REVIEW: The Christmas Cottage by Christine Rimmer

In The Christmas Cottage by Christine Rimmer, lawyer Alexandra Herrera has worked hard to prove she can make partner in the law firm, and also to prove that she doesn’t need anyone, including the father that mostly ignored her most of her life, to get there. But when he dies and leaves her a massive inheritance, she realizes that the life she’s living isn’t the one she wants. So, when her lunch comes with a fortune cookie whose message is “do it now”, she takes it to heart and quits. She moves back to the family farm, Wild Rose Farm, while deciding what to do with her life. Only everyone is coming into town, including her half-sister’s brother-in-law, West Wright, who has no choice but to stay with her in the cabin.

On the night of his twin brother’s wedding, West received devastating news. He turned to Alex for comfort, and the pair swore never to speak of that night again. Staying in the cabin together, however, opens up a wide array of feelings for both of them. West is willing to try to put his heart on the line for her, but for Alex, it isn’t that simple. She’s been hurt by many people in the past, and she’s not sure she wants to potentially add him to that list. But with meddling friends and the spirit of Christmas all around them, they both might finally find what they’re looking for.

This is the third book in the Wild Rose Sisters series. I haven’t read the previous two books, and it did feel like I was missing some background, mainly when it came to Payton and Easton’s relationship (Payton is one of Alex’s half-sisters and Easton is West’s twin brother). Their past is referenced several times and I felt like I was missing some information when it came to that. Despite that, I feel this book can be read as a standalone, as it didn’t take away from the story at large.

The Christmas Cottage is a charming small-town romance set during the holiday season. It features family, both blood and chosen, who only want Alex and West to find happiness. It’s about second chances, accepting the past, and finding healing amongst the people that mean that most to them. Both the characters and the story are well-written and engaging, and readers will find themselves rooting for both Alex and West.

Book Info:

Publication: October 25, 2022 | Harlequin Special Edition | Wild Rose Sisters #3

By the book success story Alexandra Herrera’s got it all mapped out: partner at a law firm, high-powered career. But when her birth father leaves her an unexpected inheritance—prompted by a random fortune cookie—she impulsively walks away from her entire life! And now that she’s snowed in with West Wright, she learns that lightning really can strike twice. So much, in fact, that the sparks between them could melt any ice storm…if only they’d let them!