Escape to Riverside Cottage

by Sheila Norton

Can happiness be made in Devon?... After the sudden death of her estranged husband, Clare is shocked to discover she has inherited a dog and a small fortune. Convinced by her adult children to finally do something for herself, Clare embarks on a coast-to-coast adventure – until she stumbles upon an unmarked location on the fringes of South Devon. When Clare finds herself driving down a narrow road to the tiny village of Little Sorrel Creek, she is met with distant, cold, and rude locals. But as she falls in love with a cottage she wishes to call home, can Little Sorrell truly be the place of second chances?...

Genres: Chick Lit

432 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Winner of the RoNAs 'Christmas and Winter Seasonal Award' novel, 2022, with 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'.

I live in Chelmsford, UK, with my husband Alan. We have three married daughters and six grandchildren. I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, and finally achieved my lifelong ambition to have a novel published, with the acceptance in 2002 of 'The Trouble With Ally'. Prior to this, I'd been having short stories published in women's magazines for about ten years.

My most recent books are stories set in the English county of Devon, and most include pets in the story! They are feel-good contemporary fiction.

I worked for most of my life as a medical secretary. I now write full-time. I like to relax by reading, walking,swimming, and seeing my family and friends.

I am passionate about my writing and love to hear from my readers. I am also happy to give talks to writers' groups and others, and book signings, in my local area.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was bursting with cheerfulness. I don't think 50 year olds would squeal at one another.
My favourite bits were with Topsy and Leo.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story, highly recommend this

[Stacey Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book! Definitely one to read

[Kate Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 for this one

[Lala G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started well but became a bit obvious and unrealistic

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wholesome , but too repetitive, too long, and too obvious

[Hayley Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

After only discovering Sheila Norton's books last year, I was pleased to get hold of a copy of her latest book.

This book features shall we say a more mature lead character which is a refreshing change.

It's set in the charming, if insular village of Little Sorrell in South Devon, which is where Clare visits after receiving an unexpected inheritance, after her estranged husband dies.

For some reason Clare feels a strange but strong attachment to the little village and ends up renting Riverside Cottage, despite the unwelcoming, and quite frankly down right rude villagers.

But what exactly is it that makes the villagers the way they are, and who is the absent owner of Riverside Cottage, and why did he leave for America so abruptly ?

[Chloé Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what I'd give to be able to escape to the Riverside Cottage right now.

The funny thing is I can totally see why clare fell in love with the village and why so quickly, the British countryside is quietly spectacular, and is captured brilliantly in this book.

The way she writes about village life, everyone knowing each other and about each other is so accurate and I just want to move there now please.

The only thing stopping the book from reaching 5 stars, unfortunately, was the ending. Which although happy, was predictable and rushed.

I did however very much like knowing that 'all's well that ends well'

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Sheila Norton and I cannot wait to read more of hers, they are such a brilliant easy read, perfect for a pick me up. This one is set in beautiful Devon, in a quiet village which sounds lovely. Even though the main story is quite sad there is plenty of humour and happiness. Another reason why I liked this book so much is because of the animals, in this story there are dogs and cats aplenty. It was just a really lovely story that touched my heart. I will definitely be reading more of Sheila's books in the future.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: After the sudden death of her estranged husband, Clare is shocked to discover she has inherited a dog and a small fortune. Convinced by her adult children to finally do something for herself, Clare embarks on a coast-to-coast adventure - until she stumbles upon an unmarked location on the fringes of South Devon. When Clare finds herself driving down a narrow road to the tiny village of Little Sorrell, she is met with distant, cold, and rude locals. But as she falls in love with a cottage she wishes to call home, can Little Sorrell truly be the place of second chances?

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and warm-hearted story set in South Devon. An incomer, Clare from London, chances upon a small insular village, Little Sorrel. The villagers are still recovering from an accident involving outsiders and do not welcome visitors of any kind. Clare overcomes the many obstacles put in her place and gradually the villagers change their attitude. A pleasant, light read.

[Kathyv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zo'n boek met een dekentje . Zo eentje waar je je ogen van rolt maar die zo gezellig is.
Dorpje aan een riviertje , beetje romance, vriendschap ... cliché tot en met maar fijn lezen als je weet waar je aan begint.

[Nan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel good read

I love how the troubles of the past bring these people together and what they make of it all. It was a bit of a great surprise but I’ve come to expect that from a Sheila Norton book. Great read!

[Grace Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle enjoyable book set in Devon. Tragedy, families, communities this story had it all….also a cute dog Sid.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book...A truely delightful experience. I loved it. No bad language and explicit sex scenes. All in all a happy book that will leave you feeling good about life

[Elizabeth Dewfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely easy read combined with listening to it love a book with such lovable animals as Sid and Topsy

[Rhiann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it's such a heartwarming easy read. I loved the story, if you love kids, animals, village life and singing, you will love this book!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read but rather 'fairytaleish' for me.

[Yashaswini Nallaparaju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little read for when you want a break from complex emotional stories or ultra intellectual stuff.

[Jenny Weasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending was very rushed

[Linda Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

395 pages of not much happening then a very rushed ending over 10 pages.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun delightful read if you love small towns and a spunky main character. Definitely made me laugh out loud quite a few times!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, even if the end felt a bit rushed.