I want to begin by thanking NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of Make My Wish Come True.
Unfortunately, I did not finish this book as I did not feel a connection with the characters and was not drawn into the storyline.

Loved, loved, loved this book! A sweet second-chance YA set during the December holidays? Set in a suburb of Pittsburgh? With a writer MC? This book is exactly my jam.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book!!! Such a good story and great writing style. This was my first by this author and will not be my last! Such a cute holiday romcom!

After reading “Make My Wish Come True”, I’ve come to the conclusion that authors Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick never miss! This story is a warm, bubbly, queer YA novel that is perfect for the holiday season. It gives all the best vibes of a Hallmark movie while still keeping readers on their toes wondering what adventure the characters will embark on next. While the relationship of the characters starts off rocky, they both show immense growth throughout the book, eventually realizing how their own actions affect the other.

One of the things that stands out to me most is how relatable the two main characters, Caroline and Arden, are to queer teens, even though their story seems so far fetched. The story centers on Caroline, a high school senior born and raised in a small town known for their Christmas traditions, and Arden, her childhood best friend and first crush who moved away at age 14 and never looked back. Or so Caroline thought. When Arden returns home for Christmas for reasons that don’t satisfy Caroline, she decides to keep her distance from her former best friend so as not to stir up any old feelings. As Arden becomes harder and harder to stay away from, she realizes that maybe she needs to see Arden just as much as Arden needed to see her. The pair come up with a plan to fake date for 12 days before Arden has to return to her life in Hollywood, but with each day that passes they both realize their feelings for each other may not be as far in the past as they originally thought.

The hidden feelings held between these characters at the beginning of the story is something that many teens know all too well and as the story progresses it shows them that happy endings can truly happen to everyone.

“Make My Wish Come True” is a quick read that will have you in the Christmas spirit craving hot chocolate in no time.

I found it challenging to immerse myself in the story of Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick, as it deviated from my typical reading preferences.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick have done it again! "Make My Wish Come True" is a heartfelt, warm, and hopeful holiday YA novel that truly shines. This book is not just a story but an experience filled with laughter, tears, and joy. It beautifully balances the festive spirit with themes of love and tradition. I read this book in the summertime, and I will definitely be reading this book again closer to Christmas to help me get into the Christmas spirit. This book is essentially a queer Hallmark holiday movie (for teens), and I absolutely loved it.

The story revolves around Caroline who is navigating her senior year of high school in a town that is heavily immersed in Christmas traditions as well as Arden, Caroline’s childhood best friend and crush, Arden, who left their small town at 14 to pursue an acting career. Now a successful actress, Arden returns home for the holidays under the pretense of a romantic relationship with Caroline to secure a serious acting role. This premise sets the stage for a second-chance romance that is both sweet and compelling.

The book’s setting in a suburb of Pittsburgh adds a cozy, small-town charm, making the holiday celebrations even more enchanting. The town is full of little traditions that both characters get to experience, like “stealing” a Christmas tree and decorating it together, which really made it feel like a Hallmark movie. The authors' vivid descriptions make you wish you could visit the fictional town of Barnwich and join in the festivities. While some of the descriptions/activities were a bit cliché, I still really enjoyed a lot of the more stereotypical moments as they really allowed Caroline and Arden to bond.

What stands out is the authenticity and relatability of the characters. Caroline and Arden are likable, flawed, and real, making their journey both engaging and heartwarming. The story skillfully avoids the pitfalls of being overly sentimental and focuses on their growth. Normally I dislike the fake dating troupe, but it was really well done in this book, maybe because of the past connection between Caroline and Arden, so I actually enjoyed the troupe throughout the book. I did find myself enjoying Caroline’s character over Arden as Arden started off a bit self-centered, but she did grow as a character throughout.

This book is a delightful addition to the YA holiday romcom genre. It’s not just a story but a celebration of love, tradition, and the magic of second chances. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good read or a heartwarming romance, "Make My Wish Come True" is the perfect choice. It’s a very fast read and it makes you feel warm inside as you enjoy the love story as well as the festive activities within the story.