A feel-good Christmas read that is definitely not 'anti-Christmas'! I liked Sophie as a character and the Christmas escape guests backstories were a nice touch and enjoyable to read about. However, I feel like the storyline between Brody and Tegan was a little tenuous as nobody surely would agree to continue being engaged after being cheated on?! There were also several editing mistakes which I hope will be improved before its published.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Loved this Christmas story - not surprising as it’s by Phillipa Ashley.
Sophie has opened a BnB far away from where she used to live - eventually we find out why she no longer lives in Stratford upon Avon and why she wants to avoid Christmas. Other people come for her un-Christmas weekend but it’s not all plain sailing. Read the book to find out what happens but you know with a Christmas story, it’s going to have a happy ending :)

A Christmas novel for those who don't like Christmas? Well not really. Turns out it's a fantastic Christmas read. Snow, friendship, smiles and romance. Great to real just before Christmas.

My first Christmas book of 2024, read just in time for the change in weather and this was a cosy read on the colder evenings.

I enjoyed the book as expected although I had to roll my eyes at some of Sophie's actions but that shows she is believable.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC. It was much appreciated.

Enjoyable seasonal Christmas read although I must admit I got somewhat frustrated by Sophie, the main female character, at times who seemed to be too sensitive and misreading situations, flying off the handle, going in a strop and not allowing Brody, the main male character to explain things. It's all or nothing with her especially when 'nothing happened'. Somewhat predictable though full of festive warm-heartedness. Set in the Lake District with plenty of snow to add to the mix and thwarted plans for all sorts of celebrations. On the whole lovely characters with a couple of not so nice to balance the mix. Made me laugh too at times, especially when Brody, a vet, was called upon for an human emergency, having had my appendix taken out by a vet I didn't really didn't see the problem!! Still a good read to cosy up with over the festive season.

The latest from Phillipa Ashley is a festive romance set in the idyllic Lake District, featuring Sophie Cranford who used to be obsessed with and love Christmas so much she used to run a Christmas store in Stratford Upon Avon. However, when she discovered that Ben, her fiance, was cheating on her with her best friend, Naomi, her world shattered into tiny pieces, triggering her move north to the lakes. When she spotted the perfect B&B guesthouse, Sunnyside, overlooking the enticing Lake Windermere, she simply could not resist. In the months Sophie has been running it, with the help of Vee, who has become a good friend, a employee suggestion that came from Louise McKenna, the business has gone well, although she is constantly trying to keep her adorable pair of kittens away from the guest areas.

However, with the approach of Christmas, she is struggling to get in the spirit, so Sophie comes up with and advertises for guests looking for an alternative Christmas instead, an idea many locals do not really get. As her plans and preparations get under way, Sunnyside becomes fully booked, which has her feeling her risky marketing strategy has paid off. In the meantime, Sophie finds herself getting to know the area vet, Brody, Louise's son, better, he is her next door neighbour. He lives at Felltop farmhouse, with his animals and pet dog, and circumstances contribute to Sophie unexpectedly attending the joyful lantern parade with him, and Brody issuing an invitation to come to a party at his home to be attended by the local VIPs, Bannerdale community influencers that Sophie could do with meeting.

As might be expected there are obstacles that must be overcome, although it has to be said it does stretch credulity here, it does not feel like something Brody would either entertain or.do. We are given further insights into why Sophie's guests booked for an alternative Christmas. This was an enjoyable festive read in the run up to Christmas, but it was not my favourite by the author, there were occasions it was too repetitive, and the storyline too predictable and laboured. Having said that, I have no doubt that there will be many readers who will love this far more than I did. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

My first festive read of the year and I loved it! Well written, with all the same ‘cosy feels’ as Phillipa’s other books.

A gentle read set in the Lake District . The guest house is having an alternative Christmas and it certainly turns out to be different and almost becomes the Nativity re-enacted with a frustratingly troubled romance on the side

Wonderful! A truly heartwarming story of Christmas joy, love and friendship. The perfect festive read.

A wonderful festive story, full of all the things you would want for Christmas. Set in a fantastic part of the world, the Lake District, it has some lovely characters who I was really rooting for. You obviously expect / hope for a happy-ever-after ending in a Christmas story but this one did have plenty going on along the way to keep it interesting.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Phillips Ashley is an immediate go to to me if I see her name on a cover I KNOW I am in good hands and as always this song me hits the spot. I loved it !!

Always enjoy a Phillipa Ashley book and this one was also a hit with me.
The characters were all very likeable, a lovely Lake District setting at Christmas, what's not to like?

This book was such a cute and cosy Christmas read. I loved the characters and the easy going style of writing. The story line was interesting and kept me engaged.

I did think people were oddly annoyed about the “escape for Christmas” event that Sophie had, I feel it was over done a bit in the story but other than that, I loved it!

Having had a pretty awful last Christmas, this year Sophie is running an 'Escape for Christmas' at her newly acquired Guest House in the lake District. However, somethings are impossible to escape from ..

I'm a big fan of Phillipa Ashley's books - she writes escapist fiction that is neither taxing nor confusing and usually nourishes your bookish soul a little. She has a great way of making a story flow naturally, and including all the back story you need to understand the characters without forcing it clunkily into the first few chapters.

The characters are likeable, the setting idyllic....and frankly, I'm ready for Christmas now!

I love this author’s books and again, this one was wonderful, i thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Escape For Christmas is definitely a perfect, festive story and was wonderful for snuggling up on my favourite chair with a hot cuppa tea and some cake!!

This book pulled me in right from the very first chapter and it didn’t let me go until i had read the whole book and i thoroughly enjoyed everything about it!

Escape For Christmas was Christmassy, entertaining, romantic and heartwarming and definitely left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling and a very happy heart too…..

Escape for Christmas was quite a nice read, it flowed nicely all the characters were likeable. It wasn't in your face overly chirstmassy but it did have a bit of festiveness in there and a bit of romance. Based in the lake district countryside was a lovey location and I enjoyed reading it. I thought it was a great read if you've not started your festive books yet this would be the perfect one to break you in or if you find chirstmas particularly hard you also might enjoy this and be able to relate to some of the characters.

Who can resist a Christmas Love Story. A perfect Christmas read to snuggle up with. I can smell the mince pies and feel the cosiness of Christmas pouring out of this book.

Heartbroken after finding her fiance and best friend together, Sophie sells her business and relocates from Stratford to the lake District.
Purchasing a bed and breakfast cottage. Fitting in with the community and finding friends.
Romance seems likely with neighbour and local vet.
Love never runs smoothly though.
Enjoy the story, I did

Where do I start… I loved this book. Everything from the setting to the characters and especially the pets! My heart went out to poor Sophie in the beginning, that quickly turned into hoping she would get her happy ending with Brody. Who wouldn’t want to have a kind and hot vet to cuddle up with!!
This book gets 5 stars from me.

An enjoyable read, and highly recommended to anyone in need of a 'comfort need', because, to be honest, we all need one. Sophie, having been jilted at Christmas, wants to turn her back on the festive season, and offer people in similar circumstances a break from it, so opens a bed and breakfast, in the Lake District. She has guests with a variety of reasons for wanting this, unexpected guests in a snow storm, and a handsome neighbour - but ......... It is well written, engaging, and there are red herrings.

With thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC.