The Wish Book Christmas + Giveaway

A holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

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 Review:

published in 2021

Wow…just…wow! What a holiday treasure for any discerning reader who enjoys collecting Christmas books because this one definitely belongs on the keeper shelf! It’s nostalgic and charming and puts me in mind of classic holiday films from the 40s and 50s. Left me with the same happy afterglow as well.

The Wish Book Christmas is a sequel to ‘If I Were You’ but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and had no problems diving in here for a Christmas in Connecticut with Eve and Audrey.

Love the way the author brought this time period to life and the way she deftly wove a powerful inspirational thread throughout the story. Honestly, the way it all culminated into an epic ‘aha’ moment for both our heroines was brilliant and thrilling and, well, inspiring!

I listened to the audible edition (it’s available on Audible Plus right now) narrated by Sarah Zimmerman. I always enjoy her performances and she definitely excelled with her interpretation of these characters and their special Christmas story.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Wish Book Christmas, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 18, 2023

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28 thoughts on “The Wish Book Christmas + Giveaway”

  3. First off, as a child of the 50’s, I love this cover! Reminds me of the time and the wonder of Christmas. I’ve had “The Wish Book Christmas” on my TBR list for some time, but some how or other I’ve not made it to the I’ve read it list yet. Surely not for the lack of desire because I would LOVE the opportunity to read this amazing Christmas story.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy. Weather is forecasted to take a drastic dip and the fireplace is ready. All I need now is an amazing Christmas story to get me in the holiday frame of mind.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. I get giddy when Lee Valley Christmas catalogue comes in the mail — it’s a local woodworking, gardening, innovative housewares kind of store with lots of ingenuous items from Europe. Anyway — I pour over it like these kids and their wish book. There’s something about looking at a physical catalogue rather than an on line one. lol Good luck, Connie!

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  8. Thanks for your review. This sounds like a wonderful Christmas time book, and I love the cover too. It would also be my first book by Lynn Austin.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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    1. This does bring back memories of the old Sears catalog! I could definitely add this to my Christmas book reading that I intend to do over Thanksgiving. So far, I have a good start with Toni Shiloh and Julie Klassen. Maybe enough to keep me out of trouble? 🤣🤣🤣

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  12. I just bought this a few days ago since it was on sale for $2.99, I think it was. I need to read the prior book first although I hear it stands well on its own. I’m such stickler for reading in order u less it’s a collection and not a series. lol!! They will be my first Austin books! (Don’t kick me out!! lol!!)

    Good luck, everyone!!

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    1. Wow, that’s a great sale…must have been an ebook? Yes, I had no problem reading this as a standalone though I suppose there are a few spoilers, but I had read the synopsis of the first book so I knew the key points. Ha — wouldn’t dream of kicking you out, Tammy, but you are going to have a wonderful time of playing catch up once you’ve sampled Lynn Austin’s works. Happy Reading!

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