Brett is charming, handsome and ambitious but I could tell from the outset his mind was more on his career than Krystle. He came across as pretentious and self-obsessed. Krystle needs this break from her job as she is on her knees physically and emotionally and she hopes for a reset in her relationship too. Things get off to a disastrous start when Brett’s car ends up in a ford in a storm which was comical at some points but sad too as Krystle lost many decorations which held so many special memories for her. But said incident allowed for the introduction of Max who plays a pivotal role throughout the story. Krystle is left on her own as Brett goes to America for work and that certainly wasn’t in the plan. But there was no messing around which I loved and through one thing and another Brett shows his selfish and unreliable side and it allows for different avenues of the plot to open up and be developed. I disliked Brett from the get go and was delighted to see what happened as it allowed more attention to be focused on Krystle and how she tries to make Max see that Christmas is a joyful time full of love, laughter, giving and fun times. Krystle (Krys) didn't have the best childhood moving from town to town with her mother. From a very young age she has dreamt of having the perfect family Christmas. Although this dream has eluded her she now ensures others can fulfil this desire, working with businesses creating amazing Christmas displays and sourcing perfect Christmas decorations for everyone to buy.

So when she bumps into gorgeous – and single – ex-boyfriend Travis, a no-strings festive fling seems perfect. Absolutely wonderful story that I couldn't put down… A wonderful, heart-warming, tearful and uplifting read. It has absolutely everything. Perfect for the Christmas season’ NetGalley review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Can she melt Max’s Grinch-like heart? And can he show her that life doesn’t need to go to plan to take you somewhere magical…

As Krys is known as Mrs Christmas she is in her element but as Brett is once again called away for work will her Christmas be ruined or could this be the start of a new life? Another great chic lit love story from Phillipa Ashley. I feel like I've been bingeing her books lately, but I'm thoroughly enjoying them! I can listen to them on audio while I'm working without distracting myself from what I need to do, which is fantastic.

Gave me so much joy… I think this book will bring happiness to all that read it’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ashley sets this novel in a Staffordshire village near by the Lakes, it is set in December as she is here in time to save Christmas and the fact it describes the large open fire in 'Holly Manor' several times. Meaning it was cold outside.This means that Krys and Max both learn that success comes from being prepared to step outside their comfort zones, and be honest with themselves. Capricious weather and beautiful landscapes add zest, atmosphere and a real sense of drama to the story. The voice of the absent Auntie Linda

I loved the sound of this book and well, Phillipa Ashley can write such humoorous and warm stories and I hoped this festive offering is just like thus. A lovely, glittery Christmas story … A gem to read, this book is both festive and heart-warming … So enjoyable to read and extremely hard to put down�� NetGalley review⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed this wonderfully emotional story by Phillipa Ashley. She is a favorite author of mine and I think this may be my favorite book of hers, but I usually feel that way after finishing each of her books! I couldn’t put this down and finished it in an evening… It couldn’t be better’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Heart-warming … Fantastic to curl up in your chair with a cup of coffee in front of the fire with and smile, laugh and cry your way through. It will really bring out your Christmas spirit!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant cosy Christmas read. I could not put this down! It’s one book that is more than just your lighthearted romance. There’s some really dark themes throughout with a big prevalence around death and lower working class society, but there’s also this huge sense of community in the book which is great. The Christmas Holiday made me laugh (Max's quip about Elves FC vs Lapland City had me laughing out loud!), made me cry, and most definitely made me want to revisit the beautiful Lake District!

Krys had a hard time recently after living with her Aunt Linda for years she's passed away so now she planned for the first Christmas to travel to Holly Manor with her boyfriend Brett. They come to some troubles in their travels and are saved by Max. I will be rereading this book as I found the writing excellent and I couldn't get enough of the story. This was another lovely read from Ashley and I enjoyed how passing references were made to characters from other books that are set in the Lake District. Full to the brim of romance and Christmas, this was a sweet story with likeable characters from start to finish. Krytle, who is described by people in London as Mrs Christmas because she runs a holiday business dressing Christmas shop windows and in store displays . She has now booked her favourite house she remembers it from her unhappy childhood, it's meant to be for an extended christmas break she is able to do this as her beloved auntie Lynda has passed away leaving her with some money under the proviso she does 'something that makes you smile or scares you, anything that you'll remember forever'. Grab the mince pies and hot chocolate, and settle down with a fabulous festive treat from Phillipa Ashley in her latest release, The Christmas Holiday.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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate and settle down in front of the fire with this perfect, uplifting festive listen! This theme of self-discovery adds such a warmth and depth to The Christmas Holiday that it makes the story brilliantly suited to the festive season. Both characters find joy and happiness in being part of a community and in helping others in ways readers can identify with and emulate. Set in the stunning Lake District, Krys and her boyfriend Brett rent a manor house for several weeks on the run up to Christmas. It's the perfect 'Christmas card house' which Krys had seen in her childhood and had always dreamt of sitting by the log fire. A tough upbringing saw Krys taken to the Lakes as a young girl on a break for underprivileged children; where she saw her dream home. Now, as an adult, she's come across the same house and has rented it for the holidays.