The Christmas Holiday: The heart-warming festive romance novel from the Sunday Times bestseller, perfect to curl up with during winter!

My heart went out to young Krystle at the beginning of this book – a really difficult childhood only made easier by her aunt’s loving care, and the gorgeous sight while on holiday in the Lakes, seen through a window, of a room decorated for Christmas, complete with roaring fire and presents under the tree. It ignited her love for everything Christmas-related – now her year-round and particularly successful career.Her relationship though has hit a bit of a rocky patch, and when she sees the very same house is available for rental, it looks like the opportunity to plan the perfect Christmas break and to get life back onto an even keel. Things certainly don’t start well, and perhaps her relationship really has gone beyond saving – but the early drama results in Max crossing her path, her early overtures of friendship rather rebuffed (he’s a man who, for the best of reasons, prefers his own company and to keep his secrets), but warming up nicely as she becomes increasingly part of the Lakes community.This really is just the loveliest story, gloriously Christmassy and quite beautifully told – the perfect setting too, and that community feel that I always love so much. My fondness for Krys only grew as the story built – and Max’s story is desperately sad, my heart really breaking for him over everything he’s been through and the immense effort needed to restart his life. But the story’s a particularly uplifting one, filled with love and warmth – as their relationship starts to develop (and I was willing them on every step of the way), they both become increasingly involved in the work of the local Mountain Rescue Team, with plenty of dramatic moments along the way.And, alongside all that, Krys has plenty of opportunities to show why she’s known in the industry as Mrs Christmas – calling in every favour she’s owed to give the whole community a Christmas to remember. There are so many really special moments in this book – and not all of them involving reindeer, star-covered night skies (real or recreated), or Santa’s grotto – and it was a book that totally engaged me at every level, but especially at an emotional one.It’s really just the loveliest read – if it’s not on your list, do add it straight away – and I’m absolutely kicking myself that I’ve never read one of Phillipa Ashley’s books before. I bet she’s great at summer too – I can’t wait to find out. One of my very favourite Christmas reads this year, and I recommend it really highly.

Really enjoyed this book. The details of the village of thorndale made me want to visit. Definitely one to read

Phillipa Ashley's Christmas novels are like the fancy box of chocolates you only get at Christmas. You know you should save them till the big day but it is hard to resist and I always read Phillipa's books as soon as they are released!This year we are in the Lake District where workaholic Krys is heading to escape with her partner and enjoy the idealic Christmas house she once dreamed of as a child.Returning to the area she experienced during her unsettled childhood helps heal old wounds and remember what really matters at Christmas.What I really love about Ashley's books is the amount of detail that she goes into with her leads jobs. Whatever career they might have is spoken about in detail and with love. I also appreciate that even though it is classed as a romance there are no hunks rushing to rescue the damsel in distress. I mean there are hunks, but ones who treat the female with respect and dignity. This doesn't make it any less romantic and it is why I am such a big fan. The books are escapism with a good added dose of emotional intelligence and a narrative to sink into. The supporting characters are three-dimensional and diverse, such as a mountain rescue volunteer with a very interesting part-time job! Make sure this book is top of your Christmas reading list!

I love the way Phillipa Ashley writes. Her stories are always gripping and you never want to put it down. Looking forward to starting another soon.

Absolutely loved this book, very good story and so well written. I loved all the characters and it was so well written I could picture the scenes perfectly.

This book for me was better the latter half. The main character Krystal aka Krys did not have the best start in life with her mother money was lacking and they sofa surfed and when her mother met a new man, Krys became an inconvenience. She ended up staying with her aunt who virtually brought her up and added stability to her life. During her childhood she went on trips for children who lacked income and she stumbled upon this house she loved and as she peered into the window it was decked out with all the trimmings that she always dreamt of she promised herself she would stay there one day. It was called Holly Manor.Fast forward many years She is now known as Mrs Christmas due to her job as a buyer for many companies supplying all things Christmas. Her job is all consuming. Her boyfriend understood her drive as he also travelled all over the place for his work on his rise to the top job.So, in order to have time together she books the very place she remembers from her childhood. This trip is make or break for their relationship, are they on the same wavelength?They run into trouble on their travel up in heavy rain and need help and the very gruff on appearance character Max comes to their aid. He is carrying a painful secret that he holds dear and has cut himself off preferring to live in solitude. Why does he hate Christmas? Things change when meeting Krys puts his feelings into conflict and things unravel when an opportunity comes up that may mean that he comes out of the shadows and Krys realises her dream of the perfect Christmas since childhood may look completely different moving forward

The fact that it was a Xmas novel was about it being any good for me. It was so predictable, and I felt boring. Was glad when I came to the end.

I bought this book one Christmas but never read it. I'm so glad I finally got round to reading it this new year's day. I absolutely loved it. It was brilliant. Perfect start to 2024.

Loved the descriptive wording. Felt I was actually there. Takes you through the highs, lows, grief in a relationship. Fairytale ending

I’ve read several books by Phillipa Ashley and found them all to be really enjoyable. They always feel like a trip to the location of the story too. The characters are well developed and so relatable. This one is no exception. I think it might be my favorite so far.It’s heartwarming romance at its best at Christmas time.

The Christmas Holiday is a really nice story, filled with the intricacies of daily living, romance and finding out what is really important in life. There are humorous and fun situations, along with some very difficult times, but it is overall a positive, happy and upbeat novel. Happily there are very minor "bedroom" references, so one can enjoy the story without having to deal with steamy situations - just a nice clean happy Christmas story to enjoy. It is a story that I can very much recommend, and I do recommend!

Loved the story and the characters . I would settle there and be happy. Even though it’s weather isn’t the best but where is it better.

Great story and love learning more about the Lake District! For anyone who loves Christmas and romance. Great read while cozying up to a fire!