The Christmas Wish: An Anthology

by Nora Roberts

• ISBN10: 1335005080
• ISBN13: 9781335005083
• Publish Date: 31 October 2017 (first published 18 October 2016)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 8 February 2021
• Imprint: Silhouette Books
• Edition: Reissue ed.
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Kim Deister]

The Christmas Wish This book is a collection of two novellas, All I Want for Christmas and First Impressions. Both of these are previously released novellas that had been packaged with other holiday bundles by the author.
 
All I Want for Christmas
This was a cute read, full of the holiday theme. Mac's twin boys, Zach and Zeke, are in the market for a new mother. And, of course, hilarity ensues as they plot and scheme to make that happen. What is most heartwarming about this novella is their total belief in Christmas magic. It might be a little predictable, but that is to be expected in a holiday read!
 
First Impressions
The second novella is a little longer and tells the story of Vance and Shane. There is a little more meat to this story and that made me enjoy the story just a little more. The story went beyond just the romance and delved into some other darker issues that made it feel just a little more realistic. However, calling this a holiday romance might be a little bit of a stretch. The only real "holiday" moment came when they got a tree!
 
Overall: As with most holiday-themed novellas, the stories are a tad predictable. The first story was definitely in the sweet category, a fun read with a happy ending. The second one had some instalove, which is something I usually hate, but it was offset by the darker elements of the story. All in all, it was probably my favorite of the two. I love Nora Roberts, and while these were not my favorites of her books, they were still an enjoyable holiday read!

[kimbacaffeinate]

All I Want for Christmas narrated by Patrick Lawlor shared the story of twins Zeke and Zach, who ask Santa for a Mommy who bakes cookies and will love their Daddy Mac Taylor. If that synopsis doesn't scream holiday and Hallmark movie, I don't know what to tell you.

The developing romance was adorable and heartwarming. It was fun seeing the children plot as the adults fumbled. Mac has some baggage to overcome but tender moments, holiday spirit and the antics of these twin boys had me wiping a tear and smiling.

I thought Patrick Lawlor was the perfect narrator to captor both the boys and their gruff Dad. 3.5 cups of hot chocolate

First Impressions narrated by Terri Clark Linden shares the friendship and courtship of Vance Banning and Shane Abbott. The tale takes place in rural Maryland during the holiday season. Shane has moved home to her childhood home, leaving a teaching career to open an antique store. Vance has bought the dilapidated property next door. He is grumpy and keeps to himself. Rumor has it he is fixing the property but is unemployed. Shane needs help with some redesigns and repairs in order to convert the first floor into her shop. She hires Vance and the tale that unfolds offered tender moments, growing pains and complications from others that kept me listening into the wee hours.

I loved watching their relationship unfold. Roberts did a fantastic job of allowing me to both understand and admire these characters. She also introduced a few characters that you'll desperately want to smack. We do get a little miscommunication as things are revealed, but I promise it was worth the tension. Roberts gave us some toe curling heat, but she has a way of omitting details while stoking the fire making it one that all will enjoy.

Teri Clark Linden brought the story and characters to life, even her male character. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to a book she narrates. 4 mocha lattes

Audio provided by Publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer