A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds

by Lucy Coleman

What could be more festive than a winter wedding in the picturesque English countryside? Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds with the bestselling Lucy Coleman.

Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when they were stranded by snow in a blizzard. Now they are busy planning their wedding, but when the date slips six months because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that after their snowy start, they will end up getting married at Christmas.

The couple are living in Immi’s grandfather’s picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage at the Aysbury marina in the Cotswolds, which they are renovating to become their forever family home. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work.

When Gray is suddenly forced to travel abroad, Immi is left to cope with everything alone, and before long, even the best-laid plans start to wobble. When a terrible betrayal is uncovered, the whole community of Aysbury is left reeling, and Immi is left wondering if there will be a wedding after all…

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to an unforgettable Cotswolds Christmas full of romance and laughter, friendship and family and much-loved festive traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Fiction, Womens Fiction

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2021

About the author

Lucy 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!

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Feel-good Christmas Romance

Although this can be read as a standalone I didn't realise I hadn't read the previous book. I wish I had done as I definitely missed out on getting to know all these amazing characters! That being said I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Immi and her fiancé, Gray are renovating
the Lock Keeper’s Cottage and making  Preparations for their wedding day.
Immi takes on a lot and has a big heart. Not only is she mega busy in her personal life, she also helps raise money and organise the Santa Ahoy Cruises.

But things are not necessarily running smoothly for Immi and things just keep getting in the way. It's not helping that she feels like she's going through it alone as hubby to be Gray is away a fair bit working, leaving Immi with all the burdens.

Can Immi pull off a Christmas Wedding and get their home ready or is it all about to crumble away!

I'm a huge fan of Lucy Coleman's books and I especially love a feel good, Christmas read, and as always Coleman pulls out all the stops!
There's a real Uplifting and Heartwarming feel to this story, I loved the community spirit and the romance of a wedding, with all the added little Christmas Sparkle.
So grab a hot cuppa and snuggle down, there's a Wedding to attend!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.





You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book surprised me by how little Christmas there is in the story. It’s only about three quarters of the way through the novel does the festive vibes truly appear and this was a juxtaposition to the cover and the book’s title. Leaving my disgruntled for the lack of Christmas, this did not help with my attempts at enjoying the story. In my opinion, the protagonist was a moody stress-head, the narrative prolonged and the dialogue protracted. It was a disappointing experience.

I did not realise that this is a follow-on story, taking place twelve months after events at the Lock Keeper’s cottage. Unfortunately, I have not read this and disagree with claims that this book could be read as a stand-alone. Whilst plenty of references are made to past stories, I struggled to connect with the characters, well aware that I have missed a significant instalment about the community. Undoubtedly, Coleman takes the time to develop her characters but it always felt like I was missing something and could not imagine the journey the characters have already experienced.

Coupled with this, I struggled to connect with Immi. She moans a lot and I don’t think there was anything she was not satisfied with! Despite planning her wedding, she appears disgruntled that she has to do it in the first place, feeling overwhelmed by the jobs that need doing. Immi barely feels excited about finding her perfect dress, instead moaning to her poor fiancé about how she doesn’t exactly feel comfortable in what has been custom-made for her. In addition, it seems like Immi is a bit of a martyr: taking on all jobs, being in control of everything but, not being able to cope with all the responsibilities. I’ve met too many people like this and Immi was a personification of all that negativity, bundled into one character. It was just too much.

Although there is a wedding to plan, this does not dominate the story. Instead, Coleman focuses on the Aysbury community and their fund-raising activities. Again, I felt detached from this element of the story because I did not have a full understanding of all the work that has taken place in the past. Furthermore, I found it all quite mundane and wanted there to be more excitement about Immi’s wedding instead.

And this is my main criticism in the book: I was not convinced by Immi and Gray’s relationship. I could not grasp any romance or spark between the couple. With Gray constantly travelling for work and Immi moaning to anyone who will listen, I was convinced there would be a betrayal in the narrative. Surprised that Gray takes over the wedding planning, I still did not believe in the love the couple have towards one another, even when the union takes place. I think the fact that the narrative and dialogue was so wordy, and Immi’s negative attitude towards the world, just ruined my belief in this couple.

So, I’m sorry to say that I just didn’t enjoy this book. It’s my second read by this author and I haven’t been as engrossed as I would hope. Maybe it is the wordy writing style that deters me, but I must say, I was pleased to leave Immi in Aysbury because of how much she irritated me. Coleman certainly takes the time to develop her characters but, personally, Immi was just too much to tolerate.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒

A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds by Lucy Coleman is a delightful look at small-town life with lively characters and a lovely story. It’s not a series book, however, A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds would be better if read after Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage, as it’s a continuation of that story.

A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds has Immi and Grey working on getting married at Christmastime. They’ve been engaged for a year after Grey’s proposal in a snowstorm last Christmas. But, Christmas is a busy time for Immi, as she also helps with her Grandfathers, Santa Ahoy Cruises, she’s fundraising and project managing the new playground for the village as well as renovating their new home, the Lock Keepers Cottage. Plus she’s dealing with her fiance’s work schedule. He has to work in London, and she only gets to see him on weekends, for now.

This is a sweet, charming tale set in a gorgeous location in the Cotswold. I loved the descriptions of the canals and the longboats and the longboat tours. I also enjoyed the sense of community and how everyone helps everyone else out and they all work together to make the community stronger.

Although a Christmas story, the book starts out in the heat of summer and progresses through fall to Christmas. I like that it’s a holiday story, but we’re not hit over the head with Christmas, but instead, just get a general feel for the holiday at the end of the book that was very satisfying. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet holiday story set in a delightful small village. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Amanda B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Festive easy read 🤶🏻

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read, a little early to read a Christmas book in September when it's very hot but, hey, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet book. More please!!! My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so good to be back in Aysbury alongside Immi, Gray, Tollie, Fisher, Val and everyone else.

It certainly can be read as a standalone though as there is plenty of references to the previous book to catch up on/

Immi has a lot on her plate during this story, and it is hard for her to delegate and even harder for her to admit she needs help with the wedding as she certainly isn't the typical bride.

Taking place over the space of a year, I loved this latest book from Lucy Coleman,

With the various fundraising efforts, and so many different storylines, this was a lovely story to read.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Federica]

Shame I didn't realise this book was part of a series, I'm sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous book Christmas at the Lockkeepers Cottage.
Nonetheless this is a nice, festive and enjoyable read, with pleasurable characters and a lovely storyline.
I'll go back to the previous book for more of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Candyce Kirk]

DNF 47%

I don't know what it is, but I'm just not connecting with any characters in this book. This was a buddyread and I was fine once I picked it up to read a few chapters, but I noticed I wasn't wishing I could be reading it.

Also, I wanted to read this one for the Christmassy vibes, but I'm almost halfway through and they're only talking about the book and it's still taking place in the summer. Just not what I was hoping for or expecting.

[Christina Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. yaaa it's Christmas time.

VERY cute. Loved all of the characters. It did feel a bit slow at some points tho. Still, the characters makes it worth the read.

[Miranda Beer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stumped

I love Lucy Coleman's books but this one had me stumped. Where's the plot? It reads as a day to day diary and there didn't seem to be a point to it.

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the build up to Christmas and the build up to the wedding meant that it wasn’t short of action. I haven’t read the first book in this series which was alright as this can be read as a stand alone, however I think that in hindsight reading book 1 first would have given me a greater insight into Immi and Gray’s relationship.

Throughout reading this I had a feeling in the back of my head that something was going to go wrong at some point but it didn’t seem like this was going to be the case. There were loads of little blips and I could really closely relate to Immi’s feelings with Gray being away from home so much because this is very similar for me.

However when the ‘event’ as we shall call it happened it wasn’t what I expected at all and was a shock to the system. What I loved about this though was the way that the group rallied round to try and rectify things. The sense of community is so strong and Aysbury is such a wonderful place, somewhere I’d love to visit - get me on the Santa Ahoy ASAP ;)

When it came to the letter at the end I found myself fighting back tears, there is a really strong sense of family and friendship in this book that it really warms your heart. I felt like such an emotional mess at the end of this book, there was just so much I related to on a really deep level and I was a mix of smiles and almost tears.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a bit of Christmas and romance in your soul – and don’t we all? – then this is one book you really don’t want to miss!

Following on from Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage, Immi and Gray are in the throes of planning their nuptials; not the summer wedding they first intended due to unavoidable circumstances but another winter celebration. With Gray travelling for work constantly, renovations to the cottage underway – and hitting snags – along with Immi’s job and the fund raising incorporating the annual Santa Ahoy cruises and finding a way to celebrate it’s tenth year, wedding planning is turning into yet another chore on her list. And then the unthinkable happens – is it the last straw?

I no sooner began reading this than memories of the first novel came flooding back. I should say, of course, that this is a terrific stand alone read but reading both will definitely enhance your experience. I’ve long been a fan of Lucy Coleman’s; her understanding of the human psyche, putting together a wonderful cast of characters and spinning both into a thoroughly enjoyable story is faultless. I always know I’m in for a good read when I have one of her books on my kindle and this is so delightful – I bought my first Christmas decorations yesterday and I’m definitely in a festive mood now! 5* from me and my full recommendation!

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet without being overly cheesy, this is like a mug of cocoa on a winters day. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, this is the second book in the series, but I had no issue not having read the first one.
Immi and Gray have been engaged for a year after having to postpone their summer wedding due to Gray’s work schedule so Immi has her heart set on a festive Christmas wedding, but since she is so busy with her own schedule of work and caretaking her older father and overseeing the renovation on their house, Immi doesn’t have time to plan the wedding so she asks her friend and her mother in law to plan it for her and hope they fulfill her vision, especially when her fiancé offers to step in and help from a distance. Of course there were some bumps along the way, but they managed to get to their happily ever after when all was said and done.
I always enjoy anything set in the Cotswold and this was no exception. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immi’s never been one who likes an easy life – as well as needing to plan her Christmas wedding to composer Gray, she’s treasurer for the committee managing the rather ambitious fundraising for the local community playground, as well as supervising the work on the lock-keeper’s cottage which will be the couple’s new home. As on top of all that, she’s working for Martin at the garden centre, and there’s the small matter of organising the Santa Ahoy cruises for the local children and her usual dressing-up as an elf – and things are so much more difficult when Gray’s spending his weeks in London, on the verge of his big break, or jetting off to America at short notice.

Others can see how much she’s struggling, and take on some of the tasks – when Val and Rona enthusiastically get involved with the wedding planning it means she can concentrate on some of the details (like a dress she’ll be comfortable wearing), and Patrick’s only too happy to take over her treasurer duties. But things are going badly wrong at the cottage, with a fractured water main that needs replacing, turning the garden into a quagmire: and something’s not quite right with her relationship with her much-loved grandfather Tollie, who seems to have developed a new friendship that’s beginning to squeeze her out of his life. And then… but I think I need to stop there, and let you find out for yourselves.

I so enjoyed this book. Immi’s a wonderful lead character, and I’d already taken her to my heart when I read the first book – but if this is your first visit to Aysbury, you’ll have no problems catching up on everything that’s gone before because the author is so very good at letting you have the key details without you even noticing that she’s doing so. Immi is the story’s narrator, and it really helps you understand her various dilemmas and the way she feels about them – and it also makes you feel for her in her moments of upset and desperation, but also to share her moments of joy.

There’s a wonderful sense of community about this book – every single supporting character is so well developed, as are the relationships between them all, with a strong focus on friends and family. The relationship between Immi and Gray is just gorgeous – he still taps out the rhythms of the songs he’s composing, but much less inclined to break into “Bi-ba-bi-ba doo bah doo” than he used to be – and, although he may not be around as much as Immi would like, he certainly steps up to the plate when he needs to in the most heartwarming way possible.

The descriptions are simply wonderful – Aysbury itself, the cottage and Tollie’s new home at The Retreat, life down on the river – and, as always, there’s the most perfectly done detail on the conversion of the cottage’s interior with all the decorative and Christmassy final touches. And then there’s the wedding itself – and I mustn’t tell you too much, but it certainly brings a tear to your eye and a broad smile to your face (and yes, silver grey and soft heather are the perfect choice). And I mustn’t skirt around whether the book is as Christmassy as I wanted it to be – and although the book begins in late summer with a slow countdown to all the planned events for the festive season, the answer is a resounding “yes”.

This was a thoroughly lovely read, everything I hoped it would be – more than enough drama to keep the pages turning, filled with warmth and emotion, wonderful characters, the perfect setting, and everything you could possibly want in a Christmas read. Go on, add it to your December list – I promise you won’t be disappointed.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Coleman takes the reader on a delightful journey with Immi and Gray as fate conspires against them and their wedding plans.

While this book works fine as a stand-alone, I think it would be nicer to read Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage first. The main characters begin their romance while snowbound in a cottage last Christmas.

The setting is beautifully described and makes me wish I could visit the area and its residents sometime soon. The book has a calming, ethereal feel to it, even though there are ups, downs, and plans are continually changing. There is an important lesson to be learned about trying to do everything yourself. We all need help sometimes and the residents of this rural area are most helpful. The community is what makes this book so special. It has a delightful small-town vibe that is hard to find in today’s busy world.

The pacing is perfect for this type of story. You need to take your time and absorb this Christmas tale at an easy, unhurried pace to get the most out of it. Some stories cannot be rushed.

I hope to read more from this author and these characters soon.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lockkeepers cottage, Aysbury Cotswolds Ernest Tolliman grandad Tollie along with his granddaughter Immi and her fiance Grey Adams are bringing the old cottage up to date to make it home for them, Immi has not got enough hours in the day what with their Christmas wedding, working full time at the nurseries and the santa ahoy anniversary she like a headless chicken.
This book is so full of ups and downs as we read, but I really enjoyed it all the way through every chapter will this couple end with a happy ever after? A five star rating from me, I loved it.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for very kindly forwarding me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for an honest review.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love a Christmas book and I definitely jumped at the chance to read this one!!
Set in the Cotswold’s, this story is full of wonderful, scenic descriptions, that include longboats and canals.
I also loved that it was set in a village and we get a great sense of community of all the villagers coming together.
It is not completely set at Christmas but gradually works it’s way from Summer, through Autumn and onto the big finish at Christmas time and I loved it!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful blend of christmas and a romantic wedding makes this a lovely read. You feel very involved with the characters. Immi and Gray are remodelling the Lock Keepers cottage and looking forward to their christmas wedding. Building delays and wedding wobbles combine and they need to pick their way through the bumps in the road.
I could just picture myself in their lovely home and a part of the wedding plans. I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Henriette]

I was really excited to start this book as I love Christmas and had been told it could be read as a standalone book. Unfortunately I think this did not work out for me. I felt like I was missing something, namely the whole getting to know and care about the characters part. I read this story and enjoyed it, but I did not feel the story, if you know what I mean. I will therefore not post a review in stars as I normally do, as I don't think this would be fair having not read the first in the series.

The story is a Christmas story, but it's not until we are three quarters through the book that it becomes December so it was not a problem reading it now in the late summer on the beach. It had a really nice Christmas feel to it, also in the months leading up to December with all the preparations required. The community, the cast of characters and the whole setting in the Cotswolds was nice. I had a good idea of who Immi, the main character, was by the end of the book, but I did not feel that connected to the characters. As I said, I think this was largely due to the fact that I had not read book one.

Overal this is a nice Christmas story in a small community in the Cotswolds with some drama and family and relationship issues mixed in. To get the most out of this story I urge you to first read the first book: Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage before moving on to this one.

I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Lucy Coleman for giving me this book in return for an honest review. My thoughts about this book are in no way influenced by the fact that it was a gift.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Lucy Coleman is back with a wonderfully escapist romantic treat that warms the heart, touches the soul and makes readers smile: A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds.

After getting engaged last year, Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams are counting down the days until their wedding day. Their path to happy ever after has certainly been fraught with tension and challenges aplenty, but Immi and Gray have put all that behind them and are excited about their future together. With the date set, plans are soon set in motion for the wedding of their dreams – until their plans hit a snag and they find themselves forced to postpone to a later date after Gray gets a job he simply cannot turn down. However, Immi is not too despondent, especially as this means she is going to marry her soulmate at Christmas!

Life in Aysbury is certainly busy for Immi. While Gray is working abroad on his film project, Immi is busy overseeing the renovation of her grandfather’s lock-keeper cottage which will become their forever home and juggling her other million and one responsibilities. With building work, her full-time job and wedding planning, Immi has certainly got her hands full. Immi loves keeping busy, however, being left to cope all alone is starting to leave its effects on her – especially when a terrible betrayal is revealed…

With the community of Aysbury up in arms, tensions are certainly running high. Will Immi ever get the wedding day she has always wanted? Or is she about to spend this Christmas heartbroken and sorely disappointed?

Lucy Coleman is such a terrific writer who never fails to write heart-warming, entertaining and captivating romantic comedies and in A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds, she has once again penned a terrific tale that I didn’t want to put down. Touching, witty and impossible to resist, A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds will steal readers’ hearts as they find themselves completely gripped by Immi and Gray’s latest adventure.

Fun, uplifting and a joy from beginning to end, Lucy Coleman’s A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds should not be missed.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Lucy’s work for a while now. I have read and loved each and every book that she has written to date. I read the synopsis for ‘A Christmas Wedding In The Cotswolds’ and it certainly sounded like another cracker of a read from Lucy Coleman. So without further ado, I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for a fun afternoon of reading. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Christmas Wedding In The Cotswolds’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this charming read. I was drawn in from the synopsis and the story between the book’s cover sealed the deal as it were. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to put the book down for very long at all. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I had taken so well to the main character Imogen, that I had to keep reading to see what fate had in store for her. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of the story. I found ‘A Christmas Wedding In The Cotswolds’ to be a delightful read, which kept my attention throughout and which left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
‘A Christmas Wedding In The Cotswolds’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lucy Coleman. She certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a story. Lucy has a habit of creating characters who are impossible to dislike and who feel more like friends than actual characters in a book. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout. I felt as though I was part of the story, which is all thanks to Lucy’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Christmas Wedding In The Cotswolds’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lucy’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds. As Immi and Gray prepare for their wedding Murphy’s Law seems to be more in control than either of them. Immi realizes she needs help with wedding details in order to keep the rest of the balls she juggles in the air. Will she actually make it to the altar? Lucy Coleman’s characters are delicious…well defined and placed in situations and conversations that keep readers in continuing to read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t get into this book as I was expecting to, it was quite hard going and I didn’t get a very good vibe from the characters, I skimmed over a lot of it as it seemed to take pages and pages of description, not really for me I didn’t realise it was part of a series so that may have been why I felt there was something missing

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had to happen eventually. Christmas has snuck up on us! Yes I know its only September but oh my goodness what a book to get us in the mood for the festive season! Every time there's an opportunity to review a Lucy Coleman book I just right at it. She is absolutely one of my favourite authors for a feel good book and A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds is no exception.

In the book we once again meet the characters that we fell in love with in CHRISTMAS AT LOCKKEEPERS COTTAGE. Immi and Gray are desperate to get their wedding sorted and with Gray working away from home, its up to Immi to get the ball rolling and the wedding arrangements in place. However, there seem to be so many obstacles in the way with major renovations (and building disasters) underway at the cottage and Immi having so many other things to juggle it seems that this wedding will never happen. Throw into the mix a shocking surprise for want of a better word and chaos ensues and in its wake, some soul searching must be done and feelings and emotions dealt with.

The book beautifully sets a wonderful sense of place and character development from the host of amazing people we got to meet in the first book. The book can of course be read as a standalone but I'd recommend you reading Christmas at Lockkeeper's Cottage simply to further discover the many talents of Lucy Coleman and become immersed even deeper into this wonderful community.

I think what draws me to this book more than anything, just like Christmas at Lockkeeper's Cottage is the amazing sense of community and the outpouring of love and support. I really relate to Immi in so much as I find it difficult to accept help from others or even ask for it but Immi does accept that she can't do it all on her own. Aysbury isn't just a place, its a family and for Immi it represents everything that she needs and wants. While we aren't bombarded with festive things during the book as the story is set in the run up to the planned wedding over the course of a year, its difficult not to get into the festive mood and get caught up in the excitement of a beautiful wedding, despite the pitfalls along the way.

A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds for me represents the idea that family isn't just about the blood that runs in our veins but the community that we have around us, supporting us, loving us and being there no matter what. Its the feeling you get knowing that people around you have your back no matter what. A highly recommended read.

[Helen Gaye Brewster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really get into this book until almost the end. I’d read the first book, Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage, and liked it enough to want to see how Immi and Gray’s story ended. Like most of Lucy Coleman’s books, this one had lovely descriptions of the setting in a small village in the Cotswolds, with its marina, towpath, and village shops. I particularly liked the descriptions of the renovations on the Lock Keeper’s Cottage. And, I loved getting to know the villagers in the story. There are a lot, and even though this can be read as a standalone book, it’s probably easier to keep up with all the characters if you’ve read the first book.

As with most of Coleman's books, I enjoy the setting and her descriptive style of writing more than I enjoy the romance. I didn't feel any sparks flying between Immi and Gray and their romance didn't seem like it was a major part of the plot. The primary storyline was about the villager's efforts to raise funds to build a public playground and the glitch that occurs in their efforts and the secondary storyline was about the details of planning Immi and Gray's wedding. Interestingly, Immi was not very interested in her own wedding plans, and was relieved to let her mum, Gray's mum, and Gray do the planning while she dealt with raising funds for the playground and implementing the annual Santa Ahoy Cruises for children. There was also another minor plot about the renovation of the Lock Keeper's Cottage and Immi put dealing with the problems there before planning her wedding. I like that she included her and Gray's mums in the wedding planning and that the writer made the point that a groom can also make decisions about a wedding as well as a bride, but Immi's lack of interest in her own wedding almost made me think that she would eventually decide she didn't really want to get married!

The book picked up toward the end as problems in each of the storylines began to resolve and the wedding drew closer, and by the end I was enjoying the book. As I said, I love the writer's descriptive and detailed style of writing when it comes to the setting and events in the story. But, I always wish for a bit more when it comes to the romance.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds" by Lucy Coleman is a heartwarming and festive read that captures the magic of Christmas in the picturesque English countryside. Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams, engaged after a snowstorm-induced proposal the previous year, are now planning their dream winter wedding. The novel immerses readers in the beauty of the Cotswolds, offering a delightful escape into the holiday spirit.

Coleman skillfully weaves together the elements of wedding planning, the challenges of renovation, and the responsibilities Immi undertakes to raise money for a children's playground. The setting of Immi's grandfather's lock-keeper's cottage at the Aysbury marina adds charm to the narrative, creating a perfect backdrop for a festive celebration.

The characters are endearing, and readers can't help but root for Immi and Gray as they navigate the complexities of wedding preparations, unexpected challenges, and the tight-knit community of Aysbury. The author's attention to detail brings the Cotswolds to life, making it a character in itself and enhancing the holiday ambiance.

The story not only focuses on the romance between Immi and Gray but also delves into themes of community, friendship, and family. Immi's determination to carry on despite unforeseen obstacles showcases resilience, and the novel explores how the bonds of community can overcome even the most challenging situations.

The unexpected twists and turns, particularly the betrayal uncovered, add depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and invested in the characters' journeys. The exploration of forgiveness and second chances contributes to the overall warmth of the story.

Lucy Coleman has crafted a festive tale that resonates with romance, laughter, and the joy of the holiday season. "A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds" is perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin, and Sue Moorcroft. Let Coleman transport you to the enchanting Cotswolds for a Christmas celebration filled with love, tradition, and the magic of the season. This heartwarming read earns a solid four stars for its delightful storytelling and the perfect blend of romance and holiday cheer.

[Victoria Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am more than ready for a bit of Christmas sparkle in my life, so as soon as I found out that the fabulous Lucy Coleman was releasing a festive novel I jumped at the chance to read and review it.

In this story we meet Imogen and Gray, a couple who are preparing for their wedding after getting engaged whilst stranded in a blizzard the year before. All the preparations are running smoothly, but when Gray begins working on a huge film project they make the decision to push the date of the wedding back six months. This feels somewhat like fate to Imogen that they are now having a Christmas wedding, after all…. they did get engaged surrounded by snow.

As we are taken back to the picturesque setting of Ashbury in the Cotstwolds, we get to catch up with some much loved characters who we have encountered before. As Immi and Gray try to juggle the pressures of work, fixing up the cottage they live in to make it their forever home and of course all of the preparations for their upcoming wedding, Immi also deals with the fundraising for a playground that will be made in her late grandfathers name.

I truly loved returning to Ashbury and following Immi and Gray throughout the buikd up to their special day. It is clear that they are both still head over heels in love with one another, and despite the demands of Gray’s work taking him away a lot, they never let that impact on their relationship. Alongside the cast of intriguing and incredibly welcoming characters that provide us with some unforgettable dialogue and a setting that is brought to life so wonderfully by the author and her incredible writing style, it is impossible to not fall in love with this story and all of those we meet throughout it.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds - Lucy Coleman

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when they were stranded by snow in a blizzard. Now they are busy planning their wedding, but when the date slips six months because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that after their snowy start, they will end up getting married at Christmas.

The couple are living in Immi’s grandfather’s picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage at the Aysbury marina in the Cotswolds, which they are renovating to become their forever family home. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work.

It was nice being back in Aysbury with these lovely characters. Whilst this book follows on from Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage, A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds could easily be read as a standalone book. This is such a nice, enjoyable, festive read.

Although this is a Christmas book it is not the main theme of the book, we follow Immi as she prepares for her wedding through the months leading up to the Christmas Wedding. I thought that it was a sweet and charming tale that is set in a beautiful location. I am highly recommending this book to anyone that enjoys a lovely holiday read.

Rating 4/5

[The Lilac Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

🎄BOOK REVIEW | A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds by Lucy Coleman🎄

SYNOPSIS | Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when they were stranded by snow in a blizzard. Now they are busy planning their wedding, but when the date slips six months because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that after their snowy start, they will end up getting married at Christmas.

The couple are living in Immi’s grandfather’s picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage at the Aysbury marina in the Cotswolds, which they are renovating to become their forever family home. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work.

With Gray working abroad, Immi is left to cope with everything alone. When a terrible betrayal is uncovered, the whole community of Aysbury is left reeling and Immi is left wondering if there will be a wedding after all…

MY THOUGHTS | Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC. I did not realize that this is a sequel to “Christmas at Lock Keepers Cottage” until I had finished reading. Unfortunately, I had a hard time reading this book as I found there to be too many characters to keep track of, and that the plot dragged on.

RATING | ⭐️⭐️

[Ashley Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, author Lucy Coleman, and Boldwood Books publishing for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
If you have ever wonder what it would be like to plan a dream wedding at Christmas, this book is for you!
This book was such a wonderful light-hearted romance with all the feels of the Christmas holiday. The author did a great job describing the gorgeous location in the Cotswold. The descriptions of the canals and the longboats and the longboat tours made me want to book my tickets immediately. I also enjoyed the feeling of community the author was able to convey throughout the story. The characters were fully on boat to pull together in order to support each other. While this is a Christmas romance, it is summer at the start of this book and the wedding is planned as the date of the wedding draws closer! While there was not an over-the-top Christmas theme within this story, the ending defiantly leaves you with the feeling of the Christmas season as well as romance! Overall, I can't recommend this book enough especially for those who are ready to get into the spirit of Christmas early. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future,