4.5
Cover 5; characters 5; Plot 4; Pace 4; Intrigue 4; Logic 5; worldbuilding 5; Writing 5; Enjoyment 4; Emote*

I hate to say that an author can do no wrong (because somehow they seem to take it as a personal challenge), but I truly feel that way about Morgan's Winter/Holiday books. If you read through any of my reviews for her books, they all sound reminiscent of one another, but when a formula works, why would you change it?

This one follows three women. Imogen is a Londoner and a work-a-holic. She's on the edge of burnout and she's the only one who doesn't see it. She lives her entire life in solitude, but lies to her coworkers about having a loving family, boyfriend, and even a golden retriever named Midas.

Mother-Daughter duo Dorothy and Sarah live in an idyllic setting in the countryside. Dorothy is head of the family's winery and lives by herself on premises with a large collection of farm animals who needed someone to save them. Sarah lives not too far away with her husband and two small children. Both of these women have a shared past of trauma that brings them in connection with Imogen.

That connection is what we see the repercussions of during this book. And while these three women are dealing with decades old trauma, they are also trying their best to have a fantastic family Christmas and we get taken along for the ride.

If I was pressed to fault this book for anything, it would be that I think it was too short. This was the shortest of Morgan's books that I've read thus far and I think even an extra 25 pages of getting more views of the lead up to Christmas or even more of a view of life after Christmas would have made this perfect.

As always with Morgan's books there is a romance. This one was done so, so well. I absolutely love her men, as unrealistic as they are, they're just so much fun to read. The romance isn't the main point of the book and it is a closed door romance, if that's something you need to know going in.

I knew the plot twist was coming so early on. You always know with these where things are going to go. But when I tell you that watching it unfold had me sobbing with snot running down my face in just racking sobs trying to read and just.... ugh. She writes dealing with grief and trauma so well and it always hits me right in the feels.

Once again, I cannot recommend a Sarah Morgan winter/holiday book more highly to anyone who enjoys these kinds of books!

I love Sarah Morgan’s books & this one is no different! Honestly, this book could be a Hallmark movie! It wasn’t the best Christmas book or Sarah Morgan book I’ve ever read, but it was still a cute, quick, holiday read.

This book follows 3 POVs: Imogen, Dorothy & Sara. Imogen is a workaholic with a mom who doesn’t really want to be her mom. Dorothy is a mom, grandma & business woman who lives in a small village & is all about family! She is also a client of Imogen’s. Sara is Dorothy’s daughter who is a mom, works for the family business & also lives in the small village & loves her town & family.

The Holiday Cottage is a cute book for the holidays! You can definitely snuggle up with this book & listen to some Christmas music! This book has some family drama, a small town, found family, a little romance, & some twists!

I always love how Sarah Morgan ties the POVs together! I think that is one of my favorite things about her books. Would definitely recommend for a quick holiday read that definitely gives Hallmark movie vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sarah Morgan & Canary Street Press for the eARC of The Holiday Cottage in exchange for my honest opinion.