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Butterfly Cove #1
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove
A year of taking chances…
After a nightmare year, Mia Sutherland is hoping for a fresh start! She’s putting the past behind her and pouring all her savings into renovating a crumbling guesthouse in peaceful Butterfly Cove. Nothing will distract her from achieving her dreams!
That is, until her very first guest, Daniel Fitzwilliam arrives – quite possibly, the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. He’s only here for a week, but already Daniel has turned her world upside-down. And as the tide turns, it’s clear that Butterfly Cove has more than one surprise in store for Mia…
After a nightmare year, Mia Sutherland is hoping for a fresh start! She’s putting the past behind her and pouring all her savings into renovating a crumbling guesthouse in peaceful Butterfly Cove. Nothing will distract her from achieving her dreams!
That is, until her very first guest, Daniel Fitzwilliam arrives – quite possibly, the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. He’s only here for a week, but already Daniel has turned her world upside-down. And as the tide turns, it’s clear that Butterfly Cove has more than one surprise in store for Mia…
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
362 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Bennett
29 books292 followersSarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.
Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.
When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.
You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor
Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.
Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.
When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.
You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor
Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
April 23, 2018
4.5 - "What a pair of fuck-ups we are!" Stars!
The first book in Sarah Bennett’s Butterfly Cove series gives us the story of two broken souls looking to try and rebuild their lives.
Mia and Daniel are both very different characters, one dealing with grief and the other dealing with a life in the public eye that has somehow spun out of their control. Neither of them are really looking for a relationship, but a train journey without a final destination in mind, followed by a lift from a Good Samaritan, places Daniel on Mia’s doorstep.
Life went on whether she was ready for it or not…
I devoured Sunrise at Butterfly Cove it’s a book that lived up to, and then went onto exceed my expectations. There is a large scope for angst in the story between the H/h and somehow the author managed to deal with each and every issue and situation they both find themselves in, in an emotional and heart-felt way without bringing the story down to depressing levels.
"The dark should be for whispering about our hopes and dreams for the future. Let’s save the tough stuff for the day time…"
I think a large part of the reason the story didn’t seem overly angsty is due to the fact the author factored in some pretty stellar secondary characters, things were lightened up at pertinent points with their involvement and interaction within the storyline, and I loved watching two broken-souls repair themselves and each other while performing the task of rebuilding a worn out house that is situated in a beautifully described location.
"Hold our dreams fast for me… Hold them tight and keep working towards them and that will give me the strength that I need."
Three sisters, all with their own stories to be told. Mia certainly gets her happily ever after in Sunrise at Butterfly Cove, let’s hope Kiki manages to get hers next in Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove, released in late June.
The first book in Sarah Bennett’s Butterfly Cove series gives us the story of two broken souls looking to try and rebuild their lives.
Mia and Daniel are both very different characters, one dealing with grief and the other dealing with a life in the public eye that has somehow spun out of their control. Neither of them are really looking for a relationship, but a train journey without a final destination in mind, followed by a lift from a Good Samaritan, places Daniel on Mia’s doorstep.
Life went on whether she was ready for it or not…
I devoured Sunrise at Butterfly Cove it’s a book that lived up to, and then went onto exceed my expectations. There is a large scope for angst in the story between the H/h and somehow the author managed to deal with each and every issue and situation they both find themselves in, in an emotional and heart-felt way without bringing the story down to depressing levels.
"The dark should be for whispering about our hopes and dreams for the future. Let’s save the tough stuff for the day time…"
I think a large part of the reason the story didn’t seem overly angsty is due to the fact the author factored in some pretty stellar secondary characters, things were lightened up at pertinent points with their involvement and interaction within the storyline, and I loved watching two broken-souls repair themselves and each other while performing the task of rebuilding a worn out house that is situated in a beautifully described location.
"Hold our dreams fast for me… Hold them tight and keep working towards them and that will give me the strength that I need."
Three sisters, all with their own stories to be told. Mia certainly gets her happily ever after in Sunrise at Butterfly Cove, let’s hope Kiki manages to get hers next in Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove, released in late June.
February 3, 2017
I love a romance framed by the beauty of our little island and, set on the English coast, Sarah Bennett hits the spot with Sunrise at Butterfly Cove.
"Whatever had brought him to her doorstep—serendipity, fate, or just a well-meaning meddling friend—this half-broken man needed a safe place to stay."
This is a lovely story of two people brought together unexpectedly, but who soon realise that they share common ground in that both are dealing with personal pain. After Mia agrees that Daniel can be the first guest in her non-functioning, barely liveable B&B in exchange for helping with some renovations, the trust between them builds, with them slowly beginning to let their guards down, opening up and supporting one another.
This story does come with a good dose of angst and family drama, however whilst it's pretty central to the story it's not too heavy and as the blurb describes, it is a heartwarming and uplifting read albeit a little speedy in parts.
"I’m glad you’re here."
Sarah Bennett has created an endearing group of people who your heart will go out to and, with secondary characters who each play a valuable role, the foundations have been laid for Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove. Better get my hat out.
Copy received courtesy of HQDigital via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"Whatever had brought him to her doorstep—serendipity, fate, or just a well-meaning meddling friend—this half-broken man needed a safe place to stay."
This is a lovely story of two people brought together unexpectedly, but who soon realise that they share common ground in that both are dealing with personal pain. After Mia agrees that Daniel can be the first guest in her non-functioning, barely liveable B&B in exchange for helping with some renovations, the trust between them builds, with them slowly beginning to let their guards down, opening up and supporting one another.
This story does come with a good dose of angst and family drama, however whilst it's pretty central to the story it's not too heavy and as the blurb describes, it is a heartwarming and uplifting read albeit a little speedy in parts.
"I’m glad you’re here."
Sarah Bennett has created an endearing group of people who your heart will go out to and, with secondary characters who each play a valuable role, the foundations have been laid for Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove. Better get my hat out.
Copy received courtesy of HQDigital via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 12, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Uk and Sarah Bennett for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On Goodreads from today under Karen Whittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
After he nightmare year Mia has had where all her dreams and hopes for the future deminished when her husband was killed in a road accident. Mia has spent all her money on renovating Butterfly Cove. Trying to hide away from the world and grieve in peace.
That is until a very dishivelled Daniel Fitzwilliams arrives on her doorstep. Mia doesn't want him there in her home and invading her private space. But with nowhere else for him to go because all of the other guests houses are closed for the season and realising that he too is just as lost and at the edge of a breakdown too. Mia can tell he is a soul in pain and so agrees for him to stay. Just as long as he doesn't invade her personal space and he helps to shape up the guesthouse. He has one week and then he has to leave.
But Daniels arrival has already turned Mia's world upside down. Will his being their be the thing that the both need to fix themselves. Can they learn to love again? And is Butterfly Cove the healing ancedote that they both need?
This is a very sweet read. Yes it is a little bit predictable. But it is a story of love, loss, friendship, healing, finding yourself and learning to love again.
A perfect feel good read for this cold ad snowy February days.
Happy reading everyone
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On Goodreads from today under Karen Whittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
After he nightmare year Mia has had where all her dreams and hopes for the future deminished when her husband was killed in a road accident. Mia has spent all her money on renovating Butterfly Cove. Trying to hide away from the world and grieve in peace.
That is until a very dishivelled Daniel Fitzwilliams arrives on her doorstep. Mia doesn't want him there in her home and invading her private space. But with nowhere else for him to go because all of the other guests houses are closed for the season and realising that he too is just as lost and at the edge of a breakdown too. Mia can tell he is a soul in pain and so agrees for him to stay. Just as long as he doesn't invade her personal space and he helps to shape up the guesthouse. He has one week and then he has to leave.
But Daniels arrival has already turned Mia's world upside down. Will his being their be the thing that the both need to fix themselves. Can they learn to love again? And is Butterfly Cove the healing ancedote that they both need?
This is a very sweet read. Yes it is a little bit predictable. But it is a story of love, loss, friendship, healing, finding yourself and learning to love again.
A perfect feel good read for this cold ad snowy February days.
Happy reading everyone
January 24, 2024
*Mending Hearts*
**4.5 Stars*
This book was such a joy to read and the start of a 3 part series. In this instalment we focus on Mia Sutherland. She thought she had her life all mapped out and after a tragedy that robs her of the life she thought was to be she throws herself into a huge project.
She decides to take a gamble and buy a guesthouse that needs a lot of work in a peaceful area called Butterfly Cove, this is also a way of slowly mending her heart.
All is planned out in Mia’s life when a stranger named Daniel turns up on hearsay about the place to be her first guest. Mia is instantly attracted to him but she is internally panicking as she has locked herself and her heart away for 2 years. Daniel is a photographer based in London and has burned himself out on high living and is carrying his own demons. He says he will only be there for a week but this is the start of change that will wake them both up to different possibilities in more ways than one….
**4.5 Stars*
This book was such a joy to read and the start of a 3 part series. In this instalment we focus on Mia Sutherland. She thought she had her life all mapped out and after a tragedy that robs her of the life she thought was to be she throws herself into a huge project.
She decides to take a gamble and buy a guesthouse that needs a lot of work in a peaceful area called Butterfly Cove, this is also a way of slowly mending her heart.
All is planned out in Mia’s life when a stranger named Daniel turns up on hearsay about the place to be her first guest. Mia is instantly attracted to him but she is internally panicking as she has locked herself and her heart away for 2 years. Daniel is a photographer based in London and has burned himself out on high living and is carrying his own demons. He says he will only be there for a week but this is the start of change that will wake them both up to different possibilities in more ways than one….
February 7, 2017
Mia moves to Butterfly cove to renovate the old guesthouse. She needs a fresh start after tragic events that happened in the past. The house needs a lot of work, but she is determined to make it work no matter what. Daniel is a photographer whose recent decisions in his life leave him feeling uncomfortable and he decides to hop on a train and just go away for a while. Without any destination in mind he gets off at the end of the line. When he gets off he realizes he doesn't have a place to stay, but luckily the same older woman he briefly met on the train comes to his rescue. The older woman Madeline is friends with Mia and despite the fact that the guesthouse is not ready, she drops Daniel off right there. Mia is not really liking the thought of Daniel staying, but eventually agrees to let him stay for a week. Daniel helps Mia with renovations and together they help each other to heal the wounds from the past. Can the two of them find happiness in all the chaos that surrounds them?
It was a good start to the series. There's more to the story than two broken people finding love in each other. I very much like Mia and Daniel as well as Madeline and her husband, they are all very kind and of course they live in such a lovely place that has a wonderful name and a backstory to it. I am looking forward to return to the Butterfly Cove in the next book.
It was a good start to the series. There's more to the story than two broken people finding love in each other. I very much like Mia and Daniel as well as Madeline and her husband, they are all very kind and of course they live in such a lovely place that has a wonderful name and a backstory to it. I am looking forward to return to the Butterfly Cove in the next book.
August 15, 2017
This is worth far more than five stars had me gripped from the very beginning. Very heartwarming and romantic and has you guessing what might happen. Really didn't want it to end as so good. Mia moved to get a fresh start and loosing her husband so she decides to renovate a house in butterfly cove. Daniel decides he needs to change his live and gets on a train and by changes lands on Mia's doorstep before she is ready to open. He soon settles in and helps renovating the house so it can open as a bed and breakfast. It's a year they both want to move forward and can they do that but do they find romance or not well worth reading. I can't wait to read the follow on now.
October 19, 2018
Mia's guesthouse is very much a work in process but who doesn't love a property that has bags of potential? I fell in love with it as much as Daniel does when he first enters the house. I could easily visualise all the love hard work that goes into making it a guesthouse.
Mia and Daniel both come to Butterfly Cove to heal. To a certain extent they are running away from things but as we all know, sometimes we need to get away and recharge as well as revalue our lives which is exactly what both of these characters need to do.
In the main there really is some fabulous characters throughout the story. I loved Mia's neighbours and so wish I could have neighbours like that living near me. They are like a second set of parents to Mia and the bond between them was so heart warming.
For the genre of book, the author still touches on some tough topics of which is done very skilfully without it taking away from the wonderful romance aspect of the story. It makes for a very current read and I was so invested in the characters lives that the first thing I did after finishing the book was to go and buy the second!
Sunrise At Butterfly Cove is a wonderful story that will leave you feeling all warm and cosy inside. I found it totally enchanting. If you love to be transported to idyllic locations where you can totally lose yourself into the story, then this is the perfect read.
Mia and Daniel both come to Butterfly Cove to heal. To a certain extent they are running away from things but as we all know, sometimes we need to get away and recharge as well as revalue our lives which is exactly what both of these characters need to do.
In the main there really is some fabulous characters throughout the story. I loved Mia's neighbours and so wish I could have neighbours like that living near me. They are like a second set of parents to Mia and the bond between them was so heart warming.
For the genre of book, the author still touches on some tough topics of which is done very skilfully without it taking away from the wonderful romance aspect of the story. It makes for a very current read and I was so invested in the characters lives that the first thing I did after finishing the book was to go and buy the second!
Sunrise At Butterfly Cove is a wonderful story that will leave you feeling all warm and cosy inside. I found it totally enchanting. If you love to be transported to idyllic locations where you can totally lose yourself into the story, then this is the perfect read.
February 1, 2017
Butterfly Cove is a stunning setting that clearly has restorative qualities, as Mia and Daniel both find themselves thoroughly at home there despite difficulties in their recent past. The cove and area really is as pretty as the cover makes it seem, and I believe in summer the sky and sea will be as vibrant a blue, and the grass will be a very bright green.
However most of the story in this first book in the Butterfly Cove trilogy takes place in the winter and spring, and it really is a charming story, of friendship between a man and woman, who both really could do without added complications as they grow closer.
Mia moves to Butterfly Cove to set up a guesthouse, after her husband dies suddenly, she needs a fresh start and has started to renovate her new property in order to open her guest house. She has two sisters one with rather large problems, and her childhood wasn't particularly happy, and we get to see all about those two circumstances as the book progresses.
Daniel was a famous photographer, who is now burnt out, he jumped on a train away from London and ended up on a local train from Exeter where he meets Madeline, who gives him a lift to Mia's guesthouse despite it not being ready yet.
They work out a mutually acceptable arrangement and from this moment on Daniel became one of my favourite characters and was bordering on book boyfriend territory. He is wonderful and seems to really understand Mia, and the need for anything that may develop between them to move incredibly slowly.
It is a sweet story of friendship, and not just Mia and Daniel's but also of family. Not the most conventional families but of family feel of friends, and how they would do anything for one another. Daniel's two best friends are lovely boys and Madeline, with her husband become like surrogate parents for any of the various waifs she seems to be collecting at Butterfly Cove.
There is a lovely warm and cosy feel to this book, and it does contain a very sweet slow building romance, as well as some wonderful plans for the guest house. It is an enjoyable debut novel, and I am already looking forward to my next trip to Butterfly Cove in the summer.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
However most of the story in this first book in the Butterfly Cove trilogy takes place in the winter and spring, and it really is a charming story, of friendship between a man and woman, who both really could do without added complications as they grow closer.
Mia moves to Butterfly Cove to set up a guesthouse, after her husband dies suddenly, she needs a fresh start and has started to renovate her new property in order to open her guest house. She has two sisters one with rather large problems, and her childhood wasn't particularly happy, and we get to see all about those two circumstances as the book progresses.
Daniel was a famous photographer, who is now burnt out, he jumped on a train away from London and ended up on a local train from Exeter where he meets Madeline, who gives him a lift to Mia's guesthouse despite it not being ready yet.
They work out a mutually acceptable arrangement and from this moment on Daniel became one of my favourite characters and was bordering on book boyfriend territory. He is wonderful and seems to really understand Mia, and the need for anything that may develop between them to move incredibly slowly.
It is a sweet story of friendship, and not just Mia and Daniel's but also of family. Not the most conventional families but of family feel of friends, and how they would do anything for one another. Daniel's two best friends are lovely boys and Madeline, with her husband become like surrogate parents for any of the various waifs she seems to be collecting at Butterfly Cove.
There is a lovely warm and cosy feel to this book, and it does contain a very sweet slow building romance, as well as some wonderful plans for the guest house. It is an enjoyable debut novel, and I am already looking forward to my next trip to Butterfly Cove in the summer.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 8, 2017
This book is so much more than the cover or the blurb would have you believe. Yes it's a gorgeous story, in a gorgeous location but it is also filled with complex, multilayered characters with dark backstories and huge hurdles to overcome.
Beautifully written and so full of hope, it couldn't be released at a better time. If ever the world needed books like this!
Beautifully written and so full of hope, it couldn't be released at a better time. If ever the world needed books like this!
February 19, 2025
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove #1 Butterfly Cove
2✨
No emotions for these characters whatsoever
2✨
No emotions for these characters whatsoever
August 31, 2018
Mia Sutherland's husband dies tragically young and she has tried to make a new life by renovating a crumbling guesthouse in peaceful Butterfly Cove. Unfortunately the job is bigger than she anticipated and she is almost prostrated by her grief. She has made two firm friends in the older couple Madeline and Richard who have helped her with the little restoration that she has achieved.
Daniel 'Fitz' Fitzwilliam is a photographer, feted by the London arts scene he has become a monster in his own eyes: drinking too much, dabbling in drugs and believing his own hype. Disgusted by himself and realising that his girlfriend was part of the problem he gets on a random train out of London. Disembarking from the train at the end of the line Daniel realises he has no plans, no hotel room and no taxi, until a kindly older woman takes him under her wing and decides he can stay with Mia.
Despite initial misgivings, Mia eventually agrees that Daniel can stay for one week, in return for helping her with the house.
Together the two of them heal each other's wounds as they restore the house, aided and abetted by Madeline and Richard. But as they both emerge from the detritus of their pasts, real life intrudes once more and Mia has to deal with her parents and her younger sisters while Daniel needs to face up to what he left behind in London.
I really liked this, partly of course for the envy that a young woman could afford such a sumptuous sounding property, even if it does need a lot of decorating and repair, but also because it unfurled gently, like a butterfly's wings. Nothing too angsty, nothing too alpha male, just real life family dramas.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Daniel 'Fitz' Fitzwilliam is a photographer, feted by the London arts scene he has become a monster in his own eyes: drinking too much, dabbling in drugs and believing his own hype. Disgusted by himself and realising that his girlfriend was part of the problem he gets on a random train out of London. Disembarking from the train at the end of the line Daniel realises he has no plans, no hotel room and no taxi, until a kindly older woman takes him under her wing and decides he can stay with Mia.
Despite initial misgivings, Mia eventually agrees that Daniel can stay for one week, in return for helping her with the house.
Together the two of them heal each other's wounds as they restore the house, aided and abetted by Madeline and Richard. But as they both emerge from the detritus of their pasts, real life intrudes once more and Mia has to deal with her parents and her younger sisters while Daniel needs to face up to what he left behind in London.
I really liked this, partly of course for the envy that a young woman could afford such a sumptuous sounding property, even if it does need a lot of decorating and repair, but also because it unfurled gently, like a butterfly's wings. Nothing too angsty, nothing too alpha male, just real life family dramas.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
This really was a treasure of a read. It is set by the sea, has a guest house undergoing renovation, a troubled photographer looking to regain his creativity and a blossoming friendship that is trying to overcome the past.
Mia bought a guesthouse after losing her husband and has lovely neighbours who have taken her under their wing. I loved all the characters- you really warm to them and feel like you've known them forever. Madeleine inteferes when she meets Daniel on the train from London. She drops him off at Mia's even though the guesthouse is months from completion.
They both recognise the hurt behind the eyes of the other and when she agrees to let him stay for a week we are treated to a wonderful friendship developing and trying to guess whether they can finally give their past a chance to recover and give new love a chance.
I loved the guesthouse emerging and the wonderful pieces of furniture they are unearthing in the barn ready to create themed rooms.
I can't wait for the next book in the series and think I have found a new author to watch out for.
Mia bought a guesthouse after losing her husband and has lovely neighbours who have taken her under their wing. I loved all the characters- you really warm to them and feel like you've known them forever. Madeleine inteferes when she meets Daniel on the train from London. She drops him off at Mia's even though the guesthouse is months from completion.
They both recognise the hurt behind the eyes of the other and when she agrees to let him stay for a week we are treated to a wonderful friendship developing and trying to guess whether they can finally give their past a chance to recover and give new love a chance.
I loved the guesthouse emerging and the wonderful pieces of furniture they are unearthing in the barn ready to create themed rooms.
I can't wait for the next book in the series and think I have found a new author to watch out for.
October 3, 2025
Finished reading: October 2nd 2025
“He'd have to deal with everything, but not just yet. A week, she's said. Everything could be put on hold for a week.”
REVIEW
December 12, 2023
I started out by loving the love story. Then I found it a little too pg. Then I thought that the whole backstories of all the other secondary characters was unnecessary. Then I thought that the protagonist was a bit too lost. Then I judged myself for judging the characters. Then I thought it was a bit stereotypical and binary about gender roles. Then I thought that the author wants to make this story a whole universe with a series etc and that is why so much backstory.. And then I thought it was a good ol sweet love story with all the secondary characters also being part of family love. So well we have done a whole roller coaster ride and come back around a whole circle. Also a lot of vomiting in a story about love and family. I guess that is part of wanting to include family dynamics and anxiety into the mix. Phew. This is not a review. I put a spoiler in for the vomiting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2018
This book came highly recommended by my friend who said “I’m reading a book called Sunrise at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett. I’ve been in tears, it’s so moving but really gorgeous. Real life it is not and need to get my head round that!” One person’s gorgeous is another person’s bit-too-much, though.
Mia is newly widowed and starting up a guest house business in Devon. Daniel has arrived as a guest – before the house is anywhere near ready – and of course you can guess the ending from here. However Daniel has his own painful past to confront, and whilst the story is an emotional read with deeper elements, as a whole I found the relationship between Mia and Daniel not believable in the earlier stages. Telling themselves they are simply friends, she isn’t ready, and all the comfy cosy snuggly stuff with her stroking his feet in her lap and “he dropped a kiss on the top of her head” just don’t mesh. Would you do that with a female friend? No? Then you’re kidding yourself. If he’s a love interest, then just do it. But,
What interested me more than the romance was Mia’s upbringing and how this has impacted on her and her sisters, in particular Kiki. Her story was dark, disturbing and interesting and Sarah Bennett is to be commended for her skill in weaving a romance story around the harsh topics of drinking, domestic abuse and absent parents.
Overall I liked it somewhat but I’m not overwhelmed.
Mia is newly widowed and starting up a guest house business in Devon. Daniel has arrived as a guest – before the house is anywhere near ready – and of course you can guess the ending from here. However Daniel has his own painful past to confront, and whilst the story is an emotional read with deeper elements, as a whole I found the relationship between Mia and Daniel not believable in the earlier stages. Telling themselves they are simply friends, she isn’t ready, and all the comfy cosy snuggly stuff with her stroking his feet in her lap and “he dropped a kiss on the top of her head” just don’t mesh. Would you do that with a female friend? No? Then you’re kidding yourself. If he’s a love interest, then just do it. But,
What interested me more than the romance was Mia’s upbringing and how this has impacted on her and her sisters, in particular Kiki. Her story was dark, disturbing and interesting and Sarah Bennett is to be commended for her skill in weaving a romance story around the harsh topics of drinking, domestic abuse and absent parents.
Overall I liked it somewhat but I’m not overwhelmed.
April 1, 2022
This book had such a homely and cosy vibe, it was so easy to immerse yourself into and lose yourself in the story. Two lost and troubled souls, William and Mia, find an unlikely friendship when William needs a place to stay and Mia (in her not yet up and running, very rundown B&B) decides to let him stay in return for helping with the renovation. Certainly a recipe for a great book and a lovely little romance along the way.
A perfect will they won’t they kind of drama, with both of them facing their demons and overcoming their struggles, growing from their traumas as they pour their efforts into doing up their B&B.
I loved reading the two slowly start to let down their guards and confide in one another. Through their combined effort of fixing up the cottage, you felt like you were there with them with the renovation and watching the progress along the way. Not just with their relationship but also with the progression of the house. It was seriously heartwarming and really lovely to read. I can’t wait to continue on in the series and see how it will develop!
A perfect will they won’t they kind of drama, with both of them facing their demons and overcoming their struggles, growing from their traumas as they pour their efforts into doing up their B&B.
I loved reading the two slowly start to let down their guards and confide in one another. Through their combined effort of fixing up the cottage, you felt like you were there with them with the renovation and watching the progress along the way. Not just with their relationship but also with the progression of the house. It was seriously heartwarming and really lovely to read. I can’t wait to continue on in the series and see how it will develop!
February 7, 2017
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove is a beautiful romantic tale.
Mia has had a terrible time recently losing the love of her life so tragically. Thinking she is going to spend the rest of her life alone she throws herself into restoring a lovely big house in Butterfly Cove. Unexpectedly she finds love again when she lets a handsome stranger stay.
Both Mia and Daniel face a few difficulties in the book but we see this bring them closer together and see a happier stronger side of Mia.
The descriptions and characters that the author has used throughout this book are perfect and so easy to imagine.
I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was really well written, and so cheerful.
This is a wonderful start to the series and I cant wait for the next book to see whats next for them all.
Mia has had a terrible time recently losing the love of her life so tragically. Thinking she is going to spend the rest of her life alone she throws herself into restoring a lovely big house in Butterfly Cove. Unexpectedly she finds love again when she lets a handsome stranger stay.
Both Mia and Daniel face a few difficulties in the book but we see this bring them closer together and see a happier stronger side of Mia.
The descriptions and characters that the author has used throughout this book are perfect and so easy to imagine.
I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was really well written, and so cheerful.
This is a wonderful start to the series and I cant wait for the next book to see whats next for them all.
October 4, 2020
If you've ever dreamed of renovating a bed-and-breakfast, and falling in love with a handsome stranger with a British accent while you're at it, then this book is for you.
This beautifully fluffy romance also depicts some very heavy topics, such as death of a spouse or parent (prominent throughout), and miscarriage, alcoholism, physical and verbal abuse (all fairly brief, towards the end of the novel).
The characters in this book were written incredibly well, and I loved how there were so many different people and lifestyles, all written realistically. The descriptive language was also very well done, and I could practically smell the seaside air!
This beautifully fluffy romance also depicts some very heavy topics, such as death of a spouse or parent (prominent throughout), and miscarriage, alcoholism, physical and verbal abuse (all fairly brief, towards the end of the novel).
The characters in this book were written incredibly well, and I loved how there were so many different people and lifestyles, all written realistically. The descriptive language was also very well done, and I could practically smell the seaside air!
August 20, 2017
Read it in one setting and loved it, have just downloaded the second book
June 7, 2018
Really enjoyed
May 8, 2023
Easy to read romance. My first by this author but it was well written and flowed well. The story ends well but is set up to continue into the next book.
April 14, 2024
Té zoet. Las wel prima.
March 26, 2017
Really, really enjoyed this book although did think it ended very abruptly considering I thought there was another 6% to go. Will definitely be back for part two.
May 10, 2019
Very enjoyable book - feel good. Great characters and a good storyline. Some funny scenes and I really felt like I would love to live there! Will definitely read the next one in the series about Mia's sister Kiki.
July 24, 2020
I'm surprised by what a delightful and deep book this turned out to be. I listened to it on audio (I suspect I might not have enjoyed it so much as a physical copy).
The setting is picturesque, and the descriptions of the cove and house conjure up beautiful images.
The real strength, though, lies in the characters. We're taken on a journey recovering from grief, escaping from addiction, a myriad of dark family issues/relationships and the harsh realities that not everything can be easily righted.
But even in dealing with a lot of trauma and serious issues, the entire book retains a bright and hopeful tone. The theme is healing, not wallowing, and finding the people and places that will restore your soul. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in the series (and more by this author!).
The setting is picturesque, and the descriptions of the cove and house conjure up beautiful images.
The real strength, though, lies in the characters. We're taken on a journey recovering from grief, escaping from addiction, a myriad of dark family issues/relationships and the harsh realities that not everything can be easily righted.
But even in dealing with a lot of trauma and serious issues, the entire book retains a bright and hopeful tone. The theme is healing, not wallowing, and finding the people and places that will restore your soul. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in the series (and more by this author!).
February 4, 2017
Book one of the #ButterflyCove series, Sarah Bennett takes us to a remote location where Mia is renovating a sorry state of a home into the guesthouse of her dreams. After the untimely death of her husband she plunges herself into making a life for herself, secluded from every other person in the world. That is until a stranger is quite literally dumped on her doorstep.
As my first read from Sarah Bennett I loved jumping into a new world of characters and writing unknown to me. From the very first chapter it's very difficult to not be pulled into the story of Sunrise At Butterfly Cove. Our bearded hero, Daniel, is dumped on Mia's doorstep as he is desperate need of a place to sleep. His impromptu to escape the city left much to be organised but fortunately he meets some friendly characters who are only too happy to welcome him into his new surroundings.
Progressing through the story Mia and Daniel form an attachment which soon ends up in a sweet love story of letting go of the past and starting new life. Of course it isn't that straight forward and there are obstacles in the way, which makes for great reading. Mia has to visit her mother in hospital and ends up spending time with her former in laws. Sad stories and some emotional scenes later, Mia has a blessing to move on with her life if she finds the happiness she's been looking for.
Sunrise At Butterfly Cove is an impressive debut from Sarah Bennett which tugs at the heart strings but still provides a warm story to cosy up with. Mia's unique ideas of how to decorate the guesthouse leave me flapping slightly but her heart is in the right place. Themed rooms for specific types of people doesn't appeal to me but having the different styles of furnishings appearing is still quite fun.
You will love Sunrise At Butterfly Cove if you enjoy reading about new beginnings, messed up families and men with beards. I'm giving Sunrise At Butterfly Cove 4.5 stars and I look forward to seeing the next instalment soon.
January 31, 2017
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove is a sweet, feel good contemporary romance. A young widow and a disillusioned photographer heal each other in an old house by the sea. There is family drama and angst. These two have to let go of the past to make a future. They do it agonizingly slowly but the story is better for it. I felt like a good portion of this book was spent setting up the next. This book is definitely sigh worthy. I look forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 31, 2017
I was instantly drawn initally to Sunrise at Butterfly Cove for the gorgeous cover is host - I mean just look at it, it screams peace and quiet and fabulous scenery - and the book didn't fault in that department either.
What I loved about this debut from Sarah Bennett was a brilliant and detailed prologue. We were immediately given some back story to both Daniel and Mia, our main characters to the story, and learnt that Daniel had lost both his parents, his Father passing just before Daniel made a name for himself as a world class photographer and his career launching. Whilst Mia is faced opening the front door to police officers informing her that her beloved husband Jamie had been killed in a road accident on his way home.
We move on then to the bulk of the book and Daniel has decided he needs to get away. His celebrity lifestyle of drink, drugs and a long stream of women - the latest being Giselle - has taken its toll on Fitz - his celeb name - and if he doesn't make the break now, he fears his life will spiral out of the little control he has left. So swiftly packing a bag, he jumps on a train and heads to the West Country.
Daniel has no plan, no direction, but fate is forced upon him when his train reaches the end of the line and he is brought to from his daydream by a kind stranger. Madeline, or Mads as she is known, takes Daniel under her wing, explaining that there is nowhere left to go on the train and that she can give him a lift to a place she knows that he can stay.
I just want to say at this point that I adored Mads and her husband Richard. We learn throughout the story that they were unable to have their own family and have pretty much taken Mia under their wing, supporting her in her grief but they have enough love for Daniel too plus other characters we meet a long the way. Mads is a meddling old bag but with the kindest of hearts whilst Richard just goes with the flow but adores his wife - honestly, these two could have a book of their own written!
Mia has purchased Butterfly House as an escape from the home and life she made with Jamie, but the building is run down and in dyer need of some TLC. Mia is far from impressed with Mads dumping Daniel on her doorstep but agrees to give him a week to sort himself out and in return for his board she gives him a list of chores to help get the house in shape.
Two broken hearts, both characters having their share of emotional outburst should be a recipe for disaster but this only draws them closer and a week turns to two, that in turn moving on to a month.
Daniel quickly realises his feelings for Mia but allows her to guide the time on this new relationship.
When Daniel offers Mia a propersition of converting the barn into studios and work spaces as an artists retreat, she agrees - allowing him in to her life for the first time as permanent fixture.
Although Sunrise at Butterfly Cove is ultimately a love story, it is warm and romantic and has equal parts of humour and drama.
We are introduced to Mia's difficult childhood and her sister Kiki plays an important role within one of the sub plots. Things between them, their youngest sister Nee, and their parents are very strained to say the least.
Likewise, Aaron (Daniels best friend) and his younger brother Luke also play important sub roles and altogether Sarah has created a delightful group of characters that you can't help but lose yourself to within their stories.
What I loved about this debut from Sarah Bennett was a brilliant and detailed prologue. We were immediately given some back story to both Daniel and Mia, our main characters to the story, and learnt that Daniel had lost both his parents, his Father passing just before Daniel made a name for himself as a world class photographer and his career launching. Whilst Mia is faced opening the front door to police officers informing her that her beloved husband Jamie had been killed in a road accident on his way home.
We move on then to the bulk of the book and Daniel has decided he needs to get away. His celebrity lifestyle of drink, drugs and a long stream of women - the latest being Giselle - has taken its toll on Fitz - his celeb name - and if he doesn't make the break now, he fears his life will spiral out of the little control he has left. So swiftly packing a bag, he jumps on a train and heads to the West Country.
Daniel has no plan, no direction, but fate is forced upon him when his train reaches the end of the line and he is brought to from his daydream by a kind stranger. Madeline, or Mads as she is known, takes Daniel under her wing, explaining that there is nowhere left to go on the train and that she can give him a lift to a place she knows that he can stay.
I just want to say at this point that I adored Mads and her husband Richard. We learn throughout the story that they were unable to have their own family and have pretty much taken Mia under their wing, supporting her in her grief but they have enough love for Daniel too plus other characters we meet a long the way. Mads is a meddling old bag but with the kindest of hearts whilst Richard just goes with the flow but adores his wife - honestly, these two could have a book of their own written!
Mia has purchased Butterfly House as an escape from the home and life she made with Jamie, but the building is run down and in dyer need of some TLC. Mia is far from impressed with Mads dumping Daniel on her doorstep but agrees to give him a week to sort himself out and in return for his board she gives him a list of chores to help get the house in shape.
Two broken hearts, both characters having their share of emotional outburst should be a recipe for disaster but this only draws them closer and a week turns to two, that in turn moving on to a month.
Daniel quickly realises his feelings for Mia but allows her to guide the time on this new relationship.
When Daniel offers Mia a propersition of converting the barn into studios and work spaces as an artists retreat, she agrees - allowing him in to her life for the first time as permanent fixture.
Although Sunrise at Butterfly Cove is ultimately a love story, it is warm and romantic and has equal parts of humour and drama.
We are introduced to Mia's difficult childhood and her sister Kiki plays an important role within one of the sub plots. Things between them, their youngest sister Nee, and their parents are very strained to say the least.
Likewise, Aaron (Daniels best friend) and his younger brother Luke also play important sub roles and altogether Sarah has created a delightful group of characters that you can't help but lose yourself to within their stories.
April 1, 2018
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove written by Sarah Bennett for me was a relaxing very nice read which had me smiling throughout. I loved how the author developed the characters and brought them together.
First of all, we meet Fitz as he flees London and as the story continues you will find out what brought him to Butterfly Cove, his friendship with Mia did feel a bit rushed at times and I do think this spoiled the story somewhat. I loved the cosiness of the storyline, especially as it showed how Mia comes to terms with her own painful past with the help of her friends, old and new! especially the very gorgeous Daniel formerly known as Fitz.
I will not tell the storyline as I feel this is up to the reader to discover, but it is one of those books you want to read but does not need a lot of constant thinking, It is a love story which gently plods along and one book I would recommend for you to read on a cold rainy afternoon as this is one read which will have you smiling with pure pleasure.
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove written by Sarah Bennett is a lovely cosy read and the first one in the series.
This is the full series and I am happy to say I enjoyed every one of them.
1. [[ASIN:B01M658S0A Sunrise at Butterfly Cove: An uplifting romance from bestselling author Sarah Bennett (Butterfly Cove, Book 1)]]
2. [[ASIN:B01MS885PW Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove: A heartwarming romantic read from bestselling author Sarah Bennett (Butterfly Cove, Book 2)]]
3. [[ASIN:B06XGD1VGX Christmas at Butterfly Cove: A delightfully feel-good festive romance! (Butterfly Cove, Book 3)]]
First of all, we meet Fitz as he flees London and as the story continues you will find out what brought him to Butterfly Cove, his friendship with Mia did feel a bit rushed at times and I do think this spoiled the story somewhat. I loved the cosiness of the storyline, especially as it showed how Mia comes to terms with her own painful past with the help of her friends, old and new! especially the very gorgeous Daniel formerly known as Fitz.
I will not tell the storyline as I feel this is up to the reader to discover, but it is one of those books you want to read but does not need a lot of constant thinking, It is a love story which gently plods along and one book I would recommend for you to read on a cold rainy afternoon as this is one read which will have you smiling with pure pleasure.
Sunrise at Butterfly Cove written by Sarah Bennett is a lovely cosy read and the first one in the series.
This is the full series and I am happy to say I enjoyed every one of them.
1. [[ASIN:B01M658S0A Sunrise at Butterfly Cove: An uplifting romance from bestselling author Sarah Bennett (Butterfly Cove, Book 1)]]
2. [[ASIN:B01MS885PW Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove: A heartwarming romantic read from bestselling author Sarah Bennett (Butterfly Cove, Book 2)]]
3. [[ASIN:B06XGD1VGX Christmas at Butterfly Cove: A delightfully feel-good festive romance! (Butterfly Cove, Book 3)]]
February 21, 2017
I love this entire plot! Mia hides away at a beach house, renovating gradually as a way to deal with deep-seated grief. Famous artist Daniel happens along and avails himself of the quiet retreat. They learn to put one foot in front of the other, slowly at first, and then together like a dance. Sarah Bennett writes a lovely waltz, with other couples swirling around, supporting Mia and Daniel individually and as a couple.
Of course a few figurative storms hit- and Bennett uses the cast of secondary characters as both the cause and the solution.
The only misstep was some awkward writing at the beginning, and the descriptions of the budding relationship between Mia and Daniel. I didn’t think Mia would have felt comfortable enough with a stranger to sit on his lap, for example. But once you get past the awkward stages, it’s all good. From there on out, Mia and Daniel are like two old souls who know just what the other needs. Their friends are just as intuitive, serving as loving, merciful family when biological relatives don’t come through.
I really can’t wait for book two. These characters are terrific — and I need to see the transformation of the barn!
NetGalley provided an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://randombookmuses.com/2017/02/0...
Of course a few figurative storms hit- and Bennett uses the cast of secondary characters as both the cause and the solution.
The only misstep was some awkward writing at the beginning, and the descriptions of the budding relationship between Mia and Daniel. I didn’t think Mia would have felt comfortable enough with a stranger to sit on his lap, for example. But once you get past the awkward stages, it’s all good. From there on out, Mia and Daniel are like two old souls who know just what the other needs. Their friends are just as intuitive, serving as loving, merciful family when biological relatives don’t come through.
I really can’t wait for book two. These characters are terrific — and I need to see the transformation of the barn!
NetGalley provided an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://randombookmuses.com/2017/02/0...
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