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The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods

Not yet published
Expected 23 Feb 26
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Some houses won’t let go of the past. Some people won’t, either…

When single mum Libby is offered a life-changing sum of money to clear out an old cottage in the woods, she expects dust and decay. She doesn’t expect a house full of secrets, a room full of birds, and a woman who refuses to leave.

The handsome but stressed architect who hired Libby is also a puzzle. Why can't Ross empty Elm Cottage himself? What can he possibly see in Libby, who has been burned by love and is wary of attachment? How can they persuade the mysterious but kindly Isobel to move on?

As Libby is pulled into the cottage's story, she must face up to her own deepest fears. Can she help Isobel, fight the past that haunts her, and learn to open her own heart to love once more?

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 23, 2026

3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Jane Lovering

52 books230 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Shyames.
392 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 24, 2026
Oh, this was so good! I didn't expect so much emotional weight or the great plot twist along the way, but it all just clicked so well that I'm left in awe.

Libby is a single mother, running away from her stalking ex and trying to start life anew for her two-year-old daughter's sake. Ross is an architect who employs Libby to make sure the old (and let's be honest, totally ruined) cottage is empty before the demolition starts. While working through her bird phobia, Libby meets Isobel, who resides in the cottage, and the two develop an unusual friendship.

At a few points along the way, this book really makes you doubt how it's going to end—who's going to end up happy, and who might suffer more without getting anything out of it. I enjoyed the fact that the story develops in a way that isn't obvious; just when you think you know everything, new family secrets come to light.

Moreover, even though the book covers some difficult topics, the language doesn't suffer because of it. I'd even argue it's more effective to present mental health struggles without overcomplicating the narrative, staying true to the human experience of it all. Both Libby's and Ross's struggles feel so much more real because of it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this one—it's a great, comforting read, with some important life truths interwoven into a cozy, hopeful, and slightly romantic slice-of-life piece.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,548 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 6, 2026
You can always rely on Jane Lovering for a memorable opening line and this one didn’t disappoint: The cottage looked as though it had been constructed from scraps of Halloween and leftover ghost stories. The cottage referred to in the title isn’t a pretty and cosy cottage nestling snuggly in beautiful woodlands. It’s rather dilapidated and about to be demolished. The problem is that there is a squatter, Isobel, and single mum Libby’s job is to persuade her to leave. Architect Ross has plans for the site and really needs her to go. Libby really needs the money to help her move on. She and her young daughter Tilly live in cramped, temporary accommodation having fled a difficult relationship.

Different ways of living are an important feature of this book. We see that some people live they way they do because they have no choice while others choose an alternative lifestyle. Many of the characters are rather vulnerable for one reason or another. Libby is a character I very much took to heart. She has had a difficult few years and is always looking fearfully over her shoulder. She is naturally very protective of her wee girl Tilly and rather anxious. Tilly was a beautifully drawn character and felt like a real child. She was sweet and funny but like any two year, was prone to tantrums and stubbornness and was remarkably proud of her ability to go to the loo!

Isobel was a very intriguing character. She has quite a mysterious past and the reasons for her living in the cottage are never fully revealed. I usually like a mystery surrounding a character to be resolved and explained but somehow it worked really well that Isobel remained a bit of an enigma.

From the cover of the book, you may be expecting a light, entertaining romance. There is a beautifully done romance certainly, but there are also deeper themes surrounding motherhood and mental health. I won’t go into details as I don’t want to spoil the story for you but I felt that these themes were handled with great sensitively.

The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods is another engaging read from Jane Lovering. With her trademark humour, endearing characters and a heart-warming romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting story.
Profile Image for Ruth.
231 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 17, 2026
What a joy “The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods” was to read. Something quite different. With mental health at the root of the narrative and the quiet gentle touch that listening and good friendship can have to support those who are struggling.

Libby is a single mother, living in a hostel, looking for work and desperate not be found by her coercive ex. She is employed by an architect to ensure that a creepy, dilapidated cottage in the woods is completely empty. Despite it appearing to be right out of a horror novel, it should be a straight forward task. However, a phobia of birds makes the cottage inhabited by corvids a terrifying prospect. Braving the task for long enough to find a room full of birds Libby heads back to resign. The architect, Ross, offers her a larger sum that is too good to say no to. On her return she meets Libby, a mute woman, Isobel, living there. They strike up a friendship of sorts. Libby also finds herself chatting more to Ross who does have a more professional and calm side compared to the bent over, messy, scatty, anxious man and learns why he can not be directly involved in any negotiations.

The relationship between the main characters was delightful. Ross’ quips displaying a sense of humour mixed with a lack of self belief in all but his professional persona often made me chuckle. I read the book in one sitting. I was keen to find out what secrets Isobel was holding, why she chose isolation and how her own story might start to help heal Libby. As to the cottage, it’s future was fairly dim anyway, each drop of rain and blow of the wind was eating into it - the only concern was that it’s resident was safe before it either fell down or was bulldozed.

Thank you to the publishers for a Netgalley eARC of this book.
Profile Image for Rhoda Baxter.
Author 23 books103 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 30, 2026
I always enjoy Jane Lovering's books so I snapped this up when I saw it on Netgalley.
Single mum Libby is running away from a controlling relationship and has her two year old with her. She's taking on part time work in order to make ends meet. She has been hired by the stressed out architect Ross, who wants her to persuade a squatter to leave a ramshackle house that's on his property. Oh yes, and Libby has a terrible phobia of birds.

The job sound easy enough, but it turns out that Isobel, the squatter, is a tiny elderly lady, who can't speak and she doesn't want to move out. She also has a flock of 'tame' crows.

As Libby and Ross work together to persuade Isobel to leave, they grow closer ... but Libby's past is catching up fast.

As always, Jane Lovering's characters feel like real people. I especially liked that the two year felt like a real two year old (rather than an adorable little moppet who was only there when it was convenient). Libby's troubles juggling childcare and work felt realistic too.
I loved Isobel, who was sharp and acerbic when she wanted to be.

The book is set in autumn and is atmospheric. The old house is creepy and wreathed in shadows and falling leaves. This would make a great Halloween read - even though it's not scary. It definitely gives sweater weather vibes.

I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
90 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 23, 2026
The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods by Jane Lovering felt like slipping into a cozy, slightly quirky escape. From the start, I loved the setting—the cottage itself almost feels like a character, tucked away on the edge of the woods and full of charm, secrets, and second chances.

What really worked for me was the emotional heart of the story. The main character’s journey of healing and self-discovery felt genuine, and I appreciated how the romance developed alongside her personal growth rather than overtaking it. There’s a gentle, thoughtful tone to the writing, with moments of humor mixed in that kept things feeling warm and relatable.

This isn’t a fast, dramatic romance—it’s more of a slow, comforting read, perfect for when you want something reflective and hopeful. I enjoyed taking my time with it, soaking up the atmosphere and the sense of finding home where you least expect it.

Overall, The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods is a lovely, feel-good read that left me with that soft, satisfied feeling you get after closing a comforting book. Perfect for fans of cozy romance and quiet transformations.
Profile Image for HappyBookWorm2020.
482 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 11, 2026
Libby is down on her luck, in hiding from her ex-husband and even her family, and in bad need of something good to happen in her life. The something good happened when she was offered a significant amount of money in exchange for clearing out an old building in the woods.

Unfortunately for her, when she got there she found that the building was not empty at all. There was a woman staying there who refuses to leave, and the house was full of birds (and their byproducts). Libby has a bird phobia, so even entering the house was very difficult for her.

The man who hired her (an architect) is under contract to have the house emptied and demolished so that something else could be built there. He hired Libby since he did not feel comfortable in evicting the older woman himself.

There were a lot of surprises in this book. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, the book would take another direction.

I received an e-arc from the publisher Boldwood Books and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Profile Image for Kate Hardy.
Author 800 books263 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 20, 2026
Jane's books are always a joy to read.

Single mother Libby is struggling in a hostel, looking for a job and desperate not to be found by her ex. Architect Ross employs her to make sure a cottage in the woods is empty - but she finds the place full of corvids (her personal phobia) and goes to resign. Ross persuades her to try again, and this time she discovers Isobel, an elderly mute woman, at the cottage and they start to become friends.

Just when you think the book is going in one direction, it turns out to go in quite another - plus there are lots of secrets that are hidden and need to be voiced. Although we know there's going to be a happy-ever-after, Jane really makes her characters work for it.

Excellent study of mental health, written with much sensitivity. Lovely characters you can really root for (Tilly in particular is a delight) and refreshingly different.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Gabyy .
84 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2026
I have read a few books from this author, and this is definitely by far my favorite. There’s a way in her writing that pulls me in from the beginning every time, and it was no different here.

I was intrigued to know about Libby’s story and the Cottage’s fate. Isobel was a great character and my favorite by far; the was Libby had to face not inly her phobia, but also her fears of facing her problemas was well executed. This book tackles difficult topics (postpartum illness) and opens conversation around the topic of mental health and the importance of being present and help the people around us navigate through their process. While I didn’t feel the romance part as strong in this book, it was really a great storyline as well. I was just compelled with Libby and what she was willing to do and face for the sake of her daughter. The twist at the end was something I didn’t see, and it took me by surprise but loved how it was all handled.
Profile Image for Jenna (readinginjennaland).
984 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 8, 2026
The synopsis of this book really grabbed my attention, but unfortunately, the story itself didn’t quite live up to the premise. The plot follows Libby, who is starting over with her two-year-old daughter, Tilly, after leaving an abusive relationship. She takes an unusual job for a man named Ross, who needs her to clear out squatters from a property he plans to demolish for a reality show.

The 'squatter' turns out to be an elderly woman named Isobel, who shares the house with a large number of birds—which is a nightmare for Libby and her bird phobia. While the setup was interesting, I struggled to connect with the adults in the story. I wasn't particularly invested in Libby or Ross; Tilly was the only character I truly rooted for. Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,511 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 15, 2026
I was invited to read a pre-approved copy by Boldwood Books on Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
“The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods”, by Jane Lovering, is an enjoyable read, with a bunch of unusual but relatable characters, forging unespected relationships, and a few surprises.
I liked Ross, Libby, and little Tilly, whose childish vibrancy echoes throughout the story and fills it with funny, lovely, endearing moments and scenes.
Ross is this man who seems odd in the beginning and turns into Libby’s hero and crusader. He’s caring, devoted and assumes his issues and quirks honestly and openly.
I really like and enjoy this kind of heroes, not openly and immediately handsome and attractive.
I felt there was something going on with Libby; the surprise, though, is considerable. Perhaps the issue will resonate with other women.
Is this story more about this particular issue than the romance? The attraction from Ross’s side seemed a bit fast and unsubstantiated sometimes. I also felt a bit defrauded with the secret.
I liked the setting and the little cottage and thought Isobel is a great character, too.
Profile Image for Isabella.
310 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2026
An emotional, gripping, soul-twisting story that has warmed my heart, amused my soul and satisfied my reader’s appetite.
Jane Lovering’s writing style is yet again masterful, switching from humour to seriousness with ease; the serious issues adding layers and strengthening the story’s structure while keeping it light and entertaining.
As usual we meet with plausible characters with real-life baggage and real-life issues which make them immediately relatable and immensely likeable.
The story is catchy and masterfully plotted. That plot twist! Whilst reading I did notice something didn’t quite add up!
Yet again, the author has outdone herself.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.
Profile Image for Keely.
38 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Jane Lovering for letting me read and review this book.

Overall I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and had a happy ending. The main two characters bugged me a little- Ross mentioned his expensive therapy quite a lot (yes £150 hour) and Libby not seeming to appreciate money despite going from having none at all to having a decent amount in my opinion (from the black crow diamonds). If someone gave me something worth £40k I'd think wow! She kept saying it won't get me very far... maybe I just live a different life to these characters... but anyway it was still a good read.
285 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 10, 2026
Jane Lovering's books are predictable in the best possible way: while the path to a romantic happily-every-after will be convulated and pitted, you always know you will reach it in the end. In The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods, desperate single mom Libby agrees to help architect Ross evict a squatter from a ramshackle cottage. Of course, nothing is ever simple! Note: While I enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this story, it might be off-putting for someone who has experienced abuse, especially by a spouse.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,172 reviews128 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 13, 2026
I received a free copy of, The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods, by Jane Lovering, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Libby is a single mom to Tilly, she has a job to do, to clean out an old house, but things dont go as planned. I liked Libby but I found her erratic at times.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,823 reviews48 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 24, 2026
Libby has a job trying to clear out an old cottage for Ross. She’s not sure why he can’t do it himself but she’s happy to take his money. If she can just get past the birds.
This was a quick book. I was really expecting a mystery but that wasn’t what I got. The story has a big surprise I didn’t see coming. It’s a bit of an emotional roller coaster.
468 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 28, 2026
This book wasn’t what I was expecting from the blurb. I thought it was going to be an easy read romance and it definitely had darker aspects to the story, with romance being in the background. It wasn’t a bad book, just not what I was looking for at the time. There should be trigger warnings for some of the themes in the book, especially as there was no clue that they would be in the story.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,981 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 4, 2026
A heartwarming story about loss, grief, new friendships and new beginnings. Single mum Libby can’t make sense of her boss, the old woman refusing to leave the cottage, and a room full of birds in an old cottage she needs to clear out. Sweet and full of emotions. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jo.
156 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 12, 2026
For a story that deals with some pretty dark subjects, this book remained, on the whole, upbeat and optimistic.

I loved Libby's resilience and positive outlook, and Ross not quite knight in shining armour .

Another little gen by Jane Lovering
Profile Image for Dawn Probert.
535 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2026
Great book
I loved it and it was so different to my other books.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for JXR.
3,901 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 15, 2026
cute and effective book with some absolutely fun vibes. the romance is impeccable, too. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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