The Wish List by Michelle Major – a Review

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Description:
This Christmas the Carlyle sisters will rediscover the gift of family

For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.

It’ll be a Christmas like no other in Magnolia. But the Carlyle sisters might find they have more in common than their shared past—and that the holidays are made for second chances.

Review:

The Wish List by Michelle Major is the 4^th book in her wonderful The Carolina Girls series. This story takes place close to Christmas, and centers on the three Carlyle sisters ((Beth, Freya, Trinity), who are brought together in Magnolia when their mother has a stroke. 

Beth is the oldest sister, who has always watched over her younger sisters, when their famous mother (author) is constantly away on tours, leaving the girls to struggle.  Beth still lives in Magnolia, but her other sisters travel home to help. Beth is divorced, and a nurse at the hospital, with her ex also working there as a doctor; they do remain on friendly terms.  Privately Beth wants to step away from her burdens and leave Magnolia, once her mother is better. But when she meets Declan, will Beth allow herself to find love again, or will she leave Magnolia.

Freya is a reality tv star, who does come across early on as a bit sarcastic, especially when she meets her mother’s agent. She doesn’t trust the agent (Greer), even though they both feel their attraction to each other.  Will Freya, who seems to be getting closer to her sisters, open her cold untrusting heart.

Trinity, the youngest sister, is also pregnant, much to the surprise of her other sisters.  What they don’t know is she has run away from an abusive boyfriend.  Trinity is worried she won’t be able to handle having a child, but her sisters promise to be there for her.  Trinity meets the next-door neighbor, who just happened to be the police chief.   A friendship builds, but in time things will change to a possible romance. 

I did enjoy seeing the three sisters begin to bond, bringing the family together.  It was nice to see each of the sisters find love. I did like Beth with Declan, Freya finally with Greer, and Trinity with Ash.  I love seeing many of the characters from previous books, such as Mariella, Anji, Carrie, Avery, just to name a few. It was exciting when Trinity had her baby, and when the family stood together against the abusive boyfriend.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three Carlyle sisters playing major parts, as well as all finding love.  I enjoyed this return to Magnolia and the comfort of a family reunion; despite the many struggles along the way.  Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. The Wish List was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great sisters, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters.  The Wish List was a very entertaining read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher