What a delightful story! I don’t always go for Christmas books; they just feel like the wrong season here in New Zealand with us being in summertime instead of winter! However, this one was published in September, so the weather felt much more complimentary this time. And anyway—I couldn’t pass up a Lynn Austin book when I had the chance to read it. So even though this is a sequel to another of her stories, which I haven’t read, I enjoyed this story.

I loved seeing the characters work through their struggles in this story—so very familiar to many of us. I was especially able to relate to one, who was struggling to work through guilt—how often do I struggle to forgive myself, let alone accept forgiveness from others? It doesn’t come easily!

This book took me to the depths of what Christmas is really about—our Lord, his coming to the earth to be our Savior, and our desperate need of him—and the joy we have now that he HAS come, and IS with us. From depths of despair to heights of joy, this has it all, and I’m thankful I had the chance to read this story. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, once I read the prequel, I come back and re-read this. These characters are delightful.

(In saying that, I did feel like this book wasn’t up to Austen’s normal standards—the wordplay wasn’t quite as diverse and fun as in some of her other stories, and the overall plot lacked some of the depth I’ve come to expect in the others. That could be partly due to it being a novella, not a novel, but also because this was a “relax write”, meaning that it was helping her to recover from writing other, heavier books. I fully understand both reasons, but some might find that aspect a little disappointing as they read. Just be warned—it’s a good book, not one I’d classify as great, but it is still a very worthwhile, heartwarming story in and of itself.)

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The Wish Book Christmas is the story of friends Audrey and Eve, who immigrated to America from Britain after World War II. They are both single mothers and share a little bungalow with their sons Harry and Bobby. When the 1951 Sears Wish Book arrives, the boys want every toy in the catalog! Audrey and Eve devise a way for them to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas, by finding joy in giving to others.

I wanted to read this book because of the time period, the Christmas setting, and the nostalgia of the description and cover art.

This novel is evidently the sequel to an earlier book by Lynn Austin. I have not read the earlier novel but enjoyed this book very much as a standalone.

The author does a wonderful job at capturing the nostalgia of a Mid-Century Christmas:

"They drove into town to the Woolworth store, and Audrey helped the boys pick out a package of plastic ornaments, a string of colored lights, and a box of tinsel. She also added a tree stand and two rolls of Christmas wrapping paper to their order. The boys stood on tiptoes to empty the contents of their pockets onto the counter by the cash register. “Mummy?” Bobby asked. “Is there enough to buy them a new toy, too?”“What did you have in mind?” They hurried back to the toy section and searched through the items on display, deciding on three mesh Christmas stockings for seventy-nine cents apiece that contained an assortment of plastic toys for little boys. Audrey was surprised and pleased that the boys didn’t ask for any new toys for themselves" (eBook location 1304).

The story was very sweet and heartwarming, with an inspirational message. I enjoyed this read a great deal, and would recommend The Wish Book Christmas for fans of historical fiction -- and especially for anyone wanting a charming glimpse of a 1951 Christmas.

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin is the sweet follow up story of Eve and Audrey from Lynn's book, If I Were You. It is not necessary to have read that book 1st but I would recommend that… it was one of my favorite L.A. books! This book begins a few weeks before Christmas in 1951 when the Sears Christmas wishbook arrives and Eve and Audrey's sons, Bobby and Harry, obsess over the book in much the same way my siblings and I did when the book arrived in our mailbox when we were children. Eve and Audrey strive to strike a balance between indulging their sons a bit at Christmas and teaching them the true meaning of the season and how giving can be a gift for both the giver and the receiver. They come up with a plan of giving "wise man" gifts and as the boys get into the spirit of giving and learning the true meaning of Christmas, Eve and Audrey find their own hearts healing from their past tragedies, their eyes being opened to the possibilities and the gifts before them as well. This is a beautiful story packaged in a beautiful book! The vintage looking cover will bring back so many memories for many of us. This is a story in the true spirit of the Christmas season and a new tradition will be born as this book will be read year after year much in the same way you watch your favorite Christmas movies every year. I'm thrilled to have been chosen to read an early copy! This book will have an honored place on my bookshelf as well as among my Christmas décor and would make the most wonderful Christmas gift for any book lover!

Oh, my goodness! Did this book bring back memories! It takes place in the early fifties, just when I was a kid. I could so relate to "The Wish Book". I can also remember the Penney's catalog. But Sears catalog was the main one to drool over. The struggles that this book tells about were real. The way that the characters handled themselves were so believable. The story line was solid and enjoyable to read. It was good to read about children that enjoyed giving gifts and reverted from being greedy kids.

This is an enjoyable book on its own, but it is the sequel to If I Were You-I am glad I read that one first. I was intrigued by this book's title, as I well remember perusing the Sears Christmas Wish Book and turning down lots of pages. This was a sweet Christmas story, set in the early 1950s-I recommend it.

Do you remember looking through the Sears Christmas Wish Book and making a list for Santa Claus? If so you'll relate to young Bobby's and Harry's enthusiasm for circling pictures and telling everyone what they want for Christmas. Their mothers, Eve and Audrey, both widowed and best friends, try to guide their rambunctious sons to learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Characters: Lynn Austin revisits characters from her book If I Were You to give us The Wish Book Christmas. Energetic five-year-old boys, Harry and Bobby, are absolutely delightful. Their anticipation for Christmas morning makes you smile (even if their mothers wouldn't approve). Soon, however, you understand the seriousness of the situation. Eve and Audrey are good mothers who don't want to raise spoiled children. Eve works hard and Audrey wants to better herself. As I read this book, I uniquely felt that I was getting to know people at a casual gathering. I read and listened to everyone's stories while alternating between cheering and crying.

Setting: A snowy, 1950's American small-town setting with store front windows, a farm, and neighbors seems like a "Hallmark" Christmas movie set. It's the perfect place for Bobby and Harry to experience Christmas.

Plot: I've read many of Lynn Austin's books and have loved them all, but after reading a few pages of The Wish Book Christmas I thought there had been a mistake. Why was my immediate reaction a negative one? My simple answer was that the plot initially seemed too simple. Some of Austin's books delve deep into Biblical history or they have heavy, complicated situations. Lynn Austin's talented writing style took a simple plot and turned it into a wonderful Christmas story that I won't soon forget. In the end, it had everything I have come to love from a Lynn Austin book.

Spiritual Content: Small moments say a lot and there were moments of encouragement and wisdom throughout. There was nothing pushy about this book and a clear understanding of Christmas is gained.

Relationships: The word that comes to mind is patience. I can't explain too much without giving away spoilers. I'll just say that a lot of patience was needed. Sometimes it was comical, sometimes not.

Why not a solid 5 Star Personal Rating? There was only one thing that brought my rating down and that was a character whom I felt was too whiny. This didn't ruin the story line nor did it cause me to not like the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; but by the last chapter, I felt this particular character was emotionally weaker than I would have liked. Remember, this is just my opinion. My personal rating system is detailed which allows for a more exact personal rating. However, in the star rating system is got 5 stars.

I received a free ebook from Tyndale Publishing, via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Kintergardeners Harry and Bobby find a Sears Christmas wish book, and they want this and this and this and every other toy for boys. Their mothers despair of their greedy attitudes. They portray wise men in the school play and begin to learn that giving is better than receiving. A charming story set in 1951.
As I read, I began to recognize their mothers’ story. This is a sequel to If I Were You. While not necessary to read first, it will help the drama that had been in Audrey’s and Eve’s lives. A chapter is included at the end of this book.

This Christmas story by Lynn Austin is a sweet look at the good old days in the fifties.
After I started reading, I realized that this book is actually a sequel to If I Were You (which I have not read yet, but hope to soon). In spite of that, I greatly enjoyed reading this story.
I have fond memories from my own childhood, of paging through the beautiful Christmas catalog, making lists of everything I wanted for Christmas....
Audrey and Eve are two single moms, doing their best trying to raise their two young sons to be good, upstanding, citizens. The boys want everything in the Christmas catalog and are determined to ask Santa for all of it. Their moms are equally determined they should learn gratefulness.
This sweet Christmas story set in the 1950s is a wonderful read. It gives a real look at family, life, & love in those golden days.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab—since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

My church book club has read several Lynn Austin books and always love them, including If I Were You which introduces the characters in this book and continues their story. I did not know when I requested it that it was a sequel and kept feeling like I had read it when I saw the author's comments that it was a sequel to the book my book club had read. It is a nostalgic and endearing holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve. I highly recommend this book. If you can read them in order, do so, but it is not necessary. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this wonderful story.

A delightful story! I really enjoyed revisiting Eve and Audrey from I WISH I WERE YOU.
Full review will be live on NovelPASTimes.com on Nov. 4, 2001.

Such a sweet post WWII era story about teaching children the true meaning of Christmas. This continues the story of Audrey and Eve, the characters from If I Were You. The two Brits continue to adjust to their new American lives while struggling to teach their sons the joy of giving.

A delightful little tale just right for Christmas lovers.

This sweet and poignant Christmas novella is a follow-up story to Austin's best-selling novel "If I Were You." We are taken back into Evie and Audrey's world at Christmas, and the boys are mesmerized by the Sears Christmas Catalog and all the toys they want for themselves. Their mothers begin to show them the true meaning of Christmas, and along the way learn a few lessons for themselves.

This wonderful little novella transports us to the Christmas season and reminds us that giving is so much more rewarding than receiving. As their boys learn lessons about the joys of helping others, Evie and Audrey learn about forgiveness, redemption, and new beginnings. This special story will brighten up your Christmas season and bring joy to your heart.

Also this can be read as a standalone, reading "If I Were You" first is recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

I loved this book so much!
I loved it because of the life lessons that was taught. Not just for our sweet boys but for the mother's too.
I hope that everyone who reads this beautiful story of love, family and forgiveness will understand what the true gift was!
Austin has done a wonderful job in bringing past Christmases to life and I really enjoyed it!
Much of this story kind of reminds of both Christmas Vacation and A Christmas story lol!
I was touched by this story as some of it also reminded me of my own growing up years at Christmas time. Besides Christmas is my favorite holiday!
I didn't want the book to end because it meant that I had to sy goodbye to Eve and Audrey again. One thing I will say, these characters did have me wondering what happened after If I were you and now I'll be wondering again. Will we get to see our sweet boys grow up? I sure hope so because I really liked them. They stole my heart.
This family is my favorite of all of Austin's stories. They are just so down to earth!
I highly recommend and I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars!
My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.

The Wish Book Christmas
by Lynn Austin
Pub Date: Sept. 7,2021
Tyndale House

From the bestselling author of If I Were You comes a nostalgic and endearing holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don't deserve.
Truly a gift to read. The children are adorable and this book reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.
I know our patrons will rush to check it out.
Thanks to Tyndal House and NetGalley for the ARC.

Great Book! 5 star

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin

I loved reading the first book If I Were You and The Wish Book continues the story of Audrey and Eve Dawson and their two little five-year-old boys Harry and Robert.

When the boys find the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish catalogue, they want everything in the book and the mothers are not happy with all the selfishness and greed that comes with wanting every toy on every page. After hearing the boys are in their kindergarten Christmas play playing the wise men Audrey and Eve have an idea to teach the boys that it is better to give at Christmas then to receive.

I loved this story; it was sweet and full of Christian morals and it put me in a Christmas spirit while I was reading it in September. I loved all the characters and enjoyed reading how they have matured and grown since the first book.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin has Eve Dawson and Audrey Barrett worried about their sons, Harry and Bobby. They boys discovered The Sears Wish Book and have been consumed with it. They have a long list of toys they want Santa to bring them for Christmas. Eve and Audrey want to the boys to know the true meaning of Christmas. After watching the boys play wise men in the school play, they come up with a plan. The Wish Book Christmas is a continuation of If I Were You. I was not aware that there had been a prior book until I started reading The Wish Book Christmas. I felt liked I was plopped into the middle of a story, so I went investigating. The author does provide the necessary background information so it technically can be read as a standalone. Personally, I believe I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read If I Were You first. I thought The Wish Book Christmas was well-written with developed characters. Once I got into the story, I was engaged. I liked how the mothers went about teaching their sons the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is a heartwarming story that will put you in the mood for the holidays. It is a book that will get you to thinking about how you can help others this holiday season. There are many types of gifts you can give someone, and they do not involve purchasing an item in a store (or by purchasing a gift card). The ending was very special and will leave you smiling. The Wish Book Christmas is a story about forgiveness, hope, family, moving on, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is a heartwarming holiday novel with a wish list of toys, a cavorting canine, shoveling snow, a decked-out Christmas tree, a gracious God, finding forgiveness, firm friends, and a happy holiday.

This book is nostalgia at its best! Oh how I have memories of the Wish Book arriving in the fall. By Christmas, it was tattered from us looking at it so much and dreaming of all of the things that we thought we needed. Bobby and Harry remind me of my brothers doing this. What a beautiful thing when the boys realize the gifts they can give to others, reflecting the true meaning of Christmas. I definitely plan to read If I Were You to see how it all began with Audrey and Eve. I will be recommending this book to friends!

This book was kind of a sequel to the author’s book, If I Were You, about two English girls who grew up as friends. One was the wealthy daughter of an aristocrat while the other the daughter of a lady’s maid. I think this book would make more sense if you read the former book, but it wouldn’t be absolutely necessary to enjoy this one.

Set in post-WWII America, the two friends live together with their sons who are both kindergartners. It’s a sweet story of little boys poring over the Sears Wish Book and wanting toys from nearly every page. This scenario brought back memories of my own childhood where I did virtually the same thing! There is romance involved for each of the women and the book has a satisfactory ending.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

I've loved Lynn Austin novels in the past, but this one was a bit harder to get into. It's a novella, so a shorter story....not her usual tome. I love her books because she dives into historical moments and really develops the characters, but I feel this one was lacking in both departments. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't a page turner for me.

A fun continuation of Eve & Audrey's story from "If I Were You". A little more closure in the stories of these women and their sons. It was a sweet story that also deals with the consumerism that Christmas can become if we are not careful. If you enjoyed "If I Were You" but wanted more, this is the book for you.

Thanks to #netgalley for this eARC of #theWishBookChristmas