The Holiday Cottage is a complicated family drama with a side of reconciliation, romance, and Christmas cheer.

The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Complicated Family Drama, Secrets, Cotswolds, London

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My Summary of The Holiday Cottage:

Thanks #NetGalley @HTP_Books Canary Street Press for a complimentary e ARC of #TheHolidayCottage upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Imogen is a high achieving professional marketer and a workaholic. At work, she pretends to have a social life, to come from a loving, happy family, and to love Christmas. She makes a mistake at work that results in a paid leave of absence. Her favorite client, Dorothy, invites Imogen to stay at the guest cottage on her estate in the Cotswolds. Dorothy’s daughter, Sara, is not happy with the situation and is critical of her mother. Tension ensues. Things become complicated, and family secrets are revealed. Will Imogen be able to return to her high-power career? Can Dorothy hold the family together?

My Thoughts:

Complicated Family Dynamics

Complicated family dynamics are the most compelling part of the story, but I can’t say too much because of spoilers. I will say that Dorothy is the most relatable character in the story for me because of something that happened in my own family. A personal connection with a fictional character can turn an ordinary reading experience into something extra meaningful. So I was deeply invested in this story, the risks that Dorothy takes, and the outcome.

A Gradual Warm Up

We might not appreciate Imogen at first, but when we fully understand her backstory, we begin to understand and care for her and her well being. Imogen, Dorothy, and Sarah are imperfect characters who are relatable and trying their best. Because this is marketed as a holiday, chick lit, romance, we can trust the genre for a HEA. The journey there for our three main characters is especially rewarding.

Themes

In addition to family drama, the author provides other thoughtful poignant themes including reconciliation, forgiveness, taking risks, and second chances. There is a small side of romance and festive Christmas moments for your enjoyment. No profanity (or if there was it was minimal and didn’t bother me). Closed-door romance.

Slow to Build

In my reading experience, the story builds slowly and the secret unfolds gradually. I was intrigued so this didn’t bother me. The pace picks up nicely as the story progresses.

Content Consideration: abandonment, childhood neglect

Recommending The Holiday Cottage

The Holiday Cottage is one of my favorite women’s fiction reads of the year. I recommend it for fans of complicated family drama with a side of reconciliation, romance, and Christmas cheer.

Related: You might also enjoy The Book Club Hotel by the same author.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Meet the Author of The Holiday Cottage, Sarah Morgan

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, contemporary women’s fiction for Harlequin. Romantic Times has described her as ‘a magician with words’ and nominated her books for their Reviewer’s Choice Awards and their ‘Top Pick’ slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family. Find out more at http://www.sararahmorgan.com

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