The Secret Cottage by Kate Ellington, a 368-page Historical Romance | Book Review ~ Gift Card (limited availability) | #HistFic #Romance
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
The Secret Cottage by Kate Ellington Published by The Wild Rose Press on January 22, 2024
Genres: Fiction, Historical Romance
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 370
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsIsabel Tate yearns for the simple pleasures she took for granted before scandal rocked her family two years ago. On May Day, she's determined to forget her troubles and enjoy herself at the Claremont family's annual festival.
Meanwhile, Robert Claremont steels himself to begin courting the haughty heiress next door, but his bashfulness is only one obstacle to winning her hand. Despite a deep sense of family obligation, he dreams of choosing his own bride.
Captivated by each other from the moment they meet, Robert and Isabel are kept apart by a misunderstanding until a chance encounter leads to friendship and more.
With opposition on all sides, they must overcome inconceivable odds to claim happiness.
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Excerpt from The Secret Cottage
Isabel glanced around the hall, curious about the townsfolk who would be her neighbors for the summer. As she looked around the room she was startled to see a man staring intently at her. Their eyes met, and she had the sense he’d been watching her for some time.
She looked away before he did and leaned over to whisper in her aunt’s ear. “Who is that man?”
Verity followed her gaze. “That’s one of the sons of the house. Robert Claremont.”
“Indeed?” Isabel stole another glance at him.
“Yes, and the man beside him is Mr. Kensington. He’s lived with the Claremonts since he was a boy. He’s a friend of your uncle’s.”
“Did you not say there was another brother?”
“Yes, and there he is.William Claremont, Robert’s twin.”
“Twin?” asked Isabel, taken aback. “They look nothing alike.”
“It sometimes happens that way.”
Isabel watched the Claremont brothers and their friend cross the hall to the high table. Once they were seated Isabel was able to study the brothers more closely. They were both tall and had blue eyes. William was blonde and exceptionally handsome. He looked confident, even arrogant, and Isabel knew at once he would be popular with the ladies. From the way he surveyed the women in the room, William knew it, too.
The other brother, Robert, was striking in his own way, with wavy black hair and high cheekbones. His angular face suggested haughtiness, but there was a lightness underneath— as if he was thinking of a jest but trying not to laugh.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for The Secret Cottage
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Ellington, Kate (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 330 Pages - 01/22/2024 (Publication Date) - The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Publisher)
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My Thoughts on The Secret Cottage
In “The Secret Cottage” by Kate Ellington, readers are transported to a world where scandal and societal expectations shape the lives of the protagonists, Isabel Tate and Robert Claremont. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a family’s annual festival on May Day, where Isabel seeks solace from the troubles that have plagued her family for the past two years.
Determined to enjoy the festivities, she crosses paths with Robert Claremont, who, despite familial obligations and his own bashfulness, dreams of choosing his own bride. Their initial misunderstanding keeps them apart, but a chance encounter sparks a friendship that gradually blossoms into an overpowering love that defies the conventions of the era.
Family dynamics play a central role in the story, with Isabel navigating a complicated relationship with her detestable step-father and his nephew. Meanwhile, Robert contends with his twin brother William, whose unlikable demeanor stems from the fear of being found lacking in life.
The secondary characters, particularly Simon, contribute to the richness of the narrative, but their stories could have been more robust. Nevertheless, Ellington skillfully explores the overarching theme of love, portraying Isabel and Robert’s love as so intense that it eclipses all other relationships.
While the obsessive love between the main characters takes center stage, the author hints at the potential for stronger secondary character development, particularly in Simon and Rosamund’s subplot. In the end, “The Secret Cottage” offers readers a compelling historical romance that weaves a tale of love triumphing over inconceivable odds.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Kate Ellington
Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.
After graduating from college with an art degree, she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.
Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down just for fun, but soon, it took on a life of its own.
When not writing, her spare time is devoted to reading novels, taking a stroll, or baking family recipes like banana bread and apple cake.
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Easy Amazon Info Link for The Secret Cottage
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Ellington, Kate (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 330 Pages - 01/22/2024 (Publication Date) - The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Publisher)
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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Purchase The Secret Cottage online from your local bookstore.
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Giveaway!
During the tour, Kate Ellington will award a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for The Secret Cottage
Full Tour Schedule:
January 10: The Faerie Review
January 10: Gina Rae Mitchell
January 17: Country Mamas With Kids
January 24: Maggie Blackbird
January 24: The Avid Reader
January 31: Sandra’s Book Club
January 31: D.S.Dehel
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Out of the four seasons, what’s your favorite one?
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It’s hard to say. Writing the first draft is just a few weeks, but there are many revisions after that.
Thanks for such an insightful response and much success to you in 2024!
What was your favorite winter activity as a child?
Sledding!
How fun~
What is your favorite go to comfort meal during winter?
Probably….thanksgiving dinner.
Honestly my favorite comfort foods, and when I am sick I will get a turkey dinner to go from my favorite restaurant!
I like the book cover.
Thank you!
Do you have a favorite winter activity?
Reading inside 🙂
Me too, Kate! And Spring is for reading outside.
Have a great week!
Do you have a word for 2024?
Now.
Thanks for asking!
Thank you so much for the review , I’m glad you liked The Secret Cottage!
Great excerpt and giveaway. 🙂
The Secret Cottage by Kate Ellington is such a delightful read! It’s a heartwarming story filled with mystery and romance.
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
We appreciate you reviewing today.