For the first time she can remember Poppy is dreading Christmas. Unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend after moving across the country for him. There isn't much cheer for Poppy this season. That is until her friend, Layla, drags her to an office Christmas party. At this party Poppy meets Gabe, an actor who is playing a genie in a current play. When Gabe asks her what three wishes she would make Poppy realize it's quite simple: love, a job she's happy in, and just once in her life, to do something extraordinary. Gabe and Poppy make a pact to help each other make their dreams come true. As they tick off wishes their friendship blossoms... but, as they soon learn, sometimes what you want for Christmas isn't necessarily what you need.
This was a cute and perfect holiday read! It gave off the Hallmark Christmas movie vibe for sure. Poppy moves for her boyfriend, who then dumps her, leaving her in a new town all alone. She quickly makes some amazing friends who throughout the course of a year help Poppy to recover from her broken heart. The book has some funny moments for sure, like when Poppy spends half her friendship with Gabe convinced he is gay! A misunderstanding that is clarified with a good bit of humor.
Poppy is very hung up on her ex, like to the point she wishes he would fall back in love with her, even though he is a terrible human! Instantly, you can see the way the novel is going to unfold... but it's okay because it is written well and with a few surprises you don't actually see coming along the way! I loved that about this book. Mostly, I loved that I didn't even care if Poppy and Gabe got together as long as they stayed friends. This book is an amazing testament to true friendship and friends helping each other to achieve their dreams. The romance is just an added bonus. So cozy up with this book this holiday season! ( )

Mainly set in the beautiful historic market town of Bramblewood, Poppy moves 200 miles away from her Liverpool home and job to be with her boyfriend with whom she is expecting to make her life. Sadly for her she finds herself on her own in a new job with some people who make her life a misery. The only light she has to look forward to is when her best friend Layla comes to visit for Christmas. When they attend Poppy’s firm’s Christmas ball, they come across genie actor Gabe (her GBF) – a meeting which will be life-changing for both of them.

Of course love and relationships never run smoothly and there are misunderstandings and complications but Poppy’s Christmas Wishes is a wonderfully uplifting story of how the love and support of friends can make a world of difference in picking you up from rock bottom and how important self belief and confidence are to make changes. There are many engaging characters here, one or two you might possibly think are a little too perfect…whilst others are worthy of all the curses (I’m looking at one in particular, well two if you include Poppy’s colleague, the obnoxious Burger Breath Brian) but they all blend together well and most are people that you would love to be friends with in real life.

I love Annette’s writing – it has emotion and warmth with the main characters being superbly drawn. Aside from Poppy who I loved (even if I was frustrated at times with her choice in men), Gabe was an absolute star – I think everyone should have a Gabe in their life. Even the supporting characters had their own distinct personality and created their own dramas. The author certainly knows how to leave a reader wanting more, with cliffhanger chapters.

Anyone who loves amateur dramatics will find much to enjoy here – and the food! Reading Annette’s books always makes me feel hungry!

With drama, romance and humour, this was such an enjoyable read and one to cosy up with in the lead up to Christmas. It has a definite feel good vibe and a lovely story to match that gorgeous cover. ( )