The Irish Cottage: Finding Elizabeth (The Irish Heart, #1) by Juliet Gauvin

The Irish Cottage: Finding Elizabeth (The Irish Heart, #1) Reviews

• 
  Pat Bretheim

  This book appeared on the surface to be about the charms of the Irish countryside. An American woman headed to Ireland to spend some time healing after the loss of her aunt, who raised her. However, the book soon devolved into the cheapest of romance novels. "Beth" immediately meets Connor, who looks like a model and who is single. Of course he is interested in her, in spite of the fact that he has dated supermodels and celebrities, but they don't compare to Beth, do they? Wait, there's more. Connor is also filthy rich. And is a member of the nobility. He lives in a castle! And the sex is mind-blowing. Yes indeedy, the universe has conspired to bring these two together. ...SNORT!... Give me a break!
  Romance novels are so stupid. In the real world, your love interest is likely to be a short, fat, bald man who farts a lot and doesn't have a romantic bone in his body. But he deserves love, too.
  Women read these fantasies and then put down their books and sneer at their own husbands, who don't measure up to the heroes in the books. They become unhappy with their lives, which can't compare to what they read about. Now that is just plain silly!
  Why read something that will make you unhappy? It is better to read good novels set in the real world, that will educate you, or help you deal with real life with humor, wisdom and good sense.
• 
  * A Reader Obsessed *

  3 Stars
  
  Honestly, I was lured into reading this by one funny titillating naked scene that was blatantly advertised on IG, and since the first book was (and still is) free, I figured why not.
  
  Elizabeth is trying to sort things out since her beloved great aunt died and left her 17 letters, a’la
  P.S. I Love You, where she’s forced to find herself and confront some not so nice “truths” that have shaped the woman she is today. On a whim, she travels to Ireland, a place her aunt always wanted to visit with her, and of course that’s where she runs into the aforementioned naked hottie, the elusive Connor.
  
  This was standard contemporary romance and though I enjoyed reading part one, I’m not really compelled to read two more books for the main characters to get their happy ending. Elizabeth at times irked me, but be reassured she quickly and often gets over herself very easily. Connor is a dreamboat, the ungettable get but not surprisingly, he struggles with a painful past that has prevented him from truly committing to another until now. This ends with a postponed HEA (hence two more books and spinoffs) that will take awhile to be fully realized. I’ll consider continuing the journey, but I make no promises.
• 
  Trish

  I was expecting a cozy read as a woman processes her grief and finds love. And I didn't realize this was part of a series, so I was expecting it to have an actual ending.
  
  Instead, we have a killer barracuda divorce lawyer who falls apart when she finds out her past isn't quite as she was told. So what does she do? Essentially walks away from her life and runs off to Ireland. Where she falls deeply into lust with the local heartthrob (who's also rich and titled, but has prevented his heart from ever being touched). EYEROLL.
  
  And now let us read many descriptions about how they read things in one another's eyes, Elizabeth sees all of Connor's dark energy. And the stupid girl goes weeks between reading the notes from Mags? (this is actually the plot point that I have the toughest time with, as she simply would NOT have done this. Let's be honest - she would have torn through all of these while still in America, and then if anything re-read them numerous times while in Ireland) But of course the notes correlate *exactly* with what's going on that day.
  
  And really, don't we all have great aunts who'd encourage us to drink more and sleep around?!?
  
  While the writing was OK as far as grammar, the story is just not well done. There's not all that much about Ireland - but plenty of pub scenes and sex, if you're into that.
  
  It filled the time while I was stuck in a doctor's office, but I will absolutely not be reading any more in this series - we know what the ultimate ending will be, and I simply don't care about the other "mysteries"
• 
  Kim Howard

  Good But Not Great
  
  This book was just a so-so read for me. This story is about Elizabeth, who loses her last remaining family member and goes on a journey to find herself. The writing was descriptive but I needed more. The characters were flat and bordering on one dimensional. There wasn't anything wrong with them but I just didn't care about them. This is a three book series and I'm good with just reading this one.
• 
  Pamela

  I want to go to Ireland (Scotland) and find my own Connor :)
• 
  Kara Hansen

  2.5 ( generous) stars. I was expecting something much different from this book. A weak plot, cheesy and corny writing, predictable characters. Even the treasured letters, which started off being a key part of this book were not impressive. Not impressed and I definitely won’t continue with the series.
• 
  Sydney

  I read this author's first book which was an erotic novella & really liked it. This book seems to be a complete departure--it's more women's fiction romance--full length. It sucked me in. I thought it was delicious. Really delicious. I've always loved Ireland (love Maeve Binchy & Dorien Kelly), this made me feel like I was there. Elizabeth, the main character isn't likeable at first, but she's real and by the end I wanted to be her. And Connor the male lead--wowzers. Can I have a Connor please? Anyone? CAN'T WAIT FOR THE LONDON FLAT.
• 
  Sandi Blaylock

  Fabulous
  
  I was referred to this book by a friend. She sent me a pic of the book. I looked it up and thought it sounds just like something I would love. I was right it was. I love this author. The book has no dull moments in it to make you bored or want to skip pages. I devoured every word. I'm off to buy book two. Please try this series. Love Beth and Conner!!
• 
  Saorlaith

  I never write reviews on Goodreads, I just leave star reviews because I'm no good at writing. But I felt too bad giving this a one star review without saying anything. Especially after reading the afterword and hearing the author talk about the importance of reviews. So I want to attempt to be constructive. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I'm sure there are people who can suspend their disbelief and enjoy it quite happily but it just wasn't going to happen for me. The plot was far fetched and a bit ridiculous and the characters weren't likeable or too intense, but really the nail in the coffin for me was it really needed to be proof read by someone Irish. The incorrect use of slang and weird stereotypes just pulled me out of the story every time. So I'm sure someone who isn't Irish might cope with it better than I did, but for me it didn't work.
• 
  J. A. Lewis

  Mediocre read about an attorney who loses her great aunt (who raised her) and decides to move to Ireland to regroup and recover. She immediately runs into a gorgeous Irish man coming out of the bathroom, naked of course. It's obvious where the book is headed. I used to read this genre when I was younger but have grown weary of the extremely detailed sex scenes and lack of more attention to the story line. The book ends rather abruptly but gives you a few pages of the next book in the series. Doubt I'd buy anymore.
• 
  Tina

  A nice read, nothing spectacular or extraordinary. I might continue the series in the future.
• 
  Nancy Garbe

  This is a captivating, romantic story of wounded people learning to open up to change and to love and to trust. It has a handsome, Irish leading man and a smart, attractive leading lady coming to terms with some changes/discoveries about herself. There are wonderful descriptions of Ireland and the Irish. The ending is a bit rough and abrupt, leading the reader to the sequels. Overall, well done.
• 
  Christine

  Loved the descriptions of the Irish countryside and loved the depiction of the heroine's aunt. However, the actual book read way too much like a childhood fantasy of wanting to date in the British royal family.
• 
  Esther

  This was a pretty good story, but it loses a point for actually only being half a story... you know, where you have to buy the "sequel" ebook just to get an ending. Which, of course, won't just be an ending, it'll be a new twist in a story you thought was just about to wrap up. And who knows if you'll then need to buy another "sequel" to get to the end of it once and for all? Ugh.
  
  (Also, what a relief that after a near death experience, Elizabeth and Connor were still able to have amazing sex. I thought they might just have to go to bed and sleep the whole drama off, but no!)
• 
  Suzan

  I so wanted to love this book. I started out really enjoying the read and getting into the Irish countryside . Then the book turns into this "XXX" rated trash. So I skipped a few pages and back to the story. Only to be back skipping pages. This is book one of a series. I would have liked to have read more about Elizabeth and her journey in finding out who she is but the "XXX" is over the top. Why do authors feel they must describe every little detail of an act that should be intimate. I wish they rated books like movies then at least you would be forewarned .
• 
  Pegg

  I really wanted to like this book. Loved the premise, the back cover blurb. But I gave up after about six chapters. I'm not snowflake who can't handle coarse language, but when a 90-year-old woman is dropping f-bombs in letters to her great niece ... I don't know. It fell apart for me there. Are there 90-year-old women who drop f-bombs? I'm sure there are. Do I want to spend my time reading about them? Um. No.
• 
  Deanna Walker

  I really loved it! I enjoyed it very much….
  
  I love how Lizzie read some of Mag’s letters and thought that was pretty cool about what’s going on these promise…
  
  Definitely will read another book series soon…
• 
  Lynne

  Typical Harlequin style romance except with too much sex that was easily skipped.
  This is an example of why I have quit reading books categorized as romance books.
  
• 
  Elizabeth

  Meh, it was alright. I didn't like the ending...
• 
  Jan Romes

  Drawn to the idea of a lengthy getaway and staying in an Irish cottage myself, I couldn't wait to dig in and begin reading. I loved Elizabeth and Connor's characters. They were complicated individuals toting around emotional baggage from their pasts. Their meet-cute is...umm...exciting and memorable. Most of us ladies could be so lucky to happen upon someone like Connor in the fashion that Elizabeth did. (I don't want to spoil it. You'll have to read the story to find out. Let me just say...yowza!) After a verbal tussle, it becomes clear they're in for some rough spots, although you get a sense of chemistry for them at the same time. The author didn't disappoint with the character and relationship development. Elizabeth and Connor are both confident and strong, but some insecurities are revealed too. The sensual love scenes add depth and flavor to the story. Elizabeth and Connor fall in love and some healing takes place as well. Their journey together is far from over. And I look forward to book #2 in the series.
• 
  Becky

  You know those books you come across that just make your heart happy? Well this is one of them. The story, the characters, the setting all make this an exceptional read. I gobble up anything written in and about Ireland and this book made me feel like I was in Ireland and part of the story. I was totally immersed in the lives of Conner, Lizzie, Mags (through all her letters and memories) and all the secondary characters. This book has alittle bit of everything a brilliant book needs. Romance, Ireland, some drama, mild sexy times (nothing to graphic) great read plus so much more. This book was free and I highly recommend, however it is the first book in a trilogy, so yes...you know what that means, the dreaded cliff hanger !!! you have to buy the next two books to get a complete story :( boo that's why this book didn't get 5stars from me..
• 
  RJ

  This is a 3 part series. Saying that I felt like there was some closure and I can't wait to read the next chapter in Beth's life.
  The characters are trite (she's the best divorce attorney & he's an incredibly rich, handsome lord). The author did write the characters in a way that I was drawn into their story. I wished their background story was more believable.
• 
  Jamie Sloan

  Not the story I thought I was going to read
  
  I was hoping for more answers about Elizabeth's past. About her parents. About Mags. It really was a great love story. I was just hoping for more.
• 
  Deborah Melendy

  Awesome
  
  Great read believable characters loved it and wish to read more of the same thank you for writing this book helps to put this vs in perspective
• 
  Cindy

  Didn't know this was pt1 of 3!!
  
  How much influence does what we believe about our families have on the people we turn out to be?
  
  
  In this story both Conner and Elizabeth believe being abandoned by low, uncaring parents is responsible for the adults they have become, the life paths they have chosen. What happens when they find out everything they believed were lies?
  
  
  I typically enjoy reading book series, but this one caught me off guard, a little frustrating. I prefer books of a series that can stand alone or be enjoyed together - each new book another chapter in the lives of the characters, place, or event.
  
  
  Not so in this case. Book one literally stops in the middle of an event, forcing you to either abandon the story without resolution, or purchase and read the next book.
  
  
  Book one did rope me in enough to want to follow the story through, so I purchased the second book. Will have to see if I stay engaged to follow through to book three.
• 
  Jennifer

  Downloaded this onto my Kindle because of the cover. I liked the book, I didn't love it. Elizabeth is not a very likeable character. She is "finding herself" and is on personal leave from her law firm. The author goes on to bash the law profession every chance she gets. There is not enough descriptions of Ireland for my tastes. By midway through the book, it turns heavily into a heated romance book where heaven and earth is literally moved when the two characters make love. It was alright. There was some letter gimmick where her great aunt leaves advice post-mortem to Elizabeth (lizzie?, Liz? Beth?, Lara?) and we are supposed to believe that she reads one letter every few weeks/months and doesn't finish through the letters by the end of the book because there's two more books in the series. Connor is likeable. Just wish I could feel something for Elizabeth, but she has everything handed to her and always second guessing herself and divining all her thoughts and actions through the letters.
• 
  Mrs Jennifer Ann Shoesmith

  A touching and sensitive exploration of grief and love
  
  I was writing an in depth critique of this novel, because it is beautifully written and deals sensitively with grief - but I got near the end, needed to correct something, and lost it. That would normally make me give up, but I need to explain the three stars.
  SEX! I don't do sex in novels. Cut to waves crashing on beach - fine. But I simply cannot handle descriptive passages of passionate sex, no matter how beautifully crafted. It's not me. My friends say I'm a prude, perhaps I am, perhaps it embarrasses me, I don't know.
  I'm not saying that the sex in this novel is gratuitous, it isn't, (spoiler alert) Connor and Beth are obviously very into one another, and at the same point in their relationship, no matter what either of them want to believe. And it is quite likely that the storyline couldn't be carried without the sex - but I can't cope with it.
  SO SORRY x
• 
  Linda

  3.5 for a book that wasn't what I expected. I became interested in reading it when I learned it was set in Dingle, a beautiful little Irish village on the coast that I loved. (There's a wonderful Irish linen/lace shop near the harbor that hubby had to literally drag me out of, plus the village is near Inch Beach, the setting of the film "Ryan's Daughter.") I NEVER tire of reading about Ireland and hope to return again one day. Elizabeth leaves America, arrives in Dingle, and quickly falls in lust with handsome/rich Connor, who can't get enough of her. Yep, that happens frequently. There were a few too many sex scenes for my taste, but I have always thought one of the sexiest scenes ever was Rhett carrying Scarlett up the staircase, so what do I know? I enjoyed this book, but not enough to read the sequel.