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domicspinnwand's review against another edition
2.0
Oergs. Das hat ganz gut angefangen - aber ich habe es abgebrochen, irgendwie hatte die Geschichte dann Längen. Klar, das es ein Happy End geben wird, wusste ich ja. Aber irgendwie kamen die Alleinerziehende und der Millionär nicht so recht in die Puschen. Vielleicht war es einfach auch schon wieder zu weit weg von Weihnachten, als ich das Buch gelesen habe und ich nehme es mir nächstes Jahr noch mal vor. Dieses Jahr hat es mich nicht überzeugt.
emmacr2024's review against another edition
5.0
Bookouture definitely excel in producing the most magical, atmospheric covers and One Wish in Manhattan is no different. Shamefully this is my first read by Mandy Baggot but honestly I devoured it and from now on will eagerly await each of her new releases whilst reading her back catalogue. In the months and weeks leading up to the Christmas season we are going to be inundated with festive reads, like many others I adore books centred around Christmas but one niggle I sometimes have is that more often than not Christmas is rarely mentioned in a number of these books. Why go to the bother of focusing a book all around one of the most special times of year and barely mention the big event or the lead up to it? There are numerous opportunities to create a wonderfully, enchanting story associated with the season so in my opinion for a writer it's best not to waste it. In this case none of my issues arose as this book was simply fantastic - a real page turner with a good solid storyline and a fantastic cast of characters. One Wish in Manhattan ticks all the boxes and it certainly has me excited and eager for all the special moments that are sure to be created over the coming weeks.
The book opens in Salisbury in a McDonald’s as Hayley sits with her daughter Angel contemplating her big holiday to New York for Christmas. It's supposed to be a real exciting, adventurous time but she has just quit her job and she has ulterior reasons for the trip. Hayley desperately wants to fulfil Angel's Christmas wish – to find her dad, their last encounter being the night Angel was conceived. Could Hayley's one night stand (charming artist Michel) still be living in the city that never sleeps ten years on? Well there is only one way to find out and Hayley is determined to make her daughter's dream come true.
Hayley and Angel are just fantastic characters, the mother/daughter bond runs deep. They are almost like sisters, best friends and mother and daughter all rolled into one as close as they possibly could be and I really adored both of them. Their love and support for each other radiates from the pages, the banter between the two was brilliant and gave me innumerable laugh out loud moments. Angel is a child genius and her 'special dictionary of facts' is never far from her side. Littered throughout the book are Angel's facts and statements about life in general and New York City. This could have bordered on tedious and inappropriate but Mandy slips them in at just the right moment that they offer light relief from a tense scene or else add superb comedic value. Angel was a child wise beyond her years and more like forty than nine but she made such positive, humorous contributions to the story that without her in it this book would not have worked as well as it did. 'Children had no filter.They were truth tellers' this just totally sums Angel up and I love her for it.
Hayley may well be a single mother but she wants the best for her daughter, her own dreams and aspirations regarding fashion have been put aside. Travelling to New York with Angel she is able to stay with her brother Drew who works in a computer company. He has the plush apartment, the hunky boyfriend and everything he could wish for. Whilst Hayley frets that having lost her job how will she give Angel anything? By committing to a search maybe she can give Angel the greatest gift of all? Hayley to me was strong and determined and someone who always puts everyone else first as is evident throughout the book with her careful considered actions towards others. Hayley should be applauded for her willingness to find the father of her child. She could have just thought I've done well on my own for the guts of ten years, I can keep going but no she knew her daughter needed to form a relationship with her father. A chance encounter with Oliver Drummond, CEO of the company Drew works for, sets in motion a chain of events, connections, twists and turns that had me enthralled right until I read the very last line of this impressive story. Hayley with a little help does everything in her power to find Michel. But does she? The only thing I will say is when Hayley feels she needs money if she wanted to stay in New York longer or treat Angel to nice things she goes and gets a job. Majestic Cleaning was a brilliant addition to the overall storyline but would a tourist really be allowed to work whilst on holiday? Surely they would get thrown out of the country if discovered. I realise Mandy addresses this later on in the book and this plot line is essential but at the time of reading it really bugged me.
The more we read of Oliver in the first six or so chapters the more it struck me how selfish he was and he was engaging in a pity party. How could he be certain his life was going to be cut short like that of his brother and father? He was wishing his life away and not engaging on a day to day basis, embrace each day as it comes, live life to the full as history might not repeat itself. Otherwise he would be left wondering why did I put myself through all that for no reason only one of my creation. The way Oliver speaks to and treats his PA Clara really irked me, she devoted herself to her job and to ensuring Oliver's work life went as smoothly as possible. I think secretly she had a soft spot for him and wanted the best for him even though for quite some part of the book his obsession with what had happened in the past prevented him from moving forward and being the best man he could be both on a personal and professional level. As all the women in Oliver's life including his mother Cynthia just wanted him to break free from the shackles he had placed around himself but it would take a special someone for that to happen. As the story progresses there is certainly one of the best character transformations I have read in a long time and this may sound silly to say but I found myself beginning to fancy Oliver just that little bit. Normally I just read a book and take the male characters as they are but here Mandy Baggott does such a fantastic job of endearing you to each character especially Oliver that I could see beyond the hunky billionaire to a man who was nervous and afraid. 'He didn't do caring like that. It only led to pain'. Hopefully by the end of the book Oliver would be able to retract that statement.
Christmas books can often be in danger of being airy, fairy concentrating too much on the magical, romantical side of things but One Wish in Manhattan was a story of real substance and depth whilst maintaining a cheerful fun side. The headings within each chapter helped the reader identify the various settings throughout the city where scenes were taking place. They really enabled me to identify with the city and the characters. Mandy Baggot has done a super job of making me feel like I was in New York with Hayley, Oliver and co. I've never been to New York, god I would be ashamed to tell you the last time I was on a holiday, but after reading this book I believe I have experienced the cold, the snow, ice skating, the wonderful shops and restaurants, fabulous festive ambiance of New York and much much more. One Wish in Manhattan peels back the layers of its characters to reveal their true selves with the added dash of romance, laughter, forgiveness , healing and all things Christmas I loved every minute of it and didn't want it to end. In the end notes Mandy Baggot hopes we enjoyed our holiday in New York with Hayley, Oliver, Angel and the rest and asks was it the perfect Christmas read? The answer to both those questions Mandy is yes and yes and I will be recommending this to everybody. Let's hope the rest of the Christmas books to come are as good as One Wish in Manhattan.
The book opens in Salisbury in a McDonald’s as Hayley sits with her daughter Angel contemplating her big holiday to New York for Christmas. It's supposed to be a real exciting, adventurous time but she has just quit her job and she has ulterior reasons for the trip. Hayley desperately wants to fulfil Angel's Christmas wish – to find her dad, their last encounter being the night Angel was conceived. Could Hayley's one night stand (charming artist Michel) still be living in the city that never sleeps ten years on? Well there is only one way to find out and Hayley is determined to make her daughter's dream come true.
Hayley and Angel are just fantastic characters, the mother/daughter bond runs deep. They are almost like sisters, best friends and mother and daughter all rolled into one as close as they possibly could be and I really adored both of them. Their love and support for each other radiates from the pages, the banter between the two was brilliant and gave me innumerable laugh out loud moments. Angel is a child genius and her 'special dictionary of facts' is never far from her side. Littered throughout the book are Angel's facts and statements about life in general and New York City. This could have bordered on tedious and inappropriate but Mandy slips them in at just the right moment that they offer light relief from a tense scene or else add superb comedic value. Angel was a child wise beyond her years and more like forty than nine but she made such positive, humorous contributions to the story that without her in it this book would not have worked as well as it did. 'Children had no filter.They were truth tellers' this just totally sums Angel up and I love her for it.
Hayley may well be a single mother but she wants the best for her daughter, her own dreams and aspirations regarding fashion have been put aside. Travelling to New York with Angel she is able to stay with her brother Drew who works in a computer company. He has the plush apartment, the hunky boyfriend and everything he could wish for. Whilst Hayley frets that having lost her job how will she give Angel anything? By committing to a search maybe she can give Angel the greatest gift of all? Hayley to me was strong and determined and someone who always puts everyone else first as is evident throughout the book with her careful considered actions towards others. Hayley should be applauded for her willingness to find the father of her child. She could have just thought I've done well on my own for the guts of ten years, I can keep going but no she knew her daughter needed to form a relationship with her father. A chance encounter with Oliver Drummond, CEO of the company Drew works for, sets in motion a chain of events, connections, twists and turns that had me enthralled right until I read the very last line of this impressive story. Hayley with a little help does everything in her power to find Michel. But does she? The only thing I will say is when Hayley feels she needs money if she wanted to stay in New York longer or treat Angel to nice things she goes and gets a job. Majestic Cleaning was a brilliant addition to the overall storyline but would a tourist really be allowed to work whilst on holiday? Surely they would get thrown out of the country if discovered. I realise Mandy addresses this later on in the book and this plot line is essential but at the time of reading it really bugged me.
The more we read of Oliver in the first six or so chapters the more it struck me how selfish he was and he was engaging in a pity party. How could he be certain his life was going to be cut short like that of his brother and father? He was wishing his life away and not engaging on a day to day basis, embrace each day as it comes, live life to the full as history might not repeat itself. Otherwise he would be left wondering why did I put myself through all that for no reason only one of my creation. The way Oliver speaks to and treats his PA Clara really irked me, she devoted herself to her job and to ensuring Oliver's work life went as smoothly as possible. I think secretly she had a soft spot for him and wanted the best for him even though for quite some part of the book his obsession with what had happened in the past prevented him from moving forward and being the best man he could be both on a personal and professional level. As all the women in Oliver's life including his mother Cynthia just wanted him to break free from the shackles he had placed around himself but it would take a special someone for that to happen. As the story progresses there is certainly one of the best character transformations I have read in a long time and this may sound silly to say but I found myself beginning to fancy Oliver just that little bit. Normally I just read a book and take the male characters as they are but here Mandy Baggott does such a fantastic job of endearing you to each character especially Oliver that I could see beyond the hunky billionaire to a man who was nervous and afraid. 'He didn't do caring like that. It only led to pain'. Hopefully by the end of the book Oliver would be able to retract that statement.
Christmas books can often be in danger of being airy, fairy concentrating too much on the magical, romantical side of things but One Wish in Manhattan was a story of real substance and depth whilst maintaining a cheerful fun side. The headings within each chapter helped the reader identify the various settings throughout the city where scenes were taking place. They really enabled me to identify with the city and the characters. Mandy Baggot has done a super job of making me feel like I was in New York with Hayley, Oliver and co. I've never been to New York, god I would be ashamed to tell you the last time I was on a holiday, but after reading this book I believe I have experienced the cold, the snow, ice skating, the wonderful shops and restaurants, fabulous festive ambiance of New York and much much more. One Wish in Manhattan peels back the layers of its characters to reveal their true selves with the added dash of romance, laughter, forgiveness , healing and all things Christmas I loved every minute of it and didn't want it to end. In the end notes Mandy Baggot hopes we enjoyed our holiday in New York with Hayley, Oliver, Angel and the rest and asks was it the perfect Christmas read? The answer to both those questions Mandy is yes and yes and I will be recommending this to everybody. Let's hope the rest of the Christmas books to come are as good as One Wish in Manhattan.
toofondofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I knew I was going to love this book from the very first page, it just drew me straight in and never let me go. It was completely and utterly wonderful!
Hayley and her daughter Angel go to New York, supposedly on holiday but Hayley really intends to try and find Angel’s father. They stay with Hayley’s brother Dean. On their first night in New York Hayley meets a very attractive stranger and life becomes a lot more fun, and a lot more complicated.
I loved Hayley and Angel’s relationship, the bond between them and the way they were with each other felt so realistic and lovely. They seemed like real people to me from the very beginning and I was quite sad when I finished the book and had to leave them behind. I miss them already!
I couldn’t help but see parallels between this book and one of my favourite classic Christmas books – A Christmas Carol. Oliver is a hard-nosed business man, he’s self-centred and doesn’t like form to form relationships with women. In his work environment he doesn’t know the name of many of his colleagues and it becomes apparent that a lot of his staff are quite wary around him. Clara, his assistant, is a great character, she’s strong-willed and says what she thinks to Oliver. She’s the Jacob Marley character, except she does make her feelings clear and isn’t fearful of her boss. Having said that, Clara’s home life could be considered a teeny bit like the Jacob’s.
Oliver’s father and brother have recently died and he believes that he is about to die of the same heart defect that kills them. Each time he has a collapse and the closer he gets to Hayley the more he begins to thaw. She is like the ghost of Christmas present, showing him what he could have if he just lets her into his life. HIs father and brother are ghosts of Christmas past, and his belief that he will die soon and alone is his potential future because it is in danger of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy if he doesn’t slow down a bit at work. Hayley and Angel show Oliver that life can be completely different if he just relaxes the tight reins a little bit. The way Oliver’s character develops throughout the novel is rather Scrooge-like!
This book is not a re-telling of A Christmas Carol but the parallels between the two books made my enjoyment factor even higher, and now this brand new book has won me over and will take its place beside an old favourite in Christmases to come, and what can be better than that for a book lover? All of this combined with One Wish in Manhattan being about Christmas in New York, which is one of those experiences that always seems magical and beautiful, make this book sheer perfection!
Christmas is a part of this novel from beginning to end and I adored that. I loved how, from the minute they arrived in New York Hayley and Angel kept stopping and saying how whatever they were doing was another reason why Christmas is better there. It kept the Christmas spirit all the way through!
I highly recommend that this book makes your Christmas reads list this year!
Hayley and her daughter Angel go to New York, supposedly on holiday but Hayley really intends to try and find Angel’s father. They stay with Hayley’s brother Dean. On their first night in New York Hayley meets a very attractive stranger and life becomes a lot more fun, and a lot more complicated.
I loved Hayley and Angel’s relationship, the bond between them and the way they were with each other felt so realistic and lovely. They seemed like real people to me from the very beginning and I was quite sad when I finished the book and had to leave them behind. I miss them already!
I couldn’t help but see parallels between this book and one of my favourite classic Christmas books – A Christmas Carol. Oliver is a hard-nosed business man, he’s self-centred and doesn’t like form to form relationships with women. In his work environment he doesn’t know the name of many of his colleagues and it becomes apparent that a lot of his staff are quite wary around him. Clara, his assistant, is a great character, she’s strong-willed and says what she thinks to Oliver. She’s the Jacob Marley character, except she does make her feelings clear and isn’t fearful of her boss. Having said that, Clara’s home life could be considered a teeny bit like the Jacob’s.
Oliver’s father and brother have recently died and he believes that he is about to die of the same heart defect that kills them. Each time he has a collapse and the closer he gets to Hayley the more he begins to thaw. She is like the ghost of Christmas present, showing him what he could have if he just lets her into his life. HIs father and brother are ghosts of Christmas past, and his belief that he will die soon and alone is his potential future because it is in danger of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy if he doesn’t slow down a bit at work. Hayley and Angel show Oliver that life can be completely different if he just relaxes the tight reins a little bit. The way Oliver’s character develops throughout the novel is rather Scrooge-like!
This book is not a re-telling of A Christmas Carol but the parallels between the two books made my enjoyment factor even higher, and now this brand new book has won me over and will take its place beside an old favourite in Christmases to come, and what can be better than that for a book lover? All of this combined with One Wish in Manhattan being about Christmas in New York, which is one of those experiences that always seems magical and beautiful, make this book sheer perfection!
Christmas is a part of this novel from beginning to end and I adored that. I loved how, from the minute they arrived in New York Hayley and Angel kept stopping and saying how whatever they were doing was another reason why Christmas is better there. It kept the Christmas spirit all the way through!
I highly recommend that this book makes your Christmas reads list this year!
kirstym3692's review against another edition
5.0
It's been a while since I read a proper chicklit book, but I really loved this one! I had never read a book by Mandy Baggot, though I had several on my Goodreads to read list, I will get to them soon after reading this!
Hayley had a one night stand in New York 10 years ago, resulting in her having a little girl named Angel. She overheard Angel wishing to Father Christmas to meet her father and decided she was going to fulfill this wish.
Oliver is a billionaire who became boss of his father's company after he and his older brother died. He thinks he will die young too, so he gets regular panic attacks thinking they are a prelude of a heart attack.
Oliver and Hayley keep running into each other and soon Sparks start to fly.
This book made me feel so happy, like a proper chicklit book Always does with me! I loved the Chemistry Hayley and Oliver had and Angel was such a funny girl.
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes chicklit and feel-good books!
Hayley had a one night stand in New York 10 years ago, resulting in her having a little girl named Angel. She overheard Angel wishing to Father Christmas to meet her father and decided she was going to fulfill this wish.
Oliver is a billionaire who became boss of his father's company after he and his older brother died. He thinks he will die young too, so he gets regular panic attacks thinking they are a prelude of a heart attack.
Oliver and Hayley keep running into each other and soon Sparks start to fly.
This book made me feel so happy, like a proper chicklit book Always does with me! I loved the Chemistry Hayley and Oliver had and Angel was such a funny girl.
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes chicklit and feel-good books!
emmascr's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews Firstly thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I love Christmas and it's my dream to visit New York at Christmas time so this book instantly appealed to me.
Hayley and her daughter Angel are going to visit her brother, Dean in New York for Christmas! I really loved Hayley. She loves her daughter and wants nothing more than for her too be happy. When she hears he daughter's wish she does everything she can to make it come true. Angel is such a great character. She is smart beyond her years and she made me laugh on so many occasions.
When Hayley meets Oliver Drummond she doesn't know what to think. Oliver is known for playing the field and he's just going to distract her from the real reason she came to New York. When the two keep meeting its clear there's a connection of some kind.
Mandy's writing is funny and engaging. This story is perfect for the Christmas season. It's full of hope, love and family. I can't wait to pick up another of Mandy's books in the near future.
Hayley and her daughter Angel are going to visit her brother, Dean in New York for Christmas! I really loved Hayley. She loves her daughter and wants nothing more than for her too be happy. When she hears he daughter's wish she does everything she can to make it come true. Angel is such a great character. She is smart beyond her years and she made me laugh on so many occasions.
When Hayley meets Oliver Drummond she doesn't know what to think. Oliver is known for playing the field and he's just going to distract her from the real reason she came to New York. When the two keep meeting its clear there's a connection of some kind.
Mandy's writing is funny and engaging. This story is perfect for the Christmas season. It's full of hope, love and family. I can't wait to pick up another of Mandy's books in the near future.
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
5.0
You can read my full review on my blog here (Tabytha's Universe)
In a nutshell...
This is a wonderful, feel good contemporary romance novel – perfect reading for this time of year! I was completely engaged with this book, it’s a real page turner, and yes, I did laugh out loud at some of Hayley’s and Angel’s comments but if you’re anything like me you’ll shed a few tears along the way too.
Oliver’s one sexy billionaire and there’s loads of sexual tension but although there’s some smexy scenes and banter in this book, this is more of a PG than an 18+ story. ;-) So I think it fans of romance (with a capital R) and relationship stories of all ages would enjoy this book.
In a nutshell...
This is a wonderful, feel good contemporary romance novel – perfect reading for this time of year! I was completely engaged with this book, it’s a real page turner, and yes, I did laugh out loud at some of Hayley’s and Angel’s comments but if you’re anything like me you’ll shed a few tears along the way too.
Oliver’s one sexy billionaire and there’s loads of sexual tension but although there’s some smexy scenes and banter in this book, this is more of a PG than an 18+ story. ;-) So I think it fans of romance (with a capital R) and relationship stories of all ages would enjoy this book.
mmjm1's review against another edition
2.0
I love a story set in NYC, and this one had plenty of atmosphere. The characters were likable. The story was Hallmarkish in its predictability, but that’s ok - it was what I was looking for. It was almost unreadable due to the number of typos and grammatical errors. Editing program, anyone?
noellee_ma's review against another edition
3.0
Nettes Winter-Buch, aber nichts Besonderes für mich
Wenn ich mich bei vielen Büchern mittlerweile zu alt fühle, fühle ich mich bei „Winterzauber in Manhatten“ von Mandy Baggot tatsächlich etwas zu jung… Der Klappentext verspricht auf jeden Fall winter- und weihnachtliche Vibes – der Grund, warum ich das Buch überhaupt gekauft habe. Diese sind bei mir leider nicht so ganz übergeschwankt. Ggf. lag es auch am Schreibstil, denn für meinen Geschmack wurden die falschen Dinge zu ausführlich beschrieben.
Es geht um Hayley und ihre Tochter Angel, die ihr Weihnachten in New York verbringen wollen. Die Mission dabei: Angels Vater finden. Währenddessen unternehmen Sie aber natürlich auch zahlreiche typische „Touri-Aktivitäten“ und treffen dabei auf den Weihnachtsmuffel und Milliardär Oliver. Zuerst ist er überwiegend schlecht gelaunt, was sich durch die Begegnung mit Hayley jedoch ändert. Hayley hingegen nimmt man, besonders bei ihrem Putz-Job, als sehr verantwortungsbewusst und engagiert wahr. Ihre Tochter Angel ist sehr aufgeweckt, neugierig und zuckersüß. Vor allem durch Angel, aber auch durch das Zusammentreffen von Hayley und Oliver sowie seiner Mutter, bekommt das Buch humorvolle Momente.
Insgesamt für mich eine nette Winter-Lektüre für zwischendurch, die für mich persönlich aber auch nichts Besonderes war.
Wenn ich mich bei vielen Büchern mittlerweile zu alt fühle, fühle ich mich bei „Winterzauber in Manhatten“ von Mandy Baggot tatsächlich etwas zu jung… Der Klappentext verspricht auf jeden Fall winter- und weihnachtliche Vibes – der Grund, warum ich das Buch überhaupt gekauft habe. Diese sind bei mir leider nicht so ganz übergeschwankt. Ggf. lag es auch am Schreibstil, denn für meinen Geschmack wurden die falschen Dinge zu ausführlich beschrieben.
Es geht um Hayley und ihre Tochter Angel, die ihr Weihnachten in New York verbringen wollen. Die Mission dabei: Angels Vater finden. Währenddessen unternehmen Sie aber natürlich auch zahlreiche typische „Touri-Aktivitäten“ und treffen dabei auf den Weihnachtsmuffel und Milliardär Oliver. Zuerst ist er überwiegend schlecht gelaunt, was sich durch die Begegnung mit Hayley jedoch ändert. Hayley hingegen nimmt man, besonders bei ihrem Putz-Job, als sehr verantwortungsbewusst und engagiert wahr. Ihre Tochter Angel ist sehr aufgeweckt, neugierig und zuckersüß. Vor allem durch Angel, aber auch durch das Zusammentreffen von Hayley und Oliver sowie seiner Mutter, bekommt das Buch humorvolle Momente.
Insgesamt für mich eine nette Winter-Lektüre für zwischendurch, die für mich persönlich aber auch nichts Besonderes war.
nannyf's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved this story, such a feel good comedic read. It is also really nice that there isn't an over abundance of sex scenes. It was refreshing to read something where the author relied on the story to keep the reader happy, rather than more adult content.
I loved the character of Angel! She is so outspoken, opinionated, and full of useless facts about anything and everything! She is honestly like a walking encyclopaedia. It seems nothing can phase her, and she's only 9!
Hayley only has one wish in life, to keep her daughter happy and give her what she has wished for. She doesn't think about what she herself wants, it's all about Angel. Hayley finds herself going totally outside her comfort zone in order to make this happen. But can she keep her promise to herself, and fulfill her daughters only wish?
I love the character of Oliver also. He has so many different layers to him. He is fighting demons of his own when Hayley and Angel come into his life and turn it upside down. Can he change the habits of a lifetime, or will his demons win over?
A lovely feel good story which I would recommend to anyone wanting a happy afternoons reading.
I loved the character of Angel! She is so outspoken, opinionated, and full of useless facts about anything and everything! She is honestly like a walking encyclopaedia. It seems nothing can phase her, and she's only 9!
Hayley only has one wish in life, to keep her daughter happy and give her what she has wished for. She doesn't think about what she herself wants, it's all about Angel. Hayley finds herself going totally outside her comfort zone in order to make this happen. But can she keep her promise to herself, and fulfill her daughters only wish?
I love the character of Oliver also. He has so many different layers to him. He is fighting demons of his own when Hayley and Angel come into his life and turn it upside down. Can he change the habits of a lifetime, or will his demons win over?
A lovely feel good story which I would recommend to anyone wanting a happy afternoons reading.
tiredcat's review against another edition
4.0
To read my complete review go to: https://onebooktwo.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/one-wish-in-manhattan-by-mandy-baggot/
I’m going to be honest with you. I didn’t want to read this book. It looked like a perfectly good book, but I had things to do. I had cookies to bake, presents to buy and wrap, and Christmas cards to send out. Plus I had to redecorate the Christmas tree daily because Lucyfer and Izzy had decided it was their own private playground. I had too much Christmas stuff to do to actually sit down and enjoy the fact that it is Christmas. But on Monday night, I sat down and picked up my kindle. I am so glad that I did.
One Wish in Manhattan is not my usual Christmas short story where in 92 pages people can go from strangers to lifelong soulmates. This story has imperfect characters with real life problems. There is a lot of complexity wrapped through the story which is developed well as we get to know the characters. And on top of everything else, the dialogue is hilarious. Nine year old Angel gives the story it’s heart and soul plus she shared many good facts that may help me win at Trivia Pursuit someday. The romance is sweet with a rating of PG-13, but it does have enough suggestive dialogue to keep it interesting.
Overall this is a fun, uproarious funny, complex book with the heart of Christmas at it’s core which helped to bring Christmas back into focus for me. As I looked up from my Kindle to watch the Christmas lights shine in the dark room, I realized I was snuggled in my favorite chair, covered by a blanket with three cats keeping me warm. At that moment, I felt peace and my soul was able to rest. I took a deep breath and realized that these perfect moments were as close to heaven as we get on this side of life.
So, I ask you to take a second this holiday season to read your favorite Christmas story or relax in a dark room filled with Christmas lights. Savor Christmas before it is gone for another year. Your soul needs that little piece of heaven.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m going to be honest with you. I didn’t want to read this book. It looked like a perfectly good book, but I had things to do. I had cookies to bake, presents to buy and wrap, and Christmas cards to send out. Plus I had to redecorate the Christmas tree daily because Lucyfer and Izzy had decided it was their own private playground. I had too much Christmas stuff to do to actually sit down and enjoy the fact that it is Christmas. But on Monday night, I sat down and picked up my kindle. I am so glad that I did.
One Wish in Manhattan is not my usual Christmas short story where in 92 pages people can go from strangers to lifelong soulmates. This story has imperfect characters with real life problems. There is a lot of complexity wrapped through the story which is developed well as we get to know the characters. And on top of everything else, the dialogue is hilarious. Nine year old Angel gives the story it’s heart and soul plus she shared many good facts that may help me win at Trivia Pursuit someday. The romance is sweet with a rating of PG-13, but it does have enough suggestive dialogue to keep it interesting.
Overall this is a fun, uproarious funny, complex book with the heart of Christmas at it’s core which helped to bring Christmas back into focus for me. As I looked up from my Kindle to watch the Christmas lights shine in the dark room, I realized I was snuggled in my favorite chair, covered by a blanket with three cats keeping me warm. At that moment, I felt peace and my soul was able to rest. I took a deep breath and realized that these perfect moments were as close to heaven as we get on this side of life.
So, I ask you to take a second this holiday season to read your favorite Christmas story or relax in a dark room filled with Christmas lights. Savor Christmas before it is gone for another year. Your soul needs that little piece of heaven.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.