First Phillipa Ashley book I've read and I have to say it kept me hooked. I loved it. Lovely setting - who doesn't love the Lake District? Lovely characters. And an adorable dog. What's not to like? Will definitely be reading the rest of her books. Thanks for the ARC.

The perfect festive story, so magical , it’s full of community, friendship, family, animals, mountain rescue team and romance. If you want a winter warmer with Christmas feels this is your book

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This was a great read, set in the Lake District among the sheep, the mountains and the rain. The characters were all good and although I guessed the ending it didn’t spoil the story at all. I love Phillips’s books so this wasn’t too hard for me to read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I have been looking out with anticipation for the annual Christmas book from Phillipa Ashley. I have been a regular reader of her books for some time now, and have never failed to love her festive publication. This one is set in the Lake District, one of my favourite parts of the UK. The cover is absolutely beautiful, promising the reader a snowy Christmas trip to the countryside.



The story centres on Krystle, who has planned her dream vacation in the Lake District with boyfriend Brett, staying for 2 months in a large manor house that she plans to fill with all the decorations for a real family Christmas. Following a difficult start in life, Krystle now has a highly successful business sourcing Christmas decorations and planning commercial and domestic displays. Her dream holiday doesn’t get off to the best start as the couple have to be rescued from a swollen river after their expensive car gets stuck within sight of their destination. Their rescuer, Max, is a seemingly unpleasant recluse with a hatred of Christmas. Even when they reach their lovely rental property, things don’t improve, as Brett can’t forget about work and eventually leaves Krystle on her own. In his absence, she becomes more and more involved with local events and tries to involve Max in the festivities. The pair become friends as they share the difficult times in their past, but will their friendship develop into something more?



This was a wonderfully heart-warming Christmas romance which I can confidently recommend. It has a great mix of drama, humour and Christmas activities. The setting of Krystle’s remote holiday let amongst the snow covered mountains is beautifully described in a way that is guaranteed to make the reader want to set off for a visit. The characters in the story are all likeable, with the possible exception of Brett, but then he and Krystle didn’t seem well suited from the start. I liked that both Max and Krystle had interesting, if sad, back stories that emerged gradually as the book progressed. It was rewarding to witness how Krystle managed to find a way past Max’s gruff exterior and dislike of all things festive to discover the person beneath. I also loved that Krystle became so involved with the community while she was staying there. This is definitely a book that anyone would be delighted to find in their Christmas stocking.

"The Christmas Holiday" is a great, cosy, winter read from Phillipa Ashley. It is the story of two damaged people, Krystle and Max, who meet up in the Lake District when Krys is on a make or break trip with boyfriend Brett. Krys is renting a house she first saw and fell in love with 24 years previously. The house and the local residents do not disappoint and she quickly becomes part of the community on her extended break.

The predictability of the story can be forgiven thanks to the lovely characters and setting, Another great read from Phillipa Ashley.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

A warm hug with words.

If you want another hallmark type of christmas within a book, this one is for you.

Krys and her very annoying boyfriend have made a trip to the Lake District however it does not have the best start. Along comes a local to their rescue. Of course, you can see how this will play out. Her boyfriend really annoyed me as it made me wonder, why are you with him, do you have low self-esteem or no respect for yourself? As it was clear they didn’t have as much chemistry.

It was a cosy read overall.

This was definitely one of the most 'Christmassy' books I've read this year, with snow, a Christmas ball, Santa Claus, reindeer, and lots of decorating for Christmas.

Krys had a hard start to life, her mother wasn't the best role model, and she ended up living with her Aunt Linda, who sounded wonderful. Unfortunately Linda has recently died, so Krys decides to get away for December and Christmas with her boyfriend Brett, and rent a house in the Lake District that she always wanted to live in when she was a child.

Whilst there she gets caught up in helping the mountain rescue team decorate their building for the Christmas ball (Krys works as a Christmas buyer and is known as Mrs Christmas) and meets lots of lovely people in the village, even hermit-like Max (and his lovely dog Jake), who Krys and Brett meet when he rescues them and their car from a swollen river in bad weather.

In the end Krys ends up spending most of her time there on her own as Brett is busy working, but she gets involved in the village life, makes new friends, and finds out why Max is a bit of a recluse and they slowly get closer, helping each other with the loss of loved ones.

I found this to be a really lovely feeling book in a great setting with relateable characters. A very enjoyable Christmas read.

Okay this was Christmassy goodness! Festive vibes from start to finish.

This was a little sad for a Christmas novel in my opinion. However I did really enjoy the overall story and the relationships and character development throughout.

I particularly enjoyed the ending and this was really satisfying - totally unbelievable but in keeping with the Christmas magic theme!

I would have liked better description of Max as I had no clear vision of what he looked like after reading the novel.

Overall a really enjoyable Christmassy vibes read!!

This book was like a warm hug, full of love, joy & hopefulness

Love a Phillipa Ashley Christmas book & this was one of her best. Follow Krys & Max's developing friendship with the added joy of the Lake District Hills & mountains.

If you only read one Christmas book this year, make it this one.

I really enjoyed this Christmas novel about Krystle and love interest Max. Krystle seemed like a down to earth character that just loved to get stuck in and I was hooked to the storyline from the very beginning.

Phillipa Ashley never disappoints with her books and this one was a lovely festive story that I loved from the first page. The characters were lovely and with the addition of snow and romance what more do you want, lovely read on a wet and horrible day. Loved it 🙂
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Avon Books for the early read.

A childhood holiday . . . A chance to return . . .
The dream of a future . . . For which you yearn . . .
A chance to reconnect with your partner, perhaps,
Providing you can overcome the initial mishaps!!

Krystle had a troubled childhood and so
She dreamed of an idyllic Christmas like other seemed to know.
She followed that dream to help make it true
She's known as Ms Christmas now to quite a few!

She rents a house in the Lake District for a month or two
Hoping to rekindle those dreams and her romance, too.
However it starts with a flooded river and car breakdown
And being rescued by Max, who seems always to frown!

What a gorgeous story of life after loss this turned out to be
With Christmas events and mountain rescues to see.
The community is close and Krystle's welcomed in, too,
Joining in where she can help gives her plenty to do!

The mountain rescue teams and outdoor adventure as well,
All have their part in this story to tell.
There are heartbreaking stories from folks all around
And rescues to make for others on higher ground.

And that frowning man is Max, he's a reclusive man
Who seems to avoid Christmas whenever he can.
What is his story? Why is he there?
And most of all, why should Krytle care?

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging snowy read,
With plenty of drama, history and folks in need.
The team and the children, the fun and the snow
Make this a brill read, I recommend you give a go!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
It's a fabulous read and this is my honest review.

This was a joy to read. The Christmas Holiday has transported me to the beautiful Lake District and it’s been a wonderful adventure. I’ve loved getting to know Krys and her festive business sounded ideal for this story - the perfect role.
Full of second chances and love The Christmas Holiday shows the true meaning of community spirit and being there for eachother. Humbling and emotional, tales from the mountain rescue were a fitting backdrop to Krys and Max’s stories and I loved how I became swept up in their lives. A perfect Christmas read.

This was a beautiful book! You could feel Krys' frustration and emotion (especially regarding Brett!). Philippa Ashley is a genius in her writing.

Finally discovering what was wrong with Max and his secret was eye-opening, and even more so after he starts to come out of his shell, sociably and as he works with the Mountain Rescue Team.

This is a great story of how community brings everyone together in the best (and worst) times... and how history can bring new starts, not just hold you back.

Read it!

This was a lovely book, I have read a few of Phillipa's books now and they don't disappoint, this one was like a very big warm hug and left you with a good feeling, the characters were very well written and very likable, we all know how they end but this one had a good start and middle, settle down under a blanket and enjoy.

A great festive read. Full of friendship, romance, snow and winter scenes. I enjoyed the characters and great story. Would recommend to others.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion

The Christmas Holiday by @phillipa.ashleyauthor another NetGalley read. Krystle and Max are the main characters of this charming Christmas book, each battling there own demons from there pasts, Krystle read to move on and Max a harder but to crack! I think this is probably the first book of this authors that I’ve read that hasn’t been set in Cornwall though this is definitely not a negative, because the author still manages to deliver a great read. This book is so much more than a Christmas novel, Christmas in fact, although beautiful takes a background part in this book and I would call it more of a winter read. And I say this because the characters and there story is what for me feels like takes centre stage. Krystle and Max are in the midst of grief, Krystle her auntie and Max his girlfriend, however as with grief they are both dealing with it very differently and there’s a few bumps in the road. As always with this authors books, the characters and the setting jump of the page and is a great winter read. I hate being negative about authors books, especially if i am already a huge fan, so I don’t say this easily or lightly however this isn’t my favourite of her books and that’s simply because it’s simply a nice read and at a time when there are a lot of Christmas books being published, I sadly think there are better Christmas books out there. However as I’ve said Christmas doesn’t take centre stage so maybe read all those Christmas book first and then come January read this one snuggled up under a blanket and wipe away those January blues. I would recommend this book to friends and family, I do think fans of the author will enjoy it so I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Krys meets Max when she is on holiday in the lakes with her boyfriend.
They are opposites - Krys's whole job and life revolves around Christmas, and Max hates the season. Will these opposites attract?
Great festive read.

After a difficult childhood Krystal is settled with a good job and a partner, she is hoping to have a future with. After a very hard year personally, Krys needs a complete break over Christmas so she books a house in the lakes where she and Brett can spend some quality time together and hopefully get their relationship back on track. All she ever wanted was a prefect family Christmas and she is determined that this is the year she will get that.
Their arrival at Holly Manor doesn’t go to plan however, and they find themselves being rescued by local recluse Max. When work calls Brett back to London and Krys is left alone at Holly Manor, she finds herself becoming more involved in village life and spending more time with Max. Will Krys get her perfect Christmas or will the idea of what that means change.
This heart-warming, beautiful story will give you a warm feeling and get you in the mood for Christmas. A big hug in a book!

Set in the beautiful Lake District and a special place for Krystal. Krystal is taking time off from her busy job of being a Christmas buyer.

What should be a dream break with her boyfriend starts off with a disaster. Brett soon cuts their break short but Krystal wants to prove to the Christmas grinch Max how special that Christmas can be.

Once again lovely and heartwarming characters who you grow to fall in love with and others you despise.

A perfect festive read for the Christmas lovers among us. Spread the festive sparkle wherever you may go.