What do you think?
Rate this book
Il cottage di Natale
Un’imperdibile storia sull’amicizia, l’amore e la famiglia e i sorprendenti legami che ci uniscono.
Per tutti, Imogen è un genio del marketing. Ma se la sua immagine professionale di successo è reale, le storie che racconta sulla sua infanzia felice sono completamente false, proprio come il suo entusiasmo per il Natale. Lavorare senza sosta è sempre stata la sua soluzione per sopravvivere al periodo delle
feste, finché non riceve un regalo di Natale che di certo non avrebbe desiderato: un intero mese di vacanza per recuperare le ferie arretrate. A cui segue un invito da parte della sua cliente preferita, Dorothy, nel suo cottage nelle Cotswolds.
Holly Cottage è un piccolo paradiso con il tetto di paglia e un accogliente camino sempre acceso. Forse davvero il luogo giusto per la ripartenza di cui Imogen ha così disperatamente bisogno. Per Dorothy, aiutare Imogen rappresenta la tanto attesa possibilità di riparare il passato. Ma come sua figlia Sara continua a ricordarle, questo comporta dei rischi. Eppure, lei sa che solo un atto di coraggio permetterà alla sua famiglia di guarire e andare avanti. E chissà, forse questo Natale, oltre che inaspettato, si rivelerà migliore di quanto sia Imogen che Dorothy possano immaginare.
Per tutti, Imogen è un genio del marketing. Ma se la sua immagine professionale di successo è reale, le storie che racconta sulla sua infanzia felice sono completamente false, proprio come il suo entusiasmo per il Natale. Lavorare senza sosta è sempre stata la sua soluzione per sopravvivere al periodo delle
feste, finché non riceve un regalo di Natale che di certo non avrebbe desiderato: un intero mese di vacanza per recuperare le ferie arretrate. A cui segue un invito da parte della sua cliente preferita, Dorothy, nel suo cottage nelle Cotswolds.
Holly Cottage è un piccolo paradiso con il tetto di paglia e un accogliente camino sempre acceso. Forse davvero il luogo giusto per la ripartenza di cui Imogen ha così disperatamente bisogno. Per Dorothy, aiutare Imogen rappresenta la tanto attesa possibilità di riparare il passato. Ma come sua figlia Sara continua a ricordarle, questo comporta dei rischi. Eppure, lei sa che solo un atto di coraggio permetterà alla sua famiglia di guarire e andare avanti. E chissà, forse questo Natale, oltre che inaspettato, si rivelerà migliore di quanto sia Imogen che Dorothy possano immaginare.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2024
1806 people are currently reading
24306 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
697 books7,274 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,054 reviews
December 10, 2024
It made me cry. That says it all I think.
November 26, 2024
4 solid stars for Sarah Morgan's latest Christmas story. I liked it a lot, I liked Imogen's back story and how she got to the "Holiday" Holly Cottage. Miles the vet is quite the cinnamon roll and all the animals, especially good-boy 🐶Ralph & the two cutie nieces are really sweet. My only quibble is the pacing - there was such a large amount of time spent on the set-up, that the best and most holiday & family part🎄 felt rushed along with the HEA. Still I enjoyed it and recommend to all rom-com lovers 💕
October 16, 2024
Alrighty! This was a super cute read. It’s centered around Imogen, while being told through both her perspective, and the perspective of a couple of other women.
This was a lovely, sweet holiday story about a young woman with a TRULY cruel mother. The things she says to her early on in the book are heartbreaking. Imogen spends much of the story exploring, developing and building herself back up.
At the beginning of this book I thought, “this reminds me of The Holiday!” (The film). And it did indeed, though there were much more of the women in her life surrounding her and building her up, growing with her. I really love Sarah Morgan’s storytelling abilities and she excels at providing lovely, Christmasy vibes. The little village? PERFECTION.
This was a story I really enjoyed and I love being an advanced reader for this author. This is the second book I’ve been gifted and I’m still not sated!! I’m sorely looking forward to Sarah Morgan’s next read. 💕
Thank you to Sarah and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with this eARC via NetGalley.
This was a lovely, sweet holiday story about a young woman with a TRULY cruel mother. The things she says to her early on in the book are heartbreaking. Imogen spends much of the story exploring, developing and building herself back up.
At the beginning of this book I thought, “this reminds me of The Holiday!” (The film). And it did indeed, though there were much more of the women in her life surrounding her and building her up, growing with her. I really love Sarah Morgan’s storytelling abilities and she excels at providing lovely, Christmasy vibes. The little village? PERFECTION.
This was a story I really enjoyed and I love being an advanced reader for this author. This is the second book I’ve been gifted and I’m still not sated!! I’m sorely looking forward to Sarah Morgan’s next read. 💕
Thank you to Sarah and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with this eARC via NetGalley.
April 19, 2024
I love Sarah Morgan books so I was pleased to see another available to be read and got to it right away. The family drama held at Christmas time was set in a perfect location. Sarah has a wonderful way of setting the scenes and giving a great description so that you can see yourself there. This story was no different!
This one felt a bit off for me though. I could not connect with the main character, Imogen, in the first half of the book. Nothing seemed to happen and it was not until 50% through that anything started to make sense and I could start to understand and, maybe, like her a bit more.
There were a few spots in the story that were not completely thought through and seemed unrealistic but nothing that ruined it.
The romantic relationship part of the story felt somewhat rushed. Things sure did move fast. It felt as if it was just days from meeting to being a couple. It's too bad that more time was not given to the 2nd half of the book and cut out some of what was at the beginning. Also, events/activities mentioned at one point were not included or written about and then suddenly had been completed. Days were jumped over so there was a rushed feeling in the timeline.
I was still wondering where the relationship between Imogen and her mom stood at the end. There could definitely have been more detail to this, which I thought was one of the main parts of the whole book.
Over all it was a great story and I would recommend it be read, but I still feel it was not one of SM's best books.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this arc!!
This one felt a bit off for me though. I could not connect with the main character, Imogen, in the first half of the book. Nothing seemed to happen and it was not until 50% through that anything started to make sense and I could start to understand and, maybe, like her a bit more.
There were a few spots in the story that were not completely thought through and seemed unrealistic but nothing that ruined it.
The romantic relationship part of the story felt somewhat rushed. Things sure did move fast. It felt as if it was just days from meeting to being a couple. It's too bad that more time was not given to the 2nd half of the book and cut out some of what was at the beginning. Also, events/activities mentioned at one point were not included or written about and then suddenly had been completed. Days were jumped over so there was a rushed feeling in the timeline.
I was still wondering where the relationship between Imogen and her mom stood at the end. There could definitely have been more detail to this, which I thought was one of the main parts of the whole book.
Over all it was a great story and I would recommend it be read, but I still feel it was not one of SM's best books.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this arc!!
December 23, 2024
the setup…
Imogen Thorne is a client representative for an event management company in London. It’s her life, literally, and she excels. But to her work colleagues, she presents a false picture of her world outside of the office…a golden retriever named Midas, a family complete with uncles and cousins, holidays with lots of traditions. The truth is her only relative is an alcoholic mother who wants nothing to do with her and there’s no dog. It all comes crashing around her when her boss recognizes her workaholic ways and sidelines her for a month, not knowing Imogen has nowhere to be outside of the job. But then her favorite client, Dorothy Rutherford, invites her to come stay at her guest house on her estate in the Cotswolds while they continue developing their project. Little does Imogen know that this will be a life changing moment.
the heart of the story…
It’s a more somber theme but still perfect for the season. Imogen’s life is so barren and empty that I wanted to reach out and give her a hug. I also knew that Dorothy was carrying painful baggage from the past and her daughter Sara was trying to protect her. Somehow Imogen was involved either directly or as a trigger. The setting was a major element of the story, a lovely illustration of Christmas in the Cotswolds.
the narration…
Henrietta Meire made me feel the emotions of the characters. From Imogen and Dorothy to the wacky and lovable work colleagues. She made this a wonderful listening experience.
the bottom line…
Despite the sadness of Imogen’s circumstances, the sense of promise that there would be light somewhere in her future was always there. The stunning revelations were quite a surprise and there’s a handsome veterinarian who provides a bit of romance. I enjoy holiday stories but so much more when they have the kind of emotional depth like this one. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Imogen Thorne is a client representative for an event management company in London. It’s her life, literally, and she excels. But to her work colleagues, she presents a false picture of her world outside of the office…a golden retriever named Midas, a family complete with uncles and cousins, holidays with lots of traditions. The truth is her only relative is an alcoholic mother who wants nothing to do with her and there’s no dog. It all comes crashing around her when her boss recognizes her workaholic ways and sidelines her for a month, not knowing Imogen has nowhere to be outside of the job. But then her favorite client, Dorothy Rutherford, invites her to come stay at her guest house on her estate in the Cotswolds while they continue developing their project. Little does Imogen know that this will be a life changing moment.
the heart of the story…
It’s a more somber theme but still perfect for the season. Imogen’s life is so barren and empty that I wanted to reach out and give her a hug. I also knew that Dorothy was carrying painful baggage from the past and her daughter Sara was trying to protect her. Somehow Imogen was involved either directly or as a trigger. The setting was a major element of the story, a lovely illustration of Christmas in the Cotswolds.
the narration…
Henrietta Meire made me feel the emotions of the characters. From Imogen and Dorothy to the wacky and lovable work colleagues. She made this a wonderful listening experience.
the bottom line…
Despite the sadness of Imogen’s circumstances, the sense of promise that there would be light somewhere in her future was always there. The stunning revelations were quite a surprise and there’s a handsome veterinarian who provides a bit of romance. I enjoy holiday stories but so much more when they have the kind of emotional depth like this one. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 20, 2025
Wow!!! ✨ What a beautifully written, down-to-earth story. ❄️📖 From the very first pages, this book wrapped me in cozy winter vibes... like a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and falling snow outside ☕🧣✨
The story begins with heartbreak and deep emotion 💔, but as it unfolds, the holiday magic gently weaves its way in 🎄🤍. With themes of family, friendship, healing, love, and second chances, this was such an uplifting and heartfelt winter read ❄️✨.
This was my first book by Sarah Morgan, and it certainly won’t be my last! 📚💫
The story begins with heartbreak and deep emotion 💔, but as it unfolds, the holiday magic gently weaves its way in 🎄🤍. With themes of family, friendship, healing, love, and second chances, this was such an uplifting and heartfelt winter read ❄️✨.
This was my first book by Sarah Morgan, and it certainly won’t be my last! 📚💫
December 27, 2024
5 perfect stars 🥰 Sarah Morgan never fails with her charming Christmas novels.
Set in the Cotswolds, The Christmas Cottage is all about the warmth of family. With hard-hitting themes combined with the cosy ambience of Holly Cottage, this book is truly gorgeous, and spectacularly written. Did I cry? Yes. Was this the perfect book for Christmas? Absolutely! 🎄🎅✨
Set in the Cotswolds, The Christmas Cottage is all about the warmth of family. With hard-hitting themes combined with the cosy ambience of Holly Cottage, this book is truly gorgeous, and spectacularly written. Did I cry? Yes. Was this the perfect book for Christmas? Absolutely! 🎄🎅✨
December 21, 2024
Such a good holiday read, I loved all the characters, except Tina.
October 25, 2024
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a Sarah Morgan novel. Now, I know for some that it is still a teeny bit early to be thinking about Christmas but, let’s face it, we are two months away today and this book just totally got me in the mood for the festive season. Not only that, if there’s a Sarah Morgan book to read, I know I’m in for a great book and one I can’t put down. This is just another example and I felt bereft when I had finished the story.
In this book, we meet workaholic Imogen, who is so work-obsessed that she has nothing else in her life. Convincing her colleagues that there are many more facades to herself lands Imogen in trouble when her deception catches up from her. Thus, a near-breakdown at work sees her headed to the idyllic Cotswolds for some boss-imposed holiday. Except that Imogen remains alone.
Poor Imogen. She has no one and her relationship with her mother is completely estranged. Her story really pulls on your heartstrings and I loved how Morgan shows Imogen’s transformation at Holly Cottage. Yet, I had not foreseen how Imogen would connect with her Christmassy surroundings and loved how this transformed the story from lonely girl to being part of a metaphorical jigsaw puzzle. You can always guarantee a feel-good happy ending from this writer and I think this book hits the mark perfectly.
Once more, there are plenty of loveable characters in this narrative, although I don’t think I could choose my ultimate favourite! Ava’s innocence contrasts with Iris’s “old soul”; Dorothy is someone you would love to have on your doorstep (although my waistline would probably disagree); Miles is supportive, kind and the sort of person you need in your life; Ralph generates the smiles in his cheeky and lovable way. In this sense, I think the characters fold around the readers, as much as they do for Imogen: you feel as much a part of this Christmas community as Imogen finds she does as well.
I loved how this year’s Christmas book was set in the UK and wish that the snowy scenes become a reality for me this year! I love a good dumping of snow so, if the weather gods aren’t kind enough to you this year, this book should certainly get your toes tingling with icy freshness. In my opinion, it adds to the cosiness of the read: after all, who can resist a log fire and a hot chocolate in a Sarah Mogan Christmas book?!
My first Christmas read of 2024 has started off with a bang! I knew Sarah Morgan would not let me down and I feel a little sad that I have now read her newest book for the season. As Christmas 2024 draws closer, I think I’m going to have to go to Morgan’s back catalogue and find another festive book to keep me going. These stories are just too good to read once.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, we meet workaholic Imogen, who is so work-obsessed that she has nothing else in her life. Convincing her colleagues that there are many more facades to herself lands Imogen in trouble when her deception catches up from her. Thus, a near-breakdown at work sees her headed to the idyllic Cotswolds for some boss-imposed holiday. Except that Imogen remains alone.
Poor Imogen. She has no one and her relationship with her mother is completely estranged. Her story really pulls on your heartstrings and I loved how Morgan shows Imogen’s transformation at Holly Cottage. Yet, I had not foreseen how Imogen would connect with her Christmassy surroundings and loved how this transformed the story from lonely girl to being part of a metaphorical jigsaw puzzle. You can always guarantee a feel-good happy ending from this writer and I think this book hits the mark perfectly.
Once more, there are plenty of loveable characters in this narrative, although I don’t think I could choose my ultimate favourite! Ava’s innocence contrasts with Iris’s “old soul”; Dorothy is someone you would love to have on your doorstep (although my waistline would probably disagree); Miles is supportive, kind and the sort of person you need in your life; Ralph generates the smiles in his cheeky and lovable way. In this sense, I think the characters fold around the readers, as much as they do for Imogen: you feel as much a part of this Christmas community as Imogen finds she does as well.
I loved how this year’s Christmas book was set in the UK and wish that the snowy scenes become a reality for me this year! I love a good dumping of snow so, if the weather gods aren’t kind enough to you this year, this book should certainly get your toes tingling with icy freshness. In my opinion, it adds to the cosiness of the read: after all, who can resist a log fire and a hot chocolate in a Sarah Mogan Christmas book?!
My first Christmas read of 2024 has started off with a bang! I knew Sarah Morgan would not let me down and I feel a little sad that I have now read her newest book for the season. As Christmas 2024 draws closer, I think I’m going to have to go to Morgan’s back catalogue and find another festive book to keep me going. These stories are just too good to read once.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
I couldn’t get into this book at all. I skimmed through the rest of the book after the first 100 pages or so. The main character was not likable for me, I felt no connection to her. Disappointed since i usually like this author’s books.
August 19, 2024
I love Christmas books. This one was no different. You can't help but root for Imogen through the story. A heartwarming story that had a twist in the middle that I wasn't expecting; which in, my opinion, made the book better than most Christmas stories. You should definitely read the story of Imogen and Holly Cottage.
November 23, 2025
3,5⭐️
C'était cuuuute et j'ai beaucoup aimé les histoires de famille et les émotions que ça amenait dans l'histoire ainsi que la profondeur que ça donnait à la construction des personnages. Par contre, c'était un peu long et, comme ça me le fait souvent avec les romans de Sarah Morgan, j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait trop de dialogues pour pas grand chose ? je sais pas comment l'expliquer mais ça ralentit tout le rythme de l'histoire sans apporter un vrai plus... bref, ça m'a un peu freinée mais dans l'ensemble, c'était une chouette lecture de Noël, avec tous les beaux messages et sentiments qui vont avec !
C'était cuuuute et j'ai beaucoup aimé les histoires de famille et les émotions que ça amenait dans l'histoire ainsi que la profondeur que ça donnait à la construction des personnages. Par contre, c'était un peu long et, comme ça me le fait souvent avec les romans de Sarah Morgan, j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait trop de dialogues pour pas grand chose ? je sais pas comment l'expliquer mais ça ralentit tout le rythme de l'histoire sans apporter un vrai plus... bref, ça m'a un peu freinée mais dans l'ensemble, c'était une chouette lecture de Noël, avec tous les beaux messages et sentiments qui vont avec !
December 23, 2025
The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan
4.5 Stars rounding up to 5
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
I read this book with my friend Melissa and we both really enjoyed it. It was a surprising read with lots of depth and heartache but also hope. This is one that deals a lot with a toxic mother - daughter relationship, so please be aware before diving in, but I did like the ending with how everything was wrapped up. It was done in a realistic way.
We follow Imogen, who keeps her non-existent personal private life...well, not just private, but made up. With her tragic relationship with his mother, who wants nothing to do with her, she pretends like she has it all together to her co-workers, when deep down she is drowning in work and her lies....when things go wrong at work, her boss makes her take a month off from work and rest. This is when peace and truth become a reality for Imogen....the side character perspectives really take off at chapter 13 and we see the truth behind these characters and we follow what the future holds for Imogen along the way...
This is a secular, Christmas read and I really enjoyed the story. She knows how to write and pull you in where you NEED to know all the things. Oh, and she meets Miles, a great guy, along the way and we see so much beauty in the ashes in their relationship and he helps her in her healing with the toxic relationship she has with her mother and the family revelations that have happened. Oh and the DOGGGG Ralph added SO much to the book. She gets her sweet pup.
I can't say too much but I just loved this book. I am definitely going to check out more of Sarah's books. It was real, raw and open. Unexpected favorite.
*Content: 2 swearwords, bats**** & I think da*n. Closed door romance, you know they have slept together but no real details about their romance bits. Toxic relationship shown between mother and daughter, specifically chapter 8 was a tough read with them.
4.5 Stars rounding up to 5
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
I read this book with my friend Melissa and we both really enjoyed it. It was a surprising read with lots of depth and heartache but also hope. This is one that deals a lot with a toxic mother - daughter relationship, so please be aware before diving in, but I did like the ending with how everything was wrapped up. It was done in a realistic way.
We follow Imogen, who keeps her non-existent personal private life...well, not just private, but made up. With her tragic relationship with his mother, who wants nothing to do with her, she pretends like she has it all together to her co-workers, when deep down she is drowning in work and her lies....when things go wrong at work, her boss makes her take a month off from work and rest. This is when peace and truth become a reality for Imogen....the side character perspectives really take off at chapter 13 and we see the truth behind these characters and we follow what the future holds for Imogen along the way...
This is a secular, Christmas read and I really enjoyed the story. She knows how to write and pull you in where you NEED to know all the things. Oh, and she meets Miles, a great guy, along the way and we see so much beauty in the ashes in their relationship and he helps her in her healing with the toxic relationship she has with her mother and the family revelations that have happened. Oh and the DOGGGG Ralph added SO much to the book. She gets her sweet pup.
I can't say too much but I just loved this book. I am definitely going to check out more of Sarah's books. It was real, raw and open. Unexpected favorite.
*Content: 2 swearwords, bats**** & I think da*n. Closed door romance, you know they have slept together but no real details about their romance bits. Toxic relationship shown between mother and daughter, specifically chapter 8 was a tough read with them.
December 3, 2024
I swear it doesn't feel like Christmas until I read a book by Sarah Morgan, and even though The Holiday Cottage isn't super heavy on the holiday piece of things, it still contains all the warmth and fuzzy feelings you want around this time of the year. I loved that this book was told from three different viewpoints and Imogen, Dorothy, and Sara each added something new to the story which is always appreciated. Words can't even begin to describe all of the various emotions I felt while reading this, and if you are a sucker for a light romance wrapped up in a family storyline, this should hit the spot.
I also happened to love the audiobook, and I thought Henrietta Meire did a superb job with all 3 POVs. Though I do prefer multiple narrators for multiple viewpoints, she was a dream to listen to and managed to perfectly embody each character. I felt so bad for Imogen who had the type of mom no person should have, and I loved that the way all three women ended up being connected brought a deeper emotional element to the book. It's not all sad though! There is a nice HEA, 2 adorable little girls, and plenty of humor along the way. Read this if you like provocative family drama, wintery settings, and picturesque villages where everyone knows everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I also happened to love the audiobook, and I thought Henrietta Meire did a superb job with all 3 POVs. Though I do prefer multiple narrators for multiple viewpoints, she was a dream to listen to and managed to perfectly embody each character. I felt so bad for Imogen who had the type of mom no person should have, and I loved that the way all three women ended up being connected brought a deeper emotional element to the book. It's not all sad though! There is a nice HEA, 2 adorable little girls, and plenty of humor along the way. Read this if you like provocative family drama, wintery settings, and picturesque villages where everyone knows everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 27, 2024
Wow this story was amazing, so so emotional but also funny , romantic. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down .
A lovely Christmasy story making you feel all warm inside .
Imogen is a hard working events organiser but keeping lots of secrets , but leading up to Imogen’s worst time of year Christmas , secrets unravel…… you will have to pick up the book to start reading as once you do you won’t stop.
A lovely Christmasy story making you feel all warm inside .
Imogen is a hard working events organiser but keeping lots of secrets , but leading up to Imogen’s worst time of year Christmas , secrets unravel…… you will have to pick up the book to start reading as once you do you won’t stop.
October 9, 2024
Second book. Second cottage. And Sarah Morgan is quickly becoming my favorite classic romance author!
Didn’t think I would enjoy it so much given it’s only October but boy was I wrong.
The Holly(day) Cottage is a soul-stirring story of estranged family being brought together right in time for Christmas. The characters are so endearing and their dynamic so quirky, adding to the charm and charisma of this can’t go wrong festive read. Even Ralph, Bailey and all the animals complete the uplifting touch!
Absolutely enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Imogen doing all the christmassy activities and get togethers in the magical atmosphere of the village - felt like I was right alongside them!
Looking for a heartwarming romantic book with spellbinding vibes that makes you long for your family and ready for Christmas? This is it!
PS. I want same silver Robin earrings as Sara for this Christmas :)
Thanking Harlequin Trade Publishing for gifting me this ARC through NetGalley for my honest review.
Didn’t think I would enjoy it so much given it’s only October but boy was I wrong.
The Holly(day) Cottage is a soul-stirring story of estranged family being brought together right in time for Christmas. The characters are so endearing and their dynamic so quirky, adding to the charm and charisma of this can’t go wrong festive read. Even Ralph, Bailey and all the animals complete the uplifting touch!
Absolutely enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Imogen doing all the christmassy activities and get togethers in the magical atmosphere of the village - felt like I was right alongside them!
Looking for a heartwarming romantic book with spellbinding vibes that makes you long for your family and ready for Christmas? This is it!
PS. I want same silver Robin earrings as Sara for this Christmas :)
Thanking Harlequin Trade Publishing for gifting me this ARC through NetGalley for my honest review.
January 5, 2025
Sarah Morgan sure knows how to write a Christmas story.
The Holiday Cottage is full of all the feels - heartbreak, forgiveness, second chances, humour, love, it brims with the hope and has that feel of festive magic to it.
I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more of Morgan's stories.
The Holiday Cottage is full of all the feels - heartbreak, forgiveness, second chances, humour, love, it brims with the hope and has that feel of festive magic to it.
I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more of Morgan's stories.
November 23, 2024
I just adore the authors books and up until now my favorite seasonal read from her was The Christmas Sisters but this may take the top spot for me now. It was SO good, it has a mix of romance, family drama, holiday festivities and second chances and I adored every single page. Parts were emotional and somewhat heavy but it was balanced by holiday activities and Christmas charm. It didn’t hurt that there were cute kids and animals too, definitely some levity for some of the heavier issues. There are bits set in London but the majority takes place in a quaint and charming village, a perfect wintery setting. I’ve been reading a ton of seasonal romances and this was one of the best I’ve read this year!
December 8, 2025
1.5
I mean… look. I don’t like Christmas books. I don’t like happy books. So this was never going to be my favourite. But when book club says this is the pick for the month… you do what you’ve gotta do.
In principle, I’m not against it as long as it’s well written. But it WASN’T. Just so so bad. The dialogue was about as believable as watching an episode of Hollyoaks. The characters were 2D, all the men were sickly sweet love-bombers. And the plot holes? On Imogen’s busy events day where it all went wrong… did she have a full day of events (page 82) or a free day with no events (page 88) the following day? On Miles and Imogen’s perfect date, did his sister know (page 322) or not know (page 314) about the date?
I get it. It’s festive, it’s fun, it’s wholesome. The word Christmas was said 3947573 times, and it was snowing like all the time. But it just made me cringe. If any of this happened in real life, I’d be having sharp words with more than one of these characters about giving their heads a wobble.
Also, Patrick is having an affair and you can’t convince me otherwise. Oh, and Ava is a brat, and I feel sorry for Iris.
I mean… look. I don’t like Christmas books. I don’t like happy books. So this was never going to be my favourite. But when book club says this is the pick for the month… you do what you’ve gotta do.
In principle, I’m not against it as long as it’s well written. But it WASN’T. Just so so bad. The dialogue was about as believable as watching an episode of Hollyoaks. The characters were 2D, all the men were sickly sweet love-bombers. And the plot holes? On Imogen’s busy events day where it all went wrong… did she have a full day of events (page 82) or a free day with no events (page 88) the following day? On Miles and Imogen’s perfect date, did his sister know (page 322) or not know (page 314) about the date?
I get it. It’s festive, it’s fun, it’s wholesome. The word Christmas was said 3947573 times, and it was snowing like all the time. But it just made me cringe. If any of this happened in real life, I’d be having sharp words with more than one of these characters about giving their heads a wobble.
Also, Patrick is having an affair and you can’t convince me otherwise. Oh, and Ava is a brat, and I feel sorry for Iris.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
4.5 stars
THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE was a sweet read that had me teary eyed more than once.
Imogen throws all her time and energy into her job. To her colleagues and boss, she fakes having this picture perfect life filled with family and a dog, but in reality she’s alone. Maybe this Christmas though, she’ll discover the joy of feeling like she truly belongs and will be surrounded by love.
While the story is centered on Imogen a few other characters are followed including the client with the cottage. This one really tugged at my heartstrings because the holidays are a rough time for so many people. Imogen didn’t have a great childhood and has always had to look out for herself. It was beautiful to see her begin to tear down those protective walls and let people in. I give the author credit for not wrapping up every single aspect in a bright shiny bow. Don’t get me wrong, the story is full of feel good moments but in one area not everything is fixable and I appreciate how it was left that way as it felt realistic.
Highly recommend if you enjoy holiday reads.
THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE was a sweet read that had me teary eyed more than once.
Imogen throws all her time and energy into her job. To her colleagues and boss, she fakes having this picture perfect life filled with family and a dog, but in reality she’s alone. Maybe this Christmas though, she’ll discover the joy of feeling like she truly belongs and will be surrounded by love.
While the story is centered on Imogen a few other characters are followed including the client with the cottage. This one really tugged at my heartstrings because the holidays are a rough time for so many people. Imogen didn’t have a great childhood and has always had to look out for herself. It was beautiful to see her begin to tear down those protective walls and let people in. I give the author credit for not wrapping up every single aspect in a bright shiny bow. Don’t get me wrong, the story is full of feel good moments but in one area not everything is fixable and I appreciate how it was left that way as it felt realistic.
Highly recommend if you enjoy holiday reads.
September 26, 2024
THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE has it all, adventure, heartbreak, great dialogue, and awesome characters. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of Sarah’s books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where they feel as if they are right there, riding along with them. My emotions were on a wild roller coaster ride from the first page until the very end. At first, I tried to read it slowly and make it last, but soon I was so caught up in everyone’s lives and business, that I was flipping the pages like a mad woman. When Dorothy confided in Imogen, I was floored. I was shocked and that’s all that I can say! What a huge secret! You have to read THE HOLIDAY COTTAGE to find out what I mean! Trust me, you won’t be sorry!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
You can read my full review at:
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
You can read my full review at:
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
December 9, 2024
Very sweet holiday read. I love the depth to Sarah Morgan’s characters and stories. They’re emotional, but the setting always makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie without the cheesiness.
I listened to this in one sitting and definitely recommend the audiobook!
I listened to this in one sitting and definitely recommend the audiobook!
October 2, 2024
A Christmas Romance with jingle bells on!
If you want a read that has everything Chrismassy in it and includes long lost families, yummy food, snow, a love story and everything else acceptable in a Crimbo book then this is definitely for you
Imogen our main character wants none of the above, she loathes Christmas and all that goes with it but she does have good reason…..but then everything changes and her life becomes the polar opposite of what she was living and she experiences Christmas as she never thought possible
It’s a pure sugar rush of book goodness and the authors ability to make you feel like getting your tree up right now and having a mince pie lasts throughout the whole book
Lovely characters ( mostly but watch out for ‘Tina’ ) and a great village setting with parts set also in London make this a big hug of a book
If you want a read that has everything Chrismassy in it and includes long lost families, yummy food, snow, a love story and everything else acceptable in a Crimbo book then this is definitely for you
Imogen our main character wants none of the above, she loathes Christmas and all that goes with it but she does have good reason…..but then everything changes and her life becomes the polar opposite of what she was living and she experiences Christmas as she never thought possible
It’s a pure sugar rush of book goodness and the authors ability to make you feel like getting your tree up right now and having a mince pie lasts throughout the whole book
Lovely characters ( mostly but watch out for ‘Tina’ ) and a great village setting with parts set also in London make this a big hug of a book
December 12, 2025
So good, finished it in 2 days. 🎄🎅🏼
December 24, 2024
so boring. I couldn’t finish this
October 28, 2024
What a cosy, feel good festive read! Beautiful setting, fabulous characters and a great storyline meant it was a tough one to put down! I’ve not read anything by this author before but I will definitely be picking up more of hers in the future!
December 29, 2024
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.
December 23, 2024
3.5★s! I love Christmas books. 🎄 I listened to the audiobook and it was the perfect read to kick off the season! The family drama held at Christmas time was set in the perfect location. Sarah has a wonderful way of setting the scenes and giving a great description.
The Holiday Cottage follows several women connected by a secret. The relationships between the women were the main focus and I liked that. I didn't give it quite 4 stars because it felt a bit off. Nothing seemed to happen till 30% of the book (or so). Then whoa, my socks were blown off! LOL! All in all, a good read that includes family drama, a cottage, animals, cute kids, a hunky vet, Christmas trees, food plus so much more to give this book the extra holiday feel.
The Holiday Cottage follows several women connected by a secret. The relationships between the women were the main focus and I liked that. I didn't give it quite 4 stars because it felt a bit off. Nothing seemed to happen till 30% of the book (or so). Then whoa, my socks were blown off! LOL! All in all, a good read that includes family drama, a cottage, animals, cute kids, a hunky vet, Christmas trees, food plus so much more to give this book the extra holiday feel.
November 16, 2025
Kerst in de Holiday Cottage
3✨
3✨
September 27, 2024
4.5 Stars
The Holiday Cottage is a complicated family drama with a side of reconciliation, romance, and Christmas cheer.
Imogen is a high achieving professional marketer and a workaholic. At work, she pretends to have a social life, to come from a loving, happy family, and to love Christmas. She makes a mistake at work that results in a paid leave of absence. Her favorite client, Dorothy, invites Imogen to stay at the guest cottage on her estate in the Cotswolds. Dorothy’s daughter, Sara, is not happy with the situation and is critical of her mother. Tension ensues. Things become complicated, and family secrets are revealed. Will Imogen be able to return to her high-power career? Can Dorothy hold the family together?
Complicated family dynamics are the most compelling part of the story, but I can’t say too much because of spoilers. I will say that Dorothy is the most relatable character in the story for me because of something that happened in my own family. A personal connection with a fictional character can turn an ordinary reading experience into something extra meaningful. So I was deeply invested in this story, the risks that Dorothy takes, and the outcome.
We might not appreciate Imogen at first, but when we fully understand her backstory, we begin to understand and care for her and her well being. Imogen, Dorothy, and Sarah are imperfect characters who are relatable and trying their best. Because this is marketed as a holiday, chick lit, romance, we can trust the genre for a HEA. The journey there for our three main characters is especially rewarding.
In addition to family drama, the author provides other thoughtful poignant themes including reconciliation, forgiveness, taking risks, and second chances. There is a small side of romance and festive Christmas moments for your enjoyment. No profanity (or if there was it was minimal and didn’t bother me). Closed-door romance.
In my reading experience, the story builds slowly and the secret unfolds gradually. I was intrigued so this didn’t bother me. The pace picks up nicely as the story progresses.
Content Consideration: abandonment, childhood neglect
The Holiday Cottage is one of my favorite women’s fiction reads of the year. I recommend it for fans of complicated family drama with a side of reconciliation, romance, and Christmas cheer.
Thanks #NetGalley @HTP_Books Canary Street Press for a complimentary e ARC of #TheHolidayCottage upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
The Holiday Cottage is a complicated family drama with a side of reconciliation, romance, and Christmas cheer.
Imogen is a high achieving professional marketer and a workaholic. At work, she pretends to have a social life, to come from a loving, happy family, and to love Christmas. She makes a mistake at work that results in a paid leave of absence. Her favorite client, Dorothy, invites Imogen to stay at the guest cottage on her estate in the Cotswolds. Dorothy’s daughter, Sara, is not happy with the situation and is critical of her mother. Tension ensues. Things become complicated, and family secrets are revealed. Will Imogen be able to return to her high-power career? Can Dorothy hold the family together?
Complicated family dynamics are the most compelling part of the story, but I can’t say too much because of spoilers. I will say that Dorothy is the most relatable character in the story for me because of something that happened in my own family. A personal connection with a fictional character can turn an ordinary reading experience into something extra meaningful. So I was deeply invested in this story, the risks that Dorothy takes, and the outcome.
We might not appreciate Imogen at first, but when we fully understand her backstory, we begin to understand and care for her and her well being. Imogen, Dorothy, and Sarah are imperfect characters who are relatable and trying their best. Because this is marketed as a holiday, chick lit, romance, we can trust the genre for a HEA. The journey there for our three main characters is especially rewarding.
In addition to family drama, the author provides other thoughtful poignant themes including reconciliation, forgiveness, taking risks, and second chances. There is a small side of romance and festive Christmas moments for your enjoyment. No profanity (or if there was it was minimal and didn’t bother me). Closed-door romance.
In my reading experience, the story builds slowly and the secret unfolds gradually. I was intrigued so this didn’t bother me. The pace picks up nicely as the story progresses.
Content Consideration: abandonment, childhood neglect
The Holiday Cottage is one of my favorite women’s fiction reads of the year. I recommend it for fans of complicated family drama with a side of reconciliation, romance, and Christmas cheer.
Thanks #NetGalley @HTP_Books Canary Street Press for a complimentary e ARC of #TheHolidayCottage upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,054 reviews