I expected this book to be full of cheesy Christmas references and romance clichés, which it was, however I didn’t expect the book to have such a jarring style. I love romantic clichés and over the top festivities in this genre when they’re done right, but it felt as though this author decided on the plot and then failed to flesh out the concept.

The basis of the book is a young, (fairly recently) single woman has bought a guesthouse which she runs alone in the Lake District following a bad end to a previous relationship. This woman lives next to a very attractive and virtually perfect vet. We’re introduced to the story a few months after Sophie moves to the area but it feels as though her and her neighbour have no real interaction prior. This narrative has potential, but both characters are too perfect. I want to like them but they feel so unrealistically idealistic that I just didn’t feel I could connect with them.

Throughout the entire book so much of the dialogue feels forced and unnatural. Every character over-explains everything they are saying to an extent of stating that a joke is a joke. This took me out of the story as it felt so unnatural and for the benefit of the reader only. I also felt this way as a result of the vast amount of exposition forced into the book. Everything is explained numerous times to an extent to which it feels patronising as a reader.

I did notice a couple of inconsistencies which I would usually dismiss given that this is an early access copy, however I noted a couple of occasions which require revising. In one instance a character is out of the shower and ready for bed, and then he is chasing his dog who has ran off to eat the breakfast another character is cooking. I think this is a scene missed by both the author and editor and will hopefully be revised prior to publishing.

Expectedly, christmas is mentioned throughout the book which I enjoyed, however I found it quite jarring how frequently this went hand in hand with referencing grief. I respect that the book acknowledges this being a difficult time to those experiencing loss, but it became slightly exhausting when this was narrated every time the season was referenced.

Overall I enjoyed the idea of the storyline, I just feel that the execution wasn’t done as well as it could have been. Every character was too perfect to a point of being unrealistic, and most dialogue felt forced and unbelievable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

A heartwarming story for this time of year . A Christmas story , about Christmas , about someone who hates Christmas , for others that hate Christmas too !
As someone who lives here in Cumbria , I loved reading about in area setting the scene for the festive season.

A good Christmas read, a mixed bunch of characters coming together over an eventful Christmas at a Lake District B&B. I read it in one sitting, a predictable ending but still a good read

Due to being betrayed by her fiancé, Sophie decides to move away to the beautiful Lake District, and purchase Sunnyside, a guest house. As the betrayal happened at Christmas, she intends to invite guests who wish to celebrate the festivities but without the tinsel and glitter of a traditional Christmas.

Sophie is warm and welcoming, and takes on the challenges of running the guest house in her own unique way. I like the way she gradually fits into the village community, and Brody the vet, is a handsome romantic interest.

This is a heartwarming story about romance, friendships and community. Characters are well drawn and relatable, and you become absorbed in their stories. I like the diverse set of characters, but there is conflict between some of the guests. When snow falls heavily, they become isolated and something totally unexpected happens.

The Warm, welcoming book set in the Lake District beautiful Cumbrian lakeside scenery is well described, along with other stories woven into the plot, which keeps up the pace. This is a heartwarming Christmas read, which all Phillipa Ashley fans will enjoy, along with new readers to her books.

What a fantastic heartwarming story for Christmas. Sophie has upended her life and moved to the Lake District and bought herself a B&B. She used to love Christmas and everything about it, that is until.last year when she found her fiance cheating on her. This year all she wants is to try and forget about Christmas whilst running the B&B, but can she pull off an alternative Christmas to the usual turkey and tinsel? And will anyone want that? Such a lovely story of how communities come together in times of need.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this novel. Ideal for a stocking filler!

Not one of my favourite stories. I found the plot very weak and had to persevere to complete the book.

A lovely heartwarming story set in the lovely Lake District. Sophie’s escape for Christmas turns out to be very eventful indeed and I loved the feel good factor of everyone pulling together in times of need. I love a happy ending and this is definitely a winter warmer read you’d want to find in your Christmas stocking!

A very sweet novel about letting go on Christmas past. #EscapeforChristmas #NetGalley Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this very enjoyable festive book.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. Firstly I loved the cover it was very Christmassy! I enjoyed the book but it wasn’t my favourite Phillipa Ashley romance. For some reason I feel like I’ve been reading it forever. I did warm to the characters very quickly though. I’m sure many people will enjoy the book and I do recommend.

This is a quick, easy Christmas read. Despite the premiss being a guesthouse running an unseasonal non Christmas break for those who wish to escape the festive jollity. The book flows well and has plenty of the expected tropes you would expect.

The main leads Sophie, the guest house owner escaping her past Christmas disaster and Brody, her neighbour and local vet, are both very likeable. There are plenty of other characters in this story of misunderstanding.

Overall, it is a sweet story. However, the miscommunication went just a little too far for me, as did Brody's going along with other people's plans....no one would let things go that far! The story is predictable, but I am sure most lovers of this genre will thoroughly enjoy it.

A great story as you would expect from Phillipa Ashley, Sophie's twist on Christmas celebrations is great along with the journey of what happened. This was a lot of fun to read!

Book Review: Escape for Christmas

I just finished reading Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley, and I can't help but feel enchanted by this heartwarming story! From the moment I dove into Sophie’s world, I was swept away by her journey from heartbreak to hope.

Sophie’s character resonated deeply with me. After being jilted by her fiancé, she has built a life running the charming Sunnyside Hotel in the picturesque Cumbrian countryside. I loved how she transformed her pain into purpose, creating a refuge for those looking to escape the holiday cheer. Her determination to avoid Christmas festivities struck a chord, reflecting a realistic struggle many can relate to.

As Sophie prepares for the season without the usual holiday trappings, I found myself cheering for her as she navigates her feelings. Enter Brody, her dashing neighbor, who brings a spark of warmth back into her life. Their developing relationship was beautifully written, and I appreciated how it unfolded gradually, making each interaction feel genuine and heartfelt.

The setting of the hotel, nestled in the wintery countryside, was almost like a character itself. Ashley’s descriptions made me feel as if I was right there, surrounded by the beauty of the season, despite Sophie’s initial aversion to Christmas. The vivid imagery of the landscape and the cozy atmosphere of Sunnyside added layers to the story that made it truly immersive.

What I loved most about this book was the balance between humor and emotional depth. It was a delightful mix of lighthearted moments and poignant reflections on love and healing. By the end, I was rooting for Sophie to embrace the magic of the season and open her heart once again.

Escape for Christmas is a delightful read that captures the spirit of the holidays in a unique and uplifting way. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a cozy escape filled with warmth, romance, and a touch of festive magic. I can’t recommend it enough for those chilly winter nights!

Such a lovely feel good festive read, the story of Sophie would ups sticks and moves to the Lake District after buying a bed and breakfast. Along comes a lovely vet and sparks fly. A lovely read and great characters of the two legged variety and the 4 legged variety😊
Enjoy this book as it will make you dream of the lovely surroundings and like me want to visit the Lake District soon.
My thanks as always to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin and the Author Phillipa Ashley for the early read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this ARC.

After her fiancé cheats on her on Christmas Eve, Sophie sells her year round Christmas shop in Stratford-upon-Avon and buys a guest house in the Lake District instead. As she now hates Christmas she advertises an alternative "Escape for Christmas" break. That title never made sense to me. Shouldn't it be Escape from Christmas or just Escape Christmas?

All the best laid plans and all that... The guest house gets snowed in, the power goes off, the flamenco dancers never make it, the sausages end up in the dog, a pregnant mother who got room at the inn uses it to give birth and two half-sisters have a fraught reunion. In the meantime local vet Brody sniffs around Sophie even though he's apparently engaged. The miscommunication and misunderstandings trope gets a full workout here.

I had such a deja vu reading the plot - I could have sworn I had read that exact plot before somewhere. The fake engagement, the estranged half-sisters, the birth, the sick cats... It all felt familiar which is very strange, as I'm not a time traveller.

This is a pleasant read from a reliable Phillipa Ashley. There are plenty of pets and the supporting characters are all likeable. All of them have different reasons for wanting to escape Christmas this year, which makes for an interesting, well-rounded read. The wintry setting is cosy and there was a surprising amount of festive content for a book with a lot of Christmas misers in it. Recommended as a fun, feel-good read for Christmas.

4.25 stars

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Sophie runs a guest house in the Lake District and decides to host an ‘alternative holiday’ for those wishing to get away from the traditional festivities. However, it turns out to be a little more eventful than she expected!

This is a really nice read whether for holidays, festive or otherwise, or indeed at any other time too. The characters are all believable and I became hugely invested in the story and setting. In fact, I would like a trip to Sunnyside and stay at the guest house!

I enjoyed this book and would recommend. Phillipa’s books are an auto purchase for me these days and I will be adding another one to my collection.

Thanks to Cornerstone, Randomhouse and Netgalley for my advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion

Another festive hit from Phillipa. A great romance full of surprises and an alternative Christmas theme. The characters were well written and engaging. The different aspects of the book held my attention from beginning to end. A most enjoyable Christmas (or non Christmas) read. Highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

I love Christmas books, and this book was brilliant! I really enjoyed the will they wont they romance of the two main characters, Brody and Sophie. The description of the town in which they live was great, and I felt as though I was fully immersed in the storyline.
This is a great festive read, I thoroughly recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Christmas with a difference! Great characters and a beautiful setting. Recommended.

I was asked to review this festive story by NetGalley- I love Christmas more now that I work for a school and have all the holidays off so special.

I read this in August on the school holidays which my manta is you can read festive stories anytime.

Sophie loved Christmas until she was hurt by her partner on Christmas Eve !!

Sophie turned her life around and went to the Lake District to run a bed and breakfast for those who want to escape the festive period, great characters and despite mishaps strangers who are thrown together at this time end up having a great feative time.

Lovely feel good festive read - ideal stocking filler for the Christmas holidays.