Thorouly enjoyed but fairly obvious where the story was going from the start. As someone who doesn't particularly see all the fuss of Christmas I can understand her reluctance to want to join in especcially after being ill but it proves that by mmaking an effort things can turn out with a happy ending

Sadly, I only made it halfway through chapter 1 before I gave up. I did think I ought to persist for a bit longer but lift is too short to read books you’re not feeling. Also, by that point, I’d already had to look up the meaning of about 10 words and I’m not about to spend my time doing that throughout the rest of the book. I also found the writing style itself hard to follow and wasn’t finding that it flowed nicel. I do keep trying again with Trisha’s books but I, yet to find one that I’ve enjoyed.

I have enjoyed lots of Trisha Ashley's previous books and this one didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the story and how the past linked to the present. I also liked that previous characters and places popped up in this book. A really enjoyable Christmas read.

Fun read, interesting and quirky characters, cosy setting and didn’t want to put it down - not a typical Christmas story in many ways but a good read.

I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good story and excellent main characters. I would definately recommend this book.

Trisha Ashley writes heartwarming, uplifting novels, with quirky characters and plots that keep you reading. The Christmas Invitation is a lovely read, perfect for those cold winter months.

Another great book from Tricia Ashley. The book is full of quirky, likeable characters with mentions of one or two people from previous books. I was especially pleased to see reference to Holly and Jude. The Twelve Days of Christmas being a favourite book of mine.
The Christmas Invitation is a story which draws you in and keeps you guessing. Quite a few twists and turns. I wanted to finish it so as to see how it ended but didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying it so much. Another winner from Tricia Ashley.

It is no secret that Trisha Ashley is dear to my heart.
I usually love her books and appreciate her as an author, so when she was coming out with her new Christmas novel The Christmas Invitation I was pretty excited.

Unfortunately, this time it didn’t work out. And it is probably me, not the novel.

You see, I had hard time concentrating on the story, was lost when trying to figure out what was going on and to be honest, I mistook characters more then once.
I blame the fact that I read it during last trimester of my pregnancy, when was so hard for me to focus on anything.

The story follows to POVs, one written in first person, and another written in third.
At first I wasn’t a fan of it, but then I realized that it helps me to focus on which perspective I was reading, so I started to like it.

Maybe I should give this book another chance once again in few years, and see what I’ll think about it.
Maybe I’d like it more the second time.

This is such a lovely and heart-warming story; it will be a perfect read for the 2019 Christmas Season!

Every year I look out for the books that are being released so I can make a list of the ones I want to read and after reading the blurb for this one and seeing that stunning cover it was straight on the list – and having read it I have to say it was such a lovely book to read, it is certainly one I will be recommending and I have given it 5 stars!!

I thought that the book has some excellent characters, they were so well developed and I loved their interaction and how their relationships came together as the book progressed too.

I thought it was a real treat to read and I loved every page, there was something happening in each chapter and I was hooked right from the outset – I loved everything about it and the setting is superb!!

A delightful festive read, full of quirky characters. Ashley draws you into a fabulously snowy Lancashire moors settings

Filled with humour and with a cute little Dachshund (which definitely stole my heart). It is also lovely to see some friendly faces, catch up with them and see what they are doing now.

Overall, it was a heartwarming Christmas read, perfectly paired with a glass of mulled wine curled up under a blanket for that warm fuzzy feeling.

Thanks to Bantam Press & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cozy and wonderful. Trisha never lets her readers down !

The usual mix of loveable eccentric characters and will they/wont they romance, a great plot, meeting old familiar characters - perfect in every way!

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #Thechristmasinvitation #netgalley

Meg Harkness is an artist whom was brought up on a pagan farm whose ideology was vegan and eco friendly. Meg finds herself overcoming a bought of pneumonia. After seeing Megs work ar a friends house the famous; Clara Mayhem Doome tracks Meg down to request a portrait to be painted of her and her husband. Clara invites Meg up to Yorkshire to spend the winter solstice and Christmas there whilst working on the portrait. However will everything run smoothly? and will the family secrets stay inside their hearts?

The bright and airy cover showing the beautiful Meg in the crisp white snow drew me to this book.

Once opening the book it is a slow burner to begin with. Due to the story beginning with Clara's voice. It takes a while to find out jow Meg and Clara combine in the same story. However once this has happened the book continues as a page turner.

Meg and Clara's family are all loving characters who you totally feel yourself taking into your heart. They show you their emotions and allow you to become invested into their lives that are not always straight forward. Although you never loose your true love for them even if their not your friendin that specific scene.

This book is a great christmas romance read and you never feel that you are missing anything from the story line allowing you to follow it through until the end with confidence that you will get a good ending. Although their are some emotional subjects included in this book such as financial issues, illegitimacy and mental health I do not feel this takes away from the romantic feel of the book but adds to its mystery and assists the twists and turns to reach a fullfilled ending.

The last few chapters are written a lot like aan agatha christie novel and even hinted at in the book. This is a lovely addition to a 21st century romance read which is full of mystery.

Christmas is not Christmas without a book by Trisha Ashley and every year I re-read Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha, I just adore her style of story telling, which is quriky and heartwarming and the plot and characters just create for me a perfect Christmas.
Now, as you can imagine I was very excited to hear that Trisha had another Christmas book out and I read this back in December, with high expectations. From the amazing cover to the exciting blurb I could not wait to turn the first page. The Christmas Invitation is amazing and even has elements from Twelve Days of Christmas that I love but it also stands out in its own right as an amazing heart warming read, with drama and romance and the unique funny style Trisha has, which is why I gave this book a three leaf rating.
For Meg Christmas is the worst time of year, but this year she features in a Christmas book written by one of the queens of Christmas so...I think she is going to have a cosy Christmas in the countryside with lots of snow and decorations. It is an eventful one with a blast from the past, love interests and family dramas.
The story line is a brilliant one to feature during Christmas and makes for some very interesting scenes. On closing the book I felt like I had watched a family drama on TV, as each scene seemed so real, the descriptive words bringing it to life. Not all writers are able to do that but Trisha not only does it but does it really well, her characters to are well thought out and you can tell Trisha knows them well as she gives them all backstories. I felt like I had gained a family at the end. Although you could guess what the ending maybe you could not be certain and the interlinking story lines keep you guessing.
This may well be another book I must re-read every Christmas.

A Christmas Trisha Ashley book is a real treat, always making me more eager for Christmas. Portrait painter Meg gets a commission that she can’t refuse to paint Clara Mayhem Doom and the easiest thing would be to stay with her and her family while she completes the commission, from meeting someone from her past and experiencing her first Christmas celebrations Meg learns a lot about herself and this eccentric family who make her feel so welcome. A lovely feel good read

You know that you are guaranteed a wonderful read from Trisha Ashley. This one combined all the wonderful elements for a festive book. I loved the pagan celebrations, incorporating the origins of a winter celebration. I could just imagine the village communities coming together and the folklore surrounding it. River was one of my favourite characters. He seemed to embody the pagan element, whilst being able to embrace Christmas celebrations with Meg at The Red House. He had the knack of being able to fit in with everyone, comfortable in his belief that the stars would align to sort everything out. I loved the description of his clothes and his appearance and was fully expecting to see a picture painted by Meg.
I loved the way that Meg came to be at Red House. She was a painter and the lady of the house, Clara had seen a portrait she had painted and swept Meg along to spend time with her family. The house was full of wonderful characters, some with secrets to tell, hurt that they were hiding and just a lovely warmth that enveloped everyone who came to stay. They were one glorious extended family and you could just imagine the traditional Christmas everyone would celebrate and just hope that Meg was going to accept the invitation to experience her first traditional Christmas there.
I loved every page and fell in love with the house, the characters and the dogs. I could even imagine a return to see some of the plans and dreams being realised. I need to buy a paper copy of this one to join my 'favourites. shelf, I love to see my favourite books lined up together.

I’ve read Trishas books before, so this was so disappointing! Tedious doesn’t even cut it, if I read about the road to Thornstane one more time I was going to scream out loud! I hate to give up on a book so I persevered. The characters were pompous and I struggled to really like any of them. The story was so predictable the oil could have been done in short story form instead of being dragged out and repeated. If this had been my first Trisha Ashley book I most likely wouldn’t try again. Sorry I just can’t find anything good to say except the cover was lovely.

Heart warming Christmas story with added intrigue and twists and turns. I really enjoyed this tale and being part of the unfolding of different characters stories. The fact that this book is not just about romance is an added bonus. Really enjoyable and perfect to curl up with on a winters day

Thank you Netgalley

Meg has lived an unusual life mainly due her upbringing in a commune where she gained a different outlook on life. She is recovering from a bout of pneumonia when she is strong armed into a commission to paint the Clara Mayhem Doome and her husband Henry who live in Starstone Edge. They invite to their house with an invitation to stay for Christmas which is a big event there. Meg has really only celebrated midwinters night before and is intrigued to take part. The only blot on the landscape is the appearance of Lex who she knew during her university days where they parted on bad terms due to a misunderstanding that appears to have festered over the intervening years. This is a classic Trisha Ashley tale full of eccentricity and entertaining madness. I loved it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another fun read from Trisha Ashley with an entertaining plot, engaging characters and some delicious-sounding recipes to boot. I liked the glimpses into the life of a portrait painter.

I wasn't a fan of the last Trisha Ashley book I read, but I usually lover her books, so this felt like a little bit of a risk. What if I read it and didn't enjoy it? Would that be the end of the Trisha Ashley love affair? LUCKILY there was no need to worry about this issue. This was a cute book and super worth reading. I'm glad I checked it out!