Disliked Connor immensely and found the first part dragged but it eventually picked up and turned into an enjoyable read.

This dragged a bit to begin with but then picked up. Absolutely hated Connor, but loved the Christmas feel of the story.

A perfectly pleasant romance but I’m sorry, I don’t get all the 4 and 5 star reviews. I feel I have read several other similar books already this year. Romantic breakup, change of scen, new job, return of Ex, possible new Roman chic interest, farce and misunderstandings and then a happy ever after. This was an easy read, but it was pedestrian and predictable and in places, rather boring.

Lottie’s fiancé ends it all and a year later she has a new job and finds she has to organise the wedding of the revolting ex- (Connor), just when she thought she had made a new start. Her prospective new boyfriend Jay has his own trauma and tragedy. Everything develops as one might expect and after a farcical interlude, it ends in a happy ever after.

It’s kind of cosy with the occasional whiff of glamour and angst to leaven the doughy like consistency.

It’s well written and perfectly acceptable as a cosy read but I longed for something original, something exciting and a heroine who did not allow her Ex to walk all over her for the majority of the book.

This book was very enjoyable.
I fell in love with most of the characters. I did not like Conner but then I don't suppose we are to like him. Lottie the perfect sister to Steph. Unselfish and modest. Jay and Trevor the dog and Jays brother Ben.
Both Lottie and Jay work at Firholme in the Lake district, both had had disastrous relationships.
The story starts when they both take up positions at Firholme. You learn about their past lives their families trial and tribulations.
Lottie is the events manager and has to organise a Christmas wedding in just a few weeks along with other events that are taking place over the Christmas period. Jay is the grounds manager, and is in charge of the Christmas tree sales.
I found this book to be very compelling. I wanted to read it without stopping but I also did not want it to end. I do hope there will be a follow on book as there is scope for this.
I commend Phillipa Ashley on a wonderful book with a great story line. I am sure this book will touch the heart of many and the readers will be able to relate to the interwoven story line.
A true feel good book. Just what we need right now.
Phillipa Ashley you have done it again. Thank you.

It is an Awesome Christmas story about family, emotions and romance.
Lottie is left heartbroken after being jilted by Connor just 3 days after he proposes with no real explanation and then on the same day her sister is diagnosed with cervical cancer. A year later, Lottie is happy working as an Event Manager at Firholme with gorgeous Jay. She has to plan a Christmas wedding at Firholme,but the shock comes when she realises that the groom is none other than Connor. Can Lottie overcome planning a wedding for her Ex. Could this Chrismas be better than the last one?
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I really enjoyed seeing Lottie’s character development in this story - as she comes to terms with the horrible end to her previous relationship (I really hated Connor😠). I found her relationship with her sister and nieces adorable. And I was definitely rooting for her and Jay to make things work. Jay is definitely my new book boyfriend 😍!!! He is the new grounds keeper at the Firholme resort and not only was twice the man as Connor could be but he also understood pain and grief. He had his own share of heartaches and throughout the story he has a bit of trust issues until he starts trusting Lottie.
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With such likeable characters and a dog named Trevor this is a perfect Christmas story.I couldn't put it down till the end as it gripped me from the beginning. The book also shares the message of what changes in life can do. It's quite emotional at times but it is a fabulous and a fun filled book. Just absolutely perfect for Christmas time, when you can snuggle up under your blanket,next to the fire place with hot cocoa in hand.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

After a really hard year, Lottie is now at her new job as events coordinator.

Her fiancé ended things after being engaged for only a week. On the same day her sister was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

So now, she wants her new life to start especially with the handsome neighbour. But if only things were that easy as her exfiance turns up with a new fiancé, who wants to get married at the venue she works at - Firholme. But can Lottie pull this off, plan a wedding for her Ex without any hiccups??

Will this Chrismas be better than the last one?

Having read all of this author's books and enjoyed them. I was so happy to read this, her new Christmas one early. Can not wait to read her next one.

Recommend it.

This is a sweet Christmas romance that I did enjoy reading; it's a real curl up on a winters day sort of read. Set in Lake District it is full of charm and Christmas magic, plus some snow of course. With a wealth of endearing characters, plus a few who aren't quite so loveable, this story sucked me in and kept me reading avidly.

Lottie is the main character, an event planner at a new wedding and event venue. She is full of enthusiasm and ideas and looking forward to her new life, after the break up of her relationship. I liked Lottie a lot and really wanted her to be happy. Jay is her new neighbour who also works on the estate, he is a closed-off character but slowly thaws. The characters are all well written and very lifelike. I did enjoy meeting them all and cheering them on throughout the story.

This is a charming festive read and one all romance readers will love.

Cute and fun read! Reminded me of a Jill Mansell book (which are some of my favorites!). The setting was charming, and I thoroughly enjoyed Lottie's adventure. Will definitely read more of Phillipa Ashley's books in the future!

Brilliant. A really lovely story. A great read for these times . A love story set in tow beautiful places. Without spoiling it a great twist re wedding. Loved it

A lovely Cumbrian story, full of family, emotions, and romance.
As soon as Connor holds back from telling people about their engagement, Lottie starts to wonder. Rightly so , as he backs out hastily even after giving her a ring.
A year later she has a dream job working as an event planner at Firholme, a beauiiful estate, living in a cottage next to the rather dour estate manager Jay. Arranging a glamourous wedding, she is horrified to find that the groom is none other but Connor.
As if this isnt enough, Jay has his own secrets, and I felt that the inclusion of the nail biting event near the end of the book was just one emotional happening too many.
Other than that I enjoyed the descriptions of the Christmassy landscpes, and the Wedding arrangements.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a cpy of the book for review.

This book has such a lovely cover, that's what drew me in.
I loved the setting of the story too, and the characters.
The story was well written and I could read it again on a cold winters evening, rather than on my patio on a hot September day as I did.
A definite page turner to cuddle up with my cocoa

I don't think I've ever read a book by Ashley but I will go back and look for more now. Lottie was a great character, Connor was a twit from the beginning. I was surprised when he turned up again in the story, and I think Lottie was way too nice to him then. Jay's story was also a good one and I'm glad he opened up to Lottie. He was way more the man for her anyhow. I'd like to know that Steph found love too so maybe there are more stories out there with her life. I was up till 1 am finishing this and it was not a short story that you knew the ending before the second chapter. I'm off to find more books by this author.

Festive Escapism...
Festive escapism from Phillipa Ashley. It’s Christmastime and thus far there’s been plenty of heartbreak and heartache in Lottie’s life. Despite the festivities this is soon to be compounded. Will Lottie recover from it all and find a Christmas to remember? A heartwarming read with a likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters.

Thanks Netgally for allowing ,me to read this book. What would you do if your ex fiancée showed up at your workplace a year later with a new fiancée asking for help in planning a Christmas wedding? That's the predicament that Lottie found herself in. This book was very entertaining. I cant wait to read her next book,

When Lottie’s fiance Connor walks out on her a few days after proposing Lottie is devastated.
One year later she is in a new job as Events Manager at Firholme, a beautiful estate in the Lake District. With a cottage in the grounds and hunky head groundskeeper Jay living next door Lottie is happy and ready to move on.
When she is asked to organise a Christmas wedding at very short notice she relishes the challenge, until she meets the groom, Connor.
Knowing the wedding could really help put Firholme on the map, Lottie puts aside her reservations and throws herself into organising it.
But the groom is keeping secrets from the bride and Lottie is faced with feelings she thought were long gone. Can Lottie keep the wedding on track and have herself a Merry Christmas or is she destined to lose everything again.
Good relatable characters, beautiful scenery, what's not to love?

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for a copy of this in exchange for a review.

I absolutely loved this - I love Phillipa Ashley's books set in Porthmellow and there is a nod to Cornwall in this book but it's set in the Lake District which is one of my favourite places in the whole world.

Lottie works at Firholme and they're desparate for a festive wedding to really put the place on the map. The only trouble is the groom is Lottie's ex fiance. It's a story of Christmas, families and second chances.

An enchanting festive read.

Lottie dumped and heartbroken, gets a new job at Firholme as events manager. Lotties not having the best of times and has resorted to putting on a brave face to protect others around her. Lottie and new grounds keeper Jay seem to be opening up to each other, until Conner the ex turns up out of the blue with his new Fiancee. It will take every ounce of Lottie's courage to stay calm and get on with the job at hand. BUT can she?

Wow I absolutely loved this book, full of festive charm with a few hiccups along the way! I genuinely couldn't put it down!

Well written, but easy to read, just not so easy to put down......

praise for Phillipa Ashley

Lottie works at the hotel and is surprised that the christmas wedding she will be organising is that of her ex, who left her just after they got engaged. They agree to keep their past relationship a secret, but what will happne when those around them find out the truth. Add in new estate manager Jay, who Lottie is starting to connect with.

A great setting for a christmas book.

Love Phillipa Ashley books. Lottie's working as an events manager at Firholme when she's asked to arrange a wedding at short notice.. She's astonished when the groom is her ex fiance Connor who walked out on her a year ago.

A Surprise Christmas Wedding and a lovely pre-Christmas treat just right to get in the mood. Romance, family, heartache, and second chances. Lovely!