Once Upon a Wish-mas

Laura Barnard is a new to me author, and while I’m not always down for Christmas stories this early, I really enjoyed this very sweet story. That’s not to say all was super sweet, nope, there’s some big angst thrown in as well. See, Ruby Campbell is a sassy and/or feisty nanny who came to work for the cranky Barclay Rothchester, who still isn’t over the loss of his wife. He drives her crazy with his controlling ways, but she’s determined to give his girls the best Christmas, so she puts up with his broody self. See, she fell in love with his girls instantly, so that love gives her the staying power, and if she gets him out of his comfort zone, so much the better. I already said it was sweet, angsty, but I didn’t talk about the hilarious interactions that Ruby had with Mr. Moody, and they kept me laughing a lot. So, I went through a rainbow of emotions in a very short time, and I dare say that I will pick this story up again closer to Christmas, because maybe just maybe, it will melt my Grinch heart. So, one click this heartwarming story, as I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Ruby loves being a nanny. She wants to ensure the children she has in her care have someone loving and consistent in their lives.

Especially because she herself is an orphan. She lost her father very young and her mother passed when she turned 18. Her experience gives her an empathy to the children she finds in her care.

She finds herself assigned a new family with two young girls and a widower father. These girls have had a ever revolving door of nannies because their father is a stickler for his regimented schedule for the girls. They haven’t been able to keep anyone.

Mr. Rothchester is a grump. He reminds me of Captain Von Trapp when Maria first comes to the family. Actually a lot of the tone between Ruby and Mr Rothchester reminds me it. I love that musical so it works for me.

The girl’s mother died 3 years ago. Because of his sorrow, Barclay (Mr Rothchester) has distanced himself from everyone, even his girls.

Jessica & Charlotte (Lottie) are two girls in need of something more than the strict schedule their father thinks is what will make their lives better without their mother. But contrary to what he thinks, what improves his daughters lives is the attention and care that they receive from their new nanny, Ruby, who drives him nuts.

Ruby is determined to give these girls their perfect Christmas. And in the process helps thaw Barclay, who never thought he’d ever find someone else after his wife passed.

Hilarious, heartwarming, and the spirit of the holidays.

I haven’t listened to anything narrated by Charlie Emmeline Albers. I loved her narration.

I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Someone get Hallmark on the line because I need this to be made into a feel good Christmas movie IMMEDIATELY.

When Ruby, a modern day Mary Poppins, interviews for a nanny position in Notting Hill she is warned that the client, widower Mr. Rothchester, is notoriously difficult. Not one to back down from a challenge she accepts the job and immediately falls in love with her new charges, Jessica and Lottie. She gets a taste of Mr. Rothchester’s wrath the very first day when she finds herself going head to head with him in an argument over a picnic. Over the next couple months the story unfolds with Ruby getting more and more entangled and protective over the girls and more and more attracted to their infuriating father.
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The author has written Barclay so well, you can’t help but love him even as you want to shake him for being insane. He is a beautiful and broken man. Ruby is tenacious and larger than life, fiercely loyal and exactly the kind of person you would want to care for your kids.
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The chemistry between Ruby and Barclay is very charged and electric and desperate. This is a story about loss and love and learning to live again, all wrapped up in the magic of Christmas.
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Loved it.

I absolutely adored this book. It was such a quick, fun read that had me laughing out loud and my heart breaking at the same time.

Ruby is a hoot. She is such a hot mess, but she is true to herself and her values. She isnt about to change who she is for anyone, and I couldnt get enough of her comebacks during intense situations. She is super witty and genuine.

Barclay is a shell of a man. He is uptight, overbearing, and grieving in his own way. He is trying to do what is best for his girls, but he is going about it all the wrong way.

I loved this slow burn romance. It allowed the characters to heal together and made the storyline extremely realistic. Their back and forth banter and gradual love for each other was such a joy to read about, and I loved that the girls were both of their priorities.

This was my first Christmas read of the season, and it has definitely gotten me in the Christmas spirit. This was also my first read from this author, and I cannot wait to check out more of her books.

-An Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-

*REVIEWING FOR ROCK HARD ROMANCE*

What a joy this Festive story was to read!
Told in DUAL POV’s,with great character’s including two adorable little girls,it was good mix of hilarious,and pull at your heart-strings,emotional moments,that had me laughing out loud and shedding a tear along the way with an Epilogue that wrapped things up nicely!

I don’t want to give anything else away,the blurb states enough to the concept,but it is a must read for anyone who loves a good Christmas Chick-Lit Rom-Com story!
I LOVED IT!!

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