When Noah and Josephine discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down. Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job and settled at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are … Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.
Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage–and botched divorce–was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.
But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife–still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.
As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone–including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?
“Sweetbriar Cottage is a story to fall in love with. True-to-life characters, high stakes, and powerful chemistry blend to tell an emotional story of reconciliation.” –Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author
“Sweetbriar Cottage is a wonderful story, full of emotional tension and evocative prose.” –Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love
- Full-length stand-alone romance novel
- Includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs
- Features characters from the Blue Ride Romances
- Book One: Blue Ridge Sunrise
- Book Two: Honeysuckle Dreams
- Book Three: On Magnolia Lane
more
In Sweetbriar Cottage, Denise Hunter has written one of the best stories about emotional healing and forgiveness that I’ve read in ages. Her heroine, Josephine, is deeply wounded, and everything about Josie’s present actions rings true to her painful past. Noah is the hero Josie desperately needs, although neither of them seem to know it for much of the book. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to reach the resolution. Suspenseful, heartbreaking, and ultimately sigh-worthy, you don’t want to miss this one.
Imagine believing that you are divorced, and then discovering that you are not! Noah receives a letter from the IRS letting him know that he is being audited due to a problem on his tax return. After speaking with his lawyer he discovers that the divorce that should have gone through 18 months hence was never signed by the judge! What happens next is a truly wonderful story with interesting, believable characters. I totally enjoyed reading this book!
You know what’s going to happen when this couple finds out their divorce never happened and then they get stranded together. But getting there is so sweet and so much fun. Tugs at your heart and leaves you with a sigh!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It told a present day romance where a flawed character can be redeemed. The interaction of the two main characters was very realistic and believable, even with a woman who keeps making mistakes. I liked the way the author kept the story moving forward along with the romance, adding some unexpected twists and turns.
A wonderful story of love and growth!
Sweetbriar Cottage follows a couple who find out that their divorce, 18 months ago, was never filed with the court. It weaves the story of Josephine and Noah and how they handle this information. Josie has some very bad baggage that she kept secret. This story is a real page-turner. The narration is excellent, too. Highly recommend!!!
Loved this story and Denise Hunter is quickly becoming of my favorite Christian authors! Highly recommend this book! I was sad when it was over…
Always enjoy a Denise Hunter book!
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.
I received this book from The Fiction Guild. I was not required to give a favorable review, all thoughts were my own. What a way to find out that your divorce never went through, a letter from the IRS. This story is about a couple who go through a divorce but in some ways shouldn’t have. I think God had a way of intervening on it. She has issues from her childhood she never actually dealt with. And he had a loving heart but was hurt. They get caught in a freak snowstorm on his ranch, and then lost in the wood. But it gives them time to talk and come to realize a lot of things. This is a wonderful book about forgiveness, love, understanding, and the power of Prayer and God. I love this story
Well written. Shows consequences of sexual abuse but also the healing process of unconditional love. A beautiful story about forgiveness an infidelity.
THIS BOOK! This book was just . . . WOW! Josie and Noah’s story gripped me from the beginning. By far, this was the fastest I’ve ever read a book. It was just impossible to put down. So much emotion dripped from the pages. Heartache, passion, regret, guilt, love, faith. Josie’s backstory and issues were an eye-opener that tugged at my heart. And Noah *sighs*. Noah was perfection. These characters will stay with me for a long time to come.
This one just kind of fell flat for me. I do enjoy other books by this author.
It showed that forgiveness is ultra important and can give healing
I kept expecting not to like this book, because the title seemed so text-book romance. But, I liked that she made a female character that should be unlikable, well, likable. The author made me question how quickly I write people off for their actions without understanding their heart. However, the culpability of characters in their sin was not diminished.
Addresses the real problem of sex abuse and what happens when it takes place.
I enjoy everything Denise Hunter writes.
I loved this book, as I have other books by Denise Hunter. Well written, good characters, and a story that keeps you reading. Uplifting.
Denise Hunter is a favorite author because of her realistic characters and plot. I like to read about decent people trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.
One of the reasons I love Denise Hunter is her ability to draw you into a character’s story and make it hard to rest until you know the ending. This standalone is full of broken relationships, heartache, regrets, and sweet healing that comes from Above. You’ll need tissues, but I promise it has a happily ever after!
Another hit by Denise Hunter! Never, ever disappointed in her books.
Noah believes himself to be divorced from Josephine, but realizes that he is not. Neither he nor Josephine is happy about this news. Both carry a lot of hurt. A must read!