Having never read Phillipa Ashley before I was unsure what to expect, however as a fan (amongst others) of Trisha Ashley, Katie Fforde and Sue Moorcroft I wondered why I had not picked up one of her books before. The story follows Lottie and is set one year after she is dumped by her fiancée Connor. In the months since she was left heartbroken, Lottie has found herself a new job as an events/wedding organiser at Firholme. The job comes with a cottage and a handsome next door neighbour, Jay, who is carrying baggage of his own after a breakup and family problems. As the possibility of a new romance develops between Lottie and Jay, Lottie is horrified to come face to face with her ex and his new fiancée, who want her to organise their wedding at Firholme - and all before Christmas.
I enjoyed reading As Surprise Christmas Wedding’, although it could have been set at any time of the year, however the story was made more atmospheric and romantic as winter draws in, the Christmas tree farm opens and the snow starts to fall..... but will the wedding go ahead and will Lottie get the happy ending she hopes for?
This book will definitely put you in the mood for Christmas. Curl up in front of the fire, grab a hot chocolate and watch out for the snow as you enjoy this festive treat.

This is a lovely festive read. Lottie has had a tough year, with a broken engagement and supporting her sister through her cancer treatment. Jay, her new neighbour and work colleague, is also nursing a broken heart.

The story features secrets, half truths, comedy moments, reindeers, Christmas trees, decorations and romance. Will getting to know Jay, and his gorgeous dog, Trevor help Lottie to cope with organising a wedding for her ex? This is a no spoiler review so you will need to read the book to find out.

A lovely story to provide an escape from the stress and anxiety of 2020. I only discovered Phillipa’s books this year (see my review at https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.home.blog/2020/05/29/bookreview-a-perfect-cornish-escape-by-phillipa-ashley/) but have been busy adding more of her books to my Kindle to curl up with over the winter. I recommend enjoying this one with a mug of hot chocolate whilst listening to some Christmas music.

Phillipa Ashley does not disappoint with her latest festive read. In this novel, we are in the beautiful and picturesque countryside of the Lake District. Ashley has a unique talent for sweeping you away from the glum weather and spiraling news and taking you to a place of tranquility and relaxation, as ever with a compelling storyline with likable and relatable characters. Not to mention a loyal dog as ever-bustling by the romantic lead's side.
Lottie is rebuilding her life after a humiliating break-up and a traumatic year supporting her beloved sister through cancer treatment. Connor has had a bad year as well and is hiding in the wild grounds of the estate where Lottie works as a wedding planner and avoiding his family at all costs. This isn't just a romance but also celebrates the importance of family especially at Christmas. Sit and enjoy with your favorite tub of assorted chocolates, a pack of hankies, and a big blanket. It won't fail to get you in the Christmas mood.

Another perfect offering from the magnificent Phillipa Ashley. This festive romance is set in the absolutely gorgeous Lake District and centres around Lottie, an events co-ordinator at a stately home, being placed in the unenviable position of having to co-ordinate a secret wedding for the ex who inexplicably dumped her just days after he proposed. On the other hand, estate manager, Jay, is coping with heartbreak of his own and is afraid to trust again. However, living next door to one another and being thrown together at work creates an attraction too strong to ignore. Will their pasts come back to haunt them before they get there happy ever after.
Absolutely loved this and loved the characters, especially Trevor the dog. Lovely romance but there was real tension in the crisis that forces Jay to face up to his anger and make the final decision about his family. Loved it.

Loved this festive book by Phillipa. Set in the beautiful Lake District, Lottie and Jay meet as work colleagues and neighbours on the Firholme Estate. They have both had previous relationships which haven't worked out and are looking to move on with their lives. Until Lottie is asked to plan a wedding at the Estate where the groom is none other than her ex-fiance. Faced with keeping her relationship with Conner secret, is she able to pull of the dream wedding of Keegan to Conner? And can Lottie help Jay overcome his past relationship issues? This is a heart-warming and lovely read.

This is a quick and easy festive read
I managed to read it in a few hours.
The location of this book sounds wonderful, a hotel in the Lake District. It was certainly very Christmassy. It was easy to picture it in my mind, and I could imagine going to the Christmas Ball. It would make a great location for other books.
Lottie was a lovely character who tries to help other people out, even if it is to her own detriment. Most of the other characters were nice, but I didn't like the Bride and Groom very much.
This book is fairly easy going for the most part, but there are also some harder hitting subjects, healthwise.
Overall this is a good book and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC. I look forward to reading the next book by Phillipa Ashley

With all the holiday novellas about, it was pleasant to read this novel which took time to examine two holiday breakups and how each of the people involved moved on -or didn’t- over the course of a year. It’s a coming together with plenty of smiles and trials, taking place over the year end wedding of an ex whose wedding planner is none other than his jilted fiancé. A happy holiday read.

Lottie is working at Firholme Estate and enjoying it when she gets a handsome new neighbour. Maybe he could be a new live interest after the disaster she had with Connor. Then Lottie gets a horrible surprise when her ex shows up wanting to get married at her work. Can she really arrange his wedding?

Aww I loved this story so much, it made me laugh, cry and groan in frustration. Its a wonderful Christmas read that deals with so much more than a broken engagement. There are so many little stories that all come together to make a truly brilliant tale. The plot is quite fast paced and for a romance there's a fair amount of drama. The ending is utterly beautiful yes you can guess how it ends but I loved the way it was done, the characters are all well written and detailed. I love Lottie and Jay so much, you can't help but want a happy ending for them. A perfect Christmas read.

The opening chapter features Porthmellow, the seaside town featured in three of Phillippa Ashley"s previous books.

The rest of the book is based in the Lake District where Lottie works at Firholme. Christmas is coming and, at short notice, in her job as wedding co-ordinator, Lottie has to arrange a surprise wedding.

I thoroughly enjoyed the delights of the pre-Christmas season 8n this book and can recommend.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange of an honest review. Thank you so much.

♡♡♡

The past year wasn't the best for Lottie.
With a devastating break up with his fiance and her sister cancer's diagnosis. All Lottie wants is a new start. She comes to Firholme to work as a wedding planner and scape from the torments of the past.

Jay also comes to Firholme to start again. He wants to protect his heart into the woods besides his dog Trevor.

When Jay and Lottie met, all seem going so well for them. Until Conner, Lottie's ex, arrives at Firholme with his new girlfriend.
They ask Lottie to plan a last time wedding before Christmas.

♡♡♡

Well, its October and I'm reading Christmas books. It's a good change. We dont have to read this kind of books only in December.

It's such a beautiful story, but it's a little predictable.
I felt it a little slow in the beginning but then I didn't want it to finish.

I give it 3.5/5 because I enjoyed it and I liked the final message. No matter how things are between you and your family, Christmas is time to thank that we have them in our lives.

Just a beautiful story. I truly enjoyed this read. Beautifuly written with great story line.

3. 5 stars

A Heartwarming Festive Treat
The story is about two people, Lottie and Jay, who have both suffered heartbreak during the past year and have put up barriers because of it.
Kind hearted Lottie, always putting other people before herself, had her heart broken last Xmas and is suddenly faced with her ex and his new fiancée.
Handsome Jay, who has trust issues, and is sworn off romance after his heartbreak last year.
Both are likeable characters and their experiences are explored sensitively and gradually revealed throughout the book.
The story progresses at a good pace with moments of joy, sadness and laughter. There is a wonderful Xmas feeling in the build up to the wedding and all the other Xmas preparations. The descriptions add to the festive feeling- it was like glimpsing the scenes through a window and watching them unfold.
You could almost smell the delicious aromas from the stalls at the Edwardian evening!
The unfolding romance between Jay and Lottie was beautifully portrayed at just the right pace. The sexual chemistry between them was tangible and left you willing them to get together!
But together with this romance and Christmas cheer came the heartbreak of Lottie’s failed romance and her sister’s illness, and Jay’s heartbreak falling out with his family. It was all blended together superbly with just the right amount of feeling- so at times you laughed, at times you swooned, at times your heart lifted and at times you cried.
The Christmas theme was tastefully developed with the decorating of the house and the Christmas festivities taking place. It became a natural part of the story buildup, moving it on at a steady pace and adding to the anticipation of the Christmas climax and wedding.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and Phillips Ashley is one of my favourite authors. I can’t wait to get the paperback when it’s released as I’m not a fan of e-readers. If you love Christmas and love stories you won’t be disappointed with this refreshingly different romance. I wonder if a sequel is a possibility?

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for an early copy in return for an honest review.

A wonderful indulgent Christmas read set in the Lake District. I loved reading about places I had visited so could actually imagine myself there. Life has its ups and downs as Lottie knows. But an unexpected.visitor throws Lottie life in a spin especially when she thinks her life was on the up. Snuggle down with a cuppa, some chocolates and this book to experience something special.

4 stars / This review will be posted at BookwormishMe.com on 12 October 2020.


Lottie is rebuilding her life after a devastating break up and her sister’s cancer diagnosis. She has come to Firholme to start anew and build a new life, living and working on-site. As an event planner, it is her job to put Firholme on the map. Make it a destination for every bride and groom.

Jay has also escaped to Firholme to try to start afresh. His breakup was also a horrible betrayal. He wants to hide in the trees and landscaping of Firholme with his dog Trevor. Never to befriend or open his heart to another human again.

Lottie’s and Jay’s worlds collide because they live right next door to one another on the property. Trevor is going to bring them together, as well as their everyday jobs. But neither is interested in having a go at romance, especially where work is involved.

Keegan just wants her dream wedding, and this is a chance for Lottie to put Firholme on the map. Money appears to be no object to Keegan, as long as every wish is fulfilled. It’s just too bad that Keegan is marrying a man that Lottie had hoped to never see again.

Phillipa Ashley does another lovely job of transporting us to a magical place. Firholme sounds like the ideal Christmas setting - pine trees, snow, dogs, fireplaces. She creates magical fantasy lands for us to drown in for just a short while. While her books may follow the path of a series, each can easily be read standalone. And this Christmas book is no exception. Let her take you on a trip to the Cumberlands and Lake District and enjoy a little Christmas romance.

A great story. Very enjoyable and slightly edge of seat wondering what way people will turn. Keeps you hooked in throughout.

I’ve read a few books by this author but this new book, #ASurpriseChristmasWedding, has been my favourite to date.

It has absolutely everything I am looking for from a festive read and was pure romantic escapism.

I loved the setting of Firholme in the Lakes and adored Lottie.

5/5 stars for me. I didn’t want it to end.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #AvonBooksUK for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Lottie thought all her dreams had come true, when on a beach in Cornwall her boyfriend Connor, gets down on one knee and proposes it seems the happy ending she has always wanted. And that is only the start of the book..... 

Suddenly miles away in the Lake District, Lottie is on her own and having started a new job at Firholme,  a beautiful estate in the Lake District and in the run up to Christmas she thinks she has finally found somewhere to settle. 

With it's own cottage and hunky but slightly grumpy, Jay her new neighbour and new colleague as at the estate, this Christmas might be slightly better than the last. 

When the chance to organise a wedding before Christmas to put Firholme on the map seems too good an opportunity to miss, it is all hands the estate to provide the happy couple the wedding of their dreams,

That is until Lottie finds out that one half of the happy couple is in fact Connor, the man that twelve months previous had proposed to her. 

Can she remain professional and organise the wedding or will she always be distracted by what might have been?

It is not just Lottie who needs to move on, Jay also needs to come to terms with the past and stop hiding amongst the Christmas trees on the estate with his dog Trevor. 

Will these two lost souls find solace in each other's company or are their pasts destined to always influence the future. 

In a move from her normal setting Phillipa Ashley has taken us to the Lake District (more please say I) and added into the mix, a big dollop of snow, nativities, excited children, plenty of sweets and some moments just to keep us all grounded and remind us of what other's might be suffering despite what we think of as our own plight. 

If you want a well rounded Christmas story with characters to love and hate and laugh and cry with then this book is for. 

Feel good festive and a good example of Phillipa's work.

This is the story of Lottie who is heartbroken after being jilted only 3 days after the most perfect proposal she could imagine. On the same day her sister, Steph, is diagnosed with cancer.
One year later Lottie is working at beautiful Firholme as a wedding planner. Called upon to organise a Christmas wedding that tugs at her heartstrings, Lottie also finds herself falling for the handsome estate manager, Jay.
This book is joyful, festive, warming and emotional in equal measures. Phillipa Ashley fans and fans of this genre will love it. Get yourself some Christmas romance here!

I received this book via netgalley and give it my honest opinion.

This is a well written enjoyable story, it is Christmas all wrapped up in a book, like a mug of hot coco on a winters night!

The characters are great and you can really emerse yourself in the settings.

I recommend this for a beautiful winters read.