The Distance Between Us

by Phillipa Ashley

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.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Short Stories, Contemporary, Friendship, Novella

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2026

About the author

Phillipa 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.

Reviews

[selly rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!

[Joanna Donaldson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely short story by a favourite author of mine

[Amanda]

Adorable and cozy. Love

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Debbieafranklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Another great book from Phillipa Ashley, loved how unique and heartfelt the story was.

[Bayleigh Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Ooohhh cute!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

[Fiona Widd · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Laura Prindable · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tulip_OnTheTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

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." 😂

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 😌😌

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little cliche and very british! This was short n sweet, I liked it :)

[Dani Brooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

v cosy and cutesy

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet romance!

[Lucy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute fun short story!

[Book Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tori Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[The Cookster · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[L A King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Distance Between Us is a beautifully written, emotionally engaging story that stays with you long after you’ve finished. It captures the complexity of relationships, growth, and connection in a way that feels both heartfelt and authentic. The characters are relatable and well developed, and their journey is filled with moments that are tender, thought‑provoking, and genuinely moving.

What really stands out is how the story balances emotion with hope. It explores distance—not just physical, but emotional—in a realistic way, making the message feel meaningful rather than forced. The pacing is smooth, the writing is engaging, and every chapter (or scene) adds depth to the overall experience.

This is a story that makes you reflect, smile, and sometimes ache, all at once. I couldn’t put it down and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartfelt, character‑driven stories. Truly deserving of five stars

[Bethany Stephens-Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Distance Between Us was...fine.

I read this for book club bingo to fill the prompt "novella" and picked this because it is highly rated on Kindle Unlimited. I went in to this knowing I probably wouldn't love it because I'm not really a fan of short stories.

I could pretty much see the whole plot coming from the first page, which is exactly why I usually avoid novellas. They feel too fast and too easy, and wrap up before you really get the chance to care about the characters and the plot. That said, of the few short stories I have read, this was probably one of the better ones.

For me, I think it would have been more enjoyable if more time was spent on Cameron's journey, so the pacing felt a bit off for me because of that.

It is very Hallmark, which is not my thing at all, but I can see why others might enjoy it. It was simple, sweet, and predictable, but I couldn’t help wishing there was a bit more depth along the way.

[Shradha Shreya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d describe it as a sweet, comforting read. I can see why it holds a high rating, the warmth and simplicity it offers are quite appealing. What stood out to me most was how naturally it lets you experience Jenna and Cam’s lives...their conversations, especially the calls, feel soothing, particularly if you’re seeking a bit of emotional comfort yourself. The supporting characters are also thoughtfully written, and their names feel perfectly aligned with their personalities, which adds to the immersion. That said, the storyline felt somewhat predictable from the very beginning (perhaps a drawback of shorter books). I also found myself expecting a deeper sharing of their struggles toward the end, which didn’t quite happen. Even so, the book leaves you with a positive impression and gives you space to think a little beyond what’s written. I didn’t go in with high expectations, so overall, it turned out to be a fairly pleasant read for me.

[Kay (PhoenixArisen) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to read this through Amazon First Reads.

This is a feel-good and sweet short story that focuses on Cam and Jenna. The chemistry between them is believable and well written and they're both awesome characters overall. The charity ideas and challenges they run are all for a good cause and I found myself rooting for them to get together in the end. I just think that Jenna's fiance is a bit pretentious and he just wanted to change Jenna into someone that she isn't.

The bike ride that Cam did was interesting to read, especially the challenges he faced along with the unexpected accident at the end. I have no idea why, but I can see this story honestly being adapted into a film, which I would pay money to see. I do want a much longer story in the future featuring Cam and Jenna and how their relationship is going.

[Sarah Truckell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. 4 stars for this short story. Jenna lives in Cornwall working for a company who set up challenges for those wishing to adventure from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Cameron is Jenna’s colleague in Scotland overseeing that end of the challenge. The two message and video call regularly but have never met and a great friendship has developed. One of the challenges looks destined not to happen so Cameron steps in to cycle the route himself. As he sets out events in Jenna’s life make her question her life and future with fiancé Nate. Will Cameron complete the bike ride and get to meet Jenna? A lovely feelgood romance story.

[Meg Napier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Distance Between Us is a lovely short story that provides everything a lovely short story should: interesting, sympathetic characters, an engaging plot (will Cameron manage to complete the grueling 1000 mile plus bike trek?) and a sweet happy ending. It even sent me researching the journey for myself and wondering if I'd ever want to try traveling from John o' Groats to Land's End, where apparently there are sign posts just as described in the story. I enjoyed the narration and look forward to discovering Phillipa Ashley’s backlist. I’m grateful to NetGalley for a review copy of the audiobook.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

„The distance between us“ is a cute short story following Jenna and Cameron - two work colleagues - who have built a friendship via continuous video meetings… will it lead to more? A lovely modern day romcom.

Having listened to the audiobook I have to say that I enjoyed this quick story, even though I have to say that it felt rushed in some places and long in others. It has been narrated by Emma Heap and Angus Yellowlees, who did an amazing job. Lovely voices, great accents and just the right reading speed.

I’d recommend it to anyone who likes quick reads and romcoms with a lovely setting.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing, NetGalley and Phillipa Ashley for this ARC!

[Denise Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story involves Jenna and Cameron, whose jobs involve them coordinating ‘end-to-end’ challenges for those who want to make the journey from Lands End to John O Groats. With one based in Cornwall and the other in Scotland, their contact is via video call.

Predictably, they fall in love, but distance and other relationships mean they cannot be together... or does it?

I knew before starting that this was a short story, therefore there wouldn’t be time or space to explore each character’s feelings and personality in depth or for there to be many twists and turns, but I still found it a bit too simplistic.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about Cam and Jenna, who co-ordinate challenges between Land’s End and John O’Groats. An epic bike ride called the ‘Kilt Challenge’ is about to take place and Cam and Jenna are eager to do their bit. A sweet little story about the growing love and long distance relationship between two people. It’s an easy and gentle read which only took me about a day to finish it. I’ve never read a book by Philippa Ashley before so it was a nice introduction to her work.