I am delighted to share my review today for Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage by Lucy Coleman. I am a fan of this author and I always enjoy her books and her latest one is no exception. My huge thanks as always to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for my e-copy of the book.

So, what is this one all about…

Synopsis…

Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds in this perfect festive escape, from the bestselling Lucy Coleman.

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.

Purchase Links – Kindle – Paperback – Audiobook. (These are Amazon affiliate links)

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My Review…

I do love a Lucy Coleman book and her latest has a wonderful Cotswolds setting. Immi has not had the best of starts in life as her mum left when she was a baby. Later she lost her father and her Gran. She has been through a lot of grief and the local community have been there for her, given her a chance and she has grown to be a thoughtful and kind person with a big heart and time for people. 

Community is a large part of this story, how they come together and support each other. Whether it is in the form of winter cruises on the narrowboats for children eager to meet Santa or coming up with ideas to fundraise. 

Gray is Immi’s partner, and they see each other only at weekends. His mum has not been well and he has needed to help her come to terms with her illness and the anxiety it has left her with. This means that Immi and Gray only have short periods together and are always busy.

When I started this book I didn’t quite take to the characters, I mean I liked them but I couldn’t quite get the connections they felt a little disjointed. I suppose in some ways it is similar to the relationship between Immi and Gray, even though their love for each other is complete they are often apart more than together. Gradually though I got to see more of this couple and started to understand them more, and also other members of the community. What a community it is, talk about dealing with whatever is aimed at them!

When I had finished this book I found myself with a few loose threads that I am hoping will be picked up in another book. I just feel that there are more stories that this community and its characters have to share. Keeping my fingers crossed for this!

It is a story that is heartwarming and has a good few surprises, and one in particular that I did not see at all. A wonderfully warm, community-spirited story that I really did enjoy and would recommend to readers of contemporary fiction who like a story about love, life family and friendships… and that I dearly hope may be the start of a series!

About the Author…

Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Snowflakes over Holly Cove. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.

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Check out the previous stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx