That moment when you start reading a book and you fall immediately into a zone that all readers want to be in, whatever that is called, that’s exactly what happened with this book! Immediately I know the characters that I am going to love and the one that I’m not so crazy about. I know I am in for a great journey!

If you make a bad decision, and a tragedy happens (that is not your fault, but you accept fault nonetheless) should you live the rest of your life in repentance? This book has a character in that position. Max is a character that became a real person to me, and I care about him so much. I felt his guilt, pain and struggle. His dog Jake, is Max’s saving grace. As it is true in life, Max did not recuse Jake. Jake definitely is the rescuer.

I actually identified with the other main character, Krys (Krystle) so much. As a child, in a family that struggles financially, you always carry that feeling of helplessness and stigma with you into the rest of your life. That is not to say it controls your life, but I think it is always a part of decisions. Therefore I saw a kindred spirit in Krys.

These two were meant to be united, although it is not an easy road for them to find happiness together, but it is a romance, so the reader knows it will all end happily.

Of course every story needs a person that is not likable, and this book has Brett. He is created perfectly to not like him, however he is not criminal, just selfish and clueless as to how he should treat people.

I enjoyed this wonderfully emotional story by Phillipa Ashley. She is a favorite author of mine and I think this may be my favorite book of hers, but I usually feel that way after finishing each of her books!

I cannot close this review without stating that the book cover is so beautiful and definitely drew me to pick this book to read.

A huge thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Good read. Great characters, enjoyed the setting, lots of side stories weaved into it and it flowed really well. A good read for a rubbish day. Will make you feel better!

Really enjoyed this story and all it offered. A true Christmas feel good story which wraps it's warm arms around you.

Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. Krys can’t wait to spend Christmas at Holly Cottage with her boyfriend for a romantic make or break extended period. The first day starts off badly and then they end up at max their needs neighbours bothy as he saves them from an overflowing river.
This is fast paced, the descriptions of the decorations and Christmas scents is gorgeous. I loved this so much.

Love this author and especially love her Christmas books! This one is no exception - a story of family issues, relationships, grief, loss and hope... and of course, love.
The story starts with a couple hoping for a couple of months and Christmas in a magical village house, but becomes an exciting adventure fraught with issues but also friendship and community that warms the heart.
Highly recommended holiday reading, even in October!

Krys plans on having a dream Christmas break with her boyfriend. Nothing goes to plan and everything is turned on its head after an accident caused in part by the car’s satnav. From there, Krys embarks on fitting into village life, making lots of friends and a developing romance. An excellent read.

I love this time of the year when I start gettng Christmas stories to read. This one was a cracker. Happiness, sadness, love and loss all come together to make a beautiful story.I immediate;y connected with the characters and enjoy a story that involves a community. The conclusion was one to die for!

I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion

Wow this book is full of festive sparkle, romance and more! I adored this story and it definitely got me in the mood for Christmas. Wrap up in a cosy corner and read to your hearts content because Phillipa Ashley does it again!
A great read from cover to cover!

Phillipa Ashley has done it again, another gorgeous Christmas story. This time it's set in the evocative Lake District and filled with tragedy, snow, romance and loveable, relateable characters, the perfect recipe for a must have festive read.

Phillips Ashley writes such brilliant books and I think this is one of my favourites. Set in the Lake District and involving the mountain rescue team really kept my interest. Add to that snow, Christmas and a lovable dog and I was hooked.

Krys and Max are likeable main characters who have both known sadness and I enjoyed how their stories unfolded. The parts I enjoyed most were the children's Christmas party, the ball at the rescue centre and the community involvement. I loved this book from the first page and am happy to give it five stars

A wonderful Christmas story written by author Phillipa Ashley. It has just the right amount of Christmas, romance and "will they won't they" cliff hanger excitement. I really enjoyed this book.

The story starts with Krys remembering her stay at a childs hostel in Cumbria, an image that she has never forgotten was looking through the window of a manor house at the idealistic image of Christmas, something she hadn't experienced in her short life.

Fast forward many years and Krys is now on her way to Cumbria with her partner Brett to spend time in a rented house to unwind from their busy work lives, but their arrival doesn't go to plan when they need to be rescued by recluse Max and his dog Jake.

Max is called back to work, while Krys remains in the area helping the local (MRT) Mountain Rescue Team to sort out the decor for thier Winter Ball. Krys finds herself getting deeply involved with the local community making her wonder if her future lays in Cumbria or in London.

The story opens with a flashback to a time in Krystle’s life when she holds her saddest and yet happiest memory. Forced to attend a centre that is geared up for underprivileged children, Krys feels ashamed that she is wearing borrowed clothing and yearns for a happy family life. She glimpses a home which exudes everything that she craves from a family Christmas and imagines how her life could be.
Fast forward to the present day and Krys has used a bequest from her aunt, to hire that same house from her childhood dreams. Determined to have her best Christmas ever, with her boyfriend Brett, she has rented Holly Manor for two months. As they are both workaholics, it will be a total change for Krys, but Brett has only been able to commit to weekends as his job is very demanding. Immediately falling foul of wintry Lakeland weather, they have to be rescued from a flooded beck as Brett’s posh SUV is swept away and lodged under a bridge.
Max, their rescuer, is a dark and broody loner who has no desire to meet new people and certainly doesn’t want to make any friends. After offering them shelter, for the night, in his rather primitive home, a vaguely modernised Bothy, Max lets Krys sleep in his bed while he bunks down in the lounge with Brett.
As the story continues, we learn more about Krys who is known professionally as Mrs Christmas. This moniker is the result of her work in the Christmas decorations industry. Her whole life is geared to creating the magic of Christmas, one bauble at a time. At the other end of the spectrum is Max who couldn’t be less festive. It’s clear that he is hiding a tragic secret, but he’s guarding that secret very closely.
I do love a Christmas story and this one ticked every box. The kindness of Krys, facing her fears and visiting the shelter that she’d hated as a child, was rather emotional, but her ability to rise above her own feelings and offer hope to a new set of children was straight from every positive Christmas tale.
As I’m not particularly mobile, I loved reading about the MRT (Mountain Rescue Team) and their work on the rugged landscape of the National Park. The descriptions of the peaks and Scafell Pike had me imagining myself climbing in the snow.
The other members of the MRT added wonderful depth to the story, as we are reminded that all those who risk their lives on the mountains are volunteers. I particularly loved the idea of paramedic/drag artiste, Hector!
For me, however, the best character was Max. His simple life alongside Border Collie, Jake, was equal measures brave and tragic. As his story emerged, it was impossible not to feel deep compassion for his lost life. Yet, despite his personal heartache, he is still able to create kindness for others and feel the pull of his connection with Krys.
This may very well be my favourite Christmas book of 2022, and it’s not yet October.

Lovely Christmas story set in the lakes, well written as usual from Phillipa. Well descriptive with interesting characters. Wraps you up in a total Christmas mood.

What can I say another brilliant well written novel by Phillipa Ashley . I just love her books they are my escapism and I pick my kindle up to read a few chapters whenever I get a spare moment. Another highly recommended book.

Thanks to netgalley and publishers for arc
Read this on very hot holiday and still managed to make me feel Christmassy and could smell pine cones and feel snow on my toes
Krys had a rough start and anyone would feel bad for her looking through the windows of the big house and making up dreams of her own then years later after she did good she was back but again the cards turned and she was broken again as a reader I was hoping the happy ending was just around the corner but then tragedy strikes and will she get her happy ever after ??

Another Christmas success from Phillipa Ashley. It opens with an unusual beginning which draws the reader straight in. I was devastated for Krys losing her precious Christmas decorations. I loved the character of Max. It was so good to watch the development of his character throughout the story, and find out about his back story.. There were some lovely Christmassy scenes and of course a cliff hanger moment. Add a dog into the mix and it’s a perfect Christmas romance. Well worth a read.

The Christmas Holiday, what a perfect Christmas read! Krys and Brett seem an unlikely couple and once Max gets involved who knows what will happen.... I love that the story involves the Mountain Rescue, anything that raises their profile is brilliant and it is so well done and the imagery of the Lake District is beautiful.
A fantastic book to get you in the Christmas spirit, well written with a wonderful story line. May we'll be my favorite of the season!

Another glorious story from Philippa Ashley. A heartwarming Christmas tale with an intriguing back story, I loved it!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

This is a pleasant story about Krystle and Max. I enjoyed it although I felt unhappy that the awful fiance stayed on the scene for so long!
I hated Max's sister-in-law and found it difficult to believe in her. But otherwise it was an enjoyable read.

A phillipa Ashley book never disappoints and this one handed out a feel good Christmas story in bucket loads!
A story from the heart from beginning to end with some lovely, albeit emotionally damaged, characters. It was a super escape into a Christmas happy ever after, with some unexpected bumps along the way…. More please!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review