What do you think?
Rate this book
The Distance Between Us: A Short Story
Not yet published
Expected 1 Mar 26From 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
Expected publication March 1, 2026
53 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
45 books1,197 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rating: 2.0/5
I admire a good short story and the skill involved in telling a properly rounded story, complete with credibly fleshed-out characters within just a hundred pages or so, even if the genre is outside the parameters of my usual preferences. That said - even though I have no doubt that there is a market for this type of thing and that I am equally sure that some people will lap this up - this is far too simplistic and sickly sweet for my taste.
The premise of the story is fine and author, Phillipa Ashley, does indeed succeed in telling a complete tale within the number of pages available - if anything, it felt like the word count was being padded out unnecessarily at times.. However, the characterisation and the relationships between the protagonists (especially between Jenna and Nate) lack any sense of credibility, even after making allowances for dramatic licence.
After all is said and done, this is easily digestible in one sitting, so whether you like it or loathe it, it won't take up too much of your time.
I admire a good short story and the skill involved in telling a properly rounded story, complete with credibly fleshed-out characters within just a hundred pages or so, even if the genre is outside the parameters of my usual preferences. That said - even though I have no doubt that there is a market for this type of thing and that I am equally sure that some people will lap this up - this is far too simplistic and sickly sweet for my taste.
The premise of the story is fine and author, Phillipa Ashley, does indeed succeed in telling a complete tale within the number of pages available - if anything, it felt like the word count was being padded out unnecessarily at times.. However, the characterisation and the relationships between the protagonists (especially between Jenna and Nate) lack any sense of credibility, even after making allowances for dramatic licence.
After all is said and done, this is easily digestible in one sitting, so whether you like it or loathe it, it won't take up too much of your time.
February 5, 2026
The Distance Between Us by Phillipa Ashley
The Distance Between Us by Phillip Ashley is a short story about two people who are fund raisers for charities and live at opposite ends of the country.
They have only either met via zoom or spoken on the phone.
can ‘s girlfriend died three years ago before he ask her to marry him and he gave everything up to work in the Charity sector. Jenna is engaged and is due to marry in October.
Then there is the kilt challenge and the cycle ride in a kilt and then everything changes.
Recommended.
The Distance Between Us by Phillip Ashley is a short story about two people who are fund raisers for charities and live at opposite ends of the country.
They have only either met via zoom or spoken on the phone.
can ‘s girlfriend died three years ago before he ask her to marry him and he gave everything up to work in the Charity sector. Jenna is engaged and is due to marry in October.
Then there is the kilt challenge and the cycle ride in a kilt and then everything changes.
Recommended.
Review of advance copy
Total stars: 4
Amazon First Reads - February
I needed a palette cleanser and this was a perfect easy read. Fully rounded and likeable characters, simple story but executed really well. It also me really want to visit Cornwall and JOG.
For a short story I feel like it covered everything that it needed to and I feel very satisfied.
Amazon First Reads - February
I needed a palette cleanser and this was a perfect easy read. Fully rounded and likeable characters, simple story but executed really well. It also me really want to visit Cornwall and JOG.
For a short story I feel like it covered everything that it needed to and I feel very satisfied.
February 1, 2026
feel good vibes
What a fantastic story I absolutely devoured it in one sitting fully invested in Cam and Jenna’s blossoming relationship and following their journey from John O’groats to Lands End all in aid of charity!
What a fantastic story I absolutely devoured it in one sitting fully invested in Cam and Jenna’s blossoming relationship and following their journey from John O’groats to Lands End all in aid of charity!
February 6, 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable, sweet, short story. Likeable characters and a great storyline based around a charity cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End.
I like a dual POV story so enjoyed following the story from both Cameron in Scotland & Jenna in Cornwall.
I like a dual POV story so enjoyed following the story from both Cameron in Scotland & Jenna in Cornwall.
February 3, 2026
Quick short read of a book heartwarming and enjoyable
February 3, 2026
A lovely short story by one of my favourite authors. Definitely a five star read
Review of advance copy
This is delightfully charming and occasionally very funny.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
a lovely short story, emotional and likeable characters. a heart warming romance
February 5, 2026
Absolutely loved this romantic short story. I whizzed through it.
February 5, 2026
A refreshing read
I found this book very refreshing, a lovely love story. I highly recommend this book it just leaves you feeling happy and contented.
I found this book very refreshing, a lovely love story. I highly recommend this book it just leaves you feeling happy and contented.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews