#Review: Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley @PhillipaAshley @AvonBooksUK #Christmasread #romance #RespectRomFic #FourWeddingsandaChristmas

And another Christmas read? Ok then – and it’s a real pleasure to share my review of Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley. Published by Avon Books on 9th November, it’s now available as an ebook (just 99p for kindle), in paperback and as an audiobook.  The e-copy I read was my own – purchased for my kindle via Amazon.

Last Christmas, I think I might have shocked a few people when I confessed that The Christmas Holiday was the first of Phillipa’s books I’d ever read.  It really was so thoroughly lovely, one of my favourite Christmas reads last year – if you missed it, it’s one I’d very much recommend you catch up with (you’ll find my review here). I loved it so much I was dying to read one of her summery books – but then when A Secret Cornish Summer came out in June I was up to my eyes again as usual and just couldn’t fit in the reading, however much I really wanted to. So it’s back to the Lakes for Christmas once more – and a book I was really, really looking forward to (have you seen all those lovely reviews…?!).

Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?

 

With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.

 

If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.

 

So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.

 

But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?

 

This gorgeous Christmas romance from Sunday Times bestseller Phillipa Ashley will take you to the Lake District with a story of second chance love as heartwarming as a cup of mulled wine.

The people who stay in the cottages may prove problematic at times, and being on-call for emergencies might not allow her much time to herself, but Freya’s holiday business in the Lake District village of Bannerdale is thriving and life’s going well. Until she visits one of the properties and finds Travis in residence – they have a bit of a chequered history, and she’s disturbed to find he might be back to stay, opening a studio to showcase his photography, having answered his sister’s call for support with some family issues. The attraction between them is still there, but Freya’s certainly not looking for anything deep or permanent – so a no-strings relationship maybe? But as they grow closer, and the Christmas season begins to weave its magic, it might be that this is the opportunity to work through their differences and move forward into a different future.

This really was the loveliest story, filled with warmth, with a developing relationship at its centre with particularly strong chemistry between its two main – and exceptionally likeable – characters. The second chance romance is entirely real and convincing, engaged me emotionally as they worked through their complicated past history, and was one I really hoped would have a happy ending this time – but there’s also considerable added depth to the story through the supportive friendships and the various family problems that need to be resolved. The setting is simply perfect – far more than a backdrop, and wonderfully described, as is Travis’ photography – and the Christmas touches were everything I could have possibly asked for.

For so many reasons, this was one of my favourite Christmas reads this year – the warmest of hugs in book form, and I loved every moment. One I’d recommend you add to your list? But of course..!

Readers are falling in love with Four Weddings and a Christmas!

 

‘A fabulous read. I adored this from beginning to end. Phillipa Ashley never disappoints, her books are a warm hug on a cold day.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘Another brilliant novel from Phillipa Ashley! Freya is a very likeable main character, there is a beautiful Lakes background, and it’s set at Christmas – a perfect combination. Skilfully plotted and beautifully written, I will definitely be recommending this book!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

‘This is my first book from Phillipa but it is like a hug in a book. This is a story of giving love a second chance with the backdrop and magic of Christmas. A fab book from this author.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Phillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times best selling author of uplifting romantic fiction. After studying English at Oxford University, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, Decent Exposure.

It won the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Award and was filmed as a Lifetime TV movie starring Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Hopkins.

Her novels have sold over million copies and been translated into many languages. She is also an Audible number 1 best-seller.

Phillipa lives in an English village with her husband, has a grown-up daughter and loves walking the Lakeland hills and swimming in Cornish coves.

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