The Cottage on Christmas Gardens

by Holly Martin

Coming Soon

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Chick Lit

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

About the author

Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.

Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.

Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor

Reviews

[Lisa Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Gardens is such a lovely place.
Quinn is just what you would imagine a perfect man to be like. How he had as much patience as he did with Alex, I do not know. Her to'ing and fro'ing got a little annoying at times.
This was a nice cosy story to curl up with.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve struggled to write a review for this one, so I’ve decided to approach it a little differently and rate it on how it made me feel instead.

This book is the epitome of Christmas. It has snow, it has hot chocolate, it has Santa’s cottage and it has romance. It is cheesy? Yes. Is it predictable? Yes. Did it make me feel good? For sure.

[Claire K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little Christmas story that helped me get out of my reading slump 🥰

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I loved being here in Christmas gardens , such a lovely book and adorable characters. A lovely Christmas story.😄. Brilliant

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a treat to be able to dive into a new festive Holly Martin book, and this lived up to my expectations and even more.

I hadn't even paid any attention to the blurb, or anything, so was pleasantly surprised to see it was set in Lovegrove Bay, and is the second book in this series, given how much I had enjoyed the previous book earlier in the year.

Not to worry though this can easily be read as a standalone novel.

And omg Quinn is just heart meltingly fabulous, I fell for him so fast, and just really hoped that he and Alex would manage to get together. But it's a bit of a complicated situation, and not everyone feels the same way as I do about a potential coupling between them both.

Alex's back story was intriguing and I really did feel for her, and daughter Zara. Zara is one incredibly smart child, and thankfully still believes in the magic of Christmas.

Lovegrove Bay has a bit of a mystery, with a mysterious bauble gifter. These baubles keep appearing all over the town and seem to be found by people that have a connection to the design on it. They sounded fabulous and although I was fairly sure I knew who it was, I still enjoyed the mystery of St Nick. Especially once they start messaging Alex and giving her clues, as she is trying to unmask them privately at least.

This is a story that is just full of festive feels and gorgeously romantic moments, so everything i would anticipate from a Holly Martin story. And this just was a lovely easy to read book, the I devoured. I loved every moment from it, another total triumph from this author.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This festive read has all the ingredients for a lovely Christmas read. From Santa’s cottage on Christmas Gardens to snow and hot chocolate, it is such a warm hug in a mug! Alex is a young widow with complicated feelings around her deceased husband and members of his family. Her number one focus is her daughter Zara whose shrewd observations add humour and raise a smile. The community are getting ready for Christmas and although some inhabitants are unkind at times, the majority are supportive and protective of Alex and her family.
Alex is set on tracking down the mysterious St Nick who is leaving hand painted baubles around the village which show a knowledge of individuals. There is plenty of romance in the air and most exciting of all, a range of characters who may go on to star in their own stories in subsequent stories.
In short: perfect festive reading
Thanks to the publisher

[Kelly Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Holly Martin Christmas book is one of my favourites and this one lived up to all expectations; lovable characters, festive fun, a beautiful setting and romance, what more could we need. And let’s take a moment for the cover, perfect. We are returning to Lovegrove Bay in this book, but don’t worry it could easily be read as a standalone.

Alex’s main focus since her husband died has been raising their daughter, Zara, which she has done with the support of Quinn since meeting him. As her husband’s brother though it feels inappropriate to have fallen for him and Alex is sure that Quinn doesn’t feel the same way. As Alex tries to open up to the possibility of falling in love again, will Quinn be the one to break the barrier with some festive magic in the air.

As with Holly Martin’s books this is focused on some lovable characters, Alex, Quinn and Zara. Alex has had her struggles and has faced them and you feel that it is now time for someone to treat her as she deserves. Quinn has stepped up after discovering his dead brothers wife and daughter and has been there for them ever since. As the reader you can see that there is chemistry between the two from the start and I couldn’t wait to see how their story unfolded.

This book is a cosy read, full of festive cheer and topped with romance. Perfect for this time of year so grab yourself a hot chocolate and a blanket and curl up with this festive romance.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a few go to authors for me at Christmas time and Holly is on that list! Holly knows how to create the perfect reciepe for a Christmas romcom and this one is no exception.

If you need a little something to help with your Christmas spirit this year then pick this up today. Full of romance, decorations, hot chocolate and a little Christmas mystery.

I adored Quinn and Alex from the first moment they appeared on the page. Holly does a great job of navigating some delicate issues in this story.

I'm also excited about Holly's new series the Wild brothers, some of these have been introduced in this book and I can't wait for their stories!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cozy, sweet Christmas read! Quinn was the epitome of the perfect man! So thoughtful, respectful, caring and beautiful, inside and out. His patience with Alex was overwhelmingly strong, though I did not like her to’ing and fro’ing I could understand her hang ups. I’m glad she got over it relatively quickly though because I do not have Quinn’s patience! Zara was adorable and oh so smart! I loved getting to know Immy and I look forward to reading her story. I adore these cottages and villages that Holly writes about! They are always such a great escape!

[Mellie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

Her husband died four years ago after driving drunk. They had had a big fight before he took off and she blamed herself for his death
Since then she had been attracted to his brother, but felt awkward. He was everything she could ask for. But could she put her guilt aside and open her heart once again?

[Heather Swainston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one didn't seem to follow the exact same pattern, mainly because they had teething issues throughout.
But it was really nice to read a slightly different format (no huge fallout).

I loved the Christmas setting and had a really clear picture in my head of the scene. Wonderful story.

[Selina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful feel good Christmas story

Holly Martin has done it again! Such a lovely feel good romance. Reading this makes me want to curl up in front of a fire with a big mug of cocoa!

[Steph Barton-Beattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a nice heartwarming book to read at this time of the year. Can wait for her follow up one to come out

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming read which gave me all the festive feels.

[Karin S Openshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Cottage on Christmas Gardens” by Holly Martin this was a fantastic story I enjoyed every minute of it.

[Valerie J. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good story...very enjoyable for the Christmas season!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely festive story.

[Jackie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story n characters

[Julie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Another fabulous read by Holly Martin, Loved reading about Alex, Quinn and Zara. I never want the book to end, I read it twice.

[Esha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, festive read with cosy vibes and small-town charm. Predictable at times, but comforting and easy to enjoy, especially if you’re in the mood for light holiday romance.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me allll of the Christmas feels. So heartwarming