We caught up with author Phillipa Ashley to find out all about her new book Escape for Christmas, along with what it takes to be an author and where she finds her inspiration.
Do you love Phillipa Ashley's books? Well we've got a Christmas treat for you! You could be in with the chance of winning a signed copy of Escape for Christmas, a two night stay with Country Hotel Breaks and a selection of our Home for Christmas festive accessories. Enter here!
1. What inspired you to write Escape For Christmas, and how did the festive season influence your storytelling?
I often find inspiration for my novels while I’m visiting the locations in Cumbria and Cornwall. The idea for Escape for Christmas started when I saw a gorgeous old National Trust farmhouse near Windermere and imagined it covered in snow. That gave me my setting. I’d had the idea of a place where people could escape from Christmas for a while, and the story just grew from there into a whole novel.
2. Could you give us a sneak peek into the central themes of your book and how they reflect the spirit of Christmas?
Following a heartbreaking Christmas involving her ex-partner, Sophie has made a fresh start running a guesthouse in the Lake District and is dreading the festive season. She decides to provide a haven for kindred spirits who want to escape the traditional festivities. However Christmas has a way of creeping in, no matter how hard the characters try to keep it out! I hope the book shows how the spirit of the season can be found in many different ways by gathering together to celebrate and cherish family and friends, old and new.
3. How do your family's Christmas traditions influence your writing, especially during the festive season?
We are lucky to still have three of our parents who all help with our Christmas Day celebrations. My father-in-law celebrated his 90th birthday this autumn and I had a 90th birthday party in a previous book. This year will be extra special because in May, we became grandparents ourselves to a gorgeous little girl and it’s no coincidence that new life features in Escape for Christmas…
4. Do you prefer spending Christmas at home, or do you like to Escape For Christmas to a new destination?
So far we’ve always spent Christmas at home, with our family. On Christmas Eve, my best friend and her partner usually come round and we have a relaxed evening full of laughter, exchanging gifts – and the odd festive cocktail or two!
5. If you prefer to get away, where would your ideal destination be to spend Christmas this year
Definitely the Lake District, hopefully with some snow. We do sometimes visit for New Year and enjoy the crisp hill walks and cosy cafes and pubs.
6. Can you walk us through your writing routine during the holiday season? Do you find it challenging or more inspiring?
I try to keep Christmas week itself it as a special time to enjoy the company of my family and friends. However, I will be in the middle of my Christmas 2025 book and it’s extremely helpful to be writing a festive book while the mayhem is in full flow!
7. Your central character, Sophie, loves hot chocolate, velvet bows, fairy lights and mince pies. What do you love most about Christmas? Can you sum it up in a few words?
Spending time with family and friends is my favourite part of the season. I also love choosing gifts, especially craft items I’ve picked up from my travels in the Lake District and Cornwall.
8. Sophie Allport is known for her timeless homeware designs. Do you have any favourite Christmas decorations that hold special meaning in your home?
We always get a real tree from Cannock Chase forest near our home and load it with an eclectic mix of decorations acquired over the years. One of my recent favourites is a beautiful book stack bauble from an author friend. Another tradition is a furry tiger sack which was my daughter’s when she was a toddler. We still use it every year as a family joke, but this time, it will pass to a new owner: baby Romilly.
Can't wait to read Escape for Christmas? You can download an exclusive extract here. Don't forget to enter our competition to win a signed copy too!