This book is everything I've come to expect from a Sarah Morgan Holiday book - cozy setting, emotional family moments, and a touch of romance! I recommend this one for anyone who loves a good holiday read like I do!

Sarah Morgan is my go-to for cozy Christmas reads. I really look forward to her release every year. She never disappoints with her holiday books, and this one was another gem.

The story follows Imogen, a marketing workaholic who's been faking Christmas cheer while secretly dreading the holidays. After a major burnout leads to a work disaster, she ends up at Holly Cottage in the Cotswolds, thanks to her client Dorothy.

I absolutely fell in love with the cozy thatched-roof cottage (can I go?) and watching Imogen slowly thaw was so satisfying. The relationship between Imogen and Dorothy added such wonderful depth, especially as both women work through their pasts. Their journey toward healing felt genuine and heartwarming without being overly sappy.

If you're looking for the perfect holiday read with equal parts coziness and emotional growth, grab this one immediately! Morgan's Christmas books are an annual tradition for me, and "The Holiday Cottage" reminded me exactly why I look forward to them every year! 🎄✨

Loved it! Such a cozy holiday read! I’ve read another book by Sarah Morgan and fell in love with her writing style. I can’t wait to read more books by her!

Having adored The Book Club Hotel, I was excited to read another Sarah Morgan novel—and The Holiday Cottage turned out to be the perfect pick for the season. Brimming with warmth, charm, and a touch of romance, this book is everything a holiday read should be.

At the heart of the story is Imogen, a high-achieving marketing professional who’s carefully built a career that dazzles from the outside. But behind the scenes, her festive cheer and stories of a happy childhood are a well-crafted illusion. With no real support system—only an unreliable mother who calls when she needs money—Imogen relies on work to fill the gaps in her life. When burnout leads to a major mistake, she’s given the one thing she dreads: time off.

Reluctantly, Imogen accepts an invitation to spend her enforced break at Holly Cottage, a picturesque guesthouse in the Cotswolds owned by her long-time client Dorothy. The cozy setting, with its thatched roof and crackling fireplace, offers more than just a quiet place to rest—it becomes the backdrop for connection, healing, and unexpected joy. But Dorothy’s offer is also deeply personal, part of her own desire to make peace with the past. Her daughter Sara, cautious and protective, worries that Imogen’s presence could disrupt the fragile balance they’ve built.

Over the course of the story, Imogen finds herself slowly embraced by the cottage, the community, an adorable dog—and even a charming local veterinarian. She begins to rediscover friendship, trust, and the possibility of love.

Morgan’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, and her characters feel real and relatable. I was rooting for Imogen from the very first page. Her journey is one of vulnerability and quiet transformation, filled with moments that are as cozy as they are emotionally resonant.

If you're looking for a Christmas story that balances heartwarming scenes with emotional depth, The Holiday Cottage is a wonderful seasonal escape. It’s about second chances, the families we find, and the healing that can happen when we least expect it.

DNF - I attempted to start this book and it just did not hold my interest. This may be a book I come back to in the future.

*The Holiday Cottage* by Sarah Morgan is the perfect read for the holiday season. Imogen’s journey of self-discovery and healing while staying at a cozy countryside cottage is both heartwarming and relatable. Morgan weaves a beautiful tale of second chances, family dynamics, and finding peace amidst chaos. While the pacing is gentle, it’s a comforting, uplifting story that truly captures the magic of Christmas and new beginnings. A lovely, feel-good novel that’s perfect for curling up with during the holidays.

In The Holiday Cottage, Sarah Morgan delivers a warm and heartfelt tale about personal growth, healing, and the power of second chances. The story centers around Imogen, a high-achieving marketing professional who, on the outside, appears to have it all together. However, her relentless work ethic and pretend family and life masks deep-seated struggles with burnout, loneliness, and unresolved trauma from her past. When she bungles an event due to her mother, she is forced to take time off from work. The silver lining in this month-long reprieve is that her client, Dorothy offers her a chance to stay at the beautiful and semi-remote Holly Cottage in the Cotswolds.

The cozy, picturesque setting of Holly Cottage plays a key role in Imogen’s journey, offering her a chance to rest, reflect, and slowly piece together the parts of herself that have been fractured over the years. Sarah Morgan’s descriptions of the cottage and its surroundings evoke a cozy sense of peace, making it the perfect backdrop for Imogen’s transformation. The gentle pace of the story is comforting, as we see Imogen open up, rediscover herself, and confront the feelings she’s kept buried for so long. This lends an authenticity to the character for me that at times felt a bit too close to home. I appreciated the rawness of Imogen and how Sarah was able to navigate through tearing her walls down so beautifully.

The character of Dorothy adds a unique layer to the narrative. She offers Imogen more than just a place to stay in that she extends kindness and the opportunity to heal, which mirrors her own journey of reconciliation with her family. Dorothy’s relationship with her daughter, Sara, adds depth to the story, highlighting themes of forgiveness, courage, and the complicated nature of family dynamics. Both women, in their own ways, are trying to repair their pasts, making this a story not just about Imogen’s growth, but also about Dorothy’s attempts to heal old wounds.

While the romantic element in *The Holiday Cottage* is subtle, it’s still a sweet part of the story, as Imogen’s connection to her surroundings and to Dorothy’s family gradually helps her open up to the idea of love and acceptance in unexpected ways. It wasn't overdone or pretentious but perfect in approach, especially given the healing dynamic that wound its way through all the characters stories.

The pacing of the book may feel slow to some readers, but the emotional payoff is well worth it. Morgan’s writing effortlessly weaves together themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the importance of human connection. Imogen’s journey from a burnt-out workaholic to someone who learns to embrace joy, family, and the meaning of Christmas is deeply satisfying and even brought tears to my eyes.

Overall, The Holiday Cottage is a lovely, cozy read perfect for fans of contemporary women’s fiction. It’s a heartwarming tale about the power of new beginnings, the healing process, and the importance of taking time for yourself. This is one I’d definitely recommend for anyone looking for a thoughtful and uplifting holiday read.

In "The Holiday Cottage," Sarah Morgan delivers a perfect holiday season read centered around Imogen, a brilliant marketing and event planning professional who excels at her work but keeps her true self hidden from colleagues. To fit in, she's fabricated an idealized life, confident no one will discover the truth behind her facade. Work consumes her entirely because it's all she has.

When her unstable mother's behavior spirals once again, Imogen becomes overwhelmed and makes a professional misstep. Recognizing her need for rest, her boss insists she take time off—disrupting Imogen's plans to work through Christmas.
With seemingly perfect timing, Imogen's favorite client, Dorothy, offers her guest cottage in the Cotswolds. Holly Cottage appears to be the idyllic retreat Imogen desperately needs.

However, Dorothy's invitation carries deeper intentions than Imogen realizes. Despite warnings from her daughter Sara that this intervention could become a significant mistake, Dorothy is determined to help Imogen. As revelations unfold, the question becomes whether this will lead to a fresh start, a second chance, or simply more trauma for Imogen.

The gradual revelation of truth—both to the reader and eventually to Imogen—creates genuine suspense about what will happen next and how Imogen will respond.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for providing a copy of "The Holiday Cottage." All opinions expressed are my own.

The holiday cottage was an absolute delight by Sarah Morgan! I read a previous novel of hers with my book club and I loved it so much that I jumped at the opportunity to read this once it was published. Imogen is a hard working marketing exec who focuses on work because she has little else. Her mother is abusive and rejects her constantly and over time she learned to just focus on work. Through the years, she's taken a few liberties in describing her family as wonderful, full and healthy, at work in order to avoid questions. She usually works through every holiday but truly burnt out - she makes a big mistakes and is forced to take a break this holiday to recoup. Her favorite client, Dorothy, offers her a cottage to recoup at in the Country and she accepts. Little do they both know, this Christmas will change both their lives and start to heal their hearts. The loving ending of this novel will always keep me recommending it. I read this book after Christmas so posted a review on good reads for all to see, I bought this book for all my friends this past Christmas and I will be posting it again on my bookstagram social page @cindystimartbooks during the pre-holiday shopping for Christmas 2025! Absolutely loved this one! Thank you for the advanced digital copy!

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.

This sweet and clean novel set at Christmas features Imogen, who longs for a family and a dog. She finds her family and dog as she spends the holidays at a cottage, and ends up celebrating a family Christmas. Readers who enjoy a Christmas novel with some twists and turns will find this a welcome addition to their collection. It is perfect for reading whilst wrapped in a woolly blanket and enjoying a warming beverage. The story is a cozy read about getting one's life back on track and discovering the real meaning of Christmas and what is important in life. Age level: teens and up.

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

***Book Review***
I adored this new holiday novel by Sarah Morgan. Mostly, I found it somewhat relatable as our main character approaches burnout, complicated family relationships, a mission to people please and no time for self care. That is until she’s forced to take time off at the holidays and finds herself, through a series of events, staying in a cozy countryside cottage for the holidays where she mends all of the above (or most anyway) or at least comes to terms with them. Through that rebuilds a life she never thought she could have. Set with an atmospheric, snowy, cozy, christmasy, English countryside cottage vibe, it’s a perfect winter read to squeeze in amongst your own holiday rush. @sarahmorganwrites

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for a free ebook copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A great Christmas read. A family drama that tugs at the heart. Magical. Get hot chocolate and a cozy fire and enjoy.

The Holiday Cottage offers a charming setting and a premise that many readers will find comforting. The cozy Cotswold cottage provides a perfect backdrop for Imogen’s journey of self-discovery, as she seeks to recover from burnout and a life lived in the shadows of her professional image. The idea of taking a forced break and rediscovering oneself is relatable, especially during the chaotic holiday season.

While the novel is enjoyable in parts, the character development is a bit uneven. Imogen’s transition from a high-strung, work-obsessed woman to someone seeking inner peace feels rushed, and at times, her character lacks depth. Similarly, Dorothy’s own redemption arc offers an interesting layer to the story but is not explored as deeply as I would have liked. The interactions between the characters, particularly Imogen and Dorothy, are heartwarming, but I never felt fully invested in their emotional journeys.

The pacing of the novel can also be a bit slow, and at times, the plot feels predictable, with certain resolutions and character revelations not carrying the emotional weight I had hoped for. That said, the setting and holiday spirit are undeniably endearing, making The Holiday Cottage an easy, cozy read perfect for fans of festive escapes.

Ultimately, this was a pleasant read but not particularly groundbreaking. If you're looking for a feel-good Christmas story with a bit of personal growth mixed in, The Holiday Cottage delivers, though it doesn’t offer as much depth as it could. A solid 3-star read.

A cozy cottage escape should be all twinkling lights and steaming mugs of cocoa, but for Imogen, it’s more of a forced exile. After a career implosion (let’s just say burnout and high-stakes marketing don’t mix), she’s sent off to the charming Holly Cottage in the Cotswolds to “rest” (aka process her life choices). But peace and quiet aren’t on the menu. Instead, she gets Dorothy, the kind but strong-willed cottage owner, and her daughter Sara, who’s got enough emotional weight to sink a sleigh. What starts as a reluctant break turns into a deep dive into family scars, second chances, and the unexpected ways people crash into our lives when we need them most.

Sarah Morgan does what she does best—creates flawed but deeply relatable characters navigating the messiness of life. Imogen’s personal arc is the emotional core here, but Dorothy steals the show with her warmth, wisdom, and ability to cut through nonsense like a holiday turkey. Sara adds an additional layer of family tension, making the book more than just a festive escape—it’s a meditation on grief, healing, and finding your way back to yourself. Yes, some story beats are predictable (if a book has “holiday” in the title, you know someone’s having a life-changing epiphany by Christmas Eve), but the emotional depth and well-drawn relationships keep it from feeling cookie-cutter.

A strong four out of five stars—"The Holiday Cottage" is equal parts heartwarming and bittersweet, with just enough holiday charm to make you crave a Cotswolds getaway of your own. It’s a slower burn (and not in the romance-y way), but if you stick with it, you’re rewarded with a story about the complicated, beautiful mess of family, loss, and moving forward. Plus, if you love a book that makes you want to call your mom (or at least send a text), this one’s got you covered.

I read The Summer Swap last year as my first Sarah Morgan novel and loved it! I was expecting a basic beach read, but it exceeded my expectations with a more complex, heartwarming storyline and compelling characters of different generations. As such, I was excited to see that the author was releasing a Christmas novel, and snagged it at the first opportunity.

Unfortunately, this was a major letdown. If I did not receive it as an ARC, I would not have even finished it. I actually went back and double checked that this was, indeed, the same author of The Summer Swap. I see that this book has many positive reviews and is rated over 4 stars, so I'm not sure what the disconnect is, but it just did not work for me. I never became invested in the characters and found many of the plot points to be unbelievable, unfortunately.

Just a cozy little holiday romp. Loved the emphasis on friendship and found family, and there was even some great plot twists! I like a holiday novel where not everything is perfect and this fit the bill.

The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan is a delightful and heartwarming novel that explores love, family, and new beginnings. Set in a picturesque coastal town, the story follows a woman named Olivia, who escapes to a charming holiday cottage after facing personal struggles. There, she reconnects with her family and discovers the importance of embracing change and taking risks in life and love. Morgan’s writing is filled with warmth, relatable characters, and emotional depth, making this an uplifting and feel-good read for fans of heartwarming romances and family stories.

A cozy, English romance is a winter reading staple and this one nears the top of my list. For those of us always chasing the sweet romance with a lot of depth and heart, just like The Holiday, this book is a must read.

Sarah Morgan delivers yet another charming and emotionally uplifting novel with The Holiday Cottage, a story filled with friendship, self-discovery, and the magic of the season. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Jojo Moyes, this book is a cozy and heartfelt escape into the beauty of the Cotswolds at Christmas.

💖 Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Imogen’s Journey to Healing – A career-driven marketing executive, Imogen has spent years burying her past and distracting herself with work. But when burnout forces her to take time off, she’s given a chance to slow down, reflect, and finally prioritize her own happiness.
✔ Dorothy’s Redemption Arc – An older woman with a past she regrets, Dorothy opens her home (and heart) to Imogen, hoping for a second chance at mending old wounds and reconnecting with family. Her relationship with her daughter, Sara, adds a touching depth to the story.
✔ The Enchanting Setting – Holly Cottage in the Cotswolds is the ultimate winter retreat—a cozy, festive haven with twinkling lights, warm fires, and an air of nostalgia. The perfect backdrop for healing and fresh starts.
✔ Strong Female Friendships & Found Family – The novel beautifully explores how the people who step into our lives can become the family we choose, making this a story that will resonate deeply.
✔ A Christmas Story That’s More Than Just Romance – While there are sweet romantic elements, the focus remains on self-discovery, personal growth, and the power of human connection.

Morgan’s storytelling is rich with emotion and warmth, making The Holiday Cottage a perfect holiday read. Whether you love Hallmark-worthy Christmas tales, stories about strong women, or books that make you feel all the festive joy, this one belongs on your TBR!