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A Christmas Hideaway
A festive, feel-good romance and the perfect Christmas treat.
You can’t hide from Love.
Holly Gilroy was devastated when her long-term boyfriend, Paul ran off with Naomi, her best friend. Now Paul and Naomi are back in Hideaway Down for Christmas but Holly has no intention of bumping into the happy couple. Cooking and cleaning for the guests at her Mum’s holiday cottages is one way to avoid that. Because she can’t let Paul see she’s still in love with him… can she?
Gabriel Hardwick is desperate to finish his novel… and avoid his agent, Bryony Dawes – who also happens to be his girlfriend. At least that’s what Bryony’s still telling everyone. Will Gabriel’s decision to spend Christmas alone in a rented holiday cottage finally make Bryony see that it’s over between them? And is that really what Gabriel wants?
But they’re not the only ones with problems this festive season.
It’s the coldest winter for years and the villagers and visitors in Hideaway Down are finding warmth in the most unexpected places… and not just from the roaring log fire in the hearth of The Snowdrop Inn.
Coming soon: Catch A Falling Star - A Hideaway Down Novel. Book Two. (Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone)
You can’t hide from Love.
Holly Gilroy was devastated when her long-term boyfriend, Paul ran off with Naomi, her best friend. Now Paul and Naomi are back in Hideaway Down for Christmas but Holly has no intention of bumping into the happy couple. Cooking and cleaning for the guests at her Mum’s holiday cottages is one way to avoid that. Because she can’t let Paul see she’s still in love with him… can she?
Gabriel Hardwick is desperate to finish his novel… and avoid his agent, Bryony Dawes – who also happens to be his girlfriend. At least that’s what Bryony’s still telling everyone. Will Gabriel’s decision to spend Christmas alone in a rented holiday cottage finally make Bryony see that it’s over between them? And is that really what Gabriel wants?
But they’re not the only ones with problems this festive season.
It’s the coldest winter for years and the villagers and visitors in Hideaway Down are finding warmth in the most unexpected places… and not just from the roaring log fire in the hearth of The Snowdrop Inn.
Coming soon: Catch A Falling Star - A Hideaway Down Novel. Book Two. (Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone)
202 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2015
323 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Emily Harvale
77 books222 followersEmily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 12, 2021
The h is dreading facing her ex-boyfriend (they were together for 15 years) for the first time since he left town with her best friend nine months ago. However, it's the holidays in her small town and it's unavoidable.
Even though part of her is still pining for her ex, she meets the H and sparks start to fly.
This can be read as q standalone but is much better in order as part of the series. There is zero steam, and much of it is "life in a cozy village." However, it's sweet and ends in an HEA.
One of the things I like about this story is how loyal the h's friends and family are.
Even though part of her is still pining for her ex, she meets the H and sparks start to fly.
This can be read as q standalone but is much better in order as part of the series. There is zero steam, and much of it is "life in a cozy village." However, it's sweet and ends in an HEA.
One of the things I like about this story is how loyal the h's friends and family are.
January 20, 2016
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
'A Christmas Hideaway' is the first book by Emily Harvale I've read, but it certainly won't be my last one. If it wasn't for my friend Rachel, I don't believe I'd catch it on my radar as there are just SO MANY books out there, but thankfully I listen to my friends' recommendations and spotted Emily's books just in time for the most magical time of the year, Christmas!
Yes, this is a Christmas book and not only that, it's a warm and magical romance story that truly put me in the Christmas spirit. Starting from September or October each year and up till Christmas, I read mostly festive reads, and before reading Emily's book I had read quite some and some very good ones too. However, this is the book that completely got me feeling festive, and I do believe even if you're not reading it for Christmas, the lovely descriptions and snowy setting will instantly put you in that mood. Yes, there are many books marketed as Christmas reads, but not that many who're able to do that.
'A Christmas Hideaway' is a charming romance story about Holly, who's not really looking forward to Christmas as her ex-boyfriend who hooked up with her best friend, is coming back home. The break up wasn't the nicest or most fair, a simple note ending a long relationship never is. And the fact he dumped her for her best friend, only adds to the disappointment. However, this Christmas might just be one of the best Holly's ever had, with Gabriel entering her life. Gabriel is a writer who's staying in one of the cottages owned by Holly's family. However, he's not like the other guests staying, coming to Hideaway for the snow and family time. During his stay he hopes he'll get some peace, work on his novel and avoid his ex-girlfriend, which proves to be harder than he thinks as she's also his agent. Both Holly and Gabriel have their reasons to be everything but cheery this Christmas, but at the same time the fact they'd been a bit hurt in the past brings them closer.
'A Christmas Hideaway' is a delightful read and while there are no twists and shocking surprises, it's a book with a strong feel-good factor. You know what they say, it's not about the destination, but about the journey. Well, that applies perfectly for this novel, it's all about the writing which will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The side characters are amazing too especially Holly's sister who's kind of like me. Fun loving, upfront, always says things as they are. Not as tactful as Holly, but she's the sassy one, like little ball of energy. I really wish to see more of her, and as this is the first in a brand new series, I hope my wish will come true and the next Hideaway Down novel will be about her.
Overall, I'm really happy I read this book and during Christmas at that, and if you're anything like me and can read festive books all year round, I definitely recommend it. A quick, charming read with a strong feel-good factor, perfect for curling up on this cold weather.
January 11, 2021
A lovely read ... made me smile ☺️
February 2, 2019
Really like this author X
January 15, 2016
I loved this book from the very 1st page and when that happens, I know I'm in for a really good read. This encapsulated all the things I love about winter, snowy weather, romance, warming food and a great village community. What's more, there are going to be more books by Emily that will bring back some of these loveable people, I for one can't wait. 5 lovely stars.
December 9, 2025
This was cute and fine but a lot of the story felt unfinished. I feel like this was because the author knew she was going to set more books in this world, but a book like this has to be a good standalone too. This almost felt like a first draft.
The random chapter at the end with the characters we didn’t follow the entire book was wild to me. It could have been the same chapter with the same characters, and left that for the next book or the epilogue even.
Also, Ivy was one of the most insufferable people. I know she was supposed to be “fiery” and whatever but it often came off as super annoying and wanting to get the last word in everything. Almost no one in this book knew how to communicate like an adult, but especially Ivy.
Also, overused words like “pop” or “nip” drove me insane.
However it really wasn’t a horrible read, the town was fun and the Christmas aesthetic is never ending which is what I wanted. Merry Christmas!
The random chapter at the end with the characters we didn’t follow the entire book was wild to me. It could have been the same chapter with the same characters, and left that for the next book or the epilogue even.
Also, Ivy was one of the most insufferable people. I know she was supposed to be “fiery” and whatever but it often came off as super annoying and wanting to get the last word in everything. Almost no one in this book knew how to communicate like an adult, but especially Ivy.
Also, overused words like “pop” or “nip” drove me insane.
However it really wasn’t a horrible read, the town was fun and the Christmas aesthetic is never ending which is what I wanted. Merry Christmas!
November 13, 2017
A Christmas book should be the fiction equivalent of comfort food, easy to consume and yet satisfying, familiar, comfortable and leave you feeling warm and content all over. And that is exactly what this book does. Perfect to read on a cold, windy day when you have a cold ( that bit was said with feeling) as it cheers you up so much. I loved little touches like many of the characters, human and animal, having festive names - in fact I was waiting for Carol and Noel to make an entrance but they must be waiting to appear in the sequel. Reading this has definitely put me more in the mood for Christmas than I was before, in fact I've just done lots of my Christmas shopping, so thank you to Emily Harvale for inspiring me to get on with it!
January 14, 2019
Great holiday read
I loved this book, she describes the hideaway so well and I loved the characters,and it was just such a nice romance story. It was a great Christmas read, I couldn't put it down ! I am so looking forward to reading the follow up books.
I loved this book, she describes the hideaway so well and I loved the characters,and it was just such a nice romance story. It was a great Christmas read, I couldn't put it down ! I am so looking forward to reading the follow up books.
June 15, 2019
Holly and Gabriel
I enjoyed this book of light reading about a man who goes to Hideaway Down for Christmas to get away from his ex-girlfriend. He meets Holly who is dreading Christmas. Read to find out their story.
I enjoyed this book of light reading about a man who goes to Hideaway Down for Christmas to get away from his ex-girlfriend. He meets Holly who is dreading Christmas. Read to find out their story.
October 3, 2019
Christmas arguably the best time of the year?
Loved this story. Loved the descriptions of village life and winter snow. Holly and her family and their lives make a lovely story. Recommend to all.
Loved this story. Loved the descriptions of village life and winter snow. Holly and her family and their lives make a lovely story. Recommend to all.
May 28, 2020
A fantastic read as always
From start to finish I was gripped in the pages of this book, I have enjoyed the characters and the plot off to get book two. Thank you Emily your books are always a joy to read xx
From start to finish I was gripped in the pages of this book, I have enjoyed the characters and the plot off to get book two. Thank you Emily your books are always a joy to read xx
January 26, 2021
Loved it
Enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters in hideaway down. As with all Emily's books you immerse yourself so much in the story, you can visualise the place & all who live there.
Enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters in hideaway down. As with all Emily's books you immerse yourself so much in the story, you can visualise the place & all who live there.
January 4, 2018
Another good one!
Keep going with these easy read love stories. They are light and good for the heart. Love stories do not have to have explicit sexual portions to be good.
Keep going with these easy read love stories. They are light and good for the heart. Love stories do not have to have explicit sexual portions to be good.
January 27, 2018
Great fun, cozy Christmas read. Can't wait to read the next book in the Hideaway Down series.
September 18, 2018
Fantastic
Fabulous book l love reading your books , really like to see what happens to the character ,loved it as always.
Fabulous book l love reading your books , really like to see what happens to the character ,loved it as always.
January 13, 2019
pleasant read, I enjoyed it.
March 31, 2019
Great
Another great start to a series of book , cleverly written with a couple of twists .. I’m ready to read next one
Another great start to a series of book , cleverly written with a couple of twists .. I’m ready to read next one
May 29, 2019
Lovely book
I loved this book the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read you want to know more about them.you get drawn into their lives
I loved this book the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read you want to know more about them.you get drawn into their lives
April 29, 2020
Loved it
This is a lovely love story i am on this author's second book hope it is as good looking forward to reading more
This is a lovely love story i am on this author's second book hope it is as good looking forward to reading more
December 20, 2020
Great
Love it thanks Emily as usual a great story and couldn’t put it down, I’m completely hooked on your books can’t wait for the next one
Love it thanks Emily as usual a great story and couldn’t put it down, I’m completely hooked on your books can’t wait for the next one
May 1, 2021
Very enjoyable
March 14, 2021
Fun Christmas Romance!
A feel-good Christmas story about a small town in Sussex, even if you read it in March like I did!
A feel-good Christmas story about a small town in Sussex, even if you read it in March like I did!
December 3, 2015
A Christmas Hideaway has all the elements you need for a great festive story. It has a picturesque small village, Hideaway Down, snow, Christmas decorations and markets, a frost fair, ice-skating, Santa, some corny elf jokes, and most importantly a wonderful romance.
Holly had not overly been looking forward to Christmas this year. Last New Year's eve, her boyfriend of 15 years, Paul, ran off with her best friend, and insultingly only told her in a note. They are due back in Hideaway Down for Christmas, and Holly doesn't want to risk bumping into them. She has also been made redundant recently, so is helping out with her mums holiday cottages.
Gabriel Hardwick, is an author, who decides to rent one of the cottages for some peace and quiet over Christmas. He broke up with his girlfriend 2 months previous, but there is the added complication that she is his agent too. Gabriel rents Ivy cottage, and gets more than he bargains on from Hideaway Down.
This is a romance that grows slowly, although its obvious to the reader that Gabriel and Holly should be together, they both have various roadblocks in their lives to deal with, but they soon become friends, and find they are seeking out each other's company.
Hideaway Down is a wonderful small village, where all the villagers know each others business, almost faster than it occurs. And every village must have a quirk, and the Gaggle Gang is definitely Hideaway's Down. The gaggle gang are a group of geese that live in one of the villagers sheds, but that generally wander the village causing laughs and its clear they believe they run the village. There is an ice-skating scene involving the Gaggle Gang that conjures up all sorts of hilarious imagery.
I really felt like a part of village life in Hideaway Down, and really looking forward to the next book in this series, Catch A Falling Star. I have a feeling that there could be a good amount of stories to be told within this village, and I will be looking forward to each and every one of them.
Thank you to Emily Harvale for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Holly had not overly been looking forward to Christmas this year. Last New Year's eve, her boyfriend of 15 years, Paul, ran off with her best friend, and insultingly only told her in a note. They are due back in Hideaway Down for Christmas, and Holly doesn't want to risk bumping into them. She has also been made redundant recently, so is helping out with her mums holiday cottages.
Gabriel Hardwick, is an author, who decides to rent one of the cottages for some peace and quiet over Christmas. He broke up with his girlfriend 2 months previous, but there is the added complication that she is his agent too. Gabriel rents Ivy cottage, and gets more than he bargains on from Hideaway Down.
This is a romance that grows slowly, although its obvious to the reader that Gabriel and Holly should be together, they both have various roadblocks in their lives to deal with, but they soon become friends, and find they are seeking out each other's company.
Hideaway Down is a wonderful small village, where all the villagers know each others business, almost faster than it occurs. And every village must have a quirk, and the Gaggle Gang is definitely Hideaway's Down. The gaggle gang are a group of geese that live in one of the villagers sheds, but that generally wander the village causing laughs and its clear they believe they run the village. There is an ice-skating scene involving the Gaggle Gang that conjures up all sorts of hilarious imagery.
I really felt like a part of village life in Hideaway Down, and really looking forward to the next book in this series, Catch A Falling Star. I have a feeling that there could be a good amount of stories to be told within this village, and I will be looking forward to each and every one of them.
Thank you to Emily Harvale for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
December 18, 2015
British This writer has a way with phrases, keeps me chuckling. Quot from book, "Passing in front of the window, he glanced out and the view took his breath away. Against an ice blue sky, it looked as if the sun were setting into a bed of multi-coloured blankets, piled one on top of another in shades of pink, pale orange, red, purple and deep violet. It cast a silver glow across a stretch of sea the colour of melted mercury." This was a great read. I loved the characters of Hideaway Down and all the chuckles I got from them. Her imagery was quite often beautiful.
December 26, 2015
I loved this book, there is just something that I love about all of Emily's books that are so comforting and warm that I literally get so excited about. The story is about a lovely place called Hideaway Down and the people that live there, this story was mainly based around Holly who I instantly warmed too immediately and I loved the sound of Gabriel too. It did add a bit of magic to my Christmas and I look forward to reading book two.
December 30, 2015
I found this book easy to read - too easy, if anything. The characters were nice but stereotypical, and the scenario was cosy and unthreatening, so much so that I found myself waiting for something to happen, such as someone falling through the ice. but that may be a sign that I've read too many murder mysteries.
I think there are better books in the genre, which is why I'm only giving it 3 stars, but it's a nice read if you are in the mood.
I think there are better books in the genre, which is why I'm only giving it 3 stars, but it's a nice read if you are in the mood.
April 27, 2016
A Christmas Delight
Once again Emily Harvale has written another brilliant novel. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Such wonderful characters and a delightful setting has made this book one of my favourites so far. I can't wait for the next instalment. Well done Emily.
Once again Emily Harvale has written another brilliant novel. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Such wonderful characters and a delightful setting has made this book one of my favourites so far. I can't wait for the next instalment. Well done Emily.
January 11, 2017
A Christmas Hideway
This was my very first reading of Emily Harvale and I enjoyed it immensely. We all have pictures in our minds of the perfect little village during winter and then having it turn into Christmas too was just the icing on the cake.
This was my very first reading of Emily Harvale and I enjoyed it immensely. We all have pictures in our minds of the perfect little village during winter and then having it turn into Christmas too was just the icing on the cake.
December 5, 2015
Really lovely festive read, I couldn't put it down.
December 21, 2015
A cozy English village, interesting village folk, an author and an innkeeper make for a fun, festive holiday story about falling in love and finding your place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews