Review of 'The Cottage in the Clouds' by Caroline Young
Release date: Feb 20th, 2026
Publisher: Storm Publishing
REVIEW
I have really enjoyed Caroline Young’s novels. There is something very special about them. And this one really captured my heart—and I read it on my birthday! I could relate to the pull of roots you can feel toward one’s homeland. Especially one reflecting the wonders of the natural world. The beauty of mountains and sea have more than once led me down some creative paths. As Anwen, Elin and Dylan discovered, they each have their own song you can hear when you stand in their presence. And there is nothing more grounding and inspiring, because nature connects us to the bigger picture.
The title, The Cottage in the Clouds, sounds poetic and certainly reflects the eloquent language, stunning descriptions, atmospheric setting and artistic characters (writer, artist, singer/songwriter) that round out this gorgeous tale. I loved how the author interjected often appropriate lines by George Eliot to support Elin’s thoughts during various movements within the storyline. The Victorian England novelist George Eliot (penname of Mary Ann Evans) is known for her complex character studies and psychological insight which suits The Cottage in the Clouds to a tee! As we are given characters of profound depth that think and act in ways not necessarily expected or easily explained. Elin is lost and trying to find her way, exploring many threads of her life. She heads back to the Welsh mountains to see Anwen who is an enigma and not easily understood, hoping for answers. George Eliot’s words are so right for this story, starting with the opening passage “there is a great deal of unmapped country within us.’ How mysterious and true! This story takes us on a journey of self- discovery. Mostly Elin (but others) need to find out what is most important to live a whole, satisfied life.
Elin is called back to her wild roots in the Welsh mountains. There is something within her that seeks understanding, direction and to find that missing piece of the puzzle that will help her feel complete. There is a void to fill before she can move forward. She has many obstacles to overcome, including feelings of distrust. She’s had a few disappointments in relationships: romantically and also in family members. So she goes back to the beginning to her childhood friend where she spent many hours learning about art and her surroundings. Her late father was part of those pictures in her mind of some happy times spent with Anwen, their friend. What does it all mean? For the most part, he was not a happy man either. He lost his teenage brother in a tragic accident and was forced to take on a farm he did not want. Elin’s mother also was unhappy and lived a forced life there. Not a great environment for fostering confidence in a child. Making her time with Anwen, the artist, even more important for this woman was an inspiration. It was there she ‘sought solace in drawing and painting…trying to make sense of her world on paper or on canvas.’ Reading literature also fuelled her heart. Particularly George Eliot’s strong heroines who ‘yearned for more than marriage’.
Upon Elin’s return to Wales, she bumps into a musician-singer named Dylan who also comes home after he feels the call to re-explore his roots, too, and to spend time with his sister. They have an immediate connection and appear to be kindred spirits. They share some moving moments on the mountain. But progress is slow for them as they each must learn to trust again. Their journey, though, apart and together is beautifully rendered. I loved Dylan’s gentle nature and his unfailing support for his sister and for Elin. Their quiet romance unfolds cautiously but naturally between them.
I am so glad I read The Cottage in the Clouds. Though there are sad moments, this was such an uplifting story for in the end Elin finds what she was looking for and receives even more than she dreamed. This heartfelt, honest, tender and triumphant novel will stay with me forever. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the review copy.
