Member Reviews

This book was really hard to get through and I didn’t like it all. One thing that made it hard to read is that the main character is a woman named Charlie Brown. No matter how many times I told myself she was a woman I couldn’t stop thinking of classic Charlie Brown in the yellow shirt with black squiggly line and it was super distracting. I also just really couldn’t get into the writing or any of the characters. It just wasn’t the book for me

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I love this story; it's sweet, sad, mysterious, and funny, and deals with characters haunted by memories, traumatic situations, and their own decisions. The prologue drew me in right away, though until you understand what it's all about, it seems a really dark beginning, and I wondered at first if I were reading a murder mystery! The real strength of the novel is its characters. I absolutely love Charlie, Pete, and their respective friends and families, and Harry, the snobbish Irving family, and Bree are despicable characters to root against. Charlie's emotional turmoil is well-portrayed, and while there are certainly some triggers that might upset sensitive readers, the traumatic episodes are handled with sensitivity while depicting their horrors accurately. I love the slow burn of Charlie and Pete's relationship as they move from friendly acquaintances to friends to lovers. Charlie's gradual acceptance of her past decisions, her own strength, and her true desires rings true and doesn't seem forced or too quick to happen. The humor in the story comes through the idiosyncrasies of the characters, and since many of them inhabit the worlds of television, theatre, and art, this affords a lot of opportunity for quirkiness. This novel is one I didn't want to end, and I'll definitely look for other books by this author!

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A cute love story about how you handle yourself when all of your plans fall apart. Two strangers meet in a New York Uber. It is the worst time of her life and he is the first friendly person she has met. He takes her under his wing and introduces her to New York and his friends.

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Ok so I went into this book with The Pogues’ Christmas hit ringing in my ears and although you could argue that Charlie has some of the sentiment towards a certain someone, it’s definitely not the tale of that song.

Instead, we meet Charlie Brown, a make up artist who has discovered a way to make herself feel invincible and now spends her days giving that gift to others.

Charlie flies out the The Big Apple to see her long-term boyfriend Harry, only for him to not show up.

Stuck in New York for the first time on her own, Charlie channels her inner Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2 and cracks on. Ok, her approach is less jumping on the bed, bombing in the pool and scoffing down room service candy while stopping robbers at a beloved toy store and more crying a lot and smashing those step counts…

You might be thinking you know what to expect: a handsome stranger turns hero trope…you’re wrong. For one thing: you didn’t realise there would be mouth-watering Greek food references and tornadoes.

The book is well paced, the characters wonderfully fleshed out and a range of emotional topics that are described perfectly.

If you’re looking for a Christmassy tale, this is not the one. Instead, pick this up for Betwixtmas (Dec 26-31) or any time in life that you might have forgotten your superpowers or played yourself down.

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At the age of thirty-two, Charlie Brown is on the brink of a journey.

With the yuletide season on the horizon, her destination is the bustling streets of New York City, a cityscape that promises a reunion with her boyfriend, Harry. Their separation due to work commitments is about to come to an end.

Yet, when her plane touches down, a disheartening reality awaits. Harry is conspicuously absent, his absence leaving Charlie in a state of uncertainty.

No handcrafted sign bearing her name is waved in greeting at the gate. Harry's phone remains ominously silent. In an instant, Charlie's worst apprehensions are realized.

Questions swirl in her mind. What has befallen Harry? Stranded across an ocean, what steps should Charlie now take?

As the truth gradually dawns on Charlie, she takes matters into her own hands. The resolve solidifies: she won't leave New York without unearthing the facts. A glimmer of hope appears in the form of Pete, a dashing new acquaintance, who might just hold the key to a potential happily-ever-after.

This is the quintessential feel-good narrative—a book to curl up with by the fireside, with the twinkle of Christmas lights casting a warm glow. The ideal companion for the holiday season, offering a simple and effortlessly enjoyable read. My initial encounter with this author was rewarding, leaving me eager to delve into more of their literary creations. The book's captivating cover design is an enticement that would certainly catch my eye on a bookstore shelf. A heartfelt appreciation goes to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing this advance copy for review.

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Zoe Folbigg's "A Fairytale of New York" delivers a delightful and heartwarming narrative that offers a cozy escape into the world of Charlie. Set against the enchanting backdrop of New York City and enigmatic London, this sweet love story is a comforting read that warms the heart.
Folbigg's descriptive prose paints a charming picture of the bustling cities, making me feel as though I was right there alongside the characters. The sights, sounds, and atmosphere of New York and London come alive, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
The festive atmosphere of New York during the holiday season adds an extra layer of charm, making it a perfect read for curling up during a cozy winter evening (reading this on a wet August afternoon in the UK made this the perfect reading companion as it felt like winter!).
"A Fairytale of New York" is a heartwarming tale that explores love, self-discovery, and the magic of a city that holds endless possibilities. If you're seeking a comforting and romantic escape, this book is sure to whisk you away on a journey that will leave you with a warm and contented feeling.

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Charlie Brown is a successful make-up-artist living in London and working for TV productions. Her boyfriend is currently working in N.Y.C. and she is suppossed to visit him there for 3 months. But when she arrives at the airport in N.Y. he is not there. She keeps waiting for a long time and ultimatly learns that he has dumped and ghosted her. As she is too ashamed to go home Charlie decides to spend some time in N.Y.C. and by chance she meets Pete, who invites her to spend time with him and his friends.
I liked the story but it took me a while to get into it. I felt for Charlie but I couldn't always relate to her character and her hallucinations were a bit unbelievable. But all in all a very entertaining book.

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I was very happy when I knew Zoë Folbigg had a new novel out, and have enjoyed her others. Charlie, a makeup artist in London, and charities who help people with medical conditions and cancer feel better about their appearance through makeup, is excited to go to New York to be with Harry, her boyfriend of 16 years. But where is he?

I loved the atmosphere and description of the city of New York and it was perfectly portrayed. I liked the people she met along the way. Pete, a geologist, was kind and welcoming. I was happy they met. His family, Erin and Taya, were kind, too.

I liked the way Pete treated Charlie. I learned a lot about and volcanoes geology through Pete, and the geology exhibition was fun and atmospheric.

There’s an element of mystery involving Charlie and a little girl. I don’t want to reveal more, so will end this review by saying it’s a book I really recommend.

I have now reviewed, and thoroughly enjoyed, all of Zoë’s books.

Fairytale of New York is so realistic, real and emotional, it’s beautiful. I felt like I was in New York, and I definitely wanted to go after finishing the book.

Thanks to Zoë Folbigg, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars

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'Fairytale of New York' is a beautiful, romantic and Christmassy story. There is also a lot of sadness as well but it is of course there for a reason and important for the plot. I loved getting to know Charlie and following her on her New York adventure and as she begins to pick herself up after her life does not go the way she intended. Reading about New York at Christmas is magical. Folbigg brings everything together in this book to make for a wonderfully sweet read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

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I very much enjoyed reading this, there's mystery, secrets and much sightseeing of New York and London. I found the characters really relatable, especially Pete's wonderful Greek family, and thought the friends to lovers hook worked really well here with lots of tension and obstacles to overcome.

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I have not heard of this author before picking up this book, and wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

Marketed as a Christmas romance, this book was pretty disappointing. It is more indicative of a women’s fiction with romantic elements novel.

Charlie is headed to New York to spend Christmas with her boyfriend, Harry, but upon arriving discovers that he is nowhere to be found, leaving her heartbroken and confused.

She decides to remain in the city and try to find out what happened to Harry, with the help of Pete, a charming and supportive new acquaintance who offers a helping hand in her search.

This book is fairly well-paced, and the mystery of what happened to Harry is engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review. This review will also be posted to my Instagram account (@kathleenryderauthor), as well as to my blog (daydreamsinthedesert.com) closer to the release date.

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4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

Charlotte (aka Charlie) Brown is a wonderfully quirky character that displays vulnerability, courage, and a tad of naivete. After a six-month separation, necessitated by her boyfriend’s relocation for work, Charlie travels from London arriving in New York City with visions of a grand reunion. However, Harry (the on-again off-again boyfriend of sixteen years) is nowhere to be found. Thus, begins Charlie’s holiday adventure in a strange city and a strange country knowing no one and too embarrassed to turn around and go back home. In attempting to solve the mystery of Harry’s vanishing act, she experiences panic, disillusionment, betrayal, friendship, and the possibility of new love.

This is my first exposure to this author’s work, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Charlie’s profession as a celebrity makeup artist was refreshingly different and added a touch of levity to some of the heavier issues. Both Charlie and Pete, her newfound friend, were likeable and engaging characters. Harry, the narcissistic boyfriend, was a great counterpoint to the overall goodness of Charlie and Pete. There were times I had to grit my teeth to read about Charlie’s lingering attachment to him despite his obnoxious behavior.

The travelogue aspect of the book was an unexpected bonus. New York City, upstate New York, London, and Italy are on detailed display through Charlie’s eyes as she navigates her way on her journey. In the process, she gains insight into a longstanding issue and comes to value herself in a new way.

Overall, this was a very satisfying read with good character development, warmth, and a feel-good ending.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

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Charlie Brown has a plane to catch. She’s off to New York to be reunited with Harry, her boyfriend of sixteen years. But when she lands, Harry is nowhere to be found and there’s no answer from his phone. Charlie decides to stay in New York and find out the truth alongside handsome new friend Pete. Could there still be a path to happily ever after?

Charlie is one of those characters you instantly fall in love with: smart and sassy yet with a hint of vulnerability. I enjoyed how the plot evolved and how it transported us to New York, London and Italy. There were some really great characters and the plot kept me entertained from start to finish. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

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Fairytale of New York" by Zoë Folbigg is a wonderfully enchanting holiday read that takes its readers on a journey of self examination, hope,and love. I absolutely loved the character Charlie, she was so genuine and true to herself.  And Pete, he was her perfect match!  This was such a tender & intricate story of finding a love that was meant for you. 
This author captured NYC so perfectly I felt like I was there, from the airport to the bustling streets I absolutely adored how wonderfully she captured the holiday spirit as well as the New York scene. 

This was a new author for me and what prompted me was the cover, it is stunning! What won me over in the end was a beautifully written book about love, hope and new promises for the future. 

Rating 4/5
PUB Date : Aug 28, 2023 
Many thanks to Netgalley, BOOKANDTONIC & the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Set in NYC. Upstate NY and London. I loved how even though I’ve been to NYC many times I discovered new sites through Pete’s choices of activities. The storyline was a slow burn romance with some serious themes. Although it was annoying how hung up Charlie was on loser Harry, I appreciated her story, and hot Professor, Pete was a keeper. I liked how they had sweet, important moments as well as fantastic scenes. Lots of enjoyable side characters, esp Pete’s family. The ending was better than I anticipated. This book gave me Paige Toon vibes, and I love her writing, so this was a win for me.

Thank you #Boldwoodbooks and #NetGalley for the arc e-book.

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A absolutely fantastic read. How you can hate some ones boyfriend so much. I loved Charlie the main character and her job. I loved the back story of her jobs. Very clever writing.. The airport part had me so wound up . The beginning and end are great. It moves between New York and London. Good to read a book where the job is not the problem. Saphie was a great best friend. I loved how she met Pete. Charlie’s dress sense was fab.I could go on and on. Read it

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