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Christmas in Chamonix
Life has gone downhill for Lily Jackson...
When a romantic plan goes drastically wrong, Lily decides it's time for a change. She leaves her London life behind for a hotel job in Chamonix, promising snow-capped mountains and a lot of Christmas spirit.
As Lily settles in, she comes face to face with memories she'd rather forget. But when handsome ski instructor Luc reveals he hates Christmas, Lily is determined to uncover why and to prove just how magical Christmas can be.
Can Lily find love in Chamonix, or is she on the slippery slope to disappointment?
When a romantic plan goes drastically wrong, Lily decides it's time for a change. She leaves her London life behind for a hotel job in Chamonix, promising snow-capped mountains and a lot of Christmas spirit.
As Lily settles in, she comes face to face with memories she'd rather forget. But when handsome ski instructor Luc reveals he hates Christmas, Lily is determined to uncover why and to prove just how magical Christmas can be.
Can Lily find love in Chamonix, or is she on the slippery slope to disappointment?
319 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
42 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 25, 2019
Jingle bells, are ringing, sleigh bells are a tingling, the snow is rapidly falling. The fire is roaring and the romance is heating up. Come and join this winter wonderland on the ski slopes of chamomix. Meet fun new characters and get swept away with the romance of the season.
October 23, 2019
Oh how good is it to see Sasha Wagstaff writing books again, it had been far too long as since I last saw a release from her, well apart from the one earlier this year which I haven't quite read yet!!
And I'm delighted to say I still love this author as much as I have always done. From the moment that Lily took a chance and went outside of her comfort zone and took a job in Chamonix I was utterly hooked.
I loved all the descriptions of the town, of the snow, of how to ski, Sylvan's in depth descriptions of the food he was making, and all the people we meet there. I felt as though I was there alongside Lily, as she meets the Devereux family, the gorgeous Luc, and starts to face her fear of heights.
All of this because she admits her feelings to her long time good friend, Jamie, only to then discover he has been in a relationship with her sister for a few months. So Lily decides to not keep on at her job that was starting to suck the life out of her and take the biggest break from her routine in years, and move to France for a bit, all without knowing how to ski.
Everything was just so snowy, and cozy and exhilarating, and i really did love this ski resort. I think I was even dreaming about it after reading before bed. Definitely woke up thinking I'd been skiing (that may explain why I'm tired!).
I loved the main characters, seeing how Lily developed, seeing Luc's endless patience with her and seeing his hidden depths. And seeing all manner of other snippets of info. about the other people working in the hotel.
I completely fell for this story and adored it. I do love a snowy winter / Christmas book, set in a ski resort and this was a fabulous story in that field (slope?!). Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this and I can't wait to read more from this author that I love so much.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And I'm delighted to say I still love this author as much as I have always done. From the moment that Lily took a chance and went outside of her comfort zone and took a job in Chamonix I was utterly hooked.
I loved all the descriptions of the town, of the snow, of how to ski, Sylvan's in depth descriptions of the food he was making, and all the people we meet there. I felt as though I was there alongside Lily, as she meets the Devereux family, the gorgeous Luc, and starts to face her fear of heights.
All of this because she admits her feelings to her long time good friend, Jamie, only to then discover he has been in a relationship with her sister for a few months. So Lily decides to not keep on at her job that was starting to suck the life out of her and take the biggest break from her routine in years, and move to France for a bit, all without knowing how to ski.
Everything was just so snowy, and cozy and exhilarating, and i really did love this ski resort. I think I was even dreaming about it after reading before bed. Definitely woke up thinking I'd been skiing (that may explain why I'm tired!).
I loved the main characters, seeing how Lily developed, seeing Luc's endless patience with her and seeing his hidden depths. And seeing all manner of other snippets of info. about the other people working in the hotel.
I completely fell for this story and adored it. I do love a snowy winter / Christmas book, set in a ski resort and this was a fabulous story in that field (slope?!). Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this and I can't wait to read more from this author that I love so much.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 12, 2022
This was a delightful escape
Great characters and development
Great characters and development
December 21, 2023
My first time reading this author and for the majority of the book found it to be just OK, bordering on the less than bright and shiny aspects of Christmas I look for in my reading this time of year. I didn’t feel much of a connection to Lily for most of the book. I couldn’t understand what she saw in Jamie. Her constant pining over this tool for most of the book started to get old but then she pours salt into the wound by jumping to all sorts of conclusions about Luc without even talking to him about it. It takes her to just about the very end of the book for them to resolve their concerns. Add to that her paralyzing fear of heights and emotional trauma about her father contributing to her reluctance to ski but then deciding to take a job at a ski resort where everybody’s favorite pastime is you guessed it…skiing left me with my eyes rolled up into my head so far that I thought I was going to have to make a trip to the hospital to have them fixed.
Enough of this negativity, let’s discuss what I did enjoy. I thought Luc was a wonderful character and the fact that he was even available to the wishy-washy Lily was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. He hates Christmas and with good reason as he is carrying his own trauma that really got me right in the feels. I enjoyed how Lily wants to help him learn to love Christmas again and when he surprises her in return, I got a little teary eyed.
The descriptive setting of Chamonix was simply breathtaking. Sasha Wagstaff did an excellent job of bringing this community to life and though you will never catch me on a pair of skis, I would love to be there sitting in a cushy chair in front of a roaring fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate or whiskey laced eggnog and a keeper shelf book in my hands.
The supporting characters also brought a lot of interesting moments to the story as well. Some of these characters, like Elodie, turned out to be quite different than I was expecting. Lily’s best friend, Imogen, was a delight and I thought Lily was very fortunate to have her. I also was quite surprised that I liked Lily’s sister, Ivy, as much as I did. Having your sister start dating the man you have been harboring feelings for could create a lot of animosity in their relationship, but I was glad to see that Lily wanted her sister to be happy and Ivy wasn’t the type to rub it in Lily’s nose when she finds out about Lily’s feelings.
My Final Verdict: Though I found Lily’s indecisiveness annoying, this story was quite heartwarming and a good addition to add to your Christmas reading this year. Readers who enjoy skiing will enjoy the snow-covered slopes and the mindfulness the author gives to this sport. If you’re like me and prefer to enjoy the snow from the comfort of the ski lodge, this story will also appeal.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Christmas in Chamonix from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Enough of this negativity, let’s discuss what I did enjoy. I thought Luc was a wonderful character and the fact that he was even available to the wishy-washy Lily was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. He hates Christmas and with good reason as he is carrying his own trauma that really got me right in the feels. I enjoyed how Lily wants to help him learn to love Christmas again and when he surprises her in return, I got a little teary eyed.
The descriptive setting of Chamonix was simply breathtaking. Sasha Wagstaff did an excellent job of bringing this community to life and though you will never catch me on a pair of skis, I would love to be there sitting in a cushy chair in front of a roaring fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate or whiskey laced eggnog and a keeper shelf book in my hands.
The supporting characters also brought a lot of interesting moments to the story as well. Some of these characters, like Elodie, turned out to be quite different than I was expecting. Lily’s best friend, Imogen, was a delight and I thought Lily was very fortunate to have her. I also was quite surprised that I liked Lily’s sister, Ivy, as much as I did. Having your sister start dating the man you have been harboring feelings for could create a lot of animosity in their relationship, but I was glad to see that Lily wanted her sister to be happy and Ivy wasn’t the type to rub it in Lily’s nose when she finds out about Lily’s feelings.
My Final Verdict: Though I found Lily’s indecisiveness annoying, this story was quite heartwarming and a good addition to add to your Christmas reading this year. Readers who enjoy skiing will enjoy the snow-covered slopes and the mindfulness the author gives to this sport. If you’re like me and prefer to enjoy the snow from the comfort of the ski lodge, this story will also appeal.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Christmas in Chamonix from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2020
I absolutely adored this book and was just what I needed to help bring a bit of Christmas cheer in these strange times.
Whilst we are used to the cold weather in England, we don’t get that much snow of which always adds to the festive feels. The story being set in Chamonix, which being high up, has plenty of snow and I enjoyed envisioning the hotel and the ski slopes. Although I have to say that Lily is a braver woman than me. You would not get me on a set of ski’s! Then again with the help of the gorgeous Luc, I could be swayed.
I couldn’t help but envy Lily with the opportunity of working and living abroad. Living in with her best friend and weekly staff night outs. Even the 5.30 am starts didn’t put me off! Not everything is rosy though with Lily struggling to forget about Jamie as well as a fellow work colleague who seems to have it in for her. I loved seeing the growing friendship between Lily and Luc and it certainly made my heart melt and give my heart a little flutter.
Christmas in Chamonix is a fabulously festive story that was both uplifting and heart-warming. The author’s writing style was so easy to get into and I ended up binge reading it in one afternoon. It was so easy to shut the real world outside and snuggle up on the sofa and lose myself into this book. My first book by the author and will certainly be looking out for more from her in the future.
Whilst we are used to the cold weather in England, we don’t get that much snow of which always adds to the festive feels. The story being set in Chamonix, which being high up, has plenty of snow and I enjoyed envisioning the hotel and the ski slopes. Although I have to say that Lily is a braver woman than me. You would not get me on a set of ski’s! Then again with the help of the gorgeous Luc, I could be swayed.
I couldn’t help but envy Lily with the opportunity of working and living abroad. Living in with her best friend and weekly staff night outs. Even the 5.30 am starts didn’t put me off! Not everything is rosy though with Lily struggling to forget about Jamie as well as a fellow work colleague who seems to have it in for her. I loved seeing the growing friendship between Lily and Luc and it certainly made my heart melt and give my heart a little flutter.
Christmas in Chamonix is a fabulously festive story that was both uplifting and heart-warming. The author’s writing style was so easy to get into and I ended up binge reading it in one afternoon. It was so easy to shut the real world outside and snuggle up on the sofa and lose myself into this book. My first book by the author and will certainly be looking out for more from her in the future.
December 3, 2019
Bored in her job and reeling from the revelation that the best friend she’s developed romantic feelings for is dating her beloved sister, the offer of a job in swanky Swiss ski resort Chamonix is a lifeline for Lily. Soon she’s caught up in the world of après-ski and chalet staff intrigues, a new potential love interest in sexy ski instructor Luc appears on the scene, and Lily has to try and sort out her complicated feelings… all while trying not to break her neck as she learns to ski and conquer her crippling fear of heights.
This is a fun glimpse into a racy, privileged world - yes, Lily and most of those she’s interacting with are the staff rather than the guests at the hotel in Chamonix, but they’re still living a very glamorous life. I have to admit there were several times I thought Lily was very immature and naive. For a woman supposedly in her thirties, she acted like a teenager a lot of the time, especially with her crush on Jamie and her failure to see him as he really was.
As a romance, the biggest flaw here is that there’s too much exposition before it gets started. Luc isn’t even introduced until about 30% of the way into the book; up until that point I actually thought Jamie was the romance end game, and indeed it’s not made clear that it’s Luc until way too late on. We really didn’t need to see all Lily’s angst about moving to Chamonix; the book should have started a whole lot later on with the reason for her big move being revealed as backstory.
There are some really good parts to this story; Chamonix is beautifully brought to life by the author’s descriptions, Lily’s heights phobia and Luc’s loss of a family member and associated grief were realistically and sensitively handled. I do think it needed a firm content editor to cut the exposition at the beginning and centre the romance in the story more firmly, but I did enjoy the read. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources.
This is a fun glimpse into a racy, privileged world - yes, Lily and most of those she’s interacting with are the staff rather than the guests at the hotel in Chamonix, but they’re still living a very glamorous life. I have to admit there were several times I thought Lily was very immature and naive. For a woman supposedly in her thirties, she acted like a teenager a lot of the time, especially with her crush on Jamie and her failure to see him as he really was.
As a romance, the biggest flaw here is that there’s too much exposition before it gets started. Luc isn’t even introduced until about 30% of the way into the book; up until that point I actually thought Jamie was the romance end game, and indeed it’s not made clear that it’s Luc until way too late on. We really didn’t need to see all Lily’s angst about moving to Chamonix; the book should have started a whole lot later on with the reason for her big move being revealed as backstory.
There are some really good parts to this story; Chamonix is beautifully brought to life by the author’s descriptions, Lily’s heights phobia and Luc’s loss of a family member and associated grief were realistically and sensitively handled. I do think it needed a firm content editor to cut the exposition at the beginning and centre the romance in the story more firmly, but I did enjoy the read. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Rachel’s Random Resources.
January 28, 2021
Considering I got this book out of a bargain bin, I was so surprised with how funny and enjoyable it was! If you’re looking for a fun holiday romance, definitely add this to the list (although, heads up, I did find the ending sort of flopped).
October 4, 2019
Loved this gorgeous Christmas book, it would make a brilliant Hallmark movie!
Brilliant characters and an interesting story that kept me entertained and enthralled throughout.
Fun and sometimes emotional, it has everything that you would wish in a romcom book.
Brilliant characters and an interesting story that kept me entertained and enthralled throughout.
Fun and sometimes emotional, it has everything that you would wish in a romcom book.
March 29, 2020
Poor Lily, stuck in a rut at work and living a romance that exists only in her head. To begin with she came across as a bit of a dreamer, however as soon as she struggled onto skis for the first time, I connected with her. As someone who came to skiing late in life and was about as un-natural at it as it’s possible to be, I felt her fear, her confusion about finding herself in this strange ski-lovers world and her sense of achievement when she began to master the basics thanks to patient instructor Luc. A new beginning in Chamonix was just what she needed, and I couldn’t help but want her to find happiness in her work and love life, but I also enjoyed a good laugh at some of the situations she found herself in along the way.
This book has a lot going on with mini plots to follow alongside Lily’s journey of getting to grips with her past. From the story of her sister’s new romance, to the mysterious undercurrents behind the scenes at the Devereux family boutique hotel, and not forgetting trying to ignite the Christmas spirit in her knight in shining armour on the ski slopes. All this plus Chamonix in winter, the magic of the snow-covered mountains, comforting hot chocolate, delicious melted cheese and a heartfelt family Christmas celebration in France - what's not to love!
This book is a lovely Christmas getaway with tears, laughter, Christmas cheer and French mountain comfort food to make your stomach rumble as you read.
This book has a lot going on with mini plots to follow alongside Lily’s journey of getting to grips with her past. From the story of her sister’s new romance, to the mysterious undercurrents behind the scenes at the Devereux family boutique hotel, and not forgetting trying to ignite the Christmas spirit in her knight in shining armour on the ski slopes. All this plus Chamonix in winter, the magic of the snow-covered mountains, comforting hot chocolate, delicious melted cheese and a heartfelt family Christmas celebration in France - what's not to love!
This book is a lovely Christmas getaway with tears, laughter, Christmas cheer and French mountain comfort food to make your stomach rumble as you read.
December 20, 2021
This light, bright festive read has been the loveliest book to read this season.
Christmas in Chamonix is set in the picturesque alpine village, just north of Mount Blanc. It’s a place I’ve visited many times and I absolutely love its charm and absolutely stunning scenery so revisiting the iconic sites through this story was just the best!
When a romantic plan backfires, our protagonist Lily seeks a fresh start from her London life. Her best friend Imogen makes her a proposal for a job to join her out in the French Alps and for Lily, it appears to be the perfect opportunity.
With fab, witty writing, this book had me smiling the whole way through. A quick, page turning read with lots of humour, friendships and romance (with its fair share of mouthwatering pastries, desserts and cheese fondues 😋)
I did find this story a little bit predictable but hey, it was a sweet, feel good read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 🌟 from me!
Christmas in Chamonix is set in the picturesque alpine village, just north of Mount Blanc. It’s a place I’ve visited many times and I absolutely love its charm and absolutely stunning scenery so revisiting the iconic sites through this story was just the best!
When a romantic plan backfires, our protagonist Lily seeks a fresh start from her London life. Her best friend Imogen makes her a proposal for a job to join her out in the French Alps and for Lily, it appears to be the perfect opportunity.
With fab, witty writing, this book had me smiling the whole way through. A quick, page turning read with lots of humour, friendships and romance (with its fair share of mouthwatering pastries, desserts and cheese fondues 😋)
I did find this story a little bit predictable but hey, it was a sweet, feel good read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 4 🌟 from me!
February 20, 2020
This is a fabulously festive story with skiing, snowy mountains and delicious food. We have two strong, interesting and attractive lead characters in Lily and Luc. The setting in Chamonix is beautifully described. You can feel the chill in the air and smell the scents and hear the sounds of a busy resort.
There’s added depth to the novel with the fact that it’s more than romance. Lily faces real fears and learns to overcome them, something that is never easy. She has to deal with a huge disappointment too, but she’s courageous, resourceful and determined. She develops before our eyes as the story progresses.
There’s lots that fun in the novel. Lily loves Christmas, but Luc doesn’t so there’s some interesting tension there. Luc is another very rounded and deep character. He’s charming, patient and he too develops along the way.
The pace is steady and the plot captivating, tantalising and ultimately very satisfying.
This is a super Christmassy, uplifting and romantic book to while away the hours until Father Christmas comes down your chimney.
There’s added depth to the novel with the fact that it’s more than romance. Lily faces real fears and learns to overcome them, something that is never easy. She has to deal with a huge disappointment too, but she’s courageous, resourceful and determined. She develops before our eyes as the story progresses.
There’s lots that fun in the novel. Lily loves Christmas, but Luc doesn’t so there’s some interesting tension there. Luc is another very rounded and deep character. He’s charming, patient and he too develops along the way.
The pace is steady and the plot captivating, tantalising and ultimately very satisfying.
This is a super Christmassy, uplifting and romantic book to while away the hours until Father Christmas comes down your chimney.
June 20, 2020
When Lily realises that she is in love with her best friend, Jamie, she finds out that he is already dating someone else....... her sister! Desperate to escape she takes a job with her best friend Imogen working in a hotel in Chamonix, she starts to learn to ski being taught by the gorgeous Luc..... can he help her forget Jamie or has someone else already got claims on him!
A great warm lighthearted story, I love the fun style of this writer and there are great comedy moments as well as lots of great characters. Perfect book for curling up in front of a fire
A great warm lighthearted story, I love the fun style of this writer and there are great comedy moments as well as lots of great characters. Perfect book for curling up in front of a fire
September 2, 2023
A cozy read that had me wanting a warm mug of mulled wine; hold the skiing.
Lily has just gone through a rough romantic patch, and when the offer to work with her best friend in Chamonix comes up, it’s a no-brainer for her.
It was refreshing to read a book about a woman who genuinely loves her job, and also finding out how people can be when we remove our rose-coloured glasses.
A great buy, and a book I’m sure I will read each holiday season for the story and the beautiful scenery descriptions.
Lily has just gone through a rough romantic patch, and when the offer to work with her best friend in Chamonix comes up, it’s a no-brainer for her.
It was refreshing to read a book about a woman who genuinely loves her job, and also finding out how people can be when we remove our rose-coloured glasses.
A great buy, and a book I’m sure I will read each holiday season for the story and the beautiful scenery descriptions.
January 10, 2021
Very good read, especially if you're a skier lol
This book made me smile all the way through. Did have a few was moments but altogether a real feel good book. I don't usually read romances but glad I read this one. It was true to life unlike some that are pure mush. I recommend this book to those who don't like all that fluffy gushing stuff.
This book made me smile all the way through. Did have a few was moments but altogether a real feel good book. I don't usually read romances but glad I read this one. It was true to life unlike some that are pure mush. I recommend this book to those who don't like all that fluffy gushing stuff.
December 13, 2020
Nice lightweight and fluffy RomCom - thoroughly enjoyable but probably fairly forgettable.
I worry for the viability of the hotel; all those staff members doing so little work with so few guests! But all in all, and as a lover of skiing, France and the mountains, I would recommend this.
I worry for the viability of the hotel; all those staff members doing so little work with so few guests! But all in all, and as a lover of skiing, France and the mountains, I would recommend this.
December 20, 2020
“Christmas in Chamonix...what could be more perfect than that?”
Because Christmas vacations are meant to be fluffy. Mountains and snow, breath-taking views, fondue and cider...where the good guys win and there’s a happy ending...even with not being a skier, this was worth it.
Because Christmas vacations are meant to be fluffy. Mountains and snow, breath-taking views, fondue and cider...where the good guys win and there’s a happy ending...even with not being a skier, this was worth it.
January 21, 2022
A very enjoyable read. I really liked the characters and the story hooked me into the location and even skiing. I always wanted to check out a ski resort town even though I don't ski, and Lily followed through with it.
July 10, 2020
Flipping Hallmark Adorable.
When life does not go her way Lily sets off on a new adventure.
When life does not go her way Lily sets off on a new adventure.
December 1, 2020
It was the perfect Christmas romance!
December 26, 2020
sweet christmas book, easy read
January 28, 2021
A lovely cosy winter read. Relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the story setting, characters and romance of the book.
October 25, 2021
4.5 stars - so cute!
December 1, 2021
Definitely reminded me of how I felt learning to ski, and how pretty the villages can be. Liked the story too
December 13, 2021
Good book
December 24, 2021
Got this book for $1 and it was great. Perfect cute Christmas read!
December 29, 2021
A cute, feel-good Christmas read. There were several irky word choices, otherwise enjoyable.
December 16, 2022
A really nice Christmassy read. Great characters , love amongst the snow - chamonix was such a great setting for this story .
December 23, 2022
A fun and cute festive read! Loved the location
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews