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A Surprise Christmas Wedding
It’s been a year since Lottie’s fiancé walked out, leaving her heartbroken. But things start to look up when she lands her dream job at a beautiful Lake District estate, with a handsome groundskeeper for a neighbour.
So when Lottie is asked to organise a last minute Christmas wedding at Firholme, she can’t wait to get started. Until she meets the couple, and discovers that Connor, the man who broke her heart, is the groom-to-be.
As snow falls on the hills, can Lottie put aside her past to organise the perfect winter wedding? And will there be any festive magic left to bring Lottie the perfect Christmas she deserves?
So when Lottie is asked to organise a last minute Christmas wedding at Firholme, she can’t wait to get started. Until she meets the couple, and discovers that Connor, the man who broke her heart, is the groom-to-be.
As snow falls on the hills, can Lottie put aside her past to organise the perfect winter wedding? And will there be any festive magic left to bring Lottie the perfect Christmas she deserves?
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2020
210 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
43 books1,187 followersPhillipa 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
September 25, 2021
Guys... This book was such a ride! The author didn't shy away when it comes to put our main character, Lottie, in a difficult situation.
Just imagine working in a wedding residency, having to organize the wedding of an ex who's cuts still hurt? Yeah, that is the fire Phillipa Ashley had put our Lottie in.
Apart from having to suffer along with her, I also had a lovely time reading about the place and of course, all the other characters, and witnessing love development between her and her (new) love interest, in this heartwarming story.
However, this is not just a light read, because it makes you think. It challenges you to consider how would you act, what would you say, what could you forgive, and what would you choose to forget, if you were in the character's shoes.
The writing style was good and easy to follow, and it is obvious how the character has numeorus number of books written previously.
All the Christmas elements present in the story make it appropriate festive read (but if you're like me, you can enyoj it any time of the year).
Overall, a really good book that I would deffinitely recommend.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
Just imagine working in a wedding residency, having to organize the wedding of an ex who's cuts still hurt? Yeah, that is the fire Phillipa Ashley had put our Lottie in.
Apart from having to suffer along with her, I also had a lovely time reading about the place and of course, all the other characters, and witnessing love development between her and her (new) love interest, in this heartwarming story.
However, this is not just a light read, because it makes you think. It challenges you to consider how would you act, what would you say, what could you forgive, and what would you choose to forget, if you were in the character's shoes.
The writing style was good and easy to follow, and it is obvious how the character has numeorus number of books written previously.
All the Christmas elements present in the story make it appropriate festive read (but if you're like me, you can enyoj it any time of the year).
Overall, a really good book that I would deffinitely recommend.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
October 5, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well, I like the promise of the blurb. Sadly, it felt kind of flat for me. I didn't love it, and I didn't hate it. It is just an okay read.
I mean Lottie wasn't really into marrying Connor when he proposed in the first place, so her being so heartbroken when he three days later said he changed his mind is not all that believable. I, as a reader, didn't feel the heartbreak, and I couldn't connect with her. And he is no prince charming at all. So Lottie girl, you saved yourself. She moves on to another place, works as an event planner, and has something something going on with the neighbor Jay. A year later here comes ex and his fiancee, and Lottie is organizing their wedding. Christmas wedding planning ensues, some drama, Lottie being stupid with the ex, and a happy ending with Jay.
This is my first read by this author and I will not shy away from her books in the future. However, this wasn't for me. You all might give it a chance. It is a light, holiday-themed book if you are looking for it.
Well, I like the promise of the blurb. Sadly, it felt kind of flat for me. I didn't love it, and I didn't hate it. It is just an okay read.
I mean Lottie wasn't really into marrying Connor when he proposed in the first place, so her being so heartbroken when he three days later said he changed his mind is not all that believable. I, as a reader, didn't feel the heartbreak, and I couldn't connect with her. And he is no prince charming at all. So Lottie girl, you saved yourself. She moves on to another place, works as an event planner, and has something something going on with the neighbor Jay. A year later here comes ex and his fiancee, and Lottie is organizing their wedding. Christmas wedding planning ensues, some drama, Lottie being stupid with the ex, and a happy ending with Jay.
This is my first read by this author and I will not shy away from her books in the future. However, this wasn't for me. You all might give it a chance. It is a light, holiday-themed book if you are looking for it.
December 10, 2020
My third read from Ashley and she continues to delight, this time with a Christmas offering that is not set by the Cornish coast, but up north in the Lake District. Although there were some more sombre elements to the storyline, I think Ashley handled these appropriately and delicately, so as not to offend nor detract from the Christmas theme.
I really appreciated having a story set up in the Lake District. Having taken numerous family holidays there as a child, the descriptions of the setting really brought back personal memories! In addition, of course this is a place that is used to big dumpings of snow during the winter – what more could you need for a Christmas book? This just added to the cosiness of the plot, especially as the Firholme estate is a little bit remote, just off the beaten track.
I could really picture Lottie, Jay and all the staff at Firholme. Ashley presents such a magical place, especially after the ground-staff have made it even more festive. When Keegan arrives with Connor in tow, demanding to hold her wedding here, I could completely agree with her. It felt like an amazing setting and truly romantic.
The plot develops in a methodical way. It is pretty clear from early on who will become Lottie’s Christmas love. However, as we all know, the path of true love never runs smooth. It was fascinating to see how Lottie would cope in organising her ex-fiance’s wedding, particularly as Connor is very keen to keep their past liaison a secret. Coupled with this, readers learn of the past that has scarred Jay, leaving him with serious trust issues and a particular dislike towards the festive season. It is a recipe for confusion and emotions, and this is what runs throughout the story.
I was really intrigued by the sub-plot of Lottie’s sister. Steph is in remission from cervical cancer and this is something that, naturally, haunts both of them. Connor’s re-appearance back in Lottie’s life also reminds her of Steph’s diagnosis. At the point that we are joining the story, Steph is leading up to her scans to see if the cancer has left. Having seen the devastation of this disease in a close friend, I felt awkward reading about it: dreading to see it glamorised or even glossed over. However, this part of the story does not dominate the narrative and I thought that Ashley’s treatment of it made the characters feel even more real and life-like. I did not feel uncomfortable reading about it, but actually gladdened that the writer had taken such a dismal topic and presented it with a hope that we do not traditionally associate it with.
The progression of this story should delight both fans of Ashley and Christmas! It is an easy, comforting read and I especially liked the family reunion at the end. Ending on hope and happiness, it helped spread a bit of the Christmas cheer that is just that little more tricky to find in 2020.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated having a story set up in the Lake District. Having taken numerous family holidays there as a child, the descriptions of the setting really brought back personal memories! In addition, of course this is a place that is used to big dumpings of snow during the winter – what more could you need for a Christmas book? This just added to the cosiness of the plot, especially as the Firholme estate is a little bit remote, just off the beaten track.
I could really picture Lottie, Jay and all the staff at Firholme. Ashley presents such a magical place, especially after the ground-staff have made it even more festive. When Keegan arrives with Connor in tow, demanding to hold her wedding here, I could completely agree with her. It felt like an amazing setting and truly romantic.
The plot develops in a methodical way. It is pretty clear from early on who will become Lottie’s Christmas love. However, as we all know, the path of true love never runs smooth. It was fascinating to see how Lottie would cope in organising her ex-fiance’s wedding, particularly as Connor is very keen to keep their past liaison a secret. Coupled with this, readers learn of the past that has scarred Jay, leaving him with serious trust issues and a particular dislike towards the festive season. It is a recipe for confusion and emotions, and this is what runs throughout the story.
I was really intrigued by the sub-plot of Lottie’s sister. Steph is in remission from cervical cancer and this is something that, naturally, haunts both of them. Connor’s re-appearance back in Lottie’s life also reminds her of Steph’s diagnosis. At the point that we are joining the story, Steph is leading up to her scans to see if the cancer has left. Having seen the devastation of this disease in a close friend, I felt awkward reading about it: dreading to see it glamorised or even glossed over. However, this part of the story does not dominate the narrative and I thought that Ashley’s treatment of it made the characters feel even more real and life-like. I did not feel uncomfortable reading about it, but actually gladdened that the writer had taken such a dismal topic and presented it with a hope that we do not traditionally associate it with.
The progression of this story should delight both fans of Ashley and Christmas! It is an easy, comforting read and I especially liked the family reunion at the end. Ending on hope and happiness, it helped spread a bit of the Christmas cheer that is just that little more tricky to find in 2020.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2020
A beautifully written book by author Phillipa Ashley, the story had me loving the characters. The story of their lives livened up my day and took me far away from reality. The writing had the power over me to make me feel happy and warm reading it.
The characters were real where both had been hurt and betrayed. It was wonderful to connect with them as it reflected my life in some ways. Seeing them finding hope and gravitate toward each other filled me with joy. When an adorable canine was added to the midst, it was one sweet story that captured my heart completely.
Overall, a wonderful sweet read.
The characters were real where both had been hurt and betrayed. It was wonderful to connect with them as it reflected my life in some ways. Seeing them finding hope and gravitate toward each other filled me with joy. When an adorable canine was added to the midst, it was one sweet story that captured my heart completely.
Overall, a wonderful sweet read.
October 11, 2020
Lottie has moved to Firhomme, a beautiful Lake District estate, to be the events planner. She is determined to start over after a devastating broken engagement the year before. She begins planning an elegant Christmas wedding for a demanding bride, Keegan. Things are going well until the groom arrives, and Lottie finds she is planning a wedding for her ex-fiancé Connor.
This is a good Christmas romance with a likable main character. The behavior of the ex fiancé, Connor, was so over the top it was slightly unbelievable. The story was pleasant, but predictable. I feel a Christmas novel should transport the reader into the Christmas season, no matter what the time of year, and this book met that expectation.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
This is a good Christmas romance with a likable main character. The behavior of the ex fiancé, Connor, was so over the top it was slightly unbelievable. The story was pleasant, but predictable. I feel a Christmas novel should transport the reader into the Christmas season, no matter what the time of year, and this book met that expectation.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
December 7, 2020
Get your PJ's on, make some hot chocolate (with marshmallows), sit in your most comfy chair and enjoy this extremely tender, warm love story, A Surprise Christmas Wedding!
As we meet Lottie who has just started a new job as an event planner in the Lake District, we only know she and her former fiancee broke up the year before leaving her heartbroken. At the same time, Lottie found out her sister, a single mother raising twins discovers she has cancer. As Lottie stepped in to help her ailing sister, she was never really able to process exactly what had gone wrong in her relationship. But now as she is beginning a new job in the village she grew up in, Lottie's excitement for her future grows.
As the Christmas season nears, her boss puts her in charge of planning a last minute Christmas Eve wedding. But when she is finally introduced to the happy couple, she discovers to her horror that the groom is none other than her ex-fiancee Connor. As they both realize this could be a horribly awkward situation, they choose to pretend they don't know each other. Which both angers Lottie and confuses her as to why he ended their relationship but seems eager to marry now.
From there, the story grows into lost love, perhaps new love, and of course everything that could go wrong, going wrong! As Lottie treads carefully with wedding plans for someone other than herself, she finds herself having feelings for her next door neighbor Jay, a man who himself has been hurt by love and is not willing to make another commitment. And with her sister's check-up approaching to see if she is cancer free, Lottie has a great deal on her plate.
As secrets begin to be exposed, and Connor perhaps still having feelings for Lottie and this Christmas Eve wedding occurring during an unexpected snow storm, how will it be possible to pull off the perfect Christmas wedding? Or perhaps the wedding was never meant to be.
If you are looking for a cheerful Christmas story perfect for this time of year, look no further! A Surprise Christmas Wedding by Phillipa Ashley will put you in the holiday spirit!
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins #ASupriseChristmasWedding #PhillipaAshley for the advanced copy.
As we meet Lottie who has just started a new job as an event planner in the Lake District, we only know she and her former fiancee broke up the year before leaving her heartbroken. At the same time, Lottie found out her sister, a single mother raising twins discovers she has cancer. As Lottie stepped in to help her ailing sister, she was never really able to process exactly what had gone wrong in her relationship. But now as she is beginning a new job in the village she grew up in, Lottie's excitement for her future grows.
As the Christmas season nears, her boss puts her in charge of planning a last minute Christmas Eve wedding. But when she is finally introduced to the happy couple, she discovers to her horror that the groom is none other than her ex-fiancee Connor. As they both realize this could be a horribly awkward situation, they choose to pretend they don't know each other. Which both angers Lottie and confuses her as to why he ended their relationship but seems eager to marry now.
From there, the story grows into lost love, perhaps new love, and of course everything that could go wrong, going wrong! As Lottie treads carefully with wedding plans for someone other than herself, she finds herself having feelings for her next door neighbor Jay, a man who himself has been hurt by love and is not willing to make another commitment. And with her sister's check-up approaching to see if she is cancer free, Lottie has a great deal on her plate.
As secrets begin to be exposed, and Connor perhaps still having feelings for Lottie and this Christmas Eve wedding occurring during an unexpected snow storm, how will it be possible to pull off the perfect Christmas wedding? Or perhaps the wedding was never meant to be.
If you are looking for a cheerful Christmas story perfect for this time of year, look no further! A Surprise Christmas Wedding by Phillipa Ashley will put you in the holiday spirit!
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins #ASupriseChristmasWedding #PhillipaAshley for the advanced copy.
January 1, 2021
This sounded like it was going to be a really good story, unfortunately I was never really able to get interested in the story or in the characters. It was an okay read to me. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 22, 2020
Lottie is a hardworking event planner with a great relationship and her career is going great. Her partner Connor just proposed then suddenly 3 days later rescinds and moves out, the day after her sister tells her she has been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Ok this is the prologue to where we start the book basically.
A year later, her sister is hopefully in remission. She's at a new estate as a wedding/event planner closer to her hometown. She also seems to be interested in the new groundskeeper, Jay and the feelings are mutual. They need a wedding before Christmas to get some revenue and in walks her former partner with a gorgeous young woman looking for a venue to get married quickly. Ok back up... what?! Oh they just hit it off after a month have moved in and after 6 months are getting married. But he lived with Lottie for 2 years and just bailed after proposing. (I get that people don't fit but wow proposing after living together for 2 years is not sudden in my thinking.) He seems mortified that Lottie is the wedding planner but doesn't let on that he knows her other than childhood friends. And he just let's the fiancée move ahead with this horrid plan or having his ex plan his wedding. I mean what worse hell could there be for the person broken up with? What will happen once his fiancée finds out who she really is? I am halfway through the book which is usually when I start the reviews and I usually post what I have come up with since I can't tell you how things have resolved, where's the fun in that? Ok and I really can't tell you anything past halfway you have to trust me its worth the read! Man it gets juicy!
Jay seems to have a lot of messy family dynamics as well that are pretty horrible for him. Maybe Lottie and Jay can help each other move on and heal. Also, Jay looks like Jon Snow? Yes please!
Also, Edwardian parties, reindeer, snow, drunken sisters (that would have been me for sure!), and Christmas tree centers to say the least.
Such a delightful, Christmas read!
Thank you net galley and avon books for the arc copy for my honest review.
A year later, her sister is hopefully in remission. She's at a new estate as a wedding/event planner closer to her hometown. She also seems to be interested in the new groundskeeper, Jay and the feelings are mutual. They need a wedding before Christmas to get some revenue and in walks her former partner with a gorgeous young woman looking for a venue to get married quickly. Ok back up... what?! Oh they just hit it off after a month have moved in and after 6 months are getting married. But he lived with Lottie for 2 years and just bailed after proposing. (I get that people don't fit but wow proposing after living together for 2 years is not sudden in my thinking.) He seems mortified that Lottie is the wedding planner but doesn't let on that he knows her other than childhood friends. And he just let's the fiancée move ahead with this horrid plan or having his ex plan his wedding. I mean what worse hell could there be for the person broken up with? What will happen once his fiancée finds out who she really is? I am halfway through the book which is usually when I start the reviews and I usually post what I have come up with since I can't tell you how things have resolved, where's the fun in that? Ok and I really can't tell you anything past halfway you have to trust me its worth the read! Man it gets juicy!
Jay seems to have a lot of messy family dynamics as well that are pretty horrible for him. Maybe Lottie and Jay can help each other move on and heal. Also, Jay looks like Jon Snow? Yes please!
Also, Edwardian parties, reindeer, snow, drunken sisters (that would have been me for sure!), and Christmas tree centers to say the least.
Such a delightful, Christmas read!
Thank you net galley and avon books for the arc copy for my honest review.
January 6, 2021
Lottie has moved to Firhomme estate to be their in-house events planner. It's her chance to continue following her dreams and to start her life over after a broken engagement and broken heart. With a Christmas wedding plan push from her boss Lottie is set to work alongside the estate's newest groundskeeper, a handsome fellow named Jay. Only, the wedding turns out to be for her ex-fiance and his new fiance doesn't know about her. Hoping to keep it a secret, Lottie sets out to plan the perfect holiday wedding, only along the way she falls for Jay, a man who doesn't do secret.
Okay, I will admit right now that I love a good romance full of all the cheesy clichés. Phillipa Ashley's A Surprise Christmas Wedding is one of those books that I could read over and over just like the Hallmark movies that they play for the holidays. It's predictable, but so darn light and enjoyable that you just don't care. I couldn't put this down, I loved the drama, the little love triangle, the wedding planning, and of course the budding romance. Ashley takes it a step further and puts in some somber moments that make the story both realistic and at times over the top. It's totally fun, fast-paced, romantic, and Christmas-y all at once. A hit for me and one I think others will certainly enjoy.
ARC provided.
Okay, I will admit right now that I love a good romance full of all the cheesy clichés. Phillipa Ashley's A Surprise Christmas Wedding is one of those books that I could read over and over just like the Hallmark movies that they play for the holidays. It's predictable, but so darn light and enjoyable that you just don't care. I couldn't put this down, I loved the drama, the little love triangle, the wedding planning, and of course the budding romance. Ashley takes it a step further and puts in some somber moments that make the story both realistic and at times over the top. It's totally fun, fast-paced, romantic, and Christmas-y all at once. A hit for me and one I think others will certainly enjoy.
ARC provided.
November 3, 2020
A Surprise Christmas wedding was an OK read. It was cute where it needed to be but some of the things that happened went a bit too far. Lottie was a likeable character and I liked the mysteriousness of Jay. However, I think my favourite characters were Keegan and Steph with her twins. I wish we dove more into Steph's story. There was true heartbreak there- facing the unfathomable as a single mom with girls. I didn't really feel bad for Lottie's heartbreak moment as she didn't seem like she was very into marrying Connor to begin with. Connor was a total A*****e! Anyways, It was definitely a fast read however it just didn't quite "do it" for me.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2023
I enjoyed this lovely festive read during the run-up to Christmas, and my mum loved reading it last year. Set in the Lake District, this is a contemporary story filled with topics of family, health, heartbreak, forgiveness, love, romance, and wedding planning.
November 1, 2020
I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
A perfectly pleasant romance but I’m sorry, I don’t get all the 4 and 5 star reviews. I feel I have read several other similar books already this year. Romantic breakup, change of scene, new job, return of Ex, possible new Romantic interest, farce and misunderstandings and then a happy ever after. This was an easy read, but it was pedestrian and predictable and in places, rather boring.
Lottie’s fiancé ends it all and a year later she has a new job and finds she has to organise the wedding of the revolting ex- (Connor), just when she thought she had made a new start. Her prospective new boyfriend Jay has his own trauma and tragedy. Everything develops as one might expect and after a farcical interlude, it ends in a happy ever after.
It’s kind of cosy with the occasional whiff of glamour and angst to leaven the doughy like consistency.
It’s well written and perfectly acceptable as a cosy read but I longed for something original, something exciting and a heroine who did not allow her Ex to walk all over her for the majority of the book.
A perfectly pleasant romance but I’m sorry, I don’t get all the 4 and 5 star reviews. I feel I have read several other similar books already this year. Romantic breakup, change of scene, new job, return of Ex, possible new Romantic interest, farce and misunderstandings and then a happy ever after. This was an easy read, but it was pedestrian and predictable and in places, rather boring.
Lottie’s fiancé ends it all and a year later she has a new job and finds she has to organise the wedding of the revolting ex- (Connor), just when she thought she had made a new start. Her prospective new boyfriend Jay has his own trauma and tragedy. Everything develops as one might expect and after a farcical interlude, it ends in a happy ever after.
It’s kind of cosy with the occasional whiff of glamour and angst to leaven the doughy like consistency.
It’s well written and perfectly acceptable as a cosy read but I longed for something original, something exciting and a heroine who did not allow her Ex to walk all over her for the majority of the book.
November 15, 2020
Lottie has taken a new job as an events planner on an estate in the Lake District. She is keen to get their first wedding , successfully organised to get the estate more well known as a wedding venue. She is dismayed to find the groom is her ex fiance, who doesn't want his new fiance to find out.
They need to keep the bride to be happy amidst all her demands.
You really feel for Lottie. I loved the characters- even Keegan (the bride) has her moments.
A lovely festive read.
They need to keep the bride to be happy amidst all her demands.
You really feel for Lottie. I loved the characters- even Keegan (the bride) has her moments.
A lovely festive read.
October 26, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
An OK Christmas romance.
Unfortunately the characters were either a bit weak or a bit over the top spoiling what could have been a relaxing read.
Hence only two stars.
An OK Christmas romance.
Unfortunately the characters were either a bit weak or a bit over the top spoiling what could have been a relaxing read.
Hence only two stars.
November 26, 2020
We all know that sometimes surprises are good - those joyous moments when you meet up with a loved one that you haven’t seen in a while, a party that has been thrown in your honour, or a tasty treat that has ingredients that you weren’t expecting. Sometimes, however, the surprise isn’t quite so joyous. So is the case for Lottie, whose ex-fiancé Connor decides to get married to someone else one year later in the very Lake District estate where Lottie is the event planner.
The job itself is new and this is the first wedding that Lottie will be planning at the estate. Knowing she needs to shine in order to market the venue and impress her boss, she takes Connor’s lead and doesn’t let on that the two have a past. Lottie knows the importance of living each day to the fullest and not looking back. Her sister Steph’s past year has told her this. She’s looking forward now and the good-looking groundskeeper Jay has piqued her interest. Jay also notices Lottie, but has a past that holds him back. The two not only have become co-workers but friends as well. Can they learn to trust one another with their hearts?
I found this lovely book to be very entertaining. The setting of the estate at Christmas is described beautifully - the wedding planning was an added bonus. I loved the theme of moving on after life-changing events: something we all need to consider during this time in our own history. The characters are well developed and likeable. The story is believable and I felt engaged throughout.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Laura Kirman. I enjoyed her performance and found her voice to be articulate and sweet- a great choice for the role of Lottie. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
The job itself is new and this is the first wedding that Lottie will be planning at the estate. Knowing she needs to shine in order to market the venue and impress her boss, she takes Connor’s lead and doesn’t let on that the two have a past. Lottie knows the importance of living each day to the fullest and not looking back. Her sister Steph’s past year has told her this. She’s looking forward now and the good-looking groundskeeper Jay has piqued her interest. Jay also notices Lottie, but has a past that holds him back. The two not only have become co-workers but friends as well. Can they learn to trust one another with their hearts?
I found this lovely book to be very entertaining. The setting of the estate at Christmas is described beautifully - the wedding planning was an added bonus. I loved the theme of moving on after life-changing events: something we all need to consider during this time in our own history. The characters are well developed and likeable. The story is believable and I felt engaged throughout.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Laura Kirman. I enjoyed her performance and found her voice to be articulate and sweet- a great choice for the role of Lottie. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
October 20, 2020
A heartwarming christmas read. Lottie is surprised by an unexpected proposal from her partner and then is devasted three days later when he calls it off and she also discovers her sister is ill. Fast forward one year and in her new job Lottie has to organise her ex's wedding to his new fiance. The story follows her as she arranges the wedding and her new developing relationship with neighbour & co worker Jay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
Bah… j’en avais un peu rien à faire de cette histoire malheureusement 🤷🏼♀️
Attention c’était pas nul, loin de là. C’est un feel good tout douillet, avec des personnages mims et une histoire sans réelle embuscade. Tout se passe trop bien en fait, en quelque sorte… Bon ok il se passe quand même un minimum de trucs mais il n’y a pas vraiment d’obstacles à la romance.
Je n’ai rien contre les feel good mais il me faut un peu plus d’émotion. Peut être que ça plaira aux amateurs du genre cela dit !
J’ai passé un bon moment de lecture tout de même. Je n’ai eu aucun mal à le lire. La romance était douce et chaleureuse avec une atmosphère légère.
C’était pas transcendant mais tout à fait correct.
Je n’en garderai juste pas un souvenir impérissable.
Attention c’était pas nul, loin de là. C’est un feel good tout douillet, avec des personnages mims et une histoire sans réelle embuscade. Tout se passe trop bien en fait, en quelque sorte… Bon ok il se passe quand même un minimum de trucs mais il n’y a pas vraiment d’obstacles à la romance.
Je n’ai rien contre les feel good mais il me faut un peu plus d’émotion. Peut être que ça plaira aux amateurs du genre cela dit !
J’ai passé un bon moment de lecture tout de même. Je n’ai eu aucun mal à le lire. La romance était douce et chaleureuse avec une atmosphère légère.
C’était pas transcendant mais tout à fait correct.
Je n’en garderai juste pas un souvenir impérissable.
October 28, 2020
Lottie works as a wedding and events coordinator in an Edwardian mansion on a huge estate in the Lake District. We join the story as Lottie, and her neighbour /colleague Jay, start to plan the decorations and festivities for the Christmas season.
Lottie loves her job until she discovers that her next clients are none other than her ex and his fiance. She then faces the arduous and awkward task of planning a last minute wedding for a demanding bride.
I absolutely loved this book and kept reading until I got to the end. The setting for this is gorgeous and I could easily picture it from the description of the flora and fauna.
The characters are all likable (with the exception of the ex) including a dog called Trevor and a herd of reindeer named after Robbie Williams and the rest of Take That!
There are some emotional moments as Lottie’s sister has been treated for cervical cancer, but it’s a pleasant easy read at about 4-5 hours, culminating in an emotional, but heartwarming ending.
There are references to Portmellon in Cornwall where more of Phillipa Ashley’s books are set. You can read about those in my post about books set in Cornwall.
Lottie loves her job until she discovers that her next clients are none other than her ex and his fiance. She then faces the arduous and awkward task of planning a last minute wedding for a demanding bride.
I absolutely loved this book and kept reading until I got to the end. The setting for this is gorgeous and I could easily picture it from the description of the flora and fauna.
The characters are all likable (with the exception of the ex) including a dog called Trevor and a herd of reindeer named after Robbie Williams and the rest of Take That!
There are some emotional moments as Lottie’s sister has been treated for cervical cancer, but it’s a pleasant easy read at about 4-5 hours, culminating in an emotional, but heartwarming ending.
There are references to Portmellon in Cornwall where more of Phillipa Ashley’s books are set. You can read about those in my post about books set in Cornwall.
December 7, 2020
3.5 stars: Lottie has moved to Firhomme, a beautiful Lake estate and events venue. She is trying to get over her broken engagement the year before and this is her dream job, to be an events planner at the estate. She is also getting to know the hunky grounds keeper and neighbour, Jay. She has been asked by her boss to plan an amazing and elegant last minute wedding for a demanding bride, Keegan. Lottie is all ready to jump right in, until she discovers the groom is her ex-fiancé Connor. They decide to keep their relationship a secret from Keegan, but you know that is going to cause problems.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lottie and jay. They had both been hurt and had to get over the mistrust they had developed. We learn about Jay's story slowly throughout the story and I felt for him. Connor was not very likeable, and Lottie really dodged a bullet there. Of course the wedding had a lot of glitches that eventually work out in a fairytale way, which I think you will enjoy. All in all, a sweet story, a bit predictable, but a lovely romance where forgiveness and taking a risk come in to play. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laura Kirman. Once I got used to her voice (accent) I enjoyed her performance very much. I recommend this sweet romance to those looking for a light read over this Christmas season. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lottie and jay. They had both been hurt and had to get over the mistrust they had developed. We learn about Jay's story slowly throughout the story and I felt for him. Connor was not very likeable, and Lottie really dodged a bullet there. Of course the wedding had a lot of glitches that eventually work out in a fairytale way, which I think you will enjoy. All in all, a sweet story, a bit predictable, but a lovely romance where forgiveness and taking a risk come in to play. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laura Kirman. Once I got used to her voice (accent) I enjoyed her performance very much. I recommend this sweet romance to those looking for a light read over this Christmas season. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
January 1, 2021
My word this author is just amazing I loved this book from the first page and I didn’t want it to end I do hope she does a follow on. It’s full of moving forward and being happy with the right person and already forgiveness and families with plenty of romance it is just fantastic.
Lottie thought she had her perfect man a year ago as she was due to marry him but he walked out leaving her heartbroken but she moved near her sister and got her dream job on a big estate and her neighbour she feels she’s fallen for and he’s the grounds man. Lottie is asked to organise a big wedding on the estate and she’s so looking forward to it but when Connor turns up with his girlfriend she doesn’t no which way to look. Connor doesn’t want to tell his girlfriend as he thinks it will ruin everything so they both keep it quiet but she’s not happy at doing this. She’s busy organising the wedding and she really is falling for the jay but he’s got issues and doesn’t talk with his brother and has trust issues. Problem is it’s the night before the wedding and Connor turns up on her doorstep saying his girlfriend has found out they use to be together so will everything change will the wedding go ahead can Lottie save the day and she admits she loves jay to so will the perfect Christmas wedding go ahead and with everyone be happy again or not has it gone before them. Will they learn to trust again and be happy ever after.
Lottie thought she had her perfect man a year ago as she was due to marry him but he walked out leaving her heartbroken but she moved near her sister and got her dream job on a big estate and her neighbour she feels she’s fallen for and he’s the grounds man. Lottie is asked to organise a big wedding on the estate and she’s so looking forward to it but when Connor turns up with his girlfriend she doesn’t no which way to look. Connor doesn’t want to tell his girlfriend as he thinks it will ruin everything so they both keep it quiet but she’s not happy at doing this. She’s busy organising the wedding and she really is falling for the jay but he’s got issues and doesn’t talk with his brother and has trust issues. Problem is it’s the night before the wedding and Connor turns up on her doorstep saying his girlfriend has found out they use to be together so will everything change will the wedding go ahead can Lottie save the day and she admits she loves jay to so will the perfect Christmas wedding go ahead and with everyone be happy again or not has it gone before them. Will they learn to trust again and be happy ever after.
November 18, 2020
This was my first Christmas read this year and it certainly gave me a warm glow just like a good festive read should. Set in a rambling estate in the Lake District, A Surprise Christmas Wedding is a beautiful escape from a very troubled world.
Lottie has had a bad year, but now settled in a new job that she loves, she hopes that this Christmas will be a happy one. Last year her fiance left her on the same day that she received devastating family news. She is excited to arrange a last minute Christmas wedding and impress her new boss…until she realises that the groom is Connor, the man who so cruelly broke her heart.
A friendship begins with Jay, the groundsman at Firholme but Lottie can tell that he has unresolved issues and is secretly dreading Christmas. I loved the character of Jay, a quiet man who loves nature and wildlife and can always be found with his devoted dog Trevor by his side.
I enjoyed the second part of the book much more than the first part. With the wedding approaching everything hangs in the balance and even the weather is against them. I think the book highlights the importance of family and friends, old Christmas traditions and that romance can appear when you are least expecting it.
Lottie has had a bad year, but now settled in a new job that she loves, she hopes that this Christmas will be a happy one. Last year her fiance left her on the same day that she received devastating family news. She is excited to arrange a last minute Christmas wedding and impress her new boss…until she realises that the groom is Connor, the man who so cruelly broke her heart.
A friendship begins with Jay, the groundsman at Firholme but Lottie can tell that he has unresolved issues and is secretly dreading Christmas. I loved the character of Jay, a quiet man who loves nature and wildlife and can always be found with his devoted dog Trevor by his side.
I enjoyed the second part of the book much more than the first part. With the wedding approaching everything hangs in the balance and even the weather is against them. I think the book highlights the importance of family and friends, old Christmas traditions and that romance can appear when you are least expecting it.
October 19, 2020
I really loved this book, Lottie has been hurt by her ex but still managed to smile. When her sister is ill too she decided not to tell her sister all the details, I really felt for Lottie having to help her sister and help out with her two young nieces whilst having the heartache of her ex with it. I loved everything about this story, the romance, the snow and of course Christmas. I felt as though Lottie puts everyone first before herself and misses out of things because of it. When she meets Jay I thought this is her chance but Jay has heart ache too. Can they both work out their past and leave it all behind? I wonder if there will be a sequel? A must Christmas read.
October 25, 2020
This plot was pretty muddled for me. The whole mix up with the wedding and secrets was just a bit trite. Also again the romance here seemed to move very quickly from “hello I don’t have any interest in a new relationship” to “omg I love you!” Which just isn’t natural. I feel it needs pointing out again tok that we don’t need comments on weight and calories in these cosy romances. Leave the calories out of it, stop worrying about Christmas cake, just love yourself.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
March 3, 2025
I loved this book, easy to read, festive fun and full of warmth and sparkle. I loved Lottie’s character and wanted to reach out and give her a big hug at times.
Lottie’s friendship with Jay made me feel warm and cosy and the whole way through I knew that each of them deserved their own pure happiness.
I loved each of the characters in this book, maybe not Connor! But that is easy to see why 😂.
I didn’t want this to end tbh and I would probably read it again. Definitely recommend if you want something festive and cute to read. 🥰
Lottie’s friendship with Jay made me feel warm and cosy and the whole way through I knew that each of them deserved their own pure happiness.
I loved each of the characters in this book, maybe not Connor! But that is easy to see why 😂.
I didn’t want this to end tbh and I would probably read it again. Definitely recommend if you want something festive and cute to read. 🥰
October 19, 2020
Such an enjoyable Christmas book. You were transported to the beautiful Lake District by the wonderful detailed descriptions that I have grown to love by this fabulous author.
It was a pleasure to see Lottie and Jay overcome their personal issues and to form a friendship.
I do love a wedding! So it was perfect to have this as part of the story.
I’m now longing to go visit Firholme!
It was a pleasure to see Lottie and Jay overcome their personal issues and to form a friendship.
I do love a wedding! So it was perfect to have this as part of the story.
I’m now longing to go visit Firholme!
December 29, 2020
I find with Phillipa Ashley books that recently I seem to really enjoy every second book that she publishes and the book proceeding it just to be ok. This new Christmas book A Surprise Christmas Wedding falls solidly into the first camp. I knew from the first few chapters that I was really going to enjoy this story and I really did, it’s packed full of all things Christmas and the story waiting to be told between the fabulous cover was a joy to read. It’s a nice, relaxing, quick and easy read with a good solid storyline with romance, some problems and twists and turns within all centred around the run up to Christmas Day. The blurb says 'will there be any festive magic left to bring our main character Lottie the perfect Christmas she deserves?' Well I couldn’t wait to find out and judging from the first few chapters that grabbed my attention I knew I was in for a very good read and one that is ideal for this time of year.
Lottie works an event organiser for a hotel and is dating Connor. They come to Porthmellow in Cornwall, a setting readers will be familiar with from Phillipa’s last few books, for a get away and before she knows it Lottie has accepted a proposal from Connor. Lottie envisages a long term future and a family as Connor is full of charm, energy and determined to go for what he wants. On arrival home to the village of Langmere Lottie believes her future to be secure and a happy one but her dreams are shattered when Connor walks in the door from a business trip and says he wants to call the whole thing off and that his proposal was a mistake that he couldn’t face a lifetime of commitment. Lottie is distraught and heartbroken and can’t fathom the abrupt change of mind. The rug has certainly been swept out from under her. Fast forward to a year later and Lottie has a new job at the Firholme estate near Langemere. She is living on site and her boss Shayla is determined to make the estate a success as she bought it when it was about to go bankrupt.
Lottie, has been through the mill in the past year and you can tell she is still bruised and hurting but she always puts her best foot forward especially when it comes to her family. Her parents are away living in New Zealand and her sister Steph and her twin girls only had Lottie for help when the darkest hour struck. Despite her own trauma and problems which she kept secret from her family, yes they knew Connor and herself split up but as for specifics she didn’t make those clear to anyone, Lottie has battled on and been there for those that needed her. In that way I thought she was so selfless and caring in particular with relation to Steph’s storyline. To be honest this storyline hit a bit too close for home for me so I skim read bits where it was mentioned. But not in any way because it was badly written or shouldn’t have been there just that in the frame of my mind I was in whilst reading I didn’t feel able to contemplate what she had been through. I pushed this aspect of the plot aside and focused on Lottie and how she was going to face the challenge to turn the estate into a must visit destination for events and weddings.
The new job for Lottie meant that she could leave old associations behind and have something to take her mind off her heartache and worries but she doesn’t bet on Jay, the new estate manager and her new neighbour, throwing a spanner in her plans to get her life and the estate back on track. She wanted smooth sailing but Jay was a challenge she didn’t see coming. You could feel the sparks between the pair when they first meet but Jay doesn’t reveal much about himself and more often than not he came across as abrupt, standoffish and sometimes rude. He was good at his job but was a closed book when it came to his personal life and the fact he didn’t really want to mix or interact with people outside of what was required with his job really wasn’t a good sign. I was desperate to know what made him this way, I knew he was drawn to Lottie. Their circumstances were different but they were both scarred and unwilling to let anyone pierce the shell around them. I hoped that with time and being forced to work together to pull off the surprise wedding of the year that Lottie would breakdown Jay’s barriers and he in turn would let her and they might both find some love and happiness in the process. She wondered was she able to judge his feelings at all given her disastrous experience with Connor? As really the reader could tell they were perfect for each other from the outset. But the will they/won’t they and the twists and turns was great to read about.
With Christmas being in the title I was hoping for lots of mentions of that special time of year that would help me feel more festive and thankfully there were. The estate sounded magical with reindeer, Santa’s grotto, the Christmas tree centre and not to mention the magnificent decorations in the big house. Langmere, itself and the surrounding areas were brilliantly described and with the cold weather and Christmas approaching it all added to the atmosphere not to mention the frantic preparations for what was one of the major points of the book.
Lottie wants to prove to Shayla that she is good at her job and that she can turns things around on the estate. One big successful event is all that is needed to do this. But Lottie certainly doesn’t count on a face from her recent past being the event that everyone relies on to secure the estates future. I thought it was so clever and would set the cat among the pigeons when Connor was reintroduced. It threw Lottie off kilter in that on one hand she wanted to pull off this big event but on the other she wanted to give Connor a piece of her mind and tell him where to shove his wedding to Keegan.
Lottie deserved nothing but admiration for the way she handled the entire situation, she put her job and the future of the estate before her own needs whereas I would have had it straight out with Connor. I couldn’t fathom at all how he had found a new woman so quickly and gone back on everything he had said to Lottie. I would have told him where to go and exactly what I thought of him and his behaviour. Instead Lottie becomes caught up in a web of lies that becomes very tangled. I don’t know how she kept things secret or forged ahead with wedding preparations and the endless demands from Keegan in such a short space of time. You wondered would the house of cards all come tumbling down and all the secrets, lies and some much needed truths would come out into the open? Would Lottie and Jay solve their own personal problems and find the security and happiness they both secretly craved? Would the surprise Christmas wedding be a success or an utter flop? Well I kept eagerly reading to find out and I know anyone who picks up this delightful book will do the exact same.
Lottie works an event organiser for a hotel and is dating Connor. They come to Porthmellow in Cornwall, a setting readers will be familiar with from Phillipa’s last few books, for a get away and before she knows it Lottie has accepted a proposal from Connor. Lottie envisages a long term future and a family as Connor is full of charm, energy and determined to go for what he wants. On arrival home to the village of Langmere Lottie believes her future to be secure and a happy one but her dreams are shattered when Connor walks in the door from a business trip and says he wants to call the whole thing off and that his proposal was a mistake that he couldn’t face a lifetime of commitment. Lottie is distraught and heartbroken and can’t fathom the abrupt change of mind. The rug has certainly been swept out from under her. Fast forward to a year later and Lottie has a new job at the Firholme estate near Langemere. She is living on site and her boss Shayla is determined to make the estate a success as she bought it when it was about to go bankrupt.
Lottie, has been through the mill in the past year and you can tell she is still bruised and hurting but she always puts her best foot forward especially when it comes to her family. Her parents are away living in New Zealand and her sister Steph and her twin girls only had Lottie for help when the darkest hour struck. Despite her own trauma and problems which she kept secret from her family, yes they knew Connor and herself split up but as for specifics she didn’t make those clear to anyone, Lottie has battled on and been there for those that needed her. In that way I thought she was so selfless and caring in particular with relation to Steph’s storyline. To be honest this storyline hit a bit too close for home for me so I skim read bits where it was mentioned. But not in any way because it was badly written or shouldn’t have been there just that in the frame of my mind I was in whilst reading I didn’t feel able to contemplate what she had been through. I pushed this aspect of the plot aside and focused on Lottie and how she was going to face the challenge to turn the estate into a must visit destination for events and weddings.
The new job for Lottie meant that she could leave old associations behind and have something to take her mind off her heartache and worries but she doesn’t bet on Jay, the new estate manager and her new neighbour, throwing a spanner in her plans to get her life and the estate back on track. She wanted smooth sailing but Jay was a challenge she didn’t see coming. You could feel the sparks between the pair when they first meet but Jay doesn’t reveal much about himself and more often than not he came across as abrupt, standoffish and sometimes rude. He was good at his job but was a closed book when it came to his personal life and the fact he didn’t really want to mix or interact with people outside of what was required with his job really wasn’t a good sign. I was desperate to know what made him this way, I knew he was drawn to Lottie. Their circumstances were different but they were both scarred and unwilling to let anyone pierce the shell around them. I hoped that with time and being forced to work together to pull off the surprise wedding of the year that Lottie would breakdown Jay’s barriers and he in turn would let her and they might both find some love and happiness in the process. She wondered was she able to judge his feelings at all given her disastrous experience with Connor? As really the reader could tell they were perfect for each other from the outset. But the will they/won’t they and the twists and turns was great to read about.
With Christmas being in the title I was hoping for lots of mentions of that special time of year that would help me feel more festive and thankfully there were. The estate sounded magical with reindeer, Santa’s grotto, the Christmas tree centre and not to mention the magnificent decorations in the big house. Langmere, itself and the surrounding areas were brilliantly described and with the cold weather and Christmas approaching it all added to the atmosphere not to mention the frantic preparations for what was one of the major points of the book.
Lottie wants to prove to Shayla that she is good at her job and that she can turns things around on the estate. One big successful event is all that is needed to do this. But Lottie certainly doesn’t count on a face from her recent past being the event that everyone relies on to secure the estates future. I thought it was so clever and would set the cat among the pigeons when Connor was reintroduced. It threw Lottie off kilter in that on one hand she wanted to pull off this big event but on the other she wanted to give Connor a piece of her mind and tell him where to shove his wedding to Keegan.
Lottie deserved nothing but admiration for the way she handled the entire situation, she put her job and the future of the estate before her own needs whereas I would have had it straight out with Connor. I couldn’t fathom at all how he had found a new woman so quickly and gone back on everything he had said to Lottie. I would have told him where to go and exactly what I thought of him and his behaviour. Instead Lottie becomes caught up in a web of lies that becomes very tangled. I don’t know how she kept things secret or forged ahead with wedding preparations and the endless demands from Keegan in such a short space of time. You wondered would the house of cards all come tumbling down and all the secrets, lies and some much needed truths would come out into the open? Would Lottie and Jay solve their own personal problems and find the security and happiness they both secretly craved? Would the surprise Christmas wedding be a success or an utter flop? Well I kept eagerly reading to find out and I know anyone who picks up this delightful book will do the exact same.
December 26, 2020
A Christmas tree sales centre and plenty of snow.
Christmas is fast approaching and I don't seem to be much in the spirit; time to read (listen to) a Christmas novel. A Surprise Christmas Wedding comes complete with a blizzard and the sale of Christmas trees and was full of Christmas spirit, but the story fell a bit flat for me.
Lottie is bowled over by an unexpected marriage proposal by her boyfriend, Connor, while on a romantic trip away, but he seems to have changed his mind a week later and promptly moves out. She is understandably devastated and shocked. On the rebound, she moves to a new job as wedding coordinator in the Lake District hotel of Fairhome. Here she meets the handsome Jay, a shy forester with trust issues. Things are slowly moving in the right direction, when her ex turns up with a prospective bride, less than a year form the disastrous end to their relationship. They decide they aren't going to let on that they have a history together and things turn predictably farcical from then on.
Connor is a 'piece of work' and I was hoping he'd get dumped by his new bride, but the hotel is being run by Lottie's friend and so we are willing the ceremony to go ahead. The relationship with Jay is predictably affected by Lottie's behaviour. Meanwhile there is a concern for Lottie's sister who has been undergoing cancer treatment and her twin daughters are just adorable.
Overall, this was well narrated by Laura Kirman, full of the atmosphere of Christmas but a bit predictable and irritating as a narrative. Perfect for lovers of Chick Lit.
3.5 stars.
Christmas is fast approaching and I don't seem to be much in the spirit; time to read (listen to) a Christmas novel. A Surprise Christmas Wedding comes complete with a blizzard and the sale of Christmas trees and was full of Christmas spirit, but the story fell a bit flat for me.
Lottie is bowled over by an unexpected marriage proposal by her boyfriend, Connor, while on a romantic trip away, but he seems to have changed his mind a week later and promptly moves out. She is understandably devastated and shocked. On the rebound, she moves to a new job as wedding coordinator in the Lake District hotel of Fairhome. Here she meets the handsome Jay, a shy forester with trust issues. Things are slowly moving in the right direction, when her ex turns up with a prospective bride, less than a year form the disastrous end to their relationship. They decide they aren't going to let on that they have a history together and things turn predictably farcical from then on.
Connor is a 'piece of work' and I was hoping he'd get dumped by his new bride, but the hotel is being run by Lottie's friend and so we are willing the ceremony to go ahead. The relationship with Jay is predictably affected by Lottie's behaviour. Meanwhile there is a concern for Lottie's sister who has been undergoing cancer treatment and her twin daughters are just adorable.
Overall, this was well narrated by Laura Kirman, full of the atmosphere of Christmas but a bit predictable and irritating as a narrative. Perfect for lovers of Chick Lit.
3.5 stars.
November 14, 2020
Wondering what happened to Jon Snow after Game of Thrones? Surprise! As expected, he moved up to a colder place and became a Christmas tree farmer. All jokes aside, our male protagonist resembles Jon Snow in numerous ways, and I do not mind it at all. But, let's jump into a short synopsis and then to my humble opinion.
The whole story starts with a very awkward proposal, and I mean YIKES. Will our main character, Lottie say yes or no, and when she says yes, why does she say it at all? Fast-forward a bit, Lottie is now working as a wedding-event manager at a local hotel, and her life starts going in a very surprising direction when she has to organise a wedding for her ex. Double YIKES. Lottie's eyes, fortunately, land on her neighbour and colleague (Jon Snow), and their romance kicks of with...well, I guess with a red squirrel. No more spoilers, I promise.
It was a lovely experience getting to watch two people evolve slowly. Our two protagonists didn't go through the cliche, love-at-first-sight kind of thing. They were slightly shy, but always timidly flirtatious. It all took a very natural course and was a pleasure to follow. The build-up pays off, I promise.
The banter between the characters are marvelous. It's the kind of dialogue you would expect to have in real life, none of that dialogue meant only for books. This felt amazingly real, but rest assured, nonetheless magical. The characters didn't push each other, but they made each other better people along the way. I loved them both, as they were so kind, funny, but also patient with each other.
I am delighted to have read this hopeful, fun Christmas book. I truly enjoyed the way the author managed to keep the atmosphere so light, even though we dealt with themes of family relationships, love relationships, and dealing with the past in different ways. It wasn't all candy and roses, and it wasn't all dark and gloomy. There was this natural balance between the good and the bad in every situation, which made the characters and situations feel SO REAL.
As far as pacing is concerned, it was just right. Not too slow, not too fast.
The writer found a way to make the plot interesting, but not overdo it and insert unnecessary events, twists, and drama to keep your attention on the book. My eyes were glued to the page, and when I had to put the book down due to real life, I was itching to get back to it.
Who would love it? Everyone who loves Christmas stories, a fun plot, exes stumbling back into your life announced, new love, sister relationships, and of course, a beautiful, snowy wedding.
The whole story starts with a very awkward proposal, and I mean YIKES. Will our main character, Lottie say yes or no, and when she says yes, why does she say it at all? Fast-forward a bit, Lottie is now working as a wedding-event manager at a local hotel, and her life starts going in a very surprising direction when she has to organise a wedding for her ex. Double YIKES. Lottie's eyes, fortunately, land on her neighbour and colleague (Jon Snow), and their romance kicks of with...well, I guess with a red squirrel. No more spoilers, I promise.
It was a lovely experience getting to watch two people evolve slowly. Our two protagonists didn't go through the cliche, love-at-first-sight kind of thing. They were slightly shy, but always timidly flirtatious. It all took a very natural course and was a pleasure to follow. The build-up pays off, I promise.
The banter between the characters are marvelous. It's the kind of dialogue you would expect to have in real life, none of that dialogue meant only for books. This felt amazingly real, but rest assured, nonetheless magical. The characters didn't push each other, but they made each other better people along the way. I loved them both, as they were so kind, funny, but also patient with each other.
I am delighted to have read this hopeful, fun Christmas book. I truly enjoyed the way the author managed to keep the atmosphere so light, even though we dealt with themes of family relationships, love relationships, and dealing with the past in different ways. It wasn't all candy and roses, and it wasn't all dark and gloomy. There was this natural balance between the good and the bad in every situation, which made the characters and situations feel SO REAL.
As far as pacing is concerned, it was just right. Not too slow, not too fast.
The writer found a way to make the plot interesting, but not overdo it and insert unnecessary events, twists, and drama to keep your attention on the book. My eyes were glued to the page, and when I had to put the book down due to real life, I was itching to get back to it.
Who would love it? Everyone who loves Christmas stories, a fun plot, exes stumbling back into your life announced, new love, sister relationships, and of course, a beautiful, snowy wedding.
January 8, 2021
I read this book over the Christmas week, and although I wasn’t blown away, it was an enjoyable holiday read that was a great backdrop to the Christmas season.
I found Lottie, the main character, a bit frustrating. She reminded me a little of Jane Austen’s Emma; likeable but sometimes you just want to give her a good talking to. She got herself into a few situations that could have been avoided, if only she communicated with the people around her.
Jay, the love interest, was similar, and I felt like I was constantly rooting for the two of them to actually talk to each other and straighten out the problems they were having, and I found I couldn’t really connect to their romance. He also had occasional point of view chapters, but I did feel these were a little unnecessary and his backstory (which was actually really interesting) something we could have learned later through Lottie.
Lottie’s sister Steph was my favourite though, I loved her witty sense of humour and sarcastic comments. She brought most of the humour to the book, and I would have happily read a novel from her point of view.
I have never been to the Lake District, but you could really picture it through Phillipa’s writing, and it sounds like a really wonderful place to go. Over the Christmas period I had watched a couple of shows about stately homes getting ready for the festive season. Lottie both lives and works in a stately home, and Phillipa’s writing really captured the essence of what it takes to keep visitors coming to the house throughout that time (despite the weather).
I found the plot a little too slow at first, it was meandering, and felt like it wasn’t going anywhere. However I did really enjoy reading the secondary plot of Steph’s recovery from cervical cancer, it was heart wrenching and sad, but it added another layer to this book that I was grateful for, giving it a more depth. It did feel a little like the plot was mostly concentrated in the end of the book, but I did enjoy all of the twists and turns we received once we got there. Some of the twists surprised me, but ultimately the end was a little predictable.
I did really enjoy how spectacularly awkward some of the situations in this book were. It was a little Bridget Jones, with Lottie’s (very recent) ex turning up and asking her to plan his wedding to his new fiancé. It was so awkward and I loved it. However I was hoping for her ex to get what he deserved, especially for how he treated Lottie, and I was left sorely disappointed.
I found Lottie, the main character, a bit frustrating. She reminded me a little of Jane Austen’s Emma; likeable but sometimes you just want to give her a good talking to. She got herself into a few situations that could have been avoided, if only she communicated with the people around her.
Jay, the love interest, was similar, and I felt like I was constantly rooting for the two of them to actually talk to each other and straighten out the problems they were having, and I found I couldn’t really connect to their romance. He also had occasional point of view chapters, but I did feel these were a little unnecessary and his backstory (which was actually really interesting) something we could have learned later through Lottie.
Lottie’s sister Steph was my favourite though, I loved her witty sense of humour and sarcastic comments. She brought most of the humour to the book, and I would have happily read a novel from her point of view.
I have never been to the Lake District, but you could really picture it through Phillipa’s writing, and it sounds like a really wonderful place to go. Over the Christmas period I had watched a couple of shows about stately homes getting ready for the festive season. Lottie both lives and works in a stately home, and Phillipa’s writing really captured the essence of what it takes to keep visitors coming to the house throughout that time (despite the weather).
I found the plot a little too slow at first, it was meandering, and felt like it wasn’t going anywhere. However I did really enjoy reading the secondary plot of Steph’s recovery from cervical cancer, it was heart wrenching and sad, but it added another layer to this book that I was grateful for, giving it a more depth. It did feel a little like the plot was mostly concentrated in the end of the book, but I did enjoy all of the twists and turns we received once we got there. Some of the twists surprised me, but ultimately the end was a little predictable.
I did really enjoy how spectacularly awkward some of the situations in this book were. It was a little Bridget Jones, with Lottie’s (very recent) ex turning up and asking her to plan his wedding to his new fiancé. It was so awkward and I loved it. However I was hoping for her ex to get what he deserved, especially for how he treated Lottie, and I was left sorely disappointed.
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