Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (closed door and fade to black sex scenes)
Trigger Warning: Huntington's disease; brief mentions of Alzheimer's, cheating (side characters), and divorce

Sam Jackman is about to land a huge deal as an NFL player, but a diagnosis of Huntington's disease puts the deal and his entire future at risk. That's why he decides to hop a flight to England to escape and come to terms with his new reality. Anna Heath is divorced and dealing with her teenage daughter's autism diagnosis while trying to revive a struggling restaurant. When Sam steps in to stop some bullies from picking on Anna's daughter, the two soon find themselves spending time together while Sam is in town. As their attraction grows, they both wonder if this is more than just a temporary fling. But will Sam's diagnosis be too much for Anna and her daughter to handle?

This was another enjoyable romance from Mandy Baggot! I really liked Sam and Anna's story. These two had great chemistry and shared some really sweet moments as they got to know one another. I liked how they each had struggles, and they were able to find comfort in one another. Sam did a great job showing Anna he cared for her, and I loved how he accepted Anna's daughter, Ruthie. Speaking of which, the struggles involved with having a child with autism were addressed really well. My youngest son is most likely on the spectrum, and I saw some similarities to him and Ruthie. This made it easy for me to relate to Anna's protectiveness and desire to help her child overcome her struggles. While I do wish Sam had told Anna about his diagnosis sooner, I felt like the conflict was handled well and not just resolved instantly. Sam and Anna's romance was heartwarming while addressing real-life struggles, and I hope others will fall in love with their story just like I did.

Thank you Netgalley and Embla Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wishing On a Star is the new novel from Mandy Baggot. It follows the story of Anna, a single mother to Ruthie, and Sam, an American athlete. After a chance meeting in Anna’s home town, Sam finds himself welcomed into her family. Could this be the start of something special? This novel is full of humour, warmth and great characters and I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley, Embla Books and the author for the chance to review.

This was such a sweet read and especially dealing with the issues written! Loved the fact Ruthie was made a main character. Loved all the interactions between Anna, Lisa & Neeta! The sibling relationship between Sam and Tionne was realistic too. A perfect Christmas read sitting on the beach.

What a beautifully written story, I loved every page. Ruthie was the star, her autism was written about with such understanding but in a way that captured the difficulties faced by both Ruthie and her mum Anna. Ruthie gave everything a name including the huge Christmas tree, the cat and their neighbour’s Christmas reindeer. Sam had difficult decisions to make but his chance meeting with Anna and Ruthie helped him see what was important in his life. A Christmas book about family, friends and new beginnings.

I have enjoyed several Mandy Baggot books before, and I just love Christmas books, so this was a definite yes for me.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the two main characters, and all the other characters except for Anna’s ex. I loved Anna’s group of friends, they’re awesome, the way they support each other.

The plot is great too. I loved the way Sam and Anna came together, through a completely chance meeting. I loved how Sam clicked with Ruthie, Anna’s daughter, as well as Anna, so easily. There are lots of festive moments, fun moments, and heartwarming moments.

The only thing that bothered me, was the use of phrases like “everyone is on the [autism] spectrum somewhere”, which all the people I know who are autistic would disagree with. However, the story is lovely, and I know that some autistic people prefer that way of expressing it.

Overall, this was a fun and romantic story, full of heartwarming moments. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a Christmassy read.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of, Wishing on a Star, by Mandy Baggott, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Starting over is never easy as, Ruthie, and Anna know too well. This Christmas season will be totally different for them. This book has it all, secrets, love, scary diagnosis, Christmas, friendship, and much more. I really enjoyed this book, more then I thought I would.

I love a good Christmas book and this has to be one of the best I've read! Absolutely loved it.

The characters are written beautifully, especially Ruthie. I loved them all and think every girl needs best friends like Neeta and Lisa.

The story had me hooked from the first page.

A must read this Christmas!

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Embla and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Sweet, tender, lighthearted love story.

Wishing on a Star by Mandy Baggot is going to be the perfect fall/winter read for any romance lover!
I adore every single word.
A very captivating and enjoyable book.
It's warm, sweet and romantic. Mandy Baggot's writing is beautiful. I couldn't help but devour it in two sittings.
Being stuck in Richmond, London with these characters was magical. They are extremely likeable and hopefully they capture your heart like they did mine.
If you love Christmas, romance and characters who make you feel like your at home.
Then you'll want to pick this book up.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Embla Books,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.