A beautifully atmospheric setting of Swedish Lapland at Christmas had me captivated by this story of mending important relationships. I was completely there and absorbed in the life of beautiful snow, dog sledding, hot chocolate and the aurora. This is so on my bucket list to visit Lapland!

Robyn and Erik run The Snow Spa in Swedish Lapland. Robyn ran away from her life in England after falling out with her sister and has never looked back. Out of the blue she receives an email from Christy, her niece, who wants to come and meet her. Robyn has mixed feelings as she has not seen Christy since she was a child and now Christy is married with her own child, Holly.

Alix has been best friends with Christy since they were children. They were inseparable until Christy married Seb and she now feels she is no longer needed. She did not think Christy was doing the right thing by marrying just because she fell pregnant as she had not known Seb long and he had a bit of a reputation

When Christy asks Alix and Zac to take Holly to Lapland ahead of her it pushes them together in an unexpected way.

Relationships and the importance of talking about feelings is very much the main thread of this book.

A lovely book with a message of the importance of talking through problems which I would definitely recommend if you want to lose yourself in a gorgeous Christmassy setting.

Sarah Morgan is easily one of my favourite authors, no matter when or where the story is set she always managed to conjure up such a clear picture of her characters and their lives. This is definitely no different and if you want a christmassy adventure then this book is definitely for you.

Christy loved Christmas and this year was going to be the best. she would be spending it in Lapland with her husband and daughter and her best friend Alix,. staying with her Aunt who she has never met after she fell out with her sister, Christy's mum.
However fate had a different idea and when Christ needs to support her husband just days before they are due to go she entrusts her daughter to Alix and Zac, her husbands friend.
Alix and Zac have history going back 5 years to Christy's wedding.
Can Lapland work its magic for everyone?

Firstly, we need to talk about that cover! Probably one of the most magical Christmas publication covers that I’ve seen in a long time – it’s exactly how I pictured a romantic snow scene under the Northern Lights! It’s not surprising how incredible this is because Sarah is, after all, the Queen of Christmas Romance. Set against the stunning backdrop of Swedish Lapland, this is a story of friendship, love, secrets and christmas magic. Festive mood firmly engaged after reading this! You really can’t go wrong with a Sarah Morgan Christmas book and this is another fantastic addition to her brilliant fiction publications.

Sarah writes the best Christmas stories!
Robyn and her husband own a snow spa in Lapland. She is expecting her neice Christy her husband Seb and daughter Holly for Christmas. She hasn't seen Christy since she was 3 years old due to a falling out with her sister who has since died.
Things are a bit strained between Christy and Seb so they arrange for their best friends Alix and Zac to take Holly to Lapland where they follow a few days later
Alix and Zac have history but Alix won't let anyone in.
I absolutely adored this. The banter between Alix and Zac is hilarious
So many laugh out loud moments.
The descriptions of Lapland are magical, I really want to go! It has everything in it snow dogs, lots of snow and lashings of hot chocolate. Yum.
This is a really truly Christmassy story. I can highly recommend
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in return for an honest review.

A wonderful Christmas story about friendships close & estranged , plus family relationships with hidden secrets which could put all of Christy's plans for the most wonderful& magical Christmas at risk! Most of this story is set Deep in Scandinavia & Lapland where Trees grow on mass, & the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights give magical & majestic Ribbon light displays , to capture & inspire the imagination .#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/c566f42be23a0e25d120e78a3454e2d427c4beee" width="80" height="80" alt="50 Book Reviews" title="50 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>, #Instagram, #FB, # NetGalley, #GoodReads, #Amazon.co.uk, # Waterstones

Fun and romance in snowy Lapland. Well-organised Christie had planned a magical Christmas escape for herself, husband Seb and their young daughter Holly (the lively star of the book!) plus their friends Alix and Zac, who haven't met up for years. They all intend going at the same time, but Christie and Seb have to delay their departure, leaving Alix and Zac in charge of a very excited Holly. Added to that, they're staying in log cabins belonging to Holly's long-lost Aunt Robyn, who emigrated after a family squabble. Sounds like a recipe for disaster! Having been to Lapland myself, the vivid descriptions of the cosy log cabins and friendly huskies made me want to go back. Another great Christmas read from Sarah Morgan.

With only 72 days remaining until Christmas (at the time of writing) this is the time of year when we get ready to embrace the cold dark winter nights and the frosty/icy mornings, the time of year when the more sparkle and glitter (and I’m not just talking Strictly here!) the better. So how do you choose your perfect festive read from the many that are beginning to adorn the bookshop shelves? Well in my opinion you can’t go wrong with a Sarah Morgan novel. This author excels at giving her readers a totally immersive reading experience, with settings plucked straight from the front of a typical Christmas card scene, uplifting joyous storylines and characters who are a pleasure to get to know. It’s already become part of my Christmas tradition, and a real treat, to pick up her latest Yuletide novel, knowing full well it won’t take long for the warmth of her writing to infuse me with a rosy glow from the inside out, the festive magic flowing with the flourish of her pen. With The Christmas Escape Sarah Morgan is quite literally spreading glad tidings, comfort and joy!

For 2021 Sarah Morgan has swapped locations from the idyllic Scottish Highlands to the winter paradise of Swedish Lapland. Think forests, cozy cabins, sledging, sledding, huskies, reindeer and of course lots and lots of snow!! Possibly the most atmospheric, beautiful, romantic Christmas escape you could imagine and it’s home to photographer Robyn and husband Erik who together run a business catering for the discerning traveller, their overall focus on wellness, adventure and witnessing (and capturing if they’re lucky!) first hand the unforgettable sight of the aurora. Robyn has invited estranged niece Christy, her husband Seb and their small daughter Holly, along with best friend Alix to be their guests during the festive season and although she has reasons for being apprehensive about “inviting the past into the present”, reconnecting with her sister Elizabeth’s now grown up daughter will surely make this a Christmas to remember. Maybe this long overdue visit will also give the pair an opportunity to finally lay some ghosts to rest. Naturally Robyn isn’t the only one feeling anxious about meeting up with a woman she considers to be a virtual stranger..Christy is too but her curiosity surrounding her aunt, nicknamed Robyn the rebel, a woman never really spoken about during her childhood years, outweighs her more negative thoughts. Plus she can’t wait to escape leaky cottage and her new home in the countryside which so far hasn’t proved to be the dream lifestyle she’d been imagining! However even the best laid plans can have a habit of going awry and that’s where Alix and Zac, Seb’s friend fit into the equation. To ensure little five year old Holly doesn’t miss a single minute of her exciting trip where she hopes to catch a glimpse of Santa, this couple who’ve never seen eye to eye are thrown together, tasked with temporary guardianship, the results of which are funny, fiery and flirtatious!

As always at the heart of every one of Sarah Morgan’s storylines you’ll find love, friendship and romance, a veritable treasure trove of loveliness. On this occasion you’ll also discover a few black clouds lurking on the horizon for our Christmas escapees with secrets, plenty of misunderstandings and misapprehensions, self doubt plus a twinge of jealousy threatening to destabilise what are mostly harmonious relationships. Honest conversations between all of them are key in helping to resolve their individual difficulties and forge new bonds but that’s by no means the whole picture. Striking the right balance between family responsibility, work commitments whilst also letting go, having fun, opening hearts up to the possibility of love and enjoying this magical Christmas experience is equally important.

I can honestly say I loved every single one of these characters. Experiencing the joy and wonderment of Christmas through the eyes of a five year old makes the storyline extra special. Holly really is the glue sticking everyone together, healing over some of the cracks that have appeared in Christy and Alix’s friendship, even making Alix and Zac forget their differences so they can all enjoy living in the moment, building snowmen and choosing the perfect tree to decorate. Her presence also helps ease the worry and stress Christy and Robyn’s reunion is inducing. This little madam’s excitement, exuberance and innocence is so infectious you just can’t help but smile as she runs rings around all the adults, although in an ideal world she’d come with an on/off button!! Robyn and Eric are down to earth gentle folk, exuding generosity and kindness, keen to build bridges and put the past behind them whilst Zac isn’t just a pretty face! He’s kind, intuitive, fun, and adventurous which makes him super sexy! For me the most heartwarming aspect is the incredibly close friendship between Christy and Alix. They’re more like sisters, growing up together, sharing every aspect of their lives with one another and making happy precious memories which is why the distance that’s opened up between them is so devastating for them both. I liked that the focus isn’t purely on romantic love but love in general including a love for all things festive!

I became so completely lost in this winter wonderland one grey miserable Sunday that when I glanced up from the page I half expected to see snow falling outside my window, proof of Morgan’s vivid imagery. These heartwarming snow filled scenes even made hot chocolate, not a drink I’d normally favour sound tempting! However I’d maybe draw the line at eating reindeer! Overflowing with happiness, laughter, joy and romance set against such a gorgeous scenic backdrop this novel is a sheer delight from beginning to end. One I can thoroughly recommend.

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

A Must-Read Story for the Festive Period.
Another delightful Christmassy story, filled with snow, beautiful vistas, friendships, family, angst and of course love and HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have really been looking forward to reading this year’s Christmas novel from Sarah Morgan. She always provides her readers with a really festive story at this time of year. As is so often the case, and promised by the enchanting cover, this book transports us to a snowy landscape and celebrates Christmas in another country, the action here taking place in Lapland. This is somewhere that I have never visited, but I’m sure that I will feel as if I have by the time the story ends, such is the power of Sarah Morgan’s writing.

The story revolves around Christy and Alix, who have been best friends since childhood. Christy has booked a luxurious Christmas trip to Lapland for them, along with husband Seb and daughter Holly. While there, Christy is going to meet up with her aunt, who she hasn’t seen since childhood. At the last minute, Christy and Seb must stay behind for a few days, and they ask Alix and Seb’s best friend Zac to take Holly to Lapland ahead of them. What Christy doesn’t know is that Alix and Zac have an awkward history, but they agree anyway. The holiday becomes a test of relationships as secrets are revealed and hearts opened - all in a wonderful, snowy landscape with the breathtaking northern lights playing above.

As expected, I absolutely loved this uplifting and heartwarming story, and can recommend it highly. There aren’t many characters in the book, but those few are well developed, interesting and likeable, with everyday problems that anyone might recognise. I know that snow isn’t everybody’s idea of heaven, but this holiday sounded magical, various adventures in the freezing outdoors being coupled with accommodation in the most superb lodges, with cosy fires and plenty of hot chocolate to warm up cold bodies. There are lots of secrets and strained relationships in this story. I enjoyed the way in which they are gradually revealed and explored. Christy finally gets to delve into the mystery surrounding her aunt Robyn, which has plagued her all her life; that proved an interesting and surprising tale in itself.

This could me my favourite Sarah Morgan book. The Christmas Escape was a big warm hug of a book. Romance, friendship, family, snow and full of Christmas Sparkle. A must read book!

I am a huge fan of Sarah Morgan so was so excited to be given a copy of her latest book to read and review.

I loved the numerous storylines woven through the book from Christy and Alix's friendship, Christy and Seb's marriage, Robyn's story Alix and Zac.

With the beautiful settings of Lapland the descriptions of the cosy cabins, sleigh rides, dog sledding and the Northern Lights made you feel you could be there and it's a place I would love to go to.

This is a great story of ensuring good communication in all relationships and not jumping to conclusions. So relatable.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my copy.

I love Sarah Morgan’s books, and especially the Christmas ones, so I leapt at the chance to read this one.

I really enjoyed this story. As usual, I was quickly absorbed in the tale. I really liked the fact that the book was more about the friendship between Alix and Christy, than about romance (though there’s plenty of that too).

To start with, I really disliked Zac. He was always so smug and superior. However, as the story continued, he seemed to calm down, and turned out to be a nice person in the end. All the other characters were likeable right from the start. I really enjoyed the development in Alix and Christy’s characters particularly. They both have stuff to work through, and eventually help each other to do so.

The atmosphere was very Christmassy, with the snow, the Northern Lights, sled dogs, and so on.

Overall, this was a lovely Christmas story, centred around a friendship, but with plenty of romance and family too.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

This was such a lovely feel good book. Sarah Morgan always writes a warm , down to earth book. Obviously everything ends up Happy ever after which is what we need sometimes in our life. Highly recommended.

Dreams can change, and relationships too, and this latest story by Sarah Morgan, "The Christmas Escape" is also a reminder to speak to each other, rather than jump to the wrong conclusion. Be more like Holly, the four-year old daughter of Christy and Seb.

Christy and Seb, Holly's parents, are going through a rocky patch, and as they prepare for a trip to Lapland, to visit Robyn, Sarah's estranged aunt for the first time, their idyllic country life (as well as the ceiling in their cottage) come crashing down.

So who can look after Holly on her trip to Lapland, whilst her parents try to fix their marriage and their cottage? It's Alix, Christy's best friend since forever. But there's a catch, they will be accompanied by Zac, who isn't exactly on good terms with Alix - are you still with me?

And then there's the mystery of Christy's estranged aunt, why have they not met before?

With the magic of Christmas future and Lapland as the setting, truths are told and relationships, after a few misunderstandings, are mended, just in time for Christmas!

Thank you to Sarah Morgan for a sprinkling of Christmas magic and to HQ and Netgalley for this eARC.

An absolutely perfect read for the Christmas season as it is set in Lapland with sledges, reindeer, cabins in the snow and the glorious Northern Lights (Sigh! It's been on my bucket list for years!) Told from the POV of 3 people, Robyn the aunt and Christy and Alix - who have been friends since childhood. The story is multi layered and covers a marriage in crisis, a damaged relationship between what used to be lifelong friends, a family breakdown that happened many years ago that almost destroyed a family and two people, (friends of Christy and her husband, Seb) who, due to past experiences, feel unable to commit to relationships. I loved the beautiful descriptions of Lapland that Sarah Morgan writes so beautifully that I could almost feel the unbearable cold on my face, smell the pine of the trees and picture the beauty of the area by day and night. My only very slight negative was that sometimes the characters' conversations were long and drawn out and repetitive but this didn't spoil the overall enjoyment of this lovely book. In the beginning I did have to keep reminding myself that Alix was a female and not a male. The name threw me - but that's just me and maybe down to the fact that I've read many books where Alix was a male name. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

I absolutely adored this book! It had such a great festive feel and I loved that it was told from 3 perspectives. I felt equally invested in both Christy and Alix’s storylines and loved seeing their friendship with each other and their relationships change and blossom with Seb and Zac. I also felt that Robyn’s storyline, while not as at the forefront of the story, added another great element and a little suspense as to what the big secret was and why she was cast aside by her sister.
The setting of this story being in Lapland made for the perfect cosy Christmas read and I loved the addition of Holly, Christy and Seb’s daughter, as she was a fun addition and helped fill the book with that extra childlike wonder.

This is definitely a book I will come back to, a beautiful story of love, friendship, forgiveness and christmas magic!

This wonderful Christmas themed book set in Lapland and it was a delight to read from start to finish. The setting is magical and described in detail, the author conjures up vivid images of the frigid beauty of Lapland. The sleigh rides, Northern Lights and cosy fires all add to the atmosphere as well as the traditions and some history of Lapland make it a cosy and interesting read.

Romance is not at the forefront in the story it is more focused on the exploration of the relationships of the main characters and addresses their complexities and family dynamics. Four couples’ relationships are an integral part of the story; Robyn’s past relationship with her deceased sister and what caused it to fracture, we are left guessing until near the end. Alix and Christy’s now fragile friendship and what caused the growing rift between them. Alix and Zac rekindling their romance, after they were forced together to look after Holly, Christy’s little girl in Lapland. I really like these two together their banter and chemistry was brilliant. Lastly, Christy and Seb sorting out the difficulties in their complicated marriage, Christy learning to trust him and rediscovering their love for one another.

The Christmas Escape is a beautiful Christmassy read, you can’t go wrong reading Sarah Morgan’s books and this is no exception. Uplifting and heartwarming you are sure to enjoy this one.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC for review. My review will be published across my social media platforms nearer to the publication date and Amazon when published.

Never having read previous books by this author I looked forward to this preview copy.
The story is set around two lifelong friends . Bit of a strange sorry where having both planned a trip to visit a long lost relative in Arctic at Christmas. A marriage crisis for Christy results In a change of plans and sending Alix on Ahead to start the trip with Christy daughter- but not trusting her to be able to mind the child they send another male friend also- sparks previously between these two are easily reignited and live blossoms. Christy and Alix also have a showdown. I felt this was a bit of a strange storyline but enjoyable nonetheless

The Christmas Escape is this years much anticipated Christmas release from @sarahmorganwrites. I’ve been a big fan of Sarah’s romance novels for a long time now and I look forward to her festive reads.

The Christmas Escape features friends Christy and Alix. Each of them have their own things going on in their lives with work and relationships and their friendship has hit a rocky patch. They’re due to spend Christmas together with Christy’s estranged aunt Robyn in Lapland but since Christy is having a hard time keeping her marriage to Seb on track, she asks Alix to take her daughter to Lapland as planned with the intention of following them a few days later. She fails to mention to Alix that she’ll be joined by Seb’s best friend Zac.

This story is full of angst as each character mends their relationships and friendships with others. Christy with Seb and Alix and Robyn, Alix with Zac and Seb. They each discover something that could easily have been fixed and the story really shows how communication is key in every relationship. Of course there is some sizzling chemistry, particularly between Alix and Zac as they get their second chance in this sorry.

The settings were perfect. Christy and Seb spend some time in a festive, wintery London rekindling their relationship before heading out to Lapland where Alix, Zac and Holly have been staying in a perfect winter wonderland complete with sled rides and huskies and Santa!

There’s so many of Sarah’s books that I’d recommend to you in general but if you’re looking for a festive feel then check out some of my favourites - Christmas Ever After, Midnight at Tiffany’s or any of the Snow Crystal trilogy which now I’ve mentioned I might need to reread!