Member Reviews

I’m going to start by saying that Lara isn’t your stereotypical female lead. Yes, she has emotional barriers but that doesn’t hold her back, she just gets on with life. That’s not to say she’s doesn’t feel emotions. For me she came across as resilient (perhaps something she has learnt growing up with her dad and her ‘almost’ brother Aldo). Her skills, in our culture, would be firmly placed in the domain of males.

I loved how physical she was (the opposite to me!) and not at all bothered by the scrapes she found herself in. She does have limitations she’s set for herself and throughout the story, her experiences in NY have a direct affect on expanding those boundaries, opening up to other possibilities and plans for what she wants to do. I loved her! Best friend Susie compliments her perfectly.

Seth IS emotional. He’s sensitive and thoughtful without coming across as a wimp. Who wouldn’t want to help this gorgeous and vulnerable man! The acting scene in Cafe Cluny was pure class. I could feel the emotion rolling off in waves, clapping enthusiastically myself at the end! I adored his mum Kossy, not only for the years of selfless giving at the shelter but also how she supports him emotionally in his need to find out more.

Fabulous scenes in New York provided plenty of opportunities for both laughter and tears. Loved Seth’s inspired idea for how to travel the world ♥ I might magpie his idea. 🙂

One New York Christmas is more than a feel-good romance. The story is as much about finding out who you are and where you belong as the attraction between two people. It’s about acceptance for those more vulnerable in society – a perfect theme for this time of year. The ending brought me happy tears in response to the hope for what’s to come for three families. Perfect.

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This book is one of the best Christmas books I have read so far this year and I couldn't put it down.

A superb easy feel good story which I absolutely loved reading curled up in the warm. I felt I had been transported back to “chilly Christmassy” New York thanks to the author’s fantastic detailed descriptions of the city and people.

The characters in the story are all unique in their own way and not your usual type of people that you generally find in this genre of book.

The story is filled with some hilarious moments (especially the zoo and the Winter Wonderland scenes) and lots of serious ones too but the morale behind the story is sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and do something we wouldn't usually do. So be like Lara and just do it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an open and honest review.

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Well what can I say another fantastic book from one of my go to authors!
Christmas books are my favourite no matter what time of the year, yes I am also one of those people who watches Christmas films all year round 🤪. So I always look forward to getting my hands on a new one

A heroine who is a lorry driver you just don’t read that every day but it is indicative of Mandy’s willingness to step outside of the box with her ideas. You never quite know what will happen but one thing you can guarantee is laughs and a good dose of romance.

Seth and Lara had me laughing from the minute they met at the zoo and I loved getting to know them through their developing romance. Mandy’s descriptions of New York are immersive and made me want to go back there!

Was there anything I didn’t like - nope it’s Christmas with a hot guy in New York and a feisty heroine what more could you ask for? Perfect for snuggling up on a cold winters day with a blanket and a hot chocolate or, if you are like me perfect to read at any time of year 😉.

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Mandy Baggot is an absolute GENIUS when it comes to creating a smashing set of characters, and One New York Christmas is no exception!

Lara's long-term boyfriend dumps her out of the blue and she has no idea what to do. Her small village and her relationship with him is all she knows. But her best friend, Susie, somehow convinces her to fly to New York and, once there, meet up with a dreamy actor she tweeted after a bit too much whisky. And so begins Lara's adventures in New York, which include major tourist attractions, some animal escapades, and even a little incident involving a spork. When in America, right?

There are so many moments where I laughed out loud, moments where I couldn't stop a tear from rolling down my cheek, and moments where I was so wrapped up in the adventures of Lara, Susie, Seth, Trent, and the others that I honestly wanted to be a part of the story myself. This is a romance novel, but it's also so much more than that. It's about discovering yourself and getting out of your comfort zone, and also features some relationships that aren't romantic, but are equally as charming to read about.

Mandy Baggot impressed me last year with One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill, and she's done it again with One New York Christmas. It's impossible not to fall in love with Mandy's characters and stories. I can't wait to read more from her!

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Lara Weeks is heading to New York with best friend Susie for the Christmas trip of a lifetime.

A festive break in the snowy Big Apple visiting the tourist hotspots, not to mention the shopping, seems like the perfect way for Lara to get over her ex-boyfriend. Or maybe make him so jealous he begs for a second chance.

Enlisting the help of gorgeous actor, Seth Hunt, doesn't quite go to plan, but there's something about him that has Lara wishing for a different kind of happy ever after...

I haven't read any books by this author before ... and I really don't know why I haven't. This is a lovely romantic read, and having been to New York on a short visit, I could recognise some of the places mentioned.

I loved the humour and the gentle suggestiveness ... or was it my warped mind? Either way, this is a brilliant read. 5*

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Wow, I have absolutely fallen in love with this book, it has been a truly wonderful heartwarming, entertaining Christmas read and it being set in New York was the cherry on top, perfect. I literally didn't want it to end.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two main characters Lara and Seth, discovering their bond and chemistry was great fun and I may have fallen in love with Seth myself lol.

The scenes with Seth and Lara and the cute little Lemur at the zoo did half crack me up and had me in a fit of giggles, not to mention the scene where they rescued the reindeer. There was so many scenes to love in this story. 

What also made the story perfect and enjoyable was the supporting cast i.e. all of the other characters as in Susie, David, Kossy, Ted, Candy, Trent, Tina the Truck, Felice, Earl, Mad Maggie and the completely lovable Aldo, he really was a star of a character. All of whom has their own little storylines going on which fitted perfectly into the rest of the story.

Completely random but this sentence which was in the story, truly had me in a fit of giggles 'Cow down, shift the gorilla into first and go easy on the ant'. If you want to know the context of that sentence, then you'll just have to read this book as I've no intention of giving out spoilers in my review.

There were plenty of other scenes throughout the story that gave me little giggles too. Also there were a couple of emotional moments/scenes that made my eyes water a little bit too.

I'm a massive fan of Mandy Baggot books, so I'm always recommending her books to my friends and other readers and this one will now also be included.

Right I'm off to research where I can find me some home made mince-pie whisky which was mentioned throughout the book and has made me want to try it lol.

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An enjoyable sweet story.
Lara lives in a small chocolate-box Wiltshire village and has never been out of the country until her best friend Suzie drags her to New York for a holiday. There she meets actor Seth and discovers a connection that she never felt with her former boyfriend. There is a HFN ending but how a relationship would work in the long term is hard to see. Very light hearted and frothy.

The descriptions of New York at Christmas are atmospheric and all the touristy destinations are covered. The side story of Seth’s birth mother was interesting but I would have liked a bit more emotion as it felt a bit superficial. The book has lots of topical references that may quickly date it (eg. Meghan Markle’s preacher, Yanny or Laurel) and new (to me) words I had to look up eg. pleather. I also found it irritating that her adopted brother was referred to as her “almost-brother” a total of twelve times (once would have done).

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This book has everything you could want from a romantic comedy. There are fantastic and non-stereotypical characters, a brilliant setting, heart-warming scenes and a bit of festive cheer to boot.

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Mandy, you’ve done it again! I think it may be my favourite Mandy Baggot Christmas book ever!
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.
I loved the main characters of Lara and Seth.
At first Lara keeps thinking about her ex-boyfriend, but there’s no denying the chemistry with Seth. He may seem out of reach for her, I mean he’s the star of her favourite TV show, but he really is an ordinary guy. He’s just a jobbing actor after his next role.
There are some hilarious scenes as Seth’s ‘agent’ sets him up with some events that are supposed to promote him. The zoo and the ‘winter wonderland’ are classic examples.
The supporting roles of Susie and her boyfriend David, Seth’s parents and Lara’s family back home in rural England blended in beautifully to create such a lovely story.
Lara and Seth make every moment count while they spend some wonderful days together in New York. They discover the importance of being true to themselves, and truly learn how to follow their hearts.
It’s an amazing book and I will keep it in my heart.
Thanks to Mandy Baggot, Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing and NetGalley for the early review copy in which I give my honest opinion.

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It just wouldn't be the run up to Christmas without a Mandy Baggot Christmas book, and this one is as good as it gets. Who doesn't love reading about New York at Christmas, and add in some fabulous animal escapades, a red carpet, and some utterly fabulous characters, and you have a fabulous story.

That's not forgetting the slightly deeper story line surrounding Seth, who has his own journey of discovery to go on, which coincides with him auditioning for a part that he really wants. Oh and then there is Seth and his mum Kozzy and the shelter storyline, and a couple of really interesting homeless people that use the shelter.

Not to mention Lara who is in New York for the first time ever, well first time she has been abroad at all, all in an effort to get over her broken heart. She is a kick ass female lead, she drive a truck, thinks nothing of climbing tress, rescuing animals or standing up for what she believe in. It was fabulous to see New York through her eyes, and I especially related to her hatred of tights, and dressing up, and her reactions to all the shopping he best friend wants to do are fabulous.

Given the two different worlds that Lara and Seth inhabit, they wouldn't' normally have met each other had it not been for for their best friends. What does become apparent is their instant connection, they are clearly made for each other, but whether they will work it out is something you will need to read to find out.

This is just perfect festive reading, its warm and cosy, its funny, it has a bit of Christmas magic, realistic and likeable characters, snow, a round the world trip in food, some hilarious moments, great setting and just an all around wonderful book. Whether you are a fan of Mandy Baggot, or new to the author, you can't go wrong with this book.

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

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What a perfect winter novel to cosy up with. It will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside by the time you've finished this fantastic new novel by Mandy Baggot. As soon as I knew that Mandy was bringing out a new Christmas novel, I jumped at the chance to read it because I have loved every single one of her other novels. This one was definitely no different. This cover is definitely one of my favourites of Mandy's. It just looks so sparkly and gorgeous! It's definitely got a festive feel to it and it completely draws you in. I couldn't wait to read it as soon as I saw this cover! Set in New York, this novel focuses on Lara who has escaped to the City That Never Sleeps with best friend Susie to get away from what's happening in her life at home back in Appleshaw.

One thing I love about Mandy's novels is that we always get to see both sides of the story. This time we get to read about Lara, who as mentioned above, is from a little village in England - and that village is all she's known for her whole life. She's never travelled, and she thought she had it good with boyfriend of two years Dan, that is until he says he wants a break from their relationship. On the other side is Seth, an actor trying to get his big break and also trying to find his birth mum (or mom). The two collide when Susie and Lara drunkenly message him on Twitter one night, they decide to meet up in New York to make Dan jealous and the attraction is obvious right from the beginning.

I really liked Lara and her no-nonsense attitude, she was a really refreshing character and I enjoyed reading about her and Seth's relationship. I also loved reading about New York around Christmas time and it's definitely made me want to book up and go! Mandy has a gift of making you feel as though you're right there with the characters, feeling what they're feeling and doing what they're doing. This book was simply magical and Mandy Baggot at her finest. I loved every page. I was just sad when I finished it! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

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One New York Christmas by Mandy Baggot a five-star read you will want to snuggle with. I was amazed that this was the first time I read this author, I was certain I had read her before and now I am sure I will be picking up so much more by her as the writing makes you feel like you are there with them, there is a warmth to this story that will astound you. This is an opposite attract but its not the usual, Lara is the opposite to your normal willowy female who needs help at every turn she can help herself and that’s why I adored this book so much, Seth was sweet as well. Overall this is a great romance as well as a great Christmas story.

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A great christmas read. After he boyfried tells her he needs a break from their relationship, Lara heads to New York for a holiday with her best friend. After a drunken tweet, she ends up meeting actor Seth, who she wants to help her make her ex jealous. But as they spend more time together it ends up not being a game any more.

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This is not the kind of book I would ordinarily read. However, I love New York, and I love Christmas. And as an added bonus, this is exactly the kind of book my wife loves to read. A nice, easy Festive read. This is the perfect book to read curled up by the fire this Christmas.

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This i's not the normal genre of book that I read, however this old romantic loved this book. . It is full of the wonderful atmosphere of New York and this is heightened by the Christmas feel. The characters are marvellous, charming as well as different and gritty. The tale is a love story at its heart but also fun and light hearted. . At times in the beginning I found it jumped around a bit, but once I got used to the author's style this feeling disappeared. .
Witty, feel good and charming with the occasional dollop of cheese, I thoroughly enjoyed the escapism to New York at Christmas..

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I loved this so much! Lara’s a brilliantly unconventional heroine and is so true to herself and her style. The story doesn’t feel particularly far fetched, despite its Christmas fairytale feel. And oh my goodness I fell in love with New York all over again. Can’t recommend this enough - perfect winter read!

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Lara has got on a plane for the first time ever with her best friend Susie to get some much-needed space from her 'we-need-a-break' boyfriend. What better place than New York at Christmastime! Maybe with the help of Seth, a gorgeous actor she will even be able to make him realize what he is missing.

This book is a love story to New York, falling in love, to stepping out of your comfort zone and learning to let new people and experiences in; for Lara, it's not to be content with 'visiting' the world from Twitter but to actually go and do it! Join Lara as Seth shows her the sights of New York and to have the courage to trust, to try new things and open herself up to a whole other world. In turn, Lara encourages Seth to see the silver linings in life not just think the worst.

Filled with laugh-out-loud moments and a few more poignant ones too, this fabulous cast of characters are easily investable and you'll soon be hooked, turning the pages long after you should have turned the light out to find out exactly how it ends. After all, Lara and Seth seem to bring out the best in each other but is this just a game to make her ex-boyfriend jealous and a good PR stunt for him or have they really fallen for each other?

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK & Ebury Publishing for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

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Really great read. It takes you on a really great journey of different emotions. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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I love this book! The storyline is a mixture of make-believe and likelihood! It runs smoothly and has a great ending. Look forward to reading more of this author’s books. Definitely recommended as a feel-good Seasonal tale.

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I’ve always wanted to visit New York at Christmas and this book made me feel like I was there beautiful story

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