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All We Want for Christmas

Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26
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At Ravendale Castle, nestled in the snowy heart of the Lake District, Lara is busy preparing for the Winter Spectacular — a glittering light trail that will fill the grounds with the magic of Christmas. It’s the perfect distraction from her recent heartbreak until Flynn, the ruggedly handsome technical manager, arrives and sparks start to fly.

Flynn is determined to prove he’s worth taking a chance on. But just as Lara begins to believe in love again, someone from Flynn’s past arrives at the castle, bringing a secret that could tear them apart.

As Christmas draws closer, can Lara and Flynn take a leap of faith toward the happily ever after they’ve always wanted?

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2025

247 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Phillipa Ashley

43 books1,184 followers
Phillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times and Amazon Top 10 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.

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

Her latest release is An Endless Cornish Summer.

A Special Cornish Christmas will be published in November 2021.


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

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5 stars
133 (31%)
4 stars
159 (37%)
3 stars
103 (24%)
2 stars
27 (6%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,083 reviews122 followers
September 23, 2025
I received a free copy of, All We Want for Christmas, by Phillipa Ashley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Lara meets Flynn and they really connect, but can their relationship last? The Lake District sounds lovely at the holidays. This was a such a great read, I really enjoyed, Lara and Flynn.
Profile Image for Tracey Dyson.
215 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2025
Free courtesy of Netgalley

I have read a few of Phillipa Ashley's books, so you feel like you're going to be in safe hands. This is a beautiful Christmas book and makes you look forward to the upcoming Christmas season.

Lara works in a Castle in the Lake District, she has been there about a year, after moving to this job after a bad break up. She organises events and tours for the castle and the big one for this year is the Christmas light Spectacular in the grounds, which will be open to the public.

Flynn has been taken on as the new technical manager, as the old one has just retired. He was lucky enough to be able to talk to the owners at a Halloween event in the castle, where he met and clicked with Lara. He accepted the job even though he told Lara he was going travelling, so she wasn't expecting him.

The story navigates how they will manage to work together, fighting the attraction they have for each other and dealing with the demons that they both carry.

It is a well written book and it has all the ingredients to sprinkle the Christmas magic into it.

Curl up with this book, under a warm blanket, hot chocolate and look forward to the season of goodwill, as this book will take you there
Profile Image for Lydia Bailey.
557 reviews22 followers
November 6, 2025


3.5 rounded up. I really enjoy a Phillipa Ashley Christmas book & this one, set in the beautiful Lake District was no exception. A couple of chapters in I thought the story might be a little predictable but then a couple of things happened to change all that & it became refreshingly unpredictable. A lovely setting, believable characters & some nice Christmassy feels made it a good festive read.

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Profile Image for Yvonne.
Author 2 books20 followers
November 5, 2025
I enjoyed this story. I found that it wasn’t overly gooily Christmassy but it had all the ups and downs of everyday life, a beautiful castle setting, and a happy ever after that left my heart warm! A lovely easy, nice read with lovely characters!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Profile Image for Claire Grove.
42 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2025
Another great Phillipa Ashley book. Set in a wonderful part of the country, who wouldn't want to spend the run up to Christmas in a fairy tale castle in the Lakes?! However, not everything runs smoothly for Lara, the castle manager. With plenty of events, tours etc to ensure go without a hitch, the last thing she needs is the tall, dark, handsome Flynn turning up on her doorstep. Sparks fly and well, it's a festive romcom so you can probably guess the rest.....!! There are plenty of unexpected things along the way though so I would recommend you read this lovely story.
Profile Image for Gem ~.
961 reviews45 followers
October 16, 2025
I struggled to connect to the characters in this story, initially it felt like I was dropped into the middle of an existing plot but although I've tried researching if this is a sequel/part of a series I can't find out that information, either way it meant the introduction and development of the characters and back drop was quite lacking for me to get settled in to the book. A large portion of the book is dedicated to a drama over an artefact that I felt detracted a lot from the emotional connection being established with the characters as well as the festive feel I was looking for in the book.
91 reviews
August 21, 2025
Lovely narrative with all the Christmas magic-the castle made a great setting and really added to the Christmas feels. Probably my favourite Phillipa Ashley Christmas book so far and i’m already looking forward to re-reading in the winter months.
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 6 books154 followers
October 26, 2025
I've always enjoyed Phillipa Ashley's books, and it wouldn't be the lead up to the festive period without one!
Lara works at Ravendale Castle in the Lake District, and loves her job as the Events Manager. It's been one way to forget some not-so-pleasant happenings at her previous job. Then she almost destroys an ancient chalice associated with the castle and King Henry VIII, when a new employee makes his presence known rather suddenly.
Flynn is starting his new job at the castle, and Lara is one reason he's there. However, she doesn't know it.
But life isn't as simple as throwing two well-suited people together and letting them have their HEA. Several twists make what everyone wants to happen look less and less likely...
This was an easy read with two characters a little older than your average romance, which I always love, and it's set in a castle! At Christmas! What's not to love!
1,041 reviews40 followers
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

It's been a little while since I've read a Phillipa Ashley book - and a Christmas one at that - and this reminded me why she's so popular. She's given us a warm, cosy, familiar, romantic, uplifting, festive tale and I flew through it.

I read this in October and it felt very festive (although I admit I am a 24/7/365 Mrs Claus) but I definitely think it'll make you feel even more festive if you read it close to December.

Our main characters of Lara and Flynn are delightful. They've both been through some difficult times, personally and professionally, and this helps them become more relatable to the reader and more well-rounded people. There's a small cast of supporting characters, some given more page time than others, but all very interesting and work well to evolve Lara and Flynn's story.

It's loving a romantic without being too cliché, which I like, as some love stories can be a bit too sappy for my liking.

As someone who loves a good visit to a National Trust property and the suchlike, I loved the setting of this big castle in the Lake District with all this land - it just sounds idyllic.

Is it a little predictable? Probably. Do I care? Absolutely not. When I read these happily-ever-after romance novels, I know what I want and I know what to expect and I know what I'll get, and happily, they all tend to be the same thing. So who cares if you see the ending coming. It doesn't spoil anything for me, and if anything, it actually heightens the warming familiarity of the story and makes for a more enjoyable read. And there's enough surprises along the way to keep your entertained.

I read that this was a sequel to Second Chance Summer, which I haven't read. If it is, I will say I didn't feel at a disadvantage for having not read it. I'm sure you might get more out of it in terms of familiar characters and settings, but it's just as enjoyable going into it fresh.

There's Christmassyness, romance, love, magic, historical elements, difficult topics and conversations, and just pure beauty. It's got everything that a festive tale should have, sprinkled with Phillipa's magic dust.

It's not my favourite of her books - that title still remains with Escape For Christmas - but I still really enjoyed it. It gave me everything I want from one of her books, and I thoroughly recommend it to get you into the festive spirit - no matter whether you're a "it's too early for Christmas" or a "Christmas all year round" kind of person, like me!
Profile Image for Claire.
205 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2025
All We Want for Christmas glows with everything I love in a Christmas book - we have a stunning magical setting, festive celebrations, drama and tension, glistening snow, a fairytale romance and wonderful warm characters. This book is also about community and the pages are filled with lots of Christmas spirit!

The main character in the book is the very determined Lara. Lara has worked at Ravendale Castle, nestled in the beautiful Lake District for a while and when we meet her she is snowed under with preparations for the Winter Spectacular. The Winter Spectacular is an incredible light trail which transforms the Castle into a magical winter wonderland. Due to how Phillipa Ashley describes the light trail, you can imagine it so vividly. I would like to book tickets for next year please!

Unbeknown to Lara, Flynn (who they met briefly before) arrives. He has been hired as the technical manager so straight away you know they will be working closely together and hopefully making sparks fly! I loved the motorbikes element and you could tell how well researched this was.

I really enjoyed seeing the friendship develop between Lara and Flynn, and then their relationship blossom. Lara was very guarded as she had been hurt before but Flynn broke down her barriers bit by bit and Lara allowed herself to get closer and closer.

The story holds an unexpected twist that I did not see coming but I loved how everyone came together and how they made it work. Brilliantly written.

I was very invested in what happened to the special historical artefact. The truth behind it all was full of tension and I was totally wrong with my theory! Very clever ending.

If you are looking for the perfect Christmassy read, then this is it! It truly is a magical read, full of sparkle, hope, magic and snow!

Thank you very much to Random House UK, Cornerstone for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Helene Harrison.
Author 3 books79 followers
December 15, 2025
I love reading Christmas books in December. They’re always so feel-good and just what you need on a cold and dreary evening curled in front of the Christmas tree! This one takes place at a castle which is hosting a variety of festive events, and accidents, romance, and family secrets abound through the festive period.

I loved both Lara and Flynn. I also enjoyed that there was no miscommunication between them which scuppered their relationship, which is a popular trope in this kind of novel. Flynn’s discovery of his family secret was a lovely twist, and it did become unpredictable in places, even though you knew that Lara and Flynn would end up together in the end, as inevitable in this kind of story. I like that predictability but not knowing exactly how bumpy the journey will be.

There are some lovely Christmassy moments throughout, with dinners, a fancy dress ball, spectacular lights displays and Christmas markets. It feels festive and fun and taking place in a historic castle is just a bonus! The setting, the story, and the characters just make this a lovely festive and joyful read, even though parts felt a little slow.

I always enjoy Phillipa Ashley’s books, and this one was no exception. They’re basically a must-buy for me. I love the light and easy feel to them, and the romances with the additional elements to push the story along. The festive element to this one, and reading it in December, just felt lovely.
Profile Image for Colin Bell.
1,061 reviews13 followers
November 6, 2025
Laura is the Events Manager at Ravendale Castle preparing for the Winter Spectacular, struggling as the Technical Manager is off on a long term sick leave. She is surprised by the appearance of Flynn as the new Technical Manager, especially as she had a brief fling with him previously. They start to rekindle their relationship when a sudden surprise from the past appears.
This book has a real Christmas feel to it, with all the preparations under way, including a lights festival that I can easily imagine having been to something similar before. It gives an insight into the workings of a large estate and how many people are required to run one. Both Laura and Flynn have reservations about forming new relationships having been hurt before, so they are wary of becoming closer to each other. Flynn rides a motorbike, as I do, making it easier for me to relate to him as a character. Laura sounds very organised, which I'm patently not, but comes across as a friendly, helpful person. I ended up hoping that they would end up together despite the trials and tribulations that they go through. An ideal Christmas read to get you into the mood for the celebrations.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Profile Image for Bodies in the Library.
857 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2025
It may be the height of summer outside but I’m feeling all cosy and Christmassy thanks to Philippa Ashley’s latest romance.

This author is so reliable - somehow every year she manages to come up with a different set of characters and challenges for them without becoming predictable or repeating herself. And yet in this novel as always she hits the bullseye of every delightful Christmas trope for which we could wish - there is snow and a castle and gorgeous illuminations and a scary thing happens but ultimately everyone is all right. (That’s not a spoiler - the genre requires a happy ending after a bumpy ride).

As someone who survived multiple miscarriages and never had their rainbow baby, I long for the day when a happy ending that doesn’t include having children is possible in romance fiction, but for now I’ll accept Lara’s great joy at the end of this very lovely Christmas story. (Trigger warning for anyone still going through pregnancy loss and who is in the raw stages, obviously).

If all you want for Christmas is a cracking good comfort read, then I don’t think you can do better than this one. Thanks, again, Phillipa Ashley, Queen of Christmas Romance 🧚‍♀️

🎅🏻 AD:PR 🙏 Issie at Cornerstone Press 🧑🏻‍🎄
15 reviews
September 1, 2025
Almost from the first moment that Flynn met Lara he knew that he'd like to get to know her more. Lara also felt the tug of attraction but Flynn was from Cornwall and she was in Cumbria, so that was a non-starter. It didn't stop her thinking of him though so when the real life Flynn appeared on the scene, it gave her a shock, triggering an action that reverberated across the Christmas season.
Flynn and Lara were both recovering from previous relationships which had knocked their confidence. Was Lara ready for something more than friendship? It seemed that taking a chance might be the right thing to do, but then something happened that would change their lives for ever. I didn't see that coming and it certainly was an interesting plot twist. Phillipa Ashley has created relatable characters and the content of book was not beyond the realms of possibility, but I found the dithering of Lara and Flynn, Lara in particular, off putting. This was not my favourite Phillipa Ashley book.

I read this as a preview copy in summer when it was warm and sunny so wasn't really in the Christmas spirit. When it's cold outside I'm sure it will be a good read, cosied up inside, relaxing after Christmas preparations. There were a few niggles which I feel will be ironed out before publication.
Profile Image for nickiknackinoo.
661 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2025
All We Want For Christmas by Phillipa Ashley is another smash hit just in time for Chtistmas!
Lara is the manager of a gorgeous stately house set in the beautiful countryside of the Lake District. The area is stunning, and she loves her job. She is pretty tired though, as the castle maintenance manager had gone on long term sick leave, leaving her to pick up his jobs too. She was arranging a Christmas lights event for the public to come and see, but it was a lot of work!
She finds out that a new castle manager has been employed but when he pulls up, it’s Flynn, who visited at Halloween!. She had a huge attraction to him, and thought she’d never see him again!!
Flynn, who was supposed to be travelling around Asia, was offered the technical manager position. He knew Lara worked there and really thought it would be a great opportunity too!
So, although they are hugely attracted to each other, they have a huge display to finalise. Besides, Lara is still recovering from a bad break up.
I love Phillipa’s plots, characters and how full the story is.
I don’t want to tell you anymore, but I will say you will love it!!
Many thanks to Random House Uk, for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley.
My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #RandomHouse, #Phillipa.AshleyAuthor.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
November 29, 2025
It's always the sign of a good book, that when I'm reading it on public transport, if I become so engrossed in the story, that I am oblivious to where on earth I actually am. Which is exactly what happened while I was reading this, to the extent that I almost missed my stop.

It's also the sign of a good book that I am still thinking about the characters, even while reading my next book (although that was slightly confusing for me!).

I think it may be clear that I totally and utterly loved this book.

I loved everything about Ravendale Castle, and the shock re-meeting of Lara and Flynn. Not to mention the way Flynn's situation becomes more and more complicated, just as he is trying to ignite something with Lara.

And the Winter Spectacular was just so impressive, i could see it really clearly and would have loved to have visited myself.

With fancy dress balls, a very important relic, some incredibly lovely characters and a whole bunch of festive cheer, this was a book I truly enjoyed. It really got under my skin, and is another fabulous Christmassy tale from the pen of Phillipa Ashley.

Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kate.
58 reviews
September 27, 2025
All We Want for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley is the sequel to the 2024 novel Second Chance Summer. Lara is busy preparing for the "Winter Spectacular" at Ravendale Castle in the Lake District. A new technical manager, Flynn, is appointed—an attractive man who made a brief but memorable appearance in Lara's life during Halloween in Second Chance Summer. As Lara and Flynn grow closer, their relationship becomes complicated by the unexpected arrival of a child Flynn didn't know he had.

I really wish books were more upfront about being sequels. Luckily, I had already read the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed the blossoming romance between Lara and Flynn, alongside the subplots involving Flynn's child, a chipped chalice, and the future of the castle. These interwoven storylines added depth and kept things interesting. The characters are endearing, and I was rooting for Lara and Flynn the whole time. The festive setting gave the story a cozy, heartwarming vibe—definitely one for my annual "Christmas-themed bookfest" that kicks off in November. It's a perfect, snug read to enjoy under a blanket by the fire with a hot chocolate (marshmallows included, of course) in hand!
Profile Image for Emily.
284 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2025
✨3.5 stars✨

This was a cute, festive read set in a castle in the Lake District, honestly sounds like the perfect setting for a Christmas book, and the story delivered. Much like a lot of Phillipa Ashley’s books, I really liked this one and I can see a lot of people enjoying this once it is published.

My main qualm with the book was that from the beginning we are told that Lara and Flynn had met previously in the year before Flynn had to leave again. I would have preferred if we got to see them meeting for the first time (like in a prologue) rather than just being told. Then it would have been easier to see and feel the connection between the two characters rather than just having to take the author’s word for it. I kept checking to make sure this was a stand-alone because it did feel like I was missing something slightly in the first few chapters. However, I understand this might be more of a me issue rather than the book’s fault😂

Apart from this, this book was an entertaining read and I would recommend this.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Carrie.
264 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

The Christmas season at Ravendale Castle in the Lake District is about to start, and Castle manager Lara is getting ready for the first Christmas Spectacular light trail and feeling the pressure to deliver a great event.

When Flynn arrives as the castle’s new technical manager, Lara’s vow never to get romantically involved with a colleague again is put to the test!

Just as everything seems to be going well, Flynn gets a surprise that throws everything up into the air, and everyone starts to question what is really important in their lives.

I loved the setting of the castle, which made me think of Christmas at Harewood House in Leeds and the amazing light trail we went to at Temple Newsam House last year. I could imagine how magical it all looked! With a great host of characters thrown in, and lots of comforting festiveness, this was a perfect cosy read for the build-up to Christmas!
Profile Image for Hannah Wright.
65 reviews
November 20, 2025
Title: All We Want For Christmas
By: Phillipa Ashley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Lara works for Henry and Fiona who own the magnificent Ravendale Castle in the beautiful backdrop of the Lake District. As Christmas approaches and the castle’s first Winter Spectacular is upon them a stressed Lara is relieved to have the help from the new technical manager, Flynn, who made a brief entrance at the castle during the Halloween celebrations.
With the highs and lows of the festive season tangling situations and with secrets and revelations coming to light will Lara and Flynn get their Christmas wish?

Review
It is always lovely to read a Phillipa Ashley book on the build up to Christmas. This book is filled with warmth and light hearted moments that are perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit. The back drop of the Lake District in Winter is just perfect and I loved the trip to Keswick which brought back so many wonderful memories of times I’ve been there. This is a wonderful book to enjoy if you love a cosy Christmas romance ❤️
Profile Image for Angela Owen.
313 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2025
We had a sneak peek of some of the characters in Phillips’s last book so I couldn’t wait to find out what was happening at the Castle. (Although you don’t need to read this to enjoy the book)

Lara works at Ravendale Castle in the Lake District and with Christmas coming up she is preparing for the Light trail. Flynn takes a job as the new technical manager and when they both meet again the spark is still there. They try at first to just be work colleagues but soon things change.

There are plenty of ups and downs in the story which make for an interesting read and lots of brilliant characters which really add to the magical atmosphere.

The setting is perfect for Christmas and is a great festive read while snuggled under a blanket with a hot chocolate.

It would be great to have a sequel to see what happens next for Lara and Flynn and the castle.


Thanks to Phillipa Ashley, Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
121 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2025
Having read the short story that inspired this larger book, I was intrigued to see how the characters of Lara and Flynn had progressed in their world!

It's the lead up to Christmas and Lara is the estate manager at Ravendale Castle in the Lake District. She's preparing a new Christmas Spectacular light show and when a new technical manager, Flynn, arrives at the castle, sparks fly. But will family secrets and a broken heirloom stop the budding relationship?

While this isn't Ashley's best book, it is still a lovely read for Christmas. My main criticisms are that some of the details were a bit repetitive and I didn't quite buy into all of the character's thoughts. Some of the supporting characters could've been more fleshed out too. But the book definitely made me feel very festive and it was easy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Book Escapes Babs.
652 reviews26 followers
September 19, 2025
I do love Phillipa’s books and have never not enjoyed one. In particular, I adore the fact that her Christmas books appear to be set in the Lake District, predominantly the Keswick area, a particular favourite of mine.

In Phillipa’s last book, we got a taster for this one as there was a bonus extract where the characters met in the run-up to Halloween. That taster certainly whetted my appetite, so I happily jumped straight in when I received my copy.

Lara is the queen of efficiency and nothing if not professional. She has her team at the castle running like clockwork, and they all get along famously. She has a vacancy for an electrical whizz to help with her planned light trail, but she’s sure she will find someone quickly. I adored Lara, and in particular, her can-do attitude, which shone from the pages. Nothing was too much trouble as she calmly dealt with any potential problems. The chemistry between her and Flynn was still very much smouldering and waiting for a chance to ignite.

Flynn was the epitome of a bad boy. He rode a motorcycle and never committed to the life that society dictated for him. He was a crack electrician, but a free spirit when it came to romance. He had a strained relationship with another of his team, and more than a couple of surprises were waiting for him in Ravendale. Of course, you’ll need to read the book to learn more. As much as I wanted not to like Flynn, he was the perfect man for Lara, and it isn’t a spoiler to mention that they become closer.

Of course, a lot is going on behind the scenes, including an ancient goblet that controls the fortunes of everyone on the estate.

This was everything that I hoped it would be, and I’m already looking forward to meeting them in future books.
20 reviews
October 21, 2025
All we want for Christmas is the perfect light romantic read, whilst snuggled inside during those -ber months.
It follows Lara, a Castle estate manager, who's gearing up for Castle light show and festivities, and almost over her messy break up a year previously.

Unbeknownst to Lara, a new maintenence manager, harley riding, Flynn, has been hired to help with the light show and general maintenance of the castle buildings. The chemistry between them is undeniable in the lead up to Christmas, as Flynn admits their one-off encounter at Halloween had drawn him back.

There are a few twists in the story plot that have you hoping that romance will bloom and Lara will be allowed to get her knight in shining armour.

A light hearted, hopeful read. Thank you for the opportunity to review Phillipa Ashley, her publishers and Netgalley.
770 reviews21 followers
September 4, 2025
Well whats not to love about a lovely cosy festive story and read in the hot summer in a lovely cottage in North Yorks.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me review this.

Lara works in the English Lakes at Ravensdale Castle and as it is nearing Christmas she is preparing for a Christmas light trail ( we all love a light trail and since Kew - these are popping up all over December now) Then there is Flynn who takes up a post as Technical Manager and there is a spark. They try just to be work mates but things change. Will they be together for Christmas - you will find out as this is due for publication November 2025. So get the fleecy blanket, Christmas PJs and a mulled wine and enjoy.

So recommended loved this.
Profile Image for Karen Farrow.
724 reviews13 followers
October 5, 2025
Having read many of Philip’s Ashley’s previous books I was looking forward to this one and she didn’t disappoint.

Lara works at Ravendale Castle and it has given her the perfect escape from her last awful relationship which has sworn herself off men! However Flynn Cafferty, motorbike rider arrives back in her life after a brief dalliance earlier in the year but this time he is here to stay as the estate maintenance manager.

Obviously it wouldn’t be a Phillipa Ashley book if there wasn’t an element of will they, won’t they?

The book does delve into the intricacies of relationships in mid life and how they affect everyone involved. What this book does have in abundance is Christmas cheer and a love for all things sparkly and twinkly.

Lovely festive read
Profile Image for Janette.
655 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2025
This was a cosy Christmas themed romance by Philippa Ashley.
I loved the setting of the castle in the Lake District and enjoyed the fact that the two main characters were a little bit older than is often the case. The romance was a bit predictable but the unexpected arrival of someone from Flynn’s past gave it some suspense.
I have loved visiting different Christmas light trails and so it was enjoyable to have one of these as the basis for a story. I wasn’t completely convinced by the story line involving the precious chalice as it didn’t feel very believable but the story as a whole was an enjoyable read although not my favourite book by this author.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
377 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2025
Warm hearted easy festive reading!! An absolute treat!!
Ravendale Castle in the Lake District is preparing for the festive season with light displays in the grounds and special festive tours in the castle. Lara is the castle manager and takes her responsibilities very seriously until the arrival of Flynn on his motorbike who can tip her off balance. They have met previously at a Halloween event with sparks flying between them.
Life and love is full of complications, having faith and taking a chance.
Great characters, from the owners of the castle through to the cook, bike rides through beautiful Lakeland scenery, and a fabulous story!! Something to get wrapped up in this Christmas!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin books for the chance to read early!!
Profile Image for TF.
95 reviews
November 4, 2025
Set in the beautiful Lake District in England in the run up to Christmas, main characters Lara and Flynn attempt to secretly date and get to know each other, all while getting ready for winter seasonal activities at the castle where they work. This Christmas romance doesn't adhere to the usual formula and there are a few twists which will keep you on your toes!

A fabulous festive read to get you in the mood for Christmas, this book is
brimming with vivid descriptions of gorgeous decorations and sumptuous snacks - ensure you have a mince pie to hand!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the review copy.
#AllWeWantForChristmas #NetGalley
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