The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin

The Wish Book Christmas
by Lynn Austin

ISBN-13: 9781496452528
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House
Released: September 7th 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
From the bestselling author of comes a nostalgic and endearing 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. 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:
The Wish Book Christmas is a Christian historical romance set in December 1951 in America. This book is a sequel to "If I Were You" but can be read as a stand-alone. However, you'll understand the story better if you read them in order.

Two single moms, Audrey and Eve, want to teach their children that Christmas isn't just about getting toys. It's about giving to others, like Christ did for us. Much of the tale was about these efforts and Christmas events like a funny Christmas play. But both women needed a reminder about accepting undeserved gifts. Audrey refused help from her father-in-law, even though it's kindly meant. Eve refused to marry the man she loves until she's paid back a debt because she can't forgive herself even if everyone else has. But Christ gave the undeserved gift of himself, and he's still giving good gifts to his children.

The characters were complex, realistic people. I cared about what happened to Audrey, Eve, and the people they cared about. Historical details about what life was like at the time were woven into story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this charming, well-written historical fiction.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.