Four Weddings and a Christmas

by Phillipa Ashley

Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?

With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.

If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.

So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.

But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?

This gorgeous Christmas romance from Sunday Times bestseller Phillipa Ashley will take you to the Lake District with a story of second chance love as heartwarming as a cup of mulled wine.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Holiday, Contemporary, Second Chance Romance

384 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Phillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times and Amazon Top 10 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.

She has written 26 books under three pen names since her debut novel , Decent Exposure, was made into a Lifetime TV movie called 12 Men of Christmas.

Her latest release is An Endless Cornish Summer.

A Special Cornish Christmas will be published in November 2021.


She also writes the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.

Reviews

[Jennifer (Jaye) (I was on a roll, now struggling to add comments - why???) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Chances*

This book began slowly but gradually warmed my heart. Set in the beautiful Lake District, I can personally attest to its natural beauty.

Freya has built a successful business called Cottage Angels, specialising in preparing holiday homes for Christmas. She’s thought of everything from seasonal candles and hampers to ensuring any electrical faults etc are quickly resolved. She always knows someone who can help with any of these challenges.

Freya grew up without her father, who passed away when she was two. Her mother kept his memory alive.

Despite her thriving business, Freya’s love life hasn’t been as successful. She’s come close to making it up the isle more than once but always backed out at the last minute. One was during a school play…

Imagine her surprise when her ex Travis books one of these holiday lets. He moved away for a change and they parted on bad terms.

Determined to save her heart, Freya sees a spark between them and suggests a friends with benefits arrangement. However, how will this work out for them and who’s fooling whom? There’s also a surprise wedding Freya didn’t see coming. I loved the ending.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story begins at the Bannerdale Church in the Lake District, when Freya is waiting in the vestry with her mother, her two bridesmaids standing outside, and everyone else had taken their seats. As soon as everyone is seated, and everything is ready, but Freya is nervous as she begins to walk down the aisle with her mother. With so many people smiling at her, everyone except Travis who was facing away from her as the organ began to play, she headed toward the altar, and it begins.

’Dearly beloved… we are gathered here today…to celebrate the marriage…of Travis and Freya…

With that, Freya takes back her hand from Travis, and runs down the aisle, out of the church, and down the path with echoes of her mother screaming.

This episode occurred when she was a child, although it remains how the whole town seems to remember her, and never lets her forget, even though she is now an adult. It doesn’t help that she has had other heartbreaks since, or left someone at the altar in the eyes of others.

When Travis, now a photographer with a notable degree of fame, decides to return to this town to set up a shop for his photography, Freya has decided that she doesn’t need love, at least the romantic kind. She is happy with her life, and her business. What more could she ask for?

This is a will-they/won’t-they story, that slowly evolves into a friendship, maybe more, but time will tell.



Pub Date: 09 Nov 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Avon Books UK / Avon

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story from Ashley, this one filled me with festive feelings from top to toe, with plenty of romance in there too. I loved the Lake District setting once more and the small reference to a character from Ashley’s previous Christmas novel. All in all, it was a great read from start to finish.

This book opens with a surprising wedding between the two characters… except they are eight years old. I was flabbergasted when I read this scene and, to be honest, it was how Ashley got me hooked so quickly. This was a wedding between children as part of a school project and I was astounded at how far the project had come. This was not just a school hall ceremony, but a church event with a vicar, bridesmaid… the real deal. So it is of no surprise that Freya gets cold feet and literally legs it from the church.

It is this that seems to haunt Freya in present day and has had an impact on her serious relationships. It turns out that her childhood groom was in fact someone she then was engaged to at a young age. And now Travis has returned to the village after many years’ absence. Has absence made the heart grow fonder for Freya? Or does she still fear the commitment that was enforced on her at the childhood wedding?

I loved the sparking relationship between Travis and Freya. It is evident that they are a couple who are destined to be together and readers are not the only one who thinks this. The sparks that fly between them are unavoidable and friends around the couple cannot help but notice that something will inevitably happen. However, both Travis and Freya are quite emotionally vulnerable and I enjoyed how Ashley develops this aspect of their characters. Fear of being hurt and abandoned, the loneliness at Christmas-time and not being comfortable at truly sharing feelings with one another leads to a “contract” style relationship between the two. It is obvious that this will not last and there are times when their relationship is called off – another indication that both fear being burned by the other.

I liked how Travis seems to be the one who truly falls first, making this more of a refreshing story. He sounds like such a lovable character and I admired his family values. Returning to open up his own gallery, Travis is keen to support his brother and sister whilst also getting his business established. He is dedicated to his work and has a passion for photography and I enjoyed reading the descriptions of some of Travis’s work.

You cannot ignore the warm, fuzzy feeling that this book generates. Set at Christmas time in the Lakes, there is the benefit of some snow and lots of Christmas spirit too. It is the perfect winter warmer with plenty of happiness within the pages as well. Whenever I read a Christmas book from this author, it definitely gets me in the mood for Christmas. It might not quite be December yet, but I am certainly ready to celebrate.

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story, set in the Lake District where the people pull together to help each other out. This wasn't over the top festive which pleased me as I have read a lot of festive books recently and you can get a little too much of it. This is an easy read which alot of people will enjoy. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Abbie Elison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5. It started off well enough but then went off the rails. It’s mildly Christmas-y. It didn’t really feel that festive. I thought the love story was okay until they started doing the friends with benefits thing. Girl is giving this man girlfriend privileges. AND THEN she gives him WIFE privileges without a ring. I just thought it was weird and weirdly progressive in a bad way. Like this is a romance, why aren’t they married yet. Why are they having a baby and not being married. So weird. I felt like his dad coming back was a little forced and felt out of place. It wasn’t the best Christmas book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this over the Christmas holidays! The author painted beautiful pictures of the scenery and the village with her words, and you soon got attached to the characters and their stories. The ending was predictable, but that's what I loved about it! Will read more Philllipa Ashley for sure.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people who stay in the cottages may prove problematic at times, and being on-call for emergencies might not allow her much time to herself, but Freya’s holiday business in the Lake District village of Bannerdale is thriving and life’s going well. Until she visits one of the properties and finds Travis in residence – they have a bit of a chequered history, and she’s disturbed to find he might be back to stay, opening a studio to showcase his photography, having answered his sister’s call for support with some family issues. The attraction between them is still there, but Freya’s certainly not looking for anything deep or permanent – so a no-strings relationship maybe? But as they grow closer, and the Christmas season begins to weave its magic, it might be that this is the opportunity to work through their differences and move forward into a different future.

This really was the loveliest story, filled with warmth, with a developing relationship at its centre with particularly strong chemistry between its two main – and exceptionally likeable – characters. The second chance romance is entirely real and convincing, engaged me emotionally as they worked through their complicated past history, and was one I really hoped would have a happy ending this time – but there’s also considerable added depth to the story through the supportive friendships and the various family problems that need to be resolved. The setting is simply perfect – far more than a backdrop, and wonderfully described, as is Travis’ photography – and the Christmas touches were everything I could have possibly asked for.

For so many reasons, this was one of my favourite Christmas reads this year – the warmest of hugs in book form, and I loved every moment. One I’d recommend you add to your list? But of course..!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Four Weddings and a Christmas, by Phillipa Ashley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. No strings attached flings are never a good idea, someone usually always gets hurt. Freya from the Lake District finds that out herself, with Travis. I rather enjoyed Freya though she is a lovely character in a beautiful town.

[Beffcrk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I managed to finish it before the new year started but it was nice to prolong the Christmassy vibes. I liked that it wasn’t a straight forward see man, fall in love etc and enjoyed finding more out about Travis and his family dynamic. I wanted to know more about the original relationship though! A pleasant read

[Kim Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really take to the main characters in this one; didn’t like the whole “friends with benefits” thing. And it wasn’t a true Christmas book really - I wish publishers would stop giving books Christmassy titles and covers when they barely mention Christmas…

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Weddings and a Christmas is a warm and entertaining read set in the beautiful Lake District. I loved Freya’s story - always love a strong female lead- and the chemistry between her and Travis was undeniable.
This story has a strong flow of family running through it and both Travis and Freya know what it means to be there for their loved ones. I though the community support was wonderful and loved Freya’s mum’s influencer role. A second chance romance with all the emotions.

[Rachael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Perfect Christmas winter read xx

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful Christmas story, about Freya and Travis, and how they meet again after many years. Both of them knew each other when they were young, and while separated, they both built up successful businesses. Now they are reunited, and catching up on old times. Will they be able to heal their wounds from the past and open up to each other once more?

This is a beautiful, easy to read story, with likeable characters, and a lovely Christmas setting and theme. I loved it. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Sharon Thérèse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Weddings and a Christmas is the first novel I’ve read from Ms. Ashley, and even though I devoured her latest offering in the heat of summer, it certainly got me in the Xmas mood. Her main characters pushed all my emotional buttons whilst I learned why they’d fallen apart years back. And I loved the village setting in one of the most beautiful districts of North West England, where its small-town folk are in everyone’s business. But what I liked even more was how the author wove family influence into Freya and Travis’ story, developing a sense of meaning behind their pasts.

Against all odds, Travis has made a name for himself as a nature photographer but is now ready to settle down. Freya, who has also done very well for herself, is energetic, runs her company enthusiastically, and is a friend you’d like to have around when things go haywire. It’s a question of precision timing and coincidences that they reacquaint; however, Freya hasn’t been lucky in love and is wary about being swept off her feet again. And I can’t leave Travis out because he’s had his share of knocks. However, signs give the reader expectations that they might be able to get their second chance regardless of what had occurred.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting into Travis and Freya’s thoughts. He’s a real charmer, steadfast, and gorgeous to boot. She was, for me, the definition of an English rose. The secondary character development was spot on, and there was just the right amount of low-key angst in a well-constructed plot to keep me engaged. I worried about Travis’ brother and took to Freya’s sassy mum–I loved her online skills but didn’t care much for one of her daughter’s ex-flames. Despite finding the story a tad predictable, the one-liners and snappy comebacks had me laughing out loud. This cuddle-up-to, feel-good seasonal romance entertained me, and I will certainly be exploring more of Ashley’s writing. Bravo!

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in favour of an unbiased review.

[Sally · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of this story was quite boring, unfortunately. It was only until about halfway through that it felt like a Christmas read to me. I didn't care much about the dynamic of a 'no strings attached' relationship, but I am glad the characters weren't oblivious to this. I enjoyed Travis' and Seb's brotherly relationship, and the end of the story was cute.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unbelievable number of typos.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat elevated chick lit, particularly for a Christmas-y one. Freya and Travis were the bride and groom in a school mock wedding (...what?); as teenagers, they were briefly engaged before Freya called it off and Travis took off to explore photography. Now they're in their 30s and Travis comes back to town.

There was a lot I liked about this. For one, Freya co-owns a service that handles managing holiday cottages, which is an eminently reasonable occupation! She doesn't own a bakery or is an author or whatnot. Travis is opening a shop in town and you can see the thought put into his career. I feel like this is a low bar, but one not a ton of authors make it over.

Their history, of course, makes their relationship fraught, but I thought there was a good level of conversation throughout. There's no miscommunications or being mis-overheard. The two of them really need to cope with the effects of their families and upbringings (Freya's dad died when she was quite young; Travis's dad was sent to prison) and what that means for their relationships as adults and again, it's very real. Seeing their relationships with their families develop, totally independent of their romantic relationship, was quite nice. I also appreciated the echo of Persuasion; Freya's mom somewhat talked her out of the initial engagement to Travis, but honestly, that was the best decision at the time. I also would try to talk my 18-year-old daughter out of getting married.

Also, the setting--the Lake Country in England--was lovely.

That said, the drama with Travis's father was a bit much and I wish Freya's past with Jos--or maybe her present with Jos--had been handled a bit differently. A little too much black-and-white characterization with some folk.

Good December reading material.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling second chances romance that will pull at your heartstrings and have you cheering the characters on! Both of our main characters are damaged from the past, one from an abusive then absent father and the other from an absent father that made the mother hang on too tight. Our female lead has earned a reputation as a runner from relationships and he's known as the wandering traveler. Neither has gotten over the other and now they are plunged back together in the same small town. Can they overcome the heartbreak they endured as teens or will they simply let their second chance slip away because neither can learn to trust the other to stay. These characters are so very realistic that you feel as if you know them. Bits of their psychology fit so many of us today that you feel as if you are living through the plot with them rather than just reading a story. This is my first book by this author, but I can guarantee that I will be looking forward to more books from her as this one really hit a note with me. I do tend to love a series where we see main characters reappear in supporting roles for the new main characters and I must say that I would absolutely love to see Seb's character get a chance to shine in the spotlight. Whether there is another book to follow or not, you should absolutely pick this one up as it is entertaining, compelling and will keep you entertained for hours!

[Alexus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for gifting me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Four stars!

This story follows Freya and Travis. Freya frequently remembers running away during the school play in grade school when she was supposed to be marrying Travis. How could she forget when she was made fun of it for years. Now that she's grown up, she owns her own business. She helps clean and manage properties. While she is cleaning a cabin, the guest shows up early for check-in. That particular guest just happens to be Travis, and even though she hasn't seen him in years, she can't deny how handsome he is. Both of them are reluctant to be around each other due to the bad memories. However, with being in the small town they decide that they can be friends. However, will they be able to remain only friends when they both feel the chemistry between each other?

I really enjoyed this story. I loved getting to know Freya and Travis. The side characters added so much charm to the story as well. The town was the perfect setting for a Christmas story. I would highly recommend reading this book!

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed many previous books by this author, and this one was no exception. Our heroine (Freya) and hero (Travis) both have a lot of issues related both to their family growing up, and to each other.

Set in a small town in the Lake District of England, Freya is a successful business woman as a co-owner of a vacation cottage management company. Travis is also from the same small town, but hasn't been back for years. Travis is a successful wildlife photographer, who has traveled the globe, but he's now back to help out his family and establish a photography gallery in town.

Freya is shocked when she sees Travis is backed, as she had dumped him not once, but twice before weddings. Admittedly, the first time she was just eight years old and it was a mock wedding for a school project. But the second time she was a teenager, and broke Travis' heart.

Throughout the book the two inch back together, while dealing with numerous family and personal issues. I enjoyed both the setting and the characters, and definitely hope to see Seb (the brother of Travis) in a future book.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Weddings and a Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Avon and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?

With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.

If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.

So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.

But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?

My Opinion

I can read a Christmas book at any time of year, and this was such a delightful book to read on a miserable day. This was such a heart-warming festive read with some delightful characters. With a lovely setting this is going to make for a great addition to your festive reading.

Rating 4/5

[nickiknackinoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Freya and Travis’s past relationship plays a big part in how they interact as their future selves!. Travis returns home to help with family and just happens to be renting a holiday home that Freya has on the books of her management company. To make matters worse, she just happens to be covering for a cleaner when Travis turns up at the remote rental!!. Unfortunately for Freya, she will always have memories of Travis and their first ever attempted wedding as pupils in a school celebration ceremony. Freya ran for the hills!!!!. Hopefully as they spend more time together, she won’t do that again. The building tension between them just won’t go away, so what do they do?.
As always Phillipa tells a fab tale about old love and the mistakes made. Will we get a happy ending?. Oh I hope so!!!
Many thanks to Avon Books for the chance to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
#Netgalley,#avonbooksuk,#phillipaashleyauthor.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale of second - or third? - chances for Freya and Travis. Freya has a successful holiday home cleaning business and is shocked when she meets her ex Travis, with whom she has a long history which resulted in him leaving the area. He is now back to set up a new gallery showcasing his photography business, can they ever recover their previous feelings for each other?
Set in the lovely Lake District I found that I could understand Travis and his issues with forming relationships from his previous experiences. Freya is not so straightforward, but I did feel for her and hoped that she could find her way forward. Throw in some family troubles, the weddings and some amazing sounding wildlife photography and this is a book that I definitely enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Phillipa Ashley, based in the lakes this time!
Travis and Freya have grown up together, been romantically involved,separated and lost touch over the years
Travis now a successful photographer has come home to be nearer his family and open up a gallery to showcase his photography and coincidentally is renting a cottage that Freya manages!
Freya a successful business women has never been lucky in love and is wary of getting romantically involved with anyone!
Travis reappearing looking gorgeous,sexy and totally attractive rekindles Freya’s interest, but the path of true love never runs smoothly as Travis and Freya find out as they rekindle their friendship.
A beautiful festive love story
Thank you NetGalley for this early read.

[Rea Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second Christmas themed book of 2023 and an author I haven’t read in a while now, Four Weddings and A Christmas by Phillipa Ashley.

Freya has a successful business preparing holiday rentals but when she is preparing one of the properties, she gets an unexpected surprise when her ex Travis walks in. Travis has come back to his home town and is making the leap to launch his own business but could his return home stir up old feelings?

This is a storyline that had a lot to offer me because I love business start-ups, rekindled romances and community spirit flowing through the pages and that is what this book gave me and more with its sprinkling festivity. Both Freya and Travis were great characters who had their flaws which only made them more engaging characters and although the ending was a little predictable the constant obstacles along the way held my interest and made this a book that I sped through enjoying each and every moment.

For me a strong part of this storyline was the characters backgrounds and how their childhood has shaped them both as adults and had an effect on them throughout their lives.

I won’t be leaving so long to read another Phillipa Ashley book again because this really was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story from Phillipa Ashley. Loved all the characters and the glorious lakeside setting. Freya has a wonderful company called Cottage Angels, which services holiday rentals, when one day her ex Travis returns to the village and rents one of the cottages, what happens next is a beautiful tale.

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful Holiday Season book set in the Lake District that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. The perfect book for a quiet day in front of the fireplace.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book set in The Lake District with wonderful characters and a will they won’t they get together storyline. A perfect cosy read.

[Lenkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Christmassy rom-com to start the festive period!

[Lauren Pollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabelle’s Christmas present to me. A warm, romantic book about weddings and Christmas; two of my favourite things!