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.