One Christmas Star

by Mandy Baggot

Emily Parker is set to have the worst Christmas ever!

Her flatmate's moved out, she's closed her heart to love and she's been put in charge of the school original Christmas show – with zero musical ability.

Disgraced superstar, Ray Stone is in desperate need of a quick PR turnaround. Waking up from a drunken stupor to a class of ten-year-olds snapping pics and Emily looking at him was not what he had in mind.

Ray needs Emily's help to delete the photos, and she needs his with the show. As they learn to work together they may just open their hearts to more than a second chance...

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

462 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2019

About the author

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

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

HoHoHo readathon is coming around and I was really looking forward to read all my festive reads I got for review this year.
However, even though my original plan was to open the readathon with One Christmas Star I just couldn’t wait any longer and I had to read it.
And the best thing about my decision is that this festive novel got me out of my reading slump that lasted almost a whole month.

Ohh, if only I knew this would be the case!
I would have read it even sooner, closer to it’s releasing date.
However, better late then ever, and in my humble opinion, it is not to late to convince you to pick One Christmas Star this year when you’re in the mood for something light hearted and festive…

I love Mandy Baggot’s work for years now. Her Christmas stories are how I discovered her. Her book One Christmas in Paris still brings smile to my face when I think about it, and her novel One New York Christmas is the reason why I decided not to miss Baggot’s books any more.
Now after finishing One Christmas Star, I can say there won’t be Christmas season without at least one Mandy Baggot book in my tbr!

I just enjoyed spending my time with all the characters Mandy Baggot created. I love how realistic they were, and I didn’t click with everyone right away. For example, at first I couldn’t stand Ray, but as the story progressed and we got to know him more, I really started to connect with him.

Our main character is Emily who is a teacher. Being a teacher, she spend lots of her time with children, and I phrase the author for giving the children their own personalities and voices, instead of using them just to fill the space, as some authors tend to do.

The book is written in third person. It has 464 pages and to be honest, I was little afraid it would drag and I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to, but I flew through this book like it had 300 pages.
I guess we can say the writing style plays big part in that, but also the lyrics the author filled the pages with.

In case you didn’t know, Mandy Baggot is also passionate about music, and her love for that art spilled onto pages, in some way.

I also want to stress out that the book talks about serious topic – alcoholism in a very tasteful way, and in my case it wasn’t triggering, but of course, I can only speak from my own experience, can’t talk for everyone.

After finishing One Christmas Star I can confirm that Mandy Baggot is now one of my favourite authors.
Since I don’t have many, when I proclaim someone as my fav, it is a big deal to me!

I want to finish this review with compliments to cover designer. This is one of the prettiest festive covers I’ve seen this year.

I would recommend One Christmas Star to lovers of festive chick lits and Hallmark movies, but also to everyone who’d like to read something heart warming this year to wake up the Christmas Spirit.

Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

‘Say that you respect Ida’s opinion of your relationship, but that she is… deeply troubled. Deeply troubled says you are “caring” and “compassionate”, but it also eludes to Ida being “slightly batshit crazy”.’ She sipped at her drink. ‘And then you say you hope Ida reaches out for the help she needs. That will infer to everyone that she’s one step away from a psychiatric ward.’

That man was an animal. And did you smell him? He didn’t just smell like he’d been to the pub. He smelled like Guinness had distilled him for thirty-odd years.

I have a natural talent for reading people. I’m like that Patrick Jane from The Mentalist, without the three-piece suit, but with all of the ginger hotness.

Your father has bought another hat. This one has a ridiculous feather. I don’t know what it is with him lately. It’s like he’s experiencing a middle-age crisis that only millinery can solve.


My Review:

This was my second exposure to the clever wit and crafty humor of the deeply talented Mandy Baggot. Her vibrant creation was a delight for all the senses and conjured colorful visuals to dance through my gray matter. Her inventive and engaging plotlines held a delicate balance of compelling issues and cunningly crafted levity. But what stole my heart was her bevy of quirky and highly original and dynamic characters including hedgehogs, a candy addicted coworker, a vintage clad heroine, a scandal-ridden singer with an unstable and vindictive ex, snobbish social-climbing parents, and an unending grab-bag of unusual ten-year-old students who presented their own unique challenges and real-world issues.

The storylines were compelling and relevant, and held my interest throughout and kept my curiosity primed while Ms. Baggot’s nimble and highly amusing writing kept me pleasantly entertained and glued to my kindle. I am in awe of her craft and covet her word skills.

[Finitha Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I have never picked up a Mandy Baggot book before. Ok, I retract that, I know the reason. I have been quite stupid and well, maybe it was not the right time. Anyway, here I am kicking myself for all the lost opportunities. So take heed folks, and don't be like me. If you are planning to read only one Christmas book this year, let it be this one.
A primary school teacher struggling set up a Christmas play and a disgraced musician in need of a new start. Nothing much in common if you ask me. But the season of miracles plays its just part and hurray! . . . what we have is a tantalising love story.
Emily Parker is a model teacher (someone I would like to be one day). She wins her students' hearts and cares for them deeply. But winning the approval of the school head and the diocese is an altogether different matter. Both of them may not go together. Still, she keeps it together until the very end. As all HP fans believe, 'help is always there, when you seek it' (well, something like that).
Ray, on the other hand, is a different story. He is not our arrogant musician, drinking up the fame. He is . . . hmm. . . a bit too soft. This is not something I blame, but as one of my besties used to say "if you are willing to be a doormat, you have no room to complain when others stomp on you". There is a time for compassion, but that should not degrade you as a person. I am glad that he stood up for himself at the end (this was really trying my patience).
I cannot finish this review without referring to Jonah and Allen, the gay couple who are the source behind most of the fun. I would have loved to hear their story. Truly a match made in heaven. And there are the children -- Jayden, Rashid, Alice, Cherry, Angelica, Felix, Mathew, Makenzie, Frema, Charlie and Lucas -- if you were real, I would have loved to meet you all. A teacher's true joy comes from his/ her students' achievements. I am sure you are all going to make Emily proud.
Am I making you sentimental? Yes, that is the other thing that I want to remind. Keep some tissues at hand. You will definitely need them by the end. Happy reading everyone!

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet slow read about two damaged souls who have been hurt by people and life. Emily was a primary school teacher and Ray was a down on his luck musician. Both met when Ray saw an injured hedgehog and ending up in the school she'd. Slowly and steadily, the two move toward each other till love and trust blosommed.

Mandy Baggot has done a great job in writing a complete story which had domestic violence weaved into it. Humor and emotions made their presence felt at moments when needed. Emily was a timid silent soul, I wished she would speak up, find her backbone. But I do know sometimes life could make you speechless and scared.

This was a very slow read where each scene added to them getting to know each other, where they communicated their feelings. All of it felt authentic. Emily with her school children added an extra flavor to the story as it was cute toread their conversations. Children can make the heaviest heart feel lighter, even if they are fictional characters. Ray had a past with trauma in his personal life. It was nice to see him slowly coming out of it.

This was light emotional, fun read filled with laughter, children, and romance.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Christmas Star by Mandy Baggot or should I say Ray Stone. At first it took me a while to get into but then I could not put it down.

Emily Parker is a primary school teacher often full of self doubt and wanting a deputy head ship. Life has not been fair on her since Simon's passing. Her world is thrown upside down when she gets the job of the school nativity show. I like Emily.

In a very different world Ray Stone is dealing with the highs and lows of fame. He needs an operation for his voice and has several allegations against him when he was the victim. When he is at his lowest sleeping in the school shed is when the fun begins. Ray is likeable too. I liked how both the lead parts are likeable but flawed.

Ray and Emily are from two different worlds and under any other circumstance would never have met. I like how it shows how much they have in common not how much they are different. It is a Christmas story but it covers much deeper issues too such as homelessness and alcoholism I like the mix.

I loved the songs my two favourites being Ray's one Christmas star and the one based on Lady Gaga's and the hedgehogs with the offspring having names of Taylor and Swift.

4.5 Stars

[frau.gedankenreich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch mit wundervollen Charakteren, einer Menge Humor und ganz ganz viel Herz. Sehr lesenswert.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Bücher von Mandy Baggot stehen jedes Jahr auf meiner Leseliste, bisher bin ich aber tatsächlich noch nicht dazu gekommen ein Buch der Autorin zu lesen. Mit Winterzauber in Mayfair habe ich es dieses Jahr aber endlich geschafft.

Was passiert in diesem Buch?

Emily ist eine engagierte Grundschullehrerin aus London. Sie ist sogar so engagiert in ihrem Beruf, dass sie sich oft mit ihrer Vorgesetzten in Konflikt gerät. Als dies wieder einmal vorkommt, bekommt Emily die Organisation des Schulmusicals zu Weihnachten aufgebrummt, womit sie sich ziemlich überfordert fühlt. Als sie kurz davor ist aufzugeben, begegnet sie zufällig dem abgebrannten Popstar Ray Stone. Auch er hat mit einigen Problemen zu kämpfen und benötigt zudem einen Platz zum Schlafen. Kurzerhand willigt er ein Emily bei dem Schulmusical zu helfen, wenn er bei ihr vorübergehend einziehen kann. Doch dieses Arrangement verläuft alles andere als problemlos und hat zudem ungeahnte Konsequenzen, die beiden das Herz kosten könnte.

Konnten mich die Protagonisten überzeugen?

Auch wenn die Protagonisten nicht hätten unterschiedlicher sein können, mochte ich beide sehr gerne.
Emily war eine sehr kluge junge Frau, die sich sehr in ihren Job hängt und am liebsten einige ihrer Schüler retten würde. Dieses Engagement war mir von der ersten Seite an sympathisch und hat sie mir auch im Verlauf des Buches näher gebracht. Auch das sie erst einmal ihre Vergangenheit bewältigen musste, machte sie nur noch greifbarer.
Bei Ray brauchte ich ein wenig länger um mit ihm warmzuwerden, einfach, weil er Anfangs eher ein betrunkener und überheblicher Arsch war. Aber diese Vorurteile konnte ich ziemlich schnell ablegen und ich habe mich auch im Nachhinein ein wenig dafür geschämt. Denn das Buch hat mir mal wieder aufgezeigt, dass man auf Presse nicht so viel geben sollte. Rays Geschichte war so viel tiefer und schmerzvoller, damit hätte ich so gar nicht gerechnet, aber das hat mich Ray auch noch weiter ins Herz schließen lassen. Er war schlicht ein starker Kerl.
Die Beziehung von Emily und Ray fand ich gut gelungen. Wie schon gesagt, waren beide sehr unterschiedlich, sodass es wirklich spannend war zu verfolgen wie sie sich näher kommen. Und zusammenfassend kann ich auch nur sagen, das beide perfekt zusammengepasst haben und das ihre Liebesgeschichte wunderschön war.

Gab es etwas, was mir nicht gefallen hat?

Ja leider gab es eine Sache, die mir ein wenig Spaß an dem Buch genommen hat und das war die Länge der Geschichte. Mit knapp 550 Seiten ist das Buch für meine Verhältnisse schon ziemlich dick, sodass es mich im ersten Moment etwas abgeschreckt hat. Das wäre ja aber eigentlich kein Problem, würde sich die Geschichte an einigen Stellen nicht so ziehen. So 100 oder 150 Seiten weniger hätten dem Buch meiner Meinung nach gutgetan.

Gab es etwas, was ich noch erwähnen muss?

Ja zwei Dinge gibt es noch.
Zum einen die ganze Idee mit dem Schulmusical und den Kindern. Das alles fand ich sehr schön und mal etwas anderes. Mir sind die Kinder regelrecht ans Herz gewachsen, auch wenn sie natürlich nur eine Nebenrolle gespielt haben.
Und dann noch das ganze Setting in London und die allgemeine Stimmung des Buches. Ich liebe ja Bücher die zu Weihnachten bzw. in der Vorweihnachtszeit spielen und dieses hat mir auch sehr gefallen. Diese Mischung aus gefühlvoller Romanze und besinnlicher Weihnachtszeit machen es einfach und dieses Buch zeigt genau die richtige Mischung aus beidem.

Wie ist meine abschließende Meinung zum Buch?

Auch wenn ich ein paar kleiner Probleme mit Winterzauber in Mayfair hatte, so hat mir das Buch insgesamt gut gefallen. Ich mochte die Konstellation der Charaktere und die festliche Stimmung des Settings, sodass ich mit dieser Geschichte ein paar schöne Wohlfühlstunden hatte. Wer solche Bücher mag, sollte auch vielleicht jetzt noch zu diesem Buch greifen um es sich in der dunklen und kalten Jahreszeit ein wenig gemütlich zu machen.

[anna_chatterbox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein sehr süßes Buch. Perfekt für die Weihnachts-/Winterzeit wenn man besonders was fürs Herz braucht. Auch wenn ich die Songtexte nicht in der Masse gebraucht hätte 🙈😂

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known for years now that Mandy Baggot is one talented author and fabulous story teller. However within this book we discover she is fabulous lyricist too. Well at least her character of Ray is, as he helped Emily with her schools Christmas show.

I loved seeing all these new lyrics to old Christmas favourites, and I couldn't help but sot of get the feeling that the show itself had the same feel to it as the film Nativity.

I really enjoyed getting to know the children in Emily's class, and although they may not have been completely key to the main story, it didn't detract from loving her class, and seeing how she reacted to various situations as a teacher. Was also amused to see the various wildlife that ended up in her classroom.

Emily and Ray are from completely different walks of life, and under normal circumstances would have probably never, met, but now that they have, this fledgling friendship was enjoyable to watch develop.

And seeing how Ray, famous singer, songwriter is coping with the blatantly untrue bad press he is getting is admirable, although I was completely shocked when the truth came out, as I hadn't even considered it as a possible outcome.

I found the book got off to a bit of a slow start, but once I got into the swing of it I was wholeheartedly enjoying it. i connected with Emily rather quickly, but it took Ray a short while to warm to, and when I did, well you could't have asked for a nicer hero.

It was great getting to know Emily and Ray's friends and families, and seeing how different their feelings for Christmas. are.

Many fantastically festive moments in this story, far too many to mention in this incredibly charming festive romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Steffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* - wieder eine süße Geschichte mit liebenswerten Charakteren und furchtbaren Songtexten 😅

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gods, Mandy has done it again, another amazing delightful and heartfelt Christmas story that just melts your heart, 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 loved all of the characters,  getting to know each of them and seeing how they each developed throughout the story. Absolutely loved the Christmas theme throughout.

Two of my favourite parts to the story, of which there was many would have to be:-

1) the long text that Ray sends to Emily near the end of the story, literally bought tears to my eyes, was just so heartfelt and emotional all at the same time. I truly did feel for Ray in that moment, must have been so hard for him, having gone through what he did. I'm not saying anymore as would not want to reveal any spoilers to the story.

2) I absolutely adored the song that the class of year 6 children sing 'Can't we have a Carvery' that really did send me into giggles.

There are so many wonderful moments and laugh out loud scenes, that it is impossible not to fall in love with this book.

Mandy Baggot is one of my all time favourite authors and so I highly recommend this book and all her other books as must reads.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read.
While not as festive as some of the Christmas books out there is was still a lovely read.
It got progressively funnier as it went on with some real laugh out loud bits too.

I love the fact that its really in keeping with the issues we face in this day and age, with same sex marriage, step parents, gender neutrality, varying religious beliefs and how regardless of all that we can still come together to support and encourage eachother.

[Steph Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy, you’ve done it again!
Mandy Baggot is the absolute queen of the festive story.
I absolutely fell in love with this book and the characters.
We are introduced to schoolteacher Emily Parker and her reasons and need for a new flatmate.
I liked Emily’s dress sense, and I imagined that wardrobe bulging with all her vintage finds.
I warmed to songwriter Ray from the start, he was getting seriously bad press and I felt there was more to it than he was telling his agent.
A ‘hedgehog issue’ creates a chance meeting with Emily at her school, and the kids recognised Ray straight away.
Getting to know Emily’s Year 6 pupils was such fun, and some of the things they said were very funny to a grown-up.
I loved the new lyrics to the familiar Christmas songs, and I was singing along. Mandy, I think you’re onto a winner there!
Initially I thought Emily was a weak character, but she was actually incredibly strong. She had overpowering people in her life including her posh, well-to-do parents, Mrs Clarke the headteacher, and her ex-flatmate Jonah and his partner Allan. I loved Allan aka two Ls!
Note to self - I need to visit a cheese restaurant :)
That piano scene in the posh restaurant gave me goosebumps.
I really adore Mandy Baggot books, but this one feels that bit more extra special and magical. I loved it.
The cover design is gorgeous.
Her other Christmas books are definitely worth a try if you enjoy this one.
Her books set in Corfu will take you through the Summer season with a smile.
Thanks to Mandy Baggot, Aria, Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the early review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several Mandy Baggot’s novels and loved them all and One Christmas star is no exception.
Emily Parker is a teacher, her best friend and flat mate has moved out, she has been given the responsibility to oversee the Christmas play and she is still getting over the loss of the love of her life Simon.
Ray Stone is a singer-songwriter. He has been all over the media that he has abused his girlfriend, his vocal cords are shattered, and he is due for an operation. So, to drowns his sorrows, he ends up drunk with a hedgehog in a shed in Stretton Park school.
He is discovered by Emily and her year six pupils. He tells her of his predicament, and he has nowhere to go so he ends up at his flat. She tells him about the Christmas play, and he agrees to help her with the music and that’s where their relationship evolves.
This is another lovely, warm festive read by Mandy Baggot, not only because of the two main characters but, because of the children characters in it and the devising of the play. The author cleverly wrote what Christmas means for different religions. I found it also quite funny in parts and I may have got a bit emotional at the ending 4 stars from me.

[TSN ☮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I didn't like it. Sorry.
It's not the writing, and it's not the author. I just couldn't connect with the characters in the story. I found Emily to be hopelessly timid and without any backbone, and Ray to be a total looser.

☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent!!!! I had so so so much reading it! This story is so refreshing, so beautiful and touching and also so so funny! I laughed out lout several times during my read and that is not something that happens to me easily while reading! I really enjoyed this book so much! I can only recommend it to you and it doesn't have to be Christmas time to enjoy it! You can read it all year round!

[Lesley Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Mandy Baggot and it was a wonderful Christmas read for so many reasons, all of which are focussed on story and great character development..

Mandy's story was based around a primary school teacher, Emily Parker, young, heartbroken, desperate for promotion, but above all this Emily is someone absolutely passionate about ensuring the children in her care have the best opportunities and recognise their worth and individuality. I don't know if this was born of impeccable research, or personal experience, but there was a sense of believability that ran throughout this wonderful tale of real situations and its characters finding the strength within themselves, and too with the support of their friends and families, to overcome enormous odds. It is fiction, in this instance, but it was touching, raw and real; written with humour and those small touches of humanity that lift and surprise - I refer, of course, to the scenes involving Olivia Colman and Idris Elba!

I know less of some of the other issues raised, Ray Stone's character and those of some of the primary children but they showed the dark point that people often need to reach in order to discover how resilient they really are. Mandy questioned, in a reader's letter at the end of the book, whether it was right to include such raw issues, many of which are taboo subjects that people have kept secret and smiled through. All are handled with tremendous understanding of the conflict and heartbreak they inevitably raise.

Mandy talks too of tears by the end of the story. To my mind, a good rom-com is all about a full heart and a good cry - an internal celebration of the beauty of romance, kindness and all that is good and pure in humankind.

If you're looking for a truly uplifting Christmas story - regardless of the time of year - then I urge you to read One Christmas Star.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun with this story. I have been reading a lot of hard-hitting books in the past few days and I wanted something softer and mushier. This supplied both of those qualities while at the same time dealing with a lot of side issues.

This is the story of Emily Parker who is in a rut and is struggling with hopes of a promotion she doesn't see coming fast enough. She is a teacher at a primary school and has been put in charge of the Christmas show. Ray Stone is a floundering voice sensation who is struggling to maintain a semblance of sanity but a run-in with a hedgehog and homelessness gets their paths crossed, where both Emily and Ray can be of help to each other. What was slightly unique about the take in this story was that despite the lead characters being attracted to each other there is a long time of working together before either of them make a move or actually voice any 'feelings'. This could have actually been two books with the amount of content in it, since it spans not only their individual issues but also a bunch of ten-year-olds who each seem to bring something interesting into the mix. 

It is a long book, but it moves fast enough and hits all the tropes with the right amount of effort and therefore making it appealing.

I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my reading experience.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great holiday story!
I loved the characters of Emily and Ray so much and they just seemed like such genuine and real people. I was rooting for them throughout the whole story! I really enjoyed Emily being a school teacher, and all of the hilarious and heartwarming moments she had with her students. Ray was a really different type of musician than I feel we usually get in a romance and it was really refreshing. Seeing him finally deal with his problems and watching him and Emily support each other was just so great to see.
This book was so hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud multiple times and I loved how the author combined more serious subject matters with comedic moments. All of the supporting characters were so memorable and again seemed so real. All of the holiday touches were great and a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

The only thing I would have loved to see would have been a bit more of Emily and Ray as an actual couple or maybe an epilogue but overall such an enjoyable read!

This book was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shruti Badole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. Who would have thought I would love this book so much? One Christmas Star is not just a festive rom-com. It speaks of hope, issues we sometimes take for granted, love, grief, and of what I found the most striking, of the innocence of children. There were two scenes where I shed tears. Not just for a few seconds, but throughout, for minutes. It also has the usual things I am fond of: Christmas and London. My plan before I picked this book was to read another one based in London, but found out later that that book was more expensive than I thought it would be. That made me sad, but I had no choice and I started looking at Christmas books based in London and decided to pick this one because, well, it has a good rating on Goodreads PLUS I got it for "free" on Prime Reading, haha. I am so glad I'm ending this year with this festive and beautiful book. I am definitely going to read other works by Mandy Baggot.

[Maria Naydenova · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was supposed to be a nice Christmas story to keep me occupied during the holidays. It took me forever to finish. I almost left it unfinished around the middle but then curious for all the high rates decided and because I didn't want to finish the previous year and start the new one with DNF book I kept pushing through.

Alas, it didn't work out. The book wasn't bad per se, just nothing memorable happened and it would be one of these that would be soon forgotten.

The characters didn't intrigue me, neither their relationship, the storyline was dragging. Yeah, there was a somewhat Christmas mood which was the reason I started it but it wasn't anything to remember in the long-run.

The audio was decent enough but still couldn't save the story. At least it made it more enjoyable.The 3-rd * is for it mainly.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly sent a copy via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Looking for a fun, festive read? This is the one for you. Whilst I found it slow building to begin with, this tale has everything you could want from a Christmas read. Fun flirty festivities; heartbreak and past trauma; lost love, budding relationships, heartwarming moments.

Emily is the Year 6 teacher, tasked with putting on the Christmas performance. Having to add in advertising for pupil's parents aside, her life gets turned upside down when she meets Ray Stone. Trying to deal with the stress of the performance, her overbearing mother and her feelings, this is a heartfelt read.

I'd definitely recommend if you are looking for a festive but fun read.

[Rmsooon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ive read " one christmas star" i wanted more chimestry between them ,, overall it was okay,, i gave it 3 out of 5 stars

[Dannii Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll give this a 3.8 :)

I thought it was very sweet!! You never know what people are going through though ❤️❤️❤️

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance with a message

I was pleasantly surprised with the trajectory of this book and it's main characters. Not a typical romance but I've learned to expect that from Mandy Baggot's books and that's why I'll read more.

[Claire Darragh · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Mandy Baggot book. Had downloaded this before Christmas to read and get me in the Christmas spirit. Never got round too but just devoured it in a couple of days. Easy to read chic lit with some serious themes talked about. Loved the two main characters.

[victoria_tonks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars RTC

[Suki-Jane Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite author

Another amazing story from Mandy. This will have you laughing, crying, laughing again and begging for the book to last longer.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing has ever been quite right for Emily since her boyfriend Simon was killed by a drunk driver crossing the street. With her parents unavailable at the best of times, and judgmental all of it, they can’t understand her penchant for vintage fashion or why she would give up the lucrative life as a solicitor and join their firm. Tired of the trappings of “do gooding” without actually doing good, Emily has felt like a disappointment for her entire life, and even her tiny rebellion with her best friend, gay, black and from the housing estates, also has come under fire. Now teaching 6th form in one of the more impoverished schools in the area, she’s constantly feeling as if she’s being judged: helping the particularly trod-on students, never quite feeling as if she’s ‘good enough’ to apply for the assistant Head position, and generally turning herself inside out to do the best for the kids every day, only to return to an empty flat, close to out-of-date ready meals and her bursting at the seams closet full of vintage fashions never yet worn.

One early morning – there is a disturbance in the school shed, and out rolls a very handsome and more than slightly hungover rock star by the name of Ray Stone, gingerly clutching a hedgehog with a broken leg. Both the man and the hedgehog are like catnip to the students – so after a particularly spiny first encounter – Ray and the hedgehog are admitted into the classroom and the RSPCA is called to treat said hedgehog – instantly named by the students (Olivia Colman) and Ray is summarily stuffed into the supplies cupboard when the Headmistress arrives. Of course this is to enforce her ‘rules’ and question the hedgehog’s appearance, while the issue of Ray is quietly and hastily dealt with. Fast forward a couple of days and Emily’s innate goodness and helpfulness, along with a steady dose of no judgments, has her slated to create the school’s “Christmas Extravaganza to be all new and spectacular – as the extra funding for the school is in jeopardy. With singer/songwriter Ray now staying in her flat as his situation went from fame to toilet with ‘revelations’ from his ex – she’s got someone who can help – and all she has to do is ask.

From here – we see both Emily and Ray dance about the attraction sparking between them, opening up, yet guardint their deepest, darkest secrets. And Baggot reveals those with a gentle hand – letting Emily’s grief for the loss of Simon and her worries about, well, everything balance the more shocking and (he thinks) shameful abuse that Ray suffered at the hands of his ex. With a new issue / secret that Ray has kept from everyone, opening up and sharing with one another, and then trusting in their friends and families to understand them better, when you add in the kids (10 year olds are particularly observant and unique) the stress involved in writing the show, and Emily’s desire to get her kids to stick to their own ideas of who and what they should be, disregarding their often difficult starts and struggles: the story is full of heart and hope – and done in a way that allows readers to see Emily and Ray as people, involved, complete and full of little issues and quirks that define their strength and show their true hearts in ways that make the story (and the holiday) ring true for everyone.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Adite · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully told story of two lonely people who find love and happiness during the festive season. Plenty of emotion and loads of humour!