Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill: An utterly uplifting holiday romance to escape with (The Little Cottage Series Book 2)

Well done Emma Davies as you enticed me with a well developed storyline that was full to the brim with “blunt, but well-meant, honesty”. Each episode reveals why the characters needed the atmospheric healing offered by Joy’s Acre. Musical magic surreptitiously touched each vulnerability with tender care; medicine for the special need to grieve, be cared for without judgement and be encourage forward toward joy. Brilliant read.

Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma DaviesBook #2: Little Cottage SeriesSource: PurchaseMy Rating: 4/5 starsIn just thirty-two years, Isobel has known both the heights and highs of greatness and the deep depths of despair of depression. As a child and teenager, Isobel achieved the pinnacle of success, she was known far and wide as a prodigy. Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, and Isobel’s fall from grace was both devastating and never-ending. In a last-ditch effort to turn it all around, Isobel slipped the chains of her keepers and reserved a cottage for the summer at Joy’s Acre.Isobel’s first weeks at Joy’s Acre are not at all what she had hoped they would be. With nothing familiar and nothing to distract her, Isobel planned to pound out a new composition for violin that will astound all and resurrect her reputation. As it happens, there is much to distract at Joy’s Acre; among the distractions are the kindness of the employees, the breathtaking scenery, the hot thatcher, and the demons of her past. Isobel is nothing if not a professional and as she attempts to work despite the distractions, she finds herself falling further and further and beyond and becoming evermore frustrated with her attempts.Tom long ago came to terms with his reputation as the love ‘em and leave ‘em type. However, of late, Tom has begun to rethink his life, its direction, and how he can finally put down the demons of his own past. When Isobel arrives at Joy’s Acre, she is certainly a sight, but it is her brilliant talent that truly peaks Tom’s interest. Though she has no idea he can hear her playing, he often indulges in her music rather than working. Though Tom isn’t certain he’s ready for a proper relationship, he is intrigued by Isobel and would relish the opportunity to know her just a bit better.While Tom is a generally affable character, Isobel is a bit prickly which makes their early encounters awkward and uncomfortable. It isn’t until Isobel begins to acknowledge her own issues, see them for what they are, and settle on dealing with those issues that she is able to come out her shell and properly interact with Tom. Each interaction not only allows Tom to talk about some of his own issues, but to help Isobel get a handle on her own. What’s more, Tom, also a musician introduces Isobel to a far more relaxed world of music, a place where people play for the pure pleasure of the music, to entertain, and to connect with others through their gift. For the first time in her life, Isobel begins to understand the healing power of music, how her talents can impact others, and how she can a life with music that isn’t also filled with hurt, anger, and the fear of ruin.The Bottom Line: I am loving the progression of this series and there is absolutely no sophomore slump to found in this addition to the series! For myself, this book really revolved around Isobel and the experiences she has had over the course of her life. She is well and truly broken when she arrives at Joy’s Acre, but after her summer she is well on the road to recovery and true happiness. While Tom is certainly responsible for some of Isobel’s breakthroughs and happiness, he isn’t solely responsible, and I particularly loved this aspect of the book. Once Isobel comes to terms with her past, she able to take control of her present and her future. Of the two, Isobel shows the most growth and it was a pleasure to watch her heal and become who she was surely meant to be from a very early age. As you know, dear reader, I also very much adore the reappearance of characters from books past, and I got so much of that in this read. In fact, I don’t feel there will be a book in this series that won’t have the full cast as the cast is an absolutely inseparable part of the location. As it stands, I should continue to quite like this series for the foreseeable future.

Beautifully written, heartfelt enrich. I’m in love with the little cottage series. Easy to read with a depth of emotion that is hardly found in books anymore. A must read for summer and will resonate long after the seasons change. Characters are ell developed and remain true from book to book…it’s like being there yourself. Highly recommend !

The story continues when an incredibly talented violinist comes to be the guest in the first cottage rental. Each of the current inhabitants at Joys Acre become an integral part of Isobel's journey in finding what her future is meant to be. It is so intriguing that the reader cannot put this incredibly well written story down.

Just as lovely and precious as the first book in the series. Two tortured souls who find each other and heal.

I liked the characters as they were developed in this story. I’ve grown tired of romance novels in which the only energy in the story is centered on tremendous sexual attraction. That gets old fast. But this one had characters who were facing personal challenge with some honesty and courage. It held my interest, and I loved the theme of music as it relates to emotional integrity and triumph.

The series just keeps getting better and better. I absolutely loved the story of Isobel and Tom, two wounded souls who find healing together. Wonderful read!

What a super second book in the series. I’m in love with Tom, sadly Isabel seems to have stolen his heart! So nice to see how the story continues as the folk from Joy’s Acre work to get things up & running as a business. There seems to be an angel looking over them & leading them in the ways of supporting one another through thick & thin.

Loved the first book and love this one too! Just a very enjoyable read!

I really enjoyed reading Emma Davies books this one was an absolute favourite. They’re all so well written and fun to read. Isobel’s story was delightful. Would definitely recommend reading this book Summer at the little cottage on the hill. along with the others in the series, I’ve enjoyed them so much .

this was areally good read.

I just loved this series well worth the read.

In this story we meet Isabel - a lovely girl with a dreadful past. I loved the feel of the music Isabel creates and how she finds her way out of the dark past and into the delights and friends at Joy' Acre.A well written lovely story and I highly recommend it to veryone