Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala Series: Blessings Georgia #12
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on September 28, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 312
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
It's been years since Wade Montgomery stepped foot in Blessings, Georgia, but the Blessings Christmas spirit is just like he remembers it. The whole town has come together to help his uncle after a disaster nearly destroyed the family business. Being back in Blessings reminds Wade of everything he's been missing, especially when he runs into his old flame, Birdie Knox.
Bridgette "Birdie" Knox isn't so eager to jump into the holiday season. Every year, she's reminded of the secrets that tore her family apart. But with Wade Montgomery back in town, Birdie is starting to believe in Christmas magic. There's no guarantee Wade will stick around, but if Birdie had her wish, she'd never have to say goodbye to him again.
This holiday season the small town of Blessings, Georgia sees a bit of Christmas magic bringing a childhood crush together, helping a man get a reset on his life after a big mistake nearly cost him everything, and bringing a Christmas miracle through a young man’s courage to face up to his past. Each heartwarming and tender story in this series comes as excellent comfy reads which I anticipate with quiet pleasure.
The Christmas Wish is the twelfth in the series and while it introduces a new romance couple and new people in the other main story threads, there is too much backdrop of characters and references to past and ongoing situations for a new reader to get the full experience. Best read in order.
So, Wade Montgomery is tired of pussy-footing around with Birdie Knox. He’s asked her out and tried to make it clear he’s interested while she pokers up and freezes him out. He takes the mechanical bull by the horns and tells her plain that his interest has an expiration date and she needs to tell him straight and he’ll stop pestering where he’s unwanted. Birdie has been friends with Wade since grade school and has loved him for almost the same amount of time. His challenge is a wake-up call that she might blow the best thing in her life if she doesn’t quit putting him off with her little fears.
Meanwhile, a young teen, Duffy discovers the reason his dad was sent to prison and realizes that something he did was the reason. He goes to set it all straight and agonizes that his dad might never be able to forgive him for ten years in prison.
And, then there is Josh who let his gambling get out of control, stole to pay back the dangerous moneylender and gets caught, and this is the last straw with his wife. Without a bit of Christmas magic, he will most certainly decide everyone would do better without him.
These three stories are all running in tandem through the book against the backdrop of this lovely little town and its Christmas holiday festivities such as the parade, the Christmas tree lot and snow cone stand, and the Gingerbread house contest.
There is always a romance in these stories, but in truth, the book is the story of the whole town of people taking care of each other and growing as individuals. I love the laid-back feel and the sweet charming tales that turn out after some adversity particularly in this Christmas-set story.
All in all, it was perfect when one wants a cheery low-angst holiday book and I did. I can recommend this series to small town romance fans who like a broad cast of regulars and a setting that is almost a character itself.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- The Lizzy Chronicles by Cat Gardiner @40sExperience#HarryFrost@sophiarose1816#LoveAudiobooks - December 8, 2024
- Murder Takes the Stage by Colleen Cambridge @colleengleason @KensingtonBooks @sophiarose1816 - December 4, 2024
- Murder at Glenloch Hill by Clara McKenna #ClaraMcKenna @KensingtonBooks@sophiarose1816 - November 27, 2024
I’m glad to see this series is holding up for you. Maybe I will tackle it one year for the HoHoHoRAT.
It is relaxing and cozy. 🙂 Hope a few of the Christmas ones make your HoHoHoRAT list.
What a great review Sophia. I am loving seeing you enjoy this one. I have been wanting to try out this author for a long time. I love the sound of this charming feel to this one.
You are in for a treat when you grab these country charmers. 🙂
I love that this story includes the whole town in it, and not just one romance storyline. 🙂
I love that about this series, too. 🙂
Love the Blessing, Georgia series – enjoyed catching up with characters from previous books.
correction – Blessings
Hey, fellow fan! It is great visiting Blessings with each book.
I love holiday romances and this one sounds cute… but being the 12th in the series, it’s not one for me this year!
Yeah, there is definitely a feel of tied-in history with other stories with this one. Still, if you get a holiday one from earlier in the series then it’s easier to read standalone. 🙂
Glad to see the series is still going strong. I hope to one day read the author’s work.
Yes, I’m always glad to see the next one come out. One of these days I need to drift into her thrillers and romantic suspenses.
I’ve never read anything by Sharon Sala, but I love small town romances and low angst is perfect for this high-angst time of year! Wonderful review, Sophia! 🙂
One of these days you have to try these. Perfect holiday reads. 🙂
I am pretty sure that I have not read this author. I don’t even know how that is possible. This sounds great! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Super! Glad to put you onto a series you might enjoy, Carole.