Lottie works at the hotel and is surprised that the christmas wedding she will be organising is that of her ex, who left her just after they got engaged. They agree to keep their past relationship a secret, but what will happne when those around them find out the truth. Add in new estate manager Jay, who Lottie is starting to connect with.

A great setting for a christmas book.

Love Phillipa Ashley books. Lottie's working as an events manager at Firholme when she's asked to arrange a wedding at short notice.. She's astonished when the groom is her ex fiance Connor who walked out on her a year ago.

A Surprise Christmas Wedding and a lovely pre-Christmas treat just right to get in the mood. Romance, family, heartache, and second chances. Lovely!

Lottie is left heartbroken after being jilted by Connor just 3 days after her proposes with no real explanation on the same day her sister is diagnosed with cervical cancer.

A year on Lottie is happy working at Firholme with gorgeous Jay making an impression.

A Christmas wedding is planned for Firholme for non other than Connor, can Lottie overcome planning a wedding for her Ex.

Could this Chrismas be better than the last one?

With such likeable characters and a dog named Trevor this is the perfect Christmas read, heartwarming and full of Christmas feelings.

Thank you to Avon Books for this review copy.

Last Christmas Lotties fiancé, Connor, had dumped her with no real explanation, and her sister, Steph had been seriously ill. This year it was going to be different. She had landed her dream job at Firholme, and her sister, a single mum of twins, was so much better. Add to that the new estate manager,Jay, things were looking up. That is, until an engaged couple arrived unannounced wanting to get married at Firholme before Christmas, only a matter of weeks away. And the bridegroom to be was Connor.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really well drawn and likeable, maybe with the exception of Connor. It was so descriptive I almost felt I should be out buying my own Christmas tree and presents. And I would certainly like to have been doing it in the area around Firholme. A lovely Christmas romp, and just the right sort of ending.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review,

In A Surprise Christmas Wedding, Lottie has been at her new job as events coordinator for a few months now after a really hard year when her fiancé of a week abruptly ended things. She’s eager for her new life to start especially with the handsome neighbour but things are set on a chaotic direction when her exfiance shows up with a new fiancé, wanting to get married at the venue she works at. Such is the set up for this lighthearted, fun, warm Christmas vibes, love story in time for the holidays this year. It’s a story about the love between family, trust and second chances. I really enjoyed seeing Lottie’s character development in this story - as she comes to terms with the horrible end to her previous relationship (I hated Connor). I thought that her relationship with her sister and nieces were endearing. And I was definitely rooting for her and Jay to make things work - if only they could communicate better. I enjoyed the writing and story and it has definitely put me in a Christmas mood - and now I want to travel to the UK and see the countryside in the winter.

Thank you to Avon Books UK for the e-galley!

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Having read all of this author's books I was delighted to be read her new Christmas one early,and what a tale unfolds its absolutely jam packed full of total delights I couldn't put it down its gripping from the beginning with lottie and connor and what changes in life can do it's quite emotional at times but fabulous fun filled book just absolutely perfect for Christmas time❤❤

I really loved this book, Lottie has been hurt by her ex but still managed to smile. When her sister is ill too she decided not to tell her sister all the details, I really felt for Lottie having to help her sister and help out with her two young nieces whilst having the heartache of her ex with it. I loved everything about this story, the romance, the snow and of course Christmas. I felt as though Lottie puts everyone first before herself and misses out of things because of it. When she meets Jay I thought this is her chance but Jay has heart ache too. Can they both work out their past and leave it all behind? I wonder if there will be a sequel? A must Christmas read.

A delightful festive read perfect for Christmas/ wintery nights curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate,comfort and escapism all in one package like a great big friendly hug!
Set in Cumbria amidst the fells and farmland,Lottie recovering from a broken heart gets a new job on a country estate with a little tied cottage and a devastatingly handsome next door neighbour! Both Lottie and Jay her neighbour are scarred by previous relationships and throw themselves into their respective jobs on the estate, however whilst organising a surprise Christmas wedding they get to know each other and in doing so help each other deal with their angst and trust issues! A lovely read that flows well and really puts you in the festive mood you can almost smell the Christmas trees in the forest and imagine you are there!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

After a really hard year, Lottie is now at her new job as events coordinator.

Her fiancé ended things after being engaged for only a week. On the same day her sister was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

So now, she wants her new life to start especially with the handsome neighbour. But if only things were that easy as her exfiance turns up with a new fiancé, who wants to get married at the venue she works at - Firholme. But can Lottie pull this off, plan a wedding for her Ex without any hiccups??

Will this Chrismas be better than the last one?

Having read all of this author's books and enjoyed them. I was so happy to read this, her new Christmas one early. Can not wait to read her next one.

Recommend it.

Cute and fun read! Reminded me of a Jill Mansell book (which are some of my favorites!). The setting was charming, and I thoroughly enjoyed Lottie's adventure. Will definitely read more of Phillipa Ashley's books in the future!

This is a sweet Christmas romance that I did enjoy reading; it's a real curl up on a winters day sort of read. Set in Lake District it is full of charm and Christmas magic, plus some snow of course. With a wealth of endearing characters, plus a few who aren't quite so loveable, this story sucked me in and kept me reading avidly.

Lottie is the main character, an event planner at a new wedding and event venue. She is full of enthusiasm and ideas and looking forward to her new life, after the break up of her relationship. I liked Lottie a lot and really wanted her to be happy. Jay is her new neighbour who also works on the estate, he is a closed-off character but slowly thaws. The characters are all well written and very lifelike. I did enjoy meeting them all and cheering them on throughout the story.

This is a charming festive read and one all romance readers will love.

Brilliant. A really lovely story. A great read for these times . A love story set in tow beautiful places. Without spoiling it a great twist re wedding. Loved it

A lovely Cumbrian story, full of family, emotions, and romance.
As soon as Connor holds back from telling people about their engagement, Lottie starts to wonder. Rightly so , as he backs out hastily even after giving her a ring.
A year later she has a dream job working as an event planner at Firholme, a beauiiful estate, living in a cottage next to the rather dour estate manager Jay. Arranging a glamourous wedding, she is horrified to find that the groom is none other but Connor.
As if this isnt enough, Jay has his own secrets, and I felt that the inclusion of the nail biting event near the end of the book was just one emotional happening too many.
Other than that I enjoyed the descriptions of the Christmassy landscpes, and the Wedding arrangements.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a cpy of the book for review.

This book has such a lovely cover, that's what drew me in.
I loved the setting of the story too, and the characters.
The story was well written and I could read it again on a cold winters evening, rather than on my patio on a hot September day as I did.
A definite page turner to cuddle up with my cocoa

Festive Escapism...
Festive escapism from Phillipa Ashley. It’s Christmastime and thus far there’s been plenty of heartbreak and heartache in Lottie’s life. Despite the festivities this is soon to be compounded. Will Lottie recover from it all and find a Christmas to remember? A heartwarming read with a likeable protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters.

I don't think I've ever read a book by Ashley but I will go back and look for more now. Lottie was a great character, Connor was a twit from the beginning. I was surprised when he turned up again in the story, and I think Lottie was way too nice to him then. Jay's story was also a good one and I'm glad he opened up to Lottie. He was way more the man for her anyhow. I'd like to know that Steph found love too so maybe there are more stories out there with her life. I was up till 1 am finishing this and it was not a short story that you knew the ending before the second chapter. I'm off to find more books by this author.

Thanks Netgally for allowing ,me to read this book. What would you do if your ex fiancée showed up at your workplace a year later with a new fiancée asking for help in planning a Christmas wedding? That's the predicament that Lottie found herself in. This book was very entertaining. I cant wait to read her next book,

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for a copy of this in exchange for a review.

I absolutely loved this - I love Phillipa Ashley's books set in Porthmellow and there is a nod to Cornwall in this book but it's set in the Lake District which is one of my favourite places in the whole world.

Lottie works at Firholme and they're desparate for a festive wedding to really put the place on the map. The only trouble is the groom is Lottie's ex fiance. It's a story of Christmas, families and second chances.

An enchanting festive read.

When Lottie’s fiance Connor walks out on her a few days after proposing Lottie is devastated.
One year later she is in a new job as Events Manager at Firholme, a beautiful estate in the Lake District. With a cottage in the grounds and hunky head groundskeeper Jay living next door Lottie is happy and ready to move on.
When she is asked to organise a Christmas wedding at very short notice she relishes the challenge, until she meets the groom, Connor.
Knowing the wedding could really help put Firholme on the map, Lottie puts aside her reservations and throws herself into organising it.
But the groom is keeping secrets from the bride and Lottie is faced with feelings she thought were long gone. Can Lottie keep the wedding on track and have herself a Merry Christmas or is she destined to lose everything again.
Good relatable characters, beautiful scenery, what's not to love?

A lovely pre Christmas treat. Definitely ready for winter now. A great book yet again from Phillips. And nice cozy read this winter.

Wonderful festive read! Absolutely loved the latest book from Phillipa Ashley. Everything you need, from a nativity play, chocolate and reindeers!
Set in the Lake District, Lottie is starting her dream job, which comes with a cottage. Its been a hell of a year, which starts in Porthmello (lovely to go back to from previous books).
Lottie is thrown into organising a last minute, short notice Christmas wedding.
Wonderful story about starting again, where love, family and hope are always there.
In this year of Covid, where none of us knows what is going to happen, this book reminds us that family, when we are lucky enough to have it, is so important.
Loved this book, really enjoyed reading, thank you Avon 😊
Highly recommended!
Festive family times!!

A year after Lottie is left broken hearted, she finds herself working at her dream job as an events planner in a Lake District Estate.

Lottie is looking forward to spending time with her sister and nieces as Christmas approaches until she is asked to organise a surprise wedding at the Estate. Lottie is thrilled to get stuck into the last minute wedding preparations that is until she finds out the groom is the man that broke her heart the year before!

Lottie must try to remain professional and get the job done whilst trying to keep secrets about her past from everyone, especially the new groundskeeper who might just have a few secrets of his own.

I love, love, loved this book!! The character of Lottie was instantly likeable and I was able to imagine what she looked like in my head. She is the type of character that you would love to be friends with in real life.

All the characters were described in the right amount of details so that you felt you knew a little about each one without being overloaded with information.

I loved the fact that it was more than just one type of story. There was the family aspect, love, past and of course, Christmas!

This book left me feeling happy and glowing, I was hooked from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down which is why I read it within 2 days and I didn’t want it to end.

Would definitely read more books from this author and would love a follow up story to this one.

What a great Christmas book by Phillipa Ashley. Lottie is a great main character whose boyfriend Connor proposed to her on a Cornish beach only to retract it Within days. Move forward a year and Lottie is working at a job she loves as events manager in the Lake District. Connor reappears when his bride to be falls in love with the venue and wants Lottie to arrange her Christmas wedding.

There are many obstacles in the way of Lottie’s developing friendship with Jay, the estate manager, But, it’s an enjoyable read as Lottie supports her sister and her two nieces and Jay comes to terms with the past. Definitely a must read Christmas book

The story begins when Lottie is surprised with an unexpected proposal from her partner Connor. However, returning home to the Lake District all starts to go wrong when she is ditched by Connor and her sister becomes ill.
Wanting a new start, Lottie lands her dream job as a wedding planner at Firholme, set in the beautiful Lake District. But all is disrupted when Connor and his new fiancé re-enter her life.
Characters are well drawn, warm and friendly, and there is a welcoming, friendly tone to this light-hearted Christmas story. Set in the beautiful Lake District (an area the author describes so well), with a well-drawn mix of characters, including Jay, Lottie’s handsome but reticent neighbour, her sister, along with her ex-fiance Connor - all combining to make an entertaining , enjoyable Christmas story.
The story unfolds at a steady pace, keeping you absorbed in Lottie’s job as a wedding planner, hoping she can move on, but still holding on to the past. Dealing with a difficult ex, along with trying to help her sister and children, and her increasing interest in her next door neighbour and co-worker Jay.

A wonderful read put a smile on my face a lovely book to cuddle up with. Phillips Ashley writes wonderful characters her settings are perfect highly recommend.#netgalley#avonuk.

I was thrilled to be able to read an early copy of this and review it. It's moved from Cornwall (though it does get a mention in the beginning) to the North, and the Lake District. The storyline was lovely and I adored all the characters (oh, Kit Harington....swoooooon!) Very atmospheric and I liked the countdown to Christmas. It was my first new festive read of 2020 and it did not disappoint. Warm and cosy, like a mug of hot choccie with whipped cream and marshmallows, or a glass or two of mulled wine. I now want to go and be Lottie in the Lakes for Christmas and go and find my own Jay/Jon Snow lookalike.

Thank you to Netgalley and Phillipa Ashley for allowing me to read this. I loved it and award it 100 stars, just what we all need if, Christmas as we know it, is to be cancelled this year.

Lottie has a new job as an Events Manager for an an Estate under new management in the Lake District following a breakup with her fiance. Her new boss, who she has known for years, is very keen to have a wedding there before Christmas to showcase the Estate and is overjoyed when a bride to be turns up looking for a location for her dream wedding. Lottie, however, is shocked when the groom to be turns out to be no less than her ex fiance.
With Jay, the grumpy Estate Manager, and not forgetting his dog Trevor as the love interest, Lottie's sister Steph, an unmarried mother with twin daughters and a cast of characters there is plenty going on in addition to the wedding.
I'll forgive the author for the brief temptation of a visit to Porthmellow, Cornwall, as the location of the Estate in the Lake District sounds amazing. I enjoy books where you feel that you're drawn into the story and location and this certainly is one. You feel involved as the story goes through the highs and lows and rooting for a happy outcome. I'd certainly love to visit here at Christmas time as the description makes it sound wonderful and it is an ideal book to curl up with as the evenings draw in.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

This book was very enjoyable.
I fell in love with most of the characters. I did not like Conner but then I don't suppose we are to like him. Lottie the perfect sister to Steph. Unselfish and modest. Jay and Trevor the dog and Jays brother Ben.
Both Lottie and Jay work at Firholme in the Lake district, both had had disastrous relationships.
The story starts when they both take up positions at Firholme. You learn about their past lives their families trial and tribulations.
Lottie is the events manager and has to organise a Christmas wedding in just a few weeks along with other events that are taking place over the Christmas period. Jay is the grounds manager, and is in charge of the Christmas tree sales.
I found this book to be very compelling. I wanted to read it without stopping but I also did not want it to end. I do hope there will be a follow on book as there is scope for this.
I commend Phillipa Ashley on a wonderful book with a great story line. I am sure this book will touch the heart of many and the readers will be able to relate to the interwoven story line.
A true feel good book. Just what we need right now.
Phillipa Ashley you have done it again. Thank you.

It is an Awesome Christmas story about family, emotions and romance.
Lottie is left heartbroken after being jilted by Connor just 3 days after he proposes with no real explanation and then on the same day her sister is diagnosed with cervical cancer. A year later, Lottie is happy working as an Event Manager at Firholme with gorgeous Jay. She has to plan a Christmas wedding at Firholme,but the shock comes when she realises that the groom is none other than Connor. Can Lottie overcome planning a wedding for her Ex. Could this Chrismas be better than the last one?
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I really enjoyed seeing Lottie’s character development in this story - as she comes to terms with the horrible end to her previous relationship (I really hated Connor😠). I found her relationship with her sister and nieces adorable. And I was definitely rooting for her and Jay to make things work. Jay is definitely my new book boyfriend 😍!!! He is the new grounds keeper at the Firholme resort and not only was twice the man as Connor could be but he also understood pain and grief. He had his own share of heartaches and throughout the story he has a bit of trust issues until he starts trusting Lottie.
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With such likeable characters and a dog named Trevor this is a perfect Christmas story.I couldn't put it down till the end as it gripped me from the beginning. The book also shares the message of what changes in life can do. It's quite emotional at times but it is a fabulous and a fun filled book. Just absolutely perfect for Christmas time, when you can snuggle up under your blanket,next to the fire place with hot cocoa in hand.

I loved this Christmas story, which is a light, heartwarming romantic read. The story is about a woman called Lottie who, after heartbreak from her ex boyfriend Connor, goes on to find happiness with a new man called Jay, who works with her in her new job. Her new job is very interesting as she is working as an events manager on an estate which holds weddings and other events. Jay works on the estate taking care of the gardens and cutting down christmas trees. Together, Lottie and Jay work their magic in their workplace, as well as in their personal life. Their families also make an appearance in the book and form a big part of the story. There is a lovely Christmas wedding held in the estate, for Lottie's ex Connor and his new girlfriend. This is an lovely part of the story as it is fun seeing the excitement build up and seeing all the planning that goes into holding a big wedding. This is a great book to read at winter time, curled up cosy with a blanket and a hot chocolate.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

When we first meet the main character, Lottie, she is surprised with an unexpected proposal from her partner. Things seem to be going well with new fiancé Connor but unfortunately for Lottie, things aren't going to be happy ever after and she faces changes ahead.

Fast forward a little and Lottie has relocated to the Lake District and has now secured her dream job as a wedding planner at Firholme, a rural estate.. All is going well until Lottie meets the next happy couple she will be planning a wedding for and finds herself confronted with a familiar face.

Ashley writes a well-crafted mix of characters and weaves a story which moves at a steady pace, keeping you engaged (no pun intended) in Lottie’s job as a wedding planner and the ups and downs of her life. Lottie has plenty to juggle from all directions but by the end of the book all of the storylines feel resolved and there is a sense of satisfaction at the conclusion. A lovely festive read.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were really likeable and strong. Lottie gets her dream job as an events coordinator only to find she is expected to arrange her ex fiancés wedding. Can she pull it off? - read the book and see !
Add in Jay, a possible new romance for Lottie and Trevor the dog! And you have a heartwarming, well written story that engages the reader.
I would recommend this book, lovely to read in the winter months with an extremely relatable cast of supporting characters .
Thank you to Netgalley Avon, and Phillipa Ashley for letting me read this book, in exchange for an honest review

A sweet and heart-warming Christmas story filled with hope for new beginnings this is a winner! Well-written story with wonderful characters you will be pulled into the story very quickly and be very satisfied when you get to the end.

When Lottie takes up a new events manager position at a stately home she is looking forward to organising the weddings. However, the arrival of a couple wanting a surprise Christmas wedding is overwhelming when a face from the past is the groom to be.! Add in the newly arrived Estates Manager together with his dog and you have a Christmas to remember!

Snuggle up in the warm and look forward to a relaxing read.

Phillipa Ashley doesn't disappoint! Once again she does a great job of writing a couple that has genuine chemistry, and I was rooting for them the whole time. The setting was amazing too.

This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Guys... This book was such a ride! The author didn't shy away when it comes to put our main character, Lottie, in a difficult situation.

Just imagine working in a wedding residency, having to organize the wedding of an ex who's cuts still hurt? Yeah, that is the fire Phillipa Ashley had put our Lottie in.

Apart from having to suffer along with her, I also had a lovely time reading about the place and of course, all the other characters, and witnessing love development between her and her (new) love interest, in this heartwarming story.

However, this is not just a light read, because it makes you think. It challenges you to consider how would you act, what would you say, what could you forgive, and what would you choose to forget, if you were in the character's shoes.

The writing style was good and easy to follow, and it is obvious how the character has numeorus number of books written previously.

All the Christmas elements present in the story make it appropriate festive read (but if you're like me, you can enyoj it any time of the year).

Overall, a really good book that I would deffinitely recommend.

Well this book has everything, what’s not to love? Christmas and a wedding all in one little package. Loved it, just couldn’t put it down!

I love fist of all that this is set in the Lake District because I worked in the Lakes while I was at Uni in Lancaster. It bought back some lovely memories. It's a brilliantlt written book that can transport you to the place that is talked about whether you've been there or not.

I can't imagine how awkward and hurt Lottie feels when she sees a certain someone who has come in with their partner to book a wedding where she works.

I love the building friendship between Jay and Lottie. It started off a bit stand offish but it seems to be thawing quite quickly.

I love the sounds of Steph and her twins and Lottie has such a good relationship with them, she's such a lovely sister and aunt. The twins sounds so cute but such a handful too. I have twin cousins and when they were little they were a handful and used to egg each other on.

I think that Lottie and Jay both overthink situations due to their past hurts and this is so relatable to because there are so many people who have overthought situations, me being one of them before I met my husband and during out first few months.

Its so exciting near the end with the on/off wedding looming and will it go ahead.

I also really love the descriptions of the weather it really gives you a sense of being there and seeing the grey skies and glittering snow.

I would highly recommend this book to all my friends and I would so love there to be a sequal and to know what happens to Jay and Lottie.