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Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage
Imogen Tolliman never knew her mother. And when an accident robs Immi of her father too, she goes to live with her grandfather, Tollie, in his picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina.
Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in.
When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.
But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget - for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?
Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to a dreamy Cotswolds Christmas full of snowflakes and secrets, log fires, mistletoe, friends and much-loved traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.
Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in.
When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.
But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget - for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?
Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to a dreamy Cotswolds Christmas full of snowflakes and secrets, log fires, mistletoe, friends and much-loved traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2020
1040 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Coleman
16 books273 followersLucy Coleman always knew that one day she would write, but first life took her on a wonderful journey of self-discovery for which she is very grateful.
Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.
'It's only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy - and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!'
If she isn't online she's either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!
Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.
'It's only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy - and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!'
If she isn't online she's either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds, or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
January 8, 2025
Actual rating: 2,75 stars.
I felt like I was thrown in the middle of the series and was missing something, but my searching aka googling skills tell me there are no previous books.
I guess this is the writing style of Lucy Coleman and I guess this is my last time reading her work.
It was okay book with realistic characters and plot, but I am not fan of too much info dumping.
I felt like I was thrown in the middle of the series and was missing something, but my searching aka googling skills tell me there are no previous books.
I guess this is the writing style of Lucy Coleman and I guess this is my last time reading her work.
It was okay book with realistic characters and plot, but I am not fan of too much info dumping.
Read
November 17, 2020DNF.
Two hours into the audiobook and nothing has happened; everyone is happy and gets along with each other, there are long scenes describing village life that set the scene but don't actually move the story on and leave me wondering why they are there...I can't listen to this any longer, it's tedious I'm sorry to say.
Two hours into the audiobook and nothing has happened; everyone is happy and gets along with each other, there are long scenes describing village life that set the scene but don't actually move the story on and leave me wondering why they are there...I can't listen to this any longer, it's tedious I'm sorry to say.
December 10, 2020
Nice, easy festive read, albeit pretty predictable!
December 20, 2020
This was a very Hallmark kind of Christmas story that took a minute to get into. The characters were charming and I could feel the Christmas cheer. The narrators were great and a good fit for the story.
Nothing really deep, just fun festive christmasy stuff going on. There was some mystery, love and Santa.
If you’re looking for a break from all the stress of life and want to visit this adorable little place then I recommend it.
Thanks Boldwood Books UK via Netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Nothing really deep, just fun festive christmasy stuff going on. There was some mystery, love and Santa.
If you’re looking for a break from all the stress of life and want to visit this adorable little place then I recommend it.
Thanks Boldwood Books UK via Netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sorry to say that I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I felt that it really dragged and not much happened for a good portion of it. I didn't really warm to Immi or Gray and eventually the book became a bit of a chore to read, From the description it sounded right up my street and I loved the cover but sadly it just wasn't for me.
I'm sorry to say that I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I felt that it really dragged and not much happened for a good portion of it. I didn't really warm to Immi or Gray and eventually the book became a bit of a chore to read, From the description it sounded right up my street and I loved the cover but sadly it just wasn't for me.
July 18, 2020
Terrible.
September 8, 2020
Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage was such a wonderful story about family, friendship, secrets and community. It left me feeling very festive, I mean, who wouldn’t want a white Christmas?
This was a gentle story about the people in the fictional location of Aysbury during a Christmas that does not completely go as planned. I really loved the relationship that Immi had with her grandfather Tollie, and the other members of the community who had treated her like a member of their own families. The friendship that grows between Immi and Valerie was lovely, and the sense of Christmas spirit really brought them together. The romantic connection between Immi and Gray is solid and connected from the start, and I thought their official engagement was perfect, surrounded by their friends and family. In a way I would have liked more of their story, but I don’t mean that as a negative, I think that is the sign of a good story, I found myself completely immersed in the story.
This book provided a snapshot of a beautifully connected community, in an idyllic location, with the most perfect (and not necessarily planned) white Christmas, and honestly, what more could you want from a festive read? This book made me want to curl up with a hot drink, under a blanket, with a scented Christmas candle burning, and that to me is the sign of a perfect Christmas read.
I loved the depth of the personal stories, the characters were so well-rounded and multi-dimensional, and I would love Lucy to take me back to Aysbury one day. I was left wanting more, needing more.
This was a gentle story about the people in the fictional location of Aysbury during a Christmas that does not completely go as planned. I really loved the relationship that Immi had with her grandfather Tollie, and the other members of the community who had treated her like a member of their own families. The friendship that grows between Immi and Valerie was lovely, and the sense of Christmas spirit really brought them together. The romantic connection between Immi and Gray is solid and connected from the start, and I thought their official engagement was perfect, surrounded by their friends and family. In a way I would have liked more of their story, but I don’t mean that as a negative, I think that is the sign of a good story, I found myself completely immersed in the story.
This book provided a snapshot of a beautifully connected community, in an idyllic location, with the most perfect (and not necessarily planned) white Christmas, and honestly, what more could you want from a festive read? This book made me want to curl up with a hot drink, under a blanket, with a scented Christmas candle burning, and that to me is the sign of a perfect Christmas read.
I loved the depth of the personal stories, the characters were so well-rounded and multi-dimensional, and I would love Lucy to take me back to Aysbury one day. I was left wanting more, needing more.
November 16, 2020
This is a nice story of village life. It brings a wonderful happy festive glow .
It's a gentle and calm story about friendships and relationships .
While there are some revelations and old secrets come to a head, in general is fairly slow paced , with no real drama .
The characters were lovely and I enjoyed how they all interacted at a community.
This is a nice feel good festive book but was a little slow and event free for me.
It's a gentle and calm story about friendships and relationships .
While there are some revelations and old secrets come to a head, in general is fairly slow paced , with no real drama .
The characters were lovely and I enjoyed how they all interacted at a community.
This is a nice feel good festive book but was a little slow and event free for me.
Read
December 14, 2020Dnf when it became apparent that nothing was really going to happen. I like stories to have a story to them., something to engage me and keep me wanting to read on. This didn’t
did-not-finish
December 1, 2021DNF the audio version after 1.5 hours. Nothing wrong with it exactly except the narration is SO soothing that it was putting me to sleep and nothing was actually happening. Maybe I’ll try it in print next year.
January 15, 2021
*I would like to take a moment to thank the publishers and netgalley for an audio arc in exchange of an honest review*
I really wanted something lighthearted and sweet when I requested this, but I actually found it too twee. No one is struggling, everyone is happy and gets along and loves one another and it all kinda makes you feel like the author has never met another human in their life. Like even the issues the characters are facing still seem like everyone is so okay and happy happy.
The main character Imogen I didn’t feel any connection with at all, she’s way too obsessed with her boyfriend and pretty much attributes him with her entire personality and her reason to be alive which is really concerning. Especially as her boyfriend is super bland and goody goody. I’m not saying I want him to be an asshole but there’s no evidence of conflict or anything between them even though there should be.
So basically nothing was happening other than people being happy and twee and I got annoyed so I had to stop listening.
The narrator has a nice voice though with a good range, and is one of the few narrators that doesn’t speak at -15 miles per hour so I didn’t have to listen to her on x3. Overall, very disappointed though.
I really wanted something lighthearted and sweet when I requested this, but I actually found it too twee. No one is struggling, everyone is happy and gets along and loves one another and it all kinda makes you feel like the author has never met another human in their life. Like even the issues the characters are facing still seem like everyone is so okay and happy happy.
The main character Imogen I didn’t feel any connection with at all, she’s way too obsessed with her boyfriend and pretty much attributes him with her entire personality and her reason to be alive which is really concerning. Especially as her boyfriend is super bland and goody goody. I’m not saying I want him to be an asshole but there’s no evidence of conflict or anything between them even though there should be.
So basically nothing was happening other than people being happy and twee and I got annoyed so I had to stop listening.
The narrator has a nice voice though with a good range, and is one of the few narrators that doesn’t speak at -15 miles per hour so I didn’t have to listen to her on x3. Overall, very disappointed though.
July 4, 2021
⭐️ 3 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a nice, simple, heart-warming festive audiobook, albeit a little twee and predictable.
Personally I wasn’t too keen on the narrator’s voice, which took away some of the enjoyment for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a nice, simple, heart-warming festive audiobook, albeit a little twee and predictable.
Personally I wasn’t too keen on the narrator’s voice, which took away some of the enjoyment for me.
December 26, 2022
A month in a small Cotswald town leading up to Christmas. A wholesome story with a nice seasonal mood, but the story itself was somewhat uneventful and the ending predictable.
September 6, 2020
Immi Tolliman has had a rough life, being abandoned by her mother when she was only months old, and losing her father when she was only 14. She moves to Aysbury to live with her grandfather, know to all as Tollie. Immi was not a very happy teen, and drove many of the people in town away, but as she grew up and matured, she became a beautiful, loving and caring young woman. I enjoyed learning about the Christmas cruises the town did for charity and with the Little Stars they honored. She has recently gotten involved with Gray, a music composer. As they begin making plans for their life together, his mother is diagnosed with breast cancer and he moves back home to care for her, as he was abandoned by his father when he was quite young, and he can't leave his mother alone. Things eventually work out and she is in remission, but he is still afraid to leave her alone. Will they be able to work things out to be together? Will they be able to reconcile things with their estranged parent?
I loved the little town of Aysbury and the many inhabitants. They were like one big happy family, supporting each other. Many of the characters had their own problems and throughout the story, we see how things work out for so many. Tollie and Fisher are like surrogate fathers for Immi and I enjoyed how the two of them showed their love. This is a story about friendship and community. It is about love, romance, secrets, forgiveness and honesty. I loved the setting, the characters and all the wonderful things that happened at Christmas. This is not an exciting or fast paced story. It is an honest, dramatic story about some flawed and unhappy characters that learn to take a risk to make things right. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I loved the little town of Aysbury and the many inhabitants. They were like one big happy family, supporting each other. Many of the characters had their own problems and throughout the story, we see how things work out for so many. Tollie and Fisher are like surrogate fathers for Immi and I enjoyed how the two of them showed their love. This is a story about friendship and community. It is about love, romance, secrets, forgiveness and honesty. I loved the setting, the characters and all the wonderful things that happened at Christmas. This is not an exciting or fast paced story. It is an honest, dramatic story about some flawed and unhappy characters that learn to take a risk to make things right. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
December 16, 2021
This was a low-key simple holiday romance that gave us a nice picture of a small town working together. I'm giving it an extra star because the narrator of the audio book actually kept me listening. I probably would have not finished the book if I had read, rather than listened. The plot-line was on the slow side. But the narrator had a calm, easy-to-listen-to voice which really added to the reading experience.
September 4, 2020
Wonderful, feel-good festive fare!
Imogen Tollieman is grateful to her grandfather, Tollie, for caring for her when her parents couldn't. She has grown up a lot in the intervening years and is now on the cusp of her relationship with Gray stepping up a gear. Christmas is coming and that means the community pulling together to put on the festive boat rides known locally as Santa Ahoy. With plans being made for a wonderful Christmas together, Immi and Gray are striving to make their dreams come true but will a dramatic snowfall put a spanner in the works?
Written with Lucy Coleman's warm empathy and understanding, this is a beautiful festive read - and one which doesn't gloss over the hard work it takes to do it all before the big day. Alongside some realistic situations there is plenty of fun and laughter and plenty of Christmas spirit - and not all the alcoholic kind! This book will prepare you for Christmas as it usually turns out, warts and all - why do we all aim for perfection? Skilfully created, this story just oozes warmth and is exactly what I expected from this author - a finely tuned, beautifully written novel which will appeal across the board. I just wanted more! 4.5* and a definite recommendation that you read this one pre-Christmas day!
Imogen Tollieman is grateful to her grandfather, Tollie, for caring for her when her parents couldn't. She has grown up a lot in the intervening years and is now on the cusp of her relationship with Gray stepping up a gear. Christmas is coming and that means the community pulling together to put on the festive boat rides known locally as Santa Ahoy. With plans being made for a wonderful Christmas together, Immi and Gray are striving to make their dreams come true but will a dramatic snowfall put a spanner in the works?
Written with Lucy Coleman's warm empathy and understanding, this is a beautiful festive read - and one which doesn't gloss over the hard work it takes to do it all before the big day. Alongside some realistic situations there is plenty of fun and laughter and plenty of Christmas spirit - and not all the alcoholic kind! This book will prepare you for Christmas as it usually turns out, warts and all - why do we all aim for perfection? Skilfully created, this story just oozes warmth and is exactly what I expected from this author - a finely tuned, beautifully written novel which will appeal across the board. I just wanted more! 4.5* and a definite recommendation that you read this one pre-Christmas day!
December 17, 2020
I had difficulty getting into this story which seemed very wordy and dragged a lot but enjoyed the camaraderie of neighbors in Aysbury, a fictitious English Cotswolds village.
August 27, 2020
What an eventful Christmas that was, well nothing is ever smooth running in fiction! And this really had all manner of drama, revelations and even had me gasping in shock right towards the end of the story.
Yet I also feel there are possibly some loose ends, to the extent I wonder if there will be a sequel, as I would happily read more from Immie, Gray and everyone in Aysbury, which have become like my family over the last few days while I have been reading this.
I absolutely adore the the idea of the Santa Ahoy Cruises on the the canal, especially the ones featuring rather special Little Stars. Tollie makes a fabulous Santa, and Immie is a rather great elf.
Immie is such a lovely and kind hearted character, she is happy to put everyone else first, even if it does end up with her putting on Christmas dinner for perhaps more than would have been anticipated, and she does panic quite rightly.
There is also an unlikely friendship struck up with Mrs Price, who is such a revelation as the story progresses.
And then there is Gray, who clearly loves Immie, and although I didn't feel like you got to know him that well, when we did see him, I really did like him, and they are well suited.
This is heartwarming, festive, and just an all around good story to read, with plenty going on both with regards Christmas, and also the sense of community, and friendships. I'd certainly welcome a return to Aysbury in the future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Yet I also feel there are possibly some loose ends, to the extent I wonder if there will be a sequel, as I would happily read more from Immie, Gray and everyone in Aysbury, which have become like my family over the last few days while I have been reading this.
I absolutely adore the the idea of the Santa Ahoy Cruises on the the canal, especially the ones featuring rather special Little Stars. Tollie makes a fabulous Santa, and Immie is a rather great elf.
Immie is such a lovely and kind hearted character, she is happy to put everyone else first, even if it does end up with her putting on Christmas dinner for perhaps more than would have been anticipated, and she does panic quite rightly.
There is also an unlikely friendship struck up with Mrs Price, who is such a revelation as the story progresses.
And then there is Gray, who clearly loves Immie, and although I didn't feel like you got to know him that well, when we did see him, I really did like him, and they are well suited.
This is heartwarming, festive, and just an all around good story to read, with plenty going on both with regards Christmas, and also the sense of community, and friendships. I'd certainly welcome a return to Aysbury in the future.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 12, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
If you are looking for a sweet holiday story this is the perfect book for you! There isn't a lot of action or drama, this is more of a straight forward tale of people coming together at Christmas time. At times it dragged on because it was so much description of things going on rather than interaction between characters. Some of the scenes between characters were interesting while others were a little on the boring side - on multiple occasions I was left thinking "what is the point of this book?". Then there is this huge revelation between several characters that is introduced at almost the end of the novel and resolved within one chapter. We finally got some adversity beyond Immi and Gray doing the long-distance thing and it was brushed aside as though it wasn't really that big of a deal. So, that was a little disappointing. The resolution to Gray's work problems were also resolved at the last minute and seemed to only be there to add a "happy ever after" element. I liked both Immi and Gray and was happy their problems were resolved, but that part could probably have been told in about half the number of pages.
If you are looking for a sweet holiday story this is the perfect book for you! There isn't a lot of action or drama, this is more of a straight forward tale of people coming together at Christmas time. At times it dragged on because it was so much description of things going on rather than interaction between characters. Some of the scenes between characters were interesting while others were a little on the boring side - on multiple occasions I was left thinking "what is the point of this book?". Then there is this huge revelation between several characters that is introduced at almost the end of the novel and resolved within one chapter. We finally got some adversity beyond Immi and Gray doing the long-distance thing and it was brushed aside as though it wasn't really that big of a deal. So, that was a little disappointing. The resolution to Gray's work problems were also resolved at the last minute and seemed to only be there to add a "happy ever after" element. I liked both Immi and Gray and was happy their problems were resolved, but that part could probably have been told in about half the number of pages.
January 6, 2022
I picked this book on Audible because I wanted an enjoyable festive read but I ended up bitterly disappointed.
The first part of the blurb feels like a prologue to set the scene for the story as Immi is already an adult in an established relationship when the story begins. I found the story itself to be slow and full of mundane detail that didn’t really add anything. Nothing really happens until the final hour of the book and even then the characters are so two dimensional, twee and oddly unfazed that it falls flat. I also found the switch of narrator in the final chapter an odd addition that didn’t really flow.
I’m sorry to say that this book bored me and I only persevered because I don’t like to give up on books and in the vain hope that it would improve.
This was my first book by the author and I can’t say I’m overly keen to try another.
The first part of the blurb feels like a prologue to set the scene for the story as Immi is already an adult in an established relationship when the story begins. I found the story itself to be slow and full of mundane detail that didn’t really add anything. Nothing really happens until the final hour of the book and even then the characters are so two dimensional, twee and oddly unfazed that it falls flat. I also found the switch of narrator in the final chapter an odd addition that didn’t really flow.
I’m sorry to say that this book bored me and I only persevered because I don’t like to give up on books and in the vain hope that it would improve.
This was my first book by the author and I can’t say I’m overly keen to try another.
December 1, 2020
So boring
I couldn't read the whole book, which is extremely rare for me. Usually the characters keep me going but these were two-dimensional and dull. On top of that there didn't seem to be a plot so nothing much happened. Add in bad, clichéd writing and result? Thanks, Kindle Unlimited, but this can go back.
I couldn't read the whole book, which is extremely rare for me. Usually the characters keep me going but these were two-dimensional and dull. On top of that there didn't seem to be a plot so nothing much happened. Add in bad, clichéd writing and result? Thanks, Kindle Unlimited, but this can go back.
December 12, 2020
Boring
Honestly I don't know how I finished this book. The story was just so one dimensional even when things went wrong it seemed not to actually be a problem for any of the characters and they were immediately able to find a solution and it was all cheery again as if nothing happened.
Honestly I don't know how I finished this book. The story was just so one dimensional even when things went wrong it seemed not to actually be a problem for any of the characters and they were immediately able to find a solution and it was all cheery again as if nothing happened.
July 26, 2022
DNF for me. Nothing happened.
September 8, 2020
Now, I know I always say you can read a Christmassy book at any time of year (well, I can anyway!), but I’m going to make a bit of a suggestion. Download this book now – just in case you forget – then keep it until you’re starting to get a bit frazzled in that run up to the big day. And when the family are hogging the TV and there’s no chance of chilling out with a Hallmark movie, settle down and enjoy it – it’ll be exactly what you need in so many ways.
It’s overflowing with love and community and people being so lovely to each other, the second largest snowfall the Cotswolds have ever had, Father Christmas and his elves (not the real ones, but hey…), so much sparkle, a romance that makes you all warm and fuzzy… and so much more. If you’re looking up at the bare beams of your barn conversion, it’ll give you some great ideas how to decorate them: if your turkey’s too big for your roasting tray and you only have a vegetable paring knife, your problems are over: and if your dining table’s not big enough for all your family and hangers-on, you’ll be absolutely fine (so long as you have a bit of marine-ply in your garage).
The author’s always had a particularly special touch where Christmas is concerned – but she’s really excelled herself with this one (goodness, and I haven’t even told you about the Santa Ahoy cruises on the narrowboats on the canal – or the particularly special ones they put on for their Little Stars…). Aysbury is the perfect setting, so vividly drawn – and the cast of well-defined characters is quite wonderful. And there’s nothing I enjoy much more than a story like this where people pull together when the chips are down, but there might just be a few well placed secrets just waiting to be uncovered.
I will admit that the last 10% or so of the book did come as a bit of a surprise – one of those rather jaw-dropping twists, perhaps just a little bit unexpected after all the loveliness that had gone before – but it really does work in context and answers a few questions that lurk below the story.
You really can’t help but like Immi at the book’s heart – once a troubled teen, now blissfully happy in her relationship with Gray, a wonderful relationship with grandfather Tollie, happy to do anything for anyone and universally loved. I did have a couple of small niggles about Gray – his concern for his ailing mum perhaps a tad OTT, and all that humming and finger-tapping (he’s a composer…) would have distinctly put me off – but their romance is real and entirely convincing.
This was just such a lovely, lovely book – but maybe not for September, although I know it’s so very difficult to get the timing of Christmas releases exactly right. Yes, definitely one for the run-up to Christmas – and you’ll love it too!
It’s overflowing with love and community and people being so lovely to each other, the second largest snowfall the Cotswolds have ever had, Father Christmas and his elves (not the real ones, but hey…), so much sparkle, a romance that makes you all warm and fuzzy… and so much more. If you’re looking up at the bare beams of your barn conversion, it’ll give you some great ideas how to decorate them: if your turkey’s too big for your roasting tray and you only have a vegetable paring knife, your problems are over: and if your dining table’s not big enough for all your family and hangers-on, you’ll be absolutely fine (so long as you have a bit of marine-ply in your garage).
The author’s always had a particularly special touch where Christmas is concerned – but she’s really excelled herself with this one (goodness, and I haven’t even told you about the Santa Ahoy cruises on the narrowboats on the canal – or the particularly special ones they put on for their Little Stars…). Aysbury is the perfect setting, so vividly drawn – and the cast of well-defined characters is quite wonderful. And there’s nothing I enjoy much more than a story like this where people pull together when the chips are down, but there might just be a few well placed secrets just waiting to be uncovered.
I will admit that the last 10% or so of the book did come as a bit of a surprise – one of those rather jaw-dropping twists, perhaps just a little bit unexpected after all the loveliness that had gone before – but it really does work in context and answers a few questions that lurk below the story.
You really can’t help but like Immi at the book’s heart – once a troubled teen, now blissfully happy in her relationship with Gray, a wonderful relationship with grandfather Tollie, happy to do anything for anyone and universally loved. I did have a couple of small niggles about Gray – his concern for his ailing mum perhaps a tad OTT, and all that humming and finger-tapping (he’s a composer…) would have distinctly put me off – but their romance is real and entirely convincing.
This was just such a lovely, lovely book – but maybe not for September, although I know it’s so very difficult to get the timing of Christmas releases exactly right. Yes, definitely one for the run-up to Christmas – and you’ll love it too!
September 15, 2020
I have another Christmas book for you again today, and this one comes from the brilliant Lucy Coleman. If you keep reading you will find a delightful excerpt too! I’m thrilled to be reviewing this one for Lucy, Boldwood Books and Rachels Random Resources.
Imogen Tolliman has had it tough, her mother left when she was a baby and then her father passes away when she is 14. Immi moves in with her grandfather in the small village of Aysbury, and growing up in this small community, it has immediately become her surrogate family. When Immy is older and finally in a meaningful relationship of her own, planning a future and engagement announcement at a small Christmas dinner, a freak snowstorm overtakes their little town and leaves everyone stranded. Now with unexpected overnight guests, Immi’s perfect Christmas has changed and is not the holiday night that she originally anticipated.
Filled with a heartwarming tale of family, friends and the importance of community, Lucy Coleman brings us another Christmas themed hit that is comparable to a Hallmark Movie. The characters are full of charisma, the town is charming, and the overall theme of the tale is quite enjoyable. There are some tones of dealing with loss and the importance of communication, that pull the story together and make it extremely realistic, and some last minute secrets and revelations that brings the story to a moving ending. If you need a holiday fix in the middle of September, this is defiantly your book!
A wonderful read!
Thank you so much to Lucy Coleman, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Imogen Tolliman has had it tough, her mother left when she was a baby and then her father passes away when she is 14. Immi moves in with her grandfather in the small village of Aysbury, and growing up in this small community, it has immediately become her surrogate family. When Immy is older and finally in a meaningful relationship of her own, planning a future and engagement announcement at a small Christmas dinner, a freak snowstorm overtakes their little town and leaves everyone stranded. Now with unexpected overnight guests, Immi’s perfect Christmas has changed and is not the holiday night that she originally anticipated.
Filled with a heartwarming tale of family, friends and the importance of community, Lucy Coleman brings us another Christmas themed hit that is comparable to a Hallmark Movie. The characters are full of charisma, the town is charming, and the overall theme of the tale is quite enjoyable. There are some tones of dealing with loss and the importance of communication, that pull the story together and make it extremely realistic, and some last minute secrets and revelations that brings the story to a moving ending. If you need a holiday fix in the middle of September, this is defiantly your book!
A wonderful read!
Thank you so much to Lucy Coleman, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 16, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was an enjoyable enough Christmas read, although not a lot really happened if I'm honest. The first 15% or so of the book was enjoyable as the scene was set and we were introduced to the major characters as well as the minor ones, but after this the story was a little flat for me. There was a lot of in-depth descriptions of what Immi was doing, like when she was decorating or cooking and it just felt unnecessary and seemed to make the book drag out.
That being said, I did love the setting and I could imagine how lovely it would be to spend Christmas in such a lovely place. I loved the sense of community in the small town and how everybody pulled together in a crisis with everyone having time for each other. It gave a real sense of togetherness which is what Christmas is all about in my eyes. I also adored the charity cruises along the canal with Father Christmas, I know I would have found that magical as a child and this was a nice touch to the story, further highlighting the true community spirit of the locals.
I was a little disappointed in this book, as I'd read another Christmas book by the same Author which I really enjoyed and this one just didn't really do it for me I suppose. It is a lovely Christmas story though, and I definitely didn't hate it, I just wish there had been a bit more drama throughout the book rather than all happening towards the end.
That being said, I did love the setting and I could imagine how lovely it would be to spend Christmas in such a lovely place. I loved the sense of community in the small town and how everybody pulled together in a crisis with everyone having time for each other. It gave a real sense of togetherness which is what Christmas is all about in my eyes. I also adored the charity cruises along the canal with Father Christmas, I know I would have found that magical as a child and this was a nice touch to the story, further highlighting the true community spirit of the locals.
I was a little disappointed in this book, as I'd read another Christmas book by the same Author which I really enjoyed and this one just didn't really do it for me I suppose. It is a lovely Christmas story though, and I definitely didn't hate it, I just wish there had been a bit more drama throughout the book rather than all happening towards the end.
December 22, 2020
My version was an audiobook downloaded through Chirp. 9 hrs listening time
Narrated by Lucy Scott & David Thorpe (great narration)
I'm not sure how to rate this because it was a pleasant enough book to listen to, but there also seemed to be no real point to it. I would compare it to The Mitford Series by Jan Karon, although with that series there is a more interesting progression in the plot. In style, however, it is very similar. It is a gentle and relaxing read (good bedtime reading). If you like that kind of story, then you will like this, especially since it centers around a cozy little town in the Cotswolds, complete with boat rides down the canal. (Google that area if you aren't familiar--it's like a fairytale.)
Reading this story allows you to step into small town/village life and just live it with them day by day, nothing very exciting happening. My mom would have loved it, I think. It was a nice story, just a tad dull for my tastes, especially when investing nine hours of my time.
Narrated by Lucy Scott & David Thorpe (great narration)
I'm not sure how to rate this because it was a pleasant enough book to listen to, but there also seemed to be no real point to it. I would compare it to The Mitford Series by Jan Karon, although with that series there is a more interesting progression in the plot. In style, however, it is very similar. It is a gentle and relaxing read (good bedtime reading). If you like that kind of story, then you will like this, especially since it centers around a cozy little town in the Cotswolds, complete with boat rides down the canal. (Google that area if you aren't familiar--it's like a fairytale.)
Reading this story allows you to step into small town/village life and just live it with them day by day, nothing very exciting happening. My mom would have loved it, I think. It was a nice story, just a tad dull for my tastes, especially when investing nine hours of my time.
September 6, 2020
I love picking up a Christmas story and jumped at the chance to read Christmad at Lock Keepers Cottage. Immi and Tollie are at the heart of this story, after Immi tragically loses her Dad and moves into Lock Keeper Cottage.
A story set in a wonderful location, I love being surrounded by water and this story being based on the narrow boats really appealed. Immi is a loving character who feels lost at times due to a lack of female influence during her childhood. Immi and Tollie have a special relationship which is made clear from the offset of the story, with lots of happy memories amongst the sad ones.
This story is a Christmas to remember and I loved the Santa trips on the Stargazer and the homemade garlands being strung around The Retreat. I felt so festive reading this story, it made me smile and touched me with its sadness. A book I recommend curling up with on a cold December day with a nice hot chocolate with all the trimmings.
A story set in a wonderful location, I love being surrounded by water and this story being based on the narrow boats really appealed. Immi is a loving character who feels lost at times due to a lack of female influence during her childhood. Immi and Tollie have a special relationship which is made clear from the offset of the story, with lots of happy memories amongst the sad ones.
This story is a Christmas to remember and I loved the Santa trips on the Stargazer and the homemade garlands being strung around The Retreat. I felt so festive reading this story, it made me smile and touched me with its sadness. A book I recommend curling up with on a cold December day with a nice hot chocolate with all the trimmings.
September 6, 2020
Well it’s official – the time for festive/Christmas romances has arrived and what better way to capture the spirit and run up to Christmas than ‘Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage’ by Lucy Coleman.
Within the first few chapters I had completely fallen head over heels for Aysbury and its wonderful sense of community spirit. It shone through from the very beginning and just continued to prove how string it was throughout – especially when things became tough. The whole vibe from the setting and the inhabitants is just so warm and cosy and I love the idea of living by a canal. Aysbury has some wonderful community festive traditions including Santa and the Santa Ahoy Cruise which reminds me of our local Santa train. You get a complete sense of how much the characters love Christmas and doing things for each other out of love rather than just for a job or out of duty. It totally put me in the mood for festivities.
Immie is just a gorgeous character to get to know and despite having a difficult childhood that still haunts her, she is surrounded by love and gives just as much back. I adored her and thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey alongside her and her community family.
There is a romantic thread running throughout however for me the main focus of this novel is community and family and love that exists in many ways.
I highly recommend this novel as a start to you Christmas reading but be warned….it will put you completely in the festive spirit.
Within the first few chapters I had completely fallen head over heels for Aysbury and its wonderful sense of community spirit. It shone through from the very beginning and just continued to prove how string it was throughout – especially when things became tough. The whole vibe from the setting and the inhabitants is just so warm and cosy and I love the idea of living by a canal. Aysbury has some wonderful community festive traditions including Santa and the Santa Ahoy Cruise which reminds me of our local Santa train. You get a complete sense of how much the characters love Christmas and doing things for each other out of love rather than just for a job or out of duty. It totally put me in the mood for festivities.
Immie is just a gorgeous character to get to know and despite having a difficult childhood that still haunts her, she is surrounded by love and gives just as much back. I adored her and thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey alongside her and her community family.
There is a romantic thread running throughout however for me the main focus of this novel is community and family and love that exists in many ways.
I highly recommend this novel as a start to you Christmas reading but be warned….it will put you completely in the festive spirit.
August 9, 2021
This is an amazing Christmas book, which I really loved and enjoyed. The story is about a woman called Immi who is in love with a man called Gray and together they have to find a way to stay close, even when they have to live apart. I loved the Christmas cruises where Tollie, Immi's grandad, played Santa and Immi played an elf. The story is so cute and heartwarming and I especially enjoyed reading about Immi getting close to Mrs Price. The narrator of the book was great and told the story well. Overall, this is a wonderful, cosy Christmas read which will warm your heart on a cold day. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading book 2 of the series soon, to catch up with Immi, Gray, Tollie and all the rest of the Christmas gang.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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