Cottage by the Sea

May 7, 2012
Sierra Jensen, from Gunn’s series of young adult novels (and the companion Christy Miller series), makes a cameo as the new daughter-in-law of Erin Bryce, who has just started a California wedding-planning business with her best friend Sharlene. Erin’s best-laid plans are interrupted, however, when her father suffers a stroke and is abandoned by his new wife. Erin goes to Oregon to care for her father at his beloved cottage by the sea, where she deals with feelings of betrayal, loss, and responsibility while discovering that people’s motivations, including her own, might not be what they first seem. Erin’s faith is nicely incorporated as a character trait without seeming preachy, and the stoke victim’s frustration at not having control over his body and speech is touchingly portrayed. Unfortunately, a heavy-handed narrative lacking focus or details keeps the plot and characters from developing to full potential.

June 15, 2012

Erin Bryce has just started a wedding-planning business when her father suffers a stroke and is abandoned by his second wife. Erin leaves California and heads to a small town on the Oregon coast, where she cares for her father and learns some personal lessons as well. VERDICT The sometimes uneven quality of the writing and weak character development may disappoint fans. Nonetheless, Gunn's (Kate Weldon and Christy Miller series) descriptive powers make the seaside community come alive for readers. Delia Parr devotees might appreciate this one.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.