It was a nice christmas story, but i did not get the christmas feeling i was hoping to get though. Very few books give me a sense of christmas feeling. But it was enjoyable.

I picked up One Wish off NetGalley ages ago because I'm a fan of Jodi Thomas. But for some reason, it just sat on my kindle waiting for me to finally read it. I figured I had a full length novel, so imagine my surprise when I finished it within 2 hours. It really did suffer from not being longer. It was a cute romance featuring two lonely people. And there was a little drama since both of them have people that would like to see harm come to them. But it all needed to be developed more to really be impactful. I got to the last page and was just left wanting more.

One Wish wasn't a bad read, it just felt incomplete. But if you're a fan of western historical romances, then you might want to give it a try. Just know that it is a novella.

What a sweet historical romance set in the American West. Love and courage are the theme of One Wish.
A cozy holiday read that will make you smile.
It is a very short novella which left me wanting more.
Definitely a book you can read in one sitting.

One Wish started very good and I was intrigued but then I felt it moved too quick. I did enjoy the end with the suspense and would she get her wish.

Maggie Allison took over the mercantile when her parents died and leads a relatively quiet—and lonely—life. One night just before closing, three men enter the store intent to rob it. Just as Maggie fears for her own life, in steps Sam Thompson, a local rancher, who comes to her rescue, chasing the would be thieves away. One of the thieves is none other than Boss Adler, one of the most notorious criminals in the area. With him on the loose, and Maggie being able to identify him, Sam offers to take Maggie in until Adler is caught. He lives in an isolated part of the county where even lawmen do not like to enter. While Maggie is prim and proper and well-educated, Sam is much more rough around the edges. Sam and Maggie share a past—having been friends for a short while as children, attending the same school, however went their own ways due to circumstances beyond their control.

This Old Western historical romance made for a cozy Christmas story. Maggie and Sam are somewhat reserved around each other at first, but that soon changes. Maggie knows her mind and is not afraid to speak it. I really liked Sam and his quiet ways. He has a secret he has been keeping, and Maggie is one of a very few who comes to know that secret as soon as she steps into Sam’s house. Maggie and Sam are well suited for each other, and I enjoyed my time spent with them. This novella is a sweet romance with a bit of action mixed in. I would not have minded a longer story in order to more fully develop the characters and get to know more about their lives surrounding the events in this short book.

One Wish by Jodi Thomas is a sweet adorable Christmas story. I know I have said this before but Jodi has a talent for grabbing your attention and you cannot put the book down. Which I find shocking since they are not a mystery. Even though she did surprise me more than once.
Maggie and Sam were both fascinating characters that you love immediately.
Someone tries to rob Maggie and do other unsavory things to her. Sam overheard their plans and comes to her rescue. He protects her as they want revenge for their foiled plans.
They are both awkward and inexperienced and it is adorable watching them spend time together trying to figure it all out.

Sexual content - adorable scenes as they try to figure each other out and how to kiss.
violence - someone is going to rob her and take advantage of her. a couple other deaths and threats.

This is a rather unusual, sweet, western historical romance. My rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

A week before Christmas, Maggie is hoping members of Kasota Springs will come shopping. Unfortunately, the town has treated Maggie as an outsider since she was the rich young daughter attending school with the poor of the community. Now Maggie runs her store alone, with no friends, while she journals her dwindling hopes and dreams. At this point, she has whittled down her dream list to one wish.

Sam has never forgotten the other outsider from his childhood who became his friend. Thompsons are known to stick to themselves, but Sam will do anything he can to keep Maggie safe. He overheard three men plotting to rob Maggie and take advantage of her. Although Sam is able to rescue her from the attack, the main outlaw, Boss Adler, gets away. But Adler never leaves witnesses so the sheriff agrees that Sam should take Maggie to his house – after all, no one would suspect a Thompson to become involved and no one really knows where Sam’s home is anyway.

When Sam gets Maggie down the canyon, she is shocked not only by his home but to learn of another occupant. Sam and Maggie decide to play a gentle marriage game for the short time they expect to be together. But then they get unexpected visitors that put them all in danger. They get some help from an ornery old woman, Nina, who is an interesting secondary character.

I enjoyed this holiday novella which added some unusual elements to the ‘snowed in’ romance. Instead of flashy protagonists, these are two vulnerable outsiders who are very likable, especially as they interact. The rustic setting, gentle way they treat each other, and the spice of danger is sweet and engaging. Jodi Thomas creates fun characters and distinct settings which I enjoy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a sweet historical western.

Source: 2019 NetGalley.

Jodi Thomas can be counted on to make Texas history come alive. The reader gets a strong sense of the lawlessness that occurred during the settlement period. The characters are well developed and Thomas does not hesitate to show the bad as well as the good. An enjoyable read from a great author.

A short holiday story set in Texas. A loner who protects a childhood schoolmate from a vicious attack, ends up taking her into his home for her own protection. They pretend to be married and when reality sets in and the attacker returns , she escapes but he is severely injured. They reunite once he's released from the hospital and it's a Christmas HEA!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

**4.5 Stars**

What a DELIGHT. ONE WISH is an adorable and sweet American West historical romance that put a smile on my face; it filled me with all the holiday warm and fuzzies. Our hero and heroine were childhood friends who reunite through a thwarted robbery. Maggie, our heroine, needs a place to lay low for a while, and Sam, our hero, has the perfect secluded cabin.

This is a quiet and lovely story about two very lonely people who find each other in a small town. I loved the imperfections Ms. Thomas highlighted in each of her main characters. It made them human and added a lot of depth. I felt connected to both Maggie and Sam as they figured out their feelings for each other. Plus, forced proximity is my jam in a major way!

The unique time period and interesting setting was the icing on this cupcake of a novella. Even the colorful side characters had the perfect amount of page time. I appreciated the balance between romance and plot. You can tell Ms. Thomas is an experienced author on every page of this story.

As a short novella, I really wanted a little more of an epilogue. I believed and enjoyed the happily ever after. Still, I wanted just a tad more of Maggie and Sam’s life together.

Overall, I highly recommend ONE WISH if you’re looking for a lovely one sitting read with lots of heart. I promise you’ll put the book down with a smile on your face!

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

One Wish – A Christmas Story by Jodi Thomas

Heartfelt deeply abiding love story – such a warm and wonderful story that I would eagerly read again!

Sam Thompson and Maggie Allison were outcasts in school when both were six and as a result formed a friendship that both remembered for over twenty years. When Sam saved Maggie in her shop one night it set in motion a chain of events that would change their lives forever...in a very positive way. This story told of two people that so deserved the happiness they thought they would never find and it warmed my heart reading how their HEA came about. I would love to have a peek into their lives in ten or twenty years because I am sure that the love they found would last more than a lifetime.

Did I enjoy this novella? Definitely
Would I read more by this author? Without a doubt

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Short and sweet holiday story. Maggie is cleaning up her store, preparing to close for the night, unaware that she is being watched. Outside are three outlaws, intent on robbing her and more. All of them are unaware of Sam's presence. He'd heard the men talking in the saloon and was ready to step in if necessary. While waiting, he remembers back to his childhood. He and Maggie were friends in first grade before her parents sent her away to school. He's never forgotten her and will do what he must to protect her. I loved seeing him take two of the three outlaws out, and felt his frustration when the third got away. That particular outlaw is bad news, and both Sam and the sheriff think that Maggie is in danger until he is caught. Sam insists on taking Maggie to his home for safekeeping.

I loved both Maggie and Sam. Both of them are outsiders in their town. Maggie is a combination of bossy and shy and has no friends. She works in her store, and that is her whole life. For years she has kept a journal, chronicling her hopes and dreams, though they have dwindled over the years. Now she has just one wish - to spend a day with a good and loving man. Sam is the strong, silent type. He is a private man who doesn't share much of himself with anyone, even the relations who live in the same canyon. Neither he nor Maggie has ever had a genuine relationship with anyone and have no idea how to go about it.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sam and Maggie. Their childhood friendship made it easier for them to give in to their yearning for a connection. I laughed at the idea that they would pretend to be married for the time they were together, as that was surely tempting fate. It was sweet to see Sam's gentleness as he gave in to the urge to kiss Maggie. I loved Maggie's surprise at the feelings he aroused in her, and her willingness to explore them further. Each day they were together, the feelings between them grew stronger.

When danger comes knocking at the door, Sam must find a way to hold it off long enough for Maggie to get away. The confrontation is vicious and dangerous. Sam's life is spared only by the arrival of an unexpected ally. I ached for Maggie, who is left wondering first about his safety, then about whether there is a future for her with Sam. I loved that she knew him well enough to understand that anything more would have to come from him. The ending was sweet and romantic.

The secondary characters were not as well developed, but each had an essential place in the story. I liked the old lady, Nina, and her care for Sam and his son. She was quite the character, and I loved how she also took to Maggie, providing her with excellent advice. The sheriff rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and proved my instincts right by the end. My favorite was Sam's little boy, Wes. He was an adorable child, and I could see that he was Sam's entire world. I loved how Wes and Maggie took to each other so quickly.

This was my first book by Jodi Thomas, but it won't be my last. She has a fantastic way with descriptions. From the blizzard to the description of Sam's home, it was incredibly easy to picture them as I read. I could feel Maggie's fear as she fled with Wes, and I felt each blow as Sam was beaten by the bad guys.

One Wish by Jodi Thomas is a delightful novella focusing on Maggie and Sam, both outsiders. They had been friends in the first grade but then Maggie's parents sent her way for school and Sam's parents kept him home, although he did go pickup and exchange books with his reach once a month. This night, over twenty years later, finds Sam outside of Maggie's general store, watching for men he had overheard in the saloon, planning to rob and rape her. He was cold and anxious, but still he waited. Finally they arrived. Used to disappearing, Sam entered the store behind them and slid into a dark corner. He waited until he was sure of their intent and then he went after them with an axe handle. He got two of them, but the third escaped. The sheriff came and hauled away the bodies of the two and advised Maggie to get out of town, and hide. Sam offered to take her to his house. The sheriff agreed. There, surprising things happened.

This was an absolutely lovely story. It was full of subtlety, love, and courage. Sam is the quintessential strong, silent, incommunicative man; Maggie is talkative and upbeat, She had kept a journal for years, one section being the attributes she hoped to find in a husband. Over the years she had winnowed it down to one thing: a man who loves me (for one day). Neither has even had a real relationship. They don't know how to and that is obvious with their behavior. They both yearn for connection. Outside factors intrude upon their fledgling relationship and threaten to destroy it. They both fight within themselves to keep it. The peripheral characters don't have much depth but they serve their purpose. This is Maggie and Sam's story and I loved it. You will, too. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #onewish

One Wish is a phenomenal holiday read by Jodi Thomas. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Thomas has provided readers with a well-written book populated by a stellar cast of characters. I totally loved the characters in this story! Emma runs the mercantile in a western town and is mostly friendless. Sam and his relatives mostly keep to themselves away from town. Sam and Emma's story is loaded with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Jodi Thomas soon. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One Wish is a short novella set during a magical season. Being a novella, it moves fast and doesn't have the development that longer books have. However, the characters do become lovable and have you turning the pages to find out more. Maggie Allison has returned to run the mercantile which was left to her by her parents. Sam Thompson was in the right place at the right time. Their lives become entangled when three men threaten Maggie.. Will these two be able to find they can get along? This is a fun read but does have some rough spots.
I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Always can read and love a Jodi Thomas book. Add a handsome quiet cowboy from the past, danger, Christmas and you have a story to enjoy. A book to read and share.

This is a great novella by Jodi Thomas. It has well developed characters and storyline. This is Maggie and Sam’s story. Their romance story is a bit different, but I loved every minute. This was a fast- paced story with a bit of danger thrown in. It checked all my boxes and I recommend it to all. Jodi Thomas did a great job!

One Wish is a novella written by Jodi Thomas with her trademark Texan setting and characters. And there is a canyon! Yes I associate canyons with Jodi's books.

Maggie has a general store in town - she is all alone her parents having died. One evening bad men storm her store and it is only due to Sam Thompson's quick thinking that she is saved from them. Needing to get Maggie to safety because the outlaw may gun for her, Sam takes her deep into the canyon he calls home. Oh my I loved the description of how his home is built.

It's a novella so things move fast, there is action,  we meet a few other delightful characters, a couple who are mean and nasty and one surprising character who arrives at the right moment.

It's a warm delightful little story and I revelled in it as I read.

One Wish is an entertaining historical romance. The plot is well written and hs a good setting. A good fast read. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is my unbiased review.

An Action-Packed Western Romance

Absolutely loved this sweet romance. Maggie and Sam are both oddballs. Sam is a good man, a little gruff and stays to himself, but has a strong protective streak. Maggie was always considered different, bossy but shy, with a soft heart. One day, when they were young, Sam came to Maggie’s defense and they became fast friends. This also earned him a special place in Maggie's mom's heart. Later, her parents sent Maggie away to school, but Sam never forgot her. Over the years, Maggie kept journals, including one that listed her requirements for the man of her dreams. Each year, the list got shorter and shorter, until it was finally down to One Wish.

They don't see each other again until Maggie comes home to run the Mercantile after her folks pass. Danger is coming her way and Sam must decide if he is going to walk away or step in once again. Of course, he saves her but the bad guy gets away and plans to return. To keep her safe, Sam is forced to take her home with him and risk exposing all his secrets to her. What follows is their budding romance. But that doesn't stop danger from knocking at their door.

This was originally published as A Texas Christmas but is new to me. This story contains violence so if this is a trigger for you, please exercise caution.

My copy was provided in advance from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.