After their mother's stroke, sisters Beth, Freya, and Trinity reunite in the small town of Magnolia. Can they heal the wounds of the past—and find love in the process?

This book is more women's fiction than romance, addressing some serious subjects. Still, the tone is on the lighter side, with each of the sisters blossoming and learning to forgive.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Heartwarming and heartfelt story about sisters finding themselves after a rough childhood with no father figure and a mother that was just a bit flighty. When their mother suffers a stroke, the sisters have no choice but to rally behind her even though the mother never seemed to be around to help them during their childhood.
Will they find a way to become a family? Even with all their personal issues and life complications, they may just be able to heal their relationships.
The Wish List was a ok read. I felt like the ending really didn’t resolve everyone’s issues or problems.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Wish List is a holiday novel by Michelle Major. Following three sisters who are brought back together in their small town after their mother has a stroke. Each healing their relationship with each other and their mother, and finding new loves for themselves.

Beth , the oldest sister, is recently divorced, strong-willed and always taking care of everyone over her self. Freya, the middle sister, is a D-list celebrity and aspiring writer who acted out in order to gain her mother's attention. Trinity , the youngest , has run from an abusive ex and baby daddy. Growing up, their mother wrote a popular book and left her children behind for the spotlight. They had to raise themselves so they come home to find the town praising their mother as kind, they are confused reconciling that person with the one they know. Their mother has recognized her failings, and having a stroke has made her realize the importance of making things right with them.

I really enjoyed Beth and Trinity's story arcs and point of views. Unfortunately I didn't care much for Freya and found myself skimming her chapters. All the romances the sister's find themselves a part of are small town sweet and charming. A few kisses and completely off page intimacy made them slightly underwhelming. I enjoyed the sisters rebuilding their relationship with each other and reconnecting as adults. I am kind of salty over the ending/epilogue thought. We are given solo Beth's POV and conclusion to her romance, a semi satisfying one for Freya, but Trinity's who was my favorite is completely unfinished.

What a tribute to life, family and second chances. The Carlyle sisters return home when their narcissistic, author and mother suffers a debilitating strike. Growing up she deserted then for weeks on end to go on but ok yours. The oldest, Beth, kept the girls close to home and out of the public's eye on this small southern town. She stayed while her sisters left to pursue a little fe.

Now, Freya, the middle child and a reality star has written a novel but is afraid to share it. The youngest returns pregnant , having to scaped an abusive relationship. They all have secrets and hidden issues from their mothers abandonment when they were children.

Their mother is a changed person, living and demonstrative, which they are enjoying. When a miraculous healing occurs the sisters fear their mother returning to her previous persona.

Along the way they each find love but are hesitant to trust their partners. All in all an uplifting story of the true meaning of love and family.

The novella , also set in Magnolia, was a bonus read.

THE WISH LIST – Michelle Major
The Carolina Girls, Book 4
HQN
ISBN: 978-1-335-43064-9
October 25, 2022
Contemporary Romance

Magnolia, North Carolina – Present Day

The Carlyle sisters—Beth, Freya, and Trinity—were not raised in the most ideal of situations. Their father left when they were young and their mother, May, wrote a self-help book that became a bestseller. May left the girls to fend for themselves while she went on book tours and became famous. Now adults, the sisters are not close, and only Beth remains in Magnolia. But after May suffers a stroke, Freya and Trinity return home to help decide what to do about May and their family home.

Beth got divorced a year ago but remains on friendly terms with her ex, who is a doctor at the hospital where she works. Their inability to conceive hurt their marriage. Running into her ex, Beth learns that his current girlfriend is pregnant with his child. The news only strengthens Beth’s resolve to leave Magnolia and start college for the degree she’s always wanted. A new start, a new life. After a run -in with May’s next-door neighbor, Beth meets Declan Murphy, who is in town to help raise his nephew and niece. Declan is laid back and easy to talk to. She is soon growing attracted to him.

Freya has made a career in Hollywood as a reality TV show participant and is a well-known social media influencer. She is at a crossroads in her life as she would prefer to put her current career behind her and start a new one as a published author. She has a finished manuscript but isn’t sure she is brave enough to send it to an editor. May’s book editor, Christopher Greer, is in town and visits May at the hospital. He informs the sisters that May has updated her book and it’s about to be released. Greer (that is what everyone calls him) insists that they wait to read the updated book before they continue their criticism of their mother. Meanwhile, Freya keeps running into Greer, and begins to feel an attraction to him. Dare she approach him about her manuscript?

The youngest, Trinity, has barely arrived in town when she is stopped by a local cop. Asher Davis is friendly and by the book, but he lets her go after he learns she is there to see May. Like most people in Magnolia, he knows Trinity’s mother. Trinity finally arrives to meet her sisters, and they are shocked to learn she is seven months pregnant. Trinity doesn’t say too much, but it’s clear that there is a valid reason why the father isn’t with her. Turns out she is running from an abuser. Meanwhile, Asher seems to always be there when Trinity least expects him. He’s nice and could help keep her safe—if she would only tell him about her fears of her ex finding her. Trinity also isn’t sure if she is ready to be a mother, especially after her unhappy childhood.

THE WISH LIST has a lot going on for readers. There are the three sisters and their shaky reunion. There is their mother, who seems like she is different after her stroke, but will it last? Beth has always gone along with whatever life threw at her, never complaining. This includes when she was young, and May took off leaving the sisters alone. Yes, May was selfish, but has she now changed? Beth is disgruntled at where her life stands now and wants to change. How will meeting Declan change her plans? Freya is beautiful and grabs a lot of attention. She’d rather withdraw from her public life and write but will anyone take her seriously as a writer? Why not ask Greer to look at her manuscript? He’s been helpful to May and the family. Trinity could probably trust her sisters with her secrets, but she keeps them locked inside. She wants the baby but fears that if her ex finds her, he will force her back to him. If he does show up, can she stand up to him? Asher could be an immense help, but Trinity’s embarrassment over her circumstances have her keeping her mouth shut. Will she finally trust him?

Emotion, drama, and sisterly love fill the pages of THE WISH LIST. A mother who wasn’t the most maternal of mothers now needs them. Don’t miss this feel-good tale.

Patti Fischer

Such a heartfelt and amazing story about sister bonds, healing, and hope. I fell in love with everyone in this book and somehow managed to adore Magnolia even more! A must read for the Christmas season!

I also REALLY am hoping to get Shauna’s story next (hint hint). Oh- and bonus epilogues for Trinity and Asher because I just want to revel in their future 🥰

The Wish List by Michelle Major is part of her Carolina Girls series. In this installment three sisters, Beth, Freya and Trinity are needed to help their mother who had a stroke. Beth already lives in Magnolia. Trinity and Freya travel home to help. It's Christmas time so it seems the magic of Christmas is helping to heal the broken family. Each of the sisters finds the strength to love themselves and to find love for themselves. I enjoyed this return to Magnolia and the comfort of a family reunion. This was a very entertaining read. I love Michelle Major's writing to style and always looks forward to her stories.

This is another great book from Michelle Major. It is one that you will not want to put down. The book is about the Carlyle sisters. Each of them have their own problems but together they work them out and find love.

The Carlyle sisters are estranged but when their Mother has a stroke all 3 have to come together. In the process they find love along with working out their issues. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

When their mother has a stroke, her 3 daughters come together to support her. The relationship between the sisters is strained. Eventually the sisters work out their issues between themselves and their mother. In between they also find love.

The Wish List by Michelle Major was such a lovely book! I finished the story in a few days. I didn't want the book to end. Likeable characters and a wonderful story!

This story is first and foremost a story of 3 sisters coming together when they’re mom had a stroke, secondly a romance (or two or three), and third a Christmas story. I enjoyed that it wasn’t overly Christmas, but I did listen to Christmas music while reading to set the mood. I enjoyed the struggles of this family and the changes the characters underwent. It was a good read, perfect for the holidays, but also just when you want a good book to read.

I received an ARC of, The Wish List, by Michelle Majors. Sisters, no better relationship, then sisters, in a perfect world. In real life not all families get along, like the Carlyle's. I really enjoyed this book.

This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it. It gave me Hallmark movie vibes which I love. Highly recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.