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.

The Holiday Cottage is the newest release from Sarah Morgan. This delightful holiday tale is atmospheric and filled with family drama, relatable life issues, friendship, second chances and thoughtful themes. As is the case with all of this author’s stories, the writing is clear, cozy, compelling and easy to get caught up into. Her storytelling and consistent character-depth draw the reader into the plot and leave you satisfied and charmed. I highly recommend for your winter TBR.

3.5 stars

This is a sweet holiday romance with a beautiful setting. The pace was a bit slower than I preferred, but the writing does pull the reader in. It has a bit of a Hallmark movie feel to it. Of course, the romance angle moves a bit quick, but that is typical with such stories. There were a couple of unexpected twists, particularly one that is halfway through the book. This is a nice option to help readers get into a seasonal mood.

Sarah Morgan has written another heartwarming Christmas story. Set in both London and the Cotswolds, The Holiday Cottage is about finding family, forgiveness, a true home, and unconditional love and finally discovering the joy that is Christmas. I am a true Anglophile, so I appreciate how beautifully Morgan describes the charm of the fictional Winterbury including the sparkle of lights against the yellow stone shops and cottages, the Christmas market, and the wintry walks through the fields. The sweet friends-to-lovers romance between Imogen and Miles isn’t the central focus but adds another touching plot line to a story that’s full of emotion and second chances. I highly recommend adding The Holiday Cottage to your Christmas story collection.

Coffee Shops, Christmas Tree Farms, Ice Skating, and all the other small town Christmas movie things. Your big city girl heads off to a small town for Christmas… You probably already know the rest.

I feel like this deserves 2 ratings… the first 40% is 2 stars, but once you get past that it’s a solid 4 stars. The first 40% felt like it was dragging on just talking about how much time Imogen spends working. There was just too much of that content for me. The last 60% is your fairly average small town boy meets the big city girl, they fall in love stuff. This portion was well written and had just enough details, but not too much.

3 Stars overall

I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The publish date for this book is September 24, 2024. Pre-orders are available.

"The Holiday Cottage" is not the usual Rom-Com story of a girl who meets a guy and moves to the country for her happily ever after. There is so much more to this story and there is a delicious twist that is unpredictable even to a seasonal Rom Com fan.

This story will pull you in and hold on to your heart long after you finished reading it. I hope there is a sequel in the works because I so want to know what happens next.

Sarah Morgan has set the bar high for holiday romance with "The Holiday Cottage". If you only read one holiday book this year, this should be the one!

I think the cover and title may be a bit misleading; this isn’t a cozy Christmas story. But, this IS a fantastic domestic drama with a great twist. I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes family drama and relationships, plot twists, romance. I appreciate the opportunity to read in advance!

A charming and wholesome novel set in the English countryside. Imogen is an events planner based in London who is excellent at her job but her personal life is less than ideal. When she gets the opportunity to stay at a client’s cottage, her life is turned upside down almost immediately. As she navigates the shock she finds that she’s got all the family she needs.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

This talented author has written a page turner. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. Family and friends. Even the title is intriguing. Curl up and enjoy. Thanks Netgalley

This wasn’t your typical Christmas story, as this book contained so much heart break and sadness, but it definitely still contained that holiday magic in it. Imogen is a successful business woman with a great career, beautiful dog, great boyfriend, and family. Or at least that is what everyone else thinks, because she has been lying to them about her life. When something goes horribly wrong at work Imogen is forced to take a month off to help with her burn out, but with no family and no place to go for Christmas she is dreading that. Until one of her clients gives her a lifeline, an invitation to stay at her cottage in the countryside. Once she gets there she realizes things aren’t as they seem and things get very complicated. A wonderful holiday story filled with family drama, romance, and adorable animals and children. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

A very enjoyable book with great storytelling. You can really "see" all of the scenes in the book because she is so descriptive. I enjoyed this book!

Sweet Christmas Read!
I love a good holiday read and this one definitely fits the bill perfectly. The Holiday Cottage is a great Christmas book to read at the holidays or any time of the year. What a realistic view into a family’s not so perfect life and how sticking together and supporting each other makes a huge impact in the lives of others.

4 ⭐️

Thank you Harlequin/Canary Street Press and NetGalley for my ARC

This is a delightfully festive and cozy holiday read. The setting (an English countryside cottage) is so picturesque and this is perfect if you’re looking for a warm hug of a book to get you in the festive spirit.

The story lost a bit of steam for me once secrets were finally revealed, and the ending felt a bit abrupt; I found myself expecting an epilogue and crashing head first into the acknowledgements instead.

I’m eager to pick up more of Sarah Morgan’s books after this one! It was a delightful escape.

What an awesome Christmas story. I love Sarah Morgan's stories about somewhat dysfunctional families. She has a way with character development that brings the characters to life and tackles emotions within family members like no other. You find yourself cheering for Imogen and also Dorothy and Sara while at the same time realizing they have many hurdles to overcome. Morgan's books are always wonderful stories and this one is no exception.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan. Another feel good novel from the inimitable Ms. Morgan - yay!!

A heartwarming Christmas romance! Sarah Morgan has once again crafted a cozy and delightful tale of family and friendship, this time set primarily in a snowy Cotswolds village. I felt transported to the chocolate box cottage at the center of the story, and longed for hot chocolate and a roaring fire in the fireplace. This would be a particularly great read on a cold December eve.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press (Harlequin Trade Publishing) for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

A heartwarming tale of a workaholic young woman who discovers the family she has always longed for, and the joy of the Christmas season.

I loved the bustle of London juxtaposed with the charm and beauty of Holly Cottage and the quaint village setting. All the characters were well developed and I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded...the major twist was certainly a surprise.

I look forward to more from this author.