REVIEW: The Cottage on Rose Lane by Hope Ramsay

In The Cottage on Rose Lane by Hope Ramsay, Jenna Fossey has received an unexpected inheritance from a grandfather she never knew existed. She heads to Magnolia Harbor to meet the uncle and aunt she’s never met. She runs into Jude St. Pierre, who operates a charter boat for his father. Since her father loved to sail, she convinces him to teach her how to do it. At first Jude is reluctant, but he agrees because he’s suspicious of her reasons for being in town. But once the truth comes out, will he help her or push her away for good?

I’m on the fence about this this book. At first Jude comes across as a bit of a jerk, but his reasons become clearer as to why as the book progresses, and he redeems himself. I did like how hard he tried to save the land that was important to his culture. I liked Jenna, but if she just told him the truth to begin with, a lot of the initial hostility from Jude could have been avoided in the first place.

I wasn’t a fan of how Jenna’s uncle and aunt took the news about who she really is. I also found that aspect of the story to be underdeveloped. One minute they’re in denial and kick her out of their house, then everything seems to be ok between them in the Epilogue. There’s no explanation how everything got to that point. I would have liked to have seen how they came to accept Jenna after they were so determined to refuse the truth. I was disappointed because Jenna’s whole purpose for coming to the island had been to meet them, and yet that seemed to be pushed to the back burner and glossed over as an afterthought.

Readers are also treated to a bonus novella by Annie Rains at the end of the book. I’m not including that as part of this review, but I thought I would let you know that it’s in there if you’re interested.

Overall I enjoyed the story, but I didn’t love it. It took too long me to really like Jude, and some things felt unresolved or resolved too quickly. If you enjoy stories about discovering family, finding the truth, or the journey to save one’s culture, you may enjoy this.

Book Info:

Publication: December 4, 2018 | Forever | Moonlight Bay #1

Jenna Fossey’s life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea – at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her – especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he’s come to think of as his own?