Sweetbriar Cottage (Blue Ridge, #0) in Tackle Your TBR Read-a-thon

Jun 14, 2017 Caitlyn Santi rated it liked it

I've read several of Denise Hunter's novels and enjoyed them all, so I was looking forward to Sweetbriar Cottage, unfortunately I was a bit disappointed by this book. And I'm really not sure exactly why, I loved Noah and Josephine instantly, my heart went out to them and I was cheering for them throughout, but for some reason I kept feeling kind of bored with the story, and like it wasn't really holding my interest.
This is a beautiful and powerful story of second chances and unconditional love, ...more

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Aug 22, 2017 Gloria rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, reviewed, rated, georgia

Oh my goodness! Sweetbriar Cottage is so emotionally touching and is typical of Denise Hunter. That is why she is one of my favorite authors. What a good storyteller she is! She is able to make a story come to life with well developed characters and descriptive scenery along with a good solid storyline.

Josephine Mitchell was never given a chance to be a normal little girl and was told that she was worthless, only good for one thing...the object of men's desires. She grew up in Cartersville, Geo Oh my goodness! Sweetbriar Cottage is so emotionally touching and is typical of Denise Hunter. That is why she is one of my favorite authors. What a good storyteller she is! She is able to make a story come to life with well developed characters and descriptive scenery along with a good solid storyline.

Josephine Mitchell was never given a chance to be a normal little girl and was told that she was worthless, only good for one thing...the object of men's desires. She grew up in Cartersville, Georgia and opens a barbershop in nearby Copper Creek. When she met Noah Mitchell, she was so much in love but her insecurities made her know that she was not worth his love and would be disappointed eventually. She never explained her childhood to Noah. She just wanted unconditional love so she pushed his limits. He did not fail her and filed for a divorce after her mistake. But he was so hurt by her. He rushed into marriage with Josephine and then rushed off to get a divorce. Only, a year later it is discovered that a judge never signed the papers so they are still married. Josephine takes the blame for that mistake as well. In an effort to help, she takes the papers to Noah's cottage outside of town in the mountains to get him to sign the papers and save him a trip to town. She didn't realize that a storm was on the way and wound up getting snowed in with Noah. After one of the horses in Noah's care escapes, the two take off to track the horse but get stranded in the elements in dire straits.

The emotions of feeling unworthy of anyone's love is incomprehensible. Noah has a strong faith. Josephine doesn't feel that God can love her. My heart broke for her and I still get emotional. We take our faith for granted...as well as the love of our families. When I read the letter that Denise wrote in the back of the book, I was emotional again. This is truly a book that is God inspired and one that He wanted her to write and it has some lessons of God's unconditional love that we all need to hear from time to time. ...more

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Jun 13, 2017 MJSH rated it it was amazing

Shelves: genre-contemporary-romance, books-netgalley-edelweiss, read-2017, favorites-2017

I have read most of Denise Hunter's books and she truly knows how to craft broken, suffering, unforgettable characters who carry the story. Sweetbriar Cottage reminded me of her previous books Surrender Bay (Nantucket series) and Married 'Til Monday (Chapel Springs series) with the heroines plagued by their past in need of second chances and unconditional love.

Denise Hunter's writing flows well and the dialogue is heartfelt, believable, and paced just right. Noah is a likable hero from the begi ...more

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Jun 30, 2017 Becky rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2017

Sweetbriar Cottage features a compelling story about love lost and found, forgiveness, and restoration. I love the concept of a divorced couple learning they're still legally married and then being trapped together during a snowstorm—it's the stuff Hallmark movies are made of :-) This story is much deeper, however, as Josephine's tragic back story is slowly revealed, as is the very serious reason for their attempted divorce.

While I was very interested in the story, for some reason it didn't capt ...more

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Apr 24, 2019 Andrea rated it liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I liked the story...

Okay, I liked the story but there were a few things that took me out of it and I don't like when that happens.
I understand Josephine's past and how the negative voices in her head caused her to do regrettable things. I did not understand why she cheated. The explanation was there but I don't believe three days apart, knowing where her husband was, who he was with, and knowing he might not have cell phone service is reason to stray. I did like that Pastor Jack tried to get No ...more

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Oct 28, 2017 Pam Graber rated it it was amazing

When Noah Mitchell learns from the IRS that his divorce two years ago from Josephine was never finalized, he storms into her barbershop demanding to know what happened. After she tore his heart out of his chest and stomped on it, he wanted nothing to do with her and left the filing of the papers in her hands. He went so far as to quit his job in the family construction business, moving to a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia to get away from reminders of how she had When Noah Mitchell learns from the IRS that his divorce two years ago from Josephine was never finalized, he storms into her barbershop demanding to know what happened. After she tore his heart out of his chest and stomped on it, he wanted nothing to do with her and left the filing of the papers in her hands. He went so far as to quit his job in the family construction business, moving to a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia to get away from reminders of how she had made a fool of him. Having to deal with her in any way is almost more than he can take.
Josephine isn’t happy to have Noah invading her shop. She’s finally made a life for herself that she’s proud of and the only men who are part of that life are those who sit in her barber chair – none of whom she ever dates. Yes, their failed marriage was her fault, and, yes, she’s the one who failed to file the paperwork but her heart was just as broken in the mess of their breakup as Noah’s whether he believes that or not.
When Josephine decides to save Noah a trip back down the mountain and delivers the final divorce paperwork, she is unprepared for the worst spring snowstorm they’ve had in years. Being stranded with Noah in his tiny one-bedroom cottage is beyond awful. His resentment rolls off him in waves, and yet, he’s still the best man she’s ever known.
As they are forced out into the storm, they have to work together to survive the elements. When Josephine finally lays her secrets out in front of Noah, will he turn away like everyone else in her life has done or will he offer the unconditional love she’s never had?
This story will break your heart for the young Josephine. It was definitely a departure from Denise Hunter’s usual fare. If you’re looking for a light, happy romance with a little conflict, this isn’t your book. But, if you want a book that grabs your heart, gives you a look into the heart of an abused child and shows you how God’s love can redeem a life from the pit, you definitely want to read this. Sweetbriar Cottage took me back to high school years and made me take a second look at some of the girls “we” looked down on because of their morals. It’s a story of forgiveness and the power of loving without boundaries. I loved the book but it was very tough to read.
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Jul 03, 2020 Caryl rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-challenge, contemporary

OH!MY! WORD! Ms. Hunter has once again wrecked my soul. Noah and Josie's story is a timely one for today. Ms. Hunter has gracefully handled a difficult topic that will bring healing to many readers. I'm in awe of the spiritual truths woven into this story.

Recommend to those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a strong faith thread.

I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion. ...more

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