This is my first Christmas book this year and although it is only September it very quickly got me into the festive spirit. Not long into it and I found a story that had brilliant quirky characters bulging from its chapters. This was going to be such a treat!
Meg is the central character with the story mostly taking place high in the hills of a small Lancashire village. The Red House is set on its own grounds, and easily cut off by the seasonal weather from the village below. Meg brought up as a bit of a free spirit in a commune, doesn't celebrate Christmas. She has been artist commissioned to paint the portraits of Clara, a historian, and fictional crime writer and her famous recluse poet husband Henry Doome. Their extended family are lively characters that constantly come and go every hour of the day.
I won't go into the heart of the story that is something to be unwrapped from each chapter like an unknown gift. Some of what is inside will make you laugh while others venture into the past because sometimes we have to go back before we can move forward after been stuck in a rut for so long.
There are mysteries to be solved, romance to be kindled and the past to be reconciled. One character made me laugh for his persistence, though he could be given the most annoying cringeworthy character award too. Rollo, self-centred and very entertaining to read about. I just kept getting an image of Dick Dastardly in my mind every time he appeared in the story, especially in his little sports car.
A lovely cozy, curl-up book that made me feel part of it all!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed.

Another excellent read from Trisha Ashley, a story full of festive fun and all around great characters. Enjoyable and entertaining from start to finish.

It would not be Christmas without a Christmas read from Trisha Ashley, whether it be old or new - and for this year it is her latest novel and she invites us all to Christmas.

Meg has never celebrated a proper Christmas it was not something that happened when she was growing up. However recovering from illness and with a commission to paint some portraits, Meg finds herself thrown into Christmas head first with the Doome family.

Henry and Clara Doome live in The Red House a large house that they have made a home in the depths of the North. Die Hard fans of Trisha Ashley will recognise names and places from other novels, but it is certainly not a requirement to have read any of them.

Henry and Clara are well known in both their respective fields which is why they decided to have their portraits painted. So close to Christmas, Meg thinks she can get them done before the big day and can then escape back to the life she knows.

Henry and Clara have other ideas.

And so it seems does fate, when Meg bumps into someone from her past.

Henry and Clara delight in welcoming Meg to their home and infusing her with everything Christmas as well as feeding her up with the other members of the household who all seem to gravitate to these strong characters all who have back stories and are almost invisibly linked in some way.

Add to this, Teddy an enthusiastic child excited by Christmas that it almost jumped off the page. Then there is Den and is wonderful cooking; Sybil and her son Matthew; Zelda, Teddy's actress mother; Lex, Clara's nephew and widower plus Flora, Rollo and River makes for some interesting house guests and an enthralling storyline.

It seems rather a lot of people with a lot going on but in no time, Trisha Ashley has drawn you right in and you are in the story, so much so I think if I turned up to the house Henry and Clara would have found me a room, a purpose and a new direction in life just as they did Meg.

A must for all Trisha Ashley fans and for new readers too! This is how Christmas can be.

Trisha Ashley has been one of my favourite authors for nearly two decades now, so it is such a joy to relax back into another of her wonderful books.

This particular book focuses on the untangling of the past of the Doome family and friends, over the course of one Christmas. The story is in no great hurry, and we get to meet all sorts of interesting and peculiar characters along the way.

I love the way that Trisha Ashley writes, this is quite a long book, but it never lagged, because all the little bits of language - the descriptions, similes etc - are so delightful. There were many chuckles - I especially loved the little pride and prejudice bit. I very much enjoyed the atmosphere of extended loving family and the general Christmassy feel.

I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming Christmas read, with a good few dashes of romance.

I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC of this book. My opinions are my own, and entirely honest.

Even though I read this book on the last day of August, I was in the mood to start my Christmas baking and crack open the mulled wine. This book will have you in a Christmassy mood in no time. It's such a warm and comforting book. If you have read Trisha's other Christmas themed books, this one is a must!

I have read a book before by Trisha and enjoyed it immensely. This one I started and struggled for a bit to actually get into it but I carried on and found myself hooked! Didn’t want to put it down! Trisha hasn’t disappointed yet again!!!

Another fantastic book from Trisha. A great festive story to curl up with this winter. Likeable characters, nice setting. A must read this winter.

I adore Trisha Astleys books and this one is chock full of romance, mystery and Christmas spirit.
Meg gets invited to a large Victorian house to paint the portraits of the owners. Fun, frolics and the true spirit of Christmas give you a warm cosy feeling. I will definitely be reading this again one snowy night!

Such a fab festive read. I must say i am really becoming a big fan of Trisha Ashley and this one is now a firm favourite.

This is not only a gorgeous festive romantic story but it is very much so much more and quite the cosy story

I'm planning a re read of this one closer to christmas.

A new Trisha Ashley is always something to look forward to reading, and this was a pleasant read perfect for the Christmas season. Set up in the wintry north, in a large Victorian home. Meg has arrived to paint portraits of a famous author/historian, Clara and her equally famous poet husband, Henry. Romance and mystery abound as Clara uncovers connections between Meg and her and Henry’s past. You must get into the spirit of romcom, as most of the relationships and events are a bit far fetched.
Thank you to netgalley and Penguin for an advance copy.

A real feel good festive read, if you love Christmas books with a bit of romance,a grand home, dynamic family relationships, good food and pets this is the book for you! Perfect for a pre Christmas read to get you into the mood for baking, decorating the tree and gift shopping.brilliant characters from the enigmatic, educated Clara, the level headed always in the background Henry, adorable little teddy, Meg and lex with their tangled past, the all knowing river, glamorous Zelda and poor manipulated Sybil to name but a few!
A lovely comforting read perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit.
Thank you net galley for this early read that was thoroughly enjoyed.

Oh dear, I’ve just realised that I’ve spent the whole day reading this book. It was so enthralling, I’ve not put it down. Another excellent offering by Trisha Ashley. Clearly an excellent read with intertwined tales of past, present, friends, and family, all tied up in a romantic parcel. A book not to be missed.