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Christmas Romance #2
The Christmas Trip
Fall in love with the brand new Christmas romance from bestselling author, Sandy Barker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ' I love Sandy Barker's stories . Modern romances with a bit of heat but a lot of love and plenty of hiccups along the way' NetGalley reviewer 'A great romantic escape - 5 stars from me! Julie Houston Another year has passed and it's Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart. Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood's limelight, she's desperate to get away and spend some quality time together. Jules loves her Melbourne life - and gorgeous winemaker Matt - but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own. Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will. When Archer's plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember... The perfect feel-good holiday romance for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jo Thomas and Holly Martin. See why readers love Sandy Barker's romance books... ' The Christmas Trip will take you exactly where you want to go for the A tropical island with all of the Christmas trimmings and a gorgeous gift basket of HEAs.' Sheila McClure, author of The Break-Up Agency ' Fun , festive and tropical. I couldn't put it down' Aimee Brown ' Page-turning perfection ... fabulous' Anita Faulkner 'Funny and totally heart-warming, I couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An all round feel good story' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wonderfully sweet' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Such a fun filled Christmas story that had me entertained and engrossed' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I feel in love with the characters and found it hard to put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A delightful book . . . full of love, laughter, friendships and so much more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another fun adventure' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A Christmas to remember' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Love, laughs, misunderstandings and surprises ... marvellous' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An enjoyable book with its stunning location and overall themes of love in all its guises . . . a must-read author for me' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Highly recommend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Escapism at its best' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
380 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2022
94 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Barker
20 books372 followersI’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.
I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.
I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.
I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.
I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.
I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.
I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
December 23, 2022
I was excited to read this book: to return to the three couples and find out what had happened to them twelve months since. However, this book did not carry the same spark as the last novel and I found myself disorientated by the character similarities and thought the story was a bit too obvious throughout.
This book appealed to me because it is a Christmas romance but set in Hawaii. This time, the three couples are on holiday on the beach and I liked how Barker presents a festive period that is full of different traditions. Snow swapped with sand, flower garlands replace holly, and there is a lot of sun and surf. This was such an opposing setting to my usual Christmas reads and I think this is where Barker really had the opportunity to create a memorable story.
Alas, this did not seem to be the case. Although I clearly remember the previous novel, this time I struggled to keep track of the different characters, who was in a romance with whom and where they lived in the world. This was a big distraction to the early part of the novel and I was frustrated with myself because I know I did not have this same issue in the first story. I think that because the friends have all come together in one location, their differences were not so obvious.
Furthermore, I felt that their relationships were all at a very similar point and the worries and insecurities were hardly surprising. With fears over long-distance relationships, annoying ex-girlfriends and worrying over making the next commitment, I don’t think there was any of the sparkle and magic that I remembered previously. Instead, it felt like there was a lot of chat, mundane actions and the usual attempts at making a Christmas away from home. It didn’t feel new and exciting.
I enjoyed seeing Chloe, Jules and Lucy again but I wished Barker had kept the women separate and at their different Christmases. I think this made the first story so appealing. Whilst I relished in the Hawaiian setting, I thought it all became too normal for a group of people who live in different parts of the world. I craved something less predictable and more exciting to match the non-traditional Christmas.
Reading this book to the end, it was certainly heart-warming and with the obligatory happy ever after! There is a cute Epilogue and I wonder if this means there will be a third book featuring these relationships. If so, I hope the writer does something a bit more different with the characters and helps to keep them clearly separated from one another. As Christmas reads go, it hasn’t been my favourite one this year but I enjoyed the exotic location.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book appealed to me because it is a Christmas romance but set in Hawaii. This time, the three couples are on holiday on the beach and I liked how Barker presents a festive period that is full of different traditions. Snow swapped with sand, flower garlands replace holly, and there is a lot of sun and surf. This was such an opposing setting to my usual Christmas reads and I think this is where Barker really had the opportunity to create a memorable story.
Alas, this did not seem to be the case. Although I clearly remember the previous novel, this time I struggled to keep track of the different characters, who was in a romance with whom and where they lived in the world. This was a big distraction to the early part of the novel and I was frustrated with myself because I know I did not have this same issue in the first story. I think that because the friends have all come together in one location, their differences were not so obvious.
Furthermore, I felt that their relationships were all at a very similar point and the worries and insecurities were hardly surprising. With fears over long-distance relationships, annoying ex-girlfriends and worrying over making the next commitment, I don’t think there was any of the sparkle and magic that I remembered previously. Instead, it felt like there was a lot of chat, mundane actions and the usual attempts at making a Christmas away from home. It didn’t feel new and exciting.
I enjoyed seeing Chloe, Jules and Lucy again but I wished Barker had kept the women separate and at their different Christmases. I think this made the first story so appealing. Whilst I relished in the Hawaiian setting, I thought it all became too normal for a group of people who live in different parts of the world. I craved something less predictable and more exciting to match the non-traditional Christmas.
Reading this book to the end, it was certainly heart-warming and with the obligatory happy ever after! There is a cute Epilogue and I wonder if this means there will be a third book featuring these relationships. If so, I hope the writer does something a bit more different with the characters and helps to keep them clearly separated from one another. As Christmas reads go, it hasn’t been my favourite one this year but I enjoyed the exotic location.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2022
Lucy is all packed and ready for her second white Christmas, with her boyfriend in Colorado, Jules is planning a quiet break at her partner's winery away from the busy Melbourne flat share she calls home, while Chloe is delighted by the news of a surprise Parisian getaway. Unfortunately even the best laid plans can change which means once again the three besties are jet-setting across the globe, but this time their destination is the same!
When your hastily arranged holiday is at the home of a friendly billionaire life is definitely luxurious but even the infinity pool, private cinema, and idyllic location can't mask the problems which also arrive with them. From long distance relationships to intrusive media coverage the May Ladies have had a stressful last twelve months and need to regroup but maybe where you are isn't as important as who you're with and why.
This is the follow-up I didn't know I needed but am so glad was written! The Christmas Swap, which was released last year, was one of the few purely romance novels I read and enjoyed and now there's a second book about Chloe, Lucy, and Jules.
I did feel a couple of plot lines could have been delved into deeper but overall I was left feeling very satisfied with everything which happened and if there are no more travels with the May Ladies I will just about be ok with that! The dialogue was excellent and I loved the way the author used differing perspectives to see things from all sides without making it repetitive or boring.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This can be read as a stand-alone but will probably make more sense if read in order. Both books are easy to recommend.
When your hastily arranged holiday is at the home of a friendly billionaire life is definitely luxurious but even the infinity pool, private cinema, and idyllic location can't mask the problems which also arrive with them. From long distance relationships to intrusive media coverage the May Ladies have had a stressful last twelve months and need to regroup but maybe where you are isn't as important as who you're with and why.
This is the follow-up I didn't know I needed but am so glad was written! The Christmas Swap, which was released last year, was one of the few purely romance novels I read and enjoyed and now there's a second book about Chloe, Lucy, and Jules.
I did feel a couple of plot lines could have been delved into deeper but overall I was left feeling very satisfied with everything which happened and if there are no more travels with the May Ladies I will just about be ok with that! The dialogue was excellent and I loved the way the author used differing perspectives to see things from all sides without making it repetitive or boring.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This can be read as a stand-alone but will probably make more sense if read in order. Both books are easy to recommend.
November 3, 2022
Having enjoyed The Christmas Swap, book one in the Christmas Romance series, I was eagerly anticipating being reunited with the May Ladies and spending twelve luxurious days in Hawaii with them as they shared their first Christmas together.
This book was made all the more special because I read it on a beach in Hawaii. I was aware of the fragrant frangipani, the salty sea spray, the sound of the surf, and the thirst quenching mai tais in real time! I’ve never had the experience of a warm Christmas with beach and sunshine, so I was invested in the setting and premise.
I will admit to being frustrated with the shallow behaviour, the public PDAs, and the overuse of the cutesy millennial tendency of shortening names. The drama had me shaking my head, thankful that I was ‘past THAT age.’ Regardless, it was a light romcom and one that I’m glad I had on my Kindle while we were in Hawaii. Fans of Barker’s books will love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This book was made all the more special because I read it on a beach in Hawaii. I was aware of the fragrant frangipani, the salty sea spray, the sound of the surf, and the thirst quenching mai tais in real time! I’ve never had the experience of a warm Christmas with beach and sunshine, so I was invested in the setting and premise.
I will admit to being frustrated with the shallow behaviour, the public PDAs, and the overuse of the cutesy millennial tendency of shortening names. The drama had me shaking my head, thankful that I was ‘past THAT age.’ Regardless, it was a light romcom and one that I’m glad I had on my Kindle while we were in Hawaii. Fans of Barker’s books will love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 9, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
God, this was like having a conversation underwater. With a turtle.
Chloe thought any occasion was worth a toast. She’d actually toasted toast once.
My Review:
Another fun and breezy installment of the May Ladies on holiday, I adore this sassy trio of gals as much as I do their wittily written series. I am enamored with Ms. Barker’s smooth and captivating storytelling. She craftily pulls me into a cleverly constructed vortex of smart, funny, gorgeous, and multi-layered characters who are endearing, successful, realistically flawed, and adorable, yet complicated. I want to be a May Lady as an additional member of their exclusive group but will have to settle for joining their holiday escapades and amusing adventures on my Kindle.
God, this was like having a conversation underwater. With a turtle.
Chloe thought any occasion was worth a toast. She’d actually toasted toast once.
My Review:
Another fun and breezy installment of the May Ladies on holiday, I adore this sassy trio of gals as much as I do their wittily written series. I am enamored with Ms. Barker’s smooth and captivating storytelling. She craftily pulls me into a cleverly constructed vortex of smart, funny, gorgeous, and multi-layered characters who are endearing, successful, realistically flawed, and adorable, yet complicated. I want to be a May Lady as an additional member of their exclusive group but will have to settle for joining their holiday escapades and amusing adventures on my Kindle.
June 21, 2023
Christmas conjures up a feeling of warmth and joy for me, the meaning can change on your journey through life.
The visual connotations, the sounds and the smells act as a reminiscent beacon for the period.
For some it is hot weather while others have a white or cold celebration.
Three friends that met as girls on a holiday program that have maintained a strong friendship continue to meet up when they can and erode the passage of time that lapses between visits.
Living in different countries they put the importance of friendship high on the priority list.
A Christmas holiday to Hawaii with their respective partners is in order as busy year’s schedules come winding down.
Each comes with desires and motivations that will shape their futures.
I was drawn to this by the cover and title and was in need of a rom com and the fact it is part of series was very appealing.
I do think I read the second book first (Sandy please advise)
It was a fun and light hearted book that had a cast that worked well for me and I series I intend to dive into.
The visual connotations, the sounds and the smells act as a reminiscent beacon for the period.
For some it is hot weather while others have a white or cold celebration.
Three friends that met as girls on a holiday program that have maintained a strong friendship continue to meet up when they can and erode the passage of time that lapses between visits.
Living in different countries they put the importance of friendship high on the priority list.
A Christmas holiday to Hawaii with their respective partners is in order as busy year’s schedules come winding down.
Each comes with desires and motivations that will shape their futures.
I was drawn to this by the cover and title and was in need of a rom com and the fact it is part of series was very appealing.
I do think I read the second book first (Sandy please advise)
It was a fun and light hearted book that had a cast that worked well for me and I series I intend to dive into.
October 26, 2022
This wonderful book is the follow-up to The Christmas Swap, which I also loved. Nobody writes travel like Sandy Barker. Prepare to be transported! If you like reading a story with wonderful and witty characters, descriptive detail, and an interesting plot, then look no further. This book is a delight from start to finish--romcom readers will not be disappointed.
October 9, 2022
I always love a chance to revisit characters who made an impression the first time round, and knowing we were meeting the May Ladies again was a thrill in itself.
I love Sandy Barker's stories. Modern romances with a bit of heat but a lot of love and plenty of hiccups along the way!
This time our ladies are firmly ensconced in their relationships, but so busy the year has flown by with not much chance to be together.
The effects of an ash cloud result in the three of them being together again, for Christmas, on a beautiful tropical island with their plus ones by their side.
Lucy, Chloe and Jules have plenty to keep them occupied, as each is weaving their way through the maze of long-term relationships. Still, we also meet some great new characters, like Leilani, the housekeeper, or Mama to all, and the immature but intriguing Audrey.
And there is always a little drama to keep the action going!
The descriptions of the idyllic Hawaiian island where they spend Christmas make me want to jet off on holiday too!
I really enjoyed the story, and I'd be more than happy to hear a little more about how they get on in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I love Sandy Barker's stories. Modern romances with a bit of heat but a lot of love and plenty of hiccups along the way!
This time our ladies are firmly ensconced in their relationships, but so busy the year has flown by with not much chance to be together.
The effects of an ash cloud result in the three of them being together again, for Christmas, on a beautiful tropical island with their plus ones by their side.
Lucy, Chloe and Jules have plenty to keep them occupied, as each is weaving their way through the maze of long-term relationships. Still, we also meet some great new characters, like Leilani, the housekeeper, or Mama to all, and the immature but intriguing Audrey.
And there is always a little drama to keep the action going!
The descriptions of the idyllic Hawaiian island where they spend Christmas make me want to jet off on holiday too!
I really enjoyed the story, and I'd be more than happy to hear a little more about how they get on in the future!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 13, 2022
I’ve loved being back in the company of Lucy, Chloe and Jules. Their easy friendship is a wonderful way to be reintroduced to this great group of characters from Sandy Barker.
With a beautiful setting and Christmas treats included this is another fun read from Sandy.
I always find the intricacies of the relationships in these books fascinating and love the interactions between the women and the other characters. A lighthearted and fun read.
With a beautiful setting and Christmas treats included this is another fun read from Sandy.
I always find the intricacies of the relationships in these books fascinating and love the interactions between the women and the other characters. A lighthearted and fun read.
Read
November 10, 2022I really adored The Christmas Swap and Barker has given us the gift of another gorgeous Christmas story to love this year in The Christmas Trip.
It was so fun to check in on the May ladies and their significant others. It felt a bit like when you catch up with friends you haven’t seen for a while and everything slots right in like no time has gone by. When it comes to romance stories sequels can be tricky – the meet cute is done and “will they get it together” tension is lost, and I think sometimes the spark is lost. In this case though Barker has done a lovely job of portraying couples who are a year into their relationship, still somewhat starry eyed but also with some experience together behind them, and has given us an engaging read with some decent stakes and challenges without getting too scary (it’s a Christmassy romance after all!). As well as the three couples from the first book there are some great new characters introduced, who I felt added to the fullness of the story.
I feel like the Christmassy-ness of this one came from the hearts and actions of the characters more than the setting, but that Hawaii made a perfect setting for a fun Christmas get away. I could practically feel the sun and sand, and loved the way that the characters pulled together to make a special Christmas for each other. The descriptions of the food were also fabulous and helped me feel like I was right there at the table (gosh I mish make a pavlova or two this year!)
Honestly, if you’re after a Christmas romance read with an Aussie twist I can’t think of a better pair of books to check out!
It was so fun to check in on the May ladies and their significant others. It felt a bit like when you catch up with friends you haven’t seen for a while and everything slots right in like no time has gone by. When it comes to romance stories sequels can be tricky – the meet cute is done and “will they get it together” tension is lost, and I think sometimes the spark is lost. In this case though Barker has done a lovely job of portraying couples who are a year into their relationship, still somewhat starry eyed but also with some experience together behind them, and has given us an engaging read with some decent stakes and challenges without getting too scary (it’s a Christmassy romance after all!). As well as the three couples from the first book there are some great new characters introduced, who I felt added to the fullness of the story.
I feel like the Christmassy-ness of this one came from the hearts and actions of the characters more than the setting, but that Hawaii made a perfect setting for a fun Christmas get away. I could practically feel the sun and sand, and loved the way that the characters pulled together to make a special Christmas for each other. The descriptions of the food were also fabulous and helped me feel like I was right there at the table (gosh I mish make a pavlova or two this year!)
Honestly, if you’re after a Christmas romance read with an Aussie twist I can’t think of a better pair of books to check out!
November 10, 2022
I really enjoyed Sandy Barker's previous book in this series, The Chrostmas Swap, and The Christmas Trip was a welcome reunion for me with the characcters I knew from the Christmas Swap. It was great to catch up with them. More life, love and Christmastime events. I love the way that each of the characters is from a different country and how they come together again. The detailled backstory was helpful in remembering events that happened and linking the first book to the second.
A fun, realistic and relaxing winter novel. The sweet treats are a bonus.
Thanks to Sandy Barker and for my eARC for exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
A fun, realistic and relaxing winter novel. The sweet treats are a bonus.
Thanks to Sandy Barker and for my eARC for exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
October 15, 2022
I received a free copy of, The Christmas Trip, by Sandy Barker. from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Best friends, Jules, Chloe, and Lucy, get to spend Christmas together, their lives are all on different tracks, but their friendship is strong. A delightful Christmas story.
January 1, 2024
What a treat to catch up with The May Ladies in this festive feel good read. Highly recommend this and it's prequel 'The Christmas Swap'. Sandy never disappoints.
November 10, 2022
Despite all the travelling I’ve done, I’ve never visited Hawaii – but I was so enchanted by the setting of this lovely book, the island of Kauai, that I’ve spent far more time than I meant to looking at photos, lusting after a visit (thank you Google). Although I really didn’t need the pictures – the author’s vivid descriptions are enough on their own. But Matt’s right – the coves of Honopu Beach do look as if they were created by a giant with an ice cream scoop, a location to die for (and distinctly inaccessible unless I too can find myself a billionaire with a boat to take me there).
So, why Hawaii this time? Lucy was headed back to Colorado for another white Christmas – it hasn’t been easy, a year into a long-distance relationship with Jules’ brother Will, particularly when she seems to be the only one making the effort. Jules has settled into life in Melbourne, although flat sharing is getting to her a little – but, much as she loves Matt (and his dog Dex), she doesn’t feel ready yet to move in with him at the vineyard, and it’s looking as if they’ll be hosting the (now becoming traditional) orphans’ Christmas again for all the singles separated from their families. Chloe and Archer were planning to head to Paris, badly in need of a break from the Hollywood lifestyle and constant spotlight – but when that becomes impossible, Archer calls in a favour and snags a luxury home (infinity pool, cinema, yoga studio, resident housekeeper…) on Kauai. And who better to share the experience with them, at short notice, than Chloe’s very best friends and their partners?
As it did in the earlier book – if you haven’t met them before, you’ll soon pick up the really special relationship between the three women – it’s their exceptional friendship that warms the heart and gives you all the feels. Each of them is a distinct character, so beautifully created and developed, each with their own quirks and foibles and the different issues centred on their relatively new relationships. And their respective partners are beautifully drawn too – with depth of their own, and more than a few secrets and surprises to be revealed along the way. There are also a few new characters who feature in the story – some who you’ll take to your heart (I really loved Mama Leilani, not really a BLT – bossy little thing – at all!) and one in particular you might well find it as difficult as I did to warm to at first. And there’s another character that’s less than welcome lurking in the wings too, one we’ve met before, making it particularly difficult for Archer and Chloe to switch off completely.
The whole book is quite gloriously Christmassy, as the women – led by Chloe, organiser supreme – set about creating a Christmas that will be special for them all. Definitely not Walmart for decorations for the tree, abundant food and drink you can really taste and enjoy, and plans (not organised by Chloe) for a party to remember and the celebration of a particularly special occasion. And the romance is really rather special too – it takes some doing to keep three romantic storylines running (plus the day to day happenings, often involving unexpected drama) but the author manages it with particular aplomb as she moves comfortably between their different perspectives. And they’re so much more than mere storylines – I felt entirely caught up in the complexities of their relationships, wanting things to turn out well for them all.
For much of the first book, the May Ladies were apart – and not just apart, but on different continents. Bringing them together, and being able to luxuriate in the warmth of their friendship, gave me all I could possibly have wished for. I laughed (a lot – try sitting near Chloe when she “sings”!), cried a little (some parts are really emotional), was on the edge of my seat at times – and was totally immersed throughout in this wonderfully told story. I really loved it – one to add to your Christmas reading list, because you’re going to love it too.
So, why Hawaii this time? Lucy was headed back to Colorado for another white Christmas – it hasn’t been easy, a year into a long-distance relationship with Jules’ brother Will, particularly when she seems to be the only one making the effort. Jules has settled into life in Melbourne, although flat sharing is getting to her a little – but, much as she loves Matt (and his dog Dex), she doesn’t feel ready yet to move in with him at the vineyard, and it’s looking as if they’ll be hosting the (now becoming traditional) orphans’ Christmas again for all the singles separated from their families. Chloe and Archer were planning to head to Paris, badly in need of a break from the Hollywood lifestyle and constant spotlight – but when that becomes impossible, Archer calls in a favour and snags a luxury home (infinity pool, cinema, yoga studio, resident housekeeper…) on Kauai. And who better to share the experience with them, at short notice, than Chloe’s very best friends and their partners?
As it did in the earlier book – if you haven’t met them before, you’ll soon pick up the really special relationship between the three women – it’s their exceptional friendship that warms the heart and gives you all the feels. Each of them is a distinct character, so beautifully created and developed, each with their own quirks and foibles and the different issues centred on their relatively new relationships. And their respective partners are beautifully drawn too – with depth of their own, and more than a few secrets and surprises to be revealed along the way. There are also a few new characters who feature in the story – some who you’ll take to your heart (I really loved Mama Leilani, not really a BLT – bossy little thing – at all!) and one in particular you might well find it as difficult as I did to warm to at first. And there’s another character that’s less than welcome lurking in the wings too, one we’ve met before, making it particularly difficult for Archer and Chloe to switch off completely.
The whole book is quite gloriously Christmassy, as the women – led by Chloe, organiser supreme – set about creating a Christmas that will be special for them all. Definitely not Walmart for decorations for the tree, abundant food and drink you can really taste and enjoy, and plans (not organised by Chloe) for a party to remember and the celebration of a particularly special occasion. And the romance is really rather special too – it takes some doing to keep three romantic storylines running (plus the day to day happenings, often involving unexpected drama) but the author manages it with particular aplomb as she moves comfortably between their different perspectives. And they’re so much more than mere storylines – I felt entirely caught up in the complexities of their relationships, wanting things to turn out well for them all.
For much of the first book, the May Ladies were apart – and not just apart, but on different continents. Bringing them together, and being able to luxuriate in the warmth of their friendship, gave me all I could possibly have wished for. I laughed (a lot – try sitting near Chloe when she “sings”!), cried a little (some parts are really emotional), was on the edge of my seat at times – and was totally immersed throughout in this wonderfully told story. I really loved it – one to add to your Christmas reading list, because you’re going to love it too.
October 20, 2022
The Christmas Trip
Lucy, Jules and Chole are friends but live in a world apart. All the ladies plans are change for this holiday season luck be had it they are all heading for the same destination. A very easy read which deals with real life issues. I adore the way the ladies friendsip is explored.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #romance #seasonal #TheChirstmasTrip #friendship
Lucy, Jules and Chole are friends but live in a world apart. All the ladies plans are change for this holiday season luck be had it they are all heading for the same destination. A very easy read which deals with real life issues. I adore the way the ladies friendsip is explored.
#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #romance #seasonal #TheChirstmasTrip #friendship
October 17, 2022
This was such a fun book, and I loved the continuation of the story. The setting was beautiful, the characters relatable, and I love the mix of whimsy and reality in this story.
October 10, 2022
This was a lovely follow up to the Christmas Swap.
When a book doesn't feel like a series, it is hard to imagine a sequel. But this was a good one. I liked the fact that the book started right at the start., when the girls met in Hawaii, and then jumps to modern day with the girls and their relationships, along with the new characters, Sean, Audrey and Leiani.
You needed to have a little background on the complexities of the relationships between you read this book, esp as the ex became a part of the story midway through.
This is another fun story that encourages you to be with the people you love - it is full of fun, twists, love, adventures and heartbreak - along with the important Christmas element of food!
Another one to read whilst cuddled up in front of the fire - in the sun or the cold...
When a book doesn't feel like a series, it is hard to imagine a sequel. But this was a good one. I liked the fact that the book started right at the start., when the girls met in Hawaii, and then jumps to modern day with the girls and their relationships, along with the new characters, Sean, Audrey and Leiani.
You needed to have a little background on the complexities of the relationships between you read this book, esp as the ex became a part of the story midway through.
This is another fun story that encourages you to be with the people you love - it is full of fun, twists, love, adventures and heartbreak - along with the important Christmas element of food!
Another one to read whilst cuddled up in front of the fire - in the sun or the cold...
November 19, 2022
My Thoughts:
The Christmas Trip is one of those feel good romances that takes place in beautiful Hawaii. The Christmas Trip is a sequel to The Christmas Swap where You first meet good old friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy which have grown apart by life but this trips brings them back together and watching them bond again is just a nice read . The Christmas Trip can be read as a standalone
The Christmas Trip is one of those feel good romances that takes place in beautiful Hawaii. The Christmas Trip is a sequel to The Christmas Swap where You first meet good old friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy which have grown apart by life but this trips brings them back together and watching them bond again is just a nice read . The Christmas Trip can be read as a standalone
December 10, 2022
I loved The Christmas Swap and really enjoyed the second book in Sandy Barker's Christmas Romance series. The Christmas Trip sees the May Ladies reunite once more, but this time, they’re all together in Hawaii with their significant others. Sharing a sprawling mansion complete with infinity pool, clifftop views and an on-site local chef who plies them with traditional cuisine and cocktails, the gang hunkers down for a Christmas that is full of surprises.
Secret desires, misunderstandings, and the appearance of some troublesome interlopers are just some of the challenges the couples face as they come together at this most significant time of the year.
The Christmas Swap and the Christmas Trip go together well or can be just as easily read as stand-alone novels. They are perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit and would make great Christmas presents, even for yourself.
Secret desires, misunderstandings, and the appearance of some troublesome interlopers are just some of the challenges the couples face as they come together at this most significant time of the year.
The Christmas Swap and the Christmas Trip go together well or can be just as easily read as stand-alone novels. They are perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit and would make great Christmas presents, even for yourself.
November 10, 2022
The Christmas Swap was the first Sandy Barker book I ever reviewed on the blog so I was delighted to hear that she was going back to catch up with Chloe, Lucy and Jules one year on from the exciting events of that Christmas. Last time, the girls were all celebrating Christmas in different parts of the world and all falling in love. This time, life manages to gather the three of them all in one place, with their beaus… and what a fabulous place they find themselves in to celebrate the festive season.
I’ve never spent Christmas anywhere other than in the UK so I have loved experiencing Christmas in other parts of the world vicariously through novels. I doubt I will ever get to spend Christmas in a tech billionaire’s Hawaiian mansion in real life, so it’s a good job that Sandy has managed to bring it to life so well through the pages of The Christmas Trip. It is certainly different to an English Christmas (much to the chagrin of one of the cast) and I loved reading about all of the special Hawaiian touches they manage to incorporate. If you come away from this book without humming Mele Kalikimaka for the rest of the day, you have more willpower than I.
Aside from the immersive setting of the book, the great strength of this book is in the characters. If you’ve read The Christmas Swap, you’ll already have fallen in love with Chloe, Jules and Lucy and their amazing friendship, which has lasted through the years and across the continents, and is still going strong despite new romances, huge life changes and the separation of continents. You’ll also be eager to catch up with Matt, Archer and Will and see how the six of them are settling into their lives as couples. Well, here you can observe them closely as they gather for Christmas at the end of a year of changes for all of them. Despite the fact they are all still together, that’s not to say that life doesn’t have its challenges, and some of these come to head during the course of the book, providing plenty of tension to hold the readers interest, alongside the festive excitement.
Lucy and Will’s story was the one that I found particularly affecting, so much so that it made my eyes prickle at the denouement, but I was entranced by all of their stories, as well as the peripheral characters that Sandy has introduced. I was really delighted with how each of the relationships panned out (although, I have to tell you Sandy, I had guessed what was going on with Jules quite early on, well before she did I think!) and the book left me with that lovely, warm glow you always hope to be left with a the end of a Christmas romance. And yes, this could completely me a Hallmark Christmas movie, I am with Lucy on her love of those!
I really hope there is going to be more to come from this gang of friends. Surely we haven’t heard the last of Archer and Chloe’s nemesis, and there is definitely more to Lucy and Will’s story. If you like to mix romance, travel and Christmas (and who doesn’t?) this is the festive book for you. I would advise you read The Christmas Swap first though, firstly so you get the full back story for the characters and their relationships, but also because it’s a corking read in its own right.
I’m ready now, bring on Christmas!
I’ve never spent Christmas anywhere other than in the UK so I have loved experiencing Christmas in other parts of the world vicariously through novels. I doubt I will ever get to spend Christmas in a tech billionaire’s Hawaiian mansion in real life, so it’s a good job that Sandy has managed to bring it to life so well through the pages of The Christmas Trip. It is certainly different to an English Christmas (much to the chagrin of one of the cast) and I loved reading about all of the special Hawaiian touches they manage to incorporate. If you come away from this book without humming Mele Kalikimaka for the rest of the day, you have more willpower than I.
Aside from the immersive setting of the book, the great strength of this book is in the characters. If you’ve read The Christmas Swap, you’ll already have fallen in love with Chloe, Jules and Lucy and their amazing friendship, which has lasted through the years and across the continents, and is still going strong despite new romances, huge life changes and the separation of continents. You’ll also be eager to catch up with Matt, Archer and Will and see how the six of them are settling into their lives as couples. Well, here you can observe them closely as they gather for Christmas at the end of a year of changes for all of them. Despite the fact they are all still together, that’s not to say that life doesn’t have its challenges, and some of these come to head during the course of the book, providing plenty of tension to hold the readers interest, alongside the festive excitement.
Lucy and Will’s story was the one that I found particularly affecting, so much so that it made my eyes prickle at the denouement, but I was entranced by all of their stories, as well as the peripheral characters that Sandy has introduced. I was really delighted with how each of the relationships panned out (although, I have to tell you Sandy, I had guessed what was going on with Jules quite early on, well before she did I think!) and the book left me with that lovely, warm glow you always hope to be left with a the end of a Christmas romance. And yes, this could completely me a Hallmark Christmas movie, I am with Lucy on her love of those!
I really hope there is going to be more to come from this gang of friends. Surely we haven’t heard the last of Archer and Chloe’s nemesis, and there is definitely more to Lucy and Will’s story. If you like to mix romance, travel and Christmas (and who doesn’t?) this is the festive book for you. I would advise you read The Christmas Swap first though, firstly so you get the full back story for the characters and their relationships, but also because it’s a corking read in its own right.
I’m ready now, bring on Christmas!
November 16, 2022
It's only fairly recently that I discovered how flipping fantastic Sandy's books are. I haven't caught up with everything that she has written but that is something I hope to rectify in the not too distant future. Earlier this year I read and loved 'The Christmas Swap', which is the first book in the 'Christmas Romance' series. When I heard that Sandy was due to release the second book in the 'Christmas Romance' series, I knew that I had to read it at the earliest opportunity. Well ladies and gents, the wait is over as the second book in the series called 'The Christmas Trip' and it was released on 10th November 2022. It's another cracker of a read and I did enjoy reading it but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into 'The Christmas Trip' but that has more to do with the fact that I was tired and finding it hard to concentrate for any length of time and cannot be taken as a criticism of the book itself. Once I got into the story that was it and from then on I found it rather difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. When I started reading, I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends in the form of the 'May Girls'. I had my own theories as to how the story was going to pan out for the main characters and I had to keep reading to see if I was anywhere near the truth or if I had wandered in the opposite direction. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would end up becoming so wrapped up int he story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Christmas Trip' and I had to say goodbye to the 'May Girls' and the rest of the characters. I found 'The Christmas Trip' to be an enjoyable, fun and festive read, which certainly kept me guessing.
'The Christmas Trip' is well written. Sandy has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Sandy's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. The story is divided up into separate chapters, which are 'voiced' by a particular character. The chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. Sandy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. In fact the main characters in this book ended up feeling more like friends of mine than characters in a book. I loved the exotic destination of the trip as the characters went to Hawaii, which was a bit of a contrast to a very soggy North East of England, which is where I was reading the book. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'The Christmas Trip' and I would recommend the book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sandy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into 'The Christmas Trip' but that has more to do with the fact that I was tired and finding it hard to concentrate for any length of time and cannot be taken as a criticism of the book itself. Once I got into the story that was it and from then on I found it rather difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. When I started reading, I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends in the form of the 'May Girls'. I had my own theories as to how the story was going to pan out for the main characters and I had to keep reading to see if I was anywhere near the truth or if I had wandered in the opposite direction. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would end up becoming so wrapped up int he story that I would lose all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Christmas Trip' and I had to say goodbye to the 'May Girls' and the rest of the characters. I found 'The Christmas Trip' to be an enjoyable, fun and festive read, which certainly kept me guessing.
'The Christmas Trip' is well written. Sandy has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Sandy's books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. The story is divided up into separate chapters, which are 'voiced' by a particular character. The chapters interlink well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. Sandy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. In fact the main characters in this book ended up feeling more like friends of mine than characters in a book. I loved the exotic destination of the trip as the characters went to Hawaii, which was a bit of a contrast to a very soggy North East of England, which is where I was reading the book. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'The Christmas Trip' and I would recommend the book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Sandy's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
November 15, 2022
The Christmas Swap was a standout Christmas novel for me back in 2020, so imagine my excitement when I discovered The Christmas Trip was on its way! I always love a novel that revisits beloved characters, and The Christmas Trip is no exception!
After finding love following the big Christmas swap, Chloe, Jules and Lucy find themselves one year later, living their new realities with Archer, Matt and Will. With big moves, and plenty of travelling, the three of them are looking forward to spending Christmas with their beaus and finally relaxing after what has been a very full on year.
Chloe's life has changed beyond all recognition as she finds herself living the Hollywood lifestyle with her famous actor boyfriend Archer. After a very fast paced, hectic year, all they want is a relaxing break in Paris - until a volcanic eruption halts all air traffic over Europe.
Jules made the move to Melbourne from Colorado and she couldn't be happier with her life and with Matt. However she's finding her flat share a little crowded and craves her own living space.
Lucy is struggling. Whilst she adores her boyfriend Will, the long distance relationship is tough, especially when she seems to be the only one doing any travelling.
When Chloe and Archer's plans for Paris fall through, he surprises her by bringing her friends to Hawaii so that they can finally enjoy a Christmas all together in the place where they met so many years ago.
I love a good revisit novel - getting the 'happy ever after' ending in a romance novel is always great, but we don't always get the chance to find out what happens next. We all know that 'happy ever after' isn't something that comes easily so actually seeing the bumps in the road after a couple gets together, and seeing how they deal with them serves to make the characters more realistic.
Chloe, Jules and Lucy all have such different stories and relationships, which is what really helps makes this series all the more engaging. They are most definitely not the same, and nor do they try to be. It feels like we're getting three stories for the price of one, something that I definitely won't complain about! I like them all as characters, and I feel that they are all relatable and believable. Throw in the beauty of Hawaii and you are onto a winner! Whilst, like Lucy, I was a little disappointed with the lack of snow (I did rather love the Colorado setting in The Christmas Swap), the description of Hawaii definitely left me wanting to visit. It's just a shame that its unlikely I'll be seeing Hawaii from a Billionaires mansion!
I am more than happy to recommend this novel to you all. Whilst you could read The Christmas Trip as a standalone, I'm not sure why you would want to - so grab yourself a copy of The Christmas Swap (feel free to check out my review!) and get yourself into the Christmas spirit by reading these two novels back to back! Immerse yourself into the lives of 3 very different best friends, and enjoy their journeys to find love, and what happens next!
After finding love following the big Christmas swap, Chloe, Jules and Lucy find themselves one year later, living their new realities with Archer, Matt and Will. With big moves, and plenty of travelling, the three of them are looking forward to spending Christmas with their beaus and finally relaxing after what has been a very full on year.
Chloe's life has changed beyond all recognition as she finds herself living the Hollywood lifestyle with her famous actor boyfriend Archer. After a very fast paced, hectic year, all they want is a relaxing break in Paris - until a volcanic eruption halts all air traffic over Europe.
Jules made the move to Melbourne from Colorado and she couldn't be happier with her life and with Matt. However she's finding her flat share a little crowded and craves her own living space.
Lucy is struggling. Whilst she adores her boyfriend Will, the long distance relationship is tough, especially when she seems to be the only one doing any travelling.
When Chloe and Archer's plans for Paris fall through, he surprises her by bringing her friends to Hawaii so that they can finally enjoy a Christmas all together in the place where they met so many years ago.
I love a good revisit novel - getting the 'happy ever after' ending in a romance novel is always great, but we don't always get the chance to find out what happens next. We all know that 'happy ever after' isn't something that comes easily so actually seeing the bumps in the road after a couple gets together, and seeing how they deal with them serves to make the characters more realistic.
Chloe, Jules and Lucy all have such different stories and relationships, which is what really helps makes this series all the more engaging. They are most definitely not the same, and nor do they try to be. It feels like we're getting three stories for the price of one, something that I definitely won't complain about! I like them all as characters, and I feel that they are all relatable and believable. Throw in the beauty of Hawaii and you are onto a winner! Whilst, like Lucy, I was a little disappointed with the lack of snow (I did rather love the Colorado setting in The Christmas Swap), the description of Hawaii definitely left me wanting to visit. It's just a shame that its unlikely I'll be seeing Hawaii from a Billionaires mansion!
I am more than happy to recommend this novel to you all. Whilst you could read The Christmas Trip as a standalone, I'm not sure why you would want to - so grab yourself a copy of The Christmas Swap (feel free to check out my review!) and get yourself into the Christmas spirit by reading these two novels back to back! Immerse yourself into the lives of 3 very different best friends, and enjoy their journeys to find love, and what happens next!
October 24, 2022
I couldn't put this down, I was reading the majority of it on the tube, and it's actually a miracle I managed to get off at the right stops as I was completely unaware of my surroundings I was that engrossed in the story.
Taking place a year after The Christmas Swap we get to spend more time with the May girls this time in Hawaii. And we get to reunite with them, and their men who they met in thee previous book too.
As I have come to expect from a Sandy Barker novel there is a keen emphasis on location and I could picture Hawaii really clearly and so vividly. And I loved the introduction of Leilani as a character, she is house keeper and mama figure in the luxurious property they are all staying in, in Hawaii.
And I enjoyed getting to know her a bit and could feel the warmth of her personality from here. I was less keen on meeting Audrey, although she is a bit mixed up and does have some redeeming qualities, it takes a while for her to grow on you.
Just how great are the men in this book, I would happily have Archer, Matt or Will as my boyfriend, they are just so wonderful and I love seeing how they treat their May Ladies.
I loved all these characters in thee first book and absolutely adore them even more after this one. It is everything you want for in a Christmas romance, and given I am personal fan of Christmas in the sun, I loved seeing how the girls, especially Lucy trying to turn Hawaii into a familar sort of Christmas, or adapting their expectations.
It is so special to see all three of these best friends in the same country at the same time, and it's just an all around feel good story that is immersive and wonderful to read.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Taking place a year after The Christmas Swap we get to spend more time with the May girls this time in Hawaii. And we get to reunite with them, and their men who they met in thee previous book too.
As I have come to expect from a Sandy Barker novel there is a keen emphasis on location and I could picture Hawaii really clearly and so vividly. And I loved the introduction of Leilani as a character, she is house keeper and mama figure in the luxurious property they are all staying in, in Hawaii.
And I enjoyed getting to know her a bit and could feel the warmth of her personality from here. I was less keen on meeting Audrey, although she is a bit mixed up and does have some redeeming qualities, it takes a while for her to grow on you.
Just how great are the men in this book, I would happily have Archer, Matt or Will as my boyfriend, they are just so wonderful and I love seeing how they treat their May Ladies.
I loved all these characters in thee first book and absolutely adore them even more after this one. It is everything you want for in a Christmas romance, and given I am personal fan of Christmas in the sun, I loved seeing how the girls, especially Lucy trying to turn Hawaii into a familar sort of Christmas, or adapting their expectations.
It is so special to see all three of these best friends in the same country at the same time, and it's just an all around feel good story that is immersive and wonderful to read.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 7, 2022
🌊🌴An eventful group holiday on Kauai🌅
This travel romance is fun, full of heavy lashings of food and drink, with good times between family and friends converging in Hawaii from far-flung homes around the world. The main characters return from Barker's 2021 The Christmas Swap; they've had a year with the partners they met at Christmas in the previous book.
No longer in the heady first days of romance, some issues have crept in to the three couples' relationships and they all surface here. Friends share good times and troubles, all on a luxury private compound owned by a tech billionaire friend. They've actually been assembled for a big event on New Year's Eve, but the two week lead up to the big day has its share of drama.
Some of the excitement attached to movie star Archer seemed a bit of tempest in a teapot. Or maybe I just don't understand the full effect of media attention to rumors about your private life. 🙄 Of the three female BFFs, my main sympathy went to Christmas loving Lucy who's unhappy about her long-distance relationship with Will and initially down in the dumps about unexpectedly experiencing Christmas with neither family nor snow.
I enjoyed the book but, be warned, this story keeps a lot of characters together in one place so it can be confusing at times. And I really am glad I read The Christmas Swap to understand the background and dynamics of the three central relationships. The mini escapes from group activities each couple manages for some romancin' are closed door. Apart from their private time with partners, this vacation in paradise is not a time for relaxing!
Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This travel romance is fun, full of heavy lashings of food and drink, with good times between family and friends converging in Hawaii from far-flung homes around the world. The main characters return from Barker's 2021 The Christmas Swap; they've had a year with the partners they met at Christmas in the previous book.
No longer in the heady first days of romance, some issues have crept in to the three couples' relationships and they all surface here. Friends share good times and troubles, all on a luxury private compound owned by a tech billionaire friend. They've actually been assembled for a big event on New Year's Eve, but the two week lead up to the big day has its share of drama.
Some of the excitement attached to movie star Archer seemed a bit of tempest in a teapot. Or maybe I just don't understand the full effect of media attention to rumors about your private life. 🙄 Of the three female BFFs, my main sympathy went to Christmas loving Lucy who's unhappy about her long-distance relationship with Will and initially down in the dumps about unexpectedly experiencing Christmas with neither family nor snow.
I enjoyed the book but, be warned, this story keeps a lot of characters together in one place so it can be confusing at times. And I really am glad I read The Christmas Swap to understand the background and dynamics of the three central relationships. The mini escapes from group activities each couple manages for some romancin' are closed door. Apart from their private time with partners, this vacation in paradise is not a time for relaxing!
Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 11, 2022
It is a big plus if you have read the first book of this series, 'The Christmas Swap', certainly there are a few lines here and there referring to last year's Christmas, but that is very brief, and it is more fun to read the previous book in order to know the whole history of the may ladies.
This year the friends will celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, in the case of Chloe (from Australia) and Archer (from the UK) they will go to Paris. But a volcano in Iceland makes throws a spanner in the works because all flights from the USA to Europe, where they live in LA after the filming of Archer's last film, can therefore not take place.
Archer has many wealthy friends which he made through his job, and he arranges for Chloe's friends and their partners, and Jules and Will's father, to celebrate Christmas with them at a large mansion on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. After Chloe recovers from this first surprise, she thinks it's time to celebrate Christmas and jumps into her event planner mode.
It will be a pleasant but different Christmas holiday because there will be surfing, walking and sailing on a yacht. Unfortunately, the paparazzi won't leave Archer and Chloe alone and so there are still some incidents. However, Archer saves the biggest surprise for last, and you can't help but enjoy it all with the friends.
The book ends with a long epilogue exactly one year later at Christmas and in that way, you get a nice picture of how the three friends and their partners, and a number of other characters from the book, have fared in the past year.
Characters = 8 | Atmosphere = 8 | Writing Style = 8 | Plot = 7 | Intrigue = 8 | Logic = 7 | Enjoyment = 9 | Score 7,86 = 4 sterren
This year the friends will celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, in the case of Chloe (from Australia) and Archer (from the UK) they will go to Paris. But a volcano in Iceland makes throws a spanner in the works because all flights from the USA to Europe, where they live in LA after the filming of Archer's last film, can therefore not take place.
Archer has many wealthy friends which he made through his job, and he arranges for Chloe's friends and their partners, and Jules and Will's father, to celebrate Christmas with them at a large mansion on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. After Chloe recovers from this first surprise, she thinks it's time to celebrate Christmas and jumps into her event planner mode.
It will be a pleasant but different Christmas holiday because there will be surfing, walking and sailing on a yacht. Unfortunately, the paparazzi won't leave Archer and Chloe alone and so there are still some incidents. However, Archer saves the biggest surprise for last, and you can't help but enjoy it all with the friends.
The book ends with a long epilogue exactly one year later at Christmas and in that way, you get a nice picture of how the three friends and their partners, and a number of other characters from the book, have fared in the past year.
Characters = 8 | Atmosphere = 8 | Writing Style = 8 | Plot = 7 | Intrigue = 8 | Logic = 7 | Enjoyment = 9 | Score 7,86 = 4 sterren
October 23, 2022
I hadn’t realised Ms Barker had written a follow up to her previous year’s great Christmas novel The Christmas Swap, so was delighted, once I settled down and opened my arc copy, (thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley) to find The Christmas Trip is just that. I LOVE sequels and follow ups, and while this second novel takes us back to the comings and goings of friends Chloe from Oz, Lucy from the UK and Jules from the USA, the book certainly can be read as a standalone and one doesn’t necessarily have to have first read last year’s offering. (If you can – do – that is also a jolly good read!)
Sandy Barker is skilled at taking the reader on a journey to exotic and wonderful places so that one can almost think oneself there. What more could one ask for, for Christmas? A fabulous location, a billionaire estate, a tropical background and your mates. Oh, and romance. Did I mention the romance? Always drafted with a deftness and insight into how her characters should feel and act.
There are issues to solve and great characterisation, particularly from the new characters introduced into this sequel - I particularly liked the housekeeper. A great romantic escapist read to sit and lose oneself in while it rains here in the UK! As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Sandy’s latest book. Great read. 5 stars from me!
Sandy Barker is skilled at taking the reader on a journey to exotic and wonderful places so that one can almost think oneself there. What more could one ask for, for Christmas? A fabulous location, a billionaire estate, a tropical background and your mates. Oh, and romance. Did I mention the romance? Always drafted with a deftness and insight into how her characters should feel and act.
There are issues to solve and great characterisation, particularly from the new characters introduced into this sequel - I particularly liked the housekeeper. A great romantic escapist read to sit and lose oneself in while it rains here in the UK! As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed Sandy’s latest book. Great read. 5 stars from me!
November 8, 2022
The Christmas Trip by Sandy Barker
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.
Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.
Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.
Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.
My Opinion
Last year I was lucky enough to read The Christmas Swap so I have been looking forward to this book for a while. Well, it didn't disappoint - this is such a lovely sequel. With all three of our main characters living busy lives they don't get much time to see each other, the solution to this is obviously a Christmas holiday in Hawaii.
For me this was an entertaining, quick read with such lovely characters. I would highly recommend reading The Christmas Swap first as it will allow you to have all of the required background information to really enjoy this book. A great read.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.
Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.
Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.
Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.
My Opinion
Last year I was lucky enough to read The Christmas Swap so I have been looking forward to this book for a while. Well, it didn't disappoint - this is such a lovely sequel. With all three of our main characters living busy lives they don't get much time to see each other, the solution to this is obviously a Christmas holiday in Hawaii.
For me this was an entertaining, quick read with such lovely characters. I would highly recommend reading The Christmas Swap first as it will allow you to have all of the required background information to really enjoy this book. A great read.
Rating: 4/5
November 9, 2022
It was so fun revisiting the characters from The Christmas Swap for this sequel. Once again, Sandy Barker knows how to lay on the Christmas nostalgia and you're sure to find something relatable, whether it's the longing of missing loved ones during the festive season, to fun holiday traditions shared with friends that come to mean more than family. The May Ladies are back and all loved up a year on from their Christmas Swap where they found themselves paired up. Chloe's world-famous actor boyfriend, Archer, has organized for everyone to spend Christmas together in Hawaii, but beautiful location aside, not everything goes to plan. Archer's ex continues to cause problems for them, Lucy is sick of feeling like she's the only one doing the work in her long-distance relationship with Will, and Jules is afraid of moving in with Matt. Add to the mix some unexpected houseguests, and their perfect Christmas is looking anything but. By the closing pages, however, you'll be glad you joined the May Ladies, their beaus, and the new characters introduced because their drama and humour-filled adventure is a great way to get into the fun of the festive season.
November 10, 2022
| About |
Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.
Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.
Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.
Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.
When Archer’s plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember…
| Thoughts |
Really enjoyed this sequel, it’s super cute.
I love the characters and am invested in each of their stories. The little blips along the way make the stories interesting. I was kinda guessing from some clues laying around what was unfolding in each couples story. By the end it was revealed and I appreciate it not being a cliffhanger. Hoping there’s another story with these fun couples and their families in the wings.
Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.
Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.
Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.
Meanwhile, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.
When Archer’s plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember…
| Thoughts |
Really enjoyed this sequel, it’s super cute.
I love the characters and am invested in each of their stories. The little blips along the way make the stories interesting. I was kinda guessing from some clues laying around what was unfolding in each couples story. By the end it was revealed and I appreciate it not being a cliffhanger. Hoping there’s another story with these fun couples and their families in the wings.
November 7, 2022
It's always good fun to catch up with old friends, and that's exactly what this book is like - meeting up with the May Ladies from Sandy's previous seasonal romcom, The Christmas Swap, to find out what they've been up to since we last saw them. The events here very much follow on from the previous book; although I think you could probably read this as a standalone, why would you want to?! Read both!
This time around the ladies and their significant others are all together, enjoying a sunny Christmas in Hawaii. There's love, laughs, misunderstandings and surprises, along with some new characters I really enjoyed meeting. I'm not giving away any plot spoilers, suffice it to say it all works out in the end exactly as you'd want it to, if not even better! And being a Sandy Barker book, there are marvellous descriptions of the paradise island they find themselves on. I love a white Christmas, but this could tempt me to try a tropical one!
Recommended for anyone who enjoys romance, travel and Christmas.
This time around the ladies and their significant others are all together, enjoying a sunny Christmas in Hawaii. There's love, laughs, misunderstandings and surprises, along with some new characters I really enjoyed meeting. I'm not giving away any plot spoilers, suffice it to say it all works out in the end exactly as you'd want it to, if not even better! And being a Sandy Barker book, there are marvellous descriptions of the paradise island they find themselves on. I love a white Christmas, but this could tempt me to try a tropical one!
Recommended for anyone who enjoys romance, travel and Christmas.
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