Phillipa Ashley

Phillipa Ashley is a multiple Sunday Times bestselling author of escapist romantic fiction set in stunning locations in Cornwall and the Lake District. She loves writing warm, feelgood stories about characters who overcome big challenges to reach their happy ending. Her heroes are charismatic, her heroines brave, and the communities they live in know how important it is to come together in a crisis. She lives in a village with her husband, has a gorgeous baby granddaughter and loves walking the Lakeland hills and swimming in Cornish coves.

For Maisie Samson, this Christmas is going to be different. After years working in a busy Cornish pub, she’s moved back to quiet Gull Island where she grew up, to help her parents run the family inn.

But even though she can’t wait for the festive season to arrive, Maisie cannot shake the memories of what happened to her last Christmas – the day she lost everything. She keeps herself busy, setting up the tree and hanging mistletoe ready for her first proper family Christmas in years.

Until a new arrival to the island walks into her bar and changes everything. Australian backpacker Patrick is looking for a job for the low season. When Maisie takes him on, she doesn’t expect him to last the week, but to her surprise Patrick is the perfect fit. Charming and handsome, could Maisie allow herself to hope that she and Patrick could be more than just colleagues?

As Christmas approaches, Maisie finds herself dreading the spring, when Patrick is due to leave. With the help of a little Christmas magic, can Maisie get the happily ever after she always dreamed of?