Member Reviews
There is nothing better than a honest to goodness Christmas romance story and dammit that is what Mandy Baggot has delivered with her brilliant new novel One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill.
Isla works for a company that helps get buildings built. She does this with a good conscience as she tries to get hospitals built and whilst doing that trying to keep the unique fingerprint of London alive but when she gets the chance to work on a new project it seems that a conflict of interest is going to hinder her – and the projects –progress.
Throw into this a 20 year old sister who happens to be in a wheelchair and who desperately wants independence and a hot new boss who Isla is having inappropriate feelings for, she feels like her world is moving too fast and she cannot keep up.
Will this year be Isla’s worst Christmas ever?
I really enjoyed this story and what was brilliant about it is that the character arc came from the secondary protagonist. Isla stayed determinedly herself throughout. She is the heart of the novel and everyone is infected by her Britishness and her sense of history.
One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill was a joy to read and was as much as a lovely romance novel as it was a love letter to a specific area of London.
One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill by Mandy Baggot is available now.
For more information regarding Mandy Baggot (@mandybaggot) please visit www.mandybaggot.com.
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For more information regarding Ebury Publishing (@EburyPublishing) please visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.uk/publishers/ebury/.
Fantastic Christmas romance, by one of my favourite authors. I loved every second of this book, and it didn't take too long to make Chase Bryan my latest book boyfriend.
For Chase is n London with his two daughters and needs to learn not everything is about work. He is the new CEO at Breekers and has huge plans for the business, however they are in conflict with a person who he becomes rather close to in London.
For Isla, is his go-to-girl, ultimate problem solver and initially doesn't seem that impressed that Chase even exists let alone the premise of his large plans for the company. She also has other things on her mind like planning another spectacular works Christmas party, and seeing if she can give Hannah, her sister any more freedom.
I loved Hannah, it is unfortunately so rare to see a key character in a book in a wheelchair, especially one as young as 20, but it was a greatly refreshing change, and I loved Hannah's humour, her determination, and her one main wish. She is determined that this year will be the year she has a film style perfect Christmas kiss in Notting Hill, so long as she can find someone to see past her disability.
In the role of a tour guide, we get to see London and more specifically Notting Hill through the fresh eyes of Maddie and Brooke, Chases's children, while Isla shows them around her favourite places. If you have ever wanted to get a feel for the real Notting Hill with all of its colourful buildings and independent retailers, the Portobello market and even more then you need to read this book as it gives a fantastic feel for the area.
From the various Christmas books I have read by Mandy Baggot, One Wish in Manhattan had been my favourite, but I think this one has over taken it in my affections. I just loved this story, there is plenty of Christmas in here as well as some other storylines and themes that are just as important, if not more so.
Another fabulous story from an author who is getting to be a drop everything and read when a new book by her comes out. Already looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings for this author.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
5 Star review of One Christmas Kiss In Notting Hill by Mandy Baggot
Mandy Baggot is a new author to me and if this book is anything to go by I will be reading more from her as soon as I can.
Christmas is the most magical time of the year and I love any story that is centred around Christmas and the holiday season.
This was an extremely well written book which made me feel warm and cosy. I really enjoyed Ms. Baggot’s style of writing and found it to be creative and easy to follow. I was entranced in the story form the first page until the last and in truth I didn’t want the story to end.
I fell hard for Chase and in truth there was not a character that I didn’t enjoy. A heart warming read, full of holiday spirit and one I enjoyed very much. A feel good read that will bring a smile to your face.
Such was the writing of Mandy Baggot that I really felt that I was “seeing” Notting Hill and since I have never been to England that is a sure sign of an author who succeeds in drawing her readers in.
I will be seeking out other books written by Mandy Baggot.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
Review will be up on my blog on 21/11: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com
Oh how I love Mandy Baggot's books! Mandy has a unique talent of transporting the reader to where the book is based and making you feel as though you are part of the story. Whenever I read her books set in Greece, I was instantly transported there and I could almost taste the ouzo! I love the way Mandy describes things such as food and location, it really draws you in and I find that great descriptions make for a great read.
I also love every single one of Mandy's covers for her books. They're always so beautiful! Another thing which automatically draws me in is the cover. If the cover is pretty then there's a more chance I'll read it (I know that sounds bad and I know you should never judge a book by it's cover! Or so I've come to learn...) but I can never turn down a book with a pretty cover - it's just impossible! I love the colours used, the white font in front of the deep purple background just looks stunning and with the snow falling and the couple embracing in the foreground I just think it looks so Christmassy and romantic!
Now the story follows two sisters (more on Isla but Hannah plays a big part), Isla who is a workaholic and enjoys her job and hates all things romantic and Hannah who wants nothing but romance in her life! The tale couldn't be about more two different types of people but there are also some parts of them that show they're sisters and you can just tell that they are really close. Throw in a good looking American and the sisters both find themselves attracted to him. However, Hannah has someone else on her mind...
I absolutely loved Hannah and Raj's friendship - they were hilarious together and I thought they made the perfect pair. The same could be said for Isla and Chase, they were so similar that they were almost the same person! One thing I loved about this novel was that it was so nice to read about a Christmas story set in London. Don't get me wrong, I love reading them where they're set in Devon or the Cotswolds of course, because they're so cosy and Christmassy. But it was so lovely reading about places that I could easily visualise. Like the i-Circle and Notting Hill. It was lovely to read about them in a festive season!
Overall, a really really enjoyable Christmassy tale with lots of festive cheer. I've loved Mandy Baggot's other books and this one is no different! Would definitely recommend giving this a read this Christmas. Thank you to Ebury Digital for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
My Thoughts......I loved it!
Mandy, you’ve done it again!
Mandy Baggot is the queen of the festive story.
And if you love a bit of romance this is perfect for you.
I always feel fully immersed in the area that she sets the story in, I’m there.
This one was set in Notting Hill. I’m not familiar with London at all, except the usual landmarks, but this made me feel like I lived there. The food sounded wonderful at the various eateries featured.
Mandy’s books always have this effect on me, so well described that I feel I’m there. Seeing the sights, eating the food, feeling the emotions. They always give me a giggle too.
We get chemistry straight away with Isla and her American boss Chase (yessss!!!)
I loved the main characters of Isla and Chase. A great supporting cast of Isla’s sister Hannah, Chase’s kids Brooke and Maddie. Mrs Edwards from the square, Raj the postman and Aaron from the office.
Beaumont Square sounded the perfect place to live and the Residents Wine and Cheese Night sounded divine.
It gave me a lovely happy feeling, and I’ve got that lovely Christmassy feeling too!
The cover design is gorgeous.
Her other Christmas books are definitely worth a try if you enjoy this one.
And her books set in Corfu will take you through the Summer season with a smile.
Thanks to Mandy Baggot, Ebury Publishing and NetGalley for the early review copy for an honest review.
(Blog link closer to publication day)
Very christmassy book.
The story of two sisters, Isla and Hannah, who live in London.
Chase Bryan is working in London - I love how him and Isla first met!
I thought, based on the description, that I would love this. But I ended up bailing about 35% in. Too many cliches (sassy gay co-worker, bratty teenage daughter, etc) and the word tawny was way over-used.
This is a heartwarming Christmas romance and, for those who enjoy this genre, it’s an enjoyable read. However, I now realise, I’m not one of them and so I found it a tad soppy and formulaic.
It’s well written though, so, If you enjoy a good romance, this will fit the bill and perfect for Christmas. Enjoy!
Loved this book another great read by this author, even though it was evident half way through that Isla and chase would end up together there was still a nice little twist at the end. Definitely a Feel good Christmas book!
One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill is the fabulous new book from Mandy Baggot. Her books usually transport you to the Greek island of Corfu but this one is set in London in the run up to Christmas.
The story follows two sisters, Isla who works for Breekers London and her sister Hannah. Hannah is dreaming of her perfect Notting Hill Christmas Kiss whilst Isla throws herself into work and organising the Christmas party. She doesn’t seem bothered about the romantic dream but then Chase Bryan, Breekers CEO arrives!
This truly is a feel good festive read. There are some wonderful characters, especially the lovable Raj, they all interact well with each other and the plot line moves along nicely with plenty going on. It’s written with warmth and I really enjoyed it and I look forward to Mandy’s next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House UK Ebury Publishing and the author for the chance to review.
My word this book was amazing such an excellent book from start to finish and you just wanted to keep reading but didn't want it to end either. Perfect to curl up in front of the fire and think about Christmas and romance along with family and friends and work. Just loved this book so much highly recommend you to read it and simply perfect Christmas story which was easy to follow and had you wondering what would happen for the best. Isla is working for her dream job but is always trying not to be late while she's sorting her sister out and making sure she gets to work safe in her wheelchair. She loves sorting out the Christmas work party but this year a new person is coming to England from the company and she is given the job of being his go to girl and she's really not keen on this especially when she sees him and he has his children with him. She is desperate to have just that one Christmas kiss with someone and as she works more with him does she realise she's falling for him but is he hiding a secret to start with. He then falls for her but can't go ahead with what work want him to so can they stop it and be happy together or not. Also can her sister Hannah be happy and start living her own life with more independence and can she find romance with the postman. Perfect story and a must read.
Oh my gods, Mandy has done it again, another amazing delightful and heartfelt story that I just fell in love with and completely got lost in. She has such a way with words that her style of writing is truly magical which draws you in from the very first page.
I was literally glued to this book, if it wasn't for work getting in the way, I would have read this in a day as just did not want to put it down.
I loved all of the characters, getting to know each of them and seeing how they each developed throughout the story.
I fell in love with Chase, so alluring, romantic, charming, confident, real and considerate. Men like that just don't exist in the real world that's for sure, well not in my world anyhow.
My heart especially went out to Hannah, really felt for her, with all that she had to cope and adjust too. Her character should be an inspiration to us all, in seeing how she dealt with things and her constant positive outlook on life.
I've never been to Notting Hill before but the way that Mandy described the place, the different shops, all the roads and the little historical titbits certainly made me feel like I was already there experiencing it as the characters did. Oh and all the mention of the different foods sounded absolutely yummy and devine. I truly enjoyed experiencing Christmas in Notting Hill.
Mandy Baggot is one of my favourite authors and so I highly recommend this book and all her other books as must reads.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
A sweet romcom which was a bit soppy in a few places but with an interesting mixture of characters. It was nice to read a book set in a location quite well known to me.
3 ***
Nice feel good read. Enjoyed this book. One for ppl to enjoy over the festive season. lovely cover on the book to
With the Notting Hill area being one of my favourite parts of London I couldn’t resist this festive read. A brilliant book to make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside on those cold winter day. *Warning*- Will leave your cheeks hurting from smiling!!
A lovely book to get you in the mood for Christmas. Loved the theme of Hannah seeking her Christmas kiss in Notting Hill and Raj is a brilliant creation. To be honest I found the subplot of their romance more interesting than that of Isla and Chase, which seemed a bit contrived at times. Nevertheless the book will leave you with a nice warm feeling inside even when it's freezing outside. The London Eye ( i-circle) scene is memorable and Chase's two daughters will ring true for anyone with teenagers. Well worth a read.
This is a very good, warm, Christmassy book with engaging characters. The descriptions are great and I enjoyed it very much.
This book put me right in the mood for Christmas! Will definitely have to reread it again closer to the season :)
Haven't read this author before but will definitely look out for more books from her. Lovely Xmas romance and brings Notting Hill and Portobello Road. Isla and her sister Hannah live in a square in Notting Hill. Hannah has to use a wheelchair because of the car accident that killed their parents. Isla discovers that the new ceo of her company Chase Bryan who has come from New York to build a superhotel intends to demolish the part of Notting Hill that she lives in.
I loved this book ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Transported me to the gem that is Notting Hill. I fell in love with Isla, Chase and the girls! Another gem from Mandy Baggot and a wholehearted 5 stars!