Mistletoe on 34th Street

by Lisa Dickenson

Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her co-workers are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in The Big Apple.

John, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is so upset and is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when she adds handsome New Yorker Elijah into the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As December 25th draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Full of romance and festive magic, Mistletoe on 34th Street is the funniest and most charming love story you will read this Christmas!

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

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2016

About the author

Hello!
I wrote The Twelve Dates of Christmas, You Had Me at Merlot and Catch Me If You Cannes. Hope you like them. You look super-nice today.
L xx

Oh, here's the official bio:

Lisa Dickenson was born in the wrong body. She was definitely meant to be Beyonce. Despite this hardship, she grew up in Devon attempting to write her own, completely copyright-infringing versions of Sweet Valley High, before giving Wales a go for university, and then London a go for the celeb-spotting potential. She's now back in Devon, living beside the seaside with her husband and forcing cream teas down the mouths of anyone who'll visit. She is sadly still not Beyonce.

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snow covered traditional Christmas is something Olivia has never experienced before. Her family always chose winter sun resorts so she does not realise what all the fuss is about.

Each chapter brings us a day closer to Christmas. Olivia and a group of colleagues have went to New York for a conference 10 days before Christmas. While she is over there the UK has a whiteout resulting in all airports being closed leaving Olivia to spend Christmas in the Big Apple.

This is an enjoyable Christmas story full of romance and festive cheer which makes this a magical and funny read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group, UK and the author Lisa Dickenson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a feeling that by the time I recap my top Christmas books of 2016, that Mistletoe on 34th Street will be right up there. It has everything that epitomises a Christmas novel, including the person who doesn't really get Christmas, New York, snow, flights being cancelled so you have to be stuck somewhere against your will, and a whole host of romantic and comic moments.

I'm not sure where I should start in discussing this book, there are so many good elements to it, written with a fantastic sense a humour, that just had me engrossed from the beginning to the end. Each chapter is another day closer to Christmas, and it centres around a group of colleagues that have gone to New York for a conference around 10 days before Christmas, and when they are due to fly back there is unusually a complete white out in the UK.

Olivia is more used to spending Christmas in winter sun destinations along with her family, so has never experiences the quintessential cold, wintery Christmas, with all the regular traditions. However is with a little help from her friends, wanting to learn how to embrace Christmas fully.

Jon, who is also in New York and has been friends with Olivia for years, is determined to show Olivia a New York Christmas she will remember forever. Elijah who she meets in an airport, who in his opening scenes introduces us to the word "twonklodite" which I love as a word, also wants to show Olivia a good time.

There are so many funny moments, and the business meeting that Olivia has with Lara during the conference is just fantastic, once you realise what they are both really talking about. Got to love a whole conversation at cross purposes!

I love Christmas books set in New York and it was great to see the city through someone's eyes who was really only just discovering its magic for the first time. The places they went really show off Christmas at New York to its best, with a few out of the way places too, and the scene in Macys just gave me goose bumps, in a good way!

I would love to say a lot more about this book but I'd rather not give away any more of its charms, lets just say the whole book is Christmassy, and has a sense of festive magic about it. I can't believe how much enjoyment I got out of this book, even while real life is getting slightly tricky.

Thank you so much to Little Brown Book Group and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

It's been such a long time since I found the opportunity to dive into a fabulous Lisa Dickenson novel, so when I was contacted about Mistletoe on 34th Street, I absolutely jumped at the chance to read it. I fell head over heels in love with the cover and despite never experiencing a New York Christmas for myself, it's one thing I adore reading about in books, so it's safe to say that Lisa Dickenson's brand new novel felt to me like the perfect package.

In Dickenson's Mistletoe on 34th Street, readers are introduced to Olivia. Funny, smart, witty and utterly charming, I loved this character from the moment I met her. Not one for going all in at Christmas, when she finds herself and her colleagues stranded in New York city thanks to never-ending snowfall back in the UK, she's not quite sure of what to do with herself. She's never really understood what all the fuss is about when it comes to 'decking the halls'. Thankfully, her friend and colleague Jon knows exactly what is needed to show Olivia what Christmas is truly all about, and so he does exactly that in the most exciting of ways.

Dickenson brought the setting of New York to life beautifully. It was utterly magical and completely enchanting. Her descriptions danced right off the page and allowed me to place myself within the story, right beside Olivia, as she slowly began to open her eyes to the true meaning of the most wonderful time of year. With the added themes of friendship and romance, it was the perfect package beautifully wrapped with a big shiny ribbon, and discovering New York and everything that it had to offer opened Olivia's eyes up to one of the most exciting places in the world. Dickenson's style is one of warmth and cosiness, yet absolutely hysterical at the same time which I LOVE about this author. Numerous times throughout reading I found myself giggling away, making this all the more enjoyable and entertaining for me!

If you're not yet ready for the festive season, you certainly will be after reading this. It's a little gem of a book jam-packed with fantastic characters, gorgeous descriptions and everything in-between that will have you smiling from ear to ear and urging Christmas to get a wriggle on!

Becca's Books is awarding Mistletoe on 34th Street by Lisa Dickenson with five of my bookish cupcakes! An absolute treat this Christmas time, I promise.

[Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Mistletoe on 34th Street is the perfect book to read over the festive season and has quickly become one of my new all-time favourite Christmas books! With snow, New York and a will-they-won’t-they romance it warmed my heart and made me feel all Christmassy.

The book follows Olivia who is in New York just before Christmas on a work trip but as heavy snow falls in the UK all flights back home are cancelled and she is left stranded in New York with her colleagues over Christmas. Olivia has never experienced a traditional Christmas before, with her family preferring to head off to sunnier climes as soon as the weather turns colder and so her work friend Jon sets out to show Olivia how wonderful Christmas can be in the most magical city in the world. As Olivia begins to fall in love with Christmas and her heart opens to new possibilities, she wonders if the man she’s meant to kiss underneath the mistletoe has been right in front of her all along.

Olivia was such a likeable heroine, I warmed to her immediately and became more and more invested in her story as the book went on she’s definitely the kind of person you’d want as a friend and I loved her work empowering young girls and women. Jon is everything I want in a romantic hero, he’s the loyal and kind friend who pines for the girl only to be overlooked, I was rooting for Olivia to notice him and realize how perfect they would be together. Their love story is incredibly sweet and I loved following their romantic adventure in The Big Apple seeing the sights and discovering the magic of Christmas.

Mistletoe on 34th Street delivered everything that I look for in a Christmas story and is a book that I have recommended to countless people since reading it. It is funny, festive and feel-good providing some much needed winter escapism! If you only have time for one Christmas book this year, make it this one.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! wow! Wow! What a wonderful novel to read around Christmas time!!!! First it takes place in NEW YORK CITY! :-) and reading this book you can really feel the Christmas spirit and everything that goes with it.... I am a Christmas lover and I haven't been disappointed at all with this book! All the contrary! I really loved learning about the main character Olivia and all her colleagues with who she flies to New York for a working trip before Christmas. I absolutely LOVED reading about the character Jon! What a lovely lovely lovely guy and friend! We all want a guy like Jon in our lives! :-) It was my first book from Lisa Dickenson and really I am so in love with her writing! I cannot wait to read another book from her!!!! Great discovery for me!! I totally recommend this book and I am giving a 5 stars out of 5 to it!

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So guys, it may be a slightly biased review as I just love EVERYTHING from Lisa Dickenson! Period. But no, no worries, I will be gushing, but in a very objective way, I promise! Although, let me just tell you, right at the beginning, that Lisa has just gone and done it again - she has written a brilliant, funny, heart - warming novel that is full of festive spirit and effortlessly transferred me to the streets of New York and made me fell in love with this city all over again, even though I've never been to NY, and with the characters as well! She took some simple ingredients, like Christmas, a Christmas Scrooge, gorgeous city, snow, being snowed, flights cancelled and turned them into a hooking, engaging story that made me feel so warm and happy inside. Add to this her famous one - liners, fun and romance and you have your winter winner!

The story follows Olivia, who's much more used to spending Christmas somewhere where it's sunny and hot, and not necessary with her family, as they are all travelling freaks and it's really hard to get them together at one table, in one sitting room. So really it's not a problem for her when, close to Christmas, she must take over from her boss and fly with her team to a conference in New York. Because well, what could go wrong there, right? She loves her job at the organization that helps young girls to become what they want to be, to encourage them and to believe in themselves, and giving them opportunities and chances (and I truly loved this part of this story! How important was this message from the author, especially in the times that we're living in, for all the girls out there!) , and there is nobody at home waiting for her, so it's for sure going to be a great experience!
The novel is told in a form of a countdown to Christmas, so we always know how many days there are still left. Next to Liv, we have a group of her colleagues that flew with her across the pond. There is also Jon, a friend of Liv, and Jon wants to show her New York that she doesn't know yet! But - there is also Elijah, a guy that she's met at the airport, and it slowly turns out that three is a crowd... But Jon is desperate to show Olivia what this whole Christmas malarkey is about, but is she going to fall for the charismatic Elijah instead?

I loved Liv! Oh my word, how much I loved her! Her and her passion, she was the right person at the right place, it's not a wonder that she's made the conference a success for her company. She didn't have problems to make contacts with other people. Yes, she was this Scrooge that I've mentioned before, but well, she didn't actually know a traditional Christmas, so in fact she didn't know what she's missing, right, she only needed someone to show her what a real Christmas is about. She was so smart and had such a shiny, bouncy personality and, as with all Lisa Dickenson's characters, I'd love Olivia to be my own best friend.

And the romance in this book. Oh heck. You know how it sometimes is when you feel you know much better than the characters themselves that they belong together, right, and it makes you feel so, so desperate that you can't do nothing for them to eventually realise it!!! I wanted to bang some heads together and wanted to send some others far, far away, not to be seen again, because I knew, I JUST KNEW that those two should stay together, and Liv being so stubborn and anti - Christmas, which also made her so anti - relationship, made me go crazy! Aaaargh, guys...! Really...!

The characters really felt as if they were your best friends - I didn't have a single problem to feel just like a part of their world. They all had their own stories and secrets and the fact that the upcoming Christmas might not have been spent with their beloved ones didn't make it easier for them, but I loved how in the end they turned into a great group of supporting each other people, even the biggest malcontents.

Yes, I was a little afraid at the beginning, as you know, New York is such a cliché setting for Christmas, right? Though I shouldn't have worried, not at all, as Lisa Dickenson has pulled it off as well, showing us the beauty of the city through the eyes of a person who is discovering it at the same time as we are, and showing us the magic of it. The places that the author has chosen to show us truly showed off Christmas in New York at its best, and what was great was the fact that yes, we go to see the Rockefeller ice rink but there are also some places that only a real insider has idea about. It also made me long to visit this city, and Lisa has already promised to organise the plane tickets, tadah!

This book is full of humour - the highest level of humour, that is going to make you laugh - out - loud and is clever - funny moments, awkward situations, embarrassing scenes and tender moments. I fell head over heals in love with this story, period - starting with the gorgeous, sparkly cover and through with the lovely plot with warm characters, and it is really a must read this winter!

So again, this book is a real winner for Lisa Dickenson's fans - it has all the things that made me love Lisa's writings and story - telling so much. It also made me feel so light - hearted and allowed me to forget about all the worries and troubles. It drawn me in from the very beginning and kept me hooked till the last page. It is also this kind of book that you want to read and read for ever and never to end. This time Ms Dickenson has also added some much more emotional moments to the story, but they only made it even better. There is the magic of Christmas in the book, the overwhelming feeling of wanting to spend the time with your close ones and really, I wanted nothing more than put on my Christmas jumper, turn the lights on my Christmas tree (which of course is not yet here, as it was October when I read this book) and sing ho - ho - ho. A perfect Christmas present, I'll make sure to wrap some copies of the book for my friends and family and put them under the Christmas tree. And let's not forget humour in this story, you know how sometimes the authors try too much and it all feel so forced? So heavy? Well, this time, as of course Lisa Dickenson has got me used to, the humour is completely unforced, I think this one - liners and cooking up the awkward situations just come so easily and naturally to Lisa, like breathing for example. Actually, writing itself seems to come to Lisa so naturally, and she's already on my auto - buy list! So really, "Mistletoe on 34th Street" makes you feel so fresh and so optimistic and it makes you want to cuddle to your beloved ones. It also made me feel careless and reminded me that even I can go out in the night and make a snow angel, or two. A real Christmassy gem of a book!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia is going on a work trip to New York with her colleagues shortly before Christmas. Besides connecting in business meetings, they also have time for the sights.

I really had a good time reading this book which is a very nice mix of romance and Christmas story. I liked Olivia and also Jon was a really nice character.

I liked how they explored the christmassy New York and the setting was really wonderful. There was some magical atmosphere in the story which made the story a very nice and festive read. New York is a great setting for the Christmas time and I would really like to see it myself one day.

The romance develops slowly and it had a very enjoyable progress.

[Zarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First reviewed on my blog: http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...

When Lisa Dickenson won the Novelicious Debut of the Year for Twelve Dates of Christmas, it propelled her into Hollywood stardom and she now spends her days hosting dance parties with Beyoncé and meeting up for regular coffee dates with her friends in Central Perk. Well, not quite. But she has written a host of fabulous books since, including You Had Me At Merlot, Catch Me If You Cannes and the brand, spankin' new Mistletoe on 34th Street, which brings Lisa back to her festive writing roots.

In Lisa's latest novel we get to meet Olivia who works for the Girls of the World foundation, a UK-based charity championing girls and giving them opportunities (such as classes and guidance) that would otherwise have been out of reach. One of the things Girls of the World has been trying to do is break into the US market and the annual conference in New York this year will be the perfect opportunity to find backing. However, when Olivia's boss breaks her leg during a charity run, it's up to Olivia to head up the New York trip and be in charge of her colleagues; some she gets on with, some not so much.

And if things weren't stressful enough already, the conference is just before Christmas and when the team is in New York a snow storm moves in, making them worry they will not be able to get back home in time. Olivia doesn't care much for Christmas herself but her team, and her conference friend from HeForShe, Jon, are all desperate to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Amid confused feelings for a New Yorker she meets at the airport and Jon, will Olivia be able to find international support for the Girls of the World foundation and keep her increasingly stressed out team happy? Let's just say that this is one Christmas none of them is ever likely to forget...

It is no secret that I love Lisa's novels because she has the ability to make me giggle-snort embarrassingly when I'm reading her books in public (there have been ~looks~ from fellow commuters), but while Mistletoe on 34th Street was packed with the funnies again, it also feels different to her previous books – in a good way. There was a lot more was going on within the pages and the story went into plenty of unexpected directions, which kept me completely hooked throughout. And while the main character was Olivia (and to a lesser extent the men in her life), there was quite a heavy focus on the individual stories of her colleagues, her family members back in the UK, and even Jon's colleague Carl, who while being a side character to a side story was really rather memorable. Coming all together, it created a rich story and one that I would love to see being turned into a future Christmas film (one can only dream).

One main character I haven't yet mentioned but truly takes centre stage within the novel is, of course, New York. And not any kind of New York, no New York at Christmastime! It may not have been entirely Olivia's cup of hot chocolate, but I adore myself the season of merriness and even though I read the book at the end of October, I went all out Christmas-crazy by listening to my favourite festive tunes while reading the book (and now I can't stop!). The jolliness practically leaps off the pages and visiting iconic festive locations in New York has even made me desperate to now visit this city again (preferably at the time of year where I can ice skate in Central Park and see the tree at Rockefeller Centre, which sounded magical in the novel). Lisa's descriptions of the city are enchanting and it's impossible to not feel all Chrismassy, and fall in love with the The Big Apple, while reading this book.

Mistletoe on 34th Street is the festive read you need to get your mittens on this Christmas! It is funny, romantic and packed with a heartwarming story that will melt even the iciest of Grinch hearts. Plus, I've heard from a reliable source* that each copy comes with a mistletoe snog from Lisa, so what are your waiting for?!


*Lisa may or may not have been joking when she said this on Twitter.

[Alethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful novel to read around Christmas time! Hands down my new favourite Christmas book.

I really recommend it to you as a really light-hearted, gorgeous book set in NY during the holiday season. (The atmosphere there is described so wonderfully that I wish I could just go and enjoy it myself - asap!!) Enjoy!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow is all I can say... how on earth can it have taken me so long to read a book written by Lisa Dickenson? I have certainly been missing out on some brilliant writing that is full of humour and such warmth and has a fantastic storyline. Everyone I had seen mention Mistletoe on 34th Street seemed to absolutely love it and do nothing but rave about how good this book was. I'm always a bit sceptical when I see this on Twitter or book blogs wondering does it really live up to all the hype? Too many times this year I have read books that fall flat for me whereas I saw other people were falling over themselves to say good things about that particular book, but here with this festive tale from Lisa all the hype is justified and it deserves so much positive praise and to rocket up the Christmas best seller list. At last we have a book which markets itself as a Christmas read and finally lives up to that expectation. There were just that one too many books this year that didn't have enough Christmas or even Christmas at all in their stories having claimed to be festive reads and that left me bitterly disappointed.

Here right from the very first chapter I sensed I was in for a real treat and this was going to be a book I would race through and enjoy thoroughly. On the other hand at some points I wanted to slow down my reading pace because I didn't want the magic of Olivia's story to end. If the blurb doesn't draw you into this book than the cover most definitely will, it's just gorgeous and so eye catching and makes you want to visit New York in the run up to Christmas. Mistletoe on 34th Street could have been full of clichés and a run of the mill romance story instead Lisa Dickenson brought so much more in the best way that I couldn't leave my Kindle out of my hands until the very last page.

Each chapter has headings and dates as we edge ever closer to Christmas and I thought this was a nice touch as the urgency of the story and the dilemma the characters faced weighed ever more in their minds as the countdown to Christmas intensified and they found themselves in a sticky situation. We first meet Olivia and her friend and workmate Kim as they compete in the Fearless Freeze 10k challenge. To be honest this sounded like an absolute nightmare to participate in but it was essential to the storyline for without it Olivia may not have been given the chance to step up to the plate and make it known that she is well capable of taking charge when need be. Olivia works for a foundation Girls of the World, that wants to promote women's rights through education and empowerment. Sheena is her boss but unfortunately she is now out of action for a while and Olivia is given the opportunity to take charge of their annual trip to a conference in New York just before Christmas. Will this be the making of her or will all the trials and tribulations prove too much when push comes to shove? Or will the Big Apple at Christmas work its magic in the most unexpected of ways?

Two things I loved from the start were that clearly the reader could see Olivia was a strong person and thankfully her profession was so relevant to the times she lived in today. She was straight talking and loved her job and it was so refreshing to have a character that wasn't struggling for a job or working somewhere they hated. This allowed different aspects of the story to come to the fore. I loved Olivia from beginning to end, she wasn't without her faults but my god was she funny. I haven't laughed so much at a book in a long time in fact Lisa Dickenson had so much laughter and sparkle dotted throughout this book that no reader could not fall in love with the characters and setting. She was so on point with all the dialogue and I found myself laughing and nodding along with what they were saying. It all just seemed so refreshing whereas in other books there could be endless scenes that weren't needed and didn't move the plot along at all. That wasn't the case here at all and everything moved along at a cracking pace.

Olivia was filled with ambition and wasn't the normal chick lit character who needed a push and quite frankly didn't know what she wanted in life. The chance to go to New York and lead the team at the conference was one she would relish. Then once it was over she could kick back and relax and do nothing for the two weeks over Christmas. Christmas was never a time she really loved as growing up her parents were always away so a small family gathering in January with her sisters and parents always sufficed and this year would be no different. But fate had a hand to play and Olivia along with her team find themselves stranded in New York due to a huge snowstorm over Europe. As the days tick by and their hopes of getting back to England in time for Christmas seem ever far away. Things start to change for Olivia in the best way possible and I just gobbled up the New York scenes and in a sneaky way I hoped they may not get back in time as I wanted the story to keep going so I lost was I in what was unfolding.

Lisa Dickenson made me feel like I had been to New York with Olivia and co even though I have never been to America. It all felt so real and vibrant and just pure magical at Christmas time. I loved how we got to see little side storylines develop between all her colleagues whom I'm not going to mention at all. As for Olivia herself she takes everything in her stride and decides she just needs to go with the flow and maybe there are greater powers dictating what is happening. It was almost like a really modern version of A Christmas Carol as various things come in to play so Olivia could see Christmas wasn't so bad after all and although we may feel like shutting ourselves away from the world it is a time to be together and enjoy the festivities. Of course we needed that little bit of romance to make this the truly brilliant Christmas book it was and as Olivia claims she has no need for a man I wondered would romance even play a part in the book but how could it not considering the city and situation there were in with snow falling and it being the most wonderful time of the year. Elijah and Jon are the main players in this respect and I'll say no more only I loved how Lisa teased her readers and played everything out.

Does everything work out for Olivia on both a personal and professional level? Will the team get back home for Christmas or will they have killed each other stuck in New York? Well you'll need to buy this book to discover the answers but trust me you won't be one bit sorry you did make the purchase. Mistletoe on 34th Street had me from page one and as well as a solid decent main storyline it was just side splittingly funny and one of the best Christmas books I have read this year and really I can only count one other as being on the same wavelength as being my personal favourite and I've read alot of Christmas books this year. This was a marvellous, warm, moving festive read that any book lover would enjoy but particularly those readers who gobble up Christmas reads. Every turn of the page brought more surprises and twists and I really felt I was there alongside Olivia as she goes through so many changes but she is always so frank, honest and on point that I could see a bit of myself in her.

I really do hope Lisa will write a Christmas book every year because if they are as good as this readers are in for a real treat. I'm delighted to have discovered that talent that is Lisa Dickenson and even give myself a slap on the wrist that I haven’t read her books before. But in another way I am lucky as I can now go back and get and read at my leisure The Twelve Dates of Christmas, Catch me if You Cannes and You Had Me at Merlot. Meanwhile don't hesitate to buy Mistletoe on 34th Street I couldn't recommend it enough.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio book.

This has been a truly wonderful and delightful story based in New York around Christmas time. I found it to be a very light easy listen, didn't have to concentrate much.

Lovely characters and such an amazing setting/location.

There were a few laugh out loud moments too.

So all in all a very pleasing and enjoyable read.

[Sarah]

Dnf after a few chapters. The characters were very annoying.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading this whilst poorly. A light-hearted, festive read. I loved being able to picture all the Manhattan sights they visit and relive my own memories of being there.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

New York for Christmas. A little predictable in some ways, but a cute easy read, which transported me to New York city. I love how Lisa Dickinson makes me feel I'm right in the place she's writing about, and makes me want to be there.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lisa Dickenson's novels, they are lighthearted and have a wonderful feel to them. When I knew she was releasing a new Christmas book, I couldn't wait to get started.

Right from the beginning Lisa has a way of drawing you into the book. You feel like the characters are old friends and you are joining them on a journey throughout. This book is no different to her others. Olivia is a bit of a scrooge when it comes to Christmas, she blames this on the fact she has never really had a traditional one, as her family prefer to enjoy their Christmas' soaking up the sun. Olivia welcomes the time off from work and loves Christmas for that reason but enjoys spending some time alone.

This year, the same as many others she needs to head to New York for a conference, she needs to try and gain interest in the company from across the pond to help it go international. Her boss has broken her leg so can't fly so puts Olivia in charge of the operation and is counting on her to get the company off the ground out there.

While she and her colleagues are out there, the U.K seems to have been hit by a freak snow storm and the snow doesn't seem like it is getting any lighter, due to this the airports are closed and there is on way of them getting back any time soon.

There are a few of Olivia's colleagues with her and although they have a part in the story most of them you know little about. To be honest Abigail I found incredibly annoying and immature, she spent the entire time going on about how she wouldn't be back in time to see her boyfriend. Towards the end I was actually growing tired of her.

Overall I loved this book, just as I have done with all Lisa's others and this will be a firm favourite on my shelf. I really liked the mix of work and pleasure there was in this story and there was quite a bit of humour. I was actually quite surprised it was quite emotional towards the end of the book. I rarely feel things like that in books but it did bring a tear to my eye when they were leaving to go to the airport.

This has to be the perfect Christmas read, snow, New York and Christmas all in one book. From previously visiting New York I was able to relate to places they were in the book and really visulise them which I thought made the book even realer for me.

Lisa Dickenson has really done it again with this cracking read. She is firmly one of my favourite authors, whose books I look forward to getting. I only wish they lasted a bit longer! Reading them in one sitting is a complete fail!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only a certain amount of time per year as a blogger that I can read ‘Christmas’ books and there are SO many to choose from each season. I have a backlog from previous years but this one caught my eye for a couple of reasons, it has had great ‘hype’ on the blogger/twitter sphere and I wanted to see if I agreed and the main lure of course for all who know me, it is set in NYC! So as I settled down for the festivities I embarked on my final Xmas book of the year.

Did it live up to my expectations … well hell yeah! It has all the necessary ingredients required for a perfect accompaniment to the mood of the day.

Olivia, poor girl has never experienced a ‘real’ family celebration so is reluctant to even have a tree. When a works trip to New York arises she leaps at the chance to go along as the boss .. her family and best friend may be heading to sunnier climes but she is content with time spent in the city.

She has a group of work colleagues who all want to get the conference over so they can head home, Jon is longing to get back to his large family for the holidays and no matter how he describes it to Olivia she just doesn’t understand the appeal.

Then snowmageddon strikes .. the airports are closed due to heavy snow and the group are stranded in NYC! Can the time be spent showing Olivia how wonderful Christmas can be if you just ‘believe’? Will she find love under the mistletoe…..

This is an absolute must-read, the humour, emotions, circumstances all add up to an overwhelming sense of belonging and love. As someone who has spent many years in NYC at this time of year I am always sceptical whether or not a book will hit the spot with it’s content and vision and this did just that. I could read and retrace my steps, feel the bitter chill, taste the pretzels, smell the hotdogs, see the plumes of steam emitting from the street, rejoice at the Rockefeller tree etc … this book took me on a journey from the comfort of my chair! I am so pleased I saved this story until last.

Thanks to Netgalley, I read and reviewed this voluntarily.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....

Lisa Dickenson's novels are always so lighthearted and feel good, but my favourite of hers has been her debut and a Christmas book too, The Twelve Dates of Christmas. I was obviously so excited to see that she was releasing another Christmas book and with one of her so cleverly named titles, this time Mistletoe on 34th Street.

Olivia has never really seen what the major fuss with Christmas is about, she's not a scrooge, she just has never experienced a proper Christmas. So when she finds herself stranded in New York along with her colleagues, Olivia is more than happy to spend her time there. He friend Jon on the other hand loves Christmas and is determined to make sure that Olivia experiences all the wonders of Christmas in New York.

Despite the fact that Olivia doesn't really get the Christmas fuss, I could not love her more as a character, she's headstrong, funny and so wise. Not only that she works for a brilliant company called Girls of the World which is just like HeforShe and I was so impressed to see this drawn upon in a story. She is just a character that you can't help but warm to and I really hoped that she would ignore her head and follow her heart when it came to getting her happiness.

I have been lucky enough to go to New York once in my life, but after reading Mistletoe on 34th Street, I am desperate to experience it at Christmas time. It just sounds so idyllic and properly festive with all the added trimmings. Lisa has really captured that New York feel and I thought I was already excited about Christmas, but now I am mega excited. This was properly sparkly and festive reading.

Lisa's first book The Twelve Dates of Christmas still remains my firm favourite, but Mistletoe on 34th Street has made it into second place.

A perfect book to get in the mood for the festive season.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is loving her job and delighted to be sent to New York just before Christmas as her boss has had an accident and can't go. Snow storms arrive however and she and her colleagues are unable to get back to the UK so rather than spend the quiet Christmas alone in her flat that she planned she is in the midst of the New York Christmas flurry

Can someone who has always been a bit Bah humbug about Christmas do a complete turnaround and decide to love the festive season - to be fair she has never really experienced it as her family always preferred to head for the winter sun - but her friend and colleague Jon is determined to convert her!

A lovely feel good book with some great characters - lighthearted and fun a perfect story to read curled up in front of a fire

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was everything I wanted it to be. From the Christmassy cover to the predictable ending. Like a good old Christmas film, you sometimes need a bit of comfort in a book.

Funny, heart-warming and Christmassy! A perfect way to spend my afternoon, now to book my flights to New York...

NEW REVIEW 2024:
I got half way through reading this and realised I'd already read it in 2021, this will serve me right for not adding my 'currently reading' straight away!
I feel I need to reflect on my 4 star rating, as I couldn't remember reading it the first time. Perhaps a reflection on my memory, or maybe just an average Christmas read!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Christmas read.

I don't know anyone who doesn't love a festive Christmas book and this one lived up to expectations.
It's funny, cosy, festive, capturing and perfectly written.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s less than 2 weeks until Christmas and Olivia and her work team are headed from England to New York City for their yearly conference. Olivia’s coworker and best friend, Kim, won’t be attending this year so Olivia will have to enjoy New York without her. Luckily, one of her longtime pals, Jon, works for another company going to the conference and he’ll be there to fill in for Kim, keeping Olivia company.

And as it turns out, Olivia’s boss is unable to go on the trip and leaves Olivia as temporary manager. Olivia has always wanted more responsibility, but still, she has to admit she’s a little bit nervous. To her relief, the conference goes great and Olivia is looking forward to spending Christmas alone as home, putting her feet up and eating some frozen pizzas. Olivia’s family never properly celebrated Christmas growing up and Olivia has never been much for the Christmas spirit. But she promises Kim she will do some sightseeing and Christmas-ing while in NYC. And NYC certainly knows how to do Christmas right.

When Olivia, her team, and Jon get stuck in NYC due to a major snowstorm in the UK, Jon wants to take Olivia to soak in all the Christmas joy. He still can’t believe Olivia doesn’t go all-out for the holiday and he wants to turn her into a true believer. Olivia and Jon have always been strictly friends, but Olivia is starting to wonder if maybe he has feelings for her and if there’s a spark there.

And then she meets NYC-native, Elijah, and she is smitten as a kitten for this attractive musician. He takes her for a night on the town and she feels he’s the perfect vacation fling.

Olivia’s now caught in the middle between Elijah and Jon. Olivia sure has gotten way more than she bargained for this holiday season...

Mistletoe on 34th Street by Lisa Dickenson is a sweet holiday romance. This story checked all my boxes for a holiday book: lots of holiday references, a little bit of romance and a perfect Christmas ending. Jon and Olivia were such likable characters and Lisa Dickenson made their personalities shine with her wit and humor laced throughout. If you’re looking for a holiday book to give you the warm and fuzzies—this one’s it! 4/5 stars.

[Roisin Giles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a classic Christmas romance book. It feels festive throughout, with the chapter titles counting down until Christmas, and is set in snowy New York.

It follows Olivia, who works for a charity supporting women’s confidence and skills. Her and her colleagues travel to an annual conference in New York, where they are stranded due to an unprecedented amount of snow on England and most of Europe, causing all flights to be cancelled. However, Olivia’s good friend Jon, who works for a different charity, is in the same boat and he vows to show Olivia what Christmas in New York is. Olivia is not a big fan of Christmas, and her Christmases are usually spent alone or with various family members on sunny holidays. Olivia and Jon are the classic ‘everyone wants them to get together but they insist they’re just friends’ relationship, so even though it is obvious from the beginning that they will end up together, it is still a very cute relationship that develops throughout the book. There is another man, Elijah, who Olivia goes on a few dates with and has a dodgy experience with, but it’s clear that Jon is endgame.

This book is festive fun and was such a quick read. Even though the plot is quite predictable, I don’t dislike that in a Christmas book. I also love New York and would love to see it during snow one day and this book captured the vibe of New York perfectly.

[Hayley Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘I had an airport full of fuckwits waiting for me. Sorry, I mean colleagues.’

This is an ‘oh-so-typical love story at Christmas’ book, but it was fun to delve into during the festive period. The mediocre storyline was studded with humour, relatable occurrences and even a few life lessons! It was like A Christmas Carol had a baby with Love Actually, and out popped Mistletoe on 34th street.

One thing to note is the few Home Alone references throughout and – lucky me – I only just watched the movies for the first time this year (yes I know, I was a little late!). So I was proud to know what was going on in these small inside jokes.

It is a predictable story but isn’t that why we pick up a lovey Christmas book? To feel warm inside about the protagonists heart melting and the life lessons learnt. This book also has a feminist storyline all the way through, which was like a breath of fresh air!

While it’s still appropriate, grab a mince pie, get the Christmas decs on and read this predictable, heart-warming book, before the festive period is over and we’re back in rainy January!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

3/5

‘‘‘Besides, there are decorations.’’ I wafted my arm past a tea light on a side plate, and a bottle of Baileys.’

[Mimie Ismail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give Lisa Dickenson...perfect 5 stars! And She has made it into my fav author list.yay! definitely gonna hunt down the other title.

Just finish it last night even though it's been in my bag for over a month, reading it once in a awhile between my busy schedule. And I got 3 days off and grab my first chance to finish it. Can't help it but felt a little disappointed coz I wish I could read it on the first day I bought it. Gosh. Okay, this story makes me feel the wonder of Christmas, the magic even I didn't celebrate it. It's like I was there, with Olivia, I can feel her excitement, the cold of the winter (hehe). And I must say that I feel impatient when Olivia didn't want to take step with her relationship with Jon. They had the chemistry, for God sake!! I scream my heart out everytime Olivia feel afraid to stop Jon form walking away that morning when their rep called them for their flight. OMG! Can I want a Jon for my birthday in coming October? Nothing else matter.lol. A praise to the author!

[Julie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gorgeous book is set in New York and Lisa describes this holiday season so wonderfully that I wish I could go off to the travel agents and buy my ticket right now! There are mixtures of characters in this story, some I warmed to straight away, while others took time to grow on me but in the end they all felt perfect for this tale.

Olivia, the central character, has never experienced a traditional Christmas and prefers to spend her festive holidays home alone. This year she is really looking forward to some peace and solitude as she is put in charge of taking five colleagues across the pond to a conference in order to gain support and interest for the company they work.

There are comical moments as well as romantic ones and friendships are brought together and made in the Big Apple. After reading this book I think that being stranded in New York would not be a problem for me as i would love to visit all the tourist attractions that Olivia goes to. It’s certainly a city on my bucket list now.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this as all the potential mood lifting festive read were there - an atmospheric setting, fairly likeable main character, and a promising beginning. But the story is just too predictable to me and full of cliched side characters. I don't necessarily mind a well signposted ending if you have fun a long the way but this didn't happen for me. I became more and more annoyed by our preachy heroine Olivia, and her uninteresting beaus. There's a feminist theme to Olivia's work which could have made this book a lot more interesting. But at times it feels like you are reading the literature of this non existent charity as Olivia explains her work to the next person she meets. Disappointing.

[Annoyed Thyroid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Dickenson sure knows how to write a cracking Christmas romance. This had all the essential elements of a festive romance, with a Christmas grinch, a love triangle, bucketloads of snow, heaps of humour and more romance than you can shake a stick at. And let's not forget that the story is set in New York! This will-they-won't-they romance is a bit predictable but it left me feeling throughly festive and desperate to spend Christmas in New York!

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely, cosy Christmas book and just what I needed. I love this book, everything about it made me smile. I picked this up in the library purely on the blurb and I’m glad I did. It made me smile so much, I’m so happy that Olivia had her happy Christmas after all these years of not having one due to being in a hot country and she finally got John. A great book and very easy to read, will read more from this author.

[prettyprettyhanako_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

damn first of all, i love love love the book. it is a cheesy romance probably not for all. but if you are looking for something to cry on and realizing how lonely you are. Then this book is purr fect for you😻😻 go cry on christmas eve, knowing no one will kiss you inder the mistletoe on 34th street just like *spoiler alert* joe and olivia does😻✨

[Nicole Stephenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ this book was about 100 pages to long. I usually enjoy a friends to lovers trope but this one was just painful. I didn’t connect with any of the characters bad I just felt terrible for Jon the entire time. 400 pages later nothing happened besides the obvious. There was way to much happening, to many characters and side stories.