The Island Cottage

by Jane Lovering

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

Praise for Jane

'I adored the dual timeline aspect of this gorgeous story and discovering the secrets from the past. Beautifully written and both heartbreaking and heartwarming' Jessica Redland

'A funny, warm-hearted read, filled with characters you'll love.' Matt Dunn on A Country Escape

What readers are saying about Jane

‘I love a Jane Lovering book, she writes so wonderfully about real lives, relatable characters and situations. They are full of humour, as well as serious issues too but always the perfect balance so drama/sadness and joy/humour. Jane has her own unique style, one that I find full of heart, emotion, so engaging and enjoyable her books are just full of love.’

‘This was another wonderful read from an author who never disappoints – and yes, you’ve guessed it, it might just be my new favourite. Go on, add it to your reading list – you’re going to love it too!’

‘This is a sensitively written masterpiece and it grieves me to only award five stars because it truly deserves a 10 plus! Having finished it in less than a day, I am off to read it a second time because it is simply just that good!’

‘Jane has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Jane's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Jane's love for her characters shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I.’

‘Another well written and cunningly contrived book from Jane. Once more she combines humour, sensitivity and serious social issues with her well drawn and filled out characters.’

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Magical Realism, Scotland, Womens Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Jane Lovering was born in Devon, England but, following extradition procedures, now lives in Yorkshire. She has five children, four cats, two dogs and doesn't believe in housework so the bacteria and dust are approaching sentience and now rank among the pets. Incidentally, she doesn’t believe in ironing either, and the children all learned self-defensive cookery at early ages. She works in a local school and also teaches creative writing, which are extreme ways of avoiding the washing up.

Published since 2008, she writes romantic comedies which are often described as ‘quirky’. One day she's going to find out what that means. Jane is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and has a first class honours degree in creative writing. In 2012, her novel Please Don't Stop the Music won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the RNA.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!! Brid was in for a shock when she reaches Orkney Islands and finally sees Midness Cottage. It was more like a shed than an actual cottage. A shed that comes with a "bathroom." By bathroom, you only get a toilet. There's a metal tub that you put in the tiny kitchen fill with hot water. The best part is whoever lives in the cottage gets the distinct honor of being known as the cottage witch by all the locals. Unbeknownst to Brid, she also inherited a goose to go along with the cottage. Cushie and her goslings live in the pantry, come and go as they please and leave goose poop everywhere. Even though Innis and Tor lived right next to the cottage, Brid never really got to know them or spend much time with them. Kizzie seemed more like a child than an actual adult. Instead of a painting, she owes Brid a new couch, rug and towels. No one is ever going to want to sit on that couch ever again. Loved Magnus and Brid's relationship. They made each other laugh and it was obvious they were perfect together. Of course, Brid was dead set on selling the cottage and getting back to York soon as possible, even though she didn't have much there waiting for her. Orkney Islands sound like a beautiful place to visit, when it's summer.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, writing style and story. Cushie wins the award for best house goose. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Love the book cover. Those cute covers get me every time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Island Cottage' by Jane Lovering.

Read and reviewed for Jane Lovering, Boldwood, Boldwood Book Club, Boldwood bloggers, Books and Tonic, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.

Publication date 9th January 2024.

This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be my last!!!!

This novel consists of 23 chapters. The chapters are short to in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this absolutely gorgeous page turner and I cannot WAIT to get stuck into Jane's next book and see what other gorgeous stories she bas come up with!! This book is a stunning read that will whisk you off to the beautiful Orkney Islands in Scotland where you will feel the wind whip your hair, smell the fresh air and hear the goslings (yep, goslings) cheeping. Brid is sent to this beautiful Island to empty and sell her mother's Great Aunt Jennet's cottage after she passed away. Brid isn't too happy and is worried about leaving her parents and taking time away from her job but thinks that the money will come in handy to get her own place. However, when she arrives it isn't the gorgeous cottage she was hoping for and things get even worse when people start turning up asking her to heal them. There is one huge benefit and that's the wild and sexy Magnus whose brother lives just next to the cottage. However with her parents and job needing her what will Brid decide to do?? Throw in a Goose and her babies, a pregnant ex, a determined estate agent, an orca, a magic book and so much more and you get this gorgeous read that will lift your heart and mind!!! I absolutely adored this beautiful escapism read that whisked me away from rainy Wales to the (OK the weather seemed just as bad) stunning Orkney Island. This is one of those books that is perfect to read on the beach or (in my case) curled up on the sofa with the heating on!! This is one of those books that even though I told myself just one more chapter I ended up carrying my kindle around with me and devouring the whole book in one sitting so grab your copy and enjoy your trip to the Island Cottage!!!


Get ready to escape mundane life and fall in love with this gorgeous page turner!!!

Jane's evocative writing skills drew me deep into the book bringing the atmosphere and characters to life all around me. It is one of those books that I could not put down.The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. My heart went out to Brid who gets the shock of her life when she arrives thinking it will be a quick and easy job to discover the complete opposite and then struggling with her emotions on what to do with her life. I loved seeing her personality develop throughout the book as an individual and in her friendship with the very rugged, very fit Magnus!! Magnus is also an amazing character that I loved getting to know and I adore the fact that he showed and explained his feelings even when he seems to be this tough man. It wasn't just Brid and Magnus I loved getting to know and became invested in but also the other characters such as "dizzy" Kizzie, Cranky Cushie (the goose) ans her goslings, Innis and Torstein. I wasn't a fan of Donal who I thought was to be a slime ball but you can't like everyone!! They all had their own unique personalities which makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. Jane's fantastic and evocative writing skills makes you feel the same as the characters were. Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group of people that I wont be forgetting any time soon, will miss and would love to meet time and time again!! Grab your copy of this page turner and get sucked in to The Island Cottage today!!

Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner!

Congratulations Jane on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! A gorgeous book in that I fell in love with and I cannot wait to read more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason I would like to welcome you to my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Jane's 'The Recipe For Happiness' which promises to be just as stunning as this book and is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!!

Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with mystery, spookiness, drama, romance, secrets, fun, laughter, romance, geese, magic, friendship and so much more!!

254 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon, at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews



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[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

On arrival in Orkney, Brid finds that Great Aunt Jennet’s cottage is going to need rather more than some coats of on-trend grey paint and a few cushions to turn it into a saleable property – and she’d been rather hoping that the proceeds would provide the money she needed to get her foot on the property ladder in York. One room that’s been used as a feed store, a bed in a cupboard, no bathroom (hey, but there is a flush toilet – and wifi!), and the approach means picking your way across the boggy land that surrounds it – and the goose and goslings that have taken up residence in the pantry might just be a little off-putting for potential purchasers too. And then there’s the cottage’s reputation as the home of the resident witch – and when the locals look to her for the same healing Jennet used to dispense, how can she possibly let them down?

But York is home – there’s her work as an accountant, she has friends there (or does she, really?) and her parents need increasing support (although they seem to be managing just fine in her absence). The farming family who’ve been looking after the cottage show her warmth and friendship, she finds herself embraced by the community, the cottage is beginning to feel more homely – and then there’s the enigmatic Magnus, a helpful friend with real potential to become more as his depths are slowly revealed. And then there’s Orkney itself – that wild scenery (wonderfully described, but shame about the rain…) really is balm to the soul. But no, she’s there to sell up, and it looks as if that might just happen – but, with a touch of real magic, plans might just be made for breaking.

Brid is one of those characters that the author always draws so wonderfully – a little broken, an ever present sense of humour and wry take on life, and an essential loneliness and vulnerability that immediately made me take her to my heart. And Magnus, he’s just so thoroughly lovely – kind and sensitive, definitely a case of still waters running deep – and I became really invested in the developing relationship between them. The supporting cast is just wonderful – including Cushie the goose and her family, making themselves increasingly at home despite the streaks they leave on the flagstones – and there are some lovely twists and turns to the story, and a few moments of drama and a bit of villainy that kept me pinned to the seat with the pages turning faster. As always, the author’s emotional touch is just perfect – but with those lovely laugh-out-loud moments that she always introduces so well. And then there’s the witchcraft – beautifully woven into the story, nothing in the least uncomfortable if it’s not really your thing, but I really loved it, a touch of real Orkney magic.

So, a heroine I adored, a developing romance I entirely believed in, such an engaging story, and the Orkney setting was simply perfect (and immediately added to my travel bucket list…). Can I say – as I do with every book she writes – that this is my new favourite? Well, I think it just might be – I really loved it, and I’d highly recommend you add this fantastic book to your reading list.

[Jennifer Bibby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and unusual.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Island Cottage by Jane Lovering

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

My Opinion

Jane Lovering is one of those authors that I will not hesitate to read, of course it helps that I have heard her talk about how she writes a book. This was such a lovely book to read and at only 254 pages it was a relatively quick book to read. Every other book I have read by Jane has been set in Yorkshire, so this was a pleasant surprise.

I thought that it really showed off Jane's writing style and if you are looking for a quick escape, then look no further. I am already eagerly waiting to see what Jane writes about next.

Rating 4/5

[GeraniumCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely quirky story

Full of interesting characters with Lovering's wise humour and her feel for landscapes, this is the sort of story that makes you smile as you finish it.

[Alyson Million · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could, and probably will, read all this author’s books one after another.
Such an enjoyable and interesting read! I thoroughly recommend!!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Island Cottage van Jane Lovering was verrassend leuk. Goed geschreven, net genoeg diepgang en een vleugje mystiek. Dat laatste is wat dit boek interessanter maakt dan de gemiddelde feel-good, naast een mooie beschrijving van de unieke setting.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island Cottage is a magical, charming romance and I adored everything about it.

This book was exactly what I needed to read on a snowy winter’s day. Jane is a master at creating books that just make the world disappear around you. I adored everything about this book and was sad that I had read it so quickly because I didn’t want to leave the world that Jane created. The Island Cottage is a heartfelt, magical romance with this wonderful soft pacing. It’s a nice, easy read you can sit down and enjoy while having a cuppa tea. I always love how thoughtful Jane is when creating her stories. She knows how to include just the right amount of detail, emotion, and drama to make a fabulous and entertaining story that is hard to put down.

I loved the setting in this book. The little island of Orkney comes to life through Jane’s writing. She weaves that small-town charm with this magical folklore that makes the legend of the Orkney witch feel real. I just devoured all the folklore bits in this book; it was so interesting and captivating. Jane made sure that magical folklore had a human element to it. Many of the locals believe that Brid is the new island’s witch. This belief often leads to bizarre and sometimes comical interactions that are entertaining to read. But I loved watching those who might have been skeptical in their belief (mainly Brid, who thinks everyone is a bit nuts) start to realize that something magical might be happening on this island.

Brid is an interesting and different kind of heroine. She is more prickly, and social interactions don’t often come naturally to her. But underneath that slightly prickly exterior is a kind-hearted woman hiding from the world. Caring for others, whether her clients at work or her parents, consumes her life. She doesn’t set aside any time to have fun with friends. I loved watching her grow and open up in this book. Magnus, who is the gorgeous hero in this book, surprised me. I had imagined that he would be this grouchy and broody Highlander, but he was this sweet cinnamon roll of a man with an accent that had me melting the entire time. Magnus was perfect for this book and for Brid. He complimented her prickly nature and helped her come out of her shell. They just clicked.

The Island Cottage is a unique love story that is filled with oodles of charm and heart.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award-winning author Jane Lovering’s The Island Cottage is a beautifully written, wonderfully funny and hugely enjoyable tale of love, hope and healing readers are going to love.

When her mother inherits a cottage in Orkney from her Great Aunt Jennet, Brid is sent to the remote Scottish island to make the derelict cottage habitable and saleable. Brid doesn’t plan on sticking around Orkney for long and is keen to get back to her life as soon as possible, however, she is about to realise that Midness Cottage might have other ideas…

The cottage is in a completely dilapidated state and Brid immediately comes to the conclusion that it’s going to take more than a lick of paint and a couple of new shelves to make Great Aunt Jennet’s house appealing to any prospective buyers. However, as Brid begins to get stuck into the renovations, she is taken aback by local lore about Midness Cottage being the home of the Orkney Witch. Legend says that anyone living in the cottage will have to fulfill that role and while Brid initially dismisses the rumours, she quickly realises that Orkney might have healing powers of its own.

The more time Brid spend in Orkney, the more she begins to wonder whether she has found a place to call home. As she begins to get closer to her handsome neighbour Magnus, has Brid found somewhere she could put down roots? Or will she sell up and head back home to her old life in York?

The always fabulous Jane Lovering has written another winner with The Island Cottage. Emotionally satisfying, laugh out loud funny and full of characters readers cannot help but love and root for, The Island Cottage is an absorbing and heartwarming tale about new beginnings, life’s unexpected surprises and finding somewhere to belong that touches the heart and stirs the soul.

A wonderful tale from a unique and captivating voice in contemporary women’s fiction, Jane Lovering’s The Island Cottage is another superb read from this very talented writer.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a joy to read the latest book by Jane Lovering, and The Island Cottage does not disappoint. Brid Harcus is sent to Orkney by her mother to clear out Midness Cottage so that it can be put up for sale. It has been empty for a long time, but Brid hopes her trip will be short and lucrative as she has been promised the proceeds to put down a deposit for her own place (she is currently living in a shared house in York). As time goes on, it becomes clear why Brid’s mother had really wanted her to go to Orkney, as she needed to see how narrow and restricted her life had become. There was a whole world out there if only she could be persuaded to join in. The setting is a departure for this author as her books are normally set in Yorkshire, but the descriptions of these fascinating islands were one of the things I liked best. I visited Orkney many years ago, and this story reminded me of happy times there.
The story is told entirely from Brid’s point of view. She seems to be stuck in a bit of a rut, and I found it frustrating how long it took her to realise that as an accountant she could live and work anywhere she chose. The cottage is only accessible through a farm owned by relatives of her mother, and though watertight is not really fit to live in. She has to adjust her expectations, but comes to love the cottage and its situation by the lochside, despite the belief among the locals that as its owner she is the local witch. Marcus is a silversmith and brother of the farm owner – they are slowly getting to know each other, but will Brid be brave enough to hang around and see what develops between them? You’ll just have to read it for yourself to find out. I always enjoy Jane Lovering’s books and look forward to her next one. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orkney was a surprise setting for this book as I am used to Jane’s books being set in the Yorkshire area, but while the protagonist hailed from Yorkshire, the entire story took us on an adventure in the remote Scottish area. I got an immediate feel for the area and could imagine the vaguely unwelcoming terrain. I’ve never been but have watched films that have used the location. There’s a certain wildness that truly captures the imagination.
Brid Harcus – pronounced Breed – is a really interesting character, and I thoroughly enjoyed following her determined path as she set about restoring the isolated cottage to a saleable standard. She was certainly of hardier stock than me as I couldn’t imagine not having access to a bath or shower! Despite the lack of creature comforts, Brid had a definite vision, and I was definitely invested in seeing her work her interior design magic.
Of course, Jane writes wonderful romantic fiction, so I knew that there would be a love interest and was certainly not disappointed to meet Magnus. As each element of his description and character emerged, I also started to fall for him. There’s no doubt that he has the makings for a wonderful book boyfriend. I’m not so shallow that it was his physical description, it was definitely his kindness and genuine sensitivity that had me hooked.
As the synopsis explains, there’s an element of witch magic but I will simply acknowledge the fact and leave you to decide whether you believe in that or not. Whether you are drawn to the witchcraft element or simply looking for a stunning romantic trip to the Orkney Islands, this book is much bigger than magic alone. I absolutely loved everything about it and am already excited to see what treats lay ahead for her summer offering.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book brought back memories of a long ago holiday in Orkney. It must be about twenty years since I’ve been there but reading familiar place names like Kirkwall, Evie and Stromness made me think how much I would love to go back. As one of the characters says, it’s a place with a lot of weather but very special nonetheless and I think Jane Lovering has captured something of its magic in the pages.

I immediately warmed to Innis, her husband Torstein and his brother Magnus. Their gentle teasing of Brid about her lack of knowledge of the Orkney way of life made me smile. Midness Cottage wasn’t exactly the cosy cottage Brid had envisaged. It even came complete with a resident nesting goose! I was amused as she quickly downgraded her ambitions to use proceeds from its sale to buy a house in York.

What Brid didn’t know was that local legend said that Midness Cottage was the home of the local witch and many seemed to believe that since she was now living there, however temporarily, she was obviously a witch. Despite her protestations, that she was not a witch, people sought out her help and advice. With the help of her great-aunt Jennet’s old book of remedies and advice, sometimes it was just easier for her to go along with it.

As soon as I start a Jane Lovering book, I am instantly caught up with the story. She has such a warm and engaging style of writing. Brid is a quirky and very likeable main character, one of the trademarks of Jane’s writing I would say. The Island Cottage is funny, has a gorgeous romance at its heart. and is just such enjoyable read. I always fall a little in love with Jane’s leading men myself! A real treat, this is definitely one of my favourite Jane Lovering books.

[Julie Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky, location-led romance novel by Jane Lovering. If you don’t come away from it with a longing to visit Orkney and make memories with your own Orcadian Viking I’ll be amazed.

Brid leads a fairly sheltered and mundane life in York, trapped by the needs of her parents and her job. You’d think she’d relish the chance of a change of scenery and an adventure in Orkney when she is sent to get her great aunt’s old cottage ready for sale, but not so. It’s a chore she could do without and wants it done quickly. Nothing is that straight forward in Orkney.

The cottage is remote, ramshackle and unloved, the locals are odd and insular and she is distracted by her handsome helpmate, the charming Magnus. She needs to get in and out as fast as possible but the islands have other ideas and seem keen to hang on to her. But what on earth could Orkney have to offer a girl used to life in York?

I defy you not to fall in love with all of the characters in this book, from the gorgeous Magnus to the interfering Innis, fey Kizzie and even the goose family. Well, there might be one character that didn’t really endear themselves to me but I will leave you to work out who that might be when you read the book for yourself.

The main character here, though, is Orkney itself, with its compelling ancient history, unpredictable weather, singular wildlife and a way of life unchanged for decades. I absolutely loved experiencing a glimpse of this beguiling place through the pages of this book and it has certainly risen up the ranks of my bucket list as a result. The writing is charming and engaging and the story is sweet and fun. All in all, a wonderful read.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I love about the author's books is their association with cottages. As someone who lives in the US, I associate cottages as being a UK thing. Yes, we have them here but not the same way as I see them over there. In my mind the cottages there are magical, cozy, maybe a bit small but perfect for a couple and maybe throw in a few fairy lights.
I just love books with cottages.
A fifty-year vacant cottage sits on Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland. Inherited by Brid Harcus's mother she doesn't want it, so Brid knows she'll pop in make quick work of the repairs and make a nice turn around profit quickly. When she arrives, it's vacant alright except for the goose and her goslings that she's super protective of. Woe is anyone who dares to go near them.
Brid hasn't counted on having such a handsome neighbor as Magnus. Lifelong resident Mangus knows the cottage called Midness Cottage is known to outsiders as the "Witches' Cottage, as Brid's great Aunt Jennet was known as while living there.
Can Brid fix the cottage quickly with Magnus's help and not scare off the tourists who've heard rumors? Will Brid be able to open up to Mangus even though she's planning on leaving soon as the fix up is done? I loved Magnus's character; he reminded me of a big bumbling guy that finally gets seen for his compassionate and genuine side. Fun, heartwarming, a true joy to read. I loved it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rhoda Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island cottage is set in Orkney, which is not a place I knew very much about. It sounds quite bleak and windswept, but beautiful. The story is about Brid who inherits a cottage in Orkney, which turns out to be a witch's cottage. According to local lore, the person who lives in the cottage is the witch.

So Brid turns up in Orkney and she's trying to kind of gussy up the cottage a little bit so that she can sell it as a holiday home. Except the cottage is less 'cottage' and more 'hovel' and has a family of geese nesting in the pantry.

People keep turning up and asking her advice as the witch and she keeps doing your best and it keeps working. She's very much a witch from the headology school of witchcraft, but there's a hint of something more, perhaps. And there's this local guy, Magnus. He's actually a jewellery maker, but he helps out with the farm and does things for people when there isn't a tourist boat visiting. He there helping her out with the house a little bit and she can't help noticing that he's quite hot. I liked Magnus. He's just adorable.

I like Jane Lovering's books anyway, and I absolutely love this one. I received an advance review copy through Netgalley.

[Krystina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an easy book to dive into, I loved stepping onto Orkney. It's a place I've always wanted to go because of all that history, and this book has made me want to go even more! I loved all the visits to the historical sites that Brid and Magnus did and it kind of helped solidify the setting as Orkney rather than just any other Scottish island. All of the characters were so solid in this book, even the ones that weren't physically there(I'm looking at you there Jennet) felt like someone you could bump into just wandering around town. I loved getting to watch Brid learn to be the Orkney Witch, even if it wasn't by choice, and I especially loved how she learnt the witchyness (which I won't say how because I don't want any spoilers for you all) it was a very clever twist to it. I found Magnus so easy to fall for, I could easily see why Brid found him so charming.
Another thing I loved (aside from Magnus) was the humour throughout the book, I had quite a few chuckles at Brid's quips at the townsfolk when they decided she was the Orkney Witch, and to be honest her quips in general, she's defiantly full of spirit and more than capable of fighting her corner.
I absolutely loved reading this and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by Jane Lovering in the future.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a brilliant read!
Visiting Orkney is now what I need.
A story with legend, magic and beliefs at its heart
Where Brid visits, expecting soon to depart.

Brid goes to set up the home inherited by her Mum,
Expecting it to be somewhat unloved and glum.
However, family have looked after it for decades
But legends and beliefs about it never fades.

The cottage is supposedly the home of the Orkney Witch
And Brid's arrival has the local beliefs do a switch.
So many seem to believe she's the witch now
And expect her to be able to help them magically somehow!

It is in York where her home, her job and her parents are
Living in Orkney would be too far.
But as events unfold and romance grows, too,
Maybe magic has its own job to do?

Such a great read, with magic and romance
As the island cottage seems to give Brid a chance.
Will she succumb or will she still choose to run away
What will magically happen on her last day?

I really enjoyed escaping into this book
And highly recommend you also give it more than a look.
A fascinating story with family drama and more
With spooky magic and events to adore!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spend a couple of weeks doing up a remote Orkney cottage, put it on the market, return to your nice organised life with money to buy your own place... a simple ask, you might think. For Brid, however, the experience is a lot more than she bargains for in several different ways.
This book was a bit of a slow starter but picked up nicely. Told in the first person entirely by Brid, she initially comes across as very single-minded, almost frustratingly so, but the truth of her situation is very cleverly revealed to the reader before she even realises it. I liked the way her relationship with Magnus developed and particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Orkney which is practically a character in itself. The other secondary characters felt a little one-dimensional (well, apart from the goose), although that might be down to seeing them through Brid's relentlessly practical eyes. The hints of witchcraft added a little twist to the tale, and provided an interesting extra dimension to another enjoyable story from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brid is in Orkney to sell Midness Cottage, it's not a holiday and it's definitely not long term. As soon as Brid moves into the one roomed cottage (with vicious goose and goslings), people start calling her the witch and asking for her help. But magic isn't real, is it?

I really enjoyed this book. The wild setting and constant wind were a great background to the conflict of Brid and the expectations in her life. The ending was a surprise twist, I'd love a follow up of Brid and her life in Orkney (and an answer to the final sentence!)

This is the first book I've read by the author and it was a wonderful introduction to her writing. The characters were well written and brought to life in the story. Brid was written to be complex, starting prickly and (nearly) softening by the end.

I'm glad I was reading it on a Kindle as I had to look up a lot of long words, which took me out of the story a bit. Magnus was referred to as her cousin quite a few times (He isn't, the shared relative is a great-great-aunt (I think)) but they are referred to as family, which was a little off-putting.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight! It takes you to the wilds of Orkney, a place I have always wanted to visit (and had tickets to the ferry for, which unfortunately I had to cancel) and makes you feel like you are THERE.

Brid is an accountant in York and when her mother sends her to Orkney to sort out the cottage that her aunt Jennet left her, to fix up and sell, she discovers that there are a few secrets to the cottage that no-one bothered to tell her about. Like the resident goose, the lack of creature comforts, the lack of access and how very far away it is from her real life. And then there is the witchcraft aspect of it.....

With the sun glinting off the loch and the natives being friendly, some of them SUPER friendly *wink wink*, Brid's ideas about quickly offloading the cottage and going back to her spreadsheets are not really happening the way they were meant to.

I enjoyed the combination of a modern romance set in a place such as Orkney, with its incredible history going back millennia. Obviously, the beautiful, wild landscape also played a part here.

5 stars from me. Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Readsandeats · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Rachel's Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the E ARC of this book.

We meet Brid Harcus as she is on the boat to Orkney, at the request of her parents to clean out her Great Aunt's cottage and get it ready to sell. Brid has ideas of the cottage that Brid has in her head are not what she finds. She had envisioned Country Homes type cottage, whereas the cottage her Great Aunt lived in was a one room, with an added on toilet and larder. She also has to deal with the local belief that the cottage is home to the Orkney Witch, ever tenant is the witch and with Brid living there - sharing the larder with a goose and her goslings - that qualifies her as the witch.

Brid makes friends and one in particular Magnus is more special than the others. Brid begins to find herself feeling at home in the cottage, the more she does it up for sale the more it has a pull on her. She also loves the open landscape of the island and the wildlife. People start coming to see her as the witch, she has found a book in the cottage that was her Great Aunt's that helps, but she keeps trying to tell people she is not the witch but they don't believe her.

Things come to a head and Brid has to decide whether to stay or go back to York, which will she choose?

I like the story but felt it went on too long, it could have been wrapped up quicker. I did enjoy the descriptions of Orkney, an island I want to visit. I liked the majority of the characters, there was one in particular I did not like. Brid was a good main character and I liked seeing her growth and finding her place.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is dominated by its beautiful setting of Orkney. Life on the island is hard at times and you can sense the connection the inhabitants have with the environment and expressed through their creative arts, their music, their daily life. Brid arrives from England and soon has to adjust to life on the island. She is taken aback by life in her cottage but also develops a sense of kinship with it, even with its bird visitors.
The romance in the story is a slow burn. Magnus has spent time away from the island and can see how some of its traditions will appear to Brid. There is a great mix of characters. Some are colourful, well meaning and friendly. Others are suspicious or have their own agendas. I enjoyed the tradition of magic which is always there in the background. Brid has a healthy scepticism but is intrigued by her aunt's journal, with its common sense and recipes. This is an enjoyable read with some surprises along the way.
In short: old traditions in a modern world?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brid travels to the Orkney islands to prepare a cottage that her mother had inherited from her Great Aunt Jennet. When she arrives she finds that the cottage is in fact semi-deralict with a resident goose - and is also the reputed home of the Orkney witch.
I absolutely loved this book, with its description of the Orkney islands and the touch of mysticism. Brid comes across really well, finding her way in a lifestyle totally different to the one she has at home as an accountant to trying to help others. I'm not sure that I'd visit in the winter, but the Orkney certainly sound like a lovely place to go. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy something a little bit different.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was invested in Brid and her story at our first meeting when she described her journey to Orkney (with the constant threat of seasickness) and her reasons for going there. I liked the honesty and the humour she projected, and I wanted her to find something good there. The story progresses with her first sighting of the island cottage she is going to sell, and it has many secrets to reveal, some of which prove to be life-changing for her. I like the folklore and witchy elements woven into the story and the complex characters she meets on Orkney. It's an adventure and a journey of self-realisation for Brid, with lovely community, friendship and gentle romance enhancing it. I like the balance of humour, poignancy, vibrant community, and setting. It's a lovely escapist read with a touch of fantasy amid the realism.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Island Cottage wove an interesting story that blended Scottish folklore and a touch of witchery into a cozy narrative. The island’s mystical history and its connection to the cottage were exceedingly atmospheric, creating a setting that felt alive with secrets and perceived magic.

The elements of witchcraft and local legends were skillfully intertwined with the characters’ personal journeys, adding an air of mystery and enchantment. The lore was well-researched and added depth to the story, though I wished some aspects of the magical elements were explored further.

Overall, this was a simple yet beautifully written tale that I think will appeal to readers who love stories steeped in tradition, folklore, family secrets, and the pull of the past. The ending was a surprise and added an exclamation point to the whole story.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Jane Lovering has a way of writing that really grabs you and makes you want to read more. All her books are like this, you just want to keep reading no matter how late it is.

I really liked Brid and her journey of self discovery. She needed to realize that she had to start living her own life and letting her parents live theirs. I think her mom knew what she was doing when she sent her to Orkney. I also enjoyed her romance with Magnus. It felt like they'd known each other for a lot longer than they actually did so it didn't feel rushed despite the actual shortness of the time.

Overall it was a really enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Isabelle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a little twist on the common "city girl goes to sort out some inherited property in the middle of nowhere" story, Brid accidentally becomes the new local witch when she takes possession of a small house known as the witch's cottage. With that, the author's signature humour does wonders again so, even if I wouldn't call this book her best (it may have lingered a little too much on the uncomfortable living conditions for me to remain interested at all times), I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone in the mood for a city girl/local man romance with a special touch of "not witchcraft but still it's strange".

[Rymer Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll preface my review by saying I’m an Orcadian, and we are quite protective over the accuracy of the way that people view our home! I wouldn’t want anybody reading this book and planning a trip to Orkney off the back of it, because they won’t get what they’re expecting. There were errors in dialect, local attitudes and geography (not to mention the suggestion of pigeons outside the cathedral! PIGEONS!!) that I had to look past in order to enjoy the book, but putting aside the Orkney of it all and pretending it was set in a fictional land with town names that I recognised, it was a decent story and a nice read.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slightly fluffy little romance, set in the Orkney island of Mainland. I read this during dark hours when I couldn’t sleep, as I enjoyed the calm ambience of the story and setting. The main character/narrator, Brid, is an overly tall, “unattractive” single woman accountant from York, who’s parents have inherited a cottage from an ancient aunt/local witch on said island, and sent her over to sell it. The story is about her inner turmoil as to whether she should stay, having fallen in love with a local hunk, or return to her elderly( in their fifties!) parents’ world, and her boring job. It was mildly entertaining; an easy read but it failed to keep my interest for daytime reading.