The Christmas Cottage

Set in the breathtaking coastal California town of Miramar Bay, this uplifting new novel from internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn celebrates the challenges and triumphs of new beginnings, second chances, romance and redemption, and faith in the future. For fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury.

When life is in turmoil . . . Pushing through his troubled childhood, Dillon Farrow was seventeen when he said goodbye to Miramar and did himself proud, thriving as a successful investment counselor. But a betrayal by a trusted friend has brought everything crashing down. Dillon’s only recourse—return to Miramar, penniless and feeling defeated—more so when a winter flood sweeps away all roads to town. Now he and his fellow stranded travelers are destined to spend Christmas at the only available accommodations—the local jail. Yet it’s in this makeshift inn that Dillon sees her. His first love. The girl he left behind.  There’s always hope if you wait out the storm . . . 

After an emotionally and financially devastating divorce, Olivia Greer has no choice but to come back to her hometown of Miramar. Less a retreat than a surrender, it’s the first time in years—since Olivia’s mother, her best friend for life, passed away. In the interim, their hillside cottage has remained empty, as forlorn as Olivia herself. The flood only seems like fate testing her resilience one more time. But providence comes in myriad Dillon Farrow, the sweet boy who once had dreams of better things. Just like Olivia.  

The future can hold dreams as well. Crossing paths is a Christmas blessing Dillon and Olivia never expected—a reunion with the potential to impact other lives too. And for both of them, perhaps in the cottage on the hill, Miramar could finally start feeling like home again.

My Review:

Classic, feel-good holiday fare.

‘The Christmas Cottage’ is all about second chances — for a storm-ravaged town as well as two world-weary souls who make their way back home after devastating circumstances leave them no choice. Dillon and Olivia haven’t seen each other in years but fate has brought them back to Miramar at just the right time.

This is as much the town’s story as it is theirs. Because Miramar is a community made up of overcomers. Good people willing to help in whatever capacity they can. And the town needs that help after weathering a bout of storms, floods and mudslides. Miramar is officially a disaster zone just days before Christmas.

Love the host of diverse secondary characters in this novel and the way they pull together in a time of adversity. When Dillon and Olivia get swept up in the cause, they both discover their unique talents are exactly what the town needs and, in serving others, they find their way to healing and second chances.

I listened to the audio edition and enjoyed Graham Winton’s portrayal of these characters. He really captured the spirit and hope in the story in his narration

My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.