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kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
It is probably not a stretch to say that at some point most everyone has experienced an overwhelming need for a simpler, less complicated life. The desire to walk away and begin again in a new place, with less, of well, everything. In Sheila Roberts' The Cottage on Juniper Ridge this is exactly what Jen Heath does and while she sometimes wonders if she made the right decision, she is thrilled with the new life she discovers.
Jen is stressed to the breaking point working two jobs just to make ends meet. With little personal time, rushing from one job to another, she reaches the conclusion she hates her life. A book about simplifying her life really hits home and she impulsively moves to the small town of Icicle Falls to enjoy a slower pace of life with fewer commitments. Jen easily settles into her new life, quickly makes new friends and finds a part-time job. She is also very interested in her new landlord, single dad Garrett Armstrong, but he continues to hold her arm's length.
Jen and Garrett might share an attraction, but Jen reminds him a little too much of his irresponsible ex. The old Jen would have been perfect for him, but he sees the new Jen as too flighty and too fun loving. He spends most of the novel pushing her away and she is continually reminding herself he does not approve of her. And then there is the fact that Garrett is dating a local cop and Jen is not out to steal another woman's man. But as Jen and Garrett are about to discover, the heart sometimes has a mind of its own.
Jen's sister Toni is happily married but she is feeling disconnected from her too plugged in family. Her husband's job means logging time on the computer at home after hours and her teenage daughter's texting habit interferes with family time. Helping Jen move to Icicle Falls, Toni is reminded of happier times and when she reaches her breaking point, she schedules an idyllic mountain vacation for her family. But will their newfound closeness last once they are back in the "real" world?
Stacy Thomas is an empty nester who is feeling a little lost now her kids have moved out. Her home is devoid of kids, but she has plenty of stuff to fill any bare spots. A show about hoarders and a discussion at her monthly book club provide her with a new perspective about de-cluttering her life and opens the door to a surprising career opportunity.
There are a lot of characters and secondary story arcs in The Cottage on Juniper Ridge but each one is distinct and the overall story is easy to follow. The characters are beautifully developed and Sheila Roberts does an excellent job of blending all of the various sub-plots into a cohesive and enjoyable novel.
While there is a bit of a romantic element to The Cottage on Juniper Ridge, it is a mainly a story of friendship that stresses the importance of finding balance in everyday life. All in all, it is a lovely read that old and new fans of the Life in Icicle Falls series won't want to miss!
Jen is stressed to the breaking point working two jobs just to make ends meet. With little personal time, rushing from one job to another, she reaches the conclusion she hates her life. A book about simplifying her life really hits home and she impulsively moves to the small town of Icicle Falls to enjoy a slower pace of life with fewer commitments. Jen easily settles into her new life, quickly makes new friends and finds a part-time job. She is also very interested in her new landlord, single dad Garrett Armstrong, but he continues to hold her arm's length.
Jen and Garrett might share an attraction, but Jen reminds him a little too much of his irresponsible ex. The old Jen would have been perfect for him, but he sees the new Jen as too flighty and too fun loving. He spends most of the novel pushing her away and she is continually reminding herself he does not approve of her. And then there is the fact that Garrett is dating a local cop and Jen is not out to steal another woman's man. But as Jen and Garrett are about to discover, the heart sometimes has a mind of its own.
Jen's sister Toni is happily married but she is feeling disconnected from her too plugged in family. Her husband's job means logging time on the computer at home after hours and her teenage daughter's texting habit interferes with family time. Helping Jen move to Icicle Falls, Toni is reminded of happier times and when she reaches her breaking point, she schedules an idyllic mountain vacation for her family. But will their newfound closeness last once they are back in the "real" world?
Stacy Thomas is an empty nester who is feeling a little lost now her kids have moved out. Her home is devoid of kids, but she has plenty of stuff to fill any bare spots. A show about hoarders and a discussion at her monthly book club provide her with a new perspective about de-cluttering her life and opens the door to a surprising career opportunity.
There are a lot of characters and secondary story arcs in The Cottage on Juniper Ridge but each one is distinct and the overall story is easy to follow. The characters are beautifully developed and Sheila Roberts does an excellent job of blending all of the various sub-plots into a cohesive and enjoyable novel.
While there is a bit of a romantic element to The Cottage on Juniper Ridge, it is a mainly a story of friendship that stresses the importance of finding balance in everyday life. All in all, it is a lovely read that old and new fans of the Life in Icicle Falls series won't want to miss!
thecozyfambam's review against another edition
4.0
By far, this is the best book in the series. If you're not a fan of series, no worries - this book can absolutely be read as a stand-alone book. Not only is the book's topic incredibly hot right now, but it was just what I needed to read, too.
This book reminded me a lot of Sheila Roberts' other series, Heart Lake, which is discontinued as far as I know. Each of those stories featured a group of women desiring to change an aspect of their life. The series was so inspirational and fun to read. I was delighted that this book was reminiscent of that series and hope to see more books like that in the future.
The Cottage on Juniper Ridge focuses on living simply, and most anyone can relate to that message - whether it's decluttering your home, your schedule, your budget, and so on. All of the characters were so relatable and genuine. I laughed out loud while reading the book - which is a high compliment as I do not laugh easily when reading. I highly recommend this book and promise you'll walk away feeling lighter, even if you haven't decluttered a thing yet.
This book reminded me a lot of Sheila Roberts' other series, Heart Lake, which is discontinued as far as I know. Each of those stories featured a group of women desiring to change an aspect of their life. The series was so inspirational and fun to read. I was delighted that this book was reminiscent of that series and hope to see more books like that in the future.
The Cottage on Juniper Ridge focuses on living simply, and most anyone can relate to that message - whether it's decluttering your home, your schedule, your budget, and so on. All of the characters were so relatable and genuine. I laughed out loud while reading the book - which is a high compliment as I do not laugh easily when reading. I highly recommend this book and promise you'll walk away feeling lighter, even if you haven't decluttered a thing yet.
jeanniechambers's review against another edition
5.0
Sheila Roberts has done it again. She’s managed to write a book that caught me right when I needed it. The characters in this book all need to simplify their lives, and I bet every reader will see themselves in at least one of them.
Roberts’ ability of quick-wit dialogue and the reality of the character’s real thoughts (sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-wrenching) help keep The Cottage on Juniper Ridge a page turner.
I normally like to read a book series in order, but I’ve haphazardly gobbled up books from Icicle Falls, and have found each read just as well as a stand-alone.
Always look forward to the next book by Sheila Roberts- I’ve never been disappointed.
Roberts’ ability of quick-wit dialogue and the reality of the character’s real thoughts (sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-wrenching) help keep The Cottage on Juniper Ridge a page turner.
I normally like to read a book series in order, but I’ve haphazardly gobbled up books from Icicle Falls, and have found each read just as well as a stand-alone.
Always look forward to the next book by Sheila Roberts- I’ve never been disappointed.
shell74's review against another edition
4.0
See my full review:
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the-cottage-on-juniper-ridge-by-sheila-roberts/
http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-the-cottage-on-juniper-ridge-by-sheila-roberts/
joinco's review
5.0
So much fun! This is the latest installment in the Icicle Falls series, and it's just as entertaining as the previous stories in this series. Sheila is a good storyteller, and her characters are interesting and genuine.
I look forward to more books in this series, which takes place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Can't believe we have to wait a bit before the next one is out!
I look forward to more books in this series, which takes place in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Can't believe we have to wait a bit before the next one is out!
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