Christmas at Red Robin Cottage by Sue Roberts

Christmas at Red Robin Cottage is a charming holiday romance novel perfect for creating that cozy feeling this Fall. I really enjoyed it.

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From The Publisher:

Snow is falling on Little Newdale; decorations are being hung and joy is in the air. But at Red Robin Cottage, Sarah is feeling far from merry and bright…

Since her marriage went up in flames like a Christmas pudding, there’s nothing Sarah Dunne wants more than a peaceful festive season filled with carols and mince pies. But Sarah’s teenage daughter Ellie is feeling the winter blues, faced with spending the holiday without her father.

Desperate to bring home some seasonal cheer and make this a Christmas to remember for Ellie, Sarah follows the trail of fairy lights into the snow-covered village. Among the holiday crowds she finds herself gazing into the soft brown eyes of a handsome stranger whose smile is startlingly familiar. It couldn’t really be her childhood sweetheart, Luke, could it?

Even though he moved half a world away nineteen years ago, as they bond over hot chocolate and tales of traumatic break-ups it’s clear time hasn’t changed Luke’s effortless charm. And when he saves Sarah from a wardrobe malfunction at a Christmas party, it’s not just the mulled wine warming her heart. But she can’t let herself fall in love again. Especially as Luke isn’t here to stay…

Then Ellie reveals she’s been keeping a BIG secret about Sarah’s ex. Reeling, Sarah longs to turn to Luke for comfort. But will that put her already fragile relationship with her daughter at risk, and chase Luke away even faster? Or will opening her heart mean Sarah gets her wish for a magical Christmas after all?

Grab a blanket and a mug of cocoa and curl up by the fire with this completely addictive festive romance. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Phillipa Ashley and Heidi Swain will love this charming, feel-good holiday read that proves you don’t need the perfect family to have a perfect Christmas!

My Thoughts:

This is such a joyful read. The characters are highly likeable and relatable. The setting of the small town of Little Newdale is perfect for a holiday read and I loved the sense of community. The romance to me was simply icing on the cake.

Sarah is a single mother with a teenage daughter Ellie trying to make ends meet the best she can since her divorce. She works in a movie theatre that has been experiencing a dwindling business thanks to the new theatre in the town. Despite this, she’s determined to make a wonderful Christmas for her and her daughter.

When her childhood sweetheart arrives back in town she almost can’t believe it. It’s been more than a decade since she last saw Luke. Rekindling a friendship begins to turn into something a little more. But Sarah is guarded – for completely legitimate reasons.

I enjoy reading about women who are supported by other women and this is a great example. Who doesn’t need a group of friends to help us get by in our day-to-day lives? I also appreciated the relationship between Sarah and Ellie – a little reminiscent of Lorelai and Rory for Gilmore Girls fans.

Christmas at Red Robin Cottage is the perfect read for those that want a lovely holiday story wrapped in romance. Those of you over 30 will appreciate it even more.

What I Liked:

• The cozy Christmas feels felt throughout the book
• The romance between Sarah and Luke
• The highly likeable and relatable characters

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

A Season of Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss