The Cottage on Lilac Island (Second Chances Series) by Linda Hughes

An island cottage provides the reprieve a woman needs for reinventing herself at midlife. Olivia Comstock wants to be left alone. Forever. Twenty-five years as a teacher has peopled her to the brink. Besides, her life hasn't gone the way she expected. So for her 50th birthday she rents a remote cottage on an island where she intends to sit on the beach, drink wine, and live vicariously through audaciously romantic novels. But when a dog steals her book and leads her into the woods, Olivia's life is about to change forever. You’ll fall in love with her, Chester the farmer, Jacob his grandson, Rufus the dog, the small-town cast of characters, and the mysterious Luke who lives in a photo and takes his sweet time showing up. But when he does, Olivia finds that a second chance can lead to a first romance. Unraveling regrets. Unexpected friendships. Undeniable love. This romantic women's fiction novel is a companion to The Inn on Lilac Island, but each story stands alone. Perfect for fans of stories with lively characters, small-town shenanigans, found friendships, and later-in-life love.