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Life on the Moors #5

A Christmas Wedding at the Castle

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Do you believe in fate? Livvie Weatherill does…

This time last year, if anyone had told Livvie Weatherill she’d have fallen in love and would be making plans for her Christmas wedding to Zander Gillespie, she would have laughed in their face. If they’d gone on to say they’d be planning to have their wedding at the imposing Danskelfe Castle, she’d have laughed even louder!

But it would seem fate had plans for her…

Since moving to the pretty moorland village of Lytell Stangdale Livvie is happier than she’s ever been. She’s living with Zander and she’s working at her dream job as a wedding dress designer at Romantique with her friends, Kitty and Violet. It’s fair to say, she’s enjoying immersing herself in village life, from romantic walks in the countryside, to meeting friends at the quaint Sunne Inne. And she can’t think of anything better than rounding off the day cosying up with Zander.

Life is sweet.

Her blossoming friendship with Freda Easton, the endearing but reclusive elderly lady who lives down the lane, has taken everyone by surprise. But Freda has a secret and, in a turn of events no one could predict, she finds herself grateful for Livvie’s fierce loyalty, cementing their friendship further.

Just when things seem to be running smoothly, a face from the past arrives on the doorstep casting a shadow over Livvie’s wedding plans. Adding to the drama, an icy blast of Arctic air brings heavy snowfall to the village, covering the moors in a thick blanket of snow.

Is their love strong enough to withstand the challenges thrown at them? Will they get their magical Christmas wedding?

Join Livvie and Zander – and all the usual characters – for a sparkling Christmas full of love and laughter in Lytell Stangdale.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

246 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Eliza J. Scott

16 books96 followers
Eliza writes heartwarming romance stories with happy endings.

She lives in North Yorkshire with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write stories that will make you cry tears of joy, laughter and sadness.

You can find out more or get in touch here:

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/elizajscot...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizajscott/

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5 stars
1,239 (70%)
4 stars
375 (21%)
3 stars
102 (5%)
2 stars
21 (1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Berit☀️✨ .
2,095 reviews15.7k followers
November 28, 2020
A castle, Christmas, and a wedding dress. Eliza J. Scott swept me away to Lytell Stangdale with her festive storytelling. Last Christmas Miss Scott introduced us to Livvie and Zander, this Christmas she is inviting us to their wedding. It was fun getting reacquainted with this couple along with multiple other residence of this charming village. But not going to lie I was most excited to see Alf the dog again. Livvie is excitedly planning her wedding, so thrilled to have it at the local castle. But Zander is acting strangely and she is beginning to think he’s hiding something from her. But Zander is not the only person with secrets. Frita The village recluse who has become more friendly with Livvie has a story to tell. Secrets... wedding plans... a hen do... a tiara... cheeky beef... chocolate...

this book was so much fun! I just love all these characters! Even though the story is set at Christmas time it really was friendship heavy and Christmas light. I love the camaraderie and support between the females in this book. I would have loved to join them at this hen do/bachelorette party, the theme was right in my wheelhouse. also really liked the little bit of mystery in the book and how that all played out. this was another delightful installment in the series and I cannot wait to visit Lytell Stangdale again.

this book in emojis 🐶 👰🏻‍♀️ 🍫 🍷 ❄️

*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,305 reviews1,779 followers
December 5, 2020
Favorite Quotes:

I’m absolutely starving; I could eat a scabby horse between two mattresses!

I know it’s a shock, but I can’t help thinking the worst thing to come out of this is having Lady Davinia as your sister-in-law. She’s got a face pinched tighter than a cat’s bum.

Precariously, Livvie stepped out of her lacy knickers and flung them flamboyantly behind her where they landed on Alf’s head. The Labrador yelped in shock and ran off to watch proceedings from a safe distance.


My Review:

This was a fun and delightfully cheeky read packed with eventful and lively storylines laced with witty banter, irreverent humor, and riotously amusing scenarios that kept me smirking and giggle-snorting in mirth. I adore this sassy group of tight-knit and supportive friends who enjoyed a good chinwag, wore deely-boppers to hen night, and frequently dropped comical quips about various topics ranging from serious family issues to carpet burgers. My favorite threads involved a drunken striptease and the long-overdue dressing down of the vile and snooty Lady D. Personally, I live for such moments. I am looking forward to my next trip to this peculiar little village, which appears to be populated with the most oddly alluring characters.
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,277 reviews149 followers
December 2, 2020

Here we are back at the small village of Lytell Stangdale where we will meet again the humorous and entertaining group of villagers.

Eliza J. Scott made me feel a part of this village with her sweet, charming wording.
I’ve really enjoyed this novel, even if I would have liked to get a little more of the festive atmosphere.

A Christmas Wedding At The Castle tells us how Livvie and Zander are planning their wedding, from the proposal to the hen party to the search of the perfect location.
Will Livvie marry her prince at the beautiful Danskelfe castle? Or will she have to be content marring her lover at the cute church of the village?

This is like a full length epilogue of Livvie and Zander’s love story. If you are curious to see how their happily ever after is going after A Christmas Kiss ended you have to read this book. And if you haven’t read the previous book do not worry because the author has put some hints so you can easily follow.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,757 reviews136 followers
November 18, 2020
Oh my goodness what a fabulous festive fiction read this was and also brilliant to be back in Lytell Stangdale. The author focuses on Livvie and Zander, but don’t worry the rest of the gang are still here. I mean a hen do without the girls just wouldn’t be right!

I live these stories from life around Lytell Stangdale. I always feel like I am sitting down to catch up with the locals and the stories. Not only do I get to find out about Livvie and Zanders wedding, I also get to discover some secrets as well. Why exactly does Freda keep to herself for example and what is the full story.

This is a gorgeously written story that has once again transported me to the Yorkshire moors and the village community of this series. Yes you can read these as stand aliens but you would be missing out I some wonderful tales and relationships.

One thing I do find is that the dynamics between the characters of a so realistic. As I read the conversations I can also visualise the characters sat there with the obligatory cup of tea or glass of Prosecco . Chatting and laughing as good friends but very much there when needed.

This is another wonderful read and the author has left some tantalising steps for future stories. This is heartwarming, humorous and just a gorgeous read that I would definitely recommend.


Profile Image for Els .
2,276 reviews52 followers
November 30, 2020
Reading the next instalment of one of your favourite series is always something you look forward to and when the author decided to add a wedding to the mix it certainly is a bonus for a wedding lover like me.

I had been waiting for this one to arrive in to my mail box. Not that I did not have other books to read in the meantime but the book addicts will understand the feeling 😉

The timing could not have been more perfect. Just as I was finishing a book, this one landed in my mail box meaning that I could start devouring it straight away.

Ahhh bliss… It felt like getting comfy in your favourite sofa with a cup of tea and a (few) biscuits. Seeing the trusted characters again and being introduced to new (some not always so nice) ones is great.

Love, trust and friends are key words. No only in this story but in every situation. When you know that someone has your back, it’s easier to conquer the world.

I loved the book and I have the feeling there is more to come. At least I strongly hope so. 5 stars

Thank you, Eliza J Scott and Rachel's Random Resources.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,049 reviews
December 9, 2020
This is book #5 in the Life on the Moors series. Whilst part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book. I love this series and have read all the previous books. It’s wonderful to be back in the little Yorkshire village of Lytell Stangdale, particularly when there’s Christmas and a wedding on the horizon! In the previous book we met Zander and Livvie, and followed the story of how they met! This book carries on that story with a wedding on the cards! I loved the two characters in the previous book, and that love (theirs and mine!) continued throughout this one. It’s a very festive read, with fabulous picturesque images of the snowy Yorkshire Moors, and this, for me, adds to the delight of the storyline!

Zander and Livvie’s stories are complimented by the other characters in the book, which if you have read the previous books you’ll already know. Kitty, Violet and Molly are great characters and it was lovely to see them again helping prepare Livvie for the wedding! The beauty of this group of friends is that you feel like you’ve known them forever! I really wanted to be joining them for their pamper session, sharing the bottles of Prosecco that were on offer! I also loved the addition of Freda’s story, particularly with the revelation of her secret, and thought that hers and Livvie’s relationship was especially moving.

The wedding, of course, is the main theme running through the story, but weddings never run smoothly in these books, despite all of the planning that goes into them! This book was no exception and some faces from the past turn up to threaten Livvie’s happy ever after. I had everything crossed that the wedding would go ahead as Livvie and Zander are obviously meant to be together. The author did a fabulous job of keeping me in suspense and in between all the fun and laughs, there were tender and emotional moments which had me reaching for the tissues. Of course, the review wouldn’t be right without a mention for Alf, Livvie’s dog!! How does a four-legged friend steal the show…I don’t know, but he does!! I love Alf and his antics kept me giggling throughout!

As what I’ve come to expect from this author, we are treated to a sheer delight of a book, full of love, life and laughter! The story is heart-warming and light-hearted, and is absolutely perfect for snuggling down with on a cold winter’s day! I would definitely recommend not just this book, but the whole series! Wonderful!!
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,884 reviews136 followers
December 3, 2020
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

What a heartwarming, delightful festive read this novel is - I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to the fabulous North Yorkshire Moors and the remote village of Lytell Stangdale with its fantastic mix of characters whose antics always bring a smile to my face! Having said that, I believe you don't need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this - but be warned, it is such a great read I suspect you'll want to read them, too!

Livvie and Zander met last Christmas and are planning to marry just before Christmas. Get ready for plenty of laughter and drama as the two endeavour to plan their dream wedding, much to the chagrin of Livvie's Mum and sister. There are new friendships, including a very special one with the reclusive Freda Easton who eventually reveals some surprising information about her past and family. There are charismatic canine friends, terrible, threatening twists from an ex-partner, a wonderful wedding venue, fun friends, a charming community but shocking snowy weather causing potential chaos before any wedding can take place!

This is a brilliant read, full of humour, fun and lots of incidents which just go to prove that Livvie really is right to believe in fate! The village characters are superbly portrayed, they feel like folks you could actually meet and some of the text innuendoes and misunderstood acronyms all add to the enjoyment of this fantastic festive read. It is a story filled with love, friendship and dreams that also shows that kindness really can have its own rewards. I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone looking for a fun, festive romance or two in a delightful, close knit community.
Profile Image for Claire.
208 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2021
A Christmas Wedding at the Castle is the fifth book in the Life on the Moors series and it was absolutely wonderful to be back in Lytell Stangdale and be back with the lovely gang who throughout all the books we feel so much part of their wonderful tight knit group in their incredible village. I was so excited to find more out about Livvie and Zander after we read about them in the last book, and it was also lovely to be introduced to new characters too.

The descriptions of the areas, the stunning Yorkshire scenery, the smells are incredible. They really bring the book to life and you can imagine everything from the scent of the flowers in the garden to the wonderful food being cooked in the kitchen! I found the comprehensive and intricate details and descriptions added so much to the book.

Grab your hat (and tissues!) and attend the best wedding you have ever been to! The wedding at Danskelfe Castle was just pure magic! Livvie and Zander are just the perfect couple and I hope in future books we find out much more about the next stage in their lives together. Alf is just the most fun Labrador ever! Everybody needs an Alf in their lives! Alf had me in stitches so many times when reading the book - the perfect companion. Livvie's relationship with Freda was just so lovely and emphasises how important it is to keep an eye on your neighbours and check in with them when you can. What Livvie and her family and friends did for Freda was absolutely heartwarming and made such a difference to her life and future.

Sit down with a pot of tea and cake and enjoy this wonderful next instalment in the Life on the Moors series! Although I totally recommend you read all of Eliza J Scott's fabulous books, A Christmas Wedding at the Castle can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
725 reviews34 followers
December 2, 2020
A Wedding and Christmas are a perfect combination! It's even better when we go to Lytell Stangdale to celebrate. If you're not familiar with this little corner of Yorkshire don't despair as this novel is standalone. However, if you're interested in how Livvie and Zander met, read where it all began in "A Christmas Kiss".

Much has happened since Livvie and Zander met a year ago and now they are getting married. The pending marriage brings alive the joys of the preparations and some unfortunate snags along the way. Emotions are high, as disappointments and secrets are exposed. Additionally, someone from the past tries to spoil everything.

I admit it; Zander Gillespie is my favourite character in The Life on the Moors series. He's adorable, but flawed as he and Livvie prepare for their wedding. What happens?… you'll just have to read and discover, as his past comes back to haunt him, causing tensions.

Action-packed, there's plenty going on within the Yorkshire Moors community as familiar faces appear to aid the preparations. Thanks to Zander's faithful Labrador, Alf, his four-legged companion manages to steal many scenes creating humour too. The effect is a cosy, nostalgic reunion with friends within the tightknit community.

Overall, fans will heartily enjoy returning to many recognisable landmarks as another couple find a happily ever after against a stunning Yorkshire backdrop.

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
December 4, 2020
Returning to Lytell Stangdale was like being welcomed back into the heart of a well-loved community. The small village and the quirky but comforting characters are like a huge fluffy blanket, enveloping the reader and bringing them into the fold.
It’s been a year since Livvie and Zander found love with each other and things are still going strong. A wedding is in the works and it promises to be stunning. But why is Zander acting out of character? Will the wedding go ahead or is Livvie about to get her heart broken again?
This novel is all about relationships and what better backdrop for that than Christmas and wedding preparation. First there’s the romantic relation ship between Livvie and Zander and the tension Zander’s new behaviour is causing. Then there’s different friendships. First of all, Livvie makes friend with Freda, an older and reclusive lady with a mysterious background. Then in the run up to the wedding we see Livvie’s friends really come through to support her and send her one the way to married life.
This is such a cosy and heart-warming festive novel to brighten the dullest of days. Grab yourself a hot beverage and take a trip to Lytell Stangdale.
42 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
I just get get enough of this series, the characters their lives their work and how they interact with each other I've loved the whole series I've literally read them back to back, this is very unusual for me as before lockdown I'd never picked up a book in over 15 years . Eliza J Scott books well addictive is all I can say you get so drawn in your actually living among them but this one ahhhh Christmas and a wedding what more could we want than to curl up with a hot cup of chocolate on the sofa with a blanket and drift away to the life on the Moors just magical
Profile Image for Tiziana Langone.
862 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2020
Will having the wedding of your dreams be possible?
 
Last year Livvie Weatherill had the biggest changes in her life. She would have never imagined that her holiday would result in falling in love with Zander Gillespie and this year she would be planning her own wedding and the option of getting married at Danskelfe Castle would be the icing on the cake!
Also her living in the village of Lytell Stangdale is going for the best as she now is living her dream of being a wedding dress designer, together with her friends Kitty and Violet.
She enjoys her new life and is making new friendships, especially with Freda Easton.
But when things are going too smoothly, it’s a certainty that something bad will happen. and for Livvie and Zander it’s not just one thing that will jeopardize their wedding.
Is their love strong enough to overcome this nightmare?
 
I was so happy to read more of this beautiful couple again. Their love is just too sweet and too cute for words. The way they are just made for each other, I wish I could find such a love myself!
And they are just the perfect little family, together with Labrador Alf. Even all the mischief Alf is in, is covered with the cloak of love.
 
The start of the story is the happily ever after of the previous book, but instead of staying on that cloud of happiness, events are taking place that makes Livvie question everything.
Livvie wants to have the perfect wedding with the perfect man, but she quickly realizes that to have the wedding at the Castle, it will cost.
I felt sorry for Livvie her decision, because I truly cared about Livvie and I wished she could have everything she desires.
 
And when someone of the past appears, and it involves Zander, I got terrified for a moment, thinking that it would be the end of it all, and hearts would be broken all over the place! I just hoped that right decisions would be made and that our beloved couple would find a way to overcome this! 

But the person that really got my heart broken, was Freda…
Initially she seems like this strange character, I even saw her as a kind of an old good witch, living on her own, and being mocked for her being not what people see as “normal”.
But when the truth came out, oh it was terrible! What happened in her past was truly an injustice and the way she still carries that burden, it left me speechless.
Yet here we see again what an amazing person Livvie is, as she opens her home and heart for Freda and how she is also struggling with the injustice.
 
Another moment I wished I could knock some sense in some people and give Livvie a big hug, was whenever Livvie her mother and sister appears in the story. Talking about selfish people!!! 
Luckily Livvie can truly count on the love of her stepmother Rhoda! This shows that the love of a mother can come also from people that are not blood related.
 
But now I am talking only about negative things that are taking place in the story, but I LOVED reading about the dynamics between Livvie and Zander, I laughed with Alf, I smiled over the friendships. 
This was a beautiful story, about family, friendships that can be found in the strangest places, secrets of the past being discovered, but most importantly, about love. 
I enjoyed reading it all, even with all the heart – break it caused me!
Profile Image for Lucy Mitchell.
Author 5 books51 followers
February 18, 2021
Great read!

I loved this book and am now going to go read the others in the series. Even though I have come into this series late I still really enjoyed this book. Eliza J Scott creates some lovable and relatable characters and the setting in the moors is fabulous. Lovely Christmas romance with all the tingles too. A great read!
Profile Image for Jane Watson.
646 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2021
Aww, this was such a sweet book! I had read the one before this quite some time ago, but it was nice to revisit the characters and it was a lovely story. The characters are well done and empathetic and the story moves along smoothly and easily, with enough pace to keep you going. Might go and try and read the books that run before this one although they can be read as individuals.
600 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2022
A Christmas Wedding at the Castle

This book has been outstanding to read. I have loved every chapter. I thoroughly recommend this series by Eliza J Scott. I will be reading them until the end. Beautiful stories to read, written well, the adventures the love and heartwarming good things that happen in them are so happy making I cannot put my Kindle down. Thank you Eliza xx
95 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
Another great story

I'm really loving this series of books. I got a little irritated at the beginning when the proposal wasn't the same as in the previous book (lack of continuity bugs me!) but I got over it. The sub story involving Freda was intriguing and the result so pleasing. I adored the wedding scenes too.
21 reviews
December 31, 2020
Another great read

Really enjoyed the whole series and will be watching for the next one, whenever that may be. You really feel like you get to know the characters and each main character has been my favourite, until I read the next book. Definitely recommend.
208 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2021
Beautifully written

These characters are so well written that you feel as if you know them well. They are friendly and normal. The whole story comes together in a wonderfully natural way. The only thing I was unsure of was Bryony being in Australia, last book she moved to London!
Profile Image for michelle Simons.
808 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2022
Like a warm hug

I have been looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint. I read it in almost one go and it was a very fulfilling couple of hours. A definite Christmas hit.
1 review
June 19, 2025
Brilliant

I love this series of Eliza's books. Not too "mushy" with love. Not too many details of bedroom antics. Just lovely stories with plenty of background information so the series is easy reading 📚 thank you Eliza J Scott
Profile Image for Pat Langhelt.
1,108 reviews14 followers
December 22, 2020
What a fantastic Christmas story wedding, lots of surprises which I didn't see. Lots of lol moments Livvie and Zanders story is great.
11 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2021
What a great ending

I have read the whole series and this rounded off the intertwined stories to perfection. Would love more in series
1 review
December 28, 2021
A lovely cost read

A lovely heart warming story, of love and friendship. Felt like the kind of place you would love to live.
66 reviews
January 10, 2022
Book 5 in the series. Great easy, cheesy read with a few twists along the way. Nice to hear about more of the villages characters. Found some areas a bit frustrating, but over all good.
12 reviews
January 21, 2023
A good read with a story showing how true friendship can bring an outsider into a friendly village
1 review
January 26, 2023
Great read

Super story.Well written. Did not want to put it down.Many a late night reading just one more chapter.Really enjoyed.Tablet cannot count
228 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2023
Great

As always a fab story with great characters, the perfect winter curl up with a hot chocolate book!
Looking forward to the next one.
41 reviews
April 24, 2023
Romance in Abundance

This book was recommended to me and I was delighted to read it. Lovely romance without being sludge. Well done Eliza
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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