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A Magical New York Christmas
"There’s plenty to love in this sparkling Christmas rom-com." ― Publishers Weekly
A magical holiday love story set at the glamorous Plaza Hotel in New York City.
It’s Christmas week when 26-year-old Sabrina Post knocks on the door of the Vanderbilt suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, ready to accept the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott―a famous art dealer.
A struggling journalist, Sabrina can't believe her a paycheck and six nights in her own suite at the Plaza. She feels like Eloise, the heroine from her favorite children’s books. To make the job even more exciting, Grayson recounts how he worked as a butler at the Plaza sixty years ago for none other than the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson.
What promises to be a perfect week is complicated when Sabrina meets Ian Wentworth, a handsome British visitor, at the hotel bar. When Ian assumes Sabrina is another wealthy guest at the hotel, she doesn’t correct him ―a decision she doesn’t regret after learning that Ian is a member of the British aristocracy. But, things are not what they seem. The truth Ian is not a wealthy lord; he’s actually the personal secretary of Lord Spencer Braxton.
As the week unfolds, will Sabrina and Ian learn the truth about one another?
Filled with the magic that can only be found at the Plaza Hotel during the holidays, and revealing facts about the author of the Eloise books, Anita Hughes's A Magical New York Christmas is both a holiday treat and a heartwarming story that reminds us that falling in love is the greatest miracle of all.
A magical holiday love story set at the glamorous Plaza Hotel in New York City.
It’s Christmas week when 26-year-old Sabrina Post knocks on the door of the Vanderbilt suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, ready to accept the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott―a famous art dealer.
A struggling journalist, Sabrina can't believe her a paycheck and six nights in her own suite at the Plaza. She feels like Eloise, the heroine from her favorite children’s books. To make the job even more exciting, Grayson recounts how he worked as a butler at the Plaza sixty years ago for none other than the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson.
What promises to be a perfect week is complicated when Sabrina meets Ian Wentworth, a handsome British visitor, at the hotel bar. When Ian assumes Sabrina is another wealthy guest at the hotel, she doesn’t correct him ―a decision she doesn’t regret after learning that Ian is a member of the British aristocracy. But, things are not what they seem. The truth Ian is not a wealthy lord; he’s actually the personal secretary of Lord Spencer Braxton.
As the week unfolds, will Sabrina and Ian learn the truth about one another?
Filled with the magic that can only be found at the Plaza Hotel during the holidays, and revealing facts about the author of the Eloise books, Anita Hughes's A Magical New York Christmas is both a holiday treat and a heartwarming story that reminds us that falling in love is the greatest miracle of all.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
239 people are currently reading
8662 people want to read
About the author
Anita Hughes
26 books1,021 followersAnita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER, and CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT published by St. Martin's Press. ROME IN LOVE is coming to the HALLMARK channel in July, 2019!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 745 reviews
September 12, 2021
A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes
Contemporary romance. Clean.
Sabrina is interviewing Grayson to be his memoir ghostwriter. He’s paying for her to stay at the Plaza Hotel in New York between Christmas and the New Year. Sabrina meets Ian in one of the restaurants where they share caviar and a little flirtation.
The story follows Ian and Sabrina in current day and Grayson’s live in the early 1960’s.
Sweet and beautifully organized, the story has the relationships building together even though they take place sixty years apart. An adorable surprise with multiple happy connections.
For anyone that has ever stayed at the Plaza Hotel, and anyone who has wanted to stay, this book includes descriptions of the restaurants, the shops, the decorations and the feeling of being pampered in their high-end suites. The area around the Plaza and other famous and close locations plus holiday activities make it a magical interlude with a romantic slant on the city.
Excerpt:
“The elevator doors opened and Sabrina stepped into the lobby. Every time she saw the Christmas tree—tall and fragrant and decorated with colored ornaments—she wanted to pinch herself to prove she wasn’t dreaming. She really was staying at the Plaza Hotel over Christmas.”
Excerpt from A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will buy a copy as well to share with my New York loving friends.
Contemporary romance. Clean.
Sabrina is interviewing Grayson to be his memoir ghostwriter. He’s paying for her to stay at the Plaza Hotel in New York between Christmas and the New Year. Sabrina meets Ian in one of the restaurants where they share caviar and a little flirtation.
The story follows Ian and Sabrina in current day and Grayson’s live in the early 1960’s.
Sweet and beautifully organized, the story has the relationships building together even though they take place sixty years apart. An adorable surprise with multiple happy connections.
For anyone that has ever stayed at the Plaza Hotel, and anyone who has wanted to stay, this book includes descriptions of the restaurants, the shops, the decorations and the feeling of being pampered in their high-end suites. The area around the Plaza and other famous and close locations plus holiday activities make it a magical interlude with a romantic slant on the city.
Excerpt:
“The elevator doors opened and Sabrina stepped into the lobby. Every time she saw the Christmas tree—tall and fragrant and decorated with colored ornaments—she wanted to pinch herself to prove she wasn’t dreaming. She really was staying at the Plaza Hotel over Christmas.”
Excerpt from A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I will buy a copy as well to share with my New York loving friends.
December 22, 2021
This is a cute and sweet Christmas story with two time lines. I really love both of the story lines, and the characters in this story is the best. The only thing I really did not love with this story is the character taking so long to tell each other the truth. If you are looking for a sweet Christmas story this is the book for you. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Anita Hughes) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 21, 2021
A Magical New York Christmas is a great holiday read. Sabrina accepts a writing job during the week of Christmas. As part of the job, she is given a suite at The Plaza Hotel for the week, to stay on site while she works on the memoir for Grayson Prescott, a highly regarded art dealer.
While staying at The Plaza, Sabrina meets Ian, a handsome British guest, who she believes hails from royalty. They hit it off but are both making assumptions about the other. As they get to know each other over the course of the week, and their attraction grows, things may not be as they seem.
Though this story was a little predictable, I really enjoyed it, liking most of the characters, and the glitz and glam of the prestigious Plaza Hotel. It’s not the same story, but I did get some The Gift of the Magi vibes as I read this one.
A Magical New York Christmas does a great job of capturing the holiday ambience in NY — This is my favorite time of the year to visit NY, a place which truly celebrates the holidays.
While staying at The Plaza, Sabrina meets Ian, a handsome British guest, who she believes hails from royalty. They hit it off but are both making assumptions about the other. As they get to know each other over the course of the week, and their attraction grows, things may not be as they seem.
Though this story was a little predictable, I really enjoyed it, liking most of the characters, and the glitz and glam of the prestigious Plaza Hotel. It’s not the same story, but I did get some The Gift of the Magi vibes as I read this one.
A Magical New York Christmas does a great job of capturing the holiday ambience in NY — This is my favorite time of the year to visit NY, a place which truly celebrates the holidays.
September 15, 2021
Sabrina feels like a princess in her very own suite at the Plaza Hotel. And it is Christmas week. In between interviews with Grayson, the man she is ghostwriting a memoir for, she meets the handsome Ian. His suite is right across the hall and he is almost English royalty, or so she assumes. This has so many of the delightful characteristics of a satisfying romcom. The glittering setting and holiday time frame enhance the narrative and really make it shine. I loved all their New York experiences and the glittering holiday events they were a part of. There are some nice surprises in the plot, too. The Eloise books get a good amount of attention. I need to revisit them after reading about the author as a part of the information gathering for the memoir. This will be a popular title for the 2021 holidays. Enjoy this one with a creamy mug of hot chocolate.
Thank you to St. Martins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martins and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
Please note that I received this via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I found this delightful. It really put me in the mood for some snow (I am tired of rain!) and warm fires and hot chocolate. Hughes hit the right note of nostalgia in this book and had me rooting for the two love interests (Sabrina and Ian).
"A Magical New York Christmas" follows Sabrina (she's a ghostwriter) and Ian (he's an assistant/general get him out of trouble to a rich and moneyed British aristocrat). Sabrina is down to her last little bit of money when she gets an assignment to help a famous art dealer Grayson Westcott write his memoirs. We find out quickly that Grayson used to be a white gloved butler at The Plaza Hotel and he knew the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson. With flashbacks to how Grayson met the famous authoress and how she helped shape his life, we have Sabrina starting to make some changes to her life as well. And some of them include Ian.
I really enjoyed Sabrina and Ian. Nothing much to say here beyond that. I liked how the flashbacks were looped into the present and I honestly want to really really stay at The Plaza Hotel. It was a nice slow burn romance. I have never read the Eloise books, so it was an interesting look into Kay Thompson as well.
The story takes place at The Plaza Hotel which feels a little like The North Pole for adults.
This is definitely a solid Christmas romance for readers out there who want something to put them into the holiday mood.
I found this delightful. It really put me in the mood for some snow (I am tired of rain!) and warm fires and hot chocolate. Hughes hit the right note of nostalgia in this book and had me rooting for the two love interests (Sabrina and Ian).
"A Magical New York Christmas" follows Sabrina (she's a ghostwriter) and Ian (he's an assistant/general get him out of trouble to a rich and moneyed British aristocrat). Sabrina is down to her last little bit of money when she gets an assignment to help a famous art dealer Grayson Westcott write his memoirs. We find out quickly that Grayson used to be a white gloved butler at The Plaza Hotel and he knew the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson. With flashbacks to how Grayson met the famous authoress and how she helped shape his life, we have Sabrina starting to make some changes to her life as well. And some of them include Ian.
I really enjoyed Sabrina and Ian. Nothing much to say here beyond that. I liked how the flashbacks were looped into the present and I honestly want to really really stay at The Plaza Hotel. It was a nice slow burn romance. I have never read the Eloise books, so it was an interesting look into Kay Thompson as well.
The story takes place at The Plaza Hotel which feels a little like The North Pole for adults.
This is definitely a solid Christmas romance for readers out there who want something to put them into the holiday mood.
December 21, 2021
Wow. I disliked all of the characters. The entire plot of the book is based on gross miscommunications and full throttle leaping to conclusions. And then the main lady has the gall to blame the main dude for lying about who he was? Um, ma’am, you were lying, too. My god.
I was extremely irritated and started getting nit picky, too. And there were some inconsistencies or just things that aren’t true, like the female MC saying she put the charm she was given on her bracelet (not happening, sweetie! Charms have to be soldered on!) and the man being told that they wouldn’t wrap his gift from Tiffany since he didn’t spend $500 (LIES. Every purchase comes in their signature cloth bag and is placed in the blue box with white ribbon wrapped around it). Also, the Kay Thompson character just seemed really bitter but then all of a sudden became happy??? And not even in a character growth way. It was just like, oh hey, the book is wrapping up. EVERYONE BE HAPPY.
I’m extremely disappointed that I purchased this book, not to mention I feel like I read something completely different from everyone else. And I’m disappointed because I haven’t had much luck with holiday romances this year.
Oh, and the entirety of the book takes place in 7 days…the week AFTER Christmas. The week after Christmas isn’t Christmas anymore, people! Stop saying it’s Christmastime and stop saying that “Anything can happen at Christmas time at the Plaza!”
November 27, 2021
DNF. Read 70% then quit. I really tried, but I didn’t care how it turned out at all. I didn’t care about any of the characters. I was annoyed that they kept lying to each other. I found it extremely confusing that the book is called A Magical New York Christmas, but Christmas Day comes and goes without any acknowledgment whatsoever. All of the sudden, everyone kept saying Christmas was two days ago, and I started flipping back to see how I missed it! A lot of the Eloise stuff was very unbelievable. There were glaring historical inaccuracies. I thought this book would be a hit with me because I love Eloise at the Plaza and Kay Thompson. I love Christmas in New York. I love fancy hotels. But Sabrina was boring. Ian was annoying. Spencer was a twit. And Greyson seemed so fake. He was over the top generous and only ever worked with Sabrina for what felt like five minutes at a time before hustling off to some fancy appointment. Oh, also! Lots of name dropping and the way Sabrina feels about food was annoying. That was a missed opportunity. When she’s asked what she wants for dinner by Greyson, she just responds, “Oh, just some soup and salad.” Girl, you are at the freaking Plaza in a SUITE on someone else’s dime. Order something delicious and describe it for the readers!! This book should have been a New York Christmas fantasy with a side of romance. Instead it’s a boring, lackluster romance with people I don’t care about with a tiny sprinkling of New York (AFTER!!!!!!) Christmas “magic.”
November 3, 2022
New York City at Christmas time, the magical setting of the Plaza Hotel at its best and fanciest.
A six day stay at the Plaza Hotel, struggling journalist, Sabrina cannot believe her luck or her paycheck. She has accepted the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott—a famous art dealer. She feels like the character Eloise in the children's book series who stayed at the Plaza Hotel.
She meets a very charming man who she believes is royalty after he wines and dines her, and they have so much fun together.
He also thinks she is a woman able to afford staying for and paying for her suite at the Plaza Hotel. Despite the misconceptions they have about each other they do have a wonderful time together but will the same be said when they find the truth out about each other?
Such holiday spirit and the setting had such a fine, fancy holiday vibe. You'll enjoy this one.
Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A six day stay at the Plaza Hotel, struggling journalist, Sabrina cannot believe her luck or her paycheck. She has accepted the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott—a famous art dealer. She feels like the character Eloise in the children's book series who stayed at the Plaza Hotel.
She meets a very charming man who she believes is royalty after he wines and dines her, and they have so much fun together.
He also thinks she is a woman able to afford staying for and paying for her suite at the Plaza Hotel. Despite the misconceptions they have about each other they do have a wonderful time together but will the same be said when they find the truth out about each other?
Such holiday spirit and the setting had such a fine, fancy holiday vibe. You'll enjoy this one.
Pub Date 28 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 8, 2021
So, so, so, sooooo good! I love a light and classic holiday romance. I felt like making hot cocoa while reading this one. It had everything I love about a holiday romance. The atmosphere and laughter...a small amount of drama and lots of cuteness! I highly recommend this for all holiday romance lovers!!!!
Thank you netgalley for the advance readers copy.
Thank you netgalley for the advance readers copy.
December 28, 2021
Um livro leve e fofo, vale a pena pelas descrições do Plaza e de Nova Iorque que nos transportam diretamente para lá.
Infelizmente achei a história um pouco repetitiva e previsível.
Gostei mas não amei.
Infelizmente achei a história um pouco repetitiva e previsível.
Gostei mas não amei.
August 27, 2021
Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martins Press for providing me a free ARC for my unbiased review.
1 star. DNF. Soooo, yeah... I really, really tried to like this book. I kept reading a chapter, rolling my eyes, putting it down, reading something else, and then picking it up again to give it another chance. I'm not even sure I should review it as I only made it about 20% through before I just couldn't go any further.
Look, I like fluffy, rom-com stories with fairy tale characters. I read stories that are totally formula with great enjoyment. However, even if a story includes magic and no-way-could-this-happen-in-real life situations, it still has to be believable and, for me, I need to like the characters. I just couldn't relate to Sabrina or Ian. Also, Ian makes a decision about a third of the way through that had me rolling my eyes and putting the book down for good.
1 star. DNF. Soooo, yeah... I really, really tried to like this book. I kept reading a chapter, rolling my eyes, putting it down, reading something else, and then picking it up again to give it another chance. I'm not even sure I should review it as I only made it about 20% through before I just couldn't go any further.
Look, I like fluffy, rom-com stories with fairy tale characters. I read stories that are totally formula with great enjoyment. However, even if a story includes magic and no-way-could-this-happen-in-real life situations, it still has to be believable and, for me, I need to like the characters. I just couldn't relate to Sabrina or Ian. Also, Ian makes a decision about a third of the way through that had me rolling my eyes and putting the book down for good.
September 29, 2021
4 Pretending Can Come True Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
When Sabrina Post is offered the chance to live out a childhood dream, there was no way she would turn it down. What little girl didn't want to be Eloise and run rampant in the Plaza Hotel...Exactly.
Sabrina is to ghostwrite the memoir for Grayson Westcott, a man who not only is a famous art dealer but worked as the butler for Kay Thompson the woman who wrote the Eloise Books! Yup, this ghostwriting job is a dream come true. The cherry on top was living there for the time while working with Grayson.
If that wasn't a fairytale enough, Sabrina meets Ian, part of the British aristocracy. Not wanting to be seen as a commoner, Sabrina lets Ian think she has money and is equal to his station. After all, they are only going to know each other while he is visiting and she is here at the Plaza. No harm, no foul...
Except it turns out, these two actually are falling hard and both have hidden who they really are. Let the Holiday Games Begin.
A Magical New York Christmas
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
When Sabrina Post is offered the chance to live out a childhood dream, there was no way she would turn it down. What little girl didn't want to be Eloise and run rampant in the Plaza Hotel...Exactly.
Sabrina is to ghostwrite the memoir for Grayson Westcott, a man who not only is a famous art dealer but worked as the butler for Kay Thompson the woman who wrote the Eloise Books! Yup, this ghostwriting job is a dream come true. The cherry on top was living there for the time while working with Grayson.
If that wasn't a fairytale enough, Sabrina meets Ian, part of the British aristocracy. Not wanting to be seen as a commoner, Sabrina lets Ian think she has money and is equal to his station. After all, they are only going to know each other while he is visiting and she is here at the Plaza. No harm, no foul...
Except it turns out, these two actually are falling hard and both have hidden who they really are. Let the Holiday Games Begin.
A Magical New York Christmashttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 24, 2021
TITLE: A Magical New York Christmas
AUTHOR: Anita Hughes
PUB DATE: 9.28.21 Now Available
A Magical New York Christmas is the perfect holiday romcom to snuggle up with for its charming location, the amazing fun story about two people hiding who they really are from each other, and of course falling in love.
This was such a fun quick read and the perfect location to fall in love. It reminds me of my time In New York and this book is giving me the feels. I’m in love!
AUTHOR: Anita Hughes
PUB DATE: 9.28.21 Now Available
A Magical New York Christmas is the perfect holiday romcom to snuggle up with for its charming location, the amazing fun story about two people hiding who they really are from each other, and of course falling in love.
This was such a fun quick read and the perfect location to fall in love. It reminds me of my time In New York and this book is giving me the feels. I’m in love!
October 21, 2021
4.5 stars
I adore Anita Hughes. I have been a big fan for a while though I have only really read her holiday romances, I have enjoyed each one for a number of different reasons. I think the biggest thing that I have loved about her romances are the locations! Every time I crack open a Christmas romance by Hughes, I am automatically transported to some where cozy and even a bit magical.
Her novels have been set in London and Paris at Christmas as well as other more ‘local’ locations for me like Vermont. Each location gets a heavy holiday makeover and I always find myself wondering why I don’t go somewhere for the holidays! This year my family and I are going somewhere remote for Thanksgiving but we usually stay in Oregon or go to Arizona for Christmas but some day I would love to do Christmas in Paris or Vermont thanks to Hughes’s books!
Her latest novel is set in New York and while not necessarily exotic or ‘cozy’ this setting has a distinct feel all it’s own! I really liked this story the best out of her Christmas books and while I feel like I say that every time Hughes comes out with a new holiday book, in this case I really mean it. It has a little Maid in Manhattan feel to this rom-com full of all the Christmas charm that I love from Hughes!
What I really liked about this book was that each character was hiding who they really were. Ian isn’t exactly a lord and Sabrina isn’t exactly a wealthy guest—in so many novels with this troupe, it’s one or the other who isn’t being truthful but in this case it’s both which I thought was refreshing and made for an interesting story. Both Ian and Sabrina are like-able even if they aren’t exactly truthful with on another in the beginning. I genuinely liked each character and found myself fully invested in their relationship and their lives. They had great chemistry and were just lovely together. I connected with Ian and Sabrina in a way that I didn’t in some of her other holiday romances. Don’t get me wrong her other holiday romances were wonderful and had great characters, but Ian and Sabrina stand out to me as the most relatable and real thus far.
Since Hughes’s books are all set in various locations around the world, I feel like I get to go on a Christmas trip from my living room couch. She always does such a great job describing the locations and making readers feel like they are part of the landscape and truly there with the characters, not just reading about a pretty city at holiday time. This book was no exception, I felt like I was right there at the Plaza in the thick of the holiday cheer! So if you are looking for a book to escape with then this will be a great option for you!
I know that many readers live for Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel—-this is like reading a Hallmark movie. Charming, sweet, romantic, with interesting characters and a cozy location. It will leave you feeling happy and full of holiday cheer and ready to skip right over Halloween and Thanksgiving and move right on into Christmas season! I know it’s a little early for holiday reading but this one was a fun little treat for me. If you love Christmas films and books then you need to get this one on your radar!
See my full review here
I adore Anita Hughes. I have been a big fan for a while though I have only really read her holiday romances, I have enjoyed each one for a number of different reasons. I think the biggest thing that I have loved about her romances are the locations! Every time I crack open a Christmas romance by Hughes, I am automatically transported to some where cozy and even a bit magical.
Her novels have been set in London and Paris at Christmas as well as other more ‘local’ locations for me like Vermont. Each location gets a heavy holiday makeover and I always find myself wondering why I don’t go somewhere for the holidays! This year my family and I are going somewhere remote for Thanksgiving but we usually stay in Oregon or go to Arizona for Christmas but some day I would love to do Christmas in Paris or Vermont thanks to Hughes’s books!
Her latest novel is set in New York and while not necessarily exotic or ‘cozy’ this setting has a distinct feel all it’s own! I really liked this story the best out of her Christmas books and while I feel like I say that every time Hughes comes out with a new holiday book, in this case I really mean it. It has a little Maid in Manhattan feel to this rom-com full of all the Christmas charm that I love from Hughes!
What I really liked about this book was that each character was hiding who they really were. Ian isn’t exactly a lord and Sabrina isn’t exactly a wealthy guest—in so many novels with this troupe, it’s one or the other who isn’t being truthful but in this case it’s both which I thought was refreshing and made for an interesting story. Both Ian and Sabrina are like-able even if they aren’t exactly truthful with on another in the beginning. I genuinely liked each character and found myself fully invested in their relationship and their lives. They had great chemistry and were just lovely together. I connected with Ian and Sabrina in a way that I didn’t in some of her other holiday romances. Don’t get me wrong her other holiday romances were wonderful and had great characters, but Ian and Sabrina stand out to me as the most relatable and real thus far.
Since Hughes’s books are all set in various locations around the world, I feel like I get to go on a Christmas trip from my living room couch. She always does such a great job describing the locations and making readers feel like they are part of the landscape and truly there with the characters, not just reading about a pretty city at holiday time. This book was no exception, I felt like I was right there at the Plaza in the thick of the holiday cheer! So if you are looking for a book to escape with then this will be a great option for you!
I know that many readers live for Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel—-this is like reading a Hallmark movie. Charming, sweet, romantic, with interesting characters and a cozy location. It will leave you feeling happy and full of holiday cheer and ready to skip right over Halloween and Thanksgiving and move right on into Christmas season! I know it’s a little early for holiday reading but this one was a fun little treat for me. If you love Christmas films and books then you need to get this one on your radar!
See my full review here
December 4, 2022
Nope 👎
I don’t know how people gave this a 3.5/4 star rating
I didn’t like either of the characters, their entire relationship was a lie and the love story didn’t even connect
Also this setting was after Christmas at the plaza hotel not during Christmas…so that’s not cool
And I couldn’t stand how many times they said “Christmas is always more special at the plaza hotel”
I don’t know how people gave this a 3.5/4 star rating
I didn’t like either of the characters, their entire relationship was a lie and the love story didn’t even connect
Also this setting was after Christmas at the plaza hotel not during Christmas…so that’s not cool
And I couldn’t stand how many times they said “Christmas is always more special at the plaza hotel”
November 17, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
I’m not sure if it was a little slow, or I just read it in such choppy bits I had trouble getting into it. It was cute and fluffy but felt old somehow. It was good, not great for me. Not necessarily one I’d recommend.
I’m not sure if it was a little slow, or I just read it in such choppy bits I had trouble getting into it. It was cute and fluffy but felt old somehow. It was good, not great for me. Not necessarily one I’d recommend.
December 23, 2021
Give me ALL the Christmas reads!!
December 16, 2021
7 de 10*
Opinião:
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Opinião:
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December 23, 2021
I loved the setting of the Plaza Hotel in New York City, I enjoyed hearing Grayson tell his story to Sabrina. However, I don’t think Sabrina or Ian should have withheld the truth for so long. I realize they made their own assumptions, but they went along with it too and that’s just as bad imo. I also really wanted more of Grayson’s story and for it to feel a bit more complete. I feel like that was such a big part of the story – him sharing his time as a butler for Kay Thompson, the author of the Eloise books. It shifted to another part of Grayson’s story which was also super endearing and that’s the portion that did get a satisfying ending.
More of Sabrina and Ian…somehow, I thought they were 27-35 years old, but they weren’t. They were 19 or something like that and that’s so unbelievable to me. They did not act their age at all. While Sabrina never outright lied to Ian, she wasn’t very forthcoming with her situation, although at what point do you start opening up to a stranger? I guess when feelings start getting involved, but it’s a gray area for sure. Ian on the other hand should have said something sooner for sure. He tried several times, or couldn’t find the right time, at least that’s what we’re made to think, but when it comes to something like that how easy would it have been to knock on Sabrina’s door and say, “hey, before we head out…” When he finally does spill the beans and Sabrina is understandably upset and forgives him too quickly it’s a bit of a unbelievable factor.
I guess the real kick to the gut was Sabrina and Ian both spent the entire book saying how they could never afford to stay at the Plaza on their own, how they were just regular people with normal lives and then it all wrapped up in a magical little bow for them at the end. I would have much preferred to see them return to Sabrina’s apartment and the heat to not work and they are on the couch eating Ramen and watching rom-coms. Just me?
It was cute though and if you can suspend your disbelief and go into it knowing you’re there to get swept away into a fantasy of sorts then it’s time well spent.
More of Sabrina and Ian…somehow, I thought they were 27-35 years old, but they weren’t. They were 19 or something like that and that’s so unbelievable to me. They did not act their age at all. While Sabrina never outright lied to Ian, she wasn’t very forthcoming with her situation, although at what point do you start opening up to a stranger? I guess when feelings start getting involved, but it’s a gray area for sure. Ian on the other hand should have said something sooner for sure. He tried several times, or couldn’t find the right time, at least that’s what we’re made to think, but when it comes to something like that how easy would it have been to knock on Sabrina’s door and say, “hey, before we head out…” When he finally does spill the beans and Sabrina is understandably upset and forgives him too quickly it’s a bit of a unbelievable factor.
I guess the real kick to the gut was Sabrina and Ian both spent the entire book saying how they could never afford to stay at the Plaza on their own, how they were just regular people with normal lives and then it all wrapped up in a magical little bow for them at the end. I would have much preferred to see them return to Sabrina’s apartment and the heat to not work and they are on the couch eating Ramen and watching rom-coms. Just me?
It was cute though and if you can suspend your disbelief and go into it knowing you’re there to get swept away into a fantasy of sorts then it’s time well spent.
November 12, 2021
This is charming Christmas romcom set at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The hotel is a character in the book along with other guests, past and present. It was a quick read and very enjoyable.
Sabrina is a struggling writer who’s been hired as a ghostwriter for Grayson Westcott, a well known art dealer who helps celebrities and others curate their art collections. She gets to stay at the hotel in a suite, with a butler, and can charge anything she needs to the hotel. It’s a dream job for a writer.
Ian Wentworth is a handsome Brit, he’s the secretary to his old friend Spencer, Lord Braxton. Ian manages the Braxton Foundation, and is in NYC for an exhibition of the Braxton jewels. Ian is at the bar one night with caviar that Spencer left when he meets Sabrina. They are actually staying in neighboring suites.
Ian told Sabrina that he was Lord Braxton, and he assumes Sabrina is a wealthy woman spending Christmas at the hotel. She wears beautiful clothes (from her roommate) and fits right in. Ian wants to tell her the truth about himself, but every time he tries something happens.
Anita Hughes does a great job with the “mistaken identity” trope. I loved the descriptions of The Plaza, and the supporting characters are real and relatable. There are interesting flashbacks to Grayson’s story as a young man, he was a butler at The Plaza working for Kay Thompson, the author of the well known Eloise books, set at The Plaza.
I really enjoyed this well written, delightful Christmas romance! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sabrina is a struggling writer who’s been hired as a ghostwriter for Grayson Westcott, a well known art dealer who helps celebrities and others curate their art collections. She gets to stay at the hotel in a suite, with a butler, and can charge anything she needs to the hotel. It’s a dream job for a writer.
Ian Wentworth is a handsome Brit, he’s the secretary to his old friend Spencer, Lord Braxton. Ian manages the Braxton Foundation, and is in NYC for an exhibition of the Braxton jewels. Ian is at the bar one night with caviar that Spencer left when he meets Sabrina. They are actually staying in neighboring suites.
Ian told Sabrina that he was Lord Braxton, and he assumes Sabrina is a wealthy woman spending Christmas at the hotel. She wears beautiful clothes (from her roommate) and fits right in. Ian wants to tell her the truth about himself, but every time he tries something happens.
Anita Hughes does a great job with the “mistaken identity” trope. I loved the descriptions of The Plaza, and the supporting characters are real and relatable. There are interesting flashbacks to Grayson’s story as a young man, he was a butler at The Plaza working for Kay Thompson, the author of the well known Eloise books, set at The Plaza.
I really enjoyed this well written, delightful Christmas romance! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 14, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Anita Hughes and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of A Magical New York Christmas. This is my personal review.
Christmas stories always fill me with happiness and to read on in the hot weather of summer is amazing! I could feel the joy and weather of the season as I read this book.
Sabrina takes a job as a ghost writer for Greyson. She gets the chance to stay in the Plaza Hotel and all at the expense of Greyson. She is taken in by the stories that Greyson tells her, and she enjoys the time with him. Greyson is an older gentleman, and he tires easily so while he is resting this gives Sabrina the time to explore the hotel.
While she is out exploring, she stops at a coffee shop and meets Ian. They hit it off so well and they are looking forward to getting to know each other more.
This story will draw you in and keep you there as you feel the chemistry between the two.
If you are in need of some holiday cheer and romance this is the book you need to read.
Christmas stories always fill me with happiness and to read on in the hot weather of summer is amazing! I could feel the joy and weather of the season as I read this book.
Sabrina takes a job as a ghost writer for Greyson. She gets the chance to stay in the Plaza Hotel and all at the expense of Greyson. She is taken in by the stories that Greyson tells her, and she enjoys the time with him. Greyson is an older gentleman, and he tires easily so while he is resting this gives Sabrina the time to explore the hotel.
While she is out exploring, she stops at a coffee shop and meets Ian. They hit it off so well and they are looking forward to getting to know each other more.
This story will draw you in and keep you there as you feel the chemistry between the two.
If you are in need of some holiday cheer and romance this is the book you need to read.
February 2, 2022
The title is A Magical New York Christmas which I thought meant -- a Christmas novel. A New York Christmas in The Plaza -- I settle down for a wonderful Christmas read. But there wasn't any Christmas. There was the week before -- Christmas shopping at Tiffany's -- there was the week after -- New Year's -- but whatever happened to Christmas? The relationship between the two main characters were based on lies. Wished the novel was magical as described. I did finish the novel but it just could not redeem itself.
December 28, 2021
I so want to be a Plaza Hotel girl!
January 8, 2023
3.5
"'Even if I wasn't too old to have children, you know how I feel about them. They're noisy and messy and the only little girl I can stand is Eloise.'"
I discovered this book randomly, and it had some of my favorite things - New York City at Christmas time, Eloise at the Plaza, and a storyline about Kay Thompson, Eloise’s creator.
Even though I got it after Christmas, I couldn’t wait another year to read it.
I’m glad I read it, but it left me wanting more.
I didn’t enjoy the Sabrina and Ian storyline - it was instalove that I couldn’t see a reason for, and the miscommunication could have been so easily solved.
"'Love...is about two people coming together and creating fireworks that only they can see. Eloise knows that, why is it hard for others to understand?'"
I enjoyed learning more about Kay Thompson, but would have liked it more if her story was told through her own voice, rather than how Grayson sees her.
Read this one for a light, festive read, the details of NYC at Christmas, and facts about Eloise and Kay Thompson, but skip it for the romance.
(side note - I agree with some other reviews that the random mention of Christmas being yesterday was jarring. I think the timeline is supposed to be December 26th - January 1st? Not really sure.)
"'Even if I wasn't too old to have children, you know how I feel about them. They're noisy and messy and the only little girl I can stand is Eloise.'"
I discovered this book randomly, and it had some of my favorite things - New York City at Christmas time, Eloise at the Plaza, and a storyline about Kay Thompson, Eloise’s creator.
Even though I got it after Christmas, I couldn’t wait another year to read it.
I’m glad I read it, but it left me wanting more.
I didn’t enjoy the Sabrina and Ian storyline - it was instalove that I couldn’t see a reason for, and the miscommunication could have been so easily solved.
"'Love...is about two people coming together and creating fireworks that only they can see. Eloise knows that, why is it hard for others to understand?'"
I enjoyed learning more about Kay Thompson, but would have liked it more if her story was told through her own voice, rather than how Grayson sees her.
Read this one for a light, festive read, the details of NYC at Christmas, and facts about Eloise and Kay Thompson, but skip it for the romance.
(side note - I agree with some other reviews that the random mention of Christmas being yesterday was jarring. I think the timeline is supposed to be December 26th - January 1st? Not really sure.)
December 17, 2021
A feel good holiday romance set in the Grand Plaza Hotel with all the magic of Christmas in New York City. I also really enjoyed the dual timeline structure as ghostwriter Sabrina gets to learn about a former Plaza butler's life working for high society residents, and in particular the author of the Eloise books while finding romance herself with the British secretary helping her employer. Great on audio, this is a fun, light-hearted PG love story.
July 28, 2021
Sabrina is living a dream, spending the week between Christmas and New Year in a suite at the Plaza Hotel as she ghost writes a memoir for an art dealer that once was a butler at the Plaza Hotel. When Sabrina meets Ian they each assume something about the other based on circumstances. As they get closer will the truth change things between them? A holiday story that leaves the reader smiling.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an arc for my honest review
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an arc for my honest review
December 26, 2022
Ler UM NATAL MÁGICO EM NOVA IORQUE foi um impulso. Falaram-me muito bem dele e deixei-me levar, na esperança de ser conquistada por um romance de Natal. Eu queria mesmo que acontecesse...
...Mas não aconteceu. Que história tão palerma. Ele pensa que ela é milionária. Ela pensa que ele é um Lorde inglês. 🙄🙄🙄 Oh pá, que parvoíces... E que irritante em todas as páginas haver referências a luxos.
É um romance bom para quem gosta dos romances da Hallmark.
Gostei foi de procurar fotos de lugares em Nova Iorque referidos no livro.
...Mas não aconteceu. Que história tão palerma. Ele pensa que ela é milionária. Ela pensa que ele é um Lorde inglês. 🙄🙄🙄 Oh pá, que parvoíces... E que irritante em todas as páginas haver referências a luxos.
É um romance bom para quem gosta dos romances da Hallmark.
Gostei foi de procurar fotos de lugares em Nova Iorque referidos no livro.
December 13, 2022
Cheesy, too predictable, semi tacky, super sweet comes with the territory of a Christmas romance. ‘Tis the season for schmaltz! Here for it.
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