3.92 AVERAGE

nicolelaporte's review

4.0

This hit the spot

hvsellers13's review

5.0
adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional hopeful sad

Definitely the best Christmas read of the year so far. Sarah Morgan always manages to create believable characters and scenarios & although you always know where a Christmas read is going, her books get there with the minimum of Christmas cheese! A lovely read.

A wonderfully Christmas hug of a book to help you feel in the festive mood.
The first part of the book feels almost Scrooge like in its delivery of Imogen working to burnout, with nothing and noone to look forward to at Christmas, and an abusive relationship with her mother. However the importance of this is revealed soon, as things are transformed by her reluctant break from work to spend Christmas in the Cotswolds. From cheeky kids to a snowy village, and not forgetting an adorable dog, this story has so many elements to make you smile and feel hopeful.

I genuinely enjoyed "The Christmas Cottage” thanks to Sarah Morgan's beautifully descriptive scene setting. The setting captures the stunning scenery and cosy atmosphere that perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season. The vivid descriptions of the surroundings make it easy to visualize the charming cottage nestled amidst a winter wonderland.

The story was captivating and heartwarming, providing a sense of nostalgia and joy that resonates deeply during this time of year. However, I wished for a bit more depth in the character development. Some characters had intriguing backstories that could have added richness to their arcs, helping readers connect with them on a deeper level.

The conclusion was a little flat for my preferences, leaving me with lingering questions about the characters' resolutions and relationships. I eagerly wanted to know more about their journeys and how they navigated their challenges.

Overall, "The Christmas Cottage" was a delightful read that left me with a sense of warmth and holiday cheer, and I can't help but feel that exploring the characters' experiences in greater detail would have enhanced the magical atmosphere and left an even stronger impression.

In this book we meet Imogen who’s had a very difficult childhood and she struggles in her adult life too. She has made up a pretend family and has a pretend dog. This was a really cozy and cute Christmas story. 

The Holiday Cottage
A cute, heartwarming holiday read about finding oneself, gaining confidence, and knowing what you do and do not want out of life. Imogen is forced to take a vacation from work, and one of her clients, Dorothy, offers up her cottage to stay. Found family and unexpected love and support play a big role in this too, along with the overall magic of the holiday season. The story telling/writing is captivating and the message is quite lovely. 
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the electronic copy.
eawells's profile picture

eawells's review

5.0

The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming story of friendship, finding oneself, and the surprising ties that bring people together. This is a modern holiday classic reminding us of the importance of slowing down, embracing susceptibility, and cherishing the bonds that enrich our lives. A reminder that there are towns that embrace the holidays with Christmas tree farms, holiday school plays, ice skating, a town that is decked out in everything Christmas, quaint bakeries/shops, beautiful snowy views.

Ms. Morgan's trademark warmth and humor shine through, making this novel a delightful read for the holiday season and beyond. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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