Book Review: I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas by Tiffany Schmidt

I went in to I’m Dreaming of A Wyatt Christmas thinking it was going to be a YA book with an older main character, but as Noelle is fourteen, it was definitely an adjustment to what I normally look for in a YA book. Although I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself totally captivated by her strong voice and completely enchanting story. 

Noelle and her friends normally do various holiday themed activities as it’s their favourite holiday. Ever since Noelle lost her mother at the start of Christmas when she was a little younger, it’s been a tough time of year despite her love for it. To make matters worse, her dad is becoming distant, and ballet-obsessed Noelle feels like she doesn’t have a place in his life, or in town, because of it. As she’s a beloved babysitter in town, Noelle is particularly adored by the Kahale family, who – in need for a babysitter over the season at their cabin at Christmas – invite Noelle to come with them. Initially apprehensive, she reluctantly agrees when her dad doesn’t seem bothered by her leaving, and sets her sights on a different way of celebrating the festive period. But she gets the shock of her life when the older Kahale brother Wyatt intrudes on the holiday from his dance school that Noelle wants to audition for. Thrown together in close proximity, sparks soon fly, but the holiday doesn’t go without hitches, and as her life begins to change, she isn’t sure how to put her feelings in check. 

Overall, this book was a total breath of fresh air. Even though I’m not used to reading a slightly younger main character, I still loved getting to know Noelle and her love of dance, Christmas, her friends, family and babysitting families that became an extension of her own. I’d highly recommend I’m Dreaming Of A Wyatt Christmas to older middle grade and younger YA readers that love clean romance, Hallmark-worthy swoons and delightful holiday romances galore. Four stars!