Escape for Christmas

Escape Series #2

by Ruth Saberton

Gemma Pengelley is looking forward to a romantic Christmas with her boyfriend Cal, far away from the chaos caused by their well-meaning family and friends. After a whirlwind of a year some quality time in a picturesque Cornish cottage is exactly what they need.

But when ghosts of partners past, a tangled web of secrets and the demands of a reality television show strike at the very heart of Gemma’s plans, her dreams of the perfect Christmas crumble. Will she still find her Christmas escape? Or is Gemma just running away?

Get into the Christmas spirit by treating yourself to this festive novella installment in Ruth Saberton’s heart-warming Escape series.

Genres: Christmas

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2014

About the author

Ruth Saberton is a bestselling British author with over 25 books written under her own and pen names. Her books feature romance and secrets and are set in beautiful Cornwall.
Her latest book THE LETTER is available now!

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ruth-Saberto...
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

Ruth loves to to talk to her readers. Interact with her on her website www.ruthsaberton.com on Twitter @ruthsaberton

www.facebook.com/ruthsabertonauthor

Reviews

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read "Escape for the Summer" in... yes, summer :) and it was then that I heard that Ruth is going to write a follow - up. And yes, I couldn't wait for this little book to land on my kindle because I fell in love with Andi, Angel, Gemma and the lovely setting of Cornwall. It took me a little more time as expected to find time and dive into this story but when I started, I couldn't put it down.
I would say you could read this book as a stand - alone novel but you will be missing a lot not reading the first one with the summer adventures of the girls.

This time the novel focuses on Gemma and Cal, and I think it's a brilliant idea, as they were so vivid in colourful in "Escape for the Summer" and I so wanted to find out more about them! So, Gemma and Cal, yes. They live together and together they run a bakery, and while Cal is still under the contract to be a star of the reality show "Bread and Butlers", Gemma put a stop to it and isn't a part of it anymore. And she misses Cal, who in fact, is paying attention to everything but to her. Christmas, and Gemma's big three - O is coming, so she planned on spending this only with Cal, in Rock, where they got to know each other and spent the summer of their lives. But Cal can't go! He's under the contract! He must partake in the Christmas Special Live! Moreover, Gemma finds out that he met his ex - girlfriend in London, the one that his mum would so love to have as a daughter - in - law, while he said he's with the guys at football! What now? Is Cal cheating on her? Is there a future for those two together?

I loved Gemma in "Escape for the Summer" and I loved her in this book as well. It's such a nice difference to read about a normal character who has the same problems as we usually have and is not your usual skinny - minnie blond bimbo, but a girl who likes to bake her cake and eat her cake. This time we learn some new characters in the book, such as Cal's family and Ruth has brilliantly captured their personalities and characteristic behaviours, ha, they were hilarious, with their mummy on top of them all, and also Gemma's family. I can't remember them from the first book, it somehow slipped by me that they have their own farm and that her parents run it with her brothers, and this short escape to this farm was so great, as well as Gemma's short liaison with her teenage love.

My heart really was aching to Gemma when I saw how she cares, how she wants that her relationship with Cal was happy, and how far she goes to show him that she loves him. I didn't believe that there is someone else in Cal's life, I have suspected that he's planning something big for Gemma so I didn't panic when Gemma was panicking and read calmly on, although I must admit that I was already losing my patience with Cal and wanted to put him again in this cold, cold room, in this cold, cold bed and handcuffed him by myself. So there. But of course he has rehabilitated himself at the end and while I was guessing what he's preparing, it was nice to see that I was right.

As always in Ruth's books there were some hilarious scenes in this story. I am still giggling when I think about this cold room and Cal not being able to free himself.

Yes, this book is of course written in this characteristic, warm, smooth Ruth's style, full of joy, fun but also more serious moments, and she can brilliantly put all the things together and create a wonderful, captivating story with fantastic descriptions, characters larger than life and always an original, fresh plot. So please give me Ruth Saberton anytime, and you should also treat yourself to this festive, romantic gem of a book.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couple of months ago I read Escape for Summer and I loved it. I totally enjoyed the hilarious adventures of Angel, Andi and Gemma. So I was very happy to have the sequel and wasn’t disappointed at all. This time we follow the girls into their life after the Cornwall escape. Gemma is enjoying her relationship with Cal who runs the reality show Bread and Butlers. But Christmas is coming and so is her birthday. But it seems that Cal is paying attention to anything and everyone except her. She plans a Christmas getaway just for the two of them, but Cal has to shoot the Christmas edition of the show and there is no way to accompany her. He also travels to London to see his ex, who according to his mother is a saint and the right girl for him. And spending Christmas with all South family in the house is not the most romantic idea for Gemma. It’s her thirties birthday, for God’s sake! And all she wants is him!

While in book one there were three main characters, this time the story centers around one, Gemma. Her and Cal’s story takes the most part. I love Gemma as a main character, she act just like any woman would if she were in her shoes. It is not helping that she hits big thirty, nor that Cal’s ex looks like she just came out from a magazine. But what would we do without a little help from our friends? Angel’s ideas for spicing the love life are so funny and entertaining. And they help! Well, no without consequences, but still they help :) . The small happenings here and there make this festive romantic story very entertaining and easy to read. Just perfect for this time of the year.

[Book-shelf Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautifully written story from the fabulous Ruth Saberton. In this story we go back to find out what is happening with Gemma and Cal. Cal is still in the reality TV program but Gemma has left it, so when Cal cant get away for Christmas, Gemma wants to know why not. As all us women do, she thinks the worst and is convinced Cal is having an affair.

There is so much in this story that i recognize in myself that i found i was laughing lots. Brilliant book which is a total credit to Ruth and i cant wait to read about these characters again.

[Susan Kasza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, the immature and irresponsible Angel is the low point of this book. At least in the last one, she was a good friend to Gemma. In this book, she doesn’t even have that going for her. I was also not particularly impressed with Cal’s actions, and the fact that he didn’t even try to reassure his clearly distraught girlfriend.

[Aimee Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you haven't read Escape for the Summer, this is a charming festive novella. [By the way, go read Escape for the Summer - it will make you love this one even more!]

Set eighteen months after the first book, it's a joy to catch up with Angel and Gemma on their adventures. It's Christmas time and soon it will be Gemma's big 3-0. Between rescuing the stately Kenniston Hall, staring in Bread and Butlers and setting up her own bakery business, things have certainly been busy for Gemma.
Angel, now the loved up and gorgeous Viscountess Kenniston and star of Bread and Butlers, knows that something is up with Gemma. Having accompanied Gemma on her Cookery Book signing to Truro, Angel points out that Gemma didn't notice the extremely hot blonde guy who was at the signing and now she was uncharacteristically off her lunch.
Gemma finally confides that things have been tough recently between her and Cal, the ex-footballer-turned-baker. Since she didn't sign up to the second season of Bread and Butlers, Gemma has seen him even less than usual. It doesn't help that the gatehouse they share is cold and damp. Frustrated by the lack of privacy that the show entails, Cal is barely home and when he does make it to bed the only thing he's interested in is sleep.
Angel's master plan of taking her to Pulse, the local sex shop makes Gemma extremely uneasy. Wanting to dodge her Mum's neighbour she dives into the store as Angel swans around collecting all kinds of toys and props to see what she can do to spice up Gemma's non-existent love life.
After an embarrassing bedroom moment ends with a camera crew in their home, Gemma loses her temper with her best friend. Upset and annoyed, Gemma decides the only thing that can save her relationship with Cal is to Escape for Christmas.
Gemma springs the surprise on Cal at Dinner at the Hall, she is horrified to discover that Cal will be filming over her birthday and won't change his mind and escape with her to Cornwall for Christmas. As Gemma's world starts to collapse around her feet, a chance encounter with her sexy neighbour might just be the key to a very happy Christmas after all.
The gorgeous blonde stranger at the book signing is her old neighbour who has been in Australia for fourteen years and Gemma is stunned to see how hot he is now. Throw in some secrets, mysterious phone calls and a dash of mistletoe later and Gemma finally realises who it is she has truly loved all along...

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Fab. I loved the first book in the series as Cornwall holds a really special place in my heart and I really related to all the places visited in the first book. The beautiful scenery i just imagined i was there again.. Cannot wait for my yearly trip in August but until then when I found this second book I knew I'd love it and I did.
Please bring the rest out soon ruth!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas past, present, and future

This one is Gemma's story. Having already met the cast in the previous book I was able to just jump in snd enjoy this story. There were enough clues early on so that I was fairly sure as to how it would end but getting there was really fun.
I guess I am getting used to the British slang as I was able to make it through thid second book without constantly Googling something.

[June Richland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book much better than the first. It focused on, mainly, one character and was much less busy in style and flowed more. More believable too and really got inside Gemma's character and her relationship with Cal. Although could pick up how it would end, still found I wanted to read and read until a I got there and saw it for myself!

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape for Christmas (The Escape Series Book 2)

I am so sorry the story is finished for Demmi and Cal. I loved this book. It was a continuation of the story of the three women who were escaping their lives. Demmi is such a crazy mixed up person who loves Cal so much. Cal really is crazy about Demmi but he has a hard time getting her to believe she is the only one for him.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good, easy read by Ruth Saberton. Reading her books about Cornwall is like coming home. Even though I've never been to Cornwall. :) They're comfortable, lovely reads and this is perfect for a bit of holiday spirit.

[Sandra Mullett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape for Christmas

A nicely written chic flick book. Although the ending was in sight all the way through it still made an enjoyable escapist read

[Stephanie Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Saberton is one of my favourite authors – Katy Carter Wants A Hero remains one of my favourite books, ever. I loved her first self-published escapade Escape For The Summer, and I’ve finally (finally!) gotten around to reading the sequel, Escape For Christmas. It was so good to be back with Cal, Gemma, Angel and everyone, and most especially to have a tiny bit of Cornwall back in my life – books set in Cornwall are my favourite.

Escape For Christmas picks up a little while after Escape for the Summer – two years, in fact, although I can’t 100% where we actually left off in Escape for the Summer, I’ve read a lot of books since then! Gemma and Cal are living in a cottage off Kenniston Manor, both busy with their baking lives and Cal is taking part in Bread and Butlers, a reality show, along with Angel and Laurence, and Gemma just can’t wait for the whole reality TV portion of their life to be over – even though she isn’t even taking part any more. She wants to start the next phase of their life – maybe a cottage in Cornwall, with a red aga. But things become tricky when Cal is spotted out with his gorgeous ex, and seems to be spending more time filming Bread and Butlers than spending time with Gemma and she’s worried the magic has finally worn off in her relationship…

I really enjoyed Escape for Christmas – it felt like catching up with old characters and while it was a tiny bit repetitive – Gemma mentions her lack of sex life with Cal like fifty times, I still enjoyed it. It was exactly what a novella should be – you know when you pay £2.99 for 10 pages? You don’t get that here. This is a 200-page plus book, a good two hours of reading, it’s incredible. Authors, take note: This is how you do a novella. It really felt like coming home – yes, I’d forgotten a lot of what had happened in the first book (the reality show aspect was brand new to me!) but as soon as I remembered the characters and who everyone was, it was like being with family.

I loved this read. I love Ruth Saberton’s writing and it sounds like she (eventually) wants to release more in this series – more Angel, more Andi (who was suspiciously absent in this book!) so I’m looking forward to that, and hoping that’s still something Ruth plans to do. I can’t wait to get into Ruth’s Polwenna Bay series – I thought this was the same series, so you can imagine my surprise when I realised they are two separate series. Yes, I am thick. This is a brilliant little duology and I highly recommend it!

[Christine P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for a honest review.
Anyone who has read Escape for the Summer will remember Gemma, Cal, Angel and Laurence. But if you haven't read the first book you can read this and read the summer book next, it won't spoil your enjoyment.
This starts two years later. Gemma and Cal have their own bakery business and Cal is part of the reality show 'Bread and Butlers'. It's nearly Christmas; Gemma will be 30 years old and wants to spend the time with Cal alone, but there are lots to do before Christmas, the bakery has orders to fulfil, and filming for 'Bread and Butlers' runs right up to Christmas Day.
Living at the Lion Lodge together was supposed to be one step closer to Gemma's dream home, but this dream soon became a nightmare. The house was all fur coat and no knickers: damp seeped into every corner of the house; the drive was a quagmire when it rained; the storage heaters had been on strike since 1930 and, consequently, Gemma and Cal slept in tracksuits, thick socks and hoodies.
Gemma has a dream to live with Cal in a cottage, with a great big red Aga in the kitchen. All she needs is time alone with Cal to put this plan into action.
However, Cal's family from Ireland come for Christmas, and Cal receives a call from his ex, Aoife, so things don't go according to Gemma's plan.
She tries to talk to her friend Angel, but she just tells her to stop worrying about Cal and wait until New Year. Cal says wait until New Year too, but why does she have to wait, and what for?
Read this book and spend time with Gemma and Cal and see if she gets her wish for her birthday and Christmas, you won't be disappointed.
It was great to read what they had got up to in the last two years: plenty of laughter and tears along the way. I recommend this to you.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape for Christmas is a novella in the Escape series (book 2) by Ruth Saberton. It is set in England. It is a little slow moving and it starts out a little confusing. It did not quite develop the characters fully and the plot was hidden for a long time. Once it became evident, the plot was great. The book kept getting better as you read it.

Gemma was signing her newest book in Cornwall along with Angel. Angel was behind the television reality series Bread and Butlers. Gemma had not renewed her contract instead putting her attention to writing and her cake decorating business. Her partner, Cal, had renewed his contract and did his baking under the show’s umbrella. He had a great number of debts he had to pay off and then hopefully save to open his baking business after leaving the show. Gemma is concerned because it seems to be taking a long time to pay off his debts. She is tired of living beneath the lenses of cameras. Luckily this season she doesn’t have to. She and Cal are living in the gatehouse of Angel’s estate. It is cold and damp and dreary. Angel and her husband can’t afford to spend money on the gatehouse yet as they are working on the main house. The reality series is funding the remodel. Gemma is just concerned about getting away from the entire business. Then she begins to worry about Cal having an affair with an old girlfriend. Why else would things be going wrong? What is she to do?
The book is just OK at the beginning but gets really good. It is easy to read and takes only a short time to read.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Cornwall to join Gemma, Cal and Angel. Gemma and Cal have joined forces with Angel and Laurence taking part in the reality TV show, Bread and Butlers, in the rundown stately home in Devon. After a year Gemma has decided she's had enough if tv stardom and steps back from the limelight to concentrate on her baking. However, Cal continues with the reality TV show and with his baking and soon life becomes very hectic for him, so hectic that Gemma feels there's no room for her in his life. Christmas is approaching together with Gemma's 30th birthday. Can the couple bring back the sparkle in their relationship.

This was such a fun follow up to Escape for the Summer. It had some great comical moments, some heart breaking times and some wonderful feel good moments that warm your soul. What more do you want with a story based around Christmas?

[Jan Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with some trepidation as this was the first time I had encountered this author and the first time I had read a book on my ipad- being old fashioned I love to curl up with real pages! However I am now hooked on both the author and reading on the ipad- thank you Ruth. I quickly got immersed in the characters, I could smell the Cornish sea salt felt the tang on my cheeks and was then taken back to Devon. I loved the gentleness of the story and found it very believable. I now want more- what happened at Kenniston - did it survive and how did the bakery do at Penmerryn! It is good to read a book that is not full of lurid sex scenes but just relies on the writer to create a story which the reader can relax and enjoy.

[Treena Beavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.

This is just what you need on a cold frosty day, curl up with this Christmas delight. The warmth of the characters will soon draw you in so make sure you have all those jobs done before you settle down to read it. You won't want to put it down.

It was great to catch up with the gang from Escape for the Summer again.
It wont spoil the story if you haven't read the first one,But I can highly recommend it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not my official Christmas start for reading, that begins in October, I couldn't not read the follow up to Eascape for the Summer!
It was fantastic to catch up with Angel & Laurence and Gemma & Cal as they build up both the Family home and their baking business respectively.

There are secrets being kept, will Gemma's imagination get the better of her?

A great read and hopefully we'll get to catch up properly with Andi and Jonty in a future book.

[Julie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the way Ruth writes. the characters are wonderful and varied. locations perfect. there are so many things you can identify with. there's great humour and warmth. I love the characters in this book. I read book one in the summer and thought it brilliant. I hope to see these vibrant characters again soon! highly recommend!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to be back with Gemma Pengelly and friends. I read Escape for Summer last year and enjoyed it, and although its been a while it felt like coming home to these characters. Its a lovely sequel, and I really hope this isn't the end of the Escape series, as would love to see more from Gemma and Cal.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting reacquainted with the Escape to Summer crew. This short novel features primarily Gemma and Cal. I think Gemma´s reactions were a little over the top, and I figured out the secret pretty early on, but I still enjoyed the story, the setting, and the people. I´m really enjoying this author´s style, and have downloaded some of her other books already.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story. It was so nice to get an update on the lives of Gemma, Angel and Andi and I cannot wait for more. I love Ruth's books and am so glad that she keeps them coming. I love these Escape books so much.

[Beth Gosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the friends in this series and would like to have them as min own friends! so glad she is writing more about them all.