Book Review - Wishing On A Star by Mandy Baggot

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Title: Wishing On A Star

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Embla Books

Publication Date: 10th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

A single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other.

Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.

Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run. He's left his American football team back in the US, stuck a pin in a map, and landed in Richmond, London.

When Anna and Ruthie literally bump into Sam on the snow-speckled streets, he finds himself being welcomed into their lives. But what begins as a night on the sofa turns into the start of something special...

I think this could be the best book the Mandy Baggot has ever written, and I've read the vast majority of them. 

I'm gutted that I've reached the end, it was just wonderful and I am already missing Ruthie. 

In a book that features and autistic teenager and another character with a degenerative genetic disease diagnosis, you may be thinking this is deep and heavy. But that couldn't be further from the reality.  Yes the bits with the diagnosis will make you think but from my knowledge of the disease which has mainly come from Neighbours, feels as accurate as I believe it to be which adds to the authenticity. 

Ruthie is easily my favourite character, she is a wonder, a joyous ray of light, and knows what she is and isn't comfortable with. I love the way she sees the world and I would happily read more books with her at the centre. 

This also felt like a bit of a ode to Richmond, perhaps Mandy Baggot should be working their tourist board in addition to writing amazing books, as I really felt as though I was in Richmond, and could picture this part of London, that I've only visited once, so clearly. 

Actually can I have more of Sam too, I think I might be a tiny bit in love with the guy, and after the first two chapters I was so surprised with how the two main character's stories would cross over, as they seem to be worlds apart. 

Add in a couple of mad cap animals, Anna and her friends who are a real tonic too, there is just so much to love in this book. 

I couldn't' get enough of this story and found I read it very fast. I thought it was superb and probably one of my favourite festive reads of the season.  Just brilliant. 

Thank you to Embla Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.