? When Ellie Roberts inherits a cottage on a remote Scilly Isle, she's shocked. She's never heard of the previous owner, Patience Ellis, so why did she leave Ellie her legacy?Overwhelmed with unanswered questions, Ellie travels to the isolated island. Windswept from the boat, salt spray still on her skin, she searches for Patience's whitewashed cottage, hidden behind overgrown ivy. But when she steps inside, the house feels strangely familiar, and she has a memory of laughing as a child with her beloved mother in the window seat overlooking the sea... The mother she lost when she was only a child.Determined to find out more, Ellie meets enigmatic local Branok Shore. While at first he seems uninterested, he believes he can help. Charmed by his green eyes, and curious about his past on the island, he and Ellie grow closer, but Ellie knows she needs to understand her own story before she can embrace the future. And when Branok prises open Patience's dresser, filled with letters from the Second World War, Ellie discovers the shocking secret Patience was forced to hide - and the truth that will change her own life forever.The letters tell the story of a brutal storm on a dark night in the depths of war, and of an injured soldier who begged Patience for help, and asked her to make an impossible choice...But the letters don't hold the answers Ellie so desperately needs. Why did Patience leave her home to her? And how can Ellie have memories of the cottage, when she's never been there before? When Ellie finally uncovers the truth, will she be strong enough to put the fragments of her life back together?An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable read, perfect for fans of gripping family dramas, and for those who enjoy the novels of Debbie Macomber, Fiona Valpy and Nancy Thayer. What readers are saying about Secrets of the Cottage by the Sea: 'Oh my goodness... Wish I could give the book more than five stars.' Netgalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Outstanding. I'll be sorry to not have it to read tonight, but couldn't put the book down!' Netgalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Absolutely spectacular... best I've read... will pull at your heartstrings.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Beautiful... It really made me smile... took me back to a special place. Wonderful.' @surfchicksarah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Utterly captivating... Delightful beyond words!' Rain 'N' Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A feel good book to read on a rainy day (or anytime!). I loved it.' Niki's Book Blog ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I was fully immersed in this from the start... fascinating.' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐