3.92 AVERAGE

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad
hopeful inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
relaxing 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: Yes
medium-paced
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad tense 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
funny hopeful lighthearted 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
lighthearted fast-paced
hopeful medium-paced
Loveable characters: Yes
perky_bean's profile picture

perky_bean's review

4.0
emotional funny lighthearted reflective 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: Yes

There’s something irresistible about a Christmas story set in the picturesque English countryside, and Sarah Morgan delivers just that with The Holiday Cottage. As someone who adores Brit Lit, I found myself completely enchanted by the book’s Cotswolds setting. The author’s vivid descriptions beautifully captured the charm of the region, making it easy to imagine snow-dusted villages and cozy, firelit rooms that set the perfect stage for a heartwarming holiday tale.

While the story’s trajectory was a bit predictable, the strength of this book lies in its writing and the development of its three central female characters. Each had their own emotional journey, and I appreciated how their individual arcs intertwined to weave a story about love, forgiveness, and understanding. That said, I did find some of the story's themes repeated a little too often, which at times detracted from the flow.

What really stood out to me, though, was the book's heartwarming message about family—the bonds we share, the tensions we overcome, and the love that ultimately ties us together. There’s a touch of magic in the way Morgan conveys these themes against the backdrop of Christmas, a holiday that so often brings out both the best and the most complicated aspects of family. I’ll admit, there were moments that tugged on my heartstrings, leaving me a little misty-eyed.

If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good read that captures the essence of Christmas while exploring family dynamics and acceptance, The Holiday Cottage is a perfect pick. It’s the kind of book that pairs well with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and the twinkle of holiday lights.