“George is waiting for his Megs to come home for the weekend from university so he can tell her about this remarkable book, about this white land where it is always winter but never Christmas, where animals can talk and the back of a wardrobe opens to another world.”

My thanks to Harper Muse for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Once Upon A Wardrobe’ by Patti Callahan in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful novel that explores the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire and bring hope.

1950, Worcester. Eight-year-old George Devonshire has a heart condition and only has a short time to live. He has become captivated by a new book titled ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. He bombards his older sister, Megs, with questions about where Narnia came from.

Megs is a scholarship student at Oxford studying mathematics. In order to help her brother she tentatively approaches the famous author and his brother and implores them for answers. They agree, though what she receives over a series of meetings are stories about Jack Lewis’ life. She returns home and relays these stories to George.

This was a beautifully crafted novel that I found deeply moving. I was transported back to my own childhood when I first read ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ and had dreamt of finding a secret door into Narnia.

It is a novel that is heartwarming and uplifting yet does not shy away from exploring loss. Just perfection.

Megs younger brother, George, has just introduced her to Narnia and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. George has a weak heart and spends most of his time inside, resting. As a student at the famed Oxford University where Lewis tutors, George asks Megs to ask the author where Narnia comes from. This starts an unlikely friendship as Lewis shares his life and ‘stories’ with Megs and, in turn, with George.
Another magical, engrossing novel by Patti Callahan. Filled with hope, love and friendship as a sister does everything she can to fill her ill brother’s last wish. The novel alternates between the stories of Megs and George and that of Jack’s (what Lewis preferred to be called) life and how they weave together. I smiled, laughed and cried. Wonderful! Thanks to NetGalley for a digital copy of this novel.

Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc. I couldn't put this down and I am already anticipating rereading in December. This book brought me so much joy and nostalgia. Callahan does a tremendous job of respecting the beloved Lion and Wardrobe series while telling a heartwarming story with new characters. I appreciated the end note regarding C.S Lewis's family and their involvement in this story. I can't stop thinking about this book and this cemented my appreciation of Patti Callahan!

Robin’s Rave Reviews

Lucy wanders into a wardrobe and walks out into the wintery forest of Narnia. Here, at the lamppost, a faun named Mr. Tumnus invites her to tea.

Does this bring back fond memories of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Then check out Once Upon a Wardrobe coming out tomorrow, Oct. 19, 2021. Patti Callahan dives into the early life of C. S. Lewis through her new fictional story.

The world knows Lewis as the author of the Narnia series (starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, and many others. Callahan’s interest in C. S. Lewis and his wife Joy Davidman led her to research and write her 2018 book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis. (Click link to go to my book review.) Callahan returns to her expert knowledge of C. S. Lewis’ life in her new book, Once Upon a Wardrobe. Lewis fans will enjoy learning more about his early life – of family, boarding schools, college, and military service. Through this new novel, Callahan questions where an author’s idea comes from, the same question I’m sure many of us have had.


Once Upon a Wardrobe

Shortly after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’s release, it captivates George, a young boy with a terminal heart condition. Megs, his sister studying physics at Oxford, would do anything to make George’s life better. When George wants Megs to ask Mr. Lewis where Narnia came from, she musters up the courage to approach the famous author. Lewis doesn’t give her a straight answer. Instead, he tells Megs stories about his life. Soon she is visiting C. S. (Jack) and his brother (Warnie) regularly, each time listening to stories to report back to her brother. Although there are shadows of potential connections in Jack’s experiences, can even the author pinpoint where his creative idea came from?

Callahan brilliantly weaves the fiction (of George and Megs) with the facts (of Jack and Warnie). She creates such a magical connection between Lewis, Megs, and George, readers will begin believing Megs really talked to Jack. Once Upon a Wardrobe challenges us to wonder at the spark of creativity, open our minds to both the logical and the fanciful, and see how the power of a story can transform us.

*Note: You will have a better reading experience if you’ve read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from the Narnia series at some point in your life, but it isn’t absolutely necessary.

Consider purchasing through bookshop.org. They help independent bookstores survive through every on-line purchase you make.


Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance reader copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe. The opinions are my own.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is one of my favorite books. There is something very magical about the story that touches its readers at their core. This book takes that beloved story and digs deeper. It is a reimagining of the life of C.S. Lewis and the events that may have influenced the creation of Narnia.

Megs is a young college student that would do anything for her beloved but ill brother. When he takes a strong interest in the story The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Megs vows to get answers from C.S. Lewis himself to her brother’s questions before it is too late. Megs does what she can to speak with C.S. Lewis (Jack) who works at the same University. As she asks all of her brother’s questions, Jack tells her his life story.

This was such a beautiful novel and one that will stay with me forever. If you are a fan of C.S. Lewis, do not hesitate to get your hands on this.

What an absolutely delightful novel. Brimming with magic and bubbling over with enchantment, this is one story I just didn't want to end. I was instantly captivated as I traveled this journey with the George's sister, sweet Megs, as she endeavored to answer her brother's one question about Narnia with stories told straight from C.S. Lewis himself.

Lending insight into the inspiration of one of the most classic tales of our time, Ms. Callahan crafted a novel rich with meaning that underscores the importance of imagination and storytelling, as well as the immeasurable value of strong family bonds.

Not only is this is a super quick read that will leave you feeling nostalgic, it will transport you to England and it's magnificent wintery landscape. Patti Callahan has a way with words that leaves you craving a cup of tea and a nice warm fire as she draws you into this lovely narrative.

Many thanks to Harper Muse Books and NetGalley for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

You can read more of my reviews on my blog at mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram @mamasgottaread!

I love Patti Callahan’s books but this was not my favorite. I loved the history of C.S. Lewis and the story of Megs and her brother George. Megs hears stories from C.S.Lewis and then retells them to her brother. It was hard to tell when Megs stories began and when Megs was with her brother. It was a quick and interesting read.

Callahan pays a lot of attention to historical details, and Narnia fans will certainly appreciate that. I really enjoyed the note from Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham. The book didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped, but, overall, the book is well written and a nice combination of fiction and fantasy.

A poignant, moving and riveting story, full of emotions and magic.
I like Ms Callahan's style of writing and her vivid characters and moving stories.
It's the story of how Narnia came into being and how magic of stories can improve you life.
I smile, I sniffed and loved the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Once Upon a Wardrobe what a mystical, magical and beautiful book. It sucked me in, both warmed and wrung my heart out.

George, a young boy with a heart condition that keeps him at home and will only leave him with a very short life. And Megs his older sister at Oxford, she who is all about mathematics and science and facts. However her brother George is an imaginative reader, who is grabbed by the book - The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. George wants to know where Narnia came from. Megs being the wonderful sister she is sets out to find out. She visits Jack Lewis and his brother Warnie and a huge adventure begins.

The power of story shines through.It takes time but Meg will come to see the power of what Jack says to her.  "The fantastic and the imaginative aren't escapism. Good stories introduce the marvellous. The whole story paradoxically, strengthens our relish for real life. This excursion sends us back renewed pleasure to the actual world. It provides meaning".  And in actual fact this book Once Upon a Wardrobe does exactly that. 

It makes a great Christmas story, a story of family, love, loss and courage. A book about story. At the end C. S. Lewis' stepson says to read it, then set it aside and read it again later. It's exactly what I will do.

#Once Upon A Wardrobe# by Patti Henry Callahan is a fantasy fiction book. Patti is a best selling author. She received the well respected Christy award for Becoming Mrs. Lewis in 2019. She received the Harper Distinguished Writer award in 2020. She is the creator and host of the Friends and Family podcast and live web show. The cover is so beautifully done and draws the reader into the well written fantasy story. The story takes place in Worchester, England in 1950. The story is told by Meg who is George's sister. Meg is a physics major at Oxford University. George really enjoys the book The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. His imagination leads him into that world. The book brings the reader into this world. The descriptions are so rich and well done. George has a heart condition but loves to enter into the world of the Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Meg knows C.S. Lewis from Oxford. He is an English Literature professor at Oxford. She enters into a friendship with him and He tells her more about the world of Narnia. He explains how He came up with the world of Narnia. This book leads you through the hidden wardrobe. The reader will escape into this other world. of Narnia. The book is rich and so well written. The reader will also feel like they have stepped into England. This book was given to me by the publisher and the author to read and review . Thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. Patti has wonderful talent and has written 16 books! I highly recommend this book.

If someone said to me that they only had time to read one more book this year what would I suggest. It would be Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan. I loved everything about this book.

I loved the Narnia Series but even more now as family including my grandchildren share these stories again. The Series is truly classic but I believe Once Upon a Wardrobe is right up there with it. The enchanting story of C. S. Lewis with Megs Devonshire and her brother, George speaks to all our hearts of one who wants to change what they cannot. I don’t think anyone could have summed up the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe better than George’s statement, “You’re rarely wrong, sister, but you are now. It’s not a children’s book. It might look like it on the cover, but it’s a book for everyone.” He is right about that book written many years ago and this one, Once Upon a Wardrobe just published. Read it today because it is a book for everyone.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

“Each and every one of us is born with our own stories and we must decide how to tell them.”

This book was extraordinary mix of fiction and history and a touch of whimsy. I enjoyed each moment with George and his older sister Meg. When George is 8 years old, he is a sickly boy with a heart condition and spends much time reading. He discovers CS Lewis and the world of Narnia. He wants to know how the author created the world. His sister, Meg, is a student at Oxford where Mr. Lewis tutors so she tries to discover answers for her brother.

I truly loved this book.. It’s magical in the way the author describes the love of books and writing and imagination. We also learn so much about CS Lewis as a person and the beginnings of the world of Narnia. Highly recommend for fans of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe fans as well as historical fiction fans.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

In Once Upon a Wardrobe, the author gives us a beautiful and heartfelt origin story for the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I admit I wanted George and Megs and Padraig to be real like C. S. Lewis is real. This is beautiful. It communicates with your soul. I was caught up in the emotion and vibrancy of the story.
In creating this story, the author has given us a tale nearly as precious as the book it starts from (the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe).
This is the type of book that engages your feelings and your brain. It leaves you feeling full at the end. Although the outcome is expected, the way the author concludes leaves contentment and joy.

I wish I were sitting across from you, each of us with a cup of our favorite hot beverage, sharing my thoughts on Once Upon a Wardrobe. I want to read your expressions, and for you to read mine, to make certain that I am clearly communicating the magic and depth of this story. I am used to understanding books, but not to books understanding me. We have all read books that we have enjoyed, books that have entertained or informed us; then there are those special books that strike a chord within us, that resonate in our hearts. Once Upon a Wardrobe will not only be one of those books for many, it will also be a window into the magic of those books, the ones that fill your heart, that transport you to another time and place, that transform some inner part of you. I realize that I have left a bit of myself within the pages of this book, and have kept a bit of Megs and George within me, and this makes me quite grateful to Patti Callahan for crafting such an extraordinary story. I am grateful as well to Harper Muse for providing me with a complimentary copy of Once Upon a Wardrobe via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I was not a huge fan of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe but I am a huge fan of Patti Callahan so I had no doubt that I would love this book. I had no idea how much I would love this book and am going to go back and read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe again.

Have you ever wondered how an author found their made-up world? C.S. Lewis’ made-up world is Narnia and George wants to know where it came from. George’s sister, Megs is going to school where C.S Lewis tutors and seeks him out to find out the answers for George. The siblings are so close, the lengths that Megs go to just to make George happy are true sibling love.

Once Upon a Wardrobe is a great mix of history and fiction. I loved the book from beginning to end.

Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan is a story of pure brilliance. Young George is dying and spends his life living through books. His favorite place is Narnia of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis.

He only wants to know how the author created the world of Narnia. His sister is a student at Oxford where C.S.Lewis teaches. Can you imagine that class?! As the renown author shares stories of his life George thinks he is not ever finding out about Narnia until it becomes clear the lessons Lewis is teaching all his readers. Be warned your heart will swell and the tears will flow while reading this heart tugging story.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #Netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

It's not often that an ARC becomes an all time favourite book deserving a permanent place in my library collection, but Patti Callhan’s Once Upon A Wardrobe is just that good. It will be a classic to be read throughout the years.

When asked what I loved in particular about this story by a fellow booklover, I had a difficult time putting it into words. .

There is so much warmth and love in this book, like being wrapped in a hug made of words. It’s a delightful celebration of worlds beyond our imagination and a tribute to wonder and whimsy. It’s Magical. Poignant. Immersive. Beautiful!

There are heartbreaking moments, lovable characters, rich backdrops, and the plot intricately weaves this fictional emotional tale of reason vs. imagination with these historical anecdotes and crafting of a real life person. I particularly enjoyed the afterword from C.S. Lewis’ stepson. I’d recommend for those who have read Becoming Mrs. Lewis, of course, but also for fans of historical women’s fiction.

My thanks to the publisher, Harper Muse, for my complimentary copy. Opinions are entirely my own.

“Once upon a wardrobe, not very long ago, and not very far away . . .”

There was a boy named George who was very ill and found comfort in the pages of books, for he could escape into the stories and forget his troubles. His favorite book was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and he desperately wanted to know where Narnia came from. Although George’s sister, Megs, much preferred solving equations to reading stories, she loved her brother dearly and set out to find the answer from none other than C.S. Lewis himself. Of course, Mr. Lewis couldn’t just tell Megs outright where Narnia came from, so he regaled her with stories of his past, and through those stories Megs found hope.

Do you remember those books that filled you with a sense of wonder and joy? Once Upon a Wardrobe is exactly that type of book. It is a beautiful, moving, and enchanting story of unconditional love, discovery, and hope. I find it difficult to express how much I loved it. Callahan is an extremely talented and brilliant writer, and it was an absolute delight to read this book. It truly warmed my heart and soul, and I wish I could read it again for the first time.

Reading Once Upon a Wardrobe while snuggled up under a cozy blanket with a warm cup of tea is not necessary but highly recommended! Just go read this magical book, and I hope you’ll fall in love with it like I did!

A few of my (many) favorite quotes from this book:

“Stars are made of dust and nitrogen; they are balls of gas and hydrogen. But that isn’t what a star is; it’s only what it is made of.””

“The way stories change us can’t be explained. It can only be felt. Like love.”

“I thought how we are never, any of us, in one place at a time, but in our minds and in our imaginations we are many places all at once.”

What a wonderfully written book about stories. Not only the story of Narnia, or Megs and George or ever C.S. Lewis, but of each reader.

One of my favorite reads this year!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.