Joined in 2023 
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A huge thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy. My Brett is charming, handsome and ambitious but I could tell from the outset his mind was more on his career than Krystle. He came across as pretentious and self-obsessed. Krystle needs this break from her job as she is on her knees physically and emotionally and she hopes for a reset in her relationship too. Things get off to a disastrous start when Brett’s car ends up in a ford in a storm which was comical at some points but sad too as Krystle lost many decorations which held so many special memories for her. But said incident allowed for the introduction of Max who plays a pivotal role throughout the story. Krystle is left on her own as Brett goes to America for work and that certainly wasn’t in the plan. But there was no messing around which I loved and through one thing and another Brett shows his selfish and unreliable side and it allows for different avenues of the plot to open up and be developed. I disliked Brett from the get go and was delighted to see what happened as it allowed more attention to be focused on Krystle and how she tries to make Max see that Christmas is a joyful time full of love, laughter, giving and fun times. Hoping to reconnect with her boyfriend Brett, the pair set off on their festive retreat. However, Brett soon runs them into danger when he drives the wrong way.
Fantastic read set in the Lake District. Expertly written with the usual Phillipa Ashley twists. A great festive read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The crux of the story is although Freya has a very successful business she hasn't had much success with her love life. All her friends are matched up and her best friend is about to get married. When an ex turns up looking absolutely gorgeous and obviously still attracted to Freya it starts a bit of a will they wont they. However for me it was the humour and characters which resonated.
There are some great one liners and I read the whole book in a single sitting as I literally could not put it down and although it was sunny outside I was very much transported to the Lakes , a Christmas market and surrounded by snow. I have read Phillipa Ashley books before and I like the way they are written in sets of three as the characters draw me to there world. Also you get a depth and expansion of their surrounding, I can see this becoming the first in a new series.
Can she melt Max’s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn’t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical.... A lovely, enjoyable read from start to finish. Exactly what we have come to expect from Phillipa Ashley. This would be a perfect gift to give this Christmas.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Max's story is an emotional one, and I loved their journey together as Krys helps him to rediscover his happiness and the magic of Christmas. Readers adore The Christmas Holiday : ‘ Absolutely wonderful story that I couldn't put down … A wonderful, heart-warming, tearful and uplifting read. It has absolutely everything. Perfect for the Christmas season ’ NetGalley review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Krystle didn’t have a normal childhood and longed for warm family Christmases with presents under the tree. Now she makes sure everyone else has the perfect Christmas she never had, bringing beautiful decorations to cheer as many people as possible.Can she melt Max’s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn’t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical… Set in the stunning Lake District, Krys and her boyfriend Brett rent a manor house for several weeks on the run up to Christmas. It's the perfect 'Christmas card house' which Krys had seen in her childhood and had always dreamt of sitting by the log fire. It’s set in the Lake District at Christmas time, but don’t expect white snowy England. You just never know what weather to expect in this little town! And there are some really emotional scenes, I think I almost ruined my book with tears at the “Santa” scene. Honestly. The dramatic opening scenes were an unusual way to start a book by this author but it immediately grabbed my attention. It is clear that Krys has invested a lot of time and emotion into this Christmas getaway with her boyfriend. But, being stranded in a rising ford and with the rain lashing down is hardly the start to the perfect holiday she had imagined. Krys is devastated by the damage that is caused by her Christmas decorations because they have such sentimental value. And this is what summarises Kry's character: she is devoted to Christmas and thrives off the joy spread through decorations.
This was another lovely read from Ashley and I enjoyed how passing references were made to characters from other books that are set in the Lake District. Full to the brim of romance and Christmas, this was a sweet story with likeable characters from start to finish. But obviously things don't go as planned. She runs in to Max and his trusted dog who she has to spend the night when her cottage gets cut off. Max is a man that despises Christmas.
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I like the characters, Krys and Max, I hated Brett he annoyed me and I didn't like his character at all. These two were meant to be united, although it is not an easy road for them to find happiness together, but it is a romance, so the reader knows it will all end happily. Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and settle down in front of the fire with this perfect, uplifting festive read! Krytle, who is described by people in London as Mrs Christmas because she runs a holiday business dressing Christmas shop windows and in store displays . She has now booked her favourite house she remembers it from her unhappy childhood, it's meant to be for an extended christmas break she is able to do this as her beloved auntie Lynda has passed away leaving her with some money under the proviso she does 'something that makes you smile or scares you, anything that you'll remember forever'. Themes of grief and community are so beautifully included. The connection between Krys’s childhood and her present personality is sensitively handled.
That moment when you start reading a book and you fall immediately into a zone that all readers want to be in, whatever that is called, that’s exactly what happened with this book! Immediately I know the characters that I am going to love and the one that I’m not so crazy about. I know I am in for a great journey! Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and settle down in front of the fire with this perfect, uplifting festive read! Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Karen Swan and Heidi Swain. This theme of self-discovery adds such a warmth and depth to The Christmas Holiday that it makes the story brilliantly suited to the festive season. Both characters find joy and happiness in being part of a community and in helping others in ways readers can identify with and emulate. I absolutely adore Phillipa's Cornish series and have read them all, so when I was offered a chance to read this Christmas novel I was really excited. I enjoyed this wonderfully emotional story by Phillipa Ashley. She is a favorite author of mine and I think this may be my favorite book of hers, but I usually feel that way after finishing each of her books!Linda’s philosophy of life is so uplifting, so affecting and embodies the true spirit of Christmas. The Christmas Holiday shows us how life truly is what we make it. This story really does give the reader a warm and happy glow. Joy in being part of a community
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