I struggled to finish this book, I think I felt it just had too many characters and countries that you had to keep straight. Everyone switched and then ended up somewhere else. I love Christmas stores and I did enjoy the ending to this one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for and honest review.

Perfect christmas romance read...really enjoyed it and cant check out more of this style book soon. I will def be reading more of sandys books.

A Christmas read which is a satisfying read for lovers of romance. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

The interlinked stories' of Jules, Lucy and Chloe, which carries on from the Christmas Swap where each of them met their current partner.
A great read, in a great location. I liked all the different perspectives.

It was the perfect cosy Christmas book to kick start my festive reads off. I throughly enjoyed reading about the romance and friendships at the most wonderful time or the year.

I have read all of Sandy’s books and really enjoy the travel aspect, how she writes about the destinations that take you on the journey like you are there. This was the perfect setting plus it’s at the most amazing house. The destination is on my bucket list and Sandy wrote it so beautifully.

I was so excited getting to hear how the ladies were doing after their last years Christmas swap. Which I would love do, think The Holiday vibes. This book follows on a year later and they are all spending Christmas together. Which was a delight!

Lucy, Chloe and Jules have a lovely friendship even though they don’t often see each other as they are all busy and living around the world….they pick up right where they left off. This Christmas everyone seemed to have something going on in their couple. Which provided some drama and excitement!

All three characters are great, Chloe for her organisation and strong personality, Jules for her Independent strong woman vibes and Lucy who is such a sweet soul.
I really felt empathy for Lucy in this book and just wanted the best for her. Plus she loves Christmas traditions and Hallmark Christmas movies like me!

I highly recommend this if you love a feel good book with fabulous female characters that are awesome and empower you!

Thanks Sandy for always making me want to pick up your book, pure escapism!

I started this book immediately after finishing book 1 in this series. I loved being reunited with the girls and seeing how things had changed after a year and the new challenges they all faced. Their friendships are just wonderful and of the kind some people can only dream of having, there for one another no matter what. The scenery and characters were described so vividly that I felt like I had gone on a trip with them and seen the sights and met the memorable characters like Leilani and Audrey. These characters were memorable for completely different reasons! Leilani was simply wonderful, but Audrey was something else!
Overall this was a feel-good story with a different kind of Christmas, adding in quite some celebrity style drama with exes and paparazzi and lots of name dropping. Having read this series I now know that celebrities and their drama is really not my cup of tea and that actors can come across as totally OTT. I definitely prefer every day people and situations. That said, I still wouldn't hesitate to read anything else Sandy writes as her stories take me places and introduce me to fun characters and stories.

I pride myself on finishing the books I start, but I couldn’t finish this!!!

I was so excited to read this book. It sounded like the movie The Holiday with an additional main character. That was not the case. This is the most convoluted plot. Unless you are taking copious amounts of notes, you will not be able to keep up with what is happening.

My biggest complaint is that there are far too many characters. That in and of itself would not be a problem, but their lives are intertwined in a way that makes keeping up super difficult. The three main women are friends from three different continents, who in a previous book switched houses for Christmas. This book picks up where the first one left off, but not all of the women went back to their original lives. One is dating a brother, one stayed in a different country, one became famous? I honestly don’t know.

What this really boils down to is bad writing. The author was unable to differentiate the characters in a way that makes sense for her reader. This is a direct result of very little or no character development.

If you take anything away from this review, please take that I would not recommend reading this book.

Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

I loved The Christmas Swap and I hinted a few times in my review that I really hoped we would get more about the main characters. I was absolutely thrilled when I saw Sandy Barker had written another book with Jules, Chloe, and Lucy. The Christmas Trip was just as enjoyable as the first book.

It is a year later and for the first time all the girls, along with their partners, are going to spend Christmas together. It wasn't the original plan but when Archer's plan to take Chloe to Paris falls through due to a natural disaster canceling their flight he knows he needs something to make Christmas extra special.

This is such a fun story. I literally laughed out loud several times. There were some great lines. You feel like you are with a group of your friends and since you feel like you know the characters so well it is even funnier.

It isn't all laughs though. There are some serious moments. I think I identify the most with Lucy so her storyline had me a little teary-eyed at times.

I love all the characters and I loved getting to see more of their lives. As I mentioned this is the sequel to The Christmas Swap, you don't HAVE to have read that book but The Christmas Trip will be more enjoyable if you do. They are quick reads so if you haven't read the first book you could easily read them both before the new year. And seriously they are just fun novels you will be glad that you did.

This closer to women's fiction than romance and it is a clean read. There's some kissing and little foreplay but the bedroom scenes all fade to black.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Saturday, December 24 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/12/4-christmas-novels-for-your-holiday.html

I was excited to read this book: to return to the three couples and find out what had happened to them twelve months since. However, this book did not carry the same spark as the last novel and I found myself disorientated by the character similarities and thought the story was a bit too obvious throughout.

This book appealed to me because it is a Christmas romance but set in Hawaii. This time, the three couples are on holiday on the beach and I liked how Barker presents a festive period that is full of different traditions. Snow swapped with sand, flower garlands replace holly, and there is a lot of sun and surf. This was such an opposing setting to my usual Christmas reads and I think this is where Barker really had the opportunity to create a memorable story.

Alas, this did not seem to be the case. Although I clearly remember the previous novel, this time I struggled to keep track of the different characters, who was in a romance with whom and where they lived in the world. This was a big distraction to the early part of the novel and I was frustrated with myself because I know I did not have this same issue in the first story. I think that because the friends have all come together in one location, their differences were not so obvious.

Furthermore, I felt that their relationships were all at a very similar point and the worries and insecurities were hardly surprising. With fears over long-distance relationships, annoying ex-girlfriends and worrying over making the next commitment, I don’t think there was any of the sparkle and magic that I remembered previously. Instead, it felt like there was a lot of chat, mundane actions and the usual attempts at making a Christmas away from home. It didn’t feel new and exciting.

I enjoyed seeing Chloe, Jules and Lucy again but I wished Barker had kept the women separate and at their different Christmases. I think this made the first story so appealing. Whilst I relished in the Hawaiian setting, I thought it all became too normal for a group of people who live in different parts of the world. I craved something less predictable and more exciting to match the non-traditional Christmas.

Reading this book to the end, it was certainly heart-warming and with the obligatory happy ever after! There is a cute Epilogue and I wonder if this means there will be a third book featuring these relationships. If so, I hope the writer does something a bit more different with the characters and helps to keep them clearly separated from one another. As Christmas reads go, it hasn’t been my favourite one this year but I enjoyed the exotic location.

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you ever dream of a sunny trip away during the Christmas season then this is your book. Centred around 3 friends, self dubbed The May Ladies, this Christmas story takes you to Hawaii.

I found it a little confusing at first trying to keep track of each girls backstory and where they originally lived/moved to. I think that is partially because I haven't read the first book. However, I really enjoyed the character buildup for all three girls and after a few chapters I didn't feel like I was as confused anymore.

I found myself drawn to Lucy the most. I could really relate to how she missed her family and how the long distance between her and Will made her feel so sad and lonely. I found the relationship between Leilani and Audrey slightly cheesy.

There was one part of the story that confused me, as Matt and Jules shouldn't have been present, but randomly seemed to appear and then disappeared in the next part again. I also felt like there was a part missing from Christmas Day evening.

This was a cute Christmas read. It gave me a team vibe or something like sisterhood of the traveling pants. It wasn’t really my type of preferred holiday book but it had a lot of great sections of the plot.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly review.

As I have stated many a times before that Christmas romances are one of my all time favourite stories and I don't give up a chance on reading one if I can help it. So, I could not say no to this one either. Specially, when I had enjoyed this cast of characters already.

I read this book in many time zones. Started reading it in Pakistan. Then took it to Tanzania with me and finished it in Canada with the advent of the Christmas season just round the corner (I really hope I get to see a White Christmas this year). Very low chances though.

I have always been interested in reading the post Happily Every After because while reaching the HEA is a story, post that is another altogether. This book gave me that. Specially with characters I had previously enjoyed reading about and accompanied on their journey of living a dream and getting their HEA. So, when the opportunity came up to read what happens next, I could not give up on it, obviously.

The author brought to life the island of Kauai with all its sunshine and beauty and the beaches. Specially the beaches. I read half the book while on vacation on an island.

The characters continued being their adorable self and it was great to learn more about the characters. Where the first book dealt with the budding romance, this one delved deeper into the characters psyche and we see the insecurities and doubts the characters face as they put on a brave face for the world. That was very relatable.

The story of long distance between Lizzie and Will was the one I was most invested in. Having been one half of a long distance relationship couple, I could actually feel what Lizzie felt and all the thoughts that went through her mind and how both of them managed their situation.

Chloe and Archer's story was cute this time around. Cuter I will say.

Jules and Matt though... I could not invest myself in their life for this one. For them, in my opinion, it was much ado about nothing. 

Pace of the story went down in many a places and there were some instances which felt as if the story could have been told without them as well were the low points for me. Otherwise, a good read. A whopping 3.75 stars out of 5 for me.

The May Ladies are back again!

I loved The Christmas Swap, and was excited to see these characters return in Book Two of Sandy Barker's Christmas Romance series. This series has all the right ingredients, friendship, romance, fun, family and food!

This time we're watching events unfold as we join Lucy, Will, Chloe, Archer, Jules and Matt in sunny Hawaii for a festive adventure. I really enjoyed it, a perfect Christmas read that is warm, funny and brings several sweet stories together into the one book. Will definitely put you in a festive mood...but also make you crave a good beach holiday!

There's definitely mileage for so much more so I hope we meet the May Ladies again soon, maybe a summer romance for Sean and Nate?

Thanks so much to NetGalley, One More Chapter and Sandy Barker for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't realise this was Book 2 in a series, you can totally read this as a stand alone though.

Best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up in different parts of the world. Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity boyfriend Asher, a year of Hollywood chaos and looking for some much needed time alone. Jules loves her Melbourne life and her boyfriend Matt, what she's not loving is her current flatshare and Lucy who is stuck playing the long distance game with boyfriend Will, Colorado to London is too much distance.

Archer planned to sweep Chloe away to Paris for a holiday to remember however dur to unforeseen circumstances they can no longer go so he decides to surprise her with her best friends in Hawaii for the best Christmas ever!

A cute and fluffy holiday romance with secrets, love and family drama.

this book is very confusing. I have read the 1st in the series but this one all 3 couples get together for 1 holiday and you spend alot of time trying to figure out which one of the couples the person belongs to they also introduce new characters and its just alot. so I stopped reading about a week ago and have finished 4 books in that time and i was stuck at 45% for almost 2 weeks .
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy but not for me this one.

Ahh this was such a delight!! If you enjoy reading a story with great and witty characters, descriptive detail, and an interesting plot, then look no further. This is the book you need.

Favorite Quotes:

God, this was like having a conversation underwater. With a turtle.

Chloe thought any occasion was worth a toast. She’d actually toasted toast once.

My Review:

Another fun and breezy installment of the May Ladies on holiday, I adore this sassy trio of gals as much as I do their wittily written series. I am enamored with Ms. Barker’s smooth and captivating storytelling. She craftily pulls me into a cleverly constructed vortex of smart, funny, gorgeous, and multi-layered characters who are endearing, successful, realistically flawed, and adorable, yet complicated. I want to be a May Lady as an additional member of their exclusive group but will have to settle for joining their holiday escapades and amusing adventures on my Kindle.

A less than typical Christmas yet with all the Christmas feels. The girls are fantastic, extremely likeable and interesting. The boys are just as memorable, charismatic and fun. The setting is dreamy and the links to traditional Christmas is nicely woven in to the story in subtle ways. Despite the warm weather this worked as a true feel good Christmas story - and the epilogue wasn’t all that surprising but still who doesn’t want the happy ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review.

Grab a cup of coffee and a cosy blanket and snuggle down for your Christmas trip with the May Ladies as they celebrate Christmas together and work hard to create the ultimate Christmas experience for everyone. Filled with Christmas decorations, stockings and traditions from all of their families as they combine all of their previous experiences and traditions from Colorado, Melbourne & London.

I absolutely loved this story, it was full of everything that is amazing about Christmas. I love the family time and time spent with loved ones and this story captures it so perfectly and is set in a gorgeous location (even if a hot Christmas doesn't seem right)

A story that I loved from start to finish and couldn't wait to find an extra few minutes to keep reading, so I could catch up on the latest developments between the friends and the additional characters that presented themselves in the story.

It’s that time of year to prepare for Christmas and lose yourself in a little romance. The Christmas Trip might just be the answer to get you in the mood. With family and friends, love and laughter it is sure to fill your festive bucket.

‘Operation “Best Christmas Ever” has now begun!’

The Christmas Trip is a sequel to The Christmas Swap (which I just loved!) and we find ourselves reunited with Chloe, Jules and Lucy. Not having seen much of each other in the past twelve months, this is the trip to bring the gang together. It is much more a character driven tale rather than a thematically Christmas one. The Christmas Trip can be read as a standalone but reading the first book (which I found more entertaining and would recommend) would enrich readers' experiences.

‘Christmas Eve! Chloe loved this day almost as much as Christmas itself. It was a day filled, not only with its own traditions, but with anticipation of what was to come, a feeling that had carried over from childhood - ‘Santa’s coming!’ morphing into something more adult, but no less potent.’

I feel this one lacked the same level of Christmas feels that the first book had. With only one setting in Hawaii this time around (and I’m all for summery Christmas books living in Australia!) it just lacked the appeal of the first book. This is a more drama filled, character driven tale and I found some of the actions and dialogue of characters to be somewhat juvenile that took away some of the appeal for older readers.

‘Christmas wasn’t tied to the weather, it was about the people you shared it with.’

All up a fun, beach read type of book with a focus on relationships as opposed to Christmas action - although time spent in Hawaii is a bonus. With friendship at the heart of this tale it is recommended for those who loved spending time with the three girls from the first book.

‘I know this isn’t the Christmas you imagined.’ ‘It’s not but we’re all here together, so that’s what matters.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.