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!

Sarah Morgan is a go to read for me every winter. A sweet and heartbreaking at times story, The Holiday Cottage did not disappoint. The cover screamed The Holiday to me, and there were definitely The Holiday (the movie) vibes sprinkled throughout. Definitely made me want to pack my bags and head off to the English countryside for a few weeks.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

In The Holiday Cottage, Sarah Morgan weaves a heartwarming and reflective tale that expertly balances personal growth, second chances, and the magic of the holiday season. Imogen, a high-powered marketing executive, is living a life of professional success but emotional exhaustion. Her carefully crafted facade hides a woman struggling with burnout and a deep disconnection from her own feelings, especially when it comes to Christmas.

When Imogen is forced to take time off work, a much-needed break comes in the form of an invitation to Holly Cottage, a charming retreat nestled in the Cotswolds. There, amidst the tranquility of the countryside and the kindness of her client, Dorothy, Imogen begins to face the cracks in her life and slowly starts healing. Dorothy, who has her own complicated past, offers more than just a picturesque place to stay—she provides a space for emotional growth and the courage to make life-changing decisions.

The setting is beautifully described, with Holly Cottage offering a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts with Imogen’s chaotic city life. Morgan’s storytelling shines through her exploration of Imogen’s transformation, supported by the strong, nurturing relationships that evolve within the narrative. Dorothy’s wisdom and Sara’s reminders of family dynamics add depth to the plot, making this novel not just about Christmas cheer, but also about healing, forgiveness, and the importance of human connection.

The Holiday Cottage is an ideal read for fans of heartwarming holiday stories that delve into personal redemption, making it perfect for cozy winter nights. Sarah Morgan delivers a delightful story filled with love, self-discovery, and the promise of new beginnings.

I always look forward to Sarah Morgan’s Christmas books. I can count on an emotional journey in a vividly depicted winter setting with intriguing family dynamics and significant character growth. All of that holds true for The Holiday Cottage though this one, while good, falls a bit short of the 5-star read Morgan typically provides. At least it did for me.

I had a difficult time getting into the first half of the book or feeling a connection to Imogen. The pace dragged and I found myself putting the book aside several times. I just wasn’t being pulled in as I usually am with this author. I kept going however and eventually the pace picked up as did the interest. From the midpoint on the story takes off and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I’m glad I stuck with it because the second half was everything I enjoy about Morgan’s writing, including a picturesque setting, Christmas tree farms, adorable children, romance, complicated relationships, and discovering the joy of the holiday season.

I enjoyed the different perspectives of Imogen, her favorite client Dorothy, and Dorothy’s daughter Sara. There are complex family dynamics that play out over the course of the book as well as significant individual growth for all three women. There is also a romance for Imogen that, while a bit quick, still left me feeling confident in the long-term stability of the relationship. There’s also a significant story thread for Imogen that’s left open-ended. I was really hoping to see on-the-page closure. Other than that, however, I was happy with the way the book concluded. Even if it’s not among my favorites of this author’s books, a Sarah Morgan novel is still a good read and well worth my time.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley

Each year, I look forward to Sarah Morgan's Christmas novel and I have to say this was another winner for me. Imogen is a workaholic, totally absorbed by her work. She has little else in her life, but to bond with her colleagues, she makes up a family, holiday celebrations and a dog. Trouble is brewing when her boss plans a bring your dog to work day, and Imogen has to figure out how to get out of this one. As she back pedals, things come crashing down around her and her boss makes her take time off to regroup after things happen to make her miss a work event and not contact anyone. She finds a cottage to rent through a client in the Costwolds, thus changing her life forever.

The Holiday Cottage is told from 3 POVs, Imogen, Dorothy and her daughter Sara. It is not until the last third of the book that these three storylines come together. Imogen is a character that broke my heart. She had no family except a mother who didn't want her, unless she could use her for money. She didn't even have a dog. Luckily for her, when she needed a place to go for Christmas, Dorothy, one of her longstanding clients, invites her to stay in Holly Cottage, her guest cottage. Once there, we meet Dorothy's family and her two delightful grandchildren. As family secrets and tensions arise, we see Imogen begin to change. This is a story of loss, grief, abandonment, but also friendship, forgiveness, family and reconciliation. There was enough festive activities to give me the Christmassy vibes, but this was a family drama, and a story of new beginnings that I very much enjoyed.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I adore Sarah Morgan books. They are filled with charm and great characters.

In The Holiday Cottage, our main character, Imogen, has it all together. Her work life is perfect, her family is filled with wonderful people and achingly picture perfect Christmas memories. She even has a wonderful dog.

It’s all smoke and mirrors- and the reason she works so hard is her home life is crap.

When everything blows up, Imogen begins to find out that there is more to life than work, that things she had believed her whole life were not correct, and that she deserves the happy Christmas she’s been pretending she’s been having.

What I liked:

The cover is pure holiday perfection! I could lick this cover, it is so delicious looking.

Imogen. Goodness, that girl could have turned out to be such a terrible person, feeling sorry for herself, etc. But she pulled herself up by her bootstraps, decided how she could cope with life, and made the best of situations.

Dorothy and Sara. I loved their relationship. Loved how they supported each other, even when they disagreed about things.



Bottom line: This book is everything a holiday read should be- great characters, a setting that is picture perfect, some sweet romance, snow, and family.



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan was a must-read for me after Morgan’s release last year The Book Club Hotel. As it became one of my top reads of the year, I knew The Holiday Cottage would not disappoint. The story follows Imogen, a successful, hardworking young woman who seems to have it all. Soon, we come to know that the happy persona she shares with her coworkers is a facade, covering up loneliness and deep family strife. As we unravel Imogen’s heartbreaking past, she gets the opportunity to spend some time at the country cottage of a client, where she finds some truth, hope, and connection that she desperately needed. The Holiday Cottage was the perfect cozy holiday read, and will become one I read each December.

3.25 stars
This book follows Imogen, a workaholic and perfectionist who is finally forced to take some time off during the holidays. The first part of the book was very slow and felt completely different from the second part of the book, which I loved. The first part I struggled with as it was really slow but once she has her breakdown I was hooked to the story! Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC:)

Sarah Morgan has done it again. She is one of my favorite authors of my annual holiday reads.
It is a warm and uplifting story, set in London and Cotswolds England and that takes place during the Christmas season. I was rooting for most of the characters and engrossed in their stories.
It also touches upon serious issues such as mental illness and its rippling effect on all those around those that suffer from it. It is Hallmark movie but with a "realistic" happy ever after.
I am grateful to Canary Street Press and Netgalley for allow me an early read of this gem of a book.

I almost DNF’d The Holiday Cottage - I had a hard time getting into the story in the beginning and didn’t really vibe with Imogen at first. But I knew Sarah Morgan never disappoints, so I kept with it and I’m glad I did.

This wound up being a very sweet holiday read with found family, cute animals and crazy kiddos. It definitely made me want to spend time in small towns for the holidays.

Heartwarming, festive read with coziest vibes, super sweet romance with plenty holiday cheer. Perfect for curling up with by the fire—Sarah Morgan’s storytelling is pure holiday magic!

Imogen is a work-a-holic, running from her past. When things go skewampu at work, her boss insists she take a month vacation. Imogen has one last lunch with her favorite client before her vacation. She doesn't know what she will do for an entire month. Dorothy, the client, offers her guest house and Imogen takes her up on it. There is more going on with both women that you see at first glance.

It took me a while to get into the story. At first, Imogen was "in her head" a lot. I didn't like that. It's a writing style I don't enjoy. After I got past the first past of the story, I enjoyed the book. This is more than a romance. There are secrets and a past to unravel. I enjoyed the twists and eventually came to like the characters.

I am a fan of Sarah Morgan for sure. I was excited to read a holiday book and watch her character grow in this setting. While it didn’t disappoint, it wasn’t my favorite written by her. That being said, I will always look forward to books written by her and look forward to more!

I loved this book! The connection of the characters always surprises me with Sarah Morgan’s books. I will always recommend her as a must read author.