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Wishing on a Star
A single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other.
Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.
Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run. He's left his American football team back in the US, stuck a pin in a map, and landed in Richmond, London.
When Anna and Ruthie literally bump into Sam on the snow-speckled streets, he finds himself being welcomed into their lives. But what begins as a night on the sofa turns into the start of something special...
Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.
Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run. He's left his American football team back in the US, stuck a pin in a map, and landed in Richmond, London.
When Anna and Ruthie literally bump into Sam on the snow-speckled streets, he finds himself being welcomed into their lives. But what begins as a night on the sofa turns into the start of something special...
460 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2022
375 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Baggot
61 books748 followersMandy 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
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 129 reviews
January 9, 2024
*Challenges*
This book took me by surprise. It had a gentle pace that I found very touching.
We have Anna a single divorced mother with her autistic daughter Ruthie. They are trying to get through life and her ex husband who left when the going got tough does nothing to help things. He moved on quickly with a younger girlfriend.
We have Sam Jackman (yes that really is his name lol) he has a flourishing career as a top superstar NFL player across the pond who is about to embark on the deal that is set to make him mega millions but ahead of that he needs to take a string of medical tests. Sam thinks it’s all a formality until he receives some crushing and life changing news. What does he do? he jumps on a plane and heads to the U.K. he ends up in Richmond and he sees some youths approaching a young girl. He rushes to her aid and on looking for Ruthie Anna rushes naturally jumping to conclusions about what was going on especially as the boys had gone. She gets the wrong end of the stick but the stars align especially when she gets the full story when a literal bang puts Sam on his back.
This then becomes so much more, the author Mandy Baggot uses her personal experience as a mother of autistic children. Ruthie is intelligent and hates to be touched and has to have hand gel and wipes around her. We see the challenges that Anna faces but I fell in love with Ruthie. I like how her autism is almost like a superpower without being crass or insensitive. More support is definitely needed for parents and children dealing with autism.
Sam finds it refreshing that Anna does not know who he is and for once here is someone who is invested in finding out the real person behind the fame, there is a scene where she thinks that he is after her money because she has a home she inherited from her Gran. There are some lovely scenes where we see how Sam makes an effort to understand Ruthie.
While Anna is an open book Sam is holding out on her. He has a medical condition but fear comes into play. Can they work out how to move forward together or is there too much at stake with that huge pond between them?
This book took me by surprise. It had a gentle pace that I found very touching.
We have Anna a single divorced mother with her autistic daughter Ruthie. They are trying to get through life and her ex husband who left when the going got tough does nothing to help things. He moved on quickly with a younger girlfriend.
We have Sam Jackman (yes that really is his name lol) he has a flourishing career as a top superstar NFL player across the pond who is about to embark on the deal that is set to make him mega millions but ahead of that he needs to take a string of medical tests. Sam thinks it’s all a formality until he receives some crushing and life changing news. What does he do? he jumps on a plane and heads to the U.K. he ends up in Richmond and he sees some youths approaching a young girl. He rushes to her aid and on looking for Ruthie Anna rushes naturally jumping to conclusions about what was going on especially as the boys had gone. She gets the wrong end of the stick but the stars align especially when she gets the full story when a literal bang puts Sam on his back.
This then becomes so much more, the author Mandy Baggot uses her personal experience as a mother of autistic children. Ruthie is intelligent and hates to be touched and has to have hand gel and wipes around her. We see the challenges that Anna faces but I fell in love with Ruthie. I like how her autism is almost like a superpower without being crass or insensitive. More support is definitely needed for parents and children dealing with autism.
Sam finds it refreshing that Anna does not know who he is and for once here is someone who is invested in finding out the real person behind the fame, there is a scene where she thinks that he is after her money because she has a home she inherited from her Gran. There are some lovely scenes where we see how Sam makes an effort to understand Ruthie.
While Anna is an open book Sam is holding out on her. He has a medical condition but fear comes into play. Can they work out how to move forward together or is there too much at stake with that huge pond between them?
September 29, 2022
I have been a fan of Mandy Baggot for a while, and I read most of her books and her latest offering Wishing on a star is another beautiful festive read.
Anna is divorced and a single mother to Ruthie who is Autistic, and it is her first Christmas without her ex-husband Ed so, she wants to give Ruthie a Christmas to remember.
Sam Jackson is an American football player who is just about to get the deal of his life and become the most well-paid NFL player in history. But luck turns when he goes for a fitness test to be told that he has the gene for Huntington Disease.
He feels his world is falling apart and instead of meeting with his doctor he instead runs and takes the first flight out and ends up in the UK in Richmond which only a small rucksack with him. Where he encounters a girl being bullied by a couple of boys. He comes to her aide, which is the first time he meets Ruthie. When her mother Anna meets Sam there is an instant connection between them. Little does she know who Sam really is and about his diagnosis.
Thank you Embala books and NetGalley for an ARC. This is another endearing and heart-warming and funny story from the author but also a bit different to her other books. The story also teaches us about the complexities of a child with Autism and someone who has the degenerative disease of Huntington’s disease. The story was sensitively written and it is a great festive read. 4 stars from me.
Anna is divorced and a single mother to Ruthie who is Autistic, and it is her first Christmas without her ex-husband Ed so, she wants to give Ruthie a Christmas to remember.
Sam Jackson is an American football player who is just about to get the deal of his life and become the most well-paid NFL player in history. But luck turns when he goes for a fitness test to be told that he has the gene for Huntington Disease.
He feels his world is falling apart and instead of meeting with his doctor he instead runs and takes the first flight out and ends up in the UK in Richmond which only a small rucksack with him. Where he encounters a girl being bullied by a couple of boys. He comes to her aide, which is the first time he meets Ruthie. When her mother Anna meets Sam there is an instant connection between them. Little does she know who Sam really is and about his diagnosis.
Thank you Embala books and NetGalley for an ARC. This is another endearing and heart-warming and funny story from the author but also a bit different to her other books. The story also teaches us about the complexities of a child with Autism and someone who has the degenerative disease of Huntington’s disease. The story was sensitively written and it is a great festive read. 4 stars from me.
December 29, 2022
Mainly set in Richmond one of my favourite boroughs of London. Anna and daughter Ruthie live with what her autism throws her. It is beautifully written from the prospective of how special Ruthie is. Unrecognised by her father Ed for much of the book.
Over in the states Sam is on cue for the biggest promotion of his life. Until he is thrown with positive test results no one wants to hear. It is in the end uncurable. Jumping on the first plane out, jumping in a taxi ending up in a random place. Of course it was Richmond.
Sam and Anna never would have met in some life times but both would be so glad they did. The moral of this story is living for the moment as no one knows when time is up (or would want to).
5 stars
Over in the states Sam is on cue for the biggest promotion of his life. Until he is thrown with positive test results no one wants to hear. It is in the end uncurable. Jumping on the first plane out, jumping in a taxi ending up in a random place. Of course it was Richmond.
Sam and Anna never would have met in some life times but both would be so glad they did. The moral of this story is living for the moment as no one knows when time is up (or would want to).
5 stars
September 23, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (closed door and fade to black sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: Huntington's disease; brief mentions of Alzheimer's, cheating (side characters), and divorce
Sam Jackman is about to land a huge deal as an NFL player, but a diagnosis of Huntington's disease puts the deal and his entire future at risk. That's why he decides to hop a flight to England to escape and come to terms with his new reality. Anna Heath is divorced and dealing with her teenage daughter's autism diagnosis while trying to revive a struggling restaurant. When Sam steps in to stop some bullies from picking on Anna's daughter, the two soon find themselves spending time together while Sam is in town. As their attraction grows, they both wonder if this is more than just a temporary fling. But will Sam's diagnosis be too much for Anna and her daughter to handle?
This was another enjoyable romance from Mandy Baggot! I really liked Sam and Anna's story. These two had great chemistry and shared some really sweet moments as they got to know one another. I liked how they each had struggles, and they were able to find comfort in one another. Sam did a great job showing Anna he cared for her, and I loved how he accepted Anna's daughter, Ruthie. Speaking of which, the struggles involved with having a child with autism were addressed really well. My youngest son is most likely on the spectrum, and I saw some similarities to him and Ruthie. This made it easy for me to relate to Anna's protectiveness and desire to help her child overcome her struggles. While I do wish Sam had told Anna about his diagnosis sooner, I felt like the conflict was handled well and not just resolved instantly. Sam and Anna's romance was heartwarming while addressing real-life struggles, and I hope others will fall in love with their story just like I did.
Thank you Netgalley and Embla Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (closed door and fade to black sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: Huntington's disease; brief mentions of Alzheimer's, cheating (side characters), and divorce
Sam Jackman is about to land a huge deal as an NFL player, but a diagnosis of Huntington's disease puts the deal and his entire future at risk. That's why he decides to hop a flight to England to escape and come to terms with his new reality. Anna Heath is divorced and dealing with her teenage daughter's autism diagnosis while trying to revive a struggling restaurant. When Sam steps in to stop some bullies from picking on Anna's daughter, the two soon find themselves spending time together while Sam is in town. As their attraction grows, they both wonder if this is more than just a temporary fling. But will Sam's diagnosis be too much for Anna and her daughter to handle?
This was another enjoyable romance from Mandy Baggot! I really liked Sam and Anna's story. These two had great chemistry and shared some really sweet moments as they got to know one another. I liked how they each had struggles, and they were able to find comfort in one another. Sam did a great job showing Anna he cared for her, and I loved how he accepted Anna's daughter, Ruthie. Speaking of which, the struggles involved with having a child with autism were addressed really well. My youngest son is most likely on the spectrum, and I saw some similarities to him and Ruthie. This made it easy for me to relate to Anna's protectiveness and desire to help her child overcome her struggles. While I do wish Sam had told Anna about his diagnosis sooner, I felt like the conflict was handled well and not just resolved instantly. Sam and Anna's romance was heartwarming while addressing real-life struggles, and I hope others will fall in love with their story just like I did.
Thank you Netgalley and Embla Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2023
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎄#AdultRomance
🎁#ChristmasBooks
🎀#ReverseAgeGap
🎇#SingleMom & Athlete
⛄autism & illness rep
#WinterzauberInLondon (🇬🇧 #WishingOnAStar) von @mandybaggot ist eine süße #ChristmasRomance mit mehr als nur einem wichtigen und ernsten Thema. Natürlich steht die #lovestory von Anna & Sam im Vordergrund, aber neben einem langsamen Annähern der beiden gibt es in diesem Buch noch so viel mehr. Allem voran Ruthie, Annas autistische Tochter, die viel für ihr Alter viel zu erwachsen ist und nicht nur mir, sondern auch Sam sofort das Herz gestohlen hat.💖 Irgendwie bin ich mittlerweile vielleicht in einem Alter wo ich sagen kann: Männer mit kleinen Kindern? Das macht was mit mir.😂 Wie Sam und Ruthie sich anfreunden und wie er sie nicht nur versteht, sondern sie genauso nimmt wie sie ist, mit all ihren Eigenarten fand ich ganz wundervoll und da war es definitiv kein Wunder, dass auch Anna Sam nicht widerstehen konnte.
Vielleicht lag seine Bindung zu Ruthie aber auch daran, dass Sam selbst gerade erst Lebensverändernde Nachrichten erhalten hat...
Winterzauber in London ist ein herzerwärmendes Buch über zwei Menschen, die zum richtigen Zeitpunkt übereinander gestolpert sind, mit ernsten Themen, den Weg zur Selbstfindung und tiefen Gefühlen. Obendrein kommt hier ein wundervoll weihnachtliches Setting, das einem Wohlfühlatmosphäre beschert.🥰
🎄#AdultRomance
🎁#ChristmasBooks
🎀#ReverseAgeGap
🎇#SingleMom & Athlete
⛄autism & illness rep
#WinterzauberInLondon (🇬🇧 #WishingOnAStar) von @mandybaggot ist eine süße #ChristmasRomance mit mehr als nur einem wichtigen und ernsten Thema. Natürlich steht die #lovestory von Anna & Sam im Vordergrund, aber neben einem langsamen Annähern der beiden gibt es in diesem Buch noch so viel mehr. Allem voran Ruthie, Annas autistische Tochter, die viel für ihr Alter viel zu erwachsen ist und nicht nur mir, sondern auch Sam sofort das Herz gestohlen hat.💖 Irgendwie bin ich mittlerweile vielleicht in einem Alter wo ich sagen kann: Männer mit kleinen Kindern? Das macht was mit mir.😂 Wie Sam und Ruthie sich anfreunden und wie er sie nicht nur versteht, sondern sie genauso nimmt wie sie ist, mit all ihren Eigenarten fand ich ganz wundervoll und da war es definitiv kein Wunder, dass auch Anna Sam nicht widerstehen konnte.
Vielleicht lag seine Bindung zu Ruthie aber auch daran, dass Sam selbst gerade erst Lebensverändernde Nachrichten erhalten hat...
Winterzauber in London ist ein herzerwärmendes Buch über zwei Menschen, die zum richtigen Zeitpunkt übereinander gestolpert sind, mit ernsten Themen, den Weg zur Selbstfindung und tiefen Gefühlen. Obendrein kommt hier ein wundervoll weihnachtliches Setting, das einem Wohlfühlatmosphäre beschert.🥰
September 11, 2022
I have enjoyed several Mandy Baggot books before, and I just love Christmas books, so this was a definite yes for me.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the two main characters, and all the other characters except for Anna’s ex. I loved Anna’s group of friends, they’re awesome, the way they support each other.
The plot is great too. I loved the way Sam and Anna came together, through a completely chance meeting. I loved how Sam clicked with Ruthie, Anna’s daughter, as well as Anna, so easily. There are lots of festive moments, fun moments, and heartwarming moments.
The only thing that bothered me, was the use of phrases like “everyone is on the [autism] spectrum somewhere”, which all the people I know who are autistic would disagree with. However, the story is lovely, and I know that some autistic people prefer that way of expressing it.
Overall, this was a fun and romantic story, full of heartwarming moments. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a Christmassy read.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the two main characters, and all the other characters except for Anna’s ex. I loved Anna’s group of friends, they’re awesome, the way they support each other.
The plot is great too. I loved the way Sam and Anna came together, through a completely chance meeting. I loved how Sam clicked with Ruthie, Anna’s daughter, as well as Anna, so easily. There are lots of festive moments, fun moments, and heartwarming moments.
The only thing that bothered me, was the use of phrases like “everyone is on the [autism] spectrum somewhere”, which all the people I know who are autistic would disagree with. However, the story is lovely, and I know that some autistic people prefer that way of expressing it.
Overall, this was a fun and romantic story, full of heartwarming moments. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a Christmassy read.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
October 9, 2022
This story wasn’t for me, but the writing was good and everything flowed well. I just felt the characters didn’t work well together. Anna and Ruthie were more annoying than charming. Sam’s story was awkward and read like someone just peppering in weird American references. I found the romance aspect to be unbelievable.
December 29, 2023
Audiobook. Christmas. Girl meets boy… shouldn’t work out. They share life challenges…. But ultimately they all live happily ever after.
September 25, 2022
I have read a few of this authors summer reads but this was my first festive read by this author and won’t be my last. This was not just a romantic read set around Christmas time but also a story of friendship and dealing with the curve balls life throws at you and how having the right people around you can help you deal with them and how a chance encounter has the potential to change your life forever.
I warmed to all of the characters and loved how this book addressed autism in such a sensitive and heartfelt way as well as well as dealing with another life changing condition that I won’t detail here for fear of spoilers but which is something that is very close to my heart and doesn’t always get discussed.
This book was inspiring and uplifting and a heartfelt read.
I warmed to all of the characters and loved how this book addressed autism in such a sensitive and heartfelt way as well as well as dealing with another life changing condition that I won’t detail here for fear of spoilers but which is something that is very close to my heart and doesn’t always get discussed.
This book was inspiring and uplifting and a heartfelt read.
November 22, 2023
3 stars.
This didn't work as well for me as I was hoping. It might have worked better had I read it instead of listening to the audiobook, although the narrator was very good I thought the story was far too long-winded. We went round and round in circles, the same things or places were being described over and over again, usually when reading I can sort of skim across these parts of the book but that wasn't an option on audio.
The two main parts of the story, at least for me, were , which I didn't think were very well-handled. While I sympathise with receiving such sudden news and his desire to take off to some faraway place, I thought
The romance seemed forced, while I get that the author was going for the "I met you in a car crash" sort of vibe, but there was an additional 10+ hours beyond this point to actually try and make them work. Even right through to the end I'm not sure I bought into their romance, it seemed more like . There were parts of it that worked, and in the run-up to Christmas these sorts of books are always fun to get through, but at least for me there are other better ones out there so a middling score.
This didn't work as well for me as I was hoping. It might have worked better had I read it instead of listening to the audiobook, although the narrator was very good I thought the story was far too long-winded. We went round and round in circles, the same things or places were being described over and over again, usually when reading I can sort of skim across these parts of the book but that wasn't an option on audio.
The two main parts of the story, at least for me, were , which I didn't think were very well-handled. While I sympathise with receiving such sudden news and his desire to take off to some faraway place, I thought
The romance seemed forced, while I get that the author was going for the "I met you in a car crash" sort of vibe, but there was an additional 10+ hours beyond this point to actually try and make them work. Even right through to the end I'm not sure I bought into their romance, it seemed more like . There were parts of it that worked, and in the run-up to Christmas these sorts of books are always fun to get through, but at least for me there are other better ones out there so a middling score.
November 23, 2022
This was a really lovely book, not overly Christmassy so you could easily read this at any time of year as the focus is on the characters rather than the fact that it’s set at Christmas - even if we do start with Anna and Ruthie wrestling Malcolm (the biggest Christmas tree ever) through their front door.
It was so nice to have a main character who has Autism as it highlights all the amazing qualities that comes with it, Ruthie is such a good character and I loved everything about her and the relationship she has with Anna. It was nice to see that Mandy doesn’t shy away from the tougher emotional sides of this either though and showed the struggles that some parents and children may have. The whole book just felt so lovely, genuine and warmed your heart.
Sam is the other main character and he has landed in the U.K. after being given some news that is potentially life changing for him, how he ends up at a Christmas Fayre I’m not quite sure but it happens - and there really is something good about the hot dog and burger stands at these events!
Again Baggot is able to express the struggle and pain that the characters are going through but give them a support network to hold them up and get through things together. Such an amazing book and it’s really made me want to pay a visit to Richmond one day as I’d never heard of the place before but it sounds like a lovely place - plus I need one of the festive fudge hot chocolates!!!!
It was so nice to have a main character who has Autism as it highlights all the amazing qualities that comes with it, Ruthie is such a good character and I loved everything about her and the relationship she has with Anna. It was nice to see that Mandy doesn’t shy away from the tougher emotional sides of this either though and showed the struggles that some parents and children may have. The whole book just felt so lovely, genuine and warmed your heart.
Sam is the other main character and he has landed in the U.K. after being given some news that is potentially life changing for him, how he ends up at a Christmas Fayre I’m not quite sure but it happens - and there really is something good about the hot dog and burger stands at these events!
Again Baggot is able to express the struggle and pain that the characters are going through but give them a support network to hold them up and get through things together. Such an amazing book and it’s really made me want to pay a visit to Richmond one day as I’d never heard of the place before but it sounds like a lovely place - plus I need one of the festive fudge hot chocolates!!!!
December 16, 2023
Bereits im letzten Jahr habe ich einen „Winterzauberroman“ von Mandy Baggot gelesen, daher habe ich mich sehr gefreut, als in diesem Jahr ein weiterer erschienen ist.
Mit
𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒛𝒂𝒖𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏
Geht es in diesem Jahr nach England.
Die alleinerziehende Mutter Anna und ihre autistische Tochter Ruthie haben es auf anhieb in mein Herz geschafft. Anna kümmert sich liebevoll um ihre Tochter und das ist auf jeder Seite spürbar.
Der gefeierter Footballstar Sam ist Ruthies persönlicher Held. Er hat sein eigenes Päckchen zu tragen, sorgt sich aber in erster Linie um seine Familie. Dies hat ihn mir sehr sympathisch gemacht. Seine einfühlsam Art besonders Ruthie gegenüber habe ich sehr gemocht.
Das Setting im weihnachtlichen London, Richmond, ist wirklich schön beschrieben. Ich habe alles bildlich vor mir sehen können.
Der Schreibtstil von Mandy Baggot verschafft der tiefergehenden Thematik eine Leichtigkeit.
Eine warmherzige Weihnachtsgeschichte, mit einer angenehmen Portion Romantik, schönen Dialogen, zuckersüße Momente und auch der Humor kommt nicht so kurz.
„Winterzauber in London“ war zwar teilweise vorhersehbar, doch die Magie der Weihnacht war für mich greifbar und berührend.
Mit
𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒛𝒂𝒖𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏
Geht es in diesem Jahr nach England.
Die alleinerziehende Mutter Anna und ihre autistische Tochter Ruthie haben es auf anhieb in mein Herz geschafft. Anna kümmert sich liebevoll um ihre Tochter und das ist auf jeder Seite spürbar.
Der gefeierter Footballstar Sam ist Ruthies persönlicher Held. Er hat sein eigenes Päckchen zu tragen, sorgt sich aber in erster Linie um seine Familie. Dies hat ihn mir sehr sympathisch gemacht. Seine einfühlsam Art besonders Ruthie gegenüber habe ich sehr gemocht.
Das Setting im weihnachtlichen London, Richmond, ist wirklich schön beschrieben. Ich habe alles bildlich vor mir sehen können.
Der Schreibtstil von Mandy Baggot verschafft der tiefergehenden Thematik eine Leichtigkeit.
Eine warmherzige Weihnachtsgeschichte, mit einer angenehmen Portion Romantik, schönen Dialogen, zuckersüße Momente und auch der Humor kommt nicht so kurz.
„Winterzauber in London“ war zwar teilweise vorhersehbar, doch die Magie der Weihnacht war für mich greifbar und berührend.
December 22, 2023
Mandy Baggot hat mit Winterzauber in London erneut eine gemütliche und romantische Weihnachtsgeschichte geschaffen. Das Buch hat einen starken Wohlfühlfaktor und stimmt einen perfekt auf die Weihnachtszeit ein. Ich habe Anna und Ruthie sehr gemocht. Die beiden sind ein gutes Team und Anna wird als Mutter menschlich statt perfekt dargestellt. Das macht sie umso sympathischer. Besonders interessant finde ich, dass in dem Buch auch das Thema Autismus behandelt wird. Ruthie ist nämlich Autistin und beim Lesen hat man einen guten Einblick in das Thema bekommen. Ruthie an sich ist super liebenswert und sorgt für viele herzerwärmende Momente.
Sam ist ein sehr facettenreicher Mensch und hat das Herz am rechten Fleck. Ich habe ihn sehr gemocht und die Dynamik zwischen ihm und Anna stimmt, sodass es einfach Spaß gemacht hat, deren Liebesgeschichte zu verfolgen. Sie haben sehr viele süße Szenen, bei denen jede:r hoffnungslose Romantiker:in dahinschmilzt. Auch bezüglich ihrer Liebesgeschichte wird ein ernstes Thema behandelt, da sie einen größeren Altersunterschied haben. Ich finde es gut, dass auch auf das Thema aufmerksam gemacht wird, aber muss zugeben, dass sich mir trotz der süßen Szenen nicht ganz erschlossen hat, warum die beiden Gefühle füreinander entwickeln. Auf mich hat das etwas erzwungen gewirkt, aber ändert nichts daran, dass ich das Buch gerne gelesen habe. Immerhin erfüllt es sein Ziel: Es erwärmt Leser:innenherzen, vermittelt Weihnachtsstimmung und lässt einen den Alltag vergessen.
Ein großes Plus geht übrigens auch an die Beschreibungen der Schauplätze. Das Viertel, in dem Anna lebt, wird einfach traumhaft beschrieben und alle Möglichkeiten, die London für süße Dates bietet, ausgekostet. So hat das Buch gleich noch mehr Spaß beim Lesen gemacht.
Fazit: Eine süße Liebesgeschichte, die einen sofort in Weihnachtsstimmung bringt.
Sam ist ein sehr facettenreicher Mensch und hat das Herz am rechten Fleck. Ich habe ihn sehr gemocht und die Dynamik zwischen ihm und Anna stimmt, sodass es einfach Spaß gemacht hat, deren Liebesgeschichte zu verfolgen. Sie haben sehr viele süße Szenen, bei denen jede:r hoffnungslose Romantiker:in dahinschmilzt. Auch bezüglich ihrer Liebesgeschichte wird ein ernstes Thema behandelt, da sie einen größeren Altersunterschied haben. Ich finde es gut, dass auch auf das Thema aufmerksam gemacht wird, aber muss zugeben, dass sich mir trotz der süßen Szenen nicht ganz erschlossen hat, warum die beiden Gefühle füreinander entwickeln. Auf mich hat das etwas erzwungen gewirkt, aber ändert nichts daran, dass ich das Buch gerne gelesen habe. Immerhin erfüllt es sein Ziel: Es erwärmt Leser:innenherzen, vermittelt Weihnachtsstimmung und lässt einen den Alltag vergessen.
Ein großes Plus geht übrigens auch an die Beschreibungen der Schauplätze. Das Viertel, in dem Anna lebt, wird einfach traumhaft beschrieben und alle Möglichkeiten, die London für süße Dates bietet, ausgekostet. So hat das Buch gleich noch mehr Spaß beim Lesen gemacht.
Fazit: Eine süße Liebesgeschichte, die einen sofort in Weihnachtsstimmung bringt.
January 2, 2024
This is the first time I ever heard of Mandy Baggot books! In my eyes this is such a fantastic and brilliant! I loved Ruthie who is autistic and how she copes and the way she sees the world. Sam is lovely
and has a kind heart with regards those close to him. However having to deal with a health
diagosis really hit him hard as it affected his career.
I also loved Anna friends, they made me laugh and loved how they supported each other.
and has a kind heart with regards those close to him. However having to deal with a health
diagosis really hit him hard as it affected his career.
I also loved Anna friends, they made me laugh and loved how they supported each other.
September 25, 2023
A lovely heartwarming book, one of the authors best.
November 18, 2023
A nice slushy Christmas tale 😄
December 8, 2023
I honestly really enjoyed this book. I didn’t expect much from it but it was lovely 🥰
October 14, 2022
.#WishingonaStar #NetGalley
Loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted more time with Sam, Anna and Ruthie. There was the magic of Christmas including a gigantic tree, a love story that started with Sam protecting Ruthie from bullies and a minor collision with a car. I loved Sam’s and Ruthie’s relationship. Ruthie’s autism was handled with empathy and compassion. Sam accepted Ruthie for the adorably passionate and energetic child she is. This is a book I will find myself rereading
Loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down. I wanted more time with Sam, Anna and Ruthie. There was the magic of Christmas including a gigantic tree, a love story that started with Sam protecting Ruthie from bullies and a minor collision with a car. I loved Sam’s and Ruthie’s relationship. Ruthie’s autism was handled with empathy and compassion. Sam accepted Ruthie for the adorably passionate and energetic child she is. This is a book I will find myself rereading
November 12, 2022
I have admitted before that I'm not generally a fan of romance, so I'm probably the wrong audience for this book. However, romance aside I really, really struggled with this book.
While reading I looked up other reviewers opinions and am utterly convince I was reading a totally difference book or I just didn't get it, the story, in the way others did.
Overall I found the characters irritating, the story bland and the culture references forced.
As I said, maybe I wasn't the audience for this book. I'll stick to other stuff.
While reading I looked up other reviewers opinions and am utterly convince I was reading a totally difference book or I just didn't get it, the story, in the way others did.
Overall I found the characters irritating, the story bland and the culture references forced.
As I said, maybe I wasn't the audience for this book. I'll stick to other stuff.
November 27, 2023
The autistic "representation" if I can even call it that was just horrible, in my opinion.
This was my first and last book from Mandy Baggot.
This was my first and last book from Mandy Baggot.
January 30, 2024
Meine Meinung
Genauso schwer, wie es war das Buch zu lesen, genauso schwer fällt es mir jetzt die Rezension zu schreiben. Und obwohl es so schwer ist und war, mochte ich das Buch trotzdem ziemlich gerne. Das hat mit dem Umstand zu tun, dass Mandy Baggot einen schönen und einfachen Schreibstil hat. Ebenso waren die Charaktere sehr gut ausgearbeitet und die Darstellung von Autismus war wirklich realistisch. Warum fiel es mir jetzt aber so schwer das Buch zu lesen?
Erst einmal Worum geht es: Anna hat es nicht leicht. Erst verlässt sie ihr Mann und lässt sie mit ihrer autistischen Tochter Ruthie alleine und dann bringt er ihr auch noch eine Katze. Ein Alptraum für Anna doch dann begegnet sie einen Fremden der sich in ihr und in das Herz ihrer Tochter schleicht. Sam hat eine Lebensverändernde Diagnose bekommen und flieht kurzentschlossen aus den USA nach London. Das er dort einem Mädchen hilft und dann angefahren wird war nicht so geplant. Doch vielleicht war es das beste was ihm je passieren konnte.
Schwer haben es mir die ersten 100 Seiten gemacht. Irgendwie wollte das Buch keine fahrt aufnehmen oder mich fesseln. Nachdem Anna und Sam sich jedoch begegnen konnte ich das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen. Hier trifft einfach eine Slow Burn Lovestory auf heftige Umstände, die durch viel Humor und wirklich witzigen Nebenfiguren Leichtigkeit vermittelte und das die Umstände sich manchmal zum Guten wenden können. Die Gefühle sind in jedem Moment zum Greifen nah und man kann sich einfach so gut in die Charaktere hineinversetzen. Obwohl der Anfang schwierig war, war das Buch zum Ende hin ein wirklich toller Roman, der mit einem unschlagbarem Happy End punkten konnte.
Mein Fazit
"Winterzauber in London" von Mandy Baggot ist eine Slow Burn Lovestory mit Tiefgang. Tolle Charaktere und eine spannender roter Faden, lassen einen, wenn man die ersten 100 Seiten schafft, nicht mehr los. Die Autorin hat in ihrer Danksagung auch erklärt, dass ihr dieser Roman nicht leicht fiel und daher kann ich dem Buch ohne schlechtem Gewissen 4 Sterne einräumen.
Genauso schwer, wie es war das Buch zu lesen, genauso schwer fällt es mir jetzt die Rezension zu schreiben. Und obwohl es so schwer ist und war, mochte ich das Buch trotzdem ziemlich gerne. Das hat mit dem Umstand zu tun, dass Mandy Baggot einen schönen und einfachen Schreibstil hat. Ebenso waren die Charaktere sehr gut ausgearbeitet und die Darstellung von Autismus war wirklich realistisch. Warum fiel es mir jetzt aber so schwer das Buch zu lesen?
Erst einmal Worum geht es: Anna hat es nicht leicht. Erst verlässt sie ihr Mann und lässt sie mit ihrer autistischen Tochter Ruthie alleine und dann bringt er ihr auch noch eine Katze. Ein Alptraum für Anna doch dann begegnet sie einen Fremden der sich in ihr und in das Herz ihrer Tochter schleicht. Sam hat eine Lebensverändernde Diagnose bekommen und flieht kurzentschlossen aus den USA nach London. Das er dort einem Mädchen hilft und dann angefahren wird war nicht so geplant. Doch vielleicht war es das beste was ihm je passieren konnte.
Schwer haben es mir die ersten 100 Seiten gemacht. Irgendwie wollte das Buch keine fahrt aufnehmen oder mich fesseln. Nachdem Anna und Sam sich jedoch begegnen konnte ich das Buch nicht mehr aus der Hand legen. Hier trifft einfach eine Slow Burn Lovestory auf heftige Umstände, die durch viel Humor und wirklich witzigen Nebenfiguren Leichtigkeit vermittelte und das die Umstände sich manchmal zum Guten wenden können. Die Gefühle sind in jedem Moment zum Greifen nah und man kann sich einfach so gut in die Charaktere hineinversetzen. Obwohl der Anfang schwierig war, war das Buch zum Ende hin ein wirklich toller Roman, der mit einem unschlagbarem Happy End punkten konnte.
Mein Fazit
"Winterzauber in London" von Mandy Baggot ist eine Slow Burn Lovestory mit Tiefgang. Tolle Charaktere und eine spannender roter Faden, lassen einen, wenn man die ersten 100 Seiten schafft, nicht mehr los. Die Autorin hat in ihrer Danksagung auch erklärt, dass ihr dieser Roman nicht leicht fiel und daher kann ich dem Buch ohne schlechtem Gewissen 4 Sterne einräumen.
December 29, 2022
A lovely Christmas story that deals with a variety of issues. A single mother with a 13-year-old daughter with Autism. She is very high functioning but has some of the typical OCD issues and other concerns, but is an important part of the mother's life. She has a fantastic group of friends that support her and the girl which makes life run smoother. The father has s pregnant girlfriend and has very little interaction with the girl. Enter a NFL American football quarterback who is about to sign the largest contract in NFL history when he finds he has Huntington Disease which will leave him unable to function, let alone play football. Having to get away, he hops on a plane and ends up in England. The taxi driver takes him to a small town that he starts to explore on foot. He ends up at a school fayre and sees three teen boys teasing the Autistic girl and intervene's. The mother then thinks he is trying to take advantage of the girl and is yelling at him, when he turns to go and walks into a car and is temporary knocked out. The mother then feels so bad, that she invites him into their home and bandages him up. The girl and the man then watch many episodes of the girls favorite movie and they end up sleeping on the couch. The next day, the mom takes him to a hotel, but he says that he noticed that there was a leak in their heating system and offers to fix it. Meanwhile, the friends all unite to get her to go out with him and one thing leads to another and they fall in love. But he has not told his family or the sweet mom about his disease, so he leaves to go back to America and tell them and face all the reporters, etc who all want a comment. Finally he misses her so much, he returns to England as a surprise and you can guess how this story ends. Perfect for this time of year.
October 1, 2022
Free courtesy of Netgalley
This is another new author for me (I think). I love a festive book, and this book ticked that box. It was a bit of a slow burner for me, I'm not sure why but it didn't grip me straight away, that made me not want to put my kindle down, but it slowly built into a good story that I didn't want to end.
The story starts with Sam, a 25 year old NFL football player from Cincinnati, who is on the verge of a multi-million dollar transfer into the big league, but has to have a thorough medical beforehand that throws up a genetic issue, which causes him to run. He boards the first plane to London, without telling anyone he is leaving and why and ends up in Richmond.
Anna is a single mother to Ruthie, who has been diagnosed as autistic. Anna is recently divorced because her husband cheated on her after withdrawing from the family as he couldn't deal with his daughter's diagnosis. Anna works from home, helping businesses rebrand.
When attending a school fete Sam and Anna meet, after Sam steps in to help Ruthie with 3 boys that are bullying her. She sees Sam as a super hero and nicknames him Falcon. With Anna's distrust in men, and Sam's secrets can these two have a future together, especially when they need to include Ruthie's Autism, Anna's ex-husband and her friends and Sam's secrets of his fame and medical diagnosis.
It was a lovely book to read and you ended up rooting for them both. It looks at the effects of Autism on families and relationships as well as giving you an insight on the impact on everyone on Sam's medical issue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a little romance and sparkle in their lives with a dose of real life issues to overcome.
This is another new author for me (I think). I love a festive book, and this book ticked that box. It was a bit of a slow burner for me, I'm not sure why but it didn't grip me straight away, that made me not want to put my kindle down, but it slowly built into a good story that I didn't want to end.
The story starts with Sam, a 25 year old NFL football player from Cincinnati, who is on the verge of a multi-million dollar transfer into the big league, but has to have a thorough medical beforehand that throws up a genetic issue, which causes him to run. He boards the first plane to London, without telling anyone he is leaving and why and ends up in Richmond.
Anna is a single mother to Ruthie, who has been diagnosed as autistic. Anna is recently divorced because her husband cheated on her after withdrawing from the family as he couldn't deal with his daughter's diagnosis. Anna works from home, helping businesses rebrand.
When attending a school fete Sam and Anna meet, after Sam steps in to help Ruthie with 3 boys that are bullying her. She sees Sam as a super hero and nicknames him Falcon. With Anna's distrust in men, and Sam's secrets can these two have a future together, especially when they need to include Ruthie's Autism, Anna's ex-husband and her friends and Sam's secrets of his fame and medical diagnosis.
It was a lovely book to read and you ended up rooting for them both. It looks at the effects of Autism on families and relationships as well as giving you an insight on the impact on everyone on Sam's medical issue.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a little romance and sparkle in their lives with a dose of real life issues to overcome.
November 9, 2022
I think this could be the best book the Mandy Baggot has ever written, and I've read the vast majority of them.
I'm gutted that I've reached the end, it was just wonderful and I am already missing Ruthie.
In a book that features and autistic teenager and another character with a degenerative genetic disease diagnosis, you may be thinking this is deep and heavy. But that couldn't be further from the reality. Yes the bits with the diagnosis will make you think but from my knowledge of the disease which has mainly come from Neighbours, feels as accurate as I believe it to be which adds to the authenticity.
Ruthie is easily my favourite character, she is a wonder, a joyous ray of light, and knows what she is and isn't comfortable with. I love the way she sees the world and I would happily read more books with her at the centre.
This also felt like a bit of a ode to Richmond, perhaps Mandy Baggot should be working their tourist board in addition to writing amazing books, as I really felt as though I was in Richmond, and could picture this part of London, that I've only visited once, so clearly.
Actually can I have more of Sam too, I think I might be a tiny bit in love with the guy, and after the first two chapters I was so surprised with how the two main character's stories would cross over, as they seem to be worlds apart.
Add in a couple of mad cap animals, Anna and her friends who are a real tonic too, there is just so much to love in this book.
I couldn't' get enough of this story and found I read it very fast. I thought it was superb and probably one of my favourite festive reads of the season. Just brilliant.
Thank you to Embla Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I'm gutted that I've reached the end, it was just wonderful and I am already missing Ruthie.
In a book that features and autistic teenager and another character with a degenerative genetic disease diagnosis, you may be thinking this is deep and heavy. But that couldn't be further from the reality. Yes the bits with the diagnosis will make you think but from my knowledge of the disease which has mainly come from Neighbours, feels as accurate as I believe it to be which adds to the authenticity.
Ruthie is easily my favourite character, she is a wonder, a joyous ray of light, and knows what she is and isn't comfortable with. I love the way she sees the world and I would happily read more books with her at the centre.
This also felt like a bit of a ode to Richmond, perhaps Mandy Baggot should be working their tourist board in addition to writing amazing books, as I really felt as though I was in Richmond, and could picture this part of London, that I've only visited once, so clearly.
Actually can I have more of Sam too, I think I might be a tiny bit in love with the guy, and after the first two chapters I was so surprised with how the two main character's stories would cross over, as they seem to be worlds apart.
Add in a couple of mad cap animals, Anna and her friends who are a real tonic too, there is just so much to love in this book.
I couldn't' get enough of this story and found I read it very fast. I thought it was superb and probably one of my favourite festive reads of the season. Just brilliant.
Thank you to Embla Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 3, 2022
Received an ARC from Netgalley, totally unbiased review to follow:
I really wanted to like this - I'm a sucker for a Christmas book, and a cheeky romance, so the two should have been magic for me. I was hooked for the first quarter of the book - I thought it was a really cool premise, intertwining two completely different lives out of coincidence, and the lovely mental image of Richmond in the run up to Christmas.
I really liked the representation of Ruthie's neurodiversity - I haven't read from the POV of a parent of a teen, so I thought that was really interesting and felt really well researched.
I really liked the characters - they felt like real people, in real situations, apart from Tionne, Sam's sister, who I couldn't really relate to (but maybe that's just me to anyone under the age of 25...).
Some nitpicky things that threw me off though:
- Way too many pop culture references. I'm sure there was a ref to Meghan Markle in there too at some point that just made me roll my eyes.
- It was too long. It's one of the longest reads of mine this year, and honestly it felt a little padded out towards the end. Some of that may be personal preference, but I felt the plot could have been hastened towards the end.
- The sub-plot - kind of felt like Anna's career wasn't very important to the plot or how the story ended, so I didn't really see the point.
It was a nice enough read, but too long for me.
I really wanted to like this - I'm a sucker for a Christmas book, and a cheeky romance, so the two should have been magic for me. I was hooked for the first quarter of the book - I thought it was a really cool premise, intertwining two completely different lives out of coincidence, and the lovely mental image of Richmond in the run up to Christmas.
I really liked the representation of Ruthie's neurodiversity - I haven't read from the POV of a parent of a teen, so I thought that was really interesting and felt really well researched.
I really liked the characters - they felt like real people, in real situations, apart from Tionne, Sam's sister, who I couldn't really relate to (but maybe that's just me to anyone under the age of 25...).
Some nitpicky things that threw me off though:
- Way too many pop culture references. I'm sure there was a ref to Meghan Markle in there too at some point that just made me roll my eyes.
- It was too long. It's one of the longest reads of mine this year, and honestly it felt a little padded out towards the end. Some of that may be personal preference, but I felt the plot could have been hastened towards the end.
- The sub-plot - kind of felt like Anna's career wasn't very important to the plot or how the story ended, so I didn't really see the point.
It was a nice enough read, but too long for me.
January 25, 2023
Wishing on a Star by Mandy Baggot
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other.
Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.
Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run. He's left his American football team back in the US, stuck a pin in a map, and landed in Richmond, London.
When Anna and Ruthie literally bump into Sam on the snow-speckled streets, he finds himself being welcomed into their lives. But what begins as a night on the sofa turns into the start of something special...
My Opinion
This was a lovely book and whilst it is set at Christmas, the festivities was not the main focus. Sam feels that his world is falling apart falling a shocking result at the doctors and escapes to England to escape for a while. Meeting Anna and Ruthie was the last thing he expected but will they help him come to terms with his future?
This is a heart-warming book that deals with difficult topics really well. A sensitively written, great festive book. A must read for the holiday season.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other.
Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.
Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run. He's left his American football team back in the US, stuck a pin in a map, and landed in Richmond, London.
When Anna and Ruthie literally bump into Sam on the snow-speckled streets, he finds himself being welcomed into their lives. But what begins as a night on the sofa turns into the start of something special...
My Opinion
This was a lovely book and whilst it is set at Christmas, the festivities was not the main focus. Sam feels that his world is falling apart falling a shocking result at the doctors and escapes to England to escape for a while. Meeting Anna and Ruthie was the last thing he expected but will they help him come to terms with his future?
This is a heart-warming book that deals with difficult topics really well. A sensitively written, great festive book. A must read for the holiday season.
Rating 4/5
December 27, 2023
Erneut habe ich mich einer winterlichen Romanze mit Wohlfühlfaktor hingegeben, die sich allerdings ein wenig in die Länge gezogen hat. Doch bei dem Regenwetter ist das ja kein Problem. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir die Beschreibungen der Schauplätze. Das Londoner Viertel Richmond, in dem Anna lebt, wird toll beschrieben und auf die Londoner Weihnachtsmagie lasse ich mich immer gerne ein. So hat das Buch gleich noch mehr Spaß beim Lesen gemacht.
Die Hauptcharaktere sind die alleinerziehende Mutter Anna mit ihrer autistischen dreizehnjährigen Tochter Ruthie. Beide Figuren sind mir schnell ans Herz gewachsen. Sie sind ein eingespieltes Team und stecken in den Weihnachtsvorbereitungen als sie überraschend auf Sam stoßen, der aus Amerika nach London geflohen ist. Aber was ist der Hintergrund für Sams plötzliche Reise nach London und wie kommen sich Anna und Sam näher? Und wie verhält sich Ruthie?
Mandy Baggot erzählt uns eine warmherzige und romantische Geschichte, dessen Herzschmerz und finales Ende man schnell erahnt, aber trotzdem gerne liest.
Wer noch ein wenig Zeit zwischen den Festtagen hat und auf eine romantische Weihnachtsgeschichte steht, wird seine Freude an dem Buch haben.
Mich hat der „Winterzauber in London“ gut unterhalten. Die Magie der Weihnacht und die romantische Liebesgeschichte haben mich berührt. Von mir gibt es eine warme Empfehlung für gemütliche Lesestunden!
Die Hauptcharaktere sind die alleinerziehende Mutter Anna mit ihrer autistischen dreizehnjährigen Tochter Ruthie. Beide Figuren sind mir schnell ans Herz gewachsen. Sie sind ein eingespieltes Team und stecken in den Weihnachtsvorbereitungen als sie überraschend auf Sam stoßen, der aus Amerika nach London geflohen ist. Aber was ist der Hintergrund für Sams plötzliche Reise nach London und wie kommen sich Anna und Sam näher? Und wie verhält sich Ruthie?
Mandy Baggot erzählt uns eine warmherzige und romantische Geschichte, dessen Herzschmerz und finales Ende man schnell erahnt, aber trotzdem gerne liest.
Wer noch ein wenig Zeit zwischen den Festtagen hat und auf eine romantische Weihnachtsgeschichte steht, wird seine Freude an dem Buch haben.
Mich hat der „Winterzauber in London“ gut unterhalten. Die Magie der Weihnacht und die romantische Liebesgeschichte haben mich berührt. Von mir gibt es eine warme Empfehlung für gemütliche Lesestunden!
September 27, 2023
Wenn du eine alleinerziehende Mutter bist, lies das Buch. Wenn nicht, lies es trotzdem. Mandy Baggot behandelt in diesem romantischen Winterliebesroman ein tiefgreifendes Thema: Geht es im Leben darum, dass es möglichst lange dauert? Oder was man aus der Zeit, die man hat, macht?
Außerdem wird das Thema Autismus angeschnitten, das mehr Menschen betrifft, als man denkt.
Sam ist mir sofort sympathisch, denn er denkt zuerst an das Wohl seiner Eltern und seiner Schwester, das ihm wichtiger zu sein scheint, als sein eigenes. Darum geht es ihm bei den Gedanken um seine Karriere und diese Selbstlosigkeit sorgt dafür, dass er einem ans Herz wächst.
Mit Anna werde ich nicht sofort warm, aber das liegt am Wesen ihres Charakters. Sie ist gefangen in Pflichten und Routine, wie es so oft als Mutter der Fall ist. Von beiden kann ich die Handlungen gut nachvollziehen. Sam ist ein Beschützertyp und gerade das steht ihm manchmal auch im Weg. Anna ist vorsichtig, denn die Verantwortung gegenüber ihrer Tochter steht im Vordergrund.
Das Buch beinhaltet eine starke Moral, die vor allem, aber nicht nur, durch Sams Eltern transportiert wird. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen, an manchen Stellen auch lustig. Langweilig wird es zu keiner Zeit. Die Kapitellänge ist auch sehr gemütlich, da eher kurz.
Außerdem wird das Thema Autismus angeschnitten, das mehr Menschen betrifft, als man denkt.
Sam ist mir sofort sympathisch, denn er denkt zuerst an das Wohl seiner Eltern und seiner Schwester, das ihm wichtiger zu sein scheint, als sein eigenes. Darum geht es ihm bei den Gedanken um seine Karriere und diese Selbstlosigkeit sorgt dafür, dass er einem ans Herz wächst.
Mit Anna werde ich nicht sofort warm, aber das liegt am Wesen ihres Charakters. Sie ist gefangen in Pflichten und Routine, wie es so oft als Mutter der Fall ist. Von beiden kann ich die Handlungen gut nachvollziehen. Sam ist ein Beschützertyp und gerade das steht ihm manchmal auch im Weg. Anna ist vorsichtig, denn die Verantwortung gegenüber ihrer Tochter steht im Vordergrund.
Das Buch beinhaltet eine starke Moral, die vor allem, aber nicht nur, durch Sams Eltern transportiert wird. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen, an manchen Stellen auch lustig. Langweilig wird es zu keiner Zeit. Die Kapitellänge ist auch sehr gemütlich, da eher kurz.
January 17, 2024
Winterzauber in London von Mandy Baggot, erschienen im Goldmann Verlag am 20. September 2023, Teil 8 aus der Reihe Winterzauber
Taschenbuch 480 Seiten
Inhalt
Anna lebt mit ihrer Tochter Ruthie in London-Richmond und versucht das Leben so gut wie möglich zu meistern. Doch plötzlich steht der Footballstar Sam vor den beiden und stellt ihr Leben auf den Kopf. Dabei hat Sam große Sorgen und weiß nicht, wie er damit umgehen soll.
Meine Meinung
Es ist das erste Buch, das ich von der Autorin und aus der Winterzauber Reihe lese. Der Schreibstil von Mandy Baggot hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ihre Beschreibungen vom Setting haben mich direkt nach Richmond entführt. Und auch Anna, Ruthie und Sam haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Das Miteinander der drei gestaltete sich authentisch.
Es ist eine besondere Weihnachtsgeschichte, denn hier ist nicht alles weihnachtlich und friedlich. Doch die Autorin beweist ein feines Händchen, die Schwere des Themas gut zu verpacken.
Fazit
Winterzauber in London beschert mir eine schöne Lesezeit. Mit Humor, weihnachtlichen Flair und auch ernsthaften Themen verbringe ich eine schöne Zeit in London. Von mir gibt es eine Leseempfehlung und 5 🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥
Taschenbuch 480 Seiten
Inhalt
Anna lebt mit ihrer Tochter Ruthie in London-Richmond und versucht das Leben so gut wie möglich zu meistern. Doch plötzlich steht der Footballstar Sam vor den beiden und stellt ihr Leben auf den Kopf. Dabei hat Sam große Sorgen und weiß nicht, wie er damit umgehen soll.
Meine Meinung
Es ist das erste Buch, das ich von der Autorin und aus der Winterzauber Reihe lese. Der Schreibstil von Mandy Baggot hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ihre Beschreibungen vom Setting haben mich direkt nach Richmond entführt. Und auch Anna, Ruthie und Sam haben mir sehr gut gefallen. Das Miteinander der drei gestaltete sich authentisch.
Es ist eine besondere Weihnachtsgeschichte, denn hier ist nicht alles weihnachtlich und friedlich. Doch die Autorin beweist ein feines Händchen, die Schwere des Themas gut zu verpacken.
Fazit
Winterzauber in London beschert mir eine schöne Lesezeit. Mit Humor, weihnachtlichen Flair und auch ernsthaften Themen verbringe ich eine schöne Zeit in London. Von mir gibt es eine Leseempfehlung und 5 🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥
October 15, 2022
Mandy’s 29th book is set in Richmond, London where we are introduced to Anna Heath, a single mum to Ruthie who has Autism. Anna is trying to juggle work, her daughters’ additional needs and a totally useless ex-husband who does not understand, or even try to allow for Ruthies’ neurodivergent ways. Sam is an American football player who upon receiving some devastation news ‘runs away’ to London, ending up in Richmond.
It is here where Sam and Anna meet when an intervention in a fight between Ruthie and some school bullies ends up with Sam being hit by a car. Anna insists that he comes back to her house to see if he is hurt, and their relationship starts from there. So far, so warm and fuzzy, but this is not your usual romantic Christmas read and deals with serious issues in a realistic way.
I liked the dynamic between Anna and Ruthie and the close friendship circle Anna had. Ruthies autism was written about well and I liked the inclusion of the different strategies that both she and her mum used to allow her to navigate through life in a world that can be very tough for people like Ruthie.
As is usual with Mandy’s books we are introduced to an array of other characters along the way each of whom are important to the main characters in one way or another and help to deliver a story which I feel is the perfect ‘feel good’ festive read.
It is here where Sam and Anna meet when an intervention in a fight between Ruthie and some school bullies ends up with Sam being hit by a car. Anna insists that he comes back to her house to see if he is hurt, and their relationship starts from there. So far, so warm and fuzzy, but this is not your usual romantic Christmas read and deals with serious issues in a realistic way.
I liked the dynamic between Anna and Ruthie and the close friendship circle Anna had. Ruthies autism was written about well and I liked the inclusion of the different strategies that both she and her mum used to allow her to navigate through life in a world that can be very tough for people like Ruthie.
As is usual with Mandy’s books we are introduced to an array of other characters along the way each of whom are important to the main characters in one way or another and help to deliver a story which I feel is the perfect ‘feel good’ festive read.
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