Lucy Coleman’s novel, A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds, is one of those timeless romance novels that makes you feel all warm inside. I’m not sure you could go wrong with a wedding at Christmas. The magic of both makes something even more special than either alone.
- Title: A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds
- Author: Lucy Coleman
- Publisher: Boldwood Books on September 2, 2021
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
- Pages: 338
- Formats Available: Paperback, Audiobook, & Digital
- Rating: 4/5
Trigger Warnings: Death of a Child (Brief)
Many thanks to Lucy Coleman and Boldwood Books for providing me with a digital copy of A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds with a request for an honest review. Also, thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour and for providing the materials needed for this post.
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About A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds
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 is 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.
Provided by Rachel’s Random Resources for Tour Purposes
My Review
Immi Tollison lives a surreal life in the tiny village of Aysbury. Surrounded by her friends and family, Immi is about to live her dream life with her handsome fiance, Gray. Immi never asks for help, but as the wedding inches closer, Immi realizes that she can’t do everything alone. But, will one of her decisions cost the village everything they’ve worked so hard for?
Immi is both sweet and neurotic. In some ways, she is a perfect character. Unfortunately, she also overwhelmed me with her whining and self-doubt. I felt like Gray was kind of cold. I didn’t feel that their romance was all that special. But, that said, there was another novel before this one that I didn’t read. It feels like I missed the entire plot because I didn’t read the first book, which is disheartening.
Apart from the wedding, there was very little added to this book to rally behind. Then there is the wedding itself. I couldn’t get into Immi’s mindset. I think the author means Immi to be nervous and a bit of a rebel. I didn’t get that at all. To me, Immi seemed somewhat petulant. The rest of the characters all seemed a bit needy as well. I didn’t get the flow, and it is all down to not reading that first novel.
So, while this was not quite what I expected it to be, I did still enjoy the book. I do wish that there was more story to this novel than the lead-up to the wedding. For me, it would have worked better as a novella than a full-length novel. I also wish there were a better segway into the history from the first book. A warning that you need to read the first novel before trying this one wouldn’t have gone amiss. This one doesn’t work as a stand-alone at all.
However, I must say that I adored the simplicity and the wholesome feel of this book. My frustration taints my emotions here, but the book is very good. The descriptive writing made me feel at home in that cottage. I also loved visiting the retreat. And, I can’t leave out the greenhouse! I would love to visit the greenhouse where Immi works. The footpaths and the trowbridge made my little heart pitter-patter. How can you not love a town where it is faster to walk to the church on your wedding day than driving in a Jaguar? Classic.
But, I would like to say that I will read the first novel, called Christmas at Lock Keepers Cottage. After which, I will update this post with more thoughts.
I award A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds 4 out of 5 stars. I hope my frustration doesn’t put you off this lovely book. Because it does have the good bits that made me smile, and yes, I even cried a little. I truly think that my romance fans out there will love this book too. But, with the caveat that you should definitely read the previous novel first.
See My Reviews for The Changes Everything & The Mersey Mistress Also From Boldwood Books
About the Author – Lucy Coleman
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.
Author’s Contact Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub
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Thank you for being on the tour, Kimberly, much appreciated! It was a bit of a mixed bag for you but I love your feedback and I always take it on board – it’s how we grow as writers. So virtual hug from me! xx
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Even though I wish I’d read Christmas at Lock Keepers Cottage, I really did enjoy the ambiance and charm of the characters and the village. I adored how all the characters felt like a big family in a way that only a small village can offer. I promise to read the first book soon and update this post because I think you have something incredibly special with this series. ❤️
I’ve read this also and really enjoyed it.
Out of curiosity, did you read the first book before you read this one? I enjoyed the book but the frustration at feeling lost hurt me.
No, I didn’t read the first one and I wish I had!
Me too.
Hi ladies – thank you so much for pointing this out and my publishers are going to do a series link on Amazon so that readers are aware there are 2 books in the series and no. 3 will be up for pre order soon and also linked in. Your feedback is so appreciated! xx
I’m glad that there will be a link. I think it will really help people.