Once Upon a Christmas

Lakeside Mountain Rescue #1-3

by Sarah Morgan

What's your number one Christmas wish?

Bryony's daughter has put a dad on her Christmas list. That leaves Bryony with one month to find the perfect man, so this year she's wishing for a miracle!

While she's looking for love, her best friend Helen is doing the opposite. Her Christmas wish is to forget all about the white dress hanging in her wardrobe - and her faithless rat of a fiance.

Helen and Bryoney's festive cheer definitely needs a boost, so it's lucky that once upon a Christmas, wishes really do come true...

(Text on cover)

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Holiday, Adult

379 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

About Sarah

USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.

Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)

Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com





Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Morgan is my own little glass of Christmas cheer and my end-of-year Morganathon continues with a romantic duology set in one of my favourite places.

Welcome to the Lake District, home of snow, rain and neighbours who know what you ate for your dinner!”

With doctors, mountain rescue, snow, best-friends-to-lovers, a broken-hearted nurse and a doc who’s the best medicine, you couldn’t ask for more. Well you could, because there are about 6 more books in the Lakeside Mountain Rescue series after these two and I’m off to make a dent in them.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "I've got you and there's no way I'm letting you go." Stars!

Sarah Morgan has officially become my go-to Christmas author. Once Upon a Christmas, is actually two of her earlier releases - The Doctor's Christmas Bride & The Nurse's Wedding Rescue, published together as a duology.

"It's Christmas... It's supposed to snow."

Although the second book isn't strictly a Christmas story it does run along from the end of the first book, and the first three books in the Lakeside Mountain Rescue series give each of the Hunter siblings their happily ever afters, I enjoyed Bryony and Oliver Hunter's books so much I have their brother Tom's book already lined up on my Kindle to read next.

Books 4 - 7 all do seem to be set on or around Christmas, so I am mainlining-Morgan for the rest of the year!

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a start any book set in the Lake District draws me in and so does a story with relatable and passion filled characters. I also love a story related to doctors, nurses and emergency rooms.

Split into two parts Bryony and Helen are the leading ladies, each brilliant in their own way. The leading men are Jack and Oliver but not forgetting their brother Tom who is also a great character.

Bryony and Jack have been best friends forever without ever admitting what is right under their noses. They both love each other. Both working as Doctor's in the A and E department they see it all (just not each other in that way or so they think) While Jack makes his way round many women, Bryony has only slept with one other. Even her daughter Lizzie is only from another man to try and forget her love for Jack. They must face the facts of loving each other when Lizzie asks Santa for a new daddy, it leaves the question will Santa bring what she wants this year?

Helen is Bryony's friend and comes to the lakes with her own heartbreaking story of heartache. How could David leave her like that? Oliver is worried about her so spins a few ways of getting close to her in his doctor's surgery and in the house she is staying in. Helen must make a choice reliable Oliver who loves the lakes of lawyer David in London. At one point she might not be choosing either. Not through not wanting one of them it is left for her and Tom to then save Oliver from the heartache. Helen and Oliver would make great parents.

Great story, interesting characters and a lovely setting. 5 stars

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I keep being amazed when I read a Sarah Morgan book, because she is consistently brilliant at creating romances to fall in love with yourself, in the most fabulous of locations. This may be one of her slightly earlier books, but its still the same level of quality you know, love and would expect from an author of this calibre.

There are two separate stories in this book, which are separated as Part 1 and Part 2, but part 2 is a direct continuation of part 1, but the main character focus changes. In the first half the story is about Bryony, her daughter Lizzie, and her best friend Jack.

Lizzie made her list for Santa early this year, and put just one thing on it, she wants a dad, giving Lizzie six weeks to find a man, fall in love and get engaged at the very least, or destroy a little girls belief in Santa. Only problem is Lizzie generally doesn't date, and is very much in love with the one person who never notices her as a woman.

The second half of the book is about Bryony's best friend Helen, who ends up meeting and living under the same roof as one of Bryony's brothers Oliver.

All of the action is set in a small town in the Lake District in winter, and Bryony, Jack and Oliver are as well as doctor's also members of the mountain rescue team. This leads to some wonderful in the field medical emergencies, and just shows how human and compassionate medical professionals can be.

It has been since I last read an older Sarah Morgan book, that I last read a medical romance, and again I am reminded at how much I am missing out on by not reading more of this sub genre, as although I would faint in real life situations, I am fascinated reading about doctors and nurses. Let's face it there isn't much sexier than a gorgeous fictional doctor, saving someone's life!

Once Upon A Christmas is two cosy romances, that just draw you in, you may know where the story should end, but the journey is so delightful, you are happy to come along for the ride. Lizzie in part one really reminds me of the little girl from Miracle on 34th Street, while part two had me falling head over heels for Oliver, which felt a bit like I was cheating on Jack from part 1!

Wonderful boo

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely Christmas story that I really enjoyed. Recommended.

[Jen - Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE Sarah Morgan's stories! They have such a gentle intensity, loveable characters and always leave me feeling so happy!
This book contains 2 stories: Bryony and Jack - both doctors, known each other their whole lives. I love that Bryony is honest with herself about her feelings for Jack. Not only that but she's honest about Jack's feelings for her, telling him exactly how he feels when he wouldn't dare acknowledge it himself!
The second story is about Bryony's brother Oliver. Also a doctor, he knows what he wants the moment he sees it. No doubts. And what he wants is Helen who is recovering from a relationship trauma and not willing to see that love doesn't always take time. Sometimes it hits you like a lightning bolt.
A fabulous feel-good read!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didnt get much from this book at all, took me a long time to read and didn't grip my attention. Was advertised as a Christmas novel judging from the title but I did notice inside that it has previously been published under 2 other names before. Was split into 2 parts and the first part was at least set at Christmas but the other half had nothing to do with Christmas as was set after. Found the story unbelievable and thought the characters didn't act like you would expect people to. Was just a glorified romance that wasn't believable. Found it a shame as I have read Sarah Morgan before and liked them but this was a disappointment all round. Overall I'm glad to have the chance to move onto something else

[Shehzeen Muzaffar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cuteeeeee book!!!!

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Heartfelt, heartwarming, feel-good, leave-you-with-a-smile-on-your-face stories.
2 different and delicious heroes each in his own way. Jack is stubborn and can't see the truth even if it hits him between his eyes. He is in love with Bryony, his best friend since childhood, but he doesn't admit it even to himself. He just becomes all macho and jealous when she decides to date other men cuz her daughter Izzie wants a daddy for christmas. At times I wanted to slap some sense into his thick head : )
Oliver is so sweet. He is a man who knows his own mind. He knows what he wants and goes for it. He falls in love with Helen at first sight and he is not afraid to admit it. He is ready to wait till she is over her heartbreaking break up with her jerk ex- fiancé. A man ready to settle down for a change. Thank you Sarah Morgan : )

[Ylva · Rating 4 out of 5]

100% Christmas fluff.

Reread the second story october 2018 - still enjoyable fluff.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about Sarah Morgan but she manages to weave me in to her spell from the first page of every book.

This one was not exception, from the front cover which was beautiful and glittery to the content which left me with a huge smile on my face. I am a sucker for a happy ending and she delivers every time.

[Anna Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Sarah Morgan book I have read and it definitely won't be the last. What a wonderful book I would like to read it all again, and a double bonus two stories in one. This is a great Christmas read. Light, heartwarming and an easy read. Makes a nice change when you don't want to read something heavy.

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️ 2 ⭐️

[Denise Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one too - Set in the Lake District gave it a different feel ;-)

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

Actual rating 3.5/5

WHAT? Surprised I'm still reading Christmas books? Well don't be, because I really don't care if it's February, July or December. I can read Christmas books all year round. Especially if they are written by Sarah Morgan! Last year I read Sleigh Bells in the Snow and I absolutely fell in love with Sarah's writing, so when I was asked to review this book, I really couldn't be happier. There's something so warm, so comforting in reading Christmas books, no wonder I'm so addicted to them.

Once Upon a Christmas is indeed a light and feel-good festive read with all essential elements a good Christmas book should have. The cover is stunning and the writing is wonderful. What I found most interesting is the fact it's divided into two parts, telling two stories but they are well connected. The first story is about Bryony and Jack and the second one is centered around Bryony's brother Oliver and her good friend Helen. So that's a really strong connecting and both stories flow, perfectly intertwined around these 4 characters.

The two stories are a bit different, of course because these couples are different, so you might end up liking one better than the other. In my case, I wasn't really fascinated with Jack as a character, I hated the fact he called Bryony 'Blondie' and really found it so irritating at times. But him and Bryony do share a long history, the fact they know each other for 20 years. Yet I didn't like him calling her that way, it just seemed a bit disrespectful, but Jack is Jack...once you get to know him, you'll realize he doesn't have bad intentions, and is really fond of Bryony and her sweet daughter.

Helen and Oliver were a completely different story. While Bryony is trying really hard to find a man, Helen is doing everything but. She's been very hurt in the past, so I could really understand her fears. But Helen and Oliver seemed more likable couple and I enjoyed their story more.

As usual when it comes to Sarah, the romance part was well and gradually built and the chemistry between her characters is electrifying. Bryony's little girl was such a sweetie and her wish to have a dad for Christmas brought me nearly to tears.

Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable read. It reads really fast, it's fun and has lots of romance. So, if you're looking for an enjoyable read with lots of romance that will keep you warm on this cold winter days, this is the perfect book for you.

[C.J. Fallowfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two stories in one and admittedly probably my least favourites by Morgan, though she has set a very high bar with my expectations after reading so many of her other more recent releases. It's clear to see just how much she's developed as a writer, as while these were well written, they were lacking some of the magic I've come to expect and were a little repetitive. The fact I put it down at one point to sleep, which didn't stop me previously, tells me my heart wasn't as deeply into it as it should have been.
Story one revolves around single parent Byrony and her seven year old daughter Lizzy - Lizzy's one wish for Christmas is for Bryony to give her a Daddy, which doesn't give her mum much time to conjure one up, or risk disappointing her daughter, and making her lose faith in Santa for good. The obvious choice for her is her best friend Jack, who she's been in love with for years, but she knows he doesn't feel the same - The thing is Jack does, but he doesn't know it! It takes Byrony dating other men, or trying to as Jack sabotages them, to see what he's risking losing. This was only a three star for me, I just didn't like Jack at all, he wasn't written with as much likeability as Morgan's other flawed characters, so it took the shine of a potentially good story for me. Lizzy was my favourite character in this and it should have been the hero.
Story two is about Bryony's brother Oliver, a doctor in the Peak District, who goes above and beyond for his patients and has a heart of gold. When he spots Bryony's friend Helen at Bryony's wedding, looking broken and hurt, he swoops in to rescue her and make her feel better - which includes him faking a roofing problem to share a cottage with her, sending his practice nurse away on a month's vacation so Helen can work with him, all in the hopes of her falling for him. Oliver was a far more likeable character than Jack, but that said his relentless pursuit of a woman who had only just been jilted at the altar a few weeks before, was a bit off putting for me, making him come across as obsessive, pushy, and almost stalkerish, so that took some of the shine off this story too, meaning I only gave it a 3.5 star rating.
Both were packed full of interesting medical scenarios, which were well written with intelligence and obvious research, they were just lacking in the emotional connections between myself and the leads, and, in the case of story two, the slow build up of a romance to a HEA. At 3.25 stars for the book overall, it may be my lowest overall rating for a Morgan novel, but it won't put me off reading more of her work, or one clicking future titles, as it's clear to see just how much she's developed as a writer from her earlier work to the most recent releases.

[Stephanie (Stepping Out Of The Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Christmas is the second book that I’ve read by Sarah Morgan, but I know it certainly won’t be the last! Last year, I read Angels in the Snow and really enjoyed it, so when I heard about her newest book, Once Upon a Christmas, I jumped at the chance of reviewing it and I am so happy to say that it didn’t disappoint

This book is separated into two interlinking stories, one telling the story of Bryony and Jack, the other of Helen, Bryony’s best friend and Oliver, Bryony’s sister. Though they are two separate stories, thankfully neither of them lack in depth. I did prefer Bryony’s story slightly more than that of Helen and Oliver, but both stories were really enjoyable. Though the stories were rather predictable, they were lovely to just sit back, relax and read - this really is a perfect winter book! There are lots of Christmassy references in this book, so it does really immerse you into the atmosphere and setting - however, it wouldn’t put me off reading it at other times of the year.

I really liked meeting all of the characters that we were introduced to as they all had vibrant personalities - even the secondary characters felt very real. The way that the characters interacted with each other was very lifelike and so the book felt realistic. The chemistry between Bryony and Jack was fantastic to read about - I really got drawn into their relationship and willed them on. Jack’s relationship with Bryony’s daughter was touching and I loved the family dynamic. The chemistry between Helen and Oliver was also well written, but for me, it did feel a little sudden or rushed, nevertheless, I grew to love them both as a couple. I thought that their was just the right amount of romance in this book. I thought that for the most part, the story moved on well and I enjoyed the anticipation of the next move. The romance wasn’t too sickly sweet for me, but passionate and loving. For those who enjoy more steamy scenes, there are a couple in the book that are sure to satisfy, without being too over the top.

I must admit that I was left a little disappointed about the lack of exploration of Bryony and Helen’s friendship - though Helen is Bryony’s best friend, we never really got to see them interact and if we did, I think that may have been beneficial for the connection of the two stories.

This really was a fantastic Christmas read which I’d highly recommend to anyone who is wanting an easy, festive read. It’s always nice to read something light and heartwarming at this time of year, and with lovable characters alongside a beautiful wintery setting, Once Upon a Christmas will not disappoint!

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology contains the first three of eight Lakeside Mountain Rescue medical romances by Sarah Morgan. The three stories contained here are closely connected in that they feature three siblings and their love interests in a continuing story arc. All three have medical careers and work together in the same hospital. They also volunteer on their local mountain rescue team.

They're quick and easy reads packaged all together, which made it nice when I wanted to read them back-to-back-to-back. I loved all of the medical parts of the plot, particularly the obstetrics and midwifery bits because my background is labor and delivery nursing.

Sarah Morgan is my favorite romance writer and you just can't go wrong with reading any of her stories.

[Paula Sealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of two stories with character crossover, Once upon a Christmas is the perfect heartwarming romance for curling up with during the festivities.

Part one of the story follows Bryony, a young single mum who has been given the task of finding her daughter a father for Christmas. Best friend since childhood, Jack, thinks it's an awful idea and does his best to scupper her dates. You can probably see where this plot is going, but don't be put off, as Sarah Morgan's humour really comes to the fore with these two characters and I found myself laughing at the rapport between them many times.

Part two sees Bryony's friend Helen arrive in town, distraught over the break-up of her relationship. In steps Bryony's brother Oliver, who thinks he can cheer her up and that she just might be his perfect partner. Although not as enjoyable for me as Jack and Bryony's story, and definitely lacking in Christmas references, it is still a warm and entertaining romance.

Nobody writes these kind of stories with the great balance of humour and warmth as well as Sarah Morgan does and that's why she has become my favourite romance author.

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book AT ALL, am I really the only one around?

I absolutely adore Christmassy reads, that's why I already started this one in July... :)
I loved Jenny Colgan's 'Christmas at the Cupcake Café' as well as Amy Silver's 'All I want for Christmas'.
But I couldn't find much to like in this one...

My biggest problem was that it's not Christmassy enough for me. There's no cosy, wintry, magic atmosphere as in other novels like the ones I mentioned.

Moreover, I was lacking believable characters I could root for. Especially in the first part - Bryony's - I was just unnerved by the irritatingly arrogant love interest Jack and his stupidity (those people are doctors??). Also, there are practibly no secondary characters really. Bryony's brothers and colleagues are just sketches, but no real people you get to know. There's little dialogue other than between her and Jack or her daughter. Pity!

Well, this was my first Mills & Boon, and I'm afraid I'll stay away from those for some time now. :)

[Emma-Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this series in completely the wrong order as there was no indication anywhere on any of the books that they belonged to any series of any description.

This is the order I read it:
1. Angles in the Snow
2. Once Upon a Christmas
3. Wish Upon a Star

The correct order of the books are:
1. Once Upon a Christmas
(The Doctors Christmas Bride, The Nurse’s Wedding Rescue.)
2. Snowkissed
(The Midwifes Marriage Proposal)
3. Wish Upon a Star
(The Christmas Marriage Rescue, The Midwife’s Christmas Miracle.)
4. Italian Doctor, Sleigh Bell Bride
5. Angels in the Snow
(Christmas Eve: Doorstep Delivery, Snowbound: Miracle Marriage)

There are eight tittles to read, the three books which I read being special double bind ups with book 2 and book 4 in my list being only available as a kindle read. Which in my opinion

(If you want to read on please click on the link below.)
https://emarwood.wordpress.com/2014/1...

[Kat Mitcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a wonderful read. it's split into two stories... the first one is my favourite of the two... single mother tries her hardest to find her daughter a daddy for xmas but things are getting difficult as time progresses. her male best friend is over possessive of the male attention and things become heated for them but do they end up together??.
story two is in the same town of the lake district before Xmas and the main character in book 1 is off on a trip and her best friend Helen is house watching after she was left at the altar. one of the locals can't leave her in the mess she's in so cares for her every need because she's devasted her ex fiance left her. Oliver has Helen working as a nurse and a mountain rescue and it turns out Londoners love it but does she love him....

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

December Mini-Challenge:
December Captured on the Cover

This was my first full-length Christmas novel; I was excited for a wholesome, festive story. The Lake District setting added warmth and charm. However, the pacing felt slow, and the plot dragged. The picture-perfect romance didn’t resonate with me either—I thought Jack was manipulative and patronising. The second half of the story was more enjoyable, and the ending was satisfying, but not enough to redeem the overall experience. I was also distracted by repetitive phrasing, such as the lopsided/wry/wan smiles and male characters drawling. Despite its cosy appeal, this book wasn’t my cup of tea; I pushed through mainly to meet my 2024 reading target.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didnt want this book to end. 2 stories in one that both connect together.
A heart warming feel good book. A perfect december read.
You will fail not to fall in love with all the characters. Especially Oliver and jack. I've just descovered that there is more books to this one that continue the "The Mountain rescue team" and one that focuses more on the lovely Tom.

[Marie Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

set in the same hospital/town and a sequel to Wish Upon a Star it was great to get some more stories with different characters.

[Bruna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kao stvoreno za najveće romantičare! Osvojit će vas na prvu! Predivno!

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Lakeside Mountain Rescue

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

My single most favourite Christmas book! I love the two stories and the characters are such fun.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Stories in One Book - previously published separately.

The Doctor’s Christmas Bride 4.5* - A super cute little girl asks Santa for a Daddy for Christmas. Bryony knows that in order to give her daughter her heart’s desire, she must let go of her unrequited love for commitment-phobe best friend Jack and start dating. Why is it that all her dates end in disaster? Is it possible that Jack is sabotaging them? Bryony fears that Lizzie is going to be brokenhearted come Christmas morning.

The Nurse’s Wedding Rescue 5* - In one fell swoop Helen lost her fiancé, her home and her job. The last thing she wants to do is attend the wedding of her best friend but the offer of Bryony’s cottage for a month and the chance to retreat and lick her wounds is alluring. However Oliver, Bryony’s brother, takes one look at Helen and falls hard. He is determined that she won’t brood and that in keeping her busy and distracted she will come to realise that her ex did her a favour and, if he is lucky, that she doesn’t want to leave when her month is up.

A few editing issues with both stories but nothing too major.