Review: Short, sweet, and a holiday treat.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 23, 2013
This is a sweet little Christmas novella that is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. The main characters from the previous novel are very subtly mentioned but without spoilers. If anything, if you enjoy this novella, it will make you want to read the first book, By Proxy, which I loved.As for The Christmas Wish, this is a sweet story of two people whom society looks down on, but they themselves are so full of hope and warmth, that it is no wonder they are brought together. Tess, the resident "easy" girl in town, who doesn't know what it is to be loved, but in spite of her reputation, Lucas cannot help but see her heart behind the rumors. And Lucas, our "ugly" ex-con, who is a protector of women at heart and a kind and gentle soul, who is looking for a second chance.I loved the way that Regnery brought these two characters together, and in the brevity of a novella, was able to develop their characters to a satisfying and endearing end. They felt like well fleshed-out people and I could fully imagine them in my head and grasp their story in my heart. I completely bought into their story and budding relationship. I hope they make a guest appearance in her future books, because they are just so sweet together.I've already read The Christmas Wish twice, and I can say both times I felt swept into the story and was smiling fondly about the beauty of finding love in any circumstance. If you are looking for a sweet holiday read, with characters that have their own depths, then look no further.