Member Reviews

First book by this author. Noel and Jonah were childhood sweethearts that got married in college, so sending them back to their hometown now that they don’t remember each other or their relationship, was an interesting conundrum. Noel is a book editor working towards the editor-in-chief position, while Jonah works on Wall Street. The chapters alternate between Noel and Jonah in first person. Elliott was the most adorable catalyst in this book. A big bumbling English Mastiff that creates havoc and adoration everywhere he goes and is brought to his knees by a little grey kitten. I really enjoyed watching Noel and Jonah connect with each other and their families. Jonah lost his mother when he was very young and his father is the mayor of a small Wyoming town and refuses to permit holiday decorations or celebrations in a town that has been dying since their major employer closed its doors. Noel’s parents have an idea for a quaint Christmas Village to revitalize the town and are determined to see it to fruition even if it means ousting the current mayor and running themselves. this second chance, marriage in trouble holiday romance still had her trademark touch of magic as an unhappy couple make a wish on a snow globe only to find themselves living separate lives in an alternate universe. It takes help from their beloved pet and a complete stranger for them to find their way back together and realize they really are meant to be with each other.This book was funny, romantic, and festive. The characters were likable, and the plot was engaging and heartwarming. A holiday book that provides hope and some laughs from the loveable dog. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher.

Was this review helpful?

I love whimsical Christmas books and this one hit the spot. I agree with other reviews that at some points the story lagged but overall I enjoyed it. Looking forward to another Courtney Cole Christmas book in 2024!

Was this review helpful?

I look forward to each new holiday book from Courtney Cole. I loved this second chance holiday story.

Was this review helpful?

It took me a while to finish this book, not because it wasn't a good book. More because life got in the way and I forgot about reading for a while.
Did I enjoy the book, Yes. It was fun, relatable, clean and over all a book that made you feel good. Since it's been a long time since this book came out and I actually finished it I'm just going to say that I would recommend the book and also check out other books by this author if you enjoy a lighthearted book filled with fun characters and an interesting plot. Please check out my full review with the link below.

Was this review helpful?

ARC gifted by Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon.

OMGosh I loved this book! If you ever thought about what a Christmas book should have included in it - this book had it! Set in a charming little town, lovable characters, and even a big ol' dog to bring the awe factor. Very sweet, clean romance and perfect to snuggle up with on a cold winter night.

Was this review helpful?

I read this book, however it was slow for me, and I had trouble paying attention to it. THe charachters did not resonate with me either,

Was this review helpful?

THIS is what a Christmas book should be! It was charming, with the most adorable characters, and was positively brimming with Christmas cheer. I loved the dog aspect and how it carried throughout the book to showcase the many layers. This was a wonderful holiday read!

Was this review helpful?

I curled up with A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole recently, and let me tell you, it was the perfect escape! The story follows Noel, a woman at a crossroads in her life. Her marriage seems to be fading, and the holidays, usually a time of joy, feel particularly empty.

What I loved most was the journey Noel takes. Cole does a fantastic job of capturing that feeling of wanting something more, but not quite knowing what that "more" is. When Noel inherits a charming cottage in a snowy small town, it becomes the catalyst for change.

The town itself is a character – a quintessential winter wonderland filled with warm, quirky folks who embrace Noel with open arms. There's even a scene-stealing dog named Elliot who had me grinning from ear to ear.

The romance aspect is sweet and slow-burning. Jace, the single dad running the local bookstore, is swoon-worthy without being over the top. Their connection feels genuine, built on shared experiences and mutual respect.

While there are some heavier themes touched upon, like loss and family estrangement, the overall tone is heartwarming and hopeful. A Wish for Christmas left me feeling optimistic and with a renewed sense of the magic of the holiday season. It's a perfect read to get you in the Christmas spirit, or to simply curl up with on a cozy night.

Was this review helpful?

I loved A Wish for Christmas. At first, I wasn't sure how I would feel since the use of a snow globe to make a wish is overused in Christmas stories. The story line was well written and executed. You barely even realize in the story that the snow globe was used to make the wish. The use of the man and dog to "rewrite" Noel and Jonah's story just added more to the already great story. I have already re-read A Wish for Christmas through the audiobook and loved it just as much the second time.

Was this review helpful?

First and foremost this is a cover that immediately made me want to read. While the book wasn't what I thought it was going to be it was absolutely outstanding! It's about second chances, love, family, relationships, and healing. 10/10

Was this review helpful?

The first chapter of this book almost made me DNF, but I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did. This was a very cute small town romance set during the Christmas season. Was it far-fetched? Absolutely. But it was heartwarming as well, and I was able to look past the ridiculousness of much of it - like the old man being "such an amazing writer!" when the snippits we're shown were not at all engaging to this reader. But like I said, overall, it was a cute story and well worth the read.

Was this review helpful?

A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole is the sweet, clean story of an unhappily married couple that only seem to communicate on their nightly walks with their dog, Elliott. The book begins in New York City with Noel and Jonah chasing down Elliott, who has managed to get lose and runs away to an older, peculiar gentleman. He offers the two of them a wish on a snow globe; playing along to be nice they make their wishes not thinking much of it. But, the next morning they both wake up not with each other. They are in different apartments living separate lives. The two of them are living the lives they wished for, but they both feel there is definitely something missing. When a chance meeting brings them together, they find they have a glimmer of something special between them.

Was this review helpful?

A lovely story by a new to me author. I liked the characters, the pace of the storyline and the writing.

I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

I received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley. Opinions are my own

Was this review helpful?

If there’s one author that has a way of taking a Christmas story and teaching me a life lesson it’s Courtney Cole. A Wish for Christmas is a beautiful book that shows what happens when a couple has a chance to rewrite their story without knowing that’s what they’re doing. I loved this book (especially the dog and cat!) and can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Having recently finished “A Wish for Christmas" by Courtney Cole, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager!

As a lover of snow globes, the beautiful cover art drew me in. NOT that I would know… but the story definitely had the Hallmark Christmas movie marathon vibe; warm and sweet with lots of snow and bits of small town drama and excitement. Add hot cocoa, coffee, and a couple adorable (one of them slobbery) furry friends, and “A Wish for Christmas" ended up being a very unique and heartfelt gift in story form, all tied up in a shimmering, glittery bow.

Was this review helpful?

I know some people may think it is a little late to be reading a Christmas book, but I am extremely glad I didn't put A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole off until next Christmas! This book made my heart so happy and was exactly what I needed at this moment. The end made me cry, and I am glad I was in the seclusion of my car at night instead of out with people. 🤣 This was such a magical little book, and I loved how the story became something so beautiful and heartwarming. Even though his part is relatively 'small,' the old man was such a great part of the story and I loved how he was involved in the continued storyline.

The audiobook was done so well, and I highly recommend it if you are an audio fan. Vanessa Johansson voices Noel while Tim Paige voices Jonah, and I loved both of them equally. They were the perfect match for their characters in all the things, and I was glad they were the narrators. The dog Elliott really stole my heart and the show in A Wish for Christmas and just made the romance between Noel and Jonah even more endearing. I would love to see this made into a movie, and the way the last few sentences are written just screams TV movie to me. If you love animals, Hallmark movies, and Christmas then I would wholeheartedly recommend reading or listening to this book. 💖

Was this review helpful?

This is the second Courtney Cole book I have read and I will be sure to read more of hers. This book was delightful and I think it would be a perfect Christmas movie. This book was lovely to read cuddled up by a nice warm fire.
I can't wait till Courtney Cole's next book is out! I will be sure to read it!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

You can find me on Instagram and Goodreads. My bookstagram is bookreviewsbyjules

My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44083250-julia

Instagram/bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/bookreviewsbyjules/

Thank you!

Was this review helpful?

Very cute Christmas themed book. I had never read a book by Courtney Cole before, but I really enjoyed her writing style and the characters.

Was this review helpful?

A Wish for Christmas is about a unhappy married couple that makes a wish an a enchanted snow globe. The book was slow for me and it could have been shorter. It was also confusing too. A Wish for Christmas was a very hallmark type of book and I sadly did not enjoy it. I would recommend this book to others if they are looking for a Christmas book with a twist. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this book in exchange of my honest review of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This book sounded so intriguing. I couldn't wait to dive in. I love the married couple, second chances story. This book was well written and very heart warming. It had good conflict that kept me reading until the end. It was exactly the type of Christmas story I needed this holiday season. I enjoyed reading about Jonah and Noel's journey back together. Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?