The Cottage

This is the second Sandra Steffen novel I have read and I enjoyed this as much as the first, Just Between Friends. The author's books can usually be found in the Romance section but they are so much more than just a contemporary romance. They explore relationships. The characters are deep and the stories full of many emotions. I compare this author's books to my favorite Mariah Stewart earlier books before she went into suspense. I am now looking for some other Sandra Steffen books.

I just don't understand the other low reviews. This was a very good read. You can always count on Steffen for a good heartwarming read. This book was not a 5 star like most of her books , but it was a good read . i found the characters interesting and thought the story was great

THE COTTAGE is a book that explores the love that blossoms between a man and a woman, the true meaning of family, and new beginnings.Widower Cale Wilder flies his Cessna through a raging thunderstorm over the Appalachian mountains of Georgia in search of his obstinate stepson Danny, who just ran away. Teenager Danny is still reeling after the death of his mother, and although Cale is the only father he has ever known, he has escaped to her hometown in search of his biological father. Cale has to crash land his plane in a nearby field and is rescued by the genteel Miranda Sinclair and her quirky friend Ruby. Miranda is the town's nurse practitioner and healer ( a term used loosely in this book and not covered in any depth). As she discovers Cale, and the tremendous losses he has endured, they begin a very special journey that frees them physically and emotionally.I was initially attracted to this book because of its beautiful cover; a bucolic scene featuring a charming country cottage set in the middle of a luscious garden, and surrounded by a white picket fence; its open gate beckoning you to come in. Once I finished the book I realized that this cover is a perfect depiction of Miranda; a down-to-earth, quiet character of understated elegance. Contrast this sharply with her best friend and neighbor Ruby, a brash, outspoken woman who can handle a rifle better than most seasoned male hunters. The range of characters, their depth of emotions, and the wonderful depictions of life in the foothills of Georgia round off this sweet story. I should mention that a good portion of the story is quite predictable, but that does not take away from its emotional depth. A stunning delivery by Sandra Steffen which bewitched me right from the beginning to the very shocking (well, maybe not so shocking!) end.PS. You'll be able to figure out how this book ends long before you finish it, but trust me, you'll enjoy it anyway.

I read this book in one afternoon. The writing is solid, the characters engaging and the storyline flows gently to its finish. What I liked most about it is the relationship between Daniel and Cale. Even tho they're going through the most difficult of situations, the love and respect for each other shines through. Ruby adds humor and Miranda adds gentleness. The mountain lore was new to me and very interesting.The cover is beautiful and so is the book.

Caleb Wilder knows he is a fool to fly a Cessna during a thunderstorm in the North Georgia Mountains, but he has no choice, as he must find his runaway teenage son Danny. Cale realizes his adopted child is hurting ever since his mom died a year and a half ago and Danny is seeking solace by trying to find his biological father. Cale is lucky to be alive when his small craft crashes near Dawson's Hollow where healer Miranda Sinclair and her friend Ruby McCoy rescue him. As they attend to more than just healing his body, the women try to mend his soul and that of Danny. Miranda and Cale fall in love, but a deep secret from her past ties them together on the one hand, yet probably prevents any future together. THE COTTAGE is a deep relationship drama that digs inside the heart and soul of the key cast members. The tale centers on seeking panaceas in the past to heal the wounds of the present, but the answers may not provide the comfort Danny desires. The characters make the tale a delight for sub-genre fans, as the audience will feel Danny's pain, Cale's worries, and Miranda's nurturing everyone but herself. Any one who attains pleasure from reading a perceptive contemporary tale will want to visit Sandra Steffon's THE COTTAGE.Harriet Klausner