Book Review - Meet Me At The Seaside Cottage by Jenny Colgan - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: Meet Me At The Seaside Cottages

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 19th June 2025 

Rating: 5 Stars

EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR THEIR PERFECT HOUSE.

BUT HOME IS REALLY WHERE THE HEART IS ...

Janey Carter has a lot to be grateful for - a home by the sea in Carso that she renovated herself, a job as an audiologist that she loves, two great kids, and a network of kind and supportive friends. But since her husband left, her confidence has taken a nosedive. And then, out of the blue, her grumpy 30-year-old daughter announces she's moving back home. Janey loves Essie dearly but they only just made it out alive from her adolescence. And this really is going to cramp her soon-to-be-rediscovered dating style.

Yes, Essie Carter is grumpy but she's just lost her job, she can't afford her rent in Edinburgh and her boyfriend isn't ready to commit. There's nothing for it but to admit defeat and hope the sea air soothes her soul. Life seems to be punching this millennial squarely in the face.

Living back under the same roof brings its challenges. But a combination of rescue dogs, pub quizzes and a surprise project doing up the unloved Seagate Cottages next door slowly brings mother and daughter closer together. Meanwhile, the steady stream of people coming past the house with fabric swatches and paint brings revelations for Essie, and offers Janey a surprise second chance at love as well.

It is always great to step inside Jenny Colgan's Scotland, and to be back in Carso was a real treat. 

This time the story centres around Janey and Essie, a mother and daughter who don't always see eye to eye. 

Janey has always lived in Carso, works in the hospital, and is a pillar of the community. Whereas Essie moved away first chance she got and isn't happy that circumstances have led to her moving back home. 

Essie is hard to like initially but once some dogs arrive on the scene, she becomes a far better version of herself, and she starts to find a purpose in Carso too. 

Add in some new friends for both of our leading ladies, and you have a lovely story of friendship and perhaps a bit more. 

It was an absolute delight to delve between these pages and discover this story. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.