A Cottage by the Sea

A Cottage by the Sea is a fun, page-turning read. The feisty heroine charms, while drawing the reader further into the story. Her interactions with the past help to shape her plans for the present and future--a literary device Ciji Ware knows how to use to the fullest. There's a wealth of local color also, especially for gardeners and lovers of Daphne duMaurier. It's diverting and entertaining enough for an airplane ride or lounging on the beach, but intelligent enough to hold the interest.

I read this after "Island of the Swans"(5 stars), and the last few chapters of this book is what clinched the 5 star rating from me because they gave closure to all the questions that remained with me from "Swans". It wasn't all happy information, kind of like hearing about what happened to a lover you lost contact with 20 years ago, but that tie between the two books knocked my socks off! I can see why someone may not like this without first reading "Swans", a far fetched plot and sometimes goofy heroine. She requires much forgiveness in terms of believability. I tried to read Midnight on Julia Street, and felt the same without interest in the historial content. But, it is enjoyable summer reading, no big brainer, and really good if you READ "SWANS" FIRST!

A Cottage by the Sea is as charming and engrossing as Daphne duMaurier at her best. If you like historical novels (or even if you don't), you'll love this book and its very believable heroine. Fun for the beach, or for a rainy Sunday on the couch!

Romance and time travel, two of my favorite ideas. Ciji Ware is a wonderful, creative and informed writer. Ware enables the reader to visualize the scenery and the experiences of the characters. I used this book as a topic in one of my papers for my Writing About Literature class. AAA+ I loved the story and the writing.

This book is an interesting approach to the past life/time travel type book. The characters are well drawn and the story holds together well, and holds your interest. The story is a little predictable but paints the images of Cornwall in your mild so well that you enjoy the story.