Holiday Review: The Holiday Cottage

Imogen's family life has always been hard. It's been just her and her mother, Tina. But Tina never wanted a child. 

Imogen never had a sense of family. Now she's a workaholic with no friends and no work life balance. Because of a strong desire to fit in, Imogen made up stories about her family to share with co-workers. But in reality, she spends Christmas alone, working. 

After a huge fight with her mother, Imogen messes up for the first time at work. Her boss, thinking that she's close to burn out, makes her take a month long vacation.

Imogen has no idea what she's going to do with her time. But at her last work event, lunch with a client, she's offered a place to stay outside of London.

Imogen's time at the Holiday Cottage change everything. 

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book - but I do wish the ending was a little longer. Everything tied up so quickly. I confess it took me a little bit to get into the book, especially after that moment with Tina. I wasn't sure where the book was going. I felt so bad for Imogen, especially the moment with Tina and the moments with her co-workers. I would have liked to see them have the tough conversation at the end of the book. I adored Ralph. I loved Sara's girls. There were some sweet moments, some funny moments, and some yikes moments. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great book for your Hallmark movie watchers!

* This is not a romance, but it does have romance in the book

Review: The Summer Book Club

 

One summer changes the lives of three women:

Paris grew up without the skills to cope with emotional stress. Her anger lead to the break-up of her marriage and the loss of a career. After years of therapy, she's living in her hometown. She owns a farm stand. Life is good - but she's thrown a curveball when her ex-husband comes back to town.

Laurel, Paris's best friend, has moved on from the hurt of her divorce. But it's still wreaking havoc in her daughters' lives. Her oldest daughter is under the impression that all men let you down. She is so angry with her father. After a teacher brings this to her attention, Laurel is determined to find a male role model for her daughter.

Cassie's family decide it's time for her to finally leave the nest. She drives from Maine to the other side of the country where she finally views her inheritance. There she meets Paris and Laurel.  They form a tight friendship. She finds a job and an apartment. 

Together, they inspire and push each other to make chances. It will be a summer they will never forget.

My Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this book and then I was hooked. I didn't want to put the book down. I enjoyed each of their stories - their faults and the accomplishments. It wasn't hard to root for any of them. My heart broke for Laurel's daughters and their moments with their father. I loved how Cassie fit in right away and how she found her place outside of her family. There was so much supportive friendship moments in this book - even the moments of tough love. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming - although it isn't a moment from the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library's collection. 

BookTok: The Christmas Book Hotel

There are so many things to love about this book. But I adored the relationships! Plus, Delphie was a hoot! And it's set in Vermont, which is never a bad thing! Isn't the cover stunning!  

@yabooknerdlibrarian Cozy book alert! Sarah Morgan’s new book is all about friendship, family, and family. It left me with a book hangover. Read it! #booktok #christmasromance #romancetok #winter #hotchocolate ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚