Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of "Christmas at Red Robin Cottage", written by Sue Roberts. It was released on September 30th, 2022.
Overall, I rated this novel 4/5 stars!
This book tells the story of Sarah, whose marriage has ended and her daughter Ellie, who desperately misses her father during the holiday season. This is a second chance romance between Sarah and an old flame named Luke, who used to be her childhood sweetheart nineteen years ago.
Sarah is wishing for a magical Christmas, but she's very reluctant to open up to the idea of love again, given recent experiences. I would also classify this novel not only as romance but as Women's Ficto=ion.
Good read. Great characters, enjoyed the setting, lots of side stories weaved into it and it flowed really well. A good read for a rubbish day. Will make you feel better!
This is the perfect holiday escape book. The kind you grab with a cup of hot chocolate, a soft blanket and cuddle up with no place to go and just settle in for a few hours and enjoy your time in the story. And that’s exactly what I did.
It takes place in Little Newdale, where Sarah lives in Red Robin Cottage with her sixteen year old daughter. She’s been divorced for two years now and has found her footing, but it hasn’t been easy on her daughter. However, Sarah has great friends and loves her job running the local cinema despite the decline in numbers as more and more people go into the bigger cities to the more updated ones. Sarah is tasked with figuring out how to increase revenue. While doing so, she runs into her former crush, Luke, and sparks fly once again. As they rekindle their friendship it starts to turn into something more, but Sarah is protective of her heart after her divorce. Will Luke be able to get her to let him in? Can Sarah and her staff keep the cinema open?
I adored this book and it was nice to see a story involving characters over 30 for a change too :)
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Newly separated, Sarah is trying to still make Christmas magical for her daughter Ellie, who is sad without her father. Her path leads her to her former sweetheart, Luke, and it’s like no time has passed at all. This was a sweet, feel good holiday love story - like curling up to watch a good Hallmark movie.
I want to say thank you to Bookouture and Sue Roberts for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have been in the mood to read a Christmas book, and this one hit the spot. Sarah is a divorced single mom that operates a vintage movie theater. One day she sees someone that looks familiar, and it turns out to be her crush from high school, Luke. This book is about love, loss, friendships, second chances, and growth. It is definitely worth the read
I can’t remember the last time that a book made me cry, but towards the end of this one there were definitely tears in my eyes, although I’m telling myself they were hormonal!
Christmas at Red Robin Cottage is all about friends, family, lost loves and second chances, it’s warm, cosy and happy. I loved Sarah and Ellie and how they came together to work out, that usually it’s best not to have Mum and daughter secrets. I was hooked on Luke and Sarah’s story and the house on Adelaide Terrace reminded me of the pastel Painted Ladies houses that I’ve seen in San Francisco.
I’ve read a couple of other books by Sue Roberts and she never fails to make me smile, her characters are always loveable and her writing so vivd and descriptive. Reading this makes we want to wander through a snowy winter village with Sarah and then settle by the fire with a hot chocolate and I really, really want to try that orange shortbread. I’m off to find myself a recipe.
I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this book , so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Christmas at Red Robin Cottage by Sue Roberts.
Christmas books should tick all the important boxes, a cosy setting, a beautiful cover and comforting plot. This ticked every box. I couldn't wait to begin and ended feeling like I'd been wrapped up in a hug and ready to celebrate Christmas.
It's an interesting and immersive read that leaves you rooting for the main characters from the beginning, while also exploring family relationships, which were just a joy to read about.
It's a fabulous feel-good read, that leaves you reaching for the book to inhale just that little bit more Christmas magic! I loved it!
More than just a Christmas holiday romance, Christmas at Red Robin Cottage is also all about love, loss, friendships, second chances and coming of age. Sarah Dunne, who works in a cinema is no longer with her husband and her daughter Ellie, 16yo, is morose about Christmas without her dad so Sarah is out and about in Little Newdale in northern England with her. Ellie and Sarah are strolling around the festive village filled with twinkling lights, snow and holiday shoppers, when Sarah bumps into her teenage crush, Luke and they reconnect. A sweet, uplifting and lovely read with some gorgeous descriptions.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley.
My Thoughts: normally I would say October was too early to think about Christmas, but I have one officially read my first Christmas book of 2022 and what an absolute delight it was.
This was more than just a holiday romance, although that was a big part of it, it was a story of love, loss, rekindling of old friendships and also part coming of age too.
Sounds a lot for a short book doesn’t it, but it really works!
There were parts of this story that made me want to jump in to the pages and just make things better, or push certain characters together whilst also pushing other ones away (I joke, but some characters just get in the way of the where you think the story is going 🤣)
The relationship between Sarah and Ellie made me smile, it’s the kind of relationship every mother and daughter should have.
Obviously the road for Sarah and Luke isn’t as straight forward as you’d think, but I promise the journey is worth it & you’re guaranteed to get all warm and fuzzy.
I had a big smile on my face the whole way through this book & think you should all give it a go!
🐧❤️
Red Robin Cottage was nothing short of charming. Was it stickly sweet? Yes. Was the story a little simple. Yes. But was it everything you want in a festive treat of a book? Absolutely yes.
When Sarah runs into her childhood crush, they reconnect like no time had ever passed. Set in a country village which has so many echoes of The Holiday, it is such a sweet, simple read which is full of festive cheer. My parents live on the Wirral, so I love that the setting of Christmas at Red Robin Cottage resonated so much with me.
I love anything Christmas so this was a surefire winner for me. I absolutely loved my first Christmas in Little Newdale and didn't want it to end.
I loved the storyline, the characters were realistic and relatable. I found it was like catching up with old friends for the festivities.
A beautifully written, heartwarming festive feast of romance, family, friendships and everything Christmas!
Christmas can't come quick enough for me now, this was the perfect piece of wintery escapism and I would definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a very slowburn (love)story about family, friends, second chances and of course Christmas. Very charming with likeable main characters. So get some hot chocolate and curl up with this cute holiday read.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
First things first let's give credit to the beautiful stunning cover which totally made me want to dive into this book.
We are usually treated to the wonderful greek islands for the authors stories, however this one is set in a beautiful little village in Liverpool.
Just the sound of Red Robin Cottage makes it all warm and cosy and Christmasy which this lived upto the title.
I enjoyed every aspect of this story from the bond between Sarah and Ellie a true mother daughter relationship, Sarah's workplace an old fashioned cinema this sounds truly wonderful, the funny moments of unexpected visitors for Christmas dinner and of course the charming Luke, Sarah's first teenage crush.
This is a cosy entertaining Christmas themed sparkly story, this was a pleasure to devour and I really hope we have more Christmas reads from the Author.
Sarah Dunne’s marriage just imploded and she wants a quiet and uneventful holiday season. She is ready for peace and quiet and nothing but Christmas carols and holiday treats. But Ellie, Sarah’s daughter, is depressed by the thought of spending Christmas without her father. While Ellie and Sarah are in the festive village filled with twinkling lights, snow and holiday shoppers, Sarah runs into Luke. They were childhood sweethearts and the meet-cute was completely unexpected. Luke and Sarah bond over hot cocoa while telling stories about their lives over the past few years. Sarah isn’t ready to fall in love again, it’s too soon to give her heart away…or is it exactly what she needs to do?
I really enjoyed this little cozy Christmas story. It warmed my heart and the characters were very likeable. This amazing, cute Christmas story that has all the feels. This was such a great heart-warming read with exceptional and vivid descriptions of the village. Red Robin Cottage sounds like a lovely place to spend the holidays. I am ready to begin the holiday season and start hanging up lights. This story completely got me into the Christmas spirit. I was completely captivated by the storyline. I really enjoyed this wonderfully written gorgeous heart warming story of family, friends and second chances. This festive book is a must read story and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Sue Robert for such a wonderful, fun filled and enjoyable read. This wonderful escape to a winter wonderland is exactly what I needed.
This was such a lovely hug of a book, full of Christmas cheer. Christmas markets, mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and a bit of snow thrown in for good measure, oh and of course a few Christmas films!
Like Sarah I absolutely love The Holiday so could just imagine what the outside of Red Robin Cottage would look like. One day I’d love to have a real fire but for now I can just picture myself sat in front of one by reading books like this.
I read this in one day and found myself reaching for my kindle at every moment to read a few more chapters. I just needed to know what was happening and how things were going for Sarah and Ellie. Talking of which, they have such a lovely relationship even if it isn’t always plain sailing and I was slightly jealous of their pancakes!
This has also got a bit of romance in it and I loved Luke, there was a stage where I wondered if everything was too good to be true, but the ending was so lovely and warmed my heart.
Sue’s writing has such a good flow to it and I’m amazed that this is the first book of hers I’ve read because it definitely won’t be the last! I need more! 🙊
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.
I received an early copy of this book but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
What an uplifting, sweet and lovely book about love, family and second chances! Oh Yes, and Christmas! I loved the sense of friendship and cheer that was sprinkled with some angst and drama. The main characters are likeable and endearing. Who wouldn't want to take a winter stroll through the village with them? I know I would!
As the Christmas bells get ready to ring, Sarah Dunne is looking forward to a peaceful Christmas at home with her daughter. Sarah is divorced and loves working in a theater. One night she sees her childhood sweetheart, Luke, in the village. It has been nineteen years since they have seen each other, and Luke is as charming as ever. The downside - he’s in town for a short period of time. Plus, Ellie, Sarah's daughter has something up her sleeve which could spoil the Holiday cheer.
This was a charming book with some drama thrown in. I loved the journey these characters took and how their relationship bloomed naturally. Nothing felt rushed in this book. I loved how everything came together. I also loved the relationships, friendships, and sense of family.
This book warmed my heart and was a wonderful read to get one in the Holiday mood.
Heartwarming, charming and brimming with love.
P.S. This would also make a nice present for a book lover!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a gentle and slow burning romance. It was easy and enjoyable to read. It is festive, heartwarming and cosy, good for a cold Winter's day.
I liked the characters and the location sounds lovely, an idyllic village.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Sarah and her teenaged daughter, Ellie, live in a small English village. Their home, Red Robin Cottage, has been in their family for generations.
Sarah works at a small cinema and although she is enjoying the decorations, she feels a bit lonely. Lately her mind has been wandering to her first crush, Luke, who was her friend's older brother. The family had moved to America years earlier and they lost touch. Imagine her surprise when she bumps into him at the local library. They feel an instant connection, but she is reluctant to start up a holiday romance...
The descriptions in this book are wonderful - I could envision Sarah's village so clearly. This is a sweet story and perfect for the Christmas season!
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I really tried to get into it but it was just too slow for my liking.
I had to DNF this book close to 3/4 of the way through. The plot didn’t seem to have any movement to it and I found myself bored many times.
I did enjoy the mother daughter relationship between Sarah & Ellie. The mutual respect and boundaries I was happy to see throughout.
Like I said, I REALLY tried to get engrossed in this book but personally just couldn’t.