A Miracle at Macy's - Lynn Marie Hulsman

The Blurb

One lost dog. Two lonely hearts. A Manhattan Christmas full of magic.

Shy homebody Charlotte is planning her usual quiet Christmas celebration: Turkey for two for her and her beloved pet dog Hudson. Only, this year, little Hudson decides to take matters into his own paws and give his favourite human a holiday adventure she’ll never forget.

When Hudson runs away the week before Christmas, Charlotte is devastated. She’d rescued him from the trash years before and gave him a place in her home – and her heart. But with the help of uptight Englishman Henry, Charlotte ends up on a magical treasure hunt around Manhattan to find her furry, four-legged bestie.

Spotted in Central Park as one of Santa's Little Helpers, or last seen in the arms of a supermodel in Times Square, Hudson leads Charlotte and Henry on a very merry dance around the Big Apple, where love, (or should that be Christmas?!) actually is all around.

The Review

As soon as I saw the cover for  A Miracle at Macy's I knew I had to read it.  Christmas, New York, a cute as a button puppy - it looked like the perfect Christmas read.

Once I started reading, I knew I'd enjoy the story.  I immediately warmed to Charlotte, the quiet protagonist, and fell head over heels in love with her mischievous pup Hudson.  His personality shone through as much as that of any of the human characters and made me care about the major plotline - finding Hudson when he goes missing just before Christmas. 

What followed was a madcap campaign to reunite Charlotte and Hudson, made all the more high profile by Charlotte's event organiser aunt Miranda gaining celebrity supporters and designating the gorgeous Henry to keep the search in the limelight.  The New York backdrop was a perfect winter setting and Hulsman showcases what the city has to offer throughout the novel.  Her first hand experience of the city over the holidays is evident and had me longing to be there!

There was so much tension between Charlotte and Henry, I loved how their relationship sizzled!  It was an old fashioned romance with a new twist.  There need to be more nice guys like Henry in romantic fiction!

Humorous, touching and oh-so festive, A Miracle at Macy's is a feel-good read to banish the winter blues. 

A Miracle at Macy's is out now in ebook format and paperback on December 17th, published by Harper Impulse. 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

5 Insider Tips for Christmas in New York by Lynn Marie Hulsman

If you’re lucky enough to spend the run-up to Christmas, or the magical day itself, in New York City, you’ll likely want to experience all of the events you’ve seen in the movies and on television. And you should! There’s nothing like seeing a couple get engaged on the ice at Rockefeller Center while Santa Claus looks on. Or walking along 5^th Avenue to see the iconic window displays. And you wouldn’t want to miss a trip to Macy’s flagship store on 34^th Street to visit Santaland and make your own miracles and memories.

But don’t skip the off-the-beaten path offerings my fair city has to offer up during the festive season. Here are a list of five of my favorite less heralded “must-dos” for the holidays in New York:

The Holiday Train Show, New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx

 

 

If you’ve never been to the New York Botanical Garden, you are in for a treat. The grounds are breathtaking in any season, and the ride up on Metro North is pleasant and relaxing. There’s always a holiday thrill in this air during this event, and it’ll whet your appetite for the big day. The trains themselves are glorious, and the bonus is that all the train displays are made out of barks, leaves, fruit, nuts, branches, and twigs!

Panna II Indian Restaurant, East Village

 

There is a strip in the East Village called Indian Row, dotted with dozens of curry-heavy restaurants. I have been going to this one for decades. Warning: It shares a staircase and tiny landing with a competitor, and the minute they see you coming, the wooing begins. Hold your ground and go to Panna, where you’ll be welcomed in a matter-of-fact way by the owner, Mr. Khan. The Christmassy part? All the lights and sparkles and foil decorations make the tiny eatery look like it got bombed by Santa. Plus, it’s open on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

The Arch at Washington Square Park, West Village

Washington Square Park enjoys a rich literary history with connections to Louisa May Alcott, Edgar Allan Poe, William S. Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, and others. It’s in the historic New York University neighborhood, and is a pleasant place to walk and people watch. On December 9th at 6 p.m. they will light the giant tree, which will be followed by caroling.  And on Christmas Eve, enjoy more carols (led by a brass quartet) at the Arch, and sing along with l the locals who stay in New York for the holidays. 

The Big Apple Circus, on the Campus of Lincoln Center, Upper West Side

 

This wonderful show, which changes themes each year, relies less on animals and more on human fats of skill, acrobatics, and showmanship. It’s so fun to be under the Big Top smack in the middle of Manhattan. It feels like taking a trip! And when the circus is over, wander out onto the plaza at Lincoln Center and take photos by the famous fountain and lighted steps. The tree will be lit, and you’ll glimpse the buildings that house the world’s most famous opera and ballet companies.

Grand Central Station’s Holiday Fair, Midtown East

 

Not only can you shop for unique gifts here during the holiday season, there are events such as art installations and music concerts to immerse yourself in. There are trains every year, and if you get hungry, you can grab a bite at the food court, or if you want to splash out, have a meal at The Oyster Bar. Sit at the counter and watch the ancient, hard-boiled New York waiters and cooks prepare your stew to order in the one-of-a-kind countertop kettles. And on your way out, stop at one of New York’s best-kept secrets: The Whispering Arch. Physics makes it possible for you to stand meters away from a friend and hear the message that he or she speaks, even with a turned back.

Lynn Marie Hulsman lives in New York.  Her Christmas novel A Miracle at Macy's is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

 

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Website: http://www.lynnmariehulsman.com

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New York in the Summertime - A guest post from Lynn Marie Hulsman

Lynn Marie Hulsman is a New York based author published by Harper Impulse.  She's here to share some of her highlights on what the Big Apple has to offer in the summer months. As a lover of the city, I'm excited to see what she recommends!

Lynn Marie Hulsman, showing off her Harper Impulse Tshirt!

When most people think summer vacation, they think beach or mountains. Maybe you’ve even heard the old adage, “Everyone gets out of the city in the summertime.” I may be a rebel, but I think that possibly barring Christmastime, summer is the very best season to spend time in New York. For one thing, you don’t have to don layers of clothing or trudge in foot-swaddling boots when you go sightseeing. For tourists, this means you’re free to pack lightly.

Another bonus is that crowds are light. Insider tip: Many NYC offices have “summer hours,” meaning people flee their cubicles and head to the Hamptons and Fire Island at 3 p.m. on a Friday, not to return until 8 p.m. on a Sunday. It’s blissful to walk the sidewalks on the weekend without getting bumped five times per block.

Finally, countless summer events are free in New York City. If you plan ahead, you can catch a cheap flight. Save even more money by doing a home exchange or booking through Airbnb.com. If nothing else, bid for a hotel on Priceline.com and accept the cheapest thing you’re given. Believe me, you’ll only be in your room to sleep. Save your splurge money for shopping or for a meal at a legendary restaurant such as Jean Georges, Keen’s Steakhouse, or La Grenouille. Then, save on your splurge by going at lunchtime. If there are no tables, ask to eat at the bar. Bartenders are often generous when customers are polite and chatty; you might get a free drink or comped dessert along with a chance to chat up a real New Yorker.

So, if you’re planning a visit to NYC this summer, here are my top picks for ways to spend your time.

1.                          Free Fun at Bryant Park. Hands down the best place for free summer activities in the whole city. Monday nights, catch a free outdoor movie on the lawn at dusk. Schedules are announced mid-May and offerings have included Meet Me in Saint Louis, The Shining, and The Mark of Zorro. Gather at 4 p.m., get ready to swarm the lawn at 5 p.m., and bring a picnic (grab it at Pain Quotidien on 41^st and 6^th), and wine to entertain yourself until nightfall (around 8:30 p.m.). Other attractions include free table tennis, pétanque, Kubb (a Scandinavian bowling game), an outdoor reading room sponsored by the NYC Public Library, and a Games Center, at which you can “check out” chess boards, Uno cards, backgammon sets, Bananagrams, and more. Best part: The spectacularly clean public restrooms, complete with fresh flowers daily.

www.bryantpark.org

Bryant Park restrooms

 

2.                          Shakespeare in the Park. It’s hard to believe tickets are free for some of the best theater you’ll ever see, starring people you’ve seen on TV and the big screen (Meryl Streep, Gregory Hines, Kevin Kline, Natalie Portman), along with brilliantly talented people whose names you haven’t heard. The fun starts in the early afternoon, when you’ll join the line in NYC’s world-famous Central Park, right near the duck pond, and right below the castle you’ve seen in more movies than you can count. Tickets are distributed every day that there’s a performance starting at noon, and everyone over age 5 may receive two complimentary passes. That means arriving at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. to line up. Waiting is half the fun! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, a thermos of coffee and a bag of croissants, and plan to people watch (on steroids). Sure, you have to wait, but who ever complained about spending a gorgeous summer morning relaxing in Central Park?

http://www.publictheater.org.

Lynn Marie's daughter, in the green, enjoying Central Park ice cream

Lynn Marie's son having fun at Central Park

3.                          Walk the High Line. If you haven’t heard of The High Line Park, you’re in for a treat. Formerly an abandoned elevated train track from circa 1934, the High Line has been transformed into a combination green space, art installation, restaurant destination, shopping center, and exercise center. Check out the innovative water features, talking art exhibits, sounds sculptures and lovingly cared-for gardens as you move your blood while taking in a bird’s-eye view of the Chelsea. Sit in the bleachers and sunbathe, or grab a paleta (Mexican ice pop), while you stroll the tracks. You didn’t hear it from me, but there’s beer and wine on sale for those who like a naughty afternoon tipple!

http://www.thehighline.org/visit

4.                          Picnic Point on Governor’s Island. Take the free Water Taxi ferry to Governer’s Island, the home of New York’s brand-new Water Taxi Beach, complete with 20,000 square feet of sand (300 tons!), food and drink concessions, plus a live music venue. Pass a sunny summer’s day bike riding, picnicking, or just lolling around and looking at NYC’s stunning skyline. The Island is in full operation every Friday through Sunday, and all Holiday Mondays from May 27 to September 25.It’s like going to the country, while staying in the city.

http://www.govisland.com/html/home/home.shtml

5.                          Maybe you’re way downtown after a visit to the 9/11 Museum, or Trinity Church, or Fraunces Tavern. Great! You’re steps away from feeling like you’re in one of your favorite films. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. One of New York’s most iconic walks, the trek across the B’lyn Bridge offers not only an up-close view of an engineering marvel, you get to witness breathtaking views of Manhattan, and you can tell all your friends you’ve actually BEEN to Brooklyn. Mount the bridge at City Hall in Lower Manhattan, right along Centre Street. Plan to spend about an hour crossing the bridge (that leaves plenty of time to take photos). Once you get there, it’s a short staircase down to DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights. Shop or sight-see. There’s a new Shake Shack, or grab a slice at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizza. If you’re feeling rich, and aren’t too sweaty, dine at the legendary River Café.

http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/visiting-brooklyn-bridge/



Lynn Marie on the Amtrak train



No matter how you choose to spend your time, a trip to New York City in the summertime will leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime. Grab an evening drink at a rooftop bar, climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty, take a train to Coney Island and scream your face off on the Cyclone (postpone your Nathan’s hot dog until afterward), or enjoy the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Harlem’s Cotton Club. Or take one of my suggestions. There’s something for everyone when the Big Apple’s at its hottest.

It’s my firm opinion that you cannot make a wrong choice when there’s so much magic on offer.

 

You can find out more about Lynn Marie and purchase her books at her Amazon author page (and yes, the recipe books are hers- this talented lady is also a chef!)

 

You can also follow her on twitter @lynnmariesays.

 

Lynn Marie Hulsman's most recent release is Summer at Castle Stone, a perfect holiday read, published by Harper Impulse.