Kristina Anderson
The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin has Eve Dawson and Audrey Barrett worried about their sons, Harry and Bobby. They boys discovered The Sears Wish Book and have been consumed with it. They have a long list of toys they want Santa to bring them for Christmas. Eve and Audrey want to the boys to know the true meaning of Christmas. After watching the boys play wise men in the school play, they come up with a plan. The Wish Book Christmas is a continuation of If I Were You. I was not aware that there had been a prior book until I started reading The Wish Book Christmas. I felt like I was plopped into the middle of a story, so I went investigating. The author does provide the necessary background information so it technically can be read as a standalone. Personally, I believe I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read If I Were You first. I thought The Wish Book Christmas was well-written with developed characters. Once I got into the story, I was engaged. I liked how the mothers went about teaching their sons the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is a heartwarming story that will put you in the mood for the holidays. It is a book that will get you to thinking about how you can help others this holiday season. There are many types of gifts you can give someone, and they do not involve purchasing an item in a store (or by purchasing a gift card). The ending was very special and will leave you smiling. The Wish Book Christmas is a story about forgiveness, hope, family, moving on, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is a heartwarming holiday novel with a wish list of toys, a cavorting canine, shoveling snow, a decked-out Christmas tree, a gracious God, finding forgiveness, firm friends, and a happy holiday.