Rosie Reynolds had come to lakeside Corgi Cove as a lost, lonely girl abandoned by her own mother, but there she discovered a true place to call home. She loves her Corgis, Bonnie and Clyde; loves the lakeside life; and loves her aunt and uncle most of all. But when she discovers their struggling inn is about to be bought out by some big city chain, she hatches a plan: to win a contest naming theirs the best Christmas-themed inn in the USA. It's a long shot, but she knows if the whole town pulls together that they can do it.
But she didn’t count on Everett St Claire, who emerged from his gleaming, black BMW, straightening his tie and asking himself how did a big-city guy like him find himself in a speck on the map like Corgi Cove? And how fast could he get back to the city? After all, it couldn’t be that difficult to convince one elderly couple to take the money to retire.
He didn’t count on getting sucked into life on the lake. Sure, the people might be…eccentric, and Rosie might seem like a pain in the backside, but there is something alluring about the place. And with the holidays nearing, and the deadline looming, Rosie and Everett are about to discover the magic of a Christmas at Corgi Cove.
PJ's Thoughts:
I discovered this author two years ago but it only took that first book (Maps for the Getaway-click for review) to have me snapping up her backlist and eagerly anticipating each new release, especially the winter books. If, like me, you're counting down the days until the start of what I call Hallmark Holiday Movie Season, you'll want to add Noblin's newest offering, Christmas at Corgi Cove to your 2023 reading list.
This book has all the feel-good elements that I've come to enjoy in my winter holiday reading: humor, love, family dynamics, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, community spirit, holiday hijinks, happy endings, and adorable, mischievous, lovable dogs (cats are good too but this book has dogs).
I love that the author uses alternating chapters to tell the story from both Rosie's and Everett's points of view. Everett could easily be the villain of the piece but watching his evolution through his own thoughts and actions gives the reader the insight needed to feel empathy for him and his situation. Rosie and her family elicit the reader's support immediately (who doesn't love an underdog?) but Rosie herself has issues to work through. I enjoyed watching both of these characters grow throughout the story, learning what's really important in life, falling for one another bit by bit, discovering the fine art of compromise. By the end of the book, I was cheering for both of them equally hard.
The secondary cast of characters is pure gold and that includes the hilarious Bonnie and Clyde as well as quirky citizens who insert themselves into the picture at every opportunity. Nosy? Oh, heavens no. They're just concerned. The joys of small town life, am I right? They bring plenty of humor to the story but also genuine caring. When the chips are down, the citizens of this town rally to support one of their own without hesitation.
Christmas at Corgi Cove is another heartwarming story from Annie England Noblin that left me awash in the spirit of Christmas and smiling with delight.
This sounds like the perfect Christmas story! Thank you for sharing your review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteA new author for me! Everything I love though, small town, dogs and Christmas!! Will need to go do my one click!! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBe sure to check out her 2022 holiday novel too: Christmas in Blue Dog Valley. It's currently $1.99 in e-book.
DeleteThis sounds cute! My library has it!
ReplyDeleteYay for libraries!
DeleteFYI: Noblin's 2022 holiday novel, CHRISTMAS IN BLUE DOG VALLEY, is currently only $1.99 in e-book format. I loved it! Check out my review from 9/20/22: https://www.theromancedish.com/search?q=christmas+in+blue+dog+valley
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review. This book sounds delightful. It would be a good candidate for a Hallmark movie.
ReplyDelete