Cover Image: The Christmas Wish

The Christmas Wish

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

The Blessings series is one of the most heartfelt romance series out there and I was so happy to return to my favorite fictional town! Wade Montgomery was a young boy when he fell for Birdie Knox but life had different paths for the two of them. Now he's back in town and is Birdie's boss and he truly hopes to win her heart. Birdie has no idea how Wade feels about her but she loves her job and doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize it even if Wade makes her heart beat faster everytime he smiles at her. Well magical things happen in Blessings and add to that the spirit of a southern Christmas and good things will happen to many people including Wade and Birdie. This is truly a sweet, heartfelt story. It stands alone in the series but I do recommend reading all of the books because they are really wonderful as well. The Christmas Wish was told from dual POV and is a must read for all fans of small town romance.

Was this review helpful?

Another trip to Blessings, Georgia, this time at Christmastime makes for a wonderful and uplifting book. This one tells the story of Birdie Knox and Wade Montgomery and their whirlwind romance wrapped up inside a book filled with holiday cheer, and second chances. A secondary story is interwoven where a family is given a second chance to reconnect and heal. This is a light read, clean romance, that will leave you in the holiday spirit.

I really enjoyed this one!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Holiday spirit is alive and well in Blessings…

I am always at the head of the return to Blessings line, it’s true. Quirky, warm characters, low-drama drama and small-time life shine…

Instead of one story there are three threaded together, all set around Christmas. A time for new beginnings, hope and (if you’re lucky) some good luck as well. And that really is the premise here as very different families struggle with the fallout from past choices. Do they leave them behind, turn a new path, or do they drown in only what could be but never will…

There is laughter and tears aplenty along with mice and gingerbread to spice things up! Perfect holiday reading for those snuggly, cold days…

Was this review helpful?

This book was a little cheesy for me but was a fun Christmas read. I haven’t ready any others in the series so I was minorly confused in a few parts. Overall, a fun Christmas read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to honestly review.

Was this review helpful?

I truly enjoy Ms. Sala Blessings series and this was one is no different. As the title states this story is set around the Christmas season. We meet Bridgette aka Birdie and Wade. Wade has moved back to Blessings to take over his uncle store and has been secretly in love with Birdie forever. Birdie has worked for Wade uncle store for years and is unaware how Wade feels about her but she too is secretly has a crush on him also..Wade is feeling saddened that all the times he ask her out and she turns him down eventually he corners her and tell hers how he feels and so begin their romance. Unlike previous books where the hero and heroine come together near the end this story does not follow that pattern.
Wade and Birdie begin to date. We also get a touching story of the Martin family of how Duffy Martin set out to set right a wrong that was done to his family. How Josh a man who lost his way finds his way back by the one person who unexpectedly becomes his champion and of course with this series we catch up on past couples and characters. Always an enjoyable to revisit Blessings.

Was this review helpful?

Will also be on the Romance Reviews Today website soon: http://romrevtoday.com/

THE CHRISTMAS WISH – Sharon Sala
A Blessings, Georgia Novel
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 978-1-7282-0617-2
September 28, 2021
Contemporary Fiction

Blessings, Georgia – Present Day

After Wade Montgomery returned to live in Blessings, he and Bridgette “Birdie” Knox reconnected after knowing each other when they were younger. Now dating, the two are looking forward to spending Christmas together. As the town prepares for the holiday festivities, readers learn about some things that are going on around town.

Sixteen-year-old Duffy Martin lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his mother and brother. One day she mentions his father and why he is in prison. A memory of that time ten years ago when his father had been arrested flashes in Duffy’s mind. Did he do something that led to his father being wrongly convicted of a crime? Without telling his mother and brother, Duffy heads to Blessings to see if his memory can be jogged.

Josh King has a gambling problem. This is what led him to steal money from the store Wade manages and where Bridgette works. He is caught and fired, as well as facing criminal charges. His wife learns what happened and leaves town with their two little children. Josh feels guilty for not only what he did, but how he failed his family. He doesn’t think living is worth it anymore.

Bridgette, meanwhile, is still living in her apartment despite the amount of time she spends at Wade’s. The couple who lives above her are noisy, and she wishes she could move. After a scary incident that leads to Bridgette being injured, Wade has her move in with him. Has their relationship now taken a turn to the forever kind?

Throughout all of these plots, there is a Christmas theme. Many of the characters will discuss the holiday, participate in activities related to Christmas, and generally be in a holly jolly mood. It’s guaranteed that THE CHRISTMAS WISH will leave you smiling and happy. By the end of this tale, everything turns into a happy ending. There are multiple points of view and many characters that can’t all be listed. But the four people listed—Wade, Bridgette, Duffy, and Josh—all provide the main storylines. If you haven’t read the prior books in the Blessings, Georgia series, be rest assured that this one can be read as a standalone. Yes, you might not be familiar with all the characters as they have mostly appeared in the other books, but it’s still a jump in the middle type of read.

With Christmas as the central theme of THE CHRISTMAS WISH, a reader will know to expect a tale that will leave you warm and fuzzy inside. The storytelling is like that of someone who is watching over the people of Blessings as it jumps around from character to character. If you’re looking for a heartwarming read which centers on the Christmas season with a splash of romance, but heavy on the goodness of life, then don’t miss THE CHRISTMAS WISH.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Was this review helpful?

The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala
Casablanca Books
I ❤️ Blessings GA. And I love everyone who lives there. This one has a hot sexy start, a big bang in the middle and of course, it ends happily ever after. With some tear jerking along the way. Great to have a Blessing Christmas story. You don’t have to have read this whole series to enjoy this one but it is more fun to know all the characters who show up. Four rousing peanuts for Peanut Butterman. 🥜🥜🥜🥜

Was this review helpful?

I'm never disappointed when I visit Blessings, Georgia, as I'm always welcomed with open arms. While the main story is about Birdie and Wade's relationship, there are two side-stories about forgiveness when Josh is caught stealing from his employer and when Duff realizes he is the reason is father is in prison. Ms. Sala weaves a heartwarming holiday story of this wonderful town with wonder characters all-around.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a decent book. There were a few parts that I thought didn't make a lot of sense, but overall it was a good enough book.

Was this review helpful?

A sweet feel good story, this is a good book to put anyone in the holiday spirit. This is the only book in this series I have read and I did feel a bit lost in spots because of it, it it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Was this review helpful?

I always love my time in Blessings, GA and this read is no exception. This book picks up where the last one left off and with the sister of Hunt. They have been dealt some blows and she and her siblings are finally moving on with their lives and now it is Bridgette aka Birdie's turn. She is given a second chance at love with Wade and it just takes a little convincing on his part and stating his intentions for her to get fully on board moving forward together.  Their relationship moves at a pretty good clip, but since they know each other it isn't as if they have to start from scratch. There are some really great scenes including one with a mouse that pretty much steals the spotlight away from all of the other characters. I didn't know I could laugh so hard.

While Blessings is a wonderful town, it isn't without its share of heartaches and hardships. Josh is caught stealing money which nearly destroys his life until one man steps in to help him realize that the path he is traveling down is not the one for him. Josh is given his own second chance in life and I admired his determination to not waste this chance.

There is also a heartwarming story of a young man trying to right a wrong for his dad who was accused of stealing some jewelry from one of the residents many years ago. Duff is a sensitive young man and he worked hard to give his dad another chance in life as well. However, Duff took too much of it to heart and blamed himself for things that he couldn't have known happened at the time because he was six and his parents shielded him from what was really going on. Despite all of that, Duff sets off on a mission to clear his dad of these crimes.

All of this happens right around Christman time and it reminds us to not take things for granted and to reach out and help others and Peanut and Ruby do at the end of this tale.

We give this book 5 paws up.

Was this review helpful?

Reading a Sharon Sala’s Blessings, Georgia book is like making a trip home. What better time to do that then at Christmas where miracles are sure to happen. The Christmas Wish gives us that very experience. This Blessings, Georgia book number twelve by Sharon Sala has more than one homecoming. The obvious one is Wade who comes to manage his uncle local hardware think general store. I was thinking the story would be all about Birdie and him but when that takes an easy turn early I knew more was in store for all. Boy, did this book have the twisty turns that made the wish even more intriguing as to what could it be for the book to include it in the title.

I live in a small Southern town so I can easily identity with the people in the community. My hair salon is so much like the one Ruby owns that it also makes me laugh when she is in the scene. It is also a community where families come and go so I my heart went out to Duff and his family. Heartwarming doesn’t exactly say what this book is all about. What I can say is you won’t be disappointed if you read this book. Christmas will mean even more to you.

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

Was this review helpful?

It was so nice being back in Blessings, Ga and Sharon Sala’s world there. It is so familiar and friendly, but even if you have never visited the lovely small town, this is a great book to get you in the Christmas mood. Birdie and Wade are the major characters in this story, as they become a newly engaged couple, but this story is really about Christmas season in this small community. A warm, sweet book, I will always enjoy going back to Blessings, Ga to visit

Was this review helpful?

Another solid chapter in the Blessings Georgia series. Wade is managing his Uncle's business where Birdie is the bookkeeper. They had once started a slow romance but Wade left Blessings. Now that he's back he's looking to rekindle the old romance but Birdie is pretty gun shy even though Wade has bought her restored childhood home.
Since this is a holiday we have two Christmas miracles woven into the threads of the story. The first is delivering justice to an innocent man by his son. Ten years ago the young boy was obsessed with pirates and treasure. Playing in a house where his father was working he buried a jewelry box never realizing that his father was accused of stealing said jewelry and has been languishing in prison for the past 10 years.
In a second Christmas miracle a gambler steals from the shop's till and Wade is forced to fire him. He loses his wife and children who leave him when he's hauled off to jail. However with a little spiritual help delivered by one of the town's pillars he finds the right path and earns forgiveness and regains his family.
Of course this is a romance and clearly for Wade and Birdie, there's a happily ever after. This is a solid story but to my mind a bit dry without too much excitement.

Was this review helpful?

After what the country has gone through this last year and half, it was wonderful to pay a Christmas visit to Blessings, Georgia. Wade Montgomery has returned to Blessings to manage his uncle’s feed and seed store. He also hopes that Bridgette “Birdie” Knox will be that special someone in his life. Birdie has been interested in Wade for years, but he is her boss, so she has resisted his attempts at dating. Will the two finally realize that life is short and they should reach out for what they both want? Other stories that weave through “The Christmas Wish” is a teen who finds out that as a young child he may have been responsible for his father going to prison. A young father will realize too late that his gambling will drive away what he loves the most, his wife and children. Will everyone in Blessings get their Christmas wishes? Continuing family characters, heartfelt stories, friendship and love make this such a wonderful series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Was this review helpful?

Wade Montgomery hasn’t set foot in the small town of Blessings, Georgia in years. But it’s easy to see that the Christmas spirit in the little town is still as merry and bright as he remembers. Returning to Blessings has reminded Wade of everything he’s been missing, especially after running into his old flame, Bridgette Knox. With Wade back in town, Bridgette starts to believe in the magic of Christmas once again. And if she has it her way, she will never have to say goodbye to him again.

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒: Reading this book was like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie! A little cheesy at times, but heartwarming all the same. This book is #12 in the Blessings, Georgia series so I felt like I was missing out on a few details as far as the characters’ storylines went. I wouldn’t recommend reading it as a standalone. Bridgette and Wade’s relationship was very cute but sometimes I felt like the romance was a little forced. The dialogue tended to be awkward and there were a couple scenes that I felt could have been left out. But overall, I loved how the author included a little bit of everything in the story! A little romance, drama, and holiday spirit. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Wade fell in love with Birdie in first grade. It wasn't until many years later after college and working on Boston, that He returns to Blessings to take over as manager from his uncle. Birdie does the books for the store and has asked her out all to no avail. She's afraid dating the boss could be a mistake. Finally they share mutual interest and their relationship begins.

This story revolves around them but involves other families and people. You'll cheer on Duff and rejoice in the Martin family's good fortune. Josh and Lejune seem down on their luck but a good Samaritan helps them out.

This is a feel good story about small town life, second chances, and true love. You'll enjoy it: I did!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Was this review helpful?

This is an author I never hesitate to pick up. Her books are engaging, well written and have characters that you can connect with. This book is no different. It is written with alot of heart and soul. The characters bring life to each page . This is a great heart warming Christmas story about second chance at love. This is Birdie and Wade's story. What will happen when fate puts them back into each other's lives? Will they find their second chance or is a goodbye in the future again? They made really great characters. I enjoyed their chemistry and their growth throughout the story. I enjoyed how this is a well rounded story and what the characters bring to the story. This is a great Christmas story that warmed the heart. I highly recommend this book and this author.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to get to catch up with the people in the town of Blessings. This book had a lot of different stories going on, but it was mainly the story of Birdie and Wade. I really love this whole series, and this book is a great addition. A definite must read—but read the preceding books first!

Was this review helpful?

Blessings, Georgia, the setting for this series, is a place that makes me homesick for a place I've never been, and Sharon Sala's 12th Blessings, Georgia novel did that to me again. It the imaginary place that makes me run out of adjectives, like: warm, cozy, sweet, sassy, charming, kind, heartfelt, loving, hopeful, and in one scene in this novel, laugh out loud funny--and it's most definitely a 5-star read. If you've now already fallen in love with this series, and it's cast of characters, I suggest you start at the beginning to get to know all the characters firsthand.

This novel picks up on the romance between Wade Montgomery, who has returned to Blessings from Boston, and the girl he's loved since meeting her in first grade, Bridgette (Birdie) Knox, but in this novel we also get reacquainted with many of the characters we met and loved in the previous Blessings novels, like Peanut Butterman and his wife, Ruby, Dub, and his wife, Nola, the psychic and kindhearted, Eliot Graham, and so many others.

With Christmas just around the corner, there's a parade float to build, a gingerbread house contest for the children in town, an amazing gift for the less fortunate in Blessings who reside in The Bottoms, and best of all, it's the Christmas season, and while there's no snow in Blessings, there's more than enough Christmas spirit to go around--so wrongs get righted, gossip gets clarified, crimes get solved, perpetrators get second chances, and love triumphs over all. To tell you more would spoil it for you, so I'll just wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a a bright and happy new year.

If you're looking for a book that makes you feel about Christmas the way you did as a child, this novel is it. Thank you Sharon Sala, for another utterly wonderful read!

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel The opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?