Member Reviews
Oh this book...
This book was balm to my weary, cranky sad soul.
I started this book because some things in today’s climate were breaking my heart.
This book lifted my spirits, took my mind off my worries and made me happy. It was such a sweet story with a twist of suspense which I loved.
When I visit this wonderful place, I too feel the pull and magic of Eternity Springs! I so love this series!!!!
The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March was a great read! I fell in love with the characters and wanted to keep reading about them. There was just enough suspense & romance to make me not want to put the book down. I have not read the other books in the Eternity Springs series, but I will be looking for them now!
Jenna and her son Reilly are being targeted by a stalker, who seems to enjoy traumatizing them both. The stalked takes breaks between the bad deeds, but always comes back to scare them. On one of those in-between breaks Reilly makes a call to Santa, who is actually Devin. Devin is from Eternity Spring and keeps the Santa calls realistic for Reilly. When Jenna finds out about the phone calls, she isn’t happy at first, but after speaking to Devin herself, she starts to enjoy their conversations. Devin is about to leave for Australia, because his job is there and so he planned a special Santa call for Reilly, but because the stalked struck again, it never happened and Jenna and Devin lost contact. Faith had other plans and so Jenna and Devin meet a while later in Eternity Spring and once they meet there’s a real connection between them and Devin is ready to help Jenna with the bad guy, who is still not giving up.
It’s the third book from the series that I’ve read and all books have been wonderful. I love the small town community and two strong, kind and independent main characters. The mystery aspect was a great addition to the overall plot and I would definitely read the next book in the series.
I was enjoying this book - a pleasant, if somewhat predictable read. The reason I can't give this book a better rating is because of the punch that the author had Devin throw at Mitch. That was gratuitous and offensive. What offended me was that an educated, independent woman such as the heroine would just gloss over the fact that her "boyfriend" just hauled off and hit another man. Given the current climate of the country and women's issues, I felt that her acceptance of his casual violence was a bad idea. That should be a red flag, not a swoon-worthy action.
This is the first book I’ve read by Emily March and it was truly a pleasure. Jenna is a physician and has a son Riley. She is having issues with mysterious things happening to her, from unordered pizza deliveries to having her home raiding by a false tip. Her son Riley deeply wishes for a daddy, so much so that he calls Santa Claus to ask for one. The phone is answered by Devin, who is home for a holiday visit to his family in Eternity Springs. He has been given this phone to use temporarily while his is being repaired. As a compassionate person, he has conversations as Santa with Riley. As time goes by, Jenna and Riley go to Eternity Springs for a vacation, which is known to be a healing place. All of the characters in this book are very well developed and relatable. Eternity Springs seems to be one of those places that you wish you lived in. I was very pleased to find out that this book is part of a series. Now I have fourteen more books on my “must read” list!
Also reviewed on B&N and Kobo under the name Irish Eyes430
Oh my, I love the Eternity Springs series! This can be read as a stand-alone if necessary, but even so, go back and read the other books in the series. You'll be glad you did.
Devin Murphy, home in Eternity Springs for a short Christmas visit, answers the phone to a young boy named Reilly asking if he is Santa. Devin is confused, but plays along. After the conversation, Devin attempts to reach out to Reilly's mom to explain. Because Reilly asked for a dad, he wants to make sure he passes that on to Jenna. Thus begins the story of the Christmas Wishing Tree in Eternity Springs. I don't want to spoil anything, but this is an enjoyable, heart-wrenching book. I loved it!
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Devin Murphy was adopted into the Eternity Springs family, but he still feels the call of the ocean and Australia. While on one visit home, a wrong number has him talking to six-year-old Reilly as Santa. Reilly wants a father, as his mother Jenna works hard all the time on her own. Their situation is worse when his mother is doxxed and swatted, and the perpetrator can't be found. Devin didn't think playing along as Santa would become such a big deal, but eventually, everything comes together for all of them.
I had only read one other Eternity Springs novel, but this really doesn't rely on knowing who the characters are in order to enjoy them. We meet everyone that we need to over the course of the story, and the small town of Eternity Springs has its charming stores and locals popping up. The story itself spans two years, longer than a lot of romance novels usually do, because the first Christmas have Devin and Jenna talking on the phone as much as he and Reilly do, and they have great conversations even if they only know each other as Santa and Reilly's Mom. When they talk again later and eventually meet in person, their friendship and attraction is immediate. None of their concerns are brushed aside, and the reality of Jenna's situation is dealt with seriously.
There are a fair number of coincidences throughout the second half of the book that feel very date-movie-cliche related. It doesn't detract from the story at all, and makes it seem more like the holiday story that it is. This is a cute addition to the Eternity Springs romances, and a fun one to read while curled up under a blanket with tea or hot cocoa.
I know it is earky to be reading a christmas story but what the heck, this was an interesting and highly captivating story, the characters are fabulous and i really enjoyed this.
I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
This was my first visit to Eternity Springs, but it won't be my last as I plan to look up all of the previous books in the series. This story is so much more than just a holiday story, there are moments of abject terror and the subsequent fear that Jemma and Reilly live with. It's also a heartwarming tale of a community that embraces newcomers and those in need or broken-hearted. There were a few small inconsistencies that were missed in editing, but nothing that detracted from the overall enjoyment of a well-crafted story.
The Eternity Springs series from Emily March is one of my favorites. I especially love her Christmas novel release each year and have to say The Christmas Wishing Tree was another wonderful addition to the series.
Devin Murphy is one of the yummiest heroes from this series. He is so sweet with his family and when a little boy calls his loaner phone thinking he is calling Santa, he rolls with it and talks to Reilly from Nashville. Devin keeps trying to reach Reilly's mom, but unknown to him she is dealing with a stalker so she is super cautious when answering unknown numbers calling her cell phone. Jenna Stockton is such a strong character. She adopted Reilly when his biological mom passed away and will do anything on earth to keep her son safe.
On Jenna and Reilly's first trip to Eternity Springs, they don't actually meet Devin as he is in Australia, but they do meet and spend time with his entire family. Jenna and Reilly felt so at home while in Eternity Springs, I just knew they would be back. Especially as Celeste Blessing takes them both under her wings and teaches them all about the Christmas Wishing Tree. I adore each and ever scene with Celeste and look forward to her time on the page in each book. She just gives me all the happy feels, and I love how she bring so much good to each story.
When Jenna's stalker strikes again after they leave Nashville, Eternity Spring seems like a safe place to visit again, only this time "Santa Devin" is back in town. As Jenna and Reilly are in hiding, they didn't expect to run into the Murphy clan or anyone else they knew from the last visit. Once Jenna shares her stalker situation, Devin and all his friends immediately step up to find a way to help find her stalker. I love how the town of Eternity Springs pretty much always takes care of anyone they see as theirs, and Jenna and Reilly were definitely theirs after their very first visit.
I loved how quickly Devin and Jenna connected to one another. I loved the slow build to their relationship, as it wouldn't have worked for me for them to move faster. They had great chemistry, and I loved that Devin seemed to fall in love with Reilly every bit as much as he fell in love with Jenna. I did hate that Devin let his past initially get in the way of what could be a happy future with Jenna and Reilly. They were pretty much the perfect family from the moment they met in person.
I love that with each new book in the Eternity Springs series, readers get to spend time with characters from other books. It makes it easy to pick up a book at any point within the series and not feel completely lost. As you see characters from other books, they backstory is always shared and just makes each story even richer than it would be on its own. While I normally reach books in a series in order, I found the Eternity Springs book after several books had been released, and had no trouble starting the series several books in and not feeling lost. Emily March pulls me in with each new book in this series and makes me want more. The Eternity Springs series is the perfect series for any romance readers who enjoy a sweet and emotional story.
Rating: 4 Stars (B)
Not your typical Christmas story!
This book starts with Dr. Jenna Stockton preparing to celebrate Christmas with her son Reilly. Reilly wishes for a Daddy for Christmas and he calls a Santa line requesting that. Devin Murphy is the man on the other end of that call. Devin and Jenna work to try to give Reilly a beautiful, memorable Christmas. Then, the typical Christmas story takes a turn! Jenna and Reilly are stalked and harmed by an unknown assailant. They run for their lives living in a camper, hoping their assailant can’t/won’t find them! With Devin working with Jenna and the Eternity Springs residents, they fight to rid themselves from the stalker.
Although, this book didn’t follow a typical happy Christmas romance plot, I enjoyed it! It was different and the suspense had me turning pages to find out what happens next.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.
It all started with a phone call to Santa, or so Reilly thought. All he wants if for a Daddy. The problem is that everything gets shaken up, when his mother is facing a stalker who will stop at nothing to ruin her life.
They end up on the run, taking shelter in the town that Santa described. It was everything they hoped for, but they need to stay on the road. It isn't until they meet "Santa" that Jenna decides to take a chance and fighter her stalker head on. Lots of intense suspense, chemistry and sweet adorable town.
In The Christmas Wishing Tree author Emily March gives the reader an interesting take on celebrating Christmas. The story opens with the introduction of Jenna, single mom and a doctor. Jenna's son Reilly is excited to talk to Santa and, of course, he's looking for a dad. But there's a problem Jenna is being stalked and after a series of several upsetting incidents she contacts the police. The story continues as the reader is taken through Devin moving to Australia, Jenna moving and is still being stalked, Christmas comes and goes and Jenna and her son have taken to hiding in plain sight, living under the radar and wind up in Eternity Springs, Colorado. Once Jenna and Reilly get involved with Celeste, they learn about Celeste's tradition of the Christmas Wishing Tree. Devin is back from Australia for a visit with his family. Things come to a head when Devin and the Murphys learn of what is happening with Jenna and Reilly and decide to put an end to things by finding the stalker themselves. There's a very happy ending with a surprising revelation of who the stalker is and Reilly's 'believing' becomes a reality.
With a story filled with the Christmas spirit, charming characters, a touch of suspense, and an adorable, ardent, purely awesome romance story, The Eternity Springs holiday novel wraps around the heart and mind of the reader, delivering feel-good smiles and wishing for the Christmas season to start.
The story has such a solid, wholesome vibe to it, all the characters are likable, the romance takes its time to develop over a years time, the adults take the kid's needs into account, and respect him, setting boundaries for him, while building a life together that involves compromises while fulfilling life goals and dreams.
Some of the things that happen in the story raised my eyebrows, stretching my imagination, yet somehow it fits the environment the book creates.
Devin Murphy is a considerate, kind-hearted man, generous, and loving, the kind of man who will jump into a freezing water to save a neighbor's life, or pretend to be a Santa to a kid who needs a miracle on Christmas Eve.
Jenna Stockton is a dedicated mom to her son Reilly. Her job creates challenges and takes her away from her time with Reilly, but he is her heart and focus, the reason why she works so hard. Reilly just won my heart over. He is smart a young man, who knows what he wants and cares for his mom something fierce.
The story flows effortlessly from the pages and the stalker who has been harassing Jenna gives a slight edge to the cheerful, romantic holiday tale.
An entertaining and adorable story that delivers smiles, grants Christmas wishes and brings forward the magical, mystical ambiance of the yuletide.
~ Four Spoons
This was an excellent Christmas romance. I love the town of Eternity Springs and the people in it. Sometimes I think I need a town like this where you can find healing. I love how they worked in Santa Clais also. I also believe. That was one of my favorite parts of the story. I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
One little boy’s wrong number phone call to Santa sets in motion events that will put three strangers on the path to becoming a family… with exactly what Reilly asked for this Christmas. But there’s danger, and trusting, and falling in love to be taken care of first.
Devin is the kind of guy who is laid back enough to go along with a little boy’s mistake but also aware enough that his mom needs to know what her little one is up to… trouble is Jenna is facing some serious stalking problems so she’s not about to trust any unknown number.
As with any Eternity Springs story, I’m always enjoying the townsfolk, the small town atmosphere that flows so easily over me. Make that visit during the Christmas season, and it’s truly magical for me. Jenna’s decision to come to Eternity Springs was the best decision of her life. Not only did she feel safer with Devin but she also had the strength here to face this stalker and end it. The dynamics between these three characters was so natural, romantic yes, sizzling at times even, but the feel of a family unit, working together is so very strong. I’m being a bit vague on story details for I strongly feel that you should experience this story firsthand, not through my telling you the story. What I do feel comfortable saying is that The Christmas Wishing Tree is the perfect escape, a story where the hero and the heroine fit together, the danger is very real and is dealt with to give Jenna, Reilly and Devin a chance at that happy ever after without anything lurking over their shoulders. I enjoyed my time in Eternity Springs once again, and I believe you will, too. A magical Christmas tale, an adorable child and two adults meant for each other, if that is what is on your Christmas list in a holiday romance then I’d not hesitate to recommend this story or the entire series to any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Returning to the enchanting town of Eternity Springs always feels like coming home and best-selling author Emily March has once again pulled out all the stops and written an absorbing, captivating and romantic read that will tug at your heartstrings and make you smile: The Christmas Wishing Tree.
Devin Murphy is man who yearns for adventure and wide open spaces. Whether he is throwing himself off a mountain or diving into the ocean, Devin is a man who needs to feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins and his heart beating. Always planning his next trip far from the small town of Eternity Springs, Devin is back in town to spend Christmas with his loved ones and to celebrate the season with his nearest and dearest and to tell them that he is planning on going to live in Australia for good. But fate does have a habit of throwing the best laid plans into complete disarray as he discovers when he finds himself playing along to a game and ends up losing his heart to a woman who is planning on making Eternity Springs her home.
The safety of her son Reilly is paramount to Jenna Stockton. Having rescued him when he needed her most, Jenna vows not to let a single head on Reilly’s head to be harmed or to jeopardise his happiness in any way, shape or form. Running away from danger and settling in a town far away from her old life is foremost in Jenna’s mind and Eternity Springs seems the ideal town to hide in and make a new life for herself and her son. Falling in love is certainly not part of the plan – but she hadn’t counted on the charming, charismatic, kind-hearted and sexy as sin Devin Murphy who pulls the rug well and truly from under her feet and makes her feel things she never experienced before!
As Devin discovers all the secrets which Jenna had been guarding with all of her might, he proposes a plan of action to defeat and trounce all the danger and jeopardy that is holding her hostage. But is Jenna willing to trust him? Will Devin make all of her wishes come true? And will a Christmas miracle make Jenna and Devin realize that home truly is where the heart is?
Emily March has penned a poignant, enchanting and spellbinding contemporary romance that had me reaching for the tissues on many an occasion! Compulsively readable, beautifully told and wonderfully written, The Christmas Wishing Tree is a captivating tale of second chances, redemption and healing from a writer who gets better and better with every book she writes.
I adored Devin and Jenna. Two characters who were believable, wonderfully drawn and who leaped off the pages, you are sure to fall in love with them and cheer them on to get the happy ending they so richly deserve!
A first class tale from a wonderful writer, The Christmas Wishing Tree is another winner by Emily March!
My love for Christmas romance novels led me to Emily March and her novel “The Christmas Wishing Tree”. What an exciting and suspense filled ride with a love story mixed in for good measure. I’m going back for more. I love series romance and looks like I’ve found another go to author in Emily March. Thanks to the author and her publisher along with Net Galley for letting me read the advanced reader copy of The Christmas Wishing Tree. I might start a new Christmas tradition!
Jenny is a single mother who was a bit of a work-a-holic leaving her son to wish that he had a father to relive her of the burden to always having to work and was given a hot line to call for Santa. Hoping Santa could help having discussions with the man Devon who her son thinks is Santa. When Jenny and her son get victimized by a stalker one too many times leaving them to go on the run and naturally the calls to Santa had to stop. When they stop at eternity springs Colorado they start to feel some semblance of safety but know that its only a matter of time before things start to go south. What they weren't counting on was the Santa to be there, and for everyone to care enough about them to help out and find this stalker before things get messy. But that isn't the only thing getting messy Jenny seems to be attracted to the Santa Devon but he lives in Australia and isn't staying long.
This was such a nice holiday read. I mean right now its barely fall and this got me wishing for Christmas already. I loved this book. I thought that it was going to be more focused on the mystery/stalker element but it wasn't. I loved seeing how close everyone was, supportive, and seeing them help one other. I loved the romance that was forming between Jenny and Devon and seeing how complicated things would get if they give into what they truly want. Then there is her son and seeing how he was first seemingly happy and hopeful, going to scared and distrustful and slowly but surely open up to what this town had to offer. It was such a sweet and heartwarming story and I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a great holiday book to get you into the spirit then look no further because you'll have that with this book! Highly Recommend.
I love the town of Eternity Springs, Colorado and I always look forward to returning there for catching up with the residents.
This is the story of Devin Murphy, who is all grown up and the owner of a boat charter service in Australia. He's home for a few days at Christmas time and has to part with his cell phone for a few days after an incident involving water. The replacement phone that Celeste Blessing provides has a number of North Pole 1 and Devin is very surprised to get a call from six year old Reilly. Reilly reveals his wish for a dad and Devin becomes interested in little Reilly's mom, Dr. Jenna Stockton. She is being stalked and when it escalates, she moves several times to protect her son. She and Reilly even visit Eternity Springs, make a few friends, and return in the summer to spend a few months. Jenna and Reilly begin to experience the magic of the town and its residents and, most of all, the magic of love. How can Devin (aka Santa) bring together his family and friends, Jenna and Reilly, and a career that he's passionate about? It's a challenge but everyone wants to see them together!
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.