It’s not Christmas without the latest Sarah Morgan festive release. I look forward to it every year and every year it’s one of my top festive reads.

Imogen was such an unexpectedly likeable character. The first few chapters made her seem like a stuffy, snobby workaholic. Dropping the bomb that she made up a dog so people would like her was almost the final straw, but she’s a very complex character. The more I learnt about her, the more I started to empathise with her situation - not that I know anything about what she went through.

I don’t want to reveal what the big secret is but it was completely unexpected. The Christmas Cottage was a little sad for a while and I did wonder when the usual magic of Sarah Morgan’s Christmas novels would appear, but as usual, the familial dynamic was wonderfully written. There’s a lot of emotion throughout the entirety of The Christmas Cottage but the happy moments far outweigh the sad ones.

The romance that we did get was very sweet but it was a secondary thought. Which is fine by me, the relationship between the women was much more important. It felt like the romantic relationship progressed a little too fast but Imogen needed something good in her life so I’ll let it go. I’m also a sucker for a man who falls first and harder.

The Christmas vibes were off the charts and I especially enjoyed Christmas day and basically any of the festive activities that included Iris and Ava. They were adorable and hilarious. Often children aren’t written very well in these types of books but Sarah Morgan does a great job every time.

I wouldn’t say The Christmas Cottage has been my favourite read of Sarah Morgan’s so far, that title is currently sitting with last year’s The Christmas Book Club, but it was a wonderful read and much quicker than I thought it would be. The almost 400 pages felt a little intimidating before I started reading but I flew through it. I’d highly recommend you check out The Christmas Cottage.

Get a nice hot drink, sit in a cosy chair by the fire, and be ready to be taken into a heartwarming Christmas read.
Imogen is well liked and successful in her job but the home life that she portrays to her work colleagues is one that she has created. Underneath a brave front is a lonely young woman rejected by her own mother.
Dorothy is a client of Imogen’s and they both enjoy catching up for a meal socially whilst doing business successfully. Dorothy offers Imogen somewhere to escape for Christmas. An idyllic but secluded cottage in the woodland on the outskirts of a friendly village seems to be the perfect place to go.
Imogen does not realise the secrets that are going to come to light. The local vet along with his 4-legged friend may just become very welcome saviours.
Sarah Morgan has done it again. Characters and a Christmas scenery that draw you into the warmth of the story. A perfect wintery, Christmas escape.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Sarah Morgan for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a beautiful story by Sarah Morgan. She never fails to deliver a heartwarming story with well drawn characters that both draw you in and make you feel sad when you reach the perfect ending.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy in return for an honest review.

Imogen doesn't stop. She throws herself into her work and gives it her all but shes never been open about her life outside of work and that's all about to come crashing down. Imogen needing though perhaps not accepting a break goes to stay at a client's holiday home and her life is about to change once more but for the good this time?

Oh I so love a Christmas Sarah Morgan story. She is just brilliant at getting all the emotions just right. Her books are amazing and this one was too. The story is so interesting and i loved how it all developed. The ending was just sheer perfection. The story is mostly told by Imogen but we also see parts through Sarah and Dorothy's eyes too which just helps develop the back story. I have to say Ralph and Benson are my favourite characters in this. Who doesnt love a dog and alpaca. The story flows beautifully and the settings just sound stunning. A brilliant festive read.

This was enjoyable as all of Sarah's books are. This was different to her other Christmas stories whereby Imogen has no family. I didn't really understand where this story was going until the twist - and then I was invested!

The Christmas atmosphere was prominent in this story and the close family dynamics that this author is so good at writing about was definitely present in this story.

Another Sarah Morgan classic Christmas feel-good book, it's the start of the season now. Imogen is a work-obsessed woman who has no life, Forced to take time away from work she escapes to a cottage of a client. This book was so heart warming and gave me all the good feels. i loved it.

I nearly gave up on this book at the start but glad I didn’t as it was a great read even though a little slow at beginning. Would highly recommend this title.

What a book, I want more about Imogen she is a fantastic character. Imogen lives for her work and is great at her job but is hiding a secret about her perfect family and life. Dorothy is a very successful owner of a vineyard who is worried about Imogen and offers for her to stay in the cottage on her land for a break. But is there more to her motives and can Imogen forgive her? A lovely festive read with intrigue and romance. What more could you want?

Imogen is a workaholic who always seems to be totally efficient and on top of everything but underneath is a different story. When she gets invited to spend Christmas at a clients country cottage it's an offer she can't refuse but will she get more than she bargained for? Great Christmas story full of lovely characters and pulling emotional heartstrings, a book that you won't be able to put down

A Christmas cracker with heart and soul. Imogen loves her job and lives for it and has amazing colleagues, but she has invented her whole life story to deflect from the awfulness of the truth. She is alone. When it all starts to unravel, her favour client invites her to spend the Christmas season in her gorgeous cottage. It is a stay that reveals family secrets and also reveals a handsome vet and a four legged friend. Imogen arrives with nothing and leaves with a full heart. This winter romance has depth and realistic family turmoil, whilst remaining light and fulfilling. Christmas isn't Christmas without a Sarah Morgan read. #thechristmascottage #sarahmorgan #netgalley

We're on the countdown to Christmas when Sarah Morgan's christmas book comes out. As always, a great read. Imogen is a workaholic with no life outside of work, she gives event planning her all. She has a difficult relationship with her mother and is set to spend christmas alone as always. Forced to take an extended break from work, she is invited to client Dorothy's holiday let cottage where she finds a lot more than she bargained for. Atmospheric and a festive feelgood read. #netgalley #thechristmascottage

Imogen appears to have the ideal life, but a lot of it is invented to keep her colleagues happy! She is fantastic at her job until the day to all gets too much. A client of hers, Dorothy, invites her to stay for a few days at a cottage she has in the countryside. Here, Imogen learns a few truths, meets a handsome vet, and becomes attached to a dog, Ralph!
The characters are well-written and the story flows well, making you want to read on to the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Christmas Cottage. However it has themes that are darker than your typical Christmas themed book. I think the book benefited from this, but realise it might not be what youre looking for when picking up a snow covered paperback that appears to be a cosy romance.

One of my favourite elements of this book was the focus on family, what that means and how decisions made impact so many people. In spite of the darker elements; we meet Imogen who has no family and a mum that clocked off, maybe before she even became a parent. Imogen works in London and likes her diary to be packed with work stuff, with no 'life' in the balance. The focus on Imogen finsing her place in the world was really well depicted, while sharing the page with two other women fighting for the Christmas they deserve.

The Christmas elements were cosy and inviting, I maybe would have liked more of that, but overall it was well balanced with the sensitive story. My heart ached for Imogen and for Tina. That is the marker of a good book, I cared. This is a book for those who enjoy a Christmas tale, but also understand life can be complicated.

A really lovely Christmassy novel. I haven’t read many by this author before but I will definitely be on the lookout for more in the future!

Sarah Morgan has done it again with The Christmas Cottage! This heartwarming and enchanting festive romance set in the picturesque, snow-covered English countryside is filled with everything I love about her writing…relatable characters, a fabulous setting (in the Cotswolds), and that perfect mix of romance and family dynamics that will tug at the heartstrings.

Workaholic Imogen is very close to burn out – work is her everything and leaves no time for a home life, so she invents one – an imaginary boyfriend, Jack, and even a Golden Retriever dog called Midas. She’s never had the perfect family Christmas, but no one needs to know that. When she is told by her boss to take a month’s annual leave, client Dorothy offers her rental cottage as the perfect getaway. However, things take a twist and secrets unfold. Will Imogen ever get the perfect Christmas she has always longed for?

Without giving too much away, the plot twist about halfway through threw me completely off-guard and added a thrilling complexity to the storyline. It kept me turning the pages long into the night!

The Christmas Cottage has all the makings of a festive romance classic. This book cemented Sarah Morgan as one of my favourite, go-to authors for holiday reads. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with a dose of holiday magic and a few delightful surprises, this is a must-read.

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.