A brilliantly written book that immediately transports the reader to the canalside and the riverboats. What a great storyline for the Santa rides. A great list of characters, each with their own stories entwined in each others lives. A truly adorable book that doesn't have to be read at Christmas.

I absolutely adored this book, the descriptions, the locations, the characters and the plot. I  as a reader was drawn completely into the story
Immi , Gray, grandad Tollie and the community that surrounds them along with canal life made for a heartwarming Christmas or winter read! 
It was full of love, family, traditions and community.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Lucy for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Wow the scenery and homes and people in this book are described so well.

I think the lock keepers cottage sound so wonderful. Having lived on a canal boat when I was younger with my mum, step dad and sister I can really imagine this like I was there. I can see the appeal of living this life and would love to own a little cottage by the canal. 

I love the community and family feel between the residents, especially Tollie and Immie, they have such a special bond. Poor Immie not having know her mother and her father passing away, but she seems to take everything in her stride with the strength of her community behind her.

It's really lovely that Immie encourages Valerie to join in with the community as she lives a little way out. However, it's difficult to imagine the news she shares at the end of the book.

The Christmas day debarkle with the weather is really exciting, you find yourself getting a bit stressed just as Immie does, but then again would it be Christmas Dinner if someone wasn't a little bit stressed out.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was real and heart-warming.

I really loved the relationship between Gray and Immie, he clearly loves his mum having looked after her but he also loves Immie and I like this part of the book because it's honest, life doesn't always go the way you plan and it can still be just as wonderful in the end. We all have ups and downs and this is shown in this novel.

A lovely Christmas read with beautifully written characters. The plotline was wonderfully written and caused for a lot of fun and entertainment. A great escape all year round.

A gentle story which was on the whole enjoyable. Set a Christmas-time which always adds an extra layer of magic ... and add in some snow and I’m usually hooked. 
However, I did find myself getting a little bored by this story - I admit I did flip forward a few pages at times in the hope that something would eventually happen, and it did ... but it did way into the book so for most of it it felt like not a great deal happened. 
A little like a narrow boat journey on the canal - pretty scenery but moving slowly & sedately and rarely any change of pace. 
As I said at the beginning, an enjoyable Christmas read, just perhaps a little too sedate for me.

I know some readers don't like to read Christmas books except for at Christmas time, but I personally can read Christmas books all year long and wish we had more throughout they year! Lucy Coleman delivers a great family Christmas read with Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage. 

Immi Tolliman is a young lady that has had a rough life. Her mother abandoned her and they her father ended up dying when she was 14 years old. Immi was sent to live with her grandfather, Tollie in Aysbury. As you can imagine, Immi was not a very happy teen and actually ended up scaring away some of the people that actually cared about her. As Immi gets older and matures more, she is able to recover some of those relationships. The whole town of Aysbury is like one huge family that takes care of each other. 

When Immi meets Gray, it is an immediate connection for them. Gray is a music composer and has moved back home to help his mom that has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Gray and Immi have a lot in common because Gray was abandoned by his father when he was young. Gray can't bear the thought of leaving him mom alone while she is fighting her cancer so he stays with her. There are many other side characters that we get to spend some time with during this story as well. This is a great story of people taking the leap to make things right after they have been wronged. I think that you will enjoy reading this one and it definitely gives you that warm Christmas feeling! 

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book.

First thoughts - I really struggled to get into this book.  Which I was surprised at, as the characters are all beautifully fleshed out, the description is brilliant at the story and the setting were all spot on.

Then I realised what my issue was - the plot wasn't the norm. For about 2/3 of the book not a lot happens in terms of a festive problem that needs solving. It just sort of bobs along in a happy Christmassy bubble.  Which is perfectly fine, if that's what you're after. I just felt like I was reading a lovely little story and that nothing was actually happening to keep my attention hooked.

However, at the end of the book had everything that I wanted from this book.

I just really struggled to get into it and it felt that I had to really persevere to get to the ending.

This is my first festive read of this year and once I got started I just could not put it down. 
Take a trip to the Cotswolds for the perfect Christmas.
Imogen Tolliman loves living in Aysbury. She had a difficult childhood which saw her lose both of her parents and her grandmother leaving her to live with her grandfather in the Cotswold village. Aysbury is a safe haven for Immi and a place she feels like she always belongs. 
Immi Loves being part of the community in Aysbury with its Marina, pub and picturesque setting. She enjoys taking part in many of events that take place but her favourite has to be The Santa Ahoy special that her grandfather, Tollie runs. This is a festive boat ride that travels along the canal and keeps children and parent returning for a festive treat year after year.
Immi is in a relationship with the lovely Gray Adams. The two of them have been together for  a while but after Gray recieved news that his mother was ill, their relationship has mainly meant spending weekends together. With Grays mother finally on the mend the two of them begin to plan a future together and this is going to be the best Christmas ever. 
Christmas goes into full swing in Aysbury and all of the community are busy making this another amazing year. The Santa Ahoy Cruises are doing well and they have even launched a new festive beer in the local brewery. Immi has planned to have Christmas dinner at Lock Keepers cottage and is keen to invite everyone to make it so special. 
With Christmas fast approaching things unfortunately begin to fall apart with the predicted snow showers becoming blizzards and secrets becoming revealed that could turn Immi's life upside down. Christmas is looking like it will be one they will never forget but for al the wrong reasons. 
Can the community of Aysbury all pull together and save Christmas and will the secrets revealed change Immi's life forever. 
One things for sure this will not be a quiet Christmas. 
This is such a wonderful read that will really get you into the mood for Christmas. 
The setting of the book in the Cotswolds sounds simply Devine and the perfect place for a spot of romance too. 
I really enjoy the writing style of Lucy Coleman. I found the book to be engaging throughout and thought the surprise plot twist was a great addition to the story. 
Immi is the main character within the story and its clear from the very beginning just how kind and warm hearted she is. She is always putting others before herself which does leave her to having more people round for dinner than she expected.  She also strikes up a very unlikely friendship with Mrs Price who we all get to know more as the story progresses. 
Gray is so obviously in love with Immi and that comes out through the story. The difficulties he has with his mother being ill and needing him do hamper his life with Immi but maybe the plan they have will make them both happier. 
The community the surrounds Immi and her grandfather sound wonderful and it is great just how much they can all bring together and support each other. 
Lucy Coleman has dome it again with another truly heartwarming and uplifting read full of love, romance, family, traditions and of course Christmas.

OK, so I read this WAY before it could really be called time to dive into the Christmas books. However, it was a lovely story. Community pulling toether, hearts and lives being healed - a recipe for a hearm-warming and relaxing read.

This was an enjoyable enough Christmas read, although not a lot really happened if I'm honest. The first 15% or so of the book was enjoyable as the scene was set and we were introduced to the major characters as well as the minor ones, but after this the story was a little flat for me. There was a lot of in-depth descriptions of what Immi was doing, like when she was decorating or cooking and it just felt unnecessary and seemed to make the book drag out. 

That being said, I did love the setting and I could imagine how lovely it would be to spend Christmas in such a lovely place. I loved the sense of community in the small town and how everybody pulled together in a crisis with everyone having time for each other. It gave a real sense of togetherness which is what Christmas is all about in my eyes. I also adored the charity cruises along the canal with Father Christmas, I know I would have found that magical as a child and this was a nice touch to the story, further highlighting the true community spirit of the locals.

I was a little disappointed in this book, as I'd read another Christmas book by the same Author which I really enjoyed and this one just didn't really do it for me I suppose. It is a lovely Christmas story though, and I definitely didn't hate it, I just wish there had been a bit more drama throughout the book rather than all happening towards the end.

Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage by Lucy Coleman was a great festive book that lifted my spirits in these difficult times. I loved the whole community living and helping each other out, bringing Christmas cheer to adults and children alike. This book definitely made me start to feel all Christmassy.

I absolutely adored this book! The storyline was beautifully plotted and perfectly captured the festive spirit, and the characters were all so lovable with their own unique stories that intertwined them all. 
The relationship between Immi and Gray was perfection. The ways in which they pulled together through the highs and lows really did make my heart happy....and it was impossible to not fall a little bit in love with Gray myself!. 

The perfect festive read, I would recommend this book to everyone!.

I thought that this was a gorgeously heartfelt book that was written with love, feelings and a warm sentiments.

It had a great storyline that I found to be uplifting and addictive, it gave me a genuine smile when I was turning the pages. The writing was lovely, the characters were well developed and I warmed to them right from the start and this was a simply delightful story.

No hesitation in giving this one 5 stars - definitely a book I would very highly recommend!!

Wonderful heartwarming story. Good strong characters and a nice storyline. Lovely easy reading, great for getting into the Christmas spirit.

"Christmas at Lock-Keeper's Cottage" will certainly encourage readers to join in the holiday spirit! This clean read of friendship, family, love, and laughter begins aboard the Santa Ahoy narrowboat, and continues on through a surprising Christmas Day. The strength of this book lies in its creative portrayal of celebrations among friends and portrays the spirit of giving.  I felt as if the characters were my friends, and I would have liked to be part of their jolly group. The style, setting, and characters reminded me of novels by my favorite author, "Miss Read," Dora Jessie Saint. Although the story may seem to get off to a slow start as the characters are introduced, I encourage readers to continue, as the story is worth the wait. My one complaint about this novel was the disappointing ending, which seemed completely out of sync with the joy of the Christmas story. It seemed quite confusing and convoluted, as a tacked on afterthought. I wish the story had ended at Christmas. Maybe an epistolary finish could have explained the backstory more effectively.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

my first by this author and what made me wang=t to read this was the lock keepers description and title of the book as i love being by the water even if thats a canal.

 This was a great story about the folk that live in the in the fictional village of Aysbury during a Christmas that does not completely go as planned, then again what christmas goes to plan?  I loved her relationship she had with her Grandfather Tollie and she had a great community surrounding her. 
The friendship that grows between Immi and Valerie was lovely, and the sense of Christmas spirit really brought them together. The romantic connection between Immi and Gray is solid and connected from the start, and I thought their official engagement was perfect, surrounded by their friends and family. In a way I would have liked more of their story, but I don’t mean that as a negative, I think that is the sign of a good story, I found myself completely immersed in the story.

It was an idylic location, great community support throughout the whole story, a white christmas and everything just felt so right reading this., It had the right amount of happy xmas feel to it. 

I loved it. 
Thanks to netgalley and the pub;ishers for this book.

Wonderful, feel-good festive fare!

Imogen Tollieman is grateful to her grandfather, Tollie, for caring  for her when her parents couldn't. She has grown up a lot in the intervening years and is now on the cusp of her relationship with Gray stepping up a gear. Christmas is coming and that means the community pulling together to put on the festive boat rides known locally as Santa Ahoy. With plans being made for a wonderful Christmas together, Immi and Gray are striving to make their dreams come true but will a dramatic snowfall put a spanner in the works?

Written with Lucy Coleman's warm empathy and understanding, this is a beautiful festive read - and one which doesn't gloss over the hard work it takes to do it all before the big day. Alongside some realistic situations there is plenty of fun and laughter and plenty of Christmas spirit - and not all the alcoholic kind! This book will prepare you for Christmas as it usually turns out, warts and all - why do we all aim for perfection? Skilfully created this story just oozes warmth and is exactly what I expected from this author - a finely tuned, beautifully written novel which will appeal across the board. I just wanted more! 4.5* and a definite recommendation that you read this one pre-Christmas day!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

A lovely supportive community, with homes alongside a canal and marina is the setting for most of this story. Imogen Tolliman went to live with her grandfather, Tollie, after the death of her father in an accident. Her mother had left them when she was only a few months old and Imogen has no memories of her. In the story we join Immi and Tollie as they prepare for the Christmas festivities – which include Immi being an elf and Tollie being Santa on canal boat rides.

Get ready to meet the rest of this close knit community, including Immi’s boyfriend, Gray, though he’s not there for most of the week as he’s caring for his Mum. As the two try to plan their future, there are changes in jobs, people to get to know, new romances and lots and lots of snow to thwart so many plans! It is a story of a community, of people helping each other, working together and Christmas. There are plenty of secrets to be revealed as the story progresses and I suspect there must be a sequel to this as there are so many loose ends still to be resolved. The story has some great characters, a lovely setting and surprises, too. I really hope there will be a sequel or two to come!

Thank you to the publishers for my copy of this book which I voluntarily read and have honestly reviewed.

If you're looking for a light, undemanding read, this fits the bill. There isn't a lot of action for most of the story. The pace is slow. There is a little angst over Immi and Gray's long-distance relationship, but I couldn't help feeling this was forced and could have been sorted out sooner. Then Christmas comes along and the heavy snowfall, which meant that roads became impassable and so Immi had extra guests to stay. Would she have enough food? This was the level of angst for much of the story. Quite a bit of time was spent describing everyone's meals. But that aside, there is one major twist which comes towards the end and is typically rushed. This should have come sooner in the story. Well done to the author - I didn't see this twist coming.

I found the introduction a bit off-putting. We were introduced to a lot of characters and given a lot of information regarding the charity cruises. It was too much all at once.

The setting was well-described, and the Christmas part of the story was suitably festive. There was a strong sense of community. I did enjoy the book more as the story progressed. 

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Santa,

Thank you so much for the early Christmas present you sent in the form of this lovely novel, Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage, by Lucy Coleman. This story hit all my favorite holiday buttons: a plausible romance, a cozy setting near the water, a beloved older relative, a bit of family drama, and a weather disaster.

And it even opened with a letter to you!

Santa, I really loved the main character of Immi – Imogen. She was so realistically written with such a big heart but without being at all naive. Her  partner, Gray, was also a wonderfully dimensional creation. Tollie, Fisher, the innkeepers, and all the other townsfolk felt like the kind of people you really would run into in a cafe or a pub, serve on committees with, and interact with in any number of ordinary ways. So vibrant a picture did author Coleman draw, that I wanted to step into the book, and be a part of the festivities.

I’m a sucker for a good Christmas story, and this novel is a great story for the season, with a narrowboat tricked out for the holiday, and little kids getting to sail with Santa Claus, but this was hardly Hallmark fare. Rather, it was a compelling parallel drama – Immi looking for truths about her mother, and Gray facing truths about his father – that were made all the more compelling because of the time of year, and festive background.

If you want a holiday romance with adult characters who feel like real people, one with a bit more depth than the usual Christmas fluff, this novel, Christmas at Lock Keep Cottage – should be the first thing on everyone’s list, Santa.

It would go well with a locally brewed beer and and a hearty stew or chili.

Thanks again for putting this novel on my radar, Santa. Looking forward to seeing you this December.

Don’t forget my pony.