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Escape To... #2
Christmas at Corner Cottage
Cosy up with this heartwarming Christmas romance filled with hope, love and new opportunities…
When Chrissy Marsden moves her children and menagerie of pets into Corner Cottage, she hopes to put her divorce behind her and have the fresh start she’s been longing for.
Just as she feels she is finally getting her life back on track, with a chance encounter at the school gates re-igniting her passion for sewing, a surprise pregnancy throws everything into turmoil.
When she is asked to alter a wedding dress, she realises her hobby could become something she could turn into a real career, and an invite to a client’s wedding could be all she needs to bring romance back into her life.
But will she be able to find someone who can accept her as she is?
A heartwarming tale of new beginnings, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
When Chrissy Marsden moves her children and menagerie of pets into Corner Cottage, she hopes to put her divorce behind her and have the fresh start she’s been longing for.
Just as she feels she is finally getting her life back on track, with a chance encounter at the school gates re-igniting her passion for sewing, a surprise pregnancy throws everything into turmoil.
When she is asked to alter a wedding dress, she realises her hobby could become something she could turn into a real career, and an invite to a client’s wedding could be all she needs to bring romance back into her life.
But will she be able to find someone who can accept her as she is?
A heartwarming tale of new beginnings, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2023
444 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 17, 2023
A sweet Christmas read. A little predictable but still a good story. It was slightly different from some of the festive books I read as I at times it was sad. I enjoyed it on the whole. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
my first book by Sarah Hope - heartwarming, fun and romantic
Loved it. So real.
Really warmed to the characters and could imagine the village and the people easily. Glad I have so many more of her books to look forward to.
Loved it. So real.
Really warmed to the characters and could imagine the village and the people easily. Glad I have so many more of her books to look forward to.
November 6, 2023
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library app.
Very fast and easy read. The audio version is only 5 hours and some odd mins long. So I was able to listen to it within a 24 hours period.
I did enjoy the book all together. The characters were enjoyable and it is based around Christmas time and there was some Christmas mentioned in it but not a lot if that makes sense. So sometimes when I was listening to the book I forgot it took place during Christmas until a Christmas play was mentioned etc.
The main female character wow were do I even start. I feel like the love interest was just not very connected. I didn't feel like there was enough story with them. You kind of forget about him actually. He seems more like a side figure. The main female character wow what a treat she is. She annoyed me so much. She acts like she is 15 and not a grown adult that has twin daughters who are 10. She doesn't communicate or talk to anyone about her feelings. She mentions over and over and over and over and over that her love interest can't possibly love her or want to be with her because she is not as pretty as his Ex and not as fit as his ex. He is going to break up with her to get back together with his ex. When I say over and over and over I mean the entire book! It was so frustrating. I actually said out loud "WE GET IT!". Then instead of sitting down and talking to him about her feelings she just assumes he cheated on her and that he wasn't man enough to tell her the truth and what scum he was. (Eye roll). Honestly I don't blame him at the end the way he acted and when she told him she was pregnant he asked if it was his. Good for him! She deserved that! And she actually got offended! Her after she accused him the whole book of being a womanizer, cheater etc. I feel like the book told us that if he didn't find out she was pregnant with his child they would have never ever gotten back together and to be honest I wouldn't blame him for feeling that. I feel like the pregnancy story was a joke. The author felt that was the only way to bring them back together at the end because shocker that was the only thing that brought them back together was because she was pregnant.
Also the ex husband that has a new girlfriend and yes I agree he should not have backtracked on agreeing with getting his one daughter some stuff for her room then the girlfriend came in the middle. But I think when the daughter asked her mom if she has to apologize and the mom says no....I thought that was wrong. I think that everyone should apologize to each other and then move on it from there. But if that daughter was rude and screamed at the girlfriend then yes she should apologize.
I enjoyed the authors writing style and I am going to check out some more of her other books and see how they are but I hope they are not as annoying as this main character.
Very fast and easy read. The audio version is only 5 hours and some odd mins long. So I was able to listen to it within a 24 hours period.
I did enjoy the book all together. The characters were enjoyable and it is based around Christmas time and there was some Christmas mentioned in it but not a lot if that makes sense. So sometimes when I was listening to the book I forgot it took place during Christmas until a Christmas play was mentioned etc.
The main female character wow were do I even start. I feel like the love interest was just not very connected. I didn't feel like there was enough story with them. You kind of forget about him actually. He seems more like a side figure. The main female character wow what a treat she is. She annoyed me so much. She acts like she is 15 and not a grown adult that has twin daughters who are 10. She doesn't communicate or talk to anyone about her feelings. She mentions over and over and over and over and over that her love interest can't possibly love her or want to be with her because she is not as pretty as his Ex and not as fit as his ex. He is going to break up with her to get back together with his ex. When I say over and over and over I mean the entire book! It was so frustrating. I actually said out loud "WE GET IT!". Then instead of sitting down and talking to him about her feelings she just assumes he cheated on her and that he wasn't man enough to tell her the truth and what scum he was. (Eye roll). Honestly I don't blame him at the end the way he acted and when she told him she was pregnant he asked if it was his. Good for him! She deserved that! And she actually got offended! Her after she accused him the whole book of being a womanizer, cheater etc. I feel like the book told us that if he didn't find out she was pregnant with his child they would have never ever gotten back together and to be honest I wouldn't blame him for feeling that. I feel like the pregnancy story was a joke. The author felt that was the only way to bring them back together at the end because shocker that was the only thing that brought them back together was because she was pregnant.
Also the ex husband that has a new girlfriend and yes I agree he should not have backtracked on agreeing with getting his one daughter some stuff for her room then the girlfriend came in the middle. But I think when the daughter asked her mom if she has to apologize and the mom says no....I thought that was wrong. I think that everyone should apologize to each other and then move on it from there. But if that daughter was rude and screamed at the girlfriend then yes she should apologize.
I enjoyed the authors writing style and I am going to check out some more of her other books and see how they are but I hope they are not as annoying as this main character.
February 10, 2024
Predictable From the Start
My apologies to Sarah Hope but I struggled to read this story. The central character was unbelievably irrational leaping from being an insecure, abandoned wife to being a drunken woman prone to one night stands. When she wasn't in the pub drinking gin and tonic and tequila chasers she was downing endless mugs of hot chocolate and having multiple film nights with her twins. The text is poorly written with many repeated sentences or phrases and incorrect use of words. Some words were simply missing. Often you have to work out for yourself who is speaking in the conversational text as there is little direction. Where was the proof reader or editor?
It won't put me off trying another book by this author. Hopefully this one was just a blip in her writing style.
My apologies to Sarah Hope but I struggled to read this story. The central character was unbelievably irrational leaping from being an insecure, abandoned wife to being a drunken woman prone to one night stands. When she wasn't in the pub drinking gin and tonic and tequila chasers she was downing endless mugs of hot chocolate and having multiple film nights with her twins. The text is poorly written with many repeated sentences or phrases and incorrect use of words. Some words were simply missing. Often you have to work out for yourself who is speaking in the conversational text as there is little direction. Where was the proof reader or editor?
It won't put me off trying another book by this author. Hopefully this one was just a blip in her writing style.
November 13, 2023
This was a frustrating read. I can understand one of the reasons Chrissy's first marriage failed - she jumps to conclusions, doesn't give her current boyfriend the benefit of the doubt, doesn't speak up when she's troubled about something & doesn't give boyfriend the opportunity to explain his side. Seems like she still has a lot to work through before starting up another romance.
November 29, 2023
Beautiful festive read that warms your heart. The first book I've read of Sarah's and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I love books that involve fixing up run down forgotten houses and this was right up there. I really warmed to Chrissy and her determination to be present for her kids.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love books that involve fixing up run down forgotten houses and this was right up there. I really warmed to Chrissy and her determination to be present for her kids.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 1, 2025
Christmas at Corner Cottage by Sarah Hope
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Chrissy Marsden moves her children and menagerie of pets into Corner Cottage, she hopes to put her divorce behind her and have the fresh start she’s been longing for.
Just as she feels she is finally getting her life back on track, with a chance encounter at the school gates re-igniting her passion for sewing, a surprise pregnancy throws everything into turmoil.
When she is asked to alter a wedding dress, she realises her hobby could become something she could turn into a real career, and an invite to a client’s wedding could be all she needs to bring romance back into her life.
But will she be able to find someone who can accept her as she is?
My Opinion
Christmas at Corner Cottage was a heart-warming novel by Sarah Hope. Whilst it was predictable in places, it was a sweet festive read. Sarah Hope has created some lovely characters in a great setting.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Chrissy Marsden moves her children and menagerie of pets into Corner Cottage, she hopes to put her divorce behind her and have the fresh start she’s been longing for.
Just as she feels she is finally getting her life back on track, with a chance encounter at the school gates re-igniting her passion for sewing, a surprise pregnancy throws everything into turmoil.
When she is asked to alter a wedding dress, she realises her hobby could become something she could turn into a real career, and an invite to a client’s wedding could be all she needs to bring romance back into her life.
But will she be able to find someone who can accept her as she is?
My Opinion
Christmas at Corner Cottage was a heart-warming novel by Sarah Hope. Whilst it was predictable in places, it was a sweet festive read. Sarah Hope has created some lovely characters in a great setting.
Rating 4/5
December 21, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I think this fits the bill as a Christmas book with descriptions of snow, carol concerts and sledging but there were so many references to hot chocolate I felt sick and to feeling hot or cold it became very repetitive. The storyline lacked credibility with Chrissy and her daughters having to move house - what happened to their right to stay in the family home and her ex husband having to pay maintenance to support the children? And the state of the cottage which she didn't have to put up with? Chrissy's character was totally unrealistic with going out and getting so drunk she didn't know what she was doing on the first night the girls were away and then jumping to conclusions which were completely absurd.
Unable to recommend this novel.
I think this fits the bill as a Christmas book with descriptions of snow, carol concerts and sledging but there were so many references to hot chocolate I felt sick and to feeling hot or cold it became very repetitive. The storyline lacked credibility with Chrissy and her daughters having to move house - what happened to their right to stay in the family home and her ex husband having to pay maintenance to support the children? And the state of the cottage which she didn't have to put up with? Chrissy's character was totally unrealistic with going out and getting so drunk she didn't know what she was doing on the first night the girls were away and then jumping to conclusions which were completely absurd.
Unable to recommend this novel.
October 4, 2023
I have now read 3 of Sarah Hope's books all from the Escape to... series and I have truly enjoyed them all. Although they are romance books, they're not explicit and they have far more of a family aspect to the stories which I truly enjoy. I'm a sucker for a family unit being added to the romance.
I did like Luke's character, and Chrissy's. I wish there was more development in their relationship as there have been in Sarah's previous books because I felt like they had gone from friends to being in love rather quick, and I was somewhat disappointed with how quickly Chrissy was to disbelieve Luke with so little evidence. I feel like there could have been more misconstrued story to make Chrissy believe Luke had cheated, and therefore could have offered more to the story development overall. However, I did still read this book without having to put it down, which means I did enjoy it.
I did like Luke's character, and Chrissy's. I wish there was more development in their relationship as there have been in Sarah's previous books because I felt like they had gone from friends to being in love rather quick, and I was somewhat disappointed with how quickly Chrissy was to disbelieve Luke with so little evidence. I feel like there could have been more misconstrued story to make Chrissy believe Luke had cheated, and therefore could have offered more to the story development overall. However, I did still read this book without having to put it down, which means I did enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
This was a heartwarming story with great characters with difficult topics dealt with in a sensitive way. I was only a year younger than the twins when my parents split so this is very relatable. It was not an easy time for my family and as an adult I can appreciate how Chrissy feels.
It was lovely the way Chrissy slots into a new community and the girls fit into their new school even with the difficulties they first faced of not wanting to change to a new school. Again relatable as this also happened to me at around 12/13 years old.
I love the festivities in this book, Christmas is my favourite time of year and I love the atmosphere at Christmastime, kids laughing and cooing over their new gifts and the excitement that Santa has been. I love how the characters have been written and interact with one another, it's really lovely.
It was lovely the way Chrissy slots into a new community and the girls fit into their new school even with the difficulties they first faced of not wanting to change to a new school. Again relatable as this also happened to me at around 12/13 years old.
I love the festivities in this book, Christmas is my favourite time of year and I love the atmosphere at Christmastime, kids laughing and cooing over their new gifts and the excitement that Santa has been. I love how the characters have been written and interact with one another, it's really lovely.
Read
February 15, 2024I enjoyed the story for the most part, although the girls were a little needy and she seemed to encourage it, and maybe Sophia was finding it tough, she should not have screamed at Susan, but Chrissy seemed to think it was OK. Never known a house could be cleaned up so quickly from huge mold patches on the wall. However the thing I didn’t like the most are her time frames. At the beginning Luke said if the house hadn’t been rented by year end. To me that’s December. Turns out it must have been October although it snowed a LOT and no mention of Halloween. The snow then disappeared quickly and no more snow! But at beginning of December she said she’d known Luke a couple months. For many maybe no big deal, but it’s a deal for me.
December 23, 2024
Yep, Hallmark. Like 3% of the book was story climax and plot resolution; 97% was woman-getting-in-her-own-way-while-working-through-stuff. Plot was driven by bad decision-making and jumping to conclusions. But there were at least some good messages buried in the middle for women about not blaming themselves for men’s decisions (like cheating) and waking up to be the protagonists of their own lives 💪🏼
November 21, 2025
Listened to the audio book version.
Firstly - quite predictable.
Secondly - annoying main female character
Thirdly - I wanted to know why one of the twin girls was acting out, that wasn’t resolved
Fourth - I think the author has shares in hot chocolates, the amount of times the character made a hot chocolate!
Fifth - the footsteps heard in the background of the audio were really distracting
Firstly - quite predictable.
Secondly - annoying main female character
Thirdly - I wanted to know why one of the twin girls was acting out, that wasn’t resolved
Fourth - I think the author has shares in hot chocolates, the amount of times the character made a hot chocolate!
Fifth - the footsteps heard in the background of the audio were really distracting
November 13, 2023
This was a frustrating read. I can understand one of the reasons Chrissy's first marriage failed - she jumps to conclusions, doesn't give her current boyfriend the benefit of the doubt, doesn't speak up when she's troubled about something & doesn't give boyfriend the opportunity to explain his side. Seems like she still has a lot to work through before starting up another romance.
February 5, 2024
This was a lovely feel good story based on betrayal and upheaval for her twin daughters also lots of readjusting for Chrissy and her girls meeting plus meeting Luke and learning to trust and love again, I would have loved a follow up book to their lives now think I almost read this in one day just couldn’t put it down
June 18, 2024
This is a light story, meant to be a feel good read. Good for a beach read, I listen to the audiobook while exploring London. But, I find the female characters so irritating in Sarah’s books. They’re indecisive and wimpy and this one is no different. I keep wishing they would have some gumption. I guess that would make the book 50 pages long but there it it.
October 24, 2019
A very enjoyable read
This was a very enjoyable read for the evening! A divorced woman with twins, a single man, attraction for each other from the start-up - all add up to a good story.
This was a very enjoyable read for the evening! A divorced woman with twins, a single man, attraction for each other from the start-up - all add up to a good story.
March 20, 2024
Yikes
Not to be unkind, but the grammar in this novel was pretty bad and had me cringing at times. It should have been a feel good story, but the story line was just too insipid to be very enjoyable.
Not to be unkind, but the grammar in this novel was pretty bad and had me cringing at times. It should have been a feel good story, but the story line was just too insipid to be very enjoyable.
January 24, 2025
This was just ok. I found the conversation between characters throughout the book to be a little awkward. The first half of the book was depressing. I was hoping for a light and cheerful read but not the case.
August 5, 2022
Loved it
A story of heartbreak and recovery, finding a new path, making it work and believing in yourself. Looking forward to next in the series.
A story of heartbreak and recovery, finding a new path, making it work and believing in yourself. Looking forward to next in the series.
September 28, 2023
Another good read
Enjoyed this story and characters and how Chrissy struggling with the twins. Great characters and story again. Looking forward to more.
Enjoyed this story and characters and how Chrissy struggling with the twins. Great characters and story again. Looking forward to more.
October 23, 2023
Festive remance
I enjoyed reading this festive romance.
2 people who start to fall in n love, the 'wounds' left behind by passed love cause issues. But love conquers all.
I enjoyed reading this festive romance.
2 people who start to fall in n love, the 'wounds' left behind by passed love cause issues. But love conquers all.
November 7, 2023
Was an ex read really enjoyed will be reading this author again ,
December 10, 2023
Great Christmas read
Another great story couldn't put the book down. Would highly recommend Chrissy and likes character's were so good can't wait to read the next in the series
Another great story couldn't put the book down. Would highly recommend Chrissy and likes character's were so good can't wait to read the next in the series
December 17, 2023
2.5-3 stars ⭐️ Not really as Christmas-ish as I like Holiday books to be. PLUS so many of the problems could have been solved by two people speaking like adults. 🤷🏼♀️
January 8, 2024
Basic story. Far too much repetition throughout and absolutely dreadful editing.
February 6, 2024
Great book
What a lovely story I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book will definitely look out more of Sarah Hope books. Brilliant.
What a lovely story I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book will definitely look out more of Sarah Hope books. Brilliant.
February 16, 2024
Lovely book…easy reading! Done 2 os the series so I’ll just mosey on to the others xx
May 21, 2024
3.5 Having details continously repeated annoys me. Trust me, we're readers, we pay attention. And it wrapped up way too fast.
November 7, 2024
Heart warming Christmas story
I loved it.
So glad it had a happy ending,
Makes you feel all warm inside. Wish we would get a white Christmas like in this book
I loved it.
So glad it had a happy ending,
Makes you feel all warm inside. Wish we would get a white Christmas like in this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews