Member Reviews
I started reading this book a while back and I really really wanted to like it and finish it, but I just couldn't. Maybe when I am more in the christmas mood or in the mood for a book like this one I'll pick it up and change this review.
Thank you so much netgalley for the e-arc of this book.
I was lucky to receive an advance copy of With Love from Wish & Co. from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and feedback. This book is exactly what all of us need at some point in life - a light hearted fun read. Loved the characters and was sad to finish it. Look forward to reading much more by Minnie Darke. Thanks for the opportunity!
This is such a delightful, "easy" story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The writing is excellent and it is entertaining...complete "soul food" to renew my faith in great stories!
This was a light, heart-warming romance with a little more complexity than some. A professional gift-shopper accidentally mixes up two gifts. The story of the results of the mix-up (a marriage ruined?, Marnie's business folding?) and Marnie's attempts to fix everything are well-developed and enjoyable to read. I liked the struggles with moral issues, forgiveness, etc., that gave it depth.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.
A very sweet story with a delightfully happy ending — the literary equivalent of comfort food. Bonus actual food: the luncheon menu sounded delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review!
What drawn me to this book is the adorable cover but I wasn’t interested in the storyline or the characters very much. I thought the premise of the book was super interesting! Minnie is known for picking out perfect gifts for her clients. One day, she accidentally switches Brian’s gift to his wife and gives it to his mistress and vice-versa. I thought this created humor but also creates a problem that led Minnie to meet Brian’s son, Luke and sparks flew. While the premise was intriguing, the relationship between Minnie and Luke was flat. I didn’t feel the passion or love between them, mostly because Luke’s aversion to Minnie’s job, causing great rift between them. This book had a promising plot but the execution was subpar. However, it was a quick read and was a bit entertaining!
Where would any of us be without second chances? This is a wonderfully written story with multiple characters and storylines centering around Marnie, a personal gift shopped. When with one seemingly small, yet not insignificant mishap, it all hits the fan. I enjoyed the read of her story, how she recovered and all of the wonderful and interesting people and scenarios along the way. Loved Marnie and adore this author!
With Love with Wish & Co is a complicated story about Marnie, a boutique store owner. One mistake and her life is thrown in the air and she is on a journey to keep her dreams alive. What will she run into?
Overall, I enjoyed the story! Marnie is likable and I found the premise to be fresh and unique.
This is a fun light read that gave me a break from all the spooky books I was reading this month. I enjoyed the characters growth and interaction. The layout and how it was broken up by parts and then dates made it easy to see the passage of time. I liked that the characters actually talked and worked through their problems instead of constantly having miscommunication resulting in drama and I enjoyed the main character working through the ethics and gray area of her business to make it better for herself and to prevent future problems. I do feel it could be cut down just a bit because while I enjoyed reading it there were times I was thinking I can't believe I am still reading this book. I feel that if it was about 100 pages shorter it would be the perfect cozy reading book that you could fly through.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
With Love from Wish & Co was a cute read, but didn’t hold my attention. I appreciated the sentiment of second chances, especially with Ivy and Luke. However, Suzanne and Brian’s relationship seemed forced. Marnie was kind of annoying and her relationship with Luke was a roller coaster that went too fast. I did love her friendships though!
*Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book.
This book really charmed me in ways I did not expect. I loved the main character, Marnie Fairchild, and how she navigated everything thrown at her throughout the course of this novel. Though some things I did see coming, such as the mix-up early on of Brian Charlesworth's gifts for his wife, Suzanne, and mistress, Leona, the author still takes you on a unique journey of this interesting business idea combined with family drama, romantic relationships, friendships, and more.
Moreover, I appreciated reading a novel set in Australia, which I don't come across often. One of my best friends is Australian, and I was just there visiting for the first time for his wedding, so it felt extra special to get to feel that come through on the page.
3.5 stars- this was an easy read for times when you want to escape from reality a bit. thank you netgalley & the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute novel that features protagonist Marnie and her shop Wish & Co. She and her friend-with-benefits, Owen are in a comfortable relationship until things get complicated. Luke has a daughter he didn't know about and that plot brings heartbreak initially. But eventually all gets sorted out and lives run smoothly again. This reminded me of a Lifetime movie plot that is holiday-ready. And although I tend to shy away from meet-cute stories, this one was a fun palate-cleanser so enjoy!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Over the last few years, Marnie Fairchild had built a solid business as a gift buyer for busy (and wealthy) people who had no idea what to purchase for the special someones in their lives. Her best client was Brian Charlesworth, and he required Marnie’s skill in gifting for his wife, his children, and his mistress. Marnie, always discreet, ensured that each person important to Brian was delighted with their gifts, tailored to their interests and desires. As the daughter of the black sheep of the wealthy Fairchild family, Marnie treasured her memories of her grandfather and of the shop he had once owned, which was now the possession of her uncle Lewis. Her greatest dream was to own the building where Fairchild & Sons had once been, and when she learned the building was going up for auction, she was so desperate to get the details that she mixed up the gifts Brian Charlesworth had requested. His mistress got the expensive stand mixer that Suzanne Charlesworth coveted, while Suzanne opened the weekend bag with the monogrammed silk robe, intended for the mistress, in front of a group of friends and family.
Incensed at Marnie’s mistake, which resulted in Suzanne throwing him out of the house, Brian confronted Marnie at her shop and threatened to destroy her business. With the future of Wish & Co. hanging in the balance, and the possibility of purchasing the old Fairchild & Sons building, Marnie knew she would have to find a solution quickly.
I really enjoyed this book! Marnie’s determination, first in building her business, and then in placating Brian by helping him win Suzanne back, and her focus on the old storefront, was admirable. Add in her unexpected romance with Luke Charlesworth, Brian and Suzanne’s son, and his surprisingly complicated life, and you have an interesting storyline with the always delightful HEA.
Every now and then I LOVE an easy read with a lovely story and enough ‘meat’ to keep me interested. Wish & Co filled the bill perfectly. The setting is Australia, the characters all have character. The author does a wonderful job of describing the characters so you feel like you know them.
I understand why people like romance books: they are fast paced, full of snog, and meant to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. To me, they are just to predictable. The moment a character was introduced, I know where things going to end. They always end with some happily ever after moment and no problem left in the world.
Marnie was lonely, but she occupied herself with her gift selecting for people who either had too money or had no time or both. She always dreamt of buying her grandfather’s store and make that place her dream store. But she messed up with one (actually two) deliveries. After that point whether she could afford buying grandfather’s store or not became one of her lesser problems. But you know, as expected things all worked out, and it is up to you to take time and read how that happened.
I liked the writing and gave it 3 stars just because it was a good palate cleanser. But I could use more twists and turns, and little bit more head scratching.
I’m kind of indifferent to this one - there were parts I enjoyed, the writing was decent, and the premise was interesting, but for some reason it didn’t really land with me. I found myself pushing through to finish it.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
With Love from Wish & Co.
By Minnie Darke
Heartwarming
Sweet
Surprising
I enjoyed Minnie Darke's previous book, The Lost Love Song and though melancholier, I really enjoyed Darke's writing style. that had me so excited to pick up With Love from Wish & Co. I loved that the story is about Marnie who is a boutique buyer of gifts for discerning clients - I would have loved to be her friend, since gift buying is not my forte. In this story, a slight distraction catches Marnie into switching the gifts for her biggest and most important client - his wife's Anniversary present and his mistress' birthday present. Of course, this implodes and what comes next is such a fun and sweet story to read. I enjoyed how light and cozy this read is.
Marnie Fairchild comes from a long line of Fairchilds, but that does not guarantee that she will inherit the historic store that has been in her family forever. Marnie runs an upscale gift-buying service that has its share of high-end clients who count on her discretion. When one mistake lands Marnie in a world of trouble, she is doing anything and everything she can to get back in good graces with her most prized customer Brian Charlesworth. Unfortunately, along the way, she also happens to fall in love with Brian's son, which leads to half-truths and sticky situations. But to what end will Marnie go to save her business? Is love worth giving everything up? This was a fun, heartwarming story that I enjoyed immensely. Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC. 4 stars.
This marks my first experience with the author and I really enjoyed this Australian romance, heavily laden with family drama. Marnie Fairchild, a determined businesswoman, runs a gift-wrapping shop, though must of her profits come from her gift-buying clients. Through Internet research and questions, Marnie mainly helps men with complicated family lives better manage their life through thoughtful gifts that Marnie finds, buys and wraps. One of her biggest clients- Brian Charlesworth - has his 40th wedding anniversary on the same day as his mistress' birthday. Somehow, the gifts get swapped, sending the Charlesworth family into shambles. Brian blames Marnie and along the way, his son learns that his father's gifts have been outsourced for the past five years. And while he doesn't like Marnie's role in his family, he does find himself drawn to her.
The plot may follow predictable paths, but it makes for entertaining reading nonetheless. I think Marnie's job is an interesting one - and one that I think my aunt would have liked to have. And while the characters here don't always make good choices, they do come to life and are easy to root for. I appreciated the Sydney setting and found myself always eager to pick this back up - and curious to hear an audio version. It's not a steamy romance novel - it has a definite romantic comedy feel to it. And I could definitely see this being made into a sweet Hallmark movie. It's a lovely read and I will definitely read - or listen - to more from this author in the future!