This book centers mainly around three women: Robyn, Christy and Alix.

Robyn is Christy’s aunt. Robyn had a huge falling out with Christy’s mom many years ago and she and Christy haven’t seen each other since Christy was a toddler.
Robyn invites Christy and her crew to Lapland to stay at her lodge for Christmas.
She hopes to get a second chance with her family.

Christy is really looking forward to taking the trip with her husband, her daughter Holly and her best friend Alix. Alix and Christy grew up as close as sisters but they haven’t been as close since Christy got married.
At the last minute, Christy feels like she can’t go for the beginning of the trip. She begs Alix to take Holly herself and will meet them in a few days.

Alix feels like she’s in over her head, having to take such a big trip with Holly by herself. But she’s definitely not prepared for the last minute addition of Zac. She’s been avoiding Zac for years and does not want to be stuck in a cabin with him.
Christy knows that they don’t get along but she really wants them to.

Lapland sounds like the perfect setting for a beautiful Christmas.

I liked the characters, the story and the setting. There’s some good Christmassy stuff here. There’s also some drama and some romance. If I could change something, I’d probably shorten Christy’s portion of the story and given Robyn a bit more.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley, thanks!

Christy isn't as close to her best friend ever since she got pregnant and married. Just before the much needed family vacation, her husband backs out for work and after talking to her bestie leaves her more suspicious then ever. That's when she asks Alix her to take her daughter and go on ahead while she gets to the bottom of what's going on with her husband. Unfortunately for Alix she ends up running into a guy she had a brief affair with that is now stuck watching the child together.

There was so much to unpack with this book that I just stayed hooked. As I got more info about the characters I found myself invested in their well beings and kept rooting for the main characters and hoping for the best. It was interesting getting the backstories and seeing why they were the way they were. Usually I have a hard time separating different point of views but these characters each were so unique that it was easy to follow. I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. I loved seeing everyone talk things out and try to heal the issues that are going on to get past them. I loved seeing this book have its bit of festive times after all its the holidays. Theres romance and a bit of steamy times. Overall this was a pretty great holiday read, I really enjoyed it.

The Christmas Escape
by: Sarah Morgan
Harlequin Trade Publishing, HQN

The fragile nature and importance of relationships, both friendship and romantic, are embraced in this lovely holiday story set in Swedish Lapland. Under the Northern lights of the Christmas season, Morgan's deep character study includes Christy, her husband Seb, daughter Holly, best friend Alix, and long lost aunt Robyn. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Seb's friend Zac, Robyn's husband Erik, and a large Siberian Husky named Suka.
Everyone travels to the Arctic Circle for Christmas to visit Robin and Eric, who own a lodge and five cabins nestled in the splendor of the Arctic Circle. Amid the sparkling snow, dense forests, and variety of wildlife, the pain of fractured relationships gives way to opportunities for healing and new beginnings.
The descriptions of the cold, wintery landscape and the warm, cozy red cottages are the right combination to visualize Lapland as Christmas approaches in this emotionally gratifying book. It's easy to be immersed in the stunning setting, picturing a pink-tinted sky and silver-tinged snow, while being captivated with each character's role in the story.
Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, HQN
for the advance reader's copy and the opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#TheChristmasEscape #NetGalley

A Wonderful story of friendship, showing how even the best, truest friendships change over time. I enjoyed the cast of characters (unexpectedly even liked Seb). What’s not to like about the Lapland setting? (There’s nothing not to like. Those little cabins, the snow, the snowy activities, I liked it all and so will you!)

The author wrote Zac perfectly: unassuming, patient, quiet. And he willingly became part of the family for his best friend’s sake … ok and for the sake of romance!

The Christmas Escape is a Contemporary holiday romance by author Sarah Morgan. This story follows two best friends as they navigate and mend their individual romantic relationship and their personal relationship with each other.

I'm sort of split down the middle with my enjoyment of this story. I guess the best way to express my thoughts would be to address the different point of views. First we have Christy, whose marriage has hit a rough patch and her structure and order doesn't seem to be helping the situation. It's not that I didn't like her, but I struggled to sympathize with her. I also couldn't really stand her husband, and I don't know if that would have been different if we had been given his point of view. Then we have Christy's aunt Robyn, who brought all our characters together in the Arctic, but whose point of view wasn't actually necessary.

Now onto the point of view that was my favorite, Alix. I loved Alix's character right from the start. She's complex and is a tangle of emotions that she keep buried deep inside. She's independent , loyal, caring and someone I would want in my corner. Her romantic counterpart, Zac, was just as great. I wish we had been given his point of view, but it didn't stop me from being absolutely smitten by him. He was charming, honest and determined to break down Alix's walls. I was fully invested in their storyline with all their verbal sparring and sexual chemistry.

Overall, The Christmas Escape is a story about relationships. Family, friendship, and romantic relationship. The importance of communication, being honest with yourself and your loved ones, and taking chances.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this Christmas novel a lot. It really put me in a holiday mood!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Christy and Seb. They have been married for 5 years. They have a daughter named Holly. Christy has an aunt Robyn that lives in Lapland. She writes to her wanting to meet her. Christy plans a trip with her family to meet her aunt. Christy and Seb each have some issues to overcome but together they do and make the trip to Lapland. They realize how much they love one another.

This was a sweet romance and certainly a little escape. There was a LOT going on in this one - several story lines and a bunch of relationship drama, although it was pretty slow moving. It's a nice non-stressful holiday read, although I think you could read it other times of year just as easily - not too Christmas focused.

Sarah Morgan is back with another Christmas story about family, friendship and romantic love. Morgan invites us into a story told against the backdrop of magical Lapland, Sweden where snow piles up and adventures abound.
This is a story about the many kinds of love and how people make mistakes in relationships, so the goal isn't to avoid the mistakes, but to be honest and work through them.

Christy and Alix have been friends since childhood and Alix has been spending her Christmases with Christy and her family since they were 8. But now, they're all grown up and over the last five years, their friendship has evolved into something they don't recognize and don't want. It all started when list-making and always planning Christy found herself in a whirlwind romance, unexpectedly pregnant and newly married to Seb who never had dreams of settling down. Alix's baggage of being an unwanted pregnancy herself and her desire to protect Christy led to her saying she didn't think the marriage was right. That one incident has driven a wedge between Christy and Alex.

This Christmas, Christy asks Alix to take her daughter to Lapland before she and Seb can go, giving them some alone time to work through their marriage difficulties. What Alix doesn't know is that Seb's best friend, Zac, has invited himself along after Alix has refused to interact with him the last 5 years following one passionate night that they spent together.

The two couples will be forced to spend time together without the distractions of work and against the backdrop of a gorgeous Winter Wonderland in Lapland. Will these four be able to be honest with themselves and each other? Will Christmas be enough to remind them about what's important and to work through their own hurts and mistakes?

This is a beautiful look at how not being honest in any kind of relationship can let things fester and hurt even more in the long run. Also, some serious sparks are flying between Alix and Zac.

The Christmas Escape has everything I've come to expect from a Sarah Morgan Christmas novel ~ romance, relationships, festive events, and a lovely winter setting. This one in particular deals with several types of relationships: budding romance, marriage, friends, and family. There are lots of fun and entertaining situations, heartfelt and hopeful conversations, and definite sparks between characters. And it's got me ready to book a flight to Lapland :) . Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance digital copy.

With the holiday season on my doorstep, there is no better time for a few of my favorite things. This book is like a warm hug in a wintery setting full of adventures on my bucket list: the Northern lights, dog sledding, a cozy cabin with a roaring fire, and a double dose of romance.
Already married Christy and habitually single Alix are best friends from childhood. Christy's marriage appears to be on the rocks and she asks Alix to take her daughter, Holly, to Lapland, planning to join a few days later in time for Christmas. Christy's husband is unsure of Alix's caretaking abilities and ropes his best friend, Zach, into going as well.
Sarah knocked this out of the park. It's a charming double romance and a beautiful look at female friendship. I loved the relationship arcs for all three. The multiple POV worked so well for me and makes me want to immediately dive into her backlog.
The narrator, Rose Robinson, took a little getting used to. I find that sometimes British voices, while magical to these American ears, have a cadence that takes a bit to adjust to in an audiobook. Once I did, Rose's nuance and performance sounded in keeping with the story and expression of each character.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advanced copy and Harper Audio for the alc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I just couldn’t resist requesting this one when it popped up on netgalley. I read a couple of Sarah Morgan’s holiday books last year, and was very impressed. I like how realistic and down-to-earth they are. Don’t get me wrong, I really do enjoy reading the warm and fuzzy Hallmark-esque books this time of year, but after a handful of them, I start to roll my eyes a little. They can get a little too sappy and over-the-top for my liking. I appreciate how Morgan mixes the magic of Christmas with a good helping of the grit and grime of real life. In The Christmas Escape, not everything is merry and bright. Sure, there’s hot chocolate, cozy cabin vibes, dog sledding, gift giving, a snowy mountain setting, and oodles of holiday cheer. But we also get a ton of family drama, tension, and conflict. Morgan’s books always have the perfect combination of sisterhood, friendship, relationships, married life, parenthood, and the joyous holiday season. I’m 100% satisfied each and every time. Do yourself a favor, and grab one of Sarah Morgan’s books ASAP. Get your Christmas on! You won’t regret it. 4/5 stars for The Christmas Escape!

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Ok first off I had no idea Lapland was such an interesting place. I really want to head there now. Maybe one day.

I had a bit of a time getting into this book. There were just so many characters. I was trying to keep track of everyone but had some problems but eventually I settled into the book and enjoyed it.

Alix and Zac are a wonderful couple. They have a bit of a past so we get to see them move beyond the coldness towards each other to their relationship heating up. Christy and Erik are going through marriage issues that Christy wants to keep quiet. And that is what this story is truly about. Friendship and can the relationship between women continue through decades.

Christy and Alix have been friends for so long that they almost take the other for granted. They have stopped communicating and having that special bond that grows to bring two girls from friends to women as “unbiological sisters”. They need to get that back and Sarah Morgan is just the woman to write their story.

Holly is just adorable. Many times an author has a hard time writing what an actual child would say. They make them too old for their age or too young but Holly is written really well. So many cute little sayings that made me long for the days of my son being little.

Another great book by Sarah Morgan set perfectly at the holidays in a place I never knew I wanted to go to but now can’t wait.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A great Christmas read about family, friendship and second chances.
When Christie's husband decides to postpone going to Lapland for a family Christmas vacation for a work meeting, she becomes suspicious. Asking a big favor of her best friend Alix, she sends her daughter Holly with her planning to join them in a few days while she confronts her husband. Figuring Alix might need help with rambunctious Holly, Seb sends his best friend along to help, not realizing his tense history with Alix. But this wondrous winter resort brings about chances at forgiveness and second chances to both couples during the holiday season.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Similar to the other books by Sarah Morgan that I have read and enjoyed, this charming Christmas read is a pure, cozy delight! Don't second guess your decision to read this, just begin and escape for a bit. It is sure to warm your heart, entertain you, and restore your faith in life with the aid of the Magic of Christmas!

I cannot recommend it enough!

I love Sarah Morgan's Christmas Novels as they are usually about family and reconciliation. In this book, Christy Sullivan is ready for the perfect Christmas. She, her husband and daughter are heading to a resort in Lapland for a winter wonderland. It is also owned by her aunt and her husband, an aunt that Christy hadn't seen since she was a toddler. When her husband has a last minute work situation, she convinces her friend Alix to go ahead with her daughter and they will join them as soon as possible. Alix would do anything for her friend and she loves Christy's daughter, so she agrees. She is sure there is something amiss between Christy and Seb, but she doesn't know what. When Alix and Holly arrive at the snow spa, they find out that Zac, Seb's best friend is also there waiting to take care of Holly and spend the vacation with the family. There are a lot of relationships that need mending and the isolated setting is the perfect place to do it.

We have four relationships in this one that need healing: Robyn & Christie, Christie & Seb, Christie and Alix and Alix and Zac. Each of them have secrets, grudges, expectations and misunderstandings that need to be revealed and sorted in order to move forward. Holly is the sweetest little girl, although a bit spoiled. I love the honesty of children, they speak their mind and that is a good example to the adults in this one. It sounds like it is overly angsty, but that is not the case. The story starts a bit slow, but once they arrive in Lapland, I was hooked. Sara Morgan does an amazing job describing the setting and the activities. I love the setting of Swedish Lapland, and would love to spend time there. I enjoyed hearing about all the winter/Christmas activities that I associate with a resort in the far north in winter: dog sleds, delicious hot chocolate, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the snow and the activities that go with that, and the food. This story is a mix of family, friendship, secrets, need for honest communication, winter fun and reconciliation. I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy uplifting Christmas stories.

Cute, cozy Christmas read!
Christmas should be about family and friends. The Christmas Escape beautifully highlights both family and friendships.
Who wouldn’t want to go to Lapland for Christmas….what a dream come true for Christy and her family when her Aunt Robyn invites them to visit her in Lapland. And, the adventure begins!
Such a festive, magical Christmas story. Loved reading all about the Christmas traditions they did….sounded like so much fun. I mean who wouldn’t want to go dog sledding, see reindeers, build snowmen, see the Northern Lights and drink decadent hot chocolate?
Read this book to have the Christmas season pull you in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Christmas Escape is a Christmas story that will warm your heart. There are so many layers to this story: a married couple trying to rediscover their love; a budding romance; and a family hoping for a reunion and forgiveness. Each of the stories touched my heart, all of the characters were endearing. The setting of Lapland brings such a unique flavor to the story, with the forest, the snow, the reindeer, the northern lights, and much more!

This book was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review…it is a story of family line and family problems…estrangement…friendship…children…getting together finally…job loss…secrets…trust and not trusting…the setting is unique…try this one…

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan is a magical holiday romance that will get you in the holiday spirit. I was pulled in from the first few pages and could really picture everything that was happening very vividly. I can't wait to read more from Sarah Morgan.