3,5* rounded to 4* This book started slow. I wasn't really liking it very much for the first third, but... it got so emotional and true that in the end I couldn't not round it to four stars...

Reading the plot I was expecting something different: I kind of thought there could be some mistery relating to Harry disappearance, I couldn't be more wrong.
This book starts with a classic romance twist: a love story gone bad.
Charlie flyes to New York for Christmas to spend a three month period with Harry, her boyfriend. But when she gets there he can't be found and ghosts her. That's where the real story begins, even with a broken heart, Charlie can't just fly back to London, so she decides to stay in New York...

This is mostly a story about self discovery, about finding solace in the little things, even in a grieving time, about inner strength and new possibilities.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Fairytale of New York opens on our fmc being abandoned at JFK Airport when her partner, Harry, ghosts her after inviting her to come stay for the Christmas season.

Before I start on the review, I'd like to say a big thank you to @theboldbookclub for inviting me to take part in their Christmas readalong (sorry it took me so long to finish!). I'd also like to thank @netgalley for giving me early access to the book, and @zoefolbigg for all her support throughout my read<33

First up, I'd just like to say that I adore Pete. He is a great book boyfriend - extremely understanding, kind, caring, and downright handsome! I also like Charlie for the most part - she's funny and kind, passionate about her transformations, and brave to carry on as she did. However, the amount she went on about Harry to Pete did grind on me a little bit, like dude, shhh!! But then, break up's are hard, and I can't imagine how it must have felt to be ghosted after so many years together, so maybe I need to be more understanding.

I did think that the storyline in this book was fab, and was a lot more in-depth than a lot of your contemporary romances. I loved how it gave an insight into Pete and Charlie's work situations, and the fact that you felt like you were really in whichever setting you happened to be in at the time.

This really was the slowest of slow burns, but it all paid off in the end<33

This was a sweet and fun book. I loved the characters, Charlie was really lovely, strong and feisty despite all that had happened to her - the descriptions of her clothing were amazing, they brought a smile to my face! I loved hearing about her work and the projects she had been on, plus her interactions with awful characters such as Bree! She had an endearing quality about her and I loved that she was so caring and wanted to help all around her.

Her relationship with Pete was gorgeous, I did find the typical rom com problems between them annoying and the mistaken issues and lack of communication was very frustrating! Sometimes I don't want all the problems I just want them to be together and that be the end of it 😆 But they had a quirky banter and easy way with each other which jumped off the page and I was rooting for them from the moment they met in an user pool!

Occasionally I got a little lost with the writing, I felt sometimes the author was trying to fit a little too much Into a moment and it distracted me from the story. Sometimes there was so much detail happening I lost focus a little, It stopped me feeling desperate to keep reading if I'm honest. This could just have been me and where my head is at lately though!

All In all though it was an uplifting story, lined with emotional trauma from both sides which ultimately ended typically and happily. A wintery cosy read.

After Charlie flies all the way to New York City from England to see her fiancé Harry needless to say she is disappointed when he is nowhere to be found. While taking a taxi uptown she splits the fair with a guy she will come to know is a professor and his name is Pete she will spend most of her holiday in New York City with Pete and by the time she leaves New York she looks forward to seeing her new friend Pete again. They have plans for him to come to England on a business trip in the closer that they come the more Charlie cannot wait but what about her fiancé Harry? This book was pretty good and I usually love these kinds of romcoms but I am going to be honest and say I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Pete and Charlie and although I loved reading about her job which I found so interesting and loved her friend so much I did finish the book and although I didn’t get that woozy romance feeling at the end I still am being honest when I say I enjoyed it just didn’t find any chemistry between Charlie and Pete. I am sure it is just me and others love this book and it is entertaining and may not agree with me at all I still recommend it as an entertaining read just not one of my favorites. I want to thank Boldwood books and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I read this book as part of the Boldwood Books Christmas read along, started it on holiday and finished it at home. I have to say it was delightful! I was drawn to the book because New York is one of my favourite cities to visit at Christmas, so add in a sprinkle of romance, a sprinkle of intrigue, a sprinkle of suspense and a sprinkle of happy ever after and you’ve got the perfect Christmas read! Charlie is a great protagonist, a strong woman who’s overcome several hurdles in her life and who gives so much to others. Pete, her hero who saves the day on that dreadful first visit to New York, is also a great character, quirky and with his own backstory. There are some lovely supporting characters in Charlie’s life and I especially liked Sapphie and Jazz. All in all a super feel good festive read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.

This was a much more emotional read that I imagined it would be, but the heartfelt nature and the setting made it really work well for me. I think patrons will also enjoy it so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

I read this as an online book club pick. While it is a totally enjoyable story, I did find it a bit irritating for me at my age. Some of the actions of the main female character just had me rolling my eyes. For an intelligent, successful female, she makes some crazy bad decisions. That is why I stated I am probably just too old of an audience for this book, but trying to not judge it too harshly for that reason.

I hung in with the plot and it definitely got much better for me to accept as the story went on, but then again in the last one-fourth, here she goes again, with a bad decision. I know in a romance plot there is the meeting, falling in love, conflict, and recovery, but I was just so upset with the conflict section in this book. Once again, I was rolling my eyes and actually skipped a few pages since I really could not take what she was doing.

All that said, it overall was a enjoyable story to read.

This book is an absolute gem; it captivated me from the first few pages. As I delved deeper into its pages, I felt like I was watching an epic film; the main characters' world was so richly detailed, and their story felt incredibly real. Each time I set it down, I eagerly anticipated the chance to pick it back up again! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly engaging read.

The story revolves around thirty-two-year-old Charlie Brown, who travels to New York City hoping to spend three lovely months with her boyfriend, Harry. However, Harry is nowhere to be seen upon her arrival, and her attempts to contact him go unanswered. Despite this setback, Charlie is determined to make the most of her time in the city. Her journey is self-discovery, as she learns to tap into her inner strength and resilience in adversity.

I was apprehensive when I read the prologue, fearing the book would be dark and twisted. However, to my relief, it is anything but. This book is a real page-turner and would make a fantastic movie. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the review copy.

Fairytale of New York is a beautifully emotional story. For me New York was the big draw to read the book and it did not disappoint. The author captured the city perfectly. Just such a wonderful book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.

I enjoyed this story! Charlie is a make-up artist from Lancashire, England who heads to New York City to visit her boyfriend Harry, who has been working there. She's excited to see him, but once she arrives he's nowhere to be found. After a long night, she sets out to find him and get answers about what happened. On her way to get answers from Harry, she meets Pete a handsome, NYC geology professor. He offers to show her around NYC and to get her mind off of Harry and a friendship develops. When she returns to London he comes to visit her and the roles are reversed.

I loved this sweet meet-cute, slow-burn romance. It gave me 'When Harry Met Sally' vibes. I also loved the settings in New York City and London.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for this ARC

This was a new to me author and I enjoyed the journey she took me on. One of hope, love and self discovery all while taking in the sights and sounds of New York-from the hustle and bustle of the airport to the busy streets and the taxis, I felt like I was there with Charlie as she ventured through the city. Such a tender story of finding love after heartbreak, and Pete was such a genuine guy, not perfect, just a true , honest, kind man. Hard to find these days.
While the cover caught my eye, the ending won me over. The promise of a beautiful future filled with love and happiness just made my grinch heart melt. The story just captured the essence of the holidays so well.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Enjoyable but a little predictable in places.
Charlie Brown is coming to the end of a busy season at work and looking forward to spending Christmas with her long term boyfriend in New York where he has been living for six months. Charlie has packed all of Harry’s requested treats from London and is full of anticipation as she gets off the plane. New York could be a whole new chapter for her, but not how she expects!!
Well written with some great characters and plot but sadly a bit predictable at times especially with the will they won’t they parts. Loved the tours around New York and out of state!
Not greatly festive but certainly a great New Year’s party!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the read!!

The initial opening of the story may send you off down the wrong track but never fear !! This is a love story of two people living across the pond from each other who having each had their own bad personal experiences are a bit reticent to become involved in a relationship again. It is also a tale of how we all have an inner strength which we can tap into when we really have to and that true friends are more valuable than gold. A great Christmas time read.

Thanks to Boldwood books for the ARC to review

As I eagerly delved into this festive book, my expectations were high. I was hoping to be swept away by its charm and transported to a world of holiday magic. However, as I read on, I was disappointed to find that the story was too predictable for my liking, especially towards the conclusion. The plot felt formulaic, lacking the originality that I have come to expect from holiday books.

Nevertheless, I do feel that the book has its merits. It could be a decent contender for someone seeking a romantic Christmas read, as it does have its share of heartwarming moments. However, I couldn't help but feel that it would appeal more to those who are new to the genre, rather than to seasoned readers who are looking for something fresh and innovative.

Despite its shortcomings, I still managed to enjoy the book's overall plot. It has the potential to be transformed into an ideal Christmas movie, one that could be watched year after year as part of cherished traditions. I think that it would be a great fit for those who love feel-good stories that are easy to follow and have a happy ending. Overall, while it may not have been the book that I was hoping for, it still has its place on the bookshelf of any holiday lover.

Main character Charlie is excited to be joining her boyfriend Harry for Christmas in New York. However, at the airport there is no sign of him.

Alone in a strange country, Charlie feels vulnerable, confused and alone, but she is determined to find out why the love of her life had suddenly turned cold.

I loved the mystery element at the start of the book, which made me immediately connect and empathise with Charlie. From then on. I was rooting for her to be happy. The book is set around Christmas and New Year, but doesn't focus on it too much. However, the split setting of New York and London is described beautifully, full of interesting facts, and well researched.

All the featured characters are warm,  diverse and relatable, especially Pete who takes Charlie under his wing. Slowly Charlie begins to realise that her trip to New York was better than she planned, but her past still haunts her. The story is well written and moves quickly, with just the right amount of romance and Christmas magic.

This is my first book by Zoe Folbigg so I am grateful to @theboldbookclub for inviting me to join this amazing read-along. I had so much fun taking part and I really enjoyed the book.

I loved Charlie, she's a strong, self confident and courageous character. She's also kind and caring which makes her a character you can really root for and cry with when things don't work out.

The writing style and plot make this an easy read and I found myself pulled into the story very quickly. This is so much more than a romcom. The story starts out with heartbreak and trauma but ends up as a beautiful romance. Both Charlie and Pete have the strength and support of their family and friends to help them overcome the heartaches life throws at them.

But the star of the book is Mabel the cat. It sealed the deal for me when she mewed at Pete when they first meet. Cats always know 😉

This is a fantastic festive, but not overly Christmassy read.

Title: Fairytale of New York
Author: Zoë Folbigg
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction

Rating 5/5

In Zoë Folbigg's enchanting novel "Fairytale of New York," readers are swept into a heartwarming winter romance that unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling New York City during Christmas. With a blend of love, suspense, and an unputdownable plot, this story is a delightful addition to the festive season, captivating audiences from the very first page.

Thirty-two-year-old Charlie Brown is eagerly headed to New York, filled with anticipation to reunite with her boyfriend, Harry. However, upon landing, her excitement turns to anxiety and confusion as Harry is nowhere to be found. The absence of his familiar presence leaves Charlie bewildered and worried. Without any sign or response from Harry, Charlie confronts her worst fears about their relationship.

Determined to uncover the truth, Charlie refuses to leave New York until she uncovers the mystery behind Harry's disappearance. As she navigates the unfamiliar cityscape, she finds solace and support from a charming new acquaintance, Pete. Together, they embark on a journey that not only leads to revelations about Harry but also prompts Charlie to reevaluate her own self-worth and desires for a happily-ever-after.

Zoë Folbigg crafts a captivating narrative that effortlessly blends romance, friendship, and self-discovery. The story unfolds with suspense, drawing readers into Charlie's emotional rollercoaster and her quest for answers in a city teeming with holiday cheer. Amidst the twinkling lights and festive spirit of New York, the novel beautifully explores themes of love, resilience, and the importance of believing in one's worth.

"Fairytale of New York" is a charming and heartwarming read that captures the essence of the holiday season while tugging at the heartstrings of readers. Folbigg's storytelling prowess shines through her engaging characters and an enticing plot that keeps readers eagerly flipping pages. With elements of warmth, emotion, and a dash of serendipity, this novel is perfect for fans of heartfelt romances seeking a delightful winter escape.

For those who cherish tales of love, friendship, and self-discovery amidst the magic of Christmas, Zoë Folbigg's "Fairytale of New York" promises an engaging and uplifting experience that reaffirms the power of belief in oneself and the joy of unexpected connections in the most enchanting of settings.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for an advance digital copy for my honest review

Perfect winter romance!

Charlie has been working long hours as a makeup artist for a TV show and is excited to spend the next few months in New York with her boyfriend. They have been together forever and he has recently relocated to work in New York for a few years.

Only, when she lands there is no sign of him. He is unreachable on the phone and she spends all night at an airport waiting for him to show up.

She is afraid to tell her friends and family because she doesn't want to ruin their holidays. She gets a place and tries to understand what happened. She goes on a little trip to find him where he was supposed to spend his holidays and meets Pete on the train. They hit it off right away.

She spends her days doing touristy things with Pete.

But soon she gets a job offer and goes back, with a promise to see Pete when he goes to visit London in spring.

It's not without bumps in the road until they find their happily ever after.

A lovely, Christmasy, romance that makes you feel all of the feels...

Highly recommend it!

Charlie embarks on the trip of a lifetime, 90 days in New York visiting her boyfriend who has recently moved there for work. Her adventure gets off to a bad start when he isn't at the airport to meet her and had fallen off the radar.

A few chance encounters lead her to finding the answer to his absence and an invite to friendmas with Pete, the keen geologist she happens to uberpool with.

Although packaged as a festive read this was much more, dealing with some sensitive subject matters- trigger warnings- cancer, abortion, infidelity, these were handled well. The references to the TV shows that Charlie worked backstage as a make up artist on were enjoyable and realistic. Overall, an enjoyable read, thanks to netgalley and boldwood books for an advance read copy.

Charlie went to New York to meet her boyfriend, but he never showed up to meet her. It turns out he's met someone else and didn't have to guts to tell her. So she's in a strange city, in a strange country and knows nobody. Until she meets Pete.

I loved watching the characters getting to know each other and ultimately falling in love, although I don't think I would have climbed a volcano!

I really enjoyed hearing about Charlie's job as a makeup artist on shows similar to Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer. It gives you an insight into what could go on behind the scenes.

This is such a perfect escape read, and I've loved every minute.