Healing Properties
Cottage By The Sea by Debbie Macomber is the most delightful contemporary romance. I always know that when I pick up a Debbie Macomber novel that my heart will be warmed and I will be left smiling.
The novel is about loss. A loss so great that it consumes and takes over. “The grief and regret weighed her down.” We all feel regret and guilt when someone dies. We need to forgive ourselves for the things we did or didn’t say. We need to live our lives guilt free or the burden will break us.
Recovering from a loss takes time. Life will never be the same again. The novel explores the theme of finding a place that makes us feel happy so we can surround ourselves with happy memories and begin to heal.
Healing is a major theme. There is the literal healing of people and animals, as well as the mental healing needed. We all have scars from the past, some go deeper than others. We need help to heal. Taking care of sick animals can help in our healing process. We have something else to focus on. Animals are uncomplicated and offer us unconditional love.
The novel has different and unique characters. Just like in real life, they have their quirks and hang ups. I adored them all. They showed that people matter. People care. We all need those people in our lives who can see just who we are and what we need. “All he could think of to do was sit silently by her side, hold her hand, and pray that human touch would ease her torment.” Sometimes we just need people to come alongside us and say nothing but their presence calms and soothes us.
Our upbringing shapes us into the adults we become. We cannot escape our past but we do not have to let it define us.
There is a wonderful community feel to the novel. People come together to support others.
We are our own worst enemy. We see the face in the mirror and we refuse to forgive. We imprison ourselves. “She hadn’t forgiven herself. She lived in fear, afraid of making the same mistake.” We must forgive ourselves and take a chance on life again.
A positively delightful, warm, feel good read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON