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The Distance Between Us
From Sunday Times bestselling author Phillipa Ashley comes a sparkling romantic short story set between the wild shores of Cornwall and the rugged Scottish Highlands. When it comes to love, a thousand miles is just the beginning.
Jenna loves her job coordinating epic challenges between the two ends of Britain—from Cornwall’s dramatic coast to the northern tip of Scotland. But lately the highlight of her working days are her video calls with Cameron, the charming Scotsman who helps these determined adventurers complete their journey. Their friendship blossoms, but with nearly a thousand miles between them, and Jenna engaged, they can never be more.
When an epic bicycle ride in aid of a cause close to Jenna’s heart faces disaster, Cameron makes an impulsive decision that shocks everyone. As Jenna watches him push himself beyond all limits, she begins questioning her own carefully planned future. But with Jenna’s relationship on shaky ground and so much distance between her and Cameron, will they ever have a chance?
As summer storms roll in from the Atlantic and Cameron pedals ever closer to Cornwall, Jenna faces an impossible choice. She has always played it safe, but sometimes the greatest journey is not the one on the road—it’s the leap your heart must take.
For fans of Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell comes a gorgeously uplifting story about finding the courage to follow your heart, no matter how far it leads you.
Jenna loves her job coordinating epic challenges between the two ends of Britain—from Cornwall’s dramatic coast to the northern tip of Scotland. But lately the highlight of her working days are her video calls with Cameron, the charming Scotsman who helps these determined adventurers complete their journey. Their friendship blossoms, but with nearly a thousand miles between them, and Jenna engaged, they can never be more.
When an epic bicycle ride in aid of a cause close to Jenna’s heart faces disaster, Cameron makes an impulsive decision that shocks everyone. As Jenna watches him push himself beyond all limits, she begins questioning her own carefully planned future. But with Jenna’s relationship on shaky ground and so much distance between her and Cameron, will they ever have a chance?
As summer storms roll in from the Atlantic and Cameron pedals ever closer to Cornwall, Jenna faces an impossible choice. She has always played it safe, but sometimes the greatest journey is not the one on the road—it’s the leap your heart must take.
For fans of Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell comes a gorgeously uplifting story about finding the courage to follow your heart, no matter how far it leads you.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2026
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
50 books1,228 followersPhillipa Ashley is a multiple Sunday Times and Amazon Top 5 and Audible #1 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.
She has written over 30 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 the friends-to-lovers romance, The Distance Between Us - an Amazon Original Story available now on Prime. Her next full length romantic novel is A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky in June 2026.
She also wrote the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
She has written over 30 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 the friends-to-lovers romance, The Distance Between Us - an Amazon Original Story available now on Prime. Her next full length romantic novel is A Wedding Under the Cornish Sky in June 2026.
She also wrote the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 5, 2026
Jenna and Cameron are workmates, but they live over 800 miles apart and have only met through video calls. Jenna lives near Cornwall, and Cameron lives in Northern Scotland. As they work on charity projects together, they share their personal lives and friendship grows. Cameron is crazy about her and looks to make a visit when she shares with him that she is recently engaged. But their friendship grows, and they each admire many qualities in the other. As their project encounters a huge setback, they each have choices to make.
This is a sweet romantic story about following your heart. 3-1/2 stars rounded down to 3, but a quick, fun and enjoyable read.
This is a sweet romantic story about following your heart. 3-1/2 stars rounded down to 3, but a quick, fun and enjoyable read.
March 10, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
this was such a sweet and cozy read and i enjoyed it a lot! something about cam and jenna’s interactions felt like a warm hug. nate was such an asshole, i was cheering when she finally stood up for herself and the kind of love she wants.
the narrators did an amazing job as well! each character had their own sound to them, and i loved it.
i do wish the discussions about their individual grief was explored further, but otherwise it’s a good book if you need a quick and cute read!!
this was such a sweet and cozy read and i enjoyed it a lot! something about cam and jenna’s interactions felt like a warm hug. nate was such an asshole, i was cheering when she finally stood up for herself and the kind of love she wants.
the narrators did an amazing job as well! each character had their own sound to them, and i loved it.
i do wish the discussions about their individual grief was explored further, but otherwise it’s a good book if you need a quick and cute read!!
March 12, 2026
Lovely short story by a favourite author of mine
Read
March 3, 2026Adorable and cozy. Love
Review of advance copy
The Distance Between Us by Phillipa Ashley is a lovely short story/novella following the friendship between Jenna and Cameron. They are both involved with co-ordinating and promoting the epic fundraising events undertaken by people going from Lands End to John O'Groats. Jenna is at the Cornwall end of the challenge while Cameron is at the Scottish end. Although they have never met in person, they have regular video meetings and are gradually getting to know each other.
They have both suffered tragic loss in their lives and one particular challenge really strikes a chord with Jenna. When things don't work out as they should for this particular challenge, Cameron decides he will undertake it instead and starts pedalling his way towards Jenna. It was interesting reading about the difficulties he encountered en route. I certainly wouldn't want to try that bike ride myself!
This was a gently told story with some really lovely characters, not just Jenna and Cameron but others like Cameron's young nephew Lachlan and his friend Iona. There's also a rather unpleasant character and I wasn't sorry to see the back of him!
The Distance Between Us is a light-hearted and uplifting read about taking chances on love and it's not without emotional depth. If you haven't read anything by Phillipa Ashley before, this would be a good introduction to her work. If you are already a fan, you will enjoy this romantic short story.
They have both suffered tragic loss in their lives and one particular challenge really strikes a chord with Jenna. When things don't work out as they should for this particular challenge, Cameron decides he will undertake it instead and starts pedalling his way towards Jenna. It was interesting reading about the difficulties he encountered en route. I certainly wouldn't want to try that bike ride myself!
This was a gently told story with some really lovely characters, not just Jenna and Cameron but others like Cameron's young nephew Lachlan and his friend Iona. There's also a rather unpleasant character and I wasn't sorry to see the back of him!
The Distance Between Us is a light-hearted and uplifting read about taking chances on love and it's not without emotional depth. If you haven't read anything by Phillipa Ashley before, this would be a good introduction to her work. If you are already a fan, you will enjoy this romantic short story.
March 8, 2026
Charity & friendship
This book had the most amazing story about 2 colleagues working for the same charity one in lands end the other in John o groats. They both leased about diffrant people doing the journey to or from lands end or John OGroats to the opposite. People did it for charity on bikes , tricycles , runs or walks. They all did it to raise funds for 1 charity or other. They had never met but had video meetings at least every week sometimes more than that. They both fancied the other but Jenna was engaged to Nathan and he was pushing for them to get married in a couple of months instead of next year like they planned. Cam got butterflies in his tummy everything he spoke to Jenna and vis versa. He had just got his courage up to ask her to dinner when he found out she'd just got engaged. The rest is for you to read and I hope you enjoy it as much as me. I couldn't put it down It kept drawing me in. I really think it's a must read.
This book had the most amazing story about 2 colleagues working for the same charity one in lands end the other in John o groats. They both leased about diffrant people doing the journey to or from lands end or John OGroats to the opposite. People did it for charity on bikes , tricycles , runs or walks. They all did it to raise funds for 1 charity or other. They had never met but had video meetings at least every week sometimes more than that. They both fancied the other but Jenna was engaged to Nathan and he was pushing for them to get married in a couple of months instead of next year like they planned. Cam got butterflies in his tummy everything he spoke to Jenna and vis versa. He had just got his courage up to ask her to dinner when he found out she'd just got engaged. The rest is for you to read and I hope you enjoy it as much as me. I couldn't put it down It kept drawing me in. I really think it's a must read.
March 19, 2026
Picked this book up because the cover was so cute! It was a short story and I enjoyed it, however not a top for short story’s I have read.
March 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Another great book from Phillipa Ashley, loved how unique and heartfelt the story was.
Another great book from Phillipa Ashley, loved how unique and heartfelt the story was.
March 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Ooohhh cute!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Ooohhh cute!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
March 4, 2026
A really sweet short story about two people who fall in love over Teams. A modern romance! I enjoyed this a lot. I feel like you got to know the characters really quickly, which made it authentic.
I have really got into having a short story going on my Kindle app for moments when I get stuck without my book to read!
I have really got into having a short story going on my Kindle app for moments when I get stuck without my book to read!
March 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this short story. It's the budding romance of Jenna and Cameron. I loved it!
5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2026
Uma bela história de amor que envolve sacrifícios, uma relação abusiva, amor à distância, e muita força de vontade. Uma excelente leitura, embora com final bem previsível.
May 23, 2026
Such a sweet love story set in both Cornwall and Scotland Highlands. I liked the author’s writing style. Not only did I see the amazing views of both coasts in my head, and I also could (almost) feel one of the character’s pain from his cycling challenge.
March 2, 2026
I’m just going to say it: Jenna’s fiancé, Nate, was a controlling arse and needed a serious timeout. Since when does an act of service become a life sentence binding you to someone for all eternity?! I was Team Cam through and through from the very beginning.
For a short story, this gave me several feels; from "awww" to "he's so adorable" to "how cute is she?" It was a clean, well-paced slow burn that was very comfy and laid-back. While not a lot of time was spent on the scenery, I could still visualize the landscapes, and seascapes, of Scotland and Cornwall the author shared. She even threw in a few shoutouts to the animals in the Arctic.
There is an interesting twist where Cam puts himself out there in a way that is both brave and honorable. It's really how he got his hooks in me. The "Kilt Challenge" served as the center of mass for the entire story and added a layer of depth I was not expecting. It made the connection between him and Jenna feel so much more earned and poignant.
The Aftermath 🌷:
When I got to the end, I was satiated; there was nothing more these characters could give me. Phillipa Ashley weaved in various tropes without making it feel rushed; coupled with the originality, it really made the story feel real and it resonated with me. This was my first read by this author, but it won’t be my last.
Oh, and let's not forget the evolution of Jenna, which is what I waited for. And of course, I rode Cam's wave all the way to the end! Okay, I'm done with my "but wait, there's more." 😂
For a short story, this gave me several feels; from "awww" to "he's so adorable" to "how cute is she?" It was a clean, well-paced slow burn that was very comfy and laid-back. While not a lot of time was spent on the scenery, I could still visualize the landscapes, and seascapes, of Scotland and Cornwall the author shared. She even threw in a few shoutouts to the animals in the Arctic.
There is an interesting twist where Cam puts himself out there in a way that is both brave and honorable. It's really how he got his hooks in me. The "Kilt Challenge" served as the center of mass for the entire story and added a layer of depth I was not expecting. It made the connection between him and Jenna feel so much more earned and poignant.
The Aftermath 🌷:
When I got to the end, I was satiated; there was nothing more these characters could give me. Phillipa Ashley weaved in various tropes without making it feel rushed; coupled with the originality, it really made the story feel real and it resonated with me. This was my first read by this author, but it won’t be my last.
Oh, and let's not forget the evolution of Jenna, which is what I waited for. And of course, I rode Cam's wave all the way to the end! Okay, I'm done with my "but wait, there's more." 😂
May 4, 2026
A warm hug of a story
A short but lovely tale of how a long distance relationship can start & succeed if given the chance.
Also the admirable story of organising &raising funds for deserving charities.
A short but lovely tale of how a long distance relationship can start & succeed if given the chance.
Also the admirable story of organising &raising funds for deserving charities.
May 14, 2026
The Distance Between Us was predictable in the best possible way. Cosy, sweet, and completely lovely. I really enjoyed watching Jenna and Cam’s relationship develop through their long-distance connection, and the emotional warmth of the story made it such a comforting read. Cameron was especially adorable, and the Cornish/Scottish settings added so much charm. A feel-good romance that left me smiling - an easy 5 stars for me.
March 4, 2026
Fine for a short story, bit baffling that they were talking about being in love not one day after she had split up from her boyfriend but okay 😌😌
March 12, 2026
A little cliche and very british! This was short n sweet, I liked it :)
March 27, 2026
v cosy and cutesy
June 20, 2026
Cute short story. It did make me question how the word bonnie is spelled 😂 Love the Scottish link. Team Cam!
August 14, 2026
2.5 - cute and cosy, but a tad too simplistic
September 1, 2026
4.5 stars
September 24, 2026
3.75 rounded up
April 6, 2026
Very sweet romance!
Review of advance copy
Cute fun short story!
June 20, 2026
The cute cover caught my eye, and the story delivered exactly what I expected, a cute, quick read.
June 18, 2026
Boring!
March 11, 2026
The Distance Between Us is a warm, engaging short story that has all the charm I expect from Phillipa Ashley. I really enjoyed the central relationship between Sophie, who is trying to piece her life back together, and Tom, the steady and quietly protective figure she reconnects with. Their dynamic is instantly appealing and has that familiar Ashley mix of humour, heart and a hint of emotional tension.
For such a short piece, the story does a great job of setting up the situation and giving a real sense of place. The early and middle sections are especially strong, drawing you into Sophie’s dilemma and the gentle spark that begins to grow between her and Tom. There is a warmth to their interactions that makes you root for them almost immediately.
My only real complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. Just as the emotional threads were beginning to deepen, everything wrapped up more quickly than I would have liked. There is so much potential in both the characters and the set‑up that I found myself wishing this had been expanded into a full‑length novel, where the relationship could unfold with more time and depth.
Overall, this is a lovely, heartfelt short story with likeable characters and a sweet, hopeful tone. I enjoyed it, and I would happily read a longer version if Phillipa Ashley ever decided to revisit these two.
For such a short piece, the story does a great job of setting up the situation and giving a real sense of place. The early and middle sections are especially strong, drawing you into Sophie’s dilemma and the gentle spark that begins to grow between her and Tom. There is a warmth to their interactions that makes you root for them almost immediately.
My only real complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. Just as the emotional threads were beginning to deepen, everything wrapped up more quickly than I would have liked. There is so much potential in both the characters and the set‑up that I found myself wishing this had been expanded into a full‑length novel, where the relationship could unfold with more time and depth.
Overall, this is a lovely, heartfelt short story with likeable characters and a sweet, hopeful tone. I enjoyed it, and I would happily read a longer version if Phillipa Ashley ever decided to revisit these two.
April 26, 2026
The Distance Between Us by Phillipa Ashley was such a lovely surprise. This was a genuinely sweet, cosy and comforting read that completely charmed me from start to finish. I flew through it in around an hour or two because it was so easy to sink into.
I really enjoyed getting to know Cam and Jenna. Despite the short length, both characters felt authentic and well drawn, which is not always easy to achieve in a novella. Their connection felt natural, warm and believable, and I found myself genuinely invested in where their story would go.
I am not always the biggest romance reader, and short stories can sometimes feel either rushed or underdeveloped for me. This one managed to find the perfect balance. It gave enough emotional depth and plot to feel satisfying, while still keeping that light, breezy feel that makes for such an enjoyable quick read.
It is modern, charming and very easy to read, the sort of story that would be perfect when you want something uplifting and undemanding. I will definitely be looking into more books by Phillipa Ashley after this.
The only reason it is not quite a full five stars for me is that I wanted just a little more time with everything, but for a short-form novella, it came very close.
I really enjoyed getting to know Cam and Jenna. Despite the short length, both characters felt authentic and well drawn, which is not always easy to achieve in a novella. Their connection felt natural, warm and believable, and I found myself genuinely invested in where their story would go.
I am not always the biggest romance reader, and short stories can sometimes feel either rushed or underdeveloped for me. This one managed to find the perfect balance. It gave enough emotional depth and plot to feel satisfying, while still keeping that light, breezy feel that makes for such an enjoyable quick read.
It is modern, charming and very easy to read, the sort of story that would be perfect when you want something uplifting and undemanding. I will definitely be looking into more books by Phillipa Ashley after this.
The only reason it is not quite a full five stars for me is that I wanted just a little more time with everything, but for a short-form novella, it came very close.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews