A Victorian Christmas Historical Mystery Set on the Cornish Coast
PAULA'S REVIEW:
I am always excited to dive into a Joanna Politano novel. This one is a novella but it is packed with allegory and is just sumptuous in its descriptions.
A theme that is evident throughout is: you should not just look on outward appearances but “lift your eyes”, hinting that if we see with the eyes of God that we see things differently.
One of my favorite authors is Charles Dickens and main character Rosalyn Snow loves him too. She emphasizes with the poor and needy and sees a connection to those who are generous and kind towards them. My favorite novel by Dickers is A Tale of Two Cities. I recognized a similarity to this story of sacrifice for others and of course to the sacrifice of Christ Himself.
Beautifully written, this story has romance, a noble but not titled hero in Simon Belfour and characters who have hidden motives. The atmospheric writing was mesmerizing in the cliff cottage, the mansion and during danger when calamity strikes.
If you love Amanda Dykes, this story will be sure to captivate you.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone. *5+ stars and a underlying faith thread
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
"It's so easy to think that what's at eye level is all there is, because it consumes our vision. We cannot see past it. Or we don't allow ourselves to."
When Rosalyn Snow encounters a man wearing her missing father's coat and fleeing the police, she decides to bring him to her home for Christmas and attempt to find out what he knows about her father. Simon Balfour is elusive and has secrets, but does he know where her father is? What is this man hiding?
It was a delight to return to Dunn Cottage on the cliffside in Cornwall. I was drawn to the beautiful, enticing cover and the premise of a hidden cottage with a rich family heritage. Joanna Davidson Politano's stories are always very creative and filled with unexpected twists and turns. They're also a little magical, whimsical, and mysterious with deep, engaging characters and most often have very surprising endings. This story is no different, and though it is a novella, there is a lot packed into it, and it feels complete and satisfying. I especially enjoyed the thread of charity and service to others that ran through the tale.
I'm looking forward to more stories about Dunn Cottage from this author. She is definitely one of my favorite authors. Her books are such a treat.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb:
A stranger is wearing her missing father's coat.
And he isn't saying why…
The last place Rosalyn Snow expects to find her father's coat is beneath Exeter's old Exe Bridge.
Especially not on the back of a man fleeing the police.
Convinced the stranger holds the truth she’s spent years searching for, Rosalyn brings him home for Christmas. But Simon avoids giving answers, and what little he reveals only deepens the mystery.
As Dunn House fills with glittering guests, whispered ambitions, and holiday celebration, Simon moves through society as though he belongs there... yet he’s just as at home among the vagrants on the docks. And when Simon’s carefully guarded past reaches Dunn House during the Twelfth Night celebration, the fragile peace of the estate begins to unravel.
What has become of her father?
And who is the man wearing his coat?
Bringing Simon Balfour home might unravel Christmas.
Discovering who he is will make it unforgettable.
The House on the Edge of the Cliff series tells interconnected stories across generations, where one house on the Cornish coast holds secrets that echo through time.
Buy WHEN WINTER CAME TO DUNN COTTAGE in digital ebook at Amazon (or kindle unlimited --at time of posting)
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