Noel Blake and her husband Jonah's marriage is in trouble. They have been drifting apart, and they bicker constantly. The only real time they even spend together is when they walk their dog, Elliott. When, one snowy day, Elliott manages to slip his leash, they find him blocks away in the care of a mysterious old man who gives them a snow globe and asks them to make a wish on it. Neither one realizes that the wish they’re about to make will change the course of their lives... possibly forever. When Noel and Jonah wake up the next morning, they’re in separate beds, separate apartments, separate lives. But are they any happier? As they live the existences they’d always wished for, both feel that something very important is missing. And when a chance encounter brings the pair back together, they find they have a spark of something very special. Will they be able to find their way back to each other before it’s too late, or does the Christmas Magic have another fate in store?

This had the feel of "It's A Wonderful Life" to it. The chapters are told in the alternating viewpoints of Noel and Jonah, so you get to see each one through the lens of the other person. It turns into a bit of a rom-com, and you pretty much know how the story will end, but the journey there is fun none the less.. This will make a great addition to anyone's Christmas book collection.

Do you believe in the miracle of Christmas? This is a Charming holiday story. It has a little bit of a twist. The couple in the story are already married, living successful lives, and when one evening as they were walking their dog, a giant mastiff, he got away, and was running through the streets of New York City. Suddenly he dashed into a store, which is where Noel and Jonah found him with the shopkeeper. An older gentleman with a snowy white hair and a snowy white beard. And I when the gentleman if they would care to stay for a cup of hot cocoa, they accept. Unfortunately, the evening seems to turn into a disagreement between the couple and they seriously wonder if they are really happy together. When they’re about to leave the shopkeeper says I have a gift for you. They of course, decline it, but he insists. When they open the box, there’s a beautiful snow globe with the perfect Christmas scene of a family. He tells them to make a wish what they want their future to look like. The next morning life has made an abrupt change. But the couple don’t even know anything is different. The story goes on with the magic of Christmas. The lives that are changed, and the happily ever after miracle. All from one wish. Can I say Hallmark movie? It would be perfect. A clean, uplifting and enjoyable story that brings a whole town together. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I really enjoyed this! Just the perfect amount of cozy Christmas fiction that I was looking for. It had a unique plot, and the second chance romance mixed with the witty banter worked really well. However, some parts of the plot were lost on me and made the pacing really slow down — especially the mayoral race, since it took away from the overall story in my opinion. I wish there was a lot more of a focus on Noel and Jonah re-discovering themselves and their relationship. I feel like there was just a lot going on, lol.

Overall I had a good time reading this and would recommend it! I just didn’t have a huge takeaway from it and I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

A Wish for Christmas brings some real magic to the holidays, as Nora and her husband Jack make a wish on an old man’s snow globe and wake up in different lives.

Nora and Jack had been growing apart, bickering over what their life should look like. When they wake the next day with different names and separate lives, they are granted the opportunity to remeet each other and fall back in love. This being Christmas, Noel and Jonah are from the same small town and their parents are currently enemies, giving this book so many fun storylines to branch into!

I adored their hometown of Winter Falls, Wyoming, which Noel’s parents are trying to turn into a Christmas town. Jonah’s father is the mayor, and he doesn’t have a bit of Christmas spirit in his body, leading to the feud between the two families. The feud and competitiveness between the two fathers was such a fun concept, leading to many laugh out loud moments as Noel and Jonah were placed on opposite sides over and over.

This book also deals with loss and grief during the holidays, and I thought the topic was handled beautifully. Christmas is a hard season for many people just as it is magic for others, and this felt like a kind nod in that direction.

The magical realism is clearly a big part of the story, so be ready to believe in magic for your trip to Winter Falls. The romance is playful, with plenty of hints to their prior life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

In my annual search for a light, entertaining romance to kick off the holiday season, Courtney Cole’s <i>A Wish for Christmas</i> caught my attention. Turned out it fit my requirements perfectly except for just a few small quibbles.

I enjoyed everything about this book – the setting in a small Western town, a variety of characters with interesting back stories, and, of course, the canine star – Elliot. But somewhere in the plot set up, I blinked and was left a bit behind as the key plot shift occurred. Fortunately, I caught up as the story picked up pace and evolved nicely from there until the ending. Somehow the wrap up just didn’t have the same energy as the rest of the book. It seemed like the character's personalities morphed when their relationship took a turn and things just wrapped up a bit too predictably from there. I was also left wondering why Noel and Jack didn’t seem to remember much about knowing each other just 15 years earlier...

Overall, this was an entertaining and worthwhile holiday read - it just could have used a few tiny tweaks.

As many other reviews mention, this book is very Hallmark-esque. If you are looking for a more light, fluffy Christmas read and are a fan of those movies, this would be a book for you.

The story starts out with an unhappily married couple who make a wish that alters their entire lives. It can be confusing because their story starts over with different names and them not knowing each other. I was disappointed because I was hopeful this book would be more of a marriage redemption story but instead it is really a clean slate type of story. I also felt it seemed odd that Judd and Jonah behaved as if their wife/mom had passed very recently instead of over 30 years ago. No, you never get over it but to dwell on it that long and stop living certain areas of your life for that long is very unhealthy. All in all, as a lover of cheesy things, it ended up all being a little too cheesy for my taste. Too many convenient wrap ups and predictable plot lines. Hopefully it will find its audience though because there is still a lot to it that people could love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC.

A Wish for Christmas is definitely a candidate for a great holiday Hallmark movie. When things are difficult in Noel and Jonah's marriage, a chance meeting with a snow globe gives them a chance to see what life may have been like if they'd never met. But as with most soul mates, their paths will definitely cross again. Can they bridge their differences in the today to make for a lasting forever? Elliott is the star of the show of course as precocious as a child.

Noel works as an editor and Jonah works in finance and they live in the same building in NYC. She received an unsolicited manuscript from an older gentleman and somehow agrees to work with him and ends up with his giant rambunctious Mastiff. Both Noel and Jonah get summoned home before Christmas and discover at the airport that they are going to the same little town in Wyoming. This is a story of facing your fears and the strong bonds of family, even when they are driving you crazy.

A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole is a holiday story where a couple who are drifting apart get the opportunity to see what life would be like if they had not married. The story starts with Nora and Jack walking their oversized dog, Elliott, who leads them to Padraig’s shop. After making a wish, they wake up the next day as Noel and Jonah. They are each leading their own lives (the same careers and they live in the same building). Padraig is an author who sends Noel chapters of his book which features (you guessed it) Nora and Jack. The best character is Elliott, a large lovable dog with a fun personality. Elliott added loads of humor to the story. Moxie, the kitten, is a delightful addition. Moxie and Elliott steal the show. The story itself is reminiscent of a couple of holiday books that I have read and at least two Hallmark movies that I have seen. I did not understand Noel and Jonah’s memory loss from their school years. The pair grew up together in the same small town, but they do not remember each other. Noel and Jonah kept getting thrown together throughout the holidays (Elliott was a big help) as their fathers’ bicker over what is best for the town. A Wish for Christmas is an easy-to-read story, but it was way too long (368 pages). I enjoyed Elliott and Moxie’s sections, but I found myself skimming through others. It is a lighthearted Christmas story that will appeal to those who enjoy watching holiday movies.

A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole is a heartwarming Christmas story with some sorrow and sadness. It is reminiscent to me of It’s A Wonderful Life.

Noel and Jonah are the main characters in the book, but their lives mirror the lives of fictional characters’ and their own previous lives—even if they don’t remember the memories or each other.

Their story is being brought to life in a soon-to-be-published novel that Noel is editing for the company she works for, and it is both eerie at times as well as confusing. The author, Pad, resembles St. Nick and adds another layer to the story. The story is told in alternating chapters by Noel and Jonah, and it was sometimes confusing since I had to look back to see who was telling that part of the story.

Pad gives his dog, Elliott, often referred to as a “Moose” due to his size, to Noel for safekeeping so he can continue to write uninterrupted. Elliott is also a gentle giant, which is reflected throughout, especially when he cares for Moxie, a kitten he found. He’s a nice addition to the story. There are a lot of Christmas references and activities, even if Jonah and his dad don’t celebrate the holiday due to a loss they suffered at Christmas when Jonah was four. Since Jonah’s dad is the mayor of their small town, he won’t authorize any decorations or display anything related to Christmas or the holidays, and their small town is suffering in its current economic times.

On the other hand, Noel’s parents love Christmas and want to turn the town into a year-round Christmas Village, and Noel’s dad is running for mayor to make his wife’s dreams come true.

This lovely story has many smaller tales enveloped within, involving politics, grief, small businesses, and much more. There is a happily ever after, thanks to the epilogue, but I wish the story would have gone on a little longer. The ending seemed very rushed to get us to that point. The cover is spot on due to the importance of the snow globe to the story, and who doesn’t love a snow globe?

A Wish for Christmas is a delightful story that puts me in the mood for the upcoming holidays.

This is perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies! It has a little bit of everything - it's sweet and heartwarming, filled with fun banter between the two main characters and a few deeper moments - with just a touch of magical realism. I loved the small town setting and the holiday spirit! This may be my favorite Courtney Cole book to date!

A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole is a unique Christmas story that would, perhaps could be said to be a second chance with the same marriage partner type of story. It really is an original take on the whole “What if” we hadn’t married. It is not A Christmas Carol or It’s a Wonderful Life kind of story. Just its own kind of story. I found this first book for me to read by this author to be quite interesting. The book’s Dedication states, “To everyone who believes in Christmas magic,” which a good description of the novel.

I am still not sure which couple were the real ones in the beginning. I do know that Noel and Jonah seemed to be the true couple who had never met until that Christmas. Destined to be together no matter when they meet, I did find it odd that these two end up flying to a small town where they both grew up but had never meet when younger. Also Elliott steals the scene every time he runs though and yes, he is often running. Another favorite character of mine is Padraig Sinclair. I loved this old man from the very beginning. I also loved the idea of the village that Jace want to build as well as why he wants to build it.

For a different kind of Christmas story that would make a great Hallmark movie, be sure to read A Wish for Christmas.

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

A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS – Courtney Cole
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063296398
November 14, 2023
Contemporary Fiction

New York City & Winter Falls, Wyoming – Present Day

It’s two weeks ’til Christmas and Noel Blake and her husband Jonah are drifting apart. They first met and married while living in Wyoming. They recently acquired a mastiff dog named Elliott, who has a bad tendency to get out. One day, the dog leads them to a stranger’s home. Padraic is an elderly man and friendly toward Noel and Jonah. He gives each of them a snow globe and tells them to each make a wish and when they wake up in the morning, their wishes will come true. The next morning, Noel wakes up and she is living another life—one without Jonah, though it turns out that he lives in the same building as her.

While neither Noel nor Jonah can remember the other, it turns out that they grew up in the same town of Winter Falls—and they’re both returning to visit for the holidays. A book editor at a publishing house, Noel has taken on a new client and his story intrigues her even though it’s not completely finished. His name is…. Padraic and his tale starts out innocently with characters who seem much like Noel and Jonah with the names changed. But our couple does not realize it. They are living a parallel life where they are not married to each other and only meet in A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS. But one thing remains constant: Elliott the dog.

If you could get a chance to re-do your life, would you? Noel and Jonah unwittingly get a second chance to find their way back to each other as they get to know one another again. But they will have a few barriers along the way. The biggest challenge is that their fathers are adversaries running for mayor of Winter Falls. Jonah’s father, Judd, is already the mayor and he doesn’t like Christmas and has banned any Christmas pageants or decorations in the town. Noel’s father, Rich, wants to open a Christmas-themed store and Judd opposes it. This rivalry is a big part of A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS as Noel and Jonah have to support their parents but want what is best for the town.

Meanwhile, Jonah and Noel soon grow closer. Because they don’t remember each other, they are learning about each other like it’s the first time. Elliott the dog was given to Noel by her author client, Padraic and she takes him to Winter Falls with her. She couldn’t get the dog on the plane, but luckily her neighbor, Jonah, was there to get her on his private plane. The dog is a handful and provides for a few lighthearted moments in this tale. A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS is also emotional due to Christmas approaching and the reason why Judd hates the holiday soon becomes apparent. Will there be a Christmas celebration in the town of Winter Falls?

A warmhearted tale of hope and second chances don’t miss A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

What a wonderful holiday novel! I enjoyed Noel, Jonah, Elliott, and all of the other characters in this story. It's kind of a careful what you wish for/second chance novel. So much fun to read and get into the holiday spirit. Highly recommend reading this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole is a great contemporary fiction that is festive, heartwarming, romantic and uplifting novel that I really enjoyed.
I loved reading Noel, Jonah, Elliott and Moxie’s story.
Such a relatable and thought-provoking read.
I thought it was beautifully written with amazing characters.
This book is exceptionally well written. And I enjoyed the heck out of it.
A heartwarming and delightful book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

love this book cover! I can’t say I loved the book.
The first chapter drew me in and was excited about the story to come. I turned the page and it all became a bit confusing. I usually like time travel books but this one not so much

This book was such a delightful treat! Fans of quintessential Christmas movies will love this one--which I found to be reminiscent to a mashup of "Snowglobe" and "The Holiday Calendar." Lovable characters, a quaint town (not unlike "Gilmore Girls'" Stars Hollow), and a wholesome, romantic plot round out this lovely story.

I had only read one other book by the author and liked it so I thought I would give A Wish for Christmas a try. I'm glad I did. This is a nice holiday book with enough drama to keep it interesting and enough closed door romance to make this old girl happy. This is a feel good book that can get you ready for holiday celebrations.

With a dash of whimsy, lovable characters, an unruly dog and an lovable guru Courtney Cole has written one of the best Christmas stories I have read. After making a wish on a snow globe given to them by they already mentioned lovable guru they wake up in their own beds and with their busy new cell fulfilled life they seem to keep running into each other when Noel gains custody of Sir Elliot a 200 pound pooch on the same morning she promised her parents she would fly back to Wyoming to help with her dad‘s may oral campaign and after begging her assistant to dog sit or at the very least say he’s an emotional support dog or if she can just buy a whole row of seats… Because Noel has to make it home just in time Jonah Blake shows up and he too was going to Wyoming and it is also to help his dad with his own mayoral campaign and you guessed it it’s in the same town. Noel‘s parents want to make a Christmas village and Jonah‘s dad who is already the mayor refuse to give her parents a permit so her dad decided to run for mayor himself.. Unfortunately there is a reason why the guys don’t like Christmas but by the end they all just might change their mind. I love in books when even the villain whom I’m assuming is Mayor Blake is also very likable I love this book in love The whole Kumbaya feeling of it this is a perfect Christmas book in a beautiful romance not only with each other but with Christmas as well this is the book I highly recommend not just because Elliot is so freaking adorable! I want to thank Avon, Harper voyager and NetGalley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I really really enjoyed this book! Such a great concept for a book and gave me all the lovey dovey christmas magic feels!

I enjoyed Noel and Jonah's story and their history together. The trials that these two went through together and individually I can totally relate to. I found myself immersed in their world and their story. It was such a joy to read this book and I think it's a great read for all during the holiday season.