Cottage by the Sea

Robin Jones Gunn is the much-loved author of seventy titles that have sold more than four million copies worldwide. Her popular Christy Miller series and Sisterchicks® novels have won a number of awards, including three Christy Awards for excellence in fiction, and a Gold Medallion Award finalist award. Robin's unique destination novels transport readers around the globe. To ensure that her tales of these extraordinary locations ring true, Robin has enjoyed the privilege of traveling to each location in order to experience the local culture. Her three visits to the Canary Islands provided bountiful research as she took flamenco dance lessons, rode a camel, and visited the chapel where Columbus prayed before departing on his famous journey. Robin and her husband have two grown children and live in Hawaii.

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. (July) 2012 Reed Business Information

In Cottage by the Sea by Robin Jones Gunn, the main character, Erin Bryce, has had one dream: to start a wedding planning business. With her best friend, she creates "The Happiest Day" in honor of their clients' longing for this unity. However, things take a sharp turn downward when Erin receives a call informing her of her father's stroke. After her decision to take care of her father in his Oregon cottage, Erin is forced to reevaluate many areas of her life, as well as her definition of "the happiest day."

Throughout this book, Gunn juxtaposes relationships to accent ideas of forgiveness, love, and the beginnings and ends of family ties. As a character, Erin gets a chance to do what many wish they had a chance to do: say goodbye. The pain that surrounds a dying loved one adds to the emotional strength of the book, and when Erin is forced to make a decision between staying with her dad or pursuing her dreams, Gunn brings a whole new level to Erin's life verse, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10).

Overall, I would recommend this book. Gunn has created wonderful characters and a relatable plot, and she has painted it all into beautiful scenery in the cottage by the sea. My only criticism is that the book moved a little slowly in some points with excess back story, but for the most part, I was completely drawn into this book. - Ronni Meier, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

"One of Gunn’s amazing talents is to describe the setting of her novel in such a way that it almost becomes a character in the tale. Readers will definitely want to visit the Oregon coast! The plot is incredibly relevant and truly shows how honoring one’s parents, even when they don’t seem to deserve it, is an excellent tenet to hold." —Romantic Times -- Romantic Times

“One of the lionesses of Christian fiction, at the peak of her prowess, pens her most ambitious—and personal—tale to date.” —Jerry B. Jenkins, bestselling author of The Left Behind Series, owner of Christian Writers Guild
“Every once in a while, a novelist writes a book that transcends all her others—because this one isn't merely a good story, it's a story wrung from the novelist's heart, every line squeezed from personal tears, pain, and struggle. Cottage by the Sea is that kind of book for my friend Robin Jones Gunn. I know her heart, and I know you will grow and be blessed by reading this book, her novel-from-the-heart.” —Angela Hunt, author of Five Miles South of Peculiar
“Robin writes with an honesty, heart, and skill that draws you deep into the center of her character's lives. Cottage by the Sea is some of the best work by one of our best writers.” —Bill Myers, author of The God Hater
“Cottage by the Sea is a lyrical work of great joy, heartache, and triumph. Robin Gunn's writing has never been stronger. The characters are vividly drawn, the challenges they face achingly real. Highly recommended.” —Davis Bunn, bestselling author
"In this tender story of letting go, Robin's words will minister to those with a hurting heart as emotional entrapments of guilt and unresolved issues are delicately detangled. You will smile through the tears and long to experience more of God's gentle grace in this Cottage by the Sea." —Margaret McSweeney, author of Aftermath: Finding Grace Through Grief
“Cottage by the Sea made me feel right at home. As usual Robin Jones Gunn has shared a meaningful story that both encourages and enlightens—definitely a journey you won’t want to miss. I can still smell the salty air.” —Melody Carlson, award-winning author of River's Song and The Four Lindas