The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan was compelling, and I absolutely loved it. It wasn't easy, as it waded through numerous difficult issues, but the outcome in a Christmas Cotswolds setting was heartwarmingly satisfying. I recommend it highly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A slow burn family saga of painful past choices, toxic relationships/boundaries, forgiveness, hope, Christmas-time, & the most adorable dog, Ralph. I appreciated the many examples of productive & healthy conversations between adults who genuinely are good, caring individuals. I expected more tension, but this seemed to be more about creating new healthy relationships of trust and shared experiences. In the end it felt like a delightful read.
Thank you #NetGalley for the e-book!

I want to start this review by thanking Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and Sarah Morgan for gifting me with a digital copy of The Holiday Cottage in return for an honest review. I am so happy to say that I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. Honestly, I did not want it to end. The cover is what drew me to the book in the first place because it is so Cozy and Christmasy-looking that I could not help myself. Besides, I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them very much.

This book held my attention because it is not your typical Christmas fluffy story. I want to be clear: I am not slamming those types of stories because I love them as well. However, this story had some pretty heavy-hitting things, and I think that the author did a great job with them. I was interested throughout the whole story, and I was so curious about Dorothy and her daughter Sara’s mysterious past. In this story, we are following a young woman named Imogen whose life consists mainly of work. She has no social life to speak of, and her mother is truly a piece of work. I think Tina (Imogen’s mom) is probably one of the most selfish people I have read about in a long time. Imogen has a job that she loves and one that she is good at. Which I suppose makes sense since she does not have a life outside of work. Everyone loves her at work, from her boss to co-workers and her clients. They, however, do not know that Imogen is not who she says she is. In fact, it is rare that she shares anything true about herself with anyone. Imogen fears what would happen if people knew her real self. Imogen likes to keep her personal life to herself, so that is precisely what she does by spinning tales about her family and childhood. It appears to the outside world that Imogen has the perfect life. All things must fall apart eventually, though, right?

Imogen is a bit of a workaholic, and it isn’t long before something happens in her world, making her drop the ball on some of her clients. Her boss forces her to take the month of December off, and Imogen isn’t thrilled about it. She is terrified of not having her work to help her get through the holidays. Little does Imogen know that this forced time off could change her life in ways that she could never imagine. Imogen’s favorite client, Dorothy, hears about her forced time off and offers Imogen a chance to stay at her cottage in the Cotswolds over the Christmas Season. She is hesitant at first but quickly decides it might be a good idea because she could get away from her lonely London basement apartment.

Holly Cottage is the perfect place for couples and influencers alike to enjoy themselves and take great photographs. The cottage looks so cute and cozy that Imogen can not believe her luck. Dorothy is allowing her to stay in her extra home, which is typically a rented vacation home. The thing that Imogen does not know is that Dorothy has a reason behind her generous offer, and it does not take long to find out what it is. You see, Dorothy blames herself for something that happened years ago, and she is hoping that this offer will give her some solace from the past. The past that Sara, Dorothy’s daughter, tries very hard to escape from and a past that Dorothy is devastated by.

Sarah Morgan did a fantastic job of weaving these characters’ lives together. The way she described the setting made me feel all cozy and long for my own Christmas Tree while still being in summer. Her descriptions of the village with the Christmas Markets made me want to travel to England this Christmas. I found the characters to be interesting, and they made me feel for them emotionally. If you love a story about strong individuals, finding oneself, family, friendships, coming together, drama, cozy settings, romance, and Christmas with all kinds of animals, then I think you will love this story. In my opinion, Sarah Morgan knocked it out of the park with this Christmas story, and I am happy to say it will be one I will be gifting this year.

Trigger Warnings:

Emotional Child Abuse

Neglect

Excessive Drinking

Loneliness

Mentions of Strokes

Death of a Parent

Dysfunctional Family (involving a rebellious child)

The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan was a wonderful heartwarming modern Christmas story. We meet Imogen, who is very successful and happy in her marketing job; as she devotes all of her time to her job and clients. Privately everything she reveals to her co-workers are in actuality illusions; such having, a boyfriend, family, and a dog. Imogen had a terrible childhood, with a mother, Tina, who wanted nothing to do with her daughter, other than giving her money. When Imogen is called to the hospital to visit her mother, she is late to a work-related project; which leads to her boss telling her she is burnt out, and needs to take a break for month away from her job.

Dorothy is one of Imogen’s favorite clients, and when she learns that Imogen is taking a break, she offers her to come to Cotswolds, and stay at her picturesque guest Holly Cottage for the month, which is close to Dorothy’s house. Imogen accepts the invitation, where she will spend the Christmas holidays at the cottage. Dorothy seeks her own redemption of her past, which will also change Imogen’s life forever. Dorothy’s daughter Sara, who lives close by, with two children and her husband; as she fears that the secrets of the past, could cause a crumbling effect, if truths are revealed.

Imogene is thrilled to be able to stay at the cottage during the holiday season, and when she meets Dorothy’s family at the house, she accidently sees photos of her mother, and Dorothy’s family. Imogene is shocked, and leaves the house, planning to go home; but when she slips in the snow, she is rescued by Miles and his dog. Imogen will learn from Miles many of the truths from the past, which make her willing have Miles and the dog help her go back to the cottage, where Sara and Dorothy find her. As both Sara and Dorothy open their hearts revealing how they loved her, before Tina took her away.

Slowly, Imogene learns the truths, and together Imogen, Sara and Dorothy will forge a bond, that brings them together, as a family. Imogen realizes that her mother, was evil, and took away the family she never knew she had. Her relationship with Miles also changes things, as they both will find love; not to mention the wonderful addition of the dog.

The Holiday Cottage was a wonderful heartwarming story of family, friendship, hope, love, and discovering to cherish to their new found bond that will enrich their lives. The Holiday Cottage is so very well written by Sarah Morgan. This was a captivating story filled with many emotions along the way. I suggest you read The Holiday Cottage.

The bones of this story are really good. Career-driven Imogen is raised by a mom who was absent at best, emotionally abusive at worst. When she's reconnected with a family she didn't know much about—and had been fed lies about—she has a second chance at family.

However, this book was so oddly paced. We spent 1/3 of the book focusing on career, about two pages for the Big Reveal that should have had quite a bit more tension, an obsession with a dog (this was serious overkill) and then an abrupt ending without a resolution to a very big plot line. Holiday spirit, yes. Recommended reading, no.

Such a cute Christmas story! I loved seeing how it all came together, I will definitely be recommending this to anyone looking for a cute holiday read about a woman finding her path and a dash of romance sprinkled on top.

I love Sarah Morgan’s books & this one is no different! Honestly, this book could be a Hallmark movie! It wasn’t the best Christmas book or Sarah Morgan book I’ve ever read, but it was still a cute, quick, holiday read!

This book follows 3 POVs: Imogen, Dorothy & Sara. Imogen is a workaholic with a mom who doesn’t really want to be her mom. Dorothy is a mom, grandma & business woman who lives in a small village & is all about family! She is also a client of Imogen’s. Sara is Dorothy’s daughter who is a mom, works for the family business & also lives in the small village & loves her town & family.

The Holiday Cottage is a cute book for the holidays! You can definitely snuggle up with this book & listen to some Christmas music! This book has some family drama, a small town, found family, a little romance, & some twists!

I always love how Sarah Morgan ties the POVs together! I think that is one of my favorite things about her books. Would definitely recommend for a quick holiday read that definitely gives Hallmark movie vibes!

I am a Christmas fanatic and this was the perfect read to get me in the mood even though it isn't December yet. This will definitely be one I go back to in future years for that wholesome Christmas vibe. With that said, that doesn't mean there isn't a good mix of angst throughout this story line which definitely kept me hooked!

Imogen has always had to fend for herself and hasn't had any family except for her mother, who never really wanted her. She overworks herself to keep busy but eventually it becomes to much. Enter Dorothy, her client who has become a close friend to her and offers her the Holly Cottage to escape while Imogen is told to take a month off of work. Dorothy and her family are so kind and giving, even when some of their intentions are based on them trying to see redemption for mistakes they have made in the past. The quaint little town Holly Cottage is set in is the perfect Christmas scene and just what Imogen needed. But she didn't expect to gain as much as she did from staying in this cottage.

This story was full of heartwarming moments and leads you on a path of self discovery and the ultimate found family trope. I kept trying to guess what the big twist was going to be and I was definitely shocked. I loved how Dorothy was able to give Imogen a family after so long and how open Imogen was to changing things so that she could fully enjoy life. She and Miles were and adorable match and I am obsessed with them. If I could jump in a book to visit a Christmas town I would definitely do it here! Christmas tree farms, holiday school plays, ice skating, a town that is decked out in everything Christmas, quaint bakeries/shops, beautiful snowy views? I could go on and on, this book was just overall everything I could ask for in a Christmas story!

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!

Immy's life has been less than ideal, with her mother (who has issues) being her only family and a fake-life that she makes up to fit in at work. She works hard, she works a lot, and she does her best to carve out the life she dreams of having. One of her clients, Dorothy, has a secret and is working on sharing it with Immy, but like most secrets, it comes out in an unexpected way. I feel like this book could really have been set at any time of the year, as the holidays were more of an afterthought to it or a setting, but it's still a good story. I would love to see a follow up that gives Immy some resolution to the ghosts she has been carrying far too long.

Another lovely book from Sarah Morgan! Although this is a Christmas story, it is deeper than that. I loved the character development and sense of place, and I feel sure our patrons will enjoy this one!

I have probably only a bit more than handful of authors I truly love and will read their next book without hesitation and Sarah Morgan is one of them! She is absolutely amazing and any book is a winner by her! Only please do more of your pastel covers. I love them next to each other looking gorgeous!

I unfortunately "DNF"d this book. Whereas Sarah's other books have grabbed me from the start, this one took about 44% until I realized it wasn't the story for me. I am quite bummed as Sarah has been an auto-buy author for me, but this story wasn't as captivating. Thank you so much for the opportunity to rate and review.

The Holiday Cottage was such a delightful, cozy holiday read. I was completely sweapt away to the Cotwolds in this very enjoyable book with a twist. It may have been early September that I read this but it certainly put me in the mood for Christmas.

Imogen is completely alone but that's fine, she's fine, why wouldn't she be. So she works way more than anyone in the company, she has a fake dog and oh yeah, her mother wishes she was never born.

When she gets invited by a client to stay at Holly Cottage after a forced leave from work she jumps at the chance not knowing that in a turn of events her life as she knows it will be completely changed.

This book was such a lovely read. My only wish was that it was read on a snowy winters day with a fuzzy blanket and hot chocolate in hand.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Holly Cottage changes Imogen's life- and Dorothy's. Imogen finds herself on an enforced time out from work and time at the cottage was only meant to be a vacation of sorts but it turns out to be much more. And Dorothy is more than just a client. There are secrets and lies (some of which you might see coming), a bit of romance, and some nice atmospherics of Christmas in the Cotswalds. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. It's an easy read that will make you smile.

Imogen is a workaholic who has no life and no family, but her co-workers wouldn’t know that. To her co-workers she has a family in the county, a boyfriend and a dog named Midas – all completely made up to fit in. The only family she has is a mother who knew wanted to be a mother, only calls her when she needs money and led her to believe her family abandoned them when she was pregnant. After another one of her alcoholic mother’s accidents lands her in the hospital and she misses events from work she expects to be fired but instead her boss makes her take a month off from work – during Christmas. Her favorite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend the time in a cottage at her home in Cotswold. Turns out Dorothy is not only her favorite client – she’s her grandmother. Told her the pov of Imogene, Dorothy and her Aunt, Sara, Imogen experiences the Christmas and family she’s always wanted. What Christmas book out be complete without love, brought to you by the local vet, Miles and dog he takes in, Ralph.

Side note not shared on social - The book was ok, but felt more like just pushing out another Christmas book during this season. The title being Holiday Cottage over Holly Cottage? What happened at the Christmas play? Her mother Tina just disappears, no confrontation? How does it work out with Imogen/Miles when she still works in London? I guess I would have liked a follow chapter a year later with how it worked out.

I was excited for another holiday book, but this one was a bit slow until around halfway then there is a twist that is unexpected. If you can make it through the first half it may be worth it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

I loved this different plot line. It wasn't typical of the Romance genre. I love Christmas romances and this one didn't disappoint.

The Holiday Cottage, by Sarah Morgan, is an enjoyable read. Imogen, a marketing expert, devotes her entire life to her clients and job. She tries to disguise her workaholism by inventing a fake personal life- including a family and a dog. When a crisis takes place with her real family- her dysfunctional mother- everything comes crashing down around Imogen. After being forced by her manager to take a month of vacation, Imogen ends up accepting the invite from her favorite client, Dorothy, who offers her cabin in the Cotswolds for the holidays. There, Imogen learns about real family, love and forging a meaningful life.

The plot of this story takes some interesting turns- and it is truly painful to read about Imogen’s sad work-only life in the beginning. That only makes the growth and good that come into Imogen’s life that much more enjoyable.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy of this book.

The Holiday Cottage is a fun, heart-warming, if slightly formulaic holiday story. It centers around three women, Imogen and mother and daughter Dorothy and Sara. Imogen is workaholic with a cold and cruel mother that leads her to fabricate a home happy life to her co-workers. With a (fake) missing dog and a disaster with her mother that leads her to miss a work event, her boss forces her to take a month away from work. In swoops Dorothy, one of her clients, to offer her a place to spend the holidays. Dorothy's daughter isn't too happy about the decision because it will unearth a family trauma the pair have been living with for years - but at the same time it may finally provide them some closure and resolution. The book is definitely centered more around family relationships, but does have some very low spice romance in it as well. The star of the book is without a doubt Ava, Sara's bold and fearless daughter, who as a secondary character steals the show every time she makes an appearance. The plot doesn't have a lot of depth to it, and the second half feels rushed after how slowly things unspool in the first half of the book, but if you're look for warm, fuzzy holiday feels then the book is perfect for you. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First of all, I thank NetGalley very much for allowing me to read and advance copy of this novel by Sarah Morgan in return for an honest review.

This story touches on some really deep aspects of family life. There are the strong emotions and internal struggles crippling each of the characters in this story and they are forced to reach across long-held barriers of fear, denial, anger, and resentment until the truths and lies from the past are revealed.

I felt the inner strength of the characters that they didn’t even know they possessed, marveled at how each person came to define what makes a family strong and was incredibly moved by the solutions that were eventually found. Words that fit the story include anger, hope, love, forgiveness, and trust.

I was drawn to Dorothy and her daughter’s totally different ways of compartmentalizing the past and I felt Imogene’s pain from having to hide hers, and I really loved how each learned from the others how to grow beyond old hurts and move into acceptance, love and family.

Well done.