This was a brilliant read, it was a bit of a slow burner for me but it still had enough to keep me intrigued on it, the way the book is written it unique in my eyes, the way the story builds and the memorable moments in the book .

This is a suspense novel, and it certainly had its moments that had you eager to know what would happen next! The characters that feature in the book , I certainly warmed more to them as we got to know them more . A brilliant book that leaves you wanting more.4 s Kairen Harries23 1 follower

After reading Paula's first book Seaview House I had high hopes for The Cottage. She did not disappoint.

This is an intriguing read with wonderfully written characters. Every time I put the book down I found myself wondering about them and what would happen next. I've honestly not done that since reading Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca and Jamaica Inn.

The book is written from the two viewpoints of the main characters so you really feel you're in their world. The settings and the descriptions of the area just makes me want to do a road trip.

It's hard to say more without spoilers so I will just say that this is a beautiful book that I'll return again and again in the coming years.2 s Sonja Charters1,274 74

I recently read Seaview House by this author and I loved it and couldn't wait to get started on this book.

I actually found this one a little slow to begin with - maybe this was because I didn't really gel with the characters as well as the previous book.

Once the story got going, I did keep reading on as I wanted to know what was going on - but I don't think this gripped me as much as the previous book.

I found the characters a little less likable, but couldn't actually tell you why - I don't think they were as well developed and this didn't fit as well with the storyline.

I'm quite sad that I didn't get on with the characters because the storyline was really well thought out and presented. Some parts could have been explored in more detail but this left me feeling intrigued rather than lacking.

Once again, the setting was just wonderful. I loved the descriptions of the areas and the cottage - I really felt as though I was there with them all.

Overall, a good read, if you just don't let yourself get too bogged down in the characters.

(I will say that I read this whilst quite unwell, which may have influenced my feelings - I'll maybe give it another go when I get chance - and update my review then)1 Helen White84 5

Following improper conduct allegations at work, Evie returns to her childhood home whilst waiting for the dust to settle. Captivated by a rundown railway cottage, she takes on the lease and soon finds herself under the spell of local artist Jay. Quiet and unassuming, Jay is hiding secrets of his own, which threaten to throw his and Evie’s relationship off track. The Cottage is told from both Evie and Jay’s perspective, giving us little insights into what makes them tick, and also what secrets they are both desperate to keep hidden from each other.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It was pacy, with enough intrigue to keep me turning the page. It isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense, but the events towards the conclusion really had me on tenterhooks! This was a novel that I really didn’t want to end, and in my eyes Paula Hillman has gone from strength to strength with The Cottage. If you enjoyed Seaview House then you have to read this! Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing my copy of the book.1 Danny Matheson172 3

When Evie is wrongly accused of inappropriate behaviour with a minor while an outdoor pursuits instructor at Windermere in the Lake District, she returns home to her childhood home in Furness. There her mother tries to control her life as though she is still a child and pair her up with her long time friend Alex, who just happens to be gay.

Needing her independence Evie comes across a run down cottage which she falls in love with and is available to rent and being as it's another long term friend that's dealing with the letting she quickly agrees terms to rent it. In doing so she comes across Jay who had his own reasons to be attached to the cottage. 

Both have secrets but both are drawn to each other. As Evie strives to clear her name she gets closer to Jay and has a desire to stay long term in the cottage. 

There is suspense as the book progresses and you wonder where the relationship will go and to what measures the management of the outdoor pursuit centre at Windermere will go to to protect their reputation. 

An intriguing read, really well described by the author. 1 Rachel Chambers240 6

I've been very lucky to have been given an arc of this book from the publisher prior to release and I have to say I was very excited to read Paula Hillman's second novel.

I have quickly fallen for the way Paula writes. Her descriptions of the landscape in this and her previous book are beautiful.

The Cottage is the story of Evie, an outdoor pursuits teacher who finds herself the centre of a totally false allegation of inappropriate behaviour. She is forced to leave her job and home and return to her childhood home. There she rents Tunnel Cottage and meets Jay who she quickly falls for but Jay is not all he seems.

This is a book about loss, childhood trauma and being able to move on. A very thoughtful read.1 Nimalee Ravi419 13

The Cottage is a beautifully written mystery, and with a solid plot, Hillman had done an amazing job. The writing style is vivid and descriptive. I can picture the beautiful village. I loved the rundown cottage setting.

Evie is a very solid character. I wasn't too sure about Jay's character, but as you get into the story, you'll understand. I enjoyed how the story was told from Jay's and Evie's prospective and find out how they both want to keep their secrets hidden.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written mystery. The pace wasn't fast enough for me, but that didn't stop me from devouring the book in one sitting. I will definitely be going back and reading her book Seaview House. Highly recommend this book.1 Robin Price915 24

I absolutely adored this book. It is deeply emotional and beautifully written. The author uses the natural beauty of landscape, first at Windermere, and then at Low Furness, to enhance her plot, with a skill rarely seen since Daphne du Maurier claimed Cornwall as her own.
This is a compulsive, page-turning story; at times wildly romantic and at others teetering towards heartbreaking despair. The plot keeps readers dangling a fish on a hook until finally the author reels them in. Evie and Jay are characters who I know I will never forget. Prepare to be swept away by their story.
Paula Hillman is an author with a great future ahead of her.1 Tami Wylie312 16

This book took me completely by surprise! It wasn’t the type of book I thought it was going to be, it was better! Evie is such a strong, independent woman who doesn’t give in when faced with problems that could ruin her life essentially; she stands tall and fights! When it comes to her relationship with Jay, I was pleasantly surprised with how this turns out. I was expecting something totally different! The book is well written and pacy; I found myself totally engrossed from the beginning. It’s completely plausible and realistic. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Love Books Tours for my review copy.1 Cathy192 10

Evie is working at her ideal job when she is accused of inappropriate behaviour by a teenage boy. Left with no choice but to leave her accommodation she returns to her home town but life in her Mothers house isn’t ideal so she rents a run down cottage. Her old friend Alex offers his service as a solicitor to fight her case but when she meets Jay and begins a relationship things don’t seem to run smoothly between the two men. What secrets are hiding, waiting to jump out at her? A really lovely novel exploring lots of human intricacies and consequences. 1 Sophie Bristow Harris354 55

“The Cottage” by Paula Hillman is her second novel and quite a different read. It’s still house based but deep in the country rather than beside the sea.
The book is told from two perspective - Evie, a young woman who has to leave her job due to an accusation and Jay, a troubled young man who desperately needs Evie’s help to overcome his past.
The book is written in beautiful descriptive narrative, I really felt I knew the cottage as the pages kept turning.
A lovely read and I look forward to reading many more from Paula Hillman. 1 Kerry Clarke85 30

For me the book started off a bit slow and I struggled to get into it, but by around 20%, I was into the book and started to really enjoy it.

I really fell for the characters, Evie and Jay.
Evie because she world came crashing down around a false allegation and she was drove from her work place. And Jay because he had such a sad story, carrying the weight of the world around with him and all he wanted AND needed was love.

Im really glad that things straightened out at the end BUT I wish I knew what happened with Alex and Jay, Jay and Evie and Evie and Alex.1 Mrs Bookdragon8

I read this book courtesy of Bloodhound Books ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would not class this book as a thriller, however, I still enjoyed the story. The telling of events through the viewpoints of the two main characters offers a good dynamic and Paula's beautiful description of the landscape and the cottage brings the story alive.
At times the emotional tension is palpable and keeps you wanting to read on.
On the whole an enjoyable read even though, for me, leaning a tad too far towards the romance theme.1 kirsty1,029 69

I have read and reviewed a previous book by this author and so I was keen to review this one and it didn't disappoint.

It was well written and tge storyline was compelling with characters that were well developed. I found the book started off slow although as soon as tension increased in the plot, so too did the pacing of the book.

There were moments when I didn't think the storyline had as much depth as it could have had although this really added to the mystery and tension. I was gripped and couldn't put it down1 Josee198 6

Thank you for the advanced reader’s copy for an honest review

This story is about Evie Cooper, and something has happened at her place of employment for which she has gained the assistance of long time friend Alex who is also a lawyer.

She moves into a place called the tunnel cottage and meets a guy named Jay Elliott. Then weird little things start happening.

I consider this to be more of a romance thriller was still a good read



1 Alli Thompson96 4

I enjoyed this book a lot. Evie moves to Tunnel Cottage to escape an untrue accusation. There she runs into Jay, a man with secrets. The story is quite formulaic but it was executed really well. The different backstories tie up nicely and it wasn’t too heavy, considering the depth of the themes. I particularly enjoyed the character development. The story is quite atmospheric, lots around isolation and being isolated. A clever story.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the ARC1 Emma Minazza480 5

Loved Paula's second book! Wasn't sure of Jay at the start, felt he had something to hide, lurking round the cottage was weird enough. Felt shouting at Evie to stay away but unsure why. Gut feeling shall we say!

Alex and Paul seem a nice couple, as they help a friend out in need but Pip and Michael also seem a bit suss... who can Evie really trust?! This book was full of twists and turns, suspense and a real thriller of a read! Would recommend!1 Jane Welchman84 2

I loved this book. I wouldn't call it a thriller but more of a romance. I had read the author’s previous novel and I found this quite different. I loved her previous book, and this one was not a disappointment. I really d the characters and the description of the area and the changing seasons. This writer has a fan and I look forward to her next book.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.1 Reader1 review1 follower

I have previously read Paula’s book, sea view house.
And it was an amazing suspense filled book with an even better ending, however “the cottage” was next level.
Throughout the book paula built up Evie’s character and kept us wondering about jays past was so well done each time I tried to put it down, I picked it back up immediately.
Knowing what happened to jay really solved that final peice of the puzzle.
I won’t put in any spoilers, but this was a very well written book with characters you could truly empathise with, an amazing storyline and a wholesome ending.
Great read.1 1 comment H10

A book giving two sides of a journey of changing perspectives on life. Of secrets and lies that can rock lives. I enjoyed reading this book, but felt it finished too soon, as I want to know what happened next! It was my first read of a book from this author and I will definitely be reading more of her work. 1 Sian Powell55 1 follower

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and write a review for this book
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