Book Review - The Cottage on Christmas Gardens by Holly Martin

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Title: The Cottage On Christmas Gardens

Author: Holly Martin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 7th November 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the gorgeously festive seaside town of Lovegrove Bay, where the snow is sparkling, hot chocolate is flowing and romance is about to set hearts on fire. From multi-million bestselling author Holly Martin comes the hottest love story this Christmas.

For the longest time love has been complicated for Alex Campbell. After she lost her husband Liam in a tragic accident, she’s devoted herself to raising their daughter Zara alone. Falling in love again felt impossible, until she met Liam’s brother Quinn…

Not only is Quinn a handsome, talented artist, he’s been there for Alex and Zara every day since they met, even moving to beautiful Lovegrove Bay to be close to them. But while falling for your dead husband’s brother is less than ideal, she’s convinced he doesn’t feel that way about her. Which is just as well because Alex has a secret, a guilt she’s carried for years, a truth about the night Liam died that she’s been too scared to tell anyone, most of all Quinn.

So when the pull of mistletoe and the magic of the festive season prompt Alex to finally dip her toe back into the dating world, the last person she expects to be against it is Quinn. Could he have feelings for her too? And could they even be together if he does? Alex doesn’t have the answers but if she can find the courage to take a chance on love maybe all her Christmas wishes will come true…

Curl up and fall head-over-heels with this deliciously romantic holiday tale, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Sarah Morgan and Sue Moorcroft.

It is always a treat to be able to dive into a new festive Holly Martin book, and this lived up to my expectations and even more. 

I hadn't even paid any attention to the blurb, or anything, so was pleasantly surprised to see it was set in Lovegrove Bay, and is the second book in this series, given how much I had enjoyed the previous book earlier in the year. 

Not to worry though this can easily be read as a standalone novel. 

And omg Quinn is just heart meltingly fabulous,  I fell for him so fast, and just really hoped that he and Alex would manage to get together.  But it's a bit of a complicated situation, and not everyone feels the same way as I do about a potential coupling between them both. 

Alex's back story was intriguing and I really did feel for her, and daughter Zara. Zara is one incredibly smart child, and thankfully still believes in the magic of Christmas. 

Lovegrove Bay has a bit of a mystery, with a mysterious bauble gifter. These baubles keep appearing all over the town and seem to be found by people that have a connection to the design on it.  They sounded fabulous and although I was fairly sure I knew who it was, I still enjoyed the mystery of St Nick.  Especially once they start messaging Alex and giving her clues, as she is trying to unmask them privately at least. 

This is a story that is just full of festive feels and gorgeously romantic moments, so everything i would anticipate from a Holly Martin story.  And this just was a lovely easy to read book, the I devoured.  I loved every moment from it, another total triumph from this author.  

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.