Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1)
by Alex Bailey
Reviewed by S. S. Bazinet

Description: 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 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?

Once Upon a Romance was selected as a finalist in the Romance category in the 2019 IAN Book of the Year Awards!

Review: Christmas delight, Disney magic and a very sweet story of self-discovery and unexpected romance!

Sometimes, as we’re growing up, we build walls around our heart to protect ourselves. Sometimes those walls can keep us from letting in the love we all deserve. In Sophie’s case, she’s grown up feeling like the outsider in a family who are all huge Disney fans. Since her family spent almost every vacation at Disney World, and Sophie never understood the magic they felt, it’s been a tough situation that’s kept her wondering why she’s the one who’s different.

After the death of her sister, Sophie’s heartbroken and grieving over her loss. However, when her niece’s biggest wish is to spend Christmas at Disney World, Sophie knows she has to do everything she can to make that wish come true. Forced to revisit a place that’s pure delight for most, Sophie once again feels her inability to understand the magic. Her boyfriend, Darren, reflects her feelings. He’s not a Disney person either. He’s also not able to be very supportive of Sophie’s deep commitment to her niece’s needs. He’s very disappointed when Sophie has to opt out of their planned ski vacation.

On her own in Disney World with her niece, Ariel, Sophie is emotionally challenged. Luckily, she meets a man named Ray who’s also known as Professor Disney. Ray is Darren’s opposite. He’s a people person who couldn’t be nicer to Sophie and her niece. Without being pushy, he’s a shining example of kindness and lighthearted fun. As Sophie slowly learns to trust Ray, she learns more about herself and how to trust that she can be a part of the magic too.

“Once Upon a Romance” is filled with Christmas delight and Disney magic. Five stars for this sweet, gently-unfolding story of self-discovery and unexpected romance!

Alex Bailey’s website: AlexBaileywrites.com
Twitter: twitter.com/AuthorAlexBaile