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Winterzauber in Notting Hill

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Isla und Hannah Winters leben schon immer in Notting Hill. Seit ihre Eltern bei einem Autounfall starben, kümmert sich Isla um ihre an den Rollstuhl gefesselte Schwester. Überhaupt hält die gesamte Nachbarschaft zusammen wie eine große Familie. Vor allem zu Weihnachten, wenn die Häuser des Viertels in warmem Licht erstrahlen und köstliche Düfte vom Portobello-Markt herüberwehen. Umso schockierter sind alle über die zerstörerischen Pläne der Immobilienfirma, bei der Isla arbeitet. Und ausgerechnet Isla soll dem neuen CEO bei seinem Londonbesuch jeden Wunsch von den Lippen ablesen ...

497 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

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939 people want to read

About the author

Mandy Baggot

61 books748 followers
Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary.

Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.

Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.

Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
Profile Image for bookspumpkin.
454 reviews182 followers
November 12, 2018
Inhalt:

Isla und Hannah Winters leben schon immer in Notting Hill. Seit ihre Eltern bei einem Autounfall starben, kümmert sich Isla um ihre an den Rollstuhl gefesselte Schwester.
Überhaupt hält die gesamte Nachbarschaft zusammen wie eine große Familie. Vor allem zu Weihnachten, wenn die Häuser des Viertels in warmem Licht erstrahlen und köstliche Düfte vom Portobello-Markt herüberwehen. Umso schockierter sind alle über die zerstörerischen Pläne der Immobilienfirma, bei der Isla arbeitet. Und ausgerechnet Isla soll dem neuen CEO bei seinem Londonbesuch jeden Wunsch von den Lippen ablesen ...


Meine Meinung:

Da ich die anderen zwei Weihnachtsbücher von Mandy Baggot schon gelesen habe, war für mich sofort klar, dass ich auch ihr neustes Werk lesen muss. Als ich dann erfahren habe, dass es in London – speziell in Notting Hill - spielt, war es um mich geschehen, da ich schon zweimal in dieser Stadt Urlaub gemacht habe und mich ein wenig in sie verliebt habe.

Auf dem Cover sieht man eine verschneite Brücke und das wohl mit bekannteste Wahrzeichen von London: den Big Ben. Man bekommt sofort Lust auf Weihnachten und den Winter, wenn man sich das Cover ansieht. Und es funkelt/glitzert so unfassbar schön!

Die Geschichte ist durchgehend ruhig erzählt, was einem aber ein total wohliges Gefühl verpasst. Direkt auf den ersten Seiten hat man das Bedürfnis sich mit einer heißen Schokolade unter eine dicke Wolldecke zu kuscheln, dem Kamin beim Knistern zuzuhören und Lebkuchen zu essen. Mandy Baggot schafft es, dass man sich sofort wohl und geborgen fühlt und am liebsten sofort Weihnachten haben möchte – oder zumindest Schnee.

Besonders gut haben mir die Charaktere gefallen. Isla ist so eine starke, sympathische Persönlichkeit, dass sie mir direkt ans Herz gewachsen ist. Aufgrund des Todes ihrer Eltern muss sie plötzlich für ihre im Rollstuhl sitzenden Schwester sorgen. Und das in einer Zeit, wo sie dabei sein sollte zu sich selbst zu finden und sich ihre Zukunft auszumalen. Auf einmal muss sie sich um ihre Schwester kümmern und steckt selbst dafür zurück.
Ich fand es sehr gut beschrieben, wie das Verhältnis von Isla zu ihrer Schwester Hannah ist. Die Zwei sind wirklich traumhafte Persönlichkeiten und Schwestern, die man sofort liebhat. Isla wirkt unfassbar erwachsen, obwohl sie noch in den Zwanzigern ist.

Hannah war in dem Buch ein absolutes Highlight. Diesen Charakter hat Mandy Baggot so toll beschrieben, dass man sie einfach mögen musste. Obwohl sie im Rollstuhl sitzt, ist sie unfassbar stark und lebensfroh. Man merkt ihr teilweise gar nicht an, dass sie im Alltag beeinträchtigt ist, durch die Folgen des Autounfalls. Ich musste sehr oft wegen Hannahs Sprüchen lachen. Sie war wirklich zum Knuddeln und hat mir das ganze Buch noch mehr versüßt. Teilweise war ich zu Tränen gerührt, weil sie so viel Lebensfreude und Glück ausgestrahlt hat. Sie hat den Rollstuhl nicht als Beeinträchtigung wahrgenommen, sie hat ihr Leben in vollen Zügen genossen und war so unfassbar stark in allem, was sie gemacht hat.
Auch hat man ihre Liebe zu dem Stadtviertel Notting Hill mit jeder Seite gespürt, genauso wie die Liebe von Isla. Die Beiden sind sehr verbunden mit ihrer Straße, den Häusern und dem Park und es war unfassbar schön das zu lesen, da ich die gleiche Liebe für diese Stadt empfinde.

Kommen wir zu dem männlichen Protagonisten, der uns die Geschichte versüßt hat: Chase Bryan. Ich habe auch ihn vom ersten Moment an ins Herz geschlossen. Er hat zwei Töchter (die übrigens auch toll ausgearbeitet waren) und wird der neue CEO von der Firma in der Isla arbeitet.
Die erste Begegnung der Beiden hat mich sehr zum Schmunzeln gebracht, denn sie war einfach nur witzig. Auch die zweite Begegnung war sehr lustig erzählt, sodass man als Leser wirklich laut lachen musste.

Es hatte etwas, dass Chase nicht als klischeehafter reicher, eingebildeter Schnösel beschrieben wurde, wie es oft in Liebesromanen der Fall ist. Stattdessen war er ein gestandener, junger Mann, der seine Töchter liebt und alles für die neue Firma tun würde. Und er hat Isla vom ersten Moment an Respekt geschenkt und ist mit ihr normal umgegangen, auch wenn sie seine persönliche Assistentin und Mädchen für Alles ist.

Mandy Baggot hat es wieder einmal geschafft mich absolut in den Bann zu ziehen und eine winterliche, kühle Atmosphäre zu schaffen, in der man gerne versinken möchte. Von mir aus hätte ich noch viel mehr Seiten lesen können, denn ich habe die Charaktere geliebt, die Handlung geliebt und vor allem das Setting geliebt.

Mein Fazit:

Ein wundervoller Weihnachtsroman, den man perfekt an kühlen Tagen lesen kann. Macht euch eine Tasse heiße Schokolade, nehmt euch Lebkuchen zur Hand und taucht in eine ruhige, schöne Atmosphäre ein, die durch einen wahnsinnig schönen Schreibstil abgerundet wird.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,855 reviews70 followers
October 19, 2017
Oh my gods, Mandy has done it again, another amazing delightful and heartfelt story that I just fell in love with and completely got lost in. She has such a way with words that her style of writing is truly magical which draws you in from the very first page.

I was literally glued to this book, if it wasn't for  work  getting in the way, I would have read this in a day as just did not want to put it down.

I loved all of the characters,  getting to know each of them and seeing how they each developed throughout the story.

I fell in love with Chase, so alluring, romantic, charming, confident, real and considerate. Men like that just don't exist in the real world that's for sure, well not in my world anyhow.

My heart especially went out to Hannah, really felt for her, with all that she had to cope and adjust too. Her character should be an inspiration to us all, in seeing how she dealt with things and her constant positive outlook on life.

I've never been to Notting Hill before but the way that Mandy described the place, the different shops, all the roads and the little historical titbits certainly made me feel like I was already there experiencing it as the characters did. Oh and all the mention of the different foods sounded absolutely yummy and devine. I truly enjoyed experiencing Christmas in Notting Hill.

Mandy Baggot is one of my favourite authors and so I highly recommend this book and all her other books as must reads.
Profile Image for Steph Lawrence.
512 reviews
October 31, 2017
Loved it!!
Mandy, you’ve done it again!
Mandy Baggot is the queen of the festive story.
And if you love a bit of romance this is perfect for you.
I always feel fully immersed in the area that she sets the story in, I’m there.
This one was set in Notting Hill. I’m not familiar with London at all, except the usual landmarks, but this made me feel like I lived there. The food sounded wonderful at the various eateries featured.

Mandy’s books always have this effect on me, so well described that I feel I’m there. Seeing the sights, eating the food, feeling the emotions. They always give me a giggle too.

We get chemistry straight away with Isla and her American boss Chase (yessss!!!)
I loved the main characters of Isla and Chase. A great supporting cast of Isla’s sister Hannah, Chase’s kids Brooke and Maddie. Mrs Edwards from the square, Raj the postman and Aaron from the office.
Beaumont Square sounded the perfect place to live and the Residents Wine and Cheese Night sounded divine.
It gave me a lovely happy feeling, and I’ve got that lovely Christmassy feeling too!
The cover design is gorgeous.
Her other Christmas books are definitely worth a try if you enjoy this one.
And her books set in Corfu will take you through the Summer season with a smile.
Thanks to Mandy Baggot, Ebury Publishing and NetGalley for the early review copy for an honest review.

Profile Image for Simone Bücherwurm.
185 reviews45 followers
November 26, 2020
2,8 Sterne für eine Geschichte, die zwar süß ist, aber mir dann doch etwas zuuu überdreht war 😂😂 Nichtsdestotrotz lese ich diesen Winter alle Bücher der Autorin 😄
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews42 followers
October 19, 2017
My word this book was amazing such an excellent book from start to finish and you just wanted to keep reading but didn't want it to end either. Perfect to curl up in front of the fire and think about Christmas and romance along with family and friends and work. Just loved this book so much highly recommend you to read it and simply perfect Christmas story which was easy to follow and had you wondering what would happen for the best. Isla is working for her dream job but is always trying not to be late while she's sorting her sister out and making sure she gets to work safe in her wheelchair. She loves sorting out the Christmas work party but this year a new person is coming to England from the company and she is given the job of being his go to girl and she's really not keen on this especially when she sees him and he has his children with him. She is desperate to have just that one Christmas kiss with someone and as she works more with him does she realise she's falling for him but is he hiding a secret to start with. He then falls for her but can't go ahead with what work want him to so can they stop it and be happy together or not. Also can her sister Hannah be happy and start living her own life with more independence and can she find romance with the postman. Perfect story and a must read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,749 reviews158 followers
November 7, 2017
One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill is another excellent, magical offering by Mandy Baggot. If you want to get into the mood for Christmas, this is the book for you.
The story is about two sisters Isla and Hannah. Isla is the Go to girl at Breeker’s. Who is the top problem solver and number one Christmas party organiser and Hannah who is a florist and who is in a wheelchair, after an accident that killed their parents. Hannah is also on a mission to get a Christmas kiss this year.
One day, the new handsome and fit, CEO arrives with his two daughters from New York, Chase Bryan. With Chase it is all about work and he is here to sort out plans for a new super hotel, destined to be built in Notting Hill. Sparks start to fly between Chase and Isla, as Isla has been appointed to help Chase while he is in London.
I loved this book from the very first page. It was heart-warming, emotional and a bit of humour thrown in, with the magic of Christmas. I could have read it in one sitting if I had the chance. I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters, the setting, the story flowed so easily. There is nothing I didn’t like. If you want to read one Christmas book this year, pick this one. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Penguin Random House and Netgalley and Mandy Baggot for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Hannah.
600 reviews118 followers
December 10, 2018
Isla and Hannah are sisters living in Notting Hill. Isla who is the elder of the two has been looking after wheelchair bound Hannah since an accident that killed their parents.

Chase has two children who are both so adorable in their own ways Brooke the teenager and her love for music and sweet Maddie. He's sort of neglected them for his job.

I love how Chase and Isla meet before finding out he's the CEO she might as well of called him a paedophile. Her reaction to being his go to girl is so funny. They hit a few bumpy patches along the way mainly regarding the lovely Notting Hill.

If I could summed up the theme of the two main characters kisses in and around Notting Hill I'd use Katy Perry's Not like the movies in particular with Hannah. The London eye was so romantic and full of passion the one thing I'd love to read about from this book is a trip to Las Vegas.

This book was so enjoyable and hard to put down! Mandy Baggots writing is so addictive I will certainly read more of her books.
Profile Image for Best Crime Books & More.
1,191 reviews180 followers
December 4, 2017
I do love a good Mandy Baggot book and this one was no exception. A beautiful christmas themed cover and something to make me feel like the world is not as depressing as it really is sometimes!

Isla Winters is our leading lady along with her sister Hannah. Isla works for Breekers and when she is told she is the new CEO's 'go to girl' on his visit to London she is not amused. She has a Christmas Party to finalise and the last thing she wants or needs is to become somebody's 'go to girl'. What she didn't bank on was ChaseBryan being such a hottie! Although Isla and Chase are the main focus of the stroy the other characters in this latest Mandy Baggot book were just as important to me. Isla's sister Hannah as well as Chae's children Brooke and Maddie as well as Raj the postman. This was a whole host of characters all very different and all very likeable for various reasons.

Hannah at only 20 is in a wheelchair but the way this element of the storyline was written was so refreshing. Done with a dusting of humour and along with the loveable cockney Raj they made for a pairr I loved reading about. Isla struggles as the plans for the new Breekers projest could threaten her own life and she finds herself stuck bang in the middle of her worst nightmare. However, she does what she can until there comes a point when she needs to rely oon others and it ends up with some very funny results.

Once again Mandy Baggot has produced a wonderful Christmas themed book which was packed to the brim with wonderful characters, a great storyline and a sprinkling of humour. I read this in just two sittings and absolutely loved it. It seems ever time I pick up a Mandy Baggot book I am never dissapointed and this latest one is certainly just as amazing as some of her others. A wonderful read that would definitely make the perfect stocking filler!
Profile Image for Noemi Proietti.
1,110 reviews55 followers
November 12, 2017
Isla Winters' life revolves around her younger sister Hannah who, following an accident in which their parents died, is now in a wheelchair. Isla goes from her work for an international construction company to her home in Notting Hill where she takes care of her sister, without much of a social or dating life - if you don't count the 5am coffee visits from the postman and the old woman living next to her. Her already busy work schedule, that includes preparing for the office Christmas party, is disrupted by the arrival in London of the company's CEO, Chase Bryan. Suddenly she finds herself in the role of his secretary, or Go-To girl, helping him with a new project she doesn't approve of and taking him and his daughters for beautiful tours around London. And as her feelings for Chase move from professional to something more, Isla discovers that his interest in Notting Hill is not just as a visitor.

At the beginning, I didn't really like the characters of Isla and Chase, she was too overprotective towards her sister, and he was too focused on his job and still licking his wounds from his divorce, and I couldn't really connect with them. But the more I read, the more their characters developed, and in the end I couldn't help liking them and wanted to read more. I also really enjoyed Chase's daughters, Brooke and Maddie, whose interactions added hilarity to the novel. It’s an entertaining, romantic, and engaging read and Notting Hill at Christmas time is the perfect setting to frame it all.
Profile Image for Sharon Goodwin.
868 reviews145 followers
December 5, 2017
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2017/1...

One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill has it all. Flawed characters who draw you in, conflict, friendships, community, breaking the mould of stereotypes and of course romance. I can’t put into words just how amazing this story is.

Isla is 5 years older than sister Hannah and oh so protective. I loved how it’s made clear that even though Hannah needs that little bit extra she is strong and capable. I was so invested in both sisters and wanted to go live with them! With Chase coming on the scene and knowing his motives I thought I would dislike him. However, when I can get inside the head and heart of a character, my emotions aren’t going to be so black and white and it’s not that easy. That’s what happened with Chase. His growing friendship with Isla and his relationship with his daughters, Brooke and Maddie, gives us plenty of opportunities to see his vulnerabilities and hook us in. He is one mixed up but very hot male.

Beaumont Square, Breekers and Notting Hill in December are fabulous settings for the story to take place. Mrs E and work colleagues add humour whilst Raj is a character who isn’t stereotypically what you think he’s going to be.

The romance is so special. Powerful and melting at the same time. I loved the scene in the Electric Cinema and afterwards. The London Eye (or iCircle as Maddie renamed it) will never be the same for me 🙂

There’s so much I want to say (peppermint tea!!!!!) but I don’t want to give you any spoilers. If you enjoy a romance read then One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill is a must. A feel good story that will engage all your emotions and senses and leave you on a high.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,206 reviews75 followers
December 26, 2017
Isla Winters lives in Notting Hill with her sister Hannah. She works for Breekers, a development company. CEO Chase Bryan is in town from New York to pitch a new Super Hotel complex in London. Accompanied by his two young daughters, he needs a "go-to girl". Isla is reluctantly assigned to the role but soon realises that Chase may not be entirely honest - a bit of a problem considering they seem to be falling for each other.

When I'm looking for a sweet, easy, cosy read I look to Mandy Baggot. Her books are always lovely, with just the right amount of cheese (and heat). Her pop culture references are on point, and her female characters are always intelligent and likeable. This one, while I didn't love it as much as One Wish in Manhattan, was an ideal book to read in the lead up to Christmas. I finished it on Christmas Day, curled up on the couch with a glass of wine - bliss.

Thanks to the publishers for providing me access to an early copy via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Lee at ReadWriteWish.
857 reviews91 followers
January 4, 2018
Christmas themed books are big business. It’s hard to ignore them and I don’t even try anymore. Instead nowadays, I just go with the flow and immerse myself in their cliche storylines and read at least two or three each year.

One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill is my last for the [now finished] season but if you’re still struggling to move on from the Yuletide, or looking to pick up a Christmas novel for next season, this would be a good choice.

Although I hate those tag lines included in the titles of books which seem to be the current trend, I will say yes, I suppose 'feel-good' and 'heartwarming' is true. It's more of a sweet romance than sexy with a chick-lit feel to it and, at times, the book is quite funny.

Our heroine, Isla, meets our hero, Chase, in a cafe where she assumes he’s some sort of paedophile. He’s not obviously. He is, however, her new boss who’s just arrived in London from the US.

Isla and Chase will soon work closely together on a project; recently divorced Chase has two daughters with him, one a surly teenager, and Isla will help him connect with them; Isla has a sister (an interesting character but unfortunately underutilised) she needs to consider before she can jump into a relationship with Chase; Isla and Chase suffer from the inevitable cultural differences; Chase has a work secret he can’t reveal to Isla; yadda, yadda, yadda.

Unlike a lot of Christmas novels, it's quite a long book. Actually, I would have cut it quite significantly. Many scenes were superfluous. A lot of the conflicts seem to be forced. Isla and Chase's meeting, for example, was probably one of the silliest meet-cutes I've ever read. Chase's background also seems to have a lot of unnecessary details that became cringe-worthy, I thought.

Don’t read the book if you’re on a diet either. There’s lots of food porn. Chapters and chapters dedicated to what was being eaten and drank at the various parties Isla and Chase attend. (I must point out Isla and co must be crap at their jobs. They seem to do zero work other than planning and attending Christmas parties.)

The thing that saves the book and makes me recommend it is Notting Hill. Yes, for once the title is not misleading and Notting Hill gets much more than a cursory mention in the novel. The descriptions of the houses, parks and other attractions in the suburb are great fun and really make you feel like the characters truly are a part of the community. You can really tell that Baggot loves Notting Hill and London in general.

I will, of course, now need to rewatch Notting Hill, the movie.

3 out of 5
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews123 followers
December 30, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Notting Hill in the book title, obviously drew me to the book and with the pretty cover and the intriguing blurb, I just couldn’t resist.

I absolutely adored the characters of this book. Isla is fun, loves Christmas and does a great job looking after her sister Hannah, who is in a wheelchair. Chase has two daughters, Maddie and Brooke, and he was def my fave character. Great book boyfriend material as well ;). I felt like all their stories and their background was very well lined out and included in the story. That’s why I felt really close to them all. Maddie and Brooke added some extra sparks for me. I really like the scenes with them.

I loved the chemistry between Isla and Chace, Mandy Baggot captured it beautifully. The whole story seems very authentic and real, which I really liked.

The setting of this book is just beautiful. I love London and especially Notting Hill.

The ending felt a bit rushed for me, but I still think that this is a wonderful and warm Christmas read. She can capture the atmosphere and brings you into the world of the characters.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
November 6, 2017
Fantastic Christmas romance, by one of my favourite authors. I loved every second of this book, and it didn't take too long to make Chase Bryan my latest book boyfriend.

For Chase is n London with his two daughters and needs to learn not everything is about work. He is the new CEO at Breekers and has huge plans for the business, however they are in conflict with a person who he becomes rather close to in London.

For Isla, is his go-to-girl, ultimate problem solver and initially doesn't seem that impressed that Chase even exists let alone the premise of his large plans for the company. She also has other things on her mind like planning another spectacular works Christmas party, and seeing if she can give Hannah, her sister any more freedom.

I loved Hannah, it is unfortunately so rare to see a key character in a book in a wheelchair, especially one as young as 20, but it was a greatly refreshing change, and I loved Hannah's humour, her determination, and her one main wish. She is determined that this year will be the year she has a film style perfect Christmas kiss in Notting Hill, so long as she can find someone to see past her disability.

In the role of a tour guide, we get to see London and more specifically Notting Hill through the fresh eyes of Maddie and Brooke, Chases's children, while Isla shows them around her favourite places. If you have ever wanted to get a feel for the real Notting Hill with all of its colourful buildings and independent retailers, the Portobello market and even more then you need to read this book as it gives a fantastic feel for the area.

From the various Christmas books I have read by Mandy Baggot, One Wish in Manhattan had been my favourite, but I think this one has over taken it in my affections. I just loved this story, there is plenty of Christmas in here as well as some other storylines and themes that are just as important, if not more so.

Another fabulous story from an author who is getting to be a drop everything and read when a new book by her comes out. Already looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings for this author.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Samantha Tonge.
Author 32 books336 followers
November 19, 2017
Baggot doesn't disappoint with this impossibly Christmassy read. I've said it before and I'll say it again - her writing really does satisfy all the senses. And what a sensual time of year Christmas is. Not just because of all the snow scenes and cinnamon or mulled wine smells and tastes described so deliciously in this story - but also because of Chase Bryan, the new CEO at Breekers. Isla Winters is his go-to girl - not a title she particularly appreciates. But he is only over for a few weeks, with his two young daughters, and it is her job to make sure his time spent in London runs smoothly. However the development plans he is heading, to turn her beloved Notting Hill into a super hotel site, complicate their relationship.
Get into the mood for the festive season by treating yourself to this flavoursome read. Magical, heart-melting fiction at its best!
Profile Image for Gem ~.
962 reviews46 followers
December 26, 2017
Just wasn't for me sadly, I couldn't get past the fifty shades style "miss winters" and didn't like the male character, or the fact the plot seemed far fetched (pretty sure there's a million planning & listed concerns regarding eradicating a whole historical area of London) and the archaic notion of a highly skilled professional woman becoming a CEOs "go to girl" (ughh) and nanny, likely this all improves in the second half of the book but for me I just couldn't gather the energy to persevere beyond the first half
Profile Image for Justkeepreading.
1,871 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2017
I simply loved this book. It is such a feel good Christmas book. That will leave you smiling from ear to ear and feeling all warm and cosy inside. I simply adored this book.
Profile Image for Book Addict Shaun.
937 reviews320 followers
December 13, 2017
Mandy Baggot’s books set in Greece have been some of my favourite Women’s Fiction books EVER and I was incredibly excited to read a book of hers set in London, because I knew she would bring that passion for capturing a setting so well to one of my favourite cities.

The actual basis for the story is kind of similar to another of Mandy’s novels set in Greece because that also focused on a developer potentially coming in and essentially destroying people’s homes and businesses however as the story progressed and the uniqueness of the characters shone through, it didn’t become all that similar after all and I well and truly fell in love with the character of Chase. Please oh please let me meet a man like him.

The love story here is beautifully done, reading like your typical story with lots of drama and hurdles in between, but a truly believable tale of two people slowly getting to know one another, opening up to one another and falling in love along the way. This book would be perfect as a film, in fact so many of Mandy’s books would be perfect as films they are just so romantic and amazing but at the same time, so believable. However does the London Eye have CCTV in the pods? If they do then someone got more than they expected when they were watching one night in this book...

I love the area of Notting Hill in London and Mandy, through Isla and her wonderful sister Hannah has portrayed that setting of London Just as well as the film did all those years ago. The cast of characters here is very eclectic and I particularly enjoyed the close relationship between Isla and Hannah and especially Isla having to learn to give her sister more independence. Hannah was an inspiring character and offered some fantastic scenes throughout the story.

Chase is one of the best book boyfriends I’ve ever read about. He is just a dream, literally the man every woman and gay man dreams about. Some of the things he does in this book I have no idea how Isla didn’t tear her knickers off sooner, he is just a delight. That aside he was also such a fantastic father and his daughters were fantastic characters who offered great humour in the story but also some truly touching scenes with their father and that helped me to understand Chase more.

Overall this story is unforgettable and along with Mandy’s Greek novels will be one of my most memorable books of the year. Also it is absolutely crying out for a sequel. If we can see Isla and Chase exploring New York and/or Vegas in 2018 I will be a very, very happy man! Please make it happen Mandy.... until then I cannot recommend this book enough, a sheer delight from start to finish.
Profile Image for Kate’s Book Spot.
632 reviews20 followers
December 31, 2017
I downloaded this eBook from NetGalley.

I’m a big fan of Mandy’s writing so even before I started this book I had a strong feeling I’d enjoy it. For this reason I decided to read it during the Christmas break, it sounded like the perfect read to cosy up with.

I was immediately drawn to Isla’s sister, Hannah - she was a fabulous character who admirably fought against her vulnerability and so obviously cared about others. Selfless and sassy were the words that sprang to mind.

Chase surprised me, I wasn’t expecting him to be such a sensitive character. Yes he had his faults but his intentions were usually good and for me this made him one of the nice (and hot) guys.

Isla was such a strong, inspiring character which was great but I have to admit that I enjoyed it when she showed her vulnerable side because it allowed her to open up to others.

The classic Mandy Baggot magic enveloped me and I found it so easy to lose myself in the storyline. It felt as though I was there alongside the characters on the streets of London, seeing the sights and smelling the aromas that were so beautifully described on the page in front of me.

A wonderfully romantic Christmas story with a twist of real-life battles and humour. The perfect combination!
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 3 books344 followers
December 13, 2017
Isla Winters loves that she plans her company's Christmas party every year. Everyone is anticipating what the theme will be. She is expecting to have a busy Christmas this year not expecting she is going to have to play go to girl with an American colleague. Chase Bryan is in London to start a new project for the company. He does not expect to be blown away by Isla and all her Christmas Charm. They enjoy the holidays with Chase's two daughters. Isla does not know that Chase is there to compromise everything she holds dear in Notting Hill. 

In an Oyster Shell - A romantic story with a nice side of heat that will leave you feeling warm this holiday season. 

The Pearls -  What drew me to this story was the setting of Notting Hill. Notting Hill is one of my favorite movies so reading a book set there was an ideal match for me. I was not disappointed. 

The characters were vibrant and compelling. Hannah was a bright character who was often a catalyst for Isla to move and pursue the more exciting things in life. Chase was a great love interest who was intriguing with what he brought to the table. 

I love the contrast the author uses of Chase the American and Isla with her British roots. It made for an exotic romance that was a little bit steamy. It was a sweet romance that had a satisfying ending. 

Full Review: Writing Pearls
Profile Image for Mandy.
405 reviews
November 15, 2017
I’ve read most of Mandy Baggot’s books so I was looking forward to a lovely Christmas read – and “One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill” didn’t disappoint.
Isla lives with her sister Hannah, who is in a wheelchair following an accident and works as a florist. Isla works for Breekers and, one day, discovers that she has been nominated as the ‘go-to girl’ for the CEO – Chase Bryan – who is visiting from the USA with his two daughters. She’s not happy about this, especially as she’s trying to put all her energy into organising a fabulous office Christmas party.

A lovely read to get you in the mood for Christmas!

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK, and Ebury Publishing for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Lauren.
254 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2018
This is another of my Christmas stories I picked up and I'm even more excited for Christmas now reading this. I've never been to London but after reading this I want to go this time of year. Everything sounds so pretty and magical there, definate thumbs up to the author because sometimes I find it hard to picture scenes but this one I was completely there and with the characters. I liked how as this was written last year it had many references that are recent and things I know about. Great Christmas read and I'm glad i picked this over some of the others I looked at.
Profile Image for Janay Brazier.
237 reviews21 followers
November 18, 2017
A nice Christmas read that has helped to start getting me into the spirit of things. I liked the writing and the characters were realistic and relatable. I also love that it was set in London. Would recommend if you want a good Christmas romance book.
Profile Image for Anita.
330 reviews8 followers
December 27, 2017
This was the most amazing fluffy contemporary Christmas book I have ever read. I loved it so so much 💙 I will definately read more of her books!!
Profile Image for Louise Marshall-jones.
173 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2017
Really enjoyed this book and it was beautifully written and so Christmassy and easy to read. A beautiful and funny romance story.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books228 followers
October 14, 2017
A lovely book to get you in the mood for Christmas. Loved the theme of Hannah seeking her Christmas kiss in Notting Hill and Raj is a brilliant creation. To be honest I found the subplot of their romance more interesting than that of Isla and Chase, which seemed a bit contrived at times. Nevertheless the book will leave you with a nice warm feeling inside even when it's freezing outside. The London Eye ( i-circle) scene is memorable and Chase's two daughters will ring true for anyone with teenagers. Well worth a read.
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