Scan barcode
sarahthereadingaddict's review
5.0
I really enjoy Phillipa Ashley's books.
This one didn't disappoint, it's got drama, happiness, sadness, romance, love and so much more.
I love a good wedding so reading about 4 was like heaven. Weddings come on all shapes and sizes and I love the representation of different ones in this book and potential for things to go wrong.
I love the relationships in this book (no spoilers so I can't mention names). There are also some really good 'What ifs' in this which I loved.
This one didn't disappoint, it's got drama, happiness, sadness, romance, love and so much more.
I love a good wedding so reading about 4 was like heaven. Weddings come on all shapes and sizes and I love the representation of different ones in this book and potential for things to go wrong.
I love the relationships in this book (no spoilers so I can't mention names). There are also some really good 'What ifs' in this which I loved.
emilylinman's review
3.0
Cute little Christmassy read. Not sure where the four weddings were though because I counted two at Christmas time
joannehall30's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
This was a classic chic flick book to me or a channel 5 Christmas movie. Surprisingly enjoyed it
lexyslittlelibrary's review
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for gifting me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Four stars!
This story follows Freya and Travis. Freya frequently remembers running away during the school play in grade school when she was supposed to be marrying Travis. How could she forget when she was made fun of it for years. Now that she's grown up, she owns her own business. She helps clean and manage properties. While she is cleaning a cabin, the guest shows up early for check-in. That particular guest just happens to be Travis, and even though she hasn't seen him in years, she can't deny how handsome he is. Both of them are reluctant to be around each other due to the bad memories. However, with being in the small town they decide that they can be friends. However, will they be able to remain only friends when they both feel the chemistry between each other?
I really enjoyed this story. I loved getting to know Freya and Travis. The side characters added so much charm to the story as well. The town was the perfect setting for a Christmas story. I would highly recommend reading this book!
Four stars!
This story follows Freya and Travis. Freya frequently remembers running away during the school play in grade school when she was supposed to be marrying Travis. How could she forget when she was made fun of it for years. Now that she's grown up, she owns her own business. She helps clean and manage properties. While she is cleaning a cabin, the guest shows up early for check-in. That particular guest just happens to be Travis, and even though she hasn't seen him in years, she can't deny how handsome he is. Both of them are reluctant to be around each other due to the bad memories. However, with being in the small town they decide that they can be friends. However, will they be able to remain only friends when they both feel the chemistry between each other?
I really enjoyed this story. I loved getting to know Freya and Travis. The side characters added so much charm to the story as well. The town was the perfect setting for a Christmas story. I would highly recommend reading this book!
aspiereads33's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Death of parent
beate251's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A solid but not very memorable Christmas romance by the reliable Philippa Ashley. To be honest, I expected more weddings to take place, but some of these had taken place in the past, which felt like cheating. Likeable characters.
jo_bookworm's review
4.0
There are some authors who you always return to, and this is one such author. Even better when there is a Christmas book to be able to indulge in too!
Freya Bolton runs Cottage Angels in the Lake District, preparing rented homes for holidaymakers and the like in the area. Business is booming and it is the little touches, like hampers and gifts that make her business stand out. In the run up to Christmas, Freya is going to be busy.
Being busy with work means Freya has no time for love, she has turned her back on that after a few disastrous relationships and does not want to repeat it. When Travis rocks up in town, a flame from her youth she thinks that perhaps a bit of Christmas fun is all she needs to soothe her spirit.
Travis having travelled the world as a nature photographer, is back in his home town. Fractious relationships with his siblings means he has returned for a while to help his sister. Little does he know that the place he is staying in is run by Freya, a flame from his youth.
As sparks fly between Freya and Travis, will the Christmas spirit be able to ignite an old passion, or will circumstances of both of their pasts put an end to it once and for all.
Phillipa Ashley does it again, with a novel packed full of likable and humorous characters as well as troubled ones and sets it against the backdrop of the Lake District. We have been here before, and if you are a fan of her novels, there will be recognisable names. But that does not distract from the story in any way, just means you have more novels to catch up on!
Perfect descriptions of all things festive as well as the beauty of nature that Travis captures in his photography. That leapt off the page as if you were flicking through a photo album. Add in the romance and you have the perfect Christmas read, in fact the perfect read for anytime you need some cheer.
Freya Bolton runs Cottage Angels in the Lake District, preparing rented homes for holidaymakers and the like in the area. Business is booming and it is the little touches, like hampers and gifts that make her business stand out. In the run up to Christmas, Freya is going to be busy.
Being busy with work means Freya has no time for love, she has turned her back on that after a few disastrous relationships and does not want to repeat it. When Travis rocks up in town, a flame from her youth she thinks that perhaps a bit of Christmas fun is all she needs to soothe her spirit.
Travis having travelled the world as a nature photographer, is back in his home town. Fractious relationships with his siblings means he has returned for a while to help his sister. Little does he know that the place he is staying in is run by Freya, a flame from his youth.
As sparks fly between Freya and Travis, will the Christmas spirit be able to ignite an old passion, or will circumstances of both of their pasts put an end to it once and for all.
Phillipa Ashley does it again, with a novel packed full of likable and humorous characters as well as troubled ones and sets it against the backdrop of the Lake District. We have been here before, and if you are a fan of her novels, there will be recognisable names. But that does not distract from the story in any way, just means you have more novels to catch up on!
Perfect descriptions of all things festive as well as the beauty of nature that Travis captures in his photography. That leapt off the page as if you were flicking through a photo album. Add in the romance and you have the perfect Christmas read, in fact the perfect read for anytime you need some cheer.
jkjoy_books's review
4.0
While the book did include references to Christmas, such as decorations, holiday traditions, and even a snowy setting, it failed to fully capture the essence of the festive season. I longed for that warm and enchanting atmosphere that makes Christmas books so special.
However, the author masterfully crafted a tale that tugged at your heartstrings, evoking a wide range of emotions as you followed Freya’s trials and triumphs. Whether it was her moments of despair and heartbreak or her moments of joy and triumph, you couldn’t help but feel every emotion alongside her. The story had an undeniable charm that drew you in and kept you hooked until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
However, the author masterfully crafted a tale that tugged at your heartstrings, evoking a wide range of emotions as you followed Freya’s trials and triumphs. Whether it was her moments of despair and heartbreak or her moments of joy and triumph, you couldn’t help but feel every emotion alongside her. The story had an undeniable charm that drew you in and kept you hooked until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
helenephoebe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
gerbrough55's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5