Four Weddings and a Christmas: Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Cathy Bramley and Trisha Ashley, curl up with the cosiest romantic comedy novel of 2023
£2.80
Don’t miss the new Christmas novel from Sunday Times Bestselling author Phillipa Ashley!
Can the spirit of Christmas reignite an old flame?
With her thriving business Cottage Angels, Freya Bolton prepares the Lake District’s holiday homes for Christmas visitors. It’s her job to think of everything, from cinnamon-scented candles to tasteful decorations and hampers of seasonal treats.
If only her love life were such a success… After being burned by past relationships, she’s now determined to steer clear of love for good.
So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect.
But when her feelings for him begin to develop, is she on track for another romantic calamity? Or could this Christmas give her the gift of true love?
This gorgeous Christmas romance from Sunday Times bestseller Phillipa Ashley will take you to the Lake District with a story of second chance love as heartwarming as a cup of mulled wine. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Karen Swan and Heidi Swain.
Readers are falling in love with Four Weddings and a Christmas!
‘A lovely, enjoyable read from start to finish. Exactly what we have come to expect from Phillipa Ashley. This would be a perfect gift to give this Christmas.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fabulous read. I adored this from beginning to end. Phillipa Ashley never disappoints, her books are a warm hug on a cold day.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A perfect Christmas story with great characters and meaningful development. Definitely recommend for your festive reading this year.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A story of lost loves, missed opportunities and all the mishaps which happen in every day life. Good to see a strong female lead in a traditional romance. Loved it.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fantastic read set in the Lake District. Expertly written with the usual Phillipa Ashley twists. A great festive read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This is my first book from Phillipa but it is like a hug in a book. This is a story of giving love a second chance with the backdrop and magic of Christmas. A fab book from this author.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Another brilliant novel from Phillipa Ashley! Freya is a very likeable main character, there is a beautiful Lakes background, and it’s set at Christmas – a perfect combination. Skilfully plotted and beautifully written, I will definitely be recommending this book!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Additional information
| Publisher | Avon (9 Nov. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 3825 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 364 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 000849438X |
by Bubblestarlet
Freya has been burned by relationships in the past, including one with her ex-Travis. She’s therefore shocked to find he’s now rented a cottage for which she’s responsible for as part of her cleaning business. The story follows them as they keeping crossing paths and are forced to work out whether they can have any kind of relationship, just friends or more?
The book reels you in from the outset with great characters and story that keeps you wanting to read a few more pages each time you pick it up. Overall this is another fab read from one of my favourite authors.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion
by sevenpin
Phillipa Ashley writes a festive second chance rom-com, set in Bannerdale in the beautiful snowy location of the Lake District in December, with the return of now famous nature photographer, Travis. He is hoping to be able to support his troubled brother, Sebastian, who has given up his love of music and playing his guitar. Travis had left years earlier after Freya Bolton broke their engagement after her mother persuaded her that she was too young to consider getting married. They have other history, Freya at 8 years old ran out of the staging of a wedding to Travis at primary school, earning her the nickname of The Bolter. Whilst Freya has become a successful business woman, running a property development business maintaining holiday lets, she has been unlucky in love, pulling out 2 weeks before her wedding to wealthy local solicitor, Jos Beresford.
Travis is intending to settle, looking forward to establishing his own gallery featuring his work, but the building is in poor condition, putting him under stress and pressure to get it in a fit state to open for the Christmas Fair. He is helped by his good friend, wildlife photographer Hamza, and the timely intervention of Freya offering her business contacts. It soon becomes clear Travis and Freya’s attraction is as strong, if not stronger than when they were younger, but Freya does not trust in happily ever after, her history suggests that this is not going to be in her future. However, she wants Travis badly, and subject to conditions, the pair embark on a secret affair, but has Freya misjudged just how deep her feelings for Travis will grow? And will Travis be able to forget a past in which he was so deeply hurt?
This is an engaging and entertaining rom-com, the highlight of which is a terrific supporting cast of family and friends. This included Freya’s best friend, Roxanne, getting married to consultant Ravi, Bree, Travis’s older sister, married with 2 children, working part time for Travis at his gallery, worrying about his current involvement with Freya and then there is Sandra, Freya’s social media influencer mother, away for Christmas on a sunny cruise. I think fans of the author and many other readers will enjoy this delightful festive romance. Many thanks to the publisher for a ARC.
by Claire140
An enjoyable story with various family dramas going on, and old history between the two main characters.
Freya runs a successful business getting holiday rentals ready for visitors in the Lake District. Near Christmas she bumps into an old flame, Travis, who has moved back to the village to open his photography shop and help his sister keep an eye on his younger brother, who always seems to be in a bit of trouble.
Freya and Travis have issues to resolve from when they were younger, and slowly get closer to one another again, initially in a ‘no strings’ relationship.
Whilst there are four weddings mentioned in the book they’re certainly not the main story, nor was it particularly Christmassy, although it was set around the Christmas period. It really could be read at any time of the year. Nevetheless it was an enjoyable story, with some interesting characters (Freya’s Mum was very amusing), and a very enjoyable read with a lovely ending.
by Claire
When Freya is busy sorting out a rental property the last thing she expects is to come face to face with one of her exs, Travis. As the story develops we learn more about our main characters pasts and what led them to get together and split. Is it as simple as it seems at face value?
It took me a little while to fully get into this story but once I did I was invested until the end. The characters really grow on you the more you read about them.
There’s tales of love and loss, both within families and relationships.
The setting is perfect for the story and is written in such a way that you can visualise everything within this little town.
I would love to know what happens next for all our characters.
All in all very well written and a lovely story of how people can move on and change but also how people’s actions can be misunderstood. I really like how Seb’s story was included throughout this book and also how their dad featured and how this part was concluded.
by Carol from Derby
Another pleasant read from Phillips Ashley. Set in a little village called Bannerdale in the Lake Distinct in December. Freya runs a cleaning company with her friend, servicing and cleaning rental cottages for clients. Between them they have built up a viable company called Cleaning Angels. We learn of Freya’s back story. Bought up single handedly by her mother following the death of her father at a young age. The story starts with a flash back to a childhood embarrassment at the age of eight that she has never managed to live down..
Travis Marshall is a well known photographer and is back in the place of his birth after leaving at the age of 18. He is opening a gallery of his photographs and a space to enable him to teach his craft. And perhaps there is some unfinished business with a certain owner of a cleaning company. The story follows the twists and turns of their lives in the run up to Christmas. Can they get over the events that occurred when they were eighteen? A nice supporting cast of friends and family. A good story and a very pleasant read.
by PamDee
I loved the setting for this one and the characters are always interesting in one of her books. One to enjoy with a soft cushion & a warm fire!
by Linda
What a story. Loved it from beginning to end.