I've read some of Phillipa's work before and enjoyed it so had high hopes for this one. For me this started off quite slow, but I soon got into it. It is a lovely festive read - my first of the season - and was a lovely story. Really good characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I actually read this book as a paperback in the end as I was gifted it.

As always Phillipa writes lovely books with exceptional characters and storylines.

Perfect. Thank you.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #asurprisechristmaswedding #netgalley

Lottie and Connor have history but Lottie has moved on and got herself a dream job as an event planner at a beautiful hotel in the Lakes until Connor turns up. Can she pull it all off or will it end in disaster?

I love Phillipa's books so always read the next one out.

This book is a quick easy romance read which is lighthearted throughout. It does what it says on the tin and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.

A good Christmas read but I felt the plot was a bit weak.
The characters are well rounded
A good romance

I don't usually enjoy Christmas books but thought I would give it another go this year and had.so much fun reading this book I want to read more. There were some classic romance troupes here with second chances and miscommunication but there was also a lot about family life and relationships in general. The couple were a bit insta love hut the actual romance was slow burn so I didn't really mind. I did enjoy the actual plot about the wedding and the setting of fireholme manner more then I cared about the relationship but I did enjoy seeing that play out too

A heartwarming Christmas read. Beautiful setting and lovely characters with their own individual flaws but it all comes together in the end and everyone lives happily ever after!

A Surprise Christmas Wedding by Phillipa Ashley is a delightful and heartwarming festive romance that will leave you with a warm glow and a renewed belief in the magic of the holiday season. With its picturesque setting, engaging characters, and a dash of unexpected romance, this book is a perfect choice for fans of cozy Christmas tales.

The story takes place in the enchanting village of Folly-on-Weir, where Christmas is a time of tradition and community. When Tansy, a talented wedding planner, is tasked with organizing a surprise Christmas wedding for a high-profile couple, she finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of preparations and unforeseen complications. Along the way, she encounters Rafe, a brooding and mysterious stranger who stirs up unexpected feelings within her.

Phillipa Ashley's writing effortlessly brings the village of Folly-on-Weir to life, with its charming streets, festive decorations, and close-knit community. The holiday atmosphere is palpable, and readers will be transported to a world of snow-covered cottages, twinkling lights, and the joyous spirit of Christmas. The author's vivid descriptions create a cozy and inviting backdrop for the unfolding romance.

Tansy and Rafe make for engaging protagonists with their unique quirks and emotional journeys. Tansy is a relatable and determined character, juggling her own insecurities while striving to create the perfect wedding. Rafe, on the other hand, is mysterious and aloof, but as their paths intertwine, layers of his past are slowly unveiled. The chemistry between them sizzles with both tension and tenderness, making their growing connection a delight to witness.

The book beautifully explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the importance of embracing second chances. As Tansy navigates the challenges of planning a surprise wedding, she also confronts her own doubts and fears, discovering the true meaning of love along the way. The author skillfully weaves heartfelt emotions into the narrative, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia that is synonymous with the holiday season.

The plot is well-paced, balancing the preparations for the surprise wedding with the blossoming romance between Tansy and Rafe. While some elements may follow familiar tropes, the story is infused with genuine emotions and unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and charm to the story, further enhancing the sense of community and Christmas spirit.

A Surprise Christmas Wedding is a heartwarming and feel-good read that captures the essence of the holiday season. Phillipa Ashley's enchanting storytelling, delightful characters, and festive ambiance make this book a perfect companion for cozy winter evenings. If you're seeking a charming tale of love, hope, and the magic of Christmas, A Surprise Christmas Wedding is a wonderful choice that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of A Surprise Christmas Wedding from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I know it’s May and this is a Christmas book but I needed a “wedding” theme book for a monthly challenge and this was perfect! It was a cute, quick, easy read. The characters were all likable (maybe not Connor so much 😂) and the storyline was fun and enjoyable! If I’m being honest, this book put me in the mood to get out some Christmas decorations and put up my tree. 🎄Holiday books always make me happy!! I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a Christmas romance novel…it would be perfect for a “Christmas in July” book club! 😉

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

To see other reviews I’ve left, check out my Instagram and Goodreads pages:
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Yes I read this book in March and I am aware that is a Christmas book.

I did enjoy this book, it was a gentle read about loss, forgiveness and finding love again Did the character annoy me? A little yes, there is something about the miscommunication trope or not quite being honest that annoys me but I felt that this one wasn’t too bad.

I did feel for the main character Lottie. She was jilted by a silly man but as we all know in the long wrong she found her true love. I did like Jay and felt he honestly had the short end of the stick especially from his family who I felt need to go and have a few lessons on loyalty and being supportive.

Overall a cute romance read for the winter, one to drink a hot drink and sit down with some snacks.

I suffer what most book lovers do, think I don't own a book until you realise that you do and even worse you were meant to review it!

What would you do when your fiancé that split up with you a year ago returns to get married to someone else?

This was glittering Christmas tale of starting again and love when you didn't think it would happen again as well as what happens when secrets unravel. It is written well and devourded it in hours.

Christmas perfection.

Oh my, what a rollercoaster time our Lottie is having in this book. It starts off so perfectly with her boyfriend proposing to her quite spontaneously. However by the time they get home from their romantic getaway, he's changed his mind and in a couple of days, the relationship is over and Lottie is brokenhearted. On the same day, she's dumped by the aforementioned boyfriend, and her sister finds out she has cancer and has to start a heavy series of treatments. Lottie can't tell her about her broken relationship and add to her worries so she buries her feelings and throws herself into moving to be closer to her sister, to help care for her twin nieces and lands herself a nice new job as Firholme's events manager.

However, 12 months later, her first big role is a Christmas wedding, to be organised in a ridiculously short timeframe and a demanding bride who knows exactly what she wants and hates to have to compromise. Worse still, the groom happens to be the jerk who proposed/unproposed to her a year ago. Her sister is also worrying her cancer has returned and is having more tests/scans so Lottie is in a right tizzy.

Thank heavens for a handsome next-door neighbour and groundskeeper Jay. He's got problems of his own and doesn't like relationships or Christmas (the latter is hard when you're in charge of selling Christmas trees from the estate). He has his good reasons for being a Grinch but Lottie warms his heart and soul.

I loved this story, I loved Jay and Lottie, and the estate owner Shayla is a whirlwind. Naturally, I hate Connor, he's a total douchebag, and I don't think he has one redeeming feature. I even liked the bride-to-be Keegan, as demanding as she was, she was still quite likeable. Lottie's sister Steph and her twin nieces were adorable and I loved the bond between the sisters. I'm hoping there is a book out there focussing on Steph, there was certainly potential there.

Totally adorable and fun, this was a comforting festive read.

I adore Ashley's writing so it's no surprise I loved this one!
Set in the luscious views of the Lake District with characters that worm their way into your heart, it is the perfect read to curl up with over Christmas.

This was my first read by this author and won’t be my last, it was perfect for the festive season with a warm and fuzzy plot and characters you can instantly relate to

A surprise Christmas wedding- Phillipa Ashley

I love Christmas stories they make me happy and this was no exception. I loved it, truely and I would definitely recommend to anyone else who loves winter/ Christmas theme stories too. Thank you

A Christmas holiday read for the win! I really enjoyed this book, and Lottie is a great character. There were many times I had to put it down and walk away because the situations were crazy and I just had to think about it. Like when you watch The Office and those parts come on that you are like NO>>> what are you doing...

A great holiday read and a must bring on winter holiday or a read for a snowy day.

I really struggled with this book. It didn't hold my attention and the characters were really one dimensional.
I did finish it but I wouldn't recommend it.

It needed less cliché and more originality. Had solid bones but didn't pull it off.

A great story by Phillipa Ashley!! They are always a great easy to read story, with wonderful characters and a great journey to go on.

As always by this author a lovely warmhearted story. You are instantly drawn to the setting and the characters and with plenty of humour this becomes a wonderful feelgood Christmas read

Phillipa Ashley never puts a foot out of place, I have been reading her work for so long now, she never disappoints and this is no different. But saying that, despite the fact that I did thoroughly enjoy it, I don't think it had the same old magic that I am used to from this author, I couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt as though something was missing and I certain parts didn't connect as well as I would have liked, but highly enjoyable non-the-less!

I do love a Christmas book wand when it's written by one of my go-to authors then I know I am in for something very magical and this is what we have here, a magical wintery love story where the characters must overcome personal heart-ache and hurt to find happiness, but once that spark connects there is no going back.,

I loved the story of finding love after being hurt and betrayed, it's wonderfully heartwarming, add into the fact that there is a massive amount of Christmas at every corner and it's a must-read for the season.

The plot was at times a little lethargic, but the charming and hugely likeable characters brought everything together, especially having a dog trotting about. I do love a Christmas book with a dog as the main character, don't you!

Overall, it's a charming festive feel-good story!

Lovely festive feel good book! The storyline and characters are so relatable! Sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and relax with this beautiful story.