smiling_jane's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alliepeduto's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good festive read over the holidays! Especially when it tackles family drama and working through issues together. Call it aspirational, but these are the kind of stories I connect with, more than the “happy happy Christmas time” romances you sometimes get.
That being said, I didn’t love this one as much as I have Sarah Morgan’s other Christmas themed novels, but it could be my headspace rather than the book itself. It’s inevitable after reading the same author year after year that the characters feel familiar, and not on in a good way, in a “wait, didn’t [insert character name] have this same backstory in [insert book name] as well” way.
But still, these types of books are perfect for a quick reprieve from actual family drama that won’t get resolved in a tidy ending (at least not this year! Optimism is my vibe), so I’ll keep coming back for more.
That being said, I didn’t love this one as much as I have Sarah Morgan’s other Christmas themed novels, but it could be my headspace rather than the book itself. It’s inevitable after reading the same author year after year that the characters feel familiar, and not on in a good way, in a “wait, didn’t [insert character name] have this same backstory in [insert book name] as well” way.
But still, these types of books are perfect for a quick reprieve from actual family drama that won’t get resolved in a tidy ending (at least not this year! Optimism is my vibe), so I’ll keep coming back for more.
missy_reads's review against another edition
4.5
4.5/5 I enjoyed the exploration of different relationships in this story - marriage, friendship, extended family, and there was something to learn about each one as the story unfolded. Of course, being a Christmas story and romance, the ending was cozy and satisfying.
frederikke07's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
*I received a free copy of The Christmas Escape. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
Oh my, what a twisted web - kind of like life. The Christmas Escape was supposed to be one thing for Christy, and it became something much more for her best friend, Alix.
Christy's aunt had not been a part of her life for as long as she could remember, but now, she was going to Lapland to reconnect with her. Aunt Robyn has lived a quiet life in Lapland for a very long time, but she has never stopped longing for her family - even if it's too late for her relationship with her sister.
Complicated feelings of guilt, shame, not being enough, and not daring to love are strong for all three women. And seeing how they deal with this in different ways - especially Alix and Christy who mostly avoid anything they don't really want to deal with - is something truly beautiful.
The story is beautifully written, with the winterwonderland landscape of Lapland, some hard conversations, and strong friendships.
I loved everything about The Christmas Escape, and I need more from this author whom I am relatively new to.
Oh my, what a twisted web - kind of like life. The Christmas Escape was supposed to be one thing for Christy, and it became something much more for her best friend, Alix.
Christy's aunt had not been a part of her life for as long as she could remember, but now, she was going to Lapland to reconnect with her. Aunt Robyn has lived a quiet life in Lapland for a very long time, but she has never stopped longing for her family - even if it's too late for her relationship with her sister.
Complicated feelings of guilt, shame, not being enough, and not daring to love are strong for all three women. And seeing how they deal with this in different ways - especially Alix and Christy who mostly avoid anything they don't really want to deal with - is something truly beautiful.
The story is beautifully written, with the winterwonderland landscape of Lapland, some hard conversations, and strong friendships.
I loved everything about The Christmas Escape, and I need more from this author whom I am relatively new to.
cleg11's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Another good book from Sarah.
Christy’s estranged auntie Robyn lives in Lapland with her husband Erik and has invited Christy and her family to visit for Christmas.
Christy’s husband Seb reveals that he has lost his job and needs to delay the trip by a few days so he can attend an interview. Christy decides to stay and travel with him at a later date, asking her best friend Alix and Seb’s friend Zak to take their daughter Holly and they will join them a few days later. Holly is a live wire and cannot sit still for a moment, can Alix and Zak manage to keep her safe until her mom and dad arrive without arguing themselves. A book about love, relationships and friendships.
Another good book from Sarah.
Christy’s estranged auntie Robyn lives in Lapland with her husband Erik and has invited Christy and her family to visit for Christmas.
Christy’s husband Seb reveals that he has lost his job and needs to delay the trip by a few days so he can attend an interview. Christy decides to stay and travel with him at a later date, asking her best friend Alix and Seb’s friend Zak to take their daughter Holly and they will join them a few days later. Holly is a live wire and cannot sit still for a moment, can Alix and Zak manage to keep her safe until her mom and dad arrive without arguing themselves. A book about love, relationships and friendships.
wortewald's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
reading_fox's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun, christmas read but I didn't enjoy it as much as I loved my last Morgan read. Mainly because it started to become really repetitive about 60% of the way through, with both of the main female characters becoming a bit pathetic