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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Having adored The Book Club Hotel, I was excited to read another Sarah Morgan novel—and The Holiday Cottage turned out to be the perfect pick for the season. Brimming with warmth, charm, and a touch of romance, this book is everything a holiday read should be.
At the heart of the story is Imogen, a high-achieving marketing professional who’s carefully built a career that dazzles from the outside. But behind the scenes, her festive cheer and stories of a happy childhood are a well-crafted illusion. With no real support system—only an unreliable mother who calls when she needs money—Imogen relies on work to fill the gaps in her life. When burnout leads to a major mistake, she’s given the one thing she dreads: time off.
Reluctantly, Imogen accepts an invitation to spend her enforced break at Holly Cottage, a picturesque guesthouse in the Cotswolds owned by her long-time client Dorothy. The cozy setting, with its thatched roof and crackling fireplace, offers more than just a quiet place to rest—it becomes the backdrop for connection, healing, and unexpected joy. But Dorothy’s offer is also deeply personal, part of her own desire to make peace with the past. Her daughter Sara, cautious and protective, worries that Imogen’s presence could disrupt the fragile balance they’ve built.
Over the course of the story, Imogen finds herself slowly embraced by the cottage, the community, an adorable dog—and even a charming local veterinarian. She begins to rediscover friendship, trust, and the possibility of love.
Morgan’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, and her characters feel real and relatable. I was rooting for Imogen from the very first page. Her journey is one of vulnerability and quiet transformation, filled with moments that are as cozy as they are emotionally resonant.
If you're looking for a Christmas story that balances heartwarming scenes with emotional depth, The Holiday Cottage is a wonderful seasonal escape. It’s about second chances, the families we find, and the healing that can happen when we least expect it.
At the heart of the story is Imogen, a high-achieving marketing professional who’s carefully built a career that dazzles from the outside. But behind the scenes, her festive cheer and stories of a happy childhood are a well-crafted illusion. With no real support system—only an unreliable mother who calls when she needs money—Imogen relies on work to fill the gaps in her life. When burnout leads to a major mistake, she’s given the one thing she dreads: time off.
Reluctantly, Imogen accepts an invitation to spend her enforced break at Holly Cottage, a picturesque guesthouse in the Cotswolds owned by her long-time client Dorothy. The cozy setting, with its thatched roof and crackling fireplace, offers more than just a quiet place to rest—it becomes the backdrop for connection, healing, and unexpected joy. But Dorothy’s offer is also deeply personal, part of her own desire to make peace with the past. Her daughter Sara, cautious and protective, worries that Imogen’s presence could disrupt the fragile balance they’ve built.
Over the course of the story, Imogen finds herself slowly embraced by the cottage, the community, an adorable dog—and even a charming local veterinarian. She begins to rediscover friendship, trust, and the possibility of love.
Morgan’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, and her characters feel real and relatable. I was rooting for Imogen from the very first page. Her journey is one of vulnerability and quiet transformation, filled with moments that are as cozy as they are emotionally resonant.
If you're looking for a Christmas story that balances heartwarming scenes with emotional depth, The Holiday Cottage is a wonderful seasonal escape. It’s about second chances, the families we find, and the healing that can happen when we least expect it.
'The Cottage was chocolate-box perfect'
I really enjoyed Sarah's book The Christmas book club last year so was super grateful to receive a proof copy of The Christmas Cottage.
This mainly focuses on main character Imogen who goes through a few hurdles through the book, it's a rollercoaster of emotions but if like the found family and second chances as well as Christmas then this book is for you!
I must admit it felt illegal to read in October... So I think I'm going to give this a listen on audiobook during the festive period! I feel this would have been perfect during December with the tree up
I really enjoyed Sarah's book The Christmas book club last year so was super grateful to receive a proof copy of The Christmas Cottage.
This mainly focuses on main character Imogen who goes through a few hurdles through the book, it's a rollercoaster of emotions but if like the found family and second chances as well as Christmas then this book is for you!
I must admit it felt illegal to read in October... So I think I'm going to give this a listen on audiobook during the festive period! I feel this would have been perfect during December with the tree up
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Again, no idea why I decided to read a Christmas book in March, but here we are.
I enjoyed this book so much, it made me cry.
A story of finding acceptance from others and from yourself.
The story to me was obvious but so enjoyable that it didn't bother me.
I will be looking out for more Sarah Morgan books.
I enjoyed this book so much, it made me cry.
A story of finding acceptance from others and from yourself.
The story to me was obvious but so enjoyable that it didn't bother me.
I will be looking out for more Sarah Morgan books.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Imogen is a hardworking events organiser and loves her job. She is friendly enough with her work colleagues but keeps them at arm’s length in many ways. Her life is not as it seems and at some point things will come crashing down.
This happens during a really busy day for her, when she has three events to look after. A phone call from a hospital and the subsequent visit to her mother brings Imogen to her knees. When her boss insists that Imogen takes the whole of the next month off Imogen has not option but to agree. However, she does keep her lunch date with her favourite client Dorothy, who on seeing how upset and distracted Imogen is offers her the use of a cottage on her estate called Holly Cottage. Could this be the break Imogen needs?
Imogen loves the cottage on sight and knows she will love spending time there. She meets Dorothy’s many animals, her daughter Sara and Sara’s daughters. There is also the sexy local vet and a golden retriever that gain her attention.
However, soon a family secret comes to the fore and Imogen has to reevaluate all she was told as a child. Will she step forward into her family or let old hurts and fears hold her back? Could this Christmas be as good in real life as in her dreams?
The characterisation was wonderful, Imogen was so scared of revealing too much, she didn’t want sympathy which was understandable. I Loved seeing her growth, she became more confident in herself and in those around her. Dorothy I loved from the start, she is so caring of not just people but animals as well. She wants to help wherever she can. I could understand Sara’s worry but enjoyed seeing her develop even more. Her daughters were a delight and so full of life and love. Who could resist the naughty, escaping dog?
As always Sarah delivers a feel good Christmas story that has you turning the pages. This is a must for all those who want to snuggle up at Christmas with the fire crackling, the Christmas tree lights twinkling and a cup of hot chocolate to sip as you read.
This happens during a really busy day for her, when she has three events to look after. A phone call from a hospital and the subsequent visit to her mother brings Imogen to her knees. When her boss insists that Imogen takes the whole of the next month off Imogen has not option but to agree. However, she does keep her lunch date with her favourite client Dorothy, who on seeing how upset and distracted Imogen is offers her the use of a cottage on her estate called Holly Cottage. Could this be the break Imogen needs?
Imogen loves the cottage on sight and knows she will love spending time there. She meets Dorothy’s many animals, her daughter Sara and Sara’s daughters. There is also the sexy local vet and a golden retriever that gain her attention.
However, soon a family secret comes to the fore and Imogen has to reevaluate all she was told as a child. Will she step forward into her family or let old hurts and fears hold her back? Could this Christmas be as good in real life as in her dreams?
The characterisation was wonderful, Imogen was so scared of revealing too much, she didn’t want sympathy which was understandable. I Loved seeing her growth, she became more confident in herself and in those around her. Dorothy I loved from the start, she is so caring of not just people but animals as well. She wants to help wherever she can. I could understand Sara’s worry but enjoyed seeing her develop even more. Her daughters were a delight and so full of life and love. Who could resist the naughty, escaping dog?
As always Sarah delivers a feel good Christmas story that has you turning the pages. This is a must for all those who want to snuggle up at Christmas with the fire crackling, the Christmas tree lights twinkling and a cup of hot chocolate to sip as you read.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
A cute christmassy time read, appropriate for any time of the year!
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this