I will admit to being a little confused at the start with who was who (who knew you could have so many relatives) but luckily Sabine wittily penned a party guest list in the style of a cast of characters in a murder mystery.

Sabine was a wonderful character with just the right amount of flamboyance that can often tip into snootiness in the wrong hands. After being diagnosed with a progressive illness and knowing this could be her last Christmas she decides to host the party of all parties and cheekily buys off someone else’s event planners Heavenly Houseparties. She needs to make a will so invites all her relatives and a few select others to see who is worthy to inherit the castle and her fortune. As she says herself, her family is not so much dysfunctional as dislocated.

Heavenly houseparties is run by Dido and best friend Henry. As soon as they enter the castle they are swept up in its magnificence and even more surprising is the appearance of Xan, Dido’s teenage crush. Dido not only sees her past in the present but lots of other skeletons that were in the closet seem to be making an appearance at the party and was this Sabine’s plan all along?

Beautifully descriptive writing sets this apart from most lighter reads, however at times this did slow down the story progression. I cannot fault the characterisation or the wonderful festivities, they certainly made me feel most Christmassy.

This was my first book by this author and although it was a little too in depth at times it would be perfect for those that want a little more from a romance.

The perfect festive read.

I love Trisha Ashley’s writing, in particular her Christmas stories and her latest release does not disappoint.

I could not put this book down, it’s almost Agatha Christie vibe with the whole will get to inherit the castle leads to a wide variety of characters. But the bulk of the story revolves around Sabine, the current owner, who wants one last festive season, and is determined to relive Christmas traditions from her past

In comes Dido and the hilarious Henry, their job is to service and cater the castle and bring it back to life in time for a Christmas, none of the visitors will forget.

Mix in food, family secrets, simmering romantic tension and the most adorable dog (I’m a sucker for the pups) One More Christmas at the Castle is a must read for Christmas 2021.

My thanks, as always to @TrishaAshley, @Netgalley and @PenguinRandomHouse @TransworldPublishers for allowing me to read and review this 5 star festive novel.

This was my first Trisha Ashley book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I follow Trisha on Twitter and always look out for her delicious descriptions of the morning sky. I was thrilled to discover that the same beautiful observations were the key style to her writing. I was able to immerse myself in the sights and sounds of the Castle, the Winter Garden and the outlying lands. This is a book that requires your full attention, or you risk missing some of the exquisite details.
Sabine is not the easiest character to get along with, but as the story unfolds, the reader gains a better understanding of her life and the challenges that she has faced. Slowly, her softer side becomes more evident. Sabine’s saving grace is the arrival of her best friend, Nancy, who’s ability to gently persuade Sabine to reconsider her harsher opinions is a key element to the story.
Conversely, Dido is a joy and is bursting with kindness and goodwill. Her friendship with Henry is enviable as their shared work ethic and attention to detail is the backbone for Heavenly Houseparties. The arrival of her former crush, Xan, brings all her old feelings back to the fore.
As the story progresses, secrets are revealed, and some old wounds start to heal. More importantly we are treated to a wonderful Christmas gathering with the same distinctive descriptions which not only bring the celebrations to life, but also create a flavour of the wonderful dishes which are served.
This is a Christmas story which needs to be enjoyed and not rushed. The descriptions are immersive, and the concept is heart-warming. The comedy is gentle, and the justice is rather well served. I recommend that you find a quiet corner and indulge in traditional Christmas.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this, it was a lovely read that warmed the heart but also tugged at the heart strings too!

We’re following Sabine, who knows that due to illness this will be her last Christmas, so she invites her close family and friends to celebrate with her and hires a party company to help her recreate the Christmases of her childhood – a task that she makes far from easy but they exceed her expectations every single time!

This story felt really slow in places and I think it’s because it was character driven rather than plot driven so at times we were left feeling like nothing really happened (not a criticism) but before you knew it you were so deep into the story that you needed to know what happened!

There were times where I felt like there was more to it all that Sabine had actually let on and the secrets and hidden aspects did not disappoint!

This was the perfect Christmas read for early in the season because it focussed more on the buildup rather than the big day so it wasn’t festive heavy!

This is the second book I’ve read by Trisha Ashley and so far I’ve loved them both!

This was the first book I have ever read by this author. I enjoyed reading it. I felt immersed in the story. Will be looking out to other books by this author in the future. Definitely recommend.

This book takes you on an enchanting journey to Sabine's castle. Dido is drafted in as the help but meeting fellow guest, Xan - a crush from her past, will sparks fly between upstairs and downstairs. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

Sparkling, enchanting and absolutely magical, One More Christmas at the Castle is the latest winner from the fabulous Trisha Ashley.

Dido Jones cannot believe her lucky stars when she is hired by elderly widow Sabine to host a Christmas to remember at her beautiful home, Mitras Castle. Sabine wants Dido to help her recreate the magic of her childhood Christmases and Dido vows to pull out all the stops not to let her down – especially as the elderly widow has made it clear that this will be her last Christmas at Mitras Castle. The stakes have never been higher for Dido and indeed from the very second she walks through the doors of the beautiful house, she immediately feels a strong sense of connection to Mitras Castle – especially when she comes face to face with her teenage crush, Xan…

With the big day fast approaching, Sabine’s family begins to descend upon her and tensions quickly begin to rise. As barely repressed resentments and old secrets come out into the light, long-buried mysteries begin to unravel which could seriously jeopardise not just Sabine’s last Christmas, but also the future of Mitras Castle.

Will this Christmas be one all the guests will remember – but for all the right reasons? Will Sabine have the Christmas she has always wanted? And will Dido find the happiness she has always dreamed of under the mistletoe?

Trisha Ashley’s One More Christmas at the Castle is sheer perfection from beginning to end. Warm-hearted, witty and hard to put down, One More Christmas at the Castle is a joyful, hopeful, moving and immensely enjoyable story about second chances, family secrets, falling in love and the magic of the festive season that will make readers laugh and cry – very often on the same page.

A delightful tale from a writer who never disappoints, Trisha Ashley has outdone herself yet again with her latest novel, One More Christmas at the Castle.

Trisha Ashley's books quite often have the theme of old family scandals and stately homes.
This book is no exception. Set in Northumberland at Christmas time, a dying lady wants some sort of revenge on a despised half-sister.
A very elaborate plan ensues with all her living relatives in attendance.
Fans of the author's earlier books will love this and new readers will also enjoy it as it's not connected to any prior books other than mentioning place names.

What a great book. I struggled to put it down. I loved all the different characters in the book, I think my favourite was Nancy, she was so practical and down to earth - you can really relate to her. The setting of the castle sounds amazing, it was so easy to imagine. The storyline is great. I love Christmas and it brings it all to life in this book, the food, the decorations, the films, the snowy season, etc. I would highly recommend this book.

Elderly widow Sabine knows this will be her last Christmas in her beloved home, Mitras Castle. Determined to make it just like the ones she remembers from her childhood, she employs Dido Jones of Heavenly Houseparties to help with the big day.
Dido is enchanted by the castle as soon as she steps through the imposing front door. And as Christmas day approaches, her feeling of connection to the old house runs deeper than she first thought. But when the snow begins to fall and Sabine's family arrive at the house - including Dido's teenage crush Xan - tensions rise around the castle's future and long-buried mysteries begin to unravel...
As past secrets come to light, can this still be a magical Christmas to remember?

Again. A huge apologies to the publisher and tour host. I was not able to post yesterday due to Instagram going down
This book is such a good book to start your festive reading
I was in a bit of a reading slump when I picked this one up and knew that a festive read would bring me out of it. I was not wrong
The book is a chunky read, but I am so glad. It’s the type of book that you just want to keep reading
The description of the settings makes you feel like you are really there, living the story
Anyone who loves a good festive read will love this book
I am now going to seek out more by this author
Thank you for inviting me to be part of the tour

Such a perfect Christmas story!
Henry and Dido run a catering business and are contracted to work over Christmas at Mitras Castle.
Mrs Powys is very cold towards Dido, but as the skeletons come tumbling out of the closet and a thief is found out, can love blossom?
Such a cosy, feel good book, with mouth watering food.

I have to admit that this one didn't really bowl me over. I don't know if it's because it's a bit early in the year for Christmas themed reads but nothing about it really grabbed me. It was a nice enough story but I didn't really warm to any of the characters and it was quite predictable. I've seen other reviews raving about it but this one just wasn't for me.

Classic quirky wonderful Trisha Ashley!! Eccentric English Christmas at its very best.
Dido and Henry run a bespoke catering company called Heavenly Houseparties, when their upcoming Christmas party appointment cancels, another booking comes straight in, and they are off to a Northumberland castle instead.
Wonderful descriptions of both the house and gardens. As the family history unfolds, hidden secrets are revealed.
The characters are brilliant with unusual quirks and eccentricities. The food sounds delicious and I am sure I put a few pounds on just reading it!
Beautifully observed, a perfect festive treat! Hugely recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early read.

Lovely festive feel good book! The storyline and characters are so relatable! Sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and relax with this beautiful story.

I a huge Trisha Ashley fan and was so excited to get the opportunity to read her latest title.

Mrs Powys is throwing one last Christmas bash for her nearest and dearest. Hiring Dido And Henry to sort out the month long event, little does Dido know that there's another reason why she is there. She bumps in to old faces and events are far from smooth.

Again Trisha has written a heartwarming tale based around the Christmas period. She has moved out of Munnings but has managed to link it still.

I fell in love with the characters again. Dido and her passion for good food, Henry her partner in crime with business as well as friendship, Xan, Dido's previous crush who arrives to write a biography, lazy Lucy who we never quite know if she wants Sabine's money or she herself is being used by her brother. Other party guests are slowly introduced as the story progresses.

The story progresses and secrets are revealed about a few of the characters. I have to say I didn't predict one of them!

I was engrossed in the love interests that immerged from the book. As well as the vivid descriptions of the house and the grounds. The fact that the book is set during the Christmas period makes it more spectacular.

Thank you again Trisha for this gem of a book.

One More Christmas At The Castle by Trisha Ashley. This was a NetGalley read and chosen because I hadn’t read anything by this author. This is my first Xmas read this year and starting early in the hope I get through them all this year!!! Sabine is a widow who has just found out that this Christmas will be her last due to illness in her beloved home Mitras Castle. Sabine is determined for it to be like the ones she remembers as a child and to do so she employs Heavenly Houseparties to help make this happen. However there are secrets that Sabine is holding close to her heart and she needs to make a decision as to who she is going to leave her beloved home to in her will. Some books I read (and I suspect this is the same for many) instantly give you the feels and some for whatever reason you just don’t click with. However there are occasionally those that sit in the middle that can best be describe as nice because they neither give you the overwhelming feels nor do you come close to dislike them and the books hard to read, this is one of those that sits in the middle because it simply is a nice read. You get what it says on the tin with this book, it’s predictable a lot of the way through with a few small surprises, the setting is beautiful, with ice skating on a frozen lake and a white Christmas and the characters are all lovely and endearing. To be honest there’s not one character who I took an instantly dislike to. Sabine is the head of the family, strong willed and strong minded, with a determination to get what she wants but also a with a past that in parts she needs to forgive and move on from. Then the is Dido one part of Heavenly Houseparties who plays a big part in the whole book, who again is strong and determined, who I loved for her organisational side and she gets things done. This books is about forgiveness and moving on, it’s about Christmas and it’s romantic in parts and it maybe predictable but with most Christmas books you go in expecting that. By no means did this give me the complete Christmas feels but it’s definitely a start. If your a fan of the author then definitely give this one a try but for me there are better Xmas books out there and even though I enjoyed it, there was just something missing for me. 🎄🎄

Elderly widow Sabine knows this will be her last christmas at her home, Mitras Castle. Determined to make it like ones from her childhood she employs Dido Jones of Heavenly Houseparties to help. Dido is enchanted by the castle and immediately feels connected to the old house. But as christmas day approaches and Sabine's family arrives tensions rise and long-buried mysteries begin to unravel...

I eventually enjoyed this, it took me until just before half-way through the book to really get into it and feel like something was starting to happen. I loved the characters, they were great and added to the story in their own way. I did enjoy it having a bit of mystery and romance and the reader already knowing some of the secrets before other characters found out. It definitely made for a good christmassy read.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for my copy of the book in return for a review

An absolute five star read from me. As always with Trisha's books a wonderful cast of characters and this time even more lovely Christmas traditions. I wanted to move into the castle and join in all the festivities. I thought the main character of Dido was absolutely wonderful, kind hearted, tough and sympathetic and the relationship with her and Sabine was brilliant, not the least bit cliched which it could have been. And there was the traditional Ashley touch of mouth watering food. This was cosy, festive, fun and so much more. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this as a must read this Christmas. I'm going to have to buy the paperback to go alongside The Twelve Days of Christmas, for an annual re-read.

Loved this festive read.

Family secrets, possible romances, a spaniel called Plum, Christmas food and traditions - all delivered in a fabulous story.

Full review to follow on the blog tour

What a wonderful and moving read. This book captured me from the start as I was intrigued as to the different storytellers and how they were linked. I loved the way the story unfolded, little snippets here and there revealing a long and twisted plot line that kept right on until the end. Henry and Dido were brilliant characters and I loved how their friendship worked, how they had a deep bond and worked so well together putting people at ease. All the glorious food created made me hungry and wish I was sitting at the table along with Xan and Sabine.
Nancy was a wonderful character and I loved how she saw every ones heart and helped Sabine open hers and accept the truth and forgive.
The moment Dom and Henry first laid eyes on each other made me laugh out loud and smile so much.

I loved ever moment of this book and didn’t want it to end.