Having a Sarah Morgan Christmas book is like hanging a stocking on the fireplace, you know that it is going to be filled with loads of little surprises. The Christmas Escape is no exception, it is the perfect curl up and get cosy read. I love how she can make me instantly uncontrollably laugh, give me goosebumps and make my tummy do summersaults’ all on the same page.

Christmas is a time for families to get together, but Christy’s mum had passed away, so she reached out to her mum’s estranged sister in Lapland. Christy couldn’t even remember her aunt. She was over the moon when the family got an invite to go and stay for Christmas at her auntie’s spa. Christy is married and has a young daughter Holly, and an amazing very single best friend Alix. Alix works for a top toy manufacturer and could sell snow to Laplanders, she is funny, a faithful friend, and utterly scared of relationships with men.

When Christy husband tells her that it will be a few days before he can join them in Lapland, Christy thinks their marriage is in trouble and asks Alix to take Holly to Lapland ahead of them. The only problem is that one of Seb’s friends, Zac. (A little swoon here and a bit of a hot flush) and Alix has a bit of a track record, perhaps not so much of a track record, more of a starting block hiccup that failed. They are a little like fire and water, total opposites, but when they come together they don’t half get steamy!

Oh wow, oh wow! I laughed so much reading this book and have been left with best friend envy because everybody needs an Alix in their lives. The scene is pure perfection, from the cabin to the reindeer. On some pages, I wished I was there and on others felt that I was. Holly is so sweet and what Christmas is about with her innocent, say it how it is honesty and the magic of Santa. It makes you want to reach out to family you haven’t seen in ages, forgive and forget. What an amazing read this is, I am still on a high. Love it, Love it.

I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
This book is set in the run up to Christmas, and the descriptions of cold and snowy Lapland and the activities undertaken by the families make the reader feel suitably 'Christmassy'. However, the book is mostly about friendship and family, and how characters with different beliefs, values, expectations and experiences can be disparate or work together within their relationship. I think there's probably a little of at least one of the characters in each of us or someone we know. Christmas is not the main focus of the story so I have given it 4 stars instead of 5, but it is well-written and illuminating, a very enjoyable book.

This is such a lovely festive read. Following the ups & downs of family and friendship, set around a trip of a lifetime to Lapland.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it switches to tell the perspectives of several main characters, in particular Christy, her best friend Alix and Christy’s Aunt. This made it a really captivating read, and developed the characters into fully-formed, believable characters whom you got to understand more than if the book was centred around one character. The development of the story in this way held my interest throughout and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
A perfect book to read, snuggled up in the warmth on chilly winter evenings.

This is a pleasant, seasonal read which ticks all the boxes – romance, snow, the Northern Lights. On the face of it Holly has the perfect life – adorable child, handsome husband, beautiful cottage in the countryside. However, all is not as it seems (sorry, cliché alert). The adorable child is an adventurer, climbs on everything, the cottage has more than a few structural problems, and Seb, the husband is acting strangely. Due to her upbringing, Holly is extremely uptight, and everything has to be perfect. A trip to Lapland for Christmas seems to be the solution to all Holly’s problems. Add in Holly’s friend Alix and Seb’s friend Zac and the trip becomes very complicated.
I enjoyed this, but I found both Holly and Alix extremely irritating, Zac was a bit too perfect, and Seb? Actually I felt really sorry for him, he was trying to do the right thing and hide some unpleasantness from Holly, and she thought he was having an affair. However, with a little Christmas magic, everything ends happily.
3 stars because I guessed the ending, but still a nice relaxing read.

I really immersed myself in this winter romance! Sarah Morgan has created a beautifully entwined story of 3 women who each have real depth and interest. I read this book faster than many others recently as I was so keen to see what happened next. Enough Christmas but not too much that you couldn't read it at any time of the year.

It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas getaway — a trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband. Her solution? Alix can take Christy’s little daughter to Lapland, and they will reunite there for Christmas Day. It’s a big ask, but what else are friends for?

There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy. But Christy’s request to save Christmas is giving Alix sleepless nights. She knows something is wrong, but for the first time ever, Christy isn’t talking. And even the Arctic temperatures in Lapland aren’t enough to dampen the seriously inconvenient sizzle Alix is developing for Zac, a fellow guest and nemesis from her past.
Oh, this is such a nice, cosy Christmas story. I really enjoyed it Where better than Lapland to spend Christmas - especially with a 4yr-old child. But it isn't all plain sailing and magical; this story is all about relationships and communications which give rise to a few unexpected twists before anyone gets to meet Santa Claus! The characters and setting were engaging and exciting.

If you are ready to get in the Christmas spirit, then treat yourself to a copy of THE CHRISTMAS ESCAPE. You won't regret it! I know it's a bit early but while reading this, I found myself constantly in a good mood and so ready for all that comes with the holiday season. I've even started another Christmas-y book because I didn't want the happy vibes to go away.

Sarah Morgan does an amazing job in creating the perfect setting for this book. I was transported to the north and enjoying the northern lights along with the characters. Dog sledding, reindeers, and all the hot chocolate... this book has it all. And not to mention the romance.

While I enjoyed the relationships and storyline, I did feel like there was too much internal dialogue and self-doubt among our main characters, Alix and Christy. If there had been a little less of that then this may have been a 5 star book but I found all the self-doubt and keeping feelings and thoughts locked away to be a bit distracting. Other than that, I loved this book and would highly recommend!

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher HQ for the ARC.

Oh, this is such a nice, cosy Christmas story. I really enjoyed it Where better than Lapland to spend Christmas - especially with a 4yr-old child. But it isn't all plain sailing and magical; this story is all about relationships and communications which give rise to a few unexpected twists before anyone gets to meet Santa Claus!

Christy is apparently living the dream: she has husband Seb whom is adores; her 4yr-old daughter Holly and her dream country cottage where she works from home as a graphic designer. The plan had been for Seb to also work from home but instead a restructuring at work meant he still had to commute into London. The cottage is no longer dream-like as consecutive mini-disasters in its maintenance appear and Zac - Seb's best friend and a scientist on polar ice stations - helps out when he can.
Christy is determined to make Christmas special just as she and her mother Elizabeth had always done but her mother had died and this lead her to contact her aunt Robyn - who, with Erik, had built Snow Spa in Lapland - and that's where they would be going. There is some trepidation on both Christy's and Robyn's minds - Robyn hadn't seen her niece since she was 3yrs-old and there is a story to be told about how she became the "wayward" aunt impressed upon Christy. For Robyn - she's wondering how much Christy knows and how much she should tell her about the estrangement.

Alix is Christy's best friend from childhood - a high-flying executive in marketing for a toy company - and five years previously had begged Christy not to marry Seb. Their previous constant messaging had slowly dropped-off and Alix yearned for their childhood friendship. She'd been invited to Lapland as well. However, circumstances contrived to mean that Alix and Zac were to take Holly to Lapland for the first few days - and Robyn makes the mistake of assuming they are a couple.

Take it from there........ snow-covered trees, dog sleds, cosy cabins in the forest and delightful dialogue ensues, tinged with humour.

Can any of them clear up the misunderstandings which had formed over the past 5 years? Will Alix and Zac be able to withstand each others' company whilst entertaining Holly?

Curl up and dream of Christmas with this one!

The perfect Christmas read! Snuggled under a blanket, with a mulled wine… this is delightful. I enjoyed sharing this story with the characters and I so desperately want to spend Christmas with Aunt Robyn…. Please!!!

It is never Christmas until I've read Sarah Morgan's Christmas release and this year she has whisked us off to Lapland with Christy, Seb and her family for a magical snowy Christmas and to reconnect with family.

I absolutely loved this story, it was full of fun and establishing new traditions. When I started reading this story, it quickly provides a fractured relationship and you start to think that maybe this isn't going to be the fairytale you envisage when you think of a feel good festive read. However the more I kept turning the pages the more I connected with the characters and could see lots of fractures with the potential to heal during this story.

Set against the gorgeous snowy backdrop of the Northern Lights this story is full of vivid descriptions and warming hot chocolate to help keep the body and soul warm. A wonderful story with wonderful characters that I was sad to reach the end of.

If you’re looking for a Christmas book with interesting and believable characters and of course the essential happy ending, then look no further. Sarah Morgan writes such great dialogue and I love that this book is about friendship as well as romance. Nobody is perfect (though Zac comes pretty darn close!) and that comes across so well in Christy’s marriage to Seb and friendship with Alix. Add a precocious 4 year old into the mix, and snowy Lapland and I was in Christmas heaven.
I enjoyed this book so much, I’ve been re-reading loads of Ms Morgan’s previous books (I’ve downloaded A LOT over the years..) and this one is up there with my favourites.

I have always loved to read heartwarming Christmas romance stories at around this time of year and even though I have read books by this author before I’d never read one of her Christmas ones until now, Really l don’t know why it took me so long, because her storytelling in this book was so equally thought provoking as it was romantic and magical. Her descriptions of Lapland made you feel like you were really there and I loved how she delves into the complex relationships between the four friends, of the hidden secrets that they all have and of the opportunities that they are given to mend everything that is broken. This is a romance within a romance and I loved every bit of it. This was a fabulous read that gave me all the warm and fuzzies that I expect to get from a Christmas story.

The only thing you have to do to put this relationship right is not to walk away from it".

Relationships are difficult be they sibling, lover, friend or parent but when they all collide it makes sorting them out even more precarious.

Best friends Alix and Christy find that their lifelong friendship slips as Christy becomes a wife and mother. Alix finds it difficult to trust after her parents continually put their careers before her happiness and welfare. Matters come to a head when Christmas is spent in Lapland under the beautiful Northern Lights.

A lovely story of letting go and following your heart.

It's always a festive treat to read a Christmas story by this author. She captures the ethos of the season and spices it up with festive romance and the sweetness of a child experiencing the perfect snowy Christmas. Not everything is about hot chocolate and sleigh rides in the snow, though. There are strained friendships, aroused passions, and secrets that unfold against a wintry background. Angst and arguments prevail, but there is also a chance to talk and find out family secrets.

Wintry and wonderful festive activities and natural events capture the essence of an idyllic Christmas holiday. The characters draw the reader's empathy and frustrate in equal measure. This story is emotional and heartwarming and the perfect book to read in front of a log fire this Christmas.

I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

We're off to snowy Lapland with Sarah Morgan's latest Christmas book - a story that offers insight into the pitfalls and perils of friendship, family dynamics and romantic relationships.
Alix always warned Christy that her husband Seb wouldn't be reliable - and now it looks as if she's been proved right, just as the couple with their little daughter are off to Lapland to meet Christy's long-estranged aunt Robyn. Christy decides to stay behind so she and Seb can sort out their problems, leaving committed career woman Alix to take 5-year-old Holly on the seasonal holiday. But Alix won't have sole responsibilty - Seb's best friend Zak will be there, too - and she and Zak have history!
As they build snowmen, chop down Christmas trees, dog sleigh and watch for the northern lights, will Alix finally face her fears about relationships? Can she and Christy repair their friendship? And will aunt Robyn finally spill the secrets of her own past?
I really enjoyed this multi-layered story - the characters are all strong and honest with themselves, if not with each other, which makes them very empathetic. The conflict between the different parties was generally convincing, and little Holly lightened the mood whenever the narrative threatened to get a bit too navel-gazing. I found Zak a little arrogant, but, hey, a hero has to have one flaw, and he makes up for it in many other ways - a real bit of hot stuff in chilly Lapland!

I bloody loved this book.

Yet again, Sarah has created the most magical festive read - packed full with angst, festive cheer, love and MAGIC.
I really enjoyed the characters and the ways that each character had their own hurdles to overcome - with the realisation that it's okay to ask for help and that communication really is everything!

Christy and Seb were obvious favourites as they were a wonderful couple - however, Alix really stole the show for me and felt incredibly relatable, and especially stubborn (and sassy! Who doesn't love a bit of sass)

Sarah has fast become an auto-read author for me and I'm looking forward to what she does next!

A family once torn apart is to be reunited during a dream trip to Lapland. Sounds great but friendships are to be tested and relationships be reconsidered and rebuilt.

A beautiful atmospheric book. Loved the action, the story, the people involved. Read to see if Lapland and the Northern Lights can work their magic.

Sarah Morgan has a real knack for writing Christmas books - I mean she writes amazing books set year round but her Christmas ones are pretty special. I had been looking forward to reading this for ages so was chuffed to get a Netgalley copy and then when HQ messaged wanting to send me a proof I couldn’t wait to get settled in!

We are about to experience another Christmas in Lapland, with the endless fields of snow, Christmas trees everywhere and of course the snow dogs… it wouldn’t be a trip to Lapland without the dogs right. Oh, and the aurora… something that I would absolutely love to see for myself one day. The sled rides that we go on in this book just sound so romantic and magical and further fuel my desire to get out there one year…

Christy is the main character in this but I found myself drawn more to Alix, I mean she works for a toy company so, hello! I felt like we got to know Alix in a deeper, more emotional way than Christy and that she had so much love to give. The one thing that everyone has in common in this book is how much they love Holly, if only they could love themselves, and each other as much…

Talking of Holly, she is a firecracker! Never stops moving, extremely excitable and if there is something to climb she’s halfway up it already. The sheer enjoyment she has at the fact that she’s in Lapland is evident, she just wants to be out there building snowmen and having fun - isn’t this the whole spirit of Christmas?!

Fun is the thing that Christy and Seb seem to be missing though, way too organised with her endless lists and ‘perfect’ life there seems to be a lot going on with her husband that she doesn’t even realise. I loved the few days we got to spend with Christy and Seb and you could tell how much they needed it and what a change it was going to make to everything going forward.

Can I talk about the polar bear in the room? Or the wolf maybe? (You’ll get my gist if you’ve read this) I don’t think there could be much more tension when you put Alix and Zac together, oh boy did they rub each other up the wrong way. Zac is doing such a good job at annoying and frustrating Alix but even she can’t deny that they need to talk about THAT might…

I loved this book, I was whisked away and engulfed in it, I really didn’t want to put it down at all and just found myself reading on. Sarah and smashed it with another winter fuelled tale of family, friendship and love in a book that will leave you with a smile on your face, a hot chocolate in your hand and a blanket around your lap.

Robyn hasn’t seen her niece in a long time. After an incident with her sister they’d parted ways and not seen each other since. So when Christy contacts her and they decide her and her family should spend Christmas with her in Lapland where she now lived, she was nervous and excited. There were questions that would undoubtedly need answering, was she ready for those questions, even after all the years?

The book follows Christy as she meets her aunt for what she believes is the first time. Taking with her, her husband Seb, daughter Holly, her best friend Alix and Seb’s best friend Zac the trip proves to be emotional and enlightening all round. A great romance with plenty of festive feels to get you in the mood for Christmas, even in October.

I read this book so quickly, an easy read that pulls you into the pages and makes you smile. Definitely check this out if you love a feel good Christmassy read. It’ll leave you ready to put the tree up the moment you put the book down.

I'm fairly sure I start every Sarah Morgan review by saying 'Sarah Morgan has done it again' and that's because she just keeps writing the most emotionally satisfying books - and The Christmas Escape is no exception. Not only is this book filled to the brim with Christmassy goodness (snow, hot chocolate, reindeers) but it's a beautiful exploration of one of the most important relationships we have - friendship.

Both only children Christy and Alix have been close all their lives. Christy's childhood was organised and dependable wheras Alix knew she wasn't wanted by her busy distant parents. But she always had a home at Christy's, especially at Christmas. They have remained close as adults and Alix loves lavishing gifts on Holly, Christy's daughter. But five years ago a rift opened between them when Alix begged her friend not to marry Holly's father after a whirlwind romance and both women can feel the bonds between then unravelling. Now, Alix knows something is wrong - and she knows that Christy is keeping secrets from her for the first time in their lives. Can their friendship survive? Meanwhile Christy is beginning to realise that her need for order and perfection might be masking problems in her marriage - and an insistent voice is wondering whether Alix might have been right all those years ago. How well does she really know her husband?

The friends, Christy's husband and his best friend Zac head to Lapland for Christmas where Christy's longlost Aunt harbours secrets and regrets of her own. Here, under the northern lights, Christy and Alix need to figure out what's important to them and whether, now they're grown up, their friendship can remain the same.

This beautiful exploration of friends and family and of love in all its permatations is the perfect Christmas read. Sarah Morgan has definitely done it again!