All Wrapped Up in You

by Sun Chara

Their marriage hangs in the balance, but on this wind battered Christmas Eve, a miracle is born…

When Ellie hooked up with world renowned neurosurgeon, Peter Medeci, aka 'Prince Charming’, she thought her dreams had come true. But the demands of being the model wife to his career triggers a mutiny within her and she decides to ditch the 'royal' life until he sees her as more than his bedroom playmate.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Christmas

Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2013

About the author

Sun Chara, an Amazon top 100 bestseller, writes sexy, hip ‘n fun contemporary romance for Harper Impulse. JABBIC winner, Manhattan Millionaire’s Cinderella launched her writing career, spinning the ‘global millionaire’s series’.

She makes her home in southern California, and has appeared on stage/film to rave reviews in How the Other Half Loves, General Hospital, and McGee and Me.

With a Master’s Degree in Education, and membership in SAG/AFTRA and Romance Writers of America, she enjoys sipping designer Frappuccinos topped with whipped cream/sprinkles, and dancing on the beach…making everyday a celebration!

Reviews

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in the third person point of view, this is the story of Peter and Ellie. Ellie has left Peter, a talented surgeon who she feels is married to his job, while she is the stay at home wife, in their mansion surrounded by pretty things but feeling neglected by her husband and unfulfilled with her life.

All Wrapped Up in You takes place over the course of an evening - Christmas Eve, when Peter goes to Ellie and attempts to save their marriage.

I thought that the insightful dialogue worked really well and drew you into the thoughts and feelings of Peter and Ellie.

I really liked the message within the story.  I felt that in a cold flat, there is warmth.

While this is set on Christmas eve, I think that the message was one that we can take away, and apply every day.

Thank you to Sun Chara and Rachel’s Random Resources, for gifting me a review copy of All Wrapped Up in You. The gifting of this book did not influence this review.

[Berit☀️✨]

A short but sweet story full of sentiment and sprinkled with Christmas cheer💚❤️💚

Peter and Ellie appear to have the perfect marriage, but things aren’t always as they seem... Peter is a bit of a workaholic and Ellie feels as though he treats her more like an object then a partner... convince this is not how she wants to live her life Elie leaves her comfortable life to live on her own terms.... this is the story about peter trying to win his wife back in the course of an evening, Christmas Eve....

This was a lovely romance, but typical to so many romances so many things could have been solved with some communication.... both these characters were quite frustrating, I wanted to reach through the pages and knock some sense into them at times! Fortunately they ultimately did get it together... and as in all good Christmas romances this story had a happy satisfying ending complete with some steam...

Recommend for a delightful afternoon or evening reading all wrapped up and cozy by the fire...

*** many thanks to Harper Impulse for my copy of this book ***

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ A Warm and Passionate read, with plenty of Christmas Sparkle

I always enjoy Sun's books and look out for her new ones.
All Wrapped Up in You is a warm passionate Festive Read, all wrapped up in a sweet Novella.

Ellie is married to Peter, they have a lavish lifestyle but something is missing..... I would say it's companionship.
No one truly knows what goes on behind closed doors.
Ellie appears happy, but she's lonely and unhappy so she decides enough is enough, and decides to leave Peter in order to find herself again, as shes lost.

But Peter is not about to let Ellie leave without a fight!.... but is it a little too late?
Can Peter win back Ellie's heart?
Can Peter change his ways?

Peter and Ellie clearly have a passionate spark for each other. I did feel sorry for Ellie, she feels unwanted and I felt it too. Peter thrives off his job and I understand that but if only Ellie expressed to him how she was feeling it might of been resolved, without the drama and heartache.

As always Sun packs so much into her Novellas nothing is left out.
The Characters are likeable and relatable.
The plot is warm, passionate, and the Christmas Sparkle makes it feel even more romantic.

This is a charming story about love, passion, trust, relationships, secrets, communication break downs, re kindling, finding oneself, with a dash of drama and romance what's not to love!

All Wrapped Up In You, happens to be my favourite of her books.
So grab a hot chocolate, put your feet up, and lose yourself in this feel good, Cosy Contemporary Romance!

I'm really looking forward to Sun's next book!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet novella concerning a couple who are very much in love with each other but she's feeling like the only time he has for her is in the bedroom! Ellie has mutinied and left to stay in a less than salubrious apartment. It is three weeks since she left and he's found her again. Can they start to talk things through and re-gain their chance for a HEA together in time for Christmas?

Initially it seems Ellie has everything she could want in her marriage but this short story raises questions about just what makes people happy - and demonstrates that it isn't just material needs that are key, emotional and relationship needs are even more important. Ellie has been struggling to get her too busy neurosurgeon husband to realise that and she is unaware of his background and why he is so determined to provide for her materially. This is a wake up call when both have to consider just what do they really want to make them happy . . . . and to realise that they really do need each other. A heartwarming, sweet, second chance festive romance, this is another lovely read from this highly entertaining author.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this novella and this is my honest review after I chose to read it.

[Aubrie Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sentimental Journey During the Most Sentimental Time of Year

Ellie is trying to make a go of it by herself. Her husband is too busy to spend time with her, and she’s sick of being a model doctor’s wife. But, life outside is hard for someone who’s been pampered, and her husband isn’t ready to let her go. Will the Christmas spirit bring them together, or is this the end to a marriage that has all the passion in the world, but needs more communication?

All Wrapped Up in You is a sentimental journey through a couple’s entire marriage. We learn of their first meeting in a library all the way to what the marriage has come to today. I love how passionate they are about one another, and you can tell they have chemistry from the first time they speak to each other. They are meant to be together for sure, but they have a lot of issues to work out. The tension is high, which kept me reading page after page to find out what happens. I truly wanted them to be together.

Ms. Chara writes with great depth and sentimentality, capturing the Christmas spirit. I love how she worked in my favorite Christmas songs throughout the story, and the meaning that they had. I could feel the cold, blustery air and taste the chocolate. Despite the wintry time of year, this read will keep your heart warm on a cold night.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie and Peter have been married for several years already, but Ellie isn't happy. The only thing she can do is get away from Peter. She loves him deeply, but she's fed up with the life they're leading. He doesn't want to give things up so easily and tries to win her back. How well do they actually know each other?

All Wrapped Up In You is a passionate Christmas story. Ellie has made a drastic decision and Peter tries to change her mind. There's clearly a lot of attraction. Ellie had her reasons to leave. Peter is intelligent and very rich. Ellie had a wealthy and secluded life with him. At first sight it might have looked ideal, but was it really? This story is all about feelings, about love, lust and understanding.

I liked this Christmas novella a lot. I was fascinated by the story and I read it in one sitting. It isn't very long, so All Wrapped Up In You is perfect for when you want to sit down for a little while during those busy times around the holidays and read something festive.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I started this one early morning before my alarm went off thinking, oh I will just start this book before getting up…..20 minutes later my alarm went off and I had finished it – I was like hang on a second where did that time go?!

This is obviously a short snappy novella, but it is one that makes you think. What is important to you? What will make you happy?

We meet Ellie, in a time of life where she has left her “Prince Charming” living in squalor leaving the high life she has known and loved…well to a degree.

She wants more from life but has not communicated this very well to her husband who is working hard to provide for her. To make sure she never goes without because he knows what that is like. Peter too has not been completely honest, he has kept his secrets. They truly do love each other but do they really know each other?

There is passion and love, both fighting for each other but needing to truly listen to each other and build on what they have. Plus who does not love a bit of damsel in distress and Prince Charming concept especially when it is as realistic as this one is.

The root of the novel is to make reconfirm that marriage is work, it is not what is going on the outside it is behind closed doors that count. Add Christmas to it and it is a cute little story to make you smile. Ms Chara has made a novella to keep you warm at night and leave you with a smile on your face.

[Kari Lemor · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Wrapped Up In You is a little Christmas themed novella that gives you everything you expect in a romance. You've got the alpha hero who thinks he's giving his wife everything she's ever wanted while all the time he is not giving her the one thing she wants; his time... spent with her.

Then you've got the strong heroine who finally stands up for herself and looks for more than the life she has. Add in lots of miscommunication and misunderstanding and you've got the recipe for a romantic conflict. Luckily the author throws in buckets of steamy desire, a smidgen of angst and a whole scoop of forgiveness and discussion so these two lovebirds can finally realize that what they want is right in front of them and has been all along.

A nice little read that will keep you entertained and satisfied.

[Simon Okill · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Wrapped Up In You by Sun Chara is a delightful romantic romp through broken marriage territory at that most tricky of times - Christmas. The author has a wonderful easy-going style that draws the reader into her characters Ellie and Peter and deftly creates a heart-warming romantic tale that so many have gone through.
Ellie leaves Peter, although still in love. Peter has taken away her identity with his own work which comes first. It's Xmas and she's desperate and dirt poor with only $1.90 to her name. I'll leave the rest to the reader to sort out in this romance that every gal in town should read.
FIVE STARS for this romantic novella that is highly recommended.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfectly complete little tale full of atmosphere and grittiness. As the back story unfolds around a cold Christmas Eve, you just want things to get better for Ellie and Peter when their marriage appears to be disintegrating. Sun Chara tugs at the heartstrings with the skilful portrayal of her characters' foibles, showing the importance of communication and the redemptive power of honesty. A touching and emotional read.

[Jéssica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book of Sun Chara I have read and she has a unique way of telling the story that no matter the number of pages it always charm, romance, a touch of humor and relationships drama. This one was a novella, so it was like a snack, since I read it pretty quickly, plus I believe we all need snack times (eating and reading).

Because it was a novella it has that quick pace to it, but to me it didn't felt that rushed since the characters already had a relationship, in this case they are married, and that added to the flow of the book, because the plot made sense with the pace because of the urgency that the characters had to change their lives and reconnect with each other. But that's what I felt in an overall.

About the characters, I can't say I related to them in a I know personality what they felt. First of all, I'm not married and I have never been married so I don't know from experiences the struggles that marriage brings. But I like the characters, because they had this fairytale kind of feeling to them and that something I liked in this novel.

If you read the blurb you then know that Ellie wants a change, she wants something more for her life. And she's very determined and she know what she does and doesn't wand and that played so well in the plot. And she really took things into her own hands and stepped away to try and change her life.

Overall, I liked it. It was a quick fairytale like story about a couple that is struggling in their relationship and looking for the real essence in their marriage and the love they feel for one another and how that should translate into their daily lives. So I liked it, especially since it had that Christmas tone in the background of the setting, that just gave the book some extra magical energy.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Sun Chara for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novella length romantic story. A tidbit of spicy love just in time for the holidays.

Ellie has decided to spend time finding herself after losing any sight of her old persona in the midst of her marriage to Peter. She can no longer see beyond the wealthy lifestyle, the charade of said lifestyle comes with so much pressure, and the two of them seem to be two ships passing each other in the night.

Where is the love they once shared? Not the breathtaking erotic moments of thrill or the lust that fills her from top to bottom when she sees Peter. No, where is the compassion and friendship they once shared. Ellie is willing to live like a matchstick girl until she gets the answers she needs.

What I will say is that it is always worth picking up a full-length novel by Chara. This short interlude does not give her creativity, storytelling and ability to create the kind of bodice-ripping characters a lot of readers enjoy, any justice at all. It is too short to be able to give Ellie, Peter or their relationship they depth the deserve.

Chara, and her writing, always remind me of the popular romance novels of the 80s and early 90s. Her style, the plots and her characters all have this vibe the readers used to hunger for, which is why the books were so popular at the time. She puts a modern twist on an age-old recipe for racing hearts and romantic interludes.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even after five years of marriage, Ellie knows very little about her super star neurosurgeon husband.
All she knows is that acting the part of wealthy wife has gone stale. Her only answer is to "escape," until she finds herself cold and near penniless. When it appears all may be lost, Peter swoops in to the rescue. Ellie doesn't want to be rescued. She wants to find herself and be acknowledged.

A quick, impactful read about being careful what we wish for and the importance of communication. Listening is important but what another person hears may not be what you mean to say.
Some things are more important than money.

[Bena Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good
I could not put this second chance romance down. I loved it!

The Bad
Behind the Christmas backdrop, sometimes marriage is not what it seems. Talking is essential and the song theme of this love story - was super.

The Ugly
Warm, winter, Christmas and love.... nothing ugly about that!

5 Stars

[Proud Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book was a great little read starting off with our main girl Ellie practically begging for chump change. And right in the middle of a storm too which is pretty unusual in in LA.

Given that she'd left her husband to live in a dump and with no job you'd be probably rightfully thinking that her husband was a criminal or beat her or something. Only thing is when he turns up we find out that's not the case. He just worked long hours and she didn't feel valued by him. Now I'm all for everyone should feel valued and appreciated and loved in their relationships. But her actions felt a little drastic.

In a move that makes me wonder why she left him he turns up to drive her home, got some groceries for her, comforted her while she was afraid and cooked for her. All while insisting that they need to talk in a bid to try and get them back together. That personally doesn't seem like the type of guy you'd want to leave.

Overall, I think if you want a nice quick (and I do mean QUICK, it took me all of an hour to read this one, max), feel good story you'll love this one. It's got the Christmas good cheer, an estranged couple getting back together and of course it's set at Christmas time! I'm a sucker for Christmas and it's decorations etc.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I enjoyed this story, it is a short novella that was really easy to read.

I liked the story and the characters worked well with the plot but I will be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of either Ellie or Peter, I wanted to give her a shake and knock both of their heads together, so even though I didn’t like them, I was still engrossed in the story for me to feel like that so that is definitely a plus!

Another well written story by this author and the cover really suits the story – 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon

[Angela Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short novella that’s Christmas-themed, although I read it in August. In this one, the hero and heroine are married but going through a rough patch after Ellie leaves Peter because she doesn’t feel fulfilled in their marriage. There’s angst and passion, which always makes for a good read. Plus, I love a good story where the hero/heroine get a second chance at love.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay