One New York Christmas - Mandy Baggot

Available to buy here

Confession time. This is my first Mandy Baggot book – although upon checking my TBR pile I notice I have a couple of others stowed away there, so let’s say they have been bumped up the pile towards the top (I can’t be the only one that piles her TBR pile in an order that she usually ignores right?)

One New York Christmas
Lara Weeks is looking forward to Christmas with her long-term boyfriend Dan until he drops a bombshell.

When best friend Susie persuades Lara to head to the Big Apple for a festive trip, will Lara find the answers she has been searching for and will she be ready to break-up or breakthrough this Christmas? Will Lara get her happy-ever-after with the man of her dreams?

What a treasure this book is! Set in ever exciting and completely entrancing New York, Mandy Baggot transports us via her descriptive writing and charming characters. If, like me, you’ve had an opportunity to explore NYC you will be taken back, recalling what its like on those tourist filled, busy streets, remembering the sounds and smells as well as those iconic views. If (like main character Lara) you haven’t yet adventured to New York this book will have you yearning to go!

Lara, our truck driving lead is comfortable with her life and her boyfriend Dan, but as Christmas approaches, he drops a bombshell that leaves Lara feeling not so merry and bright. I like Lara immediately – she’s direct and straight to the point, fearless but afraid in equal measure.  Lara is pretty kick ass really when I think about it – she flies off to somewhere she has only ever dreamed of, is left to her own devices A LOT in this massive, strange city, she climbs trees, rescues animals and stands up for the things she believes in. I related to the way Lara fell in love with NYC and her desire to explore more of the world in any way she can.

Our main male lead Seth is an actor, having known success (Lara is a fan before New York is even mentioned) he is now a jobbing actor on the hunt for his next big role and has his sights set on a role that is perfect for him. His best friend, now acting as his agent, starts something on Twitter that has unexpected consequences for all involved. Seth is kind, caring and gets swept away in Trent’s crazy, but well intended plans that lead him to a chance encounter with Lara. The connection between the two characters is instant, although they are from two completely different worlds. I enjoyed seeing how they developed and hoped that we could see each character get the happy ending they deserved. 

Mandy Baggot’s writing is descriptive and draws you in but it did take a few chapters to be fully invested but, once I was there was no stopping me - I read quickly as I was so keen to see how things were going for both Lara and Seth. The additional characters in this book are funny and you will like them – Susie and her boyfriend; Kossy, all the characters from the shelter, Trent; each adding something interesting to the story and helping Lara and Seth discover themselves (and each other!)  I feel like I would have liked to hear more about some of them, not a criticism more of me being greedy to have more.

I giggled a lot reading this book, especially thanks to some interesting animal escapades and was enticed to consider many new holiday destinations. I found it emotional in some places, especially in terms of Seth when he was searching for answers, not fully knowing if he really wanted to discover the truth. One New York Christmas is a fantastic read that will leave you feeling all warm and happy, it’s one book you need on your festive to read list. 
Thanks to Penguin Random House UK & Ebury Publishing for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review. 

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland - Heidi Swain

Available here on Amazon

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence and he quickly makes an impression on Hayley. With festivities underway, the pair find themselves drawn close to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Simply wonderful.

What an absolute gem of a book. A story that is just as gorgeous as the front cover - Heidi Swain (@Heidi_Swain) never fails to give us a book with all the ‘feels.’ (I was lucky enough to come across one of her books in the library during the summer and instantly bought everything she has written and devoured them all in a ridiculously short time!)

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland is another festive trip to the wonderful Wynthorpe Hall and back to Wynbridge for a lovely catch up with characters we have previously fallen in love with. Although the books are connected by where they are set, it can be read as a standalone book – though I warn you that you will want to catch up on every other Heidi Swain book afterwards!

I loved Hayley’s character in Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair and was so pleased to see she got her very own book this time around. I love that she’s feisty, flirty and a proper little madam (although in a very lovable way), she deserves happiness and of course a real, true love.

Gabe – oh Gabe – what an absolute dreamboat! He is a fantastic leading man and perfect for our Hayley. Something is holding him back and I can see why Hayley feels like she gets mixed messages from him. As their friendship develops you are desperate for them to both get their act together and just love one another, but Gabe is holding back for a reason that may stop him ever getting close to Hayley or anyone.

This book is a definite festive treat. The Winter Wonderland sounds magical, you can imagine such a great adventure being at Wynthorpe Hall at this time of year. Plus, Angus. How could I leave out my favourite character! He is quirky and funny, providing many laugh out loud moments for me but he has a heart of gold. His devotion to making his ‘family’ happy as well as the villagers is heart warming and what makes Angus so fabulous. Everyone needs an Angus in their lives.

Heidi is one of my favourite authors, never failing to make me happy, have me in tears but then leave me with a heart full of love. She has created characters that feel like friends and places that feel like a place I would love to call home.

I read Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland in two sittings – simply because I wanted to stretch out the pleasure of the read. Get yourself a big hot chocolate and cinnamon swirl and snuggle up for this festive treat.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍