A Goulden Christmas: An Alternate Timeline Holiday Romance

by Carol E. Ayer

It's a Wonderful Life meets You've Got Mail meets Big in this magical, feel-good romance!

Hope Goulden works at her family's old-fashioned storybook park. Loyalty to her mother and her high school sweetheart has kept her in the same job and relationship for years. She's had it up to here with running the Wizard of Oz merry-go-round and dressing as Santa Claus, then going out for pizza with her unambitious boyfriend. She yearns for the fame and excitement her favorite reality show twins enjoy, and a few cute dresses wouldn't hurt, either.

On Christmas Eve at Fairytale Land, the statue of King Midas comes alive and grants Hope's wish for a different life. She's transported to an alternate timeline where she's the star of a popular reality show filmed at a theme park and engaged to a handsome lawyer. Score!

But will it be everything she hoped for, or will she find out that all that glitters is not gold? She has until midnight on New Year's Eve to make the biggest decision of her life.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2024

About the author

A lifelong Californian, Carol E. Ayer currently lives in between San Francisco and Sacramento. Visit her website at https://www.carolayer.com .

Reviews

[CORINNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily I read

Well this made me stop and think

We all dream about what life would be like if we had more money but this is an eye opener for sure

I’m confident not everyone would change to the degree Hope and her mum did but still what an empty existence despite the money

Her dad too that was so sad and her friends

True love and family and friends are priceless

I enjoyed the cat twist lovely ending

Thanks for the reminder of appreciating what we have

[Meghan Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute quick read. This book reminded me of a Christmas Version of the movie "13 going on 30". Hope wished her life was different, wanting to not work at her family's amusement park. She wants a boyfriend who is motivated and just a different life. When a chance encounter allowed her to get a glimpse into her new life, did Hope realize this is what she wanted? Was it everything that she hoped it would be? This is a quick read that is perfect for the fall/winter.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monkeys Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It was amazing. It was so beautiful. I was hooked from the beginning. I was hanging onto every word.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, not what I usually read but I’m hooked :). Thank you Carol :)!
I received an advanced reader copy through book sirens to review this book voluntarily all thoughts are my own.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Goulden Christmas by Carol E. Ayer delivers a heartwarming holiday story filled with charm, reflection, and just the right touch of magic. It follows Hope Goulden, a young woman caught between personal ambition and familial duty. Hope's family owns Fairytale Land, a whimsical theme park inspired by storybook characters. After her father’s untimely passing, Hope sets aside her plans for a career in PR and marketing to help her mother keep the struggling park afloat. As she juggles her responsibilities and her strained relationship with her long-time boyfriend, Josh, Hope reaches a breaking point. In a surreal twist, a statue of King Madis, a park fixture, comes to life, offering Hope a chance to experience an alternative version of her life. With the New Year looming, Hope must decide: embrace this new path or return to her old one.

This book hooked me from the first chapter and didn’t let go. Watching Hope wrestle with her identity and priorities felt incredibly relatable. The story’s magical element, the living statue, added an unexpected layer of intrigue and whimsy. It served as a compelling device to explore Hope’s inner conflict. The journey between two possible lives highlighted how a single choice could reshape not only her own future but also the lives of those around her.

The characters are thoughtfully crafted, each adding depth to the narrative. Hope’s struggles felt authentic, and her evolving perspective was both inspiring and satisfying. Seeing her grapple with her frustrations while finding the courage to see her world through a fresh lens was the highlight of the book. The contrasting lives she experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the ripple effects of our decisions.

Ayer skillfully balanced these themes without veering into melodrama, creating a story that feels both magical and grounded. The ending ties everything together in a way that leaves readers with a sense of fulfillment. Hope’s realizations about her potential to revitalize Fairytale Land and her renewed appreciation for her life felt earned and uplifting. The romance, while subtle, added a sweet undercurrent to the story, blending seamlessly with the broader themes of self-discovery and renewal. As a fan of romance, I appreciated how the book incorporated love without overshadowing Hope’s personal journey.

A Goulden Christmas is a delightful holiday read that blends magic, romance, and introspection into a beautifully crafted story. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy uplifting tales about second chances and finding joy in unexpected places. Whether you’re a fan of holiday stories, romance, or heartfelt fiction, this book is a must-read.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love Hope... this is her wish for a better life... a fast paced rom/com drama... Hope is living a boring unfulfilled life, working at the family amusement park with a boring boyfriend ... she wishes for riches and an exciting life... and gets it !!! but, is it really better ? find out !! so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NATIVE TEXAN · Rating 2 out of 5]

For young teen girls

A cute little story about a girl who helps her mom with the family amusement park but wishes for a different life with more money and a better boyfriend. And her wish comes true in an alternate time line. She soon discovers that her old life was better. Young teenagers will enjoy this book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope Goulden wants a different life, but when her wish is granted is it really what she wants? I enjoyed reading this story and seeing Hope realize what is truly important in her life. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I liked the story, but the telling seemed a little amateurish. It felt rushed. There was little description of feelings.
Clean romance.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was just too simple and overall it was a bit trite. The idea is cute but to me it reads YA.