I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I tried to read this book and listen to it, but I just could not connect to the storyline or the characters. It is popular at the library so I assume it's a good read and therefore don't want to leave bad feedback.

Heartwarming, Hallmark-movie style romance that is a great escape. The setting is lovely and the HEA satisfying. Thanks for the advance copy!

Michelle Major’s “The Wish List” is a delightful novel that perfectly captures the essence of family and the power of holiday spirit. Through the story of the three Carlyle sisters, Beth, Freya and Trinity, we’re taken on a journey through hardship and discovery as each one learns more about their family, themselves and each other.

The author skilfully balances lighthearted humor and holiday joy with deep issues such as domestic violence, grief and the challenges of family dynamics. She expertly navigates the intersections of life that arise, finding unique ways for each sister to confront the challenges they’re presented with. The well-crafted plot offers enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and invested throughout.

Adding to the magic of the story, Major also provides a bonus novella set in the world of Magnolia. It adds an extra layer to the story, deepening the world and characters that have been carefully developed and showing a more in-depth side of the issues touched on.

If you’re looking for a book that captures the warmth of family and the joy of the holiday season, The Wish List is the perfect pick.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…family dynamics…childhood issues…love and romance…illness…babies…exes…careers…this author is talented at writing a book that could be true…it reads almost like a romance movie…enjoy this novel and be transported Torah afternoon.

I enjoyed reading The Wish List by Michelle Major. The characters in this story will warm your heart. Happy Reading!
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

Festive with a side of family drama! The dynamics were interesting. This was sweet, yet predictable.

~~~ I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

Michelle Major sure has a knack for writing festive holiday romance novels. The Wish List is another of the author's hits that needs to be added to your "Wish" or "To Read" List!

This is the story of three sisters who have struggled for years due to their mother's negligence. Now they're adults and have their own lives but find themselves back together again during the holidays after their mom suffers a stroke. During this time they each discover new things about themselves and, of course, meet some handsome men., The only criticism I have is that it was hard to keep track of the number of characters (3 sisters and 3 men) I found myself getting a little confused about which couple was which.

Overall, This is a story of healing, family, forgiveness, second chances, and love. The Wish List is a sweet holiday romance that is definitely worth reading! Enjoy!

Magnolia, NC is such a restful place. I’ve really enjoyed Major’s expansion of the different story lines. I love it when authors create towns because I often that I could be a resident.
Beth, Freya, and Trinity were on their own as kids due to their mother’s selfishness. Now the sisters are reconnecting and getting to know each other as adults because of their mother’s stroke. I liked the developing story of each sister’s life and their guys interests were mount watering.
But the one who captured my interest the most was Declan the Dreamboat. So many scenes between he and Beth took my breath away, especially the one where he sees her and his smile lights up his entire face.
I hope we get to see more glimpses of the sisters in future Magniloa books.

A great read! I enjoyed getting to know the backstory of the characters and the setting was great. A nice read for fans of Debbie Macomber, Robyn Carr, and Raeanne Thayne.

So I will admit I struggled a bit at first to get the hang of who was who. Eventually when I got over that it made my reading experience a more enjoyable one. It was interesting seeing how different each sister was they were at different points of their lives and things are kinda at a pause since the mother had a stoke now all the sisters are sticking around to help care for her in their own way. There was a lot of reflection going on with not only the sisters but the mother as well she wasn't a great parent and was trying to make amends in her weakened state and the girls just wasn't sure if this nicer mother would last. Then there was the whole carving a new path in each of their lives like looking past caring for the mother and taking up nursing school finally, and writing a book, and having a brand new start with a child on the way. There was so much to unpack with this book and I really enjoyed following along.

A compelling family drama laced with a bit of clean-cut romance. An absentee mother is back in the lives of her three daughters and it may not be what is best for them. She once again seems to be sucking the air out of their lives, but if they don't take a hard look at their relationship to her and each other with a critical eye they may never be able to move forward with fulfilling lives of their own. It is a wonderful look at perspective as each individual has a different perspective of past occurrences and expectations of how present interactions will take place. This book was especially compelling to me as dysfunctional family dynamics are something that I am well aware of and I think many other readers are as well to a certain extent. This book is an emotional roller coaster with equal parts humor and sadness. It's a poignant look at overcoming the what if's and what was to get to the happily ever after that we all crave. I have to say that I wasn't expecting such an inspired and impactful story from this book, but am absolutely thrilled that I decided to read this book! Extra bonus, there is a short story at the end that is a fast-paced romance set in the same town with overlapping characters and locations. This leads me to believe that this book is the beginning of a wonderful series which makes my heart very happy as I am a series addict!

The Wish List
The Carolina Girls #4
Michelle Major

Michelle Major is a wonderful storyteller and her latest holiday novel, The Wish List, taking her readers back to her iconic Magnolia NC is proof positive, a timely tale about sisters and mothers and daughters. She gives readers three sisters with a shared troubled past who now as adults each have problems trusting, sharing and who after a few shouting matches and misunderstandings will find strength in each other and themselves and each will find an honorable man to break down their walls. She also turns the tables and makes the male stars the stable ones where the women are the ones who have the most growing up to do. Whether by choice or accident like in real life families it’s the oldest and youngest who will resonate the most with readers but each of the sisters have a lot of maturing to do and readers will learn to love them all by the end including the mom. Fans of heartwarming holiday stories will be putting this on their holiday must read list from now on.
Three estranged sisters are brought back together kicking and screaming when their mom has a stroke, a mom who in the past put herself first and let them fend for themselves. So why are they all dropping everything to help her now?

Oldest Carlyle sister Beth has spent her life taking care of others, her sisters when they were young and their author mother left them home alone while she went on tour. Then as an adult putting her husband’s needs before her own. And just when she finally takes steps to do something for herself by entering the nurse practitioner program her mom has a stroke and she’s expected to help care for her.

Middle sister Freya took after their mother’s playbook by moving to LA and put herself before anyone by becoming a reality show star even though in her heart of hearts it’s fear of being herself that keeps her wearing all the masks she dons in California. When she’s called home to help care for her mom she’s not sure she wants to or is ready to take off those masks.

Youngest sister Trinity has been on the run from her abuser ex for months when she gets the call to come home, she’s tired of running and now is only a short time away from becoming a mother herself. She hasn’t had a good role model and isn’t sure if she’s up to the task ahead of her but she has no choice but to hope for the best.

Terrific story of love, family, and second chances. When Beth and her sisters, Freya and Trinity, were young, their father walked out on them, leaving May a single mother. When Beth was thirteen, her mother wrote a bestselling female-empowerment book. While the self-centered May went off to do book tours, Beth was left alone to care for her younger sisters. Worried about being caught and separated, Beth tended to be bossy and controlling to hide that May wasn't around. Unsurprisingly, her sisters resented Beth's attitude and left Magnolia as soon as possible.

May recently had a stroke and has summoned Trinity and Freya back home. Beth, who stayed in Magnolia and became a nurse, has picked up the pieces for her mother. Recently divorced, Beth's ex-husband wasted no time letting her know that his girlfriend was pregnant, a hurtful revelation considering the effort Beth put into trying to get pregnant while they were married. Beth spends so much time caring for others that she has no life of her own. She wants to leave Magnolia and finally follow her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. The stress and worry about her mother and her sisters' impending arrival come pouring out during a confrontation with a stranger at the hospital. She and Declan are drawn to each other, but Beth is focused on her plans to leave.

Freya is a tv reality star who, as a teen, was the family's wild child. She did everything she could think of to gain her mother's attention. Even now, her D-list Hollywood lifestyle appears to be a cry for attention. She initially comes across as sarcastic and cynical. This is especially evident when she meets Greer, her mother's agent. She doesn't trust him, but the sparks between them are undeniable. Freya is tired of the backstabbing and me-first attitudes and hopes to change her life. She is secretly writing a book that she hopes will take her in a different direction.

Trinity was the peacemaker, trying to keep Freya and Beth from going too far. She returns to Magnolia pregnant, escaping from an abusive boyfriend. All she wants is a chance to make a good life for herself and her baby. She worries about being a good mother because of May's example, but Freya and Beth promise their support. Trinity meets their next-door neighbor, Ash, the police chief. Ash is clearly smitten, but Trinity isn't ready for anything more than friendship.

I loved following each sister's story as they faced their pasts and worked on writing new futures. I liked watching them forge new bonds as adults, accepting each other for who they are now. There are a few rough patches when past hurts flare up, but overall their love and support win out. Freya and Trinity's support gives Beth the courage to stop putting everyone else's needs ahead of hers. Freya's return to Magnolia gives her a new perspective on her hometown, and new friends help her see the emptiness of her life in California. I loved seeing Trinity's growing confidence as the book progressed, and the mama bear in her shone during the fracas at the baby's christening. When all was said and done, the sisters' relationships with each other were everything they could hope for.

I enjoyed seeing each sister find love. Declan is a great guy with a big heart. I loved how his attention helped Beth see herself differently. His feelings for her are obvious to everyone except Beth. She feels the same attraction but is focused on her plans and believes that he will leave Magnolia after the holidays. I ached for Declan when his grand gesture went awry. I wanted to shake both of them for not talking to each other. I liked how they finally figured out how to make both dreams come true.

Freya and Greer were an interesting duo. Freya's cynicism and sarcasm made for very antagonistic and flat-out rude interactions with Greer for a good share of the book. Sometimes I couldn't understand why Greer didn't just walk away. Most of the time, he seemed amused by her attitude, though he would push back when she cast aspersions on his honor. I felt like part of her attitude was fear of his reaction to her book, which was why she fought so hard against showing it to him. As her mother's agent, Greer is also privy to the updated portions of May's book, and his liking for May makes it difficult for Freya to trust him. There is quite a scene at the end when secrets come out. I liked that Greer didn't give up on Freya and helped her overcome her fear.

Ash and Trinity were sweet together. Ash is a single dad who lives with his mother-in-law so that they can help each other. His daughter Michaela is terrific and has a heart as big as her dad's. Ash recognizes Trinity's skittishness around men and is understanding and gentle with her. I loved how he didn't let her pregnancy stop his interest in her. I had to laugh at how their first date ended and that it didn't stop him from asking for a second one. While he doesn't hesitate to tell her how he feels about her, he is also sensitive enough not to push her for more than she is ready for. His support at the church gave her the confidence to stand up for herself and realize that she was stronger than she knew.

I have mixed feelings about May. Despite her very public admission of her mistakes, she doesn't get a pass regarding her actions when the girls were younger. There was no excuse for the way she left them on her own. I could feel the girls' confusion after May's stroke when so many townspeople commented on how nice she was and how proud of her daughters. They were equally confused and suspicious of her loving attitude toward them while at the rehab center. None of the girls are enthusiastic about the upcoming release of the updated version of May's book. I understood their anger and hurt when they finally got to read what she had added. Putting something in a book before talking to them seemed to show that she hadn't changed all that much. This was compounded by her expectations of their support, especially Beth's, during her upcoming book tour. She finally redeemed herself, so I was happy to see that.

I also enjoyed catching up on characters' lives from previous Magnolia books. I'd like to see Declan's "sister," Shauna, get her story. My heart hurt over Declan's story about his brother, and I'd like to see some resolution to that, too.

As with any Michelle Major's book, once you start it you won't be able to put it down. I really enjoyed this book and think you will too. I enjoyed meeting Freya, Beth and Trinity. They all have their problems and aren't a close knit bunch but they have come home to help their mother who has just suffered a stroke.

Check out this book, I really loved it

Very poorly written, undeveloped characters and a completely predictable story line made this book very difficult to finish.

The Wish List by Michelle Major is the 4th book in her wonderful Carolina Girls series. This story takes place close to Christmas, and centers on the three Carlyle sisters ((Beth, Freya, Trinity), who are brought together in Magnolia when their mother has a stroke.

Beth is the oldest sister, who has always watched over her younger sisters, when their famous mother (author) is constantly away on tours, leaving the girls to struggle. Beth still lives in Magnolia, but her other sisters travel home to help. Beth is divorced, and a nurse at the hospital, with her ex also working there as a doctor; they do remain on friendly terms. Privately Beth wants to step away from her burdens and leave Magnolia, once her mother is better. But when she meets Declan, will Beth allow herself to find love again, or will she leave Magnolia.

Freya is a reality tv star, who does come across early on as a bit sarcastic, especially when she meets her mother’s agent. She doesn’t trust the agent (Greer), even though they both feel their attraction to each other. Will Freya, who seems to be getting closer to her sisters, open her cold untrusting heart.
Trinity, the youngest sister, is also pregnant, much to the surprise of her other sisters. What they don’t know is she has run away from an abusive boyfriend. Trinity is worried she won’t be able to handle having a child, but her sisters promise to be there for her. Trinity meets the next-door neighbor, who just happened to be the police chief. A friendship builds, but in time things will change to a possible romance.

I did enjoy seeing the three sisters begin to bond, bringing the family together. It was nice to see each of the sisters find love. I did like Beth with Declan, Freya finally with Greer, and Trinity with Ash. I love seeing many of the characters from previous books, such as Mariella, Anji, Carrie, Avery, just to name a few. It was exciting when Trinity had her baby, and when the family stood together against the abusive boyfriend.
What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three Carlyle sisters playing major parts, as well as all finding love. I enjoyed this return to Magnolia and the comfort of a family reunion; despite the many struggles along the way. Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. The Wish List was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great sisters, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters. The Wish List was a very entertaining read.

I really loved this book I can’t wait to read more by this author, Michelle writes beautiful books, this was a gorgeous holiday romance!

4 1/2 STARS!

Michelle Major weaves this gem of a town around reader hearts book after book! Magnolia seems to be the town that can heal family strife and bring love and warmth to the forefront again and again, and I for one can't seem to get enough of it. The characters are always well-developed and heart set on standing their ground in their belief of the wrongs they have endured, but life's reality coupled with a healthy dose of forgiveness and a softening heart lead family members to reconnect and find happiness again.

The Carlyle sisters find themselves gathering in their hometown to rally around their ailing mother even though each has conflicted emotions over their flawed relationship with their mom as well as each other. Emotions are high, secrets are revealed and love conquers all.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a reconnection of family after years of estrangement as each sibling connects with a new love interest.

Sisters Beth, Freya and Trinity are rallying around their mother who has suffered a stroke, a mother who neglected them when they were young after becoming a best-selling author. To their surprise, their mother has changed, and the sisters find themselves seeking a better relationship with her and each other. All three sisters are looking for change in their lives, and this Christmas, perhaps they will each find what they need.

Enjoyed!

When their Mom, May, suffers a stroke, Freya and Trinity return home to Magnolia Falls to help their sister Beth with caring for May. It is difficult at times, because in the past Beth had to take on more of a mother role to Freya and Trinity than a sister role, because May was often absent during their youth, off doing book tours. I can relate to this dynamic, so Beth's struggles resonated with me.

The stroke changed May, and it also resulted in big changes for each of the sisters. They all have their own demons to deal with, some are real live breathing people and others are self-imposed judgements. With the help of 3 very good men, the women find themselves and find a new, mature relationship with each other and May.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.