One Wish in Manhattan – Mandy Baggot

“In just a few days, she and Angel would be leaving it all behind and travelling thousands of miles across the ocean for Christmas in the Big Apple. Minus temperatures in double figures and streets full of Santas, Michael Bublé music and candy canes.” (Quotation page 12)

Content

Haley Walker lives in Salisbury. Her dream was to become a designer with her own creations, but now, with twenty-eight years, she is a single mother and has just quit her job at a dry-cleaning firm. Her brother Dean, who lives in New York, has invited her and her nine-year-old daughter Angel for Christmas time.

Oliver Drummond of Drummond Global offices has never been fond of strategizing; he is a creator and makes things done.

When Haley and Oliver meet, the charismatic billionaire plays his usual “make a wish game”. Not at all impressed by his money, Haley tells him the secret wish of Angel, to meet her father, whom Haley ten years ago had met in New York, but after one night lost contact. Could Angel’s wish in magical, Christmassy New York come true?

Theme and Genre

This is a romantic, magical Christmas story about family, loss, friendship, love, and the hope and joy of Christmas, when wishes might come true.

Characters

All characters are loveable in their different ways, and special. Who would not like Angel, a funny, sometimes cheeky nine years old, who loves books and never leaves the house without her encyclopedia.

Plot and Writing

The story takes place at Christmas time in New York and has everything readers are looking for in a Christmas novel. Lively descriptions of festively decorated New York, snow-covered Manhattan, impressing skyscrapers, perfectly complete a plot, which shows the right balance between thoughtful and funny scenes.

Conclusion

A magical, cozy, heartwarming Christmas read, perfect for cuddling up in your armchair during this special time of the year.