I absolutely adored this book - it's one of the best Christmas books I've ever read. The emotion of it hit me really hard.
I kind if saw what was going to unfold but it was still written so cutely that it didn't matter, and it was really sweet and heartwarming.
All of the characters were likeable, it was Christmassy but not too Christmassy, and it will appeal to those who like a bit of emotion, and resonate with those with family issues.
I feel a bit bereft now it's finished and I wish it wasn't as I want to know what happens next.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book so much! I always love Sarah’s books and this is not exception. I loved following Imogen’s story and how she found happiness in the end. It’s nice to see a more realistic story and a lovely relationship develop.

It is set in a small countryside village, where Imogen goes to escape the hustle and bustle of London, where all she does is work. Such a lovely read for Christmas time. Highly recommend.

‘The Christmas Cottage’ by Sarah Morgan is a cosy and wonderful festive tale that will put a smile on your face and warm your heart like a mug of hot chocolate! We meet Isobel and Dorothy - who share a deep but hidden connection - and Dorothy’s daughter Isobel, and spend the weeks leading up to Christmas with them in the scenic Cotswolds.

With complicated family dynamics, a sprinkle of romance and a workaholic heroine at play, this novel definitely follows the Sarah Morgan formula - but when a formula works so well, why deviate? I especially loved the animal characters - Ralph the dog and Benson the alpaca were wonderful - and Miles the handsome vet! The discussion of potential burnout and the self-imposed pressure to be able to speak about an “acceptable” home life with office colleagues made Imogen very relatable.

I can never resist a Sarah Morgan Christmas book, and she never disappoints! This gets four stars and will join my December Audible rotation.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher HQ Stories via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

'The Cottage was chocolate-box perfect'

I really enjoyed Sarah's book The Christmas book club last year so was super grateful to receive a proof copy of The Christmas Cottage.

This mainly focuses on main character Imogen who goes through a few hurdles through the book, it's a rollercoaster of emotions but if like the found family and second chances as well as Christmas then this book is for you!

I must admit it felt illegal to read in October... So I think I'm going to give this a listen on audiobook during the festive period! I feel this would have been perfect during December with the tree up 🥹

Thank you @hqstories @sarahmorgan for a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinions 🎄❄️

Just fabulous! Much more than a festive read this is a story of family, loss, secrets and lies. But also about how the truth can heal and living for now and the future. I absolutely devoured this beautifully written story and highly recommend it.

Imogen is an events manager and devotes herself to her job. She sends emails to colleagues in the middle of the night as she can't sleep. Imogen has had a traumatic childhood with no love ever shown to her by her mother and yet her mother stays in touch if only for money. She finds it hard to trust people so keeps hers to herself.

One day Imogen can't get to an event she's organising and when the business owner tries o get in touch with her she's not in a position to answer his call.
Imogen is distraught and tired and anxious so she's advised by her boss (who's a good friend to her) that she has to time off as she has accumulated weeks of holiday leave.
She had an appointment still to keep with Dorothy who is a customer who she really likes.. When Dorothy hears she's on holiday and will be alone for Christmas she offers her the use of a cottage on the grounds of her house.

This is such a lovely story. It's heartwarming reading a book where you can see people change into what they were always meant to be. The two children in the book are delightful and funny. It's about family and love and starting over again.
I read everybook by Sarah Morgan without having to read the synopsis as I know they will be good and I will enjoy them.
Reading this book will transport you to a winter wonderland in a beautiful village with wonderful people.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a Sarah Morgan novel. Now, I know for some that it is still a teeny bit early to be thinking about Christmas but, let’s face it, we are two months away today and this book just totally got me in the mood for the festive season. Not only that, if there’s a Sarah Morgan book to read, I know I’m in for a great book and one I can’t put down. This is just another example and I felt bereft when I had finished the story.

In this book, we meet workaholic Imogen, who is so work-obsessed that she has nothing else in her life. Convincing her colleagues that there are many more facades to herself lands Imogen in trouble when her deception catches up from her. Thus, a near-breakdown at work sees her headed to the idyllic Cotswolds for some boss-imposed holiday. Except that Imogen remains alone.

Poor Imogen. She has no one and her relationship with her mother is completely estranged. Her story really pulls on your heartstrings and I loved how Morgan shows Imogen’s transformation at Holly Cottage. Yet, I had not foreseen how Imogen would connect with her Christmassy surroundings and loved how this transformed the story from lonely girl to being part of a metaphorical jigsaw puzzle. You can always guarantee a feel-good happy ending from this writer and I think this book hits the mark perfectly.

Once more, there are plenty of loveable characters in this narrative, although I don’t think I could choose my ultimate favourite! Ava’s innocence contrasts with Iris’s “old soul”; Dorothy is someone you would love to have on your doorstep (although my waistline would probably disagree); Miles is supportive, kind and the sort of person you need in your life; Ralph generates the smiles in his cheeky and lovable way. In this sense, I think the characters fold around the readers, as much as they do for Imogen: you feel as much a part of this Christmas community as Imogen finds she does as well.

I loved how this year’s Christmas book was set in the UK and wish that the snowy scenes become a reality for me this year! I love a good dumping of snow so, if the weather gods aren’t kind enough to you this year, this book should certainly get your toes tingling with icy freshness. In my opinion, it adds to the cosiness of the read: after all, who can resist a log fire and a hot chocolate in a Sarah Mogan Christmas book?!

My first Christmas read of 2024 has started off with a bang! I knew Sarah Morgan would not let me down and I feel a little sad that I have now read her newest book for the season. As Christmas 2024 draws closer, I think I’m going to have to go to Morgan’s back catalogue and find another festive book to keep me going. These stories are just too good to read once.

With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, HQ and Sarah Morgan for the EARC copy of The Christmas Cottage in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! Sarah Morgan is one of my auto-buy authors and always look forward to reading her newest festive story!

Dive into a heartwarming tale of love and discovery with *The Christmas Cottage*! Meet Imogen, who has spent her life chasing acceptance and has never truly celebrated Christmas. When her boss sends her on a much-needed break, she finds solace at Dorothy's charming cottage.

As secrets unfold, Imogen's journey intertwines with that of the delightful Miles, the local vet, and Ralph, the most adorable golden retriever. This enchanting story beautifully captures the essence of family and the magic of the holiday season. Perfect for cozying up with a cup of cocoa, *The Christmas Cottage* is a reminder that sometimes, the best gifts come from unexpected places.

If you’re looking for a festive read that warms the heart, this one’s a must!

This is a heartwarming Christmassy read and whilst it's only October, I can always get in the Christmas spirit with Sarah Morgan's books.
Imogen has been lying to her colleagues about her life outside of work just so she felt accepted by them but then something happens and she knows she needs to get away.
One of her clients, Dorothy, offers her a stay in her cottage which is in a remote, quiet location, so she accepts her offer.
Whilst there, we learn a few things about Imogen and Dorothy, and also her family.
This is a lovely Christmas book with a sprinkling of romance as well.
Thanks to HQ for the opportunity to read this book.

Fabulous story as always from this talented author and as a reader I was immediately drawn in to the story and the characters. Our protagonist, Imogen, at the start is a work driven character who seems to have little in her life. She has a toxic relationship with her mother and has resorted to embellishing her private life to her colleagues just to fit in. At the point of burn out Imogen takes a way out from a customer of her events company and this starts the mystery and romance.

Lovely characters and a well written storyline, I enjoyed each and every one of them. I stayed up late to finish the book and would highly recommend to lovers of the Christmas romance genre and those who enjoy a well written novel.

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book and was so disappointed when it ended, I could have carried on in thia wee world forever! Well written characters, gorgeous scenery and a Christnas time tale, what more could you ask for?!

I really enjoy a festive feel good story from Sarah Morgan at this time of year!! Wonderful!!
We follow the story of a workaholic called Imogen. She tries to fit in with her work mates, so she invents herself a life to make herself seem interesting, knowing she has no such thing!
As she’s so much of a workaholic, she keeps herself really busy to stop any feelings of desperation get in to her carefully constructed story. We also find out about her true relationships.
Suddenly her life begins to unravel, her lies seem to be rising to the surface. She is given the opportunity to stay in a client’s holiday house , and from then on her life begins to change. A five star read!!
Many thanks to HQ for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #HQ,#SarahMorganWrites.

After a bit of a slow start, this book turned out to be a wonderful read, which is just what I love about Sarah Morgan's books.

It had everything I wanted, romance, family dynamics, secrets, surprises and of course all set in the beautiful Cotswolds and Christmastime.

I recommend this for a fabulous, festive, cosy read!

I did feel for Imogen, she had the most dreadful mother and was really all alone. She had become a workaholic to combat her loneliness. Imogen was very good at her job and had a special client in Dorothy. They were both very likeable characters and the cottage that Imogen stayed in sounded delightful. There were so many family secrets that gradually unfold and would make a big difference to Imogen’s life. There was a possible romance as well. This was a really feel good, enjoyable read. Lovely images of family get-togethers and activities at Christmas. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just what everyone needs to make their festive season perfect!

Imogen is an events organiser, and boy, is she organised. She juggles many events at once, never taking her eye off the ball. Until, that is, she does. Her life isn't what her colleagues imagine it to be; she has secrets - is a bad day at work the unravelling of it all?

This is such a wonderful Christmas read; warm and festive all wrapped up together. With a fine cast of characters and an excellent storyline, I was hooked. It even prompted me to get on with my Christmas shopping! If you love a yuletide romance, this is not to be missed. 5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Another fabulous book from this author, she never disappoints. We meet Imogen who has the most wonderful life, a fabulous caring family, beautiful home, gorgeous boyfriend and cute dog, well that's what she dreams of and wants people to believe. In reality, her life is so far removed from the one she portrays to her work colleagues and how much longer can she keep up the pretence of the life she lives. An absolute must read. Thanks netgalley and publishers for allowing me to read and review an early copy of this book.

Sarah Morgan is one of my favourite authors, I was looking forward to reading her latest book and wasn’t disappointed.

Imogen appears to be living the perfect life. She is in a strong relationship, has family who live in the countryside, and a gorgeous dog. However, none of it is true. She is on her own, living in a small flat in an appalling area of London, with neither friends nor family.

Through the years, Imogen has become friendly with Dorothy, a favoured client of the Events company she works for. The story is mainly written from the viewpoint of both women, adding depth and a giving a more rounded picture. Both women are strong and supportive, however Imogen’s abusive childhood has left her with low self esteem, which even with her successful career she is unable to shake off.

Sarah Morgan’s expertise at bringing characters to life makes you feel that you know them, and become emotively involved in their story. When Imogen – a workaholic becomes burnt out, Dorothy invites her to stay at Holly Cottage, set in beautiful rural countryside in the Cotswolds. All characters are well drawn and develop as the story unfolds. Snowy winter settings are described beautifully, with animals, families and children. All with a festive Christmas theme.

However, there is an intriguing totally unexpected twist in the story which adds extra dimension, adding pace and keeping you turning the pages. The addition of a handsome vet called Miles adds romantic interest. The book is packed with warmth and humour, and I found this to be a perfect festive read, and recommend.

I always enjoy a Christmas book by Sarah Morgan. The reader is presented with all the essential elements of a story set at Christmas on top of the usual high quality narrative from this author. This book has a very attractive cover depicting a snowy country scene indicative of the setting for this story.

Individual chapters of this book are voiced by one of three female characters. Imogen is an events planner living in London. She is highly skilled at her job and works hard to provide clients with their often exacting requirements. She has had a difficult past and is hiding the reality of her life outside work from her colleagues by inventing a fictitious existence. However, it is becoming difficult to keep up the pretence. Dorothy, Imogen’s favourite client, lives on a large estate in the Cotswolds, where she looks after animals in need of a home. Sara is Dorothy’s daughter, who lives near her mother with her husband and two young daughters. When overstretched Imogen eventually makes a dreadful mistake at work, she is given leave from her job and is grateful when Dorothy offers her use of a luxurious cottage on the estate over the Christmas period. She is soon enjoying spending time with the family and with the handsome local vet, Miles. That is when a secret that Dorothy and Sara have been keeping from Imogen comes to light. The implications of what they have been hiding are enormous for Imogen and she is thankful for support from Miles. Can she forgive the others or will she go running back to her life in London?

This was such a good story, containing a wide range of elements that had me hooked from start to finish. There is drama throughout the book and so many secrets, including one massive one that had me gasping with its enormity. To balance out all the drama, there is a gentle romance, a family Christmas with all the trimmings, a beautiful setting and some well-developed characters. Imogen was such a workaholic that I feared for her health, especially with pressures put on her outside work as well. Thank goodness for Miles; he was just what she needed to get her through. Although Dorothy and Sara were both strong characters, I’m not sure that I liked the way in which they behaved. I think this is another triumph for Sarah Morgan and a festive book that would make a welcome addition to anybody’s Christmas stocking.

After a recent diet of psychological thrillers, mixed in with some experimental works & an historical novel, it was an absolute delight to be given the opportunity to review Sarah Morgan's latest book.
I loved The Christmas Book Club last year, so my expectations were high. I didn't need to be concerned- I raced through the book, even putting in a 2am in the morning session to find out what choices the lovely Imogen decided to make.
It is very much a lovely story just right for curling up in front of the fire with a mince pie, ticking every box for an escapist Christmas book that you'd hope to find in your stocking:
Snow-tick

Inspirational food-tick

Handsome love interest-tick

Animals ( well, I like them!)- tick

But even though it is a romantic feel-good story, the characterisation is strong, with very credible characters, and I found the end of the book moving.

The Christmas Cottage is an enjoyable festive-themed family story from three female protagonist perspectives. It has drama, romance, secrets and an engaging mix of heartwarming and heartbreakingly poignant moments. Imogen is living a lie, trying to fit into a work world that takes the edge off her loneliness. Her relationship with her mother is challenging and devoid of love. She is forced to take a break when it causes her work life to implode. Dorothy is a client of Imogen's and a friend who senses the young woman is at breaking point and offers her country cottage to relax and recoup. Dorothy keeps secrets, too, and some of them are life-changing. I love the storytelling, the unfolding secrets, the family dynamic between Dorothy and Sara and the dreamy romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.