Christmas. Disney. Romance. No greater magic.When Sophie’s eight-year-old niece, Ariel, asks Santa Claus for a single wish to honor her mom’s memory, Sophie knows she must grant it. Unfortunately for Sophie, Ariel’s wish is to ride her mom’s favorite ride on Christmas day, and it’s at the last place on earth Sophie wants to visit—Walt Disney World. It will be the first Christmas without her … will be the first Christmas without her sister, and reliving childhood memories of her best friend is not how she wants to spend her holiday. Sophie’s only desire is to spend Christmas on the slopes with her reliable and stable beau, Darren, who has reluctantly agreed to postpone their trip until the day after Christmas.
But when Sophie runs into a charming stranger, who offers up his extensive Disney knowledge, he instantly becomes her hero. A wave of relief washes over Sophie—he may just be the one to give Ariel the magical experience she desires. And, even though Sophie doesn’t realize it, he may be exactly what she needs too.
Can a bit of Christmas magic help this ruggedly-attractive stranger win Sophie’s heart when she believes it already belongs to Darren? And will Sophie continue to allow her painful past to haunt her, or will she let it go?
A heart-warming holiday romance set in ”The Most Magical Place On Earth”.
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Alex Bailey’s Once Upon a Romance is the first book in A Dream Come True. This holiday themed story was beautifully written. My favorite character was Ariel, the niece. Even though she was not a main character, she shined in this story. That is not to say that I didn’t like Sophie. I felt her character had a lot of self-discovery and growth as the story progressed and it was handled in a way that felt natural. With most of the story taking place in Disney, this tale was magical in so many ways – from the locale, to the emotions, to the people that were passing characters in the store – it all brought together the theme of a dream come true. Alex Bailey is a talented author and I felt that she did it effortlessly within this romance that focused on the emotionally ties more than the physical – you don’t always feel that passion in some stories.
5 Stars
Once Upon A Romance is the first in A Dream Come True Series by Alex Bailey. I love a Christmas romance, so when I saw this pop up on my recommended feed, I snapped it up. The thing I most love about this book, is the way the Ms. Bailey interweaves the love of all things Disney, with the magic of Christmas- whilst also showing a heartfelt and tender romance. This is your quintessential ‘feel-good’, and romantic Christmas story. One with all the wonder, charm and emotion I adore about Christmas stories. Ms. Bailey writes beautifully- creating wonderful quirky characters that I would love to call friends, and explore the theme parks with. She was also easily able to capture the magic of the season, and I loved the minute attention to detail that makes this story come alive.
Sophie O’Connor loves her job working for a large publishing firm as a text book editor. She is dedicated, focused and organised. She is still coming to terms with the death of her beloved sister, 10 months earlier, and is devoted to her eight-year-old niece, Ariel. With Christmas fast approaching, she is determined to make it as special as she can for Ariel, as it is the first Christmas without her mother. But when she finds out what it is that Ariel wishes for, Sophie fears she won’t be strong enough to see it through. Ariel wants to spend Christmas day at Disney World, riding her mother’s favourite amusement ride. Sophie’s sister, Natalie, was a huge Disney fan and adored everything Disney- and so did their parents. Sophie, not so much, plus add the fact that Disney would hold so many memories of her sister, and Sophie wasn’t relishing the idea of spending time there. But this was Ariel’s special Christmas wish- so Sophie was determined to make it come true in every way.
But what happens when a fairly straight-laced, non-Disney Aunt has to contend with a fun-loving, and imaginative little Disney-aficionado? She might need a little help- which comes in the form of a fun-loving, Disney devotee- Ray Bueno- who adds a little magic to their Disney experience and helps to fill the hole that the loss of her sister left in her heart.
Holiday Romance at its best!!
Thank you, Ms. Bailey!
Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1)
By: Alex Bailey
5 out of 5 stars
The story Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1) by Alex Bailey is a book that I absolutely loved reading. The story caught my interest from the moment that I read that it involved a famous theme park. It hooked me in from the very beginning of the book and the “magic” of both the theme park and the holidays took over so I couldn’t put it down until I had read the final page. I loved reading about the characters of Sophie and her niece Ariel. From the moment that Sophie learns of Ariel’s wish to honor her mother’s memory by going to the one place that her mother loved so much, she knew that she must make that wish come true. Even if it meant reliving past, sometimes painful, memories. She says she will find a way to get through it for Ariel. Ariel is a young girl who although has lost her mother she is loved and supported by family. I found Ariel to be someone who takes notice of details in life and seems to be able to understand things beyond her years. When they run into a kind, friendly, and charming stranger who offers his knowledge about the theme park Sophie feels relief. Could her attitude regarding the vacation to the theme park be changing? Sophie has a boyfriend who is reliable and stable. Her heart belongs to him, doesn’t it? What does the future hold for Sophie? Will she find herself guided by the magic all around her? Will that “magic” help the charming stranger win over Sophie’s heart? Read this book to find out. This is a heartwarming story that I found myself thinking about even after I had finished the book. I love the attention to detail that the author gives. I felt like I was right there with Sophie and Ariel seeing what they did. It is also a book that had my emotions going up and down all throughout. This is a wonderfully written story that I would highly recommend reading.
Oh my! What a perfectly darling romance. I simply hung off each page!
Having recently been to WDW (thank you Make a Wish Foundation), I found myself transported back knee-deep in all the beauty, action and of course… magic!
Each character in this beautiful novel allows you to see the fantastic world of Disney, courage through loss, and the glory of being who you are, through their eyes! I could smell the coffee (Joffre’s??), see the sparkling lights, revel in the exhilaration and feel the emotions.
The references to SW and Canada made this story so personal to me and I will treasure it always.
Ariel, Ray and Sophie will not soon be forgotten!!!
This is the 2nd book I have read by Alex Bailey and I must say I would read a receipt over and over if it was written by her!
This is a darling gem to remember always and has been a huge inspiration to me! Thank you for giving the world yet another perfect novel!!
Once Upon a Romance brings the magic of the holidays back. This is my first time ready a book by Alex Bailey. The characters and the story king is awesome. It reminds me of going to Disney. It brought forth the feelings of joy and love and warm fuzzies. I can’t wait to see what this author brings for the rest of this series.
Once Upon A Romance: A Dream Come True book one written by Alex Bailey. When Sophie’s niece asks for one thing for Christmas and it’s in memory of her mother Sophie can’t say no regardless of how it will make her feel. So off to Walt Disney World they go. You feel the loss of Natalie throughout the story but it still has those happy moments of loved ones remembering her and enjoying the day in her favorite place. Overall the story was cute and had it’s funny moments definitely worth the read.
Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1)
By Alex Bailey
I loved reading this heartwarming holiday story. This book gave me all the feels I want in a great story. Even though there is heartbreak there is also a abundance of love and support in this story. The author did an amazing job with the details in this story that I felt like I was there at Disney World with them experiencing the magic of the place and the season. This truly was an emotional wonderful story that will stay with me for a long time. I know that I will revisit this story multiple times because I enjoyed reading it that much!! I highly recommend this wonderful story. I cannot wait to read what comes next!
Once upon a romance by Alex Bailey was a great feel good book. This is the first book Ive read by this author and was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to read and how much I enjoyed it. Sophie grew up with an older sister and parents who were all obsessed with Disney World. Sophie never really understood why she didn’t enjoy going as much but it makes sense to her later in the book why.
Sophie should be visiting her boyfriend Darren’s family for Christmas this year until she finds out her niece Ariel asked Santa for one thing this year….to go to Disney. Ariel’s mom passed away a few months prior and it has been very rough on her. Sophie knows, she has to do what’s right and bring Ariel to WDW even if she has no desire to go. While in Disney she meets a man named Ray who also runs a Facebook page and is known as Professor Disney. Ray seems a little off to Sophie but, Ariel really enjoys his company so Sophie lets him tag along with them since he knows everything about Disney. Add a little pixie dist and a toothless Santa and anything can happen. How will Darren feel when he comes to Disney on Christmas Eve and finds out all about Ray.
I thought this was a well written book and it kept my attention.
Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey was just the little bit of “magic” I miss at Christmas time. I lived in Florida most of my life and a “Disney Christmas” was a favorite of mine for years; nobody does Christmas better than Disney. This book brought back so many amazing memories for me. This author was detailed in everything that you will see, that I felt like I was on the Magical Disney trip right alongside Sophie and Ariel. Everyone needs to experience the “Magic” of Disney once in their life no matter how old you are.
Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey is the first book in A Dream Come True series. This book has everything you could want – romance, Disney magic and Christmas magic.
It is an emotional book about a little girl who has lost her mum and her aunts determination to make the first Christmas without her special. The author tells the story so well it is easy to imagine what the characters are going through.
Christmas story’s are not my favourite ones by any stretch but there was something about this book that just drew me in. It is easy to read but difficult to put down once you’ve started. A great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Once Upon a Romance is the first instalment of the A Dream Come True series and, simply put, it is the perfect romance read. If you’re starting to get in the Christmas spirit, or just love a holiday read, this is exactly the read you need. It has a cute child, plenty of romance and is set in the most magical place on earth, Disneyland!
Our leading lady, Sophie, is everything her sister wasn’t, including not being a Disney fan. So when her niece, Ariel, reveals her Christmas wish is to spend the holidays at her recently deceased mother’s favourite place, Sophie begrudgingly agrees. And then the miracles start. Not only does Sophie manage to find a hotel room for her and Ariel at such short notice, she’s also able to make sure her boyfriend, Dean, can join them, too. As for Sophie and Dean’s relationship, I’ll let you make your own minds up!
This book has magical written all over it. From the setting to the characters, I just fell in love with everything about this read. While at its core it’s dealing with quite a difficult issue, the loss of a family member, this author doesn’t let this overshadow the amount of love between the characters. Rick and Ariel’s bond is one of my favourite elements of this book and I loved reading the scenes where they were together. The change in Sophie’s character was also something I loved, especially when it came to her life and romance choices; no spoilers her, but I was rooting for her to get her happy ending!
If I wasn’t already feeling Christmassy, I definitely am now. In fact, I’ve gone and put my Christmas tree up! This is a feel-good read and could quite happily sit here all night and tell you just how much I loved it. Instead, I’m going to tell you how much you should go and grab your own copy and snuggle up a blanket and devour it in one go. I did just this and can safely say, it was a Saturday afternoon well-spent! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and now have a new author to fall in love with!
Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey came as a surprise for me. This was my first book by this author, and I have to say that I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was such a sweet and endearing story with a beautiful theme. I fell in love with the characters, individuals that held and captivated my attention from the very beginning. The emotions that I experienced while reading this book were ones that I like to cherish the most, because it means that I’m experiencing the book just as the author planned for. This was definitely a 5 Star Book
Once Upon a Romance is the first book in Alex Bailey’s A Dream Come True series. What an opening it was! It hit just the right spot for the holidays as it takes place in “The Most Magical Place on Earth” during Christmas holidays! I am curious to see what direction she will take her series and who will be the leads in the next story!
Once Upon a Romance is the story of Sophie O’Connor and Ray Bueno aka Professor Disney. Sophie’s sister Natalie died ten months ago and this is the first Christmas without her and Natalie’s daughter Ariel’s Christmas wish is to spend Christmas day at Disney World riding her mother’s favourite amusement ride … the only snag is that Sophie is not a Disney fan like the rest of her family!
It is a beautiful heart-warming story of magical meetings in a magical place, it is a story of healing and new loves … It is just what doctor prescribed for these dreary dark nights leading up to holidays!
Such an amazing book! Loved the characters and the story. It gave me so many different emotions I couldn’t believe it. Joy, saddened, anger, heartbreak. It was amazing. I love the dynamic between the aunt and the niece. They just perfectly balanced each other out. If you are looking for a good holiday read with a happily ever after, look no farther.
Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey
Stars: 5
This a very sweet Christmas love story that includes Disney theme. The two main characters are great. Sophie is a loving, caring aunt. She is willing to do anything for her niece even visit her least favorite place….Disney! Ray seems like the opposite of Sophie. They both are kind, living, and caring people, but Ray is much more laid back. He also LOVES Disney! They learn so much about each other and themselves. In this book, I loved Sophie’s niece, Ariel. She is a little ball of energy who is very perceptive.
There is just so many good things to rave about with Once Upon a Romance from Alex Bailey! I must first start with that gorgeous cover! It screamed pick me up, you will find a swoony prince and a hapless princess who doesn’t know her worth somewhere amongst the storyline, much like one of my favorite tales of all time, Cinderella, or better yet a Disney love story in general is a theme that is ever present throughout Once Upon a Romance. I adored that theme and this was also collectively portrayed in the cover.
The Disney theme is strong in other ways throughout the book, even in the character names. I really loved how this author was able to bring to life the characters that I so loved and my kiddo loved, but in a new and older, reimagined and modern way. This isn’t your classic fairytale, but rather with a twist that will keep you swooning and on your toes from the very first page till the end. I was so excited to learn that this novel is book one of a series so there will be more to come as well!
Sophie O’Connor has the life she has always dreamed of, including her dream job as a text book editor. However, her recent loss of her sister has her main focus on her eight year old niece, Ariel. Her current dilema is Ariel’s Christmas wish; spend Christmas day in Disney World riding the rides her mother loved. This just happens to also be Sophie’s worst nightmare. When a little Disney magic and a little Christmas magic combine with a man named Ray Bueno, a wonderful, romantic, whimsical, and cheerful story unfolds right before you eyes. It is almost as if you are watching one of your favorite Hallmark Holiday romance movies. Grab your hot drink, warm blanket, and fuzzy socks, you won’t want to get up till you finish this one in one sitting!
Once Upon a Romance brings the magic of the holidays back. It brought forth the feelings of joy and love and warm fuzzies. Also, it reminded me of the wonder of Disney, like it was when I was younger. Sophie seems to be the one in need of change and almost rescuing, she’s kind of broken and going through the motions, and her only real joy comes from spending time with her niece. Ray is a breath of fresh air and it’s amazing they end up on this journey together. Things do get emotional and touching in all the ways you want in a holiday novel. It has a happy ever after, though I wish I got an epilogue or just more of them. It was that good.
A Christmas story that both warmed my heart and pulled at my heart strings at the same time. This story took me on not just a magical Christmas journey but also an emotional roller coaster. The characters are fun, connectable and lovable. Eight year old Ariel and her Aunt Sophie need a little Christmas magic and a stranger just might be what they need. A Christmas story to warm your heart. I highly recommend reading this story as it will put a little Christmas spirit and magic in your heart.
5 Star
Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True book1) by Alex Bailey is a good holiday story that I absolutely loved reading. This book was a page Turner and I couldn’t read fast enough. This story pulled at my heart strings at times. Sophie learns of her niece’s wish to honor her mother’s memory by going to the place that her mom loved. Sophie knew she had to make it happen.Find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book you won’t be disappointed I know I wasn’t. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
You know how they say “Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover”? Well I totally judged this one by the cover and I was not wrong. Between the cover and the blurb, I could not pass this story up. It’s the first I’ve read by the author and I look forward to reading more in the series.
A simple tale, yet so complex with so many feelings. Granting a Christmas wish for a beloved niece should never be a chore – yet sometimes it’s just that.
The characters in this sweet romance are complex and layered. They are well developed and helped to pull emotion from me that I wasn’t necessarily feeling that day. The aunt and niece complement each other well – they are the ying to the other’s yang and it was wonderful to watch the relationship grow.
This is absolutely one of those romance stories that I would recommend to YA and my mom’s book club. It’s full of lovely visuals and brought back memories of my own travels to Disney both as a kid and as an Auntie.