Recommendations based on "Holidays Are Hell"

Come and spend Christmas with the Williamson's and McKinley'sThe kids are grown and getting into all sorts of trouble!LilyChristmas has always been my favourite time of year.My family goes overboard, and the celebrations are week-long.This Christmas is different, however. We’re all spending the holiday at my Aunt Ella’s beach house.We’re not the only ones spending Christmas on this beach though.When my eyes spot the new neighbour, I can’t look away.I’m caught in a trance, in watching the show he’s putting on through the bedroom window.Even as his eyes meet mine, and he finishes, I still can’t seem to look away.If only I wasn’t currently in a house surrounded by my entire family.AlexThe girl from the window has been on my mind, night and day, for the past few days.I’ve stared out of that same window for hours, hoping to just catch a glimpse of her.I’ve seen at least a dozen different people come and go from the room, even one who looked just like her. But that girl wasn’t her.I’m tempted to just storm through the front door and search until I find her, except I know exactly whose house that is.As much as I want to take what’s mine, I currently have a multi-million dollar deal in the works with McKinley Industries—the very same people who own that property.When I meet one of the family members on the beach and get invited to dinner, I don’t hesitate to accept.This is my chance to see her again. Every fibre of my being wants to claim her as mine.But can I really entangle this innocent woman in my dark world?

’Sheer joy!’ Katie FfordeCurl up with the new Sunday Times bestselling Christmas novel from Phillipa Ashley, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Karen Swan and Heidi Swain!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.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 wonderful holiday romance that gives you all of the sitting-in-front-of-a-crackling-fireplace vibes.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Perfect setting, interesting characters and a story line full of hope, romance and new starts.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This one filled me with festive feelings from top to toe, with plenty of romance in there too. I loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Phillipa Ashley's book 'Four Weddings and a Christmas' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-11-13.

’Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, bestselling authors of Last Christmas in Paris, Meet Me in Monaco, and Three Words for Goodbye. December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.  As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.  Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.  As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.  Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver… 

“morgan’s Latest Christmas Tale Will Delight Readers And Give Them The Perfect Excuse To Snuggle Up For A Few Hours With A Cup Of Hot Cocoa.”—booklist On The Christmas Escape This Christmas, Be Whisked Away By Usa Today Bestselling Author Sarah Morgan In This Uplifting Novel Of Friendship, The Festive Season, And Risking Everything For The Biggest Gift Of All... It Was Supposed To Be Christy Sullivan’s Perfect Christmas Getaway—a Trip To Lapland With Her Family And Best Friend, Alix. But Facing A Make-or-break Marriage Crisis, Christy Desperately Needs Time Alone With Her Husband. Her Solution? Alix Can Take Christy’s Little Daughter To Lapland, And They Will Reunite There For Christmas Day. It’s A Big Ask, But What Else Are Friends For? There’s Nothing Alix Won’t Do For Christy. But Christy’s Request To Save Christmas Is Giving Alix Sleepless Nights. She Knows Something Is Wrong, But For The First Time Ever, Christy Isn’t Talking. And Even The Arctic Temperatures In Lapland Aren’t Enough To Dampen The Seriously Inconvenient Sizzle Alix Is Developing For Zac, A Fellow Guest And Nemesis From Her Past. As Secrets Unravel And Unexpected Romance Shines Under The Northern Lights, Can Christy And Alix’s Christmas Escape Give Them The Courage To Fight For The Relationships They Really Want, And Save The Precious Gift Of Each Other’s Friendship?

Harlequin® Special Edition brings you three new titles for one great price, available now! These are heartwarming, romantic stories about life, love and family. This Special Edition box set includes: The Rancher's Christmas Reunion (A Match Made in Haven novel) By Brenda Harlen Celebrity Hope Bradford broke Michael Gilmore’s heart years ago when she left to pursue her Hollywood dreams. The stubborn rancher won’t forgive and forget. But when Hope is forced to move in with him on his ranch—and proximity gives in to lingering attraction—her kisses thaw even the grinchiest heart! Love at First Bark (A Crimson, Colorado novel) By USA TODAY bestselling author Michelle Major Cassie Raebourn never forgot Aiden Riley—or the way his loss inspired her to become a veterinarian. Now the shy boy is a handsome, smoldering cowboy, complete with bitterness and bluster. It’s Cassie’s turn to inspire Aiden…with adorable K-9 help! Their Christmas Resolution (A Sisters of Christmas Bay novel) By Kaylie Newell Stella Clarke will stop at nothing to protect her aging foster mother. But when sexy real estate developer Ian Steele comes to town with his sights set on her Victorian house, Stella will have to keep mistletoe and romance from softening her hardened holiday reserve! For more relatable stories of love and family, look for Harlequin Special Edition October 2023 – Box Set 1 of 2

Molly is so excited to spend Christmas with her family. . . she can?t wait for the snow, food, and presents! But Molly just can?t seem to keep herself out of trouble. Luckily, she finds a distraction in Flame, the snow white kitten. With his magical help, it looks like Molly may get the best Christmas present ever!

The Sullivan siblings have captivated the hearts of readers worldwide, and this Christmas, New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre shares the love story that started it all… For Mary Sullivan Christmas is, and always has been, about family. And this year is no different. As she awaits the arrival of her eight children and their partners at the cottage in Lake Tahoe, she hangs the ornaments that they made for her over the years. Each decoration brings with it a tide of memories, all of which she holds dear to her heart. But when she comes across the oldest ornament, the one her beloved husband, Jack, gave her on their very first Christmas together, Mary is immediately swept back to the first days of their whirlwind romance, to the love that would be the foundation on which they built the family she is so proud to call her own. Join the Sullivans this Christmas for a story that explores the wonder of the holidays, the meaning of family and a love that transcends time.

Verna Lind expects Christmas of 1952 to be the best holiday she's had since the war ended. But as she's leaving the bank, a frigid wind off Lake Erie catches her hard-earned Christmas club savings, whisking the bills into the busy streets of downtown Cleveland and devastating her plans. Strangers come to her aid, though no one anticipates the power of their chance encounter or the seeds of happiness Verna's lost money will sow. From Barbara Hinske, best-selling author of the Rosemont series, comes this heartwarming Christmas tale celebrating the generosity of the human spirit and the irresistible pull of love -- an instant holiday classic for admirers of It's a Wonderful Life and The Gift of the Magi.

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it's always cocktail hour somewhere... Escape to Cornwall with this uplifting and feel good standalone novel from the bestselling author of The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea There's nothing more magical than a winter wonderland wedding but when photographer Holly North returns to the cosy village of St Aidan she's determined to avoid romance and the festive season full stop. She's doing one small favour for a friend's wedding and then her plans involve diving under her duvet and avoiding any sign of Christmas cheer - and gorgeous but insufferable Rory Sanderson - for the rest of December! That is until Christmas arrives at Brides by the Sea, Cornwall's enchanting and most adorable little wedding shop. The champagne is on ice while mistletoe hangs from every nook and Holly's friends at the shop are determined she'll live up to her festive name. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and romance is most definitely in the crisp winter air with promises, proposals and Christmas kisses aplenty... What readers are saying about this cosy Christmas romance: 'You can almost smell the Christmas trees and taste those mince pie muffins...the perfect book to cuddle up with' My Chestnut Reading Tree 'A real cracker' Annie Cooper's Book Corner 'An absolute delight' Bookworms and Shutterbugs 'A really warm and cosy read...it has got me so excited for Christmas!' Jessica's Book Biz 'This book has it all, romance, entertainment, charm, cheerfulness, friendship, small miracles, Christmas magic and lots of warmth...I absolutely loved this fantastic book' With Love for Books

FATAL CHRISTMAS FBI agent Sara Vaughn believes a group of pharmaceutical businessmen are engineering drugs with deadly results. Her boss won't approve a sting operation, so she goes rogue--following the suspects on a hike in the Cascade Mountains to record evidence. But when Sara witnesses them murder one of their own, they target her. Saved by a handsome volunteer mountain rescue worker, Sara at first suspects Will Rankin is another bad guy hunting her. But when the widowed father of two risks everything to save her, she knows that Will is all that's standing between her and seeing Christmas morning. Echo Mountain: Saving lives and finding love in the mountains of Washington State