The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala. Photo: Sarabeth Pollock
I’ve never had the pleasure of reading Sharon Sala’s Blessings, Georgia novels. The wonderful team at Sourcebooks sent me a box of Christmas books and I knew I had to start off with The Christmas Wish, a book whose back cover promised that “Christmas is a time for second chances.” Well, I’m hooked. If you could wrap up the magic of a small town at Christmastime and put it in a book, you’d end up with The Christmas Wish.
With a dozen books already in the series, there’s no question I’m a little late to this party but now that I’m here I’m ready to mingle with the good folks of Blessings, Georgia. Like so many small towns there are no secrets and news travels fast. So when Wade Montgomery and Bridgette Knox start getting close everyone seems relieved that they’re finally together.
While The Christmas Wish is largely Wade and Bridgette’s story, there are lots of other stories featuring other members of the town. Many of their stories are told in the other books in the series.
As a native San Diegan who only experiences small town life in passing during family trips to the mountains, it’s refreshing to read about people who care so deeply for each other.
In one of the many subplots a former resident is passing through town trying to solve a decade-old mystery. Upon meeting Lovie, the owner of the popular diner in town, at a gas station, he quickly has an invitation to the town’s parade and a free slice of pie.
The Christmas Wish is a holiday story, but the holidays really take a back seat to the magic taking place in town as mysteries are solved, problems are resolved and everyone moves toward their happy ending.
It’s a charming book. It’s easy to finish in a sitting if you read fast, or you can take your time to really savor every moment. For Sala’s longtime readers it’s a way to reconnect with characters in the series, but it’s also very easy for first-timers to digest.
Whether you’re having a white Christmas or dreaming of a small-town during the holidays, The Christmas Wish is a great holiday read to help get into the Christmas spirit.
