Book Title: I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas
Author: Tiffany Schmidt
Release Date: October 26th, 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Holiday/Christmas, Romance, Young Adult
My rating: 4/5 Stars
Summary:
Ballet and babysitting bring two teens together in this very merry holiday rom-com from the author of the acclaimed Bookish Boyfriends series
Noelle Partridge is known for three things: being the best ballet dancer, babysitter, and person with the most Christmas spirit in her small town. But lately she’s bored by the lessons at her dance school, and her friends and father are more bah humbug than Hallmark movie marathon. So when her favorite babysitting clients ask her to accompany them on a ski trip over winter break, she packs her bags for the slopes. It helps that they’re offering double her rate—she’ll need the money for Beacon, an elite ballet academy that’s granted her an audition.
Noelle is ready to “Deck the Halls” and have fa la la la fun, until Wyatt, the older half-brother of her babysitting charges, decides to surprise his family for the holiday. He’s one of the best dancers at Beacon, and makes Noelle’s head spin faster than pirouettes. Unfortunately, she also manages to step on his toes—spoiling his surprise and complicating his secret plans. After a few missteps, Noelle and Wyatt begin to thaw toward each other and bond over the big decisions looming in each of their lives. With enough Christmas magic, Noelle might just start the New Year with lots of babysitting cash in her pocket and a chance with the pas de deux partner of her dreams.
My Review:
I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas is a cute, heartwarming romance perfect for the upcoming holiday season. It was the first Christmas novel I’ve read this year, and while I did have a couple of minor issues with it, I think it was a great start to my Holiday reading!
My initial thoughts on this book were so-so. While I understood why Noelle was so upset about everything, and why she was acting the way she did, I thought she could be unbearably self-centered at times. Her inner diologue made it difficult for me to actually get invested in the story, and I had a hard time liking her. I could definitely sympathize with her, because it’s so difficult losing a parent around Christmas time, and growing apart from someone you love is terrifying, but she took all of it a bit far at times.
This did not take away my enjoyment of the book, however. Once Noelle was actually at the lodge, I was way more engaged with the story. It felt reminiscence of some of the Hallmark movies I enjoy watching, while still adding its own twist to things.
A big issue I’ve had with romances recently is that I simply cannot understand why the two main characters like each other, but I can happily say that this wasn’t the case here. Noelle and Wyatt had a lot in common, though were different enough that they didn’t immediately get along. I loved watching their journey from reluctant housemates to their budding romance. It was all very sweet.
I also particularly enjoyed Noelle’s questioning of whether she should fully dedicate herself to something at only 14 years old. I was kind of in the same position as her when I was younger, but it took me a lot longer to realize that I shouldn’t box myself in like that, because there are so many options out there. I think it was a good conversation to have, and it was really well done. It didn’t take over the plot and dominate the story, but it was necessary to talk about, and a fantastic compromise was reached.
So, while it took me a little while to get into the story, and to begin rooting for our main character (who I will say definitely does grow throughout the story), I still really enjoyed my time with it. It was the perfect romance to read during the holiday season, and I would recommend it for those looking for something light-hearted and fun. Though there are several mentions of a death of a parent and grief, so if you’re looking for all fluff, this one might not be for you. I personally liked this aspect because it added another layer and emotional depth to the story. Noelle’s mom had died several years ago, but she still found herself stunned by grief from time to time, and it felt so natural and raw. I really liked that.
Have you read I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas? If so, what did you think of it? Did your opinions differ from mine at all? I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Buy it at Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million