Relax and Read Book Club: All We Want for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading All We Want for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley. Based at Ravendale Castle in the snowy Lake District, Lara is busy preparing for the Winter Spectacular - a glittering local event, in the hope it will distract her from her recent heartbreak until Flynn, the ruggedly handsome technical manager, arrives and sparks start to fly. Here, Phillipa Ashley tells us more.

"Sparkling and festive, as satisfying as figgy pudding and clotted cream – loved it!" - Milly Johnson

What inspired you to write this book and how did the festive season influence your storytelling?

Like all my books, the inspiration for ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS came from a variety of sources, melded together. The Lake District is my happy place, where I go to walk and be in nature. Its majestic mountains and gorgeous castles, some of which are illuminated for Christmas, make a perfect setting. The main theme of the book is family, and was inspired by recent life-changing events – but I can’t say more as it would give a big spoiler.

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them special to you?

Oh, I couldn’t pick just one. I loved writing them all, including brave Lara who is running a castle while battling heartbreak and Flynn, a biker who thinks he has his life sorted out just fine – but has no idea what’s coming down the track. I also love bringing secondary characters to life, including Henry and Fiona, the quirky aristocrats who own the castle – and Brenda, a more mature character who has the best one-liners.

Could you give us a sneak peek into the central themes of your book and how they reflect the spirit of Christmas?

Without giving spoilers, all I can tell you is families – in all their complex guises – play a central theme. Whether you live in a castle, or a cottage, families come to the fore at Christmas. For people who work away from home, as Lara and the castle staff do, friends and colleagues become more important than ever. There’s also a fun theme of destiny and luck running through the book – is there such a thing as fate?

How do your family's Christmas traditions influence your writing, especially during the festive season?

We have a small, tight-knit family but we all try to get together for Christmas, although that’s become more complicated lately. I don’t think it matters if everyone can’t get round the dinner table on the actual day. It’s a busy time and I’m happy to see people in stages – I’ve found it’s more relaxing to stretch the fun out!

Could you share insights into your daily writing process and routines? How does your wellness routine integrate with your writing practice, and do you make any specific adjustments during writing periods?

I get up early to write but always stop late morning for a run, the gym or to meet friends. I have to take regular breaks for my physical and mental health, more so as I get older. The creative well needs refilling often! It’s no coincidence that I set my books in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the Lake District where the dramatic landscape inspires me. I visit both almost every month to walk, relax, swim in the sea and go bodyboarding and always come home refreshed and buzzing with ideas.

Is there a particular spa treatment you enjoy, and what draws you to it?

I’m an outdoorsy person so if I do go to a spa, it’s always to the pool – my local health club recently opened a spa with heat/ice rooms, whirlpools and a cold plunge which I have braved a few times. One of my resolutions is to make more time to enjoy this spa. I don’t get much opportunity for pampering but I do love a gel mani a few times a year so I’m book festival ready! Your hands are always on show as a writer.

What is your top tip for maintaining overall wellbeing, especially during busy times like writing and promoting a book?

Writing two books a year plus articles and short stories can be relentless and really impact your health in terms of joints and eyes. Personally, I have a steady routine and I absolutely *have* to get out of the house at least once a day to jog, walk or visit family and friends. I also need my sleep and don’t work in the evenings – I’m a morning person.

And finally, what is it that you want most for Christmas?

My lovely family all together over the holidays. And the M&S beauty advent calendar (I already bought it on my husband’s behalf, just in case!)