A Christmas Wish on a Carousel by Lottie Cardew is a warm
and uplifting story for the festive season It was published by Cloverdilli
House Press on October 4th.
Snuggle up under your favourite blanket and escape to the
beautiful village of Pebblestow this winter, for one of the most heartwarming
stories of the season...
When Cara Mia Shaw makes a desperate wish one night, while
riding on a carousel at a Christmas market, little does she know her small, but
safe world is about to spin off its axis.
Befriending a fascinating returnee to the village, an
elderly woman called Perdita with a jaunty pink beret and the wisdom of a life
well lived, might set Cara on a different, albeit harder, course, if she’s
brave enough to listen. Art was always her passion, after all, even if fate
seemed to have other ideas.
And then there’s the new man in her life, who her friends
think is perfect for her because they set her up with decent, reliable Greg in
the first place. Cara’s been hurt enough times to know the difference between a
good man and a feckless one. Until Wilfred comes along – moody, sarcastic, and
scattered – just to complicate matters and meddle with Cara’s resolve, to the
horror of almost everyone around her. But is either man ultimately meant for
her, anyway? And will she self-sabotage as usual, or gamble everything this
time, including her heart?
It might take the highs and lows of friendship, the risk of
a forbidden romance, and a Pomeranian called Loki – not to mention some
much-needed Christmas magic – before Cara finally realises the wish she made
that night on the carousel might just be about to come true.
My Thoughts
This has a real feeling of magic about the story with a few hints of a fairy tale, I felt. Lottie however is down to earth and at times, has low expectations about her life. When she makes a wish at the beginning, she takes a big step out of her comfort zone. As the story unfolds, you find out more about her insecurities and how she has come to be where she is. You also see what she often doesn't - that there are lots of people who love her and want what is best. Some of those friendships are complicated however, as are the new friendships she strikes up in the story.
Lottie certainly develops as a person as the story unfolds and she begins to re-evaluate her talents and her ambitions. This is a lovely, gentle story, just right for Christmas. You don't know for most of the story what her actual wish was. You just know you hope it comes true as she is such a likeable and accepting person. Can she take a chance and come to terms with the deaths of her parents? You certainly hope so.
In short: An endearing story with a sprinkle of magic
About the Author
Lottie Cardew was born during the Great Lockdown of early
2021, and writes uplifting, heartstring-tugging romcoms with no mention of
anything remotely resembling a pandemic.
She lives in North Wales, subdues the other members of
Novelistas Ink if they misbehave – including the popular authors Trisha Ashley
and Sophie Claire – and is a huge advocate of diversity and OwnVoices in
fiction. Lottie has previously written as Valerie-Anne Baglietto, and is
diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD. Her home is currently overrun by
husband, not-very-small children, and a ball of fluff masquerading as a
Pomeranian, so Lottie often takes refuge at her pop-up desk in the bedroom.
Lottie guarantees her books will have a HEA ending, and some
might possibly have a tiny hint of magic, too. They will always be warm,
emotional, and witty (she hopes), and transport her readers to lovely places
because everyone needs somewhere safe to escape to at times.
You can follow Lottie here: Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter sign up | Website | Facebook Author Page
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Lottie Cardew, Cloverdilli House and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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