Cottage by the Sea - Book Review

Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Publisher: Howard Books

Book Description:

Erin Bryce and her best friend, Sharlene, count the day they start their wedding planning business as a very happy day. So much so that they name their company The Happiest Day to reflect the fulfillment of their long-held dream as well as their clients' longing for a wedding celebration to match the exhilaration of being in love. As a bonus, the two women utilize their business to help Erin's son Jordan and his fiancee, Sierra, plan a grand wedding.

But the two friends aren't prepared for the cloud moving in to cover the sunny, successful start of their business. Erin's father, who lives in a small coastal Oregon community with his brusque, downright odd second wife, Delores, develops a medical problem that puts him in the hospital. Erin responds by rushing from Southern California to her father's - and oh, yeah, Delores's - cottage by the sea.

What greets Erin when she arrives sends her tumbling down a bewildering path to a different kind of happiest day. Her journey tosses her through highs and lows of hurt and healing, betrayal and renewal, wrong assumptions righted, and the brightest future one could ever hope for. All just around the corner, at the cottage by the sea.

My Thoughts:

I liked the fact that even though Erin and Sharlene had just started their business, Erin didn't hesitate to go to her father's side when needed. This story hit close to home for me. My mother passed away almost two years ago, after being sick for several years. There were several times when I'd get a call at work and have to leave with no warning. I was very thankful that my supervisor was as family-oriented as he was. Erin, like most of us, was quick to judge Delores when she left after Erin came to the cottage. Erin was reminded that things are not always what you think. Just because someone does different than you think you would in a situation, doesn't mean you know what really the full story is. 


Disclosure: Many thanks to Howard Books for the opportunity to review Cottage by the Sea. I received a complimentary copy of this book for purposes of  facilitating this review.