TRIXI'S REVIEW:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. ~Proverbs 16:9”
An old antique shop in desperate need of restoration and a journal make up this story of a hundred-year old mystery that historian Abigail Prescott simply can't resist trying to solve. With the help of her childhood friend Benjamin Greene, these two embark on a journey of discovery, intrigue, a little suspense, and learning that perhaps God really does have their future firmly in His hands!
I've often day-dreamed of buying an old run down house to restore and finding a diary or old letters behind a wall and wondering about the people who wrote them and the kind of life they lived. I think I would have a lot of fun trying to solve that mystery! This is what The Glass Cottage is about, solving a hundred-year old mystery of who Iris is in the journal Abigail finds. Giving voice to a mysterious person is what drives her to discover all she can and I so admired her passion and motivation! Watching a long-term friendship develop into something more with Ben was of particular delight to me. They have so much history between them that it sparked a surprising romance and great teamwork as they worked side by side.
I think I fell in love with everything about this story; the small-town feel, the characters that made this up, going along with Abigail and Ben as they hunted out more clues and even Iris as I got to know her through the journal she penned. The author really brought this story to life in all the little details that made me want to turn the pages. The ending was surprising and just tied the whole story together so perfectly in my mind. I also appreciated the faith thread Alyssa included and how it played out in Abigail and Ben's life. They both overcame some fears they had held on to for far too long and it also helped remind me of some truths in my own life.
If you love discovering debut authors and reading a book to get lost in, consider picking up a copy of The Glass Cottage for yourself. I don't think you will be disappointed!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *
NICOLE'S REVIEW:
“It was time to trust Him with it all, not just with the blessings, but with the heartbreak as well.”
With being so busy in my everyday life, I’m often hesitant to read books by debut authors since I don’t know if their writing style is my cup of tea. However, after reading the blurb of The Glass Cottage, it sounded exactly like something I would enjoy…a dual timeline novel focusing on the mystery behind a journal discovered from the 1800s along with a romantic thread of former childhood friends in the contemporary storyline. I am so glad I took a chance on a debut author because now I have another author to add to my must-read list.
A swoony hero, fun banter, and of course the romance…everything I look for in my inspirational fiction. The spiritual messages throughout the book were exactly what I needed and were so beautifully incorporated into the storyline. And the best part is…this is the first book in a series! I can’t wait to read more of the Prescott family adventures.
The Glass Cottage is highly recommended for readers of dual timeline novels, contemporary romance, and historical fiction. If you’ve read any books by Amanda Cox, I think this book has a similar writing style that readers will appreciate.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine. I enjoyed The Glass Cottage so much that I also purchased a paperback copy for my keeper shelf.
PAULA'S REVIEW:
This debut, dual time story captured my interest from the first page as Iris is running for her life in a snowy landscape. The author uses a diary from 1883 that is found in an attic of an old antique store to connect the two time periods. Abigail Prescott and her Aunt Josie are fixing up a Victorian house to re-open an antique shop. Abby finds an old journal and she cannot help but wonder who the owner was. Ben Greene, a childhood friend, is helping paint and repair the shop. As they re-connect, Abby and Ben find more than childhood memories to build a relationship on. In their search for answers to the owner of the journal, Abby realizes that she has no control over the past and little over the future. Only God can lead her. “We know the One who holds everything together. You can trust Him to hold you together, too.”
*I received a complimentary ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* Four stars and a solid faith thread.
BackCover Blurb:
A Prescott Family Romance, Book #1
Could a nineteenth-century diary be the answer to Abigail’s prayers?
Iris wanted nothing more than to live her own adventure. But on the tails of the Colorado gold rush, a certain discovery could upend her world before it’s even begun.
Over a hundred years later, Abigail Prescott returns to the sleepy mountain town she once called home to help her great Aunt Josie restore the old antique shop, The Glass Cottage. Looking for peace and God’s direction for her life, the last thing she expected to encounter was a ghost from her past—Benjamin Greene—her childhood best friend. The boy who got away. Is this just a coincidence, or could it be the start of something greater?
Together, Ben and Abigail work to fix up the shop and stumble upon an old journal. With more questions than answers, Abigail embarks on a journey of self-discovery to track down the mysterious Iris, but the truth is not always what it seems.
In this tale of friendship, love lost, and love found, Abigail must decide for herself: Is every story worth saving, and if so, at what cost?
Read our interview with Alyssa!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Contemporary romance author Alyssa Schwarz is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a Master's in Geology & Geological Engineering. She also works as a professional watercolor artist along the Colorado Front Range and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Alyssa's debut novel, The Glass Cottage, is set in the Colorado mountains, and is scheduled to release later this year. You can find her online at www.alyssaschwarzauthor.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment