Oh. My. Gosh.

If you are a fan of C.S. Lewis get yourself this book!!! Hands down such a great and emotional read. I can't wait to read this book over and over again. You will absolutely fall in love with this book!

Set mostly in Worcestershire, England in the 1950’s. It is about a young boy George Devonshire who is eight years old. George is sick and spends most of his time reading. His favorite book is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
George wants to know how C.S. Lewis got his ideas to write the book and he wants his sister Megs to find the answers. Megs is studying mathematics at University in Oxford.
George insists that Megs finds a way to meet C.S. Lewis. Megs love for her brother helps her overcome barriers and obstacles to find the answers George needs.
Megs follows C.S. Lewis from the University through the back streets of Oxford to find out where he lives. She then spends time hiding near his home waiting for the chance to accidentally strike up a conversation.
I loved this story. I loved the characters and how they interacted. I also loved the way stories were told within stories. It had all my favorite themes, literature, mathematics, stalking and storytelling.
This was about families, family relationships, literature and storytelling. I loved it. I am looking forward to reading more books by Patti Callahan.

Once Upon a Wardrobe, in a land not so far away, we find the beautiful telling of the story of young George that is afflicted with a disease... or more aptly blessed with a short life well lived. It’s the tale of his sister’s desire to help him fulfill his one wish... to know where Narnia began. But, what George and those around him discover is so much more. Thanks to NetGalley and Patti Callahan for the early read.

A young woman with a love of math, who sees everything in black and white, believes in a world where equations and theorems can solve everything. Everything but her 9 year old brother's weak heart, which is eventually going to kill him. George, her brother is given a copy of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardribe" and becomes fascinated with the fact that his sister has actually seen the great C.S.Lewis at Oxford, where she goes to school. He convinces her to meet Lewis, and find out where the idea for Narnia came from. Megs believes she is too old for fairy stories and becomes frustrated with the tales Lewis and his brother tell her about their childhood, but eventually comes to see what they are trying to make her understand. A beautiful book, but especially so for fans of C.S. Lewis. This book is a treasure.

Once Upon a Wardrobe
by Patti Callahan
Published Oct. 19, 2021

Love each Patti Callahan book more than the one before it. This is a great read! I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

5 star

I wish to thank NetGalley and Harper Muse Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am a huge fan of Patti Callahan because she never disappoints. She takes storytelling to a whole new level and the reader immediately feels a part of the story. Young George is an eight year old boy with a severe heart condition. He is confined to his bed. His beloved older sis Meg is attending college at one of the schools at Oxford. George asks Meg if she knows C. S. Lewis and she admits he is a professor at one of the other schools at Oxford but does not actually know him. He begs her to go to him and ask him where does Narnia come from. Meg loves her brother and would do anything for him so she tries to fulfill his wish. She tracks down the professor and goes to his home to try to ask him but is shy about doing it. She meets C. S. Lewis’ brother and tells him her dilemma and he invites her in to meet his famous brother. Does she get her answer? You will just have to read this delightful book to find out yourself where Narnia came from. The reader will love ALL the characters and the way the story develops. Patti has a delightful way with words and sentiment from all points of view. I truly hated to put this one down and plan to reread it before NetGalley takes it off my shelf. It is truly worthy of several rereads and will make a splendid Christmas gift for anyone on your list next Christmas. I would give this more stars if I could.

For all lovers of Narnia, a delightful story which starts with a child - George - asking ; Where did Narnia come from?'. Fortunately, his sister - Megs - is at Oxford where CS Lewis is a tutor, and she finds him. The novel, which is charming, gentle, and kind covers Lewis's life until 'TheLion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' is first published, and the fictional account of George and his sister discovering the novel's origins.
My only criticism is of the Americanisms which I found jarring - hence 4 stars not 5; and which could easily be corrected, making an enjoyable book even more so.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an ARC.

This story makes me want to take the 5 stars away from every book I’ve honored with that rating so far this year. Nothing is better than this! If you loved The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe you will love this.

You could read this book without reading The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and it’s still a very touching novel with the protagonist, Meg’s, discussions with Mr. Lewis, Jack. Meg, a Math and Physics scholar, goes to Mr. Lewis, an English Literature Professor at Oxford, to ask him where Narnia is and if Aslan exists because her eight year old brother, George, is dying from a congenital heart disorder, and is a fan of Mr. Lewis and Narnia and has asked her to find out for him.

In the author’s descriptions as with her protagonist they “paint the scene with words that George [and the reader] will appreciate.” I love her descriptions like, “in Autumn the earth moves toward rest.” Or when describing a pile of hats and mittens in the entryway of Jack’s house she says, “...they are jumbled together in a party.” It reminds me of describing things to blind children that I have taught. Her descriptions add flavor to the story!

I love reading English literature with one of my favorite sayings is, ‘have a cuppa’. My heart is full to hear the English term mum for mom. It sounds so much more endearing.

In the beginning of the story, the author hints of a possible romance or friendship to form when she talks of how Meg doesn’t stay at school on holidays because she wants to be home with George. A friendship does develop not only a lifetime friendship with Mr. Lewis but also with another scholar that she meets on her way to and from Mr. Lewis’ and on her way home. I truly loved reading the note from Douglas Gresham at the end and I’m excited to read the author’s note upon publication.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperMuse for this ARC for my honest review

It's the closing days of 1950. Megs Devonshire is a young woman fascinated by mathematics and facts with not a lot of room in her world for fancies, who attends Somerville College at Oxford University. The one thing she loves more than numbers and logic is her family, especially her eight-year-old brother George, who was born with a heart condition and spends most of his life in bed. His one consolation is reading, and as the book opens, his soul is on fire from the new book he has just read, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. Megs sees it as just another storybook, but George requests that since she attends Oxford, where C.S. Lewis teaches at a different college, she must ask him "Is Narnia real?" And if it isn't, where did it come from?

Megs, reluctant to address Lewis on campus, follows him one day to the home he shares with his brother, and she is found by "Warnie" Lewis, who introduces her to his brother, who prefers to be known as "Jack." But when she asks him about Narnia, instead he starts telling her the story of his life, and while George loves the stories she brings home about "young Jack," she is continually frustrated: why won't he tell her the one thing George wants to know? But even as she tells George the stories, it awakens his creativity and curiosity, and also, with the help of a redheaded fellow student named Padraig Cavender, opens Megs' mind to the unseen mysteries of the world, the ones that can't be explained by maths and facts.

I noticed that the print copy of this book is due out before Christmas, which is a perfect time for its release: it's definitely a "Christmas book." Callahan works a bewitching magic in this book; her vocabulary is pitch-perfect vintage English, and she describes Oxford, the Kilns, and even the Devonshires' cozy house with such warmth that it's like walking out of the wardrobe and arriving in Narnia. It has the same warm, familiar feelings as a Beatrix Potter drawing or the Mole and Water Rat passages of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. Douglas Gresham, C.S. Lewis' stepson, has given this book a big thumbs up, as do I. Enchanting.

What a beautiful, magical and emotional story. 8 yr old George knows he is dying and all he wants to do is live through books. His adventure is breathtaking and his love of the Lion and all things magical just draws you into this book. Megs his sister is amazing and goes above and beyond to make this little boys fantasies and need for answers come true.

There is nothing better than seeing a story through the eyes of an innocent child. I felt so many emotions while reading this book that I found myself totally immersed in the words and wonder. I know it is one that I will read over and over again.

Patti Callahan is a new to me author and I can't wait to read more of her work.

I just finished Once Upon a Wardrobe, and oh, my goodness. I haven’t read a book so good in quite awhile. Each new chapter felt like those precious, quiet moments, right before Christmas morning, with all the anticipation and wonder of the day ahead. I won’t be the last to say there was no disappointment found with the gifts this book held within its pages. I completely lost myself, and an entire day, devouring, savoring, immersing myself in this novel. So, so good. 5 ⭐️ I’ll read this one again, and while this copy was an advance e-book, I can guarantee I’ll be buying the print version in October for my own library.

Beautiful. So very beautiful. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the October 2021 release of this one!
I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever read and loved The Chronicles of Narnia!

**I received a digital copy of this from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**

As a long time fan of C.S. Lewis and the Narnia series I anxiously awaited a Once Upon A Wardrobe. Patty Callahan Henry did not disappoint in this book. From the very beginning I was wrapped up in George’s love for The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. I have read this book many times with my students and could picture their enthusiasm in George. George’s adoring older sister, Megs, will do anything for her brother, even track down Mr. Lewis. The book blends the stories of C.S. Lewis’s life with a heart touching tale of George and Meg’s journey to find out how Narnia was created. From her fireside chats with Mr. Lewis and his brother, Warnie, to the Meg’s story time with George this book is full of heart (and tears). This book showcases how the most important parts of life are often clearer through the eyes of a child. I highly recommend this book! This is my favorite Patty Callahan Henry book yet.

A very evocative and moving book full of magic and the charm of a bygone era. I would highly recommend this to anyone who needs an excape to a more peaceful time.
The characters are well drawn and you feel empathy a pronounced empathy with their situation.

5 STARS!

I do not have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe this book--it was enchanting, magical, enticing, etc. I did not want to put it down and finished it sadly in under a day.

I read the Narnia books when I was younger but am not as in to fantasy reading but I read the previous book by the author, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, and I was captivated by the story of Joy Davidson. This story was equally captivating and took me on such an adventure.

The author is a fantastic storyteller and took me on such a journey in this book. I particularly fell in love with the characters of Megs, George, Paidig, Jack and Marnie. This book gave me so much to think about and I am deeply appreciative of that. I look forward to reading it again in the future for a new and different experience.

Thanks so much to the publisher and netgalley for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This review will be posted on my blog (www.kroosreadsandreviews.blogspot.com), bookbub, goodreads and netgalley.

The scenes where Ms Callahan is describing the college student of Mega coming home and the descriptions of the sights and smells before and after she turns the knob to the front door were so vivid and compelling. It reminded me so much of sights and sounds from my own childhood home the passages made me FEEL homesick even though I haven't been back home in 20 years! The scenes she sets up are so warm and cozy even though its winter outside the characters doors. Such a cozy opening to her novel what a great way to start out.

This isn't so much about a boys question as it is a journey for a brother and sister to make a they experience storytelling fron a master himself. When George explains he's IN the story I know exactly what he's referring to and what he means as I do the same thing as well. Such an active vibrant imagination doesn't make it hard. I really identified with these characters and found them completely relatable even though im 42 years old!🤣
I'm sure this book will be a HUGE hit and if its not then I'd say they marketing strategy didn't work very well... Ahem... There is NO WAY for people to NOT love this tale. For Narnia is real!

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

There are books that you read and books that you devour. I absolutely devoured this book and it has taken me weeks to be able to totally process and write this review.

I believe that this is a book that Patti Callahan was destined to write and she did an amazing job with this book. Her love of Narnia and C.S. Lewis shine very bright throughout this entire book!!

The main question in this book is Where did Narnia come from? George is 8 years old and has a heart condition that does not allow him to do much. He reads The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and is is totally fascinated with it!!!! It is all he can talk about!! His sister Megs is a student at Oxford and George wants her to find the answer to his question from Mr. Lewis. Megs begins to have chats with Mr. Lewis and his brother, Warnie. They tell her stories that she takes home to tell her brother.

Will Megs be able to understand their stories so that she will have the answer for her ailing brother??

This is a magical book that touched my heart deeply. It is a story of deep sibling love, a quest for answers and the wonderful world of Narnia. This book will be the debut novel for Harper Muse and they picked an amazing book to be their first out in the world.

Thank you to Harper Muse, NetGalley and Patti Callahan for an early digital copy.

****Coming out October 19, 2021*****

Thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley, I was chosen as an early reviewer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Patti Callahan writes this magical and heartfelt book exploring the question: Where did Narnia come from? This book draws you in from the first page and is hard to put down until the very last page!

It’s1950’s, Meg is attending Somerville college. She has a brother George who is bed bound because he has a life threatening heart condition that no one can do anything about. George becomes fascinated with the book The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis after his Aunt gifts it to him. Meg comes home on the weekends in order to spend time with George and is convinced by George to read him this book. George knows that C.S.Lewis is a professor at Meg’s college, so he wants Meg to ask the question is Narnia real and how did it begin? Meg knows even though she doesn’t have the courage, she doesn’t want to disappoint George. Will Meg to get the answers George is looking for?
It clearly shows what a sister will do for her brother out of love and what lengths she is willing to go to fulfill his last wish. A heartfelt book that will not disappoint. Be sure to add this book to your TBR list for the fall.

“Maybe we are each and every one of us born with our own stories, and we must decide how to tell those stories with our own life, or in a book . . . Or could it be that all our stories come from one larger story?”

It’s December of 1950 in Worcestershire, England, and eight-year-old George Henry Devonshire knows that “the heart he was born with isn’t strong enough, and they’ve done all they can.” But during his solitary days spent reading in his room, George has become captivated by a beautiful new myth called The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Now his fragile life has one focus: to discover where Narnia comes from.

His college-age sister Megs, who adores him and would do anything for him, realizes this is a matter of life and death for George. So she seeks out a friendship with C. S. Lewis to discover the answer. Lewis answers her questions with stories, which she then brings home to George. Each storytelling session beginning with, “Once upon a wardrobe . . .”

As Megs and George work through the personal history C. S. Lewis shares with them in story-form, they discover truths about the world and themselves and where their own stories begin.

Author Patti Callahan shares much of C. S. Lewis’s life, personality, and beliefs through these interactions with the fictional Megs. Both those who are “meeting” Jack for the first time and longtime Lewis fans are sure to find themselves enchanted as they read.

I savored this heartwarming tale. It made me smile and brought me to tears.

A must-read for fans of Narnia, C. S. Lewis & author Patti Callahan (Becoming Mrs. Lewis, Surviving Savannah). Don’t miss it!

Thank you to Patti Callahan, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for my opportunity to read & review.

Some favorite quotes:

“George takes something of this world and travels to another as if the story world and the real world run right alongside each other. Or maybe they are inside each other.”

“For a breath or two, I wonder about this magical world we live in. It’s a mystery we can never understand. For a moment, a small and breath-holding moment, I know it to be true: there is more, something more I can’t see, a vivid truth that can’t be described by logic or words alone, a truth that delights the heart.”

“He longs to climb inside the wardrobe and watch the story come together just as it happened. He doesn’t want to change the author’s life; he wants to watch it turn into something else new, something with snow, a white witch, and a lion that calls to George even in his sleep, its roar far off and deep, both comforting and terrifying.”

“I once believed they battled each other—imagination and reason—that they stood in sharp contrast one to the other.” . . . “Reason is how we get to the truth, but imagination is how we find meaning.”

“Stars are made of dust and nitrogen; they are balls of gas and hydrogen. But that isn’t what a star is; it’s only what it is made of.”

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan is an amazing work of literature. It is one of those special stories that is as unforgettable as the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. It brings the world of C.S. Lewis to life in a way that reminds us why we love Narnia Series. If you do love the series you will want to read this book.

Best book I have read in a very long time.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.