The Christmas Invitation: The perfect festive and romantic escape for Christmas 2026 from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Under a Greek Moon

by Carol Kirkwood

A night to remember

A secret to uncover …

Nestled in the snow-dusted hills of the Cotswolds, Clarendon Hall sparkles with wealth and privilege.

Between the elegance and the glamour, secrets linger in the shadows.

Fleeing a scandal that threatens to end her glittering career, Fliss Courtney accepts an invitation to spend Christmas there with the celebrated Oliver family.

She is looking for a discreet hideaway. But with actor Kit Forrest – the man who stole her heart and broke it – on the guest list, old wounds flare and passions reignite.

Behind the champagne and roaring fires, dangerous secrets stir. As snow falls over the grand estate, can Fliss confront the most explosive revelation of all – the truth about her own past?

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 22, 2026

Reviews

[Anne]

The Christmas Invitation is a beautifully written book with themes of family drama, friendships and romance. It starts off really well and I was pulled into the story quickly and the author held my interest and attention all the way through to the end. I really like Fliss who returns to the UK to spend Christmas with an old friends family. The authors writing is very descriptive and the story flows easily. I could picture the characters, the house and places in my mind when reading. The story moves from past to present flawlessly and the plot is good. Who is trying to ruin Fliss and why? Most of the characters here are likeable with a few that I just loathed. I did guess a couple of the reveals early on although this didn't take anything away from the story and plot. The ending is perfect and gives good closure. Overall a very good festive, uplifting read that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

If you like romances then I think this is for you and I'd recommend it.

[Pamela Lilley]

Oh my word. Family drama at its very best. Secrets, lies and much more in this best friends rags to riches story following Fliss Courtney as she befriends Tara, the daughter of Hollywood royalty, British aristocrat Lord Oliver. After meeting at boarding school they end up spending endless school holidays together on The Oliver’s country estate. As the years go by they keep in touch and Christmas’s are spent together enjoying life until, a spanner in the works breaks them apart (that would be Kit Forrest). Years later Fliss is invited back to Clarendon Hall for a special Christmas event, and that’s when things really get interesting, Tara and her brother are determined to make her visit uncomfortable, they’re being darn right nasty and hostile towards her. As the Christmas season progresses the majority of the relationships in the family seem to deteriorate as all the truths that have been kept hidden for many years come to the forefront, culminating in a night to remember. I absolutely loved this story. Wonderful writing and a whole host of characters that won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Highly entertaining and completely addictive. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

[Jane]

I was so pleased when the publishers contacted me via NetGalley to read and review this fab festive read.

Wow, family and drama, lies, secrets and rags to riches thrown into this mix.

Friends since school, Fliss and Tara ( daughter of Lord Oliver) who spend the long school holidays on the Oliver's country estate. This continues and they keep in touch spending Christmas together, but something happens that pushes them apar, so for years they have had no contact. Then Fliss is invited back for Christmas but Tara and her brother are out to make her visit unconfrtable with them being downright horrible to Fliss. Infact as the festive period moves closer the relationships of the family appear to have broken down also.
We see truths and secrets coming out with some interesting characters.

A really recommended read this festive period, I so enjoyed this read. Carol Kirkwood packs a punch with this story.

Readers do not have long to wait for publication as this is set for October 22nd 2026 - in time for the half term holiday.

[Michelle]

Once again, Carol has written such a heartwarming story. This time, she has set it at Christmas, and I didn't want it to end.
The characters are so well written I really warmed to Fliss. Although I found her to be a bit naive, she was definitely the darling in her job as a presenter in America.
Loved Kit, and I'd definitely want to get steamy with him.
Bill and Tara were not so nice and acted like spoilt brats.
The location of Clarenden Hall sounded magnificent, and I'd definitely want to spend Christmas there, but maybe not with Bill and Tara.
There is plenty of drama, surprises, and lots of glitter.
There is also revenge and secrets, but it's all well executed with a satisfying ending.
I cannot wait to see what Miss Kirkwood writes next.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK HarperFiction for the invitation to read this in return for an honest review.

[Jill]

Ms Kirkwood’s style of writing is going from strength to strength. Here she has produced a strong novel, which combined with romance both past and present, makes for a compelling and engaging novel. There is the occasional mention of an A-lister which adds a bit of class. Fliss runs from her high profile job as a TV host in America before the press release episodes from her past which threaten to ruin her professionally and personally.

She spends Christmas in the Cotswolds with the family that had supported her during her youth. Not everything goes to plan as beneath the surface are family trysts, lies and deceit bubbling away. A most enjoyable and entertaining read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins for this ARC for review.

[Cora]

A tangled tale of secrets, lies and privilege. I had guessed a couple of the reveals early on but still found it a good read.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.