4 Pretending Can Come True Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
When Sabrina Post is offered the chance to live out a childhood dream, there was no way she would turn it down. What little girl didn't want to be Eloise and run rampant in the Plaza Hotel...Exactly.

Sabrina is to ghostwrite the memoir for Grayson Westcott, a man who not only is a famous art dealer but worked as the butler for Kay Thompson the woman who wrote the Eloise Books! Yup, this ghostwriting job is a dream come true. The cherry on top was living there for the time while working with Grayson.

If that wasn't a fairytale enough, Sabrina meets Ian part of the British aristocracy. Not wanting to be seen as a commoner, Sabrina lets Ian think she has money and is equal to his station. After all, they are only going to know each other while he is visiting and she is here at the Plaza. No harm, no foul...

Except it turns out, these two actually are falling hard and both have hidden who they really are. Let the Holiday Games Begin.

Ghostwriter Sabrina thinks she’s hit the jackpot when she is hired to help write the memoir of famous art dealer, Grayson Westcott. In addition to a much-needed paycheck, the gig includes a weeklong stay at the Plaza, over the Christmas holidays. When she meets handsome Londoner Ian, her luck seems to improve even more, as she believes he is a British lord. For his part, Ian assumes Sabrina must be a successful, wealthy businesswoman to be able to stay at the Plaza. This ridiculous 1970s Harlequin storyline of mistaken identity threatens to derail the story, but doesn’t.

Charming Grayson, with his underdog story of working at the Plaza as a butler is more compelling. He is close to famous Plaza resident, Kay Thompson, author of the Eloise books. He also meets rebellious socialite Veronica, with whom he falls in love.

Set against the backdrop of festive, snowy Manhattan, this is a mostly enjoyable, but sometimes cringey, read. I’m not sure how two primary characters named Sabrina and Tabitha got by the editors. I’m disappointed Endorra never showed up. This is trademark Anita Hughes—great escapist reading. #AMagicalNewYorkChristmas #NetGalley

This is a cute and sweet Christmas story with two time lines. I really love both of the story lines, and the characters in this story is the best. The only thing I really did not love with this story is the character taking so long to tell each other the truth. If you are looking for a sweet Christmas story this is the book for you. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Anita Hughes) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

I enjoyed this as a quick heartwarming read with the magical setting of the Plaza Hotel, a whirlwind romance, and a dual timeline shown through reminiscing. It was sweet.

Things that stood out - I didn't necessarily love the pop culture/royalty name dropping but did enjoy the insights into Kay Thompson's character. I liked the art and architectural references. It could have been a tad shorter in my personal opinion, but I wasn't bored. Certain scenes just seemed a little repetitive and I wanted to spend more time with Grayson.
Nothing was particularly believable, but I quite enjoy that in a holiday romance - just a little bit of special magic that makes you believe everyone can have a Cinderella story of their own.

I received a complimentary copy of this one via NetGalley.

I have really liked all the Anita Hughes bookes I have read to date, but unfortunately this one was a bit of a miss for me.

I loved the premise of the story. I really enjoyed the past timeline and the Eloise at the Plaza stuff.

But man oh man, this pair really need to learn how to communicate, as it was frustrating seeing them get on so well with each other, but then not being honest (even if it was by omission).

And don't get me started on that spoiled man child Spencer who needed a swift kick in the pants.

I know others are going to love this one, but it wasn't really for me

I read my first Christmas book by Anita Hughes two years ago with Christmas in Vermont (read my review) and loved it. I was excited to see she had a new Christmas book coming out this year. And I loved it too!

I've been in New York in the days leading up to Christmas and it is a magical time. I've visited the city in other seasons but there is definitely something different about it during the holidays. Most Christmas books seem to lean towards small towns so I liked that Hughes chose New York City.

Mistaken identity trope can be tiring but Hughes does an excellent job making it feel fresh in A Magical New York Christmas. Only the rich and famous (and those staying on other people's dimes) stay at the Plaza Hotel. Leading characters Sabrina and Ian are the latter - staying on someone else's tab. So it is easy to see how they assume the other is part of the rich and famous. I liked that the trope didn't feel contrived but something that could easily happen any of us.

I loved the characters. They are all colorful but not in an over-the-top, cheesy Christmas movie way. They felt like real people. I wanted to hang out with them.

I loved the story structure. Sabrina is staying at the hotel so she can work with Grayson Westcott on his memoir. He was a butler at the Plaza Hotel in the 1960s but made a name (and a fortune) in the art world. While he was a butler one of his guests was Eloise author Kay Thompson. She had a profound impact on his life and career so many of the stories he recounts to Sabrina involve Thompson. I don't think I read the Eloise books as a child but I'm a fan of books inside of books.

I loved everything about this book. In most cases, I would say I hated saying goodbye to these characters, but Hughes wraps up their story in such a satisfying and complete way that it felt right to say goodbye.

This book definitely needs to be on your Christmas reading list. It's a bit longer than most Christmas books, but it was still a quick read. I might have stayed up way too late a night or two because I didn't want to put it down.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday Sept. 29 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2021/09/get-started-on-your-christmas-reading.html

A Magical New York Christmas
By Anita Hughes
St. Martin’s Press
This is a great Christmas tale focused on romance and all things New York. This includes The Plaza and fictional character, Eloise. Sabrina and Ian meet while staying at The Plaza over the holidays. Sabrina is there as a ghost rider for Grayson Prescott’s memoir. Grayson was a former butler at the Plaza and met Kay Thomspon, author of Eloise books, while working there. Through Kay’s influence he went on to become a successful art dealer to the rich and famous

Ian is secretary to Lord Spencer Braxton. The two of them have known each other since boarding school. He has stayed on to work as Spencer’s secretary (aka, keep him out of trouble) while having access to his wealth to run a literacy foundation, something he’s very passionate about. When Sabrina and Ian meet she mistakes him as Lord Braxton. He assumes she is a wealthy CEO and able to spend the kind of money as one who stays at The Plaza. Their facade threatens their budding relationship.

Although the storys focus on Ian and Sabrina the side characters bring a lot of interest as well. Grayson’s stories during his memoir are very fascinating, especially those involving Kay Thompson and her role in his life.

My only complaint about this Christmas book is that although Chrhistmas season is mentioned a lot, I felt the actual Christmas Day was barely mentioned.
I recommend this Holiday Romance for those looking for an uplifting seasonal read.

A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes is a sweet and fun Christmas read. This is the story of Sabrina and Ian, two people that are not what they seem to each other due to misunderstandings at the beginning of the story. She mistakes him for British royalty, he mistakes her for a wealthy New Yorker. The two of them are drawn to each other and have great chemistry, but neither feels they are 'enough'. The story pretty much completely takes place at The Plaza Hotel in New York City and Eloise plays a huge part as Sabrina is ghostwriting the life story of Grayson Westcott, an art dealer that was once a butler for Kay Thompson, the author of Eloise. This book is my first Christmas book of the season and what a magical one it was to get me super excited for all of the Christmas festivities.

4.5 rounded up.

I'm ready to book my stay at the Plaza this Christmas season and go to the library and check out the Eloise books! This was such a sweet, magical book. It has gotten me in the Christmas spirit but not only that, it's put me in a good mood! This book brought a happy tear to my eye.

This is the story of a freelance writer, Sabrina, who gets an assignment to be a ghost writer for a famous art dealer, Grayson. They are staying at the Plaza in New York between Christmas and New Year's to get the book done. While there she meets Ian, who is staying with his best friend Spencer, while working as his personal secretary. This story had a dual timeline but it enhanced the story so much. I loved all the characters, even Spencer, who seemed to be all over the place. I loved all the pop culture references too.

This was such a sweet, clean romance that put a smile on my face and now I'm ready to decorate!

*Thank you to the publisher, St Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own

Sabrina has been hired by Grayson, a renowned private art dealer, to be the ghostwriter for his memoirs and his own Christmas miracle. She will be staying at the Plaza where Grayson is staying during Christmas week in New York in her own suite. Grayson used to be a butler at the Plaza years ago where he worked for the author of the Eloise books.

Ian is the personal secretary for Spencer, the Earl of Braxton. They are staying at the Plaza at the same time as there is to be a exhibition of the renowned Braxton jewels. Ian is responsible for getting the exhibition set up and also for keeping an eye on Spencer who tends to fall in love easily and spend lots of money.

When Sabrina and Ian happen to meet in the lobby one evening, they have a drink together and share some chats. Ian thinks that Sabrina is very wealthy as she is wearing some clothes she borrowed from her friend. In fact, she needs this job desperately as she is almost out of money. Sabrina thinks Ian is actually Lord Braxton and he doesn’t say anything to set her straight.

The story is back and forth with Sabrina and Ian and the things that Spencer gets into. As well, we hear the story of the life of Grayson. All of it is combined to make for a good Christmas tale.

I think readers will like the descriptions of the Plaza itself, the food, opulent decor, and incredible service. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Loved this magical Christmas book! To me it’s not the season until Christmas books are here and this one I highly recommend!!!

I was sent this book on Netgalley because I reviewed another Anita Hughes Christmas romance. Even though this is not my regular genre of choice, I do enjoy Hughes’ writing and potentially liked this one even better than the last one I read.
A Magical New York Christmas is set at the Plaza Hotel- the perfect location for a picturesque holiday story with a unique main character who works as a ghost writer. I love a duel time period and the flashback story was sweet.
I’d recommend this one to cutesy romance fans and holiday story lovers.

A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes is a magical holiday love story set at the glamorous Plaza Hotel in New York City. The characters are well-written and relatable, with undeniable chemistry and lots of holiday romance.

This is absolutely the most charming holiday book I've ever read! FOR REAL! Part romcom, part historical fiction, part holiday romance and a smattering of current royal gossip, this is SUCH a fun book! I loved Grayson's character oh so much! The ending felt a liiiiiiiitle Hallmark movie-ish to me, but I am here for it!

2.5 ⭐️ Rounded to 3

I was really looking forward to reading this holiday romance, but it fell really flat for me! It takes place in one of my favorite cities-NYC- and is set at The Plaza Hotel. The storyline flips from past to present, which normally does not bother me-but in this book it did!

The characters seemed to have zero chemistry, no personality, and were somewhat dull and unlikeable. The storyline was boring because absolutely nothing happened! There was zero excitement, & zero romance and chemistry!

I debated more than once on DNFing this one, but I kept hoping something would happen & that it would get better but that never happened. There was zero excitement, and more than a few times I found myself dozing off while reading this one.

I did not like the writing style, it seems that there was too much going on aside from the main plot and everything was way to drawn out. Overall, this was just a big disappointment and a waste of time.

A Magical New York Christmas is a lovely Christmas romance. I have always wanted to experience the Christmas Season in New York so Anita Hughes gives me just that marvelous chance. I completely understood Sabrina Post’s joy and excitement at staying at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The glamor and sparkly of the hotel and city are all there to enjoy in this story.

I liked the characters, Sabrina and Ian but wished that they did not feel the need to embellish who they were. Still it added some conflict to this story of how the truth would be revealed. I also loved the dual timeline of the present with Grayson Westcott’s past. He is the art dealer that Sabrina has come to be his memoir ghostwriter. His story is delightful too. Grab a cup of coco, comfortable chair and get ready for the holidays with A Magical New York Christmas.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Magical New York Christmas is a sweet Christmas story. Sabrina, a struggling journalist, gets the opportunity to live in a suite in the Plaza at Christmas time to ghostwrite for a famous art dealer. While writing Greyson’s memoir she meets Ian Wentworth, a handsome British gentleman. She mistakes him for a British Aristocrat, while he mistakes her for a rich hotel guest. Since they both quickly fall for one another, they both struggle to tell the other their true identity.

I love how atmospheric this book was. It really gave me all the Christmasy feels. I loved the relationship Sabrina formed with Greyson and learning about his past. The author did a fantastic job at weaving the Plaza through the whole story, since Greyson was a Butler for the Plaza. I also loved the interweaving of the story of Eloise.

I thought the relationship between Ian and Spencer was fun. I felt you really got to know Ian’s personality through the way he interacted with Spencer. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Sabrina’s personality within her interactions with the other characters.

I do wish that the mistaken identity would have been cleared up a bit earlier in the story. I would have liked to have a bit more time with the couple in true identity vs the final act. I found the last of the story a bit rushed. I also found some timeline issues. In one instance Ian mentions missing Christmas home and having to fly back the day after Christmas, but the timeline is suppose to be the week between Christmas and New Years.

I think overall this is a good, cozy book to read at Christmas time that makes great statements of what it means to be your true self and how love can be found in unexpected places

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions and review.

I really wanted to like this book. I love a good Christmas romance. Having said that, I don't like characters who are deceptive. Add to that the backstory that for me took away from the whole thing, I have to say I didn't like it. The ending tied up all the pieces in a nice Christmas bow, but by that time I didn't really like many of the characters.

This was so charming and cute. It lost a little bit from me just because the "complication" was solved and moved on from in a page and the phrase "Christmas at the Plaza" was too over used for my liking but it does make you swoon and root for Sabrina and Ian and the descriptions of the Plaza and its restaurants, shops and suites make me want to pack up and go visit if I had the chance. I loved the back story Grayson tells and I gasped at that reveal! It's a great holiday read and I can even see it being a movie.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an advanced readers copy.

I really wanted to feel the magic in this book but I just couldn’t. It is a story of how two very unlikely people end up at the Plaza Hotel over the holidays both concealing their identities.

The thing is there was A LOT going on that had nothing to do with the main plot and it made it very drawn out. There wasn’t enough build up in the beginning and the guy kept freaking out about his friend’s actions which really took away from the story.

The ending was sweet. There was a nice surprise but overall this one just did not do it for me at all.

Having said that I read A LOT of romance novels, so this might be the perfect light starter for someone else, so please take my review with a grain of salt.

Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.