TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Cottage at Firefly Lake

About The Cottage at Firefly Lake

• Series: Firefly Lake (Book 1)
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Hachette Book Group, Grand Central, Forever

~ “In the tradition of New York Times bestselling authors Susan Wiggs and RaeAnne Thayne comes an emotional second chance love story about redemption and finding your way home, the first in a new series by debut author Jen Gilroy” ~

Some mistakes can never be fixed and some secrets never forgiven . . . but some loves can never be forgotten.

Charlotte Gibbs wants nothing more than to put the past behind her, once and for all. But now that she’s back at Firefly Lake to sell her mother’s cottage, the overwhelming flood of memories reminds her of what she’s been missing. Sun-drenched days. Late-night kisses that still shake her to the core. The gentle breeze off the lake, the scent of pine in the air, and the promise of Sean’s touch on her skin . . . True, she got her dream job traveling the world. But at what cost?

Sean Carmichael still doesn’t know why Charlie disappeared that summer, but after eighteen years, a divorce, and a teenage son he loves more than anything in the world, he’s still not over her. All this time and her body still fits against his like a glove. She walked away once when he needed her the most. How can he convince her to stay now?

“Gilroy’s debut contemporary is packed with potent emotions…[the] protagonists tug at the heartstrings from the beginning of the story and don’t let go. Long on charm, this story invites readers to come in and stay a while.” –Publishers Weekly

“Memories, regrets and second chances are front and center in Gilroy’s fantastic debut.”–RT Book Reviews

The Cottage at Firefly Lake is the first book in the Firefly Lake series. The next book, Summer on Firefly Lake, comes out on July 25, 2017

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Purchase Links

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Review: I'm a sucker for novels like like this. If you like authors like Debbie Macomber, Mary McNear, Susan Mallery etc.

This is a novel of second chances. I've been reading a lot of those lately. Sean and Charlotte had a thing back in their school days. Things have happened and they have a shot at togetherness again.

Charlotte takes a little bit of time to get used to. I've noticed lately that I've been liking the heroes more than the heroines in the romance novels I've been reading. I don't know if its a new thing, or if I've just been lucky enough to find all these books. 

Part of that issues, is that the woman is more worldly or sophisticated, whereas the guy is a more small town simple fellow. So score some points for the ladies and feminism. Charlotte is definitely a go-getter, but her life is getting to her. Her family also has secrets.

Sean and Charlotte are surprisingly similar for all their obvious differences. They really belong together.

This isn't all about romance though. It is also about relationships between sisters too. Charlotte and Mia, which is what I love about these small town stories. Their relationship isn't strained, but they aren't close either. (Due to those secrets)

Then there's the side relationship with Sean's son and Mia's daughter. This is the part of the story that got a groan from me, especially near the end when they get a little too close. Uh, these are teenagers and the personalities both show don't make the relationship very possible, especially as they were only in Firefly Lake for a few weeks and because they weren't together that much. So to me, that part of the story was more than a little off.

The Cottage at Firefly Lake is Jen's debut novel and it is really a strong debut. I can't wait to follow the characters in the next book.

Rating: 4 flowers